19 



Whites are found in different localities. Any change is in favor of 

 Yorkshires first, then the Berkshires, but in most sections there is no 

 disposition to make any change. The Berkshire-Yorkshire is the most 

 popular cross mentioned. In a very small proportion of districts grade 

 sires are used to a limited extent. About fifty per cent, of the reports 

 state there is a tendency to increase the production, and brood sows 

 are selling at high prices. Compared with 1904, 1905 showed a slight 

 decrease in the number of brood sows kept, while 1906 shows an increase. 

 The average number of pigs in each litter to reach weaning age is 7.7. 

 The percentage of loss is about the same as usual. It is very probable 

 that there will be lighter deliveries before September 1st than in 190J, 

 and 1905. The cost of summer feeding varies from $3 to $5.50 per cwt., 

 and winter feeding from $4 to $6 per cwt. The average for summer 

 feeding is $4.68 per cwt., and for winter feeding $5.28 per cwt. 



Ontario. 



The breed most commonly spoken of in returns from this county is 

 the Yorkshire. The Berkshire is also strongly advocated by some and 

 the Tamworth has a few supporters. There is a desire to grade up the 

 ordinary herd by using pure-bred sires, and in cases where pure-bred 

 Yorkshires or Berkshires are kept, crossing is often resorted to. There 

 is room for considerable improvement in many of the sires used, for 

 in nearly every locality there are some grades. 



Breeders are exhibiting a great deal of caution regarding any increase 

 of production. A correspondent says : "I do not think that farmers are 

 likely to go into hog raising much more strongly than at present, as 

 it is much better to feed a moderate number at a good profit than to 

 have more to be fed at a loss. The packers cannot resist the tempta- 

 tion to lower prices when they get a fair supply. Besides, other branches 

 of farming are profitable; cattle are a fair price; sheep are high, and 

 horses are extremely high." 



There has been little change in the number of brood sows during 

 the last three years. The average farm keeps about two sows each. 

 Spring litters came strong and few losses have occurred. The average 

 size of the litters is 7.4. 



The indications are that deliveries will be light during the summer 

 with some improvement during the autumn. Grain is expensive, so 

 feeders are not inclined to use a great deal of it. 



The average cost of producing hogs in summer is $4.56, and in 

 winter $5.09 per hundred pounds. In discussing- the cost of produc- 

 tion one correspondent says: "It varies from time to time according; 

 to the price of grain, cost of labor, weather conditions, the breeding; 

 of the pigs, and the regularity or irregularity of attendance. Some- 

 time's the farmer is rushed with work, and will neglect the hogs for 

 a few days, and that will set them back." 



