Common and Pure -Bred Stock Compared 151 



superior. In other words, the common stock 

 of mixed breeding throughout the country is 

 practically equal to the thoroughbred stock that 

 is kept under the same conditions for any con- 

 siderable length of time. If neglect and im- 

 proper feeding are not to enter into the problem, 

 the pure- bred stock will, undoubtedly, give by 

 far the best satisfaction. The grain dealer finds 

 that a certain variety of grain is hardy and is 

 recognized as "sure," that is, it rarely fails to 

 bring a reasonable crop, yet under the most 

 favorable conditions would not produce a maxi- 

 mum crop. Under the most favorable conditions 

 other varieties may outyield this hardy one, but 

 under adverse conditions would not be able to 

 withstand the severe test endured by it. So we 

 find pure-bred stock, in some respects, resem- 

 bles the improved and more productive but less 

 hardy varieties of grain. Under the most favor- 

 able conditions the pure breeds will, undoubtedly, 

 prove mo't remunerative. Under adverse con- 

 ditions, where hardiness is the all -important con- 

 sideration, the useful qualities cannot remain so 

 highly developed. 



It is frequently said that if pure-bred stock 

 is good for anything it should prove superior in 

 the same conditions under which common stock 

 is usually kept; but the owner of the common 

 stock says that he does not believe in pam- 



