Yield Mark Transmitted. 75 



In some instances there is a preference from mere fancy, 

 without definite ideas, unconsciously entertained ; but 

 from whatever cause or motive preference originates, or 

 whatever the breed or descent, it is a necessary fact that 

 superior milking capacity is originally developed in cows 

 by special feeding and superior care, treatment, and train- 

 ing. And the prevalent preference of dairymen generally 

 for selected native cows, is a well-grounded and significant 

 recognition of the influence of good training in develop- 

 ing capacity, and the Yield Mark, which is the index of 

 capacity. The influence of the bull contributes to natural 

 or vital capacity, while in-breeding tends to establish 

 uniform color and the peculiar external markings of the 

 breed. But extra cows, from select families of common 

 stock, have the advantage of having their capacity estab- 

 lished by the personal care and supervision. ■ f their owners, 

 which is the source of their superiority, and of success in 

 establishing "milking families" of common cows. 



