title: Berkshire year book.
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The 1895 Year Book of the American Berkshire Association^ now ready for distribution, contains many facts that will surprise the breeders of Berkshire swine who have not posted themselves concerning the numerous breeding herds recently established and the wide extension of territory east, west, north and south. The 1S95 Year Book shows that in the number of brood sows composing the herds of the breeders of Berkshire swine, that the states are entitled to precedence in the order named below The per cent, of increase in the number of brood sows in 1895, as compared with the herds reported in the 1891 Year Book of the American Berkshire Association, is given in the figures set opposite the names of the respective states : ..^•'~* Missouri increase 28 per cent. Texas 54 Illinois 28 Iowa 35 New York 110 Tennessee 37 Indiana 4 Michigan 3 California 38 Kentucky 76 Pennsylvania 48 Wisconsin 51 Mississippi 300 Louisiana 100 Minnesota 150 Maryland 140 Virginia 100 Massachusetts 300 Washington 400 Arkansas 100 Georgia 300 Oklahoma Territory 250 Delaware 100 Oregon 300 Oregon 300 Alabama 300 North Carolina 100 Indian Territory 250 Rhode Island 200 West Virginia 65 Montana 100 Connecticut 200 Idaho 100 United States 29 N. H. GENTRY, Sedalia, Mo, PRESIDENT KITUERICKN BERKSHIRE KSSOCIATION. A. J. LOVEJOY, Rosco, III., TREASURER, H.  OF TEXAS, KUTERICKN BERKSHIRE PISSOCIATION. A. S. REAVES, Hartsville, VICE PRESIDENT STATE OF TENNESSEE. KUTERICKN BERKSHIRE PISSOCIATION. J. HARVEY SCRIBNER, Mowenaqua, VICE PRESIDENT STATE OF ILLINOIS, KUTERICKN BERKSHIRE PISSOCIATION. R. P. METCALF, East Elma, VICE PRESIDENT STATE OF NEW YORK, KUTERICKN BERKSHIRE PISSOCIATION. R. P. METCALF, East Elma, VICE PRESIDENT STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA, KUTERICKN BERKSHIRE PISSOCIATION. ED. MORRIS, Glasgow, VICE PRESIDENT STATE OF KENTUCKY, KUTERICKN BERKSHIRE PISSOCIATION. N. A. CLAPP, WixoM. VICE PRESIDENT STATE OF MICHIGAN, KUTERICKN BERKSHIRE ASSOCIATION. J. W. TOWNLEY, OcTAViA. VICE PRESIDENT STATE OF NE BRASKA. K7USERICKN BERKSHIRE KSSOCIATION. C. A. KELLOGG, Claridon, VICE PRESIDENT STATE OF OHIO, KTU^BRICKN BERKSHIRE KSSOCIATION. C. H. SESSIONS, Los Angeles. VICE PRESIDENT STATE OF CALIFORNIA, K. W. BERKSHIRE ASSOCIATION. S. Q. HOLLINGSWORTH, Coushatta. VICE PRESIDENT STATE OF LOUISIANA, K. H. A. S. HAMILTON, Staunton. VICE PRESIDENT STATE OF VIRGINIA, K. H. A. S. HAMILTON, Bolingbroke; VICE PRESIDENT STATE OF GEORGIA 357USERBECK BERKSHIRE ASSOCIATION. A. D. HALE, McMILLAN. VICE PRESIDENT STATE OF WASHINGTON, K. W. BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE ASSOCIATION. J. G. SNELL, Edmonton, VICE PRESIDENT PROVINCE OF ONTARIO, J. L. CUMMINS BERKSHIRE ASSOCIATION. A. H. WHITE, Rock Hill. VICE PRESIDENT STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, K. H. A. S. BEAL, Murphy. VICE PRESIDENT STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, K. H. A. S. BEAL, Dickson, VICE PRESIDENT STATE OF ALABAMA. K. H. A. S. R. C. Berkshire Association. W. R. SHACKELFORD, Muscogee, VICE PRESIDENT OF INDIAN TERRITORY, JAMES SMITH, Clifton, VICE PRESIDENT STATE OF ARIZONA, J. H. HILL,  PRIZE RECORDS AND RECORD OF BERKSHIRE SALES 1804 PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN BERKSHIRE ASSOCIATION SPRINGFIELD, ILL.: Illinois State Recister Book Publishing House. 3895. AMERICAN BERKSHIRE ASSOCIATION ORGANIZED FEBRUARY, 1875. BERKSHIRE BREEDERS COMPOSING OFFICIAL BOARD, 1895. President. N. H. GENTRY. Sedalia, Mo. Vice-Presidents. Alabama Geis, G. E Dickson Arizona Smith, James Ulifton Arkansas Duncan, Ellis Fayetteville California Sessions. C. H Los Angeles Colorado Meeker, Claude B Los Animas Connecticut Woodruff A. S Southington Florida Vincent, T. A Riverview Georgia Brown, Loring Bolingbroke Idaho Wilson, R. E Salubria Illinois Scribner, J. H Moweaqua Indian Ter Shackelford, W. R Muscogee Iowa Karnaghan, W. S Clarinda Kansas Berry, Geo. W Berry ton Kentucky Morris, Ed Glasgow Louisiana Hollingsworth, S. Q., Coushatta Maine Hammond, G. W., Yarmouth ville Maryland Fulford, A. M Belair Massachusetts. Hood, C.I Lowell Michigan Clapp, N. A Wixorn Minnesota Porter, T. N Rochester Missouri Harris, T. A La Mine Mississippi Huntley, W. L Winona Montana Anderson, Chas. B Boseman Nebraska Townley, J. W Octavla N. Hampshire.. Hill, D. H South Lee New Jersey Norton, Paul T Somerville New Mexico McQueen G. E Florence New York Metcalf, R. P East Elma N. Carolina....Benl, R. R Murphy N. Dakota Davidson, E.J Grand Forks Nebraska Townley, J. W Octavla N. Hampshire.. Hill, D. H South Lee New Jersey Norton, Paul T Somerville New Mexico McQueen G. E Florence New York Metcalf, R. P East Elma N. Carolina....Benl, R. R Murphy N. Dakota Davidson, E.J Grand Forks Ohio Kellogg, C. A. Claridon Oklahoma Ty..Miller, J. C. Blackwell Oregon Redmond, John Mc Minn ville Pennsylvania Homer, D. E. Greenville Rhode Island..Ballon, F. S. Slatersville S. Carolina White, A. H. Rock Hill S. Dakota Pyper, W. L. Avon Tennessee Reaves, A. S. Hartsville Texas Pierce, W. H. Denton Utah Taylor, C. E. Salt Lake Virginia Hamilton, H. A. S. Staunton Washington.... Hale A. D. W. Millen W. Virginia Ralston, C. Wellsburg Wisconsin Arnold, Alex A. Galesville Province of Ontario—Joseph G. Snell, Edmonton Secretary.. Treasurer. CHARLES F. MILLS Springfield, III. A. J. LOVEJOY RoscoE, III. N H. GENTRY Official Board and Directory: WILLS A. SEWARD W. E. SPICER J. O. TERRELL GEORGE S. PRINE AMERICAN BERKSHIRE RECORD. For the convenience of