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GAME COCK:

BEING A

PRACTICAL TREATISE

ON

BREEDING, REARING, TRAINING, FEED
ING, TRIMMING, MAINS, HEELING,
SPURS, ETC., eC. HVC.
TOGETHER WITH AN

EXPOSURE OF COCKERS’ TRICKS.

ORIGIN AND CURE OF DISEASES,

AND THE REVISED

COCKING RULES

GOVERNING ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD

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PUBLISHED =

ED. JAMES, 88 AND 90 CENTRE STREET, N. Y¥:

NEW YORK CLIPPER ee ae

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Entered according act of Conares im the year 173, Tae
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at wr

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88 and 90 Centre street, New York.

PREFACE.

In the publication of this little work on the Game
Cock, the compiler, from long experience as a sporting
journalist, feels that he is giving to the breeders and
fanciers of Games a book which they stand greatly in
need of. It has been prepared with great care and at-
tention to all the minor details, as well as the more im-
portant ones, and written so as to be easily understood
and practicable. Being assisted by the leading cocking
celebrities of this section, it is hoped and believed this
treatise will be found adapted to all emergencies of the
lovers of the beautiful and valiant bird known as the
“Game Cock.” Containing as it does the Standard
Rules governing Cocking throughout the United States,
Canada and Great Britain, carefully revised, together
with a reliable course of treatment for all diseases in-
cident to Game Fowls, this work should be in the hands

of all interested in Cocking.

CONTENTS.

Origin and History of the Game Fowl

Form and Properties of a Fighting Cock. ........s5eeueeee j
Some of the different Breeds of Fowl....0......ss6 sea 9
Breeding. .... 30. . 2250 0s sos 500 as 5 wipe ei eln ie ean II
Training \for the Pit,'j<.... 2... «»éseeus ~.seenelel nnn 13
Mode of. Trimming... 0.35.5 «205. ssp ¢ wee b ems » acne ae 15
Directions for Heeling...:...... ++...» + seul os 6 sean 1é
Pbout Mains. ccieacwds vices ve cess deme de es ee ce cele ee 17
Bigcen OF ATtHCIES. ... 6.5.5. 52s. - - Gass nse «6 ons oe 6 18
Eaplish General,Laws:of Cocking: .-....ins-.i as ae seen 19
Mockers Fricks Exposed......-......2-csecescs ch be sen 21
AS few -Hints’on Spurs/: .J 0.00 So ehcc. soo. oe ced > Bae ee 24
Oregin. (OL SPIGEASES 3S i ss oe oes os ee os oe ue tees oe ee ins ae
DISEASES AND THEIR CURE.
BOOED Fw od ose oie os onc in Wie, si’ 0 tn 1g wae sly ee 27
Chokera.. 5. 55. ac 0:2. in <ideie che 0 sob. < «pital pe 27
Pip or Gapes............<.0000++ «os pus oon 28
Rheumatism or Lifts... os. <2... Jcss:. Vac Se See 28 -
oo: | Rm 28
Club) Foot oi. «5. «04 ejaved op 0s 50'sis » o's le 0» 019 mae a 28
Inflammation of the Eye........ .ssss0s sss seen 29
EnGigestion, 5.20.05 os. oie pes 3 scste Suipiae Cae Seeenne 29
COStiveness. . 62°. 0. cece ew cece ces oes Cae ES ee RR 29
Diarrhoea. . .% 5 i ap. ode Feiss 0:2) 00's opis ak ee 29
Obstructions of the Nostril. .........:s« sae sme 30
Gamker? 2s 5 5 «asleioiceiap 0's wise ois ome'e Wie 30
PETIA... ow sis ows os e's 0 0005.00 00 0s 60min anne 30
Melancholy... ...55 - don os) 5 oc ved s'ga de ae « pinaenenn 30
PGVEE 5 cc ns. tig ccc vncnceccce see ss 0 ism «0s ne 30
Consumption i's 2). ce. esi e's cae oes 02 SC 30
Limed Legs, .. .....s.0'. o.s0 00 3 03 oe 0 «e's 516 enn 31
Chicken, Pox, 0.5... << is.b:s.'d oie 3 biein's olsldd dicle penn 31
Moulting. . ... 0.00. oases cen ss die ain oly een 31
Loss: of Feathers. 00354. 0. 05 IO Se 31
COCKING RULES.
New sVork (5.05.4 4 i 2062.62.89. 4 2 33
Albany....... ip jae nae 0-6 4010» wisi a.m dw gape 35
Western New York....Ji cei... A Vo eeeee 36
jo) eS 37
BIAMIMOTS.... ww se oc cb oes ce sb os oe ye enn 38
Virginia or Southern. ..0......0005..s.5 0s seek 39
New /Onleans, .. ..'. ...s once 'es 0 cu Up cs» sone 41
DGtr Olt oreo ks as o0.n's10s 00 bn 0's 0 50/0 0 0'W lone sien +42
San Pl TAMCHICO . 0. os 2. 0s ove ce ces 000 sun sap ose eee
GamaGhaD oie ee ee ee ct ese e aces see een - 44

THE GAME COCK.

ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE GAME FOWL.

The Game Cock is vulgarly imagined to be the off-
spring of the domesticated fowl and the pheasant. This
idea is, however, not at all assented to by ornithologists,
or the amateurs of the art of cocking. On more sure
grounds its origin is referred to the wild cock oi India,
where he is occasionally seen in his wild state in the
woods, and at the isles of St. Iago, Pulocondore, Timor,
- Philippine and Mollucca islands, Sumatra, Java, New
Guinea, Tinian, and the isles of the south seas. At
Sumatra and Java they are noticed as being particularly
large. Pliny, the historian, tells us that.cock fighting was
‘annually practiced at Pergamus, a city in Asia. The
Athenians practised it at an annual festival, in the time
of the great general, Themistocles, who encourged his
soldiers to acts of bravery by admonishing them to imi-
tate the example of the cock. Chalcis and Eubcea were
famous for their superior breed of cocks; they were large,
and such as our sportsmen call shake bags or turn-outs.
At Alexandria, in Egypt, they had a breed of hens which
produced the best fighting cocks. The Romans were bet-
ter acquamted with quails as fighting birds than with
cocks. It is considered, however, that they were the first
to introduce the practice in England, though the bird was
there before Cesar’s arrival. Cocking was much en-
couraged by Henry VILL, who founded the celebrated
national cockpit at Westminster, afterwards renewed and
encouraged by Charles II, who first introduced the breed
of pile cocks, which for many years was held in such esti-.
mation, and by many much liked to this day. .
- In Cuba, Mexico, San Domingo and nearly all tropical.

*

8 THE GAME COCK.

climates, cock fighting is one of the institutions of the
land. The Indian’s idea of paradise, says a celebrated
author, is one vast cockpit; you never see the natives in
their full glory, but here the very Celestials are bitten
with the mania, and back their birds against anybody's.
The sport only takes place on Sundays and high days.
The betting is a perfect mania, but, to their praise be it
said, they are most honorable in paying what they haye
lost. The cock’s spurs are sharp as razors, and often one
or the other falls dead at first start. Should a cock show
any timidity, the niggers yell in the most frantic manner;
and, as there is always an unfortunate white feather
among the fowl, the above sound often fills the air on
Sunday afternoons. The match commences by two fel-
lows starting the cocks and getting their steam up. As
soon as No. 1 has beaten No. 2 there is a short rest, and
the next couple come on. This lasts till dusk, when “all
creation” may be seen coming out with dead and living
cocks; the village dominie is often a sportsman, and, after
instructing the interesting little natives in the way they
should go in the morning, in the afternoon he teaches the
cocks the way they should fight. On Sunday morning
he dons his clerical costume and exhorts his hearers, who
fill the church to overflowing. On Sunday afternoon he
exhorts his rooster and bets like any other mortal, sur-
rounded by his admiring assembly.

- FORM AND PROPERTIES OF A FIGHTING COCK.

Having described the natural origin of this race of .

birds and the history of the sport, we now proceed to
consider the general form and properties of the fighting
cock when in his greatest perfection, according to the

ideas now entertained. A good cock has eyes sparkling ~

with fire, boldness in his demeanor, and freedom in his
motions, and displays force in all his proportions. The
general outline of the finest cock, taken as a whole, ap-
proaches that of a lengthened cone or sugar loaf shape,
excluding the legs and tail, the apex of the cone being
the head and the base the vent and belly; under such ex-
ternal form may exist the best properties of the cock. In

a ee ee ee ee ee eee

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Mine

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THE GAME COCK. 9

describing the beauties of particular parts, the head
should be small, the beak strong and pointed, the neck
long and strong, the girth of the shoulders, chest and
body broad, feeling broad to the grasp, and tapering
again to the rump; the thighs and legs large and strong,
and rather long than short; with~ broad, thin feet, and
very long claws, a stately walk, and an upright, easy car-
riage, the wings not lying close on his back, but rather
extended. It is considered a good point if he brings his
legs close up to his body when held in the hand, instead
of letting them hang loosely down. It is a great prop-
erty in.a cock to be what is termed corky; that is, a cock
which, for its size, weighs light, having light flesh, and
light in the bone, though strong; they have a great ad-
vantage over lumpy cocks, which are heavy fleshed. A
sound cock will crow clear, having a clear, shining
feather, short, hard, and difficult to pluck from his body;
his face red, for if pale he is unhealthy. A good cock
should fight at any part of the body, and should carry a
fatal spur, or, in other words, hit welt with his weapon.
Their actions should be quick, without hurrying, and
rapid, but cautious.

SOME OF THE DIFFERENT BREEDS OF FOWL.

