Book excerpt: THE BREEDING AND MANAGEMENT OF FIGHTING COCKS BY EVERARD SIMPSON (1781) This fascinating reprint of a rare Eighteenth century 'cocking' manuscript will prove of great interest to all with an interest in game fowl. Its nine comprehensive chapters give the reader a valuable insight into the breeding and amnagement of fighting birds, over 200 years ago. Contents: The choice of successful cocks Of the sufficency of good hens Breeding out of old fought cocks Breeding out of tainted fowl A description of true game stock Types of cocks and their fighting methods The attainment of good fowl Breeding and management Rules of cocking in sumatra The book's seventy pages remain an enduring testament to the once popular pastime of cockfighting.