228 MODERN MILK GOATS 



warmer surface to sleep on. If perfectly protected from 

 rain and well drained below the manure makes a warm, 

 dry bed for the goats. Does that are near kidding time 

 should be removed from these sheds and be placed in 

 separate kidding pens. 



Houses for the Valuable Herd. — When substantial 

 buildings are to be erected for goats, there are some 

 general points that umst be borne in mind for all houses, 

 however much they vary in pm'pose. Build so as to ad- 

 mit the largest 2>ossible amount of light and direct sun- 

 shine into the houses. Provide abundant ventilation, ob- 

 tained without creating drafts. Construct all floors with 

 some system of drainage that will eusui'c the prompt 

 removal of la-ine, so as to keep the floors diy and warm 

 without the use of an excessive amount of bedding. 



To construct a floor that is easily drained and easily 

 cleaned, concrete is doubtless the best material to employ. 

 But the experience of goat keepers is against its use, as 

 it seems to in\'olve a constant risk of chill to the animals 

 and many attendant ailments. Cork brick, sold by dairy 

 supply houses, makes an ideal floor for warmth and sani- 

 tation, but is rather expensive. A well built floor of 

 good heavy limiber, properly sloped and drained, and 

 treated liberally vnXh one of the standard wood pre- 

 servatives, makes a satisfactory substitute for concrete 

 in goat barns and is cheaper than the cork brick. 



