584 HOW TO KNOW A GOOD HOG. 



nurses. In crossing with the Leicester, the size is somewhat 

 reduced, but their maturity is rendered earlier, and the carcases 

 considerably improved. The wethers may be fattened at fourteen 

 months old, when they weigh from fifteen to twenty-four pounds to 

 the quarter. 



HOW TO KNOW A GOOD HOG. 



The purchaser of hogs for breeding must be particular, if he 

 wants to make the greatest profit from his business, to produce 

 animals which will mature early and fatten easily ; and one of the 

 safest guarantees is to purchase from stock from thoroughbred 

 boars, and from high-grade or thoroughbred sows. 



Points of a Good Fattening Hog The prominent char- 

 acteristics of a good hog are a wide face if dishing, it will denote 

 an animal easy to keep and of quiet disposition ; the muzzle should 

 be fine and clean, and under the jaws heavy and round; the neck 

 short and thick. These features indicate a robust constitution and 

 large vital force. The space between the fore-legs should be wide, 

 the girth behind that large and of full development, and the fore- 

 quarters broad and deep. These qualities indicate ample lung space, 

 a desirable property in these animals. The ribs should spring well 

 outward from the back, showing good stomach capacity and powers 

 of assimilating food. The " slab-sided " or long-nosed hog is con- 

 demned by his appearance as an unprofitable animal. The loins 

 should be broad and the hams well developed, showing health and 

 activity of urinary and generative organs. The skin should be fine, 

 elastic to the touch, and the hair soft, without bristles. This indi- 

 cates a healthy liver. The joints should be small, the legs fine and 

 clean, and the animal well set up on its feet. 



