COCKS. 433 



which sometimes rise to considerable sums. The spectators con- 

 template with barbarous pleasure the result of the anticipated 

 combat, as both adversaries, armed with artificial spurs of pointed 

 steel, are placed in the cock-pit. When left to themselves, they 

 attack each other furiously, using their steel spurs with great 

 adroitness (Fig. 175). The fight only terminates by the death of 

 one of the combatants, and the victor is exhibited in triumph 

 to the crowd. But his triumph is of short duration ; the late 

 hero 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 meantime the other birds are 

 ceaselessly heard crowing defiance, and proclaiming their eagerness 

 for the fray. In the poultry-yard the Game Cock is quarrelsome, 

 and even cruel ; but this may be said of poultry generally. If 

 one of their companions is sick or wounded, they unite to put 

 an end at once to his sufferings and life. A stranger in the 

 yard is certain to meet with a bad reception ; the others set on it 

 in a body, and only cease hostilities at the end of several days, or 

 in the case of the Cock, who is their lord and master, taking the 

 new arrival under his protection. Hens feed on anything that 

 comes in their way ; this renders them valuable to country- people, 

 for they yield a profit without occasioning more expense than 

 that of a few handfuls of corn in the morning and evening. 

 Grain, herbs, worms, insects, carrion, rubbish of all kinds, are 

 alike acceptable to them. 



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. Pairing exercises no influence in this respect ; 

 that is to say, Hens have eggs without a Cock, but these are dear or 

 unfruitful, and can only be used for food. The cry of the Hen when 

 about to lay is well known. When she has produced about twenty 

 eggs a desire to sit is manifested : if this is permitted, twelve or 

 fifteen eggs, placed in a basket filled with straw, are given her ; 



F F 



