CHAPTER LXVII 



THE POLAND-CHINA 



The locality in which the Poland-China pig originated is in 

 Butler and Warren counties in southwestern Ohio. This is an 

 undulating region with a prevailing clay-loam soil, excepting in 

 the river bottom. The Great Miami flows through Butler 

 County, the valley of which is twelve miles wide and very fertile. 

 The Little Miami River drains the greater part of Warren 

 County. Corn, wheat, oats, grass, and clover are grown exten- 

 sively in these two counties, which cover about 850 square 

 miles. Hamilton County, Ohio, and Union and Wayne coun- 

 ties in Indiana were also associated with early Poland-China 

 development. All these five counties are grouped together. The 

 climate is fairly temperate both summer and winter, typical of 

 the central West, east of the Mississippi. 



The origin of the Poland-China pig is not clearly understood. 

 In the past considerable discussion has taken place concerning 

 the accuracy of statement of various persons regarding the blood 

 used in the early days of the formation of the breed. Radical 

 difference of opinion has existed on this point. In important 

 essentials the history of the establishment of the breed is very 

 well understood. 



The early breeds or types of swine of the Miami Valley were 

 known as the Warren County pig, the Russian, Byfield, Big 

 China, Irish Grazier, and Berkshire. Each of these and perhaps 

 others assisted in forming the Poland-China breed. Previous to 

 1816 two breeds were known in the Miami Valley, the Russian 

 or Russia and the Byfield. 



The Russian pig is described as generally white, with long, 

 coarse hair, a long and coarse head, with a narrower ear than 

 the common pigs of the region had. The breed possessed a 

 superior length and height, the bone was large and fine, and 



484 



