286 BOGOTA'. 



other hand of the figure, which turned swift- 

 ly on its centre when struck. Those who 

 did this feat dexterously, and escaped the 

 blow, were greatly applauded ; whilst those 

 who were not sufficiently skilled to get 

 away in time, were laughed at by the highly 

 amused spectators. The most adroit of the 

 knights were then selected by the judges, 

 and received various prizes from the Queen 

 of the Tournament, who was generally the 

 most beautiful young lady of the place. 



This year, however, a sufficient number 

 of knights could not be collected, on ac- 

 count of the scarcity of money ; the requi- 

 site dresses and equipments being very ex- 

 pensive. The 24th of December 1823 was 

 therefore ushered in by a more modern 

 scene of interest, and one of more utility. 



On the morning of that day, Senor Triana, 

 director of the Lancasterian school, present- 



