PiG-FAitMixG ix\ South Afrioa. 



ler 



of liead, aud fine coat of soft hair, firmness of flesliing, trim under- 

 line, and smoothness and symmetry throughout. These cdiaracteristics 

 liave undoubtedly eontrihuted much to the popularity of the breed 

 from a slaughter-standpoint in giving ;i high dressing percentage. 

 It is not an uncommon tiling to find good specimens of the breed 

 dressing 85 percent, of carcass to live weight. In size, the Berkshii-(^ 

 may be considered as intermediate between the Large Yorkshire and 

 Middle White, (jood average weights of mature Berkshire boars and 

 sows to-day would be approximately 600 and 450 lb. respectively. 



The recognized colour markings of the Berkshire are a solid black 

 body with the extremities of the feet and tail wdiite, and also a white 

 spl.'isli on the face. Occasionally small streaks of white hair are 

 found on the side or under part of the jowl; also on the inner side 

 <d' the ears, and just above and below the elbow. These do not 



A promising young Berkshire Boar, showing tnieiie.s.s to breed type 

 and excellent length. 



constitute a disqualihcatioii, l)ut are looked upon merely in the light 

 of imperfections or undesirable features. On the other hand, ii 

 ix*rfectly black face, foot, or switch, also white markings on the out- 

 side of the ear, are all, according to the standard of excellence of the 

 British Berkshire Society, considered disqualifications. In addition. 

 a rose, sometimes known as a swirl, or cow-lick, is found, and also 

 constitutes a disqualification. A fairly dense coat of soft, silky, 

 straight hair, shoAving an appreciable amount of gloss or shine, is 

 considered the most desirable. A very coarse mane should be treated 

 as an imperfection, as may also white or sandy spots or white skin 

 on the body. 



The prolificacy of the Berkshire is only fair. The average numbei- 

 of pigs fallowed per litter in South Africa is seldom above six. The 

 Berkshir*" is not the best of mothers under ordinaiy conditions, for 



