54 THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. 



known or expected to prove useful. Or they originate in the 

 a^doption of any accidental variety that may spring up in the way 

 lately described. Or a breed may be established by any deter- 

 minate form or quality, within certain limits, being previously fixed 

 on ; after this individuals are selected, perhaps not exactly similar, 

 but each of which having distinct points of resemblance to the de- 

 sired form, conjointly, the full end may be gained in their own 

 union and that of their affinities. In this way the most surprising 

 alterations in the animal character have been, and still may be, 

 brought about; and forms almost ideal have been, and still may be, 

 realized^^. A breed or variety being adopted and established, its 

 permanency must depend on the care bestowed not only in select- 

 ing proper individuals to propagate from, but also in the adoption 

 of such other circumstances as tend to preserve the animals them- 

 selves in that state the nearest approaching to what has been esta- 

 blished as the standard. These circumstances include choice of 

 situation, proper food, due exercise, with judicious restraint and 

 discipline. The aids we should lend to perpetuate a diminutive 

 race would be, close confinement, artificial heat^^, and sparing food. 

 Were our attempts directed to the external covering, artificial 

 warmth would render it thin and fine ; while, on the contrary, ex- 

 posure would thicken and probably lengthen it. If great size ex- 

 ists, and we wish to continue or increase it, we should allow but 



'^ Among the experienced fanciers of the small yellow and white spaniels, 

 which much resemble those known by the name of the Marlborough breed, 

 this is particularly exemplified. These elegant animals are very common 

 among the Spitalfields weavers ; and to such a perfection have they brought 

 the art of breeding them, that it is affirmed they can insure, almost to a cer- 

 tainty, the requisite quantity of colour, the length of coat, its texture, and its 

 disposition to curl or to remain straight. The Herefordshire ox can be bred 

 to a white or a half white face ; and the horns of some breeds can be insured 

 to an inch. The colour of the game cock is arbitrarily imposed by the handler 

 and feeder ; and the experienced pigeon-fancier can breed to a feather. 



'^ The French are said to give their diminutive breeds spirituous liquors 

 when they are young, to stop their growth : if it has this effect, it is because 

 artificial heat and a quickened circulation produce premature development of 

 the frame, and thus promote an early puberty. 



