THE FAT OR LARD BREEDS OF SWINE 439 
CHESHIRE SWINE. Fig. 90. 
By G. E. Day 
537. Cheshire swine are a breed of American origin, 
and may be classed under the fat-hog type. They have 
not attained much popularity outside of a restricted area 
in New York state. 
538. History. — The Cheshire originated in Jefferson 
county, New York, and dates from about 1855. J. H. 
Sanders, of Chicago, who bred Cheshires for some years, 
stated in a letter to F D. Coburn, that he considered the 
Cheshire to be ‘simply a derivative of the Yorkshire.” 
The Yorkshire was brought into Jefferson county and 
used on the white pigs of the district. Early in the sixties 
hogs of this breed were shown at the agricultural fairs, 
where they attained some popularity. The Swine Breeders’ 
convention, in a meeting at Indianapolis, Indiana, in 
1872, adopted the name Cheshire for the breed. It is 
thought that Suffolk blood was also used in the combina- 
tion, which eventually resulted in the Cheshire. 
539. Description. — The Cheshire is about medium in 
size, but some specimens attain heavy weights. It 
is said that the Cheshire 
weighs well for its appear- 
ance, and is a heavier breed 
than is generally supposed. 
Although the body is not 
noted for depth, it gener- 
ally has good length, and 
the shoulders and hams are 
usually well developed. The face is slightly dished, and 
the ear rather small and erect. The bone is fine and 
Fria. 90.— Cheshire barrow. 
