400 AGRICULTURE 



Berkshire.^Berkshires resemble the Poland-China 

 breed in color and markings, being black with white mark- 

 ings. They may be distinguished by their erect ears. They 

 have a compact frame, are good feeders, and make a quicker 

 growth than most other breeds. The Berkshire has long 

 been a favorite breed, especially throughout the Middle 

 West and is fast becoming the favorite in the southern 

 states. 



3. The Care of Hogs 



Pigs are generally considered not so cleanly in their 

 habits as some other farm animals. A fact made possible 

 because of neglect of owners. Consequently many farmers 

 think that it does not matter how they are kept. Nothing 

 could be a greater mistake. Hogs thrive only under hygi- 

 enic conditions of feeding and housing. Millions of dollars 

 are thrown away every year by failure to give hogs the 

 care they require. 



Need of good housing. Hogs are the most poorly 

 housed of our farm animals. Any kind of place is thought 

 good enough for them on many farms. Yet hogs are far 

 more sensitive to cold than horses or cattle, which have 

 thick fur coats to protect them, while the hog has almost 

 none. Hogs lie down more than most animals, and need a 

 better bed. They live close to the ground, and easily breathe 

 in dust and impurities. They need sunshine more than do 

 horses and cattle, yet little is provided for them. 



Hogs take cold very easily. Little pigs, especially, need 

 to be kept warm, dry and away from drafts, if they are not 

 to have their growth checked, or even lose their lives by 

 catching cold. Neglect of these simple rules indicates shift- 

 less farming, and causes great loss. 



Hog-houses. Every farm that makes a business of 

 raising pigs will find a well-built hog-house a paying invest- 



