486 



IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



fourth inches. As specimens depart from this proportion they become 

 awkward and valueless as exhibition stocl^, and often also as egg pro- 

 ducers. In shape, oblong, with full, broad and round breast, carried well 

 forward. The fullness and oblong shape is typical of the Brahma and is 

 characteristic of prolific birds. The curves of neck and back are similar 

 to those of the outlines of an egg. 



In plumage the male is pure white, excepting hackle, tail and flights, 

 which are black, and white striped with black. Any other color but 

 white and black is against the standard-bred bird. The hackle is white 

 with a black stripe extending down the center of each feather and taper- 

 ing to a point near the extremity (see fig. 10). The tail feathers are 

 black, and sickles are glossy greenish black. The shanks are well 



F(G. 9.— Pair of Light Brahmas. 



feathered, with the feathering extending down the middle toe; the toe 

 feathering may be white or white sprinkled with black, pure white pre- 

 ferred. A small pea comb (see fig. 9), broad crown, projects over the 

 eyes; bright red face, wattles and ear lobes are essential to a good 

 head. The shanks and toes are bright yellow. 



The Brahma female is much like the male in head qualities, having 

 broad comb, projecting well over the eyes, and small pea comb. The 

 head of female should be masculine in appearance. The head is white; 



