Swine Growers' Association. 341 



In selecting the foundation for the breeding stock, I would 

 choose the sow that conforms as nearly as possible to the idea] 

 type. The face should be slightly dished and clean-cut, nose 

 of medium length and not too wide, forehead broad between eyes, 

 jowl plump and smooth but not flabby, neck short, deep and of 

 medium thickness, shoulders smooth and deep and should be of 

 the same thickness as the back and ham. The back should be 

 broad and slightly arched to give strength, but of medium rather 

 than great length, chest broad and deep, flank full and let well 

 down. The ham, for which this type is noted, should be full, sym- 

 m.etrical, long and rounding down to the hock, legs of medium 

 length with plenty and quality of bone, standing well on the feet. 



The sow must be decidedly feminine in appearance, possess- 

 ing neatness, symmetry and style. She should be of a kind and 

 quiet disposition, an easy feeder, and prove to be prolific and pre- 

 potent. 



The boar should be of the same type as the sow. We should 

 never expect a satisfactory result by crossing two extremes. He 

 should be large, strong, massive and possessed with stamina and 

 constitutional vigor. With his size must be combined smoothness, 

 symmetry and finish; his expression must be one of intelligence 

 and kind disposition. The ideal boar is decidedly masculine in 

 appearance, stately in carriage, and stylish in action. 



The description I have given is my ideal type of the money- 

 making porker; while very seldom will you find an individual that 

 embodies all these qualities; yet in all breeds you will find many 

 that come closely to the standard. Pick out your breeding stock, 

 the best you can afl'ord, and always strive to improve and perpetu- 

 ate with a little better individuals of the same type and of the 

 same breed. 



It is a rule among the best pure bred breeders to select the 

 best of the male progeny to develop and perpetuate type, but my 

 advice to you is that you retain the female progeny that conforms 

 the closest to the ideal type; as you are then certain about the 

 qualities and prepotencies of more individuals, and chance purchas- 

 ing a male of the desired type and breeding. Theoretically, the 

 prepotency in both sexes is uniform. 



It is unsafe to try innovations by cross-breeding owing to the 

 persistent tendency of ancestral types cropping out. 



Perpetuate your type. It is the similarity of the herd that 

 stamps the skillful, progressive, swine-grower and brings ths 

 largest returns. 



