[Illustration:
THE GOAT.
]
Although very shy and timid in a wild state, goats are easily trained as
domestic animals, being very sensible of kind treatment. The disposition
of this creature is, however, extremely unsettled, as is shewn by the
irregularity of all his actions. He walks, stops short, runs, leaps,
approaches or retires, shews and conceals himself, or flies off, as if
induced by mere whim, and without any other cause than what arises from
the strange vivacity of his temper. Goats love to feed on the tops of
hills, and prefer the very elevated and rugged parts of mountains,
finding sufficient food in the most heathy and barren grounds. They are
so active as to leap with ease and the utmost security, among the most
dreadful precipices; and even when two of them are yoked together, they
will, as it were by mutual consent, take the most hazardous leaps
together, and exert their efforts in such a united manner as generally
to get through the danger unhurt. In mountainous countries they are of
great service to mankind; the flesh of the old ones being salted as
winter provision, and the milk being used in many places for making
cheese. These animals require but little care and attention, and easily
provide for themselves proper and sufficient food.
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