The whole number recorded to the end of Howard's third volume is 2150 animals, comprising 611 bulls, and 1539 cows. _American Devon Herd Book._ The present work, the first volume of the American Devon Herd Book, published in March, 1863, under the direction of the Association of Breeders of Thorough-Bred Neat Stock, was commenced about two years since. It has progressed amid many discouraging circumstances, to say nothing of the jealousy occasioned by the locality of its origin; and has gradually won upon public confidence till the present time. It has been the design of the Committee on Devon pedigrees to perfect a Devon Herd Book that would meet the wants of all American Breeders of Devon cattle. To accomplish this they have been untiring in their labors, sparing no pains to thoroughly investigate each pedigree; and have decided upon each, according to the facts received from the testimony given. While some have been rejected, others have been deferred till more light can be given to prove their purity of blood, which may be done in season for the second volume. How far the Committee have accomplished their designs the present volume will show for itself. It is a relief, however, to the Committee to know, that the errors which may occur, can be corrected in future volumes, or the present volume can be perfected and republished. It was also designed to make _this_ the first of a series of volumes, to be published once in four years, or as often as the wants of the Devon breeders demand; and that would be worthy of the title of the American Devon Herd Book, and receive the universal patronage of all the Breeders of Devon Stock in America. Considering the state of the country, and that the attention and time of the great mass of the people are engaged in the all-absorbing and dreadful reality, civil war, and that many of our breeders and importers of Devon stock are personally engaged in their country's service, and that all the Southern States of our Union have withdrawn themselves from all connection with the Northern; considering all this, the breeders of Thorough-Bred Devon Stock have contributed for the work far beyond our most sanguine hopes. _Fifteen states_ are represented in this work by _fifty-three_ different breeders, with the pedigrees of 151 bulls and 350 cows, making in all 501 animals which are recorded in this volume, and all owned in America. POINTS OF EXCELLENCE IN A =NORTH DEVON BULL.= Purity of blood indispensable; and traced back satisfactorily to importations of both sire and dam from known English breeders, or as found in the lately established Herd Book for North Devons. Points. ART. 1.--_Head_, should be rather elevated above the line of the back, short, broad and dishing between the eyes, with full, firm frontal bone over them; muzzle fine with nostrils full and open. 4