PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. 



IN the preparation of the work herewith offered to the public, our 

 aim has been to select from the science which treats of the rational 

 improvement of domestic animals the science of zootechnics that 

 chapter which bears upon the consideration of the external forms and 

 the characteristics of the horse in their connection with his mechanical 

 aptitudes and, his commercial value. 



This study, for which we have retained the name given to it by the 

 founder of veterinary schools, merits a treatment very different from 

 the theoretical and empirical one accorded to it by the majority of our 

 predecessors. We have endeavored, therefore, on all important points, 

 to base our opinions upon numerous careful researches pursued by 

 ourselves in person ; and from these data we have deduced, or by them 

 confirmed, the principles of a judicious appreciation of the physical 

 and moral qualities of the horse. 



To our teaching colleagues, our associates, our pupils, and all others 

 who have aided us in our task, we here acknowledge our deep gratitude. 

 If we have not cited the names and treatises of all the authors who 

 have written upon the exterior of the horse, it is because we had de- 

 termined, in the matter of bibliography and out of consideration for 

 our readers, to abstain from all idle discussions and uninteresting 

 controversies. As for the rest, we think we have done them full 

 justice in the numerous citations we have made from their works. 



Our labors have been singularly facilitated by the friendly interest 

 and generosity of our publishers, who will allow nothing to stand in 

 the way of the successful completion of a book useful to science, and, 

 in particular, of one useful to the veterinarian. 



We are indebted atao to M. G. Nicolet, librarian to the veterinary 

 school of Alfort, whose artistic skill has reproduced, among other sub- 

 jects, with an exactness hitherto unknown in works of this kind, the 

 characteristics of the dental wear, the recognition of which is a matter 

 of such great importance in determining the age. 



ARMAND GOUBAUX, GUSTAVE BARRIER. 



ALFORT, March 15, 1884. 



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