Connecticut western news., 1886-09-15
FOR THE FARM AND HOME.
Healthy Hogss

A
 Healthy Hogs.
 It has been pretty definitely proved that filth, impure water, and general want of care are largely conducive to epidemics of so-called hog cholera, a number of diseases-going under that name when more than usually fatal. In view of tho fact that water-courses and ponds are especially low this season, owing to the drouth, those who have droves of hogs should be especially care- full that swine do not get water from these sources. Such water will be more than likely to carry the germs of malig- nant disease. The better plan would be to use only the water of wells, even at the expense of considerable extra labor. In addition to this great care should be used that all the surroundings be kept perfectly clean. No less important is a dive: sity of food. The man who places his dependence on corn as diet for hogs, old and young, is generally the first to suffer when malignant diseases become epidemic. Swine are not only gregarious in their habits, but they arc dependent upon variety of food, and cannot be kept on one single article even as well as other farm animals. The sagacious msn will easily understand the necessity of changing the grain food of swine, as we'll as supplying daily quantity of vegetable food. This may consist of any plants the hogs will eat, including clover. So far as roots are concerned artichokes and potatoes will be indicated, and if swine can be allowed to gather these for themselves so much the better. At the first symptoms of disease the feeder should look to the surroundings and re- move all the animals to clean pastures, separating the sick from the we'll. When we find dropping ears, hanging head, diarrhea, vomiting, rapid breath, and an aversion to light, the hog is fa1 on the road to death.
 Cleaning Herses.
 Few farm horses are cleaned and cared for as they should be, says the LiUe- Stock Journal. Many never feel curry comt or brush, unless it be to remove manure adhering to the hips and sides from lying down. Then the merest superficial cur rying and brushing follows. If general currying is resorted to, it is seldom thor. ough, and the comb is harshly applied te the belly and legs in way that is very disagreeable to the horse. No matter how hard the horse has been at worK ir the field, he must stand in his sweaty and Justified coat, and sleep in it as well. The best thing he gets is roll or the ground, which he is almost sure te take, if he can get chance. He stands all winter in cold stable, his hair gets long and shaggy, giving him a forlorr and neglected look, and as soon as warn weather comes this hair begins to loosen, producing intense itching. If the curry. comb is applied it is only to remove the loosened hairs that appear on the surface and adhere to everything they touch Such treatment is not humane or com mendable. It is not even excusablc. The horse is entitled to thorough cleaning after working in the sweat and dust ol being driven through the mud. Sucf cleaning not only adds to the comfort 0. the horse, or rather saves him from dis comfort, but is valuable as a piece o1 economy, for it will do more good thar an extra feed of oats. Someone may say that in state of nature the horse would not get cleaning. We reply that in { state of nature he would not get so dirty. He would not be worked in the field and covered with sweat and grime, nor cov- cred with mud from being driven on 2 muddy road. Neither the horse nor any of our other animals is in state of na- ture, and we must take care of them in accordance with the conditions thai exist.