62 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
underneath, with sharp edges, so that it could walk 
as securely on the ridge of a house as on level 
ground. It leaps with the utmost ease and security 
among the most frightful crags, being remarkably 
surefooted. 
158. In several parts of Ireland, and the High- 
lands of Scotland, these animals constitute the chief 
riches of the hardy natives. They lie upon beds 
made of their skins, which are soft, clean, and 
wholesome ; they eat their milk with oaten bread, 
and convert a part of it into butter and cheese. 
159. Sensible of kindness and caresses, the Goat 
easily attaches itself to man ; sometimes, indeed, so 
strongly as to become troublesome by its affection ; 
and as it is a hardy animal, and very easily sus- 
tained, it is chiefly the property of the indigent. 
160. “ In the year 1698, an English vessel touch- 
ing at the island of Bonavista, two negroes came, 
and offered the sailors as many Goats as they chose 
to take away. The sailors were surprised at what 
they considered the effect of uncommon generosity, 
and informed their captain of the proposal. 
161. “ Upon the captain’s expressing his astonish- 
ment at this offer, the negroes assured him that the 
Goats were multiplied in such a manner, as even to 
become a nuisance ; they added, that, instead of 
giving any trouble to catch them, they followed the 
inhabitants with a sort of obstinacy, and rather be- 
came importunate with their tameness.” 
What is said of the Goat in Ireland and the Highlands of Scot- 
land ? What anecdote shows the attachment of the Goat to man 1 
