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almost impossible to fatten such stock. And as far as profit 

 is concerned, one might about as well turn his grain into a 

 rat-hole as to feed it to cattle that have been worked down 

 thin on good keeping. If one finds himself possessed of 

 such a pair, he cannot easily sell them for work, and cannot 

 fatten them in any reasonable time, and he concludes that ox 

 labor is very unprofitable. 



Instead of buying such stock because it seems cheap, we 

 believe it better economy to purchase young, thrifty, good- 

 shaped stock already in condition to make decent beef. The 

 first cost may be a little greater, but so will be the receipts 

 when they are sold. If they are fat, good provender will 

 keep them so, and the chances are that they will continue to 

 gain. If they do not work well, they can be sold any day to 

 the butcher for the market price. It will also generally be 

 found that good-natured, docile animals, such as take on fat 

 readily, and "keep themselves well," are the best workers. 

 The fractious high-tempered cattle worry more at their work, 

 are more liable to be abused by drivers, and consequently do 

 not thrive as well. 



We have found, too, that oxen fat enough for the butcher, 

 if good shaped and thrifty, stand the heat better than thin 

 ones. 



Other points, such as the breed of cattle best for tarm 

 work, the most economical mode of feedins:, and kindred 

 questions, might be discussed, but this paper is of suflicient 

 length. To sum it all up, we believe that every farmer will 

 do well to consider whether or not it is prudent for him to 

 employ oxen instead of horses ; and also if he decides to do 

 so, that he should be careful in his purchase, and see whether, 

 in the matter of oxen, it is not cheapest in the long run, to 

 buy the best. 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



Jos. S. Howe, Chairman. 



