The evident practicality of oxen suggested that we get a pair. Don Patrocinio Garvizu, a fellow MCC worker in Moro Moro, Bolivia, came to help us train them. They were disastrous when hitched to the carroza, but did admirable work in the fields. Unfortunately, they developed a habit of busting into people's home gardens together, and eating or destroying the produce. Our efforts to stop them were useless, and the community decided to sell them.

Too bad the gringo is in the way: this is the only known shot of our ox team (the red guy was mine, the black and white, Imi's). The day after this was taken, the oxen were driven off to Monteagudo and eaten. They were finally replaced (with a small herd) just a few months ago; some people were talking about training and working a couple, but I haven't heard anything definite.

I should mention that I worked with a lot of donkeys over the years, in Imi and elsewhere, and once got to train a pair of mules to the plow. Donkeys and mules are smarter than horses. They present their own advantages and disadvantages; I like donkeys.