THE BREEDS OF SWINE 393 



time came the Poland-China. At first this was a big, coarse, 

 spotted hog, which was rated as a good feeder. The coarse- 

 ness was gradually reduced, no doubt the Berkshire blood 

 bringing a very great improvement. 



The prominent early breeders of the Poland-China were 

 the Shakers and other farmers in Warren county. John 

 Harkrader did much to improve them, and following him 

 D. M. Magie, of Butler county, no doubt did much for the 

 breed. Pigs of his breeding were widely known at one time 



Figure 176. — Poland-China sow, Champion at 1920 Ohio State^Fair. 

 Photograph by J, C. Allen. 



as "Magie hogs." During the last half of the nineteenth 

 century there were many noted herds in Ohio, Indiana, and 

 Illinois. Although the Poland-China was long a black and 

 white spotted breed, a change took place in this respect, 

 and black, with a small amount of white, especially on face 

 and feet, became popular, and is so to-day. 



In present color markings the Poland-China much re- 

 sembles the Berkshire. The head is of medium length, 

 and rather straight in the face; the ears, which should be 

 somewhat thin, point forward and then break over to form 



