MANAGEMENT 261 



In some parts of France, particularly on the beet-sugar farms 

 in the northeastern section, oxen fit admirably into the peculiar 

 system of rural economy prevalent in that region. Considerable 

 numbers of oxen, usually of the large white or cream-colored 

 Nivernais breed, are purchased every spring and used during 

 the season for the heavy work of the farm, including the cart- 

 ing of the beets to the factories and of the beet pulp back to 

 the farm. After this work is finished the oxen are fattened on 

 the beet pulp mixed with wheat straw, and sold for beef, and a 

 new supply of oxen is purchased for the following year's work. 



It has frequently been urged, in advocacy of a return to the 

 use of oxen on farms, that there is great economy in using an 

 animal which can be turned into food after his working years 

 are finished. There is undoubtedly something to be said in 

 favor of this policy, especially when it is reduced to a system 

 like that adopted by the beet-sugar growers of France. The 

 policy, also, of beginning to work oxen at three years of age 

 and fattening them for beef at seven or eight has its merits. 

 But where there are large city markets for horses for street 

 work, the farmer is enabled to take advantage of a similar 

 economy. He can begin working his horses at three years of 

 age and sell them to city buyers at good prices, if they are still 

 sound, at seven, eight, or even ten years of age. At these ages 

 they are seasoned and are ready for the trying work on the city 

 streets. The rapidity with which horse flesh is used up on city 

 streets is such that the average horse will last as long, if he comes 

 to the city at eight or ten years of age, as he would if he came 

 at four, five, or six. In other words, it is not age, but pavements, 

 strains, bruises, and hard work which wear him out. That is why 

 a horse of mature age, if still sound, will sell for more than a 

 ypunger and less mature animal for work on city streets. The 

 farmer can work his horses, therefore, until they reach this ma- 

 ture and seasoned age, and then sell them to good advantage, 



