THE JUDGING OF SWINE 



405 



should take into consideration the special purpose involved. 

 At 6 months of age 175 pounds would be a satisfactory 

 weight, while at 12 months of age, when fairly well fed, a 

 fat hog should weigh from 300 to 350 pounds. 



The general form of the hog may be studied from differ- 

 ent points of view. A short cane or stick is useful to change 

 the position of an animal in order to observe it to the best 

 advantage. Hogs tend to keep the head close to the ground, 

 and rarely stand with the four legs in good position beneath 

 the body. For these reasons it is well to keep animals of 

 this class more or less in motion while judging. Width of 

 back and depth of rib should be noted from overhead or 

 from one side, while a fullness of both front and hind parts 