The feathers afford a good criterion for judging of the
' soundness of the bird; where they lie close to the skin
and compacted together, feel short and stiff to the touch,
and shining and glossy in their exterior, such is deemed a
sound feathered bird. The colors most admired are the
“reds” and the ‘duck wings.” By the red, among cock-
ers, is understood a cock with a hackle (that is, the
feathers of the head and neck) red, with the feathers of
_the rump and saddle tocorrespond. The red cock varies
with a black breast and ginger wing; that is, of a ginger-
bread color, or with a black breast and dark wing; such
are “dark reds.” The “light reds” are those whose
breasts are wholly red, or red spotted with black, or black
streaked with red, and these receive their names accord-
ing to these circumstances, as ginger breasted, spotted
breasted, etc. The “duck wing” cock derives his name
from a bar of steel blue across the greater coverts, like

e

10 THE GAME COCK.

the fascia across the wild duck’s wing. In this case it is
observed that the secondaries are exteriorly white; the
hackle and saddle are also nearly the same color, or pale
yellow, or cream colored; their breasts may be black,
streaked or spotted; the shoulder may be tawny, dark red,
or birchen, or silver shouldered, from which colors they
receive their distinctions. The yellow cockis merely 2
variety of the “duck wing,” from which it differs only in
having the secondary feathers, or those next the flight,
dark instead of white; the blue bar in these cocks some-
times varies to a light brown. The next color to be no-
ticed is the “dun.” These cocks are in reality of a lead,
or slate color, and may be wholly so, or “duck wing,” with
the breast, flight and tail dun, or a yellow dun; that is,
a yellow cock with a dun breast, flight and tail. By
flight feathers are meant the strongest feathers of the wing
farthest from the body of the cock when the wing is ex-
tended. The “red duns” arered cocks with dun breast,
flight and tail. White cocks are either wholly white, and
are called “smocks,” or with red shoulders, and are called
“piles;” when these are streaked with any other color in
the hackle, breast, rump or tail, they aretermed “streaky
piles.” If the pile cocks have a mixture of dun on the
breast or shoulders, they are called ‘‘dun piles.” Another
variety of this breed is the ‘‘cuckoo,” which is rare; he is
white, with the feathers variegated promiscuously, or
barred with black, yellow or red. The “spangle” is also
rare; he is red, tipped with white spots, or white and
black. ‘‘Hennies” have the natural propensities of the
cock, but are so called from having the hackle, tail and
wing more like the hen. When any colored fowl has the
shoulder mixed with black he is called “beezy” shoulders,
probably from the French word bis, black or dusky. The
color of the legs should also be noticed; these are either
yellow, black, white, blue, olive or dark green, willow or

light green, or carp legged, which is a mixture of black |
and yellow. The beaks in general correspond with the

color of the legs. The color of the eyes is also noticed in.
the match bill; the red or ferret eye (the iris being red),
the pale yellow or daw eye, the dark brown or sloe eye.
Breeding for pit purposes and breeding for poultry
shows are widely different, and in the latter respect only
color and plumage count, as birds of the finest external
appearance may, when they have to face the steels, turn
out to be “bolters,” whereas the less gaudily caparisoned

THE GAME COCK. 11

a
cock, bred for the pit only, irrespective of color, generally
fights to the death. .

BREEDING.

A well tried breed of cocks, which have generally gained -

the odd battle when equally matched, being obtained, con-
sider them the stock to breed from; the nearer their
colors, the more kindly they willunite. Never breed from
two old fowls ; let one at least be young ; be also thor-
oughly convinced that the cockis quite sound, by attend-
ing to his mode of feeding. Should he eat corn enough to
make his crop very hard, and digest the same speedily,
that is as sure a, token his constitution is good, so that it
is rotten when he eats but little, and has besides a bad
digestion. To bestillmore sure, try also by running him
down in a field, and sparring with another cock, at either
_ of which, if he is unsound, he will turn black in the face.
Try the hens in ikemanner. Three or four hens are
enough for one cock. Let them be sisters if possible.
The breeding place should. be well aired, and entirely free
from other fowl, lest the hens should be trod by other
cocks. Clear water, grass, gravel, and lime rubbish, and
an. occasional change of food, is good—as barley, oats, po-
- tatoes, a little meat, toast and ale, etc. The roosts should
be rather low, as the heavy fowls otherwise would, in de-
scending, cripple themselves. The perches should be ex-
actly suited to the grasp of the foot. The keeping of
pigs, ducks, or allowing the fowl access to coal ashes or
soap suds, produces the roop. Thereshould be no geese
or turkeys at the walk, as they are always battering the
fowls. The nests should be made of clean, dry straw,
rubbed soft between the haads, and put in a basket, earth-
en pan, or some such dish, and about a foot and a half
' from the ground. Hay is injurious to the eggs, faint in
the smell, and is apt to engender vermin. There should
be more nests than hens, as it will prevent them quarrel-
ing and breaking the eggs. One egg should always be
marked with ink, and left in the nest for them to lay to,
that you may know it from the others. As the eggs are
laid, take them from the nest, mark and put them in bran,
‘with the small end downwards. When a hen begins to

12 THE GAME COCK.

:
cluck, do not save any more of her eggs for setting. If a
cock dislikes any of the hens, she should be removed.
About a dozen eggs are enough for a clutch. As the
hen hatches the young, they may be taken and put
in flannel, in a basket near the fire, till the last is
hatched, feeding them three times a day till they re-
join their mother on crumbs of bread, hard boiled
eges, chopped raw meat, grits, etc.; and when returned
to the mother, do it by night, when she is on the nest,
otherwise she might fancy them strangers, and destroy
them. They should then be conveyed to a dry place,
where there are neither cats nor vermin, and for ten or
twelve days the hen should be cooped, to prevent her
from wandering and fatiguing the chickens; they should
have clean water, fresh every day. At about six weeks
old, when their sexes can be distinguished, select those
which are to be kept, and destroy the rest, that the re-
maining ones may thrive the better by getting the whole
attention of theo mother. Those chickens are of little
value that are hatched later than May; and those hatched
before the end of March are often cramped by cold; such
as are later than the beginning of Junenever run cocks so
high upon leg, light fieshed, or large boned. Cut the
young cocks’ combs at the age of four months, and about
five or six weeks afterward their gills and deaf ears. The
young cocks should be marked with scissors, by slitting
part of the web of the foot, or cutting a small notch in
the nostril, or punching a small hole in the web of the
foot with a shoemaker’s punch. Some do so to the web
of the wing nearest the shoulder; others take a small
notch out of the upper eyelid, by laying the scissors flat
to the side of the head, and cutting outa very small piece
of the lid. A clear air, good food and pure water, with

perfect exclusion from other fowls, constitute the best

walk, where, as before mentioned, they can obtain grass
and gravel. At about a twelvemonth old they are called
stags and two years old they are termed cocks. The
short legged, or worst of your stags, should be tried
against a good cock, to enable you to judge of the quali-
ties of the remaining ones; for if he should beat the cock,
there is every reason to consider the others good. Short
spurs are best for this purpose.

It is celways a sign of a hen being in good health, and
clean fed, if the yolk of her egg, when boiled, is of a pale
yellow; when of a dark red, the reverse. Chickefs are

be

es = h . _— —
ed eg Pm Ne Re gee ey ee ee ee ee a ae

THE GAME COCK. 13

composed of the tread and white of the egg, as the yolk
comes to the world with them in their inside, on which
they chiefly subsist, till they gain sufficient strength to
follow their mother; for the first thing a hen gives her
chickens is the small chips of broken shell out of which
they come, which cut the yolk in their inside, and thereby
promote digestion.

Fowls that once had the roop can never be entirely re-
lied on as being either sound enough to breed from, or to
fight.

TRAINING FOR THE PIT.

Suppose that the fowl comes from his walk in good
condition, in which case he will be too fat for fighting, he
must be reduced to give him wind. The general method
of training is as follows:—First, cut his tail and spurs
short and put him in the pens; no food the first day.

Second day, give him cream of tartar, or jalap or both
united, about 6 or 8 grains, mixed with fresh butter and
rock candy. Immediately after he gets the physic, tie on
the hots, or.muffles, and spar him with another cock on a
straw or grass plat, till he gets fatigued; then return him
to his pen; butif his mouth has been pecked, rub it with
a little vinegar and good brandy mixed, to prevent it from
eankeringe. Then give him a warm mess, to work off his
physic, which you must make of bread and milk and a
little rock candy, or ale and bread and rock candy, giving
him a large tea cup full; when he gets this, shut him up
till next morning. If cold weather, cover him up with a
blanket, or keep fire in the room; if warm, clip him cut;
also keep him dark, by shutting the windows always, ex-
cept at feeding times. Weigh them the third day when
empty, and the moment they are weighed let them begin
’ to feed.

Third day, clean out his pen*from the effects of the
physic, giving clean, dry straw; also, wash his legs, feet
and face, before putting him among this clean straw. He
is next to be allowed some cock bread, made of the follow-
ing ingredients:—About three pounds of fine flour and
two eggs, and four whites of egos, and a little yeast,
kneaded with a proper quantity of water, and have it,

14 THE GAME COCK.

well baked in an oven; to which you may add a small
number of aniseeds or a little cinnamon; cut this in small
pieces, give one cup full in the morning, and one in the
evening, allowing no water the third day with the above
bread.

Fourth morning, he should have half a teacup full of
good barley and a little water, in which a piece of toast
has been steeped; having eaten this, clean his pen and
give new straw, leaving his pen uncovered about an hour,
to allow him to scratch himself. The barley should be
hard chaffed, to take away the sharp points; in the after-
noon, the same quantity of barley, but no water.

Fifth day, bread as before, in three quantities, but no
water.

Sixth day, bread early in the morning, and towards
the afternoon a good feed of barley and water. Some
feeders give sheep’s heart, cut small, both this and the
succeeding day, mixed with the other food.

Seventh day, a feed of barley early in the morning; in
the afternoon, bread and the white of an egg boiled hard,
allowing him also a little water.

Highth day, or day of fighting, allow him about 49
grains of barley, and one or two mouthsfull of water
from a toast, apple or cheese, for digesting; hemp seed,
steeped in brandy, prevents purging. Wheat or millet
seed may be added to his food, sometimes hemp seed as
asmali mixture. Bread toast, soaked in vinegar, is some-
times given for reducing quickly.

The following is another method of preparing cocks for
batile:—After cautiously examining whether the cocks
are sound and hard-feathered, keep them in separate
pens, with moveable perches within; keep the pens pecu-
harly clean, and feed them with the crumb of stale bread
cut into square pieces, giving each a handful at sunrise,
noon and sunset, with cool spring water for drink; after
thus feeding for four or five days, let them spar some
morning with one another in a room covered with straw,
or on a grass plot, first guarding their heels with mufflers;
let them spar some time, but not so far as to draw blood.
When they pant and appear faint, give to each about the
size of a walnut of white rock candy, rosemary chopped,
and butter, m’xed together; this will increase their
strength, cleanse them, and render them long-winded;
immediately after this, put them into separate bags or
baskets half filled with straw, then cover them with the

THE GAME COCK. 15

same material, and make them fast, in order that the
cocks may sweat till evening; at night take them out, lick
» their eyes and head all over with the tongue, fill their
throats with stale bread, and pour warm urine therein,
which will cleanse both their headsandbodies. Exercise
by commencing with 25 flies, and increase daily till you
have reached about 300, and diet them with stale bread
and whites of eges regularly, one day sparring or flying,
and the other feeding and resting, with now and then
the scouring, for about a fortnight previous to the battle.
The muffies or gloves should be made of chamois
leather, about the size of a small egg, stuffed with wad-
ding, wool or curled hair, with a string at the opening, to
draw it together. Put this bag over the natural heel,
draw it together and tie around the leg. Then spar your
fowl with these on them. When you wish to test the
gameness of a fowl place a cork over the steel spur, leav-
ing the point exposed,so that it will prick the bird suf-
ficient to try gameness, but not so as to inflict severe in-

jury.

