20 SAVAGE SUEVIVALS 



6. The Donkey and the Mule. 



The donkey is a cousin of the horse. It belongs 

 to the Horse Family. The close relationship of 

 the donkey and the horse is shown by their ability 

 to interbreed. 



The donkey is a very unplastic animal. It 

 changes little. The domesticated donkey is not 

 very different from its wild ancestors, which still 

 roam the desert-like plains of central Asia. 



The donkey is today out-of-date in most parts 

 of the civilized world. But a few centuries ago 

 it was common. It is now used chiefly in places 

 where wheels cannot go. It is enduring, patient, 

 and sure-footed, but slow. It is a "back number, " 

 and will, in time, probably join the buffalo and the 

 American Indian. 



The mule is a cross produced by the interbreed- 

 ing of the horse and donkey. It is infertile. 



The mule combines in a remarkable manner the 

 good qualities of both of its parents the patience, 

 endurance, and sure-footedness of the donkey, and 

 the power, size, and activity of the horse. 



The mule is especially adapted to service in 

 which the hardships are too great for the horse, 

 and in regions of great heat. It is used little in 

 England and northern Europe and northern Unit- 

 ed States. It is a common burden-bearer in 

 Spain, southern United States, France, and South 

 America. It was introduced on southern planta- 

 tions by Washington. 



