EXERCISE 73 



JUDGING MULES 



Object. To study systematically the conformation of the mule ; to develop ability to select animals 

 that are efficient machines, and to detect and evaluate imperfections. 



Materials. Illustrations and charts showing the parts of a mule ; pictures of good individuals clipped 

 from live-stock journals ; score card on opposite page, and available animals for judging. 



Directions. Since the mule is essentially a draft animal for use under conditions which require 

 both strength and agility, the chief points in judging relate to size, weight, and action. Mules should 

 be somewhat more rangy than horses. Plenty of bone is an essential point and a clean cut head and 

 neck is to be looked for. Note carefully the temperament of mules as it is quite important for the com- 

 fort and convenience of those who 

 are to use them. Study the parts of 

 the animal and score the various 

 animals available in accordance 

 with the rules given in the score 

 card on the following page. Note 

 that the work is very similar to 

 scoring horses and should occa- 

 sion but little difficulty if the horse 

 has been carefully studied. Judge 

 two or more animals in competition 

 and place them according to their 

 worth. Give reasons in each case. 

 Opportunities for comparative 

 judging are present at almost any 

 time, as a team of animals will 

 do for the work and can usually be 

 found. The eye should be trained 

 to see the excellences and the de- 

 ficiencies of an animal almost at a 

 glance. Such skill can only be acquired by constant practice in comparative judging. The habit 

 of "sizing up" every animal one sees should be formed early. The degree to which the 

 members of work teams match in size, color, conformation, and action should be observed. The 

 animals which show evidences of thrift should be noted and compared with those which are always 

 unthrifty. 



Questions. What are the market classes of mules? What are the specifications as to height, 

 weight, and type of each ? To what uses is each adapted ? What is the relative value of each class 

 in your local market ? Where are the principal mule markets of the United States ? In what condition 

 are mules most readily salable, and why ? What is the predominant type of mule produced and used 

 in your neighborhood? At what age is the mule put to work? At what age is he at his prime? At 

 what age does he usually begin to decline in value? How does the mule compare with the horse in 

 its capacity to withstand hardship? 



References. Waters, H. J. Essentials of Agriculture, pp. 339-349. Ginn and Company. Gay, C. W. 

 Productive Horse Husbandry, pp. 309-314. J. B. Lippincott Company. Vaughan, H. W. Types and Market 

 Classes of Live Stock, pp. 413-418. R. G. Adams and Company. Plumb, C. S. Types and Breeds of Farm 

 Animals, pp. 161-167. Ginn and Company. 



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Fig. hi. A champion pair of mules 