MODE OF TRIMMING.

After having tied your fowl’s legs with a handkerchief
or a piece of soft string, place him on your lap, with bis
legs between your knees, and his head toward yourself;
then, collecting all his neck feathers together, apply your
forefinger and thumb in a circular form to that part of
the neck next the shoulder of the cock, and press forward
the whole of his neck feathers as-close round his head as
possible; they will then appear like an erect frillround his
head; to which apply a long and sharp pair of scissors as
close to your finger and thumb as possible all round, and
then take off the surface of the remaining ones next the
head, but not too bare; in fact, it is performed on the
same principle as hair cutting; for the feathers are short-
ened by being cut when turned the contrary way to that
in which they naturally lie. Next cut about two inches
off the ends of both his wings, at the same time making
the flight feathers decrease in length a quarter of an inch
in proportion to the others, leaving the flight feathers
farthest from his body the shortest, which should be at

16 5 THE GAME COCK.

least three inches from its insertion in the wing. Then
cut the tail, leaving it a large hand’s breadth from its in-
sertion in the rump outwards, taking off all the curling,
feathers round it, leaving only the vane or fan. When his
tail is perfectly erect apply the scissors (with their point
inclining a little downward) to the saddle, cutting from a
line with the lower feathers of the tail toward the end
of the wing; some in trimming cut out a great quantity
of the soft feathers from under the saddle, to keep the
cocks cool. All the feathers round the vent are cut off
very close from under the tail to three or four inches to-
ward the breast between the legs. His spurs are cut off
with a thin saw, leaving about a quarter of an inch on
the leg, on whichis fixed the steel spur; sometimes, when
the spur is so sawed off, blood will issue from it, which
may be stopped immediately by rubbing a piece of chalk
firmly into it, or applying a hot iron.

DIRECTIONS FOR HEELING.

Tn tieing on the spur, take a piece of soft, thin brown
paper, and, having folded it two or three times, and hay-
ing dampened it a little with the tongue, wrap it around
the remaining quarter of an inch of his natural heel as
often as you think there will be room in the socket of the
steel spur to contain it and the natural spur together;
then place the steel spur on the natural spur, pressing
the socket close to the leg, observing at the same time
that the curved part of the spur is next the foot, and the
hollow side upwards, or, in other words, the point inelin-
ing upwards; itshould stand much in the same. direc-
tion with the natural spur; or, if you. take a view from
the point to the socket, the point should then appear on
a line with the hollow of the inside,of the leg; then la
the leather ends over each other, and tie them down wi
a piece of waxed string about the thickness of a shoe-
maker’s thread, beginning with the middle of the thread
on the socket of the spur, close to the spur, going round
the leather close to the socket on both sides with the
_ string as often as is necessary for security; this should
neither be too tight to cramp him, nor so loose as to

THE GAME COCK. | 17

come off; for should it come off during the battle, or
break, it is not allowed to be replaced. A fair spur
should be round and smooth from the socket to the point;
if flat on any side, or rough, it is foul and improper.

The subjoined is another method of heeling:—Let your ,
fowl be held by a competent person; Jet him be held so
that the inside of the leg is perfectly level, then take your
thumb and forefinger and work the back toe of the fowl.
While doing this you will see the leader of the leg rise
and fall at the upper joint. You will set the right spur
on a line with the outside of the leader, at the upper joint
of the leg; and the left spur you will set on a line with the
inside of the leader, at the upper joint. Be careful not to
set the spur too far in, as it would cause the cock to cut
himself. As a general rule for a young beginner, he had
better set the right spur on a line with the outside of the
leg, opposite to the upper joint; and the left spur on a
fine with the outside of the leader of the upper joint.
Cover the spur with a piece of damp paper, or very soft
buckskin, so as to get the socket of the spur to fit tightly,
and to prevent its turning or shifting. When you have
the spur arranged properly, tie it with good wax ends, but
not so tight as to cramp the legs or toes of the fowls.

ABOUT MAINS.

There are three kinds of mains, or matches, at present
in use among cockers. The long main, which generally
continues for a week; the short main of a day or two
(both regulated by the same laws), and the Welsh main.
In the long main the cocks are generally the property of
a joint subscription, or of only two individuals, and the
cocks thus collected are chosen for the main according to
their weights, those being preferred, as a medium weight,
from three pounds eight ounces to four pounds ten
ounces, giving or taking an ounce on either side, though
they are generally matched to a drachm weight. The
cocks which form the bye battles of the main become the
objects of separate betting, and are subject to the same
regulations. Cocks which weigh above four pounds ten
ounces are termed turn out, and are never matched by

18 THE GAME COCK.

weight, as when they weigh above that they are reckoned
fit to contend with any one.

The short main lasts only for a day or two, the cocks
being fewer in number, or the numbers are doubled for
-each day.

The Welsh main is generally fought for a purse, or
prize. In this main all the fowls are restricted to a cer-
tain weight, viz., about four pounds four ounces; these
are matched according as shall be agreed upon, the win-
ners again taking the winners till they are reduced to the
last pair, when the winner of the last battle gains the
prize. Besides this, there is to be noticed the battle
royal, which consists of a number of fowls being put down
together at the same time in the pit, and the last survivor
gains the prize—a practice known nowhere but in Eng-
land.

In fighting a regular main they always commence with
the lightest cocks, as they can be first prepared, and the
heaviest ones, that have been most reduced by this means,

gain time to recover their strength and be brought up

again.

FORM OF ARTICLES.

Articles of agreement, made the —————— day of
one thousand eight hundred and ———_———, between ——_——_—_,
First, the said parties have agreed that each of them shall produce,
show and weigh, at —————, on the —— day of-————_—_—_
, beginning at the hour of ——_————, cocks not
under , nor above —_-————, and as many of each
party’s cocks that come within one ounce of each other shall fight
for a battle; that is, each cock, in as
equal divisions as the battles can be divided into six pits, or day’s
play, at the cock-pit before mentioned, and the party’s cocks that win
the greatest number of battles, matched out of the number before
specified, shall be entitled to the sum of ——-——_——-,, odd battle
money, and the sum to be staked in the hands of Mr, --—————_.,
before any cocks are pitted, by both parties; and we further agree
to produce, show and weigh, on the said weighing days, —-———_—
cocks for bye battles, subject to the same weight as the cocks
in the main, and these to be added to the number of cocks un-
matched; and as many of them as come within one ounce of each
other shall fight for
matched to be equally divided as will permit of, and added to each
day’s play with the main cocks; and it is also agreed that the balance
of the battle money shall be paid at the end of each day’s play ; itis

—— a battle; the number of cocks so_

FETE th he eos Se.

THE GAME COCK 19

also further agreed that the cocks fight with steel spurs, and with
fair hackles, and to be subject to all the usual rules of cock fighting,
and the profits arising from the spectators, called door money, to be
equally divided between both parties, after all charges are paid that
usually happen on these occasions. Witness our hands this
day of ———-—— 18.

ENGLISH GENERAL LAWS OF COCKING

It is understood on all occasions that when the cocks are
once pitted, the setters-to are not allowed to handle them;
unless they get entangled in each other, or in the mat, it
is fair to turn them on their feet again. On no pretence
are feathers to be removed from the beak or eyes during
the fight. If one of the cocks is hit down during the bat-
tle, and no longer able to fight, take the first opportunity
(while the other is not fighting him).of telling the ‘‘short
law,” which you do by counting, distinctly and audibly,
“twice twenty,” when they may be handled and set-to
again. Ifthe weakest then refuses, you begin to tell the
“long law” of one hundred, by counting it by tens. At
the end of each time you count ten, set them to, beak to
beak, and if either cock refuses to fight ten times success-
ively, he loses; but should he show fight, by pecking or
fighting at the other, while you are counting the one hun-
dred, you must begin with your tens again, and at the
end of each ten you must say aloud, “once refused,”
“twice refused,” &c., till he refuses ten times, when you
may withdraw your cock and claim the battle money.
Should both be disabled and refuse to fight before the.
“long law” begins counting, it is a drawn battle, and
neither wins; and should both refuse fighting during the
telling of the “long law,” it is that cock’s battle which
fought last. If any one wishes to stop this telling him
out, he may “pound him.” In this case he lays down his
hat or anything else on the pit, ay a token of the chal-
lenge, when the “short law” is told by a person distinctly
counting twice twenty, and afterwards repeating the
words, ‘‘will any one take it?” three times; if no one ac-
cepts the challenge during this “short law,”- the cock is
beaten. It is neceseary, when any one takes the pound-
age or bet, that he declares it, and also lays down some-
thing on the pit as surety. If so, the cock must fight

20 THE GAME COCK

till death, though sometimes he unexpectedly recovers and
wins. é'

On the day of weighing, he whose chance it is to weigh
last is to set his cocks and number his pens, both byes
and main, and deposit the key of the pens upon the
weighing table (or the adversary may put a lock upon the
door) before any cock is put into the scales; and after the
first pack of cocks is weighed, a person appointed by him
that weighed first shall go into the other pens to see that
no other cocks are weighed but what are numbered and
so set, if they are within the articles of weight that the
match specifies; but if not, to take the following cock or
cocks, until all the number of main and bye cocks are
weighed through. When they are all weighed, proceed
directly to match them, with the least weight first, and so
on; and equal weights or nearest weights to be separated,
if by that separation an increased number of battles can

be made; all blanks must be filled up on the weighing »

day, and the battles struck off and divided for each day’s
play, as previously agreed on, and the cocks that weigh
the least are to fight the first day, and so upward.
At the time assented to by both parties, the cocks that
are to fight the first battle are produced upon the pit by
the feeders or their helpers; and after an examination to
see whether they correspond with the marks and colors
stated in the match bill, they are given to the setters-to,
who, after chopping them in hand, give them to the mas-
ters of the match (who always sit fronting each other),
when they turn them down upon the mat; and by no
means are the setters-to to touch them, except they should
hang in the mat, in each other, or get close to the pit’s
edge, until they shall cease fighting, while a person can
tell forty. - When both cocks leave off fighting until one
of the setters-to, or one appointed for stating the law,
can tell forty gradually, then the setters-to are to make
the nearest way to their cocks, and when they have taken
them up, to carry them into the middle of the pit, and
directly deliver them on their legs, beak to beak, and not
to touch them again until they have refused fighting, so
long as the teller of the law can tell ten, unless they are
on their backs, or hung in each other, or in the mat; then
again they are to set-to as before, and continue it till one
cock refuses fighting ten several times, one after another,
when it is that cock’s victory that fought within the law.
Now and then it happens that both cocks refuse fighting

THE GAME COCK. 21

while the law is telling; in this case a fresh cock is to be
hoveled, and brought forward upon the mat as soon as

ossible, and the setters-to are to toss up which cock is to
be set-to first, and he that gets the chance has the choice.

