THE boar: selection and management 53 



fine and elastic skin, covered with soft, lively hair, free 

 from bristles, denotes a healthy liver and freedom from 

 internal fever. A fine muzzle and limbs, clean, small 

 joints, and standing square upon the feet, denote sub- 

 stance, strength and firmness in the animal's framework ; 

 while the dished or concave face and slightly drooping 

 ear are unerring signs of an easy keeper and a quiet, 

 contented disposition. These are some of the features 

 demanded in a good boar, and such an animal in perfect 

 condition will not be sluggish and clumsy, but will have 

 a lively, animated manner and move about freely and 

 nimbly, unless kept in too close confinement on too much 

 fattening or other unsuitable food. Each point of excel- 

 lence should make for symmetry, and properly related 

 parts give compact, desirable form. A boar highly de- 

 veloped in one part with another elsewhere noticeably 

 weak is not to be taken in preference to one of all- 

 around moderate excellence of development, except 

 where such an undue development appears to be needed 

 because of its lack in the sows. This is a point which 

 should always command attention. \Miat the sows 

 lack or have too much of in bone or build or qual- 

 ity ought to be guarded against in the boar. Thus, if the 

 sows are too refined and their development appears to 

 have been overshot, there is an object in allowing some- 

 what of coarseness in the boar. This should be guarded 

 against where possible, in selection of the sows, as well 

 as the boar, by aiming toward a uniformity of type 

 without extremes or weaknesses; but consideration 



