FARMER'S COLUMN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue I, 1 November 1878, Page 2

FARMER'S COLUMN.

. PIGS FOR D'.tEKDEKS, AND TIQH FOR ror.K. g^ Pigs designed for breeding piF poses require a different treatment from those intended to be conveited into pork at early ago. In tho latter cas'.', the m;>st rapid forcing i-s the most economical method of treatmont, while iv the former, a s'eady, healthy growth is all that should bo aimed at. Pork can be made more rapidly and more cheaply, with any of our improved breed of hogs, during the first ton months of tho I pig's life, than at any subsequent period ; but this implies higher feeding than is compatible with a healthy dovelopement of the vital organs, and of the bony structure When early conversion into pork is^the object, the pigs should be fed mainly on concentrated food— tho object being to grow flesh — corn, variously prepared, being the most available basis, while with those designed for breeding purposes, or to be kept to maturffrage beforo | fattened for pork, such a^oonrso will i not prove a ptlfitablo oiie. ■ Pigs that aro'tobefkept for breeders should have a mixed diet — plenty of bone and muscle fo.rnujg jbod and ample opportunity" for exercise . ilf pormitted the run of. a. good pas * • ture (clover is the best), a moderate supply of corn will do them good, and aid iv promoting a healthy, growth ; but if the circumstances of th&breeder are such that he canijofe Jiaye the bonefit of pasture for hia pigs; then he must endeavor to supply a substitute by using a variety of food— such as skimmed milk, wheat middlings, ground oats, mixed with oil-meal occasionally. A most excellent tood may bo prepared by mixing six parts of good peus with five parts of corn, meal and onepart of oil-meal; or the peas, corn, and flaxseed may be cooked, and fed without grinding if desired. Ouis and peas ground ton gether, and cooked, make an excellent food. Cooked potatoos, mixed with corn meal, ma ko a good combination— in short, a'Pthe various grains and roots raised on the farm may be used to advantage in raising pigs and they should noarly all be used when tho pigs are not allowed the run of a good pasture. A variety of food, such as is above suggested, fod liberally, and accompanied by plenty oi exercise, will promote a healthy and symmetrical development, and also ensure a steady growth. National Live-Stock Journal DIUVING WITHOUT WINKERS. Examination is said ta reveal that many of tho winkors worn by horses are so arranged that they strike the j eyos of tho animal with every step taken, causing blindness iv many cases, and open bridles are proposed. | HINTS OX POULTHY MANAGEMENT. The following hints are from an American source, but will be. found useful hero, though in some cases, as will be apparent, they may be modified to suit <mr more equable climate. The cleaning and disinfecting of the poultry house should, of course, be done oftener tbau semi-annually, but a regular thorough cleaning ! out is in order iv early spring always. After removing all the utensils nnd fixtures (and they should be all moveafck^^arry out all the dirt and Buffm/mrSf swept aud shovelled" 'Ikon- follow with a good coat of whitewash ; go over evory point of the surface, floor and all. Then clean out all neat boxes, pour a little kerosene oil iv the coiners, then whitewash them, together with perches and everything in or about the house, and pjit evoryl thintf iv place again. Nowvmake a fire on the floor, if it be an earthen ono as it should, or iv auoljl ironpot or kettle, if it is not, And burn half a pound each of resiu and >ulphur ia the house, keeping all do jra Htnjtwindowa closed as tight as, i>pssible. When the lire is burning vveH throw some shavings or rags, saturated with crude carbolic acid, on it, and employ the fumes of this best of all disinfectants. When allis thoroughly done, opeu and ventilate the .house, uud it will bo ready for its occupants, and bo sweet and wholesome. Th« house should have such a cloaning up threo or four timos a year. It ia some truublo but will pay.