GOATS 397 
combination trough and table was devised by F. W. 
Ludlow, of Lake Valley, New Mexico. This table is first 
used in the shape of a trough. The goat is placed in 
it on its back and held down by means of a strap across 
its throat. While in this position all the underparts, 
sides and legs may be worked on. In machine shearing, 
it is a good practice to start at the brisket and shear all 
the belly as far back as possible; then shear the front legs 
and neck; then start at the hocks and shear up the hind- 
legs and along the sides to the point of beginning. After 
shearing one of the sides allowed by the trough, the goat 
is tied — ‘‘ hog tied,” to use a western expression — that 
is, all four feet are tied together. The sides of the trough 
are now dropped, forming a table on which to finish the 
operation. There is now free access from the tail to the 
head, and the goat remains helpless. The proper course 
is to leave all the fleece on the table until the goat is liber- 
ated, and then roll it up inside out. 
Ludlow’s description of this table is given herewith: 
“The table is simple in construction. It is about 22 
inches high, 2 feet 10 inches long and 21 inches wide. 
The top is composed of two 9-inch sides, which are hinged 
to the 3-inch centerpiece. On the lower side of these 
movable flaps is a narrow piece § inches long, which catches 
on the framework of the table when the sides are lifted 
and holds them stationary. When the sides are elevated, 
the top of the table forms a trough 3 inches wide at the 
bottom and possibly a foot wide at the top. Into this 
trough the goat to be shorn is thrown, feet up. A small 
strap, which hangs from the end of one of the sides, is 
run over the goat’s neck and fastened to the other side. 
The goat’s head is hanging over the end of the table and 
the strap prevents it getting free. The belly and legs are 
