302 [Assembly 



pecially with the smaller class called ponies. In all species of 

 wild animals there is almost an exact similarity from the bnffalo 

 and deer to the different species of birds. 



But when it is desired to obtain animals possissing properties 

 not usually found in the breed to which they belong, it may be 

 necessary to breed from close aflS.nities. If. for instance, an ex- 

 traordinary development of the fattening disposition, or any other 

 property, is exhibited in one animal, and it is not to be found in 

 others of the breed, it will be necessary to propogate from the 

 progeny of this animal if it is desired to obtain this property in 

 the highest degree. An example in point may be cited in the 

 Ancon or Otter breed of sheep, which originated from one ani- 

 mal, and was extended and perpetuated by selecting and breeding 

 from those of the family which possessed the peculiar organiza- 

 tion. It may be said this was propagating morbid or unnatural 

 properties. It is not the present object to discuss the virtue of 

 this stock, but to illustrate a principle. We may say that every 

 trait in animals which is at variance with tlie normal type of the 

 race, is in some degree of a morbid nature. It is so in relation 

 to the extraordinary fattening tendency in some animals, and the 

 great miHiing habit in others. ' They do not belong to the animal 

 in its natural condition, and in this light may be considered de- 

 fects, though in reference to the purposes of man they maybe im- 

 portant advantages. 



Cases might be cited where an adherence to animals of the 

 same family has been necessary to retain certain properties, and 

 establish a new variety in which these properties should be per- 

 manent. The bull " Hubback," has been called '^ the main root," 

 and the "grand cause of improvement^' in the variety of cattle 

 known as improved Short-horns. Without stopping to examine 

 the mooted question as to the blood of Hubback, we may say that 

 he differed so remarkably from the general character of the race, 

 as to be pronounced by those who could appreciate his value, " a 

 wonderful animal.^'' According to all the records in regard to 

 him, it was admitted that in relation to tendency to fatten, qual- 

 ity of flesh, and weight in proportion to offal, he fjossessed ex- 

 cellencies unequalled by any bull of his day. Charles Colling 



