Skip to main content

Full text of "A directory for the navigation of the Indian Archipelago, China, and Japan, from the straits of Malacca and Sunda, and the passages east of Java. To Canton, Shanghai, the Yellow Sea, and Japan, with descriptions of the winds, monsoons, and currents, and general instructions for the various channels, harbours, etc"

See other formats


m-* 


iiilM  ARCHIPELAGO 


ClilNA.&JAEAN. 
DIREGIORX 


i 


LL     BE     FOUND 


^TatJan 


0  8-1 


riGURES     INDICATE     THE      PACES     IN     WHICH     THE     RE3PECTIVE     DESCRIPTIONS    WILL     BE     FOUND 


A    DIRECTORY 


FOR   THE    NAVIGATION    OF    THE 


INDIAN  ARCHIPELAGO, 

CHINA,  AND  JAPAN^^ 


THE  STEAITS  OF  MALACCA  AND  SUNDA,  AND  THE  PASSAGES 

EAST  OF  JAYA. 


CANTOX,  SHANGHAI,  THE  YELLOW  SEA,  AND  JAPAN, 
WITH  DESCRIPTIONS  OF  THE  WINDS,  MONSOONS,  AND  CURRENTS, 

AKD  GEXERAL  IXSTRt-CTIOXS  FOR  THE  VAEIOVS  CHANXELS,  HAKBOVRS,  ETC. 


SECOND  EDITION. 


BY    ALEXANDER    GEOEGE    JINDLAY,    F.R.G.S., 

Honorary  Member  of  the  Societa  Geografica  Italiana. 


LONDON : 
PUBLISHED    BY    RICHARD    HOLMES    LAURIE, 

53,  FLEET  STREET,  E.C. 
1878. 


ENTERED  AT  STATIONERS'  HALL. 


TREFACE, 


Tais  volume  may  be  considered  as  a  sequel  to  our  Sailing  Directory  for  the 
Ind'an  Ocean,  which  describes  all  the  coasts  and  islands  between  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope  and  the  Straits  of  Malacca  and  Sunda,  the  great,  westward 
portals  of  the  vast  archipelago  which  is  described  in  the  present  work. 
Although  each  book  is  complete  in  itself,  still  tliey  may  be  taken  together 
as  the  modern  representative  of  our  old  "Oriental  Navigator,"  which  was 
first  issued  from  this  house  by  the  predecessors  of  the  present  publisher,  in 
1775,  a  fourth  edition  being  completed  in  1808.  The  arrangement  of  that 
quarto  volume  is  very  much  the  same  as  that  now  followed  in  these  two 
•works ;  and,  as  is  stated  in  the  Preface  to  the  Indian  Ocean  Directory,  was 
copied,  with  most  of  its  matter,  from  the  Oriental  Navigator,  by  the  late 
Captain  James  Horsburgh,  in  the  first  edition  of  his  work,  published  in 
1809—11.     Captain  Horsburgh  died  in  May,  1836. 

This  Directory  completes  the  series  of  those  drawn  up  or  edited  by  the 
writer.  Those  for  the  North  Atlantic  and  South  Atlantic  Oceans,  embracing 
all  the  area  northward,  between  Cape  Horn  and  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope ; 
those  for  the  Indian  Ocean  and  Indian  Archipelago  giving  all  the  countries 
between  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  and  the  North  of  China,  while  the  circuit 
is  completed  by  the  Directories  for  the  Pacific  Ocean.  These  last  named 
works  were  designed  by  the  author  20  years  ago ;  and,  with  the  exception  of 
this  book,  all  have  been  before  the  world  for  some  years,  and,  it  is  hoped, 
have  done  good  service.  They  were  drawn  up  from  materials  scattered 
over  a  wide  range  of  literature,  and  the  collection  of  which  involved  much 
labour  and  research. 

This  book  differs  in  some  degree  from  the  others,  for  a  considerable  por- 
tion of  it  is  taken  from  the  "  Pilots,"  published  by  the  Hydrographic  oflB.ce, 
so  carefully  compiled,  chiefly  by  Commander  John  W.  King,  P.N.,  and 
embracing  all  the  information  given  by  former  works,  combined  with  the 
recent  observations  of  many  naval  officers. 

For  the  China  Sea  and  Coast  of  China  we  are  thus  indebted  to  these 
Admiralty  works,  and  we  fuUy  acknowledge  our  indebtedness  to  them.     In 


iv  PREFACE. 

many  parts  we  have  somewhat  curtailed  the  details,   without,  it  is  hoped, 
impairing  their  utility  to  the  Mercantile  Marine. 

The  other  portions  of  this  book  have  been  derived  from  various  and 
numerous  sources,  the  chief  of  which  we  may  briefly  indicate,  proceeding  in 
the  geographic  order  in  which  the  book  is  arranged. 

The  Strait  of  Malacca  was  partially  surveyed,  by  direction  of  the  East 
India  Company,  by  Captains  Moresby,  Ward,  and  Moore,  and  part  of  the 
Sands  by  Captain  Daniel  Ross.  The  labours  of  these  zealous  officers,  in  the 
early  days  of  hydrography  as  at  present  understood,  have  been  alluded  to 
in  the  introductory  remarks  to  the  Indian  Ocean  Directory.  The  northern 
part  of  the  Sumatra  coast  was  re-examined  by  Commander  Fell,  under  the 
same  auspices,  in  1851 — 8.  Subsequently  to  this  the  Sumatran  side  was 
surveyed  by  Lieutenant  Jackson,  in  1860. 

The  second  great  entrance  to  the  Indian  Archipelago— the  Strait  of  Sunda 

lias  been  well  surveyed  by  the  Dutch  ;  and  it  is  to  this  nation,  and  the 

zeal  and  talent  of  their  officers,  that  we  are  largely  indebted  for  our  exact 
acquaintance  with  the  hydrography  of  the  archipelago  ;  and,  also,  it  may  be 
at  once  stated,  that  larger  portions  of  the  ensuing  work  are  dei^ved  from  the 
same  sources. 

Subsequent  to  the  cession  of  Java,  and  other  possessions,  to  the  Dutch 
nation,  after  the  vigorous  policy  inaugurated  by  Sir  Stamford  Raffles  during 
the  British  occupation  of  that  fine  island,  the  queen  of  the  archipelago,  very 
much  attention  was  paid  by  the  Netherlands  officers  to  the  acquisition  of 
knowledge  in  almost  every  branch  of  science  relating  to  their  extensive 
territories  ;  and,  however  much  may  have  been  said  as  to  their  exclusive 
policy,  it  is  certain  that  a  vast  amount  of  knowledge,  and  the  records  of  the 
experience  of  a  large  number  of  most  competent  observers,  was  given  to  the 
world ;  but  their  memoirs  being  too  frequently  in  the  Dutch  language,  one 
not  universally  understood,  they  were  left  unheeded  by  those  most  interested 
in  them,  and  thus  it  became  a  general  opinion  that  this  enterprising  nation 
desired  to  keep  the  information  that  was  acquired  under  these  auspices  to 
itself.  Of  late  years  this  opinion  has  been  fully  met,  and  it  is  now  accorded 
that  no  country  has  done  better  service  to  science. 

For  hydrography,  the  establishment  of  the  Commission  for  the  improve- 
in  nt  of  the  Indian  sea  charts,  at  Batavia,  under  the  enlightened  Governor- 
General,  the  Baron  Van  der  Capellen,  in  1821,  a  period  when  our  naiitical 
surveys  were  first  being  commenced  on  a  more  extended  s  ale,  has  led  to 
great  results.  They  are  detailed  generally  in  the  ensuing  pages ;  but  ic  is 
desired  that  every  acknowledgement  of  our  obligations  to  the  labours  of 
this  commission  should  be  given.  They  are  continued  to  this  day,  and  are 
constantly  adding  to  our  stock  of  information.  The  works  of  Capt.-Lieut. 
Baron  Peter  Melvill  van  Carnbee  have  been  alluded  on  page  150  hereafter. 
It  is  to  this  young  officer,  perhaps,  more  than  any  other  individual,  that  we 


PEEFACE.  V 

owe  a  connected  view  of  the  labours  of  the  commission  to  which  he  was 
secretary,  as  well  as  one  of  its  most  active  surveyors. 

The  Strait  of  Sunda,  as  before  said,  was  surveyed  by  Lieuts.  Rietveld  and 
Boom,  in  1848,  and  since  that  time  many  additional  observations  have  been 
added  for  its  improvement.  Of  the  North  Coast  of  Java  we  have  surveys  of 
some  minuteness,  executed  by  Lieutenants  Escher,  Eschauzier,  Staring, 
Eietveld,  Boom,  and  others,  which  are  generally  sufficient  for  navigation. 

A  portion  of  the  Java  Sea  is  still  incomplete  on  the  charts,  and  is  imper- 
fectly described,  and  dependant  on  old  observations ;  but  the  part  between 
the  Straits  of  Sunda,  comprising  the  Thousand  Islands,  &c.,  has  been  more 
recently  examined.  Banka  Strait  has  been  excellently  surveyed  by  Lieuts. 
Stanton  and  Eeed,  E.N.,  in  H.M.S.  Saracen,  in  1859-60;  and  this  important 
service  has  discovered  a  more  direct  and  open  channel  through  this  great 
highway.  The  charts  and  directions  for  the  strait  leave  little  to  be  desired. 
Gaspar  Strait,  as  now  shown,  is  from  the  survey  by  the  U.S.  officers,  in 
1854.  Carimata  Strait,  the  easternmost  of  the  western  passages  between 
Sumatra  and  Borneo,  is  still  unsurveyed,  although  many  of  its  dangers  and 
features  were  fixed  by  Captains  Eoss  and  Maughan. 

The  labyrinth  of  islands  and  passages  to  the  north-westward,  the  channels 
leading  to  Singapore,  have  not  been  completely  and  systematically  surveyed, 
but  the  charts  and  directions  are  now  so  far  complete  that  the  main  routes 
are  quite  sufficiently  known  and  described  for  safe  navigation.  Lieutenants 
Melvill  van  Carnbee,  Blommendal,  and  Edeling,  have  executed  considerable 
portions,  and  their  charts  have  been  improved,  especially  Ehio  Strait,  by  the 
examination  of  Lieuts.  Eeed  and  Stanton,  E.N. 

Singapore  Strait  was  surveyed  by  a  very  zealous  officer,  J.  T.  Thompson, 
Esq.,  F.E.G-.S.,  the  government  surveyor  at  Singapore,  and  the  constructor 
of  those  excellent  monitors  the  Horsburgh  and  Eaffles  Lighthouses,  which 
mark  its  East  and  West  entrances.  A  portion  of  this  important  strait  has 
since  been  re-surveyed  by  Lieuts.  Eeed  and  Eichards,  E.N. 

The  Gulf  of  Siam,  which  has  been  very  imperfectly  laid  down  on  our 
charts,  was  well  surveyed,  and  its  dangers  and  main  features  accurately  de- 
lineated in  H.M.S.  Saracen,  commanded  by  Staff-Commander  J.  Eichards,  a 
coast  line  of  1,000  miles  in  extent  in  the  short  space  of  twenty  months,  in 
1856 — 8,  a  work  which  reflects  much  ci'cdit  on  its  author.  Cambodia,  or 
Lower  Cochin  China,  was  also  surveyed  by  the  same  officers.  Of  the  coast 
of  the  Annamite  empire,  which  now  belongs  to  the  French,  our  knowledge 
is  less  perfect.  The  Gulf  of  Tong  King  and  Hainan  Island  are  also  mainly 
dependent  upon  the  former  surveys  of  Daniel  Eoss  and  other  officers,  im- 
proved by  the  observations  of  Mr.  Kerr,  E.N. 

The  western  shores  of  the  great  island  of  Borneo  are  well  laid  down  and 
described.  A  large  portion  of  it  was  suiveyed,  minutely  and  excellently, 
by  Sir  Edward  Belcher,  and  other  parts  were  completed  by  Lieut.  D.  M. 


vi  PREFACE. 

Gordon,  partially  so  by  Capt.  Drink  water  Bethune,  and  of  late  some  points 
have  been  revisited  by  the  Admiralty  surveyors,  conducted  by  Commander 
Ward. 

Palawan,  and  some  of  the  islands  North  of  Borneo,  were  elaborately 
surveyed  and  profusely  described  by  Captain  Bate.  The  western  coast  of 
the  Philippine  Islands  have  been  generally  laid  down  from  the  surveys  of 
various  Spanish  officers. 

The  China  Sea  is  perhaps  the  locality  where  hydrography  has  made  the 
greatest  changes  of  late  years.  Up  to  1862  the  charts  of  this  great  highway 
exhibited  a  labyrinth  of  detached  shoals,  scattered  about  without  order  or 
connection,  laid  down  from  the  isolated  observations  of  zealous  officers  of  the 
East  India  service,  many  of  which  are  now  difficult  of  recognition,  from  the 
vague  manner  of  their  announcement.  The  increasing  importance  of  the 
China  commerce,  and  the  advance  in  the  sailing  powers  of  the  ships  em- 
ployed in  it,  caused  this  great  sea  to  be  much  more  frequented  than  in  former 
years.  Since  the  year  above  named,  Commander  Peed,  with  a  moderate 
staff,  in  H.M.S.  Rifleman,  has  examined  the  outer  line  of  dangerous  shoals 
■which  limit  the  two  great  channels,  which  are  separated  by  a  vast  range  of 
dangerous  coral  reefs  and  shoals,  leaving  the  clear  main  channel  to  the 
north-west,  and  the  Palawan  Channel  to  the  south-east  of  them  perfectly 
free  from  danger  for  those  vessels  which  beat  up  or  down  the  China  Sea  by 
either  passage  in  the  opposite  monsoons.  In  the  work  these  dangers  are 
fully  described  and  enumerated. 

The  Eastern  Passages  are  less  known,  and  their  hydrography,  generally, 
is  less  advanced  than  in  other  parts.  A  great  portion  of  the  islands,  claimed 
by  the  Dutch,  are,  with  the  exception  of  their  noble  possessions  in  Java, 
more  or  less  under  the  control  of  native  chiefs,  and  therefore  their  commerce, 
in  a  European  sense,  is  of  minor  importance  ;  therefore  they  have  attracted 
less  attention.     Still  very  much  has  been  done  by  the  Dutch  officers. 

Of  Java  we  have  before  spoken.  Of  the  volcanic  range,  to  the  eastward, 
the  coasts  have  been  surveyed  by  various  officers,  under  the  direction  of  the 
Commission  at  Batavia  ;  and  the  account  of  its  navigation  was  drawn  up  by 
Mr.  J.  Swart  and  Melvill  van  Carnbee. 

The  remarkable  island  of  Celebes  is,  in  many  parts,  very  vaguely  repre- 
sented, but  its  main  points  are  well  fixed  and  delineated.  Thus  Makassar, 
its  chief  port,  was  surveyed  by  Sir  Edward  Belcher,  as  were  the  ports  at  its 
N.E.  end.  The  remainder  of  its  coasts  rest  on  the  more  vague  authorities 
of  Dutch  travellers  and  voyagers,  and,  for  the  great  Southern  Gulf  of  Buni, 
on  the  single  voyage  of  Rajah  Sir  James  Brooke.  The  groups  to  the  east- 
ward of  this  are  also  but  indifferently  known,  although  there  are  several 
tracks  of  eminent  voyagers  which  have  served  to  correct  the  main  points 
and  features.  Of  these,  the  surveys  of  Lieut.  Gregory  of  the  Dutch  navy, 
with  thoae  of  M.M.  Kolff,  Mudera,  Miiller,  and  other  Dutch  officers,  may 


PEEFACE.  xii 

be  enumerated.  The  celebrated  Dumont  D'Urville  also  made  a  cruise 
through  a  portion  of  the  archipelago  and  settled  many  of  its  points.  To 
these  may  be  added  the  names  of  Sir  Edward  Belcher,  Owen  Stanley,  and 
other  British,  officers,  so  that  although  as  a  whole  our  charts  and  directions 
may  be  somewhat  defective,  they  are  still  sufficient  for  the  general  purposes 
of  navigation. 

The  coast  of  China  is  of  vastly  greater  importance  to  commerce  now 
that  its  ports  and  coasting  trade  are  open  to  the  world.  The  British 
Government,  alive  to  the  importance  of  this,  commissioned  those  two 
well-known  officers  (now  Admirals)  R,  CoUinson,  C.B.,  and  Kellett,  to 
replace  the  vague  outlines  left  to  us  by  the  Jesuits  in  the  first  part  of  the 
last  century,  as  alluded  to  on  page  940  hereafter.  The  most  important 
result  of  this  extensive  and  difficult  enterprise  has  been  to  give  to  every 
one  a  complete  picture  of  the  labyrinthine  coast  of  this  great  empire,  as 
perfect  as  of  any  other  portion  of  the  globe.  Many  minor  features  have 
been  added  to  this  great  achievement,  a  portion  of  which  was  attained 
under  difficult  and  perplexing  circumstances.  The  directions  drawn  up 
appeared  at  first  in  the  Chinese  Repository,  but  have  been  followed  im- 
plicitly in  this  work. 

The  foregoing  brief  and  imperfect  enumeration  of  the  authorities  upon 
which  the  physical  portion  of  this  book  rests,  will  show  how  laborious  and 
extensive  must  be  the  operations  which  can  bring  together  such  a  mass  of 
materials  as  is  here  given. 

The  Editor  feels  it  due  to  his  readers  to  state,  as  has  been  before  alluded 
to,  that  a  large  portion  has  been  already  found  to  his  hands  and  purpose, 
and  he  has  only  to  unite  these  scattered  memoirs  into  one  more  complete 
work  by  filling  up  the  vacancies  from  the  many  sources  which  it  is  hoped, 
as  it  is  intended,  are  acknowledged  throughout. 

London^  March  1,  1869. 


The  foregoing  preface  to  the  first  edition  was  written  before  a  descrip- 
tion of  the  Japanese  Archipelago  was  added  to  this  work.  For  this 
description  we  are  indebted  to  the  China  Sea  Directory,  Vol.  IV.,  and 
recent  reports  from  H.M.  surveying  vessels.  Previous  to  1867,  the  shores 
of  Japan  were  represented  in  our  charts  from  the  descriptions  of  its  own 
ingenious  geographers.  In  the  year  1867,  Commander  Brooker  commenced 
an  examination  of  its  coasts  in  H.M.S.  Sylvia,  and  was  succeeded  in  the 
year  1869  by  Commander  St.  John,  who  continued  the  survey  without  inter- 
ruption till  the  year   1872,  when  the  -Sy^i'^a  was  ordered  home  for  repairs, 


viii  PREFACE. 

and  did  not  return  to  Japan  till  July,  1871,  since  which  time  she  has 
remained  as  a  surveying  ship  on  the  Japanese  coasts.  Of  late  years 
some  surveying  operations  have  also  been  carried  on  by  the  Japanese 
government. 

New  and  important  information  has  been  gained  from  the  operations 
carried  on  in  H.M.  surveying  vessels  Rifleman  and  Nassau.  In  the  former 
of  these  vessels,  Staff-Commander  J.W.  Reed,  after  carefully  examining  the 
dangers  in  the  China  Sea,  surveyed  Balabac  Strait  and  its  approaches,  and 
added  to  the  completeness  of  the  survey  of  Singapore  Strait.  In  the  years 
1870 — 1872,  Commander  W.  Chimmo,  in  H.M.S.  Nassau,  was  employed  in 
the  Sulu  and  adjacent  seas.  The  hostility  of  the  natives,  however,  prevented 
a  complete  survey  of  the  Sulu  Archipelago.  In  the  year  1877,  the  Nassau, 
under  Commander  Napier,  E.N.,  was  engaged  in  examining  the  many 
dangers  recently  reported  as  lying  near  the  shore  by  vessels  engaged  in 
trade  between  the  treaty  ports  of  China. 

H.M.S.  Challenger,  with  the  Deep-sea  Exploring  Expedition  on  board,  be- 
tween August,  1874,  and  March,  1875,  was  some  months  in  the  archipelago ; 
and  from  several  books  edited  by  the  officers,  and  from  official  reports,  much, 
has  been  taken  to  add  to  the  completeness  of  the  ensuing  descriptions.  The 
places  visited  in  the  passage  from  Torres  Strait  to  Hong  Kong  were  the 
Arru  and  Ki  Islands,  Banda,  Amboina,  and  Ternate  in  the  Molucca  Sea ; 
Samboangan,  Iloilo,  and  Manila  in  the  Philippines.  In  returning,  the  vessel 
passed  through  the  Philippine  Archipelago  eastward  of  Mindoro  and  Zebu, 
and  westward  and  southward  of  Mindanao,  thence  to  the  Admiralty  Islands 
N.E.  of  New  Guinea,  before  proceeding  to  the  northward  to  Yokohama. 

The  above  labours  of  our  own  government,  and  those  of  the  Spanish  and 
Dutch  governments,  have  afforded  most  of  the  newly  incorporated  informa- 
tion in  this  book ;  but  no  trouble  has  been  spared  to  make  the  work 
complete  up  to  the  date  of  issue  by  the  careful  examination  of  all  other 
available  sources  of  information. 

London,  September,  1878. 


CONTENTS. 


PREFACE. 


PAGE 
iii 


TABLE     OF    THE     GEOGRAPHICAL     POSITIONS     AND     THEIR 

AUTHORITIES xvii 

(This  Table  will  serve  as  an  Index  to  the  work  arranged  geographically. 
The  Diagrams  facing  the  title  will  also  serve  as  an  index.) 


CHAPTER  I. 
METEOROLOGY. 

I.  Winds  and  Seasons 1 

General  systems  of  the  Winds  and  Monsoons,  1,  2  ;  Eainfall,  3  ;  Malacca 
Strait,  5 ;  Water-spouts,  6 ;  Singapore,  9  ;  Banka  Strait,  13 ;  Java  Sea, 
&c,,  14 ;  Siam,  &c.,  16 ;  Eastern  Passages,  18. 

II.  Currents    25 

General  Remarks,  25 ;  Malacca  and  Singapore  Straits,  26  ;  Siam  and  China 
Sea,  28  ;  Eastern  Passages,  30. 

IIL  Tides  and  Tide  Table    32-38 

IV.  Temperature   39-40 

V.  Magnetic  Variation    41 


CHAPTER  II. 
PASSAGES. 

1.  The  Atlantic  to  the  Strait  of  Sunda 

2.  Southern  India  to  the  Straits  of  Malacca 

3.  Straits  of  ]\Ialacca  to  Southern  India 

4.  Sunda  Strait  to  Banka  Strait 

5.  Banka  Strait  to  Sunda  Strait 
I.  A. 


42 
SO 
51 

52 
53 


CONTENTS. 


VASSAGES— continued. 

6.  Banka  Strait  to  Singapore 

7.  Singapore  to  Hong  Kong 

8.  Hong  Kong  to  Singapore 

9.  Singapore  to  the  Gulf  of  Siam  and  to  Saigon 

10.  Gulf  of  Slam  to  Sin'japore 

11.  Saigon  to  Singapore 

12.  Eastern  lioute  to  Singapore 

13.  Eastern  Routes  to  China  . 

14.  China  to  the  Bay  of  Bengal 
lo.  Passages  hetween  Australia  and  China 

16.  Between  the  North  Coiist  of  Australia  and  Singapore 

17.  From  China  Homewards 

18.  Currents  and  Passages  against  the  Monsoon  in  the  China  Sea 

19.  Passages  along  the  Coast  of  China  . 

20.  Passages  between  China  and  Japan  .  . 


PAGE 
54 
55 
61 
63 
65 
66 
67 
68 
74 
78 
80 
81 
85 
91 
99 


PART    II. 

DESCEIPTION  OF  THE  COASTS  AND  ISLANDS. 

CHAPTER  III. 

THE  STRAIT  OF  MALACCA 106 

Eastern  Coast,  107  ;  Pulo  Penang,  107  ;  Perak,  112  ;  Salangore,  119  ;  Ma- 
lacca, 130  ;  Carimon  Islands,  136  ;  Coast  of  Sumatra,  137  ;  Pulo  Brasae 
Lighthouse,  138. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


THE  STRAIT  OF  SUNDA 150 

The  Java  Coast,  151 ;  First  Point  Lighthouse,  154 ;  Anjer,  162  ;  The  Coast 
of  Sumatra,  165;  Krakaloa,  173;  S.E.  Coast  of  Sumatra,  179;  Direc- 
tions, 179—180. 


CHAPTER  V. 

EAST  COAST  OF  SUMATRA  AND  BANKA  STRAIT 181 

Sumatra  Coast,  181  ;  Banka  Strait,  187  ;  Lucipara  Island,  192 ;  Palembang, 
196 ;  Coast  of  Banka,  199  ;  Kalian  Point,  210  ;  Mintok,  210  ;  Stanton 
and  Lucipara  Channels,  215 ;  Directions,  217  ;  Lucipara  Channel,  219  ; 
Northern  Coast  of  Banka,  224. 


CONTENTS.  xi 

CHAPTER  VI. 

PAGE 

CASPAR  STRAIT 227 

Choice  of  Banki,  or  Gaspar  Strait,  227  ;  Dangers  Southward  of  Gaspar 
Strait,  229 ;  Macclesfield  Channel,  234  ;  Directions,  239  ;  Clements 
Channel,  244 ;  Stolze  Channel,  249  ;  North-eust  Coast  of  Banka,  260  ; 
Dangers  North  and  N.W.  of  Gaspar  Strait,  264  ;  Directions,  268. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

CARIMATA  STRAIT    271 

South  Coast  of  Billiton,  273  ;  Islands  and  Dangers  in  the  Fairway,   275  ; 
West  Coast  of  Borneo,  281  ;  Directions,  293. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


BANKA  TO  SINGAPORE  295 

1.  Detached  Islands  and  Rocks. 

Detached  Islands  and   Rocks,  295 ;    Islands,  &c.,   between    Borneo    and 
(Singapore  Strait,  304. 

2.  Rhio  Strait   312 

General  Description,  312;  West  side  of  the  Strait,  313;  East  side  of  the 
Strait,  319  ;  Directions,  326. 

3.  Varella  and  Durian  Straits   334 

Coast  of  Sumatra,  &c.,  334  ;  Southern  Entrances,  344 ;  Directions  north- 
ward, 350  ;  Directions  southward,  353. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

THE  STRAIT  OF  SINGAPORE    357 

North  side  of  the  Strait,  358;  Raffles  Lighthouse,  361 ;  South  side  of  the 
Strait,  362 ;  Directions,  364  ;  Singapore,  366  ;  Singapore  New  Harbour, 
374  ;  Singapore  Strait,  Eastern  Part,  381 ;  Horsburgh  Lighthouse,  388; 
Directions,  390 ;  South  side  of  Eastern  part  of  the  Strait,  392 ;  Direc- 
tions, 395. 


CHAPTER  X. 

THE  GULF  OF  SIAM,  ETC 400 

East  Coast  of  Malay  Peninsula,  400  ;  East  Coast  of  the  Gulf,  412;  Bang- 
kok, 425. 


xii  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTEE  XI. 

PAGE 

THE  COAST  OF  COCHIN  CHINA,  TON-KING,  ETC 428 

1.  Cochin  China,  428 ;  Camhodia  River,  430 ;   Don-nai  or  Saigoa  River, 
432  ;  Saigon,  437  ;  Directions,  438. 

2.  The  Gulf  of  Ton-King,  456  ;  River  Lacht  Huen,  461 ;  Haiphong,  462. 

3.  Coast  of  China  and  Hainan  Island,  468 ;  Pakhoi,  468  ;  Hainan  Island, 
471 ;  Hoihow,  473. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

NORTH-WEST  COAST  OF  BORNEO 481 

Tanjong  Datu,  481 ;  Sarawak  or  Kuching,  482  ;  Bruni  River,  490 ;  Lahuan, 
494 ;  Victoria  Harhour,  496  ;  Ambong  Bay,  506. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


BALABAC    STRAIT    AND    THE    ISLANDS    NORTH    OF    BORNEO, 

INCLUDING  PALAWAN 513 

Balamhangan,  &c ,  513;  Banguey  South  Channel,  517;  Balabac  Strait, 
522  ;  North  Balabac  Strait,  536  ;  Palawan  West  Coast,  539  ;  North  Coast, 
566 ;  East  Coast  of  Palawan,  567 


CHAPTER  XIV. 
NORTH-WEST  COAST  OF  THE  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS 585 

Calamianes,  586  ;    Mindoro   West   Coast,  589  ;    Luzon  S.W.  Coast,  594 ; 
Manila,  595  -^  Cape  Bojeador,  605 ;  Pirataa  Island  and  Reef,  606. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

THE  CHINA  SEA,  WITH  ITS  ISLANDS  AND  DANGERS 531 

Anamba  Islands,  610 ;  Natuna  Islands,  613  ;  Shoals  on  eastern  side  of  Main 
Route,  621  ;  Islands  and  Dingers  in  the  Fairway  of  the  Main  Route,  631  ; 
Paracel  Islands  and  Reefs,  611 ;  Macclesfield  Bank,  645  ;  Palawan  Pas- 
Ba'j;e,  648 ;  Dangers  on  its  western  side,  654 ;  on  the  eastern  aide,  056  ; 
Shual:*  uoar  the  Main  Route,  062 ;  Shoals  near  the  Palawan  Route,  001. 


CONTENTS.  xiii 


PART   III. 


THE  EASTERN  PASSAGES. 
CHAPTER  XVI. 

PA&E 

JAVA  AND  THE  JAVA  SEA     670 

Java,  670;  North  Coast,  672  ;  Batavia,  677  ;  Saniarang,  693  ;  Sourabaj'a, 
696  ;  Madura  Island,  705  ;  Madura  Strait,  711 ;  Probolingo,  715  ;  South 
Coaat  of  Java,  718  ;  Tjilatjap,  724. 

The  Java  Sea,  735  ^  Thousand  Islands,  736  ;  South  Coast  of  Borneo,  739. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

ISLANDS  AND  PASSAGES  EASTWARD  OF  JAVA    742 

Baly  Island,  742 ;  Baly  Strait,  748  ;  Banjoewangie,  751  ;  Lombok  Island, 
754  ;  Alias  Strait,  759  ;  Sumbawa  Island,  761 ;  Sapi  Strait,  766  ;  Man- 
garai  Strait,  769 ;  Floris  Island,  769 ;  Suinba  or  Sandalwood  Island, 
775  ;  Strait  of  Floris,  778  ;  Solor  Strait,  779  ;  Allor  or  Maurissa  Strait, 
780;  Strait  of  Pantar,  781;  Ombay  Passage,  782;  Wetta  Island, 
782  ;  Island  of  Timor,  784  ;  Kotti,  7»7. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

ISLANDS  AND  PASSAGES  EASTWARD  OF   BORNEO 793; 

The  Strait  of  Makassar,  793  ;  East  Coast  of  Borneo,  794  ;  Island  of 
Celebes,  801;  Makassar,  803;  North  Coast  of  Celebe.s,  809;  Boeton 
Island  and  Strait,  813;  Salayar  Island,  817;  Postilions  and  Pater- 
nosters, 819. 

Molucca  Islands,  820  ;  Amboina,  825  ;  Banda  Islands,  829  ;  Gunong  Api, 
832. 

The  Banda  Sea,  834  ;  Serwatty  Islands,  836  ;  Tenimber  Islands,  840  ; 
Arru  Inlands,  841  ;  Ki  Islands,  846;  Arafura  S-a,  84iS  ;  Ceram  Laut, 
851  ;  Western  part  of  the  Island  of  New  Guinea,  855  ;  Mysole,  858  ; 
Pitt  Strait,  86u  ;  Waigiou,  861;  Dampier  Strait,  S62 ;  Pitt's  Passage, 
865  ;  Gilolo  Passage,  807  ;  Gebi,  869. 

Halmaheira«r  Gilolo,  871  ;  Morti,  873  ;  The  Molucca  Islands,  874  ;  Ter- 
nate,  874  ;  ilolucca  Passage  or  Sea,  879. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTEE  XIX. 

PAGE 

ISLANDS  NORTH  OF  THE  MOLUCCAS 881 

Sangir,  882 ;  The  Sulu  Archipelago,  884  ;  Sulu,  889 ;  Basilan,  892 ; 
The  Strait  of  Basilan,  894. 

The  Philippine  Islands,  895  ;  Mindanao,  896 ;  Samboanga,  896  ;  Samar, 
902  ;  Strait  of  San  Bernardino,  903  :  Ticao,  904  ;  Masbate,  905  ;  Zebu, 
906;  Negros,  908;  Panay,  909 ;  Iloilo,  910 ;  Directions,  913. 

The  Sulu  Sea,  916;  Snndakan  Harbour,  917;  Cac:aj'an  de  Sulu,  918; 
Mindoio,  924  ;  South  Coasts  of  Luzon,  926  ;  East  Coast  of  Luzon,  9^9  ; 
Babuyan  Islands,  930  ;  Bashi  Islands,  93.7. 


CHINA    AND    JAPAN. 
CHAPTER  XX. 


THE  COAST  OF  CHINA  BETWEEN   HAINAN   AND  HONG  KONG        940 

Now  Chow,  942  ;  Naraoa,  946 ;  Canton  Pavers,  949 ;  Macao,  952  ;  La- 
drones,  954  ;  Lema  Islands,  960  ;  Hong  Kong,  9G3  ;  Cap-Siug-Mun 
Passage,  969;  Lintin,  970;  Directions  for  Canton  River,  971;  Canton 
River,  9/9 ;  Boca  Tigris,  980 ;  Whampoa,  983  ;  Canton,  988  ;  Si-kiang 
or  West  River,  990. 


CHAPTEE  XXI. 


EAST   COAST  OF   CHINA,   BETWEEN   HONG    KONG   AND    THE 

KIVKR  MIN 992 

Tathong  Channel,  992  ;  Mirs  Bay,  996 ;  Bias  Baj',  999  ;  River  Han,  1010  ; 
Swatow,  1011;  Namoa  Island,  1012;  Chapel  Island  Light,  1017; 
Amoy,  1019;  Quemoy  Island,  1023;  Chiinmo  Bay,  1024;  Ocksou 
Lighthouse,  1027  ;  White  Dog  Islands,  1030. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


F(HlMOSA  AND  THE  PESCADORES  ISLANDS    1032 

Islands  South  of  Formosa,  1033;  East  Coast  of  Formosa,  1034;  West 
Coast  of  Formosa,  1036;  Ta-kau-kon,  1038;  Tamsui,  1043;  Kelung 
Harbour,  1045  ;  Islands  N.E.  of  Formosa,  1047  ;  Meiaco  Sima  Group, 
1048;  Ykima  Island,  1051. 

Pvacadorus,  or  Ponghou  Archipelago,  10-51  ;  Ponghou  Harbour,  1054. 


CONTENTS. 


XV 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

PAGE 

RIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI     lOoG 

River  Min,  10.5fi ;  Fuchan,  1060;  Double  Peak  Island,  1064;  Namquan 
Bay,  1066;  Sheipii  Road,  1073;  Kweshan  Islands,  107-5;  Chusan  Ar- 
chipelago, 1077  ;  Chusan  Island,  1083 ;  Tae-shan  Island,  1091 ;  Vol- 
cano Islands,  1092  ;  Gutzlaff  Island,  1096. 

Yung  River,  1098;  Ningpo,  1099;  Chapu,  1102;  Hang-chu.fu,  1103. 

The  Yang-tse  Kiang,  1103;  Main  or  Shawt-ishan  Channel,  1106  ;  South 
Entrance,  1108;  Directions  for  Approaching,  1112;  Wusung  River, 
1117;  Shanghai,  1122;  Wusung  to  Hankow,  1126. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

FROM  THE  YANG-TSE  KIANG  TO  THE  LIAU-TUNG  GULF 1128 

General  Description,  Winds,  &c.,  11 28  ;  The  Yellow  River,  or  Whang  Ho, 
1131;  Shantung  Peninsula,  1138;  Chifu,  or  Yentai  Harbour,  1142; 
Teng-Chau,  1144;  Strait  of  Pe-chili,  1145;  Tatsing  Ho,  1147;  Pei 
Ho,  1147  ;  Tientsin,  1147. 

Gulf  of  Liau-tung,  11.53;  Great  Wall,  1153;  The  Liau-ho,  1154;  New 
Chwang,  1154;  Bittern  Shallows,  1158  ;  Quang  Tung  Peninsula,  1159; 
The  Korea,  1161 ;  Port  Hamilton,  1162. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO  .... 1163 

1.  General  Descrittion  1163 

Treaty  Ports,  1165;  Climate,  1165;  The  Japanese  Current,  or  Kuro 
Siwo,  1167. 

2.  South  and  East  Coasts  of  the  Archipelago 1168 

The  Luchu  Islands,  1168;  A^an  Diemen  Strait,  1171;  South  and  East 
Coasts  of  Kiusiu  and  Sikok,  1171  ;  South-Kast  Coast  of  Nipon,  1172; 
The  Bay  of  Yedo,  1182;  Yokohama,  1187;  Volcanic  Islets  S.E.  of 
Japan,  1192  ;     The  East  Coast  of  Nipon,  1195. 

3.  The  Seto  Uchi  or  Inland  Sea 12oi 

The  Boungo  Channel,  1202  ;  The  Kii  Channel,  1202  ;  Lsumi  Strait,  1207  ; 
Hiogo  and  Kobe,  1209;  Harima  Nada,  1211;  Bingo  Nada,  1213; 
Misima  Nada,  1216;  lyo  Nada,  1217;  Suwo  NaJa,  1218;  Simonoseki 
Strait,  1218. 


The  Goto  Islands  and  West  Coasts  of  Kiusiu  and  Nipon 
Goto  Islands,   1224  ;   Meac  Sima  Group,   1229 ;    Kosiki  Islands,  1229 
Kagosima  Gulf,  1231;  Simabara  Gulf,  1233;  Nagasaki,  1239;  Direc 
tions  from  Nagasaki  to  Simonoseki,  1241  ;  West  Coast  of  Nipon,  1244 
Port  Niegata,  1246;  Tsugar  Strait,  1248;  Hakodadi  Harbour,   1250; 
Yezo  Island,    1253. 


1224 


CONTENTS. 


APPENDIX. 


NAMES,  MONEY,  WEIGHTS,  MEASTTRES. 

Geographic  Terms.— Method  of  Spelling  Oriental  Names,  1255. 

Malay,   Sixgapoue,    Etc.— Malay  Vocabulary,   1256;     Money,    1257;     Weights,   1257; 
Measures,  1258. 

SiAM— Geographic  Tfrms,   1258;    Money,    1259;    Measures  of  Length,    1259;    Capacity, 
1260;  Weights,  1260. 

Cochin  China  (Anam).— Money,  1260;  Measures  and  Weights,  1261,  1262. 

Netherlands'  India.— Money,  Weights,  and  Measures,  1262-1264. 

North- West  Borneo.  — Money  and  Weights,  1264. 

Philippine  Islands.  — Money,  Weights,  and  Measures,  1265. 

China.— Glossary  of  Chinese  Words,   1266;  Money,  1266;  Commercial  Weights,  1268; 
Measures,  1268. 

Japan. — Glossary  of  Japanese  Words,  1269;  Money,  1270;  Weights,   1270;  Measures, 
1271. 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

1.  Magnetic  Variation,  Indian  Archipelago,  with  Index  to  Pages  "j 

2.  „  „  &c. ,  China  and  Japan  „  „        J 

3.  Wind  Systems,  April  to  September 

4.  „  October  to  March 

5.  Passages  in  the  Indian  Archipelago  and  China  Sea 

6.  Striit  of  Sunda 

7.  Straits  of  Singapore,  Durian,  and  Rhio  ... 

8.  Hong  Kong  ........ 

9.  Amoy  Harbour      ....... 

10.  Pescadore  Islands  -         -         -         -         -     .    * 

11.  Yokohama  Anchorage   --..-. 


To  face  Title. 


page 


38 

151 

813 

963 

1019 

1051 

1187 


TABLE 


OF 


THE    GEOGEAPHICAL    POSITION 


Lat. 
North. 


Pagre 


STRAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

Eastern  Coast. 

Pulo  Penang ;  Fort  Cornwallis  - 
Binding  Island,  N.W.  Id.  offK.W.  pt. 

„         Anchorage  off  North  end 

„         Anchorage  off  S.  end  - 

„         S.E.  point 

„        Port  Pancore ;  Police  Station 
Pulo  Katta  ... 

One-fathom  Bank  Lighthouse     - 
Malacca,  flagstaff 
Pulo  Pisang,  lighthouse  - 
Little  Carimon  Island,  summit    - 


Coast  of  Sumatra. 

Pulo  Brasse  Lighthouse  - 

Achin  River,  East  entrance  point 

Pulo  Way,  N.AV.  extreme 

Diamond  Point,  North  extreme  - 

Prauhila  Point,  extreme 

Lanksa  Bay,  Ujong  Byan,  N.W.  point 

Ujong  Tannang,  extreme 

Dehli  River,  entrance 

Pulo  Varela,  summit 

Point  Mattie,  outer  point 

Batu  Barra  River,  entrance 

The  Brothers,  Pulo  Pandan 

Assarhan  River,  entrance 

Reccan  River,  Pulo  Lalang  Besar 

Pulo  Roupat,  Ujong  Bantan 

Pulo  Bucalisse,  Tanjong  Jati,  or  N.  pt. 

Siak  River,  entrance 

Campou  River,  entrance 


24  30 
'5  24 
14  35 

11  40 

10  50 

12  40 
9   10 

52     8 

11  30 
29     o 


5  45  o 

5  35  35 

5  54  iS 

5  16  o 

4  53  15 
4  36  30 
4  21  o 
3  48  28 
3  46  20 
3  22  o 
14  o 
25     5 


3 
3 

3  I 
2  12 


8  o 

36  30 
II  30 
43  o 


100 

20 

9 

100 

32 

42 

100 

34 

20 

100 

34  40  1 

100 

36 

0 

100 

36 

0 

100 

37  55  1 

109  59 

2 

102 

15 

36 

103 

15 

0 

123 

23 

0 

95 

4 

15 

95 

20 

45 

95 

13 

45 

97 

30 

0 

97 

52 

30 

98 

2 

40 

98 

17 

20 

98 

43 

30 

99 

29 

15 

99 

31 

0 

90 

35 

30 

99  47 

40 

99 

52 

45 

100 

36 

30 

lOI 

40 

30 

lOI 

59 

0 

102 

12 

30 

103 

0 

30 

Various. 
Bruce,  1875. 


Various. 

Ward  (corrected), 


Netherlands  Go-  133 
vernmeut  Sur-  139 
vey,  1872-1874 


Lieut.  Jackson, 
I.N.,  I860* 


109 
114 
114 
115 
115 
114 
116 
124 
130 
134 
136 


139 
141 
142 
143 
143 
143 
145 
145 
145 
146 

Rose  &  Moresby.  I  146 
146 
147 
148 
148 
149 


I.  ▲. 


TABLE  OF  GEOGEAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


THE  STRAIT  OF  SUNDA. 

Coast  of  Java. 

Cape  Sangian  Sira,  S.W.  extreme 

Java  Head,  extremity 

First  Point,  Lighthouse 

Prince's  Island,  Southern  Carpenter  rock 

„  N.E.  point 

„  S.W.  point     • 

Second  Point,  extremity 
Panter  Reefs,  North  end 
Third  Point,  North  extremity 
Fourth  Point,  Lightho.  &  Signal  Station 
Anjer,  flRgstaff         .  .  . 

Thwart-the-Way,  South  point 
Great  M(  rak  Island,  West  point 
St.  Nicholas  Point,  extreme    - 

Coast  of  Sumatra. 

Flat  Point,  West  extreme 

Little  Fortune  Island,  East  point 

Rada  Point,  East  extreme 

Keyser  Island,  or  Labuan,  S.E.  end 

Borne,  fort  ... 

Kalang  Bayang  Harbour,  Klappa  Island 

Tikoes  Point,  extreme 

Telok  Betong,  Light  column  - 

Lagoendy  Island,  West  extreme 

„  Soengal  Id.,  S.E.  pt.  - 

Krakatoa  Island,  peak  2.623  feet 
Bezee  Island,  peak  2,825  feet  - 
Sebuko  Island,  peak  1,416  ft.  - 
Hog  Point  or  Varkenshoek,  extreme 
Zutphen  Islands,  Hout  Island,  S.E.  pt.  - 
St  room  Rock  -  -  . 

Winsor  Rock,  2f  fathoms 
Pulo  Logok  ... 

North  Island,  centre 


EAST  COAST  OF  SUMATRA   AND 
BANKA  STRAIT. 

East  Coast  of  Sumatra. 

Jason  Rock 

North  "Watcher  Island,  Liirhthouse 

South  Brother  Island,  South  point 

Swallow  Rock  -  .  . 

Lynn  Bank  .  _  . 

Brfiuwers  Reefs,  North  reef    - 

Clifton  Reef 

Comara  ileef  -  .  . 

Ocean  Mail  Reef     -  .  . 

Arend  Bank,  4|  fathoms 

Boreas  Bank,  6  fathoms 

City  of  Carlisle  Bank,  South  end 


52     o 
46  40 

44  30 
41     o 

30  45 
36  15 


28 


37 
44 
27 

4 

3  10 
59  30 
55  45 
52  33 


58  30 
55  45 
57  30 
51  30 
32  20 
46     8 

49  o 
28    10 

50  45 
50     o 

9     o 

57  40 

53  15 

55  20 

54  20 

56  10 

53  30 
48  o 
42     o 


25     o 

13  30 
10  25 

17  40 


4  45 
56     o 

4  49  30 
4  18     o 

3  45     o 
3  44    o 

3  58  30 


Lonp. 
East. 


Authorities. 


105 

14 

0 

105 

12 

22 

105 

II 

30 

105 

9 

45 

105 

14  45  1 

105 

4 

35 

105 

21 

30 

105 

27 

30 

105 

38 

28 

105 

52 

30 

105 

54 

30 

105 

50 

45 

105 

58 

30 

106 

2 

10 

104 

32 

35 

104 

26 

40 

104 

44 

30 

104  53 

30 

104 

3» 

45 

105 

2 

15 

105 

13 

15 

105 

15 

30 

105 

14 

20 

105 

21 

25 

105 

26 

40 

105 

29 

0 

105 

31 

0 

105 

43 

0 

105 

47 

0 

105 

48 

45 

105 

53 

20 

105 

47 

50 

105 

49 

30 

106 

17 

45 

106 

26 

30 

106 

6 

c 

106 

3 

50 

106 

12 

0 

106 

15 

0 

106 

3 

0 

106 

14 

30 

106 

26 

0 

106 

16 

0 

106 

27 

30 

106 

25 

20 

Dutch    Surveys 
1874. 


Dutch  Charts. 

Bullock. 

Wilds. 

Bullock. 

Dutch  Charts. 


Various. 


TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


Lat. 
South. 

Long. 
East. 

Authorities. 

Page 

Banka  Strait. 

0        ,        * 

0       ,       /, 

Lucipara  Island        .                 .                 - 

3  13     o 

106   13     0 

Stanton. 

192 

,.        Point         ... 

3   13  30 

106     3  30 

>> 

192 

Eerste  or  First  Point 

2  59     0 

106     2  30 

,, 

192 

Tweede  or  Second  Point 

2  41     0 

105  46  20 

>» 

193 

Derde  or  Third  Point 

2  23     0 

105  36     0 

» 

194 

Vierde  or  Fourth  Point 

2  20     0 

105   13     0 

>> 

195 

Batakarang  Point    -                 .                 - 

2     I     0 

104  50    0 

198 

Baginda  Point          ... 

3     4  40 

106  44    0 

•  ) 

199 

Toboe  All  Fort 

3     0  48 

106  27  23 

» 

201 

Nangka  Islands,  West  Rock   - 

2  22  53 

105  44  50 

205 

Monopin  Hill            ... 

2     I  45 

105  n     0 

» 

207 

Kalian  Point,  Lighthouse 

250 

105     7  50 

» 

210 

Lucipara  Lightve.-sel 

3     7   30 

106     5  40 

,, 

219 

Banka,  N.  Coast,  Melalu  Point 

I   30   10 

105  37  50 

Various. 

225 

„                  Highest   peak   of  Gu- 

nong  Marass 

I  51     0 

105  52     0 

)i 

225 

„                 Crassok  Point 

I   28   30 

105  56  30 

» 

226 

GASPAR  STRAIT. 

Hancock  Shoal        ... 

3  34  20 

107     4    0 

American  Survey 

229 

Hippogriffe  Shoal     ... 

3  33     0 

106  53  40 

Wilds. 

229 

Turtle  Shoal 

3  33     0 

107     5  40 

ij 

230 

Larabe  Shoal            ... 

3  33     0 

107  10     0 

American  Survey 

230 

Sand  Island               ... 

3  29    0 

107     9  20 

» 

230 

Middle  Reef 

3  27  30 

107   10  20 

)> 

230 

Branding  Breakers  ... 

3  26     0 

107     9  30 

>» 

230 

Fairlie  Rock              ... 

3  27  15 

106  59     0 

>> 

230 

Shoal  Water  Island 

3  19  30 

107   II  45 

>> 

230 

Eiiibleton  Rock 

3   17  20 

107   10     0 

,, 

231 

Entrance  Point         ... 

3     I  40 

106  53  10 

>> 

234 

Pulo  Lepar,  light     .                 .                 - 

5  26  30 

106  55     0 

,> 

235 

Pulo  Leat,  Jelaka,  light 

2  50  30 

107     I  30 

>» 

236 

Brekat  Point            ... 

2  34     0 

106  50    0 

,, 

238 

Akbar  Shoal            ... 

2  39     0 

107   II     0 

Akhar,  1843. 

238 

Tree  Island               ... 

2  27   30 

106  57     0 

American  Survey 

238 

Gaspar  Island,  peak 

2  24  45 

107     3  20 

>) 

239 

Low  Island,  centre  .                 -                 - 

3     2  15 

107     7  45 

j> 

245 

Saddle  Island,  centre 

3     r  40 

107     9  10 

» 

245 

South  Island,  centre 

300 

107   12  40 

>» 

245 

Table  Island,  centre 

300 

107   15     0 

» 

245 

Hewett  Shoal            ... 

2  53  20 

107    10  40 

>> 

246 

Pulo  Leat,  S.E.  point 

2  54  30 

107     4     0 

>> 

247 

Heroine  Shoal,  douUful 

3  37     0 

107  45  30 

>» 

250 

Carnbee  Rocks         .                 .                 - 

3  33  30 

107  39     0 

» 

250 

Selio  Island,  South  point 

3  14     0 

107   30     0 

)> 

251 

Six  Islands,  Ross  Island 

350 

107   20     0 

>> 

252 

Table  or  Klemar  Island,  summit 

300 

107   15     0 

)> 

252 

Hoog  or  High  Island,  centre  - 

2  51     5 

107    19     0 

)> 

253 

Tanjong  Bienga,  extreme 

2  34  40 

107  37     0 

)> 

253 

N.E.  Coast  of  Banka,  Etc. 

Totawa  Bank,  Pulo  Bocar       -                -  J 

2   14     0 

106  31     0 

J.  Robinson. 

260 

TABLE  OF  GEOGEAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


Lat. 
South. 


Horse  Eock  .  .  - 

Fathool  Barie  Shoal,  2^  fathoms 
Djederika  ShoaJ,  3  feet 
Palmer  Eeef  .  -  . 

Tanjong  Eiah  ... 

Dangers  North  and  N.W.  of  Gaspar 
Strait, 

Canning  Rock  ... 

Pare  Joie  ... 

Belvedere  Shoals,  S.W.  end   - 

Dutch  Shoal 

Magdalen  Reef         ... 

Laniick  or  Newland  Reef 

Actfeon  Rock  .  „  - 

Scheweningen  Shoal 


CARniATA  STRAIT. 

Kebatoe  or  Shoe  Island 
"White  Island  .  -  . 

Zephyr  Rock  -  .  . 

Karang  Kawat,  North  Reef    - 
„  South  Reef   - 

Katapang  Island      -  -  . 

Scharvogel  Islands,  East  Island 
Discovery  West  Bank 

,,  Reef        -  .  . 

,,         East  Bank 
Lavender  Bank        .  .  . 

Cirencester  Shoal    -  .  . 

Bower  Shoal  .  .  . 

Osterly  South  Shoal 

Cirencester  Bank     -  -  . 

IMontaran  Islands,  East  Island 
Catherine  or  Evans  Reef 
Ontario  Reef,  centre 
Soruetou  Island,  West  point  - 
Carimata  Island,  peak 
Greig  Shoal,  8  feet  spot 
Columbus  Shoal       .  .  _ 

West  Coast  of  Borneo. 

Sambar  Point  -  -  . 

Mount  Minto  -  .  . 

Succadana,  centre  of  bay 

Pontianak  River,  entranee 

Tanjong  INlampawa,  extreme  - 

Piilo  Sitendang,  centre 

Pulo  Baroe,  centre  -  .  . 

Tanjong  Batoe  Blad,  W.  extr.  of  Borneo 

Sambas  River,  South  point  of  entrance 

Tanjong  Api  ... 

Fox  Shoal,  West  Rock    • 

Ckmencia  lieef        -  .  . 


14  30 
4  o 
59  o 
54  o 
52  o 


2  22  40 
2190 
2  14  30 
2  10  40 
I  59  o 
I  50  40 

I  39  48 
I  19  12 


106  34  o 
ro6  27  o 
106  28  o 
106  27  30 
106  14  o 


107  13  o 

107  3  o 

106  59  o 

106  44  o 

106  59  30 

106  59  30 

106  37  58 

106  39  48 


3  47  45 
3  48  50 
3  48  20 

3  42  40 

3  44  10 

3  23  20 

3  17  0 
3  38     0 

3  35  45 

3  34  40 

3  24     5 

3  14  30 

3  28  45 

3  19     0 

3  14  30 

2  29    0 

2  31   30 

2     I  45 

I  42     0 

I  35  40 

0  53  30 

0  51     0 

2  56  30 

2   14    0 

I  12  30 
North. 

020 

0  21     0 

0  23     0 

0  36  15 

0  47  35 

I   II     0 

I  56  36 

South. 

3   32     0 

3  24     0 

08 


4  o 
3  20 
3  10 

7  30 
08  6  5 

07  55  30 

08  28  o 
08  44  30 

08  49  25 

09  12  35 
09  I  30 
08  59  o 
08  40  30 
08  37  o 
08  59  o 
08  51  40 
08  54  30 
08  39  o 
08  42  o 
08  52  30 
08  28  o 
08  16  o 


110  14  o 

no  3  40 

no  o  10 

109  10  o 

108  54  o 

108  43  o 

108  43  40 

108  50  10 

108  59  o 

109  20  24 


J.  Robinson. 


Varioua. 


Boss. 


1 10 
1 10 


7  45 
7  45 


Ward. 
Scheweningen,  1870 


H.M.S.    Nassau, 
1876. 


Dutch  Survey. 

H.M.S.     Nassau, 
1876. 


H.M.S.  Stjlvia,\^Ti 
Dufch  Survey. 
H.M.S.      Sylvia, 

1874. 
Dutch  Surrey 


Croot,  1869. 

Dutch  Survey. 
Reed. 

»> 
Various. 

>) 
» 

Sir  E.  Belcher. 


TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


XXI' 


Page 


Mankap  Island    -  -  - 

Kumpal  Island,  West  point 
Toekan  Menskoedoe  (Gilbert  Rocks) 
Birds'  Nest  Islands,  Boorong  Island 
Ginting  Island    ... 
Pyramid  Island,  centre  . 
Tallack  Shoal      - 
Maleden  or  filaleidong  Island 
Panambungun  Island,  West  point 
Masien  Tiega  Islands,  West  Island 


BANKA  STRAIT  TO  SINGAPORE. 

Toejoe  Island,  S.E.  point 

Pule  Joe  .  .  -  . 

Docan  Island,  centre 

Totj'  Island,  centre 

Taya  Island,  centre 

Ilchester  Bank,  centre     - 

Pulo  Sinkep,  Boekoe  or  South  point 

Linga  Island,  Diang  or  East  point 

Linga,  Dyak  Town 

East  Domino,  centre 

Kintar  Island,  South  high  bluff. 
Rodong  Island,  peak 
Frederick  iieef,  centre    . 
Gin  or  Great  Islmd,  Pulo  Terobi 
Geldria  Banks,  Boat  Rocks 
Pido  Panjang,  Passage  Rock 
Bintang  Island,  Brakit  point 


Islands  between   Borneo  and  Singa. 
PORE  Strait. 

Dntu  Island,  peak  ... 

Direction  Island  .  -  - 

Si.  Barbe  Island,  N.E.  hill 
Welstead  Shoal  .... 
St.  Esprit  Group,  S.E.  Island     . 
S.W.  Island   . 
„  Head  Island,  S.  point 

,,  Hill  on  South  end  of 

largest  island  .... 
Green  Island,  centre        .  -  - 

Ro  iger  Rock       -  .  .  - 

Tambelan  Island,  highest  peak  - 

„  North    end,    Observa. 

tory  Station      .... 
Europe  Shoal,  3-fathom  patch     - 
Rocky  Islets,  northern    -  -  . 

Gap  Rock,  summit  ... 

St.  Julian  Island,  summit 
Camels  Hump  Island,  summit     - 
Saddle  Island  „  .  . 

Barren  Island  „  -  - 

Victory  Island  ,,  - 

St.  I'ierre  Rock  «  -  - 


4  30 
47  40 
14  20 
43  0 
41  0 
29  30 
21  0 
31  0 
12     0 


0  54  30 


1     9  10 
1  1.5  40 

0  58  0 
0  54  0 
0  43  30 
0  24  30 
0  39  50 
0  14  20 
0  13  40 
0  6  0 
North. 
0  2  40 
0  24  12 
0  37  0 
0  42  40 

0  49  40 

1  1  30 
1  14  30 


0  10  G 

0  14  39 

0  8  6 

0  32  0 

0  SO  45 

0  33  1.5 

0  35  44 

0  37  31 
0  44  43 

0  41  15 

1  1  5 

1  0  27 
1  11  19 
1  11  9 
1  12  30 

0  55  40 

1  11  46 
1  19  21 
1  31  50 
1  34  46 
1  51  42 


110  13  0 

110  1  60 

109  57  0 

109  17  30 


109  4 

108  59 

109  6 
109  21 
109  9 


109  12  30 


105  20  0 
105  16  20 
105  38  30 
105  45  45 
104  54  0 
104  57  0 
104  22  0 
104  58  0 
104  33  30 
104  68  20 

104  46  0 

104  26  36 

105  9  0 
104  48  0 
104  56  45 
104  51  30 
104  35  0 


108  35  50 
108  1  53 
107  13  30 
107  63  0 
107  8  30 

106  58  15 

107  4  41 

107  0  50 
107  18  52 
107  31  12 
107  32  22 

107  24  10 
107  25  27 
107  13  0 
107  34  20 
106  43  30 

106  52  58 

107  2  17 
106  25  35 
106  18  40 

108  38  57 


Dutch  Survey. 


M.  D.  Tallack. 
Dutch  Survey. 


Various. 


Tizard. 

Stanton. 


Reed. 


Belcher. 


xxu 


TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


Lat. 
North. 


Authorities. 


RHIO  STRAIT. 

West  Side. 

Missana  Island,  North  point 

Niamok,  South  point 

Rodong  Peak       .  -  - 

Binan  Island,  South  point 

Selanga  Islands,  largest  - 

Oedik  Island        ... 

Pulo  Rondo  or  Dumpo    - 

East  Bank,  10-feet  patch 

Little  Gurras  Island,  lighthouse  - 

Moeboet  Island,  East  point 

Sembolang  Point,  extreme 

Little  Tiemara  Island,  N.E.  end 

Sau  Island,  lighthouse  on  East  point 

Malang  Orang  Shoal,  centre 

Pan  Reef  Beacon,  North  end 

Little  Pan  Reef,  centre   - 


East  Side. 

Talang  Island,  West  point 
Siolon  or  Mantang  Island,  S.W.  hill 
Rotterdam  Reef  .  .  - 

Pankel  Island,  South  summit 
Dompa  Island,  West  point 
Rhio,  Fort  Crown  Prince 
Terkolei  Island,  lighthouse 
Isabella  Shoal,  West  end 
Little  Loban  Island,  West  point 
Bintang    Island,  West  point 

„         Subong  Point,  Andying  Id. 


VARELLA  &  DURIAN  STRAITS. 

Tanjong  Jaboeng,  or  Cape  Bon,  extreme 
Varella  or  Brahalla  I.,  summit  - 
Pollux  Rock        .  .  .  . 

Sinkep  Island,  Boekoe  or  South  point     - 
Speke  Rock  .  .  .  . 

Atkin  Rock  .... 

Alang  Tiga  Group,  South  Island 
Basso  or  Bakauw  Point,  extreme 

Baroe  or  Date  Point,  extreme     - 

Ponoebo  Island,  West  end 

Leda  Rock  -  -  -  . 

Irene  Rock,  doubtful        ... 
Allor  Island         -  .  .  . 

Great  Abang,  North  end 
Potona:  Island,  South  end 
South  Brother,  centre      ... 
Fiilse  Durian,  East  point 
Little  Durian,  South  point 


0  26  20 
0  20  20 
0  24  15 
0  27  32 
0  30  8 
0  32  10 
0  36  10 
0  40  35 
0  44  30 
0  49  15 
0  51  30 

0  56  45 

1  3  6 
1  8  30 
1  9  45 
1  11  12 


0  43  30 
0  44  45 
0  45  25 
0  49  30 
0  52  40 
0  56  36 
0  57  10 
0  57  30 

0  58  55 

1  4  5 
1  10  55 


South. 
0  58  0 
0  48  10 
0  43  10 
0  38  0 
0  33  30 
0  30  0 
0  29  50 
0  19  0 
North. 
0  0  45 
South. 
0  17  0 
North. 
0  12  0 
0  24  5 
0  27  50 
0  36  20 
0  36  10 
0  33  30 
0  37  20 
0  43  25 


104  31  0 
104  33  45 
104  26  35 
104  27  50 
104  21  30 
104  18  20 
104  18  30 
104  21  5 
104  22  18 
104  18  12 
104  16  12 
104  12  25 
104  11  6 
104  9  40 
104  11  25 
104  9  18 


104  36  0 
104  31  0 
104  25  25 
104  21  40 
104  25  0 
104  26  35 
104  20  25 
104  15  15 
104  13  35 
104  13  0 
104  18  36 


104  22  10 
104  24  0 
104  29 
104  22 
104  6 
l(/4  3 
104  2 


0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
103  45  10 


103  47  10 


104  23  10 


104 

9 

0 

104 

8 

30 

104 

18 

10 

104 

12 

0 

104 

5 

0 

103  45  40 
103  41  50 
103  39  50 


Reed  and  Tizard 


Van     Carnbee, 
Stanton,  &c. 


TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


Polphin  Isl.'tnd,  summit 

Sabon  Island,  Decpwater  Point  - 

Tiittle  Carimon  Island,  N.E.  point 

Pulo  Doncan,  centre 

Tree  Island,  centre  ;  beacon  proposed 


THE  STRAIT  OF  SINGAPORE. 

Tanjong  Bolus  or  Baru,  extreme 
Carimon  Islands,  North  Brother 

„         Little  Carimon,  N.E.  point 
Coney  Island,  Raffles  lighthouse  • 
SINGAPORE,  Fort  FuUerton  - 
Bintang  Great  HiU 
Barbukit  Hill,  summit  645'feet  - 
Pedra  Branca,  Horsburgh  lighthouse 


THE  GULF  OF  SIAM. 

Malay  Peninsula,  East  Coast. 

Pulo  Eu  - 

Pulo  Tingy,  summit        ... 

Pulo  Aor,  South  peak  180.5  feet  - 

Pulo  Pemangil,  South  peak 

Pulo  Varela         .... 

Howard  Shoal     -  .  -  - 

Pulo  Brala  .... 

Pulo  Kapas,  S.W.  point 

Kalantan,  entrance  of  small  river  East  of 

Kalantan  River  ... 

Great  Redang  Island,  Bukit  Mara 

„  peak 

Turtle-back  Island,  South  side    - 
Baltu  Rackil  Rock,  centre 
Cape  Patani,  N.E.  point 
Singora,  S.W.  point  of  Pulo  Ticos 
Koh  Krah,  S.E.  point     - 
Pulo  Obi,  Square  rock  on  S.W.  point     - 
Pulo  Panjang,  N. W.  corner  of  S.W.  bay 
Pulo  Way,  South  extreme  of  sandy  bay, 

near  middle  of  N.E.  side  of  W,  island 
Koh  Tang  or  Koh  Prins,  South  rock  of 

group  -  -  -  -    _        - 

Tanqualah,  North  point  of  middle  island 

of  group  -  -  .  - 

Condor  Reef        .  -  .  . 

False  Pulo  Obi,  West  side 
Teeksou  Island,  N.W.  side 
Pulo  Dama,  Rocky  Island  on  E.  Side     - 
Water  Island  (Tianmoi)  W.  point 
Rockj^  Island,  Kamput,  centre   - 
Kusrovie  Rock,  centre     .  .  - 


0  50     0 

0  47     0 

1  10     0 

0  58     0 

1  8  40 


1  16  10 

1  11  50 

1  10  0 

1  9  50 

I  17  20 

1  4  20 

1  24  20 

1  20  0 


7  0 
18  0 
26  30 
34  30 
18  0 
17  0 
49  0 
13  1 


6  11  53 
6  44  21 
5  48  16 

5  49  40 

6  40  36 

6  58  1 

7  13  54 

8  24  47 

8  25  37 

9  18  14 

9  55  11 


10  21  20 

10  15  24 

10  43  0 

8  56  43 

9  57  12 
9  41  54 

10  24  44 

10  27  58 

11  6  25 


103  38  40 

103  32  20 

103  23  0 

103  43  0 

103  40  0 


103  30  0 
103  20  45 
103  23  0 
103  44  50 

103  51  18 

104  27  20 
104  12  20 
104  24  30 


104  17  0 

104  9  0 

104  34  15 

104  22  0 

103  38  0 

103  38  30 

103  38  0 

103  16  4 

102  20  47 

103  1  39 

103  0  48 

102  37  9 
101  43  56 

101  18  39 
100  36  12 
100  45  27 

104  48  49 

103  29  14 

102  53  29 

102  56  34 

103  8  49 

102  61  0 

104  31  33 
104  49  10 
104  21  29 

103  47  4 

104  11  55 
102  47  49 


Thompson     and 
others. 


Thompson. 


Various. 


Richards. 


Lieut.  Veron. 
Richards. 


Xxiv 


TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


Long 
East. 


Ellen  Bangka  Shoal        -  -  - 

Koh    Kong,    South  point   of   river    en- 
trance -  -  -  -  - 
Koh  Chang,  small  island  on  W.  side 
Chentabun  River,  entrance,  Kho  Chula, 
or  Bar  Island  -             -             -  - 
Koh  Samit,  Brown  rock,  off  Lena  Ya     - 
Koh  Luem,  peak              .             -             - 
Cape  Liant,  N.W.  rock  of  Koh  Mesan    - 
Koh  Si-chang,  S.W.  point  of  Koh  Kam 
Bangkok  Kiver,  pile  lighthouse  - 
Bangkok,  Old  British  factory     - 
Maconchisi          .            _            .  - 


COAST  OF  COCHIN  CHINA, 
TONG  KING,  ETC. 

Oape  St.  James,  lighthouse 
S  ligon.  Observatory 
Kega  Point  .  .  - 

Cape  Padaxan      .  .  - 

Cape  Varela         .  -  - 

Cape  San-ho        -  -  - 

Pulo  Canton        ... 
Cape  Touron        ... 
Touron  Bay,  Observatory  island 
Cape  Choumay,  extreme 
Eiver  Hue,  extreme 


Gulf  of  Tong  King. 

Cape  Lay             .            .  .  . 

Tseu  or  Goat  Island        -  -  . 
Matt  Island     .    - 

Lacht  Kouenn  -  .  .  - 
Mfe  Island,  centre  .  .  . 
Ne  Island  .  .  .  . 
Lacht  Huen  River,  Houdau  Island  light- 
house -  -  -  .  . 
Haiphong  .  .  .  - 
Gowtow  Island,  South  point 
Cape  Pahklung  .  .  -  - 
Pakhoi  .  .  -  .  - 
Cape  Cami           .            -  -  . 


Hainan  Island, 

Hainan  Head 

Hoi  How  town,  N.W.  end 

Pyramid  Point    - 

Cape  Bastion 

Tinhosa  Island,  South  end 


O         II 

11  11  0 

11  33  0 

12  1  20 

12  27  43 

12  30  32 

12  57  30 

12  35  8 

13  9  56 

13  29  26 

13  44  20 

13  39  0 

10  19  14 

10  46  39 

10  42  0 

11  21  0 

12  §5  0 

13  44  0 

15  24  0 

16  8  0 

16  7  0 

16  21  0 

16  35  30 

17  6  0 

18  8  0 

18  54  30 

19  4  30 

19  21  0 

19  52  0 

20  37  30 

20  49  0 

107  44  30 

21  31  0 

21  28  57 

20  13  0 

20  12  0 

20  4  30 

18  55  0 

18  9  30 

18  39  30 

102  47  0 

102  57  14 

102  15  49 

102  4  19 

101  26  39 

100  38  59 

100  56  52 

100  49  22 

100  35  20 

100  28  42 

100  11  0 


107  5  25 

106  42  31 

107  59  40 

108  58  0 

109  24  80 
109  14  0 
109  6 
108  21 
108  17 
108  3 
107  42 


107  7  30 

106  17  10 

105  56  0 

105  43  9 

105  55  30 

106  0  0 


106  49  30 

106  40  0 

20  50  0 

108  17  0 

109  6  40 
109  55  0 


110  44  30 

110  19  0 

108  21  30 

109  33  0 

110  42  0 


Ellen  BangJca, 

1870. 
Richards. 


Reed. 

French  charts. 


British  &  French 

partial  surveys 

to  1877. 


TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


XXV 


i.at. 

Lon?. 

North. 

East. 

Authorities. 

Page 

N.W.  COAST  OF  BORNEO. 

Tanjong  Api        .... 

°1  56  36 

109   20  24 

Belcher. 

48C 

Tanjong  Datu      .... 

2     5  15 

109  39   13 

Reed. 

48C 

Sarawak    River,     Santubong    entrance, 

Kra  Island       .... 

1  42     0 

110   18     0 

Bflcher. 

48C 

Cape  Sipang        .... 

1   48     2 

110  20     0 

48f 

Po  Point  Light  .... 

1  43   10 

110  31   30 

481 

Tanjong  Barram               ... 

2  36   15 

1'3  58  35 

Reed. 

48F 

Gunung  Malu,  summit    ... 

4     5  20 

114  55     8 

Bplcher. 

4S8 

Bruni  Bluff,  extreme       ... 

5     3     0 

115     3  20 

Gordon. 

490 

Bruni  River,  palace         ... 

4  52  40 

114  55  20 

49(J 

Labuan  Group,  Victoria  Harbour,  Ram- 

Mean of  Belcher, 

sey  point  flugstaff        ... 

5   16  33 

115  15  15 

Richards,  &Reed. 

49f 

Mangalum  Island,  S.W.  point    - 

6   10  40 

116  35  20 

Gordon. 

50a 

North  Furious  Shoals,  11  fathoms 

7     3  19 

116   18   15 

Reed. 

510 

South  Furious  Shoals,  7  fathoms 

6  48  30 

116  14  45 

510 

Batomande  Rocks           ... 

6  52  42 

116  36  24 

Belcher. 

511 

BALABAC  STRAIT. 

Balambangan  Island,  South  point 

7  12  20 

116  51   40 

Reed,  1868-9. 

513 

„             Tiga  Islet,  centre 

7  21   12 

117     2  50 

514 

Banguey  Peak,  1876  feet 

7  18   10 

117     5  20 

51.5 

Lit.  MoUeangan  Island,  centre  - 

7     5  25 

117     1  30 

516 

Mallawalle,  South  extreme 

7     1  45 

117  IS  10 

518 

Balabac  Island,  South  point 

7  48  40 

117     1     0 

518 

Calandorang  Bay  Lt.  on  S.  pt.  of  entr.  - 

7  59     0 

117     4  20 

f9 

5i6 

S.  Mangsee  Island,  centre 

7  31     5 

117  18  20 

ij 

531 

Lumbucan,  N.W.  extreme 

7  50  20 

117  12  50 

534 

Nasubatta  Island             ... 

8     1  45 

117     9  50 

53.5 

Secam  Island,  East  end  ... 

8  10  40 

117     1  35 

-' 

536 

Palawan  Island — West  Coast. 

Cape  Buliluyan,  S.  extreme  of  Palawan 

8  20  25 

117     9  41 

Bate. 

53S 

Capyas  Island     .... 

8  26  25 

117  10  16 

9f 

54G 

Caneepaan  River,  entrance 

8  34  40 

117  14  41 

)j 

640 

Bulanhow  Mountain,  highest  part 

8  36  25 

117  21   11 

540 

Cape  Seeacle       .... 

8  36  30 

117  14     1 

541 

Pagoda  Cliff;  highest  part 

8  43  45 

117  29     6 

jj 

541 

Balansungain  Islands,  "West  island 

8  45  35 

117  21  21 

jj 

541 

Mantaleengahan  Mountain,  highest  part 

8  49  22 

117  39  26 

jj 

542 

Illaan  Hill           .... 

8  55  10 

117  31  41 

^^ 

542 

Pampangduyang  Point  -             .             - 

8  57  40 

117  31  56 

jy 

542 

Gantung  Peak,  highest  part 

8  57  53 

117  47  56 

99 

542 

Eran  Quoin,  highest  part 

9     3  25 

117  38  56 

if 

542 

Bivouac  Islet,  North  extreme     - 

9     4  52 

117  42  28 

99 

543 

Pu-lute  Peak,  highest  part 

9     8     8 

117  56  11 

Jj 

543 

Malapakkun  Island,  highest  part 

9  14  50 

117  50  11 

99 

543 

Tay-bay-u  Bay,  entr.  of  Malanut  R. 

9  14  50 

117  59  46 

99 

544 

Victoria  Peak,  5,680  ft.,  highest  part     - 

9  22  30 

118  17  26 

545 

Palm  Islet,  highest  part 

9  22  40 

118     1  48 

99 

545 

Long  Point,  West  extreme 

9  38     8 

118  19     6 

9) 

546 

Anipahan,  huts  .... 

9  43  50 

118  27  11 

9* 

647 

I.   A. 


TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


Lat. 
North. 

Long 
East. 

Authorities. 

Page 

Thamb  Peak,  highest  part  of  range 

°9 

47  45 

118  35  26 

Bate. 

547 

Hen  and  Chickens,  largest  islet  - 

9 

58  23 

118  36  16 

9> 

547 

Ulugan  Bay,  Observatory  Head- 

10 

6   11 

118  46  26 

>J 

547 

Cleopatra  Needle,  highest  part  of  range  - 

10 

7  38 

118  59  16 

)> 

551 

Mount  Peel,  highest  part 

10 

0  10 

118  32  26 

fi 

551 

Cape  Sangbowen              ... 

10 

11  45 

118  47  56 

}> 

551 

Jib-boom  Bay,  Zoe  islet  - 

10 

20  20 

118  57  11 

l» 

551 

May-day  Bay,  watering  place     - 

10 

24  22 

119     1  56 

»> 

551 

Port  Barton,  Bubon  point 

10 

29  19 

119     5  37 

» 

553 

Pagdanan  Point               ... 

10 

33     0 

119  13  21 

>> 

553 

Bold  Head,  highest  point 

10 

35  10 

119     6  56 

552 

AVedge  Island        „         - 

10 

43  35 

119   11  44 

,, 

554 

Mount  Capoas,  highest  p  irt        - 

10 

48  10 

119   16  56 

)> 

554 

Cape  Capoas,  extreme     ... 

10 

51  38 

119  12     6 

554 

Malampaya  Pound  entrance.  Round  Islet 

10 

59  25 

119  14   16 

9> 

555 

Pirate  Bay,  Look-out  Hill,  highest  part 

10 

56   10 

119  16  26 

J9 

557 

Pancol  Village,  Stockade 

10 

52     9 

119  22  56 

,f 

560 

Baulao  Village         „       - 

10 

46  15 

119  26     4 

>> 

56'0 

Bacuit  Baj',  Old  Village 

11 

2  30 

119  24  56 

)> 

563 

Bacuit  Village,  or  Talan-dac,  Stockade  - 

11 

11     0 

119  22  56 

)J 

563 

The  Horn,  Matinloc,  highest  part 

11 

11     0 

119  16  41 

» 

562 

Tapiutan  Island                     „ 

11 

12  50 

119  15  18 

99 

562 

Cadlao,  or  Table  Top  Id.     „ 

11 

13     6 

119  21     1 

yy 

564 

High  Table  Range                „ 

11 

14  45 

119  27  50 

566 

North  extreme  of  Palawan,  highest  part 

of  Cabuli  Island           ... 

11 

26  25 

119  29  46 

)i 

567 

Palawan— East  Coast. 

Ursula  Island,  West  end 

8 

20  42 

117  29  56 

568 

Rocky  Bay,  Pirate  Inlet 

8 

33     0 

117  32  31 

iy 

568 

Tac-bo-lu-bu,  entrance  of  rivulet 

8 

43  21 

117  44  26 

569 

Point  Sir  James  Brook  -             .             . 

8 

46     0 

117  48  46 

569 

Nose  Point          .... 

8 

53     0 

117  59  11 

,, 

569 

East  Island,  N.W.  extreme 

8 

53  45 

118  13  56 

570 

Ma-la-nut  Mound            ... 

9 

9  15 

118     2  41 

570 

Casuarina  Point  -             .             .             . 

9 

15     0 

118  24  16 

9, 

571 

30th  of  June  Island,  highest  part 

9 

22  30 

118  33  56 

}y 

572 

Port    Royalist,    Fresh    Water    Rivulet 

entrance          .... 

9 

34  30 

118  40     6 

9, 

573 

„              Tide-pole  Point 

9 

43  43 

118  43     3 

,9 

673 

Deep  Bay,  Anchorage  Island,  N.E.  end  - 

9 

56  30 

118  bo  19 

99 

575 

Bold  Point           .... 

10 

1  45 

119     8  56 

575 

Green  Island  Bay,  Relief  Point  - 

9 

9  45 

118  12     1 

677 

Barbacan  Village,  Stockade 

10 

21  45 

119  23     1 

,9 

577 

Mount  Baring,  2,100  feet 

10 

24  55 

119  32  56 

577 

Ulan  Village       .... 

10 

25  12 

119  34  31 

99 

578 

Dumaran  Island,  East  extr.  Pirate  Hd.  - 

10 

34  40 

120     0  11 

99 

679 

„        Village,  fort   -            .            . 

10 

32     0 

119  45  51 

579 

Carlandagan  Island,  highest  part 

10 

40     0 

120  14  56 

d«0 

Barren  Island,  Watering  Bay    - 

10 

42     0 

119  41  36 

99 

580 

Tai-Tai  Village,  fort       - 

10 

50     0 

119  30  56 

681 

Silanga  Village,  Stockade 

11 

1  45 

119  33  46 

582 

Broken  Island,  highest  part 

11 

7  25 

119  44  41 

99 

584 

Santa  Monica  Village,  Stockade 

11 

18     0 

119  33  41 

99 

584 

East  peak,  highest  part  -             - 

11 

17  40 

119  31  31 

9) 

584 

TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


XXVll 


COASTS  OF  PHILIPPINE 
ISLANDS,  ETC. 


Ol)8ervatory  Island,  West  side  - 
Green  Island  ... 
Haycock  Island  .  -  - 

Calarite  Island    -  .  - 

N.W.  Rock 

North  Eock         ... 
Hunter  Shoal      ... 
Merope  Shoal      ... 
Mangarim  Bay,  Sandy  Tongue  - 
Garza  Bay,  Garza  Island 
Appo  Island        ... 
Menor  Island      ... 
Paluan  Bay,  beach 
Cape  Calavite      ... 
Looc  Bay,  Lubang  Island 
Fortun  Island     ... 
Cabra  Island,  S.E.  extreme 
Pulo  Caliallo  lighthouse 
Cavite  Port,  Naval  head  quarters 
MANILA,  N.  pier  lighthouse 

,,         Cathedral 
Capon  es  Point     -  -  - 

Port  Sual 
Dile  Point 
Cape  Bojeador    ... 

Scarborough  Shoal,  S.W.  extreme 
Pratas  Island,  N.E.  end 
„      Reef,  N.E.  point 


THE    CHINA  SEA,   WITH   ITS 
ISLANDS   AND   DANGERS. 

AxAMBA  Islands. 

White  Eock 
Repon  Island 
Domar  Island 
Guerite  high  rock    - 

Natuna  Islands. 

Marundum  Island    - 

South  Haycock  Island 

Serai  or  West  Island 

Low  Island 

Jackson  Eeef 

North  Haycock  Island 

Selu:in  Island 

I'yramidal  Rocks 

Success  Reef 

Si.mione  or  Saddle  Island 


11 
12 
12 
12 
12 
12 
12 
12 
12 
12 
12 
12 
13 
13 
13 
14 
13 
14 
14 
14 
14 
14 
16 
17 
18 


30  16 

3  0 

10  0 

21  30 
24  15 
28  0 
40  0 
43  30 
20  0 
12  26 

39  10 

40  0 
23  30 
26  0 
43  48 

2  45 
52  30 

22  30 

23  55 
36  24 
36  3 
54  0 

7  20 
34  30 
30  0 


1.5  6  44 
20  42  30 
20  47  0 


2  20 
2  25 

2  45 

3  29 


119  39  33 
119  47  0 
119  48  0 
119  53  30 

119  52  0 

120  1  30 
120  13  10 

120  17  0 

121  2  8 
121  10  50 
120  26  10 
120  28  0 
120  29  18 
120  18  0 
120  16  0 
120  28  34 
120  2  30 
120  36  0 
120  54  54 
120  57  20 
120  58  8 
120  3  0 
120  2  44 


Spanish  Surveys 
to  1871. 


Belcher. 

Various. 

Bate. 

Various. 

Belcher. 


Villaviciencio. 
Various. 


120  20  30 

120  34  0 

117  44  3 

116  43  22 

116  53  0 


105  34 
105  52 


105  25  0 

106  12  20 


586 
587 
587 
587 
588 
588 
588 
588 
589 
589 
590 
590 
591 
592 
592 
594 
593 
596 
598 
598 

„  598 

601 

K.'M.S.Mafficienne,   603 

Various.        604 

605 

Wilds&Stanley.  '  606 
Richards.  ■  606 
606 


Various. 


2  4 

0 

109  7  20 

2  17 

0 

108  55   15 

2  40 

0 

108  35  0 

3  0 

0 

107  48  0 

2  56 

0 

107  55  0 

3  17 

0 

107  34  30 

4  9 

0 

107  50  0 

4  3 

0 

107  21  45 

4  22 

0 

107  55  0 

4  31 

0 

lf7  42  30 

610 
611 
611 
612 


614 
614 
616 
616 
616 
618 
619 
619 
620 
620 


XXVIU 


TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


Authorities. 


Eastern  Side  of  Main  Route. 

Vanguard  Bank,  S.W.  extreme 
Grainger  Bank,  centre 
Prince  Consort  Bank,  S.W.  extreme 
Prince  of  Wales  Bank,  centre 
Alexandra  Bank,  3-fathoms  patch 
]iifleman  Bank,  11 -feet  patch,  N.E.  end 
Ladd  Beef,  East  extreme 
Spratlj'  Island,  centre 
West  London  Reef,  Sandy  cay 
Central  London  Reef,  centre    - 
East  London  Reef,  East  end    - 
Cuarteron  Reef,  East  extreme 
Fiery  Cross  or  X.W.  Invcbtigator  Reef, 
S.W.  end  -  -  - 

Discovery  Great  Reef,  South  end 

„         Small  Reef 
Western  or  Flora  Temple  Reef,  centre  - 
Tizard  Bank,  Outer  edge  of  West  Reef  - 
Itu  Aba  Island         ... 
,,         Eldad  Reef,  N.  extreme 
„         S.W.  extreme,  Gaven  Reefs    - 
Loai-ta  or  South  Island,  K.W.  extreme  - 
Soubie  Reef,  S.W.  end 
Thi-tu  Island,  tree  on  S.W.  end 
Trident  Shoal,  centre  of  patch  at  North 
extreme  ... 

Lys  Shoal,  17-feet  patch 
J^orth  Danger  Reef,  tree  on  N.E.  cay     - 

Main  Route. 

Charlotte  Bank,  8  fathoms 
Scawfell  Shoal  .  .  - 

Banda  Shoal  ... 

Jjarge  Island  of  Pulo    Condure   Group, 

Landing-place  in  Great  Bay 
Brothers  Islands,  West  Island 
Royal  Bi.'.hop  Bank,  10  fathoms 
Raglan  Bank  ... 

Pulo  Sapatu,  summit 
Julia  Shoal  ... 

Great  Catwick  Island 
Little  Cat  wick  Island,  summit 
Yusun  Shoal  ... 

Pulo  Cticer  de  Mer,  S.W.  hill 
Holland  Bank,  centre  patch    - 

Paracel  Islands  and  Reefs — 

Triton  Island        ... 
Bombay  Shoal,  S.W.  extreme 
l*yraniid  Rock      .  .  _ 

Lincoln  Island,  S.E.  point   - 
Passoo  Keah  Island 
Discovery  Shoal,  West  extreme 
Vuliddore  Shoal,  centre 
()b.«ervation  Bank 

Amphitrite  I.slands,  E.  extreme  of  reef 
Woody  Island  ... 
Rocky  Island        -  .  . 

Korth  Shoal,  East  extreme  - 


7  16  30 
7  47  4.5 

7  46     0 

8  8  30 
8     I  30 

7  55  20 

8  40  15 
8  38  0 
8  52  0 
8  55  30 
8  49  38 

8  50  54 

9  32  0 
10  0  42 
10  I  30 
10  15  0 
10  13  20 
10  22  25 
10  23  0 
10  13  20 
10  40  45 

10  53  30 

11  3     9 

11  31  30 
11  19  40 
11  28     0 


7     7  15 

7  19  0 

8  0  0 

8  40  57 

8  34  0 

9  40  0 
24  0 

58  23 
56  30 

2  56 

59  30 
10  16  0 
10  32  36 
10  39  0 


15  46  0 

15  59  0 

16  34  0 
16  39  34 
16  6  0 
16  11  40 
16  18  0 
16  36  0 
16  54  0 
16  50  30 

16  52  0 

17  6  30 


109  26  0 

110  29  0 

109  55  0 

110  32  30 

110  36  45 

111  42  0 
111  41  0 

111  54  30 

112  14  45 
112  20  0 
112  37  26 
112  49  34 


112  53 

113  51 

114  1 

113  37 

114  13 
114  21 
114  42 
114  13 
114  24  54 
114  4  0 
114  16  25 

114  39  15 
114  34  24 
114  20  45 


107  37  15 

106  51  0 

107  0  0 


106  36 

106  11 

108  14 

109  26 


109 
109 
108 
1(19 
109 


0 

9 
55 

3 

2 

108  56  30 
108  43  0 


111  11 

112  26 
112  36 
112  44 
111  46 

111  33 

112  2 

111  40  30 

112  22  0 
112  19  0 
112  19  30 
111   32  30 


Ward. 


Reed. 


Ward. 


Reed. 

Thompson. 
Banda,  1871. 

Wilds  k  Reed. 
Various. 
Reed. 

Jaclmel,  1875. 
Reed. 


Ross, 


AVard. 
Ross. 


TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


Lat. 
North. 


Authorities. 


SI.  Esprit  Shoal,  centre 
Helen  Shoal,  centre 

Shoals  in  Palawan  Passage. 

South  Lugonia  Shoals,  Luconia  Breakers 
North  „  Seahorse  Breakers 

„  „  N.  part  of  Friend- 

ship Shoal  .  .  . 

Louisa  Shoal,  S.W.  rock 
Vernon  Bank,  centre  of  Fuiy  Rocks 

„  2|-fathom8  patch 

Samarans:  Bank,  centre 
Saracen  Bank,  centre 
Koj'al  Charlotte  Shoal 
Viper  Shoal,  doubtful 
North  Viper  Shoal,  South  end 
Commodore  Reef,  centre 

On  the  Western  Side. 

Half-Moon  Shoal,  Inclined  rock  on  East 
side       -  -  .  . 

Ro3-al  Captain  Shoal,  Observation  Rock, 
at  North  extreme 

Bombay  Shoal,  Madagascar  Rock,  on 
N.E.  extreme        ... 

Carnatic  Shoal,  centre 

On  the  Eastern  Side. 

Herefordshire  Shoal,  centre     - 
Scaleby  Castle  Shoal,  centre    - 
York  I3reakers,  centre 
Crescent  Reef,  centre 

Shoals  West  of  Palawan  Route. 

Owen  Shoal 

Amboyna  Cay 

Lizzie  Webber  Shoal 

Stags  Shoal,  doubtful 

Pearson  Reef 

Swallow  Reef,  eastern  high  rock 

Dallas  Breakers 

Ardasier,  South  Breakers 

Gloucester  Breakers 

Ardasier  Breakers 

Investigator  Shoal,  West  point 

Cay  Marino  (?) 

Amy  Douglas  Shoal 

Fairy  Queen  Shoal  - 

Coral  Bank,  12  fathoms 

Routh  Shoal,  North  extreme  - 

Seahorse,  North  extreme 

Saudy  Shoal 

Templer  Bank,  centre 


19  33 
19  12 


5     3  24 
5  31     o 


59  30 
19  45 
43  30 
49  20 

35  15 

7  30 
57  o 
30    o 

59     o 

8  20  30 


8  51  45 

9  I  45 

9  26     7 
[o     6     o 


8  35     o 
950 

9  53  30 
10  40    o 


880 

7  51  45 
840 

8  24    o 
8  56     o 

23  o 

38  o 

34  o 

50  o 

56  o 

850 

8  30     o 

10  52     o 

10  39     o 

11  26     o 
10  50     o 

10  50     o 

11  2      O 

II     7     o 


133       2      O 

"3  53  39 


tI2  41  36 

112  34      O 

112  31  30 

113  18  30 

"5  2  15 

"5  5  50 

"4  53  45 

115  20  30 

"3  35  15 

115  o  o 

115  23  o 

115  25  o 


116  16  45 

116  39  36 

116  56     4 

117  21     o 


116  59  19 

117  17  II 

118  8  26 
118  42  26 


I"  59 
"2  55 
113  12 

"2    57 

"3  44 

113  50 

"3  54 

114  9 

114  15 
114  2 
114  31 
114  21 

116  25 

"7  38 
"6  53 

117  46 
117  46 

"7  37 
117   13 


Reed. 


Bate. 
Reed. 


Richards. 

Horsburgh. 

Various. 


Bate. 


Horsburgh. 


Bate. 


Various. 

Ward. 

Chart. 

Horsburgh. 

Pearson. 

Reed. 

Dallas. 

Various. 

Doubtful. 

Crawford. 

..  (•) 

Pensberry, 

Chart. 

Reed. 

Reed. 

Chart. 

Templer. 


TABLE  OF  GEOGEAPHICAL  TOSITIONS. 


Lat. 
South. 


JAVA  AND  THE  JAVA  SEA. 
JAVA,  NoETH  Coast. 

!St.  Nicholas  Point,  extreme    - 

Pulo  Panjang,  N.W.  Point     - 

Ponlang  Point,  North  extreme 

Pulo  Babi,  centre     -  -  - 

Bantam,  flagstaff  of  fort 

Menschen-eter  Id.,  Lighthouse  proposed 

Ontong  Java,  extreme  of  point 

Onrust  Island,  flagstaff 

Great  Kombuvs,  bright  It.  on  N.W.  pt.- 

BATAVIA,  Observatory  and  Timeball  - 

Krawang  Point,  extreme 

Pamanoekan  Point,  extreme   - 

Indramayoe  Point,  North  extreme 

Eackit  or  Boompjes  Island,  lighthouse  - 

Cape  Tanna  -  -  - 

Cheribon,  lighthouse 

Cheribon  Peak,  summit  10,323  ft. 

Tegal  Peak,  summit  1 1 ,300  ft. 

Tegal,  flagstaff  of  fort 

Pekalongan,  lighthouse  West  of  entrance 

Samarang,  flagstaff - 

lapara  Koad,  anchorage 

Karimon    Java    Island,    settlement    on 
Great  Karimon    .  -  - 

Kembang,  flagstaff  -  -  - 

Panka  Point,  flagstaff 
Soerabaya  Strait,  Lightvessel  at  N.  end 
Kresik,  light  on  pier-head 
Soerabay;i  Strait,  Fort  Krfprins 
Soerabaya,  Marine  Establishment,  time- 
ball        .  .  -  . 
Madura  Island,  Wodon  or  N.W.  point  - 

„  East  point 

Bawean  or  Lubeck  Island,  Alang  Alang, 
or  S.W.  point       .  .  - 

Milton  Rock 

Hastings  Rock  .  .  - 

Nahmen's  or  Osterling  Rock  - 
Arrogant  Reef  .  -  . 

Giliang  or  Pondi  Island,  East  point 
iSapoedie  Island,  West  point    - 
Gili  Lawak,  or  Turtle  Island,  centre 
Sumanap,  flagstaff  -  -  - 

Kangeang  Island,  Katapan  or  N.W.  pt. 
Kamirian  or  Urk  Island,  centre 
Karang  Takat  Bank,  N.W.  dry  Bank    - 
Kambing  or  Bukken  Island,  centre 
Koko  Reef,  Lighthouse 
Katapang  or  Krabbrn  Island,  centre 
Proliolingo,  flai;staff 
Mount  Lamoiigan  or  Belierang,  6,824  ft. 
Bezoekie,  flagstaff    -  -  - 

Mount  Ringit  .  .  - 

Panarukan,  flagstaff 
Cape  Tjina,  North  extreme 
Capo  Sedano,  N.E.  Point  of  Java 
Meinders  Droogte,  Lighthouse 


52  33 

55  30 

56  50 
48  45 

1  39 

57  42 
3  2 

2  20 

55  30 

8  o 

57  o 
12  o 

12  30 
54  o 
30  o 

45  30 

54  o 

13  30 
54  o 
54  30 
57  20 
32  30 

53  30 
40  30 

54  o 
57  o 

9  30 


Long. 
East. 


7  15  20 

6  55  40 
6  59  o 


54  o 

44  o 

7  o 

33  o 

12  o 

59  o 

5  20 

12  20 

2  30 

50  30 

4  15 

o  o 

19  36 

28  o 

41  o 

43  30 
o  30 

43  45 

44  20 

43  30 
38  o 

49  o 
41  30 


06  2  10 
06  7  32 
06  16  o 
06  16  o 
06  8  48 
06  30  25 
06  40  20 
06  43  40 
06  34  30 

06  48  7 

07  I  7 

07  45  30 

08  17  37 
08  20  o 
08  31  30 
08  34  30 

08  24  30 

09  13  3 

09  8  7 

09  39  o 

o  24  37 

o  37  30 

0  28  o 

1  29  o 

2  33  o 
2  40  o 
2  39  15 
2  36  9 

2  43  30 
2  48  39 

4  7  33 

2  39  10 

2  33  o 

2  32  o 

2  28  o 

2  55  o 


Authorities. 


Page 


4 
4 
4 
3 

5  12 
5  " 
4  57 


>7  30 

3  o 

55  o 


12  40 
7  30 
16  10 
12  36 
20  o 
38  o 
51  o 
53  32 
I  30 
26  53 
22  30 


Staring. 


Escher,  &c. 


MelviU  V.  Cambee 

Escher,  &c. 

Chart. 

Staring. 

Chart. 

Various. 


Staring,  &c. 


165 
672 
674 
672 
673 
674 
679 
679 
681 
684 
688 
689 
690 
690 
691 
691 
691 
691 
691 
692 
693 
694 

694 
696 
696 
697 
701 
696 

703 
704 
705 

"04 
S  S.  Milton,  18751  705 


Chart. 
Jansen. 

>) 
Fokke. 


Chart 
Osterling.  I 

H.IM.S.  Arrogant 
Fokke. 


Lockemeijer. 

Fokke. 

Gregory. 

Fokke. 

Chart. 

Fokke. 

Chart. 

Junghun. 

Fokke. 


Rietveld. 
Chart. 


705 
705 
705 
705 
706 
706 
707 
708 
709 
709 
713 
713 
715 
715 
715 
715 
715 
716 
716 
717 
718 


TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


Lat. 
South. 

Long. 
East. 

Authorities. 

Page 

Java,  South  Coast. 

o            ,           „ 

•      ,      // 

South  Point,  extreme 

8  47     o 

"4  25   13 

Escher. 

719 

Barung  Island,  L;ibuan  or  South  point  - 

8  32     o 

"3   15     0 

39 

719 

Dampar  Bay,  South  point 

8   18     0 

113   11     0 

)> 

720 

Sempoe  Island,  West  point     - 

8  28  30 

112  39     0 

)) 

720 

Boemhoen  Bay,  Pakis  Point   - 

8   18     0 

I"  53  30 

yy 

721 

Gemah  Bay,  Popoh  villaoje 

8  15  4c 

1 1 1  48     0 

721 

Soemhreng  Bay,  Sroyoe  Island 

8  20     0 

111  34     0 

99 

721 

Pangoel  Bay,  Government  storehouse     - 

8   15     0 

III   31     0 

Rietveld. 

722 

Paijitan  Bay,  c<:^ntie 

8   15     0 

III     3     0 

99 

722 

Wedie  Hombo  Bay,  South  Point 

8   12     0 

119  39     0 

723 

Baglen  or  Mee;anties  Point,  centre  head 

7  45  40 

109  24     0 

Perez. 

723 

Kambangan  Island,  Karang  Bollong  or 

East  point,  Li<?tithouae 

7  44  40 

109     I   35 

Chart. 

724 

Tjilatjap,  Bollong  Rock 

7  44  40 

109     I  35 

Rietveld, 

724 

Kambangan  Island,  Bessek  or  S.W.  pt.  - 

7  41  45 

108  49     0 

19 

728 

Penaniong  Bay,  Cape  Mandararie 

7  46  50 

108  33     0 

730 

Boemie  Point,' Islet  oflF            - 

7  47   30 

108  17     0 

jj 

731 

Cape  Anjol,  extreme 

7  25     0 

106  24  30 

)» 

731 

Wynkoops  Bay,  storehouses   - 

6  59  30 

106  35     0 

)5 

731 

Zand  Bay,  Mandra  Island,  N.W.  point 

7   II     7 

106     5     0 

99 

733 

Cape  Sangian  Sira,  S.W.  extreme 

6  51  55 

105  13  15 

» 

735 

Java  Sea,  Etc. 

Thousand  Ids.,  Peblakan  or  West  Island 

5  28  45 

106  23     0 

Dijsunk. 

736 

„              Doea  or  North  Island     - 

5  24  30 

106  28     0 

„ 

736 

Arnemuiden  Rock   -                 -                 - 

5  12  30 

106  42     0 

Charts. 

736 

Jlolenwerf  Shoal  (?) 

5  13     0 

106  50     0 

J9 

736 

Etna  Shoal                ... 

5  17  18 

106  55     0 

GroU. 

736 

Brouwers  Shoal        ... 

5  17  30 

107     0  20 

Dutch  Charts. 

736 

South  Watcher,  centre 

5  42  47 

106  42  17 

Dijsunk. 

736 

Nassau  Bank,  centre 

5  49     0 

106  49     0 

GroU. 

737 

Maria  Elise  Shoal,  7  fathoms  - 

5  50  15 

107  35  30 

Schut. 

737 

Solombo  Islands,  Great  Solombo,  hill  on 

South  end              ... 

5  35     0 

114  27     0 

Chart,  1878. 

738 

„                 Little  Solombo,  centre 

5  28     0 

114  28     0 

J9 

738 

,,                 Arentes  Island,  centre 

5     ^     0 

114  36  30 

» 

738 

Rosalie  Rock            ... 

5  57     0 

114  14    0 

ii 

739 

Borneo,  South  Coast. 

Tanjong  Sambar,  S.E.  point    - 

2  57     0 

no  15     0 

j» 

739 

Dieley  River,  East  entrance  point 

2  sz  30 

no  44     0 

yy 

739 

Point  Malataiyo       ... 

3  30     0 

113  30     0 

}9 

740 

Cape  Salatan,  South  point  of  Borneo 

4  10     0 

114  41     0 

fj 

740 

Little  Pulo  Laut  Ids.,  S.AV.  Id.,  centre  - 

4  51   30 

"5  43  30 

99 

741 

JMoesa  Siri,  highest  islet 

4  23     0 

115  50     0 

» 

741 

EASTERN  PASSAGES,  ETC. 

B.\Li  Island. 

Bali  Peak,  11,326  ft. 

8  21     0 

115  28     0 

Eietveld,   &c.,  to 

742 

Cape  Passier,  N.W.  point 

8     6  10 

114  26     0 

1878. 

743 

Minjangan  Island,  East  point  - 

8     6  50 

114  32  30 

M 

744 

Mount  Goendel 

8   II     0 

114  47     0 

99 

744 

Tpbonkos,  Road       .                 .                 - 

8   10     0 

114  58     0 

99 

744 

Beliling,  entrance  of  river 

8     6  30 

»i5     4  45 

» 

745 

xxxu 


TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


Sansrsit  Eoad,  liffht  -  -  - 

KarHDg  Assem  Cape,  East  point  of  Bali 
Padang  Cove  ... 

Pandita  Isles,  peak  .  -  . 

Tafelhoek,  Boekit  or  West  point 
Bali  Badong  Bay,  Kotta  village 
Djembrana,  bay        -  -  . 

Manok  Bay,  entrance 

Bali  Strait. 

Cape  Sedano,  N.E.  point  of  Java 
Meindeis  Droogfe  and  Lighthouse 
Duiven  Island,  Lighthouse 
Banjoewangie,  Fort  Utrecht,  light 
Mount  Ikan,  extreme  of  point 
Cape  SlokkOj  East  point  of  Java 

LoMBOK  Island  and  Strait. 

Eindjrinie  Peak,  12,379  feet.    - 
Eoembek,  or  N.W.  point,  extreme 
Tweelings,  or  Twins  Islands,  E.  point    - 
Lombok,  village       -  .  . 

Labuan  Hadji,  Mouth  of  stream 
Pedioe,  Cape  Louar,  flagstaff  - 
Cape  Ringit,  S.E.  point 
Cape  Bangko,  S.W.  point 
Labuan  Tring,  entrance  of  cove 
Ampanam  Baj',  anchorage 
Trawangan,  Island  off  N.W.  point 

Allas  Strait  and  Sumbawa. 

South-west  Point  of  Table  Hill 
Taliwang  Bay,  Knoop  Island - 
Madang  or  Flat  Island,  West  end 
Majo  Island,  Setonda  Island,  off  N.E.  pt, 
Tambora  Volcano,  summit  on  East  side 
of  crater  ... 

Dompo  Bay,  East  side,  Kila  Eoad 
Bima  Bay,  Kambing  Island    - 
Sangeang,  highest  peak 
Sapie  Bay,  Doembia  Point 
Tempie  Bay,  entrance 

Sapi  Strait. 

Banta  Island,  peak  -  .  . 

Setan  Island,  peak  -  -  . 

Chii:,ney  or  Schoorsteen  Island,  W.  pt.  - 
Comodo  Island,  South  point    - 

„  N.W.  point    - 

„  N.E.  point 

Floris  or  Mangarai  Island,  Etc. 

Badiak  Cove  -                .                . 

Bodo  Island  ... 

Eeo  Bay,  village  -                 .                . 

Potta,  roadstead  -                 .                 . 


4  o 

23  o 

31  20 

45  o 

48  o 

42  15 

23  o 

10  5 


7  47  12 

7  41  30 

8  2  30 
8  12  20 
8  27  o 
8  42  o 


8  23  o 

8  24  30 

8  17  o 

8  30  o 

8  42  o 

8  47  o 

8  54  o 

8  44  o 

8  42  o 

8  32  o 

8  20  o 


920 
8  49  o 
8  8  40 
8  6  30 

8  12  30 
8  18  o 
S  26  45 
8  12  o 
8  32  30 
8  52  o 


22  30 
31  o 

46  o 

47  o 
26  30 

23  o 


27 


15 

17 


0 

, 

„ 

"5 

7 

0 

"5 

4' 

0 

"5 

30 

0 

"5 

31 

0 

"5 

3 

30 

"5 

8 

0 

114 

34 

0 

114 

26 

0 

114 

26 

53 

114 

22 

30 

114 

27 

0 

114 

23 

0 

114 

23 

22 

114 

36 

0 

1x6 

27 

30 

116 

0 

30 

1x6 

47 

0 

116 

41 

30 

X16 

37 

40 

X16 

31 

i2 

xx6 

37 

0 

115 

51 

15 

1x6 

0 

0 

116 

2 

30 

1x6 

0 

30 

1x6 

47 

0 

X16 

50 

40 

1x9 

16 

0 

X17 

42 

30 

117 

57 

0 

X18 

24 

0 

X18 

41 

45 

119 

I 

20 

119 

2 

0 

118 

26 

0 

119 

16 

0 

119 

14 

0 

119 

22 

0 

119 

24 

0 

119 

20 

0 

119 

28 

30 

119 

48 

0 

119 

59 

35 

120 

32 

0 

120 

46 

15 

Eietveld,  &c. 


Melvillv.  Cambee 
Smits,  &c. 


Dutch  charts. 


TABLE  OF  GEOGEAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


Pag« 


Diederika  Reef 
Piiloweh  Island,  peak 
LJDguett''  or  Sukur  Island,  peak 
DofiFer  Islands,  East  islet 
Bastaard  Islands,  centre  of  East  island 
Larantiika  Road 

Floris  Head,  or  Iron  Cape,  N.  extreme  - 
An;<elica  Reef 

Kauna  or  Post  Horse  Island   - 
Topa  or  Kilatoa  Island,  Cornelia  Road  ■ 
JIadu  or  Pondian":  Islan'i,  East  point    ■ 
Kalao  Island,  West  point 
Boneratoe  Island,  South  point 
Djampea  Island,  Kanibarraghie  Bay,  E 
point     -  .  .  . 

„  East  point 

„  Bimbe  Island,  off  "West 

point     -  .  .  . 

Kajoewaddie,  peak  on  West  end 
Mamalak  [sland,  centre 
Alligator  Bay  .  .  . 

Flor-'S  Island,  S.W.  point  (C.  Sosa) 
Toren  or  Tower  Island,  peak  - 
South  Point,  Mount  Rokka     - 
Rumba  Volcano,  sun)mit 
Ende  Bay,  West  point 
Amboq;a<ra  Road       -  -  - 

Api  Volcano  .  .  - 

Lofty  peak  on  S.  coast 
Lobetobie  Volcano,  Siiy^irloaf  peak 
Sandalwood  IslanI,  il  indieli  or  E.  point 
,,  Cape  Atta,  extreme 

„  Nangamessie  Har.,  entrance 

„  Palmedo  Road 

„  Reef  or  West  Point 

,,  Cape  Blackwood,  or  S.  point 

Savu  Island,  Seba  Bay  on  X.W.  side     - 
Dana  or  Ho'kie  Islai.d,  hill    - 
Floris  Strait,  Kambing  Island 

„         Larantaka,  Portuguese  Settle- 
ment    -  -  - 
„         Serbette  Island 
Komba  Island,  volcanic  peak  - 
Solor  Island,  Lamarkwera  or  E  point     - 

,,  Lawang  on  X.  coast 

Adenara  Island,  Mount  Woka,  summit  - 
Lombata  or  Lomblen  Island,  Mount  La- 
mararap  ... 

„         Soangie  Island,  off  S.W.  pt.  - 
Lobetolle  p'-ak  -  -  - 

Pantar  Island,  South  peak  of  Saddle  on 
South  point  .  .  - 

„  S.W.  point 

,,  Pandai  on  N.  end 

Pantar  Strait,  North  or  Panjang  Island  - 
„  Hi^h  or  Pura  II..  peak    - 

,,  South  or  Twerin  Island  - 

Ombay  Island,  D<>lolo  anchorage 
,,  S.W.  point      .   - 

„  S.E.  point,  white  rock 

"Wetter  Island,  Honden  Island  ofl  X.W. 
point      -  -  -  - 


8  21   o 

;  I2J  9  30 

Kingdom. 

771 

8  19  30 

1  121  42  0 

Dutch  Charts. 

771 

860 

IJ2   8   0 

»> 

771 

8  19  25 

122  19  30 

»» 

771 

8  23  0 

122  30  0 

» 

771 

8  20  0 

122  59  0 

II 

771 

8  4  45 

'  122  52  0 

)i 

771 

7  48  39 

122  17  0 

II 

771 

7  25  0 

122  30 

1 

772 

7  24  0 

'2  1  45   0 

>i 

772 

7  27  40 

12  1  43  30 

II 

772 

7  16  0 

120  48   0 

II 

773 

7  20  13 

121   2  20 

II 

773 

7  5  0 

120  57  30 

II 

773 

1   7  S  0 

120  48  20 

II 

773 

7  2  30 

120  3r  30 

»i 

773 

6  46  0 

120  47  30 

>i 

773 

6  40  0 

120  12  30 

)i 

773 

8  45  0 

119  49  0 

II 

774 

1   8  49  0 

"9  55  0 

II 

774 

8  52  30 

120  12  10 

„ 

774 

8  54  0 

121  0  0 

II 

775 

8  50  0 

121  12  0 

)i 

775 

8  56  0 

121  20  0 

II 

775 

8  52  0 

121  39  0 

)> 

775 

8  55  0 

121  41  0 

11 

775 

8  48  0 

122  4  0 

,, 

775 

8  32  0 

122  46  0 

>} 

775 

10  6  0 

120  51  0 

II 

775 

9  35  0 

120  30  0 

776 

9  36  0 

120  16  0 

„ 

776 

9  21  0 

"9  45  0 

II 

776 

9  40  0 

118  59  0 

11 

776 

10  19  0 

120  30  0 

II 

776 

j  10  29  0 

121  46  0 

,, 

777 

10  49  0 

121  16   0 

,. 

777 

8  40  0 

122  51   0 

)i 

777 

8  19  30 

122  58  30 

II 

778 

8  8  3c 

123  I  0  ; 

„ 

779 

7  48  0 

123  33  0 

II 

779 

8  26  0 

123  8  30 

'1 

779 

8  27  0 

123  3  30 

II 

779 

8  20  30 

123  15  0 

>i 

779 

1   8  33  0 

123  22  0 

<i 

780 

8  35  0 

133  13  0 

II 

780 

8  11  30 

123  43  30 

II 

781 

8  34  0 

124  6  0 

„ 

781 

8  25  0 

123  55  0 

,, 

781 

8  I  r  30 

124  12  0 

J, 

781 

880 

124  17  30 

jj 

782 

8  16  0 

124  16  30 

„ 

782 

8  29  0  ' 

124  13  30  { 

„ 

7>-2 

8  12  0  i 

.'24  23  01 

,, 

782 

8  25  0 

124  18  0  j 

,j 

782 

8  21   0 

125  14  0  1 

'. 

782 

7  41  0 

126  0  0 

782 

XXSIV 


TABLE   OF  GEOGEAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


1 

I.at. 
South. 

Long. 
East. 

Authorities. 

Page 

Wetter  Island,  East  point 

"7  45 

0 

126  47      0 

Dutch  Charts. 

782 

„             Sauw  village  on  S.  coast  - 

7  56 

0 

126   24     0 

}y 

783 

Liban  Island,  stimmit 

8     5 

0 

125  46   30 

]> 

783 

Kamliing  Island,  S.W.  point  - 

8   19 

30 

125  33     0 

784 

Kissa  Island,  anch.  on  \V.  side 

8     6 

40 

127     9     0 

)9 

784 

Roma  or  Teralta  Island,  West  point 

7  38 

0 

127   19     0 

784 

Timor.     Oijsma  or  S.W.  point 

10  20 

0 

123  26     0 

De  Vrieze. 

784 

„         Samao  Island,  West  point 

10  14 

0 

123   16  30 

j^ 

785 

„         Koepang,  Fort  Concordia  flag- 

staff     .... 

ID    10 

0 

123  35     0 

jj 

785 

„         Pakoela  Point,  low  extreme 

10       2 

0 

123  34  30 

yf 

786 

,,         Selama  peak,  summit 

9  57 

0 

123  39  30 

99 

786 

Rotti  Island,  W.  point 

10  46 

0 

122  52     0 

>» 

787 

„           Cj'rus  Harbour    - 

10  53 

0 

123     5  15 

Spratley. 

788 

„           Baa  Koad 

10  43 

0 

123     I  40 

Dutch  charts. 

788 

Timor  Xorth  Coast,  Gomok  Point 

9  27 

0 

123  46  30 

yy 

788 

„     Gula  or  Goela  Island    - 

9  15 

0 

124     0     0 

789 

„     Liefou,  Portuguese  settlement 

9  " 

0 

124  25     0 

D'Entrecasteaux. 

789 

„     Atapopa,,  Dutch  settlement 

9    0 

0 

124  50     0 

Baars. 

789 

„     Gedeh,  Portuguese  settl;ment 

8  57 

0 

124  55     0 

9> 

789 

„     Dielli,  Portuguese  settlement  flag- 

staff 

8  34 

0 

125  37     0 

Kolff. 

789 

„     Mantotte,  village 

8  30 

0 

125  58     0 

Dutch  chart. 

791 

,,     Cape  Jackee,  N.E.  point 

8  20 

0 

127   II     0 

Edeling. 

791 

,,     Nusa  Besie  or  Jackee  Island 

8  25 

0 

127   18    0 

^ 

791 

Gunong  Api,  summit  of  volcano 

6  43 

0 

126  43    0 

i> 

792 

ISLANDS   AND    PASSAGES  EAST- 

WARD  OF  BORNEO. 

Strait  of  Makassak. 

Two  Brothers           -                 .                 . 

4  19 

30 

116  12  30 

Chart. 

794 

Bira  Birakan  Islands,  N.  extreme 

4     6 

0 

1 16  16    0 

J 

794 

Pulo  Sebuku,  North  end 

3    ^2 

0 

116  27     0 

jy 

794 

Paniantyngan  Point 

3   12 

0 

116  15    0 

794 

Pulo  Laut,  Pulo  Kungit  off  South  point 

4     6 

20 

116    40 

Dutch  chart. 

794 

Dwaalder  Island,  E.  side 

4   15 

0 

116  10  30 

794 

I'hree  Alike  Islands,  centre     - 

3  39 

0 

116  39  30 

795 

Sibbald  Bank,  5  fathoms 

5  46 

0 

117     30 

Forbes,  &g. 

795 

Aurora  Bank,  4£  fathoms 

5  25 

0 

116  58     0 

)9 

795 

Nusa  Komba,  centre 

5  14 

0 

117     4    0 

Chart. 

795 

Pudsc-y  Dawson,  4i  fathoms    - 

4  42 

0 

117     40 

-796 

Laurel  Reef,  2\  fathoms  patch 

4  30 

0 

117     8     0 

796 

Martaban  Shoal        -                  .                 . 

4  " 

0 

117   10    0 

796 

Sea  Serpent  Shoal    -                 -                 . 

3  56 

0 

117  28     0 
117  29  40 

796 

Bank,  dries                ... 

3  31 

50 

» 

796 

Bank         -                 -                 .                 . 

3  34 

0 

"7  37  30 

>» 

796 

Bank         -                 -                  .                 . 
Twee  Vrienden  Reef 

3  38 
3  40 

0 
0 

"7  35     0 
ii7     8     0 

Vrienden,  1876. 

796 
796 

Franklin  Bank          -                  .                 . 

3     2 

0 

117  33     0 

Chart. 

796 

Triangles,  southern 

3     5 
6     2 

0 

117  50     0 

118  14    0 

796 

Laars  Bank,  S.  end  -                 -                 . 

0 

" 

796 

Saflana  or  Dewakan  Island     - 

5  26 

0 

118  25     0 

118  35     0 

1   118  53     0 

1 16  32     0 

I 

796 

Tonyn  Island  or  Benkoeloean- 

5  31 

6  8 

2  32 

i 

0 

797 

Brill  Shoal 

Shoal  Point  or  Tanjong  Iklirra 

0 

0 

1 

797 
798 

TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


Lat. 
South. 

Long. 

East. 

Authorities. 

Page 

Eairged  Point  or  Tanjons;:  Aris 

2    'S   30 

0       ,       « 
116   37      0 

Chart. 

798 

Little  Paternosters,  X.E.  isle - 

2    10     0 

117   48   30 

)» 

799 

N.W.  isle 

280 

i'7  33    0 

» 

799 

Hannah  Shoal          .                 .                 . 

2    18     0 

117      0     0 

19 

799 

Pasir  or  Passier  River,  entrance 

I   51      0 

99 

799 

Jason  Reefs,  S.E.  end 

I   51      0 

116  57      0 

99 

799 

N.W.  end 

I   48   30 

116  52      0 

99 

799 

Kiver  Koetei,  S.W.  entrance  - 

I      0     0 

117    20     0 

99 

8U0 

„             Tanjong  Bayor,  E.  point  of 

delta     .... 

0  45     0 

"7  37     0 

99 

800 

Bontheim,  on  South  coast  of  Celehes 

5   32     0 

119  54    0 

802 

Klambang  Point,  Cape  Bulo  Bulo 

5  42     0 

119  41     0 

802 

Point  Laykan,  S.W.  point  of  Celebes     - 

5  36     0 

119  26     0 

Sir  E.  Belcher. 

803 

Makas-sar,  Ft.  Rotterdam,  North  angle 

5     8     9 

119  21   18 

99 

803 

Spermonde  Archipelago,    Kapo   Posang 

Island  or  West  Island 

4  43     0 

"8  55     0 

Chart. 

805 

Teignmouth  Bank    -                 -                 - 

4  56     0 

118  35  30 

9> 

80-5 

Pareh  Pareh  Ba}-,  village 

410 

119  34    0 

8ll'5 

Balanipa,  village      .                  .                 - 

3  29     0 

119     2  30 

99 

806 

Cape  Mandhar,  West  extreme 

3  34    0 

118  54     0 

806 

Penamhoeang,  village 

3  28     0 

118  52  30 

806 

Cape  William           .                 .                 - 

2  40     0 

1 1 8  47     0 

,, 

806 

Palos  Bay,  village  at  the  head 

0  57     0 
North. 

119  47   30 

Van  Loo,  &c. 

806 

Cape  Temoel  or  Samsa 

000 

1^9  35  30 

Chart. 

807 

Seven  Islands,  North  Watcher 

0  34    0 

119  43  30 

99 

807 

Cape  Donda              ... 

0  58  30 

120  13  30 

„ 

807 

Cape  Kaniongan,  E.  point  of  Borneo 

140 

118  56     0 

)» 

807 

Island  of  Celebes. 

Cape  Rivers,  N.E.  Cape,  Slime  Islet 

I   20     0 

120  43  30 

Sir  E.  Belcher. 

809 

Cape  Kandi  -             - 

I  20     0 

121  25     0 

Chart. 

810 

Bwool,  anchorage     ... 

I    10     0 

121  24    0 

,, 

810 

Kwandang  Bay,  village  in  S.E.  part 

0  52     0 

122  44  30 

810 

Lombok  Bay,  Maririe  Point    - 

I      I     0 

124    9     0 

,, 

811 

Manado,  Fort  Amsterdam 

I   29  25 

124  46  30 

99 

811 

Mount  Klobat,  summit  631.T  feet 

I   27     9 

125     0     0 

811 

North  Cape  or  Papalumpongang 

I  46     0 

124  56     0 

„ 

812 

Limbe  Island,  North  point 

I   35     0 

125  15     0 

,, 

812 

Kema,  Fort                ... 

I   21     0 

125     I  30 

,, 

812 

Cape  Flesko,  extreme 

0  27     0 

124  26     0 

Jlelvill  V.  Cambee 

812 

Cape  Tolo,  extreme 

0   15     0 

123  50     0 

» 

812 

Gorontalo,  entrance  of  river    - 

0  25     0 
South. 

122  50    0 

99 

812 

Togean  Isles,  Great  Wallah,  N.  point    - 

0  14     0 

122  13     0 

,, 

813 

Cape  Talabo,  East  end 

0  46     0 

123  27     0 

„ 

813 

Cape  Nederburg       ... 

2  53     0 

122   16     0 

19 

813 

Wowoni  or  Weywon^i  Island,  N.  point 

3  58     0 

123     0     0 

99 

813 

Kendari  or  Vosraaer  Baj',  entrance 

3  57     0 

122  32     0 

9' 

813 

Boeton  or  Bulon  Island,  North  point     - 

4  23  30 

123     4    0 

99 

813 

„                     „               East  point 

5   15     0 

123  16     0 

99 

813 

„       Siumpu  or  South  Id,  S.W.  point 

5  41  20 

122  26  30 

„ 

814 

„       Bolio  or  Boeton 

5  28     0 

122  36     0 

„ 

814 

Moena    or    iluna    Island,    C.  Willa,  or 

S.W.  point 

5  23     0 

122  15     0 

>« 

816 

Kabeina  Island,  peak  4,000  feet 

5   19  30 

121  53     0 

99 

815 

Cape  Lassa  or  Berak,  extreme 

5   35     0 

120  29     0 

Sir  J.  Brooke. 

815 

Point  Patiro,  extreme 

4  38     0 

120  27     0 

,, 

816 

Cape  Marasauga  or  Siw  i 

3  4S     0 

120  26     0 

99 

816 

TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


Beraoe  or  Burn,  head  of  Gulf  of  Boni     - 
Cape  Bunffiiifi;  Kaito 
Mansfield  Shoal,  centre  3  fathoms 
Salayar  Island,  North  point    - 
„  South  pi  lint     - 

Tiger  Islands,  Ptrch  Islaml  at  E,  end     - 
Postilion  Island,  Noitli  Island 
„  S.K.  Island  - 

„  S.W.    Islands,    Maria 

Reiiiersbergen  Islands 
Pulo  Tenga  or  Paternoster  Ids.,  South 
Ids.  or  Maria  Heinersberuen  Ids. 
„     Ardassier  Islands,  South  one 
.„     N.E.  Paternosters,  North  one 


Molucca  Islani>s. 

Xulla  Isles— Taliabo,  N."W.  point  - 
„  Mangola,  S.E.  point 

„  Lisainatula,  E   point 

„  Besi,  S.E  point 

,,  ,,      Sannana  Bay,  fort 

Bouro  Island,  Bulatetio  or  N.W.  Cape  - 
„  Cayeli  Bay,  Fort  Dei'ansie 

,,  P."la  or  Ea-t  point 

„  Arnblau  Island,  E.  point  - 

„  Pekka  or  South  point 

Manipa  Island,  centre 
Amboina  Island,  Wawolle  or  W.  point  - 
,,  Amboina,  Fort  Victoria 

Haruku,  S."W.  point 
Saparoea,  Melano  Id.,  off  S.W.  point     - 

„  Fort  Duurstede 

Banda  Ids.,  Gunong  Api  summit  2200  ft. 
„  Great  Banda,  N.E.  point     - 

,,  Neira,  Fort  Nassau 

„  Rosengain  or  Kozagin,  centr 

„  Way  or  Ai,  centre 

,,  Khun  or  Rung,  S.  point 

Token  Bessi  Ids.,  Wangi- Wangi,  N.W. 
point     -  -  -  - 

„  Binongko,  South  point 

„  St.  Matthew  Id.,  centre     - 

,,  Veldhoen,  centre 

Hegadis  Island,  Lagu  Rocks,  off  S.  pt.  - 
Lucipara  Islands,  North  iglet 
Gunong  Api  ... 

Roma  Island,  West  point 

„  Serussa  anchorage 

Letti  Island,  West  point 

,,  Anch(;ra!ie  on  N.  side 

Moa  Island,  Buflalo  Peak,  4,100  feet       - 
Strraatta  Island,  N.E.  point  - 
Damma    Island,    Kulewatta    Harbour, 
JSorih  point  .  -  - 

Nila  Island,  centre  -  -  . 

Maiio  or  Bird  Island,  centre    - 
Tenimher  Islands,    Timor  Laut,  Oliliet 
on  East  coast        -  .  . 

)j  tt  S.  point 


7   3° 

7  5° 
1  35 
6  35 


I  44     o 

I   55  3° 

1  50     o 

2  28     o 


7     ° 
22  49 


23     o 

52  o 

53  o 

17     o 

3  44  30 
3  41   30 

39  o 

40  o 

35  50 
3>  o 
30  30 

32     o 

34  o 
32     o 

36  o 


15  o 

17  o 

20  o 

58  o 

9     ° 

28  30 

43  o 
38  o 
42     o 

5  14   20 

8  10  15 
8120 
8   14     o 

730 

6  44    o 

5  33     o 

7  55     o 

8  18  45 


120  40  30 

121  45  O 

120   13  O 

120  30  o 

120  28  30 

J22  15  Q 

118  43  O 

119  10  O 

107  56  o 

117  5  o 

117  22  o 

118  17  o 


122  20 
126  14 
126  29 
126   I 

125  57 

126  4 

127  6 
127   17  o 
127   17  o 

126  39  o 

127  34  o 

127  54  30 

128  10  18 
128  25  o 
128  36  o 

128  38  18 

129  53  o 
129  56  30 

129  52  50 

130  2  30 
129  46  20 
129  43  o 


27 


Sir  J.  Brooke. 

Chart. 


Brennivala. 

Chart. 

Sir  E.  Belcher. 

Chart. 


Sir  E.  Belcher. 

Chart. 

Melvill  V.  Carnbee 
Chart. 


123  32  o 

123  59  o 

124  14  o 
124  46  o 

122  38  O 

127  30  O 

126  43  30 

127  19  O 
127  39  O 
127  36  o 

127  41  o 

128  I  o 

129  o  o 

128  28  o 

129  29  o 

130  20  o 


131  23  30    Owen  Stanley,  &c, 
I30  43 


Dutch  chart. 


Chart. 

Owen  Stanley. 


Chart. 


TABLE  OF  GEOGEAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


XXXVll 


Page 


■  Tenimber  Islands,  Laarat,  E.  point 
„  Voniate,  8.  point 

„  Mulu,  N.  point 

„  Serra,  8.W.  point 

Arru  Islands,  N^or  or  S.  Island 

,,  Dobbo  Harbour,  point 

,,  North  point 

Ki  Islands,  Great  Ki,  South  point 
„  ,,  North  point 

„  Little  Ki,  Doulan  Har.  pier 

Victoria  Shoal  ?        - 
Lyne'ioch  Bank,  7  fathoms     - 
IMoney  Shoal  -  -  . 

Tionfolokker  Group,  S.W.  island 
Three  Brothers.  Ta  or  South  Brother     - 
Tello  Islands,  KanalurorS.  Id  ,  summit 
,,  Bun  or  N.  Id.,  summit    - 

Tebor  Island,  N.E.  point 
Matabella  Islands,  Kukur 

„  IngHT 

Goram  Isles,  Monovolko,  E.  point 

„  Goram,  tS.E.  point 

Ceram  Laut  Isles,  high  tree  on  western 
isle        .... 
„  Kilwari  Island,  town 

KeflB.ng  Isles,  E.  point 
Ceram  Island,  Rozaket  or  N.E.  point     - 
,,,  Waroe  or  Wharu  anch.    - 

„  CapeTalanuru,  N.W.  ext. 

„  Bonoa  Island,  N.E.  point 

,,  Seal  orSial  Pt.,  S.W.  ext. 

„  Piero  Bay,  Kassara  Id.    - 

„  Amahai  i3ay,  Dutch  fort  - 

New  Guinea,  Cape  Valsche     - 
,,  Triton  Bank 

„  Providential  Bank 

„  False  Ulanata  River 

„  Cape   Chanipel   or    Steen- 

boom    -  -  .  . 

„  Cape  Buru 

,,  Lakahia  Mount 

„  Cape  Perier 

„  Chasot  Island,  centre 

„  Aidutnea  Island,  centre 

„  Triton  Bay,  Port  du  Bus  - 

,,  Namatotte  I.^land 

„  Wessel  Island,   S.E.  point 

„  Ariiuna  Bay,  C.  Boucher  - 

„  Cape  Kaffoera    - 

,,  Cape  Sapey 

„  Gudin  Island,  N.W.  end  - 

„  Drei  Cap  Pen'a,  Wass  Id. 

„  McCluer  Inlet,   village  at 

bead     -  -  .  . 

Sabuda  Island,  S.  point 
Mysole  Islami,  Efbe  Harbour 
Canary  Islands,  -western  extreme 
Popa  Island,  S.E.  point 
Salawati  Island,  Van  Dady  or  N.W.  pt. 
Batanta  Island,  Cape  Mubo  or  W.  pt.    - 
Waigiu  Island,  Piapis  Harbour 


0 
0 
0 
0 
0 

45  18 
20  0 
56  0 
16  30 
34  42 
13  0 


55 
10  19 
5  47 


5 
5 
6 
4 
4 
4 
4 
4 

3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
2 

2  56 

3  33 
3  16 

3  19 
8  22 
6  0 
6  35 

4  45 


45  0 

28  0 
12  0 
8  30 
2  0 


0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 

27  30 
44  0 


2  23 
2  40 
2  4 
1  50 
1  12 
0  59 
0  56 
0  5 


132  1 
131  55 

131  40 

130  44 
134  24 
134  13  35 
134  40  0 

132  54  0 

133  10  0 
132  45  11 

131  22  0 

130  40 

132  47 
132  9 

131  54 
131  58 
131  58 
131  47 
131  50 
131  34 
131  29 
131  30 


131  0  0 

130  68  0 

13J  53  0 

130  56  0 

130  43  0 

128  11  0 

127  59  0 

127  55  0 

128  10  0 
128  56  7 

137  40  0 

138  4  0 
137  55  0 
136  18  0 

136  20  30 

135  9  0 

134  50  0 

134  31  30 

134  17  30 

134  0  0 

134  4  0 

133  57  0 
133  34 
133  20 
132  47 
132  37 
132  33 
132  4 


134  7  0 

131  36  0 

130  12  0 

129  35  0 

129  50  0 

130  36  0 
130  25  0 
130  12  0 


Owen  Stanlej' 
Chart. 


Owen  Stanley, 

Chart. 

Owen  Stanley, 

Tiza'rd,  1874, 
Chart. 
Stead. 
Chart. 


&c. 


&c. 


Kolfif. 
Dutch  Chart. 


Konine:. 
KoJff,  &c. 


Chart. 


Forrest. 
Chart. 


D'Urville. 


841 
841 
841 
841 
841 
844 
842 
846 
847 
847 
848 
84» 
848 
8da 
850 
850 
850 
850 
850 
850 
^51 
851 

851 
851 
8)2 
852 
852 
8o4 
854 
854 
854 
854 
85.7- 
855 
8A.5 
85» 

856 

85& 

Soft 

856 

856  ^ 

856 

856 

857 

857 

857 

857 

857 

857 

857 

857 
858 
858 
858 
859 
860 
860 
861 


XXXVIU 


TABLE  OF  GEOGEAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


Authorities. 


Waigiu  Island,  Offak  Harbour,  entrance 

,,  Rawak  Harbour 

„  Cape  Lamarche,  N.E.  pt. 

„  Chabrol  Bay,  Port  BIos- 

seville  .  -  -  - 

Dampier  Island,  Bucclench  Shoal 

„  King   William    Island, 

West  point 

,,  Pigeon  Island,  centre  - 

,,  Fowl  Isle,  centre 

Obi  Major,  Pocky  or  W.  point 

Gomona  Island,  centre 

Lukieong  or  Loyang  Island,  S.  end 

Gasses  Island,  S.E.  end 

Kekik  Island,  East  end 

Boe  or  Bu  Islands,  W.  end     - 

Gebi  or  Gebeh  Islands,  N".W.  point 

„  Fowld.,  S.pt.   - 

Gagy  Island,  South  point 

Syang  Island,  S.E.  point 

Wyang  or  Vayag  Island,  West  end 

Ormsbee  Shoal,  12  fathoms 

Halmaheira  or  Gillolo,  South  point 

„  Cape  Tabo,  E.  extr.  - 

„  Canton  Packet  Reef  - 

„  Ardasier  Rock 

„  Bitjoli     or      Wassa, 

Dutch  settlement 

„  Cape  Salaway,  N.E. 

point     -  -  -  . 

„  Tanjong  Batu  Bessao 

„  Talendang  Ids.,  Dili 

„  Gillolo  village 

„  Dodingo,  village 

Molucca  Islands,  Ternata,  Fort  Oranje  - 
„  Tidore,  summit  of  volcano 

„  „      N.E.  end 

„  Mareh,  W.  point 

„  Motir,  summit 

„  Makkian,  Fort  Reeburgh 

Wolf  Rock 
„  Batjan  or  Batchian,  Fort 

Barneveld  -  .  . 

,,  S.E.  point 

Bahia  Reef,  coral      -  .  . 

Mayor  or  Mej's  Island,  North  point 
Tifore  Island,  N.W.  point 


ISLANDS  NORTH  OF  THE 
MOLUCCAS. 

Bajaren  Island,  summit 
Tagiilanda  Island,  peak 


0     5 
0  13 


0  34  0 
0  39  0 
,0  43     0 


30  0 
42  30 
42  0 
38  0 
30  0 
0 

North. 
0     2     2 
South. 
0     8     0 
0  25     0 
North. 


0  18  0 
0  11  0 
0  41  0 
South. 
0  50  0 
North. 
0  11  0 
0  36  30 
0  45     0 


0  38  0 


1  26 

2  14 
2  17 
1  10 
0  52 
0  47 
0  39 
0  46 
0  34 
0  28 
0  24 
0  13 
South. 

0  37  0 

0  47  0 

1  10  0 
North. 

1  22  30 
1  1  0 


130  43 

130  57 

131  14 

130  41 

131  21 


130  29  0 

130  34  0 

130  42  30 

127  18  0 

127  30  0 

128  2  0 
128  14  0 
128  37  0 


129  11  30 

129  17  30 

129  30  0 

129  54  0 


129  53  0 

129  57  0 

130  0  0 

128  23  0 

128  52  0 

128  56  30 

129  0  0 

128  20  0 


128  37 

0 

127  33 

0 

127  33 

0 

127  28 

0 

127  46 

0 

127  21 

0 

127  22 

30 

127  25 

0 

127  21 

0 

127  23 

0 

127  21 

0 

126  50 

0 

127  25  30 
127  52  30 
126  50  0 


126  22 
126     8 


Chart. 
>j 
>» 
» 

Duperrey. 

Chart. 

j> 
>» 
>» 

Dutch  Chart. 


Bethune. 


2     7     0     125  22    0   Spanish  charts,  &c     881 
2  22     0      125  24  30  j         „  «82 


TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


XXXIX 


Seao  Island,  conical  peak 

Sangir  Island,  S.  poiut,  Cape  Palumbatu 

Talaut  Islands,  Kalnuansr,  S.E.  point     - 

,,  Karkelansi:,  N.  point 

Tulur  Islands,  Kanian  village 
Meangis  Inlands,  southern 

SuLU  Archipelago. 

Tapnl,  centre  hill     -  .  - 

Bulipons;pong,  centre  hill 

Cuad  Basang,  S.W.  point 

Bubuan,  Lagoon  entrance 

Ketnapoussan  Island,  centre  - 

Boiijialao,  S'uith  point 

Simonor,  N.W.  point 

Manuc  iManca,  M'est  point 

8ibutu,  hill,  East  coast 

Borneo,  Unsang  anchorage 

Omapiii,  N.W.  extreme 

Talantam  Bank,  5  fathoms 

Pearl  Bank,  western  Island    - 

„         East  Islet 
Doc-can,  West  extreme 
Sulu   Island,  Dalrymple  Harbour,  well 

on  S.E.  coast  Tulyan  Island 
Pansjituran,  S.W.  point 
Basilan  Id.,  Passanhan  or  Isabela 

,,       Island,  Malusa 
Sibago  Isles  ... 

Teinga  Island,  centre 
Sta.  Cruz  Island,  S.E.  one 

Philippine  Islands. 

Mindanao,  Cape  Panguitan  or  S.  point  - 
„  lUana  Bay,  Rio  Grande,  Co- 

tabatu  fort  ... 

„  Port  Dumanquilas,  entrance 

,,  Samboanga,  pier    - 

„  La  Caldera,  fort     - 

,,  Santa  Cruz  Islands,  S.  point 

,,  Port   Sta.    Maria,   village  at 

head     .... 
„  Murcielagos  Islets,  W.  point 

„  Point  Taglo,  N.^V.  point 

,,  Laguna  de  Panguil,  Misamis, 

at  entrance  ... 

„  Macajalar  Bay,  Barra  de  Ca- 

gayan   -  - 

„  Camiguin  Island,  \Y.  point  - 

„  Point  Banajan  or  Bilaan 

,,  Surinao,  landing'  place 

Surigao  Islands,  Siargao,  N.E.  point 

„  Dinigat,  N.  point 

Panaon  Island,  S.  point 

„  Puerto  Liloan,  E.  entr.  - 

Leyte  Island,  S.W.  point 
„       Tacloban 
„       Carigara  on  N.  coast 
Samar  Island,  Punta  Saugui,  r  Samar  - 


2  44 

3  21 

3  49 

4  29 

3  49 

4  39 


44  30 

41  30 
27  10 
25  15 
13  0 

0  30 
55  30 
49  30 

49  30 
16  30 
54  10 

42  0 

50  45 
50  45 
52  30 


6  2  30 
6  15  15 
6  42  45 
6  32  50 
6  45  0 
6  54  0 
6  52  15 


5  36  0 


7  46  0 

8  8  0 
8  43  0 

8  10  0 

8  31  10 

9  12  30 
9  50  0 
9  48  30 

10  4  0 
10  28 
9  55 
10  10 

10  0 

11  16 
11  19 


0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
10  55  30 


125  26  0  Spanish  charts, &c 

125  39  0 

127  2  30 

15fi  52  0 

127  2  0  Chart. 

127  7  0 


120  55  0 
120  49  45 
120  11  30 
120  35  0 

120  40  45 
119  44  15 
119  46  45 
119  48  0 
119  24  0 
119  16  0 
119  22  45 
119  26  30 
119  37  30 
119  44  0 

119  Ob   45 

121  18  20 

120  29  30 

121  58  0 

121  52  43 

122  24  0 

121  38  0 

122  4  0 


125  21  0 

124  14  30 

123  4  0 

122  4  0 

121  58  0 

122  4  30 

122  7  30 

122  26  0 

123  22  30 

123  49  0 


124  45 

124  37 

125  25 

125  29 

126  3 
125  38 
125  17 
125  8 
125  1 
124  59 

124  41 

125  52 


Chimmo,  1871-2 


Spanish  charts. 
La  Sabine,  1844. 
Spanish  charts. 
Wild  Rover,  1870 
Spanish  charts. 


Spanish  charts. 


TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


Lat. 
North. 


LonR. 
East. 


Authorities. 


Page 


o 

^^ 

„ 

,1 

Samar  Island,  Point  Binusfayan 

12 

12 

0 

125 

33 

0 

» 

902 

,,              C.Espiritu  Santo,  N.E. end 

12 

32 

30 

125 

13 

30 

» 

902 

„             Puerto  de  Palapa,  S.E.  pt. 

of  Batag  Island    -                  -                  - 

12 

37 

20 

125 

4 

0 

» 

902 

„             Bulicuatro  Isles,  N.W.  pt. 

of  Viri  -                 -                 -                 - 

12 

43 

0 

124 

23 

0 

y. 

902 

St.  Bernardino  Island,  East  entrance  of 

Strait    -                 -                  -                  - 

12 

46 

0 

124 

18 

30 

yy 

904 

Capul  Island,  N.  point 

12 

30 

0 

124 

10 

0 

n 

904 

Ticao  Island,  Puerto  San  Jacinto,  fort    - 

12 

35 

0 

123 

45 

0 

904 

ilasbate.  Point  Ciduljuan  or  S. K.  point 

11 

44 

0 

124 

5 

0 

» 

905 

„        Put-rto  Barreras,  Point  Lanan 

12 

33 

0 

123 

24 

9 

yy 

905 

,,        Point  Bugui  or  N.W.  point 

12 

36 

0 

123 

15 

0 

905 

Zebu  or  Oebu  Island,  Point,Bulalaqu  e  or 

N.  point                ... 

11 

17 

0 

124 

4 

0 

yy 

906 

„                  Port  Zebu,  lighthouse 

on  Bacacay  Point 

10 

24 

0 

124 

1 

20 

»> 

907 

,,                 Naga  coal  mines 

10 

13 

30 

123 

46 

0 

9» 

907 

„                  Point  Tanon  or  S.  pt. 

9 

25 

0 

124 

20 

0 

» 

907 

Bohul  Island,  N.W.  point 

10 

9 

0 

1J4 

10 

0 

» 

908 

Siquijor  Island,  N.  point 

9 

18 

30 

123 

37 

30 

H 

908 

Negros  Island,  Bombonon  or  S.  point    - 

9 

3 

30 

123 

6 

0 

ff 

908 

„             Himamajlan,  on  VV.  coast 

10 

7 

0 

122 

52 

0 

908 

,,             Bacolot,  village 

10 

43 

0 

122 

57 

0 

»9 

908 

Bnrias,  Busin  Harbour,  San  Jose  Id.     - 

13 

9 

0 

122 

57 

0 

}> 

908 

Panaj',  Punta  Bulacaue  or  N.E.  point    - 

11 

36 

30 

123 

8 

0 

9) 

909 

„       Silanga  Islands,  North  Gigante, 

N.  point                ... 

11 

39 

0 

123 

22 

0 

9t 

909 

„       Pan  de  Azucar,  summit 

11 

17 

0 

123 

10 

(1 

)» 

910 

„       Ilo  Ilo,  fort 

10 

43 

0 

122 

36 

0 

910 

„       Nugas  Island,  off  S.W.  pt. 

10 

24 

40 

121 

54 

0 

99 

915 

,,       San  Jose_de.  Buenaventura 

10 

45 

0 

121 

55 

30 

9> 

915 

„       Point  Naisog,  or  N.W.  point 

11 

53 

30 

121 

62 

20 

>l 

915 

SuLU  Sea. 

Sandakan  Harbour,  Bahalatolis  Island  - 

5 

50 

0 

118 

11 

0 

»> 

917 

Cagayan  de  Sulu,  entrance  of  basin 

6 

58 

5 

118 

29 

0 

yy 

918 

,,       Sulu,  observation  spot,  middle 

West  coast             ... 

7 

0 

38 

118 

26 

6 

Chimmo,  1871. 

918 

San  Miguel  Isles,  East  point  of  Manuk 

ISIanukan                ... 

7 

43 

0 

118 

27 

0 

Spanish  charts. 

920 

Ca-ayancs  Islands,  Observatory  between 

the  islands             ... 

9 

35 

30 

121 

23 

30 

>> 

921 

Caueli  or  Cavilli,  N.W.  point 

9 

14 

0 

120 

52 

30 

99 

922 

Sombrero  Rock         ... 

10 

43 

0 

121 

33 

0 

99 

923 

Pi^dra  Blanca          ... 

10 

27 

0 

121 

3 

0 

99 

922 

MinUoro  Island,  Cape  Calavite,  N.W.  pt. 

13 

26 

0 

120 

18 

0 

99 

924 

,,             Abra  lie  Hog    - 

13 

26 

20 

120 

46 

0 

99 

924 

„             Calapan 

13 

25 

30 

121 

10 

30 

924 

,,             Punta  Buruncan  or  S.  pt. 

12 

13 

0 

121 

14 

30 

99 

924 

Sibuyan  Island,  South  point  - 

12 

17 

0 

122 

38 

30 

99 

924 

„              West  point    - 

12 

27 

0 

122 

26 

30 

99 

924 

Rombloii  Island,  light  on  N.E.  point 

12 

36 

30 

122 

18 

0 

99 

924 

Marinduque  Island,  Ele'ante,i^off  S.  pt.  - 

13 

11 

30 

122 

0 

0 

925 

Luzon,  S.,  E.,  and  N.  Coasts,  Cape  San- 

tiago    .... 

13 

45 

40 

120 

40 

0 

Montero,  Spanish 

926 

„       Balayan       ... 

13 

56 

0 

120 

44 

0 

Surveys,  &c. 

927 

,,       Batanufaa     ... 

13 

45 

0 

121 

3 

40 

99 

927 

,,       Veide  Island,  N.W.  point 

13 

34 

0 

121 

2 

20 

927 

„       Point  Bantigui 

13 

41 

16 

121 

27 

40 

99 

927 

TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


xli 


Lat. 
North. 


Authorities. 


Luzon,  L.ig-iimmanoc,  entrance 
„       Bondog  Head 
„       Tamba  Point 

„       Sorsogon     -  -  . 

„       Calintan  Island 
„       Ungay  Point 

„       Catanduanes  Island,  S.E.  point  - 
j»  „  N.  point 

„       Matandumaten  Island 
„       Calagnas   Isles,  Cacbalisay  Id., 
East  end  .  .  . 

,,       Lamon  Bay,  Gumaca 
,,       Polillo  Island,  peak    - 
„       Cape  San  Ildefonso     - 
„       Paranan  Bay,  South  pt. 
„       Yligan  Point 
„       Cape  Engano 
„       Pt.  San  Vincente,  entrance 
„       River  Cagayan,  entrance 
„       Pamplona  Bar 
„       Pt.  Djalao  -  -  - 

„       Cape  Bojeador 
Babuyan  Islands,  Dalupiri  Id.,  N.  point 

„  Calayan  Island,  N.E.  pt. 

„  Claro  Island,  W.  point    - 

,,  Camiguin     Island,     Port 

Pio  v.,  entrance  -  -  - 

„  Bashi  or   Batan  Islands, 

Balintang  Island  (P.D.) 

,,  Batan  Island,  Mt.  Irada, 


3,806  ft. 
Kosa  - 
S.w'.'point 


Ibayat  Island,  Mt.  Santa 
Y'Ami  Island,    islet    off 


CHINA. 


Hainan  to  Hong  Kong. 

Now  Chow  Island,  West  point 

Ty-fung-kyoh  Island 

Pauk  Pyah  Rock     - 

Song-yui  Point         .  .  . 

Mamee-chow  Islets,  S.W.  pt.  of  W.  islet 

Tyoa  Point  ... 

Mandarins  Cap         ... 

Hawcheim  Island,  S.W.  point 

Namoa  Harbour,  entrance 

Wycaup  Island,  S.E.  part 

Cou-cok  Island,  Sail  Rock  off  S.  point  . 

Canton  Rivers. 

San  Chow  Island,  Stragglers  off  S.E.  pt. 
Montanha  Id.,  Water  Ii^lands  off  S.  pt.  - 
Macao,  Fort  Guia,  lighthouse 
Great  Ladrorie  Island,  S.W.  point 

Hong  Kong  to  River  Min. 

Hong  Kong,  Wellington  Battery 
„  Cathedral 

I.  A. 


13  53  0 
13  10  0 
13  0  30 
13     0  30 

12  31   20 

13  10  40 

13  31   40 

14  8  10 
14  18     0 


30 

30 

30 

0 


14  25  40 

13  57   45 

14  56 

16  4 

17  9 

18  20 
18  34  30 
18  30  0 
18  23  0 
18  30  0 
18  37  40 

18  29  30 

19  9  30 
19  22  0 
19  30  0 

18  53  0 

19  58  30 

20  28  30 

20  48  0 

21  4  56 


20  59  0 

21  24  30 
21  24  15 
21  32 
21  34 
21  44 
21  29 
21  35 
21  36 
21  34 
21  50 


22  0  0 
22  3  30 
22  12  0 
21  55  25 


22  16  23 
22  16  23 


121  49  0 

122  36  0 

123  19  0 

123  59  30 

124  5  0 
124  9  20 
124  21  0 
124  13  40 
123  5  30 

122  57  30 
121  54  45 
121  58  0 

121  46  0 

122  28  0 
122  18  0 
122  5  40 
122  6  0 
121  35  0 
121  22  0 
120  48  0 

120  34  20 

121  13  0 
121  32  0 
121  52  0 

121  48  0 

122  14  0 
122  1  20 


Montero,  Spanish 
surveys,  etc. 


121  52 

30 

121  58 

24 

110  38 

0 

111  10 

30 

111  15 

25 

111  38 

30 

111  47 

0 

112  14 

0 

112  21 

30 

112  33 

0 

112  35 

0 

112  54 

0 

113  7 

30 

113  24 

50 

113  30 

0 

113  33 

30 

113  42 

0 

114  10 

2 

114  9 

37 

Chart. 


Domville. 


Belcher,  1841. 


/ 


xlii 


TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


Authorities. 


Ninppin  Rock  .  .  - 

Single  Island,  East  summit     - 

Tuni-ang  Island,  summit 

Mendoza  Island,  summit 

Pedro  Blanco  Rock,  summit    - 

Pauk  Piah  Rock,  summit 

Chino  Peak,  summit 

Cupchi  Point,  hill  on  it 

Breaker  Point  ... 

Cape  of  Good  Hope 

Swatow,  Double  Island 

Brothers  Islets,  S.E.  islet 

Tongsang  Harbour,  Fall  Peak 

Chapel  Island,  light 

Tsing  Seu  Island,  lighthouse  - 

Amoy,  Hanseu  Island  Pagoda 

High  Laniock,  light 

Chin-chu  Harbour,  Pisai  Lsland 

P3'ramid  Point         .  .  . 

Sorrel  Rock  .  .  - 

Ockseu  Islands,  western  island,  lightho. 

Lam-yit  Island,  high  cone  peak 

Hungwha  Channel,  Sentry  Island 

Hai-tan  Island,  Kiangshan  Peak 

Turnabout  Island,  summit,  light 

Middle  Dog  Island,  light 

Formosa,  Pescadores,  Etc. 

Gadd  Rock 

Yele  Rete  Rocks      -         "        - 

Botel  Tobago  sima.  South  extreme 

Little  Tobago  sima  ... 

Formosa  Island,  South  cape   - 

„  Sau-o  Bay,  Obs.  spot   - 

„  Samasana  Island 

.,,  Takau,  Saracen  Head  - 

„  Port  Heonffsan 

„  Tam-sui    Har.,    "White 

fort       .... 
,,  Foki  Point    - 

„  Ke-lung  Harbour,  Ob- 

servation spot       ... 
Hoa-pin-su  Island,  North  face 
Raleigh  Rock  ... 

Meiaco-sima  Group,  Kumi  Id.,  N.  beach 
„         Broughton  Bay,  landing  place 
„         Port    Haddington,   Hamilton 
Point    .  .  -  - 

.,         Tai-pin-san,  S.W.  Bay 
Pescadores  Islands,   Makung    Harbour, 
2nd  point  on  N.  side  of  harbour 

„  Fisher  Id.,  light     - 

River  Mix  to  Shaxghai. 

River  Min,  Temple  Point 
Alligator  Island,  summit 
Tung-ying  Island,  peak 
Cony  Lsland,  summit 
Double  Peak  Island,  highest  peak 
Pih-seang  Islands,  Town  Island 
Dangerous  Rock,  summit 
Tae  Islands,  easternmost 


22  15  45 
22  24  6 
22  27  6 
22  30  42 
22  18  30 
22  32  54 
22  44  24 
22  48     7 

22  56     0 

23  14  0 
23  20  0 
23  32  30 

23  47  15 

24  10  18 
24  22  15 
24  28  20 

23  15     0 

24  49 

24  52 

25  2 

24  59 

25  12 
25  16  30 
25  36  18 
25  26  0 
25  58  20 


21  43  10 

21  45  30 

22  1  40 
21  57  30 

21  55  0 
24  35  28 

22  41     0 

22  36   14 

24  46     0 

25  10  24 
25  19     0 

25  8  25 
25  47  7 
25  35  0 
24  26  0 
24  21   30 

24  25  0 
24  43  35 

23  32  54 
23  33     0 


26  8  26 
26  9  0 
26  23  12 
26  30  0 
26  36  6 
26  42  30 
26  53  0 
26  59  12 


o     ,     /, 

114  22  7 

114  39  12 

114  36  45 

114  50  0 

115  6  54 

115  I  0 

115  46  50 

116  4  26 

llfi  27  45 

116  47  0 

116  43  20 

117  42  0 

117  36  48 

118  13  30 

118  7  0 

118  3  0 

117  17  30 

118  41  0 

118  58  0 

119  10  36 

119  27  30 

119  35  0 

119  45  0 

119  50  42 

119  58  42 

120  2  30 

121  37  0 

120  48  40 

121  39  45 

121  40  30 

120  50  30 

121  49  27 

121  28  0 

120  16  33 

120  55  0 

121  25  0 

121  37  0 

121  45  30 

123  30  31 

124  35  0 

122  56  0 

124  17  40 

124  6  40 

125  17  49 

119  30  12 

119  28  0 

119  37  42 

120  26  0 

120  31  0 

120  10  0 

120  U  12 

120  22  42 

120  34  18 

120  43  48 

CoUinson,  1845, 


Ross,  1817,  and 
Brooker,  1866. 
Beechy,  1826. 

Wilda,  1865. 
Brooker,  1867. 
Collinson,  1845. 
Richards,  1855. 
Biooker,  1866. 

Brooker,  1867. 
Colhnson,  1845. 


Belcher,  1845. 
Bullock,  1866. 
Belcher,  1845. 


Collinson,  1845. 


Richards,  1854. 
Collinson,  1845. 


TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITIONS. 


zliii 


Ping-fong  Island,  summit 
Pih-quan  Peak,  summit 
Nam-quam  Harbour.  Bate  Island 
Port  Isamki,  eastern  horn 
Pih-ki-shan  Island,  summit     - 
ToDg--wbang  Group,  Coin  Island 
Pe-shan  Island,  summit 
Soudan  Islet,  summit 
Chikkok  Island,  summit 
Tai-chau  Group,  Hea-chu  Islet 
Chuh-seu  Island,  summit 
Tung-chuh  Island,  summit     - 
Hieshan  Islands,  southernmost 
Montagu  Island,  X.E.  point    - 
Kweshan  Islands,  Patahecock 
Mouse  Kock,  summit 
Buffidoes  Nose  Island,  high  part 
Nimrod  Sound,  Middle  Island 
Chukea  Island,  peak 
Tongting  Islet,  summit 
Chusan  Id.,  Obs.  spot,  Tinghai 
West  Volcano  Island,  light  on  summit  - 
Just-in-the-way  Islet,  summit 
Yung  Paver,  Chin-hai  citadel 

„  Square  Island  light 

„  Pas-yew  light     - 

Video  Island,  summit 
Barren  Isles,  centre 
Saddle  Group,  North  island  light 
Cairnsmore  hock     .  -  . 

Gutzlaff  Island,  light  on  summit 
Chapu,  battery         .  .  . 

Shaweishan  Island,  light  on  summit 
Entrance  of  river,  Tungsha  bank  light- 
vessel    -  -  -  . 
"Wusung  River,  Fort  A.  at  entrance 
Shanghai,  British  consulate  flagstaff     - 
Hankow,  Mouth  of  Han  river. 

Shanghai  to  the  Liautung  Gulf. 

Yellow  River,  southern  entrance 
"Wang-kia-tai  Bay,  Lung-wang  temple  - 
Shan  tung    promontory,    lighthouse    on 
N.  E.  extrem3        .  .  . 

Miau-tau  Group,  peak  of  northern  island 
,,  Hope  Sound,  Obs.  spot 

Pei  Ho,  S.  Taku  Fort,  S.  Cavalier 

,,         Tientsin,  Observation  spot 
Shaluitien  Island,  Joss  house  - 
Great  Wall,  sea  end 
Liau  Ho,  Yingtze  pagoda 

„         New  Chwang  Lightvessel 
Hulu  Shan  Bay,  Obs.  place  (N.  side) 
Port  Adams,  Entry  island 
Thornton  Haven,  Observation  spot 
Liau-ti-shan  Promontorj-,  S.W.  point 
Round  Island,  summit 
Blonde  Group,  Shi-siau  Rock 
Tayang  Ho,  entrance 
Qiielpart  Island,  Mount  Auckland 
Port  Ilaiiiihon 


9  42 

18  48 

9  20 

18 

IS 

0 

30 


27 
27 
27 

27  26 
27  37 

27  50 

28  .5 
28  15  54 
28  22  24 
28  23  18 
28  40  30 
28  42  12 

28  50  48 

29  10  30 
29  21  54 
29  32  42 
29  36  12 
29  34  20 
29  54  0 

29  51  42 

30  0  25 
30  20  25 
29  57  42 
29  57  8 
29  59  22 

29  57  43 

30  8  0 
30  43  0 
30  50  20 
30  42  10 
30  47  38 

30  36  0 

31  24  30 

31  7  40 
31  23  30 
31  14  42 
30  32  61 


34  2  0 

35  39  0 


37  24 

30 

38  23 

37 

37  56 

0 

38  8 

16 

39  9 

0 

38  53 

0 

39  58 

0 

40  43 

12 

40  35 

0 

39  40 

46 

39  16 

0 

39  4 

0 

3S  43 

0 

38  40 

0 

38  56 

0 

39  46 

30 

33  26 

0 

34  1 

2a 

120  32  42 
120  28  42 

120  25  50 

121  6  36 
121  12  18 
121  15  0 
121  31  48 
121  44  36 
121  44  12 
121  65  12 
121  47  24 

121  55  6 

122  14  24 
122  6  0 
122  13  42 
122  13  36 
122  1  24 

121  43  15 

122  25  18 
122  35  48 
122  5  18 
121  51  45 
121  54  12 
121  43  6 
121  45  0 

121  43  50 

122  46  0 

123  7  14 
122  40  0 
122  34  40 
122  10  0 

121  3  0 

122  14  15 

122  1  0 

121  30  11 

121  28  55 

114  19  55 


120  10  0 
119  51  30 


122  42 
120  55 

120  40 
117  42 

117  11 

118  32 

119  49 
122  14 

122  0 

121  17 
121  35 

123  10 

121  8 

122  11 

122  55 

123  41 

126  35 

127  18 


Collinson,  1845. 


Collinson,  1845. 


Ward,  1858. 
Wilds,  1864. 
Collinson,  1845. 
Wilds,  1864. 

Shanghai,  1873. 
Ward,  1859. 
Shadwell,  1850-8. 
Ward,  1859. 


Admiralty  Chart 
Bullock,  1861. 

Ward,  1860. 


Bullock,  1860. 
Ward,  1860. 
BuUock,  1860. 
Chart. 


Richards,  1855. 


1065 

10G6 

1066 

1067 

1067 

1068 

1070 

1070 

1071 

1071 

1071 

1072 

1072 

1073 

1075 

1075 

1076 

1076 

1081 

1082 

1083 

1092 

1097 

1098 

1098 

1098 

1102 

1090 

1094 

1094 

1096 

1102 

1107 

1108 
1117 
1122 
1126 


1131 
1132 

1133 
1145 
1146 
1147 
1147 
1152 
1153 
1154 
1154 
1158 
1159 
1159 
1159 
1159 
1160 
1160 
1161 
1162 


xHv 


TABLE  OF  GEOGRAPniCAL  POSITIONS. 


JAPAN. 

South  and  East  Coasts. 

Linschoten  Ids.,  Yoko  sima,  summit 
„        Kutsino  sima 
,,       Kuro  sima,  centre     - 

Satnno  Misaki,  or  Ca^o  ChichakoflF  Lt.  - 

Ciipe  Isa  -  -  -  - 

Cape  Muroto  .  .  . 

Oo  Sima  Light         .  -  . 

Matoya  I..ight  .  -  . 

Omae  Saki  Light     -  .  - 

Eock  Island  Lighthouse 

Yedo  Bay. 

Cape  Sagami,  litjhthousi 

„  Katioa  saki,  lighthouse     - 

„  Yokohama,     Naval    sick 

quarters  (square) 
,,  Nosima  Point,  lighthouse 

Fatsizio  Island,  S.E.  end 

Vries  Island,  S.E.  point 

Inaboye  Saki,  lighthouse 

Kingkasan  Island,  lisjhthouse 

Yamada  Harbour,  Ko  Sima    - 

Siriya  Saki,  lighthouse 

Seto  Uchi,  or  Inland  Sea 
Approaches. 

Boungo  Channel,  Euryalus  Rock 
Kii  Channel  I.,  Sima,  N.  end 

„     Naruto  Passage,  Su  Saki 

„  „  Tobi  Sima 

„     Okino  Sima,  W.  end 

,,     Hino  Misaki,  extreme    - 

„     Siwo  Misaki,  light 

„     Isumi  Strait,  Tomangai  light 
Osaka,  Temposan  Fort 
Kobe,  landing-place 
Akashi  Strait,  Maiko  Fort 
Nabaa  Sima,  lighthouse 
Tsura  Sima,  light    -  -  . 

Simoneski  Strait,  Isaki,  light  - 
„         Shirasu,  lighthouse- 

West  Coast. 

Goto  Islands,  Ose  Saki 

Meae  Sima,  Ears  Peak 

Kagosima  Gulf,  Yama  Gawa  - 
„         Iwo  Sima,  lighthouse 

Nagasaki,  Minage  Point 

Yebo.si  Sima,  light  -  -  . 

Kado  Sima,  lighthouse 

Oki  Islands,  N.  point 

Cape  Roiven  -  _  . 

Port  Niegat I,  lighthouse 

Hakodadi,  Kamida  creek,  entrance 

Yezo,  Akishi  Bay   -  .  . 

„       Nemoro,  Benten  Sima  - 
„       Iwani  Bay     -  .  . 


°     ,     II 

28  47  30 

29  59  0 

30  50  0 

30  58  45 

32  44  0 

33  14  0 

33  28  0 

34  22  0 

34  36  30 

34  34  20 

35  8  0 

34  14  45 

35  26  30 

34  53  20 

33  4  24 

34  39  30 

35  43  30 

38  19  0 

39  27  17 

41  26  10 

33  2  0 

33  51  45 

34  14  56 

34  13  50 

34  6  50 

33  52  45 

33  26  0 

34  16  40 

34  39  45 

34  41  3 

34  38  29 

34  23  15 

33  53  SO 

33  58  10 

33  59  30 

£2  39  30 

32  3  0 

31  12  40 

32  43  0 

32  44  28 

33  41  30 

34  21  30 

36  30  0 

37  28  0 

37  56  30 

41  47  8 

43  2  22 

43  20  24 

43  1  0 

129  1  30 

122  55  0 

129  57  0 

130  40  15 

133  2  0 

134  11  30 

135  52  0 

136  54  30 
138  15  10 
138  57  10 


139  41  0 

139  44  17 

139  39  24 

139  51  23 

139  50  24 

139  28  0 

140  53  30 

141  36  0 
141  59  0 
141  29  25 


132  11  30 
134  50  45 
134  42  51 

134  39  0 

135  5  10 
135  4  15 
135  46  30 
135  0  30 
135  26  35 
135  12  15 
135  1  59 

133  48  45 
132  38  0 
131  2  0 
130  48  20 


128  35  30 

128  25  0 
130  38  43 

129  46  0 
129  51  30 

129  58  50 

130  50  0 
133  23  0 
137  22  0 

139  4  0 

140  43  44 

144  51  50 

145  34  57 
140  4  0 


Various  autho 
rities. 

Chai't. 


Japan  Lt. -house 
Board. 


Jap.  It. -ho.  Bd. 
Ward,  1861. 

Various  author. 
Jap.  It. -ho.  Bd. 
Ward,  1860. 

Jap.  It. -ho.  Bd. 

St.  John,  1871, 
Jap.  It.-ho.  Bd. 


Chart. 

Maxwell. 
Chart. 


Jap.  lt,-ho.  Bd. 


St.  John. 
Maxwell. 
Jap.  It. -ho.  Bd. 


Brooker,  1868. 
Richards,  1855. 
Blundell. 
Jap.  It.-ho.   Bd. 
Brooker,  1868. 

Jap.  It.-ho.  hd. 
Richards,  1855. 

Ward. 

St.  John,  1872. 

St,  John,  1871. 


1 


Po^^.  I 


OCTOBER,    NOVEMBEH.    DECE 


THE 

INDIAN     ARCHITELAGO, 

ETC. 


CHAPTEE    I. 


I.— W INDS    AND    SEASONS. 

The  Great  Archipelago,  which  lies  between  Asia  and  Australia,  by  far  the 
largest  of  the  insular  regions  of  the  world,  covering,  as  it  does,  an  area  of 
about  six  millions  of  square  British  miles,  has  been  vaguely  termed,  by 
various  authorities,  the  East  India  Islands — the  Asiatic,  or  Eastern,  or 
Oriental  Archipelago,  or  the  Malay  Archipelago  ;  but,  following  its  great 
historian,  Mr.  John  Crawfurd,  we  prefer  to  designate  it  as  the  Indian 
Archipelago,  a  name,  also,  by  which  it  is  generally  recognised. 

The  Equator  passes  nearly  through  its  centre,  and  thus  much  of  it  lies  on 
the  division  between  the  metorological  systems  of  the  North  and  South 
hemispheres,  the  general  particulars  of  which  have  been  recounted  and  de- 
scribed in  our  former  works.  This  peculiar  physical  condition  renders  the 
attempt  to  define  the  characteristics  of  its  climatology  somewhat  complicated 
and  difficult. 

It  might  be  supposed  that  along  this  neutral  line  of  separation,  under  the 
great  cloud-ring,  as  it  has  been  termed  by  Captain  Maury,  that  there  would 
be  some  uniformity  of  wind  and  weather.  Not  so,  however,  for  the  relative 
influences  of  the  vast  land  of  Australia,  on  the  one  hand  ;  those  of  the  con- 
tinent of  Asia  on  the  other  ;  the  direction  of  the  evaporating  winds  blowing 
over  the  Indian  Ocean  to  the  West,  or  over  the  Pacific  Ocean  on  the  eastern 
side,  cause  the  climate  and  characteristic  weather  of  the  eastern  or  western 
portions  of  the  Archipelago  to  be  very  difi'erent  from  each  other. 

For  these  reasons  the  changes  in  the  monsoons,  the  alternation  of  the 
wet  and  dry  seasons,  in  some  parts,  are  very  puzzling  and  difficult  of  expla- 
nation ;  a  fact,  also,  due  in  some  degree  to  the  want  of  long  series  of  accurate 
observations  which  would  be  required  to  elucidate  them. 


2  WINDS  AND  SEASONS. 

A  large  portion  of  the  islands  thus  lies  in  what  has  been  termed  the 
"  doldrums  "  of  mid-ocean,  and  on  the  line  of  the  maximum  rain  fall.  This 
latter  arises  from  the  trade-winds  in  passing  over  the  ocean,  evaporating  so 
much  from  the  surface,  that  on  their  reaching  this  central  line,  or  before  that 
occurs,  the  winds  become  surcharged,  and  great  deposition  follows.  It  will 
be  manifest  that  the  case  is  altered  when  the  wind  has  to  pass  over  great 
breadths  of  arid  land,  and  thus  arises  the  complication  caused  by  the  reversed 
monsoons. 

The  disturbing  e£Pect  of  land  influences  on  the  great  aerial  currents,  is 
more  apparent  in  the  Indian  Seas  than  in  any  other  part  of  the  world.  The 
result  is  a  complete  reversal  of  the  N.E.  trade,  and  in  a  minor  degree  of  the 
S.E.  trade  wind,  producing  the  well-known  phenomena  of  the  monsoons — 
winds  which  blow  one-half  the  year  in  one  direction,  and  in  the  other  half  ia 
the  opposite. 

In  the  northern  winter,  when  the  sun  is  South  of  the  Equator,  and  the 
great  Asiatic  continent  is  cool,  the  regular  N.E.  trade-wmd  prevails  over 
the  whole  region  North  of  the  Equatorial  calms,  and  is  generally  known  as 
the  North-east  Monsoon,  which  is  only  liable  to  local  deflection  consequent  on 
the  direction  of  the  land,  its  mountains,  or  the  channels  which  separate  the 
islands.  To  the  South  of  the  equatorial  calms,  the  S.E.  trade  prevails 
throughout  the  season  of  October  to  April,  when  the  sun  is  in  southern 
signs  ;  and  therefore,  in  the  western  portion  of  the  area  now  under  consi- 
sideration,  the  winds  pursue  their  ordinary  courses. 

But  when  the  sun  enters  into  North  latitude,  or  in  the  northern  summer, 
and  especially  about  the  northern  solstice,  it  is  vertical  over  an  immense 
area  of  land  South  of  the  Himalaya  Mountains,  the  desert  regions  of  Arabia, 
the  burning  plains  of  Western  India,  countries  where  the  earth  is  fire,  and 
the  wind  flame ;  and  when  this  intense  heat  is  extended  to  the  southern  por- 
tions of  China,  the  S.E.  trade-wind,  receiving  a  northern  impulse,  follows  up 
the  retreating  N.E.  trade  to  the  foot  of  the  Himalayas,  towards  the  northern 
tropic,  drawn  thither  by  the  intense  heat  of  the  vertical  sun,  receiving  this 
northern  impulse,  and  that  impulse  carrying  it  into  a  region  of  less  rotatory 
velocity  than  that  which  it  has  left,  it  assumes  a  relative  S.  W.  direction,  and 
is  called  the  South-west  Monsoon. 

The  features  and  seasons  of  this  wonderful  wind  have  been  recounted  in 
our  volume  on  the  Indian  Ocean,  pages  32 — 58  ;  and  it  is  there  shown  that 
it  has  a  progressive  course  northward,  in  its  greatest  strength,  along  the 
African  coast,  reaching  Bombay  nearly  a  month  later  than  it  sets  in  in  the 
commencement. 

The  effects  of  this  S.W.  monsoon  are  felt  very  far  beyond  the  coasts,  upon 
which  its  first  furies  fall  in  the  burst  of  their  commencement.  The  high 
temperature  it  brings  advances  so  far  to  the  North,  that  over  ground  per- 


WIN])S  AND  SEASONS.  .1 

petually  frozen  at  the  depth  of  a  few  feet,   the  limit  of  arboreal  vegetation 
extends  in  Siberia,  even  to  72°  N.  latitude. 

While  this  deflected  S.E.  trade-wind,  in  the  form  of  the  S.W.  monsoon, 
North  of  the  Equator,  is  blowing  between  May  and  October,  the  S.E.  trade 
proper  prevails  over  all  that  part  of  the  Indian  Ocean  which  is  not  skirted 
to  the  South  by  large  tracts  of  land.  Where  this  is  the  case,  as  in  the 
Java  Seas  as  far  as  New  Guinea,  which  lie  North  of  the  great  Australian 
continent,  there  is  again  a  double  maximum  temperature  in  the  sea  and  the 
land,  and  the  phenomenon  of  a  N.W.  monsoon  taking  the  place  of  the  S.E. 
trade. 

The  monsoons,  therefore,  of  the  Indian  Archipelago  are  not  two  in  number, 
but  are  four — the  N.E.  and  S.W.  to  the  North  of  the  equator,  and  the  S.E. 
and  N.W.  to  the  South  of  the  line.  To  the  two  first  the  northern  parts  of 
Sumatra,  Borneo,  and  Celebes,  the  Philippine  Islands,  and  the  Malay  Pe- 
ninsula, as  well  as  the  whole  of  the  China  Sea,  are  subject.  To  the  two 
latter  the  southern  parts  of  the  above-named  islands,  with  the  range  between 
Java  and  New  Gruinea,  and  the  northern  part  of  Australia,  are  subjected. 

There  is  one  natural  indication  of  this  superabundant  rainfall  in  the  ex- 
uberant vegetation  manifest  in  most  parts  of  the  Archipelago.  The  greater 
portion  is  covered  with  one  vast  ever-verdant  forest,  clothing  the  land  and 
the  mountains  from  the  shore  to  the  summits  of  their  loftiest  peaks.  In 
some  parts  this  dense  and  gloomy  jungle  is  not  seen,  and  in  its  place  are 
arid  hills  and  plains,  scantily  covered  with  shrubs  and  trees. 

The  naturalist,  Mr.  Wallace,  has  well  defined  these  and  other  characteris- 
tics, which  need  not  be  detailed  here.  A  few  words  will  suflB.ce.  Sumatra, 
New  Guinea,  Borneo,  the  Philippines,  and  the  Moluccas,  are  all  forest 
countries,  except  a  few  small  and  unimportant  tracts.  To  this  there  is  one 
important  exception  in  the  island  of  Timor,  and  all  the  smaller  islands 
opposite,  in  which  there  is  absolutely  no  forest,  such  as  exists  in  the  other 
islands,  and  their  character  extends  in  a  lesser  degree  to  Flores,  Sumbawa, 
Lombok,  and  Bali.  f 

In  Timor  and  the  islands  between  it  and  Java  the  vegetation  is  of  the 
same  character  as  that  of  Australia.  This  peculiar  character  is  most  pro- 
bably owing  to  their  proximity  to  that  great  continent.  The  S.E.  monsoon 
which  lasts  for  about  two-thirds  of  the  year  (from  March  to  November) 
blowing  over  the  northern  parts  of  that  country,  produces  a  degree  of  heat 
and  dryness  which  assimilates  the  vegetation  and  general  aspect  of  the  adja- 
cent islands  to  its  own.  A  liitle  farther  eastward,  in  Timorlaut  and  the  Ki 
Islands,  a  moister  climate  prevails,  the  S.E.  winds  blowing  from  the  Pacific 
through  Torres  Straits  ;  and,  as  a  consequence,  every  rocky  islet  is  clothed 
with  verdure  to  its  very  summit.  Farther  West,  again,  as  the  same  winds 
blow  over  a  wider  and  wider  expanse  of  ocean,  they  have  time  to  absorb 
fresh  moisture,  and  we  accordingly  find  the  island  of  Java  posaessiug  a  less 


4  WINDS  AND  SEASONS. 

and  less  arid  climate  in  the  dry  season,  till  on  the  extreme  West,  near 
Batavia,  rain  occurs  more  or  less  all  the  year  round,  and  the  mountains  are 
everywhere  clothed  with  forests  of  unexampled  luxuriance. 

Mr.  Wallace  continues — Speaking  generally,  the  whole  south-western 
part  of  the  Archipelago,  including  the  whole  range  of  islands  from  Sumatra 
to  Timor,  with  the  larger  half  of  Borneo,  and  the  southern  peninsula  of 
Celebes,  have  a  dry  season  from  April  to  November,  with  the  S.E.  monsoon. 
This  same  wind,  however,  bends  round  Borneo,  becoming  the  S.W.  monsoon 
in  the  China  Sea,  and  bringing  the  rainy  season  to  northern  Borneo  and  the 
Philippines. 

In  the  Moluccas  and  New  Guinea  the  seasons  are  most  uncertain.  In  the 
S.E.  monsoon,  from  April  to  November,  it  is  often  stormy  at  sea,  while  on 
the  islands  it  is  very  fine  weather.  There  is  generally  not  more  than  two  or 
three  months  of  dry,  hot  weather,  about  August  and  September.  This  is 
the  case  in  the  northern  extremity  of  Celebes  and  in  Boruru ;  whereas,  in 
Amboyna,  July  and  August  are  the  worst  months  in  the  year.  In  Ternate 
it  is  difficult  to  find  out  which  is  the  dry  and  which  the  wet  season.  The 
same  is  the  case  at  Banda,  and  a  similar  uncertainty  prevails  in  Menado, 
showing,  perhaps,  that  the  proximity  of  active  volcanoes  has  a  great  dis- 
turbing meteorological  influence.  In  New  Guinea  a  great  amount  of  rain 
falls  more  or  less  all  the  year  round.  On  the  whole,  the  only  statement  that 
can  be  made  seems  to  be  that  the  countries  within  about  3°  on  each  side  the 
equator  have  much  rain,  and  not  very  strongly  contrasted  seasons,  while 
those  more  South  or  North  in  latitude  have  daily  rains  during  about  four 
months  in  the  year,  while  for  five  or  six  months  there  is  almost  a  cloudless 
sky  and  a  continual  drought. 

There  is  one  evidence  of  the  uncertain  nature  of  the  aerial  currents,  and 
of  their  varying  direction  and  intensity  in  the  frequent  occurrence  of  water- 
spouts in  some  localities,  as  in  the  Malacca  Straits.  These  columns  of 
vapour  or  water,  formed  by  a  small  vortex,  are  described  at  length  here- 
after, as  seen  in  that  strait,  and  are  probably  in  some  measure  due  to  the 
peculiar  configuration  of  the  transverse  line  mountains  crossing  the  normal 
line  of  direction  of  the  prevalent  winds. 

These  brief,  general  remarks  will  suffice  to  give  a  notion  of  the  meteorology 
of  the  central  or  equatorial  portion  of  the  Indian  Archipelago  North  and 
South  of  these  limits.  The  remarks  that  have  been  given  in  the  introduc- 
tory chapter  of  our  Indian  Ocean  Directory,  will  be  equally  applicable  to 
this  portion  of  the  world. 

Storms  are  of  rare  occurrence,  and  typhoons  are  unknown.  They  only 
occur  beyond  the  limits  of  the  equatorial  calms,  and  are  seldom  felt  so  far 
South  as  the  northern  part  of  the  Philippine  Islands.  On  the  coast  of 
China  they  are  experienced  in  both  monsoons,  as  further  alluded  to  here- 
after. 


