INTRODUCTION 



THE author has not undertaken to write a thesis, but having 

 commenced the business of swine breeding when quite a young 

 _ man and following it for practically forty years, he has been 

 requested to write this book along practical lines. 



Beginning with a pair of young pigs many years ago, the only 

 way anything concerning the subject has been learned has been by 

 actual experience. This experience has been costly, but what is 

 learned at the greatest expense one never forgets. 



For many years the writer did all his own work in the business 

 of swine breeding and feeding as well as showing. He gained in 

 knowledge as he gained in experience. I cannot recall any labor 

 or duties connected with the feeding and breeding of swine that I 

 have not carried on personally, and step by step grown in the busi- 

 ness from the smallest possible beginning until a trade has been 

 built up that extends throughout the United States and into for- 

 eign countries. Being of a temperament that never gives up, and 

 with a determination to -stick to the business through thick and thin, 

 I have never wavered from my determination to make it a success 

 and a permanent business. 



Early I decided to follow the purebred business, selling prin- 

 cipally to breeders, and feeding for market hogs that did not come 

 up to a standard of excellence necessary to satisfy customers. I 

 have never had any reason to change my first decision. Of course, 

 in the early days it was a hard matter to find customers, but good 

 care, feeding and advertising and the following of the showring, 

 gradually brought us to the attention of farmers and breeders, 

 and as the years came and went I could see a gradual increase of 

 business and of knowledge regarding it, and each year I went out 

 a little stronger in the showring, did a little more business over the 

 circuit and found a larger correspondence at home; all of which 

 was gratifying and encouraging. It was my good fortune also to 

 believe in system in all things, and to system I attribute much of 

 my success later. 



Careful records were kept of all animals breeding dates, far- 

 rowing dates, marking of the litters, and disposition of the same, 

 showing to whom sold and prices received ; correct accounts regard- 

 ing expenses and receipts, making a thorough system of book- 

 keeping. It has always been our custom promptly to answer all 

 correspondence, keeping a carbon copy of the reply to every letter. 

 Before typewriters were used, all letters were written with a pen, 

 and a letter press was used in taking an impression in the copy 

 book. It is no trouble for us today to turn to any year's business, 

 or to find out, if the question is asked, what animal we sold to a 

 certain man years ago. 



