Chapter LXIV. 



GOTHLANDS. 



This breed, new in America, originated in Gothland, Sweden, and 

 is said to be of remarkably pure descent, improved by care and selec- 

 tion, with few, if any, out-crosses. 



The first importation to America was made in 1880 by S. V. 

 Anderson, who brought over a few head as an experiment. Since that 

 time they have found considerable favor mainly in Iowa and Illinois, 

 and a Registry Asssociation was organized in 1888, with Mr. Grant 

 W. Spear, of Aurora, 111., secretary. We are indebted to Messrs. 

 White & Conover, of Lynnville, Iowa., for the following detailed 



DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 



"They have a medium sized head, rather 'short nose, small ear, slightly drooping, 

 or leaning forward ; broad between ears, and with stout, heavy jaw. Top and under 

 lines good ; girth large, length good, loin broad, flank deep, with heavy ham and 

 shoulder, ham extremely good ; legs rather short, strong and well set ; hair rather 

 fine and very thick ; skin smooth and flexible ; flesh nicely marbled and of excellent 

 quality, with small per cent, of shrinkage in dressing. Most of them are spotted 

 black and white, but some you will find nearly black, while others are nearly white, ac- 

 cording to the fancy of the breeder. If fed mostly on nitrogenous foods they will grow 

 to a very large size ; or if early maturity is desired, by good feeding with plenty of corn 

 and skimmed milk, they may be brought to maturity much sooner, often weighing 350 

 to 400 pounds at one year of age. They are not coarse, but a hog of medium size; 

 neither are they as round and chubby as the Yorkshire, but have a much larger per cent, 

 of lean meat and muscle. As to their health, they have proved themselves to be exceed- 

 ingly healthy and rugged ; they endure our winters nicely, as they are a native of a cold 

 climate. They are a quiet, docile animal, about like the Poland-China, which breed 

 they resemble in their general make-up and disposition more than any other of our 

 native breeds, but are stronger and more vigorous. They make excellent mothers. 



"They are an excellent hog to ship, having as they do a short, strong leg, 

 strong heavy loin, and rather short back. Crippled and broken-down hogs are very 

 scarce. They are a good hog to follow cattle, as they are not easily disabled." 



A letter received from Mr. Spear, dated Dec. 22, 1892, states : 



"* * The Gothland Breeding Association has gone out of business, as the 

 cost of importing new swine was so much for the value received that the breeding was 

 dropped." 



This is unfortunate, and but illustrates the fact that it takes not only 

 time but money to introduce any new breed, however meritorious, and 

 obtain for it established recognition. 



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