Chap. XX. 



BY THE ANCIENTS. 201 



careful selection, converted parsnips, raised from wild seed, into 

 a new and good variety. By selection during a long course of 

 years, the early maturity of peas lias been hastened from ten to 

 twenty-one days. 29 A more curious case is offered by the beet- 

 plant, which since its cultivation in France, has almost exactly 

 doubled its yield of sugar. This has been effected by the most 

 careful selection ; the specific gravity of the roots being regu- 

 larly tested, and the best roots saved for the production of 

 seed. 30 



Selection by Ancient and Semi-civilised People. 



In attributing so much importance to the selection of animals 

 and plants, it may be objected that methodical selection would 

 not have been carried on during ancient times. A distinguished 

 naturalist considers it as absurd to suppose that semi-civilised 

 people should have practised selection of any kind. Undoubt- 

 edly the principle has been systematically acknowledged and 

 followed to a far greater extent within the last hundred years 

 than at any former period, and a corresponding result has 

 been gained ; but it would be a great error to suppose, as we 

 shall immediately see, that its importance was not recognised 

 and acted on during the most ancient times, and by semi- 

 civilised people. I should premise that many facts now to be 

 given only show that care was taken in breeding; but when 

 this is the case, selection is almost sure to be practised to a 

 certain extent. We shall hereafter be enabled better to judge 

 how far selection, when only occasionally carried on, by a few 

 of the inhabitants of a country, will slowly produce a great 

 effect. 



In a well-known passage in the thirtieth chapter of Genesis, 

 rules are given for influencing, as was then thought possible, 

 the colour of sheep ; and speckled and dark breeds are spoken 

 of as being kept separate. By the time of David the fleece was 

 likened to snow. Youatt, 31 who has discussed all the passages 

 in relation to breeding in the Old Testament, concludes that 



29 Dr. Anderson, in 'The Bee,' vol. so Godron, 'De l'Espece,' 1859, torn, 



vi. p. 96 ; Mr. Barnes, in ' Gard. ii. p. 69; ' Gard. Chronicle,' 1854, p. 258. : 

 Chronicle,' 1844, p. 476. 31 On Sheep, p. 18. 



