new era, much interest was manifested by the native chiefs, and descendants of Christians, to have schools re-opened among them. Such were the predilections in favor of Christianity, that in a few years, more than six hundred persons were admitted to the church. Some of the rajahs offered themselves as instructors of their own people. In 1831, Messrs. Reidel and Schwartz, missionaries of the Netherlands society, arrived in the island. After exploring the whole country, they fixed upon two places for their permanent abodes. Mr. Reidel remains at Tondano and Mr. Schwartz at Longowan. These brethren are greatly encouraged with their prospects of usefulness. The schools in the environs of Manado are numerous and increasing, the church prospers, and the Lord evidently blesses the labors of his servants. 6. The Dutch government has greatly aided the missionaries in the prosecution of their work. There is also a spirit of

, improvement in the external circumstances of the natives, which always accompanies the progress of the pure Gospel. We shall soon hear more respecting the great things which the Redeeiner has done for these poor islanders.”*

Farther to the north lies the island of Sooloo, and a small group known by that name. Though comparatively limited in dimensions, Sooloo is represented by Dampier as one of the most interesting islands in this part of the world. It is celebrated for the large quantity of ambergris thrown upon its shores, as also for its valuable pearl fishery. Beside these

Chinese Repository, Vol. II.

sources of wealth, it abounds in wax, gold, birds' nests, beche de mer, and other articles of traffic. Writers differ about the number and character of its inhabitants. All agree respecting the power of the sultan, whose dominions include the neighboring islands and part of the coast of Borneo. Some affirm that it has "a vigorous government, a numerous fleet, and an army of fifty thousand well equipped men, animated by superstition and united in hatred of the Christian name." The Spaniards made two successive attempts to reduce it to their authority, but were repelled. In a third attack they gained possession, but were soon obliged to abandon it. The fourth and last effort resulted in their disgrace, and in a successful reprisal made by the natives, and some of their Mahomedan neighbors, who laid waste the Spanish possessions for three years.

For the speedy conversion of the numerous tribes inhabiting the islands of these seas, including the north of Borneo, where Spanish influence is not felt, and the Roman Catholic religion is not acknowledged, we must call upon those who possess the means of intercourse and traffic with the nations, and whose invaluable talent, it is hoped; will no longer be laid up in a napkin.

ABOUT north-east from Sooloo is situated the island of Mindanao-Magindanao of the charts. It contains nearly as many square miles as the largest of the Philippines. The Spaniards, in the zenith of their glory, repeatedly attempted the subjugation of this island as well as its neighbors, but were either repulsed or soon obliged to abandon their dearly gained possessions. In one expedition it is said they did not even land, being appalled by the crowd of armed natives who lined the shore. They did, however, succeed in gaining a footing on its south-western part, where they still have a small useless settlement.

The island is said to be peopled throughout, with an industrious race of men, many of them from the shores of Cambodjia. The captain of a Cochin-China junk, who had frequently visited this island, and others of the Sooloo group, declared that they were as thickly populated as any part of northern China. Mr. Dalton was informed that from Cochin-China, and the native States about the mouth of Cambodjia river, more than one hundred proas of different sizes sailed annually to Mindanao, and that each of them contained from fifty to five hundred emigrants. Whether this be exaggeration or fact, another writer affirms, that "the center and southern part of the island, and particularly the shores of its numerous inlets and interior lakes, are crowded with an immense population."

" While vessels of respectable size and force, trade without danger, at these places, depredations are often committed on the defenseless, both by land and sea."

They have a peculiar language, though they understand the Malay. The religion is Islamism.

To the west lies the island of Palawan, which is also said to contain a dense population. Large numbers of emigrants annually arrive, who are obliged to spread themselves over other islands. Magellan possesses much of the character of the two already noticed.

Including these islands, and extending north to the Bashee passage, is the Philippine group. According to the authority of one* who resided some time in Manilla, "the Spanish possessions extend from the Batan islands on the north to Mindanao on the south, and from Paragua or Palawan on the west, to the Mariani islands on the east; but their sovereignty over all these limits is not equally full. The Batan islands appear to be rather an ecclesiastical than a civil dependency. The Spanish possessions thus defined, comprehend twenty-eight provinces, of the greater part of which there are no published accounts. They