THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS 29 



are so closely and compactly situated, with such narrow 

 straits between them, that their appearance is that of a 

 single great island which has l^een broken up by submer- 

 sion and volcanic action. There is, indeed, no other 

 archipelago in the world which contains so many islands 

 so compactly massed together. 



Lying entirely within the tropics, with an infinitely 

 diversified coast outline, with mountain ranges having a 

 mean elevation of 3000 to 4000 feet, and isolated 

 volcanoes rising to a height of 8000 to 10,000 feet, the 

 Philippines possess all the conditions for the most 

 luxuriant tropical vegetation, and all the elements of the 

 finest tropical scenery. Everywhere the land is abund- 

 antly watered, and abounds in rivers and streams, and 

 upland and lowland lakes. In truth, the archipelago is 

 in almost every respect fully worthy to be compared 

 with the most famous tropical regions, such as Brazil, 

 Java, and Ceylon. The light green foliage of the low- 

 lands contrasts vividly with the pine forests of the lofty 

 mountain summits, for here the conifers are wedded to 

 the palm, while the lowland streams are fringed with 

 feathery bamboos. Half concealed by coco-nut palms lie 

 the towns and villages, amid the vivid green of the rice 

 fields and sugar plantations ; while the woodlands and 

 gardens are beautiful with the dazzling hues of their 

 blossoms and fruits. From this vegetation the native 

 women seem to haA^e acquired the art of clothing them- 

 selves in the brightest colours witliout offending our 

 more educated taste. For here the wealth of colour in 

 which plants, animals, and man himself are arrayed, 

 harmonises perfectly with the fulness of light poured 

 down by a fierce tropical sun on the bosom of the 

 earth. But, despite this glorious vegetation, no more 

 here than elsewhere does mankind enjoy the cup of 



