472 THE PIGS OP GREAT BRITAIN. 



to the small sort. The future and permanent value of a breed 

 derived from origin so diverse, depends upon the care that is 

 exercised in selection, together with the occasional return to a 

 cross of either of the progenitors, according to the requirements 

 of the case. As a rule, the produce will vary much more than 

 is the case with animals of longer pedigree ; if only the best 

 grown are kept for breeding, the quality will be maintained 

 and improved upon. The objects that should be kept in view 

 by the breeder are size and flesh as distinguished from the 

 smaller sort, quality and aptitude to feed as improvements on 

 the large type. The features will vary in size and character 

 according to the degree of mixture ; we prefer something 

 between the two. It is quite possible to have the face too 

 short and puggy, as such features indicate want of size and 

 growth. The middle-bred pigs, whilst low on the leg and 

 tolerably fine of bone, should have great length ; the three L's 

 should be applicable — long, low, and level. In Yorkshire and 

 Lancashire these pigs are rapidly occupying an important 

 position. Pure herds are found in a few places, but most of 

 the breeders who are famous for show pigs keep two, if not 

 three, sorts ; whereas the ordinary farmer goes entirely for the 

 more recent production, which answers his purpose best. Lord 

 EUesmere, Mr. C. E. Duckering, Mr. F. A. Walker- Jones, 

 Mr. T. Strickland of Thirsk, and Mr. P. Ascroft, are those who 

 have principally distinguished themselves in the show yard of 

 late years as exhibitors of the middle-bred pigs. 



