Letter: Happy hogs

Sir: The importance of keeping pigs cool and happy ("Porkers in the shower bring home the bacon", 15 August) has long been recognised. In the 1770s the enterprising laird of Cromarty, in the north of Scotland, had a "hog-yard" built which was thought to be the only one of its kind in the country.

In 1781 an official survey noted that "When the weather is hot, the hogs are every dry day in summer driven to the sea; and after bathing and cooling themselves, each returns to its own place. This notable practice facilitates the fattening, and makes the flesh firm and high flavoured."

DAVID ALSTON

Cromarty, Scotland