The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1822-12-04
WORCESTER COUNTY .aGRICUL-
TUR.AL SOCIETY.
Report on Working Oxen.

on TINS Interesting anniversary anu nave
now the honour to report the result
Seventeen yokes of Oxen were en-
tered with the Recording Secretary for |
premium, as working cattle. But ten !
of them, however, were brought on
the ground. The several yokes were
successfully put to cart, loaded with !
1000 weight of stones, which they
drew with ease up hill of quite steep
ascent and most of them would back
the load on the return, where there
was considerable ascent The time al
lowed US would not permit trial on the
boat; and indeed there were not suifi-
cient means provided, had time per-
mitted.
We found If exceedingly difficult to
determine on the claims of the several
competitors, which will not be thought
strange, when it is considered that every
yoke with the exception of one only,)
drew the load without any difficulty,
and with almost equal ease, which made
ii necessary TO examine and regard
other qualifications such as age, equal
ity of match, dociIity, as well as their
general appearance. And, indeed, it is
not only possible, but probable, that
after sincere endeavours TO do justice,
We may have erred. But we assure
competitors and the publick, that so
far as devoted attention to the dis
charge of our duty in making the nee
essary arrangements and attending on
the exercise of the cattle, during the
short period allowed for that purpose,
with view to do justice without par
TALLY, can give personal satisfaction,
they have the happiness to enjoy it, and
feel confidence in the candour Of
those who may have been disappointed
in not having premiums awarded to
them.
Fhe Committee awarded to Mr.. Luther
Whiting, of Sutton, the first pre-
MUM, for yoke of 4 years old Cat
tie, $500
To Col. Seth Wyman, of Shrewsbury,
the second premium, for a pair of 5
years old Cattle, 1900
To Jonas L. Sibley, ESQ. of Sutton, the
third premium, for yoke of years
old Oxen, 1000
And to Mr.. Nath'l. Gates, of Worces-
ter, the fourth premium, for pair of
6 years old Oxen, $500
The Committee exceedingly regret
that the funds of the Society did not
enable the Trustees to authorize the
Committee to award more premiums. =
We with pleasure noticed fine yoke of
red cattle, owned by Mr.. Darling, of
o. uurcesfer-dIso, yoke OF espe6kIed
oxen, belonging TO Mr.. Dudley, of SUIT
ion. MIR. Dudley's oxen, having, as the
Committee was informed, taken the
second premium az former exhibition.
did not think themselves authorized 10
award premium TO them, as in the
opinion of the Committee, they were
not entitled TO the first premium. In
deed, every yoke of oxen exhibited ey-
idence of great skill, attention, and per-
severance in their owners, as well as
strength, dociIity and beauty in them
selves.
We cannot omit this pleasing opportu-
nifty ofcongratulating our fellow-citizens
OF the county, that notwithstanding many
are violently opposed to such Societies,
and endeayour TO persuade the commu-
nifty that much money is expended to
worse than no purpose; we have this
day witnessed The beneficial effects, re-
sulting from the exertions of individuals
IN the display and exhibition of such
number of beautiful animals, and OF
household and other manufactures.
which is undoubtedly attributable, in
great measure, TO such Societies.
Indeed, any person of observation
who has visited the different parts
OF the county some years since, and
lately, cannot but be impressed with
the surprising Improvements which
have been made in the quality of Stock
OF every kind, except Horses in the
modes of managing farms; the increase
OF crops of almost every description
which must have been produced by
some cause which has given an impulse
and stimulus 10 agriculture.
We cannot but notice with approba-
ton and pleasure the course which the
farmers of this county have adopted in
rearing and dtsciplining oxen instead of
horses, to perform most of the team
labour on their farms. Although the
horse is very useful animal, and we
lament that SO little attention is paid to
the improvement of the breed; vet we
are satisfied beyond all nnest;o, H., 1.