GALLUS SONNERATI. 43 



merited with a crest, in addition to the comb, which in colour, 

 often contrasts with the rest of the feathers : thus some birds are 

 white, with a black crest ; others black with a white crest ; or the 

 crest is black and orange, while the body is white, or varied with 

 several colours. This breed occurs in many parts of England, and 

 on the Continent, and is said to be less prolific than some others, 

 but to fatten more readily. In Egypt it is much in request for the 

 delicacy of its flesh. The Bantam and Turkish tribes are either 

 identical, or, at least, very nearly allied, both being of small di- 

 mensions, and attired in shewy plumage. The hen lays a great 

 number of eggs without sitting, and a dwarf variety, scarcely 

 larger than the common pigeon, occurs in many parts of Europe 

 and China, where it is reared on account of the fertility of the 

 female. The Dorking Cock, of Latham, which is common in 

 some parts of England, particularly about Dorking, in Surrey, is 

 somewhat larger than the ordinary sort, and has five toes, two of 

 which are placed behind. " The Game-cock," says a popular 

 writer, " when in full plumage, and not mutilated for the purpose 

 of fighting, has a fine and animated appearance. His head, which 

 is small, is adorned with a spacious red comb and wattles ; his 

 eyes sparkle with fire ; and his whole demeanour bespeaks boldness 

 and freedom. The feathers on his neck are long, and fall grace- 

 fully on his body, which is firm, thick, and compact. His tail is 

 long and arched ; his legs are robust, and armed with sharp spurs, 

 with which he defends himself and attacks his adversary. When 

 surrounded by his females, his whole aspect is full of animation, 

 and he admits no competitor ; but, on the approach of a rival, 

 rushes forward to instant combat, and either drives him from the 

 field, or perishes in the attempt. To render his blows still more 

 deadly, he is occasionally armed with an artificial spur, called a 

 gafflc. The origin of cock-fighting is lost in the periods of remote 

 antiquity ; yet even the polished Athenians allotted one day in the 

 year to this barbarous sport : the Romans seem to have borrowed 

 it from the Greeks, and the ancient Britons from the Romans. 

 So addicted was Henry VTII. to. this inhuman spectacle, that he 

 caused a commodious house to be built for its exhibition, and 

 which still retains the name of the Cock-pit ; and the practice was 



