BRITISH BIRDS. 327 



We shall finish our list with the English Game- 

 cock, which stands unrivalled by those of any other 

 country for its invincible courage, and on that ac- 

 count is made use of as the instrument of the cruet 

 diversion of cock-fighting. To trace this custom to 

 its origin we must look back into ancient times. 

 The Athenians allotted one day in the year to cock- 

 fighting ; the Romans are said to have learned it 

 from them ; and by that warlike people it was first 

 introduced into this island. Henry VIII. was so 

 attached to the sport, that in order to enjoy it, he 

 caused a commodious house to be erected, which, 

 though it is now applied to a very different pur- 

 pose, still retains the name of the Cock-pit. The 

 Chinese, and many of the nations of India, are so 

 extravagantly fond of this unmanly and disgraceful 

 amusement, that, during the paroxysms of their 

 phrenzy, they will sometimes risk not only the 

 whole of their property, but their wives and chil- 

 dren, on the issue of a battle. 



The appearance of the Game-cock, when in his 

 full plumage, and not mutilated for the purpose of 

 fighting, is strikingly beautiful and animated : his 

 head, which is small, is adorned with a beautiful 

 red comb, and his chin and throat with wattles ; his 

 eyes sparkle with fire, and his whole demeanour be- 

 speaks boldness and freedom. The feathers on his 

 neck are long, slender, and pointed, and fall grace- 

 fully down upon his body, which is thick, muscular, 

 and compact : his tail is long, and the flexile fea- 

 thers which fall over it form a beautiful arch behind, 

 which gives a grace to all his motions ; his legs 

 are strong, and armed with sharp spurs, with which 

 he defends himself, and attacks his adversary; 



