of necessity be a short one. It must not be forgotten that in
the production of each litter of pigs the sow is compelled to
manufacture from 20 to 30 lbs. of flesh, skin, hair, etc., which
together constitute the newly farrowed pig, and very frequently this has
to be accomplished on a far too limited supply of suitable food.

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[Illustration: _From a Painting by Wippell._

MIDDLE WHITE SOW.

To face page 96.]

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[Illustration: _Block kindly supplied by Cumberland Pig Breeders'
Association, Carlisle._

CUMBERLAND SOW.

Owned by Mr. Carr, Kirkbride, Carlisle.]

CHAPTER XI

THE REARING OF YOUNG PIGS

One of the most important points in the profitable raising of stock is
to give the animals a good start in their earliest days. There is an old
and true saying amongst shepherds that the best and most profitable
sheep are those which have never lost their lamb fat. It may with equal
truth be declared that the most profitable pig is the one which has a
good start when on its mother, and never afterwards lacks suitable food,
judiciously given.

At frequent intervals, the question as to the number of pigs which a sow
should have left on her to rear is the subject of discussion in the
press. At each of these periods very similar arguments for and against
large litters are used with much the same inconclusive results. This
probably arises to a great extent from the varying conditions under
which the particular litter of pigs is to be reared. The time of year
has a vast influence, a sow farrowing in May will more successfully rear
a dozen pigs than she would bring up ten if they were farrowed in the
month of October.

The age and condition of the sow should also be considered. A young sow
of about twelve months should not have more than seven or eight pigs
left on her to rear, whereas with her succeeding litters until she is at
least four years old she would rear at least ten pigs each litter. After
the sow has reached the age of about four years, if that time has been
fully employed in her maternal duties, she becomes gradually less able
to rear so large a number of pigs with an equal amount of success. It is
then advisable to vary the number according to the season, and to the
physical condition of the sow; generally speaking an aged sow will bring
up more pigs in the summer months than in the colder months.

Reference is ma