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time, perhaps there is not another animal or species of property, in 

 which the fanner deals, the real value of which, is so much undeiTated ; 

 for example — a yoke of oxen, four yeai-s old, may be purchased for one 

 hundred dollars, and at less than thirty-five cents per day, would pay 

 for themselves annually, for at least four years ; and if well kept, would 

 then sell to the butcher for more than the purchase money. The whole 

 expense of their working equipage during that period, need not ex- 

 ceed ten dollars ; they can perform most kinds of farm labor, and for 

 heavy draught, are more convenient than any other team ; for clearing 

 our forests, and subduing our opening and prairie lands, they are in- 

 dispensable. 



But the question may be asked — are all cattle suitable for labor ? I 

 answer — no. They shoidd be selected and bred with reference to that 

 fact, with the same care that horses are, where strength, action, and en- 

 durance, are Avanted. 



The following is a brief description of the more important points, 

 which indicate a good worker : 



Straight back, broad loin, deep chest, limbs fine, but well muscled, 

 tail long and tapering, head clean and bony, horns clear, and not too 

 heavy, eyes full, and good breadth between them, hair fine and glossy. 



Heavy draught cattle, should be weighty ; for traveling particularly, 

 less size is better. 



For several years past I have selected steers for training, with refer- 

 ence to the above named poinU?, and in no case have they failed of 

 making good working cattle, worth $150 per yoke. 



It is not my purpose to discuss the relative merits of different breeds 

 and their grades, as good cattle may be selected from each ; but as a 

 distinct class, would prefer the Devons for work ; but any animal failing 

 essentially in the above named points, I should reject as unsuitable for 

 training, fit only for the butcher, and perhaps not that. 



To describe the best method of training domestic animals, or the 

 most successful mode of directing one's family, governing a school, or 

 controlling an army, would be assuming quite too much responsibility, 

 as there are no fixed rules that would be acceptable to every one's 

 taste and fancy ; and yet, I apprehend, similarity of treatment is dis- 

 cernible in every successful operator. The true secret of success Ues in 

 perfectly comprehending the disposition and capacity of the subject to 



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