« SWIXE IX AMERICA 



etc. \\ hile it would proljably be quite misleading to aver 

 that the higher values accredited to some of the states 

 stood for the much greater improvement or superiority 

 their proportions would suggest, it is safe to say that the 

 lower Aalues represent and are due to lack of and in- 

 difference to swine improvement in the states to which the 

 astonishingly lower figures are ascribed. The figures 

 do not signify that there are not swine of good breeding 

 and quality in all of the states having the low values, but 

 in whatexer measure the estimates point to a low general 

 average in quality and breeding, and lack of interest in 

 swine production, they are close to the borders of 

 accuracy. 



Their value is not given as averaging nearly so high, 

 yet in Iowa, Illinois, Ohio or Kansas, there are doubtless 

 a hundred hogs to one of as good quality in Massachu- 

 setts, Connecticut or Rhode Island, the limited number 

 in the latter named states, and their being maintained 

 chiefly for the family pork barrel, in very small groups, 

 under the most favorable conditions and with much 

 better individual care, making easily possible a higher 

 average in both individual value and quality — not in any 

 wise for breeding purposes, but for immediate consump- 

 tion — than is profitably attained under the conditions 

 existing and practices prevailing in the vast territory 

 where farms turn off swine, at intervals throughout the 

 year, by carloads 



Fifty years ago large size, almost regardless of the 

 time required for its attainment, was in the grower's eye 

 an important object, but conditions have changed to such 



