OF GOATS IN GENERAL. 349 



almost erect on their hind legs, and strike with the 

 sides of their horns. 



Only three species of Goats have hitherto been 

 described by naturalists. These are the Common 

 Goat, the Ibex, and the Caucasan Goat*. Of the for- 

 mer there are seven permanent, and very distinct 

 varieties, inhabitants of different parts, chiefly of 

 Europe and Asia. The principal are the Com- 

 mon or Domestic, and the Syrian and Angora 

 Goats. 



The flesh of all the Goats is occasionally adopted 

 by mankind for food : but when the animals have 

 attained their full age, this has generally a strong 

 and rancid flavour. The skins are employed in 

 making morocco and other kinds of leather; and 

 the hair, particularly that of the Angora Goat, 

 is manufactured into several valuable articles of 

 dress. 



Capra (Zgagrus, capra ibex, and capra Caucasica of Liji 



THE 



