184 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 
hardships and fatigue, and size and height to supply 
power. 
(3) The general-purpose mule. — This animal is seen 
wherever railroad construction is in progress; he is often 
observed on the farm; he is found on the roads wherever 
heavy hauling is being done, in the cities, towns and 
along rivers. One of the requirements of this class is that 
it be rugged, strong and capable of doing hard work. This 
mule competes with the ordinary draft horse, and compared 
with the average draft horse is superior for many kinds of 
work. In height this class ranges from fifteen to sixteen 
and one-half hands. The weight varies from 1000 to 1400 
pounds. The Chicago market grades the general-purpose 
mule a little heavier and a little higher than either the 
Kansas City, the St. Louis or the St. Paul markets. 
(4) The mine made. — Mine mules are generally classed 
as either pitters or surface mules. They grade into the 
smallest of these four groups, standing ten and one-half 
to fifteen hands high, are chunky and hardy, and possess 
a heavier bone in proportion to size than those of the other 
classes. The white mule is never used in the mines, for the 
reason that it tends to frighten other animals; hence, dark 
bay, brown or black are the only colors desired for this pur- 
pose. Those mules selected for the pits are of heavy bone 
and of good weight, capable of long, steady pulls with rather 
heavy loads. The surface class, while heavy, is some- 
what taller than those in the pit, and may be lighter in bone. 
217. Use of the mule. — The mule is a draft animal, 
found wherever drudgery is performed and_ strenuous 
effort demanded. If the earth on which the feet must go 
is broken, marshy and wet, there you will find the mule 
in use; if climates are hot and sultry and harmful to 
health; if paths are precipitous and dangerous, requiring 
