The models from which these pictures were drawn were in- 

 tended to be used as "a guide to both old and new fanciers, to ob- 

 tain a more uniform idea of type and standard." This shows 

 how English breeders regard Mr. Walton's drawings, and how 

 they defer to his knowledge of the breed. 



Mr. Thomlinson's own knowledge of the breed reached back 

 thirty years, but his treatise was also undated. However, he 

 gives us a point to rest on by saying that he first took "particular 

 notice" of these birds in 1884, when one duck made for him a 

 record of 180 eggs. As this "completely overshadowed" other 

 breeds, it was the foundation of Mr. Thomlinson's vital interest 

 in the Indian Runner. 



From the fact that Mr. Donald was a resident of County 

 Cumberland, the original seat of Indian Runner culture in Eng- 

 land, it seemed to follow that he was most likely to be right ao 

 to their origin, and it was to him that the earlier English breeders 

 looked very largely for information. 



The power of the true Indian Runner to stamp its color and 

 marking, in the case of a cross, is taken as evidence of very long 

 fixation of its characteristics in the native state. Eighty per cent 

 of such progeny, it is said, will favor the Runner, especially in 

 characteristic color. This varies considerably above the propor- 

 tion given by Mendel's law. 



English breeders seem willing to allow that the long neglect 

 has made it almost certain that many types would appear in various 

 parts of the Island ; for, the original blood must have been largely 

 tainted during the slowness of the nation to recognize the peculiar 

 value of the breed, and to place it early under the care of some 

 organization which would watch out for the preservation of its 

 most valuable and vital characteristics. Like the Rhode Island 

 Red in this country, the breed had a sadly neglected youth. 



Quite a number of importations have in later years, been 

 made into this country from the flocks of Mr. J. W. Walton, 



13 



