[Illustration: FIG. 99.--ELEVATION FOR COVERED PEN FOR HOGS AND SHEEP WITH DETAIL OF FENCE AND GATE.] [Illustration: FIG. 100.--HOGS RESTING AND COOLING OFF BEFORE BEING TAKEN TO THE SLAUGHTERING HOIST.] =Sticking.=--Make a large and free opening. To insert a knife and make a slit only large enough to admit it is insufficient. The sticker’s knife should be sharpened on both front and back and when it is withdrawn, a long smooth opening four or five inches long should be made. It is far better, as hogs bleed more freely and die much sooner. Be careful to see that the veins and arteries are cut, and at the same time do not cut into the shoulder, as in that instance the blood settles there and it becomes necessary to trim, resulting in considerable loss. See that sufficient hogs are kept on the rail so that they may bleed out well before dropping in the tub. The sticker should keep close to the hanging off--sticking the hogs immediately upon hanging. [Illustration: FIG. 101.--HOISTING HOGS ON A HURFORD REVOLVING WHEEL.] =Neck Washing.=--Where space is available a washing spray of cold water to drench the forequarters, head and feet, is a great advantage, as the washing of the blood enables better scalding and makes for cleaner hands and feet. =Scalding.=--See that the tub is long enough to permit carrying a comparatively low temperature and a good soaking of the hogs. This will assist very materially in the removal of the hair, either by hand or by machine. The scalding water should be alkaline, by the use of potash or lime. It should be kept at an even temperature and the hogs put in systematically. [Illustration: FIG. 102.--HURFORD SMALL HOG HOIST.] =Scraping Machines.=--There are a variety of mechanical scrapers on the market, and the output of goods per hour is perhaps the guide in selecting a scraper for a large output. All things considered, a vertical type barrel equipment, with scraping arms, delivering the hog into a horizontal beater type would appear as the most efficient and the less expensive for up-keep. The up-keep on a hog scraper is a matter of no small figure and is worthy of careful consideration in the selection of the equipment. In small plants, the choice is a matter of personal preference, the beater types being probably the most popular. =Hand Scraping.=--Hair should be scraped out when possible in preference to cutting off by shaving. A bench is provided following the scraper for the finishing touches in this respect. [Illustration: FIG. 103--STICKING AND BLEEDING HOGS.] =Body Cleaning.=--A most important feature in dressing hogs is the matter of getting the hair off, the skin cleaned and washed before opening the hog. Inspection requirements as to cleanliness practically demand this, and it is a proper method of dressing.