Hinny is easier to obtain when the lower chromosome count, the donkey, is in the male. Therefore breeding for hinnies is more hit-and-miss than breeding for mules." The male hinny or mule can and will mate, but the emission is not fertile. Male hinnies and mules are usually castrated to help control their behavior by eliminating their interest in females. Female hinnies and mules are not customarily spayed, and may or may not go through estrus. Female mules have been known, on rare occasions, to produce offspring when mated to a horse or donkey, although this is extremely uncommon. Since 1527,
The Adventures of a Donkey Monthly Review" of 1752-1825 said it was an 'agreeable little book' which creates and interest for the promotion of humanity. The 1806-1819 edition of "The Literary Panorama" thought it should be regarded favourably due to Argus' contribution to donkey welfare by introducing children to the mishaps which can occur from maltreatment, stating, '…[Argus'] imagination has exercised itself in favour of the rising generation.' And, 'it is an act of benevolence to call youthful attention to their [donkeys] necessities, and to contribute in a proper degree to their comforts by good usage.' Other publications, such as the 1833 edition of "The