10 



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



fixed at the head of the stalls. In the front of the box and well up, a circular hole 

 is cut large enough to permit of entry into the box of the goafs head. From this 

 hole downwards to about 9 inches from the bottom of the box is cut a strip 4 inches 

 wide. When feeding, the goat inserts its head in the box by reaching up and putting 

 its head through the circular hole, after which it slides its neck down the 4-inch 

 slot and feeds with its head inside the boy, thereby avoiding the waste of hay by 

 tossing it about and trampling on it. 



Another plan is to use stanchions the same as are used in all modern cow-barns, 

 adapting the fittings to the smaller animals. The writer has tried this on a -small 

 scale and is inclined to favour it, as it undoubtedly prevents waste of feed and is 

 convenient for the attendant, besides requiring no partitions between the goats, and 

 thereby allowing more room to move around and clean out, etc. 



The goat should rest on a false floor made of slats to permit of excrement 

 dropping through to the floor, and the floor should be slightly sloped so as to drain 

 into a gutter which can be carried outside the house. Floors should be tarred to 

 make them water-proof. The slatted false floor need not be the clumsy and heavy 

 affair that is usually recommended, as the writer has found that the usual 1%-inch 



clues. Courti'sy of <i. H. S. Cowcll. 1'ort All'crni, ]',.('. 



laths, laid % inch apart across 1 x :; inch, spaced 12 inches apart, are amply strong 

 enough. Straw or other litter may be used, but goats frequently scrape it away, and 

 personally I have not found it necessary and the goats keep cleaner without it. 



FEEDING. 



In feeding, the nature of the goat is to browse, as distinguished from that of 

 sheep, which is to gra/e. and goats must have variety. They do not thrive so well 

 when kept on one feed for any length of time, preferring, when possible, to nibble 

 here and there at as many varieties of vegetation as they can. Leaves of all kinds, 

 broom, salal, wild berries, and practically all kinds of brush are relished by them, as 

 well as grass and most weeds: they will also eat the young shoots of bracken and of 

 coniferous trees, and in winter will eat freely of the latter, and bark the young 

 branches as well. 



Goats may either be allowed their liberty in a fenced brush pasture or tethered 

 out, but in the latter case they should be moved to a fresh spot twice during the day. 



