AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION 



THAT knowledge is power is an oft repeated maxim. It is a truism, 

 and that knowledge is safety is quite as great a truth. With these 

 thoughts as an impelling motive this book is written for the farmer 

 and stock owner. It is the purpose to tell them what they should know 

 concerning the details of a great interest — one which pertains to every 

 farm and to every one owning a horse, cow% or other domestic animal. It 

 is time that such book is written. Its facts are given in language such as 

 the unprofessional stock OAvner can understand, and its remedies are such 

 as he can procure and apply. Its teachings concerning breeds, breeding, 

 training and the general care of live stock — its instructions in the charac- 

 teristics of the various breeds of all domestic animals — their points of 

 excellence and strength — have both educational and financial value which 

 it is believed should be wdthin the reach of every stock owner. 



Since my previous book on the same general subjects was written, many 

 diseases have developed and important advances made in popular vet- 

 erinary practice. The general demand for all this information has been 

 most manifest and the meeting of that demand would seem to be in the 

 line of imperative duty. 



In the veterinary departments special effort has been made to give the 

 causes producing disease, so that knowing the cause the disease may be 

 obviated. Prevention is better than cure, and this fact is emphasized 

 throughout the volume. Equal care has been observed in describing and 

 giving symptoms, so that the reader may, with as unerring certainty as 

 possible, know the nature of the disease, and hence, what to do — and 

 when to call for professional treatment. When the services of a skilled 

 veterinary surgeon are required it has been imperatively advised, and care 

 has been taken to distinguish between popular treatment and that requir- 

 ing scientific and skillful management. In prescribing remedies the 

 effort has been to give those within the reach of the farmer — such as he 

 can procure, prepare, and easily administer. 



In like manner unfamiliar words and technical phrases have been 

 avoided as far as possible, consistent with scientific accuracy of statement. 

 Clearness and conciseness of expression have been carefully consulted, 

 and, to further conduce to a correct understanding, elaborate glossaries 



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