STRUCTURE OF THE ANIMAL. 93 



texture. This is implied, perhaps, in the hind of breed or, 

 in the use of the phrase, "pure blood." But, strictly speak- 

 ing, it is not always included, or at least sufficient importance 

 is not attached to it. In the various works and reports upon 

 breeding this feature in stock is occasionally referred to or 

 described ; but its full value and extent of influence, it ap- 

 pears to me, are far from being appreciated as they ought. We 

 know what importance is attached to quality, — the fineness 

 of texture in most fabrics of manufacture, — for instance, cloth, 

 — that if the strength is not sacrificed, the finer the quality, 

 generally speaking, the more valuable the material and ser- 

 viceable its use. The same principle applies, in some re- 

 spects, to animal organization, — not to one part in particular, 

 but to the whole structure. In fiict, it cannot prevail in the 

 hair or wool, in the muscles or glands, without pervading 

 every part and parcel of the system. There is uniformity or 

 sameness in this respect throughout every tissue. But its 

 importance, however, must vary according to the particular 

 uses to which the animal is applied. The' horse or ox, in- 

 tended for hard service, may have a coarser texture than 

 when the former is required for great speed or the latter for 

 fine beef. In the cow, the quality and quantity of milk de- 

 pends much on the fineness of the fibre or texture throughout 

 every tissue of the body ; so in the sheep, the quality and 

 quantity of wool are affected very much by the same cause. 

 We know that the value of meat in all these animals depends 

 also much upon this" same cause. 



This feature in organization sustains a very intimate rela- 

 tion to the law of inheritance. Fineness of texture is of very 

 slow growth, and it requires several generations in order to 

 effect any great alteration and improvement in this respect. 

 Climate, food and exercise can do considerable to shape and 

 modify the development and character of animal life ; but the 

 primary elements of quality, the fineness of texture, must 

 exist in the structure itself ;' they must be inherited. In 

 selecting, then, the parent stock, this feature must be care- 

 fully looked after ; and not only on one side, but on both ; 

 and then the matching or adaptation of two parties in this 

 respect, so as to produce the most desirable results, "^he 

 question may be asked. Can this feature in animal organization 



