SPANISH. 197 



day, in addition to other vegetable food. With these pre- 

 cautions, prize Dorkings have been reared in gravelled 

 yards not containing more than 300 square feet. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



SPANISH, MINORCAS, LEGHORNS, ETC. 



ALL round the coast of the Mediterranean at all events, 

 round the European coastare found fowls of obviously one 

 general type, though differing in minor points. They have 

 high single combs, large wattles and ear-lobes (the latter 

 more or less white), smooth legs, and close plumage ; and 

 they are all non-sitters, laying white and comparatively 

 large eggs. We have often thought that the Roman Catholic 

 religion, with its great number of days on which flesh is 

 forbidden, may probably be answerable in some degree for 

 the development of this type of fowl, and those with similar 

 non-sitting qualities in France. The varieties here de- 

 scribed come to us from Spain and Italy. 



SPANISH. This breed has been longest bred to a 

 standard, and stands alone in the development of white 

 skin, not only into really immense ear-lobe, but into a white 

 cheek or "face," meeting under the throat. For a long 

 time it was the only breed for which classes were provided 

 at all shows, and one of the most popular, being celebrated 

 everywhere for the abundance of its immense white eggs ; 

 but it has lately been so closely bred for such an excess of 

 white face, that it has become far less fertile, and so delicate 

 that there are few breeders of it, and very few entries at 

 even large shows, its place amongst useful poultry being 

 now taken by the Minorca and other varieties. It must, 

 however, still be regarded as the head and aristocrat of the 

 family. 



