550 THE PIG 



young ones. It is this renovating quality of fecundity which has 

 furnished important arguments for Tamworth breeders in behalf 

 of the breed. The sows make good mothers and produce an 

 abundance of milk, as might be anticipated with this type. 



The Tamworth as a grazing pig or rustler has a distinct place. 

 It was for this reason that the breed was originally highly valued, 

 and this quality still obtains. The pigs are hardy and naturally 

 adapt themselves to pasture and clover or rape. Such feeding 

 is essentially better for producing bacon than fat meat. 



Criticisms of the Tamworth. Several characteristics of the 

 Tamworth have invoked much criticism in America. The long 

 head, narrow back, and long legs are not looked on with favor 

 by American breeders. The great mass of American stockmen 

 will not accept this type, and do not think it a profitable feeder 

 or desirable sort. Unquestionably it will not feed as satisfactorily 

 for us as will our more acceptable breeds, and from past experi- 

 ence the general evidence shows that the buyer will not pay as 

 much for these pigs as for the common type of the country. 

 It is undoubtedly true that the Tamworth is more prolific and 

 produces a better quality of bacon, but it is not yet demonstrated 

 in the United States that this is a pig the market wants on 

 a serious basis. In 1898, in letters to the Kansas Board of 

 Agriculture, Armour & Company stated that there was no special 

 demand for bacon hogs, while Swift & Company said there was 

 a growing demand, Berkshires being preferred. 



The distribution of the Tamworth is very limited. The breed 

 is kept in a small way in England, and the same applies to Canada 

 and the United States. Specimens are not commonly shown at 

 the important stock shows of England or in this country. The 

 principal herds in America are found in Ontario, Canada, and in 

 Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa in the United States. 



Organizations to promote Tamworths exist in England in the 

 authority of the National Pig Breeders' Association of Great 

 Britain, and in America in the American Tamworth Swine 

 Record Association, the latter being organized in Michigan in 

 1897. The American Association has thus far published one 

 record. The Dominion Swine Breeders' Association of Canada 

 also registers this breed under government supervision. 



