556 $ QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Drc., 1899. 
they are probably 
the entrance of disturbing influences in the line of heredity, 
al 
just as likely to occur from outside influences in environment, whether gradu 
or violent, during the impressionable period of gestation. 
CROSSING. 
Violent crossing 1s instrumental in producing many reversions and yaria- 
tions, and in arresting fecundity. This is exemplified in unfertile hybrids of all 
species, but this is probably more the experience of fanciers than regular 
commercial breeders ; and although “like begets like,’ it is impossible to 
forecast the results when violent crossing is resorted to, as the type of progeny 
may radiate in all directions except the one desired. This isnaturally a domestic 
observation, because the rigorous law of Nature precludes this interminglig 
amongst animals in a wild state. 
The law of “the survival of the fittest,” it is said, operates in the latter 
circumstances, and maintains each species in strength and purity ; although, on 
the authority of the Duke of Argyll, in “ Evolution Cross-examined,” there is 
no more barren phrase in existence than that coined by Mr. Herbert Spencer. 
It can only be understood as a modification of Darwin's definition, and whether 
it may be regarded as an improvement on the original is, of course, open to 
debate. Little can be done by crossing to solve the problem of telegony ; 
indeed, its effects will tend rather to confuse the issue, so that to arrive at’ 
reliable conclusions pure-bred animals are necessary for experimental purposes. 
OUTSIDE INFLUENCES. : 
From the account of the spotted cattle produced by the ingenuity of Jacob, 
it would seem that he had divined their bovine susceptibilities and practised the 
method of increasing his individual estate on thoroughly scientific principles, 
because he supplied the wands that produced the charm, made some 
mathematical calculations, and determined the results with consummate skill. 
Besides the Biblical story, there are many records of freaks of nature due to 
outside influences ocemrring within the experience of most breeders. Whether 
those upsetting influences affect the germ at the time of copulation or are 
caused at a later and more impressionable stage of pregnancy, 1t is impossible 
to say, though scientific opinion inclines to favour the former rather than the 
latter theory. Sudden changes in environment, change of food, climatic 
influences, new companions, and occasional frights doubtless play a prominent 
part in the production of freaks and variations ; indeed, these are well-worn 
facts which come within the everyday experience of most breeders of stock. 
Tn no class of animals is the idea of telegony probably more clearly con- 
dthan in dogs, and most fanciers are very scrupulous in the use of first sires. 
There is a tendency to narrow telegony down to a reproduction of colour 
and shape, and in the opinion of the writer this is a mistake, because if it ean 
be proved to operate at all there is no reason why it should not manifest itself 
in all or any faculty both physical and mental. If this be admitted, the question 
becomes much more complicated and difficult of solution. Thus, as already 
mentioned, much time, careful study, and close observation are necessary to 
determine its authenticity. 
veye 
Poultry. 
SKIM MILK AS FOOD FOR YOUNG GROWING CHICKENS. 
A VALUABLE AND PAINSTAKING EXPERIMENT. 
Tie fowls used in this experiment were 20 young chickens—10 Plymouth 
Rocks and 10 Houdans. ‘lhey had, previous to the beginning of the experi- 
ment, been allowed to run at large together, getting the same feed, treatment, 
but large and small 
and care. The chickens selected were not uniform in size, nd 
were equally divided between the two lots. ‘They were taken from two sittings— 
