Tlie Reproductive Forcers of Domesticated Animals. 263 



and if any want of judgment should be shown in the management, 

 the race gradually reverts towards its original character. 



The improver of any local breed naturally directs his attention 

 to the attainment of that symmetry of form which is indicative 

 of an increased aptitude for fattening — a deep, broad chest, well- 

 arched ribs, a broad and level back, with well-formed muscles of 

 the fore and hind quarters, and a soft and mellow skin. 



Modern improvements — such as draining, farm-buildings, and 

 fences — by limiting the influence of climate, have extended the 

 range within which special breeds can be successfully and econo- 

 mically reared ; nevertheless there are still many neighbourhoods 

 to which the improved local breeds are better adapted than the 

 more celebrated stock of other districts. We cannot look upon 

 these improved breeds as possessing any permanent character, for 

 so powerful are the influences of soil and climate, that, with the 

 most judicious management, it is impossible in some cases to 

 maintain the character of the flock or herd, without going back 

 to the original district for fresh blood. 



In a previous communication * I have discussed at some length 

 the accumulation of hereditary power which takes place in pedi- 

 gree stock, but we must clearly distinguish between such a con- 

 centration of hereditary power and the exercise of the breeding 

 faculty. In numerous instances animals distinguished for their 

 symmetry, and possessing every peculiarity which is desirable 

 for the production of meat, and moreover by their line of descent 

 possessing great fixity of type, are valueless for breeding purposes, 

 because of their inability to exercise their reproductive powers. 

 These animals are like a machine of beautiful construction, 

 capable of turning out the finest products with the greatest 

 economy, but that a motive power is wanting to render it avail- 

 able. Such is the position of many of our most valuable pedigree 

 animals, and it will be interesting to inquire how far the difficulty 

 may be overcome. 



Unfortunately excellence has been attained in too many cases by 

 a great sacrifice of constitutional strength, which renders these 

 animals an easy prey to various forms of scrofula, affections of 

 the lungs and digestive organs, which are too often accompanied 

 or closely followed by a deficiency in the supply and quality 

 of the milk, and finally by weakened and imperfect breeding 

 powers. 



The free exercise of the body exerts a most important influence 

 upon the functions of life. Muscular growth is almost as 

 dependent upon exercise as it is upon the nutriment from which 

 it is produced. Nature has implanted in all young animals a 



' Journal of Royal Agricultural Society,' First Series, vol, xxii. p. 1. 



