19 



disposition of this animal to root and exercise should be encouraged 

 when young, especially in such animals as it is intended to keep for 

 breeding purposes ; for it not only tends to develop a stronger and 

 more vigorous constitution, l)ut if suitable material is furnished in a 

 yard attached to tlie pen, they will work over and convert into a valu- 

 able fertilizer such waste stuff as weeds, potato tops, leaves, rubbish 

 from the garden, etc. These, with an occasional load of loam, will in 

 a season secure a mass of material that will be woith not less than ten 

 dollars for each animal that is kept and fattened to the age of eight or 

 nine months. It is a great mistake for farmers to neglect this advan- 

 lage of the manufacture of manure, and to rely in its stead upon com- 

 mercial fertilizers. The sad results of this unwise course are only too 

 often apparent. 



DISEASES OF HOGS. 



The value and importance of the hog as food is a sufficient reason 

 for guarding with scrupulous care the health of this animal. Too 

 often reared in filth and slaughtered in disease, it is not strange that 

 the use of pork is unpleasantly suggestive of "cholera" and "trichi- 

 niasis." It is safe to say that most of the diseases of swine are the 

 results of inattention and neglect. Give the hogs clean pens, a large 

 3'ard or lot in which to exercise and access to fresh earth, healthful 

 food, pure water, and seldom, if ever, will the}' be troubled with dis- 

 ease. Study to promote the comfort of all the creatures in your keep- 

 ing, if the best results are desired and 3-0U wish to prove 3'ourself a 

 humane man. 



For hogs that are kept closely penned an occasional dose of sulphur 

 is thought to be beneficial. The same can be said of charcoal. An 

 occasional scrubbmg with the aid of a brush, warm water and soap, 

 not only adds to their looks but promotes their growth and comfort. 

 For mild cases of diarrhea, give the pigs fresh skimmed milk thickened 

 with wheat fiour. r or measels, kill or get rid of the animal that has 

 them. That is the best wa}' to treat such diseased stock. Let some 

 one else doctor and eat them afterwards if they chance to live, — not 

 you. 



