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NATURAL HISTORY. 
amine it, as they imagined that a bird would not have 
perched where a man was concealed. 
THE COCK. 
41. The Cock was originally a native of Persia, 
and was imported into Europe many centuries ago. 
It seems to have been one of the first animals at- 
tendant upon man, and exhibits, perhaps, in conse 
quence, a greater variety in plumage and shape than 
any other bird whatever. So great is this diversity, 
that it is, perhaps, impossible to find two of them 
which exactly resemble each other. 
42. The tail, which makes such a beautiful figure 
in most of the species, is entirely wanting in some ; 
and the feathers which usually lie so sleek and reg- 
ular, are in a peculiar species all inverted, and stand 
the wrong way. 
43. No animal has greater courage than the Cock 
when opposed to one of his own species, and the 
brutal diversion of cock-fighting is a favourite sport 
What is the native country of the Cock ? What variety do the 
species exhibit in plumage and shape ? What is said of his cour- 
age ? 
