The Methods of Matching Cocks.
Then as for Matching of Cocks, ’tis now all the Mode of late to Weigh them, so that be they thick or thin, long or short, they take their chance, falling in according to Weight, let their Shape be never so different.
But in my opinion, the good old way of Matching small Cocks is still the best way, and most exact; to Measure them by Hand, and Match by the Eye (if the Handler have any Skill) will make them fall in tite: Besides, a Cock that is well fed shall Weigh far lighter than one that is ill Fed, or not Fed at all.
Concerning the right Handling of a Cock.
I Come now to the Handling of a Cock, wherein a great deal of Art is required; and divers niceties, which ought very curiously and strictly to be observed, and carefully performed also: For there is both a Lady’s Hand, and a Hawk’s Eye, a Fox’s Head, and a Lion’s Heart, to be found in every skilful Handler; and he that is wanting in any one of these, is a Person very unfit to have the management of a Cock, when turned into the Pit to Fight.
For a rough Handler will make his Cock affraid of him, and perhaps make him run away when he is sorely wounded, rather than stay to be griped by so heavy a Hand as his Master carries.
And if he be a Man that is not quick in discovering of Wounds, be they either given or received by his Cock, he can never play his Bird of War to the best advantage.
And farther, if he be not cunning in his Handling, either to get, or sometimes to avoid a Blow, and that without being discovered by the adverse party, he is unfit for the Office.