[108] Dr. Barrows says (Census of Philippines, i, p. 461): "Manobo is a native word which, in the Bagobo language on the Gulf of Dávao, means 'man.' It is so given in Padre Gisbert's vocabulary and also in a special vocabulary taken for the ethnological survey. Blumentritt, however, suggests--and I believe with merit--that Manobo here in Northern Mindanao is a derivation of Manubo, which is itself derived from Masuba, meaning 'people of the river.' This term Manobo should be retained for all of this great group living along the affluents and tributary streams of the river Agusan, and the term might, with propriety, I believe, be extended to the Montes farther west and back of Misamis. If there are objections to applying the term Manobo to these pagans of Misamis, I would suggest the application of our general term Bukidnon."
[109] This letter is addressed directly to the superior of the mission.
[110] On the prevailing custom of making slaves among the peoples in Mindanao, Father Gisbert says in a letter written May 20, 1886 (Cartas, Manila, 1887): "The slavehunt is not always easy. By availing themselves of tricks and surprises, they can generally capture the old people, women, and the children easily. They first kill those who can make any resistance."
[111] Literally "shields." That is, the rice was measured into the shield.
[113] On the Moros, see Census of Philippines, i, pp. 465-467, 561-585.
[114] The Yakan are a primitive Malayan tribe of the same type and general culture as the Subanon of the Mindanao mainland, who live in Basilan, and who, some generations ago, accepted the Mahometan faith and are fanatical adherents thereof. They live scattered over the island cultivating a little maize, rice, and tapioca, bringing out some jungle product, but living as a whole miserably and in poverty. Some of them have migrated to the peninsula of Zamboanga and the islands adjacent to this coast. See Census of Philippines, i, pp. 465, 466.
[115] According to Census of Philippines, the population of the comandancia of Basilan is 30,179, of whom 28,848 are uncivilized.
[116] Among the Sámal Laút boys are trained for the priesthood by making their homes with priests, where they remain for several years in the capacity of servant and pupil. Occasionally, when grown they are sent to Singapore for continuous study, but such cases are rare. If a man goes to Mekka he is given the honorable title of pilgrim and is held in high consideration. See Census of Philippines, i, p. 571.