Cock-fighting continues the sport of some of our highest, as well as lowest and meanest ranks of men. This cruel and savage diversion, which is derived from the Greeks and Romans, ranks with the prize-fighting of the latter; but the bloody scenes of an amphitheatre are not tolerated among Christians. The fathers of the church continually inveighed against the spectacles of the arena, and upbraided their adversaries with them. These were more shocking than a main of cocks, but the latter, however, has the very same tendency of infusing a similar ferocity and implacability in the dispositions of men. The cock is not only an useful animal, but stately in his figure, and beautiful in his plumage. His tenderness towards his brood is such, that, contrary to the habit of many other fowls, he will scratch and provide for them with an assiduity almost equal to that of the hen; and his generosity is so great, that, on finding a hoard of meat, he will call the hens together, and without touching one bit himself will relinquish the whole. This bird has been highly esteemed in some countries, and in others held sacred. It is true the Shrove Tuesday massacre is on the decline; and, it is hoped, will soon be in total disuse; but the cock-pit still continues the reproach and disgrace of Englishmen, and of their religion; a religion which, if practiced as much as professed, would reduce them to the mildest, the most compassionate, the best of men. This barbarity has been dignified by it's abettors, with the title of "a royal diversion." It is certain the cock-pit at Whitehall was erected by a crowned head. There was another in Drury-lane, and another in Javlin-street. Cromwell had the honour of prohibiting them. The King of Denmark, when in England, in 1768, on having been invited to one of
