110 PRINCIPLES OF BREEDING. 



the superior influence of the male over the size and 

 external appearance. of the offspring; so that it is de- 

 sirable, for the purpose of the butcher, that the male 

 should be of a larger frame than the female, and should 

 excel in those peculiarities we are desirous of repro- 

 ducing. Let it be here however, repeated, as an ex- 

 ceptional truth, that though as a rule the male parent 

 influences mostly the size and external form, and the 

 female parent the constitution, general health and vital 

 powers, yet that the opposite result sometimes takes 

 place. 



3d. Certain peculiarities may be imparted to a breed 

 by a single cross. Thus, the ponies of the New Forest 

 exhibit characteristics of blood, although it is many 

 years since that a thorough-bred horse was turned into 

 the forest for the purpose. So, likewise, we observe in 

 the Hampshire sheep the Roman nose and large heads, 

 which formed so strong a feature in their maternal 

 ancestors, although successive crosses of the South 

 Down were employed to change the character of the 

 breed. * * * 



4th. Although in the crossing of sheep for the pur- 

 pose of the butcher, it is generally advisable to use 

 males of a larger breed, provided they possess a dispo- 

 sition to fatten ; yet, in such cases, it is of importance 

 that the pelvis of the female should be wide and capa- 

 cious, so that no injury should arise in lambing, in con- 

 sequence of the increased size of the heads of the lambs. 

 The shape of the ram's head should be studied for the 

 same reason. In crossing, however, for the purpose of 



