In half an hour we reached a plain bordered by a forest.  "Here we shall find buffaloes in abundance," exclaimed our friend; "but, my lads, be cautious; keep behind me, and watch my movements, or you may be seriously injured, or lose your lives.  Buffalo-hunting is no child's play, remember."  We had with us a number of Indians on horseback armed with rifles, and a pack of dogs of high and low degree.  Our chief hunter was a remarkably fine-looking man, a half-caste.  He was dressed in something like a bull-fighter's costume.  He dismounted and approached the wood, rifle in hand.  Two of the Indians threw off most of their clothes, and kept only their swords by their sides.  Thus lightly clad, they were able to climb the trees to get out of harm's way.  The Indians beat the woods, and the dogs barked and yelped, till at length a huge buffalo came out to ascertain what all the noise was about.  He stood pawing the ground and tossing up the grass with his horns, as if working himself into a rage, looking round that he might single out an object on which to vent his rage.  Though we were at some distance, we felt the scene excessively trying.  His eye soon fell on the bold huntsman, who stood rifle in hand ready to hit him on the head as he approached.  If his hand trembled, if his rifle missed fire, his fate was sealed.  The excitement, as I watched the result, was so great, that I could scarcely breathe.  The huntsman stood like a statue, so calm and unmoved, with his eye fixed on the monstrous brute.  The buffalo got within a dozen paces of him.  I almost shrieked out, for I expected every moment to see the man tossed in the air, or trampled and gored to death with those formidable horns.  On came the buffalo--there was a report--a cloud of smoke--and as it cleared away, he was seen with his knees bent and his head as it were ploughing the ground; yet another moment, and his huge body rolled over a lifeless mass; and the hunter advancing, placed his foot proudly between his horns, as a sign that he was the victor.  Loud shouts rent the air from all the Indians, for the feat their leader had performed was no easy one, and which few are capable of accomplishing.  In some parts of the island, buffaloes are taken with the lasso, as we had seen it employed in Mexico.  The animal was cut up and transferred to a cart, to be carried down to the lake, by which it was to be conveyed to Manilla.  Tame buffaloes are used for agricultural purposes.