Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1853-02-23
From the Ohio Farmer
improvements Ina the Breeds of De raestfc
Stocks,
By Hon. L. Chandler Ball, Hoostc Falls Rem
sapLne. (ln AZ

ny HUI l.. Cf10Itdtef bUB, H00Stc Fats Hen
SSetGer Co., ~ Y
The experience of all Herdsmen and Breeders.
from the days of Jacob down to the present time,
has only tended to the result, namely That like
produces like. On this principle have all the
changes of form and habit, which separate wild
from domesticated races and which characterize
the numerous breeds and varietie of improved
animals, been made.
80 well understood is this principle, that no de-
sired property, whether of strength, speed, form,
temperament, or disposition, is considered unat-
tainable; and no fault or imperfection, but what
may be eradlcated-and the intelligent breeder
pursues his object with confidence Of success
which the result fully justihes.
''Ihis power of to effect useful alterna-
tons IN the animal CREATION" is shown by the
fact that among every species of domestcated an
lmals, there IS very great number of varieties:
each characterised by permanent marks and quail
ltles of color or form, by the size and shape of
particular organs and parts These varieties,
though differing widely in appearance, Qualities
and habits, are all obtained from one original
stock, by the continued observance Of this one
principal: Of breeding from those individuals
which possess the desired qualities in the highest
degree, and rejecting all those in which opposite
tendencies are perceptible
If animals with short limbs are desired then all
those individuals of the species which have these
parts of more than medium length, are rejected:
and from each successive generation, those having
the shortest limbs are selected to be the parents
long PERIOD the work is accomplished.
So far has this 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 al
this time so great, that animals are frequently pro-
ddced in which the head is hardly 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, fatal to the hopes Of the breeder, If
blindy followed, than this: that like produces like
For nstance:- auimal is obtained which com.
bines, in eminent degree, all the qualities which
render the species useful man; and the owner in.
dulges the expectation, that the offspring will pos
all the good qualities of the sire, and that hence.
forth his pastures and stables will be filled with the
best and most perfect specimens of the breed. The
result however, disappoints his expectations, and
leads him doubt the correctness Of The rule he has
so rigidy and perseveringy followed; for not one
of the progeny reaches that degree of perfection
which marked the sire, while more than half are be-
low the standard of mediocrIty.
How are these facts be reconciled, and the prin.
ciple clearly understood to be made practically
useful?
Philosophy and experience have demonstrated the
fact that animals from thes highest TO the lowest,
frequently resemble remote ancestors, and renew
forms that existed long before the birth of their own
ty is dlscoverable.
Who has not seen some human individual stand
ing alone in the family, bearing resemblance in
feature habits TO parents, brothers, or sisters-
and who was evidently sent back to gather I'D the
scattered threads of lifes web among the graves q
a preceding, and perhaps remote generation.
The fact is very clear that animals transmit TO their
offspring qualities which they do not themselves ex-
hibit, but which they nevertheless inherited, and
preserved in latent or rudimentary FORMS How else
can the too melancholy fact be explained, that those
hereditary diseases which af1ict one generation of
the human family, pas harmIessly over the second
and break with desoating fury upon the third.
The animal, whatever traits Of excellence il NAV
possess whose offspring exhibits defects of form and
constitution has from an impure stock, in which
The same defects Cere prominent; and therefore the re-
suit, though seemingly contradictory and inexpica.
be, is just what an intelligent observer of NATURES
laws might confidently predict.
IL the breeder who looks with admiration upon
the good points and fine appearance Of an animal,
could know the history Of its ancestors for dozen
or twenty generations he could much better Judge of
its values and the propriey Of transferring it to his
own flock or herd.
Important improvements may doubtless be effect
ed, within short periods Of time; but these improve
improvements 70 become inherent, and constitute
permanent and unyarying types, must be continued
in unbroken succession through many generations.
Those animals therefore which have descended
from a superior race, through long and unbroken
line of healthy ancestors, are the only reisnle
sources TO which the breeder can resort FORM pre-
serving useful qualities already Obtained or Tor
reaching to a higher degree oil eSce'ence'