196 



THE CHEMISTRY OF THE FARM 



increase are seen more strikingly in the case of pigs 

 than with other animals, from the greater rapidity of 

 the fattening process. The following table shows the 

 average results obtained on sixteen pigs fattened at 

 Eothainsted at the same time, the food being 7 lbs. of 

 pea meal per head per week, with an unlimited supply 

 of barley meal. The pigs had an average weight of 

 135*8 lbs. when put up to fatten : at the end of ten 

 weeks they had doubled in weight, their average weight 

 being 276-3 lbs. 



FATTENING PIGS— WEEKLY CGNSUIMPTION OF FOOD AND 

 KATE OF INCREASE. 



The figures in this table illustrate in a striking 

 manner the alterations in the proportion of food 

 consumed, and increase yielded, during the period of 

 fattening. The weights of food refer to meal in its 

 natural state, and do not represent dry substance. 

 The irregularities in the progression of the figures 

 are due to the variable appetite and condition of the 



