Lesson LXIX

The Pig

Leading thought—The pig is something more than a source of pork. It is a sagacious animal and naturally cleanly in its habits when not made prisoner by man.

Method—The questions in this lesson may be given to the pupils a few at a time, and those who have access to farms or other places where pigs are kept may make the observations and in giving them to the class they should be discussed. Supplementary reading should be given the pupils, which may inform them as to the habits and peculiarities of the wild hogs. Theodore Roosevelt’s experience in hunting the wart-hog in Africa will prove interesting reading.

Observations—1. How does the pig’s nose differ from that of other animals? What is it used for besides for smelling? Do you think the pig’s sense of smell is very keen? Why do pigs root?

2. Describe the pig’s teeth. For what are they fitted? What are the tushes for? Which way do the upper tushes turn? How do wild hogs use their tushes?

3. Do you think that a pig’s eyes look intelligent? What color are they? Do you think the pig can see well?

4. Is the pig’s head straight in front or is it dished? Is this dished appearance ever found in wild hogs? Do the ears stand out straight or are they lopped? What advantage is the wedge-shaped head to the wild hogs?

5. How is the pig covered? Do you think the hair is thick enough to keep off flies? Why does the pig wallow in the mud? Is it because the animal is dirty by nature or because it is trying to keep clean? Do the hog’s bristles stand up if it is angry?

6. If the pig could have its natural food what would it be and where would it be found? Why and on what should pigs be pastured? What do pigs find in the forest to eat? What kind of bacon is considered the best?

7. On how many toes does the pig walk? Are there other toes on which it does not walk? If wading in the mud are the two hind toes of use? Do wild pigs run rapidly? Do tame pigs run rapidly if they are not too fat? Do you think the pig can swim? Do you think that the pig’s tail is of any use or merely an ornament?

8. What cries and noises do the pigs make which we can understand?

9. How do hogs fight each other? When the boars fight, how do they attack or ward off the enemy? Where do we get the expression going “sidewise like a hog to war?”

10. How many breeds of pigs do you know? Describe them.

11. What instances have you heard that show the hog’s intelligence?

12. Give an oral or written English exercise on one of the following topics: “The antiquity of swine; how they were regarded by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans;” (see encyclopedia). “The story of hunting wild hogs in India;” “The razor-back hogs of the South;” “The wart-hog of Africa.”

“The nice little pig with a querly tail,
All soft as satin and pinky pale
Is a very different thing by far
Than the lumps of iniquity, big pigs are.”

—Nonsense Rhyme.