GOATS. 299 



rung for them ; but they were watched, and the old 

 goat was seen to hook one of her horns into the wire, 

 and pull it. This is too much like reason to be ascribed 

 to mere instinct. 



The Caucasian Ibex is a goat which affords as much 

 dangerous and exciting sport as the chamois, but is 

 more savage, and has been known to turn round on 

 its pursuer, and hurl him down a precipice. It has a 

 remarkable way of throwing itself down these steep 

 places, head foremost, so as to light upon its horns ; 

 which being elastic, bear the shock, and save the animal 

 from injury. They pasture in the valleys at night, and 

 return during the day to the mountains. 



In countries where bulls and cows will not live, goats 

 are invaluable. Their flesh is like bad mutton ; but 

 long absence from South downs makes the appetita 

 less dainty ; and their kids are very delicate. However, 

 it' is chiefly for their good, nourishing milk that they 

 are to be prized. The horns of goats are often used 

 by Mussulmans, as an antidote to the evil eye. 



Bishop Heber relates the following anecdote : c A 

 monkey came down from a tree to steal the breakfast 

 of a shepherd, who was resting under it with his flock 

 of sheep and goats. He drove the monkey away, who, 

 in his hurry, upset a bee's nest. The insects flew out, 

 and attacked not only the intruder, but the goats and 

 sheep underneath. The curious part was to watch the 

 different behaviour of the two species. The sheep 

 crowded together, buried their noses in the sand, and 

 did not attempt to resist, but bleated piteously. The 

 goats all ran as fast as they could to an encamping 

 party close by, seeking the assistance of man, as dogs 

 would have done.' 



