with it; and the patron saints
invoked by the Spaniards are enumerated. Among these is especially
prominent St. Potenciana, chosen as their patron and protector
against hurricanes. Chirino briefly describes the dress, customs,
and character of the natives, and the game, fish, and fruits which
serve them as food; and, at some length, the wonderful bamboo plant. He
enumerates the imports into the Philippines from surrounding countries,
and the occupations of the people therein who come to the islands;
and praises the wealth and comfort of that region.

Chirino then mentions the coming to the islands of the various
religious orders, especially recounting the labors and privations of
his own order, the Jesuits, and the beginning of their settlement
at Manila. Five priests, with one lay brother, are the founders of
that work; Suarez dies from overwork, Sanchez goes back to Europe,
and Sedeno conducts the affairs of the mission--laboring for the good
of the colony in all matters, both spiritual and secular. The Jesuits
exert considerable influence over the Chinese and Japanese who come to
Manila. In chapter vi are enumerated the names of the larger islands
in the Filipinas, and their extent is compared with that of Spain.

Chirino next defines the bishoprics and religious provinces in the
islands--inserting in this account a description of the process of
tattooing; and proceeds to relate how the Jesuits extended their
labors to the Indian villages outside of Manila. In the district
of Balayan, they have baptized some seven thousand natives within
ten years. The village of Taitai is removed, by Chirino's influence
and the superstitious fears of the natives, to a more secure and
healthful site. He describes the customs of the natives in bathing,
which is a universal and frequent practice among them. On the shore of
the lagoon of Bai are hot springs, which have already become a noted
health resort. Various trees native to the islands are described at
length, as well as the Chinese method of reducing a large tree to
a dwarf pot-plant. Interesting particulars are given regarding the
Bisayans and Negritos who inhabit Panay, and of a petty war between
those peoples. The Jesuits have done excellent missionary work there,
in the district of Tigbauan; some particulars of this are related. One
of their number, Martin Henriquez, dies from overwork, and Chirino is
ordered to return to Manila. In June, 1595, eight more Jesuits come
with