464 THE COMPLETE GRAZIER. BOOK in 



II. The MULE (see fig. 100) is a mongrel animal, between the horse 

 and the she-ass, or the jack-ass and the mare. He is hardy, strong, and 

 sure-footed, lives to a great age, and, being maintained at less expense 

 than the horse, might be advantageously employed on farms. It is 

 the only beast of burthen used in the South of Europe ; and in Spain 

 and Portugal mules are employed both for the saddle and in gentle- 

 men's carriages. For the latter purpose they are bred of a large size, 

 and sell at much higher prices than the horse, 1 as they not only live 

 longer and are less subject to disease, but are found to go through more 

 work and to stand it better. The common load for Spanish mules, in 

 addition to a heavy pack-saddle, is 280 lb., or 20 stones, with which 

 they will travel, for several successive days, at the rate of from thirty 

 to forty miles per day. Their only food is barley, or Indian corn, and 

 straw, upon which they are kept in excellent condition, and, when not 

 ill-treated, will continue to labour for thirty, and even forty years. 



Mules are very extensively used in Mexico, in carrying supplies to 

 the mines, some of which are hundreds of miles from the base, and in 

 bringing back the metal. Wherever vehicles can travel, mules are used 

 in the waggons, diligences, &c., and they do their work excellently 

 well. 



It must be evident, from this slight sketch, that these animals might 

 be rendered very serviceable for many purposes for which horses are 

 now employed. They are steady pullers, standing well to the collar at 

 uphill draughts at which horses would stand still, and are more 

 muscular, in proportion to their size ; but, not possessing equal weight, 

 they cannot exert the same force. For ploughing land that is subject 

 to be poached by heavy animals, for hoeing and harrowing, and all kinds 

 of light road-work, they would probably be found a cheap and effective 

 substitute for the expensive teams in general use. 



The produce of the horse and the female ass is a different kind of 

 animal from that which we have been describing, partaking more of the 

 appearance of the horse and less of his valuable qualities. Strictly 

 speaking, the term " mule " is applied to the offspring of a mare and 

 a male donkey, whilst the produce of a female donkey and a male 

 horse is called a "mute," a "hinny," or a "jennett." 



Mules are generally incapable of procreation, though some exceptions 

 to this rule are stated to have occurred. 2 



It is to be noted, in concluding this chapter, that more attention is 

 now being paid to the breeding both of asses and mules, not merely 

 for the farm, but more especially for general purposes. It is also 

 gratifying to state that, in the treatment of these animals, much more 

 humanity is displayed than was formerly the case. 



1 In Lisbon, a pair of carriage-mules have been known to fetch as much as 250 moidores, 

 equal to 3372. 10s. ; and a good pair can seldom be got under 150 moidores. 



2 See "Horses, Asses, Zebras, Mules, and Mule Breeding," by W. B. Tegotmeier and G. L. 

 Sutherland, 1895 (Horace Cox). Also "The Penicuik Experiments," by J. 0. Ewart, M.D., 

 F.R.S., 1899 (A. & 0. Black). 



