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IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



The standard weight of a Minorca cock is eight pounds; hen, six and 

 one half pounds; coclverel, six and one half pounds; and pullet, five and 

 one half pounds. 



ANDALUSIANS. 



The Andalusian (fig. 25) is one of the prettiest of the feathered race, 

 being of a beautiful light and dark blue plumage. It is called the Blue 



Fig. 25. — BUie Andalusian hen. 



Andalusian, and is the only variety of its breed. It is not as popular in 

 this country as it should be, owing to the sentiment against white skin 

 and blue shanks. English and French poultrymen prefer these qualities 

 in a bird, and with them it is very popular. The hens are nonsitters and 

 splendid layers of large white eggs, equaling in size those of the Minor- 

 cas. Specimens of their eggs have been seen in competition and have 

 won the award of merit for size and weight. The chicks are hardy, 

 mature early, and the pullets begin laying when five or six months old. 



For farm purposes they rank with the Leghorn and the Minorca, the 

 preference being only in the color of their plumage. For fancy purposes 

 they are an ideal bird on account of their beauty. Their general charac- 

 teristics are those of the Leghorn. The hackle and saddle feathers are 

 dark blue, approaching black; breast a lighter shade of blue, each feather 

 having a well-defined lacing of a darker shade; body and fluff, similar in 

 color to breast, but somewhat darker; primaries, light blue; secondaries 

 and wing coverts, dark blue; wing bows, darker blue, approaching black; 

 tail and sickle feathers, dark blue, approaching black; shanks and toes, 

 slaty blue. 



