Mule Boats.

This kind of conveyance is, we believe, peculiar to the Illinois River, for we never remember to have seen one belonging to any other stream. A year or two since, we were perfectly astonished at beholding the first one that ever arrived in this port; but now they are as common as the species usually termed broad horns, and their appearance creates about as much surprise and curiosity among the more aristocratic order of steam and sail. A genuine mule boat is not unlike an ocean steamer, as they are susceptible of being propelled both by steam and wind; with this difference, the mule-boat steam is generated upon the tread-mill plan, and by the united exertions of some half dozen quadrupeds, generally of the long-eared kind. To this treading or pulling apparatus are attached cylinder, pitt-man, boilers, &c., in the shape of some three or more cog-wheels, and immediately connected with them is a couple of shafts, which give a rotary motion to a couple of water-wheels, one on each side, and which usually propel a keel about 100 feet in length, and of about 75 tons burthen; over it is a roof and covering, usually called a cargo box, to protect the inside from the weather, and the whole making an appearance similar to an Ohio river keel boat, with the exception of a space left her to operate in. The difficulty and danger attending the management of a boat propelled by steam, is upon the mule boat entirely dispensed with.

There is no firing up, or blowing up; all that is necessary, when wishing to commence a journey, is to start, and when tired of going, all that is to be done is to stop the mules; in giving a lick ahead, they are all made to bounce at once, and in giving a lick back, they are turned around and made to pull the other way: and should the wind prove favorable, by means of a mast, with which they are all provided, sails can be hoisted, and the the double power of mules and wind be put in requisition. This description of boat is getting to be quite fashionable on the Illinois and tributaries, and some two or three extend their trips to this city. They are a great benefit in low water, as they are of exceeding light draught, and the running of them is attended with but trifling expense. We learn that several new ones are in a state of completion, on the line of the Illinois, intended as regular traders up the Sangamon river, and from the head of navigation on the Illinois to this city. There is nothing like enterprise, or a mule boat on the Illinois, in a low stage of water, to get along.—[St. Louis New Era.