THE METHODS AND SCOPE OF GENETICS 13 
possible of realization that in the future its contributions in this direction 
will be of considerable importance. The science of genetics is still in 
its infancy, it is still in the formative period of its existence. It has not 
yet been possible with any degree of satisfaction to analyze the heredi- 
tary constitution of any farm animal, even to the incomplete extent 
which has been accomplished in some plants and in some of the smaller 
animals. Obviously we cannot apply even the general principles of 
genetics intelligently in animal breeding until we are more thoroughly 
conversant with the facts of character behavior and factor relationship. 
Such facts can only be determined by means of carefully planned experi- 
mental investigations. A few investigations have already resulted in 
important extensions of our knowledge in this respect, others now under 
way promise to extend this knowledge considerably further. Systematic 
crossbreeding of cattle and sheep for definite commercial purposes is 
of proven value. The method of breeding for high winter egg production 
in fowls has been determined. Investigation of the inheritance of high 
milk production in cattle is under way. Geneticists are also seeking 
to analyze the extensive data with respect to certain characters such as 
color, fecundity, and speed which have been recorded in herd books. 
Progress in such work with the larger domestic animals is necessarily ex- 
ceedingly slow, but this should not deter investigators from organizing 
carefully planned experiments to extend knowledge in this direction. It 
is only in this way that genetics can take its proper place in practical 
animal breeding. The progressive agriculturist can well afford to en- 
courage every proper effort having as its aim the collection of genetic 
data. 
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