SWINE 

 H. B. IIakpending 



Breeder of Berkshire Swine 



BERKSHIRE 



Originating- in Berkshire County, England, more than 100 years 

 ago, the Berkshire is probably the oldest distinct breed of swine. 

 A comparison of the old English Berkshire with the Berkshire as 

 bred in America today, would be a revelation of the possibilities 

 obtainable by careful selection and breeding of different types to 

 secure a desired result. 



The Old English Berkshire was large in size, long and deep in 

 body with good hams and good constitution. They possessed 



Fig. 186. Berkshire Swine. Owned by H. C. and H. B. Harpending, 



Dundee, N. Y. 



fairly good bone, thick shoulders and good bacon sides with a qual- 

 ity of meat which was excellent for that day. They were of a 

 sandy or reddish brown color, spotted with black, with a coat 

 rather long and somewhat curly, having some bristles ; and their 

 ears were large, coarse and flopping. They were poor feeders and 

 slow maturing. 



This foundation stock was crossed with individuals of the Sia- 

 mese, Neapolitan and Chinese breeds from southern Europe, which 



were of the quick maturing type but smaller in size. The result 



[1819] 



