100
THE HOG.
number of sheep 50,000,000, whose value is estimated at £67,000,000. The extent of the capital invested in swine is still more extraordinary, when we reflect how little it is thought upon or taken into account. The number of pigs of all ages, rearing, and breeding, is calculated to be upwards of 18,000,000, which, taking one third at £2 each, and the remainder at 10s.. each, gives a value of £18,870,000, as the capital invested in pigs alone.
This is of course only an approximation to the truth, for the stock of all our domestic quadrupeds is liable, from various circumstances, both to increase and decrease; nevertheless, the statement, with every deduction, is calculated to excite some degree of surprise.—Martin.
