Page:The Hog.djvu/110

108 The brain of the hog, like that of our other domesticated animals, is composed of two substances differing materially in appearance and structure; the one is of a pale gray or ashy hue, and termed the cortical or cineritious substance, and the other, from its pulpy nature and from being found deeper in the brain, the medullary substance.

These two distinct component parts of the brain are allowed by all scientific men to be intended for the discharge of two distinct functions. The mind or reasoning power is supposed to reside in the cineritious portion; and hence the preponderance of that substance in the human brain; while the medullary portion is merely the recipient of outward impressions upon the senses. There is very little difference between the proportions of these two substances in the brain of the hog and that of the sheep; if any thing, the hog has more of the cineritious portion than the ox; a proof, physiologists would say, that his reasoning powers or moral faculties are greater. We have already endeavored, we know not how successfully, to vindicate him from the charge of utter stupidity and unteachableness so generally brought against him, and pleaded the slight intercourse, compared with that enjoyed by other animals, which he has with man as the cause of it. There are anecdotes enough to prove them possessed of memory, attachment, and social qualities; but at present the system of treatment affords no scope for the development of any but mere brute and gluttonous instincts.

As this is a disease which is chiefly induced by plethora, laziness, want of exercise, high feeding, and such like causes, it is not to be wondered at that it is frequent among swine; and in by far the majority of cases it is fatal; for either the animal dies suddenly without any precursory symptoms, or the progress of the attack is so rapid that before help can be obtained or remedies administered all is over. Where, however, the apoplexy does not destroy its victim in a short space of time, it may be subdued and the animal temporarily cured; but only for awhile; it invariably dies soon afterwards of inflammation of the brain. Sometimes apoplexy will run, like an epidemic, through a whole piggery, and where this is the case the causes of it must be diligently sought out and carefully removed.

The precursory symptoms which prognosticate apoplexy are dullness, disinclination to move, heaviness of the head, an uncertain and staggering gait, wildness and inflammation of the eyes, with apparent loss of sight, no appetite, and general numbness. The treatment must be prompt and energetic: bleeding from the palate; Epsom salts and sulphur as purgatives; or emetic tartar dissolved in water