AUTHOR’S PREFACE.
J. R. (James Richard) Ainsworth Davis translation
The present volume of the Thaer Library was undertaken with the intention of providing agricultural colleges with a condensed review of the entire animal kingdom, but treating in greater detail the animals harmful or helpful to agriculture. I have, however, omitted all reference to the domesticated farm animals, as in all such institutions these are treated of, not by the zoologist, but by the lecturer on stock-breeding. Although the book is not allowed to exceed a certain size, I have taken great pains to make it intelligible, and venture to hope that it may be found suitable for the private use of the practical farmer. To the farmer who wishes more exhaustive information, and desires a reference book on the animal foes of agriculture, stock-breeding, horticulture, fruit-tree culture, and forestry, I venture to point out my vilarger work, Animal Foes and Friends,[1] brought out last year by the publisher of this book.
It is hoped that the present volume may be found serviceable, both in the teaching of agricultural institutions, and to the practical farmer.
DR. J. RITZEMA BOS.
Wageningen,
February, 1892.
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