Foreword 
O higher tribute eoiikl be paid the Percheron horse 
than that suggested by our cover plate. Can you not 
^ ahuost hear the sound of the heavy wheels and the 
splashing of the water ? This scene is signiticant of the 
times through which the horse l)usiness is passing. These 
teams have descended the hill on the other side represent- 
ing the decline in the interest of horse affairs and are now 
passing down the stream toward the place where they will 
soon take the bank. Are we not all glad that the draft horse 
business has seen its worst days and that we are now about 
to ascend the hill to better times ? 
Could there be anything more inspiring to the lovers 
of our premier breed than to note the cheerfulness with 
which these Percherons are going at their task; laying 
boldly into the collar even though their footing is uncer- 
tain? Oh that we farmers might take this illustration 
seriously in our New Year plans, looking onward and up- 
ward and not l)ackward and downward ! 
As you turn through the ])ages of this year book there 
will be picture after picture showing why the Frenchman's 
drafter has become the favorite on American soil. Yes, 
here is size, l)one, action, color, prolificacy, soundness, hardi- 
ness in every climate, ability to stand the heat, and easy 
keeping qualities— all that go to make a good, every-day 
work horse. 
If agriculture is to endure, there must be a greater use 
made of the heavy horse. If Percheron progress is to go 
on as it should, there nnist be a deeper a])preciation of good 
breeding and we must not forget that these prize-winning 
specimens are not so l)y chance, but that they rejiresent the 
accumulated care and efforts of thousands of thoughtful 
men. 
