222 BULL-FIGHTS. 



the borses and bulls, and the wages of the torre* 

 adores or combatants, are destined to charitable pur- 

 poses. In some cities the principal square is fitted 

 up as a kind of theatre for this exhibition. 



" The spectacle begins with a kind of procession 

 round the square, in which the combatants, either on 

 foot or on horseback, make their appearance j after 

 them two officers of justice in black robes, and of a 

 grave deportment, advance to the president of the 

 spectacle, and request to have an order for the enter- 

 tainment to commence. A signal is then given, and 

 the animal, which had been previously shut up in a 

 cabin, with a door opening to the square, rushes for- 

 ward, and is received by the spectators with the loud- 

 est acclamations. The picadores, or combatants, on 

 horseback, dressed in the ancient Spanish manner, 

 and armed with a long lance, begin the contest ; and 

 if the bull, without provocation, dart upon them, a 

 favourable opinion is entertained of his courage ; and 

 if, after being wounded and repulsed, he return to 

 the charge, the most enthusiastic expressions of joy 

 are heard ; but if he is struck with terror, and seem 

 anxious to avoid his antagonists, he is hooted and 

 hissed by all the spectators, and loaded with re- 

 proaches and blows by those who are near him. If 

 after all this his courage cannot be roused, large 

 dogs are let loose against him, and after being torn 

 and mangled, in the estimation of the Spaniards he 

 perishes ignobly. The most animated, as well as the 

 most bloody scene, is exhibited with the combatant 



