North Dakota Monitor Grain Drill Hitched to Team of Four Oxen

Monitor Grain Drill  Hitched to Four Oxen
           Fred Hultstrand History in Pictures Collection, NDIRS-NDSU, Fargo, North Dakota

Single Ox Plowing With Walking Plow and Forecart, 1921 Photograph

Single Ox Plowing With Walking Plow and Forecart, 1921
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA

Single Ox Plowing With Walking Plow and Forecart, 1921
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA

Scout the Ox Helping Prepare Tree Cuttings --- Herd-Mates?

What cattle do when they are not eating is hang-out together. When I have a portable project to work on I use the opportunity to give Scout the Ox some "herd" time.  It helps makes for a happy ox. Here I'm preparing willow tree cuttings for planting, with Scout looking over my shoulder.

Just as dogs are pack animals, cattle are herd animals. A healthy dog and a healthy cow both like a small circle of family and friends. When we people, by the use of fences, barns and kennels, take that away from them, I think it our due to provide some substitute. Scout's herd mates consist of me and Harry the Dog. As unlikely as two predators keeping company with a prey animal is, by my estimation, he seems quite happy with the arrangement. As a qualifier, I might add that these are two highly domesticated animals, I wouldn't expect this to work with say  --- a wolf and a white tailed deer, though, I am aware of  dogs being kept with lions. A further qualifier: I don't favor wild animals being kept. 

Good Friends-Lion and Dog
published 1893
by
Paul Friedrich Meyerheim, artist   and     Richard Brend'amour, engraver
Source: Mid-Manhattan Picture Collection

1866 Oxen Ladies French Print --- Dorothy Goethe

Mother With Infant Riding in Ox Drawn Hay Wagon.  French Print
Dorothy Goethe 1866  L'Ilustration

Scout the Ox and Your's Truly, Oklee, Minnesota, USA

Scout the Ox and Your's Truly

Oklee, Minnesota, USA --- Skyline View

Dog Escapes Pasture He Shares With Ox

Harry the Dog is not built for jumping or digging, but for a while now he has been showing up, on occasion, outside the pasture fence. I walked the fence line in the deep snow, looking for tracks that would tell me where he was getting out, but found none. One day watching from the house I saw him climb over the hay feeder. So I set up the camera, tempted him with his deer skin, and waited. It didn't take long before I got this video.

Memorable Things Lost Which were in Use Among the Ancients: Oxen

Below is the title page of book published in 1715 but first issued in 1589.

Below is a quote from the above book.

" . . . .ships, . . . and six oxen within, which by turning an engine stirred the [paddle] wheels. . . . "

This is a related illustration, but from a different book.

Oxen Powered Paddlewheelers Used by Romans in Maritime Battles

15th century illustration of  4th or 5th century oxen powered paddlewheeler.

Oxen powered paddle-wheelers were apparently more than just a concept.  Following is the translation of a quote from De Rebus Bellciis, an anonymous 4th or 5th century (A.D.) writing.

“. . . .oxen, yoked in pairs to capstans, turn wheels attached to the sides of the ship; paddles, projecting above the circumference or curved surface of the wheels, beating the water with their strokes like oar-blades as the wheels revolve, work with an amazing and ingenious effect, their action producing rapid motion. . . .” 

The Roman Army is said to have used the oxen powered paddlewheelers on the Mediterranean Sea. The paddle wheels were used in combination with sails. Because of the ship's heavy weight, and it's increased  speed over short distances, the Romans had an advantage over the enemy. By overtaking the enemy they were able to smash their lighter sailing ships with the sturdy bows of the oxen powered paddlewheelers.

The paddlewheelers must have been larger than the fanciful one illustrated above. The oxen would have needed room to get their footing and to travel efficiently around the capstans. The vertical shafted capstans turned whatever machinery was used to transfer the work to the horizontal shafted wheels.

One can imagine the advantage of oxen powered ships if the winds were calm, and the enemies sails were hanging limp.

Oxen consume a lot of hay and fresh water, so the ships must have operated close to home. Large haystacks and water-tanks on board ships would have hampered progress on the open sea.

The Chinese are said to have had a similar invention.

Team of Oxen Battle the Tide in 'The Golden Days'

Vol. XIII—No. 51             November 12, 1892.

