9 



uniformity always drew a round of applause 

 from the spectators 



Youth on both sides was most desirable in 

 mating ; if stags were put to two-year-old hens, 

 and cocks to pullets, the breeder might safely 

 continue in the same blood for years, provided 

 he never used cock or hen after the bird was 

 two years old 



The Earl of Derby's success is cited as 

 proving the importance of regular breeding 

 on a proved system and careful attention. 

 From four to six hens were allowed to each 

 cock. "Full blood" mating was approved;" 

 father with daughter, mother with son, brother 

 with sister. Something about character might 1 

 be learned from the cock's treatment of his 

 hens ; if he bullied them he might be suspected 

 as a coward 



Birds of high bearing were preferred to 

 "low setting" cocks ; they always had odds in 

 their favour as fighters. Sketchley did not 

 like the " shifty " or artful cock, even though 

 the bird of this class did sometimes win his 

 battle. He mentions the prowess of a Ginger 

 Red he possessed about the year 1/72; this 

 bird fought five mains in one year without 

 injury 



