NATIONAL AMUSEMENTS. 285 



At the last year's feast, they had, on the 

 first day, a magnificent display in imitation 

 of the ancient tournaments. Four different 

 bodies of horsemen, who had previously 

 practised, appeared in the lists, attired after 

 the manner of the knights-errant of old, be- 

 longing to the four quarters of the world. 

 Galleries and seats were erected round the 

 whole of the Grand Plaza, and every spot 

 was crowded to excess. Bands of martial 

 music played alternately, whilst the knights, 

 who were some of the principal inhabitants, 

 went through various difficult evolutions on 

 horseback. They then rode at a ring with 

 the lance ; afterwards with sabres demolish- 

 ed Turks' heads; then threw the javelin; and 

 lastly, rode with shortened lances at a figure 

 on a pivot, with one hand extended, which 

 it required great dexterity to strike in such 

 a manner as to turn the figure round, and 

 yet avoid a severe slap on the back from the 



