FARM STRUCTURES 415 



houses which have been described. The advantages of the 

 individual or colony house may be summarized as follows : 



1. Each sow is free from disturbance at farrowing time. 



2. Each litter is reared by itself, and too many pigs are 

 not placed in a common lot. 



3. The house may be placed at the opposite end of the 

 lot from the feed trough, thus requiring the hogs to exercise. 



4. There is less danger of spreading disease, owing to the 

 fact that each family is quite effectively isolated. 



5. If the location of the house becomes unsanitary, it 

 may be moved. 



Advantages of the Large Hog House. The following 

 advantages may be claimed for the large or concentrated 

 hog house. 



1. This type is almost essential for early litters in north- 

 ern climates. It is possible to construct a warmer building to 

 begin with, and, if necessary, artificial heat may be provided 

 by means of a stove or heating plant. 



2. It saves time in handling and feeding the pigs. In 

 other words, less time is lost going from pen to pen. The 

 distribution of feed and water becomes a big task where there 

 are many pens to look after and where they are located at 

 some distance from one another. 



3. The concentrated house saves fencing. 



4. The large house is generally of more durable con- 

 struction and of better appearance, adding thereby to the 

 value of the farm. 



5. It permits of larger pastures, which are more con- 

 venient to renew or cultivate when rotated with other crops. 



Both types of houses are successfully used by practical 

 men, and the type to be chosen must depend upon local condi- 

 tions and individual tastes. 



