CHAPTER VI. 



THE POLAND-CHINA BREED. 



Description. — In size the Poland-China is generally ranked 

 as medium, and, as a breed, it would probably hardly aver- 

 age up with the Berkshire, though it cannot be said that 

 there is much difference between the two breeds in point of 

 size. The face is practically straight, and the jowl full and 

 heavy. The ears should be fine and firmly attached, with the 

 tip drooped, the droop taking in about one-third of the length 

 of the ear. Ears that are loosely attached and droop right 

 from the point of attachment are seriously objected to. The 

 shoulder is heavy, and the side, which is somewhat short, is 

 very deep. The back is wide, and the top-line very slightly 

 arched. (Figs. 18 and 19.) 



The hind quarter is heavily fleshed, and the ham should 

 be exceptionally wide and deep. As a rule, the legs are very 

 short, and the bone fine — too fine in some cases. 



Years ago, Poland-Chinas were freely marked with white, 

 but the fashionable color to-day is practically the same as that 

 of the Berkshire, — namely, black, with white on face, feet, 

 and tip of tail. A limited number of small white markings on 

 other parts are not seriously objected to. 



Origin and History. — The Poland-China originated in 

 Butler and Warren counties in Ohio. The Grreat Miami and 

 Little Miami rivers drain the two counties mentioned, and the 

 Miami Valley is a very fertile district. The exact origin of 

 the breed is not altogether clear, and lengthy controversies 

 have occurred regarding certain points connected therewith. 

 It is out of the question to discuss the various theories which 



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