THE EDUCATION OF THE OX. 41 



deserves. But, perhaps, the most marked distinction hetween 

 trained and untrained oxen is observable upon the road. Speed 

 and endurance are qualities valued in cattle designed for haul- 

 ing and "holding back" upon New England roads. All the 

 varied minutiee of superior training are requisite here, and 

 some of them' may be seen in the best light. But, perhaps, I 

 have made the desirableness of thorough, judicious training 

 sufficiently apparent without further illustration ; and, grasping 

 at the hope lodged in that " perhaps," I take courage to assert 

 that a yoke of educated os:en, (other things being equal,) will 

 perform one-third more work with one-fourth less " wear and 

 tear," than a pair only trained up to the common standard. 

 Besides this there is the -physical and moral effect upon the 

 driver, which is above pecuniary price. 



Re-asserting what appears in the first part of my paper, viz. : 

 that likeness of disposition and equality of size and strength are 

 indispensable conditions, I proceed to some practical hints on the 

 early training of animals adapted to farm labor. While urging 

 the propriety of early matching and training, I feel bound to 

 state what appears to be the only objection to such a course ; 

 viz. : the risk of a dissimilar development, either in point of size, 

 strength, organization, or temper — in the process of growth. 

 And as some security against such a risk, the employment of a 

 sagacious, experienced person in the selection of calves, presents 

 itself as a suggestion worthy of adoption. 



The farmer must expect to give himself some trouble at the 

 outset, and will often find it necessary to search among the 

 herds of his acquaintances, at a considerable expense of time ; 

 and when successful must not grudge what may seem a sum 

 out of proportion to what his experience may suggest as the 

 maximum return. Having selected and brought his calves 

 together, let them be kept so during the entire period of train- 

 ing. The manner of rearing calves I shall not discuss, not 

 deeming it relevant to the subject of this essay; if, however, 

 they be well kept, their size and strength at three months will 

 admit of their being yoked and exercised in some of the more 

 simple movements — such as turning each way; starting and 

 halting at command ; backing, and "holding up;" "standing 

 out" and "standing up," separately, &c., &c. In all these 

 primary exercises, tlie experienced teamster sees the chief 



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