ANGARIA BREEDING FARM 59 



MULES 



THE mule is not a true breed, as ordinarily considered, but is a hybrid, 

 having for a sire a jackass, and for a dam a mare. Its importance is so 

 great, however, in certain sections of America, that it is worthy of con- 

 sideration as an important draft animal. 



In history the mule has been known for many centuries. It has been used 

 more or less in Europe since the days before Christ. In the days of ancient 

 Rome and Greece mules served various purposes. The geographical distribu- 

 tion of the mule is widespread. He is especially bred with great perfection in 

 Spain, France, Portugal, Italy and certain sections of the United States and 

 South America. 



The characteristics of the mule partake both of the sire and dam, but the 

 best type of mule shows the generial excellent conformation of the horse in sym- 

 metry of form. The legs are of superior quality, being fine and hard, the bone 

 very smooth, the tendons prominent, and the muscles vrell developed. In 

 general, the mule is distinguished for superior feet and legs. 



The temperament of the mule is quiet and patient, while for steadiness 

 under the collar, and hard pulling, he has no equal in the equine world. His 

 endurance is remarkable. Mules usually live to greater age than horses, per- 

 form their work with regularity and on less feed- They are less disabled from 

 work than the horse, and the resistance of the mule to disease, its activity, 

 sureness of foot, docility and easiness of keep, have resulted in its finding much 

 favor in the army service. 



We have on the ranch at this time in the neighborhood of 100 head of mules 

 of extraordinary quality, suitable for the demand of a critical trade. We are 

 making a business of producing a grade of mule that is superior in bone, big and 

 heavy, with great power. Our mules are the result of using a Mammoth jack 

 on the larger type of draft mares. In no other section of CaUfornia are mules 

 being produced equal to those raised on the Santa Anita Rancho. 



