INTRODUCTION 3 



are finding that with the increase in land values, 

 it is impossible to pay even a reasonable interest 

 on the investment unless, along with corn, hogs, 

 cattle and sheep are raised ; unless these black soils 

 are frequently rested by the growing of some legu- 

 minous crops and by the feeding of these same crops 

 to animals raised at home. 



In profitable live stock production, of course, the 

 first thing is the raising of sufficient feed. The 

 next thing is the selection of animals in any de- 

 partment of animal industry whatever that will 

 more than pay for their keep. If these two things 

 are borne in mind; if particular attention is given 

 to the treatment of soil to produce larger crops; if 

 particular attention is given to getting rid of un- 

 desirable animals, no matter what the sacrifice may 

 be; if particular attention is given to the selection 

 of breeding stock of the chosen type, not only will 

 the animals themselves become more profitable, 

 but the fertility of the land will be built up rather 

 than depleted. The producing capacity of every 

 section of the United States will be increased by 

 the keeping of profitable live stock. 



So it comes about that this book is written to call 

 attention to these important problems, and it is 

 given to the public with the hope that it will be a 

 factor in greater prosperity to the American farmer. 



