— lOO — 



since it is impossible to find one so much surpassing in size the 

 mares we have described as to render him objectionable on account 

 of disproportion, as may easily be the case with a horse. Most es- 

 pecially must the breeder have an eye to his legs and feet ; for 

 here, if at all, the mule is apt to be a failure — having a horse's 

 body, ready to take on flesh beyond his requirements, mounted 

 on legs that are too slight of bone and too small of muscle, with 

 feet below the standard size for highest usefulness. 



As for the treatment of mares that are to be thus bred, no 

 farther directions need be laid down, since it must be substantially 

 the same as that prescribed for the breeding of horse foals. Tlie 

 like instructions relative to weaning, feeding and sheltering the 

 colt must also be carried out ; and too much importance cannot 

 be attached to beginning early the work of familiarizing him 

 Avith man. He should be taught to regard his keepers without 

 f^'ar, to allow himself to be haltered, and readil}^ to submit lo 

 submit to direction and guidance. If this is done, he will be 

 easily trained, when the proper time shall have arrived ; and if 

 properly handled and judiciously taught then, he will be not only 

 a useful, but a trusty and agreeable animal. 



