2; 



SELECTION OF SIRES AND UAMS. 



Too often are the characteristics of dams forgotten 

 in the purchase of the sires, which is amply illustrated 

 by the comparatively low average prices obtained even 

 for some very old-established pedigreed stock. The 

 general principles of breeding are easily understood 

 and practised. They are founded on the broad truism 

 that " like begets like," so that whatever character- 

 istics are possessed by the sires and dams may 

 naturally be expected to be inherited by the progeny. 

 It is here where the scientific skill of up-to-date 

 breeders displays itself — here, where eminent and 

 ordinary breeders should join hands, so that science 

 may become more practical, and practice more 

 scientific. The respective properties of sires and 

 dams should be fully considered, so as to procure 

 the desired type by the amalgamation of blood. 

 When there are widely distinguishing features in the 

 sires and dams, the progeny will generally inherit 

 the peculiarities of both in a modified degree ; but 

 this is not always the case, for occasionally the off- 

 spring will develop the characteristics of the sires, 

 and sometimes those of the dams. Generally speak- 

 ing, however, the combination of extreme qualities 

 will naturally produce normal qualities in the progeny, 

 as the tendency is to neutralise extremes and modify 

 prominent points generally. 



It is exceedingly difficult — almost impossible — to 

 combine quality and size in the same animals' to any 



