THE SOW : SELECTION AND MANAGEMENT I27 



except in the case of a sow's first litter. For several 

 hours before farrowing the sow will be restless and dis- 

 play much industry in g-athering straw or other material 

 and making it into a nest, in which finally she will as 

 nearly as possible bury herself. 



In warm weather the pigs will of their own accord 

 usually find their way at once to the teats and begin 

 nursing, but when the weather is extremely cold and raw 

 tlie pigs may lose their way, go in the wrong direction, 

 become entangled and benumbed, fail to find their proper 

 place and teats, and perish. The pig tliat is safely born, 

 and within three minutes gets a firm hold of a teat full 

 of milk, as was intended, has his chances for a career 

 of usefulness greatly enhanced. If a warmed house is 

 not used it will be well to have a basket or barrel, in the 

 l)ottom of which are heated bricks, these being covered 

 with straw, while a sack or blanket is tin-own over the 

 top to prevent loss of heat. As the pigs come they may 

 be wiped dry and placed in the basket or barrel for the 

 time being, and they will be dry and warm when given 

 tlie teats. If the weather is not extremely frosty a 

 blanket thrown over the sow until she is through farrow- 

 ing may suffice. 



Of all the means of successfully warming a chilled pig 

 and restoring his interest in things earthly, probably 

 tliere is nothing better than a pail or other vessel of 

 water heated to about 95 to 98 degrees F., in which his 

 body and limbs can l:)e submerged for 10 to 20 minutes. 

 In many instances it will well-nigh re\-ive the dead. If 

 after this hot l)ath Mr. Pig is (h'ie(l and ])laced where he 



