The Neapolitan hog has also been introduced
with success; it is black, without hair, very plump,
with pricked ears. No breed can excel it in aptitude to become fat, even on scanty food, but it is
of a tender and delicate constitution. A cross between this and the pure black Essex hog, which
very closely resembles it, fattens at a very early
age, and to an astonishing degree. Of some of
this breed, shewn at Smithfield, and which gained
prizes for several successive years, it is said that
‘at twenty-two weeks old they were so completely
covered with fat, that their feet were scarcely to
be seen; and if they could stand, which is doubtful, it is certain they could not walk."
The Berkshire is a well-shaped hog, with short legs, small ears, broad chines and loins, and good hams. This, crossed with the Neapolitan, produces an excellent variety.
It is a great error to suppose that swine love dirt. With plenty of dry litter, space, and water, the Hog will keep himself scrupulously clean, and will thrive all the better. Even the trouble of washing and currying him frequently will be well repaid.
Family IV. Rhinocerotidæ.
(Rhinoceroses.)
The three living genera, Rhinoceros, Hyrax, and Tapir, which, with some extinct forms, constitute the present Family, have the feet wholly inclosed in the integuments, but tipped with hoofs three or four in number on each foot. They resemble each other in their jaws, all having seven molars on each
