126 [Assembly 



of the American Institute, and which received the first premium, I 

 will briefly state the following particulars. 



They are of our native breed, slightly mixed with Devonshire, 

 which mixture produces the fine red color, which is greatly preferred 

 by us, to any other, for working oxen. Their feed has been uniform- 

 ly, little else than hay and grass; either of which they have seldom 

 refused, if tolerably good. Always] have been remarkably healthy 

 cattle. 



They were put to the yoke when quite young, to which they soon 

 became submissive, and have ever since remained orderly, gentle and 

 kind; owing probably to the kind treatment they have received 

 from the hands of their driver, the lash seldom having been applied 

 to them with severity. When yoked and attached to an ox cart, and 

 the driver in the same, by speaking sharply to them, they may at 

 once be set into a brisk trot; after which, at a single word of com- 

 mand mildly spoken, they will at once stop and become quiet. They 

 were six years old last spring. 



Great pains are taken by the farmers of this county to match 

 their steers: it is generally done when they are one, two and three 

 years old; when matching, we take into consideration the size, color, 

 disposition, &c. We sometimes yoke our steers when they are one 

 year old, and those brought under subjection thus early become alto- 

 gether the most docile. 



With best wishes for the prosperity of your Institute, 



I am respectfully yours, 



CURTIS BACON. 



WORKING OXEN. 



Astoria, Kov., 16th, 1846. 



T. B. Wakeman, Esq : — In answer to the circular addressed to 

 exhibitors at the last Fair by the Institute, I would submit the follow- 

 ing in reference to my oxen. 



They were raised and broken in Connecticut, and are of the De- 

 von breed. I use them for all tarming purposes. In the summer 

 they ieed in pasture, in winter I give them corn stalks, with a little 



