THE FAT OB LAED BREEDS OF 8 WINE 



439 



CHESHIRE SWINE. Fig. 90. 

 By G. E. Day 



537. Cheshire swine are a breed of American origin, 

 and may be classed under the fat-hog type. They have 

 not attained much popularity outside of a restricted area 

 in New York state. 



538. History. The Cheshire originated in Jefferson 

 county, New York, and dates from about 1855. J. H. 

 Sanders, of Chicago, who bred Cheshires for some years, 

 stated in a letter to F. D. Cob urn, that he considered the 

 Cheshire to be " simply a derivative of the Yorkshire." 

 The Yorkshire was brought into Jefferson county and 

 used on the white pigs of the district. Early in the sixties 

 hogs of this breed were shown at the agricultural fairs, 

 where they attained some popularity. The Swine Breeders' 

 convention, in a meeting at Indianapolis, Indiana, in 

 1872, adopted the name Cheshire for the breed. It is 

 thought that Suffolk blood was also used in the combina- 

 tion, which eventually resulted in the Cheshire. 



539. Description. The Cheshire is about medium in 

 size, but some specimens attain heavy weights. It 

 is said that the Cheshire 



weighs well for its appear- 

 ance, and is a heavier breed 

 than is generally supposed. 

 Although the body is not 

 noted for depth, it gener- 

 ally has good length, and 

 the shoulders and hams are 

 usually well developed. The face is slightly dished, and 

 the ear rather small and erect. The bone is fine and 



FIG. 90. Cheshire barrow. 



