On Mules. 89* 



CHAPTER XIII. 



ON MULES. 



[OR some people anything that is incongruous 

 or grotesque, or that in any way is a departure 

 from the ordinary laws of nature, appears to 

 possess a peculiar charm. This is more especially 

 observable in the less educated classes of society, who 

 delight in the monsters usually exhibited at country 

 fairs, and for whom what may be termed a freak of 

 nature has a hundred times more attraction than the 

 most perfect form, or the greatest combination of excel- 

 lence and quality. Nor is this so much to be wondered 

 at, for to appreciate the latter qualities implies a mind 

 educated to admire, and able to compare and weigh 

 whatever is superior to the common standard, whereas 

 to admire the former requires only the stupid gaze 

 of astonishment and wonder. Hence the rage among 

 such people for everything that is out of the ordinary 

 track of nature, and their frequent attempts to mar her 

 handiwork by mating birds of different species with 

 each other. A mule or hybrid for them has a charm 

 and value far beyond the most perfect specimen of a 

 true bred bird, though neither in colour, shape, or song 

 can it possibly have the least claim to be compared. 

 With such tastes and feelings it is needless to say we 

 have little sympathy ; still, as some of my readers, by 



