314 DADDS VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



which exists between the parties, but is the result of their defec- 

 tive constitutions. Many of the cousin-marriages are entered into 

 without the least regard to the rational theory of selection and 

 rejection. The question is one of interest, not of utility. These 

 blood connections are consummated merely to retain property in 

 families, and to satisfy the caprices of doting parents, superannu- 

 ated uncles, and disappointed maiden aunts ; and thus many an 

 idiotic or emaciated sprig of aristocracy unites his destinies with a 

 fashionable cousin the very counterpart of himself, both inherit- 

 ing family defects of precisely similar character. Should they be 

 blessed (cursed, rather) with offspring, may we not expect a min- 

 iature of the originals? " Without due attention to avoiding dis- 

 ease, it will increase in the progeny." 



Among the human species, therefore, where the objects are of 

 6uch immense importance to present and future generations, the 

 principles of selection and rejection are entirely overlooked. We 

 pay more attention to the principles of breeding in cattle than we 

 do to those applicable also to their lord and master. Hence the 

 faults and defects alluded to are not the result of close affinities, 

 but result from our indifference or ignorance of the laws of life. 



Objections to In-and-in Brfedlng Answered. 



The two preceding paragraphs are biief answers to the objec- 

 tions against the sexual congress of blood-relations ; yet, as .other 

 evidence than my own, and of a more general character, may be 

 demanded by the reader, I have thought it best to introduce other 

 testimony. The following quotations are from the pen of P. S. 

 Humbrickson, of Ohio, published as a "Prize Essay : " 



"Many object to what has been termed in-and-in breeding. 

 Indeed, with most of those who do so, theii objections assume 

 the form of a very strong prejudice. This is attributable to a 

 certain confusion in their minds, by which reasons, wherein there 

 is no proper connection, are made, with the aid of imagination, to 

 assume a form of mutual dependence and coherence in support of 

 their theory. In the human family, marriages within the Levitical 

 degree, or, as they are also called, incestuous marriages, are for- 

 bidden. But the prohibition rests exclusively upon morel, and 

 not at all upon natural or physical reasons ; yet the direct phys- 

 ical calamities are imagined to pursue the infringement cf tJ»at k* 



