PREFACE. V 



I desire to make especial mention of the Agricultural Press. From many 

 papers I have quoted from all, derived something of value which has 

 aided me in my work. The following list, while it does not include all, 

 represents most of the periodicals devoted wholly or in part to live 

 stock to which I am in any way indebted : Turf, Field and Farm, New York;. 

 Breeder's Gazette, Chicago; National Live-Stock Journal, Chicago; Ameri- 

 can Agriculturist, New York ; Western Agriculturist, Quincy, Ills. ; Cana- 

 dian Live- Stock Journal, Hamilton, Ont. , Canada; American Sheep Breeder,. 

 Chicago; Herds and Flocks, Chicago; Hoard's Dairyman, Fort Atkinson,, 

 Wis. ; Spirit of the Times, New York ; Country Gentleman, Albany, N. Y. ; 

 Rural New- Yorker, New York ; Soiithern Cultivator, Atlanta, Ga. ; Amer- 

 ican Farmer, Fort Wayne, Ind. ; Farm and Home, Springfield, Mass. ; 

 Breeder's Journal, Beecher, 111. ; Texas Farm and Ranch, Dallas ; Texas 

 Live-Stock Journal, Fort Worth; and the Texas Stockman and Farmer, of 

 San Antonio. 



To many breeders I am indebted for information respecting various 

 matters of interest, and to each I would express my appreciation of the 

 aid thus kindly given. Among others to whom I am indebted in a per- 

 sonal way, I can not fail to mention my father, Lyman J. Curtis ; to the 

 early training on the farm, under his at times severely strict direc- 

 tion, I owe much of whatever I have since jDeen able to accomplish ; the 

 later instruction of my valued friend, Professor S. A. Knapp, is remem- 

 bered with pleasure and profit. Of more immediate importance has 

 been the faithful assistance of my wife ; without her aid, relieving me 

 from all details of correspondence and clerical work, it would have been 

 impossible to publish this volume for at least another year. To my co- 

 worker, Professor F. A. Gulley, I am indebted for valuable suggestions ; 

 to Professor Louis L. Mclnnis, Chairman of our Faculty, for various 

 courtesies; and to my assistant, Mr. J. F. Duggar, and Foreman of Farm, 

 Mr. J. H. Alsworth, I return thanks for relief from routine work which 

 would otherwise have required my personal attention. 



THE AUTHOR. 



STATE AGRL. AND MECHL. COLLEGE, 

 COLLEGE STATION, TEX., 

 August, 1888. 



