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not know. The ox yoke in common use is fastened by strings of raw hide to the top of the head around the base of the horns. Some contend that an ox can draw more with the yoke thus placed than when fastened to the neck and shoulders. This last method is now there used to a considerable extent-long teams, consisting of several yoke of oxen, some pulling by the horns and others by the shoulders, being occasionally seen.

Some have tried and are now endeavoring to introduce into common use in that region improved agricultural machinery-mowing machines and steel plows, but it is difficult to make the Mexicans use them, and these are the chief laborers of that country. They will work and board themselves at from five to ten dollars per month. The threshing is done on the hard ground, the grain tramped out by horses and chaff winnowed out by throwing the grain up into the wind.

A few more years and this system of Mexican farming will cease in western Texas and give place to the methods in use in other portions of the State; consequent mostly from the influx of immigration into the country between the Pecos and Rio Grande, which is sure to result when its mineral and agricultural advantages are well known.

The grange has had and continues to have a beneficial influence upon the farmers of the State. It unites them and makes them more intelligent in the management of their farms, the marketing of their produce, the buying of their supplies and agricultural implements. It increases their social joys and home enjoyments and makes them wiser and better.

In 1870, I wrote to its chief secretary (Mr. Kelly) at Washington, D. C., for information regarding the objects of the grange. He sent me grange publications, explaining the uses of the order, and also an appointment of special deputy, for organizing granges in Texas. I tried to establish a grange at Austin, and failed. It was too soon; the farmers did not understand and the newspapers of the State opposed and denounced what was then termed the grange movement. Six years has wrought a great change in this respect.

Another important item is the large and increasing attention given to horticulture; the growing of fruits and vegetables, the growth of ornamental trees, shrubs and plants, which embellish and beautify so many homes.