208 THE HORSE IN AMERICA 



regarded as the ne plus ultra for fattening a mule, 

 and giving a fine suit of hair. Be sure to keep the 

 barn well bedded, for if the hair becomes soiled 

 from rolling it lowers the value, as the mule is 

 much estimated for its fine coat. 



"The grain makes the flesh, and the green 

 stuff keeps the system of the mule cool, and bal- 

 ances the excess of carbonaceous elements in the 

 grain fed. 



"The manner of feeding, if properly carried 

 out, with the proper foundation to start with, will 

 make mules, two years old past, weigh from 

 1150 pounds to 1350 pounds by the 1st of Septem- 

 ber, at which time the market opens. 



" A feeder of eighteen years' experience claims 

 that oats and bran will put on more fine flesh in a 

 given time, coupled with a smoother, glossier coat 

 of hair, than any other known feed. The ex- 

 perienced feeder follows this method from wean- 

 ing till two years old. " 



In war the mule is invaluable both as a pack ani- 

 mal and for army trains. He can stand the hard 

 usage of army life much better than horses. In our 

 great Civil War they were used very extensively. 



