82 SOUTHERN PORK PRODUCTION 



grazer and that can gather its own living, and yet one 

 that makes good use of the feed allowed it. Funda- 

 mentally, the requirements in judging the two types of 

 hogs are the same, and we shall therefore largely discuss 

 the subject of judging from the standpoint of the ideal 

 market type. To facilitate this study and the judging of 

 swine a score card has been developed to cover the ideal 

 market type. 



Method in judging. — One cannot become an expert 

 judge of swine without considerable training. It is true 

 that to some the matter of judging is easier than to 

 others. However, in order to make accurate observa- 

 tions and become expert in the placing of swine, it is 

 necessary that one use some method or system in ascer- 

 taining the relative merits of the animals being judged. 

 Above all, the judge must know what constitutes the 

 ideal type. Probably the best way to fix this in mind is 

 by means of the score card. The score card should be 

 used freely, especially by the beginner. Later on, as one 

 becomes more expert, he can go through the process of 

 scoring in his mind, and then later make the placings 

 according to the mental scores. A good plan to follow is 

 to take up first the matter of general appearance, under 

 which weight, form, condition and quality should each be 

 given consideration. Then the several parts of the head 

 and neck should be looked over, followed b}^ an exami- 

 nation of the forequarters, bod}^, and last by the hind- 

 quarters. The ease, facility and accuracy with which the 

 animals can be correctly placed will depend on the skill 

 and expertness of the judge. 



Pork type. — In conformation the ideal market hog and 

 the ideal pork annual are identical. The general expres- 



