THE BREEDING OF MULES 205 



good, soft feed, such as bran and oats mixed, 

 plenty of sound, sweet hay, and, in season, cut- 

 grass, remembering at all times that nothing can 

 make up for want of pure water in the stable. 

 Many maybe weaned together properly. After they 

 have remained in the stable for several days they 

 maybe turned on good, rich pasture. Do not forget 

 to feed, as this is a trying time. The change from a 

 milk to a dry diet is severe on the colt. They may 

 all be huddled in a barn together, as they seldom 

 hurt each other. Good, rich clover pastures are 

 fine for mules at this age, but if they are to be 

 extra fine, feed them a little grain all the while. 



"There is little variety in the feed until the 

 mules are two years old, at which time they are 

 very easily broken. If halter-broken as they grow 

 up, all there is to do in breaking one is to put on a 

 harness, and place the young animal beside a 

 broken mule, and go to work. When it is thor- 

 oughly used to the harness, the mule is already 

 broken. Light work in the spring, when the mule 

 is two years old, will do no hurt, but, in the 

 opinion of many breeders and dealers, make it 

 better, provided it is carefully handled and fed. 



