26 "A LITTLE JOURNEY 



The Ideal Ancona Shape 



THE true Ancona shape is similar to that of the Leghorn, with the except- 

 tion that the body is somewhat longer and deeper built of a somewhat 

 broader "wheel base", so to speak. This feature gives them the ad- 

 vantage as egg producers. 



There are two varieties Rose and Single Comb with absolutely no dif- 

 ference except in the comb itself. The Single Comb was the first to be im- 

 ported to this country, and because this variety is somewhat more spectacular 

 in appearance, it has gained a wider popularity. But the Rose Comb, where- 

 ever it has been raised, has won favor. It is merely a matter of personal 

 preference there isn't the slightest difference in their inherent good qualities, 

 behaviour or beauty apart from the comb itself. 



Speaking generally, the Ancona Head is moderate in length, fairly deep, 

 and fine in texture. The Beak is nicely curved, and the Eyes are medium in 

 size and nearly round. The Wattles are thin, well-rounded, and smooth in 

 texture; the Ear-Lobes are moderate in size, free from folds and wrinkles, and 

 fit up closely to the head. The Neck of the Ancona male is long, nicely arched, 

 and the hackle flows down well over the shoulders. The Neck of the Female 

 is long, slender, and gracefully arched. The Wings are large and well folded. 

 The Back is of good length, sloping downward from the shoulders and then 

 sweeping upward to the tail. The Breast is full, broad and carried well for- 

 ward. The Legs are slender, moderately long; the Toes are straight. The 

 Tail of the Male is large and well spread, with the feathers carried at an angle 

 of about 45 degrees above the horizontal. That of the female is neatly-formed 

 and carried well out from the body at the same angle 45 degrees. 



I would not say that the highest type of Ancona development is character- 

 ized by the almost perpendicular "squirrel" tail. In fact, I prefer the tail 

 that is carried at an angle of no higher than 45 degrees slightly lower than 

 that, if anything. Like all other variations, the too perpendicular tail can 

 be made to yield to skillful breeding. Not that the tail should droop! This 

 I have never advocated, but I do believe that the tail can be carried in a regal, 

 lordly manner without having it point straight up in the air! 



The English fancier, I sometimes think, has gone in more for developing 

 freak points of the Ancona which, of course, can be done with any breed of 

 poultry. He has been breeding a comb with five to seven serrations, the 

 blade following the lines of the neck. 



On this point American breeders differ more than on the other. The ideal 

 comb in this country has five serrations with the blade leaving the neck at the 

 head and curving upward. 



