leaders, which take alarm at the slightest appearance of danger, and are ready on an emergency to act on the defensive. This Forest breed, however, is now rarely to be seen in its purity—in fact, it is passing away, or perhaps rather merging into a more domestic and mingled stock, thereby losing its pristine characteristics.
Lincolnshire is one of the counties noted for an excellent breed of pigs. The old race were gaunt, slow-feeding, unprofitable animals, with heavy heads and flat sides; but the improved breed of the present day are well-formed, of moderate size, easily fattened, and produce excellent flesh; they are white, with fine skins, and sparingly covered with bristles, which are slender; the ears are erect and pointed, the body long, straight, and round. These pigs, deservedly esteemed, may be fatted to about 630 lbs., and when at the age of a year and a half, many are found to range between 280 and 420 lbs. A cross between the Lincoln and Chinese breed though of diminished size is found to attain more rapidly to maturity than the pure Lincoln, and fattens quickly upon a very moderate allowance of food.
Norfolk produces excellent pigs, somewhat smaller than those of Lincolnshire, but closely agreeing with them in characters; they are well-formed, fatten quickly, and yield fine meat. Besides this breed, a smaller race prevails in many parts of Norfolk, descended, as it would appear, from the Chinese, which it greatly resembles. These pigs are in great estimation; they fatten readily on a small quantity of food, and their flesh is delicate.
Suffolk, now noted for its improved breed, formerly possessed only a coarse, lank, and thriftless stock; but this has given place to a mixed race, admirable for symmetry, and quick and early fattening. The most generally approved breed is a cross between the Suffolk, Berkshire, and Chinese. These animals are rather small, but compact, short-legged, and small-headed; the body is round, and they fatten readily. At the age of a year, or a year and a half, many are found to weigh from 240 to 300 lbs., and produce first-rate bacon. The flesh of the sucking-pigs and of the porkers is esteemed for its peculiar delicacy.
Besides this breed, which stands first, there is an excellent cross between the Suffolk and Lincoln; the pigs attain to a considerable weight, ranging from 420 to 560 lbs. and upwards; they are hardy, and fatten readily. Another breed is between the Berkshire and Suffolk, and this has its admirers; it is easily kept in good condition, fattens quickly, and makes excellent bacon. It is, however, longer in the leg and less compact in symmetry than the tri-cross between the Suffolk, Berkshire, and Chinese. The improved Lincolnshire race is much valued in Suffolk, as is also the improved Essex breed, established by Lord Western, and esteemed throughout the kingdom. It is black, short-nosed, deep-jowled, short and thick in the neck, with
