THE COCK. 



Instances of his courage. 



screamed in tumultuous concert around him. 

 After he had a little recovered himself, he rose 

 and was taking wing, when the cock rushing 

 upon him a second time, overturned and held 

 him down so long that he was caught." 



A similar instance occurred in January, 1804, 

 in the garden of Mr. Markwick, of Fittleworth, 

 in Sussex. A hawk pounced on a chicken about 

 half grown, and while encumbered with his prey 

 was perceived by the parent cock, who immedi- 

 ately made at the intruder, and by one blow laid 

 him at his feet. The chick was bv this time dis- 



9 



engaged, and a battle ensued between the hawk 

 and cock, which ended, after three rounds, in 

 favour of chanticleer, from whose feet Mr. 

 Markwick, who, with two other persons, had 

 witnessed the conflict, took the petty tyrant of 

 the air, with very few remaining symptoms of 

 life, which he presently resigned in his hands. 



The cock is very attentive to his females, 

 scarcely ever losing sight of them. He leads, 

 defends, and cherishes them, collects them when 

 they straggle, and seems to eat unwillingly till 

 he sees them feeding around him, His affection 

 is only equalled by his jealousy; and the appear- 

 ance of a strange cock in his domain is the signal 

 for an immediate battle. Nor is his jealousy en- 

 tirely confined to his rivals ; it is sometimes ob- 

 served to extend even to his beloved female; and 

 he even appears capable of a certain degree of 



