478 JUDGING FARM ANIMALS 



are sometimes raised more or less erect in time of anger 

 or excitement. The bristles are often very coarse and long 

 especially on boars of large size that show much masculinity. 

 The finer, softer hair is found along the sides of the body. 

 There is considerable range of difference in the character of 

 the hair, even in case of the same breed. Some individuals 

 have coats of curly hair, but this is not popular among 

 producers of pure-bred swine, the straight, smooth coat be- 

 ing preferred. Occasionally on a hog, the hair on the back, 

 at some spot not over two or three inches in diameter, will 

 be more or less awry or twisted, forming what is known as 

 a swirl among stockmen. While the swirl is of no special 

 significance, breeders of pure-bred stock discriminate 

 against it, and sell animals having this peculiarity for less 

 money than they otherwise would. The hair about the 

 head is also often coarse, short and wiry. 



