524 THE PIG 



crossing or grading in the herds of England. It is a well-estab- 

 lished fact that the Essex used on the coarser, rougher type 

 imparts quality and early maturity. 



The fecundity of the Essex pig became impaired by its exces- 

 sive development in fat production, a criticism made against the 

 breed years ago. Mr. Smith, already quoted, says that his pigs, 

 when properly managed, are very prolific, fifteen or sixteen being 

 frequently in a litter, although ten to eleven is a fair number. 

 The breed, however, does not stand high in this respect, being 

 ranked below the Berkshire. As nurses the Essex sows are 

 regarded as simply medium, not as a rule yielding an abundance 

 of milk. The fecundity of individuals and their capacity to nurse 

 young will depend in a measure on the character of food fed and 

 condition of body. 



Organizations to promote Essex swine exist in America and 

 England. The American Essex Association was organized in 

 1887 and has a small following. It has published two volumes 

 of the herdbook and has registered about 1500 animals in these 

 volumes. In England the National Pig Breeders' Association 

 officially represents the breed. 



The distribution of Essex pigs is quite widespread. They are 

 found in England in a small way in various counties, notably in 

 Essex and Suffolk. They have also been exported to France 

 and other European countries and to Canada and Australia. In 

 the United States a few herds are found in Michigan, Indiana, 

 Texas, Nebraska, Alabama, Ohio, and elsewhere. The breed 

 has met with favor in the South. 