'Then the other which is to be set-to last must be taken

up, but not carried off the pit, and setting the hoveled
cock down to the other five separate times, telling ten
between each setting-to, and the same to the other cock;
if one fights, and the other declines, the fighting cock has
the battle; should both fight, or both refuse, itis a drawn
battle. The meaning of setting-to five times to each cock
is, that ten times setting-to being the long law, so, on
their both refusing, the law is to be equally shared be-
tween them.

Deciding a battle by another way is, if any one offers -

to lay ten to one, and no one takes it until the law
teller counts forty, and calls out three separate times:—
“Will any one take it?” and if no one does, itis that
cock’s battle the odds are laid on, and the setters-to are
not to touch the cocks all the time the forty is telling, un-

_ less either cockis hung in the mat, or on his back, or hung
together. If acock should die before the “long law” is

told out, notwithstanding he fought in the law, and the
other did not, he loses the battle.

There are often disputes in setting-to in the “long law,”
for frequently both cocks refuse fighting until four or five,
or more ordess times are told; then they sometimes com-
mence telling from that cock’s fighting, and counting but
once refused, but they should continue their counting on,
until one cock has refused ten times; for itis for both
cocks when the law is begun to be told; and if one cock
fights within the “long law,” and the other not, it is a bat-
tle to the cock that fought, reckoning from the first set-
ting-to. All disputes relative to bets, or the battle being
gained or lost, must be decided by the spectators. The
crowing and mantling of a cock, or fighting at the setter-
to’s hands before he is put to the other cock, or breaking
from his adversary, is not allowed as a fight.

COCKERS’ TRICKS EXPOSED.

1. The person who seconds, or sets-to the mee may

break his thigh with his fingers and thumb in a moment,

22 THE GAME COCK.

or may (by pressing his thumbs hard on his kidneys, or
by griping him severely by the vent) cause lim to lose
the battle, though otherwise he could have won it; this
will depend on his regard for his employer, or the under-
standing between him and the opposite party; forif he
thinks he can get more from them as a bribe to sell the
_. fight than he expects from the person who employs him,

he will act the above dishonorable part, and for this rea-
son it is advisable for every person to second his own
fowl, except there is a very good understanding indeed
between him and the person he employs for that purpose.

2. If the employer or his second allow the cock to go
into the hands of any other person previous to the bat-
tle, he may be crippled in an instant, as the person so
handling him might have an interest in seeing him
beaten. 7

3. If one cock sticks with his spurs into the other, the
second of the cock who has received the blow takes out the
spur, for if this be entrusted to the other second, he has it

in his power to wrench the spur in different directions in

taking it out, and do the fowl a serious injury, and might
(with the point) rip a hole in him that would bleed him
to death; this must be guarded against.

4. Very often the opposite second pretends not to
know that his cock has stuck in the other; he immediately
catches him up as high as he can reach, and nearly drags
the head from the body of the other, or allows him to
fall with great force on the pit.

5. If a cock has but one eye he should not be pitted till
the second is convinced that he sees his antagonist, but if
the opposite second can, he will pit his one on the blind
side; beware of that.

6. Some have a trick of using foulspurs. These appear
round on one side, but on the upper side, or that next the
body of the cock, they are sharpened with an edge like a
knife; others are three edged, or bayonet pointed, which
are also foul; in fact, one cannot be too particular in ex-
amining the opponent's spurs, which, to be fair, should be
perfectly round to the socket, and smooth or polished.

a ee

}
——
ee ee eee

THE GAME COCK 23

7. When both cocks are so distressed that neither can
scarcely hold up his head, and perhaps the one can no
longer peck his antagonist, the second of this last men-
tioned one, in setting him to with the other, beak to beak,
raises his head with one hand, and, with the other, by
suddenly raising his tail, bobs him on the other cock, and
makes it appear as if he had chopped or pecked, when
no such thing took place; this must be strictly watched

8. If a cock, after having chopped, becomes so weak as ~
to be unable to do so again, his second, in pretending to
set him to, beak to beak, with the other, only puts him
near him, and allows his head to drop under the breast of
the other, to prevent him from feeling him, who might
chop in return and win the battle; they should always in
the “long law” be put fairly beak to beak.

9. If the opponent’s cock is a good mouthed cock in
distress—thatis, one who will readily take hold and fight—
his second will place his beak on the neck or shoulder of
the other, which gives him a great advantage, if per-
mitted, but is unfair and not admissible.

10. The same person will sometimes have two cocks
taken to the pit, one carried by himself and the other by
his friend or some other person, who pretend to know
nothing of each other. They then (to appearance) make
up a match between the said two cocks, all the while well
knowing which is to win, as the one is previously known
to be bad and the other good; this is another system in
betting, by which they deceive and rob the spectators, for
they are then safe in betting any odds, and the long odds
are generally taken. There are various tricks practised
by such parties, but keen observation and secend thoughts
will avert them. |

11. A person will show a cock with particular marks
and color, in full feather, which he matches against an-
other equal in weight; he then retires to trim him for tbe
fight, but returns with another, marked and colored like
the first, but much larger, gaining by this manceuvre a
decided advantage; this is called “Ringing the changes.”

12. Sometimes they will rub the face of a sound, healthy
cock, with flour and grease, or chalk and grease, to make

24 THE GAME COCK.

him look stale, or with grease and blacking, to make him
look rotten; at the same time he may be as good as any
between “earth and sky.”

13. If the opposite party wish to gain an advantage in
weight, they will first see your bird weighed; then one of
them may take a two or four ounce weight, the hollow of
which is filled with tallow grease, and stick it close to the
bottom of the scale in which the proper weights are, un-
seen, if possible; and by these means make their cock,
which is two or four ounces heavier than the other, appear
the same weight. The scales, therefore, should be nar-
rowly examined, and even if you do not look up at the
beam the slightest touch of a small stick, or the brim of
a hat on some one’s head, will make all the difference.

14. The fowlor fowls of both parties should be weighed
by the very same weights; for, if the least chance is afford-
ed, false ones may be substituted.

15. Cocks that are intended for battle should never be
seen or touched by any one but the master or the feeder,
otherwise you are never safe; for they might mix your
cock’s food with the victuals taken out of the crop of
another almost dead with the roop.

- Cocks that are meant to fight by gas light should re-
ceive the last meals by gas or candle light each day, about
the hour appointed for the contest.

16. Take great care who you allow to tie on the spurs,
as they might be too tight, and cramp the cock, or loose,
and come off.

- A FEW HINTS ON SPURS.

One of the most important matters to be attended to
is the gaffs, or spurs, as on these depend the issue of most
contests. In the olden times the cock spur was made of
silver, but for the past half century those made of steel
have had the preference. There is a large variety of
spurs in use, nearly every section of country varying more
or less in size and style. The regulation spur governing

‘
‘
{
;
*

LMS on eS aang greats

sis —_— zat ee

a

: THE GAME COCK 25;
New York state measures one and a quarter inch from| :
the top rim of the socket to the extreme point of the
blade, which is round, tapering to a fine point, and di-
verging from the socket outwards in a slight curve up-
wards. The spurs should be of the very best tempered
steel, must be finely finished, and of such a quality as to
stand being struck into hard wood without fear of break-
ing. Very few understand properly the manufacturing
of gaffs, and those sold by large importing houses of re-
puted standing and integrity are, as a general thing,
worthless, the material of which they are composed being
little better than lead, and the sockets not half large
enough to go over the natural heel. The style of gaff
known as the drop socket is so called from the blade
dropping downwards at the socket, and although con-
sidered unfair is much in use all over this country. They
are much more severe in execution and make shorter
work of tne sport. There are also sword-blades, dia-
mond blades, slashers and a variety of other spurs, some
of them being from four to five inches in length. All of
these are unfair, however, except in those parts where
they are tolerated.

For turn-outs, no longer than two inches and a half
spurs should be used; for lesser ones, from two inches to
two and a quarter; for cocks of four pounds four ounces,
not more than two inches; and if under four pounds, one
inch and a half, or shorter; for when they come to grap-
pling in close quarters or in distress, a long spur is almost
useless; it may do for a dash or two at the first onset,
but not afterwards. .

26 THE GAME COCK.

ORIGIN OF DISEASES.

Club foot is an ailing which generally shows itself in
large fowls, and arises from flyimg off high places and
causing too severe a jar.

Rheumatism is noticed in fowls in mid-summer, after
much damp andrainy weather, and sometimes comes from
plunging them in waiter for the hatching fever.

Pip is confined to young fowls during the hotter months,
and is attributed to unclean food, dirty water, cold, damp
localities, or from drinking rain water.

Inflammation of the eye originates from exposure to
cold and moist weather, attended with easterly winds.

Costiveness arises from dry diet, without access to vege-
tables—the latter they should always be furnished with.
The chickens should be furnished with chick weed, ten-
der grass, green cabbage, etc.

Asthma is caused by obstruction of the air cells and an
accumulation of phlegm, which interferes with the exer-
cise of their tunction and causes them to labor for breath.

Chicken pox is generally the result of fighting, when
the head has been badly pecked. It will come sometimes
without any apparent cause, and will affect a number at
the same time.

Cholera is a disease of recent introduction, and in some
instances the fowl dies in less than an hour after itis at-
tacked. Upon dissection the liver is found much enlarg-
ed, and a sticky, slimy substance covers the surface. This

slime everywhere appears to pervade the mucus mem-
brane, and clogging up the air passages, produces death.

Moulting, or shedding the feathers, is of annual occur-
rence, and frequently requires treatment; after the third
year, fowls moult later every succeeding year, and it is
often as late as January before old fowls come into feather.
The time of moulting continues according to age, health
and weather, from six weeks to three months. ,

ae

THE GAME COCK. 27

DISEASES AND THEIR CURE.

Abridged from Cooper’s Work on Game Fowl.

Fe = OP U 2B

Symptoms.—Rising and falling of the wattle in breath-
ing, whooping sound in the throat, offensive discharge
from the nostrils, occasionally the head and eyes be-
come swollen and feverish, which, if not attended to,
will form matter in the eyes; this requires prompt
attention or it will destroy the sight.

Treatment.—Separate the fowl affected as above and
put in a warm box with straw, changing the straw daily.
Bathe head and throat with warm salted water, after
which open the eyes and wash, with the end of a rag,
saturated in the water. Give a pill composed of chalk and
cayenne pepper, mixed equally, every morning. If a rat-
tling in the throat, give one teaspoonful of cod liver oil
every night., After three or four days, if improved, tie
- the fowl by the leg and let it out in the sunshine, return-
ing it to its warm box every night.

CHOLERA.

Sympioms.—A. drooping of the wings, and a sticky
slime in the mouth and throat.

