MULES. 255 



general observation that in features some children take after the 

 father, and others after the mother — and statistics have been drawn 

 up to' elucidate the rule which underlies this phenomenon. The 

 result is much discussion aud various theories. A study of mules 

 promises to throw a great deal of light on the matter, for the differ- 

 e in species of the parents makes their specific characters distinc- 

 tive. We know there is a marked difference between the trite mule 

 or progeny of a donkey sire and a mare on the one hand, and the 

 hinny or progeny of a horse and a female donkey. Both present a 

 mixture of cabaline {i.e., true horse) characters and asinine — but 

 the mixture is in different proportions. The size of the female 

 parent is followed, and as a rule the shape of the male ; yet there 

 ms a specially strong determination to inherit from the ass. 

 Thus the large ears, tufted tail, donkey marks, colour, narrow hoofs, 

 hog mane, obstinate temper, low forehand, big head, and scanty neck, 

 are as seen in the ass. These characters are, however, diluted as it 

 wore by the cross, and not to be considered as entirely uninfluenced, 

 and all stages of transition are, in different cases, though not in the 

 same individual, found be ween cabaline and asinine characters in 

 the mule. We need some exact observations and measurements of 

 mules, which some of our members who are Transport Officers up- 

 country could very readily furnish us with, and which would 

 have high scientific value. Such observations have to a limited degree 

 been applied to the skeleton, and it is remarkable how the facts just 

 mentioned apply to the internal as well as the external structures. 

 There can be no doubt as to the strong influence of heredity on both 

 sides ; but it is the relative degree of the respective heredities which 

 we wish to get at. 



■ An extraordinary influence is exerted on the system of the mare 

 by becoming the mother of a mule, in so far as her progeny in the 

 future is liable to a taint indicated by asinine characters cropping up. 

 Thus no brood mare of high value should be made to throw a mule — 

 a fact well established by the experiment made by Lord Morton of 

 crossing a mare of pure blood with a quagga. It is probably not 

 quite realised in our social relations that one may naturally resemble 

 his step-father, yet such is quite possible to the progeny of a second 

 marriage. 

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