410 



A STUDY OF FARM ANIMALS 



just above the pasterns, are two small toes that are known 

 as dew claws. When the pasterns are too sloping, the dew 

 claws often touch the ground, showing a weakness of leg. 

 In the days when hogs were driven overland to market, it 

 was very important that the legs should be strong, capable 

 of endurance, and weak pasterns were then very objection- 

 able. While we do not drive hogs .much to-day, it is still 

 necessary in many localities to do so; and, whether driven or 

 not, the hog should stand up strong on its toes on short pas- 

 terns, as an evidence of ability to carry its weight well. If 

 it can not do so, then the pasterns are weak. The toes of the 



hog should be 

 close together, 

 and point direct- 

 ly forward. 

 Sometimes, when 

 weak, they will 

 spread apart and 

 do not have a 

 strong position. 

 Such feet are an 

 indication of im- 

 proper feeding 

 and show a lack 

 of bone and too much forced growth of the young pig. 



The body of the hog should show depth, width, and com- 

 pactness. The chest should especially show plenty of girth. 

 If the shoulders are wide on top, the chest below may ap- 

 pear narrow, unless the fore flanks are very full. A front 

 view displays the width of chest, 'while from the side we 

 may note its depth and fullness of flank. 



The back is one of the most valuable parts; for here the 

 butcher secures the choice chops and roasts. The wider 

 and better the condition of back and loin, the more high- 

 class cuts the butcher will be able to obtain from the car- 



Figure 188. "The legs should be strong, capable of 

 endurance." Photograph by the author. 



