MULE.—The MULE is that well-known cross-bred animal, generated between an ASS and a MARE. Some are, but very rarely, produced by the HORSE with a SHE ASS; but they are smaller, weaker, and of less utility, consequently not bred with design. The mule has all the good qualities of the ass, without its bad ones; it is as patient, and as permanent under labour; it can bear the most incessant fatigue, with the lead sustenance; is without the instinctive stupidity of the ass, and is equally tractable with the horse. The mule, when well descended, and well fed, is adequate to a variety of services, and will, if taken the same care of _when young_, nearly reach the size of a moderate horse. Many have measured fifteen hands high and upwards, are exceedingly strong and sure-footed, which qualities render them very valuable in the different parts of Europe where the countries are mountainous, and the roads stony, as they will travel with the greatest ease and security where a horse would be very likely to break his neck. They are likewise exceedingly useful in harness, and will draw immense weights for long journies without displaying the least fatigue. The MULES bred in SPAIN, with a proper attention to their intentional use, whether for travelling or shew, are bred between very large he-asses and Spanish mares; these are exceedingly tall, stately, and their colour inclining to black. A still larger kind are, however, produced by these asses out of Flanders mares, some of which have been known to reach seventeen hands high, and of equal apparent strength to our common carriage horses; but they are much stronger than horses of their own size, will bear infinitely greater hardships, and are kept at a much less expence; as well as an additional recommendation, that they are not so subject to diseases, which is a material consideration to the justification of their more general use. They are found equally fit for the saddle, as for the more laborious employments of draft and agriculture; they are remarkably docile, are easily broke, and walk or trot with ease to themselves and to the rider.