64 



a coat of pitch on top of the grouting before the facing, or finishing layer, of sand 

 and cement is put down. For this purpose, a mixture of about eight parts of 

 pitch to one part of coal tar, applied hot, is very effective. Coal tar alone may 

 be used, and is cheaper than the mixture just mentioned, as well as more easily 

 applied. It is not so effective as pitch, but makes a very marked improvement 

 in the warmth and dryness of the floor. If a person does not feel inclined to 

 go to the expense of treating the whole floor with pitch or coal tar, he will find 

 it well worth the extra cost to treat at least the portion occupied by the beds. 

 If the pens are used for farrowing, it is usually safer to put a plank over-lay on 



'A 



3 ^ 





/(i - 0' 



Fig. 20. — ^Front view of portable pen for wintering sows. 



Fig. 21. — End view of pen shown in Fig. 20. 



the floor of the part occupied by the bed. This over-lay, or platform, is better 

 to be made so that it can be lifted up when it is necessary to clean and disinfect 

 the pens. 



The surface of the floors should be finished by using only a wooden float. 

 If trowelled down smooth, they are too slippery, and are dangerous to the pigs. 



Portable Pens. 



The accompanying sketches (Figs. 20 and 21) show a very cheap and easily- 

 constructed pen, suitable for winter quarters for breeding sows. The pen is sixteen 

 feet long by eight feet wide. It is seven feet high in front and thi-ee and a half 



