This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
130
THE HOG.

charge of the fæcal matter in a thin or slimy state, but not actually altered, and arises from inflammation or congestion of the mucous lining of the intestines. What we conceive to be an attack of diarrhœa, is often only an effort of nature to throw off some offensive matters, and will cease of itself in the course of twenty-four hours; but where it goes on for any length of time, it must be taken seriously in hand, as it will otherwise weaken the animal and impair its value. The best remedy for it is the compound commonly called calves' cordial, viz: Prepared chalk, one ounce, powdered [[wikt:catechu|catechu}}, half an ounce, powdered ginger, two drachms, powdered opium, half a drachm, mixed and dissolved in half a pint of peppermint water. From half an ounce to an ounce of this mixture, according to the size of the animal, should be given twice in the day; and strict attention paid to the diet, which should consist as much as possible of dry, farinaceous food.

GARGET OF THE MAW.

This is a disorder arising from repletion, and is found alike in older animals and in sucking pigs. Its symptoms strongly resemble those of colic. The remedies, too, are purgatives. Epsom salts is here, perhaps, as good a thing as can be given, in doses of from a quarter of an ounce to an ounce. It might as well be termed indigestion, for such it actually is, the stomach being overloaded with food. In sucking pigs it usually arises from the coagulation of milk in the stomach. {dhr}}

THE LIVER.

This organ in swine does not appear to be so subject to disease as it is in most of our other domesticated animals; we have only, therefore, to glance at its use and anatomy as we pass. It is smaller in swine than in sheep, and larger than we find it in the dog, in accordance with that anatomical law, which seems to be in force in all animals; namely, that the size of the liver shall be in inverse proportion to that of the lungs. It is situated in the anterior part of the abdomen, and its upper surface rests against the concavity of the diaphragm. Its office is to receive the blood that is returned from the intestines, separate from it and secrete the fluid termed bile, and then forward the residue of the blood onwards to the lungs, where it undergoes the usual aerating process, and becomes transmuted into arterial blood.

The fluid or bile thus secreted, when in a healthy state, and not in undue proportion, stimulates the mucous membrane, and increases the peristaltic motion of the intestines, excites the secretion of that mucus requisite to preserve these parts in a healthy state, hastens