CHAPTER XV 

 GOATS 



THE goat, Capra spp., Bovidce, is a genus of quadrupeds, 

 very closely allied to the sheep. It seems probable that the 

 domestic goat is descended from the Persian pasang (Capra 

 cegagriLs), which is the most characteristic species of the 

 wild goats. The types of domestic goats that have been 

 developed under their long period of domestication are very 

 numerous, but comparatively few are of economic value in 

 America. Perhaps the Angora (Capra angorensis) is the 

 best known in this country, although the interest in milch 

 goats is increasing. The zoological origin of the Angora 

 goat is not known. The prevailing opinion seems to be 

 that the foundation stock is some derivative of Capra 

 cegagrus, perhaps with crosses from the markhor (C. fal- 

 coneri) or other wild Asian species. The goat has never 

 been held in high esteem in America, but this attitude 

 may change. 



Mention should be made of the Cashmere or Shawl 

 goat of India, which is valued for its fine, silk-like under- 

 wool, much prized in shawls. " Mountain goat " is men- 

 tioned under Sheep. 



ANGORA GOAT. Fig. 8L 

 By E. L. Shaw 



479. The Angora is raised primarily for its mohair and 

 meat. The male goat is called a buck, the female a doe, 

 the castrated male a wether, and the young a kid. 



390 



