90 BOARD OF AGRICULTUEE. • 



" cross " has a conventional meaning. Tlie original use of the 

 term seems to have applied only to alliances of animals from 

 distinctly difterent breeds, and even from what might be dif- 

 ferent species. Here the "crossing" would imply the uniting 

 or blending of very opposite and sometimes antagonistic qual- 

 ities, — almost the formation of a new kind of stock or breed. 

 But we believe the term cross has a more common and general 

 signification ; that it is the bringing together of simpl}' opposite 

 qualities for the plirposes of improvement, or more particu- 

 larly to secure some one object ; to change the development 

 of the animal in a certain direction. In the case of the horse 

 it may be to secure more speed or strength ; in the case of the 

 ox, more meat ; of the cow, a greater quantity of milk, and of 

 the sheep, more wool. With this definition of the word 

 "cross," it is capable of being applied in an almost endless 

 variety of ways, and constitutes a most fruitful source for the 

 improvement of domestic animals. Here it is necessary to 

 decide, in the first place, upon just what is wanted, and then 

 by careful discrimination, to select and match in the parent 

 stock, such qualities as united will be most likely to bring 

 about such and such results. Then again, time is necessary. 

 If too great or rapid changes are expected at once, they will- 

 certainly' fail. Time and patience are as requisite as close 

 discrimination and perseverance. As far more attention has 

 been paid to the improvement of the horse than any other 

 animal, we here quote from a distinguished writer upon 

 physiology the following remarks. Says he: "Harmony of 

 structure and a perfect balancing of desirable characteristics, 

 an equilibrium of good qualities, can be secured only by great 

 pains. It is not enough that the animal machine is put in 

 motion by the noblest spirit, or that it is nourished by the 

 highest blood ; every bone must have its just proportion, every 

 muscle or tendon its proper pulley, every lever its proper 

 length and fulcrum, every joint its most accurate adjustment 

 and proper lubrication ; all must have their relative propor- 

 tions and strength before the motions of the machine can be 

 accurate, vigorous and durable. In every machine, modifica- 

 tions are required according as the purposes vary to which it 

 is applied. The heavy dray-horse is far from having the ar- 

 rangement necessary for the purposes of the turf, while the 



