56 THE GREYHOUND. 



qualities in which the bitch is deficient. In this way 

 we are more likely to get in the progeny a combination 

 of the qualities required than if, for instance, we mated 

 together those of strains quick for a short course but 

 wanting in bottom. Therefore put the speedy bitch, good 

 only for a spurt, and wanting in staying qualities, to the dog 

 of resolution and endurance, with speed combined; and 

 so in respect to other qualities. This, the only way to 

 correct faults, and to raise mediocrity to the highest level, 

 seems so simple on the face of it, that the desired 

 success in breeding appears easy and certain. As a matter 

 of fact, however, it is far from simple : the laws regulating 

 reproduction and the variations therein are very complex, 

 and disappointments often follow when, according to our 

 best theories, success seems most certain. No rules arc 

 absolute, no theories perfect: influences which we cannot 

 see or account for interfere, and theories must be taken as 

 having a general application ; the breeder may wisely guide 

 himself by them, but he must neither, on the one hand, be 

 blind to the teachings of his own experience, nor discard a 

 rule, generally true, because he does not in every case 

 attain his object by following it. 



In kennel parlance, certain animals when mated are 

 said to " nick " that is, produce puppies combining the 

 best qualities of both parents whereas others equally 

 likely to do so, on apparently the soundest theories, fail. 

 Such desirable results may arise fortuitously, but it 

 would be folly to trust to the chapter of accidents when 

 the adoption of intelligible theories give fair promise of 

 success. 



The best season for breeding is undoubtedly the spring, 



