Mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado Co., Cal.) 1854-1860, 1860-01-28
A Volunteer Bull Fight

remember once seeing. when lad at
school, a fight between two bulls. Though !
was not more than eight years Of age. can
never forget the scene. 1t happened in this
wise:
Near the house-an unpretending edice il
was-ran deep and rapid river. Across it
had been thrown high wooden bridge, the
hcad.railing Of which time had destroyed
The ground on the opposite side Of the stream
was owned by different persons, and farmcl
by them. One summer day remember it
rs il it were yesterday-the hour Of noon had
arrived, and fun.seeking group Of boys were
sent out for recreation.
On sudden the roaring Of two bulls that
had broken out Of their confinement attracted
our attention.
The beasts were not yet in sight Of each
other, but were approaching at rate Of speed
which caused them to meet near the centre OF
the high bridge which have described, and
beneath which ran the river-betwecn steep
banks The more daring Of us gathered near
the bridge to see the anticipated fight; and
We werO not disappointed.
Nearer and nearer approached the paving
combatantS. Bashan never produced two
brutes Of tiercer aspect
Presently, rs they simultaneously assembled
the respective abutments, they came in full
sight Of each other. They went at it with u
gusto; front to front, their horns locked, every
muscle strained, they were fighting Is only
bulls can fight. II seemed an even match.
Now one would press back his opponent a
few PAGES, and then you would hear quick,
sharp, short steps, and his adversary would
press back in his turn.
The fight was hard and savage; for 8 time
neither gained.
Hitherto they were pressing each other
length. wise off the bridge. On sudden they
began to wheel, and in a moment they were
facing each other crOss-wiSe. They were ut
right angles with the bridge, which shook with
their trampling and strife.
II was the work Of single moment; one Of
she beasts, however, Is If conscious OF its pO-
SitiOn, made desperate plunge forward, and
pressed hrs antagonist back, 10 that there was
hut another step Of the plank between him
aud the water beneath.
The moment was one Of intense interest to
us spectators; never vas the amphitheatrr OF
Rome the acene Of . more exciting combat
Another step backwards; yes, the unfortunate
bull was forced TO do L. Back he IL pressed,
and over the brNlge be goes.
Such sight never saw before, and never
may again.
Imagine . bull pitched backward over =
bridge, and tumbling thirty feet over and over!
He turned once OF twicr; thought he turn
cd tilty times, there seemed such . confusion
of horns and feet revolving In the air.
Down he went; the river was deep and he
disappeared, leaving whirlpool behind him,
and making the waters undulatS far aud wide
with the conclusion Of his weight
The other beast did not lAngh-becausO
supposed at the time he could not
But we laughed, and shouted cur applause.
There stood the victor, looking directly down
into the abyss below, into which be hurried
his unlucky foe. He stood bat . moment, and
then a. frightened at The prospect be began 70
snort and Stsp backwards.
Back he relssaae6 With his head N the same
puRnacious attitude e when in cOmbat--beck
-siill amoehnr STEP end over be went on the
opposite side 81 he bridge, performing iUst -
many and ludicroas sOnerssts - bis adversary
had done & Uaesst before
Il wasa scene 70 remember, and the per.
sormaneo called fortA Immense applause.
In ahone ass minuks1 hnlh hnliA might be
sesn. ven Sohered by thsiF decking, and drip
ping wet, scratching Hp che steep banks each
one On his own side Of The river.
"Thuss balls Ill Asvsr nght osatn, eaid .
boy behind me.
His prediction proved to be correct, for two
more pcaceabls bulls than they were ever a.
Upwards. could not have been found.