COCK-FIGHTING. 409 



barbarous practice in former days was a favourite pastime, nor is 

 it now entirely abandoned. Henry VIII., we read, instituted rules 

 for the guidance of this popular sport. His example most of the 

 English kings followed. Charles II. and James II. took it under 

 their special protection. In the latter's reign cock-fighting was almost 

 t a science, regulated by voluminous codes, laws, and regulations, deter- 

 mining the circumstances of the combat, and settling the interests of 

 the bettors. Now, however, it is almost exclusively confined to a 

 few of the lower classes, the matches generally taking place on one 

 or other of the few holidays at their disposal. On these occasions 

 the crowd gathers, the bets are arranged, which sometimes rise to 

 considerable sums. The spectators contemplate with barbarous 

 pleasure the combat, as both adversaries, armed with artificial spurs 

 of pointed steel, oppose each other. When released, they attack 

 furiously, using their steel spurs with great adroitness. The fight 

 only terminates by the death of one of the combatants, and the 

 victor is henceforth valued in proportion to the severity of the battle 

 he has won. But his triumph is of short duration ; the late hero is 

 called again to do battle, the spur of a more powerful adversary 

 strikes a vital part, and he in his turn expires in the arena. The 

 victor, upon whom formerly so much interest rested, who excited so 

 much admiration and such enthusiastic praises, is now in turn defeated 

 — the former favourite of Fortune is deserted by the fickle goddess. 

 In the poultry-yard the Game Cock is quarrelsome, and even cruel ; 

 but this may be said of poultry generally. If one of their com- 

 panions is sick or wounded, all not unfrequently unite to put an end 

 to its sufferings and life. A stranger is certain to meet with a bad 

 reception ; when first introduced to his new companions the others 

 set on it in a body, and only cease hostilities at the end of several 

 days, unless the Cock, who is the lord and master of the yard, takes 

 the new arrival under his protection. Hens feed on anything that 

 comes in their way; this renders them valuable to country-people, 

 for they yield a profit without occasioning expense. Grain, herbs, 

 worms, insects, carrion, rubbish of all kinds, are alike acceptable to 

 them. (Plate XXI.) 



In France Hens begin to have eggs towards the month of 

 February, and cease about the beginning of autumn, when they 

 moult. By giving them heating food, they can be made to lay even 

 in winter. They generally produce an egg daily — sometimes, but 

 rarely, two. The male exercises no influence in this respect ; that 

 is to say, Hens lay eggs without a Cock, but such eggs are dear 

 or unfruitful. The cry of the Hen after laying is well known. 



