18 



FARMERS' BULLETIN 920. 



The general conformation and the leading characteristics may be 

 noted from the illustration (fig. 10). 



COMMON, OR AMERICAN. 



Either of the names " Common" or " American" may be applied to 

 a large number of short-haired goats found in many sections of the 

 United States, especially in the South. In many sections these goats 

 have been bred for a great many years without the introduction of 

 outside blood, so that in general conformation they are very uniform. 



They are of medium size and somewhat short legged, rather meaty 

 in appearance, and do not show the conformation of the Swiss breeds. 



"< IG. 10. Schwartzenburg-Guggisberger doe. 



Although a few goats of this type are occasionally found that are good 

 milkers, the quantity produced is usually small and the lactation 

 period is for only a few months. One of the greatest objections from 

 the standpoint of utilizing this type of goat for milking is the fact that 

 the teats are usually short and small. Both sexes as a rule have horns; 

 those on the bucks frequently attaining a good size. This type of 

 goats is of various colors ; brown of various shades, brown and white, 

 black and white, bluish gray, and white predominate. 



The Bureau of Animal Industry selected a shipment of common 

 short-haired goats in the South in 1909 for the purpose of testing them 

 for their milk production. It was found that the does not only pro- 



