Breediuff of Far tu- Stock. 
13 
In the Ibrrnor case tlio ram A stands in tlu; relationship of .ii?-e 
to the two sheep to be bred together ; in the latter case he stands 
as qrandsire to both. In this way, by dix^crgimj from a favourite 
sheep, we a<jain converge, and probably produce one or more sheep 
of the utmost value to that flock, as presenting some distance in 
relationship without any sacrifice of family merit. 
With all the advant;iges derivable from breeding stock with 
good pedigree and great fixity of character, we find that not only 
are good qualities thus concentrated and rendered hereditary, but 
also others of less desirable character which may have been pos- 
sessed by the parents. Thus we have in many cases a delicacy 
of constitution and a want of energy in the system, which is too 
commonly looked upon as a necessary result of high breeding, 
but I am inclined to believe that these results are much more 
referable to the system of management pursued. The delicacy 
imparted to stock by too much protection through the winter 
months in warm sheds and buildings, whereby they get glossy 
coats, ill prepared to resist atmospheric influences when they are 
turned out to grass in tire spring, render such stock peculiarly 
delicate. This delicacy, when continued for several successive 
generations, becomes constitutional and hereditary. A moderate 
exposure to the cold of winter and plenty of exercise will enable 
cattle of the purest breed to keep a good rough coat, and although 
they may need more food, still this is a sacrifice perfectly insigni- 
ficant in comparison to the advantages gained by strengthening 
and invigorating the system, instead of fostering a relaxed and 
enervated condition of body. Well-bred cattle reared in this 
hardy manner possess far more vigorous systems, and it should 
be remembered that whilst we concentrate in our stock valuable 
powers of hereditary transmission, these only become available in 
proportion as we preserve in them that vigour of health which 
will enable them to communicate these influences. The capa- 
bility of stock for breeding is much reduced by the enfeebled 
condition of the body induced by rendering them delicate. This 
unfavourable influence is seriously increased by the general course 
of management now adopted, and the evil accumulates in a greater 
degree with every successive generation. An excessive quantity 
of fat in either of the parents is also unfavourable to the exercise 
of the breeding powers. These, however, are matters of detail 
which should rather be noticed under the general management of 
stock, but I have made reference to them because it is essential 
that breeding animals should not only possess certain points of 
character which are desirable for transmission to their offspring, 
but that they should also be in that vigorous state of health which 
will enable them to produce healthy descendants. It is no un- 
common circumstance for well-bred stock to be drafted from the 
