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CHAPTER X. 



THE MULE. 



Of all pack animals the mule is the favourite, and although frequently- 

 employed as a draught or riding animal, it is as a pack carrier that we 

 know him best. He is capable of great endurance, tolerates thirst well, 

 can put up with changes of climate and food, and is not fastidious 

 regarding the latter. The shape of his back makes it easy to fit him 

 with a saddle, while the toughness of his hide helps to preserve it from 

 galls. Mules are usually cheerful, intelligent animals, appreciate proper 

 handling, and resent violence. They are particularly free kickers, often 

 shy with strangers, and touchy about the head and ears ; but with 

 attendants that understand them, they are by no means troublesome, 

 - and easy to look after and keep in condition. 



Their one drawback from a military standpoint is their liability to 

 stampede under fire. This, however, may be largely overcome by 

 training, as is witnessed by the mountain artillery of India. 



Mules vary in height from twelve to seventeen hands. Big American 

 and Spanish mules are utilised in draught or for riding, but I4*2 is about 

 the largest employed for packwork. North and South American, 

 Spanish, Italian, Maltese, Cyprian, Egyptian, Syrian, Abyssinian, 

 Persian, Chinese, Indian, and Cape mules have all been employed by 

 us at various times, and with the exception of large Spanish mules, 

 evidently unsuited for packwork, all have been satisfactory. 



Being a near relation of the horse, and with a digestive system of 

 the same pattern, all the general rules for the care of horses may be 

 applied to mules, and if equal attention is paid to their stable 

 management and feeding, they are much easier to keep in condition 

 when at hard work. 

 Selection. Selection. Conformation. — The shape of the back is the first con- 



sideration. It should be straight from wither to croup, or inclined to 

 be roach backed, rather than hollow. It should be well covered with 

 muscle, broad and level on the top, and short. A long back is a weak 

 back, and if also hollow and narrow is the worst shape for a mule. 



