Swelling slaking phenomenon ca used by surface hydration is always an inherent problem for the protection of mudstone slope. In this paper, study on swelling and slaking potentials of mudstone is the major concern. Efforts also extend to realize the mechanisms of both water absorption and clay particles' detaching of intact mudstone. Laboratory experiments include swelling and slaking tests for intact mudstone merged in water and solution with different pH values. Test results include: (1) the swelling percentage of intact mudstone is about 6 -10%, (2) the swelling pressure is about 20 - 35t / m^2 and (3) the slaking speed is about 10 kg / m^2 / hr for the first hour immersing in water. This study concludes that drainage, sealing and water proofing are three main ways for mudstone slope protection. In practice, a covering of layers of oiI and asphalt is probably an efficient solution for the surface protection of mudstone slope.