SWINE IN AMERICA. 61 



Mr. Bement of Albany, who has devoted great attention to the 

 rearing and breeding of swine, speaks in the highest terms of praise 

 of the cross between the pure Chinese breed and the original breed 

 of the country, or, " land-shads" as he termed them. He says that 

 the Chinese breed was first introduced about twenty years ago, but 

 that from their size, seldom attaining more than 250 Ibs., and from 

 their delicacy, they were not adapted for " a farmer's hog." But 

 with the just-mentioned cross they become all that could be wished. 

 He thus describes the " improved China hogs :" " In color they are 

 various white, black and white, spotted, and gray and white ; they 

 are longer in the body than the pure Chinese breed ; small in the 

 head and legs; broad in the back; round in the body ; the hams 

 well let down ; skin thin ; and flesh delicate and finely flavored. 

 They are easy keepers, small consumers, quiet in disposition, not 

 given to roam or commit depredations ; and when in condition may 

 be maintained so upon grass only." The Cultivator, vol. ii. 



The best Berkshire breeds, as imported into America, vary some- 

 what in size and appearance ; that from which most of the present 

 stock have been raised was taken to America in 1832. This breed 

 has spread rapidly over the country, and fetches a high price from 

 its peculiar aptitude to fatten. Its prevailing characteristics are a 

 fine head, a dished face, rather upright ears, close shoulders and hams, 

 and a short body ; animals of this kind mature very rapidly, and 

 produce most delicate meat. 



There are now various improved breeds, known for the most part 

 under the names of the improvers, or of the localities in which they 

 are found, arising from crosses of the original American hog with 

 the above-mentioned breeds, or others which may have been im- 

 ported from England and other countries. The establishment of 

 agricultural societies and cattle-shows, has contributed in the New as 

 well as in the Old World to direct the attention of farmers and 

 breeders to all kinds of domesticated animals, and the advantages 

 which have been obtained in swine alone are sufficiently great to 

 prove incentives to increased care and study on the all-important 

 principles of breeding. 



Head, in his journey from Halifax to Upper Canada, again and 

 again alludes to the fine pigs he saw, and the delicious pork with 

 which he was regaled by the settlers he met with in various parts, 

 He says that bears are very fond of pork, for they often get into the 

 farm-yards and carry off a squeaking, struggling victim to regale 

 themselves upon 



INDIANA. 



In Indiana the breed of swine furnishes the principal supply for 

 food and exportation; great quantities of pork being sent to New 

 Orleans, Great- numbers of swine roam in the woods of Indiana, far 



