aylight a halt should be made, and the animals
immediately turned out to graze for two hours, during which time,
especially if there is dew upon the grass, they will have become
considerably refreshed, and may be put to the wagons again and driven
until the heat becomes oppressive toward noon, when they are again
turned out upon a spot where the grass is good, and, if possible, where
there are shade trees. About four o'clock P.M. they are again started,
and the march continued into the night, and as long as they can be
driven without suffering. If, however, there should be dew, which is
seldom the case on the plains, it would be well to turn out the animals
several times during the second night, and by morning, if they are in
good condition, the journada of 70 or 80 miles will have been passed
without any great amount of suffering. I am supposing, in this case,
that the road is firm and free from sand.

Many persons have been under the impression that animals, in traversing
the plains, would perform better and keep in better condition by
allowing them to graze in the morning before commencing the day's
march, which involves the necessity of making late starts, and driving
during the heat of the day. The same persons have been of the opinion
that animals will graze only at particular hours; that the remainder of
the day must be allowed them for rest and sleep, and that, unless these
rules be observed, they would not thrive. This opinion is, however,
erroneous, as animals will in a few days adapt themselves to any
circumstances, so far as regards their hours of labor, rest, and
refreshment. If they have been accustomed to work at particular periods
of the day, and the order of things is suddenly reversed, the working
hours changed into hours of rest, and _vice versa_, they may not do as
well for a short time, but they will soon accustom themselves to the
change, and eat and rest as well as before. By making early drives
during the summer months the heat of the day is avoided, whereas, I
repeat, if allowed to graze before starting, the march can not commence
until it grows warm, when animals, especially oxen, will suffer greatly
from the heat of the sun, and will not do as well as when the other
plan is pursued.

Oxen upon a long journey will sometimes wear down their hoofs and
become lame. When this occurs, a thick piece of raw hide wrapped around
the foot and tied firmly to the leg will obviate the difficulty,
provided