Treatment.—Give to the fowl affected with cholera one
(pull every day, the size of a common marble, prepared of
cayenne pepper two parts, prepared chalk two parts, pul-
verized gentian one part, pulverized charcoal one part;
mix all well together into a paste with lard. Keep the
fowl dry and warm for forty-eight hours. Do not give
water. As apreventive, make a paste of cayenne pepper
one part, prepared chalk one part, pulverized gentian two
parts, and pulverized charcoal two parts, mixed with lard.

28 THE GAME COCK.

In case the disease is in your neighborhood, give an or-
dinary sized pill once a week to the grown fowls.

PIP OR GAPES.

Symptoms.—Gapes are formed from worms in the wind-
pipe; the membrane of the tongue is thickened, particu-
larly towards the windpipe, breathing is impeded, and
the bill often held open, as if gasping for breath.

Treatment.—Cut off the tip end of the tongue, give a
small pill once a day, composed of prepared chalk and
ground black pepper of equal proportions, and made into
a paste with lard. When mixed, add a few drops of oil
of wormseed, and mix it well with the paste. Pills of
all kinds must be forced down the throat.

RHEUMATISM, OR LIFTS.

Symptoms.—Stiffness of the limbs and joints, lifting
the feet high, slow, and as if in pain, while others jerk by
starts.

Treatment.—Bathe the upper joint of the thigh with
spirits or alcohol, dry it in well, then make an ointment

of fish-worms, simmer them down in butter, then strain
and grease the whole leg and thigh every day. Do not
be content with a few trials of this remedy, but give it a
fair chance. ,
GOUT. —

This disease is generally confined to old fowls, and is
known by swelling of the joints; it should be treated the
same as rheumatism.

CLUB FOOT.

Treatment. Searify the limb with a sharp knife or a
scalpel, cut just through the skin, begin on the outside of
the lump and let all the cuts run to the centre. Then
scrape out all the coagulated blood that the tumor con-
tains, and well cleaned, bring all the flaps to the centre;
then double a strip of muslin four or five times; have it
large enough tocover all the sole of the foot; place this
over the flaps when brought together, then tie with nar- ‘
row strips of muslin or broad tape; bring it through the —__
toes so as to have it well tied, or sewed fast above, which _

a

THE GAME COCK. ; 29

is better. Secure it so that it cannot come off; let it re-
main so for one or two weeks, then take it off and you
will find the foot nearly well.

INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE.
t

Symptoms.—Small abscesses are formed on the cornea,
which are filled with a white colored pus. The eye be-
comes inflamed, the lids swelling to a great extent, and a
coagulable matter, like the white of an egg, accumulates
beneath the swelling.

Treatment.—Bathe the head and throat with hot salted
water, then remove any pus that has accumulated in the
eye, after which wash the eye out by holding the lids open
and fill the eye up with fine table salt. Pour down the
fowl’s throat half teaspoonful of fine, dry, black pepper.
Repeat this treatmeat once a day, keeping the fowl in a
warm, dry place, and place him in the sun for a few hours

every day.
INDIGESTION.«

Treaiment.—Exercise the fowl daily, give him less food
and a large pill, made of Cayenne pepper one part, pre-
pared chalk one part, pulverized gentian two parts, pul-
verized charcoal two parts, mixed into a paste with lard.
Feed with a baked cake composed of corn meal, crumbs
of bread and egg soaked in good ale.

COSTIVENESS.

Treatment.—Give as much pulverized rhubarb as will
lay on a two cent piece, to open the bowels.

DIARRH@A.

Symptoms.—Diarrheea resembles the yolk of a stale egg
sticking to the feathers near the vent.

Treatment.—Physic with pulverized rhubarb as much
as will lay on a silver quarter. Then give daily for
several days the following pill:—Prepared chalk three
parts, cayenne pepper one part, pulverized gentian one
part, pulverized charcoal one part, mixed with lard or
butter. The pill should be the size of a common marble.
Keep the fowl in a warm place for a few days, after which
let him run at large in the sunshine.

30 THE GAME COCK.

OBSTRUCTIONS OF THE NOSTRIL.

Symptoms.—W hen produced by fighting it forms a hard

crust, and the fowl gasps for breath.
Treatment.—Wash the head with wine, afterwards

grease with sweet oil.
CANKER.

Symptoms.—The mouth and inside of the bill has a
very fetid smell; the canker substance is yellow.

Treatment.—Scrape off all the yellow substance with a
small stick, and if the fowl bleeds it will do no injury.
Then rub with the thumb or forefinger the diseased
parts with fine, dry table salt. Also, give the fowl half a
teaspoonful of dry cayenne pepper inwardly, Repeat

this process daily.
ASTHMA.

Treatment.—Physic with pulverized rhubarb, bathe the
head with warm salt water, give a teaspoonful of vinegar
every morning, and half a teaspoonful of fine black pep-

per at night.
MELANCHOLY.

Symptoms.—Want of appetite, drooping, ete.

Treatinent.—Physic with pulverized rhubarb, then give
a cholera pill daily composed of cayenne pepper two
parts, prepared chalk two parts, pulverized gentian one
part, pulverized charcoal one part, mixed into a paste
with lard, and occasionally half a teaspoonful of vinegar
inwardly. For diet, give meal mixed with a little fennel
seed, dragon’s blood, and wet it with good draft ale.

FEVER.

Symptoms.—Redness of the eye, hot head, drooping,

etc.
Treatment.—Give a little nitre in water, and physic with

pulverized rhubarb..
CONSUMPTION.

Symptoms.—Hoarseness, sneezing, ete.

Treatment.—They should be sheltered and well housed,
and sometimes wrapped up in warm flannel; keep them
near the fire until they liven up.

THEIGAME COCK. gr
‘LIMED LEGS.

_./ Sympioms.—The legs of the fowl have the appearance
of their having been walking through wet lime, the
whitish appearance increasing until the scales of the
jee will raise up like large warts; the leg enlarges and
gets rough to the touch, extending above the leg, in which
locality the skin looks inflamed and fiabby, and the flesh
falls away.

Treatment.—Grease the parts affected thoroughly, every
second or third day, with sweet oil and spirits of turpen-
tine (equal parts), well shaken before being used.

CHICKEN POX

| Symptoms.—Small specks scattered over the head and
throat, which enlarge and spread all over the head and
close the eyes. ;
Treatment.—Physic with pulverized rhubarb, and grease
the parts affected once a day with equal parts of sweet
oil and spirits of turventine, regardless of the eyes, as it
will not hurt them. When scabsjform, each day before
applying the mixture, take a stick and scrape all the
scabs off. Don’t mind bleeding. After scraping off
clean, grease the head and throat all over. Stuff the
fowl once a day with warm milk and bread, and plenty

_of pepper.
MOULTING.

Sympioms.—Loss of appetite, inactivity, moping and
loss of feathers.

Treatment—Keep warm, feed well, and mix pulverized
ginger with their food; give plenty of meat, and change
frequently to induce appetite.

LOSS OF FEATHERS.

Symptoms.—The same as in Moulting, except that the
lost feathers are not supplied by new ones, and the bare
skin is quite rough.

Treatment.—Grease the parts afiected with lard mixed
in sulphur and gunpowder, also,apply sweet oil and tur-
pentine, equal parts, shake up before using. For cet,
mix a little flour of sulphur and cayenne pepper with
their food. A good walk, grass and fresh water are indis-

-pensable.

COCK FIGHTING RULES.

NEW YORK RULES.

Artiche 1. The pit shall be a cirenlar pit, at least eighteen feet
in diameter and not less than sixteen inches in height, the floor of
which shall be covered with carpet or some other suitable material.
There shall be a chalk or other mark made as near as can be to the
centre of tue pit. There shall also be two outer marks, which shall
be one foot each way from the centre mark.

2. The pitters shall each choose one judge, who shall choose a
referee. Said judge shall decide all matters in dispute during the
pendency of the fight, but, in case of their inability to agree, then
shall be the duty of the referee to decide, and his decision shall

e final. -

3. Chickens shall take their age from the 1st day of March, and
shall be chickens during the following fighting season, to wit:—
From the 1st day of March, 1873, to the 1st day of June, 1874.

4. It shall be deemed foul for either of the-re ive pitters to
pit a cock or chicken with what is termed a foul k hackle— apat is, any
of the featners left whole on the mane or neck. ~~ — :

8. The pitters shall let each cock bill each other three ‘or more
times, but this is not to be so construed that the pitter of a cock has
one right to bill with his opponent’s cock for the purpose of fatiguing

6. No person shall be permitted to handle his fowl after he is fairly
delivered in the pit, unless he counts ten, clear and distinet, without
either cock making fight; or shall be fast in his adversary, or fast in
the carpet, or hung in the web of the pit, or in himself.

34 COCK, FIGHTING RULES}

‘7.¥Any cock] that?maygetTony}his vack,ttae pitter thereof shall
tarn him off it,\but not take him off the ground he is lying on.
_ 8. Whenever a cock is fast in his adversary, the pitter of the cock
the spurs are fast in shall draw them out, but the pitter of a cock
has no right to draw out his own spur, except when fast in himself,
or in the carpet, or in the web of the pit.

9. When either pitter shall have counted ten tens successively,

| without the cock refusing fight, making fight, again breasting them
fair on their feet, breast to breast and beak to beak, on the centre

| score or mark, on the fifth ten being told, and also on the ninth ten
being told, shall have won the fight. The pitters are bound to tell
each ten as they count them, as follows:—Once, twice, ete.

10. No pitter, after the cocks have been delivered in the pit, shall
be permitted to clean their beaks, or eyes, by blowing or otherwise,
or of squeezing his fowl, or pressing him against the floor during the
pendency of a fight,

11. When a cock is pounded, and no person takes it until the pit-
ter counts twenty twice, and calls three times ‘‘Who takes it?” and
no person does take it, it is a battle to the cock the odds are on; but
the pitter of the pounded cock has the right to have the pound put
up, that is, twenty dollars against one; should not this be complied
with, then the pitter shall go on as though there was no poundage.

12. If a cock is pounded and the poundage taken, and if the cock
the odds are laid against should get up and knock down his adver-
sary, then if the other cock is pounded and the poundage not taken,
before the pitter counts twenty twice, and calls out ‘‘Who takes it?”
three times, he wins, although tuere was a poundage before.

13. It shall be the duty of the respective pitters to deliver their
cocks fair on their feet on the outer mark or score, facing each other,
and in a standing position, except on the fifth ten being told; and
also on the ninth ten being told, when they shall be placed on the
centre score, breast to breast and beak to beak, in like manner.
Any pitter being guilty of shoving his fowl across the score, or of
pinching him, or using any other unfair means for the purpose of
making his cock fight, shall lose the fight.

