The historical part of Morga’s account ends here; and the final chapter is devoted to a description of the islands and their people, the customs and religious beliefs of the natives, and the condition at that time of the Spanish colony and the city of Manila.  He describes the principal islands of the Philippine group, beginning with Luzon; the various races of inhabitants—­Moros, Negritos, and Visayans:  their mode of dress, their occupations and industries, their habits of life; their weapons, their ships and boats; the trees and fruits of the islands; the animals and birds, both wild and tame; the reptiles, fishes, and other creatures; and various plants.  Among these is the buyo (or betel); the habit of chewing it has become universal among the Spaniards, of all classes, and poison is often administered through its medium.  Various means and methods of poisoning are described, as well as some antidotes therefor.  Some account is given of the gold mines and pearl fisheries, and of other products of the country which form articles of commerce.  Morga describes the two great lakes of Luzon (Bombon and Bai), Manila and its harbor and approaches, and other principal ports, with some neighboring islands; and gives some account of the Visayan people and the larger islands inhabited by them, and of the tides in the archipelago.  Then follows an interesting and detailed account of the Filipino peoples, their language, customs, beliefs, etc.  The language used in Luzon and other northern islands is different from that of the Visayas; but all the natives write, expressing themselves fluently and correctly, and using a simple alphabet which resembles the Arabic.  Their houses, and their mode of life therein, arc fully described; also their government, social organization, and administration of justice.  The classes and status of slaves, and the causes of enslavement are recounted.  Their customs in marriages and dowries, divorces, adoption, and inheritance are described; also in usury, trading, and punishment for crimes.  The standard of social purity is described by Morga as being very low; yet infamous vices were not indigenous with them, but communicated by foreigners, especially by the Chinese.  The natives of Luzon appear to be superior, both intellectually and morally, to the Visayan peoples.  Their religious beliefs and practices are recounted by Morga, who naturally ascribes these to the influence of the devil.  He also narrates the entrance of Mahometanism into the islands, and how it was checked by the coming of the Spaniards.

Morga next sketches the condition at that time of Spanish colonies in the islands.  He describes the city of Manila in detail, with its fortifications, arsenals, government and municipal buildings, cathedral, and convents; also the seminary of Santa Potenciana, and the hospitals.  There are six hundred houses, mostly built of stone, within the walls, and even more in the suburbs; “and all are the habitations