I 3 2 
A COLONY IN THE MAKING 
CHAP. 
good cross might be a Large Black crossed by a 
Berkshire, but there is no unanimity of opinion, and 
Large White Yorkshires have many adherents, more 
especially at the higher elevations where the tempera¬ 
ture is cooler. 
Pens and styes are easily and cheaply put up. 
They should therefore be large and roomy and 
opening into a paddock fenced in with sheep netting. 
In this paddock there should be plenty of overhead 
shelter in the way of trees or bushes, and also access 
to water. 
The usual process adopted by the farmer is to buy 
two or more sows at an early age. Sows should not 
be bred from till ten months old. Economy of food 
and increased growth can be obtained by running them 
over stubbles or on swamps during the day. A few 
maize stalks or sweet potatoes thrown to them in the 
evening will be sufficient, and will expedite their return 
from the grazing grounds. Up to six months old, the 
young pigs can be run in the same way, though their 
evening meal should be rather more substantial—one 
pound per head, or more according to the natural feed 
obtainable at the time, of soaked mealies, barley, boiled 
potatoes, and separated milk, as available. Mixed food 
is always best, but naturally they must take what is to 
hand. If there is plenty of feed on the stubbles, a few 
sweet potatoes or green mealie tops may be sufficient. 
Pigs must have green food in some form. 
After six months store pigs will be penned. For 
the seventh month they will get two good feeds 
daily, and for the eighth and onwards three at least, 
possibly four, care being taken to vary the diet. 
Barley is usually held to give the best and cheapest 
results, and is considered the most valuable pig feed. 
