I04 BREEDS OF HORSES 



of body and quality in the joints and bones of the mule. 

 The mule has a more nearly cylindrical body and is colored 

 more like the horse. 



Plantation Mules are the best and highest priced mules 

 on the market. They range from 14 to 16 hands in height 

 and from iioo to 1400 pounds in weight. They are called 

 " sugar " mules or " cotton " mules according to the use 

 to which they are to be put on the plantation. The sugar 

 mules are the larger and bring the higher prices. 



Lumber Mules stand from 15^ to 17 hands high and 

 are used for hard, rough work in the woods. Extra quality 

 is not so essential as strength and ruggedness. 



Railroad Mules are somewhat smaller and Ughter than 

 lumber mules, being about 15^ to 16^ hands high, and 

 weighing from 1200 to 1500 pounds. They are used for 

 work in grading railroads and must be strong and of 

 good quality. 



Levee Mules are of about the same ^ze as railroad mules, 

 but are of better quality. They must be strong and rugged 

 to stand the heavy work exacted of them at the wharves. 



Mine Mules are small, ranging in height from 11 to 15^ 

 hands. Since their work is hard they must be chunky and 

 strong. In order that they may work back into the drifts 

 they need to be small. 



The mule is resistant to disease and stands hot weather 

 better than does the horse. Female mules are superior to 

 males for all purposes. They mature earlier, are quieter, 

 and fatten more easily. 



EXERCISES 



I. What are the English breeds of draft horses? How do 

 they differ from the French breed? 



