78 MULES AND MULE BREEDING. 



state where the best ones are bred. By large size I mean 15 to 

 16 hands high, and weighing about from 10001b. to 12001b., but 

 often much heavier. However, I have seen teams used about 

 the charcoal blast furnaces which would average 16 hands, 

 weighing 14001b. each, the tall mules being nearly 18 hands 

 high ; but of course such are not common, nor are they desirable. 

 To sum uj), I think I can say that mules live on an average five 

 years longer, and are able to do heavy work at least seven or eight 

 years longer than horses, they thrive on coarser food, and are 

 more free from disease. They are very easily broken by those 

 who understand them, but need kind treatment, as they are apt 

 to repel force by force — i.e., by kicking or striking with the fore 

 feet." 



