COUNTIES OF EDINBURGH AND LINLITHGOW. 43 



to 490, according to the traffic. The present rate of feeding 



wliich keeps tliem in capital condition, is on an average per 



diem — 



Cut hay, 10 lbs. 



/ Bruised oats, 3 lbs. 



beans, 2 lbs. 



maize, 12 lbs. 



5) 



Pigs. 



In neither county is pig-breeding or pig-feeding carried on to 

 any considerable extent. In Edinburgh the number in 1866 was 

 9609 ; in 1875, it was 5191, thus showing a decrease of 4418 in 

 nine years. In 1866, Linlithgow contained 3166 ; in 1875, the 

 number had fallen to 1978, being a decrease of 1188 in nine 

 years. While the porcine tribe have gone back much of late in 

 point of numbers, great improvement is noticeable in the quality. 

 This has been effected by the introduction of boars from other 

 parts, and by the superior attention paid to the housing and 

 general management. A few pigs are commonly kept upon every 

 farm to consume the offal from the kitchen and the wash from 

 the dairy A little meal is given to finish them, but they 

 are at other times kept at very little expense. Many cot- 

 tagers still have the privilege of keeping a pig, and when once 

 fattened, forms no inconsiderable item in the year's stock of 

 provisions. 



Dogs and Poultry. 



AMiere sheep exist in large numbers, especially upon the hills, 

 a well-trained dog is invaluable, so that in the south and south- 

 west parts of the counties several well-bred collies are kept. 

 The instinct and sagacity of the shepherd's dog have often been 

 commented on. The old habit of calling the dogs after the name 

 of a river is still in full force, but whether the shepherds yet 

 believe that this will prevent the animals fi'om going mad, we 

 cannot say. However, " Tweed," " Yarrow," and other kindred 

 names seem to be as common as they were before the whistle of 

 the locomotive was heard in the Scottish valleys. 



Poultry are kept on almost every farm to peck up the " odds 

 and ends." Close to Edinburgh, they are on some farms kept 

 on a large scale, as there is always good demand for the eggs. 

 Some of the housewives are therefore able to show a favourable 

 balance sheet, but the i)oultry undoubtedly consume much food 

 which never tinds its way to the exi)enditure side of the cash- 

 book. The varieties are numerous, including Dorkiuijrs, Jhahmas. 

 and the old-fiushi(jned game breed. Crosses between the two 

 former are reckoned the best table birds. A few geese and 

 (lucks are also reared, and here and there fancy birds, iis peacocks 

 and guinea fowls, are to be seen. 



