The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-06

inch in length, are among the worst pests of the region. When they bite they jab their spear-like heads so deep into the flesh that their bodies are usually torn apart in dislodging them. It is necessary to cover the folding cots upon which tray- eiers sleep with strong mosquito netting. but though it is possible to keep out centipedes and mosquitos in this way, the ever-present ants still make life misera- ble for the tired traveller.
 Big Game Abounds.
 Hunting is fine, big game abounding' Deer are as thick throughout the island as cottontail rabbits in many uninhabited regions of our own country. The entire interior of the island is dense forest, save for the small patches here and there cultivated in a way by the natives.
 The chattering of monkeys, is contnu- ally heard. Parrots and wild chickens, with beautiful red plumage, are among the numerous feathered inhabitants of the woods. Many of the island rivers are practically fishless, crocodiles of immense size possessing the waters.
 Brilliant Flora.
 The gorgeous and brilliant coloring of the flowers and vines of the forest jun- gles defy description. Orchids of all coll ors and of rare beauty are found every. where growing in great profusion. Ere quently from five to ten different plants, covered with blossoms, festoon the over hanging branches of the same tree.
 The Finest of Hemp. The quality of hemp grown on the is- land of Mindanao is said to be far SUI perior to that produced on any of the other 1199 islands composing the Philip pine group. When planted it is put out with a distance of ten feet between each root, and at the end of three years time the entire space is filed The natives re- fuse to pull hemp for pay other than one half the crop. They have no use for money, and everything they possess is traded for Gutta percha fields are nu- merous, and the inhabitants gather the sap, not by puncturing the trees. but by cutting them down and draining. The gutta percha Is exchanged with the Chi nese coast traders for ciotn, not much of which is required, for among most of the tribes their wearing apparel consists of c strings.
 Hoofed Feet.
 No shoes are worn or other foot cov- ering, and none are required. hoof-like growths rendering the feet, which are ol dStoIlSHlIlS SlZe, Sdle lfotii UT uiScs' The Moros are much taller than other Filipinos. averaging apout feet 8 inches. The women are strong and of heavier build than the men. and are ex- ceedingly expert in carrying heavily laden bamoo trays upon their heads.
 Not Beauties.
 Smallpox has added its dishguring marks to the scars. sores, and other blemishes which make hideous the faces and bodies of the islanders. They have no idea of the curative powers of herbs or plants. and a sick or wounded person or child is often left in the forest to die or get well as best possible. When death does overtake any of the tribesmen tho bodies are placed in a shallow grave, with no other covering than iayer of earth. Apparently no family or race af- lection exists,
 Abhor Grease,
 The Meros eat no grease whatever, claiming that by doing so they lese caste, Rice Is a favorite food. IL is rolled in pasm-leaf coverings which are slipped into hssahaa b,iAAs ajAAaaA tue sixs sS r-- ,