THE FARMER. 391 



THE FARMER. 



From an Address before the Berkshire Society. 



BY HON. JULIUS KOCKWELL. 



It is a fresh, crisp, morning of spring, and the youthful 

 farmer drives afield the noble steers, which liave been broken 

 to the yoke and trained by himself. However wayward and 

 frolicsome they were, while roaming free in the hill pasture ; 

 however much they vexed him in the yard, when he had yoked 

 the off one, and had the near one by the bow to bring him to his 

 place ; they now seem clothed with self-respect, proud and vig- 

 orous as their young master. They march steadily forward to 

 the field of their labor, with heads erect, and free but uniform 

 steps, with their light load, the plough and the harrow, which, 

 ere night fall, are to tax their utmost strength and endurance. 

 The young farmer walks cheerfully and hopefully by their side, 

 and recalls to mind the incidents of their short lives ; how he 

 rejoiced when he first saw the points and proportions of the 

 one ; how he traversed the county to find the other fit match 

 for him, in form, color and mark ; how he first put on their 

 necks the little red yoke, and chained them before the old 

 cattle ; and taught them the few words of the ox dictionary, 

 sparing not the rod the while ; how in years after he drove 

 them into the barn with their first load of hay ; how they 

 backed out the cart steadily and carefully ; how to the surprise 

 of all they took along the loaded stone boat, which the old oxen 

 were unable to start; how they took the first premium at the 

 fair ; and how he refused the cool hundred that was offered for 

 them on the ground. 



They are now going forth to their first essay, in turning over 

 the tough sward of the old pasture. Fear not, brave youth ! 

 patience and perseverance with your young stout heart, and 



