GEOGKArmCAL FEATURES. 
123 
But it will be as well, in the first instance, to give a 
short account of the geographical features of this group, 
which forms the northern extreme of the Indian Archi- 
pelago. It consists of a mass of mountains, the peaks of 
which are often active volcanoSj with alluvial plains, occa- 
sionally of great extent, lying at their base* As in all 
volcanic couutries, the soil possesses great natural fertihty, 
which is here displayed in the production of a vegetation 
scarcely less vigoi-ona and Itixuriant than that of New 
Guinea. A portion of the plains, more especially on the 
western side of Luzon, the largest and northernmost of 
the group, is ijnder cultivation ; but the mountains, for 
the most part, remain iu theii* natural condition, covered 
with lofty trees and a thick growth of underwood, or 
forming peaks and precipices inaccessible to any animal 
less active than a savage. Here, and here only, the 
Papuans are now to be found, sometimes holding friendly 
iutercourse, and exchanging the produce of then* moun- 
tains, with the brown races of the plains, but more 
generally living secluded in their fastnesses, and attacking 
all iudiseriminately who venture to approach their 
domains. 
The name bestowed on them by the Spaniards is 
"Negritos," or little negroes, but that of "Itaa" or 
"Abetaa''* seems to be their usual appellation among the 
planters and villagers of the plains. They are well 
formed and sprightly, but very low in stature, as they 
taiely exceed four feet and a half in height. Their 
colour is a shade or two lighter than that of the races of 
Africa, and their features are less negro-Hke, the nose, 
♦ Written " Ajetas/* but pronounced as above. 
G 3 
