THE MULE 419 



common in India until the reign of David, which was 

 about 300 years after the death of Anah. We think 

 it very improbable that wild mules were found, as 

 hybrids are only known to be generated under the 

 influence of domestication. Or, if the manner of 

 engendering mules were known to the Israelites, that 

 people probably desisted from breeding them in con- 

 sequence of the law of God against their propagation ; 

 for it is said, "Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou 

 shalt not let thy cattle gender with diverse kinds." 

 It is, therefore, likely that the mules which David 

 and his nobles rode were imported from other countries, 

 where they appear to have been common long before 

 his reign. In Greece and Cappadocia they abounded 

 in early times, for the latter country paid an annual 

 tribute of mules to Persia. 



The mule, like its progenitor, the ass, is much more 

 useful as a beast of burden in mountainous countries 

 than the horse, being very sure-footed. Their long 

 and sweeping pace on a plain makes their motion ex- 

 tremely easy and agreeable to the rider. Fifty or 

 sixty pounds sterling is no uncommon price for a fine 

 mule in Spain. 



