SWINE. 411 



can be put into good condition for the butcher. It is on the 

 rich bottoms, and other lands of the west, where Indian corn 

 is raised in profusion, and at small expense, that they can be 

 reared in the the a greitest numbers and yield the largest profit. 

 The Sciota, Miami, Wabash, Illinois and other vallies ; and 

 extensive tracts in Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, and 

 some adjoining states, have for many years, taken the lead in 

 the production of swine ; and it is probable their climate and 

 soil, which is peculiarly suited to their rapid growth, as well 

 as tint of their appropriate food, will enable them forever to 

 remain the leading pork producers of the North American 

 continent. 



THE KitKEDs OF SWINE cultivated in this country are numer- 

 ous, and like our native cattle, they embrace many of the best, 

 and a few of the worst to be found among the species. Great 

 attention has for many years, been paid to their improvement 

 in the eastern states, and nowhere are there better specimens 

 than in many of their herds. This spirit has rapidly extended 

 westward and southward, and among many of the intelli- 

 gent farmers, who make them a leading object of attention, 

 on the rich corn grounds of the west, the swine have attained 

 a considerable degree of excellence. This docs not consist 

 in the introduction and perpetuity of any distinct races, so 

 much as in the breeding up to a desirable size and aptitude 

 for fattening, from such meritorious individuals of any breed 

 or their crosses, as come within their reach. The Byejield 

 some 30 years ago, was a valuable hog in the Eastern states, 

 and did much good among the species generally. They are 

 white, with fine curly hair, well made and compact, moderate 

 in size and length, with broad backs, and at 15 months, attain- 

 ing some 300 to 350 Ibs. nett. The Bedford or Woburn is a 

 breed originating with the Duke of Bedford, on his estate at 

 Woburn, and brought to their perfection probably, by judicious 

 crosses of the China hog, on some of the best English swine. 

 A pair was sent by the Duke to this country, as a present to 

 Gen. Washington, but they were dishonestly sold by the mes- 

 senger in Maryland, in which state and Pennsylvania, they 

 were productive of much good at an early day, by their exten- 

 sive distribution through different states. Several other 

 importations of this breed have been made at various times, 

 and especially by the spirited masters of the Liverpool packet 

 ships, in the neighborhood of New-York. They are a large, 

 spotted animal, well made and inclining to early maturity and 

 fattening. They are an exceedingly valuable hog, but are 



