THE DAILY LIFE OF OUR FARM. 285 



the joint loosens out of symmetrical position, or at least 

 from too frequent a repetition of the act they form a 

 habit of carrying the tail high. (For further informa- 

 tion on this head, see Aristotle's Ethics, Book II. cap. 1.) 

 I have found no difference in disposition between bull 

 calves reared two in a box or singly. Their boxes 

 should be free from publicity. Being looked at, espe- 

 cially if there be a walk in front of them, irritates 

 them terribly. 1 had one amiable fellow spoilt by the 

 tricks of a lad tending a mason, whom I had occasion 

 to employ near the box, and whom I wish the animal 

 had pitched into primeval mortar. 



I remember asking Culshaw about a bull which I 

 bought at Towneley, and which became cantankerous. 

 After an instant's thought he said, " Oh, it's all owing 

 to So-and-so," naming one of his ancestry. Temper 

 is undoubtedly inherited. I had one youngster made 

 so quick in his temper that he was called after a dis- 

 tinguished auctioneer, all owing to a young lady with 

 a white veil peeping hastily into his box through the 

 open half-door. He started frightened to his feet, and 

 from that hour continued fractious. I sold him, how- 

 ever, and the last time I saw him was with a rosette 

 upon his brow in the show-yard, as gentle as need be. 

 He had been put by his new owner into a secluded 

 box, and treated by his attendant judiciously, with a 

 mixture of severity and kindness. 



Another amiable yearling having been turned into a 

 yard for exercise, got his attention attracted by an old 

 man who stupidly w^ent that way to carry some straw 

 for thatching. A few journeys passed off well. At last 

 the animal took to follow and rub his front against the 

 bundle. Finally, with a frisk, he upturned the straw, 



