CHAPTER XXXII. 

 BUILDINGS. 



THE QUESTION of buildings for swine is such a complicated 

 one that it seems almost a hopeless task to attempt a discussion 

 of the subject Almost every piggery that is built possesses 

 certain features peculiar to itself and rendered necessary by 

 the circumstances which it is intended to meet. All that can 

 be attempted is to discuss the most desirable features of a 

 piggery, for the general guidance of those who wish to build, 

 but every man will have to adapt his building to his own 

 peculiar requirements. 



The most important qualities of a piggery are dryness, 

 ventilation, light, freedom from draughts, reasonable warmth, 

 and convenience. 



Dryness. Dryness is closely associated with ventilation, 

 but is also influenced by the material of which the building is 

 constructed. Good results cannot be obtained in a damp pen, 

 and dripping walls are a pretty sure indication of impending 

 disaster. Stone and cement walls are very cold in winter and 

 chill the air of the pen, causing it to deposit its moisture upon 

 their surface. In a short time the wall becomes quite wet, and 

 trouble is stored up for the pigs. A hollow cement or hollow 

 tile wall is much less objectionable than a solid one, but there is 

 little doubt that wooden walls constructed in such a way as to 

 form a complete dead-air space inside are the best. 



The floors and foundation may be constructed of cement 

 concrete, and the foundation may rise about two feet above the 

 surface of the floor. This will preserve the wood of which the 



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