LIKE PRODUCES LIKE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2060, 30 September 1880, Page 4

LIKE PRODUCES LIKE.

£" Prairie Farmer."J

Occasionally this trite and true maxim in regard to procreation is questioned by_ persons whose experience has not been satisfactory ia eff ;rU to produce a typo of animal suited to their fancy ; yet its correctness is recognised by every breeder of experience. Oar improved brords of domestic animals of every kind furnish conolusivo proofs of its truth. It is possible to produce a beast to order. Time and patience, judgment and caro, arc tbe main f&ctora in tbe problem. By the osj'rciea of those, man hasbrought to great perfection the various kinds of animals which 1.0 hss subordinated to his use. Having in niinrl an ideal of what constitutes a model, an intelligent breeder endeavours to produce it by a judicious and careful selection of parents. By persistence and patience in closely ofcscrring results, and delicate manipulation in ouplixg an<l handling his breeding animals, he saldom fails tj attain his object. There ia n g'eit difference however in the degree of success which different breeders secure. Same are able to congratulate themselves upon their endeavours within s comparatively brief period, securing what they wish, while others have but. indifferent success. The fault is mainly tbe result of mis■judgment in the choice of parents, or of a want of proper care and management of the progeny. The man who woll understands his art seldom foils. He has a herd that is nearly perfect in form and charaoteristios. In one or two points the individuals fall short of his ideal, and he goes to work to make the deficiency good. If he has an extensive knowledge, gair.ed by observation, experience, and efudy, it is not a difficult task. Such a breeder will obliterate a weak point through a new alliance, as satisfactorily as a painter will produoe something appropriate to add to the beauty and perfection of the painting upon his easel. This has been done by intelligent breeders in numberless instances. They have brought early maturity, and size, and weight, under control. They have placed the flssh of the beasts where the butoher wants it. The same knowledge and oare on the part of others will secure like results. The flesh can be made to handle elastic and j-st firm. In all the perfection of characters which is sought as the most desirable, it is within the power of men to create in their i own flocks and herds by suitable pairing and .proper -manaeemo/it. As a cattle breeder has well said, " Yon can give severally or together, at discretion, a prime back, good thighs, depth c£ careiso, symmetry, a filled out barrel, a good shoulder point, bosom, flank, and under point; a fine 'fore-end, grand back, rib, and loin ; a rectangular contour, a handsome ' rump, a frame deep, massive or compact, a marvellous twist, fiooness of bone, a mellow touch for the butcher, a fine muzzle for the breeder, placid eyes, waxy horns, charming expression, and many other qualities which it would take a thorough expert to detect." The seoret—if it may be called one—by which these results are Bocured, is found in the natural law that "Like produoes like." It is the key to success in tbe improvement of stock, as well as of all progress in the animal and vegetable kingdoms.