FARMING IN THE LOWER RIO GRANDE DISTRICT. 11 
ber have been mentioned above to show to some extent the possibilities 
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 b} 7 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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■Stock beets. This crop is receiving considerable attention as a feed crop for hogs. 
