SWINE. 413 



a period, as the Berkshires, since 1832. They have produced 

 a marked improvement in many of our former races. They 

 weigh variously, from 250 to 400 Ibs. nett, at 16 months, 

 according to their food, and style of breeding; and some full- 

 grown have dressed to more than 800 Ibs. They particu- 

 larly excel in their hams, which are round, full and heavy, 

 and contain a large proportion of lean, tender and juicy meat 

 of the best flavor. None of our improved breeds afford 

 long, coarse hair or bristles; and it is a gratifying evidence 

 of our decided improvements in this department of domestic 

 animals, that our brush-makers are under the necessity of 

 importing most of what they use from Russia and Northern 

 Europe. This improvement is manifest not only in the hair 

 but in the skin, which is soft and mellow to the touch; in the 

 iiner bones, shorter head, with upright ears, dishing face, 

 delicate muzzle and mild eye; and in the short legs, low 

 flanks, deep and wide chest, broad back and early maturity. 

 BREEDING. Swine should not be allowed to breed before 

 12 or 15 months old, unless the animals are large and coarse, 

 when they may be put to it somewhat younger. Not only 

 choice individuals, but such as are well descended, should 

 be selected for the purpose of breeding. The sow should be 

 in good condition, but not fat, nor approaching to it, and a 

 proper degree of exercise is essential to the development of 

 the foetus and the health of the parent; for which reason she 

 should have an extended range connected with her pen. 

 The sow goes with young about 114 days. A week before 

 her time comes round, a comfortable, quiet place should be 

 prepared for her under cover, and well protected from cold, 

 if the weather be severe, or if warm, a range in a pasture 

 with an open shed to retire to, is sufficient. Too much 

 litter for bedding must be avoided, and no change or dis- 

 turbance of the sow permitted till two or three weeks after 

 pigging, as the restlessness thereby produced may result in 

 the loss of the pigs. The sow should be fed only with a 

 small quantity of the lightest food or thin gruel, for two or 

 three days, nor put on full feed for a week. If inclined to 

 eat her pigs, she should be fed two or three times with raw 

 pork or fresh meat. The pigs may be taught to crack oats 

 or soaked corn after three weeks, and if provided with a 

 trough inaccessible to the dam, they will soon learn to feed 

 on milk and other food, preparatory to weaning. This may 

 take place when they are 8 or 10 weeks old, and to prevent 

 injury to the sow, let one or two remain with her a few days 



