j 64 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE 



New Orleans, — each having more or less variation from any 

 proposed general classification. 



The best type of mule must show the general excellent con- 

 formation of the horse in symmetry of form. The body tends to 

 be more cylindrical and smaller than in the horse, but a capacious 

 body is desirable rather than otherwise, though paunchiness is 

 objectionable. The nearer the general body conformation ap- 

 proaches that of the superior draft horse, the more completely 

 will the mule suit the demands of the critical trade. In the show 

 ring those mules which meet with greatest favor possess the horse 

 form in greatest degree. Legs of superior quality are fine and 

 hard, the bone very smooth and dense, the tendons prominent, 

 and the muscles well developed. The feet of the mule are smaller 

 and longer than those of the horse, and the arch of the foot is 

 greater. In general, the mule is distinguished for superior feet 

 and legs. 



The temperament of the mule is quiet and patient, while for 

 steadiness under the collar and hard pulling he has no equal in 

 the equine world. However, the mule should show an active 

 temperament, with sprightly carriage and style. It has been com- 

 mon to regard the mule as given to kicking, but this is not based 

 on fact, for mules are no worse than horses in this respect. 

 Horses are more nervous and uncertain in temperament than 

 mules, and are more subject to fright and consequent runaway. 



The color of the mule is variable, though brown and bay are 

 the most common colors. Besides these, various shades of 

 gray, white, black, sorrel or chestnut, and buckskin-yellow occur 

 more or less. 



The endurance of the mule is remarkable. It is worked under 

 the severest conditions, and shows great power of resistance to 

 fatigue. Tegetmeier quotes from a Texas correspondent : 



Six mules, the leaders no larger than ponies, will take 6000 to 7000 

 pounds anywhere, making fifteen to thirty miles a day according to the 

 state of the roads, and I have known a team in summer driven fifty miles, 

 with 1000 pounds a head of load, to reach water, and not appear to suffer. 



Mules usually live to a greater age than horses, and perform their 

 work with regularity and on less feed, a most important point in 



