174 MODERN MILK GOATS 



become all that its name implies of miserable conflict 

 and final subjugation of the poor little doe. Although 

 superior strength and patience win at last, a doe that has 

 had to be " broken " to milk never in all her life becomes 

 such a quiet and steady goat at the milk pail as one who 

 has had a happier experience. The " broken " doe is 

 likely to be marked for all time by more or less nervous- 

 ness that must keep her milker alwaj^s on the alert. 



It is clear, then, that if we are to make the most of 

 our doe we must not subject her to this trying experi- 

 ence. We must rather accept the alternative of remov- 

 ing her kids at the moment of birth. This involves the 

 necessity of being at hand for their arrival, even if one is 

 obliged to make a night vigil of it. Loss of time and of 

 sleep is rewarded by the subsequent ease of handling the 

 doe and her gratifying development. 



The First Milking. — Having made this decision, as 

 each kid arrives wrap it in a clean sack and pass it to an 

 assistant who will care for it in the house. Now let tlie 

 doe lick your hands, which have been handling the kids, 

 and she will from that moment transfer to you the 

 mother love she was prepared to lavish upon her kids. 

 When the birth is over, the pen tidied up, and the doe 

 has been given her mash and hot water, approach her 

 with the milk pail. Do not tie her or put her in a 

 stanchion or confine her in any way. Leave her free in 

 her pen, Let her lick your hands again, and put them 



