“The Malays believe in the influence of certain periods in the day over the
breeds of cocks. They will not bet upon a bird with black plumage that is
matched against one with yellow and white at the period Kutika Miswara; nor
against a black one set to with a white one at the period Kutika Kala. Kutika Sri
is favourable in this case for the white feathered bird. Kutika Brahma is
propitious to a red cock matched against a light grey; and Kutika Vishnu for a
green cock.^163
“I once witnessed a grand contest between two Malayan States at the breaking
up of the Ramazan fast. Most of the cock-fighters presented themselves at the
Golongan or cock-pit with a game-cock under each arm. The birds were not
trimmed as in England, but fought in full feather. The spurs used on this
occasion were about two and a half inches long, in shape like the blade of a
scythe, and were sharpened on the spot by means of a fine whetstone; large
gashes were inflicted by these murderous instruments, and it rarely happened
that both cocks survived the battle. Cocks of the same colour are seldom
matched. The weight is adjusted by the setters-to passing them to and from each
other’s hands as they sit facing each other in the Golongan. Should there be any
difference, it is brought down to an equality by the spur being fixed so many
scales higher on the leg of the heavier cock, or according to rules adverted to, as
deemed fair by both parties. One spur only is used, and is generally fastened near
the natural spur on the inside of the left leg. In adjusting these preliminaries the
professional skill of the setters-to is called into action, and much time is taken up
in grave deliberation, which often terminates in wrangling. The birds, after
various methods of irritating them have been practised, are then set to. During
the continuance of the battle, the excitement and interest taken by the Malays in
the barbarous exhibition is vividly depicted in their animated looks and gestures
—everything they possess in the world being often staked on the issue.
“The breed of cocks on the Peninsula more resembles the game-fowl of England
than the large lanky breed known in Europe under the term ‘Malay.’ Great
attention is paid by natives to the breed and feeding of game-cocks.”^164