80 STOCK AND PROVISIONS. [1845. 



day following I visited the village in the depth of the 

 bay, and succeded in obtaining wood, water, Bullocks, 

 and vegetables. We had been informed that Bullocks and 

 stock would be met with here in greater abundance and 

 perfection than at our garden of Eden, Batan. This we 

 found to be totally at variance with fact, as well as the dis- 

 position of the population. All the cattle produced were 

 infinitely inferior, and dearer ; and with respect to vege- 

 tables, Pumpkins were the only kind to be obtained, and 

 those not without some difficulty. The supplies at this 

 spot may possibly depend upon the notice given, and are, 

 doubtless, kept concealed in the interior, as it was upon 

 this place that the Illanons, a few years since, made a 

 descent over the neck of land, which is accessible from 

 the south, ransacked the village, and carried off all the 

 marketable boys and girls. Our arrival there on the first 

 day probably excited suspicion ; but when we did pay our 

 visit, we found the prices most exorbitant, fowls being 

 nearly as dear as in Manila. The bay is pretty free from 

 dangers at the mouth, and good holding ground will be 

 found in depths between ten and twenty fathoms. Within 

 the former depth it suddenly shoals, and several lines of 

 coral ledge bar the inner depths of the bay from direct 

 access, although excellent shelter would be found by a 

 vessel moored between these barriers, to which they 

 might easily be conducted. At the village, a brisk rivulet 

 supplies most excellent water ; but boats cannot fill ex- 

 cepting at high water. We found large stacks of very 

 nicely prepared fire-wood, probably intended for Manila 



therefore, Looc Say is incorrect ; as the town is patronized by San 

 Rafael, the Bay should bear his name. 



