424 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 
513. Uses of Poland-China hogs. — The Poland-China 
has been developed especially to meet the market demand 
for a fat or lard hog. Its heavy shoulder, wide back and 
heavily developed hams render it an exceptionally good 
yielder from the packer’s standpoint. 
The quality of the meat produced by the Poland-China 
has frequently been criticised because of its large propor- 
tion of fat to lean. The development of a tendency to 
produce lean along with fat has been largely overlooked 
in bringing this breed to its present stage of perfection 
from a feeder’s standpoint, but it appears to meet the 
demands of the American packer, and he is willing to pay 
top market price for it. 
In early maturity, that is, in ability to produce a finished 
fat carcass for the packer at an early age, the Poland- 
China is unexcelled. It has been bred for early maturity 
for generations, and has attained an enviable reputation 
in this connection. 
As a feeder, the Poland-China is a favorite with corn- 
belt farmers. The breed has been developed on corn- 
feeding, and seems to thrive on an exclusive corn ration 
better than many other breeds. In a colder climate, and 
on a mixed ration, the Poland-China might not show to so 
good advantage as some other breeds, but for the purpose 
of turning corn into pork, it is difficult to beat. The 
Poland-China has also demonstrated its usefulness as a 
grass hog, making good gains on pasture with a light grain 
ration. Experiments with breeds of swine have resulted 
differently at different stations, and it would seem that 
economy of production is more a question of individuality 
than of breed. Their exceptional tendency to fatten ren- 
ders animals of this breed especially valuable for crossing 
purposes, and the Poland-China is highly esteemed for 
