The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-11-01
working Oxen.

Report of Norfolk farmer at the late Agricul-
tural Fair in Dedham, the trial of working
The committee on working oxen have attended
TO the duty assigned 10 them. Having already re-
ported at the adjourned meeting on the evening of
the Goth the names OF the successful competitors for
the society's premiums, they now avail themselves
of the permission granted TO extend the report
somewhat more in detail, with such remarks as
may seem pertinent to the occasion.
Merely 10 state that A. b. entitled 10 the first
premium, and L. ID. to the second, and 50 on-how
ever gratifying the annuncaton of these facts may
be To the successful parties and their riendswould
seem TO furnish but very little practical informa
ton TO others who may not have witnessed this part
of the days exhibition.
IL Is a common remark and not more common
than true, that We sadly deficient in agricul
tural statistics and accurate data for our govern
ment in working farm to the best advantage.
The institution OF agricultural societies was in
tended, among other important objects, 10 remedy
this deficiency.
In looking over of the reports of other socie
ties, the committee regret 10 say that il would be
difficult, II not impossible, to make comparison
OF the relative performances Of the oxen of one
county with those of another. What would be
termed pretty considerable hill'' in the county
OF Norfolk would not be thought much of in Berk
shire, and would hardly be accepted as gift in
some counties in New Hampshire A yoke Of oxer
used to drawing the green lumber over the clay
roads In Maine, with depth of rut halfway to the
hub, would feel il to be sport to draw two tons
up short hill in Dedham With these impres
sions the committee have caused Cart Bridge hill,
where the work done, 10 be accurately mea
sured and its elevation ascertained. The distance
over which the drew is $50 feet, the height of
the hill % feet, which Is grade of about $50 feet
TO the mile. The weight of the load, exclusive of
the cart was two tons, the wheel tire 81 inch. The
time ranged from 2, to 81 minutes up, and J to 2 !
minutes down. The tongue of the cart being not
long enough to enable the larger to work fairly
in backing up hill, and time to remedy this
defect, tins part OF the work was necessarily omit
ted This fact is now mentioned that il may not
occur again. The road is firm, gravelly crown,
excepting about one rod at the bottom start
ing place, which is sandy. The age and weight of
the oxen are also noted as forming, in the opinion
Of the committee, elements necessary in estimating
the work performed. The committee, in awarding
the premiums, were not little embarrassed by the
almost equal claims of the competitors. They have,
however, endeavored TO decide with strict impair
TALLY.
From the ease with which the work was done it
is believed that fifty per cent more load might have
been added without taxing the teams 10 the extent
of their ability. The oxen were in most excellent
condition, and their appearance bore ample testi
mony that they had good reason TO % know their
owners crib
very useful lesson was taught by the teamsters
on this OCCASION viz that quietness of manner and
gentle urging are much more efficient means of
getting :" a heavy load up HILL" than boisterous
scoding or goading, the operative power.
To G. A. Parker, of Roxbury, first premium, SIS.
Oxen six years old, weight $500. s. Smith, team
ster.
To Asa Rideout, of Dorchester, second premium,
SO. Oxen six years old, weight 3,l00. Himself
teanster.
ToA. d. Williams, jr., of Roxbury, third pre-
| MUM, SIS. Oxen six years old, weight $500. A..
Boothby, teamster.
To iona French, Brantree, fourth premium,
| "a. Oxen five years old, weight 1900. Pratt,
| teamster.
| Respectfully submitted.
THOMAS MOTLEY, Chairman.
DEDHAM, Sept. 80, lS49.