MULES. 135 



Chapter VI— MULES. 



In animal kind, the hero of the late World's War — as in all 

 other Wars in which he has participated, that paragon of 

 excellence, the mule, finds the premier place. He stands out 

 prominently as a first class war animal, and under all circum- 

 stances, in all climates or situations, whether amongst the mud 

 of France, in the deserts of Egypt, on the plains of India, or 

 on the hill-tops of the Himalayas, in burning heat or icy snow, 

 his achievements have been marvellous. He is as indispensable 

 to War as a Commander of the Forces, and no history of War 

 is complete without him. Any demerits he may possess are 

 attributable to a psychology peculiarly his own, but his merits 

 are double distilled, and little more remains to be said on that 

 account. 



There are, however, so many different breeds, types, and sizes 

 of mules, and the military uses to which they are put are so 

 varied, that it is necessary to dilate on them severally. 



Specifications as to height and substance vary according to 

 the theatre of war and for the purpose required, but under 

 British requirements the- following standards were commonly 

 adopted during the war : — 



Heavy Draught Mules. Up to 16-2 or even 16-3. 



Weight about 1300 lb. 



Light Draught Mules. 15-0 to 15-3. „ „ 11001b. 



Pack Transport. 14-1 to 15-0. 



Indian specifications are somewhat different to these, and are 

 roughly as follows : — 



Light Draught Mules. Same as light draught horses. 



Ordnance Mules (Mountain Artillery). 13-2 to 14-1. 



Equipment Mules. 13-0 to 14-0. 



Transport, draught and pack. 12-1 to 13-3. 



American Mules. 



Of all countries in the world, none can surpass the United 

 States of America for the production of mules, nor compete 

 with it in general resources. The mule population of the States 

 amounts to nearly 3,000,000, and the fountain never seems to 



