Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1880-05-06
Tha Connuest of the Mule.

~@O@S~
The following is from an illustrated
article by Ernest Ingersoll on "Rocky
Mountain Mules" in Scribner:
The Western mule is small, sinewey,
and, like Joey Bagstock, slough, sir,
fought but de-e-vlish slyl" Most OF
them are bred from Indian ponies and
are born on the open plains. Having
previously been lassoed and branded,
when 8 years old they are driven Tor
inveigled) into corral and Inhibited
for sale as bronchos. An untamed
horse is model of gentleness beside
them. Sometimes they are accus.
toned 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 trained
to bear the pack, which is generally the
only practical method of transporting
freight through these rugged mount
aims.
The first time the pack-saddles are
put on, the excitement may be imag-
ined. The green mule, strong in his
youth, having been adroitly "roped
or lassoed, is led out into an open space,
stepping timidly, but, not seeing any
cause for alarm, quietly; before he un-
derstands what it all means, he finds
that moose of the rawhide lariat 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 no avail. The harder
he pulls, the tighter the moose pinches
his nostrils, so at last he comes down
and keeps still. Then man approaches
slowly and circumspectly, holding be-
hind him 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 iumps-one by the beast and
one by the man, for packers are wise
enough in their day and generation to
fight shy of the business end of mule.
The next attempt is less matter OF
caution and more of strength, and here
the animal has so much advantage that
often it must be lassoed again and
thrown to the ground.
It is q fine sight to witness the
in dignation of such a fellowl He
falls heavily, yet holds his 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 all his weight in futile efforts
for liberty. Secured with more ropes
allowed but three legs to stand upon
and cursed frightfully, he must submit
though he never does it with good grace
Tt is not always, however, that this ex'
tremity is resorted to. Some animals
make little resistance while the strange
thing is being put upon their backs and
the fastenings adiusted-all but one
but when an effort is made to put thai
institution called crupper un
der a young mules tail, Ian
guage fails to express the character
of the kickingl The light heels
describe an arc from the ground tt
ten feet above it and then strike ou
at a tangent. They cut through thu
air like whip-lashes, and would pene
trate an impediment like bullets. Blu
even mule-fesh tires. Strategy wins
The crupper is gained and the frs
hard pull made upon the siaach-as tn
girth is termed-which holds firml,
every hair-breadth, and will finall,
crease the contour of the mules bell,
into the semblance of Cupid's bow
But this one pull sufices to set hin
springing again-bucking now, will
arched back and head between hi
knees, landing on stiff legs to jar hi
burden of, or falling full weight on hi
side and rolling over to scrape it free
He will sit On his launches and hun
himself backward; will duck his hea'
and turn somersault, finally will stan
still, trembling with anger and ez
haustion, and let you lead him away
CONQUERED.