160 DOMESTICATED ANIMALS 



leg, is a singularly perfect structure, the finish of which can- 

 not be judged in the degraded form in which it is found in 

 our ordinary barnyard species. Although in its construction 

 this weapon is admirably devised, it is placed in a position 

 where only a remarkably well-addressed movement can give 

 effect to its blow. Those who have watched game-cocks in 

 combat have had a chance to see the vaults by which the 



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Bantams Brahma Dorkings 



creature, partly turning in the air, is able to throw the spur i 

 such a manner that it shares the impulse of the body when 

 strikes the antagonist. This peculiar craft has been in goo 

 part lost among our common varieties. Their spiritless cor 

 tests differ as much from those of the game-birds as do th 

 fist fights of untrained men from the contests of skille 

 pugilists. 



Although to persons unaccustomed to the spectacle th 

 combats between game-birds may seem disgusting, almos 



