The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1853-05-05
Breeding Stock.

pltCui'S' Ug l.. \. Dali, OF NE" OTk, uIt
well worthy of attention. The article ap
pcared first in the Ohio Cultivation.
Mr.. Ball says:-The experience of all
herdsmen and breeders. from the days of ia.
cob down 10 the present time, has only ten
ded to one result, namely That ike produ-
ces like. On this principle have all the
changes of form and habits which separate
wild from domesticated races, and which
characterize the numerous breeds and varie-
ties of improved animals been made.
So well understood is this principle, that no
desired property, whether of strength, speed,
form, temperament, or disposition, is cousid-
cred unattainable; and no fault or imperfec-
ton, but what may be eradicated, and the
intelligent breeder pursues his object with a
confidence of success, which the result fully
juSliies.
This power Of man to effect useful alter
atlons in the animal CREATION is shown by
the fact that among every species of domes-
lcated animals, there is a great number OF
varieties, each characterised by permanent
marks and qualities, of color or form, or by
the size and shape of particular organs and
parts. These varieties, though differing wide
Iy IN appearance, qualities and habits, are all
obtained from one original stock, by the con-
timed observance of this one principle: OF
breeding from those individuals which pos
sess the desired qualities in the highest de-
gree, and rejecting all those in which oppo-
site tendencies are perceptible
If animals with short limbs are desired. then
oil those individuals of the species which
have these parts gilmore than medium length
are rejected; and from each successive GEN.
Grafton, those having the shortest limbs are
selected to beihe parents of the proposed
new variety; and thus, in novcry long period
the work is accomplished
So far has practice been continued in the
case OF swine, that animals of that species
have been bred in which the limbs were not
OF sufficient length TO raise the body from the
ground.
The passion for small heads and fine limbs
is at this time so great, that animals are fire.
quently produced in which the head is hard.
Jy large enough to perform its appropriate
functions, and the limbs are unable TO SUPPORT
for any long time, the weight of the body.
But every rule has apparent exceptions
and none more, or more fatal to the hopes of
the breeder, fblindly followed, than this, dBct
Ike produces lite.-For instance an ami
NAL is obtained, which combines TO an emf
ncnt degree all the qualities which render
the species useful: and the owner INDUCES
the expectation, that the offspring will pos
sess all the good qualities of the sire, and |
that henceforth his pastures and stables will
be filed with the best and most perfect spec
linens of the breed. The result, however, |
dlsaPPoints his expectations, and leads him TO
doubt the correctness of the rule he has so |
rlgldly and Perseveringly followed; for not
one Of the progeny reaches that degree Of
perfection which marked the sire while more |
than half are below the standard of med-
ocrity.
How arc these facts to be reconciled and
principle so clearly understood as to be prac-
tically useful!
Philosophy and experience have demon
sirated the fact, that ANIMALS, from the high
est 10 the lowest, frequently resemble remote
ancestors, and renesoed forms that eristed
long before the birth Of their o,on parents
bet'oeen aohon1 ond themselves, no similqrityI
IS discoUeraJye.
Who has moi seen some human individual,
standing alone in the family, bearing no re-
semblance in feature or habits to parants,
brothers or sisters; and who was evidently
sent back to gather up the scattered threads
of LIES web among the graves of preceding,
perhaps remote generation.
The fact is very clear that animals trans
NIT to their offspring qualities which they do
not themselves exhibit, but which they have
nevertheless inherited, and preserved in latent
or rudimentary forms. How else eau the too
common and melancholy fact be explained,
that those hereditary diseases which aflct one
generation of the human family, pass harm
lessly over the second, and break with DESC
Jating fury upon the third.
The animal, whatsoever traits of excellence
it may possess, whose offspring exhibits de-
fects Of form and constitution, has come from
an impure stock, IN ,okich the same defects
Were prominent; and therefore the result.
though seemingly contradictory and inexpi-
cable, is just what an intelligent observer of
natures laws might confidently predict
If the breeder who looks with admiration
upon the good points and fine appearance of
an animal, could know the history of its an
cestors for dozen or twenty generations,
he could much better Judge of its value, and
the proprieiy oftransfering it to his own iocks
or herds.
Important improvements may doubtless be
effected. within short periods of time: but