l86 SWINE IN AMERICA 



Fields properly drained will not be rooted as badly as 

 those having wet spots. The hogs will root first in the 

 wet spots and continue in these the longest. 



John M. Jamison, a well-known agricultural writer of 

 Ross county, Ohio, writes most intelligently about these 

 matters in the Ohio Farmer, from which the following 

 is quoted: "It is generally conceded that the hog roots 

 to meet the wants of his system, which he supplies by 

 worms and insects found in the soil. It is also claimed 

 that these wants can be met by a variety of foods and 

 condiments — the various grains, roots and fruits, with a 

 constant supply of wood ashes and salt. Our experience 

 is in accord with this claim. 



"Many farmers ring the early spring pigs when they 

 are turned onto the clover fields. We think this is un- 

 necessary; we have not done it for years, and have had 

 but little injury to our pastures resulting from the free 

 noses. In the fall we aim to have the hogs on the market 

 before the fall rains soften the fields. When not able to 

 do this we lot them for a short time till sold. 



"We believe it desirable to avoid ringing whenever 

 possible, for the practice must in some degree interfere 

 with the thrift of the animals. The young pig is checked 

 in growth for a few days till the wound heals ; the older 

 hog also is off feed to some extent for a few days. When 

 there is cholera in the neighborhood rings should not 

 be set, by reason of the fact that disease germs find 

 lodgment in the wounds, when perhaps without ringing 

 the herd would escape. 



"Much can be said as to the manner of ringing and the 

 kind of rings used. In many cases there is unnecessary 



