PREFACE. 



In publisliing a new volume of the Herd Book, with the name of 

 a new Editor attached to it, the subject for consideration becomes 

 one bearing rather on the future than the past — one redolent, 

 perhaps, more of promise than performance. Any question as to 

 the necessity for a work of this character, or the manner in which 

 it has hitherto been prepared, forms no text for the present pro- 

 prietor to usher in his own claims with : both have been long and 

 amply answered. The use of the Book, and the ability of the 

 gentlemen who so long conducted it, can be best estimated by the 

 reception the Work has met with from the pubhc — a support far 

 too decided to require one word on behalf of its actual continua- 

 tion. The Editor is fiUly sensible that the grand point now rests 

 with himself — the question how far he may be qualified to suc- 

 ceed those who have succeeded so well, and how able he may be 

 to progress in a pursuit of which the most arduous part has been 

 accomplished. Here, again, he knows that, to a great extent, he 

 must turn to the same proof as his predecessors, and that his 

 labours must be looked on as his best arguments. At the same 

 time, however, he may perhaps be permitted to offer a word or 

 two as to the reasons which led him to enter on duties for which 

 so much experience — if not, indeed, natural predilection — is re- 

 quired. For above twenty years, then, has the study of his pro- 

 fession constantly associated him with the most eminent breeders 

 and farmers of the kingdom ; while his long intimacy with the 

 Messrs. Coatcs has, he flatters himself, been attended with some of 

 that advantage their well-practised observation might be supposed 

 to impart. Thus, with the thorough countenance of those who 

 commenced, and the kind encouragement of a large nmnber of 

 eminent breeders whose support went so far to establish, the 

 Herd Book (amongst the first of whom may be ranked the late 

 esteemed Earl Spencer), its new Editor intends to carry on the 

 Work according to the material he may collect and the occasion 

 there may be for using it. That this may be effected with some- 

 thing of that feeling of mutual satisfaction which hitherto has 

 passed between its patrons and proprietors is his greatest hope, 

 and one which shall lack no attention or exertion on his part to 

 realize. 



