262 Animal Husbandry 
The Poland China meat has been subject to criticism because of 
the rather large amount of external fat, although the American 
Fic. 106.— The Poland China. Lard type. 
trade does net object to this, and the price is the same as for other 
breeds (Fig. 106). 
419. Berkshire lard-hog. — This breed was developed in Eng- 
land, notably in the counties of Berkshire and Wilts. Little is 
known of the origin, although Berkshire has long been known as 
_ aswine-raising county. The old Berkshire was very much coarser 
than the present type, and possessed lopped ears. The color was 
a sandy or reddish brown, spotted with black. Even in its unim- 
proved state, the Berkshire hog had a reputation for producing 
a good quality of meat. 
The early improvement of the Berkshire was due to the use of 
Chinese, Siamese, and Neapolitan blood. These crosses served to 
lessen the size and to improve the coarseness of the old Berkshire, 
so as to render it more suited to the demand which has arisen for 
small and delicate pork. The more prominent of the early breeders 
were Richard Astley and Lord Barrington. Later William Hewer 
of Sevenhampton, Wiltshire, was a leading breeder. The breed 
owes its present improvement to selection and care on the part of 
Berkshire breeders generally, American as well as English. 
