20 COCK AND HEN 



plain, is as much guilty of the bloody crime of murder, 

 as he who lies in wait and shoots another because he 

 is angry with him. 



The Cock is however generally very attentive to his 

 females. He leads them into the fields to feed, hard- 

 ly ever going out of their sight, and appearing very 

 consequential and happy at the head of his family. If 

 a stranger of his own kind ventures among the group 

 on such occasions, he instantly, and without ceremony 

 attacks him, and if possible drives the intruder off the 

 ground. He then returns to his Hens, crows several 

 times in token of victory, and seems to expect from 

 them some especial notice, as a reward for his bravery. 



This bird is a very early riser, generally beginning 

 to crow at the dawn of day, soon after which he goes 

 forth with his family in search of breakfast. 



The number of eggs which some Hens will lay in it 

 year, if well fed, and allowed the liberty of ranging in 

 the open air, is about two hundred. If left to herself, 

 she however seldom lays more than twenty eggs be- 

 fore she shews a disposition to hatch them. But if 

 the eggs are taken away, she will continue to lay oth- 

 ers, in the hope of increasing the number, and thus 

 laying the foundation of a more numerous family. If 

 she is disappointed in this, and the season for hatching 

 has nearly expired, she will begin to sit even if she has 

 only one or two eggs. 



The nest of the Hen is constructed with very little 

 care, because her instinct teaches her that it is useless 

 to make a place for the comfort of her brood, since 

 they leave the nest and run about as soon as they are 

 hatched. She however takes care that the place where 



