COURSING. 453 



specimens have been used for coursing the hare or small 

 rabbit. 



Now that coursing is thoroughly established in this 

 country as a popular pastime, and in view of the value 

 which must attach to the greyhound from now on, 

 special care should be exercised in breeding this 

 noble animal. An inferior greyhound shows defects 

 more quickly, to an experienced judge, than almost any 

 other breed. A departure from the laws of symmetry 

 detracts from that grace which they so perfectly illus- 

 trate in outline and motion. The laws governing the 

 reproduction of species are simple and easily applied, but 

 success in breeding depends upon an instinctive love for 

 the animal kingdom, combined with a close study of for- 

 mation. 



The Darwinian theory of selection, if one acquaints 

 himself with it, will lead to success in breeding all kinds 

 of animals, for the rules laid down are, always sure in 

 their results if properly applied. 



It need not take a long series of experiments, requir- 

 ing years, for even a novice to produce a greyhound hav- 

 ing a beautiful outline, with the greatest speed attainable, 

 for there are enough good greyhounds in this country, 

 including those recently imported, to give a foundation 

 for breeding. 



The first desideratum is speed, and the second is 

 ability to recover after turning a hare; but a perfect out- 

 line, with a pleasing color, with strength and endurance, 

 should by no means be ignored in an effort to produce a 

 speedy greyhound. 



All of these qualities can be secured by careful 

 breeding. 



The theory of selection, and its practical application, 

 is based on the principle that like begets like; and 

 by selecting both parents having the qualities desired 



