WORKING OXEN. 89 



society, and he is not to be neglected or overlooked ; he, as the 

 connecting link between the present and the past, deserves our 

 respect, as a discipline is, to a farmer boy, at least a subject of 

 remembrance. 



Your Committee are of opinion that no motive power can be 

 applied to the cultivation of the farm, where pecuniary profit is 

 concerned, that will pay as well as the ox. From the time he 

 commences his labors, (say three years old,) he more than pays 

 his living, and is increasing in value for work and for beef. He 

 performs all the requirements upon the farm, and in five or six 

 years he will double and many times treble in value. 



Horse power in many places has been introduced upon the 

 farm, but is found a poor tool unless the soil has first been 

 ploughed and renovated by the patient, sure toil of the ox. 

 The majestic form of the ox, as he guides the cart and moves 

 the plough over the rocky fields of Worcester County hills, we 

 admire. 



Form, energy and color indicate the character of the animal. 

 Form is first in importance, energy the second, color third. 



The eye is a peculiar organ, is very sensitive, and likes to be 

 pleased. You please the eye, and you advance a long stride 

 towards pleasing the other senses ; therefore, a well-formed and 

 nicely matched pair of oxen, all other things being equal, will 

 command a much higher price than those that do not meet the 

 eye as well, and the owner feels much more satisfaction in 

 exhibiting them. 



Color, and shape of the horns, have much to do in regard to 

 the sale of an ox. The horns and color are prominent features, 

 and always strike the eye with favor or disgust, and should be 

 made a subject of much care in matching oxen. Always have 

 them as near similar as possible, and with the energy combined 

 with the qualities spoken of above, a farmer will always find 

 purchasers at remunerating prices, and the satisfaction of 

 blessing the community with a nice pair of oxen. 



Your Committee have had the pleasure of examining eighteen 

 pairs of oxen, as beautiful, nice and well matched cattle as heart 

 or imagination could desire or eye delight to see. All were 

 worthy and merited a premium. 



Sixteen pairs contested for the premiums — two pairs were for 

 exhibition only. 



12f 



