10 



In considering these tables we must bear in mind that averages are 

 frequently misleading. For example, in a certain experiment one breed may 

 suffer from some unfavorable circumstance which is in no way related to, or 

 influenced by the breeding of the animals; yet this circumstance may seriously 

 affect the average standing of the breed in question. 



A study of the last table reveals the fact that there is little or no con- 

 stancy in the standing of any one breed, except the Berkshires, which certainly 

 make a remarkably good showing. It may be possible that the Berkshires 

 were able to digest and assimilate a larger percentage of their food than were 

 the other breeds, but we believe that, at least, a large share of their success 

 was due to another cause. All the pigs used in these experiments were pur- 

 chased at ages varying from six to ten weeks, and ir was noted that the Berk- 

 shires seemed to adapt themselves to the new conditions and change of food 

 more readily than any of the other breeds, and thus scored an advantage at 

 the commencement of the experiment, which they generally held until the 

 close. We are inclined, therefore, to attribute their high standing to their 

 ability to adapt themselves to changed conditions, rather than to their power 

 to digest and assimilate a larger percentage of their food. 



Everything considered, we are led to the belief that there is little, if any, 

 relation between breed and power to digest and assimilate food, and that 

 individuality is the all-important factor in this connection. To produce bacon 

 cheaply we require a healthy, thrifty, growthy pig. Whether its color is red. 

 white or black; or whether its ears are erect or drooped, are largely matters 

 of taste. 



Relatiox of Breed to the Export Trade. 



It has already been stated that we had six experiments, in which six 

 breeds of swine were compared as to their suitability for producing export 

 bacon. In each experiment the hogs were shipped to the Wm. Davies Co., 

 Toronto, where they were slaughtered and the carcases critically ex- 

 amined by an expert, who was given no information as to the -breeds which 

 they represented. The table given below shows the different breeds ranked 

 according to suitability for the production of "Wiltshire sides." 



1396. 



1 



/Yorkshire. 

 I. Tamworth. 

 3. Berkshire. 



{'^uroc Jersey. 

 Poland Ohina. 

 Chester White 



1899. 



1 . Yorkshire. 



2. Tamworth. 

 f Rerkshire. 



3 ) Cbe?terWhil-e. 



■ j Durnc Jersf-y. 



[ Poland Chill'*, 



r Yorkshire. 



■ \ Tamworth. 



3. Perkshire. 



4. Poland Thina. 

 g / Chester White. 



■ \ Duroc Jersey. 



1901. 



1. Yorkshire. 



2. Tamworth. 



3. Berkshire. 



r Chester White. 

 4.-J '"'uroc Jersey. 

 tPoland China. 



1 . Yorkshire. 



2. Berkshire. 



3. Chester White. 



4. Tamworth. 



5. Duroc Jersey. 



6. Poland China. 



1. Yorkshire. 



2. Tamworth. 



3. Berl^ shire. 



4. Duroc Jersey. 



5. Poland China. 



. Chester White. 



