198 THE PRACTICAL POULTRY KEEPER. 



The fowl, undoubtedly, did come from Spain, and is a 

 Spanish Don all over. The cock should carry himself 

 stately and upright, the breast well projecting, and the tail 

 high, though it ought not to be carried forward, as in some 

 birds. The legs are blue or dark lead-colour, and rather 

 long. The size is rather degenerated the old standard was 

 7 Ib. for a cock and 6 Ib. for a hen : this breed, however, 

 weighs more than it would appear to do. The plumage is 

 jet black and very glossy in the cock, the hen is less so, but 

 pure black. White or speckled feathers may appear with 

 age, but are fatal in a pen. The comb in both sexes is 

 single and very large ; the cock's perfectly straight and 

 upright, the hen's falling completely over on one side. The 

 spikes should be large, regular and even. A twist or 

 thumb-mark in the front of the cock's is a very common 

 fault, but spoils a bird. 



The most important point is the white face. This must 

 extend in an arch, high over the eye to the base of the 

 comb, except a narrow line of feathers, and be as wide and 

 deep as possible, reaching sideways to the wattles in front 

 and ear-lobes behind the whole surface like " white kid." 

 The ear-lobes also as large and deep as possible, equally fine 

 in texture, and as free as possible from folds or wrinkles, 

 which take from its value. Red specks or blush where 

 white ought to be, spoils the fowl. There are always more 

 or less minute feathers or hairs studded over the face, 

 naturally, and it is understood and allowed that these may 

 be pulled out with tweezers before exhibition. The beauty 

 of the face cannot be seen without this, and attempts to stop 

 it years ago were utter failures ; but it is doubtful whether 

 the practice does not deter some from keeping the breed. 



Spanish chickens are delicate, and must be kept from 

 damp with special care. If this be neglected they die off, 

 though they seem seldom to develop actual roup like many 



