A FARMER’S TEAM.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 18, 29 July 1893, Page 11

A FARMER’S TEAM.

Choose a fast-walking team is the .advice tendered' farmers by an American paper ; or if you own a good young team, teach them to walk by rarely trotting them. There is double advantage in a rapid walker—time is saved in cultivation and harvest, and waggons last much longer when taken at a fair rate of speed, such as even in a rapid walk, 1 thon if driven more rapidly, whether loaded or not. Many horses can be taught to walk four miles an hour. ; Notice the difference in the hayfield, whether attached to rake or mower, and see whether you can afford: a slow, moping horse. A free-walking horse can easily cultivate seven acres of narrow rows in a day ; many slow walkers will not cover four acres. Which is preferable ? A fast walk, if it be steady, will not cover plants more than a slow walk—-in; fact, it is not so likely to, because the earth falls at the edge of the furrow -ihelloW; and fine. Notice the draught .horses in a stirriilg city like- New, York. Barely allowed to trot, because

of packed thoroughfares, slippery pavements or heavy loads, they are yet urged continually to: the top of their natural gait, until nearly all of them are beautifully accomplished walkers. The sight should delight the farmer when he visits the city. When the horses have been trained they should not be held in by the reins, but be allowed to take the rapid, natural gait. The newlyengaged man should be cautioned not to let the horses drag him by the reins. Let the horses have their heads as much as possible.