[Illustration]
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Here is a little puzzle that was put to one of the sons of Erin the
other day and perplexed him unduly, for it is really quite easy. It will
be seen from the illustration that he was shown a sketch of a square pen
containing seven pigs. He was asked how he would intersect the pen with
three straight fences so as to enclose every pig in a separate sty. In
other words, all you have to do is to take your pencil and, with three
straight strokes across the square, enclose each pig separately. Nothing
could be simpler.
[Illustration]
The Irishman complained that the pigs would not keep still while he was
putting up the fences. He said that they would all flock together, or
one obstinate beast would go into a corner and flock all by himself. It
was pointed out to him that for the purposes of the puzzle the pigs were
stationary. He answered that Irish pigs are not stationery--they are
pork. Being persuaded to make the attempt, he drew three lines, one of
which cut through a pig. When it was explained that this is not allowed,
he protested that a pig was no use until you cut its throat. "Begorra,
if it's bacon ye want without cutting your pig, it will be all gammon."
We will not do the Irishman the injustice of suggesting that the
miserable pun was intentional. However, he failed to solve the puzzle.
Can you do it?