Page:The Hog.djvu/84

82 Lord Western's improved Essex breed is much esteemed in Suffolk, and so are the Lincolnshire hogs.

A cross between the Suffolk and Lincoln has produced a hardy animal, which fattens kindly, and will attain the weight of from 400 to 550 and even 700 pounds. Another cross, much approved by farmers, is that of the Suffolk and Berkshire. On the whole, there are few better breeds to be found in the kingdom, perhaps, than the improved Suffolk pigs; they are well-formed, compact, short-legged, hardy animals, equal in point of value to the best of the Essex, and superior in constitution, and consequently better adapted for general keep, and especially for the cottager. The greater part of the pigs at Prince Albert's farm, near Windsor, are of the improved Suffolk breed; that is to say, the Suffolk crossed with the Chinese. They are medium in size, with round, bulky bodies, short legs, small heads, and fat cheeks. Those arising from the Berkshire and Suffolk are not so well shaped as those derived from the Chinese and Suffolk, being coarser, longer-legged, and more prominent about the hips. They are mostly white, with thin, fine hair; some few are spotted, and are easily kept in fine condition; they have a decided aptitude to fatten early, and are likewise valuable as store-pigs. Many of the improved Suffolk breed will, at a year or fifteen months old, weigh from 250 to 320 pounds; at this age they make fine bacon hogs. The sucking pigs and porkers are also very delicate and delicious.

There is no distinct breed in this county; the animals are mostly Suffolk or Berkshire pigs, variously crossed. Some of the best kinds are distinguished for their aptitude to fatten early, and on a small quantity of food.

The pigs of this county do not materially differ from those Oof Lincolnshire, but are rather smaller. They, too, are white, fine boned, long-eared, and well-formed, good feeders, and yielding fine meat. This is especially the case in that part of the county which approaches Lincoln. Various breeds and varieties, are, however, to be met with in Norfolk, and among them some very inferior animals. There is a small variety resembling the Chinese, and probably descended from that breed, which is peculiar to this county, and much esteemed for its aptitude to fatten on a small quantity of food. A cross between the Norfolk and Suffolk pigs produces a fine, hardy animal.