194 THE PRACTICAL HOUSE KEEPER. 



The best mules are those with a good appearance, having a 

 broad chest, strong neck, bright eye, fine strong legs, large 

 hocks and knees, a good length between the point of the 

 shoulders and the withers, and a moderate sized body. A 

 narrow chest, large belly, light limbs, small feet, and turned in 

 hocks, are defects in conformation. Mules with straight backs 

 are best suited for bearing burdens ; those with a hollow back 

 for saddle or draught. The male mule can carry more weight 

 than the female, though the latter is better for work, being 

 more docile. 



Being tall, heavy, and fat is no criterion of service- 

 ability. A mule measuring 14J hands high, to be in good 

 working condition, should not weigh more than a thousand 

 pounds ; heavier than this, his legs will probably soon give 

 way. 



A great deal of care and patience are required in breaking- 

 in mules to work, as their temper is more readily spoiled than 

 that of the horse, and bad treatment will make them more afraid 

 or defiant of man than they naturally are. The breaking should 

 be gradual, and calmness and gentleness are very necessary. 

 To train a mule properly, it is necessary to establish, from the 

 very first, confidence between him and the trainer, and men of 

 irritable temper should not be allowed to undertake the task. 

 It is necessary to avoid allowing the animal to acquire a vice 

 while training him, as he will probably never forget it ; and 

 nothing is more profitable at this period than good treatment. 

 Once the trainer has gained the confidence of the animal, he 

 can teach him to do almost anything. Therefore it is that 

 well-bred and well- cared for mules, which have been gently 

 broken in, will be found almost as good, and as tractable and 

 docile, as horses. Bad training and ill-treatment ruin their 

 temper. The mule is easily frightened by noises and strange 

 sights, and time should be given him to realise that they arc 

 harmless. The animal's ear is particularly sensitive, and 



