228 



SKETCHES OF RURAL AFFAIRS. 



for worms, or other insect diet, and exhibiting their rich 

 and glossy plumage to the best advantage in the sun- 

 beams. 



THE COCK. 



The Common Cock is the type of our domestic fosvls, 

 and is a remarkably handsome bird. His courage, 

 beauty, and cheerfulness have made him celebrated from 

 ancient times. The following quotation from Pliny will 

 give some idea of the high estimation in which this bird 

 was held by the ancients, and of the exaggerated and 

 superstitious notions which they entertained of him : 

 " Next to the peacock, the birds most sensible to glory 

 are those active sentinels which nature has produced to 

 rouse us from our matin slumbers, and send us to our 

 daily occupations. They are acquainted with the stars, 

 and every three hours they point out to us by their crow- 

 ing the different periods of the day. They go to rest 

 with the setting sun, and from the fourth military watch, 

 they loudly recall us to our toils. They do not suffor the 



