The Reproductive Poicers of Domesticated Animals. 267 



these organs having taken place. I have not sufficient data 

 before me to trace these several results to their respective causes, 

 except in some of those cases in which a fatty degeneration ot 

 the ovaries had taken place. 



Through the kind help of Mr. Reece, of Ross, and Mr. Thos. 

 Duckham, of Bajsham Court, near Hereford, this fatty degenera- 

 tion of the ovaries has been traced to the use of food rich in sugar. 

 I have every reason to believe that the action of sugar, in its 

 various forms, is most important in its influence upon the genera- 

 tive system ; and I think there is just cause for considering that 

 any animal may by its use be rendered incompetent for propa- 

 gating its species. Since my attention has been drawn to this 

 fact, numerous instances have come under my observation, 

 tending to confirm this opinion. From among the cases which 

 I could mention it will probably be sufficient for me to state 

 that of a breeder of some eminence, who, with a view to an 

 improvement in the condition of his herd, added molasses to the 

 dry food he gave to his stock. It certainly produced the result 

 he anticipated, for their improvement in appearance and general 

 condition was most satisfactory; but this was accompanied by an 

 influence he had never expected ; for his stock, which had 

 always realised high prices as breeding stock, now, with very 

 few exceptions, proved to be valueless for that object, male and 

 female being alike sterile. As soon as this was discovered the 

 supply of molasses was stopped. But whilst the animals which had 

 not been under its influence maintained the original character of 

 the herd, as being good breeding-stock, it is very doubtful if any 

 of the stock which had been fed for any length of time upon food 

 mixed with molasses ever regained their breeding powers. It 

 is more than probable that a fatty degeneration of the ovaries 

 took place, from which they would but slowly recover under any 

 ordinary treatment. 



In another case in which molasses had been used for some 

 heifers which were fattening, it had the effect of suppressing 

 those periodical returns of restlessness which prevent heifers feed- 

 ing as well as steers ; and it kept them so steadily progressing 

 during the whole period of their fattening, that the result was 

 highly satisfactory. If, therefore, upon further trial, we find 

 sugar influential in checking the reproductive functions, we can 

 at any rate exercise a proper discretion in its use ; and whilst 

 avoiding it for breeding animals, we may encourage its employ- 

 ment when cows or heifers have to be fattened. 



The action of sugar upon the human system is very similar. 

 The negroes in the sugar-plantations are said to lose all power oi 

 reproduction during the sugar-harvest, and are permanently influ- 

 enced, although in a lesser degree, by the juice of the cane, which 



