HOG HOUSES AND PENS 475 



night since they were farrowed, and I think the cement 

 floor has far more good qualities than bad. There is, 

 however, considerable difference in the method of build- 

 ing floors which must be taken into consideration. First, 

 there should be at least two or three inches of coarse 

 gravel as a foundation, so it will not draw dampness, and 

 especially where it will freeze under the floor. Second, 

 the floor must have a top coat made rich and put on very 

 I bin. The thickness of cement makes no difference as 

 to moisture. Third, the concrete must be thoroughly 

 mixed dry, then sprinkled with water (not drowned with 

 water) and shoveled immediately where wanted and 

 well rammed down until water will rise to the top. The 

 top coat must be put on before the bottom becomes dry. 

 The cost is less than half that of wood, the work of 

 cleaning is only about a third as much, and one has a 

 much better chance to disinfect and to kill lice and ticks 

 or germs. These will not breed in cement and many 

 will in wood; then again, in case of disease it is much 

 easier cleaned, as it can be all washed or scrubbed with a 

 disinfectant, which would be a job with the majority of 

 wooden floors. I say learn to work with cement and 

 lay your own floors." 



Another says : "From my experience there is no bet- 

 ter floor than cement. It can be kept dry where a board 

 floor would be damp much of the time. If I were to 

 l)uild a hundred hog houses I would put cement floors in 

 every one. To the objection that the little pigs get cold 

 on cement floors. I will say if the cement is put in right 

 it is warmer tlian any other floor, for the cold air cannot 



