52 BREEDS OF SWINE 
The Berkshire ranks with the best as an economical 
producer of pork. Probably it will never be known which 
breed is capable of making the cheapest gain, but it is safe 
to say that the Berkshire will produce pork as cheaply as 
any other breed. 
The flesh of the Berkshire is of excellent quality and carries 
a large proportion of lean to fat. Investigations regarding 
the quality of meat from different breeds generally agree in 
giving the Berkshire a high place. 
Berkshire sows of the more lengthy type are prolific and 
generally make good mothers; but the extremely fine, short 
type of sow seldom produces such large litters. The boars 
are prepotent, and cross well with almost any other breed, 
as well as being useful for improving common stock. 
Berkshire Score Card.—Following is the standard of ex- 
cellence adopted by the American Berkshire Association : 
Counts. 
Color—Black, with white on feet, face, tip of tail, and an occasional 
splash: On the aft micccnansdsd te ricsanyier ee tncasmdane ace cece 4 
Face and Snout—Short; the former fine and well dished, and broad 
between ‘the eyes: 2c scauennsaa edi sat ae dea dey ssa eee see tese 
Eye—Very clear, rather large, dark hazel or gray................... 
Ear—Generally almost erect, but sometimes inclined forward with 
advancing age; mediwm size, thin and soft.................... 
Jowl—Full and heavy, running well back on neck 
Neck—Short and broad on top ....... 0.0.0 cc eee ee ete eeeeees 
Hair—Fine and soft; medium thickness 
Shkin—Smooth and pliable .......... 0... eee eee 
Shoulder—Thick and even, broad on top, and deep through chest...... 
Back—Broad, short, and straight; ribs well sprung, coupling close to 
HIPS: saghncs Seana ick each oe al ee RES Bean Bee ye ke dam duet 8 
to =F 
aeRO PR PR 
Side—Deep and well let down; straight on bottom lines............ 6 
Flank—Well back and low down on leg, making nearly straight line 
with the lower ‘part of side... i... cee cag cee ces ew ieee n ed ees 5 
Foeim— Lull and wide a2 wc. ee detewssetee hee sedd vous us ate dae ee OS 9 
Ham—Deep and thick, extending well up on back and holding thick- 
ness well down to hock .............446 sai aaa aie Se Ree 10 
