Vlll INTKUDUCTION. 



of iny positions have been newly taken, and I have deemed it wise 

 that the proper evidences accompany them in each case respectively. 



In iny reference to time records, I have used the tables which have 

 been prepared for the Stock Journals, three of them in number, and as 

 they do not altogether agree, I wish it understood that allowance 

 must be made theiein for any imperfections or errors of recortis. 



It is proper that I should state that in the pursuit of the studies 

 which have resulted in this work, and in the preparation of the treatise 

 itself, I have made free use of all the cui-rent books, journals and 

 other literature of the day bearing- on the subject under consideration. 

 The Stud Books and volumes of the Troffim/ Ti<'<jlstei\ of course, 

 have been my constant books of reference in the study of pedigrees, 

 and the various turf and other journals have furnished me much 

 information. I wish to say that while I frequently refer to the over- 

 turning of ])edigrees in the Trotting Rt'<iistei\ it is with no sjiirit of 

 fault finding. The very careful and laborious editor makes his pedi- 

 grees from the best information at hand, and I am happy to say, that I 

 believe he is always ready to overturn one when he has found a better 

 one, or one supported by better evidence. His work possesses great 

 value from this fact. 



I acknowledge myself indebted to him and his labors, and while I 

 often refer to him and do not always assent to his views, it is at all 

 times with feelings of a high ai)]ireciation for his valua])le labors. 



I desire to express my acknowledgment for much valuable assistance 

 and aid at various stages of my work rendered by J. H. Sanders, 

 Editor of the JYafio/ial Tyhw-Stock Jtmrnal. The exti-acts from that 

 journal included in the first chapter of this work are mainly from his 

 pen and c(jver the points so nearly as I would have expressed them, 

 that it would have looked like taking them without due credit to the 

 author had I done otherwise than as I liave. I need hardly say they 

 embody much careful reflection well expressed. 



To the many gentlemen in all parts of this country who have at 

 all times furnished me information and afforded me many opportuni- 

 ties for investigation, I i-eturn my sincere and gratefid acknowledg- 

 ments. 



Although the work here presented may contain some errors and 

 many imperfections, I am consoled with the hope that it may still 

 suggest some ideas of value, and lead others to pursue with more 

 satisfactory and valuable results the train of stiulies which have 

 given me so much giatlHc^ation. 



