10 



would occupy more time and study than the Commission had at its disposal for that country. 



The diversity of systems of pig raisers in England is demonstrated by the pronounced 

 differences to be found in the breeds of pigs kept. The large Yorkshire is quite a different 

 pig from the Middle White, while the Berkshire, the Tamworth and the Large Black each 

 possesses its peculiar characteristics, as determined by the minds of the breeders of these 

 several types. Yet they all originated in little England where they are kept separate and 

 distinct, each occupying a field of its own, and each possessing qualifications highly prized 

 by its champions. 



Dividing England into two parts the prevailing colour of the pigs kept north of the 

 Thames is white, while south of that dividing stream it is chiefly black. True one finds 

 both white pigs and black ones and those that are spotted in most parts of England, and red 

 ones also distributed here and there. At present the tendency is towards greater uniformity 

 over the country in cross bred pigs on account of the growing popularity of the Yorkshire, 

 which so strongly stamps its colour on its offspring. 



Having in view the bacon industry the Commission while in England confined its 

 investigation chiefly to districts noted for the raising of bacon pigs. Opportunity was taken 

 to visit a few prominent pure bred herds. Some time was spent also in the offices and 

 storehouses of large commission firms examining the several classes of imported bacon and 

 learning all that was possible in regard to the needs and conditions of Canadian bacon and 

 the chief points of difference between this and its competitors. 



The itinerary of the Commission in England was decided upon chiefly from informa- 

 ation secured at the instance of the Canadian High Commissioner, from Sir Thos. Elliott, 

 Secretary of the Board of Agriculture. Sir Thomas not only informed the Commission of 

 favourable districts but by letters of introduction opened the way to comfortable receptions. 



PURE BRED HERDS. 



Wherever it was convenient to do so, owners of pure bred herds were called upon. 

 Apart from many casual visits made in this way such noted herds were visited as Holy- 

 well Manor, so long associated with the name of that champion of the Yorkshire. Mr. Sanders 

 Spencer; the Hasketon herd of Large Blacks owned by Mr. C. F. Marriner near Ipswich, 

 in Suffolk, and the Berkshire herd of J. W. Kimber, near Abingdon, Berks. 



Holywell herd is interesting to every visitor. Its ownership and management has been 

 transferred by Mr. Sanders Spencer to his son Charles, who maintains a fine stock of the 

 old excellent type built up during many years of hard work by his father. Here about a 

 score of brood sows and several boars representing famous old families, built up at Holywell, 

 were seen in addition to a choice lot of young stock, including pens of show animals that at 

 each show visited added to the glorious victories of this famous herd. The members of the 

 Commission were impressed with the rational treatment afforded the breeding stock, most of 

 which, unless suckling litters, had the range of a grass pasture adjacent to the barns. It 

 was not surprising to find the stock thus treated by a pupil of so thorough an authority on 

 swine breeding and rearing as the founder of the Holywell herd. No systematic attempt 

 is made at Holywell to discover a cheap ration for the pigs, the constant object of the pro- 

 prietor being to secure a maximum of healthy growth consistent with future vigor and use- 

 fulness. This is secured by the use of such healthful foods as shorts, oat meal, barley 

 meal, milk, roots and other green foods. These foods judiciously blended and given in 

 quantity and proportion according to the age and purpose of the swine, produce pigs big 

 for their age and full of stamina and activity. 



Mr. Spencer is, however, a master feeder when direct profit is concerned. He recom- 

 mends that only as much food be given at a time as is eaten with a relish. Flour mill refuse 

 is the basis of the grain mixture that he recommends. For a month or two after weaning 

 shorts constitutes the chief part of the ration, but he also gives a little whole wheat or pease 

 once a day. After this period mixed meal composed of barley, corn and wheat may be 

 added to the shorts and bran. This is continued until the pigs are about five months old, 

 when they are able to digest food comprising meal to the extent of three-quarters of the ration. 



