The origin and language of these islanders have engaged the attention of our ablest orientalists. From certain similar characteristics in the persons of the inhabitants of the interior, or aborigines of the islands, they have hitherto had an African origin assigned to them; and nearly from the same source (Madagascar), it has been supposed that the Malay population has flowed, which has in a great measure inundated the Archipelago, as well as some parts of the continental coasts. Similarity, or even approximation of language and manners unquestionably offer great facilities in enquiries of this nature, and they have accordingly been resorted to by all our oriental physiologists in their researches respecting the eastern Archipelago; and so far as regards the Malays and Malayan language, these researches have been attended with corresponding success; but in respect to the aboriginal language, or Tagalic, very slight attempts have been made to trace it beyond the quarter in which it was found to prevail. Our author has not failed to enter into the discussion, and from the premises he lays down, not unreasonably, draws the conclusion that the Tagalic language and original population of all the islands westward of the coast of South America derive from that continent. It is certainly consonant to reason to presume that the aborigines, or mountaineers of the interior of these islands, in their primitive state, were more likely to change their residence (if intentionally) by committing themselves to a favourable breeze blowing pretty constantly in one direction from the eastward; or if in consequence of misfortune, by finding their efforts unavailing to encounter an adverse wind, and again reach their own coasts; than to suppose even with all the aid the monsoons could afford them in an erratic navigation from Africa through the Indian ocean to the Archipelago, that they should diffuse themselves from that point in every direction over the South Sea, in the face of an almost constant current of wind, blowing occasionally with extreme violence. The Malay population most probably had its origin as stated. The superior acquirements of that nation doubtless might enable them to encounter those difficulties which have been mentioned, and either by their extensive conquests, or acknowledged commercial activity, to induce their language to be received as the general medium of intercourse. On the subject of this language, and its different dialects in these islands, some variety of opinion may be fairly allowed to prevail; and Sir W. Jones, Dr. Wilkins, Mr. Marsden, Mr. Raffles, and other authorities, may not be decided as to its source; but it is generally allowed that the language spoken by the Papuans, Samangs, and Negritos of the Philippines, and adjacent islands, is totally different from the Malayan; and as Mr. Marsden expresses himself, "presents a subject of research as curious as it is obscure."