8 



Very much depends upon liow tlie pigs are reared. If kept growing 

 from the first, and in good condition, not fat, they will be ready 

 to take up the duties of pig bearing so as to bring their first litter 

 at twelve to thirteen months of age. No rigid rule can be laid down, 

 so much depending upon the owner. No sow should be kept for 

 breeding unless she be growthy, healthy, vigorous and full of life, 

 with body of good length and depth. Never use a weakling or one 

 that has halted in the least during the period of growth. The rule 

 is that nature is lavish in providing teats for a lai'ge family, and 

 surely no wide-awake breeder w^ould use a sow deficient in this 

 respect. Many are the little details a breeder must have in mind 

 if lie is to succeed, and not one can be neglected. 



Care of Pigs. 



In every pen there should be a slatted partition arranged, to be 

 lifted up and dropped easily. After the pigs have had their break- 

 fast, lift this and drive them under, then drop in place. They are 

 with their mother, yet separate from her, and the exercise sure to 

 follow an attempt to get with her will do much to ward off disease 

 and promote vigor and strength. Repeat this again in the after- 

 noon, but surely allow the family to be together overnight. 



Before two weeks old a small trough should be provided, into 

 which pour a little fresh milk at frequent hours, being careful to 

 thoroughly cleanse each time before filling. Gradually a little mid- 

 dlings may be added, and when the time comes for weaning, the 

 process is simple and there will be no loss. Instead of taking the 

 pigs away from the sow, when six to eight weeks old, remove the 

 sow from the pigs and they will hardly miss her, because they are 

 in the only house they have ever known. It means a big, big loss 

 to put a litter of pigs in strange quarters and have them squeal 

 and starve for a couple of days, when a little thoughi would save 

 all this. Look well to the teeth of the little fellows, but don't 

 hunt for black ones as the cause of all earthly ills. If any are over 

 sharp and are lacerating the cheek snip off the top with a pair of 

 sharp pincers, 



A healthy sow can well produce two litters a year though there 

 is not as much profit in the second as the spring litter, but a little 

 attention should be given to time of their coming. It is well, if 

 the quarters are warm, to have the early litter come the very first 

 of March and then breed the sow again five days after removing 

 her from the pigs. This would allow for them to run with her six 

 to eight weeks, and have the second litter come the last of Aug-ust. 



