THE ANGORA GOAT. 1G1 
over dangerous passes, and show the way when any 
difficulty occurs. In parts of France, goats precede the 
Hocks of sheep as pioneers, and supply the place of 
well-trained dogs. The sheep learn to follow them, 
and look to them for guidance. 
Pliny relates an instance of the intelligence of the 
goat : — Two of these animals, coming from opposite 
directions, met on a very narrow bridge, which would 
not admit of either of them turning round ; and in 
consequence of its great length they could not safely 
go backwards, there being no sure footing on account 
of its narrowness ; while at the same time an impetu- 
ous torrent was rapidly rushing beneath. Accordingly, 
one of the animals lay down flat while the other 
walked over it. 
The veneration in which the goat was held in ancient 
times is shown by the fact of Pan, in the heathen 
mythology represented as the supreme power over 
nature, being invested with the likeness of this animal ; 
while the segis, or goat-skin, was the breastplate of 
Jupiter. 
The goat is of the genus Caprese, a sub-tribe of the 
family Bovidse, amongst the ruminant mammalia. 
There are many varieties of goats, and they are found 
in all parts of the world, and bear with little incon- 
venience all extremes of climate and temperature. 
They are found as far north as Wardhuys, in Norway, 
where they feed on moss, bark, and even on logs cut 
for fuel (Pennant), and thrive equally well in the 
tropics. They are not natives of the American 
Continent, although the Argali or wild sheep was 
found there. The goat will live, and do well on 
pastures where most other animals would starve, and 
