36 SOUTHERN PORK PRODUCTION 



have one aim — to secure that type. If one is selecting an 

 ideal grazing type of hog, he must know what constitutes 

 an ideal grazer. In breeding for a special type, ancestry 

 must be gi\-en due consideration. Individuals possessing 

 the desired type, but with different ancestry, may give 

 the desired results. On the other hand, the selection of 

 individuals with ancestry conforming to the desired type, 

 and as nearly similar in characteristics as possible, might 

 accomplish results quicker. Less variation in type is apt 

 to result when ancestry of similar characteristics are used, 

 and the desired type may be fixed in the offspring much 

 quicker than where the types involved in the offspring 

 varied greatly. 



Type. — Type is a generic term applied to those groups 

 of swine of similar size, conformation and utility. These 

 various types have been evolved to meet certain demands 

 for swine, with certain qualifications. The result is that 

 each breed has its own special peculiarities which are not 

 found in the individuals of other breeds in the same pro- 

 portions. These characters grouped together are re- 

 ferred to as "breed type." In a general way the several 

 breeds of swine, therefore, are naturally classed or 

 grouped into certain classes, dependent upon their char- 

 acteristics. Thus we have the lard type of swine, in 

 which there are several breeds. These swine have strong 

 propensities for fattening, and their carcasses yield a 

 large amount of fat or lard. In the same way we have the 

 bacon types of swine, which are inclined to make lean 

 meat rather than fat. 



Breed for utility. — All breeding for improvement must 

 be based upon utilitarian lines in order to be justifiable. 

 This is the prime requisite for a successful breeder, and 



