Pig Breeds: Raeder on the Pig

Ole Munch Raeder was a jurist sent by the Norwegian government to America to study the jury system in 1847. His observations in newspaper articles and dispatches were read by an avid Norwegian public back home. This is one of them about the glorious pig:

I cannot refrain from saying a few kind words on behalf of the favorite pet of the Americans, the swine. I have not yet found any city, county, or town, where I have not seen these lovable animals wandering about peacefully in huge herds. Everywhere their domestic tendencies are much in evidence, no respectable sow appears in public unless she is surrounded by a countless number of beloved offspring. These family groups are a pleasing sight to the Americans, not only because they mean increasing prosperity, but also because a young porker is a particularly delicious morsel. Besides, the swine have shown certain good traits which are of real practical value; in the country they greedily devour all kinds of snakes and the like, and in the towns they are very helpful in keeping the streets clear “cleaner than men can do” by eating all kinds of refuse. And then, when these walking sewers are properly filled up they are butchered and provide a real treat for the dinner table.