r
the islands of Ymaras, Cuyo, Bacbatan, Sivahi, Similara, Buracay,
Anbil, Simara, Osaygan, Banton, Donblon, Cibuyan, and over the
larger populated section of Negros Island--namely, from the cape of
Sitaravaan to Siparay, an extent of more than twenty leagues. Banton,
which is the last island of this jurisdiction, lies about fifty-five
or fifty-six leagues from the town of Arevalo.

_Island of Cagaian._ Sailing south-southeast from the town of Arevalo,
one comes to the open sea; for there are no other islands in that
direction except the ones called Cagayan--two low islets about fifteen
leagues from the island of Panay. They are surrounded by many low
reefs; and unless their narrow entry is well known, the ships which go
there encounter great dangers. These islands have about four hundred
inhabitants, all of whom are very skilful ship-builders. It is said
that a few years ago the natives peopled these islands in order to
fortify themselves by the reefs, for fear of the pirates. Then they
undertook to return to the island of Panay in order to dwell there;
but very many of their women died there. Seeing this, as they are
soothsayers they returned to the islands of Cagayan, whence they set
out every year, and scatter themselves over all the islands to build
ships. These Indians of Cagayan have made his Majesty's ships in
these islands, as well as the galleys, galliots, and fragatas. They
also help in repairing and righting ships. Being therefore the most
important people in these islands, the adelantado Miguel Lopez de
Legazpi allotted the islands of Cagayan to the encomenderos of Negros
Island. Afterwards it seemed best to put them under his Majesty's
control. Thus the town of Arevalo holds jurisdiction over an extent
of about two hundred and fifty leagues.

Chapter Third

_Of the Island of Lucon_

_Island of Lucon_. The island of Lucon is the most important island of
the whole group which has been discovered. It is thickly populated and
well-provided with rice and gold-mines. These mines have yielded much
gold, especially in the province of Ylocos. This island is divided
into three provinces, the chief of which is that wherein was founded
the city of Manilla, the capital of this kingdom and the seat of the
governor. Hither flock more Spaniards than are found in all the other
islands. One league and a half from this city is the port of Cavite,
where the ships from Nueva Espana anchor. The ships from China ent