28 



ESSAY. 



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

 injure the embryo horns. At this point, too, let the 

 a sidewise movement" receive some attention. As this 

 maneuver is not generally 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 themselves 

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

 thoroughly drilled can do it handsomely. When ap- 

 proaching 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. This 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 

 the maneuver once taught, is of incalculable value in all 

 multiform exercises of ox-labor. The same rule reversed 

 will apply when approaching the spear from the left hand. 

 Perhaps in this place I should indicate my pre- 

 ference among the whips known to teamsters. In 

 some parts of Worcester County drivers use a whip 

 made of common shoemaker's thread, by means of a 

 very simple machine, which any farmer's boy can con- 

 struct. This cord, which is very hard and stiff, and of 

 uniform size, is looped on to the stock, and " let out" as 

 it wears up. For cheapness, durability, and efficiency? 

 I know of no whip to compare with it, and yet I hesi- 

 tate to recommend its general use, for the reason that it 

 can be made too harmful. It is an error to suppose 

 that an ox-whip should be either large or long : the stock 



