Chapter I: Preface

The Philippine Islands are but imperfectly known. Though my visit was a short one, I enjoyed many advantages, from immediate and constant intercourse with the various authorities and the most friendly reception by the natives of every class.

The information I sought was invariably communicated with courtesy and readiness; and by this publication something will, I hope, be contributed to the store of useful knowledge.

The mighty "tide of tendency" is giving more and more importance to the Oriental world. Its resources, as they become better known, will be more rapidly developed. They are promising fields, which will encourage and reward adventure; inviting receptacles for the superfluities of European wealth, activity, and intelligence, whose streams will flow back upon their sources with ever-augmenting contributions. Commerce will complete the work in peace and prosperity, which conquest began in perturbation and peril. Whatever clouds may hang over portions of the globe, there is a brighter dawning, a wider sunrise, over the whole; and the flights of time, and the explorings of space, are alike helping the "infinite progression" of good.

J. B.

CONTENTS.

CHAP. PAGE

I. Manila and Neighbourhood 1
II. Visit to La Laguna and Tayabas 30
III. History 44
IV. Geography, Climate, etc. 71
V. Government, Administration, etc. 87
VI. Population 105
VII. Manners and Superstitions of the People 144
VIII. Population--Races 165
IX. Administration of Justice 186
X. Army and Navy 191
XI. Public Instruction 194
XII. Ecclesiastical Authority 199
XIII. Languages 215
XIV. Native Produce 234
XV. Vegetables 244
XVI. Animals 272
XVII. Minerals 277
XVIII. Manufactures 282
XIX. Popular Proverbs 286
XX. Commerce 292
XXI. Finance, Taxation, etc. 320
XXII. Taxes 326
XXIII. Opening the New Ports of Iloilo, Sual and
Zamboanga 330
XXIV. Zamboanga 341
XXV. Iloilo and Panay 354
XXVI. Sual 425

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE
Group of Natives (Frontispiece.)
Hot Springs at Tivi (Title-page.)
Plan of Manila 10
View from my Window to face page 16
Lavanderos, or Washerwomen ,, 24
Waterfall of the Botocan 30
Village of Majajay to face page 36
Travelling by Palkee ,, 38
Crater of the Volcano at Taal 71
Indian Funeral to face page 122
Girls Bathing 134
A Gallera, or Cock-pit to face page 152
Lake of Taal, with Volcano ,, 164
Chart of Zamboanga 341
Chart of Port Iloilo and Panay 354
Chart of Port of Sual 425
Indian Song of the Philippines to face page 434

A VISIT
TO THE
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS.