THE GOAT. 



to almolt every other quadruped. Delighted to browfe on Ihrubs and the tops 

 of trees, which it reaches from the contiguous rocks, it finds, in thefe retired 

 folitudes, an abundant fupply of food, and perfect fecurity from its enemies. 



The feet of this animal are admirably well adapted to the rocky 

 precipices, on which it loves to climb, being fiirnifhed with two hoofs, 

 made hollow underneath, and fharp at the edges, like the infide of a Ipoon, 

 whereby it is prevented from Aiding in thefe dangerous fituations. 



Although the Goat is well adapted for a favage life, being hardy, lively, 

 adlive, and poffeffed of a great fliare of animal inftincl:, it neverthelefs 

 attaches itfelf readily to man, appears fenlible of his cardies, and offers him, 

 as it were, voluntarily, thofe fervices which it is capable of rendering him, 

 and which are by no means inconfiderable, in the mountainous countries it 

 inhabits. Its fkin, which is foft, clean, and wholefome, furniihes a 

 comfortable bed for the hardy inhabitants of thofe folitudes ; its milk not 

 only ferves them as a wholefome and nourifhing drink, but likewife yields 

 them cheefe and butter, to eat with their oat-cakes. Its flefli, too, is 

 excellent food ; but this is a luxury in which they feldom indulge, as being 

 too expenlive. The flem of the Kid is efteemed a dainty even by epicures, 

 and, w r hen properly prepared, is little inferior to venifon. 



The Count de Burfon relates an anecdote, which proves, that this animal 

 is naturally fond of the fociety of man, even in uncultivated countries. 

 ** In 1O98," fays he, " an Englifh velfel having put into harbour at the 

 hland of Bonavifta, two negroes went on board, and offered the captain as 

 many Goats as he chofe to carry away; he exprefled his furprife at this 

 offer, when the negroes informed him there were only twelve perfons on 

 the hland, and that the Goats multiplied fo fail, as to become exceedingly 

 troublefome ; for, inltead of being hard to be caught, they followed them 

 about with a degree of obflinacy, like other domeftic animals. 



The Goat will leap from one precipice to another with the greatefl care, 

 and moll perfecf fecurity; and when two of them are yoked together, that 

 they may not ftray too far from home, they will, as it were by mutual 

 confent, take the moll dangerous leaps together, and exert their efforts with 

 fuch perfecl unifon, that they generally accomplish their purpofe unhurt. 



