CROSSING. 107 



The first cross is generally successful — a tolerable 

 degree of uniformity is produced, resembling in external 

 conformation the sire, which is usually of a superior 

 breed ; and thus the offspring are superior to the dams. 

 These cross-bred animals are now paired amongst each 

 other, and what is the consequence? Uniformity at 

 once disappears ; some of the offspring resemble the 

 grandsire, and others the grandams, and some possess 

 the disposition and constitution of the one and some of 

 the other ; and consequently a race of mongrels is per- 

 petuated. If, however, the cross is really a good and 

 desirable one, then, by means of rigorous and continued 

 selection, pursued for several generations, that is, by 

 casting aside, as regards breeding purposes, every ani- 

 mal that does not exhibit uniformity, or possess the 

 qualifications we are desirous of perpetuating, a valua- 

 ble breed of animals may in the course of time be 

 established. By this system many varieties of sheep 

 have been so far improved as to become almost new 

 breeds ; as for instance the New Oxford Downs which 

 have frequently gained prizes at the great Agricultural 

 Meetings as being the best long wooled sheep. 



To cross, however, merely for crossing sake — to do 

 so without that care and vigilance which we have 

 deemed so essential — is a practice which cannot be too 

 much condemned. It is in fact a national evil and a 

 sin against society, that is, if carried beyond the first 

 cross, or if the cross-bred animals are used for breeding. 

 A useful breed of animals may thus be lost, and a gen- 

 eration of mongrels established in their place, a result 

 10* 



