be seen to this day. Afterwards the
name of the plant was changed from lason to lanzon, the name by which
it has been known ever since.

In the other Tagalog version, narrated by Eulogio Benitez of
Pagsanjan, La Laguna, the incident of the finger-prints is told as
a local saint-legend of Paete. The story is entitled "How Lanzones
became Edible."

The little town of Paete, on the southern and western shore of
Laguna de Bay, produces more lanzones than any other town in the
province. Steamers call daily at her wharves for the fruits which
have made her famous. In the church of this town may still be seen
the image of the mother of God, the Virgin Mary, leading her child.

One evening a long time ago it was discovered that the beautiful
image was missing from its accustomed place in the church. The news
spread like wildfire, and all the people were in great amazement and
consternation. While all was confusion in the town, a heavenly sight
was being presented in a little place outside the municipality. A
beautiful woman dressed in white was walking over the grass with a
child in her arms. They were going towards a lanzon-tree on the other
side of the meadow. The boy, who was evidently tired of being carried,
asked to be put down. When the child saw the fruits scattered all over
the ground, he felt very thirsty, and, picking up one of the tempting
fruits, began to open it. The mother told her son that the fruit was
poisonous; but the child said that he was very thirsty, and could
go no farther if he did not have a drink. Then the mother took the
fruit from his hands, and with her delicate white fingers pinched
the pulp gently. Turning to her son, she said, "Now you may take
this and eat it. You will find it the most delicious and refreshing
of all fruits." The child obeyed, and the fruit was indeed sweet.

This is the way by which the lanzones were transformed from a
poisonous, dangerous fruit to a sweet, delicate food. If any one
discredits this story, all he needs to do to prove its truth is
to open up any lanzon he finds, and he will see without fall the
finger-prints of the Virgin.

TALE 68

WHY COCKS FIGHT ONE ANOTHER.

Narrated by Francisco M. Africa.

Once upon a time in an unknown country there lived a royal couple
endowed with almost all the blessings of God. Their palace was
decorated with all kinds of precious stones, diamonds, sapphires,
and emeralds. They were often honored with visits from