16 INTRODUCTIOlSf. 



ture of twenty pounds of sifted coal ashes, four 

 pounds of common salt and one pound of super- 

 phosphate of lime. A trough containing this min- 

 eral mixture was put into the pen at the com- 

 mencement of the second fortnight, and the pigs 

 began to lick it with evident relish. From this 

 time the swellings or tumors, as well as the diffi- 

 culty in breathing, began to diminish rapidly, and 

 at the end of a month had entirely disappeared. 

 The three pigs consumed of the mineral mixture 

 described above nine pounds during the first fort- 

 night, six pounds during the second, and nine 

 pounds during the third. This, although only a 

 single experiment, shows, I think, that pigs may 

 be fed on corn with impunity, providing that a 

 compound of this or some other may be put within 

 reach of the pigs. I would suggest the following: 

 First, that we should avoid in-breeding as much 

 as possible, as there is no doubt that it lessens the 

 vitality of the offspring, leaving them in a condi- 

 tion liable to disease. 



Second, that we select large sows, well devel- 

 oped and at least one year old. Third, that the 

 boar should be of a smaller breed, compact, and of 

 a vigorous constitution. This combination will 

 insure strong, healthy offspring. Fourth, that the 

 sow and boar should be fed on ground oats and 

 bran mixed sufficient to keep them growing, but 

 not too fat, as when they are too fat their vitality 

 is lessened. They should have a small field to run 

 in, separate, at some distance from each other. 

 They should not have rings in their noses, but 



