204 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



shows are not now graced bj such imperial hogs as that which 

 was once exhibited bj Mr. John Alley, 3d, of Lynn, weighing 

 some 1,200 pounds, neither do we enjoy succulent young pork- 

 ers at our annual repasts. Kerosene has superseded lard oil, or 

 it miglit be thought that Essex County farmers are making light 

 of their hog crop. 



Ben Perley Poore, Chairman. 



BRISTOL CENTRAL. 



From the Report of the Committee. 



Perhaps no branch of agricultural interest is more neglected 

 than this, on account of the general impression that it is a profit- 

 less pursuit, only so far as the wants of the family are concerned. 

 Farmers are not so particular to get a good breed of hogs as 

 they should be. Almost any pig that goes on four legs, has a 

 long nose, legs like a sheep, and can squeal well, is regarded 

 good for pork-making purposes. The consequence is, little 

 attention is given to the breed of pigs kept or the manner of 

 keeping them, only so far as to give them the least possible 

 attention. There are a number of breeds, and each one has 

 its admirers and advocates ; but we are satisfied that a hog 

 with good points, be the breed what it may, seldom fails of 

 paying well for his corn. It cannot have failed of being noticed 

 that a hog with a short nose, small head, fine bone, full hams 

 and shoulders, wide between the eyes, is all right everywhere 

 else and is an easy and quiet feeder. 



I have found the genuine Chester County pig to be as good 

 as any I have ever seen, their size, docility and aptitude to fat- 

 ten at any age being remarkable ; but many are sold under that 

 name that have not a drop of the pure blood in them. Many 

 are bred from too early, before they have arrived at maturity, 

 thus diminisliing their size, lessening their vitality. No sow 

 should have her first litter before she is one year old, and no 

 boar should be used before he is nine months old, and then 

 very sparingly. This would give them a chance to arrive at 

 maturity, be more fully developed, and their offspring be much 

 more vigorous. Tliey should have a clean, dry, airy place to 

 sleep in, and if allowed the run of a grass lot or an old orchard 

 so much tlie better for them and their owner. With such treat- 



