488 



MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



pure-bred animals, especially if much care is taken in the pro- 

 duction of the grades and a pure-bred boar is used. On the 

 other hand, if breechng hogs are to be produced, pure-bred ani- 

 mals only can be grown with profit. This calls for much knowl- 

 edge of the principles of breechng, such as selection, mating, and 

 the like. Another question that will also modify the plan 

 is the amount of capital available for the establishment of the 

 business. When the capital is small and the experience want- 

 ing, the grade herd is to be preferred. The beginner may well 





Fig. IGS. — Champion Hampshire Swine. Bred and owned by John Good- 

 win, Potomac, Iowa. 



The Hampshire breed of swine was developed in tlie United States. Lilce the 

 Poland China, this breed is noted for its early maturing and eeonomic fattening 

 qualities. As breeders the sows rank high. In size the breed is classed with 

 the middle weights. The color is black, with a white belt about the body. 

 The breed is increasing in popularity, and animals of the breed are in much 

 demand by the packers. 



start with not more than two or three sows, in pig when pur- 

 chased, as he can acquire much valuable experience with even so 

 small a nvmiber, while his risk will not be great. The second year 

 he may add to the number of sows, secure a suitable and pure- 

 bred boar, and each succeeding year carefully increase the 

 number of sows bred. In this way, one should soon find 

 himself in possession of a large herd, and of sufficient knowl- 

 edge to put it to profitable use. 



