Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/347

ox will leave all the profit of their growth, in dear gain to their own- ers. Besides, should an ok, from any unforeseen accident, be lamed, or become blind or old, he may be fattened, and sold at any time for a larger price than he originally cost; because these animals uni- formly feed in a more hindbj man- ner, and sooner grow fat, after they have been worked for several years. — On the contrary, the value of a horse decreases, after he at- tains the age of seven years ; and, should any accident happen, he be- comes utterly useless. Oxen, then, being of extensive and permanent utility, deservedly claim every attention from the hu- mane and unbiassed husbandman, particularity with respect to shoeing; as they will thus be enabled to walk and draw, both with greater speed, and w^ith superior etfeft, when carefully shod. This operation is 'usually performed by casting them on their backs, when the farrier proceeds to affix the shoes, in a manner similar to that practised on horses. By such attempts, how- ever, they are liable to numerous accidents; for the prevention of which, an ingenious machine has been contrived, in order to secure the animal by means of short posts. On these, the fore or hinder legs are fastened according to circum- stances ; and thus the shoes are ap- plied, so that it is almost impossible to injure the helpless creature. The curious reader will find two neat engravings of this useful contri- vance, in the 20"Lh vol. of Annali of JgricuUuic. Before we conclude tills article, we shall mention the ingenious Circular Or- Si alls, ercfted by the late Mr. Hi'Triirsov Muee, at OXE [ 3^J Saxham, in the county of Suf- folk; and which, we conceive, de- ser'e to be more generally known. — The sti'udure contained fortv-six beasts: the cabbage-carts entered at the opening in the circle; and, going round in the area, distributed the allowance of food to each ani- mal direftly into the manger, at the heads of the oxen : their dung being piled up in a circle round the whole building, formed a kind of wall, that afforded a convenient shelter to the cattle. For a minute account of this ingenious contri- vance, the reader may consult the 3 1st vol. of the praftical work above quoted, where it is also illustrated with an engraving. Ox-eye Chamomile. See vol. i. p.4(}l. Ox- HEEL. See Hellebork, the Fetid. OX-EYE, the Grkat White, Greater DaisYj^NIoon-flowee, Corn AIarigold, orDAiSY Gol- niNs ; ChrysaiitJiemum Leucaii- themum,j. an indigenous plant, growing in dry meadows, pastures, and on walls : it flowers in the mondis of June and July. The )'oung leaves of this vege- table may be eaten in salads. — • Horses, sheep, and goats relish tliis plant ; but it is refused by cows and swine. Bradley recommends the cul- ture of this elegant flo^-er, by di- viding the roots, and planting tlicm on the largest borders of gardens, three inches deep ; as it grows quickly in any soil, but must be watered as soon as planted. DioscoBiDES assures us, that the leaves of tlic great white ox- eye, when bruised, afford a good application to cold schirrous tu- mors ; and that a dccoftion of V 'j them.