26 



On the Breeding of Cattle and Sheep. 



to say that it is always desirable that the male should be smaller 

 than the female. When he makes this observation he is speaking 

 of the crossing of different breeds^ and probably only means that in 

 a cross between a large ]3reed and a small one, the male should be 

 taken from the small breed, and the female from the large one. It 

 is hardly possible that he intended to say that in the same breed the 

 male ought to be smaller than the female, because this is contrary 

 to the practice of nature. In every description of land animal with 

 which I am acquainted the males are of a larger size than the fe- 

 males. The attempt also to follow this advice^would undoubtedly, 

 in a few generations, so very much reduce the size both of males 

 and females, as considerably to diminish their value. I can say, 

 from my own experience, that some of the best-shaped animals 

 which I have bred have been produced by folloAving a contrary 

 course. I prefer breeding from large females ; but if I do breed 

 from one which I think too small, I put to her the largest male of 

 good shape that I possess. As one instance among several to prove 

 that this course may be successful, the ox which I showed in the 

 fourth class, at the last Smithfield show, and which obtained the 

 prize in that class, was by the largest bull I have, from a cow so 

 small, that I culled her after she had bred that one calf. It must 

 be admitted that the theoretical reasoning which Mr, Chine ad- 

 duces in support of this recommendation appears to be very con- 

 clusive ; but, even in the restricted sense in which I understand it, 

 there is some doubt whether it is practically correct. The most 

 successful cross between two different breeds of cattle, of which I 

 am aware, was the one between a Durham bull and a Galloway 

 Scotch cow, made by Mr. Charles Colling. The produce from 

 this cross sold for enormous prices at his sale, and at the present 

 day a majority of the best short-horned cattle are descended from 

 it. My opinion, then, the result of my own practical experience, 

 is, that if a man considers the female animals which he possesses 

 to be smaller than he wishes, he may safely put them to a male of 

 large size, provided he is well-bred, of good quality, and is well- 

 shaped. But I am bound to add, that I know, in giving this opi- 

 nion, I differ from the most skilful and successful breeders with 

 whom I am acquainted. 



It follows from the above observations, if they are correct, that 

 the first and most indispensable object which all breeders must 

 try to obtain, whatever may be the sort of animals they wish to 

 have, whatever may be the shape or size they prefer, is that the male 

 animal which they select shall possess a strong and healthy con- 

 stitution. This is absolutely essential ; but it is also most conducive 

 to their success that they shall, after due consideration, make up 

 their minds as to the qualities which they wish their stock to 

 possess ; that, having made this decision, they shall steadily pursue 