breeders desiring information as to the Vokimes in which the pedigrees of their Berkshires are published, the following table is given: VOLUME. BOARS. SOWS. TOTAL 1 To. IN V 1 to 471 2 to 1090 780 2 473 to 1505 1092 to 3600 1773 3 1507 to 2465 3602 to 5340 1350 4 2467 to 3305 5342 to 6310 905 5 3307 to 4085 6312 to 8370 1420 6 4087 to 4999 8372 to 10000 1272 BOARS AND SOWS RECORDED. FROM TO 7 10001 12000 2000 8 12001 14000 2000 9 14001 17000 3000 10 17001 20000 3000 11 20001 23000 3000 13 26001 30000 4000 14 30001 35000 5000 15 35001 40000 5000 *In Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 the boars are given the odd numbers and the sows the even numbers. tin Volumes 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 the boars and sows are consecutively numbered in the order of tin Volumes 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 the boars and sows are consecutively numbered in the order of tin Volumes 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 the sows are numbered in the order of tin Volumes 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 the sows are numbered in the order of tin Volumes 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 the sows are numbered in the order of tin Volumes 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 the sows are numbered in the order of tin Volumes 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 the sows are numbered in the order of tin Volumes 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 the sows are numbered in the order of tin Volumes Acceptance for registration. The Berkshire Year Book is published for the purpose of furnishing information to the thousands of parties who make inquiry annually concerning the herds, sales and prize records of the breeders of Berkshire Swine. The Berkshire Year Book for 1895 contains a list of the names and numbers of the boars and sows sold during the past year, and the names of the purchasers as reported and shown by the transfer records in the office of the American Berkshire Association. The list of the names of the recorded boars and sows awarded first or sweepstakes prizes in 1894, at duly organized County, State or Provincial Fairs is published in said Year Book, so far as reported. The Berry prize essay on the Berkshire Hog, published in this Volume, will be read with great interest by the breeders of swine. Mr. C. Fred Boshart, the author of the prize essay, is entitled to the hearty thanks of the breeders of Berkshire swine for this able paper, and unprejudiced readers will fully endorse the claims made therein for the Berkshire Hog. Items of especial interest to the breeders, contributed by the most prominent and successful breeders of Berkshire Swine, constitute one of the leading features of the Berkshire Year Book. The paper on the Diseases of the Pig contained in this Volume reflects much credit upon Dr. Mcintosh, who has demonstrated in the paper the claims of leading veterinarians that he is an eminent authority on such matters. The Berkshire Year Book contains the best obtainable methods for curing and cooking pork products, salting, smoking hams, bacon, making sausage, etc.; also receipts for rendering lard, seasoning sausage, and the various ways of cooking and serving all kinds of pork products for the table. Attention is invited to the index published in the appendix of this volume. Berkshire Year Book. RULES OF ENTRY IN THE AMERICAN BERKSHIRE ASSOCIATION. 1. Applications must be made upon blanks furnished by the Secretary and should be signed by the breeder and present owner of the animal. 2. Every animal admitted to registry shall be recorded in the name of the party owning the dam at the time the animal was farrowed. 3. A certificate of service, signed by the owner of the service boar, must accompany each application for entry, except where said boar is shown on the Record to have been owned at the time of service by the breeder. The order of the animal to be recorded. 4. Animals not the immediate descendants of recorded sires and dams, shall not be admitted to registry, except their ancestors trace to recorded stock and said ancestors shall also be recorded in the American Berkshire Record. 5. Unsound or unworthy individual animals should not be presented for registry. Such will not be admitted under any circumstances, where fact, proving their inferiority are made known to the Executive Committee. 6. The use of duplicate names should be avoided. 7. Each animal known to be dead should be marked by an x preceding the name, on the application for entry or transfer blank. 8. The breeder of an animal is the party owning the dam at the time of service and dictating the cross. 9. In case the animal offered for entry is owned by other than the owner of the dam at the time of birth, a transfer is required to the present owner from the previous owner; and if the animal has passed through one or more intermediate hands, transfers must be given in their regular order. Parties interested in the animals in question or their descendants are required to file and pay for Vendor's certificates, showing sales in their regular order from the breeder through successive owners to the party in whose ownership said animals appear at the date of registration. In case of a change in ownership of an animal, the buyer must obtain from the seller a certificate of transfer, for which a blank form will be furnished by the Secretary, which will be recorded when returned. In case of the neglect or refusal of the seller to give a certificate of transfer, the