104 HABITS OF BIRDS. 



prised at this, since, even in our own country, men of 

 all ranks may be found at cock-pits, dividing; into 

 parties, taking intense interest in the fortune of a 

 particular cock, and staking extravagant sums upon 

 the issue. The mode of fighting is considerably 

 varied in different countries, the birds being variously 

 trained, and armed with offensive and defensive 

 armour. The Athenians, as ^5lian records, instituted 

 a festival, which was celebrated by cock-fighting, in 

 memory of a victory gained over the Persians by The- 

 mistocles, who, upon observing his troops dispirited 

 at the commencement of the battle, pointed to two 

 cocks that were fighting: " See," said he, "the un- 

 shaken courage of these animals; yet they have no 

 other motive than the love of victory; while you 

 fight for your household gods, the tombs of your 

 fathers, and your liberty." Inspired by t'his appeal, 

 they rushed upon their foes and were triumphant. 



