PIGS

Waipa Post, Volume 49, Issue 3554, 6 December 1934, Page 2

PIGS

AN INTENSIVE STUDY. * <C - (By Rambler.) There is no need for anyone to feel sensitive. We do not intend commenting on the two footed variety of the pig, and our readers may rest assured that nothing personal is intended. . It was asserted by a great thinker, who thought before us that “Pigs is pigs,” and that statement has never been contradicted. It'stands for all time as the basis of research work.

For the purpose of study the pig has one great advantage over the flea, and that is that a microscope is not needed to observe him and his habits. The only apparatus required by the scientific enquirer is a clothes peg, which should be firmly pressed over the nostrils.

The charming creature belongs to the order of Ungulates, sub-order Suina, and everyone knows, that Ungulates are ruinants. A lot of these have four stomachs, but the pig has only one. He is lucky, for if he had four as big as the one he has, he would make {he elephant look to his laurels. Ungulates are characterised not only by their power of ruminating, which the pig hasn’t got, but by crescent like or solodont molar teeth, •While pigs have a type of teeth known as bunodont. That is one way to recognise the pig; but if you are still in doubt you may notice that his metacarpal and metatarsal bones remain distinct instead, of being fused to--1 gather. By that you may know the difference between a pig and a camel. The pig, except when he appears as bacon, is not very prepossessing. He has a long mobile snout, with which he grubs but roots and other delicacies. We are not clear as to whether his smell is indigenous to him or whether it is borrowed. It may be from the refuse in his sty, but we have never been anxious enough to make close contact, and we leave this question for other workers. It is alleged that the pig will be clean in his habits if given a chance. This may be right, but all the pigs we know have evidently never been given one.