BULL-FIGHTS. 



9 



ly constructed of posts driven into the ground, 

 wattled across with green boughs, and roofed with 

 planks. Over two sides of the square there was 

 erected a second story, divided into separate com- 

 partments by flags and various coloured cloths, 

 and left open at top, and in front. These were 

 crowded with ladies and children, all in their gay- 

 est attire, and seated with much formality apd de- 

 corum to witness the show. The scene in the 

 ground-floor, which was divided into booths called 

 Ramadas, was of a very different description : here 

 was dancing, singing, drinking, and all kinds of 

 noise and bustle. Previous to the commencement 

 of the bull-fight, the area was filled with people, 

 some lounging about smoking their segars, and 

 admiring the ladies'' dresses ; and some risking 

 their money at Rouge et Noir, for which there 

 were many tables brought from the booths into 

 the open air. But the principal amusement was 

 within the Ramadas, in each of which was to be 

 found a band of musicians and dancers hired to 

 attract company. The musical instruments were 

 invariably a harp, a guitar, and a sort of drum. 

 The harp, which is small and light, i^ held in g 



