> *''\ ^^^-^ ^*'"-^* '•.'*'^%*/ /■% •.'«^,- V ^\' ^ .''^/r;?^^-' -^^0^ .V ^^ HO, \^ ^^^^. .0 ,^^ ;^^>.^W- -0^ : ^^^,° 4 o o «• -^• o^ "» '^ "' o ^'^. v-"^ .<^^ \^' .0 ^^-n^. ■^m ^ /. ° " " -» *© -A ^0^ "^ '^0^S^ ^-^o" ^^O,^ ,J/^ f-^^. ,V^ .-^fkv ^ c° o > ;: ^'% ^I^IC^*" /^"^ %^p.^ ^ <^ .-^^^ ;* V V< ^'^^^^^^ - 7i - '^ -^ '^^ '<^ •<. °" .^^ <', ,% -^ % ■%^ -n-o^ o' .V <^. -n-o^ "ff^ ,^"- ^^ V H o^ , vi^: l^ ^ ^ V " ' * " ^ fe o " « , "O ; ^^'^<^ "o x^-'V. "-. .o'^ .vO^ THE HoQ In Anierica, -PAST AND PRESENT, — WITH — SUGGESTIONS UPON FARM, PENS, BREEDS, BREED- ING, PEDIGREEING, STANDARD OF EXCELL- ENCE, SELECTION OF ANIMALS, MANAGE- MENT OF SWINE, SELLING AND OTHER SUBJECTS OF IMPORTANCE TO SWINE BREEDERS, A ^ ■i -BY- s. m:. shkp-Ard, SHEPAUD & ALEXANDER' CHARLESTON, ILLINOIS. PUBLISHED BY SWINE BREEDERS' JOURNAL, Indianapolis, Indiana. 1880. i Entered According to Act of Congress, in tlie Year 1886,' BY THE MORRIS PRIXTIXG COMPANY, In tlie Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Wasiiington, D, C. (all rights RESERVED.) PREFACE. Custom ratlu'i- than necessity rtM|uires a preface 1)y an author when a ll)Ook is i^reseuted to the public. Not wisliiny to hrealv this innocent and liarinless custom, the author says, that this \\orl: was not written at the request of " many friends," nor for the purpose of tilling any long-felt Avant, nor yet as a careful and elaborate literary production ; on the con- trary, the writer thought he had something^to say that might be of ben- ■efit to the public, and concluded to say it. in a plain, practical way. It is not a work made up of newspaper clippings, but has been carefully prepared as to matters of history from all sources within reach and the facts, as near as possible, arrived at by comparison of the ditferent and partial statements of individuals, and harmonizing the ditt'erent views, as nearly as possible, by taking into consideration all the circumstances of the several early Avriters. their prejudices and interest in the subject matter of their articles. When various opinions and conclusions of dif- ferent persons are grouped together, often causing a conflict, the reader is bewildered and derives little benefit. The author has, therefore, in all cases given his own judgment and experience, and let it pass for its true value, which an intelligent and discriminating public will uner- ringly fix. That there will be found many errors and imperfections, is very probable, and any fair and honest criticism will not oflend, but Avill, on tlie contrary, be a source of future profit. That the author is partial to the Poland-China breed of swine is plainly avowed and mani- fest, and if such preference, or if it seems to the reader prejudice, has caused the writer to unjustly criticize other breeds, it is not the result of a design so to do, but rather the Imperfection common to most men, viz. : the difficulty of " seeing ourselves as others see us," but this can oidy apply to the chapters relating to history of breeds and the intro- duction of hogs. The other chapters, if of benefit to any, are to all. This book is not designed to give any history of the hog, except in America, save such as may be necessary to properly describe those that now, or have lieretofore, existed on this continent. In the preparation of this Avork, the author is indebted to the following, among many other sources, for information, viz. : Early Colonial Historj, Memoirs of the Philadelphia Agricultural Society, Encj'clopedias, Youatt and Martin on the Hog, American Farmer (O. S.), Ploiujliboy, New York Farmer, Genessee Farmer, Albany Cultivator, Western Farmer and Gar- dener, Farmers^ Cabinet, Franklin Farmer, American Agriculrist, Ohio Cultivator, New York State Agricultural Eeports, Indiana State Agri- cultural Reports, National Live Stock Journal, Breeders^ Gazette, and Stvine Breeders'' Journal. The illustrations are many of them drawn by the author and are necessaril.y crude, because the author is not an artist nor the son of an artist. It is, however, the belief of the author that the illustrations will be of considerable aid to the readers of this work, and this is especially true of those used in illustrating the standard. That the work has many new features in its class will not be denied — whether thej' are useful and valuable, is submitted to a generous public. S. M. S. Indianapolis. Ind., December 16, 1886. THE HOG IN AMERICA. I^TRODUCTIOlSr. This introductory cliajiter is designed only as an outline and chrono- logical history of swine in the United States, and therefore, although anost'Of the breeds are mentioned in their order, there is no attempt at describing their peculiarities. That work A\ill be left for a later chap- ter, where may be found all in relation to the several breeils thought to ibe of interest, which now, or maj' have had a habitation and name in America. The hog is not a native of America, but it followed very closely upon the footsteps of the white man, and its easy adaptation to our climate, iind marvelous multiplication, are among tlie man}^ evidences of its im- portance as a factor of the wealth and prosperity of the land of its adoption. The early history of the introduction of swine into the New World is very meagre, and we shall have to content ourselves with generalities find much luicertaint}'. The general course and progress of the hog liere is quite plain, but the cross-roads and byiDaths which from time to time, exerted more or less influence, are now scarcely distinct enough to afford us much aid, except as matters of curiosity. History informs us that the first swine which came to the New World were Avith Columbus upon his second voyage. They were loaded in Spain and landed in Cuba, in 1493. The next mentioned were brought into what is now Florida in 1538. In 1553, the Portugese took swine to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. All these importations were doubtless of Spanish origin, but we are left to conjecture their number, form and color. In 1G04 the French took swine into Canada. In 1G08 the Lon- don Companj'- took from England to the Jamestown colony in Virginia Kibout six hundred head of swine. This is the first instance where even ^n approximation of numbers is given, but we have no further in- formation as to the cliaracter of the importation. In 1624 swine were taken to the colony of Massachusetts Bay, but whether tliey were [3] THE PlOG IX AMERICA. brought from England or Virginia we are not informed. In 1625, the Dutcli West India Company imported swine from Holland into what is now New York and New Jersey. Later, about 1037, a colony from Sweden settled in -what is now Delaware, bringing with them the Horse- hoofed swine of their native land. Here is the first peculiarity men- tioned of the imports of swine, and that is all that is said. From time to time, as the various colonies were settled and emigrants came to our shores, we are informed in a general matter of course sort of a Avay that they brought Avith them the domestic animals of their native lands. There are several reasons why the information now sought was then considered unimportant, and among others we suggest the following : Many of the early settlers were adventurers, they came expecting to find the precious metals in abundance, and they supplied themselves with necessaries to aid them in accomplishing the end con- templated. They little dreamed of the grand results that have followed ; on the contrary their minds were occupied with the then present, and we find about as nuich particularity given of their outfit as would now be given in describing an expedition to the North Pole, or as can be found of the early expeditions to California. In none of them can be found any account of the breeds of animals taken, because they were taken as a means of sustenance, not for culture. Secondly, at that early jieriod improvement in domestic animals in the mother countries was in its infancy, and was exciting but little if any attention ; and the hog least of all. So that with them a hog was simply a hog — "only that and nothing more." The secondary influx of Pilgrims was more laudable, for they were seeking homes for themselves and posterity as a means or end to freedom of opinion. This was their guiding star and occupied their thoughts, and of this they made record. Every other matter was secondary or trivial ; and what they should eat and wear only thought of as necessities. And still another reason why hogs re- ceived so little mention or thought, was that when they were brought their subsistence was of necessity largely upon spontaneovis produc- tions, such as iiuts, roots, herbs, etc. This meant almost unlimited freedom for the hog and put it upon its own resources for a livelihood. Improvement, even if desired, could not be thought of when the con- trol was largelj'" lost. As before intimated, the mind of the settler was occupied with something as he supposed, and really was, of more im- portance. They were learning to govern themselves and to provide present sustenance. But the pilgrim was human, and like all the rest of the human family he would relate troubles, lience wheii the swine had nudtiplied so rap- idly as to become a source of trouble, we find the records showing that in a few yeai-s, notably about 1630, the inhabitants of Jamestown were compelled to palisade the town to keep out the hogs. Other colonies, such as Massachusetts Bay, prohibited corn from being fed to swine, [4] INTRODUCTION. unless obtained from some other colony. In 1635, a law was enacted, re- quiring pigs farrowed between July and January, to be killed at one month old, and swine were required to be kept up, herded, or placed upon islands; all others were deemed wild hogs, and any person was authorized to take them dead or alive. Still later that ordinance was so modified as not to apply to hogs that were "rung,^^ by having their noses cut so as to prevent their rooting. Later, another condition was imposed upon all hogs to entitle them to the freedom of the country. They were requii-ed to wear "-pokes. ''^ A pig poke is a forked limb put stride the neck of the hog, forked ends down, and the two ends se- cured by a u-ithe or leather whang under the throat of the pig, and the ends projected up and down from the neck, say four or five inches. This devise Avas not put upon piggy because the pilgrim was proud, but to keep him out of the truck patches. To the thoughtful mind this ornament suggests much as to the form of the swine of that day. It indicates that where the head could go the body might easily follow, or in other words, the head was the big thing in piggy's anatomy. Imagine the improved hog of to-day wearing pokes, to keep its body from fol- lowing its head through a crack. We are unable to give much inform- ation as to the early swine for several years, except that it multiplied rapidly and subsistetl on nuts, herbs, grubs, etc. In other words, they were bummers, and subsisted off" of the country. Just as the settlements were beginning to grow, prosper, and the set- tlers to give some thought to crops and domestic animals, the war of the Revolution broke in upon them, and all was confusion and desolation. Peace being restored, it took several years to catch up to the point where the war had found them, and then realizing that they had a home and a country, the new citizens being largely an agricultural jjeople, be- gan to look about for iuq^rovement. The horse, cow and sheep received attention first, and then the hog. Corn was becoming their great stajole and it must be profitably consumed. Public conveyance M'as limited, and some, and that too, the best means must be devised to carry the sur- plus product to market. The heretofore despised and neglected hog afforded the best means of concentration and transportation ; he could be fed and driven to market. Baltimore and Philadelphia were then the principal packing places, so the surplus hog must be driven to one or i the other of these points. The first efforts for improvement Avere for large, good traveling hogs. This, however, was found to be rather a tedious medium, as the large, coarse hogs were from three to four years in maturing. So that about 1800, the people were ripe for a change ; they wanted a hog that would get there quicker. In 1800 or 1801, the Duke of Bedford, an English nobleman, and yet a friend of General Washington, sent by an Englishman, named Parkinson, a pair or trio ' of pigs as a present. Parkinson took the pigs to America, and upon arrival, concluding that he could manage the distribution better tlian [5] THE HOG IN AifEKICA. the General, kept the pigs and placed them upon his farm near Balti- more. These pigs proved to be good feeding, easily maturing, good! sized hogs. Their fame spread rapidly and Parkinson could not supply the demand. The manner in which Parkinson had obtained, and re- tained the hogs, prevented him (if he knew their breed) from giving the- public their name or origin. At all events, they became widely and favorably known in that portion of the country as the Parkinson breed, and later, when their history was discovered, they were called Bedfords in honor of the Duke. Almost at the same time, at least not later than 1S05, a number of the " Heathen Chinee " family of swine of various col- ors, viz. : white, black, blue and gray, from time to time, were intro- duced into various parts of the country, and notably, in Virginia, Ne^r York, Maryland, Pennsj'lvania and Massachusetts. These two breeds, the Parkinson and China, as they were called, produced a marked im- provement upon, and were extensively used, to cross u^jon the common stock and upon each other. Shortly following the introduction of the two breeds above mentioned, we read much of a breed called the Grass- breed. It seems to have commended itself to the people, as we hear of it in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts, soon thereafter. Its origin is a mysterj', not now solvable. Some- writers have attemiJted it but no two agree. If conjectures were in or- der, Ave would suggest that it was a cross of China upon common stock - of the countrj-. These three breeds formed the " base of supply " for a. quite general advance along the whole line. Later, about 1812, an other and powerful Richmond appeared upon the field, and his name was- Bytield. In 1819, the first agricultural paper was started in the United States^ and was called the American Farmer, and published at Baltimore, Md- In 1821, we find in the Floiighboy, the second agricultural paper, the first cut or illustration of a hog. We have reproduced it by the photo-en- graving process, and can, therefore, give our readers an exact copy^ although reduced in size ; also the description as then given : '* Mammoth Hogs. — There are now exhibiting in this city, at Win- " ant's Yard, No. 12, Beaver-street, two Great Natm-al Curiosities, viz. : " A Sow and Fig, weighing 2,033 16a." [61 nrTRODUCTIOX. *' The Scrw fe one lialf of the grass breed, and the other half Welch. ■ *' She measures nine feet nine inches in length, seven feet three inches ** round the body, and weighs 1,137 lbs. — ^her age was two years and two ■'■ months the Sth ult. Her Pig was one rear and two months old the *■ 1st inst. and is every way shaped and coloured as the mother, except •' the legs are some larger. He is very elegantly built, and his weight " is ".>46 pounds. It is believed by the best judges, should he live to be ■• as old as the Sow. he will weigh at least 1,500 pounds. These two •• Ilogs were raised in the town of Xassau, county of Eensselaer, by " Robert BroMm, "who is an accomplished farmer."* [This is the first and only mention of the " Welch breed." or any of its crosses, that we have been able to find.] The cut not only illustrates the hog, but the state of the art of wood •engraving of that day. Up to 1S32, these three, viz. : the Parkinson (Bedford), China and Byfield, were, beyond all question in the ad- vance, although assisted more or less by the Spanish Black. African, 2s'eopolitan, English White SuflFolk, Angus and Dishly, Black Hamp- shire, Leioeisters, Short-legged, and other breeds. THE riLGKIM HOG. A peculiar feature of those early days of improvement, and for many Tears after, is that none of these breeds were to any extent kept pure. As a rule they were crossed upon the common stock and upon each other, the grades often retaining the names of the pure breeds, while the crosses of pure breeds ^vere given a combination of the two names, or taking the name of the breeder or locality. In short, the American farmers, at least the progressive ones, were consequently trying to make new combinations, asing t3»e introduced breeds only as factors. The people of Araeriea themselves, as a people, were, and still are, of a mixed origin. The diflTerent nationalities had, by intermingling become merged into a new, vigorous and enterprising people. They had con- quered in war and had faith in their prowess in the paths of peace. The [7] THE HOG IN AMERICA. lioo; sent to them from the Old World may have been satisfactory to that jjeople from whence th3 hog came, but here circumstances were changed and an Americanized hog was the thing sought and needed, and it was this spirit tliat led to continual crossing. Tlie old woods hog was still largely in the majority, and was the main reliance, because he could fatten in the woods. From descriptions we have drawn a sketch of him, and he might reasonably be styled the early pilgrim : The few agricultural papers then existing stimulated enterprise and aided much in the diftusion of knowledge ; the people were moving westward; agricultural fairs, county and State, began to be organized; the farn)er was making himself felt and heard, and the long distances to packing marlvcts required a hog adapted to the new order of things. This was the state of the country and its feeling when the year 1S30 rolled around. A new era A\as about to be and was inaugurated. The period from 1830 to 1840 proved to be one of the most important decades in the history of swine-breeding In America. Importations were fre- quent, and the old elements were brushed up for the contest. In 1832 the first Berkshires as such were imported into the United States. Up to that time the vantage ground of improvement was held by the Bedford, China, Byfield and Grass breeds, but the new candidate for public favor was comely and backed by men of Intelligence and nerve. They re- sorted to new methods, among which was a free use of printer's ink. Under the old methods, advertising through the agricultural press had not been thought of. The Berkshire men pressed the fight and claimed for their favorite every excellence, and wanted the earth, and the full- ness thereof. Before the friends of the old stand-bys had awakened from their fancied security, the Berkshire had a boom unprecedented and theretofore unapproached. They were taking the country like wildfire. Several importations of white, spotted and nearly black Berk- sliires followed. Tlie friends of the old breeds were taken by surprise. Tlie old breeds, which had so long been at the front, were, by reason of continued crossing, in bad condition to meet the new antagonist; but the very agressiveness of the friends of the Berkshire infused new life into the friends of the Byfields and the Bedfords and they adopted the tactics of the new comer. Advertising was the order of the day. The agricultural paper became an important medium, and it, too, felt the boom, for a number of new ones soon entered the field, and all were liberally patronized. The new candidate was fast distancing all com- l)etitors, and the great west soon became the battlefield of the breeds. The Mackays did not succeed in passing the Alleghanies. Only the Bedford and Byfield from the East reached the place of contest. The opponents of the Berkshire, feeling the battle a hopeless one unless re- inforcements could be obtained, began to look about for succor. The imjiroved China was brought in to enrich and quicken the blood of the Byfield and Bedford, and a new contestant from the then, far West, [8] INTRODUCTION. Illinois, called the Irish Grazier, came forward. It had come from Ire- land in lSo4 or 1835, and secured a footing, and now, in 1830, entered Kentucky and the fight. The liussia, another new, unknown and unher- alded breed, seemed to rise out of the ground in Ohio and Kentucky; from Avhence it came, when, and how, is now unknown ; also the Swiss- Poland breed. All seemed to make common cause against the Berk- shire, and then commenced the various combinations of blood of all the contending races, and the determination to have an American breed that should combine the excellences of all and as few of their defects as l)Ossible. It was anything to beat the Berkshire. The Irish Grazier may fairly claim the honor of checking the progress of the Berkshire. Du- ring the contest advertising became common and has never been aban- doned by progressive breeders. Wood cuts, illustrating the hog, began to appear in 1838, and some of them quite large, occupying a whole page of the papers* We hereafter present to our readers photo-engraved copies of some of them. It was during this jjeriod of excitement and contest that a feeding contest was planned and carried out between a part of the combination, viz. : a cross of White Berkshire boar upon a Bedford or Woburn sow and the Black Berkshire. We here give an il- lustration of the winners, and an account of the contest from the pen of a friend of the Berkshire : pa^ 1 ' 1 1 ^^^- '' BANTEH PIGS. " They were selected to be fed by Dr. Martin, against a pair of im- jiroved Berkshires, in the hands of Mr. Fanning, editor of the Tennessee Agriculturist, and beat the Berkshires a long way. They weighed. [9] THE HOG IN AMEKICA. Bernice, (the one standing up,) 354 lbs., and Bertha, 348 Ihs. Tlieir form is almost perfect; handling very fine, and are altogether a beauti- ful pair. They had as much of the best of every kind of food as thejr could eat, and the most scientific nianagemant. Their weights, on tlie- authority of responsible and honorable men, have been equalled, if not. surpassed, at the same age, by Berkshires, with ordinary good keep. We do not state it, however, on our own knowledge, though we fully believe it." It will be noticed that the writer of the above account dies hard. The result was a terrible and humiliating defeat of the Berkshire. During those eventful years, the opposition to the Berkshire waS' strengthened by what was then known as the " Big China," the "Spot- ted China," the "Poland," introduced into Ohio by a Quaker, also an Importation of 1S40, and the Warren County Hog. It was a pretty fight, and finally resulted in a combination of all the breeds into a new one, now known as the Poland-Cliina, the old ones rap- idly being absorbed by the new combination, save and except the Berk- hires, which though greatly disfigured and out of wind, struggled fitfully to maintain respectability. During this contest a few other breeds arose- and fell, such as the Mocha, Norfolk, Thin Rind, Barnitz, Hospital breed and others. Others made a start, which they have maintained with more or less credit, such as Sulfolks, Essex, Chester White, Cheshires, Yorkshires and others. The Berkshire, from the pinnacle of fame and glory in 1838, dropped by 1845, to a depth below its real merits. Thus do people often in excitement or depression become blind to actual merit. The hog demanded in 1830 to 1850 was one that would prodvTce the most por'r' in the shortest time, upon the least feed, and still be able to walk to market. Railroads were not then, as now, everywhere, to haul the hog; it must walk. That was one of the tests. Corn was to- be marketed; hauling was out of the question; it must be made flesh, and sucli fiesh as could walk to market. The Berkshire when put to a. practical test was not up to the requirements. He could not keep up. with the procession, and his former friends deserted him in great num- bers. He had been praised and boomed up so far bej'ond his actuali merits, that in the disgust that followed, his merits were lost sight of.. Here let us disgress a little. Up to 1840 the census reports had taken; no account of anything, save population, white and colored, and other matters were left out; but In 18J0, the census reports first give us the number of domestic animals, and amount of agricultural products, by States and counties. Prior to that time, we of this age and generation,, have little knowledge of how the West and South were crowding the older Eastern States in production ; and you imagine our surprise when we looked in the census of 1840 for the relative standing of the States in. the production of corn and hogs^ and doubtless the reader will be as much surprised and interested, in looking into the figures a. little^ [10] INTKODUCTION. In 1840 the six States of the Union showing the largest number of hogs, and their relative positions, are as follows : 1. Tennessee, ..2,926,607 2. Kentucky, 2,310,533 3. Ohio, 2,099,740 4. Virginia, 1,992.155 5. New York, 1,900,065 6. Korth Carolina, 1,649,716 By the same census the six States raising the most corn, and their relative positions, are as follows : Bushels. 1. Tennessee, 44,986,188 2 Kentucky, 89,847,120 3. Virginia, 34,.577,591 4. Ohi( 33,668,144 5. Indiana, 28,1.55.887 6. North Carolina, 23,893,763 And while upon the question of census reports, we will follow the figures up to the present time, and the reader will notice how the posi- tions of the States change each ten years, and that the older States drop out and the new ones appear : Census (>f 1850. HOGS. Tennessee, 3.]04,800 Kentucky, 2,891,163 Indiana, 2,263,776 Georgia, 2,168,617 Oliio, 1,964.170 Alabama .1,904,540 CORN. Bushels. 1. Ohio, 59,078,395 2. Kentucky, 68,672,591 3. Illinois, 57,646,984 4. Indiana, 52,964,363 5. Tennessee, 52,27ti,22S 6. Missouri, 36,214,539 1860. HOGS. Indiana, 3,099,110 1. Illinois 2,o02,308 2. Missouri, 2.354 425 3. Tennessee. 2.347,321 4. Kentucky, 2,330,595 5. Ohio, 2,256,653 6. 1870. HOGS. Illinois, 2,703,343 M issouri, 2,306,430 Indiana, 1,872,230 Kentucky, 1,838.2-J7 Tennessee 1,8^8,690 Ohio, 1,728,068 CORN. Bushels. Illinois, 115,174,777 Ohio, 73.534,190 Missouri, 72.892.157 Indiana. 71. .'88,919 Kentucky, 64,043,633 Tennessee 52,089,926 CORN. Bushels. Illinois, 129,921,395 Iowa, 68,935.065 Ohio, 67.501,144 Missouri, 66,034,0"5 Indiana, 51,094,538 Kentucky, 50,091,006 1880. HOGS, Iowa. 6,031,316 Illinois. 5.170,266 Missouri, 4.553.123 Indiana, 3.186.413 ^"^^^^^.^s^ fortable yard, which all the ^^J^^' . A CONVENIENT FIG-PEN. P^g^ «^»Joy Very much in warm weather, cleanliness and neatness in the building, and no place about it to harbor rats. The cost can be much or little, depending on the size, style of finish, etc. Mine cost about thirty dollars, being sheeted up with pine boards, and covered roof and sides with tarred felt paper, sliingled with good shingles, and sided with clear white pine siding, and })ainted. The nextcirt Is that of a Nebraska piggery, taken from the Breeders' m diactKAM of a nebkasea piggery. Gazette, We can not give the cost or bill of materials, but it looks like a convenient building. It is described as follows : "The drawing explains itself: A, A, A, A, A, are grain bins, 12x12, the whole sixty feet in length. The j^ens are attached to the south side [34; PEXS— TIIEIR LOCATION- AND CONSTEUCTIOX. of this. B, r., B, B, B, being 'bunk.s,' GxS, witli a permanent cover, reacning half-way down the incline, Avith a battened door on hinges at- tached, -which, Avhen closed doAvn completes tne roof, as shown on right of cut. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, are oj^en pens, connected with the " bunks.' " The next three cuts are views of a Butler Count}' movable pen, and it is quite convenient, cheap and durable. I< rrrl f "^ 'm- N V s. ' 1 . i - ^ a _ ) M Mil ., = .■ SIDE. PKONT. LUTLER COTJXTY'PEX Bill of materials, and how to make it: 4 pieces, 2x2, 12 ft. long; 2 jiieces, 2 :4, 12 ft. long; 125 feet tongued and grooved flooring for sides, ■ends and roof; sash and glass, $2. The flooring timber should be of tlie best quality, and free from knots aiul wind-shakes. Cut 4 rails or nail two, 2x4, G feet long, for back and point, ; cut siding enough for back, 3 feet long, and for front, 4 feet long, leaving space for opening in front; nail boards or slats for back and front; mortice holes in front and back for the sides; cut 4 rails, 2x2, 5)o feet long; nail side-boards on, leaving three inches at each end of rails for tenons ; tenons should be made 1x2, and 3 inches long, leaving pen 5 ft. at side ; draw bore the tenons with a % bit ; put ti-nons through mortises of back and ends, and secure Avith pins; cut tlire* pieces, 2x2, for roof ; nail roof plank on to jjieces; cut slots in siiles for jiieces supporting roof and put on roof to fit sash for small part of roof ; paint well outside and whitewash inside. To take pen down for moving, take off top, pull out pins back and front, aiul the j^en is in five pieces, all easy to load on sled or wagon, or a sled may be slipped luider without taking apart. [35] THE HOG IX AMERICA. The next is a cheap pen, 8x8 feet, and 7 feet high at front and 6 at back, or if preferred, and it is much better to make it 8x12 feet. Tliis gives a small room in one corner for a portable sheet-iron stove, in feeding-place and place for a bed for sow. The building is best to have tongued and grooved planks (commoir flooring) for sides, ends and roof, and painted with roofing-paint. Made in that way, for an 8x12 house, the following material AA'ill be necessarj^ : 400 feet of flooring plank ; 3 pieces, 2x4, 14 ft. long ; 1 piece, 2x4, 18 ft. long; 1 piece, 2x4, 16 ft. long; 6 pieces, 2x4, 12 ft. long; the material will cost $12 to $15. No floor is put in, bvit sand or saw-dust bedding part, and ditch all round, to keep water out. By fastening liandles at each corner it can be moved by four men, and in that way placed on fresh ground every few weeks. It is larger than the Butler County pen, and better for the reason that it is larger, and permits a person to enter and stand up straight, and have a stove in cold weather, if desired. It is better, although a little more expensive, to have a part of the front glass, as shown in illustration. This kind of pen is the best and cheapest for the breeder and placed upon lots laid out as per diagram in chapter on farms, make the best possible arrangement, all things con- sidered, for breeding swine. Here is another hog-house, taken from the American Agriculturist, which has many good features. It is described as follows : The pigger)^ shown in figures 1 to 6, is fourteen by forty feet; corner posts, fourteen feet ; height of first story, eight and one-half feet : second story, five feet from floor to top of wall-plate. The first floor has two thicknesses of inch boards, a foot wide, the lower boards running r36] PENS— THEIR LOCATION AND CONSTRUCTION. yVOi J^V ^^^- !•— SIDE OF PIGGERY. lengthwise of the building and the upper ones crosswise. The walla also, are two layers of similar boards, the outside ones perpendicular, and battened with inch strips three inches wide. Second story floor is one thickness of narrow inch boards, tongued and grooved. Stairs to second story three feet wide. All the doors are battened. One twelve- light window in gable end, and one in feed room. Each pen has a win- dow opposite it, across feeding hall (shown in figs. 1 and 3) and a sliding sash at the rear (seen in fig. 3). Between each pen and its j-ard is a batte,n sliding door, two and a half feet wide, four feet high ; and at the outside of each yard is a door three by six feet, either on hinges or to slide. Height of yard fence, six feet. From each yard to its pen is an incline of two-inch l^lank, with inch strips, three inches wide, well nailed on to prevent pigs from slipping. The feed troughs run across at the front. The partitions, five feet high between the pens and over or in front of the troughs, swing (as seen in fig. 5). The hinged stick. A, (fig. G), ijrops the swinging partition back, when cleaning out trough and supply- ing feed (slops) as seen in fig. 4; and it falls back on removing the stick (fig. 4). However, the i^artitions dividing the pens and yards can be made either station- ery or to swing, the Fig. 3.-GROimD PLAN OF PIGGERY, ^(^f/ 1^^^^,. ^^^.^g preferable, as this will allow all the pens to be thrown into one large one, [371 THE HOG IN AMERICA. and the same of the yard?. 'I'he feed room is provided with a brick cliimney, an iron kettle, and a large wooden box for mixing feed, slop- barrels, etc. The entry doors to this are made wide, to ailinit a slop- barrel on a wheelbarrow. If the yards are planked on a level with the floors the incline can be dispensed with. rig, 5. Fig. 6.— FRONT OF TROUGH. ^ii%.Sifi MATERIAL AND COST. j^ ' Timber : Sills, G by 8 inch, four, two I ^ ^ 40 feet long (or shorter ones spliced), and . J two 14 feet=432 feet. Four corner posts, 4 by 4 inch., 14 feet long=75 feet. Plates, 3 by 4 inch., two 40 feet (or shorter ones- spliced) and two 14 feet long=108 feet. Five i^ieces for swinging partition posts, 4 by 6 inch., 8 feet long=80 feet. Ten posts for outside partition walls, 4 by 4 inch., 8 feet long=107 feet. Fourteen fence posts, 4 by 6 inch., 8 feet long=224 feet. Forty-two floor joists, 2 by 8 inch., 14 feet long=8S2 feet. Forty-two rafters, 2 by 4 inch., 11 feet long=3U8 feet. Twenty-one pieces, 2 by 4 inch., 8 feet lonfi=112 feet. Eight pieces, 4 by 6 inch., 14 feet long, for joist beams=224 feet. Twenty- seven pieces for ledgers and frame rails, 2 by 4 inch., 16 feet long=238 feet. — Total, framing timber, 2,848 feet (board measure) (g$14 per 1,000 feet, $39.87. Rough boarding, 1 inch thick; 968 feet sheathing; 1,120 feet flooring (1 foot wide, 14 feet long) ; 3,220 feet weather-boarding; 1,812 feet for swinging partitions, fence, troughs, etc. ; 124 batten jjieees, 1 by 3 inch, 14 feet long (434 feet) ; 76 pieces, 3 inch, wide, 8 feet long, for braces for swing partitions (203 feet). Total, 7,257 feet (g $17 per [38] Fig. 4. SECTION OF TROUGUl, PENS— THEIR LOCATIOX AXD CONSTKUCTION. 1,000 feet, $123.34. 800 feet dressed lumber, 1 by 4 or 6 inches, tongued 4ind grooved, for doors and second floor, @ $20 per 1,000, $16. 5,000 -shingles, @ $3.90 per 1,000, $19.50. 2 windows, 12-light, 8 by 10 inch., 43.00. 10 Mdndows, 6-lights, 8 by 10 inch, (sliding sash), $7.50. 3 door frames, 3 feet by 6 feet 8 inch., $5.25. Bricks, for 8 by 8 inch flue, etc., $26.30. Hardware, sash hinges, nails, etc., $5.00. Materials for, and painting, $10.00. Carpenter work $110.48. Total cost of piggery, $306.24. And here is another hog house— a new one — and designed expressly BOSS PIGGERY. GROUXD PLAN, for tliis work by the author, and submitted for the benefit of the read- ers of tliis book. The last plan is shown by two illustrations, a rear or south view in perspective. And the ground plan of the building. If a large hog house or one containing several pens is desired, I think this one the best. It contains pens, cribs, shorts, oat and bran bins, [39] THE HOG IN AMERICA. work-bench, well, tank, stove, hall and all conveniences of arrange- ment. It is well lighted and ventilated, and atFords an opportunity for large open lots, owing to the shape of the building, the further the lots extend back from the building, the larger they become. The ground I)lan shows six i)ens, their location, hall-way, location of bins, crib, work-bench, well, stove, and stairway at end of crib. It also shows the shape and division of the pens. The bed in each pen is raised about three inches higher than the rest of the pen ; this keeps the bedding dry, and prevents mussing up, as is frequently the case where all are on a level. The small appartments marked P., are for feeding pigs separate from the sow. The partition between the pens, and between pens and hall are all forty inches high, while beds are separated by a twelve inch board, and an opening left at the corner for entrance. The tank is put on the second floor just over the stove, near the center of the inside of hall-way. Hogs may be turned from one pen to another by running tliem into the hall and then to any pen desired. The work- bench by the crib is for making boxes. The two story part is larger than represented in the cut and should extend clear to the glass part of the roof; this gives some room above for bedding, boxes, tank, and for crib and bins to extend up into the second storj^ The back part of pens can be made four or six feet high, just as fancy may dictate. The building is 48 feet across the straight side, and 24 feet deep, and can be built for $2.50 or $350, according to finish. BILL OF MATERIALS. 10 pieces, 6x4, 12 feet long; 6 pieces, 6x8, 7 ft. ; 5 pieces, 6x8, 10 ft. ; 36 pieces, 2x8, 12 ft.; 7 pieces, 4x4, 12 ft.; 10 pieces, 4x4, 14 ft.; 12 pieces, 2x4, 14 ft. ; 35 pieces, 2x4, 16 ft. ; 3,000 shingles; 1080 ft., floor- ing; 1,000 ft., sheeting; doors, windows, sash, etc., $75 to $100. Hei-e is an idea for floor of pig pens that looks like a good thing. We are indebted to the American Agriculturist for the illustration and de- scription. This kind of floor can be put in any of the foregoing plans of hog houses. SLATTED FLOORS. A pig pen, as usually constructed, must be cleaned out every few days, and those who have done the work know how disa- greeable it is. By the use of a slatted floor much of the objection to cleaning out the pen is avoided. As in the cut, one corner of FIG PEN WITH SLATTED FLOOR. the pcu, u, is protected by two strips of boards four Indies wide ; in this corner is placed the bed- [40] PENS— THEIR LOCATION AND COIsiSTEUCTION. ding ; in the corner h, is placed a slatted floor. It should cover a surface of four feet each way, and is made by setting inch-boards upon edge, in a parallel line, and three-quarters of an inch apart. The strips should he four inches in width, and kept the proper distance apart by suitable blocks of wood. Immediately below the slatted floor is placed a plat- form of plank, upon which both the solids and licxuids fall. This plat- form should rest upon a firm foundation, placed at least one foot below the slatted floor, to admit of easy cleaning. By the use of this open floor, pens need not be cleaned more than once in three or four weeks. Most pens now in use can be easily changed to conform to this plan. _ s; 1 cc ; c , - '^^ f^': c. o" ; a. ;'c ;c ' tC a ! "^ \ " N ANOTHER HO^ HOUSE. The above plan is a new one of a cheap large house. It contains twelve pens 8x16 ft., boar pen 8x10 ft., a well, work-bench, stove, stair- way, hall, four foot window, and at north end, cribs and bins, two corn cribs 8x10, and shorts and bran bins each 6x8 ft. The doors in the pens along the hall are four feet wide, so that when open it closes up the hall, making it easy to transfer pigs or hogs from one pen to another without going outside ot the building. The building is 36x65 feet, at the sides it is six feet high, roof one-fourth pitch. It is seven feet high from first floor to ceiling; the second floor is 24x65, and makes room for boxes, bedding, etc. At a little more expense the building may be higher and more room in second story, and windows can be put at every pen. As planned it will cost $250 to $300, and if dirt floors be used, can be made for $150, where lumber is cheap. The following is bill of [41] . THE HOG IX AMERICA. lumber: 800 feet, sills, 6x8; 1,456 feet, 2x8, 18 feet, lon^; 96 feet, 4x4, 12 feet, long; 475 feet, 2x4, 14 feet, long; 4,000 feet, flooring; 1,500 feet,, siding; 66 rafters, 2x4, 24 feet, long; 2,000 feet, sheeting; 2,400 shingles; 1,000 feet, plank, 1 inch, for partitions; 1 keg spikes; 1 keg 8-penny nails; 50 lbs., shingle-nails; windows, etc, $25. The following is another plan taken from the American Afjricultttnst. — OROtND PLAN OF STY. The ground plan explains itself, also that of the smaller loft. The- main building is two stories high, and the lower floor is used as a feed floor, while the pens are in the one story portion on either side. The larger houses containing several peus under one roof are not recommended unle.ss there be a lack of ground room. The objections. to the larger houses are, among others, that they are more difficult to keep clean and heathful. 2d. In the breeding season if the occupants of one pen become sick or restless, all are more or less disturbed. If one- sow is vicious, nervous or restless, the others will be likely to be more or less aff"ected. If one sow by accident or design hurts or cripples a. pig so as to make it squeal, it excites all the sows. If you go into the house to give one attention, the others are all up and expecting some- thing. The absolute quiet necessary to successful farrowing, is impos- sible when several sows are kept in the same building. Sows that are suckling, must and should have more feed than those that are still carrying their young, and if they are in adjoining pens, the full feed of the one, annoys and makes the scantily fed one nervous and irritable. [42] PENS— TIIEIJR LOCATION AND CONSTEUCTION. These are the princiijal objections to the large houses. The things in their favor are appearance and labor saving. One nice large house is much more Impressive and tlie convenience and labor in caring for a number of sows a"d pigs is much less than wlien they are scattered about over a large territory. Lastly, when there is a lack of ground room the large building permit more hogs to be kept on a given space of ground. To obviate in some, measure tlie difficulties of both sj^stems and at the same time combine as many of their excellences, the plan of dividing up a plat of land into lots with a narrow street dividing the two sections is suggested. This plan is represented by the diagram in chap- ter on farms. It puts the hogs sufficiently near to each other to permit a systematic arrangement for feed and care and yet remote enough to prevent their annoying one another. The pens or house may be expensive or cheap, as the fancy of the owner may incline. A A'ery good and substantial shelter may be constructed as follows : ."Set four forks in the ground, the lower side four feet high, and the up- per or higher side, six feet, place poles or rails in the forks reaching from one to the other, and on top of them, other poles or rails, say 18 inches to two feet apart, and on top of tlie poles make a covering of straw of sufficient depth to turn the water, the straw can be made secure by weighting it down with pieces of wood, or by a sharp stick driven in at the top, in the same manner as tops of hay stacks are secured. The highest part shouhl face the south, and the north, east and west boarded up, or if j'ou prefer, a double rail or pole pen around tiie three sides with straw between. This makes a cheap and good sheltar that will last several years. If preferred, the south side can be closed by a sliding gate, but ordinarilly nothing will be needed on the south side. A very cheap temporary shed may be made by taking five rails or poles, tying them at the top and spread tliem out at the bottom and covering the outside and top first with corn stalks, and then straw, leaving an opening at the south, making a wigwam shape shelter. If you have a high, steep bluff, holes may be dug into the side, say eight by ten feet, with floor or bottom slanting out. This makes a per- manent and one of the best of sliclters; it is always warm in winter and cool in summer. Ingenuity will suggest many others. The princi- pal things to be always kept in view are health and convenience at the least exi^ense. Floors of sleeping apartments are best made of sand where ground is high and drv. Concrete makes a good floor for feeding, and stone, plank or brick can be used, but when used in sleeping apartments should be covered with sand, saw dust, flue cut straw, or corn fodder. [43] CONVENIENCES. n n n n^i n n n n We here give tlie description and illustrations of some conveniences that are handy about tlie farm. The first is a good, substantial jjorta- ble fence, which can readily be moved from place to place for temporary pens. It will be found practical and satisfactory. Cut the posts the same length as the pickets, and to the inner side of each attach two strong iron hoops bent into a semi-circle, one near the bottom, and the other half way up. Through these lioops drive stakes fitted to fill them closely, with sharpened points for enter- ing the ground easily. When removing the fence the posts can be slipped off". A truck for removing ma- il, ^^ nure or wheeling food can iV*>j J be easily constructed, and PORTABLE FENCE. jg ^ Very handy thing to have about. We give an illustration and discription, so that one can be easily constructed. Select a grocery or ordinary goods box of convenient size, and take an old windlass, or two small wheels with a homemade axle, cut so as to have roller half inch shorter than width of box. The roller or mov- ing part is held in place by two strips of strong wood or jjart of hoop-pole as shown. It is simple, easily of construction, and cheap. N0.SZ, CONVENIENCES. A wooden bolt,— A,— slides freely through the notch in D, and into a notch in the upright post, behind the weather- boarding which holds it. On the other end a short iron strap is screwed on firmly, with its end held by a screw [ on which it turns, to tlie A lever, B. This lever, B, is v ., keyed with a nail over C, // A\ hich is the squared end of the handle, H, that comes ^^^_, , ., ,,, ,, .. ^ through the board from the 'MJ-^^ ^^ (, / outside of the door. The LATCH FOR DOOR ON HINGES. latcli. A, is drawn out of its socket by seizmgthe lower end of B on the inside, or turning II on the outside. The wood for all will need to be tougli ; the size of the parts to be proportioned to the size of the door. The following illustration presents a durable pig-trough, and it can be used in yard or pen. The sides slope inward, and it is made of cast iron. It is six inches deep, twenty-eight inches across the top, and has an acorn shaped center projection, marked "A," upon which the swill is poured to dis- tribute it evenly in the trough. The swill is guided by the funnel shaped collar, B. This is also of cast iron, twelve inches across at top, and three and one-half inch- es at the bottom. The col- lar is supported by three- eights inch iron rods riveted to the collar and trough ; Fig:. 1- — A CANADIAN PIG THOUGH. these not only support the collar but keeps the pigs from crowding The next one is called the Kirby Homestead Trough (Fig. 2) cast iron, 4 feet long on top, ^ and 3 feet at bottom, 12 inch- es wide and (5 inches deep. ^ The sloping of sides and ends '^g^^^ so graduated that there are i*'''^'^ no sliarp corners presented. "^^^ Tliis prevents pressure from ^.^ 2.-IB0N trough with spout, freezing, and consequently ° [45] It is o^ THE HOG IN AMERICA. A CHEAP AND STRONG TROUGH, no cracking by having water frozen in it. Tlie spout marked •' A " is cast with the trough, and is 17 inciies long, and U inches wide at the mouth, " C," narrowing to 7 inches at the trough. Opposite the spout is a rise of two inches at " C " to prevent overflow. A flange or pro- jection can be cast at each corner, with holes, so it can be nailed to the floor. Figure 3 is a small iron pan or trough, 3 feet or more long, 1 foot wide, and 2 or 3 inches deep; or, if preferred, it need not be over 6 inches wide. These iron trouglis are easily kept clean and sweet, and if handled with reasonable care, will last a ^''«- 3.— asotheh xeojs trougu. lifetime. Here is a cheap, strong trough, made by nailing the edges of two long boards for sides together, and then putting on the ends, as troughs are frequently made. Three iron rods srOn each side run from end to end, and are fas- tened with nuts on ends. The rods hold the trough together and make it very strong. The slats across the top are to prevent the pigs from crowding each other, and to keep them from lying,- down in the trough. Here is another trough, and the -drawing explains itself. The partition in the pen is suspended by bolts at the top, and se- cured on either side by the sliding bolt. When tlie feeder desires to clean out the trough tlie swinging partition is pushed and bolt slipped down to hold it in place, Avhen the trough can be cleaned out at leisure and the feed put in ; then the bolt is raised and the partition swings back and is fastened upon the outside, and the pigs proceed to fill up. The cuts on the following page show the construction of a barrel and sled, and a sled arranged for dumping. The former may be easily made r4G' COXVENIENCES. X BARREL AND SLEI>. from the illustration. The dumping sled is exceedingly handy for hauling out corn to fat- tening hogs, liauling ma- nure, and many other farm uses. It consists of an ordinary "bob-sled" with a cart-bed fastened on hinges in t]ie middle, and so fastened hy hook or other means at front end, as to admit of loos- ening it and tipping bed as in coal-carts and horse- carts. The cut so fully illustrates its construction that but little discription is needed. It can 1)6 used especially in win- ter for many purposes, -such as hauling corn for fattening hogs, gravel, sand, and earth to fill holes or banking up around pens or buildings and luiuliug out manure; and in summer it will be found to drag easily on grass, and is very con- ■*• ^"-^^ abbai^ged for dukping. venient. In hog-killing it can be used as a i^latform, and dump- ing one at that, so that piggy can be drawn from the scalding bar- rel in the bed, and then the front end brought down, or in hauling hogs from pen, after killing, to place for dressing. When used for this pur- pose loosen the front end so tliat back end will touch the ground ; the dead hog can be easily pulled in, and tlien tlie bed ijulled down and fas- tened at the front with less labor than would l)e required to lift tlie hog upon a sled or wagon. Many other uses will suggest tliemselves to the thoughtful farmer. We next present a convenient swill barrow. It can be made of an old wheel-barrow, or any old wheel taken from some dis- carded machine, and by at- taclnng handles and fasten- ing a flour or otiier barrel, can be used for a variety of V purposes, such as wheeling swill, water, meal, shorts, oats, etc. It is an inexpen- CONVENIEXT SWILL BARROW. [17] THE HOG IN AMERICA. sive and easily constructed implement, and is sufficiently explained by the illustration. We also, present another, a little more expensive, but much better one, and its construction and use are suggested by the picture. 'J'his, too, can be a home-made article. Take two old wheels from on old corn cultivator, wheat-drill, hay-rake, old buggy, or spring-wagon, or if preferred, get new wheels. A coal-oil, old pork, whisky or vinegar barrel will do for the barrel. Dress out a stick of rough wood for an axletree, about 2 inches square, and make an axle-arm on each end of it to flt the wheels. The length of the main part of the axle-tree, be- tween the wheels, should be about 30 inches. Make a square Uiortise through two opposite sides of the barrel, just large enough to receive the axletree. Let the work be done neatlj', so as to secure a good fit, and calk the cracks with tow, or with the strands of a rope picked to pieces. Two staight sticks for thills, with a cross-piece connecting the forward ends, are bolted to the axle-tree with small carriage bolts. The axle-tree should pass through the barrel, a little below the bilge, pro- vided the wheels are high enough to swing it clear from the ground ; or the barrel can be secured by making the axle of wood or iron and pass- ing around the outside of the barrel and fastened to it by screws or bolts. Other means of attach- ment may suggest themselves to the person constructing the cart. The advantages of such a swill- barrel will be readily appreciateil by every one who desires to keep the offensive odor, which arises from the piggery, at a distance from the dwelling-house. The PORTABLE SWILIi-BARREL. barrel, wheeled to the door of the kitchen, may receive the swill, and can then be trundled back to the piggery. Thus we dispense with all the disagreeable handling and spilling of swill, unavoidable when a swill-barrel is stationary, and the swill is carried in pails from the kitchen to the sty. Another very im- portant consideration is, that if an inclined plane be made for the wheels to run upon, the contents of the barrel may be poured directly into another barrel, or into the feeding trough, by simply elevating the shafts so as to turn the barrel over backwards. A barrel may be sup- ported on wheels in this manner, for the purpose of carrying water to stock of any kind, or for any other purpose where it is usual to carry water, liquid manure, etc., in pails. A lid should fit at the top of the barrel closely, to keep the liquid from slopping over. A chute, for loading hogs in wagons or on cars, is always an impo-t- ant helper on the farm, and we here present our readers with two useful ones. The first is one described by Prof. Bonham, and illustrated in the [48] COXVENIENCES. Breeders^ Gazette. It is a chute on wheels and is fully explained by the following cut and description : " The cut will give a general idea of its construction. It is eleven feet long, two feet wide in the clear, and the sides are two feet six inches high. There are two sills, made of two-by-four scantling, with tenant one inch by four on each end, which enter mortises in side posts one by six, and are fastened with three-quarter inch draw pins. Af- ter these are made put in draw pins and tighten them up; then put in tlie bottom side pieces, which are boards one foot wide and twelve feet PORTABLE CHUTE. loug ; then the two bottom boards, one foot wide and eleven feet long. If the bottom sills have been made two feet two inches between shoulders of tenants the bottom boards and side boards will fit closely and leave no cracks, and help to stiffen the sides. Now put on two six-inch fencing boards twelve feet long, leaving cracks three inches wide, and j'ou have the sides two feet six inches high. Xow place one end of this chute in the bottom of your wagon which you will use for hauling hogs in, the other end resting on the groun^d. You can now drop a plumb-line and mark and saw off the ends of the side boards, so that the ends of the chute will be perpendicular. The wheels shown in the cut can now be placed so the axle furnishes a support to the bottom of the chute. The bottom will be stiffer if you have placed the sills and side posts or stays one foot from each end. For wheels we have a castoff pair from an old buggy, such as can be had at any wagon or blacksmith shop for a trifle. The iron axle can be cut in the middle, so as to be made t^\ o feet six inches between the shoulders of the spindles. Now cut a slot in each of the two pieces of two-by-four scantling three feet long, and let the slots be wide enough to fit closely over the square of the iron axle, it is usually about an inch and a quarter. Let these pieces be put on the outside of the chute, tlie axle in the slots, and when the axle is adjusted, so as to touch firmly the bottom of the chute, nail these two slotted pieces to the sides of the chute, and you have a hog chute which can be wheeled from place to place with great ease. It will be found more convenient than a perma- nent chute, since with it hogs or sows can be loaded directly from their accustomed pen." In many places the wagon bed used is too sluillow for hauling hogs. We have found a bed two feet six inches deep entirely satisfactory. A cheap rack is easily made to put on top of a common box bed, as seen on many farms. It makes a handy arrangement for hauling hogs, calves, sheep, stove wood, leaves, and other light, bulky material. The following movable hog cluite is taken from tne Swine Breeders^ Journal. It is, considering its simijlicity, the best chute Ave know of. It is nuule as follows : " You will see that it is like the common chute used, except it has a movable floor. The floor has a cleat nailed onto [491 THE HOG IX AMERICA. the lower side at lower end and rests ai^ainst a strip nailed across the frame; this iiudves a hinge, strong and durahle and not lilvely to get out of order. The top end is held in place by two pins and when used for loading wagons, these pins can be drawn out, letting the floor down on the wide board nailed across the frame, which is also of sufficient hei;^ht for loading sleds and also gives strength to tlie frame in the way of bracing. It is made of fencing and can be made in one CLEMENT'S HOG CHUTE. j^^^^j.^ ^nd used in connection with two panels of fence hinged together. " The following cheai? and substantial fences, also the descriptions, are taken from the same valuable journal: " Figure 1 is constructed as follows ' Use 16 feet fencing ; set post over sixteen feet, two feet in the ground and A}.< feet out, using iwsts Q}.