INFLUENCE OF SURROUNDINGS. 81 



with the few experiments that I have made upon the subject. 

 I know that in Switzerland, the number of females that arc 

 allowed to be covered by one stallion in a year, is not one-third 

 the number that is allowed here. 



Then in regard to the surroundings of females, during con- 

 ception and pregnancy, and their treatment during pregnancy. 

 I know many females miscarry, simply in consequence of the 

 influences of their surroundings. And then the production of 

 monstrosities. Why is it that nearly one-third of the dogs that 

 are examined in an early embryonic condition, arc monstrosi- 

 ties ? Then, how large is the number of monstrosities among 

 dogs ? That would lead to a very important investigation, but 

 it is more than I know. 



Dr. Loring. The question with regard to the time at which 

 males may be used, may find some answer among the Scotch 

 farmers. It is well known that the Scotch farmers devote them- 

 selves to one of the most difficult processes of cattle husbandry, 

 the production of milch cows. It is comparatively easy to make 

 an animal that will take on fat easily, but to produce a female 

 with that strong and nice structure necessary for the production 

 of milk, is not so easy a process, and they find that not only 

 form and shape, but great powers of endurance and a good con- 

 stitution, are important and necessary. The Scotch farmer who 

 has devoted himself to this purpose, never uses a male until he 

 is three years old, for two reasons : one is, that he thinks the 

 male is not sufficiently developed ; and the other is, that he does 

 not know until that time what the quality of his male is. By 

 the adoption of this rule, the Scotch farmer has produced the 

 most nicely organized animal in the world. 



Professor Agassiz. You see, then, I become well informed 

 on a point about which I know nothing. 



On motion of Dr. Loring, it was voted that Cattle Husbandry 

 be the subject for discussion to-morrow morning. 



Adjourned. 



ll 



