Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 509 



mare the coarser qualities of the ass are dominant over the finer quali- 

 ties of the mare; that is, the distinctive features of the ass are to be 

 found in the mule. These appear in the head, ears, mane, legs, tail, 

 and feet. The mares in most cases are able to modify these distinctive 

 characteristics but not to suppress them. For example, the foot of 

 the ass is contracted, and needs to be widened in the mule. * * * 

 The body of the jack has a tendency to narrowness and angularity. 

 The big, round, smooth brood mares will add as their complement, size 

 and smoothness to the mule." 



The mule. — Big, heavy mules bring the highest price if they show 

 smoothness and good quality. The very best stand 16-3 to 17-2 hands 

 and weigh 1,600 to 1,700 pounds. Few reach 1,800 pounds. Mules 

 do not weigh as heavy for their height as horses. Mules are judged 

 by practically the same standards as horses. 



The mule and horse compared.^Mules are more sure-footed than 

 horses, pick their way more carefully, and look out for themselves 

 better than a horse. Mules are more intelligent than horses, and are 

 more apt to learn to refuse or avoid hard or unpleasant work. When 

 a mule gets tangled up in wire or into some other predicament, he 

 usually stands quietly until released, whereas a horse often becomes 

 excited and struggles even though he lacerates his legs and body and 

 punishes himself very severely. Working in shallow passageways in 

 mines, the small mules used in such work are said to lower their heads 

 when their ears touch the top of the tunnel, while ponies under similar 

 conditions throw their heads upward and may injure themselves. 

 Mules usually accept their lot and plod along at their work without 

 wasting energy in fretting or nervousness, while worry rather than work 

 often keeps a horse thin. Mules are less sensitive than horses; they 

 accept more abuse and rough handling, and get along better under an 

 incompetent driver. Mules stand hot weather better than horses. 

 Mules are less subject to digestive troubles and founder. A mule will 

 not gorge himself as a horse often does if he gets into the feed bin or 

 has access to too much feed. The mule's foot has a very thick, strong 

 wall and sole which enables the foot to endure the shock and concussion 

 on hard pavements particularly well. Mules are less subject to foot 

 troubles which cause lameness, and their feet are less affected by con- 

 tinuous shoeing. Mules are usually stabled more cheaply than horses. 

 They are often kept in sheds or pens in which a number are turned 

 loose together. Aged and second-hand mules sell better than aged 

 and second-hand horses. Mules require less veterinary attention and 

 are less often incapacitated for work than horses. Mules once worked 

 together as a team are harder to separate than horses. This may be 

 an advantage, or it may in some cases prove a detriment. Mules are 



