94 



THOSE OTHER ANIMALS. 



Poets have, with their usual inaccuracy, been accustomed 

 to associate the crowing of the cock with the dawning of 

 morn. The neighbours of persons who keep fowls know 

 better. Unfortunately, the cock appears to be entirely 

 unaware that it is possible to have too much even of a good 

 thing, and is ready at all hours of the day or night to lift up 



his voice in defiance of 

 all or any within hearing, 

 or to accept the most 

 distant challenge borne 



upon the air. This 

 constitutes a grave de- 

 fect upon the part of 



the cock. Among human beings we are accustomed to 

 consider the constant braggart to be a coward. No such 

 suspicion can attach to the cock ; but it is a pity that he 

 cannot be brought to understand that it is useless to be 

 uttering defiances at all times, when the interposition of a 

 strong wire netting renders combat impossible. 



The cock can, however, be silenced. Just as the donkey 

 cannot bray without straightening its tail, the cock cannot 

 crow without standing perfectly erect. A light plank, or 



