CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE. 



SELECTING THE SHOW HERD. 



The selection of the show herd requires a knowledge 

 of what it takes, when well fitted, to win. One should 

 commence months in advance of the show to make his se- 

 lections, first making up his mind whether or not he wishes 

 to fill all the various classes listed in the premium lists, 

 which are now so made up that the same animals can show 

 throughout the circuit without being required to carry 

 along other animals of various ages from those first se- 

 lected to fill the classes. 



In making the selection for the show herd, commence first 

 by selecting the animals that are required to show in the 

 "Aged Class." 



The aged sow class should be made up of animals that 

 have proven themselves breeders and should show by their 

 appearance that they have been breeders. Let them, how- 

 ever, be well fitted without overdoing and as uniform as 

 possible in type and conformation, with an aged boar of 

 the same general type, showing that he has been a breeder, 

 only of a more masculine appearance, thus making up a 

 desirable herd for the aged class. 



The tusks of the boar should be removed before starting 

 out on the show circuit and should be so closely cut' that no 

 trace of the same could be seen. This should be done both 

 for the safety of the caretaker and those about the show 

 ring. 



Next, select the senior yearlings, a boar and three sows — 

 which should carry as much size, or nearly so as the aged 

 herd, but would naturally be somewhat smoother owing to 

 the difference in age and previous service. Be sure that 

 these are also uniform in type with the aged herd. 



Next select the junior yearlings — a boar and three sows, 

 which are, generally speaking, the sweetest things in the 



