Management of Berkshire Pigs. 
679 
better facing south, and so placed as to drain all moisture off. 
The nearer they are to pasture, or a run out, the better, this 
being one of the surest roads to the successful breeding of pigs, 
as nothing can take the place of a daily run on grass for the 
brood sow and her litter. For the flooring I have not found 
anything superior to old railway sleepers, and these can 
be usually obtained in good condition at from 6d. to Is. each, 
nine feet in length and nine inches wide. Twelve of these will 
suffice for a really good sty, fit for a sow to farrow in. There 
should be a rail placed round it about nine inches from the 
ground inside to protect the youngsters ; or, if required for 
fattening pigs, it will hold six or eight baconers. The outside 
of the sty may be chalk and flint well rammed, or rough 
cement so laid as to run itself dry. 
For the inside divisions I like oak plank : this I consider 
warmer and more convenient than walls, but on the outside a 
wall may be preferable. The best wicket I have seen was made 
from the old bonds of a wheel, about 1^ inch wide, 
straightened : any blacksmith can make it. 
For the roof, nothing equals thatch, as it is warmer in 
winter and cooler in summer. The only drawback is when 
there is scarcity of water or when there is required a roof that 
will catch the rain. In this case I woiild recommend a thin 
layer of thatch under tile. 
Having given a rough sketch of the sties, we will now 
discuss the best way of filling them with a rent-paying animal. 
I am very decided in my opinion that a pedigree herd pays the 
best, and gives most pleasure to the owner, for it must be 
very strange if the most careless breeder does not occa- 
sionally produce a show specimen ; consequently it makes a good 
price and incites the breeder to give greater care and judgment 
to his herd, while at the same time the best bred animals always 
fatten quickly. 
For choice of breeds I certainly much prefer the Berkshires. 
They fatten easily, produce good litters, and make the best of 
bacon, and, in my humble opinion, stand the climatic changes of 
this country better than other breeds. 
Having decided on the breed to keep, whatever it may be, I 
think the best way to start is to buy one ortwo straight, deep, light- 
shouldered sows, each having not less than twelve sound teats, 
and due to farrow their second or third litter. This is preferable, 
I am sure, to buying elts, as often great disappointment comes 
through these breaking their service or proving bad mothers. 
Having secured a nice sow or two the breeder can save the 
best elts from them, and by selecting a straight, deep clean- 
