264 HISTORY OF THE SHORT-HORNS. 



American herds, but which, had we done so, although it might gratify 

 curiosity, would not change any individual opinions which may exist 

 touching either the merits of their blood, or the authenticity of their 

 pedigrees. 



So long as select breeding in any race of animals is followed there 

 will be preferences for particular bloods, tribes and individual animals, 

 with their different strains of genealogy, over others ; and there will 

 be more or less party spirit betrayed in discussions which may arise 

 regarding them. No individual judgment can definitely settle those 

 disputed questions, and merit or demerit will have its award mainly 

 in private opinion rather than through acquiescence in any public de- 

 cision, even if such decision should be attempted ; and if attempted, 

 would be simply impossible. 



