These Archipelagos have been already noticed in my Voyage to New Guinea; but I have, since that period, had occasion to make some further observations, equally new as necessary. I follow M. le Gentil in giving the position, latitude, and seasons of the principal of these islands. This judicious observer has made a particular study of the subject, and his work appears to me correct. The Philippines and Moluccas are commonly divided into two distinct Archipelagos; but, in my opinion, all these islands in reality form but one; and if they were all under one Sovereign, they would, doubtless, be comprehended under one designation. The Philippines are attached to the crown of Spain, and the Dutch possess the Moluccas. These last are more deserving of consideration, and richer than the first. They owe their fertility to the industry of a nation laborious, commercial, and addicted to cultivation. Every thing, on the contrary, in the Philippines, indicates the indolence of a people who direct all their efforts to religion, and whose sole object seems to be to acquire proselytes. OF THE PHILIPPINES. The Philippines extend from the 3d or 4th, to the 19th or 20th degree of north latitude. They comprehend a great number of islands, which, for the most part, are very little known. The principal, and those on which the Spaniards have establishments, are Luçon, Mindoro, Panay, and Mindanao. Next, in point of extent, are ranked Palawan, Buglas or Isle of Negroes, Zebu, Leyt or Leita, and Samar. To the east of Zebu is the little island of Mactan, where Magellan lost his life. Exclusive of these there is a multitude of small islands. Luçon lies to the north of all the others: it is likewise the largest, being not less than 450 miles in length, and about 85 at its least breadth. The Spaniards have upon this island established Manila, the capital of their settlements in the Archipelago. Its advantageous position for the commerce of China, and that of other parts of India, ought to render this city the richest in the world; but what Spaniard would occupy his time in the pursuit of transitory riches, which must be acquired by the assiduities of commercial industry, and at the expense of his national prejudices?