o SWINE GEORGE E. DAY. 



implies a bold, impressive carriage and general appearance. 

 He is a boar, and he shows it at every point and in every 

 motion. The conformation of the boar is discussed in the 

 chapter dealing with judging swine, but it may be said just 

 here that there should be nothing effeminate about his 

 general conformation. 



Pedigree. A good many people are inclined to look upon 

 pedigree as something distinct from utility. Nothing could 

 be further from the truth. The question is frequently a:?ked : 

 which is of greater importance, individuality or pedigree? 

 The question does not admit of a definite answer, for it is 

 largely a question of degree, but neither is complete without 

 the other ; that is to say, the desirable breeding animal should 

 possess individual merit as well as a good pedigree. If the 

 pedigree of a given animal contains the names of a number 

 of animals noted for the excellence of their progeny from a 

 utility standpoint, then such a pedigree is a strong indication 

 of utility in the animal in question, because the tendency is 

 for "like to produce like." Unfortunately, however, there 

 are always some degenerate offspring from the most noted 

 parents, and to breed from a degenerate merely on account 

 of its pedigree, would not be holding the proper balance 

 between pedigree and individuality. It must be remembered 

 that the immediate ancestors, such as the sire, dam, grand- 

 sire, and granddam, have a greater influence for good or 

 evil than more remote ancestors, and therefore the first two 

 or three generations, or, in other words, the top crosses, 

 should receive special attention in studying a pedigree. 

 The more remote the ancestor, the less important is its 

 influence likely to be. 



SELECTION OF THE SOW. 



Character. In the sow, we look for very different char- 

 acter from that which is desirable in a boar. She should be 

 dignified in her carriage, but there is a femininity about her 

 general appearance and bearing, which indicates a prolific 



