A MANUAL ON THE HOG. 23 



At the convention of the " National Swine Breeders' 

 Association," held in Indianapolis, November 20, 1872, the 

 following " standard of characteristics " of the thorough- 

 bred Berkshire was adopted : " Color, black, with white on 

 feet, face, tip of tail, and an occasional splash of white on 

 the arm. While a small spot of white on some other parts 

 of the body does not argue an impurity of blood, yet it is 

 to be discouraged, to the end that uniformity of color may 

 be attained by breeders. White upon one ear, or a bronze 

 or copper-spot, on some part of the body, argues no im- 

 purity, but rather a reappearing of original colors. Mark- 

 ings of white other than those named above, are sus- 

 picious, and a pig so marked should be rejected. Face 

 short, fine and well dished, broad between the eyes. Ears 

 generally almost erect, but sometimes inclined forward with 

 advancing age ; small, thin, soft, and showing veins. Jowl- 

 full ; neck short and thick. Shoulder short from neck to 

 middlings ; deep from back down. Back broad and straight, 

 or a very little arched. Ribs long and well sprung, giving 

 .rotundity of body ; short ribs of good length, giving breadth 

 and levelness of loin. Hips good length, from point of 

 hips to rump. Hams thick, round, and deep, holding their 

 thickness well back and down to the hocks. Tail fine and 

 small, set on high up. Legs short anfl fine, but straight 

 and very strong, with hoofs erect, legs set wide apart. 

 Size medium ; length medium ; extremes are to be avoided. 

 Bone fine and compact. Offal very light. Hair fine and 

 soft ; no bristles. Skin pliable," 



Careful observation of these characteristics will protect 

 those purchasing thoroughbred' boars for the purpose of 

 improving their common stock. 



One of the principal merits of the Berkshire breed is the 

 large proportion of lean meat which is well " marbled," or 

 mixed with fat. This is particularly desirable in hogs raised 

 on the farm to be converted into bacon for domestic cqn- 

 sumption. 



The cross of the Berkshire on our common stock gives 



