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King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 438, 10 February 1912, Page 6

In respect to cross breeding for bacon pigs Professor Long says the best plan is to breed from a first--lass strain of the pure Large White, which has behind it a strong recommendation of one of the largest bacon-curing firms in the British islands. It is, however, essential to obtain breeding stock of large size. You may be able to purchase pure blood, but inferior pigs, many of which are sold to unsuspecting purchasers who are not aware how large the animals should be. must be avoided. It is important that the sow t should be of great length, with plenty of depth, a good udder, and ane which has reared her previous litter successfully. Purity of breed stands for very little unless the animals which represent the breed ai"3 themselves first-class, and neither masters nor undersized. There are some who prefer the Tamworth, but the pigs of this breed which are intended for productive purposes should be of the very best obtainable. There is no advantage in crossing between two pure breeds, still less in crossing with the offspring of two pure breeds. For bacon purposes you must look to length and depth of side, large'; hams, and collars whiih are not too thick at the fore-end of a flitch realises the smallest price. A cross between the large White and the large Black will produce pig..; of good size if the parent stock are large, but the experience of curves in relation to the quality of the cross for bacon purposes fs not so extensive as that in relation to the pure White.