20, 1 Smith: Pidatan Oil Field, Cotabato, Mindanao 27 
any great detail. This is a mistake that some geologists and en- 
gineers from the United States are prone to make. 
Transportation.—Transportation to the Pidatan oil seep is 
first by launch from Cotabato to Fort Pikit, distant about 70 
to 80 kilometers; thence by horses and cargadores over the 
Government trail, distant about 60 kilometers. The last 1.5 
kilometers are exceedingly rough, and dangerous for horses, 
and should be made on foot. The trail (and this is practically 
the only trail worthy of the name in the region) as far as the 
forks, about 2 kilometers south of Banisilan, is a fairly good 
one. From this point to the seep the trail ascends gradually 
to an elevation of between 750 and 900 meters, and is exceed- 
ingly rough in places. The other branch of the trail continues to 
Banisilan, and is very good. The ford across Malitabug River 
below Banisilan is at times difficult to make, and during the 
rainy season practically impossible. 
The country is very sparsely inhabited, hence the absence 
of good trails; such trails as exist are almost concealed and 
overgrown by the high grass (cogon and tigbao) which runs 
riot. With the exception of Banisilan, where there are a Con- 
stabulary outpost and a Moro farm school, there is no settlement 
worthy of the name. However, at Bao, one day’s ride north 
of Pikit, there is a fairly good Government rest house with a 
telephone to Pikit and Cotabato. A few Moros and Manobos 
live in scattered groups of houses throughout this region. One 
sees scarcely more than a half dozen families in one settlement. 
The country is exceedingly wild and difficult, but gives one the 
impression of being capable of great development, particularly 
along agricultural lines. There is one small herd of cattle in 
the region which belongs to a Government company. For all 
supplies, transportation, etc., persons going into this region are 
dependent upon the Constabulary and upon Mr. Manion, the 
superintendent of the Moro Farm School at Banisilan. All 
arrangements of this kind should be made through the com- 
manding officer at Cotabato. The present commandant is Cap- 
tain Gutierrez, an exceptionally obliging and efficient officer; 
Captain Feria, at Fort Pikit, is an able second to Captain 
Gutierrez. Accommodations for small parties are available at 
Fort Pikit. Of course, any visitors to this country will natu- 
rally wish to visit Datu Piang, at Dulauan. Datu Piang is the 
most influential Moro in the province. Deputy Governor Abad, 
of Cotabato, who lives at the Agricultural Colony, just below 
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