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BREEDING, STOCK-RAISING ETC. 435 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



BREEDING, STOCK-RAISING, ETC. 



If the relative importance of the different branches of our 

 subject had alone decided the arrangement of this volume, 

 this chapter might properly have been placed at the very be- 

 ginning of our work. We have here to consider not merely 

 the birth of the young animal, but, likewise, all the circum- 

 stances having a bearing upon that event, and then to trace 

 the history of the colt onward to his years of strength and 

 maturity. 



We enter upon this portion of our task not without some 

 misgivings. A mistake in this department would be more 

 fatal, would do more harm, than a blunder almost anywhere 

 else. Then, too, every novice in the business of stock-raising 

 is satisfied that he knows pretty nearly all that is to be known 

 concerning it, and can hardly be instructed in any particular. 

 IsText to politics, this subject is probably the most common 

 topic of discussion among the majority of our farmers. jN^or 

 is the importance which they attach to it by any means an 

 undue one. As a general rule, nothing can progress satisfac- 

 torily or end well that does not begin aright. 



As man has taken this matter, as far as he can do it, out 

 of the hands of the Creator, and has assumed to direct and 

 control it, he should have the full benefit of all the light and 

 experience which is attainable in regard to it. Doubtless 

 our views will call forth some adverse criticism, and, in some 

 quarters, perhaps strenuous opposition. Nevertheless, we pro- 

 pose to state them fully and candidly, so that, while it is too 

 much to expect that all will be convinced, no one need mis- 

 understand upon what grounds our opinions are based. The 

 reason for the faith that is in us shall be given clearly, as it 

 has been deduced from long observation and experience. 



