35 

 Exhibitions. 



Swine in Denmark have been much improved through the agency of the agricultural 

 exhibitions. Up to near the end of the past century the exhibits of swine at these fairs were 

 very small, while the classification took no account of breeds. At the Jutland Provincial 

 Exhibition the numbers increased from 78 in 1901 to 303 in 1907. Other large exhibitions 

 show a corresponding increase. Up to 1894 pigs were classified as (a) pigs for fattening 

 purposes and (6) pigs for killing purposes. Then came the division into classes for domestic 

 (Landrace) and Yorkshire, the large exhibitions one by one adopting this classification . 

 Then catalogues commenced to be improved until at the present time the pedigree of each 

 exhibit is published. The Commission were impressed with the evenness of the swine 

 shown at the several large shows attended. They also agreed that the ideal bacon type as 

 recognized in Canada is the form sought at these exhibitions. The system of judging differs 

 widely from that used in Canada. It is not done by comparison but by points. Each animal 

 is scored by an expert who takes into account the development of the different parts, giving 

 a corresponding number of points for each. All the pigs that reach a certain number of 

 points receive first prize, and so on. This system it will be seen encourages large exhibits 

 and prevents the awarding of first, or even second prizes to inferior animals as is often done 

 at Canadian shows. Then in the case of mature breeding stock account is taken of the 

 excellence of the offspring. This feature gives an unfitted good breeder a fair chance against 

 highly conditioned stock. It was pointed out to the Commission that practically all of the 

 stock shown had a direct origin in breeding centres, which have come to be regarded at the 

 main source of all good pigs. 



Extracts from Year Book. 



The following translation from the Year Book of Denmark for 1909 summarizes impor- 

 tant features in regard to various movements in promoting the swine raising industry : 



(1.) Judging committees for the pig breeding centres. Certificates for pig breeding 

 centres are given once a year by a committee of judges appointed by the Minister of Agri- 

 culture, one member of the co-operative agricultural society of that district and one repre- 

 sentative from the various pork-killing establishments. The members are elected for a 

 period of three years. 



(2.) Swine breeding centres. In directing swine breeding an effort is being made to 

 perfect a domestic breed which comprises hardiness, size, build, production of milk, as well 

 as to give large and healthy litters, also to use the large white Yorkshire breed, and by a 

 single cross produce a superior animal. This method will be used until the Danish domestic 

 breed will entirely satisfy the producer as well as the market. According to law of May 23, 

 1902, diplomas are given as a mark of distinction by the committee of judges. The Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture, upon recommendation, will grant financial aid to the various breeding 

 centres. To obtain a diploma and a government grant the animals in the respective breeding 

 centres must be under the control of the committee of an agricultural society for one year 

 and consist of at least one boar and three sows. 



(3.) The United Danish Co-operative Pork-killing Establishment. This body com- 

 prises 33 establishments and its objects are to guard their interests with regard to the regula- 

 tions put in force by the Government as to transportation and the export of the products, 

 also to make an effort to better the quality of Danish pork. 



The representatives consist of three members for each establishment and meets once a 

 year, in the month of March, when a general meeting takes place. The annual expenses 

 are levied on the various establishments according to the number of animals killed, and 

 amounts to from one-quarter to one-half cent per pig, in all about $4,000. 



(4.) The United Pig Breeding centres and societies in Jutland. The object is to work in 

 a general way for the promotion of pig breeding. Any member of the following bodies may 

 become members: The Agricultural Judging Committee for pig breeding centres, owners 



