THE MULE. 195 



rough handling of it, or the slightest injury, will make him 

 frightened and stubborn. 



Speaking of training, an American remarks : " Owners and 

 raisers of mules should pay more attention to their habits when 

 young. And I would give them this advice : When the colt is 

 six months old, put a halter on him, and let the strap hang 

 loose. Let your strap be about four feet long, so that it will 

 drag on the ground. The animal will soon accustom himself to 

 this ; and when he has, take up the end and lead him to the 

 place where you have been accustomed to feed him. This will 

 make him familiar with you, and increase his confidence. 

 Handle his ears at times, but do not squeeze them, for the ear 

 is the most sensitive part of this animal. As soon as he lets 

 you handle his ears familiarly, put a loose bridle on him. Put 

 it on and take it off frequently. . . . Nothing is more im- 

 portant than that you should bridle a young mule properly. I 

 have found from experience that the best way is this : Stand 

 on the near side, of course, take the top of the bridle in your 

 right hand, and the bit in your left ; pass your arm gently 

 over his eye until that part of the arm bends his ear down, 

 then slip the bit into his mouth, and at the same time let your 

 hand be working slowly with the bearings still on his head and 

 neck, until you have arranged the headstall." 



Gentleness in working and managing the mule is also very 

 important, though it is seldom observed ; and there can be no 

 doubt that much of the prejudice against the use of this 

 animal is due to the bad temper or unmanageableness he 

 manifests through cruel or improper treatment of him, by those 

 who either do not understand his disposition, or imagine he 

 should be treated with harshness and violence. 



Harness for mules should be strong and well made, and the 



collars and pack-saddles well fitted and easy. The bit should 



not be too thin or strapped too tight, lest it may produce a 



sore mouth, which is very difficult to heal, and during the 



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