186 BREED HISTORIES 



introduction of any new blood. It possesses unquestioned good 

 qualities, and can be relied upon for the production of a progeny 

 of like good points and qualities. The prominent characteristics of 

 the Poland-China are as follows: 



1 'Hogs of good length, with short legs, broad, straight backs, 

 great depth of body, flanking well down, very broad, full, square 

 hams and shoulders, drooping ears ; short heads, wide between eyes ; 

 of spotted or dark color. They are hardy, vigorous and prolific, 

 and when fat are perfect models, pre-eminently combining the 

 excellencies of both the larger and smaller breeds." 



All of what could properly be said about the breed in 1872 can 

 still be said, and much more. The addition of some degree of size 

 has been one of the most popular improvements among farmers. 

 Added bone, substance, and the holding of all the desirable ele- 

 ments of prolificacy and broodiness are some of the things that 

 have served to keep the breed as the best model for successful pork 

 production. 



The claim that the Poland-China is the only strictly American 

 breed was questioned by a number of persons interested in other 

 breeds. But close study and careful thought in regard to the mat- 

 ter has resulted in a general acceptance of the correctness of the 

 statement. The consideration of this matter has served to bring 

 out some striking facts, quite favorable to the breed, which had not 

 previously had the attention which their importance deserved. 



The Poland-China was distinctly the result of the constructive 

 breeding ideas of cornbelt farmers. Breeds of all colors and many 

 different forms and characteristics were used in connection with 

 the common hogs of the cornbelt country to produce the Poland- 

 China. In no predominating degree did the breed owe its form, 

 conformation and easy feeding qualities to importations, nor to 

 any one of the numerous breeds and kinds of hogs used in making 

 the Poland-China. 



The breed was not fashioned after any hog ever seen in the 

 world before. It had new qualities, new possibilities, a new form, 

 and was not only a new hog, but pre-eminently the result of the 

 environments of the American cornbelt. In short, the breed was 

 distinctly entitled to that slogan which now bids fair to become so 

 popular, "Made in America." 



Many significant things have happened during the last few 

 years to emphasize the growth of the Poland-China business in new 

 territory, and the popularity of the breed. Only a few years ago 

 the territory east of the Mississippi, and south of the Ohio, was 

 smothered under a bacon type blanket. All this has completely 

 changed, and the number of purebred Poland-Chinas in this sec- 

 tion is many times what it was a dozen years ago, and the breed 

 has assumed a commanding position, where formerly it made an 

 indifferent showing. Remarkable progress has been made in the 



