154 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



In view of these considerations we are endeavoring, as rap- 

 idly as possible, to build up an experimental herd of first gen- 

 eration hybrids between low milking and high milking breeds, 

 on the other hand, and between low testing and high testing 

 breeds, on the other hand. It is gratifying to be able to report 

 that this experimental hybrid herd is now nearly completed. 

 To date, a total of 34 animals have been produced, of which 

 some 13 will be permanently retained in the experimental herd. 

 The remainder have been and will be disposed of as fast as they 

 pass the age of 200 days when certain records are taken on 

 them. To complete the herd, so tliat analytical experiments may 

 go forward, there are now required only six heifers. Owing to 

 the fact that a complete control of sex is impossible, it is likely 

 to take at least one or two years more to complete the experi- 

 mental herd. After these six heifers have been obtained, no 

 more first generation hybrids will be bred. 



The breeds used in the formation of the experimental herd 

 are the Jersey, the Holstein-Friesian, and the Aberdeen Angus. 

 It is interesting to note that one first generation hybrid animal 

 is now in milk, having borne a heifer belonging to the second 

 hybrid generation on April 10, 1916. Another heifer belonging 

 to the second hybrid generation was born August 17. 191 6. It 

 is the second 'hybrid generation which yields the important 

 results in Mendeligin experiments. 



Your Committee has had information to the effect that some 

 ]>ersons, who were among the most enthusiastic advocates of the 

 inauguration of these experiments, are noAv complaining because 

 the animals produced in the experiments are hybrid animals. 

 Such a complaint simply shows a profound ignorance of the 

 laws of heredity and the way in which those laws were dis- 

 covered. As we have already said in this report, the only pos- 

 sible way known to science to make any adequate analysis of 

 the laws of heredity is the method of experimental hybridization. 

 If one objects to the following of this method of study and ex- 

 perimentation, he is really objecting to any attempt being made 

 toi^'ards further cnlightment on this suhject. Your Committee 

 wishes to make it very clear and emphatic that he who advocates 

 the cessation in these experiments of experimental hybridization 

 or cross-breeding is thereby advocating the stopping of any 

 attempt to acquire any further knowledge of the laws of hered- 

 itv in cattle. 



