CHAPTER I. 



GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF BREEDING AND 

 REARING. 



Vastly as the various breeds of domestic 

 animals have been improved since the 

 establishment of the many agricultural and 

 other associations which exist for this 

 purpose, it is extremely improbable that we 

 have reached finality of excellence in any 

 particular species. The Smithfield Club, 

 which celebrated its centenary at its show 

 at Islington, found itself, some years after 

 its inception, in financial low water, and 

 the Duke of Bedford, one of its most 

 distinguished promoters, is said to have ex- 

 pressed his opinion that the society might 

 as well be allowed to droj), since it had 

 accomplished the purpose for which it was 



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