PREFACE. 



The object of this work is not only to give a liistorical 

 account of the Bovine race, to suggest to our farmers, and 

 cattle breeders, the best methods of their production and 

 management, but to exalt and ennoble its pursuit to the 

 dignity to which it is entitled, in the various departments 

 of American agriculture. 



I have contemplated a work of this kind for many years 

 past Indeed, its plan was partly shadowed out near 

 twenty years ago ; but on reflection, I made up my mind 

 that more personal observation was required than I then 

 possessed, and also, that further experience in the use 

 of the better, improved breeds of foreign cattle, among 

 our farmers and cattle breeders, was desirable, to give that 

 extended range of information which so important an 

 interest demanded. 



More than forty years ago, it was felt by those largely 

 engaged in stock growing for beef purposes, that our 

 "native" cattle were lamentably deficient in their most 

 desirable, as well as profitable qualities, and instead of 

 attempting to improve and raise our American native 



