CHAPTER XIII. 

 THE CHESHIRE BREED. 



Description The Cheshire (Fig. 32) is about medium 

 size, but some specimens attain heavy weights. It is claimed 

 that the Cheshire weighs well for its appearance, and that it 

 is a heavier breed than is generally supposed. The face is 

 slightly dished, and the ear rather small and erect. The bone 

 is fine and of fair quality. The body is not noted for depth, 

 but usually has good length, and the shoulders and hams are 

 generally well developed. 



The color is white. Black spots on the skin are objection- 

 able, but do not disqualify. 



Origin and History. The Cheshire originated in Jefferson 

 County, New York, and dates from about 1855. In a letter 

 to Mr. F. D. Coburn, Mr. J. H. Sanders of Chicago, who 

 bred Cheshires for some years, expresses the belief that the 

 Cheshire is simply a derivative of the Yorkshire. Yorkshires 

 were brought into Jefferson County and crossed with the white 

 pigs of the district, and it is also believed that Suffolk blood 

 entered into the combination which eventually resulted in the 

 breed known as the Cheshire. 



Distribution. The Cheshire is found mainly in ~New York 

 State, with a few herds scattered here and there in other states. 

 It has made very slow progress, and is practically unknown 

 outside of the United States. 



Types. In his letter to Mr. Coburn, previously referred 

 to, Mr. Sanders states that in his herd he has produced " all 

 the different types of Yorkshire, from the Large Yorkshire 

 down to the Lancashire Short-face." As bred at present, the 



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