310 



THE HORSE IN SERVICE 



As Draft Animals. — Mules are not a success for heavy draft 

 work on city streets, as tbey do not have either the weight or cir- 

 cumference of foot to give them a good hold on pavements. Fur- 

 thermore, it is the experience of teamsters that a mule pulls by 

 a direct forward push instead of by the lift with which draft 

 horses start their load. This, too, is conducive to slipping. 

 Some light pairs of mules do well in light delivery ser^^ice, and 

 their feet ^Hthstand the battering of the jDavements especially welt 



I ! ''. — Representing the Kent 1 - i Imli't imili- ixcclltuir. Their size, rangy, 



smooth form, quality, breediness, and temperament are such as are reciuired of the highest 

 class sugar mule. 



on account of a very thick, strong wall and sole, and their 2>eculiar 

 shape, which prevents both a contraction of heels and dropping 

 of sole. 



The Mule's Advantages. — The mule has some distinct ad- 

 vantages over the horse for some kinds of work. They may be 

 enumerated as follows : 



He stands hot weather better and is less susceptible to diges- 

 tive disorders and founder, it being customary to feed mules from 

 troughs, where they may take tlieir fill, like cattle. A mule 

 takes better care of himself in the hands of an incompetent driver 



