SIXTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART IV. 311 



toward the tail head, is essential. Pick a pig whose heart girtli Is In 

 proportion to its length and that is not faulty in flank, observe those 

 requirements of color, formation of head, style of ear, etc., that are 

 called for by that breed to which it belong. Do not select any pig that 

 has had thumps, scours, or any other disease, nor one with any skin 

 disorders. All these have a depressing effect npon the natural consti- 

 tutional vigor of the pig, and in his race for ribbons he must not be 

 handicapped by any Influence that will prevent him from getting the 

 benefit of every ounce of food he consumes. See to it that he starts 

 free from any burden of lice or worms, and keep him that way to the 

 end. 



The surroundings and conditions under which the hogs are kept are 

 equally as important as the food that is provided for them. I prefer 

 to keep but few together. The feeding habits of each can in this man- 

 ner be best observed and catered to. Start with plenty of pasturage. 

 White clover and blue grass are first choice. Oats or rye will do, and 

 rape is valuable. As the growth and progress depend a great deal on 

 personal comfort, it is important that there be a cool, dark retreat, 

 where the hog is safe from the attacks of flies. A good plan is to place 

 a small individual house under the shade of a tree, and to cover the 

 doorway with a curtain of such material as will exclude light and 

 flies, nailing it only at the top, so the hog may go in and out at pleas- 

 ure. Keep this house clean and free from dust and use from time to 

 time some mild disinfectant that you know will have no bad effect. 



Before taking up the subject of feed, I want also to urge the import- 

 ance of exercise. Lack of attention to this point may cause failure, 

 even though all other requirements are carefully looked after. Get" 

 fully acquainted with your pigs, so they know you are their friend. 

 Then in the early morning while it is cool, take them for a walk, going 

 slowly so they may feed on the grass along the vay. An hour or more 

 is well spent at this. Never let your pigs get excited- Keep them away 

 from anything that is likely to irritate them. Don't stir them up in 

 the heat of the day to show Tom, Dick or Harry how they are coming 

 on 



To start with, a liberal supply of new milk, while not absolutely 

 necessary, is the best foundation for a successful ration. It possesses 

 all the elements that are necessary to an even development of bone, 

 muscle and fat. The additional food should in so far as is possible be 

 possessed of the same character. I have seen excellent prospects spoiled 

 because the feeding produced growth at the expense of flesh and finish, 

 and many more because the feed caused an accumulation of fat out of 

 all proportion with the growth of bone and muscle. Instances of both 

 are found in the underfitted and overfitted hogs to be seen at every 

 fair. It is not possible to lay down any hard and fast rule as to what 

 to feed or how to feed it. A general rule may be given, but its applica- 

 tion must be governed by a close observation of its effects. Variations 

 are necessary because no two animals make exactly the same response. 



There is little choice of what to feed for best results. Wheat shorts 



