460 THE PIGS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 



animals neither white nor black generally go either to pure 

 Berkshires or their crosses. But we must allow that it is 

 amongst the older entries that merit is most noticeable, and it 

 is only fair to state that other sorts are capable of greater 

 development at a given age. Wonderful as are the youngsters 

 shown by Mr. Smith, of Henley-in-Arden, and others, at the 

 Birmingham meeting, some of the white sort are capable of 

 even more marvellous development. As an example, we may 

 notice the improved white Dorset of Mr. T. Homer's at the 

 Smithfield Show of 1876, which at 7 months 3 weeks weighed 

 17 score, and took the silver cup as best white. It is on the 

 score of general utility and adaptation to the wants of the 

 ordinary farmer that the Berkshire claims consideration. The 

 late Mr. William Hewer was for many years a most successful 

 breeder, having a favourite sow which on one occasion yielded 

 fifteen pigs in the year, the produce of two litters, for which 

 1601. was realised, the pigs being sold when quite young at lOZ. 

 apiece. The Eev. H. Bailey was for many years a successful 

 exhibitor, but had in his turn to give way to others — first to 

 Capt. Stewart, of G-loucester ; then to Mr. Russell Swaiiwick, of 

 the Eoyal Agricultural College Farm ; and latterly a son of Mr. 

 Wm. Hewer has renewed his father's fame. Nor must we omit 

 from our notice of successful breeders Mr. Heber Humphrey, 

 of Shrivenham, whose persevering efforts towards showyard 

 distinction have been rewarded ; Messrs. Wheeler and Son ; and 

 Mr. R. K. Fowler, of Aylesbury, whose useful sort want refine- 

 ment. It is quite evident from the succession of successful 

 breeders that distinction, if easy to reach, is difficult to main- 

 tain. The pig improves probably more rapidly than other 

 domesticated animals, but he decidedly goes back readily, and 

 is very difficult to keep up to the mark. Thus we see that 

 names prominent for a time are superseded, possibly to come 

 again with renewed success. Mr. Swanwick had, and probably 

 still has, a large sale for his pigs, and on one occasion made as 

 much as 75Z. for his magnificent boar Sambo II., which was 

 sold to Canada, and exhibited successfully at their national 

 show ; and he has frequently made 251. to 30/. of in-pig sows. 

 The late Capt. Stewart and his executors have also sold largely 

 for breeding purposes ; indeed, the aim of all leading breeders 



