The pasture field puzzle

Puzzle

A Dutchman with a goat and a goose met a milkmaid leading a cow, whereupon the maiden screamed with terror.
"What frightens you ?" asked Hans. "You are going to kiss me against my will," said the coy maid. "How can I do that with these cranky animals on my hands?" asked Hans.
"What prevents you from thrusting your cane into the ground so as to fasten the goat to it and then put your goose under my pail?" queried the maiden.
"Because that cross-looking cow might hook me," said Hans.
"Oh, that fool cow wouldn't hook nobody, and what is to prevent you from driving all three of them into my pasture field?" replied the terrified maiden.
And right here comes the most interesting puzzle of the series which has yet been presented to our friends; for during the subsequent discussion the following facts developed: They found that the goat and the goose together would eat just as much grass as the cow, so if that field would pasture the cow and the goat for forty-five days, or the cow and the goose sixty days, or the goat and the goose for ninety days, how long would it pasture the cow, the goat and the goose?
Early replies are requested, as Hans and Katrina are contemplating a speedy partnership.

Solution

Answer

References

• Loyd, Sam [1914]. in Loyd, Sam, Jr.: Sam Loyd's Cyclopedia of 5000 Puzzles Tricks and Conundrums (in English). New York: Lamb Publishing company, page 47.