IMPROVED ESSEX SWINE. 345 



V. Introduction into the United States. 



(1) The information on this question is meager, but 



(2) There are good reasons for believing that they were 

 introduced into New England about, or previous to, the middle 

 of the century. 



VI. Organization. 



(1) It is only during recent years that the Improved Essex 

 swine have attracted much attention in this country. 



(2) The American Essex Association was organized in 

 1887. 



VII. Distribution in the United States and 

 Canada. 



(1) The Improved Essex are now being recorded from 

 thirteen states and from the province of Ontario. 



(2) They are most numerous in the states of Michigan, 

 Nebraska, Texas, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana and Georgia, and 

 probably in the order named. 



VIII. Registration in the United States. 



(1) There have been recorded in all 4,189 animals. 



(2) Of these, 1,619 are boars and 2,570 are sows. 



LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. 



I. Relative size. 



(1) In size the Essex are something larger than the Smail 

 Yorkshires, and probably something smaller than the Suffolks. 



(2) At maturity they may be made to weigh 600 pounds. 



II. Adaptability. 



(1) They are best adapted to small holdings contiguous 

 to markets with a special retail trade. 



(2) They meet well the purposes of the market gardener. 



III. Early maturing qualities. 



(1) These are markedly pronounced. 



(2) In this respect the Essex are fully equal to the other 

 small breeds. 



IV. Grazing and feeding qualities. 



(i) Because of their contented disposition they may be 

 grazed or fed soiling food, as may be desired. 



