INTRODUCTORY. 433 



improved breed, with the minimuni of offal that is consistent 

 with a due amount of constitutional vigour — a combination that 

 is not always easy to procure. In some of the modern sorts high 

 feeding and hothouse training have produced marvels as to early 

 maturity and development ; but the animals are coatless, 

 delicate, and quite unfit for the rough outdoor life that the 

 working pig has to lead; and we unhesitatingly say that, 

 wonderful as these animals are in a showyard, they are after all 

 only monstrosities, and not rent payers. The farmer must look 

 for an animal that combines early maturity and aptitude to feed 

 with a vigorous constitution. We will not say in which 

 particular line his requirements will most easily be satisfied — 

 there is merit in many directions ; but in making his choice he 

 must select the class of animals best suited to fit in with the 

 conditions which surround them. Again, he will be guided to a 

 certain extent by the market he caters for. Thus, if he has a 

 trade for sucklings and porkers, he will not select the same 

 animal that would specially suit when large bacon was the 

 object. However, in these days the distinctive features of 

 different breeds are far less marked than formerly ; and whilst 

 in old times we had large slow feeding sorts as compared with 

 small varieties that fed more rapidly, at the present time 

 extremes meet in an animal of medium qualities that can be used 

 for any purpose with advantage. Still there are local conditions 

 that give the preference. At one time colour was a difficulty. 

 In the district of white pigs, blacks were regarded with disfavour, 

 and in the Midland counties the dark sorts predominated, and 

 were preferred. Like the good horse, which it is said cannot be 

 of a bad colour, the well-fed pig is now generally approved, 

 whatever its complexion. 



The animal is chosen, and the young farmer invests in the 

 best he can find, not giving fancy prices, and especially not 

 taking animals that have been forced for show. Such are 

 frequently disappointing, either not breeding at all, or producing 

 small and delicate litters. The best plan is to go to a well- 

 known breeder whose success is established, and select a couple 

 or more hilts when fit to be weaned, obtaining the use of a boar 

 from a different strain. The young hilts must be well fed ; 

 that is, they must have food containing flesh-forming elements. 



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