248 
CRUISE OF E.M.S. CHALLENGER . 
moderated, when a vessel apparently in distress was 
observed on the horizon. Our course was altered, 
and as we neared the stranger, grand visions of prize- 
money or salvage flitted through our brain ; but on 
closing it was found to be a miserable old brig of 
some 50 or 60 tons, without either masts, cargo, or 
anything else, all having been cleared out before 
•being abandoned. Still we took her in tow, passing 
along the west coast of Luzon, its bold outlines and 
rugged volcanic ranges, covered with luxuriant 
tropical vegetation, in full view. 
The next day, January 11th, we entered the 
harbour of Manilla. Soon after anchoring we 
were visited by the various officials, and by repre- 
sentatives from the Spanish, Russian, and Prussian 
vessels in port. One of our own vessels was also 
here, H.M.S. Elk , homeward bound from the China 
station. Just before we left Hong Kong, Admiral 
Shadwell had received a telegram from England 
announcing the proclamation of Don Alfonso as 
King of Spain, and we were the first to bring 
the news to the Philippines. It was difficult at 
first for the Spanish colonists to really credit the 
news, coming on them so unexpectedly. It caused 
no excitement, nor were there any steps taken by 
the authorities to make it public. 
The city of Manilla (proper) is surrounded by 
ramparts, and has running through it a broad river, 
navigable for ten miles, up which we went in the 
