114 GIBBS. 



The scope of this investigation has been confined to the sap produc- 

 tion, its commercial status and possibilities. 



THE NIPA DISTEICT WHICH BORDERS ON MANILA BAT. 



This district ranks first in area and commercial importance. Its 

 development is largely due to its proximity to Manila, which is the main 

 market for the alcohol, and to the fact that labor questions in this locality 

 cause less trouble to the owners and distillers than in other provinces 

 of the Islands. Since the conditions which have been developed in 

 this district are characteristic of what can be done in many other places, 

 and also, since the major portion of the investigation was carried on in 

 it, this nipa swamp is more fully described. 



An ideal habitat for this plant is found in a very extensive plain 

 scarcely above sea level on the north side of Manila Bay. The three rivers, 

 the Vetis, the Grande de Pampanga, and the Chico, on reaching this 

 plain divide and subdivide into many channels and waterways, which, 

 as they approach the bay, repeat the process and form innumerable 

 islands, large and small, upon which the nipa palm thrives. The land 

 io gradually encroaching upon the water area, because of the silt depos- 

 ited by the rivers. The nipa is quick to take advantage of any foothold 

 it may obtain, and while it may not occupy the outposts of vegetation 

 it assists in holding the deposited soil, and hastens the encroachment 

 upon the sea, at the same time extending its own area for growth. 



This nipa area lies in the Provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga, on the Island 

 of Luzon, and extends along Manila Bay for 32 kilometers. The average width 

 is about 5 kilometers, but in some places the growth of plants extends up the 

 rivers for a distance of about 16 kilometers from the bay. The area is con- 

 servatively estimated at 18,000 hectares. A considerable portion of these swamp 

 lands is owned or controlled by various large distilleries, the headquarters of 

 which are in Manila. The largest holdings are: Ayala and Company, in Pam- 

 panga, 3,800 hectares; Paulino Estrella, Hagonoy, Bulacan, 800 hectares; the 

 municipality of Hagonoy, 437 hectares; and Benito Mojica, Pampanga, 400 

 hectares. Only about 30 per cent of the total area of this district is at present 

 being utilized, namely, that part which lies along the edges of the waterways 

 and is easy of access and within short walking distances of the distilleries. It 

 is estimated by Mr. Augusto Yrastorza ^ that 6,450 hectares are at present being 

 worked for the sap. 



On some of the nipa estates, artificial canals have been dredged to extend 

 the areas fitted for the gro^vth of the plant and to make all parts of the estate 

 accessible in small boats. In many places as new canals have been completed 

 the plants have been greatly increased in nmnbers by cultivation, transplanting, 

 and the distribution of seeds. In others the nipa area is being reduced by the 

 turning over of the land to the construction of fish ponds, which appear for the 

 moment to be productive of a greater income from the investment. 



^ Mr. Yrastorza is manager of the distillery of Ynchausti and Company at 

 Hagonoy, Barrio Santo Rosario, Bulacan. I am greatly indebted to him for much 

 information and kindness shown me while visiting the plant. 



