]6o 



DOMESTICATED ANIMALS 



leg, is a singularly perfect structure, the finish of which can- 

 not be judged in the degraded form in which it is found in 

 our ordinary barnyard species. Although in its construction 

 this weapon is admirably devised, it is placed in a position 

 where only a remarkably well-addressed movement can give 

 effect to its blow. Those who have watched orame-cocks in 

 combat have had a chance to see the vaults by which the 



K^ 



Doikings 



creature, partly turning in the air, is able to throw the spur in 

 such a manner that it shares the impulse of the body when it 

 strikes the antagonist. This peculiar craft has been in good 

 part lost among our common varieties. Their spiritless con- 

 tests differ as much from those of the game-birds as do the 

 fist fights of untrained men from the contests of skilled 

 pugilists. 



Although to persons unaccustomed to the spectacle the 

 combats between game-birds may seem disgusting, almost 



