Description

There is no more useful or willing animal than the Mule. And perhaps there is not any other animal so much abused, or so little cared for. Popular opinion of his nature has not been favorable; and he has had to plod and work through life against the prejudices of the ignorant. Still, he has been the great friend of man, in war and in peace serving him well and faithfully. If he could tell man what he most needed it would be kind remedy. We all know how much can be done to improve the condition and advance the comfort of this animal; and he is a true friend of humanity who does what he can for his benefit. My object in writing this book was to do what I could toward working out a much needed reform in the breeding, care, and remedy of these animals. Let me ask that what I have said in regard to the value of kind remedy be carefully read and followed. I have had thirty years’ experience in the use of this animal, and all over that time have made his nature a study. The result of that study is, that humanity as well as economy will be best served by kindness. It has indeed gave the impression to me that the Government might make a great saving every year by employing only such teamsters and wagon-masters as had been thoroughly instructed in the remedy and management of animals, and were in every way qualified to perform their duties properly. Indeed, it would seem only reasonable not to agree with a man with a valuable team of animals, or perhaps a train, until he had been thoroughly instructed in their use, and had received a certificate of capacity from the Quartermaster’s Department. If this were done, it would go far to establish a system that would check that great destruction of animal life which costs the Government so heavy a sum every year.

“Harvey Riley most favors the medium-sized animals, of dark color, for general work, especially for drought purposes, but even as doing so acknowledges that the Mexican mule, of higher height standard, is undoubtedly superior to anything bred in the States. He states that he has tried them both on similar conditions, and found that with the same amount of food the Mexican mule will not only keep up its condition, but do better work, and keep fresher when only halting three hours, than the American mule will with regular five-hour rests.” -The Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales

“I have at all times had a friendly feeling for the mule. He does the world’s hardest work and yet is the most ill-treated of animals. Harvey Riley, superintendent of government mules for more than thirty yeas, has written a mule book, which is ‘mighty interesting reading.’ It explains a large number of things. For instance, why does a mule kick? Simply to offer protection to himself, which is an obedience to the first law of life….Few animals respond to kindness better than the mule. If his man master will not spring at him or shout at him or strike him or otherwise frighten him he will be more easily managed than a horse. Most of a mule’s cussedness is as a result of the cussedness of the man who has charge of him. This is what Riley says, anyway, and he ought to know.” -The Starry Cross

“Mr. Harvey Riley, of Washington, who has probably had more to do with mules than any other one man in the country, publishes a few practical hints on the proper remedy of this unfortunate animal.” -Supplement to the Courant

“Really solid value….The earnestness of the writer, his familiarity with his subject, his excellent common sense, and his clear way of putting home truths…The book should be in the hands of every mule owner or driver who can read.” -American Agriculturist

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Author: LizziT

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