is judiciously done; others take an
oat; but as I think the goldfinch-beak the handsomest, I would advise the
inexperienced fancier to get the head of a goldfinch, and keep it by him
for his observation." Wonderfully different as is the beak of the
rock-pigeon and goldfinch, undoubtedly, as far as {196} external shape and
proportions are concerned, the end has been nearly gained.

Not only should our animals be examined with the greatest care whilst
alive, but, as Anderson remarks,[450] their carcases should be scrutinised,
"so as to breed from the descendants of such only as, in the language of
the butcher, cut up well." The "grain of the meat" in cattle, and its being
well marbled with fat,[451] and the greater or less accumulation of fat in
the abdomen of our sheep, have been attended to with success. So with
poultry, a writer,[452] speaking of Cochin-China fowls, which are said to
differ much in the quality of their flesh, says, "the best mode is to
purchase two young brother-cocks, kill, dress, and serve up one; if he be
indifferent, similarly dispose of the other, and try again; if, however, he
be fine and well-flavoured, his brother will not be amiss for breeding
purposes for the table."

The great principle of the division of labour has been brought to bear on
selection. In certain districts[453] "the breeding of bulls is confined to
a very limited number of persons, who by devoting their whole attention to
this department, are able from year to year to furnish a class of bulls
which are steadily improving the general breed of the district." The
rearing and letting of choice rams has long been, as is well known, a chief
source of profit to several eminent breeders. In parts of Germany this
principle is carried with merino sheep to an extreme point.[454] "So
important is the proper selection of breeding animals considered, that the
best flock-masters do not trust to their own judgment, or to that of their
shepherds, but employ persons called 'sheep-classifiers,' who make it their
special business to attend to this part of the management of several
flocks, and thus to preserve, or if possible to improve, the best qualities
of both parents in the lambs." In Saxony, "when the lambs are weaned, each
in his turn is placed upon a table that his wool and form may be minutely
observed. {197} The finest are selected for breeding and receive a first
mark. When they are one year old, and prior to shearing them, another close