TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 475 



Mining mules. These are purchased for use in mines, 

 principally to haul cars of ore or coal to the hoisting shafts. 

 They are rugged, deep bodied, short legged, compactly built, 

 and have heavy bone and large feet. They stand from 12 to 

 16 hands high, and weigh from 600 to 1350 pounds. Those 

 used down in mines are termed "pit mules," and the height 

 of these is limited by the depth of the vein worked. Ages from 

 5 to 8 years are most preferred, but a well-developed four-year- 

 old, or a well-preserved ten-year-old, is often accepted. Geld- 

 ings are much preferred to mare mules for this trade. Bad 

 wire marks on the feet are severely discriminated against, as 



Fig. 160. Cotton or Lead Mule. 



they are likely to become sore from contact with sulphur and 

 other chemicals in the mine. The demand for miners is strong 

 and constant throughout the year, and comes from all sections 

 where mines are operated. 



Cotton mules. Cotton mules are very similar to mining 

 mules in size, but are lighter boned and not so compactly built. 

 They should have small, neat heads, and possess much quality 

 and finish. Their feet are smaller and bodies proportionately 

 lighter. Cotton mules stand from 13-2 to 15-2 hands high, 

 and weigh from 750 to 1100 pounds. They are most desired 

 from 3 to 7 years old, but may find ready sale up to 12 years of 

 age. Mare mules sell better than geldings in this class. The 

 trade begins about the first of September and continues good 



