176 DISEASES OF ANIMALS. 



Roots are valuable for cattle, as they answer admira- 

 bly the place of succulent food, for want of which ani- 

 mals often suffer in winter, being confined to dry fodder, 

 which produces costiveness and various diseases. Roots 

 have a slight laxative effect, and keep the bowels in fine 

 condition, and guard against diseases of almost every 

 description, during our long and trying winters. They 

 keep young cattle in a thrifty condition ; produce in 

 cows nearly as much and as good milk as on grass ; a 

 few are excellent for working oxen, and fine beef may 

 be made on roots alone. We have fatted young cattle 

 on ruta-bagas as fast as hogs fatten on the best of food. 

 Roots may be raised, in dry seasons, to supply a defi- 

 ciency in hay. 



MANAGING AND FEEDING WORKING OXEN. 



We quote again from Mr. Sheldon, who excels as a 

 teamster. The following is from the Yankee Farmer : — 

 '• Oxen, working on a stone-drag, on the foot of a plough, 

 on the sled-tongue, cart -spire, or twitching stones or tim- 

 ber, should carry their heads well up, as this will enable 

 them to do this work much easier. Those that work as 

 leaders forward of other oxen should carry their heads 

 low. 



"Feed regularly; have the yoke the right length. 

 Let the bows suit the neck. The yoke and bows to the 

 leaders should set a little snugger than to the nib oxen. 

 Never use tlie whip but from necessity. When about to 

 strike theyoungsteer or ox, ask yourself, 'Will he know 

 what I strike him for ? ' Let each ox have a name, and 

 be sure that he knows his name. Never speak a word 

 to an ox without meaning. Have a particular word to 

 start your team by, that all may haul together. Never 

 hurry your oxen while you are riding behind them, lest 

 they learn to haul apart. 



" Oxen should be shod with a broad shoe. To travel 

 on a hard road, the shoe on the fore feet should be set 

 back, at the heel, nearly half an inch further than th? 



