MULES 



MULE AND HINNY, 



HYBRIDS OF THE HORSE AND ASS. 



THE mule is the hybrid produce of an ass with a 

 mare ; having a large clumsy head, long erect ears, a 

 short mane, and a thin tail. 



The hinny is the hybrid produce between the she- 

 ass and a stallion ; the head is long and thin, the ears 

 are like those of a horse, the mane is short, and the 

 tail is well filled with hair. The hinny is much less 

 common than the mule, because, being less hardy and 

 useful than the other, he is never cultivated. 



The mule, commonly so called, is much valued for 

 the saddle, and for drawing carriages in Spain, Portu- 

 gal, Italy, and the East, and in the warmer parts of 

 America. In those countries where great attention is 

 paid to the breed, it is as tail as the horse, exceedingly 

 w r ell-limbed, but not so handsome, especially about the 

 head and tail. These animals are mostly sterile ; 

 some, indeed, have thought that they are altogether 

 incapable of producing their kind ; but some few 

 instances have occurred, in which 'female mules have 

 had foals, and in which even the male has impregnated 

 females both of the ass and horse species, though such 

 instances are exceedingly rare. 



The mules made use of in the southern parts of 

 Europe, are now brought to an astonishing perfection 

 as well as great size. They are usually black, strong, 

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