THE MULE 251 



Uses of the mule. — As a working animal, the mule's 

 adaptability is almost universal. He is unaffected by the 

 climate, working equally as well in the cold, in the hot, 

 in the moist, and in the dry climate. He serves his mas- 

 ter in any capacity — as a pack animal, under the saddle, 

 and in harness, both light and heavy. He is found wher- 

 ever man needs a beast to help bear his burdens. The 

 mule's docility and coolheadedness, as well as his resist- 

 ance to disease, especially those resulting from over- 

 feeding, make him a very desirable animal when ignorant 

 and careless workmen must be relied upon. 



Distribution of the mule. — While more than one-half 

 of the mules in the world are found in the United States, 

 yet these animals enjoy a vViidespread distribution. This 

 is due in a large measure to their general adaptability. 

 They find especial favor in Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, 

 and Africa. Mules are found in every state in the Union, 

 but more especially in the southern states. Kentucky 

 and Tennessee have been noted fpr producing mules of 

 quality for more than a century. Missouri also has long 

 been noted for the production of mules of quality. To 

 these states many fine jacks have gone, and from them 

 in turn many fine mules have been sold. St. Louis is the 

 leading mule market of the world. At this market thou- 

 sands of mules are purchased by the various govern- 

 ments for military purposes. 



Organizations and records. — As mules do not breed 

 there is no association promoting their interests as such, 

 although the American Breeders' Association of Jacks 

 and Jennets, which was organized as a stock company in 

 1888, has the welfare of this animal in hand. This is 

 because the jack is used almost exclusively to sire mules, 

 and it is to the interest of jack breeders and importers 

 to strive for progress in mule breeding. 



