5T6 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



(7) Pasturing with hogs has been successful in killing bindweed, since 

 hogs are quite fond of the underground parts. This method can be used 

 with both ordinary pasture and fallow land. Results can probably be ob- 

 tained in less time in the latter case. 



(8) Several other methods have been tried, but they are for the most 

 part of doubtful value. The use of chemicals has not been attended with 

 much success in the control of this weed. 



WHAT I KNOW ABOUT HOGS. 



By E. H. Miller. 



(Before Worth County Farmers' Institute.) 



The three animals that are most widely spread over the earth are the 

 cow, horse and pig. 



These animals did not spread through their own efforts but were 

 developed by man and gradually adapted to nearly every place where man 

 can live. 



The pig had its origin in India. 



Its first conquest was that of Eastern Asia and the Archipelagos of 

 the Eastern seas. China fell easy victim to the love of the pig. Records 

 show that raising the porker was a high art in China 3000 years before 

 Christ. One of the greatest of the Chinese feast days is known by the 

 name of pig. The Koran forbids the use of pork just as the Mosaic law 

 does, hence the pig is not raised in countries where the Mohammedan law 

 rules. But in all other parts of the world the hog is popular as the cow 

 or horse and there are as many varieties of pigs, due to local causes and 

 different ways of breeding in different countries as there are varieties of 

 horses and cattle. We have in this country the Poland Chinas, Duroc Jer- 

 seys, Chester Whites, Berkshires, Yorkshires, Tamworths, Hampshires, 

 and Mule footed hogs, and perhaps some other kinds that I do not care to 

 mention. Last year about 2,600 hogs were shown at the loAva state fair; 

 the year before the pens held 3,000. These figures would indicate the rais- 

 ing of thoroughbred swine was one of Iowa's leading industries. Now as to 

 the best hog or breed of hogs to raise, I suppose you all think I will say 

 Chester Whites, but I am not going to say any such thing. The best hog 

 to raise is the one you like best and can make the most money out of. 

 The ultimate end of the hog is the pork barrel and the hog that will con- 

 vert the largest amount of corn into the most pork in the shortest time is 

 the hog that we are all looking after. 



Now as to breeding stock I prefer matured stock or hogs that are at 

 least one year old. I want breeders that have a good head, a good neck, 

 good shoulders, a good straight back. Drooping back of the shoulders is a 

 great objection among breeders. A low backed pig is more liable to break 

 down. A high backed one will have a limited digestive capacity; another 

 important thing is well sprung ribs; they are generally accompanied with 

 good shoulders and hams. In a typical hog the side lines should be 



