SELECTION. 393 



The combination of two qualities that are corre- 

 lated with opposite peculiarities of form does not dis- 

 prove the law of correlation, or diminish the practical 

 value of its application. The physiological tendencies 

 of the system, arising from correlations of form and 

 function, are important aids to the breeder in devel- 

 oping a single character or quality in harmony with 

 them ; but he may nevertheless succeed in developing 

 and retaining certain qualities, that are not strictly in 

 harmony with the peculiarities of form, through the 

 superior influence of modified habits and judicious 

 selection. 



Sir John Sebright recognizes this principle when 

 he says : " It is well known that a particular forma- 

 tion generally indicates a disposition to get fat, in all 

 sorts of animals ; but this rule is not universal, for we 

 sometimes see animals of the most approved forms 

 who are slow feeder s, and whose flesh is of a bad qual- 

 ity, which the graziers easily ascertain by the touch" * 



Such cases are undoubtedly rare ; but their occa- 

 sional occurrence is sufficient to show that the law of 

 correlation may become latent in particular details 

 through a preponderance of other influences. 



From the plasticity of the animal organization, 

 and its susceptibility to variation under the influence 

 of surrounding conditions and methods of manage- 

 ment, the breeder is enabled to obtain not only such 

 modifications of any single characters as he may de- 

 sire, but a combination of qualities which at first sight 

 might appear to be incompatible. 



The relation of the function of reproduction to the 



"Artof Breeding," p. 21. 



