Breeds of the domestic ass.-As with the horse, the distribution of the ass has been widespread and he has been subject to variation in food supply, temperature, moisture and general environment, with the result that many breeds or varieties have been developed. These breeds vary in size, ranging from the diminutive burro, often only 36 inches high, to the medium-sized draft horse. Of the large number of breeds only six are useful for

mule breeding in America, namely, the Andalusian, Maltese, Catalonian, Majorca, Italian and Poitou.

The Andalusian jack. This breed was developed in southern Spain, particularly in the ancient Kingdom of Andalusia. It is a very ancient and distinctive race, as is evidenced by the statements of the profits arising from its use in propagating mules during the Roman occupation and before the time of Christ. The prevailing color is gray, and often practically white, with black very uncommon. This is a large breed, standing 14.2 to 15.2

hands high. The bone of the leg is large and firm and the breed possesses much substance.

The Andalusian in America.-In 1787 the King of Spain presented to General George Washington a jack and a jennet of this breed, which were taken to Virginia. The jack was called Royal Gift. About the same time General Washington received a Maltese jack, which he mated with the Andalusian jennet. The result of this union was a very famous jack called Compound, which proved to be much more popular as a breeder than Royal Gift, although the latter was selected from the royal stud. A few years later Henry Clay introduced into Kentucky a few jacks of this breed. These two men did much to promote the breed in America. Notwithstanding their influence, however, this breed never found favor in this country, due largely to the gray color, which is very objectionable in America, although a great favorite in southern Spain.

The Maltese jack. This breed was developed on the Island of Malta, which is located in the Mediterranean Sea. This being a small island, with very poor soil, the number of jacks produced is exceedingly limited. The Maltese jack is the smallest of the more important Spanish breeds, rarely exceeding 14.2 hands high. The color is black or brown, with the latter more characteristic of the breed. The breed is described as of good form with well-carried head and ears. The bone resembles that of the Thoroughbred horse, and the breed is characterized by much life and vigor.

The Maltese in America.-About 1787, Marquis Lafayette and the Knight of Malta each presented General Washington a jack of this breed. It was the present by Lafayette that sired the famous Compound. It is also stated that the frigate Constitution, during her first cruise in the Mediterranean, imported jacks from Malta to the District of Columbia. Not long afterwards others were introduced by officers of the navy, and a few very

valuable ones were brought over in merchant's ships. Formerly the Maltese jacks were broadspread, but in recent years they have become rather unpopular because of their small size.

The Catalonian jack.-This breed was developed in northeastern Spain adjacent to France, particularly in Catalonia, although it

color is usually black, and often jet-black, which is marked with light points about the muzzle, eyes and belly. While brown of varying shades is sometimes found, it is uncommon. The hair is naturally thick and short. The size is classed as large, the height averaging 14.2 to 15 hands, with good specimens occasionally exceeding this height. The Catalonian is a jack of great style and

beauty and superb action. The head is trim and neat, with ears well carried, suggestive of character. The bone, while not large, is very hard, fine of texture, and free from meatiness. The breed is wiry, tough and matures early.

The Catalonian in America.-In 1832, Henry Clay introduced an excellent specimen of this breed to Kentucky. This jack was so successful and his popularity grew so rapidly that Clay imported a number of others of this breed. At an carly date a few jacks of this breed

found their way to Virginia, where they were received favorably. Long before the Civil War, Benjamin Franklin and others made importations to middle Tennessee and to Charleston, South Carolina. Since the war, a large number have been brought to this country, especially to Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri, the principal mule-breeding states of the Union. Mules sired by the Catalonian jacks have much size and quality, and have been ranked as the best in the world. They are stylish, active, early maturing and good sellers. A large percentage of the jacks imported to America come from Catalonia.

The Majorca jack.-This breed is a native of Majorca, one of the Balearic Islands, in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Spain. The soil is very fertile, and though it is necessary to irrigate much of the island, it is very productive of rich, luxuriant pastures. This, no doubt, accounts for the size of the Majorca, which is the largest of the domesticated asses, ranging in height from 15.2 to 16 hands, and even more. The head and ears are described as conspicuously large, the latter being larger than those of any other breed and poorly carried. The bone is exceedingly large, with a body to correspond. There is a general coarseness throughout, as well as a lack of the indications of sufficient quality. Because of the enormous size and poor quality the Majorca lacks in style and action, and, in fact, is often criticized as inclined to sluggishness. In its native home it has long been bred with much purity and large numbers are used in the government artillery service. It is usually black or brown.

The Majorca in America.-There is no authentic data. as to the first importations, though they were introduced about the middle of the nineteenth century. Formerly the breed was popular, because of its large size and good color, and many were introduced, but it is not destined to attract favorable comment in this country because of the general coarseness, lack of quality and sluggishness.

The Italian jack.-This breed is a native of Italy, where

its distribution is widespread, although little attention is given to its breeding. Its principal use is that of a pack animal. The color is usually black, but bluish and grayish colors are not uncommon. In size the Italian jack is among the smallest, rarely exceeding 13 or 14 hands. Considering the height, these jacks have rather large bone and good weight of body. They are well proportioned and have good action.

The Italian in America.-As with the Majorca, there is no record of the first importations although jacks of this breed very early found their way to Tennessee and other mule-producing states. The chief cause for their early introduction is said to have been their cheapness. They did not meet with favor in America, principally because of the small size, although they have also been criticized as being

prone to serve a mare, and as having a tendency to viciousness. L. M. Knight, who has written much on jacks, jennets and mules, states that it is his observation that small jacks are more likely to develop vicious habits than large ones, and he also adds that jacks are not trustworthy animals.

The Poitou jack.-This breed was developed in southern France, especially in the province of Poitou, bordering on the Bay of Biscay. Here, in the departments of La Vendee and Deux-Sevres, the most fertile part of all France, the Poitou ass is bred in his greatest purity. This is a very old breed, as mention is made of it as early