that year published. The total births were 25,560 (58. During eleven
years a record was kept of the number of mares which proved barren or
prematurely slipped their foals; and it deserves notice, as shewing how
infertile these highly-nurtured and rather closely-interbred animals
have become, that not far from one-third of the mares failed to produce
living foals. Thus during 1866, 809 male colts and 816 female colts
were born, and 743 mares failed to produce offspring. During 1867, 836
males and 902 females were born, and 794 mares failed.), consisting of
12,763 males and 12,797 females, or in the proportion of 99.7 males to
100 females. As these numbers are tolerably large, and as they are
drawn from all parts of England, during several years, we may with much
confidence conclude that with the domestic horse, or at least with the
race-horse, the two sexes are produced in almost equal numbers. The
fluctuations in the proportions during successive years are closely
like those which occur with mankind, when a small and thinly-populated
area is considered; thus in 1856 the male horses were as 107.1, and in
1867 as only 92.6 to 100 females. In the tabulated returns the
proportions vary in cycles, for the males exceeded the females during
six successive years; and the females exceeded the males during two
periods each of four years; this, however, may be accidental; at least
I can detect nothing of the kind with man in the decennial table in the
Registrar s Report for 1866.
DOGS.
During a period of twelve years, from 1857 to 1868, the births of a
large number of greyhounds, throughout England, were sent to the
Field newspaper; and I am again indebted to Mr. Tegetmeier for
carefully tabulating the results. The recorded births were 6878,
consisting of 3605 males and 3273 females, that is, in the proportion
of 110.1 males to 100 females. The greatest fluctuations occurred in
1864, when the proportion was as 95.3 males, and in 1867, as 116.3
males to 100 females. The above average proportion of 110.1 to 100 is
probably nearly correct in the case of the greyhound, but whether it
would hold with other domesticated breeds is in some degree doubtful.
Mr. Cupples has enquired from several great breeders of dogs, and finds
that all without exception believe that females are produced in excess;
but he suggests that this belief may have arisen from females being
less valued, and from the consequent disappointment producing a
stronger impression on the mind.
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