ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 
Tue author wishes first to express his obligations to a number 
of persons who have aided in the preparation of this work. To 
Mr. Morris Roberts, of Maplewood, New Jersey, is due the credit 
for a number of the pen-and-ink drawings reproduced in the text. 
Mrs. Harry R. Lewis has materially aided in the completion of 
the work. Many practical poultrymen and teachers, whose names 
are not mentioned, have offered suggestions and encouragement, 
for which appreciation is hereby shown. To all those who have so 
earnestly and willingly aided in the work the author expresses 
his appreciation and indebtedness. 
As previously mentioned, it has been the object of the author 
to write a text on poultry husbandry which should contain in 
proper form the most complete and logical discussion of the 
subject which was possible, from the knowledge which is at present 
available. For many years the Federal Department of Agriculture, 
State Colleges of Agriculture, and State Experiment Stations 
have been experimenting and studying many of the problems 
affecting our poultry industry. In this work some institutions 
have taken a leading part in one phase of the field, while others 
have pursued still other lines. An effort has been made to include 
in this volume the latest findings from these sources, which have 
been tested out by the author in his practices. 
Special mention should be. made of the following stations. 
The poultry department of Cornell University has been a pioneer 
in the work of poultry investigations, and much of the best knowl- 
edge which we have to-day originated there. In the preparation 
of this work considerable use has been made of their findings in 
regard to poultry-house construction, breeding for vigor and egg 
production, and the value of pure-bred birds. Valuable informa- 
tion, pertaining to the molt of fowls, to the feeding of young 
and old birds, and to features of marketing, has been credited 
to the Cornell department. The poultry departments of Perdue 
University, lowa State University Connecticut Agricultural College, 
and the West Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station are among 
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