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the size ; cocks too large or too small were 

 condemned, those of middle size being recom- 

 mended as "most matchable, strong, nimble 

 and ready for your pleasure." The huge cock 

 was not only difficult to match : it was 

 "lubberly and afforded small pleasure in his 

 battle." 



Such over-sized birds at this period were 

 called " turn-pokes " (a term which at a 

 somewhat later date was replaced by u shake- 

 bags ") a sufficiently expressive way of describ- 

 ing the bird, which was released by turning the 

 bag or poke upside down on the pit 



The undersized cock was also objected to as 

 hard to match; the bird of average size was 

 sure to find opponents 



The fighting cock, according to Markham, 

 should be " of a proud and upright shape with 

 a small head like unto a spar-hawk (sparrow 

 hawk), a quick large eye and a strong beak, 

 crooked and big at the setting on " ; the colour 

 of the beak should match that of the plumage, 

 as also the colour of the legs, which we're to be 

 *' very strong in the beam." The spurs, long, 

 rough and sharp, and a little bending and 

 looking inwards 



o 



It is of interest to notice the colours- 

 indicative of strain or breeding which were 



