470 THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



Dominique Leghorns. This variety has the general form and appearance of the 

 Leghorn breed generally, except the plumage, which is of a light, slaty blue in ground color, 

 with each feather distinctly penciled across with dark bars; the pure-bred fowl will have 

 this uniform color free from white, black, or any other colored feathers. They are not as pop 

 ular as the Brown and White Leghorns, owing probably to the fact that their plumage is not 

 as pleasing to the eye possessing a fine taste for the beautiful in nature. They are, however, 

 very hardy and good layers, which is the chief merit of the Leghorn breed generally. 



Black Leghorns. These were introduced into this country in the autumn of 1871, 

 by Mr. Reed Watson, of East Windsor Hill, Conn. Subsequently, he made other importa 

 tions. In 1878, he imported from Italy a fine cock, from which he bred most admirable and 

 rare specimens of this variety. 



Their general characteristics are like the other varieties of the Leghorn family, being 

 noted for their laying qualities, vigor, hardiness, ease of raising, and beauty; and are highly 

 valued by those who have raised them continuously. The color of the plumage throughout 

 is a pure, deep black, that of the cock being very rich and glossy. Any approach to a red 

 or brassy tinge in feathers is considered a grave defect. The large, bright red comb and 

 wattles, and white ear lobes, making a pleasing contrast with the rich glossy black of the 

 plumage, render it a very beautiful fowl. The beak is yellow, shaded with black ; the legs a 

 yellowish black, being nearly black in front. 



Merits and Defects of Leghorns. The great merit of the Leghorns is, as we 

 have previously stated, their superior laying qualities; in this respect they are unsurpassed. 

 They are also very hardy, being less liable to the common fowl diseases than almost any 

 other breed, and are consequently raised with ease and less care than would be required for 

 many other breeds. They are non-sitters, consequently those who keep them are not troubled 

 with the frequently recurring brooding propensity characteristic of most of the Asiatic 

 varieties. They are great foragers, and this quality, combined with their small size, renders 

 their keeping in summer less expensive than many of the larger and more docile breeds. 

 Their activity with many may be deemed a defect, and such it would be, where confinement 

 was necessary for lack of room, but where there was a range sufficiently extensive for forag 

 ing purposes, it would be rather considered a desirable quality. 



As to their defects, the size of the comb, as we have previously stated in the description 

 of this breed, is considered objectionable in our cold northern latitude, being so liable to 

 freeze unless protected with warm winter quarters, and which when frozen greatly disfigures 

 them, besides causing considerable suffering; but this would not be considered an objection 

 in our more southerly latitudes, where the winters are more mild. 



They are a very active, nervous fowl, consequently need the liberty of an extended range 

 in order to thrive well, and where given the freedom of a farm, are inclined to wander 

 farther than any breed of fowls with which we are acquainted. They are easily frightened, 

 and not sufficiently docile in disposition to be very tame, and bear petting much. They are 

 also very expert in flying over high fences, which renders limitation to their range sometimes 

 a question of grave doubt, unless extra precautions in the height of the fence be given due 

 consideration. 



Their small size renders them unprofitable as table fowls merely, and where poultry is 

 the principal desideratum, a larger breed of fowls would be more profitable and desirable; 

 besides, their flesh is liable to be tough when over nine months old. Their eggs are small com 

 pared with those of the larger breeds, yet are large compared with the size of their bodies. 



Taking all things into consideration, the merits and defects, where eggs alone are 

 the main point in question, and there is plenty of room for foraging, as would be the case on 

 most farms, and even in many localities in the towns and villages, we know of no fowl that 

 we could recommend with more surety of giving satisfaction, than the Leghorns. 



