Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1880-07-28
Summer Pasture for Swine.

Summer feeding of swine needs to DC
better considered by no inconsiderable
number of those who make this branch
of live stock hCsbandry prominent
feature OF their farm economy. 1t is
more than probable, however, that the
subject is receiving more attention now
than at any time previously, for oy
inquiry and otherwise, we are SATISFIED
that more swine are being grass-ied
than heretofore, in the "corn-belt,"
which, it is scarcely necessary to say
is also a great pork-producing section
of the Western States. The almost
constant use Of corn The year round
and IN considerable quantities during
the summer, has been pursued possibly
not because it was thought to be the
best course, but mainly because 1t was
looked upon as advisable to Utilize the
corn. The Prairie Farmer has often
shown that better way than this was
possible IN rearing and lattening swine
"a method by which better quality Of
pork would be produced with far less
labor and cost. That the correctness OF
its views has been indicated BY the eA-
perience of many farmers who have
adopted them, there Is abundant tesu-
mony. On the management OF swine
It's columns have, year BY year, contain
ed articles, original and from some Of
the most intelligent farmers and ex'
perIenced swine.breeders ofthe country,
and especially of the Western States,
which have contributed largely &c the
progress and development Of this indus
try. But thcc1Te IS much yet to accom-
pisa. Many things have to be said
again and again before their force and
importance is recognized by the mass
of men. But line upon line, with the
experience iof men here and there
together with the pressure OF clrcum-
stances which changed commercial con-
dihons bring about, finally overcome
prejudice, lncredullty or supneness'
and lead TO the adoption Of improved
methods in all lines Of rural pursuits.
There is every reason to believe that
the use OF less corn and larger use OF
grass in swrnesfeeding will materially
lessen the chances of and the tendency
to disease among swine. We need not
stop to discuss this question now ; 1t is
an opinion held by the best autorlties,
and verified by experience, and we pre-
sumo no intelligent man doubts It,
And this brings US to the point we had
in view a. the outset Of this article. a
reader whose acquaintance with the
Prairie Farmer is doubtless compare
lively recent says in late letter; l
was glad to see your pUper tell farmers
something about hog pasture. II you
would give US little more light about
the various kinds of forage plants best
for such pastures, 1t would, no doubt,
! be useful to soAe others besides my
self"
The forage plants especially desirable
for hog pasture and timothy, red clover,
blue grass, and orchard grass. y mix
lture, (uot Of these particularly but OF
other sorts), is desirable, and when we
lhave learned by suitable tests what are
especially adapted to climate, soil and
to each ether, we shall have made an
iimportant advance IN this direction
Timothy is the main reliance, at pres
lent, and blue grass is exceedingly val
liable. The objection to orchard grass
lis its habits Of forming tussOcks at the
Ibase of the stalk. 1t IS very valuable
grass however, with very marked
habit of rapid growth when cut or eater
IoR. Red clover is indispensable tC
NEARLY every farm, and makes capita
hog pasture. In woodland pasture il
Imay be supplemented with the white
variety, which is better adapted t.
shade.