Magindanao, the most southerly of the Philippine Islands, and the second in size of that group, is situated between 5°32' and 9°50' N. Lat., and 122° and 126°13' E. Long., having a length of about 300 miles from N. to S., a breadth somewhat less, and an area estimated at 36,140 square miles. The general form of the island is that of a triangle having its base towards the E.; but its outline is very irregular, and in one part it is almost divided into two by bays running deep into the land. Of these the southern is called the Bay of Illano, and the northern the Bay of Siddum. The island is mountainous, containing several volcanoes; and the hills are covered with dense forests nearly to their summits. A great part of the low lands of the island is also wooded; but there are in many places extensive plains covered with fine grass. Mindanao contains a large number of lakes, and from this circumstance the island derives its name. The largest lake is that of Malanau or Lano, near the centre of the island. There are also many rivers, of which the principal is the Batuan. The products of Mindanao are similar to those of the other islands of the group to which it belongs, and consist of gold-dust, timber, coffee, cocoa, rice, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper, &c. The principal animals found here are buffaloes, horses, oxen, deer, goats, and wild hogs. The island was visited by Mohammedans from Arabia at an early period; but the first European who reached it was Magelhaens, who took possession of the island for Spain in 1529. The Spaniards, however, have only colonized the northern part, and have great difficulty in retaining possession even of that portion. Their territory is divided into two provinces, Caraga and Misamis, the former of which is very rich in gold. The chief town in the Spanish possessions is Samboangan, which is used as a place of banishment for the Philippines, and is strongly fortified. The inhabitants resemble greatly those of the surrounding islands; and though some tribes are said to be cruel and ferocious, others are mild and inoffensive, employing themselves in gathering gold-dust, and bartering it with the Spaniards. The south-eastern corner of the island belongs to the sultan of Mindanao, and is inhabited chiefly by Malays; while the S. and S.W. portions are occupied by the Ilanos, a tribe of pirates, who have their chief seat on the Bay of Illano. These people, who are a mixed race, partly of Malayan and partly of native extraction, profess to be subject to the sultan of Mindanao, but are in reality quite independent. They are Mohammedans in religion, and live entirely by piracy, scouring the sea with light vessels of a peculiar construction. Their voyages extend as far as New Guinea towards the E., and Malacca towards the W., and they sometimes even enter the Bay of Manila in defiance of the Spanish authorities. Pop. of the whole island probably about 1,000,000; of the Spanish provinces, 76,298.