< feet long. The cen- ter post is 18 inches in the ground and 2G inches out. Lower board is three inches above ground; second, 4^£ inches above lov/er board. Lower wire should be what is called hog or thick set barb wire, barbs about three inches apart. Place this wire -.about three inches above the second. One more wire, 10 inches above, completes the hog fence. This -wire need not be thick set. Xow if you want a pig tight, bull I 1. .1 .. .. — I strong, horse high fence put — 1^11 u ••! I on another wire 14 inches Pig 2 above. If good material is used and the work well done, we have the best and most durable fence possible to make. I suggest that as tlie best is the cheajiest, used galvan- ized wire." " When through with the fence (shown in Fig 2) it can be stack- ed up in a shed and left until necessity compels its use again. The fence is made in panels of thi-ee ft. boards, 6 in. wide. Nail on the uprights which are 30 inches long, one in the middlt Post. and one 2 ft. from each end. [50] CONVEXIEXCES. jseleetiiis; the longest of the three boards for the bottom. Make the- space between the bottom and second board, 5 inches; between the sec- ond and third, 5 inches. Cut out a notch 2 inches deep and 4 inches long in each end of th.e bottom of the bottom board. If your ground is rolling these notches will have to be longer. Bore a three ^4 inch hole in the centre of the top board four inches from each end. These are to hold the pins which are made of hickory or oak and which hold the fence together. The bottom of the post is made of 6 inch fencing, 4 feet long. Uprights, 4 inch fencing, 3 feet long; braces of 4 inch fenc- ing. The uprights, which are spaced 21.2 inches, are nailed to one side of the top and bottom piece and the braces on the other side. Use ten- penny wrought nails for all the work. When setting up the fence, use only one pin to each i^ost." We submit below the illustration and description of a sansage-flller, which will be found very easy of construction : An inch thick pine board, a foot wide and 4I4 feet long, is fitted with 4 legs, 2y^ feet long, notched into its edges, with the feet spread outwards to give firmness. Two oak stan- dards, 18 inches high, are ■^et 34 inches apart, with a slot down the middle of each for the admission of an oak lever, 8 feet long. The upright has three or four holes above each other for the lever-pin, as shown in the cut. The tin fillor is set into the bench nearer the left upright, and projects below for receiving the skins. Above the filler is a follower fitting into it, and its top working very loosely iu the lever, to allow full play as it moves up and down. Grain-bins, wells, corn-cribs and slop-barrels should always be located as near and convenient to the feeding pens as possible. Bins for small grain, bran, shorts, meal, etc., should be constructed with a slanting floor, the slope being toward the opening. Tliis will crowd the feed down to the place of taking out, and save time, trouble and work. All tools used should always have a place, and be kept in place when not in use. If a board on pens or fence becomes loose, or off", put it on or fasten it at once. Delays are dangerous. The illustrations given on the next page show several kinds of hog- traps. Figure 2, in a great measure, explains itself. The hog is driven in from the rear, and the person wlio operates the trap, stands be- side the wide board, and as the hog's head passes through the open- ing, the top of the lever is pushed forward and secured by an iron [51, A SAUSAGE FIl-t,£K HOC TflAP. FIC.2. THE HOG IX AMERICA. pin passing through the holes in the top bars, in small dot, for holes. The sides of the trap can be made of ordinary feneinf lumber and the catch bar should be 2 by 3, or 2 by 4 scantling. Figure 1 is a head-piece tliat can be used in Figure 2, in place of the one shown. In Figure 1 you will notice the side of the catch or catch bar have sides hollowed out to fit neck of the hog. It is a better, but more difficult to construct. In Figure 1, the trap is shown closed ; while in Figure 2 the trap is open. The dotted lines in each show the position of trap bar as closed in Figure 2, and open in Figure 1. Figures 3 and 4 show a rope with running noose, and Figure 5 is used in connection with both 3 and 4, for the purpose of pushing the open noose in the mouth of the hog. These rope traps are designed to catch the hog by the upper jaw ; as soon as a hog fi'cls the pressure of the rope, he at once pulls back, and by wrapping the other end around a post or tree, you hold him fast. The loop in Figure 3 is all made of rope; in Figure 4 tlie rope passes through an iron ring, which is preferable, because it works easier in catching and letting go. ^ \ : . ^ \\J 1 i\\ ^ m - 1 IRON TROUGH WITH SPOUT. [52] PRINCIPLES OF BREEDING. The principles of breeding are as old and fixed as nature. They are unchanged and unchangeable. Many of them have been discovered, or at least partially so, but old nature has so far concealed others, and seems likely to until the end of time. We know certain things as facts, but why they are so, we do not know. We know that by the copu- lation of animals, at certain periods,, new animals are produced, and at other times and seasons, copulation by the same animals produces noth- ing. These ai'e facts all have observed. Why they are so, no fellow has found out. There are many others of like and different character that we are ignorant o/. One of the things we think we know is that like, under the same circumstances, produces like: or to put it in a little ditt- erent shape, we know that the young and new born animal is like its par- ents or some of their ancestors. This chapter will be principally directed to what is believed to be known, with an occasional mention of the unknown principles of breeding Two terms will be used in this discussion, which are names for the two principles of breeding which we think we know. The first one is heredity, and it is that principle which results in perpetuating a similai-ity or uniformity in a species, and makes every individual the sum, essence or aggregation of all that precedes it, and upon which is built the saying, " like produces like." It is the conservative force that loves the old or permanent order of things and abhors changes and variations. Opposed to this conservative force, is a radical one, usual- ly called evolution, which develops and unfolds some hidden dormant faculty or power, by change of situation, condition and selection. It is that progressive principle that adapts the animal to change of sur- roundings. These two forces are always contending witli each other and yet working together. Heredity resists changes until evolution has held its own for a few generations, when heredity, reconciled to the new order of tilings, steps in, and b.y the aid of its powerful force, holds the new order permanently, thereby establishing a new, fixed type. Evolution is the pioneer that goes into new fields and unfolds and de- velops, while heredity is the conservator which follows, reluctantly, it [531 THE HOG IN AMERICA. is true, but follows, and holds firmly the position evolution has won. All wild animals, in a state of nature, are the Simon pure examples of heredity. They have for ages been of the same form, pattern, color and disposition. The tiger of to-day has the same stripes as of hun- dreds of years ago. The leopard has not changed a spot nor abated one whit of its cunning. The wild hog is the same fierce and fleet animal that he was when first known. It is true that occasionally evolution has drawn out wliat is known as a sport, such as a white deer or squir- rel, but not having the hand of man to aid in selection, in a few gener- ations or p' .aaps in one generation it is merged in the current of hered- ity, and ceases to exist as a white or different colored animal. The principle then called heredity, by its adherence to the old order of things, is of great importance in holding any new or advanced position which evolution, guided and assisted by man, may attain. We may safely say that the only strictly pure, thorough-bred animals are the wild ones, and domestic animals are only relatively so. The wild animals always produce their kind unerringly, while any of the domestic breeds only do so imperfectly and under like circumstances and conditions, and then must be guided and directed by man, without such direction, the domestic horse, cow, or hog will each grad- ually go back to, or nearly ajiproach, the wild ancestor. At first blush this may seem at variance with what has been heretofore said. It is one of the peculiarities of heredity, however, that it may be teinporarily overrun by others of more present power, but it is only vanquished and not slain or exterminated ; when, therefore, the superior force begins to fail from lack of culture or attention, the hidden or partially smoth- ered one, aided by neglect and want of sustenance, or some change of condition, or new element revived, it once more regains supremacy and drifts the animal back to the wild form. As commonly understood the words, thorough-bred or pure-bred, as applied to diUerent breeds and races of domestic animals, mean that yxedness of type that transmits itself uniformily to its progeny. This brings us face to face with the old question of " in-and-in" breeding. It is a question that must be met, and we do not shrink from the task, but will treat of it in a subsequent and separate chapter. Before proceeding further, it may be well to define the word Breed. "Webster defines it as follows : " 1st. A race or progeny from the same parents. 2d. A cast; a kind: a race of men or other animals which have an alliance by ""lativity, or some distinctive qualities in common." We submit the folic /ing: A family group, or class of animals, which uniformly possess and transmit characteristics, qualities and peculiari- ties not common to other animals of the same species. In the formation of a breed, or in perpetuating it, one of the most important principles is a careful, thoughtful, and intelligent selection of animals designed for breeders. This principle is aided and supported [54] PRINCIPLES OF BREEDIXG. "by generous feeding and careful protection In fact tlie principle of selection would work but slowly, if at all, unless backed by the other two, and all are somewhat modified and controled by changes of cli- mate and habits. In starting a new breed a definite idea should exist in the mind of the person or persons who are about to make the attempt. Unless such an idea is ever present and adhered to, the selections will not have any intelligent direction, and success can hardly be expected. The same may be said of attempts at improvement and eftorts to maintain pres- ent perfection. Mixing the blood of animals without any definite aim is easy enough, but to direct such mixing with intelligence is a difficult problem, and requires a thorough knowledge of the principles of breed- ing together with a high order of intelligencie. In breeding any of the improved breeds of hogs, now existing in the United States, the breeder is aided by having a standard or ideal hog already described by skillful breeders. This obviates the necessity of his creating one. It is true he need not follow such ideal, but may erect one of his own. In any event if he expects success he must have an ideal, original or borrotoed, and stick to it, and not only have an ideal but must work, intelligently and unceasingly, to bring his stock up to the ideal. Theoretically, there is no limit to the number of breeds that may be produced, as minor changes can readily be produced, but prac- tically the work is confined to marked and important diff"erences. In commencing a breed we have, as will be seen, only probabilities, for so much depends upon the eff"ect of climate and the uncertainty of the combinations, but after the breed becomes established and firmly fixed, then we may figure upon a particular form with reasonable cer- tainty, if we follow the principles of breeding with judgment and skill. The first and one of the most important steps to be taken, is a careful selection of animals having in common the desired peculiarities. Couple such togetlier, and as the breed begins to take shape and form, as a class, select from the progeny in like manner those having the nearest approach to the ideal, and if one should have some especially weak points or marked deficiency, select for its mating one unusually strong in same points, and if possible one whose ancestors for sevei'al genera- tions have exhibited a like strength. If the point to be corrected be one of muscle, use at the same time such food as especially develops muscle, and direct sufficient exercise to aid in the development of the parts. To illustrate : If it be a fiat neck or small back, do not put a ring in the nose, but put tlie hog where he can and will root a great deal, and if necessary fix his food where rooting will be necessary to get it. There is no exercise a hog takes that develops the muscles of the neck and back like vigorous rooting. If the ear is too large and lays too close to the head, select one as a mate that has ears nearly erect, or if you have not such an opposite, [55] THE HOG IN AMERICA. T3reed so that the pigs will come in December and January, when the ■weather is cold, as pigs coming at that season of the year have smaller •ears, and often stand upright or nearly so for a time, and Anally break at the tip. The reason for this effect of the cold weather is not clear to me, but it is claimed by some, with a show of plausibilit}', that it is be- cause the cold weather impedes the circulation of blood in the ear and thereby checks the growth. Whatever the philosophy may be, the fact is an established one. If the defect is in soft bones and feet, correct by selecting a mate of o])posite character, and use feed that contains the most bone material, such as milk, oats, bran, and ground bone. In short, aid your selections by strengthening them with proper food and exercise. The better and more rapid process of development is to have both the animals coupled possess in as great degree as can be obtained, the de- sired points in common, as mixed form, currents and peculiarities of Wood are less liable to harmonize, and frequently the antagonism tends to allow the old force of heredity to drive back to some poor ancestor. By selecting animals for coupling that have a uniformity of charac- teristics you concentrate the effects of evolution, and approach heredity' in those points ; whereas, if extremes are mated there is a struggle for supremacy between the desirable and the undesirable that is likely to go wrong unless the good is backed by a long line of similarly constituted aninuils. The better way is to select only uniformly good and discard the bad tendencies. The downward road is much the easier traveled and it re- quires constant care, skill and judgment to keep in the path of pro- gress. It is better to have a few good ones than to risk desirable quali- ties and increased numbers. Poor material put in a building will sooner or later give waj' and ruin follow, and the same result follows in breeding, if poor blood is used. Defects may in time be bred out. They do not go voluntarily nor yield easily. They can be only overcome by repeated and persistent fighting. It is better to select the best and not waste money or time in attacking deformities, and when you have thus selected, feed gen- erously of the best feed, carefully shelter and protect from the inclem- encies of the weather, and the road is pleasant, and progress rapid. Plans and the knowledge of breeding intelligently will come step by step, and many overgrown conceits, born of tradition and ignorance, will collapse when weighed in the scale of common sense It is a general rule that coupling two infei-ior animals together will not produce a superior one. The stream does not rise higher than its source. There is no superior merit without intelligent effort and then it is the result of hereditary tendencies, carefully directed. All alleged happy accidents, if carefully studied, will be found tracing back to some superior ancestor. The accident may be only one pig in a litter, [56] PRINCIPLES OF BREEDING. a fellow that stands out from among his bretliren, yet he may be unusu- ally strong in transmitting liis characteristics, because the good of some remote ancestor seems to have concentrated in him, but usually those animals ar? the strongest and most i^otent which come of a uniformly good litter. Painters mix and know what colors they will get, but with animals of mixed colors the breeder who mixes can not foresee the result. It is one of old nature's secrets that she has not yielded up to prying man. When, however, the color is fixed in a long line of ancestoi-s it is stable and certain. If selection of animals used in coupling is made by selecting such as have like peculiarities, the chances for a reprodution of those peculiari- ties are twice as great as those when the animals coupleil are unlike, and the cliances increase in a geometrical ratio in proportion as the number of ancestry increase, having like peculiarities: and on the other hand, if the varied forms exist in the animals coupled, and their ancestors, the chances decrease in the same ratio, as the contending currents are liable to refuse all lines and channels and take to the woods. Reproduction of sex is a principle of breeding that has baffled all at- tempts at control. Many learned men, and close, thouglitful students, have attempted to, and for a time, thought they had unveiled the mys- tery, but after playing witli them for a season, old nature would blast their beautiful theories, and leave man where he was centuries ago, en- tirely ignorant of the laws governing the control of the production of the sexo Another principle of breeding is that mature animals produce better oftspring than immature ones, or old and infirm ones; and it is also a principle that old animals breed best when coupled with }■ oung, vigor- ous ones. It is better to couple an old sow and young boar, or a young sow with an old boar, than to couple two young ones or two old ones together. But neither course is so certain as the coupling of two middle-aged, vigorous and healthy animals. Domestic animals, and especially the improved varieties, mature much earlier than wild ones, aud as they ripen earlier, they breed earlier. There is also a difference in diff"erent breeds, some maturing earlier than others. The sow should not be bred nor the boar allowed to serve until they are eight or ten months old. A breed that can not sustain itself in breeding at that early age ought not to lay claim to early maturity. Much has been written concerning the effect of first impregnations, and many instances have been cited by gentlemen to sustain the position that the first impi-egnation has more or less infiu- ence upon all subsequent progeny of the female. We do not believe it possible that the semen of the male, which is in no way taken into the circulation of the female, can influence after impregnations. At the same time our belief is not evidence, and many instances are cited, [57] THE HOG IX AMERICA. ■which, if true, apparently support the theory of Impressions. Some persons have gone so far as to contend that the first copulation of the male affects all his subsequent copulations ; that is, if it is an inferior animal that receives his fii'st embrace, all subsequent prog^iy partake more or less of the form and appearance of the inferior animal. This looks to us as though it was a terrible strain on a man's common sense, yet it may be true. It seems to us, however, that the several theories are of little moment to the intelligent and progressive breeder, who always uses the best. He will get good ones anyhow who takes none but the best, whether first, last, or each time impressions tliat govern. [58] IN-BREEDING AND IN-AND IN BREEDING. Breeding animals together, which are closely related, is called in- "breeding, or close breeding. When such a course is practiced for sev- eral generations, it is called in-and-in breeding. When the animals used are of the same family, but not closely related, it is called line breeding. When the mating is of different families of the same breed- ing, it is usually termed cross-hreeding ; although the term cross-breed- ing, or crossing, is frequently, and we might say, generallj'- used to de- scribe the coupling of different breeds. In what we have to say we shall use the terms entirely, as relating to a breed, and not the crosses of different breeds. We are aware that we are entering a field, where much has, and can be said, and where, if the reader reads only what has been written on either side, he would think there was no doubt as to the views of the champion whose production he has so eagerly devoured. The question, however, has been discussed for a century or more, and the absolute certainty of the benefits of the one or the other course, is still unsettled. Nor are we vain enough to think that we can settle it now ; still Ave have views on the subject, derived from reading, observation and experience. But by way of an introduc- tory, let us say that we usuallj^ receive from tlie writers, accounts of the success of their attempts, while the long list of failures are quietly passed over, and the reading world knows not of the heartaches and periods of anguish which they have produced. This is one of the weaknesses of human nature. It is so much more pleasant to tell of victories than to acknowledge and detail defeats and disasters. But re- sults can only he determined by a knowledge of both the successes and defeats. When this is fully known, possibly the novice may be able to determine the proportion of chances in each line, or system of breed- ing. Individual instances of success with either system are, to put it mild, far from settling the question. You can doubtless run over in your mind the names of many breeders within your recollection, who have made dismal failures with either system. Such examples afford little information, as there is no evidence that if they had adhered to the other system that thej^ would have succeeded anj^ better than with [591 THE HOG IX AMERICA. the one that brought ruin and disgust. Tlie examples thus called to niiiid, may be simply illustrations that all raisers are not, in a higher and better sense, breeders. The advocates of cross-breeding say, it is true, that in the formative period of every breed there must of necess- ity be, in-and-in breeding, but that, as soon as possible, should be abandoned, because it is injurious. Yet the query comes, if it was good while the breed was in its incipiency, why should not the system that has developed, or created, also perpetuate with unerring certainty ? One class of breeders maintain that it will, and another go so far as to say that it not only fails to maintain, but will in a short time wholly destroy its own creation. These opposite theories are not new ones ; on the contrary, they have existed for years, Avbile the pathways of ex- perience are in numy instances adorned with monuments to the one, and strewn \\ ith wrecks in proof of the other. It is perhaps unfortu- nate that all of our domestic animals have bad qualities as well as good ones. In-breeding perpetuates and intensifies both the good and bad. If, therefore, the animal has more good than bad qualities, (if care is used) good results are likely to follow ; on the contrary, if the bad are in ex- cess, degeneration is almost certain. The uniform excellence, strength, vigor, and adherence to a type as exhibited by wild animals, where seclection and copulation seems guided only by the passions of the 'animals, Avould seem to sujiport the theory, that in-and-in breeding when directed by nature is a success. There is other testimony of like character in what is known as scrub or common stock, when year after year, and generation after generation, the domestic animals running loose upon the commons or uncontroled in the fields, they in-breed at jDleasure, and in fact receive no infusion of outside blood, and yet the change of any is so slight as to be unno- ticed. We have all noticed, or known to a greater or less degree, of neighborhoods where tlie same families of swine have existed for ten or twenty years, with no stranger in blood to strengthen them, yet they are hard}', active, intelligent for their species, and seem none the worse for their incestuous connections. Prof. Low and Herbert Spencer, in attempting to account for this state of aflairs in the scrubs, say that it is because there is such a variety of form, color, and shape in a lot of scrubs, that that is the reason ; that the fertility and vigor of the scrub remains unimpaired ; that in- and-in breeding only proves fatal and disastrous when selections of ani- mals of uniform color, form and features are bred in-and-in ; that the germ cells become uniform, and by such uniformity their vigor and life is destroyed, antl that unlike animals have unlilve germ cells, and that the co-mingling of unlike cells is the same as if the animals were not related. Such a theory is very nice, and possibly learned, but it goes to pieces like a rope of sand, when it strikes the wild animals, where the different individuals are as lilvc as two peas. They are, so far as [GO] IX-BREEDIXG AND IN-AND-IN BREEDING. the eye can detect, exactly alike, and have a uniformity that any breeder may well envy but cannot even approach. If uniformitj' of germ cells follow uniformity of appearance, then we should, if the theory be true, expect to see the several species of wild animals soon degenerate, droop, and become extinct; yet we And them still flourishing, uncon- scious of the uniformity of their germ cells. Again the Low and Spencer theories get another black eye in anotlier direction, in this: It is admitted by all breeders that to maintain any of the domestic breeds in the higher state of perfection, the aniuials to be coupled should be as nearly alike as possible. Then if this be true, and it is not disputed, the instant you get two animals of exactly the same type or even closely so, you must get the same uniformity of germ cells, and then down goes your edifice ; degeneration and disaster must follow, if their theory be true. The simple truth is theories are cheap, and often for a time beau- tiful, but they are so frequently disfigured by contact Avith known facts, as to be scarcely recognizable by their friends after the conflict. The deleterious effect of the marriage of close relations in the human family, are often cited to sustain the theory that in-breeding is wrong. Of course, such examples should have some weight, but in our humble judgment it should be but slight. Marriage in the human family is di- rected and brought about by love, while the coupling of animals is purelj' business. Love rarely stojis to inquire as to physical structure and healthy development, while business looks or should look only at the physical. In the one case we see rash and impetuous sentiment, while in the other it should be a cool, level-headed calculation. Lentil man- kind, in seeking mates, do as do breeders of animals, we think the com- parison of little value. Some writers assert that the history of the Hebrews furnish a strong argument against intermarriage. They assert that intermarriage of close relations are with them more frequent than among other nations, and that the result is more deformities, decrepitude and premature deaths among those people than any other civilized nations. Whether this be true or not, we are unable to say. but confined to our own observations of the Hebrew race, it is not true. Granting it to be true, however, for the sake of argument, j'et we can off"-set it by the results of intermar- riage among the reigning families of Europe, who for generations have been intermarrying, and seem to be none the worse for such affinities. But as we said before, we do not consider a comparison in the human familv of much force, for the reasons we have already stated. The reader is already familiar Avith the history of the creation of the present Essex hogs. They are the result of close in-and-in coupling. The Cotswold sheep furnish another example, and the Bates and Booth short-horns are brilliant illustrations of incestuous breeding. But we do not know how many poor animals, resulting from such cennec- [61] . THE HOG IN AMEKICA. tion, have fallen by the wayside. If we did, it would greatly aid usJ History has placed before us the splendid animals that have impressed themselves u^jon their descendants ; if there were other kinds, their friends are silent. It is not necessary, however, for us to go so far back. The formative period of the Poland-China was a period of nuich incestuous breeding, and its latter history shows numerous recent examples. Commander is closely inbred. Lord Corwin 2d is another similarly inbred animal, and but few animals have more strongly im- pressed themselves upon their progeny than those two boars. We think Lord Corwin 2d was one of the best and most uniform breeders we ever knew. We once by accident had a litter from brother and sister, and it was a very even and excellent one. Our experience in close breeding is limited, but Ave have had good results as a general rule. Col. Bess was closely inbred, an exception to the general rule; although he threw many good pigs, he was not a uniformly good breeder and was himself deficient in size. The writer has now three young sows, one year old July 25, 1886 : their sire and grandsire is one and the same, viz. : Buckeye Boy ; they are all one litter, and, large, growthy and handsome ; there is no ap- pearance of impaired constitution, nor lack of fertility. We have been experimenting with another lot — a litter of pigs farrowed May 2d, 1886, whose sire, grandsire and great-grandsire is Give or Take ; there were five pigs in the litter, one was killed on the second day after farrowing, and the sow has raised four; three of the pigs are large and thrifty, and one is small and does not seem thrifty ; the large&t one, a boar, will weigh now, August 2, 1886, about one hundred pounds, possibly a little more ; he is three months old ; the other two are nearly as large ; all are handsome, active and vigorous, and seem to be growing more rap- idly than some others which are not bred so closely. By line-breeding you secure, or at least have better opportunities for selecting from the same family, animals that have not only present uni- form appearance, but inherit such traits and peculiarities. Line- breeding tends to refinement of bone, hair, head and ear, and if judic- ious selection as to vigor and strength are made, a forward movement will be the result. Line-breeding, as the term is usually applied is confined to the female line, but it is equall}'- important to apply it in the male line, and upon reflection, we think more so; as, granting that the influence of the male and female are equal, yet the boar is used upon so many females that he may well be considered, as he is often termed, half the herd. Breeding in line or close breeding has been successfully followed by several of the best breeders of Butler and Warren Counties, Ohio, whose intelligence and capacity as breeders are unquestioned. On the other hand, in cross-breeding there is a lack of uniformity — uneven sizes and shapes, not only in the herd but in litters ; and this [62] IN-BREEDING AND IN-AND-IN BREEDING. but follows the known principles of breeding. Take for example an animal in whose veins course the currents of a dozen different familie-s, whose characteristics are more or less dissimilar, and cross such an an- imal with another having an equal number of opposite currents; now in such case there is no uniformity in the blood of the parents and tlte strong probabilities are that the litter will be uneven and lack uniform- ity. Often in such cases no two of the litter will be similar in color, form or size. This is a natural result of so many contending influences. Now our notion is to avoid both extremes and combine the good of both systems by making one out and two in-crosses; make the out- cross on the female side, and success will follow if judgment, skill and care is exercised. The reason why we say make the out-cross on the sow, is that you can try several difterent crosses at the same time with less danger. If the boar is used as an out-cross there will be danger of losing a season's product from all sows bred to him, while on the other hand, when the out-cross is a sow, if it is a failure you lose but'one lit- ter. We have noticed in our visits to Ohio, during our early history as breeders, that we would, in travelling about, frequently find a bi-eeder who had staked his all upon a certain untried boar, and failed, the re- sult was his j'car's breeding was only used as porkers. Such results have happened with the best of breeders, hence we say make your out- cross a sow, or two or three difterent sows, and take choice of the results. There has been so much written, and the opinion of breeders of equal intelligence are so directl}" opposite, that we recommend every breeder to experiment for himself. He will then know how it is ; at least he can satisfy himself; and, after all, he is the individual who has to act, and if experience is a dear it is a good school, where lessons learned are in- delliby impressed upon the mind. Jn addition to trying, give the world the results, whether good or bad, and they may aid in settling a much- vexed question. [63] PEDIGREES— THEIR USE AND YALUE. A pedigree is the family history of an animal. Every hog has a ped- igree, because everj^ hog has a history. Even the meanest scrub has a pedigree as long as any other hog, but it is not a written or re- corded one. Pedigree, then, in its broadest sense, means a history of the family connections in the ancestrallines of an animal; but pedigree, in its sometimes limited sense, means a record of ancestry. Some Avould-be wise and assumed independent stock-growers scorn the idea of pedigree, as though it were a foolish and " dudish " attachment. Such persons instead of thereby showing a superiority, only expose their ignorance and thoughtlessness. Webster defines " Pedigree " as follows : "A noun (contracted from the French, par degrees, by degrees; for a pedigree is a genealogical ta- ble which records the relationship of families by degrees ; line of an- cestors; descent; lineage; genealogy; strain; an account or register of a line of ancestrj\" Every hog has a history, known or unknown, and everj' hog in America, if its history had been faithfully kept, or could now be traced, would run back not only to imported stock, but on to the begin- ning of the hog family. The principal difference between the pedigree of a thorough-bred and registered animal and its kinsman, the scrub, is, that the former has been in the hands of careful men, who for sev- eral generations have kept an accurate history of its ancestry and an account of their several peculiarities; while the scrub has jiassed through the hands of tlie careless and thoughtless, and its history, if any, is a disconnected tradition. One class of breeders pride them- selves upon their care and accuracy, and the other upon their reckless- ness. If a physician is employed, one is selected who has fully prepared himself by the study of anatomy and the structure of the body, and the efl^jcts of the remedies he proposes to use. Life and health are not wil- fully risked in the hands of the man who prides himself upon his igno- rance and reckless disregard of such important matters. If a house is to be built a skillful man is employed, and not a common laborer; if a [64J PEDIGREES— THEIR USE AXD VALUE. pilot is desired in directing the course of a vessel across the ocean or traversing some river, the one is selected who can understand and in- terpret the charts and maps which disclose the dangers in the pathway and i^oint out the safe water, and not the ignorant, reckless man, who scorns such accomplishments and aids and depends largely on the looki of the surface of the water. What would be thought of a lawyer who spurned all knowledge of the facts and law of the case he was to try and announced that he should rely on the looks of the parties to the suit, or the physician who would prescribe for the patient without any knowledge of the patient or inquiry as to the symptoms that had pre- ceded his visit, and it is just as idle and uncertain to attempt to breed good stock without a knowledge of the ancestry of stock to be used. The present appearance of the animal gives but a limited idea of its ca- pacity and tendency as a breeder. The ways and methods of old nature are difficult and mysterious enough, even when directed by all the in- formation attainable, and he who neglects all the aids he can command strikes in the dark and pushes blindly vipon dangerous ground. The truth is, no person selects a breeding animal witliout some inquiry as to its sire and dam, and all persons try, even in buying scrubs, to get a son or daughter of some famous horse, cow, sheep or hog, that has been noted in the neighborhood, and will pay more for such an animal than for another equally good, that has no such known connection. Such persons do not once think they are relying on pedigree, but they are, a short, unwritten, sometimes unreliable, and always imperfect one, yet a pedigree all the same. If it is borne in mind that the history of an animal is its pedigree, the prejudice against the use and system of recording pedigi'ees will vanish, for no one pretends to ignore history. It is quite common for men to trace their family connections to some great and good man, and when it can be done, it is not thought disrep- utable ; on the contrary, it is a source of pride. That a man's paren's or grandparents were or are honest, intelligent, good citizens, will aid him in securing the confidence of the public, while the man who is so unfortunate as to descend from a family, who for several generatio.is have been criminals, will be closely watched and be an object of con- stant suspicion. Another illustration is to be found in the titles to lands. Persons do not buy land without an abstract of title ; this is a history of the title, a pedigree of the land. No person would think of buying land at any- where near its value, where neither deeds nor a record of deeds have been preserved, and where the title exists only in the memory of man. Memory is too uncertain and unsteady, even though honest, for such an important matter. All the above illustrations demonstrate that pedigrees do tell and have their influence in all the relations of life. Assuming it to be true, then, that mens' acts are governed by the history of themselves and [65] THE HOG m AMERICA. their property, it is only necessary far ns to further inquire, shall that history be a written or printed one, or shall it be a mere tradition, passed from mind to mind? A little reflection and observation will easily settle the question of how best to preserve such history. Every person has doubtless noticed the difficulty tliat men have in recalling to mind transactions which occurred years or even months ago, and how eagerly they grasp at every written word, he it memoranda, letter or contract, or books of account, to refresh the memory. How often we hear the expression, when a question of what occurred some time prior is up for discussion, " Well, I have it in writing at home, and that will settle it." Again, it will be noticed that every person Avill yield his recollection wJlien contradicted by the written word. One of the best illustrations of the infirmity of memory was shown in tlie starting of each herd book. Those engaged in gathering information of ancestral animals doubtless remember the difficulties of obtaining any definite information even from the best posted breeders ; and as an evidence of that, look at the short pedigrees in the first volumes of each record, and then compare those early pedigrees with the present ones, and the diff"erence between certainty and uncertainty is marked. Or to put it in another shape, see the ditterence between written history and tradition . Another test of the value of memory : Stop and think of any ani- mal and try to recall to mind every ancestor in three generations ; not one person in a hundred can do it. In written history carefully and conscientiously made, we can always place implicit reliance, and this is especially true of facts and circumstances put down as they occur. Thus it follows that the value of every record depends upon its accu- racy and the extent of the information it affords. These tests should he impartially and honestly applied for the general good. The necessity of a sytem for recording swine was felt long before the result was obtained, and the popularity and advantages are apparent to all, and especially to those who have availed themselves of the oppor- tunities already afforded. There are now swine records in the United States, as follows : Berk- shires, one; Chester Whites, two; Jersey Reds, one; Yorkshires, one: 'Cheshircs, one; Poland-China, four. That the reader may have an opportunity of judging of their re- spective merits, a sample pedigree of each is here inserted : AMERICAN BERKSHIRE FORM. No, Sex Farrowed. 1 Breeder. Sire Dam Owner 13802 S Apr. 17,'81 T. C. Murphv, Thayer. Kan. Jack Hood 13891 Lady Hood 13806 T.C. Murphy. Sec reta ry— Phil.1 tf . Springer, Spr ngfleld, Ills. [66] PEDIGREES— THEIK USE AND VALUE. THE AMERICAN FORM. Ajax 1731. FARROWKD APRIL 8, 1883. Owned by D. D. Boi linger, Hopkins, Mo. Bred by H, M. & W. P. Sisson, Galesburg, TU. KO. PIGS IN LITTER, 3; BOARS 2, SOWS 1. Very dark, with white points; white notch in face, ear drooping. Sire— i7. S., Jr. 1146, owned by II. M. & VV. P. Sisson, Galesburg, 111. bred by C. W. Jones. Richland, Mich.; sired by U. S. 779, out of Bess Stibbens. I>am Got by Bred bu Betsy Balder 6178 Col. Jones 505 C. W. Jones. 2. Swatt 7th 2358 Magio World Beater 263. 3. Lady Swatt 3it 748 Jim Crow. 4. Short Tail Swatt Bismark 2d. 5. Sandy Swatt Wa'lace Boar. 6. Swatt Tyrell Boar. 7. Swatt Conover Boar. The above record is correct to the best of our knowledge. Signed— H. M. & W. P. SISSON. Secretary — Jno. Gilmocr, Vinton. Iowa. " THE CENTRAL FORM. Sire 619 Sire Sire Y'ng Gold Duet 1589 Gold Dust 3i 549 Gold Dust Sire 2895 Zelda'sGold Drop Far'd Mar 21, '84 ■Color blk, white points, well pro- portioned hog. etrona: bone,good breeder. Dam 2055 Gold Drop Dam Dam (390 Lady Mustin 1024 R'e Black Sire 1026 jj^^|_Mayflower3rd_ 889 553 Governor 2d 1022 I 'anil Mayflower 2nd 8-3 Sire R's Perfection Sire Bess Prizer R Dam Sire 485 Sire T'ng Perfection 391 Old Beauty 1292 Sire Mavflower 887 Dick Fox Ross' Bess 417 Sire Perfection 379 Prizer 4222 Zelda Bred by Shepard Bros., Indianapolis, Ind. Dam Dam 162 Q'n B'lk BessT 368 Sire M's Lady Pn^h 143 Zebedee :96 Moss Rose Sire 695 12t0 Black Rosa 2d Dam Modoc Chief Dam 485 Sirp Y'ng Perfection Dam Secretary— W.H. Morris, Indianapolis. Ind. Ii96 ^pot'd Perfection 243 796 Sire Duke of Prebl e Black Rosa 130 Duchess of Preb. Dam NATIONAL CHESTER WHITE FORM. [The National Chester White Record form is similar to the Central Poland-China Record.] Secretary— Dk. E. H. Moody. Emmence, Ky. [67] THE HOG IX AMERICA. THE OHIO FORM. CORWIN WORLD-BEATER 2d, 11,974. Farrowed April 20, 18S3. Littter, 8; raised —boars, i; sows, 4. Dark, with white points. Bred by John W. Baker, Somerville, Butler County, Ohio. Still owned by him, March, 1884. Sired by Corwin Victor 3561 ; he by Tom Corwin 2d 2037, out of Cora Shellenberger 2880 Dam— CorwW.B. 7906, by Tom Cor, 2d 2037. 4. Madam B. 3632. by V'ng's FHog 212ll 2. World B. Sow 3d 2482. by W. B. 1213 r.. LadvCooper3364by Cooper Hog 143, 3. Lady Baker 1670, by son of Zeb. 1 987. Secretary— Carl FREiGAr. Dayton. Ohio THE NORTHWESTERN FORM. Carrie O. 464. (Col. Jones, 504 (Sambo, 81 A Sire— Galesburg, No. 959 A < (1. X. r.., 672 A (Black Bess 3d, J Magie's World Beater, 253 A ( Black Bess 2d, 508 X. (Hood, 905 A (Stonewall Jackon, 31 A Dam— Black Hood, ] ) May Flower 2d, 1940 A (Little Deauty 2d 3326 A UJoe Bisniark. 605 A. ( Little Beauty. Date of farrow, March 1, 1883. Bred by W. & J. T. Laughlin, Xew London, Iowa. Present or last owner, H. C. Stoll, Beatrice, Neh. The above is correct to the best of our knowledsce and belief. Signed— W. & J.^T. LAUGHLIN". Secretary— J. O. Young, Washington, Kansas. TODD'S IMPROVED CHESTER WHITE FORM HOLMES BELLE 168. Farrowed in the spring of 1881. Litter, 10; raised— boars, 5; sows, 4. Bred by S. H. Todd. Waketnan, Huron Co., Ohio; sold to H. P. Eaton, Bucyrus, Crawford Co., Ohio;, in the fall of 1882; still owned by him, January, 1885. Sire— King 3d, 205; he bred bv S. H. Todd, Wakeman, Ohio. Gr. sire— King 2d 203; he by King 20i. outof Lady Whitney 406. Gr. dam— Lady Laporte 2d. 324; she by Perfection 26 •, out of Lady Laporte 322.. Dam— Short Tail 688; she bred by s. H. Todd, Waiieman, Ohio. Gr. sire— Kentucky 193; he bred bv E. R. Moody, Eminence, Kv. Gr. dam— Wakeman Belle 728; sh3 by Perfection 265, outof Lady Bates 230. Secretary— H. P, Eaton. Bucyrus Ohio. THE AMERICAN DUROC-JERSEY FORM. [This form is similar to the American Berkshire Record form.] Secretary— C HAS. Holmks, Grinnell, Iowa. SMALL Y'ORKSHIRE FORM. Breeder & Present No. Name. Sire and Dam. Date of Farrow. or Last Owner. 227. LordTilton 2d. Lord Theo< lore 104. Aug. 10, '83. T.R. Proctor. Duchess Queen 252. J. F. Ferris. Secretary— Geo. E. Harris, New York City. There they are, and severally speak for themselves. " You pay your money and take your choice." All charge non-stockholders the same price for recording, viz. : $1.00, for the pedigree of each animal. The [68] 1 PEDIGKEES— THEIR USE AXD VALUE. Berkshire was first in tlie field, and I believe the Ohio next, then follow In order the American, Central, National Chester White, Northwestern, Jersey Ked, and Yorkshire and Todd's Chester White. Each breed has also adopted standards of excellence, which will be found in the latter part of this book in connection with the several histories of the breeds. ^Ve think it will be admitted by the admirers and persons interested in •each record that none of them are perfect. There should, in the opinion of the writer, be a consolidation of the four Poland-China Records for the interests of all concerned, but an ar- gument on that subject would hardly be in place here. This book is ■designed to present such matters as they now exist, and not as they .should, in the opinion of the writer. That we have an opinion, and a very •decided one, as to which is the best of the different foi-ms is natural, and we shall not hesitate to express it, at the same time we as promptlj^ recog- nize the right and privilege of every other person to disagree with us. It is claimed by the advocates of the shorter forms of pedigrees that they are sufficiently long for practical use and more of them can be put on a page and therefore cost the association^ less and the breeder less by re- quiring fewer volumes for the same number of pedigrees, and that they are more easily understood. Each claim greater accuracy, but the ■question of accuracy is not so much the results of the systems as of care by the secretaries. For the larger and expanded diagram it is claimed and can not be disputed that it presents to the eye in every ped- igree for the first five generations, more than double any other form. It is further claimed that the presentation of the name and relative place of each animal enables the breeder to call to mind each animal embraced in the pedigree, and of course to call up the peculiarities of each animal so named, and thereby causes the careful and thoughtful breeder to figure up the probable effects of the twenty-eight currents of blood in the veins of the animal recorded. Where the sources and pe- culiarities of all the rivulets that go to make up the stream are known and considered, the results can be much more easily calculated than when more than one-half of the forces are left out of sight. The short systems present only a partial view, while the diagrams give the breeder the whole of the family tree. If a pedigree or history is valuable, then the more you get of it with the least trouble and in the most compact form, the better. The breeder should know and think of all the cur- rents of blood in each coupling; this means to keep In mind the names and peculiarties of at least flftj^-eight animals. It can not be done by memory; no short form pedigree furnishes the necessary information, Avithout running through several volumes, and then in such a manner as not easily comprehended, while the diagram system presents it at a glance. All that is needed is the pedigrees of the two animals to be coupled, and the names and places of the controlling currents of blood .are before the eye of the breeder. In the future the breeders will [69] THE HOG IN AMERICA. demand the best, and stockholders will have to take the chances. The breeders should not only demand the jjedigree that giv'es all the ancestors for five generations, but a score of the animals published with the pedigree. If a pedigree is valuable then the best pedigree is tlie only one that ought to satisfy breeders. In studying the currents of blood in animals used as breeders, a ped- igree is almost a necessity, especially with the younger breeders. It is the index that leads to information. It does not contain all the in- formation desired but it contains general points, such as names and re- lationship, and the relative position of such relationship. From such a starting point, the breeder, if he does not know the peculiarities, he can find out much by inquiry of thbse who do. It is the opening to the rich mine and points to the place and direction where the richest gems are found. Suppose a man to have grown up^ without any definite knowledge as to who his ancestors were. After a while it is learned that a man by his name has fallen heir to a large es- tate. Is he the lucky man ? Can he rely on his personal appearance to secure the prize ? Not much ! He is helpless ; he knows nothing of his genealogy. In the course of time he discovers an old family bible in which is the record of his birth and the lineage of a long line of ances- tors, tracing back to the person who left the estate, and with the aid of that record he secures the property. Has he been benefitted by the re- cord of his pedigree? His pedigree Avas the same, and was not changed by the record. He was entitled to the estate as much before the record was found as after, but it was as much bej^ond his reach without the record as though he were not entitled to it. It simply showed or helped to show the courts where the treasure belonged. So it is with a live stock record. It does not make the animal any better individually, but it points out the richness of his inheritance, so that it can be properly utilized. It is a well established principle in breeding that inherited traits are transmitted, and the force of such transmission depends upon the length of time such traits have existed in the family. Then, when we find an animal whose appearance suits us, if he has a pedigree, we can find whether that appearance is a fam- ily trait and how long it has been so, and thereby the probability that his progeny will inherit and receive the accumulated treasures. With the record as a guide it is easy to hunt up facts, and by them guide our footsteps and keep ourselves in the path of progress and im- provement, but without such a guide we walk in darkness and stumble over unseen and unknown obstacles, and wonder why " such luck " be- falls us. The uses of the pedigree then, is to furnish us the name, charac- ter and volume of the currents of blood, that as breeders, we are con- stantly giving direction to. Business men watch the markets, get reports from every country, keep statistics of the past to enable them to [70] PEDIGREES— THEIR USE AND VALUE. judge of the future, The lawyer relies on precedents; the doctor on past experiments and known qualities of his remedies ; the scholar on his books, which record the actions of men and principles of philosophy discovered; and shall the breeder of live stock alone and unaided, ex- cept by appearance, continue to stumble along, not caring what the past has developed, looking neither to the right nor the left? Certainly he will not be guilty of such folly. COXVETXIENT SWILL BARROW, [VI : WHO IS THE BREEDER? One way of identifying a registered animal in addition to to its de- scription, is to publish with its pedigree the name and address of its: breeder. This is done not only as a part of the description, but as sl means of allowing the public to ascertain the fact of copulation. Wlien a man owns a sow and breeds her to a boar of his own and keeps her until she farrows, there can not arise a question as to who is the breeder. But there has been, and still is, among breeders son>e question as to who should be recorded as the breeder wliere a man owns a sow and sends her to a neighbor's boar for service. There should not be any question, however, in such a case, for the reason that the ownership of the young follows the ownership of the dam, and for a stronger reason the owner of the dam takes or sends his sow, and in that way becomes the first moving cause, and almost invariably the owner of the sow selects the boar he wants the sow coupled with and gets the consent of the owner of the boar for such service, while the owner of the boar merely con- sents. In such a case the owner of the sow is the man whose mind has planned the mating and studied the combination of blood. Let it be good or bad, it is his idea, and his direction, and the results are his. It is true a man often takes a sow to a farm where there are several boars and the owner of the boars may refuse to let the owner of the sow se- lect which one of several boars can be used and restricts the owner of the sow to one particular boar, or the owner of the boar may by argu- ment convince the owner of the sow that a particular boar is the better cross. Still it requires the consent of the owner of the sow, as he is at liberty to refuse to breed unless he can have his choice, even though that choice be Hobson's choice ; so that it is in either event, the mind of the owner of the sow that makes the combination possible. Thei'e is another case which has sometimes occurred, and may again. Jones has a sow which he desires bred, and Brown has six boars of same breed. Jones is not familiar with the pedigrees or the characteristics of any of Brown's boars. Jones, however, has confidence in Brown's knowledge of his animals and judgment in breeding, so Jones sends. his sow by his hired man, to Brown's farm, with instructions to Browrt [72] WHO IS THE BEEEDER? i;o breed the sow as his judgment dictates, and all will be right. There- upon, Brown studies the probabilities of the combination and directs the breeding. Now the combination is the result of Brown's knowl- edge and skill ; at least it would so seem, yet this is only true in a limit- ed sense. Jones is the first moving cause ; he owns the sow ; he can have her bred or not; he desires that slie should be bred; he, from lack of time or on account of his reliance in Brown's honesty and ability, selects Brown as his agent to act for him, and Brown's act is therefore the act of Jones. It is not difterent in principle, although it may be in degree, from a case where Jones merely advises with Brown and gets informa- tion and an opinion from Brown, which Jones afterwards, upon mature reflection, concludes to adopt in whole or in part; Jones is the owner; he has a right to and does direct the breeding directly or indirectly ; he may use others as agents, still it is his mind that selects the agent, and the progeny is his, so that in lawas well as morals Jones is the breeder. Another example of dispute arises as follows : Jones owns a sow and breeds her. Afterwards, and beft>re she farrows, Brown comes along and purchases the sow. She is delivered to Brown who keeps her until she farrows. Who is then the breeder? The pigs are Brown's, because they follow the title of the dam ; but Jones is the breeder; he was the only person who could or did control the sow at the date of the coupling. It was his skill and judgment that worked out the combination, and it was not affected or in any manner con- trolled by any other person. He had the power to withhold the coup- ling of the animals; his determination was the law of that issue and to him alone belong the results, whether good or bad. The fact that he parts with the animal before the results are known, can not aff"ect his rights as the breeder. Another complication frequently arises. Smith has a herd composed of boars and sows ; is in fact a professional breeder of improved swine. Black is engaged in a similar business. Black goes to Smith's place and selects a sow, prices her, and says to Smith, " If you will breed that sow to your boar. Tiptop, I will give you fifty dollars for her, the money to be paid when the sow proves to be in pig." Smith says, " All right: I accept the terms." Smith then breeds the sow, and when she is safely in pig, is delivered to Black, who pays for her, takes her home, and keeps her until she farrows. The pigs are bred by Black, be- cause he is the conditional, and afterwards in pursuance of the con- tract, the absolute owner, and directs the breeding; it is his combina- tion and direction, and he is the owner of the sow and pigs. Suppose we change this and put in another factor. After Black has purchased the sow and got her home, and before farrowing, White comes along, purchases the sow, and takes her to his place, where she farrows. Who is then the breeder? Why, Black is; because he di- rected the combination and was the owner at the time ; because he [73] THE HOG IN AMERICA. performed the conditions of his contract; he was the one who directed the mingling of the curi'ents and took the responsibilities of the cross. There is still another example more coini^licated than any of the pre- ceding, which at first blush may seem to be a puzzle. It is as folloAvs : Jones has a herd, and Smith goes to his place and says, " I will give you fifty dollars for the sow, Whiteface, if you will breed her to None- such, payable when the sow is safely in pig." Jones accepts the terms and breeds the sow as directed by Smith. After she is in pig from that coupling, Smith fails to pay the money, and Jones will not deliver; in short, the trade is ofi". Who is the breeder? "We say Jones is the breeder. He was the owner of the sow at the time of coupling, sub- ject to a condition, which has not been performed ; It is true he coupled by direction of Smith, who had a conditional interest, but Smith failed to comply. Jones was induced to make the combination for a consid- eration promised, but which afterwards failed ; Jones held the sow as his unless the conditions of the sale were complied with ; that promise induced him to act, and the fact that he acted on the belief that he would thereby derive a profit in cash on his sale, is not different in principle from making a combination as the result of an argument, in the case put the argument used was money (a potent one), but it was still the influence that prompted Jones to act. Jones did act, and Smith failed to keep his promise ; the property remained the property of Jones, and Jones is the breeder ; nor does it change the result in the least, if after Smith failed, Brown buys the sow, after coupling and be- fore farrowing, Jones is still the breeder and must be recognized as such. The true rule is, then, that the real owner of the female at the time of coupling is the breeder. Any other rule (and all rules must be gen- eral ones) would open the door for disputes as to who exerted the most influence upon the mind of the owner. Whatever may be the kind or extent of the influence that prompts the