TO UNSADDLE.
Unfasten the latigo and throw the end across the top of saddle; fold the cincha with latigo inside and place across top of saddle; push the saddle back, remove crupper from under dock, double it forward, with crupper above cincha on top of saddle, and remove saddle; the saddles are placed in line, resting on the ends of pads.
CHAPTER III.
The Mule. Description. Diseases. Treatment.
The mule has the advantage of the horse in better withstanding neglect, bad treatment, poor feed, and hard usage.
The pack-mule should be active, short-coupled, short-legged, small-boned, square-built, with manifest powers of endurance, and should weigh from 800 to 1000 pounds. Army Regulations state that "mules purchased for the army by the Quartermaster's Department should conform to the following conditions: They should be strong, stout, compact, sound, and kind; free from defects in every particular; from four to nine years old; from 850 to 1200 pounds in weight; from 14 to 16 hands high, and suitable in all respects for the transportation service of the army. If for draught purposes, they are to be well broken to harness; if for pack purposes, they need not be broken, and the standard of height may be reduced to 13½ hands, if the animal be in other respects suitable.
"Every animal will be branded with the letters U. S. on the left fore shoulder on the day he is received. A complete descriptive list will be made of each animal at the time of purchase, which will accompany him wherever he may be transferred."
Under ordinary circumstances none but gentle, well-broken mules from four to eight years old should be purchased.