Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/183

Rh the plumage of the birds. No sooner has each champion caught sight of his opponent, than his eye kindles, his wings flutter, and he manifests the utmost eagerness to begin the attack: they are then placed on the ground, opposite each other, at a little distance, and with a vindictive scream they both spring forward. Leaping up and meeting one another in full shock, they struggle wing to wing; they pounce upon each other with their beaks, and strike with their armed claws; blood spouts from the combatants, and feathers fly around. With torn and ruffled plumage, and bleeding, the birds are snatched up; the first round ends; and neither party can be said to have the advantage, though wagers are on the increase.

A short respite is afforded, and they are urged on again. Once more they encounter fiercely, and struggle in the air; and now one has succeeded in mounting upon the other, and pins him down; but only to be mastered and pinned down in his turn. Greater clamour and more betting! The orange-coloured cock this time is adjudged the greatest sufferer in the engagement; and the faces of his hitherto enthusiastic patrons lengthen accordingly.

A renewed attack; fortune appears to