The Coconino sun. [volume] (Flagstaff, Ariz.) 1891-1891, 1891-06-20
BULL FIGHTS In INDIA.
NOT so BRUTAL AS THE SPAN
ISH CONTESTS.
A Missionary the First to Describe These
Combats-~A Source of Pleasure to
RaJahs and subjects for
Many Years.

The ordinary bull fight which forms
the chief amusement of the Spaniards,
Cubans and Mexicans, has been de-
scribed SO often that there is not a
vestige Of novelty left, but the manner
in which such fights are conducted in
India is quite a novelty in its way.
The Rev. Hobart Counter, who was a
missionary in that country for many
years, was probably the first European
to describe such combat since which
time it has been occasionally referred
to by travellers.
These fights have proved source
OF pleasure to the rajahs and their
subjects for many years, and are still
in vogue in many districts of India
The thoroughly trained animals EN-
ployed 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 spectators, but at the conclusion
of the fight they are rewarded with a
small gratuity from each.
The animals which are very fierce
are about the size Of an ordinary AL
derney bull, and are always kept in
first-class condition. They are of a
special breed, having little, if any re-
semblance to the ordinary sacred DULL
OF India having no hump between the
shoulders. A noticeable popularity
is the shortness OF their forelegs and
the great depth from the upper part of
the shoulder to the extremity Of the
neck. Having extremely low loins,
this over-dsyelopment OF the fore
quarter gives to the hind legs the ap-
pearance of being great deal too long.
That they were very powerful is in
dictated by their immensely thick
necks, while in strong contrast are
their delicately small heads.
When there is to be fight, the
owners of the bulls lead them into an
improvised ring, when they Immediate
| ly give evidence OF their pugnucious
nature by believing loudly and paving
the ground in furious manner. Bong
secured by ropes passed around their
heads and noses, they are dextrously
kept apart for some time, in order to
allow them to work themselves into a
sufficient fury to insure u desperate
conflict.
They are led toward each other
until but few feet intervene between
them, and then with a sudden jerk of
the rope are hauled backward with
such force as to almost throw them TO
their launches. A few repetitions OF
this advancing and retreating is suf-
ficient to work them into u 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,
cautiously watching for any advantage
that may be presented. Suddenly they
come face to face, pausing for an in
slant and then with heads lowered,
rush madly together. 1t occasionally
happens that one or the other fails tC
withstand the shock, and is forced up
on his launches, but. generally speak
ing, their horns become locked anL
then begins a fierce struggle for su.
premacy. So carefully are they trained
that seldom, if ever is either goreL
during the fight each dexterously
avoiding the vicious thrusts made by
his opponent and trying. with all hi,
strength, to throw him broadside OF
the ground. The deadlock is al last
loosened, and each retreats rap
idly backward a few steps and Their
rushes impetuOusly forward as before
but this time with even greater force
This is usually repeated several time;
and as matter of course one or the
other grows weaker and begins to re
treat. This is quickly recognized by
his antagonist who appears to gather
additional strength, and with a ire
mendous rush generally succeeds il
forcing the vanquished gladiator upor
his launches. At this the keepers
quickly step forward, and striking tn,
victor on the nose with heavy BAN
boo stick compel him TO desist anC
, passing the rope over his horns, Leaf
him away.
, Thus ends this very peculiar com
bat which is devoid OF all the OK
tremely brutal and bloody incident
which characterize an ordinary bul
fight.