MANILA.
Historical notes relating to the Philippines.--From Cavite to
Manila.--The river Pasig.--First impressions of the city.--Its
inhabitants.--Tagales and Negritoes.--Preponderating influence
of monks.--Visit to the four chief monasteries.--Conversation
with an Augustine Monk.--Grammars and Dictionaries of the idioms
chiefly in use in Manila.--Reception by the Governor-general of
the Philippines.--Monument in honour of Magelhaens.--The
"Calzada."--Cock-fighting.--"Fiestas Reales."--Causes of
the languid trade with Europe hitherto.--Visit to the
Cigar-manufactories.--Tobacco cultivation in Luzon and at the
Havanna.--Abaca, or Manila hemp.--Excursion to the "Laguna de
Bay."--A row on the river Pasig.--The village of Patero.--
Wild-duck breeding.--Sail on the Lagoon.--Plans for
canalization.--Arrival at Los Banos.--Canoe-trip on the
"enchanted sea."--Alligators.--Kalong Bats.--Gobernador and
Gobernadorcillo.--The Poll-tax.--A hunt in the swamps of
Calamba.--Padre Lorenzo.--Return to Manila.--The "Pebete."--The
military Library.--The civil and military Hospital.--
Ecclesiastical processions.--Ave Maria.--Tagalian merriness.--
Condiman.--Lunatic Asylum.--Gigantic serpent thirty-two years
old.--Departure.--Chinese pilots.--First glimpse of the coasts
of the Celestial Empire.--The Lemmas Channel.--Arrival in
Hong-kong Harbour. 281