18 Cochikrcnmng, 



after, however, the English being freed 

 from the Danish yoke, they instituted tlie 

 custom of throwing at cocks, on Shrove 

 Tuesday, the day of their disappointment, 

 from a stupid and barbarian passion of re- 

 venge against the innocent cause of their 

 misfortune, instead of admiring tlie natu- 

 ral vigilance of the birds, however unfor- 

 tunately applied in a particular case : a 

 reverse of the conduct of the Romans, 

 who honoured the vigilance of the geese 

 which saved the capitol. This infamous 

 sport, although at first only practised in 

 one city, in process of time became a 

 national diversion, and remains e^en to 

 this hour, in some parts of the country, 

 exhibiting a strong taint of original igno- 

 rance and barbarism in the national cha- 

 racter, which has not been wiped out by 

 legislation. 



Every one has heard the horrible story of 

 Ardesoif of Tottenham, who about thirty 

 years since, being disappointed by a fa- 

 mous game cock refusing to fight, was in- 

 cited by his savage passion to roast the 



