across its shoulders are suspended mantles richly embroidered with the arms of the gremio to which it belongs, all of which become the perquisite of the Toreador or Matador who slays the bull.  The price of admission is four reals, or two shillings; but an additional charge is made for seats in the boxes; and the managers pay a considerable tax to government on every performance.  Early in the afternoon of the day fixed upon for a bull-fight, every street leading to the amphitheatre is crowded with carriages, horsemen, and pedestrians.  All are in the highest state of excitement, the highest glee, and in full dress.  The business of the ring commences, about 2 p.m. by a curious sort of prelude.  A company of soldiers perform a despejo, or a military pantomime.  The men having been previously drilled for that purpose, go through a variety of fanciful evolutions, forming the Roman and Greek crosses, stars, and figures, so describing a sentence, such as viva la patria, viva San Martin, or the name of any other person who happens to be at the head of the government.  As a finale, the soldiers form a circle, face outwards, then advance towards the boxes, preserving their circular order, which they extend, until they approach close enough to climb up to the benches.  Every movement is made to the sound of the drum; the effect is exceedingly good.  A band of music is likewise in attendance, and plays at intervals.  The prelude being over, six or seven toreador enter the arena on foot, dressed in silk jackets of different colours, richly spangled or bordered with gold or silver lace.  One or two of these men, and who are called matadores, are pardoned criminals, and they receive a considerable sum for every bull they kill.  About the same time various amateurs, well mounted on steeds gaily caparisoned, fancifully and tastefully attired, present themselves.  When all is prepared, a door is opened under the box occupied by the municipality, and a bull rushes from a pen.  At first he gazes about as if in surprise, but is soon put upon his mettle, by the waving of flags and the throwing of darts, crackers, and other annoyances.  The amateur cavaliers display their horsemanship and skill in provoking and in eluding his vengeance, in order to catch the eye of some favourite fair one, and to gain the applause of their friends and the audience.  They infuriate the animal by waving a mantle over his head, and when pursued they do not allow their horses to advance more than a few inches from the horns of the angry bull.  When at full speed, they make their horse revolve upon his hind legs, and remain in readiness to make a second turn upon the animal.  This operation is several times repeated with equal agility and boldness, and is called capear.  The amateurs then promenade around to acknowledge the plaudits bestowed.  This species of sparring on horseback with the bull, is practised only in South America.  Indeed in no other part