Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-09-04
Farmers are Judged by their Teams.

Farmers are Judged by their Teams
1t is by no means fair to always gauge
the ambition and progressiveness oi
farmers by the team and turnout they
drive, but 1t is fact that such is largely
the case. Any farmer may at times
have the best of reasons for appearing in
public with horse or horses out Of con-
dition by reason of some disease or all
ment having attacked them. There are
times like the present rainy season when
he may be unable to keep harnesses and
road vehicles clean, bright and we'll
painted. Again, the young farmer be-
ginning at the bottom and struggling
with debt has excuse if his turnout is
worn and unsightly for time. But,
after all, as has been said, the majority
of farmers cannot afford to drive any
but good and well-kept horses, nor
appear in the towns and highways with
vehicles that are inferior, uncouth or
unpainted, since it hinders their chances
for success in business way with every
stranger and dealer with whom they
come in contact.
Those farmers who uniformly appear
with good horses, we'll groomed, we'll
shod and we'll hammered, with vehicles,
whether pleasure turnout, market wagon
or teamiug outfit, well painted, washed
and trim in every particular, commands
the respectful consideration of every be-
holder. On the other hand, those who
drive scrawny plugs, attired in dirty,
ill-adapted harness, with unpainted
rattletrap vehicles, are judged as of the
same stamp as their outfits all the way
through.
But from purely financial standpoint,
it is poor policy to keep horses, vehicles
and farm machinery in anything but the
best of condition, nor attempt to use an
animal that is unfit in it's nature or is
beyond its years of usefulness. The
cost of support is very nearly the same
whether an animal is. we'll or poorly
adapted for the work intended, and if it
becomes poor in flesh and generally un-
fit for the work required, but a part OF
the service is returned for the same or
greater outlay for support. The horse
that is in good flesh, and good general
condition, can do more and better work,
and if need be, can be pushed when
stress of work requires to do for few
days time what the horse unfit will be
unable to accomplish.
A recent example of mismanagement
of this kind was seen during the recent
haying season. A pair of young horses
that should have scaled 1,400 pounds
each, had been allowed to lose fully 800
pounds in weight apiece and were so
lacking in strength and nerve that the
effort of hauling moving machine up
not excessive grade was severe exer-
tion for them, and in turning the corners
these horses would totter, stumble and
lurch in way most pitiful, all of which
clearly marked the owner as badly lack
ing in business ability as well as humane
ness.
This team, if kept in good flesh and
spirits, would have been far and away
more valuable for any work required
and in very few weeks could more than
earn the food value that would have
been required to put them in condition
for effective work.
Another feature of the case is the
effect of good horse flesh and good turn
outs on the boys growing up on the
farms. 1t is pretty difficult for young
sters to become satisfied with farm life
if they are compelled to handle plug
horses, attached to rattletrap vehicles
when their associates are enjoying those
that are delight to those in charge
Maine Farmer.