S78 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



It is, therefore, desirable to perpetuate the excellencies of domestic animals by 

 transferring our upe of remoter wtrains of blood of the same breed. Thus, by 

 breeding second, third and fourth cousins together we succeed. 



There are excusing circumstances where the nearest relations may be bred to- 

 gether. Thus, to perpetuate a nearly extinct excellence, or family, this is ex- 

 cusable, when out-breeding maintains health, stamina, strength and vigor in the 

 future progeny. 



It is often desirable to duplicate, or perpetuate, an excellence in near relations. 

 This should be done even at the risk of some slight debility, rather than to forever 

 lo?e a coveted excellence or quality. This can be compensated for by reaching 

 after desirable and saving, or recuperating strength, a little way off from the close 

 consanguinity previously used. 



This will probably enable me to assert that rather than lose a desirable quality, 

 I would breed the nearest relations of animals together for once, or twice, or even 

 thrice. But if I would not be very careful to fortify this desirable quality by ce- 

 menting strength, health and vigor, I should not only lose the desired quality, but 

 also much more excellence. 



This, probably, will enable me to state that in-and-in breeding, when too long 

 persisted in, without ample fortification to maintain the coveted excellence in per- 

 fection, must result in depreciation. 



The excellencies of breed is only the sum total of the excellencies of individ- 

 uals. And though the breed cati not be so soon injured by the maltreatment of 

 individuals, yet it ultimately militates against the purity of the flowing stream of 

 the breed; for each animal sends rivulets to the grand stream, and the purity of 

 these assures the purity of the grand flowing current of the blood of the breed. 



I only intended this as suggestive, and not by any possibility as in any degree 

 exhaustive. 



But, Mr. Secretary Lloyd, you must permit me the expectation that your argu- 

 ments, pro and con, will also be published in the Jersey Bulletin, that I may receive 

 the instruction on the subject I so much desire from your learned association. 



