A few neat books

I checked out a few books from the Bridgeport library a couple of weeks ago.  I thought I'd share some thoughts about them :)

The first one was called 'Goat Farming' by Alan Mowlem and was a little older - the second edition was published in 1992.  It gives a slightly different perspective than other goat books I've read because the author's British.  There's a quote that he shared that I loved about a goat's character and the reason a lot of people dislike them.  "There is something ancient and inscrutable about the goat.  Its yellow eye with his black, oblong pupil gazes at you out of forgotten time.  It possesses a simple minded, some would say willful, streak which makes you sense that, like a cat, it has a clear memory of its own wild origin and that your proprietorship is something it is prepared to tolerate, to trade for a little extra food perhaps, but only on its own terms.  Goats respond well, affectionately even, to those they judge worthy of them.  Towards others they demonstrate lighthearted disregard which is, I'm sure, the source of the furious dislike that so many who have had contact with them seem to feel for goats.  For such people the goat's yellow stare is a terrible and baleful beam.  It is the confident sneer of one's superior."  Jacky Gillott wrote that in her book, 'Providence Place' (which I'll probably have to find and read one day).  I like his first few chapters on the history, character and breeds of goats.  Most of the following chapters had info I had read before, but the last chapter was on goat production in developing countries.  Being involved in both Heifer International and Compassion International, I liked learning a tiny bit about the goat's part in providing a living in harsh climates.  They are so hardy and clever that I am beginning to equate them with my favorite native species, the coyote.

Another British book, published by DK, that I borrowed was 'The Practical Homestead' by Paul Heiney.  I really loved this book and it was full of lots of great photos.  It reminded me of a new color British version of my old favorite Readers Digest 'Back to Basics' book.  The self described 'backyard handbook for growing food, raising animals and nurturing your land'.  I liked the way that the book gave the different options open to owners of different sized properties.  Starting with a 5000 sq ft lot and going up to half acre, 3 acre, then 8+ acre, the very first chapter showed you how to maximize production on your place. 

There was great information about using 'people power' for labor - even for mowing and harvesting.  Here in the land of cheap fuel, where even city people have a tractor in the garage for mowing their 3 acre lots, I loved learning about the tools and techniques that farmers have been using for the thousands of years previous to the oil boom.  Since I have been reading Anna Karenina as well, it was wonderful to see pictures of farmers using the exact same tools that Tolstoy describes in the 'Levin' chapters (my favorite parts).  Also, both authors mention just how often the worker has to stop and sharpen his blade while cutting in the fields.  Excellent.  I have to mention that it's a good thing that I live on native pasture with thin topsoil that would heartily resist cultivation, or my husband would no doubt buy me a scythe and expect me to bring in the wheat harvest next year for our bread!

One fencing option, hedging, was discussed in this book which few (ie none that I have read) American authors ever write about.  First, I thought it was probably because our climate is a bit more arid and the hedges wouldn't grow as quickly - can you imagine fencing your 160 acre (or 640 acre section) on the Great Plains with a hedge?  But it probably has more to do with the invention of barbed wire.  Even here in the west part of North Texas you could grow a massive rose hedge (that could keep in goats and cattle) about 5 years or so (unless the first years were drought years :)

Another thing he talked about was the farmer's responsibility to take care of the wildlife that occupied his land before he began cultivating it.  This was part of the hedge's purpose - to provide cover for wildlife.  Good luck barbed wire!  I really liked this perspective - often farmers and environmentalists are at odds and there is really no reason that they cannot be on the same side.  Too bad consumers are generally too cheap to support the farmers that are on the side of stewardship!  Anyway, if you're interested in homesteading, read this book!

The last book I wanted to share was 'What the World Eats' by Faith D'Aluisio and photographed by Peter Menzel.  I had read about the book a couple of years ago in the Sierra Club magazine.  I was very pleased to find it in Bridgeport.  I'll come back to write a bit more about this one soon!