MALACCA  STEAIT.  5 

In  the  Gulf  of  Siam,  in  the  China  Sea,  and  on  the  coast  of  China,  the 
alternating  monsoons  prevail.  In  the  Gulf  of  Siam  they  are  comparatively- 
feeble  and  of  short  duration.  Farther  to  the  East  and  N.E.  they  are  more 
decided.  The  S.W.  monsoon  commences  about  the  middle  or  end  of  April 
in  the  China  Sea,  a  little  after  it  is  felt  in  the  Gulf  of  Siam  and  Tongking, 
and  before  it  reaches  the  northern  part  of  its  area  It  also  lasts  longer  in 
the  southern  part  of  its  course  than  it  does  in  the  northern.  It  is  at  its 
height  in  June,  July,  and  August.  The  N.E.  monsoon  or  the  bad  weather 
season,  sets  in  in  the  northern  part  of  the  China  Sea  about  the  end  of  Sep- 
tember or  early  in  October,  and  lasts  till  February  or  March.  It  sets  in 
"with  a  burst  of  stormy  weather,  lasting  about  a  week  or  ten  days,  and  is  in 
its  strength  in  November,  bringing  much  rain  and  a  turbulent  sea.  In  a 
subsequent  page  a  further  notice  of  the  monsoons  will  be  found. 

The  ensuing  remarks  on  this  branch  of  our  work,  derived  from  various 
sources,  is  arranged  in  a  geographical  order,  as  being  most  convenient  for 
reference.  The  foregoing  introductory  portion  being  sufficient  to  elucidate 
the  general  subject.  In  them  there  is  necessarily  some  repetitions.  The 
same  topics  having  to  be  discussed  in  each  case,  necessarily  involves  this 
repeated  allusion  to  one  subject. 

MALACCA  STRAIT.— Although  the  Malacca  Strait  is  within  the  region 
of  the  N.E.  and  S.W.  monsoons,  yet  the  winds  are  very  variable  within  its 
limits.  There  are  various  reasons  for  this  ;  the  one  is,  that  it  lies  almost 
within  the  limits  of  the  equatorial  calms,  and  therefore  the  monsoons  reach 
it  with  diminished  force  ;  another  is  the  high  land  of  Sumatra,  which  im- 
pedes the  course  of  the  S.W.  monsoon,  and  the  N.E.  monsoon  being  the 
fine  season  here,  the  wind  is  never  very  strong. 

The  land  and  sea  breezes  are  regular  on  the  West  coast  of  Malacca,  and 
also  on  the  N.E.  coast  of  Sumatra  which  limit  the  Strait.  The  monsoons 
are  not  always  regular,  except  when  they  are  at  their  height  in  the  sur- 
rounding seas,  and  at  the  same  time  the  winds  are  only  moderate  in  the 
channel,  and  only  last  a  part  of  the  day. 

The  north-east  monsoon,  which,  as  before  stated,  is  the  fine  season,  lasts 
from  November  to  May  ;  the  S.W.  monsoon,  bringing  rain  and  thunder, 
generally  commences  at  the  end  of  April  or  the  beginning  of  May,  and 
ceases  in  October.  In  November  the  winds  often  come  from  the  West,  and 
during  this  monsoon  the  weather  is  in  general  cloudy  and  rainy,  especially 
during  the  period  that  it  is  strongest.  In  October  and  November,  at  the 
end  of  the  S.W.  monsoon,  the  winds  often  vary  from  N.W.  to  W.,  but 
when  the  monsoon  sets  in  from  the  N.E.  they  are  regular  in  November. 
The  winds  are  very  strong  till  the  month  of  March,  but  principally  during 
December  and  January.  Sometimes  they  vary  to  N.  or  N.W.,  and  always 
during  the  months  of  the  N.E.  monsoon  the  breezes  from  the  West  last 
during  one  or  two  days.     During  the  season  of  the  N.E.  monsoon  the  winds 


6  WINDS  AND  SEASONS. 

vary  between  the  N.N.E.  and  E.N.E.  Towards  the  end  of  February  and 
March,  and  sometimes  also  in  the  beginning  of  April,  the  breezes  from  the 
N.E.  veer  towards  the  North,  and  are  light  and  variable.  It  is  found  also 
that  the  breezes  are  interrupted  by  calms  during  the  middle  of  the  day,  but 
during  the  night  and  at  sunrise  they  are  fresh.  The  coast  of  Malacca  is 
much  less  subject  to  calms  during  this  monsoon  than  that  of  Sumatra. 

The  south-icest  monsoon  is  at  its  height  in  June  and  July.  During  the 
four  months  from  May  to  September  the  winds  in  the  Strait  blow  principally 
from  S.W.  to  S.,  that  is,  when  the  S.W.  monsoon  is  at  its  greatest  height  in 
the  open  sea.  During  this  monsoon  calms  occur  on  the  N.E.  coast  of  Su- 
matra, but  less  frequently  there  than  on  the  coast  of  Malacca,  and  they  are 
rarely  of  long  duration.  In  general  it  is  calm  in  the  middle  of  the  day,  and 
fresh  breezes  in  the  night  and  at  sunrise.  It  is  only  in  the  northern  part  of 
the  Strait  of  Malacca  that  the  monsoons  are  regular. 

During  the  S.W.  monsoon  sudden  and  heavy  squalls  come  off  the  Sumatra 
coast,  generally  during  the  early  part  of  the  night.  From  their  direction 
they  are  called  Sumatras,  and  are  accompanied  by  loud  thunder  and  heavy 
rain.  They  are  probably  occasioned  by  the  mountains  on  the  Pedir  coast, 
and  blow  sometimes  for  six  or  eight  hours  at  a  time,  strongest  at  their 
commencement.  In  Malacca  Eoad  they  generally  set  in  at  7  or  8  p.m.,  and 
are  at  their  height  at  midnight,  and  have  caused  many  ships  to  part  their 
cables. 

The  wind  does  not  often  come  from  the  N.W.,  but  at  times  it  blows  right 
through  to  Singapore.  They  come  on  very  suddenly  and  violently,  but  do 
not  last  long.  They  are  generally  preceded  by  a  black  cloudy  arch,  rising 
rapidly  from  the  horizon  toward  the  zenith,  which  only  allows  sufficient 
monition  to  reduce  sail  as  quickly  as  possible,  and  should  a  ship  be  at  an- 
chor, she  should  immediately  weigh,  or  the  burst  of  the  storm  will  not  allow 
her  to  do  so. 

Water  Spouts. — In  the  very  excellent  and  graphic  account  of  the  Horsburgh 
Lighthouse  and  its  erection  in  the  Strait  of  Malacca,  by  J.  T.  Thomson,  Esq., 
F.R.Gr.S.,  are  some  interesting  remarks  on  this  curious  phenomenon,  which, 
as  before  stated,  is  somewhat  fi-equent  in  these  seas.  The  opportunities 
afforded  during  the  progress  of  the  works  in  1847  —  1851  gave  many  unusu- 
allv  good  opportunities  for  observing  the  peculiarities  of  their  action,  of 
which  the  following  good  account  is  given  : — 

The  curious  phenomenon,  popularly  known  as  the  water-spout,  was  fre- 
quently seen  in  the  Straits,  and  on  two  occasions  I  was  fortunate  enough  to 
observe  them  in  full  action,  at  a  distance  of  little  less  than  half  a  mile.  On 
the  first  occasion,  when  on  board  the  gun-boat  Charlotte,  off  Barbukit  Point, 
at  4  p.m.  on  the  29th  May,  a  heavy  cloud,  with  rain  about  to  fall  from  it, 
was  observed  to  be  approuchiug,  driven  by  the  S.W.  breeze  then  blowing. 


WATER  SPOUTS.  7 

To  the  southward  the  atmosphere  was  observed  to  be  damp  and  hazy,  while 
to  the  North  it  was  clear  and  dry.  On  the  rain  reaching  the  sea  a  vapour 
tube  was  seen  to  protrude  in  the  midst  from  the  cloud  downwards,  gradually 
lessening  in  its  diameter  till  it  reached  two-thirds  of  the  distance  between 
the  cloud  and  the  sea,  and  below  which  point  the  tube  did  not  descend.  The 
altitude  of  the  cloud  was  judged  to  be  about  1,000  feet  above  the  surface. 
A  small  attenuated  column  of  white  vapour  was  now  noticed  to  rise  out  of 
the  sea  with  a  hissing  noise,  and  which  was  soon  surrounded  by  white 
vapour  disengaged  therefrom. 

This  column  quickly  effected  a  junction  with  the  large  and  heavy  vapour 
tube  depending  from  above,  into  the  centre  of  which  it  seemed  to  be  re- 
ceived. The  water-spout  played  for  about  five  minutes,  during  which  time 
the  depending  tube  appeared  alternately  elongated  and  shortened,  and  the 
vapour  surrounding  it  maintained  a  spiral  motion.     The  day  was  hot. 

Again,  on  the  1st  of  July  another  was  seen  from  Pedra  Branca,  bearing 
S.W.,  and  approaching  the  rock.  This  was  at  4.15  p.m.  The  height  of  the 
spout  seemed  to  be  nearly  1,000  feet,  and  its  diameter  halfway  up  50.  The 
depending  tube  revolved  with  the  hands  of  a  watch,  or  from  West  by  the 
North  to  East,  &c.  In  this  one,  which  was  of  very  large  diameter,  two 
columns  or  tubes  of  vapour  seemed  to  be  in  action,  one  within  the  other. 
The  depending  one,  whose  massive  and  opaque  vapour  was  derived  from  the 
cloud,  enveloped  the  other,  which  was  thin  and  attenuated  and  rose  from  the 
sea,  with  the  noise  above  described,  and  entered  the  lower  end  of  the  de- 
pending tube,  through  which  it  seemed  to  ascend  up  to  the  cloud. 

The  ascending  column,  as  usual,  disengaged  much  white  vapour  from  the 
surface  of  the  sea,  and  with  which  its  lower  end  was  surrounded.  This 
water-spout  depended  from  a  nimbus,  and  rain  was  falling  all  round  it. 
The  nimbus  was  travelling  N.E.,  and  the  water-spout  was  on  the  advanced 
edge  of  it.  At  4.25  the  depending  tube  gradually  wasted  away,  until  it 
vanished,  when  the  white  vapour  of  the  ascending  column  parted  from  the 
surface  of  the  sea  and  ascended,  like  the  curling  of  smoke,  up  towards  the 
cloud,  at  the  same  time  the  hissing  noise  ceased,  and  the  surrounding  minute 
spray  entirely  disappeared.*  The  atmosphere  was  clear  and  dry  to  the  N.E., 
but  rainy  and  threatening  to  the  S.W.,  from  whence  the  nimbus  travelled. 
Probably  twenty  others  were  seen  during  the  season,  but  at  too  great  dis- 
tances for  satisfactory  observations. 

It  was  invariably  remarked  that  water-spouts  formed  themselves  in  rain- 
clouds,  or  nimbi,  at  a  time  when  the  rain  was  about  to  fall  or  had  fallen  for 
a  short  time  ;   the  state  of  the  atmosphere  favourable  to  their  formation 


*  In  this  one  I  observed  what  was  entirely  new  to  me,  viz.,  that  the  particles  of  vapour 
contained  in  the  outer  and  dependent  tube,  besides  being  driven  in  the  helical  curve  round 
the  inner  or  ascending  column,  revolved  also  round  the  threads  of  the  helix. 


8  WINDS  AND  SEASONS. 

would  therefore  appear  to  be  just  when  the  capability  of  the  air  to  support 
the  cloud  was  in  a  balanced  state. 

Squalls. — The  larger  atmospherical  disturbances  of  squalls  formed  also  in- 
teresting objects  of  observation,  the  frequency  of  their  occurrence  in  the 
Straits  of  Malacca,  and  the  force  with  which  they  sometimes  press  on  the 
sail,  render  them  of  too  much  consequence  to  the  frequenter  of  these  seas  to 
be  lightly  considered. 

The  squalls  may  be  divided  into  local  and  general,  the  first  forming  in  the 
isolated  hills,  and  influencing  the  immediate  districts  only,  and  the  latter 
termed  the  "  Sumatras,"  as  they  invariably  come  from  that  island,  affecting 
hundreds  of  miles  on  the  same  day. 

The  local  squalls  were  observed  to  form  on  the  only  high  hills  within 
view  from  Pedra  Branca,  viz.,  Bintang  and  Barbukit.  During  the  calm 
months  of  May  and  June,  should  the  day  be  more  than  usually  hot,  by  noon 
the  moisture  of  the  atmosphere  was  invariably  seen  to  condense  on  the  cool 
tops  of  these  eminences,  and  form  into  high  accumulated  masses  of  vapour, 
by  one  or  two  o'clock  the  atmosphere  being  refrigerated  and  rendered  dense 
in  the  process  would  rush  down  from  the  summits,  displacing  the  hot  and 
rarified  air  of  the  plains,  and  cooling  with  its  accompanying  showers  the 
parched  soil.  At  the  change  of  the  monsoons,  before  either  had  set  in  to 
blow  regularly,  the  local  squalls  would  be  seen  to  spread  themselves  out 
from  the  locality  of  their  formation  equally  in  all  directions,  upon  the  sur- 
rounding plains.  But  when  either  monsoon  was  blowing,  they  would  be 
carried  in  the  direction  of  the  prevailing  wind, — during  the  S.W.  monsoon 
towards  the  N.  and  N.E.,  and  during  the  N.E.  monsoon  towards  the  S.  and 
S.W.  Even  during  the  height  of  the  N.E.  monsoon,  which  blows  more 
steadily  than  the  S.W.  one,  at  night  its  under  current  of  air  would  always 
moderate,  if  not  cease,  though,  as  might  be  seen  by  the  travelling  clouds 
above,  the  upper  current  was  not  arrested  in  its  progress.  At  the  latter  end 
of  the  monsoon  it  has  not  power  to  overcome  the  density  of  the  air  over- 
spreading the  peninsula,  created  during  the  cool  of  the  night,  until  10  and 
12  and  even  4  o'clock  of  the  following  day.  On  such  occasions,  if  the 
weather  be  fair  and  hot,  the  atmosphere  will  have  condensed  its  vapour  on 
Barbukit  Hill,  and  from  whence  heavy  squalls  will  proceed  across  the  Straits 
of  Singapore,  assisted  by  the  monsoon.  Of  this  we  had  many  instances, 
heavy  N.E.  squalls  having  taken  the  gun-boats  inside  of  the  Straits,  while 
at  the  same  moment,  10  miles  distant,  an  agreeable  and  permanent  N.E. 
breeze  has  been  experienced  out  at  Pedra  Branca. 

The  laws  that  have  been  observed  to  generate  and  direct  the  local  squalls 
may  be  safely  assumed  to  operate  in  the  same  manner,  with  regard  to  the 
general  squalls  or  "  Sumatras"  that  in  the  Straits  come  from  the  direction 
of  that  island  during  the  S.W.  monsoon.  In  Sumatra  the  regular  prevailing 
wind  may  be  supposed  to  meet  obstruction  in  the  high  range  of  mountains. 


SINGAPORE.  9 

that  intersect  the  island  in  a  longitudinal  direction,  and  not  having  strength 
at  all  times  to  overcome  the  barrier,  is  curbed,  until,  as  has  been  seen  to  be 
the  case  with  the  local  squalls,  condensed  air  has  been  formed  on  the  high- 
lands, which,  with  its  accompanying  vapours,  rushes  down  to  displace  the 
heated  and  rarified  atmosphere  of  the  valleys  and  plains  on  the  lee,  and 
being  at  the  same  time  urged  on  by  the  pent  up  force  of  the  monsoon  now 
let  loose,  stretches  itself  far  and  wide  over  the  Malacca  Straits  and  the 
generally  low-lying  surface  of  the  Malayan  Peninsula. 

These  **  Sumatras  "  were  found  to  arrive  at  Pedra  Branca  between  the 
hours  of  3  and  8  a.m.,  and  if  we  be  allowed  to  infer  with  regard  to  their 
time  of  origin  that  it  is  the  same  as  obtains  in  local  squalls,  viz.  from  1 1  a.m. 
to  4  p.m.,  assuming  the  distance  travelled  to  be  300  miles,  their  rate  of 
progression  will  be  19  to  20  miles  an  hour.  This  was  corroborated  by 
watching  their  arrival  at  distant  high  points  of  land  seen  from  the  rock,  and 
noting  the  interval  of  time  consumed  in  their  coming  to  the  rock.  A  storm 
or  gale  is  generally  estimated  to  travel  at  the  rate  of  32  miles  an  hour ;  but 
it  is  only  for  the  first  few  minutes  that  a  "  Sumatra  "  assumes  this  character, 
and  this  only  in  sudden  puffs;  they  soon  decrease  in  force  to  a  high  wind, 
which  is  said  to  travel  at  the  rate  of  16  or  17  miles  an  hour.  The  approach. 
of  a  "  Sumatra  "  has  much  to  attract  the  attention  of  the  student  of  nature. 
The  most  imposing  characteristic  is  in  the  immense  arch  that  it  forms, 
stretching  from  the  zenith  to  opposite  points  of  the  horizon  and  below  the 
arch,  which  is  of  the  darkest  hue,  there  are  suspended  dark  grey  vapours, 
about  to  descend  on  the  surface  of  the  earth.  Above  the  dark  arch  will  be 
seen  light  grey  fog  banks,  over  which  a  slighter  arch  will  be  spanning,  and 
which  is  again  crowned  by  white  fleecy  clouds,  contrasting,  if  the  squall 
approach  at  daylight,  strongly  with  the  blue  sky  above  and  the  dark  masses 
below. 

SINGAPORE. — The  following  remarks  on  the  climate,  &c.,  of  Singapore 
are  by  Dr.  E.  Little,  derived  from  tables  furnished  him  by  Captain  Elliott, 
M.E.  They  are  very  important,  being  based  on  adequate  and  well  digested 
data.     They  are  therefore  given  more  at  length  than  in  other  cases  : — 

Singapore,  though  within  80  miles  of  the  equator,  through  its  abundancr> 
of  moisture,  either  deposited  by  the  dews  or  gentle  refreshing  showers,  keepf 
its  atmosphere  cool,  prevents  the  parching  effect  of  the  sun,  and  promotes 
continual  verdure.  It  never  experiences  furious  gales.  If  more  than  ordi- 
nary heat  has  accumulated  moisture  and  electricity,  a  squall  generally  sets 
in,  followed  by  a  heavy  shower  of  rain ;  these  squalls  never  exceed  one  or 
two  hours  in  duration.  According  as  the  monsoon  blows,  you  will  have 
them  rising  in  that  direction.  In  1841,  during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  there 
were  four  squalls  from  that  direction  ;  but  the  most  severe  and  numerous 
are  from  the  S.W.,  which  are  called  Sumatras,  and  they  most  frequently 
occur  between  1  and  5  in  the  morning.  The  N.E.  monsoon  blows  from 
I.  A.  0 


10 


WINDS  AND  SEASONS. 


November  to  March,  and  after  which  the  wind  veers  round  to  S.E.,  and 
gradually  sets  into  the  S.W.,  between  which  points  it  continues  in  May, 
June,  July,  and  September.  The  N.E.  monsoon  blows  more  steadily  than 
the  S.W.  one.  The  temperature  of  Singapore  is  one  or  two  degrees  cooler 
during  the  former  than  the  latter,  which  also  brings  more  rain.  It  is  further 
remarked  that  the  wind  always  lulls  at  night,  during  the  height  of  either 
monsoon.  Daring  the  S.W.  monsoon  a  wind  from  the  South  prevails  at 
times,  which  is  termed  by  the  natives  Angin  Jawa,  or  Java  winds,  because 
it  comes  from  the  direction  of  that  island.  This  especially  exists  in  Septem- 
ber, which  is  attributed  to  the  usual  cooling  land  breeze  being  replaced  in 
the  mornings  during  that  month  by  the  hotter  breeze  from  the  sea ;  as  we 
advance  into  the  interior  this  hot  breeze  is  not  felt. 


TABLE  OF  THE  WINDS. 


MONTHS. 


January  . , 
February 
March  .... 
April    .... 

May 

June     .  • , , 

July 

August  . . 
September 
October  . . 
November 
December 


Total. 


Number  of  Hours  in  which  the  Wind 
is  in  each  Quarter. 


N.W. 

S.W. 

N.E. 
2,097 

1,389 

94 

645 

105 

2,154 

422 

276 

2,145 

746 

1,213 

1,106 

524 

1,070 

356 

343 

1,627 

286 

456 

2,142 

185 

661 

1,737 

210 

481 

1,332 

287 

941 

1,048 

726 

1,085 

412 

431 

1,207 

237 

1,370 

8,899 

11,293 

11,347 

S.E. 


126 

277 

537 

655 

1,028 

1,549 

925 

1,080 

704 

347 

231 

162 


7,621 


These  observations 
}  were   taken    during 
five  years. 


Four  years. 

Three  years. 
Four  years. 


How  beautiful  an  illustration,  exclaims  the  writer,  of  the  little  variation 
we  find  in  the  general  laws  of  nature  ;  though  how  often  do  we  remark  how 
changeable  is  the  weather.  From  these  observations,  carried  on  nearly  five 
years,  the  wind  blows  from  the  N.E.  during  474  days  9  hours,  from  the 
opposite  direction,  S.W.,  during  the  contrary  monsoon,  470  days  13  hours; 
another  deduction  is  made,  that  during  the  months  of  December,  January, 


RAIN  AT  SINGAPORE. 


11 


February,  and  March,  the  wind  blows  more  continuously  from  the  N.E. 
than  any  other  direction  ;  while  in  the  months  of  June,  July,  August,  and 
September,  the  wind  is  principally  to  the  S.W.  During  November  the  pre- 
vailing wind  is  N.W.,  while  its  antagonist,  S.E.,  blows  in  the  month  of 
June.  Another  fact  is  elicited,  viz.,  that  in  April  we  have  the  winds  blow- 
ing from  the  direction  of  N.W.  and  N.E.  1,852  hours  ;  and  from  the  S.W. 
and  S.E.  1,868  hours.  In  October  we  have  them  blowing  from  the  N.W. 
and  N.E.  1,567  hours;  and  from  the  S.W.  and  S.E.  1,'395  hours  :  thus  the 
wind,  in  changing  from  the  N.E.  monsoon  to  the  S.W.,  seems  to  do  so 
gradually  from  N.E.  to  N.N.E.,  then  N.W.  to  West,  then  S.W.  ;  and,  in 
changing  from  the  S.W.  to  the  N.E.,  retraces  its  progress  by  retaining:  its 
westerly  direction,  and  not  reaching  the  N.E.  by  S.,  then  S.E.  and  E.,  but 
adopting  the  same  direction,  by  which  it  reached  the  S.W.  from  N.E.,  viz., 
a  westerly. 

In  the  same  paper  the  following  facts'  are  announced  with  regard  to  the 
fall  of  rain  and  quantity  of  moisture  in  the  atmosphere.  In  1820,  rain  fell  on 
229  days;  in  1821,  on  203  days;  in  1824,  on  136  days;  and  in  1825,  on  171 
days  ;  giving  an  average  on  4  years  of  185  rainy  days,  and  180  dry  in  ayear. 
The  quantity  of  rain  that  falls  is  well  illustrated  in  the  following  table  : — 


FALL  OF  RAIN  AT  THE  SINGAPORE  OBSERVATORY. 

SHOWN   BY    THE   NXTMBER   OF   INCHES. 


Months. 

1841 

1842 

1843 

1844 

Total  of 
4  years. 

Average  of 
1  year. 

January    

Inches. 
3.750 

Inches. 
22.585 

Inches. 
18.070 

Inches. 
10.219 

Inches. 
54.624 

Inches. 
13.656 

February  

6.750 

10.900 

3.050 

6.923 

27.623 

6.905 

March    

5.009 

7.220 

8.045 

4.150 

24.424 

6.106 

April 

3.010 

10.071 

5.645 

12.300 

31.035 

7.758 

May   

6.095 

9.003 

9.000 

7.775 

31.873 

7.968 

June 

7.490 
7.228 

6.320 
5.098 

2.270 
8.500 

6.025 
5.890 

22.105 
26.716 

5.526 

July 

6.679 

August 

7.095 

6.025 

5.545 

5.750 

24.415 

6.103 

September    

4.220 

4.250 

4.055 

5.075 

17.600 

4.400 

October 

4.070 
12.225 

21.005 
9.420 

12.145 
9.560 

10.200 
6.060 

47.420 
37.265 

11.855 

November 

9.316 

December 

6.175 

4.350 

3.415 

8.750 

25.690 

6.422 

Totals 

73.126 

116.244 

92,300 

89.117 

370.790 

92.697 

12  WINDS  AND  SEASONS. 

It  will  be  observed,  from  the  above,  that  the  greatest  fall  of  rain  during 
these  four  years  occui'red  in  January,  1842,  and  the  least  in  June,  1843. 
The  year  1841  was  unusually  dry,  73  inches  only  having  fallen,  while  the  suc- 
ceeding was  unusually  wet,  116  inches  having  fallen.  This  was  caused  by 
the  unusual  drj^ness  of  January  and  October,  in  the  former  year ;  and  the 
unusual  wetness  of  both  in  the  latter.  By  examining  the  average  for  each 
month,  the  seasons  will  be  found  to  be  very  equable,  the  least  average  being 
for  September  and  June,  which  respectively  have  4.400  and  5.526  inches, 
and  the  greatest  being,  for  January  and  October  respectively,  13.656  and 
11.855  innhes.  During  the  other  months  the  rain  averages  from  6  to  9  in- 
ches. The  annual  average  fall  is  92.697  inches,  a  quantity  which  is  about  2 
inches  less  than  the  average  fall  for  the  latitude  of  Singapore,  as  stated  by 
Humboldt,  who  gives  96  inches  as  the  average  fall  at  the  equator. 

With  regard  to  the  temperature  of  the  atmosphere,  in  1841  to  1845,  the 
mean  was  81°. 247,  the  lowest  mean  of  a  month  being,  for  January,  72°. 55, 
the  temperature  increases  to  May,  June,  and  July,  which  have  82°. 30,  82°.29, 
and  82°. 24  respectively.  It  is  concluded,  from  the  above,  that  the  tempera- 
ture of  Singapore  is  2°.  90  less  than  other  localities  in  similar  latitudes,  and 
that  the  range  between  the  mean  temperature  of  May  and  January  extends 
over  2°.76,  and  adding  up  the  mean  temperature  of  each  month  of  each  year, 
we  have  the  mean  temperature  as  follows : — 

Of  1841     1842       1843       1844    and    1845 
As  81.28    81.6     81.09      80.82  and   81.66 
From  which  this  inference  is  drawn,  that  in  five  successive  years  the  mean 
temperature  did  not  vary  one  degree. 

Deduction  made  from  other  tables  gave  the  maximum  temperature  for  five 
years  at  87°. 5,  and  the  extreme  minimum  7  4°. 7  ;  the  former  occurred  in  June, 
1842,  and  the  latter  in  January,  1843,  giving  the  greatest  range  as  9°. 8.  To 
this  I  may  add,  that  I  have  seen  the  thermometer  down  to  68°.5  in  January 
of  the  present  year,  at  Bonny  Grass,  the  residence  of  Dr.  Little,  where  the 
thermometer  was  hung  iu  a  building,  well  protected  from  the  sun,  but  open 
on  all  sides. 

From  observations  taken  by  Captain  Davis  during  six  years,  the  mean 
temperat;ire  was — 

In    1820       1821       1822       1823       1824    and    1825 
As    79.5       79.5       80.2       79.8       81.0    and    81.4 

These  observations  were  taken  at  6  a.m.  and  noon,  and  the  following  taken 
at  Singapore  Observatory,  during  the  same  hours,  gives — 

In    1841       1842       1843       1844    and    1845 
As    82.0      82.08     81.58      83.7     and    84.©4 

Thus  showing  that,  in  20  years,  the  temperature  of  Singapore  Town  has  in- 
creased 2°.48.     The  cause  of  this  advance  of  the  temperature  is  assigned  to 


STRAIT  OF  BANKA,  ETC.  13 

the  country,  within  3  miles  of  the  town,  being  now  clear  of  jungle,  and  cul- 
tivated, which  formerly  was  covered  with  primeval  forest. 

Dr.  Little  concludes  his  remarks  by  stating  the  mean  annual  solar  radia- 
tion to  be  12r.50,  the  mean  terrestrial  66°.  10,  and  the  hourly  mean  reading 
of  the  barometer  29.884  inches,  which  never  varies  more  than  the  twentieth 
of  an  inch. 

Thunder  showers  frequently  occur,  particularly  at  the  breaking  up  of  the 
monsoons.  That  interesting  and  wonderful  atmospherical  phenumenon, 
called  a  water  spout,  is  often  to  be  seen  in  the  seas  and  straits  adjacent ; 
they  would  more  properly  be  called  whirlwinds  charged  with  vapour.  They 
occur  generally  in  the  morning,  between  eight  and  twelve  o'clock,  and  rise 
to  the  height  of  half  a  mile,  in  the  distance  appearing  like  large  columns, 
supporting  the  heavy  masses  of  Cumuli  above  them.  I  noticed,  in  October, 
1841,  six  of  these  attached  to  one  cloud,  under  action  at  the  same  time.  In 
August,  1838,  one  passed  over  the  town  and  harbour  of  Singapore,  dismast- 
ing one  ship,  and  sinking  another,  and  carrying  off  the  comer  of  the  roof  of 
a  house  in  its  passage  landward.  No  other  atmospherical  disturbances  of 
any  moment  occur.  The  typhoons  of  the  China  Sea,  or  Bay  of  Bengal,  do 
not  reach  these  parts,  nor  are  there  hot  winds  to  parch  the  land.  The 
equable  and  quiet  state  of  the  atmosphere  and  seasons  of  these  regions  con- 
sequently create  analogous  properties  in  the  face  of  indiginous  vegetation. 
Evergreens  abound,  few  trees  shed  all  their  leaves  at  one  time,  and  many  of 
fruit  trees  produce  all  the  year  round ;  such  that  have  their  seasons  of 
fruit  will  frequently  produce  their  crops  out  of  season,  having  small  irregular 
ones  at  intervening  times.  This  continual  verdure  is  perhaps  more  grateful 
to  the  eye  of  the  stranger  than  to  those  who  have  been  accustomed  to  it ;  to 
the  former  it  bears  the  pleasant  appearance  of  exuberance  and  fecundity, 
where  the  lofty  forest  not  only  hangs  over  the  beach,  but  clothes  the  moun- 
tains to  their  tops,  so  unlike  the  sterile  bareness  of  higher  latitudes ;  while 
to  the  other,  the  continued  sameness  palls  the  senses,  which  lack  variety  and 
call  for  a  sterile  winter  only  that  they  may  renew,  with  doubly  keen  concep- 
tion by  the  contrast,  their  acquaintance  with  the  beauties  of  returning 
summer  that  here  always  reigns. 

STEAIT  of  BANKA,  &c.— The  winds  in  Banka  Strait  follow  the  direction 
of  the  coasts,  though  with  slight  variations  from  the  influence  of  the  land  and 
sea  breezes ;  and  fresh  breezes  may  always  be  expected  when  working  against 
the  monsoon. 

During  the  shifting  months  of  the  S.E.  monsoon,  sailing  vessels  are  often 
five  and  six  weeks  in  making  the  passage  from  Singapore  to  Banka  Strait. 
In  the  month  of  September  H.M.S.  Saracen  had  the  S.E.  monsoon  strong, 
with  much  rain  ;  about  the  equinox  there  were  several  heavy  squalls.  This 
monsoon  is  generally  supposed  to  shift  about  the  beginning  of  October,  but 
during  the  whole  of  this  month  the  wind  was  only  4  hours  from  the  north- 


14  WINDS  AND  SEASONS. 

ward,  there  being  a  succession  of  calms,  light  southerly  airs,  a  close  muggy 
atmosphere  surcharged  with  electricity,  and  frequent  heavy  Sumatra  squalls 
or  south-westers.  On  the  9th  of  November  the  monsoon  shifted  with  furious 
gusts. 

These  squalls  at  this  season  generally  take  place  at  night,  accompanied 
with  heavy  rain,  thunder,  and  lightning.  They  are  of  short  duration,  and 
it  was  noticed  that  when  one  occurs  about  the  time  of  full  and  change, 
another  may  be  expected  an  hour  later  every  night  till  the  next  change  of 
the  moon. 

In  the  Strait  of  Sunda  the  winds  vary  between  S.S.E.  and  E.S.E.  from 
April  to  October,  and  are  then  called  the  eastern  monsoon.  They  are  gene- 
rally W.N.  W.  and  N.W.  during  the  western  monsoon,  which  succeeds  the 
preceding  one.  This  monsoon  comes  in  November,  and  brings  bad  weather. 
There  are  alternate  breezes  in  this  strait ;  they  blow  from  the  South  before 
noon,  and  from  the  North  in  the  afternoon,  and  are  separated  by  an  interval 
of  calm. 

On  the  South  Coast  of  Java  the  wind  blows  from  the  N.W.,  while  the  N.E. 
monsoon  is  blowing  to  the  North  of  the  line,  from  October  to  April :  it  ceases 
in  March.  In  April  the  winds  are  variable ;  and  in  May  are  settled  in  the 
East.  The  weather  is  fine,  and  the  winds  are  strongest  from  June  to 
August.  In  October  the  S.E.  monsoon  becomes  weaker;  and,  till  the  re- 
turn of  the  N.W.  monsoon,  the  winds  are  variable.  In  May  and  November 
a  great  deal  ctf  rain  falls  on  this  coast.  In  February  and  the  first  part  of 
the  month  of  March,  as  well  as  in  October,  that  is  when  the  monsoon  changes, 
the  land  and  sea  breezes  are  alternately  regular  ;  they  are  weaker  in  October, 
February,  and  March.  In  these  two  last  months,  and  also  in  April,  the  land 
breezes  commense  with  squalls,  or  at  times  with  a  heavy  storm.  After  tins 
has  passed,  the  breezes  from  the  land  are  moderate  till  the  return  of  the  sea 
breeze.  In  April  and  May,  on  this  coast,  the  sea  breeze  commences  with  a 
heavy  squall,  or  a  storm,  which  does  not  last  long. 

JAVA  SEA. — The  following  summary  is  by  Captain  Jansen,  as  quoted 
by  M.  Krecke:  — 

During  the  month  of  February  the  westerly  monsoon  is  still  strong  and 
steady  :  in  March  it  is  interrupted  by  calms  and  squalls,  which  become  less 
frequent  and  less  violent  in  April.  Now  the  easterly  winds  burst  in  suddenly  ; 
clouds  Collect  and  darken  the  sky,  while  there  are  incessant  thunderstorms 
by  day  and  night,  and  waterspouts  are  very  common. 

If  the  wind  changes  again  to  West  or  North,  the  sky  clears  again  ;  but  this 
wind  does  not  last,  and  the  clouds  soon  re-appear.  The  rain  gradually  ceases 
during  the  day  time,  and  the  S.E.  winds  prevail  throughout  the  mouth  of 
May.  At  the  time  of  the  reverse  change  of  the  East  to  the  West  monsoon, 
the  calms  last  for  a  shorter  period,  as  the  wind  assumes  a  decided  N.W. 
direction  at  once,  and  the  showers  of  rain,  accompanied  by  violent  squalls, 


JAVA  SEA.  15 

are  felt  only  for  a  short  time.  Thunder  storms  are  abundant,  but  only  on 
land,  or  close  to  the  coast.  Toward  the  end  of  November  the  N.W.  mon- 
soon is  again  permanent. 

On  the  North  Coast  of  Java,  from  May  to  July,  the  winds  blow  from  the 
S.E.  with  a  return  of  the  opposite  winds,  which  vary  to  the  N.E.  near  the 
West  point  of  the  island.  During  the  S.E.  monsoon,  the  winds  are  S.S.E., 
varying  to  E.S.E.,  and  it  is  fine  weather.  In  October  the  winds  are  light, 
weak,  and  variable.  The  N.W.  monsoon  generally  commences  in  October, 
but  sometimes  it  occurs  in  September,  or  is  retarded  till  November,  and  ends 
in  March.  This  is  the  season  of  the  heavy  rains.  In  the  month  of  Decem- 
ber the  West  winds  predominate.  Towards  the  middle  of  February  squalls 
and  tempests  occur,  accompanied  by  rain.  At  Batavia,  from  April  to  No- 
vember, the  weather  is  tolerably  fine  ;  but,  after  that,  rain  ensues  till  the  end 
of  the  year. 

On  the  Southern  Coast  of  Borneo,  from  thePulo-Laut  to  the  Strait  of  Sunda, 
the  S.E.  monsoon  prevails  from  May  to  September,  like  the  West  of  Java. 
At  the  same  time,  in  the  Indian  Ocean,  the  S.W.  monsoon  is  found  to  the 
North  of  the  line.  From  September  to  April  the  West  winds  blow  on  this 
coast,  the  rams  are  constant,  and  the  weather  often  very  bad.  During  the 
S.E.  monsoon  the  weather,  though  still  humid,  is  less  rainy  than  during  the 
N.W.  monsoon. 

Observations  carried  on  for  a  series  of  years  (1850 — 1856)  at  Palemhang, 
on  the  N.W.  coast  of  the  south-eastern  part  of  Sumatra,  have  led  to  the 
foUowing  results: — From  November  to  March  the  prevalent  winds  are 
westerly  and  north-westerly.  This  is  the  regular  rainy  season  during  the 
West  monsoon.  April  is  the  month  of  the  change  of  the  monsoons,  when 
thunderstorms  are  most  frequent.  From  May  till  September,  easterly  and 
south-easterly  winds  (of  the  East  monsoon)  are  permanent,  and  the  change 
comes  in  September  or  October. 

From  this  it  appears  that  the  wind  shifts  pretty  regularly  round  the  com- 
pass, for  its  mean  direction  for  each  month  in  rotation,  counting  from  South 
to  West,  is — 

Jan.  Feb.  March.  April.  Slay.  June. 

S.  7°  W.     I     S.  20°  W.     I     S.  30°  W.     |     W.  2a°  N.     |      W.  79^  N.      |     W.  ^b"  N. 

July.  Augn.'st.  Sept.  Oct.  Nov.  Dec. 

K.  6°  E.     I     N.  21°  E.      I     N.  lt>°  E.      ]      N.  2o°  E.      |      E.  30°  S.       |      S.  4°  W. 

At  Banjermassing,  on  the  South  coast  of  Borneo,  the  S.W.  monsoon  prevails 
from  December  to  March ;  the  S.E.  monsoon  from  April  to  October.  The 
change  seems  to  be  of  short  duration.  Rain  is  most  abundant  from  July  to 
October,  while  thunderstorms  are  more  frequent  in  the  months  of  November, 
December,  and  May,  at  times  consequently  later  than  the  changes  of  the 
monsoons.     There  is,  ho  wever,  in  this  respect,  a  considerable  variation  be- 


16  .  WINDS  AND  SEASONS. 

tween  individual  years.     In  1851,  eighteen  thunderstorms  were  observed, 
while  eighty-three  took  place  in  1857. 

A  close  examination  of  the  direction  of  the  wind  leads  to  the  following 
results  : — The  predominant  direction  of  the  wind  in  December  is  S.W.  and 
W.S.W.,  and  it  becomes  more  westerly  in  January  and  February.  In 
March  the  direction  during  the  day  is  less  constant.  In  April  the  S.E.  wind 
becomes  prevalent,  and  increases  in  steadiness  up  to  August  and  September. 
In  October  it  gets  round  to  the  southward.  In  November  this  is  the  case, 
in  the  morning  hours,  in  a  still  higher  degree  ;  in  fact,  in  the  afternoon  the 
wind  goes  somewhat  past  the  South  towards  the  West.  At  last,  in  Decem- 
ber, the  S.W.  monsoon  is  definitely  established. — {Kreclce.) 

GTJLF  of  SIAM. — The  following  account  of  the  winds  and  weather  is  by 
Lieutenant  John  Eichards,  E..N.,  who  surveyed  the  guK  in  H.M.S.  Saracen, 
in  1855-8.  The  N.E.  monsoon  in  the  Gulf  of  Siam  sets  in  early  in  Novem- 
ber. It  is  usually  preceded  by  a  month  of  squally,  variable,  and  uncertain 
weather. 

In  the  months  of  November,  December,  and  January,  the  wind  blows  be- 
tween N.N.E.  and  East ;  generally  strong  breezes,  with  the  temperature 
occasionally  as  low  as  65°.  Along  the  eastern  shore  of  the  gulf  at  this  time 
the  sky  is  frequently  unclouded  for  a  week  together,  but  on  the  opposite 
coast  the  weather  is  wet  and  stormy. 

In  November  and  December,  strong  squalls,  with  heavy  thunder  and  light- 
ning, are  occasionally  met  with  near  Pulo  Panjang. 

Towards  the  end  of  January  the  wind  blows  more  from  the  eastward,  is 
steadier,  and  abates  in  strength. 

In  February  the  wind  is  more  constant  from  E.S.E.  than  from  any  other 
point;  it  veers  between  S.E.  and  N.E.,  with  occasional  calms  and  squalls. 
Fine  weather  and  smooth  water  now  prevail  all  over  the  gulf. 

In  March  the  monsoon  cannot  be  depended  on.  In  the  middle  of  the 
gulf  calms  prevail ;  with  southerly  winds  near  the  shore,  and  occasional  land 
and  sea  breezes.  Towards  the  end  of  the  month  the  weather  becomes  hot 
and  sultry. 

April  is  the  hottest  month  of  the  year ;  calms  may  be  expected  near  the 
middle  of  the  gulf ;  land  and  sea  breezes  near  the  shore,  and  occasional 
slight  squalls.  From  the  2nd  of  April  until  the  15th  of  May,  1856,  the 
Saracen  remained  at  anchor  off  the  Bangkok  Bar,  during  which  interval  the 
river  was  siirveyed,  and  the  four-mile  boundary  line  round  the  town  of 
Bangkok  defined.  Towards  the  middle  of  April  the  weather  changed,  and 
became  gloomy  and  threatening ;  at  the  latter  end  of  the  month  there  were 
several  days  continuous  and  heavy  rain,  after  which  the  weather  became 
snowery,  and  continued  so  during  the  remainder  of  the  above  period.  On 
the  15th  the  Saracen  sailed  for  Singapore,  and  in  the  upper  part  of  the 
gulf  had  calms  and  light  winds  from  the  eastward,  drawing  round  to  the 


CAMBODIA.  •■  17 

sontliward  as  the  Itedang-  Islands  were  neared.  A  southerly  current  was 
experienced  the  whole  way  down  to  Pulo  Aor. 

S.  TV,  Monxoon. — In  May  clouds  begin  to  bank  up,  and  an  occasional  shower 
relieves  the  intensity  of  a  vertical  sun.  The  S.W.  monsoon  sets  in  about 
the  middle  of  the  month,  sometimes  preceded  by  light  flaws  of  wind  and  fine 
weather,  but  usually  with  squally  weather,  and  occasional  heavy  falls  of  rain. 
In  June,  July,  and  August  the  S.W.  monsoon  blows  strong,  with  occasional 
showers,  but  generally  very  fine  weather  along  the  western  shore  of  the 
Gulf;  oxit  in  the  middle  a  rough  sea,  and  along  the  eastern  shore  strong 
breezes  with  much  rain,  and  occasionally  a  fresh  gale. 

In  September  the  wind  is  very  unsteady,  veering  between  S.W.  and 
W.N.W.  in  strong  gusts.  Heavy  and  continuous  rain  may  be  expected  in 
this  month. 

In  October  the  wind  veers  between  West  and  North,  and  abates  consi- 
derably in  strength  ;  the  rain  squalls  are  less  frequent.  Towards  the  end  of 
the  month  the  wind  settles  in  the  North,  and  the  cold  weather  and  fine  sea- 
son set  in.  Vessels  bound  to  the  Gulf  from  Hong  Kong  will  not  profit  much 
by  leaving  China  earlier  than  the  middle  of  this  month. 

At  the  bar  of  Bangkok  Eiver  land  and  sea  breezes  generally  prevail, 
veering  by  the  East  or  West  according  to  the  monsoon. 

The  S.W.  monsoon  is  scarcely  felt  close  in  shore,  between  Cape  Patani 
and  the  Eedang  Islands,  its  course  being  inten-upted  by  the  high  land  in 
that  neighbourhood.  To  the  southward  of  Pulo  Kapas  it  takes  the  direction 
of  the  coast,  veering  a  few  points  on  or  off  shore  by  day  or  night,  under  the 
influence,  alternately,  of  the  sea  and  land  breezes. 

White  squalls  are  said  to  prevail  in  the  Gulf,  particularly  in  the  month 
of  May. 

Black  squalls  are  frequent  in  the  S.W.  monsooh  ;  they  rise  in  the  west- 
ward, accompanied  by  a  heavy  bank  of  clouds,  and  blow  with  great  violence 
for  a  short  time,  and  are  frequently  accompanied  by  heavy  rain. 

Heavy  gales  are  unknown  in  the  Gulf. 

Cambodia. — On  the  coast  of  Cambodia,  in  June,  July,  and  August,  there 
are  heavy  rains,  accompanied  by  S.W.  winds.  The  monsoons  are  not  regular 
on  this  coast,  and  land  and  sea  breezes  are  met  with  when  the  prevailing 
monsoon  is  weak.  The  breezes  do  not  last  more  than  five  or  six  hours 
during  the  S.W.  monsoon,  and  are  not  so  Iresh  as  those  which  prevail  at 
the  end  of  the  N.E.  monsoon.  In  Pulo  Timoan  and  Pulo  Condore  the  N.E. 
monsoon  is  established  towards  the  15th  of  October  with  fine  weather.  The 
S.W.  monsoon  brings  rain,  and  lasts  during  eight  months.  Near  these 
islands,  in  November,  there  are  alternately  calms,  storms,  accompanied  by 
rain,  and  typhoons.  At  Pulo  Condore  the  rains  last  for  a  month  after  the 
N.E.  monsoon  is  established,  and  at  Pulo  Timoan  the  wind  becomes  un- 
settled in  September,   and  the  change  of  monsoon  brings  bad  weather.     In 

I.  A.  i> 


IS  WINDS  AND  SEASONS. 

November  the  weather  is  fine.  On  the  coast  which  extends  between  the 
Gulf  of  Siam  and  Cape  Padaran  the  S.W.  monsoon  blows  along  the  shore. 
Sometimes,  near  the  land,  during  the  night,  a  light  land  breeze  is  found 
succeeded  by  an  interval  of  calm,  which  is  followed  by  the  wind  <if  the  mon- 
soim,  wliich  blows  fresh  during  the  rest  of  the  day.  On  the  same  coast  the 
N.E.  monsoon  is  established  from  the  end  of  September  or  beginning  of 
October  to  the  middle  of  April. 

Cochin  China. — On  the  coast  of  Cochin  China  wintry  weather  is  found 
with  cold  northerly  winds  and  rain,  which  prevail  from  December  to  Febru- 
ary. Heavy  rains  occur  in  the  months  of  September,  October,  and  Novem- 
ber. During  the  N.E.  monsoon  easterly  winds  are  frequent.  Between  the 
Paracels  and  the  coast  the  same  wind  is  found  as  far  as  Cape  Varela ;  and 
in  this  channel  calms  are  frequent,  while  on  the  offing  from  this  bank  the 
monsoon  blows  fresh  and  regularly.  During  the  S.W.  monsoon,  on  this 
coabt,  the  land  and  sea  breezes  are  tolerably  regular,  the  sea  breeze  being 
replaced  by  a  land  breeze  every  evening,  which  blows  every  night,  followed 
by  a  calm  light  wind,  although  not  always  commencing  at  the  same  time. 
This  wind  generally  lasts  till  noon,  when  the  S.E.  wind  again  sets  in.  On 
the  coast  of  Cochin  China  the  winds  are  variable  during  the  whole  year,  and 
the  monsoons  generally  light.  The  leeward  coast  is  not  dangerous  with  the 
N.E.  monsoon. 

The  EASTERN  PASSAGES.— The  foregoing  reuarks  refer  to  the  great 
highways  which  lead  directly  into  the  China  Sea  from  the  Indian  Ocean, 
and  are  taken  by  most  ships  during  the  favourable  monsoon. 

The  following  will  describe  the  winds  and  weather  of  that  part  of  the 
Indian  Archipelago  to  the  eastward  of  Java,  among  the  islands  and  channels 
which  are  sometimes  called  the  eastern  passages,  those  used  during  the  ad- 
verse monsoon.  Some  of  these  remarks  are  extracted  from  the  late  Captain 
de  Kerhallet's  work  on  the  meteorology,  &c.,  of  this  region. 

Around  the  islands  East  of  the  Strait  of  Sunda,  as  far  as  Timor,  the  mon- 
soons are  the  same  as  have  been  described  before  ;  that  from  the  East  com- 
mences in  May,  and  tlie  winds  vary  from  East  to  S.S.E.  These  winds  are 
strongest  in  June  and  July.  This  monsoon  is  finer  than  that  from  the  West, 
which  brings  bad  weather  during  November  and  December.  The  rains 
commence  in  this  month,  accompanied  by  squalls  and  winds.  The  western 
monsoon  commences  in  November,  and  attains  its  greatest  force  in  January. 
The  rains  tall  from  December  to  the  middle  of  February,  accompanied  by 
storms  and  tempests.  Then  the  monsoon  gradually  weakens  till  March  ;  in 
April  the  winds  are  variable,  and  the  weather  is  fine. 

Among  the  Archipelago  and  the  intervening  seas  to  the  South  and  East  of 
Borneo  there  are  usually  two  monsoons,  generally  called  the  North  or  West 
monsoon,  and  the  South  or  easterly  monsoon,  some  saying  that  the  wind 
hangs  more  to  North  than  to  West  in  the  former  and  mi>re  South  than  East 


ARAFUEA  SEA.  19 

in  the  latter.  The  first  corresponds  with  the  N.E.  monsoon  North  of  the 
equator,  and  the  second  with  the  S.W.  monsoon.  But  from  the  configuration 
of  the  islands,  the  direction  of  their  mountain  chains,  and  the  efi'ect  these 
have  in  causing  the  rain  clouds  to  deposit  their  moisture,  these  alternating 
monsoons  are  much  less  regular  than  they  are  in  the  open  ocean,  far  from 
these  disturbing  causes.  In  general,  it  may  be  remarked  that  to  the  South 
of  the  equator,  as  far  as  the  parallels  of  10°  or  12°  S.,  the  direction  of  the 
wind  differs  ten  or  twelve  points  from  that  prevailing  to  the  North  of  the 
equator  at  the  same  period  ;  that  is,  to  the  North  of  the  equator  if  the  wind 
or  monsoon  is  from  Narth,  that  to  the  South  of  the  line  will  be  N.N.W.  ; 
and  if  the  southerly  monsoon  is  blowing  North  of  the  equator,  in  the  Eastern 
Passages,  it  will  be  from  E.S.E.  or  East, 

In  the  Strait  of  Bali  the  wind  often  blows  from  the  North  with  much 
violence,  and  in  that  of  Sapy  there  are  alternate  breezes  from  land  and  sea. 
They  blow  from  the  South  in  the  morning,  and  from  the  North  about  two 
hours  after  noon.  There  is  often  an  interval  of  calm  between  them.  In  the 
other  straits,  to  the  East  of  Java,  the  winds  are  of  a  singular  nature,  and 
also  very  variable. 

In  the  Java  Sea,  as  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Moluccas,  the  N.W. 
monsoon  commences  in  the  first  part  of  November,  but  does  not  attain  its 
greatest  force  till  near  the  end  of  December.  It  lasts  till  the  end  of  March, 
when  the  intervals  of  calm  commence,  with  variable  winds,  squalls,  and 
rain.  The  S.E.  monsoon  commences  in  April,  and  gets  gradually  stronger 
till  May  ;  it  ends  in  October,  during  which  month  the  winds  are  variable. 
This  is  the  law  generally  observed  in  these  two  seas,  except  that  it  must  be 
remembered  that  there  are  variations  in  the  direction  ;  it  draws  sometimes 
to  the  North  and  West,  and  sometimes  to  the  South  and  East.  Besides  this, 
the  changes  of  the  monsoons  do  not  take  place  at  settled  times  ;  that  of  the 
S.E.  is  subject  to  calms,  and  the  wind  is  less  stormy,  while  it  lasts,  than 
during  that  of  the  N.W.  monsoon. 

Arafura  Sea.— In  the  sea  lying  between  New  Guinea  and  Timor,  the 
easterly  monsoon  commences  in  April,  and  continues  until  the  beginning  of 
October,  when,  after  a  few  weeks  of  variable  winds,  the  westerly  monsoon 
sets  in,  and  continues  without  intermission  until  the  beginning  of  March. 
In  the  southern  part  of  the  Indian  Archipelago  generally,  the  easterly  mon- 
soon is  attended  with  fine  weather,  but  on  the  S.W.  coast  of  New  Guinea, 
and  among  the  islands  to  the  westward,  as  far  as  the  East  coast  of  Celebes, 
frequently  squalls,  with  heavy  rain,  are  experienced  at  this  season,  often  ac- 
companied with  considerable  swell  from  the  southward,  while,  during  the 
remainder  of  the  year,  the  weather  is  fine.  This  rule,  however,  does  not 
extend  farther  to  the  westward,  for  from  Celebes  to  the  western  extremity  of 
the  Archipelago,  and  also  on  the  North  coast  of  Australia,  the  westerly  is 
the  rainy  monsoon.     The  monsoons,   when  at  their  height,  usually  blow  in 


20  .  WINDS  AND  SEASONS. 

an  E.S.E.  and  W.N.W.  direction  ;  but  towards  the  change  they  draw  round 
more  to  the  southward,  sometimes  continuing  several  days  at  S.W. 

The  easterly  monsoon  brings  rain,  on  the  eastern  part  of  the  Archipelago, 
as  far  as  Celebes ;  beyond  this,  to  the  westward,  the  westerly  monsoon  is  the 
rainy  season.  The  effect  of  this  on  the  vegetation  of  the  different  islands 
has  been. before  alluded  to.  It  would  seem  to  be  only  accounted  for  by  the 
fact  that  the  monsoons  are  deprived  of  their  rain-cloud  soon  after  encounter- 
ing the  land.  The  easterly  monsoon,  blowing  over  the  Pacific,  breaks  over 
New  Guinea,  the  Moluccas,  and  the  eastern  side  of  Celebes,  the  high  moun- 
tains of  the  first-named  keeping  the  rainfall  off  the  North  coast  of  Australia 
and  Timor.  The  southern  part  of  the  latter  and  northern  Australia  are  open 
to  the  westerly  rain-bearing  winds  of  the  Indian  Ocean. 

On  the  West  Coast  of  New  Guinea  two  monsoons  occur,  one  from  the  S.E., 
which  lasts  from  April  to  October ;  and  the  other  from  the  N.W.,  which 
commences  at  the  end  of  October,  and  terminates  towards  the  end  of  April. 
In  January  the  wind  near  this  island  varies  from  N.N.W.  to  N.E.  ;  in  the 
spring  the  weather  often  changes ;  and  in  March,  April,  and  May,  the 
weather  is  squally.  From  June  to  September  a  great  quantity  of  rain  falls  ; 
and  from  October  to  May  the  weather  is  fine  and  calm,  without  clouds 
or  fogs. 

To  the  North  of  Bourou  and  Ceram  the  S.E.  monsoon  varies  between 
S.S.E.  and  S.S.W.,  and  at  the  Isle  of  Amboyna  from  East  to  S.E.  In  the 
same  isles  the  N."W.  monsoon  varies  from  W.S.W.  to  N.W.  This  last, 
which  is  often  called  the  westerly  monsoon,  is  during  the  stormy  season  in 
these  isles,  and  ends  in  April.  The  S.E.  monsoon  commences  in  March,  and 
lasts  till  November,  and  is  the  rainy  season.  During  this  monsoon  violent 
storms  occur  in  the  Moluccas,  and  rain  falls  abundantly  over  the  largest 
islands  of  the  Archipelago.  This  monsoon  ceases  in  November.  The  North 
and  N."W.  monsoon  does  not  set  in  till  some  time  after;  for,  during  two 
months,  the  winds  are  alway  variable  in  these  seas  towards  the  end  of  the 
monsoons.     From  October  to  April  the  weather  is  moderately  fine. 

In  the  Moluccas,  which  occupy  a  space  between  5°  North  of  the  equator, 
and  1°  South  latitude,  the  winds  are  much  less  regular,  because  there  is  a 
great  difference  between  the  monsoons  which  exist  in  the  two  hemispheres 
at  the  same  time. 

In  that  part  of  the  Arafura  Sea  between  New  Gruinea  and  Australia, 
during  the  month  of  January  and  the  commencement  of  the  western  mon- 
soon, the  winds  are  generally  from  the  N.E.  to  North,  occasionally  drawing 
to  the  westward.  Near  the  N.E.  coast  of  Australia,  as  far  as  the  parallel  of 
14"  S.,  winds  which  vary  from  N.E.  to  W.N.W.  prevail,  and  more  to  the 
South  they  come  from  East  and  E.S.E. 

Between  these  two  monsoons  there  are  frequent  calms  of  long  duration, 
and  tlie  time  of  the  change  from  the  S.E.  to  the  N.W.  monsoon  is  the  period 


TIMOE.  21 

■when  these  long  calms  mostly  prevail.  When  the  monsoon  is  about  to  be 
established,  westerly  winds  blow  for  five  or  six  days  ;  then  they  cease,  and 
are  sometimes  succeeded  by  light  variable  winds  for  a  month.  Then,  at  the 
following  syzygy,  the  monsoon  becomes  established,  accompanied  by  gloomy 
rainy  weather,  and  sometimes  squalls,  for  two  or  three  days.  The  weather 
then  clears,  and  there  is  a  moderate  breeze  for  some  time,  producing  clearer 
and  finer  -weather  than  is  felt  during  the  S.E.  monsoon.  Two  or  three  days 
•wet  weather  is  to  be  expected  at  the  time  of  the  syzygies,  although  sometimes 
for  five  or  six  weeks  continual  fine  weather  may  have  prevailed.  Near  the 
land  the  weather  is  always  more  stormy  and  rainy  than  it  is  farther  out  at 
sea,  although  at  the  limit  of  the  monsoon  in  the  parallel  of  15^  S.  latitude 
the  weather  is  generally  wet  and  stormy.  The  mean  direction  of  the  wind 
is  nearly  W.N.W.,  varying  to  N.W.  and  S.W.  at  the  time  of  the  syzygies  ; 
during  these  periods  it  is  often  "W.S.W. 

In  the  Timor  Sea,  and  that  part  of  the  sea  situated  between  the  Arru 
Isles  and  the  North  coast  of  Australia,  as  well  as  in  the  vicinity  of  Torres 
Strait,  the  S.E.  monsoon  blows  with  much  regularity.  Towards  the  middle 
of  it,  from  May  to  August,  it  varies  from  E.S.E.  to  S.E.,  and  is  then  very 
strong.  The  Malays  call  this  the  white  season.  In  the  beginning  and  near 
the  end  of  this  monsoon  the  wind  is  due  East,  sometimes  veering  to  E.N.E. 
During  this  munsoon  the  breeze  is  generally  fresh  and  steady  when  the 
moon  quarters,  and  we  find  calms  and  unsettled  wea';her  at  the  time  of  the 
syzygies.  This  fact  has  also  been  remarked  in  the  trade  wind  of  the  eastern 
coast  of  Australia.  In  Torres  Strait  easterly  winds  prevail.  The  westerly 
monsoon  does  not  blow  steadil}',  but  is  often  modified  by  the  East  wind, 
which  is  then  light  and  variable,  lasting  several  days,  till  it  strengthens  to 
a  fresh  breeze. 

On  the  North-west  Coast  of  Timor,  in  September  and  March,  the  N.W. 
monsoon,  varying  to  N.N.W.,  is  in  force.  In  April  or  May  it  is  followed  by 
that  from  S.E.,  varying  to  S.S.E.,  which  ends  in  October.  The  N.W.  mon- 
soon, as  before  stated,  is  the  bad  weather  season,  and  the  winds  in  December 
are  very  violent.  This  monsoon  is  only  well  established  at  the  end  of 
November  or  December,  and  heavy  winds,  accompanied  by  rain,  blowing 
between  West  and  North,  continue  till  February.  At  the  end  of  April,  or 
beginning  of  May,  the  wind  returns  to  East,  varying  to  South  ;  they  are 
very  strong  on  the  North  coast  of  the  island,  where  it  is  then  the  fine  season. 
The  strongest  winds  vary  West  by  South  and  N.N.E.  On  the  opposite  coast 
of  this  island  there  is  a  great  diflference  between  the  winds.  The  S.E.  mon- 
soon is  very  feeble  on  the  South  coast,  and  strong  on  the  North.  On  the 
South  coast  there  are  storms  during  the  fir.st  part  of  October  ;  while  on  the 
North  these  are  only  felt  in  December.  During  the  fine  season  the  land  and 
sea  breezes  are  strong  on  both  coasts.  On  the  South  the  land  breeze  varies 
from  N.E.  to  North,  the  sea  breeze  from  S.S.E.  to  S.S.W. 


22  WINDS  AND  SEASONS. 

The  Island  of  Celebes,  like  that  of  Borneo,  is  divided  into  two  parts  by  the 
equator,  and  the  same  remarks  given  previous! j'  for  the  monsoons  at  Bnrneo, 
are  appliacable  here.  On  the  South  coast  the  S.E.  monsoon  is  established 
from  May  to  October,  and  the  S.W.  monsoon  prevails  on  that  part  of  the 
island  which  is  North  of  the  equator  at  the  same  time.  The  S.E.  monsoon, 
which  lasts  from  May  to  October,  on  the  coast  of  Celebes,  situated  South  of 
the  equator,  brings  the  driest  season.  The  N.W.  monsoon  replaces  the  S.E. 
towards  October,  and  continues  till  April,  when  rain  is  almost  perpetual,  and 
the  wind  strong.  During  the  two  months  when  the  sun  is  vertical  over  ihe 
island,  and  near  to  the  syzygies,  there  are  invariably  northerly  winds  aTid 
rain.  On  that  part  of  the  island  situated  North  of  tlie  equator,  the  N.E. 
monsoon  in  October  replaces  the  S.W.,  making  the  fine  season.  In  the 
North  part  of  the  Strait  of  Macassar,  from  May  to  October,  a  S.E.  monsoon 
is  found  on  the  East  coast  of  Borneo  ;  also  between  Celebes  and  Grilolo,  it  is 
succeeded  by  the  N.W.  monsoon,  continuing  from  November  to  April.  In 
the  South  part  of  the  Strait  the  wind  is  N.E.  in  April,  May,  and  June  ;  but 
there  is  less  in  August  and  September.  During  October,  November,  Decem- 
ber, and  following  months,  fresh  breezes  prevail  from  W.S.W.  to  W.N.W. 
in  these  latitudes.  Near  the  West  coast  of  Celebes,  from  May  to  October, 
we  find  land  and  sea  breezes,  while  on  the  opposite  coast  of  Borneo  the  wind 
is  steady  from  the  South.  From  November  to  April,  on  the  western  const 
of  Celebes,  the  wind  varies  from  W.S.W.  to  W.N.W.  ;  in  April,  May,  and 
June,  it  is  from  N.E.,  but  is  light  during  the  month  of  August.  It  has 
been  remarked  that  when  the  S.W.  wind  prevails  on  the  Celebes  coast,, 
about  6  leagues  off  the  coast  it  becomes  W.N.W.  and  N.W.  on  the  coast  of 
Borneo.  During  the  S.E.  monsoon,  from  May  to  October,  a  vessel  cannot 
oontend  against  it  on  the  low  coast  of  Borneo  ;  and  on  this  coast,  in  this 
season,  light  land  breezes  are  found,  while  on  the  corresponding  coast  of 
Celebes,  which  is  elevated,  a  fresh  land  wind  blows  during  the  night,  followed 
during  the  day  by  a  sea  breeze.  In  December  we  generally  find  alternate 
winds  near  Celebes.  In  August  and  September  the  winds  are  light ;  but 
sometimes  off  this  coast  storms  from  the  S.W.  occur,  and  long  calms. 

In  the  Celebes  Sea  and  Sooloo  Archipelago  easterly'  winds  prevail  in  October, 
but  are  not  regularly  established  till  November.  In  May  they  are  replaced 
by  westerly  winds,  and  in  a  month  become  established  to  terminate  in  Oc- 
tober ;  the  climate  is  then  made  up  of  rain,  squalls,  and  tempests,  which 
take  place  generally  in  July  and  August.  In  September  a  heavy  mist  hanga 
about  the  coast  of  Mmdanao.  At  the  commencement  of  the  westerly  mon- 
soon the  winds  are  light  for  some  time,  with  heavy  rain,  during  which  the 
wind  blows  in  an  opposite  direction,  sometimes  lasting  from  tlie  eastward 
more  than  a  week.  Occasionally  heavy  storms  happen  until  the  westerly 
wind  becomes  established.  During  this  monsoon  the  weather  is  cloudy, 
rainy,  and  sometime;*  stormy ;  and  in  this  reason  we  find  between  Mindanao 


BOENEO.  2S 

and  Celebes  that  heavy  storms  take  place  from  N.W.  ;  the  westerly  winds 
sometimes  last  till  November. 

In  the  Sooloo  Sen  the  East  and  N.E.  monsoon  is  not  a  steady  fresh  breeze, 
but  often  varies.  In  the  neighbourhood  of  Mindanao  the  northerly  winds 
never  blow  fresh,- but  are  often  displaced  for  several  days  by  light  changeable 
winds,  which  again  occurs  at  the  end  of  January,  and  it  is  considered  that 
the  same  winds  prevail  from  the  Sooloo  Archipelago  to  Manila. 

The  Island  of  Borneo  forms  the  N.W.  and  western  boundary  of  the  China 
Sea,  and  is  intersected  by  the  equator,  and  the  result  is  as  in  Sumatra,  that 
the  monsoons  of  the  N.W.  coast  do  not  take  place  at  the  same  time  as  those 
on  the  West  coast.  The  S.W.  monsoon  prevailing  on  the  N.W.  coast  from 
May  to  October,  at  the  same  time  as  the  S.E  monsoon  is  on  the  West  coast, 
and  the  N.E.  monsoon  blows  on  the  N.W.  coast,  while  the  N.W.  monsoon 
prevails  on  the  AVest  coast.  On  the  northern  part  of  Borneo  the  S.W.  mon- 
Boon  is  not  established  till  between  the  15th  and  30th  of  May,  when  there  is 
continual  rain.  The  weather  is  not  so  bad  in  September,  and  the  dry  season 
sets  in  with  the  N.E.  winds,  varying  to  the  East.  However,  this  can  hardly 
be  called  the  dry  season  ;  for,  in  consequence  of  its  position  under  the 
equator,  the  island  is  incessantly  inundated  with  rain.  On  the  West  coast 
the  S.E.  monsoon  prevails  towards  the  end  of  May,  and  fine  weather  then 
sets  in.  From  September  to  April  the  West  or  N.W.  monsoun  occurs,  with 
continual  rain  and  heavy  gales. 

The  weather  at  Lahuan,  on  the  N.W.  coast  of  Borneo,  is  generally  very 
fine  ;  the  land  and  sea  breezes  are  seldom  interrupted.  A  large  quantity  of 
rain  falls  annually,  but  this  generally  comes  off  the  coast  ot  Borneo  in 
squalls,  which  most  frequently  oc(  ur  between  8  p.m.  and  midnight,  and  blow 
heavily,  especially  in  June  and  July.  In  tiie  S.W.  monsoon  the  land  breeze, 
which  usually  commences  with  these  squalls,  lasts  until  7  or  8  a.m.,  and  is  a 
steady,  fresh  breeze,  whilst  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  it  is  light  and  variable, 
and,  if  blowing  hard  in  the  China  Sea,  it  is  not  felt  at  Labuan. 

The  sea  breeze  in  the  S.W.  monsoon  usually  commences  at  noon,  and 
lasts  until  4  or  5  p.m.,  seldom  exceeding  a  royal  breeze  ;  but  in  the  N.E. 
monsoon  it  commences  earlier,  and  lasts  until  7  or  8  p.m.,  hanging  well  to 
the  northward,  and  blowing  fresh.  January,  February,  and  March,  are  the 
dry  months  ;  only  2.2  inches  of  rain  fell  in  those  months  in  1865. 

Ihe  monsoims  on  the  coast  of  Palawan  are  so  subject  to  interruption,  being 
influenced  by  local  circumstances  and  other  causes,  that  it  is  dilfic.ult  to  say 
at  what  period  either  fairly  sets  in.  The  barometer  is  of  little  use  in  prog- 
nosticating the  changes ;  the  difierence  in  the  column  of  mercurj'  for  the 
whole  year,  seldom  exceeding  two-tenths  of  an  inch.  In  general  the  mercury 
rises  to  N.E.  and  easterly  winds,  and  falls  to  S.W.  and  westerly. 

In  January  to  April  moderate  N.E.  and  easterly  winds  prevail  on  the 
coast  of  Palawan,  and  on  the  coast  of  Luzon  land  and  sea  breezes  have  been 


24  WINDS  AND  SEASONS. 

experienced  with  considerable  regularity.  May,  and  the  early  part  of  June, 
appear  to  be  the  finest  period  of  the  year  on  the  coast  of  Palawan,  when, 
land  and  sea  breezes  prevail  with  tolerable  regnlarity,  the  former  coming 
fresh  from  the  South  and  S.E.  in  the  morning,  and  the  latter  from  the  North 
and  N.W.  in  the  afternoon. 

Towards  the  end  of  June,  and  throughout  July,  unsettled  weather,  gene- 
rally commencing  about  the  change  of  moon,  may  be  expected.  A  slight 
depression  of  the  mercury,  after  a  succession  of  fine  weather,  frequently  in- 
dicates the  approach  of  strong  W.S.W.  squalls,  which  are  usually  accompa- 
nied by  dark  cloudy  weather  and  much  rain,  lasting  for  a  week  or  ten  days. 
These  are  generally  succeeded  by  a  period  of  fine  weather,  with  N.W.  and 
S.W.  winds,  which  draw  to  the  southward  and  eastward  in  the  mornings. 
If  June  or  July  have  been  unsettled,  it  may  be  expected  that  August  gene- 
rally will  be  fine,  with  moderate  S.W.,  but  more  frequently  westerly  winds, 
particularly  in  the  afternoon.  If,  on  the  contrary,  June  or  July  has  been 
tolerably  fine,  very  unsettled  weather  may  be  expected  in  August. 

In  September  and  October  the  wind  generally  blows  strong  from  the 
W.S.W.,  with  dark,  cloudy  weather ;  and  oG  the  S.AV.  end  of  Palawan 
squalls,  which  veer  to  W.N.W.  and  N.W.,  sometimes  blowing  with  great 
violence,  succeed  each  other  rapidly,  and  are  accompanied  by  rain.  Between 
the  squalls  the  wind  very  often  shifts  to  S.E.  In  November  and  December 
the  weather  is  variable ;  N.E.  and  easterly  winds,  changing  at  times  to  S.E., 
more  frequently  prevail. 

Among  the  Philippine  Islands  the  two  regular  monsoons  prevail,  which  are 
met  with  in  the  China  Sea.  These  monsoons  sometimes  extend  as  far  South 
as  the  Mariana  Islands  in  the  Pacific  Ocean,  and  as  far  North  as  the 
coast  of  Japan.  The  Philippine  Islands,  lying  North  and  South,  their  high 
lands  naturally  intercept  the  course  of  the  wind  ;  and  the  result  is  that  at 
forty  or  fifty  leagues  from  them  much  bad  weather  is  encountered,  which 
becomes  much  worse  as  the  islands  are  approached.  The  N.E.  monsoon 
commences  about  October,  with  fine  weather,  lasting  till  April,  with  winds 
varying  from  North  to  N.E.  If  it  should  occasionally  veer  to  N.W.  it 
blows  hard.  The  S.W.  monsoon  is  not  observed  here  till  between  the  com- 
mencement and  end  of  May,  and  does  not  become  regular  till  June.  During 
this  monsoon  the  \^eather  is  gloomy,  cloudy,  and  very  wet.  About  this 
period  severe  storms  sometimes  occur,  called  "  collas  tempestados,"  which 
are  generally  accompanied  by  thunder  and  rain,  the  wind  changing  about 
and  blowing  from  all  points  of  the  compass  with  the  same  force.  These 
collas  and  bad  weather  take  place  at  the  end  of  July,  or  middle  of  August, 
and  sometimes  in  October.  They  are  not  unlike  the  typhoons.  In  September 
the  wind  loses  strength,  the  rain  is  less,  and  the  sky  is  fine ;  but  in  the 
morning  there  is  a  thick  fog,  which  lasts  till  noon.  At  the  change  of  the 
monsoons  bad  weather  is  sometimes   felt,   as  in  the  China  Sea.     During 


CURRENTS  AND  TIDES.  25 

February  and  March,  about  the  end  of  the  N.E.  monsoon,  on  the  coast  of 
Lu9on,  the  wind  varies,  often  with  a  tendency  to  follow  the  course  of  the 
alternate  land  and  sea  or  solar  breezes.  The  alternate  winds  are  well  esta- 
blished in  April ;  and  from  June  to  October,  the  period  of  the  S.W.  mon- 
soon, the  wind  brings  rain,  which  blows  on  the  coast  at  right  angles. 


II.— CUR  EE  NTS    ANDTILES. 

It  will  be  manifest  that  if  it  be  difficult  to  define  exactly  the  direction  and 
seasons  of  the  monsoons  which  blow  over  the  Indian  Archipelago,  it  will  be 
still  more  difficult  to  describe  the  currents.  Ocean  currents  are  induced,  in  a 
great  degree,  by  the  prevalent  direction  of  the  wind,  which  having  free  scope 
over  both  land  and  sea,  has  a  much  more  persistent  character  than  that  of 
the  surface  water,  driven  through  tortuous  channels,  often  lying  transverse 
to  the  normal  direction  of  the  wind. 

Again  there  are  anomalies  arising  from  the  tidal  streams,  the  flood  tide 
from  the  Pacific,  and  that  from  the  Indian  Ocean,  both  being  directed  to  the 
same  quarters,  produces  many  apparent  complications. 

As  a  general  rule,  the  true  current  sets  to  leeward,  impelled  by  the  trade 
wind  or  monsoon  prevailing  at  the  period,  and  when  the  waters  have  to 
pass  through  the  narrow  straits  between  the  islands  it  often  rushes  past  with 
great  velocity. 

But  then  this  true  current  is  frequently  overcome  or  accelerated  by  the 
tida,l  streams  reaching  it  in  opposite  directions ;  and,  therefore,  each  strait 
requires  special  exemplification,  and  this  will  generally  be  found  in  the  de- 
scription of  the  coasts  which  follow  these  preliminary  chapters. 

One  general  remark  may  be  made.  A  large  portion  of  the  archipelago 
lies  between  the  two  great  tropical  drifts  to  westward ;  in  other  parts  of 
the  world,  as  on  the  Guinea  Coast,  and  in  the  Gulf  of  Panama,  a  counter 
current  is  found  near  the  equator  running  to  eastward,  between  these  westward 
drifts.  It  cannot  be  said  that  such  a  counter  current  is  found  in  the  Indian 
Archipelago  ;  but  the  same  causes,  difficult  to  define,  which  produce  this 
equatorial  counter  current,  will  help  to  make  the  movements  of  the  waters 
here  more  complicated  and  difficult  of  comprehension.  North  and  South  of 
this  central  belt  on  the  eastern  coasts  of  Asia  and  Australia,  the  equatorial 
streams  recurve  and  form  streams  analagous  to  the  Gulf  Stream  in  the  At- 
lantic ;  and  this  is  especially  the  case  in  the  stream  flowing  through  the 
Formosa  Channel  past  the  Japan  Islands.  This  was  first  defined  by  the 
Editor  in  his  Pacific  Directory  fts  the  Japanese  Current. 


26  CUEEENTS  AND  TIDES. 

The  temperature  of  the  ocean  in  the  Archipelago  is  high,  as  might  be  ex- 
pected ;  and,  from  its  peculiar  condition,  it  may  be  looked  on  as  the  head 
waters  of  that  great  circulatory  system,  which  reaches  every  portion  of  the 
ocean  in  its  course,  and  gives  one  universal  character  to  the  waters  of  the 
ocean.  Sea  water,  as  is  well  known,  possesses  the  same  characteristics  in 
every  known  part  of  the  world,  and  from  the  surface  to  its  bed.  This 
can  only  have  arisen  from  the  entire  circulation  and  intermingling  of  the 
whole  mass  of  the  waters  of  the  ocean,  which  has  passed  over  every  portion 
of  its  bed.  A  few  brief  remarks  on  each  locality  will  suffice  to  give  a  more 
particular  notion  of  the  movement  of  the  waters  in  its  vicinity. 


Malacca  and  Singapore  Steaits. — The  great  island  of  Sumatra,  from  its 
lying  directly  across  the  line  of  direction  of  the  two  monsoons,  causes  the 
currents  which  enter,  or  run  out  of  the  China  Sea  by  the  Malacca  Strait,  to 
be  much  modified  by  tidal  influences.  As  a  broad  rule,  it  may  be  stated 
that  the  waters  flow  to  West  and  N.W.  during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  between 
November  and  March,  and  set  in  the  opposite  direction  with  a  lesser  velo- 
city during  the  S.W.  monsoon,  which  blows  the  water  into  the  Bay  of 
Bengal.  In  September,  while  the  S.W.  monsoon  still  lasts,  a  strong  current 
sets  eastward  around  the  South  part  of  Ceylon,  and  thence  directly  for 
Acheen  Head  in  Sumatra,  where  it  is  divided,  a  portion  running  down  the 
West  Coast  of  Sumatra  to  S.W.,  and  the  other  as  a  weak  current  down  the 
Strait  of  Malacca.  In  October  this  drift  is  weak  and  uncertain,  but  in  No- 
vember, when  the  N.E.  monsoon  is  in  full  force,  the  current  to  N.W.  and 
along  the  North  Coast  of  Sumatra  runs  at  the  mean  rate  of  a  mile  an  hour. 
From  December  to  February  this  current  still  moves  to  leeward,  and  in 
March  and  April  is  sometimes  very  strong.  When  the  S.W.  monsoon  seta 
in,  iu  May  or  June,  the  reverse  current  commences,  and  in  July  and  August 
attains  considerable  strength,  and  thus  continues,  with  some  fluctuations, 
until  September  or  October. 

But  all  these  movements  of  the  waters  are  much  mixed  up  with  the  tidal 
streams.  The  flood  tide  enters  the  Strait  of  Malacca  from  the  N.W.,  and 
is  met  somewhere  in  the  Strait  of  Singapore  by  the  flood  stream  coming  from 
the  China  Sea. 

In  the  Strait  of  Singapore  the  true  current  streams  become  still  more 
marked  by  the  tides.  During  the  construction  of  the  Horsburg  Lighthouse 
at  its  eastern  entrance,  and  therefore  open  to  the  influences  directly  coming 
from  the  China  Sea,  Mr.  Thompson  made  the  following  observations: — The 
tidal  currents  set  through  the  Middle  Channel,  that  is,  to  the  North  of  Pedra, 
Branca,  in  a  N.E.  and  S.W.  directioa,  through  the  South  Channel,  between 


STRAIT  OF  SUNDA.  27 

Pedra  Branca  and  the  Bintang  shore,  in  an  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.  direction, 
and  through  the  North  Channel  between  Romania  shoal  and  islands,  in  a 
N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.  direction.  The  currents  are  much  affected  by  the  pre- 
vailing winds ;  they  set  strongly  into  the  straits  during  the  continuance  of 
the  N.E.  monsoon,  and  in  a  contrary  direction  during  the  S.W.  monsoon. 
This  is  particularly  the  case  during  neap  tides.  It  is  high  water  at  full  and 
change  at  Pedra  Branca  at  10''  35™  a.m.  The  flood  runs  into  the  Straits  and 
the  ebb  outwards,  but  the  current  does  not  generally  turn  till  half  ebb  or 
half  flood,  that  is,  if  low  water  be  at  6  a.m.  the  current  will  run  ebb  till 
9  a.m.,  although  the  water  be  rising  on  the  rock.  At  12*"  noon  it  would  bo 
high  water,  after  which  the  tide  would  fall,  but  notwithstanding  this  the 
current  would  run  flood  till  3''  p.m.  before  turning ;  but  there  are  frequent 
exceptions  to  this  rule,  for  I  observed  during  the  months  of  May,  June,  and 
July,  when  the  morning  ebb  tides  fall  strong  out  till  three  hours  after  the 
tide  began  to  rise  on  the  rocks,  and  then  continued  slack  water  all  day  ; 
while  in  the  months  of  October  and  November,  when  the  evening  ebb  falls 
much  lower  than  the  morning  one,  the  tidal  current  would  set  strong  out  all 
night  and  continue  slack  inwards  during  the  next  day.  At  full  moon,  in 
August,  1851,  I  found  the  perpendicular  rise  and  fall  of  tide  was  only  2  ft. 
9  in.,  but  three  days  afterwards  it  was  6  ft.  7  in.,  which  was  the  greatest 
during  three  springs.  In  July  the  greatest  rise  was  7  ft.  9  in.  The  neap 
tides  only  rise  and  fall  1  ft.  7  in. 

Again  he  says:— The  current  at  times  is  not  less  than  4  miles  an  hour, 
and  probably  nearer  5,  though  this  is  unusual,  and  2  to  4  knots  may  be 
taken  as  the  usual  strength,  though  much  variation  was  observed  during 
different  months.  Strong  ebbs  prevailed  during  the  mornings  of  May,  June, 
and  July,  and  on  the  evenings  of  October  and  November  strong  ebbs  also 
prevail.  During  the  S.W.  monsoon  the  floods  do  not  run  so  strong  as  the 
ebbs. 

Strait  of  Sunda. — The  currents  in  this  Strait  are  more  of  the  nature  of 
tides,  although  very  much  affected  by  the  winds.  During  the  S.E.  monsoon 
the  ebb  tide  on  the  South  side  of  the  Strait  frequently  sets  to  westward  at 
from  1  to  2  knots,  and  lasting  for  fourteen  hours,  succeeded  by  a  slack  water 
or  weak  flood  for  six  hours.  In  the  middle  of  the  Strait  the  velocity  is 
greater,  from  2  to  3^  miles  per  hour.  "When  the  winds  are  light,  the  flood 
to  N.E.  and  the  ebb  to  S.W.  succeed  each  other  regularly,  and  their  rate  is 
about  equal,  but  at  spring  tides  and  in  the  middle  of  the  Strait  they  attain 
a  rate  of  3  or  3i  miles  an  hour.  In  the  opposite  season  of  the  westerly  mon- 
soon the  ebb  and  flood  are  generally  regular,  but  during  strong  gales  the 
flood  lasts  longest.  In  February  and  March  a  strong  set  to  the  W.S.W.  is 
sometimes  met  with  on  the  North  side,  reaching  a  velocity  at  times  of  4  to 
4  J  miles  an  hour.  In  the  description  of  the  Strait  in  a  subsequent  page, 
this  topic  will  be  again  alluded  to. 


28  CURRENTS  AND  TIDES. 

In  Banka  Strait  and  the  adjacent  passages  there  is  much  complication  in 
the  movements  of  the  waters,  arising  from  two  causes,  the  one  is  the  meeting 
of  the  flood  tides  from  the  China  Sea  and  from  the  Indian  Ocean,  and  the 
other  is  from  the  peculiarity  of  the  monsoons,  which,  as  explained  in  our 
Indian  Ocean  Directory  (pages  29 — 36),  are  here  an  intermediate  belt  be- 
tween the  northerly  and  southerly  monsoons  on  either  side  of  the  equator. 
Occurring  during  the  southern  summer  months,  November  to  March,  and 
coming  from  the  N.W.  is  called  the  middle  or  cross  monsoon.  During  its 
greatest  strength,  January  to  March,  the  current  or  ebb  tide  sets  to  south- 
ward for  fourteen  to  eighteen  hours  at  a  time,  with  a  rate  of  2  to  3^  knots, 
and  the  flood  from  South  is  then  scarcely  perceptible.  The  reverse  occurs 
during  the  S.E.  monsoon,  the  flood  stream  setting  with  great  velocity  to  the 
northward,  while  sometimes  the  ebb  runs  out  weakly  for  eight  or  ten  hours. 
To  the  northward  the  N  W.  monsoon  has  more  eflFect  than  the  S.E.  mon- 
soon, and  the  reverse  is  the  case  in  the  opposite  season.  Between  the  mon- 
soons the  tidal  streams  are  regular,  but  when  the  monsoons  are  blowing 
strongly,  a  constant  surface  drift  is  found  setting  to  leeward  on  the  Sumatra 
shore. 

Gulf  or  Siam. — The  following  is  by  Lieutenant  Richards,  who  surveyed 
the  Gulf  :— 

The  currents  in  the  Gulf  of  Siam,  near  the  middle,  are  generally  weak  and 
variable,  but  near  the  land,  in  the  strength  of  the  monsoons,  strong  sets  may 
be  expected.  In  the  S.W.  monsoon  a  strong  northerly  current  was  found, 
from  Lem  Chong  P'ra  to  Sam-roi-yot  Point.  In  the  N.E.  monsoon  there  is 
frequently  a  strong  set  across  the  head  of  the  Gulf  to  the  westward. 

In  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Redang  Islands  and  Pulo  Obi,  the  strong 
currents  prevalent  in  the  China  Sea  may  be  expected.  The  China  Sea  cur- 
rent does  not  appear  to  enter  the  Gulf  further  than  a  few  miles,  but  is  said 
to  set  across  its  mouth  in  both  monsoons. 

The  flood  tide  from  the  China  Sea  appears  to  meet  the  western  shore  of  the 
Gulf,  and  divides  somewhere  near  Cape  Patani ;  for  at  the  Redang  Islands 
the  flood  sets  to  the  southward,  and  at  Singora  and  Koh  Krah  it  was  found 
setting  to  the  northward. 

CHINA  SEA  in  the  South-west  Monsoon. — The  currents  in  the  China 
Sea  are  very  changeable,  their  direction  and  velocity  depending  much  upon 
local  circumstances.  Late  in  April,  or  early  in  May,  they  generally  begin 
to  set  to  the  northward,  in  the  southern  and  middle  parts  of  the  sea,  and 
continue  to  run  in  a  north-easterly  direction  until  September,  while  the 
S.W.  monsoon  is  strong;  but  they  are  not  constant  in  this  monsoon,  for  at 
times,  when  the  wind  is  moderate  or  light,  they  are  liable  to  change  and  set 
in  various  directions.  After  the  strength  of  the  monsoon  has  abated,  there 
is  often  little  or  no  current  in  the  open  sea,  running  to  the  north-eastward ; 
but  sometimes  its  direction  is  to  the  southward. 


CHINA  SEA.  29 

Along  the  coast  of  Cochin  China,  from  Pulo  Obi  to  Cape  Pandaran,  the 
current  sets  mostly  to  the  E.N.E.,  parallel  to  the  shore,  from  April  to  the 
middle  of  October;  and  during  the  same  period  its  direction  is  generally  to 
the  northward  along  the  East  coast  of  the  Malay  peninsula,  from  the  entrance 
of  Singapore  Strait  to  the  Gulf  of  Siam.  To  the  northward  of  Cape  Padaran 
there  is  but  little  current  in  the  S.W.  monsoon,  near  the  Cochin  China  coast ; 
for,  from  thence  to  the  Gulf  of  Tong  King,  a  small  drain  is  sometimes  found 
setting  northward,  at  other  times  southward.  When  a  gale  happens  to  blow 
out  of  the  latter  gulf  from  the  N. W.  and  westward,  the  current  at  the  same 
time  sets  generally  to  the  S.W.  or  southward,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Paracel 
islands  and  reefs,  or  where  these  gales  are  experienced ;  and  this  current 
running  obliquely,  or  contrary  to  the  wind,  a  turbulent  and  high  sea  is 
thereby  produced. 

On  the  Southern  Coast  of  China  the  current  is  much  governed  by  the  wind  ; 
when  strong  S.W.  winds  prevail,  it  runs  along  shore  to  the  eastward,  but 
seldom  strong.  Near  and  amongst  the  islands,  westward  of  Macao,  there  is 
generally  a  westerly  current,  occasioned  by  the  freshes  from  Canton  River, 
which  set  in  that  direction ;  frequently  sweeping  along  the  islands  from 
Macao  to  St.  John  between  W.S.W.  and  W.N.W.,  about  1  or  2  knots  per 
hour.  This  westerly  current  is,  however,  not  always  constant  in  the  S.W. 
monsoon,  for  it  slacks  at  times  ;  then  a  weak  tide  may  sometimes  be  expe- 
rienced running  eastward. 

On  the  coasts  of  Luzon  and  Palawan,  the  current  generally  sets  northward 
in  the  SW.  monsoon,  but  frequently  there  is  no  current,  and  near  these 
coasts  it  seldom  runs  strong.  Near  the  Bashi  Islands  it  sometimes  sets 
eastward  when  strong  westerly  winds  prevail ;  but  generally  strong  to  the 
northward,  or  between  N.N.W.  and  N.E. 

In  the  North-east  Monsoon. — The  current  in  the  China  Sea  during  the 
N.E.  monsoon  generally  runs  south-westward,  with  a  velocity  depending  on 
the  strength  of  the  wind.  When  the  force  of  the  monsoon  is  abated,  or 
during  moderate  and  light  breezes,  there  is  often  little  or  no  current. 

In  the  western  parts  of  the  sea,  along  the  coasts  of  Cochin  China  and  the 
Malay  Peninsula,  the  current  generally  begins  to  run  to  the  southward  about 
the  middle  of  October  (sometimes  sooner  on  the  former  coast),  and  continues 
until  April.  During  the  month  of  March  its  direction  is  constantly  to  the 
southward  about  Pulo  Aor,  with  light  easterly  winds  and  calms  at  times. 
On  the  coast  of  Cochin  China,  and  adjacent  to  Hainan  Island,  a  current 
varying  from  South  to  S.W.,  commences  sometimes  about  the  middle  of 
September;  near  the  land,  from  lat.  15°  N.  to  11°  or  11^°  N.,  it  increases  in 
strength ;  but  its  rate  decreases  in  proportion  as  it  flows  southward.  During 
the  prevalence  of  the  N.E.  monsoon,  from  about  lat.  14°  N.  to  Cape  Padaran, 
the  current  near  the  coast  frequently  runs  40  or  50,  and  sometimes  60  miles 
to  the  southward  in  24  hours  ;  the  rate,  however,  is  variable,   and  it  is  only 


30  CUERENTS  AND  TIDES. 

in  the  limits  above  mentioned  that  it  is  occasionally  so  strongs,  for  its  strength 
abates  at  Cape  Padaran,  and  runs  with  less  velocity  to  the  S.W.,  towards 
the  entrance  of  the  Gulf  of  Siam. 

On  the  Southern  Coast  of  China  the  current,  during  the  N.E.  monsoon, 
runs  almost  constantly  to  the  W.S.W.,  nearly  parallel  to  the  land  ;  and 
sometimes  with  inconceivable  rapidity,  when  a  typhoon  or  a  storm  happens. 
At  the  distance  of  70  or  80  miles  from  the  coast,  it  seldom  runs  so  strong 
as  near  it ;  and  in  30  or  40  fathoms  soundings  there  is  much  less  current 
than  in  shoal  water,  near  the  shore  and  amongst  the  islands.  The  westerly 
current  sometimes  slacks,  and,  contiguous  to  the  land,  is  succeeded  by  a 
kind  of  tide. 

Between  Formosa  and  the  China  coast  the  current  runs  to  the  southward 
during  the  N.E.  monsoon.  When  strong  N.E.  winds  prevail,  its  direction 
is  generally  to  the  S.W.  or  southward,  between  the  South  end  of  Formosa 
and  the  North  end  of  Luzon ;  but  here,  in  light  variable  winds,  it  often 
sets  to  the  northward.  On  the  West  coast  of  Luzon  the  current  is  change- 
able, sometimes  setting  southward  along  the  coast,  at  other  times  northward. 
On  the  coast  of  Palawan  it  is  also  mutable,  governed  by  the  prevailing 
•winds,  but  seldom  runs  strong  in  any  direction,  unless  impelled  by  severe 
gales.  To  the  eastward  of  Formosa,  about  Boteltobago  Island,  it  frequently 
runs  strong  to  the  northward  and  north-eastward,  so  early  as  the  1st  of 
March  ;  and  although  changeable  at  times,  it  sets  mostly  in  that  direction 
during  the  S.W.  monsoon  ;  and  in  the  opposite  direction  during  the  N.E. 
monsoon. — (China  Sea  Directory. J 

EASTERN  PASSAGES.— The  currents  in  the  passages  East  of  Java  are 
very  various,  and,  like  the  monsoons,  do  not  seem  to  be  reducible  to  any 
fixed  laws,  a  feature  doubtless  due  to  their  geographic  relations,  lying  as 
they  do  between  the  wind  systems  of  the  northern  and  southern  hemispheres. 
But  as  their  action  is  frequently  of  importance  in  endeavouring  to  make  a 
passage  against  an  adverse  wind,  they  require  much  attention.  The  follow- 
ing imperfect  notes,  derived  frequently  from  the  Dutch,  are  given  as  a  guide 
to  their  general  character. 

South  Coast  of  Java. — The  monsoons  here  are  liable  to  great  deviations, 
although  they  frequently  shift  about  the  middle  of  April  and  November. 
This  is  owing  in  some  degree  to  the  mountainous  character  of  the  island  ; 
and  there  are  some  remarkable  reverse  currents  experienced  when  within  a 
degree  or  two  of  the  coast.  The  Dutch  officers,  Lieutenants  Rietveld, 
Eschauzier,  &c.,  say  that  during  the  easterly  monsoon,  April  to  November, 
a  constant  easterly  current  is  encountered,  or  running  against  the  monsoon  at 
times  so  strong  as  to  ripple,  but  on  an  average  of  10  to  12  miles  per  day. 
The  drift  is  frequently  to  S.E.  two-thirds  of  a  mile  an  hour.  Captain  M.  H. 
Jansen  has  stated  that  in  the  eastern  monsoon  the  current  sets  to  the  west- 
ward from  full  to  change  of  the  moon,  and  either  to  the  eastward  from  the 


BALI  STEAIT— NEW  GUINEA.  31 

change,  or  that  there  was  no  current.  It  is  also  certain  that  there  is  a  con- 
siderable set  to  the  westward  in  this  monsoon,  especially  near  the  shore. 
In  the  westerly  monsoon  the  current  is  sometimes  to  the  S.S.E.  and  South, 
decreasing' in  force  to  between  11°  and  15°,  and  then  ceases,  and  a  strong 
westerly  current  is  encountered  increasing  in  velocity  as  the  Strait  of  Sunda 
is  approached,  amounting  at  times  to  42  miles  per  day. 

Bali  Strait. — The  currents  or  tides  run  through  the  Narrows  of  Bali 
Strait  with  great  velocity,  some  say  6  knots,  and  cause  great  ripplings, 
eddies,  and  a  boisterous  sea,  particularly  near  the  Bali  shore  during  the 
eastern  monsoon,  when  the  S.S.W.  winds  blow  so  strongly  that  it  is  often 
impossible  to  manoeuvre  a  ship.  The  flood  runs  to  the  northward  and  the  ebb 
to  the  southward,  and  at  full  and  change  of  the  moon  it  is  high  water  there 
between  12  and  1  o'clock.  About  quadrature  of  the  moon,  and  particularly 
near  the  last  quarter,  the  tides  are  very  irregular ;  they  change  first  on  the 
Java  side  of  the  strait,  and  only  If  or  2  hours  later  on  the  Bali  shore. 
During  the  eastern  monsoon  the  flood  is  often  found  only  near  the  Java 
shore,  and  even  there  not  to  the  northward  of  Batu  Dodol,  but  diu-ing  the 
western  monsoon  the  northerly  currents  prevail.  A  tide  lasts  often  for  7  or 
8  hours. 

TiMOE,  Etc. — The  currents  are  strong,  with  great  ripplings,  in  the  Ombay 
passage,  and  the  Straits  to  the  northward  of  Timor,  generally  setting  to  the 
N.E.  during  the  western  monsoon,  and  during  the  opposite  to  the  south- 
westward  ;  but  in  some  places,  close  in-shore,  a  kind  of  weak  tide  has  been 
experienced.  Near  the  entrance  of  the  Straits  of  Alloo  and  Pantar  the 
current  takes  a  northerly  direction  during  the  eastern  monsoon,  but  during 
the  western  monsoon  it  sets  out  S.S.W.  The  strong  current  in  the  Ombay 
Passage  seems  to  cause  a  strong  easterly  current  along  the  North  coast  of 
Ombay  during  the  eastern  monsoon. 

In  June  the  S.  W.  or  westerly  currents  in  the  Ombay  Passage  seem  to  have 
attained  their  greatest  strength,  amounting  to  72  or  82  miles  in  twenty-four 
hours. 

Near  the  end  of  the  eastern  monsoon  (in  August  and  September)  strong 
easterly  currents  take  place  in  the  Ombay  Passage,  though  in  October  they 
often  run  with  great  velocity  to  the  south-westward. 

Ships  from  Java  or  Macassar,  bound  to  Amboina,  during  the  eastern 
monsoon,  work  along  the  North  coasts  of  Sombawa,  Flores,  &c.,  till  they 
have  reached  the  N.W.  or  North  point  of  Wetter  ;  or  further  to  the  east- 
ward, if  bound  to  Banda ;  and  the  voyage  is  often  much  accelerated  by 
favourable  currents. 

New  Guinea,  Etc. — During  the  easterly  monsoon,  the  current  sets  to  the 
N.W.  along  the  western  coast  of  New  Guinea  and  between  the  Ki  and  Arru 
Islands,  and  thence  eastward  along  the  South  coast  of  Ceram,  at  the  rate  of 
a  mile  or  a  mile  and  a  half  an  hour,  according  to  the  strength  of  the  wind 


32  TIDES. 

the  velocity  being  greatest  along  the  coast  of  New  Guinea.  At  this  period 
an  easterly  current  prevails  on  the  North  side  of  the  islands,  extending  from 
Timor  to  Timor-Laut,  so  that  a  moderately  fast  vessel  would  experience  no 
di£B.culty  there  in  beating  up  against  that  monsoon.  In  the  westetrly  mon- 
soon the  current  in  these  seas  usually  sets  with  the  wind,  but  its  velocity  is 
not  so  great  as  during  the  other  season. 

Of  the  currents  on  the  North  coast  of  New  Guinea  we  have  buc  few  par- 
ticulars, and  these  chiefly  from  D'Urville,  who  sailed  along  it  in  August, 
1827,  where  he  found  strong  westerly  and  N.W.  currents  of  more  than  a 
mile  an  hour.  It  is  probable  that  this  westerly  drift  is  constant,  and  that, 
arriving  at  the  Moluccas  and  Philippine  Islands,  it  is  diverted  more  to  the 
northward,  and  finally  assumes  the  N.E.  direction  along  the  coast  of  China, 
which  has  been  previously  adverted  to. 


1 1 1.— T  IDES. 

But  little  can  be  said  here  to  give  a  general  view  of  the  tides  in  the  Indian 
Archipelago.  Each  particular  locality  and  strait  would  require  a  special 
exemplification,  which  as  far  as  we  have  the  means,  is  given  in  the  local 
descriptions  in  a  subsequent  part  of  the  work. 

The  flood  tidal  wave  from  the  Indian  Ocean,  proceeding  in  a  N.E.  direc- 
tion, is  mainly  obstructed  b.y  the  line  of  islands  which  it  encounters  in  its 
whole  breadth.  It  passes  through  the  various  channels  with  considerable 
rapidity  when  favoured  by  the  monsoon,  or  is  almost  annihilated  by  the 
contrary  season.  In  the  former  case  it  passes  on  till  it  meets  that  which 
comes  from  the  Pacific  and  China  Sea,  thus  neutralizing  each  other,  and 
occasioning  much  complication,  and  the  phenomena  of  double  tides.  In  the 
difl'erent  seasons  the  tides  from  this  cause  are  in  some  cases  quite  reversed, 
the  high  water  hour  corresponding  in  one  case  with  the  low  water,  period  of 
the  other. 

Free  from  the  entanglements  of  the  Archipelago,  the  great  tidal  wave  pur- 
sues a  normal  course  in  the  Pacific,  and,  according  to  the  China  Pilot,  it  strikes 
upon  the  eastern  coast  of  China,  from  Hong  Kong  to  the  Yang-tse  kiang, 
nearly  at  the  same  period ;  it  being  high  water  on  fuU  and  change  days  in 
the  neighbourhood  of  the  Lema  Islands,  at  about  8^  30",  and  at  the  outer 
islands  of  the  Chusan  Archipelago  it  is  an  hour  later.  The  rise  and  fall, 
however,  increases  considerably  to  the  northward ;  probably  owing  to  the 
obstruction  which  the  wave  receives  from  the  Philippine  Islands ;  and  in 
some  instances  the  diurnal  inequality  is  great.  By  the  Tide  Table  it  will 
be  perceived  that  to  the  eastward  of  HoDg  Kong,  and  as  far  as  Breaker 


TIDE  TABLE. 


33 


point,  the  tideg  are  irregular  and  weak,  the  current  occasioned  by  the  mon- 
soon overcoming  them. 

After  passing  Breaker  Point,  the  coast  trends  more  northerly,  and  the 
flood  stream  will  be  found  useful  to  vessels  bound  to  the  northward.  The 
rise  and  fall  increases,  passing  from  7  ft.  at  Namoa  Island  to  12  ft.  at  Tong- 
sang,  and  20  ft.  at  Amoy.  Between  Amoy  and  the  Eiver  Min,  the  rise  of 
the  tide  varies  from  16  to  18  ft.  at  springs,  and  the  flood  enters  on  the  North. 
as  well  as  on  the  South  side  of  Hai-tan  Strait. 

To  the  northward  of  the  Min,  the  flood  sets  more  determinately  to  the 
North  ;  it  seldom,  however  (unless  ofi"  headlands  or  in  narrow  channels), 
overcomes  the  current  caused  by  the  monsoon,  but  has  the  effect  of  slacken- 
ing it. 

Throughout  the  Chusan  Archipelago  and  the  estuaries  to  the  North, 
great  care  and  attention  to  the  tides  is  necessary.  Particular  instructions 
for  this  purpose  will  be  found  in  the  body  of  the  work  ;  and  it  only  remains 
here  to  caution  the  navigator  that,  as  his  vessel  approaches  the  coast  to  the 
northward  at  Chusan,  the  tides  increase  in  rapidity,  and  unless  precaution  is 
taken,  she  will  be  set  among  the  small  islets  of  this  rugged  archipelago. 


The  following  Tide  Table,  extracted  faom  that  published  by  the  Admi- 
ralty, and  drawn  up  by  Commander  Burdwood,  E.N.,  will  give  the  times  of 
high  water  and  the  ranges  of  the  tides. 

TIDE     TABLE. 


Place. 


Malacca  Strait,  Malay 
Coast. 

Junkseylon  Island  (E 
side)     

Pulo  Tubah    

Qneda 

Penang  (Georgetown) 

North  Sands  

Light  vessel  (One  Fa- 
thom Bank)    

Arroa  

Cape  flacbada    

Sambilangs     

Binding  River   

Malacca  Road     


Hi?h 
Water, 
Full  and 
Change. 


10  0 
noon 
noon 
noon 

5  30 

6  0 
5  30 

2  30 

7  30 


Sps. 


Nps. 


ft. 

ft. 

12 

5i 
9 
15 

12 

15 

12 

14 

9 

13 

12 

lOi 

6r 

11 

8^ 

Place. 


Off  i^Iount  Formoza  , . 

Tanjong  Bolus   

Singapore,  New  Har- 
bour * 

Rhio  Strait 

Malacca  Strait,  Sumatra 
Coast. 

Diamond  Point  ...... 

Bala  wan  River    

flattie  Point 

Siak  River  (entrance) 
„     off  the  town  .... 


High 
Water, 
Full  and 
Change. 


Sps.     Nps. 


8  30 

9  30 


9  45 
9  50 


noon 
3  0 
3  0 
9     0 


ft. 
11 
lOi 

10 

7 


9 

7  10 
7  10 

12 

11 


ft. 

H 
6-7 


*  The  low  water  at  Singapore  is  affected  by  a  large  diurnal  inequality,  amounting  at 
times  to  6  feet. 


34 


TIDE  TABLE. 


Place. 


Hiffh  l 

Water,       

Full  and 

Change.  Sps. 


Nps 


Place. 


*Hifrh 
Water, 
Full  and 
Change. 


Sps.      Nps. 


Sumatra^  N.E.  Coast. 


Pulo  Aor 

St.  Barbe     

Badas    Island, 

Bay*    

Batoo  Barra  . . 
Dheli  River    . . 


Linsa 


Sumatra,  West  Coast. 


Bencoolen 

Sillebar  Rivpp  (Bar) . . 
Mensular  Island  (S.E. 

end) 

Padanfj  Road 

Tappanoely  Harbour  . 

Acheen  Head 

Diamond  Point 


Durian  Strait. 


Sabon  Island 
Deep  Point . . 
Red  Island . . 


Banka  Strait. 


ToboeAli  Point. 


Laboh  Point  . . 
Lucipara  Pass 
Nangka  Island 
Kalian  Point  . . 
Bersiap  Point. . 
Cape  Oelar  , . . . 


Gaspar  Strait.  § 


Pulo  Memlanao 
Pulo  Leat   


Java  Sea. 

Ciimon  Islands  .... 
Sourabaya  Strait  (Zee 

Bank)  

Strait, 

Jansen  Channel. . 
Banjoewangie  , . . , 
Segoro  Wedie  Bay 


h.     m. 


6     0 

6     0 

2  50 

3  0 


6     0 
6     0 

6     0 

6  10 

8  45 

noon 


5     0 
5     0 


8  30t 

10  0+ 

11  Of 
irr. 

7  0 

8  0 
6  30 
6  30 


2  30 
2  30 


8  0 

jrr. 

irr. 
1     0 

9  0 


ft. 

5 
6 

12 
7-10 


10 
10 
lOi 


10-10 

10 
10 
9# 
12 
12 
12 


6 
4-6 


9 

8-10 


Patytan  Bay 

Tylatiap  Harbour   (S. 

Coast) 

Tytando  Inlet     

Wynkoops  Bay  (S.W. 

Coast) . . 

Zand  Bay    

Bantam   

Batavia 

Knlang  Bayang  Harb. 
Krakatoa     


Baly  Strait 

Badong  Bay  (S.  Coast) 

Tebunkos  Road  (North 

Coast) 


Lombock,  West  Coast. 


Ampanam  Bay 
Peejow  Bay    . . 


Sumbawa. 

Ragged  Island   . 

Sapie  Bay    

Britannia  Bay    . 
Bima  Bay    


Sumba  or  Sandelhout, 
North  Coast. 

Nangamessie  Harbour 
Palmedo  Road    


Timor. 


Koepang . 
Dilhi    ... 


Flora  Sea. 

Adenara,  Floras 
Alligator  B.iy, 


Magassak 


h.     m.      ft, 


3  0 

8  45 

6  30 

5  0 

5  0 

10  0 

7  0 


0  30 
11     0 

5    0 


8     0 


8  10 

1     0 

1     0 

noon 


11  30 


11     0 
1     0 


4  40 


6A 


6 
10-12 


3 
10 
11-12 
6 


*  From  observations  made  in  the  month  of  September  by  W.  Stanton,  Commanding 
H.M.  Surveying  brig  Saracen. 
+  In  S.E.  monsoon. 
J  In  N.W.  monsoon. 
§  Only  one  high  water  in  24  hours,  and  very  irregular. 


TIDE  TABLE, 


35 


High 
Water, 
Full  and 
Change. 


Sps.     Nps. 


Moluccas. 

Batchian,  Gilolo    .... 

Sanguir  Island 

Geby,  Fohou  Island. . 
Manganitoe  Bay    .... 

Limbe  Strait 

Stnaana  Bay 

Koplwatte  Bay 

Wahaay  and  Hatiling 

Bays     

Bouro,  Cajili  Bay  .... 

Amboina 

S:tparooa  Island     .... 
Cambing    or 

Island  . . . , 
Banda,  Banda  Islands 
Dampier  Strait 

Borneo,  China  Sea. 

St.  Pierre,  Island  .... 

Rendezvous   or   Kum- 
pal  Island    

Tanjong  Api 

Sarawak  hiver  (Mora- 
tabas  entrance)  *     . . 
„       Santubong    . . 
„       Sarawak  Junc- 
tion      

„  „       City 

Burong  Island    

Rajang  River 

Bruit  River     

Bintula  River 

Bruni  River    

Labuaii  Island,  Victo- 
ria Harbour    

Mungalum  Island, . . . 

Malludu  Bay 

Balambansran    Island, 
South  Harbour  .... 

Uosang    

Ragged  Point     

Pamaruug  Islands , . . , 

Balabac  Island. 

Dalawan  Bay 

Calandorang 

North  Balabac  Strait  . 

Palawan,  West  Coast. 

Eran  Bay    


a.     m. 
1     0 

5     0 


6     0 

1  32 

0  33  irr. 


noon 
noon 


ft. 

6 
6 
5 

5 
9 

7 

3-4 

7 
6 

6 
14 
11 


5     0    15-18 
5  20    15-18 


4  45 

4  45 
3  0 

5  45 
11  0 

9  45 
11  0 
10  30 

10     0 
8     0 

7     0 


11  0 
11  0 
10  50 


10  10 


/ 
13 
11 

6 
12 

6 
5 

6-8 

6-8? 

3^ 
7 
6-7 


Place, 


ft. 


High 
Water, 
Full  and 
Change.       Sps 


Rise. 


Taj'-bay-oo-bay     .... 

Ooloogan  Bay    

Mayday  Bay  

Port    Barton?   (Bubon 

Point) 

Pancol   

Bacuit  Bay 

Cavern  Island 

Millman  Island 

Observatory  Island   . . 

Palawan,  East  Coast. 

Ursula  Island     

Port  Royalist 

Casuariiia  Point 

Barren  Island    

Calandasan      Islands, 

Bird  Isl  .nd     

TaJ-Tai  Bay 

Busuan^a    

Philippine  Islands. 

Port  Zebu    

Port   Buluagan,    O'sta 

Ana 

Port  Iloilo 

Port  San  Jacinto,  Ticao 

Island 

Paluan  Bay  (Mindoro) 
Manila  (Luzon)    .... 

Port  Sual     „      

Port  Laguimanoc     „ 
Alabat  Harlionr        ,, 
Busainga  (Burias  Id.) 
Sarangani  Point,  Min- 
danao   

Scarborough  Shoal    . . 

Sulu  Sea. 

Ubian  Island  (Kpena- 
poussan  Group)  f  . . 

Cagayan  Sulu  t 

Doc-can   

Pearl  Bank     

Sibutu   

Bongala  

Tanj  Unsang 

Dalrymple  Harbour, 
Sulu  Island     . 


h,  m. 

ft. 

10  15 

6 

9  30 

5i 

9  55 

3| 

10  55 

6 

9  40 

6 

10  0 

6 

9  30 

6^ 

10  27 

2* 

11  0 

6i 

11  0 

n 

11  0? 

6i? 

9  30 

6f 

9  30 

5| 

9  30 

6 

9  30 

6f 

0  30 

6 

noon 

7 

noon 

51 

noon 

5i 

6  30 

6 

5 

10  40 

3i-6 

6 

1  30 

5i 

10  0 

9 

0  30 

6 

7  0 

6 

11  0 

5 

6  15 

5 

6  10 

6 

6  0 

5 

6  5 

5 

6  50 

5 

6  40 

6 

8  0 

H 

7  50 

4 

*  At  Sarawak  River  the  highest  tides  occur  at  the  change  of  the  monsoons,  viz..  May  and 
November.  In  the  N.E.  monsoon  the  higher  tides  occur  at  the  new  moon,  and  those  of 
the  day  are  higher  and  more  regular  than  those  of  the  night ;  while  during  the  S.W.  mon- 
soon the  contrary  takes  place,  and  the  higher  tides  are  then  at  full  moon. 

t  In  the  N.E.  monsoon. 


86 


TIDE  TABLE. 


Place. 


HiRh 
Water, 
Full  and 
Change. 


Sps.      Nps. 


Place. 


High 
Water, 
Full  and 
Change. 


Rise. 


Sps.      Nps, 


Babuyan  Islands. 

Port  Pio  Quinto,  Ca- 
migiiin  Island     . . . . 

Port  Musa,  Fuga  oi 
New  Babuyan    . . . . 


Pratas  Shoal 


Batanes,   Bashee    Ids. 
Formosa, 


Takau  Harliour. . . 
Port  Kok-si-kon  , 
Wanckan  Bank.s    , 

Tdngsiiiu     

Tam-Sui  Harbour. 
Kelung  Harbour  , 
Sau-o  Bay 


Meiaco  Sima  Group 
Port  Haddington  . . . 


Loo  Choo  Islands, 


Nafa  Kianfif    

Port  Uoriiinar 

Oho   Sima,  Vincennes 

Bav 

„   "Wild  Wave  Bay 

China  Sea,    West  Coast 
{Malay  Peninsula) 


Eomania  Point 
Sidili  Eiver  . . 
Blair  Harbour 


Gvlf  of  Siam. 


Tringano  River.. ., 
Menam  Eiv.,  Paknara 
Bangkok  River  .... 

Cape  Liant 

Chentabnn  liiver  , 

Pulo  Panjang- , 

Rocky  Island , 


Cochin  China. 


Pulo  Condore* 
MithoRod  .. 
Cape  St.  James 
Saigon  City    .. 


b.    m. 


6     0 


4     0? 


10  30 
5  60 


6  45 


8  0 
6  7 
Irr. 

5     7 


10 

7 
4 


ft. 


4 

3 

10 

8-10 

7-10 

3 


7 

9 

7MT 

H 

2 

4 


64 
11 

12 


ft. 


81-9 


Nhatrang  Bay 
Hon-cohe  Bay 
Touron  Bay    . , 


China  Sea,  S.S.  Coast. 
Bay,  Hainan 


Gaalon 

Island 
Yu-lin-kan  Bay  .... 
Qnan-rhow-wan  .... 
Tien -pak  Harbour     .. 

Hui-ling-san 

Namoa  Hnrbour  .... 
Boddnm  Cove,  Ladrone 

Islands     

Canton  River  (entr.) . . 
Broadway  River  (ent.) 
Typa  Anchorage    .... 

Macao 

Cumsingmun  Harbour, 

Canton  River 

Urm  stone  Bay    

.Junk    Fleet   entrance, 

Canton  River 

Tnilung  Channel  „ 
Wang-nnni  Channel.. 
,1  unci  ion  Channel  .... 
Laiikeetlsland,  Canton 

River    

Lintin  Island  ,, 

Fan-si-ak  Channel  ,, 
Chuen-pee  Point         „ 

!  March 
April 
May  & 
June 
Kuper Island,  (  March 
oflf  Canton  <  May  & 
City  (.June 

Sham-shui,  Si" 


KiangorW.  | 


}Feh. 


River 
Shao-king 
Wu-chu         „J 
Hong  Kong  Road 
Ninepin  Group  . . 
Tide  Cove,  Mirs   Bay 
Tooni-ang  Island,  Bias 

Bay 
Tsang-chow   Id.,  Bias 

Bay , 

Hong-hai  Bay    , 

Kin-siang  Point,  Hie 

chechin  Bay 

Chino  Bay 

Haimun  Ray 


h.  m. 

8  30 
11  30 

3  0 

ft. 
6 
5 

4 

9  5 

4-0 

2^ 
9-10 

noon 
8  30 
10  0 

9  40 

10  0 

11  0 
10  0 
10  0 

H 

8 

n 

7 
H 

0  6 
10  30 

6i 

7' 

11  50 

1  50 
11  50 

2  0 

6| 

11  20 

6i 

noon 
1  0 

noon 
1  40 
1  15 

n 

7-8 

0  30 

2  40 

H 

1  40 

H 

10  15 
10  0 
10  0 

5-6 
3 

6 

H 

8  0 

8  30 
10  0 

6| 

7  0 
7  0 
9  0 

6-7 
6-7 

*  l-'rom  a  French  Survey,  1862. 

t  At  Whampoa  Docks — In  March,  the  day  and  night  tides  rise  to  the  same  level.  From 
April  to  October,  the  day  tides  are  the  higher,  and  from  November  to  February  the  lower 
In  May  and  June  the  level  of  spring  tides  ib  4  feet  and  the 


March 


neaps  2  feet  higher  than  in 


TIDE  TABLE. 


37 


Place. 


High 
Water, 
Full  and 
Change. 


Spa.     Nps. 


Place. 


Hiifh 
M'ater, 
Full  and 
Change. 


Rise. 


Sps.     Nps. 


Cape  of  Good  Hope  . . 

Cupchi  Point 

Swatow  (Double  Id.) . . 
Clipper  Eoad,   Namoa 

Island 

Chauan  Bay    

Tongsang  Harbour  . , 
Chimney  Island,  Rees 

Pass , 

M  ikung  Harbour  (Pes 

cadores)  , 

China,  East  Coast. 

Amoy,  Inner  Harbour 
„  Chiang  Chin, 
West  River 

Hu-i-tau  Bay 

Chimmo  Bay 

Chinchu  Harbour  .... 

Meichen  Sound 

Haitan  Strait 

White  Dog  Islands   . . 

Min  River,  Temple  Pt. 
,,  Losing   Id. 

Chang-chi  Island  .... 

Spider  Island 

Lishan  Bay     

Namquan  Harbour    . . 

Namki  Islands   

Pih-ki-.-)han  Islands  . . 

Fong-whang  Group, 
Bullock  Harbour   .. 

Wan-ehu  River  (entr.) 
City  . . 

Chin-ki  Island    

Tai-chow  Islands  .,. . . 

St.  George  Island,  San- 
moon  Bay   , 

Kweshan  Islands  . . . 

Nimrod  Sound    

Vernon  Channel,  Cbu 
san  Archipelago 

Ting  hae  Harbour    . 

Poo-too  I^land 

Lansew  Bav    

Volcano  Islands 

East  Saddle  I^land    . 

Yung  River,  Chinhae 
,.         Ninsj-po-fu 

Hang-chu  Bay,  Seshan 

Islands     

,,  Fog  Islands 


m. 
0 
0 

15 

15 

0 

30 


11  30 


10  SO 


noon 

3  40 

0  15 

10  20 

0  25 

0  30 

noon 

9     0 

10  45 

noon 

9  30 

10     0 

10  15 

10     0 

8  30 

8  30 

8  30 

9  0 
9  30 
9  20 
9     0 

10  20 
9  30 

10  30 

9  40 

11  0 
8  15 

10  0 

11  30 
11  0 
11  20 

1     0 

11  45 
11  45 


ft. 

6 
6-7 

9 


7 
12^ 
12 


18. 


16 
16 
17 
17 
18-22 
18 
19 
17 
17 
17 
16 
17 
17 
17 

17 

15i 

\bh 

V6 

14 

15 
14 
20 

14 
12 
12 
13 
15 
14 
12i 


14i 


14 

Hi 
14| 


Hang-chu  Bay,  Chapu 
Road    

„         (off  Can-pu) 

Gutzlaff  Island 

Yang-tse  Kiang  (light 

ship  at  entrance)  . . 
,,  entrance  to 

Wusnng  River  .... 

*Shanghai     

tLangshan  Crossing. . 

Kiu-kiang 

Hankau   

Ydlow  Sea. 

Wang-kia-tai  Bay .... 
Wei-hai  or  Kyau-chau 

Bay 

Ching-tau  Bay 

Lo-shan-kau 

Tau-tsui  Head    

Tsing-hai  Bay    

Staunton  Island 

Wang-kia  Bay 

Shihtau  Bay   

Sang-tau  Bay 

Aylen  Bay 

Litau  Bay   

Shantung  Promontory 
Wei-hai-wei  Harbour 
Lung-mun  Harbour.. 

Chitu    

Hope   Sound    (Mi-au- 

tau  Group) 

Miau-tau  (Depot  Bay) 
Ta-tsing  ho  or  Yellow 

River    

Chi-Ho    .... .... 

Peiho  or  Peking  River 

(entrance)  j 

Tien-tsin,   Peiho   Riv. 

Peh  tang  ho    

Sha-lui-tien  Banks  (W. 

part)     

Liau-tung,  Chingho. . 

Lau-mu  ho 

Tai-cho  ho 

Yang  ho 

Ning-hai 

Sand    Point,     Gulf  of 

Liau-tung   

N.W.  Head  of  Gulf  of 

Liau-tung   

Liau  Ho  (Bar)    


h;    m. 
noon 

11  30 

noon 

0  40 

1  30 
1  40 


6     0 


0  65 

2  30 

3  0 

4  0 
9  30 

10     0 
10  34 


ft. 
25 
32 
15 

16 

12-15 
10 
12 
24 
44 


10  24 

H 

10  35 

6 

4  10 

m 

4  0 

10| 

3  30 

10 

7  0 

4^ 

3  0 

9 

2  50 

10 

1  20 

61 

1  30 

5 

0  15 

6 

0  15 

6 

noon 

6 

4  50 

7 

6  30 

10 

4  0 

11^ 

*  From  tidal  observations  made  at  Shanghai  by  the  engineer  to  the  Customs  for  the  last 
six  months  of  1872,  the  night  tides  in  July  and  in  the  following  three  months  average  con- 
siderably higher  than  the  day  ones.  The  reverse  occurs  in  the  months  of  November  and 
December. — The  North  China  Herald. 

t  At  the  Langshan  Crossing  the  tide  rises  for  3  hours  only,  and  falls  for  9  hours. — 
H.M.S.  Acttpon,  1861. 

t  Time  and  rise  much  affected  bv  winds. 


38 


TIDE  TABLE. 


High 
Water, 
Full  and 
Change. 


Sps.      Xps. 


Liau  Ho  (Yin-koa)  . . 
Vansittrtrts  Saddle .... 

Hulu  Shan  Bay 

Society   Bay,    Sulivan 

Bay 

Port  Adams,  Mary  Id. 

Pigeon  Bay     

Ta-lien-whan  Bay     . . 

Encounter  Rock 

Hniyun-tau,  Thornton 

Haven 

Chang-zu-do  Island  . . 
Kwang-lo    

Korea. 

Pin?- Yang  Inlet  .... 

Chodo  Island 

Ta-Tong  River 

Salee  River,   Kapkot-i 

,,  Buisee  Id. 

Seoul    River,     Poteu- 

mai*     

„  Kampa-oui 

„  Sfcukkol  . . 

„         Seoul   ... 
Marjoribanks  Harbour 

Basil  Bay    

Ko-kon-tau  Group    . . 

Kuper  Harbour 

Crichton  Harbour. . . . 

Tracy  Island 

Hooper  Island    

Port  Hamilton   

Tsu-sima  Sound  .... 
Tsau-liang-hai  or  Cho- 

san  Harbour   

Yung-hing  Bay 

Port  Lazaref,  Brough- 

ton  Bay 

Expedition  Biiy 

Novogrod  Bay   

Japan. 

Sagitsu-no-ura  Harb. 
Yama  Gawa  Harbour, 

Kigoaima  Gulf  .... 

Nagasaki  Bay    

Taske 

Oosuka     

Tama-no-ura  Harbour, 

Goto  Island    

Iki    

Yobuko    

Simonoseki 

Whitsed  Bay 

Mikuni  Roads    


h.  m. 

ft. 

5  0 

12 

4  20 

10 

2  30 

8 

0  15 

8 

2  0 

10 

11  4.5 

8 

10  47 

10| 

10  44 

11 

9  30 

12 

9  30 

12 

9  65 

12 

7  45 

21 

6  1^0 

12 

6  30 

13 

6  40 

2U 

5  20 

36-^ 

7  20 

7  50 

8  45 

9  30 

6* 

3  80 

29 

4  15 

18 

2  25 

18 

9  28 

lU 

9  50 

Ui 

8  58 

IM 

9  10 

lU 

8  30 

11 

8  30 

8 

7  45 

7 

5  20 

n 

5  20 

2i 

2  30 

2i 

2  30 

H 

8  0 

9 

7  15 

H 

7  15 

9 

9  44 

8i 

9  16 

H 

8  40 

6-8 

8 

9  16 

9 

8  30 

8 

8  30 

8-3 

1 

2 

ft. 


14 


111 

16-2/ 


3 

7h 
5" 
5 

4-6 

64 
6 


Tsuruga  

Sado  (Yebisu)     

Tsu^ar  Strait 

La  Perouse  Strait  .... 
Yezo  Id.,  Notske  Bay 

,,  Nemorro  An- 
chorage     

„       Akishi  Bay . . 

„       Endermo   H. 

Oterranai     

Malo  Yama     

„     Hakodadi  Harb. 
Yamada  Harbour  .... 

YoKo-HAMA,  Yedo  B.f 
Yokoska  Harbour 

Uraga  

Tatiyama  Bay    

Fatsizio    

Port  Simoda 

Heda  Bay   

Eriora  Bay 

Simidsu     

Matoja  Harliour    .... 

Hamagema-ura 

Owasi  (Rodney  Bay) . . 

Urakami 

Oosima 

Tanabe,  Kii  Channel 
Yura-no-uchi ........ 

Osaki   

Hacbken  River 

Kata  Channel     

Sus  iki  and  Nomi  Har- 
bours     

Uwajima 

Inland  Sea. 

Hiogo  and  Kobe  Bays 
Oosaka  River  (entr.) . . 

„       City    

Yura  Harbour    

Naruto  (Fukura)    .... 

Benten  Sima 

Nisi  Siuia    

Sakoshi  Bay    

Ananga   

Maiko  Fort     

Hid-ide    

Awasima  Island     .... 

Siyako  Island 

Yugisima     

Miwara    

Hangata 

Tomo    

Hime  Sima  Road  .... 


High 
Water, 
Full  and 
Change. 


Sps. 


h.  m. 

ft. 

1  30 

2 

5  0 

2 

5  0 

5 

10  30 

6 

4  50 

H 

5  0 

4 

4  30 

5 

4  35 

5 

variaVile 

2  0 

variable 

3  0 

5  0 

4 

4  30 

4 

6  0 

6^ 

5  15 

8 

5  55 

44 

5  50 

5 

6  0 

5 

6  0 

3-5 

H. 

4 

7  30 

7 

6  50 

6 

6  15 

6 

7  0 

0 

7  30 

6  1 

6  50 

5 

6  0 

6  1 

6  0 

5i| 

5  55 

6* 

6  4 

6i 

6  4 

H 

6  0 

61 

noon 

8-9 

7  15 

5| 

7  30 

H 

8  17 

24 

6  5 

64 

6  14 

6^ 

11  20 

6 

10  15 

6? 

19  10 

S.I 

°4 

11  27 

2-4 

6  27 

3i 

11  25 

2-4 

0  7 

lOi 

0  16 

9^ 

11  25 

lUj 

10  37 

11 

10  36 

lU 

11  0? 

8  45 

8 

*  in  the  Rivor  Seoul,  spring  tides  rise  from  16|  feet  at  the  entrance,  to  6^  feet  at  Seoul, 
t  With  southerly  winds  the  tide  rises  about  2  fuot  higher. 


o 


(     39     ) 

I  v.— T  EMPERATURE. 

liemarks  on  the  Temperatures  of  the  China,  Sulu,   Celebes,  and  Banda  Seas,  hy 
Staff- Commander  T.  H.  Tizard.* 

The  temperatures  obtained  in  the  seas  partially  enclosed  by  the  Indian 
Archipelago,  prove  that  they  have,  each  of  them,  deep  basins  cut  off  from 
the  general  oceanic  circulation  by  ridges  connecting  the  islands  which  sur- 
round them  ;  for  although  in  each  sea  soundings  of  over  2,000  fathoms  were 
obtained,  in  no  case  did  the  temperature  decrease  in  a  regular  curve  from 
the  surface  to  the  bottom,  as  is  usual  in  the  open  ocean ;  in  every  case,  after 
attaining  a  certain  depth,  the  temperature  below  that  depth  remained  the 
same :  thus,  in  the  Banda  and  China  Seas  the  temperature  remained  the 
same  from  900  fathoms  to  the  bottom,  in  the  Celebes  Sea  from  700  fathoms 
to  the  bottom,  and  in  the  Sulu  Sea  from  400  fathoms  to  the  bottom. 

In  the  China  Sea  three  temperature  soundings  have  been  obtained,  one  by 
Commander  Chimmo  in  H.M.S.  Nassau,  in  lat.  12°  53'  N.,  long.  110°  31' E., 
the  depth  being  1,546  fathoms;  and  two  in  the  Challenger,  one  of  which  is 
in  lat  17°  51'  N.,  long.  117°  14'  E.,  the  depth  being  2,150  fathoms,  and  the 
other  in  lat.  16°  42'  N.,  long.  119°  22'  E.,  the  depth  being  1,050  fathoms.  In 
these  three  soundings  the  minimum  temperature,  which  varied  from  36°.  1  to 
37°,  was  found  at  a  depth  ranging  between  600  and   1,050  fathoms. 

In  the  Sulu  Sea  three  temperature  soundings  have  been  obtained,  one  in 
lat.  8°  5'  N.,  long.  119°  45'  E.  of  the  depth  of  1,778  fathoms,  by  Commander 
Chimmo;  one  of  2,550  fathoms  in  lat.  8°  32'  N.,  long.  121°  55'  E.  ;  and  one 
of  2,225  fathoms  in  lat.  8°  0'  N.,  long.  121°  42'  E.  The  latter  soundings 
were  obtained  by  the  Challenger  in  October  1874  and  in  January  1875. 

In  each  of  these  three  soundings  the  minimum  temperature  of  50°.5  was 
reached  at  the  depth  of  400  fathoms.  From  that  depth  to  the  bottom  the 
temperature  remained  unchanged. 

In  the  Celebes  Sea  three  temperature  soundings  were  obtained  in  the 
Challenger,  one  in  lat.  2°  55'  N.,  long.  124'  53'  E.,  in  October  1874,  the  depth 
being  2,150  fathoms;  a  second  in  lat.  5°  44'  N.,  long.  123°  34'  E.,  also  in 
October  1874,  the  depth  being  2,600  fathoms ;  and  the  third  in  lat,  5°  47'  N., 
long.  124°  1'  E.,  in  February  1875,  the  depth  being  2,050  fathoms.  In  each 
of  these  three  soundings  the  minimum  temperature  of  38°.5  was  reached,  at 
a  depth  of  from  700  to  800  fathoms,  from  which  depth  to  the  bottom  the 
water  remained  unchanged. 

In  the  Banda  Sea  three  temperature  soundings  were  obtained  in  September 
1874,  one  in  lat.  5°  41'  S.,  long.  134°  4'  E.,  the  depth  being  800  fathoms;  a 
second  in  lat.  5°  26'  S.,  long.  133°  19'  E.,  depth  580  fathoms ;  and  the  third 
in  lat.  5°  24'  S.,  long.  130°  37'  E.,  depth  2,800  fathoms. 

*  Extracted  from  the  "  Geographical  Magazine  "  for  March  1876. 


40  '  TEMPERATURE. 

In  the  last  sounding,  2,800  fathoms,  the  minimum  temperature  of  ST'.S 
was  reached  at  the  depth  of  900  fathoms ;  from  thence  to  the  bottom  no 
alteration  in  the  temperature  of  the  water  was  detected. 

In  the  Molucca  Passage,  which  connects  the  Banda  Sea  with  the  Pacific 
Ocean,  one  temperature  sounding  of  1,200  fathoms  was  obtained  in  lat. 
0°  41'  N.,  long.  126°  37'  E.,  in  October  1874,  and  the  temperature  was  found 
to  decrease  regularly  from  the  surface  to  the  bottom,  the  minimum  tempera- 
ture at  the  bottom  being  35°.2. 

Two  soundings  and  temperatures  were  also  obtained  in  January  1875  in 
the  waters  of  the  Philippine  Islands,  which  separates  the  water  of  the  Sulu 
Sea  from  that  of  the  Pacific  Ocean.  One  of  these  soundings  (700  fathoms)  is 
in  lat.  12°  21'  N.,  long.  122°  15'  E.,  in  the  basin  formed  by  the  islands  of 
Panay,  Tablas,  Eomblon,  Sibuyan,  and  Masbate ;  and  the  other  (375  fa- 
thoms) in  lat.  9°  26'  N.,  long.  123"  45'  E.,  South  of  Bohol  Island,  in  the 
channel  leading  from  Suriago  Strait  to  the  Sulu  Sea.  In  the  first  sounding 
the  minimum  temperature  of  51°. 5  was  reached  at  the  depth  of  220  fathoms  ; 
and  in  the  second,  the  minimum  temperature  of  54°  was  reached  at  the  depth 
of  230  fathoms. 

A  temperature  sounding  of  2,550  fathoms  was  obtained,  in  February  1875, 
in  lat.  4°  19'  N.,  long.  130°  15'  E.,  in  that  part  of  the  Pacific  Ocean  adjacent 
to  the  Celebes  Sea  and  Molucca  Passage.  Here  a  minimum  temperature  of 
34°. 6  was  reached  at  1,300  fathoms. 

An  examination  of  the  chart  of  these  regions  will  show  that  the  deep  ba- 
sins of  the  China  and  Celebes  Seas  are  alone  in  communication  with  the 
Pacific  Ocean,  and  that  consequently  their  temperature  must  be  greatly  de- 
pendent on  the  temperature  of  that  part  of  the  Pacific  immediately  adjacent 
to  their  openings  into  that  ocean,  for  although  both  seas  are  in  communica- 
tion indirectly  with  the  Indian  Ocean,  they  are  cut  off  from  the  deep  basin 
of  that  ocean  by  a  large  tract  of  shallow  water,  which,  in  the  China  Sea,  ex- 
ceeds a  breadth  of  600  miles,  and  in  the  Celebes  Sea  is  apparently  about 
half  the  length  of  the  Macassar  Strait, 

The  Sulu  Sea  receives  its  waters  from  the  China  and  Celebes  Seas  and 
Pacific  Ocean ;  its  temperature  depends,  therefore,  to  a  great  extent  on  the 
temperatures  of  those  seas. 

The  isotherm  of  80°  is  found  at  a  depth  of  20  fathoms  in  the  Sulu  Sea; 
at  40  fathoms  in  the  Celebes  Sea  ;  and  at  22  fathoms  in  the  Banda  Sea.  In 
winter  the  China  Sea  has  a  large  range  of  surface  temperature  from  64°  at 
Hong  Kong  to  84°  at  Singapore,  while  the  surface  temperature  of  the  other 
three  seas  varies  only  slightly  all  the  year  round.  The  specific  gravity  of 
the  water  in  the  Celebes,  Sulu,  and  Banda  Seas,  was  found  to  be  less  than 
in  the  Pacific  Ocean :  this  may  be  accounted  for  by  the  excess  of  rainfall 
over  evaporation  in  the  area  occupied  by  them. 


(     41     ) 


v.— MAGNETIC   VAEIATION. 

In  the  older  works  which  described  the  navigation  of  this  Archipelago, 
the  important  element  of  the  compass  variation  was  disregarded,  because  the 
magnetic  meridians  so  nearly  coincide  with  the  geographic  meridians,  that 
they  are  in  most  parts  practically  the  same. 

The  isogonic  lines,  as  shown  on  the  illustrative  chart,  have  a  great  pecu- 
liarity in  the  eastern  seas.  A  line  of  no  variation  passes  across  the  Coast  of 
China  and  down  through  the  Philippine  Islands,  while  another,  traversing 
the  Bay  of  Bengal,  passes  southward  of,  and  parallel  to,  the  Island  of  Java. 
Between  these  lines  the  amount  of  easterly  variation  does  not  exceed  2°  in 
the  western,  and  4°  in  the  eastern  parts  of  the  area.  The  chart  will  best  ex- 
plain this. 

But  there  are  other  considerations  respecting  the  compass,  apart  from  the 
amount  of  its  deviation  from  the  true  meridian.  This  is  the  amount  of  the 
different  terrestrial  and  local  magnetic  forces  which  act  on  the  compass 
needle.  The  lines  of  equal  dip  will  give  one  of  these  elements,  but  the 
works  specially  devoted  to  the  subject  will  show  how  important  it  is  that 
the  commander  should  be  aware  of  the  effects  of  those  varying  magnetic 
changes  he  will  have  to  pass  through  in  his  long  voyage  to  the  field  of  the 
present  work. 

The  epoch  assumed  in  the  chart  is  1878,  but  there  has  been  no  appreciable 
change  in  the  amount  shown  since  magnetic  observations  have  been  con- 
ducted with  accuracy,  so  that,  for  the  present  at  least,  it  may  be  taken  as 
correct  for  a  long  period,  sufficiently  so  to  draw  attention  to  any  unsuspected 
change  in  the  magnetism  of  the  ship,  should  the  compass  show  a  different 
amount  to  that  given  on  the  chart. 


I.  A. 


CHAPTER     11. 


PASSAGES. 

One  general  principle  may  be  laid  down  for  ships  traversing  the  Indian  Ar- 
chipehigo,  and  that  is  that  during  the  S.W.  monsoon,  April  to  September, 
ships  approaching  China  must  go  by  the  channels  westward  of  Borneo,  and 
in  the  opposite  season  they  will  take  one  of  the  passages  to  the  eastward  of 
Sunda  and  of  Borneo  ;  the  return  voyage  being  also  reversed  in  these  par- 
ticulars. 

Therefore  the  passages  through  the  Archipelago,  which  lie  westward  of 
the  great  island  of  Borneo,  are  termed  generally  the  Western  Passages,  being 
the  Straits  of  Sunda  and  Malacca;  and  those  which  pass  eastward  of  Java 
and  Borneo  are  called  the  Eastern  Passages.  To  these  may  be  added  what 
was  termed  the  Great  Eastern  Passage,  or  that  to  the  southward  and  eastward 
of  Australia  and  Van  Diemen's  Land,  and  which  was  first  followed  by  Capt. 
Butler,  in  the  Walpole,  in  the  northern  monsoon  of  1794.  Of  this  route 
Captain  Maury  says — This  now  is  never  or  very  seldom  used,  and  should 
never  be  attempted  except  tor  very  special  reasons. 

An  exception  may  be  made  to  this  absolute  conclusion  in  favour  of  clipper 
or  well  handled  ships,  which  sometimes  have  successfully  attempted  to  beat 
up  the  China  Sea  against  the  N.E.  monsoon.  Of  this  more  will  be  said  here- 
after. 

The  Strait  of  Sunda  is  then  the  great  portal  of  the  Archipelago  and  China 
Sea,  and  is  used  in  all  seasons  for  the  ports  South  of  China,  and  frequently 
in  all  seasons  as  an  entrance  to  the  Eastern  Passages.  In  the  remarks  as  to 
the  most  advisable  routes,  which  will  follow,  the  passages  from  the  Atlantic 
through  the  Strait  of  Sunda  will  be  first  considered. 

1.— THE  ATLANTIC  TO  THE  STRAIT  OF  SUNDA. 

In  the  volume  on  the  navigation  of  the  Indian  Ocean,  to  which  this  is  a 
continuation,  full  descriptions  of  the  winds  and  currents  of  that  ocean  are 
given,  so  that  by  reference  to  that  work  an  insight  will  be  gained  into  those 
influences  which  affect  a  vessel's  course  in  crossing  it.  On  pages  158,  159,  of 
that  work,  too,  some  brief  remarks  on  the  best  track  for  approaching  the 


PASSAGES.  43 

Strait  of  Snncla,  or  the  passages  eastward  of  it,  are  given  :  but  as  this  topic 
has  more  especial  reference  to  the  scope  of  this  book,  some  further  observa- 
tions will  be  given. 

Notwithstanding  all  the  long  discussions  which  have  ensued  since  the  vast 
extension  of  Oriental  commerce,  and  the  consequent  accumulation  of  expe- 
rience, it  is  still  a  disputed  point  as  to  which  is  the  best  parallel  for  crossing 
the  Indian  ocean  in  sailing  eastward  round  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  On 
the  one  hand  it  is  contended  that  by  not  going  too  far  southward,  better 
weather,  and  as  much  advantage  otherwise,  is  gained.  On  the  other  hand, 
it  is  said  that  by  keeping  more  approximatively  to  the  great  circle  course, 
that  is  in  higher  latitudes,  the  "  brave  West  winds  "  are  more  constant  and 
of  greater  force,  and  that  the  distance  to  be  sailed  over  is  proportionately 
shortened.  The  following  will  illustrate  this.  The  first  remarks  are 
taken  from  the  Admiralty  Sailing  Directions,  advocating  a  comparatively 
low  parallel. 

On  leaving  the  cape,  steer  boldly  to  the  southward,  so  as  to  run  down  the 
easting  in  lat.  39°  or  40°  S.,  where  the  wind  blows  almost  constantly  from 
some  western  point,  and  seldom  with  more  strength  than  will  admit  of  carry- 
ing sail ;  whereas  in  a  higher  latitude  the  weather  is  frequently  boisterous 
and  stormy,  with  sudden  changes  of  wind. 

Some  navigators  prefer  making  their  easting  in  a  higher  latitude  than 
39"  or  40°  S.,  whilst  others  steer  a  more  direct  course  for  Java  Head  than  is 
here  recommended  ;  but  the  above  directions  are  those  usually  followed  in 
H.M.  ships,  and  are  generally  believed  to  be  the  best. 

Now,  respecting  this  choice  of  the  parallel  of  about  39°,  on  which  to  run 
eastward,  the  distance  to  be  traversed,  or  the  approximate  75°  of  longitude 
from  the  offing  of  the  cape  to  the  point  where  you  must  bear  oflF  to  the  north- 
ward, is  about  3,508  miles,  a  distance  of  nearly  600  miles  would  be  saved  if 
the  latitude  of  50°  were  taken. 

On  this  point  Captain  Maury,  who  differs  from  the  Admiralty,  says  as 
follows :  — 

A  vessel  bound  through  the  Straits  of  Sunda,  after  crossing  the  equator, 
usually  holds  her  wind,  hauling  up  to  the  eastward  as  the  S.E.  trades  of  the 
Atlantic  will  allow,  until  she  gets  into  the  calm  belt  of  Capricorn.  Here, 
though  she  may  not  find  long  continued  calms,  she  finds,  nevertheless,  those 
light  winds  which  are  always  found  to  prevail  in  that  sort  of  debateable 
ground  which  is  always  between  any  two  systems  of  winds.  This  calm  belt 
is  between  the  S.E.  trades  on  one  side,  and  the  variables,  or  "  brave  West 
winds,"  of  the  southern  hemisphere,  on  the  other. 

Having  cleared  the  trades,  the  present  practice  of  mariners  is  to  edge  oflF 
a  little  to  the  East  of  South  until  they  gain  the  parallel  of  35° — 37°  ;  crossing 
this,  they  haul  up  due  East,  between  the  parallels  of  37°  and  39°,  and  run 
between  them — the  place  of  all  others  where  the  southern  edge  of  the  cy- 


44  PASSAGES. 

clones  which  traverse  those  parallels  is  most  apt  to  be  felt  adversely — from 
the  prime  meridian  to  longitude  80° — 85°  E.  Now,  if  any  one  were  seeking 
to  find  a  route  that  passes  through  the  regions  most  beset  with  light  and 
baffling  winds,  this  is  the  route  to  which  I  should  point.  The  idea  of  sailing 
5,000  miles  along  the  borders  of  the  calm  belt  of  Capricorn,  as  many  East 
Indiamen  do,  when  there  is  sea  room  for  the  Great  Circle  route,  with  the 
"  brave  West  winds  "  "  following  fast,"  is  simply  absurd. 

Having  run  along  this  "  debateable  ground,"  and  reached  the  meridian  of 
80°  or  85°  E.,  another  mistake  is  committed  by  crossing  this  calm  belt  in  the 
Indian  Ocean  again  obliquely,  which  should  never  be  done.  These  calm 
belts  should  alway?,  whenever  the  land  and  dangers  will  admit,  be  crossed 
as  directly  on  a  meridian  as  the  winds  will  allow ;  for  the  sooner  you  cross 
them,  the  sooner  you  will  get  winds  that  will  drive  you  along. 

Such  is  the  course  of  the  present  route,  as  the  Dutch  crossings  abundantly 
show,  and  has  been  shortened  for  the  Dutch,  and  may  be  shortened  for  the 
Americans  and  all  others,  ten  days  or  more,  by  all  vessels  that  will  follow 
this  course. 

(1)  After  crossing  the  parallel  of  St.  Roque,  stand  through  the  S.E.  trades 
with  a  rap  full  and  topmast  studding  sail,  as  if  you  were  bound  to  Australia, 
not  caring  to  make  better  than  a  S.S.E.  course  good,  until  you  lose  the 
trades,  clear  the  calms  of  Capricorn,  and  get  the  "  brave  West  winds  "  on 
the  polar  side  of  them.  Vessels  that  do  this  will  generally  clear  the  calms, 
and  get  the  "  brave  West  winds  "  by  the  time  they  reach  latitude  3.5°— 40°, 
finding  themselves  at  this  juncture  somewhere  between  the  meridians  of  20° 
and  30°  W.  Now  shape  your  course  per  Great  Circle  for  the  intersection  of 
parallel  of  40°,  with  the  meridian  of  80° — 85°  E.,  or  any  other  near  which 
it  may  be  deeiiied  advisable,  with  the  changing  seasons,  to  enter  the  region 
of  the  S.E.  trades  of  the  Indian  Ocean. 

The  following  route,  from  30°  W.  35°  S.  to  the  intersection  of  this  parallel, 
with  85°  E.,  difi'ers  so  little  from  the  Great  Circle,  that  the  difference  becomes 
practically  of  no  moment. 

(2)  Suppose  you  clear  the  calms  of  Capricorn  in  latitude  35°,  longitude 
30°  W.,  now  steer  fur  the  meridian  of  10°  E.,  at  its  intersection  with  the 
parallel  of  48°  or  50°  S.  ;  then  run  on  between  these  parallels  to  longitude 
50°.  From  this  point  steer  for  the  intersection  of  85°  E.  and  35°  S.  The 
total  distance  to  be  run  South  of  the  parallel  of  35°  being  5,000  miles,  the 
distance  by  the  present  route  being  5,500  miles;  so  here  is  one  day's  sail 
gained  by  the  "  short  cut,"  and  certainly  better  winds. 

(3)  But  suppose  you  have  good  luck  in  the  South  Atlantic,  and  can  clear 
the  calms  of  Capricorn  in  20°  W.  instead  of  30°  W.,  but  in  the  same  latitude, 
your  course  then  is  to  aim  to  strike  the  parallel  of  50°  in  20°  E.,  and  then 
run  along  it  as  before  to  50°  E.,  the  distance  South  of  35°  by  this  route  being 
4,900  miles. 


ATLANTIC  TO  STRAIT  OF  SUNDA.  45 

But  suppose  the  winds  favour  you  still  more,  and  you  be  in  10°  W.  before 
you  reach  the  parallel  of  35°  ;  in  this  case  you  should  run  between  the 
parallels  of  45° — 46°  till  you  come  to  the  meridian  of  50°  E.  You  should  so 
shape  your  course  from  10°  W.  as  to  get  between  these  parallels,  near  the 
meridian  of  20°  E.  The  distance  South  of  35°,  by  this  route,  is  4,400  miles  ; 
in  other  words,  the  distance  from  the  usual  place  of  crossing  the  parallel  of 
St.  Roque  to  Java  Head  is — 

By  present  route,  9,200  miles;  by  (1),  8,940  miles;  by  (2),  8,730  miles; 
by  (3),  8,520  miles. 

There  is  no  part  of  the  world  where  the  master  of  a  sailing  vessel  can  turn 
his  knowledge  of  the  principles  of  Great  Circle  sailing  to  more  advantage 
than  he  can  when  his  course  is  East  in  that  great  expanse  of  ocean  on  the 
polar  side  of  the  calm  belt  by  Capricorn.  Here,  when  his  course  has  easting 
in  it,  the  famous  westerly  winds  of  that  region  will  drive  him  ahead  with  the 
force  and  velocity  of  steam  power. 

Suppose,  therefore,  a  navigator,  bound  for  the  Straits  of  Sunda,  should, 
instead  of  heading  up  East  on  crossing  35°  S.,  near  30°  "W.,  after  having 
crossed  the  equator  near  this  meridian,  proceed  to  40°  S.  before  heading 
up  East,  how  much  would  his  distance  from  the  equator  in  the  Atlantic  to 
the  crossing  of  40^  S.  in  longitude  85°  E.  be  increased  ?  Answer,  100  miles. 
His  gain  in  time  to  off-set  this  increase  of  distance  would  be  a  quicker  run 
through  the  calms  of  Capricorn  by  reason  of  going  straight  across  them,  and 
the  further  advantage  of  strong  winds  along  the  more  southern  route. 

The  best  course,  under  all  circumstances,  is  as  a  rule,  to  do  thus  : — Run 
from  the  equator  in  the  Atlantic  to  the  South  as  fast  as  you  can,  caring  little 
for  easting  until  you  have  cleared  the  calms  of  Capricorn,  and  caught  the 
"  brave  West  winds"  on  the  polar  side  of  that  belt ;  then  shape  your  course 
so  as  to  cross  20°  E.  between  47°  and  52°  S.  ;  leave  these  parallels  about 
the  meridian  of  60°  E.,  and  then  steer  thence  for  the  parallel  of  40°  S.,  near 
its  intersection  with  85°  E. 

This  description  of  the  course  to  be  run,  and  the  points  of  intersection  to 
be  gained,  is  given  only  for  those  navigators  who  may  be  unable  to  get  out 
of  the  true  Great  Circle  routes  and  courses. 

It  is  well  to  remark  that  most  ice  has  been  seen  along  this  route,  between 
20°  and  40°  E.,  and  that  much  is  to  be  gained  by  running  down  your  easting 
as  near  to  the  South  as  ice  and  safety  will  permit.  So  impressed  have  I 
been  with  the  gain  to  be  made  by  running  well  to  the  South  in  this  part  of 
the  ocean,  that  I  formerly  said,  with  regard  to  the  route  to  Australia — 

"  In  further  proof  that  the  route  recommended  in  the  Sailing  Directions 
of  the  Admiralty  is  too  far  to  the  North,  and  as  an  illustration  of  the  advan- 
tage of  the  route  which  I  advise,  I  have  prepared  some  tables,  and  it  appears 
from  them  that  there  is  no  longer  room  for  difference  of  opinion  as  to  the 
advantages  of  going  farther  South  than  39°— 40°;  how  much  farther,  though, 


46  PASSAGES. 

still  remains  to  be  decided.  But  so  far  as  the  facts  before  us  go,  they  justify 
the  assertion  that  for  every  degree  you  go  South  of  the  Admiralty  route  to 
Australia,  you  gain  three  days  on  the  average,  until  you  reach  the  parallel 
of  45° — 6°,  for  the  averages  of  the  table  are  not  below  this  parallel ;  and  I 
believe  it  will  turn  out  that  the  best  streak  of  wind,  in  the  long  run,  is  to 
be  found  between  45°  and  50°  8.  It  seems  to  be  almost  as  steady,  between 
these  parallels,  from  the  westward,  as  it  is  anywhere  to  the  East,  between 
the  trade  wind  parallels  of  15°  and  20°.  The  average  "vertex"  of  those 
that  go  South  of  41°  is  53°  33'  ;  the  average  "vertex"  of  those  that  go 
North  of  that  parallel  is  39°  7'  S.  The  mean  parallels  upon  which  the  latter 
run  down  their  longitude  is  38°  52',  and  the  former  43°  59'  ;  for  this  diifer- 
ence  of  5°,  the  average  gain  of  those  who  take  the  more  southern  parallels  is 
14  days,  which  comes  very  near  to  an  average  of  3  days'  gain  on  the  voj'^age 
to  Australia  for  every  degree  you  go  South  of  the  Admiralty  route.  As  far 
as  80°  E.,  the  Admiralty  route  to  Australia  and  the  old  route  to  Sunda  are 
the  same.  The  average  speed  to  Australia  by  the  Admiralty  route  is  134 
miles  a  day  against  154  by  the  new  route  ;  so  that  the  route  well  to  the 
South  has  in  its  favour  not  only  better  winds,  but  shorter  degrees  and  longer 
daily  runs. 

If  the  winds  were  fair  all  the  way,  the  nearest  route  to  Java  Head  from 
the  fairway  off  St.  Roque  would  be  via  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  ;  indeed,  the 
Great  Circle  from  St.  Koque  to  Java  runs  through  the  unexplored  regions  of 
Africa.  But  both  the  winds  and  the  land  render  such  a  route  in  navigation 
impracticable ;  for  the  former  generally  compel  the  outward  Indiaman,  in 
spite  of  herself,  to  cross  the  meridian  of  25°  W.  as  far  South  as  the  parallel 
of  30° — 33°  S.  ;  and  the  Great  Circle  thence  to  Java  Head  passes  some 
8°  or  10°  South  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  Moreover,  the  winds  in  the 
Indian  Ocean  render  a  departure  from  the  Great  Circle  again  necessary. 
The  winds,  however,  are  such  as  to  admit  all  four  of  the  routes  on  pages 
42,  43,  ante. 

The  route  No.  3  is  600  miles  shorter,  and  has  better  winds  than  the 
present  route.  But,  after  clearing  the  S.E.  trades  of  the  Atlantic,  the  pre- 
sent route  runs  about  1,000  miles  obliquely  across  the  calms  of  Capricorn, 
where  the  average  rate  of  sailing  is  not  over  100  miles  a  day.  Now,  by 
going  straight  across  these  calms  as  by  route  (1),  you  will  clear  them  gene- 
rally in  two  days,  and  then  get  those  "  brave  West  winds,"  which  will  waft 
you  along  at  the  rate  of  200  or  300  miles  a  day,  according  to  the  heels  of 
the  ship. 

The  navigator,  therefore,  will  act  most  wisely  who  will  wait,  and  let  things 
as  he  may  find  them  govern  him  as  to  where,  after  clearing  the  S.E.  trades, 
he  will  begin  to  shape  his  course  for  the  Great  Circle  to  the  meridian  of  85° 
East,  or  for  the  meridian  near  which  he  proposes  to  cross  the  calms  of  Ca- 
pricorn in  the  Indian  Ocean.     Suffi'  e  it  to  say,  he  may  begin  to  do  it  any- 


ATLANTIC  TO  STRAIT  OF  SUNDA.  47 

where  South  of  30°,  and  between  the  meridians  of  30°  and  10°  W.,  and  reach 
Java  Head  several  days  sooner,  on  the  average,  than  he  would  by  continuing 
to  follow  the  present;  route. 

In  attempting  to  follow  these  Great  Circle  routes,  navigators  should  recol- 
lect that  the  greate&t  saving  of  distance,  as  compared  with  the  rhumb-line 
route,  is  always  along  those  arcs  that  lie  nearly  East  and  West,  and  are 
farthest  from  the  equator  ;  and  that,  so  far  as  distance  is  concerned,  he 
might  as  well  be  out  of  his  way  on  one  side  of  these  arcs  as  the  other.  As 
illustrative  of  this  route,  I  may  refer  to  the  track  of  a  ship  whose  log  I 
have,  and  with  regard  to  which  I  only  say  that,  it  she  had  stood  on  from  lat. 
28°  to  35°  S.,  at  that  season,  in  long.  20°  W.,  and  then  shaped  her  course 
per  Grreat  Circle  route,  she  would  probably  have  done  better ;  as  it  is,  she 
crossed  the  meridians  as  follows  : — 0°  in  36°  20'  S.  ;  20°  E.  in  38°  20'  S.  ; 
40°  E.  in  38°  35'  S.  ;  60°  E.  in  38°  S.  ;  70°  E.  in  38°  20'  S. ;  80°  E.  in  36"  S. ; 
90°  E.  in  33°  0'  S. ;  which  is  a  fair  representation  of  the  average  June  route 
of  the  Dutch. 

"Arriving  in  lat.  28°  0'  S.,  long  22°  W.,  I  projected,"  says  her  master, 
"  on  my  chart,  the  Great  Circle  course  thence  to  Java  Head,  the  vertex  being 
in  lat.  44°  S.,  and  long,  about  25°  E.  I  adhered  to  this  course  as  far  as 
practicable,  having  in  view  the  favourable  sailing  points  of  the  vessel,  and 
being  compelled  to  run  her  before  some  of  the  heavy  seas  of  the  high  lati- 
tudes until  reaching  the  parallel  of  30°  in  long,  about  69°  E.,  when  I  deemed 
it  prudent  to  keep  to  the  eastward  of  the  Great  Circle  course,  and  approach 
the  meridian  of  Java  Head  larther  South,  to  forelay  for  the  chance  of  there 
being  considerable  easting  in  the  trades.  I  crossed  the  tropic  in  about 
94°  30'  E.  long.,  and  fetched  Java  Head,  sailing  upon  an  easy  bow-line 
(which  is  a  good  sailing  point  of  the  vessel,  and,  I  believe,  of  most  sharp 
vessels).  I  will  remark  here  that  I  could  find  nothing  explicit  in  '  Hors- 
burgh'  regarding  the  direction  of  the  wind  in  the  S.E.  trades;  but,  after 
many  unsatisfactory  remarks,  the  whole  is  summed  up  on  page  161,  vol.  i. 
5th  edition,  thus  : — When  the  sun  has  great  North  declination,  it  may  not 
be  absolutely  requisite  for  ships  which  sail  well  to  reach  the  meridian  of 
thoir  port  so  far  southward,  the  trade  wind  then  blowing  more  from  S.E.  and 
E.S.E.  in  general  than  from  East  and  E.N.E. 

Accompanying  my  abstract  is  an  abstract  of  the  log  of  the  ship  Minstrel, 
of  Boston,  which  vessel  (commanded  by  my  brother)  pursued  the  Admiralty 
route  in  running  up  her  easting ;  and,  although  he  crossed  the  equator  in 
the  Atlantic  12  days  before  me,  yet  I  made  Java  Head  the  day  before  him, 
and  there  was  not  much  difference  in  the  sailing  of  the  vessels.  Where  I 
gained  on  him  most  was  in  high  latitudes.  Although  I  made  a  fair  passage 
by  pursuing  the  circle  course  so  far  as  the  latitude  of  33°,  yet  I  would  not 
again  adhere  to  it  farther  than  the  vertex  ;  thence,  I  would  sail  East  on  or 
near,  that  parallel  until  reaching  the  longitude  of  90",  or  thereabouts  •  then 


48  PASSAGES. 

hauling  North  across  the  belt  of  variables  to  the  southward  of  the  trades,  at 
right  angles,  and  be  upon  the  safe  side,  after  reaching  the  trades,  at  any 
season  of  the  year. 

A  good  passage  could,  perhaps,  be  made  by  sailing  on  a  circle  course  from 
the  Atlantic  to  a  good  position  relative  with  Java  Head,  in  the  Indian 
Ocean,  say  95°  E.  and  33°  S. ;  but  the  vertex  should  be  far  South  of  53°,  or 
thereabout.  And  I  should  not  feel  justified  in  attempting  to  pursue  such  a 
route,  until  we  have  some  definite  information  relative  to  the  existence  of 
danger  from  ice,  against  which  Horsburgh  cautions  navigators. 

Navigators,  by  taking  the  old  route,  are  liable  to  meet  with  another  diffi- 
culty, especially  when  they  attempt  to  run  down  their  longitude  near  the 
parallel  of  35° — 6°  S.  About  this  parallel  is  a  famous  place  for  circular 
storms— cyclones.  They  revolve  with  the  sun,  and  the  parallel  of  35°—  6°  ia 
frequently  traversed  by  the  southern  edge  of  them ;  consequently,  as  these 
storms  travel  East  or  West,  the  wind  on  the  southern  edge  of  them  is  gene- 
rally from  the  eastward." 

Thus  far  Captain  Maury,  to  which  two  remarks  may  be  appended,  the 
one  on  the  dangers  from  ice  in  high  southern  latitudes,  the  other  on  the 
occurrence  of  cyclones  in  the  lower  parallels. 

The  frequency  of  ice  and  its  peculiarities  in  the  Southern  Indian  Ocean  is 
dwelt  upon  in  our  Directory  for  the  Indian  Ocean,  pages  86 — 91,  and  it  is 
there  shown  that  the  drifts  attain  a  lower  latitude  in  the  southern  winter 
than  at  other  seasons,  nearly  approaching  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  in  July 
to  September,  but  then  it  is  considered  that  they  leave  a  clear  space  to  the 
southward.  In  January  to  March  they  are  not  frequently  encountered  north- 
ward of  55°  S. 

In  the  same  work  the  question  of  the  occurrence  of  cyclones  on  the  paral- 
lels indicated  is  discussed,  and  to  those  pages  the  reader  is  referred. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  but  these  revolving  storms  do  sometimes  attain 
these  latitudes  after  recurving  from  the  northward,  and  passing  to  the  east- 
ward. Should  the  well-known  indications  of  these  meteors  be  clearly  ascer- 
tained, of  course  it  behoves  the  commander  to  seek  that  edge  of  the  disk  (the 
northern  edge),  which  will  help  him  forward  on  his  voyage,  rather  than  be 
opposed  by  the  contrary  gales  on  its  southern  margins. 

But  it  is  argued  by  some  that  these  gales  are  generally  not  revolving,  but 
are  right  lined  winds,  or  so  slightly  curved  in  their  paths  that  they  cannot 
be  classed  as  cyclones.  Upon  this  topic  see  pages  12,  13,  of  the  Indian 
Ocean  Directory — the  whole  subject  and  its  application  being  given  in  pages 
5  to  17,  and  151  to  159. 

To  the  two  opinions  given  above,  as  to  the  best  parallel  for  running  down 
the  easting  after  passing  round  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  we  may  add  that  of 
Mr.  Towson,  whose  labours  on  this  subject  are  well  known.  It  is  true  that 
his  object  was  to  shorten  the  road  to  Australia,  and  therefore  the  tracks  lie 


ATIANTIC  TO  STRAIT  OF  SUNDA.  49 

to  the  southward  of  that  great  continent ;  but  they  will  hold  good  equally 
for  that  which  diverges  to  the  northward  before  reaching  this  eastern  exten- 
sion. He  chooses  the  parallel  of  51°  S.  for  passing  across  the  Southern 
Indian  Ocean  to  the  southward  of  Kerguelen  Land. 

With  all  deference  to  these  great  authorities,  may  it  not  be  that  all  are 
right,  if  their  views  are  followed  in  different  seasons.  It  would  seem  to  be 
quite  natural  that  a  lower  latitude  would  carry  all  the  advantages  during  the 
winter  season  that  a  high  parallel  does  in  the  summer.  The  limits  between 
the  trade  winds  and  the  westerly  anti-trades  certainly  vibrates  in  latitude 
with  the  progress  of  the  sun  in  the  ecliptic  ;  and  therefore,  during  the  in- 
clement winter,  the  Admiralty  parallel  of  39° — 40°  may  be  quite  as  advan- 
tageous (except  as  regards  the  distance  to  be  run)  as  the  probably  more  bois- 
terous but  shorter  course  in  higher  latitude.  Aguiii,  in  the  summer  months 
the  parallels  advocated  by  Maury  and  Towson  may  certainly  be  safely  fol- 
lowed ;  but  in  this,  also,  some  other  considerations  may  enter.  The  sailing 
powers  of  the  ship,  the  nature  of  her  cargo,  and  the  health  of  the  crew  and 
passengers  (especially  if  the  latter  be  an  important  item  in  the  account) 
would  lead  the  commander  to  hesitate  before  he  would  carry  his  vessel  into 
climates  very  much  colder  than  that  he  has  recently  left,  and  which  he  will 
soon  enter  again,  and  where  he  will  probably  meet  with  heavy  winds  and 
turbulent  seas. 

As  has  been  said  above,  the  point  does  not  appear  to  be  entirely  decided, 
nor  can  it  be  so  when  each  ship  may,  from  motives  of  expediency,  require 
different  handling.  The  above  facts  and  opinions  are  given,  and  the  com- 
mander must  make  his  own  choice  of  them.  For  pursuing  the  voyage  to  the 
northward,  the  following  is  given  in  the  Admiralty  Directions. 

In  the  South-east  Monsoon,  i.e.,  from  the  middle  of  April  to  the  middle 
of  September,  vessels,  having  passed  the  island  of  St.  Paul,  should  not  edge 
away  too  quickly  to  the  northward,  but  should  endeavour  to  reach  first  as 
far  to  the  eastward  into  the  S.E.  trade  wind  as  the  meridian  of  Java  Head, 
crossing  the  southern  tropic  in  about  102°  E.  In  this  season  a  westerly 
current  runs  along  the  South  coast  of  Java,  and  in  the  months  of  June,  July, 
and  August,  when  it  is  at  its  greatest  strength,  it  will  be  indispensable  to  be 
well  to  the  eastward,  or  otherwise  the  ship  will  be  liable  to  fall  to  leeward 
of  Java  Head.  In  the  vicinity  of  Java  the  S.E.  monsoon  also  veers  some- 
times to  East  or  E.N.E. 

In  the  North-west  Monsoon,  i.e.,  from  the  middle  of  October  to  the  mid- 
dle of  March,  but  especially  in  December  and  January,  the  southern  tropic 
should  be  crossed  several  degrees  to  the  westward  of  the  meridian  of  Java 
Head,  when  a  direct  course  can  be  steered  for  Sunda  Strait,  or  to  make  En- 
gano  Island,  or  the  land  about  Flat  Point,  the  southern  extreme  of  Sumatra. 
Great  care  must  be  taken  during  this  monsoon  not  to  fall  to  leeward  of  Java 
Head,  for  the  westerly  winds  blow  with  great  violence  along  the  South  coast 

I.    A.  ii 


60  PASSAGES. 

of  Java,  and  their  strength,  united  with  the  strong  current  setting  to  the 
eastward,  make  it  impracticable  to  beat  up  along  this  coast ;  a  vessel  may 
thus  have  to  steer  to  the  southward,  and  re-enter  the  S.E.  trade,  in  order  to 
make  sufficient  westing  to  fetch  Flat  Point.  When  nearly  on  the  parallel  of 
Java  Head,  and  one  or  two  degrees  to  the  westward  of  it,  a  direct  course  may 
be  steered  for  the  Strait,  with  an  allowance  for  a  probable  current  setting  to 
the  southward. 

If  contrary  winds  are  met  with  shortly  after  leaving  St.  Paul  Island,  in 
November,  December,  or  January,  a  vessel  may  steer  at  once  to  the  north- 
ward, and  cross  the  tropic  in  80°  or  90°  E.,  when  she  will  meet  with  westerly 
winds  to  carry  her  to  the  strait. 

Shifting  of  the  Monsoons.— During  the  period  when  these  changes  occur, 
i.e.,  from  about  the  middle  of  September  to  the  end  of  October,  and  from 
about  the  middle  of  March  to  the  end  of  April,  the  winds  are  variable  and 
uncertain.  It  is  advisable  at  those  times  to  make  sufficient  easting  in  the 
S.E.  trade  to  bring  Java  Head  nearly  North,  and  then  to  steer  direct  for  it, 
borrowing  a  little  to  the  eastward  or  westward,  when  it  is  approached,  as 
may  be  required  by  the  prevailing  wind  or  other  circumstances. 

2.— SOUTHERN  INDIA  TO  THE  STEAITS  OF  MALACCA. 

In  the  S.W.  Monsoon. — In  this,  the  fair  wind  season,  there  is  no  great 
difficulty  in  making  a  passage  around  the  South  end  of  Ceylon,  or  from 
Madras,  or  any  of  the  Coromandel  ports.  Having  passed  Ceylon,  steer  so 
as  to  pass,  in  lat.  6°  20'  N.,  through  the  channel  between  Pulo  Eondo  and 
the  South  end  of  the  Great  Nicobar.  If  the  monsoon  be  strong  from  southern 
quarters,  and  the  weather  overcast,  so  that  there  may  be  some  uncertainty 
in  the  latitude  for  want  of  observations,  keep  southward  towards  Acheen 
Head,  to  guard  against  the  chance  of  a  northerly  current.  But  great  caution 
is  necessary  in  such  weather,  because,  should  the  wind  have  had  much 
westing  in  it,  it  may  have  caused  a  south-westerly  current  down  the  West 
coast  of  Sumatra,  Such  a  contingency  must  be  guarded  against  when  it  is 
neared  in  dark,  stormy  weather.  Acheen  is  generally  best  made  from  the 
southward  at  this  season,  passing  with  great  precaution  either  through  the 
Surat  Passage  iwithin  the  islands,  or,  which  is  better,  northward  of  Pulo 
Brasse,  by  the  Bengal  Passage. 

Bound  through  the  strait,  and  having  passed  the  islands  off  Acheen  Head, 
which  is  then  best  to  be  avoided,  stand  on  towards  Pulo  Bouton,  on  the 
eastern  side  of  the  Strait  of  Malacca,  because,  as  has  been  before  explained, 
the  high  land  of  the  Pedir  Coast,  intercepting  the  monsoon,  causes  light 
baffling  winds  all  along  the  Sumatra  side.  When  Pulo  Bouton  is  made 
bearing  to  eastward,  you  may  be  able  to  carry  brisk  westerly  winds  up  to 
Pulo  Penang.      Should   the  winds  be  light,   a  northerly  current  may  be 


STRAITS  OF  MALACCA  TO  SOUTHERN  INDIA.  51 

encountered  setting  out  of  the  entrance  to  the  strait,  and  this  may  set  the 
ship  to  northward  of  Pulo  Bouton  ;  but  when  once  the  islands  on  the  Malay 
coast  are  made,  there  will  be  no  difficulty  in  getting  along  that  coast  to  the 
S.E.  Keep  within  a  moderate  di^stance  of  the  coast,  in  35  to  20  fathoms, 
making  for  the  Sambilangs,  carefully  avoiding  the  mud  bank  off  the  coast 
between  Penang  and  Pulo  Binding,  in  lat.  4°  14'  N.  The  outer  edge  of  this, 
as  is  shown  in  the  subsequent  descriptions,  is  steep-to,  shoaling  suddenly 
from  10  and  8  fathoms  to  9  ft.  in  some  parts,  and  it  must  therefore  not  be 
neared  into  less  than  12  to  15  fathoms.  Passing  between  the  steep,  rocky 
Sambilangs  and  the  isolated  Pulo  Jarra,  in  the  middle  of  the  strait,  which 
is  perfectly  clean  with  the  deepest  water  in  the  strait  around  it,  you  make 
for  the  West  end  of  the  North  Sands,  those  dangerous  shoals  which  run 
parallel  with  the  coast,  but  which  danger  is  much  diminished  by  the  light- 
ship on  the  One-fathom  Bank,  between  the  North  and  South  sands.  Should 
you  meet  with  an  adverse  wind  when  up  with  the  Sambilangs,  keep  along 
the  Perak  coast  in  moderate  depths,  not  less  than  10  or  11  fathoms,  as  there 
may  be  a  useful  counter-tide  and  good  anchorage  in  doing  so.  Having 
arrived  at  the  One-fathom  Bank  and  its  lightship,  and  sighted  the  Arroa 
Islands,  there  will  be  no  difficulty  in  getting  up  to  Singapore,  as  shown  in 
the  subsequent  descriptions. 

In  the  N.E.  Monsoon. — The  passage  to  the  eastward  against  this  fine 
weather  monsoon  is  tedious  and  lingering.  Having  passed  Ce^-lon,  it  is  best 
to  keep  to  the  northward,  passing  between  the  Nicobar  Islands  and  the 
Little  Andaman ;  or,  if  from  Madras,  through  the  Sonibreiro  Channel. 
Those  from  Ceylon  should  keep  well  in  with  the  South  end  of  the  Great 
Nicobar,  if  the  wind  will  permit,  in  entering  the  strait.  But  should  you  get 
drifted  to  leeward  of  Pulo  Brasse,  enter  it  by  the  Surat  Passage,  around 
Acheen  Head.  When  past  Acheen  Head,  a  westerly  current  will  be  en- 
countered running  along  the  coast  between  that  and  Diamond  Point ;  but 
in  the  offing  and  on  the  Malay  side  it  sets  more  or  less  to  the  northward 
throughout  the  ^ear.  Therefore,  when  within  the  strait,  get  away  from  the 
{Sumatra  coast,  and  try  to  gain  the  Malay  side,  where  there  are  more 
favourable  winds,  tidal  streams,  and  the  alternating  land  and  sea  breezes 
by  which  you  may  work  to  the  S.E. 

3.— STRAITS  OF  MALACCA  TO  SOUTHERN  INDIA. 

In  the  S.W.  Monsoon. — It  is  best  to  keep  on  the  Sumatra  side  of  the 
Malacca  Strait  in  going  westward  during  this  monsoon,  because  there  is  an 
eddy  current  at  its  entrance  on  that  side,  especially  along  the  Pedir  Coast. 
Having,  by  means  of  every  shift  of  wind  and  this  favouring  drift  got  up  to 
Acheen  Head,  pass  between  Pulo  Way  and  Pulo  Brasse  by  the  Bengal 
Passage,  keeping  close  to  the  latter  island  and  around  the  islets  at  its  North 


S2  PASSAGES. 

end.     If  bound  to  Madras  the  passage  will  be  very  tedious,  and  every  slant 
of  wind  must  be  zealously  taken  advantage  of. 

If  bound  for  Ceylon  or  the  western  ports,  and  having  cleared  Acheen 
Head,  make  for  the  southward,  keeping  off  the  islands  along  the  West  coast 
of  Sumatra  as  far  as  possible.  Having  crossed  the  equator,  and  got  into 
the  S.E.  trades,  run  down  your  westing  till  up  with  the  meridian  of  the 
port  of  destination.  Then  bear  up  northward,  and  if  bound  to  Point  de 
Galle,  make  the  land  of  Ceylon  to  the  westward  ;  or,  if  to  Trincomalee  or 
the  East  coast,  make  the  S.E.  part  of  the  island,  for  strong  westerly  winds 
and  very  violent  easterly  currents  prevail  about  the  South  part  of  Ceylon  at 
this  season. 

This  passage  to  the  eastward,  during  the  adverse  monsoon,  is  seldom  at- 
tempted if  it  can  be  avoided,  and  unless  a  vessel  can  keep  well  on  the  wind 
it  may  be  very  difficult. 

In  the  N.E.  Monsoon. — There  is  do  difficulty  in  this  passage.  Keep  on 
the  Malay  coast  until  up  with  Junkseylon,  and  then  steer  so  as  to  pass  be- 
tween Car  Nicobar  and  the  South  end  of  the  Little  Andaman,  if  early  in  the 
season.  If  bound  noi'thward  of  Madras,  either  the  above  or  the  Sombreiro 
Passage  may  be  chosen,  taking  care  to  make  the  coast  to  the  northward  of 
the  destined  port. 

4.-SUNDA  STEAIT  TO  BANKA  STEAIT. 

Having  passed  through  Sunda  Strait,  for  which  directions  will  be  given  in 
the  subsequent  pages,  and  bound  to  Banka  Strait,  it  is  usual  to  steer  a  direct 
course  for  the  Two  Brothers.  With  a  working  wind,  it  will  be  prudent  to 
keep  within  a  moderate  distance  of  the  Sumatra  coast;  11  or  12  fathoms  ia 
a  good  depth.  A  good  mark  in  daylight  is,  when  standing  in-shore,  to  tack 
when  North  Island  is  just  on  with  the  highest  Zutphen  Island  ;  the  sound- 
ings will  then  be  generally  7  or  8  fathoms,  and  a  large  ship  should  not  risk 
a  less  depth  when  working  between  North  Island  and  the  Swallow  Eock, 
which  she  will  pass  eastward  of,  if  the  South  Brother  is  not  brought  east- 
ward of  N.  by  E. 

Although  the  space  between  the  Thousand  Islands  and  the  Two  Brothers 
can  be  navigated  with  more  confidence  since  its  partial  examination  by  Com- 
mander Bullock,  in  H.M.S.  Serpent,  in  1865,  yet,  as  no  complete  survey  has 
been  made,  the  mariner  is  recommended  to  proceed  with  caution.  The 
Brothers  may  be  passed  at  a  prudent  distance  on  either  side.  On  passing  to 
the  eastward,  take  care  to  avoid  the  Lynn  and  Brouwers  Eeefs  ;  and  when 
passing  between  the  islands  and  the  Shahbundar  Banks,  a  vessel  should  not 
keep  larther  from  the  islands  than  3  miles,  and  not  nearer  the  coast  of  Su- 
matra than  the  depth  of  9  fathoms. 

Having  passed  the  Brothers,  steer  to  the  northward  towards  Lucipara, 


BANKA  STRAIT  TO  SUNDA   STRAIT.  63 

keeping  the  Brothers  to  the  westward  of  South,  to  avoid  the  reported  posi- 
tion of  the  Clifton  shoal,  and  endeavouring  to  keep  in  soundings  from  9  to 
12  fathoms,  as  a  direct  course  cannot  be  depended  upon,  on  account  of  irre- 
gular currents  or  tides  setting  out  from  the  rivers.  Neither  can  the  sound- 
ings in  this  track  be  implicitly  trusted  to,  being  irregular,  from  8^  to  11  or 
12  fathoms  in  some  places,  particularly  contiguous  to  Tree  Island  bank,  and 
the  edges  of  the  other  banks  projecting  from  the  coast  of  Sumatra,  also  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  Arend  and  Boreas  banks  in  the  offing.  It  will  be,  how- 
ever, prudent  to  borrow  towards  the  main  if  the  depths  increase  to  12  or  13 
fathoms  ;  and  to  haul  off  from  it  if  they  decrease  to  8A  or  9  fathoms  towards 
the  banks  that  line  the  coast.  Near  these  the  soundings  are  generally  hard 
and  more  irregular  than  farther  out  from  the  land,  in  12  or  13  fathoms  ; 
but,  in  the  latter  depths,  a  ship  will  be  too  far  off  the  coast  with  a  westerly 
■wind. 

When  the  weather  is  clear,  during  the  day,  it  may  be  proper  to  get  a  sight 
of  the  coast  from  the  poop  of  a  large  ship  at  times,  edging  out  occasionally 
in  the  night,  or  when  the  depths  decrease  to  8J  or  9  fathoms.  Having  passed 
the  bank  off  Tree  Island,  the  coast  may  be  approached  with  greater  safety, 
and  the  depth  will  decrease,  regularly  steering  northward  for  Lucipara,  to 
6|  fathoms,  when  it  bears  N.  ^  E.  about  10  miles. 

