348 



COCK-FIGHTING. 



On my return I found the young men of 

 the place engaged in the plaza in cock-fight»- 

 ing, in which cruel amusement all classes 

 seem to take great delight. It is the most 

 favourite diversion of the country. The 

 cocks are armed with a long blade, like that 

 of a penknife, with an excessively sharp 

 edge and pointed, about the length of a 

 finger; this fastens into a socket, which is 

 affixed to the heel of the bird, who, thus 

 equipped, is most formidable ; and which- 

 ever of the two combatants gives the ad- 

 versary the first severe blow generally de- 

 cides the battle, as the wounded cock is 

 in most cases killed by one thrust. I was 

 very much inclined to give one of the young 

 men a sound drubbing. His cock, which 

 had lost, was expiring at his feet; he took 

 the poor bird in his hand, and tore it to 

 pieces, beating, ill-using, and abusing it 

 the whole time, for not having gained the 

 victory. 



