CHAPTER XVI 

 THE FAT OR LARD BREEDS OF SWINE 



THE differences between typical representatives of the 

 lard breeds of hogs are marked, yet they are all primarily 

 short legged, broad, deep and smooth, conforming to the 

 block or meat type common to the beef steer and mutton 

 wether. Smooth shoulders and trim sides, broad, thick 

 backs and loins and full, deep hams in hogs from 250 to 

 300 pounds weight attained in the shortest feeding period 

 constitute the standard applied to all market fat hogs, 

 irrespective of breed. 



BERKSHIRE SWINE. Plate XV. Fig. 85. 

 By G. E. Day ' 



501. Berkshire swine are of the " fat-hog " type, and 

 are greatly valued in America, ranking among the first in 

 popularity. 



502. History in England. The name Berkshire comes 

 from Berkshire in England. The breed is not by any 

 means confined to this county, but is now spread all 

 over the British Isles. The original Berkshire was of 

 ancient origin, and very little is known regarding its origin. 

 The color of the old Berkshire was commonly a sandy, or 

 reddish brown, spotted with black, or white with black 

 spots. It was very much coarser than the present type 



415 



