Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/346

h] O X To afford a more complete Idea of the manner, in which the French oxen are fastened to the bow, we have added an accm-Mv front-vieiv of the upper part of the animals' OX heads ; as such method, in the opi- nion of Lord SoMBRViLLE, is the best preparatory step towards in- troducing that practised in Portu- gal. This method was a few years since introduced into Ireland, by Lord Shankox, with complete success 5 two oxen thus harnessed, being able to draw with great ease three tons in weight. The most valuable breeds of these animals for draught, in this country, are those of Sussex, De- von, Herefordshire, Glamorgan, and Pembrokeshire ; which, on ac- count of their large size, are well calculated for labour, and justly preferred in those counties, to cart- horses. The Sussex oxen have lenlcri horses at plough, in the deepest clays ; and those of Here- fordslure are reputed to be superior in long journies, for conveying chalk, or similar heavy materials, over a hilly and flintv country. Although some prejudiced {■•ersons may object that oxen are unfit for draught in moimtainous sliuations,^ yet let it be remembered, as Mr. Comber pertinently remarks (Real Improvements in Agriculture, &c. 8vo. 1772, Is. 6d.) that in such In- stances, " no draught be can unll used 3" and that the descending of steep hills is in all respects as hurt- ful to horses as to oxen. — The De- vonshire cattle walk with uncom- mon speed ; and, if four or five horses can till 100 acres of land, the same work might doubtless be managed equally well by a similar number of the Devonshire or Here- fordshire breeds, if tlicy were train- ed and fed (particularly with a view- to speed) with the same care as horses : the farmer would also save a considerable part of the expence in their food. For though, after being very hardly worked, they re- quire a little corn, yet their keep, in all other respefts, is much cheaper (see vol. ii. p. -183); and, liu-ell- shod, they will perform every kind of draught in the same man- ner as horses : lastly, they wWYpay fi)r their labour ; and, after being; moderately worked, for 10 or 12 }-tars, if properly managed, they will