408 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 
and will pay for the trouble. Willow, oak or any other 
bitter or acid barks should not be used for this purpose, 
because they impart unpleasant tastes to the milk. In the 
summer a good pasture having a variety of forage and 
fresh water is a splendid place for them. If these direc- 
tions are observed, goats will give good wholesome milk 
plentifully. If the milk has an uncommon flavor, the 
cause is usually in the feed, unless the animals are sick. 
If pasturage is not available, then they should be let 
out into a clean yard daily, for they must have exercise, 
as in their natural environments they like to romp and 
play. Fences must be tight, otherwise the goats will get 
out even in places where it would seem almost impossible 
for them to crawl. All braces should be on the outside, 
and no boards should be allowed to lean against the fence, 
otherwise the goats will climb over. Breechy goats should 
be provided with so-called “ puzzles ’’ or frames. 
Kids should be separated from their mothers and fed 
from a nursing-bottle, because their mother’s teats are 
usually too large for them. They should be weaned 
gradually, and, when they are accustomed to eat well, 
they will readily take care of themselves, as long as they 
have plenty before them to eat. Young bucks that are 
not needed as reproducers should be castrated early and 
butchered when a few months old. Their meat is then 
even more of a delicacy than lamb. 
498. Use for milk. — Contrary to common opinion, 
goats have decided virtues and capabilities that will 
eventually gain for them a prominent place in the estima- 
tion of the people, especially among the working classes in 
the suburbs of large cities, and it is not at all improbable 
they they may win favor even with the rich. 
The principal value of the milch goat is its eminent 
