Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-11-26

POPULAR BREEDS FOR Pork AND LARD.
The hog the farmer derives his profits
from is the enc that converts his surplus
corn into meat and makes the largest
number of pounds from the bushel OF corn
consumed. II has been demonstrated over
and over again that some pigs f,ttcn
readily, while others can only be made fit
for the pork barrel with great difficulty
and expense. In order to lay on fat
quickly the pig must be a good eater and
have plenty Of substantial food. Elch
FARMER with stock on hand will soon learn
from glad or sorry experience il he has a
breed capable of being economically pre-
pared for the slaughter house or not, and
each farmer can consequently profit by
the results of the next two months. II
the present lot prove to be the kind that
eat voraciously without giving paying
returns in meat and lard, the owner will
be wise only if lie change the grade. at
least, if not the breed of his new stock.
No one of the domestic animals is 50
easily moulded as the hog. Much may be
done by the swine-growcr in perpetuating
desirable qualities by simply observing
individual excellence, whatever the breed
may be. In every litter one or more pigs
can be selected which will prove very
much better than the others, with the
same care and keeping. The breed known
ms Poland China possesses all the constit.
uentS of hardness with wonderful power.
of assimilation. These hogs may be bred
any size desired and can be lattened rcadi
IL for market at any age; they are alsC
prolific and are looked upon by many
feeders of the west As among the very best
Of "pork- making machines.
The Berkshires. which have become SC
numerous and which are constantly i'm
proving. combine many good qualitie;
favorable to their popularity. Crossed
with Poland Chinas they make excellent
feeding hogs, fattening readily and quickly
attaining reasonable size. The sows are
unequalled for proliicacy and as careful
nurses, while the pigs are strong and
active.
In Georgia, where polk-making fol
home consumption has largely increased
within the past few years, forty one per
cent Of the growers report the Berkshire
breed rs the most profitable. The Berk-
shire is also reported as the favorite breed
to cross upon The common stock. he
Poland China is regarded highly by The
few who have experimental with thi,
breed. In Virginia, where grades are
employed for pork over pure breeds, the
Berkshires are also preferred for crossing
on ordinary stock.
The Sutlolks, 4 popular breed in Eng.
land, and there hnown rs ." the English
noblemans hog from the fact that it is
always in condition to kill and gives meat
Of fine quality and flavor, is not popular
among the majority Of farmers here. The
objection to hogs of this breed are their
comparative small size and tender skin
in addition to which may be said they are
unsatisfactory breeders ard nurses.
Essex swine are bred in Il limited way
in some localities, being perhaps better
known in Kentucky than elsewhere. They
seem to be essentially the same as the
Suffolk except in their black color; they
are also less liable to skin diseases. While
a valuable standard breed, there is small
probability that the Essex will ever be-
come II prevailing one, its small size
among other things being against it.
The Jersey Reds, now extensively bred
in the middle and southern portions of
New jersey, are, according to Coburn,
probably descendants from the old i'm
portations of Berkshres and resemble
them in many respects, but are now
coarser than the improved swine of this
breed. They are Of large size and capable
of making a heavy growth. -NelO York.
World.