€OCK-FIGHTING. 409 
barbarous practice in former days was a favourite pastime, nor is 
it now entirely abandoned. Henry VIIL., we read, instituted rules 
for the guidance of this popular sport. His example most of the 
English kings followed. Charles II. and James II. took it under 
their special protection. In the latter’s reign cock-fighting was almost 
a science, regulated by voluminous codes, laws, and regulations, deter- 
mining the circumstances of the combat, and settling the interests of 
the bettors. Now, however, it is almost exclusively confined to a 
few of the lower classes, the matches generally taking place on one 
or other of the few holidays at their disposal. On these occasions 
the crowd gathers, the bets are arranged, which sometimes rise to 
considerable sums. The spectators contemplate with barbarous 
pleasure the combat, as both adversaries, armed with artificial spurs 
of pointed steel, oppose each other. When released, they attack 
furiously, using their steel spurs with great adroitness. ‘The fight 
only terminates by the death of one of the combatants, and the 
victor is henceforth valued in proportion to the severity of the battle 
he has won. But his triumph is of short duration; the late hero is 
called again to do battle, the spur of a more powerful adversary 
strikes a vital part, and he in his turn expires in the arena. The 
victor, upon whom formerly so much interest rested, who excited so 
much admiration and such enthusiastic praises, is now in turn defeated 
—the former favourite of Fortune is deserted by the fickle goddess. 
In the poultry-yard the Game Cock is quarrelsome, and even cruel ; 
but this may be said of poultry generally. If one of their com- 
panions is sick or wounded, all not unfrequently unite to put an end 
to its sufferings and life. A stranger is certain to meet with a bad 
reception ; when first introduced to his new companions the others 
set on it in a body, and only cease hostilities at the end of several 
days, unless the Cock, who is the lord and master of the yard, takes 
the new arrival under his protection. Hens feed on anything that 
comes in thcir way; this renders them valuable to country-people, 
for they yield a profit without occasioning expense. Grain, herbs, 
worms, insects, carrion, rubbish of all kinds, are alike acceptable to 
them. (PLATE XXI1.) 
In France Hens begin to have eggs towards the month of 
February, and cease about the beginning of autumn, when they 
moult. By giving them heating food, they can be made to lay even 
in winter. ‘They generally produce an egg daily—sometimes, but 
rarely, two. The male exercises no influence in this respect ; that 
is to say, Hens lay eggs without a Cock, but such eggs are clear 
or unfruitful. The cry of the Hen after laying is well known. 
