HOG, in zoology. See Sus.
Hog's Dung is, by Mortimer, reckoned one of the richest manures we are acquainted with, and the next in value to sheep's dung, and is found to be equal in virtue to twice the quantity of any other dung except this. The ancients seem to have been displeased with it, on account of its breeding weeds; but this is only accusing it of being too rich, for any dung will do this when laid too thick. It is an excellent manure for pasture-grounds, and excels all other kinds of dung for trees. The farmers who use this dung for their lands, generally take care to save it, by well-paving the flies; and increase the quantity by throwing in bean-talks, stubble, and many other things of a like nature: and, by good management of this kind, many farmers have procured 50 or 60 loads of excellent manure a-year out of a small flye. The very best way of using this dung is, by mixing it with horse-dung; and for this reason, it is best to have the flye near the stable, that the two cleanings may be mixed in one heap, and used together.
They have in many parts of Staffordshire a poor, light, shallow land, on which they sow a kind of white pea: the land is neither able to bear this nor any thing else to advantage for their reaping; but, when the peas are ripe, they turn in as many hogs as the quantity of peas will fatten, suffering them to live at large, and to remain there day and night: in consequence of this, the land will produce good crops of hay for several years afterwards; or, if too poor for that, it will at worst raise grass enough to make it good pasture-ground.