MARKET CLASSES OF HORSES AND MULES 32I 



called mining mules. They are used to haul cars of coal 

 or ore to the hoisting shafts. These mules are massive, 

 having deep bodies and short legs. They stand from 12 

 to 16 hands high and weigh from 600 to 1,350 pounds, 

 the height being determined by the depth of the vein 

 worked. Geldings are preferred to mare mules for this 

 trade. 



Cotton mules. — These are small, light-boned mules, 

 used in the South on cotton plantations. They possess 

 much quality and finish and are taller in proportion than 

 mining mules. Cotton mules stand 13.2 to 15.2 hands 

 high and weigh from 750 to 1,100 pounds. Mare mules 

 sell better than geldings in this class. 



Sugar mules. — These are mules purchased to be used 

 on the sugar farms of the southern states. They arj 

 taller, larger and more breedy looking, with quality and 

 finish, and have heavier bone than cotton mules. They 

 stand 16 to 17 hands high and weigh from 1,150 to 1,300 

 pounds. Mare mules are the more popular. 



Export mules. — During the past few years an export 

 trade of considerable importance has developed. The 

 size and type of mules exported are determined by the 

 use to which they are put, and the country to which they 

 are sent. Since some are used for army service, some 

 for agriculture, some for heavy teaming, and others in 

 the mines, it is apparent that they lack uniformity of 

 type. 



RULES OF AUCTION 



In the auction ring, sales are made under certain well- 

 understood rules which are published and are announced 

 from the auction stand, and serve as a guarantee. The 

 following are the more important rules : 



Sound. — Perfectly sound in every way. 



Serviceably sound. — Practically a sound animal, bar- 

 ring slight blemishes, which do not interfere with his use- 

 fulness in any way. 



