A PERSIAN RAM FIGHT.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1208, 26 April 1895, Page 5

A PERSIAN RAM FIGHT.

The popular sport in Persia is a ! ram fight. A visitor to Staroboul thus describes how these contests are conducted :—"The owners of the two rams—both Persians—approach each other, each holding his animal with a cord. When they came close together, they set to caressing and even embracing their dear rams, subjecting tliem-to-strong pressure on the pectoral muscles, which appeared to excite them considerably. The two gladiators were then brought almost into contact, and their eyes, generally so mild, at once assumed an expression of savageness that contrasted singularly with their usual look. At the same time they pawed the ground, got seriously angry, and had it not been for a good deal of restraint on the part of their masters, would have rushed furiously against each other. When all was ready, the Persian owners left their pets in position, and the two rams looked at each other with eyes of fire. As though with a common consent, they walked backwardsj so as to get a good starting point, and then, both at the same time, lowered their heads and rushed at each other with incredible speed and fury. The shock of their foreheads resounded just as a blacksmith's hammer resounds when struck vigorously against a heavy doorC j two rams had met each other with such precision that they remained standing immovable in front of each oi/her, as though half stunned. Such a result is highly appreciated by the spectators, and corresponds to the dead-heat, so interesting to the spectators of a horse race, as indicating a certain equality in the competitors. All sorts of cries and exciting expressions burst, from the assembly, while the rams, again walking backwards, and staring furiously at each other, proceeded to take up a new position. When separated at a distance of about twenty-five paces they again rushed to the attack, and a second shock was heard, much to the satisfaction of the lookers on. This round still left the battle undecided. At the third encounter one of the sheep deviated a little to the left; and at the fourth, the beaten ram, which had been injured in the breast by his more fortunate adversary, fell to the ground, and was immediately taken away by his master to have his wounds dressed. As soon as the combat was finished there was a general payment over the event, and many Turkish livres (about a sovereign) passed from hand to hand. There were three other combats 'on the card ' for that day."