reed are to be
included. As showing the changes which are in progress it may be noted
that two breeds of pigs which had classes provided for them at the Royal
and some other Shows have become extinct. These were the Small White and
the Small Black breeds--the sole cause of their disappearance being the
unsuitability of the pigs of the breeds to supply the present
requirements of the consumer.

* * * * *

[Illustration: _Photo, Sport and General._

LARGE BLACK BOAR, "DRAYTON KING."

Owner, Terah F. Hooley. 1st Prize, Somerset County Agricultural Show,
1913.

To face page 16.]

* * * * *

[Illustration: _Block kindly supplied by E. F. Casswell, Manor House,
Graby, Folkingham._

PAIR OF L.C.C. GILTS, Exhibited at SMITHFIELD SHOW 1914. 1st Prize. Age
8 months, 1 week, 5 days. Weight 7 cwts.

To face page 17.]

THE PIG

CHAPTER I

NON-PEDIGREE PIGS

Although the more general use of so-called pedigree pigs has tended to
modify the characteristics of the various local breeds of pigs, yet it
is possible to find a certain number of pig breeders who adhere to the
type of pig which has been in the past most generally found in their
district. This type was undoubtedly fixed by the wants or fancies of
those resident in the particular portions of the country.

In the past it has been the practice when describing these local breeds
to write as though they were confined to certain counties. It may be
that pigs of a peculiar or characteristic type are more numerous within
the borders of various counties, but this is by no means always the
case. The habits and pursuits of the inhabitants rather than the soil
and climate--as with horses, cattle and sheep--have the greatest
influence on the form, size and quality of the local pigs, whilst use
and custom appear to determine the colour of the pig. We are of opinion
that it will be more instructive if we give a short description of some
of the more common types of these local breeds of pigs, and mention the
names of those counties in which they are more generally found.

Amongst the most distinct of these local breeds is that which is
variously termed the sheeted or saddle-backed pig, which in the United
States has a society to look after its interests, and where it bears the
name of

THE HAMPSHIRE

Just why our American cousins should have decided to call these sheeted
pigs Hampshires is not on t