Geography anatomiz'd, or, The compleat geographical grammar being a short and exact analysis of the whole body of modern geography after a new and curious method / collected from the best authors and illustrated with divers maps by Pat. Gordon ...

§. 2. The Philippin Islands.

THESE Islands (discovered by Magellan, Anno 1520) are term'd by the Italians, Philippine; by * 1.1 the Spaniards, Islas de Philippe; by the French, Philip∣pines; by the Germans, Philippinische Insuln; and by the English, The Philippin Islands; so call'd from Philip II. of Spain, in whose time they began to be inhabited by Spaniards.

The Air of these Islands is very moderate notwith∣standing they lie so near the Line The opposite Place * 1.2 of the Globe to them, is the Northmost part of Brasil.

The Soil of these Islands is generally very fertil, producing in great abundance most sorts of Grain, * 1.3 Herbs, and Fruits. They are also very fit for Pastu∣rage, and several of 'em are well furnish'd with some rich Mines of Gold, and other Metals. The length of the Days and Nights in these Islands, is much the same as in the Southern Parts of China, they both lying under the same Parallels of Latitude.

The chief Commodities of these Islands, are Rice, Pulse, Wax, Honey, Sugar-Canes, Gold, Cotton-Wooll, &c. * 1.4

In the Sea surrounding these Islands, is frequently seen a sort of Fish or Sea-Monster, about the bigness * 1.5 of a Calf, which in Shape doth much resemble the an∣cient Sirenes, so famous among the Poets; whence our English Na∣vigators term it the Woman-Fish, because its Head, Face, Neck, and Breast, are somewhat like those of the fair Sex. In several of the Philippins are some little Vulcano's, especially those of the Island Tandaia.

Here is one Spanish Archbishoprick, viz. that of Manilla, * 1.6

And subject to him are several Suffragan Bishops, * 1.7 but their Number and Titles are uncertain.

Universities in these Islands. None. * 1.8

The Natives of these Islands are generally a Coura∣gious and valiant sort of People, maintaining still their * 1.9 Liberty in several places: They're said to be Civil and Honest enough in their Dealings with the Chineses and Europeans, but most of 'em have a great Aversion to the Spaniards, having been extremely ill us'd by that Nation in divers respects.

The prevailing Language in these Islands, is the Spanish, which is not only in use among the Spaniards * 1.10 themselves, but is also understood and spoken by many of the Natives: As for the Language peculiar to 'em, we can give no particular Account thereof, save only its near Affinity to the Malay Tongue

These Islands being mostly subject to the King of Spain, are rul'd by a particular Vice Roy appointed * 1.11 by his Catholick Majesty, whose place of Residence is in Luconia, the biggest of 'em all. The Natives (as aforesaid) do still retain their Liberties in several places, especially in the Isle of Mindana, where those People call'd Hilanoones (i. e. Mountaineers) Sologues and Alfoores, acknowledge nothing of Subjection to the Spanish Power. * 1.12

Many of the milder sort of the Natives are instruct∣ed in, and make Profession of the Christian Religion; * 1.13 and that by the care and diligence of Roman Missiona∣ries sent thither from time to time. The rest being of a savage and intractable Temper, continue still in the thick Mist of Paga∣nism. The Spaniards here residing, are the same in Religion with those in Spain.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Name.
• * 1.2

  Air.
• * 1.3

  Soil.
• * 1.4

  Commodities.
• * 1.5

  Rarities.
• * 1.6

  Archbishopricks.
• * 1.7

  Bishopricks,
• * 1.8

  Universities.
• * 1.9

  Manners.
• * 1.10

  Language.
• * 1.11

  Government.
• * 1.12

  Arms.
• * 1.13

  Religion.