THE METHODS AND SCOPE OF GENETICS 13 



possible of realization that in the future its contributions in this direction 

 will be of considerable importance. The science of genetics is still in 

 its infancy, it is still in the formative period of its existence. It has not 

 yet been possible with any degree of satisfaction to analyze the heredi- 

 tary constitution of any farm animal, even to the incomplete extent 

 which has been accomplished in some plants and in some of the smaller 

 animals. Obviously we cannot apply even the general principles of 

 genetics intelligently in animal breeding until we are more thoroughly 

 conversant with the facts of character behavior and factor relationship. 

 Such facts can only be determined by means of carefully planned experi- 

 mental investigations. A few investigations have already resulted in 

 important extensions of our knowledge in this respect, others now under 

 way promise to extend this knowledge considerably further. Systematic 

 crossbreeding of cattle and sheep for definite commercial purposes is 

 of proven value. The method of breeding for high winter egg production 

 in fowls has been determined. Investigation of the inheritance of high 

 milk production in cattle is under way. Geneticists are also seeking 

 to analyze the extensive data with respect to certain characters such as 

 color, fecundity, and speed which have been recorded in herd books. 

 Progress in such work with the larger domestic animals is necessarily ex- 

 ceedingly slow, but this should not deter investigators from organizing 

 carefully planned experiments to extend knowledge in this direction. It 

 is only in this way that genetics can take its proper place in practical 

 animal breeding. The progressive agriculturist can well afford to en- 

 courage every proper effort having as its aim the collection of genetic 

 data. 



