GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF BREEDING. 



not be desirable, and will not be found profitable, to attempt the 

 formation of a new breed, as any special qualities that may be 

 desired can be more readily obtained by a modification of the charac 

 teristics of some existing breed that approximates in its qualities to 

 the proposed standard. 



Cross-breeding among cattle, sheep and swine, therefore, can 

 only be recommenced for the production of animals intended for 

 the butcher. 



Close, or In-and-in Breeding This is the uniting of 

 the same blood, by coupling near relatives with a view to maintain, 

 improve and emphasize the peculiarities of the breed. Although 

 this is a subject of wide discussion, all the results which have been 

 derived from it amply demonstrate its wisdom, and all the breeders 

 of stock who have achieved distinction from the excellence of their 

 animals, as proven in the service they can render or the monetary 

 gain which they have afforded in the market, have practiced in-and- 

 in breeding. It is the only way in which certain character can be 

 fixed and made possible of development. This is an axiom. Stone- 

 henge says: Breeding in-and-in is injurious to mankind, and is for- 

 bidden by both divine law and human law-makers. On the other 

 hand, it prevails extensively in a state of nature with all gregarious 

 animals (such as the horse), among whom the strongest male retains 

 his daughters and grand -daughters until deprived of his harem by 

 younger and stronger rivals. Hence, in those of our domestic ani- 

 mals, which are naturally gregarious, it is reasonable to conclude 

 that breeding in-and-in is not prejudicial, because it is in conform- 

 ity to their natural instincts, if not carried farther by art than 

 nature teaches by her example. Now, in nature, we find about two 

 consecutive crosses of the same blood is the usual extent to which 

 it is carried, as the life of the animal is the limit, and it is a remark- 

 able fact that, in practice, a conclusion has been arrived at which 

 exactly coincides with the natural laws. " Once in and once out," 

 is the rule for breeding given by Mr. Smith in his work on " Breed- 

 ing for the Turf"; but twice in will be found more in accordance 

 with the practice of our most successful breeders." 



Success of I M a ml- 1 M Breeding Exemplified In the 

 Farmers' Magazine, we find that the most celebrated herd of Here- 

 ford blood was the product of eighty years of close breeding, which 

 was a necessity when, as the gentleman whose experience is given 

 says: The herd was the product of a single bull and two heifers, 

 " without any cross of blood." He details his method thus: "By- 

 far the greatest part of my herd has been bred in-and-in in a direct 

 line, from one cow in calf for the twentieth time. I have bred 

 these calves from her by two of her sons." The Devons and Short- 

 horns have been bred in the same manner, and the Herd Books show 

 their excellence, while the certainty with which they impress them- 

 selves upon their offspring is an acknowledged fact. Hon. Henry 

 S. Randall, discussing the pros, and cons, of the question of in-and- 



