5 2 



COCKER S MANUAL. 



to set the gaft too far in, as it would cause the cock to cut himself." 

 The spurs should be sawed off when the cocks are put up for feed- 

 ing, and should be left with a length sufficient to reach nearly through 

 the socket of the gaft. Thin paper folded and dampened, or soft 

 buckskin can be used to fit the spur to the socket of the gaft. The 

 two methods given above are extensively practiced, and when fol- 

 lowed cannot lead astray. Yet, perhaps nothing connected with the 

 handling of birds depends so much upon undivided preference as 

 heeling ; and nearly all fanciers have original methods for heeling, 

 and by no means quietly affirm their methods superior to all others 

 fenown. 



DESCRIPTION OF GAFTS. 



For the benefit of those unacquainted with the different styles of 

 ■Gafts we give illustrations of all the leading kinds now in use. To 

 the old cocker they would be of little use, but there are many fanciers 

 who are not acquainted with them who have asked for a more careful 

 illustration, which we trust we have given. 



REGULATION SPUR. 



The fairest and best heel in use for all purposes, being nearly 

 straight and perfectly round from socket to point, with a short round 

 socket, varying but little from the Singleton, which is also very much 

 in use and a favorite with many. 



