BUYING BRITISH REMOUNTS IN AMERICA 35 



to a height of 16 h. 2 ins. or even i() h. 3 ins., and weigh about 1,300 lb. Tlie 

 hght draught mules are between 15 h. and 13 h. 3 ins., and weigh about 1,100 lb., 

 while the pack mules are under 15 h. down to 14 h. i in. All these types of 

 mules are found in the middle western states of Missouri and Kansas, and the 

 southern states of Tennessee, Texas, Alabama and (Georgia, though one does not 

 get the larger type much out of Missouri and Kansas. 



In the earlier stages of the war cotton, for which industry the mule is 

 entirley used, was down to 6 cents a pound and mules were easy to get and 

 procurable at reasonable prices. Now cotton is up to 27 cents a pound, sugar 

 and other agricultural industries are at a premium, and owing to these causes, 

 coupled with the fact that the capital number of mules available was never 

 an inexhaustible quantity, the supply of mules is daily becoming more difficult. 



In conclusion, it is only fair to describe a few of the sterling qualities of 

 this often vilified and still more often caricatured animal. The mule is practi- 

 cally immune from many of the diseases inherent in the horse — notably he suffers 

 less than half as much from shipping fever. He, as a general rule, has sounder 

 legs than the horse. He can certainly stand more hardships. He eats less 

 and is less particular about his food, though more particular about his water. 

 He thrives on work. Great as has been the success of the American gun horse, 

 still greater, though perhaps less appreciated, have been the war qualities of the 

 American mule. Long may he thrive ! 



