Ing. Who has been used to carry a calf, may in time carry an ox"Who has been used to carry a calf, may in time carry an ox." The adage is said to have taken its rise from the story of a woman who took delight in nursig and carrying about with her a calf, and as the animal grew, her strength so increased, that she was able to carry it when it became an ox. Or, as Erasmus conjectures, from the story of Milo the Crotonian, who was said, with great ease to take up an ox, and carry it on his shoulders; but who perished miserably, "Wedged in the oak which he strove to rend." It may be used to shew the force of habit or custom, and its influence both on our mental and bodily powers, which may by use be increased to an almost incredible degree. Also to shew the necessity of checking and eradicating the first germs of vice in children, as, if they be suffered to fix themselves, they will in time become too powerful to be subdued.
