PART IV. 



THE DISEASES OF SWINE, 



The stomach and digestive organs of swine and dogs, 

 says Dun, much resemble those of man and are acted on 

 in nearly the same way by most drugs. The best purge 

 for swine is three or four ounces of Epsom salt, or a 

 like quantity of linseed or castor oil, given in a shallow 

 spoon or bottle. An assistant should hold the animal 

 firmly by the ears. From two to five drams of aloes is 

 also a good purge, but it takes from twelve to fifteen 

 hours to operate. Also one to three drams of jalap, but 

 large doses may cause nausea or even vomiting. Five to 

 ten drops of croton oil is a prompt and effectual drastic 

 purge, but requires, as in -most other patients, to be used 

 with much caution. 



To be healthy, swine (in herds) should be kept in large 

 fields or inclosures, and be provided with grass, pure, 

 running water, and shade, especially in summer. Corn 

 and other fattening foods are good for winter. Careful 

 feediug, breeding, and management are very important 

 factors in swine rearing, more important perhaps than all 

 the medicines combined. Still simple disorders may be 

 successfully treated. 



Unlike cattle and sheep, the pig has but one stomach, 

 tvhich is nearly as simple in structure as that of the 

 horse. Its teeth are adapted to the mastication of many 

 kinds of food. The tushes are formidable weapons. 



