Erie Canal Mules
Images & Video
This mule is being "tailed" down the "horse bridge" to enjoy some fresh grass with his companion before heading out (note the towrope attached to the whipple-tree on the towpath between the two animals. Teams on the Erie alternated in shifts of "six on and six off" around the clock. Also see the caption below.
This loaded boat sits much lower in the water than the unloaded one in the first picture, making the horse bridge easier to negotiate for all involved. The mule here is nonetheless NOT willing to leave the green grass for another six hour shift in his cramped quarters in the bow of the boat. Note the rope around the animal's girth running to an unseen pulley in the boat, and the team just off-camera on the right being made to haul their partner into the stable with brute force. The fellow sitting in the doorway across the canal has no doubt seen this contest of wills before. Both pictures courtesy of Town of Perinton Historian.
