v WOODS AND FIELDS 197 
iently without stopping to rest. Oxen, as we 
know, were driven not with a whip, but with 
a goad or pole, the most convenient length for 
which was 16% feet, and the ancient plough- 
man used his “ pole” or “perch” by placing 
it at right angles to his first furrow, thus 
measuring the amount he had to _ plough. 
Hence our “pole” or “perch” of 163 feet, 
which at first sight seems a very singular 
unit to have selected. This width is also con- 
venient both for turning the plough, and also 
for sowing. Hence the most convenient unit 
of land for arable purposes was a furlong in 
length and a perch or pole in width. 
The team generally consisted of eight oxen. 
Few peasants, however, possessed a whole 
team, several generally joming together, and 
dividing the produce. Hence the number of 
“rigs,” one for each ox. We often, however, 
find ten instead of eight; one being for the 
parson’s tithe, the other tenth going to the 
ploughman. 
When eight oxen were employed the goad 
would not of course reach the leaders, which 
were guided by a man who walked on the 
