94 STOCK OF PROVISIONS. [1846. 



the fort, where it abuts and forms a fresh cluster, 

 apparently, of fishermen's houses. It is at this spot that 

 their wells are dug, on which it appears they are entirely 

 dependent for water, and which being partially infiltrated 

 from the sea is not particularly pure. The houses are 

 constructed on posts, having the floor raised about six 

 feet above the earth forming beneath the customary pig- 

 sty, poultry pen, and receptacle for the filth of the house, 

 similar to most of the Bisayan villages. Cattle appeared 

 to flourish, and several were procured at moderate prices 

 (six to ten dollars) for the crew, as well as some tolerably 

 large hogs. Poultry were also moderate, but vegetables 

 scarce. Cocoa-nuts abound, and as the milk of this fruit, 

 averaging three half-pints per nut, very much conduced 

 to the health, as well as gratification, of our crew, a suffi- 

 cient stock was procured. 



The principal part of the active population was absent 

 on their fishing excursion to the Island of Calusa, situated 

 about fifteen miles to the westward. The natives of both 

 sexes are a fine clean-limbed people, superior to the 

 general race of Bisayans noticed elsewhere. This may 

 possibly arise from the greater prevalence of fishing pur- 

 suits, which I have noticed in many parts of the world to 

 produce a corresponding clearness of complexion and 

 brightness of eye, almost constituting a superior breed. 



The first instance in which I recollect to have noticed 

 this, was at Cape Blanco in 1 832, where we met the fishing 

 vessels of the Canaries, and it was remarked generally 

 that the people engaged in these were of a lighter, clearer 

 complexion, and superior address ; so much so, as to elicit 

 the remark, " that they appeared gentlemen in disguise." 



