The Descent of Man

most invariably prefers the most vigorous, defiant,
and mettlesome male; hence it is almost
useless, as he remarks, "to attempt true breeding
if a game- cock in good health and condition
runs the locality, for almost every hen on
leaving the roosting-place will resort to the game-cock,
even though that bird may not actually
drive away the male of her own variety."
Under ordinary circumstances the males and
females of the fowl seem to come to a mutual
understanding by means of certain gestures,
described to me by Mr. Brent. But hens will
often avoid the officious attentions of young
males. Old hens, and hens of a pugnacious disposition,
as the same writer informs me, dislike
strange males, and will not yield until well beaten
into compliance. Ferguson, however, describes
how a quarrelsome hen was subdued by
the gentle courtship of a Shanghai cock. (21.
'Rare and Prize Poultry,' 1854, p. 27.)