論耕牛與漢代農業

The Plough Ox in Han Dynasty Agriculture

中國的牛耕在戰國秦漢之間有一個發展的過程，其中最重要的幾個關鍵點莫過於秦的統一與西漢趙過的農業改革。學界對於牛耕的起源頗多論述，但對於牛耕之推廣及其影響的研究則相對較為貧乏。本文嘗試討論耕牛與漢代農業之關係，並爬梳有無耕牛對於漢代經濟生產活動之影響。以下先論漢代牛耕之使用及推廣，次論「民苦少牛」的情況以及宋漢所發生的牛疫問題，再論缺乏耕牛之耕作方式，以及兩漢時期面對少牛、牛疫之相應處理措施。期待能發現耕牛對漢代農業發展的重要性，以及兩漠四百年間農業發展的一個面向。

Ploughing with oxen in China underwent a process of development between the Warring States and the Han dynasty. The key factors in this process are the unification of China by the state of Qin 秦, and Zhao Guo's 趙過agricultural reforms during the Western Han . There have been a considerable number of discussions on the origins of ox ploughing, but relatively few, however, on the spread and effect of the practice. The present study therefore attempts to discuss the role of the plough ox in Han dynasty agriculture and investigate the effect its presence had on production activity in the Han dynasty economy. First, the use and spread of the technique of ox ploughing are explained. This is then followed by a discuss ion of the human suffering caused by a paucity of oxen due to outbreaks of cattle plague that occurred during the Eastern Han. Finally, the alternative methods of cultivation used under these circumstances and measures for dealing with cattle plague and the scarcity of oxen during the Han dynasty are discussed. It is hoped that this will enable us to locate the importance of the plough ox in Han dynasty agricultural development, and an aspect of agricultural development during the 400 years of the Han dynasty.