1887] The Origin of a Small Race of Turkeys. 351° 
would seem to justify. It has received attention undoubtedly 
from breeders of domesticated animals, but even here, so far as 
I am aware, are wanting long-continued experiments and careful 
observation. The most that can be said is that a general im- 
pression prevails among breeders that the offspring of very near 
relatives is seriously impaired in constitution and form. Yet 
instances have been cited where for one or two generations, at 
least, an improvement has been observed in both of these respects, 
and I do not remember to have seen any statement of well- 
authenticated observations justifying the- general impression 
which undoubtedly prevails among the breeders of domestic 
animals. With the human race the fact of such deterioration 
resulting from the near relationship of the parents may be con- 
sidered as well established, and it may be possible from this rec- 
ognized fact the conclusion has been drawn that the same causes 
must produce the same effects among the lower orders of animals. 
This is a subject in which the professional breeder no less than 
the professional scientist should feel a deep interest, and itis tobe | 
hoped that some of these will institute careful and long-continued 
experiments which may throw valuable light on this subject. 
A few isolated cases would be far from conclusive, yet the 
result of each one would have its value. These experiments 
should not be confined to one species alone, but should cover 
the entire range of domesticated animals. 
In some species an actual improvement might be the result, 
while in others the most disastrous consequences might be 
observed. y 
With the hope of acquiring some light on this subject, some 
years since I disposed of all of my elk (Wapiti deer) excepting 
one pair, which were three years old, and when a large herd shall 
have been raised from this single pair we may be able to form 
some opinion of the effect of interbreeding upon this species of 
deer. The second fawn produced from this pair was a female, and 
she died yeaning when two years old, and since then there has not 
been sufficient time for the production of the inbred progeny; 
but even this experiment may not be entirely satisfactory, for the 
Wapiti deer I have found to be the most hardy and reproductive 
in domestication of any of the deer family. 
Ten years ago I sent a number of wild turkeys from: my 
grounds in Ottawa to Santa Cruz Island, situate in the Pacific 