If  at  night  a  vessel  should  come  into  shallow  water  between  the  Two 
Brothers  and  Lucipara,  and  not  being  certain  whether  she  is  on  either  the 
Arend  or  Boreas  banks,  or  the  bank  off  the  coast  of  Sumatra,  it  is  advisable 
to  anchor  immediately,  and  to  wait  for  daylight,  for  the  depths  are  moderate, 
and  the  bottom  throughout  this  track  generally  favourable  for  that  pur- 
pose. 

5.— BANKA  STRAIT  TO  SUNDA  STRAIT. 

When  bound  from  Banka  Strait  to  that  of  Sunda,  the  proper  course  will 
be  about  S.  by  E.,  keeping  in  from  9  to  13  fathoms  ;  but  the  currents  are 
too  variable  to  trust  implicitly  to  any  course,  and  the  depths  also  are  top 
irregular  to  depend  on  them  alone,  for  the  5  and  4^  fathoms  Boreas  and 
Arend  banks  may  be  easily  mistaken  for  those  south-eastward  of  Tree 
Island,  which  are  very  dangerous.  It  will  therefore  be  advisable  in  day- 
time to  keep  on  the  Sumatra  side  in  8  or  9  fathoms,  from  which  depths  that 
shore  is  generally  visible  from  the  deck,  and  at  night  to  keep  off  shore 
when  the  water  shoals  to  less  than  9  fathoms,  and  to  approach  it  when  it 
deepens  to  more  than  13  fathoms,  as  that  depth  with  westerly  winds  would 
be  too  far  off. 

Having  arrived  in  about  3°  40'  S.,  or  about  30  miles  distant  from  the  Two 
Brothers,  keep  as  nearly  as  possible  in  9  or  10  fathoms,  so  as  to  get  sight  of 
these  islands  bearing  South,  but  not  to  the  eastward  of  that  bearing  in  order 
to  avoid  the  Clifton  Shoal ;  otherwise,  if  made  when  in  1 1  fathoms,  it  would 


54  PASSAGES. 

be  difficult  to  weather  them  with  a  westerly  wind,  especially  as  the  current 
runs  to  the  south-eastward  during  the  western  monsoon.  When  passing 
to  the  eastward  of  the  Two  Brothers,  recollect  the  Brouwers  and  Lynn  Eeefs. 

Coming  from  the  northward  the  Two  Brothers  appear  like  one  island,  and 
hence  some  vessels  have  been  led  into  danger  by  mistaking  Mound  Imbong, 
or  Knob-hill,  in  Sumatra,  when  seen  in  the  twilight,  for  these  islands.  Sail- 
ing past  these  islands  at  night,  the  vessel's  position  should  be  well  ascertained 
before  dark,  or  else  it  would  be  better  to  anchor. 

Having  passed  on  either  side  of  the  Brothers,  the  safest  bearing  to  bring 
them  upon  appears  to  be  N.  ^  E.  After  losing  sight  of  them  upon  that 
bearing,  a  course  about  S.  by  W.  may  be  steered  for  the  entrance  of  Sunda 
Strait. 

Captain  Ste-phens,  of  the  shi-p  ffarkawat/,  says: — "In  May,  approaching 
Sunda  Strait  from  the  eastward  the  Java  side  should  be  steered  for,  and  kept 
aboard,  as  then  the  winds  are  light,  those  from  S.E.  prevailing  at  night,  and 
from  N.E.  during  the  day ;  this  precaution  will  prevent  the  vessel  being 
carried  by  the  current  to  the  westward  of  the  Button  Islet ;  this  current  runs 
constantly  to  the  S.  W.  in  the  middle  of  the  strait,  it  is  checked  by  the  short 
flood,  but  runs  strong  with  a  long  ebb." 

6.-BANKA  STEAIT  TO  SINGAPORE. 

Vessels  bound  from  Banka  Strait  to  Singapore  seldom  adopt  the  O  uter 
route  to  the  eastward  of  the  islands  of  Linga  and  Bintang,  most  vessels  pre- 
ferring to  proceed  by  Ehio  Strait ;  it,  however,  forms  part  of  the  main  route 
into  the  China  Sea,  and  is  therefore  of  great  importance. 

Outer  Eoute. — The  ordinary  route  for  vessels  bound  northward  is  be- 
tween the  Toejoe  Islands  and  Pulo  Taya ;  they  may,  however,  pass  on  either 
eide  of  Pulo  Taya,  which,  being  high  and  bold,  is  very  convenient  to  make 
in  thick  weather  or  at  night. 

At  night,  or  in  thick  weather,  the  lead  will  be  very  useful  in  detecting  the 
drift  caused  by  cross  currents  between  the  Toejoe  Islands  and  Sumatra,  for 
the  depth  decreases  generally  towards  Sumatra,  and  increases  towards  those 
islands ;  but  care  should  be  taken  in  approaching  them,  as  the  remarkable 
irregularities  of  the  currents  have  brought  many  vessels  into  the  danger  of 
being  entangled  among  them.  Near  Sumatra  a  mud  bottom  mixed  with 
Band  prevails,  and  near  the  islands  mud  only. 

The  Castor  Bank,  lying  to  the  N.E.  of  Pulo  Taya,  carries  not  less  than  5 
fathoms  water,  but  a  vessel  will  pass  eastward  of  it  by  not  bringing  Pulo 
Taya  South  of  S.W.  ^  W.,  and  westward  of  it  by  keeping  that  island  South 
of  S.S.W.  ^  W.  The  East  point  of  Linga  (which,  with  a  point  to  the  w^est- 
ward  of  it,  appears  at  a  distance  like  two  islands)  bearing  N.N.W.  will  lead 
from  4  to  5  miles  to  the  N.E.  both  of  the  Castor  Bank  and  the  Ilchester 
Shoal.     But  in  order  to  avoid  the  last-named  danger,  if  the  channel  between 


SINGAPOEE  TO  HONG  KONG.  55 

the  Castor  Bank  and  Linga  is  used,  take  care  not  to  bring  the  East  point  of 
Linga  to  the  East  of  North. 

Having  passed  eastward  of  Pule  Taya,  a  course  may  be  steered  to  cross 
the  equator  in  20  or  21  fathoms,  or  in  long.  106°  30'  E.  From  the  equator 
steer  about  North  until  past  the  Frederick  and  Oeldria  shoals,  observing  in 
the  night  not  to  come  under  23  or  24  fathoms  between  lat.  0°  30'  and  0°  50'  N. 
to  avoid  those  dangers  ;  if  it  be  day  when  Pulo  Euig  or  Ragged  Island  ia 
seen,  keep  it  westward  of  N.W.,  and  it  will  lead  eastward  of  these  shoals. 
When  abreast  of  Pulo  Panjang,  and  in  soundings  of  24  or  25  fathoms  water, 
a  N.W.  or  N.W.  by  W.  course,  according  to  tide,  will  lead  to  the  entrance 
of  Singapore  Strait. 

The  Inner  Route,  by  the  Strait  of  Rhio,  will  be  noticed  in  connection 
with  the  description  of  the  coast  of  the  strait  hereafter  given,  as  the  various 
marks,  &c.,  will  be  best  understood  by  referring  to  those  descriptions. 

Vessels  bound  from  Banka  Strait  to  Singapore  during  the  strength  of  the 
N.E.  monsoon  frequently  adopt  the  Inner  Route  by  the  Varella  and  Durian 
Straits.  During  the  prevalence  of  strong  northerly  winds  in  the  months  of 
December  and  January,  sailing  vessels  will  save  much  time  by  doing  so,  for 
here  they  will  have  smooth  water,  good  anchorage,  and  but  little  tide, 
whereas  on  the  eastern  side  of  Linga,  at  this  season  of  the  year,  there  ia 
generally  a  heavy  sea,  and  a  southerly  current  sometimes  running  at  the  rate 
of  3  knots  an  hour.  In  Yarella  Strait  they  will  also  be  greatly  assisted  by 
the  squalls  from  the  Sumatra  coast. 

Varella,  or  Brahalla  Strait,  is  situated  at  the  southern  part  of  this  route, 
and  Durian  Strait  at  its  northern  part ;  the  intermediate  portion  has  not 
received  a  specific  denomination.  The  entire  route  is  about  120  miles  in 
length  from  Pulo  Varella  to  the  Carimon  Islands,  and  is  bounded  on  the 
western  side  by  the  coast  of  Sumatra,  False  Durian,  Sabon,  and  the  con- 
tiguous islands ;  and  on  the  eastern  side  by  Sinkep  and  the  other  islands  off 
the  South  and  West  coasts  of  Linga,  and  by  Great  and  Little  Durian,  and 
the  adjacent  islands. 

The  Strait  of  Malacca  and  Strait  of  Singapore,  and  their  navigation, 
will  be  also  described  in  subsequent  pages. 

7.— SINGAPORE  TO  HONG  KONG. 

In  South-west  Monsoon. — When  June  approaches,  and  the  S.W.  mon- 
soon is  set  regularly  in,  the  track  from  Singapore  to  China  by  the  main 
route^  eastward  of  Pulo  Sapatu  and  over  Macclesfield  Bank,  is  preferable, 
the  winds  being  more  steady  in  the  open  sea  than  near  the  coast.  About 
full  and  change  of  the  moon,  and  as  early  as  April,  a  westerly  breeze  will 
sometimes  be  found  blowing  out  of  the  Gulf  of  Siam  to  carry  a  vessel 
to  Macclesfield  Bank,  and  afterwards  easterly  winds  to  run  her  to  Hong 
Kong. 


56  PASSAGES. 

Thia  route  becomes  precarious  if  a  sailing  vessel  is  not  up  with  Pulo 
Sapatu  early  in  October  ;  for  near  this  island,  about  the  middle  of  that 
mouth,  strong  southerly  currents  begin  to  prevail  with  light  northerly  winds, 
variable  airs,  and  calms,  by  which  many  vessels  have  been  delayed  lor 
several  days,  and  have  made  no  progress  to  the  northward.  Fresh  winds 
from  the  southward  have  been  met  with,  even  so  late  as  1st  of  November, 
but  these  instances  are  rare. 

Some  vessels  proceeding  by  the  main  route  have  carried  strong  S.W.  and 
southerly  winds,  when  others  taking  the  inner  route  have  at  the  same  time 
experienced  N.W.  and  westerly  gales  blowing  out  of  the  Gulf  of  Tong  King, 
with  dark  weather  and  rain,  and  have  been  in  danger  of  being  driven  among 
the  Paracel  Eeefs ;  the  inner  route  ought,  however,  to  be  chosen  in  the 
strength  of  the  S.W.  monsoon  if  the  vessel  is  weak  and  making  much  water, 
for  the  sea  will  be  smooth,  and  being  near  the  land  she  may  reach  an  an- 
chorage if  required.  The  gales  out  of  the  gulf  are  not  frequent,  and  the  land 
may  be  kept  in  sight  nearly  all  the  time. 

Taking  the  inner  route,  steer  from  Pulo  Aor  along  the  coast  to  the  Eedang 
Islands,  thence  across  the  Gulf  of  Siam,  and  along  the  coasts  of  Cambodia 
and  Cochin  China,  keeping  the  latter  aboard  to  Cape  Touron.  From  thence 
Bteer  for  the  S.W.  part  of  Hainan,  coasting  along  this  island,  and  passing 
between  it  and  the  Taya  Islands ;  then  cross  over  to  make  the  coast  of 
China  about  Tien-pak,  or  Hailing  Island.  The  islands  from  thence  to 
Hong  Kong  may  be  coasted  along  at  discretion,  or  shelter  may  be  found 
amongst  them  on  an  emergency.  If  this  route  is  taken  before  the  middle  of 
March  or  1st  of  April,  the  passage  will  be  tedious  unless  the  vessel  is  a 

good  sailer. 

Bound  to  Hong  Kong  in  the  strength  of  the  S.W.  monsoon,  with  the  wind 
steady  between  S.E.  and  S.W.,  endeavour  to  make  the  Great  Ladrone  Island 
bearing  about  North,  then  steer  between  it  and  the  Kypong  Islands,  and 
between  Lingting  and  the  Lema  Islands,  for  the  West  Lamma  Channel. 
After  the  middle  of  August,  when  easterly  winds  are  likely  to  prevail  seve- 
ral days  together,  as  they  are  more  or  less  at  all  seasons,  it  will  be  necessary 
to  make  the  N.E.  head  of  the  Lema  Islands,  and  proceed  in  by  the  Lema 
Channel,  towards  the  West  Lamma  Channel.  The  East  Lamma  Channel  is 
also  safe  in  both  monsoons,  for  although  the  water  is  deep,  if  the  wind  falls 
light  it  is  safe  to  anchor  in,  and  there  is  little  or  no  tide. 

In  North-east  Monsoon.  — Sailing  vessels  leaving  Singapore  for  China  in 
February,  March,  and  part  of  April,  may  expect  a  tedious  beating  passage, 
if  they  adopt  the  main  route.  In  March,  April,  or  May,  they  can  proceed 
by  the  inner  route  along  the  Coast  of  Cochin  China,  which  is  generally  the 
most  expeditious  route  in  these  months. 

The  passage  to  China  by  the  coasts  of  Palawan  and  Luzon  may  be  fol- 
lowed late  in  the  S.W.  monsoon ;  without  much  difElculty  in  October  and 


SINGAPOEE  TO  HONQ  KONG.  57 

November ;  and  it  is  now  often  made  in  December,  January,  and  at  every 
period  of  the  N.E.  mcnsoou.* 

In  December,  January,  and  February,!  sailing  vessels  should  not  leave 
the  entrance  of  Singapore  Strait,  in  strong  N.E.  winds,  but  anchor  on  the 
northern  shore,  under  the  Water  Islands,  in  9  or  10  fathoms.  In  those 
months  gales  often  occur  at  new  and  full  moon  ;  the  weather  is  then  thick, 
the  rain  lasting  two  or  three  days,  and  the  current  outside  accelerates  to  the 
S.S.E.  ^  E.  from  2^  to  3  knots  an  hour.  A  vessel  leaving  the  strait  then, 
instead  of  fetching  St.  Barbe  Island,  would  fall  bodily  to  leeward,  and  have 
to  work  up  the  West  coast  of  Borneo.  Fine  weather  follows,  the  wind 
backing  round  to  North  and  N.  W.  ;  the  current  in  the  offing  decreasing  in 
strength  to  about  1  i  knot. 

Leave  the  Water  Islands  with  the  first  of  the  ebb,  and  keep  clean  full. 
Stand  to  the  north-eastward  to  go  through  the  channel  between  Subi  Island 
and  the  Great  Natuna ;  a  passage  that  may  without  much  difficulty  be 
made,  in  these  months  especially,  at  full  and  change,  when  the  wind,  after 


•  It  was  formerly  the  general  custom  for  the  clipper  vessels  employed  in  the  opiuni 
trade  hetween  India  and  China  to  beat  up  the  middle  of  the  China  Sea  in  the  strength  of 
the  N.E.  monsoon,  keeping  as  close  to  the  western  edges  of  the  reefs  as  possible,  where 
the  current  was  found  to  be  generally  in  their  favour.  Many  commanders  who  have  been 
accustomed  to  make  their  passages  in  that  way  are  strongly  of  opinion  that  it  is  the  best 
route  for  vessels  later  in  the  season  than  the  month  of  November,  whilst  others  who  have 
been  accustomed  to  proceed  by  the  Palawan  have  just  as  strong  opinions  in  favour  of  that 
route.  The  following  remarks  of  Mr.  T.  B.  White,  who  was  for  many  years  in  command 
of  clipper  vessels  engaged  in  the  opium  trade,  appear  to  be  exceedingly  valuable,  inasmuch 
as  thej'  furnish  a  balanced  opinion  on  the  respective  advantages  of  these  routes.  He  says : 
"  I  am  sorry  I  cannot  say  much  from  experience  in  oeating  up  the  Palawan  in  a  sailing 
vessel,  for  during  the  entire  period  of  my  command  of  the  Lanrick  I  never  once  went  that 
way,  but  always  along  the  western  edges  of  the  shoals.  I  am,  however,  now  quite  certain 
that  I  should  have  often  made  much  quicker  passages,  and  saved  much  wear  and  tear,  by 
going  up  the  Palawan.  In  the  Fiery  Cross,  although  a  powerful  steamer,  I  found  it  pre- 
ferable to  take  the  Palawan,  and  always  did  so  during  the  strength  of  the  N.E.  monsoon 
(November  to  February),  saving  fuel  and  wear  and  tear  ;  and,  though  a  longer  route,  mads 
better  passages  by  getting  smooth  water  and  often  favourable  currents.  I  believe  nearly 
all  heavily  laden  ships  now  take  the  Palawan  from  October  until  the  end  of  February  in 
preference  to  the  outer  passage,  and  a  current  to  the  north-eastward  is  generally  felt  the 
nearer  the  Borneo  coast  is  kept  aboard,  and  usually  the  weather  is  moderate,  with  a  rolling 
beam  swell  on  ;  at  l^ast  that  has  been  m.y  experience  when  going  up  in  the  steamer,  Mr. 
Eeynell,  in  the  clipper  Waterwitch,  usually  took  the  Palawan  in  the  N.E.  monsoon,  and 
made  some  very  good  passages.  Now  that  it  is  so  thoroughly  well  surveyed,  I  consider  it 
quite  as  safe  as  the  outer  passage." 

t  These  directions  (as  far  eastward  as  the  Natuna  Islands)  apply  with  equal  force  to 
vessels  bound  either  to  the  Gulf  of  Siam  or  the  River  Saigon.  They  have  been  compiled 
chiefly  from  "  Sailing  Directions  between  Singapore  and  the  River  Saigon,  by  Mr.  A.  J. 
LoituR,  commanding  the  ship  Kensington,"  by  Commander  J.  W.  King,  E.N. 

I.   A.  t 


58  PASSAGES. 

a  few  hours'  calm,  frequently  hauls  to  the  westward  with  squalls  and  rain, 
and  then  veers  round  to  S.W.  and  South,  blowing  moderately  for  2^  hours. 

By  taking  avantage  of  these  slants,  Subi  may  be  easily  weatliered,  and 
the  intricate  channels  between  it  and  the  N.W.  coast  of  Borneo  avoided. 
After  fetching  Low  Island,  in  long.  107°  48'  E.,  if  the  wind  continues 
easterly,  take  the  starboard  tack  to  the  northward,  passing  westward  of 
Low  Island,  keeping  not  less  than  3  miles  from  the  south-western  side,  to 
avoid  the  shoal  water  as  far  as  2  miles  from  its  shore.  Q-ive  Haycock  a 
berth  of  3  or  4  miles  in  passing,  as  the  coral  shoal  about  that  island  extends 
fully  3  miles  from  its  S.W.  side.  Large  ships  should  not  pass  eastward  of 
Haycock  at  night,  as  this  locality  is  said  to  have  hidden  danger. 

Alter  passing  Haycock  there  will  be  no  difficulty  in  working  up  to  the 
S.E.  point  of  the  Great  Natuna,  as  that  island,  when  approaching  it  from  the 
S.W.,  shelters  against  the  strong  N.E.  current  of  the  monsoon.  Off  its 
southern  shore  at  night,  in  fine  weather,  the  wind  is  ofi"  the  land,  which 
should  not  be  appi'oached  nearer  than  2  or  3  miles  without  a  good  breeze,  as 
the  water  is  deep  close  in-shore,  and  no  good  anchorage. 

Vessels  fetching  to  leeward  of  Subi  with  a  northerly  wind  should  take  the 
Koti  Passa'2;e,  between  Pulo  Panjung  and  Sirhassen  Island.  The  Sirhassen 
Passage  is  also  a  good  channel,  and  quite  safe  when  the  South  side  of 
Sirhassen  Island  is  kept  aboard.  The  currents  among  these  islands  are 
more  regular ;  but  not  so  in  the  Api  Passage,  where  they  set  in  various 
directions,  and  with  great  velocity  to  the  S.W.  from  16  to  19  hours  at  a  time  ; 
for  large  ships  any  of  the  other  passages  are  preferable  to  this,  for  great 
caution  and  perseverance  are  requisite  in  working  through,  as  the  Borneo 
coast  in  from  10  to  11  fathoms  water  must  be  kept  aboard  to  avoid  the  cur- 
rent and  profit  by  the  land  winds.* 

In  taking  the  Koti  Passage,  give  Pulo  Panjung  a  good  berth  to  avoid  the 

*  For  steam  vessels  (especially  those  of  small  power)  proceeding;  to  China  by  the  Palawan 
passage  against  the  N.E.  monsoon,  the  route  by  the  Api  Passage  and  the  coast  of  Borneo 
presents  the  following  advantages  :  hrst,  light,  variable  winds  and  smooth  water  will  often 
be  found  close  to  the  Borneo  coast,  when  a  strong  monsoon  is  blowing  a  hundred  miles  off 
it ;  and  next  the  Api  passage  route  affords  convenient  landmarks  to  lead  a  vessel  safely  and 
expeditiously  to  the  entrance  of  the  Palawan ;  whereas  by  the  ordinary  route  much  diffi- 
culty and  delay  frequently  occurs  in  making  Low  Island,  and  in  passing  between  the  Royal 
Charlotte  and  Louisa  iShoals. 

Steamers  leaving  Singapore  should  pass  southward  of  Victory  Island,  then  steer  to  sight 
the  small  island  of  St.  Pierre  (carefully  observing  and  allowing  lor  the  set  of  the  current), 
and  afterwards  for  the  Api  Passage,  keeping  over  towards  Marundiim  Island  rather  than 
Api  Point.  Ha\'ing  passed  Marundum  and  Data  Point,  the  course  is  cl^ar  up  to  the  en- 
trance of  the  Palawan,  passing  between  the  South  Luconia  shoals  and  Barram  Point,  and 
keeping  as  close  to  the  Borneo  coast  until  abreast  of  that  point  as  circumstances  may  make 
convenient.— Navigating-Lieutenant  J.  W.  Reed,  commanding  Her  Majesty's  surveying 
vessel  Itifleman,  1866. 


SINGAPOEE  TO  HOXG  KONG.  59 

dangerous  reef  wliich  suirouudB  it.  The  winds  amongsst  these  islands,  aud 
as  far  eastward  as  the  meiidian  of  Cape  iSirik,  are  generally  from  Nurth  to 
N.N.W.  The  passage  cleared,  proceed  to  the  north-eastward;  endeavour- 
ing, if  not  ct-rtaiu  oi  the  longitude,  to  make  the  Royal  Charlotte  or  Louisa 
IStioal,  whichever  is  the  weathermost,  by  running  on  its  parallel  of  latitude ; 
and  as  the  currents  appear  to  be  influenced  by  the  prevailing  winds,  vessels 
sduuld  bt;  prepared  to  anticipate  a  set  in  the  direction  in  which  it  is  blowing, 
tiie  velocity  of  the  current  being  proportionate  to  the  force  of  the  wind. 

Having  made  either  the  Royal  Churlotte  or  Lcjuisa  Shoals,  on  passing 
mid-channel  between  them,  steer  E.  by  N.  100  miles,  aud  then  about  N.E. 
for  lat.  8°  N.,  long.  116°  15'  E.,  when  Balabac  Peak  will  probably  be  seen 
bearing  about  east-southerly,  and  making  like  a  r.ither  flat-topped  island, 
with  a  small  peak  rising  in  the  centre ;  when  about  40  miles  distant  from  the 
island,  the  low  hills  may  be  seen  on  either  side  of  the  peak,  having  at  first 
the  appearance  of  detached  islands. 

Having  brought  Balabac  Peak  to  bear  about  E.S.E.  at  the  above  distance, 
a  N.N.E.  f  E.  course  should  be  steered,  when  the  high  land  of  Bulanhow 
will  soon  be  discernible,  bearing  about  N.E.  by  E.  f  E.  This  course  should 
lead  about  6  miles  eastward  of  the  reported  Roger  Breakers,  10  miles  west- 
ward of  the  elbow  of  the  bank  of  soundings  fronting  Palawan  Island,  and 
midway  between  the  Ro_)al  CapiHUi  Shoal  and  the  edge  of  the  bank  (the 
most  dangerous  part  of  the  channel).  When  Bulanhow  Mountain  bears  fcj.E. 
by  E.  I  E.  the  vessel  will  be  in  line  with  it  and  the  Royal  Oiptain  Shoal,  and 
in  the  narrowest  part  of  the  channel,  which  is  27f  miles  wide,  and  the  high 
land  of  Alantaleengaliau  will  then  bear  E.  i  S. 

If  the  wind  be  well  to  the  southward,  and  the  weather  thick,  Balabac 
Island  may  be  approached  nearer,  in  order  to  get  well  hold  of  the  land,  but 
extreme  caution  sliould  be  taken  not  to  go  within  12  miles  of  it,  as  sound- 
ings of  26  and  20  fathoms  extend  that  distance  off,  in  a  westerly  direction 
from  the  peak,  having  shoal  patches  immediately  inside  them. 

If  the  wind  be  to  the  westward,  with  thick  cloudy  weather,  Balabac 
Island  should  nut  be  approached  nearer  than  36  miles,  for  these  winds 
usually  force  a  strong  current  tiirough  the  straits  to  the  eastward,  and  when 
off  the  S.W.  end  of  PaLiwau,  it  is  not  unusual  for  them,  particularly  in 
squalls,  to  veer  to  W.N.W.,  and  sometimes  N.W.,  blowing  with  great 
violence,  aud  placing  the  vessel  on  a  lee  shore  with  respect  to  the  shoals 
inside  the  ed^e  of  the  bank.  It  generally  so  happens,  that  about  the  time, 
September  and  October,  when  vessels  adopt  the  i'alawan  route,  this  weather 
prevails  off  the  S.W.  end  of  Palawan,  rendering  it  uncertain  and  uiffivuit 
to  hit  the  narrowest  part  \>f  the  channel,  owing  to  the  laud  being  ob- 
scured, especially  if  neither  the  Royal  Charlotte  nor  the  Louisa  Shoal  has 
been  made,  aud  the  longitude  corrected. 

Uuder  these  circumstances,  it  is  advisable  to  advance  with  caution,  regu- 


60  PASSAGES. 

lating  the  speed  of  the  vessel  so  as  to  be  in  the  fairway,  viz.,  lat.  8°  N.,  long. 
116°  15' E.,  for  making  the  channel  at  daylight.  Horsburgh  recommends 
lat.  8°  30'  N.,  and  long.  116°  30'  E.,  but  this  may  be  running  too  close  at 
night,  unless  confident  of  the  accuracy  of  the  reckoning. 

If  not  certain  of  the  vessel's  position,  endeavour  to  get  soundings  on  the 
edge  of  the  bank  to  the  north-westward  of  Balabac  Island,  and  the  safest 
part  to  approach  for  this  purpose  is  that  about  the  elbow,  on  the  parallel  of 
8°  30°  N.,  or  immediately  to  the  southward  of  it,  for  it  is  believed  the  portion 
of  the  bank  whicli  is  embraced  by  the  bearings  of  Balabac  Peak,  S.E.  by 
E.  ^  E.  and  S.S.E.,  comprising  a  distance  of  25  miles,  is  free  from  danger. 
If  the  peak  be  obscured,  the  same  bearings  of  the  body  of  the  island  will, 
if  taken  with  care,  answer.  Or  should  the  North  extreme  of  the  island  be 
discernible  (showing  like  a  hillock,  with  a  low  double  hill  to  the  southward), 
the  part  of  no  danger  will  be  included  within  the  lines  of  bearing  of  it,  East 
and  S.S.E.  |  E. 

During  the  period  in  which  the  Eoyalist  was  engaged  upon  this  survey, 
experience  led  to  the  belief  that  in  the  thickest  weather  the  land  is  seldom 
totally  obscured  for  any  length  of  time. 

Having  obtained  soundings,  which  will  be  about  90  fathoms,  if  close  to 
the  edge  of  the  bank,  and  from  45  to  55  fathoms,  sand,  if  inside,  haul  off  to 
the  north-westward,  to  give  the  edge  a  berth  of  about  10  miles,  then  steer 
the  channel  course  N.N.E.  f  E.  When  Bulanhow  Mountain  bears  eastward 
of  E.  by  N.  ^  N.,  the  elbow  has  been  passed,  and  the  bank  then  trends 
N.E.  by  N.  It  is  between  the  elbow  and  the  parallel  of  9°  15'  N.  (a  distance 
of  60  miles)  on  the  East,  and  the  Half  Moon,  Eoyal  Captain,  and  Bombay 
Shoals  on  the  West,  that  the  most  dangerous  part  of  the  Passage  lies. 

When  Montaleengahan  Mountain  bears  S.E.  ^  E.,  or  the  Pagoda  Cliff, 
(generally  seen  when  the  more  elevated  land  is  obscured),  S.E.  ^  S.,  the  vessel 
will  be  on  the  line  of  the  Bombay  Shoal,  where  the  channel  is  28  miles  broad. 

Having  passed  the  Bombay  Shoal,  abreast  of  which  the  bank  trends  N.E. 
^  N.,  steer  a  course  parallel  with  its  edge,  preserving  a  distance  of  8  or  12 
miles  from  it,  and  27  or  30  miles  from  the  land,  or  nearer,  if  convenient,  and 
the  peaks  on  Palawan  are  sufficiently  distinct  to  get  good  cross  bearings. 
It  is,  however,  not  desirable  to  get  too  close,  as  the  edge  of  the  bank  in 
about  the  parallels  of  9°  30'  and  10°  N.,  is  not  uniform  in  its  outline,  and 
several  rocky  patches  lie  within  a  mile,  and  in  some  places  only  3  cables* 
lengths  from  the  100  fathoms  line. 

This  N.E.  A  N.  course,  edging  a  little  more  to  the  northward  when  abreast 
of  Ulugan  Bay,  where  the  bank  extends  28  miles  from  the  shore,  will  take 
a  vessel  through  the  passage  clear  of  every  known  danger. 

Vessels  working  through  the  Palawan  Passage,  having  conformed  to  the 
directions  given  for  making  the  S.W.  end  of  Palawan,  should,  in  fine 
weather,  endeavour  to  make  their  inshore  boards  in  the  afternoon,  for  the 


SINGAPORE  TO  HONG  KONG.  61 

8un  then  being  astern  of  the  vessel,  the  patches  lying  near  the  edge  of  the 
bank  will  generally  be  distinguished  from  the  mast-head  in  ample  time  to 
tack  off.  In  squally  weather,  also,  during  heavy  rains,  these  patches  have 
been  observed  imparting  a  yellowish  hue  to  the  surface  of  the  water. 

It  is  almost  needless  to  remind  the  seaman  (when  the  land  is  obscured) 
of  the  desirableness  of  getting  hold  of  the  edge  of  the  bank  before  dark,  in 
order  that  he  may  have  a  good  departure  for  the  night ;  and  on  making 
his  inshore  board,  it  must  also  be  borne  in  mind,  that  the  probability  of 
coming  suddenly  into  soundings  is  great,  as  the  approach  on  this  tack  will 
generally  be  at  right  angles  to  the  edge  of  the  bank.  He  should  therefore 
be  prepared  to  go  round  immediately  on  getting  indication  of  soundings. 

Proceeding  northerly  from  the  Palawan  Passage,  it  is  customary  to  beat 
up  the  West  coast  of  Luzon  to  Piedra  Point,  and  thence  direct  for  Macao  or 
Hong  Kong,  passing  leeward  of  the  Pratas.  But  if  bound  to  any  of  the 
ports  northward,  much  time  might  be  saved  by  passing  along  the  eastern 
coast  of  Formosa,  thereby  avoiding  the  heavy  labour,  wear,  and  loss  of  time, 
by  the  attempt  to  work  against  the  monsoon  along  the  coast  of  China,  which 
even  a  clipper  sometimes  fails  in  effecting. 

In  working  along  the  Luzon  coast,  particularly  about  dawn  or  sunset, 
less  sea,  and  much  lighter  winds,  and  at  times  even  land  breezes  will  be  ex- 
perienced by  hugging  the  coast  by  short  boards ;  but  great  caution  should 
be  observed,  particularly  between  Piedra  Point  and  Cape  Bojeador,  as 
several  coastline  dangers  do  not  find  a  place  in  the  charts. 

The  first  strong  gust  of  the  monsoon  will  be  experienced  on  clearing 
Cape  Bojeador,  but  this  should  not  induce  the  navigator  to  stand  further 
westward  than  will  enable  him  to  make  his  eastern  stretch  to  weather  it, 
when  he  will  at  once  experience  less  wind.  This  generally  is  the  case  on  all 
lee  shores  backed  by  mountains,  either  resulting  from  obstruction,  reaction, 
or  the  effect  probably,  after  sunset,  of  counteracting  land  winds.  Among 
the  groups  northward  of  Luzon  there  are  no  dangers  which  are  not  easily 
avoided,  and  no  continuous  strong  breezes  will  be  experienced,  at  all  com- 
parable in  force,  or  attended  by  high  sea,  similar  to  those  which  prevail 
between  Piedra  Point  and  Hong  Kong.  On  the  contrary,  good  working 
breezes,  and  at  times  light  winds  prevail,  enabling  a  sailing  vessel  of  mode- 
rate speed  to  make  the  range  of  6  degrees  northing  in  8  days.  Typhoons 
are  likely  to  happen  in  both  monsoons  between  the  North  coast  of  Luzon 
and  Formosa. 


8.— HONG  KONG  TO  SINGAPORE,  ETC. 

In  North-east  Monsoon. — Ships  bound  from  China  to  Singapore,  or  to 
the  Straits  of  Gaspar  and  Banka,  should  in  March  and  April  adopt  the  main 
route  by  the  Macclesfield  Bank,  which  is  the  most    expeditious  in  thesa 


62  PASSAGES. 

months,  keeping  to  the  eastward  on  leaving  the  China  Coast ;  and  also  in 
passing  Pulo  Sapatu  they  ought  to  borrow  to  the  eastward  towards  the 
fihoals,  where  the  winds  are  more  favourable  in  these  months  than  farther 
to  the  westward.  In  April,  the  Vansittart,  by  keeping  about  3  degrees  more 
to  the  eastward  than  the  Herefordshire,  made  as  much  progress  in  one  day  as 
the  latter  did  in  ten.*  At  all  other  times,  the  inner  route  by  the  coast  of 
Cochin  China  seems  preferable ;  for  it  is  the  shorter,  and  the  ease  afforded 
to  ships  by  steering  from  the  Grand  Ladrone  immediately  before  the  wind, 
when  blowing  strong  at  N.E.,  is  a  great  advantage  ;  whereas,  by  the  main 
route,  a  S.S.E.  course  is  shaped  for  the  Macclesfield  Bank,  often  bringing 
the  wind  and  sea  before  the  beam,  which  strains  a  deeply-laden  ship.  Many 
have  strained  so  much,  that,  in  order  to  gain  upon  the  pumps,  they  were 
forced  to  bear  away  for  the  inner  ro)ite  ;  others,  by  persevering  in  the  main 
route,  have  laboured  excessively,  and  some  of  them  at  last  foundered  with 
their  crews.  Some  of  the  ships  which,  after  leaving  China,  have  been 
missing,  have  probably  suffered  from  the  same  cause.  Had  those  ships,  on 
leaving  Canton  River,  steered  S.S.W.  h  W.  or  S.S.W.  I  W.,  the  direct 
course  for  the  inner  route,  they  probably  would  not  have  strained  in  the 
least,  but  have  reached  their  ports  of  destination  in  safety. 

Vessels  may,  according  to  circumstances,  pass  either  to  the  eastward  or 
westward  of  the  Catwick  Islands  and  Pulo  Ceicer  de  Mer,  or  thin^ugh  any 
of  the  channels  between  them ;  but  since  the  Rawson  Shoal  is  known  to 
have  no  existence,  it  would  seem  advisable,  in  thick  weather,  to  pass  20  or 
30  miles  eastward  of  Pulo  Sapatu,  especially  at  night :  from  thence,  passing 
westward  of  the  Charlotte  Bank  and  the  Anamba  Islands,  steer  to  make 
Pulo  Aor. 

Should  the  weather  be  thick,  and  a  fresh  breeze  blowing,  when  near  Pulo 
Aor,  round  to  under  its  lee,  and  wait  a  convenient  time  to  bear  up  for  the 


*  Captain  Stephens  says : — "  Vessels  leaving  the  coast  of  China  or  Manilla,  and  bound 
towards  Sunda  Strait,  in  March,  April,  or  in  the  early  part  of  May,  may  expect  a  tedious 
passage  down  the  China  Sea  if  proceeding  by  the  old  route  which  passes  Pulo  Sapatu,  par- 
ticularly if  they  do  not  sail  before  the  5th  or  10th  of  April.  Whereas,  if  the  track  be  taken 
alono-  the  coast  of  Luzon,  down  the  Palawan  Passage,  along  the  coast  of  Borneo,  past 
Direction  Island,  round  Soruetou,  and  through  the  Carimata  Strait,  passing  close  round  the 
North  Watcher,  and  on  for  St.  Nicholas  Point  on  Java,  they  are  likely  to  carry  easterly 
winds,  with  fine  weather  and  a  smooth  sea,  the  whole  distance,  thus  making  a  direct  course, 
and  will  avoid  calms.  The  current  will  also  be  more  favourable  than  otherwise  until  May 
is  well  advanced.  To  prove  the  advantages  of  the  eastern  route,  it  may  be  stated,  that  in 
April,  1861,  two  American  ships  sailed  fram  Fu-chau-fu;  one  proceeded  by  Pulo  Sapatu  on 
the  West  side  of  the  China  Sea,  the  other  by  the  Palawan  Passage  and  Carimata  Strait ;  the 
letter  ship  passed  Anjer  twenty  days  before  the  other.  The  Harkaway,  on  her  passage  in 
Aonl  and  May,  1862,  carried  an  easterly  wind  the  whole  way  down,  and  had  no  occasion  to 
anchor." 


SINGAPOEE  TO  GULF  OF  SIAM  AND  TO  SAIGON.  63 

strait.*  The  current  between  tliis  island  and  the  East  point  of  Bintang  sets 
about  S.S.E.,  by  which  it  often  happens  that  vessels  leaving  Pulo  Aor  steer 
too  much  southerly,  and  are  swept  with  the  current  and  the  ebb  tide  coming 
out  of  the  strait,  so  far  to  leeward  of  Bintang,  that  they  have  been  obliged 
to  proceed  round  it,  and  come  up  through  Rliio  Strait, 

In  March,  during  the  latter  part  of  this  munsoon,  the  winds  are  steady 
from  the  eastward,  the  weather  settled,  and  the  current  weak.  In  April  the 
prevailing  winds  are  also  from  the  eastward,  and  are  much  lighter  and  ac- 
companied with  calms  and  squally  weather  ;  from  the  latter  end  of  this  mouth 
to  about  the  middle  of  May  the  monsoon  gradually  breaks  up. 
In  South- West  Moxsoox.— Captain  Blake,  of  H.M.S.  Lame,  remarks: — 
Although  formerly  considered  impracticable,  it  is  now  a  common  practice 
for  ships  to  work  down  the  China  Sea  at  all  periods  of  the  S.  W.  monsoon. 
After  leaving  Hong  Kong,  the  usual  course  is  to  stand  towards  Hainan, 
which  will  be  often  fetched  without  tacking,  as  the  wind  frec^uently  blows 
for  days  together  from  the  S.E.  or  eastward  in  that  part  of  the  China  Sea ; 
from  thence  across  the  Gulf  of  Tong  King  to  the  Cochin  China  coast. 
Land  and  sea  breezes  and  smooth  water  generally  prevail  close  to  that  coast, 
for  which  reason  it  is  usual  to  work  down  as  close  to  the  shore  as  possible, 
taking  advantage  of  every  slant  of  wind,  but  being  careful  not  to  get  too  far 
off  the  land.  It  is  sometimes  possible  to  get  as  far  to  the  southward  as  Cape 
Padaran  in  this  way,  but  generally  after  passing  Cape  Yarela  the  monsoon 
is  found  blowing  very  fresh,  with  frequent  hard  squalls  out  of  the  Gulf  of 
Siam,  rendering  it  impassible  for  a  ship  to  do  much  to  windward.  From 
Cape  Varela,  or  from  Cape  Padaran,  if  a  vessel  has  been  able  to  fetch  it, 
stretch  away  to  the  southward — making  a  tack,  if  necessary,  to  weather  the 
Arest  London  or  other  shoals — till  the  coast  of  Borneo  is  reached,  along 
which  work,  and  pass  out  through  any  of  the  South  Natuna  channels.  Stand 
across  to  Singapore,  keeping  well  to  the  southward  before  closing  Bintang, 
to  be  sure  of  your  landfall,  as  the  currents  run  very  strong,  sometimes  2 
miles  an  hour  to  the  northward. 

9.-SINGAP0RE  TO  GULF  OF  SIAM  AND  TO  SAIGON. 
In  Noeth-East  Monsoon. — Sailing  vessels  bound  from  Singapore  to  the 
Gulf  of  Siam  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  generally  pass  eastward  of  the  Natuna 
Islands.  Smart  sailing  vessels  proceed  between  the  Anamba  and  Natuna 
Islands,  and  endeavour  to  make  Pulo  Obi  ;  they  then  steer  for  Pulo  Dama, 
if  bound  to  Kamput,  in  the  Gulf  of  Siam  ;  or  outside  Pulo  Panjang  and  Pulo 
Way,  direct  for  Cape  Liant,  if  bound  to  Bangkok.  In  February  and  March 
it  frequently  happens  that  vessels  fall  in  with  an  easterly  wind  off  Pulo  Aor 
that  takes  them  right  up  to  Pulo  Obi. —  Captain  Loftus. 


*  Since  the  edtablishment  of  the  Horsburg  light  on  Pedra  Branca,  there  is  really  now 
no  difiBculty  in  making  Singapore  Strait  at  any  time,  with  proper  attention. 


64  PASSAGES. 

The  directions  given  on  page  55  for  proceeding  from  Singapore  to  Hong 
Kong  apply  also  to  vessels  bound  to  the  Gulf  of  Siam  or  to  Saigon,  until 
they  have  arrived  to  the  eastward  of  the  Natuna  Islands,  either  by  passing 
between  the  Great  and  South  Natuna,  or  by  the  Koti  Passage,  when— 

Jf  hound  to  the  Gulf  of  Siam,  proceed  to  the  north-eastward  to  about  long. 
11  Tor  112°  E.,  which  can  easily  be  done,  as  the  wind  here  is  invariably 
from  North  to  N.N.W.  as  far  as  the  meridian  of  Cape  Sirik,  when  it  gene- 
rally hauls  to  the  north-eastward  ;  then  with  a  full  sail  stand  on  the  star- 
board tack  towards  Pulo  Obi.  Little  or  no  current  will  be  experienced  until 
lat.  6°  or  7°  N.  is  gained  ;  when  it  will  be  found  setting  strong  to  the  S.W., 
governed  considerably  by  the  prevailing  winds. 

In  April  and  May  the  best  passages  to  the  gulf  are  made  by  keeping  the 
Malay  coast  aboard  ;  but  expect  squalls,  calms,  and  rain.  The  current  will 
also  begin  to  set  weakly  to  the  N.E. — Lieut.  J.  Richards,  R.N. 

If  bound  to  Saigon,  proceed  to  the  north-eastward  to  about  112°  E.,  when 
stand  over  with  a  full  sail  on  the  starboard  tack,  to  make  Cape  Tiwane. 
From  lat.  7°  N.  until  the  mouths  of  the  Cambodia  Rivers  bear  West,  distant 
about  70  miles,  strong  currents  will  be  found  setting  to  the  S.W.,  governed 
considerably  by  the  prevailing  winds,  for  when  strong  gales  blow  in  the 
early  part  of  this  monsoon,  the  south-westerly  current  is  stronger,  and  often 
runs  3  knots  an  hour.  The  tides  are  regular,  and  set  pretty  strong  in-shore 
on  the  Cochin  China  coast  during  both  monsoons. 

In  the  latter  part  of  March  and  April  an  easterly  wind  is  often  found  to 
the  eastward  of  the  Anamba  Islands,  that  will  take  a  ship  to  the  Brothers, 
W.  by  S.,  about  24  miles  from  Pulo  Condore ;  and  afterwards  she  may  work 
up  to  Cape  St.  James  inside  that  island,  keeping  close  to  the  Cambodia  coast, 
which  is  very  low,  and  can  seldom  be  seen  at  night. 

After  opening  out  the  mouths  of  the  Cambodia  Eivers,  strong  ebbs  will  be 
found  setting  to  windward,  greatly  assisting  ships  on  tlie  in-shore  tack ;  but 
they  should  not  stand  near  these  mouths  during  the  flood  tide,  and  on  no 
account  shoal  the  water  to  less  than  12  fathoms  in  the  night.  The  lead 
should  never  be  neglected  when  standing  towards  this  low  land,  which  may 
be  seen  about  10  miles  oflP  on  a  fine  clear  day. 

N.E.  and  N.N.E.  gales  often  blow  in  the  latitude  of  Pulo  Sapatu,  and 
between  it  and  the  Cochin  China  coast,  in  December,  January,  February, 
and  sometimes  March.  They  continue  for  two  or  three  days  with  a  heavy 
sea  and  strong  current.  A  gradual  rise  in  the  barometer  is  a  sure  indication 
of  one  of  these  gales  ;  while  at  their  height  the  mercury  fluctuates  about  ,'o*o  of 
an  inch  during  the  twenty-four  hours,  and  commences  falling  before  the  gale 
is  over,  the  sky  being  generally  thick  and  hazy  throughout. 

After  sighting  the  land,  the  vessel  should  gain  the  meridian  of  Cape  St. 
James  in  one  of  these  gales,  bear  up  for  Pulo  Condore,  and  anchor  either  iu 


GULF  OF  SIAM  TO  SINGAPOEE.  65 

the  Great  Bay,  or  in  Pulo  Condore  Harbour,  where  good  shelter  will  be 
found  ;  otherwise  the  vessel  will  be  drifted  to  leeward  of  that  island,  and 
require  several  days  to  beat  back  to  regain  her  former  position. 

In  Sotjth-west  Monsoon. — In  this  monsoon  the  winds  prevail  between 
S.E.  and  "West  in  Singapore  Strait,  and  vessels  will  have  no  difficulty  in 
sailing  through  to  the  eastward. 

If  bound  to  the  Gulf  of  Siam,  having  cleared  Singapore  Strait,  shape  a 
course  to  make  the  Redang  Islands ;  and  from  thence  keep  the  western  shore 
of  the  gulf  aboard,  passing  inside  Puly  Lozin  and  Koh  Krah. 

If  bound  to  Saigon,  steer  to  pass  to  the  westward  of  Pulo  Condore,  mak- 
ing allowance  for  a  current  setting  out  of  the  Gulf  of  Siam,  whilst  crossing 
the  entrance  of  that  gulf.  When  the  body  of  Pulo  Condore  bears  about 
South,  steer  North,  or  N.  ^  W.,  if  an  easterly  current  prevail ;  which  will 
soon  bring  the  vessel  on  the  edge  of  the  bank  that  fronts  the  mouths  of  the 
Cambodia  Rivers,  and  extends  to  the  entrance  of  Saigon  Eiver,  Steer  then 
northward  along  the  edge  of  the  bank,  keeping  in  8  to  12  fathoms  ;  if  the 
water  shoalens  under  7  or  8  fathoms,  haul  to  the  eastward,  and  it  will  imme- 
diately deepen,  the  soundings  being  regular  on  the  edge  of  the  bank. 

Directions  for  making  the  land  about  Cape  St.  James,  and  for  proceeding 
up  the  Donnai  Eiver  to  Saigon,  are  given  hereafter. 

10.— GULF  OF  SIAM  TO  SINGAPOEE. 

In  North-east  Monsoon. — From  Bangkok  the  passage  down  the  gulf  will 
frequently  be  shortened  in  the  N.E.  monsoon,  by  sighting  the  Kusrovie 
Eock,  and  passing  between  the  Tanqualah  group  and  Koh  Tron.  Keep 
well  to  the  westward  of  Pulo  Panjang,  and  if  bound  to  Singapore,  the 
passage  will  be  made  quicker  by  hauling  well  out  into  the  China  Sea ; 
passing  about  20  miles  outside  Pulo  Brala,  outside  Pulo  Aor,  and  then 
steering  for  Barbukit  Hill,  so  as  to  allow  for  the  southerly  current  setting 
across  the  strait. 

Approaching  Pulo  Timoan  at  night  or  in  thick  weather,  a  good  lookout 
should  be  kept,  and  allowance  made  for  the  current  setting  to  the  south- 
westward,  as  vessels  have  several  times  found  themselves  close  to  the  North 
end  of  that  island  when  their  reckoning  has  placed  them  well  to  the  east- 
ward of  it. 

In  South-west  Monsoon. — From  Bangkok  to  Singapore  keep  the  western 
shore  of  the  gulf  aboard,  passing  inside  the  Eedang  Islands,  Pulo  Kapas, 
and  Pulo  Brala.  Below  Pulo  Kapas,  everything  depends  on  keeping  in 
shore  out  of  the  current,  and  taking  advantage  of  the  land  and  sea  breezes. 
{Lieut.  J.  Richards,  E.N.,  1858.) 

I.    A.  K 


66  PASSAGES. 


11.— SAIGON  TO  SINGAPORE. 

In  N0ETH-EA.8T  Monsoon. — From  Cape  St.  James  shape  a  course  to  pass 
to  the  eastward  of  Pulo  Condore,  and  from  thence  direct  to  make  Pulo  Aor. 
From  Pulo  Aor  to  Singapore  proceed  according  to  directions  previously 
given. 

In  South-west  Monsoon. — Many  good  passages  have  been  made  by 
keeping  the  Cambodia  coast  aboard  as  far  as  the  Brothers  or  Pulo  Obi,  and 
then  crossing  the  Gulf  of  Siam  with  a  strong  north-westerly  wind  until  the 
Malay  coast  is  reached,  and  afterwards  working  with  the  tides,  keeping 
close  inshore,  by  passing  inside  of  Timoan  group,  Siribuat,  and  Pulo  Sibu,* 
and  thence  to  the  Strait  of  Singapore,  taking  advantage  of  the  regular  tides 
and  the  land  and  sea  breezes  which  prevail  during  settled  weather  in  this 
monsoon. 

This  route  is  generally  adopted  by  ships  from  Siam,  and  sometimes  from 
Saigon  ;  but  the  passage  to  the  eastward  of  the  Great  Natuna  is  considered 
the  best,  particularly  for  large  vessels. 

Vessels  leaving  Cape  St.  James  should  take  every  advantage  of  the  North 
and  N.E.  winds,  which  frequently  blow  at  night,  and  in  some  parts  of  the 
day,  within  a  short  distance  of  the  coast,  by  running  to  the  south-westward, 
until  the  regular  monsoon  breaks  them  ofiP  to  the  S.E.  These-  local  winds 
often  carry  ships  40  or  50  miles  to  the  south-westward  of  Pulo  Condore 
without  any  interruption. 

While  standing  over  to  the  S.E.  the  full  strength  of  the  north-easterly 
current  will  be  met  with  about  the  Charlotte  Bank  ;  it  gradually  decreases 
and  becomes  slightly  favourable  when  the  Great  Natuna  is  brought  to  bear 
S.W.  Hereabouts  S.E.  and  easterly  winds  will  generally  be  met  with,  and 
smart  sailing  ships  frequently  pass  through  the  channel  between  Subi  and 
Low  Island,  and  fetch  direct  into  Singapore  Strait. 

Strong  westerly  winds  with  rain  frequently  happen  during  the  early  part 
of  this  monsoon,  and  from  this  cause  or  by  fetching  2°  or  3°  to  the  eastward 
of  the  Great  Natuna  with  scant  southerly  winds  alter  leaving  the  Cambodia 
coast,  dull  sailing  vessels  have  often  made  the  northern  part  of  Borneo 
about  the  meridian  of  Cape  Sirik.  When  this  is  the  case,  make  for  the  Api 
passage,  keeping  the  N.W.  coast  of  Borneo  aboard  from  Tahjong  Datu 
until  the  Boerong  Islands  are  reached. f     This  will  be  accomplished  without 


*  The  inside  chanDel,  extending  from  Pulo  Sibu  to  Siribuat,  and  formed  by  a  chain  of 
islands  and  rocks  parallel  to  the  main,  is  a  good  and  safe  one,  having  but  few  hidden 
dangers,  and  good  anchorage  all  the  way  through. 

t  Many  vessels,  through  leaving  the  coast  of  Borneo  too  soon,  have  fetched  no  higher 
than  Pulo  Aor  or  Pulo  Timoan. 


EASTERN  EOUTE  TO  SINGAPORE.  67 

difficulty,  for  strong  land  and  sea  breezes  prevail,  and  the  current  is  weaker 
near  the  coast. 

The  current  in  the  offing  runs  strong  to  the  northward  and  through  the 
Api  passage.  Ships  coming  through  this  passage  should  never  shoal  their 
water  to  less  than  12  or  14  fathoms  between  Tanjong  Datu  and  Tanjong  Api, 
and  never  pass  them  nearer  than  2  or  3  miles,  but  should  be  ready  to  anchor 
in  it  off  any  other  part  of  the  coast,  as  the  tides  are  greatly  influenced  by  the 
currents,  which  often  change  without  warning. 

Leaving  the  Boerong  Islands,  pass  either  northward  or  southward  of  the 
Tambelan  group.  Should  the  wind  be  scant  from  the  S.W.  after  leaving 
these  islands,  steer  as  high  as  possible,  and  endeavour  to  make  Pulo  Pan- 
tang,  off  the  East  side  of  Bintang  Island.     ( Captain  Loftus.) 


EASTERN    PASSAGES. 


12.— EASTERN  ROUTE  TO  SINGAPORE. 

Captain  Mc  Konzie  gives  the  following  remarks  on  this  passage :— The 
passage  to  Singapore,  &c.,  through  Balli  and  Lombok,  and  the  Eastern 
Straits,  late  in  the  S.E.  monsoon  is  often  tediuus,  as  the  S.E.  currents  begin 
to  prevail  in  October,  and  light  winds,  which  frequently  haul  to  West  and 
N.W.  after  passing  Pulo  Mancap  After  leaving  the  Straits  of  Lombok  or 
Balli,  easterly  winds  will  carry  you  past  Pulo  Mancap.  The  best  track  thus 
far  will  be  between  Pondy  and  Gallon  (safe  in  the  night  time),  and  then  to 
the"southward  of  Lubeck,  going  well  to  the  westward  of  the  Mancap  Shoal, 
and  just  giving  the  Discovery  Bank,  and  other  dangers  on  the  West  side  of 
the  passage,  a  fair  berth.  Steer  for  the  Eastern  Montaran  Island,  passing 
between  it  and  the  next  westerly  one,  the  passage  is  quite  clear  ;  steer  then 
to  the  W.N.W.  along  the  coast  of  Billiton.  It  is  best  not  to  go  inside  the 
Montaran  Shoals,  as  the  wind  there  at  that  time  of  year  is  seldom  more 
westerly  than  S.  W.,  consequently  a  vessel  will  lie  up  high  enough,  from  the 
East  Montaran,  to  pass  South  of  Pulo  Dogan,  Taya,  and  Sinkep  (if  possible 
to  weather  the  last),  if  not  the  Straits  of  Dasse  are  quite  safe,  and  quickly 
passed  through  with  the  tide. 

After  passing  through  either  of  these  straits,  run  for  Singapore  by  Durion 
Straits. 

As  to  beating  down  the  Carimata  against  the  S.E.  monsoon,  I  believe  the 
best  plan  is  to  go  through  Rhio  Strait,  then  stretch  over  to  the  Borneo  coast, 
and  work  down  it  close  in,  anchoring  for  the  tides.  From  Rendezvous  Island 
make  for  the  Java  shore,  and  if  bound  easterly  work  along  it.  This  passage 
is  easily  made  to  Sourabaya  in  tilteen  to  twenty  days.     But  it  is  beating  up 


68  PASSAGES. 

from  Balli,  Lombok,  or  the  East  end  of  Java,  in  the  West  monsoon,  that 
requires  some  remarks  ;  and  for  vessels  usually  deeply  loaded  with  rice,  it  is 
a  difficult  thing  to  beat  up  against  a  strong  monsoon  and  lee  current.  Two 
routes  have  been  generally  adopted,  one  to  the  southward  of  Java,  and  the 
other  by  beating  up  the  Carimata.  By  both  these  routes  I  have  known  some 
vessels  get  to  Singapore  in  forty  days,  and  some  have  been  fifty,  sixty,  and 
eighty  days.  I  should  say  sixty  was  an  average  passage  from  Balli  or  Lom- 
bok ;  and  the  vessel  much  strained,  sails  worn,  and  cargo  probably  more  or 
less  damaged.  I  should,  therefore,  confidently  recommend  an  eastern  route, 
which  I  have  no  doubt  has  been  by  this  time  followed  by  the  commanders  of 
Balli  vessels,  at  my  suggestion.  This  is,  to  go  through  the  Molucca,  or  even 
Gillolo  passage,  and  then  with  the  North  and  N.E.  winds  through  the  straits 
of  Balabac  into  the  China  Sea,  and  thence  to  Singapore.  A  fair  wind  would 
be  secured  all  the  way,  and  the  passage  made  in  twenty-five  or  thirty  days, 
with  ease  and  comfort  to  the  vessel.  This  may  seem  a  very  circuitous  track, 
yet  I  am  certain  that  it  is  the  quickest  way  to  Singapore.  And  any  one  wha 
had  once  tried  either  of  the  other  routes  would  find  the  difference,  when 
comparing  with  the  eastern  route,  the  harassing  work  from  Pulo  to  Singa- 
pore, and  the  strong  rush  of  current  from  the  China  Sea  that  begins  so  early 
as  October  before  the  N.E.  monsoon  has  set  in. 

13.— EASTERN  EOUTES  TO  CHINA,  ETC. 

The  passages  hitherto  described  are  those  which  are  entered  by  the  Straits 
of  Malacca  or  Sunda,  the  two  principal  highways  into  the  China  Sea.  But 
during  the  adverse  N.E.  monsoon  it  may  be  thought  preferable  to  take  one 
of  the  channels  eadward  of  Borneo,  and  thus  avoid  the  wear  and  tear  of 
beating  up  the  China  Sea  in  the  teeth  of  the  monsoon.  In  this  case,  the 
former  universal  practice  was  to  follow  one  of  the  eastern  straits,  passing  to 
the  East  of  Borneo,  and  taking  the  Strait  of  Macassar,  which  leads  into  the 
Celebes  Sea,  from  thence,  according  to  circumstances,  from  this  sea  proceed- 
ing North,  and  passing  East  or  West  of  the  Philippines.  A  vessel  can  also, 
in  this  season,  take  Pitts  passage  to  the  East  of  the  Celebes,  crossing  the 
Moluccas,  and  entering  the  Pacific  Ocean  by  Pitts  Strait,  Dampier  Passage, 
or  that  of  Gilolo,  then  keep  to  the  eastward  of  the  Philippines,  entering  the 
China  Sea  by  the  Strait  of  Formosa. 

Thus,  in  a  general  way,  it  may  be  taken  as  a  rule,  that  when  the  mon- 
soon is  favourable  in  the  China  Sea,  ships  must  pass  to  the  West  of  Borneo, 
but  with  a  contrary  monsoon  must  pass  to  the  East  of  that  island. 

October  and  November  are  considered  the  two  most  favourable  months  in 
which  to  pass  the  Strait  of  Macassar  quickly.  This  is  the  first  of  the  eastern 
routes.  In  the  other  months  it  is  more  advantageous  to  take  Pitts  Passage^ 
especially  from  the  middle  of  December  to  February. 


EASTERN  ROUTES  TO  CHINA.  69 

On  arriving  at  the  eastern  straits  in  the  latter  part  of  January  or  in 
February,  the  Strait  of  Lombok  is  generally  taken,  and  generally  in  passing 
it,  cross  the  channel  East  of  Banditti  Island.  You  can  also  round  this 
island  to  the  West,  but  the  channel  is  very  narrow.  The  channel  between 
Lombok  and  Banditti  Island  is  generally  preferred,  and  then  the  East  coast 
of  this  strait  is  soon  reached.  From  there  ships  pass  to  the  strait  of  Ma- 
cassar, by  passing  to  the  East  of  Hastings  Island  and  Little  Pulo  Laut,  then 
the  coast  of  Celebes  must  be  passed  in  order  to  enter  the  strait  of  Macassar. 
If  instead  of  taking  Lombok  Strait  that  of  Balli  is  chosen,  with  the  intention 
of  passing  in  the  Macassar  Strait,  ships  return  to  the  North  by  passing  by 
the  channel  between  Pondy  and  Gallon  Islands  ;  then  round  to  the  West  at 
a  good  distance  from  the  islands  and  banks  of  Kalkoon,  and  pass  the  little 
island  of  Pulo  Laut  on  whichever  side  seems  best. 

On  coming  from  Alias  Strait  a  vessel  would  steer  for  Hastings  Island, 
and  pass  East  of  it,  the  same  as  if  coming  from  Lombok  Strait.  On  arriving 
from  Sapy  Strait  during  the  months  of  September  and  October,  a  ship 
would,  according  to  the  prevailing  winds,  pass  to  the  East  or  West  of  the 
Postilions,  and  proceed  to  the  North  between  Tanakeke  and  the  Tongu 
Islands  ;  then  pass  at  a  good  distance  the  isles  and  banks  of  Spermonde, 
which  are  N.W.  of  Macassar  Bay,  and  enter  the  strait  and  keep  on  the 
Celebes  coast  to  pass  through.  A  vessel  going  out  of  the  strait  in  March  or 
April  off  Cape  Donda  must  cross  the  sea  of  Celebes,  and  steer  for  the  ex- 
treme East  of  Bassilan. 

A  vessel  making  for  the  channel  between  Basilan  and  the  West  point  of 
Mindanao,  must  take  care  to  keep  well  to  the  East,  if  the  winds  will  permit, 
so  that  she  may  not  be  drifted  among  the  Sooloo  Islands  by  the  westerly 
currents.  If  she  gets  to  leeward  of  them,  she  will  find  good  channels  be- 
tween the  isles  situated  to  the  West  of  Sooloo  ;  and  then  crossing  the  sea  of 
Mindoro,  keep  near  the  coast  of  the  Philippines  (Mindanao,  Negros,  Panay, 
Mindoro,  and  Luzon).  At  the  opening  of  the  channel  between  Mindanao 
and  Negros,  and  also  between  Panay  and  Mindoro,  strong  winds  from  the 
N.E.  and  westerly  currents  are  generally  encountered.  A  ship  must  guard 
against  these  currents  in  passing  from  one  island  to  another,  so  as  not  to  be 
set  to  leeward. 

If  a  ship  leaves  Basilan  Strait  with  steady  winds  from  S.W.  and  South, 
she  may  steer  directly  for  Point  Naso,  or  keep  rather  to  the  East  of  its 
meridian  ;  but  if  the  winds  are  variable  or  uncertain,  she  should  keep  close 
to  Mindanao  till  Point  Galera  is  reached,  and  then  cross  to  Naso  Point,  tak- 
ing care  to  keep  near  Negro  Point  in  crossing  from  one  point  to  another. 

From  Naso  Point  steer  North  along  the  coast  West  of  the  island  of  Panay, 
taking  every  precaution  against  the  dangers  which  lie  to  the  West  of  this 
coast.  Then  passing  the  islands  lying  near  the  S.W.  point  of  Mindoro, 
she  will  enter  the  channel  either  East  or  West  of  them  and  the  Apo  Bank. 


70  PASSAGES. 

With  easterly  winds  in  entering  the  eastern  channel,  keep  2  or  3  leagues 
from  the  coast  of  Mindoro  ;  but  with  a  westerly  wind,  take  care  not  to  go 
more  than  9  or  10  milts  from  the  coast  until  you  are  North  of  the  Apo 
Banks,  thus  clearing  the  Strait  of  Mindoro  ;  and  after  having  doubled  the 
promontory  ot  Calavite,  and  passed  Luban  and  Goat  Island,  you  must  fol- 
low the  coast  of  Luzon  as  far  as  Cape  Bolinao.  Having  reached  this  cape, 
you  may  be  pretty  sure  of  passing  East  of  the  Pratas  and  reaching  Macao. 
However,  it  is  more  prudent  to  steer  North  as  far  as  Cape  Bojeador  before 
crossing  for  the  coast  of  China.  Also,  at  this  season,  a  vessel  may  enter  the 
Pacific  Ocean  by  passing  South  of  Mindanao,  when  the  sea  of  Celebes  has 
been  reached.  For  which,  if  the  wind  permit,  steer  direct  for  the  Serangani 
Islands,  passing  between  them  and  Mindanao,  or  else  South  of  the  former. 
From  thence  pass  between  the  Meangis  and  Tulour  Isles,  in  order  to  double 
the  North  cape  of  Morty  Island  with  the  wind  at  N.E.  If  any  difficulty  arise 
in  taking  this  route,  the  channel  between  the  Tulour  and  Sangir  Islands 
may  be  adopted. 

But  after  having  proceeded  from  the  Strait  of  Macassar,  and  passed  be- 
tween Siao  and  Tagolanda,  or  one  of  the  neighbouring  Sangir  Channels, 
steer  to  the  East,  so  as  to  double  the  North  cape  of  Morty.  For  the  same 
reason,  ships  that  have  passed  South  of  Siao  must  run  N.E.  if  the  wind  will 
permit.  When  she  has  entered  the  Pacific  Ocean  from  the  Philippine 
Islands,  passing  to  the  West  of  the  Pelew  Islands,  afterwards  sail  towards 
the  North,  so  as  to  enter  the  China  Sea  by  the  Formosa  Channel. 

Pitt  Channel,  which  leads,  as  has  been  already  stated,  into  the  Pacific 
Ocean  by  either  Pitt,  Gilolo,  or  Dampier  Channels,  is  preferable  to  the 
Macassar  Strait  during  the  months  of  December,  January,  and  February. 
On  arriving,  at  this  season,  at  the  Strait  of  Sunda,  on  the  way  from  Bengal, 
or  at  the  eastern  straits  on  the  way  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  I  would 
adopt  this  channel  when  bound  to  China.    This  is  the  Second  Eastern  Route. 

If,  as  often  happens,  a  ship,  in  coming  from  the  Bay  of  Bengal,  passes 
through  the  Strait  of  Sunda  instead  of  along  the  South  coast  of  Java,  in 
going  out  of  this  strait  she  should  pass  North  of  the  Thousand  Isles,  and  then 
steer  to  the  East,  leaving  the  Watcher  Isle  to  the  North,  on  her  way  to  the 
Strait  of  Salayer.  In  case  of  touching  at  Batavia,  after  having  passed  Edam 
Island  on  leaving  this  port,  she  would  steer  so  as  to  leave  Burakin  Island  to 
the  North,  and  after  having  passed  it,  would  steer  for  Salayer  Strait.  With 
a  N.W.  wind  the  best  course  through  this  strait  is  to  pass  South  of  Mansfield 
Shoal.  At  night,  or  when  the  wind  is  not  steady,  it  is  better  to  keep  to  the 
North  of  it,  along  the  coast  of  Celebes.  From  the  Strait  of  Salayer  make 
for  Bouton  Strait ;  or,  if  the  wind  is  West,  it  would  be  better  to  pass  South 
of  this  island,  keeping  the  S.W.  point  well  on  board,  with  the  view  of 
avoiding  the  rocks  off  it  to  the  southward  of  Tonkan  Bessy.  You  then  pass 
along  the  eastern  coast  of  Bouton  Island,  and  having  reached  the  N.E.  end 


EASTEEN  EOUTES  TO  CHINA.  71 

of  it,  if  the  wind  is  fresh  from  N.W.,  steer  North  from  the  island  of  Waigiou, 
and  from  thence  for  the  Xulla  Bessy  Island.  This  is  an  indispensable  pre- 
caution for  slow  sailing  vessels  in  December  and  the  early  part  of  January, 
because  about  this  period  the  wind  becomes  variable,  and  veers  to  N.N.W., 
causing  strong  southern  currents.  The  winds  and  currents  in  Eitt  Channel 
are  very  variable,  and  it  may  be  crossed  almost  anywhere.  It  is  prudent, 
however,  when  northerly  winds  prevail,  to  keep  the  weather  shore. 

In  the  case  of  a  vessel  falling  to  leeward  of  the  N."W.  point  of  Bouro 
Island,  every  exertion  should  be  made  to  pass  it  quickly.  Instead  of  work- 
ing to  windward  to  do  this,  it  is  better  to  run  southward  of  the  island,  and 
pass  into  Eitt  Strait  to  the  eastward  of  it.  During  the  N.W.  monsoon 
vessels  which  leave  Amboyna  make  to  the  northward  along  the  East  coast 
of  Bouro,  where  the  wind  is  variable,  and  squalls  come  from  off  the  land. 
Strong  currents  are  rare,  and  are  sometimes  favourable  for  the  run  north- 
wards ;  while  beyond  Manipa  and  the  channel  which  separates  it  from 
Ceram,  southerly  currents  prevail  in  this  season.  Having  reached  Eitt 
Eassage  by  the  foregoing  routes,  a  vessel  will  be  guided  by  the  directions 
hereafter  given. 

A  vessel  wishing  to  pas8  through.  Eitt  Strait  should  take  either  the  strait  of 
Bally,  Lombok,  Allass,  or  Sapy,  and  make  for  that  of  Salayer  on  leaving 
them  ;  crossing  the  eastern  part  of  the  Java  Sea,  afterwards  steer  for  Eitt 
Channel.  In  coming  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  the  Ombay  Strait  is  pre- 
ferable, it  being  the  most  direct  and  more  open  than  those  farther  West,  and 
the  winds  being  generally  less  variable  there. 

In  making  for  Ombay  Strait,  pass  either  North  or  South  of  Sandalwood 
Island  ;  but  it  is  better  to  pass  South  of  it,  and  then  between  Ombay  and 
Timor,  and  after  having  steered  to  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  first  of  these 
islands,  then  steer  North,  keeping  to  windward,  so  as  to  pass  West  of  Bouro 
Island  ;  but  if  this  is  impracticable,  pass  to  eastward  of  this  island,  between 
it  and  Manipa,  and  then  take  the  Eitt  Channel.  After  having  entered  Eitt 
Channel  steer  East,  passing  between  Xulla  Bessy  and  Bouro  ;  but  in  case 
you  should  pass  to  the  West  of  this  island,  if  no  current  be  found,  then  steer 
direct  through  Eitt  Strait ;  if  the  current  sets  northward,  keep  off  the  islands 
which  border  the  northern  side  of  this  strait. 

When  near  the  meridian  of  the  East  point  of  Oby  Major,  and  wishing  to 
take  Dampier  Strait,  keep  on  to  eastward.  This  strait  seems  favourable 
for  good  sailing  vessels,  especially  in  January  and  February,  when  N.E. 
winds  are  getting  more  easterly.  In  March,  when  the  N.E.  winds  become 
weaker,  the  Strait  of  Gilolo  is  preferable  for  entering  the  Facific  Ocean. 

This  last  strait  is  wider,  and  a  ship  can  work  both  night  and  day  in  it, 
and  the  currents  are  seldom  very  strong.  On  leaving  Eitt  Strait,  and  also 
that  of  Dampier,  you  must  take  great  care  not  to  be  drifted  on  the  North 
coast  of  New  Guinea,  and  should  therefore  contrive  to  round  Eoint  Eigot 


72  PASSAGES. 

close,  looking  out  sharply  for  Buccleugh  Bank,  whicli  lies  to  the  East  of  the 
East  coast  of  Waigiou. 

Pitt  Strait  should  only  be  taken  when  it  cannot  be  avoided.  In  this  case, 
a  ship  should  keep  in  the  middle  of  the  channel  to  avoid  being  set  to  either 
side  by  the  tides,  and  should  therefore  make  short  boards,  not  approaching 
either  shore,  and  should  try  to  make  Jackson  Isle,  and  pass  5  miles  to  north- 
ward of  it.  When  a  ship  has  passed  the  reef,  which  lies  to  the  northern 
extremity  of  Batanta  Island,  she  must  steer  northward  for  Point  Pigot. 

To  enter  Dampier  Strait  on  passing  the  meridian  of  the  East  point  of  Oby 
Major,  steer  East,  to  pass  between  the  Canary  Isles  and  Pulo  Popo.  Some- 
times vessels  pass  between  the  Bou  Islands  and  Pulo  Popo.  This  last  chan- 
nel is  advantageous  with  the  winds  from  the  N.W.,  and  then  run  for  Fisher 
Island  and  Mabo  Cape,  and  from  thence  pass  between  Pigeon  Island  and 
Foul  Island,  always  keeping  a  good  lookout  for  the  dangers  which  exist  on 
the  North  shore  of  Dampier  Strait.  In  coming  out  keep  nearer  Pigeon  Isle 
than  Foul  Island,  and  steer  so  as  to  sight  Pigot  Point,  so  as  not  to  be  horsed 
on  to  the  coast  of  New  Guinea  by  the  northerly  swell  which  prevails  in  the 
oflB.ng.  Vessels  should  always  carefully  avoid  the  Buccleugh  Bank.  The 
tides  are  very  strong  in  Dampier  Strait,  and  the  currents  very  irregular, 
their  rate  varying  from  1  to  5  miles  an  hour.  In  the  height  of  the  N.W. 
monsoon,  in  the  narrow  part  of  the  strait  between  Pigeon  Isle  and  Foul  Isle, 
the  ebb  at  the  time  of  the  spring  tides  runs  4  or  5  knots  to  the  E.N.E.  for 
six  or  eight  hours,  and  between  1  and  3  miles  in  neaps.  The  flood  sets  S.W. 
for  three  or  four  hours,  but  is  weak.  During  the  height  of  the  S.E.  monsoon 
in  this  part,  the  flood  runs  to  the  West  for  eight  or  ten  hoiu-s  at  a  time,  and 
turns  successively  to  W.S.W.,  S.W.,  and  S.W.  by  S.  ;  it  then  attains  its 
greatest  velocity,  which  at  springs  sometimes  exceeds  5  miles  an  hour,  and 
is  reduced  to  4  miles  an  hour  in  neaps.  The  ebb  at  this  season  runs  to 
E.N.E.  or  N.E.  ;  it  is  not  strong  or  of  long  duration. 

On  leaving  Dampier  Strait,  when  a  ship  is  in  the  Pacific  Ocean,  she 
should  run  down  her  easting  quickly,  keeping  in  a  low  latitude,  or  between 
the  parallels  of  1°  30'  and  3°  N.,  which  she  can  easily  do.  Sometimes  even 
in  December  and  January  easterly  currents  are  frequently  found  in  that 
track,  being  that  eastward  counter  current  on  the  equator  which  has  been 
spoken  of  in  the  chapter  on  this  subject.  She  will  thus  be  enabled  con- 
veniently to  pass  either  East  or  West  of  the  Pelew  Isles,  but  this  depends 
up'in  the  sailing  powers  of  the  ship,  and  the  strength  of  the  N.E.  monsoon. 
A  vessel  must  not  go  too  far  to  eastward,  for  fear  of  falling  in  with  the 
islands  of  Goulou  and  Guap,  near  which,  in  November  and  December,  heavy 
squalls  from  the  westward  are  encountered.  From  the  Pelew  Islands,  steer 
for  the  Bashee  Islands,  allowing  for  the  westerly  currents,  which  run  at  a 
rate  of  12  or  15  miles  a  day.  From  December  to  the  middle  of  February  it 
is  most  prudent  to  pass  to  the  East  of  the  Pelew  Islands. 


EASTERN  ROUTES.  73 

Should  a  vessel  leave  Dampier  Strait  towards  the  end  of  the  N.E.  mon- 
soon, she  should  not  run  far  East  into  the  Pacitic  Ocean.  At  the  end  of 
February  and  in  March  ships  can  pass  to  the  West  of  the  Pelew  Islands,  as 
the  winds  at  this  time  often  vary  and  shift  to  E.N.E.  When  the  North  part 
of  Luzon  is  reached  the  China  Sea  can  be  entered  by  either  of  the  great 
routes,  or  the  channel  of  Balingtang,  or  any  of  the  good  channels  formed  by 
the  Bashee  Islands  and  the  Babuyanes.  However,  with  the  winds  from  the 
N.E.,  and  at  the  commencement  of  the  monsoon,  it  is  necessary  to  pass  to 
the  North  of  the  Bashee  Islands,  and  either  North  or  South  of  the  Cambrian 
and  Gadd  Recks.  The  South  point  of  Formosa  is  thus  approached,  and  it 
is  best  with  daylight  and  the  weather  fine  to  pass  between  this  point  and 
the  Vele  Rete  Rock.  During  the  night,  or  in  bad  weather,  if  prevented 
from  taking  this  route,  a  vessel  should  pass  to  the  North  of  the  Bashee 
Islands,  keeping  close  to  them.  Whichever  may  be  the  channel  by  which 
she  enters  the  China  sea,  a  course  should  be  adopted  to  sight,  if  possible, 
Ty-Sing-  Cham,  or  Pedro  Blanco,  and  enter  the  Canton  River  by  the  Lema 
Channel. 

The  Strait  of  Gilolo,  the  third  which  connects  Pitt  Passage  with  the 
Pacific  Ocean,  is  divided  into  two  parts  by  the  island  of  Geby,  and  the  part 
between  this  island  and  that  of  Gilolo  takes  the  name  of  Gilolo  Strait.  That 
part  between  Geby  and  Waigiou  has  been  called  the  Bougainville  Strait,  as 
that  ofiicer  passed  through  it  in  1772.  All  the  channels  leading  from  Pitt 
Channel  to  the  Strait  of  Gilolo  are  free  from  danger  ;  but  during  the  N.W. 
monsoon  that  between  Pulo  Gass  and  Kakik  Island  is  preferable,  as  being 
the  widest ;  for  the  other  broad  channel  between  Pulo  Pisang  and  the  Bou 
Islands  is  too  much  to  leeward  at  this  season.  To  enter  the  Gilolo  Strait, 
passing,  as  we  have  already  said,  between  Pulo  Gass  and  Kakik,  sail  closely 
roimd  the  southern  point  of  the  first  of  these  islands,  so  as  not  to  get  to  the 
eastward  of  the  channel  by  the  current  which  often  prevails  there.  After 
having  passed  Pulo  Gass  to  eastward  or  westward,  according  to  the  channel 
taken,  continue  on  between  Cape  Tabo  and  Geby  Island  ;  and  if  at  night, 
give  a  good  berth  to  the  Fairway  Bank  and  Widda  Island  ;  however,  it  is 
prudent,  if  the  wind  is  light,  to  keep  as  close  as  possible  to  the  islands  on 
the  West  coast  of  the  strait,  on  account  of  the  N.E.  and  easterly  currents. 
Should  the  winds  be  contrary,  no  time  should  be  lost  in  trying  to  pass  North 
of  Geby  ;  afterwards,  passing  South  between  this  island  and  Gagy,  and 
entering  the  Pacific  by  one  of  the  channels  near  Syang.  However,  when  it 
can  be  done,  the  West  channel  between  the  coast  of  Gilolo  and  the  Shampi 
Isles,  or  one  of  those  comprised  between  these  islands  and  Syang  is  prefer- 
able, as  with  a  northerly  wind  a  ship  would  be  able  to  pass  to  windward  of 
the  Aiou  and  Asia  Islands.  Should  there  be  any  difficulty  in  passing  to  the 
West  of  Asia  Isles,  the  channel,  which  is  formed  by  them  and  Aiou,  can  be 

I.  A.  I. 


74  .  PASSAGES. 

adopted,  or  even  between  this  latter  and  the  North  coast  of  Waigiou. 
Having  gained  the  Pacific  Ocean,  a  vessel  should  endeavour,  as  soon  as 
possible,  to  make  her  easting  in  the  zone  comprised  between  the  parallels  of 
1°  30'  and  3°  N.,  as  southerly  and  S.E.  currents  are  found  there,  and  she 
must  not  pass  North  of  the  parallel  3°  N.,  and  she  will  thus  attain  the  latter 
part  of  the  route  which  we  have  previously  indicated  from  Dampier  Strait  to 
the  Ciiina  Sea. 

14.— CHINA  TO  THE  BAY  OF  BENGAL,  ETC. 

The  foregoiug  remarks  refer  chiefly  to  those  routes  through  the  Archi- 
pelago which  lead  to  the  different  por';s  for  vessels  bound  from  Europe  or 
India.  The  reverse,  or  homeward  voyage,  is  generally  subject  to  the  same 
influences,  and  requires  the  same  consideration,  in  reference  to  the  seasons, 
that  is  called  for  in  the  outward  voyage. 

As  a  first  principle  it  may  be  stated  that  a  vessel  bound  to  an  Atlantic 
port  should  endeavour  to  gain  the  S.E.  trade  wind  as  soon  as  possible,  by 
■which  she  may  gain  the  coast  of  Africa,  Mauritius,  or  Madagascar,  and 
thence  proceed  roiind  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  This  portion  of  the  subject 
and  that  relating  to  the  passage  from  the  Strait  of  Sunda  to  Aden  is  detailed 
in  our  Indian  Ocean  Directory,  pages  162 — 166  and  201 — 202. 

A  vessel  bound  to  the  Bay  of  Bengal  should  take  the  readiest  course  for 
the  straits  of  Singapore  and  Malacca,  and  thence  as  directed  in  the  Indian 
Ocean  Directory,  pages  179,  184,  &c. 

These  remarks  refer  to  both  monsoons.  The  best  way  of  reaching  the 
Strait  of  Malacca,  or  the  Southern  Indian  Ocean,  necessarily  requires  a 
difi'erent  route  in  the  opposite  seasons.  For  the  China  Sea  and  the  Strait  of 
Sunda  this  reverse  voyage  has  been  considered  in  former  pages  ;  but  a  few 
remarks  from  Capt.  Kerhallet  may  be  here  appended. 

When  a  ship  leaves  China  during  the  N.E.  monsoon  for  Europe  or  India, 
she  should  make  for  the  Straits  of  Banka  and  Gaspar,  or  for  that  of  Singa- 
pore. In  March  and  April  the  outer  route  is  the  quickest  by  the  Macclesfield 
Bank.  She  ought,  during  these  two  months,  to  keep  out  to  sea  as  far  as  the 
latitude  of  Pulo  Sapata,  or  take  the  route  proposed  by  Capt.  Stephens  down 
the  West  coast  of  Luzon,  Palawan,  and  Borneo,  as  described  in  a  foot-note 
on  p.  62.     Some  useful  remarks  by  Capt.  Polaek  will  also  be  found  on  p.  86. 

On  the  contrary,  during  the  other  months  than  March  and  April,  a  vessel 
should  take  the  inner  channel,  which  is  comprised  between  Hainan  and  the 
Paracel  Islands,  when  she  would  without  difficulty  reach  the  Straits  of  Sin- 
gapore, Banka,  and  Gaspar.  From  these  two  latter  a  course  should  be 
steered  for  the  strait  of  Sunda.  On  leaving  this  strait  the  parallel  of  10°  N. 
should  be  crossed  in  100°  E.  longitude,  and  then  shape  a  direct  course  for 
the  South  point  of  Madagascar,  as  is  described  in  the  Directions  for  the 
Indian  Ocean.  This  route  crosses  the  area  of  the  course  of  hurricanes  ;  con- 
sequently they  are  often  encountered  by  vessels  from  the  eastern  seas. 


CHINA  TO  THE  BAY  OF  BENGAL,  ETC.  75 

The  In'xer  Route  is  the  most  direct  for  reaching  the  straits  leading  from 
the  China  Sea ;  it  has  also  this  advantage,  that  vessels  have  the  wind  aft  as 
soon  as  the  Great  Ladrone  has  been  passed.  A  ship  taking  this  route  should 
steer  from  the  Great  Ladrone,  so  as  to  pass  near  the  islands  of  Taya  and 
Paracels  at  a  convenient  distance  to  the  West.  It  is  estimated  that  the 
current  sets  westward  at  the  rate  of  15  or  20  miles  a  day,  for  the  currents 
are  strong  near  the  coast  of  China,  although  it  may  not  be  the  case  out  at 
sea.  If  it  should  be  observed  that  the  ship  is  drifted  much  towards  the 
West,  she  must  shape  her  course  to  allow  for  it,  until  she  has  reached  the 
parallel  of  17°  W.,  and  entered  the  channel  between  the  Paracels  and  Cochin 
China.  Having  reached  the  parallel  indicated,  and  the  meridian  of  106°,  a 
course  should  be  steered  so  as  to  sight  Cape  Yarela,  or  the  Pagoda.  With 
clear  weather  and  an  E.N.E.  or  N.E.  wind,  a  ship  may  sight  Pulo  Canton 
(also  called  Callao  Kay)  or  the  coast  situated  South  of  this  island,  and  then 
keep  a  moderate  distance  from  the  shore  ;  if  the  weather  be  cloudy,  and  the 
wind  has  a  tendency  to  become  easterly,  it  would  be  more  prudent  not  to 
approach  the  coast  till  she  is  in  the  latitude  of  Cape  Varela,  nor  enter  the 
Bay  of  Phouyin  to  the  North  of  this  cape. 

In  case  the  conical  mountain  be  visible  on  the  North  shore  of  this  bay,  it 
will  indicate  the  position  of  the  cape,  for  as  night  approaches,  the  pagoda  on 
the  height,  which  commands  it,  is  obscured  by  clouds.  Having  passed  to 
the  South  of  the  parallel  of  15°  N.,  it  will  be  found  that  the  current  sets 
southward  near  the  land;  for  between  14°  30'  and  11°  30'  it  often  sets  at  the 
rate  of  40,  50,  and  even  60  miles  a  day  ;  but  it  is  very  variable.  It  is  indis- 
pensable to  make  for  Cape  Varela  when  land  has  not  been  seen  to  the  North 
of  this  point,  from  whence  the  coast  may  be  kept  at  a  distance  of  12  or  15 
miles.  When  a  ship  is  East  of  Cape  Varela,  distant  about  4  or  5  miles,  she 
can  steer  along  the  shore  by  day  ;  but  at  night  must  be  careful  to  avoid 
Pyramid  Isle,  and  those  near  to  it.  If  the  night  be  fine,  she  can  sight  these 
islands,  as  they  may  be  made  out  at  a  few  miles  distant.  Water  Islands 
should  then  be  steered  for,  which  are  21  miles  to  the  southward,  and  can 
also  be  seen.  When  these  islands  are  reached,  if  the  land  is  more  than  12 
miles  off,  it  will  be  necessary  to  approach  it,  to  sight  the  mountain  of  False 
Cape  Varela,  which  can  be  distinguished  among  the  high  lands  of  the  coast 
by  its  elevation  and  gentle  slope  towards  the  sea. 

In  order  to  keep  inshore  and  pass  to  the  West  of  the  Dutchman  Bank,  a 
vessel  should  cross  Padaran  Bay  as  soon  as  she  is  abreast  of  the  high  lands 
of  Cape  Varela.  This  is  necessary,  because  the  currents  in  this  part  take  a 
S.S.E.  direction,  and  it  is  very  difficult  for  ships  out  at  sea  to  approach  this 
coast.  When  a  vessel  is  in  a  good  position  for  crossing  the  bay,  the  sound- 
ings will  be  found  to  be  40  and  50  fathoms.  Then,  during  the  night,  Cape 
Padaran  should  be  made  on  the  starboard  bow.  On  recognizing  this  cape, 
great  care  should  be  taken,  as  it  is  difficult  to  distinguish  it  from  the  high 


7fi  PASSAGES. 

lands  in  the  bay.  On  having  sighted  Cape  Padaran,  it  may  be  passed  at 
about  3  or  6  miles  ;  and  Pulo  Ceicir  may  be  doubled  at  the  same  distance  on 
keeping  this  island  to  the  West.  In  case  ships  are  only  1  or  2  miles  from  the 
cape,  a  course  should  be  steered  to  pass  at  a  convenient  distance  from  Pulo 
Ceicir.  When  this  island  is  doubled  in  the  day,  at  4,  6,  or  6  miles  to  sea- 
ward, it  should  be  brought  to  bear  N.N.E.  ^  N.  before  being  lost  sight  of 
from  the  deck,  and  then  steering  18  or  21  miles  between  W.S.W.  and  S.W. 
by  W.,  as  most  convenient,  will  pass  West  of  Dutchman  Bank,  when  a 
South  course  may  be  steered  for  Pulo  Aor. 

This  route  is  not  dangerous  when  the  night  is  clear  enough  to  admit  of 
distinguishing  the  cavern  of  Padaran.  In  this  case,  when  a  ship  is  3,  4,  or 
5  miles  from  the  cape,  she  must  take  the  most  convenient  route  till  she  sights 
the  Cavern  ;  and  when  it  bears  N.  by  E.,,she  will  be  off  Pulo  Ceicir.  If 
in  this  case  soundings  are  found  at  11  or  20  fathoms,  she  should  stand  off 
from  it  a  little,  because  the  island  is  too  low  to  be  seen  at  night,  and  in  thia 
part  of  the  channel  the  soundings  are  too  irregular  to  serve  as  a  guide. 
The  Cavern  bearing  N.  16°  E.,  Pulo  Ceii  ir  is  in  the  same  direction  ;  and  by 
running  18  or  20  miles  nearer  between  W.S.W.  and  S.W.  by  W.,  Dutch- 
man Bank  may  be  passed  on  the  West,  and  then  steer  for  Pulo  Aor.  If 
the  night  should  be  dark  when  near  Padaran,  and  the  Cavern  not  to  be 
distinguished,  the  vessel  must  be  kept  between  South  and  West  till  she  is 
about  12  or  13  leagues  from  the  cape,  and  in  this  case  it  is  best  not  to  ap- 
proach the  coast  or  Pulo  Ceicir  with  less  than  6  fathoms  of  water,  and 
Dutchman  Bank  should  not  be  approached  in  less  than  18  or  20  fathoms. 
Between  the  western  edge  of  this  bank  and  the  eastern  edge  of  Britto  Shoal, 
which  is  nearest  to  it,  there  is  a  distance  of  14  or  15  leagues,  between  which 
there  is  a  large  channel,  which  may  be  taken  in  the  night.  A  ship  should 
keep  in  soundings  of  15  or  16  fathoms,  until  she  is  5  or  6  leagues  more  to 
the  South  of  Pulo  Ceicir  ;  and  when  she  is  13  leagues  to  the  S.W.  of  Cape 
Padaran  it  will  be  best  to  run  again  between  the  South  and  West  to  the  dis- 
tance of  2  or  3  leagues,  so  as  to  give  a  wide  berth  to  the  Holland  Bank.  A 
vessel  should  not  take  more  than  20  fathoms  depth,  till  she  has  passed  thia 
bank,  nor  less  than  16  fathoms  when  she  is  near  Britto  Bank,  if  she  is  a 
little  to  the  West. 

In  taking  the  route  between  these  two  banks  the  soundings  will  be  found 
to  vary  between  10  and  11  fathoms;  and  when  the  western  part  of  the 
Holland  Bank  is  passed  a  vessel  should  keep  in  10  or  11  fathoms,  and  steer 
towards  Pulo  Aor.  The  route  between  Pulo  Ceicer  and  Holland  Bank  cannot 
be  taken  in  the  night,  except  by  captains  who  are  well  acquainted  with  these 
parts,  consequently,  often  while  waiting  for  days,  a  vessel  is  obliged  to 
lay  off  Cape  Varela.  Besides  the  loss  of  time  which  is  thus  occasioned,  a 
ship  has  to  contend  with  a  heavy  sea,  when  the  breeze  is  strong ;  and  for 
this  reason  mariners  generally  preter  passing  through  the  passage  outside 


CHINA  TO  THE  BAY  OF  BENGAL,  ETC.  77 

Pulo  Ceicir  and  Pulo  Sapata.  When  a  vessel  finds  herself  near  Ealse  Cape 
Varela  at  nightfall,  with  a  wind  too  strong  to  haul  up  to,  or  bad  weather, 
and  not  wishing  on  account  of  the  darkness  to  pass  between  Holland  Bank 
and  Pulo  Cecir  de  Mer,  she  should  steer  a  course  to  the  East  of  Pulo  Cecir 
de  Mer,  and  then  outside  Pulo  Sapata  the  next  morning.  She  may  run  far 
enough  out  to  sea  if  the  weather  is  gloomy,  after  passing  a  good  distance 
from  these  isles.  When  the  wind  is  strong  the  currents  run  to  the  S.  W.  and 
W.S.W.  with  great  rapidity,  and  sometimes  towards  Pulo  Sapata.  A  ship 
would  then  be  obliged  to  pass  the  night  in  the  narrow  channel  between  this 
island  and  the  Little  Catwik. 

In  the  day,  in  fine  weather,  a  ship  may  keep  as  near  as  she  likes  to  Pulo 
Cecir  de  Mer,  and  pass  between  Pulo  Sapata  and  the  Large  Catwik ;  she 
can  also  pass  between  the  two  Catwicks,  only  it  must  be  remembered  that 
the  Paix  Rock  is  in  the  channel  formed  by  these  two  islands ;  from  there 
she  may  steer  direct  for  Pulo  Aor.  On  arriving  at  Pulo  Timoan  during  a 
fog,  you  must  keep  in  soundings  of  28  or  30  fathoms,  afterwards  passing 
East  of  this  island  for  Pulo  Aor.  As  these  islands  are  often  concealed  in  the 
fog,  great  care  must  be  taken  to  avoid  them,  and  attend  to  the  reckoning, 
especially  during  the  night.  Near  the  Anambas,  and  to  the  North  of  them, 
a  vessel  generally  has  36  to  44  fathoms.  When  she  is  between  5°  30'  and 
6°  N.,  these  depths  decrease  in  the  western  part  of  the  channel,  and  26  to 
28  fathoms  on  the  meridian  of  Pulo  Timoan.  Having  passed  East  of  Pulo 
Aor  at  a  distance  of  2,  3,  or  4  leagues,  bound  to  the  Strait  of  Banca, 
steer  to  the  eastward  of  South,  according  to  the  wind  and  prevailing 
currents,  and  pass  outside  the  Geldria  Bank,  which  she  may  avoid  by  keep- 
ing in  a  depth  of  not  less  than  10  or  11  fathoms  when  between  the  parallels 
of  0°  56'  and  0°  40'  N.  When  this  bank  has  been  passed,  a  course  should 
be  steered  so  as  to  cross  the  equator,  and  pass  4  or  5  leagues  from  the 
East  point  of  Lingin,  if  the  current  will  admit.  In  all  cases  a  vessel  should 
guard  against  westerly  currents,  which  are  sometimes  encountered  in  these 
parts. 

Outer  Eoute. — When  the  outer  channel  is  adopted  in  coming  from  China 
towards  Pulo  Aor,  a  vessel  ought  to  pass  at  a  short  distance  West  of  the  La- 
drones  and  neighbouring  islands.  In  general,  strong  winds  and  a  heavy  sea 
with  strong  currents  are  found  on  leaving  Great  Ladrone,  and  a  vessel  should 
steer  to  eastward  of  South  for  the  Macclesfield  Bank ;  and  when  the  winds 
are  moderate  she  should  endeavour  to  reach  the  East  part  of  it,  When  20 
leagues  East  of  the  meridian  of  the  Great  Ladrone,  and  a  vessel  has  difiiculty 
in  obtaining  soundings,  she  may  consider  herself  East  of  the  Macclesfield 
Bank.  When  a  vessel  has  adopted  the  outer  route  in  November  and  De- 
cember, with  strong  winds  and  no  observations  for  several  days,  she  should 
endeavour  to  strike  soundings  on  the  Macclesfield  Bank ;  but  if  she  is  certain 
of  her  position,  these  may  be  neglected,  because  from  East  to  West  on  the 


78  PASSAGES. 

bank  being  very  wide,  and  the  soundings  being  very  irregular,  the  depth 
can  only  be  an  uncertain  guide  as  to  her  real  position.  On  leaving  the 
Macclesfield  Bank,  she  should  steer  for  Pulo  Sapata,  and  should  have  sound- 
ings on  that  bank,  and  it  being  on  the  same  parallel  it  would  be  well  for  her 
to  shape  her  course  for  that  of  Pulo  Sapata.  If  she  should  not  sight  this 
island,  she  should  steer  West,  so  as  to  obtain  soundings  in  32  or  37  fathoms. 
With  thick  weather,  when  ships  are  uncertain  of  their  position,  it  would  be 
dangerous  to  run  straight  for  Pulo  Sapata  and  round  the  island  in  the  night, 
as  it  is  difiieult  to  distinguish.  As  a  general  rule,  they  should  keep  well  to 
the  East  of  Pulo  Sapata  until  on  the  parallel  of  10°  N.,  and  by  standing 
West  by  South  to  obtain  soundings.  Some  captains,  on  leaving  the  Mac- 
clesfield Bank,  run  as  far  as  the  parallel  of  Pulo  Sapata,  keeping  well  off  to 
the  eastward  of  the  island  ;  this  can  be  done  in  March,  April,  or  May.  How- 
ever, in  adopting  this  route  care  must  be  taken  to  allow  for  the  S.E.  currents 
which  might  set  a  ship  on  the  banks  to  the  E.N.E.  and  East  of  Pulo  Sapata. 
When  a  vessel  has  reached  the  parallel  of  10°  N.,  she  would  steer  between 
West  and  South  until  soundings  are  found  in  30  fathoms  ;  then  steer  a  course 
for  Pulo  Aor  or  Pulo  Timoan.  If  she  is  bound  for  the  Strait  of  Singapore, 
to  avoid  the  Charlotte  Bank,  the  soundings  should  not  be  more  than  26  or  28 
fathoms  when  in  latitude  7°  6'  N.  In  March  and  April  vessels  returning  to 
Europe  should  keep  well  to  the  eastward,  so  as  to  pass  between  the  Natunas 
and  Anambas  Islands,  and  take  the  Strait  of  G-aspar. 

Further  remarks  on  these  passages  have  been  given  on  pp.   62  and  85, 
as  has  been  alluded  to. 


15.— PASSAGES  BETWEEN  AUSTEALIA  AND  CHINA. 

A  more  full  description  of  the  passages  between  Australia  and  China  will 
be  found  in  our  Directory  for  the  South  Pacific  Ocean.  As  described  by 
Captain  Allen,  harbour-master  at  Newcastle,  N.S.W.,  there  were  four  prin- 
cipal routes  in  use  by  vessels  between  the  years  1869 — 1873: — 1.  The 
Eastern  Poute,  passing  eastward  of  New  Caledonia,  the  New  Hebrides,  and 
Santa  Cruz  Groups,  and  crossing  the  equator  in  166°  E.  2.  The  Middle 
Route,  westward  of  New  Caledonia,  and  between  the  Santa  Cruz  and  Solo- 
mon Islands,  crossing  the  equator  in  159°  E.  3.  The  Western  Route, 
N.E.  from  Newcastle  to  the  157°  meridian,  thence  North  on  that  meridian 
to  the  Pocklington  Reef  in  11°  S.,  crossing  the  equator  in  153°  E.  4.  The 
Torres  Strait  Route,  also  from  Newcastle,  N.E.  to  the  157th  meridian,  then 
North  on  that  meridian  to  the  latitude  of  the  Mellish  Reef,  and  N.  W.  for 
Bligh's  entrance  to  Torres  Strait.  When  through  Torres  Strait  the  route  is 
between  the  Tenimber  and  Arrou  Islands,  and  by  the  passage  between 
Ceram  and  Bouro  into  the  Molucca  Channel,   then  round  the  N.E.  end  of 


BETWEEN  AUSTE ALIA  AND  CHINA.  79 

Celebes  Island  into  the  Celebes  Sea,  through  the  Basilan  Channel  into  the 
Sulu  Sea,  and  through  Mindoro  Strait  into  the  China  Sea.  The  distance 
from  Nevvcastle  to  Hong  Kong  by  this  route  is  5,300  miles,  and  it  has  been 
taken  by  one  ship,  between  the  years  1869  and  1873,  the  England,  which 
made  the  passage  in  41  days,  in  the  month  of  July.  Some  further  remarks 
as  to  the  best  route  through  the  Archipelago  will  be  found  below. 

Much  depends  on  the  sailing  qualities  of  the  vessel,  but  as  a  general  rule, 
ships  leaving  Australia  in  the  months  of  January,  February,  or  March,  for 
China  or  Japan,  should  adopt  the  Middle  Route,  and  may  expect  to  make 
the  passage  in  about  40  days  ;  leaving  in  April,  May,  or  June,  they  should 
adopt  the  Western  Route,  and  may  expect  to  make  the  passage  in  about  36 
days ;  leaving  in  July,  August,  or  September,  they  should,  if  they  can  reach 
Torres  Strait  before  the  end  of  August,  take  that  route  ;  and  if  not,  either 
the  Western  or  Middle  Route,  and  may  expect  to  make  the  passage  via 
Torres  Strait  in  40  days,  and  by  the  other  routes  in  55  days ;  and,  finally, 
ships  leaving  in  October,  November,  and  December,  should  adopt  the  Middle 
Route,  and  may  expect  to  make  the  passage  in  about  44  days. 

Eeom  Sydney  to  Yedo. — Vessels  bound  from  Sydney  to  Japan  during 
the  S.W.  monsoon  should  pursue,  as  far  as  lat.  8°  N..  and  long.  160°  E.,  the 
same  course  as  those  bound  for  Hong  Kong ;  from  that  position  a  course 
should  be  shaped  to  pass  to  the  northward  of  the  Mariana  Islands  and  to 
the  south-westward  of  the  Volcano  Islands,  after  passing  which,  steer  to 
make  0  Sima  lights,  remembering  that  the  ship  must  pass  the  strength  of 
the  Kuro  Siwo,  and  wiU,  when  in  its  stream,  be  set  to  the  north-eastward 
from  2  to  3  knots  an  hour. 

North  Coast  of  Australia  to  China. — The  following  remarks  are  by 
Mr.  Greorge  Windsor  Earl : — 

A  ship  proceeding  from  the  North  coast  of  Australia  to  China,  from  April 
to  September,  when  the  S.E.  monsoon  prevails  to  the  southward,  and  the 
S.W.  monsoon  to  the  northward  of  the  equator,  should  pass  to  the  southward 
of  Timor  and  Sandalwood  Island,  and  through  the  straits  of  Alias  or  Lom- 
bok  into  the  Java  Sea ;  and  from  thence  through  the  Carimata  Passage,  and 
up  the  China  Sea  to  Canton,  by  which  course  she  will  have  a  stronger  mon- 
soon and  a  clearer  sea  than  by  passing  to  the  northward  of  Timor,  and 
through  the  Flores  Sea ;  or  than  by  running  at  once  to  the  northward, 
through  the  Molucca  Passages.  By  this  latter  route,  instead  of  a  fair  and 
steady  wind  all  the  voyage,  difficulty  would  be  experienced  in  passing  be- 
tween Borneo  and  Palawan  into  the  China  Sea,  from  the  variable  winds,  and 
from  the  numerous  shoals  which  lie  to  the  westward  of  the  Balabak  Passage. 
The  passage  by  the  North  of  Palawan  to  China  is  also  often  attended  with 
difficulty  during  the  S.W.  monsoon ;  and  an  additional  inconvenience  of 
these  routes  is,  that  the  navigation  of  the  Molucca  Sea  will  be  performed 
during  the  bad  monsoon. 


80  PASSAGES. 

Ships  returning  from  China  to  the  North  coast  of  Australia  during  this 
season  should  pursue  the  track  frequently  adopted  by  ships  bound  to  Europe, 
namely,  by  standing  to  the  eastward,  round  the  North  end  of  the  Philippines 
into  the  Pacific,  and  so  to  the  southward  towards  New  Guinea.  When  past 
the  parallel  of  5°  N.,  S.E.  and  S.S.E.  winds,  with  a  strong  current  to  the 
westward,  will  probably  be  felt,  by  which  she  may  easily  pass  through  Dam- 
pier  Strait,  or  the  Gilolo  Passage,  into  the  Molucca  Sea.  She  may  then  pass 
between  Coram  and  Bouro,  and  across  the  Banda  Sea  to  Wetta,  when  no 
difficulty  will  be  found  in  getting  to  the  eastward  along  the  North  side  of  the 
Serwatty  Islands,  as  the  current  there  sets  to  the  eastward  during  the  S.E. 
monsoon.  When  off  Baba,  she  may  stand  to  the  southward  for  the  coast  of 
Australia,  and  if  she  should  fall  to  leeward  of  her  port,  she  may  easily  gain 
her  easting  by  taking  advantage  of  the  land  and  sea  breezes. 

Again,  if  a  vessel  is  bound  from  the  North  coast  of  Australia  to  China 
from  October  to  March,  when  the  western  monsoon  prevails  to  the  southward 
of  the  equator,  and  the  N.E.  monsoon  in  the  China  Sea,  she  should,  on  leav- 
ing the  coast,  keep  close  to  the  wind,  and  as  the  monsoon  often  blows  8.W. 
and  even  S.S.W.  between  Australia  and  Timor,  she  may  be  enabled  to  pass 
between  Timor  and  the  Serwatty  Islands  and  through  Pitt  Passage  into  the 
Pacific,  and  thus  pursue  the  eastern  route  to  China  adopted  by  ships  at  this 
season.  If  unable  to  get  far  enough  to  windward  to  pass  between  Ceram  and 
Bouro,  she  may  run  at  once  to  the  northward,  between  Ceram  and  Ceram 
Laut,  and  from  thence  into  the  Pacific  by  Pitt  or  Damj)ier  Straits.  The  only 
difficulty  that  an  indifferent  ship  would  be  likely  to  encounter  in  this  route 
would  be  on  the  passage  between  Ceram  Laut  and  the  N.W.  end  of  New 
Guinea,  where  the  winds  would  probably  be  from  the  N.W. ;  but  even  then 
she  would  have  the  advantage  of  fine  weather.  The  route  from  the  North 
coast  of  Australia,  through  the  Flores  and  Java  Seas,  and  up  the  China  Sea 
to  Canton,  would  be  impracticable  at  this  season,  even  for  a  fast  sailing 
vessel,  as  she  would  have  a  dead  beat  and  a  lee  current  the  whole  way. 

A  ship  returning  from  China  during  this  season  may  steer  a  direct  course 
through  the  Mindoro  Sea,  and  thence  by  the  Molucca  Passage,  and  past  the 
N.E.  end  of  Timor  to  the  North  coast  of  Australia. 


16.— BETWEEN  THE  NOETH  COAST  OF  AUSTRALIA  AND 

SINGAPORE. 

A  vessel  bound  to  Singapore  from  April  to  September  may  pursue  the 
route  recommended  above  for  ships  bound  to  China  at  this  season,  namely  to 
the  southward  of  Timor,  through  the  Straits  of  Alias  and  Cariraata,  and 
thence  through  Rhio  Strait  to  Singapore.  The  return  voyage  at  that  season, 
through  the  Java  Sea,  against  the  S.E.  monsoon,  would  be  tedious  and  diffi- 


FEOM  CHINA  HOMEWAEDS.  SI 

cult,  even  for  a  smart  ship  ;  it  would,  tlierefore,  be  most  advisable  to  run 
across  the  China  Sea,  and  round  the  North  end  of  Borneo,  where  she  would 
probably  have  the  advantage  of  S.AV.  and  S.S.W.  winds,  to  traverse  the 
Sooloo  Archipelago.  When  near  the  Molucca  Passage,  though  the  winds 
will  be  mostly  from  the  southward,  yet  but  little  difficulty  will  be  experienced 
in  passing  through  it ;  and  when  through,  the  route  to  the  North  coast  of 
Australia,  already  recommended  for  vessels  returning  from  China  at  this 
season,  should  be  adopted. 

From  October  to  March,  the  passage  to  Singapore  through  the  Java  Sea, 
against  the  N.W.  monsoon,  will  be  tedious  and  difficult ;  a  ship  bound  there 
during  that  season  should  therefore  proceed  to  the  northward  by  the  Molucca 
or  Gilolo  Passage,  where  she  would  have  the  advantage  of  tine  weather,  and 
when  to  the  northward  of  Grilolo  the  wind  would  probably  come  from  the 
northward  and  eastward,  with  a  westerly  current,  which  would  enable  her  to 
proceed  round  the  North  end  of  Borneo,  and  so  with  the  N.E.  monsoon, 
down  the  China  Sea  to  Singapore.  A  ship  returning  at  this  season  should 
pass  through  the  Carimata  Passage,  through  the  Java  and  Floras  Seas,  and 
then  to  the  southward  of  Wetta,  and  between  Timor  and  the  Serwatty 
Islands,  to  the  North  coast  of  Australia.  It  would  be  advisable  to  proceed 
through  the  Strait  of  Alias,  and  to  the  southward  of  Timor,  as  light  airs  and 
calms,  with  squalls  from  the  South  and  S.S.W.,  are  often  encountered  to  the 
southward  of  the  islands  East  of  Java,  while  in  the  Flores  Sea  the  N.W. 
monsoon  blows  steadily. 

17.— FEOM  CHINA  HOMEWAEDS. 
In  the  S.W.  Monsoon. 

The  adverse  voyage  against  the  S.W.  monsoon  is  best  followed  by  adopt- 
ing one  of  the  ensuing  routes,  according  to  the  time  when  the  southern  part 
of  China  is  left. 

First  Eastern  Eoute. — Quitting  Macao,  or  Hong  Kong,  in  the  end  of 
April  or  beginning  of  May  for  the  first  Eastern  Eoute,  that  is,  the  Mindoro 
Strait,  a  ship  should  run  to  the  South  as  far  as  the  Macclesfield  Bank,  if  the 
wind  allows,  so  as  to  reach  the  N.W.  extreme  of  Mindoro  without  tacking 
in  case  of  the  wind  shifting  to  S.W.  From  near  the  Macclesfield  she  should 
stand  S.E.,  holding  her  wind  if  it  is  at  all  to  the  S.W.,  and  should  it  not 
admit  of  her  weathering  the  point  of  Calavite  she  should  work  along  the 
coast  of  Lu^on  with  the  variable  winds,  with  which  she  will  come  up  to  the 
N.W.  extremity  of  Mindoro. 

The  channel  to  the  East  of  the  Apo  Bank  should  be  chosen  for  crossing 
the  Mindoro  Strait,  giving  the  Mindoro  coast  a  berth  of  some  miles,  if  the 
wind  is  variable ;  a  distance  of  9  or  10  miles  is  necessary  if  the  S.W.  wind  is 

I.    A.  M 


82  PASSAGES. 

steady ;  she  will  then  pass  the  islands  of  Ambolon  and  Ilin  at  a  distance  of 
about  15  miles. 

Should  the  wind  allow,  she  may  cross  the  Strait  of  Mindoro,  passing  West 
of  the  Apo  Lank,  in  the  Northumberland  Channel,  formed  by  this  bank  and 
the  Calamianes.  Then  keep  along  the  coast  of  Panay,  working,  if  necessary, 
at  some  distance  from  this  island,  according  to  circumstances,  and  approach 
the  island  of  Quiniluban,  so  as  to  pass  the  dry  sandbank  between  this  island 
and  the  coast  of  Panay. 

Having  reached  Cape  Naso,  stand  for  the  strait  of  Basilan,  making  it  well 
to  the  southward  and  westward,  when  the  wind  is  from  these  quarters  :  but 
steering  direct  for  it  if  the  wind  is  easterly.  The  S.W.  extreme  of  Min- 
danao being  gained,  it  will  be  better  to  take  the  strait  of  Basilan  than  those 
formed  by  the  islands  to  the  S.W.,  the  former  route  being  the  shortest ;  the 
Celebes  Sea  will  thus  be  entered,  and  the  ship  will  make  fur  the  strait  of 
Macassar. 

Instead  of  persevering  in  working  at  the  entrance  of  the  strait  of  Basilan 
against  S.E.  winds,  it  may  be  better  to  steer  West,  in  order  to  pass  West  of 
the  Sooloo  Archipelago,  between  the  point  of  Unsang  and  the  island  of 
Tawee-Tawee.  There  are  two  small  islands  close  off  the  S.W.  point  of  this 
island,  bearing  S.W.,  near  Sibutu  Island,  and  forming  a  good  channel  lead- 
ing direct  to  the  Celebes  Sea.  This  channel  is  safe,  and  easy  of  navigation 
both  by  night  and  day,  four  hours  sufl&cing  for  passing  from  one  sea  to 
the  other  by  it,  while  under  similar  circumstances  it  has  sometimes  occupied 
four  days  in  going  from  one  sea  to  the  other  by  the  strait  of  Basilan. 

To  leave  the  Celebes  Sea,  a  vessel  may  either  take  the  Macassar  Strait  or 
the  Molucca  Channel.  Some  navigators  prefer  the  latter  when  the  S.E. 
monsoon  prevails  North  of  the  equator.  In  fact,  it  is  difficult,  without  a 
tedious  passage  to  windward,  to  reach  Allass  Strait  from  the  strait  of  Ma- 
cassar ;  while  by  taking  the  Molucca  Channel  the  S.E.  monsoon  is  found  in 
a  latitude  sufficiently  to  the  eastward  to  enable  you  to  take  whichever  eastern 
channel  is  preferred.  But  vessels  bound  to  Batavia,  or  the  strait  of  Sunda, 
will  find  the  strait  of  Macassar  the  best. 

On  leaving  the  strait  of  Basilan,  if  the  easterly  wind  is  well  established,  a 
vessel  should  steer  so  as  to  make  Cape  Donda  to  the  S.S.E.  or  South  ;  but 
most  generally,  from  the  winds  veering  westward  near  the  northern  entrance 
of  the  strait,  and  the  current  setting  eastward,  it  is  prudent  to  keep  as  much 
as  possible  to  the  westward,  in  order  to  sight  Point  Kanneeungan.  A  ship 
off  Cape  Rivers  is  sometimes  set  to  the  eastward  by  the  current  along  the 
coast  of  Celebes,  and  after  fruitless  contest  with  it,  is  sometimes  obliged  to 
take  the  Molucca  Channel. 

A  ship  having  entered  the  strait  of  Macassar,  should  keep  along  the  West 
coast  of  Celebes,  passing  East  of  the  Little  Paternosters,  being  very  cautious, 
on  account  of  the  dangers  North  of  the  islands  of  Nusa  Seras,  in  passing  be- 


FEOM  CHINA  HOMEWAEDS.  83 

tween  them  and  the  Grreat  Pulo  Laut.  From  thence  she  should  steer  for  the 
strait  of  Alias,  or  one  of  the  straits  leading  into  the  Indian  Ocean.  If 
bound  to  Batavia  or  the  strait  of  Sun  da  from  the  strait  of  Macassar,  she 
should  steer  South,  if  the  wind  will  permit,  and  pass  North  of  the  Little 
Paternosters  for  the  coast  of  Borneo,  keeping  along  this  coast  and  guarding 
against  the  dangers  off  it,  as  well  inshore  as  to  seaward.  She  would  then 
enter  the  Java  Sea,  and  reach  Batavia  or  the  strait  of  Sunda  without  diffi- 
culty ;  and  thence  the  Indian  Ocean,  and  make  for  the  Cape,  or  the  western 
coast  of  India,  by  the  routes  before  alluded  to. 

A  ship  taking  this  route,  and  meeting  with  contrary  winds  from  the  strait 
of  Basilan,  so  as  to  be  unable  to  reach  the  strait  of  Macassar,  may  take  the 
Molucca  Passage,  and  should  then  steer  for  the  islands  near  the  N.E.  end  of 
Celebes  ;  and  passing  between  the  islands  of  Banka  and  Bejaren,  will  clear 
the  N.E.  point  of  that  island,  and  tlien  steer  to  the  southward,  through  the 
channel  formed  by  Lissa  Matula  and  Oby  Major,  which  is  the  most  fre- 
quented ;  or,  if  the  wind  should  not  permit  her  reaching  it,  should  take  the 
Grreyhound  Channel,  between  the  islands  Albion  and  Hammond  (West  of 
Xulla  Tally abo). 

When  it  is  difficult  to  get  to  the  southward  in  the  Molucca  Channel,  dull 
sailing  vessels  might  try  to  do  so  by  keeping  near  the  West  coast  of  Gilolo  ; 
thence  they  might  enter  the  strait  of  Patientia,  between  GiLdo  and  Batchian, 
or  the  strait  of  Batchian,  formed  by  the  island  of  this  name  and  Tawally  and 
Maregoland. 

However,  a  ship  having  reached  the  northern  extremity  of  Gilolo  or 
Morty  in  the  height  of  the  S.  W.  monsoon,  should  rather  pass  through  the 
Grilolo  Channel  than  that  of  the  Moluccas,  because  it  leads  more  directly  to 
Pitt  Channel,  by  which  she  can  gain  the  eastern  straits. 

On  leaving  the  Molucca  Channel  the  Timor  Strait  or  the  strait  of  Ombay 
may  be  adopted  if  desirable.  A  ship  should  then  pass  close  to  Oby  Mnjor, 
in  order  easily  to  round  the  East  coast  of  Bourou,  and  so  pass  between  this 
island  and  that  of  Manipa.  She  would  then  run  to  the  southward  into  the 
Banda  Sea,  whei'e  the  winds  are  generally  from  E.S.E.  ;  on  leaving  Manipa 
she  would  endeavour  to  pass  to  the  East  of  Ombay,  and  having  crossed  the 
channel  formed  by  this  island  and  Wetta,  would  follow  the  West  coast  of 
Timor,  and  enter  the  Indian  Ocean  between  Semao  and  Savu.  This  is  the 
shortest  route  during  this  season  from  Pitt  Passage  to  the  Indian  Ocean. 

Segokd  Easterk'  Route.  — The  second  eastern  route  for  the  Cape  or  West 
coast  of  India  from  China,  with  the  S.W.  monsoon,  is  adopted  from  the 
middle  of  May  to  the  end  of  July.  This  route  is  by  taking  the  Pacific  Ocean 
East  of  the  Philippines,  and  passing  through  Pitt  Passage.  In  August  it  is 
too  late  to  adopt  this  route,  and  a  ship  obliged  to  leave  the  S.W.  of  China 
thou,  should  follow  the  coasts  of  Cochin  China  and  Cambodia,  as  before  di- 


84  PASSAGES. 

rected,  unless  from  being  a  bad  sailer  it  may  be  better  to  defer  her  departure 
until  September. 

With  southerly  or  S.W.  winds,  a  ship  to  pass  East  of  the  Philippinea 
should  steer  South  in  order  to  enter  the  Pacific  Ocean  with  tacking.  If  the 
wind  admits,  the  channel  between  the  Bashees  and  Babuyanes  should  be 
adopted.  Having  reached  the  Pacific  Ocean,  S.W.  winds  at  this  season  will 
generally  be  found,  with  easterly  or  N.E.  currents  ;  she  should  then  steer 
8.E.  in  order  to  avoid  Cape  Engano  and  Lugon,  tacking  if  necessary  so  aa 
to  pass  neither  too  far  out  nor  too  close,  and  taking  care  not  to  round  the 
Pelew  Islands  farther  to  the  eastward  than  is  necessary. 

The  best  route  for  making  southing  is  then  East  of  the  isles  of  St,  Andrew, 
Current,  Mariere,  Lord  North,  and  the  dangerous  Helen  Shoal.  If  the 
easterly  drifts  of  the  equatorial  counter  current  are  met  they  will  not  be 
strong  as  far  as  the  Pelew  Islands ;  but  between  lat.  5°  and  2°  N.  they  set 
at  the  rate  of  30  or  60  miles  per  day.  This  part  must  therefore  be  crossed 
as  quickly  as  possible  if  the  wind  is  West,  as  it  frequently  is ;  and  if  the 
wind  is  light,  a  ship  may  be  set  far  to  the  eastward  by  this  current.  But 
from  the  lat.  of  2°  N.  to  the  equator  a  westerly  current  will  be  found,  while 
near  Dampier  Strait  it  is  again  running  to  the  eastward. 

Having  rounded  to  the  eastward  the  island  of  St.  Andrew,  a  ship  should 
endeavour  to  keep  between  the  meridians  of  132°  and  133°  E.,  and  when 
in  1°  N.  lat.,  if  Dampier  Strait  is  to  be  taken,  she  should  make  for  Point 
Pigot. 

The  strait  of  Gilolo  being  broader  than  that  of  Dampier,  is  often  preferred 
for  that  reason,  and  it  has  few  difficulties  to  overcome  in  reaching  Pitt 
Passage. 

When  Gilolo  Strait  is  to  be  adopted,  on  leaving  the  parallel  of  2°  N,  a 
ship  should  steer  for  the  Asia  Isles,  and  round  them  on  the  North,  if  the 
wind  permits,  unless  she  passes  between  these  islands  and  Ayou. 

Having  passed  the  islands  of  Eye  and  Syang,  she  would  then  go  North 
or  South  of  the  island  of  Greby,  and  if  the  weather  be  not  favourable,  instead 
of  the  strait  of  Bougainville  she  might  take  that  of  Grilolo,  which  is  North  of 
it ;  and  in  crossing  this  strait  she  should  keep  near  the  eastern  coast,  and 
enter  Pitt  Channel  between  Pulo  Pisang  and  the  Boo  Isles,  or  else,  accord- 
ing to  circumstances,  between  Kekek  and  Pulo  Gass. 

A  vessel  entering  Dampier  Strait  should  round  Point  Pigot  at  a  distance 
of  6  or  12  miles,  and  then  steer  for  King  William  Island,  keeping  it  West 
of  her  ;  when  about  9  miles  from  it  she  should  steer  for  Pigeon  Island,  and 
pass  2  or  3  miles  South  of  it ;  she  may  then  cross  the  strait,  taking  care  to 
avoid  any  dangers  in  her  way. 

On  leaving  Dampier  Strait  she  would  go  close  round  Cape  Mabo,  so  as  if 
posssible  to  pass  South  of  Pulo  Popa  ;  or  she  may  pass  North  of  this  island 


CHINA  SEA.  85 

and  enter  Pitt  Channel  bet'veen  the  Boo  Islands  and  Pulo  Popa.  In  Pitt 
Channel  she  should  keep  mid-channel,  borrowing  rather  on  the  southern 
than  on  the  northern  side.  Having  reached  West  of  Pulo  Popa,  and  cleared 
Pitt  Passage,  passing  between  Ceram  and  Bourou,  the  Indian  Ocean  may  be 
entered  by  the  strait  of  Ombay  or  one  of  those  westward  of  it. 

The  strait  of  Ombay  is  the  most  direct  route  to  the  Indian  Ocean  in  the 
S.E.  monsoon.  If  intending  to  take  the  strait  of  Salayer,  or  those  of  Alias 
or  Sapie,  the  N.W.  part  of  Bourou  should  be  gained,  and  thence  the  most 
northerly  of  the  Toukan  Bessy  group  should  be  rounded  at  2  or  3  miles 
distance ;  and  from  thence  enter  the  strait  of  Salayer. 


18.  CUEEENTS  AND  PASSAGES  AGAINST  THE  MONSOON,  IN 
THE  CHINA  SEA. 

In  pages  28  to  30,  are  given  some  remarks  on  the  currents  experienced  in 
the  China  Sea  ;  and  in  pages  55  to  63  are  directions  for  the  various  routes, 
according  to  the  season,  between  Singapore  and  Hong  Kong. 

The  following  important  notes  are  the  result  of  the  experience  and  obser- 
vation of  Captain  A.  Polack,  master  of  the  Hamburgh  barque  Madeira, 
gained  during  thirty-five  voyages  up  and  down  the  China  Sea,  previous  to 
November,  1867.  They  appeared  in  the  Nautical  Magazine  for  June,  1861, 
and  are  here  given  for  the  benefit  of  the  mariner. 

Although  there  is  a  fast  and  still  increasing  trade  from  China  to  Saigon, 
it  is  astonishing  how  very  little  this  voyage  up  and  down  the  China  Sea 
against  the  monsoon  is  yet  known  and  understood  in  general,  for  the  greatest 
difference  of  arriving  in  China  (as  to  time)  exists  in  this  little  Saigon  voyage 
of  only  about  1,100  miles  distance.  Ships  which  are  acquainted  with  the 
voyage  here  make  it  in  nineteen  to  twenty-three  days,  while  the  greater  part 
not  being  well  acquainted  with  it,  require  between  thirty  and  forty-five  days. 
A  barque  in  1865  took  one  hundred  and  ten  days,  and  worse  than  all,  another 
actually  returned  this  year  to  Hong  Kong,  after  having  been  out  about 
sixtj'  days,  declaring  it  impossible  to  reach  Saigon  in  the  S.  W.  monsoon.  As 
I  have  made  now  fifteen  voyages  from  Hong  Kong  to  Saigon  and  back,  and 
traversed  the  South  China  seas  up  and  down,  and  in  all  seasons  of  the  year, 
thirty-five  times,  I  hope  you  will  hold  me  competent  enough,  and  will 
allow  me  to  give  my  brother  sailors,  who  do  not  know  the  voyage,  a  little  of 
my  experience. 

Leaving  Hong  Kong  in  the  S.W.  Monsoon,  our  first  object  ought  to  be 
to  make  southing,  and  try  to  reach  the  North  Danger  of  the  Palawan  Shoals 
as  soon  as  possible.  But  as  the  wind  is  most  generally  between  S.S.E.  and 
S.S.W.  at  starting,  I  nearly  always  stood  W.S.W.  and  S.S.W.  between  Isle 


86  PASSAGES. 

Hainan  and  the  Paracels  even  to  the  East  coast  of  Cochin  China,  and  worked 
along  this  coast  as  far  as  Cape  Varela  {not  False  Varela),  always  trying 
to  be  a  good  distance,  say  40  miles  oflE  shore  at  noon,  to  stand  in  with 
the  S.S.E.  winds  generally  blowing  in  the  aftf-rnoon,  until  7  or  10  p.m. 
Then  stand  off  with  the  wind,  then  veering  a  little  off  land,  or  about  South 
and  S.S.W.  {solar  winds).  From  Cape  Varela  I  invariably  stood  to  the 
south-eastward  over  to  the  Palawan  Shoals,  never  thinking  of  going  about, 
for  here  my  greatest  endeavour  was  to  cross  the  Padaran  stream  of  40  to  70 
miles  a  day  to  the  N.E.  as  quickly  as  possible.  I  then  worked  along  the 
shoals  down  to  7°  N.,  and  111°  or  110°  E.  long.,  and  between  7°  and  8° 
N.  lat. 

I  worked  from  two  to  four  days  to  the  westward,  until  St.  James  bore 
N.W.  by  N.,  which  I  then  generally  reached  in  one  or  two  days  in  one  tack. 
In  this  track  my  longest  voyage  was  twenty-three  and  my  shortest  nineteen 
days,  at  same  time  when  other  vessels  took  fifty  and  eighty-five  days.  In 
this  route  I  generally  had  the  current  from  Hong  Kong  (Taytang  Channel) 
and  Macao,  to  the  South  coast  of  Hainan  from  ten  to  twenty-four  miles  a 
day  to  the  N.W.  ;  from  there  to  the  East  coast  of  Cochin  China  the  current 
varies  between  North,  N.W.,  and  West,  from  15  to  25  miles  a  day,  but  on 
the  West  side  of  the  Paracels  an  East  current  of  12  to  30  miles  will  be  found. 
On  the  East  coast  of  Cochin  China  it  runs  from  10  to  20  miles  a  day  to  the 
N.N.W.  and  N.N.E.,  but  there  is  often  no  current  at  all.  From  Cape 
Varela  to  the  shoals  I  generally  had  the  first  day  when  right  in  the  Padaraa 
stream  from  30  to  50  (one  voyage  70')  miles  to  the  N.E.  by  E.,  but  from 
12°  N.  and  about  112°  E.,  its  set  is  from  12  to  40  miles  a  day  to  the  south- 
eastward. 

On  the  shoals  there  is  about  20'  to  the  S.E.,  and  sometimes  to  the  South, 
but  often  no  current  at  all.  Between  7°  and  8°  N.  lat,  and  110°  to  108°  E. 
long.,  there  is  little  or  no  current,  sometimes  even  a  slight  drain  to  the 
westward.  But  standing  over  to  Cape  St.  James  a  strung  N.N.E.  and 
N.E.  by  N.  current  of  36  miles  a  day  will  be  found,  while  South  of  St. 
James  it  runs  E.N.E.  along  the  coast  from  Pulo  Obi  to  Cape  Padaran. 

Should  the  wind  at  starting  from  Hong  Kong  be  from  the  S.W.,  stand 
down  S.S.E.  ;  never  think  of  going  about  till  in  15°  N.,  unless  the  wind 
should  break  off  too  much.  In  this  track  in  the  open  sea,  there  is  generally 
not  over  20  miles  a  day  of  a  N.E.  current,  especially  after  the  strong  E.N.E. 
China  coast  current,  extending  60  to  75  miles  South  of  Hong  Kong,  is 
crossed. 

South  of  15°  N.  lat.,  and  in  115°  E.  long.,  or  to  the  East  of  it,  is  very 
little  current.  I  always  give  the  preference  to  the  inside  track,  for  here 
the  winds  are  more  variable,  the  sea  smoother,  and  getting  the  chance  of  a 
West  or  N.W.  squall  from  land.  Besides  this,  a  vessel  reaches  the  Palawan 
Shoals  60  or  80  miles  farther  West,  and  westing  is  very  difficult  to  make 


CHINA  SEA.  87 

there,  especially  after  July,  when  the  S.W.  monsoon  blows  from  W.S.W. 
or  West. 

This  voyage,  as  explained  here,  is  quite  plain  and  simple,  but  if  asked, 
"  Where  were  the  other  vessels  who  took  from  fifty  to  eighty-five  days  in 
their  passage  ?"  There  is  but  one  general  answer.  They  tried  to  round 
Cape  Padaran.  Here  they  were  lying  for  forty  consecutive  days,  sometimes 
with  a  dozen  and  more  ships  together.  This  year  a  barque  took  thirty-five 
days  from  Japan  to  Padaran,  but  sixty  days  from  there  to  Cape  St.  James, 
running  short  of  everything,  and  had  to  be  provisioned  by  other  vessels. 
They  sometimes  go  as  far  as  Sapata,  but  never  thinking  that,  bound  to  St. 
James  in  10°  10'  N.,  they  ought  to  go  due  South  as  far  as  7°  N.  lat.,  and 
even  ships  on  the  shoals  in  9°  or  10°  N.  and  about  111°  E.,  get  tempted  to 
stand  W.N.W.,  intending  to  pass  between  Pulo  Sapata  amd  Pulo  Ceicer. 
But  when  making  the  land,  they  find  themselves  between  Padaran  and 
Varela. 

I  know  several  instances  of  this.  Or  that  a  ship  made  a  N.N.E.  course 
sailing  W.N.W.  Although  some  vessels  did  make  Padaran,  and  made  a 
good  passage  (assisted  perhaps  by  a  N.W.  squall),  they  form  an  exception, 
and  may  not  do  the  same  again  in  ten  more  voyages.  AVhereas  the  track 
along  the  shoals,  and  although  about  300  miles  longer,  is  pretty  certain. 

My  short  advice,  therefore,  is,  go  either  East  or  West  of  the  Paracels,  and 
make  the  shoals  of  Palawan  as  soon  as  possible.  A  ship  taking  the  inside 
route  should  work  between  the  Cochin  China  coast  and  40'  off  it,  but  should 
not  remain  there  in  the  night,  as  there  is  seldom  a  land  breeze,  but  much 
calm.  Having  reached  the  shoals  as  aforesaid,  work  along  them,  standing 
to  60  miles  off.  Never  think  of  Padaran  or  Sapata,  and  do  not  leave  the 
shoals  unless  in  8°  or  7°  N.  lat.,  as  stated  before,  or  you  will  surely  be  dis- 
appointed. 

Bound  from  Saigon  to  China  in  the  N.E.  Monsoon. — Stand  out  to  the 
S.E.  and  tack,  even  if  the  wind  should  be  from  East  40'  off  the  land.  The 
wind  will  haul  up  to  E.N.E.  and  N.E.,  then  try  to  pass  the  S.W.  current 
(which  runs  the  first  day  at  the  rate  of  30  to  40  miles)  as  fast  as  you  can  ; 
for  about  150  miles  S.E.  by  E.  from  St.  James,  in  about  8°  30'  N.  and  109° 
E.,  the  current  runs  already  to  the  East  and  E.N.E.  AVorking  along  the 
shoals,  between  them  and  60  miles  off  from  lat.  9°  N.,  as  far  as  North 
Danger,  about  75  miles  off,  will  be  right  in  the  fair  N.E.  and  northerly 
current  (right  against  the  wind),  but  I  am  inclined  to  believe  that  a  ship 
should  not  go  nearer  the  shoals  than  about  20  miles  from  them,  because  the 
northerly  current  extends  not  so  far  East,  for  I  have  often  found  there  no 
current  at  all.  From  North  Danger  to  about  119°  E.,  an  easterly  current 
from  about  10  to  40  miles  will  be  found.  But  in  the  early  part  of  October 
the  current  off  the  North  Danger  runs  from  10  to  15  miles  to  the  S.E. 


88  PASSAGES. 

Along  the  West  coast  of  Lugonia  the  wind  is  from  N.N.W.  to  N.E,  and 
East,  with  fine  weather  and  15  to  24  miles  current  to  the  North,  but  from 
Bolina  it  blows  generally  heavy,  with  a  high,  short  northerly  sea.  If  the 
first  puff  off  Bolina  is  passed,  and  100  or  150  miles  are  made  to  the  N.W., 
the  wind  and  sea  are  getting  more  handy  and  regular,  and  change  one  or  two 
points  farther  to  the  East.  But  the  ship  wants  canvas  here,  and  must  be  in 
good  and  sound  condition,  for  the  sea  rises  here  in  short  and  high  pyramids, 
on  account  of  the  hitherto  uninterrupted  northerly  current,  assuming  here  a 
velocity  of  52  miles  a  day  to  the  N.W.  by  N.  and  N.W.,  and  running  oblique 
to  the  N.E.  sea.  My  longest  voyage  in  this  track  was  twenty-two  days,  and 
my  shortest  nineteen  days  from  Saigon  to  Hong  Kong.  In  February  and 
October,  a  ship  should  not  go  East  of  the  Scarborough  Shoal,  for  in  Febru- 
ary it  is  not  necessary,  and  in  October  there  will  be  nothing  but  calms  and  a 
high  northerly  sea  running. 

This  voyage  against  the  N.E.  monsoon  is  sometimes  very  easy,  and  done 
in  less  than  nineteen  days.  But  it  is  in  general  a  difficult  task,  especially  in 
November,  December,  and  January,  and  requires  a  good  ship  and  plenty  of 
canvas  on  her,  especially  on  the  West  side  of  the  Palawan  shoals,  where  the 
sea,  running  right  against  a  North  and  N.E.  current,  is  as  high  and  short 
here  as  from  Bolina  to  the  Pratas.  But  many  ships  in  this  voyage  commit  a 
great  error  in  working  along  the  South  coast  of  Cochin  China  and  try  to  get 
out  of  Padaran,  which  is  nearly  impossible  on  account  of  the  strong  W.S.W. 
current  and  always  very  short  sea. 

After  reaching  Cape  Bolina,  and  finding  the  above  mentioned  stiff  gale  and 
tremendous  high  cross  sea,  and  thinking  it  blows  a  heavy  gale  all  over  to 
China,  ships  make  a  second  mistake  by  creeping  under  the  land  again  and 
waiting  there  sometimes  for  a  fortnight,  expecting  better  weather.  And  this 
is  the  same  case  with  many  ships  South  of  Formosa  when  bound  North  along 
its  East  coast. 

My  advice,  therefore,  is  stand  boldly  out,  and  remember  that  the  current 
will  assist  you  first  with  50,  and  afterwards  with  20  miles  a  day  to  the 
N.W.  by  N.,  as  far  as  the  Pratas.  And  at  60  miles  from  the  China  coast 
the  wind  will  be  about  E.N.E.,  and  sea  moderating  as  you  close  the  South 
China  coast.  But  keep  the  first  day  from  Cape  Bolina  good  rap  full,  even  if 
you  head  the  first  day  to  leeward  of  Hong  Kong,  and  should  a  ship  really 
fall  to  leeward  of  Taytang  Channel,  let  her  proceed  in  at  the  Ladrones,  from 
which  Hong  Kong  will  be  reached  in  one  day.  If  bound  to  Swatow,  Amoy, 
and  the  northern  ports  of  China,  work  as  far  as  Cape  Bayadere,  and  then 
stand  out  N.W.  or  N.N.W.,  making  long  legs  to  the  North,  and  short  ones 
to  the  East,  especially  for  the  first  150  miles,  where  the  strong  N.N.W. 
current  will  be  under  your  lee.  South  Formosa  will  generally  be  reached 
in  three  to  four  days,  from  whence  to  South  Pescadores,  and  over  to  Swatow 
and  Amoy,  is  plain  sailing,  and  will  be  reached  in  one  tack. 


CHINA  SEA.  89 

Bound  to  l^'ou-Chou-Foo  and  further  North,  ships  have  to  pass  round  the 
South  Cape  of  Formosa,  and  work  to  the  northward  East  of  the  island,  where 
the  Kuro  Si  wo  current  will  assist  them  40  miles  a  day,  decreasing  to  20 
miles  as  they  advance  to  the  northern  boundary  of  the  current  in  about  28°  N. 
and  125°  E.  long.,  from  where  Shanghae  is  reached  without  diificulty.  But 
always  remember  that  the  cold  water  current  runs  strong  to  the  South  on  the 
East  coast  of  China.  Bound  to  Fou-Chou-Foo  they  may  cross  over  from 
26°  N.  lat.,  and  about  122J°  E.  long,  in  one  tack. 

A  voyage  up  and  down  the  China  Sea  with  the  monsoon  presents  no  diffi- 
culty, but  I  would  advise  captains  of  ships  to  pass  East  of  the  Paracels,  for 
in  the  S.W.  monsoon  the  winds  there  are  more  steady  and  fresh  than  inside, 
or  West  of  them,  and  a  vessel  has  more  sea  room  in  case  of  a  cyclone.  After 
having  passed  to  the  West  of  Macclesfield  Bank,  steer  a  N.  by  W.  or  N.  by 
W.  ^  W.  course,  on  account  of  a  N.E.  current,  and  the  winds  blowing  often 
from  W.S.W.  and  West.  December  and  January,  and  in  some  years  the 
latter  half  of  November,  are  the  only  months  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  that  I 
would  advise  to  pass  inside  the  Paracels  when  bound  South,  but  which  ou^ht 
never  to  be  done  from  February  to  the  end  of  May  on  account  of  calms,  and 
always  lighter  winds  than  in  the  open  sea.  I  never  went  inside  in  these 
months,  but  gained  on  ships  which  did  so,  from  eight  days  to  a  fortnight  in 
the  months  of  March,  April,  and  May,  bound  South,  as  well  as  in  the  S.W. 
monsoon  from  June  to  September  when  bound  North. 

Every  one  who  has  perused  the  foregoing  attentively  will  perceive  that  it 
is  not  the  wind  only  that  causes  the  long  and  troublesome  passage,  but  that 
we  have  to  consider  the  current  as  our  greatest  enemy.  And  as  it  has  been 
my  principal  object  from  the  beginning  to  make  myself  thoroughly  acquainted 
with  the  subject,  I  beg  leave  to  trouble  you  a  little  longer,  and  give  you  a 
slight  illustration  of  my  views  about  it,  founded  on  the  experience  of  my 
voyages. 

Currents. — In  the  first  place,  I  am  positive  when  I  assert  that  the  whole 
current  of  the  South  China  Sea  is  nothing  but  a  large  circular  stream,  in 
which  the  waters  running  from  South  have  to  pass  North,  in  order  to  return 
down  South  again.  Coming  from  the  North  through  the  Formosa  Channel, 
and  from  the  East  by  the  Bashees,  the  first  getting  propelled  by  difi'erence 
of  specific  gravity,  and  accelerated  by  the  N.E.  monsoon,  it  rushes  down  to 
the  S.W.,  without  finding  material  obstruction,  until  met  by  Capes  Varela 
and  Padaran.  Here  its  waters  are  turned  oS"  to  the  South,  part  of  them  or 
the  northern  branch  runs  W.S.W.  along  the  Saigon  coast  to  Pulo  Obi,  and 
crossing  the  Gulf  of  Siam  to  Malacca ;  the  main  body,  after  having  passed 
Padaran,  resumes  its  course  to  the  S.S.W.,  but  the  south-eastern  part 
branches  off  to  the  South  as  far  as  8°  N.  and  109°  20'  E.,  from  where  it  runs 
to  the  E.  and  E.N.E.  as  far  as  9°  N.  and  110°  E.     There  it  turns  N.N.E. 

I.  A.  N 


90  PASSAGES. 

and  from  10°  30'  N.  111°  20'  E.  to  the  N.N.W.  into  its  own  whirl  again,  to 
give  place  to  new  waters  of  the  great  counter  stream  or  whirpool.  This  ex- 
planation may  be  new,  but  it  is,  I  fully  believe,  quite  true,  for  I  found  it 
every  voyage,  bound  North  in  the  N.E.  monsoon,  only  differing  a  little  in 
force  and  direction  according,  perhaps,  to  the  prevailing  strange  or  light 
original  main  current.  The  E.N.E.  and  N.E.  cui-rent  or  the  first  bend  in 
this  whirl  runs  strongest,  and  from  20  to  51  miles  a  day,  decreasing  as  it 
advances  North  to  about  25  and  15  miles  when  its  direction  is  N.N.W.  I 
Consider  this  branch  50  miles  broad,  and  the  diameter  of  the  whole  whirl, 
from  Padaran  to  its  southern  extremity,  about  180  miles,  and  from  Padaran 
to  the  S.E.  about  140  miles. 

If  this  whirl  did  not  exist,  how  should  we  account  for  the  strong  N.E. 
current  against  a  strong  N.E.  monsoon  (and  for  the  always  sharp  set  about 
Sapata  which  we  experience,  and  which  Horsburg  and  the  China  Pilot  men- 
tion), sometimes  when  the  China  Sea  current  to  the  North  and  S.W.  of  this 
whirl  runs  at  the  rate  of  40  to  80  miles  a  day  to  the  south-westward.  This 
latter  current  I  had  in  October,  1866,  coming  down  from  Hong  Kong  with 
the  commencement  of  the  N.E.  monsoon,  or  why  is  there  not  a  N.E.  current 
in  the  N.E.  monsoon,  for  instance,  on  the  Macclesfield  Bank,  or  at  Pulo 
Condore  as  well  ?  After  this  current  of  the  aforesaid  main  branch  has  run 
down  to  the  Natunas,  &c.,  it  gets  obstructed  again  on  the  coast  of  Borneo, 
by  which  a  slight  drain  to  the  East  is  caused,  running  along  the  North 
coast  of  Borneo,  through  the  Palawan  Passage  (assisted  perhaps  by  a  part 
of  the  aforesaid  eastern  counter  current  of  the  Palawan  whirl),  and  along 
the  West  coast  of  Lugonia,  to  run  from  Capes  Bolina  and  Bayadere  N.N.W. 
in  the  great  China  circular  current,  and  commence  its  round  via  Padaran 
again. 

This  circular  whirl-current  about  Padaran  is  the  same  in  the  S.W.  mon- 
soon, but  in  a  contrary  direction,  but  not  so  constant  and  regular  as  in  the 
N.E.  monsoon.  H.B.M's.  surveying  vessel  the  Rifleman  found  the  same 
amongst  the  Palawan  shoals,  where  the  commarder  says,  "The  stronger 
the  monsoon,  the  stronger  the  current  to  windward,^''  and  this  is  according  to 
the  whirl  theory  quite  conclusive,  for  the  greater  and  stronger  the  counter 
current  and  the  larger  the  whirl  (and  the  stiffer  the  monsoon,  the  stronger  is 
the  China  Sea  current).  I  have  often  seen  and  noticed  in  the  Saigon  River, 
where  the  ebb  tide  runs  at  the  rate  of  A  knots  an  hoar,  in  the  middle  of 
the  river,  after  turning  a  sharp  corner  it  causes  a  great  counter  current  or 
whirl,  in  which  the  waters  run  2  or  3  knots  up  the  river  close  alongside 
the  5-knot  ebb  tide,  so  that  a  boat,  and  often  my  own  vessel,  when  in  it, 
drifted  up  the  river  at  the  above  rate.  And  when  a  small  river  can  pro- 
duce such  a  strong  whirl,  what  may  not  the  mighty  mass  of  the  China  Sea 
current  be  able  to  do  ?  At  all  events  I  never  found  it  necessary  with  the 
above  N.E.  current  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  to  take  the  Palawan  Route,  and 


CHINA  SEA.  91 

my  results  have  shown  that  I  never  was  behind,  but  generally  ahead  of  those 
vessels  which  did  take  that  dangerous  Palawan  Route. 

This  whirl  current  to  the  West  of  the  Palawan  shoals  may  also  account 
for  the  different  currents  found  by  vessels  which  are  working  there  at  the 
same  time,  where  one  ship  beats  right  in  the  counter  stream,  whilst  the  other 
is  too  far  West  or  inside  the  whirl,  or  too  far  East  and  out  of  its  influence 
altogether.  And  these  little  whirls  are  to  be  found  around  all  the  shoals  in 
the  China  Sea,  and  although  Horsburg  recommends  passing  to  leeward  of 
all  shoals,  I  have  great  reason  from  my  own  experience  for  cautioning  cap- 
tains even  there.  To  leeward  of  the  Pratas  I  found  on  two  voyages  the 
current  setting  East,  or  right  on  the  shoals,  against  a  stiff  N.E.  monsoon  in 
the  months  of  December  and  January.  Although  this  is  the  general  current 
it  is  nevertheless  liable  to  irregularities  and  changes,  in  force  and  direction, 
and  perhaps  more  than  anywhere  else,  which  is  not  at  all  surprising  in  a 
small  sea  like  this,  full  of  islands  and  shoals,  and  entirely  enclosed  by  land, 
causing  different  winds  on  either  side  of  it,  and  on  which  the  current  so 
much  depends.  For  sometimes  it  blows  a  stiff  N.E.  gale  to  the  North,  while 
it  is  calm  South  of  the  Paracels,  and  commanders  expecting  perhaps  a  slight 
current  are  surprised  to  find  one  sometimes  of  50  miles  by  observation,  but 
in  eight  cases  out  of  ten  the  above  explained  current  will  be  found  pretty 
correct. 

And  lastly,  I  take  the  opportunity  to  caution  captains  against  trusting  too 
much  to  red  or  green  lights  when  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Pratas  and  Paracels, 
for  they  are  often  exhibited  by  wreckers  and  pirates,  especially  at  the  Pratas. 
I  once  observed  a  green  light  to  windward  of  me  on  the  West  side  of  the 
Pratas.  I  kept  four  points  off,  and  being  a  clear  night,  I  went  aloft  with  my 
glass,  and  saw  two  junks,  one  of  which  carried  the  light. 


CHINA    AND     JAPAN. 


The  following  remarks  on  the  passages  along  the  Coast  of  China  and  be- 
tween China  and  Japan  are  taken  chiefly  from  the  China  Sea  Directory, 
and  are  supplementary  to  those  previously  given  which  describe  the  best 
routes  for  approaching  the  southern  ports  of  China. 

19.  PASSAGES  ALONG  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

Passage  East  of  Formosa. — When  bound  from  Hong  Kong  to  Ning-po, 
or  Shanghai,  or  even  to  Fu-chau  fu,  during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  a  vessel 
should  be  in  good  condition  for  contending  with  rough  weather  and  for 
carrying  sail.     The  best  plan  appears  to  be,  to  work  along  the  coast  as  far 


92  PASSAGES. 

as  Breaker  Point,*  and  then  stretch  across  to  the  South  end  of  Formosa,  and 
work  up  eastward  of  that  island.  By  remaining  in  with  the  coast  of  China, 
she  will  have  the  advantage  of  the  land  wind  at  night,  of  smoother  water, 
and  the  ebb  tide  out  of  the  deep  bays,  which  will  generally  be  under  her  le© 
on  the  starboard  tack,  and  in  the  event  of  its  blowing  too  hard  to  make  way, 
there  are  numerous  convenient  anchorages.  It  will  be  prudent  to  keep  within 
10  miles  of  the  coast,  to  avoid  being  swept  to  the  southward  whilst  standing 
off  the  land;  but  as  this  cannot  be  done  at  night  without  risk,  a  vessel 
should,  if  possible,  anchor  in  the  evening,  and  weigh  in  the  middle  watch, 
when  the  wind,  generally  coming  more  off  the  land,  will  enable  her  to  make 
a  good  board  on  the  off  shore  tack.  By  passing  eastward  of  Formosa,  also, 
a  heavy  short  sea  in  the  Formosa  Channel  will  be  avoided,  as  well  as  the 
constant  set  to  the  southward  during  the  season. 

After  rounding  the  South  end  of  Formosa,  off  which  there  is  generally  & 
troublesome  sea,  a  vessel  should  make  short  tacks,  if  requisite,  to  keep  with- 
in the  influence  of  the  Kuro  siwo  or  Japan  stream,  which  has  sometimes 
been  found  running  northward  at  the  rate  of  30  or  40  miles  per  day. 

There  are  no  harbours  on  the  East  coast  of  Formosa,  except  Su-au  Bay, 
tow^ards  the  North  end  of  the  island,  and  deep  water  will  be  found  close  to 
the  land.  The  mountains  rise  almost  immediately  from  the  sea  ;  their  sides 
in  some  places  are  cultivated,  and  a  good  many  houses  will  be  seen.  H.M. 
brig  Plover  anchored  on  an  uneven  bottom  in  Black  Rock  Bay,  the  vessel 
swinging  from  13  to  22  fathoms,  and  rode  out  a  gale  from  the  S.W. ;  but  it 
is  by  no  means  to  be  recommended. 

Having  weathered  the  North  end  of  Formosa,  it  will  be  still  advisable  to 
keep  to  the  eastward,  and  not  approach  the  continent  until  the  parallel  of 
lat.  30^°  N.  is  gained.  Should,  however,  a  vessel  be  driven  to  the  westward, 
she  may  always  calculate  on  smooth  water,  and  be  able  to  tide  it  through 
the  southern  part  of  the  Chusan  Archipelago  ;  and  if  disabled  and  in  want  of 


*  Towards  the  close  of  the  N.E.  monsoon,  and  still  later,  it  would  seem  preferable  to 
cross  over  towards  Luzon  rather  th.in  beat  up  to  Breaker  Point  against  tresh  N.E.  breezes, 
as  the  following  remarks  of  Captain  David  W.  Stephens,  of  the  British  ship  Sarkaway, 
tend  to  show;—"  Ships  from  Hong  Kong,  bound  through  the  Bashee  or  any  of  the  other 
channels  between  Formosa  and  Luzon,  from  March  to  June  inclusive,  but  more  particularly 
in  March  and  April,  during  brisk  N.E.  winds  and  a  strong  westerly  current,  frequently 
take  a  week  beating  along  shore  to  reach  Breaker  Point  before  standing  off;  whereas,  if 
after  clearing  the  Lema  Channel  the  vessels  had  stood  off  on  a  wind,  clean  full  to  the  S.E., 
they  would  soon  have  got  out  of  the  westerly  current,  and  on  nearing  Luzon  would  expe- 
rience the  wind  more  from  the  eastward  and  sometimes  from  S.E.,  enabling  them  to  tack  to 
the  N.N.E.  with  a  strong  current  in  their  favour,  and  thus  would  probably  get  to  the  east- 
ward of  Formosa  in  less  time  than  it  would  have  taken  to  reach  Breaker  Point  by  keeping 
along  the  Coast  of  China." 


CHINA  SEA.  93 

spars,  she  can  remain  at  the  southern  side  of  Duffield  Pass,  and  supply  her- 
self from  the  Fu-chau  wood  junks. 

Upon  this  part  of  the  voyage  the  following  remarks,  which  appeared  in 
the  "Mercantile  Marine  Magazine"  for  1865,  will  be  interesting.  They 
are  by  Capt.  James  Turnbull,  of  the  Glen  Clune,  of  Glasgow,  and  relate  to 
an  outward  voyage  made  in  September,  1864. 

The  object  of  nearing  Formosa,  is  to  get  into  an  easterly  set  in-shore, 
working  round  and  joining  the  permanent  great  stream  from  the  Pacific  on 
the  East  side  near  Botel  Tobago.  This  set  is  found  as  soon  as  the  N.E. 
monsoon  has  set  down  the  Formosa  Channel,  impelling  the  water,  and  thus 
making  it  perform  the  entire  circuit  of  the  island,  down  the  West  and  up 
the  East  coast.  While  working  off  the  South  coast,  wind  northing,  stood 
right  for  the  Bashees,  there  tacked  and  fetched  Botel  Tobago,  when  we 
were  fairly  in  the  Japan  current,  temperature  of  water  83°,  average  daily 
set  30  to  36  miles  N.N.E..  and  made  70  to  80  miles  per  diem.  From  the 
East  cape,  too  many  vessels  still  commit  the  mistake  of  working  to  the 
northward,  direct  for  Shanghai,  whereas  the  current  sets  north-easterly 
right  over  the  Hoa-pin-su  Group.  Follow  it,  drawing  for  its  western  edge 
a  curve  line  from  the  E&st  cape  to  30  miles  West  of  Hoa-pin-su,  and  on  to 
the  East  side  of  the  Linschoten  or  Cecille  Group.  Its  eastern  edge  cannot 
be  so  well  defined,  but  draw  a  line  from  Kumi  to  East  of  Raleigh  Rock,  and 
then  past  Sulphur  Island  and  West  of  Lu-chu  Group.  The  reason  the 
western  edge  is  better  defined  is,  that  it  follows  a  sudden  rise  of  the  bottom, 
from  ocean  depth  to  about  50  fathoms.  If  you  have  an  atlas  on  board,  you 
will  find  the  Japan  stream  placed  2°  and  3°  further  south-easterly,  that  is 
just  where  a  vessel  woiild  get  the  back  eddies  southwards, — any  representa- 
tion that  I  have  seen  nf  it  being  merely  from  the  guesswork  of  generalisa- 
tion, not  from  actual  observation.  When  the  winter  has  set  in  the  tempera- 
ture is  a  good  guide  on  its  N. W.  side ;  but  in  summer  and  fall,  the  heat  of 
the  water  right  up  to  the  in-shore  set  of  the  China  coast  is  nearly  the  same, 
81°  to  82°.  From  Botel  Tobago  to  off  Sulphur  Island  I  beat  up  in  six  days, 
then  tacked,  heading  N.W.  by  W.,  and  in  two  days  fetched  the  Jight-ship, 
The  Anglo  Saxon  and  Sir  W.  F.  Williams  did  the  same  with  somewhat  similar 
success,  while  of  those  who  fought  away  North  of  Formosa,  one  went  down, 
others  sought  refuge  at  Amoy  to  refit,  and  some  came  dropping  in  towards 
the  middle  of  October,  assisted  by  the  southerly  winds  that  often  succeed 
the  first  six  weeks  of  the  N.E.  monsoon.  The  sea  is  much  the  same  as  in  the 
American  Gulf  Stream,  and  vessels  that  cannot  stand  it  ought  not  to  be  sent 
to  China. 

On  making  the  Barren  Islands,  as  nearly  the  whole  flood  tide  sets  S.W., 
keep  to  windward,  and  do  not  be  tempted  to  seek  shelter  under  the  Saddle 
Islands.  Either  work  in  the  open  sea  under  a  press  of  sail ;  or,  if  possible, 
stand  on  until  near  the  Amherst  Rocks,  when,   if  dark,  anchor.     You  will 


94  PASSAGES. 

have  rough  riding,  but  the  pilot  boats  and  coasters  do  so  at  all  times  in  pre- 
ference to  seeking  shelter  to  leeward,  as,  in  spite  of  the  sailing  directions,  it 
is  difficult  to  get  back.  Pilots  are  now  in  abundance,  and  in  the  N.E.  .mon- 
Boon  ships  run  up  to  Wusung,  and  there  take  steam. 

Amoy  to  Rivbr  Min. — If  bound  from  Hong  Kong  to  Amoy,  or  the  ports 
between  that  place  and  the  River  Min,  a  vessel  will  generally  find  a  diffi- 
culty in  getting  round  Breaker  Point ;  for  the  tide  here  is  of  no  use,  and  all 
there  is  to  assist  is  the  likelihood  that  the  wind  will  draw  off  the  land  after 
midnight,  when,  by  being  in-shore,  a  good  board  can  be  made,  and  possibly 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  reached.  Haimun  Bay  cannot  be  recommended,  but 
still  it  would  be  better  to  anchor  there  than  to  be  carried  round  the  point. 
In  this  case,  should  West  Hill  be  obscured,  run  in  under  the  point,  lower  a 
boat,  and  let  her  find  the  sunken  rock,  and  then  come  in  with  good 
way  to  windward  of  Parkyns  Eock — if  drawing  less  than  13  ft. — and  shoot 
up  round  the  boat  into  Fort  Bay. 

Having  reached  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  the  flood  will  assist  a  vessel  to 
round  it,  and  the  ebb  out  of  the  Han  River  will  be  a  weather  tide ;  in  the 
latter  case,  and  not  intending  to  go  inside  Namoa  Island,  endeavour  to  get 
along  the  South  side  of  the  island,  where  there  is  an  eddy  tide,  and  anchor 
in  South  Bay,  should  the  weather  prove  too  bad  to  proceed  on  the  flood  ; 
both  tides  will  be  found  strong  off  Three  Chimney  Point,  and  the  same  may 
be  said  of  Jakako  Point,  round  which  vessels  should  take  the  first  of  the 
flood  on  the  port  tack. 

Further  northward  about  Rees  Island,  the  flood  tide  in  strong  winds 
causes  an  uneasy  sea,  which  will  distress  a  vessel  much.  Red  and  Ting-tae 
Bays  will  be  found  good  stopping-places  ;  and  the  latter  should  be  preferred, 
though  at  the  loss  of  2  or  3  miles,  to  anchoring  in  an  exposed  position  in  the 
entrance  to  Amoy  Harbour;  as  when  the  N.E.  winds  freshen  off  here  on  the 
flood,  they  generally  bring  a  mist  in  with  them,  which  makes  it  difficult  to 
find  the  entrance,  and  at  the  same  time  a  vessel  will  have  trouble  to  get  out 
of  the  harbour  against  the  tide. 

To  the  northward  of  Amoy  or  Leeo-lu  and  Hu-i-tau  Bays,  both  of  which 
afford  good  shelter.  Chimmo  Bay  is  not  so  good ;  but  with  plenty  of  good 
ground  tackle  vessels  may  ride  in  it.  The  current  in  the  monsoon  over- 
comes the  tide  here  ;  and  advantage  must  be  taken  of  every  slant  of  wind, 
bearing  in  mind  that  it  is  likely  to  draw  off  the  land  in  the  middle  watch, 
pnd  in  the  event  of  anchoring  for  shelter,  this  is  the  time  to  start,  should  the 
wind  moderate ;  by  waiting  for  daylight  vessels  lose  their  offing,  and  will 
have  to  make  an  off-shore  board  at  a  loss.  The  fogs  are  at  times  thick,  but 
the  lead  is  not  a  bad  guide,  as  the  soundings  generally  change  from  sand 
to  mud  as  the  shore  is  approached.  There  is  also  fair  anchorage  under 
Pyramid  Point,  but  not  so  good  as  that  under  the  South  Yit ;  and  if  the 


CHINA  AND  JAPAN.  95 

vessel  is  looking  up  North,  or  anything  East  of  it,  the  ebb  out  of  Meichen 
Sound  will  be  of  assistance. 

From  the  Lam-yit  Islands  or  the  South  end  of  Hai-tan  Strait  to  the  Whit© 
Dogs  is  beyond  doubt  the  most  difficult  part  of  the  passage.  With  steamers 
the  strait  will  afford  the  best  route  ;  but  sailing  vessels  should  decidedly 
keep  outside,  and  stretch  over  to  the  N.W.  coast  of  Formosa,  where  they 
are  likely  to  get  a  slant  of  wind,  and  the  advantage  of  a  weather  tide  j 
and  as  this  portion  of  the  coast  has  been  surveyed,  by  attention  to  the  sound- 
ings no  vessel  can  come  to  any  harm. 

EivER  Mm  TO  Chusajj-  Archipelago. — North  of  the  Eiver  Min  the  ebb 
is  generally  a  weather  tide  (unless  the  wind  is  far  to  the  North),  and  out 
of  the  river,  and  off  Ting-hai  and  Sam-sah  Bays,  vessels  will  get  a  good 
lift ;  and  with  the  flood,  the  indraught  into  the  latter  will  be  sensibly  felt 
as  far  out  as  Larne  Islet,  and  increases  to  2  and  3  knots  as  the  main  ia 
closed.  As  a  general  rule,  tack  for  the  in-shore  tide,  when  the  moon  is  on 
the  meridian, 

Tung-ying  Island  will  be  found  a  strong  anchorage,  and  here  the  coast 
should  be  forsaken  (unless  the  vessel  is  under  12  ft.  draught),  and  the  deep 
water  to  the  eastward  kept  in.  The  tide  will  afford  but  little  assistance  un- 
til the  vessel  arrives  at  the  Chusan  Archipelago  ;  the  flood  causes  an  un- 
easy sea  in  the  shallow  water,  while  the  ebb  has  too  much  southing  in  it;, 
unless  the  wind  is  eastward  of  E.N. E. ;  but  Nam-ki  and  Pih-ki-shan  Islands 
will  afford  good  shelter. 

On  reaching  the  Chusan  Archipelago,  take  the  Beak  Head  Channel,  unless 
the  tide  is  nearly  done,  in  which  case  there  is  Harbour  Eouse  and  the  South 
side  of  Luhwang  Island  as  anchorages  under  the  lee  ;  and  as  the  first  of  th© 
ebb  runs  to  the  northward  through  the  Foto  Channels,  the  tide  through 
may  be  saved,  and  anchorage  gained  on  the  Ketau  shore.  From  hence,, 
if  bound  to  Ting-hai  Harbour,  contrive  to  arrive  at  the  West  end  of  Tower 
Hill  Island  about  slack  water  ;  otherwise,  in  light  winds,  the  vessel  is 
liable  to  be  carried  on  to  Just-in-the-Way,  and  even  through  the  Blackwall 
Channel. 

In  working  through  the  North  part  of  the  Chusan  Archipelago,  as  the  set 
of  the  ebb  and  flood  trends  nearly  East  and  West,  advantage  can  always  be 
taken  of  the  tide,  and  vessels  may  count  on  feeling  the  influence  of  the  ebb 
within  an  hour  of  the  moon's  meridian  passage.  When  in  the  vicinity  of 
Gutzlaff  Island  the  first  of  the  flood  takes  a  direction  to  the  southward  of 
West,  running  into  Hang-chu  Bay. 

The  eddy  tide,  generally  speaking,  will  carry  vessels  clear  of  the  large 
islands  ;  but  when  they  are  approaching  detached  rocks,  great  attention  is 
required  to  prevent  being  set  in  amongst  them. 


96  PASSAGES. 

In-shoke  Passage  from  Hong  Kong  to  the  Yang-tse  Kiang.— These 
directions  for  making  the  in-shore  passage  from  Hong  Kong  to  the  Yang-tse 
Kiang  by  vessels  of  moderate  steam  power,  during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  are 
drawn  up  from  a  report  by  Commander  C.  E.  Buckle,  H.M.S.  Frolic,  1876, 
aided  by  Mr.  T.  E.  Cocker,  commanding  the  Chinese  Eevenue  Cruiser  Ling- 

feng. 

A  vessel  should  leave  Hong  Kong  in  time  to  anchor  under  Tam-tu  Island 
for  the  night,  if  necessary,  or  by  leaving  earlier,  to  reach  the  well  sheltered 
anchorage  in  Samun  Road,  between  Tuni-ang  and  Samun  Islands ;  or  in 
Harlem  Bay.  Leaving  Tam-tu  at  daylight,  pass  out  through  Tathong 
Channel ;  after  rounding  Tam-tu  Island,  steer  to  the  westward  of  Nine-pin 
Group  for  Basalt  Island,  thence  North  of  Tuni-ang  Island  for  Harlem  Bay. 
If  in  fine  weather,  and  keeping  to  the  southward,  pass  near  to  Single  Island. 
Prom  Harlem  Bay,  pass  on  either  side  of  Middle  Rock,  round  Eokai  Point, 
and  North  of  Pauk-Piah ;  thence  steer  for  Goat  Island,  where  good  anchor- 
age may  be  obtained  on  the  N.  W.  side  of  the  island. 

A  vessel  may  either  proceed  to  the  southward  of  Goat  Island  and  North  of 
Reef  Islands  for  Chelang  Point,  or  pass  to  the  southward  of  Reef  Islands, 
and  thence  for  Tong-mi  Point  (good  anchorage  wiU  be  found  in  Chino  Bay). 
Pass  to  the  northward  of  Si-ki  Island,  and  South  of  Tung-ki,  thence  for 
Hutung  Point  and  Turtle  Rock,  from  which  steer  in-shore  for,  and  through, 
Tungao  Roads,  tolerably  near  White  Rock  and  to  the  southward  of  Corea 

Rock. 

Having  rounded  Breaker  Point,  not  nearer  than  2  miles,  steer  to  pass  near 
Tong-lae  Point  into  Haimun  Bay,  South  of  Parkyns  Rock  into  Hope  Bay, 
where  there  is  good  anchorage  during  the  N.E.  monsoon.  From  abreast 
Swatow,  steer  to  pass  about  half  a  mile  to  the  eastward  of  Fort  Island 
(giving  Dove  Rock,  off  Swatow,  a  good  berth),  being  careful  not  to  mistake 
either  of  the  cones  or  hummocks  of  Fort  Island,  which  appear  detached,  for 
the  more  distant  Brig  Island.  If  it  be  desirable  to  pass  South  of  Namoa, 
the  best  anchorage  for  small  vessels  will  be  found  in  South  Bay.  When 
rounding  the  S.E.  point  of  Namoa  Island,  care  is  necessary  to  avoid  Glen- 
gyle  Rock. 

Passing  North  of  Namoa,  keep  a  good  look-out  for  the  heavy  fishing 
stakes  extending  from  Clipper  Point,  and  proceed  for  Breaker  Island.  From 
Fort  Head,  steer  towards  Chauan  Head  for  Owick  Bay,  where  good  anchor- 
age will  be  obtained,  with  the  rock  off  Owick  Point  bearing  S.S.E.  ^  E.,  and 
Jokako  Peak  N.E.  f  E.  In  this  bay  it  will  be  almost  calm  when  there  is  a 
good  breeze  outside. 

From  Owick  Bay  steer  for  Bell  Island  ;  or,  if  keeping  in-shore,  haul  out 
when  closing  this  island,  and  pass  to  the  southward  of  it.  Between  Bell  and 
Square  Islands  a  very  disturbed  sea  and  tide  rip  will  be  experienced  ;  keep 
towards  Jokako  Point  and  into  Jokako  Bay,  gradually  hauling  out  to  paes 


CHINA  AND  JAPAN.  97 

about  half  a  mile  from  the  rocks  off  Cone  Point,  from  which  steer  for  Pagoda 
Island,  gradually  hauling  out  to  pass  close  under  Thunder  Head,  thence 
steer  to  the  southward  of  Rees  Rock.  From  Rees  Pass,  steer  for  the  Hu- 
tau-shan  River  bar,  and  gradually  haul  out  to  pass  about  half  a  mile  off 
Black  Head  and  Tagau  Point ;  passing  tolerably  close  to  and  eastward  of 
Hut  Islet,  thence  westward  of  Spire  Islet,  and  mid-channel  between  Crab 
Point  and  Cleft  Islet,  which  is  a  desirable  channel.  Between  Spire  Islet 
and  Cork  Point  there  is  usually  a  rough  sea,  and  the  coast  should  be  fol- 
lowed as  closely  as  Shun  Rock  will  admit.  Anchorage  may  be  obtained  in 
Red  Bay. 

The  distance  from  Cork  Point  to  the  outer  anchorage  of  Amoy  may  easily 
be  run  during  a  fine  night,  the  islands  and  headlands  showing  out  plainly  : — ■ 
Leaving  Red  Bay,  give  Cork  Point  a  good  berth,  and  steer  to  the  westward 
of  House  Hill  Point,  edging  out  when  closing  the  latter  point ;  thence  for 
Notch  Island  and  along  the  coast  for  Table  Head  (off  which  some  rocks  are 
said  to  exist),  and  Chin-ha  Point. 

Proceeding  to  the  northward,  outside  Amoy,  steer  for  Leeo-lu  Bay,  in 
which,  by  passing  close  to  Leeo-lu  Head,  good  anchorage  will,  if  required, 
be  found.  Prom  Leeo-lu,  steer  to  clear  Dodd  Ledge  thence  along  the  coast, 
keeping  inshore.  Safe  anchorage  may  be  found  under  Tongbu  in  addition 
to  the  many  good  anchorages  shown  on  the  chart.  Sorrel  Rock  may  be 
passed  either  on  the  East  or  West  sides,  and  with  a  strong  breeze  a  vessel 
may  pass  North  of  Loutz  Shoal,  through  Lamyit  Channel,  and  make  for 
Hai-tan  Strait.  If  the  weather  be  fine,  pass  to  the  southward  of  Sorrel 
Rock,  skirt  Lamyit  Islands,  thence  for  Turnabout  Island"*  and  Hai  Head. 
Good  anchorage  will  be  obtained  under  Hai  Head,  with  Turnabout  Island 
shut  in. 

Prom  Hai  Head,  steer  towards  the  White  Dog  Islands,  passing  westward 
of  that  group  thence  to  Matson  Diplo,  and  Spider  Islands,  between  Spider 
and  Cony  Islands,  or  to  the  westward  of  Spider  Island,  and  through  Seaon 
Channel,  thence  to  Fuh-yan  or  through  the  Chuh-pi  Pass,  to  anchorage  in 
Lishan  Bay.  From  Fuh-yan,  keep  along  the  coast,  and  pass  between  Tung- 
pwan  and  Shroud  Islands,  thence  into  Bullock  Harbour,  if  necessary. 
Leaving  Bullock  Harbour,  pass  out  between  Pwan-peen  and  the  northern 
Tseigh  Islands,  eastward  of  Coin  Island,  and  southward  of  Hea-chu,  off  the 
Tai-chou  Islands: — With  a  strong  breeze  a  vessel  may  steer  from  Coin 
Island  to  pass  between  Taluk  and  Chin-ki,  thence  between  San-shi  Islands 
and  Stragglers,  to  good  anchorage  under  Shetung.  Proceed  between  Chik- 
hok  and  Low  Chikhok,  West  of  Squall  Islands,  and  between  Fir  Coin  and 

*  A  sunken  rock,  on  which  the  S.S.  Sunda  struck,  in  1875,  is  said  to  be  situated  from  1 
to  1^  mile  northward  of  Turnabout  Island, 

I.  A.  O 


98  PASSAGES. 

Chuh-sen,  to  good  anchorage  westward  of  Gau-tau  Island.  Proceeding  to 
the  northward  from  this  anchorage,  pass  between  Kinmen  and  Gau-tau 
Islands.  In  fine  weather  pass  to  the  eastward  of  Heroine  Rock  (the  ac- 
cepted position  of  this  rock,  as  given  by  the  U.S.S.  Ashuelot,  being  S.E.  by 
E.  f  E.,  4  miles  from  the  S.W.  end  of  Lea-ming  Island)  and  Twins,  or  in  a 
strong  wind  steer  for  Cape  Conway  and  through  Sheipoo  Roads. 

Fair  anchorage  in  a  N.W.  wind  will  be  obtained  under  the  northern 
Kweshan  Island,  but  there  is  a  better  anchorage  to  the  N.W.  of  Castle  Rock. 
It  is,  however,  advisable  to  get  as  close  to  Gough  Pass  for  the  night  as  pos- 
sible, ready  to  go  through  at  daylight,  or  if  in  time,  go  through  the  pass  and 
anchor  for  the  night  near  Sing-lo  Island.  After  passing  Sing-lo  Island  pro- 
ceed through  Tower  Hill  and  Blackwall  Channels  ;  anchorage  may  be  found 
under  Dunsterville  or  Volcano  Islands,  both  of  which  should  be  left  to  the 
eastward  on  passing,  thence  steer  for  Rug:ged  Islands. 

Care  is  necessary  when  navigating  this  part  of  the  coast,  as  the  tides  run 
strong. 

It  should  be  borne  in  mind,  that  at  all  times  during  the  N.E.  monsoon 
the  weather  is  uncertain,  and  strong  breezes  set  in  without  any  warning, 
sometimes  lasting  for  two  or  three  days,  or  even  more.  Fogs  are  experienced 
in  the  early  part  of  the  year  in  the  same  manner. 

No  vessels  of  small  steam  power  should  attempt  to  proceed  northward 
during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  except  by  the  inshore  passage,  and  the  same 
might  be  said  of  the  typhoon  season. 

Passages  in  S.W.  Monsoon. — There  will  not  be  the  same  difB.culty  in 
getting  to  the  southward  against  the  southerly  monsoon,  as  there  is  in  going 
to  the  northward  against  the  other,  as  it  is  not  so  permanent  in  its  direction, 
and  land  and  sea  breezes  prevail ;  the  current  has  generally  been  found 
running  strong  to  the  northward  in  the  Formosa  Channel,  but  vessels  are 
not  liable  to  the  same  detention  which  they  often  experience  in  the  northerly 
monsoon.     Care,  however,  must  be  taken  not  to  overshoot  the  port. 

Fogs  prevail  in  the  early  part  of  the  season,  and  render  the  navigation  at 
times  as  harassing  as  it  is  in  the  N.E.  monsoon ;  they,  however,  generally 
lift  in  the  vicinity  of  the  land,  and  a  ship's  length  from  where  the  bowsprit 
can  hardly  be  seen  will  carry  her  into  sunshine. 

The  chief  difficulty  to  overcome  in  making  the  passage  between  the  Gulf 
of  Pe-chili  and  Hong  Kong  during  the  southerly  monsoon  is  the  strong 
easterly  or  north  easterly  current.  After  passing  the  parallel  of  the  Yang- 
tse  kiang,  it  will  be  advisable  to  keep  near  the  China  coast ;  for  although  a 
vessel  may  lie  up  South  or  S.  by  E.  on  the  starboard  tack,  it  should  be  re- 
membered that  she  is  making  little  better  than  a  S.E.  (ourse  in  consequence 
of  the  easterly  set.  A  stretch  to  the  north-westward,  though  apparently  a 
loss  of  ground,  will  ultimately  prove  useful. 


CHINA  AND  JAPAN.  99 

H.M.S.  Pique,  Capt.  Sir  Frederick  Nicolson,  C.B.,  in  making  this  passage 
in  July  and  August,  was  not  favoured  when  close  in  shore  by  any  land  and 
sea  breezes,  nor  had  the  least  slant,  but  generally  lost  the  wind.  A  weather 
tide  was  occasionally  felt  when  near  the  shore  in  the  Formosa  Channel. 

Although  the  constant  adverse  current  makes  this  a  tedious  passage 
against  the  monsoon,  there  is  nothing  to  prevent  a  vessel  of  moderate  sailing 
qualities  making  the  passage  at  this  season.  The  Pique  had  seldom  more 
than  single-reefed  topsails,  and  the  sea  was  generally  smooth  ;  she  made  the 
passage  from  the  Gulf  of  Pe-chili  to  Hong  Kong  in  31  days. 

It  would  appear  that  North  of  the  tropic  to  the  parallel  of  30°  N.,  North 
and  N.E.  winds  prevail  during  the  greater  part  of  the  year,  but  alternating 
with  calms,  variables,  and  S.W.  winds  during  the  summer  months. 

20.— PASSAGES  BETWEEN  CHINA  AND  JAPAN. 

DUEING  THE  NOETH-EAST  MONSOON.— Hong  Kong  to  Yedo.— 
A  vessel  bound  from  Hong  Kong  to  Yedo  at  this  season,  should  work  up 
the  Coast  of  China  as  far  as  Breaker  Point  (or  see  note,  page  92),  taking  care 
to  be  always  under  the  land  at  nightfall,  the  wind  during  the  night  always 
hauling  to  the  northward  (off  the  land),  when  she  may  make  a  long  tack  off, 
standing  in  again  in  the  morning  when  the  wind  shifts  to  the  N.E.,  and  fre- 
quently more  easterly  still.  From  Breaker  Point  the  vessel  may  then  stand 
across  with  the  wind  free  tor  the  South  end  of  Formosa,  experiencing  a 
southerly  set  whilst  in  the  Formosa  Channel ;  but  on  nearing  the  island  she 
will  lose  it,  and  on  passing  South  Cape  fall  in  with  the  Kuro  Siwo  setting  to 
the  N.E. 

Having  passed  South  Cape  Formosa,  the  vessel  may  work  up  the  coast  of 
that  island,  passing  between  it  and  the  Meiaco  Sima  Group,  and  to  the  west- 
ward of  the  Liu-Kiu  Islands,  having  the  current  with  her  as  far  as  the 
parallel  of  26°  N.,  beyond  which  parallel  she  will  experience  no  current 
until  30°  N.,  where  a  strong  current  will  be  found  setting  to  the  eastward, 
the  wind  also  being  more  from  the  North  and  West.  She  may  then  pass 
through  any  of  the  channels  between  the  islands  lying  off  the  South  point  of 
Japan,  after  which,  keeping  at  about  from  50  to  10  miles  from  the  land,  in 
the  strength  of  the  Kuro  Siwo,  she  may  make  the  lights  at  Oo  Sima  (entrance 
of  the  Kii  Channel),  and  passing  them  at  a  distance  of  from  5  to  10  miles, 
may  steer  to  pass  just  outside  Mikomoto  (Eock  Island). 

