430 



GALLINACEOUS BIEDS. 



curious mixture of delicate attentions and revolting brutalities. 

 See him walking in the midst of his companions, he assumes 

 an air at once proud and defiant. He directs his wives, pro- 

 tects them, watches them with restless tenderness, and if he finds 

 a savoury morsel he unselfishly parts with it. When the time 

 for feeding comes, he softens his voice to invite them to come 

 and peck up the grain spread upon the ground ; again, he is 

 cruel and brutal both to Hens and chickens. Of an ardent 

 character, the Cock cannot suffer a rival at his side ; thus battles 



Fig. 174. Cock, Hen, and Chickens (Gallus, Briss.). 



are inevitable when two Cocks inhabit the same poultry-yard. 

 With flashing eyes, head lowered, and feathers of the neck bristled, 

 the two adversaries observe each other for a time in silence. At 

 last the storm breaks with violence ; they precipitate themselves 

 upon each other, and fearlessly fight with both beak and spurs 

 till the earth is reddened with their blood. These battles, 

 which sometimes last an hour, only cease to recommence the 

 next day, or till one of the champions succumbs, acknow- 



