The bulls are not always very savage; some are even very gentle, and would only be too happy to lie down quietly in the shade. It is easy to perceive, by their good-natured honest look, that they prefer their pastures to the circus. They turn their backs on the _picadores_, and, in the most phlegmatic manner, allow the _chulos_ to wave their many-coloured cloaks under their very nose. Not even the _banderillas_ can rouse them from their apathetic condition. In cases like these, it is necessary to have recourse to more violent expedients; such, for example, as the _banderillas de fuego_. These are slight sticks, with fireworks attached, which go off some minutes after they are planted in the shoulders of the _toro cobarde_ (coward) and explode with a shower of sparks and detonations. By this ingenious contrivance, the bull is goaded, burnt, and stunned simultaneously; were he the most _aplomado_ (leaden) of bulls, he cannot possibly avoid becoming furious. He indulges in a succession of extravagant capers, of which no one would ever suppose so heavy an animal capable; he bellows, foams, and twists himself about in every direction, to escape from the disagreeable proximity of the fireworks, which are burning his ears and scorching his hide. The _banderillas de fuego_, however, are never used but at the last extremity; the fight is considered, as it were, disgraced when it is necessary to have recourse to them; but if the alcade is too long before waving his handkerchief as a sign that he allows them to be employed, the public create such a horrible disturbance that he is obliged to yield. The most extraordinary vociferations, howling, shouting, and stamping of feet, break out on all sides. Some holla "_Banderillas de fuego!_" while others exclaim, "_Perros! perros!_" (The dogs!) The bull is overwhelmed with abuse; he is called a scoundrel, an assassin, a thief; the spectators offer him a place in the shade, and indulge in all sorts of pleasantry, which is frequently very witty. In a short time a chorus of sticks is added to the vociferations, if the latter do not produce the desired effect. The flooring of the _palcos_ creaks and gapes, and the painting on the ceilings falls in small whitish pellicles, like so much snow mixed with dust. The public becomes exasperated to the highest pitch. "_Fuego al alcade! perros el alcade!_" (Burn the alcade! to the dogs with him!) shout the incensed multitude, shaking their fists at the box of the _ayuntamiento_. At last, the much desired permission is granted, and everything becomes quiet again. During these kinds of _jawing-matches_--excuse the term, but I cannot find a better--you often hear some very humorous remarks. I will instance one that is very concise and very cutting. A _picador_, magnificently dressed in a completely new suit, was showing off on his horse without taking any part in the proceedings, and remaining in a part of the circus where there was no danger. "_Pintura! pintura!_" hollaed