Excerpt from

Matt and Natt's Venture

By Wm. Pendleton Chipman

    

     On examining the heap of seaweed, he became convinced that by loading heavily he could carry what remained in two loads.

        He therefore pitched away until in his judgment half of the heap was upon the cart. It made a big load, but the oxen were stout, and, bending their necks to the yoke, they, at Matt’s command, started slowly off. As he approached the narrow roadway, he noticed the tide had gained rapidly and was now sweeping over it with considerable force and depth.

        Jumping upon the tongue of the cart, he urged his oxen through the tossing waves. To his consternation, the water came well up around the patient animals’ backs, and had he not quickly scrambled to the top of his load he would have been thoroughly drenched.

        The cattle, however, raised their noses high as possible and plunged bravely through the flood, soon emerging on the other side with their load unharmed.

Thanks to Project Gutenberg ---

complete e-book here.

White on White: Oxen and Apple Blossoms

Team of White Oxen in Apple Orchard
Eastern United States
Photographer: Leslie Jones,  (1886-1967)

Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection

 License: Some Rights Reserved

We also have white-on-white here in Minnesota today, April 21st, 2013, but unfortunately its neither oxen nor apple blossoms. 

Snow on the Ground, Spring in the Air

An oxcart ride in Eden Township, Polk County, Minnesota, set to Nature's of Winter music by ChuckBerglund, lyrics, Winter Glow by Emily Richards.

Oxcart Odyssey

Grandkids travel through time and across the universe in an oxcart.

Snow and Ice: Grooming After the Storm

Helping Scout the Ox stay warm by removing the snow and ice in his coat, with a curry-comb.

Preventing Accidental Learning of Undesirable Behaviors

A psychology primer. 

The concept of accidental learning illustrated by Scout the Ox. Preventing undesirable behavior is the key to eliminating the natural reinforcement that would result in accidental learning. Prevention requires seeing in advance what may happen next.

The Ox Loves Squash!

Scout the Ox savours a winter-squash treat from the kitchen.

Ox and Dog: Forget-Me-Not

Harry the Dog wants his camera time.

Ox and Dog: Snow Friends

Scout the Ox and Happy-Harry the Dog spend a lot of their day just hanging out, passing time. They keep each other company as seen in this video on a snowy day.

Melancholy Ox-Cart Journey

Winter ox-carting near Trail, Minnesota. Includes Trail Hills, round barn, and the small town of Trail.

Free Desktop Background: Wide Screen Monitor
Ox and Round Barn
Trail Hills, Trail, Minnesota

 Free Desktop Background: Standard Monitor
Ox and Round Barn
Trail Hills, Trail, Minnesota

Hand Feeding Large, Round, Hay-Bales

Hand feeding large, round, hay-bales.

Audio: Squeaky Cold Snow

When we lived on the coast in Oregon, for a time, I missed the sound of squeaky, cold snow. So here's an audio of the sound, for all the unfortunate folks who live in warmer climes!   ;-)

A Fine Fellow

Scout the Ox

 

A Job for the Dog

Happy Harry, a.k.a. Harry-the-Dog, destroyed a lot of dropped gloves and tool handles before I tried to change his bad-boy behavior into good. I started trading a little cat food, or a bit of rawhide chew, for dropped gloves. He quickly learned that some items were more useful for exchange than others. When he finds a glove or a soft handled tool he'll bring it near me and tease me with it until I come up with the proper currency. No currency, no deal!

Moving Large Round Hay Bales With an Ox: Plan B

If at first you don't succeed try Plan B.

History Link: World's Largest Oxen

Worlds Largest Oxen: Mt. Katahdin and Granger

Combined weight 9800 pounds (avg. 4900 pounds each)
Mr. A.S. Rand, breeder
 Stetson, Maine
Photo taken August 24, 1930

Interesting history and more photos of the worlds largest oxen in 1930, Creambrook Farm, Stetson, Maine

Click Here
Maine Memory Network

Flatbed Work: Scout the Ox

Scout the Ox pulls a flatbed trailer for work around the farm.  Notice, at about the middle of the video, I have tied one rein to the trailer to prevent Scout from walking off with the dog.

