1064 THE COMPLETE GRAZIER. BOOK xn. 



AUGUST. 



Store pigs may be either turned out to the stubbles of corn fields 

 which are harvested, or fed in yards, as some prefer, for the more 

 economical saving of the manure. If the latter, they must be fed on 

 cut forage, brewers' and distillers' wash, and dairy refuse, cabbage, 

 the sweepings of corn-carts, or any offal that may be on the place. 

 Get in a good store of brewers' grains as they are cheaper than in 

 winter, and if well trodden into pits will keep sweet for months. 



SEPTEMBER. 



Finish off fattening pigs, within three weeks of sale, with barley-meal, 

 oat-meal, maize-meal, or any cheap yet nutritious food that may be 

 convenient. Pea-meal gives pigs a firm touch, and a little may be used 

 just before sale, but if it is used freely throughout the fattening period 

 the pork will be too hard. As the autumn advances the demand for 

 fresh pork continues to increase. The custom is tending towards the 

 production of small meat, pigs weighing eight or nine score pounds 

 being considered the most useful size for eating fresh ; and although 

 bacon pigs are run on to a greater size, yet coarse bacon is in dis- 

 favour, quality being the first thing to aim at, which is not compatible 

 with very big and heavy pigs. As the rest of the stock come in, the 

 pigs will be brought into the yards also, and, with the exception of a 

 little stubble-running, or acorn-picking, will commence their winter in 

 the yards ; green food, such as tares, cabbage, or clover should be 

 given when convenient. If the sties have not been whitewashed and 

 thoroughly prepared for the winter, no time should be lost in attending 

 to these details. 



CHAPTER VI. 



POULTRY CALENDAR. 



OCTOBER. 



thoroughly the hen-houses, &c., and repair all fittings out of 

 \J order. Take up the old, and lay down new floors, if of earth ; 

 and make and put everything in order for the coming winter months. 

 Pay attention to the prevention of damp, looking specially to the con- 

 dition of the roof, that no drip be coming through it. It is desirable to 

 ensure that the houses are perfectly watertight, and that the ground 

 outside slopes away from the house, so as to prevent rain running inward. 

 It is an excellent plan to make a water course a foot from the walls. 



