52 SOUTHERN PORK PRODUCTION 



average expectations. Any statement as to the number 

 would be purely an estimate, but the number is no less 

 than fifty. This large number results from the fact that 

 frequently a community will develop a breed that is of 

 purely local distribution. Very frequently these breeds 

 have considerable merit, but owing to geographical iso- 

 lation their distribution may remain limited for years, or 

 until the breed is finally absorbed. It is these kinds of 

 breeds that are so numerous, and in most instances the 

 division line between local breeds and native swine would 

 be obscure. The number of well-known breeds that have 

 a wide distribution is not more than a dozen. Among 

 these the Poland-China, Duroc-Jersey, Berkshire, Hamp- 

 shire, Large Yorkshire, Small Yorkshire, Essex, O. I. C, 

 Chester White and Tamworth are important. 



The breeds and their principal characteristics. — In the 



old-established breeds, color, conformation, habits and 

 the like need to be considered when determining their 

 adaptabilit}' to one's requirements. Sometimes active 

 rustlers are needed : again, quiet, home-staying, depend- 

 ent hogs are best. In some instances quick-maturing 

 hogs are needed, and in other instances a slower-matur- 

 ing kind may more nearly meet one's needs. Some 

 breeds will not fatten well until they are nearly grown. 

 Others will fatten at any time enough feed is given. All 

 breeds have their good and bad qualities. There are 

 various breeds well adapted to our southern conditions. 

 There is not so much difference in breeds, however, as 

 there is generally thought to be, so that usually the 

 preference of the owner may be followed without injury, 

 except in those cases where the environment demands a 

 particular type. 



