There was an old man,
And he had a calf,
And that’s half;
He took him out of the stall,
And put him on the wall,
And that’s all.
Mother Goose – Volland Popular Edition.
Edited by Eulalie Osgood Grover.
Illustrated by Frederick Richardson.
Published by P. F. Volland Company: New York, Chicago & Toronto. 1921.
Elephant's Picture Book 
I think it was because he was a little tipsy after a day in the pub.
Maybe they were smoking and drinking with their dog, and enjoying some soup! (past post jokes – probably only amusing if you are me!). The farmer does look like he could knock a few back.
Elephant
Hahaha yours and Middlemay Farm’s answers should be the official response to “Why put a calf on the wall?”
Brenda, Brenda, Brenda! You are finding fun with our “conversation” – we always have a good time!
Thanks – and I am sure I speak for the two of us when I offer you too some fun with smoking, drinking or SOUP!
Elephant
Brenda has visited this post – She liked your comment – so maybe come back and see what she had to say!
Elephant
I will. 🙂
Mother Goose is pretty trippy.
Very true she is different kind of goose!
Elephant
Because the calf asked? Because life was a little dull and they decided to liven things up? They were hoping to be noticed? I certainly did, love the colors of this illustration and the expressions on the man’s and the calf’s faces…
The calf seems pretty relaxed about being on the wall – even happy about it! I am going to get on a wall today and see how it feels.
Elephant