CHAPTER X. 



THE ASS AND MULE. 



THESE animals, though but little used in this country, in com- 

 parison with the horse, are nevertheless of much value for 

 certain kinds of work, and especially under particular condi- 

 tions. Their usefulness is generally overlooked or ignored, 

 either through prejudice, dislike, or from the nature and 

 capabilities of the animals not being understood, leading to 

 mismanagement and consequent disappointment. In certain 

 circumstances and for special requirements, as in the field 

 during war, the ass and mule are better than ponies or horses ; 

 and in the country, and even in towns, they might be largely 

 and advantageously employed indeed, mules are preferred to 

 horses in several countries, and form by far the largest propor- 

 tion of the animals used for work. 



THE ASS. 



The ass is characterised by great hardiness of constitution, 

 endurance of fatigue and hunger, patience, and apparent in- 

 difference to privation, while he is sure-footed and little liable to 

 disease. In this country the ass is but little utilised, his services 

 being generally limited to costermongers, gipsies, small trades- 

 men, hawkers, and sometimes for carrying young children or 

 sea-shore riding. In some other countries, however, he is in 

 more repute, and takes a somewhat prominent share in load- 

 carrying, and even in draught. In France, in 1866, there were 



