CHAPTEE XYI. 

 MULES FOR MILITARY SERVICE. 



The advantages of mules as pack animals for military and 

 draught purposes are acknowledged on all hands. When- 

 ever any branch of the army is employed on foreign 

 service mules have to be purchased for transport, inasmuch 

 as horses cannot stand the rough labour that is required 

 of them. 



No stronger or more conclusive testimony as to the 

 invaluable service rendered by mules when employed for 

 army transport can be adduced than that furnished by 

 Major A. G. Leonard, in his recently published admirable 

 book on '' The Camel," considered solely as an animal for 

 military use. Although the author is writing a work on 

 one animal and detailing the advantages that it offers to 

 the military service when employed in suitable situations, 

 his experience of mules, of which he has had four hundred 

 at one time under his command, leads him to express 

 himself in the strongest possible manner in their favour. 

 Major A. G. Leonard writes : 



" The mule is about the handiest and hardiest of all pack 

 animals. He can work in any country, and under every con- 

 dition of cUmate, but is specially suited for mountainous 

 regions. He wiU go over any ground, no matter how steep and 

 rocky, he is so very sure-footed and nimble. His toughness and 

 endurance are perfectly marvellous, and it is wonderful how 