Snapshot in the Dark

Recently, I bedded the ox and the dogs stall with shredded paper that happened to be bright-colored pink, orange, and green. I thought to get a flash picture of Harry sleeping in his gaudy nest. In the dark I quietly approached and opened the top half of the stall door and fired off this shot. Harry met me at the door and this picture resulted.

 

Ox Skidding Trees: Alternative Ending: Fail

Video 2 of 2

Early training and conditioning may well have been at work here.

Ox Skidding Trees: Slow and Steady

Video 1 of 2

Scout the Ox Meets His Match

When dogs are presented with a mirror they don't seem to take notice of themselves. I was curious as to whether Scout the Ox would take notice of himself.

Babe the Blue Ox Pavilion: Minnesota History Center

Head to the Then Now Wow exhibit's new "Babe the Blue Ox Pavilion" for hands on history and a live performance. Watch a world premiere play about Paul Bunyan and make your own Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox to take home. Free with History Center admission.

Dates: Dec. 28, 2012, Dec. 30, 2012, Dec. 31, 2012

Time: noon to 4 p.m.

Fee: $11 adults, $9 seniors and college students, $6 children ages 6-17; free for children age 5 and under and MHS members.

Minnesota History Center Link

Scout the Ox Picking Wild Rose Hips - Funny!

Scout the Ox supplementing his all hay, winter diet with wild rose hips. (Rose hips contain more Vitamin C than oranges!) That ox tongue and those lips were really made to do the job. As you watch remember that rose bushes are thorny affairs.

Oxen on Parade in Boston, Massachusetts

Regular parade on Washington Street.
Leslie Jones, 1886-1967 (photographer)
Date created: 1942 (approximately)

 Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection
Some rights reserved

There's a lot to see in this archived photo! The camera man, Leslie Jones, worked for the  Boston Herald-Traveler newspaper, between the years 1917 and 1956, so likely the location is Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Notice the diamond willow whip handle and the horn knobs. The oxen appear to be wearing shoes.

This photo is the correct size for a standard computer screen. It would make a nice desktop wallpaper-background.

Leslie Jones Photo: Yoke of Oxen

Man with team of oxen hitched to wagon. 
Eastern United States
Photographer: Leslie Jones,  (1886-1967)

Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection

 License: Some Rights Reserved

Free desktop wallpaper, oxen. Free desktop background, oxen.
Fits widescreen monitor.

Smiling Teamster with Yoke of Oxen

Farmer with team of oxen pulling empty hay wagon.

Eastern United States

Photographer: Leslie Jones, (1886-1967)

Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection

 License: Some Rights Reserved

Free desktop background: oxen. Free desktop wallpaper: oxen.

Fits standard computer screen.

Southern Teamster Hauling Logs With Oxen

Logging with oxen in southeastern USA forest.
Teamster's name, the location and date are unknown.

 Link to original archived photo.
USDA,
Forest Service,
Southern Research Station

Training the Ox to Back-Up for Hitching

Gee or Haw, Back, and Whoa are commands used while hitching or unhitching an ox to a log for skidding. I have a number of trees to move from a wetland. This makes for a lot of repetitions which are great for training. At this stage of his training I'm asking the ox to make at least two steps back each time he hitches. He is accustomed to responding to the reins for left and right turns, and for stopping. So backing a few steps with a sustained tug on the reins comes fairly natural for him. I use a standard nylon cattle-halter without a cinch-chain, bit, or nose-ring, and as you can see in the video he is very responsive to that.

A Double Yoke of Oxen

Double Yoke of Oxen
Seaford, Delaware, USA  c1910
Published by W.H. Hall of Shipley & Hall

Sleek Yoke of Oxen

Sleek Yoke of Oxen Pulling Loaded Ox-Cart

This is an unidentified photo, from an antique glass negative "found in a barn." My uninformed guess is that it could be a load of sugarcane in the ox cart. Anyone care to venture a guess at the region where the photo may have been taken?  Click on "comments" below to share your thoughts.

"Vrachtrijder" With Ox Cart Load of Wooden Shoes

De Vrachtrijder
Oxcart load of wooden shoes.
c.1905

The picture was likely taken in southern Netherlands. "De Vrachtrijder" translates roughly as "The Truckdriver."

Refitting the Ox Yoke

Using carpenter's chalk to identify pressure points, I file the yoke to re-size it for a comfortable fit on the growing ox. I would like the pressure to be distributed evenly over the entire yoke seat.

