948 CYCLOPEDIA OF LIVE STOCK AND COMPLETE STOCK DOCTOR. 



belly horizontal on the lower line; hind-quarters higher than the fore, 

 but not very much so; legs very fine, the bones and joints being smaller 

 than those of any other breed; hams and shoulders well developed and 



GROUP BERKSHIRE SWINE. 



meaty; tail fine, eurled, flat at the extremity, and fringed with hair on 

 each side ; general color slaty, or bluish plum color, with a cast of cop- 

 pery red ; skin soft and fine, nearly free from hair, which, when found 

 upon the sides of the head and behind the forelegs, is black and soft, and 

 rather long ; flesh firm and elastic to the touch. 



IV. The Hog of India. 



These swine hold the same relation to the Neapolitan that the Chinese 

 do to the improved breeds of white swine. They are undoubtedly an- 

 cestors of the Neapolitan breed. The hog of India, of which the Sia- 

 mese hog may be said to have been a representative, Avas in color from a 

 jet black to a dark slate, or rich plum color, of medium size, quick to ma- 

 ture ; very fine in all points, with short, small legs and head ; thin jowls, a 

 dished face, slender, erect ears; broad, deep, compact body, well rib 

 bed, heavy hams and shoulders ; slender tail, skin thin, but firm and 

 elastic to the touch. 



V. English Breeds—The Berkshire. 



The Berkshire is among swine what the thoroughbred is among horses — a 

 type of perfect breeding. The Berkshircs are noted for their fine bone, 

 great muscularity, firm flesh, and excellent hams and shoulders. Their 

 conutitutions are most excellent, and they are among the best of the im- 

 proved breeds as gleaners after fattening cattle. They require some- 

 what more feed in proportion to their weight than some of the breeds 

 abounding in lard and other fat ; but this is compensated for in the greater 

 proportion of lean meat and its excellent distribution. 