record of transfer may be made by the Secretary, upon written approval of a majority of the Executive Committee on evidence of sale and delivery. Parties purchasing recorded boars or sows should obtain from the seller an abstract of ownership, issued by the Secretary, showing that the sale has been noted on the books of the American Berkshire Association. In all certificates of transfer, the full names and post office addresses of both the buyer and seller of the animal, and the date of sale must be given. If the animal is a female, it must be stated whether or not she has been served. If served, the date of service must be given, with the name and record number of the boar, certified to by the then recorded owner of the boar of his authorized representative. In application shall be considered until the fees are paid, nor shall any number be assigned by the Secretary until every requirement has been complied with. When entries or transfers are made, the certificate given by the Secretary shall constitute the receipt for the fees, but such certificate shall not be binding upon the Association in case of error. Fees for registration and transfers are as follows: Entry fee, boar or sow, under two years of age at date of filing application by non-member $1.00 Entry fee, boar or sow, under two years of age at date of filing application by a member $0.50 Transfer filed within six months after sale $0.25 Certificate of registry containing extended pedigree $0.50 Custom House certificate $0.50 Penalty Fees — The following penalty fees will be charged members and non-members from and after March 31, 1895: Entry fee, boar or sow, over two years of age at date of filing application $2.50 Fees for transfers filed over six months after date of sale $0.50 BERKSHIRE PACKING BOOK. Imported Animals— Entry fee of boar or sow bred in Great Britain, if application is filed within six months after date of importation: To members $0.50 To non-members $1.00 Remittances to be made by Express Order, Bank Draft, Post Office Order or Registered Letter. Entry and Transfer Blanks for the registry of pedigrees and transfers in the Record, are sent free on application. Pedigrees, as soon as approved, have numbers assigned them in advance of publication in the Record. For blanks or further information, address the Secretary, CHARLES F. MILLS, Springfield, III. WHY BERKSHIRES ARE PREFERRED. Prominent among the good qualities that make Berkshires the leading favorite, the following may be mentioned: First— Great muscular power and vitality, which render them less liable to accident and disease than any others. Second— Activity, combined with strong digestive and assimilating powers, hence returning a maximum quantity of flesh and fat for food consumed. Third— The sows are unsurpassed for prolificacy and as careful nurses and good sullers. Fourteenth— Their pigs are strong, active, and vigorous at birth and consequently less liable to the mishaps so common to them when very young. Fifteenth— They can be fattened for market at any age, and yet, if desirable, fed to any reasonable weight, from 600 to, in some instances, 1,000 pounds. Sixteenth— Their flesh is of the highest quality of pork, containing a larger proportion of finely marbled lean and fat than that of any other breed. Seventeenth— Their flesh is of the highest quality of pork, containing a larger proportion of finely marbled lean and fat than that of any other breed. Seventeenth— Unwashed uniformity in color and marking. BERKSHIRE SWINE. Standard of Excellence Adopted by the American Berkshire Association. CoJof —Black, with white on feet, face, tip of tail and occasional splash on arm 1 Face and Snow—Short, the former fine, well dished and broad between the eyes 7 Eye—Very clear, rather large, dark hazel or gray 2 Generally almost erect, but sometimes inclined forward with advancing age, medium size, thin and soft 4 Jou?—Full and heavy, running back well on neck 4 A'ec/f—Short and broad on top 4 Hair—Fine and soft, medium thickness.. 11 Sfcm—Skin smooth and pliable 4 SJwulder—ThicVi and even, broad on top a nd thick through the chest 7 Brtcfc—Broad, short and straight, ribs well sprung, coupling close up to hips 8 Side—Deep and well let down, straight on bottom line 6 Fianfc—Well back and low down on leg, making nearly a straight line with lower part of side ii iofji—Full and wide ' Ham—Deep and thick, extending well up on back and holding thickness well down to hock 10 Tait—Well set up on back, tapering and not coarse 2 I/effs- Short, straight and strong, set wide apart, with hoofs erect and capable of holding good weight 5 Symmetry—Well proportioned throughout, depending largely on condition 5 Condition— In good, healthy, growing state, not overfed 6 Stj/ie- Attractive, spirited, indicative of thorough breeding and constitutional vigor 5 CHAMPION BERKSHIRE HERDS STATE STATE PRIZES —BY THE— AMERICAN BERKSHIRE ASSOCIATION. CALIFORNIA, SESSIONS & CO., 1894.... (Old and Young Herds) Los Angeles GEORGIA, HILL & BROWN, 1894.... (Old and Young Herds) Macon ILLINOIS, HARRY CASS, 1894 (Young Herd) Buffalo Hart INDIANA, L. J. WILLIAMS & SONS, 1893 Muncie LOUISIANA, W. L. FOSTER, 1894 (Old Herd) Sheveport MICHIGAN, N. A. & J. W. CLAPP, 1894 (Old Herd) Wixom MISSOURI, JOHN B. THOMPSON, 1893 Plattsburg NEBRASKA. W. E. SPICER, 1894 (Old and Young Herds) Harvard NEAVY, WILLIAM A. SEWARD, 1893 Budds Lake NEW YORK, METCALF BROS., 1894.. (Old and Young Herds) East Elma OHIO, L. C. PETERSON, 1894 (Old Herd) Spring Valley W. S. PARKER, 1894 (Young Herd) Bloomingburg