THE PIG 249 
domestic Pig may be explained by the conditions under 
which it lived when in a wild state. 
Owing to its readiness to eat almost anything, it is 
necessary that considerable attention be paid to the way in 
which the animal is fed. The flesh of the Pig may be 
rendered unwholesome as food by careless feeding. It is 
for this reason that many people are so particular in 
getting pork from butchers on whom they can rely. 
The feet end in four toes, the two front ones on which 
the animal walks being protected by hard horny hoofs. 
Carpal. bones 
Fig. 146.—Fore-limb of Pig. 
The ‘hind toes, though longer than those of the Sheep, do 
not reach the ground, and are therefore of no use to the 
animal. They furnish in fact another instance of the 
disappearance of organs owing to disuse—see description of 
Horse. 
The split hoofs are of great service when the animal is 
making its way through wet swampy ground, or rushing 
over the soft yielding soil of the bush. Even if we did not 
