104 THE DOMESTIC FOWL. 



and so on from generation to generation, until the de- 

 sired points are fully developed. 



The importance of continuing this process for a 

 number of successive generations is obvious, from the 

 fact, that peculiar traits of character often disappear 

 in the first, and reappear again in the second or third 

 generation. A desirable property may be found in the 

 parent, and inherited by only a part of the offspring, 

 and the requisite point can only be uniformly de- 

 veloped by a careful selection through several consecu- 

 tive generations. By this process, it is apparent that 

 this system must be adopted ; yet, at the same time, 

 it is desirable to avoid too close alliances. Hence, it 

 is considered better to breed more distant members of 

 the same family together than those that are more 

 nearly related. Thus in " breeding in the line," with 

 a view of perpetuating a particular race of fowls, the 

 Dorkings, for instance, the best birds of that breed 

 should be selected, both males and females, and allow 

 them to propagate in their utmost purity from one 

 generation to another, changing from one family of 

 Dorkings to another, as often as circumstances or ne- 

 cessity may require. 



The system of " crossing" is founded on a principle 

 just as secure, as regards care in selection, as that 

 adopted in breeding in-and-in. Foe, it is well known 

 that certain diseases are hereditary, none of which can 

 be changed nor got rid of except by crossing. This 

 system, therefore, requires great care in selection, as 

 well as in management. 



A fact respecting fowls, that has not been sufficiently 

 regarded, but which goes far to prove their high an- 

 tiquity, is the permanent character of the different 

 varieties. Before attending much to the subject, some 

 people fancy that crossings and intermixtures may be 

 infinitely multiplied and continued, restricted only by 

 the algebric law of permutation and combination ; and 

 such is the current opinion among many who are ac- 

 customed to see the diverse colors and appearance of 



