At the Royal Agricultural Shows there have been classes for pigs of the Large White, Middle White, Berkshire, Tamworth, Large Black and Lincolnshire Curly Coated breeds; whilst for the next show classes for pigs of the so-called Gloucestershire Old Spots breed 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