MUSHROOM GROWING 



the woods, but it is said to require a year or 

 two of training to bring it to the proper un- 

 derstanding of its work. 



I saw one animal which had earned a 

 competent livelihood for a family of peas- 

 ants during ten years. In employing the 

 pig care is taken to conserve her strength 

 and energy. If the field is at some little 

 distance, she is hoisted into a cart and driven 

 to the truffieres in state. In her search she 

 is in a general way guided by the rabassier, 

 who carries a long stick, its chief purpose 

 being to command' immediate obedience. 

 Upon discovering the location of the truffle, 

 the pig begins to root it up. The rabassier 

 is alert to every action, and can tell the mo- 

 ment that the truffle is being uncovered. 

 Usually a touch of the hand on her head is 

 sufficient to remind her that the truffle is 

 not her property; but in cases of necessity, 

 the stick is interposed, then a few acorns are 

 thrown to the animal, who, so recompensed, 

 is content to proceed elsewhere with her 

 hunt. No animal will continue to search 



198 



