xliv INTRODUCTION. 
On a fubje&t of fuch national confequence, every ufeful 
argument fhould be thrown out by thofe whofe profeffed 
province it is to keep the nation attentive*to the great bu- 
finefs of home fupply, and efpecially at a time when fo 
much uncertainty refts on the practicability of a future 
foreign one. ‘The prefent times are new and awful. And 
if the bountiful Author of all plenty has not fo great a 
controverfy with this nation as to render human exertions 
vain, we may humbly hope, that, by continued attention to 
the eafy object before us, our fupply of nutritious food may 
be fectired; but the means muft be employed. Beef and 
mutton are again become uncommonly dear; the-prices 
may ftill advance—for the late feverity of the lambing feafon 
may have been deftructive to more than the common pro- 
portion. Should this prove to be the cafe, the effect will 
be felt through another year. To numerous gentlemen 
who will read this book, the reiterated exertions of fmall 
pig-breeding may yet be feafonable and moft ufeful. If the 
objeét be worthy at all, attention to the sind of produce 
cannot be a matter of indifference. Not only the fmalleft 
come fooneft to perfection, or to an ufeful growth, but will 
make the greateft proof on fteamed potatoes, and other 
vegetable fubfiances, with the leaft neceffary proportion of 
corn, 
Gentlemen will not fail to find amufement, as 
well as profit, in this humble fpecies of breeding, in propor- 
tion to the care they take in felecting their fort—avoiding ~ 
the long, coarfe, large-eared, large-boned, and unfhapely 
animals, which in many places ftill too much abound, merely 
from negligence and want of difcrimination. 
A remarkable inftance of this inattention, as it occurred 
to the writer of thefe remarks in his aforefaid journey to- 
wards Lewes laft fammer, may not be improperly fet down 
here, from minutes and reflections then made. 
In 
