538 THE COMPLETE GKAZIER. BOOK V. 



CHAPTER II. 



ON THE BREEDING AND REARING OF PIGS. 



IN the selection of the brood sow there are certain points which must 

 be sought for, and if possible, obtained. Amongst these are a quiet 

 disposition, length of carcass, length and width of hind quarters, at least 

 twelve (if fourteen or fifteen so much the better) teats, placed at regular 

 distances, and commencing as near as possible to the fore legs. The 

 teats should be equal in size, and all capable of supplying milk, as in 

 some strains of pigs many small teats are found as well as many teats of 

 the kind which do not stand out prominently^ When the young pigs 

 attempt to suck the latter they recede, and so will not furnish milk. 

 These are therefore called blind teats, and are a source of great loss. 

 Moreover, and this is of consequence, this failing is hereditary. It is 

 advisable to obtain the breeding sows from prolific strains, or from a 

 breeder who has paid attention for a length of time to this most 

 important quality in his sows, as well as to their milking properties. 

 As to the question of the purity of breed of the sow there is considerable 

 difference of opinion, some very practical pig-breeders being strongly 

 in favour of a cross-bred sow, whilst others as strongly maintain 

 that a pure-bred sow is, in the end, the more profitable. To the 

 latter opinion we are inclined to lean, provided the sow is obtained 

 from a stock which has not been bred solely for the purpose of 

 winning prizes at our shows, but rather from one where utility and 

 winning points have jointly been the aim. 



The boar should most certainly be of a pure breed, and obtained 

 from a stock such as we have recommended the beginner to visit for 

 the purpose of obtaining his sows. Gentle disposition, light shoulders, 

 well-sprung ribs, deep carcass, muscular development, and masculine 

 character should be sought. A well formed and not too large boar 

 is generally a greater success for stock-getting purposes than one over- 

 grown and loosely made. 



In the case of pure-bred pigs it is generally best to mate them when 

 they are about eight months old, and then if the young sow produces 

 a large litter and suckles herself somewhat low in condition, she may 

 be given a month's rest, or a little extra food, and the pigs may be 

 allowed to remain on her until they are ten weeks old. This will 

 often be of great advantage to both the sow and her litter, especially 

 if the pigs are farrowed in the latter part of the summer. It will 

 depend to a certain extent on the district, and the system of farming 

 in vogue, as to the best time of the year for the little pigs to arrive. 

 As a rule, it will be found most advantageous to mate the sow in 

 November, so that the spring litter may arrive in February, or early 



