HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 163 



earth for roots of various kinds, of which it is 

 extremely fond ; and it has a quick sense of smell- 

 ing, by which it is enabled to trace out its food. It 

 is naturally stupid, inactive, and drowsy; much in- 

 clined to increase in fat, which is disposed in a dif- 

 ferent manner from that of other animals, and forms 

 a thick and regular coat between the flesh and the 

 skin. It is restless at a change of weather; and 

 during certain high winds, is so agitated, as to run 

 violently, screaming horribly at the same time. It 

 appears to forsee the approach of bad weather, as it 

 previously carries straw in its mouth to its sty, pre- 

 pares a bed, and seems endeavouring to hide itself 

 from the impending storm. 



Linnaeus observes, that the flesh of the Hog is a 

 wholesome food for those that use much exercise, 

 but bad for such as lead a sedentary life. It is of 

 universal use, and makes, in various ways, a con- 

 stant article in the elegancies of the table. It is of 

 great importance to this country, as a commercial 

 nation, for it takes salt better than any other kind, 

 and consequently is capable of being preserved 

 longer: it is therefore in great use in ships, and 

 makes a principal part of the provisions of the 

 British navy. 



The domestic Sow generally brings forth twice a 

 year, and produces from ten to twenty at a litter: 

 she goes four months with young, and brings forth 

 in the fifth. At that time she must be carefully 

 watched, to prevent her from devouring her young: 

 still greater attention is necessary to keep off the 

 male, as he would destroy the whole litter. 



