SUGGESTIONS ON SELECTION 89 



fads and fancies, while of temporary value and beauty, 

 usually lead to ultimate failure in breed development. The 

 breeder who can retain the useful qualities in his herd and 

 incorporate prevailing fancies may afford to do so. When 

 something must be sacrificed, however, it should be the 

 fads and fancies which serve no real useful purpose. Breeders 

 who are classed as constructive in their methods are the 

 men who have pursued the lines of utility. Their ideal 

 of animal character and usefulness which would eventually 

 be in demand was portrayed ten, twenty, and fifty years 

 hence. Men of this character have made the useful breeds 

 of live stock. 



The breeder who has clamored to reach the topmost 

 standard of popularity entirely disregarding breed useful- 

 ness has left nothing to his credit in breed history. One 

 of the most convincing arguments against fads is the 

 generally recognized popularity of certain breed colors. 

 Why one animal, family or breed should be better because 

 of a peculiar fascinating color scheme is usually unsatis- 

 factorily answered. Certain colors or combinations of 

 colors may be more pleasing to certain classes of breeders, 

 yet any requirement or quality which does not add to the 

 actual value of an animal as a breeder, on the block, or for 

 work, is a destructive attribute or character. The true 

 constructive policy which has been followed by those breeders 

 aiming at continuous improvement will remain prominent 

 in raising the standard of value in the breeds of live stock. 



