NORFOLK SOCIETY. 297 



I WINE. 



The committee feel that it will not be stating too strongly 

 by saying, that in their opinion, the show of swine was one of 

 the most attractive features of the whole exhibition ; that it 

 was such a show as would do honor to a society of older 

 growth than the Norfolk county, and one which justly entitles 

 our society to as high, if not the highest rank, in this depart- 

 ment of stock, of any in the State. 



It was with difficulty that the committee were enabled to 

 determine who of all the competitors, were most entitled to the 

 society's premiums. Indeed, so hard was it to discriminate, 

 that the committee have felt obliged to recommend a large 

 number of gratuities, and would gladly have awarded more, 

 had they been at their disposal. 



The interest manifested in the improvement of the breed of 

 swine is truly commendable ; an interest which seems to per- 

 vade the whole county, — but particularly the middle and west- 

 ern portion, from which were some of the most deserving speci- 

 mens. And why should there not be an interest in the im- 

 provement of that species of stock, so generally owned by the 

 whole people, (for almost every body keeps a pig,) and the 

 product of which is of so much use and consequence in every 

 household ? and when it is considered too, that upon this im- 

 provement so much depends, as to the cost and amount of 

 product for with the same quantity of food, a good selected 

 breed will yield nearly double the amount of pork, over others 

 of a poorer breed, it would seem desirable that every one 

 should be extremely careful in his selection. 



The Suffolk, Essex, and Middlesex, are among the foremost 

 in the catalogue. But one of the great secrets of success is be- 

 lieved to consist in a good cross in breeding. There seems to 

 be a variety of opinions as to which are the best of the kinds 

 mentioned. The Suffolk is undoubtedly a favorite, although 

 it is believed that a cross with the Essex, is an improvement. 

 The Essex is said to be capable of a larger growth than either 

 of the others. The imported Essex boar presented for exhibi- 

 tion by E. King, of Dorchester, to whom was awarded the 

 38 



