Narrative of the Circumnavigation of the Globe by the Austrian Frigate Novara, Volume II (Commodore B. Von Wullerstorf-Urbair,) Undertaken by Order of the Imperial Government in the Years 1857, 1858, & 1859, Under the Immediate Auspices of His I. and R. Highness the Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, Commander-In-Chief of the Austrian Navy.

CHAPTER XIII.

Chapter 4189 wordsPublic domain

MANILA.

Historical notes relating to the Philippines.--From Cavite to Manila.--The river Pasig.--First impressions of the city.--Its inhabitants.--Tagales and Negritoes.--Preponderating influence of monks.--Visit to the four chief monasteries.--Conversation with an Augustine Monk.--Grammars and Dictionaries of the idioms chiefly in use in Manila.--Reception by the Governor-general of the Philippines.--Monument in honour of Magelhaens.--The "Calzada."--Cock-fighting.--"Fiestas Reales."--Causes of the languid trade with Europe hitherto.--Visit to the Cigar-manufactories.--Tobacco cultivation in Luzon and at the Havanna.--Abáca, or Manila hemp.--Excursion to the "Laguna de Bay."--A row on the river Pasig.--The village of Patero.-- Wild-duck breeding.--Sail on the Lagoon.--Plans for canalization.--Arrival at Los Baños.--Canoe-trip on the "enchanted sea."--Alligators.--Kalong Bats.--Gobernador and Gobernadorcillo.--The Poll-tax.--A hunt in the swamps of Calamba.--Padre Lorenzo.--Return to Manila.--The "Pebete."--The military Library.--The civil and military Hospital.-- Ecclesiastical processions.--Ave Maria.--Tagalian merriness.-- Condiman.--Lunatic Asylum.--Gigantic serpent thirty-two years old.--Departure.--Chinese pilots.--First glimpse of the coasts of the Celestial Empire.--The Lemmas Channel.--Arrival in Hong-kong Harbour. 281