GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF BREEDING. 81 



before stated, confirmed me in the belief that 

 ''markings" do sometimes occur from strong 

 mental impressions; but the precise conditions 

 under which this phenomenon takes place are 

 unknown. The effect is so uncertain that, 

 practically, it may be entirely ignored by the 

 breeder with impunity, until some modern 

 Jacob shall arise who can tell us just how and 

 when to use the "peeled rods." 



EFFECT OF CHANGE OF CLIMATE ON THE GENER- 

 ATIVE ORGANS. 



It has often been remarked that a change of 

 climate appears at times to have a serious effect 

 upon the organs of reproduction, especially 

 those of the male. A well-informed writer in 

 an English journal not long since stated that 

 experience had taught him that no water- fowl 

 will breed the same year that its home is 

 changed, referring, I presume by the context, 

 to a material change as to distance or climatic 

 conditions. I have noticed the same result 

 with quadrupeds, more especially with horses 

 imported from France, England and Scotland. 

 Several horses that, within my knowledge, have 

 totally or partially failed to get foals for a year 

 or two after importation, have, after becoming 

 thoroughly acclimated, proved themselves very 

 sure foal-getters. I have also had many cases 

 of a similar nature reported to me concerning 



