pavements in the street--and talk politics, bull-fights, and about the
weather, in fact any topic which comes handy; and they are quite content,
as a rule, to talk on, no matter if they are not being listened to. This
habit of general talk without listeners is also common to the ladies. To
be present at a re-union of ladies and listen to the babble of their
sweet tongues is a pleasure which a lazy man can thoroughly enjoy.

The local Press is represented principally by three or four--mostly
one-sheet--newspapers, which you can read in about three minutes. Of
course their all-absorbing interest, as regards sport, is centred in the
bull-fights. For three months before the bull-fighting season
begins--which is about Easter--people talk of nothing but bulls and
matadors. The relative merits of the different studs which are to supply,
not only the local corridas, but practically the tip-top ones throughout
the chief cities of Spain, are discussed over and over again, while the
admirers of Joselito (since killed) are as lavish in words and gestures
of praise as are those of Belmonte, while, at the same time, the claims
of other aspirants to championship as matadors are heard on every side.

Once the season begins--it lasts until towards the end of October--the
whole of everybody's time is, of course, mostly taken up in commenting
upon the merits or demerits of each and every corrida. There does not
appear to be time for much else to be talked about then; unless an
election comes along, and that thoroughly rouses the people for the time
being. It is of very little use for anyone to attempt to describe upon
what lines elections are run in Spain. One has to be there to try and
discover what principles guide them. For instance, the last time I was in
Spain Parliamentary elections were to take place the very week after
Easter Sunday. On that day the first bull-fight of the season was to take
place at Puerto Santa Maria, a small town about ten miles from Jerez. Of
course a large number of sports, with their ladies, motored or drove over
for the occasion.

There was an immense crowd at Puerto Santa Maria. In the south of Spain,
especially at a bull-fight, Jack is as good as his master, and each one
has to battle through the crowd as best he can. I personally was relieved
of my gold watch, sovereign case and chain in the most perfect manner; so
perfect that I had not the least idea when or how it was taken. I must
confess I felt v