396 



THE ESSENTIALS OF AGRICULTURE 



lard hog is short-legged, thickset, and compact ; large, thick 

 hams and a thick, fat back are essential points in its make-up. 

 Hogs of this type have a tendency to mature at an early age 

 and to fatten easily. The most common breeds are the Poland 

 China, the Duroc-Jersey, the Berkshire, and the Chester White. 

 523. The Poland China. This breed was developed in the 

 Miami valley, in Ohio, between 1816 and 1845. It originated 

 through the mingling of several breeds, and was later improved 



FIG. 199. Fine specimens of aged Poland China sows 



by selection. The Poland China (Fig. 199) approaches very 

 closely to the ideal fat-hog type. The head is of medium length, 

 the face straight, the jowl full and rounding, and the ears 

 fine with the outer one third breaking over. The shoulders 

 should be wide and smooth, and the back wide and slightly 

 arching. The best specimens of the breed have wide, deep 

 chests, deep sides of medium length, and fairly short legs 

 with bones of good size, strength, and quality. The loin should 

 be wide and smooth and the rump of medium length and 

 slightly rounding. Deep, thick, full hams are characteristic of 



