The harmless, unoffending goat-sucker, from the time of Aristotle down to
the present day, has been in disgrace with man. Father has handed down to
son, and author to author, that this nocturnal thief subsists by milking
the flocks. Poor injured little bird of night, how sadly hast thou
suffered, and how foul a stain has inattention to facts put upon thy
character! Thou hast never robbed man of any part of his property nor
deprived the kid of a drop of milk.
When the moon shines bright you may have a fair opportunity of examining
the goat-sucker. You will see it close by the cows, goats and sheep,
jumping up every now and then under their bellies. Approach a little
nearer--he is not shy: "he fears no danger, for he knows no sin." See how
the nocturnal flies are tormenting the herd, and with what dexterity he
springs up and catches them as fast as they alight on the belly, legs and
udder of the animals. Observe how quiet they stand, and how sensible they
seem of his good offices, for they neither strike at him nor hit him with
their tail, nor tread on him, nor try to drive him away as an uncivil
intruder.
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