218 AMERICAN CATTLE. 



a result is apt to be followed by equally inferior ones. Accord- 

 ing to my observation, whenever this system has been long 

 continued, the number of poor animals has outnumbered the good 

 ones. A system that produces such results cannot be the true 

 one. That practice is the best which produces the greatest aver- 

 age excellence, and the united experience of the great body of 

 practical breeders attests this as best accomplished by avoiding 

 incestuous breeding. Such testimony is worth more than a 

 reference to a few distinguished animals, produced by even the 

 most eminent breeders, whUe numerous other inferior beasts of 

 the same families and blood are left out of the account." 



Thus we leave the subject. We are aware that Judge Jones 

 speaks the sentiments of many veteran cattle breeders, whose 

 practice has been eminently successful in improving their thor- 

 ough bred cattle, and for whose opinions we have a high respect. 

 "We have but repeated history, and facts, founded as we believe, 

 on sound physiological principles, leaving those who are to prac- 

 tice in the exercise of a sound judgment in the course they 

 choose to pursue in striving either to improve, or to maintain in 

 their present excellence, the stock of which they are possessed. 

 or may hereafter control. 



