PREFACE 



This book is designed as an introductory text to the study of 

 veterinary science in agricultural schools and colleges. It is 

 hoped that stockmen may also find it useful as a reference and aid 

 in the care of animals. In Part I an effort has been made to 

 correlate the structure and function of each organ of the body, 

 and to show how the hidden, parts are related to the form, move- 

 ments, and utility of the animal. In Part II the causes, methods 

 of prevention, and effects of disease are considered. 



The horse has been taken as a type, for the reason that it is 

 customary to use this animal as a basis for comparison fvith our 

 other domestic animals. Reference to cattle, sheep, and swine 

 has been purposely omitted to keep the book within convenient 

 size for use, and so that the teacher may supplement the text 

 with lectures relative to these animals, as his judgment directs. 

 It is recommended that the class-room instruction be amplified 

 with demonstrations in the laboratory, stock-judging pavilion, 

 and clinic whenever possible, as material help is derived from 

 direct observation. 



Lack of training in matters pertaining to the health of our 

 horses and knowledge about nursing them when they are sick are 

 largely responsible for the loss from disease during 1913 in the 

 United States of over 500,000 head, valued at $58,000,000. If 

 this book aids in preventing such a stupendous loss in the future, 

 it will have justified all efforts that have been made in its prepara- 

 tion. 



One difficulty encountered in writing the manuscript is that 

 of selecting the most suitable material from the immense amount 



9 



