PREFACE 



In America, raising farm animals does not receive the recogni- 

 tion that is accorded it in Europe. Because of this relative neg- 

 lect, when in search of animals with which to improve our studs, 

 herds and flocks, we still look largely to foreign lands. Conti- 

 nental Europe provides us with blood to improve our draft horses, 

 dairy cattle, and fine-wool sheep, while the British Isles furnish 

 improved blood for our beef cattle, mutton sheep, bacon swine, as 

 well as for horses, both light and heavy, and for dairy cattle. 



A comparison of European methods with those employed in 

 America reveals the fact that our methods are lacking and en- 

 tirely inadequate to produce the greatest improvement. The 

 live-stock farmers of Europe exercise much careful judgment in 

 choosing their animals, in feeding, in breeding, and in the care 

 and management. It has been with a view of aiding to promote 

 such interest in the daily work with farm animals that this 

 volume is written. This has been done with the thought that 

 increased interest will lead to improved care, which in time, it 

 is hoped, will produce a better and more useful class of farm 

 live-stock. It is well recognized that a good animal husbandry 

 lies at the bottom of a good agriculture. 



From the above, it will be seen that the author's purpose is 

 to discuss the general care and management of farm animals 

 rather than the breeds. However, a knowledge of the breeds is 

 necessary. To economize space and the reader's time, the writer 

 has adopted the method of freely inserting pictures of good 

 animals of many breeds, with liberal legends, letting them run 

 as a minor motive throughout the book. By this plan it is hoped 

 that some of the main characteristics of the breeds may be taken 

 away by the reader with little effort on his part. 



