THE JUDGING OF SWINE 



213 



coarsest. While condition may be easily seen and esti- 

 mated by the eye, if one will press with the ends of the 

 fingers along on the back and sides, a better idea will be 

 had of the depth and evenness of covering, and condition of 

 skin. In the case of aged boars, there will be noted a very 

 thick, coarse development of skin over the shoulders, known 

 as the " shields." This is an 

 inheritance from the wild 

 ancestors, and really serves as 

 a shield; for, when fighting, 

 pigs strike with their heads 

 against the shoulders of the 

 opponent. The tusks of the 

 boar cannot easily tear through 

 this shield. Yet this thick, 

 heavy covering of hide is very 

 objectionable, and the best 

 show animals do not have it. 

 Symmetry of form is impor- 

 tant; and if the front part of 

 the body is thick and heavy, 

 and the hind part narrow, the 

 form certainly will not be well Fi *' 

 balanced. 



The head of the hog varies so in size and form, according 

 to breed, that it seems best to emphasize only certain fea- 

 tures that should be common to all breeds and grades. The 

 large, coarse head is an evidence of waste, hence buyers pre- 

 fer a short type of head, indicating smaller loss in this portion 

 in killing. Even with the long headed breeds, refinement is 

 considered important, as indicated by length and coarseness 

 of snout. The eyes should always be easily seen, and pref- 

 erably the whites of the eyes to some extent. The eyes of 



