ANIMAL FORM AN INDEX OF QUALITIES. 353 



modifications of form that indicate real values, and 

 our notions of beauty in external form and expression 

 should be based upon an assemblage of symmetrical 

 characters that are in themselves useful. 



"Without some consistent standards of beauty and 

 utility, that have a definite relation to the details of 

 the organization, individuals will unavoidably differ 

 in opinion, not only as to what constitutes perfection 

 of form, but as to the relative value of the different 

 parts of the body, which, when taken together, give 

 expression to the general conformation of the animal. 



Any general expression of symmetry or proportion 

 that is pleasing to the eye may be regarded, by the 

 unskilled observer, as a form of beauty that is satis- 

 factory, although it may not represent any of the 

 qualities that render the animal valuable for any use- 

 ful purpose. 



The practical man, looking upon pecuniary values 

 as the true standard of excellence, will only be pleased 

 with the symmetrical proportions of form that indi- 

 cate the presence of valuable qualities in the greatest 

 perfection. 



In the improved breeds the peculiarities of form 

 and character that adapt the animal to a particular 

 purpose are most highly prized, and the relative value 

 of individuals therefore depends, to a great extent, 

 upon their development in a special direction. 



The principle of correlation that enables the breed- 

 er to determine the internal characteristics and ten- 

 dencies of the organization, through the indications 

 presented by the external form, is of general applica- 

 tion, and may be made use of in the study of animals 



