170 PHEASANT. 



some reigns endeavours have been made to suppress it as a cruel 

 diversion ;■* whilst in others full sanction has been given by Royal 

 example, in erecting a theatre, | for the accommodation of the spec- 

 tators. We find, also, that far distant nations are fond of this sport, 

 it being used as a pastime in China, and many parts of India.J 



In Sumatra they do not trim the Cocks as in England, § nor is 

 the same kind of artificial spur, (or GafHe, as it is called) used, being 

 flat, and sharp-edged, like a crooked lancet, or rather like a blade 

 of a scimetar, || and proves a most destructive weapon. This is not 

 confined to a particular part of the leg, but placed higher or lower* 

 according to the weight or size of the birds matched against each 

 other, lest one should fight with advantage; and it is affirmed, that 

 the sport is carried to so high a pitch at Sumatra, that instances have 

 occurred, of a father staking his children, or wife ; and a son his 

 mother, and sisters, on the issue of a battle, ^f 



* Edward III. disapproved, and prohibited Cock-fighting. Oliver Cromwell did the 

 same in 1654. 



f The Cockpit at Whitehall, was founded by King Henry VIII. King James I. was 

 remarkably fond of Cock-fighting. 



£ Sonnerat observes, that there are two races of Cocks in India ; the one kept about their 

 houses, merely for curiosity, as the inhabitants do uot eat flesh ; the other traiued up for 

 fighting; a sport which they are very fond of. Surely this cannot be general; at least it 

 should seem not likely to be an amusement to those who believe in the Metempsychosis ! 



§ Neither did the Ancients. Two antique gems relating to this sport convince us of it. 

 See Archceol. iii. pi. 9. Indeed Cocks in full plumage appear on many gems, though not 

 to the same purport as in the two above mentioned. — See Wilde's Gemm. Select. No. 110, 

 111, 143. Agust. Gem. No. 199. 202, 203. also three hieroglyphics placed on the legs of 

 Cocks, taken from M. Angela's Gemm. Antiche, Gent. Mag. 1747. p. 388. 



|| Pei-haps the weapon called a Razor, by Fryer; who says, that in the kingdom of Visa- 

 pour, in the East Indies, they use Cock-fighting with Cocks as big as Turkies, which they 

 arm with razors tied flat under their claws, — Fryer's Travels, 175. Cock-fighting carried 

 to excess in the Philippine Islands. — Kotzeb. Voy. ii. 266. 



% Hist. Sumatr. p. 238. Gent. Mag. 1770. p. 564. The Tanagrians, of old, had a 

 passion for Cock-fighting, and they had Cocks of an extraordinary size and beauty, con- 

 veyed to different cities for that purpose; and to render their fury the more destructive, 

 their spurs were tipped with points of brass. Anachars. iii. p. 254. Rhodus, and Tanagra 