OREGON, E. A. POPHAM, 1894 (Young Herd) Turner TENNESSEE, CARNEY & MOORE, 1894 (Old Herd) Murfreesboro J. D. CLINARD, 1894 (Young Herd) J. D. CLINARD, 1894 (Young Herd) J. D. CLINARD, 1894 (Young Herd) TENNESSEE, CARNEY & MOORE, 1894 (Old Herd) Murfreesboro J. D. CLINARD, 1894 (Young Herd) TENNESSEE, CARNEY & MOORE, 1894 (Old Herd) Murfreesboro J. D. CLINARD, 1894 (Young Herd) TENNESSEE, CARNEY & MOORE, 1894 (Old Herd) Murfreesboro J. D. CLINARD, 1894 (Young Herd) TENNESSEE, CARNEY & MOORE, 1894 (Old Herd) Murfreesboro J. D. CLINARD, 1894 (Young Herd) TENNESSEE, CARNEY & MOORE, 1894 (Old Herd) Murfreesboro J. D. CL Herd) Springfield TEXAS, W. H. PIERCE, 1894 (Old and Young Herds) Denton WEST VIRGINIA, C. RALSTON & BRO., 1894.... (Young Herd) Wellsburg WISCONSIN, M. H. AVEST, 1894 (Old Herd) Fayetteville PETER WAKEM, 1894 (Young Herd) Madison The herds of the breeders named above will retain the State Championships until the premiums of the American Berkshire Association are subsequently awarded to other breeders residing in said states. Hekkshike Year Book. PRIZES FOR BERKS. LIBERAL PREMIUMS OFFERED FOR BERKSHIRES AT THE STATE AND PROVINCIAL FAIRS OF 1895. Twenty-five hundred and Fifty Dollars in Prizes Offered by the American Berkshire Association, for the Purpose of Advertising the Breed and to Enconrage Improvement in the United States and in Canada. During the past year, the American Berkshire Association awarded in prizes at the leading State Fairs over one thousand dollars in premiums—a sum much larger than the aggregate amount offered in premiums by the sixteen or more similar organizations representing all the other breeds of swine. One thousand dollars in cash was paid the exhibitors of Berkshire swine at the World's Columbian Exposition by the American Berkshire Association. The leading breeders of Berkshires from all portions of the world had the satisfaction of examining at the World's Fair an exhibit of Berkshires that was pronounced by well-informed breeders to have been the largest and best display of Berkshire hogs ever before shown at any State or previous World's Fair. It is generally conceded by the exhibitors of Berkshire swine that the large sums offered in prizes by the American Berkshire Association had much to do in stimulating breeders to make an exhibit at the World's Columbian Exposition, that has greatly increased the prestige and popularity of the Berkshire breed. The American Berkshire Association will continue the same liberal policy by the offer of a still larger sum in prizes for exhibits made at the State and Provincial Fairs held in Canada and the United States during the year of 1895. The American Berkshire Association offers the following special premiums, to be competed for at each of the State and Provincial Fairs of 1895, viz.: The first five or the second five volumes of the Record of the American Berkshire Association necessary to complete the set of the successful competitor, and valued at five dollars per volume. (a) Best breeding pen of Berkshires registered in the American Berkshire Record, to consist of a boar and three sows over one year of age, owned by a resident of the State or Province in which the Fair is held, the first five or second five volumes of the Berkshire Record, necessary to complete the set of the successful competitor, value twenty-five dollars. (b) Best breeding pen of Berkshires registered in the American Berkshii-e Record, to consist of a boar and three sows under one year of age, owned by a resident of the State or Province in which the Fair is held, the first five or second five volumes of the Berkshire Record, necessary to complete the set of the successful competitor, value twenty-five dollars. Bkrkshike Year Book. CONDITIONS. First -That the boars and sows competins for the prizes specified above be recorded in the American Berlishire Record prior to date of entry at tlie Fair, and that a list of such en- tries tas sent to the Secretary of the Association at Springfield, Illinois, Second— That there shall not be less than two competitors for each of the prizes. Third— That no animals competing for the above prizes be allowed to show for said pre- miums at more than one State or Provincial Fair in 189.5. Fourth— That a separate class for recorded Berkshires be provided by the State Fair offi- cials, and published in the premium list for 180.5. Fifth— That the announcement of the premiums marked (a) and (b), and conditions one, two and three, be printed in the premium list of said State Fairs in connection with the classification for Berkshire swine, or that reference be made at the end of the list of premiums for swine to this announcement, giving page where the same is published. Premiums amounting to fifty dollars, as noted above, will be offered in 1895 for exhibits of Berkshire swine made at each of the following State and Provincial Fairs, viz.: Alabama State Fair Arizona State Fair Arkansas State Fair California State Fair Colorado State Fair Delaware State Fair Florida State Fair Georgia State Fair Idaho State Fair Illinois State Fair Indiana State Fair Indiana State Fair Indiana Territory State Fair Iowa State Fair Kansas State Fair Kansas State Fair Kentucky State Fair Mississippi State Fair Mississippi State Fair Missouri State Fair Mississippi State Fair Missouri State Fair Missouri State Fair Montana State  Premiums and Highest Show Yard Honors for the Champion Berkshire Herd of 1895. The greatest attraction in the Swine department of our fairs and exhibitions is the display of Jerkshire Swine. The superior merits