UTILITY CLASSIFICATION 83 
quite popular, but they do not equal the white variety. Solid- 
colored birds, as the White Leghorns, are more satisfactory to the 
poultryman, as they are easier to breed true to. color. The pri- 
mary object, in this case, is the production of eggs, and he does 
not wish to consider the fancy points of color plumage. 
Minorcas rank second to Leghorns in egg production (Fig. 50). 
They are the heaviest breed in the Mediterranean class, but in 
appearance resemble the Leghorns. They have larger combs and 
wattles, increasing the danger . 
of freezing. They lay extreme- 
ly large, white eggs, the largest 
of any standard breed kept 
for egg production. The shells 
are, thin and there is danger 
of breakage during shipment. 
The size of the eggs is in their 
favor, but a special type of 
carton or filler is required to 
ship them. For a high-class 
retail trade the large, ivory- 
white eggs always bring a pre- 
mium. This breed has never 
become so popular in America 
as the Leghorns, owing per- 
haps to the fact that theshanks 
have a dark-blue color. They 
have meaty bodies, but, owing 
to the color of the skin and 
flesh, they are not demanded 
by the general trade. Minor- 
cas are much harder to raise to maturity than Leghorns, having 
less vitality. There are fewer raised, and hence less selection for 
vigor and vitality is practised. 
The-other egg breeds mentioned are of no great economic 
importance in America, and will not be discussed in detail here. 
Meat Breeds.—The second type or group of birds to consider 
from the economic standpoint are those adapted for meat pur- 
poses. These birds are of good size, compactly built, and are 
noted for quality and quantity of flesh. Birds of the Asiatic group 
undoubtedly fulfil these requirements best. In every respect large 
birds are preferred, as there is less waste in bone and offal, and 
Tic. 51.—Ideal shape of the meat type, as shown 
in the Brahma. 
