BEEEDIKG IK -AND -IN. 12! 



With such notable instances of successful in-and-in breeder 

 as I have given, and with the hundreds that might be addec 

 to the list, it is equally true that the instances of those whc 

 have failed have been vastly more numerous. When thi 

 masterly hand of Bakewell no longer guided his improve* 

 Leicesters, but a very small number among all the prominen 

 breeders of them were found able to preserve them withou 

 some admixture of fresh blood. When not ruined entirely 

 they became delicate and inclined to sterility. And so th 

 pinnacle of success is often but one step from the final ovei 

 throw. In view of all the facts, therefore, the great majorit 

 of sheep farmers, who do not make breeding a study and ai 

 art, had better continue to avoid anything like close in-and-i 

 breeding — though there is no occasion for those exaggerate 

 fears which many entertain on the subject, in respect t 

 remote relatives, where the animals to be coupled ar 

 obviously robust and well formed. 



Some persons believe that the dangers of in-and-in bree< 

 ing are less between animals of pure blood than betwee 

 mongrels or grade animals.* I can see no reason for thii 

 if the latter are equally perfect in that structural organizatio 

 on which health depends. 



* See Goodale on the Frinciplea of Breeding. 



