The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1821-10-17

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farmers are kept in a fret with a pro-
voking team, until the temper and USE
fulness Of the good Ok is spoiled by
the perverse one-for the latter is not 10
be reclaimed. II he attempts to rene
dy the evil by changing the mate, it is
chance if this new match, like many
other second ones, is not attended by
want OF harmony, and the parties drag
on together for no other reason than
that they are yoked.
In addition to early training, the
Committee judge it will cOnduce much
to the perfection of the pair to accus-
tom them to each end of the yoke
This will prevent the habit of hauling
and crowding, and will equalize their
labopr, especially in ploughlng, where,
otherwise, one alone is made to suffer
the CALLING chain of servitude. These
observations will not be thought trivial
to those who consider how much these
animals conduce TO the interest of man,
and how much is due to them in re-
turn.
One other rule occurs to the Commit
tee, In relation TO the training of Work.
ing Oxen--that they should not at any
age, especially when young, know, by
experiment, the extent of their power.
The best team may be soon discouraged
and ruined by overlooking. This rule,
the Committee apprehend, is TOO little
regarded. Its violation is not only inn
politick but cruel. These remarks are
intended to apply to the habit of Oxen
in backing load as well as in its draft.
In this branch of their service, it is
thought, that, in this County, they are
generally too deficient. Ia this opera
ton it is peculiarly important that they
| should be successful in their first efforts.
This is to be effected with the same
caln.ness and steadiness of the driver as
in the draft. They should first be tried
with an empty cart. After getting
their heads in proper elevation, let
the driver place himself directly before
them, and with each hand, without his
whip encourage them to their task.
BY little practice, gradually increas-
ing the weight, they will easily be
made to back as much as they can draw.
1t is of immense advantage to the farmer
that this duty of his Oxen be performed
expeditiously and well. This being one
! Of their best traits in this discipline, he
will find his time and the care necessa-
ry for acquiring it, amply repaid by
! their usefulness and value. If he COM
| mences the operation with too much
weight, and by sudden vociferation
and the whip, the Oxen panied and be-
wildercd by a violent contact of the
yoke with their heads, no wonder if
they apply their strength at random,
and without use. 1t was noticed by enc
of this Committee, who attended the ex-
hibltion of Working Oxen at Brighton,
the last year, and allowed by more
competent judges, that the cattle there
tested, excelled the competitors at Wor-
! cester; the week before, in nothing but
in the dexterity in backing. And it was
said, that the owner of the Oxen enter
| ed from this County would have been
entitled TO the first instead of the second
premium, had they not been deficient in
this service. This general deficiency,
the Committee have noticed in the ex-
hibiton, which is the subject of this
Report; and they trust it will be deem
ed sufficient apology for their being
more minute on this particular head
Some Of the Oxen which had a per-
! feet command of the load IN the draft.
seemed to- have no power over it in
backing.
The foregoing remarks respecting
the initiation of Working Oxen were il
lustrated by the orderly demeanor and.
obedient conduct of those, perhaps
the youngest on the ground, owned by
one who seemed to have infused into
them his own placid temper. Nothing
but more maturity Of age and tenseness
of muscle appears to be wanting to their
becoming champions of the field.
An interesting specimen of early dis
eipline was exhibited by yoke of
Calves, attached to small cart with a
load Of wood adapted to. their strength,
which entered the list at the close of
the Exhibition. The driver, a small
Lad, appeared master of his business;
and his team was an honorable evil
dence of his skill.
The Committee regretted that the
time allotted to their special employ
ment did not allow them the opportu-
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