518 



Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 



for considerable numbers of a definite type. In the St. Louis market, 

 which is the largest mule market in the world, there are six market 

 classes which are as follows: 



Height 

 Class Hands 



MINING MULES 12 to 16 



COTTON MULES 13-2 to 15-2 



SUGAR MULES 16 to 17 



FARM MULES 15-2 to 16 



DRAFT MULES 16 to 17-2 



[Wheel mules 15-3 to 16-1 



ARMY MULES j Lead mules 15 to 15-3 



[Pack and riding mules. . . .14-2 to 15-2 



Mining mules are purchased for use in mines, principally to haul 

 cars of ore or coal to the hoisting shafts. They are rugged, deep 



Weight 

 Pounds 



600 to 1,350 



750 to 1,100 

 1,150 to 1,300 



900 to 1,250 

 1,200 to 1,600 

 1,150 to 1,300 

 1,000 to 1,150 



950 to 1.200 



Fig. 205. — Cotton or lead mule. 



bodied, short legged, compactly built, and have heavy bone and large 

 feet. They stand from 12 to 16 hands high, and weigh from 600 to 

 1,350 pounds. Those used down in mines are termed "pit mules," 

 and the height of these is limited by the depth of the vein worked. 

 Small pit mules are produced from pony dams. Ages from 5 to 8 

 years are most preferred, but a well-developed four- year-old, or a well- 

 preserved ten-year-old, is often accepted. Geldings are much pre- 

 ferred to mare mules for this trade because they are usually more gentle 

 than mare mules. Mine mules must be gentle and not ticklish about 

 the ears and feet. Bad wire marks on the feet are severely discrimi- 

 nated against, as they are likely to become sore from contact with 

 sulphur and other chemicals in the mine. The demand for miners is 



