58 PRINCIPLES OF BREEDING. 



variation is afforded us by the fact that the qualities of 

 offspring are not only dependent on the habitual con- 

 ditions of the parents, but also upon any peculiar con- 

 dition existing at the time of sexual congress. For 

 instance, the offspring of pavents ordinarily healthy and 

 temperate, but begotten in a fit of intoxication, would 

 be likely to suffer permanently, both physically and 

 mentally, from the condition which the parents had 

 temporarily brought upon themselves. On the other 

 hand, offspring begotten of parents in an unusually 

 healthy and active condition of body and mind, would 

 likely be unusually endowed both mentally and physi- 

 cally. The Arabs in breeding horses take advantage 

 of this fact, for before intercourse, both sire and dam 

 are actively exercised, not to weariness, but sufficiently 



seU of Dublin, Dr. Carmichael of Edinburgh, and the late Prof. Good- 

 sir, who say they have learned from independent sources that as 

 regards Australia, Strzelecki's statement is unquestionable and must 

 be regarded as the expression of a law of nature. The law does not 

 extend to the negro race, the fertility of the negro female not being 

 apparently impaired by previous fruitful intercourse with a Euro- 

 pean male. 



In reply to an inquiry made whether he had ever noticed excep- 

 tional cases, the Count says : "It has not come under my cogni- 

 zance to see or hear of a native female which having a child with a 

 European had afterwards any oifspring with a male of her own race." 



The Count's statement is suggestive as to the disappearance of the 

 aborigines of some countries. This has often been the subject of 

 severe comment and is generally ascribed to the rum and diseases 

 introduced by the white man. It would now appear that other influ- 

 ences have also been operative. 



