A MANUAL ON THE HOG. 59 



them is to close the gate while they are feeding. Pigs 

 should not be allowed to sleep in sufficient numbers in one 

 bed to pile upon each other ; nor should they sleep with 

 large hogs, lest the weak ones should be overlaid and in- 

 jured. 



Another disadvantage arising from piling together in cold 

 weather arises from the fact that they become very warm, 

 and are liable to contract colds, and even pneumonia, trom 

 the sudden change of temperature on leaving their beds in 

 the morning. 



It should constantly be borne in mind that the hog is a 

 native of warm climates, and hence suffers more from cold 

 than other domestic animals. During the winter months 

 their beds should be well protected from cold rains and 

 winds, but open to the south to admit the sun. Their beds 

 should be frequently renewed, and kept free from dust. 

 Nothing is more injurious to hogs, and especially to pigs, 

 than sleeping under houses where dust is inhaled. Care 

 should be taken to exclude them from such places. In 

 summer it is better to exclude them entirely from sheltered 

 beds, and require them to sleep in the open air, and to 

 change their sleeping places frequently, unless they are oc- 

 casionally cleaned out and fresh straw supplied. 



GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF THE WHOLE 



HERD THROUGH THE YEAR. 



) 



The fact that sixty three per cent, of the correspondents 

 of this department report neglect, and thirty-seven per cent, 

 thieves, as the principal obstacle to raising hogs in Georgia, 

 indicates the directions in which we are to seek the reme- 

 dies for these difficulties. The removal of the first by 

 giving proper attention will, to a very large extent, remove 

 the second, since proper attention involves such care as will 

 not only afford the best facilities for the growth and health 

 of the hog, but guard him, as far as possible, against all 

 casualties, whether they arise from theft or disease. 



