182 THE BREEDS OF LIV E-STOCK 
and stronger bone, requisites that go to make the animal 
valuable for draft purposes (Fig. 30). From this de- 
scription it follows that the hinny is smaller in size, some- 
what unsightly in form, lacking in finish and adapted to 
environments that call for lighter work and effort. Still, 
the hinny is able to endure drudgery and hardship equal 
to and often greater than the mule can stand. 
215. Form.—The mule that most nearly approaches the 
ideal type follows the horse closely in all points of form. 
The body, however, is commonly more cylindrical and some- 
what smaller than the body of the horse, a factor not alto- 
gether in favor of the mule. A large body, therefore, is 
more desirable than a small body; but largeness of body 
must not be confused with paunchiness, for this is always 
objectionable. Producers of mules are realizing that a 
critical trade is demanding animals of a superior conforma- 
tion in the region of the body, much more so than this 
same trade demanded a few years ago. 
Mules of ideal conformation possess straight hard 
legs, showing superiority with every movement. The 
bone should be smooth and dense, but ample; the 
tendons prominent; and the muscles well developed. 
While the feet of the mule are narrower and longer than 
those of the horse, a large foot is always to be desired. 
216. Market class of mules. — Mules are generally 
grouped into four general classes on the larger markets. 
(1) Sugar and cotton males. — While these are raised 
in the West, a great majority of them find their way 
into the southern states, where they are used on cotton- 
farms or sugar-farms. It is a good class of mules that 
goes into this section. They are large, heavy and of 
splendid type. On the Kansas City market the cotton 
and sugar mules stand fifteen to sixteen hands, while the 
