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01 - Variations Under Domestication
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01-07 - Origin of Domestic Varieties from one or more Species
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In the case of most of our anciently domesticated animals and plants, it is not possible to come to any definite conclusion, whether they are descended from one or several wild species.
The argument mainly relied on by those who believe in the multiple origin of our domestic animals is, that we find in the most ancient times, on the monuments of Egypt, and in the lake-habitations of Switzerland, much diversity in the breeds;
 | | Egypt |
 | | Switzerland |
and that some of these ancient breeds closely resemble, or are even identical with, those still existing.
But this only throws far backwards the history of civilisation, and shows that animals were domesticated at a much earlier period than has hitherto been supposed.
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| 18 |
01 - Variations Under Domestication
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01-07 - Origin of Domestic Varieties from one or more Species
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| 19 |
01 - Variations Under Domestication
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01-07 - Origin of Domestic Varieties from one or more Species
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Since the discovery of flint tools in the superficial formations of many parts of the world, all geologists believe that barbarian man existed at an enormously remote period;
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and we know that at the present day there is hardly a tribe so barbarous, as not to have domesticated at least the dog.
The origin of most of our domestic animals will probably for ever remain vague.
But I may here state, that, looking to the domestic dogs of the whole world, I have, after a laborious collection of all known facts, come to the conclusion that several wild species of Canidae have been tamed, and that their blood, in some cases mingled together, flows in the veins of our domestic breeds. In regard to sheep and goats I can form no decided opinion.
 | | dog |
 | | sheep |
 | | goat |
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01 - Variations Under Domestication
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01-07 - Origin of Domestic Varieties from one or more Species
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From facts communicated to me by Mr. Blyth, on the habits, voice, constitution, and structure of the humped Indian cattle, it is almost certain that they are descended from a different aboriginal stock from our European cattle;
and some competent judges believe that these latter have had two or three wild progenitors,- whether or not these deserve to be called species.
This conclusion, as well as that of the specific distinction between the humped and common cattle, may, indeed, be looked upon as established by the admirable researches of Professor Rutimeyer.
With respect to horses, from reasons which I cannot here give, I am doubtfully inclined to believe, in opposition to several authors, that all the races belong to the same species.
 | | horses |
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