228 
BULL-FIGHTS. 
Holinshed, “ svitli other merry disports ; and, for the 
diversion of the populace, there was a horse with an 
ape upon bis back, which highly pleased them, so 
that they expressed “ their in ward-conceived joy and 
delight with shrill shouts and variety of gestures.” 
The manner in which these sports were exhibited 
toward the close of the sixteenth century, is thus de- 
scribed by Hentzner, who was present at one of the 
performances. “ There is a place built in the form 
of a theatre, which serves for baiting of bulls and 
bears ; they are fastened behind, and then worried 
by great English bull-dogs ; but not without risk to 
the dogs, from the horns of the one and the teeth of 
the other ; and it sometimes happens they are killed 
on the spot. Fresh ones are immediately supplied 
in the places of those that are wounded or tired.” 
Bull-running at Stamford was another barbarous 
diversion somewhat different fi-om bull-baiting, and 
much less known. The traditionary origin of the bull- 
running at Stamford, and the manner in which it was 
performed in the seventeenth century, are given by 
Butcher, in his Survey of that tovtm. “ The bull-run- 
ning is a sport of no pleasure, except to those who de- 
light in beastliness and mischief ; it is performed just 
the day six weeks before Christmas. The butchers of 
the town, at their own charge, against the time pro- 
vide thewildesc bull they can get. This bull over night 
is led into some stable or barn belonging to the aider- 
man. The next morning proclamation is made by 
