MARKETS AND SWINE PRODUCTS 275 
market. Though the general trend of the market is towards 
lighter weights, it not infrequently happens that prime heavy 
hogs command a premium over other sorts, especially when the 
lard market is strong. ‘ Clear backs” and “ clear bellies,” 
which are entirely composed of fat, come from this class of 
hogs, though it is difficult to establish any definite relation 
between the live hog and its product, owing to the fact that the 
Fie. 63.—'' Prime medium butchers,” weight 220 to 280 pounds, very smooth and 
highly finished. ‘Light butchers’’ are of the sarne general type but lighter, 180 to 220 
pounds. Butcher hogs are commonly used for the fresh meat trade. Prime butcher hogs 
represent the highest quality of fat hog. (Photo. from Illinois Experiment Station.) 
packer must shape his course largely to suit market demands, 
and these vary from time to time. 
“ Butcher” hogs (Figs. 68 and 64) may vary in weight 
from 180 to 350 pounds. This class may be subdivided as 
follows: Heavy butchers, 280 to 350 pounds; medium butchers, 
220 to 280 pounds; light butchers, 180 to 220 pounds. The 
heavy butchers are also graded into “ prime” and “ good,” and 
the medium and light butchers each into “ prime,” “ good,” 
and “common.” The Chicago market report referred to has 
lumped all the butcher hogs together. Butcher hogs are prin- 