From  Yedo  to  Hong  Kong. — On  leaving  the  Gulf  of  Yeao,  stand  to  the 
south-westward  as  far  as  28°  S.  and  135°  E.,  whence  a  course  may  be  shaped 
to  pass  northward  of  Kakirouma,  one  of  the  Liu-Kiu  Group,  thus  avoiding 
the  influence  of  the  Kuro  Siwo.  After  passing  Iwo  Sima,  a  straight  course 
may  be  steered  for  Tung  Ying,  on  making  which  island  stand  down  the 
China  coast  for  Hong  Kong- 


100  PASSAGES. 

Fbom  Shanghae  to  Nagasaki. — At  this  season,  if  the  wind  is  to  the  east- 
ward of  North,  it  would  be  well  on  leaving  the  Yang-tse  to  stand  to  the 
north-westward  on  the  starboai'd  tack,  and  when  the  wind  hauls  round  to  the 
north-westward,  which  it  will  as  the  ship  advances  northward,  tack,  and 
steer  a  straight  course  for  Nagasaki,  making  allowance  for  the  south-easterly 
and  easterly  set  from  the  Yellow  Sea  and  Korea  Strait,  otherwise  the  ship 
may  be  swept  to  the  eastward  through  Van  Diemen  Strait.  During  the 
periodic  easterly  winds  (variable  between  E.N.E.  and  S.E.)  which  prevail  on 
the  China  coast  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Yang-tse,  from  March  to  June  inclusive, 
with  a  sailing  vessel,  every  opportunity  must  betaken  to  make  easting,  even 
with  a  fair  wind,  which  it  may  be  almost  surely  inferred  will  be  but  of  short 
duration.  In  May  and  June,  however,  the  set  of  the  current  will  be  changed, 
and  will  be  found  running  to  the  north-eastward ;  under  these  circumstances 
there  is  a  probability  that  a  vessel  kept  on  the  starboard  tack  would  be  set 
over  to  the  Korean  Archipelago.  With  these  considerations  the  navigator 
must  act  on  his  own  judgment,  there  being  only  difficulty  in  making  the 
passage,  when  baffling  winds,  and  thick,  rainy,  and  squally  weather  are  met 
with  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Meac  Sima,  the  Pallas,  or  the  Goto  Islands,  or 
they  are  passed  on  dark  nights.  If  not,  therefore,  sure  of  the  vessel's  posi- 
tion, it  would  be  well  to  make  them  in  the  daytime,  unless  the  nights  are 
moderatel}'  fine. 

Hakodate  through  Korea  Strait. — If  bound  on  to  Hakodate  at  the 
same  season,  or  even  as  late  as  the  end  of  June,  it  will  be  found  difficult 
with  a  sailing  vessel  to  make  easting  at  all  along  the  West  coast  of  Nipon. 
It  will  be  advantageous  in  April,  May,  and  June,  to  pass  well  East  of  Tsu 
Sima  in  the  strength  of  the  Japan  stream,  which  sets  N.E.  by  N.  through 
the  Korea  Strait,  attaining  at  times,  although  not  constant,  a  velocity  of  2 
knots  an  hour.  Should  a  S.W.  wind  occur  at  this  season,  it  may  be  ex- 
pected to  last  only  24  hours,  unless  it  follow  an  easterlj'  gale  with  depressed 
barometer.  During  the  winter,  gales  from  North  and  N.W.  are  very  fre- 
quent in  the  Korea  Strait,  lasting  three  or  four  days,  and  are  sometimes 
violent.  A  rapidly  falling  barometer  indicates  their  approach,  the  wind  in- 
creasing in  force  after  the  mercury  commences  to  rise,  and  not  attaining  its 
height  until  24  hours  after.  In  such  weather,  if  making  for  Nagasaki  on  the 
purt  tack,  beware  of  being  blown  to  leeward  into  Van  Diemen  Strait,  for  if 
set  through  by  the  Japan  stream  it  will  take  a  long  time  to  regain  the  lost 
ground  against  the  current  (one  vessel  having  been  nearly  three  weeks  en- 
deavouring to  beat  round  Cape  ChichakofF) ;  and  if  on  the  starboard  tack, 
there  is  probability  of  being  set  up  the  Korea  Strait  to  the  northward  of  Ose 
Saki.  As  both  cases  have  happened  to  vessels,  it  is  recommended  that  they 
should  endeavour  to  make  the  land  in  daylight,  and  find  anchorage,  or  secure 
a  knowledge  of  their  position. 

In  winter,  when  N.W.  and  West  winds  prevail,  a  direct  course  should  be 


CHINA  AND  JAPAN.  101 

Bteered  from  the  Korea  Strait  when  bound  to  Hakodate ;  but  if  bound  from 
Hakodate  southward,  it  is  necessary  to  endeavour  to  make  westing  when 
possible,  and  keep  a  long  offing,  for  the  coast  of  Nipon  is  a  lee  shore.  After 
passing  Korea  Strait  as  well  to  windward  as  possible,  the  winds  will  be 
found  more  liable  to  change  when  arrived  at  lat.  32°  N.,  long.  125"^  E.,  but 
sometimes  they  continue  so  steadily  between  N.W.  and  "SV.S.W.  as  to  set  a 
vessel  to  leeward  of  the  Tang-tse. 

Shaxgitae  to  Yedo. — On  leaving  the  Yang-tse,  the  wind  will  be  rarely 
found  as  far  to  the  eastward  as  N.E.  ;  it  is  best,  therefore,  to  keep  the  ship 
on  the  starboard  tack,  remembering  that  she  will  be  set  to  the  eastward 
towards  Yan  Diemen  Strait,  after  passing  which,  pursue  the  same  route  as 
directed  in  the  passage  from  Hong  Kong. 

DUEING  THE  SOUTH-WEST  MONSOON.— Hong  Koxg  to  Yedo.— 
A  vessel  bound  from  Hong  Kong  to  Yedo  should  run  up  the  China  coast  aa 
far  as  Tung  Ying,  then  shape  a  course  for  Akusi  Sima,  one  of  the  Linschoten 
group.  On  passing  the  meridian  of  125''  E.  the  set  will  be  strong  to  the 
north-eastward.  Pass  through  any  of  the  channels  between  the  islands 
South  of  Japan  in  preference  to  Yan  Diemen  Strait,  as  the  dense  fogs  which 
hang  over  the  coast  at  this  season  render  the  navigation  of  this  strait  diffir 
cult,  whilst  farther  seaward,  when  in  the  warm  stream  of  the  Kuro  Siwo, 
the  atmosphere  is  bright  and  clear.  After  passing  the  channel  steer  to  make 
the  lights  at  Oo  Sima,  remembering  the  current  sets  along  the  coast  of  Japan 
to  the  north-eastward  at  this  season  from  2  to  4^  knots  an  hour.  After 
passing  Oo  Sima  at  a  distance  of  from  5  to  10  miles,  steer  for  Mikimoto  (Eock 
Island)  light.  If  bound  from  Hong  Kong  to  Nagasaki,  after  leaving  Tung 
Ying  steer  for  Meac  Sima,  passing  between  which  group  and  the  Pallas 
Rocks,  a  course  E.N.E.  80  miles  will  place  the  ship  off  the  lighthouse  on 
Signal  Head  (the  North  point  of  Iwo  Simaj  at  the  entrance  to  Nagasaki 
Harbour,  on  nearing  which  it  should  not  be  brought  to  bear  northward  of 
E.N.E. 

From  Yedo  to  Hong  Kong. — This  passage  is  so  seldom  made  by  sailing 
vessels  that  very  little  is  known  of  the  best  route  to  be  pursued  ;  the  follow- 
ing, however,  is  recommended  : — 

On  leaving  the  Gulf  of  Yedo  shape  a  course  to  the  south-eastward,  to 
cross  the  parallel  of  30°  N  in  about  145°  E.,  and,  passing  East  of  St.  Mar- 
garet's Island,  cross  the  meridian  of  140°  E.  in  lat.  21°  N.,  thence  steer 
(with  a  favourable  current)  for  the  N.E.  point  of  Luzon,  on  passing  which 
enter  the  China  Sea,  when  a  direct  course  may  be  shaped  for  Hong  Kong, 
taking  care  to  allow  for  the  drift-current  setting  to  the  N.E.  at  this  season. 
It  may  here  be  remarked,  that  this  route  lies  directly  across  the  paths  of  the 
typhoons,  which  are  prevalent  in  the  tropics  at  this  period. 

This  voyage  is  rarely  made,  as  sailing  vessels  so  take  advantage  of  the 
monsoons  that  they  leave  Hong  Kong  for  the  northern  ports  and  Japan  at 


102  PASSAGES. 

the  commencement  of  the  S.W.  monsoon,  and,  remaining  at  the  ports  of  the 
latter  islands  until  the  monsoon  takes  oflF,  leave  for  the  South  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  N.E.  monsoon. 

Steamers,  however,  run  at  all  times  between  the  two  places,  and  at  this 
season  usually  on  leaving  Yedo  Gulf,  and,  passing  Mikomoto,  keep  well  in 
shore  to  Oo  Sima,  passing  which  they  keep  up  the  Kii  Channel  through 
Isumi  Strait  and  the  Inland  Sea.  On  passing  Simonoseki  Strait,  if  not 
bound  to  Nagasaki,  they  keep  to  westward  of  the  Goto  Islands,  and  making 
the  Saddle  Islands  off  the  Yang-tse,  keep  close  to  the  shore,  and  from  thence 
pursue  the  same  course  to  the  southward  as  vessels  bound  from  Shaghae  to 
Hong  Kong. 

From  Shanghae  to  Nagasaki. — On  leaving  the  Yang-tse,  steer  to  pass 
between  the  Pallas  Eocks  and  Meac  Sima  (Asses'  Ears),  which  last  is  visible 
in  clear  weather  at  a  distance  of  30  miles.  The  current  will  bo  found  setting 
to  the  north-eastward  through  Korea  Straits  ;  cai-e  must  be  taken,  therefore, 
to  avoid  being  set  to  the  northward  of  Ose  Saki,  the  South  point  of  the  Goto 
Islands,  as  the  current  during  the  S.W".  monsoon  is  often  strong  in  this 
locality.  Passing  the  Amherst  Eocks,  a  course  E.  f  N.  390  miles  will  lead 
midway  between  the  Pallas  Eocks  and  Ose  Saki  (Cape  Goto). 


The  foregoing  is  a  general  account  of  the  tracks  most  usually  followed  in 
traversing  the  Indian  Archipelago  or  the  China  Sea.  The  more  particular 
instructions  for  each  locality  will  be  found  in  their  respective  places  here- 
after. 

In  such  a  variety  of  routes  there  is  necessarily  some  diversity  of  opinion 
as  to  which  is  best,  and  this  has  not  been  lessened  of  late  years  by  the 
increased  variety  in  the  build  and  trim  of  the  vessels  employed  in  oriental 
commerce.  The  route  practicable  and  advantageous  to  the  swift  sailing 
clipper  cannot  be  followed  by  the  heavy-laden  and  slow-sailing  ship  of 
former  years.  In  what  is  here  given,  these  different  routes  are  each  given, 
some  from  older  authorities,  some  from  recent  experience.  Some  of  the 
best  tracks  have  been  avoided  from  our  ignorance  of  their  nature,  and  their 
supposed  dangerous  character.  This  is  fast  disappearing  before  increased 
kno^vledge,  and  it  may  be  predicted  that  some  settled  system  for  the  naviga- 
tion wiU  be  established  in  the  course  of  a  few  years. 


PART    IT, 


DESCEIPTION  OF   THE   COASTS   AND  ISLANDS. 

In  the  succeeding  pages  will  be  found  a  detailed  description  of  the  shores 
and  seas  of  the  Indian  Archipelago  and  China,  commencing  with  the  Strait 
of  Malacca,  and  proceeding  thence  southward  and  eastward  in  regular  suc- 
cession. This  arrangement  has  been  preferred  to  that  of  following  a  parti- 
cular voyage  in  one  direction,  as  the  present  exigences  of  Oriental  commerce 
require  the  subject  to  be  considered  in  such  varied  aspects,  that  no  other 
than  a  strictly  geographic  arrangement  can  be  applicable  to  every  case.  The 
plan  of  the  future  pages  will  be  thus  readily  understood. 

Physical  Geography. — The  Indian  Archipelago  presents  many  remarkable 
features,  worthy  of  the  consideration  of  the  passing  navigator,  as  some  of  ita 
peculiarities  will  thereby  become  better  understood.  This  subject  was  well 
treated  by  Mr.  Geo.  W.  Earl,  and  more  recently,  in  its  relation  to  animal 
and  vegetable  life,  by  Mr.  Alfred  Russell  Wallace. 

The  first  great  feature  of  its  constitution  is  the  line  of  active  volcanoes 
which  encircle  the  whole  of  the  north-western  and  most  extensive  area.  A 
line  of  spiracles  and  rugged  mountains  from  which  they  issue  may  be  fol- 
lowed from  Cheduba,  in  the  Bay  of  Bengal,  to  the  Andaman  Islands,  pass- 
ing through  the  entire  length  of  Sumatra,  nearer  to  its  S.  W.  coast ;  is  con- 
tinued along  the  southern  part  of  Java,  and  passes  through  the  chain  of 
islands  to  the  eastward,  which  are  separated  by  narrow  but  very  deep 
channels.  Thence  past  the  North  part  of  Timor  towards  New  Guinea, 
where  it  is  met  by  another  chain  running  from  N.N.W.,  where  it  may  be 
traced  along  Kamscharka  through  the  Kurile  Islands,  Japan,  Loo  Choo,  and 
the  Philippines,  after  which  it  divides  into  two  branches,  the  western  passing 
down  to  the  Moluccas,  &c.,  past  Celebes,  and  joining  the  first-named  line  at 
the  West  end  of  New  Guinea,  and  hereabout  its  greatest  efiects  are  evident, 
in  the  fantastic  forms  it  has  given  to  Celebes  and  Gillolo  and  other  islands. 
These  rise  abruptly  from  immense  depths,*  and  to  this  and  other  causes 
may  be  attributed  that  want  of  fertility  which  characterises  them  :  the  rich  soil 
caused  by  the  decomposition  of  the  rocks  and  vegetation  being  washed  away 
from  their  arid  surfaces  into  the  deep  ocean.  The  two  lines  of  volcanic  action 

*  H.M.S.  6Vja//e«/7er  found  a  depth  of  2,150  fathoms  between  Celebes  and  Gilolo,  2,550 
fathoms  off  the  S.W.  end  of  Mindanao,  and  similar  depths  in  most  parts  of  her  track  from 
Torres  Straits  through  the  Molucca  Passage,  Celebes  and  Sulu  Seas,  to  Manila. 


104  DESCEIPTION  OF  THE  COASTS  AND  ISLANDS. 

thus  united  may  be  followed  to  the  eastward  along  the  North  coast  of  New 
Guinea,  along  the  Louisiade  Archipelago,  to  New  Ireland  along  the  Solomau 
Group  towards  the  New  Hebrides,  and  may  be  seen  in  detached  spots  as  far 
as  New  Zealand,  and  the  islands  South  of  it. 

This  volcanic  band  is  of  a  totally  distinct  character  in  its  productions  to 
the  other  parts  of  the  Archipelago.  As  in  all  other  parts  of  the  world,  the 
volcanic  rocks,  which  are  easily  and  rapidly  decomposed  by  atmospheric  in- 
fluences, form  a  soil  of  unparalleled  fertility  when  cultivated,  although  there 
are  few  useful  natural  productions,  unless  the  nutmeg  be  so  considered.  This 
feature  has  attracted  the  numerous  European  settlements  which  are  scattered 
along  the  bases  of  these  chains,  where  the  sugar  and  coffee  plantaions  of 
Java,  and  the  spice  groves  of  the  more  eastern  islands,  afford  such  materials 
for  commercial  enterprise,  which  would  seem  to  be  almost  illimitable.  Mineral 
treasures  are  not  to  be  hoped  for  in  these  ranges  ;  the  action  of  the  volcanic 
heat  has  so  altered  the  character  of  the  superimposed  rocks,  that  they  afford 
nothing  to  the  metallurgist. 

The  second  great  feature  which  may  be  noticed  are  those  parallel  lines  of 
primary  rocks  which  trend  in  a  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.  direction  across  the 
archipelago,  as  well  as  in  the  countries  of  Asia  to  the  northward,  and  across 
the  continent  of  Australia  to  the  southward.  The  chain  which  forms  the 
backbone  of  the  Malayan  Peninsula  is  perhaps  the  most  conspicuous  of 
these  ;  it  may  be  traced  southwards  through  Banka,  &c.  It  is  in  this  forma- 
tion where  the  great  deposits  of  metal  are  most  abundant,  or  at  least  most 
easily  worked,  as  in  the  famous  gold  and  tin  mines  of  Malaya,  and  the 
Banka  tin  mines.  Sumatra,  apart  from  its  volcanic  ridge,  affords  another 
example  of  these  primary  ridges.  A  third  traverses  Cambodia,  &c.,  showing 
itself  at  Pulo  Condore  and  the  Natunas,  and  then  reappears  at  the  N.W. 
end  of  Borneo,  and  is  lost  on  the  North  coast  of  Borneo.  Another  passes 
along  the  coast  of  Cochin  China,  traverses  a  portion  of  Borneo  and  the 
southern  part  of  Celebes.  One  feature  of  these  ridges  is  the  existence  of  the 
teak  tree,  which  only  flourishes  on  them.  When  this  important  tree  is 
transplanted  on  to  the  rich  volcanic  soil,  it  languishes. 

A  third  feature  is  the  great  banks  which  extend  from  Asia  and  Australia, 
but  do  not  join.  This  was  first  pointed  out  in  their  relation  to  their  pro- 
ductions by  Mr.  Windsor  Earl.  He  says :  These  banks  of  soundings,  which 
extend  from  the  continents  of  Asia  and  Australia,  form  very  remarkable 
features  in  the  geography  of  this  part  of  the  world,  and,  as  such,  are  de- 
serving of  more  attention  than  has  hitherto  been  bestowed  upon  them,  since 
it  will  be  found  that  all  the  countries  lying  upon  these  banks  partake  of  the 
character  of  the  continents  to  which  they  are  attached;  while  those  which 
are  situated  on  the  deep  sea  which  separates  them  are  all  of  comparatively 
recent  volcanic  formation,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  small  coral  islands, 
which  are  in  all  probability  constructed  upon  the   summits  of  submerged 


DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  COASTS  AND  ISLANDS.  105 

volcanoGS.  The  depths  on  these  banks  average  about  30  fathoms,  deepening 
rapidly  as  the  ed^e  is  approached,  and  shoals  gradually  toward  the  land. 
The  great  Asiatic  Bank  extends  into  the  archipelago  to  a  distance  of  nearly 
1,000  miles;  in  fact,  to  within  50  miles  of  Celebes,  and  perhaps  farther. 

The  great  bank  which  fronts  the  North  and  N.W.  coasts  of  Australia 
commences  near  the  N.W.  cape,  and  extends  in  a  N.E.  direction  to  New 
Guinea,  where  it  terminates  at  the  base  of  the  high  but  narrow  mountain 
range  that  unites  the  western  with  the  eastern  part  of  that  great  island,  and 
separates  the  Banda  Sea  from  the  Pacific.  It  is  at  this  point  that  the  edge 
of  the  bank  is  most  remote  from  Australia,  its  edge  being  400  miles  distant 
from  it.  It  appears  ap:ain  on  the  South  coast  of  New  Guinea,  near  Torres 
Strait,  and  extends  along  the  N.E.  coast  of  Australia. 

The  Arru  Islands  and  New  Guinea  are  thus  united  to  Australia,  and 
possess  in  common  some  features  hitherto  supposed  to  belong  exclusively  to 
Australia,  such  as  the  kangaroo,  «S:c. 

The  volcanic  islands  between  these  great  shoals  appear  to  have  a  world  of 
their  own,  different  from  the  countries  on  either  side.  This  remarkable 
feature  cannot  be  dilated  on,  but  may  be  followed  in  the  excellent  papers 
given  by  Mr.  A.  R.  Wallace.  It  would  seem  as  if  the  animal  life  especially 
belonged  to  a  different  order  generally  from  that  found  on  the  neighbouring 
continents,  and  is  even  different  between  adjacent  islands,  so  that  these 
anomalies  have  given  rise  to  some  interesting  speculations. 

Respecting  our  knowledge  of  the  coasts  and  seas,  it  is  of  varied  character. 
Although  much  more  perfect  than  it  was  a  few  years  since,  there  are  some 
serious  defects  in  the  hydrography  of  the  archipelago,  especially  in  the 
eastern  portion  of  the  area.  The  surveyors  of  the  East  India  Company  in 
former  years,  and  our  Admiralty  hydrographers  in  later  times,  have  examined 
the  principal  passages  leading  into  the  China  Sea,  as  the  StrHits  of  Malacca 
and  Singapore,  Banka,  &c.  The  Dutch  Government  have  given  charts  and 
directions  for  the  ct;untries  adjacent  to  these  possessions,  such  as  Sunda 
Strait  and  the  coasts  of  Java,  and  the  nautical  world  owes  much  to  the 
Dutch  commission  for  the  improvement  of  charts  and  navigation.  Under 
the  auspices  of  this  body  a  fine  series  of  charts,  of  various  and  extensive  por- 
tions of  the  archipelago,  were  published.  These  have  since  been  mostly  copied 
by  our  Admiralty.  For  the  Spanish  possessions  in  the  Philippine  Islands, 
&c.,  we  have  the  older  and  modern  surveys  of  that  nation.  The  coast  of 
China  has  been  excellently  surveyed  by  our  Admiralty.  All  these  authorities 
will  be  generally  enumerated  in  the  course  of  the  ensuing  pages. 

Before  proceeding  with  the  descriptions,  we  must  make  our  general  ac- 
knowledgement of  indeotedness  to  the  China  Sea  Directory,  published  by  the 
Admiralty.  This  work,  derived  from  many  sources,  gives  a  correct  picture 
of  our  present  knowledge,  and  is  therefore  deserving  of  all  confidence. 

I.    A.  P 


CHAPTER    III. 


THE    STRAIT    OF    MALACCA. 

This  great  highway  into  the  China  Sea  may  be  considered  to  be  limited  on 
the  N.W.  by  a  line  joining  Acheen  Head  and  the  South  point  of  Junksey- 
lon,  which  would  be  about  225  miles  in  length ;  and  from  this  limit  to  the 
Carimon  Isles,  at  its  S.E.  end,  is  500  miles,  so  that  it  has  more  the  character 
of  an  inland  sea  than  a  channel  between  Sumatra  and  the  Malay  Peninsula. 
In  a  more  contracted  sense  it  may  be  said  to  commence  at  Diamond  Point  on 
Sumatra,  and  Pulo  Penang  on  the  Malayan  side,  and  these  are  164  miles 
apart  East  and  West. 

The  monsoons,  interrupted  by  the  high  land  of  Sumatra  on  the  one  hand, 
and  that  of  the  Malay  Peninsula  on  the  other,  each  crossing  the  line  of  their 
normal  direction,  are  only  felt  for  a  short  distance  within  the  respective  en- 
trances, and  from  its  position  so  near  to  the  equator,  the  strait  is  subject  to 
baffling  and  light  winds  and  calms.  In  a  former  page  the  peculiarities  of 
the  winds  and  seasons  have  been  referred  to. 

Its  coasts  have  not  been  completely  surveyed,  but  partial  examinations 
have  been  made  by  Lieuts.  Woore,  W.  Eose,  and  Capts.  Moresby  and  C.  Y. 
Ward.  The  charts,  it  is  believed,  are  sufficiently  complete  for  the  safety  of 
its  navigation,  which,  under  proper  precaution,  is  free  from  danger. 

The  British  Possessions,  called  the  Straits  Settlements,  are  the  Province 
Wellesley,  a  strip  of  coast  on  the  Malay  Peninsula,  about  10  miles  broad 
and  35  miles  long,  at  the  back  of  Pulo  Penang^  also  a  British  possession, 
a  patch  of  country,  22  miles  in  length  from  North  to  South,  with  the  island 
of  Pancore  lying  off  its  southern  portion,  as  hereafter  described.  The  terri- 
tory of  Malacca,  about  40  miles  in  length,  and  25  miles  in  mean  breadth, 
•with  its  capital  of  the  same  name,  and  the  great  commercial  emporium 
Singapore.  These  form  a  governorship,  which,  till  the  year  1S51,  was  sub- 
ject to  the  jurisdiction  of  Bengal.  In  that  year  it  was  placed  under  the 
Indian  Board ;  and  on  January  1st,  1867,  it  was  transferred  from  that  of 
India  to  the  Colonial  Office,  and  some  changes  were  made  in  their  constitu- 
tion. Each  of  these  settlements  is  largely  peopled  with  Chinese  immigrants, 
who  are  the  most  industrious  of  the  people.     The  Malay  States  from  North 


PENANG.  107 

to  South  are  named  as  follows — Quedah  (Wellesley),  Perak  (Dinding),  Sa- 
langore  (Malacca),  and  Johore.  The  maritime  population  of  these  would  be 
formidable  pirates,  were  it  not  for  the  vigilance  of  the  states  cruizers,  and  gun- 
boats of  light  draught,  which  can  follow  the  delinquents  into  the  shelter  of 
their  rivers.  Notwithstanding  this,  small  vessels  and  boat  parties  should  be 
on  their  guard,  as  among  a  population  of  this  character,  where  morality  is 
at  so  low  an  ebb,  it  is  only  a  fear  of  being  overpowered  in  the  attempt,  or 
found  out  and  punished  after  the  act  is  committed,  which  deters  them  from 
similar  acts  of  violence  to  those  committed  in  years  gone  by. 

In  recent  years  British  Residents  have  been  placed  as  advisers  to  the  rulers 
of  the  different  native  states,  and  it  is  hoped  by  these  means  to  increase  the 
trade  and  otherwise  improve  the  government  of  the  peninsula. 

The  greatest  mineral  production  of  the  country  is  tin,  which  seems  to  be 
met  with  in  almost  every  part  of  the  interior,  and  in  very  great  abundance. 
The  tin  districts  which  have  been  most  worked  of  late  years  are  situated  at 
Klang,  in  Salangore ;  at  Laroot,  in  Perak  ;  and  at  Linghie,  near  Malacca. 
"The  mines  in  these  districts,"  says  Mr.  Braddell,  in  1874,  "are  so  rich, 
and  the  profit  of  working  them  has  been  so  great,  that,  notwithstanding  the 
difficulties  in  dealing  with  the  Malay  chiefs  as  to  the  royalty  to  be  paid,  and 
notwithstanding  the  oppression  of  the  chiefs,  and  the  frequent  massacres  of 
the  Chinese  miners,  they  are  still  attracted  to  the  place,  and  succeed  yearly 
in  sending  large  quantities  of  tin  to  Singapore  and  Penang." 


THE    EASTERN    COAST. 


Province  Wellesley  extends  from  the  state  of  Queda,  or  Keddah,  on  the 
North  to  the  river  Krean,  or  Karian,  S.E.  of  the  South  point  of  Penang. 
In  1851  its  population  was  64,801,  a  number  five  times  as  great  as  in  1824  ; 
and  in  1873  it  had  reached  to  160,000,  of  whom  about  450  were  Europeans. 
It  resembles  Penang  in  its  geologilal  structure,  granite,  over  which  is  found 
the  cellular  clay  iron-stone,  so  abundant  in  these  regions,  and  known  by  the 
name  of  laterite. 

The  settlement  produces  sugar,  rice,  and  cccoanuts  in  abundance,  and 
among  many  other  products  a  great  variety  of  delicious  fruits.  Its  chief  im- 
portance, however,  arises  from  the  fact,  that  the  capital  of  the  island  is 
a  great  emporium  for  the  manufactures  of  Britain,  and  for  the  products  of 
the  countries  of  the  Malay  Peninsula  on  the  one  hand,  and  of  Sumatra  on 
the  other. 

PULO  PENANG,  or  Prince  of  Wales  Island,  is  about  14  miles  long  and 
9  miles  broad,  and  separated  from  the  Malay  coast  by  a  channel  from  2  to  5 
miles  broad.     It  is  intersected  by  a  range  of  granitic  hills,  the  highest  peaks 


108  THE  STEAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

of  which  are  Government  Hill,  to  the  West  of  the  fort,  2,550  ft. ;  West  Hill, 
2,713  ft.  ;  and  Mount  Elvira,  near  the  centre,  2,384  ft.  It  was  ceded  by  the 
KingofQuedah  to  the  East  India  Company,  July— August,  1786,  for  a 
naval  station.  It  has  answered  every  expectation  of  its  founder,  Captaia 
Li"-ht,  and  is,  like  the  other  straits  settlements,  entirely  free  from  any  impost 
on  shipping.* 

Pulo  Penang,  or  Prince  of  Wales  Island,  is  justly  termed  the  Eden  of  the 
East,  and  the  northern  part  especially  is  an  immense  spice  garden.  Fruit 
and  vegetables  are  in  great  abundance,  and  in  fact  all  Eastern  delicacies, 
not  forgetting  the  water,  which  may  be  considered  the  best  in  or  out  of  the 

straits. 

The  N.W.  part  of  the  island  is  lofty  and  irregular,  but  been  from  a  distance, 
as  far  as  20  leagues  off,  it  has  a  regular  oblong  appearance.  The  West  coast 
forms  a  slender  bay,  with  low  wooded  land  reaching  to  the  foot  of  the  inte- 
rior hills.  The  southern  part  of  the  island  is  lower.  The  town  is  on  the 
East  side.     The  climate  is  hot,  but  considered  healthy. 

The  exceeding  magnificence  of  its  mountain  views,  the  richness  and  variety 
of  their  component  parts,  and  the  coolness  and  transparency  of  the  atmos- 
phere which  this  country  enjoys,  give  a  freshness  and  elasticity  to  the  mind 
never  e:5perienced  in  the  sultry  plains  of  India.  It  is  almost  inconceivable 
how  nature,  in  so  small  a  compass,  has  contrived  to  crowd  such  a  wonderful 
diversity  of  pleasing  objects. — Logan. 

Tanjong  Puchat  Muka.— The  N.W.  point  is  in  lat.  5°  28'  40"  N.,  long. 


*  Port  Rules,  1872. — The  limits  of  the  Port  of  Penang  are  as  follows : —From  an  obe- 
lisk built  at  Klarwey  in  a  straight  line  to  Bagan  Jermal,  along  the  western  shores  of 
Province  Wellesley,  to  an  obelisk  at  Bagan  Luar.  and  in  a  straight  line  to  Penang  Bridge, 
thence  along  the  eastern  shores  of  Prince  of  Wales  Island,  to  the  obelisk  at  Klarwey,  in- 
cluding the  mouth  of  Prangin  Eiver,  as  far  as  the  second  Teetee  Papan  Bridge. 

The  limits  of  the  South  Channel  are  as  follows* — From  the  North  bank  of  the  Penang 
Eiver  to  Nos.  8  and  5  red  buoys,  from  thence  along  the  eastern  bank  of  Pulo  Terajah  to  the 
south-easternmost  point  of  Pulo  Rimo,  thence  in  a  straight  line  to  No.  9  white  buoj'^,  then 
passing  close  to  Nos.  8,  7,  6,  4,  and  2  white  buoys,  and  in  a  straight  line  ending  at  the 
obelisk  built  at  Bagan  Luar. 

Signals  in  case  of  fire. — In  the  daytime,  the  Commercial  Code  signal  of  distress  indicated 
by  "  NC  :"  at  the  same  time,  when  possible,  two  guns  should  be  fired,  at  an  interval  of  one 
minute  ;  at  night  time,  two  rockets  fired,  and  two  blue  lights  burned  alternately  at  an  in- 
terval one  one  m.nute,  and  two  guns  fired  as  in  the  daytime. 

Requiring  the  assistance  of  the  Police. — In  the  daytime,  the  national  ensign  to  be  hoisted 
at  the  main-masthead  ;  at  night,  one  gun  to  be  fired,  and  one  blue  light  burnt. 

Masters  of  vessels  are  prohibited  from  anchoring  abreast  of  the  jetty,  or  in  any  place 
within  250  yards  on  either  side  thereof. 

Vessels  remaining  upwards  of  24  hours  are  to  moor  and  keep  a  clear  hawse.  No  sailing 
vessel  is  to  be  unmoored  or  shifted  about  without  permission  from  the  harbour-master,  and 
on  no  account  after  dark,  except  in  case  of  emergency. 


PENANG.  109 

100°  13'  E.  It  is  bokl-to  on  the  westward,  and  has  4  fathoms  close-to.  From 
it,  on  the  eastern  side,  a  shoal  bank  skirts  all  the  North  end  of  the  island  for 
11  miles  to  the  point  on  which  Geora:e  Town  stands,  the  3 -fathoms  edge 
being  from  1  to  2|-  miles  off  shore.  At  3J  miles  East  of  Muka  Point  is  the 
Feringi  Bock,  close  in-shore,  and  at  3J  miles  farther  is  Fulo  Tikus  (or  Tee- 
coos),  a  rocky  islet  with  some  rocks  around.  Between  this  islet  (on  which, 
is  a  white  obelisk)  and  the  Malay  shore  is  the  shoalest  part  of  the  channel 
"which  insulates  Penang,  not  having  more  than  4  fathoms. 

George  Town,  or  Penang. — The  chief  place  of  the  island  stands  on  its  eastern 
point,  the  extremity  of  which  is  occupied  by  Fort  Cornwallis.  It  contained 
probably  nearly  60,000  inhabitants  in  1873,  of  whom  a  very  large  propor- 
tion are  Chinese — many  of  them  merchants  and  shopkeepers.  It  is  situated 
on  a  low  plain  stretching  out  in  a  point  into  the  sea,  on  the  side  of  the  island 
next  to  the  mainland,  and  its  harbour,  which  is  simply  the  almost  landlocked 
strait  between  the  island  and  the  mainland,  is  of  great  extent  and  unrivalled 
calmness.  It  has  always  a  large  fleet  of  vessels  of  every  rig,  from  the  finest 
British  steamer  to  the  Chinese  junk. 

The  distance  from  the  fort  to  the  mainland  opposite  is  about  2  miles,  and 
this  forms  the  harbour.  The  Fort  Point  is  steej)-to,  having  9  and  10  fathoms 
near  to  it.  In  the  middle  of  the  strait  are  from  12  to  15  fathoms,  and  6  to  7 
fathoms  on  the  Malay  side.  The  best  berth  for  anchoring  is  about  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  South  of  the  fort,  in  9  or  10  fathoms,  or  less  for  small  vessels.  The 
tides  are  more  regular  here  than  close  to  the  point,  where  they  cause  eddies. 
It  is  high  water  off  the  fort  at  12'*,  at  full  and  change,  but  the  flood  runs 
southward  till  3  o'clock  in  the  main  stream.  Springs  rise  9  ft.,  and  neaps 
about  "il  ft. 

Channels. — Mr.  J.  G.  Maddock  remarks: — "Both  the  northern  and 
southern  channels  are  safe,  the  northern  shallows  being  well  marked  by 
fishing  stakes,  numbers  of  which  are  in  4  to  5  fathoms  water.  I  have  often 
passed  between  them,  but  a  stranger  having  any  regard  for  his  copper  ought 
to  give  them  a  good  offing,  as  there  are  many  old  stakes  broken  off  2  or  3  ft. 
under  water.  The  southern  entrance  is  well  buoyed,  and  also  marked  by 
beacons  ;  but  unless  you  have  a  good  commanding  breeze  from  the  southward 
or  S.W.,  which  is  not  often  the  case  except  in  the  first  of  the  rainy  season 
(August  and  September),  and  if  coming  from  the  southward,  I  should  always 
prefer  the  northern  channel.  I  recollect  once  coming  up  with  the  A.  J.  Kerr, 
from  Singapore.  I  had  a  good  stiff  breeze  from  the  southward  and  westward, 
which  I  made  available  for  the  southern  entrance.  I  had  got  to  within 
half  a  mile  of  my  anchorage  when  I  was  met  by  a  northerly  wind.  I  gave 
orders  to  clew  up  and  anchor,  and  left  the  two  winds  to  battle  the  match 
how  they  liked  ;  in  the  morning  I  found  the  northerly  wind  had  gained  the 
day  :  this  is  not  an  uncommon  occurrence  in  the  southern  channel." 

The  best  route  to  reach  the  anchorage,  as  above  stated,  is  by  the  North 


110  THE  STEAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

channel.  The  southern  one  is  intricate  and  also  dangerous  without  an  inti- 
mate knowledge,  and  with  a  large  ship.  With  westerly  winds,  steer  for  the 
North  end  of  the  island,  or  with  the  wind  from  N.E.  or  northward,  make  for 
the  mainland  to  the  northward,  and  approach  Pulo  Bunting  from  N.W.  by  W. 
or  W.N.W.  The  Bunting  (or  Boonting)  Isles  are  four  in  number,  with  an 
islet  between  them,  lying  about  12  to  15  miles  North  from  Penang.  The 
largest  is  the  northernmost,  and  is  opposite  to  the  peak  of  Quedah  ;  and  the 
southernmost  is  Bidan,  or  Biddan,  which  is  nearest  to  the  shore,  and  has  only 
2  or  2|^  fathoms  inside  of  it.  By  night  these  islands  may  be  neared  to 
within  depths  of  14  or  15  fathoms;  by  day  there  is  no  danger  but  what  may 
be  seen.  When  past  them,  steer  about  S.S.E.,  with  Pulo  Bidan  bearing 
about  N.  by  W.,  keeping  about  midway  between  the  North  part  of  Penang 
and  the  paain  to  avoid  a  flat  extending  off  the  Malay  shore,  and  also  that 
which  encircles  the  North  end  of  Penang,  as  before  mentioned.  The  bar,  or 
shoalest  part  of  the  channel,  will  be  found  when  abreast  of  Pulo  Tikus,  and 
is  only  24  ft.,  barely  sufficient  if  there  be  any  swell,  which  seldom  occurs,  if 
the  draught  be  more  than  20  ft. 

The  Port  Point  is  3^  miles  to  the  S.E.  of  Pulo  Tikus,  which,  as  before 
stated,  has  some  rocks  around  it ;  but  having  passed  it,  the  water  deepens 
towards  the  harbour.  The  N.E.  shore  of  the  island  forms  a  slender  bay,  filled 
with  a  muddy  shoal,  which  suddenly  drops  from  2  to  5  fathoms.  The  lead 
is  not  a  sufiioient  guide  in  thick  weather,  or  at  night,  in  passing  over  the 
flat  between  the  N.E.  point  and  the  Malayan  shore,  as  the  depths  are 
nearly  the  same  all  across  until  within  1^  mile  of  either  shore.  The  shore  of 
the  main  land  is  low,  and  covered  with  trees,  so  that  it  is  not  so  conspicuous 
as  the  high  land  of  Penang,  which  will  thus  appear  the  nearest  when  in 
mid-channel.  From  within  Pulo  Tikus  to  the  fort,  stand  off  again  when  5^ 
or  6  fathoms  is  reached.  By  daylight  there  is  no  difficulty  in  thus  reaching 
the  harbour,  as  the  rocks  of  Pulo  Tikus  are  bold-to.  In  the  N.W.  monsoon 
which  sets  in  in  August,  there  may  be  some  difficulty  in  beating  out  by  this 
North  channel,  but  at  all  other  times  it  is  preferable  for  large  ships.  A  good 
leading  mark  is  to  keep  the  West  end  of  Pulo  Jerajah,  which  lies  off  the 
East  coast  of  Penang,  clear  of,  or  just  open  of  the  point  on  which  Fort  Corn- 
wa)lis  is  built.  This  will  carry  you  clear  of  all  danger,  the  least  water  being 
4J  fathoms,  mud  and  sand.  Should  you  not  see  Pulo  Jerajah,  owing  to  hazy 
weather,  the  long  leading  mark  is  as  before  mentioned,  Pulo  Bidan,  the 
southernmost  of  the  Bunting,  bearing  N.  by  W.  until  you  get  sight  of  Pulo 
Jerajah. 

The  South  Channel,  though  intricate,  is  very  serviceable  during  adverse 
winds,  as  it  affords  a  ready  outlet  in  fine  weather  to  the  southward  for  ships 
drawing  under  17  ft.  water.  Pilots  are  stationed  at  Pulo  Jerajah.  It  is 
bounded  on  the  West  side  by  the  Middle  or  Long  Sand,  marked  by  three 
buoys  along  its  eastern  side,   which  begins  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile 


PENANG.  Ill 

South  of  the  Fort  Point,  and  stretches  nearly  to  the  North  point  of  Pulo 
Jerajah.  On  the  East  side  it  is  bounded  by  the  northern  spit  of  the  Great 
Kra  Flat,  or  as  it  was  termed  the  Praya  (or  Pry)  Sand.  It  is  a  bank  of 
soft  mud,  which  stretches  from  the  Malay  shore  for  10  miles,  when  to  the 
South  of  Penang. 

Pulo  Jerajah,  or  Jeraga,  is  5  miles  S.  by  W.  from  Fort  Point,  and  is  734  ft. 
high.  It  has  a  narrow  channel  of  3  to  5  fathoms  between  it  and  Penang. 
Off  the  S.E.  point  of  Penang  is  Pulo  Peine,  or  Ramio,  close  to  the  South  of 
which  the  channel  passes. 

Buoys. — The  South  Channel  is  marked  by  ten  buoys,  numbered  from 
North  to  South,  each  placed  red  on  the  western,  and  white  on  the  eastern 
edge  of  the  channel,  in  about  2  fathoms  of  water.  Of  these,  three  painted 
red  mark  the  eastern  edge  of  the  Middle  Bank  ;  and  six,  painted  white,  the 
western  edge  of  the  Great  Kra  Flat;  a  fourth  red  buoy  lies  S.W.  of  Eomo 
Island.  No.  1,  a  red  buoy,  is  moored  on  the  North  end  of  the  Middle  Bank, 
a  mile  southward  of  Fort  Cornwallis.  No.  2,  white,  S.S.E.  ^  E.  1 J  mile 
from  No.  1,  marks  the  eastern  side  of  the  channel,  which  is  here  quite  clear, 
and  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  width.  At  1 J  mile  below  No.  2  buoy 
the  channel  is  marked  on  either  side  by  red  buoy  No.  3  and  white  buoy  No. 
4,  which  are  two-thirds  of  a  mile  apart;  hereabouts  the  soundings  suddenly 
decrease  from  6  to  2f ,  3  and  4  fathoms,  the  deepest  channel  being  nearer  to 
the  white  buoy.  At  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  below  Nos.  3  and  4,  Nos. 
5  red  and  6  white,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  apart,  mark  the  opposite  sides  of 
the  channel.  The  deepest  part  of  the  channel  here  is  towards  No.  6,  as  a 
spit  projects  out  from  the  red  buoy.  No.  7  white  buoy,  1 J  mile  S.  by  W.  ^  W. 
from  No.  6,  marks  the  eastern  side  of  the  channel  opposite  the  highest  part 
of  Pulo  Jerajah.  Hence  to  the  southward  the  channel  is  broad  and  deep. 
No.  8  buoy,  white,  marks  its  eastern  side,  and  lies  8.  by  E.  \\  mile  from  the 
South  end  of  Pulo  Jerajah.  No.  9,  red,  marks  the  western  side  of  the 
channel,  2  miles  S.W.  of  Pulo  Eemo  ;  and  No.  10,  white,  marks  the  eastern 
side  at  its  South  extremity,  and  lies  IJ  mile  southward  of  No.  9  red  buoy. 

In  leaving  Penang  Harbour  by  the  South  channel,  get  under  weigh  about 
half  flood,  and  steer  S.  by  E.  and  South  to  enter  the  channel  between  the 
Middle  Sand  and  the  Pry  or  Praya  Sand.  When  the  bar  is  neared,  keep 
near  the  eastern  edge  of  the  Middle  (or  Long)  Sand,  the  depth  in  crossing 
it  is  nearly  5  fathoms,  between  the  North  end  of  Pulo  Jerajah  and  Kra 
Flat.  When  the  North  point  of  Pulo  Jerajah  bears  to  the  northward,  the 
soundings  will  decrease  to  6  and  7  fathoms,  then  haul  near  to  that  island, 
and  these  depths  will  continue  through  the  channel  in  steering  out  to  S.W. 
seaward,  past  the  S.E.  point  of  Penang  and  Pulo  Eemo.  The  greatest 
depths  are  near  the  East  sides  of  these  islands,  which  are  steep-to,  but  on  the 
East  side  of  the  channel  the  water  shoalens  suddenly  upon  the  edge  of  the 
Kra  Flat.     After  passing  Pulo  Eemo  close  on  the  East  side,  the  course  is 


112  THE  STEAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

about  S.S.W.,  or  S.  by  W.,  according  to  the  set  of  the  tide,  to  proceed  throngh 
the  channel  fairway  between  the  Kra  Flat  on  the  port  hand,  and  the  mud 
bank  off  the  South  end  of  Penang  to  starboard.  The  leading  mark  is  to 
keep  the  body  of  Pulo  Jerajah  on  with  the  East  end  of  Pulo  Eemo,  if  Pulo 
Jerajah  is  shutting  in  with  Pulo  Eemo,  a  ship  will  be  on  the  West  side ;  and 
if  entirely  open  with  it,  she  will  be  on  the  East  side  of  the  channel. 

The  mouth  of  the  River  Krian  is  in  about  lat.  5°  16'  N.  This  river  serves 
as  one  of  the  roads  down  which  the  tin  is  brought  from  the  mines  in  the 
interior. 

The  State  of  Perak,*  extends  along  the  coast  from  Wellesley  Province 
to  the  State  of  Salangore,  or  from  1  to  2  miles  southward  of  the  mouth  of  the 
Kutong  Eiver  to  the  mouth  of  the  Bernam  Eiver,  a  distance  of  about  100 
miles.  A  portion  of  this  coast  line,  however,  belongs  to  Great  Britain, 
having  been  ceded  in  the  year  1826,  and  the  cession  again  ratified  in  the 
year  1874.  This  includes  the  Island  of  Pancore,  or  Binding,  and  coast  of 
the  mainland  at  the  back  of  the  island,  and  thence  for  about  20  miles  to  the 
northward.  The  Bruas  and  Binding  Eivers  enter  the  sea  within  its  bound- 
aries. 

The  district  of  Laroot  is  situated  to  the  northward  of  this  British  territory, 
and  is  bounded  on  the  North  by  the  Krean  Eiver.  The  physical  aspect  of 
the  district  is  thus  described  by  Mr.  Birch  : — "  From  the  sea-shore  to  some 
20  miles  inland,  Laroot  is  a  great  level ;  here  it  begins  to  rise  in  uplands 
until  it  reaches  a  mountain-range  rising  to  an  altitude  of  some  3,000  ft. 
above  the  level  of  the  sea.  This  level  or  plain  is  well  watered  and  well 
suited  for  the  cultivation  of  sugar,  tapioca,  tobacco,  &c.  Eice  is  the  only 
cereal  now  cultivated.  The  whole  of  the  land,  comprising  a  strip  of  about 
50  miles  long  by  6  miles  broad,  along  the  Laroot  Eange,  is  more  or  less 
stanniferous,  and  the  supply  of  tin  is  inexhaustible.  At  present  (1872) 
about  4  square  miles  are  occupied  for  mining  purposes,  and  there  are  120 
mines  open.  It  is  unskilfully  worked,  and  only  about  600  tons  were  exported 
in  1874.  Of  the  Laroot  Eange,  Gunong  Buboo,  or  the  'Wild  Man,'  is  said 
to  be  the  loftiest.  It  is  said  to  be  the  most  conspicuous  landmark  to  mariners 
beating  up  the  Straits  for  the  mouth  of  the  Perak  Eiver,  which  is  several 
miles  South  of  this  mountain." 

The  population  of  the  State  of  Perak,  which  extends  eastward  as  far  as 
the  Malayan  chain  of  mountains,  was  estimated  to  number  25,000  in  1874, 
mostly  established  near  the  shores  of  the  Perak  Eiver,  which  passes  through 
the  country  in  a  direction  from  North  to  South  at  a  distance  of  about  30 
miles  from  the  coast.  It  is  from  this  Eiver  Perak  or  Pera  (silver)  that  the 
country  takes  its  name.  The  country  is  plentiful  in  fruit-bearing  and  timber- 


*  Pronounced  like  "  Pera,"  the  terminal  k  in  Malay   -words  being   scarcelj'  sounded 
at  all. 


MALA.Y  COAST.  113 

producing  trees,  among  the  latter  class  being  the  teak.  India-rubber  and 
gutta-percha  trees  are  also  found.  In  minerals,  iron,  saltpetre,  and  gold, 
ai*e  found,  besides  the  tin  before  mentioned. 

Pry  River  enters  the  sea  on  the  southern  side  of  the  point,  lying  E.S.E.  of 
Peuang,  Here  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  12\  Springs  rise  9  ft., 
neaps  1^  ft. 

The  Kutong  River,  in  lat.  5°  6'  N.,  is  merely  a  southern  outlet  to  the  Eiver 
Krean,  and  flows  along  the  South  side  of  the  North  Mound. 

The  River  Laroot,  rising  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Gunong  Hijau  in  the 
Laroot  Eange,  falls  into  the  Sea  in  4°  44'  N.,  28  miles  to  the  S.  of  the  Krean 
River.  Mr.  Irving  says  : — *'  Compared  with  other  rivers  on  the  coast,  it  is 
an  inconsiderable  stream,  as  the  range  of  mountains  which  forms  the 
watershed  of  the  peninsula,  at'  this  place,  approaches  the  coast.  The 
colonial  steamer  Pluto,  drawing  only  6  ft.  of  water,  was  not  able  to  do  more 
than  enter  the  river ;  but  the  small  steamers  belonging  to  the  Tunku  Man- 
trie,  or  headman,  are  able  to  get  up  to  the  town,  a  distance  of  2  miles  from 
the  coast."  The  town,  in  1872,  was  surrounded  with  stockaded  positions, 
and  Mr.  Irving  observed  that  there  was  an  excellent  road  all  the  way  to  the 
mines  in  the  Laroot  Eange,  about  10  miles  from  the  town.  The  coast  of 
Laroot  between  the  Kurow,  20  miles  northward  of  the  Laroot  Eiver,  and 
the  Jurom  Mas  (or  Gold  Needle),  12  miles  to  the  southward,  is  a  perfect 
network  of  rivers  and  rivulets,  and  indented  by  endless  creeks  and  bays, 
which  afford  countless  sheltering  places  for  pirates.  Most  of  these  creeks 
and  inlets  have  been  explored  by  the  boats  of  the  Thalia  and  the  Midge, 
when  in  search  for  pirates  in  1872,  under  Captain  Woolcombe. 

The  Kurow  Eiver  enters  the  sea  in  5°  N.,  and  10  miles  south-eastward  of 
it  is  the  mouth  of  the  Silensing.  This  latter  river  is  connected  with  the  six 
outlets  to  the  sea  between  it  and  the  Jurom  Mas  Eiver,  in  lat.  4°  33'  N. 
These  outlets  are  named  in  order,  Besar,  Kechil,  Larut,  Trong,  and  Jurom 
Mas.  About  1  mile  South  of  the  Jurom  Mas  is  the  mouth  of  the  small  river 
Hut.  Between  this  and  the  mouth  of  the  Bruas  Eiver,  which  is  situated  4 
miles  to  the  south-westward,  is  the  northern  boundary  of  the  British 
Territory. 

At  16i^  miles  S.E.  by  E.  from  the  S.E.  end  of  Penang  is  a  hill,  called  the 
North  Mound,  which  is  5  or  6  miles  South  of  the  Krean  Eiver,  and  at  13^ 
miles  further  to  S.E.  by  E.  is  another  called  the  South  Mound.  Further  in- 
land high  mountains  are  seen,  which  extend  to  the  southward. 

The  Coast  is  fronted  by  an  extensive  shoal,  which  commences  in  the  strait 
insulating  Penang,  and  which.  South  of  that  island,  is  called  the  Great  Kra 
Plat,  the  5-fathoms  line  being  as  much  as  12  miles  from  the  beach.  This 
extensive  mud-bank,  the  produce  of  the  many  rivers,  before  mentioned, 
which  enter  the  sea  from  the  adjacent  coast,  gradually  bhoalens  to  the  shore, 

1.   A.  Q 


114  THE  STEAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

leaving  a  wide  space,  which  covers  and  uncovers  with  the  tide,  and  continues 
with  varying  break  for  54  miles,  till  its  outer  edge  comes  close  to  the  land  at 
Pulo  Tallong,  near  the  hills  known  as  False  Binding,  or  False  Suggur.  The 
outer  edge  of  the  bank  is  steep-to,  decreasing  suddenly  from  13  to  12  fathoms 
to  2  or  3  fathoms,  so  that  it  would  be  imprudent  to  stand  nearer  than  that 
depth,  even  with  the  lead  kept  briskly  going,  especially  in  the  night.  There 
is  some  advantage  in  keeping  in  with  the  coast,  for  by  doing  so  the  westerly 
current  usually  prevailing  in  the  ofRag  will  be  partly  avoided.  The  winds 
will  also  be  more  favourable,  and  anchoring  easier  than  in  deeper  water. 

BINDING  ISLAND,  or  PULO  PANCORE,  before  mentioned  as  forming 
a  portion  of  British  Territory,  was  examined  together  with  the  channel  on 
its  eastern  side  by  Commander  Napier,  in  H.M.S.  Nassau,  in  1876.  The 
island  is  of  irregular  shape,  5  miles  long  N.W.  by  N.  and  S.E.  by  S.,  and  2 
miles  broad.  Off  its  S.W.  end  is  Little  Binding  Island,  sheltering  a  bay ; 
off  its  N.W.  end  runs  a  narrow  promontory,  1^  mile  long ;  and  midway  be- 
tween the  promontory  and  Little  Dinding  Island  a  narrow  island  1^  mile  long 
juts  out  on  its  western  side.  The  highest  part  of  the  island  is  1,318  ft.  high, 
and  situated  about  2  miles  S.E.  of  the  N.W.  point.  On  the  North  and 
South  extremes  are  two  hills,  respectively  748  and  992  ft.  high.  Two  other 
mountains  rise  near  the  centre  of  the  island,  and  attain  a  height  of  more 
than  1,000  ft. 

Great  Dinding  Island  is  densely  covered  with  jungle.  The  woods  consist 
of  ebony,  sandal  wood,  several  varieties  of  gum,  india-rubber,  and  palm- 
trees,  bamboo,  and  several  native  woods,  some  of  which  are  similar  to  ma- 
hogany ;  coffee  and  cotton  are  also  grown  here.  The  whole  of  the  woods 
are  farmed  out  by  the  colonial  government  at  an  annual  rental.  The  popu- 
lation in  1876  consisted  of  about  250  Bataks  or  Malayan  native  hill 
tribes,  and  100  Chinese.  A  Dutch  fort  formerly  existed  on  the  East  side  of 
the  island.  Poultry,  eggs,  and  occasionally  pigs,  may  be  procured  at  most 
of  the  native  villages  at  reasonable  prices.  Fish  and  fruit  are  plentiful ; 
turtle  in  the  season.  Fresh  water  of  good  quality  is  plentiful  at  almost  all 
the  villages,  but  owing  to  want  of  proper  conduits  can  only  be  obtained  in 
small  quantities. 

North  Entrance. — The  passage  between  the  North  side  of  Pulo  Pancore 
and  the  main  is  divided  into  two  channels  by  the  North  Bank,  which  shows 
breakers  in  places.  This  bank  is  4  miles  long  in  a  N.W.  and  S.E.  direction, 
and  from  half  a  mile  wide  at  its  southern  end,  opposite  the  mouth  of  Din- 
ding River,  on  the  mainland,  to  1^  mile  wide  at  its  North  end,  near  which 
lies  Wedge  Rock,  3  ft.  above  water,  N.  by  E.  i  E.,  If  mile  from  North  West 
Islet,  which  lies  5  cables  N.  by  W.  h  W.  from  the  North  point  of  Pulo  Pan- 
core,  is  wooded,  100  ft.  high,  and  difficult  to  discern  until  close.  A  3-feet 
rock  lies  nearly  a  cable  off  its  West  side,  otherwise  it  is  steep-to  all  round. 


BINDING  ISLAND.  115 

A  smnll  islet,  7  ff.  liigli,  lies  iu  the  channel  nearly  midway  between  North 
West  Islet  and  Pulo  Pancore. 

Between  the  North  Bank  and  the  bank  skirting  the  shore  there  is  a  chan- 
nel, suitable  for  vessels  of  not  more  than  10  ft.  draught  of  water;  but  the 
passage  is  difficult,  and  should  not  be  attempted  without  local  knowledge. 
Pass  Tanjong  Hantu,  a  projecting  point,  11  cables  N.E.  by  N.  of  Wedge 
Island,  at  about  2  cables  distant  on  a  S.  ^^  E.  course,  after  which  steer 
S.S.E.  ^  E.  ;  this  course  will  lead  direct  to  the  centre  of  Dinding  Eiver 
passage,  and  in  not  less  than  4  fathoms  water.  H.M.S.  Nassau,  drawing  13 
feet,  passed  through  the  channel  at  three-quarters  flood. 

The  channel  westward  of  North  Bank  is  not  recommended  for  vessels  of 
large  draught,  for  although  with  care  and  attention  not  less  than  4  fathoms 
water  will  be  obtained,  the  passage  is  narrow,  being  only  2  cables  wide  in 
the  narrowest  parts,  and  the  leading  marks  are  not  of  the  best  description. 
The  eye,  however,  is  the  surest  guide. 

Give  a  wide  berth  to  North  bank,  the  western  limit  of  which  bears  North 
from  the  N.W.  point  of  Pulo  Pancore.  To  clear  this  and  the  outlying  3- 
fathoms  patch  7  cables  W.S.W.  of  Wedge  Eock,  the  North  peak  of  Pulo 
Pancore  should  not  be  brought  to  bear  southward  of  S.E.  ^  S.  North  West 
Islet  will  be  sighted  ahead  on  this  bearing,  and  passing  it  on  the  starboard 
hand  at  half  a  cable  distant,  steer  E.  by  S.  f  S.  for  Offlying  Rock,  2  ft.  high, 
near  North  Point.  Between  North-west  Point  and  North  Point,  which  are 
3  cables  apart,  a  rocky  bank  projects  1^  cable  to  the  northward,  at  the  ex- 
tremity of  which  is  Grasshopper  Islet,  120  ft.  high  and  wooded.  Pass  Off- 
lying  Rock  also  on  the  starboard  hand,  at  half  a  cable  distant ;  then  alter 
course  quickly  to  starboard,  and  bring  the  summit  of  North  West  Islet  to 
bear  W.  by  N.  f  N.,  and  midway  between  Offlying  Rock  and  North  Point. 
This  mark  will  lead  a  cable  North  of  Bower  Patch,  and  1  cable  South  of  a 
projecting  part  of  North  Bank.  When  Scorpion  Point  (which  forms  the 
eastern  entrance  point  of  the  large  bay  indenting  the  North  side  of  Dinding 
Island)  bears  S. W.,  alter  course  to  starboard,  and  bring  Table  Rock,  lying 
near  a  point,  and  22  ft.  high,  to  bear  S.  by  E.  i  E. ;  then  steer  6  or  8  cables 
to  pass  the  latter  one,  or  1^  cable  distant ;  and  thence,  preserving  the  same 
distance  from  the  island,  to  the  anchorage  off  Port  Pancore. 

Charyhdis  Rock,  a  pinnacle  having  a  depth  of  2  ft.,  lies  North  IJ  cable 
from  Scorpion  Point.  The  2-fathom  bank  surrounding  it  extends  a  quarter 
of  a  cable  farther  North.  The  ground  is  foul  between  Charybdis  Rock*  and 
Scorpion  Point. 

Shoal  water  of  1 0  to  17  ft.  extends  a  distance  of  2^  cables  to  the  N.E.  and 
East  of  Scorpion  Point,  and  also  fills  the  bay  formed  to  the  N.E.  of  Table 
Rock. 

Boiver  Patch,  having  a  depth  of  15  ft.,  is  nearly  circular,  about  half  a  mile 
in  diameter,  and  lies  N.  by  W.  J  W.,  3  cables  from  Scorpion   Point.     The 


116  THE  STRAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

summit  of  North-west  Islet,  in  line  with  North  Point,  leads  on  to  Bower 
Patch.  The  summit  open  of  North  Point,  and  bearing  W.  by  N.  |  N.,  leads 
North  of  Bower  Patch  in  4  fathoms  least  water. 

If  bound  to  Binding  Rivei*,  keep  North  West  Islet  bearing  "W.  by  N.  f  N., 
and  when  Scorpion  Point  bears  S.W.,  sheer  out  a  little  to  the  southward,  to 
give  the  S.E.  extreme  of  North  Bank  a  wider  berth,  and  bring  the  leading 
mark  on  again  before  the  tongue  of  South  Bank  is  approached. 

The  South  Channel  lies  between  the  eastern  side  of  the  island,  which  is  al- 
most steep-to,  and  the  bank  which  extends  about  a  mile  off  the  main. 

Fairway  Rock,  27  ft.  high,  lies  S.  by  W.  J  W.  Sf  miles  from  the  S.E. 
point  of  Pulo  Pancore ;  a  sunken  rock,  having  less  than  6  ft.  water,  lies  half 
a  cable  from  its  North  side,  and  a  depth  of  4  fathoms  near  the  West  side  of 
the  rock.  There  are  9  to  1 6  fathoms  water  between  the  rock  and  the  main- 
land, and  10  to  23  fathoms  between  the  rock  and  Pulo  Pancore. 

Pulo  Katta,  N.E.  by  E.  3^  miles  from  Eairway  Rock,  is  a  small  wooded 
islet,  114  ft.  high,  standing  on  the  edge  of  the  bank  near  Tanjong  Katta, 
and  is  separated  from  the  mainland  by  a  shoal  and  rocky  passage  3  or  4 
cables  wide. 

To  reach  Port  Pancore  from  the  southward,  having  passed  Fairway  Roi  k 
and  Pulo  Katta,  steer  to  bring  Table  Rock  in  line  with  Tanjong  Hantu 
bearing  N.  by  W.  \  W.  :  keep  these  marks  in  line,  which  will  lead  nearly 
mid-channel  to  the  anchorage  off  Port  Pancore. 

If  wishing  to  enter  Binding  River,  steer  from  the  anchorage  to  pass  Table 
Rock  2  cables  distant,  and  thence  midway  between  East  Bank  and  the  island, 
until  the  North  summit  of  Pulo  Pancore  bears  S.W.  h  S.  ;  then  bring  the 
summit  of  North-west  Islet  bearing  W.  by  N.  |  N.  open  of  North  Point, 
and  proceed  on  that  course  to  the  entrance  of  the  river. 

Abreast  of  Port  Pancore  there  will  be  found  secure  anchorage  for  vessels 
of  large  draught,  and  sufficient  space  for  several  vessels  to  moor.  The  best 
berth  is  with  the  shore  end  of  the  pier  bearing  W.N.W.,  distant  3  cables, 
in  8  fathoms,  mud.  In  this  berth  the  vessel  will  be  distant  3  cables  from  the 
edge  of  East  Bank,  the  shoal  which  skirts  the  mainland  adjacent.  Bathing 
is  unsafe  on  account  of  the  numerous  alligators  which  swim  across  the 
channel. 

It  is  high  water  full  and  change  in  Binding  Channel  at  S*"  15"  ;  springs 
rise  9  ft.,  neaps  5  ft.  The  flood  stream  in  the  North  entrance  sets  fairly 
through  the  channel.  In  Binding  Channel  and  South  entrance  the  ebb  seta 
N.N.E.,  and  flood  S.S.W.,  at  the  rate  of  2  to  3  knots  at  springs. 

To  the  S.W.  of  Pulo  Pancore  the  flood  sets  S.E.,  and  ebb  N.W.,  and  sets 
through  the  narrow  passage  between  Pulo  Pancore  Laut  and  Pulo  Pancore 
at  the  rate  of  2  to  3J  knots  at  springs. 

There  is  anchorage  in  the  bays  on  the  western  side  of  Binding  Island, 

Binding  River,  perhaps  the  only  river  without  a  bar  in  Malacca  Strait, 


BINDING  EIVER— PEEAH  EIVEE.  117 

has  a  deep  and  clear  entrance,  which  between  Mehegan  and  Motts  Points  is 
8  cables  wide.  A  channel  3  cables  wide,  and  having:  5  to  9  fathoms,  extends 
3  miles  up  the  river,  the  farthest  point  reached  by  the  surveying  parties. 
The  water  shoals  more  gradually  towards  the  North  shore  than  to\vards  the 
South,  which  is  rocky.  Yellow  Cliff,  14  ft.  high,  and  Bed  Cliff,  26  ft.  high, 
both  on  the  South  side  of  the  river,  are  conspicuous.  On  the  North  shore  of 
Binding  Eiver,  at  the  West  side  of  the  entrance  of  Sungie  Sumpit  (small 
river)  is  situated  a  police  station,  a  conspicuous  bungalow  standing  on  a  spit, 
and  easily  recognised  by  the  palm  trees  westward  of  it.  On  the  South  shore 
of  Binding  Eiver,  opposite  the  police  station,  is  a  native  village.  The  flood 
and  ebb  tides  set  at  the  rate  of  3^  knots  at  springs,  and  2  knots  at  neaps. 
Birections  for  approaching  it  from  the  Binding  Channel  are  given  previously. 

The  southern  boundary  of  the  British  territory  is  in  the  bay  2  miles  East 
of  Pulo  Katta. 

The  Sambilang  Islands  are  8  miles  South  of  Binding.  They  are  so  called 
from  the  Malay  word  for  nine,  their  number.  They  are  generally  high  and 
bluff,  covered  with  trees,  and  visible  20  miles  off. 

The  White  Roch,  15  ft.  high,  is  the  south-westernmost  of  the  Sambilangs, 
and  is  in  lat.  4°  0'  10"  N.,  long.  100°  32'  15"  E.  The  Blacli  Roch,  not  very 
high  above  the  water,  is  1  mile  North  from  it.  The  Sambilangs  are  quite 
bold-to,  with  very  deep  water,  15  to  46  fathoms,  and  very  irregular  bottom, 
BO  that  the  lead  is  no  guide  in  approaching  them.  There  is  a  safe  channel 
inside  them. 

The  RIVER  PERAH,  or  Perak,*  is  an  extensive  stream,  and  is  much  fre- 
quented by  the  country  vessels  trading  for  tin.  Mr.  Birch,  in  one  of  his 
last  speeches  made  at  Singapore,  speaks  about  this  river  in  these  terms:  — 
"  The  river  is  a  very  magnificent  one.  At  least  150  miles  from  the  mouth, 
it  is  over  400  ft.  wide,  and,  as  the  tidal  influence  extends  a  very  short  dis- 
tance from  its  mouth,  it  may  be  well  imagined  what  rich  and  fertile  lands 
are  to  be  found  along  its  valley.  The  greatest  resources  of  this  fine  district 
lie  in  its  soil,  which  is  remarkably  rich  and  suitable  for  the  cultivation  of 
tobacco,  sugar,  or  indigo." 

A  vessel  entering  Perah  Eiver  should  close  the  North  coast,  and  having 
passed  Pulo  Katta,  bring  the  South  point  of  Pulo  Pancore,  or  Great  Bin- 
ding, to  bear  N.W.  by  W.  \  W.,  and  nearly  touching  the  North  point  of 
Little  Binding  Island.  This  mark  will  lead  over  the  bar  in  11  ft.  at  half- 
tide  neaps,  and  17  ft.  at  high   water  springs,  and  past  the  outer  clump  of 


*  It  was  at  Passir  Salah,  a  town  on  this  river,  about  70  miles  from  its  mouth,  that  Mr, 
Birch,  the  British  Resident,  met  his  death  at  the  hands  of  the  natives.  The  murder  took 
place  in  November,  1875,  at  a  time  of  great  excitement,  caused  by  the  struggles  of  two 
rival  claimants  for  the  throne  of  Purah,  after  the  death  of  Sultan  Ali. 


118  THE  STRAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

fishing-stakes  at  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  on  the  starboard  hand  ;  the 
bar  is  (January,  1876,)  situated  N.E.  by  E.  from  these  stakes* 

Keeping  the  same  marks  in  line,  a  second  clump  of  fishing  stakes  is  passed 
on  the  starboard  hand  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  distant ;  then  alter  course 
gradually  to  starboard,  and  pass  between  this  clump  and  another  large  clump 
bearing  E.  by  S.  Passing  the  latter  at  a  quarter  of  a  mile  distant,  the  vessel 
should  steer  along  the  bank  for  the  point  on  the  North  side  of  the  entrance, 
keeping  about  a  half  or  three-quarters  of  a  mile  off  shore,  and  passing  out- 
side some  small  fishing-stakes  moored  close  to  the  bank,  until  the  mouth  of 
the  river  is  reached.  Avoid  the  first  point  on  the  port  hand,  as  there  is  a 
long  spit  extending  ofi"  it,  and  steer  over  to  the  South  or  left  bank  of  the 
river,  keeping  it  at  a  distance  of  50  to  70  yards,  as  there  is  a  slioal  in  the 
centre  of  the  river. 

Between  the  entrance  of  the  river  and  Kota  Striah,  distant  25  miles  from 
the  bar,  on  the  route  recommended,  soundings  of  2^  to  5  fathoms  will  have 
been  obtained.  There  is  anchorage  off  Kota  Striah,  in  3  J  to  4  fathoms,  stiff 
mud,  at  2^  cables  from  the  shore. 

Durian  Sahatang,  a  town  of  eighty  or  ninety  houses,  the  highest  point 
which  may  be  reached  by  gun-vessels  drawing  11  ft.,  is  43  miles  from  the 
entrance.  The  trade,  which  is  chiefly  in  tin,  is  in  the  hands  of  the  Chinese, 
and  is  carried  on  entirely  by  junks. 

Bandar  Bahru,  the  site  of  the  British  Residency,  is  estimated  to  be  19  miles 
above  Durian  Sabatang.  Kota-Lumut  is  the  highest  point  steam  launches 
can  reach. 

Bernam  River,  12  miles  southward  of  Perah  River,  is  the  boundary  be- 
tween the  States  of  Perah  and  Salangore.  It  has  been  for  years  the  resting 
place  of  pirates,  but  in  1870,  after  some  severe  fighting,  they  were  dislodged, 
and  it  is  hoped  that  by  an  occasional  visit  of  one  of  H.M.  gunboats,  the 
practice  may  be  checked  for  the  future.  The  river  extends  about  150  miles 
inland. 

PULO  JARRA  lies  in  the  middle  of  the  Strait  of  Malacca,  bearing  S.  ^  W. 
78  miles  from  Penang,  and  26^  miles  W.  by  S.  from  the  Sambilang  Islands. 
It  is  about  300  ft.  high,  very  small,  covered  with  trees,  and  may  be  seen  in 
all  directions  for  20  or  25  miles.     It  is  very  steep-to,  the  lead  affording  no 


•  In  June,  1876,  the  Ringdove  crossed  the  bar  at  high  water  neaps  with  the  same  marks, 
and  had  22  ft.  least  water.  Also  H.M.S.  Maypie,  crossing  on  the  26th  of  December,  1876, 
had  25  ft.  least  water  at  one  hour  before  high  water  ;  the  outer  fishing-stakes  bore  S.  by  E. 
The  channel  of  deepest  water  is  probably  very  narrow,  and  it  may  shift.  Navigating- 
Lieutenant  Pownal  Aplin,  H.M.S.  Modeste,  1876,  remarks,  that  vessels  of  9  ft.  draught  may 
always  enter  at  high  water.  Ships  of  greater  draught  should  not  attempt  it  except  at 
springs,  unless  in  cases  of  urgency.  The  best  channel  in  1861  was  1  mile  South  of  Pulo 
Katta. 


SALANGOEE.  119 

indication  of  its  proximity.  The  depths  around  it  are  from  14  to  48  fathoms, 
with  25  to  30  fathoms  in  the  channel  between  it  and  the  Sambilangs  ;  and 
from  30  to  40  in  the  channel  between  it  and  the  Brothers,  39  miles  to  the 
S.S.W.  It  is  best  to  pass  to  eastward  of  it,  because  the  current  often  sets 
strong  to  theN.W.  in  the  middle  of  the  strait,  and  calms  are  more  prevalent 
there  than  nearer  the  coast.     It  is  in  lat.  3""  58'  20"  N.,  long.  lOO''  8'  E. 

SALANGORE,'^-'  the  capital  of  the  Malayan  State  extending  from  Bernam 
River  tu  Langat  Eiver,  lies  within  the  entrance  of  a  small  river  at  60  miles 
fc>.E.  trom  Pulo  Sambilang.  The  town  was  founded  at  the  commencement 
of  the  last  century  by  a  colony  of  Bugis  from  Celebes,  and  was  at  one  time 
frequented  for  tin,  for  which  the  Dutch  had  here  an  establishment  and 
monopoly.  The  fort  on  the  South  side  of  the  entrance  to  the  river  is  in  lat. 
3°  19'  50"  N.  ;  there  are  also  some  forts  on  the  northern  shore.  The  river  is 
navigable  at  high  water  for  vessels  of  some  burden,  and  H.M.S.  Rinaldo, 
draught  15  ft.  4  in.,  entered  here  in  July,  1871,  to  punish  the  natives  for  a 
piratical  attack  which  had  been  made  in  a  junk  from  Penang,  when  thirty- 
four  persons  were  murdered.  They  found  the  bar  2  miles  in  width  at  high 
water,  and  grounded  at  low  water  when  anchored  in  front  of  the  town. 
Captain  Bloomfield,  who  examined  the  river  in  1871  up  to  where  it  ceases  to 
be  tidal,  at  22  miles  from  its  mouth,  reports  that  vessels  drawing  more  than 
1 0  ft.  water  should  not  attempt  to  enter  the  river  until  more  accurate  surveys 
are  made.  H.M.S.  Pluto  ascended  the  river  13  miles,  or  to  1  or  2  miles 
above  Quedah.  The  spring  tide  was  running  very  strong,  with  a  rise  and 
fall  of  15  ft.  There  is  anchorage  abreast  of  the  river  at  3|  to  5  miles  off 
shore,  in  from  4  to  7  fathoms,  with  Cape  Caran  bearing  N.W.,  and  Pulo 
Anza  bearing  S.  by  E.,  or  S.  by  E.  J  E.,  about  9  miles  distant.  It  is  high 
water,  at  full  and  change,  about  5  hours. 

The  False  Parcelar  Hill,  or  BuTcit  Jerom,  is  close  to  the  shore,  and  7 
miles  from  Salangore.  It  is  sometimes  called  the  Hill  of  Salangore.  In  pass- 
ing it,  it  scarcely  seems  higher  than  a  clump  of  trees.  Its  sides  are  covered 
with  cocoa-nut  trees,  and  its  summit  by  a  grove  of  senna  trees.  Off  it  lies  a 
line  of  islets  and  rocks,  running  to  S.W.  by  8.  for  3i-  miles.  They  were  for- 
merly called  the  Botel  (or  Bottle)  Islands.  The  innermost  is  Fulo  Besar,  and 
the  outer  one  is  Pulo  Tekolo.  At  a  mile,  or  further  from  it,  is  a  rock,  on 
which  the  Calcutta  brig  was  lost.  It  bears  S.W.  ^  S.  from  it,  and  should  not 
be  approached  too  nearly  ;  there  are  5  fathoms  water  close  to  it. 

From  the  outer  reef  (sometimes  also  called  the  Sail  Shoal),  Pulo  Anzas,  on 


*  It  is  prohable  that  within  a  few  years  more  trade  may  be  done  on  the  coast  of  Salan- 
gore. Under  the  advice  of  the  British  Resident,  the  Sultan  issued  a  proclamation  in 
March,  1876,  declarint'-  it  illegal  for  any,  save  those  properly  authorized,  to  levy  taxes  on 
merchandize.  Hitherto  vessels  passing  np  and  down  the  river  have  paid  heavily  to  different 
chiefs,  who  converted  the  mouty  to  their  own  use. 


120  THE  STEAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

the  opposite  side  of  the  channel,  bears  W.  by  S.  3  miles.  There  are  two  of 
them  standing  upon  the  eastern  edge  of  the  shoal  which  limits  the  strait  to 
the  westward.  (They  are  the  Mudancoos,  or  Mud  and  Goose,  of  the  old 
charts.)  The  bank  and  the  islets  are  steep-to.  The  bank  extends  for  13 
miles  to  N.W.  by  N.  from  them,  and  gradually  shoalens  from  2  and  3  fa- 
thoms up  to  Pulo  Colong  (or  Callam),  the  North  point  of  which  is  10  miles 
S.E.  by  E.  from  the  Pulo  Anzas. 

At  80  miles  from  the  Sambilangs,  and  30  miles  from  Salangore,  is  a  pro- 
jecting point,  formed  by  the  islands  of  Colong  or  Callam  and  Lamaut,  for- 
merly called  Cape  Coran,  or  Tanjong  Aivat,  or  Mud  Point.  A  shoal  bank 
fronts  it  for  2^  miles  from  it,  and  therefore  caution  is  necessary.  This  bank 
of  sand  and  broken  shells  stretches  for  15  miles  to  N.N.W.,  and  is  6J  miles 
from  shore.  On  its  edge  and  between  it  and  the  shore,  the  depths  are  5  and 
4  fathoms,  and  as  they  decrease  the  bottom  becomes  hard.  After  the  Sam- 
bilangs disappear,  the  False  Parcelar,  or  Hill  of  Salangore,  will  come  in 
sight  to  the  S.E.  by  E.,  or  rather  more  eastward.  The  ship  will  then  be  in 
10  fathoms,  green  mud,  and  should  steer  along  the  coast  to  S.E.  in  not  less 
than  8  or  9  fathoms.  When  Cape  Caran  bears  East,  the  beach  may  be  neared 
with  safety,  but  should  have  a  berth  of  2  miles,  after  which  the  lead  will  be 
a  sufficient  guide. 

Pulo  Colong,  with  Pulo  Liimaut  to  the  South  of  it,  forms  a  channel  called 
the  Strait  of  Callam,  or  Colong,  which  was  formerly  used  by  ships  of  mode- 
rate draught  in  order  to  avoid  the  dangers  of  the  North  and  South  Sands. 
It  is  still  used  by  the  local  steamers.  To  the  eastward  of  Pulo  Lumaut  two 
rivers  enter  the  Lumaut  Strait.  The  Callang  or  Klang  is  said  to  be  navigable 
for  vessels  of  light  draught,  15  or  20  miles,  as  far  as  Damar,  and  for  boats 
by  poling  as  far  as  the  neighbourhood  of  the  tin  mines.  Langat  River  enters 
the  strait  at  about  6  miles  to  the  southward.  To  the  northward  of  Par- 
celar Hill,  "in  2°  50'  N.,  the  river  bifurcates,  near  Langat,  the  residence  of 
the  Sultan  and  of  the  British  Resident ;  and  a  second  mouth  is  formed  on  the 
coast  S.W.  of  Parcelar  Hill,  and  named  the  Jugru  River.  Mr.  Braddell 
was  on  this  river  in  1874,  and  says  that  following  the  river  from  bight  to 
bif^ht  they  found  3  and  4  fathoms  wherever  they  went.  Mr.  Irving,  speak- 
ing of  the  district  says  : — "  It  is  a  magnificent  country,  with  a  fine  soil  and 
great  mineralogical  resources.  It  is  watered  and  opened  up  by  fine  naviga- 
ble rivers,  which  run  up  within  easy  distance  of  the  richest  tin  districts, 
situated  in  the  watersheds  of  the  Salangore,  Klang,  and  Langat  Rivers.  It 
only  wants  security  for  life  and  property,  and  a  few  easily  constructed  roads, 
to  make  it  burst  out  into  exuberant  life."* 

*  For  further  particulars,  see  a  Paper  in  the  Journal  of  the  Royal  Geographical  Society, 
yol.  xlvi,  1876,  by  W.  Barrington  D' Almeida,  on  "  The  Geography  of  Perah  and  Salan- 
gore." 


THE  STRAIT  OF  COLONG-.  121 

The  Strait  of  Colong,  or  Callam,  is  about  15  miles  in  length  between  the 
islands,  and  has  sufficient  depth  for  moderate  ships.  It  is  not  much  used 
now,  the  less  so,  as  it  is  said  that  pirates  have  been  found  lurking  in  its 
creeks. 

Mr.  Logan  says : — The  strait  is  like  a  large  river  or  canal.  The  islands 
between  which  it  lies  are  merely  flats,  and  formed  of  black  mud,  covered 
with  mangrove  thickets.  In  steaming  through  it  you  see  nothing  but  a  wall 
of  thick  mangroves  on  either  side.  Towards  the  northern  extremity  of  the 
thickets  one  place  of  considerable  extent  was  quite  naked,  and  covered  with 
flying  foxes,  which  have  settled  here  for  many  years.  The  strait  is  (or  was) 
used  by  the  local  steamers  in  passing  between  Singapore,  Malacca,  and 
Penang. 

The  following  are  the  old  directions  for  those  who  would  wish  to  follow 
it:— 

To  run  in  for  Salangore  and  the  Straits  of  Colong,  after  you  have  rounded 
the  Sambilangs,  steer  away  to  the  eastward  E.S.E.  or  E.  by  S.,  and  rise  the 
low  land,  coming  no  nearer  than  8  or  9  fathoms,  but  do  not  rise  the  beach 
from  the  deck.  As  you  lose  sight  of  the  Sambilangs,  you  may  see  the  hill  of 
Salangore,  or  False  Parcelar ;  steer  in  for  it,  keeping  the  above  depth,  you 
"will  soon  after  make  the  true  hill,  which  appears  like  a  grove  of  trees  ;  when 
you  come  nearer  you  cannot  mistake  it,  as  it  is  the  only  hill  near  the  water 
side.  In  observing  these  directions,  you  will  not  meet  with  the  shoal  of 
broken  shells  that  lies  to  the  N.W.  of  Salangore,  and  those  which  follow  will 
enable  you  better  to  avoid  it. 

When  you  can  just  discern  Salangore  Hill  from  the  deck,  bearing  S.E.  by  E. 
or  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E.,  you  will  have  10  or  11  fathoms,  green  oaze,  with  small 
broken  oyster-shells,  at  5  or  6  miles  from  the  nearest  shore.  The  course 
along  shore  is  about  S.S.E.  14  or  15  miles.  The  soundings  on  the  shoal  are 
from  6  to  3 J,  5,  4,  and  6|^  fathoms,  with  overfalls  of  1,  2,  and  3  fathoms  at 
a  cast :  as  you  deepen  you  will  have  soft  ground,  and  the  contrary  as  you 
are  shoaling.  "When  you  have  sailed  the  above  mentioned  distance,  allow- 
ing for  the  tides,  Parcelar  true  Hill  will  be  seen  from  the  deck  bearing 
S.S.E.  ^  E.,  distance  from  the  nearest  shore  7  or  8  miles,  in  14  or  15  fathoms, 
soft  ground. 

When  you  see  the  False  HiU  bearing  S.E.  by  E.  or  S.E.  by  E.  \  E.  from 
the  deck,  steer  ofi"  shore  to  the  southward,  until  you  lose  sight  of  the  white 
sandy  beach  from  the  tafi'arel ;  then  steer  to  the  S.E.  along  shore,  taking 
care  not  to  raise  the  white  beach,  and  that  will  carry  you  clear  without  the 
shoal,  in  soundings  not  less  than  8  or  9  fathoms.  When  you  have  run  the 
above  mentioned  distance  to  the  S.S.E.,  you  may  then  with  safety  raise  the 
beach,  or  borrow  on  the  shore ;  but  come  not  under  8  or  7  fathoms,  soft 
ground,  as  it  shoals  very  fast  from  that  depth  until  you  are  past  Tanjong 
Awat. 

I.  A.  R 


122  THE  STEAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

But  to  resume  our  instructions  for  sailing  into  Salangore.  After  you  have 
seen  the  low  land  beyond  Tanjong  Awat,  you  may  be  guided  by  the  lead, 
giving  that  point  a  berth  of  a  mile,  or  1^  mile,  to  avoid  the  shoal  which 
stretches  from  it.  To  run  into  Salangore  Eoad,  you  keep  the  hill  a  little 
open  to  the  southward,  and  anchor  a  little  to  the  northward  of  it,  in  4  or 
3^  fathoms,  soft  mud,  as  there  is  a  shoal  to  the  southward  projecting  1^ 
mile. 

Going  to  the  Straits  of  Colong,  steer  for  Pulo  Anzas,  and  to  the  eastward 
of  them  you  will  then  see  the  entrance,  or  North  mouth  of  the  straits.  The 
Pulo  Anzas  are  bold-to,  but  the  islands,  which  are  on  the  eastern  side  of 
the  channel,  are  the  reverse.  Off  the  southern  or  outermost  island,  Pulo 
Tekolo,  lies  a  dangerous  rock,  bearing  from  it  S.W.  ^  S.  a  mile  distant,  and 
with  5  fathoms  close  to  it.  On  the  S.W.  of  the  channel  there  is  a  sand-bank, 
but  on  the  other  side  it  is  mud.  "When  you  are  past  the  above  islands,  ap- 
proach nearer  the  sand-bank  than  when  you  leave  hard  soundings  ;  on  the 
opposite  part  stand  on  at  pleasure. 

A  little  to  the  northward  of  the  North  entrance  of  the  straits  lies  a  shoal, 
to  avoid  which,  as  well  as  to  keep  in  the  best  channel,  you  are  to  keep  the 
Middle  Botel  Island  in  one  with  Salangore  Hill,  observing  not  to  open  the 
hill  to  the  eastward  ;  another  leading  mark  is  to  keep  Parcelar  Hill  on  the 
West  point  about  its  own  breadth.  After  passing  this  shoal  you  may  be 
guided  by  the  lead  on  this  side,  keeping  in  from  5  to  9  fathoms.  There  is 
also  another  shoal  in  a  line  of  direction  from  Mud  and  Goose  Islands  to  the 
West  point,  but  of  no  great  extent. 

In  working  up  the  first  reach  there  is  no  danger,  having  good  water  from 
side  to  side,  which  at  the  upper  end  of  the  reach  is  very  deep,  with  irregular 
soundings  from  12  to  22  fathoms.  The  opening  that  is  on  the  port  hand  at 
the  bottom  of  this  reach  is  the  Eiver  Colong  or  Klang  ;  opposite  to  which 
is  Deep-water  Point,  the  South  point  on  the  starboard  hand,  of  the  first 
reach. 

The  second  is  Bar  Peach,  which  is  clear  while  abreast  of  a  creek  on  the 
port  side,  opposite  to  which  is  the  shoalest  part  of  the  bar  ;  before  you  come 
up  to  this  creek,  you  meet  with  another,  which  it  is  necessary  to  avoid,  as 
there  is  an  indraught.  It  will  be  best  to  anchor  about  a  cable's  length,  in  6 
fathoms,  before  you  cross  the  bar,  as  it  shifts  very  much,  and  of  course  it  is 
requisite  to  sound.  On  our  sounding  we  found  3  fathoms  at  low  water  the 
greatest  depth,  which  is  a  little  more  than  a  third  over  from  the  S.E.  side  : 
you  will  carry  3  fathoms  about  twice  the  ship's  length  after  being  over.  A 
good  leading  mark  is  some  low  land  just  open  with  the  first  point ;  you  may 
stand  till  it  is  two  sails'  breadths  open,  and  close  it  on  the  other  shore  ;  but 
the  best  and  safest  mark  for  crossing  the  bar  is  to  bring  Deep-water  Point  to 
bear  N.E.  J  E.  ;  you  may  also  be  guided  by  the  lead,  which  cannot  be  done 
on  the  opposite  side,  being  a  bank  steep  to  that  extends  along  and  across 


PAECELAR  HILL— THE  NORTH  SANDS.  123 

about  one-third  over  to  the  western  point  of  the  Third  Eeach,  and  from  thence 
up  to  the  northern  extremity  of  a  creek,  in  that  reach,  your  soundings  are 
from  3  to  9  or  10  fathoms. 

The  bar  is  narrow,  and  begins  at  the  entrance  of  the  first  creek,  on  the 
S.E.  shore,  having  the  least  water  about  half  a  cable's  length  to  the  S.W.  ; 
you  then  deepen  it  from  3  to  5  fathoms  gradually,  and  will  be  abreast  of  the 
second  creek.*  From  this  you  carry  not  less  than  5^  fathoms,  about  a  large 
cable's  length  from  the  port  shore.  Keep  nearly  that  distance  till  you  pass 
Point  Anna  Grabs  (so  called  from  a  small  ship  wrecked  here),  as  it  is  shoal 
on  the  starboard  side,  hard  ground,  with  overfaUs.  Indeed,  you  must  avoid 
for  the  same  reason,  the  starboard  shore,  until  you  are  beyond  the  second 
opening  to  the  sea. 

The  tide  flows  about  9  ft.  in  the  springs. 

PARCELAR  HILL,  or  Bukit  Jugru,  a  great  leading  mark,  stands  in  lat. 
2°  50'  N.,  long.  lOr  26'  10'  E.,  26i  miles  E.  7°  S.  from  the  lighthouse  on  the 
One-fathom  Bank,  and  10  miles  eastward  from  the  southern  entrance  of  the 
Colong  Strait.  It  is  890  ft.  high,  of  oblong  form,  sloping  at  each  end  when 
viewed  from  the  westward,  with  the  summit  a  little  to  the  westward  of  its 
centre  ;  but  of  a  regular  pyramidal  form  when  seen  from  the  southward  or 
S.S.E.,  with  very  gentle  declivities  in  each  direction.  It  is  darker  in  appear- 
ance than  the  neighbouring  hills.  In  front  of  it,  to  the  S.W.,  is  the  Jugru 
mouth  of  the  Langat  River,  before  mentioned. 

The  NORTH  SANDS,  which  lie  ofi"  the  Malay  coast  between  Salangore 
and  Parcelar  Hill,  are  extensive  and  dangerous.  Their  north-western  edge 
is  steep,  and  drops  from  5  fathoms  to  15  or  30  fathoms  in  3  or  4  miles.  They 
have  been  surveyed  by  Captain  Ross,  and  his  chart  shows  them  as  several 
parallel  ridges  of  sand,  trending  fromN.W.  and  N.N.W.  to  S.E.  and  S.S.E., 
with  deeper  water,  from  8  to  14  fathoms,  between  them.  The  north-western 
edge  of  their  most  dangerous  part  lies  21J  miles  W.S.W.  from  Salangore. 
These  patches  have  from  4  to  18  ft.  water,  with  7  to  10  fathoms  on  either 
side.  They  extend  south-eastward  for  18  miles,  leaving  a  channel,  3  miles 
in  width,  between  their  extremity  and  the  shoal  which  extends  from  Pulo 
Colong,  and  which  has  from  5  to  14  fathoms  of  water.  The  chart  is  the  best 
guide  for  their  position  and  character,  and  the  various  patches  need  not  be 
enumerated,  as  it  is  difiicult  or  impossible  to  give  clearing  marks  for  them. 

*  After  you  pass  the  bar.  Captain  Elmore  advises  to  "  steer  direct  for  the  South  point  of 
the  Sea  Reach,  until  the  North  point  of  that  reach  bears  West  by  North,  to  avoid  the  wreck 
of  a  large  Portuguese  ship,  which  bears  West  from  that  point,  and  lies  on  the  eastern  shore, 
between  Anna  Grab  Point  and  the  bar ;  when  these  bearings  are  on,  and  you  are  2  cables' 
lengths  off  shore,  it  is  best  to  keep  the  eastern  shore  on  board,  to  prevent  the  flood  tide  from 
horsing  you  through  the  opening  to  seaward  (which  I  call  Sea  Keach),  where  there  is  no 
passage,  being  entirely  choked  with  sand  banks,  dry  at  half  ebb." 


124  THE  STEAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

The  Blenheim  Shoal  is  one  of  the  most  dangerous  of  these  shoals,  and  lies 
on  their  western  edge.  It  nearly  occasioned  the  wreck  of  H.M.S.  Blenheim, 
when  it  was  first  discovered.  It  bears  from  One-fathom  Bank  light  N.  15°  W. 
11  miles,  and  from  Parcelar  Hill  W.  23°  N.  31|^  miles  ;  Salangore  Hill  bears 
from  it  N.  56°  E. ;  and  another  hill  to  the  S.E.  of  it  N.  66°  E.,  lat.  3°  3'  N., 
long.  100°  56'  15"  E.  It  has  only  6  ft.  least  water,  and  there  are  several 
dangerous  patches  to  the  E.ist  and  N.E.  from  it.  It  is  cleared  so  long  as 
Parcelar  Hill  does  not  bear  northward  of  E.S.E. 

It  is  high  water  at  the  N.W.  head  of  the  North  Sands,  on  full  and  change, 
at  6*"  30".     Springs  rise  12  ft.,  neaps  12i  ft. 

When  the  Round  Arroa  (presently  described)  is  seen  from  the  mast-head 
(being  31  miles  off),  bearing  S.S.W.  to  S.S.W.  J  W.,  you  are  on  the  N.W. 
edge  of  these  sands,  and  will  pass  over  spits  of  8  and  10  fathoms.  As  these 
spits,  which  form  the  N.W.  part  of  the  North  Sands,  have  9  to  12  fathoms 
on  their  outer  edges,  it  is  advisable,  when  bound  to  the  southward  in  con- 
trary winds,  to  keep  near  the  western  edges  of  the  sands  in  working,  making 
short  tacks  to  the  westward,  and  standing  in  to  10  or  11  fathoms,  in  a  large 
ship,  or  to  8  and  9  fathoms  in  a  small  one.  By  this  means  moderate  depths 
will  be  found  for  anchoring  during  the  ebb,  with  the  tides  more  regular  and 
more  favourable  than  further  out  in  deep  water.  Eor  here,  during  S.E. 
winds,  a  current  is  often  found  to  set  W.N.W.  and  westward  when  tides  are 
prevailing  along  the  edge  of  the  sands.  The  strength  of  the  ebb  generally 
sets  between  N.W.  and  N.W.  by  N.  2^  miles  an  hour,  the  flood  in  the  oppo- 
site direction,  about  S.E.  ^  S.,  standing  a  little  on  the  western  edges  of  the 
sands,  or  running  nearly  parallel  with  them,  but  it  is  not  so  strong  as  the 
ebb. 

The  ONE-FATHOM  BANK,  which  forms  the  S.W.  part  of  the  North 
Sands,  and  is  also  on  the  North  side  of  the  channel  between  the  North  and 
South  Sands,  was  considered  as  the  most  dangerous  shoal  of  the  vicinity. 
According  to  Lieut.  Ward's  survey,  it  is  about  IJ  mile  N.N.E.  to  S.S.W., 
and  1  mile  broad  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.  It  has  6  ft.  least  water.  By  keeping 
Parcelar  Hill  E.  %  S.,  the  North  end  will  be  cleared,  andE.  \  S.  the  southern 
edge  will  be  passed  safely. 

The  Lighthouse,  on  screw  iron  piles,  is  painted  in  stripes  of  red  and  slate- 
colour.  It  is  placed  on  the  centre  of  the  bank,  in  15  ft.  water,  half  a  mile 
S.  by  E.  of  the  position  occupied  by  the  lightvessel  previous  to  May,  1874, 
when  a  revolving  bright  light,  attaining  its  greatest  brilliancy  every  minute, 
was  first  exhibited  from  the  lighthouse.  It  is  shown  at  61  ft.  above  the  sea 
level,  and  visible  13  miles  off.  Its  position  is  in  lat.  2°  52'  8"  N.,  long. 
100°  59'  2"  E. 

A  red  huoy  marks  the  North  end  of  the  bank.  It  lies  in  14  ft.  water,  at  1^ 
mile  N.W.  from  the  lighthouse. 


THE  AEEOA  ISLANDS.  125 

There  is  a  safe  channel  between  the  One-Fathom  Bank  and  the  Blenheim 
Shoal,  but  there  is  a  small  21 -feet  bank  midway  between  them,  with  7  to  16 
fathoms  around  it.  It  lies  6^  miles  N.  by  W.  I  W.  from  One-Fathom  Bank 
lighthouse  ;  and  a  second  bank  of  similar  depths  lies  2  miles  S.E.  of  it,  and 
4  miles  N.  ^  E.  of  the  lighthouse.  Parcelar  Hill  bearing  E.  by  S.  i  S., 
nearly,  is  the  best  course  to  pass  between  these  banks  and  the  One  Fathom 
Bank.  This  channel  has  not  been  used  by  large  ships,  as  the  tides  run  in 
strong  eddies  over  the  sands  during  spring  tides.  A  better  course  is  to 
steer  so  as  to  pass  southward  of  the  lighthouse. 

The  ARROA  ISLANDS  form  the  western  side  of  the  main  channel  of  the 
Strait  of  Malacca  past  the  North  Sands.  They  are  a  group  of  small  islets 
and  rocks  on  an  extensive  shoal  which  lies  in  the  middle  of  the  strait.  The 
northernmost  of  the  cluster  is  the  JV^orth  Hock,  in  lat.  2°  55'  20"  N.,  long. 
100°  36'  5"  E.  It  is  of  considerable  height  above  the  water,  with  regular 
soundings  very  near  the  rocks  that  front  it  of  8  and  9  fathoms  mud. 

East  Rock,  or  Batu  Ifandi,  is  a  flat  black  rock,  very  little  above  the  surface 
of  the  sea.  It  has  deep  water  close  on  its  eastern  side.  It  lies  somewhat  oflf 
the  mud  bank,  as  it  has  a  deep  channel  of  17  fathoms  three-quarters  of  a 
mile  wide  to  the  West  of  it,  between  it  and  a  line  of  sunken  rocks,  covered  at 
half  flood,  on  which  the  sea  breaks  at  times. 

The  Htffh  Rock,  or  JBafu  Balia,  lies  2  miles  West  from  the  sunken  reef  just 
mentioned.  It  is  surrounded  by  other  rocks,  and  there  are  9  fathoms  in  the 
space  between,  with  7  to  ]  0  fathoms  in  the  channel  West  of  it. 

Pulo  Jummur,  the  Great  or  Long  Arroa,  is  the  largest  of  the  group.  It 
consists  of  two  islands  nearly  joined,  is  covered  with  trees,  flat,  and  is  nearly 
3  miles  S.W.  by  S.  from  the  North  rock.  It  is  nearly  a  mile  long,  and  the 
shores  appear  to  be  lined  with  rocks,  and  a  re*/ extends  to  the  N.E.  from  it 
for  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile.  The  Malay  fishermen  come  here  for  fish 
and  turtle.  Boats  landing  should  therefore  be  on  their  guard.  Water  can 
be  got  in  a  cove  with  a  good  sandy  beach,  on  the  East  side  of  the  South  isle. 
Several  springs  of  good  water  fall  into  the  deep  valley.  The  Western  Arroa 
is  a  group  of  islets  and  rocks  lying  about  a  mile  to  the  westward  of  the  Lono- 
Arroa,  and  on  the  same  rocky  bank. 

The  Round  Arroa,  or  Pulo  Tukong  Simbang,  the  chief  mark  for  the  channel 
to  the  eastward,  is  very  small,  high,  round,  and  has  a  tuft  of  trees  on  each 
side  of  it.  It  may  be  seen  1 8  miles  ofi".  It  has  several  rocky  islets  near  it 
two  of  which  are  visible  12  miles  oS' ;  one  of  these  lies  to  the  northward  the 
other  to  the  southward,  with  straggling  rocks  around.  The  South  Rock,  or 
Pulo  Tukong,  the  southernmost  islet  or  rock,  above  water,  is  IJ  mile  S.S.W. 
from  the  Round  Arroa. 

The  Arroa  Islands  should  not  be  approached  by  night,  as  there  is  now 
no  necessity  for  it,  since  the  light  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  channel  is 


126  THE  STEAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

established.  The  currents  and  ebb  tides  set  very  strongly  here,  and  might 
horse  you  among  them.  Should  a  vessel  be  working  near  them  against  a 
heavy  N.  W.  swell,  there  is  shelter  from  N.W.  or  westerly  winds  by  anchor- 
ing under  the  Long  Arroa,  guarding  against  the  reef  which  projects  a  mile 
to  E.N.E.  from  its  North  end. 

In  sailing  down  the  Malacca  Strait  from  the  northward,  and  having  got 
in  mid-channel  between  Pulo  Jarra  and  the  South  Sambilang,  keeping  to 
the  eastward  to  guard  against  the  easterly  tendency  of  the  current,  steer 
about  S.S.E.  or  S.  20°  E.  to  keep  well  to  N.E.  of  the  Arroas,  but  not  too  far 
on  the  North  Sands.  Excepting  a  shingly  spot  of  13  fathoms  in  lat.  3°  20' N., 
bearing  South  from  the  Sambilangs,  the  soundings  are  tolerably  regular  on 
this  track  generally  between  31  and  40  fathoms  in  the  direct  line.  Should 
the  winds  hang  to  the  eastward  or  E.S.E.,  keep  in  with  the  Malay  coast  in. 
from  20  to  30  fathoms,  until  8  or  10  leagues  past  the  Sambilangs;  then  steer 
more  southerly  to  get  soundings  of  16  to  18  fathoms  on  the  N.W.  face  of  the 
North  Sands,  which  may  be  rounded  close,  provided  you  do  not  come  into 
less  than  14  or  16  fathoms,  and  then  either  the  Arroa  Islands  or  the  light- 
vessel,  or  Parcelar  Hill,  will  come  in  view,  and  will  be  a  further  guide. 

The  SOUTH  SANDS,  like  those  forming  the  North  Sands,  are  a  series  of 
parallel  spits  which  run  E.S.E.  and  W.N.W.,  or  more  southerly  in  the  same 
direction  as  the  Malay  coast,  and  13  or  14  miles  distant  from  it.  The  main 
channel  on  the  North  side  of  them  having  that  breadth,  and  a  depth  of  from 
20  to  40  fathoms  (with  some  exceptions),  extends  for  60  miles  from  the  One- 
Fathom  Bank  Light  to  Cape  Eachado.  The  South  Sands  vary  in  width 
from  2  to  6  miles.  The  northernmost  dangerous  patch,  with  16  ft.  water,  is 
102  miles  S.  by  E.  ^  E.  from  the  lightvessel,  and  the  south-easternmost  is  a 
small  patch  of  hard  sand,  named  on  the  chart  the  Pyramid,  with  6  ft.  least 
water.  From  it  Cape  Eachado  appears  like  an  island,  bearing  E.  ^  S.,  and 
from  5  to  9  miles  further  S.S.E.  are  several  patches  of  15  to  4  fathoms. 
These  eastern  patches  are  the  most  dangerous  part  of  the  shoal  of  Malacca, 
and  require  all  caution.  On  the  North  side  of  the  channel  is  the  Bambek 
Shoal,  awash,  which  is  21  miles  from  Parcelar  Hill,  and  14  miles  from  Cape 
Eachado. 

The  space  between  the  Sumatran  shore  and  the  South  Sands  is  full  of 
shoals  and  dangers,  and  should  never  be  attempted. 

It  is  high  water  at  full  and  change  at  the  One-Fathom  Bank  at  6  o'clock. 
Springs  rise  15  ft.,  and  neaps  12  ft.  The  tide  runs  strongly  at  springs, 
and  then  there  are  eddies  on  the  spit  which  projects  from  the  One-Fathom 
Bank.  Between  the  sand  heads  the  strength  of  the  ebb  runs  nearly  N.W., 
but  the  commencement  and  end  of  it  run  very  irregularly.  The  flood  is 
more  regular  in  its  direction,  and  runs  with  less  velocity.  The  light 
is  found  to  be  most  useful  in  these    strong   tide   ways,  when,  if  the  land 


THE  SOUTH  SANDS.  127 

be  not  visible,    the    navigation  would   be    as   formerly,    very   embarrass- 
ing.* 

The  CHANNEL  between  the  North  and  South  Sands,  which  has  been 
known  by  the  name  of  the  East  and  West  Channel, — a  term  probably  derived 
from  the  fact  that  the  leading  marks  through  it  lay  East  and  West  of  each 
other.  It  is  about  10  miles  wide  between  the  northernmost  danger  of  the 
South  Sands  and  the  lighthouse;  and  there  is  a  21 -feet  patch  at  7^  miles 
S.W.  by  W.  from  the  lighthouse,  which  requires  caution. 

In  passing  through  this  East  and  West  Channel,  having  passed  the  Eound 
Arroa  and  brought  it  to  bear  W.S.W.,  there  is  no  danger  from  the  North 
Sands,  so  long  as  it  can  be  seeii  from  the  deck.  Then  steer  an  easterly 
course  away  from  it  bearing  W.  J  S.  When  the  Eound  Arroa  sinks  out 
of  sight,  the  lighthouse  will  come  in  view,  as  will  also  Parcelar  Hill,  bearing 
about  East.  Bring  the  latter  to  bear  about  E.  \  N.,  and  you  will  pass 
safely  to  the  South  of  the  One-Fathom  Bank.  A  course  with  Parcelar  Hill 
bearing  E.  |  S.  will  clear  the  bank.  Having  passed  this,  the  channel  within 
the  South  Sands  is  open  to  the  south-eastward.  Parcelar  Hill  may  at  times 
be  obscured  by  clouds,  when  the  low  land  at  the  entrance  of  the  Strait  of 
Colong  may  be  seen.  If  this  piece  of  low  land  be  kept  N.E.  by  E.  J  E.,  or 
its  East  end  be  brought  to  E.N.E.,  you  will  clear  the  banks  in  coming  from 
the  eastward.  This  low  land  comes  in  sight  when  abreast  of  the  One-Fathom 
Bank,  and  from  aloft  the  tops  of  the  trees  may  be  seen  as  far  as  Parcelar 
Hill. 


*  Several  wrecks  having  taken  place  on  the  South  Sands,  the  following  extracts  from 
remarks  by  Mr.  G.  J.  Maddock  (pilot)  will  prove  useful ; — "I  will  now  endeavour  to  give 
an  account  of  the  chief  cause  of  ships  being  lost  on  the  South  Sands.  First,  with  respect 
to  the  loss  of  the  John  Curry,  Captain  Tucker,  in  January,  1854.  From  the  wreck,  Par- 
celar Hill  bore  N.E.  by  N.  ;  when  conversing  with  Captain  Tucker,  and  informing  him 
that  the  current  and  tide  out  of  Calam  Strait  had  been  the  cause  of  the  loss  of  his  ship,  he 
acknowledged  that  such  must  have  been  the  case  from  the  set  which  he  noticed  after  the 
ship  had  struck.  About  two  months  afterwards,  a  large  Dutch  Indiaman,  the  Menado,  got 
on  shore  under  similar  circumstances  in  the  night,  and,  strange  to  say,  within  a  cable's 
length  of  the  spot  where  the  John  Curry  was  lost.  I  also  met  the  captain  of  the  Menado  in 
Singapore,  and  he  acknowledged  that  my  version  of  his  loss  was  correct,  as  he  could  not 
account  for  it  in  any  other  way.  Some  time  afterwards,  strange  to  relate,  one  of  H.M. 
ships,  the  Andromeda,  came  to  grief  in  the  same  locality.  In  passing  up  and  down  the 
straits  some  time  before,  I  noticed  this  set  of  the  tide,  or  perhaps  rather  an  under  current, 
and  always  kept  correct  bearings  of  the  Parcelar,  and  on  a  dirty  night  or  when  dark,  was 
invariably  able  to  pick  out  an  anchorage  in  7  to  10  fathoms  ;  but  these  observations  are 
nearly  useless  now,  for  there  is  a  light  on  the  One-Fathom  Bank  (North  Sands),  and  if  the 
Government  place  a  second  light  on  the  South  Sand  Head,  the  principal  dangers  can  be 
easily  avoided.  There  are  nights,  however,  when  all  these  advantages  will  be  found  use- 
less— at  short  intervals  during  the  north-westers  and  Sumatras." 


128  THE  STEAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

The  Malay  Coast  about  Parcelar  Hill  forms  a  slight  bay,  instead  of  a  con- 
vexity, as  was  shown  on  the  old  charts,  an  error  which  led  to  some  disaster. 
This  bay,  at  the  head  of  which  the  southern  mouth  of  the  Langat  Eiver  is 
situated,  is  filled  with  a  shallow  bank,  and  at  about  9  miles  southward  from 
the  hill  is  a  slight  projection  named  Parcelar  Point,  not  easily  distinguished 
on  the  low  land  of  Parcelar  of  the  old  charts.  It  continues  low  and  woody 
to  the  E.S.E.  for  15  miles,  to  the  N.W.  limit  of  a  bight,  of  which  Tanjong 
Kamuning,  7  miles  farther  on,  is  the  S.E.  point.  Above  the  head  of  this 
bay  is  the  South  Hummock,  973  ft.  in  height,  and  further  inland  are  seen 
some  other  high  lands  towering  above  the  trees  on  the  coast.  This  bay  is 
filled  with  shoals,  and  a  line  of  detached  shoals  lies  off  its  mouth.  These 
shoals  are  formed  by  the  debris  brought  down  by  the  Eiver  Lukut,  which 
enters  the  head  of  the  bay  in  lat.  o°  35'  N.  A  few  miles  up  the  river,  on  its 
left  bank,  is  the  town  of  Lukut. 

The  Bambek  Shoal  lies  midway  between  Parcelar  Point  and  Cape  Ea- 
chada,  on  the  line  joining  their  extremities,  and  3  miles  off  the  N.W.  point 
of  the  bay  just  mentioned.  This  shoal  was  much  dreaded  by  the  early  navi- 
gators, and  several  ships  were  lost  on  it.  It  is  rocky,  and  nearly  awash  in 
the  centre,  and  has  several  heads  of  2^  to  3  fathoms  over  a  space  of  2^  miles 
E.S.E.  and  W.N.  W.,  dropping  to  7  and  8  fathoms  at  each  end,  and  having 
10,  12,  and  15  fathoms  close  outside  it,  so  that  the  lead  by  night  does  not 
afford  a  very  safe  guide  on  approaching  it.  The  dangerous  Pyramid  Shoal, 
the  south-easternmost  of  the  South  Sands,  is  also  difficult  to  avoid  by  the 
lead,  as  the  soundings  are  deep  close  up  to  it,  the  depth  of  the  strait  being 
very  irregular  throughout  its  breadth.  This  danger  is  not  lessened  by  the 
streno-th  and  irregularity  of  the  tides,  which  set  in  various  directions  among 
the  channels  between  the  South  Sands.  The  ground  is  all  oaze,  except  about 
the  middle  of  the  channel. 

The  shoal  which  runs  north-westward  from  Tanjong  Kamuning  is  2°  32'  N. 
above  mentioned,  has  an  opening  through  it  abreast  of  that  cape,  upwards 
of  a  mile  and  a  half  in  width,  and  the  shoal  continues  in  a  direction  parallel 
with  the  coast  as  far  as  Cape  Eachada,  8  miles  to  the  south-eastward,  and  at 
from  a  mile  to  H  ^i^^  from  it,  leaving  a  channel  inside  it,  having  a  depth 
of  from  6  to  12  fathoms.  A  small  island,  Arrang-Arrang,  lies  to  the  S.E.  of 
Tanjong  Kamuning. 

CAPE  RACHADA,  or  Tanjong  Tuan,  derived  its  Portuguese  name  from 
its  ruo'ged,  cleft  character.  It  is  28  miles  S.E.  by  E.  from  the  point  abreast 
the  Parcelar  Hill,  and  comes  in  sight  just  after  passing  that  point.  It  is 
perpendicular  toward  the  sea,  and  is  something  like  Mount  Dilly  on  the 
Malabar  coast,  but  not  so  lofty. 

It  projects  to  seaward  in  a  long  narrow  point  of  land,  which  forms  a  deep 
bay  on  each  side  of  it,  with  a  small  rock  or  islet  near  its  extremity.  When 
first  seen  coming  from  the  northward  it  makes  like  an  island,  for  the  neck 


CAPE  EACHADA.  129 

of  land  which  joins  it  to  the  main  is  much  lower  than  the  cape  itself.     There 
are  two  wells  of  fresh  water  under  the  cape. 

The  LIGHTHOUSE  on  Cape  Eachada,  completed  in  1863,  is  a  circular 
white  stone  tower,  78  ft.  in  height  to  the  top  of  the  lantern,  in  lat.  2°  24'  30"  N., 
lon^.  101°  51'  10"  E.  It  shows  a  brilliant  fixed  light  over  half  the  horizon, 
or  when  bearing  from  S.E.  by  E.  round  eastward  and  northward  to  N."W.  by  W. 
The  light  is  elevated  446  ft.,  and  may  be  seen  25  miles  off. 

The  tides  are  very  strong  off  Cape  Eachada,  and  pass  it  in  noisy  ripplings, 
especially  at  springs,  the  flood  to  southward,  and  ebb  to  northward.  This 
is  the  narrowest  part  of  the  Malacca  Strait,  the  opposite  puint  of  Sumatra, 
Ujong  Bantam  being  only  21  miles  from  it. 

In  sailing  down  this  portion  of  the  strait,  do  not  pass  within  a  line  joining 
Parcelar  Point  and  Cape  Eachada,  nor  bring  Parcelar  Point,  the  South  ex- 
treme of  the  land  to  northward,  to  the  southward  of  S.  60°  E.  to  keep  clear 
of  the  shore  bank,  giving  Parcelar  Point  a  berth  of  3  or  4  miles  in  passing 
it.  When  Cape  Eachada  or  the  bight  is  seen,  keep  to  the  eastward  of 
S.E.  by  E.  I  E.  to  keep  clear  of  the  Bambek  Shoal.  Cape  Eachada  brought 
to  bear  E.S.E.  is  a  fair  mid-channel  bearing  throughout,  standing  off  to  the 
southward  to  E.  by  S.  ^  S.  It  would  be  dangerous  to  exceed  these  bear- 
ings when  the  cape  appears  as  an  island.  When  approached  within  10  or  12 
miles  the  low  neck  comes  in  view,  and  the  channel  then  becomes  wider,  and 
the  boards  may  be  continued  further  to  the  southward.  Cape  Eachada  light 
kept  in  sight  clears  Bambek  Shoal  in  the  night  time. 

Lingey  Eiver. — The  coast  continues  somewhat  to  the  North  of  East  from 
Cape  Eachada  for  5  miles,  and  then  turns  to  E.S.E.  for  3  miles  more  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Lingin  or  Lingey  River,  a  large  stream  visited  for  tin,  and  tute- 
nague,  the  white  metal  alloy  used  by  the  Chinese  to  imitate  silver.  This 
river  is  the  boundary  between  the  native  state  Sunghy  Ujong  and  the  British 
state  of  Malacca.  Off  the  point  to  the  South  of  this  river  are  some  small 
detached  rocks,  and  the  whole  of  the  coast  to  the  N.  W.  is  skirted  by  a  shoal 
bank  and  straggling  rocks.  A  buoy  marks  the  eastern  side  of  the  Battoo 
Uandi,  a  small  shoal,  which  lies  IJ  mile  S.W.  by  S.  from  the  southern  en- 
trance point  of  the  river.  E.S.E.  of  the  buoy  lies  the  Batto  Tinga  Eocks,  at 
half  a  mile  from  the  shore.  At  10  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  Lingin  is  the 
Diana  Hock,  a  large  rock  always  above  water,  and  H  mile  from  the  shore, 
with  15  to  19  fathoms  irregular  bottom  close  outside  it. 

Tangong  Kling  is  22  miles  S.E.  by  E.  from  Cape  Eachada,  and  may  be 
known  by  two  or  three  trees  on  its  extremity,  more  elevated  than  the  others 
near  the  sea.  The  shore  hereabout  should  not  be  made  too  free  with  in 
the  night,  as  the  soundings  are  deep  and  irregular,  affording  but  little 
guide. 

On  the  opposite  side  of  the  strait  is  the  Quin  Shoal,  discovered  by  Admiral 


130  THE  8TEAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

Quin,  in  H.M.S.  Raleigh.  It  has  3^  to  4  fathoms  on  it,  and  is  about  1|  mile 
long  from  N.N.W.  to  S.S.E.  It  bears  from  Cape  Eachada  S.  |  E.  17J  miles. 
Mount  Ophir  peak  bore  from  it  E.N.E.,  the  North  end  of  Pulo  Eoupat, 
TJjong  Bantam,  on  the  Sumatra  side,  West,  and  the  South  end  of  Pulo  Eoupat 
S.S.W.  f  W. 

MALACCA  (or  Malaka),  the  capital  of  the  British  Province  to  which  it 
gives  its  name,  stands  on  both  sides  of  a  small  stream,  at  27  miles  from  Cape 
Eachada,  and  5  miles  from  Tanjong  Kling. 

Malacca  was  occupied  by  the  Portuguese  in  1511,  and  in  1641  was  taken 
from  them  by  the  Dutch,  who  surrendered  it  to  the  British  in  1795.  It  was 
occupied  by  us  till  1818,  when  it  was  restored  to  the  Netherlands  Govern- 
ment, by  whom  it  was  again  surrendered  to  us  in  exchange  for  Bencoolen  in 
1825.     In  1826  it  was  incorporated  with  Singapore, 

The  State  of  Malacca  extends  from  the  Eiver  Lingey,  on  the  N.W.,  to 
theCassang,  on  the  S.E.,  having  a  coast  line  of  about  40  miles  in  length, 
with  a  mean  breadth  of  25  miles,  which  includes  the  interior  territory  of 
Nanning  or  Naning,  so  that  it  has  an  area  of  about  1,000  square  miles.  In 
1865  the  state  had  a  total  population  of  71,600,  chiefly  Malays.  At  the 
census  in  1871  the  Malays  numbered  57,474,  the  Chinese  30,456.  The  trade 
has  been  considerably  reduced  since  Singapore  has  risen  into  pre-eminence, 
but  tin  and  gold  are  still  sent  to  that  emporium  in  large  quantities.  In  1871, 
imports  were  valued  at  £503,326,  and  exports  at  £526,428.  It  has  no  direct 
trade  with  the  United  Kingdom.  In  1875,  651  vessels,  of  101,476  tons,  en- 
tered the  port. 

Malacca  derives  its  name,  according  to  Malay  history,  from  the  Malacca 
tree  {Phyllanthus  Emhlica),  and  was  founded  in  the  thirteenth  century. 

The  town  of  Malacca  is  divided  by  a  small  river  into  two  parts,  connected 
by  bridges,  one  of  which  was  given  by  a  munificent  native  merchant.  On 
the  left  or  southern  bank  rises  the  verdant  hill  of  St.  Paul,  surrounded  by 
vestiges  of  the  ancient  Portuguese  fort.  Around  its  base  lie  the  barracks, 
lines,  and  most  of  the  houses  of  the  military  ;  the  stadthouse,  courthouse, 
gaol,  church,  civil  and  military  hospitals,  the  site  of  the  old  inquisition,  con- 
vent, the  police-office,  school,  post-ofiice,  and  the  master-attendant's  office. 
On  its  summit  stand  the  ruins  of  the  ancient  church  of  Our  Lady  del  Monte, 
erected  by  Albuquerque,  the  Portuguese  conqueror  of  Malacca,  and  the  scene 
of  the  labours  and  supposed  miracles  of  that  apostle  of  the  East,  St.  Francis 
Xavier ;  also  the  lighthouse  and  flagstafi".  A  little  to  the  South  rises  the  hill 
of  St.  John's,  and  in  the  rear  that  of  St.  Francis.  On  these  eminences  are 
still  the  remains  of  batteries  erected  by  the  Portuguese  and  Dutch,  command- 
ing the  eastern  and  southern  entrances  to  the  town.  Smaller  knolls  inter- 
vene, covered  with  the  extensive  cemeteries  of  the  Chinese. 

The  view  of  Malacca  from  the  roads  is  extremely  picturesque.  It  has  the 
appearance  of  being  situated  in  the  bend  of  a  crescent  or  bay  ;  the  southern 


MALACCA.  irU 

horn  of  which  is  foraied  by  a  chain  of  beautiful  islets,  called  by  the  Portu- 
guese the  Aguadas,  or  Water  Isles,  stretching  out  seawards  from  the  coast. 
On  the  South  side,  the  shore  trends  to  the  West,  terminating  in  an  elevated 
and  well  wooded  point  called  Tanjong  Kling.  A  few  other  islets  stud  the 
shore.  The  first  objects  that  strike  the  eye  are  a  cluster  of  trees  crowning 
the  summit  of  St.  Francis,  the  Star  fort  on  St.  John's  to  the  South,  the 
lighthouse  and  ruinous  church  on  St.  Paul's,  and  the  white  edifices  that 
skirt  its  base,  stretching  along  the  sea  shore,  and  gradually  lost  in  the  thick 
groves  of  cocoa-nut  trees  that  cover  the  dwellings  of  the  Portuguese,  Chinese, 
and  Malays,  in  the  suburbs  of  Bander  Ilir,  and  Ujong  Passir.  In  the  back 
ground  of  this  pleasing  view  rise  the  hills  of  Bukit  Bertam,  Bruang,  Pan- 
chur,  &c.  To  the  ISlorth,  in  the  distance  frown  the  mountains  of  Rumbawe 
and  Srimenanti,  and  far  away  to  the  East,  the  triple  peak  of  Ophir,  cele- 
brated for  its  gold,  shoots  into  the  sky  with  softened  outline. — {Lieut.  T.  J. 
Newhold,  vol.  i.,  pp.  109—111.) 

The  Lighthouse  is  a  turret  on  St.  Paul's  Hill,  as  above  stated,  and  is  in 
lat.  2°  ir  15"  N.,  long,  102°  15'  30"  E.  It  shows  a  bright  fixed  light,  ele- 
vated 146  ft.,  seen  1 2  miles  off.  When  seen  to  the  northward  of  N.  by  W.  f  W. 
it  will  lead  clear  of  the  Water  Islands. 

A  red  light  is  also  shown  on  the  pier-head  at  Malacca,  visible  6  miles  off  in 
clear  weather. 

The  roadstead  of  Malacca  is  perfectly  safe.  It  is  neither  visited  by  the 
hurricanes  of  higher  latitudes,  nor  within  the  influence  of  the  monsoons  ;  as 
was  said  in  the  sixteenth  c6ntury,  "  it  is  the  beginning  of  one  monsoon  and 
the  end  of  another. 

The  Road  is  limited  to  the  North  by  Fisher  Island,  a  small  islet  known 
formerly  as  Pea  or  Woody  Island,  surrounded  by  a  shoal  and  foul  ground, 
which  joins  with  the  shore.  This  is  nearly  3  miles  westward  from  the 
entrance  of  the  river.  It  ought  not  to  be  approached  within  9  or  10  fathoms, 
which  is  near  to  the  edge  of  the  shoal.  With  the  extremes  of  the  island 
bearing  from  N.  by  W.  to  N.N.W.  and  the  body  of  it  N.  by  W.  ^  W.  half 
a  mile  distant,  there  is  a  small  circular  shoal,  having  only  18  ft.  on  it  at 
low  water.  Near  to  the  city  is  Pulo  Java,  or  Eed  Island,  on  the  edge  of  the 
shoal  water.  To  the  S.E.  of  this  is  Pulo  Panjang,  a  rocky  reef  or  flat,  pro- 
jecting 1^  mile  from  the  shore,  and  extending  along  it  to  Pulo  Java.  The 
church  and  flagstatf  on  the  hill  bear  N.  ^  E.  from  the  West  end  of  Panjang 
Eeef  U  mile  distant,  and  from  its  East  end  N.N.W.  i  W.  3^  miles  distant. 
There  is  a  depth  of  18  or  19  fathoms  within  2  cables'  lengths  of  its  southern 
edge,  similar  to  that  in  the  ofiing,  therefore  the  lead  is  no  guide  to  clear  it. 
From  20  fathoms  in  the  offing  the  depths  decrease  regularly  over  a  bottom  of 
soft  mud  towards  the  road,  where  the  best  anchorage  is  under  10  fathoms, 
with  the  church  on  the  hill  N.E.  by  E.,  Fisher  Island  N.W.  ^  W.,  and  the 
tuft  of  trees  East,  the  town  I5  or  2  miles  distant.     When  the  depth  exceeds 


132  THE  STEAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

10  fathoms,  the  bottom  is  generally  a  stiff  tenaceous  clay,  which  holds  the 
anchors  very  firmly  ;  under  that  depth  it  is  generally  of  soft  mud. 

There  is  no  danger  going  into  Malacca  Road  ;  if  you  are  in  the  offing,  in 
20  or  23  fathoms,  you  shoal  en  your  water  gradually  to  7  fathoms,  as  you 
ran  in  for  the  road.  A  large  ship  should  not  go  into  less  than  7^  fathoms  ; 
for  it  shoalens  suddenly  from  7  to  5  and  4  fathoms.  And  they  should  be 
still  more  careful  not  to  go  too  far  to  the  southward,  or  to  the  S.E.  part  of 
the  bay,  for  there  the  ground  is  foul  and  rocky,  and  shoalens  suddenly  from 
8  to  3  fathoms.  Off  Fisher's  Island  there  is  no  danger;  and  it  is  found  that 
a  ship,  upon  occasion,  might  go  within  half  a  mile  of  it,  in  16  fathoms  water, 
or  have  10  fathoms  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  and  20  fathoms  within  1  mile 
of  it.  You  may  anchor  in  Malacca  Road  from  13  to  7^  fathoms,  oazy  ground, 
Malacca  church  on  the  N.W.  part  of  Mount  Moar,  E.  27°  30'  N.  ;  the  S.W. 
part  of  Fisher's  Island  "W.  36°  15'  N.  ;  and  the  outermost  of  the  Four 
Brothers,  or  Water  Islands,  E.  50°  20'  S.  ;  distance  from  Malacca  1^  mile. 
The  flagstaff  bearing  N.E.  or  N.E.  by  E.  ;  Fisher's  Island  N.W.  by  W.  ; 
and  the  outermost  Water  Island  S.E.  J  S.  ;  you  have  8  fathoms.  The  flag- 
staff N.E.  i  N.,  and  Fisher's  Island  N.W.  by  W.,  you  are  iu  10  fathoms. 
The  flagstaff  N.E.,  and  Fisher's  Island  N.N.W.  ^  W.,  you  have  14  fathoms, 
all  good  anchoring  ground. 

Ships  should  not  anchor  on  the  East  side  of  the  road,  near  Red  Island,  for 
the  bottom  is  foul  and  rocky,  the  depth  suddenly  decreasing  from  8  to  3  fa- 
thoms, on  the  North  end  of  Panjang  Reef. 

During  the  period  of  the  S.W.  monsoon,  sudden  hard  squalls  frequently 
blow  into  the  road  from  the  Sumatra  side  in  the  night,  accompanied  with 
much  thunder,  lightning,  and  rain.  It  is  high  water  full  and  change  at  7^ 
hours  ;  springs  rise  11  ft.,  neaps  8J  ft.  The  rate  is  about  2  knots.  The  ebb 
and  flood  tides  continue  to  run  for  2  hours  after  high  and  low  water  by  the 
shore,  and  boats  cannot  enter  the  river  after  half  ebb.  The  proceed  into  the 
river  soon  after  quarter  flood,  steering  for  the  church  on  the  hill,  keeping  it 
rather  on  the  starboard  bow ;  and  when  the  bar  is  approached,  the  channel 
may  be  discovered  by  the  stakes  in  the  entrance. 

Malacca  stands  on  low  ground,  but  within,  the  country  rises  into  undulat- 
ing hills,  moderately  elevated,  among  which  is  that  called  Bukit  Barotig,  4 
miles  inland,  in  a  N.E.  direction. 

Mount  Ophir,  or  Gunong  Ledang,  may  be  better  distinguished  than  the  rest, 
as  it  is  much  higher,  3,840  ft.,  and  lies  24  miles  to  E.N.E. 

The  WATER  ISLANDS,  or  Four  Brothers,  are  a  cluster  of  four  smaU 
islands  and  one  larger,  lying  6  miles  south-eastward  from  Malacca.  The 
outer  ones  are  small  round  islands  covered  with  trees,  and  the  innermost, 
Pulo  Bessar,  has  excellent  fresh  water  on  its  eastern  side,  and  thus  gives  its 
name  to  the  group.  This  can  be  procured  at  all  times,  but  near  low  water, 
when  the  shore  reefs  are  dry. 


THE  WATEE  ISLANDS.  133 

The  outermost  island,  Pulo  Undan,  is  IJ  mile  South  of  the  next,  Pulo 
Nanka,  and  this  half  a  mile  South  of  the  third,  which  has  a  channel  above  a 
mile  wide  between  it  and  Pulo  Bessar,  but  nearly  in  mid-channel  there  is  a 
sunken  rock.  This  channel  may  be  used  by  ships  if  pressed,  by  carefully 
avoiding  this  rock.  This  may  be  passed  in  10  to  12  fathoms  water,  by 
keeping  close  to  the  middle  Brother,  or  to  the  South  end  of  Bessar,  for  the 
rock  is  nearly  a  mile  from  the  S.E.  end  of  the  latter,  and  one-third  of  a  mile 
from  the  middle  Brother.  Coming  from  the  eastward,  keep  the  South  end 
of  Bessar  N.W.  until  the  southernmost  Brother  is  shut  in  with  the  two 
others. 

The  Rob  Roy  Bank,  so  named  from  a  ship  which  grounded  on  it  during 
the  survey,  a  very  dangerous  6-feet  shoal,  3J  miles  in  extent,  lies  on  the 
Sumatran  side  of  the  channel,  opposite  the  "Water  Islands  and  Malacca, 
from  which  it  is  distant  20  miles  in  a  S.W.  direction.  It  is  therefore  much 
best  to  keep  in  with  the  Malay  shore  hereabout,  and  not  to  stand  off  more 
than  10  or  12  miles,  guarding  against  the  uncertain  set  of  the  tides.  The 
depth  rather  increases  towards  the  Eob  Eoy  Shoal,  which  is  steep  on  its 
northern  face. 

The  coast  south-eastward  from  the  Water  Islands  is  low  and  clean,  covered 
with  trees,  and  intersected  by  several  rivers,  the  most  noticeable  of  which  is 
the  Sung-ei  Mnar,  or  Kassang,  20  miles  from  Malacca.  It  is  the  S.E.  bound- 
ary of  the  state.  Bahit  Moar,  or  Mora,  an  isolated  hill  covered  with  trees, 
lies  9  miles  to  the  S.E.  of  the  river,  and  is  just  visible  from  Malacca  Eoad. 
The  coast,  which  slightly  recedes,  is  skirted  by  an  extensive  shoal,  and  there- 
fore must  be  avoided.  Tmyong  Tor,  a  low  level  point,  is  about  E.S.E.  33 
miles  from  Malacca,  and  here  the  shore  bank  appears  to  be  much  narrower, 
a  moderate  depth  being  found  close  to  the  point,  ;vhile  the  edge  of  the  bank 
N.W.  and  S.E.  of  it  trends  in  a  straight  direction,  the  land  recedes  into 
slender  bays  on  each  side. 

Mount  Formosa,  or  Gunong  Batu  Pahat,  is  more  distinguishable  than 
Mount  Moar.  It  is  the  highest  summit,  1,480  ft.,  of  a  long  ridge  of  undu- 
lating hills  near  the  shore,  which  are  seen  to  extend  inland  to  the  N.E.  Its 
S.W.  slope  forms  a  bluff  point,  Tanjong  Segmting,  on  the  western  side  of 
which  is  the  entrance  of  the  Sung-hei  Batu  Pahat,  or  Formosa  River.  A  small 
island,  Pulo  Sheilo,  lies  off  the  pitch  of  the  cape. 

The  strait  opposite  this  part  becomes  more  embarrassed  with  shoals,  long 
narrow  spits  trending  in  a  N.W.  and  S.E.  direction,  some  of  which  are  30 
or  40  miles  long  within  the  10-fathoms  line.  On  the  Malay  side  of  th& 
strait  the  more  dangerous  are  not  more  than  4  or  5  miles  off  shore,  but  on 
the  Sumatran  side  they  reach  to  18  and  25  miles  off.  The  Hannah  or  Formosa 
Shoal  is  the  most  formidable  on  the  northern  side.  It  lies  off  the  foot  of 
Mount  Formosa,  extending  thence  7  or  8  miles,  and  having  only  12  ft. 
water  on  its  shoalest  spots.     Its  S.E.  end  is  2^  miles  from  the  point  of  Mount 


134  THE  STEAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

Formosa,  and  its  N.W.  end  is  5  miles  from  the  adjacent  shore.  There  is  a 
channel  between  the  shoal  and  the  shore,  but  there  are  some  dangerous  spots 
of  18  ft.  in  it,  one  of  which  is  about  2  miles  due  West  of  Pulo  Sheilo,  the 
islet  off  the  Mount  Formosa  Cape. 

The  main  channel  of  the  strait  abreast  of  the  Hannah  Shoal  is  about  10 
miles  in  width  ;  beyond  that  distance  there  are  the  dangerous  patches  of  the 
S.W.  banks,  which  have  nevertheless  deep  water  channels  between  the  spits. 
The  southern  edge  of  the  Hannah  Bank  and  the  northern  face  of  the  Suma- 
tran  Banks  are  steep-to,  but  if  the  lead  is  very  carefully  and  briskly  used,  it 
will  indicate  their  proximity.  A  long  and  narrow  bank  runs  along  this 
fairway  channel  with  depths  varying  from  5  to  12  fathoms,  having  depths  of 
from  15  to  25  fathoms  on  either  side.  All  over  the  eastern  and  middle  parts 
of  it  you  have  soft  clay  with  8  to  12  fathoms;  towards  the  East  end  it  be- 
comes harder  and  shoals  to  5  and  7  fathoms.  This  bank  was  formerly  known 
as  the  Fisang  or  Fair  Channel  Bank. 

The  coast  south-eastward  of  Mount  Formosa,  for  an  extent  of  40  miles,  is 
low  and  wooded,  with  nothing  remarkable  except  a  small  mound  near  the 
sea,  Batu  Balu,  about  15  miles  from  Formosa.  It  is  all  fronted  by  mud  banks 
from  2^  to  6  miles  in  breadth,  the  edges  of  which  are  very  steep.  This  fea- 
ture is  also  found  in  all  other  banks  of  this  part  of  the  strait,  caused  probably 
by  the  strong  currents,  and  is  on  that  account  a  dangerous  feature  in  its 
navigation.     It  is  especially  so  near  Pulo  Pisang. 

In  sailing  down  the  fairway  channel  from  abreast  of  Mount  Formosa  at  7 
miles  distance  to  Pulo  Pisang,  the  direct  course  should  be  S.E.  by  E.  ;  the 
distance  is  between  9  and  10  leagues.  Having  doubled  Formosa  Bank, 
when  the  mount  bears  N  E.  between  3  and  4  leagues,  you  will  raise  this 
island  bearing  E.S.E.  |  S.,  or  S.E.  by  E.,  you  will  then  have  soundings  from 
20  to  22  or  23  fathoms,  oazy  ground.  In  turning  to  windward  on  this  course, 
the  Pisang  Bank  is  of  the  greatest  service  both  for  anchoring  on  during  the 
ebb,  and  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  on,  either  in  the  night  or  day,  during 
the  squalls,  which  are  generally  accompanied  with  rain ;  tor  by  steering 
along  its  verge,  on  either  side,  you  may  run  the  whole  length  of  the  bank 
without  fear  or  danger,  and  upon  deepening  oflP  the  end  of  it  may  steer  for 
mid-channel,  between  the  Carimons  and  Pulo  Cocob.  By  keeping  in  11  or 
12  fathoms  on  either  edge,  if  you  deepen  your  water,  you  know  which  side 
to  steer  towards ;  whereas,  by  running  along  the  top  of  the  bank,  if  you 
deepen,  it  is  uncertain  on  which  side. 

PULO  PISANG  or  Pesang  is  a  tolerably  large  and  woody  island,  200  ft. 
hifh,  and  a  mile  in  diameter,  which  lies  at  2  leagues  distance  from  the  main, 
and  there  is  a  channel  between  it  and  the  main,  in  which  there  are  not  less 
than  4  fathoms  water ;  on  the  West  side  of  it  lie  three  small  islands,  the 
largest  of  which  sometimes  affords  good  water,  and  boats  may  land  there 
commodiously  at  high  water,  in  a  bay  on  the  N.W.  part;  this  island  may  be 


PULO  PISANG.  135 

seen  in  clear  -vreather  9  or  1 0  leagues  off ;  then  it  makes  in  three  small  hum- 
mocks, like  boats  turned  bottom  upward. 

The  Lighthouse  constructing  (1877)  on  Pulo  Pisang  is  to  show  a  light, 
visible  between  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  through  South  and  West  to  N.W.  i  N. 

It  is  high  water  at  full  and  change  at  Pulo  Pisang  at  9  o'clock.  The  flood 
tide  generally  sets  fairly  through  the  channel  from  the  Water  Island  to  the 
Carimons  at  the  head  of  the  strait,  and  the  ebb  also,  in  the  contrary  direc- 
tion ;  the  rate  about  2  miles  at  spring  tides. 

Pulo  Pisang  bears  S.E.  by  E.  65  miles  from  the  Water  Islands,  and  when 
abreast  of  the  outer  island  from  1  to  4  miles  off,  a  S.E.  by  S.  course  will 
carry  you  about  the  same  distance  outside  the  Formosa  Bank,  if  not  drifted 
out  of  it  by  the  tide. 

When  Mount  Formosa  is  brought  to  bear  about  N.E.,  keep  within  3  or  at 
most  4  leagues  of  the  Malay  coast,  to  keep  well  clear  of  the  middle  bank  on 
the  Sumatra  side,  so  as  not  to  get  to  the  southward  of  its  N.W.  end. 

If  the  weather  is  clear,    and  Pulo  Pisang  be  discerned,   keep  it  between 
E.  by  S.  J  S.  and  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E.,  until  Mount  Formosa  is  brought  to  bear 
North  or  N.  by  W.  in  working  between  the  North  side  of  the  Middle  Bank 
and  the  Malay  coast.  In  passing  the  Formosa  Bank  in  the  night,  if  it  is  found 
that  the  ship  has  got  too  far  to  the  southward  so  as  to  be  southward  of 
the  Middle  Bank  keep  along  the  southern  side,  or  you  may  work  against  a 
contrary  wind,  in  the  channel  between  this  and  the  next  bank  to  the  south- 
ward, the  breadth  of  this  channel  being  about  2J  miles,  with  16  to  19  fa- 
thoms water.     But  it  should  be  remembered  that  these  long  narrow  banks, 
as  they  get  nearer  to  the  Sumatra  side,  have  less  water  on  them,  and  there- 
fore the  most  prudent  course  would  be  to  cross  the  Middle  Bank  by  some  of 
the  numerous  channels  between  its  shoaler  parts,    rather  than  risk  being 
drifted  to  the   southward  into   less  water.     This  may  be  done  when  Pulo 
Pisang  is  brought  to  bear  about  N.E.  by  E.,  when  a  depth  of  5^  to  7  fathoms 
will  be  found  on  the  ridge.    Pulo  Pisang  may  be  brought  to  bear  S.E.  by  E. 
■when  standing  towards  the  edge  of  the  bank  which  skirts  the  coast  be- 
tween it  and  Mount  Formosa,  excepting  at  about  5  miles  to  N.W.  of  that 
island,  where  it  forms  an  elbow,  and  should  not  be  approached  too  closely. 
When  Mount  Formosa  is  brought  to  bear  N.  by  W.,  Pisang  may  occasionally 
be  brought  to  bear  E.  ^  S.  or  East  in  standing  towards  the  Middle  Bank. 
The  channel  is  about  10  miles  broad  ;  during  the  night  stand  into  10  fathoms 
on  the  shore  bank,  and  off  to  18  or  20  fathoms.     By  day,  when  abreast  of 
Mount  Formosa,  and  Pulo  Pisang  is  visible,  bearing  E.S.E.  or  S.E.  by  E.  f  E  , 
steer  for  it ;  either  of  these  bearings  will  carry  you  in  mid-channel.     When 
near  to  the  island,  its  western  side  and  the  two  islets  may  be   approached 
within  half  a  mile,  as  they  are  bold  close-to,  with  13  to  15  fathoms  within  a 
cable's  length  of  them.     In  standing  off  shore  about  10   miles  from  the 
island  you  will  be  close  to,  or  upon,  the  S.E.  part  of  the  middle  bank,  where 


136  THE  STRAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

there  will  be  4.^-  to  6i  fathoms.  In  working  past  Pulo  Pisang,  tack  about  IJ 
or  2  miles  from  it  in  14  to  17  fathoms,  and  do  not  stand  off  from  it  more  than 
3  leagues. 

Pulo  Cocob  (or  Cocops)  is  12  miles  S.E.  from  Pisang  Peak.  It  is  a  long 
flat  island  close  to  the  Malay  coast,  between  which  and  the  shore  is  a  narrow 
boat  channel.  It  is  covered  with  trees,  those  at  the  N.W.  end  being  man- 
grove bushes,  and  more  like  grass  ;  and  at  the  S.E.  end  they  are  tall,  upright 
grown  trees,  like  those  on  the  adjoining  coast.  The  island  is  2  miles  in  length. 
At  low  water  it  is  surrounded  by  a  dry  sand-bank,  which  extends  off  the 
N.W.  extreme  \h  mile.  Vessels  may  approach  it  within  three-quarters  of 
a  mile. 

Tanjong  Bolus,  or  Burn,  or  Peie,  the  southern  extremity  of  the  Malay 
Peninsula,  may  also  be  taken  as  the  western  limit  of  the  Strait  of  Singapore. 
It  is  in  lat.  T  17'  15"  N.,  long.  103°  27'  20"  E.,  and  is  a  low  point  of  land, 
covered  with  tall  trees,  bearing  from  the  South  point  of  Pulo  Cocob  E.S.E. 
5i  miles.  At  low  water  it  is  fronted  by  a  dry  sand-bank,  and  shoal  water 
extends  1  mile  from  the  point,  which  is  very  steep.  Vessels,  therefore,  should 
be  careful  not  to  approach  too  close. 

The  CARIMON  ISLANDS  form  the  southern  side  of  the  strait  opposite 
Tanjong  Bolus,  and  consist  of  a  cluster  of  one  large  and  several  smaller 
islands  and  rocks. 

Little  Carimon  extends  furthest  to  the  North.  It  is  a  high  island,  2^ 
miles  in  length  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.,  and  1  mile  broad.  It  rises  in  two  peaks, 
which  are  ill  defined  and  difficult  to  distinguish,  covered  with  thick  wood. 
The  North  end  bears  from  Tanjong  Bolus  S.W.  ^  W.  9  miles,  the  breadth 
of  the  strait,  which  is  free  from  dangers  (except  the  flat  off  Tanjong  Bolus, 
before  mentioned).  The  N.E.  side  of  the  Little  Carimon  having  deep  water 
close-to. 

The  Brothers  are  two  small  rocky  islets  2|  miles  to  the  N.W.  of  the  Little 
Carimon.  They  have  deep  water  close  to  them  ;  but  at  400  yards  to  the 
W.N.W.  of  the  eastern  islet  there  is  a  danqerous  rock,  just  awash  at  low  water. 
South  by  East  of  the  East  Brother,  and  West  of  the  North  point  of  the  Little 
Carimon,  is  another  islet  of  singular  appearance,  called  the  South  Brother  ; 
and  S.W.  I  S.  of  this  is  a  rock  above  water,  named  the  White  Rock. 

Great  Carimon  is  a  high  island,  separated  from  the  Little  Carimon  by  a 
narrow  strait,  and  lying  to  the  S.W.  of  it  near  its  North  end  ;  it  rises  to  two 
high  peaks,  1,376  and  1,474  ft.  high  respectively,  which  are  well  defined  and 
conspicuous  objects,  and  may  be  seen  36  miles  off.  The  lowest,  or  North 
peak,  bearing  S.E.,  clears  the  danger  on  the  Long  Middle  Bank,  before 
mentioned.  To  the  westward  of  the  island  are  several  islets  and  rocks, 
both  above  and  below  the  water,  but  which  are  entirely  out  of  the  track  of 
ships. 

The  description  of  the  Strait  of  Singapore  will  be  given  in  a  future  section. 


THE  COAST  OF  SUMATRA.  137 

We  now  return  to  the  northern  entrance  describing  the  Sumatran  coast  of  the 
strait. 

The  COAST  of  SUMATRA,  between  Achin  Head  and  Diamond  Point, 
was  surveyed  by  order  of  the  East  ludia  Company,  by  Commander  Fell,  I.N., 
in  1x51-8,  and  later  by  the  Netherlands  Government  in  the  years  1872-4, 
and  the  N.E.  coast  of  the  island  thence  southward  by  Lieut.  Jackson,  I.N., 
in  1860.  These  excellent  surveys,  combined  with  the  previous  observations 
of  Captains  Moresby,  Rose,  and  Ward,  have  given  us  a  very  perfect  repre- 
sentation of  the  shores  of  this  otherwise  little  known  island. 

This  side  of  Sumatra  may  be  described,  generally,  as  a  vast  alluvial  plain, 
but  very  little  above  the  sea  level,  unbroken  by  any  great  bays  or  inlets  ;  but 
formed  at  the  narrowest  part  of  the  strait,  of  low  islands.  This  great  level 
expanse  is  600  miles  in  length,  and  from  60  to  120  miles  in  breadth;  an  area 
more  than  half  of  the  extent  of  Great  Britain.  It  is  intersected  by  numerous 
rivers,  some  of  considerable  magnitude,  which,  rising  in  the  great  mountain 
chain,  lyin^  nearer  to  its  S.W.  side,  or  the  few  lakes  at  their  base,  afford 
almost  the  only  clear  spaie  for  cultivation  and  the  habitations  of  the  people, 
which  are  all  derived  from  one  stock — the  Malayan,  but  divided  into  several 
families  or  nations,  some  of  which  have  made  considerable  progress  in  civili- 
zation, in  the  arts  and  agriculture,  as  well  as  writing,  &c  ;  others  are  of  a 
very  rude  and  wild  class,  those  living  in  the  mountainous  portion  of  this  vast 
island.  Altogether  they  are  estimated  by  Mr.  Logan,  the  best  writer  on  the 
subject,  to  amount  to  898,650  souls. 

The  whole  island,  except  the  kingdom  of  Achin,  is  nominally  under  the 
Dutch  Government ;  but  very  little  power  is,  or  can,  be  exercised  by  the  few 
European  or  native  representatives  of  that  nation.  The  Sumatra  shores  of 
the  Strait  of  Malacca  belong  to  the  kingdom  of  Achin,  or  Acheen,  at  the 
JSorth  end  ;  the  Batak  nation,  next  to  the  south-eastward;  then  the  Siak 
State,  traversed  by  the  finest  river  of  Sumatra,  bordering  the  narrowest  and 
upper  part  of  the  strait. 

Achin,  or  Acheen,  ths  northernmost  state,  is  of  some  interest,  as  the  spot 
which  the  earliest  English  navigators  visited  in  1602.  Its  chief  feature  is 
the  Golden  Mount,  or  Ya  Muria,  rising  7,546  ft.  in  height  to  the  S.E.  of  the 
capital  town,  and  to  be  seen  92  miles  off.  The  town  in  early  times  rose  ra- 
pidly to  eminence  and  great  commerce  ;  and  when  Dampier  came  here  in 
1688,  it  had  45,000  or  50,000  inhabitants,  a  number  equal  to  the  whole 
present  population  of  the  state.  Its  full,  subsequent  to  this,  was  equally 
rapid,  and  the  sovereignty  is  now  pa>.^iiig  from  the  native  rulers  to  the 
Dutch  Government,  who  commenced  the  war  on  Achin  in  1871.  Previous 
to  this,  all  the  island,  except  Achin,   was  under  Dutch.  Government,  this 

I.  A.  t 


138  THE  STEAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

state  being  protected  by  the  treaty  of  1824  between  England  and  Holland,  by 
which  treaty  English  rights  in  Sumatra  were  exchanged  for  Dutch  possessions, 
in  Malacca  and  in  the  Peninsula  of  India,  with  the  proviso  that  Achin  should 
remain  unmolested.  In  1871,  however,  when  the  Dutch  G-overnment  gave 
up  to  us  their  possessions  on  the  Gruinea  Coast  of  Airica,  this  part  of  the 
treaty  was  cancelled,  and  the  Achin  war  began ;  the  pretext  fur  the  war 
being  the  many  acts  of  piracy  committed  by  the  Atchinese.  Up  to  October, 
1875,  the  Dutch  had  lost  5,144  men  in  this  war.  Achin  is  now  very  un- 
important, and  rice  is  one  of  its  chief  products.  A  portion  of  it  is  known  as 
the  Coast  of  Pedir,  tbe  produce  of  which  is  the  areca  nut  and  a  little  pepper. 

Bafali,  the  next  nation  to  the  S.E.,  the  country  of  the  Bataks  or  Battas, 
has  been  partially  conquered  and  explored  by  the  Dutch.  It  is  singularly 
unlike  most  other  parts  of  the  Malayan  Archipelago.  A  considerable  por- 
tion of  it  consists  of  a  dreary,  treeless,  and  sterile  plain.  The  people  are 
more  strange  than  their  country.  They  have  a  knowledge  of  letters,  but 
undoubtedly  are  cannibals.  The  Dutch  authorities  say  that  those  under 
their  sway  are  readily  dissuaded  from  this  dreadful  crime.  There  is  very 
little  commerce. 

Siah,  the  third  division,  is  but  little  known.  Its  great  river  has  been 
ascended  for  a  considerable  distance,  and  is  navigable  for  vessels  of  consider- 
able burden  for  90  miles  to  the  town  of  Siak,  and  for  those  of  200  tons  for 
100  miles,  but  it  is  almost  closed  by  a  sand  bank. 

The  portions  of  these  states  unoccupied  by  man,  or  lying  on  the  borders  of 
the  rivers,  is  one  vast  primeval  forest,  to  clear  and  cultivate  which  is  far 
beyond  the  powers  or  wants  of  its  small  and  puny  population.  Its  cultivated 
portion  is  the  chief  source  of  the  sago  of  commerce ;  camphor  and  benzoin 
are  also  produced.  CoflFee  cultivation  has  largely  extended ;  besides  these, 
there  are  other  and  minor  objects  of  trade. 

ACHIN  HEAD,  the  N.W.  point  of  Sumatra,  and  the  islands  and  pas- 
sages lying  off  it,  have  been  described  in  our  Indian  Ocean  Directory. 

Pulo  Brasse  Lighthouse,  120  ft.  high,  on  the  N.W.  point  of  the  island, 
completed  in  1875,  is  a  white  tower,  with  its  upper  part  painted  red.  From 
it  is  shown  a  revolving  light,  elevated  525  ft.,  and  visible  32  miles  off  to  the 
northward  and  eastward  between  W.  |  S.  and  S.E.  ^  E.  An  auxiliary  red 
light,  to  indicate  the  shoals  which  lie  to  the  N.W.  of  the  lighthouse,  is  shown 
between  N.  by  W.  ^  W.  and  W.  by  S.  ^  S.  from  the  same  tower,  at  an  ele- 
vation of  430  ft.,  visible  8  miles  off. 

Eastward  1^  mile  from  Palo  Brasse  lighthouse  is  a  projecting  point,  which 
shelters  an  anchorage  in  Lembalei  Bay,  to  the  southward  of  it.  The  best 
anchorage  is  in  about  9  fathoms  off  the  village  of  Ujong  Poneng,  S.  by  W. 
nearly  half  a  mile  from  the  extremity  of  the  projecting  point.     There  is  also 


THE  COAST  OF  SUMATRA.  139 

anchorage  in  Rots  Bay,  a  small  bay,  about  a  mile  wide  on  the  eastern  side  of 
Pulo  Nancy.  It  has  an  islet,  forming  its  South  entrance  point,  in  lat. 
5°  38'  5"  N.,  long.  95°  11'  25"  E.  At  half  a  mile  South  of  this  islet  is  a 
stream  of  fresh  water. 

Achin  Head,  the  North  part  of  which  forms  the  eastern  side  of  the  Surat 
Passage,  is  in  lat.  5°  34'  10"  N.,  long.  95°  15'  E.,  is  steep-to,  and  has  a  high 
cliff  land  on  its  North  side.  At  three-quarters  of  a  mile  E.  by  S.  from  the 
eastern  extreme  of  the  head  is  Pulo  Tuan,  a  small  circular  islet,  surrounded 
by  dangerous  rocks,  which  also  lie  between  the  islet  and  the  head.  A  mile 
E.S.E.-ward  of  Pulo  Tuan,  is  a  shallow  inlet,  which  receives  the  waters  of  the 
Maraha  River.  Achin  or  Atjeh  River  entrance,  in  5°  35'  35"  N.,  95°  20'  45"  E., 
bears  from  it  E.  by  N.  J  N.  6  miles  ;  there  is  no  flagstaff,  or  any  conspicuous 
object,  to  point  out  the  entrancee  of  the  river.  The  anchorage  is  in  9  or  10 
fathoms,  with  the  eastern  extreme  of  Pulo  Way  bearing  N.  20°  E.  ;  Achin 
Head,  S.  69°  W. ;  the  shore  between  Achin  Head  and  River  may  be  ap- 
proached to  5  or  6  fathoms. 

Pulo  Btirroo,  or  3Ialora,  N.  36°  E.,  6f  miles  from  the  entrance  of  Achin 
River,  is  a  small  rocky  islet,  with  a  tree  on  it.  It  is  2f  miles  off  shore,  with 
soundings  of  13,  9,  and  12  fathoms  between  it  and  the  mainland,  from  which 
the  eastern  extreme  of  Pulo  Way  bears  N.  5°  AV.,  the  bluff'  entrance  near 
Point  Pedro  S.  41°  E. 

In  working  along  this  part  of  the  coast,  attention  ought  to  be  paid  to  the 
tides,  and  be  sure  not  to  go  out  of  soundings  should  the  wind  be  light  and  un- 
favourable, as  the  soundings  extend  but  a  short  distance  outside  Pulo  Burroo. 
Three  miles  to  the  East  of  it  there  is  no  ground  at  275  fathoms. 

PULO  WAY  {i.e.  Water  Island),  which  forms  the  N.  W.  side  of  the  Bengal 
Passage,  is  steep-to  on  all  sides ;  the  nearest  part  of  it  is  distant  from  Pulo 
Burroo  6^  miles.  Off  the  South  side  there  is  a  rock,  situated  a  short  distance 
from,  the  shore,  on  which  the  sea  breaks,  and  is  dry  at  low  water.  On  its 
S.E.  side  there  is  a  deep  bay,  with  70  fathoms  water  at  its  entrance,  and  25 
fathoms  close  to  the  sandy  beach  at  the  head  of  it. 

Point  Pedro,  in  lat.  5°  89'  10"  N.,  long.  95°  27'  E.,  bears  E.  22°  N.  from 
Achin  Roads,  distant  nearly  9  miles  ;  it  is  low,  with  a  few  trees  on  it,  and 
may  be  approached  to  9  or  10  fathoms.  It  is  1^  miles  to  the  E.N.E.  of  the 
bluff  formed  by  the  high  land,  which  terminates  in  a  gentle  slope.  Off  this 
point  the  bottom  is  rocky,  and  the  soundings  do  not  extend  more  than  \h  or 
2  miles  from  the  shore.  At  a  mile  W.S.W.  of  it,  and  S.E.  of  Malora  Island, 
is  a  small  river  named  the  ^'«??Ai<^,  andS.W.  3  miles  Irom  this  is  another 
small  stream  entering  the  sea,  and  called  on  the  charts  Gigchen  River. 

Krang  Ryah  Bay,  in  which  there  is  anchorage  sheltered  from  E.  and  S. 
winds,  lies  6  miles  S.E.  from  Pedro  Point.  On  its  eastern  side  a  cliffy  coast 
commences,  and  off' its  eastern  entrance  point  is  a  small  islet,  Batu  Kapal. 
At  6  miles  eastward  of  Batu  Kapal  is  Tanjong  Batu  Putie,  a  cliffy  point  bear- 


140  THE  STEAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

ing  N.  by  W.  from  the  western  slope  of  the  Golden  Mountain,  Thence  the 
coast  takes  a  general  E.S.E.  direction  to  Pedir  Point.  There  is,  however,  a 
slij^ht  bay  between  Tanjong  Batu  Putie  and  Tanjong  Segie,  8i  miles 
E.S.E. -ward  from  it,  on  the  shores  of  which  are  the  few  small  Tillages, 
Lanteba,  Bihu,  Powad,  Lawang,  and  Kalore.  There  are  no  dangers  marked 
on  the  charts  at  more  than  half  a  mile  off  shore  hereabout. 

PEDIR  POINT,  or  BaUi  Pedir,  is  a  table  land  of  moderate  elevation.  Off 
Pedir  Point,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  rocks  close  in,  the  shore  is  steep-to, 
there  being  112  fathoms  water  1  mile  distant  from  the  shore.  From  this 
point  the  coast  is  cliffy  for  Zh  miles,  and  runs  to  the  southward,  thence  it 
takes  a  general  S.E.  by  E.  direction  for  1 6  miles  to  Endjung  Creeh,  a  few 
miles  up  wLich  is  the  village  of  Saivang.  Six  creeks,  with  sand  banks  off 
their  mouths,  are  found  on  the  coast  between  Pedir  Point  and  Endjung 
Creek.  Batu  Creelc,  the  first,  lies  4  miles  southward  of  Pedir  Point.  Bun- 
gala  Creeh,  a  mile  N.E.  of  which  is  anchorage  in  9  fathoms,  lies  If  mile 
E.S.E.  of  Batu  Creek.  Pedir  Creelc  is  2^  mile  E.S.E.-ward  of  Batu  Creek. 
The  village  is  not  visible  from  the  anchorage,  which  is  abreast  this  creek  in 
10  or  12  fathoms.  Gichen  Creeh  is  2\  miles  E.S.E.  of  Pedir  Creek.  Between 
this  and  Burong  Creeh,  the  distance  is  1^  mile.  Burong  may  be  known  by  a  flag- 
staff in  the  centre  of  the  village.  The  creek  is  very  narrow,  and  the  bar  at 
its  entrance  very  shallow,  and  only  passable  at  high  water.  The  anchorage 
is  abreast  of  the  village  in  15  or  18  fathoms  water.  From  Bui'ong  Creek  to 
Ije  Labu  Creek,  which  enters  the  sea  at  a  slight  projection  of  the  coast,  the 
distance  is  3j  miles.  Endjung  Creek  is  3J  miles  beyond  this.  Sawang 
entrance,  before  mentioned,  may  be  known  by  a  high  grove  of  trees  near  to  it. 

At  E.  i  S.  7|  miles  from  the  entrance  of  Sawang  or  Endjung  Creek  is 
Merdu  Point,  low  and  sandy,  with  a  few  small  round  trees  on  it.  Beradjang 
Creeh  lies  2  miles  westward  of  the  point,  another  creek  enters  the  sea  at  the 
point,  and  TJlim  Creeh  2  miles  south-eastward  of  it.  Between  Merdui  Point 
and  Pajah,  Point,  lat.  5°  14'  30",  long.  96°  28'  30",  the  distance  is  131  miles, 
and  midway  between  Samalangan  Creeh  enters  the  sea.  Pajah  Point  may  be 
known  by  a  high  grove  of  trees  near  its  extreme.  There  is  a  depth  of  about 
15  fathoms,  at  a  mile  off  shore,  between  Merdui  and  Rajah  Points.  To  the 
eastward,  Pedada  Creek  is  in  long.  96°  35' ;  Bjimpa  Creeh,  96°  39'  45" ;  and 
Passangan  Creeh  in  96°  48'. 

Passangan  Point  is  in  lat.  5°  18'  N.,  long.  96=51'  E.,  and  bears  from 
Oujong  Rajah  E.  J  N.,  distant  23  miles,  between  which  the  shore  mav  be 
approached  to  12  or  14  fathoms,  excepting  when  near  to  Passangan  Point, 
which  is  steep-to,  having  30  fathoms  within  half  a  mile  from  the  beach. 
Passangan  Point  is  low  and  sandy,  with  a  few  cocoa-nut  trees  near  to  its  ex- 
treme, and  is  in  one  with  Elephant  Mountain,  bearing  S.  42°  W. 

East  4°  South  from  Passangan  Point,  distant  9^  miles,  is  Agum-Agum,  or 
Gonia  Goma  Point,  the  coast  between  is  slightly  concave,  and  hallway  between 


THE  COAST  OF  SUMATEA.  141 

there  is  a  high  square  grove  of  trees,  near  which  the  Elumpang  Dua  Creek 
enters  the  sea.  Ilaneh  Creeh  enters  the  sea  a  mile  eastward  of  Passangan 
Point.  The  shore  vsx?^  be  approached  between  these  points  to  8  or  10  fa- 
thoms, but  not  when  abreast  of  Agum-Agum,  which  is  low,  with  a  little 
jungle  on  it,  as  two  sunken  rocks  lies  off  this  point,  one  a  mile  W.N.W.  of 
the  point,  and  another,  the  Sumatra  Rock,  at  a  mile  off  shore  and  2  miles 
eastward  of  the  point.  Do  not  shoal  the  water  under  25  fathoms  when  in 
the  neighbourhood  of  the  Sumatra  Eock,  if  you  wish  to  pass  outside  of  it. 
From  Goma  Goma  Point  the  coast  takes  a  general  E.  by  S.  ^  S.  direction  for 
12  miles  to  Telok  Samoi,  or  Teles  Amoi  Point,  S.S.W.  from  which  is  a  t^ble 
land  of  moderate  elevation,  with  a  few  conspicuous  trees  on  it.  The  point 
may  be  rounded  at  any  convenient  distance,  as  there  are  soundino-s  of  7  and 
10  fathoms  within  100  yards  of  the  beach.  Krang  Guku  Creek  is  4^  miles 
eastward  of  Goma  Goma  Point.  At  Telok  Samoi  Point  the  coast  recedes 
and  forms  a  bay,  open  to  the  North  and  East,  with  a  river  flowing  into  its 
S. W.  corner ;  and  two  villages  on  its  shores,  Telok  Samoi  on  its  western,  and 
Maraksa  on  its  South  side. 

From  Maraksa,  just  eastward  of  which  a  small  creek  enters  the  sea, 
the  coast  runs  in  an  E.N.E.  direction  to  Diamond  Point,  and  may  be  ap- 
proached to  7  or  8  fathoms,  except  when  approaching  Diamond  Point,  there 
is  a  shoal  of  hard  slatey  clay,  with  2  fathoms  on  it  ;  it  is  not  more  than  20 
yards  in  extent,  with  7  and  8  fathoms  close  round  it.  From  the  shoal 
Diamond  Point  Dears  E.  1°  N.,  distant  5  J  miles ;  a  small  gap  in  the  juno-le 
S.  r  E.  ;  and  Curtoy  Creek  (which  is  situated  8J  miles  to  the  westward  of 
Diamond  Point,  at  the  AYest  extreme  of  the  belt  of  thick  jungle),  S.  22°  W. 

Fussier  or  Passey,  now  an  unimportant  place,  about  25  miles  south-westward 
of  Diamond  Point,  is  frequently  mentioned  in  old  Malay  annals  as  beino-  a 
place  of  some  note,  at  one  time  rivalling  Malacca.  It  attained  its  notoriety 
as  an  entrepdt  for  trade  carried  on  between  the  countries  East  and  West 
of  it.  Between  Passey  Creek  and  Legabatang  Creek,  8J  miles  eastward  of 
it,  are  the  Rertv  or  Kertoy,  Tyankoy,  and  Pidada  Creeks. 

DIAMOND  POINT,  or  Jambie  Ayre,  or  Tanjong  Goere,  forms  the  eastern 
extremity  of  the  coast  of  Pedir,  the  trees  on  it  being  of  unequal  height,  and 
higher  than  those  of  the  contiguous  land,  make  the  land  appear  like  a  low 
sloping  island,  when  viewed  at  a  considerable  distance,  although  the  ground 
is  very  little  elevated  above  the  sea  at  high  water  spring  tides.  A  reef  ex- 
tends from  the  point  about  \h  mile  in  a  northei-ly  direction,  having  3  fathoms 
sand  on  its  outer  edge,  and  shoaling  gradually  to  the  point.  A  ship  should 
come  no  nearer  the  latter  than  2i  miles,  nor  under  12  fathoms  in  passing  it 
and  the  shoal  to  the  westward  ;  for  the  water  shoals  quickly  under  this  depth 
to  the  westward  of  the  point.  This  place  is  frequented  in  the  fair  season  by 
fishermen  from  the  coast  of  Pedir.  Inland  to  the  S.S.W.  there  is  a  high. 
Table  Mountain,  visible  from  the  offing  in  clear  weather. 


142  THE  STEAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

Tides. — Although  the  tides  along  the  Pedir  coast  are  weak,  and  only  per- 
ceptible near  the  shore,  there  being  a  current  usually  setting  to  the  westward 
in  the  offing  during  the  S.W.  monsoon,  yet  they  begin  to  run  strong  at 
Diamond  Point.  The  flood  here  sets  to  the  S.E.,  and  the  ebb  to  the  N.W., 
about  2  miles  per  hour,  with  arise  and  fall  of  9  or  10  ft.  on  the  springs.  At 
the  western  part  of  the  coast  of  Pedir,  it  is  high  water  at  about  lOJ  hours, 
on  full  and  change  of  the  moon,  and  at  12  hours  off  Diamond  Point.  The 
soundings  are  not  very  regular  in  the  offing,  the  depths  being  from  20  to  35 
or  40  fathoms,  about  3  miles,  to  45  and  60  fathoms  at  5  or  6  leagues  from 
the  point ;  and  soundings  extend  from  hence  across  to  Pulo  Pera,  and  from 
the  latter  to  the  Ladda  Islands,  and  to  Penang.  A  little  outside  of  Pulo 
Pera  there  are  no  soundings. 

The  coast  to  the  south-eastward  has  been  surveyed  by  Lieut.  Jackson ; 
but  the  directions  of  Commander  Fell  are  adapted  to  this  later  chart. 

Adie,  20  miles  South  of  Diamond  Point,  claimed  Dutch  protection  in  1874, 
and  a  coal  depot  has  been  established  here.  Between  Diamond  Point  and 
Adie  are  several  rivers  and  creeks.  On  the  western  side  of  Diamond  Point 
is  DJambu  Ayer  Creek,  and  on  its  eastern  side  Mentui  Creek.  In  lat.  5°  14'  N. 
is  Bekas  Creek.  Pareh  Busuk,  in  5°  13'  N.,  is  an  entrance  between  two  islands. 
Ringin  Creek  is  in  lat.  5°  11'  30" ;  Betas  Creek  in  5°  11'  ;  Simpang  Olim  River, 
in  5°  9'  30",  has  its  entrance  marked  out  by  stakes  on  the  sand  banks ;  the 
town  is  about  6  miles  from  its  mouth,  and  there  are  some  pepper  grounds  on 
its  banks.  Malikan  River  is  in  5°  8'  N.  Arakun  Dur  River,  in  5°  6'  N.,  has 
a  town,  Telok  Sintang,  1^  mile  from  its  entrance,  and  some  pepper  grounds 
higher  up.  In  lat.  5°  4'  35"  is  the  mouth  of  the  Djolokh  River,  a  mile  below 
it  the  Buging  River;  a  mile  S.E.  of  Buging  River  is  Bagan  River,  and  in 
lat.  5°  2'  45"  the  mouth  of  the  Bagan  Panas  River. 

Edie  Besaar  River  has  a  fort  and  flagstaflP  on  the  South  side  of  its  entrance, 
in  lat.  4"  58'  40"  N.,  long.  97°  46'  35"  E.  Some  stakes  mark  the  entrance, 
which  lies  between  sand  banks  that  extend  off  either  point  and  form  a  chan- 
nel, running  N.W.  and  SE.,  and  open  to  the  northward. 

Prauhilah  Point,  in  lat.  4°  53'  15"  N.,  long.  97°  53'  30"  E.,  bearing  from 
Diamond  Point  S.E.  J  E.  11  leagues,  has  a  reef  projecting  North  and 
N.N.W.  from  it  about  4  miles,  near  which  the  soundings  are  very  irregular, 
although  between  it  and  Diamond  Point  they  are  regular  at  a  short  distance 
from  the  shore.  There  are  4  J  fathoms,  mud,  2  J  miles  from  Prauhilah  Point. 
On  the  North  side  of  the  point  is  the  entrance  into  the  river,  which  is  almost 
dry  at  low  water  ;  but  inside  of  it  there  are  2  fathoms  for  several  miles  up, 
with  a  small  fishing  village  at  a  considerable  distance  from  the  entrance. 
Off  this  part  it  is  high  water,  at  full  and  change,  at  1 2'\ 

Raija  River,  the  North  entrance  point  of  which  is  in  lat.  4°  44'  38'  N., 
long.  97°  57'  E.,  has  an  extensive  sand  bank  lying  off  its  entrance.  Along 
the  South  side  of  this  sand  bank  the  channel  into  the  river  carries  a  depth  of 


LANKSA  BAY.  143 

2f  fathoms,  but  there  is  less  water  outside,  as  little  as  4^  ft.  being  found  at 
1 J  mile  S.E.  of  the  North  point. 

LANKSA  BAY,  20  miles  S.E.  by  S.  from  Prauhilah  Point,  formed  by 
Ujong  Byan  to  the  N.W.,  and  Ujong  Kwala  Lanksa  to  the  S.E.,  is  about 
4  miles  wide,  containing  numerous  shoals,  with  narrow  channels  leading 
into  the  different  rivers,  which  fall  into  this  bay.  Near  Ujong  Kwala 
Lanksa  lies  Pido  Laga  Tojoo,  a  small  island,  about  a  mile  in  extent,  having  a 
channel  about  300  yards  wide,  with  6  and  7  fathoms  water  between  it  and 
Ujong  Kwala  Lanksa. 

The  entrance  into  Lanksa  River  bears  from  it  about  South,  and  there  is  a 
safe  but  narrow  channel  on  either  side  of  the  island  ;  the  best  channel,  how- 
ever, is  from  theN.E.,  between  the  island  and  Ujong  Kwala  Lanksa,  having 
2  J  fathoms  least  water.  In  the  entrance  of  the  river  there  are  two  small 
islands,  and  the  town  is  said  to  be  at  a  considerable  distance  inside,  contain- 
ing a  number  of  inhabitants,  who  cultivate  rice,  pepper,  and  rattans.  There 
are  only  3  fathoms,  mud,  about  6  miles  distant  from  the  bottom  of  the  bay, 
and  the  reefs  extend  3i  or  4  miles  from  the  nearest  land.  Five  leagues  S.E. 
of  Lanksa  Bay  is  Vjo7ig  Tannang,  or  Tamiang,  with  Ujong  Roquit  midway  be- 
tween them.  The  coast  in  this  interval  is  safe  to  approach,  having  from  15 
to  20  fathoms  about  2  miles  off  shore,  excepting  at  Pulo  Roquit  and  at  Ujong 
Tamiang,  where  there  are  reefs  of  breakers,  which  project  out  a  mile.  It  is 
high  water  at  full  and  change  here  at  12''  30". 

Lunkat  River,  or  Kwala  Bulon,  in  lat.  4°  H'  N.,  long.  98°  29^'  E.,  lies  at 
the  S.E.  extremity  of  a  deep  bay,  formed  between  it  and  Ujong  Tamiang. 
The  bay  is  not  easily  perceived  from  the  offing,  as  Pulo  Tampelu  and  Pulo 
Sampatuan,  two  large  islands  fronting  the  bay,  appear,  unless  close  in-shore, 
as  part  of  the  mainland.  Between  these  islands  there  is  said  to  be  a  safe 
channel  for  small  vessels,  that  leads  to  Kaya-la-pun  River. 

From  the  mouth  of  the  Lankat  a  bank  extends  about  6  miles  to  the  north- 
ward and  N.E.,  having  dry  patches  on  it,  with  breakers  in  some  places. 
About  5  miles  off  the  entrance  of  the  river  the  depth  is  3  fathoms,  mud,  and 
the  tide  rises  and  falls  about  2  ft.  on  the  springs  ;  high  water  at  3i  hours, 
on  full  and  change.  About  4  leagues  S.E.  of  Lankat  River  there  is  Lankat- 
tuah  Island,  close  to  Ujong  Lankat-tuah,  which  is  safe  to  approach,  and  which 
forms  the  northern  extremity  of  the  concavity  of  the  land,  where  Dehli  River 
is  situated. 

Balawan  and  Dehli  Rivers  are  separated  at  their  entrances  by  a  low 
island,  covered  with  jungle,  2|  miles  long  from  East  to  West,  and  If  mile 
wide,  the  eastern  extreme  of  which  is  in  lat.  3^  47'  N.,  long.  98°  48'  E.  The 
importance  of  these  rivers  arises  from  the  fact  that  the  Dutch  Government 
have  recently  established  a  coaling  station  on  the  shore  which  faces  the  western 
end  of  the  island  before  mentioned.  Up  to  the  coal  sheds  the  least  depth 
(8  feet  at  low  water)  is  found  between  the  outer  dark  wooden  cross  and  outer 


144  THE  STEAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

\^'hite  beacon.  The  entrance  to  Balawan  River  is  about  300  yards  wide,  and 
much  deeper  than  Dehli  River.  At  3  miles  to  the  northward  of  the  East 
extreme  of  the  island  which  separates  Balawan  from  Dehli  River  are  the 
outermost  of  some  fishing  stakes,  whic-h  lie  2  miles  off  the  low  wooded  shore 
to  the  westward,  and  mark  the  western  side  of  the  entrance  to  the  channel, 
which  thence  extends  to  the  S.S.W.,  and  is  marked  on  its  western  side  by 
white  basket-topped  beacons,  and  on  its  eastern  side  by  crosses  of  dark  wood. 
About  3]  miles  up  the  channel  branches  off  to  the  westward,  between  the 
island  and  the  main,  half  a  mile  beyond  a  beacon  marking  a  projecting  shoal 
on  the  port  hand  it  turns  to  the  southward,  a  mile  up  which  reach  there  is 
anchorage  off  the  coal  sheds.  Dehli  Town  is  reached  by  a  channel  to  the 
S.E.,  in  which  there  are  1^  and  2  fathoms  water.  Here  the  rise  and  fall  of 
the  tide  is  from  8  to  9  ft.,  high  water  at  3  hours  on  full  and  change  of  the 
moon. 

South  of  the  entrance  to  the  Balawan  River  a  depth  of  3  fathoms  is  fmnd 
«,t  4  miles  off  shore,  and  for  3  miles  eastward  of  the  East  point  of  the  island 
the  sand  nearly  dries.  The  mouth  of  the  Dehli  River  is  about  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  wide,  having  4  ft.  at  high  water  on  some  parts,  but  inside  it  deepens  to 
2  fathoms ;  about  3  miles  from  the  entrance  is  the  town  of  Dehli  or  Labuan. 
A  mile  up  from  the  entrance  the  channel  separates  into  two  branches,  one 
leading  N.W.  towards  the  coal  sheds,  and  the  other  leading  S.W.  towards 
the  town.  There  is  only  3  or  4  ft.  water  in  some  parts  of  the  channel,  and 
abreast  the  town  the  river  is  only  40  yards  wide,  with  a  fresh  stream  always 
descending. 

From  Dehli  to  Tanjong  Mattie,  which  forms  the  northern  part  of  Batu 
Barra  Bay,  the  coast  extends  about  S.E.  by  E.,  55  miles,  having  regular 
soundings  to  4|-  fathoms,  within  2  miles  of  the  low  sandy  beach  that  lines 
this  part  o^  the  coast. 

There  are  some  dangerous  shoals  off  this  part  of  the  coast,  as  shown  by 
the  survey  of  Lieut.  Jackson. 

The  Dehli  Shoal  is  the  first  of  these,  and  lies  1 7  miles  East  by  North  from 
the  mouth  of  the  Dehli  River,  and  nearly  12  miles  from  the  nearest  shore. 
Its  least  water  is  27  ft.,  and  it  is  surrounded  by  depths  of  6  and  7  fathoms; 
just  outside  it  there  are  10  and  13  fathoms.  No  marks  are  given  to 
avoid  it. 

The  Bungan  Banks,  or  Varela  Reef,  are  still  more  dangerous.  They  lie 
from  6  to  9  miles  from  the  nearest  land.  Point  Bungan  Bungan,  25  miles 
W.  by  S.  from  Pulo  Yarela,  and  are  two  in  nurr.l  -^r.  The  outer  one  is  a 
narrow  spit,  extending  3^  miles  N.W.  and  S.E.,  with  only  9  fi.  least  water 
on  some  parts.  A  channel,  with  7  to  9  fathoms,  nearly  2  miles  in  width, 
separates  it  from  the  inner  bank,  which  is  also  narrow,  and  extends  in  the 
same  direction  for  4  miles.  Between  it  and  the  coast,  the  channel,  4  miles 
wide,  has  a  depth  of  from  7  to  11  fathoms.     The  Peak  of  Pulo  Varela, 


PULO  VAEELA— BATU  BAREA  RIVER.  145 

bearing  E  J  S.,  just  clears  theirnorthern  edge  ;  the  same  peat,  E.  by  N.  ^  N., 
clears  their  southern  part ;  and  a  high  tree  on  the  main  land,  bearino- 
S.  by  E.  f  E.,  will  lead  clear  of  their  eastern  face. 

PULO  VARELA,  in  lat.  3°  46'  20'  N.,  long.  99°  29'  15"  E.,  and  22 1  miles 
off  the  Sumatran  coast,  is  very  high,  and  may  be  seen  8  leagues  off,  although 
it  is  not  more  that  a  mile  in  circumference.  It  is  wooded,  and  clear  all 
round,  with  very  deep  water,  24  and  25  fathoms,  close-to.  A  small  rock  or 
islet  off  its  N.W.  point,  and  another  off  the  South  end.  There  are  some 
small  sandy  bays,  the  largest  of  which  is  to  the  S.E.  On  the  South  side  ia 
a  small  cove,  in  which  at  some  seasons  water  may  be  procured.  It  runs 
down  the  hill  slowly  into  a  small  well.  The  island  is  visited  by  the  Sumatran 
people  for  the  purpose  of  catching  turtle  and  preserving  their  eggs,  fish-roes, 
&c.  As  these  people  are  sometimes  treacherous,  boat  parties  landing  for 
fire-wood,  fishing,  cr  water,  should  be  on  their  guard. 

