7 i8 



Advantages of Goat-Keeping. [march, 



up to 1,200 lb. or more, though the upper limit is very 

 exceptional. Assuming a goat of ho particular breeding, 

 which yields 700 lb., its worth may be put at about £3 to £6, 

 according as it is to be sold just after kidding, or just before 

 going dry. But in point of fact one may meet with such a 

 goat at any price between 15s. and £15." 



When prices are so uncertain the safe thing to do is to reckon 

 the value of the goat by the value of the milk it will yield. 

 As to the signs of a good milker, though many persons are 

 learned in these indications, and some pin their faith to breeds, 

 the probabilities are that the novice will do best by buying a 

 goat solely on a written guarantee of health and of milking 

 powers. If she does not, within a week, answer the promises 

 made she can be returned. Mr. Woodiwiss, who has had as 

 many goats through his hands as anyone, believes in the 

 following indications of a good milker : — " Fine head, intelli- 

 gent eye, lean long neck, narrow front, deep, well-sprung ribs, 

 broad across tips, well placed and developed teats, plenty of 

 leather for the making of an udder." 



Price of Milk. — Goats' milk is sold in some places at fancy 

 prices. On the basis of the analyses which have been quoted 

 it is certainly worth from $d. to 6d. a quart as against the 3d. 

 or 4d. charged for cows' milk. Users of goats' milk always 

 reckon it " goes farther " than cows' milk. In the following 

 balance sheet, prepared with the assistance of a goat-keeper of 

 great experience, the goats' milk is credited at $d. a quart : — 



Expenses. 



To yearly loss on a three years' old goat, bought for £$ 10s. and £ s. d. 

 sold for £1 10s. locally in about two years' time (goats are 

 supposed to reach their best at 6 years, but many are valuable 

 above that age) reckoning interest ... ... ... ... i 2 o 



,, food, stud fee (usually is.) and incidentals ... ... ... 2 12 o 



contribution in respect of labour and housing ... ... ... 100 



Revenue. 



To Milk. Say i\ quarts daily for 6 months, I quart for 3 months, 

 \ quart for I month = 379 quarts for 10 months at $d. 



Balance by profit £3 311 



£4 14 o 



£ s. d. 



7 17 11 



If we add £1 to the expenses side there is still a profit of 

 £2 3s. lid., but the small holder ought not to need to make 



