3IO THE STUDY OF BREEDS. 



and in the states of Illinois, Indiana, New York, Ohio, Wis- 

 consin, Iowa and Missouri. 



XL Registration in the United States and 

 Canada. 



(1) The American Berkshire Associations have recorded 

 61,327 animals, and 



(2) The Canadian Swine Breeders' Association has 

 recorded 13,135. 



LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. 



I. Relative size. 



(1) As now bred, the Berkshires are probably larger than 

 the Poland-Chinas, but it is well-nigh impossible to determine 

 this question at present. 



(2) The breeders are giving more attention to lengthening 

 the form and even the limbs during recent years, but 



(3) There is no little difference in size in the various types 

 of the breed. 



II. Adaptability. 



(1) In what may be termed general adaptation, the Berk- 

 shires probably stand at the head of the list of the improved 

 breeds, all the conditions considered. 



(2) They may be reared in good form in almost any place 

 adapted to swine rearing, and for pork or bacon as desired. 



III. Early maturing qualities. 



(1) These are excellent. 



(2) They will fatten at almost any age that may be desired. 



IV. Grazing and feeding qualities. 



(1) Berkshires are excellent grazers, as they are possessed 

 of limbs with a good quality of bone. 



(2) As feeders, their strong digestive and assimilative 

 powers enable them to give a maximum return in flesh for the 

 food consumed. 



V. Quality of the meat. 



i) They produce excellent pot 

 are fairly well intermixed, and 

 (2) They also dress well in proportion to the live weight. 



(i) They produce excellent pork or bacon, as the fat and 

 lean are fairly well intermixed, and 



