162 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



THE YALUE OF BREEDS AND VARIETIES, -HOW THEY 

 ARE FORMED ; THE EFFECT OF FOOD ON BREEDS. 



BY PROF. I. P. ROBERTS, ITHACA, N. Y. 



In judging of the value of breeds and varieties one should 

 have some knowledge of how they are formed, if any distinc- 

 tion whatever is made in the quality of the breed or individ- 

 uals of it. All breeds, so far as I have been' able to dis- 

 cover, have been formed in a similar though not identical 

 manner. First environment produces variation for the bet- 

 ter. A mild climate or rich herbage or barren land pro- 

 duces changes in some particular localities which were quickly 

 discovered by the most observing breeders. 



As the wants of man multiplied and civilization advanced, 

 advantage was taken of the improvement which was due 

 entirely to environment, and selection was added, and so the 

 foundation of improved breeds was laid. The breeder, if he 

 was worthy the name, saw clearly that improved conditions 

 had improved the animals of the foundation stock which he 

 had selected ; so he is led to secure still further improve- 

 ment, by not only improving the surroundings but the food 

 and care as Avell. As this improvement goes on, some indi- 

 viduals show the effect of it more than others, or they 

 respond more (juickly to their changed surroundings. Again 

 a few of the best are chosen, and the work of forming a 

 variety and later a breed is begun in earnest. 



The value of the breed will be contingent upon two tilings. 

 First, the quality of the foundation stock first selected, and 

 the skill of the breeder. One of a breed may develop faster 

 than the others, as also may the stock of one breeder become 

 better than that of another, though not of the same family ; 