owner to act, it is his act, be- cause the influences have caused his mind to act. As well might the superintendent of a herd, who in fact directed all couplings, claim that he was the breeder rather than the owner, over- looking the fact that back and behind all his action is the master mind that had the judgment to select him and rely upon him. The master's mind is the original moving power; the other only the instrument — an intelligent oiw%t may be — but nevertheless an instrument, the result of the sound or unsound judgment of the owner in selecting such an in- strument. ''\ 74] THE PROFESSIONAL BREEDER It has often been said that poets are born (not an unusual circum- stance in the human family). We will not say that only those persons are or can be qualitied for breeders who are born with a love for ani- mals, for we believe that such atfection can be acquired, but it is cer- tainl}'^ true that an inherited tendency to love animals, be with, handle and breed them, is an acquisition not to be despised. Whether the' af- fection for aniuials be inherited or acquired, it must exist in him who enters the list, if success is desired. In ye olden time professional breeders were few and far between. However the necessity for im- l^rovement in live stocli in these latter days have drawn into line n large number of intelligent, earnest, active and progressive men, so that he who now enters tiie profession will have " hot company," and will have to exercise his best endeavoi'S to keep up with the procession. He nuist iiave enougli patience and caution to keep him from acting hastily and jumping at conclusions. He should be industrious, as that will prompt him to give proper attention to the wants and necessities of his herd. He should be methodical and critical enough to prompt him to keep things in place ; do necessary things at their proper time and in the best way ; cause him to know his animals all and singular in all their points and qualities, and reveal the merits and defects of each, when the ordinary man sees them only as a whole. He must have a quick, clear and accurate eye for form, so that lie can quickly compare by the eye alone the several i^oints and character- istics, and a retentive memory to retain from year to year appearances and results in old and young. He should be self-reliant, and not lean upon others, but have and maintain opinions of his own. It will prompt him to rely on his own judgment and eyes, and not be bothered with a tape-line for measur- ing. The tape-line may do for a beginner to learn the relative size of animals and their different parts, but it can not fill the place of the ac- curate, quick and comprehensive eye which takes in the situation at a glance. The tape-line can not compass symmetry, one of the important [75] THE HOG IN AMERICA. things which the breeder must be able to estimate rapidly and correctly. He must be honest both with himself and others ; this will enable him to see defects in his own herd and excellencies in others, and cause him to treat others fairly ; it will require the use of the knife often. He should be inquisitive and persistent ; this will cause him to search for causes that produce good and bad results, and among other things the source and nature of diseases ; it will and should prompt him to oi)en and examine every diseased pig that dies, so as to know how the next one Avith like symptoms is affected. He must be cool-headed so as not to lose his head in danger or when prompt and level-headed action is necessary. He must have a fair supply of that uncommon article usually called common sense. It will cause him to look about and keep his eyes open to all appearances and to estinnite their force and probable effect; to note the differences of points in animals, of low condition of flesh as compared with others in opposite flesh, or of the same animals in ditter- ent conditions and under difterent circumstances, and repeat such ob- servations year after year until he sees in each successive change in the animals such things as he has learned to associate with future good or bad ; it teaches him how to classify his young animals, and how much, and when, to expect desired results; it will protect him from humbugs and imposters, and teach him to appreciate and hold on to a good sire and dam when he has them. It will cause him to exchange ideas with other breeders, and to select stock from breeders who keep their records and books straight and who do not rely on memory for information as to their combinations. The professional breeder must delight in his calling. It will keep him at home instead of prompting him to loaf away his time in town, and will make the company of his lierd more attractive and agreeable than the beer-mug or curbstone politician ; it will make him watchful, careful and attentive; it will prompt him to sit on the fence and hang around the pens to see how the pigs grow and develop; to notice the changes from pig to hog; the effects of difterent kinds of food, shelter, and the result of his combinations of blood. Nothing promotes the growth of the breeder so rapidly as this constant watching and com- parison of one combination with another, and the effect of the different currents of blood that he has directed. It is time well "spent and an education that can be obtained in no other way. He should be careful of his reputation and see that it is not clouded by neglect or dishonesty. He must have a reputation for giving, and must give, his personal attention to his business, and he will have a great advantage over the breeder who breeds at long range and leaves everything to the judgment and watchfulness of a her('sman. His brains should be his superintendent and direct all his business. Others can do the manual labor, but all should frequently come under his eye. [76] THE PROFESSIONAL BREEDER. ITe may talk much or little, but he must loatch, read and think. He should be a quick and ready writer, so that he can answer correspond- ents plainly and intelligently. He should attend fairs, and go, see, and talk with his professional brethren, and he must watch and learn. He ought to know how, when, and how much to advertise his stock ; when to buy and sell either stock or feed ; and how and when to feed. Often the men who attempt breeding do not succeed, and such per- sons very naturally lay the blame on the farm, stock, or person of whom they have purchased the stock, while as a rule the trouble is with them- selves. It is so easy, convenient, and self-gratifying for persons to lay their misfortunes upon the shoulders of others that they seldom stop to question themselves and try to find the real culprit. Such a spirit must be banished upon entering this field. One of the first elements of suc- cess in the breeder is self-examination, and if they who enter the pro- fession have not the courage and manliness to do so, they had better choose another profession where errors, mistakes, negligence and stu- pidity do not stand out so boldly and cpnthiuously. The breeder ought not to expect to jump at one bound to the pinna- cle of greatness as a breeder; no man has ever done so ; on the contrary years of patient work and study bring him on to a comforta])]y ascend- ing plane. Experience teaches us that the science of breeding is jiro- gressive, or rather the ability to direct Nature's devious ways is greatly aided by the light of a thoughtful and watchful expei-ience; that the art becomes easier and more certain as the milestones of the years pass by, if the mind has profited by the past. On the other hand, if stumb- ling and trusting to luck is the method pursued, the breeder will still continue to stumble, .nothwithstanding age and experience. Perfection and absolute freedom from blunders and mistakes can never be attained. Init care, thojiight, work, judgment and reflection will avoid many stumbling blocks that the careless and thoughtless continue to fall over year after year. Preconceived notions and prejudices must not be blindly followed ; they nmst both yield to the facts presented by the herd from time to time. Never be in a hurry to condemn a breeding animal. One trial is not enough, and may on account of conditions be an unfair one. There is often luck in leisure. Keep cool and go slow. r771 BREEDING FOR PORK. It is not every one who is qualified oi* desires to raise hogs as profes- sional breeders, nor would it be profitable for all farmers to do so. There is money, and lots of it, in raising hogs for pork. If the person who desires to become a professional breeder, has had little or no ex- perience as such, it is better for him to learn how to mate and handle hogs by first breeding for pork. To breed for pork thorough-bred females are not a necessity. It is true they make good and profitable porkers, but a herd of thorough- breds are expensive, and grades are usually just as good as pure-bred, if pork is the only object. To start a herd of porkers, buy a thorough- bred boar and twenty common sows; couple the boar with the sows; the first cross will make the progeny half-bloods. Select the best of the females of the half-bloods and couple them \\ ith another thorough-bred boar. Each year select the best sow pigs and use upon them onlj- thor- ough-bred boars, and you will soon have a herd of porkers equal to thorough-breds. We are aware tliat this is not professional advice, nev- ertheless it is sensible and honest advice, as every breeder knows. Your thorough-bred boars can be purchased young at |20 to $30 each, used one season, castrated, and fattened, when he will bring nearly as much for pork as he cost originally. Say you have twenty sows and raise an av- erage of five pigs each, making a hundred ; then if you pay .$25 for the boar, your improved pigs cost twenty-five cents apiece more than scrubs if the boar is counted as nothing; the same or less feed will make the grade pigs weigh at least one hundred pounds each more than the scrub, and if pork is $4 per hundred, by an invest- ment of twent.y cents you make four dollars. These figures are all low and not fanciful ; certainly money can not be made more rapidly than by improving the herd. The lower tlie price of pork the more import- ant it is that the farmer have the best machine to work up corn at a profit. Life is too short to waste it in feeding scrubs. It is best to use only pure-bred boars upon grade or scrub sows, but if a person is too poor, or it is impossible to obtain pure-bred boars, then the next best is a good grade boar, as anything is better than a scrub, and the nearer [78] BREEDING FOR PORK. fiill-blood the better. In breeding for pork it will not to do say, for it is not true, that a grade male sliould not be used, for the common stoclc of the country lias been greatly improved by the use of grades, but it is true that pure blood boars are much better for use upon grade or scrub sows than any scrub or grade. This only applies to breeding for pork, and can never be applied or even considered in raising thorough-breds for breeders. Pigs intended for porkers should be crowded rapidly and not carried lieyond ten to twelve months. The i)rofit lies in getting to market jjromptly and often. If big hogs are bringing most money, hold over until second year. If very fat hogs are demanded, make porkers re- spond to the demand, and if more lean are desired, market before they get so fat. The idea of changing breeds, as very lean or fat hogs are demanded, is folly, when the whole thing can be regulated by the amount of flesh put on. Care, judgment and skill pay proportionately as well in raising pork- ers as thorougli-breds. Remember that, " Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well." A CHBAP AND STRONG TRODGH, [79] BREEDERS, DEALERS AND RAISERS. Having selected your place or farm, you should consider Avhether you will be a breeder in the highest sense, a mere dealer, or a raiser. This may seem a foolish question, but it is a serious one, and the de- termination as to which character will be assumed marks an event in life. It is not ever}' man that handles hogs, and couples the sex, that can lay claim to the appellation of a breeder. There is no great skill in merely raising pigs. A few rules, easily understood and applied, will enable any one of ordinary intelligence to be reasonably success- ful so far as numbers are concerned. In fact the animals, if left to themselves, will propagate their species, as is demonstrated by the ac- tion of wild and common domestic animals. The man who has no ex- perience, and has sense enough to let down the bars, can couple the sexes, and supply feed in a humdrum sort of a way, that will produce pork, but whether at a loss or proflt he does not know and never stops to consider. This, however, is merely mechanical or instinctive work, and is not breeding swine in that higher and better sense. The use of the same general agencies in so far as animals and feed are concerned, is the same with both raisers and breeders, but there the resemblance ceases. The raiser is the primary scholar, and is strug- gling with the A. B. C.'s and straight marks, while the true breeder is in some sense the graduate. The letters of the alphabet furnish the medium for the mediocre and the genius to express and communicate thought, yet the one tires you with commonplace or confused ideas, while the other furnishes you with " thoughts that breathe and words that burn." The raiser is content to plod along the dull, dusty road of the thoughtless past and leave Nature as he finds her; to do as his father did seems his highest ambition, and the old blazed path his only guide. Such a plodder will never reach the broad highway of pro- gress for its existence is unknown to him; he is drifting through life and its duties like a mere machine and feels and believes, or at least seems to, that his stock is as good as anybody's, and is, therefore, con- tent. The true breeder, however, is in a certain sense a creator, for he has taken the wild hog and the scrub, and by careful, tlioughtful [80] BREEDEES, DEALERS AND RAISERS. mating, treatment, selection and re-mating, has produced new breeds in great variety; eacli so unliiie the parent stoclv and each otlier, as to scarcely bear a resemblance or seem to have had a common origin. From his hands we have to-day the SufFolli, Chester, Poland-China, Berkshire, Essex, Jersey Red, Victoi'ia, and others, each of which elo- (inently and practically attest the touch of his genius and the power of mind over matter. It is not, however, the genius of inspiration, in the common acceptance of that term, but rather that born of patience, labor, hive, judgment and ambition. The true breeder will constantly strive to arrive at some higher ideal, and to do this he mnst experiment with care, observing closely and thoughtfully each result, and make failures and successes stepping- stones toward the goal of his ambition. In every vocation of life fail- ures are numbered by the score, while successes are easily counted upon the fingers of one hand, and the breeder wlio rashly expects greater certainty will be disappointed. The best things come to us only as the result of labor, patience, courage, judgment and ambition. The pol- ished aiul glittering diamond are each extracted from dirt and roclvs by just such spirits. The law of gravitation was suggested to Newton by the apple falling upon his head, and the steam-engine to Watts by watching the escaping steam from a tea-kettle. Yet these simple and commonplace things had been felt and seen by hundreds of plodders before without a suggestion. To Newton and to Watts, however, these simple liints led to an awakening from which the world has been greatly benefitted. The breeder must in like manner notice and profit by everything that comes wltliin his observation. That which seems commonplace and of little significance, may, ujyon investigation, lead to some heretofore hid- den law showing cause and effect. If you wish to be a breeder in that higher sense, study, watch, work, and meditate until your grand ideal stands before you perfect in form and substance. The ambition to ex- cel will render that easy and pleasant, which otherwise might seem dry, tedious and irksome. Tlie breeder not only knows a good animal when he sees it, but how such success has been attained. The dealer may by frequent contact witli and handling of such superior animals, be as quick to recognize tlieir excellencies as the breeder, but wliolly ignorant of the science that creates such grand specimens. Eacli of these characters named at the head of this chapter, are useful : the breeder, to create ; the dealer, to disseminate and si)read them abroad; and the I'aiser, to supply meat for the great markets of the world. The raiser will continue to supply meat at ordinary prices, while the breeder cannot supply the demands upon him at five or ten times that sum. There is now, and always will be, ample room for all, but it is very important for the reader to select his channel at the start, and read these pages with reference to it. [81] SELECTING BREEDING ANIMALS. It is difficult to impart information by tlie aid of pen and pencil that will be an uneri'ing and intelligent guide for persons who desire to se- lect animals suitable for breeding purposes. It is not a new or untrod- den field, yet it is one full of errors and uncertainties, and often of glittering generalities. It is like all other knowledge, in this, that in- structions, if carefully and thoughtfully considered, aid the beginner a great deal, yet do not fill the place of experience. Selecting breed- ing animals is an education that can never be completed, and years of practical experience will not guide unerringly. Great proficiency may be attained, but the dilligent, careful and thoughtful breeder will always be learning. The writer hereof does not claim infalibility, nor perfect mastery of the science of breeding and selection; on the con- trary errors and mistakes lie plentifully along a pathway of more than twenty years active experience; that the future may exhibit many more is not only possible but probable. If some of the many stumb- ling blocks can be located and pointed out, and fairly good paths indi- cated for consideration, the writer's object will be attained. It is upon such a theory that the following suggestions are submitted. A common expression of the books and persons is that, " Gonstitutinn is of the greatest importance.'''' This is true, and as put, especially when accompanied with a wise and mysterious look, is liesigned to be very sage and valuable adviee, but does it impart to the inexperienced the necessary information how to determine whether or not the animal sought has this essential quality ? There is no certain and infalible out- ward sign of this much desired and essential thing called constitution, yet there are many outward signs that indicate not only its existence, but the degree of its strength. As commonly used it means the vital power or health and strength of the animal. One definition given by Webster is as follows: "The state of being; that form of being, or structure and connection of parts, which characterizes a system or a l)Ody ; natural condition; make; confirmation." This, however, is not, strictly speaking, the sense in which it is used by breeders, unless some- thing additional is added. Some of the outward signs of a strong [82] SELECTING BKEEDING ANIMALS. vitality then, are a large chest — that is, tliat part of the hog enclosed within the ribs. There lie the heart, lungs, and next the liver, stonuK'h, and the other internal organs, and especially the bowels, bladder and kidneys. The body must be so shaped as to furnish a large, roomy cavity for those organs to have sufficient room for full sized organs and to insure their full and free action. The idea is con- vej'ed by the expression, " a gfoof? 6rtr?'eZ," in speaking of the body of the animal. It may not be amiss in this connection to speak in a gen- eral way of the functions of the several internal organs above men- tioned. The stomach receives and digests the food — that is, it reduces it ready for use by turning it in a fluid state ready for conversion into blood ; to enable the stomach to successfully perform this work it must be large, strong and have plenty of room. The fluid next passes into the small intestines, where It is met and mingles Avith a fluid discharged from the liver, and thus becomes a milkish color. ; it is then taken np by little ducts of the intestines and passes into the liver, where it un- dergoes important changes, and thence to the heart, and by it through ijito the lungs, wdiere it is vitalized and oxygenized by the air breathed into the lungs, and taken back to the heart where it is pumped out or forced through the arteries to every part of tlie bodj^ The kidne.vs secrete the watery portions from the intestines and pass it to the bladder, whicli is a mere receptacle, and from thence is discharged as urine; the undi- gested portion of the food passes on through the smaller intestines and is discharged from time to time in a solid mass. It will be readily seen that organs which perform siu-h important functions must be large and must have ample room for their ceaseless labors. In addition to this, the body should have good supports, a strong back, feet and legs. Tough feet and legs, and easy, quiet action, indicate good nerve. The skin, hair, eyes, and tail, are all outside sentinels which tell whether the internal organs are working properly. If the eye is clear and bright, the hair smooth and laying close to the body, and the skin soft, elastic, moist or oily to the touch, and the tail carried in curls, the internal organs are doing their duty; on the contrary, if the eye is red, watery or dull, the hair dry, harsh andstanding up from the body, the skin harsh, hot and dry, and the tail hanging straight and lifeless, there is something wrong inside, and as these symptoms are more or less intense, they indicate acute or chronic weakness, and lack of constitu- tion. Well may it therefore be said that constitution is of the greatest, importance. There is always unity in animal nature. A fine external form is the result of superior internal organism. Then, in selecting breeding animals, select those which have broad, straight, or slightly arched baclvs, large, deep chests, full sides and flanks, good, tough, stout feet and legs, bright, lively eyes, smooth, soft and close-lying hair, and a soft, elastic skin, and the animal will likely have a good constitution. On the other hand, avoitl sunken- [83] THE HOG IN AMERICA. .^nd narrow backs, flat, narrow chests and sides, pinched flanks, weak, crooked or deformed legs and feet, harsh, dry hair, dull, red or watery eyes, and harsh, dry, stift" skin. The foregoing embraces the writer's idea of ronstitntion, as well as the ontward signs of that strong, vigorous vitality which is termed constitution. Another thing to be looked after is symmetry. It is de- fined by Webster as follows: " A due proportion of the several parts of a body to each other; adaptation of the form or dimensions of the several parts of a thing to each other; or the union or conformity of the members or a Avork to the whole." This is the generally accepted definition and is no doubt the true one, but still it is not applied the same, or rather not in all ages anil times api^lied to the same unvary- ing forms. Education, fashion and caprice often control and direct the idea of what constitutes harmony of parts. This is illustrated by the changes in fashion, both in dress and in shape. To illustrate: Among the Greeks a large waist was fashionable for women, \\ hile in this age the small "wasp-waists" are supposed to be things of beauty. The old shad-bellied coats and knee-breeches were thonglit pretty in old times, but are now discarded. It is not necessary, however, to go out- side of the hog family for illustrations. The difi'erent breeds of swine show strongly the different ideas of men as to style and symmetrj', some lirefering the short, sharply (.'urvcd nose and upright ear of the York- .shire and Suffolk; others the long, straight face and heavy, lopping ear of the Jersey Red, etc. ; so that symmetry for one breed would not an- swer for another. The Avord then must be understood in a relative character, and although treated of iu this chapter in general terms, it carries to persons of different tastes and education different meanings. To the breeder of each breed, then, there is, and should be, a symmetry for that breed, and this is best descril)e(l l)y the adopted standard for the breed. ['I'he several standards will be found in the latter part of this work.] Whichever breed is selected, the symmetry should approach as near as possible the ideal hog of the selected breed, i u addition there should be a uniformity in the animals selected ; iu other words, get them as near alike as possible. If you want to breed the largest of the breed, select all large ones; on the contrary, if the smallest of the breed suit you better, select all small animals; or, if you prefer the medium in size, select sueh sized animals ; do not take some large and some small ones, and hope by coupling the one with the other to thus produce the medium in size, as disappointment will most likelj' be the re- sult. Uniformity in size, color, shape and condition should be carefully looked after and adhered to. No one thing adds so much to the beauty and value of a herd as uniformity in size, form, color, and general ap- pearance ; and especially where the general standard of excellence of [84] SELECTIXG BREEDING ANIMALS. the herd is close to the ideal one. Another important feature is pedi- gree. It must not be overlooked or neglected, not that it is everything as some contend, but that united with personal excellence, it puts the breeder upon a solid foundation and where he can with some certainty forecast results. It is the pedigree or history of the animal that enables you to learn whether it has for its ancestry pure-blooded and uniform animals. It is the record of the past that will be a guide to future events. From tiie pedigree you learn the degrees of relationship that the several animals you wish to purchase bear to each other and to good and bad ancestry, the effect of the combinations of blood, and to some extent the strength of the different currents. Neither appearance nor pedigree will do alone. They are inseparable and must be considered together, if an intelligent estimate is to be made of the probable capac- ity and value of an animal. Animals of the same family or line, and not too closely related, should be selected, rather than risk the union of different families. Do not be afraid of having your animals akin. It is one of the best, sui-est, and easiest roads to uniformity. The old and generally received opinion that animals not akin sliould be the only ones coupled, is in our opinion a mistake; and our opinion is based up- on personal experience. For several years the writer held, jjracticed, and in a limited way, taught the " no-akin doctrine," but a somewhat stubborn nature finally yielded in that dear but valuable school ex- perience. Disposition is another important consideration. The animals should have mild and quiet dispositions, and tlie head, eye and ear are usually indexes of the temper. A broad, short head, and width between the eyes, with short, small ears and a mild eye, indicates good nature and contentment; while a long, slim head, small, restless eyes, setting close- ly together, and large, long ears, indicate a quarrelsome, vicious and stubborn disposition. It is not a supposable case that an ugly, coarse head is not an index of the animal. The animal can not be all right and the head all wrong. The same influences that tend to develop a su- perior animal will construct a superior head, and the head is the best index of disposition. Another important thing is to select sound, healthy, vigorous and l^rolific animals and those that have descended from a long line of ani- mals having such qualities. In starting a herd, or keeping it up, whenever pigs are to be pur- chased, if possible go and make your own selections rather than send. The advantages of such a course is at least two-fold. First, you know, or should know, better what you want tluui anybody else, or better than you can write it, and in addition you can see the j^arents and rela- tions of the animal and their characteristics, and improve your knowl- edge by observation, if you keep your eyes and ears open. If you can- not go, write j-our wants and ideas and get prices and descriptions.. [85] THE HOG IX AMEEICA. You will not often find by going or writing just what you want, but get as near it as possible, and do not take an inferior pig because it is a few dollars cheaper. Cheap pigs are usually the dearest ones that are pur- chased. Always get the best; get them as cheap as you can, but yet them. The query is often put : Can breeding animals be safely purchased at fairs ? or, in other words, are animals fixed up for the fair the ones to buy for breeders? There is much conflict of opinion upon this subject, and usually the persons who talk loudest about the danger of buying at fairs are the ones who buy them as often and quickly as at any other place. The preaching and practice vary very materially. It is best to buy an animal where you have so many opportunities for comparison, not only of individuals but of families, and not only this, 3'^ou have an opportunitj' of seeing how the animals fill out in full flesh and how their limbs bear their weight. If they are fat and yet active and vigorous, you need have no fears of their breaking down. The trouble that results from buying at fairs results more from a lack of proper management after changing hands than from defects inherent in the animal, and the further fact that in purchasing young, immature animals anywhere, at fairs or farms, it is something of a lottery. No one can tell certainly how they will develop. Blundering in selection w ill undermine, destroy or weaken years of labor. Take animals that are from large, uniform litters and prolific families. The readers of swine literature have for several generations been told that in selecting you should choose males a little smaller than the fe- males they are to be bred to. Following these antiquated and stereo- typed directions, we have given similar advice and practiced upon the theory until experience, reason and observation has caused a change in our notions on that subject. First, we think it contrary to nature, for you will notice that in the same fniniit/, human or animal, nature gives the larger size, more courage and stamina to the male. You Avill find man larger than woman, the bull larger than the cow, the stallion larger than the mare ; the cock larger than the hen, and so on through nature, with rare exceptions. Such are nature's efforts to preserve size, stam- ina, etc. If the old system is adopted of constantly selecting males of less size than the females, the result is a constant dimunition of the size and vitality of the herd. Of course there are exceptions, when nature, in trjing to regain supremacy over a vicious mating, throws a large, vigorous male under such a system, but these are only exceptions. The male should always have more size at the same age than the fe- male, if you want to keep the herd up to the standard; but we would make the difterence in the size slight for uniformity in breeding. You must avoid too much difference in size or the progeny Avill be likely to lack good projiortion. In other words, avoid extremes in coupling; don't use a very large boar on a small, delicate sow, but that is better than a small, feminine-looking boar on a coarse, masculine sow, although [8G] SELECTIXG BREEDIXG ANIMALS. we have occasionally had good results from such extreme crosses, but it Is the exception. Our advice then, is, select the males a trifle larger than the female and see if your pigs are not more uniform than under the old system of selection. We confess we clung to the old idea long- and liard, but experience which is a dear school. Anally convinces stub- born students that nature's ways are directed by a superior intelligence. You may theorize luitil your pocket-book is quite thin, but nature holds too many trumps for you. We admire the pluck of the man, who thus persistently attacks the steady and irresistible forces of old nature, but must condemn his dis- cretion. Now as to the number of animals. If j'ou have not had much experience, touch lightly, until you have a liberal supply of it, for it matters not how much theory you have, you will learn that it takes ex- perience to insure success. Every breeder, who has been long engaged in the business, will confirm this statement : that there ai'e many little things that you can not learn by reading, and which must be obtained by the rough and stormy paths of active labor and observation. With- out the practical Avork you are the school-boy who first enters upon the active business of life — full of theory, but the application of those theories to the practical struggle of life is often the puzzle that i* difficult to solve. We well remember the enthusiasm and confidence with which we figured the price of animals to start with, the amount of feed and number of pigs we felt sure we could safely count on, and the result of the figuring was higlily satisfactory ; but the practical results Avere so far below our shining figures that we wondered at results. Select sows as nearly uniform in color, constitution, size and symme- try as possible, and whose ancestr}^ have been of like character, and gjt good ones or none. It is much cheaper to pay fifty or even one hun- dred dol'ars each for good ones than to take inferior ones at ten or twelve dollars each. We do not mean that high priced pigs are always the best. What we desire to impress upon you is, select the sow you want and get her as cheap as you can, but get her or none. In selecting sows be sure to get heavy-hamed and bread-hipped ones, that is nature's model for the female form. The broad hips and heavy hind quarters insure easy delivery in farrowing, and usually good milking qualities. Nature constructs the male with large shoulders and big neck, while the female is lighter in the neck and shoulders and broader in the loins and hips. Now passing from the general directions, we will go into particulars: First, let us take the head; it should have a fine feminine look, nose short and tapering from the eyes to tlie nostrils, good width between the eyes, ears fine and thin, pointing forward and setting closely to the head, instead of drooping down at the side; the eye should be clear, bright and lively, the jowl large and firmly attached to the jaw (not loose and flabby), neck short and arched, the back broad, body deep, [87] THE HOG IX AMEKICA. filling down well between the legs, toes pointing .straight forward, the Joint next to the hoof short and erect, hoofs not too long, toes setting close together and firm, large hams, broad loin, small tail carried in a cnrl, hair fine and free from cnrl or kink. Let us impress upon you the importance of good feet, legs, back and hips, and you will find that the four points last mentioned are the hard- est to keep as you want tliem. The liead, ear and jowl you will find Avill give you trouble and anxiety, but as they are more in the nature of fancy points than constitutional, you had better pay less attention to them than the others just mentioned. Avoid coarse heads, large, tliick, looselj^ hung, flabby ears, fish or crooked backs, crooked legs, bad feet, coarse hair, long, thin necks, slab sides, big, coarse tails, narrow hips and loins, a low carriage and loose, Avaddling walk. You have doubt- less noticed hogs whose backs and bodies had a wavering or seri)entine motion in walking, as though one portion had been constructed at a diff"erent time from other parts. It is a heavy, dull, listless walk and stupid air. Avoid them as they lack nerve and vitality. They were born tired and will always remain so. Now as to the boar. It has long been a question upon which there has been great diff"erence of opinion, whether the boar or sow exerted tlie more influence upon the ofi'spring, and it is a matter which we have devoted a great deal of thought and atttention to, and can hardly say that Ave liave a fixed and definite opinion upon the subject, (of course we mean in breeding thorough-breds, for in using thorough-bi-ed males upon grade females there is no doubt as to the superior influence of the male). But we hazard tlie statement that it is about this way : If the sow has for several generations had a uniform size and symmetry in her ancestry, and the male she is coupled with is the result of cross- ing extremes in size and synnnetry, then the sow will surelj' impart the more force and cliarai-ter to the oftspring, and in like manner if the male had the benefit of luiiform, vigorous ancestry, and the sow is the product of extremes, (and bj" extremes we mean a large sow coupled with a small boar or the reverse), then he will exert more force in stamping form, symmetry and character upon the young. There is another large element that must not be lost sight of. A vigorous, active animal is more imi^ressive tlian tlie dull, sluggish one. If the male and female are each active and vigorous and can trace "back to an ancestry of uniform size and symmetry, our present oj^inion is, that as a rule, the male impresses himself the more. Believing as Ave do, that other things being equal, the boar is the most impressive, Ave suggest more care and caution in selecting him than the soav, and there is another reas(Mi : the boar is of necessitj', coupled Avith several sows, hence a mistake in his selection is felt more strongly because of his influence upon a large part of the herd, Avhile the mistake in the SOAV applies only to her immediate progeny. Our adAice is, if you are [SS] SELECTING BREEDING ANIMALS. buying j'oung pigs under six montlis, to buy a tliird more than you want to use, so tliat as they grow up and develop you can make a fiivther selection, keeping those that develop best and disijosing of the renuunder to some one wlio is less particular. You will not lose au}- thing and will have an opportunity to make careful selections after you have seen how they are showing up, as the season for use approaches. Now let us repeat the advice given heretofore. If possible go and select, and go several times when the youngsters are at different ages, see theni while suckling and after the weaning has thrown them upon their own resources. It will give you an insight in selection that you can not obtain by one visit. If you can not go in person, write and describe carefully your wants, aiul require the breeder to advise you definitely how near he can " till the bill." We say that a pig which has a short head aiul tapering nose, wide between the eyes, small, thin ear, pointing straight forward (rather than sidewise) attached closely at the liead (and if of a lop-eared breed breaking down nicely at the tips), a large, strong, tough, short under-jaw, large, full, solid, not llabby jowl, short, full, high-arched neck, large, full (piarters, broad, straight, or slightly arched back, legs straight, of medium length and wide apart, feet tough and short, toes pointing stralglit forward, large around the heart and flank, straight from pi/.zle to forelegs, sides com- ing out even witii quarters, small tail carried in a curl, rump inclined a little from loin to tail, but not steep, full on each side of tail, ham run- ning down on the hock, and filling well l)etween the hind legs, testicles large and carried low, hair fine and straight, without bristles, skin soft and elastic to the touch, body of medium length and of same height at shoulders antl hips, head carried up, walk vigorous, active and easy, eye clear, bright ami large, is about perfect. It will be a long time be- fore you find such a pig. We have not yet seen one, but you must keep on the lookout for him, and we hope the day is not far distant when some one will have him. We have given the description as an ideal, and while it is impossible now to find such a pig, you want to get as near such a model as possible. Get the best you can and be content with nothing less, and try by judicious mating to raise better than any one else. You will find it a difficult task to raise a lot of extra boar pigs, but it has been done, and can be again. In buying or selecting nuiles or females, have a care to feeding qualities, by that we mean those which fatten and grow rapidly. Watch closely for the evidence* of a strong constitution, and never use a male that lacks any of the principal points heretofore given as indications of that indispensable qaulity. There is another indispensable quality, the result of some or all of the points of excellence given you. It is is the walk, form and ac- tion that make you exclaim : " He is a noble fellow." He has a lordly, and we might almost say, a dignified manner. Such an animal is al- waj'S an impressive sire, for he has a form, vitality, courage and stamina. [89] BREEDING AGE, NUMBER OF LITTERS, MATING. The .young sow can be safely bred at eight to ten moths of age. At least a breed that cannot successfully stand the burdens of pregnancy commencing at that age ought not to lay claim to early maturity. The truth is, that the young sow, if generously cared for and liberally fed, Avill make a better growth and development from the age of eight months to time of farrowing, if pregnant, than fallow. It is the draft of the pigs in sucking season that checks growth and tries the stamina of the young sow. However, we like the jdan of obtaining young breeders from fall litters and carrying them over until tiie next fall be- fore breeding. They are then nearer maturity, if proj^erly fed, and be- sides having more strength and stamina when tiiey farrow, they show up their forms better at time of breeding, and thereby enable the breeder to make judicious selections and proper matings. Sows, young and old, should be bred between the 1.5th day of November and the 15th day of December for spring litters. This will bring the pigs from the 6th day of March to the .5th day of April following, and if required to change the time, would put it fifteen days earlier rather than any later. One February or March pig is worth two last of May or first of June ones. The early pig is ready to wean when grass is fresh and sweet, and grows ott' rapidly and attains considerable size before the hot weather and files come, while the late pig has, with otlier troubles incident to pighood, to contend with heat and the torment of files, to say nothing of the tough, dry grass left for his young and feeble di- gestion. By breeding early the matured sow may raise her litter and be bred again for a fall litter, and this we think the wiser course. Any sow two years old and over by the time the second litter would come, should be required to raise each year two litters of pigs. If this course is pursued there will be fewer old, barren sows, and if properly cared for and fed during the suckling season, their vitality is not impaired. Some breeders, and very intelligent ones, too, hold the be- lief that one litter is better than two, and claim that if the sow has a summer's rest the next litter will be stronger. We thing this is a seri- ous error, and in a long experience we have never been able to detect [00] BREEDING AGE, NUMBER OF LITTERS, MATING. miy dimiinition of vigor in sows or litters wliere two litters are raised, 4ind by letting them rest and acouniulate fat in summer we have often liad as a result barren sows in the fall and one or more seasons lost. In fact they had to be starved down poor before again commencing to l)reed. The starving process being much worse on their vigor than tlie extra litter. But as a rule the sow which has her flrst full litter at about one year should not have her second before her second j^ear. Mating sows with the boar is one of the difficult periods of the pro- fessional breeder. It puts his capacity for the business to a severe test, in fact the severest test of his professional life, as he must then know and put to practice not only the principles of breeding but that which he has learned generally. The general principles must be applied to individuals. He may be loaded down with beautiful tiieories, in fact a very graduate, but now these theories with all their ramifications and exceptions must be applied to practical life, form and substance. He is like the young man just graduated from college and entering active business; that which seemed smooth and plain to be looked at, when it comes to be worked out, is more or less puzzling. There are so manv variations in forms and conditions of the real animals as com- pared with the ideal ones, tliat he is constantly on the rack, and in this puzzling period, if he is not cool and level-headed, he will become desperate and reckless. This latter condition must be avoided, and cool calculation and close study rule the hour. AVe will trj' and aid him a little l)y again calling his attention to the questions of uniformity of form, substance, disposition and line breeding. Make this a general rule of action. If there be in either male or female weak points com- bat them with the strongest currents of an opposite character that can be marshalled. Look first to strong constitutional qualities, and let the finishing touches or fancy points give way before those that fix stami- na, strength and profit. After the constitutional points are looked af- ter, turn attention to style. If you have but one boar, get in liim the best combination of points possible, and then mate with him only such sows as will strengthen rather than neutralize his good points. But all should not be risked upon one boar unless he is a veteran, tried and true. If the boar be young, and has nothing but probabilities before him, don't risk him too far, or to use a homely expression, " don't put all the eggs in one basket." Try several baskets, or probabilities. If you have made a successful mating the year before with two animals, give them another chance rather than try a new match. Don't work your boars too rapidly; better let the sows wait until another heat. Keep the boar up by the choicest feed, milk, eggs, oats, a little corn, wheat and oil meal. Do not let him serve a sow if he is not feeling well and is not active, strong and vigorous. After the sow is served, remove her to some quiet, and if possible, dark pen, until the period of heat has passed, and feed her generously. Do not couple two inferiors. [91] CARE OF THE BOAR. The boar pig, having been selected and purchased, has arrived at liome. Possibly he has had a long journey by rail, and comes in a box, where he has been several hours, or days. The first thing to do is to give him a drink of water, say a pint of pure water ; if the weather is not too cold, wash him off carefully with soap and warm water, clean him up good and rub him dry with a dry towel; then you should give him a pint or quart of sweet milk, and put him in a nice, clean l^en, with plenty of good bedding; give him a little corn meal or shorts mixed with water or swill so as to wet it thoroughly but yet keep it stiff; don't give him much, not more than a pint, and give it to him of- ten for a day or two, until his fast is gradually broken and continue the milk twice or three times a day; it will brace him up and whet his ap- petite. Have the pen strongly made and sides high enough so that he can not get out, as he will likely try to do so, and a little negligence in fence or pen may cause liim to become breachy. Keep him quiet a day or two ; if he shows a disposition to be restless and tramping about he is lonesome and homesick. Almost always pigs are taken from among a lot of his mates and shipped to a new place, and if kept away off by himself, he will squeal and walk around, showing every evidence of lonesomeness and " a want to go home " manner that is unmistakable. If such should be his condition it is better to put a young barrow in with him and feed well, especially give him plenty of milk, it will start him to thriving and make him contented. As soon as he gets accus- tomed to liis quarters, let him out into a small lot where there is grass and where he has a chance to run about. Then give him all that he will eat up clean, of oats and corn ground together or shorts, and if possible, give him milk twice a day. Milk is nature's mixture for the young and growing animal, and it is a better compound than man has been able to devise. If you have apples, give him some of them occas- ionally, and choice slops from the house. Curry and brush him often; this will operate in two ways : first, it keeps his skin lively and healthy, promotes circulation of the blood, and makes his hair nice and lively, and secondly, it makes him gentle, contented and tame. A lot should be [92] CARE OF THE BOAR. provided for him of not less than half an acre, and he shonld l)e allow- ed to root the ground ; it affords him the best of exercise, because it brings into active play every muscle of his body and especially iu his neck, back and legs, and at the same time affords him amusement and an " occupation." Have the lot surrounded by a good, strong, high fence, so as to prevent his getting out. Should he once be able to break out, it will cause him to become breachy and troublesome. His sleeping apartment should be placed in the lot or open into it and made warm and comfortable. His feed should be of muscle rather than fat forming material, and there is no better food for the boar pig than milk, ground oats or soaked oats, and shorts with a small amount of oil meal. After he has arrived at maturity, oats and shorts in moderate quantities are the best food ; continue to curry and brush him; it will keep him gentle and kind. When his tusks becouie large enougli to project from his mouth, or in any way becouie daugerous, remove them by breaking or snapping them off with a pair of blacksmith's pinchers. To do this easily, catch him in a hog-trap, shown elsewhere, and hold him firmly, remove his tusks, and let him out. Some breeders pull the tusks out, some knock them off with a hammer, and still others file them off, but the easiest and quickest way is to take the large pinchers spoken of and set them tightly on the tusk, give the pinchers a tight squeeze and a slight turn to one side and the tusk breaks oft' easily. In breeding never take him out of his lot, but bring the sow to him. It is better to have a small enclosure inside of his lot, which should be fastened up, and covered over, Avitli an opening out- wards. When a sow is to be bred, shut him out of the small en- closure, and drive the sow in, then let the boar in with her; after ser- vice drive the boar out and let the sow remain until she can be taken to BREEDING-BOX. some quiet place. It is also a good thing to have a breeding-box, con- structed as follows : The box is five feet long, two feet seven inches high, outside measurements. It is made of three-quarter inch stuff, of [93] THE HOG IN AMERICA. whatever lumber you wish to use, and is built the same as j-ou would make a shipping-box, only it has no top. The up-rights are two-inches iiiiuare, and there are six of them, three to each side, the end ones being perpendicular, while those marked " C " are on a slant-, the space be- tween them at the top is three inches, while at the bottom it is four and three-quarter inches. This is so arranged that the foot rest can be ad- justed to suit the sow and boar. This foot-rest, marked " A," iu draw- ing, and of which we present a special cut, is the most important part of the box. In its construction you take a two by two inch strip, round it to fit the holes in strip " C," and make the shank long enough so that you can slip it in towards the back of the box so as to loosen it in front. The holes in front slip for foot rest should be mortised square and the ends of tenons on bar "A" made square instead of round, to pre- vent turning. The front should be square and fit in a hole in front up- right, which should be made nine inches from the top of the box. On this two-inch piece you nail a board six inches wide and round it at both ends as in cut. This board is used as a foot rest and also to prevent the sow from moving sideways. Should you have a very small sow you fit the board as in cut: if this space is too narrow for another sow, you take the foot-rest out and turn it down which gives six inches more space. The holes in upright " B " is to en- able you to adjust it to the heigh th of the sow, also tlie size of the boar, placing him in a natural position, regardless of the difterence in the size of the sow. The piece " B " is a six-inch board which slides back and forward, and is used as a chin rest. It is one foot from the front end of the box and is two and one-half feet long. These two rests are the important features of this box, and we think the construction is plainly indicated by the two drawings. This box can be kept in the small enclosure above mentioned. The boar should be early learned to use tlie box, as it holds the sow still and prevents the boar from being strained or injured during service, and when the boar becomes large and heavy the box is almost indispensable. There should also in summer time be a basin constructed of stone, brick or wood, where water ought to be kept, say four inches deep, so that he can bathe himself frequently. In addition to the bath tub, he should have a trough witli pure water constantly in it, where he can get a drink whenever he feels like it. In .summer, if he does not have grass in his, lot feed him clover or fresh [94] 1 CARE OF THE BOAR. cut grass or weeds from the garden, and in winter give him turnips, beets, or cabbage, two or three times a week, Jn one corner of his pen place a box and in it put wood-ashes and salt; let the salt bear about the proportion of a tablespoonful of salt to a half gallon of ashes. Feed charcoal ouce a week. DonH put a ring in his nose; let him root\ the lot will not be hand- some, but the boar will. The boar should have kind, generous treat- ment, such in kind as is usually given stallions, and it will be found to be more profitable than if given to other kinds of stock. Fig. 3. — ANOTHER liPX TROUGU. [95] CARE OF THE SOW. Having selected your sows, and if purchased away from home they come in boxes and on train, wasli them oft'nieelj', and give tliem a little water and feed. If purchased of a person at a distance, learn at time of purchase whether he feeds cooked feed, sour feed, or what Ivind and condition of food, so tliat when tliey arrive you can give them for the first week like or better treatment than they have been accustomed to. At first feed small quantities and often ; as the better way to break the fast tliey have been subjected to on their trip, put them in a pen or small lot until tliey get rested, strengthened up, and regain their former activity. Confinement in boxes for a day or two or three days, has made them sore and numbed their liml)s, so that a week or more is fioften required for them to feel all right. The feed they have been used to is best continued until tlie purcliaser lias time to gradually bring them around to a new and different system -of feeding. If they are young sows, weanlings, or under one j^ear old, they should be fed liberally, in fact all they wili eat, of oats, shorts, Ijarley and corn, and allowed a large lot or pasture to run about in. Should it be winter season, give some green food, such as cabbage, tur- nips, raw potatoes, two or three times a week. In short, feed plenti- fully at regular periods, three times a day, and crowd them along as rapidly as possible, so that they may have as much size and strength as possible when the season for breeding comes on. There is no danger of a young, growing sow becoming too fat if she has ample room for •exercise. If you select from your own herd young soavs for breeders, •separate those intended for breeders from the others and give them special attention, variety of food, and plenty of good, clear and wholesome water — the object being to develop them and make them as large and strong as possible before coupling. If the sow is an aged or matured one, feed sparingly of grain and let lier have the run of a good clover pasture during summer, and provide an abundant supply of pure water for drink. Also provide ashes and salt in same proportion as for boar and have it at all times accessi- ble. The mature sow should be kept in good stock order, not fat. All [96] CARE OF THE SOW. sows should be kept gentle and accustomed to the presence of the per- son who cares for them, and scratching or brushing them occasionally will accomplish this result. Never dog or beat them. Handle, and if necessary to drive them, do it carefully and slowly. With a hog, the old adage, " less haste and more speed " is peculiarly applicable. r971 FEED AND CARE OF PREGNANT SOWS. If the sows be matured ones, that is, two years old and over, they should be fed sparingly of corn and have an abundance of bran ; the latter does not fatten, but it supplies hone and muscle, making- material for the development of the young. We have as a rule, especially in Avinter, given sows about an ear of corn each twice per day antl allowed free access to a trough of dry bran. Turnips, beets, carrots, cabbage, or raw potatoes once or twice a week is good for them. Clover hay, if cut and prepared so as to keep it a green color, is good, and it is still better if steamed or even soaked in water a few hours liefore feed- ing. All of the above are good food for the sow, and relished in winter. Oats are desirable food, although rather expensive. Apples are good, hut in this part of the country rather expensive; and pumpkins, if fed moderately, are a good article of diet, but if fed exclusively and too liberally, are likely to produce abortions. A crop of artichokes is one of the best winter foods, and is of very little trouble, as the sows can be allowed to dig them for themselves — the rooting is good exercise and the tubers healthful. VVhen roots are fed the sows should have their regular rations of corn daily, say two or three ears for each sow. The sow should not be al- lowed to get fat nor too poor, but should be kept in medium stock or- der. They will in that condition take plenty of exercise and keep healthy and