[56] The _brisa_ is the north, northeast, or east wind, the _vendavál_ the south or southwest wind. The observations made for a considerable period at the Jesuit observatory in Manila indicate the main prevalence of winds as follows: north and northeast, November to January, inclusive; east, February to April; south and southwest, May to October. See Algué's account of these winds, in his _Archipiélago Filipino_, vol. ii, ch. iv; also (with additional observations, and citations from other authorities) in _Report of the Philippine Commission_, 1900, vol. iv, pp. 227-256. In these is discussed the question whether these prevalent winds can be properly termed monsoons.
[57] Probably some of the Marshall Islands.
[58] The Chinese _tael_ (weight) is equivalent to 1 1-3 United States ounces avoirdupois. The _mace_ (_masse_) is one-tenth of the _tael_, and equals 60.42 grains. These terms are also applied to moneys of account in Chinese trade.
[59] The words "one thousand" do not appear in the Madrid copy, having probably, in the course of time, been worn off (as have other words or letters) from the edges of the paper.
[60] Now Panaón; separated from Leyte (here called Baybay) by Panaón Strait. Tandaya was the early name of Samar Island, which is separated from Leyte by San Juanico Strait. Mazoga is the same as Massava of other early writers; it is now Limasaua Island.
[61] The _estado_ was equivalent to 1.85472 English yards, having nearly the same value as the _braza_.
[62] Probably the _sibucao (Cæsalpina sapan_); its wood produces a red coloring-matter which is highly valued, especially by the Chinese. Some varieties of it are more highly esteemed than are those produced in Brazil. These "Brazil" Islands are apparently the small groups north of Luzón, now known as Batanes and Babuyanes.
[63] An archivist's marginal note on the Sevilla MS. reads: "Doubtless this should be Bassilani"--which is the modern Basilan, an island southwest of Mindanao.
[64] Regarding piracy in the Philippines, see Barrantes's _Guerras piraticas de Filipinas_ (Madrid, 1878); and Montero y Vidal's _Historia de la piratería en Mindanao, Jolo y Borneo_ (Madrid, 1888).
[65] A term (imported from America, and from the Nahuatl language) applied to several species of _Calamus_: the rattan--a plant of great use to the natives for many purposes.