CHAPTER LXXI 



THE MULE-FOOT 



The name "Mule-Foot" is given this breed for the reason 

 that it has a soHd hoof, suggestive of the narrow foot of the 

 mule, instead of the cloven one common with swine. 



The ^tive home of Mule-Foot swine is not satisfactorily 

 established. Various claims have been made on this point, but 

 it is generally admitted that the evidence is very superficial. They 

 have been bred in Sweden and Norway for a century or more, 

 it is said, and Kreglow states i that Linnaeus, the noted Swedish 

 scientist, classified this type in 1735. He also states that mule- 

 foot swine were extensively bred in England by Lord Reagh as 

 far back as about 18 10. 



The introduction of Mule-Foot swine to America is of uncertain 

 date. It is not a native breed, and no doubt was brought here 

 long ago, possibly from northern Europe. J. H. Dunlap, a noted 

 breeder, has stated that these hogs have been known in America 

 for a hundred years ^ and refers to the fact that for many years 

 they have been bred by members of the Dunkard Church, although 

 he does not mention the locality. The claim has also been made that 

 these pigs were brought from the South Sea Islands about 1850. 



The characteristics of Mule-Foot swine, as seen in the improved 

 form of to-day, suggest the Poland-China, excepting for the ear 

 and single hoof. The head is short, very nearly straight of face 

 or quite so, and the ears are of medium size and incline forward, 

 rather than stand erect or break over. The general conforma- 

 tion is typical of the lard type, with a fairly wide back and wide, 

 deep, full ham. A slight arch of back is sought. As already 

 noted, the hoofs are of one piece instead of cloven. The color of 

 the Mule-Foot, including the feet, is a pronounced black, but 

 white spots sometimes occur and are admissible. 



1 C. G. Kreglow, The Mule-Foot Hog. A pamphlet. 



2 American Agriculturist^ March lo, 1910. 



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