174 BREEDING. 



descended a great number of first-rate greyhounds. In these, 

 however, this peculiarity has never appeared, with two exceptions, 

 namely, once in the third generation, and once in the fifth, in a 

 dog called " Lollypop," bred by Mr. Thomas, of Macclesfield, the 

 possessor of the whole strain. One of the bitches of this breed is 

 also remarkable for having always one blue puppy in each litter, 

 though the colour is otherwise absent, never having: been seen 

 since the time of the above-mentioned " Ruby," who was a blue 

 bitch. These facts are very remarkable as showing the tendency 

 to " throw back " for generations, but, as they are well known and 

 fully recognised by all breeders, it is unnecessary to dilate upon 

 them, and the above instances are only introduced as absolutely 

 proving to the uninitiated what would otherwise depend upon 

 dogmatic assertion. 



AXIOMS FOR THE BREEDER'S USE. 



But it may be asked, — What then are the principles upon 

 which breeding is to be conducted ? To this, in many of the 

 details, no answer can be given which can be relied on with cer- 

 tainty. Nevertheless, there are certain broad landmarks estab- 

 lished which afford some assistance, and these shall be given, 

 taking care to avoid all rules which are not clearly established by 

 general consent. 



