338 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



for competition, being two pairs of oxen and [three pairs of 

 steers more than last year. Of these, five pairs of oxen and 

 two pairs of steers were withdrawn during the trial. The load 

 for the oxen weighed 7,436 pounds, and that for the steers 

 5,050 pounds, including the weight of the wagons ; being con- 

 siderably heavier than those of last year ; they were, however, 

 by no means too heavy ; and the case with which every pair of 

 cattle drew and backed the loads was evidence that all of them 

 were good. 



None of the oxen were so large and firm as some of those 

 exhibited last year. Still there were many fine teams that won 

 the admiration of all that saw them. 



The steers were, this year, the best part of the exhibition. 

 They were relatively better than the oxen ,• and in awarding 

 premiums for them, we do it with the satisfaction that none 

 have been better deserved. Indeed, if there were more induce- 

 ments oflFered for steers, we are by no means certain that our 

 working stock might not thereby be benefited more than it is 

 by the premiums off"ercd for older cattle. 



We regret to find that while some of the best breeds of 

 Europe are represented in the dairies of our country, very little 

 attention has been paid to raising oxen from them. 



Nearly all the cattle offered were brought from up country. 

 Only a few were raised in the county. Still, the fine points of 

 the best stock are as desirable in the ox as in the cow. The 

 deep chest, the short neck, the small head, the straight back, 

 the well made legs and fine hair, are evidence of strength and 

 endurance ; and belong to breeds of which the females prove 

 good milkers. 



Our native breeds, when well used, produce excellent oxen ; 

 there is a hardiness about them, and a submission to labor that 

 is admirable. But a pair of oxen of good blood, of perfect 

 shape, well kept, but not too fat, is a beautiful sight ; and at 

 the same time, when well trained and properly driven, is 

 capable of the greatest amount of labor, and shows the greatest 

 strength. 



Oxen are the most constant, though silent companions of the 

 farmer, and his most faithful and patient servants. They are 

 his first care in the morning ; with them he starts-a-field at 



