42 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



advantages of early training. At this stage animals are supple 

 and docile, and the ivhip almost finds its " occupation gone," — 

 £lt least there is no need of severity. One of the most difficult 

 branches of the science may then be taught with assurance of 

 complete success. The art of backing, properly, is seldom 

 taught, and more seldom acquired. Regarding this subject 

 of " backing," I beg leave to submit a few illustrations. 



An ill-founded notion seems to have possessed the minds of 

 not a few farmers and teamsters, touching the ability of the ox 

 to force a load back by the horns. To this prejudice I attribute 

 the general failure of working cattle in this particular. It is, 

 however, an easily demonstrated fact that Nature has lodged 

 more strength in the neck and head of the ox, than in his breast 

 and shoulders. This is patent to the most casual observation of 

 bulls and oxen when Jjghting. The size and strength of the 

 horns of the ox also favor this view. In some parts of Europe 

 this principle seems to be better understood : hence we find the 

 ox and the cow appropriately harnessed for draft by the horns, 

 and executing their tasks with apparent ease. 



Having exercised sufficiently without draft, let the calves then 

 be hitched to a miniature cart or wagon and be instructed in 

 all the manoeuvres required of oxen. At first the load should 

 be light, and when backing, care should be taken not to injure 

 the embryo horns. At this point, too, let the " sidewise move- 

 ment " receive some attention. As this movement is not gener- 

 ally understood, I will describe it as well as I may, verbally. 

 Every teamster who understands his business knows that one 

 of the best tests of superior training is to be found in the 

 manner in which a pair of cattle approach and place them- 

 selves astride a cart-spear or tongue. None save those most 

 thoroughly drilled can do it handsomely. 



When approaching the cart the " nigh " ox should be made 

 to gradually place himself parallel to the spear, (the " off" one 

 following suit,) and when sufficiently near, should step sidewise, 

 (his fore and hind legs simultaneously,) over the spear. Tliis 

 is rather difficult of execution, and should be taught prior to 

 any requirement of use. In other words, let cattle be taught 

 to move " sideways " squarely, to and from the driver, as if on 

 parade. This movement once taught, is of incalculable value 



