Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1891-06-11
The Poultry Yard.
Black Minorca Fowls.

These birds are Of Spanish origin
and are thought to have been the pro-
geuitors OF White Faced Black Span
ISL. Though they are much larger and
more hardy than the Spanish, the tend
ency of these white Faced Black
Span!sh) to revert TO the red face, and
some other points of similarity, make
such a relationship seem more prob
able. Their smaller size and hardy
nature are probably due to close in
breeding for fancy points. The Black
Minorcas are the largest breed of non-
sitters known. Tue standard requires
81 lbs. for the hen and lbs. for the
cock. They have luminous black
plumage with which their comb, face
and wattles of bright scarlet and large
ear lobes of pure white make strik-
ing and very pleasing contrast. They
take their name from the island Of
Minorca in the Mediterranean sea
where it is supposed they were bred
100 years ago. They have been long
and successfully bred in England,
which is regarded as substantially the
home Of Minorcas. A man from Can
ada says that he saw many Minorcas
in England As years ago. This with
the high favor in which they are still
held has recommended them to Ameri-
can fauciers. Louis Wright and
Stephen Beale. both standard author
tiles on all poultry matters and Eng
lishmen well acquainted with the quail
ties of this and all other leading breeds
of poultry. class them first aud best OF
all for egg production and layers OF
more and larger eggs than any other
known variety. A few American fan
ciers were attracted BY praise Of this
character and by them Minorcas were
first brought TO this country six years
ago. ! imported some of the finest
specimens while they were very rar,
here. Minorcas met strong antago
nism in their new home. for man,
breeders Of laying varieties alread,
popular here. thinking it impossible t,
surpass their own favorites. deemed i
only desire TO boom new yariet,
fo' money-maklug considerations. Tn,
fact that nearly every one who oppose,
them for such reasons is how breeding
them is a strong point in their favor
showing that hey have gained thei
place BY high grade OF individua
merit. Their best friends are thos,
they have won for themselves
| keep several varieties which ar,
very profitable TO me. and my expert
ence as iancier Of thoroughbred
poultry extends to nearly every known
variety except Bantams, 80 it canno
be that | ain ignorantly prcIudiced il
favor Of Minorcas But | firmly be
lleve them to be the most profitable o
all kinds of domestic fowls. either 10
lancler, farmer or limited breeder
They are very hardy aud healthy, ar
seldom attacked with disease, and whel
afflicted have unusual strength 10 resi-
1t. They develop rapidly and reacl
maturity younger than any fowl Of thei
size that | know. Pallets lay wher
very young Besides my own expert
ence, nave hundred. OF testimonials
from those who have bought thc-
birds, to the effect that Black Minor
cas- lay more and larger eggs summe
and winter than any other breed 0
heus. Their eggs are very large an,
pure white. The Minorcas ,omewha
resemble the Black Leghorns in genera
appearance, but are considerably large
and in weight average to , lbs
heavier. They are capital foragcrs
small eaters and are well adapted t,
all soiI- and places. They are tn
variety best suiting the farmer eithe
alone or 10 cross with other varieties
They retain their native characteristic,
remarkably, even in old age for hav,
liens now seven wears old that hav,
never set and have laid well all through
the past winter, - 4. II. Northup
Washington county. n. \.