The city has been beautified by the building of a bridge which was desired for a long time; and, although it had been regarded as almost impossible, we now see it in such condition that we can cross by it within two months. Then we shall be able to attend to the conducting of the water or fountain with which your Majesty so earnestly charged me. In this and other buildings, I exert myself very willingly. If the inhabitants were in so easy circumstances that taxes could be imposed on their possessions to carry this construction forward, there would be much more work, [_In the margin:_ "Seen."] One night in the month of January, fire was carelessly set (as far as could be learned) in the Parian of the Sangleys or Chinese who live close to the walls of this city. All the buildings were of wood and straw; and consequently, although we went to the rescue as quickly and energetically as possible, the fire could not be extinguished. I viewed the fire from the guard-house itself, which looks out on the Parian, in order to prevent the movements that the Chinese might attempt under such circumstances. The master-of-camp, Don Lorenco Olaco, entered the Parian itself, and by his timely efforts, and through God's help, he saved the convent and church of the fathers of St. Dominic, who have charge of the Chinese. The latter, being infidels, were not a little surprised at seeing only the convent and house of the fathers escape so great a fire. Almost all the Parian has been rebuilt, with much better outlines and edifices than before, and that to such an extent that this city is beautified by buildings so fine. [_In the margin_: "Seen."] There have also been other fires this year. One was in the city of Cibu, where the convents of the calced and discalced religious of St. Augustine were burned, together with some houses of the most influential inhabitants. Another was in the city of [Nuestra Senora] del Rosario de Terrenate, where the convent of St. Francis and the royal hospital were burned, together with a considerable portion of the native village. The edifices in these regions are generally of wood or bamboo, and the roofs of straw. Consequently, they are very liable to such disasters. Now edifices of stone are being introduced, roofed with tile or brick, and therefore these troubles are being averted. [_In the margin_: "Seen."] The year has been a productive one for rice, which is the wheat of this country. We are experiencing the great blessing that will result from the cultivated farms that have recently commenced to be established by the Spaniards. They are cultivated by the Chinese, who are excellent farmers. I am encouraging it to the best of my ability, as I believe this is the shortest road to provide this city with plenty of food.