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was the means of greatl}- improving the swine, and thus adding greatly 

 to the wealth of our farmers. Two fair specimen boars of what might 

 be called Suffolk and Yorkshire crossed were entered and received first 

 and second premium at our late Fair in Amherst. 



POLAND CHINA. 



This breed originated in southern Oliio, and was the result of cross- 

 ing several breeds witli the Berkshire as a basis. They are a large 

 hog, and perhaps better suited to the wants of the farmers of the West, 

 rather than those of the East. " This breed is very liardy, profitable 

 to feed, and will (il is claimed) dress 300 pounds at nine or ten 

 months, and if kept growing until eighteen or twenty months will fall 

 little short of 500 or 600 pounds." When well bred they have long, 

 deep bodies, bone medium to large, broad and straight back, good 

 sqvare hams and shoulders, short legs, small head, irregularly spot- 

 tep white and black. At the West this breed fairly divides the honors 

 with the Berkshire. Crossing this breed by the use of pure Berkshire 

 sires gives a most satisfactor}- result in stock for fattening. They are 

 far superior to the full blood Poland China, if early maturity, small 

 bone, little offal and economy of feed is desired. 



THE BERKSHIRE. 



Among the several improved breeds which prominently claim the 

 attention of our farmers, there are none, we think, more deserving of 

 notice than the improved Berkshire. They are an English breed, 

 established many years ago. No pure bloods that we ever tried excel 

 them either for fattening purposes or for crossing on common stock. 

 The Berkshires are thin-haired, but the skin is almost always healthy, 

 smooth and elastic. In size they should be classed as medium, 

 although now and then a specimen develops a size that should be reck- 

 oned with the large. Experience has proved this breed to be very 

 hardy, prolific and excellent foragers. When properly fed the pigs 

 can be made to weigh from 300 to 500 pounds at a year old. The 

 young pigs are thrifty, grow very rapidly, and are eas}' to fatten at 

 any age. Their hams are celebrated as the finest in the world. The 



