CHAPTER VII. 

 DEVELOPMENT OF THE BREEDS. 



The characteristics of a breed are determined by the 

 foundation stock and by the methods adopted in its de- 

 velopment, which includes variation and selection, feed, 

 care, environment, etc. 



THE TAMWORTH. 



The Tamworth apparently is the closest relative of the 

 European wild boar, the Sus Scrofa. It is said to have 

 originated as a breed in Ireland and was brought to Eng- 

 land about 1812 by Sir Robert Pell, secretary to Ireland 

 at that time. Judging from the characteristics of the 

 Tamworth as discussed in Chapter 3, it is quite evident 

 that this breed is a direct descendant of the wild boar. 

 History relates that no crosses were made with other 

 breeds. It was developed by selection, feed and care. 

 Between 1847 and 1880 the breed was practically obscured 

 because there was no particular demand for a hog of this 

 type, but at the latter date a demand for English bacon 

 was developed and the Tamworth hog, being especially 

 well adapted to this purpose, was again brought forth. 

 Thus it would seem that the Tamworth, in its present 

 state of development, is a recent hog which at the same 

 time contains many characteristics of the wild boar. It 

 has size, constitution, ruggedness, strength, vitality and 

 activity all combined. During the latter period of de- 

 velopment also the Tamworth was kept entirely pure. 

 Thus the entire history of the Tamworth is one of de- 



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