, 1875-02-20
A Peruvian Bull-Fight.

Mrs. WETMORE writes in the Cleveland
Herald of Peruvian bullhght, and
SAYS:
At LHTUC . CIOCk Il uULCH TOChcJS were
fired Otf-the band struck up spirited
march, and the little army of capeadoreS,
picadOres and matadoreS entered the
arena and made partial circuit around
the amphitheatGr, stopping in front of
the city officials. whom they saluled with
characteristic grace The CapeaiOres
were on horseback, two in number,
plainly dressed in dark blue-wearing
broad hrimmed hats-thcir brilliant capes
hanging gracefully over the arm. Fol
lowing, came two piCadOres carrying
barbed arrows, and dressed in soft shades
of blue and violet, the knee pants mag
niicently embroidered in parti-cOlOrs al
the side, the waists gli1tering network
Of jet; black caps and delicately-Shaped
capes on the arm completed these unique
costumes, which seemed to serve as
shadows 10 set off the gorgeous mata-
dOrcs, OF bull-killers, four in number,
who were attired in magnifiCenCe far be-
yOnd the others. Finely-fOrmed men
they weTc-thc atadOres-dreSsed in
yellow satin and other bright c0lOrs, the
knee pants worked with red and white
and green elabOrately; the upper part of
the dress seemed a blaze of silver en-
broidery, and threw out scintillatiOnS OF
light with every step, while the black
caps, long, cleaning swords and glowing
capes all combined to set off the rich
Moorish face, full of naughty pride,
fire and cruelty. The little procession
wound around like a glittering ser
pent, rs beautiful as it was cruel
fascinating yet repulsive, keeping time
10 the grand music and-waiting. ltmay
be well TO say here that a labyrinth of
poles is in the center of the ring, driven
in close enough to be Il refuge in case
the bull-fighter Is too hard pressed, and
many other retreats there are, built near
the high fence inciosing the arena.
Soon a side door opened and bull,
maddened by a previous torture, bound
ed into the ARENA train Of tOrpedOes
Saluting him. He stood still an instant,
painting with excitement, his beautiful
eve filled with a wild expression; then,
paving the earth furiOusly, he was APP
preached by capeadOre, who Haunted
his bright capes in his face. The en-
ragged beast rushed at full speed upon
horse and rider, but just as the horns
were lowered to gore them the capea-
dOre, with wonderful deXtcrity, turned
his horse quickly in another direction and
repeated the teasing, which was followed
by another attack-the bull being out
maneuvered by the sudden approach and
irritating display Of the other capeadore
and thus they drew the danger from
one TO another. But not always does the
capeadore escape; many times year
horse and rider are killed OF severely
wounded by an unusually fierce or fleet
bull. When at last the poor animal be-
came intoxicated with frenzy, then the
wild PLAY between the matadores, the
picadores and their victim commenced,
and the excitement made one shudder
and grow sick with horror
1t seemed AS though evil spirits clothed
in dazzling garments were before US,
tempting death in every motion; Tying
in every direction they were, their long
canes now trailing Oh the gIound-wind-
ing in and out of the labyrinth OF
poles-rushing at full speed the whole
length of the arena, the bull, like wild
demon. close at their heels, till some re-
treat was reached and the batfied animal
qiven a chance to make bat a plunge,
when another chase was given him. Al
last he began 10 show fright with his an
ger: then a picadore, with the most IN
siduous daring and graceful motion, ap-
preached the bulls head, whirled q
scarlet cape in his face, and with a
swift throw fastened into the neck
barbed arrow. Three or four Of these
weapons were thus planted, and wreath
Of blood encircled the suffering Great
ure's neck. Shaking his head and
bounding uitb pain te became terrible
il bis fury which mlf wi'h correspond
ing increase n aeiii'y skd power gn ne