The Royal Pastime of Cock-fighting: The art of breeding, feeding, fighting, and curing cocks of the gameR. H. (Robert Howlett)
History
The Royal Pastime of Cock-fighting: The art of breeding, feeding, fighting, and curing cocks of the game
R. H. (Robert Howlett)
Cockfighting
But by the way, you must note, that this Rule in lesser Cocks is not
observeable, for altho’ a Cock of six or seven Pound weight, have
Strength and ability sufficient to conquer a Cock of nine or ten Pound,
yet it is almost impossible for a Cock that weighs but three Pound, to
beat a Bird that weighs five or more, for, observe it, and you will
find, that from a Cock of seven or eight Pound weight, down to the
smallest match, or battle Cock that you can meet with, and he will with
all the ease imaginable (when need requires it) bend himself in his
Fight, and proportion his blows suitable to the size of the Cock with
whom he contends, so that in short he takes him in the rising, and
commonly Rucks him at the first coming in: And if meer chance prevent
it not, a hold or two, serves to lay the little Cock dead upon the spot.
But to speak no more of the Shake-bag, for truly notwithstanding all
that has been spoken in his commendation, yet is the little Battle Cock
much to be preferred before him, and that amongst others, for these
Reasons.
[Sidenote: Why little Cocks are better than great ones.]
First he is easily reared, and far cheaper kept all along afterwards,
for the little Cock requires no more nor better maintainance than the
common Dunghill Cock, whereas the great Game Cock must be choicely
nursed and plentifully fed all his Life long, he knows not how to
Labour nor will he ever learn to get his living, your hand must still
sustain him or he comes to nothing, want quickly brings upon him the
_Black-Sickness_, and the lazy lubber dies.
Secondly, the little Cock at a Year old becomes fit to Feed and Fight,
whereas the Shake-bag must be two Year old, or more, e’er he is brought
into the Pit.
Thirdly, a Fortnights Diet serves the little Cock, whereas three Weeks
is not sufficient time to fit the great Cock for the Pit: and besides
all this, the little Cock not only requires less cost and care, but
also when he comes to Fight he affords you most Pleasure and Delight,
no sooner is he set down, but like Lightning he falls upon his Enemy,
Dances a Bloody round, and in his sparring Capers higher than your
Head, then links and never looses ’till his hold breaks, or his
Adversary dies. They rise and fall together, still striving to the last
which shall strike most, and hardest blows, Stabing each other without
intermission, till Death conclude the Combat.—O rare Birds! what
Pleasure upon Earth can equal this?
[Sidenote: The way and manner of great Cocks Fighting.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account