The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1821-10-17
Forester County Agri-
cultural Society.
REPORT ON WORKING OXEN.

The Committee on Working Oxen
have derived great satisfaction in wit
Messing the specimen of the power and
tractability OF the noble animals under
their view. Much was expected from
an exhibition to test the excellence of
this species of stock, the prime agent
of the farmer, and the pride of our
County and the anticipations of all
were fully realized.
In recommending the premiums, the
Committee had regard, not only to the
power of the Oxen in moving the load,
as required, but to the manner and style
in which it was effected-it being an
exhibition of their training as we'll as
their strength, In most Of these points,
all were excellent; and the mass Of
spectators, probably, were at a loss to
judge which, among all the COMPETE
tors, was the most worthy. The Com
mittee, however, whose duty it was to
be more minute and discriminating, had
no difficulty in deciding, as three of the
five composing their number, without
concert, but from their minutes made
on the ground, agreed, not only as to
the names Of the successful competitors
but to their order, as reported-and the
fourth, differed only as respected two of
them. Upon this experimental result
the final question was settled. The.
Committee have directed their Chair
man to report that they recommend to
the Trustees to award to
Darius Putnam, of Sutton, LIST Premium, s 10
To Silas Dudley, of Sutton, the I'd, 10
To Salmon Hathaway, ofGraiton, the Sd, 8
To Jonas l.. Sibley, of Sutton, the 4ih, 6
To Lewis Sibley, of Oxford, the 5th, 5
Next to the poUer of working Oxen in
performing the diversified labour of
farm, their skill in applying their
strength is important. The patience
of the Ok Is proverbiaf, and his docility
is no less remarkable of course, little
it required to train them for the most
efficient use. There is an exception to
this rule for it is sometimes found that,
like their masters, they vary in their
disposition. This should be seasonably
watched; for those of fractions or stab
born tempers should not be destined to
the yoke. 1t is rare that they ever be-
come sufficiently subdued to be trusty.
They will naturally be quick and ac-
tive, but never sure They are more
FESTIVE when impeded by heavy load ).
and in their fury will endanger, if
not upset it, to the hazard of the life or
limb of the driver, who, not unfre-
quently, has less patience and more I'M
governable temper than his cattle, and
by his discipline increases the evil of
their untoward disposition. Many lives
are annually lost by the capricious
freaks of ungoyernable Oxen. Gentle
ness and kind treatment conduce no less
to the good conduct of the animal than
to the rational world. Seeding and
whipping, as an ordinary mode Of gov
eminent, is no better adapted to perfect
calf than child Another material
objection to fiery tempered cattle, is,
that they are generally unruly, and
rarely have propensity to flesh. BY
their death they seldom expiate the
vices of their lives.
In the view Of the Committee, it is
important that cattle, intended for la
bour, should be handled while young, and
early accustomed 10 the yoke. Their
propensities will thus be discovered be-
fore they gain strength, and if at all,
will be more easily controlled. A good
match is more easily found; and they
more readily assimilate with each others