or PARAGUA, an island of the Eastern Archipelago, separating the Chinese from the Sooloo Sea. It lies between N. Lat. 8, 27, and 11, 32., E. Long. 117, 18, and 119, 48., and extends from the Philippine Islands on the N.W. to the vicinity of the northern extremity of Borneo. Its length is about 275 miles, and its average breadth 32 miles. The eastern part, for about 10 or 20 miles from the sea, is low and flat; but near the western coast a chain of hills runs through the island. It is well watered, and has a fertile soil, which for the greater part is not cultivated. The natural products resemble those of Borneo, including rice, honey, wax, bulrushes of a white colour that are much valued, and many other articles. Gold and pearls are obtained here. Among the animals are leopards, porcupines, several kinds of squirrels, and many birds of rare and beautiful plumage. It is inhabited by people in a very savage state; the southern portion is possessed by the Sultan of Sooloo, and the Spaniards have long exercised dominion over the northern part, which belongs to the province of Calamanies. The hilly regions are held by the original natives, a people resembling the Papuans. The principal town is Babuyan, which is fortified, and has about 2000 inhabitants.