PORK. 233 



corn mixed in equal proportions by measure, and in Winter all 

 the clover hay they will eat, until about the first of May. 

 Then I shear and sell the sheep for mutton, thus turning every 

 sheep at its maturity, while the rest of the flock are all, or 

 nearly all, below the age of four years. 



I am raising the Leicesters, which produce a long, fine and 

 strong fibre, generally worth a little more per pound in the 

 markets, than the Merino fleece, but not so heavy ; while their 

 mutton qualities are unsurpassed. 



POEK. 



is a staple and important product of many sections of this 

 Western country. In raising this I find an easy and quick 

 way to convert nearly all the grains, the grasses, and the offal 

 of the entire farm. The hog consumes much that would be 

 an entire loss without him. From the many breeds of hogs 

 I have chosen the Berkshires and the Poland Chinas ; for my 

 grade sows I use a thorough-bred sire fi-om each, alternately. 

 The Berkshire give me the muscle, action and endurance, tlie 

 Polands give the size and the fat, making the best cross, and 

 the best fattening hog I have ever had. None of the females 

 are used for breeding purposes except the very best, in perfect 

 health, while the sire is always selected with great care from 

 some remote herd. Each female is provided with a separate 

 pen or litter at least one week before her delivery. No two 

 broods should be allowed to run together while nursing, unless 

 about the same age, as the stronger will rob the weaker. All 

 deformed, inferior or apparently unhealthy pigs I dispatch at 

 once. The offal from the dairy and from the kitchen, well 

 mixed with oat meal, is the best food for the growth of the pig 

 I have ever used ; better cooked than raw. 



Hogs must have a full supply of good wholesome food, 

 with clean quarters and a good dry bed. The pig, as he gets 

 age and strength, must have a chance for exercise on dry land, 

 in a pure, healthy atmosphere ; a good clover field with a 

 tight fence and dry clean quarters for sleeping is the very best 

 -place you can give him; in fact, I regard a good clover field 



