244 THE GAME FOWL. 



a style of dress more befitting the exhibition. The President 

 and his suite were already there, also several of the foreign 

 ministers. 



" Meanwhile, the Cocks crowed valiantly, bets were adjusted, 

 and even the women entered into the spirit of the scene, 

 taking bets with the gentlemen, sotto voce, in their boxes, upon 

 such and such favourite animal. As a small knife is fastened 

 to the leg of each Cock, the battle seldom lasted long ; one 

 or other falling every few minutes in a pool of blood. Then 

 there was a clapping of hands, mingled with the loud crowing 

 of some unfortunate Cock, who was giving himself airs pre- 

 vious to a combat where he was probably destined to crow his 

 last. It has a curious effect to European eyes, to see young 

 ladies of good family, looking peculiarly feminine and gentle, 

 sanctioning by their presence this savage diversion. It is no 

 doubt the effect of early habit, and you will say that at least 

 it is no worse than a bull-fight ; which is certain yet cruel 

 as the latter is, I find something more en grand, more noble 



in the 







' Ungentle sport that oft invites 

 The Spanish maid, and cheers the Spanish swain;' 



in the roaring of the ' lord of lowing herds' ; the galloping 

 of the fine horses, the skill of the riders, the gay dresses, the 

 music and the agile matador; in short, in the whole pomp 

 and circumstances of the combat, than when one looks quietly 

 on to see two birds peck each other's eyes out, and cut each 

 other to pieces. Unlike Cock-pits in other countries, attended 

 by blacklegs and pick-pockets, and gentlemanly roues, by far 

 the largest portion of the assembly in the pit was composed 

 of the first young men in Mexico, and for that matter, of the 

 first old ones also. There was neither confusion, nor noise, 

 nor even loud talking, far less swearing, amongst the lowest 

 of those assembled in the ring; and it is this quiet and orderly 



