110 PEi:;fCIPLES AND PEACTICE OF BEEEDING. 



the half-and-half theory, all this would be impossible. 

 According to that theory, all these characteristics belong to 

 the same half of the organization, which is always transmitted 

 as an entirety by one parent or the other. 



But it is easier to defend the half-and-half theory, so far 

 as it pertains to the viscera and internal organization, because 

 it is very difficult to follow it there ! I do not see how a 

 really reliable decision can be arrived at except by a practical 

 ocular examination of the parts, and it is not easy to 

 understand how even the dissecting knife would let in much 

 light on the subject. In healthy animals, it is not probable 

 that any particular and persistent differences could be 

 discovered in the viscera, except in the mere particular of 

 size, and in this, the theory would not be likely to derive any 

 support from a comparison of facts.* If it be contended that 

 internal structure is to be judged or inferred by certain 

 effects — such as constitution, strength, appetite, etc., I 

 undertake to say, fi-om abundant experience, that the progeny 

 as often and as fully inherit these qualities from the sire as 

 from the dam, even when they most distinctly inherit the 

 general form of the sire. 



I have pursued this subject at greater length, because I 

 have observed that too many men who have" the word 

 "practical" ever on their lips (who seem to consider 

 themselves practical on all agricultural subjects, because they 

 work practically with their own hands on a farm!) are always 

 ready to adopt the most baseless theories : and I consider the 

 Ortonian theory as mischievous as it is baseless. 



I have said that the ram much the oftenest gives the 

 leading characteristics of the form ; and I will now add, that 

 he much the oftenest gives the size, and several of the 

 leading properties of the fleece, particularly its length, 

 density, and yolkiness. Its fineness and general style are 

 probably usually, other things being equal, as much con- 

 trolled by the dam as by the sire. But I do not believe the 

 superior power of the ram to transmit his own qualities is 

 purely an incident of sex. I believe co-operating causes are 

 equally potential, and that the chief of these are superiority 

 of blood, and superiority of individual vigor. 



* I suppose that if a large ram were put to a small ewe, and as usual gave his size 

 (comparatively)'to the progeny, the size of the viscera would necessarily follow the size 

 of the sires*, because the viscera always correspond with the size of the external Btruc 

 tures and of the cavity to be filled. If, on the other hand, the ewe gave the size of 

 carcass, she would also give the size of the viscera. This is exactly at variance with 

 the Ortonian theory, if the size of the intestines is one of those properties said to be 

 given by that parent which does not give the size and form. 



