186 



MULES. 



comparison between the mule and the horse, derived 

 from such facts as my own experience, and information 

 from authentic sources, will justify the assumption of. 



From what has been stated respecting the longevity 

 of the mule, I think it may be fairly assumed, that he 

 does not deteriorate more rapidly after twenty years 

 of age, than the horse after ten, allowing the same 

 extent of work and similar treatment to each. The 

 contrast in the mule's freedom from malady or disease, 

 compared with the horse, is not less striking. Arthur 

 Young, during his tour in Ireland, was informed that 

 a gentleman had lost several fine mules by feeding 

 them on wheat straw cut and I have been informed 

 that a mule dealer, in the western part of New York, 

 attributed the loss of a number of young mules, in a 

 severe winter, when his hay was exhausted, to feeding 

 them exclusively on cut straw and Indian corn meal. 

 In no other instance have I ever heard or known of a 

 mule being attacked with any disorder or complaint, 

 except two or three cases of inflammation of the intes- 

 tines, caused by gross neglect in permitting them to 

 remain exposed to cold and wet, when in a high state of 

 perspiration after severe labour, and drinking to excess 

 of cold water. From his light frame and more cautious 

 movements, the mule is less subject to casualties than 

 the horse. Indeed, it is not improbable, but a farmer 

 may work the same team of mules above twenty years 

 and never be presented with a farrier's bill, or find it 

 necessary to exercise the art himself. 



Sir John Sinclair, in his " Reports on the Agricul- 

 ture of Scotland," remarks that " if the whole period 

 of a horse's labour be fifteen years, the first six may 

 be equal in value to that of the remaining nine: there- 

 fore, a horse of ten years old after working six years 



