124 THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



to what an extent their powers may be trained to the benefit and aid of man in laboring for 

 him. For instance, oxen may be taught to sit up on their haunches like a dog; to balance 

 each other on the ends of a plank, like children playing &quot; see saw &quot; ; to jump over a stick at 

 the word of command; kneel down; walk on their knees; lie down and get up at the signal; 

 jump over a mate that is lying down, etc. 



In training for labor, the best plan is to begin with the young calf, before he gets 

 strong, or has learned the extent of his own strength. It may be well first to train each calf 

 to be led by a rope, then with a light yoke of suitable size begin the work of teaching the 

 juvenile pair the things it is desirable for them to know. In a short time, by a few trials 

 accompanied with patience and gentleness, they will have learned the meaning of &quot;whoa,&quot; 

 &quot;go on,&quot; &quot;haw,&quot; and &quot;gee.&quot; Do not try to teach them too much at a time, as this is 

 confusing, but be sure they understand the first lesson before proceeding to the second. 

 Teach the meaning of &quot;whoa&quot; first. A sensible, good-tempered boy who knows how to 

 drive oxen can soon instruct the little fellows in all that it is necessary for them to know. 

 Gentleness and kindness should always be the rule in managing such animals. 



It will require this course of training for several days in succession, in order to have 

 them understand well what is required of them. And this to be followed by practice every 

 day or two for weeks, in order not to have them forget the lesson. Do not follow the training 

 so long at a time, at first, as to worry them, but commence gradually and increase the time of 

 practice as the training proceeds. The most difficult task of all, is to teach them to &quot;back,&quot; 

 as it is an unnatural thing for an animal to walk backward. 



This requires much patience and persistence in some cases, and should be accomplished by 

 gentle means, and without a blow from the whip. It must be borne in mind that to go 

 backward is contrary to nature in steer or colt, and therefore the greater need of patient 

 training to accomplish the object in view. Attempt but one thing at a time, and always 

 accompany the word of command with the movement, making the necessary use of such 

 motions with whip or stick as are known to all experienced drivers of oxen. When they 

 have learned to obey all the directions in the yoke, a small cart can be attached (which should 

 of course be very light), and they maybe trained to draw it. They should never be allowed, 

 however, to draw anything very heavy, for if overtasked at this age they may be permanently 

 injured. 



If steers two or three years old that never have been yoked or accustomed to be han 

 dled, are to be trained, it will be necessary to gentle them first by handling, patting them, 

 and feeding from the hand, etc., by so doing quieting their fears of man. Feed and gentle 

 them until they regard their trainer as their friend, and have no fear of him, before 

 attempting to put on the yoke. When yoked, they may be driven with chain between two 

 pairs of old, well-trained oxen. By this means they will become somewhat familiar with 

 the routine of their new sphere of action, and be ready to take a lesson in advance. After 

 driving well between the other oxen, let them next do duty ahead of them as leaders. It 

 would be well to have a rope attached to the horns of the &quot; near &quot; steer, which the driver 

 may make vigorous use of in teaching the steers the meaning of &quot; whoa,&quot; &quot;haw,&quot; etc. They 

 may be taught to back by commencing with an empty cart on a slight descent, which will 

 make it easy for them, afterward on level ground, or up hill until they will learn to back a 

 heavy load. Always be sure that the yoke is made to set easy, and the bows well adjusted 

 to the neck. 



Young steers should not be expected to do hard work, and should never be put to it 

 until at least four years old. Even when well trained, be in no haste to put them to the 

 plow or cart, for this is severe work, and should be performed by older oxen. Overworking 

 young steers has injured for life many valuable animals, with a consequent loss to the owner. 

 &quot;When worked in a storm, cattle are liable to have sore necks. Thife may be prevented by 



