442 MANUAL OF MODER^J FARRIERY. 



ness, as he fed tlie asses of Zibeon his father." It is a dis- 

 puted point whether he was the first breeder of them : Aris- 

 totle and Plinj are of opinion that he was. However this 

 may be, mules do not appear to have become common in 

 India until the reign of David, which was about 300 years 

 after the death of Anah. We think it very improbable that 

 wild mules were found, as hybrids are only known to be 

 generated under the influence of domestication. Or, if the 

 manner of engendering mules were known to the Israelites, 

 that people probably desisted from breeding them in con- 

 sequence of the law of God against their propagation ; for 

 it is said, *' Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou shall not 

 let thy cattle gender with diverse kinds." It is therefore 

 likely that the mules which David and his nobles rode were 

 imported from other countries, where they appear to have 

 been common long before his reign. In Greece and Cap- 

 padocia they abounded in early times, for the latter country 

 paid an annual tribute of mules to Persia. 



The mule, like its progenitor, the ass, is much more use- 

 ful as a beast of burden in mountainous countries than the 

 horse, being very sure-footed. Their long and sweeping 

 pace on a plain makes their motion extremely easy and 

 agreeable to the rider. Fifty or sixty pounds sterling is no 

 uncommon price for a fine mule in Spain. 



