27G MANILLA. 



for much of the information that will be detailed in the following 



D 



chapter. 



A number of vessels were lying in the roads, among which were 

 several Americans loading with hemp. There was also a large English 

 East Indiaman, manned by Lascars, whose noise rendered her more 

 like a floating Bedlam than any thing else to which I can liken it. 



The view of the city and country around Manilla partakes both of 

 a Spanish and an Oriental character. The sombre and heavy-looking 

 churches, with their awkward towers; the long lines of batteries 

 mounted with heavy cannon ; the massive houses, with ranges of 

 balconies; and the light and airy cottage, elevated on posts, situated 

 in the luxuriant groves of tropical trees, — all excite a desire to become 

 better acquainted with the country. 



Manilla is situated on an extensive plain, gradually swelling into 

 distant hills, beyond which, again, mountains rise in the background, 

 to the height of several thousand feet. The latter are apparently 

 clothed with vegetation to their summits. The city is in strong con- 

 trast to this luxuriant scenery, bearing evident marks of decay, particu- 

 larly in the churches, whose steeples and tile roofs have a dilapidated 

 look. The site of the city does not appear to have been well chosen, 

 it having apparently been selected entirely for the convenience of com- 

 merce, and the communication that the outlet of the lake affords for 

 the batteaux that transport the produce from the shores of the Laguna 

 de Bay to the city. 



There are many arms or branches to this stream, which have been 

 converted into canals ; and almost any part of Manilla may now be 

 reached in a banca. 



In the afternoon, in company with Captain Hudson, I paid my first 

 visit to Manilla. The anchorage considered safest for large ships is 

 nearly three miles from the shore, but smaller vessels may lie much 

 nearer, and even enter the canal; a facility of which a number of these 

 Jake advantage, to accomplish any repairs they may have occasion to 

 ,nake. 



The canal, however, is generally filled with coasting vessels, batteaux 

 from the lake, and lighters for the discharge of the vessels lying in the 

 roads. The bay of Manilla is safe, excepting during the change of the 

 monsoons, when it is subject to the typhoons of the China Seas, within 

 whose range it lies. These blow at times with much force, and cause 

 great damage. Foreign vessels have, however, kept this anchorage, 

 and rode out these storms in safety ; but native as well as Spanish 

 vessels, seek at these times the port of Cavile, about three leagues to 

 the southwest, at the entrance of the bay, which is perfectly secure. 



