HEREDITARY INFLUENCE 
557 
Every kind of unsound ness, especially those which are of 
a constitutional character, as well as defective conformation 
of bod\ and limb and faulty action, should be excluded bv the 
breeder. It is only by a systematic method of exclusion and 
careful selection that the best results can be reached. 
Stallions that have been excluded from Kuropean show 
yards on account of some constitutional or hereditary unsound¬ 
ness have been known to have been imported into this country 
and exhibited here and even placed on the prize list. 
I mention this to show the importance of proper veterinary 
inspection of horses before being - eligible to receive any prize. 
A system of veterinary inspection at horse shows and state fairs 
would prove of distinct and far-reaching value to the horse- 
breeding industry of the United States. 
What the trotting-horse breeders of this country have accom¬ 
plished is the wonder and astonishment of the world, but in 
their enthusiasm to produce speed they have followed in many 
instances pedigrees without regard to stamina and hereditary 
disease, and consequently we see many beautiful young colts 
breaking down in training. If breeders would only be as care¬ 
ful to exclude pathological defects and faulty conformation as 
they are to secure choice strains of blood, there would soon be 
great improvement in quality and stamina, that would be of 
lasting benefit in the equine race. Stallions should be examined 
as to soundness, taking into consideration ancestral hereditary 
conditions. If stallions were required to have a license, those 
calculated to deteriorate the breed could be excluded from stud 
purposes. 
We all know that in time of war a city that is not properly 
fortified is easily taken by the enemy. So, the animal body, if 
not fortified with a strong constitution and stamina, will be 
readily invaded by the micro-organisms of infection. The 
proper pabulum or soil for the development of microbes is only 
second in importance to the microbe itself. All persons exposed 
to infection of tuberculosis, small-pox, or scarlet fever, do not 
take the disease because all are not alike susceptible. All men 
