42 THE HOG. 



usually regarded a* synonymous with all that is dirty and dis- 

 gusting. 



His rolling in the mud is alleged against him as a proof of his 

 filthy habits ; if so, the same accusation applies to the elephant, the 

 rhinoceros, and other of the Pachyderrnata. May this not rather be 

 for the purpose of cooling themselves and keeping off flies, as we 

 admit it to be in the case of the animals above mentioned ? Savages 

 cover themselves with grease in hot climates in order to protect neir 

 skins; may not instinct teach animals to roll themselves in mud for 

 a similar purpose ? 



Pigs are exceedingly fond of comfort and warmth, and will nestle 

 together in order to obtain the latter, and often struggle vehemently 

 to secure the warmest berth. 



They are eminently sensitive of approaching changes in the 

 weather, and may often be observed suddenly to leave the places in 

 which they had been quietly feeding, and run off to their styes at 

 full speed, making loud outcries. When storms are overhanging, 

 they collect straw in their mouths, and run about as if inviting their 

 companions to do the same ; and if there is a shed or shelter near 

 at hand, may be seen to carry and deposit it there, as if for the pur- 

 pose of preparing a bed. Hence has arisen the common Wiltshire 

 saying, " Pigs see the wind." Virgil, in enumerating the signs of 

 settled fine weather, notices this peculiarity in swine : 



4< Nor sows unclean are mindful to provide 

 Their nestling beds of mouth-collected straw I" 



Foster says " When hogs shake the stalks of corn, and thereby 

 spoil them, it indicates rain ; and when they run squeaking about 

 and throw up their heads with a peculiar jerk, windy weather is about 

 to commence." 



Darwin observes " It is a sure sign of a cold wind when pigs 

 collect straw in their mouths, and run about crying loudly. They 

 would carry it to their beds for warmth, and by their calls invite 

 their companions to do the same, and add to the warmth by nume 

 rous bedfellows." 



In their domesticated state, swine certainly are very greedy 

 animals ; eating is the business of their lives ; nor do they appear 

 so very delicate as to the kind or quality of the food which is set 

 before them. Although naturally herbiverous animals, they have 

 been known to devour carrion with all the voracity of beasts of 

 prey, to eat and mangle infants, and even gorge their appetites with 

 their own young. 



Low, however, says " Instances have occurred in which a sow 

 has been known to devour her young ; but rarely, if ever, does this 

 nappen in a state of nature. It is not unreasonable to believe that 

 when an act so revolting does occur, it arises nore from the pain 



