Mr. Bement of Albany, who has devoted great attention to the rearing and breeding of swine, speaks in the highest terms of praise of the cross between the pure Chinese breed and the original breed of the country, or, "land-shads" as he termed them. He says that the Chinese breed was first introduced about twenty years ago, but that from their size, seldom attaining more than 250 lbs., and from their delicacy, they were not adapted for "a farmer's hog." But with the just-mentioned cross they become all that could be wished. He thus describes the "improved China hogs:" "In color they are various white, black and white, spotted, and gray and white; they are longer in the body than the pure Chinese breed; small in the head and legs; broad in the back; round in the body; the hams well let down; skin thin; and flesh delicate and finely flavored. They are easy keepers, small consumers, quiet in disposition, not given to roam or commit depredations; and when in condition may be maintained so upon grass only."—The Cultivator, vol. ii.
The best Berkshire breeds, as imported into America, vary somewhat in size and appearance; that from which most of the present stock have been raised was taken to America in 1832. This breed has spread rapidly over the country, and fetches a high price from its peculiar aptitude to fatten. Its prevailing characteristics are a fine head, a dished face, rather upright ears, close shoulders and hams, and a short body; animals of this kind mature very rapidly, and produce most delicate meat.
There are now various improved breeds, known for the most part under the names of the improvers, or of the localities in which they are found, arising from crosses of the original American hog with the above-mentioned breeds, or others which may have been imported from England and other countries. The establishment of agricultural societies and cattle-shows, has contributed in the New as well as in the Old World to direct the attention of farmers and breeders to all kinds of domesticated animals, and the advantages which have been obtained in swine alone are sufficiently great to prove incentives to increased care and study on the all-important principles of breeding.
Head, in his journey from Halifax to Upper Canada, again and again alludes to the fine pigs he saw, and the delicious pork with which he was regaled by the settlers he met with in various parts, He says that bears are very fond of pork, for they often get into the farm-yards and carry off a squeaking, struggling victim to regale themselves upon
INDIANA.
In Indiana the breed of swine furnishes the principal supply for food and exportation; great quantities of pork being sent to New Orleans. Great numbers of swine roam in the woods of Indiana, far