vigorous. When tlie snow is deep, the sows should be kept up, especially if the weather is cold, as the dragging of the belly through the snow is apt to freeze the teats and impair the udders of the sows and has a bad effect on the embryo pig, as the snow makes the helly cold and impairs the vitality of the young. During summer months the pasture should be abundant and the sow- have at least one ear of corn per day, and the water supply must al- ways be abundant. Young sows, usually called gelts, or gilts, should have the same va- riety of food, but more corn and shorts. They should have all they will eat up clean, and be pushed forward as rapidly as possible to at- tain as much size as possible before farrowing. They must have food, [98] FEET) AND CARE OF PREGNANT SOWS. "not only for their own growth, but that of their young, and it should be of such character as will best attain the desired result. Shorts, or middlings, as it is sometimes called, mixed with a little oil meal ; ground peas and oats make a splendid food, together with a liberal supply of roots and bone meal. Do not be afraid of getting them too fat, if they have room for exercise. Crowd tliem forward from the time they are bred until about the time of farrowing. Provide at all times plenty of pure fresh water. DonH forget the water, especiall II in cold, freezing weather; see that they get it plentifully and often. All sows, old and young, should have dry, warm, clean beds, and not more than two or three should be permitted to sleep to- gether. If a number ar^i allowed to sleep together they pile up and are apt to receive injuries that result in abortions, and in addition to this, they will get warm and sweat in their beds, and when they go out into the cold air, take cold and engender disease. Sows can soon be learned to go to separate pens for the night, and the breeder should see that they do, and to secure such results it is best to fasten them in at night, one or two, and not more than three in a place. It is better that each have a separate sleeping apartment and be required to occu- py it. They should have a small amount of bedding, which should be changed once a week, or oftener, if it becomes wet or dirty. Dirt floors, with about six inches of sand makes the best bedding, and on this may be placed a little cut straw, corn husks or corn stalks cut up short in a cutting-box. Two animals sleeping together require less bedding than when each occupy separate pens. Ashes Jind salt should at all times be accessible, and once or twice a week charcoal should be liberally supplied. It absorbs and neutralizes the acids of the stomach and carries off" all offensive collections in the stomach and bowels. Its value is not sufficiently appreciated by breed- ers ; it is better than the patent nostrums, or the mixture of antimony, sulphur and copperas with the salt and ashes. Don't neglect the charcoal. Another important thing is to brush and curry the sows often, say two or three times each week. It keeps the skin lively and makes the sow gentle, and they take kindly to the presence of such a humane keeper. [99] FARROWING TIME. We submit a few suggestions touching the management and treatment of sows just prior to, and during farrowing. All breeders doubtless realize the importance of proper attention at such periods ; if they do not, they can not learn the fact too soon. It is a time when brains of the practical variety are in demand. We are fully aware, however, that it is much easier, especially in bad weather, to direct what should be done, than it is to turn out in the mud, sleet and snow, and do what is directed by others or your own judgment; j'et success is only attained by prompt, intelligent and untiring effort, and the result will fidiy compensate for the trouble. Persons who do not want to get into tlie mud and look after their stock, and either do, or have done, that which their interests demand, had better quit breeding hogs, as they have mistaken their calling. Observation and experience teaches us that animals recognize quickly the presence, voice and touch of their breeders and keepers, and they are equally sensitive to the approach of strangers. It is, therefore, at all times important to have domestic ani- mals tame and confiding. It tends to improve their disposition; they are more conteutetl, grow faster, and do better. But at such times as suggested at the beginning, it is almost indispensable, as they are not in condition to be beaten, thumped about, or raced around the lot, without constant danger to them and their young; besides the breeder does not know the day nor the hour it may become necessary for him to assist them in the trying ordeal of maternity, and if they are not pre- viously gentle, and accustomed to his presence, voice and touch, he may find it impossible to get near enough to aid them. If they have been kept gentle the breeder will have no trouble. If the breeder is not on close speaking terms with his herd he should lose no time in forming an acquaintance. Don't wait for an introduction, but get right down to business. Commence carefully, however, for the ramparts of confidence can not be taken by storm. Imitate the book agent, tree peddler, lightning-rod cuss and insurance agent, in persist- ence and adroitness, but there let the imitation cease and deal candidly, honestly and fairly with the sow, and she will soon be a confiding friend. LlOO] FARROWING TIME. We will next consider the pen, that should be for her use during the period under discussion, and in selecting its location gratify as far as possible tlie instinct of the animal, which is seclusion and quiet. Doubtless all have noticed tliat when opportunity ofters, the mare, cow, ewe and sow, as they near the crisis of reproduction, will invaria- bly separate themselves from their companions and select a quiet, se- cluded, dry and comfortable location, where they may be unobserved and unmolested, (The sow being the only one, however, which makes a bed, or special preparation.) This instinct means something, and suggests to thoughtful minds a subject worthy of inquiry and attention. It may be suggested that such action is prompted solely for the preser- vation of their young, and doubtless this has its influence, but this is not all, for it is rare at such times to see the mother or young disturbed or annoj^ed by her companions, even though in crowded quarters. Is it not rather an instinct dictating to the maternal mind the necessity for absolute quiet and seclusion, an honest effort to get as far as possi- ble from the confusion, bustle and noise of active life. At such times the nerves of the mother are wrought up to the highest tension, and noise and confusion grates harshly on the maternal ear, producing ner- vousness, fever, and often death. In this connection, it may be well to ■call attention to the fact that at least three-fourths of the young ai-e l)orn during the night, and thus Nature in a quiet and determined way says, "stillness and the seclusion of night are beneficial." Taking these hints, let the bi-eeder gratify the promptings of such instinct and the demands of nature, by as far as possible selecting a place for the pen where the expectant mother may be quiet and secluded, protect her from noise and bright light, and have the pen clean, dry aad comforta- ble. We have frequently noticed when sows were in close proximity, as in our large hog-houses mentioned in another place, that the sows were more or less irritable, nervous and restless; they would get up and down frequently, tramp on their pigs, bite and gnaw their pens, and in many ways manifest their dislike of their situation. All these things impressed us that quiet seclusion for the sow is an important ele- ment of success. Having selected the place for the pen and lot, complete it before she is turned in, so that there will be no hammering and pounding to annoy and frighten her. She should be placed there a week or ten days be- fore she is '> expecting to be sick," so that she may get accustomed to the surroundings. After she has quietly settled down in her new quar- ters, get inside the pen frequently and scratch her, and at the same time talk to her in a low, kind tone of voice, but be careful you do not hurt or scare her. Be patient, gentle and kind, and you will be a wel- come visitor. You should have the date of her service, and by adding one hundred and twelve days, you can approximate her time and know- about when to look for new arrivals. There are, however, infallible [101] THE HOG IX AMERICA. symptoms which will tell plainly that " things are about ready for the movement." About twenty-four hours before farrow, the udder, or bag, will become hard and hot. A few hours, rarely exceeding twelve before she farrows, milk can be drawn from the teats; there will also be observed on each rump a sunken place, or hollow on either side of the spine. These signs are infallible, and " indicate business." Soon after this she will begin to i^repare her bed, and if material has not been already supplied, give her a sufficient quantity ; don't try to fix it — she will do that better than anybody. We say a sufficient quantity, and as that depends upon the size of the pen and sow, we can not be more definite. The bedding should be short stuff" rather than long straw, because it is more comfortable for the sow and pigs, and the pigs less liable to become tangled and thrown down and laid upon. A bran mash is all the food required for twenty-four hours before farrowing. Don't forget to provide her plenty of good water to drink, and so ar- rangetl as to allow her access to it at her 2)leasure. She needs an un- usual amount, because she is nervous, is taking more exercise than usual, and carrying and placing the bed with her mouth creates thirst. We have seen sows under such circumstances drink quite frequently while actively at work at bed-making. After her bed is satisfactory, she lies down, usually on her belly; she will remain in this position, with her feet under, as a rule until the sack containing a lubricating fluid is broken in the womb and begins to ooze out. Until this fluid appears pretty freely, active labor pains or struggles need not be looked for. Tliis fluid will usually appear one to three hours before the pigs. As her strong and earnest pains come on, she will change position and lie on her side, and, if everything is all right, the "coming events," squealing for pedigrees, will soon appear. if she rolls about, gets up anel down often, lies on her belly, and seems T'estless, it usually indicates something wrong. In such cases the usual difficulty is a wrong presentation. This can be determined by inserting the finger as she is straining, and if the side of the pig is felt, it Avill be necessary to push it back. Got some one who has a small hand to grease his hand and wrist, and slowly ami carefully insert tlie hand, press the pig back and start it end first, and it makes but little differ- ence which end, as it Avill be noticed that if one comes head first, the next to follow will come tail first, and so on, each subsequent one re- versing the position of the one which has innnediately preceded it. With young sows we prefer to bring the first pig hind feet first, as we think it the easier delivery. Now that we have given some directions in the case of trouble, allow us to say, however, don't be in a hurry about taking a hand, or exhibiting skill. In most cases the sow will do better if let alone. If the weather is severely cold, it is best to be on hand, and as each pig comes, wipe it dry with a woolen cloth, break the navel string long and tie a knot in it to avoid bleeding and waste from [102J FARROWING TIME. the pig. Next, get the little stranger to suck as soon as practicable. If, however, the weather is not severe, stand back and give the old girl a ■chance to show what she can do by herself. When all have arrived, the afterbirth, or pig bed, will pass from the sow. At this stage all the fine-spun theorists sa}' remove it at once, and we usually follow that course, but have doubts as to it being best. Nature has implanted an instinct in the mother to eat it. Tliis may be an act of cleanliness, or it may be a wise provision of nature to preserve the health of the mother or both. We confess to have puzzled ourselves considerably over tliis subject, and have never known bad results to follow when it was eaten by the sow. In such cases it furnishes a means of purging the sow mildly, keeping the bowels open, and we are inclined to the belief that it is better to let it be eaten than removed. We know in one case in our experience that it always acted well, and prevented the sow from de- vouring her young. We had a sow called Bessie Crow ; she was reason- ably tame and gentle, except when farrowing or while pigs were young. She persisted in being cross and fierce. In the early spring we kept her in the hog-house during farrow, and although we dare not enter the pen, we removed the afterbirth promj^tly by using a long- handled fork, and in less than forty-eiglit hours she ate up every pig. In the summer she farrowed again, and being allowed the run of the woods and left to shift for herself, she raised a good litter. After that she was unmolested, and w^as allowed to eat her aftei-birth and did not touch her pigs. The dose seemed to satisfy her appetite for " blood and meat" and she remained quiet. If the sow shows no disposition to eat tlie afterbirth within two or three hours, remove it, as it is an indication that her appetite does not call for it. We have known several instances where the sow would not touch it. One other suggestion, which may be of value to young breeders and some old ones: The navel-string that remains attached to the pig, is usually eight to fifteen inches in length, and seems to be in the way of the youngster, but do not attempt to cut it off"; usually the sow does this within a short time, by chewing it off", about one inch from the pig's bell}'. This process is better than you can perform it by cutting, because to cut it would in all probability cause severe bleeding, while chewing and mangling the ends prevents bleeding, hence you will ob- serve that nature directs the mother wisely. If she does not chew it off", it dries up very rapidly and will soon drop oft'. The first time we noticed the sow chewing at the navel-string we were alarmed, and thought we had discovered why sows sometimes eat their pigs, viz. : that in that way they get their taste of flesh and blood, and cease not until the pig is devoured. We concluded however, before jumping at a conclusion, to keep quiet and await developments. We noticed that as soon as she finished one, she rooted around another, and so on until all [103] THE HOG IN AMEEICA. had received attention. We also noticed that during the " dressing'* the little ones held still ; in other words, old and young seemed to under- stand that it was in the regular course, and we had learned something. After the sow laid down we examined the piggies and found the job al- most perfect. The end of the navel-cord was crushed and mangled and no blood Avas escaping. We then reasoned out that a cut with a sharp instrument, such as a knife, would in all probability bleed freely, and besides an inexperienced person might cut it too close and invite rupt- ure, while the sow, directed by nature, has left the cords safe. The chewing prevented bleeding, and tlie tliickness of the lips of the sow kept her teeth from cutting it too short. If tlie sow is gentle, throw out all portions of the bed which become Avetand soiled, and sprinkle copperas (pulverized is best) over the bed- ding. Dust the moist and damp pieces on the floor with coal ashes (do not use wood ashes as it will be likely to make the sow's teats and pigs' mouths sore), or dry earth, to absorb all the moisture and odors. This will keep the pen sweet, pleasant and healthful. After cleaning out and using the disinfecting material, put in fresh bedding as quietly and carefully as possible. Next, see if the little fellows are getting a supply of milk from the mother. If tliey look full and sleep quietly, you may rest easy on that point; on the contrary, if the hair stands up, or points forward, and they look gaunt and stagger about and droop down as though the world was all wrong, they need attention promptly. The first tliiug to do is to put them up to the teat, steady the head by putting the hand under the chin, allowing the thumb to pass up one side of the face and the fingers on the others, and with the other hand take the youngster around the body, and it will be under pretty good control. Handle it easy and gently, don't hurry it, or try to push its head down by plac- ing the tliumb over its nose ; if this coercion is resorted to, the operator will learn that the proverbial stubborness of the hog is born in it. When piggy gets a good square taste he will need no further encour- agement. He will " get there " thereafter. Frequently you will hear one or two and sometimes a whole litter squeak instead of squeal ; they are usually frail and have but little vitality, and must have immediate attention. That squeaking sound once heard, will always afterward be recognized promptly. The squeaker is usually dumpish, hair stands up, he lies down on his belly, shivers, feels cold to tlie touch, is run over by his mates, and if turned on his back can hardly get over, and all his movements indicate that he has about given up. Take all such customers, wrap them up in a warm woolen blanket or sheep-skin (turning wool side in), give them Aoi milk with a few drops of strong coff'ee or whisky in it, and if they rally within a half or three-quai-ter& of an hour, put them up to the sow and try to induce them to suck; if they suck vigorously they are safe, otherwise the chances are largely [104] FARKOWING TIME. against them. If all the litter are squeaking, it may be that the sow's hag is caked and inflamed, and the pigs are simply starving. To de- termine this, feel of her udder, and if it is very hot, dry, hard and large, the breeder may be sure that that is the principal trouble. An- other symptom is soreness or tenderness of the bag, so that slie flinches when it is pressed or when tlie pigs attempt to suck. If the attendant discovers the bag is caked the quickest relief is usually secured by bath- ing the udder witli hot water ; ai^ply it as hot as tlie sow will stand it ; after bathing it awhile, take a woolen cloth, wrung out of hot water, and apply to the udder. Tliis treatment is usually suflicient; if, how- ever, it docs not accomplish the purpose, wipe the udder dry, and ap- ply all over it, except for an inch or so about the teats, an ointment of turpentine, one part, and lard, two parts. Rub it in well, and if it is warm so much the better. We have never known this last remedy to fail ; be careful not to put on hot cloths after the ointment, for there is great danger of blistering by so doing. If the udder is badly caked it may be necessary to feed the pigs a little new milk from the cow. This is easiest done by warming the milk in a quart flask, and place a quill or stiff" straw' Avrapped with cotton cloths until it is large enough to fill the neck of the flask, and the other tapering off" like a nipple, or still bet- ter, get a rubber nipple, same as used for children, and fasten on the bottle, and let the pig work at the bottle. This is better than feeding witli a spoon, as piggy learns that his living must come by sucking in- stead of drinking. When fed any length of time with a spoon, we have had trouble in afterwards getting them to suck the sow. But don't feed at all unless absolutely necessary, as you want to keep the pigs tugging at the sow as much as possible to assist in drawing the inflam- mation from the udder. If the sow appears all right after pigging, give her milk and boiled potatoes in small quantities, three or four times per day, with an ear of corn occasionally, changing to small feed of shorts, mush, cooked potatoes, a part of a head of cabbage, gradu- ally increasing the amount of feed until you reach full feed about the fifth or seventh day. If after farrowing, she appears restless and .strains when attempting to have a passage, slie is either costive, unable to pass her urine, or has not cleaned herself properly. In such cases, particularly the first and last condition, boil flaxseed and give in milk. In small quantities, say half-pint of the boiled flaxseed in a quart of nnlk. If the difficulty seems to lie in her urinary organs, she will show weakness in her back, as well as restlessness. If such symptoms ap- pear, give watermelon-seed tea or spirits of nitre in milk, or a few drops of turpentine, say a half-dozen drops, in a quart of milk. If the sow does not seem to be doing well, and you are are unable to determ- ine the cause or seat of the troul)le, give her the turpentine and milk — it will not hurt her, if given in the quantity indicated above — and it gives tone to all the organs of digestion and secretion. A little sulphur [105J THE HOG IN AMERICA. in mvish or shorts, mixed with milk, is excellent for ordinary ills of swine. Occasionally you will find that the sow eats well, appears all right, but she is constantly scratching hei'self ; this indicates that her blood is out of order, and in such cases feed her sulphur once a day or oftener for a week, and curry her vigorously with a curry-comb ; if' this does not allay the itching, take coal oil, one part, lard, two parts, carbolic acid, one twentieth part, and sulphur enough to make a thick ointment, and apply with a woolen cloth, rubbing it in well all over her body, except the iidder. When tlie sow has this trouble do not de- lay action, else you will have sore ears and tails on the pigs, and poss- ibly diarrhoea or scours. Should the pigs' ears and tails become sore, apply an ointment made as follows: coal oil, one tabJespoonful; lard or tallow, half teacupful ; twenty drops of carbolic acid, and a heaping^ tablespoonful of sulphur; mix well. If attention is not given promptly ui^on the appearance of sores on the tail, it soon comes off. This is due to the sore an nose up or to one side, j^ou can hardly conquer it. The pigs, however, will fatten readily If they are fed ground food mixed with water or slop; this kind of food being soft they eat it heartily, and the disease being local and confined to the nose and head they fatten rapidly, as though not allectcd. Canker, or Xvrsing Sore-Mouth. — This is a troublesome disease, and if not prom])tly attended to, proves fatal. It may, and we think it usually does, arise from imijurity in the milk of the sow, or from poison on her teats and udder, obtained by running in tall, wet grass or poison vines. Tlie first symptoms are lumps on the sow's udder, and sometimes sores; next will be noticed blisters on the lip, tongue and mouth of tlie pig; tlie tongue and lips become swollen, and the roof and sides of tlie mouth inflamed and covered with deep red or white blister spots. Treatment : Catch the pig and swab its mouth out thor- oughly with a solution of carbolic acid and water sufficiently strong to make the tlesh upon the arm tingle. Apply it with a rag, or a small piece of a sponge, tied on a stick. A strong sagre tea applied in the same way is good, and in addition take powdered sulphur, put it into a large straw, hold the pig's mouth open, and blow tlie dry sulpur in. Apply these remedies frequentlj^, and bathe the sows teats and udder with a weak solution of carbolic acid, Keejj litters that have it away from other pigs. Care, close attention, and the frequent application of the above remedies, will rarelj' fail to cure, if taken in time. The sow should be fed sulphur in her slops. Sharp Baby Tisks. — These are some times found in the mouths of young pigs, and they are annoying to the sow and to other pigs ; they are as sharp as needles, and the little fellows use them vigorously fight- ■ ing their mates and nipping the teats and udder of the sow; they are frequently the cause of sows refusing to lie still and let the pigs suck. Remedy : Take a small pair of pinchers and pull out the little tusks, and quiet and order is again restored. Black Tvsks in little pigs are by some thought to be a source of disease and death, but we think it very doubtful ; however, it is a small [114] DISEASES WHICH ATTACK YOUNG PIGS. matter to remove them at once by pulling out with a pair of pinchers- Stoppage of the Pores. — Pigs are not infrequently dull and stupid, hair stands up, and they walk as if stiff in the legs ; this is usually caused bj^ a stoppage of the pores on the inside of the leg. Hogs and pigs sweat through these little holes in the leg, and when they become closed from colds or other causes, it makes piggy sick. Treatment: Wash inside of legs with warm water and soap, and rub vigorously. Boils sometimes appear on head, neck, limbs, or body of pigs. Treatment : Open on under side of the boil or lump with a sharp knife,, splitting it open. [115] EXAMINING THE HERD. Every daj- the herd should be carefully examined, for the purpose of Tinowing that tliey are all healthy, properly fed, and to see how the several animals are developing. The matings were made to produce certain results, and as the results work out in flesh and blood, they should be daily watched to see how rapidly or how slowly they come. Every day will produce some change in young and growing stock; it may be slight, but the forces of heredity and evolution are constantly at work, and they must be watched and directed by all the artificial help the breeder can command. Often a little extra food and care will brace up the system against a family defect. Evolution must often be aided by good food or change of food. To illustrate : Pigs that are in- clined to drop back of the shoulders, commence to show the defect when the mother's milk is not sufficieut for the demands of the growing pigs, which is usually when they are from five to ten weeks old. As soon as such trouble is noticed, brace them up by extra feed of sweet milk and ground oats, or milk to drink and soaked wheat to eat. We have often at the first symptoms of a let down, bj' generous feed of milk and oats, braced them up and kept tlie backs straight. On the otlier hand, if the feet are inclined to go down, take off corn and feed oftener and less at a time of milk and oats. If cough or sniffles appear, give a drop or two of turpentine in a little warm milk to each pig, or a like amount of carbolic acid, and grease the nose, throat and breast with a mixture of lard, turpentine and coal oil, in the proportion of % I'U'd, ):^ coal oil, and )^ turpentine. A little prompt work at the start may save much trouble. If a pig lies around, hair stands up, eyes are dull, heavy, or red and watery, tlie pig is sick; watch it a little while and the symp- toms may become sufliciently pronounced to indicate the trouble, which is likely to be one of the many diseases of pigs described in another chapter. The eyes, motion and hair are the untiring sentinels that tell the approach of trouble. As long as the hair lays down smooth and close to the skin and appears glossy and oily, the eye bright, the head up, and the walk quick and vigorous, good health abounds; but when the head is carried low, walk slow, hair stands up, ears droop, [IIG] EXAMINING THE HERD, and the pig drops onto its belly wlien it lies down, something is wrong,, and attention is demanded. Unless time is talien every day to look them all over symptoms of disease will not be noticed. See that the troughs, sleeping appartments and feeding places are kept clean; that no more food is given than consumed; tliat they have plenty of good water to drink ; that the larger pigs are not driving away the smaller ones when nurshig; in short, that everything is lovely and every pig has a fair chance. Look the pigs over often enough to enable you to tell at a glance where they belong. As they grow np, if you are in doubt as to which litter any pig belongs, wait until it gets to nursing; then walk around, look at its form and features carefully while at the sow , so that you can ever after recognize it beyond a doubt. No two pigs are exactly alike; there may be, and often is, a close resemblance in pigs in same litter or sired by the same boar, but each has an indi- viduality tliat is distinct, and if once learned, will always thereafter be easily recognized. It is always important to know where a pig be- longs, but it is still more important that the breeder should watch and learn how it develops and how nearly it approaches the sliape and form he expected. A peculiarity frequently runs in families; some develop quite early, while others do not show up until nearly matured. In or- der to judge intelligently of the value of a pig, the breeder must know all such traits and peculiarities. The close built, tight barrelled, nicely trimmed, long bodied, short leg- ged pig looks best when little, and it makes a good seller and shipper, because it gives immediate satisfaction ; but it has not the future before it that another of a little looser make, more depth and range of body, higher on the leg, mellow hided, vigorous, high-headed, saucy fellow has. From the time of birth until maturity the breeder should watch the pigs and examine them critically, noting all defects, excellencies of color, form, peculiarities and characteristics. By so doing, he will soon learn, if he does not already know, that successful breeding is not mere chance work; on the contrary, it is a science, and one in which brains, properly used, push the breeder forward, slowly, it niaj^ but surely, year after year, Such a course will make him cautious about his judg- ment on young and rapidly growing animals. Often the first choice of the litter at two weeks of age, will be the poorest at six months. With the closest study and application, the best judges are often misled and compelled to change their minds several times in the course of a season. There are so many currents of blood contending for mastery, and of- ten so many hidden forces that time alone can unfold their strength. At one period the characteristics of one ancestor may show up strongly for a while, only to give way and be overshadowed by that of another. Thus day by day, week by week, and month by month, the results of your combinations work out before you in flesh and blood. [117] THE HOG IN AMERICA. As these changes and developments are unfolding before the eye and mind of the breeder, he is delighted or cast down in projiortion to the evidences of success or failure observed. It is such painstalving work and observations tliat malves the breeder realize how much easier the bad points come than tlie good ones : That a long nose, heavy, thick, large ear, crooked or fished back, weak, soft, yielding feet, small hams, small, narrow shoulders, long, thin neck, small or loose, flabbj' jowl, coarse hair, flat ribs, pinched flanks and long, crooked legs, is much easier to produce than a short, nice head, fine, tliin, silky ears, broad, stright back, large and full hams, slioulders, flank, belly and jowl, fine liair, short, strong, tapering and straight legs, and tough, small feet [118: FAIRS— JUDGING, CCJMMITTEE, EXPERTS. The figricultuial fair has been, and still is, an important factor in the development of all the domestic animals. It may be safely said that it has been more potent than any other source, save the agricultural peri- odicals. The time when fairs were inaugurated may be fixed as the period shortly after improvements in live stock began. In the United States, some few of the Eastern States, ]\Iaryland, Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts were the first to hold them. We are not now able to give tlie date or i)lace of the first one in America, but think it was about 1812. At fii'stthey were called in many places cattle shows, and for some years the hog Avas conspicuously absent. From 1821 to 1825 the cattle shows gradually began to assume a general stock character, and soon mechanical, agricultural and horticultural interests were in- cluded, and the name, agricultural fair, was given to designate such meetings. Tlie cattle shows of 1820-'21 were the first that offered pre- miums for hogs. They began mildly, first offering diplomas and some cash premiums, and there was but one class — no distinction as to breeds. It was at first a premium for the best boar, and for the best sow, A few j^ears later a second premium was offered for boars and sows, and all hogs, scrub, grade, mixed and thorough-bred were classed together and competed for the same prize. The animals were exhibited on their looks, not on their blood, a grade often taking first premium and a thorough-bred second, and many times the hog witliout name was the successful one. The early committees were often composed of seven persons, and rarely less than five. About 1830 we find some few fairs ottering pre- miums for aged hogs and pigs. Shortly thereafter the hogs were given two classes — the large and small breeds. This was in the period from 1830 to 1810, and it was during that same period that the fight or contest arose between the large and small hog. The question of location had much to do with the opinion of the breeder or raiser. Those persons who were close to large towns and cities, where fresh meat markets were an every day business, favored the small hog, and the farmer who lived some distance and marketed his hogs only in the fall and to packers [119] THE HOG IN^ AMERICA. favored the large hog, as they could only sell at one season of the year, and in addition to that piggy must walk to his death. This division of sizes at the fairs was the result of this contest. Fair managers usually cater to the feelings of the people in a greater or less degree and at the same time seek to push the people forward. From 1830 to 18G0 the committees usually made to the managers of fairs a report, sometimes verbal and other times written, giving a brief account of animals ex- hibited, premiums awarded, and honorable mention. Some of these re- ports contain considerable information as to the existing breeds and the character of the hogs in that portion of the country, and recom- mendations, some of which were valuable and others commonplace or worthless. The careful student, however, will note a gradual improve- ment in the management of fairs and aconseciuent stimulus in the stock of hogs adjacent thereto. It may be said that the fair itself was onlv the demonstration of a feeling of improvement among the people. This may in part be true, but only pai'tially. The fair was, as a rule, the educator in this way, if in 110 other and it brought farmers and stock growers together, and tlie ani- mrals were before them. Tliis led to discussions and comparison, and discussion and comparison generates ideas and arouses pride, enthusi- asm and a desii-e to excel. When a man is thus loaded he is in the l^athway of progress, and has his face in the right direction. The fair has thus started many a man upward, that but for the education and stimulus thus received, would have fooled all his life away feeding scrubs. We do not by any means loose sight of the jDOwer of the agri- cultural i^aper, which has done, and is doing, more to stir the mind of the farmer to healthy and vigorous action than any other agency, but we simply wisii to give the fair due credit. The paper furnishes the text and generates ideas, and the fair furnishes the object lessons, that are more easily grasped than a statement of a fact, by the ordinary and untrained mind. The separation in classes, of large and small breeds, was some im- pi'ovement, but it gave the grade tlie same chance as the pure-bred, and it was not until the year 1850 that different breeds were given classes and premiums for all ages; in addition a class was made for all crosses. Later, in addition to the classes above named, there was added a general premivmi for boar and sow of any age or breed, called sweepstakes. Tliis was a kind of "free-for-all" and had a beneficial effect. The class by breeds gave a stimulus to the several breeds, and the sweep- stakes instituted comparisons and discussions as to the relative merits of breeds. For several years past the committees selected to award have consisted of three persons. They are usually good, honest men, of fair sense and judgment, but, as a rule, wholly unacquainted with the characteristics «f the breeds they are required to pass upon; and, as a natural result [120] FAIRS— JUDGING, COMMITTEES. EXPERTS. the awards are often misplaced. Even with men who are up in the- points, the committee system is uncertain and usually unsatisfac- tory. The trouble with mankind is, that every individual is possessed of a hobbJ^ One man's hobby is a fine head and ear; another, a big bone; another, a large ham; and, another, a large heart-girth. Now, in examining a hog, the man with a hobby is always looking for the animal that is nearest perfect in the part covered by the hobby. Again some men have an eye for form or symmetry. Something is needed to compel the ej'e and mind to judge the liog in parts, and then as a Avhole. Within a few years a new system has been inaugurated, which we think will produce such a result. We refer to the single judge, or ex- pert system, aided by the standard of excellence adopted by the breeders of the several breeds. Of course, without a standard of i)oints, the expert's efficiency would be greatly lessened ; but with the standard before him and directing his attention in detail to every point in the scale, and holding his mind and attention there, each point has consid- eration; and, having thus been compelled to review each separately, he is better prepared to pass upon the general symmetry. In short, it breaks the force and effect of the hobby, and holds the judge to his work. The judge should be required to indicate points on the score-card, and then the superintendent should do the footings, so that the expert ■himself would not know results until announced by the superintendent of the department. Then the rule should be, that all score-cards should he tacked up on the pens, where they can be seen and studied. The fair is, or should be, an educator, and there is no better way to edu- ■eate tlie breeder than by the use of a score-card. It is an object lesson, and an application of theories to living facts and forms. When all fairs adopt the score-card and expert judge system, general intelligence upon the points of animals will greatly increase, and the pathway of success will be plainlv marked. Breeders must push for- ward to that desired end and rest not until such a system is established. It will soon come. Then they can go to a fair that will be fair, and will know that the best hog will always win. No professional or non-professional expert, whose score-cards are exposed to the public gaze and criticism, will dare be dishonest or ignorant. He will feel and know that the responsibility rests upon him and can not be shifted off onto tlie shoulders of the committee — an intangible community that shift responsibility from one to another, and hide behind a majority. The expert has not only to select, but his score-card makes him say why he so selects. [121 : STANDARDS AND STANDARD POINTS. Intelligent breeders of all classes of domestic animals in all ages have ]iad ideal standards of excellence, or an ideal animal that they sought to bring their herds up to. This has in the past been the means of great good, but it had its defects, and among which were, that there were nearly, or quite as manj' ideals or standards as there were breeders, so that there could hardly be said to be any combined or uniform efforts in a particular direction. Such have been some of the difficulties in the way of more general progress. Within a few years' however, breeders of diffei-ent kinds of domestic animals realizing Lhat " in xinion there is strength," and in unity of purj^ose there is progress, have combined and associated together, and by a union of minds and discussion of views, formulated a common ideal, given it shape and in a manner sub- stance, by describing it in plain, direct terms, and this description is made jilainer by also describing what ought not to be, as well as that which should. The Poultry Fancier was the first to adopt and put in use the system of standards for breeds, and the perfection of their favorites are largelj^ due to a persistent adlierence by each breeder to the common judgment of all. Swine breeders are now adopting tlie same metliods, although not so universally. The breeders of all breeds save the Poland-China, have but one standard, and in that respect the breeders of Poland- Chinas are behind their brethren, however there is now a prospect that one standard will in the near future be adopted for the latter breed. This is as it should be, and all efforts looking to such a consummation ought to receive the assistance and encouragement of all persons inter- ested, Until the common standard is finally adopted, we must present all that exist, and allow tlie reader to take his choice. We herewith present, in their regular form, all of the standards as adopted by the Swine Breeders' Association, together witn the new standards, as reported by the committee of the National Poland-China Breeders' Assosciation, and the one recently suggested by the Siome breeders' Journal, of Indianapolis, Ind. : [122] STANDARDS AND STANDARD POINTS. STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE OF BERKSHIRE taWINE, ADOPTED BY THE AMEKICAN BERKSHIKE ASSOCIATION. Color. — Black, with white on feet, face, tip of tail, and an occasional splash on the arm 4 Face and Snodt.— Short, the former line and well dished, and broad between the eyes 7 Eye.— Very clear, rather large, dark hazel or gray 2 Ear. — Genera'ly almost erect, but eometimea inclined forward with advancing age, medium size thin and soft 4 Jowl. — Full and heavy, running well back on neck 4 Neck, — Short, and broad on top 4 Hair. — Fine and soft, medin ii thickness ... 3 Skin.— Smooth and pliable 4 Shoulder.— Thick and even, broad on top, and deep through chest 7 Back.— Broad, short and straight, ribs well si)rung, coui)liiig close up to hip 8 Side —Deep and well let down, straight on biittiim line 6 Flank.— Well back, and low down on leg, making nearly a straight line with lower part of side 5 T.oin.— Full and wide 9 Ham.— D.eep and thick, extending well up on back, and holding thickness well down to hock ; 10 Tail.— Well set up on back, tapering and not coarse 2 Legs.— Short, straight and strong, set wide apart, with hoofs erect, and capable of holding good weight 5 Symmetry.— Well proportioned throughout, depending largely on condition 5 Condition.— In agood healthy g owing state not over-fed 6 Style.— Attractive, spirited, indicative of thorough-breeding and constitutional vigor 5 100 SCALE OF POINTS FOR CHESTER WHITES. AS ADOPTED BY THE CHESTER WHITE RECORD ASSOCIATION AT THEIR ANNUAL MEETING, JVNUARY, ;:885. Head.— Small, broad slightly dished 7 Ear. — Thin, fine, drooping 2 ^1 OWL. — Neat and full 4 Neck —Short, full, well arched 3 15RISKET — Full and deep 3 SHOULDER.— Broad and deep. . 6 Girth around Heart.— :•• 9 Back . — traight and broad 6 Sides. — Deep and full 7 KiBS — Well sprung t> I.OIN.— Broad and strong 7 Belly.— W ide and straight 5 Flank. — Well 'et down 3 Ham. — Broad, f u'.l and deep 10 Limbs. — Strong, straight, and neat 6 Tail.— Tapering, and not coarse 2 Coat.— Fine and t'lick 3 Color.— White 3 Symmetry 8 Total . DETAILED DESCRIPTION: HEAD— Short; broad between the eyes, ami nicely tapering from eyes to point of nose; face slightly dished; cheeks full. Objections— Head coarse, long and narrow; face straight, or too much dished; snout coarse or thick E.\.R— Drooping; thin; pointing outward and forward; well proportioned to size of body. Objections— Too large and coarse; thick, lopping; lying too near the face; stiff, erect, or too small. .JOWL— Full, firm, and neat; carrying fullness well back to neck and brisket. Objections— Flabby; light; thin in cheek; tucking up under the neck. 2JECK— Full, deep, short, and well arched. Objections— Long; flat; lacking in fullness or depth. [123] THE HOG IN AMERK A. BRISKET — Full; strong; well letdown; extending well f irward, and on line ot belly. Objections— Narrow or tncked up. SHOULDER— Broad; deep; thickness in proportion to the silo and h;;ni; full and eyen on top Objections — Thick beyond iholine of side and ham- lacking iu deptli or width; blade prominent, or extending above the line dI the l)ack. GIRTH AROUND THE HEART— tuU back of shoulders; ribs extending well down, wide, and full back of foreleg, Objections— Less than flank or length of body from top of the head to root of tail. BACK — Broad, straight, or slightly arched, carrying wi'lth well back to the hams, and of medium length. Objections — Xai'r av; sinking back of shoulders; narrow across the lo n ; swayed; toolon^; sun-flsh shaped. SIDES— Full, dee]), carrying weight and thicknoss well down and back. Objections— Too round or flat; shallow or thin at the flank. RIBS— V\ ell sprung, carrying fullness well back and deep. Objections — Too flat"; curve of rib too short; tucking in at bottom; sagging about loin. LOIN— Broad, strong, and full. objections — Narrow; poorly ribbed up; weak. BELLY — Wide and straight; width approximating thatrf the back. Objections— Sagging; narrow ; skiu coarse, harsh, or thick. FLANK— Well let down and full Objections— Thin; tucked in; cutui' toohlgh HAM— Broad, full, deep; of medium length; coming down well on the hock. Objections — Norrow; short; running too far up the back; sleep at the rump LIMBS— Medium length; short rather than long; set well ai)art, ami well imder; miKcles full above knee and hock; bone firm, and not coarse; pasterns shore and strong; foot short. Objections— Long, slim, coarse, crooked; muscle light; pastern long, slim, or flat; hoofs long or sprawling. TAIL — Small, tapering, smooth; well set on. Objections— Coarse; large; too prominent at the root, COAT— Fine and thick. Objections— Coarse; hair too long; wiry; harsh. COLOR— Whde; (blue spots iu skin anil black specks shall not argue impurity of blood). SYMMETRY— Uniform build, and all points in animal in proportion. Objections— Wanting in some points, and too much developed in others. STANDARD OF CHARACTERISTICS ADOPTED BV THE AMERICAN DrROC-JERSEY SWINE BREEDERS' ASSOCIATION. A Duroc-Jersey should be moderately long, quite deep bodied, not round, but broad on the back, holding the width well out to the hips and hams The head should be small in proportion to the body. The face slightly dished, nose rather short. Ears medmm in size, pendant, t.nd falling towards the eyes, and must not be erect. The neck should be short, deep and thick. The legs short, wide apart, aud well set under the body. Bone of n.edium fineness, arm large, and flank well down. The hams should be broad and full, well down to the hock. Tail large at its base, and tapering to its extremity. There should he a good coatof hairof medium fineness; usuMlly straight, but in some cases wavy, with few, if any. bristles at the top of the necii and shoulders. Thecolor should be red, varying dark, glossy cherry, to light or yellowish red. An occasional fleck of black (usually on the belly and legs) is admissible, but cherry red without biack is preferred. In disposition, miUl and gentle. Pigs at nine months of age should dress 250 pounds to 300 pounds, aud when fully matured, 400 to 700 pounds. SCALE OF POINTS FOR JUDGING DUROC-JERSEY SWINE. 1. Color: Cherry red, without other admixture 5 2. Head: Nose; fine and short. Face; slightly dished, wide between eyes. 10 3. Ears: Medium size, not erect nor too drooping 5 4. Cheeks: Large, full and well rounded 5 5. Neck: Short, evenly deep from poll lo shoulders 5 6. Shoulders; Broad, smooih, nearly level on top 6 7. Chest: I'eep, filled level behind shoulders 10 8. Back: Broad, str.iight or slightly arching, carrying even width to hips 10 9. Sides: Deep, medium length, level between shoulders and hips 10 10. Belly: Straight underline, not paunchy 5 11. Hams: Large, full, well-rounded, extending well to hock joint 10 12. Legs: Medium bone, short, straight, well up on toes 5 13. Tail: Set medium high, nicely tapering from base 5 14. Hair: Fine, soft, straight, moderately thick 5 J5. Action : Vigorous animated, sprightly 6 100 [124] STANDARDS AND STANDARD POINTS. SCALE OF POINTS FOR SMALL-YOJIKSHIRE PIGS. ( Th: A GUIDE, BOTH IN JUDGING AND BREEDING. Smaller the better 2 ") Nftse— Shorter the better 6 I Head ■{ Uish— Greater the better 3 y 15 ' Width between ears— Greater the better 3 1 Ears small, thin, erect— More so the better 2 J (May be pricked furward. not lopped ) Topline—Straighter the bet' er, from shoulder to tail 5 1 Belly line— The more level the bett r ... 5 Girth in excess of length— More the better, if not more than ten per cent. .. 5 Trunk ... \ nepth--Greater the better 5 v. 35 ■ \V idth- -Greater and evener the better, from shoulder to ham 5 Loin— Broader the better 3 i. Flank— I'eeper and fuller the better [\ ' 2 1 jcngth- Longer the better 10 Kreadth— Broadi-r the better 10 Thickness— Greater the better 5 c Tiength— Longer the better 2 j Shoulders . . . . < Breadth— Broader the better si 5 ( Thickness ! ' T ppc 5 Shorter the better 3 ) , ^''^'^ ) siraighter the better 2 1 ^ 1-KiN ■; Smooth, flexible, finer— More 80 the better 5 ^ 5 ( vlust not be too thin ridgy nnd coarse, nor show discolored f pots from o.d sores, not pale a idas^hy, but healthy in color and free from eruption ) Hair ■{ Evener, finer, and thicker the better 5 } 5 Appearance, i Symmetry and evidence of vigorous health.. sl 5 Total 100 DISCOUNTS AKD DISQUALIFICATIONS. L Pedigree— Lack of registration or eligibility to be registered disqualifies 100 points. 2 Sterility — Inability to produce offspring disqualifies 100 3. Depormity — Any structural deformity or tot'A; disqualifies iro 4. Disease — Any evidence of, or tendency to disease, disqualifies 100 " Scars of sores, discolored spots, eruptions, excema, etc. . . 5 to 25 5. Colored Hair— Disqualifies 100 6. Colored .'^POTS — Dark spots in skin 5 to 25 7. Size — Inordinate size, with coarseness of bone or form 10 to 50 8. " Diminutive size .. 5 to 25 9. Disposition— Savage or fierce nature 5 to 10 '* SCALE OF POINTS OF THE AMERICAN POLAND-CHINA ASSOCIATION. adopted in 1884. 1. Color— Dark predominating 3 2. Head— Short, small, and wide between the eyes 8 8. Ears— Fine, silky and drooping 8 4. Neck — Short and slightly arched 8 5. .7 OWL — Large and neat 3 6. Shoulder— Broad and deep 8 7. Heart Girth— Large and full 10 8. Ribs— Well sprung 8 9. Back— Straight or slightly arched 8 10, Sides— Deep 9 1 1 , Loin— Wide and full 10 12, Flank— Well let down 3 13. Belly— Wide and straight 3 14. Ham— Broad, deep, and well let down on hock 12 15. Legs— Short; pastern short and standing well on toes 6 16, Tail— Tapering and not coarse 2 17. Hair— Fine and thick 2 Total 100 O£J£CTI0J\^S.— Color, to much white or sandy: head coarse, long, and narrow] [125] THE HOG IN AMEKICA. snout thick; ears too large and coarse, lying too near the face, or stiff and erect; nec^ long and thin; jowl flabby, light and thin: shoulder-blade prominent and sticking up; heart, less girth than around the flank; ribs flat, too short, and tucking in at the bottom; back narrow and sinking back of shoulders; sides too round or flat; shallow or thin at flank ; loins narrow and poorly ribbed up and weak ; flank thin, cut up too high; belly sagging, narrow and flabby; ham narrow, short, and steep at riimp; legs short, slim" and crooked; tail thick and coai'se; hair coarse, thin; bristles harsh, wiry. SCALE OF POINTS OF THE OHIO POLAND-CHINA KECORD COMPANY, AS ADOPTED AT THEIR ANNUAL MEETING, JA>UARY 1883 AND REVISED BY A COM- MITTEE, APRIL, 1885. 1. HEAD— Small, broad ft 2. Byes— Large and bright 2 3. Eaks— Thin, fine, bending gracefully 3 4. Jowl— Neat and lull ii 5. Neck— Short, full, well arched 3 6. Brisket— Full and deep 3 7. SHorLDEK — Broad and deep 5 8. Girth around Heart— 9 9. Back- Straight and broad (> 10. Sides— l>eep and full 7 11. Ribs— Well sprung 6 12. Loin— IJroad and strong 7 13. Belly— Wide and straight ^ 14. Flank— Well let down 8 15. Ham— Broad, full and deep 9 16. Limbs— strong, straight and deep 8 17. Tail — Tapering, and not coarse 2 18. Coat— Fine and soft - 19. Color— Dark spotted or black 3 20. Symmetry— 8 Total 100 detailed description. 1 HEAD— Short; broad between the eves, and nicelv tapering from eyesto point of nose; face slightly dished; checks full. Objections— ead coarse, long and narrow; face straight or too much dished; snout coarse or thick. 2 EYES— Large, bright, and free from overhanging fat. (Objections— Small, dim, or hidden under protruding fat. 3 EAH— Bending gracefully; thin; pointing outward and forward; well propor- tioned to size of body. Objections— Too arge and coarse; thick, lopping; lying too near the face; stifl", erect, or too small. 4 JOWL— Full, firm and neat; carrying fullness well back to neck and brisket. Objections— Flabbv; light; thin in cheek; tucking up under the neck. 5 NECK--Fuil, deep, short, and well arched. Objections— r.ong. flat, lading in fullness or depth. 6 BRISKET — Full; strong; well let down; extending well forward, and on line of the belly. Objections — Narrow, or tucked up. 7 SHOULI)ER--Broad; deep; thickness in proportion to the side and ham; full and even on top. Objections— Thick beyond the line of side and ham; lacking in depth or width; blaite prominent, or extending above the I'ne of the back. 8 GIRTH AROUND THE HKAR'— Full back of shoulders; ribs extending well down wide and full back of foreleg Objections— Less th!.n flank measure or length of body from topof the head to the root of the tail. 9 BACK--Broad, straight, or slightly arched, carrying width well back to hams, and of medium length. Objections — Narrow; sinking back of the shoulders; narrow across the loin; swayed, too long; sunflsh shaped. 10 SIDES- Full, deep, carrying weight and thickness well down and back. Objections— Too round or flat ; shal'ow or thin at the flank. 11 RIBS — Well sprung, carrying luUness well ba''k and deep. Objections— Too flat; "curve of rib too short; tucking in at bottom; sagging about loin 12 LOIN — Broad, strong and full. Objections— Narrow; poorly ribbed up: weak. 13 BELLY— Wike .''nd straight; "width approximating that of the back, Objections— Sagging; narrow; skin coarse, harsh and thick. [126] ^^N }^ STANDARDS AND STANDARD POINTS. U FLANK— Well let down, and full (JBJECTIONS— Thin; tucked in; cut tip too high, If) HAM— Broad, full, deep; of medium length; coming down well over the hock. Objections — Narrow: short; running too fir up the back; steep at the rump. 16. LIMHs— Medium length; short rather than long; set well apart, and well under; muscles full above knee and hock; bone firm and not coarse; pasterns bhort and strong; foot short. Objections— Long, slim, coarse, crooked; muscles light; pasteru long, slim or flat; hoofs lo' g or sprawling. 17 TAIL — Small, tapering, smooth; well set on. Objections— Coarse; large; too prominent at the root. 18 COAT— Fine and soft; coveringthe body well, , Objections— Co.irse, bristly; hair too long; wiry, harsh. 19 COLOR— Black, with white points or dark spotted ; spots clear white (sandy spots and speckled color shall not argue impurity of blood, but are not desirble.) Objections— Solid black, or with more sandy or white than blick. 20 SYMMETRY— An even development, bringing form and dimension of the several paits of body in proponicii to each other. Objections— Too much developed in some points and lacking in others, SCALE OF POINTS OF THE CENTRAL SWINE RECOF.D ASSOCIATION. adopted jantart, 1885. 1. Head— Small, broad, slightly dished 5 2. Ear— Thin. line, drooping ' ■\ H. Neck— -hort, full, well arched 3 4. Jowl— Neat and full 2 5. Drisket— Full ;! 6. SHOULDEK—Broad and deep 6 7 Girth around Heart lo 8. Back— ■'traight ond strong ti S. Sides— Deep and full IC. Ribs— Well sprung i) 11. Loin— Broad and strong 7 12. Belly— Wide and straight 4 13. Flank— Well let .town 3 14. HAM--Broad, full and deep 10 15. Coat— Fine and thick ^ 16. Limbs Strong, straight ani5 tapering 5 17. Tail— Taponie v'oints and lacking in others. SCALE OF POINTS OF THE NORTHWESTERN POLAND-CHINA RECORD ASSOCIATION. AS ADOPTED AT THEIR ANNUAL MEETING, OCTOBER, 1383, 1. Head— Small, broad, dished 10 2 Ears— Thin, fine, drooping 3 3. Neck— Short, full, well arched 4 4. Jowl— Neat and iuU 2 5. Brisket— Full and deep 3 (j. Shoulder— Broad and deep 7 7. Girth about Heart 9 a. Back- Straight and broad ., 5 9. Sides— Deep and full 9 10. Ribs— Well sprung 9 11. Loin— Broad and strong 7 12. Belly— Wide and straight 5 13. Flank— Well let down 3 14. Ham— Broad, full and deep 10 J-T. Coat— Fine and thick 4 16. Limbs — ^trong, straight and neat 5 17. Tail— Tapering, and not coarse 2 18. Color— Dark spotted 3 Total 100 detailed description. 1 HEAD— Short; broad between the eyes, and nicely tapering from eyes to point of nose; face slightly dished; cheeks full. Objections— ead coarse, long and narrow; face straight or too much dished; 8i;out coarse or ihick. 2 EAR— Drooping, thin; pointing outward and forward; well proportioned to size of body. Objections— Too 'arge and coarse; thick, lopping; lying too near the face; stiff, erect, or too small. 3 JOWL— Full. Arm and neat; carrying fullness well back to neck and orisket. Objections— Flabby; light; thin in cheek; tucking up under the neck. 4 NECK--Fu'1. deep, shirt, and well arched. Objections— Long, flat, laciiiig in fullness or depth. 5 BRISKET— Full; strong; well let down; extending well forward, and on line of the belly. Objections — Narrow, or tucked up. 6 SHOULDER— Broad; deep; thickness in proportion to the side and ham, full and even on top. [129] THE HOG IN AMERICA. Objections— Thick beyond the line of side and ham, 1 icking in depth or width blade too prominent, or extending above the line of the back 7 BACK— Broad, straight, or ilightly arched, carrying the width well back to ham, and of medium length. Objections — Narrow; sinking back of shoulders; narrow across the loins; swayed; too long: sunfish shaped. 