112 BREEDS OF SWINE 
coming popular with the general farmer, and it is perhaps 
hetter suited to the requirements of the cottager, who wishes 
to keep a pig with a minimum outlay for feed. THe does not 
have so many pounds ef pork, but he has a fat log with a 
small outlay. It has never been demonstrated that the Essex 
requires less feed for a pound of gain than other breeds, but 
there is no doubt that it is an economical producer of meat. 
The meat is fine-grained, but excessively fat. 
The Essex is suitable for crossing upon extremely coarse 
breeds, and in the past it played an important part in the 
improvement of other breeds. At present there is less need 
for this sort of work, and the field of usefulness for the Essex 
has been greatly restricted. It is being used, however, for 
improving the Razor-back of the South. 
The Essex is not regarded as prolific, but a great deal 
depends upon how the sows are managed. 
Essex Score Card.—Following is the scale of points adopted 
by the American Essex Association: 
Counts. 
Color=Blaels "iewd aoe oa sfenhente citrate Gee ee a ey anda at's eatatnaten’s 2 
Head—Small, broad, and face dished ....... 0.02... cee ee eee 3 
Ears—Fine, erect, slightly drooping with age ...................05 2 
Jowl—Rall atid: Reati-ce vcs ordoke couwde ge Kee ee sem ede dee ene 1 
Neck—Short, full, well arched.......... 00.0 cece eee cee ee eee ee 3 
Nhowlders—Broad and: deep .s .scccvsawisccdaw neaces cena ee eau ney 7 
ERE GOH FABIAN oe eyaa ak worn a mech aslo tg SMReboiane gemeelbee's Sey gactdas dts 6 
Back—Straight, broad, and INES sates PII 3" AT aM east eAalaet aa eat A Uae a hatin Mae 14 12 
Nides—Deep and full .........------0000- re ene Bo sehoche eae 6 
Ribs Well Sprung osoxs seer ee saa eqs vee gre eea ees Hav ces os terweness 7 
Loin—Broad and: Strong: «ccs ne cts da pea ee Eka ia dee a ee eee S 12 
Plate Well. Vet GOW. as euro sedate se tea mee ee Ei Aee peta eae awe aee 2 
Ham—Broad, full, and deep ....--.. see e eee e tte e cece eee e ene eae 12 
Tail—Medium, fine, and curled .......... 2.0 cece cee eee eee ees 2 
Legs—Fine, straight, and TAPeriny << sis vsasie ees Hee twas aaa eas 3 
