The Saint Paul globe., 1898-07-14

The summer hog is the particular member
of the swine family that is Just now making
his way to the market. He is not comfort
able looking being. either, as one looks at
him in the stock yards during these hot July
days. Indeed. he appears to turn his snout
in the direction of the slaughter house with
a dociity which reflects perfect resignation.
He undoubtedly feels fat and fluffy and he
always looks disagreeably warm; but If he
cOu understand human criticism upon his
appearance he would be surprised TO hear
people speak disparagngy of his worth,
as judged by his appearance.
Very few good lots of hogs are coming for
ward just now, and yet the wonder is whence
they all come when each morning finds
new lot in the pens TO take the pace OF those
that have gone before. careful glance a.
the beasts, however affords a slight iniica-
ton, at least, of the manner in which they
have been brought up. There is no doubt
that many of these animals would appear
much better if they had not suffered fl ~
neglect since the warm weather set in. AMI
for this condition farmers are themselves to
blame. The hog will thrive just as well in
warm as in the cooler weather, provided he
received proper care. There is nothing mora
beneficial for the hog in warm weather than
good pasture, fresh water and plenty Of
shade. Permitting him to run in the grass
IANNluCS exercise winch Aus IN MS develop
men;. The grass, particularly If it is clover,
has a good effect on his system, and for
water, he will drink surprisingly of it in
hot weather and to his evident benefit.
Any one who has taken the pains to watch
the habits of swine will note with what eager
ness they incline to seek a shady spot,
whether they only want to rest standing or
TO lie down. The hog has a proportionately
heavy burden to carry about with him on
his short stumpy legs. and the fatter he
grows the heavier the burden becomes. And
in this connection it may be said that in the
details of breeding it is as important to strive
TO secure muscular endowment as to insure
lat. The hog needs repose while he is TAX
ing on flesh, and that which he finds In the
shade is much more helpful to him than that
which he takes by compulson in the sun. II
he has the run of a pasture in which shade
exists, he will instinctively seek those places
II there is water, he will wallow on its
brink; but If there is no water he will seek
the low damp ground, if any is to be found,
NIich goes to prove that he enjoys the
greater coo,ness which it supplies
There are some hog growers who insist
that the animals thrive better where they
have access to baths. Perhaps this is so.
and, if so. it ought to be better to supply
e.
They certainly enjoy walowing in mud when
they can get nothing else but 1t is argued
by some that they would prefer the pure
water TO mud. The propensity to wallow In
anything is ascribed to their effort to re-
heve themselves of the annoyance they suf-
Ter from insects. 1t is noticeable however
In those stockyard pens into which perforat-
ed water pipes are introduced overhead, that
hog will stand long while perfectly still
under the spray or drippings moving his
body now, and then into different positions
to facilitate the distribution of the water
over his several parts. This is surely in
obedience TO instinct inasmuch as he is not
compelled to submit to 1t against his will
The spraying is in the nature of shower
bath; and when the animal is thoroughly
cooled off and feels that he has had enough.
he moves away and lies down on that side of
him that is the wettest if in the enjoy
ment of its cooling effect. He drinks heart
lily, too, if pure, cold water; and in the
trough on the farm he will often avoid the
slop and seek the water, if to in this
manner make known his preference for one
over the other