452 SWINE IN AMERICA 



In providing shelter for swine, as well as for other 

 classes of live stock, surroundings should be furnished 

 that conform as nearly to nature as the improved condi- 

 tion of the animals and circumstances of the owner will 

 permit. Swine, when wild, inhabit the forest, where 

 shade, water, protection from cold winds, and natural 

 soil are abundant, and where they may select dry or damp 

 localities as they please. The best surroundings, then, 

 for swine, are those that will satisfy their natural desires, 

 but so modified and improved as to promote the largest 

 financial results. The choice location for a hog house 

 is one that is well drained and well lighted, and that will 

 permit access to pasture, to good shade and to water that 

 is free from disease germs, where also there are oppor- 

 tunities for making wallows in clean mud. 



If the building can be placed on a sandy or gravelly 

 soil better drainage will be afforded than by a clay, silt, 

 or peaty soil. Light and shade are desirable for rea- 

 sons that are apparent to everyone. Pasture should 

 be accessible, as considerable food is obtained from the 

 soil in the form of roots, worms and insects, as well 

 as other ■ substances that are not foods, but necessary 

 to health. A limestone soil is preferable, because the 

 water from such a soil, as well as the soil and stone 

 themselves, furnish the lime that is so essential in build- 

 ing up bone. A rolling pasture is preferable, because it 

 afifords better drainage and a form of exercise that is 

 conducive to the production of a large percentage of lean 

 meat. It also tends to produce strong legs with upright 

 pasterns, which, from the breeder's standpoint, are 

 amonof the first essentials of a crood hoo-. If there is no 



