306 [Assembly 



it 

 It has been shown that vague notions are entertained in regard 



to breeding in-and-in. Equal confusion prevails in many in- 

 stances on the subject of crossing. Some persons, through fear of 

 the injurious consequences of consanguineous breeding, would 

 cross every species and breed which is capable of intermixture, 

 thus breaking down many of the important natural distinctions by 

 which the adaptation of animals to particular situations and pur- 

 poses is secured. On the other hand, more run into the opposite ex- 

 reme, deny that any improvement has ever been effected by 

 crossing, and contend that it should never be allowed. Perhaps 

 a better illustration of the maxim that " extremes are good for 

 nothing," could not be given, than is presented in these opposite 

 positions. 



Various examples of improvement without crossing have al- 

 ready been referred to ; it is easy to prove that crossing has in many 

 instances been the means of improvement. The most successful 

 breeders have not confined themselves exclusively to either 

 mode, and it is evident that each has its advantages under certain 

 circumstances. Sound judgment is certainly required to decide 

 in regard to a cross, and to carry it on to a successful result -, but as 

 to the practicability of the object, there need be no controversy, 

 as the thing has been repeatedly demonstrated. It is true that 

 many attempts of this kind have totally failed, and so have at- 

 tempts at breeding by other modes ; but this only shows what we 

 see every day in busine s affairs, that some men fail where others 

 succeed. Proper capacity is required for all operations. The 

 eagle, (as the fable relates) bore away the lamb to her nest; 

 the crow attempted the same thing, but only entangled her feet, 

 and was captured. The Bakewells, the Collings, the Prices, the 

 Webbs, have shown themselves eagles, but how many who 

 fancied they were like them, have found at last that they were but 

 crows. 



• This subject is too extensive to be discussed in all its ramifica- 

 tions, within the limits to be allowed to this paper. It may be 

 said, however, that where it is desired to combine particular pro- 

 perties in aiiimals, and this combination cannot be found in any 

 one breed, crossing may be resorted to with specimens of such 

 breeds aS; by their union, would be most likely to give the form 



