Andalusians. 
299 
We are indebted to the kindness of Mr. W. Samson, the Hon. Sec. of the Victoria Spanis/r, Anda- 
Iiisian, Minorca and Leghorn Club, for the Club's Standard for Andalusians. This is as follows : — 
General Characteristics and Colour. 
THE COCK. 
It must be clearly understood that the descriptions hereafter given of the cock and the hen are what 
they ought to be, and not what is so often seen in the Show pen. 
Head. — The general appearance large and deep. Beak. — Rather long, stoutly made, and of a dark horn 
colour. The Comb. — Brilliant red in colour, of moderate size, quite straight and upright, evenly and deeply 
serrated. The absolute number of spikes is immaterial so long as they are even, though some Fanciers say 
not more than six. The Comb to be well and firmly set on the head, the broader at the base the better, of 
fine texture, free from thumb marks, side sprigs, or twists. Wattles. — Bright red, rather long and thin, well 
rounded, of fine texture, and without folds. Face. — Here we come to the home of white spots or specks. 
These are, undoubtedly, largely due to the desire that has been, manifested of late years to get as large a 
lobe as possible, and, by obtaining these, this objectionable fault has been developed. This points somewhat 
strongly to the parent blood of the Black Spanish. It is a fault that requires the most stringent repression. 
Of late it has increased to an alarming extent. It is not only a terrible disfigurement, but it is hereditary, 
and, unless it is quickly stamped out, the face will soon resemble the face of the Black Spanish. It is 
preferable to see the lobes slightly tinged with red so long as the face is sound in colour, and it will generally 
be found that where the former occurs the latter will follow. It will be gathered from these remarks that 
the face should, and might to be, bright red, free from spots or feathers. In the Andalusian Club Standard 
the first of the disqualifications named is " Face not red.'" If Judges were more particular in disqualifying 
birds for this defect, the evil would soon be stamped out. In using the word " disqualifying," is meant in 
not awarding a prize to a specimen so disfigured, whereas now it is no uncommon occurrence to see birds 
gaining premier honours with a face well spotted. Lobes. — White, of moderate size, fitting close to the 
head, flat and smooth, resembling a piece of white kid, pendent, well developed, but fitting close to face, 
that any white under the lobe may be concealed, without wrinkles or folds, and standing out clearly and 
distinctly from the face, free from red stains. Eves. — Large, full ; colour, bright orange or red, with plenty 
of fire in them, very sparkling. The colour of eye is important. Neck.- — Long, carried well back, and 
furnished with a full and flowing hackle. Hackles. — These should be long and flowing, of a sound black 
colour, though a very deep purple is not objectionable ; free from rusty, gold, brown, or red feathers. The 
lighter the colour of the bird the greater the tendency to striped or red feathers. When these do occur, it 
clearly shows that Game blood has at some time been infused. It is a great eyesore, and strenuous efforts 
should be made to stamp it out. Body. — The general appearance light, broad at shoulders, and narrowing 
towards the tail. Back. — Slightly round, slanting to the tail. The colour is deep purple, or black, very 
little being seen, on account of the hackle falling well over, concealing any part of colour on shoulder. The 
saddle feathers of the same dark tint, a richness of colour pervading the whole. Wings.— Long and large, 
but carried well up, that is, close to the body, the points being hidden by the saddle feathers. The colour, 
slate-blue. Breast.— 'Nicely rounded, and carried well forward ; the colour, slate-blue, with the edge of each 
feather laced or margined with a much deeper tint, or even black. It is absolutely necessary that this 
marginal line be well defined. Thighs and Shanks.— Long. Legs.— Of good length, without the 
suspicion of feathers ; colour, a dark leaden-blue. Toes. — Four, of the same colour as the legs, long and 
thin. Tail.— Ful\, the sickles nicely arched, the whole tail carried well up. By this is not meant a squirrel 
tail, as this is a blemish. The colour of each feather a deep slate-blue, free from markings. The size is an 
all-important point, and one that is often ignored. The larger the size the better. Carriage. — Upright 
and sprightly. 
