30 THE MULE. 



On the 1st of May, 1865, we had on hand four thou- 

 sand and twelve head, and received, during the same 

 month, seven thousand nine hundred and fifty-eight. 

 We issued, during the same month, fifteen thousand 

 five hundred and sixty-three, leaving us on hand, on the 

 1st of June* ix thousand four hundred and eighty-seven. 

 During this month we received seven thousand nine 

 hundred and fifty-one, and issued eleven thousand 

 nine hundred and fifteen. Our mules during these 

 months were sent out to be herded, and the total num- 

 ber of deaths during the time was twenty-four. But 

 two of them were over four years old. Now, it occurs 

 to me that it would be a great saving to the Government 

 not to purchase any mules under four years old. This 

 statement of deaths at the corral is as nothing when 

 compared with the number of deaths of young mules in 

 the field. It is, in fact, well established that fully two- 

 thirds of the deaths in the field are of young animals 

 under three years of age. This waste of animal life 

 carries with it an expense it would be diflScult to esti- 

 mate, but which a remedy might easily be found for. 



Now, it is well known that when a mule has reached 

 the age of four years, you will have very little trouble 

 with him, so far as sickness and disease are concerned. 

 Besides, at the age of four he is able to work, and work 

 well ; and he also understands better what you want 

 him to do. 



The committee appointed to report on this subject 

 say many mules have been lost by feeding on cut straw 

 and corn meal. This is something entirely new to me ; 

 and I am of opinion that more Government mules die 



