CHAPTER XVIII. 

 SHELTER FOR SWINE. 



The hog in his native state is surrounded by natural 

 conditions. He inhabits the forests where there is an 

 abundance of shade to temper the heat of summer; and 

 where there are thickets which afford him shelter from 

 the cold of winter and especially from the cold winds; 

 where there is an abundance of water to drink and to 

 wallow in; where the soil may be selected to contain suf- 

 ficient mineral matter for the development of the bone 

 tissue of his carcass, and where the feed in the form of 

 vegetation is such as may be selected to suit the fancy of 

 the animal. The wild boar, however, is not an economi- 

 cal producer of pork. The domestic hog has been very 

 greatly improved in this regard by selection, feeding and 

 shelter. In order to bring about the greatest possible de- 

 velopment of the modern improved hog, he must have 

 proper shelter. Such shelter, however, must be as nearly 

 as possible in harmony with the conditions of nature and 

 at the same time supply the conditions that are conducive 

 to the greatest growth and most economical production 

 of pork. 



In order to be best suited to the use for which it is 

 intended, a hog house should furnish certain fundamental 

 conditions as follows : It should be serviceable, sanitary, 

 and supply the conditions that are necessary for maxi- 

 mum development. The soil upon which the house stands 

 should be well drained to furnish dryness; the building 

 should be well lighted and be built so that the direct 



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