206 THE COCK. 



of impelling them to seek for happiness at home ; and 

 their bills are incapable of annoyance or destruction, 

 though completely calculated for picking up grain : 

 their legs, indeed, are strong ; but their toes are made 

 for scratching up, and not for holding or tearing to 

 pieces food, whilst the fleshy plumpness of their bo- 

 dies would be an additional impediment against their 

 flight : accordingly we generally find them in society, 

 and seldom engaged in any violent disputes; slight 

 contentions may occasionally happen amongst them, 

 but harmony and affection more frequently prevail. 



Liberty, which to the generality of birds seems 

 equally dear to them as life, the species I am describ- 

 ing appear willingly to resign ; for they increase in 

 ilesh by constant confinement, provided they have a 

 plentiful supply of food ; and, like epicures, absorbed 

 in the luxuries of an entertainment, are unmindful of 

 those that are left at home. When the wilder species 

 of birds are either cooped or caged, they appear to lan- 

 guish after their liberty and friends, and reject the food, 

 however delicate, that is offered under the idea of giv- 

 ing them a treat ; but poultry, in general, from the 

 first moment of confinement, find real enjoyment in 

 having plenty to eat. 



THE COCK. 



All birds taken under the protection of mankind 

 are not only altered in their habits, but their very form; 

 for the variation of clime, food, and captivity, is ca- 

 pable of producing a most wonderful change. 



Of all birds, whose history may be represented, the 

 cock seems to be the oldest companion of mankind, and 

 is allowed originally to have been a native of Persia, 

 imported into Europe many centuries ago. Few ani- 



