10 Introduction 



labor grew more valuable, he supplanted the patient ox, and made 

 possible the " winning of the West," before steam and elec- 

 tricity — neither of which have or will altogether supplant this 

 valuable animal — were harnessed for farm purposes. 



As indicated above, the part he has played would well entitle 

 him to a place among the series of bulletins being issued by the 

 Farmers' Institute Bureau of the New York State Department 

 of Agriculture on stock and crops. Since a publication of this 

 kind must deal with present-day utilities, we feel that at this 

 time in our agriculture the horse should loom large, because of 

 the fearful destruction of these animals on the battlefields of 

 Europe, thousands of them being drawn from this country. The 

 war and its results will prevent importation for years to come. 



That the horse may be properly esteemed, classified and under- 

 stood as to his breeding, handling and utility, this bulletin has 

 been prepared. We have endeavored to set forth the above con- 

 cerning him in some detail, and from many viewpoints ; yet in 

 simple language, easily to be understood. While designed 

 primarily for the people of our own state, we have endeavored 

 to make it broad enough to be of value to readers everywhere. To 

 this end we have sought contributions from a wide field ; eight 

 difterent states have furnished them. As in previous bulletins 

 from this bureau the compiler has laid tribute on some of his 

 many friends both in and out of the state. His only apology for 

 such — if there need be apology - — is that he might avail himself 

 of their knowledge for the service of others. To all such he 

 woaild here record his thanks and appreciation, which he is certain 

 the many readers will second. Particular mention should be 

 made of Prof. M. W. Harper of Cornell University and ]\Ir. E. 

 S. Akin of Syracuse, who have not only contributed leading 

 articles, but without whose advice and assistance this bulletin 

 would not have been possible. 



It is sent out with the threefold hope that it may lead to a 

 better appreciation of the horse in New York state's agi*i culture ; 

 a better understanding of his requirements, and hence a better 

 attention to his needs ; and withal an increased income and a 

 decreased outlay from our farms. 



Edward van Alstyne. 



