500 THE STOCK OWiS^ER'S ADVISER. 



nature, they fed on worms, roots, mast, and such food as was 

 adapted to tbem. They exercised as their inclinations or neces- 

 sities inclined; had access to springs and streams of iiinning 

 water; slept in storm-sheltered thickets, on beds of clean leaves, 

 and enjoyed under these circumstances a vigor of constitution 

 and immunity from disease unknown to modem swine-breeders. 

 As the country became populated and agriculture advanced, the 

 long-nosed hog began to disappear. Agriculturists found that a 

 hog fed to profit must have an inbred tendency, with close con- 

 finement. We thus see that the hog of to-day is of impaired 

 constitution, and that its habits, as imposed by the will of the 

 farmer, do not approach so nearly a strict observance of the laws 

 of health, as do the instinctive habits of the animal in an unre- 

 strained state of nature. 



As I have sr.id, the most improved methods of swine breeding 

 have proclaii. ed the nose of the hog a useless appendage. Rings 

 arc put in his i.ose which deprive him of animal food, and force 

 him to live almost upon an exclusively vegetable diet, mostly of 

 corn. The object in feeding swine is to accumulate fat as rapidly 

 as possible in those intended for market, to keep stock hogs in 

 healthy, growing condition, and to have breed sows in the best 

 condition for bearing. To accomplish this the stomach must be 

 kept in a healthy condition, and not overloaded. Hogs should 

 not be fed on an exclusive diet of corn and water. Green food 

 should be furnished them. Hogs fed on corn may have sour 

 slops fed to an advantage. If kept on clover, slops should not 

 be given, but rather roots and vegetables, such as potatoes, tur- 

 nips, etc. An exclusive clover diet is not proper food for the 

 hog. It is very good if the hog receives a supply of potatoes, 

 turnips, corn, etc. I have seen relief afforded by change of food 

 when hogs were dying rapidly on an exclusive clover diet. When 

 a herd does not eat well, the tongues of a few should be exam- 

 ined. If the tongues are red and contracted, give some slop or 

 turn them to clover pasture, and they will at once improve. If 

 their tongues are large, pale and flabby, give corn, cornmeal, 



