CROSSING. i 113 



this principle, the selections being guided by a skillful 

 judgment and a discriminating tact, we may expect 

 progeny possessing not only a fitting and symmetrical 

 development of the locomotive system, but also an 

 amount and intensity of nervous energy and power un- 

 attainable by any other method. 



Such was in all probability the origin of the cele- 

 brated horse Justin Morgan ; an animal which not 

 only did more to stamp excellence and impart value to 

 the roadsters of New England than any other, but was 

 the originator of the only distinct, indigenous breed of 

 animals of which America can boast ;— a breed which 

 as fast and durable road horses and for any light har- 

 ness work, is not equalled by any other, any where. In 

 the present state of our knowledge it is scarcely con- 

 ceivable how an animal possessing the endowments of 

 Justin Morgan could have originated in any other way 

 than from such a parentage as above indicated. On the 

 other hand it is very certain that contrast in character, 

 as well as in breed, has occasioned much of the disap- 

 pointment of which breeders have had occasion to com- 

 plain. 



The principle here laid down is one of broad appli- 

 cation, and should never be lost sight of in attempts 

 at improvement by crossing. Another point worthy 

 special attention is that all crossing, to insui-e success- 



