626 PRACTICAL PROBLEMS 



any study whatever has a decided notion that inbreeding is dangerous. I 

 presume our fathers tell us this simply because their fathers told them so 

 and their grandfathers before them, and not one in many thousands has 

 ever given the matter any trial or serious thought. Even with a trial it 

 does not follow that every case will be a success, any more than the mating 

 of animals not related will be a success in every case. The animals mated, 

 whether kin or not, must be suited to produce good results ; that is, have 

 no weakness in common, and as much good as possible. 



How to practice inbreeding. There are two situations espe- 

 cially indicating this method of breeding. One is grading, in 

 which it may ordinarily be practiced with impunity. The other 

 arises in the very best herds when the breeder finds himself in 

 possession of a small amount of very superior blood and is debat- 

 ing how to handle it. If he insists upon breeding "out" he 

 will lose it by dissipation. He has gone to the limits of line 

 breeding ; what shall he do ? 



In a case of this kind the only course that promises anything 

 is inbreeding. It puts the line to the severest possible test, of 

 course, and the hazard is great, but the possible results are 

 phenomenal. The really good breeder should always be ready 

 to accept whatever hazard is involved. 



If it is to be done at all, the best way is to "do it and be 

 done with it," and know the worst at once. Many breeders, 

 fearing the consequences, go at the job gingerly, breeding 

 a little more closely with each successive trial, as if to test the 

 situation before making the bold and final stroke. This, if not 

 successful, is to undermine the situation and accumulate num- 

 bers of undesirable individuals ; in any event it consumes time 

 that is valuable, for animals grow old quickly. 



The proper way is to make the boldest stroke at once, so that, 

 if the worst happens, the original stock is left for other trials 

 and the breeder is not possessed of a herd that is destroyed by 

 unsuccessful, half-hearted attempts at inbreeding. 



SECTION VI BREEDING FROM THE BEST 



This has reference to the practice of selecting and breeding 

 from the best individuals but without reference to blood lines. 

 It is probable, indeed it is certain, that in process of time 



