Five mules were allotted to each wagon.
A teamster would select at the picket rope five animals of nearly the same color and general appearance for his team.

With a full corps of assistants, other teamsters, he would then proceed to get his mules together.

In two's the men would approach each animal selected, avoiding as far as possible its heels.

Two ropes would be put about the neck of each animal, with a slip noose, so that he could be choked if too unruly.

They were then led out, harnessed by force and hitched to the wagon in the position they had to keep ever after.