132 A COLONY IN THE MAKING chap. 



good cross might be a Large Black crossed by a 

 Berkshire, but there is no unanimity of opinion, and 

 Large White Yorkshires have many adherents, more 

 especially at the higher elevations where the tempera- 

 ture is cooler. 



Pens and styes are easily and cheaply put up. 

 They should therefore be large and roomy and 

 opening into a paddock fenced in with sheep netting. 

 In this paddock there should be plenty of overhead 

 shelter in the way of trees or bushes, and also access 

 to water. 



The usual process adopted by the farmer is to buy 

 two or more sows at an early age. Sows should not 

 be bred from till ten months old. Economy of food 

 and increased growth can be obtained by running them 

 over stubbles or on swamps during the day. A few 

 maize stalks or sweet potatoes thrown to them in the 

 evening will be sufficient, and will expedite their return 

 from the grazing grounds. Up to six months old, the 

 young pigs can be run in the same way, though their 

 evening meal should be rather more substantial — one 

 pound per head, or more according to the natural feed 

 obtainable at the time, of soaked mealies, barley, boiled 

 potatoes, and separated milk, as available. Mixed food 

 is always best, but naturally they must take what is to 

 hand. If there is plenty of feed on the stubbles, a few 

 sweet potatoes or green mealie tops may be sufficient. 

 Pigs must have green food in some form. 



After six months store pigs will be penned. For 

 the seventh month they will get two good feeds 

 daily, and for the eighth and onwards three at least, 

 possibly four, care being taken to vary the diet. 

 Barley is usually held to give the best and cheapest 

 results, and is considered the most valuable pig feed. 



