212 PROFITABLE STOCK RAISING 



years old. They may very well be broken to 

 harness at the age of two, but at this time they are 

 too young to be placed at steady hard work. A 

 little light driving or an occasional half day's light 

 work in the field will be of benefit to them, but over- 

 work at this time will result in stunted growth. At 

 three years old they are shedding their teeth, and 

 on this account are peculiarly unfitted for any severe 

 work. If they have been broken to harness as two- 

 year-olds, the light work and driving may be kept 

 up while they are three-year-olds, but under no 

 circumstances should they be placed at hard work 

 this year. Special attention should be given to 

 their feeding at this time, because frequently 

 while they are losing their teeth their mouths 

 will become so sore as to make it impossible for 

 them to chew dry, hard grain. If circumstances 

 are such that the animals will be put to work as 

 soon as they are broken to harness, by all means 

 wait until they are four years old. They will be 

 able to do a lot of work this year, and when they are 

 five years old will be ready for complete service of 

 all kinds. 



The mule's ears are much more sensitive than 

 those of the horse, and it is very easy during the 

 training period to develop permanently a bad habit 

 on the part of the animal by careless or rough 

 handling of its head. A careless blow with a whip 

 or with the hand across the mule's ears may instill 

 into his mind a fear that years will not overcome. 

 Some people have made the practice of seizing 

 an unruly mule by the ears to hold him, thus 

 taking advantage of this sensitiveness, but this is 

 never a safe practice, as the disposition of the 

 animal may be permanently ruined by such treat- 

 ment. 



