192 THE PRACTICAL HORSE KEEPER. 



sometimes even the head ; it is nearly always small in size. 

 In rare instances, the animal will have the fore-quarters of the 

 horse and the hind-quarters of the ass. 



The voice of these animals usually betrays their lineage, for 

 while those of the first kind bray like the ass, the second kind 

 neigh like the horse. 



Mules also inherit the shape and peculiarities of the sire to 

 a greater degree than those of the dam ; from the latter they 

 obtain size, but rarely inherit bad shape or unsoundness from 

 her. In the great majority of cases — ninety per cent. — the 

 donkey transmits his shape and soundness to his progeny. 



A writer says : "If any gentleman wants to purchase a 

 mule for the saddle, let him get one bred closer after the mare 

 than the Jack (stallion ass). Such an animal is more docile, 

 easier handled, and more tractable, and will do what you want 

 with less trouble than the other. If possible, also get mare 

 mules ; they are much more safe and trusty under the saddle, 

 and less liable to get stubborn. They are also better than a 

 horse mule (male) for team purposes. In short, if I were 

 purchasing mules for myself, I would give at least fifteen 

 dollars more for mare mules than I would for horse. They are 

 superior to the horse mule in every way. . . . The most 

 disagreeable and unmanageable, and, I was going to say, 

 useless, animal in the world, is a stud (stallion) mule. They 

 are no benefit to anybody, and yet they are more troublesome 

 than any other animal. They rarely ever get fat, and are 

 always fretting ; while it is next to impossible to keep them 

 from breaking loose and getting at mares. Besides, they are 

 exceedingly dangerous to have amongst horses. They will 

 frequently fly at the horse, like a tiger, and bite, tear, and 

 kick him to pieces. I have known them to shut their eyes, 

 become furious, and dash over both man and beast to get at a 

 mare." 



The popular notion, that to obtain a good mule colt, large 



