FARMING IN THE LOWER RIO GRANDE DISTRICT. 11 



ber have been mentioned above to show to some e-xtenl ibe possibilit ies 

 and trend of production of the region. 



STOCK PRODUCTION. 



Hogs. — On account of the unstable conditions affecting the pro- 

 duction and marketing of special crops considerable attention has 

 been given to the production of stock; the principal lines followed 

 are hog raising and dairying. Very satisfactory yields of feed crops 

 have been a factor in advancing these enterprises. Of the breeds of 

 hogs the Duroc Jersey is the most common ; Poland China and Berk- 

 shires, however, are receiving some attention, while Tamworths and 

 Hampshires are found in limited numbers. While the profits from 

 hog raising under normal conditions are not so large as the fancy 

 returns from some of the truck crops, the stability of the enterprise 

 is such as to attract many to this type of farming. (See fig. 8.) 



Very little cholera has appeared up to the present time, but there 

 are a number of minor factors that are of importance, among these 

 being the absolute necessity for shade protection in summer, and 

 for a supply of pure water for the hogs, and the danger of infection 

 of the stock by lice, mange, screw worms and other pests. That 

 shade and a satisfactory supply of pure water are absolute essentials 

 to successful hog production in the region has been fully demon- 

 strated. Very satisfactory shade can be provided at very low cost 

 by means of posts and cross poles covered with reeds or corn stalks 

 or old sorghum hay. (See fig. 9.) 



Concrete wallows filled with pure water offer perhaps the most 

 satisfactory method of supplying the stock with water. Earthen 

 wallows are used extensively, but there is difficulty in keeping them 

















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Fig. 7. — Stock beets. This crop is receiving considerable attention as a feed crop for hogs. 



