26 PROFIT AND PLEASURE 



occupants. If the ceiling happens to be high, a temporary cover- 

 ing of light boards or an old blanket over the tops of the stalls 

 will do wonders toward making it snug and warm where the 

 winters are very cold. For summer use, nothing is better than 

 an open shed facing the south, tight on the north with tight roof, 

 free from draughts and a sleeping platform in the rear. 



MAKE IT CONVENIENT FOR KEEPER. 



Whether an old building is used or a new one erected, it will 

 pay to plan it carefully before proceeding with the work, taking 

 into careful consideration not only the comfort of the goats but 

 the time of the one who is to care for them. A little forethought 

 will save many steps and make the work more agreeable all 

 around. As aids to the goat keeper, I would mention the follow- 

 ing: 



First — Milking stand. This is almost indispensable and 

 will repay many times the small cost of making it. 



Second — A small feed box close to the stand, provided 

 the main supply is not conveniently located. 



Third — A convenient opening through which the manure 

 and litter may be broomed, or a small wheelbarrow 

 (that may be passed through the doorway) in 

 which same can be removed : if only one or two ani- 

 mals are kept, a covered galvanized iron pail may be 

 used. 



Fourth — An opening for the goats to pass from house to 

 run independent of the regular door. 



Fifth — Each goat should have a strong collar and ring. 

 This is necessary, if fastened in stall, and will be 

 found very convenient in handling the animals. 



Many other minor conveniences will suggest themselves to 

 the thoughtful keeper, varying according to circumstances. 



Where only a few goats are kept, separate stalls are not 

 absolutely necessary as they can be allowed to run together in 

 one large stall. In fact, two does in a nice box stall is an ideal 

 arrangement, if they agree, as they are fond of company. How- 

 ever, there may be difficulty in feeding the grain, as one may 

 insist upon having both portions. 



From the illustrations, a general idea will be readily obtain- 

 ed of how separate stalls may be arranged; personally, I do not 

 care for the stall where the goat faces the wall of building with 

 hay-rack against same. The arrangement whereby the goat may 

 be fed and watered from a manger to which the keeper has access 

 from the front is much superior and if properly located will give 

 the occupant more air and sunlight and be found very much 

 more convenient. 



I have studied the plans of a number of buildings arranged 

 to accommodate from 6 to 30 goats, but so far I have found none 



