accordance with the capacity of the vessels is the number of men on
these gangways. From that place they manage the sail, which is square
and made of linen, and hoisted on a support or yard made of two thick
bamboos, which serves as a mast. When the vessel is large, it also
has a foresail of the same form. Both yards, with their tackle, can be
lowered upon the gangway when the weather is rough. The helmsmen are
stationed in the stern to steer. It carries another bamboo framework
on the gangway itself; and upon this, when the sun shines hot,
or it rains, they stretch an awning made from some mats, woven from
palm-leaves. These are very bulky and close, and are called _cayanes_
[70] Thus all the ship and its crew are covered and protected. There
are also other bamboo frameworks for each side of the vessel, which
are so long as the vessel, and securely fastened on. They skim the
water, without hindering the rowing, and serve as a counterpoise,
so that the ship cannot overturn nor upset, however heavy the sea,
or strong the wind against the sail. It may happen that the entire
hull of these vessels, which have no decks, may fill with water and
remain between wind and water, even until it is destroyed and broken
up, without sinking, because of these counterpoises. These vessels have
been used commonly throughout the islands since olden times. They have
other larger vessels called caracoas, _lapis_, and _tapaques_, which
are used to carry their merchandise, and which are very suitable,
as they are roomy and draw but little water. They generally drag
them ashore every night, at the mouths of rivers and creeks, among
which they always navigate without going into the open sea or leaving
the shore. All the natives can row and manage these boats. Some are
so long that they can carry one hundred rowers on a side and thirty
soldiers above to fight. The boats commonly used are barangays and
vireys, which carry a less crew and fighting force. Now they put
many of them together with iron nails instead of the wooden pegs and