8 GIRTH ABOUT THJi II EAKT- Full back of shoulders; ribs extending well down; wide and full back of foreleg. Objections— Less than flank or length of body from to]) of head to root of tail, 9 SIDES— Full, deep, carrying weight and thickness" well down and back. Objections— Too round or flat; shallow or thin at the flank . JO lilBS— Well sprung, carrying I ul'ness well back and deep. Objections— Too flat; curve of rib too short; tucking in at bottom; sagging about loin. ] 1 LOIN— Broad, strong and full. Objections— Narrow; ])oorly ribbed up; vreak. 12 BELLY— Wide .-iiid straight; width a|>proximating that of the back. Objections— Sagging; narrow; skiu coarse, harsh and thick. 13 FLANK— Well let down and full. objections— Thin ; tucked in ; cut up too high. 14 HAM — Broad, full, deep, of medium length; coming down well over the hock. Objections — Narrow; short; running too far up tlie back; steepat the rump. 15 LliVIBs— Medium length; sliort rather than long; set well apart, and well under; muscles full above knee and hock; bone flue and not coarse; pasterns short and strong; foot short. Objections— Long, slim, coarse, crooked; muscles light; pastern long, slim or flat; hoofs loi-g or sprawling. 16 COAT— Fine and thick. ^'BJECTIONS-Coiirse, bristly; hair too long; wiry, harsh. 17 TAIL — Small, tapering, smooth; well set on. Objections — Coarse; large; too prominent at the root. 18 COLOR — Dark spotted, or black with clear white spots (sandy spots and speckled color shall not argue impurity of blood, but are not desirable). Objections — Solid black, or with more sandy or more while than black hair over body. THE SWINE BREEDERS' JOURNAL STANDARD. 1. Head and Face — Short, broad, slightly dished and neat (in male masculine) . 4 2. Eyes— Lively, bright, free from )at or wrinkleil surroundings 2 3. Eak— Small, line, thin, i)omting forward and drooping 3 4. Neck— Short, full and high crest 2 b. .loWL— Large, full and firm 2 6. BKiSKET—f'ull and prominent 2 7. SeouLDEK— Full, broad, deep and strong 6 S Chest— Large, roomy, round and large girth 10 9. Ribs— Long and well rounded 5 10. SIDES— Deep and full . . 5 11. Back— Broad, slightly arched, medium length 7 1-'. Loin— Broad and full 5 13. Ham— Broad, full and long 10 14. Belly— Wide, straight, and flank low and full 3 15. Coat— Fine, straight, of medium thickness. 3 6. Legs— Strong, straight and tapering 10 17. 'I'AIL — Tajieiing and fine 1 18. Color— Black, with few white spots 8 19. Action— Vigorous, easy and quick 5 2j. condition— Healthy; mellow to the touch 5 ^1. Symmetry. 5 22. L)isfosition— Quiet and gentle 2 Total 100 disqualifications : FORM— Upright ears; small, cramped chest; crease back of shoulders so as to be readily seen; deformed and badly crooked legs; feet broken down so that the animal walks on pastern joints and dew claws. CONDITION— Excessive fatness; barren, deformed or diseased. COLOR— More than one-half white or sandy, SCORE— A score of less than fifty of the standard. PEDIGREE— Lack of eligibility to record. detailed description. 1 IIEAD-Short, broad between eyes and nicely tapering from eyes to end of nose; f.'ice slightly dished; cheeks full and jaws broad ',in the male masculine.) STAXDARDS AND STAXDARD POINTS. Objections— Head lonj;;. coarse or narrow; face straight or too much dished; iKirrow and contracted jaws. 2 EVES — Bright, lively, clear and free from wrinkled or fat surroundings. OBJECTIONS— Small; dull; deep set; and surrounded by wrini^lesor fat, so as to impair the vision.' :3 EAR -Small; thin; soft; firmly attached to the head; pointing forward, and the forward half nrooping graceful. y. Objections— Large; coarse; thick ;ronnd: long knuck or attachment; lying too close to face or standing up and outwanl. 4 NECK — Wide; deep; short and nicelv arched. Objections— Narrow ; long; Hat anii thin. 5 JOWL— Full; large; Arm; cai-ryinsr fullness well back to shoulder and brisket. Objections^ l.isrht; flabby ; "thin; sagging and out of proportion to size of body. 6 RRISKET— Broad, prominent. Objections— Narrow and pinched. 7 SHOULDERS — Broad, deep, fidl; not extending above line of back. Objections — Narrow; cramped; flat; extending above line of back and sloping too much from point to top. 8 CHEST — Large ; cylindrical and roomy, indicating large cavity for the vital organs, and giving lar^^e girth back of shoulders. Objections — Flat; pinched; narrow either at top or bottom; girth less than flank 9 RI BS — Long, strong, well sprung at back ; rounded, compelling fullness of body well back to loin. Objections— Flat; short; weak and giving the body a slabsided appearance. 10 SIDES — Full, firm and deep, carrying size well down and back. Objections— Flat; thin; flabby; pinched. 11 BACK — Broad, slightly arched; "carrying same width from shoulder to ham and of medium length. Objections— Narrow; depressed at shoulders; swayed in middle; humjjed; too long or sun lish shaped. 13 I OIN— Broad ; lull and on even line with back. Objections — Narrow; pinched; humped up or depressed. 13 11 .\M Broad ; full ; long and running well down to and over hock. Objectiojjs — N'"'''"w; flat; short; lacking fullness on either sicie of root of tail and too flat on rurnp. 14 BELLY- Wi:, though usually considered a minor division, is really one of eonsiderableiniportaiiee, as when full and low, it indicates plent}' of room for smaller bowels and >)ladder, while a pinched or high cut one indicates a cramped condition cf the back part of the cavity of the body. HAM. To this division the Committee, Central and Northwestern assign 10, the Ohio 0, and the American 12 points. As will be observed, this is considered one of the most important divisions, because it is one of the most profitable, and at the same time one of tlie hardest to keep right. The standard ham is represented by Fig. 9, in Plate 2, as a rear view, and by Fig. 34 as a side view. This (Fig. 34) also presents the standard body, shoulder and ham. The perfect hog should come as near as possible for flesh and blood to do, of filling a parallelogram, as drawn over the body of Fig. 34. The sides and ends are full, but on the corners there must of necessity be some little space. Fig. 37 and Figs. 5 and 7, Plate 2, show- tlie back part of ham too straight and not sufficient slope on rump. A rear view of the flat rump is also shown in Fig. 11, Plate 2. Fig. 3() shows the side view of a rump too steep and ham not suffi- ciently down on hock. Fig. 9. Plate 2, sliows the full twist, and size carried well down on hock. Fig. 11 shows width above in rear view, but narrowness at aiid just above hocks. Fig. 10 shows the scrub ham, divided almost up to the tail. Fig. 12 shows the narrow, flat, sharp pointed ham. As will be observed, all the figures on Plate 2, show a variety <>f defects, which will be readil}^ seen without especial mention. No. 4 being nearlv the standard. LIMBS. The Committee assign 7, the Ohio S, and the Central, American and Northwestern each five points to this division. We resi)ectfully sug- gest that 8 points are few enough for a division which may rightfully be termed one of, if not, the most important in the standard, but as ^^e are dealing with the standards as we find them, rather than making suggestions as to their structure, we will direct the attention of the reader to some of the illustrations which we Irave prepared : [13!) J THE HOG IX AMERICA. 4i JZ. /3 /t/ PLATE No. 3. Fig. 1, Plate .3, .>:;ho\vs side view, and Fig. 15 front view of the .standard [140] STAXDARDS AXD STANDARD POIXTS. forek'o-. Fig. 2 shows the long, slim front leg and the long, weak pastern joint ; Fig. 3 the hiuked knee ; Fig. -I the bucked pastern joint ; Fig. 5 the wide spreading toe ; Fig, 6 the crushed or mashed foot, com- monly spoken of as broke down on feet; Fig 7 the large, coarse leg tliat does not taper sufficiently; Fig. IG shows front view with knee bucked and crooked inwards; Fig 17 shows two curves, one Inward at knee, and outward at ankle or pastern joint; Fig. 18 pastern joint turned outward so as to walk on side of foot; in Fig. 20 the curve is at the knee and pastern joints ; Fig. 19 has a double curve at knee and be- hnv and deformed foot; Fig. 21, front view of spreading toes; Fig. 22, crook in upper part of the leg, and deformed foot; Fig. 23, leg badly t-urved and spreading toes. The most connnon defects are such as <]ioAvn by Figs. 2, 3, 5, 6. IG and 22. Some times the foreleg at the knee bends outward, but tliis is uncommon, in fact rarely seen. Hind Legs.— Fig. 8 illustrates the standard; Fig. 9 the slim ; Fig. 10 the crooked, slim, and long shank above hock; Fig. 11 the bucked pas- tern ; Fig. 12 the mashed or broken down pastern — long, slim leg, and long shank above hock; Fig. 13 the large, coarse leg; Fig. 14 the crooked hind leg. These illustrations, although far from being artistic or jierfect in de- sign, convev to the reader tlie form of standard and objectional limbs. Tliis division of tlie standard can not be too closely observed in selecting breeding ainmals. There is another important point not illustrated, and that is, long, >^lim feet; they are not so firm nor strong as the short, round hoof. Feet and legs are not only imiiortant to have right, but will be found to give the breeder more trouble to get, and keep them right, than any other division of the standard points. COLOR, HAIR, SYMMETRY, And some other divisions are not illustrated, not because they are all mimportant, but because they are difficult to show up by aid of drawing. [141] SCORING BY THE STANDARD. Expert judging with score card of standard points, especially in swine departments at State and county fairs, is comparatixely a nev/ method, but must soon become common. It is because both the stan- dard and score as methods are new, that we have tliouglit it desirable to write a chapter to assist breeders and judges in understanding and appljing tlie new methods. 'J'o aid in this instruction we liave prepar- eil a num])er of illustrations, which we hope, with connnents thereon, n.ay benefit the public. We do not assume that our ideas and instructions are infallible, nor beyond criticism, but they will at least furnisii a starting point upon which criticism and discussion may buihl and grow, and which will end in correct and intelligent work by experts. The proper use of t!)e score card is not a gift to any man or set of men, but is something which will require much thouglit and study. The first efforts nnist of necessity bear more or less evidence of imperfec- tion, but time, care, a quick, discriminating eye, patience, love of the business, and connnon sense will place the operators upon a high and skillful plane, which will malie the new methods highly satisfactory to the public, and consequently to the managers of fairs. Every man who assumes to use a score card is not an expert, nor is every man wiio as- sumes the position of an expert entitled to that honor. The expert must know what a good hog is, and by practice familiarize himself with the use of the score card ; he must be honest, and have the cour- age of his convictions; he should be cool, level-headed, i)atient and painstaking, yet quick, prompt and reliable in judgment, and then a close, careful student in his ijrofession. Above all else he should not score too high. We think the best hog we ever saw ought not to score over S5 points, perfection being 100. We first present our readers witli an illustration of a standard hog, in outline, upon which we have indicated the location of the standard divisions by numbers. It confornvs to tiie standard prepared by the committee appointed by the National Poland-China Swine Breeders' Association. We insert on the next page cut and standard divisions, [142J SCORING BY THE STANDARD. Fig, 50, THE COMMITTEE' STANDARD. Color — Dark spotted or black 3 Head— Small, broad, slightly dished 5 Ears — Fine and drooping " 2 Jowl— Neat and full 2 Neck— '^hort, lull, slightly arched 3 15RISKET— Full 3 Shouldek— Rroad and deep 6 Girth around Heart 10 Back— straight and broad 7 SIDES— Deep and full 6 Ribs — Well sprung 7 Loin— Broad and strong 7 Belly— Wide and straight 4 Flank— Well let down 3 HAM--Broad, full and deep 10 Tail— Tap ring, not coarse 2 Limbs -Strong, straight and tapering 7 Coat— Thick and soft S Action — Prompt, easy, and graceful. 5 SYiiiiETKY— Adaptation of the several points to each other 5 Total 100 One hundred points constitute tlie standard, wliich is divided into twenty heads or divisions, and to each division is assigned a number of points. Eacli division is amplified and explained bj^ what is termed, •• Detailed Description," wliich includes "Objections," These are add- ed by the committee as aids in applying the standard. [The "detailed" we copy as we comment on each division.] In addition, there is added what are termed, " Serious Objections and Disqualifications " : SERIOUS OBJECTIONS : FORM — ^mall growth; upright ears; small, cramped chest; crease back of the shoul- «ler>. so as to readily be seen; deformed ami badly crooked legs; feet broken down so that the animal walks on pastern joint and dew claws. disqualifications: CONDITION- Excessivefatness; barren; deformed; unsounil or diseased; ridgling or one seeded. SCORE— A score of less than eixtv of the standard. PEDIGREE - Lack of eligibility to record. [143] THE HOG IN AMERICA. Fig.l. Figure 3 ig COLOR. No. 1 is color, and 3 points are assigned to it. The description is: " Darlv spotted or blaclc;" and the detailed description as follows: 1 COLOR — Black, or dark spotted with white points; (sandy spots and speckled color shall not argue impurity of blood but are not desirable.) The first, "dark, spotted or black," is not veiy definite, but is aided somewhat by the detailed description, and by tiie objections, which are given as follows: Objections — Solid black, or with more sandy or white than black hairs over the body . The expert has now the standard, explanations and key ; the points are three. If the animal is solid black, cut 1 point: if one-third white, cut 1; if one-third sandy, cut 13^2 i if niore sandy than black, cut 2}^] if more white than black, cut 2 i)oints. HEAD. The standard head is illustrated as follows (Figure 1), :ind should have the full 5 points, and no cut. The ob- jeetions in liead are as follows: Coarse, as represented l)y Fig. No. 4. This head slK>uld be cut 3 points, for it is not only thick and coarse, but it is raised on the nose when it shoidd be dished, and the snout is coarse and thirk, and in- Vncludes at least two of the objections another and common objection. It is too long, straight and coarse, and narrow between the eyes. It should be cut 3 points. Another objection is " long and narrow," as shown by Fig. 2. It is also too narrow be- tween the e\-es, and has the fine muzzle, but not so nuuli length as Fig 3. It should be cut 2 points. Figure 5 shows a coarse, heavy head and thick nuizzle, which is too much dished, and should be cut 3 points. Figure 17 is another illustration of dish face — not so sharp a curve as Fig. 5, nor so coarse, and should not be cut more than 2 or 2^.^ v- >„..^j;i^^ points. Figure 6 is another head that is al l\- I I I Ncomparatively good one, and should be scored \ V? V /lightly. It is not quite dished enough, and a little the muzzle. Fig- 1 point. Figure 10 and not an nncom- straight and coarse, 2 points. By refer- /o ter on standards, [144] heavy at lire No. 6 should be cut is another form of face, nion one, but it is too and should be cut 1^4 to ing to page 134 in chap- SCORING BY THE STANDARD. The- the reader will observe Fig. 9, as showing a straight, coarse, bonj- face. This should have a cut of 2>2 points. No. 14, a still larger and more bony face, should have a cut of 3 points. No. 11, same plate, is a fairly good face, but too long, and hardly sufficient dish, and should be cut 1 point. EAR. The next division in order is the ear, and the committee have assigned it 2 points. Its description is, " tine and drooping," and is detailed as follows : 3 EARS— Drooping, fine and silky; pointing forward ami a little outwai'il; well pro- poi tioned to size of body. The standard is represented by Figs. 7 and 8. with the preference decidedly in favor of No. 8, which is what may be called a fancy ear, having a short knuck, ear carried up and for- ward, and breaking abruptly at the tip. Fig. (j, in Plate 1, is nearly, or quite as good as Fig. 7, except that it lies too close to the head, ' y. * and the point stands in too much over nose. §^ come too close together. We would suggest }-2 off on 6 and detailed objections are : Objections — Too large and coarse; tliiek, lopping; lying too near the face; stiff, erect, or too round. The first objection is shown by Fig. 13. This is a coarse, large ear, yet short kintck. We cut it 1^4; Fig. 14, Plate 1, is large, coarse, thick, loosely hung, long attachment, and should be cut 1 lo ; it is a swinging loose, flabby, Ibarn-door ear tliat is hard to correct, '|j, ^^^5^3^^ and unless the hog has a number of ^'/f'i'- ">*' other good, strong points, should con- ' stitute a serious objection to the hog carrying such ornaments. Figure 9 shows an objectional ear, but not so bad as many otheis ; it is a little broad and thick, hangs too close to face, but breaks a little at tip, ami has a fine attachment; this should be cut 1 to 1 )2^ points. Figure 10 shows the round, stiff" ear. that stands up, and as it is a hard one to cor- rect, cut it 1^4. Figure 12 shows the same kind of an , ear, standing higher up and out from the face, a bad head and ear to correct; cut it l}^, and the same cut should be made, if not of 1?4, for the ear shown in Fig. 12.^ In the Berkshire Fig. 11 is a standard ear. tiuti Noii, .^j^j nearly a standard face, jowl and eye, // / 2- wliile Fig. 10 in the Berk.'rhire should be cut 2 i)oints on ear, and 2io points on face. Figure 17 comes near being a standard Berkshire face. Figure 13 shows nearly the standard head [145] THE HOG IX AMEKICA. and ear of tlie Jer^:ey Red, and Fig. 14, Piute 1, an objeotional head and car for the kist mentioned breed. JOWL, The jowl is next in order, and the standard is represented by Fig. 1, and is entitled to 2 points. The description is, " neat and full." The detailed description is : 4 JOWL Full, fli-m. ami neat; carrying fullness well back to shoulder and brisket. The objections are : Objections— Flabby: lischt; thin in cheek, tucking; up under the neck. The first and third objections are shown by Fig. 2. The jowl is long, wedge-shaped, flat, and thin in cheek, and should be cut one point. The second objection is represented by Fig. 3, where theie is little, if any flesh on the jaws; it is also illustrated by Fig. 11, of Plate 1; these should be cut 1 to 1}4, as tlie development uiay be greater or les another jowl that is round, hard, small, and cut u\y high in front of forelegs and shoulders; a cut of ^4 to 1 point should be made as the defect is great or slight. The high cut is shown in baek part of illustration No. 2, above. NECK. jf -^ / The next division in order is the neck, 3 points, and it is described as "short, full, slightly arched," and the detailed description is : 5 NECK- Full, deep, short, and slightly arched. Objections— Long: Hat; lacking in fullness or depth. Then tliere is The standard is shown by Figs. 1 and 5 Plate 1. the outline cut at be- ginning of this charter, and by Figs. 5 and 7, Plate 2, ^icr. ^. PL 1. shows the flat neck, as does Fig. 3' Plate 2. Fig. i, Plate 2. shows a long, thin neck; cut it 1}4 points. Then there is the diort neck, flat on top; cut 1 jtoint. There is also a thin, yet deep neck, which should^ be cut at least 1 point. If neck is flat on top, 6 thin through sideways, and cut up high underneath, it shouldbe cut 2 points. If neck, in addition to the last, is long, cut 2^0 points. [14fil SCORIXG BY THE STANDARD. ^^^sMs BRISKET. The next on the list is tlie brisket. Tliis is sliown on large cut, Fig. 50. The standard assign?: to this divison 3 points, and it is described a* " full," while the detailed description is as follows : 6 BRI>*KET — Full; ^vell 'et down; extending well forwartl ami on line of belly. Objections — Xarrow or tuclied up. This point is so ditficnlt to illustrate that we have not attempted it, except to show the location. Its size and shape can only be judged by feeling with the hand, and should be rounded from side to side, rather tlian flat; there should be good width between the forelegs. If flat and small, cut 1 point; if too round and narrow, cut l^o points; if the point of the breastbone does not come up even with or forward of foreleg, cut 1 point SHOULDER. The shoulder is next in order. This division has assigned to it (> points. It is described as "broad and deep," and the detailed descrip- tion is as follows : 7 SHOULI)ER--Broad; deep; thickness in proportion to the side ami liani; full and even on top. The standard shoulder, side view, is represented in Fig. 34, and the top< iVo.3V. ; view by this illustration, which presents the shoulders filling out even with the side and ham. Tliis last cut is the view obtained by stand- ing close up to the animal and look- ing down upon its back. The figure shows the back of the hog, and the parallelogram around the outside is to j.jg 5,^ show the manner in which the sides should stand out in straight lines» [147] THE HOG IX AMERICA. Fig. 34 shows the lines on top from ^ide view anil the manner in which the outline of the animal should fill the parallelogram. The objections are : Objections — Lacking in depth or width; thick beyond tlie line of side and liani; blade too prominent. Figs. 2, 3 and 6, Plate 2, shows a side view of the shoulder lacking in depth. Fig. 2 should be cut 2; Fig. 3, 2H and Fig. 6, 3 points. Fig. 4, plate 2, also shows a short shoulder, making the hog lower before than behind, but not projecting above the line of the back and should be cut l^o. The accompanying cut shows a top view of deficient shoulders, sliown by side view in Fig. 6, in con- Kig. 52. nection with side view of Fig. 6, re- ceive a cut of 3 to 4 points. GIRTH AROrXD HEART Is the next on list, and to this division is assigned 10 points. The loca- tion of this division is shown by dotted lines and Figures 8, 8, on Fig. 50, which, together with top view shown by Fig. 51, shows the standard diows standard, side view. The hog. Figs. 5 and 7, of plate 2 al- detailed description is as follows : 8 (ilRTH AROUND THE HEAR^— Full back of shoulders; ribs extending well down wide and full back of foreleg The detailed objections in this division are as follows : Objections— Less thwi flank measure or lensrih of body from top of the head tc. the root of the tail, or creabcd Lack of shoulders. [148] SCORING BY THE STANDARD. Fig. 1, Plate 2, shows this defect strongly, and Fig. 6. Plate 2, is still worse, as the curve is both above, and l)elow and shoidd disqualify. Fig. 2, Plate 2, is not so bad but still shows a defect and should be ^ points as a back; would be more, but the loin deficiency ig Fig. 55. Fig. 56.W covered by another division. The back in Fig. 8, Plate 2, is the highly arched back accompanied by feet drawn too close together, and should he cut 21., to 81.J point>. while the arch in Fig. 3, Plate 2, not so bad, wovildcut IH points, hut if accompanied by a fish back as shown by Fig. 56, which is the rear view, would cut 41., to 6 points. Figure 2, Plate 2. shows the hollow or sagging back; would cut 1^4 to 2 points; in addition, if fished-back, would add 1 to i._, more, owing to the ex- tent of defects named; or, if creased and fished, would cut 413 to 5}.^ points. Figure 4, Plate 2, is Ioav before, straight on shoulders and gradually rising to loin ; would cut 1 point for this, and if narrow at either or both ends and fished in addition, would cut 3 to 41.3 points. The varieties of backs are almost as numerous as hogs, and the expert [1.50] SCORING BY THE STANDARD. must exercise his judgment in this as in all other divisions in the score- I.OIN. The next in order is the loin, as.signed 'I points, described as ''broad and strong," and the detailed standard and objections are as follows: 10 LOIX— Broad, strong and full. Objections— Narrow and weak. The standard loin is shown by top view in Fig. 51. side view bj'' Fig. 50, and by rear view in Fig. 54. This is an iini)ortaiit disision and one Fig. .:.!. Fig 5^ hard to get right and keep so. The objections are shown by top view, Fig. 55, and by rear view, Fig. 56. These figures show almost or quite a disqualification and should be cut 5 points. There is another not so bad shown by Fig. 53, and should receive a cut of from 1}.^ to 4 points, as the question of sharp o'' fished appearance presents itself. If the loin is broad and raised above the line of the back, although broad, it 'sliould be cut 1 to IH points. If too long from hams to first rib, a cut of 1 to l^o points, even if broad. SIDES Is the eleventh division and has assigned to it 6 points. It is described as follows : "Deep and full," and the detailed description is : 11 SIDES— Full, deep, carrying the size well down and back. This division of the standard is shown in Fig. 50 (page 143), Fig. 34 (page 147), and Figs. 5 and 7, plate 2. The detailed objections are: Objections— Too round or flat; shallow or thin at the flank. The round, narrow side is shown in Figs. 3 and 8, Plate 2. Cut Fig. 8, 3 points and Fig. 3, 2 points, as it has good length although narrow. Figure 2, Plate 2, shows short side and pinched flank and should be cut ly^ points. Figure 6, Plate 2, shows the narrow, ill-shaped side and tucked flank, and should be disqualified; Fig. 4, narrow in front, should be cut 1 to 13^3 points. [151J THE IIOG IX AMERICA. Is the next in order, and to this division is assigned 7 points. The de- scription is "Well sprung," and the detailed description is as follows : 12 RIBS — Well sprung and long; carrying fullness and depth well back. The position of ribs is indicated by dotted lines, 11, 11, in Fig. 50, (page 143), and the broad, well sprang ribs by Figs. 50, 51 (page 151), showing the standard ribs from side and top views. The objections are : Objections— Too flat; curve of rib too short. The flat ribs are shown by top view Fig. 53, and side view by Fig. 37. They should be cut 2 to 2)^ points. The sharp curve ribs are shown in Figure 6, and should disqualify. In Figure 1, there is a short, rib and too much curve and should have a cut of from 3 to 3^0 points. In Figure 4, ribs are too short, cut 2 to 2^4 points; Figure 3 t'lg. 53. Fig. 55. should receive a similar cut of 2 to 2)^ points. The short, sharp [152] SCORIXG BY THE STANDARD. curved, tloating ribs are shown 1;y top A'iew in Fig. 5.") and rear view by Fig. 56 (.page 151), and should receive a cut of 2 to 3 points. BELLY. The next division in order is the belly, and to it is assigned 4 points. The description is "Wide and. straight" and tlie detailed description is the same. The side view is represented by Figs. 5 and 7 in Plate 2, and by Fig. 50 (page 143), and the rear view by Fig. 54 (page 151). The iletailed objections are : Objections— Sagging; narrow. The first is shown bv Fiu'. 2. and as the sag is sliolit, should have Fig. 57. a cut of 1 point. If more i)roniinent, that i<, the sagging is worse, the cut should be more in proportion. The narrow belly is shown on side view by Figs. 3, 6 and 8, and rear view by Figure |^ 57, which shows the narrow^ belly. Fig. 8, Plate 2, should be cut 2% to 3 points, as it is narrow and drawn lip; Fig. 6 should be cut 2 to 21^2 points, and Fig- ure 57 cut li.< to 2 points. This division is one very difficult of Illustration and requires close observation by eje and the application of the hand. FLANK. The next division is the flank, which has assigned to it 3 points, and is described as "Well let down," The detailed description is : 14 FLANK— Well let down, and full. And is shown b}' Figs. 50 (page 143), and 4 and 7, of Plate 2. The ob- jections are : Objections— Thin; tucked in; cut up too high, Fig. 1, Plate 2, shows flank a little too high and sligiitly tucked, and should be cut 1 point; Fig. 2, Plate 2, higher and more tucked, 1)^ points; Fig. 3, Plate 2, tucked only, cut 1 point; Figs. 6 and 8, should be cut 2 to 2i.< points, as they are high, seriously tucked and thin. [153J THE HOG IX AMERICA. HAM. The next in order and one of the most vahiable divisions is the Ham. Here lies tlie high priced n\eat and one of tlie most difficult divisions to get and keep right. It has 10 points assigned to it. The standard ham l»y side view, is shown in Figs. 50 and 34, and the rear view by Fig. 54, and top view by Fig. 51. The standard ham is described as, "Broad, full and deep" and the detailed description as follows : 15 HAM — Full, broad, deep; holding width and coming well down over hock. The detailed objection is as follows : Objections — Narrow, short; too deep at the rump, and cut up too high in the crotch. The worst ham is sho\\ n by side view in Fig. .38 and Fig. 10, rear view ; would cut such hams 8 points. The next poorest is shown by Fig. 12 and should be cut 7 points. Fig. 56 shows % points, and if in addition the bottom is narrow and high off" of hock, cut 6 or Q% points. Figure 57 is a fairly good top but is hardly full enough on sides, is flat from tail to top of rump and is deficient in stifle, crotch and hocks; cut it 4 points. Figure 58 is a nei'.rly standard rear view i)Ut does not fill up quite enough at top. One point is enough of a cut for this ligure. Figure 59 is a rear view that is deficient on FiiT. 38. Fig. 51. top and next to the hock Fig. 54. and the swell of the ham at stifle commences [154] SCORIXG BY THE .STANDARD. forward; should cut this figure 2}.< points. It may be well to say here that all the rear views that are enclosed in a sc^uare are only in- tended to show to the hoeks — no part of the leg from hocks down, is Fig. 07. Fig. 68. Fig. 59. shown. Figure 5 shows the narrow ham, too straight behind and flat on top; this should be cut 3 to 8i.j points. Figure 4 shows a good ham, but is too steep just above tail and should be cut X to 1 point on that defect. The rear, side and top views should always be considered to- gether in making the score and the whole cut made from all of the views, as the animal may fill out in the several parts of the hams. TAIL. The next division of the standard is the tail, and to it is assigned two points. It is described as follows : "Tapering; not coarse," It is de- scribed in detail as follows : 16 TAIL — Well set on; small, smooth and well tapered. It is shown side view in Fig. 50 (page 143). The objections are as fol- lows : Objections — Coarse, large, too prominent at the root. Fig. 4 shows too low down ; Fig. 5, too high up. while Fig. 35 shows the tail large, coarse and thick ; cut each figure 1 point. [155] THE HOG IN AMERICA. LIMBS. The seventeenth subdivision is limbs, and to this is given 7 points, and is described as " strong and straight." Tlie detailed description is as follows : 17 LIMBS— Medium lengUi; well set apart and well tapered; bone firm and flinty; not coarse; muscles tidl above knee and hock, i^astern short, foot short. Fig. 50 has standard limbs, and Fig. 1 shows the standard foreleg, side 7 ^- ^5^ / ir . view, while the front view of the standard foreleg is shown by Fig. 15. The standard hind leg is shown, side view, by Fig. 8. For a rear view we could not draw one to suit our notions, and therefore, do not pre- sent an illustration. The legs should not be close together, nor should 7 fc S '^ 0, the hocks turn out or in but should be straight and firm. The objections are descrjbed as follows: Objections— Long, slim, coane, crooked; muscles light; i)astern long, slim, or flat; feet long or sprawling. We will first illustrate the defective forelegs. Fig. 2 shows the side view, and Fig. 21, Plate 3, the front view of the long, slim, yet straight foreleg; for these figures cut 2)2 points ; if it shows the bucked knee [156] SCORING BY THE STANDARD. (Fig. 3), cut an additional l^o, making 4; and if it in addition has the knoclv knee (Fig. lU), cut 1 to l^^ more ; if it is tlie long, slim, and down in pastern joint, as shown in Fig. 6, out 6 points; if long and slim, and bncked in pastern, cut 4 points; if as shown in Fig. 17, cut 5 points; if as shown in Fig. 19, cut 6 points; if as shown in Fig. 18, cut 3 points; if as in Fig. 20, cut 3^4 points; as in Fig. 21 and 5, cut 3io points; Fig. 23, cut 6 points; Fig. 7, 2}4 points; and if in addition, it is bucked, add 1)4 more; and if down in pasterns, add lio to 3 more, as the defici- ency is great or small. Figure 16 is quite a common defect, and Fig. 3 will be found often. Tlie scorer must of course exercise in this division, as in all others, great care and combine the cut of the different deficiencies. No two legs, iiot on the same hog, will hardly be found alike, and it will require more practice and closer observation to arrange the score on legs and feet than any other division of the standaixl. HIND LEGS. Some of the hind leg deficiencies will next be illustrated by side views. Figure 9 shows the slim leg, with slightly too much back pitch ; should be cut 2 points. Figure 10, slim, crooked, and long above hock ; cut 3}.<; Fig. 11, cut 1 point; Fig. 12, cut 7 (all) ; Fig. 13, 2 to 2}4; and Fig. 14, 3 to 3I2 points. If the hocks turn in or out too much, a cut should be made of 1 to 1^ for this defect. Most of these illustrations of deficiencies are extreme ones, and are so made as to put the scorer on his gtiard and to watch for the symptoms of each There are but few animals, if carefully scored, that will reacli sixty per cent, in this division. It is one of the most difficult for the breeder to get as he knows it ought to be, and more so to maintain it. COAT. The eighteenth division, coat, is given 3 points, and described as " thick and soft," and the detailed description is : IS COAT— Fine, thick, and covering the body well. Objections— Coarse, bristly, harsh and wiry. To illustrate these properly, or even approximatingly, on paper, is beyond our power, hence we have not undertaken it. Tlie standard requires that the hair should be fine and thick. If the hair is coarse, a cut of 1 point should be made ; if in addition there are bristles, add an- other cut, making 2 points. If the hair is fine and thin, cut }4 to % ; [1571 THE HOG IX AMERICA, if coarse and thin, Ijo to 2 ; if thick, harsh and wiry, cut Ifo to 2 points, ACTION. The next in order is action, and to tliis division there are assigned 5 points. It is described as follows : 19 ACTION — Easy, prompt, fine and graceful. It requires the hog to get up quickly, easily, and walk off with a firm, quick, vigorous and easy movement, without much motion of the. body, and carrying the head well up. The objections are : Objections— Dull, sluggish, clumsy. If the hog gets up slowly, and squeals when required to get up, cut 1 points; if it requires several efforts to rise, and stumbles in getting up, cut 2 points ; if it walks a loose, swinging gait, giving the body a serpen- tine motion, cut 1 point; if the legs twist and turn out in walking, so as to make a blurred track with feet, cut 2 points ; if the fore feet cross or lift over each other, as the hog comes towai-d you, cut 1 to 1)^ points : if it stumble, as it attempts to increase its gait, cut 1 to 2 points; if it lifts its legs and feet slowly and heavily, cut 1 to 2 points; if the head is carried low, and the walk is dull and stupid, cut 1 to 2 points; if it turns slowly, and allows the feet to become twisted, rather than pick them up, cut }4 to 1 point. SYMMETRY. The last division is symmetry, and has assigned it 5 points, and is de- scribed as follows: "Adaptation of the several points (divisions) to each other. The detailed description is : 20 SYMMETRY — An Iiarmonious combination of the foregoing scale of points. OBJECTIONS— Too much developed in some points antl lacking in others. We do not think we can add any information to the above definitions. A mastery of the other divisions, and a quick, discriminating eye, and a judgment to grasp the whole situation ; or in other w^ords, the capac- ity to judge a good hog by its general appearance, will take the correct or incorrect proportions. It is in this division that the old committee system has a show, and there is some room for a man to work his hob- bv. if he have one. 1581 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE HOG. This chapter is not intended as a scientiflc one, and is not, tlierefore, intended for the veterinary, but for common people. Teclmical names are avoided and common ones used in describing the parts. We liavo not at length nor in detail attempted to make this chapter complete in the description of the functions of the various parts ; on the contrary, given them in general terms. In order that our readers may have a true illustration of the bones of the hog, and the proportion the skeleton of the hog bears to the exter- nal form, we have reproduced from "Jennings on Live Stock" the fol- lowing illustration : The parts of the skeleton are indicated by numbers, as shown in the cut, and the names of the various parts are given bj' the numbei'S, as follows: 1, the lower jaw; 2, the teeth; 3, nasal bones; 4, upper jaw; o, frontal bone; 6, orbit or eye socket; 7, occipital bone; 8, first bone of the neck; 9, bones of the neck; 10, bones of the back; 11, vertebrae of the loins; 12, bones of the tail; 13 and 14. true and [159] THE HOG IN AMERICA. floating ribs; 15, shoulder blade; 16, round shoulder blade bone; 17, breast boue; 18, elbow; 19, bone of the forearm; 20, navicular bone ; 21, first and second bones of the foot; 22, bones of the hoof; 23, haunch bones; 24, thigh bone; 25, stifle bone; 26, upper bone of the leg; 27, the hock bones ; 28, navicular bone ; 29, first digits of the foot ; 30, sec- ond digits of the foot. A slight examination of the face of the hog demonstrates the strength of the head, neck and back, and its capacity for rooting. The snout of the hog is its spade, with which, in its natural state, it digs in the ground for roots, nuts, worms, &c. To render this implement as nearly perfect as possible, an extra bone is added to the nose (see No. 3) and connected with it bj^ strong ligaments, cartilages and muscles, and is called the snout. The cartilage formation at the end of the nose is made strong, insensible and flexible, and for that reason well adapted for investigation. There is a large net work of nerves that run down each side the nose (but do not extend to the rooter) which furnish the hog with a peculiar power of scent, that detects food although buried several inches below the surface of the ground. No animal, except the dog has such an acute sense of smell as the hog. The hog has fourteen double or molar teeth with which he grinds his food, six incisors or front teeth and two canines or tusks in each jaw. The incisors of the lower jaw project nearly straight out and are used as nippers to bite oflF grass and roots, shell off" corn, and gather in the food, while in the upper jaw they are shorter and more like those in the horse, except the two corner ones, which resemble those of the dog. The tusks are used as weapons of defense. The pig is born with eight teeth, which are short and sharp. Of these the two foremost ones in each jaw are called incisors, and the others are tusks ; they all look like tusks. On account of their outward direction and termination, they do not hurt the teats of the sow except when the pigs fight each other for a teat. In such an event the sow is likely to receive a cut from these little needle-shaped tusks, Their principal use seems to be to steady the tongue and assist in holding the teat in the mouth while nursing, and as a means of protection of the individual rights to the teat se- lected. In the course of eight to fourteen days after birth, there ap- pears the first back or double teeth. At four weeks of age the four nip- pers appear in each jaw so tliat at this age the pig has eight nippers or front teeth, eight grinders or double teeth and four tusks. The nippers having got through tlie gums, remain stationary for some time and but slightly above the surface. This prevents their hurting the teats of the sow and allows the tongue to readily pass over them and around the teat. Soon after the nippers appear, the third grinder on each side of upper and lower jaw appears, and at from six to eight weeks these new molars or grinders and the nippers have so far developed as to enable the pig to subsist without nursing. Sometimes the tusks, instead of [160] ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE HOG. growing outwardly as they sliould, turn inwardly, which will cause the pig to occasionally cry out as if in pain and prevent its thriving r when so found they should be pulled out. At the age of three months two additional incisors or nippers appear and with these all the milk or pig teeth are complete. With advancing age the teeth develop so that at six months of age their largest size is reached and the nippers present an evenly round- ed front. At the age of six months the small teeth between the tusks and grinders appear — they are sometimes called wolf teeth ; and also the first permanent grinders appear. The pig teeth are shed in the order in which they came. The nijjpers are shed with the be- ginning of the twelfth month, and at the end of the first year, at eighteen months the intermedi- ate incisors, and at the end of the eighteenth month the permanent incisors and grinders or back teeth are complete. The full grown hog has forty-four per- manent teeth, of which twenty- eight are preceded by pig teeth. Here is a cut we have had pre- pared, showing the comparative size and location of the internal organs of the hog : This cut explains itself and gives the reader the necessary in- formation as to the relative size of each organ and the part of the body in which it is located, with the exception of the kidney, and that is shown in the cut on the following page, marked "k" with leaf-lard around it: The cut on the next page presents a view of one-half of the hog. The chest cavity is hardly large enough in projiortion to vertebra or back bone and bone and fat. For this illustration we are indebted to the American Agriculturist. The brain is located in that portion of the head lying above the lower line of the eyes. It is larger in the hog, in proportion to the size of the [161] THE HOG IN AMERICA. animal, than that of the ox or sheep. The brain of the hog is com- posed of two substances differing somewhat in appearance. The two parts perform different functions ; the upper or lighter colored is the mind or reasoning power, while the lower is merely the recipient of the senses, such as sight, touch, smell, hearing, &e. The spinal cord extends from the base of the brain tlirough the back- bone to the tail, forming two columns divided by a central line its en- tire length. Each part has a separate function, the lower column being connected with the voluntary motions and the upper with sensation and direction from the mind. The neck contains what is commonly called the windpipe, through vvhicli the air passes to and from the lungs, and the gullet, througli which the food passes from the mouth to tlie stomach, and the arteries and blood vessel that supply the head, etc. The chest contains the lungs, heart and liver, as shown in the cut. The lungs form distinct bodies or lobes, the right one being the larger. Each portion or lobe is again subdivided, the right into three and left two lobes. The office of the lungs is to convert tlie venus, or dark blood into arterial, or red life-giving blood, by exposing it to the oxygen of the air in the lungs. The heart has two sides, one devoted to circula- tion of blood through the lungs, and the other receives the blood from the lungs and pumps or forces it through the body. Each side is divided into two compartments, the one above and the other below and are called auricles and ventri- cles. The pulsations of the heart in swine are from seventy to eiglity in a minute. The stomach of the hog is mucli more simple than that of the ox or sheep. It lias three coats; the outer one constitutes the common covering of all the intestines, the muscular or fibrous coat acts up- on and mingles the food, while the ^'S- 3.-iNsn)E or carcass. mucous or inner coat, which is peculiarly developed in the hog, eon- tains the little vessels which convey the gastric juice to the contents of the stomach and assist in converting the food into a fluid condition. The intestines or guts of the hog closely resemble those of man. They are sixteen times the length of iiio animal and the length of the smaller is three times that of the larger. The intestines are composed of four coats: first, or outer coat; second, tlie muscular, which propels [162j ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE HOG. the food onward by a serpentine motion ; the third contains tlie mucous glands, and the fourth is soft and sponge like, containing the mouths of the glands. In the larger intestines the food is submitted to t\v o fluids, one from the pancreas and the other from tlie liver. The action of these two fluids separate the nutritious from the worthless— the former assuming the appearance of a thick, whitish fluid, and the latter a yel- lowish, pulpy substance. As the contents pass on, the whitish fluid is taken up by small lacteal vessels and passes into the blood. The liver is smaller in swine than in sheep. Its situation is shown in the cut. Its office is to receive the blood that is I'eturned fi'om the in- testines, separate it from and secrete the bile, which passes to the gall- bladder, the blood then passing on to the lungs where it receives its oxygen and becomes arterial blood. The bile secreted, stimulates the mucous membrane, excites secretions and hastens the process of sepa- ration of the nutritious from worthless food. It also aids digestion by neutralizing acids, etc. The spleen in the hog is quite long, slim and flat, being of nearly the same size and thickness its entire length. It lies on the left side and at- tached to the stomach. Its structure is spongelike in appearance and is made up of innumerable cells of almost every size and shape, yet it is Arm to the touch and has a smooth exterior. Its color is a dark, deep, reddish brown. There is much dispute as to the office it performs, and we will not hazzard an opinion upon that subject. It has been re- moved from animals and they seemed to suffer no inconvenience there- from. The peritoneum is the thin, smooth, tough, skinlike substance that encloses and separates the different internal organs and to which they are all attached and by which they are supported and kept in place. The bladder. Its position is shown in the illustration. It is a small, tough sac into which the urine or surplus watery fluid passes and is held until discharged. Were it not for this receptable, there would be almost continuous droj^ping of urine, instead of being retained and dis- charged in quantities at long intervals. The skin of the hog is composed of three layers or parts, the exter- nal one being thicker and tougher than in other domestic animals; the second layer is a soft expansion of tissues and protects the termination of blood vessels and nerves of the skin which it covers. This layer de- termines the color of skin and hair. The third or inner layer contains Ihe blood vessels and nerves. [1631 DISEASES— SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT. The author is not a doctor nor the son of a doctor, and does not pre- tend to use technical terms and phrases, nor educate the physician or veterinary. On the contrary, an attempt is liere made to describe in a simple way some of the diseases liable to attack swine, the symptoms attending such diseases, and a few simple remedies. The diseases to which swine are subject are quite numerous, and many of them serious in their character. The object of this chapter is to give the breeders and farmers some general information that maybe of benefit to them; however, in difficult or dangerous cases, if possi- ble, obtain the assistance of a skilled veterinary, or if such can not be reached, ask your familj'^ i^hysician to examine and prescribe. If he is level-headed, he will not take offense; if otherwise, you had better change physicians. In a former chapter we have given the reader illustrations of the skeleton and internal organs of the hog, with a general description of their size and functions. The information there given will not supply the place of a careful and thorough knowledge of anatomy and physi- ology, but it will make the reader sufficiently acquainted with the hog to treat it with some degree of skill and success. For convenience we will first notice diseases of the brain. Apoplexy. — This disease is frequently brought on by a lack of exer- cise and high feeding and is usually fatal. The first symptoms are dullness, disinclination to move, head hangs heavy and low, no appe- tite, the walk weak and staggering, eyes look wild and roll about, showing much of the white, often red or blood-shot, sometimes tempo- rary blindness, and a general numbness of feeling exists. Tlie feet and legs are cold, hair looks harsh and dry, skin cold. Treatment: Bleed from ear or roof of the mouth ; physic with salts or sulphur, and cut off all food except a little skimmed milk. Inflammation of the Brain, or Blind Staggers. — This is an in- flammation of either or both the substances of the brain and the mem- branes enclosing and separating its lobes. It may be caused by colds, overheating, indigestion, overfeeding, or rich food. S3'mptoms: [1641 DISEASES— SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT. Dullness, redness of eyes, head carried low, the animal refuses to move about much, and lies on its belly : as the inflammation inci'eases, the victim runs wildly about, nsually in a circle, and not infrequently carries the head to one side, nose is white, animal seems blind and un- conscious, runs against fences, logs and stumps, pulse feeble and rapid, and the breathing short and quick. Treatment: Bathe the head, around the base of the ears and between the ej^es, with a liniment of turpentine, ammonia, tincture capsicum, and chloroform, in propor- tion of 1 oz. each of turpentine, ammonia and capsicum and ^' oz. of ciiloroform. Some persons split the skin on its forehead from between the eyes up to base of ears, and rub in salt and pepper; We have known tlus to work well. Give internally sulphur or salts. Coal oil or turpen- tine in milk, say }.2 teaspoonfulof turpentine or a tablespoonful of coal oil in a pint or quart of milk. Epilepsy or Fits. — Symptoms : Constant grunting, restlessness, rapid breathing, palor about nose, mouth and eyelids, a staggering walk; then tlie animal falls as if shot and lies motionless for a few mo- ments, followed by convulsions; the face becomes distorted, legs are drawn up and again extended, the eyes stick out and balls roll about, the tongue protudes, jaws become fixed, teeth grind together, foam and froth come from the mouth, the pulse small and wiry at first, then hard and strong, and as the convulsions pass off it becomes weak and iri'egular; throughout the whole fit the animal is unconscious, and when it revives looks wild, frightened and astonished, and tries to hide itself; after running quite awhile, it comes out cautiously and begins to eat. Treatment : Physic with salts or calomel for temporary relief, but we doubt if any cure can be ett"ected. Palsy or Paralysis — This may result from an injury to the spine, such as a heavy stroke across the back, or cold causing congestion, or damaged food; if caused bj' an injury, it is hardly curable; if by cold, or bad food, give a mild physic of salts or sulphur and charcoal, and ap- ply a stimulating liniment along the spine. A change of loca- tion to cleaner quarters ; more room and purer air is often beneficial. There is not infrequently among hogs a disease known as kidney worm, or inflammation of the kidneys, which produces a paralysis of the hind legs. When first taken the animal shows a weakness in the back, a diflSculty in getting up, and when on its feet the hind parts swing from side to side, hind feet drag, and in stepping, cross each other, as the disease increases the hind legs become paralyzed and useless ; the animal walks on its forefeet and drags its hind parts ; the appetite re- mains good, and the disease seems to be local. A number of remedies are recommended by various persons, such as corn soaked in strong lye, and fed to the animal ; a strong solution of soda in milk ; a tea- spoonful of turpentine given internally in milk and applied freely on the loin as a liniment: coal oil given internally in quantities of a [165] THE HOG IN AMERICA. tablespoonful in a pint of milk, and applied on loin freely; arsenic in one grain doses. Some of the above remedies have elleeted cures, but the best treatment, after the animal gets down, is to kill it, as but few fully recover after the disease has progressed that far. Nasal Catarrh, Sniffles, Bull Nose. — This disease is usually con- fined to pigs; that is, old hogs are rarely attacked by it; although if contracted when young, and not cured, it follows the hog as long as it lives. Symptoms: First, blowing through the nose frequently, es- pecially when they first get out of bed, and it is sometimes accompanied by a cough: eyes often red and watery, hair stands up, pig looks dump- ish, and not infreqently the breatliing is hard and labored ; the sides work like bellows; in such cases the intlammation extends to the lungs and often to the heart, causing thumps. When confined to the nostrils there vvill be first clischarges of lumpy and yellowish mucous, and as the disease progresses, bleeding at the nose, and a choking when eating or drinking ensues: the nose often becomes enlarged, thickened, and turned up or to one side; the roof of the mouth becomes inflamed and tender, so that the victim can not eat corn or hard food. The disease is contagious and will go through a lot of pigs, if kept together. We used to think it incurable, but have changed our mind as the result of experiments. If taken in its incipiency or beginning, and treated as follows, most cases can be cured. Treatment: Prepare an ointment of coal oil, turpentine and ammonia, of equal parts, mixed with suffi- cient lard to make a tolerably stiff" ointment; then catch the pig and rub the ointment on his face and nose, from the tip of his nose to the base of the ears, and on the throat and chest, between the forelegs ; apply the remedy two or three times a week for a month; also smear the troughs with pine tar, and feed liberally with milk and ground food, mixed with a little diluted carbolic acid; the acid should be suffi- ciently diluted to be easily held in the mouth, say a teaspoonful of acid to a pint of water. Pigs that have it so bad as to be unable to eat corn may be greatlj^ relieved, and possibly cured, if fed and treated as above. Be sure to use only finely ground food, and of a highly nour- ishing character. In other words, the system must be braced up to aid in throwing off" the disease. The diseased pigs should be kept to them- selves, and the well ones taken to new quarters. The disease nuay be contracted by the well ones sleeping with the sick, eating from the same trough or feeding place, and it has been known to linger around pens and yards year after year. The pens and yards occupied by the diseased pigs should be thoroughly disinfected by whitewashing pens, fences and troughs with quick-lime water, carbolic acid and coal oil ; also sprinkle tlie grounds with lime, carbolic acid and sulphur, and if possible break it up and cultivate for a year or two. Strangles or Quinsy. — This is usually an acute inflamation of the throat, and attacks hogs or pigs that are in high fiesh. The throat [166] DISEASES— SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT. swells, breathing becomes thick, hard and rapid, hog is feverish, tries to drink, but has difficulty in swallowing and eating. The sick animal moves around a great deal, throws the head about, and, as the disease becomes worse the tongue becomes swollen and protudes from the mouth, attended by coughing; the disease is rapid and often fatal. Treatment: Apply coal oil and turpentine with lard, freely on throat and neck ; give turpentine inwardly in milk, and if possible, swab the throat with coal oil or turpentine. The disease is sometimes contagious, yet not very common in this country. Inflammation of the Lungs — This is usually produced by violent colds, sleeping in manure piles, or other places where foul air or dan- gerous gases are inhaled. The prominent symptoms are, loss of appe- tite, incessant and distressing cough, hard and rapid bi'eathing, high fever and heaving of the flanks. Treatment : Apply turpentine and coal oil on throat and chest, and give internaly a phj^sic of sulphur, also a syrup of molasses, hoarhound and mullein in milk Bronchitis. — This is a disease of the bronchial tubes, or windpipe and the larger air tubes of the lungs. It may be caused by colds, or small worms, or result from whooping-cough (hereafter described), or the extension of nasal catarrh. It is not a common disease among swine, yet occasionally appears. Its presence is detected by a hacking cough and difficult breathing, especially in changeable and cold weather. Treatment: Smear troughs in which slops are fed with pine tar, and bathe throat and lungs with coal oil, or apply the ointment recom- mended for nasal catarrh. Colic. — This is not a common or usual disease in swine, but may oc- cur when digestion is impaired by unvvholsome food, or cold, wet styes, and lack of exercise. Treatment: Strong, catnip tea, in sweetened milk, will give relief, which should be followed by feeding liberally charcoal with sulphur, or plain charcoal. If charcoal is given two or three times per week, and pigs have exercise, the disease will not appear in the herd. DiARRHCEA — This is not common in old or aged swine, but may oc- casionally appear from unwholesome food, over feeding, or too rich food. Treatment: Charcoal and sulphur will usually straighten out matters. Scalded milk, with fresh eggs beaten in it, is a good and ef- fective remedy, but if it results from bad food, in addition to the above remedy, a change should be made from the bad to good, sound food. Spleenitis, or Enlargement of the Spleen. — Hogs when attacked by this trouble are restless and weak, shun their mates, and bury them- selves in litter; they have no appetite, but are always thirsty; the breathing is short, they cough, vomit, grind the teeth, and foam at the mouth,; the throat, chest and belly are of a pale, brownish color, and the