8WINE breeders' ASSOCIATION. 411 



EVENING SESSION. 



Convention met at 7 o'clock, President Thomas in the chair. 

 H. McCord read the following paper : 



CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CHESTER WHITES. 



BY H. m'cORD. 



In speaking on the characteristics of this breed of swine, it is hardly necessary 

 for me to call your attention to their color, which is white. And such color and 

 an occasional blue spot upon th^ skin are the first distinguishing features of a 

 Chester White to be noticed. As to their make-up, I will describe them as having 

 long bodies, deep and broad chest, large and full head in proportion to the body, 

 with small ear, and face nicely dished. The limbs are of medium size, nnd such as 

 will carry their bodies at any age or weight. Early maturity and unexcelled feed- 

 ers are special characteristics of this breed to an extent which no other breed can 

 surpass. But, bear in mind that "all white hogs are not eligible to the name 

 Chester White." The country is dotted with white hogs, many of which have but 

 one feature of a true Chester, and that is color. Inferior animals, in the hands of 

 unwise and dishonest breeders, have, in some way in the past, detracted from the 

 honorable reputation of this breed to a certain extent. But this will not be in the 

 future. Color must be backed by the proper make-up, including a good quiet dis- 

 position, and the requisite qualities of breeding, feeding, and maturity, in order to 

 be recognized as a representative of this breed of swine. 



The Ciiesters are good breeders, young sow's litters ranging from six to eight 

 and old sow's from eight to ten. As sucklers and mothers they have a world-re- 

 nowned reputation, and as marketable hogs they sell in advance of colored breeds. 

 The average weight of the Chester at maturity ranges from 500 to 800 lbs. 



Health. — I am aware that such charges as scurvy, skin disease, weak constitu- 

 tion, and many others equally false have been hurled at the Chester with a view to 

 injure his reputation. But a bit of experience with him always convinces the 

 owner of the contrary. In my experience, I have found the Chester White to be 

 as healthy a hog as could be desired. I have never had a case of thumjs in my 

 herd. 



The Chester White makes one request, which the committee on premium list 

 should not slight: Don't class him with large or other breeds, but call him Chester 

 White. 



