THE AMERICAN MULE. 125 



while the dew is on, as this preserves the aroma, and thej like it 

 better. While this is going on in the lot, the troughs and 

 racks in the barns should be supplied with all the shelled corn 

 (maize) the mules will eat. ' Why shell it ? ' some one will ask. 

 Because they eat more of it, and relish it. A valuable addition 

 at all times consists of either short-cut sheaf oats, or shelled 

 oats, and bran, if not too expensive. 



" From this time the mule should be pressed with all the 

 richest of feed, if it is desired to make it what is temied in mule 

 parlance, 'hog fat.' Ground barley, shelled oats, bran, and 

 shelled corn, should be given, not forgetting to salt regularly all 

 the while, nor omitting the hay and green corn blades. While 

 all those are essential, oats and bran, although at some places 

 expensive, are regarded as the ne jjliis ultra for fattening a mule,, 

 and giving a fine suit of hair. Be sure to keep the barn well 

 bedded, for if the hair becomes soiled from rolling it lowers the 

 value, as the mule is much estimated for its fine coat. 



" ihe grain makes the flesh, and the green stuff keeps the 

 system of the mule cool, and balances the excess of carbonaceous 

 elements in the grain fed. 



"The manner of feeding, if properly carried out, with the 

 proper foundation to start with, will make mules, two years old 

 past, weigh from 11501b. to 13601b. by the 1st of September, at 

 which time the market opens. 



** A feeder of eighteen years' experience claims that oats and 

 bran will put on more fine flesh in a given time, coupled with a 

 smoother, glossier coat of hair, than any other known feed. The 

 experienced feeder follows this method from weaning till two 

 years old." 



The endurance and utility of the American mule was 

 thoroughly demonstrated during the Civil War^ when a 

 large number of these animals performed extraordinary 

 service in connection with the Federal armies. One six- 

 mule team fitted out in Maryland in the spring of 186U 

 driven by a coloured driver, was worked in Washington 



