THE POLAND CHINA 185 



Developed and perfected, therefore, under American environ- 

 ment, by undoubtedly the most competent and skilful men who 

 ever engaged in a like enterprise, whose ideas were both original 

 and constructive, and whose primary object was superior feeding 

 and fattening ability, coupled with vigor, size and rapidity of 

 growth, the essentials, the prime requisites of economical produc- 

 tion and packing quality, were pre-eminently established, and 

 grounded in the breed in its inception, regardless of minor consider- 

 ations of color, markings and points of finish or fancy. 



To the fact that the two prime factors disposition easily to 

 fatten at any age, and to make rapid and immense growth 

 were staunchly maintained against those divisions having to do with 

 the outward appearance or beauty, is due, beyond question, the 

 present superiority of the breed, and this fact is also accountable for 

 its universal popularity. 



The geographical origin of the Poland- China was the Miami 

 Valley, Butler Co., 0., and the origin of the breed dates back to 

 early in the nineteenth century. Previously to 1816 two breeds of 

 hogs were generally known in this valley: the Russian or Russia 

 and the Byfield. These were generally bred, and their blooji 

 mingled with common hogs of the community. 



In 1816 a boar and three sows, known as the Big China, were 

 brought into the valley by the Shakers' society, whose members 

 had much to do with the development of the Poland-China breed. 

 Used on the Russian and Byfield crosses, the Big China produced 

 superior feeders, and much improved the character of the Miami 

 Valley hogs, resulting in what became widely known as the Warren 

 County hog. 



Between 1816 and 1835 the swine industry of southwestern 

 Ohio had a great impetus, due to the beneficial effects of this cross. 

 In 1839 a hog called the Irish Grazier was brought into the county, 

 and was one of the main factors in the perfecting of the Warren 

 County hog. 



The Warren County hog had the distinction of being hardy, 

 vigorous, prolific, and much larger than hogs of any of the other 

 common breeds. After 1839 no outside blood was brought into the 

 county, according to the claim made of men in a position to know 

 the facts. Breeders of swine in this valley became "thoroughly 

 assured that they had the elements, the basis of a good breed of 

 hogs, and that by judicious, discriminating breeding they could 

 produce and establish a breed that would meet the demands of 

 the country." At the National Swine Breeders' Convention in 

 Indianapolis, Ind.,'in November, 1872, a committee, authorized to 

 investigate the origin of the breed, made a report, recommending 

 the name "Poland-China,"' which was adopted. The report con- 

 tinues : 



"This breed has been thoroughly established. For more than 

 thirty-five years it has been continuously improving without the 



