336 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



those exliibited, to obey the word of the driver without the 

 blow from liis lash ; and this we consider the true discipline ; 

 "a merciful man is merciful to his beast," is a maxim that 

 should be indelibly stamped upon every yoke. 



For the committee, 



Aaron Ashley. 



FRlNKLIN. 



From the Report of the Committee, 



The committee appointed to view and report upon the com- 

 parative merits of the working oxen submitted to their exami- 

 nation, regret that the number of entries was not larger. But 

 twelve pairs were presented to them, and although these were 

 worthy of high commendation, yet a larger number seems 

 almost indispensable in order to sustain that general interest 

 and generous rivalry in this department, which it is the aim of 

 this society to foster. The farmer prides himself upon his fat 

 cattle but your committee are unable to perceive why the 

 working ox, his daily companion in toil, should not be, at least, 

 an equal sharer in his care and solicitude. 



Your committee incline to the opinion that if a deeper inter- 

 est were felt in this department, a show of working oxen might 

 be presented in Franklin County, which, like our shows of fat 

 cattle and noble horses, would be second to no other in the 

 Commonwealth. 



Of the oxen examined by the committee, they have to speak 

 in the highest terms of praise. They were all excellent, and it 

 is to be regretted that the number of fixed premiums is not 

 large enough to bestow upon more of the exhibitors, commit- 

 tees being exceedingly liable to error where the distinction in 

 excellence is small. 



David Wells, Chairmafi. 



