Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1869 [PAGE 315]

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301 Some one inquired If a clover and timothy pasture was a good hog pasture. Mr. BALDWIN—Timothy pasture for hogs is to me a new idea, besides, I could not recommend it. I find that hogs will destroy the timothy by rooting it out. Clover is most excellent for hog pasture. They will keep fat upon it if they have plenty of water. QUESTION—At what time would you turn the hogs upon the clover ? Mr. BALDWIN—In the spring season, after the clover has made a good start. QUESTION—What about the hog tamer? Mr. BALDWIN—I think the hog tamer a good thing. I have used it. That is one thing that all farmers having hogs must look after. Mr. H. J. DUNLAP—Would it not be a good plan to get up a breed that cannot root? [Laughter.] Mr. COLMAN—Yes, sir ; I don't know but you here in Chanv paign could get up such a breed. [Laughter.] It is very essential to let the hogs have plenty of stone coal or charcoal. Give them also ashes. In regard to breeds, I may say I have been clean through the mill. I once had a great fancy for the Essex, but 1 found 1 could not propagate them. I cduld not keep the Essex in a condition to breed, they would put on fat. The Suffolk is a good hog. I have lost a few with the quinsy. I have tried the Berkshire and like them, but, like Mr. Baldwin, I like the Chester White best. We had, last year, a breed that came from Illinois to our State Fair, which carried off the premiums. They were, I believe, owned by a Mr. Moore, of Canton, Illinois. They were the Poland and Big Boned China hog, sometimes called the Magee hog. I think favorably of this breed. I do not know, however, that it can be called a breed, it is a cross. After all, there is a great deal in the swill tub in regard to breed. I do not think hogs can be raised profitably and feed upon grain. A clover pasture is indispensable. I agree with Mr. Baldwin in his faith, or want of faith, in pork as being a good article of diet. I would much prefer for my use a piece of mutton or beef. But the people will have pork, and it is the business of farmers to grow it for the profit there is in it. Mr. PERIAM—In regard to feeding coal to hogs, I think this is essential, especially where three or four hundred are keipt together.