14. If both cocks fight together, and then both should refuse
until they are counted out, in such casesa fresh cockis to be hoveled
and brought into the pit, and the pitters are to toss for which cock

‘is to set to first; he that wins has the choice; then the one which
is to set to lastis to be taken up, but not.carried out of the pit.
The hoveled cock is then to be put down to the other and let fight,
whilst the judges, or one of them, shall count,twenty and the other
in like manner, and if one fight and the other refuse, it is a battle to
the fighting cock; but if both fight or both refuse, it is a drawn
battle.

N. B.—This rule is rarely carried into effect, but any pitter can
exact it if he thinks proper to do so.

15. If both cocks refuse fighting until four, five or more, or less
tens are counted, the pitters shall continue their count until one
cock has refused ten times; for when a pitter begins to count, he
counts for both cocks.

16. If a cock should die before they are counted out, if he fights
last he wins the battle; this, however, is not to apply when his ad-
versary is running away

17. The crowing or raising of the hackle of a cock is not fight, nor
is fighting at the pitter’s hands.

*
ree
Pare;

COCK FIGHTING RULES. 35

18. A breaking cock is a fighting cock, but a cock breaking from
his adversary is not fight.

19. If any dispute arises between the pitters on the result of a
fight, the cocks are not to be taken out of the pit, nor the gaffs taken
off until it is decided by the judges or referee.

20. Each cock, within two ounces of each other, shall be a match;
except blinkers when fighting against two-eyed cocks, an allowance
from three to five ounces shall be made; when blinkers are matched
against each other, the same rule to apply as to two-eyed cocks.

21. All matches must be fought with heeis, round from the socket
to the point, not exceeding one and a quarter inches in length;
unlesg Otherwise agreed upon. Drop Sockeis, Cutters, Slashers and
Twisted heels, shall be considered foul.

22. Previous to heeling the cocks, in fighting mains, the four
spurs, of same pattern and size, shall be placed together, and the
pitters shall toss for choice of them.

23. In all mains, at the end of each battle, the judges shall order
the spurs to be changed, i. e., the spurs of the winning cock to be
placed on the loser’s next fowl and changed at the end of every
battle.

24, Any person fighting a cock heavicr than he is represented on
the match list shall lose the fight, although he may have won.

25. En all cases of appeal, fighting ceases until the judges or the
referee give their decision, which shall ke final and strictly to the
questicn before them.

26. When a bet is made, it cannot be declared off unless by con-
sent of both'parties; all outside bets to go according to the main bet.

27. Each pitter when delivering his cock on the score shall take
his hands off him as quickly as possible.

28. Any person violating any of the above rules, shall be deemed
to have lost the maich. Niateae ss

ALBANY (N. Y.) RULES.

1. Hach and every cock to be weighed before fighting, any cock
exceeding the weight named, forfeits the match, two ounces always
being given or taken. :

2. Cocks to be shown with long hackle, with fair inch and a quarter
round, low socket heels. a le

_ 3. The crowing of a cock or throwing up the hackle in the hands
of the handler does not denote fight.
4. The cocks to be picked and brought to the station and delivered.

5. Cocks shall not be handled while fighting.

6. The last cock showing fight is entitled to the count, which is
five times ten, counted out loud when they are breasted.

7. If either cock refuses fight, after the count of ten five times in
succession, after being breasted the one that had the count counts
thirty, and then twenty, when the other cock is counted out.

8. When a cock is pounded and not taken, the pitter counts
twenty and thas wins.

9. If one cock is standing on another, neither cock is to be touched
while their feathers are touching—when free, if one cock is on his

36 COCK FIGHTING RULES.

back, or if his wing is away from him, the handler can put his wing
under him, but not to put him on his feet.
10. The referee’s decision to be final in all cases. ~

WESTERN NEW YORK RULES.

1. The pit shall be at least twelve feet in diameter and ten inches
in height. A chalk mark in the centre, and two outer marks
eighteen inches from the centre.

2. The handlers shall choose ‘a judge Ai eae ae fohtine in dis;
pute during the fighting. In all cases of ap the ting ceases
until the judge gives his decision, which shall be final. If any dis-
pute arises between the pitters the cocks are not to be taken from
‘the pit, nor the spurs taken off until it is decided by the judge.

3. Cocks within two ounces are a match, except blinkers, when
three to five ounces should be allowed.

4, The spurs shall be one and a quarter inch, round head, iair
from socket to point, to be changed every fight.

5. The pitters shall deliver their cocks fair on their feet on the
outer mark, excepting the first scoring, which should be at least
four feet from the centre score.

6. When one cock has refused to fight, the pitter of the fighting
cock shall count ten clear and distinct, and appeal to the judge for
acount. If allowed, he will count five tens, naming and scoring at
each ten et the outer score. At the fifth ten they will breast at the
centre, and the pitter of the cock that has the count shall count
twenty and win the figut.

7. If during a count both cocks refuse to fight, the pitter of the
. cock fighting last shall be entitled to the count. The judge shall
decide who is entitled to the count if both pitters claim the count.

8. If acock fights last, he wins the fight even should he die be-
fore the count is out. A cock picking is a fighting cock, excepting
on the fifth ten being told, when he must be a breaking cock to
break the count. A fighting cock does not break his own count.

9. A pitter is not allowed to handle his cock after he is delivered
without counting ten clear and distinct, and one cock refusing to
fight. The judge shall overlook a small error, and to the best of his
knowledge let the best cock win.

10. Any pitter guilty of squeezing his bird, or shoving him across
the score, or taking feathers from or sucking or Mes his beak,
Pe be deemed foul handling, and if claimed he lose the

t.
Th The birds shall be weighed before leaving the pit, before or
after the fight, as agreed upon. If the winner is heavier than the
ny list provides, he loses. Two ounces over check weight is a
match.

12. The poundage shall be twenty to one. The pitter of the cock
pounding shall count twenty twice, at the end of which he shall say,

Who takes? three times. The money shall be put in the pit; if not
taken he wins; if taken he shall count five tens, as usual. A cock
can be pounded five times; if taken once he can pound him again,

7s
ae

COCK FIGHTING RULES. oT

the odds and taken money to be handed to the judge by one of the
pitters.

13. A cock pounded, if he in turn has recovered, can pound the
cock that the odds were first on.

14. The birds shall, if hackled, be sure to have no foul hackle.

15. A cock on his back can be turned over by his handler, but not
on his side. The handler can only handle his bird without asking
the judge when he is fast in himself or in the pit. The judge
should say quickly, when they are fast in each other. Handle!

16. The judge’s decision in all cases is to be final.

17. A cock running away cannot win. If both run, they shall be
tried by a fresh cock; if one fights and the other does not, the fight-
ing cock wins; if both refuse, the fight shall be declared a draw.

18. Any violation of the above rules loses the fight,

BOSTON (MASS.) RULES.

1. All fowls brought to the pit must be weighed and marked down,
for those to see that have fowls to fight.

2. Fowls within two ounces are a match.

3. A stag is allowed four ounces when he fights against a cock.

: cle blinker is allowed four ounces when he fights against a sound
Ow. :

5. Fowls being ready, brought to pit.

6. Each man takes his station and sets his fowl to the right or
left, as he pleases; there remains till the fowls are in one another,
or in the tan, or on his back.

7. The handler shall not assist his fowl from where he sits him;
if he does, he forfeits the battle

8. In nocase shall they handle the fowls, unless they are in one
another, or can count ten between fighting.

9. The fowls in hand, each man to his station; either counting
ten, the fowls must be:set, or the delinquent loses the match.

10. The fowls set, either refuses to show fight, the last that
showed has the count, which is five times ten, and then they are
breasted.

11. The fowls are breasted at every five times ten, after once be-
ing breasted.

12. The fowls brought to the breast, the one that had the count
counts five times ten more, and then twenty—then he claims the
battle, which is his.

13. In case the fowls show while counting, it destroys the count,
and they commence again.

_ 14 Incase a fowl is on his back, his handler can turn him over.

15. In all cases the parties can select judges from the company
present.

16. In no case shall any person talk with the handlers while the
fowls are fighting.

17. All weighing will be left to = man selected for the purpose.

_ 18. All matches will be fought with round heels, unless other>
wise agreed upon. . . es

38 COCK FIGHTING RULES.

19. A man known to use any other, unless agreed upon, forfeita
the battle.

20. All cutters, slashers and twisted heels are barred from the
pit.

21. In all cases the last fowl that shows fight has the count.

22. All fowls brought to the pit that do not show fight, do not
lose the battle, unless otherwise agreed upon.

BALTIMORE (MD.) RULES.

1, All birds shall be weighed, give or take two ounces, shall be a
match or otherwise, if parties see fit to make it so.

2. When a stag is matched against a cock, the stag will be en-
titled to four ounces advance in weight. Blinkers are allowed four
ounces when fighting against two-eyed cocks.

3. The handlersshall each choose one judge, who shall choose a
referee; said judges shall decide all matters in dispute during the
pendency of the fight. But in case of their inability to agree, then
ag shall be the duty of the referee to decide, and his decision shall

e final.

4. Thirty seconds (or a count of fifteen by the judge or referee,
as the handlers may agree) shall be allowed between each and every
round.

5. It shall be the duty of the referee to keep time between the
rounds, and notify the handlers to get ready at twenty-five seconds,
call time at thirty seconds, when the handlers must be prompt in
piting their cocks, and if either handler refuse to do so he shall
lose the fight.

6. It shall be fair for handlers to pull feathers and sling blood, or
any other thing to help the bird between handlings.

7. It shall be foul for A or B to touch their birds while fightin
unless one is fast to the other, but if a bird should unfortuna
fasten himself with his own heel it shall be fair to handle, but on
no other consideration, and either handler violating or deviating
from the above rules shall lose his fight.

8. ae counting, the bird showing fight last shall be entitled to the
cou

9. "The handlers shall pit their birds in their respective places
when time is called, and the handler having the count shall conat
ten, then handle two more successive times and count teneach time.
When time is called again, the birds shall be placed in the centre of
the pit, breast to breast and beak to beak, and twenty more counted,
and if the bird not having the count refuse to fight, the one having _
it shall be declared the winner.

10. It shall be the duty of the respective handlers to deliver their _
birds fair on their feet at each pitting, on the mark or score facing ©
each other and in a standing position.

11. A peck or blow at the opponent’s bird, and not at his handler,
will be considered fighting.

12. When time is called, the handlers must let go their birds
from their respective places, fair and square; for it shall be foul for

+
5

"vs esr oe ale ee “<
f

COCK FIGHTING RULES. 39

either handler to pitch or toss his bird upon his opponent's, and
either one violating the above rule shall lose his fight.

