The capital is Tacloban, with a population of 5,226.  It is situated 338 miles from Manila.  Among the important towns are Baru, population 12,222; Borauen, 21,290; Cauyaia, 13,732; Dagami, 25,000; Hilongos, 13,713; Jaio, 12,475; Massiu, 18,499; Palo, 17,736; Tauauau, 18,509.

The island of Negros is mountainous and wild; its coasts are difficult of access, and the breakers strong, except on the west coast from Point Bulucabo on the north of Palompon on the west, where it is marshy.  A high mountain chain crosses it from Point Doong on the north to the harbor and point Bombonon on the south; from the last third extend several ramifications of high mountains, terminating on the coast at the extreme south and in the Sierra Dumaguete.  Its streams are not important, being short and of little value.  The ground is uneven but fertile.  The natives irrigate their estates, and produce tobacco, coffee, sugar cane, and wheat.  Manufactures consist in fabrics of abaca and canonegro, of which boat cables are made.  The interior of the island, covered with thick forests, is almost unexplored, being inhabited by a few savages.

The Province of Western Negros is situated on Negros Island, it is bounded on the north by the Visayas Sea, on the west by the Paragua Sea, and on the south and east by the Province of Eastern Negros.  The area is 1,929 square miles, and the population 226,995.

The capital is Bacolod, with a population of 6,268.  It is the residence of the politico-military governor, the secretary, judge, attorney-general, and several public functionaries.

It is situated 379 miles from Manila.

The Province of Negros has a population of 94,782—­the capital,
Dumaguete, 13,613.

The Province of Romblon consists of the following six islands:  Romblon (the principal one), Tablas, Sibuyan, Banton, Simara, and Maestre Campo.  It is bounded on the north by the Tayabas Sea, on the south by the Visayas Sea, on the east by the Sea of Masbate, and on the west by the Sea of Mindoro.  The area is 813 square miles, and the population 38,633, distributed among 13 barrios and 3 rancherias of infieles.

The capital is Romblon, with a population of 6,764.  It is situated on the harbor of the same name at the north of the island, 204 miles from Manila, and is the residence of the politico-military commander.

The Island and Province of Samar is situated to the southeast of Luzon, it is bounded en the north by the Strait of San Bernardino, on the south by the Jahanetes Canal, separating it from Leyte Island, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, and on the west by the Visayas Sea.  It is very mountainous, with high, steep coasts.  A number of sierras and mountains extend in various directions, forming valleys and glens fertilized by numerous rivers, which, however, have little current and volume.  The length of the island is 155 miles.  The chief products are abaca, rice, and cocoanuts, oil being extracted from