THE HOESE 



257 



both. Compared with the horse, the head is larger, the ears are 

 longer, the mane and tail are tufted, the body is smaller, the feet 

 are smaller and longer with a greater arch of hoof. The mule is 

 exceedingly variable in size and weight, depending on the paren- 

 tage. Likewise the 

 color is variable 

 with blacks and 

 browns with light 

 points the m ore 

 populai". The mule, 

 being a hybrid, is 

 sterile and will not 

 breed. 



As is often the 

 case with hybrids, 

 the mule is more 

 resistant than 

 either parent. 

 Mules live longer 

 than horses and 

 their period of 

 usefulness is often 

 longer. For long 

 journeys through 

 semi- desert re- 

 gions, over moun- 

 tain precipices and 

 through difficult 

 passes, the mule ir 

 preferred to tln' 

 horse. He is un- 

 affected by the cli- 

 mate — cold, hot, moist, 

 the mule. He is found 



economic work animals. 



dry, it is all in the day's work with 

 wherever man needs a beast to help 

 bear his burdens, with the pack, under the saddle, and in harness 

 both heavy and light. His docility, his cool-headedness, his 

 resistance to disease, especially those resulting from over-feed- 

 ing, make him a very desirable animal where ignorant and care- 

 less workmen must be relied upon. 



