with reference to their adaptability to growing sugar-cane. His official report proved the soil of Negros and parts of Luzon superior to any soils in South America, Hawaii, Java, or Cuba for such purposes. Lack of transportation facilities and distance from large markets, as well as difficulties connected with labor, led him to report unfavorably as to the immediate investment of capital in the sugar business here.

Minerals abound. The best coal yet found is in Bataan, a peninsula on the west coast of Luzon. In Mindoro and Cebu are coal deposits, and in the small adjacent isle of Semarara. Like Mexico, the entire surface of the Archipelago seems impregnated with gold to a greater or less extent. It is for the most part detrital, and is found in paying quantities in and along water courses, as in placer deposits elsewhere. The natives work in the placers with cocoanut pans. Mindanao has some elevated auriferous gravel-beds, well situated for hydraulic mining. Quartz gold is found in abundance in the province of Camarines and on the island of Panaon. Quartz veins in granite are found at Paracale. Northern Luzon and Mindanao have extensive copper beds; also the provinces of Lepanto-Bontoc; and Cebu has extensive lead deposits. There is an abundance of iron ore on half of a dozen islands. The Sulu archipelago has pearls. Leyte has coal and oil; Biliran, sulphur; Samar, coal and gold; Romblon, marble; Masbate, coal and copper; Marinduque, lead and silver; and Catanduanes, Sibuyan Bohol, and Panaoan, gold. In the province of Benghet, Luzon, gold mines showing assays as rich as $27.50 to the ton, and many showing from $6 to $12 to the ton, are now located by American mining experts. It is more than probable that the Philippines will yet rival Alaska in the production of gold. Iron ore of excellent quality, yielding up to 85 per