<P> The farmer's challenge was to carry himself and his purchases to the far bank of the river, leaving each purchase intact . How did he do it? </P> <P> The first step must be to take the goose across the river, as any other will result in the goose or the beans being eaten . When the farmer returns to the original side, he has the choice of taking either the fox or the beans across next . If he takes the fox across, he would have to return to get the beans, resulting in the fox eating the goose . If he takes the beans across second, he will need to return to get the fox, resulting in the beans being eaten by the goose . The dilemma is solved by taking the fox (or the beans) over and bringing the goose back . Now he can take the beans (or the fox) over, and finally return to fetch the goose . </P> <P> His actions in the solution are summarised in the following steps: </P> <Ol> <Li> Take the Goose over </Li> <Li> Return </Li> <Li> Take the beans over </Li> <Li> Return with the goose </Li> <Li> Take the fox over </Li> <Li> Return </Li> <Li> Take goose over </Li> </Ol>

Farmer with a fox chicken and grain problem