THE MULE. 



271 



The body should be well-ribbed up, and of sufficient girth. In India, The body, 

 the standard of girth for purchase is fixed as follows : — 



Heiijht. 



3 years. 



4 years. 



5 years. 



6 years. 



The above measurements are when the animals are in working 

 condition ; if they are fresh mules, in dealer's condition, two inches 

 more must be looked for all round. Mules less than I2'i, and four 

 years old, are only purchased by special sanction. 



The chest should be deep, and have a good breadth across the The chest, 

 shoulders. 



The quarters should be well- developed and muscular. In the pack The 

 mule the strength of the quarters is of more importance than the shape quarters, 

 of the forehand. In moving up or down hill with a load on the back, 

 this necessity for powerful quarters becomes very apparent. 



The forehand xs^ when compared with its importance in the horse. The 

 a secondary consideration. The withers are naturally broad and low, forehand, 

 and the shoulder looks upright, but the low wither is a positive advantage 

 in saddle fitting, and the animal is a proverbially sure stepper. 



The 7ieck should be strong and muscular, and is naturally short The neck, 

 and straight. 



The legs are, compared with the horse, slender looking, but so long The legs, 

 as they are short, clean, and straight in front, large measurement need 

 not be looked for. Behind, they are frequently cowhocked, and this is 

 not a drawback if the hocks are free from disease. Spavin, the result of 

 the severe hill work mules are frequently called upon to undertake, is a 

 common cause of unfitness. 



The feet are narrow and boxy, as compared with the horse, but very The feet, 

 strong and hard wearing, 



^^^.— The teeth resemble those of the horse in every particular. Age, 



