16 J SWINE. 



to be changed at each time ; as it is believed that the 

 rearing of succeeding stocks, between which there is 

 the closest consanguinity, must eventually tend to 

 degenerate the breed. About forty ewes may be al- 

 lowed to one ram. »See Livingston'' s Essay on sheep. 



SVvTNE. 



This species of live stock may be regarded as one of 

 the most profitable, while the number kept on a farm is 

 proportioned to the quantity of offal on the premises ; 

 especially as the benefit arising from their dung, more 

 than counterbalances the expense of attendance, and as 

 they are the onl} kind of animals that can be fed upon 

 those articles, that would otherwise go to waste about a 

 farm. 



The marks of a good hog are, a moderate length, in 

 proportion to the size of the body ; the nos^ short, the 

 cheek plump and full; neck thick and short; quarters 

 full , carcase thick and full ; hair fine and thin ; with a 

 symmetry adapted to the breed to which it belongs. 

 Above all, it is essential that it be of a kindly disposition 

 to fatten early. The long nosed hogs should be avoided. 



The sow will bring forth a stronger and better litter, 

 if kept from the boar till a year old; and he should be 

 kept from sows till that age. He should be kept in 

 good condition, and not go to more than ten sows in a 

 year. The sow^s should also be kept in good condition, 

 but not too fat. The period of gestation is about four 

 months ; they usually bring two litters in a year ; the 

 most proper times will be April and early in September. 

 They should be kept clean and well littered ; but should 

 not have too much litter at the time of piging, lest they 

 overlay their young. In eight or ten days they should 

 be let out of their sties into the yard, for several hours 

 each day. Where several sows are farrowing, about 

 the same time, they should be kept in separate apart- 

 ments. To prevent sows from eating their pigs, let 

 them have plenty of water. The pigs intended for 

 market, should h<i killed in about three weeks. The 

 finest ones should be saved, and castrated and spayed, 

 at the age of six weeks. If pigs are to be weaned, it 

 should be at the age of two months ; and they should 

 have a stye by themselyes; be kept clean, well littered, 



