288 AN AMERICAN SOW. 



we do our hands, both to root up the soil, and to ex- 

 amine any thing eatable that comes in their way. In 

 our uncertain climate, experience teaches them to col- 

 lect straw in their mouths, to make their nest when 

 the wind blows cold, and to assemble their com- 

 panions by repeated calls, to assist in the work, and 

 add to their warmth by lying close together. 



Mr. Craven finished his vindication of the swinish 

 race by the following anecdote of an American sow. 

 This animal passed her days in the woods, with a 

 numerous litter of pigs ; but returned regularly to the 

 house in the evening, to share with her family a sub- 

 stantial supper. One of her pigs was, however, quiet- 

 ly slipt away to be roasted ; in a day or two after- 

 wards, another; and then a third. It would appear 

 that this careful mother knew the number of her off- 

 spring, and missed those that were taken from her ; 

 for, after this, she came alone to her evening meal. 

 This occurring repeatedly, she was watched coming 

 out of the wood, and observed to drive back her pigs 

 from its extremity, grunting with much earnestness, 

 in a manner so intelligible, that they retired at her 

 command, and waited patiently for her return. It is 

 evident that creatures far excelling the swine in saga- 

 city do not appear to notice a diminution in the num- 

 ber of their young, or take any precautions for their 

 safety. 



