The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-06-16
CHAPTER III.

Naturally fond of hunting. often went
to the home of my native friend in the
MaricOndon Mountains. Together we
chased the stag, and killed the various
kinds of birds which abound in these
regions TO such an extent that one NAV
always choose between IS or 20 different
species of pigeons wild ducks, and fowl.
and it frequently happened that brought
down five or SIX at a shot.
The manner of killing wild fowl "a sort
of pheasant much amused me. We rode
across the large plains, strewed with
young wood, on good and beautiful
horses, broken in for the purpose; the
dogs raised the game, and, armed with
whips, we endeavored to knock the birds
down at single blow, which is not so
difficult as might be imagined When a
number of the frightened flocks left the
shelter of the wood we put our steeds to
the gallop, and it became a veritable
steeple-chase such as amateur Jockeys
would much delight in. I also hunted
the stag with the lance, on horseback;
this sport is likewise very amusing but
unfortunately, often attended with ac-
cidentS.
This is how they occur: The horses
employed are so well trained to the sport
that as soon as they perceive the stag it
is no longer necessary, neither is it posi-
BILE, to guide them; they pursue the ami
NAL at the top of their speed, and lean
over every obstruction before them The
feet long, which he holds in readiness to
cast as soon as he thinks himself within
reach of the stag. II he misses his aim
the lance sticks in the ground, and it
then requires great skill 20 avoid coming
in contact with the opposite end, which
often wounds either the hunter or the
horse. | speak not of the falls TO which
one is liable from going at furious gal
lop along unknown and uneven roads.
had already enjoyed this sport during
my first sojourn at the natives, but we'll
as acquitted myself | was never ali G T,
gain his permission that | should assist
at chase far more dangerous. and which
] might almost call comtat-that of the
wild buffalo. To all my Questions NV
host had replied: "In this sport there is
much to fear. | would not expose you TO
the risk" He avoided also. taking me
near that part of the plain touching upon
the mountains of Marigondon, where these
animals could generally be found How
ever, after repeated solicitation, | man
aged TO obtain what ] so ardently desired.
The native only wished to know whether
j was good horseman, if | possessed
dexterity, and when he had satisfied him
self on these two points, we started one
fine morning, accompanied by nine hunts
men and small pack of dogs.
In this part of the Philippines the buff
falo is hunted on horseback, and taken
with the lasso, the natives not being
much accustomed to the use of guns In
other parts firearms are used, as | shall
have occasion to recount in another part
of my narrative; but, in whichever case
there is little difference in the danger. for
the one requires good riding and great
skill the other much presence of mind
and good gun.
The wild buffalo is quite different from
the domesticated animal. 1t is a terrible
creature, pursuing the hunter as soon as
IL gets sight of him, and should he trans
fix him with its terrible horns he would
promptly expiate his rashness. Ny faith
full native was much more anxious about
my safety than his own. He objected 10
my taking gun; he had little confidence
In my skill with the lasso, and preferred
that i should merely sit on horseback
unarmed and unencumbered in my move,
ments. Accordingly / set out with dag
ger for my sole weapon. We divided orr
party by threes, and rode gently about |
the plains, taking care TO keep at a dis |
lance from the edge of the wood lest we |
should be surprised by the animal we |
were seeking.
After riding for about an hour we aft last |
heard the baying of the dogs and under
stood that the enemy was forced from its
forest retreat. We watched with the
deepest attention the spot where we ex-
pected him to break forth He required a
great deal OF coaxing before he would |
show. At last there was a sudden crash
ing noise in the wood, branches were
broken, young trees overthrown and a
superb buffalo showed himself at about
$50 PAGES distance. He was of a beaufi-
full black, and his horns were of very
large dimensions. He carried his head
high, and snuffed the air as though scent
Ing his enemies.
Suddenly starting of at speed incred-
ible IN 50 bulky 40 animal he made for
one Of our groups. composed of three
natives, who Immediately put their
horses to gallop, and distributed them
selves in the form of a triangle. The
buffalo selected one OF them and impefu-I
ously charged him: As he did so another
of the natives, whom he passed in his
furious career, wheeled his horse and
threw the lasso he held ready in his hand:
but he was not expert, and missed his aim.
Thereupon the buffalo changed his
course, and pursued the imprudent man
who had thus attacked him, and who
now rode right in our direction. A second
detachment OF three hunters went to meet
the brute. One OF them passed near him
at a gallop and threw his lasso, but was
rs unsuccessful as his comrade.
Three other hunters made the attempt.
Not one OF them succeeded / as a mere
spectator, looked on with admiration AT |
this combat-at those evoIutions. fights |
and pursuits executed with such order
and courage, and with a precision that |
was truly extraordinary.
/ had often witnessed bull fights and
often had | shuddered at seeing fine
toreadors adopt a similar method in order
to turn the furious animal from the pur-
suit of the picador. But what compari- |
son could possibly be established between
q combat in an inclosed arena and this
one in the open plain-between the most
terrible Of bulls and Il wild buffalo7 Fiery
and hot-blooded , aniaTdS proud Castii- |
tens, eager for perilous spectacles. 90
hunt the buffalo IN the plains of the Mari |
gondon.
After much f;Cbt and n,,,s,;. La
ridlng, and imminent peril, dexterous |
hunter lncircled the animals horns with |
his IaSso. The buffalo slackened his |
speed, and shook and tossed his head |
stopping now and then TO try to get rid OF |
the obstacle which impeded his career, /
Another native, not less skillful than his /
predecessor, threw his lasso with a like |
rapidity and success. The furious beast /
now plowed the earth with his horns |
making the soil fly aronud him. al if anxi- |
Gus to display his strength, and to show |
what havoc he would have made with |
any of US who had allowed themselves to |
be surprised by him.
With much care and precaution the |
natives conveyed their prize into a neigh |
boring thicket. The hunters uttered a |
shout OF joy; for my part could not re-
press cry OF admiration. The animal |
was vanQuished; ii needed but few pre-
cautions TO master him completely. III
was much surprised to sec the natives |
excite him with voice and gesture until |
he resumed the offensive and bounded |
from the ground with fury. What would |
nave been our fate had he succeeded in |