BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 97
been either lost or slighted.”
which we learn that
Some verses, signed ‘‘ T. C.,” are prefixed, from
‘‘ The sword has always flonrish’d, and the bow,
So long neglected, claims ita birthright now,
And our cockmatches owe their rise to you.”
From which it may be inferred that this species of amuselhent had been introduced
into Scotland by Machrie, who terms it “ a very Innocent, Noble, and
highly Heroiclc Game ! ! ”
The style of this curious publication is highly inflated, and the attempt to
confer dignity upon this wretched and cruel sport is ludicrous enough. After
very minute researches into the antiquity of the ‘‘ royal recreation,” the history
of the cock and its habits, the proper mode of treatment, etc., the author concludes--“
I am not ashamed to declare to the *odd that 1 have a special veneration
and esteem for those gentlemen within and about this city who have
entered on society for propagating and establishing the royal recreation of
cocking (in order to which, they have already erected a Cockpit in the links
of Leith), and I earnestly wish that their generous and laudable example may
be imitated to that degree, that (in cock-war) village may be engaged against
village, city againet city, kingdom against kingdom-nay, the father against the
son, until all the wars in &rope, wherein so much Christian blood is spilt, be
turned into that of the innocent pastime of Cocking.”
From the date of Tdachrie’s work until recently, the practice of cockfighting
seems to have been pretty general, especially in gdinburgh, where
a regular cock-pit was erected, and liberally supported for many years. On
turning over the files of the Edinburgh journals, the names of gentlemen still
alive are to be found, who now, it is to be presumed, would not be disposed
to consider their former ‘( cocking ’’ propensities with much complacency. An
attempt was made two or three years since to revive the “royal recreation” in
a certain city in the west, but it was very properly put down by the magistracy.
No. XLV.
JADIES DONALDSON,
THIS Print represents a half-witted journeyman baker, whom Kay has thought
worthy of immortality, on account of his enormous strength.
Many instances of this simpleton’s extraordinary physical powers are remembered
: Amongst these is the fact of his having frequently, for the amusement
of himself and the butchers, knocked down a strong bull-calf with one blow of
his prodigious fist. His good nature, however, was often imposed upon by
fools as great as himself, who used to load him with burdens sufficient for any
three ordinary men.
The Print has been entitled I‘ 0 Dronth ! ” by the limner, being a far-fetched
allusion to Jamie’s thirsty employment.
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