EEPOET OF THE BUKEAU OF ANIMAL ESTDUSTEY. 415 



have made swine breeding popular in all the great Indian-corn-grow- 

 iiig regions, while the readiness with which one or more pigs may be 

 utilized as profitable means of consuming waste products from the 

 table and dairy have caused farmers and many village residents in 

 almost every part of the country to annually fatten at least a few 

 pigs. 



Much attention has been given to the improvement of the hogs of 

 the country, and it is believed those of no other country surpass the 

 best in the United States. 



There is a large number of distinct breeds, but several of these 

 closely resemble each other, except in comparatively unimportant 

 characteristics, and there is a noticeable tendency in the most popular 

 breeds towards greater similarity. Early maturity, medium to large 

 size, quiet disposition, and the ability to lay on flesh rapidly, even 

 at an early age, are the qualities chiefly desired. No breed not above 

 a fair medium size is in general favor in the great pork-producing 

 regions, although several of the smaller breeds are highly prized for 

 village pigs or on farms where but few swine are kept. It is also 

 noticeable that swine of the dark-colored breeds far outnumber those 

 white in color. 



The breed most generally found on the farms in the great hog- 

 rearing States is the Poland-China a name somewhat inappropri- 

 ately given to a breed originating in southwestern Ohio as the 

 product of crossing hogs of various breeds, among which were hogs 

 imported from China, and, in the opinion of a minority, some 

 brought from Poland. The Berkshire was used at different times. 

 Whatever its exact origin, the Poland-China has now marked uni- 

 formity. It is almost entirely black in color, although there is little 

 prejudice against white spots on any part of the body. The ear 

 droops at the side or a moderately dished face. The body is deep, 

 legs short. The disposition is noticeably quiet. While reaching 

 great size at maturity weights of 1,000 pounds not being unknown 

 the young pigs of this breed are readily made fit for market. 



The Berkshire stands second in number and general popularity, 

 and, perhaps, may be said to be a more fashionable breed than the 

 Poland-China. As bred in the United States it retains the charac- 

 teristics which made it popular in England. It is unusually uniform 

 in color and appearance, the white extremities and black-haired body, 

 erect ears, dishing face, somewhat prominent shoulders, well-rounded 

 body, large hams, and appearance of vigor and vitality being readily 

 recognized by any one who has seen even a few specimens. Of late 

 years the average size has been increased without injury to the supe- 

 rior quality of the flesh. 



The Chester White is the name of another breed of American de- 

 velopment, the name being that of the county in Pennsylvania in 

 which it first gained celebrity. Various crosses were used in pro- 

 ducing the breed, and probably quite as much of its good reputation 

 was due to skillful selection and good management on the part of 

 breeders as to the merits of the foundation breeds. Except for its 

 white color it is not unlike the Poland-China. The prejudice against 

 white hogs on the part of so many farmers is a chief reason why it 

 is not more widely bred, as no breed has more earnest friends among 

 good swine-raisers. 



Within the last ten years much favorable attention has been at- 

 tracted by a breed known by different names and the origin of which 

 it is not easy to fully trace, but now most generally called the Duroc- 



