100 PRINCIPLES OF BREEDING. 



no deterioration, and in fact some of the later ones were 

 larger and better than the first pair. 



The same gentleman also obtained a pair of wild 

 geese from Canada in 1818, which with their progeny 

 were bred from without change until destroyed by dogs 

 with the above named in 1852. They continued perfect 

 as at first. 



Among gregarious ruminating animals in a state of 

 nature, all who associate in a herd acknowledge a chief- 

 tain, or head, who maintains his position by virtue of 

 physical health, strength and general superiority. He 

 not only directs all their movements but is literally the 

 father of the herd. When a stronger than he comes, 

 the post of chieftain and sire is yielded, but in all proba- 

 bility his successor is one of his own sons, who in turn 

 begets ofispring by his sisters. The progeny inherit- 

 ing full health, strength and development, the herd 

 continues in full power and vigor,* and does not degen- 

 erate as often happens when man assumes to make the 

 selections, and chooses according to fancy or conveni- 

 ence. The continuance of health, strength and perfect 



* It may be said with truth, that the average health and vigor of a 

 wild herd is much higher than it would be if the feebler portion of 

 the young were reared, as in a state of domestication, instead of being 

 destroyed by the stronger, or perishing from hardship ; but if close 

 breeding be, of itself and necessarily, injurious, the whole herd should 

 gradually fail, which is not found to be the case. 



