LECTURE LXXXV. 



NATURAL BREEDING. 



In the previous lectures we have discussed some of the 

 various laws which are concerned in animal breeding. We 

 have also discussed some of the methods commonly adopted 

 in the creation, improving, and building up of new breeds and 

 in maintaining those already in existence. We have given 

 due consideration to the advantages and disadvantages of the 

 various methods. In most of them there seems to be as many 

 or more undesirable features as there are commendable ones. 

 In this connection we will consider the question of animal 

 breeding from a practical and logical standpoint. By natural 

 breeding we simply mean that method of breeding which will, 

 from time to time, give the best results and apply to all con- 

 ditions. In breeding Shorthorn cattle, for instance, instead 

 of breeding the Bates, the Booth, the Cruickshank or any par- 

 ticular family, you would select those from any or all of 

 these families of excellence, regardless of family or color. 

 Your only motive would be to breed a type of Shorthorn 

 which would approach as nearly as possible your standard of 

 excellence. A standard of excellence is always necessary, 

 else nothing definite and lasting can be accomplished. The 

 only restriction you would make would be that the animal in 

 question was a pure bred Shorthorn eligible for registration 

 in all the herd register associations of that breed. This would 

 be necessary for future protection from a sale standpoint. 



By following this method you would not have to resort to 

 in-breeding or line-breeding unless when such a method was 

 the only possible source through which you could secure the 

 desired type sought for in your breeding business. Breed 

 from the best and the best only would be your motto. 



The same thing would apply to all other breeds and classes 

 of stock. There would be no necessity for cross breeding. 

 Each and every breed would have plenty of good animals 

 within its own breed. 



This method of breeding is the only salvation for a number 



