BREEDS OF CHICKENS 55 



grouped. The subdivisions are called varieties, while the 

 groups are referred to as classes. There are two varietal 

 distinctions, namely, comb shape and plumage color. Either 

 one or both may be present. Thus, the Rose Comb lilrode 

 Island Ited differs from the Single Comb Rhode Island Red 

 only in comb shape. The White Wyandotte differs from the 

 Buff W^yandottc only in color, while the Single Comb White 

 Leghorn differs from the Rose Conrb Dark Brown Leghorn in 

 both comb and color. They are members of the same breed, 

 however, because they approach very closely the same type 

 or shape. The common saying among poultrymen that 

 "shape makes the breed, and color and comb the variety" 

 is an accurate statement of the case. 



For the more common breeds of chickens the class grouping 

 is based on similar general characteristics and place of origin. 

 The Brahma, Cochin, and Langshan together comprise 

 the Asiatic class. They have all come to us from or through 

 Asia and are birds of large size, having feathered shanks and 

 red earlobes, frequently becoming broody, and laying a dark 

 brown egg. The Leghorns, Minorcas, Anconas, Andalusians, 

 Spanish and Buttercups which comprise the Mediterranean 

 class, all seem to have originated around the jNIediterranean 

 Sea. They are all ner^'ous, active birds, stylish and sprightly 

 in appearance, and somewhat lacking in the brooding instinct. 

 They are layers of white eggs, comjjaratively small in size 

 and carry white earlobes. 



The breeds which comprise the American class are the 

 familiar Phanouth Rock, Wyandotte, and Rhode Island 

 Red, and the less familiar Java, Buckeye, Doininicjue and 

 hluff'. These breeds were developed in America through a 

 judicious blending of Asiatic and Mediterranean Ijlood lines 

 followed by rigid selection. In naost characteristics they fall 

 about half way between the two general types from which 

 they arose. 



The grouping of breeds of chickens into classes may have 

 no other basis than that of convenience or, as in the case 

 of the "Miscellaneous" class, which is composed of three 

 rather curious breeds, namely, Silkies, Sultans, and Frizzles, 

 because they do not seem to fit anywhere else. 



