Brcediiiff of Farm-Stock. 
11 
Purity of Breed. 
The production of animals for maintaininfj- and porpctuating^ 
the pure breeds is a course of practice distinct from either of the 
precediufT systems which w(> liave noticed. In these the produc- 
tion of milk and meat respectively modified and re<>ulated our 
proceedings, but for the present purpose we liave to ])roduce 
fixity of type, and to this end we must select animals possessing: 
the same characteristics and the same affinities, that in each suc- 
ceeding; g-eneration the same stamp may be the more deeply and 
indelibly impressed upon the ofl'spring:. When there is any bad 
point of character to be overcome it is only to be accc^mplished 
by persevering- in the use of a parent having, if possible, an o]>po- 
site tendency, or at least as little as may be of that which is 
objectionable, bv which means the evil, if not subdued in the first 
generation, will be gradually corrected by judgment and perse- 
verance. The subsequent course of procedure will aim at rendering 
the character thus acquired as permanent as possible. Every gene- 
ration will have the special character of the breed more and more 
powerfullv concentrated, and consequently will be more compe- 
tent to render these qualities hereditary. We have before seen 
that the influence of the parent upon the offspring is dependent 
upon the relative powers possessed by each individual. In the 
case of pure-bred animals there should bo no opposing influence 
to weaken the hereditary tendencies of the offspring, but on the 
other hand a concurrent and sympathetic nature, so that the here- 
ditary character may be confirmed and strengthened. Anything 
like a cross should be most jealously guarded against as intro- 
ducing a conflict of influences, which impairs the character of the 
race. 
It may, however, be said that if we do not get fresh blood We 
lose size in our stock. This sacrifice is greater in appearance 
than in reality, for presuming the opinion to be correct that the 
food consumed by animals of equal quality bears a regular pro- 
portion to their live weight, and there is good reason to believe 
that such is the case, then it is clear that the loss of size does 
not render the consumption of food less economical. This dimi- 
nished size does not appear in any way to prejudice the stock 
pi'oduced when such sires are used with females of inferior 
quality having a good supply of milk. If we could breed in the 
same line and yet not lose size, it would be decidedly advan- 
tageous. This is a difficulty which the producer of pure breeding 
stock has to combat to the best of his judgment and discretion ; 
but on no condition should size be gained by any stain in the 
pedigree. It were better to allow the diminished size to con- 
tinue, for to maintain it at the cost of pure descent would be to 
