National Republican., 1883-10-01
A COOKING MAIN.
Seven Contests Between Maryland and
Virginia Birds, the Latter Winning.

Seven Contests Between Maryland and
Virginia Birds, the latter Winning.
About fifty "sports,' among whom were
many from this city, assembled at an old
barn, about two and half miles from the
capital, and just over tho district line in
Prince George county, on Saturday, and wit
messed cooking main. Tho main was ar
ranged last week, and was between Baltimore
and Virginia birds. Seven fights occupied
the whole afternoon. The scene of the main
is well known to all Sports" as many mains
have been fought there The barn is located in
hollow, surrounded by trees, and about
two hundred yards from the old
Marlboro road The pit was made by dig
ginR circle in the earth, about two feet
deep with boards on the sides, around which
wore arranged number Of settccs upon
which the audience sat. Tho party arrived
about . o'clock and began to mako arrange
mcnts. The Virginia birds were handled by
q man named Gross, and n sport named Dick
Harris did tho honors for Baltimore. The
fights wero for $40 each and $50 on tho main.
Tho first fight began at $50 o'clock, Balti-
more showing q red pyle. Virginia put up u
light brown. Tho betting on tho fight was
$40 TO 81, the Baltimore bird being the favor
ilc. The chickens flew ut each other as goon
MS they wore put in tho pit and some lively
scratching took place. Tho Virginia bird
had the best Of the fight throughout, and
after two minutes fighting sent his gaff
through the brain ofhi5 antagonist The second
fight was between light brown for Balti-
more and black for Virginia. The brown was
the favorite, Sl3 to S1l boing offered. This
fight WAS a sharp one, and lasted for five
minutes, the Baltimore bird winning aud
dropping dead, each bird being terribly lacer-
ated
Virginia showed red pyle and Baltimore
brown in the third fight, the former being
u favOrite, SO to SO being wagorcd. The
spotted chicken won the fight in less than u
minute, sending his spur into the reds
brain. Tho Baltimore sports were quite OK
ultant over their success, and throughout the
main offered large odds.
A dark red chicken sprang into the pit for
Virginia. and crowed Justify in the next
fight, and was followed by purple and white
for Baltimore. Ten to six was offered on the
latter. The rcd sprang around his opponent
in good style and sent many telling blow
with good effect, finally winning the fight in
thee minutes. Tho Baltimore men lost
heavily in this fight, and became cautious
about betting. The fifth fight lasted some
time and was well fought. Ayollow spot was
put up for Virginia, and speckeled chicken
showed for Baltimore. The latter was again the
fayorite. Tho yellow spot sent head blow
i'll on the speckled, knocking him down. The
latter got up, and after some hard fighting
dropped from sheer exhaustion. The spot
then killed him and won the fight. The Bal
timore sports regained their spirits after this
| fight and became confident.
The sixth fight was one of short du ration.
A red was put up by Virginia and a vicious
looking black crowed for Baltimore. The
black started the fighting, but after a few
weak blows ran away. The red pursued
and killed him in two minutes Each side
had now won three fights, and the sport
had become exciting the Baltimore men
offering big odds on their birds. brown
pyle was put into the pit by Baltimore and n
red was put up for Virginia. Much was ex-
pected of each bird, and general disappoint-
ment was felt when the brown turned and
ran away. The Virginia bird gave pursuit
and killed the runaway without resistance.
Much money changed hands on the fight, the
Baltimore sports, of course, losing.
Several owners of fancy cocks are in this
city trying to arrange series of contests
with O'Neal & Co., of Louisville. 1t is stated
| that are willing to furnish twenty-five birds
and to stand for eleven matches, $50 q
match and $1,000 for the main. The birds
they will pit against the Kentucky birds are
known as tho "ironclads," and are famou;
for their quick action and bravery.