o prevent their backs and withers from becoming
horribly mangled, and it is common to see them working their animals
day after day in this miserable plight. This heavy packing causes the
scars that so often mark Mexican mules.

The animal, in starting out from camp in the morning, groaning under
the weight of his heavy burden, seems hardly able to move; but the pack
soon settles, and so loosens the lashing that after a short time he
moves along with more ease. Constant care and vigilance on the part of
the muleteers are necessary to prevent the packs from working loose and
falling off. The adjustment of a _carga_ upon a mule does not, however,
detain the caravan, as the others move on while it is being righted. If
the mules are suffered to halt, they are apt to lie down, and it is
very difficult for them, with their loads, to rise; besides, they are
likely to strain themselves in their efforts to do so. The Mexicans, in
traveling with large caravans, usually make the day's march without
nooning, as too much time would be consumed in unloading and packing up
again.

Packs, when taken off in camp, should be piled in a row upon the
ground, and, if there be a prospect of rain, the saddles should be
placed over them, and the whole covered with the saddle-blankets or
canvas.

The muleteers and herders should be mounted upon well-trained horses,
and be careful to keep the animals of the caravan from wandering or
scattering along the road. This can easily be done by having some of
the men riding upon each side, and others in rear of the caravan.

In herding mules it is customary among prairie travelers to have a
bell-mare, to which the mules soon become so attached that they will
follow her wherever she goes. By keeping her in charge of one of the
herdsmen, the herds are easily controlled; and during a stampede, if
the herdsman mounts her, and rushes ahead toward camp, they will
generally follow.

In crossing rivers the bell-mare should pass first, after which the
mules are easily induced to take to the water and pass over, even if
they have to swim. Mules are good swimmers unless they happen, by
plunging off a high bank, to get water in their ears, when they are
often drowned. Whenever a mule in the water drops his ears, it is a
sure indication that he has water in them, and he should be taken out
as soon as possible. To prevent accidents of this nature, where the
water is deep and the banks abrupt, the mule herds should