Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-04-20
1'he Bull. FIshl. aDd Daa lIaral. q :

South American City.
The Lima correspondent Of the Cleveland
(0.) Herald writes as follows:
The Amphitheater (El Toro) Of Lima in
which bull fights are held, is capable Of seat
ing at least 900 persons. This cruel sport
is in as great favor as ever, and an exhibi-
tion takes place at least once week. was a
witness 70 the last and saw suficieat ofsuch
hatchery 70 answer my purpose for some
time to come. Before allowed TO enter the
ring, the bull is first goaded TO madness by
means Of barbed points inherited in his sides
a door is then opened, and he rushes wildly
into the area, and seeks for some object on
which to vent his rage. The "Picadors'
(borsemen)i first attract his attention, and
display their skill by eyading his charges,
and tormenting him with long spears. At
the sound Of q trumpet this party are re-
called, and the HTorero's. (footmen) adj
vance. 80 Lre 1ast-t aaI nj
IL is a portion Of their province 10 place
themselves directly in the path of the bull,
and as he rushes toward them plunge short
bafbs in his side. Some of them exhibit
great skill in this feat, thrusting a dart into
either shoulder at the same moment, and TO
accomplish which, they must face the anil
nal directly in his charge. Upon some Of
the darts t0rpedoes are attached, which ex-
plode on the back Of the bull, and serve to
AHEEthEe Ills IhK6s w utu NI0uHGQ 10 'J01
greatest degree of fury, the Toferos retire
and the "Matador" appears TO complete the
work. Armed with a light straight sword
he advances to the center of the arena, aud
ettracts the bulls attention with bright
Scarlet cloth firmly awaiting the onset, he
ooolly directs his weapon, and at the same
instant steps a pace or two aside; it is the
great aim Of the Matador to kill the bull or
10 bring him 10 the ground at the first
thrust. OF the thirteen that ! saw killed
five were dispatched in that way.
In Lima q novel feature has been lately
introduced. Three or four Toreros armed
with stout spears, throw themselves on the
ground and direct their spears toward the
apartment in which the bull is confined.
AS the bull issues forth he is sure to select
one of these pikemen for his charge. There
is no escape, and they have to abide their
chance, seeking the greater safety in keep.
ing closely to the ground, and thereby
avoiding the bulls horns. At these exhibit
tions accidents frequently occur, but they
only add TO the interest Of the spectators
and are sometimes hailed with applause
There is brutality most degrading through
out the whole, and you leave the arena with
a siekened feeling Of disgust.
Abiding to the morals of Lima, gambling
is practiced by all classes, and scarce any
circle would appear free. Priests may be
constantly seen at the tables, and stake their
'pesos" in a matter of course way. Children
purchase lottery. tickets with their parents,
and the universal passion seems to affect
equally high and low. At evening-parties
cards are Invariably introduced, and woe to
the ignorant stranger who may attempt
their game. Having letter of introduction
to Limanian family, l availed myself of
the passport, and was invited to pass an
evening with few of their friends.
AS soon as the company were assembled
cards were produced, and the guests were
all paired off except our hostess and myself
Each lady produced her "peseos" and pro-
ceeded to business in a matter of fact way.
Pressed to take few lessons in the game, 1
had sufficient respect for my pocket 10 resist
all persuasion, and continued for a short
time bar to my fair entertainers pleasure,
and conscious that was slightly tout of
place." Under a polite exterior and most
flatteIing attention, no mercy is shown a
novice and the ladies in particular (excuse
the remark) consider you fair game.