CHESHIRES. 335 



V. Organization. 



(1) The Cheshire Swine Breeders' Association was 

 organized in 1884. 



(2) The first volume of the Cheshire Herd Book was 

 published in 1889. 



VI. Distribution in the United States. 



(1) Cheshires are now kept in nineteen states and also 

 in Canada. 



(2) They are bred most numerously in the eastern states, 

 but some of the central states are also possessed of a consider- 

 able number. 



(3) New York state has probably more breeders than all 

 the other 'states combined. 



VII. Registration in the United States. 



(1) There have been recorded 2,767 animals, male and 

 female. 



(2) Only a few specimens of the breed have been intro- 

 duced into Canada. 



LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. 



I. Relative size. 



(1) Though by no means a small animal, the Cheshires 

 are probably the smallest of the middle breeds. 



(2) It is claimed that they can be made to dress from 500 

 to 600 pounds when fully grown. 



II. Adaptability. 



(1) Cheshires are well adapted to what may be termed 

 average conditions. 



(2) They seem .to possess at least medium qualities in 

 almost every respect. 



III. Early maturing qualities. 



(1) They possess these in a marked degree. 



(2) Numerous instances are on record wherein they have 

 been -made to dress 400 pounds when nine months old. 



IV. Grazing and feeding qualities. 



(1) Their grazing qualities are at least fair, and 



(2) Their marked docility and early maturing qualities 

 make them very satisfactory feeders. 



