ON AGRICULTURE TO CANADA 115 



starting of feeding-stations at various elevator centres where the 

 light grain and refuse is used successfully as a feeding stuff. 



Pigs 



The number of pigs according to the last census taken in 1901 

 was 2,353,828. This is an increase over the previous decade of 

 600,000, and is double the number recorded in 1881. In 1908 the 

 number of pigs in Canada, exclusive of British Columbia, was 

 officially estimated at 3,369,858. 



The three leading breeds are — Large Yorkshire, Berkshire, 

 and Tarn worth. The Yorkshire is the most numerous and 

 popular. In some districts, however, the Tamworth finds many 

 supporters. Other five breeds held to a less extent are the 

 Poland-China, the Essex, the Hampshire — a modern United States 

 breed — the Durocs, and the Chester. The two latter breeds and 

 the Poland-China are peculiar to the North American Continent. 

 The Duroc is a red hog of the heavy class. It is a hardy variety 

 of great growth with a neat carcase and medium-sized bones. 

 The ears lop down over the eyes. Its disposition is remarkably 

 gentle and docile. The Chester is a pure white with a thin skin. 

 Its snout is comparatively long and its ears are drooping. Its 

 flesh is of superior grain. The Poland-China originated in the 

 State of Ohio. It is black in colour, and comes from a cross 

 between the Berkshire, the Big China, and some others. These 

 three native breeds are more adapted for meat-making hogs, 

 and do not find favour with those engaged in the bacon trade. 

 Very many crosses of these breeds are existent. The most 

 common one, however, is that of the Yorkshire, with either the 

 Berkshire or the Tamworth. For this grade it is claimed that size 

 and quality is secured together with a fitness for " roughing " that 

 the pure-breeds do not possess. 



About sixteen years ago it was found on looking into the question 

 of hog-feeding in Canada that the United States possessed an 

 advantage in the production of the thick fat hog on account of the 

 great supply it had available of blue grass, clover, and of Indian 

 corn " shed " at shearing time in the fields. This caused inquiry 

 to be made as to what market was open to the class of hog Canada 

 could best produce. It was found Britain had an opening for prime 

 lean bacon of the fine grade known as " Wiltshire side." On this 

 brand packers and feeders at once focussed their attention. Britain 

 now receives from Canada a supply of nearly ninety-two million lbs. 

 per annum. 



Where it was necessary to support private enterprise the Pro- 

 vincial Governments gave material assistance by the purchase of 

 pure-bred stock. These, when imported, were sold to breeders by 

 imreserved auction. The Government also assisted the movement, 

 and still continue to assist it by carrying out feeding trials at the 

 various experimental farms, by the publication of literature, by 

 practical demonstrations, and by the instituting of " Block Tests " 

 at several fairs or exhibitions. The housing of the hog also has 



