The Rhode Island Republican

Earth for Swine—From the manner in which swine take their food, they necessarily take with it considerable earth. This so far from being injurious, is really serviceable to health. — When confined in small styes which excludes them from the ground, or on ground constantly covered with filth, fresh earth should be daily thrown to them. In a filthy pen they will often root deep—their object doubtless is not mere amusement, but to get fresh earth. The bones of animals are composed of lime, and a constant supply of this is needful for the growth of the animal. The food usually given to swine contains but a small portion of lime. This defect may be supplied by giving them lime. They are also very fond of the soft bones of animals, which will answer the same purpose as that of earth.

Bones in their unburnt state pounded fine, or earth, is needful for dunghill fowls in winter. This furnishes lime for the composition of the egg shell, and will make them lay plentifully.