FARM-WORK. 33 



[From the Report upon Draft-Horses.] 



It has, of course, occurred to the mind of every farmer, 

 how rapidly oxen as beasts of labor are being superseded by 

 horses. But perhaps it is worth recording in the Transactions 

 of our Society, that, in the year 1870, the United States had 

 7,145,370 horses, — nearly one-eighth in the whole world. 

 This fact alone demonstrates that to us as a nation the horse 

 is a matter of importance, — of supreme vital importance, — 

 and should be treated accordingly ; should be bred according 

 to scientific principles ; should be reared, handled, and trained 

 with care ; and the result will show, as it has already shown 

 in the United States, that what contributes to the welfare of 

 the whole country also contributes to the individual welfare 

 of all classes, of all citizens, but more particularly to the 

 farmer, with whose interests he is closely identified. 



It is our belief, and it seems to be the universal judgment 

 in this section of the country, that kind, tractable horses, 

 weighing from a thousand to twelve hundred pounds, are best 

 adapted to the present wants of the New-England farmer ; 

 and we would urge, that, in the selection of draft-horses, 

 especial attention be given to their fast ivalMng^ as well as to 

 their good working-qualities. 



Horace F. Longeellow, Chairman. 



6 



