staple is fitted, and from which
an iron ring depends, about a foot from the middle of the yoke each
way, which is hollowed out, so as to fit on the top of the oxen's
necks. A hole is bored, two inches in diameter, on each side of the
hollow, through which the bow is passed, and fastened on the upper side
of the yoke by a wooden pin. The bow is bent in the shape of a horse-
shoe, the upper, or narrow ends being passed through the yoke. If the
yoke and bows are properly made and fit the cattle, there is no fear of
galling the beast. The bows are made of hickory, white or rock elm, in
this way. Cut a piece of elm, five feet and a half long, large enough
to split into quarters, each of which will dress to two inches in
diameter; put them in a steam-box for an hour at least; take them out
hot, and bend on a mould made on purpose; tie the two bent-up ends
together until dry. Every settler should know how to do these things,
and to make his own axe-handles, and many other articles which are
constantly required in the bush.

My first attempt at driving oxen was accompanied by an unfortunate
accident, which gave me some trouble and mortification. My father-in-
law had lent a neighbour a plough, of which we were much in want. I
thought it would be a good opportunity for me to try my hand with the
oxen, to fetch it home. Now, it happened the cattle were young, and not
very well broken, so that I found some difficulty in yoking and
attaching them to the cart. However, I succeeded at last, and drove up
to the door of Mr. Stephens' house in great style. I found the family
just going to dinner, which they courteously invited me to partake with
them. I accepted their hospitality, and left the oxen standing before
the door.

I discussed my neighbour's good cheer with an excellent appetite, and
was in the very act of pledging mine host, when I heard the cattle
start off. We left the table with precipitation, but-were, alas! too
late to stop the refractory oxen, which galloping down a steep hill, on
the summit of which the house was built, stumbled in their descent, and
fell to the bottom, where we found them struggling, apparently, in the
agonies of death. We cut the bows from their necks as soon as possible,
but not in time to save the life of poor Spot, the near ox, who was
quite dead; and it was for some minutes doubtful if Dandy the off
"critter," as the Yankees would style him would survive his companion.
I killed the dead one ov