of the breed so highly commend the Berkshire that it is only necessary to introduce this prime favorite into any locality to ensure the patronage of the farmer who gives critical attention to profit in feeding and the quality of ham, bacon, and pork that has made the Berkshire the high standard to which all producers of pork produce are so earnestly striving to attain. The exhibition of Berkshire at the county, district, and State fairs, as a means of advertising and selling stock, has been demonstrated by our most successful breeders to be only second to the live stock and agricultural papers as an effective agency for disposing of surplus stock at a profit. The American Berkshire Association, for the purpose of encouraging breeders generally to exhibit their herds at the county, district, and State fairs of 1893, offers a gold medal to the owner of the herd of Berkshires that makes the best show yard record during the current year. CONDITION. First— That the boars and sows competing for the grand gold medal of the American Berkshire Association be registered in the Record of this Association. Second — That each of the premiums received in 1895 shall be certified to the American Berkshire Association by the exhibitor and countersigned by the Secretary of the fair at which said award was made. Third — That early notice of intention to compete for the grand gold medal herein offered must be filed with the Secretary of the American Berkshire Association, Col. Charles F. Mills, Springfield, Illinois. Fourth— The awards of awards on the forms prescribed by the American Berkshire Association, must be filed for the above premium, with the Secretary of the Association, at Springfield, prior to December 31, 1895. Fifth— The grand gold medal will be awarded the exhibitor whose prize record scores the highest number of points on the following basis, viz.: In the Berkshire class at county fairs, each third premium to count one point; each second premium to count two points; each first premium to count four points; each sweepstakes premium to count eight points; each sweepstakes premium in rings where all breeds compete together, to count ten points. At district fairs, State fairs and expositions, the score will be made upon a uniform and equitable plan, based upon the number of entries of recorded animals in each ring. Sixth — The grand gold medal will be awarded by three disinterested and reputable gentlemen, to be selected by the Directors of the American Berkshire Association. "Go West, Young Man, Go West," When You Desire to See the Champion Berkshire Herd for 1894. There has never been a more earnest contest among the breeders of Berkshire swine for show yard honors than in 1894, when, with scarcely an exception, the leading breeders and most successful exhibitors at the Columbian and State Fairs were in the ring competing with the best lot of Berkshires that have ever been displayed in America or Europe. The result of the splendid campaign made by the breeders of Berkshires for popular favor and show yard honors last season, is summed up in the following report, made by N. H. Gentry, of Sedalia, Mo., George S. Prine, of Oskaloosa, la., and J. O. Terrell, of Terrell, Texas: To the American Berkshires Association: The undersigned, to whom were referred the entries and other papers filed by the contestants for the prize of a Gold Medal offered by the American Berkshire Association to the owner of the herd of Berkshires making the best show yards record during the year 1894, beg leave to report, that there were seven contestants for said prize. The published conditions for said contest are as follows: CONDITIONS. First— That the boars and sows competing for the Grand Gold Medal of the American Berkshire Association be registered in the Record of this Association. Second— That each of the premiums received in 1894 shall be certified to the American Berkshire Association by the exhibitor and countersigned by the Secretary of the fair at which said award was made. Third— That early notice of intention to compete for the Grand Gold Medal herein offered must be filed with the Secretary of the American Berkshire Association, Col. Charles F. Mills, Springfield, Illinois. Fourth— Reports of awards, on the form prescribed by the American Berkshire Association, must be filed for the above premium with the Secretary of the Association, at Springfield, prior to December 1, 1894. The grand Gold Medal will be awarded the exhibitor whose prize record scores the highest number of points on the following basis, viz: In the Berkshires class at county fairs, each third premium to count one point; each second premium to count two points; each first premium to count two points; each sweepstakes premium to count eight points; each sweepstakes premium in rings where all breeds compete together, to count ten points. At district fairs, state fairs and expositions, the score will be made upon a uniform and equitable plan, based upon the number of entries of recorded animals in each ring. The grand Gold Medal will be awarded by three disinterested and reputable gentlemen, to be selected by the Directors of the American Berkshires Association. The seven competitors for the Gold Medal scored the following points, viz.: 425, 278, 259, 243, 154, 89, and 88. The party making the highest score exhibited Berkshires at the following fairs, making the scores noted below: Clay County, Nebraska, the Nebraska State Fair, Indiana State Fair, Iowa State Fair, Illinois State Fair, Total 4.5. The successful contestant was awarded