51 



in shape from those now used. The curves and shapes of spurs 

 were arrived at by mathematical calculation, and the quality of the 

 metal must be the most exquisite, as nothing but the most per- 

 fectly tempered metal will stand the shock of the gamecock in 

 striking, a bird having been known to drive his natural spur an inch 

 deep into a solid board. The art of making silver spurs is now 

 almost lost, and is exceedingly laborious and expensive, the most 

 valued being old ones, as being stronger and lighter than those 

 made now. Spurs vary from one inch to three and a half inches 

 in length. 



The laws of fighting, put shortly, were as follows. The setters 

 having put down their cocks six feet apart, kept back, and were not 

 allowed to take up their bird unless one cock was fast in the other 

 or in the pit, or hung in himself, in which case they might be 

 handled and brought to the centre of the pit ; if the bird was thrown 

 on his back it was lawful to turn him over only, but removing 

 feathers from beak or eyes was not generally allowed. If from 

 blindness or any cause the cocks cease to fight the law is told, that 

 is, twice twenty is counted, when they are handled and set again : 

 this telling the law is repeated as long as both cocks fight, but ten 

 only is counted at each interval after being put together, either 

 ceasing to peck is told out by a person counting twice twenty, they 

 are then breasted beak to beak, and if still refusing ten is counted 

 and once refused announced and so on until he has refused ten times 

 when he loses ; this is the long law. Should both be disabled and 

 refuse to fight before the long law begins, it is a drawn battle. 

 Should both refuse fighting during the counting the winner is the 

 cock who fought last, but should he die before the counting is 

 finished he loses the battle, notwithstanding the other did not fight 

 within the law. The short law is told by a person counting audibly 

 twice twenty, and afterwards asking three times. Will anyone take 

 it ? If no one accepts the challenge, the cock is beaten. If, how- 

 ever, it is desired to stop this counting out, the cock may be, in 

 the language of the pit, " pounded," when he must fight till death, 

 and sometimes unexpectedly recovers and wins. Some cocks are so 

 savage as to be useless in the pit, as they will turn on their handler. 



Such are the outlines only of the sport of cock-fighting as 

 formerly carried on in this country. With regard to the cruelty 

 attached to the sport, it must be remembered that no man can 

 encourage or force a cock to fight against his inclination, nor stop 



