OCR Text |
Show Change in Domestic Animals. Changes In the habits and appearance appear-ance of our domestic animals have become be-come noticeable even within the last two centuries. These are due on the one hand to Nature, which is constantly constant-ly adapting the animals to the altered conditions of the world they live In, and on the other to the efforts of scientific breeders who are deliberately deliberate-ly trying to produce new strains. The horse of the Sixteenth century was a heavier and slower animal than the average horse of today. Roads and haulage have changed and Nature has done her part to fit the horse's frame for its altered duties. So It Is with almost al-most every animal in man's service. With byres and sheds provided, the ox has lost his warm shaggy coat. In the case of the sheep, on the contrary, Nature has been encouraged in every way to produce a thicker covering. How readily Nature responds to altered al-tered circumstances Is seen even in the domestic pig which If left without winter shelter, develops a coat of curly hair In place of the usual scanty bristles. |