10 



is generally claimed for such crosses that they have easier feeding 

 qualities and are ready for market at an earlier age than the pure-bred 

 pigs, although no facts are given to substantiate the claims. Very few 

 farmers patronize grade sires and the majority of sows are well bred. 



There is a strong tendency to increase the production of hogs, as 

 one correspondent says : "It is the most profitable part of mixed farming 

 to-day, therefore on the increase." One writer thinks the increase will 

 amount to fully 25 per cent. From the facts given, however, it appears 

 impossible that any such large increase as this can be made. Old sows 

 are expensive, and are no more plentiful than in 1904, there being an 

 average of 2.2 sows per farm for each of the years; this is .4 more than 

 in 1905. Litters are only averaging 7.6 pigs each, which is less than 

 usual. The high prices being paid by the packers are tempting some 

 to market their young sows. Under these conditions it seems improb- 

 able there can be much increase in the supply of hogs for some time. 



Figures given for the cost of feeding are generally a little lower 

 in this county than from other parts of the Province. The average cost 

 of summer feeding is estimated to be $4.39, and winter feeding $5.21, 

 for each hundred pounds. 



Wellington. 



By far the* most popular breed in this county is the Yorkshire. 

 The next is the Berkshire, while in quite a few sections there are a few 

 Tamworths. The Yorkshire-Berkshire cross is very popular, while in a 

 few sections the Yorkshire-Tamworth cross is used. In a large propor- 

 tion of the sections there is no inclination to change from the type of 

 hog grown. In most of the sections where a change is noted, however, 

 there is a tendency to go more to Yorkshires. In two or three sections 

 there is an inclination to go to a slightly shorter and fatter hog. One 

 correspondent reports the extreme type of bacon hog is going out. 

 Another one says : "Farmers are not paying much attention to type 

 as they all go at the same price." Another report states: "There is a 

 decided inclination to grow shorter and thicker pigs." Another says: 

 "There is a slight tendency to change to the shorter, fatter breeds, as 

 buyers do not discriminate." 



Pure-bred sires are used almost entirely. In a small number of 

 sections grade sires are used to a very limited extent. There appears 

 to be a slight tendency to increase in a number of sections ; the greatest 

 number of districts, however, report that there is no disposition to in- 

 crease the output. One correspondent reports: "Farmers seem well 

 satisfied with the hog business ; everyone seems anxious to increase, 

 but no special attempt to jump into larger herds of swine." Another 

 correspondent reports: "There is no disposition to increase the output, 

 as we consider the market subject to sudden changes." Another report 

 says : "There is a general feeling to take advantage of the present good 

 prices, but no excitement to go into the business very strongly for fear 

 prices drop. The price is so uncertain that they are not buying sows 



