CHAT. XXIV.] FARMING FOR LADIES. 473 



enjoys a dry and warm bed, which, if not 

 confined, he never soils ; the sow, indeed, ar- 

 ranges with peculiar care the litter furnished 

 to her for the occasion of farrowing, and both 

 young pigs and grown hogs nestle in the straw 

 with great complacency. 



The sties should, therefore, be frequently 

 swept out and sluiced with water, to keep 

 them as clean as possible ; the pigs being, at 

 that time, turned out into another yard, until 

 that which they occupy becomes perfectly dry. 

 The sties, although well ventilated, should 

 also, if possible, have a warm aspect, and be 

 at the same time furnished with sufficient 

 shade to guard them from too much exposure 

 to the sun ; for young pigs, particularly of 

 the white, thin-skinned breeds, thus some- 

 times have their backs scorched and blistered, 

 to the great hindrance of their improvement. 

 Their nearness to the kitchen may be desir- 

 able for the opportunity of throwing out refuse 

 vegetables and wash to the sow and store-pigs 

 without encroaching on the servant's time ; 

 but should not approach too near the dairy, 

 the air of which should never be contaminated 

 with any foul odour. 



