THE ISLANDS AND THEIR POPULATION 53 
mate predominance among the many nationalities of 
the islands between these two. 
Situated between the Tagalog and the Bisaya, and 
on the whole affiliated more closely with the latter, 
although situated in southern Luzon, are the Bikol, 
also a considerable people, numbering about two-thirds 
of a million. 
To the north of the Tagalog, the first Christian nation 
encountered are the Pampanga in the fertile lowlands of 
the river and province of this name. They became 
ready converts to Christianity and Spanish rule, and 
the early records abound with praises of the bravery 
and fidelity for which they were distinguished among 
the native soldiers in the service of the King of Spain. 
Beyond, in the Province of Zambales, are the Sambal, 
somewhat off the main tracks of communication, and 
subjugated considerably later than the other Christian 
peoples. As might be expected, they therefore lag 
somewhat behind in their general advancement. They 
are also much the smallest of the recognized Christian 
nationalities. 
Farther north are the Pangasinan, also in the prov- 
ince of the same name. The Spaniards had trouble 
with them at first, but they have long since joined the 
other converts and are now prosperous in their rich 
bottomlands. 
Along the narrow strip of coast known as North and 
South Ylocos are the Ilokano, a million strong, and the 
third greatest people in the islands. The Ylocos coast 
was rather heavily populated at the time of discovery, 
and has long since proved insufficient to hold the entire 
mass of this people. They have spread southward and 
eastward along the coast, and up and down the larger 
river valleys, encroaching upon the Sambal, Pangasinan, 
and Cagayan, often assimilating them and threatening 

