Page:The Hog.djvu/44

42 usually regarded as synonymous with all that is dirty and disgusting. His rolling in the mud is alleged against him as a proof of his filthy habits; if so, the same accusation applies to the elephant, the rhinoceros, and other of the Pachydermata. May this not rather be for the purpose of cooling themselves and keeping off flies, as we admit it to be in the case of the animals above mentioned? Savages cover themselves with grease in hot climates in order to protect their skins; may not instinct teach animals to roll themselves in mud for a similar purpose? Pigs are exceedingly fond of comfort and warmth, and will nestle together in order to obtain the latter, and often struggle vehemently to secure the warmest berth.

They are eminently sensitive of approaching changes in the weather, and may often be observed suddenly to leave the places in which they had been quietly feeding, and run off to their styes at full speed, making loud outcries. When storms are overhanging, they collect straw in their mouths, and run about as if inviting their companions to do the same; and if there is a shed or shelter near at hand, may be seen to carry and deposit it there, as if for the purpose of preparing a bed. Hence has arisen the common Wiltshire saying, "Pigs see the wind." Virgil, in enumerating the signs of settled fine weather, notices this peculiarity in swine:— Nor sows unclean are mindful to provide Their nestling beds of mouth-collected straw!" Foster says—"When hogs shake the stalks of corn, and thereby spoil them, it indicates rain; and when they run squeaking about and throw up their heads with a peculiar jerk, windy weather is about to commence."

Darwin observes—"It is a sure sign of a cold wind when pigs collect straw in their mouths, and run about crying loudly. They would carry it to their beds for warmth, and by their calls invite their companions to do the same, and add to the warmth by numerous bedfellows."

In their domesticated state, swine certainly are very greedy animals; eating is the business of their lives; nor do they appear so very delicate as to the kind or quality of the food which is set before them. Although naturally herbiverous animals, they have been known to devour carrion with all the voracity of beasts of prey, to eat and mangle infants, and even gorge their appetites with their own young.

Low, however, says—"Instances have occurred in which a sow has been known to devour her young; but rarely, if ever, does this happen in a state of nature. It is not unreasonable to believe that when an act so revolting does occur, it arises more from the pain