252 THE VETERINARIAN 



"becoming divided and fenced. With this segregation, 

 attention to breeding and care of animals began to be 

 practiced, gradually causing the animaPs evolution from 

 the wild to the domesticated state. 



As this process of evolution progressed the animal 

 became farther and farther removed from its natural 

 condition of living, becoming more dependent on man for 

 food and shelter, and with this change the animal's 

 former vitality and power to resist disease decreased 

 markedly. 



With the advancement of agriculture, and their re- 

 sultant prosperity, the farmers and settlers improved 

 their stock by importing blooded or registered males 

 and females, particularly the former, until today our 

 country is second to none in the number of good con- 

 formated draft and speed horses ; beef and dairy cattle ; 

 quick-maturing hogs; large wool and mutton-producing 

 sheep, etc. Poultry has likewise been improved for both 

 egg-laying and meat-producing qualities. The poultry 

 industry is yet in its infancy, and offers large induce- 

 ments to the practical raiser. Our importation of eggs 

 is enormous. 



The average stock raiser and poultryman has just 

 begun to realize the value of proper care and treatment 

 of his stock, and how much unnecessary loss can be pre- 

 vented by the expenditure of a little time and even less 

 mpney if given at the proper time. 



Animals and poultry are subject, just as humans, to 

 many diseases but, unfortunately, when they become ill 

 are dependent on man to recognize the symptoms of 

 disease and diagnose. Therefore, it behooves all owners 

 of stock to know and practice the fundamental neces- 

 sities of their animals' health, not only for the welfare 

 of themselves, but also as an act of humanity to dumb 

 animals. 



