264 The Reproductive Powers of Domesticated Animals. 



strong desire for that exercise of the body by which their growth 

 can be best promoted ; and this is particularly shown by the 

 uncontrolled delight which they manifest when liberated from a 

 bondage against which nature rebels. The advantages which 

 arise from variations of the surface, and especially in the change 

 from level to hilly land, are great ; for they give a breadth to the 

 chest, and strength to the lungs, which is not otherwise obtainable. 

 The invigorating atmosphere of hilly land has also a very bene- 

 ficial influence upon the health. If we notice the vigorous 

 health possessed by our mountain breeds of cattle and sheep, we 

 see what it is that we require engrafted into our improved stock 

 to bring them to their highest point of value. In our mountain 

 stock we have muscular development, a rich juicy meat, vital 

 energy to protect the system against disease, and enable its 

 various functions to be performed in the most healthy manner. 

 In our improved breeds we have symmetry, and an aptitude for 

 fattening which renders them economical to the farmer. Can we 

 not amalgamate these qualities more completely than we have 

 done, and by giving to well-bred stock greater freedom for exer- 

 cise, a modified diet, and a purer atmosphere, rear them in a 

 manner calculated to promote their healthy growth and con- 

 stitutional strength ? 



The winter management of pedigree stock also demands our 

 attention, for it is more than probable that in this particular 

 serious injury is occasioned. The varying seasons of the year 

 are not without their influence upon animal life. The system 

 requires the invigorating action of cold to brace up the body 

 against the enervating influence of the heat by which it is suc- 

 ceeded. In how many cases are our best animals wintered in 

 buildings which favour their ripening condition and blooming 

 appearance, but at the same time enfeeble the system, and thereby 

 undermine the health and predispose to disease, especially of the 

 lungs, the animals being unfitted for being turned out to graze 

 in the spring. When shelter is provided, available at the 

 option of the animal, and accompanied by liberal feeding, the 

 healthy condition of the stock in the spring will offer a marked 

 contrast to that of animals which have had too much protection, 

 and have lived in a less pure atmosphere. I consider that much 

 of the delicacy of constitution and predisposition to disease, 

 which is complained of in high-bred stock, may be traced to 

 such injudicious management. 



An enfeebled condition of the breeding organs is one of the 

 first sources of trouble for the breeder. It seldom precedes, but 

 often accompanies, that delicacy of constitution to which reference 

 has been made. Instead of the females breeding in a regular 

 manner, we find them come into season again and again, after 



