C. D.
Witness
C. H.
RULES
FOR MATCHING AND FIGHTING.
In MATCHING (with relation to the battles) it is an invariable rule, that, after the COCKS of the MAIN are weighed, the MATCH BILLS are compared, to see that they are equally correct.
In WEIGHING, it is to be observed, that every PAIR of COCKS of dead or equal weight falling together, are to be separated, and matched against others coming within the limited weight of each other; provided that it appears the main can be enlarged, by adding thereto, either one battle or more thereby.
In FIGHTING, it is to be mutually understood, that the MAIN BATTLES begin to be fought with the lightest pair of cocks, proceeding in succession with the next in weight upwards to the end; so that every lighter pair may fight earlier than those that are heavier.
In farther elucidation of this SPORT, See Cocking, Cock-Match, Cockpit Royal, and Game Cock.
MALLENDERS
.—The DEFECT or DISORDER so called, is a large flat scab, or more properly an accumulation of eschars, (more or less inveterate,) seated at the hinder part of the fore-legs, directly behind the knee, just where the back sinews have their insertion at that joint. They are seldom seen with horses who are properly managed, but merely with those of an inferior description, that are little attended to. If discovered, and proper means of counteraction adverted to in their early state, little or no inconvenience ensues; but if suffered by time to become inveterate, with deep-seated cracks, from whence oozes a greasy kind of ichor, with bristly hairs making their way through the hardened scabs upon the surface, they are productive of much trouble before a perfect cure can be obtained. When advanced to this stage, they are not only exceedingly painful in action, but constitute such a stricture upon the part, as to affect the elasticity of the TENDONS; in which state the horse is retarded in progress by the preternatural rigidity of the joint, with the additional danger of stumbling and falling in every effort he makes to avoid it.