OUR HUMBLE HELPERS 



"He does not do exactly as lie likes, for tlie organ- 

 ization is from its very nature bounded by definite 

 limits which no effort of ours can set aside; but by 

 holding one end constantly in view and bending 

 every exertion toward its attainment he can do 

 much. The great means used by Bakewell on the 

 breeding of sheep, and utilized since for the improve- 

 ment of various other domestic animals, consists 



Leicester Sheep 



above all in selection, which I have already told you 

 something about in speaking of the dog. Selection 

 is called into play when the breeder singles out and 

 sets apart for the propagation of the species those 

 individuals that show in the highest degree the qual- 

 ities he desires. These qualities, however feeble at 

 first, are capable of great development in the course 

 of several generations ; for the offspring inherit the 

 parents' qualities, keep them, and add to this inher- 

 itance certain qualities of their own." 



