THE SPANISH BULL.

Golden Bay Argus, Volume VI, Issue 73, 21 October 1897, Page 2

THE SPANISH BULL.

The bulls used for flighting purposes are x specially-selected, specially - cared - for class. They are all pedigree. Andalusia is especially the district of the bull. Here, at the age of one year, the young bulls are separated from the heifers, branded with the owner's mark, and turned out loose on the plains to graze with, others of their own age.

When a year older the young bulls are gathered together, in order that their mettle and fighting qualities may be tested. One of them is separated from the herd, and chased by a man on horseback, who, by the skilful usa of a blunted lance, overthrows the escaping bull, whereupon another rider conies in front of the animal with a sharper lance, to withstencJ the expected attack. If the bull, on regaining his feet, attacks the rider twice, it is passed un a fighting animal, but if he turns tail and rum* off, then he is set aside to be killed or to be. used in agricultural work. And so with each animal until the whole herd of two-year-olds have been tested.

Each bull that has stood the test successfully is then entered in the herd book, with a description of its appearance, and receives a neme —such as Espartero, Hanuoco, and Che like. This process of careful selectii n goes on from year to year until the bull is five years old, when, should its mettle prove true, it is ready for the arena,and flaming posters appear on the walls of Madrid or Seville announcing that Espartero (or whatever his name is) will on. such-and-such a date make its first and final appearance.

A good " warrantable " five-year-old bull for the fighting ring costs from £7O to £BO.