THE AMERICAN MULE. 121 



good foot and bone, fine head and ear, and of good size, being 

 about 15 hands high. 



" The native jack, as a class, is heavier in body, having a 

 larger bone and foot than the imported, and shows in his entire 

 make-np the result of the limestone soil and grasses common in 

 this country. He is of all colours, having descended from all 

 the breeds of imported jacks. But the breeders of this country, 

 seeing the fancy of their customers for the black jack with light 

 points, have discarded all other colours in selecting their jacks, 

 •and the consequence is that a large proportion of the jacks in 

 the stud now, for mares, are of this colour. 



'* The native jack, being acclimated, seems to give better 

 satisfaction to breeders of mules than any other kind. From 

 observation and experience it is believed that our native jacks, 

 with good imported crosses behind them, will sire the mules 

 best suited to the wants of those who use them in this country, 

 and will supply the market with what is desired by the dealers. 

 The colts by this class of jacks are stronger in make-up, having 

 better body, with more length, larger head and ear, more foot 

 and bone, combined with style equal to the colts of the imported 

 jacks. 



" While many fine mules are sired by imported jacks, this is 

 not to be understood as meaning that imported jacks do not get 

 good foals, yet, taken as a class, we think that the mule by the 

 native jack is superior to any other class. This conclusion is 

 borne out by an experience and observation of some years, and 

 by many of the best breeders and dealers in the United States. 



" THE KIND OF MARE TO BREED FROM. 



" As the mule partakes very largely in its body and shape of 

 its mother, it is necessary that care should be taken in selecting 

 the dam. Many suppose that when a mare becomes diseased and 

 unfit for breeding to the horse, then she is fit to breed for mules. 

 This is a sad mistake, for a good, growing, sound colt must have 

 good, sound sire and dam. 



** The jack may be ever so good, yet the result will be a 

 disappointment unless the mare is good, sound, and properly 



