88 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



sexual connection is too often repeated, these arc no longer dis- 

 charged, or are emitted in an immature condition, tlie fluid 

 being mainly or entirely composed of the secretion of the seminal 

 vesicles and other glands situated along the course of the 

 urethra. This condition is likely sooner to occur in young, 

 partially developed animals, in the very old, and in those in low 

 condition, and weak constitutionally, or as a result of overwork, 

 starvation or other debilitating influence. Such weakness is 

 indeed oftentimes associated with an absence of spermatozoa 

 in the semen. 



Tiic case is the same if the testicles are but partially 

 developed, and in all cases in man or animals in which the 

 testicles are retained in the abdomen or the inguinal ring, in 

 place of descending into the scrotum, microscopic examination 

 has failed to show the presence of spermatozoa. (Curling, 

 Goubaux.) Disease of the testicle or of its excretory duct, 

 whether inflammation which permanently impairs the structure 

 and functions of the secreting organ, or fatty change in pam- 

 pered animals, which unfits it for secretion or emission, is an 

 insurmountable barrier to procreation. Fatty degeneration 

 may sometimes be overcome in its earlier stages by increased 

 exercise, and spare diet. But starvation is not to be advocated 

 in ordinary cases. The animal, whether male or female, that 

 shows the most vigorous health, being neither too obese and 

 plethoric, nor too thin and weak is likely to be the best stock- 

 getter. I have seen two flocks of sheep put to the same ram, 

 kept in the same field, and on the same diet, yet the flock which 

 was in the best condition from previous good feeding pro- 

 duced twins in almost every instance, and several triplets, 

 whereas the poorer, but by no means low-conditioned flock barely 

 reached the average of one lamb and a half to each ewe. The 

 male, subjected to a severe drain by frequently repeated con- 

 nections, demands a rich, nourishing diet, as well as a moder- 

 ate amount of exercise to maintain his vigor, stamina and gen- 

 erative power. 



Local troubles sometimes lead to temporary impotence in 

 the male. Excessive and painful erection from a too frequent 

 use or some other cause of irritation, such are catarrh or ulcer- 

 ation of the sheath of the penis or of the urethra, usually con- 

 tracted from the diseased female, or from one served too soon 