A  bank  of  6  to  9  fathoms  water  lies  to  N.N.W.  of  Pulo  Vai-ela.  It  is  7 
miles  in  length,  its  S.E.  end  being  7  miles  from  Pulo  Yarela.  Although  the 
above  depths  were  only  found  on  the  survey,  it  is  reported  that  there  are  only 
2  fathoms  over  some  parts.  There  is  another  bank  with  8  and  9  fathoms  at 
4  or  5  miles  to  the  S.W.  of  Pulo  Yarela. 

Point  Mattie  is  25  miles  due  South  from  Pulo  Varela ;  off  it  is  the  Mattie 
Shoal,  nearly  awash  in  parts,  and  9  miles  in  extent,  parallel  with  the  coast, 
between  which  is  a  channel  of  from  15  to  5  fathoms  water,  from  Ij  to  2^ 
miles  wide.  It  is  high  water  here,  at  full  and  change,  at  3  hours,  rise  from 
7  to  10  ft. 

Off  Tanjong  Mattie,  to  the  northward,  tbe  depth  increases  to  12  and  14 
fathoms,  and  shoals  suddenly  to  5,  3,  and  2  fathoms,  on  a  sandy  spit  which 
projects  about  IJ  mile  from  that  point,  and  6^  miles  to  the  eastward  of  it, 
and  the  same  distance  to  the  northward  of  Batu  Barra  there  is  an  extensive 
and  dangerous  sand-bank,  having  only  IJ  fathom,  with  a  safe  channel  be- 
tween it  and  the  mainland,  3  miles  wide. 

BATU  BARRA  RIVER,  in  lat.  3°  14'  N.,  long.  99°  35'  30"  E.,  and  the 
coast  for  some  miles  eastward,  is  fronted  by  an  extensive  mud  flat,  from  2^to 
4  miles  oft'  shore,  having  regular  soundings,  and  projecting  out  to  within  5 
miles  of  the  South  Brother.  The  river  is  about  300  yards  wide,  with  regular 
soundings  to  the  dry  banks  at  its  mouth,  where  a  little  way  inside  it  divides 
into  two  branches,  one  to  the  eastward,  and  the  other  to  the  westward. 
About  a  mile  up  the  western  branch  is  the  town  where  the  chief  rajah  re- 
sides. On  the  banks  of  the  eastern  branch  stands  another  town,  and  there 
are  said  to  be  other  towns  further  up  the  river.  The  people  on  the  coast 
are  generally  Malays  ;  those  in  the  interior  are  Bataks.  European  vessels 
discontinued  visiting  this  place  for  many  year-,  owing  to  the  perfidious  con- 
duct of  the  Malays,  who  formerly  cut  off  several  vessels  that  touched  here  to 

1.  A.  V 


146  THE  STRAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

trade.  Nevertheless  the  people  of  Batu  Barra  appear  more  industrious  and 
better  inclined  to  trade  than  is  usual  with  the  other  inhabitants  of  this 
coast ;  and  they  carry  in  their  own  proas,  to  Penang  and  Malacca,  the  rattans, 
pepper,  or  other  articles  produced  here.  Goats  and  poultry  are  plentiful,  at 
reasonable  prices. 

The  BROTHERS,  two  small  islets,  lie  oflF  Batu  Barra,  at  10^  and  15^ 
miles  respectively,  to  the  N.E.  by  E.  The  northernmost,  Pulo  Pandan,  or 
Quandan,  is  much  lower  than  Pulo  Varela,  from  which  it  lies  S.S.E.  f  E. 
25i  miles  distant.  It  is  covered  with  wood,  and  surrounded  on  all  sides  by 
a  reef  to  a  considerable  distance  off  it.  Therefore  it  should  not  be  made 
"free  with.  The  southernmost,  Pulo  Salanama,  is  larger,  and  much  more 
bold-to,  although  there  are  some  rocks  stretching  from  its  North  end  for 
above  half  a  mile,  and  another  rock  or  islet  lies  to  the  E^st  of  its  South  end. 
The  channel  between  the  two  islets,  4  miles  in  width,  is  perfectly  safe  with 
20  to  30  fathoms  water  ;  and  there  is  also  a  channel  inside  Pulo  Salanama, 
about  3  miles  in  width,  but  then  it  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  Suma- 
tran  coast  is  here  bordered  by  an  extensive  shelf,  which  extends  for  nearly  5 
miles  off  the  point  to  the  southward  of  the  southern  Brother.  Prom  this 
circumstance,  it  should  not  be  used  except  under  great  necessity,  seeing  that 
the  course  outside  it  is  so  much  preferable.  There  are  several  other  spots 
shown  on  the  charts,  which  will  demonstrate  the  necessity  of  caution,  should 
a  vessel  get  too  far  over  to  the  Sumatran  side.  The  best  course  is,  as  before 
directed,  to  the  eastward  of  Pulo  Jarra. 

The  COAST  of  Sumatra  south-eastward  of  Batu  Barra  is  laid  down  on  the 
charts  from  the  surveys  of  Lieuts.  Rose  and  Moresby,  I.N.,  and  has  not  been 
so  minutely  examined  as  that  to  the  north-westward  ;  but  this  is  of  the  less 
importance,  as  a  great  portion  of  it  is  unapproachable  to  shipping,  in  con- 
sequence of  an  extensive  mud  flat  which  stretches  off  it  for  many  miles. 

Assarhan  River,  in  lat.  3°  U'N.,  long.  99°  52J'  E.,  has  a  mud  flat,  ex- 
tending from  its  entrance  8  miles  to  the  N.E.,  upon  which  the  soundings 
regularly  decrease.  From  hence  to  Reccan  River  care  is  required  not  to 
approach  too  near  the  coast,  as  several  mud  flats  extend  to  a  considerable 
distance,  upon  the  verge  of  which  the  water  shoals  suddenly  ;  particularly 
about  5  or  6  leagues  to  the  S.E.  of  Assarhan  River,  fronting  the  bay  of 
Lidang  and  its  contiguous  rivers,  where  the  flat  extends  Zh  leagues  from  the 
shore  at  the  bottom  of  that  bay. 

RECCAN,  or  Rakan  River,  has  at  the  entrance  two  islands,  Pulo  Lalang 
Besar,  in  lat.  2°  12'  N.,  long.  100°  36J'  E.,  and  Pulo  Lalang  Kechel ;  the 
former  is  the  largest,  from  which  the  other  bears  S.  by  E.  ^  E.,  about  2;^ 
miles  ;  and  there  is  a  shoal  channel  between  them  leading  into  the  river. 
They  are  low  and  woody,  and  not  discernible  above  10  miles.  Having 
passed  between  these  islands,  and  being  a  little  to  the  eastward  of  them,  the 
entrance  to  the  river  bears  S.E.  f  E.,  and  extends  in  this  direction  about  30 


PULO  EOUPAT.  147 

miles ;  then  a  small  and  shoal  bank  projects  to  the  westward,  called  Banha  ; 
but  the  main  branch  takes  a  S.E.  direction,  and  is  called  Tanah  Putie  River, 
having  a  town  of  the  same  name  at  the  mouth  of  this  branch,  which  is  here 
about  IJ  mile  wide,  and  is  said  to  take  its  rise  from  the  mountains.  It  is 
shoal  and  dangerous,  from  the  rapidity  of  the  tides  ;  but  several  large  and 
populous  villages  are  said  to  stand  on  its  banks,  subject  to  the  Rajah  of 
Siak.  The  g-reatest  breadth  of  the  mouth  of  Reccan  River  is  about  15  miles, 
decreasing  about  8  or  9  miles  up  to  4  miles,  afterwards  2  miles,  and  then 
continuing  this  breadth  till  it  forms  the  two  branches  mentioned  above.  It 
is  almost  dry  at  low  water  spring  tides,  and  is  rendered  exceedingly  dan- 
gerous by  their  excessive  rapidity  of  7  miles  per  hour,  producing  a  bore  en 
the  springs,  and  having  a  rise  and  fall  of  30  ft. 

At  the  mouth  of  the  river  it  is  high  water  at  6  hours  on  full  and  change 
of  the  moon  ;  the  rise  and  fall  of  tide  about  26  ft.  ;  and  here  the  velocity  of 
the  stream  is  about  5^  miles  per  hour,  but  it  becomes  much  greater  a  few 
miles  up.  On  the  bank  of  the  river  the  Nautilus  found  a  straggling  village, 
whence  the  inhabitants  came  off  in  great  numbers,  and  entreated  to  be  ad- 
mitted on  board,  under  pretence  of  friendship,  which  was  refused  excepting 
to  a  few  of  them.  They  afterwards,  without  the  least  provocation,  endea- 
voured to  cut  off  one  of  the  boats,  which  had  got  adrift  by  the  rapidity  of 
the  tide. 

The  Arroa  Isles,  described  previously,  lie  oflf  the  mouth  of  the  river,  40 
miles  to  the  northward. 

From  Eeccan  River  the  land  on  the  eastern  bank  projects  to  the  N.W., 
forming  the  headland  called  Vjong  Perhahean,  in  lat.  2°  \&h'  N.,  from  which 
a  mud  flat  extends  to  the  N.W.  and  N.N.W.  about  10  miles,  and  upon  this 
flat  the  soundings  decrease  regularly.  When  clear  to  the  eastward  of  this 
bank,  and  having  Ujong  Perbabean  bearing  S.W.,  and  Parcelar  Hill  N.E., 
you  enter  upon  the  most  dangerous  part  of  this  coast,  its  various  sand  banks 
extending  from  it  over  to  the  South  Sands,  with  gaps  and  narrow  channels 
of  mud  soundings  between  them.  As  the  soundings  afford  no  guide  in  ap- 
proaching these  banks,  the  depth  decreasing  suddenly  upon  them,  it  is  neces- 
sary for  a  vessel  intending  to  pass  between  them  to  have  a  boat  ahead  sound- 
ing, and  a  good  lookout  kept  from  the  fore-yard,  for  the  shoal  banks  are 
plainly  seen  when  the  sky  is  clear  in  the  daytime. 

PULO  EOUPAT,  the  North  point  of  which  is  called  UJong  Bantam,  is 
in  lat.  2°  8'  N.,  long.  101°  40^'  E.  It  is  bold  to  approach,  having  30  fathoms 
within  \\  mile  of  the  shore.  The  eastern  side  of  this  island  is  bold  until  the 
entrance  of  Brewers  Strait  is  approached,  where  a  mud  bank  extends  out 
from  the  shore  of  Pulo  Roupat  about  5  or  6  miles  between  the  North  point 
of  Pulo  Roupat  and  Ujong  Perbabean,  the  coast  forms  a  deep  bight,  which 
is  fronted  by  an  extensive  sand  bank ;  this  bank,  together  with  those  in  the 


148  THE  STRAIT  OF  MALACCA. 

offing,  mentioned  above,  render  this  part  of  the  Sumatra  side  of  the  strait 
very  intricate  and  dangerous. 

BREWERS  STRAIT,  or  Salat  Panjang. — The  North  entrance  of  this  strait 
is  formed  between  the  mainland  of  Sumatra  and  Pulo  Bucalisse  ;  Tanjo-ng  Jati, 
the  North  end  of  the  latter,  being  in  lat.  1°  36i'  N.,  long.  101°  59'  E.,  a 
shoal  bank,  extends  8  miles  to  the  northward  from  the  point. 

The  northern  navigable  part  of  this  strait  is  about  5  miles  wide,  with 
soundings  of  8  to  15  and  20  fathoms,  mud  ;  and  8  miles  from  the  entrance, 
on  the  western  shore,  is  the  town  of  Bukit  Batu,  upon  the  banks  of  a  very 
narrow  river  of  the  same  name.  The  town  is  not  easily  perceived,  the  houses 
being  scattered  among  and  hid  by  the  trees ;  but  it  may  be  known  by  a  tree, 
formed  like  an  umbrella,  near  the  entrance  of  the  river. 

At  Ujo7ig  Ballai,  a  point  of  Sumatra,  3A-  leagues  to  the  S.E.  of  Bukit  Batu 
Eiver,  the  strait  becomes  contracted  to  3  or  4  miles  in  breadth  ;  and  opposite 
to  the  point  is  the  entrance  to  the  narrow  strait  called  Salat  Padang,  affording 
a  safe  passage  for  boats  ;  it  is  formed  between  Pulo  Bucalisse  and  Pulo  Pa- 
dang. From  Ujong  Ballai,  Brewers  Strait  turns  from  a  S.E.  to  a  South 
direction,  till  opposite  the  mouth  of  the  Siak  Eiver. 

From  the  entrance  of  Siak  Piver,  Brewers  Strait  extends  S.S.E.  to  the 
western  end  of  Pulo  Eantow,  where  it  contracts  to  1  mile  in  breadth,  with 
regular  mud  soundings  from  8  to  10  fathoms.  Between  Pulo  Eantow  and 
Pulo  Padang  is  formed  a  channel  leading  to  the  sea,  called  Salat  Ringit  by 
the  natives,  and  said  to  be  used  only  by  boats.  From  the  western  end  of 
Pulo  Eantow  the  strait  takes  an  easterly  direction  about  20  miles,  with 
depths  from  10  to  15  fathoms,  till  a  small  island  in  mid  straits  is  approached, 
on  each  side  of  which  the  passage  is  practicable,  taking  care  to  avoid  the 
stream  of  the  island,  as  a  mud  flat  extends  from  it  to  the  westward  2^  miles 
in  the  middle  of  the  strait.  From  hence  the  direction  to  the  strait  is  to  the 
S.E.,  and,  after  passing  three  small  islands  on  the  port  hand,  the  southern 
entrance  opens,  oflf  which  there  are  a  great  number  of  islands.  The  safest 
channel  out  appears  to  be  between  Panton  Point  and  Pulo  Senappu,  having 
regular  but  shoal  soundings  of  only  1  fathom  at  low  water  in  some  parts. 

SIAK  RIVER,  the  entrance  of  which  is  in  lat.  1°  11^'  N.,  long.  102°  12^'  E., 
on  the  western  side  of  Brewers  Strait,  is  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  wide, 
having  a  sandy  spit,  nearly  dry  at  low  water,  extending  almost  across,  but 
leaving  a  safe,  although  very  narrow  channel,  close  to  Ujong  Liang,  the 
eastern  entrance  point ;  the  river  becomes  narrow,  with  deep  soundings  in- 
fiide,  and  is  said  to  have  its  source  in  the  mountains. 

The  town  of  Siak  stands  at  65  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  river.  The 
Nautilus  anchored  in  6  fathoms,  mud,  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  the  mouth 
of  the  Siak  Eiver,  and  found  the  time  of  high  water  at  full  and  change  of  the 
moon  to  be  9  hours ;  rise  and  fall  of  the  tide  about  12  ft.,  and  the  velocity  2\ 
xniles  per  hour. 


CAMPOU  EIVEE.  149 

Campou  River,  in  lat.  0°  43'  N.,  long.  103°  0'  30"  E.,  is  fronted  by  an  ex- 
tensive mud  flat,  almost  dry  at  low  water  ;  and  it  is  little  frequented  on 
account  of  the  rapidity  of  the  tides,  occasioning  a  bore  at  times  similar  to 
that  of  Reccan  River,  which  it  resembles  in  several  respects.  In  approach- 
ing the  southern  entrance  of  Brewers  Strait,  the  tides  are  greatly  influenced 
by  this  river,  producing  a  strong  eddy  round  some  of  the  islands,  so  that, 
while  the  tide  is  running  to  the  southward  on  one  side  of  an  island,  it  may 
be  often  found  running  to  the  northward  on  the  other  side. 

The  rise  and  fall  of  tide  near  the  southern  entrance  of  Brewers  Strait  is 
about  15  ft.  in  some  parts,  with  a  velocity  of  about  3i  miles  per  hour,  but 
much  greater  when  near  the  entrance  of  Campou  River.  The  three  islands, 
Pulo  Bucalisse,  Padang,  and  Rantow,  which  form  Brewers  Strait,  and  also 
Pulo  Panjore,  ought  not  to  be  approached  but  with  great  caution,  at  their 
eastern  sides,  as  they  are  fronted  by  an  extensive  mud  flat,  with  dangerous 
sand  banks,  in  some  places  having  only  1 J  fathom  water  on  them.  These 
form  what  is  usually  called  the  Sumatra  Bank,  or  third  bank  in  the  Malacca 
Strait  to  the  N.W.  of  the  Carimons,  which  has  been  before  alluded  to.  The 
Carimon  Islands,  which  form  the  head  of  the  Strait  of  Malacca,  have  been 
described  on  page  136. 


CHAPTEK    lY. 


THE    STRAIT    OF    SUNDA. 

This  important  and  remarkable  passage,  the  great  portal  of  the  Indian  Archi- 
pelago, has  been  surveyed  by  the  Dutch  officers.  Lieutenants  Eietveld  and 
Boom,  in  1848,  and  their  survey  has  been  improved  by  the  observations  of 
many  officers,  especially  by  the  late  talented  Melville  Van  Carnbee,  of  the 
Dutch  navy,  who  drew  up  an  excellent  hydrographical  description  of  Java, 
&c.,  which  has  been  mainly  followed  hereafter.* 

The  Strait  of  Sunda  is  a  singular  break  in  the  continuity  of  that  great 
chain  of  volcanic  mountains  which  runs  from  N.W.  to  S.E.  through  Sumatra, 
and  is  continued  eastward  through  Java.  This  depression  in  the  mountain 
chains  is  not  very  much  below  the  sea  level,  for  the  general  maximum  depth 
of  the  strait  is  not  more  than  from  30  to  50  fathoms.  But  this  slight  de- 
pression, geologically  speaking,  has  produced  a  great  contrast  in  the  islands 


*  The  fine  surveys  and  charts  of  great  portions  of  the  Indian  Archipelago,  which  have 
teen  executed  by  the  Dutch  oflELcers  attached  to  the  Indian  Possessions  of  that  nation,  have 
only  heen  known  and  justly  appreciated  in  this  country  within  a  few  years.  The  "  Com- 
missie  tot  Verbetering  der  Indische  Zeekarten  "  was  instituted  by  the  enlightened  Governor 
General  of  Dutch  India,  Van  der  Capellen,  in  1821,  and  since  that  period  the  commission 
has  been  sedulously  and  zealously  occupied  in  surveying  and  collecting  information  in  <all 
the  surrounding  seas.  Captain-Lieutenant  Baron  Peter  Melville  van  Carnbee  became  the 
secretary  to  the  Dutch  Commission,  in  1850,  and  among  numerous  other  works  he  was  the 
author  of  the  "  Zeemansgids  voor  de  Vaarwaters  om  Java,"  which  was  soon  translated  into 
the  French  and  English  languages,  the  latter  being  done  by  Dr.  Norton  Shaw,  Secretary  to 
the  Royal  Geographical  Society.  Besides  this,  he  drew  up  a  fine  series  of  charts  from  the 
many  scattered  surveys  and  observations  made  by  the  Dutch  officers  under  the  commission  ; 
these  charts  were  published  by  the  respected  house  of  Wed.  G.  H  Van  Keulen,  of  Am- 
sterdam, and  were  afterwards  copied  in  their  main  features  by  the  English  Admiralty,  as 
the  basis  for  all  subsequent  charts.  Young  MelviUe  van  Carnbee  died  in  1856,  in  his 
fortieth  year,  while  engaged  on  the  excellent  "  Algemeene  Atlas  Van  Nederland's  Oost 
Indie." 

To  the  works  above  quoted,  very  much  is  owing  in  the  subsequent  pages. — Editor. 


jg^.  , 


L^ 


*2^.     K)     '26     24 


^m^i 


51 
fe. 

;id 

"■a. 
so 

ea 

lU- 

ay 

is 

)SS 

le- 
•a, 
im 
'a, 

nt 
)a- 
is 
)at 
in 

Qd 
lO- 

n- 
on 
he 


of 
ds 

:iy 

ch 
>es 
Jy 

ng 


^^ 


THE  JAVA  COAST.  151 

on  either  side  of  it.  Each  has  a  distinct  class  of  animal  and  vegetable  life. 
Thus  the  elephant  and  tapir  of  Sumatra  have  no  existence  in  Java.  The  wild 
hog  and  rhinoceros  of  Sumatra  are  of  different  species  to  those  found  in  Java. 
The  orang-outang  is  found  in  Sumatra,  but  not  in  Java.  The  birds  are  also 
quite  different ;  many  important  families  belong  to  each,  without  having 
them  in  common.  These  curious  contrasts  are  also  found  to  exi&t  between 
the  islands  further  to  the  eastward.  These  remarkable  facts  in  the  distribu- 
tion of  life  on  the  earth  have  been  much  discussed  by  naturalists,  especially 
by  M.  Temminck  and  Mr.  A.  R.  Wallace. 

The  strait  derives  its  name  from  the  western  portion  of  Java,  which  is 
peopled  by  the  Sunda  nation,  who  speak  a  diff'erent  language,  and  are  less 
advanced  in  civilization  than  the  rest  of  the  Javanese. 

In  its  widest  sense,  the  Strait  of  Sunda  embraces  a  very  large  area.  Be- 
tween the  western  extremity  of  Java  and  the  south-western  end  of  Sumatra, 
the  distance  is  68  miles,  and  the  bearing  N.  W.  I  N.  and  S.E.  f  S.  ;  and  from 
this  line  to  another  at  its  N.E.  limits,  between  St.  Nicholas  Point  on  Java, 
to  the  opposite  side  on  Sumatra,  the  distance  is  74  miles.  The  narrowest 
part  of  the  strait  is  between  Fourth  Point  on  the  Java  side,  and  Hog  Point 
in  Sumatra,  1 3  miles  apart.  There  are  numerous  islands  in  it,  which  sepa- 
rate the  strait  into  several  channels,  of  which  that  along  the  Java  coast  is 
the  most  used;  the  lofty  and  conspicuous  island  Krakatoa  being  the  great 
land-mark  from  the  westward,  all  the  headlands  being  more  or  less  grand  in 
their  character. 

The  Dutch  nation  holds  the  sovereignty  of  the  shores  on  either  side,  and 
being  the  surveyors  of  the  strait,  have  the  right  to  give  the  names  and  ortho- 
graphy to  the  points  and  islands,  but  as  their  excellent  and  expressive  lan- 
guage is  not  so  generally  used,  it  will  be  preferred  to  give  these  common 
names  in  an  English  form  (adding  the  Dutch),  and  the  spelling  in  the 
ordinarily  recognized  form  for  pronunciation. 


THE     JAVA     COAST. 


The  south-eastern  side  of  the  Strait  of  Sunda  is  formed  by  that  portion  of 
Java  which  gives  its  name  to  it,  as  before  mentioned.  The  state  extends 
eastward  to  Cheribon,  and  includes  Batavia,  the  capital,  embracing  nearly 
one-third  of  Java.  It  is  a  mountainous  country,  but  containing  some  rich 
valleys,  and  is  said  to  bear  the  same  relation  to  Java  proper  that  Wales  does 
to  England,  or  the  highlands  to  the  lowlands  of  Scotland.  It  is  more  thinly 
populated,  and  the  people  less  advanced  than  in  the  rest  of  Java. 

The  volcanic  ranges  which  traverse  it,  in  continuation  of  that  extending 


152  THE  STRAIT  OF  SUNDA. 

throughout  the  length  of  Java,  give  it  a  peculiarly  bold  character.  Many 
of  the  peaks  visible  from  sea  attain  to  great  elevation.  Karang,  in  the  rear 
of  Anjir,  is  the  loftiest,  5,943  ft.  ;  and  a  few  miles  to  the  South  of  it  is 
Pulusari,  4,183  ft.  ;  several  others  reach  to  between  2,000  and  3,000  ft. 
The  peak  at  the  southward  of  Krakatoa  Island  is  2,623  ft.  ;  and  Bezee,  to 
the  North  of  it,  is  2,600  ft. 

The  coast  is  deeply  indented,  and  has  some  sheltering  bays,  but  Anjir 
Eoads  is  the  chief  stopping  place.  Here  is  a  Signal  Station,  at  which  an 
officer  will  reply  to  and  forward  answers  to  signals  to  Batavia,  &c.,  the  tele- 
graph system  being  perfect  in  the  Dutch  possessions.  Lighthouses  are  shown 
on  the  chief  points,  and  the  following  directions  in  connection  with  the  chart 
will  carry  a  ship  through  in  safety. 

Java  Head,  the  western  extremity  of  Java,  and  the  S.W.  point  of  the 
Strait  of  Sunda,  is  a  noble  promontory,  a  fitting  portal  to  that  great  entrance 
to  eastern  countries.  But  as  it  is  frequently  prudent  to  make  the  land  to  the 
eastward  of  the  strait  in  apjjroaching  it  from  the  Southern  Indian  Ocean, 
the  features  of  the  southern  coast  of  Java  for  a  short  distance  will  be  briefly 
described  first. 

Trower  Island,  or  Pulo  Tinj'il,  is  3^  or  4  miles  in  length,  and  its  East  end 
is  about  35  miles  East  of  the  meridian  of  Java  Head.  It  is  surrounded  by 
a  reef.  On  the  North  and  West  sides  of  it  there  are  from  13  to  19  fathoms 
water,  and  at  the  S.E.  and  South  sides,  at  some  distance,  no  bottom  at  50 
and  100  fathoms.  A  mile  to  the  northward  of  the  island  there  is  a  rock,  on 
which  the  native  proas  have  sometimes  struck.  Everywhere  else  round  the 
island  from  13  to  19  fathoms  will  be  found,  and  at  a  short  distance  to  the 
southward  more  than  100  fathoms. 

Klapper  Island,  or  Breakers  Island,  called  by  the  Malays  Ftdo  Deli,  8  miles 
distant  from  the  nearest  shore  of  Java,  13  miles  West  by  South  from  Trower 
Island,  and  about  18  miles  E.S.E.  from  Cape  Sangian  Sira,  the  S.W.  point 
of  Java.  It  is  148  ft  high,  covered  with  large  trees,  those  along  the  beach 
being  cocoa-nut,  and  is  surrounded  by  a  reef,  which  in  many  places  stretches 
off  a  mile  ;  but  on  the  N.W.  side  there  is  a  good  watering  place  in  the  S.E. 
monsoon,  as  boats  can  enter  a  little  river  through  a  channel  with  reefs  on 
both  sides,  and  ships  may  anchor  in  18  to  24  fathoms,  clay  bottom,  2  miles 
distant  from  the  island,  close  to  those  reefs  which  partially  dry  at  low  water. 
The  depths  are  from  30  to  40  fathoms  at  4  miles  off  the  South  shore  of  the 
island. 

Sodon  Point,  on  the  South  coast  of  Java,  is,  as  before  said,  8  miles  North 
of  Klapper  Island.  The  head  of  Welcome  Bay,  on  the  North  side  of  the 
island,  reaches  to  within  3  or  4  miles  of  this  southern  coast. 

Along  the  coast  to  the  northward  of  Klapper  and  Trower  Islands,  as  far 
as  Cape  Sangian  Sira,  there  are  rocks  which  in  some  places  lie  1^  and  2 
miles  off;  and  no  shelter  whatever  can  be  found  there  from  S.W.  and  S.E. 


THE  COAST  OF  JAVA.  153 

gales.  A  shoal  lies  to  the  eastward  of  Sodon  Point,  about  H  mile  from  the 
shore.  It  bears  N.  ^  E.  from  the  East  point  of  Klapper  Island,  and  N.W. 
by  W.  f  W.  from  the  "West  point  of  Trowers  Island. 

When  making  Java  Head  in  hazy  weather,  the  appearance  of  the  land  to 
the  eastward  of  Cape  Sangian  Sira,  between  it  and  Sodon  Point,  bears  much 
resemblance  to  the  high  land  of  the  West  point  of  Java,  with  the  adjacent 
hills  on  Princes  Island ;  and  the  low  land  in  such  circumstances  not  being 
distinguishable  at  a  distance,  the  position  of  it  is  often  mistaken  for  the 
entrance  to  Princes  Channel. 

From  Java  Head  the  coast  runs  S.  by  E.  f  E.  about  4J  miles  to  Palem- 
bang  Point,  which  is  1  j  mile  northward  of  Cape  Sangian  Sira. 

CAPE  SANGIAN  SIRA,  the  most  southern  point  of  this  part  of  Java,  is 
in  lat.  6°  52'  S.,  long.  105°  14'  E.  It  is  the  S.  W.  point  of  an  irregular  mass 
of  mountains,  which  rise  abruptly  from  the  sea  to  a  height  of  1,050  and 
1,300  ft.  on  the  eastern  side,  and  to  618  and  1,400  ft.  on  the  western  side. 
From  this  cape,  and  1^  mile  to  the  southward,  several  rocks  project,  some 
of  which  are  above  water.  Captain  Newby,  in  passing  close  round  by 
Palembang  Point,  thought  he  saw  a  clear  but  narrow  channel  inside  these 
terrific  pinnacle-shaped  rocks,  which  might  be  used  by  keeping  the  point  on 
board,  but  it  should  not  be  tried.  The  soundings  are  very  deep  close  to  these 
rocks,  and  along  the  shore  as  far  as  Java  Head  there  is  no  bottom  with  100 
fathoms ;  but  as  the  breakers  which  line  the  whole  coast  seem  to  indicate 
that  there  are  rocks  under  water,  it  will  be  advisable  to  give  the  shore  a 
berth  of  at  least  2  miles  in  passing. 

From  Cape  Sangian  Sira  the  soundings  decrease  in  the  direction  of  Klap- 
per Island  to  40  and  20  fathoms  ;  while  farther  eastward,  between  this  island 
and  Trower  Island,  they  decrease  from  20  to  12  fathoms. 

Palembang  Point  is  the  N.W.  point  of  the  promontory  of  which  Sangian 
Sira  is  the  South  extreme.  They  are  a  mile  apart,  and  the  reef  of  pointed 
rocks  around  the  land  here  comes  close  up.  The  coast  to  the  northward,  for 
a  distance  of  4^  miles  to  Java  Head,  is  formed  by  the  steep-sided  mountains 
before  described,  which  are  dark,  covered  with  trees,  some  of  which  on  the 
summits  are  very  large.  No  signs  of  any  inhabitants.  Under  these  dark 
frowning  hills  is  a  belt  of  green  herbage,  and  then  a  sandy  beach  of  dazzling 
whiteness,  with  several  detached  steep  rocks,  some  of  which  would  look  like 
a  boat  under  sail. 

JAVA  HEAD.— The  West  point  of  Java  is  in  lat.  6°  46'  40"  S.,  long.  105° 
12'  22"  E.  Being  frequently  the  first  land  made  after  a  long  voyage  across 
the  Atlantic,  and  round  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  its  lofty  and  majestic 
character  strikes  those  who  approach  near  it  with  greater  force  than  even 
its  natural  features  would  command.  Captain  Newby  was  much  struck  with 
its  grandeur.  He  says  : — It  is  composed  of  a  confused  mass  of  cliffs  jum- 
bled together.     Two  hundred  yards  North  of  it  is  a  splendid  arch  or  chasm, 

I.    A.  i 


U>4  THE  STRAIT  OF  SUNDA. 

in  a  high  detached  rock,  through  which  the  surges  roll  their  white  foam. 
Through  the  arch  ou  the  main  you  behold  the  most  luxuriant  green  vegeta- 
tion, contrasting  with  the  white  surge,  the  sombre  cliffs,  and  the  variegated 
surface  of  the  ocean.  This  arch  resembled  the  cloisters  of  some  ancient 
cathedral.  Three  hundred  yards  to  the  North  of  this  first-named  arch  is 
another,  but  smaller  one,  of  similar  character.  Through  this  is  seen  the 
white  sand  and  shells  ou  the  beach,  and  between  the  water  is  of  a  light 
green  shade ;  outside,  between  us  and  the  arch,  the  water  being  deeper,  is 
of  a  darker  green.  Sailing  on,  the  projection,  or  point,  called  the  Capuchin, 
appeared,  and  soon  after  the  Friar,  for  which,  as  the  wind  was  rather  scant 
off,  I  hauled  up,  and  the  water  being  very  smooth,  I  passed  it  at  not  more 
than  one  cable's  length  distance,  at  b'^  15™.  I  could  not  see  any  hidden 
danger  or  rock  under  water  in  my  track.  When  we  had  passed  the  Friar, 
and  neared  Mew  Island,  he  appeared  conspicuous.  But  as  the  land  be- 
tween is  very  high,  and  very  thickly  wooded,  the  Friar  could  not  be  very 
well  made  out  as  seen  from  a  vessel  in  the  offing,  unless  she  was  well  to  the 
eastward.  From  W.S.W.  it  did  not  appear  to  me  to  be  an  island  at  all ; 
there  seemed  to  be  dry  rocks  between  it  and  the  hill  to  the  South,  which 
connected  the  Friar  with  the  higher  land  to  the  southward.  liound  the 
pitch  of  the  Friar  there  is  a  very  fine  spacious-looking  bay,  called  Mew  Bay. 
There  seems  to  be  a  low  black  detached  rocky  islet,  a  mile  or  so  beyond  the 
Friar  to  the  S.E.,  but  it  is  nearer  the  West  than  the  East  side  very  much. 
This  bay  seems  very  snug  and  convenient  for  anchoring  in  with  a  wind  any 
■way  from  the  E.N.E.  round  by  the  southward  to  S.W. 

FIRST  POINT  {Eerste  Punt),  and  the  Friars  Eoch.—The  coast  between 
Java  Head  and  First  Point  forms  a  bight,  and  is  fronted  by  high  rocks, 
stretching  out  a  considerable  distance  in  some  places.  First  Point,  or  Tan- 
jong  Along-Ajang,  the  South  point  of  entrance  into  Princes  Channel,  has  a 
conspicuous  rock  lying  abreast  of  it,  called  the  Friar  {Be  Mo7inih),  before 
alluded  to,  which  rises  abruptly  out  of  the  sea,  and  is  steep-to,  so  that  with 
a  steady  wind  a  ship  may  pass  close  to  it.  Close  to  the  northward  of  First 
Point  there  is  another  rock  above  water,  which  together  with  the  former  are 
properly  called  the  Friars. 

The  LIGHTHOUSE  on  First  Point  was  first  illuminated  in  June,  1877. 
It  is  a  stone  tower,  painted  white,  from  which  is  shown  a  revolving  light,  ex- 
hibiting a  flash  of  six  seconds'  duration  once  in  every  half  minute.  The 
light  is  elevated  305  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  should  be  visible  25  miles  off'  in 
clear  weather. 

PRINCES  ISLAND  {Prinsen  Eiland),  cr  Pulo  Panatan,  separated  from  the 
West  part  of  Java  by  Princes  Channel,  is  the  largest  island  in  Sunda  Strait. 
Its  greatest  length,  between  the  West  and  N.E.  points,  is  12  miles,  and  its 
breadth  about  8  miles.  It  is  of  an  irregular  form,  projecting  to  a  point  on 
the  N.E.  side,  and  having  a  large  bay  on  the  S.W.  side,  the  horns  of  which 


PRINCES  CHANNEL.  155 

form  the  "West  and  South  points  of  the  island.  The  middle  and  eastern 
parts  of  the  island  are  hilly,  the  highest  peak,  1,450  ft.  above  the  level  of 
the  sea,  being  on  the  eastern  shore  ;  but  in  some  parts,  particularly  at  the 
West  end,  the  land  is  level  and  low  from  the  sea ;  all  parts  of  the  island 
abound  in  wood. 

A  ship  in  want  of  water  may  anchor  on  the  eastern  side  of  this  island  in 
35  fathoms,  soft  ground,  about  half  a  mile  from  the  shore,  with  the  peaked 
hill  bearing  about  N.  W.  by  N.  Here  is  a  small  sandy  bay,  and  at  its  eastern 
part  a  run  of  fresh  water,  where  the  casks  must  be  filled  about  100  yards 
up,  the  higher  the  better,  otherwise  the  water  will  be  brackish. 

It  is,  however,  only  in  the  N  W.  monsoon  that  water  can  be  procured 
here,  for  in  the  S.E.  monsoon  all  the  springs  are  dry  from  want  of  rain,  and 
there  is,  moreover,  no  safe  anchorage  in  this  monsoon  along  the  East  side  of 
the  island,  as  it  is  a  dead  lee  shore. 

Kasuaris  Bay,  on  the  S.W.  side  of  the  island,  is  4  miles  deep,  and  has 
at  its  entrance  soundings  varying  from  30  to  50  fathoms,  decreasing  inside 
to  a  convenient  depth  for  anchoring ;  but,  being  open  to  all  winds  between 
the  West  and  South  points,  it  is  not  frequented,  and  cannot  be  recom- 
mended. 

The  Carpenters  {Timmerlieden)  are  a  large  group  of  rocks  about  a  mile  in 
extent,  projecting  from  the  South  point  of  Princes  Island.  Most  of  the 
rocks  are  above  water  ;  they  are  black  and  pointed,  looking  very  dangerous, 
and  the  sea  is  usually  breaking  over  them.  There  is  no  bottom  with  50 
fathoms  a  short  distance  from  these  rocks. 

The  West  point  of  Princes  Island  is  fronted  by  a  reef  to  the  distance  of 
about  Ih  mile,  several  rocks  of  which  are  seen  above  water. 

On  the  N.W.  and  North  sides  the  island  is  steep-to  close  to  the  fringe  of 
reef  which  edges  those  shores. 

A  fringe  of  reef  extends  from  the  N.E.  point  of  the  island,  and  along  the 
shore  on  each  side. 

A  similar  fringe  extends  about  a  third  of  a  mile  off  the  S.E.  point  of  the 
island  ;  nearly  2  miles  W.S.W.  of  which,  close  inshore,  and  near  a  conspi- 
cuous white  rock,  is  a  coral  reef,  upon  which  the  sea  is  always  breaking. 

PRINCES  CHANNEL,  between  the  Carpenters  Ptocks  ojBf  the  South  end 
of  Princes  Island,  and  the  Friars  Eocks  off  the  First  point  of  Java,  is  3 
niiles  broad  at  its  narrowest  part,  and  possesses  the  great  advantage  of 
affording  anchorage  to  vessels  when  becalmed,  which  the  Great  Channel 
does  not.  Light  baffling  winds  and  calms  are  very  common  about  the 
entrances  to  Sunda  Strait,  occurring  even  in  the  strength  of  the  S.E.  mon- 
soon, and  vessels,  when  not  able  to  anchor,  are  liable  to  be  set  back  by 
adverse  currents. 

The  depths  in  this  channel  are  much  greater  on  the  Princes  Island  shore 
thau  on  the  opposite   coast.      Close  to  the  Carpenters  there  is  no  bottom 


156  THE  STEAIT  OF  SUNDA. 

with  50  fathoms  ;  with  Peaked  Hill,  on  the  S.E.  part  of  the  island,  bearing 
from  N.  I  W.  to  W.  by  N.,  there  are  10  to  30  fathoms,  coarse  sand,  shells, 
and  coral,  little  more  than  a  cable's  length  oflF  shore ;  with  the  same  hill 
bearing  from  N.N.W.  to  S.W.  there  are  36  to  44  fathoms  about  a  mile  dis- 
tant from  the  shore.  Towards  Mew  Bay  the  depths  decrease  to  20  fathoms 
and  less. 

Directions. — In  the  S.E.  monsoon,  when  proceeding  either  way  through 
Princes  Channel  keep  closer  to  the  Java  coast  than  to  Princes  Island. 

In  the  N.W.  monsoon  it  often  happens  that  vessels  outward  bound  get 
very  quickly  to  the  westward  by  proceeding  through  Princes  Channel,  while 
those  using  the  Great  Channel  are  detained  by  heavy  squalls  and  adverse 
currents.  Indeed,  instances  have  occurred  in  which  ships  have  worked 
through  this  passage  in  a  remarkably  short  time  in  a  westerly  gale,  by 
carrying  a  heavy  press  of  sail,  and  tacking  between  the  squalls,  at  times 
when  it  was  impossible  for  any  ship  in  the  Great  Channel  to  beat  against  the 
current  and  heavy  sea. 

Proceeding  through  Princes  Channel  in  this  monsoon,  keep  near  Princes 
Island  and  the  Carpenters,  especially  when  working  out  against  westerly 
winds,  for  a  current  will  then  sometimes  be  found  setting  to  the  westward. 
It  is  moreover  very  important  to  keep  close  to  the  Carpenters  when  working 
out,  to  avoid  being  set  upon  the  rocks  near  Java  Head  and  Palembang  Point 
by  the  heavy  swell,  for,  being  once  outside  anchoring  ground,  and  in  a  calm, 
a  ship  would  have  much  trouble  to  clear  the  coast  of  Java.  The  S.E.  coast 
of  Princes  Island  must  not,  however,  be  approached  within  a  mile. 

GREAT  CHANNEL  lies  between  the  North  point  of  Princes  Island  and 
the  South  point  of  Krakatoa  Island,  which  are  23  miles  apart;  and  although 
too  deep  for  anchorage,  it  is  much  frequented,  being  the  widest  passage  into 
the  strait,  and  is  considered  to  be,  with  the  exception  of  the  doubtful 
Hoedeken  Rock,*  clear  of  danger.  If  the  strait  is  entered  by  this  channel, 
keep  Princes  Island  aboard,  and  when  farther  in  the  strait,  keep  on  the  Java 
shore. 

MEW  ISLAND  (Meeuwen  Eiland),  or  Pulo  Kanti,  lying  about  2J  miles 
eastward  from  First  Point,  is  nearly  2  miles  in  extent  North  and  South,  and 
1  mile  East  and  West.  The  island  is  hilly,  and  abounds  with  wood. 
Between  it  and  First  Point,  close  inshore,  is  a  small  islet  or  rock  above 


*  Hoedeken  Sock  is  said  to  lie  about  5  miles  S.W.  f  S.  from  Krakatoa.  Captain  Drury, 
R.N.,  is  reported  to  have  examined  a  rock  S.S.W.  of  Krakatoa  some  years  ago,  and  found 
it  to  be  near  the  water's  edge.  The  Abdul  Hassim,  drawing  14  feet,  is  also  said  to  have 
struck  upon  a  rock,  from  which  the  peak  of  Krakatoa  bore  N.E.  \  N.,  distance  from  the 
nearest  part  of  the  island  6  miles.  There  is,  however,  reason  to  believe  that  no  rock 
e-xists  in  thi.s  locality,  for  Mr.  Richards,  commanding  EL.M.  surveying  vessel  Saracen,  care- 
fuUv  sounded  over  it  in  1854. 


SECOND  POINT— WELCOME  BAY.  157 

water,  called  the  Mew  Stone.  The  shore  is  rocky  on  the  outside  of  Mew 
Island,  but  safe  to  approach.  The  soundings  decrease  gradually  to  8  or  9 
fathoms. 

Between  Mew  Island  and  the  main  there  is  a  narrow  but  safe  channel, 
with  depths  from  10  to  5  fathoms,  sandy  bottom.  When  taking  this  pas- 
sage, keep  close  in  towards  Mew  Island,  as  a  shoal,  called  the  Watson  Bank, 
lies  near  the  Java  shore.  Sometimes  the  sea  breaks  upon  this  bank,  but 
between  it  and  Mew  Island  there  are  depths  of  3,  5,  and  10  fathoms,  clay 
bottom. 

To  the  eastward  of  Mew  Island,  on  the  Java  shore,  there  is  a  good  water- 
ing place  in  the  S.E.  monsoon  ;  the  water  is  excellent,  and  is  poured  by  a 
cataract  upon  the  beach.  Largeboats  may  approach  this  spot  at  high  water 
through  a  narrow  channel  in  the  reef,  and  fill  the  cask  by  a  hose.  At  low 
water  they  will  require  a  great  length  of  hose  to  reach  the  boats. 

A  little  to  the  northward  of  the  watering  place  lies  a  reef  of  coral,  about 
a  cable's  length  in  extent,  and  about  half  a  mile  from  the  Java  shore. 
Upon  its  shoalest  part  there  is  1  fathom  water,  and  all  round  from  5  to  6 
fathoms.  A  ship  standing  in  for  the  watering  place,  must  steer  between 
this  reef  and  the  island,  or  rather  nearer  towards  the  island,  and  anchor  in 
9  or  10  fathoms. 

In  the  S.E.  monsoon  there  is  also  a  good  anchorage  a  little  farther  out, 
with  the  North  point  of  Mew  Island  about  W.  ^  S.,  and  the  East  point 
S.  by  W.,  in  16  to  19  fathoms  water,  sandy  bottom. 

Plenty  of  wood  may  be  got  upon  Mew  Island  or  the  main  land.  Shore 
parties  should  be  on  the  guard  against  any  hidden  assaults  from  the  natives. 

At  Mew  Bay  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  about  6''. 

SECOND  POINT  {Tweede  Punt,  or  Tanjong  Gukulang,  consists  of  a  low 
foreland,  somewhat  broad  in  appearance,  the  western  extremity  of  which 
lies  about  N.E.  by  E.,  nearly  9  miles  distant  from  First  Point,  and  its 
northern  extremity— which  is  usually  known  as  Second  Point — about  3  miles 
farther  to  the  north-eastward.  It  may  be  approached  without  danger  to 
the  distance  of  a  mile  or  even  half  a  mile,  and  in  from  26  to  20  fathoms 
water,  the  reefs  projecting  a  little  way  off  shore. 

From  Mew  Island  towards  Second  Point  reefs  project  half  a  cable's  length 
from  the  shore,  having  very  near  them  5  to  6  fathoms  water,  which  increases 
speedily  to  10  and  20  fathoms  ;  but  with  due  care  and  attention  to  the  lead 
a  ship  may  approach  the  shore  in  order  to  anchor.     On  the  coast  there  is 
scarcely  any  population,  but  sometimes  proas  may  be  met  with  having  turtle 
fowls,  and  cocoa-nuts  for  sale. 

WELCOME  BAY  ^Welkomst  Baai).—^.'E..  by  E.,  distant  20J  miles  from 
Second  Point  is  Third  Point,  and  between  is  a  deep  bight,  named  Welcome 
Bay,  which  in  the  S.E.  monsoon  affords  good  shelter,  but  should  be  avoided 
in  the  S.W.  monsoon.     There  is,   however,   good  anchorage  in  the  S.AV. 


158  THE  STRAIT  OF  SUNDA. 

monsoon,  when  the  wind  is  not  too  northerly,  behind  Second  Point  in  9  or 
10  fathoms  water;  but  this  anchorage  should  be  approached  with  great 
caution,  as  the  soundings  decrease  very  suddenly  near  Second  Point,  and  a 
shoal  with  12  ft.  water  on  it  and  6  fathoms  close-to,  extends  half  a  mile  off 
shore  between  Second  Point  and  Tambing  Point. 

The  West  side  of  the  bay  takes  from  Second  Point  a  direction  about 
S.S.E.  i  E.  for  a  distance  of  11  miles,  but  about  the  middle  of  it  the  beach 
forms  a  small  bight,  with  4  fathoms  at  its  entrance,  but  only  1  fathom  further 
in.  The  whole  of  this  side  of  the  bay  is  skirted  by  reefs,  some  parts  of  which 
are  a  mile  distant  from  the  shore. 

Lieuts.  Rietveld  and  Boom,  D.E.N.,  surveyed  Welcome  Bay  in  1841,  and 
determined  the  positions  of  the  shoals  and  islands  given  below.  A  large 
portion  of  the  bay  inside  Panter  and  Rocky  Ridge  Reefs  has  not  been  ex- 
amined, but  it  is  supposed  to  be  dangerous. 

Two  small  islets,  named  Andellan  and  Little  Andellan,  lie  contiguous  to 
the  S.W.  shore  of  the  bay,  about  8  miles  from  Second  Point,  and  5  miles  from 
Rocky  Ridge.  Three  sand  banks,  each  surrounded  by  a  sunken  reef,  lie 
from  half  to  three-quarters  of  a  mile  off  these  islands,  in  a  N.N.E.,  East,  and 
S.E.  direction.  Between  these  banks  and  Andellan  are  from  4  to  6  fathoms, 
mud;  and  between  that  island  and  the  shore  from  three-quarters  to  If 
fathom.  Near  the  liead  of  the  bay,  to  the  eastward  of  a  small  islet  named 
Eongit,  is  a  fourth  bank. 

The  distance  across  from  the  southern  shore  of  Welcome  Bay  to  the  South 
Coast  of  Java  is  not  more  than  3  miles,  and  the  sound  of  the  surf  on  the 
South  coast  may  be  distinctly  heard  across  the  isthmus. 

The  eastern  shore  of  the  bay  is  22  miles  in  length,  from  the  head  of  the 
bay  to  Third  Point,  in  a  direction  about  N.N.E.,  and  the  general  depths  off 
it  are  15  to  24  fathoms  at  some  little  distance  from  the  coast.  Several  islets 
and  dano-ers  lie  off  this  shore.  Baddu  (Baddoe)  is  a  small  islet,  surrounded 
by  a  reef,  lying  about  5  miles  from  the  head  of  the  bay,  and  about  U  mile 
N.W.  of  a  point  named  Tanhjngi  Parrie.  Between  this  point  and  the  islet 
are  many  coral  rocks,  for  the  most  part  dry  at  low  water,  and  with  depths  of 
7  to  9  fathoms  between  them. 

A  large  coral  rock  above  water,  usually  covered  with  a  heavy  surf,  and 
appearing  of  a  bright  white  colour,  lies  W.  i^  N.,  about  \^  mile  from  Baddu  ; 
and  near  it  appear  to  be  several  reefs.  Between  the  rock  and  the  island  are 
6  to  12  fathoms  water. 

Five  or  6  miles  north-eastward  of  Baddu  is  Plaggan  Point,  or  False  Rook, 
with  some  islands  off  it,  the  southernmost  of  which  is  called  Mangir,  and  the 
others  War,  Umang  (Oemang),  and  Sumiir  (Soemoer).  These  islands,  as  well 
as  Plaggan  Point,  are  surrounded  by  reefs,  a  cable  in  breadth,  but  at  a  mile 
outside  there  are  15  fathoms,  over  mud  bottom. 

Rocky  Ridge  is  an  extensive  reef  mostly  above  water,  and  always  covered 


THIRD  POINT— PEPPER  BAY.  159 

by  breakers,  by  whicb  it  may  be  distinguished  at  a  great  distance.  It  lies 
about  halfvray  between  the  western  shore  of  the  bay  and  the  Panter  Reefs  ; 
and  from  it  Second  Point  bears  N.W.  by  W.  |  W.,  the  South  puint  of 
Baddu  S.E.  by  E.  J  E.,  and  the  East  point  of  Andellan  S.  ^  E.  That  part 
of  it  which  remains  dry  at  low  water  is  about  100  yards  in  length,  and  the 
breadth  of  the  surrounding  reef  the  same.  The  soundings  round  it  are  10 
and  12  iathoms,  increasing  at  some  distance  to  18  and  19  fathoms. 

Panter  Reefs  are  the  outermost  of  the  known  dangers  which  encumber 
"Welcome  Bay,  and  they  lie  nearly  midway  between  Second  Point  and  Plag- 
gan  Point.  Erom  their  North  extremity,  in  11  fathoms,  Second  Point  bears 
W.  f  N.,  Third  Point  N  E.  J  N.  16  miles,  the  East  point  of  Andellan  Island 
S.  by  W.  i  W.,  and  the  S.W.  point  of  Baddu  Island  S.E.  ^  S.  They  con- 
sist of  four  different  patches,  lying  in  a  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.  direction  from 
each  other,  the  whole  being  from  half  to  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  extent. 
The  shoalest  patch  has  IJ  fathom  water,  rocky  bottom,  but  between  and  close 
round  them  are  9  and  10  fathoms,  mud. 

East  and  West  of  these  reefs  are  17  and  18  fathoms,  and  to  the  north- 
ward 20  and  25  fathoms. 

Welcome  Bay  appears  to  be  fuU  oi  dangers  not  surveyed,  and  should  be 
entered  with  extreme  caution. 

THIRD  POINT  {Berde  Point),  or  Tanjong  Lussong,  like  Second  Point,  is 
very  low,  although  sharper,  and  fronted  by  rocks  to  the  distance  of  2  cables, 
from  which  the  depths  increase  to  10  and  18  fathoms.  The  peak  of  Krakatoa 
Island  bears  N.W.  by  N.  from  it,  and  is  distant  about  21  miles. 

PEPPER  BAY  {Pej)er  Baai).—'N.'E.  by  E.  ^  E.  11  miles  from  Third  Point 
is  PapoUe  Island,  and  between  is  Pepper  Bay,  which  is  formed  by  the  coast 
trending  away  from  Third  Point  to  the  southward  for  a  distance  of  nearly  5 
miles.  Its  shores  are  fronted  by  reefs,  which  near  the  points  project  about 
half  a  mile,  increasing  their  distance  from  the  shore  towards  the  depth  of 
the  bay,  where  they  extend  lA  mile.  The  bay  is  also  encumbered  with 
two  dangerous  reefs  known  as  the  Coral  Bank  and  Paniang  Reef.  The 
soundings  in  the  bay  generally  decrease  uniformly  from  14  to  10,  5,  and  4 
fathoms ;  the  latter  depth  will  be  found  2  miles  off  shore.  In  the  eastern 
monsoon  there  is  safe  anchorage  N.E.  of  Lawvengan  Isle,  in  6  or  8  fathoms, 
soft  bottom. 

Coral  Bank. — Nearly  2  miles  East  from  Third  Point  is  a  coral  bank,  the 
greater  part  of  which  is  above  water,  and  readily  distinguished  by  its  bright 
white  colour.  The  direction  of  this  bank  is  S.E.  by  E.  and  N.W.  by  W., 
about  3  cables  in  length,  and  from  it  Third  Point  bears  W.  i  S.,  the  N.E. 
point  of  Lawvengan  S.E.  J  E.,  and  the  West  point  of  Papolle  N.E.  by  E. 
Between  this  bank  and  Third  Point  there  is  a  channel  of  4  to  9  fathoms 
■water,  and  the  depths  increase  quickly  from  7  to  15  fathoms  at  the  distance 
of  a  mile. 


160  THE  STRAIT  OF  SUNDA. 

Lawvengan  Islet,  lying  in  the  depth  of  Pepper  Bay,  E.  byS.  J  S.,  distant 
3J  miles  from  Third  Point,  is  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  long,  a  aN.W. 
^  W.  and  S.E.  h  E.  direction,  a  quarter  of  a  mile  broad,  and  is  surrounded 
by  a  reef,  which  projects  farthest  at  the  North  side,  where  it  reaches  the  dis- 
tance of  1 J  cable's  length. 

Three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  the  north-westward  and  to  the  westward  of 
Lawvengan  Islet  are  two  reefs,  partly  dry  at  low  water,  and  usually  breaking. 
To  the  southward,  and  mid-channel  between  Lawvengan  Isle  and  the  shore, 
is  a  reef  with  only  3  ft.  water  upon  it,  between  which  and  the  island  there  is 
a  narrow  channel  with  3  and  4  fathoms  ;  but  between  it  and  the  shore  are 
several  small  coral  reefs  that  dry  at  low  water. 

Paniang  Reef  is  a  ledge  of  rocks,  the  N.W.  point  of  which  bears  W.  by 
S.  I  S.  IJ  mile  from  the  N.W.  point  of  Papolle  Island.  It  is  a  mile  long, 
in  a  N.N.W.  and  opposite  direction,  and  half  a  mile  in  breadth,  and  the 
shoalest  water  upon  it  is  3  ft.,  and  on  some  parts  from  1  to  3  fathoms  are 
found.  This  ledge  is  very  dangerous,  as  the  sea  does  not  often  break  upon 
it,  and  it  cannot  be  approached  by  the  lead,  the  depths  very  near  it  being  6 
and  7  fathoms ;  but  by  keeping  a  good  lookout  it  may  be  distinguished  by 
the  light  colour  of  the  water,  and  its  brown  patches. 

Between  Paniang  Reef  and  Papolle  Island,  the  soundings  are  7  to  4  fa- 
thoms, mud  bottom  ;  and  on  the  East  and  S.E.  sides  of  the  reef  5  to  3  fa- 
thoms, towards  the  shore. 

Papolle  Island,  small,  round,  and  about  half  a  mile  in  diameter,  lies 
within  a  mile  of  the  shore,  with  which  it  is  connected  by  a  reef;  there  is, 
however,  a  channel  of  IJ  fathom  through  this  reef,  fit  for  the  navigation  of 
proas. 

Tyringin  or  Tjeringie  Reef,  lying  5  miles  North  of  Papolle  Islet,  and 
two-thirds  of  a  mile  off  the  shore  near  Tjeringie,  is  of  coral,  partly  above 
water,  and  generally  breaks.  It  is  half  a  mile  in  extent  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W., 
and  very  steep,  having  close  outside  of  it  6  fathoms  water,  increasing  to  9, 
12,  and  15  fathoms  at  2  miles  distance  from  the  shore. 

Between  this  reef  and  a  small  rock  near  the  shore  there  is  a  channel  of  3 
fathoms,  often  used  by  large  proas. 

Anchorage. — Supplies  may  be  obtained  at  Tjeringie,  and  a  convenient  an- 
chorage will  be  found  to  the  northward  of  Tjeringie  Eeef,  at  1^  mile  off 
shore,  with  Papolle  bearing  S.  by  E.,  and  the  flagstaff  at  Tjeringie  E.  by  S. 
or  E.S.E.,  in  7  fathoms,  clay  bottom. 

The  COAST  from  Tjeringie  runs  N.  by  E.  and  N.N.E.,  and  may  be  ap- 
proached, with  due  attention  to  the  lead,  to  2  miles  distance,  in  18  fathoms, 
without  danger  of  striking  upon  the  Catharine  Eeef.  The  general  appear- 
ance of  the  coast  is  low,  though  occasionally  interrupted  by  hills  and  con- 
Bpicuous  rocky  points. 

Catharine  Bank,  lying  about  4  miles  to  the  southward  of  Fourth  Point, 


FOURTH  POINT.  161 

and  half  a  mile  off  shore,  is  a  quarter  of  a  cable  in  extent,  N.  by  E.  and 
S.  by  W.,  with  some  rocky  points  even  with  the  water's  edge,  and  in  other 
places  only  half  a  fathom  water  ;  with  a  little  breeze  the  sea  breaks  upon  it. 
From  its  outer  edge  Fourth  Point  bears  N.N.E.  ^  E.,  Krakatoa  Peak  West 
a  little  southerly,  and  the  West  point  of  Thwart-the-way  N.  2  W. 

Outside  this  reef  are  4  fathoms  water,  increasing  to  10,  14,  and  18  fa- 
thoms, the  latter  depth  being  within  a  mile  of  it;  the  channel  between  it 
and  the  shore  has  3f  and  4  fathoms,  and  is  used  by  proas. 

Directions. — With  a  steady  and  commanding  breeze  a  ship  may  steer 
N.N.E.  from  Third  Point  for  Thwart-the-way,  which  is  distant  30  miles ;  or 
a  N.N.E.  ^  E.  course  for  26  miles,  which  will  place  her  2  or  3  miles  off 
Fourth  Point,  when  she  may  either  proceed  on  her  voyage  or  haul  in  for 
Anjer  Road.  Very  often,  however,  the  winds  become  light  and  variable 
there,  and  she  may  be  compelled  to  anchor,  in  which  case  these  courses 
would  lead  too  far  from  the  land.  For  these  reasons  it  is  better  to  keep  on 
the  Java  shore,  avoiding,  however,  the  dangers  in  Pepper  Bay,  which 
should  not  be  approached  under  a  depth  of  14  fathoms. 

When  the  current  is  running  to  the  westward  in  the  middle  of  Sunda 
Strait,  an  eddy  will  be  experienced  near  the  land,  besides  which,  a  vessel 
may  be  anchored  anywhere  along  the  shore,  except  near  Fourth  Point,  where 
the  bottom  begins  to  get  foul  and  rocky.  When  beating  up,  therefore,  with 
a  contrary  wind,  it  is  advisable  not  to  keep  too  far  out  in  the  offing,  in  order 
to  make  the  eddy  available,  and  not  to  lose  favourable  anchoring  ground, 
and  perhaps  be  compelled  to  anchor  in  deep  water. 

Along  the  coast  to  the  northward  of  Tjeringie  there  are  numerous  villages 
(campongs),  the  inhabitants  of  which  frequently  come  on  board  ship  with 
fruit,  fowls,  eggs,  &c.,  and  often  with  turtle. 

FOURTH  POINT  (  Vierde  Pmit),  or  Tanjong  Tyhoravg,  bearing  N.N.E.  f  E., 
distant  nearly  27  miles  from  Third  Point,  is  low,  but  easily  discerned  from  its 
numerous  cocoa-nut  trees.  From  it  the  nearest  point  of  Thwart-the-way 
bears  N.N.W.  b\  miles,  and  Krakatoa  Peak  W.  by  S.  nearly  27  miles. 

LIGHT. — In  1865  a  stone  lighthouse  was  erected  on  Fourth  Point,  near 
to  the  old  tower.  It  is  coloured  white,  35  feet  high,  and  exhibits,  at  151 
feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  a.  fixed  white  light  of  the  second  order,  visible 
in  clear  weather  at  20  miles  off.  A  second  light,  visible  8  miles  off,  is  shown 
in  the  direction  of  the  telegraph  cable,  and  vessels  are  warned  not  to  anchor 
with  both  the  lights  in  sight,  or  in  the  day  time  with  the  Lighthouse  bearing 
between  S.E.  i  S.  and  E.  by  S.  f  S. 

A  signal  station  is  attached  to  the  lighthouse,  from  which  signals  by  the 
Commercial  Code  will  be  answered  or  transmitted. 

Caution  should  be  observed  in  approaching  or  rounding  Fourth  Point,  for 
a  reef  projects  from  it  more  than  half  a  mile,  with  soundings  of  20  fathoms 

I.  A.  Y 


162  THE  STRAIT  OF  SUNDA. 

close-to.  Outside,  or  to  the  northward,  the  depths  increase  quickly  to  25 
fathoms,  and  at  2  or  3  miles  off  the  point  to  30  fathoms.  The  point  should 
not,  therefore,  be  approached  any  nearer  than  H  niile  when  rounding  it. 
The  telegraph  cable  between  Fourth  Point  and  Anjer  is  marked  by  three 
white  huoijs. 

ANJER.— At  2  miles  E.N.E.  from  Fourth  Point  is  the  flagstaff  at  Anjer, 
in  lat.  6°  3'  10"  S.,  long.  105°  54'  50"  E.  The  town  is  not  easily  perceived  in 
coming  from  the  westward,  being  situated  in  a  bay  where  the  houses  are 
scattered  amongst  the  cocoa-nut  trees,  and  nearly  obscured  by  them,  and  by 
a  spur  of  a  chain  of  hills  inland.  The  easternmost  of  these  is  a  sharp  peaked 
hill  called  Anjer  Peak,  directly  over  the  town,  and  is  on  with  it  bearing 
S.S.E. 

A  red  light  is  shown  on  the  extremity  of  the  western  pier  of  the  boat  creek 
at  Anjer  Point.     It  is  elevated  23  ft.,  and  visible  4  miles  off. 

The  Road  or  anchorage  is  N.  by  W.  from  the  fort  in  from  12  to  19  fathoms 
water,  soft  ground.  From  a  position  in  16  fathoms,  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
off  sh'^re,  the  flagstaff  of  the  fort  bears  S.S.E.,  Fourth  Point  S.W.  \  S.,  the 
Cap  N.N.E.  i  E.,  and  the  Button  N.  ^  E.  ;  and  from  thence  the  soundings 
decrease  uniformly  to  9  and  8  fathoms  at  about  a  cable's  length  from  the 
reef  which  fringes  the  shore,  This  is  but  an  indifferent  roadstead  in  the 
N.W.  monsoon,  and  landing  is  dangerous  on  account  of  the  high  surf.  At 
this  season  the  anchorage  near  North  Island,  on  the  Sumatra  shore  might 
be  found  more  convenient. 

In  the  S.E.  monsoon,  ships,  both  outward  and  homeward  bound,  generally 
call  here  for  water  and  refreshments,  unless  they  are  content  to  purchase  the 
latter  from  some  of  the  numerous  native  boats  usually  to  be  met  with  on  the 
look  out  for  vessels  passing  through  the  strait.  Buffaloes,  poultry,  vegetables, 
and  frequently  hogs,  sheep,  and  turtle  are  to  be  procured  here :  water  may 
be  had  by  applying  to  the  shore  boats. 

There  is  a  signal  station  at  Anjer  for  communicating  with  passing  vessels. 
A  telegraph  cable  crosses  the  strait  from  Anjer  round  the  West  end  of  Thwart- 
the-way,  close  by  Hog  Point,  and  up  the  eastern  coast  of  Lampong  Bay,  to 
the  coaling  station  near  Telok  Betong.  Vessels  should  avoid  anchoring  in 
its  vicinity. 

Light. — Two  lights,  each  elevated  35  ft.,  are  exhibited  on  the  piers  form- 
ing the  boat  creek  at  Anjer  Point. 

Caution. — Ships  should  approach  the  anchorage  of  Anjer  Road  with  great 
caution,  especially  at  night,  paying  particular  attention  to  the  lead.  They 
should  not  attempt  to  bring  up  in  less  than  15  or  13  fathoms,  or  they  will 
probably  get  too  near  the  reef  fronting  the  shore,  very  close  to  which  are  8 
and  7  fathoms  water. 

"In  weighing  from  Anjer  Road  with  a  westerly  wind  and  flood  tide,  a 
vessel  should  cast  as  quickly  as  possible  with  her  head  off  shore,  and  shoot 


THWART-THE-WAY.  163 

well  into  the  strait,  where  she  will  have  room  and  time  to  pick  her  anchor 
up  ;  it  being  dangerous  to  keep  a  ship  drifting  in  the  road  while  heaving  it 
close  up,  in  consequence  of  a  steep  rocky  point  to  leeward,  called  Lenning. 
A  large  ship  was  recently  totally  lost  upon  it,  having  drifted  on  while  get- 
ting her  anchor  to  the  bows. 

"  Ships  have  frequently  found  themselves  in  dangerous  proximity  to  this 
reef  from  anchoring  in  too  small  a  depth  of  water,  and  with  no  room  to  veer 
in  the  event  of  sudden  and  violent  squalls,  which,  as  in  most  tropical  coun- 
tries, are  very  common  in  this  strait." — Capt.  J.  B.  Caldheck. 

THWART-THE-WAY  {Dwars  in  den  weg),  or  Pulo  Renjang,  lying  in  the 
middle  of  the  narrowest  part  of  Sunda  Strait,  is  450  ft.  high,  and  easily 
recognized  by  its  irregular  shape.  It  is  2^  miles  long  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E., 
and  very  steep  all  around,  except  at  its  southern  extremity,  where  a  reef 
projects  2  or  3  cables'  lengths,  on  which  a  rock  above  water  is  visible. 
Capt.  J.  B.  Caldbeck  states  that  the  reef  projects  a  greater  distance  out  than 
is  generally  supposed  from  the  southern  end  of  Thwart-the-way ;  and  that 
at  low  water  the  sea  breaks  more  than  a  mile  from  the  island.  The 
highest  part  of  the  island  bears  N.  by  W.  f  W.,  6^  miles  from  Fourth  Point, 
S.W.  by  W.  f  W.  from  St.  Nicholas  Point,  and  N.E.  by  E.  J  E.  from 
Krakatoa. 

The  West  side  of  the  island  forms  a  small  bay,  in  which  there  is  temporary 
anchorage  in  16  or  17  fathoms  pretty  close  to  the  reef,  with  the  N.W.  point 
bearing  North  to  N.N.W.,  and  the  South  point  from  E.S.E.  to  S.E.  by  E. 
A  5 -fathom  patch  lies  about  a  mile  oflf  this  part  of  the  island,  with  irregular 
depths,  10  to  26  fathoms,  around  it. 

CHANNELS. — The  channel  between  Thwart-the-way  and  Java  is  the  most 
convenient  for  sailing  vessels,  owing  to  the  depths  of  water  being  but  from 
20  to  30  fathoms,  whereas  the  channel  between  Thwart-the-way  and  Sumatra 
has  40  to  50  fathoms.  The  latter  channel,  described  hereafter,  is  moreover 
encumbered  with  the  Stroom  Rocks,  in  dangerous  proximity  to  which  ships 
are  liable  to  be  set  by  rapid  currents,  and  unable,  from  the  great  depth  of 
water,  to  bring  up  by  anchoring.*  The  narrowest  part  of  the  channel  be- 
tween the  rocks  oflF  the  South  point  of  Thwart-the-way  and   the  reef  off 

*  "  "With  regard  to  the  respective  merits  of  these  channels,  being  bound  either  way 
through  the  strait,  the  preference  may  he  decidedly  given  to  that  between  Anjer  and 
Thwart-the-way,  in  consequence  of  the  great  rapidity  and  uncertaint}'  of  the  tides  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  the  Stroom  Rocks,  rendering  their  proximity  very  dangerous,  and  unless 
in  a  strong  breeze  a  ship  is  almost  unmanageable.  The  depth  of  water  on  the  Stroom  side 
is  almost  double  that  on  the  Anjer  shore,  except  in  a  S.W.  line  from  the  Button  to  Thwart- 
the-way.  Instances  have  lately  been  known  of  ships  which,  being  drifted  dangerously 
close  to  the  Stroom  Rocks,  let  go  their  anchors  and  run  their  cables  out  to  the  clinch  ;  they 
were  of  course  still  whirled  on  until  by  a  lucky  chance  they  barely  went  past  the  rocks  and 
no  more."— Capt.  J.  B.  Caldbeck.     Naul.  Mag.,  1843. 


164  THE  STRAIT  OF  SUNDA. 

Foint  is  a  little  more  than  4  miles  ;  and  the  distance  is  the  same  between  the 
S.E.  end  of  Thwart-the-way  and  the  Cap. 

The  Cap  {Bralands  hoeclje),  or  Pulo  Vlar,  is  a  small  rourd-shaped  island, 
only  about  a  cable's  length  in  diameter,  lying  N.  by  E.  3  miles  from  Anjer, 
and  about  E.S.E.  4  miles  from  the  S.E.  end  of  Thwart-the-way. 

A  shoal  is  said  to  lie  between  the  Cap  and  the  main  land  of  Java,  from 
which  Fourth  Point  bears  S.W.,  and  the  Cap  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W. 

BROUWERS  SAND  is  a  dangerous  bank,  lying  between  the  Cap  and 
Merak  Island,  nearly  2  miles  off  the  Java  shore.  It  is  composed  of  very 
hard  sand,  and  extends  nearly  3  miles  along  the  coast  in  a  N.E.  f  N.  and 
opposite  direction,  its  breadth  being  only  2  cables.  There  are  three  shoal 
patches  on  the  bank,  the  least  water  being  IJ  fathom  at  low  tides,  and  the 
general  depths  3J  or  4  fathoms.  Its  southern  limit  is  2J  miles  N.E.  from 
the  Cap  ;  and  its  northern  end  forms  with  Merak  Island  a  channel  2  cables 
wide,  with  depths  of  18  to  10  fathoms  water. 

Between  this  bank  and  the  shore  there  is  a  channel  a  mile  wide,  with  6  to 
10  fathoms  water,  which  increases  in  the  direction  of  the  Cap  to  15  and  20 
fathoms.  But  in  this  channel  a  rock  called  Kroenjo,  which  partly  dries  at 
low  water,  lies  at  1^  or  2  cables  off  shore,  with  the  Cap  bearing  S.W.  by 
W.  i  W.,  the  Button  N.W.  i  N.,  and  the  West  point  of  Merak  Island 
N-  I  W.  To  avoid  it,  when  standing  in  shore,  the  Cap  should  be  kept  inside 
of  Fourth  Point,  for  the  Cap  in  line  with  Fourth  Point  leads  just  outside  the 
edge  of  the  bank. 

GREAT  MERAK  ISLAND,  or  Pulo  MeraTc  Besar,  lying  N.E.  f  N.  5 J  miles 
from  the  Cap,  is  of  considerable  height,  nearly  round,  and  about  half  a  mile 
in  diameter.  The  island  is  bordered  by  a  reef,  which  on  the  N.W.  side  pro- 
jects nearly  a  third  of  a  mile.- 

Little  Merak,  or  Pulo  Merak  Ketchil,  lies  near  the  shore,  abreast  the  North 
end  of  Brouwers  Sand,  about  half  a  mile  to  the  south-eastward  of  Great 
Merak.  It  is  connected  to  the  main  by  a  reef  of  rocks,  which  is  just  under 
water,  and  consequently  cannot  be  passed  by  laden  boats. 

MERAK  HARBOUR  is  between  Great  and  Little  Merak  Islands  and  the 
main  coast  of  Java.  It  is  nearly  half  a  mile  in  extent,  but  in  mid-channel 
between  the  islands  there  is  a  rocky  bank  called  Tarremhoe,  which  partly  dries 
at  low  water.  The  harbour  may  be  entered  by  the  channel  on  either  side  of 
this  bank,  as  they  carry  from  5  to  10  fathoms  water.  The  channel  into  the 
harbour  North  of  Great  Merak  is  the  best,  as  it  is  more  than  a  cable  in 
breadth,  and  carries  6  to  14  fathoms.  Entering  by  the  southern  channels, 
keep  nearer  to  the  Merak  Islands  than  to  the  Tarremhoe  Bank  ;  entering  by 
the  northern  channel,  keep  Great  Island  shore  aboard. 

The  anchorage  with  S.W.  winds  is  East  from  the  highest  part  of  Great 
Merak,  and  North  of  Tarremhoe  Bank,  in  6  or  11  fathoms  water,  soft  ground. 
The  Juva  shore  is  steep-to.     Sometimes  a  heavy  swell  sets  into  the  harbour, 


THE  COAST  OF  SUM  ATE  A.  165 

for  which  reason  it  is  not  to  be  considered  safe  for  ships  in  the  N.W.  mon- 
soon, but  small  vessels  will  always  find  good  shelter  under  Great  Merak. 

The  COAST  from  Merak  Island  takes  a  north-easterly  direction  for  about 
4^  miles  to  St.  Nicholas  Point.  About  midway  between  is  a  small  islet, 
named  Tempoza,  lying  close  in  shore.  A  reef  fronts  this  coast,  extending 
a  third  of  a  mile  from  it,  and  passing  just  outside  Tempoza.  Close  to  this 
reef  are  depths  of  10  and  15  fathoms.  The  shore  should  not  be  approached 
nearer  than  half  a  mile,  or  in  less  than  20  or  18  fathoms  water.  The  sound- 
ings increase  regularly  from  the  shore  to  30  fathoms  ;  at  a  distance  of  4  miles 
there  are  40  to  50  fathoms. 

The  BUTTON  {Toppers  hoedje)  is  a  high  and  steep  little  island  covered  with 
trees,  and  about  the  size  of  the  Cap,  lying  well  out  in  the  fairway  of  Sunda 
Strait,  5  miles  to  the  north-eastward  of  Thwart-the-way.  It  has  34  and  30 
fathoms  close-to,  and  bears  from  St.  Nicholas  Point  AY.  by  S.,  distant  nearly 
7  miles,  and  from  Hog  Point  E.  |  N.,  \2^  miles. 

The  Anna  anchored,  to  wait  a  tide  during  the  night,  in  28  fathoms,  E.  3°  S. 
from  the  Button  ;  and  on  another  occasion  she  anchored  for  the  night  in  37 
fathoms  of  water,  with  the  Button  bearing  S.W.  J  S.  :  here,  however,  a 
hard  bottom  was  found. 

ST.  NICHOLAS  POINT,  inlat.  5°  52'  33"  S.,  long.  106°  2'  10"  E.,  is  the 
extreme  end  of  the  high  bold  promontory  forming  the  northern  point  of  Java. 
Dangers  extend  about  a  third  of  a  mile  oflF  the  point,  and  close  to  them  are 
11  fathoms,  and  32  to  35  fathoms  at  a  distance  of  from  1  to  2  miles. 

Directions. — When  proceeding  to  the  northward  from,  or  being  abreast  of, 
Anjer  Poad,  steer  to  pass  outside  the  Cap  and  inside  the  Button,  at  any  con- 
venient distance  from  either,  taking  care  not  to  borrow  too  close  to  Brouwers 
Sand  in  passing.  When  clear  of  that  shoal  and  the  Button,  steer  about 
N.  by  E.  for  the  Two  Brothers,  if  bound  to  Banka  Strait ;  or  to  pass  St. 
Nicholas  Point  at  about  2  miles  if  bound  to  Bantam  or  Batavia. 


THE      COAST      OF      SUMATRA. 

The  western  coast  of  Sumatra,  terminating  at  the  N.W.  point  of  the  Strait 
of  Sunda,  is  described  in  our  "  Directory  for  the  Indian  Ocean."  The  deeply 
indented  southern  (.oast  of  this  great  island  forms  the  northern  side  of  the 
strait. 

It  is  occupied  by  the  Lampiings,  or  Lampongs,  a  distinct  people  from  the 
other  nations  of  Sumatra,  resembling  in  this  respect  the  people  of  Java  on 
the  other  side  of  the  strait,  and  is,  like  them,  subject  to  the  Dutch  Govern- 
ment. The  geologic  formation  is  of  the  same  character  as  that  of  the  Sunda 
country  of  Java,  a  mass  of  volcanic  mountains,  some  of  which  rise  to  great 


166  THE  STEAIT  OF  SUNDA. 

elevation,  as  those  of  Lampong  and  Tanjamus,  7,500  ft.  The  people  are, 
compared  with  the  rest  of  the  Sumatrans,  rude  and  unpolished,  though 
having  a  written  language.  Their  country  is  far  from  fertile,  and  much  of 
it  incapable  of  being  cultivated.  The  chief  product  for  exportation  is  black 
pepper,  next  to  this  are  rattans  and  dammer  or  resiri.  It  was  formerly  the 
dominions  of  the  King  of  Bantam.  It  has  been  surveyed  by  order  of  Admiral 
E.  Lucas,  by  Lieutenants  J.  A.  G.  Eietveld  and  E.  H.  Boom,  1841.  The 
correct  Dutch  orthography  can  scarcely  be  followed,  as  many  of  the  names 
have  for  so  many  years  been  recognized  as  they  will  be  given,  that  it  has 
been  thought  advisable  to  retain  them. 

The  South  coast  of  Sumatra,  between  Flat  Point  on  the  "West  and  Hog 
Point  on  the  East,  a  distance  of  70  miles,  is  indented  by  two  large  bays, 
named  Keyser  and  Lampong,  the  shores  of  which  are  fronted  by  numerous 
islands  and  rocks. 

FLAT  POINT  ( riaklce  Hoek),  in  lat.  5°  59'  S.,  long.  104°  32'  37"  E.,  is  the 
southern  extremity  of  Sumatra,  and  the  north-western  boundary  of  Sunda 
Strait.  It  is  properly  the  western  extreme  of  the  low  projecting  tongue  of 
land  which  separates  Keyser  Bay  from  Blimbing  Bay,  and  the  East  point  of 
which  is  usually,  though  improperly,  called  Chinna  Point,  its  correct  name 
being  Rada,  another  point  3  miles  more  to  the  westward  being  Chinna  Point. 
Mada  Point  bears  East  a  little  northerly,  and  is  distant  9  miles  from  Flat 
Point.  A  small  reef  fringes  the  shore  about  Flat  Point,  but  at  a  mile  off 
shore  are  7  to  10  fathoms. 

At  2|  or  3  miles  S.W.  of  Flat  Point  there  is  a  narrow  bank,  with  8,  13, 
and  15  fathoms  water  on  it,  about  5  miles  in  length,  W.N.W.  and  E.S.E., 
and  about  a  mile  in  breadth.,  partly  consisting  of  reddish  sand.  The 
soundings  outside  this  bank  increase  rapidly  to  30,  40,  and  50  fathoms, 
and  inside  of  it  there  is  a  channel,  about  1^  mile  wide,  with  14  and  15 
fathoms. 

LITTLE  FORTUNE  ISLAND  {Klein  Fortuin  Eiland),  or  Pulo  Batu  Ketchil, 
lies  in  front  of  Blimbing  Bay,  just  outside  Sundd  Strait,  N.W.  by  W.  9 
miles  from  Flat  Point,  and  about  5  miles  from  the  main ;  it  is  low, 
woody,  about  a  mile  in  diameter,  and  surrounded  by  a  reef  also  a  mile  in 
extent. 

BLIMBING  or  Billimbing  Bay  is  inside  Little  Fortune  Island,  and  north- 
ward of  Flat  Point.  At  its  entrance  ships  may  anchor  in  7  or  8  fathoms, 
and  find  a  good  berth  with  S.E.  winds,  but  not  with  those  from  the  N.W. 
Small  vessels  will  be  sheltered  from  all  winds  by  anchoring  further  inside 
in  3  fathoms,  behind  the  projecting  reef. 

There  is  also  anchorage  off  the  East  side  or  Little  Fortune  Island,  in  9  or 
10  fathoms.  In  some  charts  two  reefs  are  placed  in  this  bay  close  in 
shore  ;  it  is  very  probable  they  do  not  exist,  but  it  will  be  advisable  to  be 
careful. 


KEYSER  BAY— KEYSER  ISLAND.  167 

On  the  East  side  of  this  bay  is  a  small  river,  but  its  water  is  brackish  ;  a 
fresh-water  spring,  however,  may  be  found  inside  the  S.W.  point,  from 
which  a  reef  projects  a  quarter  or  half  a  mile  to  the  northward. 

Approaching  Sunda  Strait  by  night,  the  soundings  will  be  a  good  guide 
in  passing  Little  Fortune  Island  and  Flat  Point.  At  6  miles  off  shore  the 
depths  are  40  and  30  fathoms,  and,  with  a  commanding  breeze,  ships  may 
venture  into  20  or  even  15  fathoms;  but  when  too  dark  to  distinguish  the 
land,  it  is  advisable  not  to  shoal  to  less  than  20  fathoms. 

KEYSER  or  SAMANGKA  BAY  runs  inland  in  a  north-westerly  direction 
about  30  miles,  and  is  about  20  miles  wide  at  entrance.  Its  western  shore  is 
steep,  affords  no  shelter  from  south-easterly  winds,  and  has  20  or  30  fathoms 
water  within  half  a  mile  of  it. 

Tampang  Bay,  just  round  Eada  Point,  on  the  western  side  of  Keyser  (pro- 
perly Keizers)  Bay,  is  only  an  open  bight,  but  has  good  anchorage  ground 
in  depths  from  12  to  15  fathoms,  a  mile  off  shore.  A  ship  will  be  exposed 
here  to  south-easterly  winds,  and  will  have  much  difficulty,  on  account  of 
the  rocky  shore,  in  getting  water  from  the  shallow  rivulets  that  discharge 
themselves  into  the  bay. 

The  village  of  Borne  is  in  the  N.W.  part  of  Keyser  Bay,  at  the  mouth  of 
Samangka  rivulet,  the  water  of  which  is  good,  but  boats  will  find  it  difficult 
to  enter.  The  land  is  low,  and  fronting  the  sea  marshy.  The  best  an- 
chorage is  East,  or  E.  by  N.  from  the  mouth  of  the  rivulet,  1  or  1^^  mile 
distant  from  the  shore.  Ships  lie  here  usually  without  danger  from  south- 
easterly winds,  which  seldom  throw  a  very  high  swell  so  far  up  the  bay. 
Near  Belong  Point,  the  southern  extremity  of  the  bay  near  Borne,  there  is  a 
rocky  shoal  which  projects  more  than  a  mile  in  the  offing,  with  10  fathoms 
very  near  it. 

The  eastern  side  of  Keyser  Bay,  North  of  Kalang-bayang  Harbour,  is  not 
so  steep  as  the  western  side,  and  affords  good  anchorage  about  2  miles  off, 
in  20  or  30  fathoms  ;  but  it  is  also  exposed  to  south-easterly  winds. 

KEYSER  ISLAND,  or  Pulo  Lahuan,  lying  nearly  in  the  middle  of  the 
entrance  of  Keyser  Bay,  is  high  and  steep-to  all  round,  and  affords  but  one 
spot  fit  for  anchorage,  a  very  indifferent  berth  in  the  western  monsoon, 
which  is  on  the  N.E.  side  in  25  to  30  fathoms,  sand,  and  very  near  the  shore. 
There  is  fresh  water,  but  the  high  surf  renders  landing  very  troublesome. 
The  island  is  inhabited,  well  cultivated,  and  produces  large  trees  fit  for 
masts. 

Kalang-Bayang  Harbour,  or  Koloemhyan  Bay,  on  the  eastern  side  of  Key- 
ser Bay,  and  about  East  from  the  North  point  of  Keyser  Island,  is  small,  but 
safe,  and  affords  good  shelter  from  all  winds,  with  sufficient  depths  of  water 
for  large  ships.  It  may  be  easily  recognised  by  the  high  and  rocky  island 
of  Eyoe,  which  lies  about  a  mile  outside,  and  can  be  seen  1 5  miles  off.  Half 
a  mile  north-westward  of  Eyoe  there  is  another  island,  or  rather  rock,  called 


168  THE  STEAIT  OF  SUNDA. 

Pulo  Klappa,  with  a  single  cocoa-nut  tree  upon  it.  There  is  a  safe  channel 
with  25  fathoms  water  between  these  islands. 

This  harbour  has  been  said  to  be  well  adapted  for  a  fleet  in  want  of  re- 
freshments, as  every  supply  may  be  obtained ;  but  the  Java  Guide  says  that 
refreshments  are  very  scarce.  Water  may  be  obtained  from  a  small  rivulet 
in  the  north-eastern  part  of  the  bay. 

In  the  N.W.  monsoon,  enter  the  harbour  by  the  western  passage  between 
Pulo  Klappa  and  the  North  point  called  Tanjong  Napal,  and  when  the  latter 
bears  about  West,  or  W.  by  S.,  anchor  near  the  eastern  beach  in  10  fathoms, 
soft  ground,  or  anywhere  in  the  harbour,  there  being  no  hidden  danger. 

In  the  S.E.  monsoon,  steer  in  about  N.  by  E.,  between  Eyoe  and  Klappa 
Islands.  With  a  commanding  breeze  a  vessel  may  pass  eastward  of  Eyoe, 
between  it  and  Pulo  Batu  Kabu  on  a  N.N.W.  course.  These  channels  lead 
close  to  the  Bover  Hocks,  which  are,  however,  easily  avoided,  and  left  to  the 
eastward,  as  most  of  them  are  above  water. 

Kiloang  Bay  lies  5  miles  to  the  south-eastward  of  Kalang-bayang,  and 
also  affords  safe  anchorage.  It  may  be  known  by  Tongkalie  Island,  which  is 
visible  12  miles  off,  and  lies  off  the  East  point  of  the  bay,  being  separated 
from  the  main  by  a  small  channel  only  fit  for  boats.  This  bay,  as  well  as 
Kalang-bayang  Harbour,  contains  all  sorts  of  wood. 

Coming  from  the  westward  or  southward  with  a  leading  wind,  steer  for 
Tongkalie  till  it  bears  East,  distant  2  or  3  cables'  lengths,  when  three  groups 
of  black  rocks  will  be  seen,  the  southernmost  of  which  bears  N.N.W.  from 
Tongkalie,  and  S.W.  from  the  others.  Steer  N.E.  and  E.N.E.  past  these 
rocks  in  from  30  to  20  fathoms,  for  the  eastern  side  of  the  bay,  which  is  very 
high,  till  Kiloang  Island  bears  West,  where  a  good  anchorage  may  be  taken 
in  13  fathoms  between  it  and  the  beach,  and  sheltered  from  all  winds.  Ki- 
loang Island,  which  is  small  and  not  very  high,  lies  near  the  eastern  beach 
of  this  bay,  with  some  rocks  at  its  northern  and  southern  extremities,  a  large 
reef  to  the  eastward,  and  a  smaller  one  on  its  western  side.  Although  the 
bay  is  spacious,  yet  pass  close  to  the  westward  of  Tongkalie.  Everywhere 
€lse  in  the  bay  anchoring  ground  may  be  found  in  16  to  18  fathoms,  but 
accompanied  by  a  heavy  swell. 

MOUNTAINS. — The  land  of  Sumatra,  eastward  of  Kalang-bayang  Har- 
bour and  Kiloang  Bay,  is  very  high,  consisting  of  the  Kalang-bayang  or 
Kamantara  Mountains,  3,418  ft.  high;  and  3  miles  farther  to  the  northward 
the  Ratteh  Mountains,  the  southernmost  peak  of  which  is  5,097  ft.  above  the 
sea.  More  westerly,  and  not  far  from  the  shore  of  Keyser  Bay,  the  Lani- 
pong  Mountains  rise  to  the  height  of  6,560  ft.,  and  Joukamoe,  or  Keyser  Peak, 
situated  11  or  12  miles  farther  to  the  north-westward,  and  near  the  head  of 
the  bay,  reaches  to  7,412  ft. 

Pepper  Bay  is  on  the  North  shore  of  Lagundy  Strait,  on  the  West  side  of 
Tikus  Point,  the  S.W.  point  of  entrance  of  Lampong  Bay.     It  has  a  huge 


LAMPONG  BAY.  169 

three-cornered  rock  in  the  middle,  and  is  very  limited  ;  but  the  native  proas 
row  up  behind  the  high  western  beach,  where  there  are  18  fathoms  water 
close  in. 

LAMPONG  BAY,  formed  between  Tikus  Point  on  the  West,  and  Pvajah 
Bassa  on  the  East,  is  very  extensive,  being  about  20  miles  wide  at  entrance, 
and  stretching  northward  into  the  land  nearly  the  same  distance.  At  its 
entrance  the  Lagoendy  Islands,  hereafter  described,  extend  8  miles  to  the 
eastward  from  Tikus  Point.  Other  islands  line  the  western  shore  of  the  bay 
inside,  between  which  and  the  main  there  are  several  good  roads  or  places  of 
shielter.  In  every  part  of  the  bay,  from  North  to  South,  will  be  found  from 
10  fathoms,  mud,  to  20  fathoms,  clay  bottom. 

If  a  vessel  keep  outside  the  islands  on  the  western  shore  of  the  bay  there 
are  but  tivo  dangers,  both  of  which  may  be  easily  avoided.  The  first  is  a 
sandbank,  dry  at  low  water,  surrounded  by  a  reef,  which  rises  from  17 
fathoms,  mud,  and  bears  E.S.E.  1^  mile  from  Kalagian,  and  N.E.  :^  N.  2 
miles  from  Little  Pokowang.  The  second  is  a  reef  with  2  and  \^  fathoms 
upon  it,  bearing  S.E.  ^  S.  1;^  mile  from  the  easternmost  of  the  Choondong 
Islands. 

Pedada  Bay,  the  first  bight  to  the  northward  of  Tikoes  Point,  on  the 
western  side  of  Lampong  Bay,  is  1^  mile  wide  at  entrance,  and  3|-  miles 
deep. 

When  running  into  this  bay  in  the  direction  of  the  southern  end  of  the 
Kalang-bayang  Mountains,  on  a  W.  ^  N.  course,  the  soundings  will  be  20 
to  15  lathoms,  clay  and  mud,  and  ihe  three  small  islands  of  Pedada,  Pena- 
rian,  and  Lilanga  will  be  seen.  Pedada  is  the  easternmost  and  highest,  but 
N.  by  E.  from  it  half  a  mile  there  are  two  detached  reefs,  usually  covered 
with  breakers  ;  and  a  third  reef  N.E.,  which  bears  W.  by  S.  from  the  North 
point  of  the  bay.  Keeping  this  last  reef  on  the  starboard  bow,  and  the  other 
two  on  the  port  bow,  will  lead  to  an  anchorage  in  15  fathoms  water,  very 
near  the  village  of  Pedada,  bearing  W.  ^  N.  This  village  is  to  the  westward 
of  Lalanga  Island,  and  stands  on  a  clear  fresh- water  stream.  The  high  rocky 
islet  of  Klappa  is  connected  with  Pedada  Point  by  three  groups  of  rocks 
above  water,  leaving,  however,  between  each  of  them  a  passage  for  small 
craft.  North-eastward  of  Klappa  lie  also  three  patches  of  rock,  with  17  and 
16  fathoms,  clay,  between  them  ;  to  avoid  them,  keep  Lalanga  Island  to  the 
westward  of  North,  This  small  island  is  also  high,  with  a  reef  extending 
about  2  cables  from  its  N.E.  point. 

Poondo  Bay,  lying  4  or  5  miles  to  the  northward  of  Pedada  Bay,  is  2 
miles  wide  and  3  miles  deep,  with  10  to  7  fathoms  water.  Across  the  en- 
trance lies  Pokowang,  the  largest  island  iu  Lampong  Bay  except  Lagoendy, 
with  a  peak  on  its  northern  side,  and  to  the  eastward  a  small  island,  to  which 
it  is  connected  by  a  reef. 

Poondo  Bay  may   be  approached  on  either  side  of  Pokowang.     When 

J.    A.  'i 


170  THE  STRAIT  OF  SUNDA. 

taking  the  northern  passage,  which  is  preferable,  the  white  coral  reefs  are 
seen  at  some  distance,  but  avoid  the  reef  X)rojecting  3  cables'  lengths  N.E. 
from  the  island,  with  15  fathoms  close  to  it.  There  is  also  a  detached  coral 
reef  close  to  the  N.W.  point  of  Pukowang,  which  must  be  kept  on  the  p'jrt 
side,  while  the  four  coral  reefs,  lying  mid-channel  N.AV.  and  W.N.W., 
from  the  centre  of  Pokowang,  should  be  kept  on  the  starboard  side. 

Kateh.  Bay  comes  next  to  Poondo  Bay.  It  is  3  miles  in  exteut  each  way, 
with  16  to  18  fathoms,  mud  bottom,  and  at  the  entrance  lies  Kalagian. 
Inland,  which  is  high,  and  has  a  small  island  separated  from  its  South  point 
by  a  boat  channel  of  3  to  8  fathoms  water. 

Not  quite  a  mile  S.  by  E.  from  Kalagian  lies  a  coral  reef,  showing  at  low 
water  like  a  black  speck,  and  bearing  W.  by  N.  J  N.  1^  mile  from  the 
above-mentioned  coral  reefs,  between  which  is  17  and  14  fathoms,  mud. 

Eatteh  Bay  may  be  approached  on  either  side  of  Kalagian  ;  and  the  two 
reefs,  which  dry  at  low  water,  to  the  westward  of  the  island,  may  be  discerned 
at  some  distance,  and  consequently  easily  avoided. 

Mahitam  Island  lies  off  the  North  point  of  Eatteh  Bay,  with  which  it  is 
connected  by  a  reef.  There  is  good  anchorage  on  its  North  side,  in  13 
fathoms,  mud  bottom. 

Tagal  Island,  flat-topped  and  conspicuous,  bears  N.E.  If  mile  from  Ma- 
hitam, and  about  W.  by  S.,  3^  miles  from  the  Choondong  Islands,  and  is 
visible  throughout  the  whole  of  Lampong  Bay.  When  coming  in  from  the 
eastward,  a  vessel  may  steer  for  it  on  a  N.W.  bearing,  and  pass  it  in  15 
fathoms  ;  if  entering  from  the  southward  it  is  a  mark  for  Lagoendy  Strait. 

In  the  bay  north-westward  of  Tagal  there  are  the  two  villages,  Ringong 
and  Oerong  ;  and  near  the  South  point  of  the  bay  is  the  small  island  Laho, 
connected  to  the  shore  by  a  reef,  and  throwing  out  another  to  the  nurthward. 

Tankel  Island  is  3  miles  North  of  Tagal.  The  North  side  is  low,  but  the 
South  side  high. 

The  Head  of  Lampong  Bay,  northward  of  Tankel,  narrows,  so  as  to  be 
scarcely  4  miles  wide,  but  it  contains  four  islands  : — Pomogotang,  1^  mile 
Noi'th  from  Tankel,  is  all  sand,  but  has  some  trees,  and  is  surrounded  by  a 
large  reef.  Little  Pomogotang  is  a  bank  without  trees,  1  mile  W.N.W.  from 
the  former,  and  also  begirt  by  a  broad  reef.  Koeher  Island,  lying  S.W.  from 
Pomogotang,  is  separated  from  the  main  by  a  5-fathom  channel,  and  a  reef 
runs  out  2  cables'  lengths  from  its  eastern  side.  A  black  beacon  buog  marks 
the  eastern  side  of  a  reef;  it  lies  N.  39°  E.  from  Koeber  Island,  and  South 
from  a  white  beacon  buoy,  with  the  harbour  office  at  the  mouth  of  the  river, 
N.  43°  W.,  and  the  foot  of  Mount  Apen  N.  7°  E.  The  fourth  is  the  low 
island  of  Passarang,  in  Telok  Betong  Road,  S.E.  from  the  river.  Besides 
these  islands  there  are  some  coral  reefs. 

Telok  Betong,  situated  in  the  north-western  part  of  the  bight,  is  the  chief 
town  of  Lampong  Bay.     Its  population  consists  of  natives  of  Sumatra  and 


BAJAH  BASSA  ROAD- KLArPA.  171 

Bugis,  with  a  Regent  from  the  Dutch  Grovernment  as  their  chief.  They 
trade  with  the  Javanese  in  Larapong  tobacco,  which  is  highly  esteemed.  A 
telegraph  cable  connects  Telok  Betong  with  Anjer.  The  Dutch  Government 
have  a  coal  store  at  or  near  here,  but  fresh  provisions  are  reported  as  difficult 
to  be  obtained.     A  red  light,  elevated  39  ft.,  is  shown  from  an  iron  column. 

The  eastern  side  of  Lampong  Bay,  between  Telok  Betong  and  the  Choon- 
dong  Isles,  is  high,  free  from  dangei',  and  may  be  approached  in  safety  to 
14  and  15  fathoms,  close  to.  From  the  Choondong  Islands  to  Rajah  Bassa 
the  coast,  at  2  or  3  cables'  lengths  distance,  is  fronted  by  a  line  of  rocks. 

The  Choondong  Islands  are  three  in  number,  of  which  the  northernmost  is 
a  steep  rock,  and  the  two  others  are  larger,  but  not  so  high.  A  detached 
6-ft.  reef  is  reported  1 J  cable  E.  of  the  southernmost  of  the  Choondong  Isles. 

To  the  northward  of  the  Tiega  Islets  the  Sumatra  coast  forms  a  deep 
curve,  called  Blantong  or  Lohogh  Bay^  with  4  or  5  fathoms,  mud,  and  a  salt- 
water river.  The  points  of  the  bay  on  each  side  are  covered  with  rocks  and 
a  high  surf. 

Tiga  or  Tiega  Islets,  three  rocky  islets  lying  3  miles  off  shore,  appear  as  one 
when  coming  from  the  eastward,  and  do  not  begin  to  open  until  Rajah  Bassa 
Road  is  approached. 

Eajah  Bassa  Road. — The  land  forming  the  south-eastern  part  of  Lampong 
Bay  is  high,  and  rises  to  two  conspicuous  peaks,  3  or  4  miles  inland,  named 
Rajah  Bassa  Mountains.  The  height  of  the  N.W.  peak  is  4,398  tt.,  and  that 
of  the  S.E.  peak  4,093  ft.  Rajah  Bassa  Road,  which  lies  directly  off  the 
high  land,  was  frequently  visited  by  the  China  ships,  it  being  an  excellent 
place  to  obtain  good  water  with  facility,  and  other  refreshments,  although 
Anjer  is  still  better. 

There  are  three  villages  on  the  shore  of  Rajah  Bassa  Road.  The  first  is 
Kalinda,  bearing  N.N.E.  f  E.  from  the  Tega  Islets,  and  having  in  front  of 
the  white  sandy  beach  some  large  rocks  above  water,  between  which  are  the 
openings  that  make  it  easy  to  land.  The  anchorage  is  in  7  to  10  fathoms, 
mud.  West  from  the  village,  and  a  mile  off  shore.  The  second  village  is 
Tyanti,  which  lies  E.N.E.  from  the  largest  Tiga  Islet,  and  abreast  that  part 
of  the  road  where  is  the  best  anchorage,  and  the  best  watering  places.  The 
third  village,  called  Rajah  Bassa,  is  just  to  the  northward  of  Cocoa-nut  Point, 
and  about  East  from  the  Tega  Islets  ;  it  is  the  largest  one  of  the  three,  but 
the  watering  there  is  very  difficult,  at  least  much  more  so  than  at  Tyanti, 
and  the  landing  dangerous  with  westerly  winds. 

KLAPPA,  or  Cocoa-nut  Point,  or  Rajah  Bassa  Point,  is  low,  covered  with 
cocoa-nut  trees,  and  bears  N.W.  by  W.  nearly  8  miles  from  Hog  Point,  and 
E.  by  S.  \  S.  from  the  Tiga  Islets.  Between  Cocoa-nut  and  Hog  Points  the 
coast  curves  in  to  the  north-  eastward  2  miles,  and  at  the  bottom  of  this  bight 
are  the  two  small  Bight  Islands,  surrounded  by  reefs. 

About  li  mile  north-webtward  of  Hog  Point,  and  about  1^-  mile  off  shore. 


172  THE  STEAIT  OF  SUNDA, 

is  the  Tims  Klip  or  Collier  Hod;  6  or  7  ft.  above  water,  and  56  ft.  In  circuit. 
It  is  fringed  by  a  reef,  which  on  the  N.E.  side  projects  about  50  ft.  Another 
rock  above  water  lies  about  a  cable's  length  westward  of  Hog  Point,  with 
deep  water  all  around  it. 

The  LAGXTNDY  or  LAGOENDY  GROUP,  lying  in  the  S.W.  part  of  the 
entrance  to  Lampong  Bay,  consists  of  seven  islands,  viz.,  Lagoendy,  Eound, 
Saka,  Soengal,  Tims,  Sussarat,  and  Mangoman.  They  are  uninhabited,  but 
produce  good  timber,  deer,  and  wild  hogs.  Along  the  southern  shores  of  the 
first  four  islands  the  sea  in  the  western  monsoon  is  very  violent 

Lagoendy,  the  largest  island  of  the  group,  is  nearly  5  miles  in  length, 
E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.,  and  close  to  the  southward  of  its  West  point'  are  two 
liigh,  round-shaped  rocks,  covered  with  verdure,  N.E.  ^  E.  and  S.W.  ^  "W. 
from  each  other,  with  a  boat  channel  between  them.  On  the  S.E.  side  of 
Lagoendy  there  is  another  rook  or  islet  of  the  same  character. 

On  the  North  side  of  Lagoendy  there  is  a  small  but  safe  bay,  Navgga  Har- 
hour,  with  depths  of  15  to  7  fathoms.  In  the  middle  of  the  entrance  is  the 
small  island  Fafappati,  behind  which  a  ship  may  find  good  shelter  from  wind 
and  sea.  There  is  room  for  ten  or  twelve  ships,  and  fresh  water  is  found  on 
Lagoendy,  S.E.  from  Patappan. 

Mangoman  Island,  lying  a  little  outside  Nangga  Harbour,  has  15  to  22 
fathoms,  clay,  all  round  it,  except  on  its  eastern  side,  where  there  are  only 
10  to  15  fathoms.  When  coming  from  the  eastward  or  northward,  a  mistake 
may  occur  between  this  island  and  Patappan,  but  the  latter  is  lower  and 
smaller  than  Mangoman. 

LAGOENDY  STEAIT,  between  Tikoes  Point  and  the  Lagoendy  Islands, 
is  2  miles  wide,  and  may  be  recommended  to  ships  working  out  of  Lampong 
Bay  in  the  N.W.  monsoon.  About  mid-channel  is  the  high  island  of  Sus- 
sarat, with  10  fathoms,  sand,  close-to,  and  30  fathoms  farther  off.  Near  its 
W^est  point  there  are  some  rocks,  but  they  are  high  above  water.  Although 
this  island  is  in  the  middle  of  the  channel,  yet  in  a  calm  ships  need  not  be 
alarmed  by  the  current  whieh  seems  to  set  towards  it.  The  passages  on 
either  side  of  Sussarat  are  equally  good. 

A  Coral  Reef,  carrying  only  2  fathoms  water,  and  having  13  fathoms 
around  it,  lies  northward  of  Mangoman  Island,  and  from  its  N.E.  side  the 
highest  point  of  Sussarat  bears  S.W.  by  W.  \  W.  ;  the  West  point  of 
Lagoendy  S.W.  \  S.  ;  the  North  point  S.E.  ^  E. ;  and  the  middle  of  Man- 
goman S.  \  E.  The  reef  is  about  75  yards  long,  and  cannot  be  distinguished 
by  discoloured  water. 

A  rock  awash,  which  breaks  in  moderate  weather,  has  been  discovered  in 
Lagoendy  Strait,  S.  24°  E.  from  Tanjong  Blantong  (^?). — Naut.  Mag.^  June, 
1877,  pp.  622-3. 

Eound  Island  lies  ofi"  the  East  end  of  Lagoendy,  its  length  being  about 
2^  miles,  N.W.   and  S.E.,  and  its  breadth  nearly  a  mile,     Saka  lies  about 


KEAKATOA  ISLAND.  173 

one-third  of  a  mile  off  the  S.W.  point  of  Eound  Island  ;  and  Soengal  about 
the  same  distance  off  the  S.E.  point. 

The  passage  between  Lagoendy  and  Round  Island  cannot  be  recommended, 
nor  that  between  Eound  Island  and  Soengal,  for  although  the  water  is  every- 
where deep,  the  gr"und  is  foul  and  the  current  strong. 

Tims  Island,  lying  3  miles  eastward  of  Soengal,  is  very  small  and  low, 
consists  chiefly  of  red  day,  and  is  surrounded  by  a  broad  reef  with  heavy 
breakers  ;  bnt  thp  channels  on  either  side  of  it  are  quite  clear. 

KRAKATOA  ISLAND  (or  Krahatou),  lying  in  the  middle  of  Sunda  Strait, 
is  about  5  miles  in  extent  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.,  and  3  miles  broad.  Its  fine 
conical  peak,  rising  boldly  up  to  the  height  of  2,623  ft.,  may  be  seen  at  a 
considerable  distance,  and  serves  as  a  fairway  mark  for  ships  entering  the 
strait  from  the  westward.  It  is  in  lat.  6°  9J'  S.,  long.  105°  27'  20"  E.  Arange 
of  high  land  runs  from  the  peak  in  a  northerly  direction  for  \\  mile,  when  it 
turns  to  the  north-westward,  and,  gradually  diminishing  in  height,  disap- 
pears at  the  N.W.  point  of  the  island  ;  the  outline  of  the  range  is  marked  by 
several  prominences  or  peaks.  The  North  coast  of  the  island  consists  of 
rocky  hills,  without  any  vegetation  whatever.  The  West  and  South  coasts 
also  consist  of  a  steep  and  rocky  shore,  and  it  is  only  on  the  eastern  coast 
that  there  is  any  level  land. 

There  is  a  small  spring  of  fresh  water  on  the  N.E.  side  of  Krakatoa,  oppo- 
site the  South  end  of  Lang  Island,  but  it  can  only  be  approached  by  boats 
at  high  water,  and  ships  should  not  depend  upon  watering  there.  A  short 
distance  to  southward  is  a  hot  spring,  in  which  the  thermometer  rose  to  154°. 

A  bank  of  soft  mud  extends  from  the  Eist  side  of  Krakatoa  and  Lang 
Island  about  3  miles,  with  the  peak  bearing  W.S."W.  to  S.W.  by  W., 
affording  excellent  shelter. from  westerly  gales,  by  anchoring  in  from  20  to 
23  fathoms  about  Ij  or  2^  miles  off  shore.  The  peak  bearing  S.W.  by  W. 
is  the  best  berth  ;  but  a  ship  should  not  anchor  with  the  North  end  of  the 
island  to  the  southward  of  West,  or  she  will  be  exposed  to  a  heavy  eea 
rolling  in  from  the  westward  between  Krakatoa  and  Pulo  Bezee,  during  a 
westerly  gale. 

A  submerged  rock,  hereafter  described,  is  marked  on  the  chart  nearly  East 
from  the  peak  of  Krakatoa,  and  a  quarter  of  a  mile  off  shore. 

On  the  21st  February,  1829,  the  Russian  corvette  Holler,  commanded  by 
Captain  Liitke,  although  only  drawing  14  ft.,  touched  on  a  coral  patch, 
said  to  lie  \\  mile  from  the  nearest  point  of  Krakatoa,  and  S.E.  from  the 
isle  lying  off  its  N.E.  point ;  but  the  description  of  its  position,  being  rather 
ambiguous,  is  not  satisfactory. 

Verlaten  (or  Fomaken  Island),  2  miles  long,  and  half  a  mile  broad,  lies 
close  off  the  N.W.  end  of  Krakatoa,  from  which  it  is  separated  by  a  narrow 
channel  with  numerous  reefs,  which  make  it  dangerous  for  boats  to  pass 
through.     A  white  rock  60  ft,  high,  and  another  rock  80  ft.  high,  lie  about 


174  THE  STEAIT  OF  SUNDA. 

three-quarters  of  a  mile  oflF  its  S.  W.  end  ;  and  about  a  mile  East  of  that  end 
of  the  island,  between  it  and  Krakatoa,  is  a  rock  or  islet,  with  a  rock  awash 
a  short  distance  to  the  southward  of  it. 

Lang  Island,  about  1|  mile  long  North  and  South,  and  about  half  a  mile- 
broad,  is  separated  from  the  N.E.  side  of  Krakatoa  by  a  channel  barely  2 
cables  wide  at  its  narrowest  part.  A  reef  stretches  out  from  its  N.W.  side 
nearly  half  a  mile,  and  encircles  its  North  and  East  sides  at  an  average  dis- 
tance of  half  a  mile,  terminating  off  its  South  point.  The  West  side  of  the 
island  is  bold  and  cliflPy,  with  deep  water  close  to.  The  Polish  Hat  {Poohche 
hoed)  is  a  round  islet,  lying  off  the  West  side  of  Lang  Island,  between  it 
and  Krakatoa ;  a  reef  projects  about  half  a  cable's  length  from  its  N.E.  side. 

The  Channel  between  Lang  Island  and  Krakatoa  is  from  one-half  to  one- 
quarter  of  a  mile  wide.  The  shore  of  Krakatoa,  forming:  the  West  side  of 
the  channel,  is  fringed  with  a  reef  extending  about  a  cable's  length  from  it, 
except  at  the  point  nearest  Lang  Island,  where  it  projects  only  about  a 
quarter  of  a  cable.  The  soundings  in  the  channel  are  deep,  30  and  28 
fathoms,  but  they  are  very  irregular,  decreasing  towards  the  Polish  Hat 
from  the  southward. 

A  shoallies  a  mile  S.S.E.  from  the  South  point  of  Lang  Island,  and  about 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  shore  of  Krakatoa.  It  extends  about  1^  cable 
in  the  direction  of  the  chai  nel,  and  has  a  rock  which  is  sometimes  awash, 
and  others  just  under  water,  upon  it.  The  West  extreme  of  Lang  Island  in 
line  with  the  Eist  extreme  of  Krakatoa  leads  between  this  shoal  and  the  reef 
extending  off  to  the  S.E.  point  of  Lang  Island,  although  it  passes  very  close 
to  both. 

BEZEE,  or  Tamarind  Island,  bearing  about  N.  by  E.,  nearly  12  miles  from 
Krakatoa  Peak,  is  nearly  3  miles  in  extent  North  and  South,  and  3;^  East 
and  West.  This  island  has  also  a  high  peak,  named  Sehezee,  sharper  than 
that  of  Krakatoa,  and  resembling  a  sugar-loaf,  which  rises  abruptly  to  a 
height  of  2,825  ft.  from  the  southern  extremity  of  the  island,  and  slopes 
gently  down  to  the  northward.  A  reef  projects  about  a  third  of  a  mile  from 
the  West  side  of  the  island,  some  rocky  points  of  which  are  visible  above 
■water ;  and  off  the  N.E.  side  there  are  three  small  islets  called  Huisman, 
Little  Tamarind,  and  Govts,  all  of  which  are  surrounded  by  small  reefs  having 
banks  between  them ;  the  islands  and  reefs  extend  a  little  over  half  a  mile 
from  the  shore.  Bezee  Island  produces  a  certain  tjuantity  of  pepper,  and  is 
inhabited  by  natives  belonging  to  the  villages  in  Lampong  Bay.  The  village 
is  on  the  East  side,  opposite  Little  Tamarind  Island. 

All  around  this  island  there  is  good  anchorage  in  15  to  25  fathoms  water ; 
and  at  a  mile  from  tlie  N.E.  side  there  is  an  excellent  roadstead,  even  in 
S.W.  gales,  with  13  fathoms  water. 

Bezee  Channel,  between  Krakatoa  and  Bezee,  is  7  miles  wide,  and  fre- 
quently used  by  ships  working  out  in  the  N.W.  monsoon,   in  preference  to 


SEBUKO  ISLAND.  175 

the  Great  channel,  because  here  they  have  regular  soundings  from  18  to  30 
fathoms,  and  may  anchor  when  convenient. 

Boom  Eock,  lying  nearly  half  a  mile  off  the  South  point  of  Bezee  Island, 
is  a  few  feet  above  water. 

Hindostan  Rock  is  the  only  known  danger  in  this  passage.  A  ship  of 
that  name  is  said  to  have  struck  upon  it  in  1791,  and  found  on  its  summit, 
which  was  only  6  or  8  ft.  in  diameter,  15  ft.  water,  and  10  fathoms  close-to. 
Krakatoa  Peak  bore  from  it  S.  by  W.  i  W. ;  the  "West  extremity  of  Verlaten 
Island  S.W. ;  the  East  extreme  of  Lang  Island  S.  5  W.  ;  Bezee  Island  from 
N.E.  to  N.  i  W. ;  the  peak  of  Keyser  Island  W.  by  N. ;  and  the  Zeeklip 
W.  i  N.,  well  open  to  the  southward  of  Keyser  Island. 

Lieutenants  Eietveld  and  Boom  tried  to  discover  this  rock,  but  without 
success,  though  they  found  a  shoal  with  5^  fathoms  least  water,  consisting 
of  hard  rock  and  coral,  and  having  all  around  6  to  13  fathoms,  soft  mud  and 
clay,  and  at  some  distance  19  fathoms.  From  this  slioal  Krakatoa  bore 
8.  by  W.  J  W.  ;  West  extremity  of  Verlaten  Island  S.W.  ;  South  point  of 
Zeeklip  West ;  and  the  angle  between  the  two  extremes  of  Bezee  Island  waa 
68°  30'.  Some  of  these  bearings  agree  exactly  with  the  former,  and  it  is 
more  than  probable  that  it  is  the  same  rock  ;  but,  if  not,  the  true  Hindoston 
ruck  must  be  very  near  to  this  shoal,  possibly  a  little  to  the  north-eastward 
or  eastward  of  it.  To  avoid  the  Hiudostan  rock  or  rocks,  keep  at  least  2 
miles  from  the  South  side  of  Bezee  Island  The  best  mark  for  proceeding 
through  this  channel,  is  never  to  bring  Gap  Eock  open  to  the  southward  of 
Keyser  Islaud,  W.  by  N.  Between  Hindostan  Eock  and  Boom  Eock  there 
are  10,  16,  and  20  fathoms  water,  rocky  bottom;  but  between  this  latter 
rock  and  Bezee  there  are  8,  9,  13,  11,  and  8  fathoms,  with  foul  bottom. 
Lieut.  Eietveld  saw  here  different  patches  of  light-coloured  water,  owing, 
apparently,  to  an  eddy  current,  and  although  they  much  resemble  sunken 
rocks,  all  the  casts  of  the  lead  indicated  IG  to  19  fathoms. 

Zee-Klip  {Sea  Eock),  bearing  W.  by  S.  6  miles  from  Sebezee  Peak,  con- 
sists of  three  pyramidal  rocks  very  near  each  other,  and  showing  above 
water ;  the  southernmost  is  the  largest,  and  is  often  called  the  Gap  Hock,  on 
account  of  a  cleft  in  it.  They  are  visible  at  a  considerable  di:?tance,  bearing 
N.  5  E.  and  S.  J  W.  from  each  other,  and  are  connected  under  water  by 
reefs,  upon  which  the  sea  continually  breaks.  They  are  steep-tu  and  inac- 
cessible; and  near  them  are  26  and  30  fathums,  mud  and  clay. 

SEBUKO  ISLAND  (or  Seboeko),  N.N.E.  a  mile  distant  from  Bezee,  is  not 
so  high  as  the  latter,  and  consists  mostly  of  craggy  hills.  It  is  inhabited  by 
natives  of  Enjah  Bassa,  who  cultivate  some  pepper  plantations.  Its  extent 
is  3i  miles  North  and  South,  and  about  3  miles  East  and  West. 

Close  to  the  East  side  of  Sebuko  is  Beschutter  Islet,  which  is  high  on  the 
East  side,  has  a  reef  on  its  South  side,  and  forms  with  Sebuko  a  small  bay, 
with  15  to  19  fathoms  water,  affording  good  anchorage  for  proas.     A  coral 


176  THE  STRAIT  OF  SUNDA. 

rock,  lying  mid-channel  between  the  East  point  of  Sebuko  and  North  point 
of  Beschutter,  renders  it  dangerous  to  enter  this  little  bay  from  tlie  north- 
ward with  westerly  gales;  but  there  is  a  good  road  for  large  vessels  in 
11  and  13  fathoms,  1  or  Ij  mile  from  Sebuko,  near  the  East  side  of  Bes- 
chutter. 

Eeefs  project  from  the  numerous  points  of  Sebuko,  and  in  some  places 
they  either  show  above  water,  or  the  sea  breaks  over  them,  but  they  do  not 
seem  to  extend  far  off,  except  from  the  West  point,  from  which  a  reef 
stretches  off  nearly  2  miles  ;  it  is  very  steep-to,  but  not  dangerous,  because 
the  westernmost  rock  on  it  rises  to  a  considerable  height  out  of  the  water, 
and  has  a  slight  resemblance  to  Zeeklip.  This  rock  lies  W.N.W.  from  the 
South  point  of  Sebuko;  S.W.  by  W.  i  W.  from  its  N.W.  point;  N.  |  E. 
from  the  West  point  of  Bezee,  and  If  mile  from  the  West  side  of  Sebuko. 

The  Channel  between  Sebuko  and  Bezee  Islands  is  not  quite  a  mile  wide, 
with  soundings  from  19  to  23  fathoms,  hard  sandy  bottom;  the  passage 
northward  of  Sebuko,  between  it  and  the  Tega  Islets,  is  1^  or  2  miles  wide, 
and  has  20  to  34  fathoms.  A  sandbank  lies  West  \h  mile  from  Tiga  Isles, 
and  N.  by  W.  from  the  North  end  of  Sebuko. 

HOG  POINT,  or  Varkenshoek,  Tanjong  Toka,  bearing  S.E.  by  E.  7*  miles 
from  Cocua-nut  Point,  is  the  south-eastern  extreme  of  Sutuatra,  and  between 
narrowest  part  of  Sunda  Strait,  across  which  tlie  Telok  Betono;  telegraph  cable 
is  carried  to  Anjer.  The  point  has  a  round  hilly  appearance,  and  is  easily 
distinguished  when  approaching  it  from  the  eastward  ;  but,  coming  from 
the  westward,  it  has  been  mistaken  for  one  of  the  Zutphen  Islands.  The 
soundings  a  mile  distant  from  it  are  from  40  to  60  fathoms. 
it  and  Fourth  Point  on  the  Java  coast,  which  bears  S.E.  ^  E.  13  miles,  is  the 

The  ZUTPHEN  ISLANDS  front  the  coast  of  Sumatra  to  the  north-east- 
ward of  H(jg  Point.  Four  of  them  are  large,  and  the  remainder  are  very 
small,  the  whole  extending  N.E.  and  S.W.  about  4  miles,  and  within  2^ 
miles  of  the  main.  There  are  several  shoals  in  the  passage  between  them 
and  the  coast,  amongst  which  there  is  said  to  be  anchorage  in  some  places. 
This  passage  is  generally  used  by  proas,  and  might  be  taken  by  large  ships 
with  a  commanding  breeze,  there  being  sufficient  depth  of  water,  but  great 
caution  is  recommeudud.  The  islands  are  steep-to  on  their  South  side, 
having  40  and  50  fathoms  water  very  near  them. 

Kandang,  the  south-westernmost  island  of  the  Zutphen  Group,  is  about  a 
mile  long  N.E.  and  S.W.,  and  half  a  mile  broad,  of  considerable  height,  and 
covered  with  large  trees.  Off  its  N.W.  side  aie  two  coral  rocks,  visible  above 
water,  and  steep-to  on  their  western  sides.  Near  these  rocks,  on  the  N.W. 
side  of  Kandang,  there  is  a  small  bay  that  affords  a  safe  anchorage  to  proas 
in  11  or  12  fathoms  water,  close  in-shore,  and  even  large  vessels  would  find 
ealety  there;  very  often  it  is  frequented  by  pirates. 

High  and  Kout  Islands  [high  and  woody  islands),  lying  to  the  eastward  of 


ZUTPHEN  ISLES.  177 

Kandang,  are  of  considerable  height,  rocky,  and  covered  with  trees.  They 
are  about  half  the  size  of  Kandang,  the  three  islands  being  separated  by 
narrow  channels.  Between  Kandang  and  High  Island  is  a  small  islet,  with 
some  cocoa-nut  trees  upon  it. 

A  reef  of  rocks  lies  2  cables'  lengths  from  the  N.E.,  East,  and  S.E.  sides 
of  Hout  Island,  with  10  or  12  fathoms  in  the  narrow  gut  between  it  and  the 
island.  The  soundings  eastward  and  south-eastward  of  Kandang,  and  High 
and  Hout  Islands  are  very  deep,  there  being  40  to  50  fathoms  a  short  dis- 
tance off'  them. 

Cocoa-nut  Island,  lying  westward  of  Kandang,  is  small,  very  low,  and  sur- 
rounded by  a  reef,  which  is  very  steep-to.  The  Brothers,  two  small  islands 
lying  to  the  northward  of  High  and  Hout  Islands,  are  low  and  sandy, 
covered  with  small  wood,  and  surrounded  by  a  narrow  but  steep  reef,  with 
15  and  18  fathoms  water  close-to. 

Hemoa  Island,  the  northernmost  and  largest  of  the  Zutphen  Islands,  is 
also  the  highest,  being  elevated  300  or  400  ft.  above  the  sea.  To  the  N.W. 
there  is  a  low  neck  of  land,  which  at  2  cables'  lengths  from  the  ground  be- 
gins to  rise  ;  the  South  end  is  the  highest.  Part  of  the  low  neck  is  a  sandy 
beach,  which  atfords  a  good  place  for  boats,  it  being  very  difficult  to  land 
anywhere  else.  Eemoa  is  covered  with  trees,  large  and  small,  as  also  are 
the  other  islands  belonging  to  this  group. 

The  South  side  of  Eemoa  is  fronted  by  a  reef,  partly  above  water,  with  a 
very  narrow  channel  between  it  and  the  island ;  it  is  called  Boompjes  Reef, 
and  carries  some  small  brushwood ;  from  its  South  point  the  N.E.  point  of 
Thwart-the-way  bears  S.E.  ^  E. 

Fatal  Islet  and  Eeef.— Close  to  the  N.E.  point  of  Eemoa  is  a  high  rocky 
islet,  called  Fatal,  and  from  thence  a  reef  projects  to  the  North  and  N.W., 
on  which  is  a  separate  cural  rock,  dry  at  low  water,  and  all  stretching  otf 
about  half  a  mile,  with  depths  of  11  and  12  fathoms  close  to  them,  so  that 
the  lead  gives  but  little  warning.  Erom  the  northern  point  of  this  reef  the 
North  point  of  Fatal  Island  is  on  with  the  Button  ;  and  from  its  western  edge 
the  West  point  of  Eemoa  is  on  the  West  point  of  Kandang  Island.  Toempal 
Island,  lying  westward  of  Eemoa,  is  small,  very  low  and  woody,  and  sur- 
rounded by  a  reef,  which  is  steep-to. 

South  of  Toempal,  and  nearly  in  mid-channel,  are  two  steep  coral  rocks, 
with  2  or  3  ft.  water  upon  them  at  oi'dinary  tides,  and  sometimes  dry.  They 
lie  in  the  line  of  the  Boompjes  Ee  f  and  the  N.E.  point  of  Thwart-the-way 
in  one,  S.E.  |  E.  A  little  further  South  lies  a  small  but  steep  coral  rock, 
sometimes  dry  at  low  water,  from  which  Boompjes  Eeef  is  on  with  theNortli 
point  of  the  Button,  E.  by  S. 

On  account  of  the  rapid  currents  experienced  at  times  near  the  Zutphen 
lelands,  in  the  westerly  mousoou,   ships  oujjht  not  to  approach  their  South 

I.    A.  2  A 


178  THE  STRAIT  OF  SUNDA. 

and  S.E.  parts  nearer  than  U  or  U  mile,  particularly  in  passing  Hont 
Island,  where  the  current  runs  with  great  velocity,  sweeping  to  the  S.W.  and 
W.S.W.  round  Hog  Point. 

Lieut.  Prins,  in  1844,  discovered  an  excellent  anchorage  for  a  dozen  or 
more  large  vessels  between  Hog  Point  and  the  Zutphen  Islands.  He  says, 
if  in  either  of  the  monsoons  a  vessel  cannot  beat  through,  or  is  detained  by 
calms  cT  currents,  she  may  bring  Kandang  Island  to  bear  N.E.,  and  Sindo 
Island  North,  and  to  the  westward  of  that  line  she  may  choose  her  berth  in 
from  30  to  5  fathoms,  sand ;  and  from  thence  the  land  wind  will  enable  her 
on  the  following  morning  to  pursue  her  voyage.  Moreover,  just  to  the 
westward  of  Sindo  there  is  a  small  river,  with  good  water,  near  Pagatau 
village. 

Vessels  are  strongly  advised  not  to  try  the  intricate  and  dangerous  passage 
inside  the  Zutphen  Islands,  especially  as  there  is  no  reliable  chart  of  it  yet 
published. 

The  Channel  between  Thwart-the-way  and  the  Zutphen  Islands  is  but  3^ 
miles  wide,  and  encumbered  with  two  dangers,  viz.  :  the  Stroom  Rocks  off 
Thwart-the-way,  and  the  Winsor  Eoek  off  the  Button.  Owing  to  the  great 
depth  of  water  in  it,  40  to  50  fathoms,  it  is  not  so  convenient  as  the  channel 
between  Thwart-the-way  and  Java,  where  the  depths  being  only  20  to  30 
fathoms,  much  greater  facility  is  afforded  for  anchoring  in  calms.  The 
channel  between  Thwart-the-way  and  Sumatra  is  much  frequented  in  the 
westerly  monsoon  by  ships  bound  to  the  westward. 

STROOM  ROCKS,  lying  N.N.W.  i  W.,  li  mile  distant  from  the  West 
point  of  Thwart-the-way,  are  a  group  of  three  or  four  rocks  very  near  each, 
other,  with  some  of  their  tops  visible  above  the  sea  at  high  water,  and  then 
only  discernible  in  fiue  weather  at  a  short  distance ;  at  other  times  they  may 
be  seen  at  a  considerable  distance  by  the  breakers  on  the  reef  which  connects 
them  under  water.  They  are  steep-to,  having  40  and  50  fathoms  very  near 
them. 

The  currents  which  meet  about  here  from  the  North  and  East  are  very 
strong,  and  with  the  opposite  wind  there  is,  near  these  rocks,  such  a  boiling 
and  eddying  of  the  water  all  around,  that  it  almost  appears  as  if  they  are 
connected  to  Thwart-th.e-way,  the  light-coloured  patches  between  them  ap- 
pearing like  rocks  under  water. 

Winsor  Rock,  on  which  the  American  ship  Claudius,  Capt.  Winsor,  struck 
in  May,  1837,  was  examined  by  Lieut.  B.  Gr.  Escher,  D.R.N.  From  it  the 
middle  of  the  Button  bears  S.E.  by  E.  |  E.,  distant  1 J  mile  ;  the  S.E.  point 
of  Thwart-the-way,  S.S.W.  ^  W. ;  its  N.W.  point,  S.W.  |  W.  ;  and  the 
South  point  of  the  southernmost  Zutphen  Island  is  just  in  one  with  the 
northernmost  visible  point  of  Bezee  Island.  The  least  water  on  it  is  16  ft., 
the  depths  increasing  suddenly  in  every  direction.  Other  rocks  were  seen 
in  the  edd}'  on  the  lee  side  of  the  rock. 


THE  CUAST  OF  SUxMATRA.  179 

The  COAST  of  SUMATRA  from  the  Z  itphen  Islands  runs  N.N.E.  J  E. 
for  the  distance  of  3  miles  to  a  point,  not  named  on  the  charts,  where  it 
trends  away  to  the  northward.     This  part  of  the  coast  is  fronted  by  rocks. 

Pulo  Logok  is  a  small  but  very  high  island,  lying  1  mile  North  of  the 
above-mentioned  point,  and  4  miles  N.  by  E.  from  the  Zutphen  Islands ;  the 
coast  near  it  is  rocky  and  steep.  Lieut.  Kolff  found  there  15  and  20  fathoms 
hard  sand ;  but  further  to  the  southward  towards  the  steep  point  near  the 
Zutphen  Islands,  a  mud  bank  projects  from  the  shore  ;  the  lead  is  there  a 
sure  guide,  for  the  bottom  in  9  and  10  fathoms  is  hard,  while  in  7  and  6  fa- 
thoms it  becomes  soft. 

The  Sisters  {De  Gezusters)  are  three  small  islands,  lying  about  N.  by  E.  3 
to  4^  miles  from  Logok  Island.  S.E.  nearly  a  mile  from  them  is  a  small 
reef  with  only  2  fathoms  water,  on  which  a  ship  was  aground,  with  North 
Island  bearing  N.  \  E.,  and  the  middle  of  the  Sisters  W.N.  W.  Another  in 
the  same  predicament  had  the  East  point  of  North  Island  N.  by  E.,  and  the 
outermost  Sister  N.  by  W.  \  W.  to  N.W,  It  is,  therefore,  advisable  to  give 
the  Sisters  a  berth  of  2  miles,  where  irregular  soundings  of  16,  12,  and  8 
fathoms  will  be  found. 

North  Island,  in  lat.  5°  40^'  S.,  long.  105°  50'  W.,  is  small,  bushy,  and  a 
full  mile  distant  from  the  coast  of  Sumatra.  There  is  a  small  islet,  called 
Sina,  at  its  southern  extremity  ;  and  extending  to  the  S.E.  of  it  is  a  shoal  of 
3 J  fathoms  water.  The  island  therefore  requires  a  berth  of  at  least  1^  mile; 
its  North  and  S.W.  sides  are  steep-to. 

Lieut.  Riddle,  E.N.R.,  recommends  North  Island  as  a  suitable  stopping- 
place  during  the  westerly  monsoon.  He  anchored  his  vessel  in  13  fathoms, 
with  North  Island  bearing  N.  by  E.  2  miles  distant,  and  found  a  deep  ship 
channel  between  the  island  and  the  main  ;  but  a  spit,  steep-to,  extends  100 
or  200  ft.  from  the  N.W.  end  of  the  island.  Between  Sina  Island  and  North 
Island  is  a  narrow  and  deep  channel,  bounded  on  either  side  by  coral  reefs. 
The  natives  of  North  Island  were  friendly,  and  showed  where  the  best 
water  could  be  obtained  :  this  was  easily  shipped,  while  at  the  same  time  at 
Anjer  the  surf  was  too  violent  to  allow  boats  to  come  off  with  water. 

Between  North  Island  and  the  Sisters  the  coast  bends  in  a  little,  and  is 
edged  by  a  mud  bank  ;  so  that  2  miles  from  the  shore  will  be  found  good 
soft  ground  for  anchoring,  in  8  to  12  fathoms,  with  North  Island  bearing 
N.  by  E.  Small  vessels  will  find  good  anchorage  between  the  Sisters  and 
the  main,  in  2  or  3  fathoms  water.  Abreast  of  the  Sisters  there  is  a  fresh 
water  spring,  but  Lieut.  Kolff  found  its  contents  detrimental  to  the  health  of 
his  crew,  although  it  was  clear,  and  free  from  any  unpleasant  taste. 

The  Winds  experienced  in  the  Strait  of  Sunda  have  been  briefly  described 
on  page  14. 

The  Currents  are  also  described  on  page  27. 

DIRECTIONS. — The  brief  instructions  for  passing  along  either  coast  of  the 


180  THE  STRAIT  OF  SUNDA. 

strait,  before  given,  will  be  sufficient  for  passing  it  with  a  fair  wind.     The 
following  is  for  the  return  voyage. 

Working  out  of  the  Strait  ix  the  North-west  Monsoon. — The  best 
way  is  to  pass  between  the  Zutphen  Islands  and  the  Stroom  Eock,  and  give 
the  Zutphen  a  berth  of  at  least  1}  or  1^  mile  on  their  eastern  side,  and 
beat  up  by  short  tacks  along  the  coast  of  Sumatra  between  them  and  Hog 
Point.  Afterwards,  passing  either  North  or  South  of  the  Tega  Islets,  as  the 
strong  currents  and  hard  squalls  may  allow,  try  to  get  westing  in  Lampong 
Bay,  to  the  northward  of  Tims  Island,  and  to  pass  between  it  and  Soengal, 
or  through  Lagoendy  Strait.  In  this  manner  a  ship  will  make  a  quick  pas- 
sage through  the  strait,  if  the  wind  be  not  too  variable,  besides  having  the 
advantage  of  anchoring  behind  Sebuko  Island,  or  in  Lampong  Bay,  it  the 
currents  or  winds  are  too  strong. 

There  are,  however  on  record  many  instances  of  vessels  having  beaten  out 
of  the  strait  along  the  coast  of  Java,  during  the  western  monsoon,  with  more 
ease  and  celerity  than  could  have  been  effected  by  stretching  into  Lampong 
Bay,  in  consequence  of  the  westerly  current  having  at  those  times  developed 
its  chief  strength  along  the  former  side  of  the  strait. 

It  has  been  generally  supposed  that  the  currents  at  both  ends  of  Java  are 
regulated  by  the  monsoons ;  but,  according  to  Captain  M.  H.  Jansen,  of  the 
Dutch  Royal  Navy,  who  has  had  great  experience  in  the  Indian  Archipelago, 
it  appears  that  most  part  of  the  year  a  westerly  current  sets  out  of  Sunda 
Strait.  It  is  much  to  be  wished  that  this  important  element  in  Indian  navi- 
gation should  no  longer  be  left  a  matter  of  doubtful  opinion. 

Some  remarks  on  this  subject  will  be  found  on  page  54. 


CHAPTEE    Y. 


EAST   COAST   OF   SUMATRA  AND   BANKA  STRAIT. 

The  EAST  COAST  of  SUMATRA,  between  Sunda  and  Banka  Straits,  has 
never  been  regularly  surveyed.  The  coast  is  generally  low,  and  covered  with 
wood  to  the  water's  edge,  and  does  not  therefore  present  much  variation  in 
aspect.  It  is  fronted  by  some  very  extensive  shoal  banks,  which  in  some 
places  project  14  or  15  miles  from  the  shore,  but  their  exact  boundaries  are 
uncertain. 

The  Winds  of  the  Java  Sea  are  described  on  pages  14 — 16  ante. 

The  Currents  in  the  Java  Sea  are  for  the  most  part  influenced  by  the  pre- 
vailing monsoon.  They  incline  to  the  northward  or  southwai'd,  according  to 
the  influence  of  the  currents  of  the  straits  of  Sunda,  Banka,  and  Gaspar ; 
for  during  the  western  monsoon  they  run  to  the  eastward,  or  more  southerly 
according  to  the  set  of  these  which  come  from  the  straits  ;  and  in  the  eastern 
monsoon  they  run  to  the  westward  or  more  northerly  from  a  similar  cause. 
Through  a  succession  of  tides  which  were  observed,  chiefly  during  the 
eastern  monsoon,  it  was  found  that  those  which  followed  the  direction  of  the 
monsoon  were  stronger  and  of  longer  duration,  so  that  a  daily  allowance 
from  8  to  12  miles  may  be  made  in  the  eastern  monsoon,  and  from  20  to  24 
miles  in  the  western  monsoon. 

The  COAST  trends  from  abreast  North  Island  with  a  slight  curve  inland, 
nearly  North  for  13  miles,  to  a  point  at  which  is  the  entrance  of  a  small 
river  named  Nihonng.  Two  other  rivers,  the  Sakampang  and  the  Niale,  also 
appear  on  the  chart  of  this  part  of  the  coast.  From  the  Nihoung  Eiver,  the 
coast  line  runs  nearly  straight,  N.  by  W.  for  another  13  miles,  where  it 
forms  a  small  bay,  and  from  thence  it  assumes  for  a  distance  of  20  miles  a 
rather  irregular  outline,  in  a  general  direction  about  N.  by  E.  |  E.  to  Tan- 
jong  Supong. 

Mount  Imbong,  in  lat.  S''  20^'  S.,  generally  described  as,  and  sometimes 
named,  Knoh  Hill,  is  the  most  prominent  hill  on  the  coast  near  the  Brothers, 


182  EAST  COAST  OF  SUMATRA. 

but  the  latter  name  tends  to  mislead.  It  is  of  low  elevation,  of  ver^-  gradual 
ascent,  and  clothed  with  trees.  There  is  a  hill  to  the  N.W.  of  it,  of  hum- 
mock form. 

SHAHBUNDAR  BANK  and  SHOALS.— Abreast  of  Mount  Imbong  and 
of  Tanjong  Supoug,  the  bank  fronting  the  Sumatra  shore  projects  about  a 
mile  only  ;  but  between  these  points  it  stretches  10  miles  in  the  direction  of 
the  Two  Brothers  ;  the  channel  between  the  bank  and  those  islands  being 
about  6  or  7  miles  wide.  Upon  the  outer  edge  of  the  bank  are  several  slioal 
patches,  upon  one  of  which  the  Dutch  ship  Shahhundar  narrowly  escaped 
destruction.  As  the  depths  decrease  gradually  towards  this  bank,  the  lead, 
if  attended  to,  will  indicate  its  proximity. 

From  Tanjong  Supong  to  a  point  l^  mile  north-eastward  of  the  river 
named  Eali  Saputi,  the  bearing  is  North  a  little  easterly,  and  the  distance 
13  miles,  the  coast  between  forming  a  bight  3|  miles  deep.  From  thence 
the  coast  line  runs  N.  J  W.  for  11  miles,  and  then  a  little  more  westerly  for 
11  miles  further,  to  the  large  river  Kali  Tulang  Bawang  or  Toelang.  The 
hank,  fronting  the  coast  between  Tanjong  Supong  and  the  entrance  of 
the  Kali  Saputi,  extends  a  little  more  than  half  a  mile  from  the  shore.  The 
Kali  Saputi,  the  mouth  of  which  is  in  4°  44'  S.,  may  be  approached  as  near 
as  3  or  2  miles  out. 

Tulang  Bank. — Northward  of  the  Kali  Saputi,  the  extensive  hard  sand- 
bank of  Tulang  projects  as  far  as  14  miles  from  the  shore;  but  its  South 
side,  bending  in  to  the  northward,  forms  a  kind  of  bay. 

Kali  Tulang  Bawang. — The  mouth  of  this  river,  in  4°  21'  S.,  may  be  closely 
approached.  Near  its  entrance  there  is  a  small  village ;  and  three  days* 
journey  up  the  river,  according  to  the  natives,  is  a  town  called  Mmigala, 
where  the  Eajah  resides.     Pirates  sometimes  hide  tliemselves  there. 

The  Coast  from  the  Kali  Tulang  Bawang  to  Tree  Island,  37  miles  to  the 
North,  curves  inland  3  or  4  miles,  and  about  the  middle  of  it  is  the  mouth 
of  the  Eiver  Masudyi.  Tree  Island  is  in  about  lat.  3°  41'  S.,  and  close  to  a 
point  of  land,  to  which  it  is  joined  at  low  water.  From  thence  the  coast 
curves  round  to  a  point  N.  by  E.,  distant  17  miles;  from  which  Lucipara 
Point,  at  the  entrance  of  Banka  Strait,  bears  about  N.E.  by  N.,  distant  15 
miles,  the  coast  between  forming  a  bight  3  miles  deep. 

Between  the  Toelang  and  the  Mesudji  Rivers  the  bank  extends  from  the 
shore  about  3  miles  only,  but  a  little  northward  of  the  latter  it  again  projects 
to  the  distance  of  14  or  15  miles;  from  thence  it  edges  away  towards  the 
coast  in  a  N.  by  W.  direction  to  about  7  miles  northward  of  Tree  Island, 
where  it  approaches  the  shore  within  3  miles;  it  then  runs  N.E.  for  16  or 
17  miles,  where  its  edge  is  11  miles  distant  from  the  land;  here  it  falls  back 
again  towards  the  coast,  and  takes  a  northerly  direction  to  Lucipara  Point, 
from  which  it  projects  but  2  miles.     On   this   bank   between  the  Mesudji 


WEST  AND  NORTH  ISLANDS.  183 

Eivpr    and    Lucipara    Point,    are   many   dangerous,    and    occasionally   dry 
patches. 

Some  of  the  dangers  supposed  to  exist  between  the  Thousand  Islands 
and  the  Sumatra  shore,  known  as  the  Dolphin,  Antelope,  Banterer,  and 
Paulowna,  were  searched  for  in  vain  by  Com^mander  C.  Bullock  in  H.M.S. 
Serpent  (1865),  and  expunged  from  the  chart.  The  position  of  the  Lynn 
Bank,  as  well  as  that  of  the  Coventry  Reef,  both  of  which  uncover  at 
low  water,  were  accurately  determined.  The  positions  of  several  other 
dangers  in  this  route  were  also  rectified,  but  as  no  complete  survey  has 
been  made,  vessels  navigating  this  locality  are  recommended  to  proceed  with 
caution. 

Jason  Rock,  searched  for  in  vain  by  Commander  Buckle  in  1865,  was 
found  about  2  miles  out  from  its  original  position  in  1870  by  the  master  of 
the  English  ship  Tewkeslury.  It  is  described  as  40  ft.  in  diameter,  with  13  ft. 
least  water  and  10  fathoms  around  it.  The  Netherlands  Gruvernment  steamer 
Borneo  afterwards  examined  it,  giving  the  following  bearings : — North 
Watcher,  N.  40°  E. ;  Pulo  Doea,  S.  89°  E.  ;  and  W.  Island  or  Pulo  Pablo- 
kan,  S.  62°  E. 

Helens  Rock. — The  barque  Helens,  Captain  Inkster,  on  a  voyage  from 
Bangkok  to  Melbourne,  struck  on  a  rock  6  miles  E.N.E.  of  the  position 
assigned  to  Jasan  Rock.  The  lead  was  immediately  hove,  and  got  5-^-  fathoms 
in  starboard  gangway,  and  suddenly  deepened  to  10  and  15  fathoms.  The 
bearing  of  several  islands  were  as  follows  : — North  Watcher,  N.  bv  E.  |  E.  ; 
West  end  of  North  Island,  just  open  to  the  westward  of  Doea  Island  ;  Ran- 
gat,  S.E.  by  S.  ;  Peblakan,  S.  ^  E. 

WEST  ISLAND,  or  Pulo  Peblaken,  in  lat.  5°28J'S.,  long.  106°  23'  E.,  is  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  in  length,  and  low,  but  the  trees  on  it  may  be  seen  13  or 
14  miles  from  a  vessel's  deck.  It  is  steep-to  on  all  sides  at  half  a  cable  dis- 
tant, except  round  its  N.E.  sandy  point,  off  which  a  coral  reef  extends  a 
quarter  of  a  mile. 

COVENTRY  REEF,  of  coral,  dries  at  low  water,  and  was  seen  always  to 
break  in  the  calmest  weather.  The  shoalest  part  is  S.S.W.  1  mile  from 
West  Island,  and  is  about  a  cable  in  extent,  but  it  appearpd  to  shelve  off  to 
the  S.W.  for  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  which  would  agree  with  the  account  given 
at  the  time  of  its  discovery  by  the  Caroline  Coventry,  in  1858.  It  is  probably 
the  same  as  that  stated  to  have  been  seen  by  the  Anna  Paidoivna.  Pulo 
Doea  kept  open  West  of  West  Island  will  clear  it  to  the  westward  ;  and 
Pulo  Gosong  Rangat  in  line  with  any  part  of  North  Island  will  clear  it  to 
the  eastward. 

NORTH  ISLAND  and  PULO  DOEA,  the  two  north-westernmost  of  the 
Thousand  Islands,  stand  out  very  conspicuously  from  the  group.  They  lie 
respectively  N.E.  by  E.  \  E.  6 J  miles,  and  N.E.  i  E.  6  miles  from  West 
If-land.     In  the  channel    1  mile  wide  between  them,  Mr.  Roes,   proprietor 


184  THE  STRAIT  OF  SUNDA. 

of  the  Keeling  Islands,  reported  a  detached  reef,  which  was  seen  breaking 
from  the  mast-head  of  the  Serpent.     It  lies  nearer  to  North  Island. 

The  NORTH  WATCHER  and  LIGHTHOUSE.— The  North  Watcher  js 
a  narrow  island,  half  a  mile  in  length,  the  N.E.  part  covered  with  high 
trees,  the  S.W.  part  with  low  trees,  visible  in  clear  weather  18  or  20  miles 
off.  A  coral  reef,  with  only  6  ft.  water  in  some  places,  stretches  about 
half  a  mile  round  the  South  end  of  the  island,  with  a  rock  in  one  place  above 
■water. 

The  ligJithouse  on  the  North  Watcher  is  a  white  iron  tower,  in  lat.  5°  13'  30" 
North,  lono-.  106°  26'  30"  East.  The  light,  first  exhibited  in  June,  1869,  is 
a  bright  light,  revolving  once  in  every  minute,  elevated  159  ft.,  and  visible 
20  miles  off. 

The  wreck  of  the  War  Eagle  was  reported  in  the  last  edition  of  this  work 
to  lie  S.W.  by  W.  5  miles  from  the  S.W.  point  of  the  North  Watcher,  in 
12  fathoms,  mud  bottom,  her  topmast  heads  showing  above  water.  A  blue 
flag  was  placed  on  the  main  topgallant  mast-head.  She  is  alleged  to  have 
struck  on  a  reef  2  miles  to  the  N.W.  of  the  North  Watcher,  for  which  a 
Netherlands  vessel  was  sent  to  search. 

OMEGA  ROCK,  on  which  the  American  ship  Omega  struck  in  1835,  lies 
about  E.  by  S.,  distant  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  North  Watcher. 
According  to  her  captain,  it  is  composed  of  coral,  about  150  to  200  yards  in 
extent,  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.,  and  about  60  or  70  yards  broad,  is  steep-to,  and 
has  not  more  than  9  to  12  ft.  on  the  shoalest  parts.  It  should  be  given  a 
wide  berth  by  a  vessel  passing  eastward  of  the  North  Watcher,  from  which 
it  is  separated  by  a  narrovC  channel  with  11  and  12  fathoms  water. 

EDELING  SHOALS.— Between  Pulo  Doea  and  West  Island  lie  some 
patches  of  rocky  ground,  named  the  Edeling  Shoals,  to  avoid  which  it  is 
recommended  that  vessels  of  heavy  draught  should  not  pass  eastward  of  a 
line  joining  the  two  islands,  unless  South  of  Pulo  Gosong  Eangat,  the 
small  island  surrounded  by  a  sand  beach,  which  lies  2f  miles  E.N.E.  of 
West  Island. 

These  shoals  consist  of  two  coral  patches  East  and  West  of  each  other,  and 
half  a  mile  apart.  On  the  eastern  shoal  there  may  be  as  little  as  3  fathoms 
at  low  water;  on  the  western,  4J  fathoms.  They  lie  directly  between  Pulo 
Doea  and  Eangat ;  from  the  latter  they  bear  N.E.  f  N.,  and  N.N.E.  i  E.  1 J 
and  I5  mile  respectively.  There  were  found  two  other  patches  of  9  fathoms, 
and  so  many  indications  of  sandstone  bottom,  that  vessels  should  appi'oach 
this  vicinity  with  caution. 

E.  ^  N.  from  the  South  point  of  Peblakan  or  West  Island,  distant  about 
3^  miles,  is  a  reef  of  coral  and  stone  ;  this  reef  extends  about  1  cable  North 
and  South,  and  2^  cables  East  and  West.  There  is  about  4  ft.  water  over 
the  shoalest  part,  and  from  4  to  5  fathoms  around  the  reef;  from  it  the  ex- 
tremes of  Kangat  Island  bore  N.W.  \  N.  and  N.W.  by  N.  respectively. 


THE  TWO  BROTHERS— LYNN  BANK.  185 

A  reef  also,  on  which  the  sea  breaks  heavily,  extends  a  distance  of  about 
2  cables  (by  estimation)  from  the  North  and  N.E.  sides  of  Rangat  Island. 

The  TWO  BROTHERS  are  low  islands,  which  together  extend  1  mile  in 
a  N.  I  E.  direction.  The  North  Brother  is  small  and  round,  with  high  trees ; 
the  South  Brother  is  4  cables  long,  and  two  of  its  trees  are  very  high  and 
conspicuous,  and  may  be  seen  in  clear  weather  20  to  23  miles  off.  Broad 
coral  reefs  surround  the  South  Brother  ;  round  the  North  Island  they  are 
narrower.  There  is  a  passage  between  the  islands  2  cables  wide,  carrying  7 
to  5  fathoms  over  an  apparently  regular  bottom.  To  the  East  of  the  islands 
is  good  anchorage  in  9  to  10  fathoms.  The  South  point  of  the  South  Brother 
is  in  lat.  5°  10'  25"  S.,  long.  106°  6'  E.* 

SWALLOW  ROCK.— In  April,  1866,  Mr.  Wilds,  Master  Commanding 
H.M.  surveying  vessel  Swallow,  succeeded  in  finding  the  rock  marked  ou 
former  charts  at  about  8  miles  S.S.W.  of  the  Brothers.  Its  position  is  in 
lat.  5°  17'  40"  S.,  long.  106°  3'  50"  E.,  the  South  Brother  bearing  N.  17°  E. 
(true),  distant  7f  miles.  There  are  only  22  ft.  water  on  the  rock,  and  vessels 
of  heavy  draught  should  be  careful  to  give  it  a  wide  berth,  as  there  was 
neither  ripple,  break,  or  swell  over  it  to  indicate  its  position.  At  half  a  mile 
S.  by  W.  i  W.  from  the  rock,  soundings  in  5  fathoms  were  obtained  on  a 
small  patch  of  sand  and  shells,  with  9  fathoms  between  it  and  the  rock.  The 
depths  around  the  rock  and  patch  were  9  to  10  fathoms,  sand. 

LYNN  BANK  is  composed  of  coral,  a  cable's  length  in  extent,  N.N.E.  and 
S.S.W.,  and  half  a  cable  in  breadth,  carrying  general  depths  over  it  of  3  to 

*  Doubtful  Dangers. — The  dangers  said  to  lie  in  the  track  of  vessels  sailing  direct 
between  Sunda  Strait  and  the  North  Watcher  were  searched  for  by  the  Serpent  during 
several  days.  The  hand  and  deep-sea  leads  were  kept  constantly  going,  and  the  sharp- 
ness of  the  mast-head  man's  eyesight  was  stimulated  by  the  ofler  of  a  reward  for  their 
discovery. 

A  short  time  was  also  devoted  to  the  Antelope  and  other  shoals,  reported  to  lie  South 
and  S.S.W  of  the  Brothers,  but  nothing  was  seen  of  them.  A  9-fathom  bank  of  fine 
speckled  sand  was  found  2\  to  Z\  miles  S.  \  E.  of  the  South  Brother.  This  bank,  which 
showed  of  a  pale  green  colour,  visible  2  miles,  would  prove  at  times  a  convenient  an- 
chorage ;  the  Brothers  just  touching  lead  over  the  shoalest  part.  There  are  not  more  than 
10  fathoms  between  this  and  the  Brothers. 

The  Dolphin  Kock,  on  which  the  ship  Dolphin  was  said  to  have  been  aground,  was 
searched  for  by  the  Serpent  during  part  of  two  days.  It  was  described  as  nearly  even 
with  the  water's  edge,  and  to  lie  about  6  miles  S.S.E.  from  the  South  end  of  the  Two 
Brothers,  but  it  does  not  appear  ever  to  have  been  seen  by  any  other  vessel.  The  distance 
from  the  Brothers  is  precisely  that  of  the  Lynn  Bank,  and  a  change  in  the  bearing  from 
S.S.E.  to  E.S.E.  (such  an  error  being  not  an  uncommon  one),  would  make  it  the  Lynn.  If 
it  were  not  for  some  indication  of  sandstone  bottom,  no  credibility  need  be  attached  to  the 
statement  which  records  its  existence. 

Pruisen  Bank,  sometimes  placed  in  lat.  5'  17'  S.,  long.  107°  9' E.,  does  not  exist,  nor  does 
there  appear  to  be  any  authority  whatever  to  place  it  in  that  position. 

1.  A.  2  B 


186  EAST  COAST  OF  SUMATRA. 

4  feet,  with  some  rocks  that  dry  at  low  water.  There  are  8  fathoms  close  to 
the  rock,  deepening  to  13  and  14  fathoms  at  a  cable's  distance.  It  is  in 
lat.  5°  12'  S.,  long.  106°  12'  E.,  and  from  it  the  North  extreme  of  the  North 
Brother  bears  N.  68°  W.  6§  miles,  and  the  South  extreme  of  the  South 
Brother,  N.  77°  W. 

These  extremes  of  the  islands  subtend  an  angle  of  9  degrees ;  if,  therefore, 
they  be  made,  whilst  passing  on  (or  within  a  point  or  more  of)  the  above 
bearings,  to  subtend  an  angle  of  8°,  a  vessel  will  pass  about  a  mile  outside 
the  bank  ;  and  if  an  angle  of  10°,  half  a  mile  inside  it.  In  calm  weather  the 
shoal,  from  its  dark  colour,  is  extremely  difficult  to  see  until  close  upon  it ; 
the  above  method  as  a  safeguard  will  then  be  invaluable,  and  may  be  used 
with  confidence.  A  sharp  lookout  should  always  be  kept,  as  the  shoal  may 
only  be  detected  by  a  slight  ripple.  At  night  it  is  recommended  to  close  the 
Brothers  and  pass  them  at  1  to  2  miles. 

BROTJWERS  REEFS  are  two  dangerous  coral  shoals,  separated  about 
half  a  mile  from  each  other,  with  a  dry  patch  of  sand  and  coral  upon  each. 
They  are  together  a  mile  in  extent,  and  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  breadth,  with 
depths  of  4f  to  15  fathoms  in  the  swatch  between  them.  Hard  ground 
stretches  out  from  their  North  and  South  ends  ;  at  a  short  distance  to  the 
eastward  and  westward  the  bottom  is  soft,  and  the  depths  1^  mile  eastward 
are  generally  H|^  and  15  fathoms,  regular  soundings. 

The  Serpent  anchored  near  the  N.E.  part  of  these  reefs.  No  astronomical 
observations  were  obtained,  but  the  position  of  the  North  reef,  by  careful 
magnetic  bearings,  was  made  to  be  in  lat.  5°  4f'  S.,  long.  106°  15'  E.,  the 
North  Brother  bearing  S.  60°  W.,  distant  10  miles,  and  the  North  Watcher 
S.  58°  E.,  15  miles.  This  is  rather  nearer  the  Brothers  than  the  commonly 
received  position. 

A  vessel  passing  eastward  of  the  Brouwers  and  Lynn  Eeefs  should  keep 
nearer  to  the  North  Watcher  than  to  the  Two  Brothers.  The  high  moun- 
tain seen  to  the  southward  is  Mount  Karang,  South  of  Anjer,  and  in  lat. 
6°  15'  S.,  but  from  the  above  reef  and  islands  the  round  hill  over  St.  Nicho- 
las Point  is  more  often  visible,  and  is  a  good  landmark.  The  latter  is  named 
Mount  Agoeng  on  some  charts,  but  is  called  by  the  Dutch  Gedeh,  and  its 
height  is  2,100  ft. 

Clifton  Shoal. — The  ship  Clifton,  of  Bristol,  is  reported  to  have  grounded, 
in  November,  1850,  on  a  shoal  with  2 J  fathoms  on  it,  lying  N.  J  W.,  10^ 
miles  from  the  Brothers.  It  is  now  marked  on  the  Dutch  charts  with  1 8  ft. 
and  24  to  27  ft.  to  seaward,  about  9  miles  to  the  eastward  of  Cape  Scopong 
or  Supong,  in  lat.  4"  56'  S.,  long.  106°  3'  E. 

Comara,  a  shoal  danger  of  doubtful  existence,  with  7  fathoms  close-to, 
placed  on  the  Dutch  Government  charts  about  9  leagues  to  the  N.W.  of  the 
North  Watcher,  and  7  leagues  from  the  coast  of  Sumatra,  in  lat.  4°  49'  30" 
South,  long.  106°  14'  30"  East. 


BANKA  STRAIT.  187 

Ocean  Mail,  marked  on  the  Dutch  Grovernment  charts  with  18  ft.  and  7 
and  8  fathoms  all  round,  is  situated  11  leagues  to  the  eastward  of  the 
Toelang  River,  in  lat.  4°  18'  S.,  long.  106°  26'  E. 

A  patch  of  hard  ground,  about  2  miles  in  extent,  having  but  4^  fathoms 
least  water  over  it,  appears  on  the  chart  in  lat.  4°  11'  S.,  long.  106°  8' E.  The 
soundings  around  it  are  irregular,  6  to  1 1  fathoms  on  the  East  side,  and  6  to 
9  on  the  West. 

Arend  Bank,  in  lat.  3°  45'  S.,  long.  106°  16'  E.,  is  2  miles  in  length,  and 
the  same  in  breadth,  consisting  of  fine  gray  sand  and  broken  shells.  It  has 
4^  to  6  fathoms  water  over  it,  and  is  surrounded  by  a  depth  of  6  fathoms, 
which  rapidly  increases,  over  a  soft  bottom. 

Boreas  Bank  lies  E.  by  N.  11^  miles  distant  from  the  Arend  Bank,  in 
lat.  3°  44'  S.,  long.  106°  27^'  E.  It  is  also  composed  of  a  fine  gray  sand,  and 
the  least  water  upon  it  is  5  fathoms.  Around  it  the  depth  increases  rapidly 
to  10  and  13  fathoms,  except  on  the  N.W.  side,  where  the  soundings  are 
regular  for  some  time  with  5  and  6  fathoms.  Between  the  Arend  and  Boreas 
Banks  there  are  irregular  depths  of  8  to  14  fathoms. 

City  of  Carlisle  Patch. — A  ship  of  this  name,  in  1861,  reported  a  patch 
of  16  ft.  to  exist  in  lat.  3°  46'  S.,  long.  106°  20'  E.,  or  S.W.  by  W.  *  W.,  3^ 
miles  from  the  Boreas  Bank.  Its  North  end  is  now  marked  on  the  charts 
in  lat.  3°  27'  S.,  long.  106°  24^'  E.,  whence  the  bank  extends  2^  miles  to  the 
S.E.,  with  5  and  4  J  fathoms. 

Caution. — Vessels  in  this  neighbourhood  unexpectedly  shoaling  their 
water  at  night  ought  to  be  very  careful,  for  many  that  considered  themselves 
to  be  upon  these  banks  were  in  fact  upon  those  off  the  coast  of  Sumatra,  near 
Tree  Island,  and  consequently  in  great  danger.  These  two  banks  consist  of 
fine  gray  sand,  while  those  near  Tree  Island  are  of  coarse  sand  with  gravel. 

The  depths  in  that  part  of  the  sea  which  lies  between  the  North  Watcher, 
Two  Brothers,  and  Lucipara,  are,  except  the  banks  of  Comara,  Ocean  Mail, 
Arend  and  Boreas,  tolerably  regular  from  10  to  16  fathoms;  but  nearer  to 
Sumatra,  about  22  or  24  miles  from  the  coast,  they  become  irregular,  chang- 
ing often,  and  suddenly,  from  10  to  5  and  6  fathoms.  Towards  Lucipara,  in 
the  usual  track  towards  Banka  Strait,  the  water  shoals  gradually  to  6  and 
4 A  fathoms. 


BANKA   STRAIT. 


General  Description. — The  Strait  of  Banka  separates  the  islands  of  Banka 
and  Sumatra,  and  trends  with  many  bondings  to  the  north-westward. 

In  the  ensuing  account  of  it  we  have  followed  entirely  that  given  in  the 
China  Sea  Pilot,  as  the  features  of  this  important  passage  have  been  carefully 
and  recently  surveyed  by  our  officers. 


188  BANKA  STEAIT. 

The  coast  of  Sumatra  is  very  low,  densely  covered  with  wood,  and  offers 
no  other  variation  than  a  few  points,  or  rather  roundings,  which  are  only 
clearly  distinct  at  short  distances,  and  are  easily  mistaken  for  the  so-called 
false  points,  which  are  observed  immediately  after  rounding  the  real  points. 
The  shore  being  inundated  at  high  flood,  the  distance  from  it  is  generally 
over  estimated. 

The  Island  of  Banka  is  covered  with  hills  and  mountains,  varying  from 
930  to  2,320  ft.  in  height ;  and  it  is  remarkable  that,  notwithstanding  their 
comparatively  small  heiglit,  their  summits  are  generally  covered  with  clouds, 
whifh  accounts  for  the  erroneous  heights  given  to  these  hills  by  various 
authors,  who  have  estimated  them  at  upwards  of  9,000  ft. 

On  the  Banka  Coast  are  prominent  points,  sandy  beaches,  and  in  some 
places  deep  bights,  as  on  the  Sumatra  side  ;  as  a  rule,  wherever  sand  occurs 
casuarina  trees  will  be  found ;  the  other  trees  are  principally  pine,  teak,  and 
aspen.  Near  the  western  point  of  Banka  stands  the  capital  of  the  colony 
(or  residency)  of  that  name,  called  Mintok,  and  its  roadstead  is  much  visited 
by  the  coasters  that  supply  the  Chinese  miners  with  rice. 

The  whole  coast  of  Sumatra  is  bordered  by  a  mud  flat,  which  is  narrower 
off  the  points,  but  in  some  of  the  bights  from  2  to  4  miles  wide.  Towards 
the  Banka  side  the  bottom  becomes  gradually  harder,  and  even  rocky. 
Besides  the  few  small  islets  and  rocks  in  this  strait,  there  are  the  group  of 
Nangka  Islands,  where  vessels  sometimes  proceed  to  procure  fresh  water 
and  wood.  Many  rivers  discharge  themselves  into  the  strait,  of  which  the 
principal  are  the  Soensang  and  the  Assing,  both  navigable  to  a  great  distance 
for  vessels  of  heavy  burden. 

The  entrance  to  Banka  Strait  is  encumbered  with  numerous  long  and 
narrow  banks  of  sand,  having  various  depths  of  water  over  them,  and  deep 
channels  between.  Only  two  of  these  channels,  however,  are  available  for 
the  ordinary  purposes  of  navigation,  as  it  is  not  possible  to  give  any  direc- 
tions which  would  enable  vessels  to  use  the  others  with  safety  ;  but  in  the 
event  of  a  vessel  from  accident  or  other  cause  finding  herself  amongst  the 
banks,  she  would  be  enabled,  by  careful  attention  to  the  Admiralty  Chart,  to 
extricate  herself  without  much  difficulty.* 

Until  the  survey  of  this  strait  by  Mr.  "W.  Stanton,  assisted  by  Mr.  J.  W. 
Eeed,  Masters  E.N.,  in  H.M.S.  Saracen,  during  the  years  1859  and  1860, 

*  Caution — Buoys  and  Beacons. — The  Captain  of  the  French  transport  La  Correze  reports, 
in  1873,  several  of  the  beacons  and  buoys  in  Banka  Strait  as  out  of  position,  while  others 
have  disappeared.  Captain  F.  G.  Petersen,  also,  in  a  letter  to  the  "  Nautical  Magazine  "  of 
February,  1875,  says — "  In  the  Admiralty  charts  are  mentioned  a  lot  of  beacons  and  buoys, 
■which  can  never  be  seen  in  reality.  I  saw  only  one  buoy  in  the  whole  strait  on  the 
Fredrik  Hendriks  Rock.  In  the  same  charts  are  many  conspicuous  trees  mentioned,  which 
are  all  or  most  of  them  gone.  On  the  points  of  Sumatra  should  be  some  beacons  and  fishing 
stakes,  but  anything  of  them  was  not  to  be  seen. 


TIDES  AND  CUEEENTS.  189 

very  little  was  known  of  the  banks  at  its  entrance.  The  Dutch  had  published 
a  chart  compiled  from  the  observations  of  the  officers  of  the  Dutch  men-of- 
war  employed  at  various  times  on  the  station,  which  furnished  a  pretty  cor- 
rect outline  of  the  coasts  on  both  sides  the  strait,  and  showed  the  positions 
of  the  prominent  dangers  in  the  fairway,  but  the  soundings  on  it  were  very 
imperfect,  and  the  space  eastward  of  Lucipara,  occupied  by  the  numerous 
long  narrow  sandbanks  above  referred  to,  was  almost  a  blank. 

The  ordinary  route  of  vessels  up  to  the  time  of  the  Sara<:en\  survey,  was 
through  the  Lucipara  Channel,  between  the  Island  of  Lucipara  and  the  Coast 
of  Sumatra ;  but  the  advantages  which  a  navigable  channel  along  the  coast 
of  Banka  Island  would  offer  to  vessels  passing  through  Banka  Strait  had 
been  long  felt  by  seamen,  and  Melvill  Van  Carnbee,  in  the  Java  Guide,  re- 
marks upon  this  want  as  follows  : — 

"  The  passage  between  Lucipara  and  Banka  would  have  great  advantages 
in  entering  or  leaving  the  Strait  of  Banka,  were  it  not  encumbered  so  much 
with  shoals  and  banks,  the  positions  of  which  are  not  known  correctly,  and 
which  render  this  passage  unsafe,  at  least  for  large  vessels,  although  Com- 
modore Watson  took  the  Revenge  by  night  to  the  eastward  of  Lucipara,  into 
the  Strait  of  Banka,  and  had  not  less  than  b^  fathoms  water.  For  vessels 
of  light  burden  and  beating  up  against  the  western  monsoon,  this  eastern 
channel  into  the  strait  is  very  desirable,  as  it  is  almost  impossible  to  make 
any  progress  against  the  strong  and  continual  currents  in  the  Lucipara 
passage." 

During  the  Saracenh  survey,  an  excellent  passage,  now  named  Stanton 
Channel,  nearly  5  miles  wide  in  its  narrowest  pai't,  and  with  depths  varying 
from  7  to  20  fathoms,  was  found  between  Lucipara  and  Banka.  Mr.  Stanton 
gives  the  following  reasons  for  preferring  this  channel  to  the  old  one  between 
Lucipara  and  Sumatra. 

"  The  Stanton  Channel  will  be  found  to  possess  many  advantages  over 
that  of  Lucipara,  for  it  is  a  mile  wider,  the  approaches  to  it  are  marked  by 
well-defined  hills  on  Bmka  Island,  and  a  vessel  of  the  largest  draught  may 
pass  through  it  at  any  time  of  tide ;  whereas  vessels  frequently  get  on  shore 
in  using  the  latter  channel,  for  the  coast  of  Sumatra,  consisting  of  low  muddy 
mangrove  shores  about  50  or  60  ft.  in  height,  is  unmarked  by  a  single  con- 
spicuous object  to  assist  the  seaman  to  clear  the  mud  flat  bordering  its  entire 
length,  and  which  a  few  miles  southward  of  Lucipara  Point  extends  1 1  miles 
from  the  land.  The  island  of  Lucipara  also  is  small,  about  half  a  mile  in 
length,  and  no  marks  can  be  given  to  avoid  the  rocks  extending  a  consider- 
able distance  to  the  southward  and  eastward  of  it. 

"  The  water  also  in  the  Stanton  Channel  being  much  deeper  than  in  the 
Lucipara,  causes  the  banks,  which  are  mostly  of  sand,  to  be  easily  recog- 
nized by  the  light  colour  of  the  water  on  them.  The  tide  also  ebbs  and  flows 
more  regularly  in  this  channel,  and  sets  directly  through   it,    which  enables 


190  BANK  A  STRAIT. 

vessels  even  in  calms  to  drop  through  ;  whereas  in  light  winds  and  calms  they 
are  often  set  over  amongst  the  dangerous  banks  whilst  rounding  First  Point 
in  endeavouring  to  get  through  the  Lucipara  Channel. 

•*  The  wind  in  the  N.W.  monsoon  blows  off  the  Banka  coast,  and  through- 
out the  year  land  breezes  generally  occur  during  the  night.  A  strong  land 
wind  from  the  N.E.  has  been  experienced  in  the  Stanton  Channel  during  the 
S.E.  monsoon,  when  the  wind  was  blowing  directly  through  the  Lucipara 
from  the  S.W. 

"  There  is  also  but  little  variation  in  the  depth  of  water  between  th© 
Sumatra  coast  and  the  Lucipara  shoals;  and  it  is  stated  that  during  the 
months  of  January,  February,  and  March,  when  the  N.W.  monsoon  is  at  its 
full  strength,  the  southern  current  continues  from  14  to  18  hours  successively, 
with  a  velocity  of  2  to  2  J  knots,  which  would  make  it  almost  impossible  for 
an  indifferent  sailer  to  make  any  progress  against  it.  It  is  also  said  that 
during  the  latter  part  of  the  S.E.  monsoon,  it  frequently  blows  hard  from 
the  S.W.,  accompanied  with  much  rain  ;  this  would  considerably  retard 
vessels  going  to  the  southward  through  the  Lucipara  Channel,  and  offer  a 
fair  wind  to  those  proceeding  through  the  Stanton  Channel. 

TIDES  and  CURRENTS. — The  tides  in  Banka  Strait  are  strong,  but  irre- 
gular, and  are  greatly  influenced  by  the  monsoons.  The  flood-tide,  entering 
the  strait  from  the  southward  out  of  the  sea  of  Java,  meets  another  flood, 
about  the  Nangka  Islands,  coming  from  the  northward  out  of  the  China 
Sea.  The  direction  of  the  streams  is  entirely  influenced  by  the  windings 
of  the  strait,  forming,  at  their  meeting,  whirls  and  eddies  in  the  bights  of 
the  land. 

In  the  Lucipara  Channel  and  the  southern  parts  of  the  strait,  sometimes 
there  are  two,  but  generally  only  one  6bb  and  flood  in  the  24  hours,  the 
former  running  to  the  southward  and  the  latter  running  to  the  northward. 
During  the  months  of  January,  February,  and  March,  at  the  greatest 
strength  of  the  N.W.  monsoon,  the  southern  current  continues  often  from  14 
to  18  hours  successively,  with  a  velocity  of  from  2  to  3 J  knots  ;  the  flood-tide 
is  then  very  trifling,  and  sometimes  not  at  all  perceptible.  On  the  contrary, 
during  the  S.E.  monsoon,  the  stream  of  flood  runs  sometimes  14  to  18  hours 
with  great  velocity  into  the  strait,  and  the  ebb  runs  out  during  the  other  10 
or  8  hours  with  but  little  strength. 

In  the  northern  parts  of  the  strait  during  the  N.W.  monsoon  the  southern 
current  or  flood  remains  longer  and  is  stronger  than  the  ebb,  and  the  reverse 
during  the  eastern  monsoon.  The  velocity  of  the  tide  is  sometimes  2  or  2^ 
knots,  and  the  range  from  7  to  12  ft.,  and  sometimes  more;  and  in  the 
mouth  of  the  rivers  the  water  during  the  western  monsoon,  from  the  heavy 
rains  which  prevail  at  that  period,  is  much  higher  than  during  the  eastern 
monsoon. 

Between  the  monsoons  flood  and  ebb  succeed  each  other  generally  every 


TIDES  AND  CUERENTS.  191 

1  2  hours,  and  the  one  or  the  other  is  then  stronger,  according  to  the  -wind 
being  northward  or  southward.  The  rise  of  an  ordinary  tide  is  5  to  7  ft., 
and  a  spring  tide  9  to  10  ft.,  and  sometimes  12  ft.;  but  the  average  rise 
seems  to  be  much,  greater  during  the  eastern  monsoon  than  during  the 
western  one. 

Mr.  Stanton  observes,  that  on  the  Sumatra  shore,  when  the  monsoon  is 
blowing  strong,  a  constant  surface  current  will  be  found  setting  to  leeward, 
and  extending  nearly  mid-channel,  except  between  Fourth  and  Batakarang 
Points,  where  it  is  influenced  by  the  numerous  branches  of  the  Palembang 
Eiver. 

On  the  coast  of  Banka,  owing  to  the  formation  of  the  land,  more  regular 
tides  will  be  found  ;  therefore,  ships  in  working  should  only  keep  on  the 
Sumatra  side  between  Batakarang  and  Fourth  Points,  and  when  Tanjong 
Tadah  bears  N.E.  f  N.,  work  along  the  Banka  coast,  as  by  so  doing,  and 
leaving  either  extremity  of  the  strait  at  low  water,  they  may  carry  a  fair 
tide  all  the  way  through,  and  generally  have  the  advantage  of  a  land  wind 
at  night. 

Throughout  the  strait,  a  difference  of  12  hours  in  the  tides  was  observed 
in  the  opposite  monsoon.  It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  the  S.E. 
monsoon  about  8^  30"  p.m.,  but  in  the  N.W.  monsoon  high  water  takes 
place  at  nearly  the  same  time  in  the  morning. 

Eddies  in  the  Bights. — When  beating  through  the  middle  of  the  strait 
during  the  strength  of  the  monsoons,  continuous  and  contrary  currents  are 
certain,  and  the  skilful  seaman  will  therefore  find  great  advantage  in  avail- 
ing himself  of  the  eddies,  as  well  as  of  the  more  regular  changes  of  tide,  by 
standing  into  the  bights  and  bays  in  those  parts  of  the  strait  where  he  can 
safely  approach  the  land. 

Inshore  Tides. — In  the  Toboe  AH  Channel,  also  in  the  bay  North  of  the 
Nangka  Islands,  and  in  the  passage  between  Brom-Brom  Eeef  and  Banka, 
we  meet,  even  in  the  western  monsoon,  a  pretty  regular  succession  in  the 
roadstead  tides.  It  has  been  often  observed,  when  passing  the  road  of 
Mintok,  that  the  vessels  were  lying  with  their  heads  in  a  contrary  direction 
to  those  at  anchor  upon  the  bank  outside.  In  that  road  the  flood  comes 
from  the  westward,  and  the  ebb  from  the  eastward  ;  but  near  the  mouth  of 
the  Assing  Eiver  the  contrary  occurs ;  the  flood  there  runs  West,  and  the 
ebb  East.  In  the  bays  between  Eerste  and  Tweede  Points,  and  again  be- 
tween Derde  and  Vierde  Points,  there  are  probably  eddies  of  which  vessels 
of  light  burden  may  make  use,  and  heavier  vessels  may  no  doubt,  in  many 
places,  run  close  enough  to  the  shore  to  keep  out  of  the  influence  of  the 
currents. 

Freshes. — Between  Bata-karang  and  Fourth  Points  the  ordinary  current 
in  Banka  Strait,  after  heavy  rains,  is  considerably  accelerated  and  diverted 
in  the  direction  of  Kalian  Point,  until  it   nearly  reaches  mid-channel,  by 


192  BANK  A  STRAIT. 

the  freshes  from  the  many  rivers  in  this  vicinity.     Vessels  sometimes  take 
advantage  of  this  to  complete  water,  as  it  is  frequently  quite  fresh  on  the 

surface. 

During  the  westerly  monsoon,  which  is  the  rainy  season,  these  freshes  set 
out  of  the  rivers  on  the  Sumatra  coast  with  great  force,  and  they  require  to 
be  carefully  guarded  against  in  the  night.  Upon  one  occasion,  when  H.M.S. 
Saracen  was  at  anchor  near  Lalarie  Point,  her  decked  pinnace,  moored  at 
the  boom,  was  fairly  pressed  under  the  water  and  swamped  by  the  force  of 
the  current. 


LUCIPARA  ISLAND,  half  a  mile  long,  W.N.W.  and  E.S.E.,  and  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  broad,  lies  at  the  southern  entrance  of  Banka  Strait,  9 
miles  East  of  Lucipara  Point,  in  lat.  3°  13'  S.,  long.  106°  13'  E.,  and  is 
visible  in  clear  weather  at  14  or  15  miles.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  reef,  which 
from  its  S.E.  end  extends  rather  more  than  1^  mile  ;  and  around  this  reef  is 
a  bank,  with  2^  and  3  fathoms  over  it,  extending  about  1^  mile  to  the  north- 
westward from  the  island,  and  2  miles  to  the  south-eastward  of  it. 

Formerly,  the  trees  on  the  S.E.  end  of  the  island  rose  to  a  sort  of  peak  164 
feet  high,  but  all  the  trees  on  this  peak  have  been  cut  down  (1875). 

Rocky  Patches. — Lucipara  should  not  be  approached  on  its  S.E.  side 
nearer  than  3i  miles,  for  a  rocky  patch  with  2^  fathoms  water  over  it  lies 
S.E.  by  E.  i  E.,  distant  nearly  2 J  miles  from  the  island;  and  a  mile  to  the 
westward  of  this  patch  is  another  of  2f  fathoms. 

