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XX. — The Reproductive Poioers of Domesticated Animals. By 

 Henry Tannee, M.R.A.C, Professor of Rural Economy, 

 Queen's College, Birmingham. 



Various circumstances concur at the present time to invest the 

 rearing of farm stock with especial interest, more particularly 

 when we consider the diflicultics associated with breeding from 

 pedigree animals. Although hut imperfect explanations can be 

 given of many of the points involved, an examination of the 

 subject may serve to diminish these difficulties, and open up for 

 consideration certain modifications of practice which will enable 

 the breeder to meet them without fear. 



The natural lia])its()f animals are Avell adapted for the presei'va- 

 tion and perpetuation of each species. Those which are weakened 

 l)y disease or enfeebled by age are displaced by younger and more 

 healthy rivals, and the result is that each species is perpetuated in 

 its greatest vigour, and with healthy constitutions. Local circum- 

 stances — such as the quality of the soil and the peculiarities of 

 climate — influence the development of these animals ; and thereby 

 Ave have local breeds established especially suited to certain dis- 

 tricts. The variations which thus naturally arise are perfectly 

 consistent with, or rather are conducive to, healthy growth ; 

 and within certain limits nature permits, and even favours, a 

 deviation from typical forms, to meet the varying peculiarities of 

 soil and climat(\ Thus, where the soil is luxuriant we have large 

 native breeds ; where the land is hillv, we have smaller and 

 more active animals ; where the climate is severe the more hardy 

 varieties are found, the animals attaining that kind and degree 

 of development and vigour which is best suited to the circum- 

 stances under which they are placed. 



Under domestication Ave take these animals under our control, 

 and modify their character to suit our requirements. Instead of 

 the active roaming life which they naturally lead, accompanied 

 with a slow growth, but large muscular development, we require 

 animals capable of rapid growth to luxuriate upon our richer 

 pastures, or consume our more abundant crops, and to supply an 

 increased growth of those parts most valuable for food. In short, 

 Ave produce unnatural developments to meet our special require- 

 ments. No doubt they are most desirable modifications, but it 

 must be remembered that they are unnatural ; and in proportion 

 as Ave depart from the natural type, in the same degree do Ave 

 find difficulties arising to check our onward course. The skill of 

 the breeder is thus constantly tested, and the highest proof of suc- 

 cess is the attainment of the peculiar dcA'elopment required Avith 

 the least sacrifice of constitutional strength. But the natural 

 character remains throughout, struggling to regain the ascendancy, 



