54 THE BIRDS 



are larger and fuller breasted than the Leghorn. The head 

 and body are held very high, which gives them a more or 

 less tilted appearance. In outline the body resembles a 

 rectangle, the back being flat and forming the upper side of 

 the rectangle. A distinctive mark of the Minorca is the very 

 large comb and wattles. Long legs and large bones pre- 



FIG. 37. A pair of Single Comb Black Minorcas. This breed is noted for the 

 production of large, white-shelled eggs. 



dominate. The black variety is the most popular, white 

 ones being rarely seen. The Minorcas are bred principally 

 for egg production and for show purposes. The one leading 

 cause for their popularity is the large, heavy, white-shelled 

 eggs which they produce. Probably no breed lays a larger 

 egg than the Minorca (Fig. 37). 



