ORIGIN OF ANCONAS 



TT HERE is nothing mysterious nor even doubtful about the origin of 

 Ancona fowls. 



They are native of Italy, and have been bred there for centuries, as 

 they are today. An attempt has been made to discover if they were pro- 

 duced by crossing other breeds, but absolutely no knowledge of any such 

 origin is obtainable from any source. Therefore we must content our- 

 selves with the fact that all supposition of Anconas being a cross-breed 

 is mere idle gossip, and has not the least foundation for liklihood what- 

 ever. 



In August, 1910, I wrote the American Consul at Rome, Italy, hop- 

 ing to secure some information on this subject, and after carefully in- 

 vestigating the matter Mr. Coleman could not throw any light on the 

 subject. The following extract from the relpy to my letter shows the 

 status of Ancona fowls in their native country: 



"Ancona fowls are a breed of The Marches, a geographical designation 

 embracing the Province and City of Ancona, Italy, and are considered 

 the best in this country, both as producers of eggs and of meat." 



Ancona is not far distant from Rome. Italy is boot like in form, 

 and the city of Ancona is on the Eastern coast where the peninsula has 

 the greatest breadth. 



It will be seen from the foregoing that Anconas are an Italian fowl, 

 of the Mediterranean class. In Italy the climate ranges from below zero 

 in the mountain regions to 109 degrees above in the lower part during 

 the hot season, and this great diversity doubtless accounts for the extreme 

 hardiness of Ancona fowls, and their adaptability to the varied climates 

 of America. 



