File:A natural history of birds, fishes, reptiles, and insects (1845) (14770583353).jpg

Identifier: naturalhistoryof00bigl (find matches)
Title: A natural history of birds, fishes, reptiles, and insects
Year: 1845 (1840s)
Authors: Bigland, John, 1750-1832 Riley, Joseph Harvey, 1873-1941, former owner. DSI
Subjects: Zoology Natural history
Publisher: Philadelphia : Grigg & Elliot
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Smithsonian Libraries

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estication, as ofall the different kinds of birds the cock seems to be that whichwas first reclaimed from the forest, and taken to supply the lux-uries of the table. The time when the cock was first domesticated in Europe isnot ascertained; but he is supposed to have been introducedfrom Persia. In the island of Tinian, and many others of theIndian Ocean, this bird is found in his native state. In thoseislands, and in the woods of Malabar, his plumage was blackand yellow, and his comb and wattles are yellow and purple. Inthose of the Indian woods, there is also another peculiarity—their bones when boiled are as black as ebony; those of theEuropean cock, on the contrary, are white. No animal whatever displays greater courage than the cock;and in every part of the world, from which it is not yet banishedby refinement and polished manners, cock-fighting constitutesone of the most popular diversions. In China, India, and thePhilippine islands, it is one of the principal amusements of the
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THE TURKEY. 3b great; and in all parts of the East, the highest ranks participatein an enjoyment which casts upon humanity an indelible stain.In this country it was once a favourite pastime ; but to the creditof the present age, it is very much on the decline ; and it is tobe hoped that the period is not far distant when it will be ex-ploded even among the vulgar. By the ancients the cock was consecrated to Minerva, as thesymbols of vigilance, to intimate that genuine wisdom is everon its guard; and under the Druidical system, it was forbiddento be eaten by the ancient Britons. The game cock of GreatBritain has long been imagined superior in courage to that ofany other country; but, according to late observations, it isequalled, or even excelled, by the Chinese breed. The hen, if well supplied with food and water, is said to layibout two hundred eggs in a year, which shows the importanceof this bird in domestic economy. As a parent she excites ad-miration ; for her affection towards h

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