1858.] SENATE— No. 4. 129 



No. 5. — Sow, two years old, owned by Joseph Kittredge, North Audover. 

 6. — Sow, one year old, owned by Joseph Kittredge, North Andover. 

 7. — Sow, two years old and over, owned by O. Clark, Boston. 

 8. — Boar, two years old, Suffolk, owned by J. Kittredge, North Andover. 

 9. — Sow, two years old, Suirdk, owned by J. Kittredge, North Andover. 

 10. — Boar, one year old, Essex, owned by David Wilder, North Bridge- 

 water. 

 11. — Two sows, one year old and over, Essex, owned by O. Clark, Boston. 



The committee oii small breed of swine made the following 



REPORT: 



The entries were made by six exLiibitors of twelve animals. Of 

 the first grade, were two boars and five sows of the Suffolk breed. 

 Of the second grade, were one boar and two sows of the Improved 

 Essex breed, and one boar and one sow of the Sufi'olk. All these 

 animals were represented to be of pure blood, and nearly all were of 

 superior character. They were all kept for breeders ; and the decis- 

 ions of the committee were made with reference to this fact. The 

 SufFolks, with one exception, as to color, were entirely white, well 

 proportioned in frame, and docile and quiet in disposition. With 

 individual peculiarities, they had thin skins, fine hair, short legs, 

 small bones, neat limbs, short snouts, and broad, straight backs. 

 They had been raised and kept on cheap food, and exhibited suffi- 

 cient proof of what we deem essential to the thrift and health of the 

 hog, — a close regard, on the part of his owner, to his cleanliness and 

 comfort. The usual tendency of this breed to fatten more easily than 

 is desirable in breeding animals, had been wisely checked by mod- 

 erate feeding ; and with several of them, by pasturing during the 

 warm season ; a practice, Ave regard as of great utility in other re- 

 spects, besides economy of feeding. It aS'ords room for exercise, the 

 advantage of better air and light, and contributes to form muscle 

 and give due proportion to the frame. 



The Improved Essex boar, though smaller than the Suffolks, pos- 

 sesses many of their best characteristics and is a superior animal of 

 its class. It is well formed, with round body, thin hair, small bones 

 and neat limbs, is perfectly docile, and disposed to fatten readily. 

 The color of this breed may be objectionable, in the opinion of some 

 farmers, but its flesh is found to be exceedingly delicate and well 

 flavored. It is said to be almost exempt from cutaneous disease, 

 which is a strong recommendation ; and it will prove, we think, val- 

 uable, both as a distinct breed and for crossing with others. 



Without extending this report, as we may do hereafter, we proceed 

 to award the premiums, at our disposal, as follows : — 

 17* 



