Breeds of Hogs 429 



prolificacy of the sows. The pigs are fine rustlers and com- 

 pare favorably with any breed in their ability to make 

 rapid gains. Judged by lard-type standards, the pigs do 

 not fatten early, but when the Yorkshire is crossed with 

 any of the lard breeds the pigs admirably suit the require- 

 ments of the corn-belt feeder and packer. To profit by 

 the pig-producing ability of the breed, boars of the lard 

 breeds should be crossed on Yorkshire sows. A careful 

 study of present show-ring standards disclosed the in- 

 teresting fact that most of the lard breeds seem to be 

 tending somewhat in the direction of Yorkshire type, 

 which is not to be considered as altogether to their dis- 

 credit. 



THE TAMWORTH (PLATE Xl) 



Although the Tamworth is regarded as one of the oldest 

 English varieties, little is known regarding its early history 

 and development. The stock from which the breed orig- 

 inated is described as having been of a dark-red color, 

 very lean and active, slow to mature, with very long legs 

 and snouts, and shallow bodies. This type of hog was 

 common in central England at an early date, especially 

 in Staffordshire where the breed is supposed to have had 

 its early development. The breed seems to have been 

 slow in winning general popularity in England, and it 

 was not until about 1880 that its present characteristics 

 became fixed by selection. The Royal Agricultural Society 

 did not give the breed a separate show classification until 

 1885. 



The first pigs of this breed to be imported into America 

 were brought into Ohio in 1882, but they were not destined 

 to win any general popularity in this country. At about 

 the same time Canadian importations were made and 



