THIRD ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART XI. 047 



in the western states, representing thousands of registered animals. 

 Among the great sires that have been instrumental in bringing the breed 

 up to its present popularity, have been "Old U. S. 779" by "World Beater," 

 "Tom Corwin 2d" by "Star of the West," "Success 1999" by "Tom Corwin 

 2d," "Adam and King Butler" by "Victor Black U. S.," "One Price," "Free 

 Trade," the "Tecumsehs," the "Wilkes Family," and so on, while some of 

 the great dams have been "Bess Stebbins," "Corn Shellingbarger," "Lady 

 Duffield." "Butler Girl," "White Face," "Courtney," "Early Rose," "Lady 

 U. S." and many others. "Tom Corwin 2d" and "Old Black U. S.," each a 

 giant in his day, had much to do in reducing the size and increasing the 

 symmetry of the Poland-China. Both were small, or medium, in size, com- 

 pact and dark in color. The "Wilkes," the "Tecumsehs," and the "Med- 

 iums," are of common origin, and are much the same in general char- 

 acteristics. They are usually of large, growthy type combined in general 

 characteristics. They are usually of large growthy type combined with 

 plenty of style and finish, quick, easy feeders, smooth coated, good color — 

 in fact, combining about all the good qualities that have made the breed 

 famous. But to make a long story short, 1 claim for the Poland-China hog, 

 that they are the most popuar, the most profitable, the nearest perfect of 

 all the many breeds of swine; that they are bred by more breeders, fed by 

 more feeders, and have sold for higher prices, than any other hog; that they 

 are easy feeders, good mothers, of quiet disposition, and adapted to the 

 rigor of our climate; that they excel in the show ring, in the breeding 

 pen, and in the fed lot; that as a breed they combine more good qualities, 

 and present fewer defects, than any other breed; that they are an artist's 

 dream, a lady's favorite, and a mortgage lifter. May their shadows never 

 grow less. 



ECONOMICAL PRODUCTION OF PORK. 



Gw. V. Fowler, before Black Hawk County Farmers 1 Institute. 



That is to say, make use of the pig some one named him the great 

 mortgage lifter, while our Irish friends call him "The gintleman that pays 

 the rint") as to get the greatest possible gain in growth and weight at the 

 least cost, chances of disease considered. 



I seems to me there is a mistake in assigning this subject to me, for it 

 is of vast importance, especially to the people of this vicinity, the most 

 productive section of the state which produces the most corn, beef and 

 pork, according to its area, of any state in the Union. And it is only be- 

 cause of the gratitude I feel on account of being located in so highly a 

 favored section that 1 consent to make an effort to assist in promoting 

 this product. 



As to this subject we are now to consider, would say it is all included 

 in the statement of Hon. D. M. McPherson when he says, "Furnish to every 

 animal perfect comfort and a balanced ration." Indeed, 1 doubt whether 



