270 The Reproductive Powers of Domesticated Animals. 



and the practice is probably capable of extension. It is, how- 

 ever, well worthy of an inquiry, whether we do not possess in 

 our own country sufficient variation of climate and district to 

 accomplish the desired results at less cost. There is undoubted 

 evidence to show that we may thus engraft upon our stock greater 

 constitutional strength. 



The formation of milk is intimately connected with the repro- 

 ductive powers. The secretion of milk is dependent upon the 

 activity of the mammary glands ; and these are either under the 

 direct influence of the breeding organs, or else they sympathise 

 very closely with them. Those animals which breed with the 

 least difficulty yield the best supplies of milk, and produce 

 the most healthy and vigorous offspring. Now, it must be 

 admitted, that, however much we have improved the symmetry 

 and fceding-jiowcr of stock, we have suffered them to deteriorate 

 in value as breeding animals, by the decrease of their milking 

 <aj)aljillties. In proportion as we adopt a more natural system 

 of management, for the purpose of kee])ing stock in a healthy 

 and vigorous breeding condition, so shall we reap the indirect 

 benefit of a better supply of milk. It is true that a deficiency in 

 the yield of milk may be met by other resources, but since a short 

 supply of milk is indicative of, and associated with, enfeebled 

 breeding powers, every care should be taken to obviate this 

 defect. 



There are few subjects connected with agricultural literature 

 which offer such a scope for inquiry and research as that which 

 1 have now discussed ; for whether we look upon the repro- 

 ductive powers of domesticated animals from a practical point 

 of view or as a scientific inquiry, we have very strong induce- 

 ments to investigate the subject more completely. The varying 

 circumstances under which barrenness can be produced or re- 

 moved ; the influence of various kinds of food upon the breeding 

 capabilities, and also upon the production of milk ; the circum- 

 stances which favour or check abortion ; the conditions which 

 regulate the sex of the offspring, — these, and many kindred sub- 

 jects, demand careful consideration. There is a vast amount of 

 valuable information upon these points diffused amongst the 

 members of the Royal Agricultural Society, which, if collected, 

 would open up an important field for scientific research. This 

 can only be accomplished by a co-operative movement ; and it is 

 with the hope of promoting such a result that I have brought this 

 subject under consideration. May I add that I shall be pleased 

 to receive any communications, or register any well-authenticated 

 facts bearing upon these subjects, which may be forwarded to 

 me, addressed as below. I shall be glad to hear of any instances 

 of barrenness which have been, or still are, under special treat- 



