← They explained that by their studies of the past three months the pigs had succeeded in reducing the principles of Animalism to Seven Commandments. 🔊
← After much thought Snowball declared that the Seven Commandments could in effect be reduced to a single maxim, namely: "Four legs good, two legs bad." 🔊
← 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. 🔊
← This work was strictly voluntary, but any animal who absented himself from it would have his rations reduced by half. 🔊
← In January food fell short. The corn ration was drastically reduced, and it was announced that an extra potato ration would be issued to make up for it. 🔊
← Once again all rations were reduced, except those of the pigs and the dogs. A too rigid equality in rations, Squealer explained, would have been contrary to the principles of Animalism. 🔊
← Rations, reduced in December, were reduced again in February, and lanterns in the stalls were forbidden to save oil. 🔊