AsiSKS AM) Mll.ES 125 



the winter to shift for themselves, has led mauy people ti> be 

 disappointed in their use. In summer, when a horse would seek 

 the shade, we have seen mules lie prone in the sun and enjoy 

 the heat. For ordinary farm labor and all teaming- purposes, 

 mules become more valuable as we go south of 40 degrees. As 

 we proceed north they become less and less serviceable, and few 

 are found iiL use north of 45 degrees. 



MILES AKK \OT VICIOUS 



It is generally supposed that the mule is naturally vicious. 

 This is a mistake. He is resentful and never forgets an injury. 

 If subjected to a long course of ill usage, he at length becomes 

 vicious. On the other hand, no animal is more susceptible to 

 kindness, or will exert himself more strenuously for a kind master. 

 Nevertheless, the mule must have a master — -one firm and yet 

 kind. The mule, as some of our readers probably know, has a 

 perfect means of otfense and defense — his heels. These he knows 

 how to use to far better purpose than does the horse. They are 

 not used, however, except under the impulse of fear or revenge, 

 if treated kindly the mule is at once amiable, tractable and willing 

 to perform any due amount of labor. ()n the other hand, if ill 

 used lie becomes sullen, vicious and often balky in the extreme. 



BKEEDIXG OF MULES 



In the breeding of mules, as of all other animals, attention 

 must be paid to the use for which they are intended. If for 

 ])acking in the mountains, small compact mules, such as are 

 bred from small tine JSpanish jacks, are retjuired. These are at 

 once agile and sure-footed. For work on southern plantations 

 medium-sized mules nnist be sought. These are bred from mares 

 of ordinary size, by good-sized jacks. In breeding mules for the 

 road and for heavy teaming, large roomy mares are used. These 

 are served with the largest jacks, and, at three years old, when 

 well matched, command $300 to $600 a span. 



The treatment of the mares and of the mule colts should be 

 precisely like that of the horse colt and its dam. The colts should 

 be handled when young and should be gently treated and made 

 completely subordinate to the will of the master. At two years 



