THE GOAT. 



THIS animal (of which there are many species) is not 

 very plentiful in the United States, but you will sometimes 

 see a solitary one loitering about, in the neighborhood of 

 stables. They abound, however, in some other countries, 

 principally those which are hilly and mountainous, and a 

 species of wild goats are found among the Rocky Moun- 

 tains. Goats love to feed on the tops of hills, and prefer the 

 very rugged and elevated parts of mountains, and they are 

 so active as to leap with ease and the utmost security 

 among the most dreadful precipices ; and even when two 

 of them are yoked together, they will, as it were by mutual 

 consent, take the most hazardous leaps, and exert their 

 efforts in so united a manner as generally to get through 

 the danger unhurt. In mountainous countries they are of 

 great service to mankind, and their milk is used by the 

 poor instead of that of the cow. They are kept with great 

 ease, as they find sufficient food in the most barren and 

 heathy grounds. The young are called kids, and their 

 flesh is very tender and pleasant food ; that of the old ones 

 is salted for winter provision, and the milk is used in many 

 places for making cheese. The skin furnishes very good 

 leather for shoes and gloves. Like the sheep, the goat 

 possesses great natural affection for its young. In their 

 defence it boldly repels the attacks of the most formidable 