Scout the Ox is just over three years old.

Ox Logging: Fitting and Using a Single Yoke

Tim Harrigan has just posted this instructional video on his TMHarrigan You Tube Channel.  He uses a traditional yoke for his single ox, Will,  and presents in the video concise and helpful information on fitting the yoke, britchen, and chains. Be sure to visit his channel and "like" his video.

To see blog posts on the making and fitting of Scout the Ox's most recent single yoke, (click here).

To see a blog post of the making and fitting of Scout the Ox's previous single yoke/collar combination click  (here) and (here).

Drinking Water Delivered by Ox Cart

England
"The water-cart;" 1856 Illustrated London News; Engraved by W. Thomas; Painted by Troyon


Switzerland 
Postcard; c.1912-1918;  

Mexico 
Mexican children; Creator: Horne, Walter H., 1883-1921 Date: ca. 1910-1917. Water cart and donkey, Chihuahua; Creator: Jackson, William Henry, 1843-1942 Date: ca. 1882-1897. Digitally altered photos; Source of original photos:  Southern Methodist University, Central University Libraries,
DeGolyer Library (click link)

 

Portugal
"Fountain At Cintra Near Lisbon" Ox Cart, Portugal. 1883 Illustrated London News. W. H. Overend artist

A Lesson to Learn from Costa Rican Teamster’s Tragedy

Tuesday morning, October 30th a Costa Rican man hauling sugar cane, with a team of oxen, stumbled and fell in the cane field. It is believed he tripped on crop residue from the previous sugar cane harvest. Another man working nearby called out for the oxen to stop but they continued --- running over  Bertilio Quiros, age 72. He died at the scene with wounds to the head, chest, and limbs.

A daughter described  Bertilio as a humble man who loved his work as a teamster. He was a loving father and grandfather. Our sympathies go to Bertilio’s family and friends.

Those of us who work with oxen (and “reitkuhs!”) may tend to become mesmerized by their usually gentle and affectionate natures. Bertilio’s accident is a good, though tragic, reminder of our oxen’s size, weight, and strength, and that oxen may not comprehend the significance of the consequences of their actions. I am reminded of finding dead sheep around the base of our hay feeders because their herd-mates were standing on top of them while they ate. The offending sheep were not cognizant of their actions and it is doubtful Bertilio’s oxen were cognizant of their’s either.

I mentioned “reitkuhs” (“reitkuh” is German for riding cows — riding cows and “springenkuhs” (jumping cows) seem to be a phenomenon of a few young German girls, especially those who live on dairy farms). I've seen several pictures of these smiling girls lying beneath their cows with their faces protruding between the cows front legs (click here to see one Die Kuhreiterin at 1:29 seconds. While the trust these kids have in their cows is admirable, I do fear for their safety.

It could be dangerous to anthropomorphize about our cows or oxen. While a cow may have a natural instinct not to step on it’s calf, I do not believe she would have an understanding of the possible consequences of a misplaced step on her young friend and trainer.

I know the only understanding that Scout the Ox has of the consequences of stepping on my toe is that it makes me holler — and he gets an elbow jabbed in his side!

With these thoughts in mind I’m glad I have trained Scout the Ox to long reins — so I can walk behind him while working. I’m also glad he responds well to “whoa.”  While I’d like to think he would  not step on me if I fell in his path, I’m not prepared to bet my life on it.

Source links: pzhoy.com, diarioextra.com, and  buewabewerber - You Tube

Skidding Trees with Single Ox Under Yoke

We skidded some small hybrid poplar trees out of the woods Saturday (October 27, 2012). The PVC pipe on the chains protects the ox's legs. The log chain is attached to the center of the evener.

Whoa! WHOA! Whoa! Close Call for Ox Cart

Scout the Ox walks through narrow space between trees while pulling the wider ox cart.

Eager Ox, Ox-Cart Ride; Country Roads, Lakes, and Farms

Scout the Ox sets a fast pace. His constant companion, Harry the Dog, accompanies us as we explore some back roads and meet some horses and cattle. The location is northwestern Minnesota, USA.

Fall Drive: Minimum Maintenance Road by Ox Cart

Red Lake County, Minnesota, September 30th, 2012 

 

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