ADVANTAGES OP OXEN IN HUSBANDRY. 333 



In disrepute as animals of labour, has exceeded my most 

 sanguine expectations. That our crops are worked in so superiority of 

 expeditiously as to amaze those who contend for horse, oxen, 

 labour only, cannot be denied; in proof of which, fifty- 

 seven acres of wheat were this autumn ploughed, sown, and 

 manured in a complete manner, according to the usage of 

 the country, within three weeks, although the weather was 

 unfavourable, and the land worked close and heavy. The 

 last nine acres were ploughed, sown, dragged, and harrow- 

 ed, in one day. In obedience to the wishes of the society 

 I present them with this statement ; but I wave all claim to 

 a premium. If, however, in the ordinary course of busi- 

 ness, any man in this kingdom shall be found to ha?e done 

 more at a less cost, I shall consider myself as having tres- 

 passed unworthily on the notice of this society. It is fitting Not one beast 

 to add, that in twenty years labour I have not lost one ox Io e s ^ n twent * 

 or steer, or ever broke a yoke or pair, by sickness, death, 

 or accident. And I may farther add, that, so far from in- 

 curring any loss of value from working cattle after their 

 full growth, as is supposed to be the case with horses, 

 amounting to 25 per cent or more; my own experience, and 

 the concurring opinion of the committee sent to examine 

 our stock in the month of June last, warrant me in de- 

 claring, that working-cattle, from three to six years of age, Average gain of 

 do actually gain at the rate of 20 per cent yearly; the loss workin « cattlc - 

 in my own case, in twenty years, being nothing I 



The premium now in question, having distinctly waved Mr. Blllingsler 

 my claim to it, will probably be awarded to Mr. Billingsley ; 

 and it gives me sincere pleasure, that it should be bestowed 

 on him. He has been a most strenuous and successful ad- 

 vocate for the labour of oxen, and is well aware of its ex- 

 treme importance. Mr. Billingsley has accomplished a 

 measure hitherto untried, namely, to set out his ploughing sets out his 

 by the acre, and to apply one team of oxen, full grown, {he"^^ b?> 

 with two to assist, in all eight oxen, to constant plough- 

 labour, every day in the year that it was possible for them 

 to work. I consider the attempt of such consequence to 

 the landed interest, so momentous an illustration of the 

 powers of these superior animals in labour, that I beg 

 2 leave 



