|
Throughout history, man has relied on power to accomplish tasks
in transportation and agriculture. Initially, primitive man used their own
muscles to complete work, but soon discovered that natural forces could be
harnessed to provide power. Water wheels and windmills were used to power simple
machines and irrigation, but the most significant advancement was the
domestication of certain animals that could be trained to work, such as
elephants, camels, horses, donkeys, mules, and oxen.
Among all these animals, the horse proved to be the most important due to its
quickness, strength, and intelligence. The widespread use of horses led to the
development of "horse-power" as a unit of power measurement. Elephants, although
highly intelligent and immensely strong, were slower and more expensive to feed.
Camels and donkeys were used as charges in desert battles and for carrying heavy
loads in arid countryside for days on end without water. Mules, which were often
used in ancient military campaigns, had the added advantage of being an able
climber and extremely sure-footed, but were also known for being obstinate and
bad-tempered.
Oxen, on the other hand, were highly valued in the Far East, where they were
used to pull bullock-carts and tread out corn, among other functions. People who
used animals for work grew to love them as if they were members of the family,
and it was considered shameful to ill-treat or neglect them. These animals were
required to be well-fed, housed properly, kept warm and dry, never overworked,
and given veterinary attention when they were sick.
Unfortunately, the beast of burden is slowly disappearing due to the fact that
their work has been superseded by machines, and due to economic necessities in
modern times of industrialization. This is a loss not only to animal lovers, who
appreciate the loyalty and strength of these animals, but also to the fertility
of the land. While artificial manure can be used as a substitute for the natural
variety, it is not as effective.
Mechanized transportation and agricultural machinery have largely displaced the
use of beasts of burden, and even in remote agricultural areas, they are
becoming more and more scarce. This is inevitable as machines provide faster and
more efficient ways of completing tasks. However, the disappearance of the beast
of burden will be a sad loss to man, whose faithful friend and servant they have
been for centuries. |
