Photo by C. Reid] [Wishaw, N.B.
PEACOCK.
Note the perfectly symmetrical distribution of the "eyes" in the "train."
The modern game-cock is purely a show-bird, breeders having changed the type by selecting characters which would render the bird quite unable to hold its own if matched in battle with one of the original breed.
Very different from the wild ancestor is the huge, much-feathered Cochin. This was introduced into England, not from Cochin-China, as is popularly supposed, but from Shanghai, some fifty years ago. At that time this bird enjoyed the reputation of being wonderfully prolific. This is, alas! no longer a feature of the breed. The show-pen is apparently responsible for this, attention having been paid rather to external appearance than to useful qualities.
Photo by L. Medland, F.Z.S.] [North Finchley.
BACK VIEW OF PEACOCK.
Note the true tail, like a stout fan, supporting the train.