SECRETARY'S REPORT. 99 



as possess in the highest degree the qualities desired. On the 

 other hand it must be admitted that there are exceptional cases not 

 easily accounted for upon any theory, and it seems not improbable 

 that in these the modifjnng influences may be such as to effect 

 what may approximate a reconstruction or new combination of the 

 elements, in a manner analogous to the chemical changes which we 

 know take place in the constituents of vegetables, as for instance, 

 we find that sugar, gum and starch, substances quite unlike in their 

 appearance and uses, are yet formed from the same elements and 

 in nearly or precisely the same proportions, by a chemistry which 

 we have not yet fathomed. Whether this supposition be correct 

 or not, there is little doubt that if we understood fully all influences 

 at work, and could estimate fairly all the data to judge from, we 

 might predict with confidence what would be the characteristics of 

 the progeny from any given union. 



Practically, the knowledge obtained dictates in a most emphatic 

 manner that every stock-grower use his utmost endeavor to obtain 

 the services of the best sires ; that is, the best for the end and pur- 

 poses in view — that he depend chiefly on the sire for outward form 

 and symmetl-y — that he select dams best calculated to develop the 

 good qualities of the male, depending chiefly upon these for free- 

 dom from internal disease, for hardihood, constitution, and generally 

 for all qualities dependent upon the vital or nutritive system. 



The neglect which is too common, and especially in breeding 

 horses, to the qualities of the dam, miserably old and inferior 

 females being often employed, cannot be too strongly censured. 

 In rearing valuable horses the dams are not of less consequence 

 than the sires, although their influence upon the progeny be not 

 the same. This is well understood and practiced upon by the 

 Arab, who cultivates endurance and bottom. If his mare be of the 

 true Kochlani breed he will part with her for no consideration 

 whatever, while you can buy his stallion at a comparatively mod- 

 erate price. The prevalent practice in England and America of 

 cultivating speed in preference to other qualities, has led us to 

 attach greater importance to the male, and the too common neglect 

 of health, vigor, endurance and constitution in the mares has in 

 thousands of cases entailed the loss of qualities not less valuable, 

 and without which speed alone is of comparatively Httle worth. 



Sex. — With regard to the laws which regulate the sex of progeny 

 very little is known. M<any and extensive observations have been 



