526 JUDGING FARM ANIMALS 



is of medium class, although some large examples have 

 been produced. Boars sometimes attain 600 pounds weight, 

 although this is not often the case. Mature breeding males 

 will usually weigh from 400 to 500 pounds and females 

 from 350 to 400 pounds. A standard weight for boars or 

 sows at twelve months is 300 pounds. The head of the 

 Hampshire is moderately long and straight, of just fair 

 width, and with more or less erect ears that point slightly 

 forward. The shoulders tend to be smooth and well laid 



Fig. 289. "The Hampshire is a black breed with a white belt about 



the body." 



in, the back of only medium width, yet well supported. The 

 rump often lacks in width, but shows ample length, and 

 the hams are of medium thickness only, the twist often 

 showing a shallow development. Hampshire pigs may show 

 notable smoothness of body and be lacking in depth of rib, 

 compared with the more prominent lard type breeds. Form- 

 erly, the Hampshire inclined to be somewhat leggy, but 

 present day type pigs of the breed are not subject to special 

 criticism in this regard. In a general way, the Hampshire 

 is a very trim, active breed of hogs, that produces excellent 

 meat. In recent years it has grown greatly in popularity 

 in the middle western states. 



