The Private Pig

The number of pigs kept by the colliers and artlsans of the north of England fluctuates with the price of coal and yarn, says the Spectator. In good times every collier keeps a live animal of some sort, and though dogs, guinea pigs, cage birds and homing pigeons are attractive, hls "fancy animal" is usually a pig. He admires this on Sunday afternoons, and groups of friends go round to smoke their pipes and compare pigs and bet on their ultímate .weight. They have private pig shows, with subscription prizes. Each animal is judged in its own sty, and It is Interesting to know that the evolution of an almost perfect pig was due to the innate sagacity of the Yorkshire pit hand. The Bties in which these animáis live are very rough affairs, often made of a few boards nailed over railway sleepers, but it is interesting to learn that when the author was actlng as a perlpatetic judge at the colliers' show he foung young pigs as blooming and healthy as possible, and that, snmll though the collier's back yard is, he always contrives that his pigsty shall be thoroughly ventllated and look toward the south. ArchitectB of costly home farms often house the unhappy pigs under north walls and condemn them to rheurnatism, cold and sunlessness. Yorkshire produces not only the best pork, but has long been famous tor the best eured hams In the world.