THE DOMESTIC COCK. 



The origin of this familiar fowl has long been matter 

 of dispute. It is, however, of eastern descent, and may 

 be traced to the jungle-fowls of India. Captain Skin- 

 ner tells us, that in some parts of a forest he saw several 

 of them, having exactly the same habits as the domestic 

 poultry. There the cock struts at the head of his hens, 

 and keeps a strict watch over their safety. Whenever 

 they were disturbed by the attempts made upon them, 

 he flew to the highest branch of some neighbouring 

 tree, and crowed with all his might, while the hens ran 

 into holes and corners to find a refuge. So cunning 

 are these birds, that Captain Skinner and his party 

 found it impossible to get within gun-shot of them with 

 all the caution they could use. 



" It has been often remarked, in illustration of Scrip- 

 ture," says Mr. Arundell, "that in the eastern countries 

 the cocks crow in the night ; but the regularity with 

 which they keep what may be called the watches has 

 not been perhaps sufficiently noticed. I will, however, 



