SELECTION AND ITS IMPORTANCE 31 



to the present time, interesting references occur in history 

 of the seeking of animal improvement through selection. 



Methodical selection is a term used by Darwin to express 

 the more systematic artificial process. In his most interest- 

 ing work on "Animals and Plants Under Domestication," 

 he presents much evidence to show the practical application 

 of selection, and especially how by a methodical, carefully- 

 planned system, remarkable results have been secured. 

 Referring to this method, Darwin says: "Few persons, 

 except breeders, are aware of the systematic care taken in 

 selecting animals, and of the necessity of having a clear and 

 almost prophetic vision into futurity. Lord Spencer's skill 

 and judgment were well-known; and he writes: 'It is, 

 therefore, very desirable, before any man commences to 

 breed either cattle or sheep, that he should make up his mind 

 to the shape and qualities he wishes to obtain, and steadily 

 pursue this object.' Lord Somerville, in speaking of the 

 marvelous improvement of the New Leicester sheep, effected 

 by Bakewell and his successors, says: 'It would seem as if 

 they had drawn a perfect form, and then given it life.' " 



In connection with the practice of selection, it is impor- 

 tant that the breeder keep in view certain things, if he is to 

 be successful in accomplishing his purpose. He must place 

 a premium on vigor or constitution, on digestive capacity, 

 on superior quality, on conformation or a proper relation- 

 ship of all the parts to the whole, and on the strong develop- 

 ment of the particular thing desired, such as wool, milk, 

 speed, etc., according to the class of animals. 



A policy in selection is essential. Whether one is to breed 

 one kind of live stock or another, one should not only have 

 carefully considered plans, but should hold to them. One 

 of the great reasons for non-success on the part of many 

 breeders is the lack of a definite, well-founded policy. A 

 man starts to breeding beef cattle, and after a time concludes 

 he prefers a dairy breed; so he disposes of his beef stock. 



