MASBATE, nu One of the Philip pine islands, forming with its dependent islands a separate province. It is situated nearly in the centre of the archipelago about 30 miles south of the southeastern end of Luzon (Map: Philippine Islands, 11 7). It is of elongated shape, measuring S2 miles from northwest to southeast, with an average width of 15 miles; from the northwestern coast a triangular pen insula extends 24 miles southwestward, at right angles to the main body. and y the large Bay or Bight of Ash], The area of themain land is 1230 square miles. and of the (17 de pendent islands 501, making the total area of the province 1731 square miles. Of the depend ent islands two are of considerable size. namely Burins, 258, and Ticao. 140 square miles, both lying between Masbate and Luzon. Though no where rising over 21)01) feet in elevation, the isl and is very mountainous: a principal chain sending out a number of spurs extends in a semi circle from the southeast to the southwestern end. owing to the shape of the island and its moun tain range. the rivers are all very short. The shores are covered with mangrove. and there are extensive forests in the interior. The climate is subject to frequent and sudden changes. and the island is exposed to all the typhoons that oecur in the Philippines.
The principal occupation of the inhabitants is lumbering and the extraetion of forest prod opts. Before the Spanish-American War eattle raising was also very important, and 1000 head of cattle were exported monthly. In the last
few years. however, great havoc has been made by the rinderpest. Fishery is also carried on to a great extent. but agrieulture is in a baekward stale, the crops of rice being insuffieient for home needs. The principal manufactures are sugar sacks and palm mats, the latter being noted for their excellent workmanship and durability of colors. The commerce is considerable, as Masbate lies not only opposite the Strait of San Bernar dino, one of the two main eastern entrances to the archipelago, but also in the direct route from Manila to Samar and Leyte. There are several exeellent land-locked harbors. The population of the whole Province of Masbate was in 1901 esti mated at 23,000, of whom about 5000 were in the dependent islands. The predominant races are VicoIs and Visayans. The Vfeol and Visayan, with Tagalog. are the principal languages spoken. There is no large town on the island; the capital is Masbate, situated on the northern roast; it is a port of entry with a good harbor, a post-othee, and a population of 2:345.
Perfect peace prevailed in the island before the end of the year 1900. and the inhabitants showed great eagerness to have civil government estab lished, which was done on March 18, 1901.