J 52 On the Use nf Oxen and Neat Cattle in Haslandry. 



the exhihitioa of my oxen annually, within ten months 

 grazing from the time they are turned out of work, will 

 fully exemplify this important fact. This was in great part 

 my object in establishing the Barbican cattle show ; and, if 

 I may be allowed to say so, the effect already produced, 

 more especially in countries where oxen were held in disre- 

 pute as animals of labour, has exceeded my most sanguine 

 expectations. That our crops are worked-in so expeditiously 

 as to amaze those who contend for horse labour only, Can- 

 not be denied ; in proof of which, fifty-seven acres of wheat 

 were this autumn ploughed, sown, and -manured in a com- 

 plete manner, according to the usage of the country, within 

 three weeks, although the weather was unfavourable, and 

 the land worked close and heavy. The last nine acres were 

 ploughed, sown, dragged, and harrowed, in one day. In 

 obedience to the wishes of the society, I present them with 

 this statement ; but I wave all claim to a premium. If, 

 however, in the ordinary course of business, any man in 

 this kingdom shall be found to have done more at a less 

 cost, I shall consider myself as having trespassed unwor- 

 thily on the notice of this society. It is fitting to add, that 

 in twenty years labour I have not lost one ox or steer, or 

 ever broke a yoke or pair by sickness, death, or accident. 

 And I may further add, that so far from incurring any loss 

 of value from working cattle after their full growth, as is 

 supposed to be the case with horses, amounting to 25 per 

 cent, or more, my own experience, and the concurring opi- 

 nion of the committee sent to examine our stock in the 

 month of June last, warrant me in declaring, that working 

 cattle, from three to six years of age, do actually gain at the 

 rate of. 20 percent, yearly; the loss in my own case, in 

 twenty years, being nothing ! 



The premium now in question, having distinctly waved 

 my claim to it, will probably he awarded to Mr. Billings- 

 ley ; and it gives me sincere pleasure that it should be be- 

 stowed on him. He has been a most strenuous and suc- 

 cessful advocate for the labour of oxen, and is well aware 

 of its extTeme importance. Mr. Billingsley has accomplished 

 a measure hitherto untried, namely, to set out his ploughing 

 bv the acre, and to apply one team of oxen, full grown, with 



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