PUT THE BULL IN TRACES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 933, 28 March 1882, Page 1

PUT THE BULL IN TRACES.

A writer in the “ New York Weekly Tribune, ” Mr F. I>, (kirth, of Kirby Homestead,‘New York), says; —The bull is Roth playful and pugnacious. When confined in a stable and fed as usually fed, to look nice, both of these characteristics are stimulated. A bull plays hard ;is rough in his manners. This is well enough when bull meets bull, but when the playful propensity is exercised towards his keeper, as it often is, it is dangerous. A toss of his head by way of a gambol or exercise may kill a man ; and then again, a bull who has been pampered doesTt feel like stopping, and is very liable to donlinue bis gambols." A large number of injuries from bull is due to these bullish propensities, which are in Teased by the treatment they receive. Instead of being kept confined in stables, like prisoner in cells, bull should be made t. work. When young they should be thoroughly broken and kept in subjection, and be taught to mind the word. They are Capable of performing hard wnk, which would not in ihe least injure them, but would make them better sires than when kept in unnatural confinement. A bull and an ox may be worked together, or two bulls, or a bull may be worked singly. I have known them to be used m all these form®, and a single bull with si collar made to fit his neck and a bit in Ins mouth with reins attached, do as much hauling attached to a boiit or cart as a pair of horses* Thoi • sands of dollars are wasted annually in the shape of useless bud fat and muscle* Bui's are usually kept too fat, especially thoroughbred ones, winch stimulates them to be restive a.id ugly, or at least not so easily managed. With a ring in a bulla nose, and broken to lead, it is a very easy matter to bring him in'o work in th© yoke. I have known a pair obe hitched up and taken to the field at once, led by the nose, and put to work drawing stones without any trouble whatever. They will soon learn to follow the driver without any leading, and thus readily become a. serviceable team. Bulls thus handled, with plenty of work, will rarely do any injury to persons. A bull will live on coarse fare, and on this account makes a cheap worker. He can be made to domor© than earn his keep, besides being less dangerous. His stock will be better, and he will be a sure getter. Eor rough and tough places a bull team is just the thing, as there is no danger of their being i: « Jared, and they will save the risks of the horses. Less grain will be required for the horses if the bull is made to do a part of the heavy work. Exposure to storms won’t hurt him, which often brings sickness to horses. Better slaves than pets.