28 A STUDY OF FARM ANIMALS 



and Polled Shorthorn cattle, each of which breeds is now 

 championed by a registry association for promoting the 

 hornless head. 



Variation in animal character is to be seen on every hand. 

 No two animals are exactly alike. In a family of the same 

 parentage we find marked differences. Within our intimate 

 acquaintance, we are often impressed with the striking dif- 

 ferences between members of the same family. Among our 

 domestic animals differences also exist in no small degree, 

 although our attention may not be attracted by them in the 

 same manner as in the human family. Yet variation is a 

 common occurrence in all life. It is due to this very fact 

 that man has been able to improve and develop our farm 

 animals to their present stage of perfection. Animal life 

 is plastic and more or less susceptible to the influence of 

 artificial conditions which man more or less controls. Food, 

 habits, surroundings, the care of man, all affect the develop- 

 ment of the dumb beast in a notable manner. It should 

 be the business of the stockman to study these conditions 

 and use them to the material improvement of his own herd. 



IF YOU INHERIT A GOOD MEMORY, YOU SHOULD KNOW 



1. The meaning of the word heredity. 



2. Under what conditions prepotency is best seen. 



3. Why a knowledge of heredity is important in stock breeding. 



4. What is meant by constructive breeders. 



5. The value of color markings in breed inheritance. 



6. The relation of conformation and inherited speed. 



7. Some peculiar forms of heredity. 



8. The possible value of mutation. 



9. What conditions influence variation. 



FIND EXAMPLES OF INTERESTING CASES OF HEREDITY 



10. Report on the best examples of heredity extending over at least 



two generations, in which very similar characters appear. 



11. What is the most prepotent animal in the neighborhood, and why? 



12. Report on any herd showing high ideals of the owner. 



13. Interesting cases of fecundity among brood sows are not difficult 



to find. Look some up and report upon them. 



14. What is the most interesting and peculiar case of heredity 



within your knowledge? 



15. Find a case of atavism worth reporting. 



