[Small output.] North Camarines yields no metal with the exception of the little gold obtained by the natives in so unprofitable a manner.  The king of Spain at first received a fifth, and then a tenth, of the produce; but the tax subsequently ceased.  In Morga’s time the tenth amounted on an average to $10,000 ("which was kept quite secret"); the profit, consequently, to above $100,000.  Gemelli Carreri was informed by the governor of Manila that gold to the value of $200,000 was collected annually without the help of either fire or quicksilver, and that Paracale, in particular, was rich in gold.  No data exist from which I could estimate the actual rate of produce; and the answers to several inquiries deserve no mention.  The produce is, at all events, very small, as well on account of the incompleteness of the mode of procedure as of the irregularity of labor, for the natives work only when they are compelled by necessity.

[Indang.] I returned down the stream in a boat to Indang, a comparatively flourishing place, of smaller population but more considerable trade than Daet; the export consisting principally of abaca, and the import of rice.

[Storms.] An old mariner, who had navigated this coast for many years, informed me that the same winds prevail from Daet as far as Cape Engano, the north-east point of Luzon.  From October to March the north-east wind prevails, the monsoon here beginning with north winds, which are of short duration and soon pass into the north-east; and in January and February the east winds begin and terminate the monsoon.  The heaviest rains fall from October to January, and in October typhoons sometimes occur.  Beginning from the north or north-east, they pass to the north-west, where they are most violent; and then to the north and east, sometimes as far as to the south-east, and even to the south.  In March and April, and sometimes in the beginning of May, shifting winds blow, which bring in the south-west monsoon; but the dry season, of which April and May are the driest months, is uninterrupted by rain.  Thunder storms occur from June to November; most frequently in August.  During the south-west monsoon the sea is very calm; but in the middle of the north-east monsoon all navigation ceases on the east coast.  In the outskirts of Baler rice is sown in October, and reaped in March and April.  Mountain rice is not cultivated.

CHAPTER XVI

[On foot to San Miguel bay.] Sending my baggage from Daet to Cabusao in a schooner, I proceeded on foot, by the road to that place, to the coast on the west side of the Bay of San Miguel.  We crossed the mouth of the river in a boat, which the horses swam after; but they were soon abandoned from unfitness.  At the mouth of the next river, Sacavin, the water was so high that the bearers stripped themselves naked and carried the baggage over on their heads.  In simple jacket and cotton hose, I found this precaution