452 THE PIGS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 



others without tails, ears or eyes, and all kinds of monstrosities 

 were frequent." 



This is the opinion of one whose professional experience 

 entitles him to respect. We believe he is correct in his view, 

 and that breeding in and in, though it may be desirable occasion- 

 ally, is destructive to ultimate success if habitually practised. 

 We have known some of the most successful exhibits thus pro- 

 duced, but it is destruction if made the rule. 



The practice of breeders does not vary materially, and the 

 same plan would be followed with the Berkshire as with any 

 other improved sorts. Animals intended for breeding should 

 not be forced when young, although they should be liberally 

 fed on material likely to develope flesh and bone. Bran and 

 pollards are well suited for this purpose. Bean meal in small 

 quantities is also excellent food for young animals when 

 weaned. Above all, breeding pigs should have plenty of exer- 

 cise ; there should be a home field in which they can range ; 

 failing this, a roomy foldyard in which they can rout. The 

 litters should, if possible, fall in spring and autumn. Extremes 

 of temperature are objectionable ; for, though, when grown, the 

 coaty Berkshire is a hardy animal that will bear exposure well, 

 the high-bred pigs are susceptible to evil influences when young, 

 and especially require to be kept warm. Litters are not parti- 

 cularly numerous : from eight to twelve pigs are about the 

 range ; for a first litter six or seven are sufficient. These are 

 often less regular and complete than after families, and it is not 

 considered wise to keep them for breeding, The young hilt 

 may be served when about 8 or 9 months old, and a few days 

 before the time is up she must be removed from her companions 

 to the farrowing stye, which must be covered in, well sheltered, 

 and if necessary further protected by placing a thatched hurdle 

 at such a height above ground, say 3ft. to 4ft., as will allow the 

 sow and her offspring to go under it. This, however, is seldom 

 requisite. The floor should be paved with flat flooring bricks, 

 laid in cement, with sufficient fall to allow the liquid to drain 

 away rapidly. Short straw or Gin. litter may be supplied, so as 

 to cover the floor, and, above all things, there must be. Sin. or 

 9in. above the ground, a rail projecting about lOin. or a foot 

 from the wall, firmly fixed so that it cannot be displaced. 



