236 SWINE IN AMERICA 



nialured stems ar.d giving opportunity for tlie sending up 

 of a new, tender growth, just the (juahty the hog dehglits 

 to feed on. It is this new, fresh grow'th that makes 

 alfalfa pasture so generally preferred by the hog and so 

 liighly satisfactory as a flesh former. The hog wants 

 fresh pasture. He does not graze like the horse, cow or 

 sheep, but is best suited when he can bite off a fresh 

 clover bloom or a sprig of alfalfa, and does not from 

 choice like to feed on a thick, heavy-coated blue grass 

 sod. He objects to moldy, wet or soured grasses, such 

 as the blue grass and white clover pastures so frequently 

 afford when not closely grazed. 



In justice to all, to the author no less than his readers, 

 it should be stated in passing that if after what has been 

 said in this chapter anyone supposes that pigs pastured 

 on alfalfa or fed alfalfa hay. without other feed, grow 

 fat and maintain a show condition he has been misled. 

 Alfalfa, clover, grass or any other forage will not make 

 swine fat, but alfalfa will cause pigs to grow and de- 

 velop framework as rapidly and inexpensively as any 

 other pasturage, and in most instances more rapidly. 

 This volume is not intentionally advocating any one for- 

 age plant or grain alone as a sufficient or satisfactory 

 animal ration for fattening, or even for the most rapid 

 growth. 



