Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-08-16

The berkshire Is one OF the aristocrats
N the hog kingdom. By this Is meant
that the breed enjoys rather ancient
lineage. and since consistent attention
alto the selection and breeding has been
maintained. the quality OF the progeny has
steadily risen. and not run out as has
so often been the case with the so-called
human aristOcrats-
The breed. ike so many OF those We'll
and favorably known in the United
States, was brought to this country from
England, where they were developed to
a high degree OF perfection in the coun-
ties OF Berkshire and Wilkes Their ma
tive home has q mildly temperate climate
with a gently undulating landscape and
a clay loamy soil. When the breed was
first developed viii always remain a
matter OF conjecture. In lIss, Culley, a
famous writer on live stock, credits them
with being an excellent breed OF hogs
well known In both England and some
parts OF Scotland. At this early date
they were reddish brown in color with
black spots and larger overhangtng ears.
This breed. Ike many others. was no
doubt improved by the introduction OF
Chinese, Siamese and Neapolitan blood.
Professor Lowe. certainly one OF the
most reliable authorities on the history
OF i've stock In the British Isles. states
that crosses with these breeds were made
for the purpose OF refining the Berkshire
and securing class Of animals better
suited for the production OF a more deli
cate quality OF pork.
No one man can claim 70 have improv-
ed the Berkshire. though Lord Barring
ton. who died in las. is credited with
having done as much II not more than
any other single individual OF his day
and generation. IN America the breed has
been long and favorably known, and
much has been done to improve the stand
ard OF perfection. Probably n. H. Cen
try, OF Ssdalia, No, would be regarded
by those acquainted with Berkshire his
tory as the most distinguished breeder In
the United States. The BeTkshires are
said TO have been brought TO America
about 1875. and an English farmer who
settled in New Jersey is credited with
first importing them The breed was not
imported in ahy considerable numbers
however, until many years later. and
their general dissemination and favorable
recognition did not commence util about
ane middle Of the last century.
The Berkshire hog has some very wen
defined characteristics. The face is
rather short and gracefully dished. The
ears are carried erect and point slight
~ forward which gives them a neat
back Is not so broad. for instance, as
that Of the POland-Chins, but is level
and has good length. The rump is long
with the tail set high. though there is
some tendency to shortness and droopi-
ness in this respect The jowl is only
moderately developed. and the shoulders
are OF medium thickness. but the hams
are well developed The bone is OF fair
quality and good individuals stand well
on their feet, though the legs are rather
short. The color Of the Berkshire Is
characteristic. A black body with q white
streak in the face and more or less white
on the tail and four feet is preferred OF
course, there are some exceptions to
these markings. but they constitute the
preferred standard.
In size the Berkshire would be classed
as medium Young pigs at six months
OF age may be easily made TO weigh rs
pounds: at one year old. 90 pounds.
The ordinary mature boar in breeding
condition viii weigh about 500 pounds
and the SOW. 40 pounds The breed has
a wide adaptability, being one OF the
most popular in America. and therefore,
doing wei. not only in the warmer sec
tons Of the south. but in the colder
states OF the north and northwest
Whatever good OF bad points the breed
may have. therefore. its ability TO adapt
itself to varying climatic conditions can
not be questioned The breed natures
fairly early. though they probably would
not be given first place over the Poland
China or Duroc-Jersey in this respect
Some would even rate them below the
Chester White, but this would depend
much on the care and mana cement they
receive II should never be forgotten
in a discussion Of breeds that there is
more in the man than any other factor
averaging its development
As grazers these hogs rank high. They
have made fine reputation for them
selves in the clover fields of the west,
and they do well on rape pastures in
all sections OF the United States Their
well known grazing propensities have
made them favoriteS in many sections
OF the south where the breed is. re-
latively speaking. widely disseminated
and among the most popular.
SOILS SUITED To ALFALFA.
W. r T.. Birmingham. Ala. writes:
VIII you please tell me the quality Of
soil required to grow alfalfa hay, and
what Fertilizers would be necessary.
The soil is good black loan with clay
subsoil. / have been through several
states and think that Georgia has good
land, climate and splendid opportunities
for the farmer who VIII see that the
work is properly done. There is no
business that will build up Of itself.
II has 70 be pushed in the right direc-
ton.
The chances are that the land t.
which you refer will give its best re-
suits II planted 10 alfalfa. after IL has
been freely lined You should use. in
tons Of finely ground limestone rock.
or about two tons OF caustic lime The
objection 20 using the caustic lime lies
IN the fact that u win cause the loss
Of some nitrogen. but Z is much more
active than the finely ground cock,
sweetening the soil more efficiently and
helping its mechanical condition. II is
possible that the land referred 10 is in