ORDER GALLINiE. 185 



Bankiva, in the island of Java. This is an additional cor- 

 roboration of the opinion which would refer our domestic 

 races originally to that species. 



The cock exhibits a vast deal of care and even solicitude 

 about his females ; he seldom loses sight of them ; he con- 

 ducts, defends, and menaces them, proceeds in search of those 

 that stray, and never gives himself up to the pleasure of 

 feeding until he sees them all around him. Judging by the 

 different inflexions of his voice, and by the different expres- 

 sions of his mien and gesture, we can scarcely doubt that he 

 addresses them in different sorts of language ; when he loses 

 them, he gives signs of regret. Though not less jealous than 

 amorous, he never maltreats any of them ; his jealousy is 

 inflamed only against his rivals ; if another cock makes his 

 appearance, he never gives him time to make any attempt : he 

 rushes upon him, with eyeballs flashing fire, and bristling 

 plumes, and an obstinate combat takes place, until one or the 

 other falls, or the invader is forced to retire from the field of 

 battle. 



We insert here, for the amusement of our readers, the sin- 

 gular description given of the cock by Pliny : 



" After the peacock, the birds which are most sensible to 

 glory are those active sentinels which nature has produced to 

 rouse us from our matin slumbers, and send us to our daily 

 occupations. They are acquainted with the stars, and every 

 three hours they indicate by their crowing the different 

 periods of the day. They retire to repose with the setting 

 sun, and from the fourth military watch they recall us loudly 

 to our cares and labours. They do not suffer the day-beam 

 to surprise us without timely warning. Their crowing an- 

 nounces the hour of morning, and the crowing itself is an- 

 nounced by the clapping of their wings. Each farm-yard 

 has its peculiar king, and amongst these monarchs, as amongst 

 princes of our own race, empire is the meed of victory. 



