74 
The Farming of Cheshire. 
to fatten at an early age. These pigs probably do not make such 
heavy weights as the former kind, but they possess the advantage 
of becoming fat in much less time ; their bone is lighter, and 
the flesh not so coarse: they are therefore more approved of by 
the consumer. The countv is to a certain degree indebted to the 
coarser breed, formerly in favour, for the great length of frame 
which many of the present pigs exhibit ; as undoubtedly those best 
adapted to the purpose of the farm.ers were raised by crosses from 
that breed with the Berkshire, Leicestershire, »Scc. The more 
delicate sorts, as the Chinese and Neapolitan, although much 
approved in gentlemen's families, with a slight cross of some of 
the more lir.rdy breeds, are not suitable, unless repeatedly crossed, 
as a general stock for this county ; being too tender for the ordi- 
nary treatment, and too light when put into the scale : it is a com- 
mon phrase here, " when we have done weighing, we have done 
receiving.'' The practice with regard to feeding pigs on the 
generality of dairy farms is, to put up early in the sjiring some 
strong stores of twelve-months old, to feed on the offal of the 
dairy ; the number being regulated by the probable supply of 
food — about one to five cows, allowin? for breeding sows and 
young stores. If the farmer is anxious to bring them early to 
market, a few potatoes, and a small supply of barley or other 
meal, are given ; but in general they have little else than whey 
for the first three months, when they are allowed potatoes or meal, 
or both, for five or six weeks, and are then sold to the butcher for 
the Manchester, Birmingham, or other markets ; the weights 
ranging from 10 to 14 scores. As soon as the pigs feeding on 
whey are cleared off, which is usually in August and September, 
more are put up ; by this time the whey is much reduced in 
quantitv, the pigs must therefore be fewer in number, or the 
allowance of corn, &c., greater; some, or perhaps the whole, of 
these are kept for the use of the family. The sows farrow twice 
a-year, bringing their first litter in February, and their second in 
August ; the first are usually kept as stores for the farmer's own 
use, the latter are sold off when young. 
Rearing young Cattle. 
More attention has been jiaid to rearing young cattle of late 
years than at the time of Dr. Holland's publication, and there is 
still room for much improvement in this respect. The treatment of 
calves, previously to being turned out to grass, is nearly the same 
as formerlv, except that some farmers substitute crushed oil-cake, 
or linseed-meal, for oatmeal, \\heat, or bran-flour, at the rate of 
1 lb. per day A)r each call ; and, occasionally, a few slices of man- 
gold-wurzel or swedes are given, after the calves are weaned from 
the cows to the time at which they are turned out to grass. At 