LUCIPARA  POINT,  which  forms  the  south-western  limit  of  Banka  Strait, 
is  in  lat.  3°  13^'  S.,  long.  106°  3'  E.  It  is  covered  with  trees,  the  tops  of  the 
highest  being  89  ft.  above  the  level  of  the  sea. 

The  COAST  between  Lucipara  and  First  Points  is  formed  of  mangrove 
jungle,  and  was  found  in  the  survey  of  1859  to  extend  considerably  more 
eastward  than  shown  in  the  Dutch  chart.  This  extension  has  evidently 
taken  place  since  their  survey  in  1818,  and  it  may  be  attributed  to  the  sedi- 
ment from  the  numerous  small  rivers  in  that  vicinity  affording  more  soil  for 
the  growth  of  the  prolific  mangrove.  The  contour  of  the  dry  mud  was  ob- 
tained and  sounded  close-to  at  the  springs,  and  it  will  be  a  guide  to  show  any 
further  extension. 

Green  Point,  so  called  from  the  trees  on  it  being  of  a  lighter  and  brighter 
green  than  elsewhere,  bears  N.  ^  W.,  distant  9  miles  from  Lucipara  Point, 
the  coast  between  forming  a  bight  about  1|^  mile  deep.  Between  these  points 
is  a  ridge  of  high  trees  standing  about  1^  mile  back  from  the  coast  line,  with 
a  conspicuous  tree,  153  ft.  high,  near  their  centre. 

EERSTE,  or  Pirst  Point,  bears  N.  J  W.,  distant  4^  miles  from  Green 


VALSCHE  EERST— TWEEDE  POINT.  193 

Point,   the  coast  between  fornaing  a  bight.     The  trees  on  it  are  of  equal 
height,  60  ft.,  and  present  a  level  appearance. 

Mud  Bank. — From  the  southward  the  coast  line  approaches  Lucipara 
Point  in  a  north-easterly  direction  ;  but  the  3-fathoms  line,  which  may  be 
considered  the  edge  of  the  mud-bank  which  fronts  the  whole  coast  of  Suma- 
tra, from  a  distance  of  10  or  12  miles  southward  of  the  point,  approaches  it 
nearly  straight  in  a  N.  by  W.  direction,  and  passing  Lucipara  Point  about  2 
miles  off,  follows,  with  a  slight  curve  in  towards  the  coast,  the  same  general 
direction  until  abreast  of  Green  Point,  from  which,  it  extends  a  little  over  a 
mile  ;  it  then  takes  a  direction  a  little  more  westerly  until  abreast  of  the 
South  part  of  First  Point,  from  which  it  is  distant  three-quarters  of  a  mile. 
In  rounding  First  Point,  the  bank  approaches  nearer  to  it,  and  on  its  N.E. 
side  projects  only  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  shore. 

From  10  or  11  miles  to  the  southward  of  Lucipara  Point,  to  within  2  miles 
of  Grreen  Point,  the  soundings  decrease  regularly  towards  the  bank ;  but 
just  to  the  southward  of,  and  fronting  Green  Point,  the  water  shoals  sud- 
denly from  6  to  3  fathoms  ;  and,  therefore,  this  part  of  the  flat  should  never 
be  approached  into  less  water  than  7  fathoms.  Near  First  Point  the  bank 
is  also  steep-to,  especially  on  the  N.E.  side,  and  should  not  be  approached 
under  12  or  10  fathoms,  those  depths  extending  to  the  distance  of  1  to  1^ 
mile  off  the  point. 

The  COAST  from  First  Point  takes  a  N.W.  by  W.  f  W.  direction  for  6f 
miles  to  False  First  Point,  having  a  small  bight  or  indentation  between,  at 
about  two-thirds  of  that  distance  from  First  Point.  From  False  First  Point 
it  falls  back  S.W.  by  W.,  about  3  miles,  and  then  forming  a  deep  bay, 
gradually  curves  round  to  a  slight  point  (False  Tweede  Point  of  the  Dutch), 
from  whence  it  runs  pretty  straight  about  N.  J  W.  for  7  miles  to  Tweede  or 
Second  Point. 

VALSCHE  EERST,  or  False  First  Point.— The  trees  upon  this  point  are 
more  elevated  than  those  on  First  Point,  being  105  ft.  high.  Lalarie  Point, 
on  the  Banka  side,  bears  from  it  N.  ^  W.  nearly  7^  miles,  and  Second  Point 
N.W.  i  N.  18^  miles. 

The  mud-bank  projects  two-thirds  of  a  mile  from  False  First  Point,  and 
more  than  3  miles  from  the  shore  in  the  depth  of  the  bay  between  that  point 
and  Second  Point.  The  bank  is  very  steep  close-to,  and  should  not  be  ap- 
proached under  a  depth  of  12  fathoms  near  the  points,  nor  under  10  fdthoms 
in  the  bight  between  them. 

TWEEDE,  or  Second  Point,  the  trees  on  which  are  81  ft.  high,  bears 
from  First  Point  N.W.  i  N.  21^  miles,  and  from  Lalarie  Point  N.W.  |  W. 
13  miles.  From  this  point  the  coast  falls  back,  and  curves  round  until 
within  5  miles  of  Third  Point,  forming  a  bay  about  5  miles  deep  ;  it  then 
runs  nearly  straight  to  Third  Point. 

I.  ▲.  So 


194  BANKA  STEAIT. 

The  mud-bank  extends  about  two-thirds  of  a  mile  from  Second  Point,  and 
being  very  steep-to  should  not  be  neared  under  a  depth  of  12  fathoms. 
Between  Second  and  Third  Points  it  runs  very  nearly  straight  from  point  to 
point,  filling  up  the  bay.  The  soundings  here  do  not,  as  a  general  rule, 
shoal  so  suddenly  as  they  have  been  described  to  do  between  the  other 
points,  but  at  2  or  3  miles  South  of  Third  Point  the  bank  curves  out  consi- 
derably, and  is  dangerous  to  strangers,  particularly  when  coming  from  the 
northward,  as  they  are  likely  to  infer  that  the  bank  falls  back  in  the  direction 
of  the  land.  The  depths,  too,  here  again  begin  to  shoal  suddenly,  adding  to 
the  danger,  so  that  it  is  necessary  to  exercise  caution  and  give  a  good  berth 
to  this  part  of  the  bank. 

A  Spit  or  Horn  extends  1^  mile  from  the  above  mud  flat,  and  then  in  a 
south-easterly  direction  for  2  miles,  with  depths  from  2J  to  3  fathoms,  mud, 
on  it,  and  from  4  to  5  fathoms  between  it  and  the  flat ;  from  its  northern 
extreme  Second  Point  bears  S.S.E.  8  miles,  and  Parmassang  Peak  E.  by  S. 
12^  miles ;  therefore  in  passing  this  spit.  Second  Point  should  not  be  brought 
eastward  of  S.  by  E.  f  E.  until  Parmassang  Peak  bears  E.S.E. 

Doubtful  Patch. — There  is  said  to  be  as  little  as  4  fathoms  over  muddy 
bottom,  with  Little  Nangka  Island  bearing  North,  and  the  middle  of  Par- 
massang Hill  East. 

DERDE,  or  Third  Point,  bearing  N.N.W.  f  W.  20J  miles  from  Second 
Point,  is  78  ft.  high,  and  has  on  its  North  side  a  square  beacon,  with  a  white 
top  and  ball.  From  this  point  the  coast  runs  back  about  W.S.W.  for  2 
miles  to  the  entrance  of  a  small  river,  named  Songi  Kisoegean,  which,  from 
native  information,  is  said  to  connect  with  a  branch  of  the  Palembang  River ; 
from  thence  it  curves  round  in  a  West  and  W.N.W.  direction  for  4  or  5 
miles,  and  then  assumes  a  tolerably  straight  outline  until  within  3  or  4  miles 
of  Fourth  Point,  which  it  approaches  in  a  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W.  direction. 

The  mud-bank  does  not  extend  more  than  half  a  mile  off  Third  Point, 
but  is  very  steep-to,  and  should  not  be  approached  under  three-quarters 
of  a  mile,  or  in  less  than  15  to  13  fathoms  water.  Between  Third  and 
Fourth  Points  the  bank  runs  pretty  nearly  straight,  the  edge  of  it  being 
distant  from  1  to  H  J^il©  ivovtx  the  shore,  except  in  front  of  the  bight  just  to 
the  westward  of  Third  Point,  where  it  is  2  miles  distant  from  the  shore. 

The  soundings  between  Third  and  Fourth  Points  are  irregular,  but  vessels 
may,  with  careful  attention  to  the  lead,  stand  towards  the  mud-bank  into  7 
or  6  fathoms,  until  nearly  abreast  of  Fourth  Point,  where  the  bank  gets 
steeper,  having  10  fathoms  close-to,  and  only  8  fathoms  a  little  further  off. 

Four-and-Three-quarters  Fathoms  Bank. — A  mud-bank,  about  2  miles  in 
length,  and  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  breadth,  and  having  4|  fathoms  water 
over  it,  lies  between  Third  and  Fourth  Points,  about  two-thirds  of  the  dis- 
tance from  the  former,  and  nearly  3  miles  from  the  shore ;  between  this  bank 


VIERDE,  OR  FOURTH  POINT.  195 

and  the  edge  of  the  mud  flat  extending  from  the  shore,  is  a  channel  about 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  broad,  with  7  to  9  fathoms  water  in  it. 

VIERDE,  or  Fourth  Point,  bears  from  Third  Point  W.  J  N.  distant  23i 
miles.  The  trees  upon  it  are  112  ft.  high;  and  a  square  beacon,  with  white 
top  and  ball,  stands,  or  used  to  stand,  at  the  edge  of  the  mangrove. 

The  coast  from  Fourth  Point  stretches  westward  for  22  or  23  miles,  and 
in  this  space  the  different  branches  of  the  Palembang  River  fall  into  the 
strait. 

Banks  off  Fourth  Point. — A  bank  of  sand  and  shells,  having  4f  to  6  fa- 
thoms water  over  it,  lies  4  miles  off  Fourth  Point.  It  is  3  miles  long 
W.N.W.  and  E.S.E.,  about  1:^  mile  broad,  and  from  its  western  extreme  the 
beacon  on  Fourth  Point  bears  S.  by  W.  I  W.  3  miles,  and  from  its  eastern 
extreme  the  beacon  bears  S.W.  by  W.  |  W.  4  miles.  Between  it  and  the 
mud-bank  extending  from  the  shore  are  from  7  to  9  fathoms. 

Another  patch,  about  a  mile  in  extent,  and  having  6  fathoms  water  over 
it,  lies  nearly  2  miles  north-eastward  of  the  last-mentioned  bank,  with  the 
beacon  on  Fourth  Point  bearing  S.W.  J  S.  6J  miles,  and  the  dry  rocks  on 
the  Brom-Brom  Reef  N.E.  by  N.  3  miles. 

Between  these  banks  the  depths  are  from  8  to  14  fathoms. 

The  Mud  Bank  from  Fourth  Point  takes  a  W.N.W.  direction  for  18  miles, 
where  it  trends  away  near  South,  forming  one  side  of  the  entrance  to  the 
Soengsang  River  ;  a  spit  projecting  from  the  land  forms  the  other  side  of  the 
entrance  to  that  river,  as  also  the  S.E.  side  of  the  entrance  to  the  River 
Assing. 

Caution. — This  bank,  for  6  miles  westward  of  Fourth  Point,  is  composed 
of  hard  sand,  covered  with  a  thin  stratum  of  soft  mud,  and  is  exceedingly 
dangerous,  being  steep-to,  and  many  ships,  including  H.M.Ss.  Himalaya  and 
Assistance,  have  grounded  upon  it.  The  lead  cannot  at  all  be  relied  upon 
for  giving  warning  in  time  to  avoid  it,  for  1 1  fathoms  may  be  had,  and  the 
ship  be  aground  the  next  instant.  The  safest  plan  is  not  to  pass  the  beacon 
on  Fourth  Point  within  3  miles,  and  having  passed  it  not  to  bring  it  to  the 
eastward  of  S.E.  ^  S.  until  Monopin  Hill  bears  North. 

From  10  to  12  fathoms  will  be  obtained  very  close  to  this  steep  bank,  out- 
side of  which  is  a  long  strip  of  8  and  9  fathoms  ;  outside  of  this  strip  are  10 
to  13  fathoms,  so  that  it  is  not  at  all  possible  for  a  vessel  to  discover  her 
position  by  the  lead  only.  The  soundings,  however,  become  more  regular 
off  the  mouths  of  the  Palembang  Rivers,  and  towards  and  abreast  Bataka- 
rang  Point  the  lead  will  in  those  localities,  if  properly  attended  to,  enable  a 
vessel  to  proceed  with  ease  and  safety,  as  the  soundings  decrease  regularly 
towards  the  shore. 

Great  care,  however,  is  requisite  in  navigating  this  part  of  the  strait 
during  the  rainy  season,  for  large  drifts  are  then  brought  down  these  rivers 
by  the  freshes,  which  set  strong  over  to  the  West  end  of  Banka  ;   and  as  the 


196  BANKA  STRAIT. 

flood  runs  strong  into  them  on  the  springs,  a  vessel  may  be  driven  too  near 
either  shore,  both  sides  of  which  are  fronted  by  dangers. 

SUMATRA  EIVERS. — To  the  westward  of  Fourth  Point  are  the  entrances 
of  the  Elvers  Saleh  and  Oepan,  then  the  Soensang,  and  lastly  the  Assing ; 
the  last  two  are  navigable  for  vessels  of  light  draught  as  far  as  Palembang. 

SOENGSANG  or  PALEMBANG  RIVER.— Mr.  Stanton  has  furnished  the 
following  account  of  this  river  and  town: — Since  the  survey  of  the  N.W. 
part  of  Banka  Strait  in  1860,  a  deeper  and  more  direct  entrance  to  the  main 
channel  of  this  river  has  been  formed,  carrying  9  ft.  at  low,  or  22  ft.  at  high 
water  springs. 

This  new  entrance  is  marked  with  beacon  poles,  similar  to  those  in  the  old 
passage,  but  as,  on  account  of  the  many  floating  trees  and  strong  freshes, 
they  will  probably  not  remain  long  in  their  position,  a  vessel  of  large 
draught  may  safely  enter  at  high  water  by  bringing  the  trees  forming  the 
West  point  of  the  river  entrance  S.  by  W.  f  W.,  and  running  for  them  on 
that  bearing  until  Pulo  Payong  (Umbrella  Island)  bears  South  ;  then  steer 
for  the  island,  but  take  care  in  approaching  it  to  keep  close  to  the  eastern 
bank  of  the  river,  to  avoid  the  spit  extending  2  miles  off  its  North  end. 
If  a  pilot  is  required,  one  may  be  obtained  at  Kampong  Soengsang,  the 
small  village  on  the  left  bank,  but  there  is  no  channel  available  for  ships  ou 
the  West  side  of  Payong. 

This  branch  of  the  Soengsang  at  its  entrance  is  upwards  of  a  mile  wide, 
but  within,  the  navigable  channel  is  contracted  in  some  places  to  the  width 
of  a  cable's  length  by  the  different  islands  and  banks,  until  close  up  to  the 
town  of  Palembang,  when  the  river  widens  to  three-quarters  of  a  mile  with 
6  and  6  fathoms  close  to  the  shore. 

Vessels  can  navigate  the  whole  length  of  the  river  up  to  the  town  by  keep- 
ing close  to  the  right  bank  ;  but  those  of  large  draught  are  recommended, 
when  passing  Pulo  Singris  and  the  bank  off  Kampong  Maya,  to  keep  near 
the  opposite  shore.  Both  sides  of  the  river  are  wooded,  and  on  nearly  all 
the  isolated  banks  there  are  small  trees,  and  on  others  fishing  slakes,  conse- 
quently there  will  not  be  much  difficulty  in  avoiding  them. 

PALEMBANG,  one  of  the  largest  Malay  towns  in  the  Archipelago,  and 
the  largest  in  Sumatra,  derives  its  name  from  the  many  bridges  across  the 
numerous  creeks  that  intersect  it.  A  Dutch  resident  and  other  officials 
reside  here,  and  to  support  their  authority  there  is  a  military  force,  con- 
sisting of  one  European  and  two  native  companies.  The  total  number  of 
Europeans  in  the  town  is  109,  and  by  the  last  census  the  native  population. 
consisted  of  45,000  Malays,  4,000  Chinese,  and  1,000  Arabs.  The  climate  in 
the  vicinity  is  considered  so  salubrious  that  convalescent  soldiers  are  sent 
here  from  Banka. 

Near  the  extreme  end  of  the  town,  commanding  the  mouth  of  the  Ogan 
Eiver,  is  a  substantially  built  fort.     It  is  a  square  enclosure  of  masonry, 


ASSING  OE  SALT  EIVER.  197 

with  walls  8  ft,  thick,  about  50  ft.  high,  loop-holed,  and  at  each  angle  a 
circular  bastion  mounting  eight  guns  in  casemate  embrasures.  The  fort 
could  easily  accommodate  1,500  men,  and  is  surrounded  outside  with  strong 
wooden  palisades,  a  thick  bamboo  hedge,  and  a  ditch  20  ft.  broad.  The 
fort  is  in  lat.  2°  59i'  S.  There  are  several  smaller  forts  some  distance  up 
the  river. 

Covered  prahus  (called  bedahs)  daily  arrive  from  the  interior,  laden  with 
large  supplies  of  cotton  for  exportation.  This  useful  article  grows  quite 
wild  some  distance  up  the  river,  in  some  places  close  to  the  stream,  and 
covering  many  miles  of  land.  The  greater  portion  of  it  is  sent  to  Batavia. 
The  total  quantity  exported  this  season  is  estimated  at  1,735,500  lbs. 

All  the  necessaries  of  life  are  here  found  in  abundance.  The  country 
abounds  in  large  game,  deer,  wild  pigs,  &c.  The  river  swarms  with  fish. 
Beef,  fruit,  vegetables,  &c.,  are  cheap  and  plentiful.  Foreign  vessels  are  not 
permitted  to  trade,  and  Dutch  European  vessels  are  not  allowed  to  enter  the 
river  unless  under  special  circumstances.  The  export  trade,  consisting 
principally  of  pepper,  rattans,  cotton,  honey,  dye-woods,  and  gutta-percha, 
is  confined  to  thirteen  European  built  ships,  and  numerous  country  craft,  all 
owned  by  wealthy  natives. 

Erom  November  to  March  rains  prevail,  and  the  wind  varies  from  N.W. 
to  N.E.  At  this  period  vessels  belonging  to  Palembang  either  remain  ia 
port  or  trade  to  other  places,  as  it  is  almost  impossible  for  sailing  vessels 
at  this  period  to  make  any  progress  up  the  river  against  the  freshes. 
During  a  stay  of  five  days  off  the  town  in  January,  the  influence  of  the 
flood  was  not  once  felt.  The  ebb  slackened  during  the  day,  but  at  night  it 
often  ran  5  knots.  After  much  rain  the  freshes  out  of  the  river  are  felt  in 
Mintok  Bay. 

ASSING  or  SALT  EIVER  offers  the  best  passage  to  Palembang,  being 
at  ail  times  navigable  for  vessels  of  the  heaviest  burden,  but  the  shallow  at 
its  entrance  often  causes  a  delay  of  several  days.  At  its  mouth,  which  was 
surveyed  in  the  beginning  of  1846,  Monopin  Hill  bears  N.E.  by  E.,  and 
Assing  Point  N.W.  by  N.  At  the  entrance,  in  mid-channel,  there  are  8  to 
10  fathoms  ;  and  close  to  the  poles  at  the  back  on  the  eastern  side  of  the 
channel  from  4  to  5  fathoms.  Higher  up  this  river  the  Pontain  and  Jarang 
Channels  are  just  as  good  as  that  through  the  Soensang. 

Directions. — To  enter  the  Assing,  bring  Monopin  N.E.  by  E.,  and  Teloo 
Point  N.W.  by  N.,  then  steer  in  a  S.W.  direction,  according  to  the  state  of 
the  tide,  for  the  ebb  runs  strongly  over  the  very  shallow  outer  bank  towards 
Soensang,  and  the  flood  towards  the  inner  banks. 

Having  reached  as  far  as  Api  Point,  take  the  mid-chaanel,  between  the 
beacon-poles,  towards  Bayan  Point,  and  then,  though  still  following  the 
middle  of  the  river,  keep  rather  towards  the  Laga  Point  side,  round  which 
the  Pontian  Channel  is  entered.     With  a  flood  tide  keep  on  the  eastern 


198  BANKA  STEAIT. 

shore,  as  the  stream  runs  with  force  past  that  channel ;  taking  care,  at 
the  same  time,  to  avoid  the  shoals  which  surround  the  point.  In  this  river 
we  have  only  to  mind  the  points,  as  from  most  of  them  project  small  mud 
banks. 

Pontian  and  other  Affluents. — The  juntion  of  the  rivers  Pontian,  Kietjar, 
Gassing,  and  Sebalick,  which  last  unites  the  Pontian  to  the  Jarang,  causes 
a  part  of  the  ebb  to  run  from  the  first  two  rivers  through  the  Sebalick,  and 
compels  vessels  having  come  so  far  with  the  flood  to  anchor,  and  to  wait  for 
the  ebb.  The  Pontian  is  generally  deepest  on  its  western  side,  except  near 
its  mouth,  where  the  greatest  depth  is  in  the  middle ;  but  again  towards  the 
western  side,  higher  up,  and  in  front  of  the  shoal  off  the  point,  between  the 
Kietjar  and  the  Sebalick.  When  near  its  junction  with  the  Sleino  and 
Jarang  Rivers,  keep  close  to  the  eastern  shore,  in  6  to  8  fathoms,  to  avoid  the 
reef  which  projects  from  the  point  between  the  Sebalick  and  Jarang.  When 
there  is  no  wind,  it  is  necessary  to  anchor  and  wait  for  the  flood  coming  up 
by  the  Sleino,  in  order  to  proceed  up  the  Jarang,  and  it  will  be  found  that  a 
great  part  of  the  flood  goes  into  the  Tambangadin  Eiver,  while  that  going 
up  the  Jarang  is  very  trifling.  Having  reached  the  Jarang  Ketjil,  anchor 
again  till  high  water,  to  wait  for  the  ebb  from  this  river,  which  will  soon 
take  the  vessel  into  the  Soengsang. 

Jaraxg  Bank. — The  bank  off  the  Jarang  is  very  shallow,  but  on  the  North 
side  there  is  a  narrow  passage  with  5  or  6  fathoms.  Vessels  of  less  draught 
than  15  ft.  can  also  find  a  passage  on  the  South  side. 

The  AssiNG,  always  navigable. — The  difficulties  in  going  up  the  Assing, 
caused  by  the  narrowness  of  the  rivers  Pontian,  Sebalick,  and  Jarang,  and 
the  necessity  of  stopping  so  often  to  wait  for  the  tide,  are  amply  compensated 
by  the  advantage  that  vessels  of  even  the  greatest  burthen  suffer  no  delay  at 
its  mouth. 

Freshes. — Vessels  navigating  these  rivers,  especially  during  the  western 
monsoon,  should  be  aware  that  the  heavy  rains  in  the  interior  cause  such 
strong  freshes  to  run  out  of  the  river  as  to  reach  towards  the  opposite  shore, 
and  that  in  the  spring,  especially  during  the  eastern  monsoon,  very  powerful 
floods  pour  into  the  rivers.  High  up  the  rivers  are  seen  ripplings  like 
breakers,  caused  by  these  tides  and  freshes,  which  frequently  bring  down 
large  detached  masses  of  grass  and  brushwood  like  floating  islands. 

BATAKARANG  POINT,  the  N.W.  boundary  of  Banka  Strait,  is  in  lat. 
2°  r  S.,  long.  104°  50'  E.,  and  bears  N.W.  f  W.  32  miles  from  Fourth  Point. 
It  may  be  known  by  a  group  of  trees,  130  ft.  high,  which  gives  it  a  bluff  and 
jagged  appearance. 

Valsche  or  False  Point  is  more  sloping  and  flat,  and  lies  9  miles  to  the 
south-eastward  of  Batakarang  Point ;  and  there  is  another  point  about  3 
miles  in  the  same  direction  from  Batakarang  Point. 

The  mud-bank  projects  4^  miles  off  Batakarang  Point,  and  2  miles  off 


COAST  OF  BANKA— TANJONG  BAGINDA.  199 

False  Point.  It  then  trends  away  to  the  south-westward,  bounding  the 
entrance  of  the  Assing  Eiver  on  its  N.W.  side,  to  Tanjong  Kampie,  from 
which  it  projects  not  quite  a  mile. 

The  soundings  off  Batakarang  Point  are  regular,  and  the  point  may  be 
passed  in  from  6  to  4|  fathoms  water. 

COAST  OF  BANKA.— This  coast,  which  separates  the  straits  of  Banka 
and  Gaspar,  is  treated  of  here,  as  being  intimately  connected  with  the 
former,  for  Mr.  Stanton  observes,  that  at  the  entrance  of  Banka  Strait,  in 
the  S.E.  monsoon,  the  ebb  tide  during  the  night  at  springs  will  be  found 
setting  to  the  south-eastward  ;  consequently  many  vessels,  although  steering 
a  course  for  the  strait,  get  set  between  Pulo  Dapur  and  Baginda  Point. 

The  SOUTH  COAST,  between  Baginda  Point  and  the  Dapur  Islands,  in 
extent  about  14  miles  E.  f  N.  and  "W.  |  S.,  is  generally  low,  and  covered 
■with  trees ;  it  presents,  however,  some  points  sloping  down  from  hills  of 
moderate  elevation.  It  should  not  be  approached  under  3  miles,  for  it  is 
fronted  with  a  mud-bank,  extending  in  places  nearly  2  miles  from  the  shore, 
upon  which  are  many  rocks  above,  and  many  others  below  water. 

TANJONG  BAGINDA,  the  south-eastern  extreme  of  Banka,  is  in  lat. 
3°  4'  40"  S.,  long.  106°  44'  E.  It  slopes  gradually  in  a  south-easterly  direc- 
tion from  a  hill  387  ft.  high,  which  rises  a  mile  inside  the  point.  Two  miles 
inside  the  point,  in  a  NW.  by  W.  J  W.  direction,  is  another  hill,  named 
Baginda  Peak,  521  ft.  high. 

Tanjong  Dua  {Doeija)  bears  W.  by  S.  J  S.  2J  miles  from  Baginda  Point, 
from  which  it  is  separated  by  a  bay  about  half  a  mile  deep.  N.N.W.  1^ 
mile  from  the  point  is  a  hill,  432  ft.  high,  from  which  the  land  slopes  down  to 
the  coast. 

Eocks,  some  of  which  are  above  water,  extend  to  the  southward  of  this 
point  and  for  more  than  a  mile  along  the  coast  to  the  westward,  to  the  dis- 
tance of  half  a  mile.  A  sand-bank,  with  rocky  patches,  commences  about 
1^  mile  S.S.E.  i  E.  from  it,  and  extends  to  the  westward  until  it  meets 
the  mud -bank  which  fronts  the  coast  as  far  as  Tanjong  Tan  ah  Eoboe. 

Tanjong  Kejang  is  231  ft.  high,  and  bears  West-southerly  2f  miles  from 
Tanjong  Dua,  from  which  it  is  separated  by  a  sandy  bay  about  two-thirds  of 
a  mile  deep. 

Karang  Layar  is  a  rocky  reef  above  water,  lying  on  the  outer  edge  of  the 
bank  above  mentioned,  and  S.W.  by  W.  distant  If  mile  from  the  East  ex- 
treme of  Tanjong  Kejang,  Inside  these  rocks  to  the  north-westward  is 
another  bed  of  rocks,  some  of  which  are  above  water. 

Tanjong  Bantil,  240  ft.  high,  bears  W.  by  N.  2J  miles  from  the  nearest 
part  of  Tanjong  Kejang.  The  bay  between  these  points  seems  to  be  full  of 
rocks  ;  and  large  and  small  rocks  above  water,  with  others  awash,  extend 
to  the  southward  of  the  point,  nearly  to  the  edge  of  the  mud-bank,  which 
projects  neai'ly  a  mile  off  shore. 


200  BANKA  STEAIT. 

Tanjong  Tanah  Roboe  is  3-J-  miles  W.  by  S.  ^  S.  from  Tanjotig  Bantil,  and 
off  it,  as  at  Tanjong  Bantil,  a  number  of  rocks,  some  above  and  others 
below  water,  project  nearly  a  mile  to  the  southward  to  the  edge  of  the 
bank  ;  the  bank  curves  round  this  point,  and  terminates  just  to  the  westward 
of  it. 

Dapur  Point. — The  coast  from  Tanjong  Tanah  Eoboe  runs  West  about 
a  mile,  and  then,  curving  to  the  north-westward  into  a  small  bay  about  half 
a  mile  deep,  runs  about  S.W.  by  W.  with  a  rugged  outline  to  Dapur  Point, 
under  Toboe  Ali  Lama  Peak,  which  forms  the  south-western  extreme  of 
Banka.  Adjoining  Dapur  Point  is  an  islet  or  rock  40  ft.  high,  with  smaller 
rocks  above  water  on  both  sides  of  it. 

Dapur  Islands  *  are  two  islets  lying  a  little  more  than  a  mile  S.  by  E. 
from  Dapur  Point,  and  forming  a  good  landmark  when  approaching  from 
the  southward.  They  form  the  south-eastern  limit  of  the  entrance  to  Banka 
Strait  by  the  Stanton  Channel,  are  nearly  round,  and  about  a  cable's  length. 
in  diameter,  and  connected  at  low  water  by  rocks.  The  southern  one  is  120 
feet  high,  resembles  a  shoe  in  appearance,  and  is  fronted  by  a  coral  sandy 
beach.  Some  rocks  above  water  lie  about  a  cable's  length  to  the  southward, 
and  a  rock  under  water  about  2  cables  to  the  south-eastward  of  the  islet. 

There  is  a  narrow  channel,  half  a  mile  wide,  with  depths  of  5  J  fathoms, 
between  the  Dapur  Islands  and  Dapur  Point ;  from  thence  to  Nangka  Point 
there  are  several  white  rocks  lying  inside  the  mud  flat  close  to  the  shore. 

Sand  Ridges  off  the  South  end  of  Banka. — H.M.S.  Saracen,  when  searching 
for  the  coral  reef  reported  by  the  Netherlands  barque  Banha  f  (many  promi- 
nent points  offering  good  objects  for  fixing  her  position),  was  enabled  to 
extend  the  soundings  20  miles  off  the  land.  The  soundings  were  found  to 
be  very  irregular,  long  sand  ridges,  with  deep  water  over  a  muddy  bottom 
between.  None  of  these  banks  have  less  than  5  fathoms  on  them,  with  the 
exception  of  one  lying  S.E.  1^  mile  from  Pulo  Dapur,  where  there  are 
several  patches  of  3J  fathoms  over  a  sandy  ground.  At  7  miles  E.  by  S.  of 
these  patches,  and  separated  by  deeper  water,  is  a  bank  of  4^  fathoms,  coral 
and  sand,  extending  in  an  easterly  direction  for  3  miles  ;  it  appears  to  be  a 
continuation  of  the  Dapur  Bank,  and  from  its  shoalest  part  Tanjong  Baginda 
bears  N.E.  by  N.  6  miles. 

Overfalls. — At  full  and  change  great  overfalls  were  repeatedly  noticed, 
caused  by  the  meeting  of  the  ebb  stream  from  Banka  and  Graspar  Straits 
over  an  uneven  bottom. 

*  Dapur  means  cooking  place.  Prahus,  in  passing,  generally  land  on  these  islands  to 
catch  turtle,  as  it  is  the  only  place  in  Banka  Strait  where  thej"^  are  seen. 

t  This  coral  reef,  ahout  3  miles  in  circumference,  and  prohablj'  only  6  ft.  water  on  it, 
was  reported  as  lying  15  miles  from  the  South  end  of  Banka  Island.  Its  position  was 
given  aslat.  3°  21'  S.,  long.  106°  41'  E,,  and  the  land  in  sight  (probably  Mount  St.  Paul, 
930  It.  high)  bore  N.N.W. 


TOBOE  ALI  LAMA— TOBOE  ALI  POINT.  201 

TOBOE  ALI  LAMA  is  a  hill  about  IJ  mile  N.N.E.  of  Dapur  Point.  Its 
peak  is  of  p3'ranii(ial  lorm,  and  rises  to  an  elevation  of  512  ft. 

NANGKA  POINT  is  2  miles  N.W.  from  Dapur  Point,  and  the  coast  be- 
tween is  ironted  by  rocks  extending;  about  half  a  mile  from  it.  The  edge  of 
the  bank  is  nearly  a  mile  from  Narigka  Point,  and  has  5  fathoms  water  close 
to,  so  that  it  must  be  approached  carefully.  The  point  may  easily  be  dis- 
tinguished by  a  round  hillock  over  it  264  ft.  high,  and  also  the  land  receding 
forming  Toboe  (Tobu)  Ali  Bay,  the  shore  of  which  is  low,  and  fringed  at  high 
•water  with  sandy  beaches  inside  the  mud  flat,  which  here  extends  2  miles  ofif 
the  land. 

TOBOE  ALI  POINT,  bearing  N.W.  byN.,  distant  5^  miles  from  Nangka 
Point,  has  several  white  rocks  near  it,  and  has  or  had  a  conspicuous  tree  on 
its  summit,  elevated  213  ft.,  and  visible  14  miles  ofll'. 

Toboe  Ali  Port,  with  its  red-roofed  barracks,  stands  half  a  mile  S.E.  of 
Toboe  Ali  Point,  upon  a  low  mound  40  ft.  in  height,  at  the  left  point  of 
entrance  of  a  small  river,  on  the  banks  of  which  is  the  village  of  Sabang, 
situated  close  to  the  fort,  and  containing  (^in  1860)  a  mixed  population  of  600 
Malays  and  Chinese.  At  low  water  the  river  dries  to  a  distance  of  3  cables' 
lengths  from  its  mouth.  A  Dutch  Administrator  and  a  Captain  with  a  small 
military  force  garrison  the  fort. 

The  anchorage  off  Toboe  Ali  Port  is  in  4  fathoms,  mud,  with  Toboe  (Tobu) 
Ali  Lama  Peak  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E.,  and  Gadong  Peak  in  line  with  Taboe  Ali 
Fort  N.E.  J  N.  Smaller  vessels  may  approach  on  this  bearing  nearer  the 
shore,  as  the  soundings  decrease  regularly.  In  southerly  and  south-westerly 
winds  there  is  a  heavy  swell  here,  which  makes  landing  difficult. 

No  supplies  of  any  description  can  be  procured  but  water  and  wood  ;  the 
former  may  be  obtained  at  the  above  river,  or  at  a  small  stream  half  a  mile 
to  the  eastward  of  it,  from  half  flood  to  half  ebb. 

Mount  St.  Paul,  5  miles  E.N.E.  from  Toboe  Ali  Point,  rises  with  a  gradual 
acclivity  on  its  south-eastern  shoulder  to  a  peak  990  ft.  in  height,  with  two 
others  adjoining  of  nearly  the  same  eleviition,  the  western  peak  terminating 
rather  abruptly  to  a  lower  spur  in  the  direction  of  Gradong  Hill.  When  to 
the  westward  of  Puui  Island,  owing  to  a  projecting  spur  from  the  middle 
peak,  the  eastern  peak  of  St.  Paul  is  hidden,  and  the  western  one  then  ap- 
pears the  highest,  and  forms,  with  the  N.W.  brow,  a  saddle  hill. 

Gadong  Hill  is  a  pyramidal  peaked  hill  593  ft.  high,  W.  by  N.  distant 
nearly  2^  miles  from  Mount  St.  Paul. 

Owing  to  the  land  contiguous  to  these  hills  and  to  Toboe  Ali  Lama  being 
low,  they  appear  as  islands  at  a  distance  over  15  miles. 

Gossong  Point  bears  N.W.  byAV.  4  miles  from  Toboe  Ali  Point,  the  land 
between  forming  a  deep  bay,  with  low  mangrove  trees.  From  Gossong  to 
Laboh  Point  the  laud  is  more  elevated,   with  numerous  rocks  close  to  the 

I.    A.  ii  D 


202  BANKA  STRAIT. 

shore.  Puni  Island,  lying  midway  between  Gossong  and  Laboh  Points  is 
a  small  islet,  47  ft.  in  height,  and  conspicuous  from  its  white  granite  rucks. 
"  The  small  Puni  Island  and  Gossong  Point,  seen  in  one,  is  a  good  mark  for 
being  clear  of  the  banks.  Seen  from  a  northerly  bearing,  this  poiut  looks 
like  an  island."— (F.  G.  Petersen,  1875.) 

Laboh  Point  bears  N.W.  f  W.,  distant  12  miles  from  Nangka  Point. 
There  is  a  hill,  250  ft.  high,  about  a  mile  to  the  eastward  of  it,  and  another, 
about  the  same  height,  and  the  same  distance,  to  the  nurthward.  This  point 
from  the  suuth-eastward  presents  rather  a  shelving  appearance,  with  large 
white  rocks  extending  from  it. 

Dahun  Point  is  7^  miles  N.W.  by  W.  \  W.  from  Laboh  Point,  and  the 
shore  between  is  low  and  covered  witn  mangroves  ;  a  range  of  hillocks  runs 
parallel  to  the  coast. 

The  land  at  Dahun  Point  attains  a  greater  elevation,  and  is  faced  with 
sandy  beaches  and  rocky  points.  At  4|^  miles  N.N.E.  ^  E.  from  the  pcjint  is 
around  woody  hill,  315  ft.  in  height.  Close  to  the  coast,  2  miles  N.  by 
W.  i  W.  from  Laboh  Point,  is  a  remarkable  square  tree,  167  ft.  high, 
which  is  very  conspicuous,  there  being  no  others  of  the  same  elevation  near 
it.  In  clear  weather  it  may  be  seen  12  miles  off,  closely  resembling  a  ship 
under  sail. 

Pulo  Dahun,  30  ft.  in  height,  is  one  of  a  cluster  of  rocks  lying  off  Dahun 
Point,  nearly  all  of  which  are  covered  at  high  water.  It  is  or  was  remark- 
able by  having  a  solitary  tree  on  it.  Paiijang  Hill  (or  Long  Hill)  rises 
close  to  the  coast  between  Dahun  and  Banka  Points.  It  had  one  conspi- 
cuous tree  on  it  in  1875.  "When  seen  from  the  south-eastward  it  shows  as  a 
•wedge,  with  its  greatest  elevation,  316  ft.,  on  the  eastern  end.  A  stream  of 
fresh  water  runs  close  to  the  North  side  of  this  hill. 

Banka  Point  and  Hill.— Banka  Point  is  12^  miles  N.W.  by  W.  |  W.  from 
Laboh  Point,  and  the  laud  to  the  westward  of  it  recedes  into  a  bay.  The 
point  is  about  the  same  elevation  as  Pulo  Besai,  but  at  1^  mile  to  the  north- 
ward it  rises  to  Banka  Hill.  From  the  north-westward  it  shows  with  a  flat 
top,  having  three  clumps  of  trees  on  its  summit,  the  whole  height  being  256 
feet.  Pulo  Besar  is  nearly  connected  with  Banka  Point  by  rocks.  It  is  but 
3  cables  in  extent,  and  b3  ft.  high,  but  shows  up  well  when  bfcaring  between 
S.E.  and  East. 

The  Coast,  from  the  foot  of  Banka  Hill,  takes  a  W.N.W.  direction  for 
about  4  miles,  when  it  turns  more  to  the  northward  to  the  entrance  of  a 
small  river  ;  from  thence  it  curves  round,  formiiig  a  small  bay  to  Pudi  Point, 
•when  it  runs  pretty  straight  for  5  miles  in  a  W.  by  N.  direction,  to  Lalarie 
Point.  Mamelon  Hummoch  is  a  small  round  hill  265  It.  high,  standing  by 
itself  3  miles  inland,  in  a  N.  by  E.  direction  from  Pudi  Poiut.  Two  miles 
and  a  half  E.  by  N.  of  the  Mamelon  is  another  small  hill ;  2^  miles  N.  by  E. 


LALAEIE-TIMBAGA  EOCKS.  203 

of  which  is  a  double-peaked  hill,  396  ft.  high;  about  1^  mile  east-northerly 
of  this  last,  is  a  hill  471  ft.  high. 

Lalarie,  or  Langhong  Point,  75  ft.  high,  is  very  conspicuous.  It  had  a 
clump  of  trees  on  its  extremity;  those  around  it  (in  186;^)  have  been  cut 
down,  and  their  trunks  whitewashed.  It  is  the  turning  point  into  the  main 
part  of  the  strait  for  vessels  that  have  passed  through  the  Stanton  Channel. 
"Round  Lalarie  Point  should  be  '  whitewashed  stumps,'  but  are  not.  The 
point  itself  is  very  sharp  and  good  for  bearing.  From  N.E.  the  point  looks 
at  first  as  if  it  were  an  island  ;  from  the  South  the  point  is  very  sharp. 
Clump  of  trees  mentioned  ia  the  chart  I  could  not  distinguish." — (F.  G. 
Petersen,  1875.) 

A  mud  bank  fronts  the  whole  coast  just  described  between  Dapur  and  La- 
larie Points.  The  3-fathom  line  may  be  considered  to  mark  its  edge,  which 
in  most  places  shoals  very  quickly  inside  that  line.  The  chart  will  best  show 
its  features.     It  should  not  be  approached  under  10  fathoms. 

Casuarina  Point,  so  called  from  a  number  of  casuarina  trees  on  it,  is  nearly 
midway  between  Lalarie  and  Brani  Points  ;  seen  from  the  northward  it  ap- 
pears as  an  island.  The  coast  between  is  low,  with  sandy  beaches  at  high 
■water  mark, 

Brani,  or  Bold  Point,  1 1  miles  N.  by  W.  f  W.  from  Lalarie  Point,  is  a 
termination  of  a  spur  I'rom  the  Parmassang  range,  with  a  conical  peak,  516 
feet  high,  over  it,  showing  very  prominently  both  from  the  northward  and 
southward. 

Timbaga  Rocks  (or  Copper  Each),  so  called  from  their  reddish  colour,  are 
three  small  rocks,  lying  East  and  West  of  each  other,  about  a  cable's  length 
in  extent.  The  highest  and  westernmost  rock  is  4  ft.  above  high  water, 
and  from  it  Second  Point  bears  W.  I  N.  5f  miles,  and  Brani  Point  N.  by  E. 
3  miles.  With  a  setting  sun  their  reddish  colour,  from  the  contrast  to  the 
green  verdure  of  the  land,  makes  them  readily  identified,  but  to  render  thera 
more  conspicuous  at  high  water,  and  in  the  forenoon  when  they  are  not  so 
clearly  seen,  a  white  conical  beacon,  surmounted  with  a  ball,  was  erected 
on  the  highest  rock,  and  the  whole  height  being  24  ft.  will  make  it  visible 
in  clear  weather  at  6  or  7  miles.  Shoal  water,  about  half  a  mile  in  breadth, 
extends  nearly  half  a  mile  to  the  northward  of  the  group,  and  2^  miles  to  the 
southward,  and  forms,  with  the  shore  and  bank  of  Banka,  a  channel  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  wide. 

Several  shoal  patches  of  coral  and  sand  have  been  found  nearly  1^  mile 
"W.N.W.  from  these  rocks,  but  they  are  all  inside  the  10-fathom  line,  the 
depth  vessels  are  cautioned  not  to  go  within  when  passing  them.  These 
patches  are  about  a  cable's  length  apart,  having  2  fathoms  least  water  on 
them,  and  8  fathoms  close  to.  In  approaching  them  the  soundings  shoal 
suddenly  from  20  to  10  fathoms.     As  a  guide  to  lead  ships  clear,  a  temporary 


204  BANKA  STEAIT. 

Hack  huoy  has  been  placed  in  4  fathoms  on  the  outer  patch,  about  2  cables' 
lengths  westward  of  the  shoalest  water.* 

From  the  middle  patch  of  2  fathoms  the  Timbaga  Rocks  appear  nearly  in 
line  with  a  sharp  peak  (130  feet  high)  South  of  Bukit  Limmaun,  bearing 
E.S.E. ;  and  the  apex  of  a  distant  long  hill  (657  ft.  high)  is  just  open  West 
of  a  white  rock  off  Tanjong  Bedaauw,  N.  by  E.  f  E.  These  patches  and  the 
Timbaga  Eocks  will  be  avoided  by  not  bringing  Lalarie  Point  South  of 
S.E.  f  S.,  until  Brani  Peak  bears  E.  by  N.  f  N. 

A  rocky  batik,  about  a  mile  in  extent  East  and  West,  and  half  a  mile 
North  and  South,  having  7  to  9  fathoms  water  over  it,  and  14  to  20  fathoms 
close-to  all  around,  lies  W.N. AV.  of  the  shoal  patches  just  mentioned.  From 
its  outer  edge  the  largest  of  the  Timbaga  Eocks  bears  E.  by  S.  ^  S.,  distant 
3  miles,  and  Brani  Peak  E.N.E.  5  miles.  Lalarie  Point,  bearing  S.E.  ^  S., 
which  leads  clear  of  the  Timbaga  Eocks  and  the  above-mentioned  patches, 
also  leads  just  outside  the  edge  of  this  bank. 

Water  may  be  procured  at  a  stream  about  half  a  mile  to  the  northward  of 
the  Timbaga  Rocks,  from  half  flood  to  half  ebb,  after  which  the  mud  pre- 
vents a  boat  approaching  near  the  shore. 

Parmassayig  Range  is  a  chain  of  hills  running  from  Brani  Point  in  a  N.E. 
by  N,  direction  for  nearly  4  miles,  to  the  highest  peak,  which  rises  to  an 
elevation  of  1,608  ft.  ;  the  range  then  turns  more  to  the  eastward,  for  a  dis- 
tance of  about  3  miles,  where  it  disappears. 

Tanjong  Bedaauw  is  a  bold  headland,  N.  \  E.  3^  miles  from  Brani  Point, 
the  coast  between  forming  a  bay  half  a  mile  deep.  A  conspicuous  white  rock 
45  ft.  high,  lies  immediately  off  the  point.  Pulo  Pemein,  a  good  sharp  mark 
to  be  seen  7  miles  off,  is  a  small  round  island,  50  ft.  high,  lying  N.W.  by  N. 
2  miles  from  Bedaauw  Point.  Tanjong  Karrah,  171  ft.  high,  bears  N.N.E. 
^  E.,  nearly  3  miles  from  Tanjong  Bedaauw.  Many  rocks,  some  above  and 
others  below  water,  extend  more  than  half  a  mile  off  this  point. 

SLAN  BAY. — The  coast  from  Tanjong  Bedaauw  falls  back  to  the  eastward, 
and  between  Tanjong  Karrah  and  a  point  about  9  miles  to  the  eastward  of 
the  Nangka  Islands  is  a  deep  shallow  bight,  named  Slan  Bay,  into  which  the 
Rivers  Kotta  and  Slan  disembogue.  From  the  latter  point  the  coast  runs, 
with  a  slight  bend  in  towards  a  small  river,  about  N.W.  f  N.,  3^  miles  to 
Tanjong  Tedong.  On  the  coast  line,  in  the  depth  of  Slan  Bay,  is  a  conspi- 
cuous tree,  196  ft.  high. 

Slan  is  the  chief  town  of  a  pangkal,  or  district,  and  is  municipally  governed 
by  the  administrator  of  the  tin  mines.  Here,  as  at  all  other  chief  towns  of 
districts,  a  small  number  of  Dutch  troops  are  stationed. 


*  Captain  Petersen  reports  that  both  the  beacon  and  the  buoy  could  not  be  seen  by  hira 
in  1876,  while  passing. 


THE  NANGKA  ISLANDS.  205 

The  edge  of  the  Shore  Mud  Bank  is  nearly  a  mile  outside  Lalarie  Point, 
and  from  thence  its  direction  is  nearly  straight,  about  North  by  West  for 
18J  miles,  or  for  2h  miles  beyond  Pulo  Pemein,  passing  Casuarina  and 
Brani  Points  a  little  less  than  half  a  mile.  It  then  assumes  somewhat  the 
form  of  Slan  Bay,  which  it  fronts,  and  surrounding  the  Great  Nangka 
Island,  projects  a  couple  of  spits  or  horns  towards  the  bank  extending 
northward  from  the  middle  Nangka,  From  thence  the  edge  falls  back  in  a 
north-easterly  direction  towards  Tanjong  Tedong,  from  which  it  extends 
little  more  than  a  mile. 

About  two-thirds  of  a  mile  south-westward  of  Tanjong  Bedaauw,  a  nar- 
row inlet,  having  3^  to  5  fathoms  depths  of  water,  runs  into  the  bank  in  a 
north-westerly  direction,  and  turns  to  the  northward  nearly  as  far  as  Pulo 
Pemein. 

Northward  of  the  Timbaga  Pocks  the  bank  may  be  approached  to  8  or  7 
fathoms,  as  far  as  a  mile  or  two  to  the  northward  of  Pulo  Pemein,  when 
vessels  may  stand  into  7  or  6  fathoms,  until  near  the  Nangka  Islands,  which 
should  not  be  approached  on  the  West  side  nearer  than  12  fathoms. 

The  NANGKA  ISLANDS,  three  in  number,  lie  about  the  middle  part  of 
the  strait,  from  1^  to  4  miles  distant  from  the  shore  of  Banka  Island,  and  8 
or  9  miles  eastward  of  Third  Point,  on  the  Sumatra  coast.  Great  Nangka, 
285  ft.  high,  is  If  mile  long  North  and  South,  and  1^  mile  broad  ;  Middle 
and  West  Nangka  are  each  about  half  a  mile  long,  the  former  being  125  ft., 
and  the  latter  205  ft.  high. 

Great  Nangka  is  nearly  half  a  mile  within  the  edge  of  the  mud-bank 
which  extends  from  the  Banka  shore.  From  the  Middle  Nangka  a  bank  of 
2  to  8  fathoms  extends  S.S.E.  1^  mile;  from  West  Nangka  a  similar  bank 
projects  to  the  southward  for  nearly  a  mile,  and  S.S.E.  distant  three-quarters 
of  a  mile  from  its  tail  is  a  3^-fathoms  patch. 

A  small  flat  rock,  6  ft.  above  water,  named  West  Reef,  lies  about  1^  cable 
off  the  West  end  of  West  Nangka ;  and  another,  32  ft.  high,  named  Tree 
Hock,  lies  nearly  one-third  of  a  mile  south-eastward  of  Middle  Nangka,  be- 
tween it  and  Great  Nangka. 

A  reef,  named  North  Reef,  with  rocks  above  and  below  water,  lies  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  off  the  North  end  of  Middle  Nangka,  the  mud-bank  extending  off 
in  the  same  direction  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  further. 

Between  the  banks  which  surround  the  islands  are  intricate  channels,  from 
2  to  4  cables  broad,  having  from  4  to  7  fathoms  water  in  them. 

Water. — There  is  a  stream  of  water  on  the  West  side  of  Great  Nangka, 
and  another  and  smaller  stream  on  the  N.E.  side ;  but  both  streams  are  fre- 
quently dry  in  the  S.E.  monsoon,  and  are  difficult  of  approach  for  ships'  boats. 
H.M.S.  Belleisle  was  watering  at  Great  Nangka  night  and  day,  and  only  filled 
30  tons  in  36  hours.  The  natives  are  not  to  be  trusted,  but  on  the  contrary 
much  caution  is  necessary  while  watering. 


206  BANK  A  STRAIT. 

In  the  N.W.  monsoon  it  is  higli  water,  full  and  change,  at  the  Nangka 
Islands,  at  7  a.m.,  and  the  rise  is  about  9f  ft.  Many  eddies  and  small 
races  will  be  met  with  in  the  vicinity  of  these  islands.  They  are  caused 
by  the  tidal  fluod  wave  from  the  China  Sea  meeting  the  flood  from  the  south- 
ward. 

TANJONG  TEDONG,  bearing  N.E.  by  E.  i  E.,  ",^  mile  from  the  West 
Nangka,  is  a  conspicuous  point,  234  ft.  hi^h,  inside  tlie  Nangka  Islands,  to 
which  it  is  connected  by  the  mud  baiik.  A  large  cluster  of  rocks,  some 
above  and  others  below  water,  lie  about  a  mile  north-westwar-d  of  the  point, 
only  a  short  distance  from  the  edge  of  the  nmd-bank. 

The  Coast  from  Tanjong  Tedong  falls  back  to  the  N.E.  into  the  bay,  at  the 
bottom  of  which  is  the  small  liiver  Semhoehn  ;  from  thence  it  curves  to  the 
N.W.  to  Tanjong  Peiiegan,  from  which  it  again  falls  back  about  a  mile  to  the 
entrance  of  a  small  river  of  that  name.  The  const  line  from  this  river  rounds 
the  foot  of  the  higher  lani  sloping  down  from  Mundo  Peak,  and  then  forming 
a  small  bay,  tr'^nds  N.N.W.  to  a  point  bearing  E.  by  S.  2  miles  from  the 
largest  of  the  Meddang  Islands,  when  it  again  bends  to  the  N.E.  for  li  mile 
to  the  entrance  of  the  Mundo  River. 

Mundo  Bay.— From  the  Mundo  River  the  coast  trends  to  the  N.W.  about 
8  miles  to  Tanjong  Jurung-patt,  forming  the  shore  of  Mundo  Bay,  with  a 
point  about  the  centre  of  it  projecting  nearly  a  mile.  T^^e  -shore  of  this  bay 
is  low,  and  covered  with  trees,  which,  at  the  entrance  of  the  Kotta  Waringin 
River,  are  121  ft.  high.  Tanjong  Jurung-patt,  240  ft.  high,  is  the  western 
limit  of  Mundo  Bay.  The  land  here  begins  to  be  more  elevated,  and  con- 
tinues to  be  so  as  far  as  the  entrance  of  the  Jiring  River. 

The  coast  from  Tanjong  Jurung-patt  takes  a  westerly  direction  for  nearly 
3  miles  to  Tanjoyig  Raya,  where  it  falls  back  northerly  about  a  mile  to  the 
Tempelang  River ;  from  thence  it  takes  again  a  westerly  direction  for  nearly  4 
miles  to  Tanjong  Ressam,  the  eastern  extreme  of  Jiring  Bay.  This  latter 
point  is  prominent,  and  faces  the  S.W.  ;  it  lies  N.W.  by  AV.  12  miles  from 
the  Meddang  Islands. 

Jiring  Bay  is  the  deep  bight  between  Tanjong  Rpssam  and  Tanjong  Tadah, 
the  coast  trending  away  from  the  former  point  in  a  N.N.W.  direction  to  the 
entrance  of  the  River  Jiring,  and  from  thence  curving  round  about  W.S.W. 
and  S.W.  to  Tanjong  Tadah,  which  bears  from  Tanjong  Ressam  W.  ^  S., 
distant  8f  miles.  The  shore  of  the  bay  is  low,  with  three  conspicuous  trees 
152  ft.  high  in  its  N.W.  part.  Tanjong  Tadah,  203  ft.  high,  is  readily  recog- 
nized, the  land  on  botli  sides  being  lower,  and  curving  into  two  bays,  giving 
it  a  very  prominent  appearance. 

Between  Tanjong  Tadah  and  Tanjong  Puni,  which  lie  nearly  Eist  and 
West  of  each  other,  about  8  miles  apart,  there  are  two  bays,  each  about 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  deep,  with  a  point  having  a  hummock  or  mound, 
256  ft.  high,  upon  it  midway  between. 


MONOPIN  HILL.  207 

Tanjong  Snkal,  2  miles  East  by  North  from  TanjongPuni,  has  a  hill  209 
feet  high  upon  it,  and  a  small  river  oa  its  West  side.  Tanjong  Pani  is  low, 
and  the  coast  line  rounds  away  very  gradually  on  either  side  of  it.  From 
thence  to  a  point  7|-  miles  to  the  N.AV.  by  W.  h  W.,  the  coast  falls  back  and 
forms  a  bay  about  a  mile  deep.  From  the  latter  point  to  Kalian  Point  the 
bearing  is  W.  f  S.,  and  the  distance  nearly  4  miles,  the  coast  between  form- 
ing Mintok  Bay. 

There  are  several  hills  from  100  to  600  ft.  high  on  the  part  of  the  coast 
just  described  between  Tanjong  Tedong  and  the  Mundo  River.  Mundo  Peak 
612  ft.  high,  and  bearing  E.  by  S.  ;^  S.  4  miles  from  the  Meddang  Islands, 
is  the  most  convenient  for  fixing  the  vessel's  position. 

About  three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  the  eastward  of  the  Tempelang  River  is 
a  small  hill  263  ft.  hi^jh  ;  and  N.E.  3  miles  from  its  entrance  is  Buht  Tem- 
pelang, a  hill  412  ft.  high  ;  W.  by  N.  |  N.  from  Bukit  Tempelang  is  Biikit 
Pandin,  585  ft.  high,  which  will  be  found  very  useful  when  in  this  part  of 
the  strait  Solitary  Sharp  Peak,  661  ft.  high,  is  the  summit  of  a  sharp  cone 
hill  standing  by  itself,  N.  ^  E.,  distant  10^  miles  from  Tanjong  Tadah  ;  this 
is  also  very  useful  when  brought  in  line  with  nearer  objects,  for  giving  a 
correct  line  of  direction. 

Four  or  5  miles  inland  from  the  coast  between  Puni  Point  and  Mintok  are 
some  hills,  one  of  which,  Bukit  Beloe,  IIZ  ft.  high,  serves  as  a  mark  to  clear 
the  Brom-Brom  Reef  and  Amelia  Bank ;  a  little  to  the  westward  is  another 
hiU  427  ft.  high. 

About  2  miles  north-eastward  of  Bukit  Beloe  is  Buht  Panjang,  or  long 
hill,  661  ft.  high  ;  and  nearly  3  miles  north-westward  of  Beloe  is  a  hill  454 
feet  high. 

Meddang  Islands  are  three  islets  lying  about  3  miles  off  the  entrance  of 
the  Mundo  River,  and  forming  the  SDUth-western  extreme  of  Mundo  Bay, 
being  joined  to  the  main  land  by  the  mud  flat.  The  largest  islet  is  147  ft. 
high,  and  bears  North  9  miles  from  the  West  Nangka.  A  small  island, 
named  Pulo  Antu,  lies  about  1^  mile  north-eastward  of  the  Meddang 
Islands. 

Pulo  Sambayang  is  an  islet  175  ft.  high,  lying  about  E.  J  S.  nearly  3 
miles  from  Tanjong  Ressam,  and  \\  mile  W.S.W.  of  the  entrance  to  the 
Tempelang  River. 

Karang  Sarabu  are  a  cluster  of  rocks,  some  above  and  others  below  water, 
extending  in  a  S.  by  E.  J  E.  direction  nearly  2  miles  from  the  point  with  a 
hummock  on  it  between  Tanjong  Tadah  and  Tanjong  Sukal. 

MONOPIN  HILL,  or  Gunong  Manomhing,  in  lat.  2°  U'  S.,  long.  105°  12'  E., 
rises  near  the  West  end  of  Banka,  and  its  summit  being  1,456  ft.  high,  may 
be  seen  at  a  considerable  distance,  and  serves  as  a  guide  in  approaching  to 
or  departing  from  the  North  end  of  Banka  Strait.     It  frequently  happens  at 


208  BANKA  STEAIT. 

the  North  entrance  of  the  strait,  that  this  hill  is  the  only  visible  object, 
especially  when  a  vessel  is  near  Sumatra  in  5  or  6  fathoms  water. 

The  edge  of  the  bank,  after  passing  a  cable's  length  outside  the  rocks  off 
Tanjong  Tedong,  takes  a  N.N.W.  direction,  till  abreast  of  the  Meddang 
Islands,  outside  of  which  it  extends  nearly  a  mile.  From  thence  it  curves 
round  Mundo  Bay,  projecting  4  miles  to  the  southward  of  Tanjong  Jurung- 
ptitt ;  it  then  runs  to  the  westward,  passing  Tanjong  Eessam  at  4^  miles, 
and  Tanjong  Tadah  at  nearly  3  miles. 

Mundo  Peak,  well  open  to  the  southward  of  the  Meddang  Islands,  leads 
clear  of  the  edge  of  this  bank  between  those  islands  and  Tanjong  Tadah. 

From  Tanjong  Tadah  the  bank  still  follows  a  westerly  direction  till  South. 
of  Tanjong  Puni,  when  it  trends  away  sharply  to  the  north-westward,  fol- 
lowing the  curve  of  the  coast  line  at  an  average  distance  of  about  \\  mile, 
until  abreast  the  East  point  of  Mintok  Bay,  from  which  it  is  distant  only 
half  a  mile. 

Between  Tanjong  Tedong  and  Tanjong  Tadah,  the  soundings  decrease 
regularly  towards  the  bank,  which  may  there  be  approached  to  5  or  even  4 
fathoms,  except  near  the  Meddang  Islands,  where  a  vessel  should  not  shoal 
under  9  fathoms.  At  Tanjong  Tadah  the  bank  begins  to  get  steeper  to,  and 
abreast  of  the  Karang  Sarabu  Eocks,  there  are  9  and  10  fathoms  pretty  close 
to  its  edge. 

Caution. — The  bank  South  of  Puni  Point  is  very  shallow  and  steep-to, 
having  from  11  to  16  fathoms,  almost  close  to  its  edge.  Tanjong  Tadah, 
bearing  E.  by  N.  \  N.,  jutt  clears  this  dangerous  spit  to  the  eastward,  and 
Monopin  Hill  N.W.  by  N.,  just  clears  it  to  the  westward. 

KARANG  BROM-BROM  is  an  extensive  shoal  of  rocks  and  sand,  dry  in 
some  places  at  low  water,  lying  4|  miles  South  from  the  shore  between  Tan- 
jong Puni  and  Sukal.  It  is  a  little  more  than  2  miles  long  in  a  W.  ^  N. 
and  opposite  direction,  and  nearly  half  a  mile  wide  at  its  western  end,  where 
the  rocks  are,  and  from  which  Monopin  Hill  bears  N.W.  ^  N.  ;  the  eastern 
end  tapers  away  to  a  sandy  point.  This  danger  was  marked  by  a  temporary 
beacon,  which  is  said  to  have  disappeared  (1875). 

A  red  buoy  was  placed  off  the  southern  side  of  Karang  Brom-Brom,  in  1875, 
in  5  fathoms  water,  with  the  middle  of  Monopin  Hill  bearing  N.  40°  W., 
and  the  East  point  of  Cape  Tadah,  N.  50°  E. 

The  highest  part  of  the  hummock  on  the  point  behind  the  Karang  Sarabu 
Eocks  bearing  N.  ^  E  ,  or  the  highest  part  of  Tanjong  Tadah  bearing 
N.E.  t  N.,  clears  the  eastern  end  more  than  half  a  mile  ;  and  Bukit  Beloe, 
bearing  N.  ^  W.,  clears  the  western  end  nearly  a  mile. 

A  channel,  2  miles  wide,  having  7  to  15  fathoms  water  in  it,  lies  between 
the  Broni-Brom  and  the  shore  bank.  Nothwithstanding  that  the  channel 
between  the  Brom-Brom  Eeef  and  Banka  is  only  2  miles  wide,  a  vessel  may 
easily  work  through  it  by  day,  during  the  western  monsooD,  because  she  cau 


KAEANG  HADJI.  209 

take  advantage  of  the  tides;  but  on  the  coast  of  Sumatra  a  strong  easterly- 
current  runs  with  little  interruption  ;  she  must,  however,  be  very  careful  in 
crossing  over  to  the  coast  of  Banka,  as  the  bank  is  very  steep,  and  she  might 
suddenly  fall  from  7  to  3  fathoms  before  there  would  be  time  for  a  second 
cast  of  the  lead. 

Amelia  Bank  is  a  small  patch  of  hard  ground,  with  2|  fathoms  water  over 
it,  at  the  S.E.  extreme  of  the  Mintok  Bank,  to  the  shoal  patches  of  which  it 
is  connected  by  a  ridge  of  4  and  5  fathoms  water.  From  it  the  western  ex- 
treme of  the  Brom-Brom  bears  East  4i  miles,  and  Monopin  Hill  N.  by  W.  JW. 
12  miles. 

Bukit  Boloe  bearing  N.  i  E.  leads  a  mile  to  the  eastward  of  the  Amelia 
Bank  ;  and  the  same  hill  N,  by  E.  ^  E.  leads  the  same  distance  to  the  west- 
ward. 

Mintok  Bank  extends  from  the  Amelia  Bank  in  a  direction  nearly  parallel 
to  the  shore,  for  a  distance  of  10  or  11  miles,  to  within  about  the  third  of  a 
mile  of  the  Karang  Hadji  Eeef,  off  Kalian  Point.  It  is  composed  of  hard 
sand,  and  has  several  patches  with  only  2^  and  3  fathoms  water  over  them, 
and  4  or  5  fathoms  between.  A  2-fathoms  patch  lies  N.W.  by  N.  2i  miles 
from  the  Amelia  Bank.  Bukit  Beloe,  bearing  N.  by  E.  5  E.,  which  clears 
the  Amelia  Bank  to  the  westward,  also  clears  the  patch  to  the  eastward. 

From  this  last-mentioned  patch,  other  patches  of  2^  and  3  fathoms  extend 
N.AV.  by  W.  for  5  miles,  this  part  of  the  bank  being  about  IJ  mile  wide. 
For  2|  miles  further  in  the  same  direction  the  bank  has  from  4k  to  7  fathoms 
water  over  it,  the  deepest  water  appearing  to  be  with  Mintok  Fort  flagstaff 
in  line  with  the  pier-head,  bearing  about  N.  by  E.  5  E. 

Another  3-fathoms  patch  lies  with  the  lighthouse  on  Kalian  Point  bearing 
N.  ^  E.  1 J  mile,  from  which  5  fathoms  may  be  carried  towards  the  Karang 
Hadji  Eeef  until  very  close  to  it,  when  the  water  will  suddenly  deepen  to  11, 
17,  or  20  fathoms.  Monopin  Hill,  in  line  with  the  lighthouse  on  Kalian 
Point,  N.E.  2  N.,  leads  westward  of  the  3-fathoms  patch,  between  it  and  the 
Karang  Hadji  Eeef. 

A  ship  working  through  the  strait,  to  keep  clear  of  Mintok  Bank,  should 
take  care  not  to  bring  the  lighthouse  on  Kalian  Point  to  the  westward  of 
N.W.  byN. 

KARANG  HADJI  is  a  dangerous  reef  of  rocks  and  sand  lying  close  to 
the  N.W.  end  of  the  Mintok  Bank ;  the  rocks  on  it  are  all  covered  at  high 
water,  but  many  of  them  are  visible  at  half  tide.  The  beacon  marked  on  the 
chart  was  not  visible  in  1875.  The  reef  is  1 S- mile  long  N.W.  by  W.  and 
S.E.  by  E.,  and  half  a  mile  broad,  and  from  its  western  and  outer  extreme 
Kalian  lighthouse  bears  E.  |  N.  2^  miles,  and  Tanjong  Oelar  and  Tanjong 
Bersiap  are  in  line  ;  its  eastern  extreme  bears  S.'W.  by  W.  J  W.  1|  mile 
I.  A.  2  b 


210  BANK  A  STRAIT. 

from  Kalian  Point.  Close  to  it  on  the  North,  West,  and  South  sides,  the 
depths  are  irregular  from  16  to  21  fathoms. 

A  rock,  with  1 2  ft.  over  it  at  low  water,  lies  about  2  cables  northward  of 
the  Hadjie  Reef,  with  Tanjong  Bersiap,  the  western  point  of  Banca  Island, 
bearing  N.  %  E.,  and  Kalian  Point  lighthouse  E.  J  N. 

Tanjong  Oelar  kept  well  open  of  Tanjong  Bersiap  clears  the  West  end 
of  this  reef ;  the  highest  part  of  Monopin  Hill  in  line  with  the  lighthouse 
clears  its  eastern  extreme ;  and  Tanjong  Puni  bearing  E.  f  S.  clears  it  to 
the  soil th ward. 

A  red  himj  was  placed  off  the  N.W.  side  of  Karang  Hadjie,  in  1875,  in  4^ 
fathoms  water;  from  it  Tanjong  Kalean  bears  N.  87°  E.,  and  Bersiap  Hill 
N.  26°  E. 

Inner  or  Binnen  Bank,  of  hard  sand,  with  2^  fathoms  water  on  it,  and  7  or 
8  fathoms  close-to,  extends  East  If  mile  from  Kalian  Point,  when  it  turns  to 
the  N.W.  for  about  half  a  mile,  thus  forming  a  spit  projecting  to  the  east- 
ward ;  from  thence  it  curves  away  and  is  lost  in  the  sand-bank  which  extends 
half  a  mile  from  the  shore  of  Mintok. 

Two-thirds  of  a  mile  E.  by  S.  from  this  spit  is  a  3-fathoms  patch,  from 
which  Mintok  pier-head  bears  N.N.W.  |  W.,  distant  two-thirds  of  a  mile, 
and  Kalian  Point  lighthouse  West,  northerly. 

KALIAN  Point  and  Light. — Kalian  Point,  low  and  sandy,  with  some 
trees  behind  it,  is  the  south-western  extreme  of  the  West  end  of  Banka. 
The  lighthouse  upon  it,  in  lat.  2°  4'  37"  S.,  long.  105°  9'  E.,  is  a  white 
stone  tower  with  a  red  lantern,  which  shows,  at  an  elevation  of  170  ft.,  a 
fixed  white  light,  visible  in  clear  weather  at  20  miles. 

About  three-quarters  of  a  mile  N.W.  from  the  lighthouse  is  Tanjong  Batu- 
hrani,  the  trees  immediately  behind  which  are  127  ft.  high.  Kalian  Ledge  is 
a  small  reef,  with  only  6  to  9  ft.  water  over  it,  lying  a  little  more  than  a  mile 
to  the  N.W.  of  Kalian  Point ;  from  it  the  lighthouse  bears  S.E.  by  E.,  Ber- 
siap Point  N.  \  W.,  and  Monopin  Hill  N.E.  I  E. 

Kalian  Pass,  formed  by  Kalian  Point  and  Ledge  on  one  side,  and  the 
Karang  Hadji  Reef  on  the  other,  is  three-quarters  of  a  mile  wide,  with 
soundings  in  it  of  25  to  32  fathoms.  This  channel  is  generally  used  by 
vessels  coming  from  the  northward  and  proceeding  to  Mintok  Bay,  and  with 
a  fair  wind  is  preferable  to  the  passage  outside  the  Karang  Hadji ;  but  the 
great  depth,  bad  anchorage,  and  strong  currents,  render  it  unadvisable  to 
attempt  to  beat  through. 

In  using  this  channel,  the  sandy  point  upon  which  the  lighthouse  stands 
may  be  passed  pretty  close  to  ;  and  the  lighthouse  on  the  bearing  of  E.  by  S. 
leads  through  between  the  Kalian  Ledge  and  the  Karang  Hadji  Reef. 

MINTOK. — Two  miles  E.N.E.  from  Kalian  Point,  on  the  banks  of  a  small 


MINTOK.  211 

river,  is  the  town  of  Mintok,  the  capital  of  the  island,*  having  a  fort  upon  a 
hill,  and  some  stone  houses  close  to  the  shore,  the  red  roofs  of  which  are 
visible  at  a  considerable  distance.  The  resident  and  other  Dutch  officers 
have  houses  on  the  hill  near  the  fort,  most  of  the  native  houses  being  lower 
down  nearer  the  sea.  The  mail  steamers,  which  run  twice  a  month  between 
Batavia  and  Singapore,  always  call  here. 

A  pier  nearly  half  a  mile  long,  and  running  out  to  the  edge  of  the  bank, 
has  been  built,  and  is  of  great  advantage  to  the  trade  of  the  place  ;  on  the 
extremity  of  the  pier  a  small  fixed  white  light  is  shown  all  night. 

The  best  anchorage  for  large  ships  is  in  10  to  6  fathoms,  about  1 J  mile 
from  the  shore,  with  Monopin  Hill  bearing  about  N.  J  E.,  and  Kalian  Point 
about  W.N.  W.  or  W.  by  N.  The  ordinary  anchorage  of  the  Dutch  man-of- 
war  stationed  in  Banka  Strait,  and  of  the  merchant  vessels  trading  to  Min- 
tok, which  are  usually  of  a  small  class,  is  in  4^  or  5  fathoms  inside  the  3- 
fathoms  patch  lying  off  the  spit  which  extends  from  the  Binnen  Bank,  at 
any  convenient  distance  and  direction  from  the  pier-head. 

The  usual  route  to  Mintok  Road  is  across  the  Mintok  Bank,  between  the 
Karang  Hadji  Eeef  and  the  Amelia  Bank.  A  vessel  coming  from  the 
northward,  and  bound  for  the  road,  may  proceed  either  through  the  Kalian 
Pass,  or  she  may  pass  outside  the  Karang  Hadji  Reef,  and  then  follow  the 
usual  track  across  the  Mintok  Bank.  A  good  mark  for  crossing  the  bank  is 
Monopin  Hill  in  line  with  the  flagstaff  on  the  fort  bearing  N.  by  E.  \  E., 
which  will  lead  over  it  in  5  or  6  fathoms  water;  another  good  mark  is 
Monopin  Hill  in  line  with  the  lighthouse  N.E.  ^  N.  No  ship  can  cross  the 
bank  in  safety  with  Monopin  Hill  bearing  to  the  westward  of  North  ;  with 
the  hill  bearing  North,  a  ship  crossing  the  bank  would  have  3  fathoms  at 
low  water  spring  tides,  the  bottom  hard  sand,  coral,  and  shells.  When  over 
the  bank,  the  water  will  deepen  to  18  or  20  fathoms,  soft  muddy  bottom,  and 
shoal  again  quickly  towards  the  inner  bank  and  the  shore. 

With  a  working  wind,  keep  Monopin  Hill  N.  J  E.  and  N.N.E. 

To  enter  Mintok  Road  from  the  eastward,  a  vessel  must  work  between  the 
shore  and  the  Mintok  Bank,  being  careful  not  to  bring  Tanjong  Tadah  to 
the  eastward  of  E.  by  N.  f  N.,  until  Monopin  Hill  bears  N.  W.  by  N. 

A  hard  sandy  bottom  and  shoal  water  will  show  when  near  the  edge  of  the 

*  Banka,  like  the  adjacent  countries,  is  now  under  the  dominion  of  the  Dutch,  and  has 
been  so  without  dispute  since  1821,  M^hen  it  was  finally  conquered  from  the  treacherous 
Sultan  of  Palembang  in  Sumatra.  .\s  is  well  known,  the  chief  commercial  product  is  tin  : 
a  government  monopoly,  chiefly  worked  by  Chinese,  who  form  more  than  a  moiety  of  the 
total  population-  of  Banka,  estimated  at  35,000.  The  island  is  comparatively  sterile,  and 
the  natives  rude  and  treacherous.  There  are  numerous  other  colonies  of  Malays  and 
Javanese,  in  addition  to  the  Chinese  immigrants.  The  chief  geological  feature  is  the  range 
of  volcanic  and  granitic  hills  which  runs  through  the  island,  parallel  to  and  of  similar 
character  to  those  on  the  Malay  pcninbula. 


212  BANKA  STRAIT. 

Mintok  Bank  ;  while,  to  avoid  the  shallow  along  the  coast,  Monopin  Hill 
must  not  be  brought  more  to  the  westward  than  N.W.  by  N.,  and  taking 
care  not  to  shoal  to  less  than  5  fathoms. 

At  Kalian  P(jint  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  the  N.W.  mon- 
soon, at  8''  17"  a.m.,  and  in  the  S.E.  monsoon  at  8  p.m.;  the  springs  rise 
12  J  ft. 

Tanjong  Bersiap,  168  ft.  high,  beai'sfrom  Tanjong  Batu-brani,  the  north- 
western extreme  of  Kalian  Point,  N.  by  W.  i  W.,  distant  3^  miles.  The 
coast  between  curves  slightly  inland,  and  is  fronted  by  a  bank  extending 
nearly  a  mile  from  it,  pretty  close  to  which  are  7  and  10  fathoms.  Inside 
the  edge  of  this  bank,  and  lying  some  distance  off  Bersiap  Point,  is  a  cluster 
of  rocks,  some  of  which  are  above  and  others  below  water.  Bersiap  Hill, 
336  ft.  high,  is  small,  and  stands  by  itself,  about  IJ  mile  N.E.  of  the  point. 
About  2  miles  N.E.  of  the  hill,  the  extreme  of  a  range  running  from  Monopin 
to  the  N.W.  forms  a  conspicuous  peak  709  ft.  high. 

Tanjong  Oelar,  156  ft.  high,  is  about  4  miles  N.  by  E.  from  Tanjong  Ber- 
siap ;  nearly  midway  between  is  a  remarkable  yellow  cliff.  About  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  northward  of  the  yellow  cliff,  and  just  to  the  South  of  a 
point  with  a  rock  off  it,  is  a  stream  of  water.  Oelar  Reefs  is  the  name  given 
to  the  rocky  and  uneven  ground,  with  reefs  and  rocks  above  water  in  places, 
extending  off  shore  between  Bersiap  and  Oelar  Points.  From  a  mile  off 
Bersiap  Point,  it  runs  in  a  N.  by  W.  direction  for  nearly  3  miles,  when  it 
trends  away  to  the  north-eastward,  passing  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
outside  Oelar  Point,  immediately  off  which  are  several  rocks  above  water. 

Transit  Rock,  on  which  H. M.S.  7V«ws?Y  was  wrecked,  10th  July,  1857,  lies 
at  the  western  extremity  of  this  rocky,  imeven  ground,  at  2J  miles  off  shore, 
and  W.  I  N.  8  cables'  lengths  from  a  reef  which  generally  shows,  except  at 
high  tides,  with  6  and  10  fathoms  between  them.  The  least  depth  on  the 
rock  at  low  water  springs  is  12  ft.,  and  from  this  spot  Oelar  Point  bears 
N.E.  by  E. ;  the  highest  point  of  Monopin  Eange  E.  by  S.  f  S.  ;  and  Kalian 
Point  is  IJ"  open  of  Bersiap  Point  S.S.E.  southerly,  distant  from  the  latter 
point  2J  miles.  There  are  20  fathoms  water  at  a  cable's  length  to  the  west- 
ward of  the  12-feetline  ;  the  depth  around  varying  from  14  to  12,  7,  and  5 
fathoms  over  very  uneven  bottom. 

A  roL-k  awash,  at  low  water  springs,  lies  E.  |  N.  2  cables'  lengths  from 
the  Transit  Pock  ;  and  there  are  4i  fathoms  (perhaps  less)  rocky  bottom,  at 
half  a  mile  to  the  northward  of  the  Transit,  with  20  fathoms  close-to ;  the 
locality  of  the  latter  is  indicated  by  strong  ripples. 

Tanjong  Batu-brani  well  open  of  Tanjong  Bersiap,  bearing  S.S.E.  ^  E., 
clears  the  Transit  Eock  to  the  westward;  and  Tanjong  Biat,  well  open  of 
Tanjong  Oelar,  bearing  E.N.E.,  clears  it  to  the  northward. 

TANJONG  BIAT  bears  N.E.  |  E.,  distant  3  miles  from  Tanjong  Oelar, 
and,  like  that  point  and  Tanjong  Bersiap,  has  rocks  above  and  below  water, 


FREDERICK  HENDRICK  ROCKS.  213 

extending  some  distance  off  it.  The  line  of  danger  which  extends  about 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  off  Tanjong  Oelar,  follows  the  curve  of  the  coast  line 
at  about  the  same  distance  towards  Biat  Point,  where  it  projects  rather 
farther  off.  In  the  bay  between  Oelar  and  Biat  Points  is  a  small  stream  of 
water,  with  a  village  close  to  it. 

Rocky  Patches,  with  20  fathoms  close  to  them,  lie  off  Tanjong  Biat, 
having  a  narrow  channel  with  10  and  11  fathoms  water  in  it  between  them 
and  the  rocky  ground  extending  from  the  coast.  From  the  outer  patch  of  3 
fathoms,  Tanjong  Oelar  bears  S.  ^  W.  3  miles,  and  Tanjong  Biat  S.E.  by  E., 
a  little  over  2  miles. 

Tanjong  Oelar  bearing  South  leads  nearly  half  a  mile  westward  of  these 
dangers;  and  Buh'f  ^atu,  a  hill  708  ft.  high,  about  12  miles  eastward  of 
Tanjong  Biat,  bearing  E.  by  S.,  leads  northward  of  them. 

Caution. — The  West  coast  of  Banka,  between  Tanjong  Kalian  and  Tan- 
jong Biat,  is  very  dangerous  to  approach,  owing  to  the  rocky  patches  just 
described  and  the  deep  water  close  to  them ;  ships  should,  therefore,  exercise 
great  caution  when  in  this  vicinity,  observing  that  Tanjong  Bersiap,  if  not 
brought  to  the  westward  of  South,  will  clear  all  the  dangers  between  Tan- 
jongs  Oelar  and  Biat;  and  they  should  be  careful  to  regard  the  marks  given 
to  clear  the  Transit  Rock. 

FREDERICK  HElv  DRICK  ROCKS  lie  at  the  northern  entrance  of  Banka 
Strait,  nearly  midway  between  Batakarang  Point  on  the  Sumatra  coast  and 
Tanjong  Oelar  on  the  Banka  coast.  They  consist  of  two  rocky  patches, 
lying  North  and  South  of  each  other,  having  only  9  ft,  on  the  northern  patch, 
and  3  ft.  on  the  southern.  The  two  patches  occupy  a  space  about  a  mile 
long.  North  and  South,  and  half  a  mile  broad. 

From  the  3-feet  patch  Monopin  Hill  bears  nearly  E.  by  S.  14  miles;  and 
the  lighthouse  on  Kalian  Point  S.E.  by  E.  ^  B.  12f  miles. 

Monopin  Hill  E.  |  S.  leads  about  half  a  mile  southward  of  the  3-ft-  patch; 
and  Monopin  Hill  in  line  with  the  remarkable  yellow  cliff  between  Bersiap 
and  Oelar  Points,  E.  by  S.  |  S.,  leads  2  miles  northward  of  the  northern 
patch. 

Close  around  the  shoal  are  16  to  20  fathoms  water. 

A  red  buoy  is  moored  on  the  South  point  of  Frederick  Hendrick  Reef, 
in  5  fathoms,  with  Kalean  light  bearing  S.E.  by  E.  \  E.,  Bersiap  Hill 
E.  by  S.,  and  Mount  Parree  N  E.  by  E.  It  is  visible  about  3  miles  off ;  but 
as  the  buoy  from  the  strong  tides  frequently  shifts  its  position,  vessels  are 
cautioned  not  to  place  too  much  dependence  on  it. 

Channels. — The  channel  westward  of  the  Frederick  Hendrick  Rocks  is  the 
one  most  generally  used,  the  depths  in  it  being  moderate,  decreasing  regu- 
larly towards  the  bank  extending  from  the  Sumatra  coast ;  whereas  in  the 
channel  eastward  of  the  shoal  the  water  is  much  deeper,  and  the  depths 
irregular. 


214  BANKA  STEAIT. 

Between  the  shoal  and  the  3-fathoms  line  at  the  edge  of  the  mud-bant 
extending  from  Batakarang  Point,  the  channel  is  4|  miles  wide,  having  16 
and  17  fathoms  close  outside  the  10-fathoms  line  towards  the  rocks;  the 
depths  under  10  fathoms  decreasing  regularly  towards  the  bank. 

The  channel  between  the  shoal  and  the  Transit  Eoek  and  reefs  off  the 
"West  coast  of  Banka  is  8  miles  wide,  having  16  to  20  fathoms  at  3  or  4 
miles  eastward  of  the  shoal,  and  19  to  25  miles  nearer  Banka,  which  depth* 
increase  to  24  and  30  fathoms  close  to  the  dangers  extending  from  that 
coast. 

Directions  for  West  Channel. — To  avoid  the  Frederick  Hendrick  Eocks, 
vessels  taking  the  channel  between  them  and  Sumatra  should  keep  in  4^  to 
7  fathoms  water  on  the  edge  of  the  bank  off  Batakarang  Point,  and  not  keep 
more  to  the  eastward  than  in  9  or  10  fathoms,  while  Monopin  Hill  bears 
between  East  and  E.S.E. 

In  working  thx'ough  this  channel  a  vessel  should  not  deepen  to  more  than 
9  fathoms  towards  the  Hendrick  Eocks,  but  the  bank  off  Batakarang  Point 
may  be  neared  to  5  or  4i  fathoms.  When  Monopin  Hill  bears  E.S.E.,  the 
vessel  will  be  northward  of  the  rocks. 

In  the  East  Channel,  Mounts  Punyabung,  Paree,  and  Jerankat,  on  the 
N.W.  part  of  Banka,  will  appear  like  islands.  To  pass  eastward  of  the 
Frederick  Hendrick,  keep  Mount  Punyabung  N.E.,  until  Monopin  Hillbears- 
E.  i  S.,  when  Punyabung  must  not  be  more  eastward  than  N.E. ;  and  when 
Monopin  is  E.  by  S.  J  S.,  Punyabung  must  not  be  more  ISorth  than  N.E.  ^  N., 
so  as  to  avoid  in  the  first  case  the  Hendrick  Eocks,  and  in  the  second  the 
Transit  Eock.  "When  Monopin  bears  southward  of  S.E.,  Mount  Punyabung 
must  not  be  brought  to  the  northward  of  N.E. 

Soundings  in  Banka  Strait. — In  Banka  Strait,  between  Lalarie  and  Second 
Points,  the  depths  are  from  17  to  25  fathoms,  shoaling  suddenly  from  those 
depths  to  10  fathoms  on  the  Banka  side  of  the  strait,  but  decreasing  regu- 
larly towards  the  10-fathoms  line  on  the  Sumatra  side. 

The  various  banks  and  coral  patches  which  exist  in  the  strait,  having  more 
than  5  or  6  fathoms  on  them,  will  be  best  understood  by  reference  to  the 
chart.  The  dangerous  banks  have  been  described.  Indeed,  throughout  the 
strait,  the  soundings  cannot  alone  be  relied  upon  to  conduct  a  vessel  safely 
through ;  but  when  associated  with  careful  bearings  and  frequent  references 
to  the  chart,  a  stranger  need  not  run  the  least  risk,  or  experience  any  diffi- 
culty in  passing  through  the  strait  for  the  first  time. 


(     215     ) 


STANTON  AND  LUCIPAEA  CHANNELS. 

The  STANTON  CHANNEL,  which  was  surveyed,  or  rather  discovered,  by 
Mr.  W.  Stanton,  E.N.,  in  command  of  H.M.S.  Saracen,  in  1859-60,  is  a 
most  important  addition  to  our  knowledge  of  these  entrances  to  the  China 
Sea.  This  is  the  more  so,  inasmuch  as  the  Lucipara  Channel  to  the  west- 
ward of  it  is  said  to  be  filling  up  in  consequence  of  the  extension  of  the  low 
Sumatran  coast  His  directions  which  follow  will  be  found  precise  and  suffi- 
cient. He  also  makes  the  following  general  remarks  :  It  has  hitherto  been 
the  custom  for  all  ships  to  work  along  the  Sumatra  coast,  where  they  have 
not  only  a  strong  wind,  but  a  constant  current  to  contend  with ;  consequently 
sailing  vessels  have  been  delayed  tivo  and  three  weeks,  and  instances  have  been 
known  of  vessels  being  a  month  making  the  passage  through  Banka  Strait. 

The  Saracen  frequently  worked  well  to  windward  under  fore  and  aft  sails, 
when  the  clipper  ships  could  not  make  any  progress,  and  were  compelled  to 
anchor  on  the  Sumatra  side.  From  my  past  experience,  I  feel  confident  that 
a  smart  sailing  vessel,  by  taking  advantage  of  the  tides  and  currents,  and 
following  the  directions  hereafter  given,  may  make  the  passage  even  in  the 
fall  strength  of  the  monsoon  in  three  or  four  days. 

The  Stanton  Channel,  lying  along  the  south-western  coast  of  Banka,  is  19 
miles  long,  and  nearly  3  miles  wide  at  its  narrowest  part,  with  depths,  mid- 
channel,  increasing  gradually  from  7  fathoms  at  its  south-eastern  entrance  to 
20  fathoms  near  the  other  extreme.  The  approaches  to  it  from  the  southward 
are  marked  by  the  well-defined  mountain  of  St.  Paul,  and  the  conical  hills 
of  Gadong  and  Toboe  Ali  Lama  (page  201),  and  in  fine  clear  weather  by  the 
more  distant  range  of  Padang,  2,217  ft.  high;  these  cannot  fail  to  point  out 
the  entrance,  and  the  water  being  deep  within  half  a  mile  of  the  Dapur 
Islands  (page  200),  will  give  strangers  confidence  in  steering  for  the  land. 
Prominent  points  and  bills  will  also  be  seen  along  the  Banka  coast,  bearings 
of  which  will  enable  a  vessel  at  any  time  to  ascertain  her  position. 

The  channel  is  bounded  by  narrow  banks  extending  in  a  N.W.  by  W.  and 
S.E.  by  E.  direction,  and  all  partaking  of  the  same  formation  (sand)  in  their 
shoalest  parts,  with  a  mixture  of  mud  and  sand  between.  The  two  marking 
the  western  boundary  of  the  channel  are  named  Smits  and  Melvill  Banks,  and 
off  the  latter  a  lightvessel  would  be  most  useful. 

Smits  Bank  consists  of  four  smaller  banks,  nearly  connected,  and  forming 
one  long  narrow  ridge  15  miles  in  length,  with  its  shoalest  part  of  3  ft., 
lying  6  miles,  and  the  next  shoalest  of  9  ft.,  3  miles  from  the  north-western 
end;  two  other  patches  of  3  fathoms  and  2f  fathoms  lie  on  the  S.E.  part  of 
the  bank. 

Panjang  Hill,  bearing  N.E.,  leads  to  the  north-eastward  of  this  bank,  be- 
tween it  and  the  Nemesis  Bank,  in  6  fathoms  at  low  water.     Gradong  Peak 


216  BA.NKA.  STRAIT. 

in  line  with  Toboe  Ali  Point  N.E.  i  E.,  or  Lucipara  S.W.,  clears  the  south- 
eastern end  in  4  fathoms  ;  and  Lalarie  Point  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W.,  or  not  ap- 
proaching the  bank  to  a  less  depth  than  10  fathoms,  clears  the  north-eastera 
fiide. 

Melvill  Bank,  5  miles  long,  and  nearly  half  a  mile  broad,  lies  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  to  the  eastward  of  the  south-eastern  part  of  Smits  Bank,  with  a 
depth  of  7  and  8  fathoms  between.  The  shoalest  part  of  this  bank  is  near 
its  north-western  extremity,  and  is  about  2  miles  in  length,  with  from  2  to 
3  fathoms  on  it.  At  the  North  end,  in  5  fathoms,  Laboh  Point  bears  N.E. 
by  E.  ;  and  tlie  bank  is  cleared  to  the  south-eastward  in  7  fathoms  by  the 
latter  point  b-^aring  N.  by  E.  i^  E.  ;  and  to  the  eastward  in  8  fathoms,  by 
bringing  Parmassang  Peak  to  touch  the  West  side  of  Banka  Hill  N.W.  |  N. 

Between  the  above  banks  and  Lucipara,  there  are  many  others  all  trend- 
ing in  the  same  direction,  with  narrow  deep-water  channels  between  ;  but  as 
these  channels  are  exceedingly  narrow,  and  no  marks  can  be  given  to  clear 
the  banks,  they  are  not  available  for  vessels. 

Eastern  Bank, — The  bank  bounding  the  eastern  side  of  Stanton  Channel 
is  13  miles  long  and  nearly  a  mile  wide,  at  3  miles  S.W.  by  S.  of  Laboh 
Point,  which  is  the  broadest  and  shoalest  part.  It  is  formed  by  three  smaller 
banks  nearly  joined  together,  with  from  2  to  3  fathoms  on  the  north-western 
and  south-eastern  ones,  and  only  4J  ft.  on  the  middle  of  the  centre  bank. 
The  north-western  extremity  is  separated  from  a  projecting  horn,  extending 
from  the  shore  mud  flat  at  2  miles  S.S.W.  of  Pulo  Dahun,  by  a  narrow 
channel  of  6  fathoms. 

Gadong  Peak,  in  line  with  Toboe  Ali  Fort,  bearing  N.E.  ^  N.,  leads  to 
the  southward  of  the  south-eastern  part  of  the  bank  in  4J  fathoms ;  Dapur 
Island  S.E.  by  E.  f  E.  leads  to  the  westward  ;  and  the  Mameion  or  Hum- 
mock, kept  open  to  the  westward  of  Pulo  Besar,  N.W.,  clears  the  West  side 
of  the  north-western  extremity  of  the  above  banks. 

A  small  bank  of  sand  lies  1  mile  to  the  westward  of  the  south-eastern 
extreme  of  the  eastern  bank,  but  as  not  less  than  4J  fathoms  were  found  on 
it  at  low  water,  it  is  not  dangerous  to  ships  passing  through. 

Inner  Channel. — To  the  eastward  of  the  eastern  bank  along  the  coast  of 
Banka,  there  is  an  inner  channel  nearly  a  mile  wide,  with  4  to  6  fathoms 
water  in  it,  but  as  it  is  encumbered  with  shoals  it  is  only  navigable  for  small 
vessels.     Dapur  Island,  bearing  S.E.  by  E.,  leads  nearly  in  mid-channel. 

There  are  also  two  outlets  into  the  main  channel  over  the  western  bank, 
in  5  and  4  fathoms  ;  the  former  with  Pulo  Dahun  bearing  N.N.E.  ;  the 
latter  and  southern  outlet,  when  Pulo  Puni  and  Gossong  Point  are  in  line, 
E.  ^N. 

Nemesis  Bank,  lying  nearly  mid-channel  between  Pudi  Point  and  False 
First  Point,  is  a  long  ridge  of  sand  extending  9  miles  in  a  N.W.  by  W.  and 


STANTON  CHANNEL.  217 

S.E.  by  E.  direction,  with  irregular  soundings  of  from  3  to  10  fathoms  on  it. 
The  shoalest  part  consists  of  two  patches  of  ?>  fathoms,  each  about  2  cables' 
lengths  in  extent^  upon  one  of  which  the  French  frigate  Nemesis  grounded  in 
1857.  They  lie  E. S.E.  and  W.N.  W.  from  each  other,  distant  half  a  mile, 
and  from  the  western  patch  Lalarie  Point  bears  N.N.W.  i  W.  4J  miles,  and 
False  First  Point  S.S.W.  i  W.  4^  miles. 

Casuarina  Point  kept  open  of  Lalarie  Point,  bearing  N.  by  W.  f  W.,  leads 
to  the  westward  of  these  shoal  patches,  in  14  fathoms  water;  the  Mamelon 
or  Hummock,  N.  by  E.  i  E.,  or  False  First  Point  S.W.  i  S.,  leads  to  the 
eastward  ;  and  Lalarie  Point  bearing  N.AV.  |  N.,  clears  them  to  the  north- 
ward. There  is  another  patch  of  5  fathoms  lying  2  miles  from  the  south- 
eastern extreme  of  the  bank,  with  False  First  Point  W.  i  S.,  and  First  Point 
S.  by  W.  i  W.,  distant  SJ  miles. 

Anchorage  may  be  found  anywhere  in  the  Stanton  Channel,  but  ships 
bringing  up  with  their  kedge  or  stream  anchor  must  always  be  prepared  to 
let  go  the  bower  anchor,  as  there  will  be  experienced,  particularly  during  the 
change  of  the  monsoons,  very  dangerous  squalls,  with  heavy  rain,  thunder, 
and  lightning,  which  generally  last  for  about  an  hour. 

TIDES. — In  the  S.E.  monsoon  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Toboe 
Ali  Point,  on  the  Banka  shore,  at  8**  30™  p.m.,  and  at  10  a.m.  in  N.W. 
monsoon.  The  ordinary  rise  at  springs  is  lOf  ft.,  but  it  sometimes  reaches 
12  ft.  The  highest  tide  generally  occurs  two  days  after  full  and  change. 
The  rate  at  springs  is  2^-  knots.  The  flood  stream  sets  to  the  N."W.  and  runs 
for  about  12  hours,  and  the  ebb  the  same  period  in  the  opposite  direction, 
but  they  are  both  sometimes  influenced  by  the  strength  of  the  monsoon. 
When  it  is  blowing  strong  from  the  S.E.,  the  flood  stream  often  runs  for  14 
hours. 

A  vessel  may  carry  a  fair  tide  all  the  ivay  through  by  starting  from  either 
extremity  of  the  strait  at  low  water,  as  the  tidal  waves  from  the  China  and 
Java  Seas  meet  near  the  Nangka  Islands. 

At  Laboh  Point  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  1 1  p.m.  in  the  S.E. 
monsoon,  and  the  rise  at  ordinary  springs  is  10  ft. 

After  rounding  Lalarie  Point  in  the  S.E.  monsoon  the  flood  sets  N.N.W., 
and  the  ebb  to  the  S.S.E.,  along  the  Banka  shore. 

The  time  of  high  water  at  Laboh  Point  being  2  J  hours  later  than  at  Toboe 
Ali  Puint,  in  the  southern  part  of  Stanton  Channel,  for  a  few  days  after  full 
and  change  the  tides  will  be  found  (as  there  is  generally  12  hours'  flow  and 
ebb)  to  run  in  one  direction  all  night,  and  the  opposite  direction  during  the 
day,  with  a  velocity  of  from  2^  to  3  knots.  The  current  also  setting  directly 
mid-channel,  the  flood  N.W.  by  W.,  and  the  ebb  S.E.  by  E.,  vessels  may 
take  advantage  of  it  in  light  airs  to  drop  through. 

Directions  for  Statiton  Channel  from  the  Southward. — Vessels  from  the  south- 

I.    A.  2  1' 


218  BANK  A  STEAIT. 

ward,  intending  to  proceed  into  Banka  Strait  by  the  Stanton  Channel,  can- 
not fail,  in  approaching  the  coast  of  Banka,  to  recognise  the  mountain  of 
St.  Paul  (page  201)  by  its  flattish  top  having  several  nipples  of  nearly  the 
same  elevation,  and  Gadong  and  Toboe  Ali  Lama  Peaks  by  their  conical 
appearance.  Should  the  weather  be  clear,  the  distant  high  range  of  Pedang 
will  be  visible.  The  highest  peak  of  this  range  is  quoin-shaped,  attaining 
from  its  western  shoulder  an  elevation  of  2,217  ft.,  with  several  lower  hilla 
of  a  rounder  and  more  conical  appearance  adjoining,  the  two  westernmost 
being  about  1,200  and  1,400  ft.  high. 

After  recognizing  Mount  St.  Paul  and  Toboe  Ali  Lama  Peak,  approach 
the  latter  on  a  North  bearing,  and  when  about  3  miles  to  the  southward  of 
the  Dapur  Islands,  steer  N.W.  by  W.,  which  will  lead  nearly  mid-channel 
to  abreast  Banka  Point ;  recollecting  the  marks  given  at  p.  216,  for  clearing 
the  Melvill  and  Eastern  Bank. 

When  off  Laboh  Point,  the  high  range  of  Parmassang  will  be  visible, 
rising  from  a  gradual  slope  on  its  western  shoulder  to  a  flat-top  peak,  with 
two  lower  ones  adjoining.  The  three  hills,  Banka,  Panjang,  and  Woody, 
will  also  be  seen ;  the  two  former  may  be  known  by  their  wedge  shape,  and 
the  latter  by  its  isolated  position. 

Prom  abreast  Banka  Point  a  course  may  be  shaped  along  the  Banka 
shore,  passing  Lalarie  Point  at  a  distance  not  within  IJ  mile,  and  from 
thence  to  Second  Point.  When  Pulo  Dahun  bears  North,  great  care  must 
be  taken  to  avoid  the  spit  which  extends  in  a  south-easterly  direction  from 
the  shore  mud  flat,  between  the  above  island  and  Banka  Point.  The  Ma- 
melon  or  Hummock,  N.W.,  well  open  to  the  westward  of  Pulo  Besar,  clears 
this  spit  (page  216) ;  from  thence  to  the  Timbaga  Eocks  the  bank  may  be 
avoided  by  not  shoaling  towards  it  under  a  depth  of  10  fathoms. 

Working  through  this  channel  from  the  eastward,  vessels  may  stand  towards 
the  South  extreme  of  the  Dapur  Islands  to  a  distance  of  half  a  mile,  as  these 
islands  have  deep  water  at  4  cables'  lengths  from  them.  Between  this  and 
Toboe  Ali  the  shore  mud  flat  may  be  approached  until  Pulo  Dapur  bears 
S.E.  by  E.  ^  E.,  and  Lucipara  may  be  neared  to  a  distance  of  5  miles ;  but 
when  Gadong  Peak  bears  N.E.  ^  N.,  or  comes  in  line  with  Toboe  Ali  Fort, 
Pulo  Dapur  must  not  be  brought  to  the  southward  of  S.E.  by  E.  |  E.  to  clear 
the  north-eastern  part  of  the  Eastern  bank. 

Parmassang  Peak  touching  the  West  side  of  Banka  Hill  N  W.  |  N.,  will 
clear  the  Melvill  Bank,  and  when  Laboh  Point  bears  N.E.  J  N.,  by  not 
shoaling  under  10  fathoms,  all  the  banks  on  both  sides  will  be  cleared. 
Lalarie  Point  N.W.  by  W.  \  W.  will  also  clear  the  north-eastern  part  of 
Smits  Bank. 

The  shoal  patches  on  the  Nemesis  Bank  should  not  be  approached  under  a 
depth  of  10  fathoms  until  Casuarina  Point  comes  open  of  Lalarie  Point,  and 
in  rounding  the  latter  point  take  care  not  to  come  into  a  less  depth  than  10 


LTTCIPAEA  CHANNEL.  219 

fathoms,  as  the  bank  is  here  steep-to.  The  Timbaga  Rocks  may  also  be 
avoided  by  following  the  same  precaution,  and  from  thence  it  is  recommended 
to  work  up  from  Second  Point  along  the  Sumatra  coast. 

From  the  Westward.— Proceeding  through  Stanton  Channel  from  the 
westward,  when  abreast  and  IJ  mile  distant  from  Lalarie  Point,  an  E.S.E. 
course  will  lead  nearly  mid-channel  between  the  Nemesis  Bank  and  the 
bank  extending  from  the  Banka  shore,  but  when  Panjang  Hill  bears  N.E. 
a  more  southerly  course  must  be  shaped  to  pass  in  mid-channel.  When 
Dahun  Point  bears  North,  the  Mamelon  or  Hummock  open  of  Pulo  Besar 
N.W.  (the  clearing  mark  for  the  spit  off  Pulo  Dahun,  page  216),  also  leads 
directly  through  the  channel. 

Working  through  from  the  westward  in  the  S.E.  monsoon,  the  same  pre- 
caution must  be  taken  as  already  mentioned  to  avoid  the  shoalest  part  of  the 
Nemesis  Bank,  which  will  be  passed  when  the  Mamelon  bears  N.  by  E.  J  E. ; 
and  should  a  strong  flood  tide  be  'then  running,  it  would  be  advisable  to 
anchor  in  8  or  9  fathoms,  sand,  on  the  Nemesis  Bank,  as  the  water  on  both 
sides  of  it  is  deep,  and  wait  for  a  change  of  tide,  or  the  chance  of  the  land 
breeze,  which  blows  generally  either  during  the  night  or  early  in  the  morn- 
ing from  the  Banka  shore.  When  Panjang  Hill  bears  N.E.,  Lalarie  Point 
must  not  be  brought  to  the  northward  of  N.W.  by  W.  \  W.  to  avoid  Smits 
bank,  and  the  same  directions  as  already  given  in  not  approaching  the  banks 
under  10  fathoms  until  Laboh  Point  bears  N.E.  j  N.,  will  be  quite  sufficient 
to  enable  any  vessel  to  work  through. 

LTJCIPARA  CHANNEL. — The  South  entrance  to  this  channel  is  between 
Lucipara  Island  and  Lucipara  Point,  nearly  West,  9  miles  distant  from  it. 
The  western  side  of  the  channel  (p.  193)  is  bounded  by  the  mud  flat  which 
projects  from  the  coast  of  Sumatra  for  2  miles  and  more,  and  its  eastern  side 
by  various  hard  and  dangerous  sandbanks,  which  narrow  the  breadth  of  the 
passage  to  IJ  and  2  miles. 

Mr.  Stanton  is  of  opinion  that  this  channel  will,  within  a  few  years,  be- 
come unnavigable  for  vessels  of  large  draught,  owing  to  the  rapid  extension 
of  the  mud  flat  projecting  from  the  Sumatra  coast  on  the  western  side,  and 
to  the  extension,  also  of  the  sandbanks  on  the  eastern  side. 

Round  Shoal. — The  southern  sandbank  in  this  channel  is  nearly  2  miles 
long  W  N.W.  and  E.S.E.,  and  about  a  mile  broad,  the  least  water,  1^ 
fathoms,  being  near  the  middle  of  it.  From  its  southern  edge,  in  3  fathoms, 
the  summit  of  Lucipara  Island  bears  S.E.  ^  E.  1\  miles,  and  from  the 
western  edge  S.E.  ^  E.  9  miles.  The  narrowest  part  of  the  Lucipara  Channel 
is  between  the  lightvessel  off  the  western  extreme  of  this  bank  and  the 
mud  flat  extending  from  the  Sumatra  coast. 

LIGHTVESSEL. — In  1870  the  Lucipara  Channel  Lightvessel,  showing  a 
fixed  bright  light,  elevated  28  ft.,  and  visible  10  miles  off,  was  placed  in  the 
position  formerly  occupied  by  a  buoy,  in  the  narrowest  part  of  the  channel, 


220  BANKA  STRAIT. 

off  the  N.W.  side  of  Round  Shoal.  She  is  painted  yellow,  and  carries  one 
mast  with  a  black  ball  on  the  top.  From  the  lightvessel,  Green  Point  bears 
N.W.  f  N.  4A  miles  nearly,  Lucipara  Point  S.  by  W.  ^  W.,  and  Lucipara 
Island  summit,  S.E.  |  E.  9  miles, 

Hindostan  Bank  extends  from  close  to  the  eastern  edoje  of  the  Round 
Shoal  N.N.W.  ^  W.  about  3-|-  miles.  The  depths  on  the  southern  and 
middle  parts  of  it  are  1  to  3  fathoms,  but  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
from  its  northern  extreme  is  a  patch  of  hard  sand,  with  only  3  feet  water 
over  it. 

Merapie  Shoal,  the  most  northern  of  the  banks  on  the  eastern  side  of  the 
Lucipara  Channel,  is  composed,  like  the  others,  of  hard  sand,  and  is  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  in  extent  North  and  South,  and  more  than  half  a  mile 
broad.  The  least  water  on  it  is  2^  fathoms.  From  the  middle  of  the  shoal, 
False  First  Point  is  in  line  with  First  Point. 

In  the  Lucipara  Channel  the  bottom  is  generally  hard  sand  on  the  banks 
towards  the  eastern  side,  and  soft  mud  on  the  western  or  Sumatra  side  ;  yet 
close  to  the  north-western  edge  of  the  Middle  sand-bank  the  bottom  is  also 
soft,  with  5^  and  6  fathoms.  It  is,  therefore,  advisable  not  to  keep  in  too 
bard  or  in  too  soft  bottom,  but  in  the  middle  of  the  channel. 

Directions  for  Lucipara  Channd  from  the  Southward. — When  bound  towards 
Banka  Strait  from  the  southward,  the  Island  of  Lucipara  is  generally  made 
between  the  bearings  of  N.  by  E.  and  N.W.,  and  in  5'^  to  8  or  9  fathoms. 
With  westerly  winds  it  is  advisable  to  keep  on  the  western  side  of  the  chan- 
nel in  4f  to  5J  fathoms. 

In  clear  weather,  when  the  Parmassang  Range  is  visible,  the  highest  peak 
on  the  western  extreme  of  the  range  in  line  with  First  Point,  N.  by  W.  ^  W. 
will  lead  up  to  abreast  the  lightvessel.  This  mark  should  be  left  when  Luci- 
para Island  bears  about  E.S.E.,  or  S.E.  by  E. ;  then,  by  keeping  the  Mame- 
lon  Hummock  (page  202)  on  a  N.  f  W.  bearing,  it  will  lead  through 
between  the  bank  off  First  Point  and  the  Merapie  Shoal,  until  Lalarie. Point 
is  seen  well  open  of  First  Point,  when  a  vessel  may  begin  to  edge  away  to 
the  westward  to  round  First  Point,  taking  care  not  to  approach  it  nearer 
than  a  mile,  as  the  bank  projecting  from  the  point  is  steep-to,  especially  on 
its  N.E.  side.  After  rounding  First  Point  at  not  less  than  that  distance, 
a  N.W.  ^  W.  course  will  lead  midway  between  False  First  Point  and  the 
Nemesis  Bank. 

From,  the  Northward. — Entering  Lucipara  Channel  from  the  northward, 
First  Point  must  be  rounded  with  great  caution,  on  account  of  its  being 
steep-to,  especially  on  its  north-eastern  side,  and  it  must  not  be  approached 
nearer  than  a  mile  ;  at  the  same  time,  if  the  tide  is  running  to  the  south- 
eastward, it  will  be  necessary  to  use  proper  care  that,  in  giving  a  safe  berth 
to  First  Point,  the  vessel  is  not  set  too  near  the  Merapie  Shoal,  which  the 
tide  will  be  likely  to  do  unless  guarded  against.    When  Mamelon  Hummock 


LUCIPAEA  CHANNEL.  221 

bears  N.  f  W.,  keep  it  so,  until  Lucipara  is  S.E.  by  E.,  or  E.S.E.,  when 
Parmassang  Peak  may  be  brought  in  line  with  First  Point,  N.  by  W.  I  W., 
which  will  lead  clear  of  the  Sumatra  Bank  ;  or  a  S.E.  by  E.  course  may  be 
steered,  which  will  lead  midway  between  Lucipara  and  the  main. 

Working  through  this  channel,  a  vessel  may  stand  toward  the  Sumatra 
Bank  safely  by  attending  carefully  to  the  lead,  remembering  not  to  go  into 
less  than  6J  fathoms  when  near  the  elbow  projecting  just  to  the  southward 
of  Green  Point.  Lucipara  must  not  be  approached  nearer  than  2  miles, 
when  bearing  to  the  northward  of  N.E.  by  E. ;  between  the  bearings  of 
N.E.  by  E.  and  E.  by  S.  it  may  be  approached  to  a  mile. 

Careful  attention  to  the  lead  and  a  good  look-out  will  also  give  sufficient 
warning  when  standing  towards  the  banks  on  the  eastern  side. 

Caution. — Many  vessels  passing  through  the  Lucipara  Channel  have 
grounded  on  the  mud  flat  extending  from  the  coast  of  Sumatra,  especially  a 
short  distance  to  the  southward  of  Green  Point,  where  the  flat  extends  far- 
ther out,  and  all  have  been  obliged,  before  they  could  get  off,  either  to  trans- 
ship or  to  throw  a  part  of  the  cargo  overboard,  as  the  anchors  which  were 
laid  out  on  the  soft  muddy  bottom  to  heave  them  oflP  came  home.  This  part 
of  the  flat  shoals  suddenly  from  6  to  3  fathoms,  and  therefore  should  never 
be  approached  to  a  less  depth  than  6A-  fathoms. 

It  will  also  be  necessary  to  use  great  caution  when  working  through  this 
channel  from  the  southward,  and  standing  to  the  eastward,  to  avoid  being 
set  on  the  banks  by  the  tides,  which  sweep  over  them  with  great  strength. 
In  wofking  through  this  channel  from  the  northward,  similar  caution  is 
required.  With  light  winds  it  is  very  difficult  to  get  into  the  northern 
entrance,  the  tides  sweeping  vessels  away  to  the  south-eastward  amongst 
the  banks. 

Directiom  from  Lalarie  Point  through  Banha  Strait. — Having  passed  through, 
either  Stanton  or  Lucipara  Channels,  and  brought  Lalarie  Point  to  bear 
about  East,  distant  3  miles,  a  N.N.W.  f  W.  course  for  about  10  miles  will 
lead  midway  between  the  rocky  bank  of  7  or  8  fathoms  water,  lying  north- 
westward of  the  Timbaga  Rocks,  and  the  mud-bank  projecting  from  Second 
Point.  Continuing  the  same  course  for  6  or  7  miles  further,  the  vessel  will 
be  1^  to  If 'mile  outside  the  horn  or  spit  projecting  from  the  Sumatra  Flat 
(page  194).  Still  continuing  the  same  course  for  another  14  or  15  miles 
Third  Point  will  bear  S.W.,  distant  about  2  miles. 

If  a  vessel  following  this  track,  after  having  passed  Second  Point,  should 
shoal  the  soundings  under  6  fathoms,  she  wiU  be  getting  too  near  the  Suma- 
tra Flat,  and  should  haul  out  more  to  the  eastward ;  remembering  that 
Second  Point  must  not  be  brought  eastward  of  S.  by  E.  f  E.  until  Par- 
massang  Peak  bears  E.S.E.,  to  clear  the  spit  or  horn  projectino'  from  the 
bank. 

From  the  above  position  ofi"  Third  Point,  a  W.  by  N.  I  N.  course  may  be 


222  BANKA  STEAIT. 

steered  for  about  28  or  29  miles,  which,  if  the  vessel  be  not  affected  by- 
tides  or  currents,  will  place  her  in  a  position  from  which  Fourth  Point 
will  bear  about  S.E.  f  S.  distant  7  miles,  and  Monopin  Hill  N.  i  E.  t» 

N.  JE. 

From  thence  steer  about  N.W.  by  W.  for  Batakarang  Point— paying  par- 
ticular attention  to  the  tides,  which  frequently  set  strong  into  or  out  of  the 
Palembang  Eivers  (pp.  191-2) — and  the  vessel  will  soon  pass  over  a  narrow 
bank  of  sand,  having  7  fathoms  on  it,  and  again  deepen  the  water  to  13 
and  16  fathoms.  Having  run  15  or  16  miles,  the  soundings  will  again  de- 
crease under  10  fathoms,  and  she  will  be  on  the  edge  of  the  bank  extending 
from  Batakarang  Point,  and  may  proceed  along  the  edge  of  it  in  from  8  to  6 
fathoms;  the  directions  given  at  page  214  must  then  be  followed  to  pass 
westward  of  the  Frederick  Hendrick  Rocks,  which  channel  is  recommended 
as  being  the  best  and  safest,  especially  at  night. 

Through  Banla  Strait  from  the  Northward. — A  vessel  having  passed  the 
Toedjoe,  or  Seven  Islands,  and  steering  to  the  southward  for  the  entrance 
of  Banka  Strait,  will  find  no  difiiculty  in  clear  weather  in  fixing  her  position 
which  can  be  readily  done  by  cross  bearings  of  Mount  Punyabung  or  Saddle 
Hill,  and  Monopin  Hill ;  under  such  circumstances  the  strait  can  be  entered 
on  either  side  of  the  Frederick  Hendrick  Pocks  by  attending  to  the  directions 
given  at  page  214.  But  in  thick  weather  it  often  happens  that  no  land  can 
be  seen  until  the  vessel  has  arrived  very  near  to  the  entrance  of  the  strait, 
and  at  such  times  it  is  important  to  get  hold  of  the  bank  extending  from  the 
Sumatra  coast,  and  then  proceed  along  its  edge  in  8  to  6  fathoms,  carefully 
attending  to  the  lead.  Sometimes  Monopin  will  be  seen,  but  no  other  land, 
in  such  case  it  will  be  prudent  to  proceed  as  before,  keeping  along  the  edge 
of  the  bank. 

Working  through  Banha  Strait. — Directions  have  been  given  in  pages 
217-18  and  220,  for  working  into  the  strait  from  the  southward,  and  in  page 
214  for  working  into  it  from  the  northward  by  the  channels  on  either 
side  of  the  Frederick  Hendrick  Eocks  ;  it  may,  however,  be  as  well  to  remark 
again  here  that  the  passage  westwai-d  of  the  Frederick  Hendrick  Shoal  is 
much  to  be  preferred  at  night,  or  when  the  land  is  obscured  and  reliable 
bearings  cannot  be  obtained. 

The  bank  fronting  the  Sumatra  coast  may  be  conveniently  approaced  when 
well  between  the  points,  by  common  attention  to  the  lead  ;  but  off'  the  pijints 
and  for  a  few  miles  on  either  side  of  them  great  attention  must  be  paid  to 
the  soundings.  The  most  dangerous  part  of  the  bank  is  from  Fourth  Point 
for  about  6  miles  to  the  westward  of  it,  which  must  be  approached  with  the 
utmost  caution. 

Mr.  Stanton  strongly  recommends  vessels  working  in  either  direction 
through  the  strait,  or  proceeding  through  with  a  fair  wind  and_^contrary  tide, 
to  avoid  the  Sumatra  coast  and  keep  on  the  Banka  shore,  between  Lalarie 


LUCIPARA  CHANNEL.  223 

Point  and  Tanjong  Tadah.  He  observes  that  hitherto  it  has  been  the  cus- 
tom for  all  ships  to  work  along  the  Sumatra  coast,  where  they  have  not  only 
a  strong  wind  but  a  constant  current  to  contend  with,  consequently,  sailing 
vessels  have  been  delayed  two  or  three  weeks,  and  instances  are  known  of 
vessels  being  a  month  making  the  passage  through  Banka  Strait,  whereas  a 
smart  sailing  vessel,  by  keeping  on  the  Banka  side,  taking  advantage  of  the 
tides,  and  following  the  directions  given  below,  may  make  the  passage  even 
in  the  full  strength  of  the  monsoon  in  three  or  four  days. 

The  advantages  gained  by  keeping  on  the  Banka  coast  are  as  follows : — 

A  vessel  may  carry  a  fair  tide  all  the  way  through  by  stai-ting  from  either 
extremity  at  low  water,  as  the  tidal  waves  from  the  China  and  Java  Seas 
meet  near  the  Nangka  Islands ;  prominent  hills  and  points,  with  a  gradual 
decrease  in  the  soundings,  give  confidence  to  mariners  when  steering  for  the 
land ;  a  strong  land  wind  will  be  generally  experienced  during  the  night, 
when  the  regular  monsoon  is  blowing  in  the  middle  of  the  strait  and  near  the 
Sumatra  coast ;  and  in  the  strength  of  the  monsoon  regular  tides  will  be  met 
with  on  the  Banka  shore,  while  strong  currents  will  invariably  be  found  set- 
ting to  leeward  along  the  Sumatra  shore. 

From  the  Soidhward  — In  working  between  Lalarie  Point  and  the  Nang- 
ka Islands,  the  lead  is  a  good  guide,  as  the  soundings  decrease  regularly, 
except  near  Lalarie  Point  and  the  Timbaga  Pocks,  where  they  decrease 
rather  suddenly  from  a  depth  of  10  fathoms  ;  if,  however,  Lalarie  Point  is 
not  brought  South  of  S.E.  ^  S.  until  Brani  Peak  bears  E.  by  N,  |  N.,  a  ves- 
sel will  keep  clear  of  all  danger  near  the  Timbaga  Rocks.  Having  arrived 
within  3  miles  of  the  Great  Nangka,  the  spit  extending  from  the  South  end 
of  that  island  should  not  be  approached  under  a  depth  of  7  fathoms  ;  and  to 
avoid  the  rocky  ledges  extending  from  Middle  and  West  Nangka,  West  Eeef 
(6  ft.  above  water,  page  205),  should  not  be  brought  to  the  westward  of  North 
after  the  peak  of  Great  Nangka  bears  N.E.,  until  the  vessel  is  to  the  north- 
ward of  the  Nangka  Group, 

From  the  Nangka  Islands  to  Tanjong  Tadah  the  shore  may  be  safely  ap- 
proached by  the  lead,  as  the  soundings  are  shoal  with  a  gradual  decrease. 
When  Tanjong  Tadah  bears  N.E.  f  N.  (which  clears  the  eastern  side  of  the 
Brom-Brom  Eeef),  vessels  should  cross  over  towards  Fourth  Point  on  the 
Sumatra  coast. 

From  the  Northioard. — Coming  from  the  northward,  it  is  merely  necessary 
to  reverse  the  order  of  the  above  directions.  Vessels  should  keep  towards 
the  Sumatra  coast  until  past  Fourth  Point,  which  they  should  not  approach 
nearer  than  3  miles.  When  Tanjong  Tadah  bears  N.E.  f  N.,  they  may  cross 
over  to  the  Banka  side,  taking  care  not  to  bring  that  point  to  the  eastward  of 
the  above  bearing.  From  Tanjong  Tadah  to  the  Nangka  Islands  they  may 
stand  in-shore  guided  by  the  lead ;  but  having  arrived  abreast  of  the  latter, 
take  care"  not  to  bring  West  Eeef  to  the  westward  of  North,  until  the  peak  of 


224  NOETHERN  COASTS  OF  BANKA. 

Great  Nangka  Island  bears  N.E.,  and  not  approach  the  spit  off  the  South 
end  of  the  island  under  7  fathoms.  From  2^-  miles  South  of  the  Nangka 
Islands  the  shore  may  be  approached  by  the  lead  to  any  convenient  depth  of 
water,  but  when  Brani  Peak  bears  E.  by  N.  ^  N.  the  vessel  will  be  nearing 
the  Timbaga  Rocks,  and  must  not  then  come  under  10  fathoms.  Lalarie 
Point  bearing  S.E.  |  S.  clears  all  the  dangers  near  the  Timbaga  Pocks,  and 
the  point  should  not  be  brought  to  the  southward  of  that  bearing  until 
Casuarina  Point  bears  East.  From  thence  to  Lalarie  Point  the  shore  may 
be  again  approached  by  the  lead  ;  but  when  nearing  the  point  the  soundings 
decrease  more  suddenly,  and  a  vessel  should  not  go  into  a  less  depth  than 
10  fathoms,  and  should  round  the  point  at  the  distance  of  about  1^^  mile. 
From  thence  she  can  proceed  to  the  southward  through  either  the  Stanton 
or  Lucipara  Channels,  according  to  the  directions  at  pages  217 — 219  and  222. 


NORTHEEN  COASTS  OF  BANKA. 

BTJLO,  or  Jibuse  Bay. — The  N.W.  coast  of  Banka  is  43  miles  in  extent, 
from  Tanjong  Oelar  to  Tanjong  Malalu,  the  bay  of  Bulo  or  Jibuse  occupy- 
ing more  than  half  of  that  space.  From  Tanjong  Biat  (p.  212),  the  south- 
western point  of  the  bay,  to  Tanjong  Ginting,  its  north-western  point,  the 
direction  is  about  N.E.  f  N.,  and  the  distance  17^  miles  ;  the  depth  of  the 
bay  is  7  miles. 

The  whole  of  this  bay  is  shallow  to  a  distance  of  3  miles  from  the  shore, 
except  to  the  southward  of  Ginting  Point,  where  the  shoals  do  not  appear  to 
extend  farther  than  a  quarter  of  a  mile.  The  rivers  Bulo  and  Jibuse  disem- 
bogue in  its  N.E.  part.  The  bay  is  much  visited  by  coasters,  and  occasion- 
ally by  larger  vessels,  for  the  purpose  of  loading  tin. 

The  anchorage  is  in  5  or  6  fathoms,  on  soft  muddy  bottom,  with  Ginting 
Point  N.  by  E.  J  E.,  Songi  Bulo  E.  i  S.,  and  the  watering  place  N.E.  by 
E.  5  E. ;  or  in  5  fathoms  off  the  Bulo  River,  with  the  village  N.E.  ^  E.,  and 
Ginting  Point  N.  by  W.  f  W.,  3  miles  from  the  shore. 

Water — Fresh  water  can  be  obtained  in  a  small  bay  about  li-  mile  to 
the  eastward  of  Tanjong  Ginting. — Commander  J.  W.  King,  R.N.,  says  it  is 
brackish. 

TANJONG  GINTING,  the  N.  VV.  point  of  Bulo  Bay,  is  a  long,  low  point, 
having  a  reef  projecting  2  miles  from  it,  close  to  which  are  8  fathoms  water. 
The  position  of  the  point  may  be  easily  recognized  by  the  three  hills,  Paree, 
Funyabung,  and  Jerankat,  which  at  a  great  distance  appear  like  islands.  The 
first,  858  ft.  high,  is  the  most  southern  one  of  the  three,  and  rises  4  miles 
East  of  the  point ;  Punyabung,  a  remarkable  saddle-shaped  hill,  794  feet 
high,  very  conspicuous  from  seaward,  rises  close  to  the  coast,  about  3  milea 


KLABAT  BAY.  225 

south-eastward  of  Ginting  Puiut ;  Jerankat,   657  ft.  high,  is  about  4  miles 
E.N.E.  from  Punyabung. 

The  Coast  between  Grinting  Point  and  Punyabung  Hill  forms  a  small  bay, 
which  appears  to  be  nearly  filled  with  rocks.  It  then  trends  E.N.E.  about 
18  miles  to  Tanjong  Melalu.  The  whole  coast  between  Punyabung  Hill 
and  Tanjong  Melalu  is  fronted  by  a  reef  which  projects  1  or  2  miles  from 
the  shore. 

Malan  Hyu,  Malan  Boyang,  and  Malan  Guntur,  are  three  rocks  lying  off  the 
coast  between  Tanjong  Dugong  and  Tanji>ng  Melalu.  Malan  Hyu  is  about 
the  size  of  a  boat,  and  covered  with  white  guano.  It  lies  about  3  miles 
North  from  Tanjong  Dugong.  Malan  Doyang  is  not  much  above  water,  and 
only  the  size  of  Malan  Hyu.  it  lies  about  3  miles  off  shore,  with  Punya- 
bung Hill  S.W.  J  S.  Malan  Guntur  is  nearly  midway  between  Malan 
Doyang  and  Tanjong  Melalu,  and  about  a  mile  off  shore.  It  is  larger 
than  the  other  two  rocks,  and  lies  within  the  limit  of  the  shoal  water  pro- 
jecting from  the  coast.  All  these  rocks  appear  to  be  surrounded  to  a  short 
distance  by  sunken  rocks  ;  and  a  sunken  rock  lies  southward  of  Malan 
Doyang,  midway  between  it  and  the  shore. 

ZLABAT  BAY.— Ta)iJo>ig  Melalu,  in  lat.  1°  31^'  S.,  long.  105°  38i'  E.,  is 
the  western  point  of  entrance  of  Klabat  Bay,  and  upon  it  is  a  pretty  high 
hill,  known  as  Mount  Melalu.  Here  the  N.W.  coast  of  Banka  terminates, 
as  the  coast  line  on  the  other  side  of  entrance  of  Klabat  Bay  trends  to  the 
eastward,  and  forms  the  North  shore  of  the  island. 

Klabat  Bay  runs  up  into  Banka  Island  about  27  miles  in  a  S.E.  direction, 
but  being  encumbered  with  many  rocks  and  shoals,  there  is  only  a  narrow 
passage  left,  of  4  or  5  fathoms  water,  by  which  vessels  of  heavy  burden  pro- 
ceed as  far  as  the  mouth  of  the  Lyang  Eiver.  Over  the  inner  end  of  the  bay 
hangs  the  highest  of  the  Banka  Mountains,  called  Gunong  Marass,  or  Maradi. 
This  beautiful  mountain  is  easily  recognized  by  its  three  peaks,  the  summits 
of  which  may  often  be  seen  when  passing  through  Banka  Strait,  presenting 
somewhat  the  appearance  of  a  crown.  The  highest  of  the  peaks,  2,320  it. 
high,  is  in  lat.  1°  61'  S.,  and  long.  105°  53'  E. 

Tanjong  Penyusu,  the  eastern  point  of  Klabat  Bay,  is  a  long,  low  projec- 
tion, with  an  islet  and  some  rocks  extending  nearly  2  miles  from  it. 

Karang  Trasseh  Laout  is  a  reef  with  only  2  or  3  fathoms  water  over  it, 
and  10  and  11  fathoms  around  it,  lyiug  about  3  miles  N.W.  J  N.  from  Tan- 
jong Punyusu.  From  the  reef  the  West  point  of  Punyusu  Islet  is  in  line 
with  the  hill  near  Monkubur  Point,  bearing  S.S.E.,  Moncudu  Islet  East,  and 
Mount  Melalu  S.W.  by  W.  \  W. 

Vessels  coming  to  Klabat  Bay  for  cargoes  of  tin,   usually  anchor  outside 
the   entrance,  between  its  eastern  point  and  the  Trassie  Eeef,  in  9  J  or  10 
fathoms,    soft   muddy  bottom,   having  Punyusu  Islet  in   line  with  Mount 
I.   A.  2  G 


226  BANKA  STEAIT. 

Harass  S.S.E.  i  E.,  Klabat  Hill  S.S.W.  ^  W.,  Melalu  Point  W.  by  S.  i  S., 
and  Moncudu  Island  E.  J  N. 

The  Coast  from  Tanjong  Punyusu  takes,  with  a  slight  curve  inland,  a 
direction  about  E.  by  N.  for  10  miles,  to  a  point  abreast  of  a  small  islet 
named  Fulo  Moncudu;  and  from  thence  East  for  2^  miles  to  Tanjong  Crassok, 
the  northernmost  point  of  Banka,  in  lat.  1°  29'  S.,  long.  105°  56^'  E.  Many 
rocks  lie  close  to  this  part  of  the  coast,  and  shoal  water  extends  nearly  a  mile 
from  it.  From  Tanjong  Crassok  the  coast  trends  to  the  south-eastward, 
forming  the  N.E.  coast  of  Banka. 

A  reef,  having  2  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  about  2  miles  off  shore,  with 
Moncudu  Islet  bearing  East,  and  Gunong  Chundong  S.E.  ^  S.  Eocks  are 
also  marked  on  the  chart,  one  at  3  miles  E.S.E.  from  Tanjong  Crassok,  and 
another  at  2i  miles  farther  to  the  south-eastward,  and  1^  mile  off  shore. 


(     227     ) 


CHAPTEE    VI. 


GASPAR     STRAIT. 

The  channels  between  Banka  and  Lepar  on  the  West  and  Billiton  to  east- 
ward are  collectively  known  as  the  Strait  of  Gaspar.  Captain  Huddart 
says  that  the  first  ship  which  passed  through  was  the  Macclesfield  galley, 
Capt.  Hurle,  in  March,  1702.  This  is  the  westernmost  channel.  The  name 
Gaspar  is  that  of  the  Spanish  commander  from  Manila,  who  passed  through 
it  in  1724.  Besides  the  first-named  channel  westward  of  Pulo  Leat,  there 
is  a  second,  called  the  Middle  Pass,  on  the  eastern  side  of  that  island.  The 
third  is  the  Clements  Channel,  named  after  the  Commodore  of  the  homeward 
bound  English  East  India  Fleet,  in  1781,  which  passed  through  between, 
the  islets  south-eastward  of  Pulo  Leat ;  and  the  fourth,  the  Stohe  Channel, 
to  the  eastward  of  these  islets,  is  named  after  the  Dutch  officer  who  first 
surveyed  it.  Of  these  the  first  and  fourth  are  most  used,  as  will  be  explained 
presently. 

Banka  or  Gaspar  Strait  ? — From  the  earliest  times  of  our  China  commerce 
Gaspar  Strait  has  been  preferred  to  Banka  Strait,  by  ships  coming  from 
China.  But  it  is  of  much  more  dangerous  approach,  both  from  North  and 
South,  and  the  new  and  excellent  Stanton  Channel  in  the  latter  may  lead 
to  a  preference  being  given  to  it.  Upon  this  subject  the  following  is  given 
in  the  China  Sea  Pilot. 

Banka  Strait  possesses  unquestionable  advantages  over  those  of  Gaspar 
and  Carimata,  and  is  without  doubt  the  best  and  safest  route  into  the  China 
Sea.  Although  of  much  greater  length,  and  not  so  direct  for  vessels  bound 
to  China  as  Gaspar  Strait,  yet  it  is  manifestly  superior  to  that  strait ;  for  it 
is  easy  and  safe  of  approach.  It  affords  convenient  anchorage  in  every  part, 
which  enables  vessels  to  avail  themselves  of  favourable  winds  and  tides ;  and 
it  leads  into  a  part  of  the  China  Sea  free  from  danger.  Gaspar  Strait,  on 
the  contrary,  is  difficult  and  dangerous  of  approach,  rocks  and  shoals  ex- 
tending for  35  miles  to  the  southward.  The  depths  of  water  are  too  great  to 
afford  convenient  anchorage  ;  and  it  conducts  into  a  part  of  the  China  Sea 


228  GASPAR  STEAIT. 

very  imperfectly  explored,  and  abounding  with  hidden  dangers,  amongst 
■which  vessels  are  liable  to  be  set  by  uncertain  currents.  No  serious  accident 
has  occurred  within  the  last  few  years  to  vessels  passing  through  Banka 
Strait ;  whereas  many  fine  ships,  with  valuable  cargoes,  have  been  lost  in  or 
near  Gaspar  Strait. 

For  vessels  proceeding  to  Singapore  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  Banka 
Strait  is  in  all  respects  to  be  preferred,  and  it  has  in  fact  become  the  recog- 
nized highway  of  the  trade  passing  between  Sunda  Strait  or  Batavia,  and 
Singapore.  But  for  ships  to  China,  Gaspar  Strait  being  shorter  and  more 
direct,  is  still  preferred,  and  will  no  doubt  continue  to  be  by  many  navi- 
gators, especially  those  who  are  anxious  to  make  quick  passages,  even  at 
the  expense  of  incurring  additional  risk.  It  is  certain  that  a  vessel  arriving 
off  the  entrance  of  Banka  or  Gaspar  Strait  in  the  morning,  and  favoured 
with  a  commanding  breeze,  would  gain  some  advantage  in  point  of  time  by 
passing  through  the  latter  ;  but  in  calms  and  light  airs,  or  against  the  N.E. 
monsoon,  there  is  good  reason  to  believe  that  vessels  will  make  quick,  and 
often  quicker  passages,  by  proceeding  through  Banka  Strait,  and  they  will 
always  be  assured  of  much  greater  safety.  In  thick  or  bad  weather,  it  is 
possible  to  proceed  through  Banka  Strait  without  risk  ;  but  Gaspar  Strait 
can  never  be  approached  at  such  times  without  incurring  considerable 
danger. 

The  fast  clipper  ships,  which  every  season  contend  for  the  honour  of  land- 
ing the  first  of  the  year's  teas  in  England,  usually  proceed  through  Gaspar 
Strait,  as  do  most  homeward-bound  ships,  to  whom  saving  of  time  is  of  the 
first  importance,  and  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  they  will  continue  to  do  so 
in  preference  to  the  more  circuitous,  although  much  safer,  route  of  Banka 
Strait.  Until,  however,  the  correct  positions  of  the  shoals  and  dangers 
known  to  exist  to  the  northward  of  Gaspar  Strait  are  determined,  and  this 
space  properly  explored,  vessels  must  keep  a  vigilant  lookout  when  ap- 
proaching the  strait  from  the  northward,  and  be  prepared  for  the  possibility 
of  meeting  with  some  danger  not  marked  on  the  charts.  Nor  must  they 
relax  their  vigilance  when  getting  near  to  Pulo  Leat,  and  when  passing 
through  the  strait.  No  opportunity  should  be  lost  of  determining  the  ship's 
exact  position  ;  and  the  greatest  attention  should  be  paid  to  ascertaining  the 
Bet  of  the  current,  and  to  guard  against  its  effects.  Many  fine  ships  have 
been  lost  in  Gaspar  Strait — not  a  few  on  the  Alceste  Eeef,  from  wrongly 
estimating  their  distance  from  the  land  ;  but  in  the  majority  of  instances 
from  causes  which  might  have  been  guarded  against  by  the  exercise  of  due 
care  and  judgment. 

Gaspar  Strait  was  surveyed  in  1854  by  the  officers  of  the  United  States 
Navy  attached  to  an  exploring  expedition. 

The  territory  on  either  side  of  the  strait  being  in  possession  of  the  Dutch, 
the  names  in  strict  propriety  should  be  in  accordance  with  that  orthography. 


DANGEES  SOUTH WAED  OF  GASPAR  STRAIT.  229 

But  as  the  strait  is  a  common  highway  for  the  whole  world,  only  those  names 
which  might  be  otherwise  ambiguous  will  be  thus  denoted. 

BILIITON  ISLAND,  or  in  Malay  Blitung,  is  only  one-half  the  size  of 
Banka,  but  it  resembles  it  in  its  geographical  structure  and  in  the  produc- 
tion of  tin,  which  is  worked  by  a  Dutch  company.  This  is  the  south-eastern- 
most extremity  of  the  mining  fields  for  this  important  metal,  the  northern- 
most being  at  Tavoy,  on  the  Tenasserim  coast,  a  range  of  20  degrees  of 
latitude. 

The  following  description  of  and  directions  for  the  strait  are  taken  from 
the  China  Sea  Pilot. 

DANGERS  SOUTHWARD  OF  GASPAR  STRAIT. 

Dangerous  shoals  extend  for  about  35  miles  to  the  southward  of  Gaspar 
Strait,  rendering  great  caution  necessary  when  approaching  the  strait  from 
that  direction.* 

Sharpshooter  Shoal. — The  British  merchant  ship  Belted  Will,  Captain 
Alexander  Locke,  in  July,  1869,  during  her  passage  from  Canton  to  London, 
slightly  touched  on  a  shoal  patch  lying  S.  |^  E.,  34  miles  from  entrance  point 
in  Gaspar  Strait.  The  ship  was  going  9  knots  at  the  time,  but  the  state  of 
the  weather,  occasioned  by  the  monsoon  blowing  very  strong,  prevented  an 
examination  of  the  danger  beyond  two  casts  of  9  fathoms,  which  were  ob- 
tained shortl}'  after  the  shoal  was  passed.  Observations  obtained  on  the 
same  day,  as  well  as  the  reckoning  carried  from  Entrance  point,  place  this 
patch  in  lat.  3°  3o'  35"  S.,  long.  106'^  56'  E. 

Near  this  position  the  Sharpshooter  Shoal,  of  12  ft.  water,  and  lying  12 
miles  W.  f  S.  from  the  Hancock  Shoal,  was  unsuccessfully  searched  for  by 
Staff  Commander  Edward  Wilds  of  H.M.S.  Sivallow,  in  1866.  It  is  pro- 
bably the  same  danger,  and  the  name  has  therefore  been  retained  on  the 
charts. 

HANCOCK  SHOAL,  in  lat.  3^  34i' S.,  long.  107°  4' E.,  is  a  small  patch 
about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  extent,  but  whether  composed  of  sand  or  coral 
does  not  aj)pear  on  the  chart.  It  has  only  1  fathom  of  water  over  it,  and  6 
to  7  fathoms  around  it. 

HIPPOGRIFFE  SHOAL  was  so  named  after  an  American  ship  lost  on  it. 
Mr.  Wilds,  R.N.,  in  H.M.S.  SwaUoiv,  searched  for  the  Hippogriffe  Shoal, 
and  found  it  in  lat.  3°  23'  36"  S.,   long.  106°  54'  30"  E.     It  is  a  dangerous 

*  Doubtful  Dangers. — A  doubtful  rock  was  marked  in  former  charts  at  3f  miles  S.W. 
by  W.  5  W.  of  the  Hancock  Shoal ;  a  small  shoal  of  6  feet  water,  named  Mary  Goddard, 
at  4^  miles  S.S.E.  of  the  Hancock  ;  but  a  careful  search  having  been  made  for  these  dan- 
gers in  May,  1866,  by  Mr.  Wild-,  Master  commanding  H.M.  surveying-vessel  Stcallow, 
without  the  slightest  indication  of  their  existence,  thej'  have  been  expunged  from  the 
chiirts. 


230  GASPAR  STRAIT. 

boulder  rock,  with  only  3  ft.  over  it  at  low  water,  of  circular  shape,  and 
about  150  ft.  in  diameter,  having  large  branches  of  coral  upon  it.  It  was 
not  seen  until  close  to,  and  at  the  time  it  was  examined  there  was  not  the 
slightest  swell  or  ripple  to  indicate  its  position ;  the  weather  being  fine  and 
clear,  and  the  wind  light  from  the  S.S.E.  Regular  soundings  of  8  fathoms, 
sand  and  shell,  were  found  around  it,  and  the  water  in  that  depth  was  of  a 
pale  colour. 

TURTLE  SHOAL  lies  about  2  miles  N.E.  by  E.  from  the  Hancock  Shoal, 
and  is  of  about  the  same  extent ;  it  has  but  3  ft.  water  over  it,  and  8  to  12 
fathoms  around  it.     There  are  tide  ripples  over  this  shoal. 

LARABE  SHOAL,  in  lat.  3°  33'  S.,  long.  107°  10'  E.,  and  distant  nearly 
6  miles  E.  by  N.  |  N.  from  the  Hancock  Shoal,  is  about  a  third  of  a  mile  in 
extent,  having  3^  fathoms  of  water  over  it,  and  5  to  8  fathoms  around  it. 

SAND  ISLAND  is  the  name  given  to  a  small  patch  of  sand,  just  awash  at 
high  water,  with  8  to  14  fathoms  water  around  it,  lying  about  4  miles 
northward  of  the  Larabe  Shoal,  in  lat.  3°  29'  S.,  long.  107°  9'  E.  At  a  mile 
E.N.E.  from  Sand  Island  is  a  shoal  patch  about  a  third  of  a  mile  in  extent, 
having  2^  fathoms  water  over  it,  and  8  to  9  fathoms  around  it ;  the  tide  also 
ripples  over  this  bank. 

There  is  a  danger,  named  Padang  Reef,  marked  on  the  chart  about  2 J  miles 
W.  ^  N.  of  Sand  Island,  but  we  have  no  information  about  it. 

MIDDLE  REEF,  lying  N.N.E.  |  E.  nearly  2^  miles  from  Sand  Island^ 
appears  to  be  a  rock,  just  above  water,  on  the  North  end  of  a  small  sand 
patch  having  2  fathoms  water  over  it,  and  8  to  9  fathoms  around  it.    ' 

BRANDING  SHOAL  {BreaUng,  Dutch).— North-west,  nearly  If  mile  from 
Middle  Reef,  are  two  small  patches  occupying  a  space  about  two-thirds  of  a 
mile  in  extent,  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.,  and  with  12  fathoms  water  between 
them.  The  western  patch  has  1  \  fathom  water  over  it,  the  eastern  one  only 
3  ft. ;  all  around  them  are  7  or  8  fathoms. 

FAIRLIE  ROCK,  in  lat.  3°  27}'  S.,  long.  106°  59'  E.,  was  discovered 
by  the  East  India  Coinpany's  ship  of  that  name  grounding  upon  it  in  1813. 
It  is  of  coral,  about  a  cable's  length  in  diameter,  nearly  awash  at  low  water, 
and  6  or  7  fathoms  close  around  it.  The  sea  breaks  over  the  rock,  and  all 
around  are  overfalls  caused  by  the  rocky  and  uneven  character  of  the  bottom. 
From  it  Entrance  Point,  the  south-eastern  extreme  of  Pulo  Lepar,  bears 
N.  by  W.  h  W.,  distant  26^  miles,  and  Shoal-water  Island  N.E.  by  E.  15 
miles,  and  just  in  sight  from  the  deck  of  a  large  ship  ;  therefore,  to  avoid 
this  rock,  Shoal-water  Island  must,  from  the  deck  of  a  large  ship,  be  sunk 
below  the  horizon  by  the  time  it  bears  N.E.  by  E.,  this  island  being  the  only 
land  distinctly  visible  from  the  rock. 

SHOAL-WATER  ISLAND  and  SHOALS  form  a  group  amongst  which  it 
would  not  be  prudent  to  venture.  Shoal-water  or  EinUeton  Island,  in  lat. 
3°  19i'  S.,  long.  107"  llf  E.,  is  a  little  more  than  half  a  mile  in  diameter, 


BLAS  MATEU  EOCK.  231 

and  from  it  Middle  Eeef  bears  S.  f  W.,  distant  8  miles.  Hancock  is  a 
small  islet,  lying  N.E.  ^  N.,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  Shoal-water 
Island. 

Dangerous  reefs  surround  both  these  islands,  among  which  are  some  deep 
but  very  narrow  and  intricate  channels.  From  Shoal-water  Island  a  reef 
extends  from  half  to  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  on  its  S.E.,  South,  and  S.  W. 
sides  ;  and  about  half  a  mile  off  its  West  side  is  a  small  detached  reef,  having 
10  fathoms  between  it  and  the  reef  bordering  that  side  of  the  island.  Off  its 
East  side  reefs  extend  nearly  1^  mile.  The  reefs  surrounding  Hancock 
Island  are  separated  from  those  around  Shoal-water  Island  by  a  very  narrow 
channel,  with  depths  of  6  to  10  fathoms  on  it.  On  the  N.E.  side  of  Hancock 
the  reef  extends  about  a  third  of  a  mile,  and  on  its  N.W.  side  about  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile,  with  some  rocks  above  water  on  its  outer  edge. 

One-fathom  Patch. — A  patch  having  but  1  fathom  water  over  it,  and  7  to 
9  fathoms  around  it,  lies  W.  J  N.  nearly  2  miles  from  Shoal- water  Island. 

Embleton  Rock  is  just  above  water  on  the  N.W.  extreme  of  a  bank  of  hard 
sand,  which  nearly  dries,  distant  2  miles  N.N.W.  f  W.  from  Shoal-water 
Island;  there  are  12  to  14  fathoms  around  it. 

Bliss  Shoal,  lying  N.E.  by  E.  nearly  a  mile  from  Embleton  Eock,  and 
N.  f  W.  2i  miles  from  Shoal-water  Island,  is  about  a  third  of  a  mile  in  ex- 
tent, N.W.  and  S.E. ;  it  has  only  a  quarter  of  a  fathom  water  over  it,  and  6 
to  14  fathoms  at  a  short  distance  from  it. 

There  appear  to  be  no  dangers  between  the  reefs  contiguous  to  Shoal- 
water  and  Hancock  Islands,  or  between  One-fathom  Patch,  Embleton  Eock, 
and  Bliss  Shoal,  the  soundings  being  from  6  to  14  fathoms  ;  but  vessels  had 
better  keep  well  outside,  as  there  is  nothing  to  be  gained  by  venturing  among 
those  dangers. 

BLAS  MATEU  ROCK  is  said  to  lie  right  in  the  fairway  track  of  vessels 
proceeding  through  Gaspar  Strait  by  the  Macclesfield  Channel.  The  American 
surveyors  searched  for  it  without  success,  but  their  chart  does  not  exhibit 
many  soundings  in  that  vicinity,  and  it  would  be  very  unsafe  to  disregard 
its  reputed  existence  in  the  face  of  the  following  circumstantial  account  :  — 
The  Bias  Eock  was  first  discovered  on  September  23,  1839,  by  the  Spanish 
brig  San  Joaehim,  Captain  Bias  Mateu.  Having  anchored  in  12  fathoms, 
coarse  sand,  he  took  the  boat  and  found  three  rocks,  each  about  10  ft.  in 
diameter.  Upon  the  northei*n  rock  he  had  9  ft.,  on  the  southern  12  ft.,  and 
on  the  western  17  ft.  water,  and  between  them  passages  of  4^  fathoms. 
Shoal-water  Island  bore  E.  \  N.,  the  opening  between  the  two  hill  on 
Lepar  Island  N.N.W.  ^  W.,  and  the  latitude  determined  by  the  sun's  meri- 
dian altitude  3°  20'  38"  S.  The  whole  extent  of  the  three  rocks  is  about  half 
a  cable's  length,  and  round  them  the  depths  were  12,  13,  and  14  fathoms; 
but  there  was  reason  to  believe  that  there  were  more  rocks,  because  the  chain 
parted  while  the  anchor  was  being  weighed. 


232  GASPAE  STRAIT. 

Another  Spanish  captain,  M  Aldon,  who  examined  these  rocks  afterwards, 
gives  them  a  similar  description,  and  states  that  the  light  colour  of  the  water 
over  them  was  distinctly  visible  at  a  considerable  distance  N.N.W.  of  them. 
He  places  them  in  3°  21'  S.,  with  Fairlie  Rock  S.S.E.  %  E.,  Shoal-water 
Island  East,  and  the  hills  of  Lepar  Island  N.N.W, 

To  avoid  this  danger,  Entrance  Point  must  not  be  brought  more  to  the 
westward  than  N.  ^  W.,  when  Shoal-water  Island  bears  between  E.  ^  S.  and 
E.  i  N. 

Sand  Banks. — At  12  miles  South  of  Entrance  Point  is  a  patch  of  5  fathoms  ; 
and  at  2^  miles  W.  ^  S.  of  this  is  another  of  the  same  depth  ;  between  them 
the  depth  is  7  fathoms.  These  spots  appear  to  be  on  the  eastern  end  of  one 
of  the  long  sand  ridges  which  lie  to  the  southward  of  Banka  (page  200), 
probably  an  extension  of  the  strip  upon  which  is  shown  the  following 
sounding  of  4^  fathoms. 

A  Bank,  in  3°  19'  S.,  with  4^  fathoms  water,  lies  South  from  a  remarkable 
hummock  in  Banka  ;  and  there  are  two  other  banks  of  5  fathoms,  from 
which  a  hummock  upon  the  low  long  point  of  Baginda  bears  N.N.W.  i  W, 
To  avoid  these  banks,  the  low  land  which  unites  the  hills  of  Banka,  must  be 
kept  from  a  vessel's  deck  below  the  horizon,  till  Entrance  Point  bears  N.  by  W., 
when  a  vessel  may  steer  towards  the  strait ;  taking  care  not  to  bring  thia 
point  more  to  the  northward  than  N.  by  W.  or  N.  ^  W. 

VANSITTART  SHOALS  are  a  collection  of  rocky  patches  divided  into 
groups,  lying  between  the  bearings  of  S.E.  ^  E.  and  E.  f  S.,  distant  about 
12  miles  from  Entrance  Point,  and  extending  from  lat.  3°  10'  to  3*^  4'  S.  At 
their  southern  part  are  two  patches,  lying  E.  ^  S.  and  W.  ^  N.  from  each 
other,  their  inner  edges  being  about  2^  miles,  and  their  outer  edges  nearly 
3^  miles  apart.  From  the  western  patch  of  1^  fathom  water,  Entrance 
Point  bears  N.W.  i  W.  12  miles.  Shoal- water  Island  S.E.  i  E.  14  miles, 
and  Barn  Island  N.N.E.  J  E.  12  miles ;  from  the  eastern  patch  of  only  3  ft. 
water,  Shoal- water  Island  bears  S.E.  J  S.  11^  miles,  and  Barn  Island 
N.  by  E.  iE.  U  miles. 

Nearly  the  centre  of  the  space  occupied  by  these  shoals  are  a  group  of 
patches  extending  N.E.  and  S.W.  about  a  mile,  some  having  but  1  fathom 
over  them,  and  one  patch,  the  north-eastern,  dries  at  low  water. 

The  patches  at  the  northern  end  of  the  shoals  lie  close  together,  and 
extend  in  an  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.  direction,  about  2^  miles.  One  or  two  of 
thorn  are  dry,  and  others  have  but  3  ft.  water  over  theoi  at  low  tides.  Erooi 
the  S.W.  patch,  which  dries.  Barn  Island  bears  N.N.E.  h  E.,  distant  6^ 
miles ;  the  South  extreme  of  Saddle  Island  is  open  of  the  South  extreme  of 
Low  Island,  N.E.  by  E.  i  E.  ;  and  Pulo  Jelaka  bears  N.  by  W.  f  W.  13 
miles.  From  the  N.E.  patch,  of  2  fathoms  water.  Low  Island  is  distant  2-J 
miles,  with  its  South  extreme  in  line  with  the  middle  of  Saddle  Island,  bear- 


GEORGE  B/VNKS.  233 

ing  N.E.  by  E. ;  and  Sand  Island  is  just  open  of  the  East  extreme  of  Piilo 
Leat,  bearing  N.  ^  "W. 

The  marks  to  clear  the  Vansittart  Shoals  are  given  hereafter. 

GEORGE  BANKS  is  the  name  given,  on  the  American  chart,  to  four  or 
five  patches,  under  a  depth  of  5  fathoms,  lying  southward  and  south-westward 
of  the  western  Entrance  Point.  The  southern  extreme  of  one  of  these  patches, 
which  is  about  H  mile  long  North  and  South,  half  a  mile  broad,  and  has  3 
fathoms  water  on  it,  lies  S.W.  §  W.  4  miles  from  Entrance  Point.  About  a 
mile  S.W.  of  this  patch  is  another,  but  smaller  one,  of  3J  fathoms  water ; 
and  5  miles  S.W.  by  W.  i  W.  from  this  last  patch,  or  S.W.  i  W.  9  miles 
from  Entrance  Point,  is  a  patch  ot  3J  fathoms  water,  but  this  latter  lies 
quite  out  of  the  ordinary  track  of  vessels.  All  these  patches  lie  within  the 
edge  of  the  10-fathoms  line,  which,  passing  Entrance  Point  about  Ij  mile  oj6F, 
runs  with  an  irregularly  curved  outline  to  the  south-westward. 

A  bank,  under  a  depth  of  10  fathoms,  9  or  10  miles  long,  which  assumes 
on  the  chart  the  form  of  a  shoulder  of  mutton,  N.E.  and  S.W.,  with  its 
small  end  to  the  north-eastward,  lies  nearly  2  miles  outside  the  10-fathoms 
line  extending  from  Pulo  Lepar.  Between  it  and  the  shore  banks  the  depths 
are  13  to  17  fathoms. 

Two-and-a-half  Fathoms  Bank. — ^About  the  middle  of  the  above  shoulder 
of  mutton  bank,  and  about  a  mile  from  its  eastern  or  outer  edge,  is  a  patch 
of  only  2 1  fathoms  water.  This  was  formerly  known  as  the  George  Bank, 
because  the  ship  Royal  George  had,  in  1813,  passed  over  its  edge  in  5^ 
fathoms.  It  was  afterwards  explored  by  Capt.  D.  Eoss.  From  it  Entrance 
Point  bears  N.  \  W.,  distant  6|  miles  ;  and  Baginda  Peak,  on  Banka  Island, 
W.  by  N.  I  N.,  121  miles.  To  avoid  this  bank,  keep  the  high  trees  near 
Klippige  Point,  or  Eocky  Point  Hill,  open  to  the  eastward  of  Entrance 
Point. 

About  2  miles  West  of  the  2^-fathom8  bank  is  a  small  patch  with  5 
fathoms  water  over  it. 

Two-fathoms  Patch. — It  would  appear  from  the  following  report  of  Capt. 
Keay,  of  the  ship  Falcon,  March  13th,  1862,  that  a  patch  having  but  2 
fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  about  3  miles  to  the  southward  of  Round  Island, 
off  the  South  point  of  Pulo  Lepar :  — 

Clear,  light,  northerly,  and  smooth  sea ;  steering  towards  Entrance  Point, 
Caspar  Strait ;  Round  Island  bearing  N.  ^  W.  by  compass,'  apparently  3 
miles  distant,  the  Falcon  drawing  18  ft.,  ran  aground  on  a  small  sand  patch, 
with  12  ft.  least  water  over  it,  the  diameter  of  the  shallowest  part  being 
about  30  ft.  The  position  of  this  was  not  properly  ascertained  by  cross- 
bearings,  but  it  seems  as  if  it  was  not  one  of  the  previously  known  shoals  off 
the  entrance  of  the  Lepar  Strait. 

I.  A.  2» 


234  GASPAE  STEAIT. 


MACCLESFIELD  CHANNEL. 


The  approacli  to  the  Macclesfield  Channel,  the  westernmost  of  those 
through  Gaspar  Strait  from  the  southward,  is  bounded  on  the  eastern  side 
by  the  Hippogriffe  Shoal,  the  position  of  the  Doubtful  dangers  (page  229), 
the  Fairlie  Rock,  and  the  Vansittart  Shoals ;  and  on  the  western  side  by  the 
outermopt  of  the  George  Banks.  The  Bias  Mateu  Eock,  if  it  exists,  lies 
right  in  the  fairway. 

The  Sharpshooter,  Hancock,  and  Turtle  Shoals,  may  be  said  to  form  a 
point,  from  which  the  shoals  already  mentioned  as  bounding  the  eastern 
limit  of  approach  to  Macclesfield  Channel  diverge  in  one  direction,  whilst 
those  forming  the  western  limit  of  approach  to  Stolze  and  Clements  Channel 
diverge  in  another ;  these  last  may  also  be  said  to  form  the  eastern  limits  of 
the  southern  entrance  to  Macclesfield  Channel,  as  vessels  may  stand  to  the 
eastward  of  the  Fairlie  Eock  over  towards  them,  if  they  should  find  it  con- 
venient to  do  so. 

EAST  COAST  of  BANKA.— From  Tanjong  Baginda  (page  199),  th& 
south-western  limit  of  Gaspar  Strait,  the  coast  of  Banka  turns  sharp  to  the 
northward,  and  after  running  4  miles  in  a  northerly  direction,  forms  a  large 
bay,  the  northern  limit  of  which  is  Brekat  Point,  which  is  also  the  north- 
western limit  of  Gaspar  Strait.  There  are  several  rivers  upon  this  part  of 
the  coast,  the  principal  of  which,  the  Medang,  is  sometimes  visited  by  coasters, 
but  little  is  known  of  it. 

LEPAR  STRAIT,  between  Banka  and  Pulo  Lepar,  is  6  or  7  miles  wide 
at  the  entrance,  but  narrows  to  less  than  2  miles  some  4  or  5  miles  within. 
The  entrance  appears  from  the  chart  to  be  barred,  although  there  seems  to 
be  deep  water  inside.  It  is  said  to  be  so  crowded  with  small  islands  and 
reefs,  as  to  be  available  only  for  small  coasters.  The  most  southern  of  these 
islands,  named  ISugar-loaf,  is  very  conspicuous,  rising  to  a  peak  650  ft.  high. 

PULO  LEPAR  is  an  irregularly  shaped  island,  about  12  miles  in  diameter, 
lying  close  off  the  southern  part  of  the  East  coast  of  Banka.  On  its  southern 
part  are  several  ranges  of  hills  of  moderate  elevation,  viz  :  Six  Peak  Ranges 
781  ft.  high;  Maroon  Rill,  850  ft.  ;  Four  Peah  Range,  750  ft.  ;  and  two  hiUs 
not  named  on  the  chart,  650  ft.  high  ;  further  to  the  westward  is  a  hill,  700 
feet  high,  named  False  Sugar-loaf. 

Entrance  Point,  the  south-eastern  extreme  of  the  island,  is  in  lat.  3°  1|'  S., 
long.  106°  53'  E.  The  land  over  it  is  hilly,  and  the  point  is  bordered  by  a 
reef,  extending  1  or  2  cables'  lengths  from  it.  Per  gam  or  Round  Island  is  a 
small  islet  surrounded  by  reefs,  lying  W.S.W.  2|  miles  from  Entrance  Point, 
and  ab  lut  half  a  mile  off  the  South  coast  of  the  island.  False  Rocky  Point 
bears  N.  f  E.,  distant  4  miles  from  Entrance  Point.  Immediately  to  the 
northward  of  it  is  a  small  stream  named  Eed  Eiver. 


PULO  LE-iT  AND  LTGHTnOUSE.  235 

Rocky  Point  and  Light. — Tmyong  Lahoe,  Klippige,  or  Rocky  Point,  the 
N.E.  extreme  of  Pulo  Lepar,  is  distant  1^  mile  N.  ^  E,  from  False  Rocky 
Point.  Eocky  Point  Hill,  622  ft.  high,  stands  If  mile  to  the  westward  of 
the  point.  The  light  on  Rocky  Point  was  first  shown  in  October,  1870.  It 
is  affixed  hright  light,  elevated  39  ft.,  and  visible  in  every  direction  seaward  8 
miles  off. 

At  1|  mile  N.W.  f  W.  from  the  lighthouse  is  Tree  Point,  from  which  the 
coast  runs  nearly  straight  to  the  north-westward  for  about  6  miles. 

Shore  Reef. — The  whole  coast  from  Entrance  Point  to  Tree  Point  is  fronted 
by  a  reef,  which  at  about  2  miles  northward  of  Entrance  Point,  just  to  the 
southward  of  the  entrance  of  Fresh-water  River,  extends  ofi'  to  the  distance 
of  1^  mile;  it  then  runs  nearly  straight  to  the  northward,  and  rounding  Rocky 
Point  at  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  turns  to  the  north-westward,  and  beyond  Tree 
Point  projects  but  a  short  distance  from  the  shore. 

Water. — To  the  northward  of  Entrance  Point  the  coast  forms  a  bay,  in 
which  are  two  small  rivers.  Vessels  may  anchor  about  a  mile  to  the  north- 
eastward of  the  point,  abreast  of  which  position  is  a  sandy  beach.  Captain 
Ross  watered  here,  and  found  the  water  a  little  tinged  with  a  red  colour,  but 
it  produced  no  pernicious  effect  upon  the  crew. 

KLIPPIGE  SHOALS  is  the  name  given  to  three  or  four  reefs,  with  rooks 
above  water  on  them,  and  deep  channels  between  them,  lying  off  Rocky 
Point.  The  outer  reef  lies  E.  by  N.  |  N.  2  miles  from  the  point ;  the 
southern  reef,  over  which  is  a  depth  of  4  fathoms,  lies  E.  i  N.,  2  miles  from 
False  Rocky  Point. 

Close  to  these  shoals  are  depths  varying  from  9  to  14  fathoms,  and  there 
appears  to  be  a  channel  three-quarters  of  a  mile  wide,  with  6  to  10  fathoms 
in  it,  between  them  and  the  shore,  but  it  would  be  a  very  unwise  proceeding 
for  vessels  to  venture  to  use  it. 

Discovery  Rocks  appear  on  the  American  chart  as  two  rocks  lying  N.N.E. 
^  E.  3f  miles  from  Rocky  Point,  with  a  shoal  bank  extending  nearly  half  a 
mile  north-eastward  of  them.  Close  to  the  rocks  and  bank  are  6  to  10 
fathoms,  with  13  to  15  fathoms  at  a  short  distance  all  around  them. 

Capt.  D.  Ross,  in  the  Discovery,  was  the  first  to  determine  the  exact  posi- 
tion of  these  rocks,  and  he  says  they  have  only  2  ft.  least  water  over  them. 

A  rocky  Patch,  with  only  3  ft.  water  over  it,  lies  about  l^  mile  W.  by  S. 
from  the  Discovery  Rocks.  In  the  channel  between  the  soundings  are  from 
10  to  16  fathoms. 

There  is  also  a  4-fathom  patch  lying  midway  between  Rocky  Point  and  the 
rocky  patch,  and  a  4|-fathom  bank  3^  miles  N  by  W.  from  Rocky  Point. 

PULO  LEAT,  or  Middle  Island,  which  separates  Macclesfield  Channel  from 
Clements  Channel,  is  about  5f  miles  long.  North  and  South,  and  4J  miles 
wide.  Upon  it  are  several  hills,  400  to  600  ft.  high,  which  appear  at  a 
distance  like  a  group  of  islands. 


236  GASPAR  STRAIT. 

LIGHT. — Pulo  Jelaka  is  a  small  islet  lying  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  north- 
westward of  the  West  point  of  Pulo  Leat,  to  which  it  is  connected  by  a  reef 
of  rocks.  Since  the  year  1870  a.  fixed  hright  light  has  been  shown  from  Pulo 
Jelaka  over  the  Macclesfield  Channel  to  the  westward  from  N.E.  by  N. 
round  by  North  and  West  to  S.S.E.  It  is  elevated  39  ft.,  and  visible  8 
miles  off.  A  dangerous  reef  surrounds  both  Pulo  Leat  and  Pulo  Jelaka,  in 
addition  to  which  are  numerous  outlying  rocks,  in  many  places  extending 
far  from  the  shore. 

The  South  and  S.W.  coasts  of  Pulo  Leat  are  fronted  by  a  reef  which  pro- 
jects from  the  shore  in  a  convex  form  to  seaward  for  the  distance  of  a  mile. 
Off  the  S.E.  point  of  the  island  are  outlying  rocks  and  dangers  extending  in 
a  S.  by  W.  \  W.  direction,  to  the  distance  of  nearly  2J  miles.  A  rock  also 
lies  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  South  of  Jelaka,  just  outside  the  edge  of 
the  reef  extending  from  the  shore,  but  there  are  no  other  outlying  reefs  on 
the  S.W.  coast  of  the  island. 

When  three-quarters  of  a  mile  distant  from  Jelaka,  outside  the  reef  ex- 
tending from  the  shore,  is  a  3-fathoms  patch  ;  and  N.W.  by  W.,  more  than 
a  mile  from  that  islet,  is  a  rock  near  the  water's  edge,  with  11  fathoms 
water  between  it  and  the  shore  reef.  All  along  the  N.W.  shore  of  Pulo 
Leat,  and  at  little  less  than  2  miles  from  it,  are  numerous  outlying  rocks  and 
patches  of  reef,  between  which  and  the  reef  extending  from  the  shore  are 
some  dry  sand-banks.*' 

ALCESTE  REEF.— The  Alceste  Rock,  upon  which  H.M.  ship  of  that  name 
was  wrecked  in  February,  1817,  when  returning  from  China  with  Lord  Am- 
herst and  suite,  is  the  outer  patch  of  a  coral  reef  which  projects  N.N.W. 
nearly  2  miles  from  the  North  point  of  Pulo  Leat,  and  has  but  2  fathoms 
water  on  its  shallowest  part.  It  is  the  same  reef  upon  which,  in  1816,  the 
Portuguese  ship  Amelia  was  wrecked,  the  remains  of  both  her  and  the 
Alceste  being  still  visible,  with  only  a  few  yards  between  them,  at  the  time 
the  reef  was  surveyed  by  Captain  D.  Ross.  The  wreck  of  the  Alcede  was 
lying  li  mile  from  the  North  point  of  Leat,  with  the  West  point  of  Jelaka 
in  one  with  the  southern  sand-bank  West  of  Leat ;  the  northern  sand-bank 
in  one  with  a  white  rock  which  lies  between  Jelaka  and  the  N.W.  point  of 
Leat  and  close  to  it ;  and  a  white  rock  near  the  N.W.  point  open  to  the  east- 
ward of  a  high  tree  on  the  centre  of  the  eastern  hill  of  Leat. 

Many  ships  have  since  been  lost  on  this  reef,  or  on  some  of  the  coral 
patches  contiguous  to  it,  and  they  have  generally  furnished  bearings  which 


*  Captain  Joass,  of  the  British  ship  Lammermuir,  reports  that  at  2*^  20™  a.m.,  December 
Slst,  1863,  when  proceeding  through  the  Macclesfield  Channel,  his  vessel  struck  on  a  rock, 
the  position  of  which,  from  bearings  taken,  is  lat.  2°  53'  S.,  long.  107°  E.  H.M.S.  Rifleman 
has  since  searched  for  this  rock,  but  could  find  no  danger  in  the  vicinity  of  the  position 
ascribed  to  it. 


KILArAN  AND  SENIOE.  237 

would  show  them  to  have  been  wrecked  some  distance  from  these  dangers; 
but  the  wrecks  of  several  of  them  have  afterwards  been  found  upon,  or  close 
to  the  Alceste  Reef ;  and  two  such  wrecks,  the  Cornelius  Haja^  and  the  Mem- 
71071,  have  found  a  place  on  the  American  chart.  There  is  good  reason  to  be- 
lieve that  there  is  no  danger  in  the  fairway  of  the  Macclesfied  Channel  in  this 
vicinity. 

A  reef  ia  placed  by  Dutch  authorities  2  miles  E.  by  N.  from  Alceste  Eeef, 
with  only  6  ft.  water.  From  a  position  three-quarters  of  a  cable  northward 
of  the  shoal,  the  northern  point  of  Pulo  Leat  bears  S.W.,  and  the  eastern 
point  of  Bulo  Anak,  or  Selagin,  S.  by  E.  ^  E. 

The  soundings  round  Alceste  Eeef  do  not  by  any  means  afford  a  certain 
guide,  although  to  the  north-eastward  they  appear  to  be  a  few  fathoms  shoaler 
than  elsewhere.  Close-to  on  the  West  side  are  17  fathoms,  and  from  15  to 
21  fathoms  at  the  distance  of  1  or  2  miles ;  close-to  on  the  North  side  12  fa- 
thoms, with  16  to  18  fathoms  at  1  or  2  miles  ;  and  close-to  on  the  N.E.  side 
16  fathoms,  with  12  to  17  fathoms  at  1  to  2  miles. f 

KILAPAN  and  SENIOR  are  two  hilly  islands  lying  2  or  3  miles  North  of 
Pulo  Lepar.  Kilapan  is  about  1^  mile  in  extent  East  and  West,  and  a  mile 
wide,  and  bears  from  Eocky  Point  light,  N.W.  by  N.  6|  miles.  Senior 
is  not  quite  so  large  as  Kilapan,  from  which  it  bears  W.  by  N.  2  miles. 

Wilson  Bank,  discovered  by  Captain  Lestock  Wilson,  of  the  Carnatic,  in 
February,  1787,  has  but  1  fathom  water  on  its  shoalest  spot,  although  Capt. 
Wilson  did  not  find  less  than  3  fathoms.  From  the  1 -fathom  spot  the  ex- 
treme of  Brekat  Point,  the  N.W.  point  of  Macclesfield  Strait,  bears  N.N. W. 
\  W.  6|  miles  ;  the  hummock  just  inside  the  point,  which  is  more  conspicuous, 
bearing  N.W.  by  N.  The  bank  extends  about  a  mile  to  the  northward  of 
the  shoal  patch,  having  2f  fathoms  over  that  part  of  it ;  to  the  southward  it 
extends  about  a  quarter  of  a  ndle.  Close-to  on  the  East  side  are  13  or  14 
fathoms,  but  to  the  N.N.E.  8  to  10  fathoms  for  about  If  mile,  when  the  depths 
suddenly  increase  to  19  or  20  fathoms.  The  extreme  of  Brekat  Point  bearing 


*  This  vessel  was  reported  to  have  struck  on  a  rock  in  lat.  2°  441'  S.,  long.  107°  1'  E.— 
Horsburgh. 

t  The  barque  Carl  Eonneberg,  Captain  C.  L.  Lied,  is  reported  to  have  struck  upon  a  rock 
about  6  miles  to  the  northward  of  the  Alceste  Eeef,  in  lat.  2"^  42'  S.,  long.  107°  5'  E.  It  is 
said  to  be  about  a  cable's  length  in  circumference,  having  from  4  to  20  ft.  water  on  it,  and 
surrounded  by  depths  of  19  fathoms.  The  American  chart  exhibits  many  soundings  in  the 
locality  ascribed  to  this  danger,  which  were  obtained  in  searching  for  the  rock  on  which  the 
Cornelius  Eaja  was  reported  to  have  been  wrecked,  said  to  lie  W.S.W.,  distant  4  miles 
from  the  reported  position  of  the  Lied  Rock.  llr.  Richards,  in  H.M.S.  Saracen,  also 
searched  for  the  Cornelius  Haja  Rock  without  discovering  any  danger  in  that  locality  :  for 
these  reasons  the  Lied  Rock  is  not  placed  upon  the  Admiralty  charts,  and  the  wreck  of 
the  Cornelius  Haja  (as  mentioned  above)  was  subsequently  found  by  the  American  surveyors 
upon  the  Alceste  Reef. 


238  GASPAR  STEAIT. 

N.W.  by  N.,  or  the  hill  over  it  N.W.,  leads  a  mile  outside  Wilson  Bank,  as 
does  also  the  eastern  extreme  of  Kilapan  Island,  bearing  S.  by  W.  I  W. 
The  same  bearings  also  clear  the  elbow  of  Brekat  Bank. 

Brekat  Bank. — A  long,  narrow  strip  of  bank,  which  appears  to  have  from 
3  to  4  fathoms  water  over  it,  and  deeper  water  inside  of  it,  runs  in  a  S.  by  W. 
direction  for  3  or  4  miles  to  the  southward  of  Wilson  Bank,  and,  passing 
about  li  mile  westward  of  that  shoal,  forms  to  the  northward,  about  a  mile 
farther  on,  an  elbow  projecting  to  seaward,  with  Ij  fathom  water  on  it,  and 
a  small  patch  which  dries  at  low  water  ;  it  then  takes  a  N.  by  W.  ^  W. 
direction,  until  it  joins  the  bank  extending  from  Brekat  Point,  which  bears 
from  the  elbow  N.N.W.,  distant  4  miles. 

The  soundings  in  the  channel  between  Brekat  and  Wilson  Banks  are  4^ 
to  8  fathoms.  Near  the  elbow  they  decrease  suddenly  from  10  fathoms; 
there  are  9  or  10  fathoms  at  2^  miles  eastward  of  the  elbow,  and  12  and  15 
fathoms  at  a  mile  N.E.  of  it. 

BREKAT  POINT,  in  lat.  2°  34'  S.,  long.  106°  50'  E.,  has  a  rock  off  it  28 
feet  high,  and  forms  the  eastern  extreme  of  Banka,  and  the  north-western 
limit  of  G-aspar  Strait.  The  land  from  the  inner  part  of  the  projecting  point 
falls  away  to  the  southward,  and  has  a  hill  or  hummock  620  ft.  high  upon 
it.  Immediately  off  the  point  are  some  rocks,  and  shoal  water  extends 
nearly  a  mile  from  it  to  the  eastward.  The  point  should  not  be  approached 
nearer  than  2  miles,  the  soundings  off  it  being  deep  and  irregular,  14  to  21 
fathoms. 

AKBAE  SHOAL. — The  American  ship  Akhar  struck,  in  1843,  upon  a  shoal 
having  only  12  ft.  water  upon  it,  in  lat.  2°  39'  S.,  long.  107°  11'  E.  In  the 
American  chart  the  position  of  this  shoal  is  marked  doubtful,  so  that  the 
American  surveyors  did  not  succeed  in  finding  it. 

The  ship  Scaivfell  reports  that,  on  March  23rd,  1864,  she  passed  close  to 
the  Akbar  Shoal,  which  had  apparently  very  little  water  on  it,  though  no 
breakers,  as  the  sea  was  quite  smooth.  It  appeared  to  be  a  narrow  ridge  of 
coral,  about  2  cables  long,  North  and  South,  and  not  half  a  cable  wide.  Its 
position  is  given  as  2°  38'  S.,  long.  107°  13^'  E. 

This  places  the  shoal  3  miles  N.E.  by  E.  from  the  position  ascribed  to  it 
by  the  Akhar ;  in  either  case  it  is  much  in  the  way  of  vessels  proceeding 
through  Clements  or  Stolze  Channels,  and  until  its  exact  position  is  deter- 
mined, it  will  be  necessary  to  keep  clear  of  the  localities  in  which  it  is  re- 
puted to  lie. 

TREE  ISLAND  [Bootnpjes  Mland),  distant  10  miles  N.E.  |  E.  from  Brekat 
Point,  and  7  miles  S.W.  by  W.  ^  W.  from  Gaspar  Island,  is  a  barren  rock, 
40  ft.  high,  with  two  or  three  trees  on  the  summit,  giving  it  the  appearance 
of  a  ship  under  sail,  and  making  it  visible  15  miles  off.  It  is  surrounded 
by  a  coral  reef,  and  a  rock  about  as  high  as  a  boat  lies  a  third  of  a  mile 
south-eastward  of  it.     There  is  a  cave  upon  this  island  where  the  Mahiys 


GASPAE  ISLAND—TIDES  AND  CUEEENTS.  239 

come  to  collect  birds'  nests,  which  are  probably  found  also  on  the  other 
islands. 

A  detached  coral  reef  lies  more  than  half  a  mile  N.E.  of  the  island,  and 
another  about  the  same  distance  S.E.  of  it ;  between  these  reefs  and  the  one 
surrounding  the  island  are  narrow  channels,  with  deep  water. 

GASPAR  ISLAND,  or  Pulo  Gelassa,  in  lat.  2°  24|'  S.,  long.  107°  3J'  E., 
bears  N.  \  E.  24^  miles  from  the  North  point  of  Pulo  Leat,  and  N.E.  |  E. 
nearly  17  miles  from  Brekat  Point.  Its  centre  rises  to  a  peak  812  ft.  high, 
which  may  be  seen  in  clear  weather  at  a  distance  of  30  miles,  and  is  the 
principal  mark  for  avoiding  the  shoals  in  sailing  to  or  from  the  northern 
part  of  the  strait.  It  is  nearly  surrounded  by  a  reef,  which  projects  from 
the  South  and  East  points  of  the  island  about  a  third  of  a  mile.  The  West 
and  North  points  are  bold  close-to.  The  soundings  near  the  island  are 
variable,  12  to  19  fathoms. 

Fresh  water  is  to  be  found  upon  this  island,  but  the  chart  does  not  point 
out  the  particular  spot  where  it  may  be  obtained. 

Glassa  or  Gelassa  Rock,  24  ft.  high,  with  some  trees  on  it,  and  rocks^ 
contiguous  to  it,  lies  about  a  mile  westward  of  Gaspar  Island.  It  is  sur- 
rounded by  a  reef  extending  about  a  third  of  a  mile  south-eastward  and 
eastward  from  it,  but  not  quite  so  far  in  other  directions. 

