96 



Journal of Agricultural Research 



Vol. X, No. 2 



Table II. — Grading of rams for individual excellence « 



a The number ia parenthesis under ratio indicates weight factor by which the grade is multiplied to 

 give product in columns i to 12. 



The system deals not only with relative values. The natural supple- 

 ment is the real or imaginary "ideal" combining in actual (not relative) 

 degree the traits of the model which we are trying to produce in making 

 our selections. This principle is, of course, also fully recognized by live- 

 stock judges and breeders' associations. With the "ideal" in mind it 

 becomes possible to form a proper estimate of the somatic value of an 

 individual or of a family composite. 



In adopting this method of selection an ideal was sought that would 

 combine the desirable traits from each of the two breeds used in our 



