COCKERS MANUAL. II 



generally take the name of the breeder or some fancy name, given 

 them by him for some known fighting quality, and among such per- 

 sons are they to be found in the highest degree of perfection, and can 

 be shown of various colors. Every country has its games, as we have 

 stated, and just so long as the\' are grown so long will more or less of 

 them be obliged to endure the severe tests well known to cockers in 

 one or more battles. 



We do not intend to treat at any length upon the subject of cock- 

 fighting, as perhaps the views we might express would be unpopular 

 with some and at the same time do us no real good. Every cocker will as 

 readily bet on his own fowl as a lover of a good horse will upon his 

 animal. All kinds of sport has its admirers, and each one will stand 

 up for his just as strong as the other \vill cry it down, consequently we 

 shall not point out the cruelty of it nor speak of any of the charges 

 brought against it. 



Games compared with other fowl look small, but on handling it 

 will be found they are larger than they look, and are more than the 

 average size, but owing to their quarrelsome dispositions are a hard 

 fowl to manage ; still, they will often run peaceably together as soon 

 as one becomes master. Game fowls often reach as high as eight 

 pounds in weight, and yet the cock will appear as light and active as 

 an ordinary fowl will of smaller size. A true game fowl should be of 

 bold carriage, the eye large and bright, the beak well shaped and 

 strongly made, the body should be broad between the shoulders, grad- 

 ually tapering to the tail, the breast should be broad, full and straight, 

 the thighs short and well turned, the legs stout, the foot flat and 

 strong with a long claw and the spur rather low on the leg. For the 

 game cock to show fight well he must be in the best of health, for 

 though possessing superior qualities physical weakness and general de- 

 bility will sometimes cause him to seek flight. Activity, determina- 

 tion, willingness to encounter, force in fighting, etc., are the distin- 

 guishing characteristics of the game. No other fowl possesses to so 

 great an extent these peculiar qualities. Not only are they noted for 

 their bold carriage but for their disposition to receive severe punish- 

 ment in a most courageous manner. 



We find in the Journal of Horticulture the following article upoa 

 this subject, written by one of the oldest and most reliable breeders ia 

 England, which we consider worthy of notice: 



