2i6 The Course, the Camp, the Chase 



be remedied by recutting the amethyst, and perhaps this 

 operation has allayed its penchant for adventures, for it 

 has never had one since. 



To live in Spain, and mix with the people, almost 

 compels attendance at bull-fights, and there is such intense 

 excitement in the spectacle, that there is some excuse for 

 any one going to see them. Apart from the horrible 

 cruelty to the horses, there is much to admire in the 

 wonderful activity, pluck, and presence of mind of the 

 performers ; and it is these qualities that are powerful 

 enough to blind the spectators to what is revolting, and 

 to attract them when they would otherwise be repelled. 



Picture the gay magnificence of the scene — the bright 

 sunlight, the brilliant dresses of the performers, the pic- 

 turesque garb of the country-people, with the pretty 

 senoritas and their most becoming mantillas. To add to 

 the excitement, the band plays the most stirring of the 

 national airs, while vivas and cheers from multitudes of 

 throats greet the exhibition of any special act of daring 

 and skill. Let me recount one of the many feats that 

 I have seen, and judge for yourselves which of the two 

 alternatives is likely to be chosen, — to take a solitary 

 walk through the deserted streets, or to join the glad 

 throng that is wending its way to the Plaza del Toros. 



In the very centre of the bull-ring at Seville — which 

 is unusually large — far from the " shelters " against the 

 sides, stands a noted matador, with a pair of banderillos. 

 Before the time has arrived for him to engage the bull 

 with the red cloak and espada, he is going to implant 

 those barbed, gaily- coloured sticks in the neck of the bull, 

 and, to do this successfully, he must attract the animal's 

 attention, so that, when it charges, he runs to meet it on 