belly hard and drawn up. Treatment: Hot water, as hot as the hog will bear it, applied on the belly and side, near the spleen and give a [167J THE HOG IN AMERICA. inild physic of salts : bleeding in the ear is recommended by some. Pekitonitis. — Symptoms are in many respects similar to spleenitis and inflammation of the bowels. Hot water, applied with a sponge, or woolen clotlis saturated with hot water, to the bell}', will give instant relief; in addition, give internally a teaspoonful of turpentine in a pint or quart of milk. The disease worlvs swiftly, and if treatment is not prompt, death follows rapidly. Hot water injections are good, and often effective. Worms. — Swine are often troubled with worms, and their presence may be inferred when the animal eats voraciously, and yet continues lean and out of condition. The animal coughs, runs restlessly about, uttering squeaks of pain ; the dung is hard and high colored ; the eyes are sunken, and the animal daily grows weaker. Treatment: Tur- pentine in milk, is the best remedj^ If hogs have access at all times to wood-aslies and salt, they will not be troubled with worms. Coal oil in slops Avill eff"ectually destroy worms. Piles. — Hogs have been known to have this disease, but it is rare, and results from long continued costiveness, and is some times brought on by straining during farrowing time. When produced by costive- ness, it is usually relieved by removing the cause, and in any case the application of an oin^^ment made of jimpson weed and mutton tallow, applied locally, externally and internallj^ will usually relieve the ani- mal. Hogs, that live on acorn mast late in the fall and winter, are frequently troubled witli piles. The acorn is so astringent as to pro- duce continuous costiveness, and this condition is liable to produce jjiles. Lice. — These pests are frequent and common. Coal oil applied on neck, behind the ears, behind the shoulders and back part of the hams, a few times, will destroy them eff"ectiially. Mange or Itch. — This is caused by a small insect that burrows in the outer coating of the skin. Coal oil, vigorously and frequently ap- plied, Avill cure this disease. Constipation. — This occurs more often in the winter. It may be re- lieved with bran maslies with sulpliur, pumpkins, apples or roots, salts, given internally, or warm soapsuds giveu as an injection, and soft soap given tlie hogs to eat, will often relieve the trouble. Rheumatism. — Symptoms : Dullness, indisposition to move, lame- ness, stiff" joints, or joints drawn up, and soreness of limbs and mus- cles. Treatment: Give common soda in milk three or four times a day, say a teaspoonful at a time ; continue for a few days. If it should physic too mucli, give in smaller quantities, or not so often. A lini- ment of turpentine and tincture of arnica, in the pi'oporlion of 1 part turpentine to 3 of arnica, maj^ also be applied to inflamed or stiff" joints. Rupture. — This is some times congenital, or hereditary, and usual- ly occurs on the belly at the navel. It may be occasioned by au [168] DISEASES— SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT. injuiy, such as a hook from cattle, getting snagged in running, or improper spaying; or as pigs by being caught by the mother or other large hogs between tlie animals and side of the pen, thus receiving a violent squeezing, and other causes. Treatment : Starve tlie pigs for a few days, so as to get tlie bowels empty ; then catch and tie tlie pig, lay it on its back, push back the intestines with the fingers, then cut through the skin, scarify the orifice in the belly, then draw up the orifice or hole where the intestines have protruded, and take a stitch or two in the skin, and let the animal up ; keep it in a warm, comfortable jjen and give but little food for a week or ten days, or un- til the place heals up. The object in scarifying tliis orifice in the belly, is to make it unite and heal up readily. A common spajang needle and a strong silk thread or cord should be used in sewing up or taking the stitches. Dr. C. A. Robinson lias presented in the Swine Breeders'' Jowrna?, a novel and ingenious truss or bandage, which we think will work well : It is as follows : " This bandage can be made of stiff canvas or leather. I prefer the former, as it is more pliable and is more easily adjusted to the sliape of the pig. The straps can be buckled as tight as necessarj^, and as the tumor gives way and the opening grows up, as it certainly will, the straps can be tightened. In the middle of tlie bandage a wooden but- ton should be securely attached, and wliich sliould fit over the hole in the abdomen and sliould be varied in size according to the size of the opening. This button should be covered on the side next the hole, with soft cloth and stitched to the large belt, thus holding it in place. If the rent be very large, you will have to depend upon the canvass en- tirely. Some trouble may be experienced by the belt slipping back, but this can be overcome by placing a collar around the pig's neck, and to it attach strips of heavy cloth, and then fastened them to the front side of the belt. Tliis keeps the belt in place, and in a short time the animal will be entirely well." Thex'e is still another class of ruptures that are confined to male pigs. It is when the intestines come out into tlie scrotum or purse of the boar. Such pigs are usually called " bussin " pigs. This class of rup- tures may be either congenital, (hereditary), or the result of an injury, and not infrequentlj' it is caused in farrowing, when the youngster is squeezed too hard in his exit from his mother. The rupture may be on one or both sides of the purse. As soon as noticed it sliould be at- tended to, and the best way is to catcli the pig, tie or hold him on a wide board, which has one end much higher than the other; put the head of the pig downward, then castrate the pig and push back the gut into the body and close the orifice or hole with a stitch or two and •the opening cut in the purse with a couple or three stitches, and put the pig in a comfortable pen, keep him quiet, and feed lightly for a week or ten days. [169J TPIE HOG IX AMERICA. Boils or Ahcksses. — These are not uncommon upon the hog, and may, as upon man, appear npon the body or Ihnbs. As soon as dis- covered, open with a sharp knife, by running the Icnife in at the bottom side of the lump or enlargement, and cutting up and outwards, so as to slit it open. Wash with strong warm soapsuds or a weak solution of cai'bolic acid. Tumors. — Tumors sometimes appear, usually in the udder of sows, and are caused by a failure of the pigs to draw the milk from some one of the teats, or by weaning the pigs too suddenly when the flow of milk is large. The udder becomes gorged and the milk veins or cells in- flammed, producing an inward ulcer or hard fibrous tumor that grows rapidly, and unless removed, occasions the death of the sow. We have seen them as large as a quart bowl. They should be removed by a skilled veterinary or physician. We have a few times cured them by taking them when small, and applying to the outside applications of tincture of iodine, which causes them to stop growing, allays the in- flammation, and nature absorbs them, Sometimes they appear on other parts of the body, and the same treatment should be given. Whooping-Cough. — Pigs and hogs are subject to many diseases, and among others some which are contagious. This is one of the latter class. There are many diseases to which tlie hog is subject that have as an early spmptom, a cough, but the whooping-cough is distinct and different from the others, and is almost as plainly marked in pigs as in children. Pigs, when first taking this disease, do not show any very marked outward symptoms or evidences of diseases. The hair appears a little rough, dry and raised, and sometimes a little redness about the eyes is perceptible, indicating slight fever, but there is little if any loss of appetite. When they first get up from sleep or quiet rest, and begin to move about, they will begin to cough, at first slightly, and gradually increasing until they will stop and put the nose to the ground, cougli very hard, sides working and belly drawn up, ending often in a very perceptible whoop; after coughing awhile, they apparently spit up something, and move on. We have seen them cough so violently that it would cause them to vomit, and in a few minutes be eating again. It is a cough that breeders usually charge up to dust, but it comes some- times in wet weatlier, and if one gets it, it passes along the whole line. It is very contagious, but is not often fatal or even serious, as pigs grow and eat as well as usual. We doubt if it can be cured, but it will run its course and quit. By proper treatment it can be made quite mild and less annoying. Carbolic acid in slops, say % teacupful of crude acid to a bucket of slop, or a tablespoonful of crj'stals to same amount of fluid; also smear the feed and drinking troughs with pine tar, and in very bad cases put pigs in a close house and burn sulphur in there, so as to compel the sick animals to inhale the fumes, and apply to throat and chest the ointment prescribed for nasal catarrh. [170] DISEASES— SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT. Hog Cholera, lung fever, typhoid fever, blue disease, spleenic fever, sty fever, spotted fever, swine plague, diptheria, and numerous other names have, from time to time, been adopted or suggested by different persons in different parts of the country and at various times, but, as a rule, they are all one and tlie same, viz. : A contagious disease that is now and has been for years quite prevalent and fatal and generally known as cholera. This may not be the best name for the disease, bat it is the one generally adopted and best known. Whatever name is used to suit the fancy does not in any manner check the disease nor stay its deadly progress. Much money and time has been expended by many learned men, and many Latin names have been brought into use to give microscopic life a name, only to make confusion more certain by apparently giving much Information, yet really giving but little. Learned men have been emjiloyed by State and National Governments, and after years of, I may say, fruitless toil and expense, they have left the people where they found them, viz. : Scourged by the swine plague worse during the past year than ever before and no relief other than sanitary measures has been suggested or provided. The one trouble that has cripjilcd the work of investigation and palsied the Govern- mental arm thus stretched out to aid the people is, that every one of tln' learned gentlemen have so far started out in their investigations with a tlieory, and their principal object and aim seems to have been not to find out tlie real nature of the disease but some evidence to support their various theories. The living germ theory is the one upon which most, if not all, have stai-ted, and so with magnifying glass in hand they have gone in search of and determined to find some suiall para- sites or worms as the great and insatiable fiend. Of course, starting out with a determination to find parasites and )vorms, the rivalry has ))een to see how many new kinds and shapes they could discover witli the microscope. If the scourge were not so serious and destruction to property so great, the people might be more patient in reading so many Latin names, and smile at the eftbrts of each succeeding scientist as he rushed to tl)e front witli a new bug, or an old one with a new fangled name. Here are some of the names so furnislied : Bacilli., Bacillus Sub- lilis, Bacillus Anthracis. Vibrios, Bacillus Suis, Bacterium terretl, Spiril- lum, Bacillus amy lobacter, Tricocephatus dispar, Stephamiriis diutatus, Strongylus elongatus, Schrostoma ducntatum, Helobacterta, Coccobacteria Septica, Leptothriz Beggiatoa, Spirochcete, Sarcin Ventriculi, etc., etc. To the ordinary person or farmer, what value is there in such names. These scientific gentlemen simply mean to tell the public that by the the aid of powerful microscopes they have found in various organs of dead hogs, various shaped and small parasites that are invisible to the naked eye, and that they are the cause of the disease. All, or nearly all of these learned gentlemen admit that the aforesaid parasites are usually found in decaying flesh, and some are even found in the hun.au ■ [171] THE HOG IN AMERICA. mouth. These parasites have not only been found, but the learned gentlemen have tested their vitality and found that iodine, carbolic acid, sulphuric acid, and heat of sufficient strength will Icill the spores, hut it will also kill the hog. This is valuable information— directing the farmer to kill something that it takes a powerful magnifying glass to discover. How is he to know of their approach? Experience has demonstrated that the strictest sanitary measures will not bar tlie pro- gress of tlie disease, nor does filth alone produce it. We have no doubt that the one will impede and tlie otlier accelerate the ravages of the dis- ease — "only that and nothing more." We do not wish to be understood as taking the position that science is a humbug, and the microscope a failure— on the contrary, we clieerfully recognize the great benefits mankind have derived from botli. We only charge that in this particu- lar disease both have been ovenoorked. The microscope will reveal in every drop of water, breath of air and morsel of food, innumerable wriggling, squirming forms of life wliich are not visible to the naked eye. We here make the point that all tbese alleged micropliytes are not causes, but tlie results of disease; that they are nature's means of destroying dead tissues, and tliey have no more agency in causing hog cholera th;ln the man in the moon. Epidemics among swine are not a new tiling nor even comparatively so. As early as 1805, we find in the memoirs of the Philadelphia Society an account of an epidemic among swine somewliat similiar in many of its features to the modern disease. It was then, as now, very fatal. In tlie summer of 1821, M. Sanssol describes a disease among swine in the neighboi-liood of Maguinet, which spared neither age, sex, nor condition. The symptoms were as follows: "Loss of appetite; thirst; dullness; groaning and seeking of moist places; then followed l)y hardness of the belly; heat of the skin; constipation; diminution of the urine; difficulty of respiration ; heav- ing of the flanks, and short cough ; the eyes were full of tears, and the mucous membrane inflamed. If the disease continued, the succeeding symptoms were still more alarming — the animals began to stagger about; the limbs were stretched out in an unnatural position; rattling in the throat came on; they supported themselves against tlie wall, and only fell to die a few minutes afterwards. Death usually came in about three days, and was in some cases preceeded by convulsions of the face and extremities." "Post mortem appearances. — Tlie thoracic cavity was filled with bloody, limpid fluid; the lungs mucli inflamed; the pleura thickened, inflamed and injected ; the diaphragm covered with black patches of the size of a shilling; tlie mucous coat of the intes- tines slightly inflamed ; the windpipe and bronchial tubes full of red- dish froth ; tlie brain covered witli reddish serosity." Another account of a disease in Averyon and its neigliborhood Avhich attacked tlie res- piratory and digestive organs, running its course in from twelve to fif- teen hours. "Symptoms. — In tlie worst cases there is a loss of appetite [172] DISEASES -SYMPTOMS AND TKEATMENT. small and frequent pulse; liaggard eyes; the conjunctiva Inflamed; the mouth open, red, and tilled with foam; the respiration laborious; plain- tive cries ; convulsions ; palsy of the hind limbs, and involuntary dis- charge of highly feted faeces. Death here is the inevitable termination and that in a short time." In 1S;JS, M. Paulet describes a similar dis- ease as attacking swine in the south of France and says it was highly contagious and very fatal. "Symptoms. — Restlessness; cough; loss of appetite; dullness, and a weak, tottering gait. These gradually go on increasing in intensity until the seventh or eighth day, when they be- come very marked. Then alternations of heat and coldness of the body come on; the ears droop and are cold; the head is heavy; and the tongue becomes discolored; the breath is foetid, and there is a copious discharge of mucous from the nostrils. The skin is tinged with red, but the hue is not very evident excepting under the belly; the animal appears to be in great suftering and cries out pitifully." If the forego- ing are not fairly good descriptions of many cases of modern hog cholera, we are much mistaken. Epidemics in swine, and that, too, fatal ones, it will be seen, are not new things. The modern disease first made its appearance at a distillery in Ohio, in 1855, and the first symp- toms were violent purging or scours, followed by a collapse and death. It was from these symptoms that it was first named cholera. Since that, however, the first symptoms are somewhat varied. Sometimes in the same lierd some hogs will have copious diarrhoea and others will be very costive, so, tiiat while the name may be and doubtless is a mis- nomer, yet it answers the purpose, as it indicates a contagious and fatal malady. Symptoms of present plague. — The animal appears dull ; hair dry and raised up off the body; loss of appetite; extreme thirst; head carried low ; seeks dark places and avoids light; gets under bed- ding; eyes red and watery; iiose and lips white and bloodless; breath- ing rapid; sliglit liacking cougli; chest, belly and throat hot; shiver- ing and trembling of the limbs; lying on belly; when down, shows a dislike to move; other times restless and moving from one place to an- other; avoids its companions; sides and flanks heave; weakness of hind legs, and, later, fore legs; belly and chest tender, and sometimes be- coming hard; chest, throat, belly, and inside of legs reddish or purple color, first showing in spots then in solid mass; the skin wrinkled; blood sometimes coming from nose, mouth and ears; sometimes ear* swell and thicken, at otlier times hang loose and are cold; feet and legs cold; diarrhoea in some cases, and in others, costiveness. These are among the earlier symptoms. Every sick hog does not have all thesa symptoms, but more or less of tlieni. As the disease progresses, thi;^ symptoms become more violent, the surface of the body and limbs be- come cold ; eyes very red ; blood oozes from mouth and sometimes ears, and often the animal falls dead while attempting to walk about. At other times they seem to be choking, and occasionally will be found [173] THE HOG IN AMERICA. (lead while lying on their belly, or if they can get to water will be found dead in it. In short, death usually comes suddenly and while the animal is in different situations, but nearly always, blood and a watery discharge oozes out of the mouth and nostrils at death. If opened after death, the lungs will frequently be found congested, spot- ted, and filled with a bloody fluid, or the throat will be found filled with bloody froth, inflamed and ulcerated, or the stomach and intestines covered with dark spots, which seem to be nearly or quite eaten or rot- ted through. Sometimes the kidneys are enlarged and spotted, and in a few cases the brain congested and spotted. In all cases, some one or more of the vital organs are inflamed, congested, or gorged with bloody fluids, and the organ covered with dark spots varying in size, but the majority of cases examined after death sliows the spots on lungs, stomach, or bowels. Hogs that have once had cholera and recovered, will not have it the second time, except, possibly, in very rare in- stances. If this disease was caused by the minute organisms as claimed by the scientists, why do they refuse to make a second attack? If filth alone generates the disease, whj^ are not animals under like conditions again attacked? Persons who have had aslatic cholera are as liable to second attacks as thougli they had never went tln-ough the ordeal, and yellow fever does not hesitate to make a second attack. Sinall-pox, measles, and whooping-cough, however, are each exhausted by the flrst assault upon the human family. Is it not fair, then, to conclude that hog cholera is, in respect to second attacks, akin to measles or small- pox. We think that what is termed hog cholera, is simply measles, and will give our reasons for the faith that is in us. First, let us examine the symptoms of measles in the human family as given by eminent medical authority, viz.: "Sneezing, accompanied by a watery dis- charge and sometimes bleeding from the nose; redness and watering of the eyes; cough of a short, frequeut and noisy character, with little or no expectoration; hoarseness of the voice, and occasional vomiting and diarrhoea while the temperature is elevated ; the pulse rapid, and head- ache, thirst and restlessness are usually present to a greater or less de- gree." If the person takes cold, the measles go inward and attack the vital organs, usually tiie lungs, sometimes the stomach and bowels, brain or throat, and occasionally the eyes, and is very often fatal where careful nursing is not giveii. In the armj^ more men died from measles than any other one disease, and the reason was that it was so difficult to prevent them from taking cold, while at home where persons have comfortable houses and careful nursing, measles is not considered a difficult or dangerous disease. Persons who have measles and get along all right, have the skin, especially the face, neck, breast, under the arm and in groin covered with plain and distinct red spots, varying from the size of a finger nail to that of a quarter of a dollar. These spots are at first a bright red, and in the coarse of a few days they grow pale [174] DISEASES—SYPMTOMS AND TREATMENT. and finally disappear, leaving the skin rough and sometimes causing it to peal oft". When a hog worries through the cholera, these red spots lan be found upon the throat, breast, belly, and inside of legs, and after Ihey disappear tlie skin is rough, scaly, and peels off". Wlien a persoa iiaving the measles takes cold, the measles leave tlie surface, the limbs become cold, the lips colorless or purple, and violent congestion and pain ia lungs, stomach and head attend, ar-d if not relieved death rapidly follows. The internal organs aff'ected are congested, spotted and highly inflamed. So it is with hogs having cholera, and this is es- jiecially true when they are allowed to get to cokl water or lie upon damp, wet ground. If hogs attacked with cholera are put in comfort- able houses and treated as persons are with measles, but a small per cent, of them will bo lost. Tliis treatment has been frecpiently tested and found successful. The object is to prevent tiieir taking cold, and force the disease from the vital organs to the surface. We think the fa- tality of hog cholera is because of the exposure of the sick animals. Measles among persons is at tinies much more malignant than at others. So is hog cholera. The practice of continually giving medicine to well hogs is a mistake. It is just as reasonable to sturt' medicine continually in well persons. Oive the hogs a rent, and only give medicine wiien they are sick. Medicine is a good thing in its place, but it is frequently over- worked. Again, in contagious diseases most writers say take the sick ones away from the herd. This is a mistake. Take the well ones away to new quarters and quarantine the sick on the spot, or at least, if any are left let ti be the sick and try to save the well ones. Disinfect them by sprinkling with a mild solution of carbolic acid, and disinfect the sick quarters often and vigorously. Strict sanitary measures, swift and eff"ectua!, coupled with a separation of the well from tlie sick ani- mals, will impede tlie progress of tlie disease, but until some remedy is discovered that will prevent measles in the human family, hog cholera will not be prevented. Don't fool your money away on quack nostrums; they are worthless so far as cholera prevention is concerned. Abortions. — Sows loseing their pigs is sometimes a troublesome co- nundrum, and one which the breeder has to occasionally contend with, especially with young sows. There are various causes wliich tend to produce it, and among others are improper food, such as musty or dam- aged grain; too much vegetable food; falls; slip[)ing and straining; long and continuous running, either by dogs or young boars, or other sows in heat; rubbing violently against stumps or fences to allay an itching; allowing too many to sleep together in cold weather, when they are apt to "pile up" and lie on each other. The symptoms of ap- proaching abortion are similar to those of healthy farrowing, only more intense, if the third month has passed. There is generallj" a rest- lessness, shivering, and other manifestations of extreme pain, and pre- parations of bed, etc. If the abortion occurs within six weeks after [1751 THE HOG IN AMEKICA. service, there is usually but little manifestations except an enlargement of the genital organs and a discharge of bloody mucous and strings of flesh. The sow appears to eat as well as usual and appears to suffer but little pain. There is but little that can be done to "stay proceedings," and about the only thing to do is to try and ascertain the cause and separate the aborting sows from their companions. The sick ones usu- ally get along well enough without any medicine, and if allowed to pass several periods of heat can safely be bred again. Difficulty in Pigging. — Sometimes tlie sow, and especially very young sows, have a difficulty in farrowing and reiiuire help. If tliey cannot be successfully delivered with the aid of the hand, pig extract- ors may be sometimes successfully used. Such instruments can be ob- tained of persons who manufacture and advertise them, or a home- made one can be made of a large wire by fixing a loop, with wire, large enough to slip over the pig's head and yet small enough to pass in easilj^, and leaving wire long enough to handle anl pull. If the la- bor has been long, say for a day or two, the pigs are most likely dead and can be pulled out with tongs, forceps, or hooks. Sometimes it is necessary to open the side of the sow and remove the pigs to save the life of the sow. In such cases the service of a veterinary or physician should be procured. A good way to administer medicine to a hog that cannot be induced to eat slop or drink milk, is to take an old boot, cut a hole in the toe. insert the toe part in the mouth and pour medicine in at the top of the leg of the boot. [17oi CASTRATING AND SPAYING. Pigs kept for porkers, be they scrubs, grades, or culls of thorough- bred stock, will fatten more rapidity and make better pork on less feed if the boars are castrated early and the sows spayed before they have an opportunity of being served. Old sows can be successfully and profitably spayed when they are not longer desirable as breeders. Open sows in the fattening pen are a nuisance, and their flesh not so good as spayed ones, to say nothing of the higher price the latter bring in the market. The time for such work is when you are ready. Some people rely upon the signs of tlie Zodiac, and others, upon the phases of the moon, but the time to act is when your animals to l)e operated upon are in moderate flesh and when tlie weather is moderate. Several years ago, we had Dr. T. C. Miles, of Charleston, 111., com monly known as Farmer Miles, prepare a short chapter on the subject of castrating aiul spaying, which the writers firm published in a manual, and which wa? loith other matter, taken from the manual by a western writer without a word of credit and inserted in his book. It is proper liere to say that Dr. Miles is one of the most skilled veterinary surgeons in tlie world, and the first man to safely and successfully cas- trate ridgling horses. Dr. M. says: "As to the time for castrating boars, I would say, do it whenever it is most convenient, and the best way is the way under- stood by every old farmer unless the hog is ruptured, in which case the strifffen around the seed (called tlie scrotal sack) should be taken out with the seed and the seed string tied within the neck of the scrotal sack with a small twine. When this is done, cut oft" the seed sack and all behind the tie and let the hog go. I do not like sewing up, as large tumors sometimes result from so doing. Should maggots develop in the gash where a hog has been cut, apply either turpentine or butter- milk." TO CASTRATE A RIDGLING HOG. In a ridgling hog, the seeds are not in the scrotal sack or in their proper place, but in the body of the animal immediately behind the [177] THE HOG IN AMERICA. "kidneys. He should be cut in tlie side the same as in spaying a sow, but the incision should be of sufficient size to admit the whole hand, when the seeds can be found and easily pulled out. TO SPAY sows. One man should be in the pen to catch, and two to hold the sow by the feet alone, flat on the ground on her right side and stretched out tightlj\ The spayer, kneeling at the sow's back, will cut tlie hair oil" of the place where the incision is to be made, (a little back of the last rib, and about midway up and down) : then cut a gash — if on a hun- dred-pound shoat, about half an inch deep and three inches long, up and down ; slip the flesh back each way about an inch, making a round gash or wide incision, then turn the knife and stick the blade straight in, gently, deep enough to go through tlie peritonial lining or inside striffen, at the upper corner of the incision. Then put the left for?- finger in and witli it and the right fore-finger tear the hole large enough to allow working room for the fingers. Feel inside near the back with the first two fingers of the left hand for the "pride," a little knotty lump which cannot be mistaken, for there are no others like it within reach, but if it is not found, as is sometimes the case, then feel for small guts called the "pig bag," and take them out the best you can until the first "pride" is reached. Take tliis ofl" and follow back down the pig- bed to a fork, where two guts coming together form a larger one, as two brandies running together form a creek; here take up the other branch until the lower "pride" is reached : take it oft", put the pig-bed back in good order, and see that it is in the belly proper and not left at the gash. Slack up the hind leg so as to close the gash, and sew up with two stitches, taking hold, but only skin deep, one stitch near the middle of the gash and the other above it. Draw the edges together so as to touch from the middle of the gash upwanl. Both stitches may be taken before tying either, and then tie the threads or twine crossing each other in tlie form of a letter X, and when the sow is let go, press the liand over the gash as she starts off". For spaying purposes, the. thread or twine used should not be too harsh or too tightly twisted. [178] MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS We give in this cliapter a few odds and ends that are of value. We- ll ave in other chapters given kind of food and when to feed boars, sow s- and pigs, and will say generally in addition to what has already been said, give your hogs access to good pasture and pure water, and do most of the fattening for pork before the cold weather sets in. Com- mence in July, while hogs are on clover; feed slop of shorts, and give corn or meal, oats, barley, oil meal, peas, buckwheat and a variety of food ; a little sugar in slops is a good appetizer and fattener. When new corn gets out of the milk, cut it up, stalk and all, anil feed; a lit- tle later, as it hardens, fence otf v/ith a portable fence an acre or two of corn and turn the hogs in and let them harvest the corn. At first they will tear down a good deal, but will soon break down no more than they want to eat. When they have cleaned up the first patch, fence off another of like size, and so on until they are ready for mar- ket. This plan is called "hogging down." It is labor saving, economi- cal, and leaves the rich manure just where it is needed. Feed charcoal liberally to all fattening hogs, as it promotes digestion and liealth and economize^? food. Pumpkins are good food for a change, and for fat- tening hogs, so are potatoes, artichokes, sugar beets, bran and shorts, and don't forget to provid plenty of pure water. We here give a table showing comparative value of different kinds of food, comprising: Potatoes, sugar beets, mangel wiirtzel, parsnips, carrots, swedes' turnip, white turnip, white clover, red clover, Indian corn, rye meal, linseed cake (English), linseed cake (American), oat meal, barley, peas, beans, buckwheat, and cotton seed meal, presenting the percentage of fat formers in one hundred pounds of each, the per- centage of flesh formers in one hundred pounds of each, and the total nutritive percentage in one hundred pounds of each, of the articles of food mentioned. This table will be found of incalculable value to tlie breeder, feeder, and in fact every one interested in the rearing and feeding of swine, and to tliose wishing a guide by which they may se- cure a basis upon which to form estimates, with some degree of cer- tainty, the table will be found equally as profitable, [179] THE HOG IX AMERICA. COMPARATIVE VALUE OF FOOD. ARTICLES. Potatoes Sugar Beet Mangel Wurtzel Parsnips Carrots .... Swedes' Turn ip White Turnip White Clover . . Red Clover Indian Corn Bye Meal Linseed Cake. English Linseed Cake. American Oat Meal J'.arley Peas Beans. Buckwheat Cotton Seed Meal RINGS, ROOTING, SNOUTING. It is natural for piggy to root, and it is healtliful besides amusing for the pig. We always let them root, that is, Ave do not ring or cut the nose. In wet weather or early spring, we sometimes keep hogs off of the sod to prevent too mucli rooting. However, if the reader desires to ornament swine, it can be done by rings inserted by jiatent "hog ring- ers," or by a horseshoe nail run through the hard gristle on end of nose and turned up so as to form a ring, or by cutting it with a knife, leaving the slice at end of nose hang at both ends, or by inserting a sharp, small blade under the skin just above the end of the nose and cutting the large cords or tendons that work the spade on the end of the nose. If rings are used, puv- them through the partition between the nostrils rather than through the end of the nose. To operate suc- cessfully catch the pig in hug trap shown in cliapter on Conveniences. EAR MARKS. Some breeders mark Utters by punching holes in the ears witli a small launch, putting them in dilferent ears and ditferent parts of the ears to indicate the Utter to which they belong. There are a number of patent ear marks, tlie best one we have yet seen is manufactured in Chicago and called the Escutcheon Ear Tag, and advertised in the Swine Breeders'' Journal, the best hog paper in the world. YOUNG BOARS Are in the habit of riding, fretting and worrying each other when a number are kept together. The best way to cure this habit is to place an old boar in tlie pen with them, being careful to take oft' his tusks to [1801 MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. prevent liim from hurting them. The okl hog will soon stop all such foolishness. FIGHTING OR QUARRELSOME HOGS Can be quieted and prevented from annoying their mates, by inserting rings in their noses. A vicious boar may be subdued in a similar man- ner. PREPARING FOR FAIRS. If the breeder desires to make a "show at fairs," he should begin early, say May or June, and feed up. He should always feed up more than he expects to take, as some may get hurt or not "fill out" as he expects. By an early start, the hogs will shed oft' the old coat of hair, and the new growth will have come out nicely and present a smooth coat by showing time, and the flesh will be Arm and solid. The best feed to start old or young hogs to fattening, is milk, ground oats, corn meal, rye meal, oil meal, and fresh clover, with plenty of pure water. Curry and brush the hogs daily : tliis makes them thrive better, keeps the skin healthy and soft, makes the animals gentle and improves the coat. Sows that are to be shown should be bred late enough so as to farrow soon after the close of the showing season. It is the best and most natural way to reduce them. Show hogs should be well fatted, as poor hogs never take premiums and should not, for no man can tell how a poor hog will fill up. Hogs are raised for pork, not work, and in order to determine what proportions and symmetry they are capable of, they must be filled out and show their capacity to carry full fiesh without breaking down. If the coating is very rough, the hog may be clipped. It will help its appearance. The hogs should be taken out into a lot and driven about frequently, singly and in show herds, to accustom them to hand- ling, and being together; this course will save much trouble and some profanity. When you get to the fair, do not crowd too many hogs in one pen. Take them out mornings and evenings, and walk them around for ex- ercise. "Wash them with a good castile or ivory soap, rub dry, and then oil with a mixture of sweet or castor oil, glycerine, and a little alcho- hol, if you wash at all. A good, vigorous brusliing, twice a day, is about as good as washing, especially if the weather is cool. If, the Avashing process is commenced, and water freely used, it will be neces- saiy to keep it up, as unless wet or oiled, the hair becomes dry and harsh. If your animal looks best standing still, keep it still while under in- spection ; on the contrary, if it shows best moving, manage to keep it moving while being inspected. In short, put your best foot forward, and if the animal has a better end or side view, maneuver it so as tO' keep its best appearance before the committee. Use the whip gently, and keep animals from becoming excited or angry. fisn THE HOG IN AMERICA. HINTS FOR SLAUGHTERING ON THE FARM. Slaughtering may be most conveniently done as soon as the weather is cool enough for hogs to "cool out" quickly and meat keep well. Give hogs no breakfast. Have an abundance of water boilino- in ket- tles to fill a large barrel (molasses, pork, vinegar or coal-oil barrel is best) ; fix platform on sled, logs, or wooden horses, long enougli to hold three or four hogs for scraping; dig small hole by side of platform, into which sink a barrel so that it will stand slanting, and the lowest side of barrel about even with platform • also fix a place to swino- ani- mals, after scraping, to clean and gut them. Here is the illustration of an ingenious and convenient method of scalding hogs, which we found in an old number of the American Ag- riculturist, together \\ith the description: " Kow as to our method of scalding hogs. We set two posts about 12 ^ feet long, including 2 feet in '^ the ground, and about 12 feet apart, and connect them by a beam on top. Under this beam and near one post, I sink an ordinary lialf-hogs- Ip head in the ground, and ^? place a pulley on the beam directly over it, and another pulley on the side and near the bottom of the adjacent post. A rope is passsed through these and attached to the hog's hind leg, and then he may be easily hauled up and dropped into the tub, then taken out to air and clean ; and lastly he may be hoisted up and hooked on to the beam by chains to hang. Such beams may be arranged to hang as many hogs as you may wish to kill. A common barrel kettle kept boiling will keep the water in the scalding tub hot enough, by adding hot and taking out cold, to continue scalding an indefinite time; all with little cost, little fuel, and little lifting. All tilings considered, this is the best mode we ever saw or used for scalding hogs." " For scalding hogs, even where large numbers are killed, farmers usually employ half-liogshead tubs, and the lifting and tugging which accompanies the operation are well characterized by a correspondent (Wm. Starling, of Peoria Co., Ills.), as 'back-breaking work.' Mr. S. sends a sketch of his hog scalding apparatus, which he describes as very convenient. It is a vat or box (A) of boiler iron, 6 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 2 feet deep. In the bottom of this a frame of slats, 1}<^ [182] SCALDINO HOGS. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. inches tliick, is placed. Below the boiler is the fire-place (C) of the- same width and depth as the boiler, provided with a grate, a pipe (D), and door (E) having draft holes. B B are lids or shutters, made of —VAT FOK SCALDING HOGS. wood and hinged to each side of the vat, and supported in a nearly horizontal position, as shown. F F are chains provided with hooks, held in position by staples. The whole is placed upon a pair of runners, to facilitate transportation. In regard to the manner of using the scald- ing vat, Mr. S. says : ' Close one of the covers until the water is hot, at the same time get a hog ready upon the other cover. Then open the vat ; hook one end of each of the chains into stai)les near the edge of the cover on which the hog lies, antl lay the chains over the hog. Then take hold of the chains and roll the hog over, easing him into the vat. The carcass can be turned with the greatest ease, and when sufficiently scalded, placing the hooks on the other ends of the chains into the sta- ples of the cover on the opposite side, bj^ pulling upon the chains the hog may be lifted out. One man can handle the heaviest hog with ease. While one is being cleaned, another may be scalding. If the water is too hot, add cold water; if too cold, close one of the covers a few minutes. To the objection that the cost of such a vat is so much it can not be afforded, I would say that one will accommodate a neighbor- hood, and can be built by those interested clubbing together, or one might own the vat and others hire the use of it." Having got all preparations ready and horse and small sled to haul the animals as soon as killed to the place for cleaning, prepare to kill in the easiest, quickest and most humane manner. The best way is to knock the hog down, by using an ordinary sized hammer put on a long handle (say three or three and one-half feet long). Let one man ap- proach near enough to strike the hog a tap just above the eyes and [183] THE HOG IX AMERICA. isquarely in the forehead, with siiflieient force to knoclc it senseless; or, knock the hog down by shooting it with a small rifle, loaded lightly, and putting the bullet direetl)' in the center of the forehead. As soon as the hog droiJS, bj' eitlier method of downing him, have two men to stick him as shown by the illustration (67) and described below: -MANNER OF KILLING A HOG. If a hog be well stuck, the blood will almost all flow out, tlius leav- ing the flesh in a much better state than if the animal bleeds poorly. The diagram herewith given, shows clearl}-, with a few words of ex- planation, how this should be done. In killing a hog a knife is simply thrust into the throat of the animal, without making a large incision, in order not to expose the flesh to the influence of the hot water and dirt, while the carcass is being dressed. When the knife does not enter in the proper place, the animal will be a long time bleeding, and much of the blood Avill not flow out at all, but will settle in the shoulders, thus detracting from the value of the pork. Some butchers lay the hog- on one side, and make an incision through the skin, one side of the middle of the throat, and thrusting in the knife, work the point back and forth to cut the veins and arteries near the heart. This is a very awkward way, and if the arteries are really severed, the bleeding will be imperfect, as it will also be if the heart is cut. Others place a hog on his back, and thrust in the knife nearly perpendiculary, sometimes severing the windpipe, and mangling the throat barbarously. Swine killed in this manner, are apt to be a long time dying, and never bleed well. A much better way is to place the animal on his back, letting a man stand astride of him, and draw his forelegs back as rei^resented in [184] MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. the illustration. Another lays one hand on his jaw and presses it downward, so as to close his mouth, and keep his head and neck in a line with the body, and with a good '* sticking knife," about ten inches long, having a thin blade, the point in the middle, and two edged at least two inclies from the point, makes an incision about two inches long just back of tlie jowls, at the place where the head is cut off (as shown in the engraving) exactly in the middle of the throat. After the incision is made at the place indicated, he sets the point of the knife in the incision, with the edge upward, glances his eye quickly over the animal, to see if his knife stands in a line with his body, so as not to thrust it on one side of the veins, (when it would enter the shoulder) and holds the handle so that the blade will point directly towards the root of the tail. Then with a firm hand he thrusts the knife quickly to the handle, in the direction indicated by the dotted arrows, and with- draws it instantly. If these directions are observed to the letter, the blood will follow the knife, often spurting several feet upwards; and the animal will bleed well and die quickly. A little practice or obser- vation will enable any one to sever the great veins near the heart every time. Kill enough to run all the hands; then load animals ob the sled and haul to place for cleaning. Put the hot water in barrel or vat. Tlie water ought not to be boiling hot when the pig is scalded. If it is too hot, the skin will be partially cooked and the hairs stick fast. It is best to try it by dipping an ear, or the nose first. It is usual to add about one- twelfth part of cold water. Scald as soon as the hog has done bleed- ing and is dead ; remove the bristles at once ; never let a hog lie after scraping, but put in the gambrel and hang him up. If left to lie, the blood will settle in the flesh and skin where it is subject to pressure. If there are several hogs to kill there should be hands enough to stick and scald some, while others are being scraped and dressed, otherwise much more hot water will be required, or the animals will cool too much. The sooner the insides are taken out the better, for the easier will it be to remove the fat from the entrails. This is readily done, when one gets the knack, with a sharp knife held still while the entrail is drawn across it. When the hog is hung up make a clean straight cut from the vent to the breast bone, cutting through the "Aitch," or pelvis bone, (L. Fig. 2), between the hams, first, and then, passing two fing- ers of the left hand into the cavity of the abdomen, draw the belly out ; hold the knife with the right hand between these fingers, and as it cuts, follow down with the left, drawing out the walls of the abdomen, so as not to cut the entrails. Then splitting the breast bone (M) cut through to the sticking place, and put in a brace to hold the sides apart. In cutting the breast bone be very careful not to let the knife touch the stomach and defile everything with its contents. Xow grasp the intes- tine at the vent and cut it clear ; holding the entrails in the left hand, [185] THE HOG IN AMERICA. let their weight aid the right hand in tearing them free from their at- tachments. At the skirt, or diaphragm, the stomach heing removed with them, it will be net- .e^^sary to use the knife to sever the connection ; then, lowering them down, cut off the gullet at tlie throat and lay them on a table to be cleared from the fat while warm. The liver may now be disengaged, by working it off from its attach- ments next the kidneys, and then it is removed with the heart and lights (lungs), cutting off the A\indpipe at the throat. Finally wash out and ■\\ ash off the carcass with cold water and let it hang to cool. Clean the Intestines while they .are still warm. When the carcass is perfectly cold, it is ready for shipping or cutting up, and may be kept for many days in cold weather. When a hog is to be cut up, first lay it upon its back ; cut off the head as shown in Fig. 1 ; then split the carcass, cutting straight through the backbone, from the tail to the neck, with a knife and cleaver. It is best to saw the bone some- times, especially if frozen. The leaf fat and kidney fat with the kidneys (K) are now taken, oat, using the knife only to loosen them from the I skirt (P) and tearing them off towards the hams. Then take off the hams. Cut from the tail, and saw the small "A itch" bone at the loin; then cut rounding to the Hank, so that they will need but little trimming. Next take off the should- ^'S- 2.— inside of cakcass. ers, cutting straight across the side, as shown in Fig. 1. Trim off the =6pare rib from the shoulder, cutting close to the ribs on the side, and [186] MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. straight to the end of the spines ; this leaves a good portion of lean on the ribs. Loosen the tenderloin at the rear and tear it out. Then cut otf the flank (H) [see illustration on opposite page] and brisket (G) in one piece, and cut in two if desirable. The thick back fat (O) Fig. 2, is now cut oflF from the rib-piece (E) and loin (F) Fig. 1, is left in one piece, or cut as heeded for use fresh, or cut into two or more pieces at once. The cheeks (B) are removed the pate (A) by a cut passing from the mouth close under the eye, and the jaw is cracked in the middle. Thus the cheeks are held together and are conveniently hung up. They are cured like hams and shoulders. Head cheese is made of the pate and trimmings. The feet (I I) are cut ofl" at the hocks and knees as >;hown in Fig. 1, and soused. We give below another method of cleaning, taken from the Albany Cultivator, of dsite 183d: "After the hogs are laid on the platform, first dust them over with finely powdered resin from a dredging-box ; then cover with a coarse blanket and sprinkle thoroughly with hot water, enough to wet them thoroughly ; let blankets remain a few mo- ments; then remove the blankets, when the hair will come off easily, and the hog can be cleaned as well as by scalding in vat, barrel or tub." CURING. We here give some methods employed by various persons for curing pork and hams. We make no pretentions to knowledge on this subject and can not make any recommedations. We have gathered them from American Farmer, Ploughboy Albany Cultivator, and other papers : " As soon as the pork becomes cool, I cut and sort it, taking great care to have the tubs perfectly sweet and clean. In cutting, I take out all the spare ribs, and make pickled pork of all the side between the ham and shoulders, cutting it into pieces of suitable size for family use. I trim the hams and shoulders well. I cover the bottom of the tub with rock salt, and then put in a layer of pork, nicely packed, then cover this layer with salt, and so on, until the tub is filled. I use rock salt and very bountifully' In six or eight days, make a pickle of salt and cold water, as strong as possible, and cover the pork previously salted with it. It will then keep for use for many years if you choose. In preparing the hams and shoulders, I weigh several, to come at the probable weight of the whole. They are packed with great care, in suitable tubs. My process is to sprinkle some coarse salt at the bottom ; then pack in the hams and shoulders firmly, side by side, being careful not to pack the back of one flat on the top of another. The spaces are filled up with chines, hocks and jowls. To about every 300 weight of meat, I take 30 pounds of rock salt, one pound of salt petre, and four- teen pounds of brown sugar, or half a gallon of good molasses, (gen- erally the latter). Take as much pure water as will cover the meat, put in a clean vessel, add the above articles, boil it, removing the scum as it rises, and when no more rises set it to cool, after which, pour it on [187] THE HOG 12^ AMERICA. the meat until it is covered three or four inches. If the hams are small, weighing from 12 to 15 pounds, let them remain in the pickle five weeks ; if from 15 to 25, six weeks; if from 25 to 45, seven weeks. When you remove them for the purpose of smoking, put them in clean cold water for two or three hours. If there is too much salt or salt petre adhering to the surface of the hams, the water will take it off. The smoke sliould be made of clean green hickory. A fire should be built only in dry weather. And when the meat has acquired a yellow tinge, not red or black, they are removed and hung up in a dark place where they are not disturbed by fiies or vermin." " I turn my barrel over a pan or kettle, in which I burn hard wood,, (commonly hickory or maple,) for seven or nine days, keeping a little water on the head of the barrel, to prevent it from drying. I then pack two hundred weight of ham in my barrel, and prepare a pickle, by jjutting six gallons of water into a boiler, with twelve pounds of salt, twelve ounces of salt petre, and two quarts of good molasses; this I stir sufficient to dissolve the salt, etc., and let it boil, and skim it. I then let it cool, and pour it on my ham, and in one week I have smoked ham, very tender, of an excellent flavor, and well smoked. When the weather becomes some warm, tliere will be a scum rise on the pickle; by keeping my ham under the pickle, it will keep the year round. It is better to have a good white oak barrel than any other. Try it, and if you ever have had meat smoked earlier after killing, and more pala- table, please inform the public." " Virginia way of curing pork and hams: To every one thousand pounds of meat, put three pecks of salt of the best kind, mixed with one pound of pulverized salt petre ; rub the salt well on the meat, and put down the hams and shoulders first, then the side pieces, etc. On the fifth day, take it up and rub it4 in. long, and 6 in. wide and V2 in. thick, properly spaced to cover the top, using 1^ fl). 6-penny finishing nails for each crate. Two cast wheels, 3 in. in di- ameter and I2 i'l tread, with % in. hole in center for 2% in. by 3 in. lag bolts, with a cleat on the under side of bottom under the wheels, 1 in. by 2 in., nailed at each end; also a cleat, 1 by l^^ in., at back end to support tlie board. The eight lag bolts, I4 by "I'^.i in. long, go through the slats into the front end board, with square heads and washers. Tlie six bolts, ^8 ^y ^ i^M iii'e for the slats at back end, through the back standards. The two bolts, %by 1^4 in. long, are for the upper end of the braces, through the second slats from the top — Q% in. to center of bolt holes through the slats into the standards up and down. The cir- cular piece at left end, between the bottom and second slats, shows tlie feed and water trough, which is firmly nailed to the end board, even or flush with the bottom and liaving a separate bottom from the main bot- Fig. 1.