Minorcas. 
307 
consideration. I have kept nearly every variety of Fowl, but none have come up to the original Minorca as 
layers, or even as Table Fowls. The old strains were above the average, being remarkably plump, and of fine 
flavour. It must be taken for granted that all Minorcas were not such fine specimens as those I have quoted. 
The late Mr. Leworthy imported into England some Minorcas that were of the Leghorn type, short in back, 
and rather small in size, but, from all accounts, excellent layers. I never kept any of those strains, preferring 
the larger birds. In colour, most of the old strains were a dull black, bi't not all, as I had Minorcas of a 
splendid colour in 1868. One hen in particular was very lustrous, and possessed a better lobe than any I 
had seen at that time ; and for size and Show qualities, would beat many of the best Modern Mmorcas. I 
am one of the few that believe that, with the exception of style and lobe, the modern bird is not in it with 
those we had twenty-five years ago, and they did breed true, not being subjected to the breeders' art by top 
crossing. As to the relative position our old strains would occupy in the Show pen with the modern 
production, I might mention that my first prize cockerel at Melbourne (Victoria), and second at Newcastle 
(N.S.W.), in 1894, was one of my old strain, and had to compete against stock bred from my noted English 
Champion, in 1893. In the modern bird a great improvement has taken place in style, lustre, and lobe ; in 
fact, many of the present-day specimens have scarcely a drop of pure Minorca blood in their bodies. To 
obtain the large pure lobe, the Spanish and Black Hamburg were, undoubtedly, used, bringing with it so 
many white-faced birds, and also light-coloured legs. To improve them in style, Brown-Red Game and 
Langshan were used. This cross also gave a greater lustre to the plumage, and would also improve the face, 
colour of eyes, and legs. The old strains had a most brilliant red face. It is only of quite recent years that 
so many 'pale faces ' have been seen. I do not object to those crosses if those that used them would breed 
back again to the true Minorca. Many of the so-called Modern Minorcas are simply the result of top 
crossing a half-bred Spanish hen with a large-combed, round-faced Minorca cock. This will breed some 
rare Minorcas to the eyes of those who do not understand the breed ; but see what veritable mongrels they 
will throw. Those who have made these crosses quickly discard them. I speak from experience with these 
top crosses, having had to pay very dearly for them. Many of these birds are too upright in carriage, and 
cut away in chest, two certain signs of Game and Spanish blood ; and they are also considerably more stilty 
in appearance, and as layers they are far inferior to the originals, many I have had being very indifferent 
layers. No doubt the continued selection for the fixing of ' Show Points of excellence ' has sacrificed the 
laying capabilities of the breed, there being few specimens which combine both. There are, however, 
exceptions to this, as I have had several of my noted prize-winners that were extra good layers. As Show 
birds, the modern type does not last as long as those of the past, so very few Minorcas ever being exhibited 
now, the second season. This, I think, is partly owing to so many so-called Minorca Judges going for head 
gear only, and awarding prizes to birds on the grounds of possessing monstrous combs. What is wanted in 
young birds is to he neat in head points. Birds that mature slowly and gradually their head qualities do 
not go ' all to pieces,' as so many do that develop quickly, the latter often arriving at maturity at about six 
months old. The old adage, ' Soon ripe, soon rotten,' applies frequently to this breed. There were far more 
good old birds up to four years of age 20 years ago than at the present time. Enormous combs should not 
be encouraged in either sex, as in the cocks many have their combs kept up by artificial means, and what 
miserable objects they look on the last days of the Show ; whereas the neat-headed ones are as good-looking 
the last day as on the first. My ideal of what a Minorca cock should be is — he should have a neat, clean- 
cut, evenly-serrated comb, well built, as free from thumb marks or twists as possible, and slightly rough in 
texture, the comb to extend well over the back of the head. What I prefer is a long, firm comb, not too 
high, and on no account to project over the point of the beak. I feel so strongly on this latter point or 
defect that I would make it a disqualification for the front of the comb to project over the tip of the beak. 
As to the number of spikes, one more or less should never go against a bird, so long as they are well placed. 
The face, a rich, ijright red, right up to the edge of the lobe, as fine in texture as possible, with a very few 
hairs, or small feathers. The head and face should be long and deep, especially in cheek. Many cocks are 
too short-headed, which is mostly accompanied by coarseness, and they cannot carry a long comb in comfort. 
