Island of Donblon. The island of Donblon lies between Cibuyan and the island of Tablas.  It is seven leagues in circumference and three leagues wide.  Donblon is inhabited by nearly two hundred and fifty Indians, and abounds in wax.  This island and that of Banton come under one of the Panay encomenderos, and under the jurisdiction of the town of Arevalo.  The jurisdiction of this town extends also over the islands of Ymaras, Cuyo, Bacbatan, Sivahi, Similara, Buracay, Anbil, Simara, Osaygan, Banton, Donblon, Cibuyan, and over the larger populated section of Negros Island—­namely, from the cape of Sitaravaan to Siparay, an extent of more than twenty leagues.  Banton, which is the last island of this jurisdiction, lies about fifty-five or fifty-six leagues from the town of Arevalo.

Island of Cagaian. Sailing south-southeast from the town of Arevalo, one comes to the open sea; for there are no other islands in that direction except the ones called Cagayan—­two low islets about fifteen leagues from the island of Panay.  They are surrounded by many low reefs; and unless their narrow entry is well known, the ships which go there encounter great dangers.  These islands have about four hundred inhabitants, all of whom are very skilful ship-builders.  It is said that a few years ago the natives peopled these islands in order to fortify themselves by the reefs, for fear of the pirates.  Then they undertook to return to the island of Panay in order to dwell there; but very many of their women died there.  Seeing this, as they are soothsayers they returned to the islands of Cagayan, whence they set out every year, and scatter themselves over all the islands to build ships.  These Indians of Cagayan have made his Majesty’s ships in these islands, as well as the galleys, galliots, and fragatas.  They also help in repairing and righting ships.  Being therefore the most important people in these islands, the adelantado Miguel Lopez de Legazpi allotted the islands of Cagayan to the encomenderos of Negros Island.  Afterwards it seemed best to put them under his Majesty’s control.  Thus the town of Arevalo holds jurisdiction over an extent of about two hundred and fifty leagues.

Chapter Third

Of the Island of Lucon

Island of Lucon.  The island of Lucon is the most important island of the whole group which has been discovered.  It is thickly populated and well-provided with rice and gold-mines.  These mines have yielded much gold, especially in the province of Ylocos.  This island is divided into three provinces, the chief of which is that wherein was founded the city of Manilla, the capital of this kingdom and the seat of the governor.  Hither flock more Spaniards than are found in all the other islands.  One league and a half from this city is the port of Cavite, where the ships from Nueva Espana anchor.  The ships from China enter also through the river of this