26 COMMERCIAL POULTRY RAISING 



Leghorn, Italy, brought a small cargo of fowls to this country, 

 which were at once named Leghorns. They were found to be 

 prolific layers, which at once gave rise to their popularity. 



Improvement. — Since their first importation the Leghorns have 

 been greatly improved, needless to say, and American breeders 

 are also responsible for creating most of the sub-varieties of the 

 breed. I am of the opinion that the Browns run a trifle smaller 

 than the Whites, and that they lay a smaller egg. See Fig. Ii. 

 The Browns are probably hardier, but to offset this advantage, 

 they are harder to breed true to color, especially in large flocks, 

 and they do not make so good a carcass as the Whites when 

 dressed. 



The White Leghorn is acknowledged to be the premier in lay- 

 ing, so much so that it has come to be recognized as the standard 

 by which the prolificness of other breeds are judged. It may be 

 said to represent in the poultry world what the Jersey cow does 

 in the dairy — small in size, but great in production. Some of the 

 most successful poultry plants in the country use the White 

 Leghorn exclusively, especially those catering to a fancy egg trade. 



The Buff Leghorn is a beautiful variety, and has many ad- 

 mirers. See Fig. 12. It has the same general characteristics as 

 its White cousin, only its plumage is a rich golden bufT color. 

 The Black Leghorn is another striking example of this breed, and 

 is a favorite among those who are partial to dark-colored birds. 

 This variety is sometimes mistaken for the Black Minorca, though 

 the latter is larger in size, has a longer body, larger comb, and 

 dark slate or nearly black shanks and toes. The Black Leghorn 

 is a glossy black throughout its plumage; comb, face and wattles 

 are bright red; the ear lobes white, and the shanks yellow or 

 yellowish black. 



Silver Leghorns, sometimes called Silver Duckwing Leghorns, 

 are not so widely bred in this country, though they are frequently 

 seen in the show rooms. In point of beauty they are considered 

 very interesting, but they are likewise difficult to breed true to 

 color in large flocks. In other ways they are considered as profit- 

 able as the other varieties. 



