Sometimes, however, they change rapidly from the east to the south, in which quarter they first acquire their greatest force. According to a widely-spread tradition, the settlement was originally in Samar itself, in the middle of the rice-fields, which continue to the present day in that place, until the repeated inroads of sea-pirates drove the inhabitants, in spite of the inconvenience attending it, to protect themselves by settling on the south coast of the little island, which rises steeply out of the sea. I passed the night in a small hut, which was quickly erected for me, and on the following day attempted to pass up the river as far as the limits of the crystalline rock, but in vain. 192] twelve feet broad, flows from the east, depositing silicious sinter at its edges. Mountain rice is more remunerative than watered rice about in the proportion of nine to eight. On new ground, or what we may term virgin soil, the cane often grows to a height of thirteen feet. The houses in the city are generally of stone, plastered, and white or yellow washed on the outside. The best Manila hemp ought to be white, dry, and of a long and fine fiber.
This drive is enlivened by the music of the different regiments, who bank of america decision credit card at this time to be seen manoeuvering on the Prado. From appearances, however, I should think they were composed by the priests, who have not a little taxed their invention to find out the different modes in which a man can be put to death. We saw the fishermen engaged in trolling and using the line; but the manner of taking fish which has been heretofore described is chiefly practised.