Breeds of Swine 267 
426. Hampshire compared with Poland China. — These breeds 
can readily be distinguished by the characteristic color markings 
of the Hampshire, which is black with a white belt around the 
body at the girth. The head of the Hampshire is of good length, 
with the face straight ; the ears, though erect, incline slightly for- 
ward and the body lacks the breadth, depth, and length of the 
Poland China. This is due in part at least to the fact that the 
Hampshire was formerly classed as a bacon-hog. During recent 
_years, its success in the pure lard classes warrants classifying it as a 
pure lard-hog. The statement is made that the quality of the meat 
is not surpassed by any other of the pure lard breeds (Fig. 110). 
427. Essex lard-hog. — This breed was developed in Essex 
County, England, where there formerly existed a rather small, 
roach-backed, flat-ribbed, slow-maturing hog of a nervous dis- 
position. Improvement was begun by Lord Western, who, in 1830, 
imported a pair of black Neapolitans from Italy to Essex County, 
England. This Neapolitan cross gave most satisfactory results. 
Berkshire and Black Suffolk blood was also used. Later, Fisher 
Hobbes, a tenant of Lord Western, became interested in the breed 
and did much to improve the Essex. In England, the Essex is 
often spoken of as Small Black or Black Suffolk. 
428. Essex compared with Poland China. — The former is much 
smaller than the latter, and possesses certain very distinguishing 
features. The color is entirely black. The head is short, the 
face slightly dished, while the ears are small, fine, and carried erect. 
The Essex is a short, thick, deep, chunky type of pig, with short, 
fine-boned legs. The meat is fine and of good flavor, but possesses 
a tendency to excessive fatness. 
429. Small Yorkshire lard-hog. — This breed was developed in 
England, where it is known as Small White; the name Small York- 
shire being of American origin. The breed is thought to be of 
Chinese origin, though different at present from the early Chinese 
type. As early as 1818, Robert Collings and Charles Mason, both 
Shorthorn breeders, interested themselves in the improvement of 
