Chapter VIII 



The Breeding Problem 



BREEDING is a process by which a race is established, 

 improved and perpetuated. This process may be natural 

 or artificial. Natural breeding requires long periods of time 

 to fix the characters of a race so that it can become entitled 

 to specific rank. Such a race, when once established, becomes 

 fixed and permanent and reproduces its kind. The Mourning 

 Dove may illustrate. Its characters have become fixed by 

 natural inbreeding. It is a species. Its sexes do not pair with 

 other species. 



In artificial breeding, however, the human element enters 

 as a controlling influence. The selection is artificial. Man 

 selects the foundation stock, mates the sexes, and determines 

 the environment. He follows a system of inbreeding that fixes 

 the type. The result may be the Silver Campine or the Golden 

 Campine. These varieties of chickens have a right to specific 

 rank just as the Golden-winged Woodpecker and the Red- 

 shafted Flicker which closely resemble in type but differ in 

 color. 



The difference between the Flicker and the Campine is that 

 the former is more permanent. The Campine persists as long 

 as its destiny is presided over by the mind of man. As soon 

 as his guiding hand is removed the species relapses. Then 

 follow cross-breeding, interbreeding, and a rapid retreat to the 

 jungle type. This might not occur if the group could be kept 

 isolated from other varieties of chickens, and, in that event, 

 it is probable that in time the species would become so fixed 

 that there would be no attempt toward interbreeding. But, if 

 the guiding hand of man should be withdrawn and the breeds 

 of chickens were all thrown together, the SOO-egg hen would 

 soon disappear. All the beauty and utility acquired by the 

 thought and patience of long years of endeavor would be 

 quickly destroyed. Man's controlling influence must con- 

 tinue, to retain what has been gained. To establish and main- 

 tain a race with desirable characters is the aim of breeding. 



[95] 



