29 
BLACK SPANISH. 
The Black Spanish fowls (fig. 20) constitute one of the oldest varieties 
of domestic poultry. Their name has been identified with the industry 
for hundreds of years, and their practical worth on the farm has long 
been recognized. Their haughty bearing, large red .comb and wattles, 
and the white face and lobes peculiar to the breed, contrasting with 
their glossy black plumage, render them most striking birds. 
White-faced Black Spanish have long been favorably known for 
their exceptionally fine laying qualities. The oldest of the nonsitting 
varieties, they still maintain an unsurpassed record. The pullets are 
early layers, averaging 150 to 180 eggs per year; the hens begin some- 
Fig. 26.—Pair of Wliite-faced Black Spanish. 
what later, after molting, but compensate for any loss in number by 
the increased size of the eggs. Hens and pullets alike are well above 
the average for winter laying. Their eggs are large and white and of 
good flavor. The white face is a distinguishing feature, and should be 
long, smooth, free from wrinkles, rising well over the eyes in an arched 
form, extending toward the back of the head and to the base of the 
beak, covering the cheeks and joining the wattles and ear lobes; the 
greater the depth of surface the better. It should be pure white in 
color. The color of plumage throughout is rich, glossy black, and any 
gray is considered a serious defect. Shanks and toes are blue, or dark 
leaden blue. Comb is single and bright red in color; wattles, bright 
red, except the inside of the upper part, which is white; ear lobes, pure 
white. 
the Leghorns and Andalusians. 
