Rensselaer Republican, Volume 21, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 May 1889 — How the Hog’s Eyesight Was Saved. [ARTICLE]

How the Hog’s Eyesight Was Saved.

Portland Oregoian. Mr. William Kerns not long since had a visit from a friend from the East, who wished to purchase land and locate somewhere in this State. Mr. Kerne sent his friend out to. look at the Umpqua valley, and he returned with a wonderful tale of the section he visited! Be said that he visited a farmer who had a great drove of begs, all of which had lost their tails. He inquired how this had happened, and the farmer said the caudal appendages had been amputated; and when it was asked why this was done he was told that it was to prevent the animals from becoming blind. This startling announcement led to further inquiry and explanation. The farmer stated that the soil on hie farm was what is known as black mud. It is very rich and also very adhesive, and the pigs in wallowing around get their tails daubed with it. and a clod finally accumulates on each pig’s tail, which grows by accretion and accumulation to an immense size, and becomes bo heavy that it drags back the pig’s skin so far that the nnfortnnate animal is no longer able to shut its eyes, and soon becomes blinded from the glare of the sun. By cutting off the pig's tai this catastrophe is avoided, and the pig soon grows fat.