IN GOAT-KEEPING 7 



plan, he will discover the difference between the value of a dry- 

 cow and a fresh one is so large as to greatly increase his expense 

 account. In either case the care of the animals is a factor of con- 

 siderable importance; however, if this can be provided for and 

 the product consumed to an advantage, either as milk or butter, 

 and the danger of tuberculosis combated by frequent tests of 

 veterinarian, the proposition is a good one, as I know from actual 

 experience. There are, however, many, yes, very many families 

 where the cow proposition is impossible or impractical and where 

 the desire for a supply of pure, wholesome milk is still present; 

 and it is to this class that the goat proposition appeals. The single 

 unit of one cow is too much for them, the goat makes it possible 

 for them to divide this unit into eight parts; almost any family 

 would gladly assume one-eighth the care and expense of a cow in 

 return for one-eighth of the product, and the goat makes it possi- 

 ble for them to do just this thing ; they can have one-eighth, two- 

 eighths, or any number of eighths they may find desirable; by 

 keeping the equal of three-eighths of one cow they can maintain 

 a continuous supply, which with cow's milk, will require two 

 cows or more than five times the units necessary with goats. 



Eight good, fresh goats would cost more than one good cow, 

 but on the other hand, many a man can afford to buy one goat, 

 who could not afford a cow, and in a comparatively short time, 

 the natural increase will provide additional animals at slight ex- 

 pense. 



After the first expense is provided for, maintenance costs de- 

 pend entirely upon the number of animals kept and will bear the 

 ratio of eight adult goats to one cow. In the foregoing I have fig- 

 ured both milks on the same basis, which is hardly fair to the 

 goat, as her milk has twice the food value of cow's milk and in 

 cooking, our folks usually use half the quantity with an equal 

 amount of water. 



Third — Because of the comparative ease with which they can 

 be cared for. The cow at best is a cumbersome animal and except 

 on the farm, is unwieldy and not easily handled ; her stable accom- 

 modations must be much more extensive ; her droppings are very 

 offensive and when her tail and flanks become fouled, she is a dis- 

 agreeable proposition. On the other hand, any one can easily han- 

 dle a goat ; she will thrive in space too small for a cow ; her drop- 

 pings have no odor and may be swept away with a broom ; her tail 

 is short and her flanks do not become fouled, and with just a lit- 

 tle care she always looks neat and tidy. In the summer she may 

 be pastured or tethered almost anywhere and easily shifted from 

 place to place. When only one or two are kept, the weeds and 

 waste from the garden and scraps from the house will be almost 

 sufficient for them. 



The gentler sex are numerous in the goat industry and as a 

 rule are very successful breeders. 



