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AGRICULTURAL MAGAZINE.
No. LXVI.] JANUARY, 1803.[VoL. XII.
OT THE. DIFFERENT BREEDS"OF: SWINE. Eatracted frem Dr. Dickson's Work. [wiTH[a PLATE ANNEXED.)
NWINE are a zort of live stock that bring considerable x 3 profit to the farmer, when proper attention is bestowed in the breeding, rearing, and other management. The well-formed hog Should not be too long, but full in the head and cheek, thick and rather short in the neck; fine in the bone; thick, plump, and full in the carcase; full in the quarters, fine and thin in the hide, and of a full Size in proportion to the kind, with a disposition to fatten well at an early age. The breeds.of these animals are very numerous, as almost every district is in poss2sSION ot a different Sort. Of the larger kinds the most valuable breeds are probably the following:--
The Berkshäre breed, which is distinguished by being in general of a tawny or reddish colour; Spotted with black; large ears hanging over the eyes; thick, closge, and well made in the body; legs Short; Small in the bone; disposition to fatten quickly.
This usefal breed has extended itself from the district which furvishes its name, over most parts of the island. It is the Sort mostly. fattened at the distilleries; it feeds to a great weight, and 1s good tor either pork or bacon.
The Hampshire breed of hogs is very large, being longer in the body and neck, but not of 80 compact a form as the Berkshire; they are mostly of a white colour, and are well disposed to fatten, coming up to a great weight when pro- perly managed, j
The Saropslure breed is another large Sort of hogs, which are found valuable where the keep is in Suficient avundance for their Support. They are not 80 well formed as those of the Berkshire kind, or equal to them in their disposition to fatten.
The Gloucestershire breed is likewise a large breed, but inferior to either of the above, being tall and long in Shape, and by no means well formed. The colour is in general white; Mr. Marshall Supposes this to have been the prevail- ing breed of the iSland. Itis Suppozed to be thinner in the Skin than the Berkshire breed.
4g. Mag. Vol. 12. B