River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1905-10-26
Some Advantages in Mules.
from The Farmer, St. Paul, Mimi.


"Those who are accustomed to
handling mules and who know of
their remarkable faculty for adapting
themselves to almost any conditions,
realize their value and do not hest
tate to pay well for good animals.
The advantages they possess over
horses in many ways compensate for
the somewhat Objectionable length
of ear and exaggerated reputation
for kicking. They are ready to
work when two years old and on ac-
count of their toughness and steadi-
ness of nerve may be kept at it twice
as long as horses are fit for service.
Mules can be raised more cheaply
than any other stock, and, unlike
horses, will never founder them
selves if by chance they should
have access to more feed than is
good for them. They can be put
into the market much sooner than
horses, and if properly handled,
when two years old, will do as much
work, and stand it better, than four
year-old colts. Mules are less liable
to contract diseases than horses, and
their value is not decreased by blem-
ishes as is that of horses. Mules
seldom run away, but when they do
they seem to run more for sport than
fright and generally wind up safely.
They instinctively avoid holes, OBJ
stacles or dangerous places. They
can stand heat, abuse or hardship
better than horses and can always be
relied upon. They are sensitive as
we'll as sensible animals, responding
quickly to kind treatment by docility
and gentleness.
The great profit in mule raising
lies largely in their growth. Mules
grow SO quickly that they are mar
ketable when three years old, while
horse colts cannot advantageously
be sold under five years. In this
way the cost of feeding and the
trouble and risk Of raising are de-
creased.
Buyers will always handle good
mules, as the demand for them is
steady. Where large numbers of
mules are raised there are always
plenty of mule buyers in that sec
ton of the country. Buyers do not
go where there are no mules to sell.
In time of war, mules are always in
great demand and bring good prices
owing to their powers of endurance.
Comparing cattle with mules, one
steer will eat as much as two mules.
A good steer at the age of three
years is worth from SIS to $1oo,
while pair of good mules the same
age will sell for from $500 to $3.50
without consuming any more food.
AS compared with swine, if the
same amount of feed that is fed to
bunch of hogs is fed to mules it will
not take long to find which make
the most money, aside from the fact
that there is no risk from cholera.
In orchards or nurseries mules are
invaluable. No animal can equal
them for running out straight lines,
ana IN cult1Vatlng young trees they
seldom break or njure them. When
well trained they are careful and
obedient.
Mules occupy a place among our
domestic animals that is indicative of
honesty and durability and valuable
service, and their failure to breed is
looked upon by many as indication
of the fact that in them the climax
of perfection has been reached"
A fine young black pedigreed
Spanish Jack, now with G. F. En-
sign for service on P. Hastert's farm,
can be seen at any time. For further
particulars address Curtis Johnson
or {. F. Ensign, River Falls, Wis.
Che hriotN1 rri~1 +taoxy