80 KETCH OF THE HISTORY OF MAMMALIA, 



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40. — Domestic Hog. 



of acknowledged excellence, the result of judicious cross- 

 ings. The test of excellence is productibility, a readi- 

 ness to become fat, small bone, and the quality of the 

 whole animal when converted into bacon : size is of 

 minor importance. The introduction of the small Chinese 

 breed is one great source of improvement. The Chinese 

 hog is short in the head, with sharp neat ears, low on the 

 limbs, and high in the chine. It is very prolific, and 

 fattens readily. The prevailing colours are black or 

 half black and half white. This breed, or one closely 

 allied to it, extends from China throughout various groups 

 of islands in the Pacific. 



I'he breed nearest to the Chinese in this country is the 

 Suffolk: these are generally white; they are compactly 

 made, and deep in the chest. 



