18 COCK AMD HEN. 



owing entirely to domestication, and the difference of 

 climate and feeding. This is known from comparing 

 the domestic fowls, with the original stock from whence 

 they came, which still exists in its wild state in seve- 

 ral of the islands of the Indian Ocean, and also on the 

 coast of Malabar, in the East Indies. 



These fowls are black and yellow, the same parts 

 on each being of the same colour. The colour of the 

 comb is yellow instead of red, as among us. The size 

 as well as the colour of these wild birds, is the same 

 wherever they are found. There is one peculiarity 

 in them, which so far as we know is unaccountable. 

 Their bones when boiled, instead of being white, like 

 those of our fowls, are as black as ebony. 



The Cock, when attacked by one of his own kind, 

 is one of the most courageous and unyielding of all 

 animals ; and such is his nice sense of honour, that he 

 often commences the attack himself, because one of 

 his fellows happens to crow in his presence. When 

 the battle has once begun, the pride of both parties 

 seems to be unconquerable, and they will hold out to 

 the last breath, and die on the spot, rather than yield 

 the victory. 



In these contests, when one becomes so exhausted 

 that he can no longer stand, but lies bleeding on the 

 ground, the other crows over him in token of victory 

 and triumph, thus cruelly insulting his fallen enemy. 

 When this is heard, the poor prostrate bird, as though 

 he had resolved to suffer death rather than endure in- 

 sult, jumps up, and if he can stand, renews the battle, 

 and fights until his last breath. 



But the Cock often conducts himself m quite a dif- 



