50 THE HORSE AND THE WAR 



cleverly and well over fences, and at a fast pace too. As far as we have come 

 to understand modern warfare, the mule has not come to be regarded as a cavalry 

 remount, so that his jumping proclivities have not been developed in a serious 

 way. But the fact remains that he might be thus schooled. 



There is no need in concluding this chapter, to write of his admirable quali- 

 ties in the work of transporting food and mumtions to the troops holding the 

 trenches. I have before me as I write a letter from a transport officer in 

 France, who remarks : "I cannot speak too highly of the mule as a most 



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By tyinji a bucking mule close to the head of a quiet mule the vice can soon be 

 conquered. He cannot get his head down to buck in really serious fashion. 



valuable and useful beast." It is the opinion of all who have to do with them 

 in the many ways in which they are employed. The life of the mule at the 

 front is longer than that of the average horse because he can better adapt 

 himself to disagreeable things and tasks. He can endure more, exist on less 

 and plainer food, and the machinery of his constitution does not run down so 

 rapidly or so often. He just wants to be understood and treated accordingly. 

 And, though the ideal type of draught mule — his body built on the Hues of a 

 horse, square, with the legs coming out of each corner, wide in the chest and 

 barrel, with short, powerful legs — is a splendid beast of burden in modern war. 



