Many breeders, who have taken the utmost pains, and have been at great expense to keep their herds pure, have not been careful to keep accurate records of the pedigrees of their stock, feeling that as long as they themselves were satisfied, their assurances would be sufficient to convince purchasers. This course answered when there were but few cattle of this breed in the country, and the necessity of an organized effort to preserve the purity of the blood had not been recognized; but hereafter it is hoped that every one liberal enough to breed thorough-bred stock, will see the advantages and the necessity of a record of pedigrees, and assist in swelling the next edition of the work, to a size more nearly commensurate with the importance of the subject. The Committee thought best to have a short history of the Ayrshires, together with the points given by the Ayrshire Agricultural Association, printed as an introduction to the work, and applied to Sanford Howard, Esq., of Boston, who kindly consented to write such an article. Mr. Howard's opportunities of studying this breed, both in Scotland and in this country have been such, that he is eminently fitted to write with authority on the subject. The Committee did not follow his suggestion and give in the Herd Book the lists of premiums taken by the animals at the various Agricultural Fairs, knowing that many of the premiums in this country have been awarded for want of competition, and by judges not acquainted with the excellencies or the peculiarities of the breed. Should this Society ever hold exhibitions, a record of the premiums taken at them would be of great value to breeders in selecting animals for stock purposes. HENRY H. PETERS, Southboro', Mass., } THOS. E. HATCH, Keene, N. H., }_Committee._ WM. BIRNIE, Springfield, Mass., } INTRODUCTION.