INTRODUCTORY. 435 



domesticated animals. It was formerly held that to breed from 

 heifers before they were fully developed resulted in a puling off- 

 spring and a stoppage of growth in the dam. With generous 

 diet the opposite is the fact. The late Mr. Edward Bowly, in 

 his admirable essay on Cattle Management, published in the 

 19th volume- of the "Journal of the Eoyal Agricultural Society 

 of England," gives a case in which a heifer calved at fifteen 

 months and two weeks old, the calf being at its full time. This 

 animal gained a first premium as a two-year-old in-calf heifer, 

 and a second premium the following year as a cow in calf, and 

 was afterwards sold at a high price to go abroad. The sire of 

 the calf was a bull calf about six months old, sucking a cow in 

 the same field, and neither was a week over six months. Since 

 Mr. Bowly' s essay was written, the practice has become common 

 of bulling heifers at fifteen months, and with proper care no evil 

 results ; indeed the animals appear to grow out faster whilst in 

 calf than when empty. With cart horses, again, we have found 

 it decidedly profitable to cover the fillies when two years old ; 

 early maturity allows of early breeding. 



It is a necessity of the present day to secure a quick return, 

 and we must feed highly in order to get the results. There is, 

 however, one point to be considered in reference to the pig 

 which does not apply so much to other animals, owing to 

 their sensibility to extremes either of heat or cold. It is not 

 desirable to have our litters either in midwinter or the dog days ; 

 therefore it is best to have the first Htter either in the spring or 

 autumn. With this provision, the nearer a sow is to a year old 

 the better for our profits. The period of gestation varies from 

 115 to 130 days. During the first two months it is not necessary 

 to increase the quantity or quality of the food ; but during the 

 later stages a more generous diet is desirable, and towards the 

 time of farrowing the addition of skimmed milk to the wash 

 will materially tend to the secretion of milk. A few days 

 before the expected advent of the family the hilt should be 

 removed to the farrowing pen, so as to become accustomed to 

 her new residence in good time. 



The farrowing pen should be roomy, not less than 10ft. by 

 8ft., but 10ft. square is preferable, well ventilated, and warm. The 

 floor may be of brick or stone, with a slight fall, so as to allow 



p F 2 



