190 THE POULTRY-BOOK. 



disposition, originating in the cock's salacity. " Now," says 

 Mascall, after Columella, speaking of a jealous cock, " to 

 slake that heate of jealousie, ye shall slitte two pieces of 

 thicke leather, and put them on his legges, and those will 

 hang over his feete, which will correct the vehement heat of 

 jealousie within him." (Husbandlie Order, and Govern., c. 

 3.) " Such a bit of leather," says M. Parmentier, " will 

 cause the most turbulent cock to become as quiet as a man who 

 is fettered at the feet, hands, and neck." 



The cock is fond of cleanliness, and very careful of the 

 appearance of his plumes ; and hence he may be frequently 

 observed priming and dressing his feathers with his bill : and, 

 although he may not have the ambition, like the nightingale 

 and the thrush, of excelling in his notes, it may be inferred 

 that he is particularly jealous of proving his voice to be loud, 

 shrill, and powerful. Hence, when he has crowed in his 

 strongest manner, he always listens to know whether he may 

 be answered by any rival, or neighbor ; and, if so, he replies by 

 a strain, if possible, louder and bolder than the first. Dickson. 



M. Parmentier recommends the cock to be chosen of a mid- 



fdling size, carrying the head high, having a quick, animated 

 look, strong, shrill voice, short bill, very red comb, large wat- 

 tles, broad breast, strong wings, black or dull-red plumage, 

 thighs muscular, spurs strong, claws bent and sharp, free in 

 his action, a frequent crower, and frequently scratching the 

 ground in search of worms ; not, however, for himself, but to 

 treat the hens. 



" Not to weary my readers," says Richardson, " with an 



unnecessary citation of too many authorities, I may just 



observe, for their direction, that the cock should be in perfect 



/ health ; feathers close and rather short ; chest compact and 



I firm ; full in the girth ; lofty and elastic gait ; large and firm 



V thigh ; beak short, and thick at its insertion. 



