BULL-FIGHTING IN MEXICO.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XI, Issue 47, 25 November 1893, Page 437

BULL-FIGHTING IN MEXICO.

Some bulls, on entering the ring, will not face their human opponent at all, but, making straight for the fence, attempt to leap it. This they often succeed in doing, causing quite a diversion by careering about among the spectators, and not infrequently turning the tables on those who have come to see them killed. But in a well-built ring, by n.eans of a careful arrangement of doors, he is generally got back into the arena before he can do any mischief. For the protection of those who are bound to remain in the ring screens are placed at intervals alongside of the fence, far enough from it to allow a man, but not his pursuer, to pass behind. For some infuriated beasts are so demonstrative at first, till they begin to get blown, that the only thing to do is to get out of their way. And as the bull gallops about, first chasing one, then another, they scuttle off over the fence or behind these screens with the most commendable agility. It is amusing to watch the bull rushing first to one end of this screen and then to the other, vainly trying to get at his gaudily arrayed enemy behind it, while he not infrequently ends by knocking the whole thing over, or

getting jammed behind it himself. The screen then has to be taken down by the attendants to let him out again. A variation is sometimes introduced in the shape of a pole jump, performed by the toreador, over the bull. This is the most dangerous exhibition of all, since it is necessary that the pole be brought into use immediately in front of the charging bull’s nose, and should the man slip, or be an instant too late in making the move, the pole will be knocked from under him and he will land on the horns of the animal instead of on the ground just behind him. In this way most of the accidents which occur to matadors are brought about. After the advertised number of victims have been sacrificed —generally six or eight—the entertainment is often concluded by the introduction of an old cow, with large soft buttons, the size of loaves of bread, placed upon her horns. The professional combatants withdraw, and any of the audience who feel so disposed replaced them. The ring is soon crowded with youthful aspirants of ‘ Tauromachian ’ f ime. One more venturesome than the rest seizes hold of the astonished bovine's tail, who kicks vigorously—but who, owing to some peculiarity in her anatomy, cannot kick straight behind—while the others, taking off their coats, imitate the late manoeuvres of the professionals with their cloaks. These tyros, not having the same practice as the matured combatants, often get bowled over and severely trampled on, though the cow cannot use her horns with much effect owing to the buttons on their points. Moreover, a cow when charging does not close her eyes like a bull, but, having selected her man, ‘ stays with him,’ giving sidelong * hitches’ as he dodges to one side or the other in his flight. If someone does not create a diversion in his favour by covering the cow's head with a coat, or otherwise distracting her from the pursuit, the embryo matador will probably leave the ring a sorer and a wiser man !