PHILIPPINE FIBERS AND FIBROUS SUBSTANCES. 255 



tions for a paper-pulp industry making use of this grass, for the follow- 

 ing reasons : 



First. Masbate possesses extensive areas of rolling lands covered with 

 comparatively clear stands of cogon grass. 



Second. There are numerous well-protected deep-water harbors ad- 

 jacent to the grass lands. 



Third. Clear water for steaming and manufacturing purposes is avail- 

 able. 



Fourth. Large undeveloped deposits of a good grade of limestone are 

 at hand in several places. 



Fifth. Coal of fair quality has been located near Cataingan on the 

 east coast and mangrove wood for fuel is abundant in or near all of 

 the harbors. 



In the event of serious inquiry by prospective investors, the following 

 points in Masbate should receive attention in the order named; Aroroy, 

 on the north, Mandawan on the west, and Cataingan on the east coast. 

 The latter has the chief advantage in respect to the local coal deposits, 

 but is at a disadvantage because of large private land grants employed 

 for grazing purposes at the present time. 



Labor is scarcer in Masbate than in the majority of the. other islands 

 and offers the only serious difficulty which would be encountered. 



