282 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



their struggles in " hauling" not the load to which they were 

 attached, but each other ! It is painful to witness the wild and 

 senseless ravings of catttle that have never been taught the use 

 of their muscles, and how to apply their strength to the master's 

 advantage. 



Competitors should understand that these points which we 

 here touch upon are regarded as essential, and must enter into 

 the estimate in awarding premiums. We must not only take 

 the cognizance of the thing done as an ultimate, but we must 

 regard the " how " by which it is done. It is this how that 

 makes the comfort or discomfort of all who have to do with 

 working oxen, and generally largely affects the merit of the per- 

 formance. It is impossible to sever the connection between 

 grace and highest use : the best way to do a thing ever involves 

 taste, economy, and pleasure to the doer ; thus on the score of 

 utility, we urge these accomplishments. But it is noticeable 

 that farmers are wont to view this matter in a different light, 

 and to speak of the special feats we are advocating, as merely 

 fanciful adjuncts, and not at all a necessary part of ox-training. 

 A little reflection will suffice to correct this conceit, and it is 

 because the prejudice which exists has no foundation in science 

 or common sense, that we are obliged to write so much at length 

 in this report. In a former article we have endeavored to lay 

 sufficient stress on several points which we deem essential ; and 

 that competitors may the better prepare to meet the require- 

 ments, and thus some real advancement in managing oxen be 

 made, we again allude to them. It is manifestly absurd to hope 

 for any commendable degree of proficiency in " backing," unless 

 oxen are taught the true position to be maintained. If cattle 

 cannot keep their noses out of the ground ; if they cannot hug 

 the spear ; if they cannot exert equal strength simultaneously, 

 in shoving a load back, — though never so much muscle be ap- 

 plied, their effort will be a failure. Such cattle have no com- 

 mand of their force adequate to the situation, and we could as 

 correctly rank them in the scale of merit before as after trial. 

 Hence the time consumed in their case is thrown away. The 

 power to accomplish great things lies largely in economy of 

 forces. Our drivers ought to study the simplest laws of applied 

 mechanics ; they should familiarize themselves with the science 

 of relatives, and to this end we want more lectures, discussions, 



