The bishopric of Cibu has the largest jurisdiction, as it includes all the islands to the east, such as Leite, Babao, Maripi, Tinagon, Panaon, the island of Negros, and that of Oton.  Westward are Cebuyan and Romblon; and to the south the island of Mindanao, which is almost as large as that of Luzon.  There is in it a great deal of cinnamon, rich gold mines, and considerable civet; and so large a number of civet-cats that they do no more than catch them with snares, take the civet out and set them free again, and thus profit by them without furnishing them with food.  There are many other islands, and from there to the Malucos it must be about eighty leguas.  In all these islands there is collected a great deal of wax and honey, which is produced in the woods, and which, accordingly, the Indians do not cultivate.  The bees are small and dark-colored, and do not live in the hollows of trees and rocks, but build their nests among the branches—­using on them a dark, coarse wax, which is so strong that, even though it rains hard, not a drop of water enters.  So much is gathered there that not only are we all supplied cheaply, but there are sent to Nueva Espana, Japon, and China more than two thousand quintals each year.  There are many deer, not so slender as are ours; and there are no other animals.  There are many wood-fowl, smaller than ordinary ones, but more palata le; and which have breasts like partridges.  There are in the forests certain shoots called bejucos, which they use as we do osiers here; but they are much better, some of them being as thick as one’s thumb, and even larger, and six or eight brazas long.  When they are thirsty, the Indians cut off a braza, and a quartillo of fluid runs out of it, which is good and healthful.  There are certain canes [i.e., bamboos], some of which are as thick as one’s thigh, and others smaller, and five or six brazas long; of these the poor Indians construct their houses, without other material—­walls, floors, roofs, posts, and stairs.

There are certain palms which bear a fruit called cocoanuts (which are ordinarily brought to Espana from Guinea); these are such an aid to human life that from them, or rather from the cocoanuts, they obtain the commonest oil of that country, which is as excellent for wounds, even though they be deep ones, as that of aparicio.  From this tree they obtain wine which is the common beverage of that country; strong vinegar, which is good for the table; and milk like that of almonds, to serve with rice, and which curdles like real milk.  When it is soft the fruit is like green hazel-nuts in taste, and better; and there is a serum for many ills and infirmities, which is called whey, as it looks much like that of milk.  It is there called tuba.  They make honey from this tree; also oakum with which to calk ships, which lasts in the water, when that from here would rot.  Likewise they make rigging, which they call cayro; and they make an excellent