Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1905-10-06
IN MINDANAO.
The Great Wealth of Trees and
Plants i'm the Jungles.
" % fe-11HOI III DHttIulOIe oun-I


Camp Marabip, Mindanao, p. T..
No doubt there are thousands of
plants, orchids and other plants,
that are not classified IN these
islands jungle. Among the forests
are giant bamboo, hemp, rattan, ca
Gao, bananas, cocoanuts, butternuts:
also a great many palms, such as the
acasia, and such valuable hardwoods
as mahogany, rosewood, ironwood,
and, indeed, it is said that teak is
found In abundance in the northern
portion Of these magnificent and
balmy islands. Not being botanist,
| can hardly give even an ides Of the
vast growth of beautiful plant life
here. 1t Is probably much grande
than any found in the land of the
palmetto and magnolia in our own
great country. There are species of
aquatic plants and herbs here that
am sure are not even classified, and,
ln my opinion, this land would fur
nish vast fields for botanists and
biologists. i will venture to saw the
banana is Che chief article of food.
although rice is used quite as much.
The bamboo is the most useful of ali
tree life to the natives. From this
wonderful perennial plant articles of
turnltare, agricultural implements
and, indeed, holsts.are made.
The fruits here are of the finest
quality aud are extremely delicious,
such as the mango, banana and CO.
coanut. They also raise species of
orange here, but it is not so foe.
owing, | suppose, to the lack of cul.
tivation. Corn, potatoes, tomatoes,
beans OF ali sorts can be produced at
an enormous profit, aud it seems that
all kinds of fruits aud vegetables can
be produced very successfully. Grain,
however, will not thrive.
Probably the most interesting ami.
NAL TO the visitor is the caribou, or
water buffalo. This is the oniy
domestic beast of burden other than
the little ponies. The ponies are for
carrying packs and riding. The
natives have baskets that are made
to ht the ponies. They fill these
baskets with cocoanuts, potatoes or
other produce for market.
The ponies are very strong and
active. The water buffaloes are
slower and cannot stand such long
journeys, and are consequently kent
closer home for plowiug and haul.
ing. They are about the color of an
old Berkshire hog when be is fresh
from the dirty streams and puddles.
They are very fond of lying in
water on hot days, and their faces
aud horns only can be seen above the
water. In addition to the caribou
and ponies | will mention the huge
snakes found on Mindanao Island.
There are several kinds. Some of
the large kinds reach the enormous
length of 80 feet or more. They are
quite unlike the python of India.
There are also large species of lizards
here. 1t is scarcely worth while
mentioning the monkeys. They are
as common as cats around country
town.
lf you take a trip across fields of
tall grass aud streams | will venture
to say you will find innumerable boar
trails. You will also see, if you are
good hunter, old razor backs fire.
quently. ! have known two or three
hunters go out and in asingle day and
capture four or FIVE OF these pine
rooters.
There are many deer here. l think
any sportsman would appreciate one
or two days hunting here.