COCK-FIGHTING. 173 



lick his bird's eye, and lead and encourage him to pursue 

 a dunghill fowl which he held in his arms, and ran with 

 before him. The last fortnight the sparring was discon- 

 tinued, and four days next allowed before the bird was 

 brought into the pit, and always fasting. 



" In matching birds, it was necessary to consider their 

 strength and length — the weak, long bird rising with more 

 ease, and the short, strong bird giving the surer and 

 deadlier blow. 



" The game cocks were prepared for battle by cutting off 

 the mane all but a small ruff, and clipping off the feathers 

 from the tail. The wings were cut short, and sharp points 

 left, to endanger the eye of the antagonist. The spurs 

 were scraped and sharpened, but steel spurs were not used 

 at this early period, though the sport was as old as the 

 Athenians. The preparation was completed by removing 

 all the feathers from the crown of the head. The feeder, 

 then licking his pupil all over, turned him into the pit, to 

 win his gold and move his fortune. 



" The birds were generally brought into the arena in 

 linen bags, in which they came from Norwich or Wis- 

 beach. 



" They began the combat by whetting their beaks upon 

 the ground, and continued the fight till they were both 

 blind, or faint from loss of blood. The feeder had to suck 

 the wounds of the living bird, and powder them with 

 dust of the herb Robert. If the eye were hurt, the 



