24 FARM ANIMALS 
of nature and trained for domestic use. While thousands 
of species have been captured, only a limited few have 
really been domesticated. In the entire list of mammals 
nearly 12,000 kinds have been recorded; and less than a 
score have proven of use as agricultural animals. Of the 
birds less than one species in a thousand has responded 
to a settled life with man. 
3. Because man was initiative—While many wild spe- 
cies have been captured and tamed, only a few have met 
all the requirements of 
\ domestication. Hence the 
aa Em domestic species that we 
\: fe know are the results of fit- 
\ - ness for the various environ- 
ments in which man has 
placed them. In the early 
days man himself had a diffi- 
>» cult task of establishing his 
=| own race and interests. Na- 
te Se ture was severe on him. To 
: = cope with the stern realities 
= that tested his endurance 
Man’s ‘amie edie ae tools and thot Spied is elinning 
Se eee ee 
ion over the beasts of the fields and Of wild life to help him. And 
woods. 
he succeeded. Brought un- 
der control these served as draft animals; they provided 
clothing, their flesh served as food, and their comradeship 
made for civilization. Hence, back of domestication is 
service to the human race. 
4. What domestication requires.—Unless the animals 
brought under subjugation are able to survive when put 
to their new work, little if any advance is possible. Other- 
wise the process would be a game of continual capture 
| 
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