Chirino next defines the bishoprics and religious provinces in the islands—­inserting in this account a description of the process of tattooing; and proceeds to relate how the Jesuits extended their labors to the Indian villages outside of Manila.  In the district of Balayan, they have baptized some seven thousand natives within ten years.  The village of Taitai is removed, by Chirino’s influence and the superstitious fears of the natives, to a more secure and healthful site.  He describes the customs of the natives in bathing, which is a universal and frequent practice among them.  On the shore of the lagoon of Bai are hot springs, which have already become a noted health resort.  Various trees native to the islands are described at length, as well as the Chinese method of reducing a large tree to a dwarf pot-plant.  Interesting particulars are given regarding the Bisayans and Negritos who inhabit Panay, and of a petty war between those peoples.  The Jesuits have done excellent missionary work there, in the district of Tigbauan; some particulars of this are related.  One of their number, Martin Henriquez, dies from overwork, and Chirino is ordered to return to Manila.  In June, 1595, eight more Jesuits come with Morga; and the missions of the order are now extended into Cebu, Leyte, and Samar.  A chapter is devoted to the pious labors and death of Father Antonio Sedeno.  In 1596 a large reenforcement of Jesuits arrives at the islands, headed by Francisco de Vera; and the work of the order there receives new impetus.  The missionaries in all the religious orders are able to master the native languages with so little difficulty that “it seems a gift from heaven.”  Chirino gives some account of these, illustrated with specimens of three—­Tagalan, Harayan, and Visayan—­with the alphabet used by the Filipinos.  He also praises the politeness, in word and act, of the Tagalos, and gives them credit for much musical ability.  A chapter is assigned to the native alphabet and mode of writing.  All, women as well as men, write and read; and they have already learned to do so in the Spanish language as well as in their own.

Chirino relates the progress of the Jesuit mission during the year 1596-97.  The curriculum of the Manila college is enlarged, and its church (which is described in detail) is completed.  A minute account is given of a nine days’ fiesta in honor of the relics of saints which are deposited in the church.  At this time is begun the practice of self-scourging as a voluntary penance.  The Jesuit church is frequented by the Indians in great numbers, not only on special occasions, but throughout the year:  and they display the utmost devotion, even forming among themselves a confraternity in honor of the relics.  Their piety shows practical results, especially in the modesty and virtue of their women, qualities which the heathen neither value nor desire; Chirino narrates some instances of triumphant virtue.  An account is given of the foundation and progress