PEEFAOE. 



There is no more useful or willing animal than the 

 Mule. And perhaps there is no other animal so much 

 abused, or so little cared for. Popular opinion of his 

 nature has not been favorable ; and he has had to plod 

 and work through life against the prejudices of the 

 ignorant. Still, he has been the great friend of man, 

 in war and in peace serving him well and faithfully. 

 If he could tell man what he most needed it would be 

 kind treatment. We all know how much can be done 

 to improve the condition and advance the comfort of 

 this animal ; and he is a true friend of humanity who 

 does what he can for his benefit. My object in 

 writing this book was to do what I could toward work- 

 ing out a much needed reform in the breeding, care, and 

 treatment of these animals. Let Tne ask that what I 

 have said in regard to the value of kind treatment be 

 carefully read and followed. I have had thirty years' 

 experience in the use of this animal, and during that 



