138 OF LIVE STOCK. 



actually consume, and the amount of which, will preserve 

 animals of the same weights and powers, in a condition fit 

 for the labour required of them. 



Such estimates throw much light on a most important 

 subject ; for, it is evident, that the rent of land, and the 

 value of its produce, must, in a great measure, depend, on 

 the expence at which that produce can be raised, of which 

 the price, and the maintenance of horses, form a material 

 part. 



3. Working lengthwise. Horses when working a plough 

 in Scotland, are almost uniformly yoked a-breast. It is 

 contended, that animal power is more advantageously ex- 

 erted, when employed separately, and rather hear to the 

 work ;* and that it is hardly possible, when horses are 

 yoked one before the other, or harnessed at length, that 

 they will pull equally. The line of draught of the fore- 

 horses, indeed, being horizontal, and not at right angles to 

 their shoulders, their full strength cannot be exerted, and 

 a considerable portion of the power employed, tends to act 

 against, and to distress the horse next the plough or car- 

 riage; or, as Dr Coventry observes, a part of -the power of 

 the first horse is exerted, to press down the back of the one 

 behind him, and a part of the strength of the latter to re- 

 sist that pressure. More time also is lost, particularly in 

 turning ; in short, it may be reckoned, that with equal 

 ease, two horses abreast, will do at least one-tenth more 

 work, than the same horses will go through, when placed in 

 a line. 



* Mr Shirreff is not of opinion, that a horse draws either more, or 

 more easily, by being placed close to his work ; on the contrary, lie main- 

 tains, that a plough goes steadier with long, than with short traces, and 

 that the horses, being less confined, work easier. 



