nent, and each
pap becomes more defined, the vulva becomes enlarged and the muscles on
either side of the tail fall away and lose their tenseness, whilst in
the vast majority of cases milk appears in the udder some twelve hours
before the arrival of the pigs. The teats shine and become more
prominent, the presence of milk is easily ascertained by gently
pressing the teat between the finger and thumb.

Another certain indication of the early arrival of a family is the act
of the sow carrying straw about in her mouth wherewith to make her
farrowing bed.

One of the chief causes of trouble with the farrowing sow arises from
the sow not having been allowed to take sufficient exercise. Of course,
the best of all systems is to allow the sow its complete freedom at all
seasons of the year save when she is within about a fortnight of her
time, and when she is rearing a litter of pigs. Even if there be no
grass field or paddock in which she is able to pick up a good portion of
her living, or a roadside where she can get a few blades of grass, an
open yard is infinitely better than the confinement of a sty, as apart
from the reduction in the cost of keep, the sow will produce stronger
pigs, and have a decidedly easier time of farrowing.

In the case of a sow showing a disinclination to take a sufficiency of
exercise either owing to laziness, to high condition, or heaviness of
body, it is advisable to exercise her by walking her about quietly for a
short time each morning and evening before and after the heat of the day
has become excessive, or has passed off.

There is a difference of opinion amongst pig breeders as to the
desirability or the reverse of having someone in attendance on the sow
during the time she is farrowing. Those who object to this procedure do
so on the ground that the presence of a man simply tends to irritate the
sow, and to frequently cause her to become restless, with the result
that the little pigs are trodden upon or become laid upon and killed.
This view is generally held by those who are not particularly fond of
animals, as evidenced by that occasional intercourse between pig and
owner which consists of rubbing the head of the pig, or scratching its
side, when in response to the pleasant sensation it rolls over on to its
side like Oliver and asks for more. The trouble if any, which arises
from the owner or pig man being in the sty with the farrowing sow almost
invariably arises from the absence of