PREFACE 



When the writer began a systematic study of the types and 

 breeds of domestic animals, some years ago, he was impressed by 

 the fact that the Manuals available failed to use the comparison of 

 distinguishing characteristics. Later, when he became acquainted 

 with the taxonomic keys of his own favorite group of ammal forms* 

 it occurred to him that it might be possible to apply a similar 

 means for fixing in mind the characteristics of the types and breeds 

 of domestic animals. This he has attempted to do. 



The keys are workable only for individuals comparatively true 

 to type. Our concept of a breed or type is usually the image of 

 some individual or group of individuals, recalled from our own 

 experience, and the difficulty met is in conveying our impression to 

 others. Moreover, it must be admitted that in many cases, wide 

 acquaintance with a breed or race is the only satisfactory way to 

 recognize that an individual belongs to a certain type, without 

 referring to its pedigree. 



The many excellent photographs now available in the various 

 animal husbandry texts are, in the absence of satisfactory types, a 

 most important aid in giving correct impressions. 



No one is more aware of the difficulty involved in singling out 

 distinguishing characteristics than the writer, and it may well be 

 that some of the points have been unwisely emphasized. He will 

 welcome suggestions or corrections. 



Lawrence, Kansas. H. B. HUNGERFORD. 



