INDIGENOUS BREEDS. 5 



and how they have been modified to suit changed methods of 

 farming, and the requirements of the meat and wool markets. 

 This accounts for many so-called " showyard fancies," which, 

 after all, are essential features retained as hall-marks to demon- 

 strate the blood that was used in the making of any specified 

 race. As has just been said, there is a risk of these indigenous 

 features being under-estimated or over-estimated, because there 

 are no longer those who remember the original stock in its indigenous 

 condition, and it is easy to miscalculate their value ; consequently, 

 enthusiasts on some point, unless very careful, may run riot on 

 the point of fancy. In the history of our breeds a stage has been 

 reached when this should be guarded against. 



