274 MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1908. 



selves, there is no tendency for these numbers to become com- 

 plex. Complexity in designating numerals, and accuracy in 

 entering and extracting pedigree records are very difficult things 

 to have in common. 



4. The system of pedigree records described is in effect a 

 double entry one. This feature makes for accuracy because it 

 makes it possible to detect errors which may get into the 

 records. 



5. The system is a very elastic one. By making very slight 

 changes in matters of detail it can be adapted to keeping pedigree 

 records in any kind of breeding work with either plants or 

 animals, or as has been pointed out by Galton (loc. cit.) to keep- 

 ing human family records. 



6. Most important of all is the simplicity of the system. 

 It is so simple and straightforward that once its essential 

 features are grasped it is only by gross carelessness that an 

 error in the records can be made. 



