352 PIGS 



There are many mixed or small local breeds in Britain, 

 but only a few of the leading ones need be described. 



Points generally applicable to all Breeds. 



(Slioivyard standard.} 



In judging, it is best to begin at the feet and legs, as 

 these are most important, on account of their having to 

 carry the weight when the animal is fat and heavy, and to 

 insure firm, free action. The feet should be proportionate 

 and neat ; the pasterns strong ; the legs perfectly straight 

 and well set, level with the outside of the body, with plenty 

 of fine flat bone, fleshed well down in both fore and hind 

 quarters ; feet wide apart ; loin strong, and as broad as the 

 shoulder-head, which should be compact and free from any 

 opening or looseness ; the back broad all the way, straight 

 and level, not drooping too much at the rump when the 

 animal walks, and extending over the neck. Pigs are all 

 liable to arch in the back and droop at the rump when 

 standing. The tinder line should be parallel, and continued 

 below the jowl ; the chest wide and deep ; the belly full, but 

 not flabby ; the quarters long and wide, and straight from 

 hip to tail ; hams broad, full and deep to hocks ; the flank 

 thick, full, and well let down ; the ribs well sprung, and sides 

 deep ; the neck thick, especially towards the shoulders, and 

 of proportionate length ; the ears vary from a foot long to a 

 few inches, each breed having its own special size, shape, 

 and position ; the head broad between the eyes ; the nose 

 long or short, according to breed ; the under jaw shorter 

 than the upper ; the cheeks full ; the eye not too small, quick, 

 but mild ; the tail stout and long, and set high, but not coarse, 

 and a tuft of long fine hairs on its tip ; the body well covered 

 all over with flesh, and of a rectangular shape from all 

 points of sight, deep and wide before and behind ; the skin 

 medium in thickness, and covered with a sufficient coat of 

 characteristic Jiair. 



Though the points enumerated are those looked for at 

 shows, it has been most forcibly pointed out by Sanders 

 Spencer, 1 one of the most successful breeders and exporters 

 of white pigs in England, and also by those interested in 



1 Paper read at the Irish Conference of the British Dairy Farmers' 

 Association, May 1887, by S. Spencer, Holywell Manor, St Ives. 



