I2I4 Home Nature-Study Course, 



We understand somewhat of pig language; there is the constant grunting, which 

 is a sound that keeps the pig herd together. We luiderstand perfectly the com- 

 plaining squeal of hunger and the satisfied enjoyment of food, the squeal of terror 

 when seized, and the nasal growl when fighting. But there is much more to the 

 pig's conversation than this. I know a certain lady, who is a lover of animals, 

 who once undertook to talk " pig language" as best she could imitate it to two of 

 her sows when they were engaged in eating. They stopped eating, looked at each 

 other a moment and forthwith began fighting, each evidently attributing the 

 lady's remark to the other, which evidently was of an uncomplimentary character. 



The pig's ability to take on fat was evidently a provision in the wild state for 

 storing up fat that should help sustain the animal during the hardships of 

 winter, and it is this character that jnakes it so useful for our own food. 

 Pigs, to do best, should be allowed to have pasture and plenty of fresh green 

 food. Their troughs should be kept clean and they should have access to ashes, 

 and, above all, they should have plenty of pure water. 



The breeds of hogs most common in America are the Berkshires, which are 

 black with white markings, and have ears extending erect; the Poland Chinas, 

 which are black and white with drooping ears; the Duroc-Jersey, which are red 

 or chestnut with drooping ears; the Yorkshire and Cheshire, which are white with 

 erect ears; and the Cheshire White, which is white with drooping ears. The 

 Poland China and Duroc-Jersey are both pure American breeds. 



References. — " Elements ot Agriculture," Warren; "Our Domestic Animals," 

 Burkett; "The Country Reader," Buchanan; "Lives of Animals," Ingersoll; 

 " Types and Breeds of Farm Animals," Plumb; and the bulletins of the U. S. 

 Department of Agriculture. 



THE LINDEN OR BASSWOOD TREE 



{Tilia americana) 



The Linden is one of the most beautiful of our native trees and should 

 be better known and loved. There is no part of it which may not be 

 turned to the service of mankind. Its relatives of the old world are 

 famed in classic literature. It was from a huge Linden tree which 

 shaded the cottage of his peasant father that Linnaeus, "The Father of 

 Botany," had his name, Carl Linne, Latinized into Carolus Linnaeus. 



Lesson XXXVIII 



THE TREE 



Purpose. — To arouse in the minds of the pupils a greater regard and 

 veneration for all trees, and in particular to make them better acquainted 

 with the value and beauty of the Linden. 



Material. — A few large twigs, or better, a small branch, in the school- 

 room for observation. Care should be taken to cut twigs or branches 

 cleanly from the tree, as the fibrous inner bark is very difficult to break; 