twenty-four first prizes, twenty-one second prizes, two third prizes, and seven sweepstakes prizes. In the rings in which first prizes were awarded, the party entitled to the Gold Medal, the number of entries averaged six, and in the rings in which second prizes were awarded, the number of entries averaged within a fraction of seven. It is generally conceded that the best imported and home-bred Berkshires are the best. Exhibited in 1894 were shown at the four State Fairs named above. No higher compliment can be paid the Berkshires composing the Gold Medal herd than the announcement of the fact that in competition with the best home and foreign-bred stock at four of the leading State Fairs of 1894, the highest score was made by W. E. Spicer, Harvard, Nebraska. The committee therefore takes great pleasure in awarding the Gold Medal of the American Berkshire Association to Mr. W. E. Spicer, Harvard, Nebraska. PROLIFIC BERKS HIRES. From the beginning of one hundred dollars, offered by W. E. Spicer, of Harvard, Nebraska, awarded to Mr. Keuben Gentry, of Danville, Ky. Mr. Spicer, in making the announcement of his liberal premium for the purpose of developing facts concerning the prolific breeding qualities of the Berkshires, speaks as follows: "The undersigned claims for the Berkshire breed that the sows are prolific breeders and that early maturity and profit is feeding are marred characteristics of the breed, while the superior excellence in the quality of the pork of a Berkshire is unquestioned. As an advocate of the claim that the large breed of Berkshires meets all the demands of the breeder and feeder of swine for profit, and the wants of the most critical packer and consumer of pork products for incomparable quality, the following premium is offered for the Berkshire sow whose litter of pigs exceeds in weight at one hundred days after farrow that of any her competitors." That Mr. Spicer was fully advised as to the truth of his claim is clearly demonstrated in the report of the committee awarding said premium, which is as follows: "The undersigned claims for the Berkshire breed that the sows are prolific breeders and that early maturity and profit is feeding are marred characteristics of the breed, while the superior excellence in the quality of the pork of a Berkshire is unquestioned." Following: To the American Berkshire Association: The undersigned, to whom was referred the entries and other papers filed by the contestants for the very liberal special premium offered by Mr. W. E. Spicer, of Harvard, Nebraska, for the Berkshire sow whose litter of pigs exceeds in weight at one hundred days after farrow, beg leave to report that eight breeders filed entries for said premium. The undersigned has duly considered the following conditions provided for said competition: CONDITIONS. First— The competing animals must be recorded in the American Berkshire Record and be the property of the competitor... Second— That early notice of intention to compete for said premium must be filed with the secretary of the American Berkshire Association, Col. Charles F. Mills, Springfield, Ill. Third— That three disinterested and reputable parties shall weigh the sow and pigs one hundred days after farrow, and that said parties shall certify to the weight of the sow and the number of the pigs. Fourth— That each competitor shall file with his entry a statement of the method of feeding and caring for the sow prior to farrow, and the attention and character of rations offered for the sow until the expiration of the one hundred days' test. Fifth— The above premium is offered for the purpose of developing data of the greatest amount to swine breeders, and while the exact weight of food used during the one hundred days' test is not reduced, competitors are earnestly requested to keep accurate account of the weight and report each kind of food consumed daily by the sow and her litter of pigs during the continuance of the test. The lack of completion of the entries of several prominent breeders and very successful feeders, has made it necessary to exclude their applications for the competition. A number of entries of sows with spring litter of pigs had advantage of the season over the gentleman awarded the prize, who has demonstrated the oft repeated claim that the Berkshire is not only prolific, but that the pigs are healthy and make profitable growth under conditions that may prevail on every farm. The litter of pigs awarded the premium was out of the sow Lucille, and sired by Elmwood Chief, and owned by Reuben Gentry, of Danville, Ky. Said litter was farrowed November 8, 1894, and contained papers were filed by Richard Cobb, Jr., W. H. Lillard, and James G. Gastman of Danville, Kentucky, certify that on February 16, 1895, the sow weighed 335 pounds, and the ten pigs weighed 545 pounds. Mr. Gentry states that the sow and pigs were never kept in a house, but were provided with a good bed and allowed the range of a field containing about twelve acres. The sow and pigs were fed ground wheat and ground corn cooked, and shelled corn. Breeders who have experienced the difficulties involved in saving a litter of ten pigs, and making a gain on said pigs of 545 pounds during the months of November, December, January, and February, will esteem it a privilege to extend congratulations to Mr. Reuben Gentry, the successful contestant for the Spicer prize referred to above. Respectfully submitted, Committee. 