112 SWINE IN AMERICA 



dominate in the selection, and in the herd from which 

 the selection is made, and limited resources should 

 never influence the buyer to neglect quality in favor of 

 numbers. A large number is not necessary. Four or 

 Ave sows should be ample for starting an ordinary herd; 

 but it is far better to begin with three good ones, or 

 e\'en one, than with six such as will place the breeder 

 on a low level in his business. Quality must be insisted 

 upon and adhered to from the outset, but it does not 

 mean over-refinement. A sow that is delicate or too 

 finely bred will transmit delicate constitutions to her 

 offspring, which, too, will probably be few in numbers. 

 Better results will accrue from selecting pure-bred 

 sows from a single herd, because uniformity in type and 

 handling methods are thereby more likely to be attain- 

 able. Hereditary influences and breeding standards will 

 prove more satisfactory if the buyer has been judicious 

 in selecting from a herd and a breeder with known high 

 standards. The grandsires and granddams should l)e 

 looked up, as well as the sires and dams, and tlieir con- 

 formation and breeding performances studied. 



BEGIN WITH A SMALL NUMBER 



Whether lie purchases grades or pure-breds the novice 

 will make the best beginning with no more than four or 

 five sows. If in pig they will soon give him the prac- 

 tical experience out of which he will absorb more 

 knowledge than he can possibly obtain by any other 

 means. While he ought to invest in the best quality 

 his monev will buv, he should not so strain his resources 



