35 



modification of Darwin's definition, and whether it 

 may be regarded as an improvement on the original 

 is, of course, open to debate. Little can be done 

 by crossing to solve the problem of telegony ; indeed, 

 its effects will tend rather to confuse the issue, so 

 that to arrive at reliable conclusions, pure-bred 

 animals are necessary for experimental purposes. 



If the Biblical account of the spotted cattle pro- 

 duced by the ingenuity of Jacob be correct, it would 

 seem that he had divined their bovine susceptibilities 

 and practised the method of increasing his individual 

 estate on thoroughly scientific principles, because he 

 supplied the wands that produced the charm, made 

 some mathematical calculations, and determined the 

 results with consummate skill. Without regarding 

 this Biblical story very seriously, there are many 

 instances of freaks of nature due to outside influences 

 occurring within the experience of most breeders. 

 Whether these upsetting influences affect the germ 

 at the time of copulation, or are caused at a later 

 and more impressionable stage of pregnancy, it is 

 impossible to say, though scientific opinion inclines 

 to favour the former rather than the latter theory. 

 Sudden changes in environment, change of food, 

 climatic influences, new companions, and occasional 

 frights doubtless play a prominent part in the pro- 

 duction of freaks and variations ; indeed, these are 

 well-worn facts which come within the everyday 

 experience of most breeders of stock. In no class 

 of animals is the idea of telegony probably more 



