108 BOARD OF AGRICULTUEE. 



these marked specific dilferences which constitute the char- 

 acteristics of some animals. Now, if it can be shown that 

 these characteristic differences are unchangeable, for an indefi- 

 nite length of time, we can hardly admit at the same time that 

 they are so changeable as to produce the differences we ob- 

 serve. You see that one excludes the other, and that whether 

 or not there is some intermediate feature of which we are ig- 

 norant, which will explain it, there are marked and permanent 

 differences, combined with uniformity of organization, which 

 is the general feature. And that furnishes also the reason 

 why we difler on so many topics ; we observe a particular 

 case, and fail to generalize so' as to arrive at a law ; for man is 

 inclined by natural propensity, or by his natural organization, 

 to jump at general conclusions, neglecting particular facts ; and 

 while we mio:ht a^ree if we went further, we disagree because 

 we stop short of the whole. 



Mr. Root. I dislike to raise this question, but it is one in 

 which we, as practical farmers, are all interested. There is 

 not a farmer here present who does not desire that he may 

 know more and more how to perfect the character of his 

 domestic animals, and having perfected it to a certain extent 

 which may suit his wants, how to perpetuate and continue to 

 have those wants met year after year in the rearing of his 

 domestic animals. If we could have our scientific men of 

 large research lay down some exact rules for our guidance from 

 year to year, it is just what we would like ; simplifying them, 

 so that we may know just what course to pursue. AVe feel 

 we have not had that exact teaching as yet. I hope this dis- 

 cussion will be entered into largely by all these practical 

 farmers present. Various ways have been indicated by which 

 we should preserve the excellence of our animals. Certain 

 restrictions would seem to have been placed upon our breed- 

 ing in particular directions. For instance, some will say that 

 we should breed from thorough-bred stock, but that leaves us 

 iu this dilemma ; we sometimes find that thorough-bred stock is 

 not the stock which is absolutely necessary for us to have, for 

 we must meet our yearly expenses. Why? Because we may 

 find that some thorough-bred stock does not produce the 

 amount of milk which we think we must have, and ought to 

 have. This may not hold true of all the breeds, but it may 



