Breeds of Swine 261 
early improvement. The chief strains used were the Russian, 
Byfield, Big China, Irish Gragier, and the Berkshire. Besides the 
Warren County hog, previous to 1816, two strains were known in 
the Miami valley, the Russian and the Byfield. When these were 
imported is not known. 
The Russian hog is described as possessing superior length and 
height, with rather large but fine bone, and quiet temperament. 
The color was white, and the hair long and coarse. 
The Byfield hog was of two types, one rather large, with long, 
flat ribs and lopped ears; the other, more refined, with ears point- 
ing forward. Both types were white in color. 
The Big China hog was introduced into Butler County in 1816. 
John Wallace, a trustee of the Shakers’ Society of Union Village, 
shipped one boar and three sows from Philadelphia. The members 
of the Shakers’ Society did much toward developing the Poland 
China. 
The Berkshire hog was introduced to the Miami valley in 1835. 
Munson Beach of Lebanon shipped some hogs of this breed from 
New York State. The Berkshire improved the symmetry and 
increased the early-maturing quality. It also gave the black 
color to the Warren County hog. 
The Irish Gragier hog was imported to Warren County from 
Ireland, in the fall of 1839, by William Neff. The Neff stock is 
described as possessing considerable size, a long body with superior 
back, very fine hams, and white color. It is stated that no 
foreign blood has been used in the development of the Poland China 
since 1845. The modern Poland China hog owes its excellence to 
selection, judicious mating, and better care on the part of breeders 
generally. 
418. Description of Poland China hog. — The color is black, 
with six white points—white in the face, on the feet, and tip of the 
tail. The head is of medium length, and the face straight. The 
cheeks are full; the ears drooping; the body broad and deep, but 
with a curved back and low rump; superior hams, and short legs. 
