STOCK SHOWS AND MILK RECORDS 195 



likely to prejudice the public against the race of goats 

 as a whole. Better to exhibit only the does, whose ex- 

 quisite cleanliness quickly wins them friends even 

 among the least friendly. 



Feeding. — Of course, it is a temptation to feed gen- 

 erously an animal that is to be exhibited, but discretion 

 as well as generosity should guide the rations. Remem- 

 ber that a true milk animal is not fat typically, but 

 rather lean. The object of feeding should be to put the 

 animal in good general condition, well fleshed and well 

 muscled, with a loose, soft, mellow coat; but a fat ani- 

 mal, in dairy classes, will be discriminated against. 



Care of the Coat. — The animal, of course, must be 

 absolutely free from lice. Proper feeding, together with 

 a vigorous brushing regularly twice a day for some time 

 previous to the show will put the coat into attractive con- 

 dition. A very good brush for goats, especially for the 

 long haired does, is the Collie Dog Brush, sold by the 

 Spratt Company. Washing may be necessary for white 

 goats, and great care in regard to bedding must be used, 

 to prevent stains. In the Swiss breeds no discrimination 

 is made between the long or short coat of hair. In some 

 recent shows in Los Angeles the ruling has been made 

 that clipping a long haired doe is permissible. This im- 

 proves her appearance of neatness as a milker and shows 

 up to good advantage her points of conformation. 



