THE CHINESE HOG. 



407 



produced thirty-seven pigs at a litter. The average total num- 

 ber which one may expect, at the first farrowing of twenty sows, 

 has been estimated at one hundred and fifty-five. Owing, how- 

 ever, to the usual practice of weaning the pigs when about six 

 weeks old, the sow sometimes produces five litters in two years ; 

 but this is an uncommon occurrence. In the year 1794, no less 

 than three hundred and fifty-five pigs formed the total amount 

 of twenty litters produced by a sow which belonged to Mr. T. 

 Richdale, of Kegworth, Leicestershire. It is advisable, both on 

 account of weather and food, to contrive so that the sow shall 

 farrow in February and August. The young will suck any sow 

 indiscriminately, although it is said that as soon as they are 

 born they run to the parent's teat. 



The dung of pigs is generally considered a more powerful 

 manure than that of oxen. The bristles are employed for brushes 

 and other articles ; and the flesh is eaten by all people, except 

 Jews and Mahomedans. 



THE CHINESE HOG. 



The Chinese pigs are smaller than our own ; have a deep 

 round body, a short thick neck, erect ears, full round haunches, 

 very short and slender legs, and small toes. The colour is 



