ANIMAL HUSBANDRY 185 



etc., take away little fertility from the farm, and bring 

 to it a comparatively large amount of money. 



Breeds of Live Stock As there are many races of 

 men, each having some peculiarities that distinguish it 

 from the others, so there are great families in the animal 

 world. These large families having distinguishing 

 qualities that are transmitted from parent to offspring, 

 are called breeds. 



The different breeds of farm animals have been pro- 

 duced largely by careful selection and the mating of such 

 animals as have certain traits or peculiarities that man 

 desires to hold. 



The various breeds of cattle are probably descended 

 from the same stock. Although there are about one hun- 

 dred different breeds known in the world, there are but 

 a few that are important for us to know. They may be 

 divided into two great classes, depending on their pur- 

 pose: dairy breeds and beef breeds. The dairy breeds 

 have for their chief purpose the production of milk, butter 

 and cheese. The beef breeds have for their chief pur- 

 pose the production of flesh or beef. 



QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES. 



1. Name the leading animal products that are produced 

 on farms. 



2. How may stock raising enrich the soil? 



3. Name the two great classes of cattle. What is the 

 purpose of each? 



4. Name the leading breeds of cattle, horses, hogs, and 

 sheep raised in your home locality. 



