BERKSHIRES. 311 



VI. Value in crossing and grading. 



(1) None of the British breeds has been found more 

 useful than the Berkshires for crossing, and none has been 

 used so much for this purpose. 



(2) They have proved of great value in refining the 

 coarser breeds. 



VII. Breeding qualities. 



(1) These are at least medium, but of course they vary 

 with the varying conditions to which they have been subjected. 



(2) When not reared under enervating conditions they 

 produce medium large litters and rear them well. 



STANDARD POINTS. 



I. The following is the standard of excellence 

 adopted by the American Berkshire association : 



POINTS. 



(1) Color Black, but skin and hair occasionally 

 showing tinge of brcnze or copper color, with 

 white on feet, face, tip of tail and occasional 

 splash on the arm ....... 4 



(2) Face and Snout The latter short, broad and 

 meaty, the former fine, well dished and broad 

 between the eyes 9 



(3) Eye Very clear, rather large, dark hazel or gray 2 



(4) Ear Sometimes almost erect, but generally 

 inclined forward, medium . size . ... 4 



(5) Jowl Full and heavy, running back well on neck 4 



(6) Neck Short and broad on top .... 4 



(7) Hair Fine and soft, inclined to thickness in 

 male ......... 3 



(8) Skin Smooth and pliable . . . . .4 



(9) Shoulder Smooth and even on top and in line 

 with side, thick through chest .... 7 



(10) Back Broad, long and straight or slightly 



arched, ribs well sprung . . . . .10 



(n) Side Deep and well let down, straight side and 



bottom line . ...... 6 



(12) Flank Well back and low down on leg, making 

 nearly a straight line with lower part of side . 5 



(13) Lorn Full and wide 8 



(14) Ham Deep and thick, extending well up on 

 back, and holding thickness well down to hock . 10 



