There was a time in the past when Mindoro was known as "the granary of the Philippines." Later its population was decimated by constant Moro attacks, and cattle disease destroyed its draft animals, with the result that the cultivated lands were abandoned to a considerable extent and again grew up to jungle, from which, however, it is easy to redeem them.

The west coast has strongly marked wet and dry seasons similar to those at Manila.

There is abundant water available for irrigation, furnished by streams which never run dry.

Much of the soil is rich, and will grow the best of sugar in large quantity.

The forests, which now cover extensive areas, abound in fine woods, and produce rubber and other valuable gums.