CHAPTER XII 



THE MEDITERRANEAN BREEDS/ 



Along the whole northern coast of the Mediterranean, from Gibraltar to Syria, 

 fowls aie kept in immense numbers, and of types which bear a strong family 

 resemblance, although no where is such care bestowed upon thieir breeding as in 

 England and the United States. 



Among these breeds the 



WHITE-FACED BLACK SPANISH 



was one of the first to become naturalized abroad, and it has had an era of great 

 popularity on both sides of the Atlantic, This breed was probablyfirst obtained 

 by the Dutch, through the Spanish occupation of the Low Countries, and was 

 by them so carefully bred as to improve upon the original stock. 



The most marked characteristic of this breed is" the white face, the white color 

 extending with age until it surrounds the eyes. In aged fowls the face is liable 

 to be disfigured with folds and wrinkles, sometimes to such an extent as to ob- 

 struct the sight : this excessive growth is a disqualification in the show-pen. 



The comb is single and .very large; stiff and erect in the cook, but drooping 

 in the hen This large comb is sometimes a detriment in cold climates, as it is 

 very liable to become frozen. 



The plumage is black or green-black ; there are sometimes one or more 

 white feathers, from the tendency of all black animals to produce albinos 

 occasionally, but the presence of any other color is a sure indication of impurity 

 of blood 



The legs should be blue or leaden blue. Any other color is a disqualification 

 in the show-pen 



Except from the tendency of the combs to freeze the Black Spanish is a hardy 

 breed when grown. The chicks are not considered quite so hardy as in some 

 othei breeds As layers these fowls are very valuable, the eggs being very large 

 and tlie hens beginning to lay young, and laying throughout the summer with 

 but little intermission. They are but little inclined to sit. As winter layers the 

 Black Spanish are not considered equal to breeds of Asiatic origin, and they 

 are not a first-class table fowl, being of only medium size ; but for situations 

 where there is plenty of range, and eggs are sought rather than flesh, a cross of 

 this breed upon the common fowl has given excellent satisfaction. (See 

 illustration, page 121.) 



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