6.  There are but few quadrupeds [78] that are not found in the other islands:  porcupines, armadillos, tezones, leopards, colcobos, and certain very beautiful foxes, but of the same species as the stink-foxes of Peru, and very pestilent.  They come to the houses in their greed for fowls, among which they cause considerable havoc.  But whether it is due to their urine or some other posterior evacuation, such is their stench that is necessary to abandon the house for a time, as it is unendurable.  There are many and rare birds.  Royal peacocks are very common; they are but slightly larger than a hen, though without any difference from the large peacocks of India in the vividness of their colors.  Several efforts have been made to domesticate them, but in vain; they become greatly depressed, and soon die.  There are nightingales that sing harmoniously near the coolness of the small streamlets, repeating their melodious trills, and gifted with most nimble throats.  There are many varieties of parrots of brilliant colors; green, white, and vari-colored pigeons; squirrels or paniquesas, of several distinct species—­some are white with a black ring which sets them off well; there are some with wings and some with membranes that facilitate their flight, although that is but short.  It is known that the land is one continuous mineral district.  Extensions of pure iron jut from the shores laid bare by the breaking of the waves, as rocky shoals.  There are others of vitriol or verdigris, in very rich veins.  It must be that the centers of the mountains are like this.  The island abounds in exquisite and healthful waters, now in the springs, now in the large rivers—­so many in number that sixty-seven are counted from Catbuli to the bay of Ypolote, on the side and coast of the east.  Numerous tribes live there.  In the roughest locations the Aetas or black Cimarrones are gathered.  Along the rivers and level farm lands the natives are of a lighter complexion, and less ugly in feature.  This island is peculiar in what we have already mentioned, namely, that earthquakes are not experienced there.  But there are stormy clouds that emit vivid lightnings and terrifying thunder.  But we have not heard that the fury of the thunderbolts is in those clouds, or results from them, for the inhabitants of Paragua have experienced none of those ravages.  Consequently, they do not have any words or terms peculiar to their language, for these or for earthquakes, which is a very convincing proof....

7.  The coasts, bays, and rivers of that large island abound plentifully in divers and savory fish.  In the bay of Malampaya, opposite Taytay, in the same district as Manila, although with a clear and deep bottom, there are many islands, which beautify the bay with their foliage.  A vast multitude of vicudas enter the great rivers at the spawning season—­a fine cod-fish that differs in no wise from that of Terranova [i.e., Newfoundland], and when fresh