other springs
than these trees. The method which they employ for obtaining the liquid
from the tree is to make some cuts or incisions in the trunk and the
thicker branches; and out of these is distilled and flows a clear,
sweet water, in ample quantities. But, to return to the subject
of the canes, it should be known that in our church of Manila were
erected two ladders, each of which had only two canes somewhat more
than eight brazas in length: the steps consisted of strips and slips
cut from the said cane. They were used in decorating the church and
each one would sustain at its top two or three men; they were erected
without any prop being needed to sustain them. Each cane was at the
lowest part about three palmos in circumference, which crosswise or
in diameter would be about one palmo. [47] These ladders are well
adapted to such needs, for being, as they are, strong and yet hollow,
they are not very heavy, or hard to move. From these canes they make
in China the whips which with three or four blows kill a man.

To this abundance and fertility was added the proximity of China,
India, Japon, Malaca, and Maluco. From China they not only began to
ship their riches in silks and glazed earthenware, as soon as they
learned of our wealth of four and eight real pieces; but they also
stocked the islands with cattle (which have since multiplied there
exceedingly) and with horses and mares, and great stock-farms have
been established. The Chinese have also supplied provisions, metals,
fruits, preserves and various luxuries, and even ink and paper;
and (what is of much more value) there have come tradesmen of every
calling--all clever, skilful, and cheap, from physicians and barbers
to carriers and porters. The Chinese are the tailors, the shoemakers,
the blacksmiths, the silversmiths, sculptors, locksmiths, painters,
masons and weavers; in short, they represent all the trades of
the community. Their labor is so cheap that a pair of shoes costs
no more than two reals, and so many are made that they have been
shipped even to Nueva Espana. From India, Malaca, and Maluco come to
Manila male and female slaves, white and black, children and adults;
the men are industrious and obliging, and many are good musicians;
the women excellent seamstresses, cooks, and preparers of conserves,
and are neat and clean in service. The islands also import drugs,
spices, and precious stones; marble, pearls, seed-pearls, carpets,
and other riches.