232 BEGINNINGS IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY 



of selection, and especially how by a methodical, carefully- 

 planned system, remarkable results have been secured. 

 Referring to this method, Darwin says: "Few persons, 

 except breeders, are aware of the systematic care taken in 

 selecting animals, and of the necessity of having a clear and 

 almost prophetic vision into futurity. Lord Spencer's skill 

 and judgment were well known; and he writes: 'It is there- 

 fore very desirable, before any man commences to breed 

 either cattle or sheep, that he should make up his mind to the 

 shape and qualities he wishes to obtain, and steadily pursue 

 this object/ Lord Somerville, in speaking of the marvelous 



Fig. 143. The first prize herd of Shorthorns, Ringmaster at head, the result of 

 a policy in selection. Photograph by courtesy The Farmer. 



improvement of the New Leicester sheep, effected by Bake- 

 well and his successors, says : 'It would seem as if they had 

 drawn a perfect form, and then given it life.' J 



In connection with the practice of selection, it is important 

 that the breeder keep in view certain necessary things, if he 

 is to be successful in accomplishing his purpose. 



A policy in selection is essential. Whether one is to breed 

 one kind of live stock or another-, he should not only have 

 carefully considered plans, but should hold to them. One of 

 the great reasons for non-success on the part of many breeders 

 is the lack of a definite, well-founded policy. A man starts 



