THE COMMON GOAT 



The common Goat for long ages has been domesticated 

 for the sake of its flesh and milk, and for its coat, which 

 is usually less woolly and coarser than that of the sheep. 

 There is, however, as much diversity in the covering as there 

 is in the horns. In some kinds the hair is as short as that 

 of a horse, while in others it nearly reaches the ground. In 

 colour it may be white or black or any shade between. The 

 ears may be short and upright, or long and pendent ; and 

 altogether some of the types are so unlike as to cause one 

 to doubt that they belong to the same family. 





SKELETON OF THE COMMON GOAT. 



The domestic Goat is believed to be descended from the 

 ibex. It was one of the clean beasts, which was permitted 

 as a sacrifice and for food to the Israelites. Among the 

 patriarchs large herds of Goats denoted their wealth ; and 

 in many countries, especially in the East, there are vast 

 herds that are still a source of wealth and comfort in the 

 regions they occupy. The same shepherd who looks after 

 the sheep often also herds the Goats, and they mingle in 

 their search for food. At night, or when being driven, they 

 keep apart in separate droves. In such cities as Damascus 



