Mammals The Pig 
to roam in the woods, it lives on roots, nuts and 
forage, being especially fond of acorns and beech- 
nuts; and it has a remarkable record for destroying 
rattlesnakes. The pig has quite an extended lan- 
guage which its little master will become interested 
in studying. There is the constant grunting which 
keeps the herd of swine together; there is the squeal 
of anger and discontent; the satisfied grunt of enjoy- 
ment of food, the squeal of terror, and a nasal growl 
of defiance, and many more vocal expressions. 
FOOD FOR THE LITTLE PIG 
The pet pig is usually one that has in some way be- 
come separated from the litter, and must be brought 
up by hand. It should be given at first a very 
small quantity of cow’s milk, which is luke-warm; 
this may be given from a nursing bottle with a rubber 
nipple, exactly as if prepared for a child; it should 
‘be fed every two hours, for three or four days, and 
after that, every three hours; if it grows and is vig- 
orous, it may be fed every four hours; and finally it 
should be fed four times a day. When about three 
weeks of age it may be fed three times daily, but the 
milk must be sweet, and the trough or basin in which 
it is fed must be kept clean, or digestive disorders will 
follow. Occasionally the milk may be replaced with 
bran or shorts made into a gruel; later, grain soaked 
for twenty-four hours may be fed. As it grows old- 
er, it should have plenty of green food, which may be 
in the form of roots of all kinds, clover or other accept- 
able forage. The pig is a thirsty animal, and should 
have access to clear water; when young cold water, 
especially in winter, should not be given to it. 
56 
