WORKING OXEN. 239 



WORKING OXEN. 



WORCESTER. 



From the Report of the Committee. 



In regard to the different breeds of cattle intended to be 

 kept for firm labor, there is undoubtedly a diversity of opinion 

 as to which is the most profitable. This, of course, will depend 

 somewhat on the location. In the western part of this State, 

 and on the rich meadows in the valley of the Connecticut, 

 where there is an abundance of rich food produced by a small 

 amount of labor, the largest Durhams seem to be the best ; as, 

 when they are no longer wanted for labor, they can be easily 

 fattened and turned over to the butcher to profitable account. 

 In other localities, no doubt the Devons would prove most 

 profitable. Being of a beautiful symmetry of form, quick, 

 easy action, arriving at maturity early, they will unquestionably 

 thrive well on less expensive feeding than some of the other 

 breeds. Probably most of the farmers of Worcester County 

 will agree that both the Durhams and Devons deserve a high 

 rank as working oxen. 



We wish to say here a few words in regard to the early train- 

 ing of steers. This should commence as early as they arrive 

 at the age of eight or ten months. They should be well 

 acquainted with wearing the yoke before they are attached to 

 a load. The merciless use of the goad or lash, in training 

 young steers, can not be too severely censured. With proper 

 care and good management they may be in condition at the 

 age of two years to well pay their keeping, so that they will no 

 longer be an expense. Besides, oxen trained in this manner 

 are much more valuable for work than those left to run wild 

 until they are three or four years old. 



Your committee were to-day more than ever before convinced 

 that the raising of good steers may be made both pleasant and 

 profitable. The cost of raising good cattle is but little, if any, 

 more than raising poor ones. Why not, then, spend, if need 

 be, a few dollars extra in the outset, and have cattle which, 

 at the age of two years, will readily command ninety or one 



