CHAP. XVII.] FARMING FOR LADIES. 345 



An objection to its being kept about a house 

 arises from a strong and disagreeable smell 

 which comes from its body, but which is said 

 not to be without its use ; for, if kept in a 

 stable of horses, it is supposed to be an effec- 

 tual preventive of the staggers : in which — 

 as remarked by a writer on the subject — 

 " there may be some truth, as the disorder is 

 nervous, and strong odours are known to 

 operate in many cases beneficially upon the 

 human nerves." 



Regarding the nature of the goat, it is 

 of very hardy constitution, and extremely 

 healthy, thriving upon the poorest food, 

 patient of both heat and cold, and re- 

 quiring but little care or shelter ; though 

 it loves a dry, warm corner, with a com- 

 fortable bed. In point of disposition, though 

 not wanting in courage when angered, and 

 butting forcibly with its head, the animal 

 is mild and friendly both to each other and 

 to man. Domestic as a dog, it will stand and 

 watch for a crust of bread, which it will eat 

 out of the hand, and it gives no trouble in 

 milking. It is, indeed, a pleasing creature, 

 and the graceful playfulness of the kid is very 



