Fertility BUKIDNON PROVINCE occupies the great fertile plateau of Mindanao immediately north of Cotabato. It contains immense areas of fertile soil unsurpassed for grazing and general farming. There are at least 300,000 hectares of open grass-covered land which would yield rich returns under the plow. The Bukidnons themselves, learning to use modern agricultural implements, are taking advantage of their opportunities, this being clearly evidenced by the beautiful fields of corn surrounding their settlements, by the increased plantings of rice and camotes, and by the great increase in the exportation of hemp and coffee. The lower levels of Bukidnon produce the best grade of hemp in northern Mindanao. Corn grows to a height of 13 feet on the Bukidnon plateaus, the stalks supporting two ears. Two crops may be grown annually.
There are some Manobos and a few Moros in the province, but the greater part of the inhabitants are Bukidnons who are timid, peaceable farmers.
LANAO PROVINCE.—Between Bukidnon and Zamboanga is the Province of Lanao which includes the region centering about the large Lake of Lanao. It consists for the most part of a plateau (altitude, about 2,200 feet), with an invigorating climate and fine stretches of grazing land. The soil is in the main excellent and, at various altitudes, produces a very great variety of crops, including the usual staples, some fruits like the “durian,” unknown or rare in the northern islands, coffee, and a variety of wild rubber, for which plant, in its cultivated form, the district is well adapted.
For many years this valuable country has been the scene of the lawlessness of the Lanao Moros, but after the institution of civil government among them they have settled down and are living peacefully side by side with the immigrants from the northern islands. The same is true with the other provinces in the Island of Mindanao.
Much of the scenery in the Lanao Province is said to be among the finest in the world, while the Moros are extremely interesting and manufacture many small articles of great artistic value, especially brasswork and weapons.
Attractions Among the attractions is Lake Lanao, believed to have been formed as a result of the subsidence of the land accompanying the eruption of the volcanoes in the surrounding country. There are three of these volcanoes, which are still active. The climate, especially around Lake Lanao, is very cool. Dansalan nearby is the favorite resort of the people in the lowlands of Mindanao and bears the promise of being the Baguio of the southern islands.
Other attractions are the Maria Cristina Falls about 191 feet high and the Mataling Fall about 40 feet in height, both of which are on the road to the lake.
DAVAO PROVINCE occupies the southeastern part of Mindanao. Though perhaps less fertile for some crops than the neighboring Province of Cotabato, Davao comprises the finest hemp land in the archipelago and there is a considerable colony of Japanese, American, and Filipino planters.
More than half of the population, however, are pagans, the Mandayas and Bagobos predominating in number. These two pagan tribes have the best primitive civilization among all the non-Christian peoples of the archipelago. Their women weave excellent cloth which is dyed in curious and ornamental patterns and the men make daggers, spears, and other articles of metal.
The town of Davao is the capital and principal port. It is well laid out and has a number of interesting monuments.