The native Virginian. [volume] (Orange Court House, Va.) 1867-187?, 1870-02-04
ABOUT OXEN,

A good OK should have long lean
face, and bright hazle eye, which shows
capability to receive instruction and
disposition to obey it, Large nostrils
denote the capacity of the OK to work
in hot day. Very large horns ct the
base denote lazlness, Full breast,
straight back, wide ribs-by which is
meant ribs that round out nearly as
wide as the hip bones-and wide gam
brel, denote strength. Straight knees
bro ad toes, pointing straight forward
show an OK can travel on hard roads er
pavement. They should be matched
especially in disposition and speed.
The farmer who has apair ST oxen
answering this description has a good
team.
The next thing is good tearnster.
The better the OK, the easier he 10
spoiled by a man who knows not how
TO drive. This teamster should have
Judgement in loading. Some team
sters know no better than to think an
OK can draw any thing until they try
him. An OK should never be overload
ed to begin with. He never should
know how much he can draw, but
always have such confidence in his
driver az to think he can draw any
thing he may ask him to.
A good teamxter will have name fo-
every OK, and no two in the same team
should be called by the same name,
nor should he ever speak one word
that has no meaning; but be sure when
he calls an OK by name to make him
understand, and also to make him
| mind what he says.
| When breaking new team, the best
| way ever found to make them know
their names is when call STAR or
Broad or Bright, or Buck, to just
touch the one speak to with spur.
BY that means the OK will soon know
| that he is meant, whenever lac hears
his name distinctly pronounced.
The driver should also have one par
| tioular word to start his team with.
Come, boys l ever found the best
| word to start heavy load with. Some
seem to think when they are driving a
| team, that they must work the who 10
time, either with their tongue or whip.
1t would be most desirable thing for
such to learn, when the team are doing
! Just right, to keep both tongue aad
| whip perfectly still. What would you
think of an officer who, when his men
were marching along AZ handsomely as
possible, should keep jabbering inces-
sanity without meaning? All tho
words needed in driving are very few.
| think tho following arc sufficient !:
Come 'Haw, Gee ''Whea,' Back
These properly used, are all that are
needed. Much talk makes confusion.
have known some men halloo and
bawl all day long, and make themsel-
yes hoarse, who could not at night give
any meaning to one word in ten they
had said. Such would do we'll to learn
themselves, before they try to teach
their oxen, A good teamster will
make his his cattle love him. This on
ly can be done by constant kind treat
ment; such as carding, stroking their
faces, and occasionally breathing In
their nostrils; this last is the best meth
cd to fiGd out the disposition Of an OK.
Whom you have breathed few times
in his nostrils, if he is kind he will hold
up his nose; otherwise he will catch il
away, and perhaps toss horn at you.
In shert make yourself sociable with
them and they will amply repay you
for your kindness. Never strike an
OK unless compelled by obstinacy, and
by proper management that necessity
will occur very, very seldom. .-E1.