1 Once again all rations were reduced, except those of the pigs and the dogs.
2 A too rigid equality in rations, Squealer explained, would have been contrary to the principles of Animalism.
3 This work was strictly voluntary, but any animal who absented himself from it would have his rations reduced by half.
4 The corn ration was drastically reduced, and it was announced that an extra potato ration would be issued to make up for it.
5 Napoleon then led them back to the store-shed and served out a double ration of corn to everybody, with two biscuits for each dog.
6 He ordered the hens' rations to be stopped, and decreed that any animal giving so much as a grain of corn to a hen should be punished by death.
7 Nobody stole, nobody grumbled over his rations, the quarrelling and biting and jealousy which had been normal features of life in the old days had almost disappeared.
8 He did not give any reason for having changed his mind, but merely warned the animals that this extra task would mean very hard work, it might even be necessary to reduce their rations.
9 And the news soon leaked out that every pig was now receiving a ration of a pint of beer daily, with half a gallon for Napoleon himself, which was always served to him in the Crown Derby soup tureen.
10 Hitherto the animals had had little or no contact with Whymper on his weekly visits: now, however, a few selected animals, mostly sheep, were instructed to remark casually in his hearing that rations had been increased.