X PREFACE. 



ance with the relative value and economical uses of the 

 different breeds of our domesticated animals. 



To remove the causes of mistaken practice, in a 

 branch of industry so important to the interests of 

 producers and consumers, may be regarded as matter 

 of national interest. Prom the produce of live-stock 

 in this country, a large part of the subsistence of the 

 people, of the materials of our manufactures, of the 

 profits of the farmer, and of the revenue of the land- 

 holder, is derived. In many parts of the kingdom 

 tillage is difficult or impracticable, and the only valu- 

 able production is live-stock ; and it is not too much 

 to assert, that half the rental of the British Islands 

 is derived from this source. These considerations will 

 make it appear, how much the study and advancement 

 of this department of rural economy merit the atten- 

 tion of those who seek to widen the channels of native 

 industry. 



Several years ago I published an account of the 

 Breeds of the more important Domesticated Animals 

 of this country, the Horse, the Ox, the Sheep, the 

 Goat, the Hog, accompanied by an extensive series of 

 coloured lithographic prints, being portraits of animals 

 of the different races, selected from the stocks of the 

 most eminent breeders in different parts of the king- 

 dom. This Work, in two large Volumes, is before the 

 public, and has been republished in other countries. 

 It has appeared to me, that the substance of it might 

 be presented to agriculturists in a different and less 



