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.
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.
FIG. 103—STICKING AND BLEEDING HOGS.