RECEIVING 



example of the first. One after another went 

 through the performance, and while I was watching 

 them the sleeping pile moved across the pen, as the 

 changes were all being made from one end. If it 

 were really cold, so that the fellows on both ends 

 would be getting chilled and constantly pushing into 

 the centre, their sleeping hours would be almost as 

 active as the waking hours. Beatrice has quieted 

 down since the first day and does not seem so much 

 alarmed when any one approaches. In fact, if one 

 of the family is picked up and makes a protesting 

 squeal she merely grunts inquiringly. She is very 

 proud of her family, and already it is evident that 

 she has her favourites. One little fellow with a cow- 

 lick on his back gets Benjamin's portion at feeding 

 time, and whenever he comes poking around her head 

 she seems to caress him with her nose instead of 

 rooting him out of the way. But in a few weeks she 

 will bite their heads off if they come around her when 

 she is feeding. As soon as they are able to root for 

 themselves her affection for them will disappear. 



With half a squeal and half a howl 

 At mealtimes Beatrice starts to prowl; 

 Her family following close at her heels — 

 . Nine little pigs with nine little squeals. 



139 



