PREFACE 
THE original material of which this book is composed 
was prepared for the Cyclopedia of American Agricul- 
ture, Volume III, by men who have been more or less 
eminently identified with the respective breeds of which 
they write. Since successful breeders are essentially 
specialists in their particular breeds, the most authori- 
tative presentation of the historic facts, points of merit 
and economic importance of these breeds should be 
expected from those breeders who have devoted them- 
selves most exclusively to them. 
This subject-matter has been revised, rearranged, am- 
plified and brought up to date with the view of making 
a book that shall serve as a hand-book for the breeder 
and a text-book for the student. The revision has been 
made by Dr. Carl W. Gay, Professor of Animal In- 
dustry in the University of Pennsylvania, a teacher 
and investigator of wide experience and an author of 
high standing. The revisions of the different parts 
have been approved by the original authors, so far as 
living; and the book therefore has double authority, 
the advantage of statements made by persons who are 
identified with the different breeds, and a comparable 
treatment throughout. Only the descriptive parts of 
the original articles have been utilized in making this 
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