SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 191 



after, the amusement (if bull-fighting can be 

 so termed) commenced, by one of the eight or 

 ten unfortunate animals, selected for that pur- 

 pose and confined in an enclosure, being turned 

 into the larger ring : they appeared of a light 

 active breed, like our Scotch black cattle, and 

 not at all vicious, till, tormented to madness 

 by the injuries of the assailants, they attacked 

 indiscriminately whatever came in their way. 

 At its first entrance the affrighted animal 

 galloped round the space, endeavouring to 

 find a place to escape from the crowd of men 

 on horseback who pursued it ; it then endea- 

 voured to force its way to its companions, 

 but being driven back with spears, sticks, 

 and stones, it crossed the arena to some 

 houses, whose fronts were included in the 

 fence. The poor brute seemed at the door 

 to supplicate- assistance, and tried to force an 

 entrance, but in vain ; he was caught by the 

 lassos of the horsemen, entangled and thrown 



