192 THE HORSE IN AMERICA 



lion and female ass. The cross between the jack 

 and the mare is properly called the mule, while 

 the other, the produce of the stallion and female 

 ass, is designated a hinny. The mule is the more 

 valuable animal of the two, having more size, 

 finish, bone, and, in fact, all the requisites which 

 make that animal so much prized as a useful 

 burden-bearing animal. The hinny is small in 

 size, and is wanting in the qualities requisite to a 

 great draught animal. This hybrid is supposed 

 not to breed, as no instance is known to us in 

 which a stallion mule has been prolific, although 

 he seems to be physically perfect, and shows great 

 fondness for the female, and serves readily. 

 There are instances on record where the female 

 has produced a foal, but these are rare. 



"The mule partakes of the several character- 

 istics of both its parents, having the head, ear, 

 foot, and bone of the jack, while in height and 

 body it follows the mare. It has the voice of 

 neither, but is between the two, and more nearly 

 resembles the jack. It possesses the patience, en- 

 durance, and sure-footedness of the jack, and the 

 vigor, strength, and courage of the horse. It is 



