PREFACE 



THE original material of which this book is composed 

 was prepared for the Cyclopedia of American Agricul- 

 ture, Volume III, by men who have been more or less 

 eminently identified with the respective breeds of which 

 they write. Since successful breeders are essentially 

 specialists in their particular breeds, the most authori- 

 tative presentation of the historic facts, points of merit 

 and economic importance of these breeds should be 

 expected from those breeders who have devoted them- 

 selves most exclusively to them. 



This subject-matter has been revised, rearranged, am- 

 plified and brought up to date with the view of making 

 a book that shall serve as a hand-book for the breeder 

 and a text-book for the student. The revision has been 

 made by Dr. Carl W. Gay, Professor of Animal In- 

 dustry in the University of Pennsylvania, a teacher 

 and investigator of wide experience and an author of 

 high standing. The revisions of the different parts 

 have been approved by the original authors, so far as 

 living; and the book therefore has double authority, 

 the advantage of statements made by persons who are 

 identified with the different breeds, and a comparable 

 treatment throughout. Only the descriptive parts of 

 the original articles have been utilized in making this 





