It is altogether probable that the crowded condition of her spar and main decks caused the supply of live-stock taken—­whether for consumption upon the voyage or for the planters’ needs on shore—­to be very limited as to both number and variety.  It has been matter of surprise to many that no cattle (not even milch-cows) were taken, but if—­as is not unlikely—­it was at first proposed to take a cow or two (when both ships were to go and larger space was available), this intent was undoubtedly abandoned at Plymouth, England, when it became evident that there would be dearth of room even for passengers, none whatever for cattle or their fodder (a large and prohibitive quantity of the latter being required for so long a voyage), and that the lateness of the season and its probable hardships would endanger the lives of the animals if taken.  So far as appears the only domestic live-stock aboard the may-Flower consisted of goats, swine, poultry, and dogs.  It is quite possible that some few sheep, rabbits, and poultry for immediate consumption (these requiring but little forage) may have been shipped, this being customary then as now.  It is also probable that some household pets—­cats and caged singing-birds, the latter always numerous in both England and Holland—­were carried on board by their owners, though no direct evidence of the fact is found.  There is ample proof that goats, swine, poultry, and dogs were landed with the colonists at New Plymouth, and it is equally certain that they had at first neither cattle, horses, nor sheep.  Of course the she-goats were their sole reliance for milk for some time, whether afloat or ashore, and goat’s flesh and pork their only possibilities in the way of fresh meat for many months, save poultry (and game after landing), though we may be sure, in view of the breeding value of their goats, poultry, and swine, few were consumed for food.  The “fresh meat” mentioned as placed before Massasoit’ on his first visit was probably venison, though possibly kid’s meat, pork, or poultry.  Of swine and poultry they must have had a pretty fair supply, judging from their rapid increase, though their goats must have been few.  They were wholly without beasts of draft or burden (though it seems strange that a few Spanish donkeys or English “jacks” had not been taken along, as being easily kept, hardy, and strong, and quite equal to light ploughing, hauling, carrying, etc.), and their lack was sorely felt.  The space they and their forage demanded it was doubtless considered impracticable to spare.  The only dogs that appear in evidence are a large mastiff bitch (the only dog of that breed probably seen on these shores since Pring’s “bigge dogges” so frightened the Indians’ in this region seventeen years before)