292 



THREE YEARS IN THE PACIFIC. 



As the president passed, the calesas that had been standing 

 to view the passing concourse turned, and slowly followed to- 

 wards the city. Seated along the walls were long files of ta- 

 padas, 



** Skilled in the ogle of a roguish eye, 



Yet ever well inclined to heal the wound ; 



None through their cold disdain are doomed to die. 



As moon-struck bards complain, by Love's sad archery — " 



They lingered to see the last of the crowd. When we reached 

 the Independence square or plaza, the fresco tables were al- 

 ready lighted. 



The excitement of the scenes at the Plaza del Acho and 

 along the alameda, produced in me and some of our party 

 most severe headachs. Notwithstanding the cruelty of the 

 sport, there is an agreeable excitement at the bull-bait, from 

 the great concourse of people, and the endless variety of dress 

 and character that present themselves for observation. In- 

 deed the ladies say, that were it not for the concurrencia," 

 they would not witness a diversion «<tan barbara." 



Previous to the revolution, bull-baits were seen in almost 

 every village throughout Peru, at least once every year. For 

 the purpose, the plaza was fitted up for the exhibition. This 

 sport caused the death of many Indians in the interior, who 

 were either killed by the bulls, or died from excesses in Aguar- 

 diente and Chicha. 



