SWINE. 



367 



and grown more shapely by the change, and these are desirable improvements ; ana wnen we 

 add that the average Berkshire of to-day weighs at six months 160 Ibs., at nine months 236 

 Ibs., at twelve months 322 Ibs., at eighteen months 413 Ibs., and at twenty-four months 495 

 Ibs., some reaching 600 Ibs., it will be seen that we still have a good sized animal in the 

 improved Berkshire. This is generally known to be the most active and muscular of all 

 our breeds of swine ; and while this has sometimes been offered as an objection, yet it is a 

 quality that makes them especially desirable to follow cattle, a method of feeding much 

 practiced by farmers in the great corn-growing regions ; and when we consider that the 

 hardiness and endurance resulting from greater freedom and much exercise is, doubtless, one 

 of the principal reasons why this breed is less liable to the prevailing swine diseases than 

 others are, we see that the objection is more than met. 



The Berkshires are noted for their docility and prolificacy, the sows uniformly making 

 good mothers as well as producing large litters. The young are strong and healthy, and 

 soon able to take care of themselves, are generally of uniform size and appearance, grow 

 rapidly to maturity, and can be marketed at an early age ; thus enabling the breeder to make 

 quick returns a most desirable thing to do in these days when men travel by express, talk 

 by telephone, write by telegraph, and print by steam. 



IMPORTED BERKSHIRE SOW, &quot;GRAND DUCHESS.&quot; 



Property of W. L. Mallow, Concord Farm, New Holland, Ohio. 



This animal is much used in crossing other swine stocks, with a view to improving it, 

 there being a certainty of good results from such use. Besides, the Berkshire is a good 

 grazer, thriving with the help of a little grain, and growing fat on good pasturing during the 

 summer months ; in brief, the Berkshire is among other breeds of swine, as distinguished a 

 representative of the hog family, as is the noted short horn among cattle. 



Our illustrations are faithful representations taken from photographs of the animals. 

 The above was bred by Russell Swanwick, Cirencester, England, and is a good type of the 

 breed. 



