McClure's American horse, cattle and sheep doctor

Front matter

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Class Book.

Preface

In the preparation of this work the motives of the author have been other than those of profit or popularity. A worthier object, one of broader and deeper purport, will perhaps manifest itself in, and grow out of, its careful examination and use — that of enabling the many thousands throughout the country, who have devoted less attention and fewer years to the subject, to reap the benefit of his experience. That much study and practice are essential to a work of this description, all will concede ; for injury and loss to an incalculable amount must necessarily result where these are wanting. It is, therefore, because of his uniform success as a veterinarian, and his abiding interest in the noblest and most useful of animals, that the author has consented to publish The American Horsb, and Cattle and Sheep. The amount of care and labor expended upon it will be amply remunerated in whatever of suffering is alleviated, and improvement effec^^, in the treatmei/t of the animals named in its title.

The reader will find the book throughout to be truthful, concise, and clear — free from any literary nicety or labored effort — ^frowning upon the destructive and injurious system

PREFACE.

of bleeding, blistering, physicking and firing — opposed to the low feeding or starving of animals suffering from disease or accident. The diseases and treatment of each animal are considered under their simplest and best known names, and in alphabetical order, thereby affording to every one a work of practical usefulness and convenience of reference. The articles on the "Railroad Disease of Cattle,^^ the " Cause and Prevention of the Texan Fever among Market Cattle,'^ "Useful Hints on Feeding, and the Humane Management of Horses,^^ " Coup de Soleil, or Sunstroke,^^ " Frost Bites,^^ and " Typhosus,^^ among others, will be found of special interest to amateurs, farmers, and stock-breeders, in various parts of the country.

The advantage afforded the public in the low price of the work cannot fail to make it extensively useful in pointing out a safe and highly successful system. It is designed for a text book, presents much information contained in no other similar work, and wherever consulted, will awaken men to the many injurious teachings of old authors in new dresses.

The author desires in this connection to express his acknowledgments to X. A. Willard, A. M., and Hon. William I. Skinner, of Little Falls, N. Y. ; and to Sylvester J. Megargee, Esq., of Philadelphia. Also, to S. J. Sharpless, William Massey, and Samuel Huston, Esqs., importers and extensive breeders of valuable stock, and to William Wallace, Esq., and Messrs. R. L. & C. L, Nicholson, all of Philadelphia.