290 The 'Book of the Goat. 



The objects of the institution were declared to be : 



1. To circulate knowledge and general information 

 upon goats with a view to counteracting the prejudice and 

 ignorance which prevail in a great degree concerning these 

 animals. 



2. To extend and encourage the keeping of goats, par- 

 ticularly by cottagers, in order to increase the supply and 

 consumption of milk in rural districts, where this article 

 is frequently unobtainable. 



3. To improve the various breeds of goats, and 

 especially to develop those qualities which are generally 

 recognised and valued in milch stock. 



The minimum subscription at that period was 55., but 

 in later years this sum was restricted to bond fide cottagers 

 or artisans, all other annual members being required to 

 pay ios., and life members 10. 



The late Baroness Burdett-Coutts, who had for some 

 years previously taken a practical interest in goat-breeding, 

 was approached to give her name as patroness, and very 

 willingly consented. The prestige which the name of that 

 noble lady gave to any institution with which she was 

 connected had a marked effect in establishing a reputation 

 :or this small syndicate of goat-keepers, and it was 

 through her aid that such members of the nobility as the 

 Duke of Wellington, the Duke of Portland, and the Earl 

 of Londesborough were obtained as presidents or vice- 

 presidents. 



fr 'evident '*. 



The following is a list of the Presidents of the Society 

 past and present : 



1 880-8 1. The Earl of Rosslyn. 



1881-83. The second Duke of Wellington, K.G. 



1883-85. General Burnaby. 



1885-86. W. J. Evelyn, Esq. 