13. If both birds fight together, and then if both should refuse,
they are to be pitted at the outer score twice, and then breasted on
the centre score, breast to breast and beak to beak, in a standing
position; in this case the birds are to lay in the pit thirty seconds
at each pitting, and at the last pitting, if both should refuse, it is a
drawn battle.

14. In the case oi a bird that dies, if he fights last and his hand-
ler has the count he wins the battle.

15. Whenever a bird is fast in his adversary, the handler of the
bird the spurs are fast in shall draw them out, but the handler of a
bird has no right to draw out his own spur except when fast in him-
self, or in the floor, or in the web of the pit. '

16. The greasing, peppering or soaping a cock, or any other ex-
ternal applications, are unfair practices, and by no means admissible
in this amusement.

17. The handlers are to give the birds room to fight, and not to
hover and press on them so as to retard their striking.

18. Any person fighting a bird heavier than he is represented on
the match list, shall lose the fight although he may have won.

19. In all cases of appeal, fighting ceases until the judges, or the
referee, give their decision, which shall be final and strictly to the
question before them.

20. Each handler, when delivering his bird on the score, shall
take his hands off him as quickly as possible.

21. No handler shall touch his bird unless at the times mentioned
in the foregoing rules.

22. If any dispute arises between the handlers on the result of the
fight, the birds are not to be taken out of the pit, nor the gaffs
taken off until it is decided by the judges or referee.

23. It shall be the duty of the judges and referee to watch all
movements of the fights, and judge according to the above rules.

24, When a bet is made it cannot be declared off unless by con-
sent of both parties, all outside bets to go according to the main bet.

25. Any person violating any of the above rules shall be deemed
to have lost the match.

>

VIRGINIA OR SOUTHERN RULES.

ARTICLE 1. On the morning the main is to commence, the parties
decide by lot who shows first. It is to be remembered that the
party obtaining choice generally chooses to weigh first, and, con-
sequently, obliges the adverse party to show first, as the party
showing fizst weighs last. When the show is made by the party,
the door of the cock house is to be locked, and the key given to
the other party, who immediately repairs to his cock house and
prepares for weighing. There ought to be provided a pair of good
scales, and weights as low down as half an ounce. One or two
judges to be appointed to weigh the cocks. Each party, by weigh-
ing the cocks intended for the show a day or two beforehand, and
having all their respective weights, would greatly facilitate the

45 é COCK FIGHTING RULES.

business of the judges. There should be two writers to take
down the colors, weights, marks, &c., of each cock. There ought
to be no feathers cut or plucked from the cocks before they are
brought to the scale, except a few from behind to keep them
clean, and their wings and tail clipped a little,

2. As soon as the cocks are all weighed, the judge, the writers
and principais of each party, and as many besides as the parties
may agree on, are to retire for the purpose of matching. They
are to make all even matches first, then those within one ounce,
and afterwards those within two ounces; but if more matches can
7 made by breaking an even or one ounce match, it is to be

one.

3. On the day of the showing only one battle is to be fought.
It is to be remembered that the party winning the show gains
also the choice of fighting this first battle with an a
cocks in the match; afterwards they begin with the lightest pair
first, and so en up to the heaviest, fighting them in rotatio
they increase in weight. ‘This first battle, too, will fix the mode
of trimming.

RULES TO BE OBSERVED ON THE PIT.

1. When the cocks are on the pit, the judges are to examine
whether they answer the description taken in the match bill,
and whether they are fairly trimmed and have on fair heels. fe all
be right and fair, the pitters are to deliver their cocks six feet
apart (or thereabouts), and retire a step or two back; but if a
prong cock should be produced, the party so offending forfeits that

attle.

2. All heels that are round from the socket to the point are al-
lowed to be fair; any pitter bringing a cock on the pit with any
Lnsty kind of heels, except by particular agreement, forfeits the

attle.

3. If either cock should be trimmed with a close, unfair hackle,
the judge shall direct the other to be cut in the same manner; and
at that time shall observe to the pitter that if he brings another
cock in the like situation, unless he shall have been previously
trimmed, he shall forfeit the battle.

4. Apitter, when he delivers his cock, shall retire two paces back,
and not advance or walk round his cock, until a blow is passed.

5. An interval of ten minutes shall be allowed between the
termination of one battle and the commencement of another.

6. No pitter shall pull a feather out of a cock’s mouth, nor from
over his eyes or head, or pluck him by the breast, to make him
fight, or pinch him for the like purpose, under penalty of forfeiting
the battle.

7. The pitters are to give their cocks room to fight, and are not to
hover or press on them, so as to retard them from striking.

8. Greasing, peppering, muffing and soaping a cock, or any other
external application, are unfair practices, and by no means i
sible in this amusement.

9. The judge, when required, may suffer a pitter to call in a few
of his friends to assist in catching his cock, who are tO retire im-

a

COCK FIGHTING RULES. 41

mediately as soon as the cock is caught, and in no other instance
is the judge to suffer the pit to be broken.

10. Ali cocks on their backs are to be immediately turned over on
their bellies, by their respective pitters, at all times.

11. Acock, when down, is to have a wing given to him, if he
needs it, unless his adversary is on it, but his pitter is to place the
wing gently inits proper position, and not to lift the cock, and no
wing is to be given unless absolutely necessary.

12. If either cock should be hanged in himself, in the pit or can-
vas, heis to be loosed by his pitter, but if in his adversary, both
pitters are immediately to lay hold of their respective cocks, and
the pitter whose cock hung shall hold him steadily whilst the ad-
verse party draws out the heel, and then they shall take their cocks
asunder a sufficient distance for them fairly to renew the combat.

13. Should the cocks separate, and the judge be unable to decide
which fought last, he shall, at his discretion, direct the pitters to
carry their cocks to the middle of the pit, and deliver them beak to
beak, unless either of them is blind, in which case they are to be
shouldered; that is, delivered with their breasts touching, each pit-
ter taking care to deliver his cock at this, as well as at all other
times, with one hand.

14. When both cocks cease fighting, it is then in the power of the
pitter of the last fighting cock, unless they touch each other, to de-
mand a count of the judge, who shall count 40 deliberately, which,
when counted out, is not to be counted again during the batile.
Then the pitters shall catch their cocks, and carry them to the mid-
dle of the pit, and deliver them beak to beak, but to be shouldered
if either of them is blind, as before. Then, if either cock refuses or
neglects to fight, the judge shall count ten, and shall call out ‘‘once
refused,” and shall direct the pitters to bring their cocks again to
the middle of the pit, and put to as before; and if the same cock in
like manner refuses, shall count ten again and call out ‘twice re-
fused,” and so proceed until one cock thus refuses 6 times succes-
ely. The judge shal] then determine the battle against such
coc

15, If either cock die before the judge can finish the counting of
the law, the battle is to be given to the living cock, and if both die
the longest liver wins the battle.

16. The pitters are not to touch their cocks whilst the judge is in
the act of counting.

17. No pitter is ever to lay hold of his adversary’s cock unless to

' draw out the heel, and then he must take him below the knee.

‘Then there shall be no second delivery; that is, after he is once de-
livered, he shall not be touched until a blow is struck, unless or-
dered by the judge. .

18. No pitter shall touch his cock, unless at the times mentioned
in the foregoing rules.

19. If any pitter acts contrary to these rules, the judge, if called

. on at the time, shall give the battle against him.

NEW ORLEANS (LA.) RULES.

_ 1, All birds shall be weighed; give or take two ounces shall bea
match or otherwise, if parties see fit to make it so,

42 COCK FIGHTING RULES.

2. All heels to be fought with, shall be round from socket toa
point, or as near so as can be made. a

3. When a stag is matched against a cock the stag will be entitled
to four ounces advance in weight.

4, It shall be fair for handlers to pull feathers and sling blood, or
any other thing to help the bird between handlings.

5. It shall be foul for A or B to touch their birds while fighting,
unless one is fast to the other, but ifa bird should unfortunately
_ fasten himself with his own heel, it shall be fair to handle, but on
no other consideration, and either handler violating or deviating
from the above rule shall lose his fight.

6. Thirty seconds shall be allowed between each and every round.

7. In counting, the bird showing fight last shall be entitled to the
count, but if his handler refuse to take the count, the opposite
handler shall be entitled to it.

8. The handler having the count shall pit his bird in his respec-
tive place when time is called, and count ten, then handle three
more successive times; when time is called again the birds shall be
placed in the centre of the pit, breast to breast, and forty more
counted, and if the bird not having the count refuse to fight, the one
having it shail be declared the winner.

9. “A peck or blow at the opponent’s bird, and not at his handler,
will be considered fighting.

10. When time is called, the handlers must let go their birds from
their respective places, fair and square, for it shall be foul for either
handler to pitch or toss his bird upon his opponent’s, and either one
violating the above rule shall lose his fight.

11. Each party shall choose a judge, and the judges choose a dis-
interested party asa referee. No referee will be competent who has
bet on either side, or is otherwise interested.

12. It shall be the duty of the judges and referee to watch all
movements of the fight, and judge according to the above rules.
The referee will be confined to the opinions of the judges only, and
his decision is final.

13. It shall be the duty of the referee to keep time between the
rounds and notify the handlers to get ready at twenty-five seconds,
then call time at thirty seconds, when the handlers must be prompt
in pitting their birds, and if either handler refuse to do so, he shall
lose his fight.

DETROIT (MICH.) RULES.

2

Roz 1. All birds shall be weighed. Give or take two oz. shall
be a match.
_ 2. When a stag is matched against a cock, the stag shall be al-
lowed five ounces the advantage.
| 3. All birds shall be cut out and deprived of their hackle or glossy -
feathers.
_ | 4. Gaffs, spurs or heels must be round from socket to point.

_ 5. It shall be fair for handlers to pull feathers and sling blood.

6. It shall be foul tor A or B to touch their birds while fighting,
unless one is fast to the other. But if a cock should unfortunately

COCK FIGHTING RULES. 43

fasten himself with his own heels, it shall be fair to handle, but on
no other consideration, and either handler violating or deviating
from the above rule shall lose his fight.

7. The longest liver, when both cocks are mortally wounded, shall

_be declared the winner.

8. Thirty seconds shall be allowed between each and every round.

9. In counting, the bird showing fight last shall be entitled to the
count, but if the handler does not take the count, the opposite
handler shall be entitled to take it.

10. The handler having the count shall count ten and pit his bird
in his respective place, and count ten again, and so on untilhe has |
counted forty, then the birds must be piled breast to breast, and he
must count forty, and the battle is over unless the opposite bird

_ shows fight by making a peck, which breaks the count, and the fight

proceeds.

11.. When time is called the handlers must let go their birds from
their respective places fair and square, for it shall be foul for either
handler to toss or pitch his bird upon his opponent’s, and either
violating the above rule shall lose the fight.

12. Each party shall choose a judge, and the judge shall choose a
disinterested person, who shall be styled the referee. No person
shall be considered competent to act as referee if it be known that
he has bet one cent, more or less, on the match or matches.

