190 FIRST FOOD CUTTING AND SPAYING. 



discarded as breeders, but a small number of pigs 

 at the first litter is no valid objection. 



The FIRST FOOD should consist of warm and nour- 

 ishing wash, whether from the kitchen or dairy, 

 thickened with fine pollard or barley-rneal. A por- 

 tion of strong beer may be added as a cordial, 

 should circumstances render it necessary. The com- 

 mon wash, pollard or meal mixed with water, if 

 scalded, the better. The same diet is proper for 

 the pigs to partake of whilst sucking. The sow can 

 scarcely be too well kept during this period, and in 

 addition to two meals as above, should be allowed a 

 middle one of dry meat ; for example, a pint of peas 

 or beans, with half a peck of carrots, boiled pota- 

 toes, or the like. Potatoes alone are a poor and 

 watery dependance, nor should pigs be fed with 

 them or any loose vegetable trash, until three months 

 old. The sow may be let out to air herself at plea- 

 sure, and after a while with the pigs to accompany 

 her, but never in bad weather. 



CUTTING and SPAYING the young pigs, is per- 

 formed at six or seven weeks old, according to their 

 strength : in a week after which, they may be 

 WEANED. After weaning, shut up the sow closely, 

 feed her well, and on the reflux of the milk, she 

 will express very loudly her desire for the company 

 of the BOAR. It is necessary to repeat, that sows 

 are voracious, and occasionally fierce and savage 

 animals, and have actually devoured young children. 

 The sow is SPAYED whilst she gives suck, and the 

 boar safely CASTRATED at any age. 



RINGING the snouts of pigs should be performed 



