956 THE PEOPLE'S FARM AND STOCK CYCLOPEDIA. 



The breed originated in Chester County, Pennsylvania, from 

 which it takes its name, and probably dates back to an impor- 

 tation made from England in 1818, thus outranking the Berk- 

 shire in the length of time they have been bred in this country. 

 Some have objected to them because they are too large, but as 

 they will fatten readily at any age this does not seem a valid 

 objection. There has been a marked improvement in the breed 

 during the past few years, and the coarseness of bone, head, 

 ears, and hair has been greatly reduced. Among the farmers 

 at the West they have never become popular, as they are thought 

 in this climate and under the Western system of treatment to be 

 subject to skin disease, especially mange. 



The points adopted by the National Convention for this breed 

 are as follows : Head short, broad between the eyes ; ears thin, 

 projecting forward and lap at the point; neck short and thick, 

 body lengthy and deep, broad on back ; hams full and deep ; legs 

 short and well set under for bearing the weight; coat thinish 

 white, straight, and if a little wavy not objectionable; small tail, 

 and no bristles. 



The Essex. The Essex hog is rarely found in the West, 

 and has never been bred to any great extent for pork. It 

 belongs to the small breeds, weighing when mature from two 

 hundred and fifty to two hundred and seventy-five pounds. No 

 hog ever bred in this country can claim greater purity of blood, 

 and perhaps none is more valuable to use for crossing on the 

 larger breeds. 



The merits specially claimed for them are early maturity 

 and excellent quality of flesh. As graziers they are unexcelled 

 by any other breed, and will keep in good breeding condition on 

 grass alone, and will often come from the pastures fat enough 

 for the butcher. They are never affected with mange or any 

 of the skin diseases to which white hogs are subject. Their 

 greatest defect is a delicacy of constitution, causing them to 

 require much care when young, and an excessive aptitude to 

 fatten, which often diminishes the fertility of the sows. 



They are described as follows : " Color, black ; face, short 

 and dishing; ears small, soft, and stand erect when young, but 