— Sharpe's Folding Crate. torn, with a front board, making a water-tight trough, with holes on each side, for spovit of water can, when in transit. Also showing the feed-hopper at the left or front end and having a slide running from the bottom of hopper to the top end, which, by letting down a hole, lets the corn into the trough, and by raising again, closes the opening and shuts off" the feed or corn ; to be operated by the person in charge while in transit; the feed furnished bj^ the shipi^er, and deposited in the hopper. The door is shown partly open, but when wanting to use the crate, the door should be swung up over the toj), the crate set up to the open door or gate of the pig pen or lot, and when the pig or other animal is in the crate, place an old broom handle or stick of any kind through between the slats, back of the animal, to prevents its backing out while the crate is taken forward to let down the door and fasten it. We should, if shipping in cool or cold weather, line the inside of crate on sides and top with an old gunny or coff"ee sack, which could be very easily done by taking out the side tag bolts in Iront end of the top slats and the burrs off on the back end. Then lift the top oft" and turn the [196] SHIPPING CRA.TES. Ijottom side up and tack the sack to the sides, letting the sides come down nearly to the bottom and across the top and back from the front end, say 4 or 5 in., to let in light and air. In using the crate, bed the bottom well with chaff, short straw, or what is better, saw dust, to ab- sorb tlie droppings. The idea of a slat or open bottom for drainage, will never do in a shipping crate, as the express companies would kick hard, besides getting the car floor badly besmeared and everyone else that handles the crate. The crate from which the photographs were Fig. 2. taken, is made of common, cheap pine lumber, except the braces, which are oak, weighs about 40 pounds and is about the size for a pig six to eight months old. Figure 1 shows the crate with the door but partly thrown open ; Fig. 2 shows the crate folded for return, with the braces swung over and fastened by a screw at lower left-hand corner, thus raking less than half the space as saown in Fig. 1. The Sharpe crate is protected by patent. It is a very good crate, con- venient and light, but we do not think much of the idea of having :rates returned, for two reasons — it is a great deal of trouble to seller ;tnd buyer, and the other and stronger one is, too much danger of dis- ■ease being returned with crates. We give below a number of crates .and mode of making same, which are not patented. The Clements shipping crate, represented by Fig. 3, is quite simple, -and is constructed as follows : Cut your uprights of required heighth of the same material as the side slats, }4 by 3}4 inches ; lay your up- right pieces on the bench and use 6-penny clinch nails. Nail through [197] THE HOG IN AMERICA. the side slats and on down through upright. Xail all the side slats oa: hefore j^ou take it up ; then lay it on some heavy piece of iron and clinch the nails. This, when done, wili look like a small gate. Now make as many of these sides as you want, set them up on the floor, nail your end pieces through into upright with 10-penny finish or wire nails, and he sure you have your uprights on the outside. Nail bottom cross- ways to bottom slat. Make a small trough, water-tight, and fasten it securely. Nail cross pieces on top the crate. Fasten the end pig goes in at thus (see Fig. 3) • Drive in your pig, slide down the single slat, nail it or fasten with screw, and let him go. The McKelvie shipping crate received the premium offered by the Journal as the best general purpose crate presented. It is shown in Fig. 4, and is described by Mr. McKelvie as follows: "In the first place I take measure of pig so as to have no guess work, and make a crate to fit him, hot ioo tight or too loose, for each I consider a detriment to his safe arrival at destination. To illustrate : I will say I have a pig to Fig. 4 crate that measures ten inches in width, thirty-six inches in length and twen!;y-four inches in height, then I will make my crate twelve inches wide (inside), forty inches long and twenty-seven inches high. I then in this case would saw my end or corner pieces first, four of them, 1x4, 27 in. long. I then would saw the bottom board in this crate 40 inches long. 12 in. wide and 1 in. thick, and bore some holes (^ or 1 in.) to let water out under the pig. The sides I make out of % in. lumber, often iising boot boxes, as can then get boards to saw in width to suit length, same as bottom board. The bottom board I have eight inches wide, the other two side boards in this crate should be six inches wide. I then nail the bottom side board on, letting it come one inch below the ends of the corner pieces; now nail on the other two side boards, d% inches space between, and we have one side made. Tliese sides I make with wrought iron nails, as they go through the 1x4 in. corners and clinch, either 6's or 8's, and makes a stronger and lighrer job, than if you had your corners out of 2x4 in., whieli is often used. I make the other side [198] SHIPPING CRATES. same as first, and then set them up edgeways and put my bottom board between them. Remember I let my bottom side board come one inch below the end piece ; this is for the bottom board to rest on the corner piece, so you can nail through the bottom side board into the edge of bottom board ; this makes a strong bottom. Now I put on the front end. The bottom board of front end is eight inclies wide, and boards above spaced same as side, but all of front one inch lumber, for fear of a break. This front end is for pigs going a short distance, but if I ship so far that it will be necessary to feed, I then make a self-feeder in the front end by making it solid and double all across and a partition up and down. Make this front end out of '^ in. wainscoating, with space between where it is double, 2 inches. Two holes at top, one for feed, and one for wat.er. A trough at bottom, 4 in. wide, is made by nailing a piece of 1x4 in. back of the corner pieces and to them. For the top I use 1x4 in. lumber, making the spree between at front end close, so pig can not get his nose between, as he might break out. Widen the space between as you get towards back end. The back end I close up by one board, in this case ^^x6 in., using it to slide up and down. Nail one piece at bottom and one at top, 1x3 in,, for this board to work be- hind, to keep pig from pushing out. If it is a male pig, I use two boards to slide up and down for a fastening, instead of one, with a space between the two, in middle, of 4 inches. I always bed my pigs with some kind of straw, and see that the trough is water-tight." The Martin shipping crate, illustrrted by Fig. 5, is described by Mr. Martin, as follows: " The exact dimensions vary somewhat according to the pig to be shipped. For a 6 to 8 months pig, it generally requires a crate about 4 ft. 4 in. long, 16 in. wide and 22 in. high, a pig of extra growth requiring one some larger. I always use elm, and construct as follows: First cut off a board 1 in. thick and 16 in. wide, a piece, say 4 ft. 4 in long; nail on cleat of 1x2 in. under each end. This makes the bottom. Then cut 4 pieces of 1x2, 243^ in. long (for a box 22 inches high in the clear) ; these are for the upright corner pieces. Then eat 8 pieces of %x3 in., 4 ft. 4 in, long; lay down two of the uprights and nail one of the long slats just even with the ends, aimed for top of the crate; leave a space 3)^2 i"- "wide; put on another slat; leave space 3% in. again; put on another slat; leave space 3 in.; put another slat. This will leave uprights projecting 2)^ in below bottom of slat. Make otlier side the same, and when you put box together put the slats on m- side and the uprights on outside. Let lower end of uprights that form the back end of the crate come just even with the lower side of cleat under bottom. This leaves a crack }4 in wide between the bottom and lower slat on side at back end of crate. At the front end let the slat come down on bottom tightly. This will let the upright project down >^ inch ; this wants to be sawed off even with under side of cleat under bottom. Put on other side to correspond. Cut 4 slats, >2x3, 18 in. long,. [199J THE HOG IX AMERICA. nail them across front end from slat to slat. Cut 5 pieces, 1x3, 17 in„ long, which nail across top, commencing at front end, leaving space about 5^ in. ; then slat and space till the five slats are used, which will leave sj^ace of about SU' or 9 in. on top at rear end. Then cut 3 pieces of 1x2, 18 in. long; nail one about 1}^ in. from back ends of side cleats across the top; nail one across back end of crate, allowing the top edge of end cleat to be just even with the top edge of side cleat. Nail the other 18 in. cleat across the back end, allowing the top edge to project about an inch above the top surface of the bottom. Cut a piece, 1x2, 15 in. long, and nail across the bottom, about !}£ in. from the end. This forms a groove to receive the end, which is cut off of a board 1 in. thick, 10 to 14 in. wide, and should be about 24 in. long. Bore a % J'^- hole through top end of cleat and box end, and pnt in a wooden pin. Cut a piece, ^4x3, 15 in. long, and set on edge on the bottom at front about 5 or 6 in. from end, and nail it firm ; this forms the trough for food and drink. The cleats under bottom for strength. The object for leaving a space between the bottom oi side slat is to allow urine to es- cape. The object of cutting all the uprights same length and after- wards sawing i^ in. off is to avoid mistakes in putting sides together. Putting slats on the inside adds strength, as they can not then be push- ed off by tlie pig, and a moveable entrance saves breaking the crate and allowing it to be saved in a perfect condition for future use." Figure 6, shown on the opposite page, is the style of crate presented by the Swine Breeders'' Journal, as in some respects superior to those presented in the prize competition. A lengthy description of its man- facture is unnecessary. The advantages claimed for it are : The sav- ing of labor in its construction ; the improvement in closing the rear end, having two pieces instead of one; the working up of the material, using the same length in strips for the sides, top and bottom. The il- lustration is defective, in not showing the feeding apparatus, which is made in the form of an ordinary trough, by placing a single board [200] SHIPPING CRATES. across the front at whatever angle may be desired, after the style in Figure 3. The material used is }.< inch stuff, of tough, light wood, and all the strips are four inches wide. The uprights are X iach •square. Wrought iron nails are used in its construction. Fig. 6. The breeder should make up a lot of crates in winter or bad weather, of various sizes, and iceep on hand, stored in a dry place, so as to have a crate ready to box and ship a pig in a few minutes. The best material we have ever used is linn plank and sycamore posts; elm boards, well seasoned, are excellent; oak, sawed quite thin, is also good material; pine will do, but does not make as stout a box as the other woods men- tioned. A neat, nice box looks business-like and attractive. {201] ADVERTISING. Success in swine breeding depends largely upon sales at fair price?. To make sales a man ought to have good stock, and let the pnblic knosvr it. In other words, he must not " hide his light under a bushel.''' Ex- perience and observation demonstrate that the pioneer in improving live stock in a neighborhood usually has a " hard row to hoe.*^' II is- less enterprising neighbors rarely buy, unless they can buy stock at common stock prices. It is an old and true saying that " a prophet is not without honor save in his own country." And this saying applies to every improver of live stock. His neighbors are tlie last ones to ad- mit or recognize his enterprise or patronize him. He must make a name abroad before Iiis neighbors will take hold and help him, or even patronize him, by purchasing stock at such prices as he ought to have. The only way, then, for the breeder, is to put and keep himself before the public. This can be done to some extent by making exhibitions at State and county fairs; but this is a slow process, as men forget names, addresses and locations. Cards handed out help some, but they are visually thrown aside or lost, aTid by the time the person wishes to buy, the card is gone and the name and address with it. There is no aid equal to persistent and judicious advertising in agricultural and live stock pai>ers. Advertisements in sucli papers go to the persons the Tbreeder desires to reach. If a farmer has not enterprise and snap enough to take such periodicals, he has not sufficient sand and intelli- gence for the breeder to waste any time with. He is not up with the times, and you are fooling awaj'^ your time in trying to interest him in bettering his condition. Leave hiui for the patent hay fork or some other confidence game. Use the agricultural and live stock papers. They reach the intelligent and progressive farmers, who are the desira- ble customers, and tlie larger the circulation among the class you wish to reach, the better. Don't content yourself with one paper, but use several that have their chief circulation in different parts of the coun- try, and keep your advertisement in year in and year out. Spasmodic advertising of a week or two, or a month or so, is better than none, but H does not do the effective work of a standing advertisement that visits- [202] ADVEKTISING. the readers continually. The standing and continual advertisement impresses the reader with an idea of solidity, enterprise and determina- tion that a fitful, spasmodic or occasional one does not. Make your advertisement attractive by illustration or unusual display type, so a*, to catch the eye. Don't take a little three-line advertisement in one corner that a man can scarcely find, but such a one as the readers of the paper must see at a glance. And it is a good plan to give locatioi* of farm from railroad station. To keep step with such system of ad- vertising, it is important to have neat letter-heads to answer correspon- dence, and a nice circular or manual, giving families you are breeding, number of pigs raised, and when you have them, testimonials from . customers as to the character of shipments ; add to this such other mat- ters concerning your herd, or advice to breeders, as will make the cir- cular of some value to the inquirer. Wood cuts, illustrating animals of the herd, are good ; and, above all, describe particularly the location of farm, the nearest railroad station, the line of road, and if more than than one railroad, mention all. Advertising through advertising agencies is sometimes a good thing, if you can get a good combination of agricultural papers, but the combination of country papers is of lit- tle value. The paper that is* devoted to your particular kind of stock is the best medium, as it goes to men who are dealing in that kind of stock. Any good agricultural or live stock paper will pay you, if you advertise liberally and continuously. Purchasers that are not person- ally acquainted with you, are always impressed by the style and matter of you advertisement. Make it neat, concise and attractive. Do not he afraid to blow your oion horn vigorously ! When you get a customer write- him fully, and deil squarely with him. Do not neglect to answer all, communicatious and inquiries promptly and fully. r2n;- STATISTICS. The following statistical tables we have taken from the supplement to the Cincinnati Price Current of April 22, 1S86. They will aflbrd much information as to i^rices, amount of hog product, and value thereof, handled in tlie United States, as well as other valuable information to the careful and thou<>htfuI student: JWXT/TLY A VERA GE PRICES OF JMESS PORK FOR FORTY YEARS. Monthly and yearly average prices of mess pork in Cincinnati for 40 years, compiled Irom the weekly quotations of the Cincinnati Price Current: 1853. Januarj- .. February. . March April May June July August . . . . September. October November. December. Yearly Average 1846 1847 1818 1849 1850 1851 1852 10 40 9 10 7,50 10 05 8 50 10 80 12 60 !0 00 12 GO 7 6 10.10 8 65 11 55 13 8.-I 9 50 13 00 7 7S 9 40 8 65 12 10 14 75 9 20 13 65 7 80 9 05 9 45 18 60 16 30 9,00 14 50 7 60 9 10 9 30 14 25 16 45 9.00 14 £0 8.20 9 10 10 30 14 00 17,60 8 15 14 35 8. 55 9 05 10 10 13 25 19 75 8 00 U 2n 9 00 9 30 10 00 14 50 19 00 7 00 13 60 9 60 8 40 9 00 15 30 19 50 7 05 9 70 9 85 7 95 9 25 13 30 19 50 7 00 10 2' 9 60 7 80 10.20 12 50 14 75 7 75 10 80 9.55 9 20 10 50 12.25 16 85 8 FO 12 60 8 55 8 95 9 50 13 10 16 7" 16.15 U 75 14 50 14 40 14 75 14 65 14 10 11 00 14 40 14 85 12 80 11 60 14 25 January February . . 51 arch . . April May June July August September. October November J)ecember. , Yearly Averap:e 1854 1855 1856 1857 1858 1859 1860 12 20 14 75 15 40 17.15 17 10 15 30 15 60 16 55 16 80 15 10 16 20 17 50 12 00 16 25 13 95 20.75 15 70 16 15 17.60 14 5» 17 30 18 60 17 80 17 00 17 40 16 10 15 65 14 50 14 30 14 25 14 60 16 30 [204] STATISTICS. January. .. February . . March April May June July August September. October November. December. Yearly Average 1862 1863. 1864. 1865. 1866. 1867 1858 1869. 9.50 10.85 11.05 10 50 10 9 10 50 9 75 50 9 40 10 25 10 75 10 29 00 28.90 26.50 25 65 30.90 32 30 32 50 32 25 32 75 32 55 28 60 19 90 10,35 14 35 32 95 30 60 29 30 21 90 26.50 31 55 ro 29 45 95 33.20 31.55 31 20 30.75 32.45 32.80 33.20 32.10 31.15 31 oa 29.70 January. .. February. . March April May June July August September. October . . . November . December. . Yearly .\verage 1870 1871 1872. 1873 1874. 1875. 1876 1877. 26 50 16 10 13 30 15.20 18 80 20 65 19 40 14.1 17 40 15 90 14 50 15.35 14.75 13 60 13.90 13.05 12.90 14 10 12 5S 11.85 MONTH. 1878 1879 1880. 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885. Jaiuiarj- February 11,20 10.80 9 5)5 9 40 8 60 9 55 9 95 10 5 9 30 8 05 7 55 8 00 9 40 8.70 9 95 10 00 10.25 9 90 10.20 9.35 8.40 8.65 0.30 11 20 13 50 13,20 12.25 11.50 10 25 10.45 11.15 13 40 15 35 16.50 17.60 14.:d0 13.45 13.65 14.95 15 10 17.05 16 90 16 45 18.05 18,90 20 40 19.70 8 25 17 10 17.2'' 17,70 18.20 17 85 18.6 19.55 21.05 22,55 22..25 22.55 24 05 20.30 17.50 20 20 17 3- 18 20 18 45 18,90 20:10 18 35 15.63 14.01- 12.00 11.30 12 20 14.50 15 90 15 10 17 90 17.80 17 10 17 65 17 45 16 10 18,00 17,25 16,30 13 15 11 75 It; 30 12 35 i;5 05 12,75 12 10 May June ■^,- ■■■■ July 11 35 10 75 10 70 9 90 September 9.20 8 80 9 60 December :o 20 Yearly Average 10 8" 13.25 10 90 MONTHLY A YERAtiE PRICES OF LARD FOR FORTY YEARS. Monthly anil yearly the weekly quotations average prices of laid in Cincinnati for 40 of the Cincinnati Price Current: vears com lilecl from MONTH. '846 1847, 1848. 1849 1850. 1851 1852 1853. 6.50 5 85 5 75 5 .75 5 60 5 12 4.75 4 75 4.81 5 37 5..'0 5 s: 5 46 6 31 7 50 7 94 8,25 S 50 8,31 8.75 9 31 10.00 9 87 7 37 5 56 5.62 5,56 5-50 5 50 5.18 5 94 6.37 6 53 7 37 7 00 6 00 6 06 6.12 6 75 5.75 5 64 6 75 6 00 6.15 6 12 5 75 5 37 5 4} 5 37 5 50 5 7c 5 75 5 81 6 25 6 75 6.50 6 25 6 50 6 75 6,75 7,00 7 25 7 50 7.75 8 00 8 75 9.00 8 25 8 75 8 87 8 00 6 95 6 81 7.25 7 75 8.18 8.75 9 25 9 37 10 25 10 .50 11 00 11 00 10 00 10 25 9 87 February March April May .' June ...... 8 94 8 94 8.90 9.44 9.50 July August — September October. . . 9.50 9.62 10.12 ;0.50 November 8 94 8.22 verage . . . Yearly A S It 6 05 5 17' 6 30 7.15 9 49 9.37 [2;)5j THE HOG IN AMERICA. MONTH. 1854. 8 22 9 00 8. 56 8 73 9 00 9.00 8 81 9 75 10 12 0.00 8 69 H 9- 1855. 1856. 1837. 1858 1859. 1860. 1861 8.50 8 62 8 78 9.50 9 56 9 81 10 00 10 44 11 31 12 00 11.87 10 22 9 28 9 44 9.12 9 18 9 62 10 12 11.31 11 75 12 18 12 25 10 37 10.78 11 37 12 22 13 44 ;3 81 14 09 14.25 14 37 14.87 15.00 lo'io 9.00 8 87 8 97 9 50 10 31 10.72 10.31 10 25 10 62 10 59 9 94 10 37 10 94 11.06 11.69 11.31 11.00 11.31 11.18 11.00 10 50 10 78 10 56 10 06 10.09 11.03 10 34 10 18 10.25 10.7? 11.40 12 40 12 75 12.75 11 92 10.44 8 94 9 75 9 34 TVrarrh 9 06 9 25 jVIay " ' 8 69 %June July 8 34 8.03 8 06 8 OU 8 12 November 7.34 7.12 Yearly Average 04 10 05 10 4''> 12 98 10 03 10 88 11 09 8 42 January February March April AJay -»Jnne -July August September October November December Yearly Average 1862 1868 1864 1865. 1866 1867. 1868 1869 (i 75 9.25 (! 84 9.94 7 28 10 40 7 25 9 81 7 62! 9.51 7 56 9 56 7 87| 9 50 ^.56 9 62 8 75 9.87 ■S 75 10.44 '.t.OO 11 50 8 75 12 25 12.75 12 00 12 69 13 12 13.06 15.50 18 50 20.50 22 12 19 87 21.44 22 62 7 91 10 14 17.06 20 55 17 50 12 54 16.77 18 43 19 00 19 44 18 31 18.06 17.88 19 00 19 12 19.18 18 56 17 06 17.25 18.25 MONTH. 18 "0 1871 . 1872 1873 1874. 1875. 1876 1877. -January ¥"ebruary 6 76 15 69 14 0& 15 81 6 25 15 94 16.01 16 06 4 97 r. 7© 13.37 U 53 11 85 12 62 12 15 11 15 10 57 9 87 10 23 9 00 8 75 8 97 8 81 8.71 8 87 8 87 8 50 8.. 56 8 69 8 70 8 60 8 50 8 50 7.60 7 60 7.12 7.35 7 55 7 90 8 65 8 80 8 25 8 43 8 06 7.9t 7 56 6 90 8.15 7 96 8 65 8 75 8 78 9 75 I'VSO 10 75 11 31 13 72 13 87 12 90 '3 25 13 0.' 11 28 13 40 13 54 13 65 15 35 14 98 12 80 12 65 13 30 13 06 13 40 12 37 12 40 13 30 12.50 13.37 13.40 11 77 11 00 10 81 10 27 10.40 9 92 9 87 10 18 10 92 10.15 9 30 9 73 May -June -July 9 35 8 70 8 85 8 40 "September October Kovember 8 65 8 50 7 90 7 80 Yearly Average '5 IS 10 22 8 26 14 41 11 32 7 03 January . . . February . . March April May ^ane July August September. October November . December. Yearly Average. 1878. 1879 1880. 1881 1882. 1883. 10 40 1884. 7 37 5 85 7 38 8 85 19 05 8.78 7 25 6.60 7 21 9.80 10 80 11.10 9.48 7.02 6 42 7 11 10 37 10 50 11.10 9 04 6 95 6 09 6 92 10 70 U.20 11.16 8.40 8 66 6.02 6 80 10.70 11.30 11.4.-i 8.10 fi 80 6.10 6 6-. 10 70 11.47 9 75 7.68 6 94 5 87 6 87 11 90 12 30 8 60 7.00 7 31 6 56 7 62 11.25 12 37 8 20 7.65 6 50 5 74 7 92 11.85 12 30 7 8 7.48 6 .3 6.10 8 12 11 80 12 57 7 40 7 30 5.80 6.63 8 19 11.10 11 42 7 70 7.05 5.53 7.50 8 43 10 95 10 . 50 8.65 6 67 6 69 6.20 7 43 10 85 U 50 9 45 7.88 6 87 7 02 6 95 6.90 6.60 6.45 6. 52 6 20 6.10 5.90 6 05 6.00 6.43 The tables on the opposite page presient the export of live stock, and growth of the export trade, for tlie yt'ars therein mentioned, f20(;i STATISTICS. EXPORTS OF LIVE STOCK. Foreign exports of Lire Cattle, Hogs and Sheep, for sixteen years, ending June 30r YEAR ENDING JUNE 30. Cattle head. Hogs, head. Sheep, head. 3873 35,455 56,067 57,211 51,593 50,001 80,040 136,720 182,756 185,707 108,110 104,444 190,518 135,890 99,720 158,581 64,979 68,044 65,107 29,284 75,129 83.434 77,4^6 36,368 16,129 46,382 55,025 66,717 1874 125,248 1876 124,416 1876 110,312 877 179,017 1878 184,959 1879 215,681 1880 209.480 J881 173,919 3882 139.676 1883 337,251 1884 273,874 1885 234,509 GROWTH OF THE EXPORT TRADE. The following from the Bureau of Statistics, shows the growth of the export trade in hog products during twenty-six years, to June 30, 1885: TEAR. *Bacon, lbs Pork, lbs. Lard, lbs. |Total Value. J86€..< 1861.. 3862.. 1863.. 1864.. 3865,. 1866.. 1867.. 1868.. 1869.. 1870.. 1871.. 1872.. 1873.. 1874.. 1675.. 1876.. 1877.. 1878.. 1879.. 1880.. 1881.. 1882.. 1883 . 1884.. 1885.. 25,844,610 50,264,267 141,212,786 218,243,609 110,886.446 46,0-4,034 37,588,930 25,648.226 43,659,01)4 49,228,165 38.968,256 71,446,854 246,208,143 395,381,737 347,405,405 250,286,549 327,730,172 460,057,146 592,814,351 73^,249,576 739,773,109 746,944,545' 468 026,640 340,2.i8,670 386,499,368 4n9J 27.119 40,956,680 31,305,810 61,830,910 65,576.075 63,519,400 41,790,990 30,056,877 27,374,788 28,690," '33 24,439,832 24,639,831 39,250,750 57J69,518 64,147,461' 70.482,379 56,152,331 54,199,118 69 671,894 71,889,255 84,401,676 95,949,780 107,928,006 80,447,066 62,116,302 60,363,313 72,073.46* 40,289,519 47,908,911 118 573,307 155,336,596 97,190,765 44,480,136 30. 11 0,4 il 45,808,031 64,5.-5,462 41,887-,545 3%808,530 83,037,297 199^651,660 2304534,207 205^527,471 106^869,393 168;405,839 234s74J,233 343,766,254 326,658,686 374,979,286 378; 142,496 250,867,740 224.7 8,474 2(5&,094,719 2SS,216.339 I 9.951,61a 12,187,454 24,275,246 38,748,625 29,412,085 26.522,274 17,028,031 13,523.477 18,172,481' 18.348,936 15,309,647 22,992,023' 43,426,519 61,274.987 58; '^00.686 57,184,630 67,837,963 8 ,371,491 86.687,858 78,738,674 84,838.242 104,660.065 82,852,946 70,966,268 69,740.456 64.883,110 THE AGGREGATES FOR EACH YEAR. The aggregate pounds of product exported each year, and average export value per pound, are as follows: *Bacon includes ham. YEAR. Total lbs. Value TEAR. Total lbs. Value. I860 107,090.809 ]29,478,98S 321,617,003 439,156,280 271596,611 132,325,169 97.7=16,160 9K631,134 136.904,6-9 115,55.5,542 99,416,617 191,734,901 503,029.321 9 30 9 41 7.55 8 82 10.83 20 04 17 42 13 71 13 27 15,88 15 40 12 0-. 8 99 873 690.063,705 623,41.5,255 473,308,273 5 0,33 1,129 Tfil i7ft 97^ 8 8S 1861 874 875 . 9 3^ 1862 . 12 08 1863 1864... 1876 1877 . . 12 32 10 64 1865 '878 1 norifio'sfifi 8 60 1866 1867 1879 1880 1,143,309,938 1.230,702,17'. 1233,015,127 798,881,846 €27,093,446 7 4.957,700 755.416.926 6 90 6 89 3868 1881 . 8 49 1869 1882 . 10 37 1870 1883 ... 11 38 1871 1884 ... 9 75 1872 '885 8 59 [207: THE HOG IX AMERICA. MONTHLY A:^I> YEARLY AVERAGE PRICES OF PORK AXD LARD. Yearly average prices of mess pork and Lard in Cincinnati, and liigliest and lowest monthly average prices, for 40 years: Calendar Years. 1885 1884 1883 1882 1881 1880 1879 1878 1877 1876 1875 1874 1873 1872 1871 1870 1869 1868 1867 1866 1865 1864 1863 1862 1861 1860 1859 1858 1857 1856 1855 1854 1853 1852 1851 1850 1849 1848 1847 1846 MESS PORK. $ 8.80 11.75 11.30 17 50 13 6> 10 25 8 40 7 55 11 85 16 05 18.75 15 05 12 45 12 00 12 25 18,80 29 45 20,50 19 55 19 90 24 90 20 2.5 12 90 9.49 9 40 14 35 14 25 12 20 13 45 14,15 11.40 11.05 11.60 12 60 10 80 8 50 7 80 7.50 9.10 7.00 KS .^18 05 18 00 20.10 24.05 20.40 17 60 13 50 11.20 17.40 23 00 22 , 10 23 50 17.35 14 15 22.15 80.05 33.20 30.60 24.20 32 7b 41.10 43 35 18 70 11 05 16.95 19.50 18 60 17.50 25.00 19 00 20 00 13 40 16.15 19 75 14.50 10 50 10 10 9 85 14.50 10 40 LARD. $ 6.45 $ 5.90 7.88 6.67 9.45 7.40 11. £0 10.50 10.85 8.85 7 43 6.65 6.20 5.56 6 69 5.53 9 08 7.80 11 32 9.87 13.41 12.37 11.28 8 65 7 9ti 7.90 8.26 7 12 10.^2 8.71 15.15 11. P8 18.43 17 0(i 16.77 12 .37 12.54 12.12 17.50 11.94 2^55 17.18 17.06 12 re 10.14 9.25 7 91 6 75 8.42 7.12 11 09 8 94 10 88 10.06 10.03 8,97 12 98 9 00 10. 45 9 12 10 65 8 50 9,04 8.22 9 37 8 22 9 49 7 2.T 7.15 6 81 6 30 5 50 5.75 5.37 6.05 5.18 8.14 5 56 5 46 4 75 % 7.02 9.48 11.45 12.57 11.85 8 43 6 63 7.37 10.92 13.40 15. 3S 13 87 8 81 8.87 12 62 16.75 19.44 19 40 13 37 23.31 23.28 22.62 12 25 9.00 9.75 12.75 11.69 10.94 15 00 12 25 12.00 10.10 10. 'i2 11.00 0.00 7.00 6 15 7 37 10 00 6 .'50 MOXTHLY WEIGHT OF HOGS A T CHIC A GO FOR TEX YEARS. Reported average weight of hogs weighed monthly at the Union Stock Yards for tea years : MONTHS. January. . February, March. . . . April May June July August .. . September October... November December 1885 1884 258 242 240 218 229 204 223 217 226 283 232 226 233 235 228 239 236 238 238 241 250 261 249 272 1883 ; 1882 1880 1879 1878 1877 265 276 280 253 266 236 270 257 241 219 242 239 230 218 225 231 225 225 223 223 229 231 229 231 230 229 224 227 228 237 2-29 238 23.S 252 240 243 247 250 251 2-2 262 264 268 2«5 264 264 277 27-1 1876 281 262 22 L 217 228 233 234 243 246 256 262 267 [208] STATISTICS. SWIXE IX THE rXITED ST A TES. The number of swine in the United States, of all ages, in Janiiarv. with totals: Ohio Indiana.. . . Illinois — Iowa Missouri . . . Kansas . . . . Nebraska.. Minnesota. Wisconsin . Michigan . Kentucky . Tennessee . 12 packing States. Following States.. Maine >iewHampshire . Vermont Massachusetts. . . Rhode Island ■Connecticut New York New Jersey — Pennsylvania .. Delaware Maryland Virginia. West Virginia . North Carolina . South Corolina.. Georgia Florida. Alabama Mississippi l^ouisiana Texas Arkansas California Oregon Nevada . . Colorado Teritories 1886. 2,443,457 2,774,199 3,967,961 4,849,008 4,1 8,091 2,275,178 1,312,784 440,540 1,056,265 840,682 2,032,138 2,122,646 Total in United States 29,280,949 16,811,094 70,702 54,404 74,115 77,616 14,395 61,7{-2 722,060 193,795 1,103,391 44,431 299,868 875,256 416,133 1,356,558 567,181 1,565,978 298.108 1,351,152 1,212,144 580,790 2 411,727 1,692,385 1,027,598 191,601) 14,399 17,032 526,514 1=85. 2,467,128 2,801,211 4,090,681 4,800,698 4,210,193 2,208,911 1,679 200 431.9 3 1,066,934 849,174 2.052,665 2,021,568 28,080.565 16,462,092 71,416 64,404 74,115 81,701 14,840 62,4^6 736,796 206,165 1,114,536 44,431 309 142 795,687 •« 16,133 1,432,509 567,181 1,^97.937 307,328 1.3il,1.52 1,224,388 563.874 2,233,081 1,659,181 978,665 187,843 14,256 14.193 348,732 1884. 46,092,043 4-.142.657 2.442,701 1,642,652 4,010,472 4,800,998 4,087,556 2,103,725 3,786,383 411.335 1,046,014 840,766 1,954,919 2,127,986 28,255,297 15,915,736 71,416 55,056 74,864 80,099 14,549 62,406 736,796 212,541 1,092.602 45,805 325.413 820,269 424,626 1,364,?94 578.755 1,582,116 313,600 1.28B,811 1,177,296 626,527 2,011,785 1,550,636 950,160 184,160 13,200 12,342 277,165 44.200,893 1886. 1885. 1884. 1883. 1882. 1881. 1880. 1879. 1878. 46,092,013 45 142.657 .44,200,893 43,270.086 44,122,200 36,227,603 34.034.100 33,7H6,20O 32,262,500 lts77.. 1876. . 1875.. 1874. . 1873. . 1872. . 1871.. 1870. . 1869. 28,077,100 25,726,800 28,062,200 30,860,900 32,632.000 31,796,300 .29,457,500 .26,750.600 .23,316,400 >S W'IXE IX THE rXITED KIXGDOM. Exclusive of those ke))t in towns and by cottagers with less than one-fourth of an acre. PROVINCES. Kngland Wales.. . tseotland Ireland., Total 1885. 1884. 2,2C7 444 217,387 159,560 1,306,195 1883. 1882. 2,036.665 225,731 150.981 1,269,123 2,231,195 229.964 156,598 1.351,990 2,122,625 283,694 154,083 1,429,930 3,672,5 2 3,890,586 3,969,747 3,940,332 [209] THE HOG IX AMERICA. Including the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, the total number of ewine, cat- tle and sheep in the United Kingdom in 1885 compares with 1884 as follows: 1885. 1884. Swine 3,686,6 J8 3.906,205 Cattle 10,868,760 10,472,76-2 Sheep 30,086,200 20,886,787 Aggregate ,44,941,58S 43,705,754 POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES. The following table shows the census returns of the United States as to population 1880 50,155 783 1870 38,558.371 I860 31,443,321 1850 23,191876 1840 17,069,453 1830 12 866.020 1820 9,633.822 1810 7,239.88 1800 6,308,4KS 1790 3,929,214 For the decade from 1870 to 1880 the increase in population was almost exactly equiv.alent to 2 per cent, gain annually, with the yearly immigration added. Immi- gration for years ending June 30 is shown in the following: 1881 669,431 1882 788,992 1883 603.322 18?4 518,59? 1885 395,346 1886, estimatee 300,000 Applying 2 per cent, increase annually ending the immigration, the population on June 30 for yeai's since 1880 is shown in the following, the immigration of the current year being estimated at 3)0,OCO : 1881 51,828,000 1 1882 53,854,000 1883 55,330.000 1 1884 56,955,00 1885 58,490.000 1886 59,960' 60 PERCENTAGE YIELD OF LARD. Percentage yield of Lard of alliindsper 100 pounds, of gross weight of hogs, for five winter seasons: 1885-86. 1884-85, 1883-84. 1882-83. 1881-82. Chicago ■ 14 96 14.10 13.65 13.50 14.66 Kansas City 14 ?4 13.84 14.39 14.07 15.04 St. Louis 13.33 13.32 13.39 13.36 13.83 Cincinnati 13.25 13.01 13.02 13.45 13.93 Indianapolis 11.14 12 85 11.89 11.87 12.02 Milwauk e 12.17 12.31 11.33 12.14 12 9". Louisville 11.23 11.05 11.15 11.25 11. e?* Average. 7 cities 14.09 18.60 13.31 13.29 14.U At interior points 12.40 13.31 12.99 13.26 13.18 At all points 13 56 13.51 13.22 13.27 13.87 Percentage yield at interior points by States:— 18S5-86. 1881-85. 1883 84. 1882-83. 1881.82. Ohio 12.88 12.93 12 59 12.82 12.6ti Indiana 12.27 12.43 12.81 13.00 12.1S Illinois 11. 8-. 13.'5 13.21 lh.21 12 99 Iowa.. 12.:^7 13.59 13,32 13.66 14.17 Missouri 12.93 13.25 13.04 13.11 14 13 Kan.sas 12.65 12.04 13.12 12.80 12.S2 Nebr.a.ska 13 95 15.80 15.04 14.86 14.01 Minnesota 10.08 9.05 8.92 9.21 9.:':i Wisconsin 10.94 10.91 9.64 10.81 9 87 Michigan 10.<'7 11.31 11,60 11.52 11. fO^ Kentucky 10.87 12.7 11.63 12.04 11..30 Tenne.ssee 13 18 13.10 12.58 13.03 13.6 Miscellaneous 12.93 13.51 13.74 13.38 12.75 Average .. 12.40 13.31 12.99 13.26 13. 1« [210] STATISTICS. s CT 3 3 a- c p & CD •^ O O (B V 3 •a a S rt o ■^cooK£)^£•^^^ JO PI 03 --0000*^ bSCOdtOOCJ'COMOCtf^COH^CDi. CCrfikCriOCDO^JNStf^OSOSt Soi**-*Ooc!it^t-'c;io-i--tfr-CO ■ oocorf^bSo:oo«Do COOi— 'C"H-'lCO>f>'fc£iOC: t-' Olj ZC kO hZ> OS i» KJ -; tf^oo — cnt^-^^'-Oooi'— 05*-i— '•-• — ooc CJ' bS O -^ ".00-— OOCnt£^^^ ^ -^O Oi M- Ol NS CO *>' in CO -^IJD *^5*^^J^i-' ^ ^ Wi-'i>so-:i:ocoo:i-'W'^t*QcOoo'— cocDi-'oD tf*-bSOOi>s-qc;n05»-*h-'rs5-^OoaxoaiC7tOS'®>— • p^COjD Wj-:) 35 en CO CO CO CO ''t J* ^» W COW bOj-" ^ Oi't-'to'co'o o'cilo Co'to'cD o'-'cn CTJ *>■ rf». O CO p C3^*-lsDGC004^«DCJi-^-^i£>C7»COCnCn&Db»^-"^^ to ►— 00 t* oi o CO CO -^ o; cc^toj^^o^jo^p^ c* ^^ en en -^ en **to^^'cn I— '^O O'CnCO-r t^k-'CnCO^ -^co»cD-^coowi-'-:)wco**<:oc;i-'5Pt:S^*^21- O **■ in -^1 oi rf». 00 O i^ "^i^jf^i^r^i^^^^^i^ ^ "co^^ co'fco'tf^'cn'o'c.-' CO c:'rf»-"^ t«i"o -i co ^ ts JL 05 00 to CD en ^1 rr» CO 00 t*^ - -1 c- ^ "■'■■'' ^^ -^ •-•■' — o;fcOo. "-ii-'OocoH-soco4»'CO>- C0C0CObOC«tCbSb£>bSbS ,—.-.._ . : ■• - 00 O ( : CO -M < Nj CD ro CD I— CD *k to CS »-• CI ' 0-socot£Oc Qobi»^»-'CObCi*-.cnbDCDb;C5bo'^rf^bococoo ^2 3 ^ a ~ 5- "5" 5' 2. §1 l« — o a p„ O- P 1-1. n t n> o p. 3 -„ 11 o X .? I [2ir THE HOG IN AMERICA. o< 5 « = 4j >r £ 0) ji to s a Co* 0.2 a o a o 2 3>2 '-' •5-2 E »— t^T^^-^oow^s^oa»l-lr^o^coQO^o^>-OI-'-- 5ooocol^^»-cnLr5ooOQDcot3coac1— «pH05h-o tt'MCSJ^-^'-'COt ; :0 O CO g; H rH iri c^ ?1 t- t— I X- X O CO ooo'*^a>^-'^:o:ooog;'— ' ">Jcoiccocor-iQo ■ C^ OS to 5^ — --H lo 00 ^t'crTto ci :o o o 1— ' G0>O * OS j5 -^ t- (Ti '^ o: c^ c ^2 O lO 05 I- c ■ :o CSC CO tJ4 3: lo ic -~ — -- rj< ;0 I— I ITS U3 t- ^OOOOOXiOf— 00X'<*'? ' -<* -Ti-Tr-H oT-dH^oo -^ GO oToin cd'gc - o;;0 CO rH «ooo COC0COC^"***L-X00O5Oi-^-«S'(Ni« occoo -♦< ao:o coaococqccOi:oao-^oso50i I-- CO «^ 't* X) CO o OS ! " .OSOCC50;->01XCO'3MCOCOiOt-.'— iX>i -^tO'--co*^'+•X)^coasosoc^^-i!Od5'^^"oi55ico "9 00 S O 1— I -— I 0^ .^ CO O 00 tJt I- CO t- -^ b-. 1— Ift u'5 000000000000< r/OSOOOoOOOOOOOkOC ^ j»j ^ 1^ ^ O ^"^ ' — '""« "^ ""^ '"'-•"■ •-- » i> c£r=ri-'"cro"': . ^-^ _ -CTt*«^iM(MiOOi — t^-«*XG^iOr-HOCO'-^ ' -* S? O CO 00 o o ». 05 O C C2 --O CO O r— 05 OS 05 oo-i«oo-^i-to; — tooi Oi'Xwi0500iOOCOC^COCOir5(--i-tCOOt>- t: 9S ffi P '^ *^ « :* *® «o ►• 00 ® o 1-^ <« w-^ ws •:D:9coi»i>.b-i>.fr-b.b-b.t>> 3 00 00 00 00 00 ■o oi 3 c; s: C H STATISTICS. WEIGHT OF HOGS AXD LA RD COMPARISOyS FOR 18 WiyTERS. The average of gross weight of hogs and yield of lard per hog, and the aggregate pounds of hogs packed, and total production of lard, during winter seasons, in the West as shown in the following: Winters. Average Gross weiglit per Hog. Total libs of Hogs, gross weight. Yield of Lard, all kinds. Total lbs of Lard, all kinds. 1885-86 258.98 266 51 251.44 267 02 262 70 2.-.9 63 266 17 271.42 282. 5i ?69 90 1,631,317,504 1,721,732,330 1,358,296 767 1. 637, 4 < 2,67.5 1,509,918,8411 1,796.56 S82 1,8:0,085,647 2,0.^0,439,080 1,838, i:«, 70:; 1,376.847,611; ],3-28,070,02(; 1,459,549,3-21 1,468,908,71:1 1,571,899,10:! 1,374,729,23] 35 22 36.02 33 25 35 43 36 44 35 65 36 32 39 40 38 61 34.08 35 45 34.20 35.02 40 08 38 54 221,881,069 232,708,378 179 6-29,538 1884-85 1883-84 1882-83 1881-82 217,485,283 309,472,775 1880-81 246,677, '45 1879-80 252,439.188 1878-79 294,752,358 1877-78 251,193,500 1876-77 173,877.890 1875-76 1874-75 1873-74 272.13 262 21 268 71 290 53 284 52 173,016,580 190,380.607 191,444,035 1872-73 1871-72 216,84.5,385 188,603,317 RELATIVE COST OF HOGS, PORK AND OTHER PRODUCT. During the past winter, 1885, the relation between value of green meats and of lard, exclusive of cost of packing, has averaged at Chicago about .as follows: Short rib sides, $5.00; shoulders, 3.70; hams, $7.20; lard, 5 70— per pound. On this basis, and with the proportion of yield previously stated, the Cincinnati Price, Current submits- the following table as closely exhibiting the cost of the various leading articles of hog; product, at stated prices for hogs: Hogs, Sides, Shoulders, Hams, Lard, Mesa gross. green. green. green. tierces. Pork. 3 00 3 98 3 00 5 73 4.89 8 35 3.25 4 31 3 25 6 21 5 27 8.95 3.60 4 65 3 50 6 63 5 65 9 55 3.75 4 98 3 75 7.16 6.03 10 15 4.00 5 31 4 00 7 64 6 41 10.75 4.25 5 64 4 25 8 12 6 79 11.35 4.50 5 97 4 50 8 60 7.17 11.95 4.75 6 30 4 75 9 08 7 55 12 55 5.00 6 64 5 00 9.55 7 92 13.15 6.25 6 97 5 25 ]0 ' 3 8 30 13.75 5 50 7.30 5 ."-O 10 51 8 68 14 35 5 75 7 63 5 75 10 99 9 06 14 95 6 00 7 97 6 00 11.46 9 44 15 55 6.95 8 30 6 25 1194 9 82 16.15 6 50 8 63 6 50 12 42 10 20 16 75 6.75 8 96 6.75 12 89 10.58 17.35 7.00 9 30 7 00 13 36 10.95 17.95 7.25 9 63 7.25 13 81 11. ?3 18 55 7.50 9 96 7 50 14 32 11.71 19 15 775 10 29 7 75 14 80 12.09 19.75 8.00 10.63 8 00 15 27 12 46 20 35 In the above, 35 cents per 100 poun Is is allowed for cost of lard package. Rules governing the packing of me^s pork require 193 pounds of green meat to be packed ia each barrel. It is assumed that the cu's for mess pork average about 5 per cent, be- low short rib sides in value, and that $1 15 approximately covers cost of package and salt; it was higher than this a portion of the time in the early part of the winter at Chicago. On the basis of calculation here submitted, the average cost of mess pork made at Chicago the past winter has been about $:o 18 per barrel; lard in tierces, ?6 05 per 100* [213] THE HOG IN AMERICA. pounds. The average cost of cured short ribs has been about |5 .25 and shoulders |3.90 per 100 pounds; green hams, $7.20 per 100 pounds. The general average for the entire West would be slightly less. The foregoing shows the cost of the articles mentioned from a given price for hogs. By taking a given price of mess pork to show what would be the relative price of hogs to make the same, and like calculations for green sides, the exhibit is as follows, on the relation of values of product previously noted: Hogs. 3 01 3 20 3 39 3 f8 3 77 3 96 4 15 4 34 4.52 4.71 4 90 5 09 5 27 6 46 6 65 6 84 6 03 6.22 6.41 6 60 6 78 6 97 7.16 7 35 ■20.00 7 84 10 00 '.'...'..'...'....'..'.'.'.'.'.'. .'.'.'.V.'.'.7 .5S The relation between prices of mess pork, lard green short rib sides, and cured rib sides, on the basis of the average relation at Chicago the past winter, is indicated in the following, at stated prices for mess pork : Mess Pork, barrel $ 900 l^ard, 100 lbs 5 30 Green Short Rib Sides 4 35 Cured Short Rib Sides 4 56 Mess Pork, barrel $12 00 I>iird, 100 lbs 7 2> Green Short Rib Sides 6.01 Cured Short Rib Sides 6 31 Pork. Hogs .Sides. 8 00 2.85 4 00.. 8 50 3.05 425.. 9 00 3.26| 4 50.. 9 !50 3 47 4 75.. 10 00 3 68 500.. 10 50 8 89 5 25.. 11,00 4 10 550.. 11.50 4 31 5,75.. 12 00 4 52 6 00.. 12 .50.... 4,73 6 25.. 13 00 4 93 650.. 13 .=iO 5 14 6 75.. 34 00 5 35 700.. 14 50 5 56 725.. 15.00 6.76 7.50.. 15. .50 5 97 7 75. . 16.00... 6 18 8 00. 16 50 6 39 8 25.. 17 00 6 ."^9 8 .50.. 17.50 6 80 875.. 18 00 7 01 9 00.. 18 .50 7 22 9 25.. 19 00 7 42 9 50.. 19 50 7 63 975.. 9 50 10 00 10 50 11 00 11.50 5 62 5 93 6.25 6 57 6.88 4 62 4 90 5 18 5 45 5.73 4.85 5 14 5.44 5.72 6.01 12 50 13 00 13 50 14 00 14.50 7 51 7 83 8 14 8 46 8.77 6 28 6 56 6.84 7.J1 7 39 6 59 6 88 7 14 7 46 7.7& TOTAL PACKING AT THE LARGE CITIES AND ALL INTERIOR POINTS. Total number of Hogs packed at the seven large cities, Chicago, Cincinnati, Kansas City, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Louisville and Indianapolig, and total at all other or "in- terior " points, for eleven winter seasons: Total at Seven Cities. 1886 4,507,171 1885 4,621054 1884 3,867,485 1883. 4,450,940 1882 4,118,978 1881 5,047.488 1880 4,769,934 1379 5,524,142 1878 4,75'^,017 1877 3,407,103 1876 3,288,122 Total Interior. 1.79 '.824 1,839,186 1,534.579 1.681,272 1.62 ■',782 1.871,968 2,18',2I7 1,9'6,506 1,752,429 1.694,205 1.592,013 Total All Points. 6,298,995 6,460.240 6,402,064 6,132,212 6,747,760 6,919.450 6,950.4.-1 7,480,648 6,505,446 5,101,308 4,880,135 [214] STATISTICS. OOOOOOQOGOGOaOOCaOODOOOOOOGrOOOOOOODCKOOOOOOCJCODOOOCiaoQOODaDOOOOC r I I I i L I r I I TT ffrf^rr? rrrr , rv , ^^^ b© CO O ►**> CO 'o O "^ 00 Oi CO O "W" ococn4-:DODOa: oo3o^<:o»^'OOt>£' COCOCOCO*«>COk*^CC*>'05»*^tf>.»*!>.OiCOCCW*'C003WOiCiO;Oi cDComo;t>5tno»**»^jc toco-io-ic^o»a50;otccocotw.x ooooo-^coCTosoo*^-! '('■^ as a:"o c: go oi cc"© co cc"to OOOOOOOCO"— -^tacDCDCSC-'"'* " rt C:i CO «> CO 00 CO C»5 CO t'i' CO ***■!>£ ►**■ tn^Cn W CO a:octaooicoococoba'— 'CowjecnwtfkQot^rf^*^ O^I — COCrtCCO:OOCnCtyi^OOOCTM*lOwCO ocoo^ciOo:^c«co**-ccio;U)i#»«Oo^ooOi--«i i— ' c^ ^- t^ (^ uu "^ (;ji *— ' ' O— JCiOOCOOCOOc 0*-GC0000h-0( (-"tJii-Jh-'t-'b&WbSCOrfi.Oit^tfi-COl^Ot'rBOtrffcCOCOM**!?^ ■— J»*-QO^-"»'o t-i u.Occ©i:D':oc3:o o-occoxi^fr^oocoh-OiOiwOcoo; >— CCC' — CCtf'tOrf^'tft^OlCOC^i^lObi'ODO o H-> CO ^ <:o ifte c ^ k-i (_i fc-i I-" ■— I t-< I— ' bC CO C»r IsS U) »-. bs 00 *■ CO CO CO to fc© 00 CO ^ 5 ■-; '^ *^cooei-'i-'cocncncDQc*»ooococni>5^*' — 0:0000: » ti- bO CO o: CO w fD (^ sb£i"»f»-i>fii— '^^icccotou' — ctw— ji^uT— *>Ooicoooc7io;c ■^ ^ "^ -^ OOOOOOOOi- . i--^;0QCI>B00bD*— 'I— 'CSt^UJ (H^ocooo;.»f-o;ooo»f^o:u'aou)i— 'cox^itoo^vioo wt-»wco*».MCOb*b©fcSb5t-« v->i-* — it-" !-«<-' bSCO CO b«bS^^b©^«i-'fca^^O^-'^-«^J^-J^ 00C0C0OO0DC0**WX>4;i<:0:Di— 'Oi^bD"— '-^GOCOCOCOI;S)f>'Qit: Jf»-O5C0j-'j-qCOJ*p--qo I— ' 05 CO bS O^ O J^^ bO JO^^ ^ CO^^__^J<_^^ fc-» JJ"^ jf^J; O O O O O ^ —1 OC Xi'cn'oo'-^'CO O rs&'»(h. in O X b£> O — C» t« CO^-^-OOhti^aihSbJ'- 00-qcOt 00000^ —lOCXi en aO-^COOrstrffc.inOXb£>0 — C»t«COK-^-0Ohti^aih5b£'-00-qcOl OOOOCOOOCOCOOCO*IC7iC00050i— '■^^'XOOCO^*'»^'-^fa■Oil— 'OCJiOJO'— Oh-c OOOOCOOOCQOOiOOi— *:j«0*^CO':OH-0:000'bi'C. --ix--iw*»'Os:o;o^t9H*'ti» (_Juj )--»»-'»Ol- _ - -5b»i-'QOCr?W_. ._ .,, . , __._. ,_. ._. - «*icio;co^:DbSbOCJiiX)tocj^*>'Orf-*--ibD-iQOOcntcc;**i— 'O»asb»o 3 *i o C71 00 (^ : toco OiCO C.ib©CO 00 CO "to — t— ' CO -lo c; «,_.co4-0DCOCOCsb»a: b£. CO CO CO CO 00^ *^^ **'P'*'J^^^ **■ Qi-^cji—ico*-' y*«it;ibD*»- --ic;i-<)Ot— 'i^oooiC -- — 4^orf-*--ibD-iQoocntcc;**i— '0»asb»c ;--J l-:-JX' -J 00 , j^- 00 ^J ^*^S^S^^^^^^ cd":d Cico'o'x c;^"io H-i^'o%'b£>"** co^co V>o"^ _ b»a: iXXor:x — t>»OH-*".cooo-^**oo CSH-X'CO-i-OOCOXiCT*— t«CO -■lb='**ODOOOin - X Cfi X [215] THE HOG IX AMERICA. Y£A RLY C O.VPA RISOXS. Number of Hogs packed in the West for the twelve months ending March 1st, for Sf teen years: ^ ^. Summer. Winter. Total. 1885-86 4,954,572 6,298,995 11,263.567 1884-85' 4,058,868 6,-160,240 10,R19,]08 1883-84' 3,781,036 5.40-2,064 9,183,100 J882-83 ' 3,210,787 6,132,212 9,342,999 1881-82 4,803,689 5.747.760 10,551,449 1S80-81 5,323,898 6,919,456 12,243,354 1879-80 4.051,248 1,950,451 11,001,699 1878-79 3,878,044 7,480,648 10.858,792 1877-78' 2,543,120 6,505,446 9 018,566 1876-77 2,307 866 5,101,308 7,409,174 1875-76 1,262,343 4,880.135 6,142,478 1874-75 1.200,444 5,566,226 6.76';,670 1873-74' 1,062,916 5.466,200 6.529.116 1872-73 " 506,500 5,110,314 5,915,814 1871-72.!! 250,000 4,831,558 5,081,558 For years ending October 31, the aggregate number of Hogs packed in the West for twelve months, has been as follows: 1885 ■ 11,424,812 1877 7,644,428 1884' 9,460,932 | 1876 7,188,001 1883' ' ! " 9.9^3 248 | 1375 6,828,569 1882 8.958,547 1874 6,669,644 1881 11,723 145 1 1873 6,47S,230 1880' 12,274,349 I 1872 5,337,058 1879 11,P31,896 1871 -^945,251 1878 9.883.990 I WINTER HOG PRODUCT MADE. By taking the aggregate gross weight of hogs packed, allowing 36 per cent, for sides, 9 per c nt. for shoulders, and 11 per cent, for hams, and allowing for amount of sides and shoulders made into barreled pork, as indicated by the returns of diflferent kinds of barreled pork made, the following comparisons are arrived at for the winter packing in the West: ^ ^ 1885-86. 1884-85. Gross weight of hogs, fts 1,631,317,504 1,721,732,330 Sides, green, fts 587,274,302 619,823,639 Shoulders, green, llis 146,818,575 154,955,910 Hams, green, lbs 170,544,925 lc^9,390,566 Total green meats, fts B'3,537,802 964,170,105 Sides put into barrels, fts 99,746,215 131,359,910 Sides remaining, lbs 487,528,087 508,463,729 Shoulders put into barrels, fts 4,048,565 7,702 260 Shoulders remaining, lbs 142 770,070 147,253,650 Sides and slioulders barreled 163,794.720 149,062.170 Sides, shoulders and hams not barreled ... 809,743,082 84 ',107.935 Lard made, fts. 221,881,069 232,708,378 Tierces of lard, 330 fts. each 672,366 705,177 Total product, fts 1.13ii 418.871 1.496.878.183 MEATS AND LARD FOR 15 YEARS. The aggregate meat product of Hogs, packed in the West, and pounds of Lard, for fifteen years, ending March 1, compare as follows: Meat product, fts Pounds of Lard. 1885-86 1,577,932.305 390,640,521 1884-85 1,497.356.943 364,375,925 1S83-84 1,280,065.520 318,471,958 1882-83 1,315,056,380 316,06?,863 1881-82 1,468,375,409 363,772,069 1880-81 1,694,253,391 409,874,899 1879-80 1,556.515,812 382,019,860 1878-79.' 1,579,311.295 408,701,858 1877-78 1,368,612,303 408,701,858 1876-77 1,068,450,173 243,918,870 1875-76 900,411,218 208,831,900 1874-75 955,168,586 221,880,256 1873-74 958,748,419 232,556,195 1872-73 '. 947,494.998 232,212,585 1871-72! 802 22:j.369 196.103.317 [216] STATISTICS. The following table shows tlie numbers of swine in European coun- tries. Countriee. Years Swine. Countries. Year. Swine. Austria Hungary 1880 1880 1880 1881 1880 1883 1884 1884 1884 1875 1881 2,727,541 4,160,12" 646,375 527,417 5,565,6l'() 9,205,79; 2,584,391 1,306,19- 15,619 179,602 1,163,916 Netherlands Portugal 1882 1882 1873 1877 1882 1878 1880 1882 1875 1S76 403,61* 971,08S 837,000 10,839,09:5 1,067,940 2,348,602 154.338 Russia in Europe . . France Germany Gre."it Britain Spain Finland Ireland Isle of Man, Ac Greece Italy. Sweden Norway Switzerland 430,648 101.020 334,515 The extraordinary increase of our exportation in the last half of the decade from 1871 to ISSO was due to the harvest failures of that period in Europe and the uniformly large corn crojDS of this country. The re- sult was a greater aggregate value of exports in five years than in the fifty years from 1821 to 1870. The exhibit is as follows : VALUE OF EXPORTS OF HOGS AXD HOG PRODUCTS BY DECADES. Years. Dollars. Yearg. Dollars. 3,621,537 2,629,41 3 2,110,020 8,236,470 2,991,288 3,883,884 6,630,842 9,003,272 9,245,885 7,550,287 Years. Dollars. 3821 1,354,116 1,357,899 1,291,323 1,489,651 1,832,679 1'892,429 1,555,698 1,495,830 1,493,629 1,315,245 1841 1842 1843 1S44 1845 1861 12,190,721 24,298,808 38,844,98.8 29,498,992 26,485,043 17,044,385 13,563,514 18,190,928 18,348,93t> 16,499,400 1822, 1862 1823 1863 1824 1864 1825 1865 1866 .... 1867 1868 , 1826 1846 1847.. 1848 1849 1850 1827 1828 1829 1869* 1830 1870 Total 1851 1852.. 1858 1854 1855 1856 1857.. Total Total 15,077,898 49,902,888 213,965,715 1871 1831 1,501,644 1,928,196 2,151,558 1,796,001 1,776.732 1,383,344 1^299,796 1,312,348 1,777,230 1,894,894 4,368,015 3.765,470 6,202,324 11,061,016 11,607,1«5 12,770,548 12,467,029 9,430,272 8,438,069 10,329,516 23,053,413 45,974,673 •2,062,389 60,126,478 1832 1872 1833 1873., 1834 1874 1875 .. 1835 57,923,845 68,508,005 82,070,671 86,947,23* 79,438,936 85,259,331 1836.. 1876 1837 1877 1838 1839 1858 1859 1860 Total 1878 -.. 1879. 1840.. 1880 Total Total. 16,821,741 90,436,424 651,364,976 *Not including hogs; live animals not being separately given. In the first twenty years in this long period the advance was slow, though the aggregate value in no year fell below one million dollars. A marked acceleration is observed in the latter part of the third decade, followed by a temporary retrograde, and that by a few years of largei [217] THE HOG IN AMERICA. exportation in the fourth. In the last twenty years, however, the de- velopment of exportation has been plienomenal. The average annual exportation for twenty-five years, including hogs, with pork products, has been 530,000,000 pounds. If 200 pounds be taken as the average •cured product of a hog, as it is very nearly, the average requirement of hogs for exportation has been 2,650,000. The annual home consumj)- tion of pork products during the same period has averaged 4,000,000,- 000 pounds. The average production of twenty-flve years is 3,530,000,- 000, of wliich the exportation has been 15 per cent. The present con- sumption, at 70 pounds per capita, is about 4,000,000,000. To avoid error, as to the number slaughtered, it should be observed that the av- erage weights of hogs slaughtered by farmers is much less than that of the packers. The average weight of swine slaughtered is 175 pounds. As a rule, the lower the j)rice the larger the quantity exported. QUAlfTITr OF PRODUCTS EXPORTED. Live Hogs. Bacon and H ams. Lard. Pork, Years ended June 30— Price Price Price Price No. per iiead Pounds. per Pounds. per It) Pounds. per Cents Cents Centa 1861 «63 1 7.06 6%264,267 9.6 47,908,911 9 9 81,297,400 8.3 3862 3,306 7.13 141,212,786 7 3 118,578,307 8.4 61,820,4' 10 64 1883 9,467 10 18 218,243,609 8 5 155,336.596 10 1 65,570,400 6 6 1864 9,199 9 4i 110,886,448 11 1 97,190,765 11 6 63,519,400 9.2 1865 1,400 9.12 45,990 712 22 9 44,342,295 20.5 41,710,20' 16.4 1866 951 16 25 37.5^8,930 16 7 3 ,110,451 19 8 30,''5;,788 15.9 1867 3,577 11 21 25,64S,226 12 8 45,608,1131 It 5 27,374,877 12.1 1868 1,399 13.19 43 659.064 12 5 64,555,462 14.6 28,690 133 11.4 186&* 49,228,165 If. 2 41,887,545 17 8 24,439,832 14.2 1870 12,058 15.74 38,968.2.')6 15 7 35,808,530 16 6 24,639,-31 3.0 1171 8,770 7 00 71,44-),854 11 4 80,017,297 13 2 39 250,750 ll.O 18 8 -.6,110 9.77 246.208,143 8 6 199,651,6 10 1 fi7, 169,5 18 7 2 1873 .19,720 7.90 395,38 1,73 r 8.9 230,.534,207 9.2 64,147,461 7.8 18T4. 1 8,581 10.25 347,405,403 9 6 20.5,227.471 9 4 70,482,379 8 2 1875 >i4,979 11 38 250,28>i.549 11 4 166,859,893 13 7 56,1.52, f31 10.1 3876.,... ■8,04 1 9.85 32 ',730,172 12 1 168,465,839 13 3 54,195,118 10 8 1877 05,107 10.74 460,057,146 10 8 231,741.233 10 9 69,671,894 9 1878 «,284 9.13 592,814,351 8 7 343,667,920 8.8 71,880,2.56 6 8 1879 75,129 9 3i 732.249,576 7 326,658,686 7.0 81,401,676 5 r 1880 ■^3,434 5 05 759,773,109 6 7 374.979,286 7 4 95,949,786 6 2 1881 77,45tJ 7.39 746,944.545 8.2 378,142,496 9 3 107,928,086 7 7 1882 S6,86< 14 01 468,026,640 10 250,867,740 11 6 80,417,466 9 18*8...... If), 129 16.90 840,258,670 11 2 224,718,474 11,8 62,116.302 10 1884 46,382 13 53 389, 199,368 10.2 265,094,719 9 5 +60 363,318 7 9 1885 55,025 10.53 400,127,119 9 3 283,216,339 8.0 ^71,649,366 7 2 Total, . 982,338 1,189,899,445 4,412,934,653 1,444,933,955 •Animals not separately enumerated in 1869. INot including 18.5,U7 pounds of fresh pork. +Not including 421,103 pounds of fresh pork. [218] BKEEDS OF SWINE IN AMERICA. in this chapter we give the reader all the information we have been able to obtain from every accessible source, in regard to the name, de- scription, peculiarities, origin, locality time covered, and some of the opinions of the public concerning every breed or combination of breeds of hogs that have at any time had a name and habitation in America, and especially in the United States. It can be truthfully said that such absolute certainty as will silence criticism or contradiction, can not now be arrived at ; on the contrary, there is much confusion in the information now attainable. This con- dition arises from several causes, and among others, are the following : First and most important, is a dearth of recorded facts; second, imper- fect descriptions as to color, form, locality and names of breeds ; third, grades often called by the breed name of the pure bred ancestors; fourth, indiscriminate crossing and combinations of blood ; fifth, igno- rance, prejudice and passion of the early writers: sixth, too much hearsay and jumping at conclusions, which are put down as glibly as though they were established facts. Often the same breed had different names in diflerent localities, and breeds having the same name are given one description in one locality and an entirely different one in other parts of the country ; besides, the differences in description are often so marked as to suggest that they were mere grades. Men then, as now, were human ; and, often those who knew most, gaid the least. The ready and easy writer often knows less than his neighbor who keeps silent. Again, the writers, then, as now, were interested boomers of their own stock, and not as careful and painstak- ingly correct as the historian should be. Newspapers were scarce, the mails slow, men of experience and action were too much occupied wjth everyday matters and necessities to stop long enough to write their in- formation, or correct mistakes of others, whether obtained from experi- ence or observation. Our sources of information for this chapter have been various, but we here especially acknowledge our obligations to the American Farmer, Albany Cultivator, Ploughboy, American Agriculturist, Ohio Cultivator, [219] THE HOG IX AMERICA. Franklin Farmer, Gennessee Farmer, Western Farmer and Gardener, N. Y. Farmer, Farmers^ Cabinet, encyclopedias, agricultural almanacs, Ne^r York Agricultural Reports, Indiana Agricultural Reports, early j)ubli- cations, National Live Stock Journal, Breeders^ Gazette, Swine Breeder's'' Journal, and other late publications. We have tried to get not only names and descriptions of breeds, but the portion of the country covered. by each breed, and the length of time of their several existence. That errors and ommissions may be found, we have no doubt, but we have done the best we could to get all the facts, and in doing so, have in several instances, taken the state- ments of persons as to their recollection of early matters. We clearly recognize the difficulties of placing before our readers the whole truth, as to every breed, and especially is this true of the earlier times when written evidence is meagre, and to say the least, often un- satisfactory. In current times self-interest, prejudice and ignorance often mar the value of human testimony and it is reasonable to assume that such obstacles have always existed. We are not of that number that believe that only theold times were pure and unbiased ; on the contrary, we firmly believe that the people in this age are as good and trustworthy as of old and more intelligent. In current matters we often have the key that unlocks the door of self-interest and prejudice, bur for the early times we have not the same facilities for judging of the words and actions of men. It is not the design to give a history or description of the swine of other countries, except in so far as it may be necessary to describe or give information of the representatives brought here. There can be but little doubt that the early settlers, as they came to this country, brought with them the domestic animals of their native lands, and it may not be amiss to here state that Louisiana and Canada were largely settled by the French; New England, Virginia, Marj'land and the Car- olinas by the English ; New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania by the Dutch and English ; Delaware by the Swedes, while Florida, West Indies, Mexico and the South American States by the Spanish. We have no very definite information of the kind or quality of swine in any of the old countries mentioned at the date of the settlement of the various colonies, except the general statement that the hogs were coarse, wild, and in a manner, uncultivated. They were, however, di- vided into two classes, viz. : Large and small breeds. The large breeds were found in England, Germany and North France ; the smaller in Spain, Italy and South France. Large, coarse, spotted and white hogs were found in England, north part of France, and some portions of Europe. Reddisli, brown and yellovi^ red, were the prevailing colors of swine in Portugal, part of Spain and North German States, while in Scotland and Ireland the hogs were of a dusky, brownish gray color, and one peculiarity of the old Irish hog was wattles or teat like [220] BEEEDS OF SWINE IX AMEKICA. appendages hanging from tlie jaws. In Italy, South France and parts of Spain were found tlie small, tine-boned, black breeds of swine. It was from such stock the first settlers obtained their supply of hogs, and from such gatherings the common or woods hog of the colonies was constructed, or probably constructed itself. The African slave trade, which commenced as early as 1550, and con- tinued until 1825, was the means of introducing from Africa two breeds of swine into all the countries dealing in slaves, and especially into the New "World. This traffic was conuiienced by Spain, and soon followed by the English, Dutch and French. The first slaves brought to the colonies in America, was by a Dutch vessel in 1G20, and they were landed at Jamestown, Va., and by 1776, it is estimated that 300,000 had lieen brought to the several colonies. In 1776 the Continental Congress resolved that no more slaves should be imported, but when the consti- tution was framed in 1778, Congress was, by it, prohibited from inter- fering with the traffic before 1808. At the last mentioned date, the trade Avas abolished, but as no penalties were provided for vio- lation of the act, but little attention was paid to it. In 1820 the Con- gress of the United States passed an act declaring the slave trade pira- cy ; Great Britain passed a similar act in 1825, and both countries took active measures to, and did, suppress the trade. It was, then, between 1620 and 1820, that the two African breeds of swine were introduced into what is now the United States, and most likely the larger part were introduced in the seventeenth century. The African breeds are described as follows : " The smaller breed resembles the Chinese variety, but are somewhat less, being short-legged, round bodied animals, of a black or dark brown color, the bristles few and almost as fine as hairs, and the tail terminating in a tuft." The other African breed from the coast of Guinea, is described as follows : " These animals were large in size, square in form, of a reddish color, the body covered with short, bristly hair, and smoother ami more shiny than almost any other variety of the porcine race ; the tail long, and the ears long, narrow, and terminating in a point. This variety is also found in Brazil." We find in the Ploughboy in 1820 a correspondent writing as follows : ^'The African or Guinea make a superior cross with the common hog, rendering all further attempts at improvement unnecessary. This breed should not be confounded with the China, and is commonly called the ' no bone hog,' on account of the very small size of its bones." Another correspondent in the American Farmer says the African or Guinea breed was brought here as early as 1804, and possibly earlier, and were use in the Eastern and Southern States. In 1820 aNew Jersey correspondent of the American i^a?'mer mentions [221] THE IIOG IX AMERICA. three very large hogs, which were out of an African or Guinea sow, and sired by an English boar. The three hogs are described as almost wliite Another correspondent of the same paper, in 1821, says : "There is a valuable breed of swine in the neighborhood of Patterson, N. J., a cross of the English with the African or Chinese, and was brought from the Dutch settlements of South America." It seems that those African hogs, and especially the larger ones, were introduced into all slave-holding countries, England, France, Spain, Germany, and the American colonies, and prior to that time, the old Engilsh hog was white or spotted — no red or sandy ones. Query: Is not this hog from the coast of Guinea the original factor of the sandy Berkshire of England and the Jersey Red of the United States ? The first of the English improved breeds, of which we have any di- rect account, is the Parkinson-Bedford-Woburn breed, although we are of the opinion that the old Yorkshires and Suffolks came first, from some accounts we find later. However, the Parkinson stands first in order by specific mention. PARKINSON, alias Bedford, alias woburn. This breed was at difi'erent times known by each of the above names; first, as the Parkinson; next, as the Bedford; lastly, as the "Woburn. It was introduced into Maryland, near Baltimore, about tlie year 1800, possibly a year or two earlier. It is very clearly settled tliat the Duke of Bedford, whose country seat was named Woburn, Eng- land, sent by a man named Parkinson, a i)air or trio of pigs, as a pres- ent to General Washington. Parkinson took them to his farm near Baltimore, and kept them Instead of giving them to Washington. There he bred them and sold their pigs throughout the Eastern and Southern States, and, giving them no name, they took the name of tlie Parkinson breed ; later, the name Bedford was applied, Avhen their his- tory became known, and the name Woburn was applied in Kentucky by Dr. Martin, uj^on his finding in the Complete Grazier that name ap- plied to the Duke's hogs. So much for the nameSo The first mention we find of the Woburn hog in England is in 1806, a writer describing it as a new variety introduced by the Duke of Bedford, and exhibited at Lord Somerville's cattle show, and it is said that they were of vari- ous colors, well formed, hardy, very prolific, kindly disposed to fat- ten and rapid growers, attaining large size. The hogs which Parkinson brought are described by early writers as of large size, deep bodies, short legs, and thin hair, easily kept and maturing early. But few writers say anything as to color ; some, how- ever, say, they were spotted; whether black and white, or white and red, or what colors constituted the spots, we are not informed. One early writer, however, says they were white, with dark ash colored [222] BREEDS OF SWINE IN AMERICA. spots, and were produced in England by a cross of Chinese upon the large English hog. A gentleman living in Virginia m 1825 then wrote that he was acquainted with Parkinson, that he was an honorable man, and that the story about the Duke of Bedford and his pigs was all hosh ; that the hogs were Berksliires. This writer has often been quo- ted by Berkshire breeders as showing that everything good was of and from their favorites. But if the Virginia gentleman was correct, it is difficult to understand why, if Farkinson was such a " perfect gentle- man, ' ' and came honestly by the pigs, he did not say they were Berksliires and proudly point to the fact that the breed had existed since the flood! There is, however, much better evidence that the story which is pro- nounced all bosh, is true, and it is this : Hon. Timothy Pickering, who was Washington's Secretary of State and confidential friend, introduc- ed this breed into Massachusetts at an early day, as Bedfords, and gave out the story of the Duke of Bedford's present. There is still stronger evidence : The name of the breed from that time forward as a rule, was Bedford, and that, too, in and around Baltimore, where Par- kinson still lived. A writer in one of the early periodical says, in Dr. Martin's Woburn Sow, "Bakbara." speaking of the Virginian's assertion, that the Parkinsons were Berk- shires, " I have seen and owned many of them and they were not like the Berkshire, old or new, in color or form.