MOTHER NATURE'S GOAT 89 



If it is objected that we cannot really know the com- 

 plete facts concerning the habits of wild goats, we can 

 reply that we do know something, from the studies made, 

 for instance, of the Rocky Mountain goat. We have 

 also a much more complete opportunity for the study 

 of the natural habits of goats in the great bands that 

 roam the Southwest and Mexico. These animals, raised 

 for their meat and hides, have only the most superficial 

 attention from herdsmen who often are not far removed 

 from a " state of nature " themselves. The goats, what- 

 ever their origin, are wild to all intents and purposes, 

 and have developed the instincts and habits which belong 

 to the feral state. 



In the light of such data as we are thus able 

 to collect, let us listen to a chapter from the life his- 

 toiy of a little goat, as it might be presented by old 

 Dame Nature herself. 



Life History of a Wild Goat.* — " In the first warm, 

 sunny days of spring, somewhere near the vernal equi- 

 nox, the mother doe grows restless and wanders away 

 from the herd. In the thick brush she hunts a secret 

 place, and paws and noses the fern and grass into a nest- 

 like bed. Here presently her kids are born, a strong, 

 big doe, a smaller and less vigorous buck. The mother 

 licks them both impartially. Long before she is dry the 



• RfnrndiireH frnm the finat World. Anril. 1917. nafi'fi ,9. 



