CHAPTER XXXVII. 

 THE MULE. 



The various breeds of the ass belong to one species known 

 as Equus asinus. The various breeds of the horse belong to a 

 distinct species known as Equus caballus. The male ass is 

 called a jack, and the female a jennet. The cross of a jack on 

 a mare produces a hybrid known as a mule. The cross of a 

 stallion on a jennet produces a hybrid known as a hinny. Al- 

 though it is often stated that the hinny and mule differ in ap- 

 pearance, the hinny tending to be more like a horse and the 

 mule tending more toward the type of a jack, there is no differ- 

 ence in type and appearance between them. Very few hinnies 

 are produced, as jennets are in such demand for producing jacks 

 that they are seldom bred to stallions. Mules and hinnies do 

 not breed, being infertile. As the saying goes, "the mule has 

 no pride of ancestry, and no hope of posterity." 



Breeds of jacks. A number of breeds have been imported 

 to the United States, including the Catalonian, Poitou, Maltese, 

 Andalusian, Majorcan, and Italian. American breeders have 

 made various crosses of these breeds and have developed by 

 selection the so-called American Jack, which may be considered 

 a distinct breed. 



Best type of jack. The best jack for mule breeding is one 

 having as much size, weight, and substance as possible, without 

 coarseness. He should stand 16 hands or over. Very few 

 jacks exceed 16-1 hands and 1150 pounds. He should be lengthy 

 and wide in form, with a straight, strong top, a well-shaped 

 head, large and well-set ears, straight legs showing plenty of 

 bone, feet of good size, shape, and texture, and a rather fine, 

 glossy coat of hair. He should be active and show considerable 

 style and spirit. The best color is black with light nose and 

 belly, as a jack of this color will get the best-colored mules out 

 of mares of all colors. 



Best mares for mule breeding. Mares standing 15-3 to 16-1 

 handstand showing some evidence of draft blood, yet having good 

 finish and quality, produce the best mules. These mares weigh 

 from 1350 to 1500 pounds. The mare should have a roomy 

 middle, and she should also have large, wide, and good feet. 



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