consume from one-fifth to one-third more provender. Yet even at this he will consume so much less, while doing more constant, though somewhat slower, work than the horse, that three of the large-sized mules may be kept in perfect condition on the same amount of food which is required for the support of a pair of the nobler animals.
It is evident, therefore, that where mules are not required for show or speed, as saddle or carriage animals, as they are not, and probably never will be, in this country, the smaller-sized animals are the more profitable both to raise and to keep, for the purposes of labor.
Now, it should be understood, that there are at least three different varieties of asses—beside the small, common jack, supposed to be of African origin, generally of a light-grey color, with a black stripe along his back and a transverse list or bar across his shoulders—all of which, are more or less used for breeding in this country. Although the African jack above mentioned, is rarely used in this country for breeding purposes, the mules bred from him are infinitely the most hardy of all, though the lowest in stature. The other breeds are these: first, the large, coarse, heavy Spanish jack, with slouching ears and a dull, plodding gait, from which the mules for agricultural purposes are ordinarily raised on the Peninsula. It is this breed which has been so much exhausted by the consumption of the Peninsular war, and subsequent internal commotions, that it is in some districts all but extinct. Second, the Andalusian jack, with shorter and more erect ears, more active, spirited, and sprightly than the foregoing species, yet sufficiently strong and well provided with bone. This animal is probably no other than a slightly degenerated descendant of the Arabian species, which has become somewhat coarser and larger boned, as well as less spirited, in consequence of his long residence in a colder climate—
