ovements on the Ketton
shorthorns by correcting the defect in the knuckle or shoulder-joint, and
by laying the top of the shoulder more snugly into the crop, and thereby
filling up the hollow behind it.... The eye has its fashion at different
periods: at one time the eye high and outstanding from the head, and at
another time the sleepy eye sunk into the head; but these extremes have
merged into the medium of a full, clear, and prominent eye with a placid
look."

Again, hear what an excellent judge of pigs[445] says: "The legs {195}
should be no longer than just to prevent the animal's belly from trailing
on the ground. The leg is the least profitable portion of the hog, and we
therefore require no more of it than is absolutely necessary for the
support of the rest." Let any one compare the wild-boar with any improved
breed, and he will see how effectually the legs have been shortened.

Few persons, except breeders, are aware of the systematic care taken in
selecting animals, and of the necessity of having a clear and almost
prophetic vision into futurity. Lord Spencer's skill and judgment were well
known; and he writes,[446] "It is therefore very desirable, before any man
commences to breed either cattle or sheep, that he should make up his mind
to the shape and qualities he wishes to obtain, and steadily pursue this
object." Lord Somerville, in speaking of the marvellous improvement of the
New Leicester sheep, effected by Bakewell and his successors, says, "It
would seem as if they had first drawn a perfect form, and then given it
life." Youatt[447] urges the necessity of annually drafting each flock, as
many animals will certainly degenerate "from the standard of excellence,
which the breeder has established in his own mind." Even with a bird of
such little importance as the canary, long ago (1780-1790) rules were
established, and a standard of perfection was fixed, according to which the
London fanciers tried to breed the several sub-varieties.[448] A great
winner of prizes at the Pigeon-shows,[449] in describing the Short-faced
Almond Tumbler, says, "There are many first-rate fanciers who are
particularly partial to what is called the goldfinch-beak, which is very
beautiful; others say, take a full-size round cherry, then take a
barley-corn, and judiciously placing and thrusting it into the cherry, form
as it were your beak; and that is not all, for it will form a good head and
beak, provided, as I said before, it