HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 159 



THE HOG KIND. 



ANIMALS of the Hog kind seem to possess a 

 middle nature, between those that live upon grass 

 and such as are carnivorous, and unite in them- 

 selves most of those distinctions which are peculiar 

 to each class. Like the one, they will feed on 

 animal substances, and do not ruminate; like the 

 other, they are cloven-hoofed, live chiefly on vege- 

 tables, and seldom seek after animal food, except 

 when urged by necesssity. 



The most numerous breed of Hogs in this island 

 is that generally known by the name of the Berk- 

 shire Pigs, now spread through almost every part of 

 England, and some parts of Scotland. They are 

 in general of a reddish brown colour, with black 

 spots upon them; have large ears hanging over 

 their eyes; are short-legged, small-boned, and are 

 readily made fat. Some of these have been fed to 

 an almost incredible size. Mr. Culley, in his 

 Treatise on Live Stock, gives an account of one 

 that was killed at Congleton, in Cheshire, which 

 measured, from the nose to the end of the tail, three 

 yards eight inches ; in height it was four feet and a 

 half; and weighed, after it was killed, eighty-six 

 stones eleven pounds avoirdupoise. 



The Hog species, though very numerous, and 

 diffused over Europe, Asia, and Africa, did not 

 exist in America, till transported thither by the 

 Spaniards. In many places they have multiplied 

 exceedingly, and become wild. They resemble the 

 domestic Hog; but their bodies are shorter, and 

 their snout and skin thicker. 



