90 MAMMALS. 



summer, being killed off in the autumn for winter use. They were 

 kept off from the arable ground by hill dykes made of turf, which were 

 at that time kept in good order. For shelter there were houses built 

 of turfs, and at the entrance two stones for the pigs to go between and 

 rub themselves, as otherwise they would have rubbed themselves 

 against the turf walls, and knocked them down. Their colours were 

 brown and black probably the two commonest varieties and black 

 and white. There were strict local laws that the pigs kept over the 

 winter for stock should be ringed before being allowed down to the 

 arable ground, so as not to unduly root it up. In those days there 

 was no grass laid down or any root crops in the island." 



"The old Orkney race is now extinct, or merged in improved 

 breeds ; it had high shoulders and a long snout. The Chinese pig was 

 imported here direct for crossing." 



Neill, in his Tour, refers to swine seen going about on the Hoy 

 hills half wild. 



