INFLUENCE OF SOIL AND CLIMATE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2803, 4 December 1907, Page 6

INFLUENCE OF SOIL AND CLIMATE.

It would be rather an interesting studyyear after year at our annual show to investigate the influence of soil and climate on the character of the purebred stock of the Dominion. There can be no question that the natural conditions of the country must be modifying to some extent the characteristics of the imported stock. This process may be veiy slow and gradual, but in spite of repeated importations from the original source is none the less certain. The climate and soil of our country can hardly be beaten anywhere, and have potentiality for the production at a low cost of special and valuable types of stock. In what respect will these differ from the recognised types already established in Great Britain from winch we derive our supplies? The skill of the breeder in a suitable olimat-e may soon vary the points of a particular breed. Thie is exemplified in the caee of Lincoln and Border Leicester, and probably in other breeds of sheep. The special value and attention bestowed on the fleece has alieady had a decided effect on these classes of sto<_k. Carca£© is the main consideration at Home, but our breeders attach at least equal importance to the fleece, and. cannot afford to neglect it» Xli©

difference between tbe_^American' -mgr'noand the Tasmania's, "and again between these and the Victorian sheep of the same breed, may also be quoted as an instance of types estabMshed the different fancies of noted breeders working in different climates and environment. Again, the demand for more activity, greater soundness, and better wearing qualities in the Clydesdale is changing the type of that breed. Cleaner-legged and flatterboned horses with, less hair on the legs are now more numerous than they were a few years ago. These points are cot obtained without some eacrifioe, and the question might be asked, Are we not dispensing to some extent with stallion character in this craze for quality which is the concomitant of line breeding. Stallions 'with masculine characteristics of form and bearing are more difficult to procure now than they •were came time ago. Our mares are admittedly fine enough, and w« can dispense with a little quality in the stallion provided -we have the necessary substance. Perhaps £his result may be attributed more to the 'demands of rough country settlers, but it serves to show how easily it is possible in a few yeaas to modify the characteristics of any breed of stock, and LnokientaLly the necessity for breed societies which would induce breeders to take concerted action. But independently of the course adopted by breeders,' the natural conditions of the country are bringing about modifications wliicb. are worth studying, and some day the best specimens of imported stock will no longer be token as the standard of excellence.