174 DOMESTIC COCK AND HEN. 



are easily discovered by a peculiar noise they make, in 

 crowing and clapping 1 their wings, which may be heard at 

 a considerable distance. The wings of these birds are 

 short, in proportion to the size of their body, and they 

 are consequently incapable of flying to great distances 

 without alighting. 



Domestic Cock and Hen. For the Cock, in a state of 

 nature, we must refer to the woods of Persia, the East 

 Indies, and other parts of Asia. But in this state, his 

 appearance differs greatly indeed from that of our domes- 

 tic breeds. These birds are said to have been first im- 

 ported into Britain by the Phoenicians, who carried on a 

 trade with this island, about five hundred years before 

 the birth of our Saviour. The beautiful plumage and 

 undaunted spirit of this bird, as well as his great utility, 

 have, however, long rendered him a favourite. His 

 courage is such, as scarcely to be subdued by the most 

 powerful assailants ; and though he die in the effort, he 

 will undauntedly defend his females against the attack of 

 enemies which are infinitely more powerful than himself. 

 The following is an instance strongly in point " A spar- 

 row-hawk (says the Cornpte de Buffon) alighted in a 

 populous court-yard ; a Cock, not more than twelve months 

 old, instantly darted at him, and threw him on his back. 

 In this situation, the hawk defended himself with his beak 

 and talons, intimidating the hens and turkeys, which 

 screamed tumultuously around him. When he had a little 

 recovered himself, he rose, and was taking wing. On this 

 the Cock rushed upon him a second time, overturned him, 

 and held him down so long, that he was caught." In 

 feeding, these birds scrape the ground with their feet, for 

 the purpose of discovering grains of corn, seeds, worms, 

 or insects. The Hen will continue to lay eggs nearly 