Gaspar  Island,  Glassa  Eock,  and  Tree  Island,  form  the  northern  limit  of 
Gaspar  Strait.  The  Canning  Eock,  Warren  Hastings  Eeef,  Belvidere  Shoals, 
and  other  dangers,  are  described  hereafter. 

TIDES  and  CURRENTS.— It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  the  Mac- 
clesfield Channel,  at  2^  30'",  and  the  ordinary  rise  is  only  4  ft.  The  Vmi- 
sittarth  boat  is  roperted  to  have  found  at  Tree  Island  a  perpendicular  rise  of 
18  it.,  between  the  hours  of  8  a.m.  and  5  p.m. ;  but  there  is  probably  some 
mistake  in  this,  as  12  ft.  is  an  extraordinary  rise  in  Banka  Strait,  into  which 
some  very  large  rivers  disembogue. 

The  currents  greatly  depend  upon  the  strength  of  the  monsoon.  When* 
the  monsoon  is  strong,  the  current  will  generally  be  found  setting  in  the- 
same  direction  at  the  rate  of  2  or  3  knots  an  hour,  but  aflFected  somewhat  by 
the  tides.     In  light  winds  and  calms  the  tides  are  seldom  very  regular. 

Directions  from  the  Southward. — Proceeding  towards  the  Macclesfield 
Channel  during  the  S.E.  monsoon,  having  passed  the  Two  Brothers  (^p.  185), 
steer  N.  by  E.  J  E.,  or  N.N.E.,  keeping  midway  between  the  Clifton  Shoal 
and  tlie  Brouwers  Eeefs.  The  depths  in  this  track  are  pretty  regular,  10  tO' 
15  fathoms,  soft  bottom.  In  thick  weather,  or  if  uncertain  of  the  vessel's 
position,  the  entrance  of  Gaspar  Strait  should  be  approached  with  great 
caution,  keeping  a  good  lookout  for  broken  or  shoal  water. 

Be  also  guarded  when  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Bias  Mateu  Eock,  for  although 
the  American  surveyors  could  not  find  that  danger,  yet,  for  reasons  given  at 
p.  231,  it  would  be  unsafe  to  conclude  that  it  does  not  exist.      The  Six-peak 


240  GASPAR  STRAIT. 

range  (the  first  clump  of  hills  to  the  westward  of  Entrance  Point)  kept 
N.  by  W.,  will  lead  3  miles  westward  of  this  rock,  and  when  Baginda  Peak 
bear  N.W.  ^  N.,  and  the  water  has  deepened  from  8  or  9  to  11  or  15 
fathoms,  steer  to  the  north-eastward  until  the  highest  trees  on  Klippige  or 
Eocky  Point,  or  Rocky  Point  Hill,  are  well  open  of  Entrance  Point,  which 
will  lead  clear  of  the  2^-fathom  bank. 

Being  3  or  4  miles  to  the  northward  of  the  Bias  Mateu  Rock,  a  N.  i^  E. 
course — guarding  against  currents — for  14  miles,  will  lead  about  5  miles 
eastward  of  Entrance  Point,  and  in  this  track  the  depths  Avill  be  13  to  18 
fathoms ;  if  the  vessel  gets  too  far  to  the  eastward  the  water  will  deepen, 
and  if  to  the  westward,  it  will  shoal  to  12,  11,  or  9  fathoms.  Prom  5  miles 
eastward  of  Entrance  Point,  a  North  course  for  about  16  miles  will  lead 
nearly  midway  between  the  shoals  West  of  Jelaka  and  the  Discovery  Rocks. 
In  this  track  there  will  be  from  14  to  25  fathoms  till  abreast  of  Klippige  or 
Rocky  Point,  when  there  will  be  23  or  24  fathoms,  deepening  to  30  or  33 
fathoms  between  Pulo  Jelaka  and  the  Discovery  Rocks,  having  passed  which 
they  will  decrease  to  25,  19,  and  16  fathoms.  The  vessel  will  now  have 
arrived  in  a  position  with  Pulo  Kilapan  bearing  S.W.  by  W.,  and  the 
North  point  of  Pulo  Leat  S.E.  by  E.,  and  may  steer  N.  by  E.  ^  E.  for 
Gaspar  Island,  in  which  track  she  will  have  16  to  21  fathoms. 

Since  the  survey  of  the  sandbanks  South  of  Banka  by  Mr.  Stanton,  it  no 
longer  appears  dangerous  to  approach  the  coast  to  a  less  distance  than  14 
miles,  and  it  might  be  convenient  for  a  vessel  to  make  Entrance  Point  on  a 
N.  by  E.  or  N.N.E.  bearing,  and  pass  inside  the  2^-fathom  bank  by  keeping 
Klippige  and  Entrance  Points  in  line. 

To  work  through  from  the  Southward. — During  the  northern  monsoon  it  is 
very  difficult,  almost  impossible,  to  work  through  Gaspar  Strait,  even  in  the 
latter  part  of  the  monsoon,  about  March,  when  vessels  are  obliged  to  an- 
chor often  on  account  of  the  faintness  of  the  wind  and  the  rapidity  of  the 
southerly  current.  In  the  southern  monsoon  vessels  will  often  meet  with 
light,  variable  winds,  rendering  it  impossible  for  them  to  preserve  a  straight 
course. 

Macclesfield  Channel  does  not  afford  convenient  objects  as  marks  to  keep 
vessels  clear  of  danger,  but  the  following  have  been  taken  from  the  Ameri- 
can chart  as  being,  so  far  as  we  are  able  to  judge,  the  best  that  can  be  given 
for  that  purpose  ;  as,  however,  some  of  the  objects  are  at  a  considerable 
distance  from  the  dangers,  navigators  are  cautioned  not  to  depend  too  im- 
plicitly upon  having  made  out,  or  being  able  to  make  out,  such  distant 
objects,  but  rather  to  rely  upon  a  more  general  exercise  of  judgment,  paying 
attention  to  the  soundings,  frequently  referring  to  the  chart,  «S:c.  It  is  indis- 
pensable that  the  greatest  vigilance  be  observed,  and  careful  regard  had  to 
the  set  of  the  tides  and  currents,  in  order  to  work  a  vessel  safely  through 
this  dangerous  channel. 


MACCLESFIELD  CHANNEL.  2il 

Standing  to  the  eastward. — A  vessel  having  passed  eastward  of  the  Fairlie 
Eoek  may  stand  on,  keeping  a  good  lookout,  until  she  is  about  2^  miles 
from  Sand  Island,  or  1  mile  from  Branding  Breakers,  and  will  have  from 
13  to  7  fathoms  water.  Sand  Island  is  just  awash  at  high  water,  and  Shoal- 
water  Island,  bearing  N.N.E.  i  E.,  leads  a  mile  to  the  westward  of  the 
Branding  Breakers.  Shoal-water  Island  should  not  be  approached  nearer 
than  o  miles,  on  account  of  the  1 -fathom  patch  lying  about  2  miles  westward 
of  it. 

The  Java  Guide  gives  the  following  directions  to  clear  the  Vansittart 
Shoals  : — 

"  To  avoid  the  Vansittart  Shoals  with  a  contrary  wind,  do  not  bring 
Entrance  Point  more  to  the  westward  than  N.W.  ^  N.  before  the  peak  of 
Saddle  Island  bears  N.E.  by  E.,  or  rather  keep  Leat  Island  a  little  to  the 
eastward  of  North.  When  near  the  N.W.  part  of  these  shoals,  the  West 
end  of  Leat  may  be  brought  N.  |  W.,  but  not  more  westerly,  until  South 
Island  is  open  to  the  northward  of  Low  and  Saddle  Islands.  The  northern 
extremities  of  these  two  islands,  and  the  southern  part  of  South  Island  in 
one,  E.  by  N.  %  N.,  just  clear  the  northern  part  of  the  shoals." 

It  appears,  however,  by  the  American  chart,  that  Entrance  Point  bearing 
N  W.,  and  the  peak  of  Saddle  Island  N.E.  |  E.,  will  keep  a  vessel  nearly 
\h  mile  clear  of  the  S.W.  prong  of  the  shoals.  Leat  Island  a  little  eastward 
of  North,  seems  rather  an  indefinite  mark,  unless  it  be  known  how  much  of 
the  island  is  visible  ;  but,  taking  it  to  mean  the  highest  point,  viz.,  Putat 
Hill,  613  feet  high,  and  which  would  appear  from  the  southward  nearly  in 
the  middle  of  the  island,  it  should  not  be  brought  to  the  northward  of 
N.  ^  E.,  until  the  peak  of  Saddle  Island  bears  N.E.  i  E.,  when  it  may  be 
brought  to  bear  North.  The  North  extremes  of  Saddle  and  Low  Islands 
in  line,  bearing  N.E.  by  E.  f  E.,  clears  the  northern  end  of  the  shoals 
nearly  a  mile. 

Being  to  the  northward  of  the  Vansittart  Shoals,  Low  Island  must  not  be 
brought  South  of  E.  by  S.  J  S.,  or  Sand  Island  West  of  North,  to  avoid  the 
shoals  between  those  islands  ;  and  to  clear  the  patches  lying  southward  of 
the  S.E.  point  of  Pulo  Leat,  keep  Barn  Island  East  of  E.S.E.,  until  Middle 
Point,  or  Putat  Hiil,  bears  N.  by  W.  \  W.,  when  Barn  Island  may  be 
brought  to  S.E.  by  E.  i  E.,  which  will  clear  the  reef  extending  from  Middle 
Point.  To  clear  the  reefs  South  of  Jelaka,  the  S.E.  point  of  Leat  should 
not  be  shut  in  by  Middle  Point,  until  Pulo  Jelaka  bears  N.N.E. ;  and  to 
avoid  the  reefs  westward  of  that  islet,  keep  Middle  Point  East  of  E.S.E., 
until  Jelaka  bears  East.  Jelaka  bearing  East  also  leads  northward  of  the 
Discovery  Hocks. 

Having  arrived  2  miles  West  of  Jelaka,   and  to  the  northward  of  the 
Discovery  Eocks,  Entrance  Point  must  not  be  brought  West  of  S.S.W.  j  W., 
I.  A.  2  I 


242  GASPAR  STRAIT. 

nor  Klippige  Point  West  of  S.W.  f  S.,  until  Pulo  Kilapan  bears  W.8.W., 
which  will  lead  outside  the  dangers  extending  from  the  N.W.  coast  of  Leat, 
and  1^  mile  to  the  northward  of  the  Aleeste  Reef.  Rocky  Point  Hill  in 
line  with  Tree  Point,  S.W.  j  S.,  leads  about  a  mile  north-westward  of  the 
Aleeste  Reef. 

Standing  to  the  westward. — To  avoid  the  2i-fathom  bank,  keep  the  high 
trees  on  Klippige  or  Rocky  Point,  or  Rocky  Point  Hill,  well  open  of  En- 
trance Point,  bearing  N.  by  W.  i  W.,  or  keep  Entrance  Point  West  of  N.  by 
W.  i  W.,  until  Baginda  Peak  bears  W.  by  N.,  when  a  vessel  may  stand 
over  until  Entrance  Point  bears  N.  by  E.  1  E. 

To  clear  the  Klippige  Shoals,  do  not  bring  Entrance  Point  South  of  S.W. 
I  S.,  until  the  right  extreme  of  Pulo  Kilapan  bears  N.W.  by  W.,  Klippige 
Point  S.W.  by  W.,  or  Pulo  Jelaka  N.E.  by  E.,  leads  about  half  a  mile 
northward  of  the  Klippige  Shoals. 

When  standing  towards  the  Discovery  Rocks,  do  not  bring  Entrance  Point 
South  of  S.S.W.,  or  Klippige  Point  South  of  S.W.  i  S.,  until  the  right 
extreme  of  Kilapan  bears  W.  by  N.  ^  N.,  or  Pulo  Jelaka,  East,  when 
a  vessel  will  be  northward  of  the  dangers,  and  may  stand  westwards  towards 
the  bank  into  10,  or  even  8  or  7  fathoms,  until  she  nears  Wilson  Bank. 

The  Saddles,  two  hills  on  the  Banka  coast,  912  It.  high,  bearing  W.N. W., 
or  the  Padang  Hills  W.  by  N.  i  N.,  lead  about  1:^  mile  southward  of  the 
Wilson  Bank  ;  and  the  extreme  of  Brekat  Point,  N.W.  by  N.,  leads  more 
than  half  a  mile  eastward  of  that  danger,  and  will  also  keep  a  vessel  clear  of 
the  elbow  when  standing  inshore  between  Wilson  Bank  and  Brekat  Point. 

Directions  from  the  northward. — In  the  early  part  of  the  N.E.  monsoon, 
northerly  and  north-westerly  winds  prevail  about  the  entrance  of  G-aspar 
Strait,  when  strong  south-easterly  currents  will  generally  be  experienced 
between  Gaspar  Island  and  Pulo  Leat.  It  appears  certain  that  the  frequent 
accidents  happening  to  vessels  in  the  vicinity  of  Aleeste  Reef  arise  princi- 
pally from  neglecting  to  guard  against  the  effects  of  this  current.  A  vessel, 
therefore,  intending  to  proceed  to  the  southward  through  Macclesfield  Chan- 
nel, and  having  passed  a  mile  or  two  eastward  of  Gas  par  Island,  should 
steer  to  the  south-westward  until  Gaspar  Island  bears  N.  by  E.  ^  E.,  upon 
which  bearing  it  should  be  kept  until  Pulo  Kilapan  is  S.W.  by  W.,  and  the 
North  point  of  Pulo  Leat  S.E.  by  E.,  when  she  will  be  in  the  fairway  of  the 
channel,  and  may  steer  South,  carefully  guarding  against  the  effects  of  tides 
or  currents  by  frequent  cross  bearings  of  the  North  point  of  Leat,  Pulo 
Jelaka,  Rocky  Point  Hill,  or  Pulo  Kilapan.  If  a  South  course  be  preserved, 
when  Pulo  Kilapan  bears  West,  Middle  Point,  the  S.W.  point  of  Leat,  wiU 
be  the  breadth  of  Jelaka  open  of  that  islet,  and  Rocky  Point  will  bear 
S.W.  by  S.,  which  latter  bearing  also  leads  dose  to  the  East  side  of  the 
Discovery  Rocks.  If,  when  Pulo  Kilapan  bears  West,  Middle  Point  be  not 
open  of  Jelaka,  the  vessel  will  be  too  far  to  the  eastward  j  and  if  Middle 


MACCLESFIELD  THANNEL.  243 

Point  should  be  Tnore  than  the  breadth  of  Jelaka  open  of  that  islet,  she  will 
be  too  far  to  the  westward. 

If,  in  consequence  of  light  or  baffling  winds,  it  be  found  impossible  to  keep 
Gaspar  Island  N.  by  E.  IE.,  but  that  as  the  vessel  approaches  Pulo  Leat 
it  is  found  to  bear  N.  by  E.,  or  N.  f  E.,  great  caution  must  be  observed  in 
passing  Alceste  Eeef,  for  Gaspar  Island  bearing  N.  ^  E.  is  the  line  of  direc- 
tion of  that  danger,  and  to  avoid  it  Pulo  Kilapan  must  not  be  brought  west- 
ward of  W.S.W.  until  Pulo  Jelaka  bears  South. 

Being  in  the  fairway,  with  Pulo  Kilapan  bearing  AVest,  and  Middle  Point 
the  breadth  of  Jelaka  open  of  that  islet,  Entrance  Point  will  be  just  in  sight 
bearing  about  S.S.W.  A  ship  may  continue  the  South  course,  but  if  there 
be  any  doubt  of  her  posi+ion,  it  will  be  prudent  to  bring  Entrance  Point 
S.S.W.  ^  W.,  which  will  lead  through  nearly  in  mid-channel  between  the 
Discovery  Pocks  and  the  dangers  off  Jelaka,  the  narrowest  and  most  difficult 
part  of  the  channel.  But  great  care  must  be  taken  to  preserve  that  bearing, 
Entrance  Point  being  at  so  great  a  distance,  that  any  error  in  the  bearing 
would  be  extremely  likely  to  lead  into  danger.  Entrance  Point  bearing 
S.S.W.  i  W.,  leads  about  half  a  mile  westward  of  the  dangers  off  Jelaka, 
and  the  same  point  S.S.W.  leads  clear  of  the  Discovery  Rocks. 

When  the  S.E.  point  of  Leat  is  open  of  Middle  Point,  the  ship  will  be 
southward  of  the  Discovery  Rocks,  and  if  she  has  been  steering  for  Entrance 
Point,  the  course  must  be  immediately  altered  to  the  south-eastward,  until 
Entrance  Point  bears  S.W.  ^  S. — which  leads  eastward  of  the  Klippige  Shoals 
— when  a  South  course  may  be  again  shaped  until  Entrance  Point  bears 
about  W.  ^  S.  ;  then  steer  S.  ^  W.  for  13  or  14  miles,  or  until  Entrance 
Point  is  about  N.  by  W.  i  W.,  and  Baginda  Peak  N.W.  f  W.,  when  the 
vessel  will  be  in  about  10  fathoms  on  the  outer  edge  of  the  bank  extending 
northward  of  the  Bias  Mateu  Rock,  and  to  clear  that  rock  must  steer  about 
S.W.  until  the  Six-peak  range  of  hills  on  Pulo  Lepar  bears  N.  by  W.,  when 
a  S.  by  W,  i  W.  or  S.S.W.  course  may  be  shaped  for  the  Two  Brothers. 

To  work  through  from  the  northward,  it  will  generally  be  advisable  to  get 
over  to  the  westward  towards  the  Banka  shore  as  soon  as  possible,  where  a 
vessel  will  be  more  in  the  fairway  of  the  channel,  and  will  find  more  conve- 
nient depths  of  water  for  anchoring,  if  it  should  be  necessary  to  bring  up. 

If,  however,  when  to  the  southward  of  Gaspar  Island,  it  should  be  found 
advantageous  to  stand  well  over  to  the  eastward,  it  is  not  advisable  that  Gas- 
par  should  be  brought  more  westward  than  N.  by  W.,  or  N.  by  W.  \  W., 
when  nearing  the  doubtful  position  of  the  Akbar  Shoal  ;  and  the  greatest 
care  should  be  observed  in  rounding  Alceste  Reef,  not  to  bring  Pulo  Kilapan 
westward  of  W.S.W.  until  Pulo  Jelaka  bears  South. 

Standing  to  the  westward. — Tree  Island  may  be  approached  to  about  a  mile, 
or  until  Gaspar  Island  bears  N.E.  \  E.,  which  leads  that  distance  clear  of 
the  dangers  extending  from  it.      Brekat  Point  bearing  N.W.  by  N.,   will 


244  GASFAE  STEAIT. 

lead  about  half  a  mile  eastward  of  the  Elbow  and  of  Wilson  Bank,  and  a 
vessel  will  be  to  the  southward  of  those  dangers  when  the  Saddles  on  Banka 
bear  W  N.W.,  or  Padang  Hills  W.  by  N.  |  N.,  and  may  then  stand  on  to 
the  bank  into  8  or  7  fathoms,  until  the  North  extreme  of  Pulo  Kilapan  bears 
W.  by  N.  I  N.,  which  leads  northward  of  the  Discovery  Eocks.  Klippige 
or  Eocky  Point,  S.W.  ^  S.,  leads  eastward  of  the  Discovery  Eocks,  and  also 
clears  the  shoals  extending  from  the  N.W.  coast  of  Pulo  Leat. 

Standing  to  the  eastward  towards  Jelaka,  take  great  care  not  to  bring  En- 
trance Point  anything  West  of  S.S.W.  ^  W.  until  Middle  Point  is  E.S.E., 
which  leads  southward  of  the  dangers  off  Jelaka.  Jelaka  must  then  be  kept 
East  of  N.N.E.,  until  the  S.E.  point  of  Leat  is  in  line  with  Middle  Point, 
when  it  may  be  brought  to  bear  North.  To  avoid  the  rocks  off  the  S.E. 
point  of  Leat,  do  not  bring  Putat  Hill,  or  Middle  Point,  West  of  N.  by  W. 
\  W.,  until  Barn  Island  bears  E.S.E.  The  East  extreme  of  Pulo  Leat  bear- 
ing North  will  keep  a  vessel  clear  of  the  dangers  extending  from  Sand  Island, 
and  Sand  Island,  if  not  brought  to  the  West  of  N.  ^  W.,  will  clear  the  dan- 
gers to  the  southward  of  it  and  of  Barn  Island.  Saddle  Island  in  one  with 
Low  Island,  bearing  E.N.E.,  leads  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  northward 
of  the  northern  group  of  the  Vansittart  Shoals  ;  Putat  Hill  bearing  North, 
or  N.  :|  W.,  leads  westward  of  the  middle  group  ;  the  same  hill  N.  \  E.  leads 
westward,  and  Entrance  Point  N.W.  to  the  southward  of  the  S.W.  group. 
Shoal-water  Island  should  not  be  approached  from  the  westward  nearer 
than  4  or  3  miles ;  bearing  N.N.E.  ^  E.,  it  will  lead  a  mile  westward  of  the 
Branding  Breakers. 

The  Padang,  Turtle,  and  Hancock  Shoals  may  be  approached  to  a  mile,  if 
a  good  lookout  is  kept  when  in  their  vicinity. 

Standing  to  the  tvestward  when  southward  of  the  Discovery  Eocks,  the  right 
extreme  of  Kilapan  bearing  N.W.  f  W.,  or  Entrance  Point  S.S.W.  ^  W., 
clears  the  northern  cluster  of  the  Klippige  Shoals ;  but  when  Eocky 
Point  bears  West,  Entrance  Point  should  not  be  brought  South  of  S.W.  ^  S. 
After  passing  Entrance  Point,  keep  the  high  trees  on  Eucky  Point,  or 
Eocky  Point  Hill,  open  of  Entrance  Point,  or  keep  Entrance  Point  West 
of  N.  by  W.  i  W.,  until  Baginda  Peak  bears  W.N.W.,  to  clear  the  2^- 
fathom  bank.  ' 

CLEMENTS  CHANNEL. 

This  channel  is  much  narrower  and  more  encumbered  with  dangers  than 
either  the  Macclesfield  or  Stolze  Channels.  It  is  separated  from  the  former 
by  the  four  small  islands,  which  from  their  appearance  are  respectively 
named  Low,  Saddle,  Sand,  and  Barn,  and  by  Pulo  Leat,  which  form  its 
western  limit.  To  the  eastward,  it  is  only  separated  from  Stolze  Channel  by 
South,  North,  and  Table  Islands,  three  small  islands  lying  close  together,  so 


LOW  AND  SADDLE  AND  SOUTH  ISLANDS.  245 

that  the  entrances  to  both  channels,  either  from  the  southward  or  the  north- 
ward are  common.  The  entrance  to  Clements  Channel  from  the  southward 
is,  however,  understood  to  lie  to  the  westward  of  the  Doubtful  Dangers  (page 
229),  Sharpshooter  Rock,  Hippogriffe  Shoal,  Hancock  and  Turtle  Shoals, 
Sand  Island,  Padang  Reef,  Branding  Breakers,  Shoalwater  Island,  and  Em- 
bleton  Rock  ;  whilst  the  entrance  of  Stolze  Channel  is  considered  to  be  to  the 
eastward  of  those  dangers ;  and  this  order  will  be  observed  in  the  description 
of  these  channels. 

LOW  and  SADDLE  are  two  small  islands,  a  little  more  than  half  a  mile 
in  diameter,  lying  in  a  S.E.  by  S.  direction  about  8J  miles  from  the  south- 
eastern point  of  Pulo  Leat.  They  bear  E.N.E.  and  W.S.  W,,  and  are  distant 
a  mile  from  each  other.  Low  Island,  the  westernmost,  is  123  ft.  high  ; 
Saddle  Island  has  two  hills  upon  it  forming  a  saddle,  the  western  hill  being 
210,  and  the  eastern  266  ft.  high.  Both  islands  are  connected  and  surrounded 
by  reefs,  extending  nearly  half  a  mile  from  them. 

Three  dangerous  patches,  extending  a  mile  in  aN.W.  and  opposite  direction, 
lie  between  the  bearings  of  E.  \  N.  and  N.E.  by  N.,  distant  \\  mile  from 
the  East  point  of  Saddle  Island.  In  the  Java  Guide  a  dry  reef  is  said  to  lie 
1:^  mile  N.E.  by  E.  from  Saddle  Island,  but  in  the  American  survey  1  fathom 
water  is  shown  on  the  S.E.  and  N.W.  patches,  and  2  fathoms  on  the  middle 
patch.  Between  the  reefs  and  the  island  is  a  narrow  channel  of  8  to  14  fa- 
thoms water  ;  close-to,  on  the  outside  of  the  reefs,  are  15  to  19  fathoms. 

Sand  Island,  lying  S.  by  E.  |  E.  5  miles  from  the  S.E.  point  of  Pulo  Leat, 
is  very  small  and  low,  and  surrounded  by  rocks  to  the  distance  of  a  third  of 
a  mile.  About  half  a  mile  to  the  northward  of  it  are  12  or  14  fathoms,  and 
from  10  to  23  fathoms  the  same  distance  to  the  southward. 

Barn  Island,  lying  about  \\  mile  E.  by  N.  ^N.  from  Sand  Island,  is  small, 
about  a  third  of  a  mile  in  diameter,  154  ft.  high,  and  surrounded  by  a  reef 
to  the  distance  of  about  a  third  of  a  mile.  Between  Barn  and  Sand  Islands 
are  depths  of  8  to  14  fathoms. 

Dangerous  reefs,  dry  at  low  water,  extend  nearly  2  miles  between  the  bear- 
ings of  S.S.E.  i  E.  and  S.8.W.  J  W.  from  Barn  Island. 

SOUTH  ISLAND,  one  of  the  islands  limiting  Clements  Channel  to  the 
eastward,  lies  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  10^  miles  from  the  S.E.  point  of  Pulo  Leat. 
It  is  the  largest  of  the  islands  in  this  vicinity,  being  about  a  mile  in  diameter ; 
the  highest  hill  upon  it  is  200  ft.  high.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  reef  extending 
from  it  in  most  parts  about  a  third  of  a  mile,  but  off  its  South  end  dangers 
project  three-quarters  of  a  mile.  Close  to  the  reef  are  from  5  to  14  fathoms, 
and  18  and  24  fathoms  a  short  distance  to  the  westward. 

Table  Island,  lying  E.  by  S.  1 J  mile  from  South  Island,  more  properly 
belongs  to  Stolze  Channel.  It  is  surrounded  by  reefs  projecting  nearly  half 
a  mile  from  it,  and  in  the  middle  of  the  channel  between  it  and  Soutli 
Island,  is  a  2 1 -fathoms  patch. 


246        '  GASPAR  STRAIT. 

North.  Island,  lyin?:  1|  mile  northward  of  South  Islanrl,  is  also  siirroundfld 
by  a  reef,  which  extends  from  it  ahoiit  a  third  of  a  mile.  At  two-thirds  of  a 
mile  E.N.E.  from  the  East  end  of  the  island  is  a  dry  bank  with  16  fathoms 
close-to,  and  12  fathoms  between  it  and  the  reef  extending  from  the  island. 
A  mile  S.E.  from  the  same  end  of  the  island  is  a  patch  of  3  fathoms. 

Sunk  Rock  is  16  yards  only  in  diameter,  with  9  ft.  water  on  it,  and  10  fa- 
thoms around  it.  From  it  Saddle  Island  bears  S.  bv  W.  }  W.,  4J  miles, 
North  Island  E.  by  N.  2\  miles,  Barn  Island  W.  by  S.  3:^  miles,  a  reef  near 
Saddle  Island  South,  the  centre  of  Table  Island  and  the  North  point  of  South 
Island  are  in  one,  and  Sandy  Island  is  entirely  hidden  by  Barn  Island. 

From  its  position  as  placed  upon  the  American  chart,  the  southern  extreme 
of  North  Island  bears  Eist,  distant  2^  miles;  the  south-western  extreme  of 
South  Island  S.E.  by  E.  southerly ;  and  the  northern  point  of  Barn  Island 
W.  by  S.  southerly.  A  quarter  of  a  mile  S.  ^  E.  from  it  is  a  patch  of  5  fa- 
thoms, with  13  fathoms  between  it  and  the  rock. 

Middle  Pass  Shoals  are  three  coral  patches  lying:  close  together,  and  ex- 
tending nearly  a  mile  in  a  N.E.  by  N.  and  opposite  direction.  From  their 
southern  extreme  Barn  Island  bears  S.  f  E.  3  miles  ;  and  the  south-eastern 
point  of  Pnlo  Leat  bears  N.W.  by  W.  |  W.  2|  miles.  Barn  Island,  bearing 
S.  f  W.,  leads  about  two-thirds  of  a  mile  to  the  eastward  of  the  shoals  ;  the 
southern  extreme  of  North  Island  S.E.  by  E.,  clears  them  about  the  same 
distance  to  the  north-eastward,  and  bearing  E.  by  S.  ^  S.,  clears  them  to  the 
southward ;  the  S.E.  point  of  Pulo  Leat  bearing  W.  I  S.,  clears  them  to  the 
northward. 

Coral  Bank  is  a  small  patch  just  awash,  with  12  to  19  fathoms  around  it, 
lying  If  mile  nnrth-westward  of  the  Middle  Pass  Shoals.  From  it  the  S.E. 
point  of  Pulo  Leat  bears  S.W.  by  W.  i  W.,  nearly  If  mile  ;  and  Pulo  Anak 
N.  by  W.  I  W.  westerly,  2|  miles.  The  S.E.  point  of  Leat  hearing  W.  by 
S.  J  S.,  leads  to  the  southward  of  the  bank,  but  over  a  2J-fathom  bank  which 
lies  between  Rocky  Bank  and  the  S.E.  point  of  Pulo  Leat.  The  eastern  ex- 
treme of  Pulo  Anak,  N.W.  by  N.,  leads  to  the  north-eastward. 

HEWITT  SKOAL,  upon  which,  in  August,  1820,  the  ship  General  Hewitt 
struck,  and  remained  fast  for  half  an  hour,  lies  5  miles  N.  by  "W.  :J  W.  from 
the  western  extreme  of  North  Island.  When  aground  the  western  extremes 
of  South  and  North  Islands  were  in  one  ;  the  extremes  of  Leat  Island  bore 
from  W.N.W.  to  W.  by  S.  i  S.  ;  Barn  Island  S.W.  by  S.  ;  and  the  hill  on 
Brekat  Point  was  well  open  of  Pulo  Leat.  It  is  about  a  ship's  length  in 
extent,  and  16  to  20  yards  in  breadth.  The  coral  rocks  were  visible  under 
the  vessel  with  only  14  (or  18)  ft.  water  over  them,  and  near  the  shoal  12  to 
15  fathoms. 

The  high  part  of  South  Island  open  of  the  West  extreme  of  North  Island 
leads  westward  of  Hewitt  Rock  ;  and  the  same  object  open  of  the  East  ex- 
treme of  North  Island  leads  to  the  eastward. 


PULO  LEAT-THE  MIDDLE  PASS.  247 

PULO  LEAT. — The  western  coast  of  this  island  and  Jelaka  light  are  no- 
ticed on  pp.  235-6.  The  eastern  coast  takes  a  northerly  direction  for  3j  miles 
from  its  S.E.  point,  when  it  runs  about  N.W.  ^  N.  3|  miles  to  the  northern 
point.  The  whole  of  this  coast  is  fronted  by  a  coral  reef,  which  commences 
about  half  a  mile  northward  of  the  S.E.  point ;  in  front  of  the  bay,  abuut 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  northward  of  the  S.E.  point,  the  reef  extends  half  a 
mile,  but  not  quite  so  far  from  the  eastern  extreme  of  the  inland.  Close  to 
the  northward  uf  the  eastern  extreme,  upon  the  dry  reef  exteudiug  from  the 
shore  of  the  island,  is  an  islet  called  Pulo  Anak,  or  Selagin. 

According  to  the  American  chart,  fresh  water  may  be  obtained  in  the  small 
bay,  about  half  a  mile  to  the  northward  of  the  S.E.  point  of  Ijeat,  just  where 
the  dry  reef  begins  to  project  from  the  shore. 

Rocky  Shoal,  lying  N.E.  by  E.  -^  E.  If  mile  from  the  S.E.  point  of  Leat, 
is  before  described  on  page  246. 

Of  the  N.E.  coast  of  Pulo  Leat,  besides  the  reef  projecting  from  the  shore, 
are  numerous  outlying  coral  patches,  extending  nearly  2  miles  from  it,  and 
rendering  this  part  of  the  coast  exceedingly  dangerous.  The  north-eastern 
of  these  dangers — which  bound  this  part  of  Clements  Channel  to  the  west- 
ward— lies  with  the  S.E.  point  of  Leat  in  line  with  the  eastern  extreme  of 
the  island,  distant  nearly  2  miles  from  Pulo  Anak  ;  from  whence  the  dangers 
take  a  S.  5^  W.  direction  until  they  join  the  reef  which  projects  about  half  a 
mile  East  of  Pulo  Anak. 

A  vessel  will  pass  eastward  of  these  dangers  by  keeping  the  S.E.  point  of 
Leat  West  of  S.  by  W.  |  W. ;  and  North  Island  bearing  S.E.  |-  S.  will  lead 
to  the  north-eastward. 

Akbar  Shoal  is  noticed  on  page  238. 

The  MIDDLE  PASS,  which  unites  Macclesfield  and  Clements  Channels, 
is  bounded  on  the  S.E.  by  Sand  Island,  Barn  Island,  Sunk  Kock,  dLUii  ISurth 
Island ;  and  on  the  N.W.  by  the  dangers  projecting  from  the  boutheru  end 
of  Pulo  Leat  and  the  Middle  Pass  Shoals. 

To  proceed  from  the  Macclesfield  Channel  through  the  Middle  Pass  from 
the  south-westward,  steer  between  Entrance  Point  and  the  Yansittart  Shoals 
towards  Sand  Island,  the  channel  between  which  and  the  shoals  extending 
from  the  southern  end  of  Leat,  is  clear,  with  depths  of  14  to  20  fathoms  ; 
Entrance  Point  kept  bearing  W.  by  S.  i  S.,  leads  through  in  mid-channel. 

In  the  event  of  meeting  with  baffling  winds,  so  that  the  vessel  cannot  pre- 
serve a  straight  course,  the  foliowiug  may  prove  useful : — The  Ea&t  extreme 
of  Pulo  Leat  bearing  North,  clears  the  dangers  extending  from  the  West 
side  of  Sand  Island  ;  the  North  extreme  of  Barn  Island  bearing  East,  clears 
the  dangers  extending  frum  the  North  side  of  Sand  Island  ;  Barn  Island 
E.S.E.,  clears  the  shoals  projecting  trom  the  southern  end  of  Leat;  Middle 
Point  of  Leat  W.N. W.,  clears  the  Middle  Pass  shoals;  and  the  North  ex- 
treme of  Barn  Island  S.  W.  by  W.  J  W.  leads  North  of  Sunk  Eock. 


248  GASPAR  STRAIT. 

The  Channel  between  Low  Island  and  Sand  Island  is  narrowed  to  the 
breadth  of  Ig  mile  by  the  shoals  extending  to  the  southward  of  Barn  Island. 
It  is  not  easy  to  see  what  advantage  is  to  be  gained  by  using  this  channel. 

The  Channel  between  Vansittart  Shoals  and  Low  Island  is  2  miles  wide, 
and  may  be  used  by  bringing  Sand  Island  to  bear  N.N.W.,  which  will  lead 
through  in  mid-channel. 

CLEMENTS  CHANNEL  from  the  Southward.— Proceeding  through  Cle- 
ments Channel  from  the  southward,  having  passed  the  Pairlie  Rock,  steer 
about  N.  by  E.  or  N.  by  E.  ^  E.,  if  the  vessel  has  passed  on  the  South  side 
of  the  rock,  or  about  N.E.  by  N.  if  she  passed  on  the  North  side.  When 
the  summit  of  South  Island  is  made  out,  bring  it  N.N.E.,  which  will  lead 
between  the  Embleton  Rock  and  the  Vansittart  Shoals  ;  take  care,  however, 
not  to  mistake  South  Island,  remembering  that  Low  and  Saddle  Islands  will 
be  seen  to  the  westward  of  it.  Low  Island  bearing  N.N.E.  leads  over  the 
eoulh-eastern  prong  of  the  Vansittart  Shoals. 

Approaching  South  Island  on  a  N.N.E.  bearing,  the  soundings  will  be  9  to 
13  fathoms  until  well  up  with  Low  Island,  when  they  will  deepen  to  16  and 
18  fathoms,  and  to  24  or  25  fathoms  when  abreast  of  Saddle  Island.  When 
Saddle  Island  bears  West,  steer  N.  by  W.,  which  will  lead  more  than  a  mile 
clear  of  the  reefs  off  the  north-eastern  end  of  Saddle  Island,  and  midway  be- 
tween North  Island  and  Sunk  Rock,  and  in  this  track  the  soundings  will  be 
22,  24,  17,  24,  and  23  fathoms.  When  the  North  extreme  of  North  Island 
bears  East,  steer  N.W.  by  N.  for  5  or  6  miles  to  pass  between  Middle  Pass 
Shoals  and  Hewitt  Shoal,  in  depths  varying  from  22  to  32  fathoms ;  when 
the  S.E.  point  of  Leat  bears  about  W.S.W.,  a  N.  J  W.  course  may  be  shaped 
for  Gaspar  Island. 

To  pass  westward  of  Sunk  Rock,  keep  the  summit  of  South  Island 
N.N.E.,  until  Saddle  Island  bears  W.  by  S.,  when  steer  N.W.  ^  W.,  which 
will  lead  clear  of  the  shoals  north-eastward  of  Saddle  Island,  and  between 
Barn  Island  and  Sunk  Rock,  and  between  Middle  Pass  Shoals  and  Hewitt 
Shoal. 

No  vessel  would  from  choice  attempt  to  work  through  Clements  Channel, 
as  Macclesfield  and  Stolze  Channels  are  much  better  adapted  fur  that  purpose; 
but  it  is  possible  that  a  vessel,  embarrassed  by  light  baffling  winds,  may  find 
it  convenient  to  proceed  through  some  part  of  this  channel. 

From  the  Northward. — For  the  convenience  of  navigators,  the  directions 
for  proceeding  through  this  channel  from  the  southward,  with  a  fair  wind, 
are  here  reversed  ;  but  for  working  through,  it  will  not  be  necessary  to  give 
other  directions  than  merely  to  observe  the  bearings  of  objects  to  avoid  the 
various  dangers,  and  which  eqtially  apply  to  vessels  proceeding  in  either 
direction. 

Having  passed  a  mile  or  two  eastward  of  Gaspar  Island,  steer  to  bring  it 
N.  by  W.,  and  kept  on  that  bearing,  steering  S.  by  E.,  it  will  lead  clear  of 


STOLZE  CHANNEL.  249 

the  dangers  lying  off  the  N.E.  coast  of  Pulo  Leat.  When  the  North  ex- 
treme of  Palo  Leat  bears  West,  its  S.E.  extreme  should  bear  S.W.  by  S. 
Continue  the  S.  by  E.  course  until  the  S.E.  extreme  of  Leat  bears  W.S.  W., 
when  Saddle  Island  should  be  seen  just  on  the  starboard  bow  with  Barn 
Island  and  Low  Island  to  the  right  of  it ;  South  Island  should  be  about  two 
points  on  the  port  bow,  with  North  Island  close  to  the  left  of  it.  The  West 
extreme  of  South  Island,  S.E.  by  S.,  will  lead  between  Sunk  Eock  and  the 
dangers  extending  from  North  Island.  When  the  North  point  of  North 
Island  bears  East,  steer  S.  by  E.  to  pass  between  South  Island  and  the  shoals 
off  the  N.E.  end  of  Saddle  Island ;  and  when  the  South  extreme  of  Saddle 
Island  bears  West,  bring  the  peak  of  South  Island  N.N.E.,  and  keeping 
it  on  that  bearing  will  lead  between  Embleton  Eock  and  the  Vansittart 
Shoals. 

If  intending  to  pass  westward  of  Sunk  Eock,  preserve  the  S.  by  E.  course 
until  the  S.E.  extreme  of  Leat  bears  West,  when  Saddle  should  bear,  or 
must  be  brought  to  bear,  S.  ^  E.,  which  leads  between  Sunk  Eock  and  Barn 
Island.  When  North  Island  bears  E.  ^  N.,  steer,  S.E.,  taking  care  that  the 
North  end  of  Barn  Island  is  not  brought  to  the  North  of  N.W.  by  W.  |  W., 
to  clear  the  dangers  north-eastward  of  Saddle  Island  ;  when  the  peak  of 
South  Island  bears  N.N.E.,  steer  S.S.W.,  and. proceed  as  before. 

STOLZE  CHANNEL. 

STOLZE  CHANNEL  is  rather  wider,  less  encumbered  with  dangers,  and 
furnishes  objects  more  convenient  for  guiding  vessels  safely  through  it,  than 
the  Macclesfield  Channel.  The  southern  entrance  is  15  miles  broad,  bounded 
on  the  West  by  the  Larabe  Shoal,  and  the  dangers  described  on  pp.  229-30, 
and  on  the  East  by  the  Carnbee  Eocks,  Naga  Eeef,  Aanvang  Bank,  Cooper, 
and  Three-feet  shoals.  These  latter  shoals  are  very  much  against  this  channel 
in  making  it  from  the  southward,  for  the  Carnbee  Eocks — the  most  southern 
of  the  dangers — are  20  miles  distant  from  the  land,  so  that  in  thick  or  hazy 
weather,  when  a  ship  might  be  uncertain  of  her  exact  position,  she  would 
not  be  able  to  make  Billiton  with  nearly  the  same  safety  that  she  would  be 
able  to  make  Pulo  Lepar  or  the  South  coast  of  Banka.  These  shoals  would 
appear  to  form  the  only  drawback  to  the  adoption  of  this  channel,  and  in 
fine  weather  even  this  would  almost  disappear,  for  the  hills  on  Billiton  are 
high,  and  may  be  seen  at  a  distance  of  30  or  35  miles ;  and  when  in  the 
vicinity  of  these  dangers,  not  only  are  the  hills  on  Billiton  clearly  distin- 
guishable, but  Kennedy  and  Otan  Islands  are  weU  in  sight.* 

*  Stolze  Channel  it  easy  for  a  stranger  ;  but  the  nature  of  the  bottom,  and  the  depth  of 
water  in  it  is  against  anchoring,  in  the  event  of  calms  or  thick  weather.     North  of  Gaspar 
I.  A.  2  K 


2.-30  GASPAE  STEAIT,  STOLZE  CHANNEL. 

Heroine  Shoal. — The  positions  assigned  to  this  shoal,  in  lat.  3°  33^  8., 
Ions'.  107"  52'  E.,  also  in  lat.  3"  37'  S.,  long.  107"  46'  E.,  were  examined  by 
H.M.S.  Nassau,  in  1876,  when  soundings  of  not  less  than  15  fathoms  were 
obtained,  with  no  indication  of  shoal  water  in  the  vicinity  ;  the  exact  posi- 
tion is,  however,  doubtful,  but  it  is  still  placed  on  the  charts  in  lat.  3°  37'  S., 
long.  107°  46'  E. 

Carnbee  Eocks,  in  lat.  3°  33'  15"  S.,  long.  107°  39'  40"  E.,  are  of  coral 
formation,  400  yards  long  in  a  North  and  South  direction,  and  300  yards 
broad.  Ihese  rocks  are  covered  at  high  water,  and  are  thus  difficult  to  dis- 
tinguish, when  the  water  is  smooth,  from  a  distance  of  more  than  1  cable  ; 
but  a  portion  dries  5  ft.  at  low  water;  there  are  12  to  15  fathoms  1  cable 
from  them. 

Naga  Eeef  is  placed  on  the  chart  in  lat.  3°  26^'  S.,  long.  107°  36'  E.,  7 
miles  N.N.W.  from  Carnbee  Eocks,  and  S.  by  E.  f  E.  4J^  miles  from  Aanvang 
Bank.  A  rock  above  water  is  marked  on  the  Dutch  chart  at  3^  miles  S.S.E. 
of  the  Aanvang  Bank. 

AANVANG  BANK  {Commencement  Bank),  discovered  in  1822  by  Lieut. 
J.  Stolze,  is  half  a  mile  in  length  W.  by  N.  ^N.  and  E.  by  S.  ^  S.,  and  about 
a  cable  broad.  It  consists  of  large  black  rocks,  some  of  which  are  visible  at 
low  water  springs ;  close  to  them  are  5  to  13  fathoms,  and  about  1^  mile 
westward  of  them  are  22  fathoms.  Erom  the  western  extreme  of  the  bank, 
Gunong  Bolo,  on  the  South  point  of  Pulo  Selio,  bears  N.N.W.  f  W.  10^ 
miles,  and  Blantoe  Hill  N.  by  E.  \  E. 

Cooper  Shoals,  lying  N.N.W.  \  W.  2^  miles  from  Aavang  Bank,  have 
only  2  ft.  water  over  them,  and  7  to  10  fathoms  close-to.  Gunong  Bolo  bears 
from  them  about  N.W.  by  N.,  and  Blantoe  Hill  N.N.E. 

Three^feet  Shoal  is  a  patch  having  only  3  ft.  water  over  it,  and  10  to  13 
fathoms  around  it,  lying  N.W.  by  W.  J  W.  4f  miles  from  Cooper  Shoals, 
with  Gunong  Bolo  bearing  N.  ^  W.  4^-  miles,  and  Blantoe  Hill  N.E.  \  N. 
13^  miles. 

Kennedy  or  Masar  is  a  small  island,  lying  7  miles  to  the  N.E.  of  the  Aan- 
vang Bank,  in  lat.  3°  19'  S.,  long.  107°  40'  10"  E.  There  is  a  small  islet  at  IJ 
mile  to  the  N.W.  of  it. 

Otan  Island  is  rather  smaller  than  Kennedy  Island,  and  lies  about  1 J  mile 
E.S.E.  from  it.     Other  dangers  and  islands  lie  to  the  southward  of  Billitun, 


Strait  we  always  found  a  soft  bottom,  whereas  in  Stolze  Channel,  besides  the  inconvenient 
depth,  it  is  of  rock  or  coral.  The  strength  of  the  current  probably  prevents  the  accumula- 
tion of  mud.  Hij^h  or  Hoog  Island,  off  the  N.W.  coast  of  Meudanao,  shows  conspicuously, 
axid  is  a  good  distinguishing  mark  ;  at  night  we  found  it  an  easy  object  to  see."— Capt.  the 
Hon.  C.  G.  J.  B.  Elliot,  H.M.S.  Syhillc,  1855. 


PIJLO  SELTO.  251 

but  thpy  are  to  the  eastward  of  the  track  of  vessels  bound  through  Gaspar 

Strait. 

'■/  The  West  Coast  of  Billiton,  forming  the  eastern  limit  of  Gaspar  Strait, 

is  fronted  by  numerous  islands,  separated  by  narrow  and,  for  the  most  part, 

unnavigable  passages.     Pulo   Selio,   with  the  dangers   westward  of  it ;  the 

group  named  the  Six  Islands  ;  and  Pulo  Mendanao,  the  largest  of  the  islands, 

form  the  eastern  limit  of  Stolze  Channel. 

At  the  S.W.  end  of  Billiton  a^e  the  Unycorhs,  or  Gunong  Beginda,  two 
remarkable  hills,  496  ft.  high,  which,  when  coming  from  the  southward,  ap- 
pear as  islands.  Five  miles  north-eastward  of  the  Haycocks  is  Blantoe  Hill, 
1,166  ft.  high  ;  and  to  the  eastward  of  Blantoe  are  Luda,  Pyramid,  and  South 
Peak,  all  of  which  serve  to  determine  a  ship's  position  when  approaching  the 
strait  from  the  southward. 

Seven  miles  northward  of  Blantoe  diVQ  Eliang,  1,198  ft.,  and  Noi^e  1,090  ft. 
high.  Ten  or  eleven  miles  N.  by  E.  from  Blantoe  is  Agong,  1,242  ft.  high, 
and  which  appears  to  be  the  highest  hill  on  the  island.  Seven  miles  north- 
ward of  Agong,  in  lat.  2°  53',  is  Tadjem,  1,096  ft.  high.  The  whole  of  the 
hills  just  mentioned  are  visible  from  the  southward  and  south-westward. 
Three  miles  S.S.E.  ^  E.  from  Tanjong  Bienga,  a  high  bluff  forming  the 
north-western  extremity  of  Billiton,  is  Gunong  Tehalo,  the  highest  part  of 
which,  Round  Mount,  is  541  ft.  high. 

A  little  to  the  northward  of  Tamelang  Point,  on  the  S.W.  side  of  Billiton, 
there  is  a  small  rivulet  of  good  water,  which  may  be  easily  approached  by 
boats.  Fresh  water  is  also  to  be  found  in  the  northern  part  of  the  bay  on  the 
West  side  of  Selio. 

PULO  SELIO  is  surrounded  by  a  reef,  and  separated  from  the  south- 
western point  of  Billiton  by  a  narrow  channel,  in  the  middle  of  which  is  the 
small  island  of  Seriboe ;  a  mile  south-eastward  of  Seriboe  is  a  reef  which 
partly  dries.  Close  to  the  shore  of  Billiton  are  the  small  islands  Goenting 
and  Proet. 

The  South  point  of  Selio  is  in  lat.  o°  14'  S.,  long.  137°  30'  E.,  and  the 
conspicuous  hill,  242  ft.  high,  upon  it,  is  named  Gunong  Bolo. 

White  Rock,  28  ft.  above  water,  stands  on  the  outer  edge  of  a  rocky 
patch,  lying  nearly  3  miles  W.  \  N.  from  the  South  point  of  Selio  ;  a  mile 
S.E.  by  E.  from  it  are  some  rocks  above  water.  There  is  no  channel  betwepn 
White  Rock  and  Selio,  and  shoal  water  extends  nearly  1^  mile  southward  of 
that  island.     A  4f-fathom  patch  lies  3  miles  S.S.E.  from  White  Rock. 

A  Shoal,  about  a  third  of  a  mile  in  extent,  having  but  li  ft.  of  water  over 
it,  and  10  to  16  fathoms  close-to,  liesN.W.  nearly  2  miles  from  White  Rock. 
Between  this  shoal  and  White  Rock,  and  between  both  and  the  Koerier 
Bank,  are  channels  of  5  to  S  fathoms  water. 

Koerier  Bank,  of  sand,  about  a  mile  long,  and  a  quarter  of  a  mile  broad, 


252  GASPAE  STEAIT,  STOLZE  CHANNEL. 

dries  at  low  water  at  3  miles  North  of  the  White  Eock,  and  4  miles  "West  of 
the  North  point  of  Pulo  Selio. 

The  3-fathoms  edge  of  the  bank  surrounding  Selio  forms  a  sort  of  bay  on 
the  West  side  of  that  island,  where  a  ship  may  anchor  to  fill  up  water. 
The  entrance  to  it  is  between  the  IJ-feet  shoal  and  the  Koerier  Bank; 
Gunong  Bolo  bearing  S.E.  by  E.  A  E.  will  lead  into  it,  midway  between 
those  dangers. 

Foul  ground  and  shallow  water  extends  to  the  westward  from  Billiton, 
nearly  to  a  line  drawn  from  White  Eock  to  Eoss  Island,  the  most  southern 
of  the  Six-island  Group  ;  within  this  line,  2^  miles  N.  by  W.  J  W.  from  the 
Koerier  Bank,  is  Gull  Roch. 

The  large  bay  to  the  northward  of  Selio,  and  eastward  of  the  Six  Islands, 
is  crowded  with  small  islands  and  reefs. 

The  SIX  ISLANDS,  or  Pulo  Lima,  are  small,  low,  and  surrounded  by 
reefs,  between  which  are  narrow  passages  having  depths  of  10  to  20  fathoms 
water.  The  southernmost  of  these  islands,  named  Ross,  after  Captain  Eoss, 
I.N.,  is  42  ft.  high,  and  lies  in  lat.  3°  5'  S.,  long.  107°  20'  E.  The  others 
are  named  Benolo,  94  ft.  high  ;  Kasengo,  58  ft. ;  Bago,  146  ft. ;  Belong,  170  ft.; 
and  Binget,  158  ft.  high.  They  may  be  approached  to  the  southward  and 
westward  as  near  as  1  mile;  but  dangerous  patches  extend  from  Eoss  Island 
in  a  S.E.  direction  for  nearly  2  miles  ;  and  from  Kasengo,  the  north- western 
island,  reefs,  some  of  which  dry  at  low  water,  extend  in  a  N.N.W.  direction 
to  the  distance  of  \\  mile,  and  for  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  a  southerly 
direction.  The  western  extreme  of  Mendanao  bearing  North  a  little  easterly 
leads  close  to  the  reef  extending  N.N.W.  from  Kasengo,  and  bearing  N.  \  E. 
or  N.  ^  E.,  clears  all  dangers  near  the  Six  Islands. 

TABLE  ISLAND,  116  ft.  high,  forms  the  western  limit  of  the  narrowest 
part  of  Stulze  Channel,  the  reef  extending  N.N.W.  from  Kasengo,  forming 
the  eastern  limit.  The  island  is  about  a  third  of  a  mile  long  N.N.W.  and 
S.S.E.,  and  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  mile  broad.  It  lies  nearly  2  miles  E.  by  S. 
from  South  Island,  and,  from  its  isolated  position,  serves  as  an  excellent 
mark  to  guide  vessels  in  steering  for  the  narrow  part  of  Stolze  Channel  when 
approaching  it  either  from  the  southward  or  from  the  northward.  It  is  sur- 
rounded by  a  reef  to  the  distance  of  nearly  half  a  mile,  and  at  two-thirds  of 
a  mile  S.W.  of  it  is  an  outlying  patch  of  3  fathoms. 

SOUTH  ISLAND  is  about  four  times  as  large  as  Table  Island,  and  a  hiU 
on  its  northern  part  is  200  ft.  high.  It  is  bordered  by  a  reef,  and  dangers 
extend  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  a  southerly  direction  froaa  its  South  point. 
On  its  North  side  are  some  rocks  not  far  from  the  shore,  and  a  patch  with 
only  3  ft.  water  over  it  lies  half  a  mile  N.  by  W.  from  its  eastern  point. 

A  Two-and-a-quarter  Fathoms  Patch  lies  nearly  in  mid-channel  between 
Table  Island  and  South  Island,  which  makes  that  passage  dangerous  ;  else- 
where are  soundings  of  14  to  21  fathoms. 


NOETH  ISLAND— PULO  BATU  DINDING.  253 

A  3-feet  patch  lies  2J  miles  W.S.W.  from  Table  Island,  and  three-quarters 
of  a  mile  off  the  South  side  of  South  Island. 

NORTH  ISLAND,  240  ft.  high,  is  separated  from  South  Island  by  a 
channel  1|  mile  wide,  which,  from  the  reefs  projecting  from  both  islands,  is 
narrowed  to  three-quarters  of  a  mile.  Th%  channel  is  clear,  with  soundings 
of  7  to  18  fathoms.  The  two  islands  are  in  one  on  a  N.  by  W.  and  opposite 
bearing.  Three-quarters  of  a  mile  E.N.E.  from  the  N.E.  point  is  a  dry  patch  ; 
there  is  also  a  patch  of  3  fathoms  lying  S.E.  ^  E.,  distant  a  little  more  than 
half  a  mile  from  the  same  point. 

PULO  MENDANAO,  or  Long  Island,  lying  15^  miles  to  the  eastward  of 
Pulo  Leat,  is  much  the  largest  of  the  numerous  islands  which  front  the  West 
coast  of  Billiton.  It  is  about  8  miles  in  extent  North  and  South,  and  about 
the  same  distance  East  and  "West.  The  island  is  for  the  most  part  low,'  but 
has  some  hills  600  to  700  ft.  high  upon  it. 

Pulo  Ayam  is  a  very  small  islet,  lying  S.S.E.  2J  miles  from  West  Point. 
There  is  a  rock  on  the  outer  edge  of  the  reef  extending  from  Mendanao 
from  which  the  South  point  of  the  island  bears  E.  ^  S.  2f  miles,  and  Pulo 
Ayam  N.N.W.  f  W.  At  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  rock  in  the 
direction  of  Pulo  Ayam  is  a  dry  patch. 

Pulo  Gala,  or  Low  Island,  lies  off  the  S.E.  coast  of  Mendanao,  from  which 
it  is  separated  by  the  Nado  Passage,  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  broad. 

The  Nado  Passage,  between  Mendanao  and  Gala  Islands,  is  said  to  be 
entirely  clear,  and  very  deep,  but  this  is  doubtful. 

A  huoy  is  moored  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  channel,  about  a  mile  wide, 
which  separates  the  dangers  extending  from  Pulo  Gala  from  those  extending 
westward  from  the  islands  which  lie  southward  of  Tanjong  Roe,  off  the 
western  side  of  Billiton  Island,  The  buoy  lies  2|  miles  south-eastward  of 
the  southern  extreme  of  Pulo  Gala. 

Brown  Reef. — The  English  barque  Victor,  when  proceeding  through  Stolze  ^ 
Channel,  struck  on  a  rock  with  only  8  ft.  water  on  it,  and  14  fathoms  close- 
to,  Pulo  Betong  (the  easternmost  of  the  Six  Islands)  bearing  S.S.E.,  and 
Table  Island  W.  ^  S.  These  bearings  would  place  this  reef  near  the  position 
of  a  danger  named  Brown  Eeef  on  the  Dutch  chart. 

As  there  appear  to  be  other  dangers  besides  Brown  Reef  in  this  locality,  a 
vessel  will  do  well  to  pass  westward  of  a  line  drawn  between  Kasengo  Island 
and  the  West  point  of  Mendanao. 

Hoog  Island  {High  Island),  or  Pulo  Kumhong,  is  a  small  islet,  100  ft.  high, 
and  in  the  form  of  a  sugar-loaf,  lying  nearly  1^  mile  to  the  northward  of 
West  Point ;  a  reef  surrounds  it,  which  on  the  eastern  and  northern  sides 
projects  nearly  half  a  mile. 

PULO  BATU  BINDING  lies  off  the  North  coast  of  Mendanao.  On  the 
western  side  of  the  island  is  a  deep  bay,  but  it  is  quite  tilled  up  with  coral 


254  GASPAR  STRAIT,  STOLZE  CHANNEL. 

Bhoals.     Half  a  mile  off  the  north-eastern  end  of  the  island  is  a  small  round 

islet. 

Rotterdam  Island,  lying  about  IJ  mile  northward  of  the  S.W.  point  of 
Batu  Dindinff,  is  small,  and  more  than  half  a  mile  "West  of  it  is  a  very  small 
islet  half  a  mile  S.W.  of  which  are  some  rocks.  A  bank  of  sand  and  rocks 
surround  both  island  and  islet,  between  which  and  the  reef  exteuding  from 
Batu  Binding  is  a  narrow  channel  with  6  to  9  fathoms  water  in  it. 

The  whole  coast  between  Mendanao  Island  and  Tanjong  Bienga,  theN.W. 
point  of  Billiton,  is  fronted  by  dangers,  and  vessels  should  use  extreme  cau- 
tion in  approaching  it ;  the  outlying  dangers  only  will  be  described. 

Perlak  Shoal,  or  Kalang  Serat,  is  a  rock  nearly  awash,  with  a  2-fathoms 
patch  about  a  third  of  a  mile  north-eastward  of  it.  A  monster  hwij,  painted 
Mack,  is  placed  in  7  fathoms  water  on  the  North  side  of  the  bank,  and  W.S.W. 
cf  Tanjong  Pandang  (Billiton).  From  it  a  remarkable  tree  on  Pulo  Kal- 
manbang  bears  N.  87°  20'  E.  ;  the  N.E.  point  of  Palo  Sihongkok  (on 
Hoorn  Island),  S.  75°  E.  ;  and  the  South  end  of  Pulo  Kalmanbang  on  with 
the  North  point  of  Gunong  Tadjem. 

Fulo  Ealmanlang  is  a  small  island  lying  E.  A  N.  6!  miles  from  the  N.E. 
point  of  Batu  Binding.  It  is  surrounded  by  an  extensive  reef,  on  the 
western  extreme  of  which,  U  mile  "W.S.W.  from  the  S.W.  point  of  the 
island,  a  huoy  is  placed.  About  a  mile  North  from  Kalmanbang,  and  2 
miles  N.N.E.  from  the  last-named  buoy,  is  another  buoy,  which  lies  off  the 
middle  of  a  narrow  bank,  named  Tohul  (Toekoel),  which  extends  2  miles  in 
a  N.E.  and  S.W.  direction,  and  is  separated  from  the  reef  lying  off  the 
North  side  of  Kalmanbang  by  a  narrow  channel.  A  5-fathom  bank  of  small 
size  lies  2  miles  N.W.  from  the  latter  buoy.  A  shoal,  named  Pinang,  lies 
off  the  South  and  S.E.  sides  of  Kalmanbang,  distant  \^  mile  from  it. 

Tieroetioep  Bay  and  River. — This  bay  is  to  the  northward  of  Kalmanbang 
Island  and  the  Toekoel  Shoal,  between  the  latter  and  the  Karang  Panjang, 
or  Bakka  Shoal.  The  river  falls  into  the  eastern  part  of  the  bay,  but  reefs 
extend  off  its  entrance  to  a  distance  of  nearly  4  miles.  The  small  island  of 
Kalmoa,  150  ft.  high,  lies  directly  off  the  entrance,  3  miles  within  the  reefs. 
Pandan,  the  town  on  the  North  entrance  point  of  the  river,  is  joined  with 
Blantoe,  22  miles  to  the  southward,  by  a  railway. 

The  outer  edges  of  the  reefs  which  lie  on  either  side  of  the  entrance  of  the 
river  form  a  sort  of  bight,  within  the  horns  of  which  a  vessel  may  anchor  in 
6  or  7  fathoms.  The  best  anchorage  appears  to  be  a  little  further  out,  with 
Kalmoa  Island  bearing  about  E.S.E.,  and  Kalmanbang  Island  S.  by  W.  ^  W. 
But  it  is  not  a  safe  anchorage  in  the  N.W.  monsoon,  and  even  during  the 
N.E.  monsoon  there  are  heavy  gales  from  the  N.W. 

B^wyf:. — There  is  a  conical  buoy  lying  on  the  North  side  of  the  entrance  to 
the  channel  between  the  reefs,  at  2  miles  W.N.W.  from  Kalmoa  Island. 
There  is  also  a  can  buoy  lying  1  mile  further  out,   and  marking  the  eastern 


TAN  JONG  BTENGA.  255 

side  of  a  rocky  5-fatliom  patch,  which  should  by  avoided  by  vessels  anchoring. 
It  is  advisable  to  lay  the  kedge  out  to  the  northward,  as  vessels  often  foul 
their  anchors,  either  by  the  currents  or  winds.  To  enter  and  anchor  in  this 
bay,  having  passed  the  West  point  of  Mendanao  at  a  distance  of  2  miles, 
Bteer  North  or  N.  by  E.  till  Rotterdam  Island  or  the  N.W.  point  of  Binding 
bears  S.S.E.,  then  steer  N.E.  by  E.,  E.N.E.,  or  E.  by  N.,  till  Kalmoa  Island 
bears  S.E.  by  E.  ;  steer  then  direct  for  that  island  till  Kalmanbang  bears 
S.S.W.  J  W.,  and  anchor  in  7^  fathoms,  with  the  mouth  of  the  river  S.E. 
by  E.  i  E.,  4  miles  distant,  and  the  nearest  rocks  S.E.  f  E.,  3  miles.  By 
the  American  chart,  Kalmoa  bearing  S.E.  by  E.  leads  just  to  the  southward 
of  the  Bakka  Shoal. 

When  near  the  N.W.  point  of  Binding,  the  wind  sometimes  flies  round  to 
the  eastward  ;  and  if  bound  to  this  bay  it  is  better  to  anchor  and  wait  for 
the  sea  breeze  from  the  southward  or  south-westward,  as  the  current  runs  to 
the  N.W.  with  an  easterly  wind. 

The  water,  which  is  fetched  from  a  little  way  up  the  river,  is  very  good  ; 
it  may  be  procured  also  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river,  near  the  entrance, 
but  it  is  not  so  good. 

Karang  Pandjang,  or  Bakka  Shoal,  bounding  Tieroetioep  Bay  to  the 
northward,  is  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  extent,  with  1 J  fathom  water 
over  it.  Tanjong  Koeboe  (Kubu),  or  Billiton,  bears  from  it  E.  by  S.  :^  S.  ; 
Kalmoa  Islet  S.E.  i  E.  ;  and  Kalmanbang  S.  by  W. 

Argo  Shoal,  about  1|  mile  in  extent,  with  only  a  foot  of  water  over  the 
middle  of  it,  lies  N.N.E.  ^  E.  4^  miles  from  the  Karang  Panjang,  and  from 
its  outer  edge  Tanjong  Bienga  bears  N.E.  f  E.  Several  shoals  are  reported 
to  lie  westward  of  the  Argo  Shoal. 

Numerous  detached  patches  lie  eastward  of  the  line  joining  Argo  Shoal 
and  Karang  Pandjang. 

A  small  shoal,  with  two  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  If  mile  N.E.  ^  N.  from 
the  Argo  Shoal,  with  Tanjong  Bienga  bearing  N.N.E. ,  distant  2  miles  ;  and 
N.W.  Island  N.  f  E.,  3^  miles. 

TANJONG  BIENGA  is  a  high  bluff  point,  forming  the  north-western  ex- 
treme of  Billiton  ;  from  this  point  the  coast  trends  away  north-eastward. 

Eleven  Islands  are  a  cluster  of  small  islands  lying  off  the  north-western 
extreme  of  Billiton.  The  names  of  some  of  them  are  the  Sailor's  Hat,  Bamboe, 
Sampit,  and  Burong  ;  the  latter  is  the  largest  of  the  group,  and  lies  N.N.E. 
nearly  4  miles  from  Tanjong  Bienga. 

N.  W.  Island  or  Langwas,  the  outer  and  most  north-western  of  the  islands, 
lies  just  inside  the  edge  of  the  coral  reef  which  extends  from  the  shore,  and 
surrounds  the  entire  group,  its  North  end  is  in  lat.  2°  31A'  S.,  long.  107° 
38i'  E. 

Alwina  Shoal. — The  ship  Alwina  passed  close  to  a  rock  lying  N.N.W.  1^ 
mile  Irom  the  north-westernmost  of  the  Eleven  Islands.     It  appeared  to  be 


256  GASPAE  STRAIT,  STOLZE  CHANNEL. 

a  detached  danger,  with  a  depth  of  6  to  9  feet  on  it,  and  deep  water  all 
around. 

Directions  for  Stolze  Channel. — No  soundings  appear  on  the  charts  for  a 
distance  of  7  or  8  miles  southward  and  south-westward  of  the  Carnbee  Eocks 
(p.  250),  nor  yet  close  to  those  dangers,  so  that  a  vessel  cannot  be  guided  by 
the  lead  when  approaching  them.  Between  the  Carnbee  Rocks  and  the 
Aanvang  Bank  are  13  to  18  fathoms.  The  Aanvang  Bank,  Cooper  Shoals, 
and  Three-feet  Shoal  appear  to  lie  just  within  the  edge  of  the  line  of  10  fa- 
thoms, running  from  a  position  4  or  5  miles  south-eastward  of  the  Aanvang 
Bank,  outside  the  shoals  just  mentioned. 

Towards  the  shoals  on  the  western  side  of  the  entrance  to  the  channel  the 
depths  are  much  less,  and  they  decrease  more  regularly,  the  10-fathom  line 
extending  some  5  or  6  miles  to  the  eastward  of  them,  so  that  they  may  be 
approached  by  proper  attention  to  the  lead. 

The  bottom,  through  the  entire  length  of  Stolze  Channel,  appears  to  be 
composed  principally  of  sand  and  broken  shells,  with  here  and  there  broken 
coral.  To  the  north-westward  of  Billiton  the  bottom  is  mostly  soft,  black 
mud,  with  sand  and  broken  coral  and  shells  in  places. 

From  the  Southward. — As  soon  as  Blantoe,  1,166  ft.  high  (the  highest  hill 
on  the  South  coast  of  Billiton),  can  be  recognized,  it  should  be  brought  to 
bear  about  N.N.E.,  and  with  it  just  in  sight  on  that  bearing,  if  the  weather 
is  clear,  a  vessel  will  be  about  33  or  35  miles  distant  from  it,  in  the  fairway 
of  the  Stolze  Channel,  with  the  Carnbee  Rocks  about  15  miles  to  the  north- 
eastward, and  may  shape  a  course  North  or  N.  ^  W.  As  the  vessel  proceeds 
to  the  northward,  Luda  Hill  will  come  in  sight,  and  shortly  afterwards 
Pyramid  and  South  Peak,  all  of  which  will  be  seen  to  the  right  or  eastward 
of  Blantoe.  Soon  the  Haycocks  will  be  visible,  at  first  a  little  to  the  left  of 
Blantoe,  and  by  the  time  they  are  in  line  with  it,  Gunong  Bolo,  on  the  South 
end  of  Selio,  will  be  well  in  sight,  bearing  about  N.N.E.,  and  distant  14  and 
15  miles.  Shoal- water  Island  will  also  be  in  sight,  not  perhaps  from  the 
deck,  but  from  the  mast-head,  or  a  little  way  up  the  rigging,  bearing  about 
N.W.  by  W.,  and  distant  15  or  16  miles. 

From  this  position  a  N.  by  W.  f  W.  course  will  lead  up  to  Table  Island. 
Passing  6  or  7  miles  westward  of  White  Rock,  Saddle  and  South  Islands  will 
be  seen  on  the  port  bow ;  soon  Low  Island  will  also  rise  in  sight  on  the  port 
bow,  and  the  Six  Islands  on  the  starboard  bow ;  and  as  they  are  approached 
— if  the  N.  by  W.  f  "W.  course  has  been  preserved — Table  Island  will  be 
seen  right  ahead  in  mid-channel. 

Table  Island  should  be  approached  on  a  N.  by  W.  |^  W.  bearing  until  the 
West  point  of  Mendanao  bears  N.  by  E.  or  N.  by  E.  I  E.,  which  will  lead 
between  Table  Island  and  the  reefs  extending  N.N.W.,  from  Kasenga. 
When  the  North  point  of  North  Island  bears  W.N.W.,  either  steer  N.N.W. 
for  Gaspar  Island,  which  will  lead  3  miles  eastward  of  the  Hewitt  Rock,  and 


DIEECTIONS.  257 

2  miles  westward  of  the  western  of  the  two  positions  ascribed  to  the  Akbar 
Shoal ;  or  bring  North  Island  S.  by  W.  J  W.,  and  steer  N.  by  E.  f  E.,  or 
N.N.E.,  which  will  lead  4  or  5  miles  westward  of  the  dangers  extending 
from  Eotterdam  Island,  and  into  the  China  Sea  eastward  of  the  Akbar  and 
Canning  Shoals. 

Working  through  from  the  Southicard.  —  When  standing  to  the  eastward,  to  avoid 
the  Cambee  Eocks,  Blantoe  Hill  must  not  be  brought  North  of  N.  by  E.  ; 
and  to  clear  the  Aanvang  Bank  and  Cooper  Shoal,  Gunong  Bolo  must  not 
be  brought  West  of  N.  by  W.  When  Blantoe  bears  N.E.  f  N.,  or  the 
Haycocks  N.N.E.  f  E.,  Gunong  Bolo  must  be  kept  East  of  N.  by  E.,  to  avoid 
the  Three-feet  patch. 

The  dangers  southward  of  Selio  should  not  be  approached  under  a  depth 
of  10  fathoms,  or  White  Eock  brought  to  the  West  of  N.  by  W.  i  W. ;  and 
■when  Gunong  Bolo  bears  N.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  White  Eock  must  be  kept  to  the 
East  of  North,  to  avoid  the  edge  of  the  bank  which  lies  S.S.E.  nearly  a  mile 
from  it.  White  Eock  should  not  be  approached  nearer  than  a  mile,  nor  to 
a  less  depth  than  14  or  13  fathoms  ;  when  northward  of  White  Eock,  it  must 
not  be  brought  anything  South  of  E.S.E.  until  the  North  point  of  Pulo 
Selio  bears  E.  by  N.  i  N.,  to  clear  the  H  ft.  patch  lying  nearly  2  miles  N.W. 
of  it.  The  Koerier  Bank  should  not  be  approached  under  a  depth  of  10 
fathoms,  or  White  Eock  brought  South  of  S.E.  by  S. 

Gunong  Bolo  kept  East  of  S.E.  by  E.  will  lead  clear  of  the  Koerier  Bank, 
and  to  the  S.W.  of  the  foul  ground  between  it  and  the  Six  Islands.  Eoss 
Island  bearing  N.N.W.  \  W.  leads  westward  of  the  foul  ground,  and  also 
clear  of  the  dangers  lying  S.E.  of  Eoss  Island.  Kasenga  bearing  North 
clears  the  dangers  extending  from  the  West  side  of  Eoss  Island ;  and  the 
hill  on  the  West  point  of  Mendanao,  if  not  brought  to  the  North  of  N.  2-  E., 
will  lead  well  clear  of  the  rocks  which  extend  more  than  a  mile  N.N.W. 
from  Kasenga,  and  will  also  clear  all  danger  contiguous  to  the  Six  Islands. 
AVhen  Table  Island  bears  W.  by  N.  a  vessel  will  be  northward  of  the  dan- 
gers extending  from  Kasenga,  and  may  stand  eastward  until  the  hill  on  the 
West  point  bears  N.  %  W. 

As  Pulo  Ayam  is  neared,  the  hill  on  West  point  must  not  be  brought  to 
the  West  of  North,  and  the  islet  must  not  be  approached  nearer  than  a  mile. 

To  clear  the  dangers  about  Hoog  Island,  West  point  should  not  be  brought 
to  the  South  of  S.S.E.  until  Eotterdam  Island  bears  N.E.,  when  Hoog 
Island,  in  line  with  West  point  bearing  South,  will  lead  clear  of  the  dangers 
westward  of  Eotterdam  Island.  Eotterdam  bearing  S.W.  leads  clear  of  the 
shoal  bank  extending  from  the  North  point  of  Batoe  Binding. 

The  dangerous  coast  of  Billiton  northward  of  Mendanao  should  not  be 
neared  under  5  or  6  miles ;  the  summit  of  the  North  range  of  hills  on  Men- 
danao S.S.W.,  or  Taling,  the  highest  hill  on  Mendanao,  on  the  same  bearing 
will  lead  well  clear  of  ail  danger.     N.W.  Island  and  Boerong  Island  should 

I.    A.  2  L 


258  GASPAE  STRAIT,  STOLZE  CHANNEL. 

not  be  approached  nearer  than  2  miles,  and  caution  must  be  observed  to 
avoid  the  position  of  the  Alwina  Shoal  (see  p.  255). 

When  standing  to  the  westward,  Shoal- water  Island,  if  not  brought  to  the 
East  of  North,  will  clear  all  danger  from  the  Larabe  Shoal  to  the  Middle 
ileef,  and  the  lead  will  also  give  good  warning  when  standing  towards  them, 
as  they  lie  some  4  or  5  miles  within  the  edge  of  the  10-fathom  line.  Shoal- 
water  and  Hancock  Islands  must  be  approached  with  caution,  as  the  lead 
does  not  give  much  warning  when  nearing  their  ledges  ;  they  should  on  no 
account  be  approached  under  a  depth  of  10  fathoms,  or  within  2^  miles. 
Hancock  Island  bearing  South  leads  clear  of  the  Bliss  Shoal,  between  which 
and  South  Island  a  vessel  may  stand  to  the  westward  until  the  summit  of 
South  Island  bears  N.E.  by  N.,  which  will  lead  clear  of  the  Vansittart  Shoals 
and  the  dangers  about  Saddle  and  Low  Islands. 

Saddle  Island  bearing  W.  \  S.,  leads  southward  of  the  dangers  extending 
from  South  and  Table  Islands.  When  near  Table  Island,  its  South  point 
should  not  be  brought  to  the  eastward  of  North,  to  avoid  the  o-fathom  patch 
lying  three-quarters  of  a  mile  S."W.  of  it.  The  East  side  of  Table  Island 
may  be  approached  to  a  mile  ;  but  the  East  side  of  North  Island  has  dan- 
gers l^ing  nearly  a  mile  off  it,  and  to  clear  them  Table  Island  must  not  be 
brought  eastward  of  S.S.E.  The  East  extreme  of  South  Island  just  open  of 
the  East  extreme  of  North  Island  bearing  S.  by  E.,  leads  a  mile  eastward  of 
Hewett  Shoal. 

Through  Stohe  Channel  from  the  northward. — Having  passed  eastward  of 
Gaspar  Island,  bring  it  to  bear  N.N. W.,  and  keep  it  so,  steering  S.S.E.,  and 
it  will  lead  into  the  fairway  of  Stolze  Channel,  midway  between  West  point 
and  the  Hewett  Shoal,  and  in  this  track  the  soundings  will  be  14,  16,  20, 
22,  28,  and  26  fathoms.  When  West  point  bears  East,  distant  4  or  5  miles, 
Table  Island  will  be  seen  on  the  starboard  bow,  with  North  and  South 
Islands  to  the  right  of  it.  Continuing  the  S.S.E.  course,  the  Six  Islands 
will  soon  be  visible  on  the  port  bow,  and,  after  passing  Table  Island  at  about 
2  miles  on  the  starboard  beam.  West  point  will  soon  bear  N.  by  E.  or  N.  by 
E.  y  E.  ;  when  an  opposite  course  may  be  steered  to  pass  between  Table 
Island  and  the  dangers  extending  N.N.W.  from  Kasenga. 

When  Table  Island  bears  N.  by  W.  f  W.,  all  danger  will  be  cleared  near 
the  Six  Islands,  and  if  kept  upon  that  bearing  it  will  lead  mid-channel 
between  White  Rock  and  Shoal-water  Island,  having  passed  which,  the  most 
convenient  course  may  be  shaped  to  the  southward,  giving  a  good  berth  to 
the  shoals  extending  from  Branding  Breakers  to  the  Larabe  Shoal,  on  the 
western  side  of  the  channel,  and  to  the  Aanvang  Bank  and  Carnbee  Rocks 
on  the  eastern  side. 

Entering  Stolze  Channel  to  the  eastward  of  the  Akbar  Shoal,  between  it 
and  the  N.W.  coast  of  Billiton,  steer  to  the  S.W.,  giving  the  Billiton  coast 
a  berth  of  4  or  5  miles  ;  and  as  soon  as  North  Island  can  be  made  out,  bring 


DIEECTIONS.  259 

it  S.S.W.,  and  it  will  lead  well  to  the  westward  of  the  dangers  near  Rotter- 
dam Island.  When  Table  Island  bears  a  little  East  of  South,  a  S.S.E.  course 
may  be  steered  until  West  point  bears  N.  by  E.  or  N.  by  E.  ^  E.,  which 
leads  midway  between  Table  Island  and  the  reefs  off  Kasenga  ;  when  pro- 
ceed as  before. 

Worldng  through  from  the  Northward. —  When  danding  to  the  eastivard,  the 
N,W.  coast  of  Billiton  should  not  be  approached  nearer  than  5  or  6  miles, 
or  the  summit  of  the  North  range  of  hills  on  Mendanao  brought  westward 
of  S.S.W.  (pp.  257-8).  Rotterdam  Island,  bearing  S.W.,  will  lead  clear  of 
the  reefs  extending  from  the  North  side  of  Batoe  Binding,  and  the  islet  off 
the  N.E.  point  of  the  latter  island,  bearing  East,  will  clear  the  dangers 
northward  of  Rotterdam.  West  point  bearing  South  will  clear  the  rocks, 
&c.,  which  lie  westward  of  Rotterdam,  and  bearing  S.S.E.  will  clear  the  reef 
surroimding  Hoog  Island. 

West  point  and  Pulo  Ay  am  should  not  be  approached  much  under  a  mile, 
as  a  reef  extends  about  a  third  of  a  mile  outside  them.  After  passing  Pulo 
Ayam,  the  hill  near  the  extremity  of  West  point,  if  not  brought  North  of 
N.  ^  E.,  will  keep  a  vessel  outside  the  dangers  between  Mendanao  and  the 
Six  Islands.  Kasenga  bearing  North,  leads  westward  of  Ross  Island  ;  and 
Ross  Island  N.N.W.  \  W.,  or  Gunong  Bolo,  on  Pulo  Selio,  bearing  S.E. 
by  E.,  leads  clear  of  the  dangerous  elbow  of  foul  ground  to  the  westward  of 
Gull  Rock,  and  also  clear  of  the  Koerier  Bank. 

To  avoid  the  li-feet  patch  at  2  miles  N.W.  from  White  Rock,  do  not 
bring  White  Rock  South  of  E.S.E.  after  the  North  point  of  Selio  bears 
E.  by  N.  ^  N.  White  Rock  should  be  passed  about  a  mile  off,  and  after- 
wards not  brought  West  of  N.  by  W.  ^  W.,  to  avoid  the  edge  of  the  bank 
about  a  mile  S.S.E.  from  it.  Gunong  Bolo  N.  by  E.,  leads  westward  of 
the  Three-feet  Shoal ;  and  the  Haycocks  N.  by  E.  ^  E.,  or  Blantoe  Hill 
N.N.E.  I  E.,  leads  westward  of  Cooper  Shoal  and  the  Aanvang  Bank.  To 
avoid  the  Carnbee  Rocks,  Blantoe  Hill  must  not  be  brought  to  the  North  of 
N.  by  E. 

Standing  to  the  westicard  towards  Hewitt  Shoal,  take  care  not  to  shut  in  the 
East  point  of  South  Island  behind  the  East  point  of  North  Island  ;  these 
points  just  open  lead  a  mile  eastward  of  the  shoal.  North  Island  should  not 
be  approached  on  the  East  side  nearer  than  H  mile,  or  Table  Island  brought 
to  the  East  of  S.S.E.,  to  avoid  the  dangers  off  it ;  and  Kasenga  bearing 
S.E.  i  E.  will  clear  the  reef  off  the  East  side  of  Table  Island.  Table  Island 
should  not  be  brought  to  the  East  of  North  until  Saddle  Island  bears  W.  4  S., 
when  a  vessel  will  be  southward  of  the  dangers  extending  from  Table  Island 
and  South  Island  ;  after  which  she  may  stand  to  the  westward  until  the 
summit  of  South  Island  bears  N.N.E. 

Hancock  Island  bearing  South  leads  eastward  of  Bliss  Shoal,  but  Han- 
cock and  Shoal-water  Islands  must  on  no  account  be  approached  nearer  than 


260  GASPAE  STEAIT,  N.E.  COAST  OF  BANKA. 

2^  miles,  or  to  a  less  depth  than  10  fathoms,  which  will  be  not  far  from  the 
shoals,  the  lead  giving  very  little  warning  in  this  locality.  When  to  the 
southward  of  Shoal-water  Island  Shoals,  Shoal-water  Island  kept  to  the 
West  of  North  will  clear  the  dangers  extending  from  the  Branding  Breakers 
to  the  Larabe  Shoal ;  the  lead,  also,  will  give  sufficient  warning,  as  the 
10-fathom  line,  on  the  edge  of  the  bank,  is  4  or  5  miles  to  the  eastward 
of  them. 


NOETH-EAST  COAST  OF  BANKA. 

CAUTION. — The  mariner  cannot  be  too  cautious  in  approaching  this  ex- 
ceedingly dangerous  coast.  It  was  surveyed  by  the  late  Lieutenant  James 
Eobinson  in  1819,  but  many  dangers  which  front  it  are  very  imperfectly 
known,  their  positions  depending  for  the  most  part  upon  the  accounts  of 
commanders  of  vessels  who  have  found  themselves  too  close  in  and  entangled 
amongst  them  when  running  for  Graspar  Strait  in  thick  weather. 

There  are  many  hills  along  this  coast  near  the  sea,  and  some  mountains 
inland  ;  one  of  these,  called  the  Saddles,  912  feet  high,  rises  about  9  miles 
westward  of  Tanjong  Brekat.  At  9  miles  westward  of  the  Saddles  is  the 
conspicuous  range  of  the  Padang  Mountains,  the  highest  summit  of  which  is 
elevated  2,630  feet.  About  21  miles  westward  of  Tanjong  Eiah,  or  in  lat. 
1°  50'  S.,  long.  105°  53'  E.,  is  the  double-peaked  mountain  Gunong  Marass, 
2,300  feet  high,  the  largest  mountain  on  the  northern  part  of  Banka. 

The  Coast  from  Brekat  Point  trends  W.  by  N.  21  miles  to  LanJca  Pointy 
4  miles  westward  of  which  is  Koha  village.  This  part  of  the  shore  may  be 
approached  as  near  as  4  miles  in  7  to  8  fathoms  water,  as  the  shoals  are  not 
more  than  2  or  3  miles  from  the  land. 

About  16  miles  N.W.  by  W.  from  Lanka  Point  is  the  large  village  of 
Koeraw,  from  whence  the  coast  trends  N.  by  W.  and  N.N.W.  to  the  River 
Marawang,  near  which  stands  the  village  of  Pankal  Pinang.  The  mouth  of 
the  river  is  in  2°  4J'  S. 

Tetawa  Bank. — Fronting  the  coast  between  the  village  of  Koeraw  and  the 
Marawang  Eiver  is  an  extensive  chain  of  banks,  15  or  16  miles  long,  and 
from  1  to  5  miles  broad,  known  under  the  general  appellation  of  Tetawa 
Bank,  upon  which  are  several  scattered  islands.  Many  of  the  patches  become 
dry,  and  but  few  have  as  much  as  4  fathoms  water  over  them. 

Pulo  Boear,  or  Colowy,  the  outermost  of  the  above  islands,  is  very  small, 
and  lies  near  the  S.E.  end  of  the  bank,  in  lat.  2°  14^'  S.,  long.  106°  11'  E. 

Pulo  Passir  is  a  small  sandy  islet  lying  W.N.W.,  distant  43  miles  from 
Pulo  Boear. 

Pulo  Tetawa  is  about  the  same  size  as  Boear,  from  which  it  bears  West- 
northerly,  distant  8  miles.     It  lies  near  the  S.W.  extreme  of  the  bank,  the 


NOETH-EAST  COAST  OF  BANKA.  261 

edge  of  which,  is  half  a  mile  to  the  southward  and  2  miles  to  the  westward 
of  it. 

Pulo  Panjang,  the  largest,  lies  on  the  northern  part  of  the  bank,  N.  by  E. 
^  E.,  distant  7  miles  from  Tanjong  Poyang,  and  E.S.E.  8  miles  from  the  en- 
trance of  the  Marawang  Riven  The  bank  extends  about  three-quarters  of  a 
mile  to  the  northward  of  this  island,  but  other  shoals,  known  as  the  Sullivan 
Patches,  &c.,  extend  to  a  distance  of  5  miles  between  the  bearings  of  N.E. 
and  N.W.,  and  for  the  distance  of  3^  miles  in  a  W.  by  N.  direction  towards 
Tanjong  Bunga,  the  nearest  point  of  Banka. 

Horse,  Mentawa,  and  Goat  Shoals,  are  to  the  eastward  of  Tetawa  Bank. 
The  Horse,  lying  E.  J  S.  3J  miles  from  Pulo  Boear,  is  a  small  patch,  nearly 
dry  at  low  water. 

The  Mentawa  Eeef,  lying  about  a  mile  N.  by  W.  from  the  Horse,  and 
E.N.E.  3  miles  from  Pulo  Boear,  is  more  extensive  than  the  Horse.  Goat 
Shoal  lies  3  miles  northward  of  the  Mentawa  Eeef,  and  N.E.  by  N.  6  miles 
from  Pulo  Boear ;  9  ft.  is  reported  upon  this  shoal. 

The  Cha^mel  between  Pulo  Boear  and  the  above  shoals  is  shown  on  the 
charts  to  be  about  21  miles  wide,  with  depths  of  7  or  8  fathoms  in  it ;  but  it 
would  appear  that  either  other  dangers  must  lie  in  the  channel  at  the  dis- 
tance of  a  mile  from  Pulo  Boear,  or  that  the  Mentawa  or  Horse  Eeef  must 
extend  much  further  to  the  westward  than  was  supposed,  thus  rendering  the 
channel  exceedingly  narrow  :  — 

Fathool  Barie  Shoal.— The  Fathool  Barie  struck  on  a  rocky  bank,  with  2^ 
fathoms  on  it,  in  lat.  2°  4'  S.,  long.  106°  28'  E.,  with  Mount  Pouak  bearing 
N.W.  i  W.,  Pulo  Panjang  W.S.W.,  Pulo  Tetawa  S.S.W.,  and  Pulo  Boear 
S.  by  E.  J  E. 

General  Elliott  Reefs. — The  General  Elliott,  in  August,  1811,  found  herself 
entangled  among  some  reefs,  with.  Panjang  Island  S.  by  W  ^  W.,  5  miles, 
and  a  point  of  Banka,  being  the  eastern  foot  of  the  hill  South  of  Koba, 
S.S.E.  ^  E.,  then  being  in  8  fathoms.  More  to  the  northward,  this  vessel 
ran  over  some  7-fathoms  banks  with  probably  shoaler  spots ;  they  lie  in 
1°  55'  S.,  12  miles  from  Banka. 

Sullivan  Reefs,  Hillsborough  Rock. — The  Sullivan,  on  returning  from 
China,  December,  1784,  and  trying  to  get  sight  of  Banka  during  thick 
weather,  ran  as  far  in  as  1 3|^  fathoms,  rocky  bottom,  and  there  saw  three 
patches  of  breakers,  one  bearing  S.S.W.  3  miles;  another  S.E.  by  S.  the 
same  distance  ;  and  the  third  E.N.E.  4  miles.  Between  the  breakers  a  few 
rocks  were  visible  above  water.  The  weather  being  thick  prevented  Banka 
being  seen ;  but  it  was  supposed  the  rocks  were  in  2°  3'  S.,  and  North  from 
Panjang  Island. 

The  Hillshorough,  in  March,  1788,  returning  from  China,  and  steering  for 
Gaspar  Strait,  struck  on  a  rock  having  3  ft.  water  on  its  shoalest  part,  and 
while  the  bow  was  aground  there  were  13  fathoms  under  the  storn.     When 


262  GASPAR  STRAIT,  N.E.  COAST  OF  BANKA. 

the  vessel  floated,  she  anchored  in  14  fathoms  to  the  westward  of  the  rock, 
with  the  extremes  of  Banka  N.N.W.  and  S.E.,  five  small  islands  about 
South,  and  in  about  2°  3'  S.,  thereof  extended  S.E.  and  N.E.  from  the  vessel. 
It  is  manifest  that  the  positions  of  these  dangers  are  altogether  uncertain. 
The  soundings  near  the  Sullivan  Patches,  whete  they  are  placed  upon  the 
chart,  are  but  7  and  8  fathoms. 

The  Diederiha  Shoal,  with  3  ft.  water  over  it,  and  1 3  to  1 4  fathoms  around 
it,  is  thought  to  lie  11  miles  north-eastward  of  Pulo  Panjang,  and  5  miles  to 
the  southward  of  Palmer  Reef,  in  lat.  1°  59'  S.,  long.  10f^°  28'  E. 

Roberts  Shoal  lies  about  4^-  miles  to  the  westward  of  Diederika  Shoal.  It 
has  12  ft.  water  over  it,  and  10  fathoms  near  it. 

Between  these  shoals  and  Pulo  Panjang,  and  from  thence  to  the  coast, 
there  are  numerous  rocky  shoals,  with  from  7  to  5  fathoms  water  between 
them,  but,  as  before  stated,  their  exact  positions  are  unknown. 

Palmer  Reef,  lat.  1°  54|'  S.,  long.  106°  27^'  E.,  is  probably  part  of  the 
northern  bank  over  which  the  General  Elliott  passed. 

Caution. — All  these  dangers  may  be  avoided  by  keeping  in  not  less  than  16 
fathoms,  where  there  is  generally  a  muddy  bottom,  whereas  in  15  fathoms  it 
generally  becomes  rocky. 

TANJONG  RIAH,  on  Banka,  in  lat.  1°  52'  S.,  long.  106°  14'  E.,  is  distin- 
guished by  two  hills,  and  from  its  S.E.  and  South  sides  an  extensive  reef  pro- 
jects, which  makes  it  necessary  to  keep  6  or  8  miles  in  the  offing. 

Blach  Rock  Reef,  lying  5^  miles  to  the  South  and  S.E.  of  Tanjong  Riah,  is 
very  extensive,  with  only  3  ft.  water  over  it  in  some  places.  Tate  Rocks,  4 
miles  S.S.E.  from  Tanjong  Riah,  are  14  ft.  above  water.  Other  shoals  lie 
S.E.  by  S.  8  miles  from  Tanjong  Riah ;  and  E.N.E.,  4  miles  from  it,  is  a 
patch  of  5  fathoms  water. 

To  avoid  these  dangers,  keep  Panjang  Island  to  the  westward  of  South, 
and  go  no  nearer  the  shore  of  Banka  than  7  fathoms  water,  when  approach- 
ing Marawang  Road. 

Marawang,  or  Pankal  Pinang,  the  chief  town  of  one  of  the  tin  districts,  is 
situated  a  few  miles  up  the  Marawang  River,  the  entrance  of  which  lies 
about  W.N.W.  7  miles  distant  from  Pulo  Panjang,  and  can  only  be  ap- 
proached by  vessels  with  the  greatest  caution,  on  account  of  surrounding 
dangers.      Good  water  can  be  obtained  at  Pankal  Pinang. 

DIRECTIONS.— Vessels  bound  from  Macclesfield  Channel  to  the  ports  of 
Pankal  Pinang  or  Roessah,  pass  between  Tree  Island  and  Brekat  Point, 
and  to  the  westward  of  the  Columbian  and  Dutch  Shoals,  in  12  to  14  fa- 
thoms water,  but  in  not  a  greater  depth— as  the  Columbian  lies  in  the  stream 
of  17  fathoms — till  Boear  Island  bears  S.W.  by  S.,  and  Panjang  Island 
West ;  a  depth  of  16  fathoms  must  then  be  kept  till  Riah  Point  bears  "West. 
Prom  thence  steer  direct  for  that  point  till  in  7  or  8  fathoms,  having  Panjang 
Island  S.  2  W.,   on  which  bearing  the  island  may  be  approached  till  the 


NORTH-EAST  COAST  OF  BANKA.  263 

N.W.  peak  of  the  Lappa  Hills  bears  S.W.  i  W.,  which  course  leads  direct 
to  the  anchorage. 

LIAT  BAY,  formed  between  Tanjong  Lyang  to  the  N.W.,  and  Tanjong 
Eiah,  to  the  S.E.,  affords  good  anchorage  with  shelter  from  southerly  and 
westerly  winds  in  5  fathoms,  white  stiff  clay,  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
off  shore  ;  but  in  the  eastern  monsoon  the  swell  is  very  heavy.  The  an- 
chorage is  in  4^  fathoms,  with  the  mouth  of  the  river  W.  by  N.  northerly, 
Lyang  Point  N.N.  W.  I  W.,  and  Riah  Point  S.E.  by  S.  From  the  river, 
nearly  to  the  S.E.  point  of  the  bay,  a  fine  sandy  beach  lines  the  shore, 
with  gradually  decreasing  soundings.  The  town  of  Liat,  usually  known  as 
Songi  Liat,  stands  a  short  distance  up  the  river,  and  is  a  chief  town  of  one 
of  the  tin  districts. 

Fresh  water  here  is  very  difficult  to  be  procured,  on  account  of  the  rocks 
in  the  mouth,  of  the  river,  which  can  only  be  entered  at  high  water.  Wood 
and  spars  of  any  dimensions  may  easily  be  obtained  on  the  South  side  of  the 
bay,  within  half  a  mile  of  the  shore. 

The  three  following  dangers  are  very  much  in  the  way  of  vessels  frequent- 
ing this  bay.  I^iat  Reef,  lying  E.  by  S.  |  S.  85  miles  from  Tanjong  Lyang, 
has  but  6  ft.  water  over  it. 

Circe  Reef,  discovered  by  H.N.M.  schooner  Circe,  has  2^  fathoms  over  it, 
and  6  or  7  fathoms  around  it.  From  the  reef  the  hill  on  Lyang  Point  bears 
W.  by  N.  J  N.,  Simbang  Island  N.W.  \  W.,  and  the  hill  on  Tanjong  Riah 
S.W.  I  s. 

At  full  and  change  it  is  high  water  in  Liat  Bay  at  5  p.m.,  and  the  rise  of 
tide  is  9  ft. 

Approaching  Liat  Bay  from  the  northward,  5^  or  6  fathoms  will  be 
found  at  2  miles  from  Lyang  Point,  and  in  a  southerly  direction  towards  the 
anchorage. 

Coming  from  the  eastward,  and  being  in  10  and  11  fathoms,  bring  Riah. 
Point  S.W.  by  W  ,  and  keep  towards  it  till  Lyang  Point  is  N.W.  by  W.  l  W., 
then  steer  W.N.W.  and  W.  by  N.  towards  the  anchorage.  A  rock  is  marked 
on  the  charts  If  mile  S.S.E.  from  Lyang  Point  and  a  mile  off  shore;  the 
anchorage  recommended  is  southward  of  the  rock  in  4^-  or  4  fathoms  water. 

The  Coast  from  Tanjong  Dyang  runs  N.N.W.  to  Tanjong  Tuen,  in  lat. 
1°  ;i5i'  S.,  which  has  a  hill  on  it,  and  there  are  several  hills  further  inland. 
Close  to  the  point  is  Pongoh  Islet,  which  can  be  approached  to  half  a  mile. 
The  coast  to  the  southward  of  it  forms  a  very  shallow  bay,  in  which,  at  about 
6  miles  S.S.E.  from  Tanjong  Tuen,  is  a  small  island  named  Pulo  Simbang. 
This  part  of  the  coast  may  be  approached  to  13  fathoms,  and  even  less. 

The  coast  from  Tanjong  Tuen  runs  about  N.W.  by  W.  for  10^  miles  to 
Tanjong  Crassok  or  Moncudu,  ihQ  northernmost  point  of  Banka,  where  it  turns 
sharply  to  the  westward.  A  reef,  with  only  7-^-  ft.  water,  lies  about  1^  mile 
from  the  shore,  and  nearly  midway  between  Tanjong  Crassok  and  Cape  Tuen. 


264  DANGEES  NOETH  OF  GASPAR  STRAIT. 

From  the  shoal,  Crassock  Point  bears  W.  by  N.  f  N.,  Pulo  Pongoh  off  Cape 
Tuen  S.E.  J  S..  and  Pakoe  Point  S.  by  E.  A  second  reef  is  marked  at  3 
miles  S.E.  by  E.  from  Tanjong  Crassok.  Nearly  a  mile  off  shore,  distant 
2 J  miles  W.  by  N.  from  Tanjong  Crassok,  is  the  small  island  of  Moncudu, 
before  described,  page  226. 

DANGERS  NORTHWARD  AND  NORTH-WESTWARD  OF 
GASPAR  STRAIT. 

CANNING  ROCK,  in  lat.  2°  23'  S.,  long.  107°  13'  E.,  on  which,  in  April, 
1825,  the  East  India  Company's  ship  of  that  name  struck  on  returning  from 
China,  lies  directly  in  the  route  of  vessels  proceeding  towards  Gaspar  Strait, 
and  therefore  is  very  dangerous,  there  being  only  3  fathoms  on  it,  with  17 
to  20  fathoms  close-to.  From  the  spot  where  this  ship  grounded,  Gaspar 
Island  bore  W.  by  S.  10  miles ;  Brekat  Point  S.W.  by  W.  |  W.  ;  the  hum- 
mock near  that  point  S.W.  by  W.  J  W. ;  the  summit  of  Mendanao  Island 
S.S.E.  ;  and  Hoog  Island  S.  by  E.  ^E. 

The  danger  consists  of  many  coral  heads,  extending  N.E.  and  S.W.  about 
100  yards,  and  East  and  West  60  yards.  As  it  is  greatly  in  the  way  of 
vessels  coming  from  the  northward  toward  the  strait,  Gaspar  Island  ought 
to  be  made  bearing  well  to  the  southward,  and  should  be  approached  within 
5  miles,  or  nearer,  before  it  is  brought  to  bear  W.S.W.,  in  order  to  give  a 
wide  berth  to  this  danger. 

Sowerby  Shoal,  seen  by  Capt.  J.  Sowerby,  of  the  ship  Montmorency,  April 
1st,  1861,  with  apparently  not  more  than  2  fathoms  water  over  it;  by  good 
cross  bearings  the  middle  peak  of  Mount  Tebalo  (North  end  of  Billiton 
Island)  bore  S.  32°  E.,  and  peak  of  Gaspar  Island  S.  66°  W.,  which  places 
it  in  lat.  2°  13'  S.,  and  about  long.  107°  35'  E.  (or  107°  28').  This  shoal  is 
about  3  miles  long  N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  a  third  of  a  mile  broad,  and  is  very 
dangerous,  as  it  lies  right  in  the  track  of  vessels  beating  out  of  the  Stolze 
Channel  to  the  northward  in  the  northerly  monsoon. 

Pare  Joie  Shoal. — A  rock  was  marked  doubtful  on  the  charts,  with  the 
peak  of  Gaspar  Island  bearing  S.S.E.  |  E.  6J  miles,  and  Tree  Island 
S.  by  W.  f  W.  9  miles.  It  is  probably  the  same  as  that  on  which  the  Pare 
Joie  struck  in  1869.  It  is  now  placed  in  lat.  2°  19'  S.,  long.  107°  3'  E.,  or 
nearly  3  miles  eastward  of  the  position  assigned  to  the  doubtful  danger. 
From  the  Pare  Joie  Shoal  the  summit  of  Gaspar  Island  bears  S.  i  E.,  distant 
5  miles,  and  Tree  Island  S.W.  by  S.  10  miles  distant. 

Warren  Hastings  Reef  is  supposed  to  extend  about  Z\  miles  N.  by  W. 
and  S.  by  E.,  and  to  have  but  2  to  9  ft.  water  over  it  in  some  places.  In 
1788  the  Warren  Hastings,  returning  from  China,  grounded  upon  the  S.E. 
projecting  point  of  this  reef,  having  a  short  time  previously  had  regular 
soundings  from  20  to  22  fathoms.     Under  the  stem  there  were  only  2  ft. 


BELVEDERE  SHOALS.  265 

•vrater,  4  fathoms  amidships ;  the  high  land  of  Banka  bore  S.W.  by  W.,  the 
most  distant  visible  land  S.S.W.  and  S.W.  by  W.  ^  W.,  the  centre  of  Gas- 
par  Island  S.E.  by  E.  |  E.,  Tree  Island,  S.  by  E.  ^  E.,  the  latitude  by  the 
sun's  meridian  altitude  being  2'  23'  S.  On  examining  the  shoal  with  the 
boat  there  were  in  some  places  3  and  IJ  fathoms.  In  1845  the  English  ves- 
sel Gondolier  was  wrecked  on  this  reef.  The  French  vessel  Joseph  places  it  in 
2°  21'  S.,  and  106^  56'  45"  E.,  with  the  centre  of  Gaspar  Island  S.E.  by  E.  ; 
Belvedere  Eock,  N.N.E.  ;  and  the  wreck  of  the  Gondolier  S.S.W. 

Chrysolite  Roch,  said  to  lie  If  mile  eastward  of  the  southern  part  of  Warren 
Hastings  Eeef,  is  stated  by  Dutch  authority  not  to  exist.  The  following 
account  is  given  of  it  : — "  On  the  10th  of  September,  1851,  the  Chrysolite, 
of  Liverpool,  while  working  between  the  Belvedere  and  Warren  Hastings 
Shoals,  saw  a  rock,  which  apparently  did  not  carry  more  than  4  ft.  water, 
with  Tree  Island  bearing  S.  |  E.  ;  Brekat  Point  S.S.W.  ^  W.  ;  and  the 
centre  of  Gaspar  Island  E.  by  S." 

Columbian  Shoalis  marked  doubtful  on  the  chart,  N.  by  W.  J  W.,  distant 
14  miles  from  Brekat  Point,  from  the  following  report  by  Capt.  G.  Wakem, 
of  the  ship  Columbian,  who  stated  that  his  vessel  struck  upon  it  in  April, 
1845,  but  without  being  brought  up,  although  the  reef  had  not  more  than 
10  ft.  water  upon  it.  Anchored  immediately  with  Gaspar  Island  E.  by  S. 
distant  16  miles,  and  Tree  Island  S.E.  by  E.  i  E.  12  miles.  The  next  day 
the  vessel  was  left  in  a  sinking  condition. 

Belvedere  Shoals. — The  south-western  end  of  these  shoals  is  a  reef  under 
water,  in  lat.  2°  14'  S.,  long.  106^  59'  E.,  and  from  it  Gaspar  Peak  bears 
S.S.E.  ^  E.,  distant  11  miles  ;  from  thence  they  extend  to  the  north-eastward 
4^  miles.  Near  their  middle  is  a  sand-bank  awash ;  there  are  besides  on 
them  many  coral  patches  with  6  to  10  ft.  water,  and  on  their  north-eastern 
extreme  a  black  rock  10  ft.  high  and  40  ft.  long.  When  there  is  a  heavy 
swell  the  sea  breaks  on  them,  and  by  day  they  may  easily  be  avoided  by  a 
good  lookout,  particularly  as  some  of  the  patches  are  dry  at  low  water.  How- 
ever, a  vessel  from  New  York  was  wrecked  on  these  shoals,  and  shortly  after- 
wards a  Chinese  junk.  It  was  probably  their  breakers  which  were  observed 
from  the  ITawk  in  1785,  bearing  N.E.  6  miles,  and  E.  by  N.  3  miles,  Gaspar 
Island  S.S.E.  ^  E.,  and  part  of  Banka  S.W. 

A  reef  was  discovered  lying  N.N.  W.  3f  miles  from  the  Belvedere  Eock, 
also  17  miles  distant  from  Gaspar  Island,  and  28  miles  from  Brekat  Point,  on 
Banka  Island.     The  position  given  is  in  lat.  2°  8'  S.,  long.  107°  1'  15"  E. 

Dutch.  Shoal  {Vansittart  Shoal),  lies  in  lat.  2°  lOJ'  S.,  long.  106°  44'  E., 
with  the  peak  of  Gaspar  Island  bearing  about  S.E.  by  E.,  distant  24  miles. 

The  Vamittart,  Capt.  Lestock  Wilson,  struck  on  this  shoal,  and  was  with 
great  difficulty  run  upon  a  sandy  beach  of  Banka,  to  save  the  lives  of  the  crew. 

K  shoal  oi&  ft.  water  is  marked  on  the  Dutch  chart  N.W.,  distant  11| 
miles  from  the  Dutch  shoal. 

I.  A.  2h 


266  DANGERS  NORTH  OF  GASPAR  STRAIT. 

Magdalen  Reef,  discovered  in  November,  1806,  by  the  American  vessel 
MagdaleUy  is  very  dangerous  in  thick  weather  for  vessels  bound  to  Gaspar 
Strait  from  the  northward,  for  when  the  reef  was  first  seen  the  vessel  was 
only  half  a  cable's  length  from  it.  The  boat  found  it  to  consist  of  two  coral 
rocks,  about  160  yards  in  length  and  30  yards  in  breadth,  with  deep  water 
between  them,  1 1  ft.  upon  them,  and  at  half  a  cable's  length  from  the  shoal 
19  to  21  fathoms. 

Capt.  Ross,  in  1818,  determined  the  position  of  this  reef  to  be  lat.  1°59'S., 
long.  107°  r  E.,  the  peak  of  Gaspar  Island  bearing  from  it  S.  |  E.,  distant 
nearly  26  miles. 

Lanrick  or  Newland  Shoal,  with  only  9  ft.  water  over  it,  lies  8  or  9  miles 
northward  of  the  Magdalen  Shoal.  The  clipper  brig  Lanrich,  Capt.  T.  B. 
White,  struck  upon  this  shoal  in  1852  ;  and  the  ship  u4s?'a,  Capt.  Newland,  in 
October,  1853.  Both  vessels  took  great  pains  to  determine  its  exact  position, 
and  the  mean  of  their  observations  places  the  danger  in  lat.  1°  52'  S.,  long. 
107°  r  30"  E.  Capt.  White  says  : — "  It  is  of  very  small  extent,  and  exceed- 
ingly dangerous,  the  soundings  giving  no  warning,  for  the  next  morning  at 
anchor,  and  not  more  than  IJ  mile  from  its  position,  the  boats  after  a  two 
hours'  search  could  not  find,  nor  did  they  see  any  discoloured  water,  or  get 
less  than  17  fathoms."  Capt.  Newland  remarks  also  that  no  discoloured 
water  could  be  seen  at  the  distance  of  a  mile  from  the  shoal. 

Atwick  Rock  was  discovered  by  an  English  vessel  of  that  name,  in  August 
1831.  Its  position  was  given  in  lat.  1°  48'  S.,  long.  107°  30'  E.,  or  N.N.E.  |  E. 
44 J  miles  from  Gaspar  Island. 

Pratt  Rock,  in  lat.  1°  32'  S.,  long.  107°  26'  E.,  is  described  as  dangerous, 
extending  N.  and  S.  half  a  mile,  and  apparently  level  with  the  water's  edge, 
having  a  rock  (or  dead  tree,  many  of  which  were  floating  about)  on  its 
northern  end. 

Catharine  Reef -^diS  dii^covexedi  in  1840,  by  the  ship  Catharine,  which  an- 
chored at  1  p.m.  in  lat.  1°  31'  S.,  long.  107°  1'  E.,  in  18  fathoms  water.  They 
observed  breakers  in  a  N.N.E.  ^  E,  direction,  at  half  a  mile  distant,  on  a 
reef  which  seemed  to  extend  about  3  miles  E.  by  S.  Though  the  vessel  re- 
mained at  anchor  till  5  p.m.,  it  does  not  appear  that  any  further  observations 
were  made.     Its  position  is  marked  doubtful  on  the  charts. 

ActaeonRock. — H.M.S.  Actceon,  when  proceeding  to  the  northward  through 
Gaspar  Strait,  passed  Gaspar  Island  at  sunset,  July  7th,  1857,  and  at  mid- 
night, running  8  knots,  struck  on  an  unknown  coral  reef,  which,  when  ex- 
amined the  next  day,  was  found  to  be  between  2  and  3  cables'  lengths  in 
extent,  steep-to,  with  patches  of  7  ft.  on  it,  and  17  fathoms  all  around.  Its 
position  is  lat.  1°  39'  48"  S.,  long.  106°  37'  58"  E.,  or  East  about  8  miles  from 
the  Severn  Shoal.  The  land  was  observed  from  the  masthead,  whereas  from 
the  Severn  Shoal  the  hills  on  Banka  are  said  to  have  the  appearance  of 
separate  islands. 


SEVEEN  SHOAL— CELESTIAL  EEEFS.  267 

Severn  Shoal,  discovered  in  May,  1802,  by  the  American  ship  Severn,  lies 
exactly  in  the  track  of  vessels  from  Toty  Island  towards  Gaspar  Strait.  It 
is  placed  on  the  chart  in  lat.  V  39'  S.,  long  106°  30' E.,  but  from  the  follow- 
ing account  its  exact  position  is  very  doubtful. 

At  sunset,  Gaspar  Peak  bore  S.E.  f  S.,  14  miles  distant.  From  this 
situation  the  Severn  steered  N.W.  ^  N.  35  miles,  and  at  daybreak  struck  on 
a  coral  reef,  but  got  ojff  after  being  lightened  of  30  tons  of  ballast.  The  reef 
seemed  to  extend  2  or  3  miles  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.,  but  where  the  vessel 
grounded  there  were  10  ft.  water.  The  hills  on  Banka  had  the  appearance 
of  separate  Islands,  above  which  the  Marass  Mountain  was  visible,  and  the 
nearest  land  was  computed  to  be  about  20  miles  distant.  The  Columhian,  of 
New  York,  was  wrecked  on  this  shoal  in  March,  1824,  when  returnino-  from 
China.  The  crew  reached  the  harbour  of  Mintok  in  the  long-boat,  after 
having  suffered  much  from  deprivation  and  fatigue. 

Ivon  Shoal,^  with  2f  fathoms  water  over  it,  appears  on  the  charts  at  7  miles 
West  of  the  Severn  Shoal,  in  lat.  1°  39'  S.,  long.  106°  21'  E.  Like  the  Severn 
and  Actseon  Shoals,  it  is  much  in  the  way  of  vessels  passing  between  Graspar 
Strait  and  Toty  Island.    A  douhtful  danger  is  marked  at  3  miles  AV.  by  S.  of  it. 

Scheweningen  Shoal. — The  ship  Scheweningen  struck  on  an  unknown  bank 
in  lat.  1°  19-  12'  S.,  long.  106°  39'  48"  E.,  about  14  leagues  E.  by  N.  from 
Crassock  Point,  the  North  extremity  of  Banka  Island.  Immediately  after 
the  ship  struck,  a  sounding  of  4  fathoms  was  obtained,  and  a  second  sound- 
ing showed  a  depth  of  15  fathoms. 

Celestial  Reefs. — The  American  ship  Celestial  saw  abed  of  rocks  under  water 
in  lat.  r  16'  S.,  long.  106°  50'  E.  ;  sounded  in  3  fathoms,  but  there  appeared 
to  be  less  water  on  the  rocks  ;  the  next  cast  of  the  lead  was  17  fathoms. 

Vega  Shoal  was  discovered  in  September,  1826,  by  Capt,  Jose  Antonio  de 
Vega,  of  the  Spanish  frigate  Vellos,  which  struck  on  it,  but  by  carrying  out 
an  anchor  she  was  hove  off.  It  was  described  as  being  not  more  than  a  ship's 
length  in  extent,  with  18  to  21  ft.  water  over  it,  and  9,  11,  17,  and  22  fathoms 
around  it.  Capt.  de  Vega  placed  it  in  lat.  1°  10'  S.,  long.  106°  34'  E.,  by 
chronometers  regulated  the  day  previously  at  Gaspar  Island. 

The  barque  Marquis  of  Hastings,  Capt.  Ingram,  grounded  upon  this  bank 
in  May,  1830,  who  placed  it  in  lat.  1°  6'  S.,  and  106°  31i'  E.,  by  chronome- 
ters. Horsburg  says  that  this  ship  struck  on  this  shoal  in  April,  1832,  and 
that  Mr.  Harris  made  it  at  the  same  time  in  1°  4'  S.  and  106=  37'  E. 

H.M.S.  Rifleman,  in  December,  1863,  was  employed  with  her  tender  for 
three  days  in  searching  for  the  Vega  Shoal,  but  without  success.  A  small 
rocky  patch,  with  7  fathoms  water  over  it,  and  13,  15,  and  17  fathoms  all 
around,  was  discovered  in  lat.  1°  5'  30'  S.,  long.  106'  35 J'  E.  Bad  weather 
compelled  the  Rifleman  to  relinquish  the  search. 

A  southerly  current,  varying  from  1  to  1 J  knots  an  hour,  was  experienced 
the  whole  time  the  Rifleman  remained  in  this  vicinity. 


268  GASPAE  STEAIT. 

Hawkins,  or  Wild  Pigeon  Shoal,  we  have  no  account  of,  and  its  position  is 
also  very  doubtful.  On  the  chart  three  positions  are  given  :  the  first  in  lat, 
r  8'  S.,  long.  106°  43'  E.  ;  the  second  in  lat.  1°  9',  long.  106°  41^,  with  two 
fathoms  marked  against  it ;  and  the  third  in  lat.  1°  1 1',  and  the  same  longi- 
tude as  the  second  position. 

Deva  Eeef.— The  ship  Deva,  Captain  J.  Pollock,  at  5*>  30™  p.m.  23rd  May, 
1859,  struck  on  a  coral  reef  in  about  lat.  1°  9'  S.,  long.  106°  52'  E.  The  reef 
appeared  to  be  about  60  yards  in  extent,  N.E.  and  S.W.,  about  30  yarda 
broad,  with  3 J  fathoms  on  it,  and  15  and  17  fathoms  close-to.  At  daylight 
the  next  morning  two  reefs  were  in  sight  from  the  masthead  ;  the  one  the 
vessel  grounded  on,  and  the  other,  which  was  much  the  largest,  considerably 
to  the  westward. 

Caution. — Probably  the  Deva  and  the  Celestial  are  the  same  reefs,  but 
until  examined,  this  neighbourhood  must  be  navigated  with  great  caution  ; 
and  the  whole  group  of  the  Vega,  Hawkins,  Celestial,  and  Deva  Shoals, 
should  be  given  a  berth  of  9  or  10  miles. 

DIRECTIONS  FROM  GASPAR  STRAIT  TO  THE  NORTHWARD.— Most 
vessels  bound  to  the  northward  from  Gaspar  Strait,  prefer  passing  eastward 
of  Gaspar  Island,  which  is  the  safest  route  ;  but  some  vessels,  especially  when 
bound  to  Singapore  by  Ehio  Strait,  prefer  the  less  safe  but  more  direct 
route  through  the  shoals  westward  of  that  island. 

To  proceed  Eastward  of  Gaspar  Island  with  a  fair  wind,  as  before  directed 
in  pages  239,  240,  and  256,  257,  steer  about  N.  by  E.  ^  E.  if  she  passed 
through  Macclesfield  Channel,  or  about  N.  by  W.  or  N.N.W.  if  she  passed 
through  either  Stolze  or  Clements  Channels,  to  pass  2  or  3  miles  eastward  of 
Gaspar  Island,  and  5  or  6  miles  westward  of  Canning  Rock.  Having  passed 
Gaspar,  steer  to  the  northward  until  it  bears  S.  f  "W.,  upon  which  bearing  it 
should  be  kept  as  long  as  it  can  be  seen.  A  N.  |  E.  course  from  Gaspar  will 
lead  midway  between  Catharine  Reef  and  Pratt  Eock,  and  if  Gaspar  be 
brought  on  the  opposite  bearing  soon  after  it  is  passed,  it  will  afford  a  good 
opportunity  to  judge  of  the  effect  of  the  current,  by  noting  the  course  that 
must  be  steered  to  preserve  the  proper  bearing  of  the  island ;  and  will  also 
assist  in  forming  a  judgment  as  to  the  proper  course  to  steer  to  pass  midway 
between  Catharine  Eeef  and  Pratt  Eock,  after  Gaspar  Island  has  sunk  below 
the  horizon,  and  will  no  longer  serve  as  a  guide. 

If  the  wind  should  prevent  a  direct  course  from  being  steered,  Gaspar 
Island  should  not  be  brought  westward  of  N.N.W.,  until  the  vessel  is  north- 
ward of  the  Akbar  Shoal ;  and,  after  Gaspar  is  passed,  it  must  be  kept  west- 
ward of  S.  by  W.,  in  order  to  avoid  the  Pare  Joie  Eock,  the  Belvedere, 
and  the  Magdalen  Shoals. 

To  proceed  Westward  of  Gaspar  Island  between  the  Glassa  Eock  and  Tree 
Island,  from  a  position  midway  between  them,  steer  to  the  northward  until 
the  peak  of  Gaspar  Island  bears  S.E.  j  when  a  N.W.  course  will  lead  be- 


DIRECTIONS.  269 

tween  the  Warren  Hastings  Reef  on  the  port  hand,  and  tlie  Pare  Joie 
Rock  and  Belvedere  Shoals  on  the  starboard  hand.  When  Brekat  Point 
bears  S.  by  W.,  or  the  Saddles  S.  W.  by  S.,  a  vessel  will  be  westward  of  the 
Warren  Hastings  and  Belvedere  Shoals,  and  a  N.  by  W.  or  N.N.W.  course, 
according  to  the  set  of  the  tide,  will  lead  westward  of  the  Magdalen  and 
Newland  Reefs,  and  eastward  of  the  Actseon  Rock.  When  nearing  the 
Actaeon  Rock,  the  soundings  should  not  be  shoaled  under  20  fathoms  ; 
after  passing  it,  a  course  may  be  shaped  for  Toty  Island. 

Gaspar  Island,  when  3  or  4  miles  distant,  kept  between  S.E.  and  S.E.  by 
E.  i  E.,  will  keep  the  vessel  clear  of  the  Pare  Joie  Rock,  and  of  the  Warren 
Hastings  Reef. 

Brekat  Point  bearing  S.  by  W.,  or  the  Saddles  S.W.  by  S.,  leads  westward 
of  the  Warren  Hastings  and  Belvedere  Shoals,  and  Gaspar  Island  S.E., 
leads  3  miles  eastward  of  the  Dutch  Shoal ;  but  when  westward  of  the 
Warren  Hastings  and  Belvedere  Shoals,  it  will  be  wise  to  edge  away  to  the 
northward — always  carefully  guarding  against  tide  and  currents — taking 
care  not  to  bring  Gaspar  Peak  to  the  South  of  S.  by  E.  ^  E.,  to  avoid  the 
Magdalen  Reef. 

If  proceeding  between  B*-ekat  Point  and  Tree  Island,  the  point  may  be  passed 
at  the  distance  of  3  or  2  miles,  and  the  island  at  a  mile ;  then  proceed  to  the 
N.N.W.,  taking  care  not  to  bring  Tree  Island  to  the  South  of  S.E.  by  S.,  to 
avoid  the  S.W.  end  of  Warren  Hastings  Reef.  Brekat  Point  bearing  S.  by 
W.  \  W.,  leads  clear  to  the  N.W.  extreme  of  that  reef ;  and  bearing  S.  J  E. 
leads  eastward  of  the  reported  positions  of  the  Columbian  and  Dutch  Shoals. 
When  Brekat  Point  bears  S.  i  W.,  a  northerly  course  may  be  steered,  pro- 
ceeding as  before  to  pass  eastward  of  the  Actseon  Rock. 

Horsburgh  states  that  Capt.  R.  Scott,  in  the  Warren  Kastings,  after  passing' 
Brekat  Point,  coasted  along  to  the  northward,  keeping  generally  in  11  or  12 
fathoms  water,  without  any  appearance  of  danger,  but  a  good  mast-head 
lookout  was  kept.  The  passage,  bowever,  near  the  Banka  coast  is  so  beset 
with  dangers,  whose  exact  positions  are  unknown,  and  there  may  be  others 
of  which  we  at  present  know  nothing,  that  we  would  strongly  advise  vessels 
to  give  this  exceedingly  dangerous  coast  a  wide  berth,  especially  as  nothing 
is  to  be  gained  by  approaching  it.  At  p.  262  directions  are  given  to  proceed 
along  this  coast  to  Tanjoing  Riah. 

Directions  to  approacli  Gaspar  Strait  from  the  Northward. — In  consequence 
of  the  northern  entrance  of  Gaspar  Strait  being  so  near  the  equator,  the 
winds,  even  in  the  strength  of  the  monsoon,  are  very  uncertain,  producing 
a  corresponding  uncertainty  in  the  direction  and  force  of  the  tides  and  cur- 
rents. A  vessel  approaching  the  strait  from  the  northward  will,  therefore, 
bave  to  be  principally  guided  by  the  winds  and  currents  which  she  may 
herself  fall  in  with,  rather  than  by  relying  upon  experiencing  those  which 
are  here  mentioned  as  most  likely  to  be  met  with  at  certain  seasons. 


270  GASPAE  STRAIT. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  monsoon,  that  is,  from  the  middle  of  November 
to  the  middle  or  end  of  December,  northerly  and  north-westerly  winds  are 
said  to  prevail,  but  Horsburgh  mentions  an  instance  of  vessels  meeting  with 
strong  West  and  W.S.W.  winds  in  December.  As  the  monsoon  gathers 
strength  and  becomes  more  regular,  the  wind  draws  to  the  eastward  of 
North,  and  late  in  the  monsoon,  easterly  and  south-easterly  winds  are  often 
met  with  between  Banka  and  Billiton. 

In  thick  weather  it  will  always  be  an  anxious  time  for  the  navigator 
whilst  approaching  Gaspar  Strait,  for  unless  good  sights  can  be  obtained, 
he  can  never  be  certain  of  his  exact  position  ;  and  we  would  again  strongly 
advise  him,  under  any  circumstances,  to  steer  for  Banka  Strait,  where  the 
soundings  on  the  edge  of  the  bank  extending  from  the  Sumatra  coast  will 
enable  him  to  proceed  with  safety,  although  he  may  be  quite  unable  to 
distinguish  the  land. 

Vessels  returning  from  Singapore  or  China  early  in  the  northern  monsoon, 
and  intending  to  go  through  Gaspar  Strait,  prefer  the  Macclesfield  Channel, 
passing  between  Toty  and  Docan  Islands;  but  it  is  better  to  go  12  or  14 
miles  to  the  eastward  of  the  latter,  and  even  more,  when  the  wind  is  easterly ; 
but  early  in  the  monsoon  the  wind  is  generally  North  or  N.W. 

Having  passed  Toty  Island,  steer  about  S.E.  by  E.,  so  as  to  get  on  the 
meridian  of  Caspar  Island  before  reaching  the  parallel  of  1°  50'  S.  Caspar 
is  visible  in  clear  weather  at  a  distance  of  30  miles.  Directly  it  is  seen,  steer 
towards  it  on  a  S.  f  W.  bearing,  and,  passing  eastward  of  it,  steer  to  the 
south-westward  for  the  entrance  of  the  Macclesfield  Channel. 

The  above  directions  apply  only  to  vessels  returning  from  China  early  in 
the  monsoon.  In  general,  and  especially  returning  late  in  the  monsoon  from 
China,  when  the  S.E.  and  easterly  winds  are  often  met  with  between  Banka 
and  Billiton,  it  will  be  better  to  go  10  or  12  miles  to  the  westward  of  St. 
Barbe  Island,  and  endeavour  as  soon  as  possible  to  get  on  the  meridian  of 
Gaspar  Island,  but  not  to  the  westward  of  it  when  near  the  parallel  of  the 
Catharine  Eeef,  which  should  never  be  passed  at  night.  When  Gaspar  is 
seen,  bring  it  on  a  S.  |  W.  bearing,  and  proceed  as  before. 

Eeturning  from  China  late  in  the  monsoon,  S.S.W.  winds  are  often  met  in 
the  southern  part  of  the  China  Sea,  and  oblige  vessels  to  pass  between  the 
islands  near  the  West  coast  of  Borneo.  If  this  should  happen  in  May  or 
June,  it  would  be  very  tedious  to  get  to  the  southward  ;  in  such  case,  steer 
for  the  north-western  end  of  Billiton,  and  pass  through  Stolze  Channel. 


CHAPTEE    YII. 


CARIMATA      STRAIT. 

Carimata  Strait,  the  easternmost  of  the  channels  leading  between  Sumatra 
and  Borneo,  is  bounded  on  the  eastern  side  by  Carimata,  Soruetou,  and  the 
other  islands  adjacent  to  the  southern  part  of  the  West  coast  of  Borneo  ; 
and  on  the  western  side  by  the  East  coast  of  Billiton,  with  the  adjoining 
islands  and  dangers.  It  is  often  used  by  vessels  from  Malacca  Strait,  pro- 
ceeding to  China  by  the  eastern  passages,  but  although  much  broader  than 
either  Banka  or  Caspar  Straits,  it  is  not  nearly  so  much  frequented  as  either 
of  those  channels  by  vessels  proceeding  to  and  from  China  by  way  of  Sunda 
Strait.  It  is,  however,  not  unfrequently  used  by  vessels  returning  from 
China,  which,  from  the  effects  of  winds  or  currents,  find  it  difficult  to  get  to 
the  westward. 

This  strait  has  not  been  properly  surveyed.  Capts.  Ross  and  Maughan, 
of  the  Indian  Navy,  determined  the  positions  of  many  of  the  dangers  on  each 
side  of  it,  but  much  of  the  information  which  we  possess  has  been  derived 
from  accounts  furnished  by  vessels  that  have  passed  through  it.  In  using  it, 
therefore,  a  vessel  must  keep  a  good  lookout,  and  be  as  far  as  possible  pre- 
pared to  meet  with  unknown  dangers. 

Besides  the  Main  Channel,  limited  to  the  south-eastward  by  the  islands  of 
Soruetou  and  Carimata,  and  to  the  south-westward  by  the  Montaran  Islands 
and  Billiton,  there  are  several  other  channels  between  the  numerous  islands 
lying  eastward  and  north-eastward  of  Carimata,  between  it  and  the  Borneo 
coast,  through  which  vessels  have  occasionally  passed.  One  of  these,  known 
as  the  Inner  Channel,  and  situated  between  the  islands  of  Panambungan  and 
Mayang,  is  much  frequented  by  vessels  working  through  the  strait  against 
the  monsoon,  for  a  regular  tide  will  be  found  near  the  Borneo  coast,  which 
enables  them  to  work  through  the  Inner  Channel  when  it  is  quite  impossible 
to  work  tlirough  the  Main  Channel  against  a  strong  monsoon,  and  a  con- 
tinuous rapid  current  setting  to  leeward. 

Currents  and  Tides. — The  currents  in  Carimata  Strait  appear  to  set  mostly 


272  CARIMATA  STRAIT. 

to  the  southward  in  the  northerly  monsoon,  for  many  ships  have  found  it 
almost  impracticable  to  beat  to  the  northward  in  that  season.  Captain  Ross, 
in  the  Discovery,  found  a  constant  southerly  current  in  this  stuait ;  on  Febru- 
ary 15th  he  was  off  Pulo  Mankap,  and  from  hence  continued  beating  along 
the  West  coast  of  Borneo,  and  afterwards  on  the  South  and  West  sides  of 
Carimata  and  its  adjacent  islands  until  March  16th,  when  he  got  round  the 
western  end  of  Soruetou.  In  the  southerly  monsoon  it  does  not  appear  to 
be  so  difficult  to  get  to  the  southward,  for  there  are  regular  tides  along  the 
West  coast  of  Borneo,  and  also  oflf  the  East  coast  of  Billiton  in  this  season, 
which  seem  to  extend  in  some  degree  across  Carimata  Strait,  the  flood  appa- 
rently setting  12  hours  to  the  northward,  and  the  ebb  about  12  hours  in  the 
opposite  direction.  The  rise  of  tide,  as  experienced  by  Captain  Ross,  was 
about  9  or  10  ft.,  at  full  and  change  of  the  moon. 

A  DESCRIPTION  of  that  portion  of  the  dangers  southward  of  Billiton, 
which  lie  contiguous  to  Gaspar  Strait,  in  given  at  page  250.  The  following 
islands  and  dangers  lie  nearer  Carimata  Strait,  and  are  important  to  vessels 
approaching  it  from  the  southward. 

KEBATOE,  or  SHOE  ISLAND,  in  lat.  3°  48'  S.,  long.  108°  4'  E.,  is  nearly 
half  a  mile  long  in  an  East  and  West  direction,  and  400  yards  broad  ;  it  is 
conical  in  shape,  thickly  wooded,  346  ft.  high,  and  visible  18  or  19  miles 
from  a  ship's  deck  in  clear  weather.  The  island  is  steep-to,  with  a  coast  or 
fringing  reef  extending  1  cable  from  the  North  and  West  sides  ;  and  half  a 
cable  from  the  South  and  East  sides.  White  Island,  57  ft.  high,  having  a 
few  stunted  trees  on  the  top,  lies  S.W.  1  mile  from  Kebatoe  Island.  A  small 
shoal,  with  6  ft.  water,  lies  N.E.  |  E.,  3  cables  from  White  Island. 

Zephyr  Hock,  supposed  to  lie  W.  J  S.,  4  miles  from  Kebatoe  Island,  was 
searched  for  by  the  boats  of  H.M.S.  Nassau  in  1876,  when  a  depth  of 
14  fathoms  (mud  bottom)  was  obtained  in  that  position ;  but,  at  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  W.  by  S.  from  Kebatoe,  and  6  cables  N.N.  W.  \  W.  from 
White  Island,  a  rock,  on  which  the  sea  generally  breaks,  having  3  feet  over 
it,  was  found,  and  this  position  has  been  assumed  for  that  of  the  Zephyr 
Rock. 

A  roch,  said  to  exist  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W.,  8  miles  distant  from  Kebatoe 
Island,  was  carefully  searched  for  by  the  boats  of  H.M.S.  Nassau,  but  could 
not  be  found.  The  depth  of  14  fathoms,  mud  bottom,  was  obtained.  From 
the  nature  of  the  examination  non-existence  of  the  rock  in  the  position 
assigned  to  it  is  assured. 

Karang  Kawat,  or  Grace  Reefs,  consist  of  two  coral  reefs,  the  centres  of 
which  lie  N.E.  by  N.  4^,  and  6^  miles  respectively  from  Kebatoe  Island. 

The  southern  reef,  on  which  the  sea  breaks  heavily  in  moderate  weather, 
is  awash  at  low  water ;  this  reef  is  3|  cables  long  in  an  East  and  West 
direction,  and  2  cables  broad,  with  12  to  17  fathoms  at  the  distance  of  three- 
quarters  of  a  cable.     The  northern  reef  is  3  cables  long  in  an  East  and  West 


SOUTH  COAST  OF  BILLITON.  273 

direction,  2  cables  broad,  dries  4  ft.  at  low  water,  and  has  13  to  16  fathoms 
at  the  distance  of  half  a  cable. 

Between  Kebatoe  Island  and  the  southern  Karang  Kawat  there  is  a  clear 
channel  3f  miles  wide,  with  depths  of  14  to  17  fathoms,  mud  bottom  ;  and 
between  the  southern  and  northern  Karang  Kawats  there  is  a  channel  If 
mile  wide,  having  also  14  to  17  fathoms,  mud  ;  the  holding  ground  in  both 
these  channels  is  good. 

A  ship  ought  never  to  attempt  the  passage  inside  Shoe  Island,  except  in 
very  clear  and  favourable  weather. 

Heroine  Shoal  is  in  lat.  3°  37'  S.,  long,  about  107°  52'  E.,  or  in  lat.  3°  37' 
S.,  long.  107°  49'  E.  ;  its  exact  position  is,  however,  doubtful,  and  it  was  not 
seen  by  the  officers  of  H.M.S.  Nassau  in  1876.  It  is  reported  to  be  an  ex- 
tensive shoal  with  breakers  upon  it.  It  was  passed  at  about  the  distance  of 
1^  mile,  when  Two-peaked  Mountain  on  Billiton  bore  N.N.W.  ;  a  small 
island  N.E.  by  E.  ^  E. ;  and  shoe  Island,  seen  from  the  mizen-shrouds,  S.E. 
Katapang  Island,  in  lat.  3°  23'  S.,  long.  107°  57^'  E.,  is  low  and  wooded, 
about  a  third  of  a  mile  in  diameter,  and  surrounded  by  a  reef.  Around  it 
are  soundings  of  8  and  9  fathoms,  and  the  same  depths  between  it  and  the 
shore,  where,  however,  no  vessel  should  venture. 

The  whole  of  the  coasts  of  Billiton  are  but  very  imperfectly  known,  but  it 
is  certain  that  they  are  fronted  by  many  dangers,  and  vessels  are  strongly 
fidviaed  to  avoid  them. 

SOUTH  COAST  of  BILLITON.— From  Karawang  Point,  the  S.W.  ex- 
treme of  Billiton,  the  coast  trends  to  the  eastward  for  2  or  3  miles,  and  then 
turns  sharply  to  the  north-eastward,  forming  a  deep  bay,  the  eastern  horn 
of  which  is  the  most  southern  point  of  the  island,  and  is  distant  21  miles 
eastward  from  Karawang  Point.  This  bay  is  named  Teloh  Batoh,  which  in 
the  Malay  language  signifies  rocky  bay,  and  it  appears  from  the  chart  to  be 
full  of  dangers,  with  others  extending  some  2  or  3  miles  outside  its  chord. 
Southward  and  westward  from  the  eastern  horn  of  the  bay  are  some  small 
islets  lying  within  the  margin  of  the  reef  which  projects  from  the  j)oint. 

EAST  COAST.— From  the  eastern  point  of  Telok  Batoh  Bay  the  coast 
trends  East-northerly  for  6  or  7  miles,  to  the  S.E.  point  of  the  island,  9  or  10 
miles  N.E.  of  which  is  a  prominent  point  named  Sakapar.  Between  these 
two  latter  points  is  a  bay,  in  which  are  several  islands  ;  and  fronting  it  are 
also  several  islands.  N.  by  E.  i  E.  17  miles  from  Sakapar  Point  is  Mangar 
Point,  having  a  hill  upon  it,  the  coast  between  forming  a  bay  2  or  3  miles 
deep.     Northward  of  Mangar  Point  is  another  small  bay. 

The  East  and  N.JE.  sides  of  Billiton  are  fronted  by  several  groups  of  small 
islands,  most  of  them  being  surrounded  with  or  connected  by  rocks,  sands, 
and  shoals  ;  the  outernmost  of  these  shoals  has  been  recently  reported  in 
25°  9'  S,  108°  21'  E.,  or  13i  miles  N.E.  by  E.  from  Sakapar  Point. 

I.  A.  2n 


274  CAEIMATA  STRAIT. 

These  dangers  are  so  imperfectly  known,  that  it  is  not  possible  to  give 
any  accurate  description  of  them  here.  They  do  not  lie  in  the  track  of 
ordinary  navigation,  and  if  a  vessel  ventures  near  them  she  must  do  so  with 
caution  and  judgment,   and  without  placing  too   great  confidence   in   the 

chart. 

SCHARVOGEL  ISLANDS  are  a  group  of  seven  islands,  the  easternmost 
of  which  by  the  chart  is  in  lat.  3°  18'  S.,  long.  108°  28'  E.  The  islands  are 
from  90  to  120  ft.  high,  and  thickly  wooded,  having  between  them  numerous 
reefs  and  sandbanks.  The  relative  positions  of  these  islands  with  each 
other  is  uncertain.  Between  the  northern  island  and  the  Meray  group  is  a 
channel  3  or  4  miles  wide,  with  5  to  9  fathoms  water  in  it.  It  is  bounded  on 
either  side  by  the  reefs  which  extend  northward  from  the  islands. 

Northern  Coasts  of  Billiton. — From  the  N.E.  point  of  Billiton  the  coast 
rounds  gradually  to  the  North,  and  then  takes  a  general  direction  about 
N.W.  by  W.  to  the  N.W.  Hook  or  Point.  The  aspect  of  the  coast  is  high, 
uneven  land,  visible  in  clear  weather  24  or  25  miles  off. 

Outer  Bangers  off  the  North  Coast  of  Billiton. — Pigeon  Island,  lying  3  or  4 
miles  off  the  coast,  with  the  N.E.  extreme  of  Billiton  bearing  S.E.  by  S., 
and  the  N.W.  hill  on  Nangka  Island  E.  by  N.  h  N.,  distant  21  miles,  is  very 
small,  and  surrounded  by  rocks  or  patches  of  reef,  which  also  extend  3  miles 
to  the  south-eastward  of  it.  About  N.E.  by  E.  i  E.  5  miles  from  the  island, 
a  small  sandhanh  was  seen  by  the  Bellhaven  in  1857,  probably  at  high  water. 
A  small  rock  or  patch,  with  2  fathoms  water  over  it,  is  placed  on  the  chart, 
N.N.E.,  7  miles  from  the  Pigeon  Island,  and  a  second  at  the  same  distance 
E.N.E.  of  it.  At  5  miles  eastward  of  Pigeon  Island  is  the  "West  end  of  a 
sandbank,  which  thence  extends  for  5  miles  to  the  E.S.E.,  with  an  average 
breadth  of  2^  miles.  On  one  spot  on  its  N.E.  side,  in  lat.  2°  37'  S.,  long. 
108°  18'  E.,  it  is  reported  to  dry. 

There  are  other  islets  and  dangers  between  Pigeon  Island  and  the  N.W. 
point  of  Billiton  ;  their  exact  positions,  however,  are  not  well  known. 

Krang  Island  lies  13  miles  West  from  Pigeon  Island,  and  3  miles  off  shore, 
N.N.W.  2  miles  from  it,  is  a  sandbank.  Bjoeroh  Bajong  Rocks  lie  2  miles 
West  from  the  sandbank,  and  2  miles  N.N.E.  from  Maleh  Island.  The 
Eijdrograf  Rod,  of  9  ft.,  6  miles  off  shore,  is  marked  in  2°  28'  S.,  107°  53'  E., 
at  5J  miles  N.W.  of  it  is  a  rock  recently  discovered  in  1877,  the  outermost 
off  this  coast.  At  3  miles  West  of  the  Hydrograf  Eock  is  a  3-fathom  patch, 
and  W.S.W.  5J  miles  from  the  3-fathom  patch  is  the  Seloeting  Eeef,  of  2 
fathoms,  which  lies  N.E.  I  E.  8  miles  from  Cape  Bienga,  the  N.W.  cape  of 
Billiton. 


(     275     ) 


ISLANDS  AND  DANQEES  IN  THE  FAIEWAY. 

Discovery  West  Bank  {Ayer  Masein),  in  lat.  3°  38'  S.,  long.  108°  44'  30" 
E.,  was  examined  by  Captain  Eoss,  I.N.,  in  the  surveying  ship  Discovery. 
It  is  of  coral,  about  6  cables  in  extent  North  and  South,  and  2  cables 
broad,  having  near  its  western  edge  a  small  sandbank,  awash  at  high-water 
springs.  There  are  depths  of  16  to  20  fathoms  around  Discovery  West  bank 
at  a  distance  of  three-quarters  of  a  cable. 

Discovery  Reef  lies  N.E.  by  E.  J  E.  5i  miles  from  Discovery  West  Bank, 
and  is  in  lat.  3°  35'  45"  S.,  long.  108°  49'  25"  E. ;  this  reef  is  2  cables  in  di- 
ameter, having  several  coral  heads  awash  at  high  water,  and  14  to  22  fa- 
thoms around  it  at  the  distance  of  1  cable. 

Discovery  East  Bank*  {Mampango),  in  lat.  3°  34' 40"  S.,  long.  109°  12'  35" 
E.,  is  A^  cables  long  in  a  North  and  South  direction,  and  1 J  cable  broad, 
having  in  its  centre  a  decayed  white  coral  ridge  2  cables  long,  a  few  yards 
broad,  and  5  ft.  above  high  water  ;  there  are  14  to  24  fathoms,  sand,  around 
this  bank,  at  a  distance  of  1  cable.  Discovery  East  Bank  is  visible  from 
aloft  on  a  clear  day  at  a  distance  of  7  to  8  miles. 

Lavender  Bank  {Byuruh),  in  lat.  3°  24'  S.,  long.  109°  1'  30"  E.,  was  dis- 
covered by  Captain  Lavender,  of  the  ship  Rotnan,  who  passed  it  bearing  East 
about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  distant,  in  soundings  from  20  to  26  fathoms.  It 
is  7  cables  long  in  a  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.  direction,  and  2  cables  broad.  It 
is  composed  of  coral,  with  several  large  boulders  awash  at  high  water. 
Around  this  bank  there  is  a  depth  of  20  fathoms,  sand  and  shells,  at  the 
distance  of  a  cable.  During  a  south-easterly  breeze  the  sea  on  Lavender 
Bank  has  been  observed  from  aloft  to  break  at  a  distance  of  6  miles. 

Cirencester  Sandbank  {Batmn),  in  lat.  3°  Hf  S.,  long.  108°  59'  E.,  is 
about  half  a  mile  in  extent  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.,  and  1  cable  broad.  It  is 
chiefly  composed  of  live  coral  heads,  with  1  to  3  fathoms  between  them ;  at 
1^  cable  within  the  northern  extreme  of  this  bank  there  is  a  flat  circular 
patch  of  dead  coral  awash  at  low-water  springs,  1  cable  wide,  having  on  its 
western  edge  a  boulder  awash  at  high  water.  The  depth  of  water  increases 
towards  the  bank,  there  being  25  fathoms  close  off  the  North  end,  32  fathoms 
off  the  South  end,  and  35  fathoms  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  the  west- 
ward ;  with  a  good  lookout  it  may  be  seen  from  the  mast-head  about  8  miles 
at  low  water,  but  probably  not  above  3  or  4  at  high  tide.     Two  miles  east- 


*  From  the  following  remarks  in  possession  of  Captain  Stephen  Stocker,  R.N.,  who  was 
mate  of  H.M.S.  Hecate  in  1813,  it  would  appear  that  this  bank  was  discovered  by  that 
vessel:— "Steering  to  the  southward  out  of  Carimata  Strait,  we  discovered  a  dry  sand- 
bank, 12  or  13  ft.  above  water,  in  about  lat.  3'  40'  S.,  long.  109»  4'  E.  Passed  about  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  eastward  of  it,  and  had  soundings  of  21  to  25  fathoms." 


276  CAEIMATA  STEAIT. 

ward  of  the  bank  the  Cirencester  had  very  irregular  soundings,  from  1 6  to  20 
fathoms,  changing  at  almost  every  cast  of  the  lead. 

Shoal. — Captain  Irwin,  of  the  Arica,  in  1869,  intending  to  lay-to  for  the 
night,  southward  of  Scharvogel  Islands,  came  suddenly  close  to  a  rock,  from 
50  to  60  ft.  long,  the  shoalest  part  having  about  6  ft.  water,  from  that  to  18 
feet  over  the  remainder.  Position,  South  from  the  South  Island  and  S.  by 
W.  I  W.  from  the  eastern  islet,  in  about  lat.  3°  31'  S.,  long.  108°  25'  E. 

Bower  Shoal,  discovered  by  H.M.S.  Nassau  in  1876,  is  in  lat.  3°  28'  45"  S., 
long.  108°  40'  30"  E.  It  is  a  coral  patch,  three-quarters  of  a  cable  in  extent? 
having  9  ft.  water  on  it,  and  9  to  1 1  fathoms  close  around. 

Osterly  North  and  South  Shoals  were  examined  by  H.M.S.  Discovery,  and 
afterwards,  in  1874,  by  Lieut  W.  Pearce,  in  H.M.S.  Sylvia.  Osterly  South 
Shoal,  in  lat.  3°  19'  S.,  long.  108°  37'  E.,  is  2  cables  in  extent  North  and 
South,  with  6  to  12  ft.  water  on  it.  and  10  to  14  fathoms  close  around;  near 
the  centre  of  the  shoal  there  is  a  white  dead  coral  islet,  about  40  ft.  long, 
and  3  ft.  above  high  water.  Osterly  North  Shoal,  situated  about  19  cables 
N.E.  from  the  islet  on  Osterly  South  Shoal,  is  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in 
extent,  awash  at  low  water,  and  has  from  10  to  15  fathoms  close  around. 
By  day  this  shoal  may  be  distinguished  from  the  greenish  tint  of  the  water ; 
but  at  night  it  is  exceedingly  dangerous  to  vessels  passing  eastward  of  the 
Scharvogel  Islands.  In  the  vicinity  of  these  shoals  the  ebb  tide  was  observed 
to  set  to  the  southward,  and  the  flood  to  the  northward. 

The  Discovery  anchored  in  1 1  fathoms,  soft  ground,  with  North  Shoal  East  2 
miles,  when  the  boat  had  from  5  to  7  fathoms  rocks  on  another  shoal,  bear- 
ing S.  h  W.  from  the  ship  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile.  From  the  Discovery 
the  extremes  of  the  Scharvogel  Group  bore  "W.  15i°  S.  to  W.  15°  N.,  the 
nearest  island  distant  about  8  miles,  and  a  high  distant  hill  N.W.  When 
Discovery  was  anchored  in  the  above  position,  breakers  were  seen  from  the 
mast-head  bearing  S.S.E.  distant  about  4  miles  (?),  on  what  is  named  Osterly 
South  Shoal.     Many  eddies  were  also  seen  around. 

Cirencester  Rock,  or  Shoal,  in  lat.  2°  54|^'  S.,  long.  108°  56'  E.,  was  seen 
by  the  Cirencester  on  the  same  day  that  she  discovered  the  sand-bank  de- 
scribed above.  The  least  depth  found  upon  it  was  2  fathoms  at  low  water, 
and  there  is  probably  3^  fathoms  on  it  at  high  tide  ;  close  around  the  sound- 
ings were  17,  16,  and  15  fathoms.  The  shoal  is  narrow,  and  not  more  than 
100  yards  in  length,  North  and  South.  It  was  not  discovered  by  the  boats 
sounding  for  it  until  the  rocks  were  seen  under  the  bottom. 

Admiral  Protet  Reef,  Sfc. — A  reef,  with  about  6  or  7  ft.  water,  lies  near  the 
assigned  but  doubtful  position  (2°  58f  S.,  108°  34^'  E.,  or  3°  S.,  108°  30'  E.) 
of  a  shoal  named  Admiral  Protet ;  from  it  Slandak  Island  bears  W.  f  S.,  and 
Liendorg,  one  of  the  Scharvogel  Islands,  S.S.AV. ;  the  position  given  is  in 
lat.  2^  59'  S.,  lung.  108°  38'  E. 


MONT  ARAN  ISLANDS.  277 

MONTARAN  ISLANDS,  lying  off  the  N.E.  part  of  BilHton,  consist  of 
three  straggling  groups,  which,  with  the  many  dangers  that  lie  near  them, 
are  very  imperfectly  known,  and  appear  to  be  most  inaccurately  laid  dowa 
upon  the  chart.  The  navigator  is  therefore  cautioned  to  be  very  vigilant 
when  near  these  islands.  Lieut.  W.  Pearce,  R.N.,  examined  East  Island, 
Catherine  Eeef,  and  Small  Island,  in  H.M.S.  Sylvia,  in  1874. 

Nangka,  or  Tohohemo,  the  largest  and  highest  of  the  Montaran  Islands, 
has  a  high  hill  on  each  extreme ;  and,  being  low  in  the  middle,  appears  like 
two  islands  till  within  8  or  9  miles  of  it ;  but  it  cannot  be  mistaken  when  a 
vessel  is  17  or  18  miles  to  the  northward,  as  none  of  the  low  islands  near  it 
are  seen  at  that  distance.  Close  to  the  North  point  of  this  high  saddle  island 
of  Nangka  lies  an  islet  covered  with  bushes,  and  they  are  united  by  a  reef 
which  extends  about  1^  mile  to  the  northward  ;  a  reef  projects  also  about 
half  a  mile  from  the  South  point  of  the  island. 

West  Group. — About  2^  miles  S.  by  E.  from  Nangka  are  three  low  islands, 
named  West  Group,  with  apparently  much  broken  water  about  them,  and  a 
dry  sand-bank  about  4  miles  south-eastward  of  them  ;  there  is  also  a  high 
white  sand-bank  about  4  miles  south-eastward  of  them. 

Between  West  Group  and  Middle  Group  the  water  is  shoal,  and  a  dan- 
gerous reef  very  little  above  water  lies  midway  between  them.  A  second 
doubtful  danger,  named  High  Bank,  is  marked  at  3  miles  south-eastward  of 
Gampal,  the  southern  island  of  the  Western  Group.  Na/pier  Island  lies  4 
miles  W.  ^  N.  from  Gampal;  it  is  wooded,  and  185  ft.  high.  Some  islets 
and  rocks  lie  between  1^  and  ?>h  miles  southward  of  it,  and  a  sandbank  a  mile 
long  between  1  and  2  miles  S.E.  of  its  eastern  extremity. 

The  Middle  Group  consists  of  four  or  five  islands,  lying  from  6  to  12 
miles  to  the  eastward  of  the  West  Group.  The  southernmost  island  is  in  lat. 
2°  ;36'  S.,  and  when  approached  by  the  Fox  frigate,  it  appeared  to  be  in- 
habited, and  the  water  very  shoal  around.  It  appears  to  have  been  upon 
one  of  the  reefs  off  these  islands  that  the  Ahercromhie  was  lost,  a  fine  ship  of 
1,200  tons  burden,  belonging  to  Bombay. 

East  Island,  or  Pesemot,  at  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  group,  was  ex- 
amined by  Lieut.  W.  Pearce,  in  H.M.S.  Si/!via,  in  1874.  It  is  in  lat.  2°  29'  S., 
long.  108°  51'  40"  E.,  and  about  half  a  mile  in  extent  North  and  South. 
The  island  is  of  coral  formation,  thickly  wooded,  and  surrounded  by  a  sandy 
beach,  the  trees  in  the  centre  forming  a  sharply  pointed  summit,  130  ft.  high, 
making  the  island  conspicuous  and  easily  recognised  when  seen  from  a  dis- 
tance. On  the  western  side  of  the  island  rocks  were  seen  above  water  about 
1  cable  from  the  shore ;  there  is  also  a  sand-bank  about  1  mile  N.  by  W. 
from  this  island.  Skeletons  of  turtle  were  seen  on  East  Island,  so  that  it  may 
be  assumed  they  visit  to  deposit  their  eggs. 

A  sand-hank  is  marked  at  1  mile  N.  by  W.  from  East  Island. 

Luctor  Shoal.— The  Dutch  barque  Ludor  and  Eiaerfjo  touched  on  a  reef, 


278  CAEIMATA  STEAIT. 

from  which  Nangka  bore  West,  East  Island  E.  f  N.,  and  the  westernmost 
island  of  the  Middle  Group  S.  by  E.,  which  places  the  rock  in  lat.  2°  32'  8., 
long.  108°  44'  E. 

Small  Island,  IJ  mile  S.S.W.  i^  W.  from  East  Island,  flat  and  covered 
with  trees  in  the  centre,  appeared  to  be  about  the  same  length  as  East 
Island.     The  channel  between  these  islands  is  said  to  be  shallow. 

Dangers  Eastward  of  East  Island. — A  sand-hanh,  having  a  few  patches 
above  water,  was  seen  from  the  Sylviah  boat,  about  1  mile  E.  by  S.  from 
East  Island  ;  the  bank  appeared  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  long,  in  an 
East  and  West  direction,  but  it  was  not  examined. 

A  sand-hank,  according  to  an  old  report,  lies  S.E.  by  E.  J  E.  about  4  miles 
from  East  Island.  About  a  hundred  yards  all  round  this  bank  the  depths 
were  from  10  to  18  fathoms,  shoaling  suddenly  towards  it.  In  the  centre  of 
the  bank  there  is  a  coral  rock  (3  ft.  above  water.)  ? 

Catherine,  or  Evans  Reef. — On  December  17th,  1840,  a  ship,  commanded 
by  Captain  E.  M.  Smith,  was  wrecked  on  a  coral  reef,  in  lat.  2°  30J'  S.,  long. 
108°  59^'  E.  In  no  part  was  it  within  a  fathom  of  the  surface,  and  in  calm 
weather  no  breaker  nor  any  indication  of  the  reef  could  be  perceived,  the 
current  running  to  the  N.E.  4  or  5  knots.  Again,  the  ship  Catherine,  Capt. 
Evans,  at  2''  15"  p.m.,  struck  on  this  ledge  of  rocks,  with  East  Island  bear- 
ing W.  i  N.,  distant  8  miles,  and  Carimata  Peak  N.  4°  W.  It  is  formed  of 
sharp  coral  rocks,  extends  N.W.  and  S.E.  a  cable's  length,  and  the  least 
water  found  on  it  was  2  fathoms.  Soundings  were  obtained  in  difierent  di- 
rections ;  they  were  4  to  9  fathoms  about  N.W.  of  the  ship,  and  to  the  S.E. 
a  little  less  than  a  cable  distant.  Though  a  strong  current  was  setting  to  the 
southward,  there  was  no  appearance  of  broken  or  discoloured  water.  Capt. 
Evans  places  the  reef  in  lat.  2°  31^'  S.,  long.  108°  57'  E. 

Catherine  or  Evans  Eeef  was  unsuccessfully  searched  for  by  the  boats  of 
H.M.S.  Sylvia,  in  1874,  in  the  position  given  by  the  master  of  the  Catherine, 
namely  with  East  Island  bearing  W.  ^  N.,  distant  8  miles,  and  Carimata 
Peak  N.  4°  W.  During  the  examination,  however,  a  shoal,  having  4^ 
fathoms  on  it  and  8  to  17  fathoms  close  around,  was  found  at  4^  miles  E.  J  S. 
from  East  Island,  or  in  lat.  2°  31'  30"  S.,  long.  108°  54'  30"  E.  (From  this 
position  Carimata  Peak  bears  N.  3x°  W.)  Although  4^  fathoms  was  the 
least  depth  obtained  by  the  Sylvia,  it  was  considered  probable  that  less 
water  might  be  found.  Also,  that  other  shoal  ground  existed  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood. 

Corsyra  Shoal. — The  Corcyra,  Capt.  Walison,  in  August,  1858,  discovered 
a  shoal  of  15  ft.  water,  about  half  a  cable's  length  in  circumference,  with 
Round  Hill  on  Billiton  bearing  S.  57°  W.,  and  the  northernmost  small 
island  of  Nangka,  just  open  of  the  large  one,  N.  61°  W. ;  but  those  bearings 
will  not  lay  down  upon  the  chart.     Eeputed  position,  2°  31'  S.,  108°  30'  E. 

Maas  en  Waal  Shoal,  discovered  by  the  steam  ship  of  that  name,  has  18  ft. 


SOEUETOU  ISLAND.  279 

water  over  it.  From  the  shoal  Pulo  Sambilan  is  in  line  with  the  South  peak 
of  Pulo  Naugka,  bearing  E.  ^  N.,  distant  about  6  miles.  The  position  of 
this  shoal  was  reported  as  lat.  2°  32'  30"  S.,  long.  108°  27'  E.  It  is  marked 
on  the  Admiralty  chart  6  miles  westward  of  this  position. 

Condor  Reef. — The  ship  Condor  struck  on  this  shoal,  but  did  not  stop  to 
examine  it ;  the  ship,  however,  made  water  immediately  after  she  struck. 
It  lies  N.  by  E.  ^  E.  8i  miles  from  Nangka  Island,  in  lat.  2°  22'  20"  S.,  long. 
108°  37'  15"  E.     Some  rocks  lie  8  miles  S.W.  of  Condor  Eeef. 

Ontario  Reef,  the  centre  of  which  is  in  lat.  2°  1^'  S.,  long.  108°  39'  E.,  is 
very  dangerous,  as  it  lies  in  the  direct  tract  formerly  recommended  to  ships 
when  passing  between  Soruetou  and  Billiton.  It  was  discovered  by  Captain 
Whetten,  in  the  American  ship  Ontario,  which  was  lost  on  it  January  4th, 
1799.  It  is  composed  of  sharp  spiral  rocks,  with  the  tops  of  some  of  them 
dry  at  low  water  spring  tides  ;  but  the  small  break  against  their  sharp  points 
cannot  be  distinguished  from  the  topping  of  a  common  sea  ;  and  the  shoal 
is  steep-to,  having  18  and  19  fathoms  at  a  ship's  length  from  the  rocks. 
From  the  wreck  of  the  Ontario  the  north-eastern  end  of  the  Quoin  (on  the 
western  part  of  Soruetou)  was  just  shut  in  with  the  western  end  of  Sorue- 
tou ;  the  East  end  of  Soruetou  bearing  N.N.E.  was  open  about  a  quarter  of 
a  point  from  the  West  end  of  Carimata.  No  other  land  in  sight  from  the 
reef.  The  soundings  are  no  guide  in  the  approach  to  this  dangerous  shoal, 
there  being  23  and  24  fathoms  close  to  it  on  the  North  and  East  sides,  18 
to  25  fathoms  nearly  close  to  the  rocks  on  the  West  side,  and  25  fathoms 
clay,  at  the  distance  of  a  cable's  length.  The  shoal  was  examined  by  Capt. 
Eoss,  I.N.,  who  found  it  half  a  mile  in  extent  W.N.W.  andE.S.E.  ;  and  one 
of  the  Montaran  Islands  was  visible  from  the  main-top,  bearing  S.  6J°  W. 

Waller  Rock.  — There  is  said  to  be  a  coral  rock,  with  3  fathoms  water  over 
it,  at  5  miles  to  the  westward  of  the  Ontario  Eeef. 

Rival  Reef  we  have  no  account  of.  It  is  marked  on  the  chart  with  5J  fa- 
thoms over  it,  rocky  bottom,  in  lat.  1°  47'  S.,  long.  108"  \bh'  E. 

Florence  Adelaide  Reef. — The  British  ship  Florence  Adelaide,  bound  from 
Cardifi'to  Singapore,  in  1863,  was  reported  to  have  been  wrecked  on  a  sup- 
posed coral  reef,  lying  in  about  lat.  2°  S.,  long.  108°  E.  The  reef  had  16  ft, 
water  on  it  in  the  place  where  the  vessel  struck,  but  its  extent  and  the  least 
depth  over  it  was  not  ascertained. 

Hooghly  Rocks. — The  master  of  the  French  ship  Hooghly,  in  1872,  sighted 
three  rocks  in  lat.  1°  35'  S.,  long.  108°  12'  E.  They  bore  East  and  West  of 
each  other,  and  from  the  westward  appeared  as  a  haycock,  a  sugar-loaf,  and 
a  small  tree;  the  haycock,  16  ft.,  being  the  highest  out  of  the  water.  The 
position  was  determined  by  ooservations  of  the  Peak  of  C-'rimata. 

SORUETOU  ISLAND,  about  6  miles  long  East  and  West,  2  miles  wide, 
1,400  ft.  high,  and  visible  28  or  30  miles  otf,  forms  the  north-eastern  limit  of 
the  broad  main  channels  of  Carimata  Strait.  The  western  point  of  the  island 


280  CARIMATA  STRAIT. 

is  in  lat.  1°  42i'  S.,  long.  108°  39J'  E.,  and  on  it  is  a  hummock,  which  has 
been  mistaken  for  a  small  island,  and  called  the  Quoin,  from  its  appearance. 
About  2  or  3  miles  off  the  West  end  of  the  island  the  depths  are  20  to  26 
fathoms. 

Breakers  are  said  to  have  been  seen  from  the  mast-head  of  the  ship  Aurora, 
bearing  S.  by  W.  ^  W.,  distant  about  3  miles,  when  the  eastern  extremity 
of  Soruetou  bore  E.  by  N.  i  N.,  the  other  extreme  being  obscured  by  clouds. 

At  a  sandy  beach  on  the  South  side  of  Soruetou,  and  near  the  East  point, 
there  is  a  good  watering  place,  but  high  tide  is  required  for  a  large  boat  to 
get  over  a  reef.  It  is  said,  however,  that  fresh  water  can  only  be  got  at  the 
West  end  of  the  island,  at  the  foot  of  a  hill  of  moderate  height,  where  a  ship 
may  anchor  in  10  fathoms. 

CARIMATA  ISLAND  lies  north-eastward  of  Soruetou,  from  which  it  is 
separated  by  a  narrow  channel.  It  is  about  11  miles  in  extent  East  and 
West,  7  miles  North  and  South,  and  near  its  centre  is  a  peak  rising  to  an 
elevation  of  2,000  or  2,986  ft.,  which  maybe  seen  at  the  distance  of  about 
45  miles.     On  the  S.  W.  end  of  the  island  are  some  hot  springs. 

Reefs  and  dangers  extend  off  the  East  and  South  coasts  of  Carimata ;  and 
at  6|  miles  S.S.E.  from  the  South  point  of  the  island  is  a  gravel  patch,  having 
4  fathoms  water  over  it.  Two  rocks  above  water,  with  others  below  the 
surface,  appear  to  lie  3  or  4  miles  off  the  middle  part  of  the  West  coast ;  and 
off  the  N.  W.  point  of  the  island  are  numerous  islets  and  rocks,  the  outer  of 
which,  Tongado  Island,  is  3  miles  westward  of  the  point. 

The  channel  between  Soruetou  and  the  reef  which  extends  from  the  South 
coast  of  Carimata  is  about  2  miles  wide,  with  depths  of  10  to  17  fathoms; 
but  no  object  is  to  be  gained  by  using  it. 

Jamsetti  Reef,  with  19  ft.  water  over  it,  lies  7  miles  N.  by  W.  f  W.  from 
the  North  point  of  Carimata  Island,  and  N.E.  J  N.  lOJ  miles  from  Tongado 
Island. 

Leema  Isles  are  a  group  of  small  islets  lying  North  about  18  miles  from 
the  northern  side  of  Carimata  ;  near  them  the  soundings  are  12  to  14  fathoms. 

Wellesley  Shoalis  said  to  lie  in  lat.  1°  18'  S  ,  long.  108^  34J'  E.,  but  its 
position  is  doubtful.  Crescent  Shoal,  also  of  doubtful  existence,  is  said  to  lie 
in  lat.  1°  10'  S.,  long.  108°  38'  E. 

Erikson  Shoal,  of  4|  fathoms,  is  placed  on  the  chart  in  lat  1°  5'  S., 
108"  29i'  E. 

China  Reef. — The  commander  of  the  China  reported,  in  1871,  that  his  ship 
struck  on  a  reef,  4  miles  North  of  the  last  named,  on  which  there  is  10  ft.  of 
water.  It  is  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  long,  and  stretches  out  from  N.  W.  to 
S.E.     Its  position  is  in  lat.  1°  1'  15"  S.,  long.  108°  30'  E. 

GREIG  SHOAL  was  discovered  by  Capt.  William  Greig,  of  the  ship  Lord, 
Minto,  who  found  it  to  extend  from  lat.  0°  52'  to  0°  58'  S.,  long.  108°  37'  E. ; 
the  longitude,  however,  cannot  be  relied  upon  as  being  correct.  Five  fathoms 


WEST  COAST  OF  BORNEO,  ETC.  281 

water  were  found  within  the  extent  given  above,  but  on  the  extremes  of  the 
shoal  the  vessel  was  often  in  nearly  the  same  depth  of  water  as  she  was 
drawing,  1 3  feet,  and  this  was  in  steering  between  much  shoaler  spots,  with 
the  body  of  Carimata  then  seen  from  the  deck,  bearing  between  S.S.E.  f  E. 
and  S.E.  by  S.  ;  the  least  water  found  was  12  ft.  ;  but,  in  a  more  recent  ex- 
amination, a  spot  with  8  ft.  water  only  was  found,  in  lat.  0'  55'  30'  S.,  long. 
108'  28'  E.  ;  from  this  spot  Penambungan  Island  bears  E.S.E.,  and  the  peak 
of  Carimata  Island  S.S.E.  f  E.  The  shoal  is  circular  in  shape,  and  ab  .ut 
1^  cable  in  diameter. 

Columbus  Shoal.— On  the  24th  of  November,  1869,  the  ship  Columbus, 
G.  Croot,  master,  in  lat.  0'  51'  S.,  long.  108°  16'  E.,  struck  soundings  in  5 
fathoms,  hard  sand  or  rock  ;  the  ship  then  tacked  and  stood  to  the  N.W. ; 
on  standing  back  again,  and  when  about  5  miles  S.S.W.  of  the  first  position, 
soundings  in  6  fathoms  were  again  obtained;  tacked  and  stood  off  to  17 
fathoms,  after  which  no  shoaler  water  was  found.  The  weather  at  the  time 
was  squally,  and  no  land  in  sight. 


WEST  COAST  OF  BORNEO,  ETC. 

The  southern  part  of  the  West  coast  of  Borneo,  from  Sambar  Point  (its 
S.W.  extreme)  to  abreast  of  the  Masien  Tiega  Islets,  is  very  imperfectly 
known.  Two  of  its  ports  Sinkawang  and  Pontianak,  are  visited  by  the 
Netherlands  Indian  Steam  Navigation  Company's  steamers,  but  the  trade  of 
the  coast  is  mostly  carried  on  by  small  vessels,  owned  and  commanded  by 
Chinamen  or  Malays  connected  either  with  the  Dutch  settlements  in  Bor- 
neo or  Java,  or  with  Singapore. 

SAMBAR  POINT  is  in  about  lat.  2=  56'  30"  S.,  long.  110^  15'  E.,  and 
Mount  Minto  in  2""  14'  S.,  110°  3'  E.,  and  between  them  the  coast  falls  back 
and  forms  two  bays.  Mount  Minto  is  upon  the  North  point  of  the  northern 
bay,  and  aboat  16  miles  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  from  it  is  a  high  peak.  The  islands 
of  Mankap,  Laag,  Kumpal,  and  some  smaller  ones,  together  with  several 
dangers,  lie  off  this  part  of  the  coast,  and  are  described  hereafter. 

N.  J  W.,  distant  22  miles  from  Mount  Minto  Point,  is  Bree  Point,  the  coast 
between  forming  a  bay  5  or  6  miles  deep,  in  which  are  several  small  rivers. 
Close  to  the  northward  of  Bree  Point  is  the  Pawang  River,  which  has  two 
entrances,  separated  by  an  island  3  or  4  miles  in  breadth. 

From  the  entrance  of  the  Pawang  the  coast  trends  with  an  irregular  out- 
line in  a  general  North  direction  for  about  45  miles,  to  the  entrance  of  the 
large  river  Simpang.  On  this  part  of  the  coast  are  several  small  rivers,  and 
about  midway  between  the  Pawang  and  Simpang  are  the  islets  Sepadian, 
Tjampedak,  Dato,  &c.,  with  the  islands  of  Joanta  and  Batoang,  7  or  8  miles 
I.  A.  2  o 


282  WEST  COAST  OF  BORNEO. 

in  the  offing.  About  7  miles  southward  of  the  entrance  of  the  Simpang  is 
the  island  of  Palmtoan,  lying  close  to  a  point  of  the  coast,  inside  of  which  on 
a  small  river  is  the  town  of  Pamharawang .  Two  or  three  miles  southward  of 
Pambarawang  is  the  town  of  Succadana. 

Succadana,  or  Sukadana,  "Parrot's  Gift,"  is  an  unimportant  place.  It  is 
a  part  of  the  Netherland  province  on  the  West  coast  of  Borneo,  and  was 
once  a  Javanese  state. 

There  is  good  anchorage  in  3  or  4  fathoms  in  the  roadstead  off  these 
towns,  with  a  group  of  small  islands  to  the  southward. 

The  coast  above  described  is  low  land,  and  it  has  seldom  been  approached 
under  12  or  10  fathoms,  being  fronted  by  islets  or  rocky  ground  in  some 
parts. 

From  the  entrance  of  the  Simpang  Eiver,  the  coast  trends  for  about  40 
miles  in  a  W.N.W.  direction  to  a  point  about  4  miles  north-eastward  of  the 
Masien  Tiega  Islands.  On  this  part  of  the  coast  are  several  other  islands, 
and  separated  from  it  by  a  very  narrow  channel  is  the  large  island  of  Mayang, 
w^hich  is  principally  low  land,  but  near  its  south-western  end  is  a  high  hill. 
Mount  Marang ;  and  near  its  north-western  end  a  long  range  fronting  the 
sea,  named  Mount  Mayah. 

The  West  Coast  of  Borneo,  from  a  point  10  miles  northward  of  the  Masien 
Tiega  Islets,  takes  a  general  direction  about  N.N.W.  for  a  distance  of  50 
miles,  when  it  trends  towards  the  Pontianak  River.  Two  or  three  small 
islands  are  shown  on  the  chart  as  lying  close  to  this  part  of  the  coast,  and 
the  entrance  of  the  Sanjavay,  one  of  the  branches  of  the  Pontianak,  is  about 
15  miles  to  the  southward  of  the  main  entrance  of  the  latter  river.  The  fol- 
lowing remarkable  phenomenon  was  experienced  by  Captain  Pearson,  of  the 
brig  Lady  of  the  Lake,  in  the  months  of  May  and  June,  while  sailing  along 
this  coast  on  two  different  voyages  : — 

"June  2nd,  1833,  at  daylight,  when  sailing  along  the  coast  in  10  fathoms 
water,  experienced  a  singular  incident ;  fresh  water  on  one  side  the  vessel, 
and  salt  water  on  the  other,  which  continued  for  an  hour  whilst  sailing  about 
2  miles  on  the  boundary  line  of  salt  and  fresh  water.  We  filled  all  our 
empty  casks  with  good  drinkable  water  on  one  side  of  the  vessel,  when  it 
was  quite  salt  on  the  opposite  side  ;  our  distance  then  2^  or  3  miles  off  shore, 
lat.  0"  8'  S.,  with  the  appearance  of  the  mouth  of  a  great  river  abreast,  which 
must  be  navigable  for  large  vessels,  as  the  water  deepened  in  crossing  its 
direction."  This  was  probably  the  Sanjavay  River,  one  of  the  branches  of 
the  Pontianak,  several  of  which  reach  the  sea  between  the  equator  and  lat. 
0°  20'  S. 

PONTIANAK  RIVER  entrance  is  in  lat.  0°  2'  N.,  long.  109°  10'  E.,  and 
distant  35  miles  E.  f  S.  from  Pulo  Datoe-  The  anchorage  in  the  road  is  in 
3i  to  55  fathoms,  with  the  river's  mouth  bearing  E.  by  S.  h  S.,  or  E.S.E., 
Pulo  Datoe  W.  i  N.  or  W.  ^  N.,  and  the  extremes  of  Borneo  from  S.  \  E. 


TANJONG  ^FAMrAWA.  283 

to  N.N.W.  ^  W.,  oif  shore  about  4  or  5  miles.  A  shoal  mud-bank  projects 
some  distance  from  the  mouth  of  the  river,  and  although  the  bar  is  nearly 
dry  at  low  water,  there  are  8  or  10  ft.  on  it  at  high  spring  tides.  The  town 
is  about  12  miles  from  the  entrance,  and  has  a  fort;  and  at  Balu  Lasrong, 
about  7  miles  up,  there  is  a  fort  on  each  side.  These  two  places  are  some- 
times visited  by  Bengal  traders. 

Buoys. — Outside  the  poles  which  mark  the  channel  of  the  Pontianak 
Eiver,  two  Herbert's  buoys  are  placed.  A  white  buoy  in  3  fathoms  water, 
with  Pulo  Batoe  bearing  W.  4°  N.,  and  Pulo  Temadyo  showing  over  the 
low  foreland,  N.  29°  W.  The  second  buoy  is  black,  moored  in  2f  fathoms 
water  N.  12°  E.  from  the  preceding  buoy,  and  with  Pulo  Datoe  bearing 
W.  2°  N.,  and  Pulo  Temadyo  N.  30°  W.  These  buoys  are  moored  about 
W.N.W.  2^  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  river. 

Pontianak,  a  Malay  town  and  state,  is  the  chief  place  of  the  Netherlands 
Administration  of  their  western  province  of  Borneo.  There  is  a  considerable 
trade  with  Batavia  and  Singapore.  The  river  is  said  to  be  navigable  by  the 
light  draught  steamer  stationed  upon  it,  for  a  distance  of  200  miles. 

Some  bullocks  and  hogs  may  be  procured  at  Pontianak,  and  also  at  Mam- 
pawa  ;  but  boats  must  go  far  up  the  Pontianak  to  procure  fresh  water  during 
the  dry  season,  which  makes  watering  at  this  river  very  inconvenient. 

TANJONG  MAMPAWA  is  in  lat.  0°  19^'  N.,  long.  108°  54'  E.,  and  bears 
N.W,  23  miles  from  the  entrance  of  the  Pontianak,  the  coast  between  form- 
ing a  bay.  About  4  miles  eastward  of  the  point  is  Mampawa  River,  which 
is  only  navigable  for  proas ;  there  is  a  fort  at  the  town  of  Mampawa,  a  few 
miles  inside  the  entrance.  The  anchorage  in  the  road  is  in  5  to  8  fathoms, 
about  3  or  4  miles  off  shore,  with  the  mouth  of  the  river  N.  by  E.  |-  E. ;  or 
to  the  westward  of  the  point  at  discretion,  bearing  in  mind  that  the  sound- 
ings decrease  rather  suddenly  under  a  depth  of  10  fathoms. 

H.M.S.  Rifleman,  in  1862,  anchored  off  Mampawa  Point,  but  could  not 
find  the  landing-place  mentioned  in  Horsburgh  as  being  there.  Her  boats 
went  up  to  the  town  of  Mampawa,  and  succeeded  in  obtaining  a  few  fowls 
and  eggs. 

The  Tides  in  Mampawa  Eoad  run  about  2  miles  per  hour,  nearly  E.S.E. 
and  W.N.W. 

The  coast  from  Mampawa  Point  takes  a  general  direction  nearly  N.  by  W. 
for  28  miles,  to  Tanjong  Batoe  Blad.  At  9  miles  from  Mampawa  Point  is 
Tanjong  Samoedin,  and  between  these  points  is  a  bay,  about  2  miles  deep, 
with  a  small  round  islet  in  the  depth  of  it.  The  western  part  of  this  islet 
was  used  as  an  observation  spot  by  the  ofScers  of  H.M.  surveying-vessel 
Rifleman,  and  its  position  was  ascertained  to  be  in  lat.  0°  24'  N.,  long. 
108°  56'  E.  At  18  miles  northward  from  Samoedin  Point  is  Tanjong  Sangoa, 
having  a  small  islet  close  to  it,  and  Samassu  Island  and  Kran  Islet  lying 
about  half  a   mile  off  it.     On  either  side  of  Sangoa  Point,  the  coast  line 


284  WEST  COAST  OF  BORNEO. 

curves  gently  back,  forming  bays,  towards  which  the  soundings  decrease  gra- 
dually. 

Mountains. — The  coast  between  the  Pontianak  River  and  Batoe  Blad 
Point  is  marked  by  many  remarkable  mountains,  some  rising  boldly  up  near 
the  sea,  and  others  several  miles  back  from  it.  A  long  continuous  range 
runs  eastward  from  Tanjong  Sedow  Malang  (5  miles  north-eastward  of  Tan- 
jong  Batoe  Blad)  for  a  distance  of  12  or  13  miles. 

Pulo  Sitenga,  its  centre  in  lat.  0°  22'  N.,  long.  108°  44'  40"  E.,  is  small, 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  long  N.N.E,  and  S.S.W.,  nearly  half  a  mile  broad, 
and  moderately  elevated.  Close  around  it  are  6  to  8  fathoms  water,  and 
from  11  to  16  fathoms,  clay  bottom,  at  a  short  distance  from  it. 

