Natural Laws. 461 



iirally essential points is indispensable. Not only should we 

 have a clear perception in detail of the peculiar combination 

 of excellencies which best adapt the animal to a given pur- 

 pose, that we may form a correct ideal model of perfection, 

 but also that intuitive faculty, that gift for recognition and 

 combination of excellencies, which enables the skillful breeder 

 to reproduce the ideal model in the living animal. Man's 

 power over his domestic animals, in shaping their forms and 

 determining many of their characteristics, when aided by a 

 thorough knowledge of natural laws, is almost creative. By 

 this power, combined with the necessary food and care, the 

 beautiful Shorthorn, which sprang from common stock, has 

 attained the characteristically symmetrical proportions which 

 we observe in the best bred specimens of that race, and in 

 him we behold the fac-simile of the ideal model which served 

 as a guide to his breeders. 



The well bred race horse, and the muscular draft horse 

 are other examples of this intelligent design. Individual 

 excellencies may come by chance, but the production of a 

 full and perfect development which varies in any considera- 

 ble degree from the original type, and a fixed habit of repro- 

 duction of it in the newly created species, is the work only 

 of intelligent, persistent effort. 



FOOD FOK STOCK. 



The adaptation of food to the condition and necessities of 

 our various animals, and its preparation and supply in the 

 best manner and amount to produce the most perfect thrift 

 with the least waste of material, is another interesting field 

 for study and observation. An over supply of nutritious 



