Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26
The Connuc.t Of the MuIe.

(From au illustrated article by Ernest Ingerso on
Rocky Mountain Mules, in scnbner for April)
The western pack-mule is small, sinewy,
and, like old Joey Bagstock. 'tougb, sir,
tough but de-o-vlish sly :" Most of them
are bred from Indian ponies and are born on
the open plains. Having previously been
lassoed and branded when three years old
they are driven (or inyeigled) into corral
aud exhibited for sale as brOnch0s. An un-
tanned horse is model Of gentleness beside
them. Sometimes they are accustomed at
once to the saddle by one of those wonderful
riders who can stick on the back of anything
that runs, and more rarely they are broken to
harness but ordinarily their backs are train
ed to bear the pack, which is generally the
only practicable method oftransporting freight
through these rugged mountains.
The first time the pack saddles are put on
the excitement may be imagined. The green
mule, strong in his youth having been adroit-
ly "roped' or llssoed is led out into an open
space, stepping timidly, but not seeing any
cause for alarm, quietly before he under
stands what it all means, he finds that a moose
of the rawhide larat about his neck has been
slipped over his nose, and discovers that his
tOrmentors have an advantage. He pulls,
shakes his head, stands upright on opposite
ends but all to 10 avail. The harder he pulls,
the tighter the moose pinches his nostrils, SO
at last he comes down and keeps still Then
a man approaches slowly and crcumsprctly,
holding behind him n leather binder which
he seeks to Slip over the mules eyes But
two long ears stand in the way, and the first
touch Of the leather is the signal for two
jumps one 10y the beast and one by the man,
for packers are wise enough in their day and
generation 10 fight shy of the business end of
a mule. The next attempt is less q matter of
caution. md n STRENGTH and bara la opi
nal has so much advantage that often it must
be lassoed again and thrown to the ground
1t is q fine sight to witness the indignation
Of such q fellow He falls heavily, yet holds
hi, head high and essays to rise. But his fore
feet are manacled by ropes and his head is
fast. Yet he will shake almost free, get upon
his hind-feet. stand straight up and dash
down with ali his weight in futile efforts for
liberty. Secured with more ropes. allowed
bUt three leg. to stand upon and cursed
frightfully. be mutt submit though he never
does il with good grace. 1t is not always,
however, that this extremity is resorted to.
Some animals make little resistance while the
strange thing is being put upon their backs
and the faStenngs are adjusted -all.but one
but when au offort is made to put that insti
tuition called a crupper under young mule 5
tail, language fails to express the character of
the kicking The light heels describe an arc
from the ground to ten feet above it aud then
strike out at tangent. They cut through
the air like whip-lashes and would penetrate
an impedment like bullets. But even mule
flesh tires. Strategy wins. The crupper is
gained and the first hard pull made upon the
~iHch as the girth is termed, which holds
firmly every hair-breadth and will finally
crease the contour Of the mules belly into the
semblance Of Cupid's bow. But this one pull
suftices to set him springing again-bucking,
now, with arch@d back and head between his
knees, landing Oh stiff legs to jar his burden
OF, or falling full weight on his side and roll
ing over to scrape it free. He will sit on his
launches aud hurl himself backward will
duck his head and turn a somersault finally
will stand still, trembling with anger and e1-
haustion, and let you lead him away, con
quered