12 Berkshires Yeak Book BERRY'S PRIZE ESSAY. The breeders of Berkshire Swine are under many obligations to Hon. Geo. W. Berry, of Berryton, Kansas, for the very liberal premium offered for the best essay on the Berkshire. The handsome premium of Mr. Berry induced a number of well-known breeders to prepare essays in competition for the prize, which was awarded to Mr. C. F. Boshart, of Lowville, N.Y. The premium essay is published in this issue and is well worthy of the careful perusal of all interested in the Berkshire hog. The essays entered in this competition are of a very high order of merit, and extracts from each will be published from time to time. The awarding committee consisted of Hon. F. D. Coburn, Secretary of the Kansas State Board of Agriculture, Prof. John A. Craig, of the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station, and Prof. C. F. Curtis, of the Iowa Agricultural College. Mr. Berry has rendered the breeders of Berkshires a great service in the very liberal premium offered for essays. The object and conditions upon which the above award was made are as follows: The object in making this offer is for the purpose of bringing out information and to widely disseminate knowledge pertaining to the Berkshire hog. The premium for the best essay on the origin and characteristics of Berkshire Swine will be considered with special reference to the information contained in the essays concerning the early maturing, superior feeding and excellent pork-producing qualities of the breed. The premium will consist of a Recorded Boar and two Sow Pigs, bred by the undersigned, that could not be bought at private sale for less than one hundred dollars. CONDITIONS. First— The above premium to be awarded by a committee of three, to be Pointed by the President of the American Berkshire Association. Siec.ond- -That early notice of intention to compete for said premium must be filed with the secretary of the American Berkshire Association, Col. Chas. F. Mills, Springfield, Illim^is. Third Entries on the form prescribed by the American Berkshire Asso- ciation must be filed with the Secretary of said organization for the above premium, and no essays will be received later than December 31. lS'.t4. Fourth— Tha privilege is reserved by the Association to publish the com- peting essays in the Agricultural and Live Stock Pai)ers. On receipt of the report of said committee at the ottice of the American Berkshire Association, the premium will be awarded and the pigs shipped to the successful competitor. (JEOllUE W. BERBY, Berryton, Kas, Seward's Prize. 13 SEWARD'S PRIZE. CHAMPION BBKKSHIRB, 189-4. The liberal special prize offered by Mr. Wills A. Seward, of Budd's Lake, Xew Jersey, has served a valuable purpose and has encouraged a number of leading breeders of Berkshires to make extended fair circuits with creditable exhibits wliich have advertised this favorite Hog to excellent advantage. Mr. L. C. Peterson, of Spring Valley, Ohio, attended nine fairs last season and has the honor of receiving the largest number of prizes awarded a Berk- shire breeder in isi»4, on a single animal. The following report of Hon. J. II. Pickrell, who awarded the Seward prize to Mr. Peterson, will be read with niuch interest by exhibitors who con- tended for the liberal prize ottered by the gentleman named above: To the Aineriran Berkshire Association. The Committee, to whom was referred the awarding of the special prize offered by Mr. Wills A. Seward, of Budds Lake, New Jersey, for the purpose of encouraging the owners of animals of superior excellence to exhibit the same as much as possible at the County, District and State Fairs of 1894, beg leave to report that they have duly examined the papers filed by the contestants and in making the award have been guided by the following conditions provided for said contest, viz: CONDITIONS, That the boars and sows competing for this premium must be registered in the American Berkshire Record. That each of the premiums received, shall be certified to the American Berkshire Association by the exhibitor, and countersigned by the Secretary of the Fair at which said award was made. That with said certificate shall be a report of the Judge or Judges, giving particulars of said award and number of competitors, together with a short description of the prize winners, which must include the exact weight, special attention to be given to the legs, which should be short, straight and strong, at least wide apart, with hoofs erect, and capable of holding good weight. The hams, proportion and general future usefulness as breeders should have due consideration, and under no circumstances ought a prize to be given to a cripple or an unworthy representative of the Berkshire breed. That early notice of intention to compete for the premium must be filed with the Secretary of the American Berkshire Association, Col. Charles F. Mills, Springfield, Illinois. Reports of the awards on the for a prescribed by the American Berkshire Association must be filed for the above premium with the Secretary of the American Berkshire Association, at Springfield, prior to December 31, 1894. Sixth—The premium will be awarded the exhibitor whose record scores the highest number of points on the following basis, viz: In the Berkshire class, each third premium to count one point; each second premium to count two points; each first premium to count four points; each sweepstakes premium in rings where all breeds compete together to count ten points. Breeds representing the following states competed for the prize noted above, viz: Kentucky, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The best score on the conditions noted