78 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



principles of physiology, and make a survey of the particular 

 organs and qualities of the body which are needed for the 

 dairy, for the stall and the yoke, we see that these objects, in 

 a high state of improvement, cannot all be secured in one and 

 the same animal. We can conceive of a perfect standard or 

 breed in accordance with the laws of physiology. If we single 

 out a particular animal, or set of animals, and attempt to make 

 the most of them for a special end, — to reach, for instance, 

 the highest possible excellence for the dairy, the stall or the 

 yoke, we must keep that end in view, and be ready to forego 

 those qualities that are incompatible with that end ; in short, 

 we cannot reasonably expect to unite incompatibilities, any 

 more than an artist would think of uniting incongruous forms 

 in modelling some particular statue. 



The first step or lesson to be learnt in attempting improve- 

 ment is, to know just what we want, and the next is to employ 

 the right means for obtaining it. In order to do this, we 

 must understand correctly the nature and character of the 

 material upon which we are to operate, or, in other words, the 

 laws that govern it, which in this case are the laws of physi- 

 ology. The report referred to, in speaking of the selection of 

 breed, says : "Man is governed by this law in his agricultural 

 operations all the world over. Instinct teaches him, long 

 before experience has led him through her many paths, that 

 he must be obedient to Nature in that business which depends 

 for its prosperity upon her smiles ; to Nature, upon whom he 

 leans for support, at the same time that he endeavors to direct 

 her course for his own benefit." 



What, then, are the teachings of Nature ? What are the laws 

 of physiology ? What constitutes the true science or princi- 

 ples of breeding ? What j)art can hereditary influences play 

 in the improvement of stock ? The object of the present paper 

 is to solve, as far as possible, these questions. And if I succeed* 

 in presenting the subject to you as it stands in my own mind, 

 I am confident the efibrt will not be in vain, neither will its 

 influence cease with the present occasion. » 



But before entering directly upon the discussion of our sub- 

 ject, it may be well to define its meaning. Improvement of 

 stock by hereditary influences involves very important points. 

 It includes, not only the size and form of the body, the rela- 



