CLASS II. AVES: 
ORDER 5. RASORES. 
263 
COCHIX CHINA FOWL. 
Jungle Fowls in India, Java, Sumatra, &c. The Kulm Cock, G. giganteiis, also called the Gi- 
gantic CocJc^ is twenty -six inches high ; it is found domesticated in the Deccan, and is supposed to 
have been brought from Java or Sumatra. The Bankiva Cock, G. Bankiva^ is smaller, and has 
the form of the Bantam ; it is found frequenting the borders of forests in Java. The Jungle 
Cock of English sportsmen in India, G. Sonneratii^ is abundant in the woods of the Western 
Ghaut Mountains and some other parts of India ; there are several varieties or species. This is 
a remarkably fine and spirited race. Other wild species are the Fork-tailed Fowl of Java, 
G. furcatus ; and the Bronzed Cock, from the interior of Sumatra, G. cenetis. Which of 
these remarkable birds may claim to be the original father of the Domestic Fowl of the civilized 
world, it is impossible to determine. It is suggested, by good authority, that, probably, the 
Bankiva Cock is the original stock, but that this has been modified by multiplied mixtures with 
other species through a period of many thousand years. One thing is certain^ — the domestic fowl, 
like the domestic pigeon, has within, it a principle of variation, which has resulted in an almost 
indefinite number of permanent varieties, which reproduce and propagate themselves. 
"The courage of the Domestic Cock is proverbial, and has become emblematic ; his gallantry is 
admirable, his sense of disciphne and subordination most exemplary. See how a good game- 
cock of two or three years' experience will, in five minutes, restore order in an uproarious poultry- 
yard. He does not use hard means of coercion when mild will suit the purpose. A look, a ges- 
ture, a deep chuckling growl, gives the hint that turbulence is no longer to be permitted; and if 
these are not eff'ectual, severer punishment is fearlessly administered. JSTor is he aggressive to birds 
of other species. He allows the turkey to strut before his numerous dames, and the guinea-fowl 
to court his single mate uninterrupted ; but if the one presumes upon his superior weight, and the 
other on his cowardly tiltings from behind, he soon makes them smart for their rash presumption. 
His politeness to females is as marked as wer-e Loi-d Chesterfield's attentions to old ladies, and 
much more unaffected. Nor does he merely act the agreeable dangler ; when occasion requires, 
he is also their brave defender, if he is good for any thing." 
The good qualities of the hen are even more conspicuous ; her ailigence an laying her eggs, her 
