POULTRY KEEPING 533 



the white variety must be pure white throughout, feathers other than 

 white disqualifying. The comb, face and wattles are bright red, the 

 face being free from white ; the eyes are dark hazel in the Black va- 

 riety and red in the White variety. 



Before concluding in regard to Minorcas it is worthy of note 

 that the latest acquisition to the breed is the Rose-comb Black Min- 

 orca, which is now a standard variety. The only objection that has 

 ever been raised against the varieties of the Mediterranean class is 

 their susceptibility to frostbite of the comb. Their combs are so large 

 that continued cold or exposure is sure to result in this injury. To 

 obviate this one defect, if it may be so termed, in this valuable class 

 of birds has been the purpose of breeders in producing a bird that 

 possesses the other qualifications, but with a low rose comb. The 

 comb of the Rose-comb Black Minorca male should be rose, square in 

 front, and set close and even on the head. The head of the female is 

 similar to that of the male. The standard weight of Single-comb 

 Black Minorca cocks is 9 pounds; hens, 7 l /z pounds; cockerels, 7V& 

 pounds, and pullets B 1 /^ pounds. The standard weight of Rose-comb 

 Black and Single-comb White Minorca cocks is 8 pounds ; hens, 6Mi 

 pounds ; cockerels, 6% pounds ; pullets, 5 l /2 pounds. 



Black Spanish. The Black Spanish fowls constitute one of the 

 oldest varieties of domestic poultry. Their name has been identified 

 with the industry for hundreds of years, and their practical worth 

 on the farm has long been recognized. Their haughty bearing, large 

 red comb and wattles, and the white face and lobes peculiar to the 

 breed, contrasting with their glossy black plumage, render them most 

 striking birds. 



White-faced Black Spanish have longbeen favorably known for 

 their exceptionally fine laying qualities. The pullets are early layers, 

 averaging 150 to 180 eggs a year; the hens begin somewhat later, 

 after molting, but compensate for any loss in number by the in- 

 creased size of the eggs. Hens and pullets alike are well above the 

 average for winter laying. Their eggs are large and white and of 

 good flavor. The white face is a distinguishing feature and should be 

 long, smooth, free from wrinkles, rising well over the eyes in an 

 arched form, extending toward the back of the head and to the base 

 of the beak, covering the cheeks and joining the wattles and ear 

 lobes; the greater the extent of surface the better. It should be puiv 

 white in color. The color of plumage throughout is rich greenish 

 black, and any gray is considered a serious defect. The shanks and 

 tH> are blue or dark leaden blue. The comb is single and bright red 

 in color. The wattles of males are bright red, except the inside of 

 the upper part, which is white ; and of females bright red ; the ear 

 lobes are pure w T hite. 



The standard weight of Black Spanish cocks is 8 pounds; hens, 

 6% pounds; cockerels, 6^ pounds; pullets, 5V 2 pounds. 



Andalusians. This as one of the prettiest of the feathered race, 

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

 Blue Andalu-qan, and is the only variriy of its breed. It is not as 

 popular in this country as it should be, owing to the ae&tunent 



