SECRETARY'S REPORT. 91 



the end of the last century, though some new breeds grew up 

 in various ways. Thus a vessel sometimes arrived from the 

 East, from Europe, or China, having on board one or two ani- 

 mals which had not been used during the voyage. These being 

 brought on shore, sometimes introduced a new breed and some- 

 times modilied the old ones. The Byfield breed was made in 

 this manner by a cross with the Chinese, one of which was thus 

 accidentally brought into the country. 



The varieties now most esteemed in the State, are nearly as 

 various as the sections heard from and visited. A few extracts 

 from the letters received on this subject, will, to some extent, 

 serve to show what breeds are preferred, and how far it is 

 thought that pork can be raised with profit. 



A correspondent in Franklin County, says : — " Our swine; 

 like all our other stock, are a mixture of breeds, of Berkshire, 

 Woburn and Suffolk. It is difficult to tell which prevails most; 

 they however, altogether, make an excellent breed. We make 

 very little pork to sell. Most farmers kill their pigs at nine 

 and ten months old, which weigh from 250 to 400 pounds per 

 head. This is considered more profitable than to keep longer. 

 A small amount of pork can be raised on every farm with 

 profit ; beyond that, it does not pay the expense." 



A correspondent in the southern part of Berkshire County, 

 says : — " Our farmers have a breed which for beauty of form 

 weight of pork and profit, cannot be surpassed. Pigs weigh 

 ing fifty pounds, are worth from four to six dollars. The 

 large number of dairies in our town, render the raising of pork 

 one great source of profit to our farmers." 



Another, in the southern part of the same county, says : — 

 " The Suffolk swine are highly esteemed ; but on trial, the full 

 blood prove too small for profit. A cross of the Suffolk with 

 the Bedford half-and-half bloods, make the most profitable swine 

 that has ever been kept in this town. And from this breed, 

 it is estimated that a handsome profit may be realized from the 

 raising of pork. I think the above breed, at least, thirty-three 

 per cent, more profitable than the ordinary kinds of swine." 



In "Worcester County, a practical farmer writes : — " The 

 breed of swine in town, most esteemed, is what is called a 



