268 



THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS 



creased by the introduction of improved machinery, skill, and 

 capital. 



Tobacco is an important crop, and Manila cheroots and cigars 

 are as famous and highly appreciated east of the Cape of Good 

 Hope as the Havana product is among western nations. The 

 quantity of the leaf raised is very great, but its cultivation is 

 capable of much further development. It has been estimated 

 that 20,000 or more persons find employment in its preparation 

 and the manufacture of cigars, exclusive of those who raise the 

 leaf. In one factoiy alone in the Binondo suburb of Manila 

 about 9,000 young women and girls are employed. Tobacco 

 was made a government monopoly by Captain-General Jose 

 Basco y Vargas in 1781, and remained so until July 1, 1882, 

 when the trade was thrown open. 



Rice is largely grown, but its use is so general and the demand 

 for home consumption so great that little is left for exportation, 

 although a market could always be found in China for any amount 

 that might be sent there. There are several varieties grown in 

 the islands, but they may be classified under two heads : the 

 upland or mountain rice and the water rice. The upland rice 



GIRLS MAKING CIGARS 



By courtesy of Leslie's Weekly 



