MULES 199 



canon bone. Coarseness of quality "is indicated by a soft, 

 spongy bone, coarse, rough hair, and undefined features. 

 In judging quality in the mule the line of demarcation 

 should not be too rigidly drawn between it and the horse, 

 as while the same standard is used it is not often as closely 

 approached. General symmetry and refinement of the whole 

 animal should otherwise be indicative of the possession or 

 absence of quality. 



Condition. — Condition in the mule has the same general 

 application as in the horse. Most mules are fattened for 

 market often to an excessive degree. This excessive accumu- 

 lation of fat is objectionable from the standpoint of judging, 

 selecting, and working capacity. Although a mule in high 

 condition has a higher market value than otherwise, such 

 preparation is often the cause of misjudging an animal. 

 Great care should be taken in selecting mules, especially 

 those from large sale barns where high fitting is practised. 

 A mule in low condition is not attractive, although it is 

 often more valuable than after having been fattened and 

 later reduced in flesh. 



The stress placed on condition should be governed largely 

 by the type of the mule under consideration. The natural 

 form or muscular development should fix the value of a 

 mule the same as of a horse. The general muscle develop- 

 ment is determined by the length and width of the gaskin 

 or lower thigh. Prominent muscular development in this 

 part is indicative of the general body covering. A well- 

 formed mule will naturally fatten and finish smoothly, while 

 excessive fat on an ill-formed mule will cover many defects. 

 These factors are mentioned because of the uniform practice 

 of shaping and selling mules in high condition in most sale 

 stables. When selections are thus made fat and flesh should 

 be clearly distinguished. 



Color. — ^The color of the mule is important from the 

 market standpoint, as a premium is usually paid for mules 

 possessing some standard solid color. The most acceptable 

 colors are black, dark brown, bay, dark gray, sorrel, and 

 light gray. The dark, solid colors are in greatest demand. 

 Black or dark-colored jacks are always in greatest demand 



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