The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1891-06-19
BULL FIGHTING IN INDIA.
1t Has None of the Brutal Characteristic
of the Spanish Contests.

II mas -NOte VI lne
of the Spanish Contests.
The ordinary bull fight, which forms
the chief amusement of the Spaniards,
Cubans and AleXicans, has been de-
scribed so often that there is not YES
tige OF novelty left, but the manner IN
which such fights are conducted in In
dia is quite a novelty in its way. The
Rev Hobart Counter, who was mis-
sionary in that country for many years,
was probably the first European to de-
scribe such combat. since which time
it has been occasionally referred to by
travellers.
These fights have proved a source of
pleasure to the raiahs and their sub
jects for many years, and are still IN
vogue in many districts of India. The
thoroughly trained animals employed
are usually the property of wandering
jugglers, who find in them a source of
income sufficient for all their wants.
No special fee is required of the specta-
tors, but at the conclusion of the fight
they are rewarded with u small gratuity
from each.
The animals which are very fierce,
are about the size of an ordinary Alder
ney bull and are always kept in first
class condition. They are of special
breed having little, if any, resemblance
to the ordinary sacred bull of India,
having no hump between the shoulders
A noticeable popularity is the short
ness of their forelegs and the great
depth from the upper part of the shout
der to the extremity of the neck, Hav-
ing extremely narrow loins, this over
development of the forequarters gives
to the hindlegs the appearance of being
Il great deal too long. That they are
very powerful is indicated by their i'm
mensely thick neclls, while in strong
contrast are their delicately small heads.
When there is to be a fight, the own
ers of the bulls lead them into an i'm
provised ring, when they Immediately
give evidence of their pugnacious ma
ture by believing loudly and paving
the ground in furiG.ls manner. Being
secuted by ropes passed around their
heads and noses, they are deXterously
kept apart for some time, in order 10
allow them to work themselves into
sufficient fury to insure Il desperate
conflict.
They are led toward each other until
but few feet intervene between item,
and then with sudden jerk of the rope
are hauled backward with such force as
to almost throw them on their launches.
A few repetitiOns of this advancing and
retreating is sufficient to work them
into state of ungovernable rage. The
ropes are now slipped from their heads
and the combat begins
For minute or two they survey each
other with dilated nostrils and flashing
eyes. They run wildly around in
circle before coming in contact, eau
tiously watching for any advantage
that may be presented. suddenly they
come face to face, pause for an instant
and then, with heads lowered, rush
madly together. 1t occasionally
happens that one or the other
fails to withstand the shock,
and is forced upon his launches,
but, generally speaking, their horns be-
come locked, and then begins fierce
struggle for supremacy. SO carefully
are they trained that seldom. if ever. is
either gored during the fight. each dex-
terously avoiding the vicious thrusts
made by his opponent, and trying, with
all his strength, to throw him broadside
on the ground. The deadlock is at
last loosened, and each retreats rapidly
backward few steps and then ruahes
impetuously forward as before, but
this time with even greater force. This
is usually repeated several times and as
matter of course one or the other
grows weaker and begins to retreat.
This is quickly recognized by his an
tagonist who appears TO gather addi-
Eonal strength, and with tremendous
rush generally succeeds in forcing the
vanquiShcd gladiator upon his launches.
AT this the keepers quickly step for
ward, and striking the victor upon the
nose with a heavy bamboo stick compel
him to desist and passing the rope over
his horns, lead him away.
This ends this very peculiar combat,
which is devoid of all the extremely
brutal and bloody Incidents which char
acterizc an ordinary bull fght-Detroit
Free Press.