13. It shall be the duty of the judges to watch the motions of the
handlers, and, if anything foul occurs, they must appeal to the
referee, and his decision must be final; however, it will be the duty
of the referee to notice all complaints from the judges only, and,
after due consideration, his decision must be given in strict accord-
ance with the above rules.

14. It shall be the duty of the referee to call time between the
rounds, and at the call of time the handlers must be prompt, and if
either handler refuses to obey he shall lose his fight.

SAN FRANCISCO (CAL.) RULES. :

1. When the cocks are brought to the pit the pitters enter the
same, and ro other person or persons shall be admitted within its
limits. The pitters then proceed to examine the cocks and see that
they have on fair heels. Secondly, that neither of the parties have
resorted to the unmanly and foul practice of greasing, soaping, pep-
pering, or making any other external application, all of which are
foul and inadmissible.

2. All things being right and fair, the pitters shall deliver their
cocks fairly on their feet upon the score, and then retire one or two
steps, and not move their hands or walk around their cocks until a
blow is struck, then they may approach their cocks for the purpose
of handling them when they hang, but they are not to hover over
the cocks so as to retard or prevent them from making a blow, and
if giber cock refuses to make fight, it shall then be considered no
match.

3. When the cocks are hanged the pitters shall lay hold of their

44 COCK FIGHTING RULES.

respective cocks, and the party whose cock is hanged shall hold him
steadily while the reverse party draws the heel, nor shall either
party cause, in any manner, unnecessary injury or punishment while
the heels are being extracted, and as soon as the cocks are freed
they shall again be delivered on the score.

4. All cocks hanged in the canvas, ground, or in themselves, shall
be loosened by their respective pitters at all times.

. When one or both cocks are hanged, it is necessary to handle
me and deliver them at the score, so they may renew the combat
fairly. ;

6. When the cocks are put to, if either cock refuses to fight, the
other pitter has a right to the count, when he proceeds to count
forty deliberately, which, when counted, is not to be counted again
during that battle.

7. Should either or both cocks, after being delivered, not make
fight, the pitter whose cock fought last shall be entitled to the count,
when he shall count deliberately six times ten, and at every count
they shall both handle and deliver their cocks on the score. On the
third and sixth count they shall deliver their cocks breast to breast,
and if on the sixth count, after being so delivered, they do not make
fight, the pitter having the count shall have won the fight.

8. If in counting the law the other cock makes fight, that breaks
the,count, and if he is the last fighter he is entitled to the count;
but one must refuse or neglect to make fight six successive times be-
fore the battle can be decided against him. :

9. If either or both cocks die before the pitters finish counting
the law, the fight shall be awarded to the last fighting cock. .

10. Neither pitter shall be allowed io touch or handle hiis cock
while counting the law. “ill ;

11. No pitter shall be allowed to suck or sling blood from his
cock’s throat or mouth, nor pluck feathers from over his eyes or out
of his mouth.

12. All cocks lying on their backs shall be turned on their bellies
by their respeciive pitters, at all times, provided the other cock is
not standing on him. If his pitter neglect or refuse to turn him,
it is then admissible for the other pitter to turn him gently on his
belly.

13. All cocks shall have a wing given them, provided the other is
not uponit. In giving the wing it is to be placed gently by his
side, without raising the cock or helping him on his feet.

14. When both cocks break together, and the pitters and judges
are unable to decide which fought last, or when both are hanged in
each other, it shall be the duty of the judges to order them to the
score; then if both refuse to fight, the pitters shall count the law,
and have them put to as if the count were actually going on; and if
neither make fight before the count is finished the fight be pro-
nounced drawn. :
‘ 15. Any pitter acting contrary to the foregoing rules forfeits the

attle.

CANADIAN RULES.

Rutz 1. All birds shall be weighed, give or take two ounces, shall’
be a match or otherwise, if parties see fit to make it so.

COCK FIGHTING RULES. 45

ie © 9, Allheels to be fought with shall be round, from socket to point,

or as near as can be made.

3. When astagis matched against a cock, the stag will be entitled
to four ounces advance in weight.

4. It shall be fair for handlers to pull feathers and sling blood, or
any other thing to help the bird between handlings.

5. It shall be foul for A or B to touch their birds while fighting,
unless one is fast to the other, but ifa bird should unfortunately
fasten himself with his own heel, it shall be fair to handle, but on no
other consideration, and either handler violating or deviating from
the above rule shall lose his fight. |

6. Thirty seconds shall be allowed before each and every round.

7. In counting, the bird showing fight last shall be entitled to the
count, but if his handler refuses to take the count, the opposite
handler shall be entitled to it.

: 8. The handler having the count shall pit his bird in his respec-
tive place when time is called, and count ten, then handle three
more successive times; when time is called again, the birds shall be

‘placed in the centre of the pit, breast to breast, and forty more
counted, andif the bird not having the count refuses to fight, the .
one having it shall be declared the winner.

9. A peck or blow at the opponent’s bird, and not at his handler, ©
will be considered fighting.

10. When time is called the handlers must let go their birds from
their respective places, fair and square, for it shall be foul for either
handler to pitch or toss his bird upon his opponent’s, and either one
violating the above rule shall lose his fight. _-

11. Each party shall choose a judge, and the judges choose a
disinterested party as a referee. No referee will be competent who
has bet on either side, or is otherwise interested.

12.-It shall be the duty of the judges and referee to watch all
movements of the fight, and judge according to the above rules.
The referee will be confined to the opinions of the judges only, and
his decision final.

13. It shall be the duty of the referee to keep time between the
rounds, and notify the handlers to get ready at twenty-five seconds,
then call time at thirty seconds, when the handlers must be prompt
in pitting their birds; and if either handler refuses to do so, he shall
lose his fight. fit ie

=

SP ee gy

KEHOE'S CLUBS.

5 lbs. each, per pair ..$3 50
6 lbs. each, per pair.. 3 50
7 and 8 lbs. each, pr pr.4 00
10 lbs. each, per pair.. 5
12 lbs. each, per pair.. 6
15 lbs. each, per pair.. 8
20 lbs. each, per pair.. 10
25 lbs. each, per pair.. 15 00

DUMB BELLS.

Iron, from 1 lb. to 100 lbs.
each,-pef Iboi.s iaeae 12c.

Maple Wocd, pr Ib,, each. 30c.

Lignumvite, per lb., each.50c.

BOXING CLOVES,

Domestic and Imported.
Mixed hair, tan hands ....$4 50 | Buckskin hds., heel pad’d.$7 50

Curled hair, superior tan The very best imported
hands, buckskin fingers. 5 00 Gloves, per S@fess ss 2.2% 10 00
Heel padded, ditto ...... 6 50 A set includes four Gloves, ~

PATENT STRIKING BAG,

For Pugilists and Athletes of Every Description. —

This bag is intended to strengthen the arms, wrists, shoulders,
back, loins, and particularly the muscles of the abdomen, and will
teach the striker how to deal a blow.

No. 4, 20 lbs., covered with English canvas.........+ees++- $12 00
No. 5, 25 lbs., covered with English canvas..........-++0+- I5 00
No, I, 20 lbs., covered with buff leather........ .... see: 20 00

STEEL SPURS,

Manufactured to Order Any Style or

Length.
BEST TEMPERED STEEL AND FINISH.
Regulation Spurs, per pair ........ $5 00
Drop Socket Spurs, per pair........ 6 50

Send P. O. Order or Registered Letter,
for safety. Address

ED. JAMES,

88 and 90 Centre street, N. Yes

NEW YORK CLIPPER BUILDING.’

SEE AA ri)
i]

boc FIGHTING RULES.
Together with a valuable and reliable treatise on training
LoDiES USAC SR Reis Sie ai me apne Ree ae 50 cts.

DOG COLLARS.

German Silver and Brass Collars, with locks, from. $1 25 to $5 00

B|
: Together with the movements governing Ces and
3 Gefen THER OS 2s ace. Dae ic ae a HERE era 5 dks 25 cts.
-
SKATES, SKATE SHARPENERS AND STRAPS.
Rae URS HROME DE topes, sc a a ian os Sees Se + «5 PE GO tO, $10 00
Skate Sharpeners, SAG ee eae. Fo Sas ee wee eae ase I 00

Straps, from 50 cts. up.
NATIONAL TROTTING ASSOCIATION RULES, 50c,
AMERICAN RACING RULES, 50c.

(FOR SALE BY

t ‘PDC AMES,

$S"and 90 Centre street, N. Yes
% ; NEW YORK CLIPPER BUILDING.

HORSE PICTURES.

SPLENDID COLORED LITHOGRAPHS, SIZE 14x18.

Ethan Allen & Mate, | Goldsmith Maid, Flora Temple,
Dexter, Lady Thorn, Henry,

Lucy, Dutchman, Harry Bassett,
American Girl, Hambletonian, Longfellow,

PRICE 30 CTS. EACH, OR THE SET OF 12 FOR $3.
Sent to any part of the United States or British Provinces.

STANDARD SPORTING BOOKS.

The Dog in Health and Disease, comprising the va-

rious modes of breaking and using him for Hunting,

Coursing, Shooting, etc., by Stonehenge..........+.++ .-$5 50

Fistiana; or, The Oracle of the Ring. Containing

results of prize battles from 1700 down to the present ;
also Rules of the Ring and a Treatise on Sparring, Wres-

tling and Traingag..<.. ..¢s 0s. +ss<s>-00 ¢ dace 2 50
The Trotting Horse of America, how to train and

drive him, by Hiram Woggpill.: .......5..cs oeueeaee 2 50
Collier’s Manual of Cage Birds.............-...-..0+4- "50

Hints to Horse-kee epers on Breeding, Buying, Break-
ing, Using, Feeding and* Physicing Horses, by Frank

Forester. «sss s << ce ek s emcee sven ct 0's bene aie 2 00

American Hoyle; or, Gentleman’s Hand-book of
Games. Containing clear and complete descriptions of
all the games played in the United States, with the Amer-
ican rules for playing them, and is profusely illustrated
with engravings explaining the different games. 1I2mo,

(0) i a nS ee 2 25

How Gamblers Win; or, The Secrets of Advantage

Playing Exposed. Being a complete and scientific ex-
pose of the manner of playing all the various advantages
IN @IdS... 2. 2200s an te ORS eee ss 0 os tans Oe

One Hundred Tricks with Cards, by a Reformed

Gambler. . .icSisuk 2 oc bec chic :c ole 6 0 o'e'uls Sue nan

50

50

' Any of the above pictures or books will be sent, pre-paid by mail,

on receipt of price. Address

HD. JAMES,
88 AND 90 CENTRE STREET, N. Y.

NEW YORK OLIPPER BUILDING.

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