OF THE 



DISEASES OF SWINE. 



242. Swine are subject to various diseases, but according to Lau- 

 rence, they are not easily doctored. They are subject, he says, to 

 pox or measles, blood striking, staggers, quincy, indigestion, catarrh, 

 peripneumonia, and inflammation of the lungs, called heavings. 

 When sick, pigs will eat, and they will take medicine in their wash ; 

 when they will not eat, there is no help for them. As aperients, 

 cleansers, and alteratives, sulphur, antimony, and madder, are our 

 grand specifics, and they are truly useful. As cordials and tonics, 

 treacle and strong beer, in warm wash, and good peas and pollard. 

 In the measles, sulphur, &c. and, if the patient require it, give cor- 

 dials now and then ; in staggers, bleeding, fresh air, and perhaps 

 nitre ; in catarrh, a warm bed, and warm cordial wash, and the same 

 in quincy or inflammation of the glands in the throat. If external 

 suppuration appear likely, discharge the matter when ripe, and 

 dress with tar and brandy, or balsam. The heavings or unsoundness 

 of the lungs in pigs, like the unsoundness of the liver in lambs, is 

 sometimes found to be hereditary ; there is no remedy. This dis- 

 ease in pigs is often the consequence of colds from wet lodging, or 

 hasty feeding in a poor state ; in a certain stage it is highly inflam- 

 matory, and without remedy. Unction with train oil, and the 

 mternal use of it, have been sometimes thought beneficial. 



243. Cutting and spaying. Cutting the young pig is performed 

 at six or seven weeks old, according to their strength ; in a week 

 after which they may be weaned. After weaning shut up the sow 

 closely, feed well, and on the reflux of the milk, she will express 

 very loudly her desire for the company of the boar. It is necessary 

 to state that sows are voracious, and occasionally fierce and savage 

 animals, and have actually devoured young children. The sow is 



