The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1865-02-17
Aaitaltmd.
The Raising OF Stock.

Does 10 pay? Many OF our farmers say
that il does not. But why should il not ?
Fifty years ago farmers thought it did pay,
and since then the value Of some kinds OF
stock has been doubled, and that without the
cost being increased.
always raise all the calves born on my
place, and have bought several at slight ad
vance on butchers prices.
BY raising stock do not wish to be un-
stood rs meaning the exclusive rearing OF
stock and neglect of other branches Of arm-
ing. mean to say that farmers ought to raise
moro stock than they do. Calves can be had
low, and seldom lower than now. Don't
mind tho butchers when thcy say you never
can make more on calf than you can at four
weeks old !; il is to their interest to say so.
I know butcher who, while he tells his GUS
toners this, yet, whenever he comes across
fine calf, no buys il to kill (some time), but
it finds its way into his field. To my certain
knowledge no has now ten spring calves, near
ly all Of one age, running about his farm, all
OF which were bought to kill (some timc).
believe 1t does pay, and have arrived at
this conclusion by experience. But IL you
raise them, let il be done well. Dou't make
stcers, oxen or cows as wild as any deer /; bet
ter leave II alone. Although some calves arc
by natural disposition more wild, yet by prop
or treatment this wildness, or, moro properly,
this timidity, may be conquered before the
calf is four weeks old.
Auy one who has read the agricultural de-
partmeht Of your Journal for tho last few
years, will have no trouble in selecting plan
To bring them to tho age Of Ave or six weeks.
This is the most important era in the educa-
tion of the calf. and habits then acquired arc
too often lasting. Patience, sood-naturo and
kindness are abs lutely necessary to raise
calf as II should he done. Those who do not
control these properties are those who will
find that stock raising don'tpay.
Always learn calf to allow itself to be
handled all over. While being fed is good
time to put this in practice.
know OF no better way Of making quiet
animal than to turn il over TO the boys, and
lot them put il in single harness or yoke two
together whether they be male or female),
and play with them as they see fit. But let
tho calves do what they may, don't let them
be abused.
Too many Of our farmers neglect to pro-
vide themselves with good. ho,ne-raised oxen.
but are content with half.broken. runaway
stecrs. Some who have no boys will say they
have not time to break them. 1 will give
such plan whereby little or no time Is lost
in b,eaking-so-called and often too truly.
Raisc the calf In the manner which have
mentioned, and by occasional handling and
yoking keep them quiet until three or three
and half years old. Then yoke them and
put thcm behind pair OF quiet oxen, to
, plow or cart. Don't load too heavily. but
allow them to have their own way for awhile;
il they arc as quiet rs they should be, they
will not do any mischief, and the old yoke OF
oxen will pull the load and keep the Others
straight. The young steer will soon begin
to pull with the others, and the load may be
increased. Learn them to back without the
cart; then with tho cart, hut down hill !;
then up hill, and then with the load. When
backing, always make them hold their heads
up; one half our oxen spoil their backing
by holding their noses on OF near the ground
When trying to make an OF back a heavy
load. never hit or whip him about tho head |;
it only makes him put his head down to the
ground. Hit him on the shins-one or two
iicht strokes on the shins will do more good
in backing oxen (whether old or young) than
Z twenty about the head.
A yoko Of oxen should be used as careful.
ly as q pair Of horses. IL will pay, and save
p breath. fs~
Most people have an idea that anybody can
drive and work with pair OF oxen, but
would much rather trust an awkward hand
with pair Of mules than pair OF well.
trained oxen for know that the mules, II
abused. will take care Of themselves, while
tho oxen will boar il all patiently.