TO ENGLISH NEEDS. 161 



The chief use which the British Empire 

 makes of the mule is for military service 

 abroad. Por this, as a transport animal, 

 whether in pack, saddle, or draught, he is 

 unsurpassed, while his utility in the screw- 

 gun, or " donkey " batteries, as they are 

 familiarly called, has been tried and proved 

 in many campaigns. Major Leonard thus 

 testifies to his merits : " The mule is about 

 the handiest and hardiest of all pack animals. 

 He can work in any country and under 

 every condition of climate, but is especially 

 suited for mountainous regions. He will 

 go over any ground, no matter how steep 

 or rocky. His toughness and endurance are 

 perfectly marvellous, and it is wonderful 

 how long and on how little he seems to 

 live and even to thrive." This ofiicer also 

 bears witness to his amiability when properly 

 treated. The pack mule, in his opinion, 

 should not be over thirteen hands, every inch 

 beyond rendering him more difiicult to load ; 



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