UTILITY CLASSIFICATION 



83 



quite popular, but they do not equal the white variety. Solid- 

 colored birds, as the White Leghorns, are more satisfactory to the 

 poultryman, as they are easier to breed true to color. The pri- 

 mary object, in this case, is the production of eggs, and he does 

 not wish to consider the fancy points of color plumage. 



Minorcas rank second to Leghorns in egg production (Fig. 50) . 

 They are the heaviest breed in the Mediterranean class, but in 

 appearance resemble the Leghorns. They have larger combs and 

 wattles, increasing the danger 

 of freezing. They lay extreme- 

 ly large, white eggs, the largest 

 of any standard breed kept 

 for egg production. The shells 

 are thin and there is danger 

 of breakage during shipment. 

 The size of the eggs is in their 

 favor, but a special type of 

 carton or filler is required to 

 ship them. For a high-class 

 retail trade the large, ivory- 

 white eggs always bring a pre- 

 mium. This breed has never 

 become so popular in America 

 as the Leghorns, owing per- 

 haps to the fact that the shanks 

 have a dark-blue color. They 

 have meaty bodies, but, owing 

 to the color of the skin and 

 flesh, they are not demanded 

 by the general trade. Minor- 

 cas are much harder to raise to maturity than Leghorns, having 

 less vitality. There are fewer raised, and hence less selection for 

 vigor and vitality is practised. 



The other egg breeds mentioned are of no great economic 

 importance in America, and will not be discussed in detail here. 



Meat Breeds. The second type or group of birds to consider 

 from the economic standpoint are those adapted for meat pur- 

 poses. These birds are of good size, compactly built, and are 

 noted for quality and quantity of flesh. Birds of the Asiatic group 

 undoubtedly fulfil these requirements best. In every respect large 

 birds are preferred, as there is less waste in bone and offal, and 



FlG - si. - 



, as shown 