above was made by the sow Diisy Dean, 83rd, owned by Mr. L. C. Peterson of Spring Valley, Ohio. Sixth prize was awarded to premiums at nine different fairs, as follows: Seven first prizes, one second prize and one sweepstakes prize, making a score of thirty-eight points. Respectfully submitted. T. H. PICKRELL. Berkshire Year Book. CORN CROP OF 1894, COMPRISED BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,  Kansas Mississippi North Carolina. Virginia South Carolina. Louisiana Michigan New York Minnesota Wisconsin West Virginia. Maryland Nebraska New Jersey.... Florida Delaware Colorado Vermont Connecticut,... Massachusetts. California South Dakota.. New Hampshire Rhode Island... North Dakota.. Oregon Utah ,\ri/ona Washington Wyoming Montana Idaho $65,957,381 46,404,662 36,604,805 38,829,659 35,848,699 30,948,707 29,872,611 26,543,523 22,412,157 20,383,366 18,422,965 18,065,777 17,973,023 17,606,294 15,490,957 15,132,053 12,173,732 11,085,713 10,878,724 8,450,964 8,141,290 7,331,520 7,188,822 7,134,117 6,927,762 4,854,276 3,701,971 1,978,763 1,508,962 1,266,164 954,903 851,481 734,328 685,559 666,689 381,565 338,729 210,749 204,188 186,790 121,353 84,779 75,994 44,012 31,024 26,610 5,872,274 5,273,257 5,472,934 3,649,404 3,352,539 2,736,644 2,951,839 3,107,777 1, 273,411 3,003,738 2,537,249 2,001,970 3,731,904 2,089,024 2,459,663 1,685,64 1,672,216 1,103,715 937,821 491,278 1,028,980 787,066 681,728 623,067 2,309,254 271,639 516,242 199,874 125,569 44,976 45,299 40,460 66,751 354,844 25,575 13,282 23,646 8,949 24,170 13,132 8,575 4,558 5,295 2,257 1,157 1,577 169,121,491 116,011,654 81,344,010 69,338,676 96,888,377 71,973,737 67,892,297 68,060,316 40,749,376 35,143,735 34,760,311 38,437,824 41,797,728 35,931,213 32,959,484 32,195,858 18,728,819 17,880,183 21,757,447 13,854,040 18,933,232 16,29 12.611.968 14.268.234 13.855.524 8.991,251 5.214,044 4,397,228 2,473,709 1,835,021 1,395,870 1,288,294 1,490,345 877,223 529,952 451,639 280,999 464,064 333,553 209,530 84,779 110,136 67,710 37,834 45,102 Berry's Prize Essay. 15 PRIZE ESSAY. The breeders of Berkshire swine are under many obligations to Hon. George W. Berry, of Berryton, Kansas, for the very liberal premium offered for the best essay on the Berkshire. The handsome premium of Mr. Berry induced a number of well-known breeders to prepare essays in competition for the prize, which was awarded to Mr. C. F. Boshart, of Lowville, N. Y. The premium essay is well worthy of the careful perusal of all interested in the Berkshire hog. The essays entered in this competition are of a very high order of merit. The awarding committee consisted of Hon. F. D. Coburn, Secretary of the Kansas State Board of Agriculture; Prof. John A. Craig, of the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station, and Prof. C. F. Curtis, of the Iowa Agricultural College. Mr. Berry has rendered the breeders of Berkshires a great service in the very liberal premium offered for essays. FIRST PRIZE ESSAY. 1?V ('. F. nosiIART, LOWVILLE, N. Y. England from early times appears to have been blessed with numerous provincial breeds of swine. Among those of importance we find the Berkshire, originating in Berks County, England. At what period these provincial breeds were formed and as to the character of the stock from which they were derived, early history affords no information. Tradition states that swine were herded in England as far back as 863 B. C. How long previous to this period domesticated swine were reared and herded we have no means of ascertaining. What the forms of these ancient swine were, history does not tell us. The lapse of centuries has obliterated all traces of their primitive uncouth forms and characteristics. The breeders of Berks County, England, bred from generation to generation, a type which had been selected from stock of mixed origin, and crossed with more improved breeds, until the desired qualities which they wished to perpetuate had become fixed, and a breed was thus created. The Berkshires of a century ago belonged to the larger class of swine, and were easily distinguished by their color. The earliest writers represent them as but little sandy or whitish brown, spotted with dark brown or black, having few bristles, and with long curly hair. This early Berkshire was coarse in bone, large in head, snout comparatively short, jowl thick, and ears heavy and drooping, and fringed with long, curly hair around their outer edge. Their backs were broad, bodies long, compact and well formed. The hams and shoulders heavy, with rather short legs, flesh well marbled, and the broad sides produced a bacon of superior quality. History further tells us that the old, improved Berkshire was crossed with a black, or deep plum-colored Siamese boar. Other traditional historians assert that the black and white Chinese boar was cautiously used. That both crosses were judiciously used we cannot well question, and may well believe as in both conformation and color this traditional Berkshire stock gave evidence of both crosses. From the Siamese cross the Berkshire undoubtedly obtained its sandy or reddish brown color, a better dished face, finer head, broader back and greater length of body, with erect ears. From the Chinese cross fineness of bone and conformation, with heavy jowls was the result, together with some change of color. As to the exact time when these crosses were first made we have no data. In the research into Berkshire history by the late A. B. Allen, he gave it as his opinion that it must have been more than one and one-half centuries ago. 