great
abundance in those regions. Even when not bathing, they are accustomed
to anoint their heads for comfort and adornment, especially the women
and children. Through modesty, they bathe with their bodies drawn up
and almost in a sitting posture, with the water to the neck, taking
the greatest care not to be seen, although no one may be near to see
them. The most general hour for bathing is at the setting of the sun,
because at that time they have finished their labors, and bathe in the
river to rest and refresh themselves; on the way, they usually carry
some vessel for bearing water to use in their domestic duties. In the
island of Panay I saw all the people, at the conclusion of a burial,
hasten to the river upon leaving the church and bathe there, as was
the custom among the Jews--although these Indias have no knowledge
of that dead law. They keep a vessel full of water before the door
of every house; every person, whether belonging to the house or not,
who enters it takes water from the jar with which to wash his feet
before entering, especially during the season of much mud. They wash
their feet with great facility, rubbing one foot with the other:
the water flows down through the floor of the house, which is all of
cane and fashioned like a window-grating: with bars close together.

They also employ the baths as a medicine, and God our Lord has given
them for this purpose springs of hot water. In the last few years the
hot springs of Bai, on the banks of the lagoon of Bai, have been most
healthful and famous, and many Spaniards of both sexes as well as
ecclesiastics and religious, have had recourse to them in various
maladies and recovered their health. And, indeed, the ease and
delightfulness of the trip almost compel one to undertake it, even
though he may not need it. The [Pasig] River extends inland as much
as six leguas; and from its source in the lagoon until it reaches the
bay of Manila, it is dotted with houses, gardens, and stock-farms, in
most delightful variety. As the trees in that climate bear leaves the
whole year through, their verdure and coolness increase the charm. I
noticed but two trees which shed their leaves; both of them are wild,
and do not bear fruit, but both are highly useful and valued for that
reason. One is the balete, [57] which grows very tall, has a round,
cup-shaped head, like a moderately large walnut tree, and is of a
most delightful green. Its leaves are somewhat narrow, like