38 POULTRY BREEDING 
great egg farms of this country at least 90 per cent of 
them keep only Single Comb White Leghorns. Their 
color is perhaps the main reason why they have been 
chosen. 
Buff Leghorns originated in Denmark, where they are 
called Italiens. Mrs. Lister Kay was probably the first 
to give them prominence in England and from there they 
were brought over to America. They were very popular 
for a few years and are valued yet, but for some reason 
the great breeders have never taken them up, and they 
have so far remained a fancier's fowl. In everything that 
makes for real value Buff Leghorns are equal to any 
other members of the family, the only difference being 
their clear, golden buff color, which in its perfection ts a 
beautiful color. 
Black Leghorns and Silver Duckwing Leghorns are 
recognized in this country, but very few of them are 
bred, no large flocks being kept. The Pile Leghorn is 
bred'in England but only an occasional pair is found in 
this country. Brown, White and Buff Leghorns are also 
bred with rose combs, the rose comb being the result of 
a Ifamburg cross which has reduced the size of these 
birds. 
Minorcas.—The Minorcas are supposed to be identical 
with the old Castilian fowls of Spain. It is supposed that 
the first of them which appeared in England rather more 
than a century ago were obtained in Spain and mis- 
takenly credited to Minorea. It is known that they were 
bred in England as long ago as 1780, but they did not 
attract widespread attention until 1875, when they were 
brought to notice by an enthusiastic writer, and imme- 
diately became popular. Soon after this they were 
brought to this country and widely introduced. The 
