16 INTRODUCTION. 
ture of twenty pounds of sifted coal ashes, four 
pounds of common salt and one pound of super- 
phosphate of lime. <A trough containing this min- 
eral mixture was put into the pen at the com- 
mencemenc“of the second fortnight, and the pigs 
began to lick it with evident relish. From this 
time the swellings or tumors, as well as the diffi- 
culty in breathing, began to diminish rapidly, and 
at the end of a month had entirely disappeared. 
The three pigs consumed of the mineral mixture 
described above nine pounds during the first fort- 
night, six pounds during the second, and nine 
pounds during the third. This, although only a 
single experiment, shows, I think, that pigs may 
be fed on corn with impunity, providing that a 
compound of this or some other may be put within 
reach of the pigs. I would suggest the following: 
First, that we should avoid in-breeding as much 
as possible, as there is no doubt that it lessens the 
vitality of the offspring, leaving them in a condi- 
tion liable to disease. : 
Second, that we select large sows, well devel- 
oped and at least one year old. Third, that the 
boar should be of a smaller breed, compact, and of 
a vigorous constitution. This combination will 
insure strong, healthy offspring. Fourth, that the 
sow and boar should be fed on ground oats and 
bran mixed sufficient to keep them growing, but 
not too fat, as when they are too fat their vitality 
is lessened. They should have a small field to run 
in, separate, at some distance from each other. 
They should not have rings in their noses, but 