^^ So much for their origin, color, etc. They spread rapidly over Mary- land, Eastern Virginia, New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, and went West with the early settlers into Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois and Iowa. In Massachusetts the spots were bred out and they then became white, while in Maryland, Virginia, and the West and South, they were spotted, and generally called Wobrun. Above is an illustration of one owned in Kentucky, by Dr. Martin, in 1840j and is claimed to be a descendant from the Parkinson importation, but it was called by Dr. Martin, " Woburn." It is said Col. W. O. Vaughn, of Massachusetts, imported Bedfords from England into Massachusetts in 1822. They were spotted. Capt. [223] THE HOG IN AMERICA. Jas. White, in 1820, imjiorted two Bedfords into Pennsylvania, and a little later Jas. Kersey brought to the same State one Ca boar) which measured 22 inches across the shoulders and weighed 800 pounds. Dr. Martin says: " I have had this breed in Kentucky since 1832." In 1839, a man in Pennsylvania imported three Woburn pigs, but the}' had a large share of Xeapolitan blood, and were so nearly naked that Dr. Martin says he refused to buy them or their progeny. Dr. M. further says he "has seen and owned no les.-; than five distinct varieties called Bedfords," and accounts for the variation by saying that proba- bly many of them were merely grades. That the Bedfords were extensively used East, West and South, in crossing upon other breeds, the common hog, and grades of all sorts, is beyond all question. They had an existence in name, at least, up to about 1850, or jiossibly later. Their influence for good can hardly be overestimated. Dr. Martin's were jirobably as near pure as any of the later animals, and his are described as follows : "The head, neck, and ear, fine, the latter somewhat rounded and leaning forward and outward; the shoulder generally good, with a sink- ing behind the shoulder in a majority of them ; back otherwise good, ;xnd slightly arched ; verj'^ broad ribs, coming out finely and supi^orting Whitk Berkshire and Woburn Cross. the belly better than is common in any other breed; loin splendid, but liigh above the sliouldors to a very great degree ; the rump drooping rather suddenh' ; the ham large, but not as thick and round as it ought to be, the twist fair; the flank in some good, and in others sadly tuck- ed ; the legs generallj^ so good as to resemble the deer much more than thehojr- the bone stout ; the skin good; handling very fine; the hair long, coarse and harsh ; weight, 500 to 600 pounds at IS months to 2 years, and fattening easily at any age." Above is an illustration of a cross between the White Berkshire and the Woburn breeds. Dr. Martin, who liAed in Kentucky, was in his day, quite a noted swine breeder, and his writings exhibit much familiarity with the his- tory and forms of the then existing breeds. He made several ex- perimental crosses with the Woburns. One was a cross of AVliite Berk- shire boar and a Woburn sow, and the result was the Banter pigs; [224] BREEDS OF SWINE IN AMERICA. another, a cross with Big China and Calcutta breed, the latter he called Alloyed Wobuiiis, and he says they were gray and black spotted, and very highly regarded by him. He crossed them with the Neopoiitan, and later with the Irish Grazier. The Woburns, or Bedfords, were used in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Eastern Iowa, to a considerable ex- tent, prior to 1855, and may fairly be said to have been one of the first of the improved breeds west of the Alleghennies. CHINA BREEDS. The White China hog was introduced as early as 1805, possibly earlier. At least we find it almost contemporaneous with the Parkinson- Bedford breed. The first ones introduced were white in color. They were fol- lowed by the gray, blue and black, in their order. All the early Chi- nese hogs were similar in form, although varied in color. They were small, fine boned, hollow backed, belly very low, short legged, short tailed, small headed, very large, massive neck, and small eared hogs, having a remarkable tendency to fatten, and were fairly hardy and pro- lific. We here Insert an early illustration, found in the Albany Cultiva- Gray China. tor, and copied from an old English work ; it is said to have been a fair representative of the Gray China. The upper part of the body was nearly bare, and on the belly the hair was long and thin. The first Gray China importation into the United States, that we find notice of,, was in 1817, the Blue in 1821, and the Black in 1824. Many importa- tions were made from time to time, the last being in 1847, when a pair was imported from Canton, China, and placed ou the Oaklands (N. Y.) farm. From the time of their first introduction until the last, they were more generally used in crossing upon other breeds in the United States, than all other breeds, and their use was not confined to any one. locality, but was general and extended. There can be no question but that the principal improving blood, both in England and the United States, was the Chinas, and there has been few, if any, of the improved breeds in the United States that has not at some time felt and responded to the magic influence of its connection ; its blood was the first and con- trollino" current that soothed and broke the wild, fierce, restless spirit of the old woods hog, and induced that gaunt, hungry, thriftless ma- rauder to be quiet, contented and thrifty. If John had done nothing more for the " Melican man," he deserves the gratitude of the people for his contribution to America's greatest [225] THE HOG IN AMERICA. product. The Chinese as a breed, kept pare, was not considered a suc- cess, on account of its small size, but as an improver of other breeds, it stands without a peer or rival. From the pure Chinese have siirung others called Improved China, Big China, and Spotted China. The origin of the Improved China is given by Mr. C. N. Berment and others, in 1835, as follows : "This superior breed of swine was first introduced here by the late Christopher Dunn, Esq. Some ten years since, while passing through Princeton, or Xew Brunswick, New Jersey, in the stage, his sagacious eye was attracted by a beautiful sow with her litter of pigs running in the streets. Delighted with their appearance, he was determined to possess some of them if possible. He accordingly applied to the driver of the stage to procure a pair of them for him. Thej^ were, of course, procured and delivered, and from these two have sprung my Improved China hogs. Tlieir color is various, some white, black and white spot- ted, and others blue and white. They are larger and longer in the body than the pure China breed, upright or mouse ears, small heads and legs, broad on the back, round bodied, and hams well let down, skin thin, flesh delicate and fine flavored. They are easy keep- ers, quiet and peaceable disposition, and keep in good condition on grass only. Thej^ are not remarkable for size, seldom attaining more than 200 to 250 pounds, and sometimes to 300 pounds. Tlierefore, they can not, in their pure state, be called the ' farmer's hog,' but their great value is in crossing with the common hog." Mr. Bennett, who lived near Albany, N. Y., bred, advertised and sold this breed for several years, shipping to Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee, and other parts of the country. Dr. Martin, of Kentucky, obtained some of them. How this breed originated, or where, we find no trace. BIG CHINA. On the authority of Cephas Holloway, an aged Shaker of Union Vil- lage, Ohio, we learn that as early as 1816, John Wallace, then trustee of Shaker Village, brought from Philadelphia, Pa., a boar and three sows called Big China hogs. The boar and two sows were entirely white. The other sow had some sandy spots upon her, in which ap- peared some small black spots. Thej' were understood to be either Imported and from imported stock. These hogs and their progeny were used in Warren and Butler counties upon the best breeds then ex- isting. Where this breed was imported from, if at all, is sometliing "no fellow can find out," as no such breed seems to haye existed elsewhere. SPOTTED CHINA. A correspondent of the Kansas Farmer says that in 1836 he lived in Union County, Indiana, (which adjoins Butler Count}', Ohio.) and that in that year R. Paddock and T. Barnard introduced into Union County a spotted hog, which Avas called " Spotted China." It is said to have [2261 BREEDS OF SWINE IN AMERICA. -fattened easily, weighed from 350 to 500 pounds, and claimed to be im- ported. This was probably one of Bement's Improved Chinas, as some of his were spotted, and he was shipping his stock West and South. The writer remembers a China hog, owned by his father, who lived in Southeastern Ohio, in 1846. It was kept in a pen made offonr boards, CHINA Hog in 1846. twelve feet long and twelve inches high. It was so fat and gentle that it never attempted to get over the twelve-inch fence. Tlie above illus- tration is drawn by the writer from memory. BAKEWELL. We find in 1819, a breed in Massachusetts called Bakewell and said to be imported from England. We find no such breed mentioned in Eng- lish historj', and think it and Leicester are one and tlie same breed, as Bakewell was one of the improvers of the Leicester. The Bakewell is said to have been equal in fattening qualities and more hardy than the Byfield, and was used to, and made a valuable cross, upon the By- field and Bedford breeds. WELSH. This breed is mentioned in the introductorj'^ chapter of this book, and illustrated by a large half-breed sow. GRASS BREED. This is one of the earliest breeds in the United States, but from whence and when it came, is a conundrum we can not answer. We read of it in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts, and it is not always described as the same color or form. Some writers describe it as white, and others as spotted, but all say it was a good breed. Its birthplace is much like that given by an Indian. When asked where he was born, he answered: " At Cape Cod, Nantucket, and all along the shore." Here is a description, taken from the Ploughboy of 1820: "Have short legs and noses ; white, sleek hair; small bones; are comely, fat, indolent, good natured sort of swine. Will make a growth of one pound per day, and an instance is given of a March pig killed the fol- lowing October, and weighing dressed, 311 pounds and 2 ounces.'' One was exhibited at Albany, N. Y., in March, 1821, which was 2 years and 3 months old, and weighed 1,133 pounds. Another one, [227] THE HOG IX xlMERICA. weigliing 1,068 pounds, at 3 years old, and sold b}' McXutt, of Salem^ >Iass., to a man in Canada for $200. In a report to the Xew York Ag- ricultural Society, published in 1860, a writer says: "The breeds arc fliietly tlie common Grass hog, which is a large, white, and rather coarse animal." This breed is probably derived from the English Shropshire swine, improved in this countrj^ by a cross with the Berk- shire. WinslowC. Watson, in a " prize essay," published in the Xew York State Agricultural Society's Reports, in 1855, says: " The first improvement in swine in Xew York was effected by the introduction of the Grass-fed hogs, as they were then called. These appeared soon after the importation of the Merino sheep. The swine were often called in derision the ' Merino hog.' I have a distinct rec- ollection of the appearance of those swine. They were not large, but finely formed; the head small ; the body round, well proportioned and comi)act; the legs were short and small boned ; the color was spotted. Avith a dusky white upon a black ground. They were at first almost luiiversally decried, and i:)ublic sentiment was opposed to them equally with their associates, the Merinos. Their valuable qualities, however, gradually overcame their i^rejudices, and worked them into poj)ular favor." In Pennsylvania, at an early day, they are described as of mediunj size, and white, with occasionally sandy spots. The Grass breed, fronr all accounts, was a valuable one, and was crossed with all new breeds introduced during its time, and also upon the common hogs of the- country. It is as frequently and favorably mentioned from 1819 to 1830, as any other breed, but seems to have been swallowed up and ab- sorbed in other breeds about 1840, as after that it is mentioned, on- ly as a thing of the past. After it had passed away as a breed, it was still traced to as a starter of many of the best breeds and grade hogs. A number of correspondents have attempted to give its origin, and among others we find a Berkshire breeder claiming the Grass breed as Berkshires. It was beyond doubt a mere guess, and a poor one at that, but illustrates the modesty of the friends of the Berkshire. If any good hog has appeared in eai'ly or late days of American history,. where there was a doubt as to its origin, and some Berkshire fellow did not pop up and claim it as " the-original-Jacob-Townsend-blown-in-the- bottle," it has escaped our observation. BYFIELD, The Byfield made its appearance in the United States about the year 1812, and two accounts are given of its origin, and as they are consist- ent with each other, the one being really a part of the other, we are satisfied they are correct. The first account is substantially as follows : A farmer living near Byfield, Mass., saw and purchased at a fair a nice^ [228] BREEDS OF SWINE IN AMERICA. stylish, thrifty, white pig, and took it home. It proved a rapid grower, and easy, quiet feeder, and from it sprang the breed. The other, and to our minds, the better account, is as follows : A vessel, loaded on the west coast of Africa, tooli: on board some swine of that countiy to be used as provisions; one of them, a sow, was left over, and proved to be in pig. She was given to a widow living in Newburyport, Mass. The sow had a thrifty litter of pigs, Avhite in color, and showed an uncommon aptitude to fatten. They were at first called Newbury Whites. Gorham Parsons owned a farm near by called " Byfield." He bought some of the pigs at a fair, and took them to his farm and bred them. They proved to be valuable, and had quite a reputation in the neigh- borhood, and took the name of the farm, viz.: " Byfleld," They are described as follows : Short body, small bone, thin skin, thin haired and the hair on tlie back curly. The last account seems plausible, and gives a particular account. The only thing against it is, that we do not find any white hogs described as existing in Africa. On the contrary, they are said to have been two breeds; one resembling the Chinese, but smaller, and of a black or dark brown color, and the other large and sandy. There may have been other varieties, and we tliink the story as given about the vessel is at least founded on facts. The Byfield breed soon became very popu- lar in New^ England, New York, Pennslyvania, Maryland and Vir- ginia, and were extensively used in crossing and inter-crossing upon tlie Bedford, Grass, China and common hogs. Prior to 1830 it was the standard commonly used for comparisons, the friends of the other breeds claiming they were the equal or better than the Byfield. The first account we find of any shipment from Massachusetts was in 1819, when a pair of pure-bred Byflelds were shipped to Baltimore. They soon became the favorites at the fairs in Massachusetts and New York, and as a rule were highly commended by all early writers. We, however, find one prominent hog breeder, N. Ingersol, writing to the American Farmer, in 1821, saying: " The Byfield is the worst breed I know. Sows have small litters and are careless. They are long, coarse haired, and apt to mange, but are good to cross on almost any other breed. The Byfiekl followed emigration Westward among the earliest of the improved breeds. It was one of the factors of the celebrated Warren County hog and of the now famous Poland-China. It seems to have been as extensively distributed in its day as any of the im- proved breeds, and entered into nearly all combinations of blood up to 1855. They were as a rule rather below than above medium size, and when pure, white in color, and of fine form and finish. Hogs, called Byfield, are often described in different parts of the country; some large and coarse, and so diff'erent from the general description, that we believe them to have been only grades. [229] THE HOG IN AMERICA. A writer, signing himself " Agricola," says tlie Byfield was brought- from Massachusetts to Oliio, and describes tliem as a beautiful white hog, ears small and pointing to the nose, broad back, deep chest, large jowls, short nose, dished face, and thin hair, and says, '• They are three times better than the common hog." The Byfield seems to have spent its force by 1845 to 1855, as it is sel- dom mentioned, if at all, after the latter date. In intiuence for good the Byfield may fairly contest honors with the China, Bedford, Berk- shire and Irish Grazier breeds. CALCUTTA BREED. This ijreed is said to have been imported as early as 1815, and we have several times found a mention of them used as a cross, especially in Maryland and Kentucky. Judging from the name given them they are from India, and were like their near neighbors, the Siamese and Chi- nese in form and fattening qualities. The largest number that we find mentioned, is seven. They were obtained in England or Eastern States and taken to Clarke Co., Ky. They are well spoken of as a cross upon the large breeds. SPANISH BLACK. This breed was one of the early importations. We find an importa- tion recorded as made by Mr. J. E. Bloomfield, who is said to have im- ported them from Cadiz to Baltimore as early as 1819. The hogs were of small size, fine bone, fatten very rapidly; color, black. In 1829, Mr. Buel (editor of Cultivator) , of Albany, exhibited at Albany Fair some of this breed recently imported, and tlu^y are described as possessing a peculiar disposition to fatten and of fine form. Another importation was made by S. Woodruff" in 1831. They are described as very small boned, good feeding, nice, little hogs. The last one imported was by a Mr. Ireland in 1847, and exhibited at the Xew Hampshire State Fair, and described as very beautiful. They were used as a cross upon other breeds, and no eff'ort was made to keep tliem pure ; at least we find no evidence of their being kept pure, and a good deal, that they were nsed as a cross. Their infiuence seemed to have been limited, as they are not often mentioned. ENGLISH WHITE SUFFOLKS. They are mentioned as being in Maiyland in 1821, pure, and crossed with the common hog, and they are classed as small breeds. This breed is said to be one of the oldest in England. They are mentioned as being crossed with the Spanish Black, and we find but little further said of the Suflblk until late in the '40's, when Mr. Wm. Stickney made some importations of the Improved Suftblks. In 1848 or '49 Mr. Weir, of Vermont, made some importations, the p rogeny of which were ex- hibited at the New York State Fair in 1850. In 1851, Mr. Lewis G. Morris exhibited at the Rochester Show a boar pig, six months old, called " Westminister." The pig won first prize [230] BEEEDS OF SWINE IN AMERICA. at that show. We found an ilhistration of " iYestminister " in the New York Agricultural Society's Reports, and have had it photo-engraved. These later Suftolks, imijorted by Sticknej', were very favorably re- ceived, and for a time made quite a favorable impression, especially in the east. They arc described as follows: "They are large enough; will weigh, dressed, 450 pounds ; this breed has great strength of con- stitution, remarkable symmetry and justness of proportion, with un- common tendencv to fatten." Suffolk Boar Pig, " Westministek."— 1851. One of the later importations was " Lord Wenlock," illustrated hy the following cut. He was owned by L. G. Morris, of New York, and was winner of the first prize in his class, at the New York State Show, in 1853. "lOBD WENLOCK," OWHID BT 1. 0. HOEEIB, N. Y, Wmirrajor tre Isr Pb.zs i» m» Class at N. Y. Staii Show i» 18S3. The SnfFolks obtained some popularity in New England, New York, Pennsylania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. They were very highly commended for retail fresh meat market hogs. They were used con- siderably as a cross upon Mackays, Bedfords and other large breeds, and in Indiana, from 1850 to 1855, the Suffolks were quite common and used pure and as a cross upon Leicesters, Polands, and other breeds. The}- have at all times, since their fijst introduction, had quite a num- ber of steadfast aud enthusiastic friends, but have not proved generallj^ popular. BLACK HAMPSHIRE. This ])n'ed was introduced from England as early as 1821, and proba- "bly earlier, into Maryland. The breed is described as black, an easy [231] '% THE HOG IN AMERICA. keeper, and of small size. They do not seem to have attracted muehf. attention or attained any great degree of popalarity, as we And thent mentioned hut once or twice, and then only as existing in Maryland. SHORT-LEGGKD BREED. In 1821 we find a correspondent mentions two handsome hoars and sows of the Short-legged breed, at a New York county fair, " surpass- ing anything of the kind we ever saw." This is the only information we are able to find in regard to them. From whence they came and whither they went, we know not. white's breed. This breed seems to have existed in Massachusetts in 1821, and took first premium for boars and second premium for sows at the Massachu- setts Agricultural Society's exhibition for that year. We suppose it was a local breed, or possibly a grade of some other breed, and White held still long enough to have them dubbed " White's breed." Here is^^ an opportunity for another claim for the Berkshire. LEICESTERS, alias BAKEWELL. This breed was imported from England into Massachusetts prior to- 1819, and called Bakewell ; in 1823, into Pennsylvania from England,^ as Leicesters, and was awarded first premium by the Pennsylvania Ag- ricultural Society for best boar. They seem to have reached a consid- erable degree of favor in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New Yoi'k, and gained some standing in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Iowa and Illinois. They were white or light spotted in color, and classed as a large breed. The breed was considerably used in crossing upon other breeds and upon the common hog of the country. We find an account in the Albany Cultivator, in 1844, of four hogs, a cross of Leicester, at- taining an average of 515)^ pounils, tlie youngest being 13 and oldest 19 months of age. At the New York State Agricultural Society in 1844, a boar of tliis breed received a commendation, and in 1845, at the same fair, first premium boar was of this breed, and first premium sow was a cross of this and Berkshire. From 1844 to as late as 1855, this breed was quite common in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa. SOLIPEDE, OR HORSE-HOOFED. Tliis breed came originally from Sweden, and was introduced into Dehxware Bay Colony, by the Swedes, at a very early day. Its color was a dark brown or grayish black, and instead of the divided hoof, as most other breeds of swine, it had a solid hoof like a horse. A few specimens of this breed may be found in several States. We know of some being in Southern Illinois, and recently heard of a few in the Far West. They seemed to have had little to recommend them, except the peculiarity of their feet. They were objects of curiosity rather than profit. They are sometimes called mule foot swine. ANGUS AND DISHLEY. In 1821 there existed in 3Iary]and, near Baltimore, a breed of hog.*, [232] BREEDS OF SWINE IX AMERICA. l)y the above name. What their form, color, or peculiarities were, we liiive no information. They are simply mentioned as being one of the tlien breeds upon the farm of the editor of the American Farme7\ We •see no further notice of them. We find the Dishley breed mentioned ns at one time being among the celebrated kinds of Mr. Bakewell's «tock, and are described as a closely built, black hog, of slow growth. What the form and color of the Angus and Dishley we are not informed. ESSKX. The first notice we find of this breed in the United States, is in 1821, in Massachusetts. We suppose them to be the old-fashioned Essex that were part black and part white, not spotted, but generally had black head, neck and rump, and a white belt around the body, sometimes ex- tending over the shoulders, A sow, a cross of this breed with a Blue < hina, owned by John Prince, received first premium at Massachusetts Agricultural Society in 1821. In 1839 we learn that a Mr. Henry Parsons, of Canada, imported and kept near Massilon, O., a boar and two sows of the Black Essex and Sussex breeds, and two sows, half Berkshire and Sussex, " They had 4in uncommon finish, almost polished, a cleanliness of head and legs, fullness and li\eliness of the eye that showed fine breeding in a marked degree. They were remarkably uniform, not large, but of exact proportions and great aptitude to fatten. They were light in belly, broad and deep inchest, wide in ribs and loin, with strong, arched and well coupled backs." In 1846, this breed is mentioned as one of the best in New York for the fresh meat market, A correspondent of Albany Cultivator, Vol. 3, says: " The Essex is closely allied to Sussex, but have been more highly improved. We are not aware that any of the improved breed have been brought to this <;ountry." In 1847 we find a notice of the importation of a White Essex. Mr. Walson in his prize essay, published in the New York Agricul- tural Reports of 1885, says: " The Improved Essex, which is the latest importation of swine, oc- cupies an intermediate position in point of size between the Berkshire and Chinese or Suffolk. * * Specimens of this breed, Avhich liave been exhibited by Mr. Morris, of Westchester County, possess rare beauty. Although black, they are said to be free from any discol- oration of the skin. Mr. Morris says: 'The meat of the Improved Essex is of a very superior quality, the fat being firm, and the lean white, fine grained and rich flavored.' It is affirmed that they were not subject to cutaneous affections." In later years a number of importations have been made, and a few berds are kept in New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennes- see, and a few other States. Quite a number are raised in Canada. [233] THE HOG IN AMERICA. Some representatives of this breed can now be found at nearly all the State and larger fairs, MACKAY. This breed is said to have originated as follows : A gentleman living: in Boston and owning a farm near there, was also a ship owner, and. for many years followed the sea. It was his custom when sailing to various parts of tlie world to procui-e at the different ports he entered all breeds of hogs that seemed to be good, and bring them home and place them on his farm. About 1820 to. 1825 he retired from the sea and gave his farm and stock his exclusive attention. He commenced by crossing the various breeds of swine he had gathered together, and suc- ceeded in producing a breed which was called by his name. It is said " to have been excellent to fatten at any age, grew rapidly, and at 18 months reached a large size, viz. : 600 to 800 pounds." An early writer says of it : " The specific characteristics are : The head short and small, chest very broad, back tolerable broad, rather falling below than rising above a straight line, legs short and small, constitution not so hardy as Bedfords, disposition more quiet and peaceable." In 1832 we find this breed mentioned as a " peculiar and excellent breed," and receiving many premiums in Massachusetts. They seems to have been a great favorite in New England and parts of New York for many years, both pure and as a cross upon other breeds. A writer in 1847 says: "A few of the Mackay breed are still to be found pure. There is a boar on Mr. Webster's farm that is" now thir- teen years old, still vigorous, and is as well known in Massachusetts as the Blackhawk liorse in Vermont." Although quite popular in the East, we find but little mention of it west of the Alleghenies. It is claimed that at an early day in the his- tory of Iowa a few pigs of this breed were taken to that State. The breed was used freely as a cross, especially with the Bedfords, Byfields, Berkshires, Suffolks and upon common stock. As a breed they did not last very long, and but few, if any, could be found after 1850. They were usually white in color, sometimes having a ftw small spots of black or sandy color. NORFOLK THIN KIND. This breed was first imported from England in 1830 by Henry De- groot, of New York, who brought over a pair. The boar was black and white, and the sow white. They seemed to have attracted but lit- tle attention East. Later a similar breed of hogs is found in the interior parts of Ken- tucky, known as the Thin Rind or Rhinoceros, t was a small breeds and said to have made a very successful cross upon the common hog. The pure Thin Rind is described as follows : " Their color is not fixed ; have seen jet black and pure white, but are commonly lightish, never [234] BREEDS OF SWINE IN AMERICA. spotted, exceedingly prolific and better nurses than any other breed. They are as lively and sprightly as squirrels, carrying their tails curled over their backs, and in constant motion as they are feeding or moving about." Below is an illustration of one in 1842. It is claimed that the ancestors of the Kentucky Thin Rinds were im- ported some years prior to 1842 from Tonquin, China, by a merchant of New Orleans, and from thence brought to Kentucky by Capt. John A. Holton, of Franklin County. They are generally supposed to be near- ly identical with the Siamese. We are of the opinion that this last claim is not well founded, as the Siamese swine so far as we are advised, are black. This breed became quite popular in Kentucky, and some of its gi-ades, which still retained the name, were taken by the early emi- grants from Kentucky to Southern Illinois, and hogs of that description could be found in that locality or part of the State known as Eg}'pt as late as 1870. A few are reported as having been taken to Southern In- diana. Whether any hogs of this breed or its grades still exist in Ken- tucky and Southern Illinois, we cannot say. This breed was, how- Thin Kind ok I:uinoceros. ever circumscribed and confined to narrow limits, and never obtained mucli popularit.v outside of Central Kentucky. BERKSHIRE. Before entering upon the history of this breed, it may be well to call attention to a few facts that may aid the reader in forming opinions as to this and all other breeds of swine. There were in early times, and are, in the nineteenth century, but 18 counties (called shires) in England where improved breeds of hogs were, and are now, cultivated. Those counties embrace an area of 28, .398 square miles, being a little less than one-half of the total area of England, which contains 58,320 square miles. As a comparison in size, Ohio has 39,964 square miles, so tliat the extent of what is known as the hog-raising region of England is less than the State of Ohio by 11,566 square miles. Of the whole number of coun- ties of England so engaged in breeding, the principal improved breeds of swine have au area of 11,401 square miles, and of that York is the largest and Berks the smallest. As a rule the breeds of England take the name of the county with " shire " added. Thus we have Berkshires from Berks County, and Yorksliires from York County. There are [235] THE IIOG IN AMERICA. exceptions to this rule, such ;is Essex, Suffolk, etc., and one, the Cheshire <.'oines from Chester County. Another fact may be taken as a rule: The white hogs of England are grown in the North and East counties, Avhile the dark and red colored ones are produced in the South and Southeast counties or shires. The counties where African slavery most abounded were the Central and Southern counties. The hog producing counties arc nearly all connected, so that it is plain that in eavly times it was easy to intermingle the different so-called breeds. That the breeders in different counties did so intermingle and cross the different "breeds is affirmed by all the old English authorities, and that the hogs of each county took the name of such county, is also well established toy the same author itj% and by the further fact of the variety in the color of hogs of the same name. The small extent of territorj', the number of breeds, indiscriminate crossing, coupled witli the fact that purity of breed was not so mucli regarded prior to 18.50 in England as a profitable hog, all indicate that absolute purity of any breed is a myth, and in support of tins view no English writer prior to that peri- od contended for such a thing. The folly of attempting such an ab- surdity was left to Americans. Again, if the Berkshire was the best breed in all England, and the eldest, why was it not sooner known as such in Ameiica? Why did it come here in disguise, as its friends have been wont to claim? One would have supposed that if it had been at that time such a grand and well known breed, that it would have come early and often, and in its true aiul glorious name, with banners Hying, rather than sneaking in under the name of Parkinson, Bedford, or English breed. In the past few years it has been claimed that tlie first importation of Berkshires in the United States, was in 1821. by an Englislunau named Brentall, and that they were landed in New Jersey. Tiiis is upon the authority of Mr. A. B. Allen, of New York, who says lie obtained the information from a great-grandson of Mr B. When Mr. Allen ob- tained this remarkable information he does not say. The agricultural papers of that day have no mention of the arrival of such hogs, nor have we been able to find any recorded trace of such an event. If such an importation was made it was well and successfully concealed, and tlie hogs proved failures, for we find no mention of their progeny, and no further attempts in that portion of the country to l)ring any more. The first importation of Berkshires, as such, that we find any mention of, was that made by Mr. Hawcs in 1832, and the next by Mr. Joel W. Bacon in 1834; both importations were into New York. Mr. C. N. Bennett, of Albany, N. Y., writing under date T)f January 27, 1835, says: "My swine consist of tlie Improved China: also the Berkshire breed, imported and introduced into this vicinity by S. Hawes, Esq., who removed from England and settled about three miles west of this city. This, 1 think, is the farmer's hog. for they are of [2.%] BREEDS OF SWINE IN AMERICA. great length, round body, short hi the leg, and a little larger behind than the China; easy keepers: and may, I am informed, be fattened to 500 or GOO pounds." Mr. Bennett indorses the following description: "The Berkshire^ are distinguishable by their color and shape. Their color is spotted white, and some are sandy, with small black spots irregularly all over them — a few are entirely sandy. The hair is long and thinly set, but RERK8HIRE SOW, 1835. much curled, looking very rough, and the real true breed feather-eared wliich looks rather unseemly, but it is not found to be an imperfection.'* In his report to the I>ew York Agricultural Society, 1838, Mr. J. Buel, Chairman, says: " The Berkshire seems now to be in the ascen- dant. They have been most in demand during the last tAvo years, have commanded high prices, and liave been sent in considerable numbers from this city to almost every part of the Union-" SiMpaoa. a Beikchirc Bair,SufTopniy o/Ha E. K. 3aia>. The above is an illustration of one of the descendants of the Hawes* importation, as the}' appeared in 1842. In another article, Mr. Bennett says: " The Berkshires imported in 1832, of wliicii I came in possession in 1835, and from wliich have orig- inated pretty much all the Berksliires now generally introduced in all parts of the country, areol llie following description : The color is in- variably black, with white spots on the body, feet sometimes tipped [237J THE HOG IN AMERICA. with white, some white on face and nose ; have now imported a boar from a difl'erent strain, hirger and lighter colored than former importations." The following illustration shows no white whatever, and she is said to have descended from the Havves importation. Whether this was the fault of the artist or the correct color of the sow, we do not know. This cut was taken from an advertisement appearing in 1842. In 1838- pr;s were a combination of the two breeds, Poland and Big China. With tliis exi-e]>tion we foniid no breeder wlio was not idaiming tlie " lV\arefully examined the said almanac and the Western Farmer and Gardener and know whereof we speak. NOW AS TO THE HISTORY. First, let us take a look at the territory. Butler, Warren and Ham- ilton Counties, Ohio, are situate in the Southwestern part of the State, Butler extending lo the Indiana line, and Warren east of and adjoining Butler, while Hamilton is soutn of Butler, and the west part of War- ren. Union ("ounty, Indiana, (corners with Butler County, Ohio, and Wayne ("ounty, Indiana, lies immediattdy north of Union. The Quakers si>ttled in Union and Wayne Counties, Indiana, and there was a colony of Sluikers iti Warren County, Ohio, anil a small one in Union County, Indiana, and one in Kentucky. The Bluegrass region of Ken- tucky lies south of the line dividing Indiana and Ohio. Frankfort, the capital, and the place of publication of the Franklin Farmer, is almost [257] THE HOG TN AMERICA. exactly south of tlie dividing line l)('twooii Indiana and Ohio, and not very distant. The above mentioned portions of the tlien States were, from 1820 to 1840, producing more corn in proportion than any other part of the country. The common market for liogs for all thoso parts of the coun- try above mentioned, was Cincinnati, which was then a great packing l^oint. The Shaker and Quaker colonies came from iNew York and Pennsyl- vania. The settlers of Kentucky were principally from Maryland and Viginia. The first settlers of Hamilton County, Oliio, were from "New Jersey. Kentucky was admitted as a State in 1792, Oliio in 1S0.1, Indi- ana in 1816. About these years we find the African or Guinea liog coming to America, and especially in New Jersey. (, Tlie early settlei's of the above mentioned portions of Indiana, Ohio and Kentueky, were nearly all from New Jersey, Maryland and Vir- ginia, and it is but fair to assume that they brougiit along with them the domestitf animals of tlieir homes, and we fiml ))a('k in those old States, at and al)Out 1800, the Parkinson (Bedford), (Jrass and Cliina, the prevailing improved breeds. We have found no mention of any of tlie Grass breed '-out West," — but we do find the Bedford (or \Voburn, as the breed \v;is called in Kentucky) right in the Blnegrass region. ' Dr. Martin, of Keiituek_\ , <. says his father brought from England a boar as i-arly as 1812, and in "<181.5 hogs of Calcutta breed wen^ brought to Clarke County, Kentucky. Mr. Cephas Holloway saj's their colony of Shakers in ISKi introduced in Warren County, Oliio, from Piiiladeljilua, a b(tar and llire(^ sows, called Big Ciiina. One sow had some sandy spots mi her in wbicli ap- peared some small black spots ; the boar and other sows were white. Here we find the first account of improved hogsliroiight into tlie re- gion about Cincinnati; what tliey were, we can only guess. Bedfords were certainly brought and used ; they were then i)opular in tiie East, and were very popular in Enghuid under the name of Woburns, and in 1807 were called a new breed of great excellence. Mr. Holloway's description of tlie Big China will answer very well for the Grass breed in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania, or a cross of China on the Bedford. Tlie Grass breed was wiiitc and spotted, with black and sandy. Mr. Barnitz says in tlie American Farmer, Vol. XV : "Tiie Parkin- son hogs were shaped like China, Ixithad more growth, and were sandy color, with black spots." In Pennsylvania, Maryland and Vii-ginia we found accounts of China, white, blue, grey and lilack, before 1825, and SiilVolks, Ilainpsliire, (black), Spanisli Black, and other lireeds more or less distrilmted wliere those early settlers came from, and it is more than likely they took some of the grades of these breeds or combinations with them. [258] UHEEDS OF SWrXE IX AMERICA. Large hogs were ooninion in tlio East, and in 1827 wo loarn that a Mr. G. Long, of Bntler Connty, Ohio, raised a hog tliat weiglied 1,260 ponnds. In 1830, Mr. Poston, of Chirlie Count}% Kentucicj^ pureliased in Pennsylvania and brought to Kentuclvy some Bedford hogs. About the same time, possibly a year or two later, Mr. MeMahon, of Union County, Indiana, imported from England some large, white hogs, one of whieh weighed 1,1G0 pounds. In 1832, John Saterwait, of Warren Connty, Ohio, raised a hog whieh weighed 1,400 pounds. We find the Poland-China territory filling up with several breeds and some large hogs. An " Ohio Man " writing in ltJ23 to the American F&rmer, says: " Hogs here have been improved by eross of Cldna and Calcutta breeds. AVe now have Byficdd, Swiss, and Russi an. Of these three the Russian (not Russia) is least profital)le, being small and too fat to breed well: when crossed Avith other stock make good hogs, but not equal to the Swiss or Byfit'ld. Mr. Ro])erts, of Indiana, (Union County) prefers Swiss, wliile Mr. B. Siinth, of Woodford County, Kentnckj', prefers a cross of Swiss and By field." This is the first mention we find of the breeds last above mentioned, but they had evidently been there some time, as they are not spoken of as new. The Swiss is described as of a dark brown color, of medium size and large bone. The Bjtleld is des- cribed as a beautiful winte hog, ears small and pointing to the nose, broad back, ch-ep chest, large jowl, short nose, dished face, and thin hair, and brouglit fiom Massachusetts to Ohio. In 1833 and prior there- to, we find in tlie territ(n-y immediately tril)utary to Cincinnati, the Bedford, Swiss, Russian, Byfield, and a large white English bre»''.. We do not find any breed called Swiss, elsewhere. [Was this brown, black Swiss another name for Poland.] How it got into the Poland-China territory, or from whence, we do not pretend to answer. We now be- lieve that the original improving l)lood was the Bedford or Woburn, for two good reasons : First, it was in that part of the country ; second, its form and characteristics are even yet often noticed, and but a very few years ago Avas very frequently seen in the Poland-China, as will be noticed by reading the following description of Dr. Martin's Woburns: "The average one has fine head, neck, and ear, the latter somewhat rounded and bearing forward and outward ; shoulder generally good ; generally a sinking behind shoulder, back otherwise good and slightly arched ; very broad ribs, supporting the belly more than is common in any other breed; the loin splendid, but high above the shoulder to a very great degree; the rump drooping rather suddenly; the ham large, but not as thick as it ought to be; twist fair; flank, in some good, others sadly tucked ; the legs generally so good as to resemble the deer." Tlie abov»> is the description of the Kentucky Woburns (or Bedfords). Breeders of Poland-Chinas who for the last twenty years have been engaged in breeding, have you not been fighting most of the defects in the above description, and are they entirely suppressed even [259j TTiR iron IN" AMEiirnA. now. The Guinea hog and its crosses, with its square form, large size, short legs, lop ear, and sandy-haired blood, put in an early appearance D and formed one factor of the common hog, brought by settlers from the States of N'ew Jersey, Maryland and Virginia, to the Poland-China territory. The Big China, so-called, was evidently a Parkinson or graih^ of that breed, and it may safely be said the first marked step in tlie formation of the Poland-Cliina, was the Parkinson and its grades, and gratle Chi- na, as they were present every where. That there was a breed or sev- eral varieties of hogs called Russian or Russia in Ohio, Indiana and Kentu(5ky, there can scarcely admit of a doubt, but why called Russia, we pass the conundrum to the fertile imagination of the guileless ex- s<'hoolmaster. The Russia had no standing East, and it may or may not liave had its origin from tiie McMahon importation of large, white hogs imported from England. Wliatever its origin, it was a factor in the general imi)rovement, and its coaisc, slow, growing form was modi- fied by the Byfield and Bedford, aided by the dark bi'own Swiss and tlie breed known as Poland. Tliat such a breed or family of hogs as tlie i'oland existed in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana at an early day, we have no doubt. Wliether justly or i)roperly so-(!alled cannot now be ascer- tained or settleil. Next or possibly contemporaneous, but W(^ tliiiik, later, <'aine the breed called Irish Grazier, and about the same time the old fashioned, spotted Berkshire, and what was then known as the Improved Ciiina, Spotted China and the crosses of Grazier and Berkshire. As late as 1841 a number of large Yorkshires were imported into the Miami Val- ley from England. Alloyed Woburns and Thin Rinds were all mingled and remingled, as they were all contiguous, and the enteri)rising tireed- ers of Butler and Warren Counties, Oliio, and Union and Wayne Coun- ties, Indiana, and the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, Avere, with gen- erous rivalry trying to produce the best hog rather than cling to any one breed or particular line. We do not think Mr. Magie, or Mr. Moore, or Mr. Duffield ever used the pure Berkshire to cross upon tlieir stock, Iml they ol)tained crosses from others who had, and thus the blood of all the ditt'erent breeds were being combined in various proportions and in unknown quanti- ties, the sole guiding star being tlie perfect iiog, and the end was more thought of than the means, so far as currents of blood were concerned. The best shaped hogs attainable were used without much scrutiny as to blood. No records were kejit and no thought then entered the minds of the thrift}^ and intelligent breeders of that s(;ction of country that their work was destined to be a living monument of their genius and co- operative ettbrts. They builded lietter than they knew : sows were hauled or driven many miles to a favorite or famous boar, and the service was often, in fact usually, obtained without money and without price. [260J BREEDS OF SWIXE IX A3IERICA. No man or set of men can, in onr jiulguient, consistently claim to have originated this splendid and profitable breed. It was an organized eft'ort of ail the [)rinci|)al iiog growers of tlie portions of tlie tliree states nameil, and with rare skill and jndgment tliey eradicated llic had and lield fast tlie good and desirable forms, trails and qnalities, and since its formation, breeders in all parts of the great corn belt have aid- ed in its improvement and advancement,- so that its present excellence and prominence is not confined by State lines, nor does it depend npon tlie soil or climate; of any particular locality. It is the best of all the breeds and stands withont a rival for practical utility. (iOTUL.VXD IlOd. This is a new breed in tlie Unitetl States, and tlie only account of it we liave st'cn appeared in the Breeder\'i Gazette, published at Chi- cago, Illinois, Vol. It), page 787. This breed is said to have originated in Gothland, Sweden, and is often called Swedish hog and sometimes Shohlar. The first importation was made in the summer of 1880 by S. V. Anderson, into Northern Illinois. It is claimed by II. M. Jones, tlie correspondent of the Gazette, that it is a strong, h.-altliy l)reed. Tlie following is a description of the breed : Color, spotted black and while, varying from almost white to nearly- black, according to fancy of breeders. As a rule they are of large size and easy fattening qnalities. At ten to twelve months old will often dress 350 pounds, or they will continue growing until they are two or three years old, and have been made to weigh 700 pounds. Bod}^ rather long and very deep; short, well-set legs; broad, straight back; large, S(£uare hams and shoulders; rather small, drooping ears; short heads; sliort, tiiick neck, and heavy jaws; hair very tliick and fine; excellent bnseders and inotliers; very docile, and have vigorous consti- tutions, enduring cold weather very well. VICTORIAS. Tlie New York family of this breed, it is claimed, originated in that State about 1850, and tliat the chief credit is due to Col. F. D. Curtis, as the builder. It is claimed that tlie first cross was the Byfield upon the common stock, in which was a slight touch of tlie Grazier — whether tliis Grazier was the Irisli or Grass breed, we are not informed. Later, Yorkshire and Sufiolk blood was introdu ced, but in what proportion, we have no information. The iiroduct was a white hog, much like the Suffolk of modern days, with possibly a little more size. It has not been much distributed, and is little known beyond the neighborhood of its origin. THE INDIANA VICTORIA Was originated in Northern Indiana about 1870, by Sheyt & Davis, and is a medium sized, white, up-eared, good feeding, and fairly gooil hog. It is said to be the result of crossing the Poland-China, Berkshire, Chester White and Yorkshire breeds, but how much of ea(!h current, THE HOG IX AMEEICA. was used, wc have no inforiiuitioii. It li;is been successful :il the Nat- ional Fat Stock Stock Shows at Chicago for a number of j-^ears, begin- ning in 1880-81. It has been received with considerable favor in the past five j^ears in Northern Indiana and Illinois. [It would be a favor to breeders if the originators. of these two varie- ties would connnunicate to the public the i)articulars of the origin and deveIoi)nient thereof; bow tlic crosses wen^ made, and the results for good or bad, and the i-elative influence of the dift'erent currents of blood.] THE COMMON UOii. If antiquity is a Tuerit, tiien tlie common hog has merit in almost an unlimited degree, for it has existed since tiie time when the memory and traditions of man runneth not to the contrary. Prior to the seven- teenth century there were few, if anj', improved breeds ; on the con- trary, all hogs were common hogs, and notwithstanding the latter day improvements, tlie common variety yet hold their own with a stubborn- ness worthy of a better cause. It came with the Pilgrims, and subsist- ed off of the country, and was in its way a valuable product, for it was able to, and did, in a large measure, can- for itself, in early times. It has, however, served its day and generation, and must henceforth take a back situation, but is ready at any time to resume its form and dominion wiien neglect, lack of food aud culture hold sway. Notliing is more certain tlian tiie proposition that, any of the iini)roved breeds, if turned into tlie woods or upon the counnons, and required to shift for them- selves, will rapidly drift back to the form and condition of the common hog, and that, too, in a few generations. It is the ever attendant whirl- pool that draws within its circle all those that have been neglected by starvation. The color of the common hog embraces Avhite, black, sandy, brown, red, spotted, gray, blue, speckled and striped. Its home is co-extensive witli civilization, and its form is as varied as its color. The general form is long in leg short in body, long neck, flat sides, small quarters, long nose, large ears, coarse hair, and a fleetness of foot [202] that will equal the common horse. Herein a clesci'iption, copied tVolil an early agricultural paper, and while slightly overdrawn, is good: "IM jest as soon undertake to fatten a salt codfish. He's one of the racers, and they're as holler as hogsheads; you can All 'em up to their noses, ef you're a mind to spend your corn, and tliey will caper it all off their bones in twenty-four hours. I be- lieve ef they were tied neck and heels an' stuff 'd, they'd wiggle thin betwixt feedin' times. Why. Orvin raised nine on 'em, and every darned critter's as poor as Job's turkey to-day; they aint no good . I'd as lieves ha' had nine chestnut rails, and a lit- tle lieveser, cause they don't eat nothin' " The cut of the Pilgrim hog in introductory chapter, page 7, shows a specimen individual. But the common hog has made some advance- ment, as all well Icnow. The influence of civilization and improvement has not been all lost on this ever present domestic animal. Cut 38 illustrates some improvement. Such hogs were common in Ohio when the writer was a boy, and may occasionally be fouud in various parts of the country. In fact many can be found in the Miami Valley, where they should least be expected. INDEX. Abortions, 175 Account of early introduction of hot: 4 Advertising, liow to do it 202 Af terbirtii, removal of 103 Age for breeding 90 Agricultural papers 2,6-8, 202, 219 African Slave Trade and hogs import'd 221 Alabama, hojis and corn ii American BerkBhire pedigree H6 America, breeds of swine 210 American Duroc Jersey pedigree 68 America, hog not a native of 3 American Poland-China pedigree 67 Angus and Uishley breed 232 Anatomy and physiology of the hog 159 Animal hospital recommended 27 Animals, wild, only pure bred 54 Apolexy, symptoms and treatment 184 Arranging farm 21 Avoid extreme* 63 B. Bakewell breed 227, 232 Banter pigs Barnitz 242 Barrel, swill 48 Barrel and sled 47 Barrow, swill 47 Bay Bill and mate. 12 Bedfords 7-8, 222 Berkshires 7-8,9-12,14-18,235-239 Berkehires, white 238 Beltiea 241 Belmont 251 Berkshire pedigree, form of. 66 Berkshire standard 123 Berkshire and Woburn crois 224 Best get them 86 B g China 226,261 Black Hampshire 231 Black Sussex 250 Black Tusks 114 Blind Staggers 164 Boar, care of 92 Boar, let him root 93 Boar, selection of 88 Boar, young and fretting 180 Boils, 115, 170 Bones of the hog 159 Boomers 219 Boss piggery 39 Boxes, shinping 195 Breed, dennltion of 54 Breeders, Dealers and Raisers 80 Breeder must love business. 76 breeders, methods of in early times 7 Breeder, professional 75 Breeder, who is .' 72 Breeding age 90 Breeaing, better way 55 Breeding box 93 Breeding in-and-in 59 Breeding for pork 7g Breeding, principles of 53 Breeding lots 24 Breeders should cluster together 29 Breeds, color of, eto 220 Breeds existing in the United State»... 17 Breeds, history of 219 Bleeds, large and small 220 Breeds in oldcountry 220 Breeds— African or Guinea 221 Angus and Dishley 232 Bakewell 227 Barnitz 242 Bjdford 222 Belties 241 Berkshire 235 Belmont 251 Big China 236,2'! Black Hampshire 231 Black Sussex. 250 Byfleld. 228 Calcutta 230 Cheshire 253 Chester White, 252 China 225-226 China and Lan ?aBhire 149 Common hog 261 Duroc Jersey 250, 254 English Large White 242 Essex 233 Gothland 261 Grass 227 Guinea 221 Hampshire 181, 246 Hospital Breed 250 Irish 242 Irish Gratler 246 Jersey Red 264 Lancashire 240 Leicester 232 Liverpool White 261 Mackay 234 Medley 260 Mocha 242 Neapolitan 248 Norfolk Thin Rind 8S4 Ohio Improved Chester 18 INDEX. B. (Oontinwed.) Breeds, Continued — Parkinson 222 Pike's 211 Poland 243 PolandrChina 255 Prince Albert 2-1 Russia 247 Russian — 242 Siamese 217 Solipur. 282 Spanish Black 230, 252 Spotted Hampshire.. 246 Spotted China 226 Steuben County 250 Swiss 242 Thin Rind 235 Tuscorora 214 Victoria 261 Warren Countv 218 Welsh ". 227 Westchester 251 White's 232 Woburn 222 Yorkshire 250 Bronchitis 167 Buildings, location of 27-30 Bull Nose 166 Butler County Pen 35 Butler County Chute 49 Byfleld 7-8, 228 0. Calcutta breed 230 Canadian pig trough 45 Canker sore mouth 114 Care of i oar 92 Care of pigs. 108 Care of pregnant sows 98 Care of sow 107 Carb of sow and pigs 107 109 Castrating and Spaying. 177 Castrating ridgling boar 177 Central Rtcord pedigree form 67 Ce tral Record standard 123 Chester, Ohio Improved 18 Chester White 15-17. 2'i2 Chester White pedigree form 67-68 Chester White standard 123 Cheshire 14-15, 253 China, Big 226 Black 2 5 Blue 225 Gray 22^ Spotted.. 226 China and Lancashire 249 China, mentioned 7,8,9,2;5 Cholera hog. 15,171 Chute, Clements' portable 50 Chute, portable 48 Clements' crate 197 Colic 167 Committee system 119-121 Committee s'tandard 128 Common hogs 15, 20, 262 Constitution, animal, delined Si Consti patiou 168 Contest of breeds 9 Conveniences — 44 Conve ient arrang' mentof lots 24 Corn and hogs, census 11, 212 Correspondence 203 Cough. 113 Crates, shipping 195-198 Crossing, the rule in early times 7 Curing meat 187 Cutting up carcass 186 Dealers, etc 80 Diarrhoea 167 Difficulty in pigging 176 Diseases of hogs 164 Diseases of pigs 112 Duke of Bedford's present 5 Dumping-8l3d 47 Duroc 18, S50 Ear marks 180 Early breeds, rot kept pure. 7 Enlargement of the spleen . 167 English Large White 242 Epilepsy or fits 165 Essex. ... 19, 233 Europe, number of hogs in 2 7 Evolution 53 Examining herd ..116 Exhiliiting 181 Existing breeds in the United States. . . 17 Experts rec '^ ..^ ^'^' P"-^. '^^^IM*' NOV 73 -^*" K^ «i;> .^' .o' "^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 0002835 129 A