Pulo  Damar,  lying  N.E.  f  E.,  2|-  miles  from  Sitenga,  is  a  small,  round 
islet,  moderately  elevated,  and  covered  with  large  trees.  Close  around  it  are 
5i  to  8  fathoms,  increasing  to  10  and  14  fathoms  at  a  short  distance  to  the 
westward. 

PULO  TEMADJOE,  lying  about  2|  miles  westward  of  Tanjong  Samoedin, 
is  about  2i  miles  long,  North  and  South,  and  1^  mile  broad.  It  is  consider- 
ably elevated,  of  an  irregular  shape,  forming  a  point  at  its  South  end,  and 
having  its  greatest  breadth  on  its  N.W.  side,  where  are  two  small  bays, 
with  white  sandy  beaches  ;  there  is  also  a  rather  deep  bay  on  its  West  side. 
The  soundings  decrease  gradually  towards  Temadjoe,  from  14  and  12  fa- 
thoms to  7  and  6,  and  close  to  it  are  4  and  3  fathoms,  except  on  its  East 
side,  where  a  reef  appears  to  project  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile.  The  channel 
between  the  island  and  the  main  is  quite  clear,  with  depths  of  7  or  8  fathoms, 
decreasing  regularly  towards  the  main,  and  there  is  good  anchorage  any- 
where under  the  lee  of  the  island 

Pulo  Baroe,  in  lat.  0°  35J'  N.,  long.  108°  45i'  E.,  is  only  about  a  third  of 
a  mile  in  extent.  The  soundings  are  very  irregular,  18  to  5  fathoms,  close 
to  it,  and  close  to  its  North  end  is  a  patch  of  H  fathom. 

A.  shoal  patch  ,  of  only  2f  fathoms  water,  and  12  to  16  fathoms  around  it, 
lies  half  a  mile  N.N.W.  from  Pulo  Baroe. 

Pulo  Samassu,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  long  N.  by  W.  and  S.  by  E.,  and 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  broad,  lies  off  Tanjong  Sangoa,  half  a  mile  distant  from 
the  coast,  but  some  distance  inside  the  S-fathoms  edge  of  the  bank  extend- 
from  the  shore.  The  soundings  decrease  rather  suddenly  towards  this  island, 
which  should  not  be  neared  under  a  depth  of  8  or  6  fathoms. 

About  N.W.  J  N.,  distant  one-third  of  a  mile  from  the  North  point  of  Sa- 
massu, is  a  small  islet  named  Pulo  Kran. 

Four-fathoms  Patches.  —  X  shoal  patch,  having  this  depth  over  it,  and  8  to  11 
fathoms  around  it,  lies  with  the  South  point  of  Samassu  bearing  East,  distant 
3i  miles  ;  and  the  West  part  of  Pulo  Kaboen,  shut  in  behind  the  N.E.  part 
of  Pulo  Penata  Ketehil,  bearing  N.  by  W.,  westerly.  There  is  another  4- 
fathoms  patch  at  half  a  mile  southward  of  Penata  Ketehil. 


BOEEONG  ISLANDS.  285 

B0ER02f  G  ISLANDS  are  a  group  of  five  islands  lying  to  the  westward  of 
Tanjong  Batoe  Blad  and  the  coaft  adjacent  to  it. 

Pulo  Landean,  the  southernmost  of  the  group,  is  a  mere  islet,  barely  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  in  diameter,  lying  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  S.  by  E. 
from  the  South  point  of  Lamokatan.  Near  to  it  are  depths  ot  4  fathoms, 
and  10  to  12  fathoms  at  a  short  distance  westward  of  it. 

Pulo  Lamokatan,  the  largest  island  of  the  group,  is  4^  miles  long  N.N.W. 
and  S.S.E.,  but  its  greatest  breadth  is  only  a  little  over  a  mile.  It  is  high, 
with  several  peaked  hills  upon  it,  the  heights  of  which,  however ,  are  not 
known.  The  water  is  deep,  15  or  16  fathoms,  close  to  its  West  side,  and 
there  appears  to  be  a  deep  water  channel  between  it  and  Pulo  Landean. 
Shoal  water  extends  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  North  part  of  the 
island. 

There  is  anchorage  in  5  or  6  fathoms  abreast  of  two  small  bays  on  the 
East  side  of  Lamokatan,  but  it  will  be  necessary  to  approach  the  shore  with 
caution,  the  soundings  decreasing  rather  suddenly  from  17  or  16  fathoms. 

Pulo  Penata  Besar,  2  miles  long  N.  by  W.  and  S.  by  E.,  and  two-thirda 
of  a  mile  broad,  lies  about  1 J  mile  eastward  of  Lamokatan,  the  South  ex- 
tremes of  both  islands  being  in  the  same  latitude.  Close  to  the  East  and 
West  sides  of  Penata  Besar  are  from  4  to  8  fathoms  water,  except  off  its 
North  point,  where  there  are  but  If  fathoms.  In  the  channel  between 
these  islands  the  water  is  deep,  2'2  to  33  fathoms,  but  decreasing  to  15  and 
14  fathoms  northward  of  the  parallel  of  the  North  point  of  Penata  Besar. 

Pulo  Penata  Ketchil,  about  half  a  mile  in  extent,  lies  a  mile  eastward  of 
the  middle  part  of  Penata  Besar.  A  point  projects  in  a  south-easterly  direc- 
tion from  the  island,  upon  each  side  of  which  is  a  small  bay.  Close  to  the 
island  are  8  to  13  fathoms,  but,  as  before  stated,  there  is  a  patch  of  4  fathoms 
at  half  a  mile  to  the  southward,  having  6  and  7  fathoms  near  it. 

A  Shoal  or  bank,  over  which  the  least  water  appears  to  be  3^  fathoms,  lies 
(its  southern  extreme  of  4  fathoms)  about  one-third  of  a  mile  N.N.W.  from 
the  North  point  of  Penata  Ketchil,  and  from  thence  extends  about  N.  ^  E. 
1 J  mile.  Close  to  the  West  side  of  this  bank  are  7  to  16  fathoms,  but  on  the 
East  side,  soundings  of  5  fathoms  extend  nearly  a  mile  from  it,  when  the 
depths  suddenly  increase  to  12  and  19  fathoms. 

It  would  seem  necessary  to  exercise  caution  when  crossing  over  or  passing 
near  to  this  bank,  for  the  chart  does  not  exhibit  sufficient  soundings  to  make 
it  certain  that  the  least  water  upon  the  bank  has  been  obtained. 

Pulo  Kaboen,  the  N.E.  island  of  the  Boerong  Group,  lies  E.N.E.  about  4 
miles  from  the  North  end  of  Lamokatan,  and  W.  by  N.  ^  N.  nearly  3  miles 
from  Tanjong  Batoe  Blad.  It  is  a  high  island,  about  U  mile  long,  N.E.  by  N. 
and  S.W.  by  S.,  and  a  mile  broad.  Close  to  its  South  end  are  3J  fathoms, 
and  there  are  depths  of  4  fathoms  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  it.     A 


286  WEST  COAST  OF  BORNEO. 

patch  of  4  fathoms  lies  about  half  a  mile  off  its  N.W.  point,  elsewhere  the 
soundings  close  to  the  island  are  6  to  8  fathoms. 

TANJONG  BATOE  BLAD,  the  westernmost  extreme  of  Borneo,  is  in  lat. 
0°  47'  35"  N.,  long.  108°  50'  10"  E.  It  is  a  prominent  point  from  the  land 
approaching  it  from  the  southward  in  a  N.N.W.  direction,  and  then  falling 
from  it  in  a  north-easterly  direction,  and  also  from  a  range  of  hills  behind  it, 
running  12  or  13  miles  to  the  eastward.  The  point  itself  appears,  from  the 
Dutch  chart,  to  be  low,  with  three  hiUs  immediately  behind  it ;  some  rocks 
lie  off  it,  and  the  3-fathoms  line  which  marks  their  edge  is  nearly  half  a  mile 
from  the  point. 

A  shoal,  of  small  extent,  but  over  which  there  are  but  2f  fathoms  water, 
lies  N.W.  ^N.  1^  mile  from  Batoe  Blad  Point,  and  West-southerly  from  the 
North  point  of  Kaboen  Island.  Around  the  shoal  there  appears  to  be  11 
fathoms  water,  and  8  or  9  fathoms  between  it  and  the  shore  bank ;  between 
the  shoal  and  Kaboen  are  12  and  15  fathoms. 

Directions. — Vessels  will  frequently  find  it  convenient  to  keep  pretty  close 
to  the  coast  of  Borneo,  just  described,  especially  when  working  to  windward 
against  the  N.E.  monsoon,  for  favourable  tides  will  be  found  near  the  shore 
when  a  strong  current  is  running  to  the  southward  some  distance  from  it. 
Between  the  Massa  Tiega  Islets  and  Mampawa  Point,  a  vessel  may  stand 
towards  the  coast,  guided  by  the  lead,  into  7  or  even  6  fathoms ;  farther  out, 
in  a  line  between  the  Greig  Shoal  and  Datoe  Island,  the  depths  are  18  or  20 
fathoms.  Small  vessels  may  pass  in  safety  between  Temadjoe  Island  and 
the  main,  the  channel  being  a  mile  wide,  with  depths  in  it  of  7  and  8  fathoms. 
Large  vessels,  however,  had  better  pass  outside  that  island.  Between  Te- 
madjoe and  Samassu,  vessels  of  any  size  may  stand  towards  the  coast  into 
7  or  6  fathoms,  and  pass  on  either  side  of  Baroe  Island  and  the  shoal  near 
it  as  convenient.  The  Boerong  Islands  may  be  boldly  approached  from  the 
westward,  and  large  vessels  had  better  pass  outside  them  ;  but  small  vessels 
may  often  with  great  advantage  pass  inside  those  islands,  taking  care  to 
avoid  the  3j-fathom  shoal  to  the  northward  of  Penata  Ketchil,  and  the  2J- 
fathom  patch  about  IJ  niile  N.W.  of  Batoe  Blad  Point. 

The  Coast  from  Tanjong  Batoe  Blad  takes  a  north-easterly  direction  for 
about  5  miles  to  Tanjong  Sedow  Malang,  where  it  falls  back  East  for  2  or  3 
miles,  and  then  curving  round  and  forming  a  long  bay,  runs  in  a  N.N.W. 
direction  towards  Tanjong  Biela,  the  southern  point  of  entrance  to  the  Sam- 
bas River. 

Several  rivers  disembogue  upon  this  part  of  the  coast,  the  most  important 
of  which  are  the  Singkmvan,  about  5  miles  from  Sedow  Malang  Point,  and 
the  Slakouw,  about  two-thirds  of  the  distance  between  Sedow  Malang  and 
Biela  Point.  The  town  of  Singkawan,  situated  some  miles  up  the  Sing- 
kawan,  is  the  principal  military  station  of  the  Dutch  upon  this  coast,  and 


SAMBANG  OE  SAMBAS  RIVER.  287 

there  are  usually  about  500  soldiers,  Europeans  and  natives,  quartered 
there. 

SKOAL  PATCH. — The  soundings  along  this  part  of  the  coast  appear  to 
decrease  regularly  towards  the  shore,  except  at  one  spot  which  lies  S.S.W. 
I  "W.  from  Biela  Point,  and  nearly  "West,  distant  .5  miles  from  the  entrance 
of  the  Slakouw  River  ;  upon  this  spot,  which  is  just  inside  the  edge  of  the 
5-fathom  line,  there  are  only  2^  fathoms  water. 

SAMBANG  or  SAMBAS  RIVER  has  a  wide  entrance,  in  lat.  1°  11'  N., 
long.  lOS'^  58'  E.,  with  some  small  islets  close  to  the  North  point,  and  two 
hills  on  the  other.  The  town  is  about  30  miles  up  the  river  on  the  South 
branch,  which  has  many  windings  near  the  town.  The  principal  branch  is 
wide,  running  directly  eastward,  having  many  lateral  branches.  The  sea 
flowing  into  the  river  makes  ihe  water  brackish  13  or  14  miles  up,  so  that 
ships  in  want  of  water  are  obliged  to  get  it  from  a  great  distance.  The 
anchorage  in  the  road  is  with  the  mouth  of  the  river  bearing  East  or  E.  ^  N., 
in  any  convenient  depth,  from  15  to  5  fathoms,  the  decrease  being  regular 
over  a  soft  bottom  to  4  fathoms  about  1^  or  2  miles  off  shore ;  the  soundings 
are  regular  along  this  part  of  the  coast. 

Sambas  is  one  of  the  places  on  the  Borneo  coast  formerly  visited  by  ships 
employed  in  the  eastern  trade  from  Bengal ;  it  was  fortified  by  a  piratical 
Rajah,  who  was  driven  to  the  interior  by  a  British  force  sent  from  Bataviain 
1812.  Since  the  late  treaty  with  the  Netherlands  Grovernment,  the  Dutch 
have  claimed  as  their  right  most  of  the  trading  ports  along  this  coast,  where 
they  have  placed  commercial  residents  and  some  troops. 

The  Coast  from  the  Sambas  River  trends  in  a  gradual  curve  to  Tanjong 
Pajang,  or  Somoet,  which  bears  from  Tanjong  Biela  N.N.E.,  northerly,  25 
miles.  The  soundings  off  it  decrease  gradually  towards  the  shore  from  17 
or  16  to  8  and  4  fathoms;  but  shoal  water  extends  more  than  1^  mile  from 
Tanjong  Pajang. 

Prom  Tanjong  Pajang  the  coast  falls  back  2  or  3  miles  to  the  eastward, 
and  then  runs  north-eastward  13  or  14  miles  to  the  entrance  of  the  Palo 
River,  from  the  North  point  of  which  it  forms  a  small  bay,  curving  to  the 
northward  to  Tanjong  Api.  The  coast  between  Pajang  and  Api  Points  has 
been  but  very  imperfectly  surveyed,  and  must  be  approached  with  great 
caution,  for  shoal  banks  appear  to  extend  6  or  7  miles  from  it. 

TANJONG  API,  the  noi'th-western  extreme  of  Borneo,  is  described  here- 
after. 

Hector  Bank. — Dangerous  patches  extend  many  miles  to  the  southward 
of  Sambar  Point,  the  South  evtreme  of  the  coast  just  described,  the  most 
southern  of  which  is  the  Hector  Bank,  which  is  a  3^-fathom  patch  of  doubtful 
position,  but  placed  on  the  chart  in  lat.  3°  46'  S.,  long.  110°  8'  E.  Around 
it  are  from  6  to  10  fathoms. 


288  WEST  COAST  OF  BORNEO. 

Fox  Shoal  is  shown  on  the  chart  as  two  rocks  awash  N.W.  by  W.  J  W. 
and  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  of  each  other,  about  1^  mile  apart,  with  a  large  patch 
with  only  2  fathoms  water  over  it,  to  the  north-eastward  of  them,  and  9  to 
1 9  fathoms  close-to  on  their  West  and  South  sides.  The  westernmost  rock 
is  in  lat.  3°  32'  S.,  long.  110°  7f  E. 

Aruba  Shoal,  taken  from  the  Dutch  chart,  is  said  to  lie  3  or  4  miles  N.E. 
by  E.  from  the  Fox  Shoal,  and  to  have  3  fathoms  water  over  it. 

Clemencia  Reef,  in  lat.  3°  24'  S.,  long.  110°  7j  E.,  is  nearly  dry;  around 
it  are  7  to  1 7  fathoms. 

From  the  Clemencia  Reef,  shoals  appear  to  extend  all  the  way  to  Mankap 
Island,  and  vessels  should  be  very  cautious  not  to  get  too  near  them. 
Between  Fox  Shoal  and  Hector  Bank  there  is  a  good  channel  by  keeping 
between  lat.  3°  36'  and  3°  42'  S.  ;  but  when  the  vessel's  position  is  not 
correctly  known,  it  is  advisable  to  pass  to  the  southward  of  the  Hector 
Bank. 

Although  the  bottom  near  and  among  these  shoals  is  generally  a  mixture 
of  red  and  green  clay,  with  mud,  yet  the  soundings  are  very  irregular,  with 
overfalls,  making  it  prudent  not  to  come  under  15  or  16  fathoms  towards 
them. 

Ben  Briel  Shoal,  reported  by  the  steam-vessel  Den  Briel  to  have  been  seen 
above  water,  and  placed  on  the  charts  in  lat.  3°  23'  S.,  long.  109°  27'  30"  E., 
was  thoroughly  and  unsuccessfully  searched  for  by  H.M.S.  Nassauin  1876, — 
depths  of  18  to  22  fathoms,  mud,  having  been  obtained. 

A  doubtful  Rock  {Euphrosine)  is  marked  on  the  chart  in  lat.  3°  25|'  S.,  long. 
109°  41'  E.,  or  S.S.W.  16  miles  from  Oliviera  Reef.  It  was  reported  in 
1869  by  the  Master  of  the  English  barque  Euphrosiney  who  says  it  is  a  mile 
in  diameter. 

Oliviera  Reef,  from  a  Dutch  chart  of  1842,  lies  W.  by  S.,  24^  miles  from, 
Mankap  Island,  or  in  lat.  3°  10'  S.,  long.  109°  47^'  E.  H.M.S.  Nassau,  in 
1876,  passed  1^  mile  East,  and  I J  mile  North  of  the  position  assigned,  with- 
out observing  any  indication  of  shoal  water;  depths  of  16  to  19  fathoms, 
sand,  were  obtained. 

PULO  MANKAP  or  MANCO,  in  lat.  3°  5'  S.,  long.  110°  13'  E.,  and  dis- 
tant about  8  miles  S.W.  of  Sambar  Point,  is  a  small  low  island,  which  may 
be  seen  15  miles  from  the  deck  of  a  large  ship.  Near  to  it,  to  the  N.N.E., 
are  three  other  small  isles,  which  appeared  to  Capt.  Ross,  when  examining 
the  surrounding  shoal,  as  three  bush  islets  or  rocks.  It  was  noticed  in  the 
last  page  that  there  is  shoal  water  to  the  southward  of  Mankap  Island,  as 
far  as  the  Clemencia  Reef ;  shoal  water  also  extends  far  to  the  westward  of 
it,  and  vessels  must  be  cautious  in  approaching  the  island  from  both  those 
directions.  Captain  Ross,  in  the  Discovery,  with  the  island  bearing  East, 
distant  10  miles,  get  suddenly  into  4  and  3f  fathoms,  hard  sand,  on  the  shoal 
bank  that  encircles  the  island ;  when  it  bore  N.E.  about  7  miles,  the  sound- 


GELAM  AND  KUMPAL  ISLANDS.  289 

ings  were  3J  fathoms,  fine  sand;  and  when  bearing  N.N.E.  ^  E.  10  or  12 
miles,  seen  from  the  deck,  the  vessel  struck  on  the  ground. 

Horsburgh  says,  Mankap  Island  ought  not  to  be  brought  to  the  northward 
of  N.E.  by  N.  while  in  sight  from  the  mast-head,  for  if  it  bear  N.N.E.  i  E., 
about  18  miles  distant,  a  vessel  will  suddenly  get  into  shoal  water  on  some 
of  the  spits  that  stretch  far  to  the  southward,  having  from  10  to  17  fathoms, 
soft  bottom,  near  them. 

Gelam  or  Laag  Island  (Low  Island),  is  the  largest  of  a  group  of  islands 
lying  north-west  9  or  10  miles  from  Sambar  Point.  The  whole  are  en- 
compassed with  reefs,  and  the  shoal  bank,  which  extends  10  or  11  miles 
westward  of  Mankap  Island,  also  extends  5  or  6  miles  westward  of  the  Laag 
group. 

KUMPAL  or  RENDEZVOUS  ISLAND.— The  West  point  of  this  island, 
by  Capt.  Eoss,  is  in  lat.  2^  44^'  S.,  long.  110°  2^'  E.,  but  Sir  Edward  Belcher, 
who  visited  it  in  H.M.S.  Suljihur,  October,  1840,  places  a  ledge  of  rocks  on 
the  West  point  in  long.  110°  7'  39"  E.,  or  6°  16'  21"  East  of  Singapore,  and 
9°  16'  24"  West  of  Macassar. 

The  Sulphur  took  up  a  safe  berth  within  1  mile  of  the  West  point  of  the 
island  ;  and  her  tender,  the  Starling,  occupied  a  position  within  one-eighth 
of  a  mile  from  the  shore,  but  had  rocky  bottom.  A  plan  was  made  of  the 
anchorage,  and  the  results  of  the  examination  proved  it  to  be  much  safer 
and  more  convenient  than  the  chart  or  sailing  directions  led  to  expect,  ad- 
mirably adapted  to  replenish  fuel  or  correct  ohrocometers,  and  with  this 
object  in  view  some  pains  were  taken  to  connect  it  with  the  meridian  of 
Singapore.  The  rocky  portion  of  the  island  is  composed  of  a  mixture  of 
contorted  slaty  and  sandstone  schist,  traversed  by  veins  of  quartz,  exhibiticg 
slaggy  indications  at  the  point  of  contact,  apparently  ferruginous,  but  on 
examination  did  not  affect  a  very  delicate  needle.  Wood  is  abundant,  but 
the  search  for  water  was  unsuccessful. 

This  island  was,  in  former  times,  the  rendezvous  for  the  China  convoys 
in  case  of  separation.  The  following  is  from  Horsburgh  : — The  island  ex- 
tends about  12  miles  to  the  north-eastward,  and  a  chain  of  small  islands  and 
reefs  nearly  joins  it  to  the  main  ;  this  chain  stretches  also  southward  along 
the  coast  to  Pulo  Mankap,  and  is  fronted  with  shoal  water.  About  6  miles 
S.  by  W.  from  the  West  point  of  the  island  is  a  bank  with  3  or  3J  fathoms, 
which  makes  it  proper  in  leaving  the  anchorage  at  the  N.W.  part  of  the 
island  to  haul  off  to  the  south-westward,  to  give  a  berth  to  this  bank.  In 
July  land  and  sea  breezes  prevailed,  the  former  at  East  and  E.S.E.,  veering 
to  S.S.E.  in  a  breeze  The  island  shows  in  hummocks,  but  cannot  be  seen 
above  16  or  17  miles,  and  the  West  point  forms  in  a  bluff,  when  viewed  from 
the  S.W.  or  southward. 

The   William  Pitt,  in  July,  anchored  in  4|  fathoms,  about  4  miles  off 

1.    A.  2  p 


290  CARIMATA  STEAIT. 

shore,  with  the  West  point  of  Pulo  Kumpal  S.  i  W.,  its  North  point  E.  by 
N.  i  N.,  a  small  isle  off  the  latter  part  E.  by  N.  |  N.,  another  isle  E.N.E., 
a  third  small  isle  with  trees  on  it  North,  just  visible  from  the  poop,  and  the 
North  extreme  of  Borneo  N.N.E.  The  first  two  isles  are  united  by  a  coral 
reef,  which  extends  2  miles  N.N.W.  from  the  second  island,  having  near 
its  extremity  a  large  rock  20  feet  above  water  ;  from  this  rock,  in  a  N.E. 
direction,  there  is  another  island  about  4  miles  long,  surrounded  by  coral 
reefs. 

Although  coral  reefs,  with  sharp-pointed  rocks  visible  at  low  water,  pro- 
ject from  1  to  3  miles  from  most  parts  of  Pulo  Kumpal,  yet  the  western  side 
appeared  tolerably  clear,  with  a  sandy  beach.  From  the  West  point  of  the 
island  the  land  forms  an  elbow,  by  which  there  is  shelter  from  all  winds 
from  the  eastward,  with  smooth  water. 

Water. — Sir  Edward  Belcher  did  not  find  any  water  on  the  island,  but 
Horsburgh  states  that  the  crew  of  the  William  Pitt  dug  wells  above  high 
water  mark  on  the  sandy  beach  on  the  West  side  of  the  island,  from  which 
very  good  water  was  obtained. 

The  tides  were  found  to  be  more  regular  here  than  at  any  other  part  of 
the  West  coast  of  Borneo  ;  the  rise  and  fall  was  8  or  9  ft. 

Rocks  awash. — In  a  Dutch  chart  by  J.  G.  Tindal,  1842,  some  rocks  awash 
are  placed  in  lat.  2°  20^'  S.,  about  S.W.  by  W.,  12  miles  from  Mount 
Minto. 

Gilbert  Rocks  and  Elliot  Sand.— In  lat.  2°  14'  to  2°  16'  S.,  and  4  or  5 
miles  off  Mount  Minto  Point,  lie  the  Gilbert  Rocks,  or  Toekan  Mengkoedoe, 
with  Mount  Minto  bearing  about  E.  |  N.,  and  High  Peak  about  E.  by 
S.  i  S. 

A  mile  or  two  S.E.  of  Gilbert  Rocks  is  a  dry  bank,  named  Elliot  Sand. 

BIRDS  NEST  ISLANDS  (Vogelnest  Islands),  are  a  group  of  small  islands 
3  or  4  miles  in  extent,  and  surrounded  by  a  reef.  The  northernmost  island, 
named  Boorong,  is  in  lat.  1°  43'  S.,  long.  109°  15^'  E. 

Amur  Shoal,  of  9  ft.,  discovered  in  1875,  is  about  half  a  mile  in  diameter, 
and  lies  3  miles  W.N.W.  from  Boorong  Island. 

Black  Rock  (Zwarte  Rots)  is  4  or  5  miles  to  the  S.W.  of  the  Birds  Nest 
group.  There  is  a  rock  under  water  about  half  a  mile  eastward  of  it,  a  rock 
awash  nearly  a  mile  to  the  southward,  and  another  awash  the  same  distance 
to  the  south-westward. 

South  Island  {Erawang),  about  a  mile  in  extent,  lies  about  4^  miles  N.E. 
from  the  Birds  Nest  Islands.  A  smaller  island  lies  close  to  its  N.W.  side, 
and  a  rock  off  its  S.E.  side.  Ginting,  Mintano,  Grisse,  and  Bisi,  are  four 
small  islands,  the  most  eastern  of  which,  Ginting,  is  in  lat.  1°  41'  S.,  long. 
109°  4 J'  E. 

Bisi  is  about  Zh  miles  from  Carimata,  to  which  it  appears  to  be  almost 
connected  by  a  projecting  reef.     Bold  and  Tongue  Islands  form  a  group  of 


OSTERLY  CHANNEL-PAPAN  ISLANDS.  291 

four  small  islands.  Bold,  the  most  southern  and  western  island  of  the  group, 
bears  North  3  miles  from  Ginting.  The  eastern  Tongue  Island  is  very  small. 
The  North  Tongue  Island  has  a  reef  projecting  from  it  nearly  2  miles  in  a 
N.N.W.  direction.  The  middle  Tongue  is  about  twice  the  size  of  the  other 
two  islands.  A  reef,  about  a  mile  in  extent,  lies  2  miles  north-westward  of 
Bold  Island. 

P3rramid,  or  Boan  Island,  is  about  1^  mile  in  extent,  and  its  centre  is  in 
about  lat.  1°  29^'  S.,  long.  108°  59'  E.  Nihong  and  Eelinet  are  much  smaller 
islands,  lying  about  a  mile  northward  of  Pyramid. 

The  OSTERLY  CHANNEL,  through  which  the  ship  of  that  name  passed, 
lies  westward  of  the  Birds  Nest  Islands,  Black  Eock,  Bold  Island,  and  the 
reef  north-westward  of  it,  Pyramid,  Nibong,  and  Helinet  Islands  ;  and 
eastward  of  Ginting,  the  islands  and  reefs  N.E.  of  Bisi,  and  the  East  coast 
of  Carimata.  The  narrowest  part  is  between  Bold  Island  and  the  reefs  ex- 
tending eastward  of  Bisi,  where  it  is  but  \h  mile  broad,  with  depths  of  5  or 
6  fathoms  ;  westward  of  Black  Rock  the  depths  are  10  to  12  fathoms  ;  and 
from  10  to  13  fathoms  between  Carimata  and  Pyramid  Island.  The  Oosterhj 
found  this  route  very  intricate,  and  several  times  had  rocky  bottom  and  very 
shoal  water. 

PAP  AN  ISLANDS  form  two  small  groups,  between  which  is  the  Papan 
Channel,  about  a  mile  wide,  with  9  to  12  fathoms  water.  Maleidong,  in  lat. 
1°  31'  S.,  long.  109°  22'  E.,  is  the  largest  of  the  islands,  and  with  two  islets 
near  its  North  side  form  the  eastern  group.  The  western  group  is  said  to 
consist  of  (three  or)  four  islands,  nearly  of  the  same  size,  the  southernmost 
bearing  about  South  from  the  one  next  it ;  the  remaining  three  are  in  line 
when  bearing  about  N.E.  by  E.  and  S.W.  by  W. 

Spirit  of  the  North  Shoal. — The  ship  Spirit  of  the  North,  Charles  Wise, 
commander,  September  2l8t,  1861,  was  reported  to  have  struck  on  a  shoal 
lying  2  to  2^  miles  N.W.  of  the  middle  island  of  the  western  Papan  group  ; 
the  shoalest  water  obtained  was  12  ft.  There  was  no  ripple  on  it,  but  small 
round  white  patches  were  indistinctly  seen  under  the  vessel's  bottom. 

Passage  Islands  (G^oeroM^)  are  two  small  islands  lying  close  together,  10 
miles  N.W.  by  W.  i  W.  from  the  western  group  of  the  Papan  Islands. 

A  roch  is  marked  on  the  chart  in  lat.  T  30'  S.,  long.  109°  bh'  E.,  4  miles 
S.W.  of  the  Western  Goerong  Island,  but  its  position  is  doubtful. 

Tallack  Shoal.— On  the  2nd  of  March,  1871,  the  British  barque  Mari/ 
Tatham,  struck  on  a  shoal  in  lat.  1°  21'  S.,  and  long.  109°  6'  E.  On  exami- 
nation of  the  danger  20  ft.  was  the  least  water  found,  with  20  fathoms  close 
to  on  all  sides.  The  following  bearings  were  observed  from  the  shoal  : — 
Soeka,  the  southern  of  the  Melapies  group  of  islands,  N.AV.  J  N.,  distant 
about  2  miles  ;  Pyramid  Island,  S.W.  f  S.  ;  and  Zattak  Point,  half  open  of 
the  North  side  of  Meledan  or  Button  Island. 

MELAPIES  ISLANDS  comprise  a  group  about  5  miles  in  extent,  lying  to 


292  CAEIMATA  STEAIT. 

the  S.W.  of  the  high  island  of  Panambungan.  Three  islands  of  the  group 
are  tolerably  large  and  high,  with  several  contiguous  islets,  the  north-eastern 
of  which,  Double  Island,  lies  about  2^  miles  from  the  S.W.  extreme  of 
Panambungan. 

Rodgers  Reef. — In  1857  Mr.  Eodgers,  master  of  an  English  ship,  dis- 
covered a  shoal  with  probably  less  than  4  fathoms  water  on  it,  the  East 
point  of  Carimata  Island  bearing  S.  J  W.,  and  the  Leema  Islands  W.  by 
N.  AN. 

Button  Island  (Meledan)  lies  about  9  miles  eastward  of  the  Melapies 
group,  and  about  6^  miles  E.  by  S.  i  8.  from  the  S.W.  point  of  Panam- 
bungan. 

PULO  PANAMBXTNGAN  is  high,  5  miles  in  extent  N.E.  and  S.  W.,  and 
its  western  point  is  in  lat.  1°  12'  S.,  long.  109°  10'  E.  There  are  four  small 
islets  off  its  eastern  extreme,  the  outermost  of  which  is  4  miles  N.  by  W.  3  W. 
from  Button  Island  ;  there  is  also  a  small  islet,  named  Sirie,  lying  off  its 
south-western  extreme. 

There  is  good  anchorage  off  the  north-western  side  of  Panambungan,  in 
6i  or  6  fathoms,  with  shelter  from  southerly  winds.  Fresh-water  Bay,  at  this 
part  of  the  island,  has  two  runs  of  good  water,  the-westernmost  of  which  is 
the  largest,  wliere  the  water  is  obtained  behind  a  large  black  rock  on  the 
beach,  which  consists  of  fine  sand.  All  the  watering  places  are  fronted  by 
fine  sandy  beaches,  and  easily  discerned.  There  are  spars  fit  for  topmasts 
on  the  island,  but  the  trees  seem  to  be  too  heavy. 

Baroe  and  Ananas  Islands  are  the  largest  and  outermost  of  a  group  of  small 
islands  lying  off  the  north-western  extreme  of  Mayang  Island^. 

Masien  Tiega  are  three  small  islands,  the  outer  or  westernmost  of  which 
is  in  lat.  0°  55'  S.,  long.  109°  12'  E.  The  chart  shows  a  reef  extending  from 
them  to  the  S.W. 

Greig  Channel  is  the  passage  between  Panambungan  and  Melapies 
Islands,  and  the  route  by  it  and  among  the  islands  to  the  south-eastward, 
although  narrow  in  some  parts,  has  moderate  depths  with  generally  good 
anchorage,  and  seems  preferable  to  the  route  westward  of  Carimata  and 
Soruetou,  for  ships  that  have  to  work  along  the  coast  against  the  monsoon, 
whether  bound  northward  or  southward. 

Directions. — Being  to  the  northward  of  the  dangers  off  Minto  Point  (page 
290),  the  Borneo  coast  may  be  approached  to  8  or  9  fathoms  of  water,  and 
to  7  or  6  fathoms  when  nearing  the  Papan  Islands.  The  Birds  Nest 
Islands  should  not  be  approached  under  1 0  fathoms,  or  nearer  than  2  miles. 
A  vessel  may  pass  on  either  side  of  the  two  groups  of  the  Papan  Islands, 
observing  that  the  water  quickly  shoals  to  5  fathoms  eastward,  or  inshore  of 
them.  If  passing  westward  of  them,  remember  the  Spirit  of  the  North 
Shoal  (p.  291).  Between  South  Island  and  the  Papan  Islands  the  depths 
are  10  to  12  fathoms,  decreasing  pretty  regularly  towards  the  Borneo  coast ; 


DIRECTIONS.  293 

and  between  the  Papan  and  Passage  Islands  there  are  7  to  12  fathoms. 
Northward  of  the  Papan  Island  the  soundings  appear  to  shoal  rather  sud- 
denly from  8  to  5  fathoms,  but  gradually  under  that  depth.  The  Greig 
channel  appears  to  be  bold  towards  either  shore,  with  depths  from  14  to  20 
fathoms  in  the  fairway. 

When  northward  of  Panambungan,  the  Borneo  coast  may  be  approached 
to  9  or  8  fathoms  at  discretion,  but  under  8  fathoms  the  soundings  seem  to 
decrease  rather  quickly.  A  vessel  may  stand  off  to  15  fathoms  near  the 
Leema  Islands,  and  to  17  or  20  fathoms  when  to  the  northward  of  them, 
but  remember  the  Wellesley,  Crescent,  and  Greig  Shoals. 

The  Inner  Channel,  between  the  East  end  of  Panambungan  and  the  S.W. 
extreme  of  Majang  Island,  may  be  used  by  small  vessels,  as  it  has  regular 
soundings  of  3  or  5  fathoms,  soft  bottom. 

Directions  through  Carimata  Strait  from  the  Southward.  Approaching  Cari- 
mata  Strait  from  the  southward,  a  vessel  will  have  to  depend  principally 
upon  the  correctness  of  her  reckoning,  for  the  soundings  are  so  irregular, 
that  they  will  afford  but  very  imperfect  guidance,  and  the  land  is  too  distant 
to  be  of  service  in  determining  her  position.  If  to  the  westward  of  about 
long.  108°  to  108°  20V  a  good  lookout  should  be  kept  to  get  sight  of  Shoe 
Island  (page  272),  which,  if  seen,  will  determine  her  position,  and  enable 
her  to  steer  to  pass  into  the  strait,  either  by  the  main  route  eastward  of  the 
Discovery,  Lavender,  and  Cirencester  Shoals,  or  by  the  route  westward  of 
those  dangers,  between  them  and  the  Osterly  Shoals. 

Should  the  vessel  be  to  the  eastward  of  109°  30',  and  approaching  the 
parallel  of  4°  S.,  the  greatest  care  must  be  observed  to  keep  to  the  westward 
of  the  dangers  which  extend  about  42  miles  S.  by  W.  from  Mankap  Island  ; 
and  the  navigator  must  be  guided  by  circumstances  as  to  whether  he  shall 
proceed  eastward  or  westward  of  Doubtful  Rock  and  Oliviera  Reef.  It  is 
often  advantageous,  on  account  of  the  tide,  to  pass  inside  those  dangers,  but 
it  is  much  better,  if  possible,  to  keep  the  main  channel.  Having  passed 
Pulo  Kumpal  (or  Rendezvous  Island"),  a  course  may  be  shaped  to  pass  on 
either  side  of  the  Ontario  Reef.  Carimata,  Sorue<^ou,  and  the  adjacent 
islands  will  afford  good  objects  for  determining  the  vessel's  position  if  she 
pass  northward  of  the  reef,  and  the  Montaran  Islands  will  answer  a  similar 
purpose,  if  she  pass  southward. 

Vessels  passing  through  Carimata  Strait  and  bound  to  Singapore  during 
the  months  of  December,  January,  and  February,  generally  keep  near  the 
coast  of  Borneo  (where  the  tides  are  said  to  be  regular)  to  avoid  the  strong 
southerly  current ;  and  pass  into  the  China  Sea  through  Greig  Channel. 

From  the  Northward. — Coming  from  the  north-westward  towards  Carimata 
Strait,  if  intending  to  pass  outside  or  southward  of  Ontario  Reef,  having 
brought  Soruetou  to  bear  N.E.,  distant  25  miles,  steer  S.E.  by  E.,  to  give  a 
berth  to  the  supposed  rock  westward  of  the  Outario  Roof.     To  keep  to  the 


294  CAEIMATA  STRAIT. 

westward  of  this  supposed  rock,  it  would  appear  to  be  necessary  to  sink  the 
West  end  of  Soruetou  from  the  deck  of  a  large  ship  before  it  bears  North  of 
N.E.  by  N.  Keep  the  West  end  of  Soruetou  to  the  eastward  of  N.  by  E., 
until  past  Ontario  Reef,  or  25  miles  to  the  southward  of  Soruetou,  or  sink 
the  West  end  of  the  island  from  the  deck  of  a  large  ship,  bearing  about 
N.  by  E. ;  continuing  the  S.E.  by  E.  course  the  Montaran  Islands  will  be 
Been,  if  the  weather  is  favourable  ;  pass  to  the  eastward  of  them  at  15  or  16 
miles  distance.  From  this  position  a  S.S.E.  course  will  lead  in  the  fair  track, 
between  the  Cirencester  and  Discovery  Shoals  on  the  West  side  of  the 
channel,  and  the  Oliviera  Reef  and  Doubtful  Rock  on  the  East  side.  If  not 
certain  of  the  longitude,  the  best  guide  is  to  borrow  towards  the  coast  of 
Borneo,  to  get  a  sight  of  the  land,  if  circumstances  admit,  and  taking  a  de- 
parture from  Rendezvous  Island,  steer  to  the  southward  between  Oliviera 
Reef  and  the  Mankap  Shoals. 

The  best  track  for  ships  bound  to  the  southward,  particularly  in  cloudy 
weather,  is  to  pass  northward  of  Ontario  Reef,  by  keeping  within  10  or  12 
miles  of  Soruetou,  until  its  West  extreme  bears  N.  ^  W.  ;  then  observing  to 
keep  it  to  the  West  of  N.  §  W.,  in  steering  to  the  S.S.E.,  until  the  reef  is 
passed.  Proceeding  to  the  southward,  borrow  towards  the  eastern  side  of 
the  strait,  where  the  soundings  will  generally  be  from  17  to  14  fathoms, 
within  from  30  to  20  miles  of  the  coast  of  Borneo,  deepening  in  some 
places  as  the  shoals  are  approached  on  the  West  side  of  the  strait,  but  not 
always  aflPording  a  certain  guide.  To  the  southward  of  Rendezvous  Island 
the  depths  will  increase  from  19  to  21  fathoms  irregular  soundings,  when 
about  30  or  33  rpiles  to  the  south-westward  of  Pulo  Mankap, , which  is  as 
near  as  any  large  ship  should  approach  the  shoals  that  extend  far  out  from 
it  in  this  direction. 

Sailing  vessels  making  the  passage  from  Singapore  to  the  ports  in  Java 
during  the  S.E.  monsoon,  as  a  rule,  sight  Soruetou  Island,  pass  eastward  of 
Discovery  East  Bank,  and  thence  round  Hector  Bank. 


CHAPTER    YIII. 


BANKA      TO      SINGAPORE. 

The  routes  between  Singapore  and  the  western  straits,  Banka,  Gaspar,  and 
Carimata,  leading  from  the  Java  Sea,  pass  either  eastward  of,  or  within  the 
line  of  islands  and  reefs  which  run  generally  in  a  parallel  direction  to  the 
coast  of  Sumatra. 

This  S.W.  portion  of  the  China  Sea,  between  Borneo  and  Sumatra,  has 
not  been  systematically  surveyed  ;  but  as  it  has  been  the  great  maritime 
highway  for  so  many  years,  it  is  believed  that  all  its  dangers  are  ascertained, 
and  tolerably  well  defined.  A  portion  near  the  coast  of  Borneo  was  sur- 
veyed by  Lieutenant  Blommendal,  of  the  Dutch  Eoyal  Navy  ;  other  parts, 
including  the  Tambelan  Islands,  were  surveyed  by  Lieutenant  J.  W.  Eeed, 
E.N.,  in  H.M.S.  Rifleman,  in  1862,  &c.  Other  portions  are  by  Mr.  Stanton, 
E.N.  Ehio.  Strait,  partially  surveyed  by  the  Dutch,  was  afterwards,  in 
the  years  1865 — 1868,  examined  by  Lieut.  J.  W.  Eeed,  in  H.M.S.  Rifleman  ; 
the  Linga  Islands,  also,  by  the  Dutch,  by  A.  C.  Edeling,  1863,  and  after- 
wards by  Lieut.  Eeed.  Lieutenant  Melvill  Van  Carnbee,  also  executed 
some  portions.  From  these  and  many  other  authorities  tha  following  direc- 
tions, as  given  in  the  China  Sea  Pilot,  have  been  derived. 

This  chapter  will  include  descriptions  of  the  space  and  the  islands  between 
Borneo  and  Sumatra,  including  the  passages  between  the  groups  which  lead 
to  Singapore  Strait. 

1.— DETACHED  ISLANDS  AND  EOCKS. 

TOEJOE,  or  Seven  Islands,  lie  in  two  groups,  between  the  parallels  1°  16' 
and  1°  0  S.,  and  the  meridians  105=  13 J'  and  105°  2Qh'  E.  They  are  high 
and  woody,  and  visible  25  or  26  miles,  and  surrounded  by  rocks  and  reefs. 
They  are  uninhabited,  but  occasionally  visited  by  proas. 

Pulo  Joe,  the  southernmost  of  the  islands,  is  very  small,  but  rises  to  a 
height  of  270  ft. ;  a  short  distance  N.E.  of  it  is  a  sunken  rock.  Pulo  Lalang 
is  an  islet  about  a  mile  N.   by  E.   from   Pulo  Joe ;    and  a  mile  W.S.W. 


296  BANKA  TO  SINGAPORE. 

from  it  is  another  islet  surrounded  by  a  reef.  Pulo  Sato,  the  most  western 
of  the  islands,  is  small,  105  ft.  high,  and  bears  from  Pulo  Joe  about  N.W. 
by  N.,  distant  5  miles.  Pulo  Meranti,  also  a  small  island  surrounded  by  a 
reef,  is  117  ft.  high,  and  lies  between  Lalang  and  Sato.  Pulo  Tjehia,  the 
largest  island  of  the  southern  group,  is  about  a  mile  in  extent,  373  ft.  high, 
and  surrounded  by  a  reef  which  projects  a  little  more  than  a  mile  from  its 
S.E.  extreme. 

Pulo  Katjangang,  the  north-easternmost  and  largest  of  the  Seven  Islands, 
is  4  miles  long  N.W.  ^  W.  and  S.E.  ^  E.,  but  only  half  a  mile  broad,  and 
rises  to  several  peaks,  the  highest  of  which  is  526  ft.  above  the  level  of  the 
sea.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  reef,  within  the  limits  of  which  are  some  rocks 
above  water,  especially  off  its  S.E.  end.  There  are  some  wells  on  its  West 
side.  About  2^  miles  N.W.  by  W.  J  W.  from  its  N.W.  extreme,  is  Pulo 
Tukonkemhong ,  a  small  islet,  120  ft.  high,  and  surrounded  by  a  reef.  About 
1^  mile  W.N.W.  from  Tukonkemhong  are  the  N.  W.  Rocks,  the  middle  one 
of  which  is  above  water. 

DOCAN  ISLAND,  in  lat.  0'  58'  S.,  long.  105°  39'  E.,  is  about  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  in  extent,  surrounded  by  a  reef,  and  a  small  islet  with 
some  rocks  project  nearly  a  mile  from  its  north-eastern  extreme. 

Two  reefs  lie  off  the  South  point  of  Docan,  the  outer  one  of  which,  lying 
S.S.E.  distant  2  miles  from  the  point,  was  discovered  in  January,  1823,  by 
the  ship  Mary  striking  on  it.  There  are  2  fathoms  water  over  each  of  these 
dangers,  and  around  them  14  to  18  fathoms. 

The  channel  between  the  Toejoe  Islands  and  Pulo  Docan  is  21  miles  wide, 
and  has  regular  soundings  of  14  to  16  fathoms. 

TOTY  ISLAND,  or  Pulo  Laut,  in  lat.  0°  55'  S.,  long.  105°  47f'  E.,  is 
small,  and  surrounded  by  a  reef,  which  pn  the  East  side  projects  half  a  mile. 
The  passage  between  Toty  and  Docan  is  6  miles  wide,  and  appears  to  be  free 
from  danger. 

When  passing  between  Banka  and  the  Toejoe  Islands,  the  latter  should 
not  be  approached  to  less  than  10  fathoms  water,  nor  Banka  nearer  than 
4  miles ;  for  its  dangers  are  all  2  or  3  miles  in  the  offing,  and  nearly  awash. 
Near  the  Hyu  and  Doyang  Eocks  the  bottom  is  rocky,  and  the  depths 
irregular. 

Vessels  keeping  to  the  southward  of  Toty  and  Docan  Islands,  in  order  to 
cross  over  to  Borneo,  must  take  care  to  avoid  the  Mary  Eock,  lying  S.S.E.  2 
miles  from  Docan  Island,  and  also  the  Vega  and  other  shoals. 

From  October  to  March,  during  the  N.W.  monsoon,  the  currents  run  with 
force  to  the  S.E.,  and  during  the  other  months  to  the  N.W.  It  has,  how- 
ever, occurred  that  vessels  going  to  Banka  in  June  and  July  have  experienced 
strong  southerly  currents.  Along  the  North  shore  of  Banka,  in  regular 
weather,  there  are  generally  two  ebbs  and  two  floods  in  the  24  hours. 

PULO  TAYA,  the  centre  of  which  is  in  lat.  0°  44'  S.,  long.   104°  54'  E., 


ILCHESTER— PULO  SINKEP,  PULO  PUNOEBO.  297 

rises  to  a  double  peak  630  ft.  above  the  sea.  Both  peaks,  when  in  line  on  a 
N.  by  E.  and  S.  by  W.  bearing,  show  as  a  single  triangular  peak.  The 
whole  shore  of  the  island  is  steep,  and  may  be  approached  to  a  distance  of 
3  cables.  The  island  is  uninhabited,  of  granite  formation,  and  covered  with 
wood. 

There  is  a  spring  of  excellent  icater  on  the  western  side  of  Taya,  and  a  boat 
at  high  tide  can  approach  it  to  40  ft.,  but  at  low  tide  rocks  extend  nearly  a 
cable's  length  from  the  sand.  The  knowledge  of  this  is  important  to  the 
mariner,  as  no  similar  facility  for  watering  occurs  between  Banka  and  Rhio 
Strait.     In  the  fine  season,  boats  come  here  from  Linga  seeking  turtle. 

Castor  Bank,  lying  to  the  north-eastward  of  Pulo  Taya,  is  a  long  ridge  of 
coral  and  sand,  nearly  a  mile  wide,  and  13  miles  long  in  a  N.N.E.  direction. 
The  general  depths  on  it  are  10  to  6  fathoms,  but  on  one  part,  N.E.  ^  N.  10 
miles  from  Pulo  Taya,  there  is  a  ridge  about  a  mile  in  extent,  and  its  eastern 
side  steep-to,  carrying  only  5  fathoms.  The  bank  is  famous  for  a  red  species 
of  fish,  called  from  their  colour  Ikan  Merah.f 

ILCHESTEH,  or  Alang  Kalem  Bank,  on  which  the  ship  Ilchester  struck, 
■was  examined  by  Capt.  D.  Eoss,  I.N.,  who  found  it  to  be  in  lat.  0°  26^'  S., 
long.  104°  58'  E.,  to  extend  N.  by  E.  and  S.  by  W.  about  2^  miles,  and  IJ 
mile  in  breadth,  and  to  have  but  1  fathom  water  on  its  shoalest  parts.  Pulo 
Taya  bore  from  the  shoal  S.  J  W. ;  Maralie  Islet,  off  the  East  point  of  Linga, 
N.  by  E. ;  the  East  point  of  Linga,  N.  ^  E.,  distant  8  or  9  miles.  The  depth 
of  water  decreases  nearly  all  around  from  18,  16,  or  15  fathoms,  suddenly  to 
6  and  3  fathoms,  on  the  edge  of  the  shoal. 

When  passing  this  danger,  Maralie  Islet  must  not  be  brought  to  the  east- 
ward of  North,  and  Pulo  Taya  should  be  kept  to  the  westward  of  S.  by  W. 

PULO  SINKEP,  PULO  PUNOEBO,  and  two  islands  to  the  westward,  ap- 
pear from  a  distance  like  one  large  island,  being  separated  only  by  narrow 
channels.  They  lie  off  the  south-western  part  of  Linga,  and,  together  with 
some  adjoining  islets  and  shoal  spots,  cover  a  space  from  20  to  24  miles. 
Sinkep,  the  largest  island  of  the  group,  is  of  very  irregular  shape,  and  of 
considerable  elevation,  having  on  its  eastern  side  a  range  of  hills,  with  a  peak 
1,440  ft.  high  near  the  centre  of  the  range.  It  is  only  the  East  and  N.E. 
coasts  of  Sinkep  and  the  dangers  off  it  which  will  be  noticed  here  :  the  other 


*  In  old  charts  a  shallow  spot  of  2|  fathoms,  hard  bottom,  was  shown  at  22  or  23  miles 
southward  from  Taj-a  Island,  and  W.  \  N.  from  Toejoe  Island,  said  to  have  been  dis- 
covered by  the  English  vessel  Thomas  Hanisou,  Capt.  E.  Smith,  but  it  could  not  be  found 
by  Mr.  Stanton,  in  the  Saracen. 

t  Couman  Bank,  said  to  lie  65  miles  JT.E.  by  N.  of  the  Castor,  was  searched  for  by  the 
Saracen  in  vain.     It  is  expunged  from  the  charts. 

I.  A.  2  Q 


298  BANK  A  TO  SINGAPORE. 

portions  of  the  group  belong  to  tlie  Inner  Route,  by  Varella  and  Durian 
Straits,  and  are  described  hereafter. 

Dangers.— A.i  3f  miles  E.  by  S.  J  S.  from  the  S.E.  point  of  Sinkep  is  the 
South  end  of  a  shoal,  which  from  thence  extends  N.N.E.  for  5  miles,  but  is 
only  about  1^  mile  broad.  At  the  South  end  of  the  shoal  is  a  patch  of  2\ 
fathoms,  and  another  of  2|  fathoms  at  the  North  end  ;  between  these  patches 
are  depths  of  4J  and  5  fathoms.  Tanjong  Boekoe  (the  South  point  of  Sinkep), 
bearing  West,  leads  a  mile  southward  of  this  danger  ;  and  the  eastern  point 
of  the  island  bearing  North  leads  about  the  same  distance  eastward. 

Rocks  and  shoal  water  extend  nearly  a  mile  from  the  East  point  of  Sinkep, 
and  the  Saracen's  soundings  show  a  bank  projecting  5  miles  in  a  north- 
easterly direction  from  it,  on  the  extremity  of  which  there  are  but  4  fathoms 
water.  As  no  soundings  have  been  taken  near  the  N.E.  coast  of  Sinkep,  it 
should  be  approached  with  caution.  There  are  some  rocks  awash  oflf  the 
East  sides  of  the  small  islets  lying  between  the  N.E.  point  of  Sinkep  and 
Ponoebo. 

LINGA  ISLAND,  lying  about  midway  between  Banka  and  Singapore 
Straits,  is  about  35  or  36  miles  in  extent,  in  a  W.N.  W.  and  E.S.E.  direction. 
Upon  its  southern  part  is  a  remarkable  mountain,  the  peak  of  which,  rising 
to  an  elevation  of  3,920  ft.,  is  split  in  two,  forming  a  sort  of  double  peak, 
"  rising  like  spires  from  the  summit  of  the  mountain,"  but  which  is  more 
generally  thought  to  resemble  asses'  ears,  visible  many  miles  in  all  directions. 
Viewed  from  the  sea,  this  mountain  presents  a  most  beautiful  and  imposing 
appearance,  which  is  sure  to  arrest  the  attention  even  of  the  most  careless 
observer. 

The  north-eastern  coast  of  the  island  is  formed  of  numerous  hillocks,  from 
200  to  300  ft.  high,  which  give  it  a  uniform  appearance  ;  the  contour  of  the 
coast  line  is,  however,  very  imperfectly  known. 

The  East  extreme  of  Linga,  called  by  the  natives  Tanjong  Eung,  from  its 
prominent  position  and  pyramidal  peak,  750  ft.  high,  is  very  conspicuous, 
and  visible  in  clear  weather  30  miles  off.  Tavjong  Roe  may  be  known  by  a 
saddle  hill,  630  ft.  high,  near  it.  The  southern  coast  of  Linga,  between 
these  points  and  between  Tanjong  Roe  and  the  town  of  Linga,  being  all  low 
land,  both  points  make  like  islands  when  above  13  miles  distant. 

Pulo  Maralie  is  an  islet  lying  three-quarters  of  a  mile  off  shore,  in  a  S.E. 
by  E.  direction  from  the  hill  on  Tanjong  Eung.  Pulo  Raha,  a  larger  islet, 
lying  about  half  a  mile  off  shore  in  a  South  direction  from  the  same  hill,  is 
surrounded  by  a  reef  which  off  its  S.W.  point  extends  a  mile. 

LINGA  ROAD  and  TOWN.— The  bay  forming  Linga  Road  is  exposed  to 
southerly  and  easterly  winds,  and  large  ships  are  obliged  to  lie  far  out  on 
account  of  shoal  water  extending  from  the  mouth  of  the  river  around  Pulo 
Colombo  and  its  adjoining  islets.  Pulo  Colombo,  the  largest  of  these  islets, 
lies  S.  by  E.  I  E.  nearly  2  miles  from  the^  entrance  of  the  river.     Anto  and 


LTNGA  ROAD  AND  TOWN.  299 

Ballang  Islets  are  both  small,  the  former  lying  about  a  mile  S.E.,  and  the 
latter  the  same  distance  E.  by  S.  from  Colombo.  W.  by  S.  2^  miles  from 
Colombo  is  another  small  islet  named  Badas,  which  is  almost  connected  by 
reefs  to  Pulo  Mapar,  a  larger  islet  about  a  mile  to  the  northward,  with  a 
grove  of  cocoa-nut  trees  on  it ;  the  village  here  contains  about  300  Malays 
and  Chinese,  chiefly  fishermen. 

H.M.S.  Saracen  anchored  in  Linga  Road  in  4  fathoms,  mud,  Pulo  Badas 
bearing  N.N.E.  half  a  mile;  Sinkep  Peak,  1,440  ft.  high,  S.S.W. ;  and 
Ponoebo  Peak,  935  ft.  high,  W.  ^  S.  Horsburgh  says  that  the  safest  anchor- 
age for  strangers  is  3  or  4  miles  off  shore,  with  Pulo  Taya  S.S.E.  ^  E., 
and  the  South  point  of  Linga  East,  southerly.  Linga  Peak  just  to  the  east- 
ward of  Colombo,  N.W.  ^  W.  or  N.W.  f  W.,  with  Ponoebo  Peak  bearing 
about  W.  \  S.,  and  the  peak  of  Sinkep  S.W.  by  W.,  appear  also  to  be  good 
anchorage  marks. 

The  Town  of  Linga,  called  by  the  natives  Lyak,  is  prettily  situated  on  the 
banks,  and  nearly  a  mile  within  the  entrance  of  the  fresh  water  river.  The 
high,  rugged,  fantastic  peak  of  Linga  in  the  background,  together  with  the 
rakish  appearance  of  the  country  prahus,  all  moored  to  cocoa-nut  trees  and 
areca  palms,  their  rich  foliage  almost  obscuring  the  houses,  give  to  the  whole 
a  picturesque  appearance. 

The  town  is  said  to  contain  (in  1860)  about  4,000  Malays,  and  1,500 
Chinese.  The  former  prefer  their  usual  style  of  houses  constructed  on  poles, 
but  some  of  the  Chinese  have  substantial  buildings  of  stone.  The  produce 
is  rattans,  pepper,  and  gambler,  which  is  carried  to  Singapore  and  Rhio  by 
country  vessels  and  prahus.  Gold  is  found  in  small  quantities  after  heavy 
rains.  Tin  has  not  yet  been  found,  but  the  neighbouring  island  of  Sinkep 
produces  some.  There  are  no  Europeans  on  the  island.  The  Sultan  is 
nominally  under  Dutch  protection,  and  the  Resident  of  Rhio  pays  him  an 
annual  visit. 

Water. — The  Saracen  obtained  good  water,  but  with  difiiculty,  from  a  well 
in  the  interior  of  Mapar  Island. 

In  Linga  Road  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  7  p.m.,  and  the  rise  is 
7  ft.     The  flood  runs  at  the  rate  of  2  knots  to  the  westward. 

Directions. — A  vessel  proceeding  toward  Linga  Road  from  Banka  Strait, 
should  pass  westward  of  Pulo  Taya,  and  steer  for  the  high  land  to  the 
eastward  of  Linga  Peak,  giving  the  eastern  coast  of  Sinkep  a  berth  of  at 
least  5  or  6  miles.  In  working,  by  not  bringing  the  East  point  of  Sinkep  to 
the  eastward  of  North,  will  avoid  the  shoal  off  the  East  side  of  that  island  ; 
and  by  not  bringing  the  S.E.  point  of  the  island  to  the  southward  of  S.W. 
until  Linga  Peak  bears  N.N.W.  ^  W.,  will  avoid  the  shoal  bank  which  ex- 
tends 5  miles  in  a  north-easterly  direction  from  the  East  point  of  Sinkep. 
When  standing  towards  the  South  coast  of  Linga,  care  must  be  taken  to 
avoid  the  Dc  Ugh  Rock,  with  16  ft.  water  over  it,  which  lies  with  the  South 


300  BANKA  TO  SINGAPORE. 

extreme  of  Pulo  Singsa  bearing  E.  |  N.,  distant  4  miles  ;  Linga  Peak, 
N.W.  by  W.  ^  W. ;  Sinkep  Peak,  W.  by  S.  J  S.  ;  and  the  nearest  points  of 
Linga  bearing  respectively  N.E.  by  N.,  northerly,  distant  2  miles,  and 
N  N.W.,  westerly,  distant  2^  miles  ;  close  to  the  rock  are  12  or  14  fathoms. 
The  right  extreme  of  Pulo  Kaka  just  open  of  the  right  extreme  of  Pulo 
Singsa,  bearing  about  E.N.E.,  leads  a  mile  to  the  S.E,  of  the  De  Has  Rock, 
and  Linga  Peak  N.W.  by  W.  leads  to  the  S.W. 

Bound  to  Linga  Road  from  the  north-eastward,  round  the  East  point  of 
Linga  Island  at  a  moderate  distance,  and  then  steer  to  the  westward  for  the 
anchorage. — {Mr.  Stanton,  R.N.) 

The  NORTH  EAST  COAST  of  LINGA  is  formed  of  numerous  hillocks, 
from  200  to  300  ft.  high,  which  give  it  a  uniform  appearance  ;  but  neither 
it  nor  the  adjacent  islets  are  safe  to  approach  at  night,  being  as  yet  but  im- 
perfectly surveyed.  The  soundings  obtained  by  the  Saracen  in  this  locality, 
were  confined  to  those  above  a  depth  of  10  fathoms,  as  vessels  can  gain  no 
advantage  by  keeping  close  in  shore. 

EAST  DOMINO,  or  Selentang,  is  an  islet  lying  about  8  miles  northward  of 
Tanjong  Eung,  the  East  point  of  Linga.  Horsburgh  says  that  this  islet  is 
80  ft.  high,  and  that  rocks  awash  project  from  it  to  the  southward,  to  th6 
distance  of  2J  miles ;  but  the  Dutch  chart  only  shows  a  reef  extending  about 
a  mile  North  and  South  of  the  islet,  and  a  smaller  islet  close  to  the  west- 
ward of  it ;  a  rock  awash  is  placed  about  2^  miles  South  of  it.  The  sound- 
ings close  to  the  eastward  of  the  islet  are  14  fathoms,  increasing  to  16  and 
17  fathoms  at  the  distance  of  3  or  4  miles. 

DOMINO  HILL,  or  Boediang  Idand,  is  about  2  miles  in  extent,  and  a 
peaked  hill  near  its  centre  bears  W.  by  8.  J  S.,  4  miles  from  the  East 
Domino. 

GREAT  DOMINO,  or  Kongka  Island,  is  larger  than  Domino  Hill,  from 
which  it  bears  N.W.  |  N.  3^  miles.  It  is  said  to  be  moderately  elevated, 
and  the  chart  shows  a  peaked  hill  on  its  western  side. 

Crocodile  Rock,  about  15  ft.  above  water,  and  visible  5  miles  off,  lies 
N.E.  J  N.  4  miles  off  a  conspicuous  conical  hill  on  the  N.E.  part  of  Great 
Domino. 

Brisbane  Rock. — The  barque  Brisbane,  under  the  command  of  Captain 
Robert  Hudleston,  grounded  on  this  danger  in  May,  1876.  On  examination 
the  rock  was  found  to  extend  a  mile  in  a  S.E.  and  N.W.  direction,  with 
depths  of  2  to  2J  fathoms,  coarse  gray  sand.  From  it.  Crocodile  Rock  bears 
S.E.  by  E.  J  E.  2^  miles,  and  the  small  island  off  the  North  end  of  Kongka, 
S.W.  i  W.     The  rock  is  steep-to,  with  depths  of  6  and  7  fathoms  around  it. 

Reef — Captain  Hudleston  also  found  a  very  dangerous  reef  of  coral  and 
sand,  awash  at  low  water,  with  Crocodile  Rock  bearing  E.  by  N.,  and  Small 
Island  at  North  end  of  Kongka  Island,  S.W.  i  W.,  by  compass.     The  reef 


KINTAR  ISLAND -FEEDERICK  REEF.  301 

lies  in  a  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.  direction,  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in 
leno;th,  and  one-third  of  a  cable  in  breadth. 

KINTAR  ISLAND — Thx-ee  other  islands,  with  one  or  two  conti(?uous 
islets,  extend  from  4J  to  8  miles  in  a  north-westerly  direction  from  the  Great 
Domino.  The  large  island  next  northward  of  Great  Domino,  named  Kintar, 
has  on  its  southern  end  a  fine  bluff,  and  when  coming  from  the  northward, 
before  the  contiguous  islands  to  the  southward  are  visible,  it  much  resembles 
the  hill  on  the  East  end  of  Linga. 

A  rock  lies  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W.,  distant  2  miles  from  Pulo  Kapas,  which  is 
a  small  islet  surrounded  by  a  reef,  and  the  north-westernmost  of  the  group 
extending  from  Kintar. 

Fly  Bank  is  a  small  patch  of  2  fathoms,  lying  N.N.W.  f  W,  lOJ  miles 
from  Crocodile  Rock,  with  the  high  bluff  of  Kintar  bearing  South  a  little 
westerly,  distant  7f  miles,  and  Pulo  Kapas  W.S.W.  5A  miles ;  close  to  it  are 
depths  of  9  to  13  fathoms. 

Pollux  Rock  lies  N.W.  about  4  miles  from  Fly  Bank,  with  the  high  blulf 
of  Kintar  bearing  S.  by  E.  ;^  E.  11  miles,  and  Pulo  Kapas  S.S.W.  5^  miles ; 
close  to  it  are  depths  of  10  and  11  fathoms. 

RODONG  PEAK. — North-westward  of  Linga  Island  are  many  small 
islands.  The  most  conspicuous  of  theoa  is  Pulo  Eodong,  or  Merodong,  which 
has  a  high  conical  peak,  724  ft.  above  the  sea,  the  only  hill  of  this  feature 
in  the  vicinity.  This  peak  is  one  of  the  principal  objects  which  will  enable 
a  stranger  to  make  out  the  entrance  to  Rhio  Strait.  It  may,  however, 
occasionally  be  useful  to  vessels  working  to  or  from  Singapore  by  the  Outer 
Route. 

The  Entrance  to  RMo  Strait  between  these  islands  and  Pulo  Gin  to  the 
N.N.E.  of  them  is  23  miles  wide.  The  space  between  is  free  from  danger. 
SS.E.  16  miles  from  Pulo  Gin  is  the  southern  part  of  a  bank  carrying  7  and 
9  fathoms  water.  It  is  17  miles  in  length,  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.,  with  its 
eastern  side  steep-to,  and  at  its  northern  and  Pulo  Ruig  bears  N.N.W.  \  W., 
which  bearing  clears  also  the  Geldria  and  Frederick  Reefs.  In  the  N.E. 
monsoon  much  rain  and  thick  weather  are  experienced,  and  this  bank  is  a 
good  guide  to  clear  these  reefs,  and  will  save  anchoring  in  deep  water. 

FREDERICK  REEF,  in  lat.  0°  37'  N.,  long.  105°  9'  E.,  is  awash  at  low 
water  springs.  It  consists  of  two  rocks  about  a  cable's  length  8part,  near 
the  middle  of  a  coral  bank  3  cables  in  length  North  and  South,  and  nearly 
2  cables  in  breadth,  having  20  to  22  fathoms  all  around,  except  at  the  N.E. 
side,  where  irregular  soundings  from  10  to  13  fathoms  extend  half  a  mile 
from  it.  From  the  centre  of  the  reef  Pulo  Ruig,  or  Ragged  Island,  bears 
N.W.  f  N.  22  miles,  and  Pulo  Borean  W.N.W.  2 If  miles. 

In  the  vicinity  of  this  reef  in  light  winds  the  discolouration  of  the  water  is 
the  only  guide,  and  in  fiesh  breezes  it  is  dilRcult  to  distinguish  breakers 
from  the  swell.     Breakers  on  the  reef  can  only  be  distiniruishod  when  the 


302  BANKA  TO  SINGAPOEE. 

tide  is  setting  against  the  wind  with  a  comparatively  smooth  sea.  Off  Bin- 
tang  Island,  at  the  change  of  the  monsoon  in  April,  the  flood  tide  runs  for 
18  hours,  and  the  ebb  6  hours.  In  June  the  tides  are  reversed,  consequently 
a  tide  against  the  wind  will  only  take  place  a  few  hours  each  day. 

As  this  most  dangerous  reef  lies  in  the  direct  track  of  vessels,  the  utmost 
care  is  necessary  to  avoid  it.  A  vessel  will  clear  it  to  the  eastward  by  not 
going  into  less  than  25  fathoms,  and  to  the  westward  by  keeping  Grin  Peak 
(a  conspicuous  hill,  337  ft.  high),  Grunong  Kwas  (857  ft.  high  on  Bintang), 
and  Pulo  Borean  well  in  sight,  until  the  latter  bears  W.  by  N.  The  high 
peak  of  Linga  Island,  S.S.W.  J  W.,  or  Pulo  Euig  bearing  from  N.N.W.  to 
N.W.  by  N.,  will  also  lead  clear. 

Prom  a  close  examination  by  Mr.  Stanton,  in  H.M.S.  Saracen,  soundings 
having  been  taken  in  every  direction  to  the  extent  of  7  miles  eastward,  and 
from  4  miles  southward  of  the  reef  to  the  Greldria  Bank,  he  was  led  to  be- 
lieve that  the  other  reefs  which  were  said  to  exist  near  are  identical  with  it, 
and  that  the  Frederick  Reef  is  the  only  danger  in  this  vicinity. 

EAST  COAST  of  BINTANG. — Numerous  islands  and  dangers  lie  off  the 
southern  part  of  the  East  coast  of  Bintang,  among  which  no  vessel  should 
venture.  Vessels  making  passages  between  Banka  and  Singapore  Straits 
should  pass  outside  or  to  the  eastward  of  the  whole  of  these  islands  and 
dangers ;  and  it  is,  therefore,  only  necessary  here  to  notice  the  outermost 
of  them.  The  whole  coast  and  the  islands  off  it  are,  as  a  rule,  fringed  with 
coral. 

PULO  GIN,  or  Oreat  Island,  about  4  or  5  miles  in  extent,  lies  about  3  miles 
south-eastward  of  the  S.E.  extreme  of  Bintang.  Although  appearing  as  but 
one  island,  it  is  really  made  up  of  three  small  islands  separated  from  each 
other  by  narrow  channels,  which  together  form  the  largest  Island  off  this 
part  of  Bintang.  There  are  several  hills  on  it  from  200  to  300  ft.  high,  and 
one,  named  Gin  Peak,  rising  about  the  centre  of  the  south-eastern  portion  of 
the  island,  is  337  ft.  high. 

Pulo  Terobi,  the  most  southern  of  a  cluster  of  small  islets  lying  to  the 
eastward  of  Pulo  Gin,  is  112  ft.  high,  and  bears  E.  by  S.  2\  miles  from  the 
S.E.  extreme  of  Gin.  Pulo  Borean,  or  Saddle  Island,  is  one  of  the  outer 
islands  lying  3  or  4  miles  to  the  eastward  of  Pulo  Gin,  inside  the  Geldria 
Banks,  and  bears  from  Pulo  Terobi,  N.  by  E.  |  E.  5  miles.  Being  saddle- 
shaped,  it  is  conspicuous  and  easily  recognised. 

Pulo  Ruig,  or  Ragged  Island,  appropriately  named  from  the  irregular  ap- 
pearance of  the  trees  on  its  summit,  is  the  outer  and  easternmost  island  off 
the  East  coast  of  Bintang.  It  is  about  the  same  size  and  height,  315  ft.,  as 
Pulo  Borean,  and  is  steep-to  at  3  cables'  lengths  off. 

Geldria  Bank  is  the  outermost  of  a  dangerous  group  of  shoals  lying  13  or 
14  miles  eastward  of  Pulo  Gin,  well  out  in  the  fairway  of  vessels  proceeding 
between  Bankii  and  Singapore  Straits,  especially  such  as  pass  inside  Frede- 


PULO  PANJANG.  303 

rick  Eeef.  Its  North  extreme  is  in  lat.  0°  48'  N.,  long.  104°  58'  E.,  from 
which  it  extends  S.W.  by  S.  about  2  miles,  having  2  to  4  fathoms  water  over 
it,  19  to  20  fathoms  nearly  close  to  the  eastern  side,  and  8  to  12  fathoms, 
irregular  depths,  near  the  S.W.  and  West  sides. 

Raleigh  Shoal  lies  W.  by  S.  ^  S.  3  miles  from  the  south-eastern  extreme 
of  the  Gr  Idria.  It  has  only  2  fathoms  water  over  a  coral  bottom,  from 
which  Pulo  Borean  bears  W.  by  N.  i  N.  5  miles,  and  Pulo  Euig  N.  by  E. 
11  miles. 

A  shoal  patch,  with  only  2  fathoms  water  over  it,  coral  and  sand,  lies  S.W. 
by  W.  ^  W.  nearly  6  miles  from  the  South  extreme  of  the  Geldria.  It  is 
nearly  a  mile  in  length  and  half  a  mile  in  breadth,  and  from  its  centre  Pulo 
Borean  bears  N.W.  J  N.,  distant  4J  miles. 

There  are  several  other  knolls,  with  4  and  5  fathoms  over  them,  between 
this  patch  and  the  Geldria,  of  which  they  are  considered  to  be  a  continuation  ; 
they  should  be  avoided  by  vessels  of  heavy  draught. 

Pulo  Terobi,  the  southern  islet  off  Pulo  Gin,  bearing  W.  \  S.,  clears  the 
southern  extreme  of  the  above  shoals  ;  and  the  Boat  Kocks  in  line  with  Pulo 
Borean  W.  by  S.  f  S.,  or  Pulo  Euig  N.N.W.  \  W.,  clears  the  northern  ex- 
treme. No  good  marks  can  be  given  to  clear  the  eastern  side,  which  is 
steep-to,  but  the  high  peak  of  Linga  bearing  S.S.W.  ^  W.,  is  a  broad  and 
distant  clearing  mark,  and  leads  over  the  large  sand-bank,  carrying  7  to  10 
fathoms,  south-eastward  of  Pulo  Gin. 

Boat  Rocks,  lying  about  2J  miles  N.W.  ^  N.  from  the  North  end  of  the 
Geldria  Bank,  are  three  low  rocks,  visible  about  4  miles  from  a  ship's  deck. 

A  rocky  patch,  with  3  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  between  the  northern  ex- 
treme of  the  Geldria  Bank  and  the  Boat  Eocks,  the  latter  bearing  N.W.  by  W. 
distant  1  mile.  A  coral  hank,  with  3  to  5  fathoms  over  it,  and  about  1  mile 
in  extent,  lies  W.S.W.,  5^  miles  from  Pulo  Euig.  Pulo  Burean,  or  Saddle 
Island,  bearing  S.S.W.,  clears  its  eastern  side. 

PULO  PANJANG,  which  in  the  Malay  language  signifies  Long  Island, 
lies  about  9  miles  off  the  East  coast  of  Bintang.  It  is  a  large  irregular- 
shaped  island,  about  5  miles  in  extent.  Eocks  extend  off  its  S.E.  point,  the 
outer  ones  of  which,  named  Bare  JRocks,  are  55  ft.  high. 

On  the  N.E.  side  of  the  island  the  coral  reef  is  absent,  leaving  a  small 
sandy  bay,  where  vessels  may  anchor  in  8  or  9  fathoms,  about  three-quarters 
of  a  mile  off'  shore.  Wood  and  water  may  be  procured  in  this  bay,  and  boats 
can  approach  close  to  the  beach  at  all  hours  of  the  tide. 

Fulo  Ruig,  315  ft.  high,  lies  3^  miles  E.  by  S.  \  S.  from  Bare  Eocks.  It 
is  nearly  a  mile  long  in  a  N.W.  and  S.E.  direction. 

Passage  Rock,  55  ft.  high,  lies  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  the 
northward  of  the  N.E.  point  of  Panjang. 

Pulo  Suto,  Middle  Mock,  Black  Bock,  and  Pulo  Blanhap,  lying  North  and 
N.W.  of  Pulo  Panjang,  form  a  sort  of  chain,  stretching  from  outside  the 


304  BANKA  TO  SINGAPOEE. 

dangers  off  the  North  coast  of  that  island  to  the  shore  of  Bintang,  and  to 
the  southward  of  which  no  vessel,  except  under  extraordinary  circumstances, 
should  attempt  to  pass. 

North-east  Coast  of  Bintang. — From  Tanjong  Blanhap  to  Tanjong  Brakit, 
8  miles  to  the  N.N.W.  ^  W.,  the  N.E.  coast  of  Bintang  forms  a  bay  about 
2  miles  deep,  indented  with  several  small  bights  or  coves.  Over  a  point 
about  a  mile  N.W.  of  Tanjong  Blanhap  is  a  conspicuous  tree,  the  top  of 
•which  is  252  ft.  above  the  sea  ;  2  miles  W.N.W.  of  the  tree  is  a  hill,  420  ft. 
high.  Three-quarters  of  a  mile  northward  of  this  hill,  close  to  the  coast  line 
on  the  deepest  part  of  the  large  bay,  is  another,  named  Double  Tree  Hill,  334 
feet  high.  Two  or  three  small  streams  of  fresh  water  appear  to  discharge 
themselves  near  the  middle  of  this  bay. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Horsburgh  Lighthouse,  Sin- 
gapore Strait,  at  lO**  10"  p.m  ;  at  Tanjong  Brakit,  the  N.E.  point  of  Bin- 
tang, at  ll'^  0";  at  Pulo  Suto,  at  'o^  40"";  at  Pulo  Panjang,  at  4''  20™;  at 
Pulo  Borean,  at  6''  0™  ;  and  at  Pulo  Terobi,  at  l**  0""  p.m.  The  rise  is  9  ft., 
but  on  extraordinary  occasions  it  is  12  ft. 

During  the  shifting  months  of  the  monsoons  the  tidal  streams  are  regular, 
but  during  their  strength  the  surface  current  will  be  always  more  or  less 
governed  by  the  wind. 

The  flood  tidal  wave  comes  from  the  northward,  and  runs  nearly  parallel 
to  the  East  coast  of  Bintang,  along  its  southern  side  towards  Abang  Strait, 
and  to  the  northward  of  E.hio  Strait,  meeting  another  tide  from  Singapore 
Strait  near  the  town  of  Ehio. 

The  flood  sets  to  the  southward  along  the  East  coast  of  Linga,  and  close 
to  Tanjong  Eung,  its  south-eastern  extreme ;  from  thence  it  runs  West  to 
Ponoebo  Strait,  and  obliquely  across  Linga  Bay  to  Varella  Strait.  From 
Tanjong  Eung  to  Pulo  Taya,  and  onwards  to  Banka  Strait,  its  direction  is 
nearly  South.  Another  stream  from  about  2  miles  South  of  Taya  sets 
towards  Varella  Strait. 

The  ebb  stream  sets  in  the  opposite  direction,  and  the  meeting  of  this 
stream  from  Banka  and  Varella  Straits  was  observed  to  take  place  near  the 
supposed  position  of  Smith  Bank. 


ISLANDS,   ETC.,   BETWEEN  BORNEO  AND  SINGAPOEE 

8TEAIT. 

PULO  DATU,  the  peak  of  which,  1,042  feet  high,  is  in  lat.  0°  10'  N., 
long.  108°  35'  50"  E.,  is  an  oblong-shaped  island,  IJ  mile  in  extent  N.E.  and 
S.W.,  and  three-quarters  of  a  mile  broad.  It  is  a  conspicxious  object  when 
approached  from  the  southward,  and  is  visible  from  the  anchorage  in  Pon- 
tianak  and  Mampawa  Eoads.      Close  to  the  island  are  depths  of  6  to  14 


DIRECTION  AND  ST.  BAEBE  ISLANDS.  305 

fathoms;  to  the  westward  the  soundings  are  16  to  19  fathoms,  but  29  and 
30  fathoms  a  mile  to  the  eastward  of  it. 

DIRECTION  ISLAND,  or  Pulo  Paneely  Ketchil,  in  lat.  0°  14'  39"  N.,  long. 
108°  r  53'  E.,  is  of  conical  form  in  the  centre,  and  has  a  small  hill  on  its 
North  end.  The  island  is  639  ft.  high,  and  visible  in  clear  weather  at  30  or 
33  miles  off. 

A  small  island  lies  nearly  half  a  mile  off  the  S.E.  extreme  of  Direction 
Island,  and  in  the  channel  between  are  depths  of  10  to  17  fathoms. 

ST.  BARBE  ISLAND,  or  Pandjangkang,  is  high,  of  triangular  form,  about 
3  miles  long,  and  when  first  seen  appears  like  two  or  three  islands,  beino- 
lower  at  the  centre  than  at  the  N.E.  and  West  parts.  The  highest  hill  on 
its  N.E.  end  is  762  ft.  high,  and  in  lat.  0°  8'  6"  N.,  long.  107°  13^'  E.  The 
hni  on  the  South  end  is  684  ft.  high. 

The  South  point  of  the  island  is  cliffy  and  bold,  but  a  reef  fills  up  the  first 
bay  on  its  East  side.  The  West  side  of  the  island  is  divided  into  two  small 
bays.  Off  the  N.W.  point  of  the  island  are  two  or  three  small  rocks  a  few- 
feet  above  water,  and  a  reef  projects  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the 
point  to  the  northward  of  it.  A  small  rock  above  water  lies  near  the  middle 
of  the  large  bay  on  the  North  side  of  the  island,  and  a  third  of  a  mile  North 
of  this  rock  is  another  sometimes  awash,  with  10  and  17  fathoms  close  to  it. 
A  small  ix)ck  above  water  also  lies  close  to  the  East  side  of  the  North  point 
of  the  island. 

Water,  wood,  &c.,  may  be  procured  in  a  bay  on  the  East  side  of  the  N.W. 
point  of  St.  Barbe,  and  also  near  the  S.E.  point.  As  the  shore  is  fronted  by 
a  reef,  boats  can  only  land  at  high  tide,  at  which  time  fresh  water  may  be 
rafted  off.  Water  may  also  be  obtained  from  the  bay  at  the  North  point  of 
the  island,  abreast  of  which  is  the  best  anchorage  in  the  southerly  monsoon. 
Wood  may  also  be  procured  upon  the  island,  and  turtle  sometimes  found 
upon  its  sandy  beaches. 

Welstead  Eock  was  discovered  in  1825  by  Captain  G.  Welstead,  com- 
manding the  ship  General  Harris,  which  grazed  over  it.  This  officer  took 
great  pains  to  ascertain  its  exact  position,  which  is  lat.  0^  32'  N.,  long. 
107°  53'  E. 

The  shoal  extends  half  a  mile  in  an  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.  direction,  its 
breadth  being  about  a  cable's  length.  It  consists  of  a  number  of  pinnacle 
rocks,  with  varying  depths  of  7  to  3  fathoms ;  clore  around  it  are  17  to  23 
fathoms. 

Ebeling  Shoal. — Captain  Ebeling,  commanding  the  Chilian  ship  IfercedeOf 
in  1863,  reported  having  sounded  in  4^  fathoms  upon  a  coral  shoal,  and 
whilst  the  lead  was  being  hauled  in,  the  vessel  passed  over  one  side  of  a  patch 
upon  which  there  appeared  to  be  as  little  as  16  or  18  ft.  water.  The  bear- 
ings given  were : — St.  Barbe  Island,  S.  28°  W.,  middle  of  St.  Esprit  group, 

I.   A.  2  E 


306  BANKA  TO  SINGAPORE. 

N.  79°  W.  ;  Pulo  Gigang,  or  Jarrang  (Tambelan  group),  N.  14°  E.,  which 
places  the  shoal  in  lat.  0°  31'  N.,  long.  107°  26'  E. 

The  St.  Esprit  Group  (or  Watas  Islands)  consists  of  13  or  14  small  high 
islands  and  islets,  extending  about  12  or  13  miles  in  a  W.N.W.  and  opposite 
direction,  between  the  parallels  of  0°  31'  and  0°  39'  N.,  and  the  meridians  of 
106°  58'  and  107°  HE.;  between  the  islands  are  deep  and  generally  clear 
channels. 

S.E.  Island,  145  ft.  high,  in  lat.  0°  30f  N.,  long.  107°  8^'  E.,  is  a  mere 
islet,,  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  extent,  and  connected  by  a  reef  to  a  low  white 
rock,  which  lies  a  quarter  of  a  mile  northward  of  it. 

S.W.  Island,  305  ft.  high,  in  lat.  0°  33i'  N.,  long.  106°  58^'  K,  is  a  mere 
islet,  bold-to  ;  close  to  the  southward  of  it  are  soundings  of  30  to  34  fathoms. 

Eowqua  Shoal  is  a  doubtful  danger,  said  to  lie  4  miles  S.  %  W.  from  S.W. 
Island. 

Brace  Islands  comprise  two  small  islets,  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
apart,  and  a  third  islet,  about  twice  their  size,  and  572  ft.  high,  a  mile  to 
the  N.W.  of  them.  The  easternmost  island,  which  is  also  the  easternmost 
of  the  group,  is  in  lat.  0°  33f'  N.,  long.  107°  10|'  E.  A  S-fathom  patch,  with 
7  and  8  fathoms  around  it,  lies  about  half  a  mile  W.S.W.  from  the  northern- 
most and  largest  of  the  Brace  Islands. 

Head  Island,  372  ft.  high,  lies  near  the  centre  of  the  group,  W  N.W.  2 
miles  from  Hound  Island,  about  a  mile  in  extent.  The  channels  on  either 
side  of  Head  Island  appear  to  be  clear  of  danger,  and  to  have  depths  of  35 
to  45  fathoms  water  in  them  ;  but  with  the  N.E.  extreme  of  Head  Island 
bearing  S.S.W.  i  W.,  distant  a  mile,  and  the  apex  of  the  northern  Brace 
Island  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E.,  a  little  over  4  miles,  is  the  Royalist  Rock,  close  to 
which  are  depths  of  38  and  40  fathoms. 

Centre  Island  is  the  name  of  a  small  round  islet,  169  ft.  high,  lying  W. 
by  N.  ^  N.  2J  miles  from  Head  Island,  and  about  two-thirds  of  a  mile  from 
the  S.E.  extreme  of  the  largest  island  of  the  St.  Esprit  group. 

The  largest  island  of  the  St.  Esprit  group  (which  is  not  named  upon  the 
charts)  is  also  the  northernmost  one.  It  is  If  mile  long  North  and  South, 
and  three-quarters  of  a  mile  broad,  and  the  hill  on  its  southern  end,  825  ft. 
high,  is  in  lat.  0°  37'  51"  N.,  long.  107°  0'  50"  E. 

Bush  Island,  the  westernmost  island  of  the  group,  lies  about  W.S.W.  2 
miles  from  the  largest  island.  Its  apex,  393  feet  high,  bear  nearly  North 
of  S.W.  Island  ;  the  two  islands  are  a  little  over  2^  miles  apart.  An  islet, 
1 20  feet  high,  named  Clump,  lies  about  half  a  mile  northward  of  its  North 
point. 

Discoloured  water  has  been  observed  at  20  miles  westward  of  Bush  Island. 

GREEN  ISLAND  is  small,  square-shaped,  about  a  third  of  a  mile  in 
extent,  covered  with  trees,  and  has  a  white  sandy  beach.  It  lies  in  a  direct 
line  between  the  easternmost  of  the  St.  Esprit  group  and  the  Tambelan 


TAMBELAN  ISLANDS.  307 

Islands,   and  is  surrounded  to  a  short  distance  by  a  reef,  near  to  which  are 
from  17  to  32  fathoms ;  its  centre  is  in  lat.  0"  44'  43"  N.,  long.  107°  18'  52"  E. 

Rodger  Rock,  upon  which  the  ship  Mleti,  Capt.  Alexander  Eodger,  struck 
in  1845,  is  of  very  small  extent,  and  is  about  100  yards  square  ;  but  at  low 
water  springs  there  is  but  3  ft.  water  on  it.  Its  position  is  lat.  0°  41'  15"  N., 
long.  107°  31'  12"  E.,  and  from  it  Tambelan  Peak  is  seen  over  the  right 
summit  of  Pulo  Gigang,  or  Jarrang,  and  bears  N.  ;|  E.  ;  Green  Island, 
W.  by  N.  i  N.,  12|  miles;  the  eastern  extreme  of  the  Tambelan  group, 
N.  by  E.  ;  and  the  western  extreme  N.N.W.  ^  W. 

This  is  an  exceedingly  dangerous  rock,  for  there  are  regular  soundings  of 
19  to  22  fathoms  close  to  and  for  miles  around  it.  The  Rifleman  was  steam- 
ing in  its  vicinity  for  four  days  before  it  was  discovered ;  it  was  ultimately 
found  by  the  weather  tide  causing  a  slight  ripple. 

There  is  little  doubt  but  this  is  the  rock  seen  by  Mr.  Robert  Loney,  Pay- 
master, E.N.,  when  in  command  of  the  Rose  Ellis,  and  marked  by  that  name 
in  the  Admiralty  charts.  The  rock  is  so  far  from  the  islands  that  the  least 
error  in  bearing  would  cause  the  discrepancy  in  the  positions  given  by  Cap- 
tains Rodger  and  Loney. 

White  Rock,  about  80  ft.  high,  lies  E.  by  S.,  5  miles  from  the  South  end 
of  Pulo  Gigang,  or  Jarrang,  the  southernmost  island  of  the  Tambelan  group, 
and  on  its  S.W.  side  are  two  small  pinnacle  rocks,  about  12  ft.  above  high 
water. 

TAMBELAN  ISLANDS  lie  about  27  miles  to  the  north-eastward  of  the 
St.  Esprit  group,  between  the  parallels  of  0°  52'  and  1°  7'  N.,  and  the  meri- 
dians of  107°  21'  and  107°  35^'  E.  They  comprise  a  considerable  number  of 
islands,  and  form  two  groups  or  chains,  each  extending  N.W.  and  S.E.  about 
13  or  14  miles,  and  were  surveyed  by  Commander  Ward,  E.N.,  in  H.M.S. 
Rifleman. 

South-Western  Group. — Pulo  Gigang  Besar  (or  Jarrang),  the  most  south- 
eastern island  of  this  group,  is  If  mile  long  North  and  South,  two-thirds 
of  a  mile  broad,  and  is  bordered  to  a  short  distance  by  a  reef.  It  is  a  high 
island,  rising  to  a  peaked  hill  in  the  centre,  and  having  a  lower  one  near 
each  extreme.  Gigang  Ketchil,  an  island  about  a  quarter  the  size  of  Gigang 
Besar,  lies  a  mile  westward  of  it,  and  is  also  fronted  by  a  reef,  which,  off  its 
North  end,  projects  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  mile. 

A  coral  shoal,  of  0  fathoms  (probably  the  Constance  Shoal),  was  found  lying 
off  the  S.W.  end  of  Gigang  Ketchil,  being  separated  from  that  island  by  a 
narrow  channel  of  17  to  22  fathoms  water.  From  its  shoalest  patch  of  3 
fathoms  water,  which  is  on  the  western  extreme  of  the  shoal,  the  S.W.  end 
of  the  island  bears  E.  by  S.  ^  S.,  9  cables'  lengths. 

Several  other  shoal  patches  and  dangers  were  found  near  the  Tambelan 
Islands,  but  they  lie  quite  out  of  the  ordinary  track  of  vessels. 

Three  miles  N.W.  of  the  Gigang  Islands  is  a  group  of  small  islands,  the 


308  BANKA.  TO  SINGAPORE. 

north-eastern  of  which,  Harhour  Island,  or  Pulo  Smot,  limits  the  narrowest 
part  of  the  channel  between  the  two  main  groups  of  the  Tambelan  Islands, 
Two-thirds  of  a  mile  westward  of  it  is  a  much  larger  island,  Pulo  Bedua, 
which  has  four  hills  upon  it,  rising  N.E.  and  S.W.  of  each  other,  the  highest 
hill,  408  feet,  being  near  its  West  end.  The  channel  between  the  Gigang 
Islands  and  the  Bedua  group  is  free  from  dadger,  with  soundings  of  16  to  23 
fathoms. 

Bunoa,  by  far  the  largest  island  of  the  south-western  group,  is  nearly  4 
miles  long  N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  2^  miles  broad.  Its  highest  part,  near  its 
N.E.  end,  is  elevated  915  ft.,  and  there  are  several  other  undulating  hills 
upon  it,  from  200  to  700  ft.  high.  The  North  shore  of  the  island  forms  a 
bay,  in  which  vessels  may  anchor  in  10  to  16  fathoms,  and  find  excellent 
ishelter  in  the  S.W.  monsoon.  Close  to  the  East  side  of  Bunoa  are  two 
smaller  islands,  Selindang  and  Gilla  ;  Selindang  is  a  remarkable  cone-shaped 
island,  rising  to  an  elevation  of  681  ft.  ;  Gilla  is  about  a  third  of  the  height 
of  Selindang. 

The  group  of  ten  islands  extending  nearly  5  miles  to  the  north-westward 
of  Bunoa,  are  all  tolerably  elevated,  and  Mundaga,  the  outermost  of  them,  is 
697  ft.  high.  The  channels  between  them  are  deep  and  generally  free  from 
danger,  but  that  between  Bunoa  and  Ehd  (the  island  next  to  the  north- 
westward of  Bunoa)  cannot  be  recommended  as  being  perfectly  safe.  A  reef 
extends  some  distance  from  the  North  and  N.E.  part  of  Ebul,  which  renders 
the  channels  between  that  island  and  Tamban  *  and  Pening  Islands  dan- 
gerously narrow.  A  rock  atvash  lies  about  a  third  of  a  mile  from  the  S.W. 
extreme  of  Leso,  the  island  lying  close  to  the  western  part  of  Bunoa  ;  else- 
where these  islands  appear  free  from  danger,  and  may  be  approached  to  a 
half  or  a  third  of  a  mile  with  safety. 

North-Eastern  Group. — TAMBELAN,  or  Great  Tambelan,  the  largest 
island  of  the  Tambelan  group,  is  of  somewhat  triangular  shape,  nearly  4^ 
miles  in  extend  N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  about  the  same  N.E.  and  S.W.  Upon 
its  N.E.  coast  are  several  hills,  the  highest  of  which,  Tambelan  Peak,  in  lat. 
1°  r  5"  N.,  long.  107°  32'  22"  E.,  rises  to  an  elevation  of  1,300  ft.  Zoiv  Feah, 
643  ft.  high,  is  on  the  N.W.  end  of  the  island  ;  and  a  short  distance  to  the 
eastward  of  Tambelan  Peak  is  Thiml  Peak,  a  remarkable  sloping  hill  953  ft. 
high.  East  Peak,  a  shap  cone  950  ft.  high,  rises  near  the  eastern  extreme 
of  the  island. 

Tambelan  Island  is  nearly  divided  into  two  parts  by  a  creek,  which  runs 
in  a  north-easterly  direction  into  its  western  side.  The  creek  is  nearly  a  mile 
wide,  but  fringed  with  reefs  and  encumbered  with  several  rocks.  A  break- 
water, composed  of  coral,  crosses  its  upper  part,  about  1^  mile  within  the 

*  The  principal  observatory  station  of  the  Rijlcman's  survey  was  upon  the  North  point  of 
Pulo  Tiiinbuu,  which  was  luund  to  he  in  kit.  1°  9'  27"  N.,  long,  107"  24'  10"  E. 


TAMBELAN  ISLANDS.  309 

entrance,  leaving  but  a  narrow  boat  channel,  through  which  the  tide  rushes 
•with  great  force.  Behind  the  breakwater  is  a  stockade,  and  a  fort  stands 
upon  the  shore  near  the  West  end  of  the  breakwater.  The  whole  of  these 
works  have  been  constructed  to  defend  the  village,  which  is  about  half  a 
mile  beyond  the  breakwater  on  the  western  bank  of  the  creek,  from  the 
attacks  of  the  Llanun  pirates,  who  occasionally  visit  these  islands,  and  carry 
off  into  slavery  any  of  the  natives  they  can  lay  their  hands  upon. 

A  reef  extends  from  the  East  point  of  Tambelan  Island,  and  upon  its  edge, 
half  a  mile  southward  of  the  point,  is  a  rock  above  water.  The  N.E.  coast 
is  almost  free  from  reefs.  A  reef,  with  a  rock  awash  on  its  extreme,  extends 
about  one-third  of  a  mile  from  the  S.W.  point  of  the  island,  and  then  trends 
away,  fronting  the  coast,  into  Tambelan  Creek. 

Pulo  Bungin,  253  ft.  high,  is  a  small  island  lying  1:^  mile  westward  of  the 
N.W.  point  of  Tambelan.  Sedua  Besar,  860  ft.  high,  and  Sedua  Ketchil,  650 
feet  high,  are  two  islands  which  extend  from  1^  to  3 J  miles  north-westward 
of  Tambelan  Island,  separated  from  each  other  by  a  very  narrow,  deep 
channel ;  both  islands  are  bold  close-to. 

Sendulang  Besar  and  Sendulang  Ketchil,  lying  3  miles  north-westward  of  the 
Sedua  Islands,  are  two  small,  round-shaped  islands,  surrounded  to  a  short 
distance  by  reefs,  and  separated  by  a  very  narrow  channel.  Sendulang 
Besar,  the  western  and  larger  island,  rises  to  a  sharp  cone  749  ft.  high ;  the 
Bmaller  island  is  only  309  ft.  high. 

Pulo  Way,  the  north-westernmost  island  of  the  Tambelan  group,  is  about 
2  miles  in  extent,  and  rises  to  several  peaked  hills,  the  highest  of  which, 
near  its  eastern  end,  is  elevated  1,057  ft. 

Anchorages. — There  is  good  anchorage  anywhere  between  the  two  groups 
of  the  Tambelan  Islands,  which  form  an  extensive  basin  or  harbour ;  the 
depths  being  generally  17  to  20  fathoms,  and  the  bottom  of  mud  and  sand  ; 
here  and  there  are  places  where  the  soundings  are  a  few  fathoms  more  or 
less.  In  the  N.E.  monsoon  a  vessel  may  anchor  in  the  entrance  to  Tambelan 
Creek,  but  she  must  go  but  a  very  little  way  inside  the  edges  of  the  reef,  on 
account  of  a  pinnacle  rock  with  2  fathoms  water  over  it,  which  lies  S.S.E. 
nearly  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  Suicides  Point,  the  North  entrance  point  to 
the  creek.  This  position  would  be  unsafe  in  the  S.W.  monsoon  ;  the  best 
anchorage  at  that  season  being  under  Bunoa,  in  14  to  18  fathoms  if  in  the 
bay  between  Pulo  Gilla  and  Bunoa,  and  in  from  9  to  14  fathoms  if  in  the 
bay  on  the  North  side  of  the  latter  island,  which  is  the  best  anchorage. 

Supplies.— Ships  cannot  depend  upon  procuring  supplies  at  the  Tambelan 
Islands.  The  officers  of  the  Bifieman  were  only  able  to  obtain  a  few  fowls, 
and  those  few  with  great  difficulty.  There  is  a  well  of  good  water  just  to 
the  northward  of  the  mound  on  the  South  side  of  the  entrance  to  Tambelan 
Creek,  and  another  on  the  North  side  about  2  cables'  lengths  northward  of 
Suicides  Point.     The  village  in  the  creek  is  inhabited  by  about  500  Malays, 


310  BANKA  TO  SINGAPORE. 

and  the  other  islands  of  the  group  are  temporarily  inhabited  for  the  purpose 
of  collecting  cocoa-nuts.  Goats  are  also  bred  upon  these  islands,  but  at  the 
period  of  the  Rifleman's  visit  none  could  be  purchased. 

EUROPE  SHOAL  is  about  a  mile  in  extent  N.  by  E.  and  S.  by  W.,  and 
the  least  water  on  it  3  fathoms,  is  about  the  middle  of  the  shoal,  in  lat. 
1°  11'  19"  N.,  long.  107"  25'  27"  E.,  the  Eocky  Islets  bearing  W.  J  S.  12^ 
miles ;  Gap  Rock  E.  f  N.  9  miles ;  summit  of  Pulo  Way  S.  by  W.  i  W.  5^ 
miles  ;  western  extreme  of  the  Tambelan  Group  S.S.W.  ^  W.  6J  miles;  and 
eastern  extreme  S.E.  southerly  \b\  miles. 

ROCKY  ISLETS,  lying  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W.,  12  miles  from  Pulo  Way,  are 
merely  two  barren  rocks,  the  resort  of  sea  birds.  They  are  bold  close-to, 
and  occupy  a  space  about  2  cables  in  extent.  The  northern  and  larger  rock, 
134  ft.  high,  is  in  lat.  1°  11'  9"  N.,  long.  107^  13'  E.  Between  them  and  the 
Tambelan  Group  the  depths  are  33  and  34  fathoms. 

GAP  ROCK,  in  lat.  1"  12'  30"  N.,  long.  107°  34'  20"  E.,  and  distant  12J 
miles  N.  ^  W.  from  the  eastern  extreme  of  the  Tambelan  Group,  is  very  re- 
markable. It  consists  of  two  large  boulders  lying  upon  a  flat  rock,  the 
larger  of  which  is  124  ft.  above  the  water.  A  shoal  extends  about  2  cables' 
lengths  from  its  South  side. 

ST.  JULIAN,  in  lat.  0°  55'  40"  N.,  long.  106°  43'  30"  E.,  is  a  remarkable 
island,  being  nearly  a  mile  long  E.S.E.  and  W.N.W.,  and  200  yards  broad. 
It  is  low  in  the  centre,  rising  to  a  hill  318  ft.  high  on  the  South  end,  and  to 
another,  537  ft.  high,  on  the  North  end,  which  latter  forms  an  exceedingly 
bold  cliff  to  seaward.     There  is  deep  water  close-to  on  all  sides. 

CAMELS  HUMP,  in  lat.  1°  11'  46"  N.,  long.  106^  58'  E.,  is  about  half  a 
mile  long,  East  and  West,  and  a  third  of  a  mile  broad.  It  is  well  named, 
the  highest  part  of  the  island  forming  a  sort  of  hump,  elevated  574  ft.  above 
the  sea.     No  danger  was  discovered  in  its  vicinity. 

SADDLE  ISLAND,  in  lat.  1°  19'  21"  N.,  long.  107°  2'  17"  E.,  is  only  half 
a  mile  long,  and  a  quarter  of  a  mile  broad.  This  island  is  also  well  named  ; 
the  hills  forming  the  saddle  are  in  line  on  a  S.  ^  W.  and  opposite  bearing, 
the  higher  one  on  the  North  side  being  387  ft.  high. 

BARREN  ISLAND  is  a  whitish  rock,  80  ft.  high,  and  its  summit  (by  the 
Bifleman)  is  in  lat.  1°  31'  50'  N.,  long.  106°  25'  35"  E.  It  is  justly  denomi- 
nated Barren,  having  not  the  slightest  trace  of  vegetation,  and  is  bold-to, 
with  10  fathoms  close  alongside.  It  appears  to  be  the  resort  of  varieties  of 
sea-fowl,  which,  in  the  season  of  incubation,  deposit  great  quantities  of  eggs, 
— the  tern,  kittiwake,  and  gulls  occupying  the  summit,  the  booby,  or  gannet, 
the  base.  The  Malay  fishermen  resort  here  for  these  eggs,  and  from  the 
stores  found  en  caclie  cannot  be  very  particular  as  to  their  freshness.  Of  the 
eggs,  those  of  the  tern  were  not  inferior  to  plover,  and  those  of  the  gannet 
nearly  equal  to  the  duck,  making  very  acceptable  omelettes  and  puddings. — 

Oil  the  N.W.  side  of  Barren  Island  is  a  natural  reservoir,  containing  about 


VICTORY  AND  ST.  PIERRE  ISLANDS.  311 

10  gallons  of  water.     It  is  asserted  that  it  is  used  by  the  Malays  possibly  by 
previous  cleansing  of  the  reservoir      Landing  is  easy  on  the  western  side. 

VICTORY  ISLAND,  in  lat.  1°  34'  46"  N.,  long.  106°  18'  40"  E.,  is  densely 
wooded,  and  rises  to  a  hill  in  the  centre,  285  ft.  high. 

HUGHES  SHOAL.— The  Rifleman,  in  April,  1863,  searched  for  the  Doubt- 
ful Reef,  said  "  to  have  been  seen  in  the  brig  Bombay  Merchant,  commanded 
by  Mr.  Hughes,  in  January,  1825,  and  was  nearly  in  one  with  Victory 
Island,  bearing  N.E.  5  or  6  miles." 

The  Rifleman  anchored  on  a  shoal — the  island  bearing  N.E.  f  E.,  distant 
half  a  mile — in  3i  fathoms,  reduced  to  low  water  springs,  which  was  the 
least  water  found.  This  shoal  is  of  coral,  one-third  of  a  mile  long,  N.E.  and 
S.W.,  and  a  quarter  of  a  mile  broad,  its  outer  edge  in  8  fathoms  lying  S.W. 
^  W.  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  island. 

Acasta  Rock,  lying  N.  by  W.  4  miles  from  Victory  Island,  is  just  under 
the  surface  of  the  water,  and  in  calm  weather  presents  exactly  the  appearance 
described  in  Horsburgh,  "  the  central  part  of  a  very  brown  colour,  declining 
to  a  pale  green  around."     The  least  swell  breaks  on  it. 

ST.  PIERRE  ISLANDS  are  wooded,  and  appear  to  be  connected  by  a 
reef.  St.  Pierre  Rock,  South,  nearly  1|  mile  distant  from  the  southern  tree- 
covered  island  of  St.  Pierre,  and  in  lat.  1°  51'  44"  N.,  long.  108°  38' 57", 
(4°  47'  39"  East  of  Fort  Fullerton,  Singapore),  is  about  30  yards  in  lengthy 
20  yards  in  width.  It  is  very  steep-to,  and  is  never  less  than  6  ft.  above 
water,  the  dry  surface  being  completely  blackened.  It  is,  indeed,  formed  of 
a  close-grained,  black  basalt,  and  is  not  to  be  confounded  with  the  coralline 
incrustations  about  it.  Close  around  its  margin  are  14,  15,  and  19  fathoms. 
The  space  between  the  islands  and  the  rock  is  sate,  having  depths  of  20 
fathoms. 

Tides. — The  ebb  tide  between  the  St.  Pierre  Group  and  Tanjong  Api  sets 
to  the  southward.  The  current  of  flood,  which  prevailed  during  the  ex- 
amination of  St.  Pierre  Rock,  set  to  the  N.E.  The  rise  of  tide  did  not  ex- 
ceed 4  ft. 

General  Remarks. — As  the  Rifleman  was  constantly  shifting  her  position 
during  the  operations  of  the  survey,  no  good  opportunity  offered  for  obtain- 
ing a  series  of  tidal  observations.  Such  as  were  procured  were  so  irregular, 
that  no  general  conclusion  could  be  formed  from  them.  It  was  observed, 
however,  that  during  the  S.W.  monsoon  (from  the  middle  of  July  to  the 
middle  of  September),  and  also  during  the  N.E.  monsoon  (in  the  month  of 
December),  that  the  tides  set  to  windward  every  day  against  the  prevailing 
current,  although  they  were  uncertain  as  to  commencement  and  time  of 
duration. 

The  weather  was  very  fine,  and  the  winds  generally  light.  Sailing  vessels 
would  frequently  shorten  their  passages  through  this  part  of  the  China  Sea, 
if  they  kept  a  kedge  ready  to  let  go  during  light  airs  and  calms,  and  when 


312  BANK  A  TO  SINGAPOEE. 

both  current  and  tide  would  otherwise  be  setting  them  back  over  the  ground 
they  had  with  difficulty  gained. 

Directions  from  Singapore  Strait  to  Tanjong  A2n  in  Borneo. — Quitting  the 
Komania  Islands  and  Shoals,  where  there  are  pretty  regular  tides,  the 
current  off  shore  will  be  found  to  run  about  N.N.  W.  in  the  S.W.  monsoon, 
and  having  gained  50  miles  easting,  its  greatest  strength  will  be  found  set- 
ting between  Pulo  Timoan  and  the  Anamba  Islands. 

In  order  to  obviate  the  effect  of  this  set  or  current,  it  is  considered  prudent 
to  make  good  the  course  for  Saddle  Island,  by  which,  should  light  airs  pre- 
vail, the  option  will  be  afforded  of  steering  clear  of  Victory  or  Barren  Islands, 
and  avoiding  the  Acasta  Eock.  This  caution  may  appear  as  unnecessary, 
the  distance  between  Barren  and  Camel  Islands  being  33  miles.  But  a  very 
little  consideration  will  satisfy  the  navigator  that,  upon  the  course  shaped  to 
counteract  the  current,  running  strong  in  the  vicinity  of  these  islands  (to  the 
north-eastward  as  near  as  could  be  determined  by  the  lines  of  scum  viewed 
from  the  summit  of  Barren  Island),  he  would  not,  even,  with  a  fair  wind, 
pass  more  than  10  miles  to  windward  of  Victory  and  Barren  Islands.  On 
leaving  Barren  Island,  a  course  should  be  shaped  to  pass  well  to  the  south- 
ward of  the  St.  Pierre  Islands. 

In  the  N.E.  monsoon  the  current  will  generally  be  found  setting  about 
S.S.E.,  a  few  miles  outside  the  entrance  of  Singapore  Strait,  taking  a  more 
south-easterly  direction  as  the  distance  from  the  land  is  increased.  For 
directions  for  leaving  Singapore  Strait  during  this  monsoon,  see  page  56. 

The  soundings  off  St.  Pierre  Pock,  and  in  the  direct  course  for  Tanjong 
Api,  range  between  20  and  15  fathoms,  and  approaching  this  headland  the 
first  cast  under  1 5  fathoms  at  night  should  be  deemed  the  warning.  If  in  a 
sailing  vessel,  deep  water  to  the  northward  must  be  sought  for.  By  day,  as 
the  land  is  neared,  the  vessel's  position  may  readily  be  determined  by  the 
relative  position  of  the  coast  hillocks,  with  the  mountain  range  behind,  and 
if  clear,  the  land  of  Tanjong  Datu  should  be  clearly  made  out  before  attempt- 
ing to  close,  or  communicate  with,  Tanjong  Api. — Sir  Edw.  Belcher. 


2.— RHIO  STEAIT. 


General  Description. — The  route  outside  Linga  and  through  Ehio  Strait, 
is  the  one  now  commonly  adopted  by  vessels  proceeding  either  way  between 
Sunda  Strait  and  Singapore,  for  the  reason  that  Ehio  Strait  is  "  safe,  shel- 
tered, and  easily  navigable,  the  Dutch  Government  having  placed  beacons 
on  many  of  the  dangers ;  whereas  the  route  outside  Bintang  is  exposed  in 
both  monsoons,  and  the  fairway  encumbered  with  many  rocks  ai^d  shoals, 
which  render  it  necessary  for  vessels  to  keep  a  great  distance  from  the  land." 

This  route  is  particularly  convenient  for  vessels  leaving  Singapore  for 


"■*■  rt    ■"    fSiuki  Clian»«>r.'" 

JV,».'  "   '»    '" -■ 


/     "S!    ,. /7      ""'■'"      K    i    X     r   A    X    G      I    S  I 


STKAIIS       Ol- 


>v^  vn; 


5  11  If  ©Alp  DIRE,  C?.    '-^"'^^^   "1  °^^'''>XA,  ' 

IMiKlAN,    AM)     KlIIO.^'     ■''    -"  "1    ""'.,  7-    ,„     "        ""t»»  3  '    '^'-j.  "'V    '''I 


3 


EHIO  STRAIT— MISSANA  ISLAND.     ,  313 

Europe  in  the  N.E.  monsoon,  and  few  navigators  now  adopt  any  other  ;  as 
by  proceeding  through  Rhio  Strait,  they  avoid  the  delay  and  incovenienee 
frequently  experienced  during  that  season  in  getting  to  sea  by  the  main 
channel  of  Singapore  Strait,  past  Horsburgh  lighthouse.  In  the  S.W.  mon- 
soon, also,  vessels  are  frequently  able  to  proceed  to  the  southward  much 
quicker  by  Rhio  Strait  than  by  the  route  outside  Bintang. 

The  following  directions  are  taken  from  those  drawn  up  by  Lieutenant 
J.  W.  Reed,  R.N.,  who  together  with  Lieut.  Tizard  and  the  officers  of  H.M.S. 
Rifleman,  surveyed  the  strait  between  the  years  1865  and  1868. 

Caution.— As  the  buoys  in  Rhio  Strait  have  at  times  been  reported  out  of 
position,  too  much  reliance  must  not  be  placed  on  them. 


WEST  SIDE  OF  THE  STRAIT. 

MISSANA  ISLAND,  which  with  the  opposite  island  of  Talang  forms  the 
southern  limit  of  the  strait,  is  somewhat  peculiar  in  shape,  consisting  of  two 
narrow  ranges  of  hills,  moderately  elevated,  which  running  in  different  direc- 
tions form  an  elbow ;  the  longer  range  extends  from  the  South  point  of  the 
island  4  J  miles  in  a  N.  by  W.  \  W.  direction,  and  the  shorter  range  E.  by  S., 
2  miles  from  the  northern  part. 

Niamok,  a  small  square-shaped  island,  lies  \\  mile  south-eastward  of  the 
South  point  of  Missana,  and  between  them  is  a  rocky  islet,  and  several  dan- 
gers which  block  the  channel.  A  small,  thickly-wooded  islet  lies  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  south-eastward  of  the  East  point  of  Missana,  forming  with  the 
eastern  side  of  that  island  and  Niamok  a  bay,  which  appears  to  offer  excel- 
lent anchorage  ;  but  it  is  treacherous,  a;nd  must  be  entered  with  caution,  for 
a  reef  extends  nearly  a  mile  in  a  north-easterly  direction  from  Niamok,  while 
the  shore  of  Missana  is  fronted  by  a  reef  which  projects  in  places  nearly 
three-quarters  of  a  mile,  and  just  embraces  the  small 'islet  off  the  East  point. 
Vessels  may,  however,  find  safe  and  convenient  anchorage  anywhere  in  the 
bay,  in  from  5|  to  8  fathoms,  by  avoiding  to  bring  the  eastern  part  of  the 
small  islet  to  the  eastward  of  N.E.  by  E.  \  E.,  and  the  eastern  side  of 
Niamok  to  the  eastward  of  S.  by  E.  J  E. ;  the  South  point  of  Missana  bear- 
ing W.  by  S.  clears  the  reef  which  projects  from  Niamok. 

The  shore  reef  extends  but  a  short  distance  from  the  north-eastern  part  of 
Missana,  but  from  the  North  shore  it  projects  about  half  a  mile,  and  a  2- 
fathoms  patch  lies  some  distance  outside  the  edge  of  the  reef,  which  makes 
it  dangerous  to  approach  that  shore  nearer  than  a  mile.  A  mass  of  rocks 
above  water  lies  2  or  3  cables  westward  of  Observation  Point,  the  N.W. 
point  of  the  island,  westward  and  south-westward  of  which  other  dangers 
extend  more  than  half  a  mile. 

I.  A.  :i  s 


314  BANKA  TO  SINGAPORE. 

RODONG  PEAK,  797  ft.  high,  bears  S.W.  by  W.  4^  miles  from  theN.W. 
point  of  Missana.  Viewed  from  the  southward,  it  presents  a  conical  appear- 
ance, and  being  the  only  hill  of  this  feature  in  the  vicinity  is  very  conspicuous. 
It  is  one  of  the  principal  objects  which  will  enable  a  stranger  to  make  out 
the  entrance  to  Rhio  Strait,  for  it  can  nearly  at  all  times  be  seen  over  Missana 
as  the  strait  is  approached.  The  hill,  from  the  peak,  forms  a  shoulder  to 
the  north-westward,  and  then  gradually  slopes  away  in  that  direction,  so  that 
as  Missana  is  passed  the  conical  shape  disappears. 

BINAN  ISLAND,  lying  "W.N.W.  3^  miles  from  Missana,  is  easily  recog- 
nised by  a  conspicuous  hill,  269  ft.  high,  at  the  S.E.  end.  A  reef  fronts  the 
greater  part  of  Binan,  extending  a  quarter  of  a  mile  off  the  North  part,  and 
more  than  double  that  distance  off  the  N.W.  extreme. 

Rifleman  Shoal,  a  patch  of  hard  sand  3  cables  in  extent,  lies  about  a  mile 
off  the  centre  of  Binan  ;  the  least  water  upon  it  is  2  fathoms,  and  from  this 
spot  the  hill  on  the  island  bears  S.W.,  and  the  N.W.  extreme  W.  by  N. 

Katang  Linga  lies  1|  mile  N.W.  by  W.  from  Binan;  it  is  a  bold,  bluff- 
looking  island,  246  ft.  high,  nearly  a  mile  long,  and  half  a  mile  broad ;  a 
shore  reef  fronts  the  greater  part  of  it,  extending  off  in  some  places  nearly 
1^  cable.  A  shoal,  having  but  three-quarters  of  a  fathom  water  over  it,  lies 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  W.S.W.  from  the  North  point  of  Katang  Linga. 

The  straits  and  islands  dividing  them,  which  lie  to  the  westward  of  Mis- 
sana, Binan,  Katang  Linga,  &c.,  are  hereafter  described. 

Selanga  Islands,  three  in  number,  are  mere  islets,  but  elevated  and  con- 
spicuous ;  they  lie  to  the  north-westward  of  the  Tetampan  Group,  the 
northern  one  bearing  from  the  North  end  of  Katang  Linga  W.  by  S.,  distant 
3  miles.  Vessels  working  should  not  stand  within  a  line  drawn  between 
Katang  Linga  and  the  North  Selanga,  which  will  keep  them  clear  of  the 
shoal  W.S.W.  of  the  first  named  island,  and  of  a  reef,  having  a  rock  with  a 
tree  upon  it,  which  lies  between  the  Tetampan  Group  and  the  Selangas ;  and 
a  2-fathom  patch  lies  2  cables  North  of  the  North  Selanga. 

Oedek  Island  is  small.  It  lies  N.W.  by  W.  J  W.,  3^  miles  from  the 
North  Selanga,  and  E.  by  N.  from  the  North  end  of  the  long  island  of  Pan- 
gallap.  This  island,  as  well  as  the  Selangas,  lies  quite  out  of  the  track  of 
steamers,  or  of  sailing  vessels  proceeding  through  Rhio  Strait  with  a  fair 
wind,  but  it  may  sometimes  be  found  convenient  when  working  through  to 
stand  so  far  to  the  westward,  in  which  cases  ships  should  not  pass  a  line 
drawn  between  the  North  Selanga  and  Oedek,  in  order  to  avoid  a  rock  awash 
which  lies  W.  J  N.,  If  mile  from  the  former  island. 

PULO  DUMPO  or  RONDO,  129  ft.  high,  lies  N.W.  i  W.  7^  miles  from 
Katang  Linga,  and  about  \h  mile  south-eastward  of  the  South  end  of  Ga- 
lang  Island.  It  is  a  remarkable  little  island,  showing  very  round  and  bold 
against  the  adjacent  land,  and  is  one  of  the  most  useful  objects  for  recog- 
nising the  entrance  to  the  narrow  part  of  the  strait  when  coming  from  the 


EHIO  STEAIT— LITTLE  GAEEAS  LIGHTHOUSE.  315 

southward.  A  patch  of  2  fathoms,  named  Haai  Shoal,  lies  a  quai-ter  of  a 
mile  to  the  south-eastward  of  it ;  a^jd  there  is  a  rock  above  water  a  good 
quarter  of  a  mile  to  the  north-westward. 

Great  Bank. — Galang  terminates  to  the  southward  in  a  loner  narrow  point, 
projecting  in  a  S.S.E.  ^  E.  direction,  and  half  a  mile  to  the  eastward  are 
three  small  islands  lying  in  a  line  parallel  to  it ;  between  the  point  and 
outer  island  is  a  coral  patch  with  2  fathoms  water  over  it,  and  7  to  9  fathoms 
round  about.  Between  these  islands  and  the  large  one  of  Selatan,  about  3 
miles  north-eastward  of  them,  is  a  deep  bay  fronted  by  a  bank,  named  by 
the  Dutch,  Groote  or  Great  Bank.  This  bank  has  2i  to  3  fathoms  over  it, 
3^  to  5  fathoms  between  it  and  the  small  islands,  and  4  to  8  fathoms  be- 
tween it  and  Selatan.  The  anchorage  in  the  bay  inside  the  bank  was  for- 
merly considered  to  be  good,  but  large  reefs  and  shoals  extend,  both  from 
Galang  and  Selatan,  which  render  it  anything  but  a  safe  and  convenient 
place  for  large  vessels  seeking  a  temporary  anchorage  to  resort  to. 

East  Bank  lies  N.N.E.  J  E.  4f  miles,  from  Eulo  Eondo,  its  outer  or 
northern  part  being  a  third  of  a  mile  S.E.  ^  E.  of  Tanjong  Dempoe,  the 
eastern  point  of  the  adjacent  islands.  It  is  a  little  more  than  half  a  mile  in 
extent,  with  f  to  1^  fathom  water  over  it,  and  10  to  12  fathoms  near  it. 

Tjassens  Shoal  is  an  extensive  bank,  with  1^  to  3  fathoms  water  over  it, 
lying  between  Eulo  Taron  (the  island  close  to  the  northward  of  Selatan)  and 
the  southern  part  of  Great  Garras  Island  ;  the  S.E.  extreme,  which  is  nearly 
in  the  line  between  Dempoe  Eoint  and  the  East  end  of  Great  Garras,  termi- 
nates in  a  reef  which  dries  at  half- tide.  Former  charts  exhibited  a  clear 
channel  on  each  side  of  Tjassens  Shoal,  but  the  northern  one  is  very  narrow 
at  the  western  end,  does  not  afford  a  greater  depth  than  3  fathoms,  and  is 
only  available  for  small  vessels  ;  the  southern  channel  is  good,  being  nowhere 
less  than  three-quarters  of  a  mile  wide,  with  depths  of  6  to  13  fathoms. 
Navigators  using  it,  however,  must  be  careful,  when  avoiding  the  shoal,  to 
give  a  berth  to  a  small  patch  of  reef  which  lies  a  third  of  a  mile  off  the  N.E. 
part  of  Tarong,  and  after  the  West  end  of  Great  Garras  is  brought  to  bear 
N.E.,  that  island  must  be  approached  in  order  to  avoid  the  bank  extending 
from  the  opposite  shore,  and  upon  which  are  some  patches  of  reef;  the 
northernmost  of  these  patches  has  a  small  islet  upon  it,  and  lies  N.W.  a 
little  over  a  mile  from  the  West  end  of  Great  Garras. 

LITTLE  GARRAS  ISLAND  and  LIGHTHOUSE  marks  the  entrance  of 
the  narrow  part  of  Ehio  Strait.  It  is  but  a  quarter  of  a  mile  long  East  and 
West,  formed  of  two  small  hills,  and  encompassed  by  a  narrow  fringe  of 
reef.  On  the  eastern  hill  is  the  lighthouse,  painted  white,  from  which  is 
exhibited  a.  Jixed  bright  liffht,  elevated  114  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  visible  8 
miles.  This  light  is  very  useful  for  guiding  vessels  into  the  narrow  part  of 
the  strait  by  night,  and  leading  them  between  Fankel  and  the  Moebet 
Islands,  and  northward  until  Sau  light  comes  in  sight. 


316  BANKA  TO  SINGAPOEE. 

Ditloffs  Reef,  lying  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  S.  by  E.  from  the 
eastern  extreme  of  Little  Garras,  has  from  4^  to  10  fathoms  water  close  to 
it ;  and  between  it  and  that  island  is  a  patch  with  2  to  3  fathoms  water 
over  it. 

GREAT  GARRAS  ISLAND  is  3 J  miles  long  W.  by  N.  and  E.  by  S.,  and 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  broad  ;  it  has  a  flat  summit,  and  terminates  with 
abrupt  points.  A  reef  encircles  it,  and  extends  in  places  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
off.  A  patch  of  reef  lies  about  a  third  of  a  mile  from  the  N.W.  point  of  the 
island,  and  from  that  point  halfway  along  the  North  coast  of  the  island,  a 
bank,  with  but  2  to  3  fathoms  water  over  it,  projects  nearly  a  mile,  and  for 
half  a  mile  farther  in  the  same  direction  the  soundings  are  under  5  fathoms ; 
large  vessels  should  not,  therefore,  stand  inside  a  line  drawn  between  Little 
Garras  and  East  Moebet  Island. 

Tarong  Point,  the  N.E.  extreme  of  Galand  Island,  bears  N.N.W.  |  W.  2^ 
miles  from  the  West  end  of  Great  Garras ;  it  has  on  its  northern  side  a  small 
bay,  in  which  is  a  native  village.  A  reef  fronts  the  point  at  a  distance  of  a 
quarter  of  a  mile,  and  outside  of  it  a  shoal  bank  rounds  away  to  the  small 
islet  opposite  Great  Garras. 

MOEBOET  ISLANDS.— At  6  miles  N.W.  J  N.  from  Little  Garras  is  the 
larger  and  higher  of  the  two  Moeboet  Islands,  readily  distinguished  by  its 
prominent  position,  and  the  deep  inlets  to  the  westward  and  southward.  It 
rises  to  a  round  peak,  with  the  greatest  declivity  on  the  eastern  side ;  whilst 
the  smaller  island,  or  West  Moebet,  is  considerably  lower  towards  its  centre. 
Dangerous  reefs  and  shoals  extend  from  these  islands  lA^  mile  to  the  south- 
ward. The  West  end  of  Great  Garras  bearing  S.  by  W.  clears  them  to  the 
eastward,  and  the  extreme  of  Tarong  Point  in  one  with  the  extreme  of  a 
point  a  mile  westward  of  it  bearing  W.  by  N.  |  N.,  clears  them  to  the  south- 
ward. Shoals  also  extend  more  than  a  mile  north-westward  of  East  Moeboet, 
The  North  and  East  extremes  of  Semboland  Point  in  one  bearing  about 
N.W.  is  a  close  mark  for  the  eastern  side  of  them,  and  the  South  end  of 
Paukel,  bearing  E.  by  S.  f  S.,  clears  them  to  the  northward. 

SEMBOLANG  POINT,  the  eastern  extreme  of  Eempang  Island,  is  the 
next  prominent  object  on  the  western  side  of  the  main  channel  after  passing 
northward  of  the  Moeboet  Islands.  It  is  fronted  by  a  reef,  close  to  which 
are  5  to  9  fathoms.  Erom  this  point  the  land  trends  to  the  westward,  in- 
creasing the  width  of  the  strait. 

TIEMARA  BANK  lies  N.W.  |  N.  3^  miles  from  Sembolang  Point,  and 
about  1 J  mile  eastward  of  Tiemara  Island  ;  it  is  about  half  a  mile  in  extent, 
with  1 J  fathom  water  over  it,  and  7  to  9  fathoms  near  it.  A  black  buoy  with 
ivhite  ring  is  moored  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  bank,  in  3  fathoms,  with  the 
N.E.  point  of  Tiemara  bearing  N.W.  by  W.,  and  the  East  point  of  Pulo 
Loban  N.N.E.     To  avoid  the  bank,  Sembolang  Point  should  not  be  brought 


RHIO  STRA.it— SAU  ISLAND  AND  LIGHTHOUSE.  317 

East  of  S.S.E.,  nor  the  eastern  extreme  of  Little  Tiemara  Island  to  the 
North  of  N.W. 

TIEMARA  ISLAND  is  elevated  341  ft.,  and  when  first  seen  appears  like 
a  bold  point  projecting  from  Rempang ;  it  is  surrounded  at  a  short  distance 
by  a  reef.  Little  Tiemara  Island,  lying  about  a  mile  N.  by  W.  i  W.  from 
the  N.E.  point  of  Tiemara  Island,  is  about  a  third  of  a  mile  in  extent,  and 
surrounded  by  a  reef  which  on  the  East  side  of  the  island  projects  a  quarter 
of  a  mile;  near  the  reef  are  12  to  21  fathoms  water.  Between  the  Tiemara 
Islands  are  several  reefs,  which  render  the  channel  unnavigable. 

At  2|-  miles  N.W.  from  Little  Tiemara  is  Antu  Islet,  off  the  North  and 
East  sides  of  which  a  reef  extends  for  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  and  forms  the 
southern  side  of  the  eastern  entrance  to  Bulang  Strait.  To  the  eastward  of 
a  line  joining  Little  Tiemara,  and  a  little  islet  on  the  reef  eastward  of  Antu 
Islet,  there  is  a  shoal  which  fills  up  the  bay  lying  eastward  of  Pulo  Kantyil 
and  Ayer  Radya. 

Innang  Reef  bears  from  Little  Tiemara  Island  N.N.W.  \  W.  distant 
nearly  3  miles.  It  is  marked  by  a  wkite  buoy  with  hlach  ring  in  5\  fathoms, 
on  its  eastern  point,  with  the  South  point  of  Pulo  Loban  bearing  E.  by  S.  J  S,, 
Sau  light  N.  h  W.,  and  the  South  point  of  Pulo  Innang  W.  ^  S.  Near  it 
are  depths  of  10  fathoms,  and  southward  and  south-westward  of  it  is  a  small 
bank  of  4tV  and  5  fathoms. 

INNANG  ISLAND,  H  mile  northward  of  Ajer  Radja,  forms  the  northern 
side  of  the  entrance  to  Bulang  Strait.  A  reef  fronts  the  island  to  the  dis- 
tance of  a  third  of  a  mile.  Sau  lighthouse,  if  not  brought  to  the  north- 
ward of  N.  by  W.  ^  W.,  will  keep  a  vessel  clear  of  Innang  Reef  and  the 
tongue  of  rocks  and  sand  extending  from  Sau. 

SAU  ISLAND  and  LIGHTHOUSE.— Sau  Island  is  larger  than  Innang, 
and  lies  to  the  northward  of  it.  Inside  these  two  islands  are  several  small 
islands,  with  channels  between  them  into  Bulang  Strait.  A  detached  rocky 
patch  lies  S.S.E.,  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  eastern  point  of  Sau.  The 
lighthouse,  painted  white,  is  erected  on  the  East  point  of  Sau  Island,  from 
it  di  fixed  bright  light  is  exhibited  at  an  elevation  of  118  ft.,  visible  8  miles  off. 

Little  Innang  Island  and  Van  Gogh's  Shoal.— Little  Innang  is  a  small 
island  lying  off'  the  N.E.  part  of  Sau,  opposite  West  Point,  Bintang,  from 
which  it  is  distant  nearly  2  miles ;  it  is  encompassed  by  the  reef  which  runs 
in  a  northerly  direction  from  the  East  point  of  Sau. 

Dangerous  shoals  extend  for  2i  miles  to  N.N.W.  from  Little  Innang  Island  ; 
and  Van  Gogh's  Islet,  N.W.  by  W.  *  W.  from  the  East  point  of  Little 
Innang,  is  situated  on  a  coral  reef.  The  East  point  of  Sau  in  line  with  the 
East  point  of  Little  Innang  clears  all  these  dangers  to  the  eastward,  and 
Malang  Yarong  (an  islet  on  the  opposite  coast)  bearing  E.  i  S.  clears  them 
to  the  northward.  The  soundings  decrease  rather  quickly  under  a  depth  of 
10  fathoms  near  the  dangers  just  described,  and  in  the  event  of  a  vessel 


318  BANK  A  TO  SINGAPOEE. 

standing  towards  the  southernmost  of  them  getting  a  cast  of  10  fathoms  or 
less,  she  should  tack  immediately. 

Malang  Orang  Reef. — The  N.E.  coast  of  Battam,  from  abreast  Sau 
Island  to  Nongsa  or  Boerong  Point,  which  forms  the  western  point  of  the 
North  entrance  to  Rhio  Strait,  is  fronted  by  a  reef,  extending  in  some  places 
to  the  distance  of  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  it.  The  Malang  Orang  Reef 
lies  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  Battam  shore,  and  about  E.S.E. 
from  Malang  Orang  Point.  It  is  nearly  half  a  mile  in  extent  North  and 
South,  with  5  to  8  fathoms  near  it.  It  is  marked  by  a  black  buoy  with  white 
ring  on  its  eastern  edge,  in  9  fathoms,  with  Pan  beacon  bearing  N.E.  \  E. 

PAN  REEF,  lying  nearly  in  the  middle  of  the  northern  entrance  of  Rhio 
Strait,  is  extensive  and  rocky,  and  visible  at  low  water,  when  it  appears  as  a 
long  ridge  of  black  stones.  It  is  half  a  mile  long  N.E.  f  N.  and  S.W.  ^  S., 
and  2  cables  broad  ;  and  close  to  it  are  depths  of  5  to  7  fathoms,  except  at 
the  S.W.  end,  where  it  is  not  so  steep.  A  large  screw  pile  beacon  is  placed 
near  the  NE.  end  of  the  shoal,  and  a  black  buoy  with  white  ring,  in  8  fathoms, 
on  the  S.W.  point  of  the  reef,  with  Sau  light  bearing  South,  and  Pan  beacon 
N.E.  The  other  edges  of  the  shoal  are  sometimes  marked  by  small  basket 
beacons,  but  they  are  not  to  be  depended  upon.  There  is  a  safe  passage  on 
either  side  of  the  shoal,  but  the  native  pilots,  who  generally  conduct  vessels 
through  Rhio  Strait,  seldom  use  the  eastern  channel,  where  the  depths  are 
inconvenient  for  bringing  up  in  case  of  bad  weather. 

Barbukit  kept  North,  or  N.  \  W.,  leads  eastward  of  the  Great  Pan,  and 
Johore  Hill  bearing  about  N.  by  W.  |  W.  leads  westward ;  but  Sau  light- 
house in  line  with  the  East  extreme  of  Little  Innang,  bearing  S.  ^  E.,  is  a 
good  leading  mark  for  passing  between  the  Pan  Shoals  ;  and  the  lighthouse 
bearing  S.  f  W.  leads  to  the  eastward  of  the  Great  Pan.  In  passing  east- 
ward of  the  shoal,  when  Tanjong  Nongsa  (Boerong  Point),  the  northern 
extreme  of  Battam,  bears  W.  by  N.,  or  when  Pulo  Nongsa  is  just  shut  in 
behind  Tanjong  Nongsa,  a  vessel  will  be  to  the  northward  of  it,  and  has 
entered  the  Strait  of  Singapore. 

Riondo  Shoal,  said  to  lie  about  N.W.  ^  W.,  distant  1^  mile  from  the  Pan 
Shodl,  does  not  exist ;  the  locality  has  been  thoroughly  examined. 

LITTLE  PAN  REEF  lies  N.W.  i  N.,  2^  miles  from  the  Pan  Reef.  It 
is  a  small  oval-shaped  coral  patch,  with  depths  of  31  to  7  fathoms  close 
around  it.  It  is  marked  by  a  black  buoy  with  white  ring,  in  3  fathoms,  at 
its  northern  extremity,  with  Pan  Reef  beacon  bearing  S.E.  by  E.,  and 
Boerong  Point  W.  by  N.  Pulo  Nangsa  just  open  of  Nongsa  Point  leads 
just  clear  to  the  northward  ;  and  Sau  Point  open  of  the  land  southward  of 
Malang  Orang  Point  leads  close  to  the  eastward. 


EHIO  STRAIT— SIOLON  ISLAND.  319 


EAST  SIDE  OF  THE  STEAIT. 

Talang,  or  Long  Island,  may  be  known  by  a  square  hillock  over  its  S.E, 
end,  lioQ  ft.  high,  which,  with  a  sharper  peak  westward  of  it,  forms  a  saddle; 
the  land  from  this  to  the  western  end  of  the  island  is  nearly  of  the  same 
elevation. 

Gin,  or  Great  Island,  lies  2  miles  to  the  eastward  of  the  northern  part  of 
Talar.g,  and  forms  one  of  the  objects  which  serve  to  mark  the  entrance  of 
Ehio  Strait. 

Hendrik  Jan  Rod,  on  which  a  Dutch  ship  of  that  name  struck  in  February 
1861,  is  a  dangerous  pinnacle,   nearly  awash  at  low  water,  and  steep-to, 
having  9  and  10  fathoms  close  around  it.     It  lies  S.E.  three-quarters  of  a 
mile  from  the  south-eastern  point  of  Talang,  with  the  summit  of  South-west 
Hill  just  shut  in  by  the  south-western  extreme  of  Talang. 

This  rock  is  of  small  size,  and  there  was  great  difficulty  in  finding  it. 
Several  other  shoal  patches  were  found  in  the  channel  between  Talang  and 
Gin  ;  but  they  all,  except  the  Hendrik  Jan,  lie  out  of  the  ordinary  track  of 
ships,  and  are  dangerous  only  in  the  event  of  this  channel  being  mistaken 
in  thick  weather  for  the  entrance  of  Ehio.  Vessels  should  give  these  islands 
a  berth  of  2  miles  in  passing,  and  not  bring  Terobi  Island  eastward  of 
E.  f  N.,  until  South-west  Hill  is  well  open  of  Talang. 

SIOLON,  or  MANTANG  ISLAND,  7  miles  long,  E.  by  N.  and  W.  by  S., 
and  2^  miles  broad,  but  divided  by  a  narrow  channel,  lies  to  the  north- 
westward of  Talang,  and  is  separated  from  it  by  a  channel  about  IJ  miles 
wide.  On  its  S.W.  end  is  South-west  hill,  267  ft.  high,  which,  when  seen 
from  the  southward,  appears  as  a  double-peaked  hiU,  terminating  to  the 
westward  in  a  point,  which  forms  the  S.W.  extreme  of  the  island  ;  but  when 
viewed  from  the  northward  it  makes  with  a  peaked  top.  Four  miles  east- 
ward of  South-west  Hill  is  Stolon  Hill,  507  ft.  high,  being  the  highest  hiU 
on  Siolon.  At  a  distance  of  12  miles  to  the  southward  both  Siolon  and 
South-west  Hills  appear  as  islands,  owing  to  the  land  between  them  being 
low. 

The  South  shore  of  Siolon  Island,  between  South-west  and  Siolon  Hills, 
forms  a  bay  about  a  mile  deep,  and  is  fronted  bj'  a  fringe  of  reef  and  a  shoal 
bank,  extending  out  in  places  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile.  Upon  this 
bank  lie  two  or  three  detached  patches  of  reef.  Thomas  Shoal,  a  patch  4 
cables  in  extent,  with  2  to  3  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  W.S.W.  from  Segai 
Islet,  distant  nearly  a  mile.  There  is  anchorage  under  the  southern  shore 
of  Siolon,  between  South-west  Hill  and  Thomas  Shoal,  3f  miles  eastward  of 
it,  in  from  10  to  6  fathoms,  with  shelter  from  northerly  winds. 

There  are  channels  on  either  side  of  Siolon  which  will  lead  out  into  the 
China  Sea,  northward  of  Pulo  Gin  ;  but  as  they  are  quite  out  of  the  ordi- 


320  BANKA  TO  SINGAPOllE. 

nary  track  of  vessels,  they  should  not  be  attempted  by  any  one  not  locally 
acquainted.  The  tides  in  the  channels  run  with,  great  strength,  and  there" 
are  numerous  overfalls. 

Alligator  Island,  l^-  mile  W.N.W.  from  the  western  end  of  Siolon  ;  seen 
from  the  westward,  shows  as  three  round  lumps,  but  when  approached  from 
the  northward,  it  appears  to  slope  gradually  from  its  northern  end,  which,  is 
101  ft.  high.     There  is  no  passage  between  Alligator  Island  and  Siolon. 

Alligator  Reef,  lying  nearly  a  mile  North  of  Alligator  Island,  is  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  in  extent.  It  is  marked  by  a  white  buoy  with  hlack  ring  on  its 
N.W.  edge,  in  4  fathoms,  with  West  point  of  Alligator  Island  bearing 
S.  i  E. ;  Topie  Island,  South  point,  W.  by  S.  |  S.  ;  and  Blading  Island 
N.  by  E. 

Blading  Island,  lying  \\  mile  to  the  northward  of  Alligator  Reef,  is  small 
and  surrounded  by  a  reef  which  extends  in  a  southerly  direction  more  than 
a  quarter  of  a  mile.  Eastward  of  Alligator  Eeef  and  Blading  Island  are 
several  other  reefs  and  islands,  lying  off  the  northern  shore  of  Siolon. 

Prins  Reef,  about  a  third  of  a  mile  in  extent,  1^  mile  N.  by  W.  from 
Blading,  lies  on  the  outer  edge  of  the  shoal  bank  which  fronts  Batu  Babie 
Point. 

The  Topics  are  a  cluster  of  small  round  islets  and  rocks  lying  about  2  miles 
westward  of  Alligator  Reef.  Topie  in  the  Malay  language  signifies  hat,  and 
when  approached  from  the  southward  these  islets,  as  they  rise  above  the 
horizon,  certainly  present  very  much  the  appearance  of  the  round,  inverted, 
basin-shaped  topics,  or  hats,  in  use  among  the  Malays.  The  northern  and 
eastern  islands  are  the  largest  of  the  group;  the  former  is  134  feet,  and 
the  latter  118  feet  high.  When  approaching  the  eastern  island  from  the 
northward,  it  appears  of  a  crown  shape,  and  in  clear  weather  may  be  seen 
10  miles  off. 

A  rock  lies  close  off  the  N.E.  end  of  the  eastern  island  ;  and  a  hank  half 
a  mile  long,  with  2f  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  with  its  outer  edge  bearing 
S.E.  by  S.,  distant  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  same  island. 

Rotterdam  Reef  is  a  rocky  patch,  with  only  1^  fathom  water  over  it, 
lying  W.S.W.  a  little  more  than  half  a  mile  from  the  northern  of  the  Topies 
group.  It  is  marked  by  a  white  buoy  with  hlack  ring,  in  2|  fathoms,  on  its 
West  side,  with  South  point  of  Pankel  bearing  N.W.  by  W.  3  W.,  and  Topie 
Island  centre  E.  by  N.  i  N. 

There  is  another  reef,  with  but  little  water  over  it,  lying  N,  by  W.  ^  W., 
nearly  half  a  mile  from  the  Western  Topie  ;  its  northern  end  is  marked  by 
a  beacon.     Near  these  dangers  are  6  and  4  fathoms. 

Dutch  Shoal,  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  extent,  with  3  fathoms  water  over  it, 
and  6  or  7  fathoms  close  to  the  western  side  of  it,  lies  with  Little  Garras 
lighthouse  bearing  S.  I  W.,  3J  miles ;  the  northern  island  of  the  Topies 
group  E.  by  S.  |  S.,  3*  miles  ;  and  the  S.  W.  extreme  of  Pankel  N.W.  i  W., 


PANKEL  ISLAND.  321 

H  mile.  The  novtliern  Topie  bearing  E.  by  S.  i  S.,  and  the  8.W.  extreme 
of  Pankel  N."W.  i  N.,  will  lead  a  quarter  of  a  mile  S.W.  of  this  danger. 

This  shoal  is  on  the  western  edge  of  a  bank,  with  3  to  6  fathoms  water 
on  it,  which  lies  about  a  mile  off  the  S.E.  end  of  Pankel,  and  extends  3^ 
miles  farther  in  that  direction  from  the  island.  A  good  mark  to  keep  clear  of 
the  entire  western  edge  is  the  apex  of  Loban  Island  in  line  with  the  western 
extreme  of  Pankel.  Between  the  bank  and  Pankel  the  depths  are  6  to  10 
fathoms. 

PANKEL  ISLAND,  2  miles  long  North  and  South,  and  half  a  mile  broad, 
bounds  the  eastern  side  of  the  main  channel  of  Ehio  Strait,  abreast  of  Great 
Grarras  and  the  Moeboet  Islands  ;  it  is  belted  by  a  reef  which  extends  from  a 
quarter  to  half  a  mile  from  it.  Outside  the  shore  reef  at  the  N.W.  part  of 
the  island,  a  bank  with  less  than  3  fathoms  water  over  it,  projects  to  a  dis- 
tance of  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  shore.  Eastward  of  this  bank, 
and  half  a  mile  northward  of  the  North  point  of  the  island,  lies  Pankel 
Reef,  a  patch  of  rocks  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  diameter.  Pankel,  at  a 
distance,  makes  as  two  distinct  round  hills  ;  on  a  nearer  approach  a  sandy 
beach  will  be  seen  at  its  South  end,  from  which  rocks  and  fishing  stakes 
extend  nearly  three-quai'ters  of  a  mile. 

Rupels  Reef,  about  a  mile  to  the  eastward  of  Pankel,  has  a  hlach  buoy  with 
white  ring  on  its  East  side,  in  5  fathoms,  with  East  point  of  Sore  bearing 
N.  by  E. ;  Pankel,  N.W.  point,  N.W.  i  W. ;  and  Pankel,  S.E.  point, 
S.W.  by  W. 

Sore  Island,  lying  E.  by  N.  f  N.  nearly  H  mile  from  the  North  end  of 
Pankel,  is  a  small,  round  island,  covered  with  cocoa-nut  trees,  and  sur- 
rounded by  a  reef.  A  shoal  bank,  with  less  than  3  fathoms  water  on  it, 
extends  three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  the  south-eastward,  the  tail,  with  3i  to 
5  fathoms  water,  stretching  nearly  a  mile  farther  in  the  same  direction. 
N.N.W.  from  the  island  the  shore  reef  extends  more  than  half  a  mile,  and 
half  a  mile  farther  in  the  same  direction  lies  a  detached  reef,  nearly  a  third 
of  a  mile  in  diameter  ;  in  the  channel  between  are  5  to  8  fathoms.  Nearly  a 
mile  from  this  last,  in  a  N.W.  I  N.  direction,  lies  the  S.E.  end  of  the  largest 
of  the  Sore  Reefs  ;  it  is  a  narrow  strip  of  sand  and  coral,  a  little  more  than 
IJ  mile  long  N.W.  I  W.  and  S.E.  J  E.,  and  marked  by  a  ivhite  buoy  with 
hlach  ring  on  its  N.W.  end  in  2i  fathoms,  with  Pitjingit  bearing  E.  by  N. 
i  N.,  and  Terkolei  light  N.  by  W.  |  W. 

The  channel,  limited  on  one  side  by  Eupels  Eeef,  Pankel  Island  and 
Pankel  Eeef,  and  on  the  other  by  Sore  Island  and  the  reefs  and  banks  adja- 
cent to  it,  is  perfectly  free  from  danger,  with  depths  of  9  to  14  fathoms. 

Dompa  is  an  irregularly  shaped  island ;  its  western  extreme,  named 
Dompa  Point,  bears  N.E.  by  E.  2  miles  from  Sore,  and  N.  by  W.  6  miles 
from  the  northern  island  of  the  Topies.  Two  small  islands,  surrounded  by 
I.  A.  :<i  T 


322  BANKA  TO  SINGAPORE. 

reefs,  lie  oflP  the  South  shore  of  Dompa.  On  the  outer  edge  of  the  reef  ex- 
tending from  Dompa  Point  is  a  white  buoy  with  black  ring,  in  3  fathoms, 
with  Dompa  Point  beaiing  N.N.E.  ^  E.,  West  end  of  Basing  Island  S.E.  \  E., 
and  the  end  of  Sore  Island  W.S.W. 

The  channel  between  the  edge  of  the  bank  extending  from  the  S.W.  side 
of  Dompa,  and  Sore  Island  and  Reefs,  is  about  1  mile  wide,  and  is  generally 
used  by  vessels  bound  to  Rhio  from  the  southward  ;  the  depths  in  it  vary 
from  8  to  19  fathoms. 

KHIO  ISLAND  is  about  4J  miles  in  length  East  and  West,  and  2\  miles 
wide,  and,  being  separated  from  the  manland  of  Bintang  by  a  very  narrow 
channel,  appears  to  form  part  of  it.  The  town,  which  stands  on  the  N.W. 
point  of  the  island,  was  formerly  a  port  of  much  trade  ;  and  although  its 
importance  has  for  many  years  declined,  it  is  still  a  place  of  considerable 
traffic  for  small  vessels.  There  is  a  well-built  fort  on  a  hill  commanding  the 
town. 

Tanjong  Pinang,  N.E.  |  N.  2J  miles  from  Tanjong  Dompa,  is  distin- 
guished by  a  beacon,  consisting  of  a  white  square  pyramid,  16  ft.  high,  N.  by 
W.  2^  cables  from  it. 

1  he  usual  anchorage  is  in  3  or  4  fathoms,  about  2  miles  northward  of  the 
West  end  of  Dompa,  sheltered  from  the  northward  by  the  island  of  Pitjingit. 
The  soundings  decrease  gradually  to  4  and  3^  fathoms,  but  shoal  suddenly 
under  a  depth  of  3  fathoms.  It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  9*"  50"  ; 
springs  rise  7  ft.,  neaps  5  ft. 

Pakko  is  a  small  islet  lying  about  half  a  mile  off  the  western  shore  of  Rhio 
Island,  and  N.W.  by  NV.  ^  W.  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  Pinang  beacon, 
in  the  middle  of  a  rocky  bank  about  half  a  mile  in  extent.  There  is  a  narrow 
channel  between  the  bank  and  the  western  shore  of  Rhio,  having  \^  to  2 
fathoms  water  in  it,  and  which  is  marked  on  the  western,  or  rocky  bank  side, 
by  three  beacons. 

Pitjingit,  or  Mars  Island,  lies  half  a  mile  westward  of  the  N.W.  point  of 
Rhio,  opposite  the  town.  The  island  is  about  a  mile  long  East  and  West,  a 
third  of  a  mile  broad,  is  surrounded  by  a  reef,  which  projects  from  its 
southern  and  western  sides  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile.  Sengarang  Island 
projects  some  3  miles  to  the  north-westward  of  Rhio,  forming  a  roadstead  or 
anchorage  between  it  and  Pitjingit.  Vessels  usually  enter  by  the  narrow 
channel  between  the  Pakko  Reef  and  the  West  shore  of  Rhio.  Loz,  or  Loos, 
is  a  small  island  lyiug  close  to  the  West  end  of  Sengarang,  inside  the  margin 
of  the  reef  which  extends  from  that  island. 

Terkolei  Island  and  Lighthouse, — Terkolei  Island,  lying  W.N.W.  4  miles 
from  Pitjingit,  is  a  low,  flat  iJand,  about  half  a  mile  in  extent,  with  a  clump 
of  trees  on  its  East  end ;  it  is  surrounded  by  a  reef,  which  extends  nearly 
half  a  mile  eastward  and  a  quarter  of  a  mile  westward  and  southward  from 
it.     A  lighthouse  is  erected  upon  its  West  end,  painted  white,  and  exhibit- 


RHIO  STRAIT -LOB.\N  ISLANDS.  323 

ing,  from  an  elevation  of  81  feet,  a,  fixed  bright  light,  which  is  visible  6  miles. 

Terkolei  Island  is  situated  near  the  middle  of  a  dangerous  shoal  bank,  com- 
posed of  hard  sand  and  mud,  7^  miles  l<mg,  E.S.E.  and  W.N.W.  nearly, 
the  eastern  part  of  which  extends  to  within  half  a  mile  of  the  reef  surround- 
ing Pifjingit.  Half  a  mile  South  of  the  island  a  black  buoy  with  ivhite  ring 
is  moored  on  the  edge  of  the  shoal,  in  2^  fathoms,  with  Pitjingit  bearing 
E.  by  S.,  and  Terkolei  North.  The  reef  is  here  steep-to,  and  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E. 
1^  mile  from  the  island  is  a  beacon,  on  the  southern  edge  of  a  2-fa thorn 
shoal ;  the  3  fathoms  edge  of  the  bank  is  nearlj  half  a  mile  southward  of 
this  beacon.  Pitjingit  bearing  East  clears  the  S.E.  tail,  and  the  apex  of 
Loban  bearing  N.W.  by  W.  |  W.  will  lead  clear  to  the  southward  of  Ter- 
kolei and  the  western  part  of  the  bank. 

ISABELLA  SHOAL  lies  three-quarters  of  a  mile  southward  of  Loban  ;  it 
is  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile  long  East  and  West,  2  cables  broad,  and 
has  from  I  to  2|  fathoms  water  over  it.  A  tail,  with  3^  to  4  J  fathoms  on  it, 
stretches  from  its  eastern  extreme  nearly  a  mile  in  an  E.S.E.  direction. 
The  1 -fathom  patch  is  near  the  centre  of  the  shoal.  A  white  buoy  with  black 
ring  is  moored  in  3  fathoms  on  the  western  extreme  of  the  shoal,  with  the 
East  point  of  Pulo  Loban  bearing  N.N.E.  ^  E.,  Terkolei  light  East,  and 
South  point  of  Little  Loban  N.W.  ;  and  a  black  buoy  with  white  ring  in  3 
fathoms,  ou  the  eastern  extremity,  3  cables  E.  f  S.  from  the  West  buoy. 

The  depths  at  a  short  distance  from  the  South  side  of  this  danger  are  6  to 
10  fathoms,  but  its  western  edge  is  very  steep,  there  being  14  fathoms  close 
to  it.  Terkolei  lighthouse,  bearing  E.  ^  N.  clears  the  shoal  to  the  south- 
ward, and  Sau  lighthouse,  in  one  with  the  West  end  of  Little  Loban,  leads 
well  clear  to  the  westward. 

LOBAN  ISLANDS,  Ij  ing  about  half  a  mile  off  the  S.W.  part  of  Bintang, 
form  a  group  of  four  or  five  small  islands,  separated  by  channels  so  narrow 
that  they  appear  as  one  island.  They  may  be  recognized  by  the  gradual 
rise  the  largest  island  takes  from  its  North  end,  to  a  round  hummock  in  the 
centre,  which  with  Little  Loban  (the  islet  off  its  West  end)  present  to  vessels 
approaching  them  from  the  westward,  the  appearance  of  three  distinct  hills. 
A  reef,  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  broad,  surrounds  the  group.  A  small  de- 
tached patih  lies  a  third  of  a  mile  South  of  the  S.W.  point  of  Great  Loban. 
The  depths  close  to  the  reef  fronting  the  western  side  of  the  Loban  group 
art)  11  to  20  fathoms.  A  2-fathom  patch  lies  outside  the  shore  i-eef  on  the 
N.W.  part  of  Loban,  the  western  edge  of  which  bears  N.N.E.  ^  E.,  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  small  islet  off  the  West  end  of  Little  Loban. 

Dessa  is  a  small  islet,  conspicuous  from  having  only  one  tree  upon  it, 
bearing  N.  ^  W.  about  If  mile  from  the  West  end  of  Little  Loban,  and 
S.  by  W.  h  W.  about  half  a  mile  from  Batu  Point,  the  nearest  point  of  Bin- 
tang ;  it  is  on  the  southern  point  of  a  small  shoal  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in 
extent.     Two   patches  of  reef,    together   nearly  a  mile   long   E.S.E     and 


324  BANKA  TO  SINGAPORE 

W.N.W.,  lie  with  their  western  extreme  about  a  third  of  a  mile  southward 
of  Dessa,  and  between  these  and  the  2-fathom  patch  off  Loban  is  a  channel 
not  Quite  half  a  mile  broad,  with  3^  to  9  fathoms  in  it.  A  rocky  patch  lies  off 
the  N.W.  side  of  Dessa,  the  outer  part  being  distant  a  third  of  a  mile  from 
it.  Little  Loban  bearing  S.S.E.  leads  westward  of  all  these  shoals,  as  will 
also  West  point,  Bintang,  if  not  brought  westward  of  N.  \  W.  Close  to 
these  dangers  the  soundings  are  deep,  12  to  23  fathoms. 

BATU  POINT  is  2\  miles  northward  of  Little  Loban,  the  pitch  of  the  point 
being  about  half  a  mile  N.E.  of  the  reef  lying  off  the  N.W.  side  of  Dessa. 
At  Batu  Point  the  land  recedes  abruptly  to  the  eastward. 

Dua  Island,  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  long  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E., 
fronts  the  bay  between  Batu  and  West  points  ;  a  round  lump  which  rises  in 
its  centre  is  lower  than  the  adjacent  land.  There  is  a  remarkable  white  rock 
near  its  West  side.  The  island  is  bordered  by  a  reef,  and  a  small  detached 
patch  lies  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  mile  south-westward  of  its  South  point,  and 
a  rock  awash  about  the  same  distance  to  the  south-eastward.  This  last^ 
narrows  the  channel  between  the  island  and  shore  to  \^  cable,  but  the  water 
in  it  is  deep,  7  to  12  fathoms  ;  behind  the  island  the  depths  are  various,  4^ 
to  11  fathoms,  and  3  cables  northward  of  the  reef  fringing  the  North  part  of 
Dua,  and  2  cables  from  the  Bintang  shore,  is  a  3-fathom  patch,  leaving  a 
patch  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  mile  broad,  with  1|  fathom  water  in  it. 

WEST  POINT,  bearing  N.  by  W.  \  W.  2^  miles  from  Batu  Point,  is 
bold-to  on  the  South  and  West  parts,  but  on  the  North  part  a  reef  begins  to 
extend  from  the  shore,  and  trends  away  from  the  point  in  a  northerly  direc- 
tion, passing  outside  by  Senggera  Islet.  West  Point  is  moderately  elevated 
land,  presenting  a  round  shelving  appearance,  and  from  it  the  coast  line 
trends  to  the  north-eastward,  forming  the  eastern  side  of  the  North  entrance 
of  Rhio  Strait. 

The  Senggera  are  a  ledge  of  flat  rocks,  lying  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  off 
shore,  1^  mile  N.  ^  E.  from  West  Point.  Detached  rocks  on  the  shore  reef 
wiil  be  seen  nearly  as  far  as  West  Point. 

Malang  Yarong  is  a  small  islet,  covered  with  trees,  lying  half  a  mile  North 
from  Senggera  Eocks,  on  the  edge  of  the  reef  fronting  the  shore,  which  here 
extends  more  than  a  third  of  a  mile  off. 

Pnlo  Kera,  or  Skerrie,  is  a  small  island  lying  N.E.  |  N.  2  miles  from  Ma- 
lang Yarong,  and  close  off  Kalumpong  Point ;  it  is  of  an  oblong  form,  about 
80  feet  high,  and  will  be  recognized  by  the  coast  near  it  receding  to  the 
E.N.E.,  in  the  direction  of  the  Subong  Elver.  The  reef  which  fronts  the 
coast  from  West  Point  follows  the  tren dings  of  the  coast,  and  passes  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  outside  Kera,  and  then  trends  to  the  eastward,  fronting  the 
southern  coast  of  the  large  bight  between  Kera  and  Subong  Point. 

A  shoal  hank,  with  less  than  a  fathom  water  over  it  in  one  place,  and  1^  to 
8  fathoms  elsewhere,  fronts  the  shore  reef  above  mentioned ;  the  3-fathom 


EHIO  STEAIT-SUBONG  BAY  AND  POINT.  325 

line  which  marks  its  edge  takes  from  Malong  Yarong  Island  a  N.N.E. 
direction  for  about  a  mile,  where  it  trends  a  point  more  to  the  eastward  and 
passes  about  half  a  mile  outside  Pulo  Kera  ;  from  thence  it  trends  away 
with  an  irregulnr  outline  to  Tanjong  Subong,  passing  just  outside  the  Pap 
and  a  group  of  rocks  E.N.E.  from  it.  This  bank  between  Malang  Yarong 
and  Kera  is  steep-to  under  a  depth  of  8  fathoms,  and  must  be  carefully 
avoided. 

Netscher  Shoal,  the  outer  part  of  which  lies  half  a  niile  outside  the  shoal 
bank  just  described,  is  very  dangerous,  fur  there  is  less  than  a  fathom  water 
on  its  N.W.  extreme,  and  less  than  3  fathoms  everywhere  else.  It  is  a 
somewhat  circular  shaped  shoal,  about  half  a  mile  in  extent,  composed  of 
hard  sand  and  coral,  and  from  the  outer  edge  Pulo  Kera  bears  S.  by  W., 
distant  l^-  mile,  and  the  extreme  of  Tanjong  Subong  N.E.  by  E.  ^  E.,  4^ 
miles.  Close  to  the  western  side  of  this  danger  are  10  and  6  fathoms,  and 
the  lead  cannot  be  depended  upon  to  give  warning  in  time  to  avoid  it. 

SUBONG  BAY,  the  deep  bight  between  Pulo  Kera  and  Subong  Point,  is 
nearly  filled  up  with  reefs,  and  is  best  understood  from  the  chart. 

Crocodile  Shoal  is  a  small  patch  of  hard  sand  with  3  fathoms  water  over 
it,  and  is  the  outermost  of  the  dangers  off  this  part  of  Bintang.  It  lies  N.E. 
i  N.  2^  miles  from  Netscher  Shoal ;  N.N.E.  f  E.  of  miles  from  Pulo  Kera  ; 
and  "W.  ^  S.  21  miles  from  Subong  Point.  Close  to  the  West  and  N.W. 
sides  of  this  shoal  are  6  to  8  fathoms,  and  4  J  fathoms  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
from  it  on  the  N.E.  side.  Kera  Island  bearing  S.S.W.,  leads  nearly  half  a 
mile  westward  of  the  Crocodile  ;  and  Pulo  Nongsa  bearing  West,  or  the  islet 
off  Subong  E.  IS.,  leads  half  a  mile  to  the  northward.  Barbukit  Hill, 
N.  by  W.  I  W.,  will  also  lead  to  the  westward. 

Sau  Lighthouse  bearing  S.S.W.  ^  W.,  clears  the  shoal  bank  N.N.E.  of 
Malang  Yarong,  as  also  the  Netscher  and  Crocodile  Shoals ;  it  is  a  good 
guide  for  strangers  when  working  near  this  rather  dangerous  coast. 

SUBONG  POINT  is  the  N.W.  extreme  of  Bintang  and  the  north-eastern 
limit  of  Pthio  Strait.  It  bears  from  Kera  Island  N.E.  h  E.  5J  miles,  the 
coast  between  forming  a  deep  bight,  at  the  head  of  which  is  the  entrance  of 
the  Subong  Eiver.  A  small  islet  lies  off  the  pitch  of  the  point,  and  S.W. 
by  W.  a  third  of  a  mile  from  the  islet  is  a  sunken  rock.  Some  islets  also 
lie  close  to  the  coast  S.S.E.  from  the  point. 

Tides. — The  flood  tidal  wave  in  the  China  Sea  comes  from  the  northward, 
and,  being  divided  by  the  island  of  Bintang,  sweeps  round  its  shores,  and 
flows  into  Ehio  Strait  at  both  ends,  the  stream  from  Singapore  Strait  meet- 
ing that  from  the  southward  in  the  space  between  Tiemara  Island  and  Ehio, 
The  main  body  of  the  southern  stream  takes  a  general  westerly  direction 
for  Dumpo  Strait,  much  of  it  diverging  to  the  southward  through  the  chan- 
nels dividing  the  several  groups  of  islands  lying  between  Missana  and 
Dunipo,  and  a  portion  turning  off  to  the  N.W.,  in  the  direction  of  Garras  ; 


326  BANK.l  TO  SINGAPORE. 

this  last  is  joined  by  the  streams  flowing  through  the  Siolon  and  adjacent 
channels,  which  gradually  trend  away  to  the  north-westward  after  they  enter 
the  strait. 

The  monsoons  and  currents  of  the  China  Sea  very  much  affect  the  regu- 
larity of  the  tides,  which  are  strong,  and  at  the  springs  rush  with  great 
velocity  through  the  channels  among  the  islands,  forming  numerous  eddies, 
and  stirring  up  the  mud.  In  the  narrow  part  of  the  strait,  about  West 
point,  this  is  particularly  the  case,  the  tide  running  from  3  to  4  knots,  and 
sometimes  even  4J  and  5  knots. 

DIRECTIONS  through  Rhio  Strait  to  Singapore. — Directions  to  proceed 
from  Banka  Strait  outside  Linga  Island  are  given  at  page  54.  A  vessel 
intending  to  proceed  through  Rhio  Strait,  and  having  brought  Tanjong 
Eung  (the  eastern  extreme  of  Linga  Island)  to  bear  S.S.W.  ^  W.,  and 
Great  Domino  West,  should  steer  about  N.W.  |  N.,  which,  if  care  be  taken 
to  guard  against  the  effects  of  the  tide,  will  take  her  to  the  fairway  at  the 
entrance  of  Rhio  Strait,  with  Pulo  Gin — which  will  be  first  seen  on  the 
starboard  hand — bearing  about  N.E.  §  E.,  and  Rodong  Peak  about  S.S.W. 
^  W.  In  this  track,  if  the  course  is  preserved,  the  vessel  will  pass  7  or  8 
miles  outside  Crocodile  Rock,  and  5  or  6  outside  the  Fly  and  Pollux  Shoals. 

Rondo,  the  small  round  island  on  the  West  side  of  the  strait,  and  the 
peak  of  Rodong  (page  314),  the  only  hill  of  this  feature  in  the  vicinity,  with 
South-west  Hill  on  Siolon  (page  319),  Talang  Island,  and  the  extreme  land 
to  the  eastward  (Pulo  Gin,  with  a  flat  peak  near  its  centre)  will,  at  a  distance 
of  14  miles,  readily  show  the  approach  to  the  narrow  part  of  the  strait, 
while  nearer  the  Topies,  Alligator,  and  other  islands,  cannot  fail  to  point  out 
the  main  channel. 

Having  brought  the  South  end  of  Pulo  Gin  abeam,  a  N.W.  ^  W.  course 
will  lead  to  the  entrance  of  the  narrow  part  ot  the  strait,  and  Table  Hill, 
which  is  flat  on  the  summit,  and  stands  on  the  southern  part  of  Galang 
Island,  should  be  seen  a  little  on  the  port  bow.  In  entering,  borrow  towards 
the  islets  near  Galang,  to  preserve  the  deepest  water  and  to  avoid  the  Topies, 
which  latter  have  shoals  extending  1  or  2  miles  to  the  S.S.E.,  and  1  mile 
from  their  western  sides. 

Having  arrived  abreast  of  Little  Garras,  distant  about  a  mile,  a  N.W.  ^  N. 
course  will  lead  through  the  fairway  of  the  channel  till  the  Lobau  Islands 
are  abeam,  a  distance  of  16  miles.  With  Little  Loban  bearing  East,  distant 
a  mile,  a  N.  by  W.  course  for  7  miles  will  take  the  vessel  past  West  Point 
Bmtang,  which  will  bear  about  iS.E.  ;  a  N.  by  E.  or  N.  by  E.  i  E.  course 
will  then  lead  midway  between  the  Pan  Reef  and  the  dangers  off  the  N.W. 
coast  of  Bintang  into  Singapore  Strait. 

The  mark  for  passing  eastward  of  the  Pan  Reef  is  to  bring  Barbukit  Hill 
N.  i  W.  or  North,  but  not  to  the  eastward  of  North,  and  to  steer  that  course 
until  Johore  Hill  bears  N.N.W.  |  W.,  which  will  lead  north-eastward  of  both 


EHIO  STRAIT— DIRECTIONS.  327 

Pan  Reefs.  A  vessel  will  be  clear  of  the  Little  Pan  when  Pdlo  Nongsa  opens 
of  Nongsa  Point,  and  when  the  passage  between  the  islands  and  the  point 
comes  open,  she  may  steer  N.W.  and  W.N.W.  as  necessary  for  Singapore 
Road.  If  the  tide  is  setting  to  the  westward,  a  sailing  ship  should  be  careful, 
especially  in  light  cr  contrary  winds,  to  get  well  over  on  the  northern  side  of 
Singapore  Strait,  otherwise  she  may  be  carried  by  the  strong  current  to  the 
westward  of  St.  Johns,  and  unable  either  to  fetch  into  Singapore  Road,  or, 
from  the  great  depth  of  water,  to  anchor. 

The  soundings  do  not  give  sufficient  warning  to  keep  a  vessel  clear  of  the 
Crocodile  Rock,  but  in  the  event  of  meeting  with  baffling  or  contrary  winds 
or  tides,  and  getting  over  towards  this  danger.,  Domino  Hill  (the  island  lying 
between  the  Great  Domino  and  Tanjong  Eung)  should  not  be  brought  to  the 
southward  of  S.  ^  W.,  until  the  islet  off  the  N.W.  end  of  Great  Domino 
bears  S.W.  I  W.  The  Fly  Bank  and  the  Pollux  Rock  must  not  be  ap- 
proached to  a  less  depth  than  13  or  12  fathoms. 

At  night,  or  in  thick  weather,  a  vessel,  after  having  brought  Tanjong 
Eung  to  bear  S.S.W.  J  W.,  and  Domino  Hill  East,  should  make  a  N.N.W. 
^  W.  course  for  about  23  miles,  and  then  N.W.  ^  W.  about  28  miles,  which 
courses,  if  proper  allowance  has  been  made  for  the  tide,  will  keep  her  10  or 
11  miles  eastward  of  the  Fly  and  Pollux  Shoals,  and  place  her  in  the  fairway 
at  the  entrance  of  Rhio  Strait,  with  Pulo  Gin  on  the  starboard  beam. 

Formerly  difficulty  wa&  often  experienced  by  strangers  in  making  out  the 
entrance  to  Rhio  Strait,  from  the  imperfect  manner  in  which  the  islands 
between  Missana  and  Dumpo  were  laid  down  on  the  charts;  since,  however, 
these  have  been  correctly  delineated,  seamen  making  the  strait  for  the  first 
time  will  readily  recognise  any  of  the  islands.  The  high  conical  peak  of 
Rodong,  the  most  couspicuous  object  in  approaching  the  strait,  should  be 
made  out  as  soon  as  possible. 

Now  that  the  channel  between  the  two  Pan  Reefs  is  known  to  be  clear 
(the  survey  of  the  Rifleman  having  proved  that  the  reputed  Riondo  Shoal 
does  not  exist),  no  difficulty  will  be  experienced  in  passing  between  them,  as 
they  are  well  marked  by  the  beacon  and  buoy  on  the  Great  Pan,  and  a  buoy 
on  the  Little  Pan ;  it  is  only  necessary  to  pass  at  a  reasonable  distance  from 
these  marks. 

To  work  through  Rhio  Strait  from  the  Southward. — It  seldom  happens 
that  a  vessel  will  have  to  work  along  near  the  islands  from  Missana  to 
Dumpo.  It  is  generally  found  advantageous  to  stand  to  the  northward 
in  case  of  meeting  with  a  north-westerly  wind,  but  it  may  occasionally 
happen  that  a  vessel  will  derive  advantage  by  standing  towards  them  ; 
iu  which  case,  when  nearing  the  North  side  of  Missana,  in  order  to 
avoid  the  dangers  which  extend  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  that 
shore,  the  apex  of  Binan  must  not  be  brought  northward  of  W.  by  N.  To 
avoid  the  Rifleman   Shoal,   which  lies  about  1 J  mile  eastward  of  the  N.E. 


328  BANKA  TO  SINGAPOEE. 

point  of  Binan,  the  eastern  extreme  of  Missaiia  must  not  be  brought  East  of 
S.E.  ^  E.,  or  the  northern  extreme  of  Kataug  Linga  North  of  W.  by  N.  ^  N, 
This  last  also  clears  the  3^-fathom  patch  off  the  North  part  of  Binan.  The 
East  side  of  Katang  Linga  may  be  approached  to  the  distance  of  Half  a  mile, 
and  the  northern  part  of  the  island  to  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile.  The 
Selangs  Islands  and  Oedik  may  be  approached  to  within  a  moderate  distance, 
but  care  must  be  taken  not  to  stand  within  a  line  drawn  from  the  North 
extreme  of  Katang  Linga  to  the  North  Selanga,  or  within  another  drawn 
from  the  last-named  island  to  Oedik,  for  reasons  stated  in  the  description  of 
those  localities. 

In  standing  to  the  westward  towards  the  South  end  of  Galang  Island,  a 
vessel  may  approach  the  Great  Bank  (page  315)  to  9  or  8  fathoms ;  but  be- 
tween the  Great  Bank  and  East  Bank  should  tack  at  the  first  cast  under  10 
fathoms,  as  a  3-fathom  bank  projects  far  out  from  tlie  island  between 
Selatan  and  Dempo,  and  the  soundings  decrease  suddenly  towards  it.  To 
avoid  this  bank  and  also  East  Bank,  the  S.E.  extreme  of  Selatan  Island 
should  not  be  brought  South  of  W.  by  S.,  until  Dempoe  Point,  the  eastern 
extreme  of  the  group,  is  West  of  N.W.  by  AV.  Eondo  Island  bearing 
S.W.  ^  S.  also  leads  outside  of  East  Bank  and  all  other  dangers  between 
that  island  and  Derapo  Point,  and  is  a  safe  turning  mark. 

Between  Dempo  Point  and  Little  Garras  a  vessel  may  stand  into  8  or  7 
fathoms ;  but,  to  avoid  Ditloffs  Eeef,  the  eastern  point  of  Galang  (which 
projects  into  the  bay)  must  not  be  brought  South  of  W.  ^  S.  until  Little 
Garras  lighthouse  bears  westward  of  N.W.  Little  Garras  should  not  be 
approached  nearer  than  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  nor  Great  Garras  than  half  a 
mile,  to  avoid  their  reefs.  The  soundings  near  the  former  are  deep,  11  to 
22  fathoms,  but  8  or  9  fathoms  will  be  found  half  a  mile  from  the  reef  of 
Great  Garras. 

Between  Great  Garras  and  East  Moeboet  Island  a  vessel  may  stand  into 
8  or  7  fathoms,  but  a  good  tacking  mark  appeal's  to  be  to  keep  Little  Garras 
well  open  of  Great  Garras  ;  and,  if  this  be  attended  to,  it  will  keep  the  vessel 
clear  to  the  eastward  of  the  banks  which  extend  about  H  mile  southward 
from  Moeboet. 

After  passing  Moeboet,  its  eastern  extreme  must  not  be  brought  eastward 
of  S.  by  E.,  until  the  southern  extreme  of  Sembolang  Point  bears  W.  by 
S.  ^  S.,  when  the  vessel  will  be  clear  of  the  bank  which  extends  N.W.  of 
Moeboet ;  from  thence  to  Sembolang  Point  she  may  stand  into  8  or  7  fa- 
thoms. E.  by  N.  2  N.  IJ  mile  from  Sembolang  Point  is  a  patch  of  coral, 
with  5^  fathoms  water  over  it,  and  6  to  8  fathoms  near  it;  but  half  a  mile 
nearer  the  point  there  is  a  run  of  deeper  water,  11  or  12  fathoms,  and  close 
to  the  reef  fronting  Sembolang  Point  are  7  and  9  fathoms. 

Sembolang  Point  is  fronted  by  a  reef,  but  the  pitch  of  the  point  may  be 
passed  at  a  quarter  of  a  mile.     The  bay  between  that  point  and  the  Tiemara 


EHIO  STEAIT— DIEECTIONS.  329 

Bank  is  free  from  danger,  and  a  vessel  may  stand  into  it  as  convenient,  but 
be  careful  not  to  bring  the  S.W.  extreme  of  Tiemara  Island  West  of 
W.  i  N.,  nor  the  N.E.  extreme  of  Little  Tiemara  North  of  N.W.,  in  order 
to  avoid  the  Tiemara  Bank,  over  which  there  is  as  little  as  1^  fathom  water. 

Little  Tiemara  should  not  be  approached  nearer  than  half  a  mile,  on 
account  of  dangers  which  extend  nearly  that  distance  from  it,  and  close  to 
which  are  12  to  21  fathoms,  so  that  the  lead  cannot  be  relied  upon  to  give 
warning  in  sujEcient  time.  After  passing  this  island,  its  N.E.  extreme  kept 
to  the  southward  of  S.S.E.  J  E.,  will  serve  as  a  good  tacking  mark  as  far  as 
the  buoy  on  the  Innang  Shoal,  leading  outside  the  Johannes  Bank,  and 
clear  of  all  danger. 

To  avoid  the  dangerous  reef  which  extends  nearly  half  a  mile  from  Innang 
Island,  the  N.E.  point  of  Little  Innang  must  be  opened  of  the  eastern  ex- 
treme of  Sau  Island  (with  the  lighthouse  upon  it)  after  passing  the  Innanw 
Shoal  buoy  ;  and,  if  this  be  attended  to,  a  vessel  will  keep  outside  all  dani^er 
as  far  as  the  eastern  extreme  of  Sau,  which  latter  should  not  be  approached 
nearer  than  half  a  mile  on  account  of  the  small  reef  oif  it. 

After  passing  Little  Innang,  in  standing  to  the  westward,  do  not  shut  in 
the  eastern  extreme  of  Sau  Island  behind  Little  Innang;  this  will  lead 
safely  along  that  side  of  the  channel  as  far  as  the  buoy  on  the  Malang  Orang 
Shoal,  in  about  10  to  15  fathoms  water.  If  this  buoy  should  have  disappeared, 
the  eastern  extreme  of  Little  Innang,  if  not  brought  East  of  S.  by  E.,  will 
lead  clear  of  that  danger. 

Sau  Point,  if  not  brought  South  of  S.W.  i  W.,  will  lead  clear  of  the 
south-eastern  edge  of  the  Pan  Shoal;  and  when  passing  to  the  eastward  of 
that  danger,  care  must  be  observed  not  to  bring  Barbukit  Hill  to  the  east- 
ward of  North,  until  Johore  Hill  bears  N.N.W.  ^  W.  ;  and  then  not  to 
brirtg  the  last-named  hill  to  the  northward  of  N.N.W.  J  W.  until  Pulo 
Nongsa  is  open  of  Nongsa  Point. 

In  working  between  the  Pan  Eeefs,  after  having  passed  the  buoy  on  the 
Malang  Orang,  care  must  still  be  taken  not  to  bring  the  eastern  extreme  of 
Little  Innang  East  of  S.  by  E.,  or  to  stand  inside  a  line  drawn  from  Malang 
Orang  buoy  to  the  buoy  of  the  Little  Pan,  in  order  to  avoid  the  dangerous 
shore  reef  which  extends  from  Battam  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile. 

In  standing  to  the  eastward  towards  Talang  Island,  at  the  southern  entrance 
ot  Ehio  Strait,  be  careful  to  give  the  south-eastern  shore  of  that  island  a 
berth  of  2  miles,  and  to  keep  South-west  Hill,  on  Siolon  Island,  well  open  to 
the  westward  of  Talang,  to  avoid  the  Hendrik  Jan  Eock,  which  is  awash  at 
low  water.  The  S.W.  point  of  Siolon  and  Alligator  Island  may  be  approached 
to  half  a  mile.  When  nearing  the  Topies,  South-west  Hill  kept  well  open 
of  the  southern  point  of  Alligator  Island,  will  lead  southward  of  all  danger 
on  that  side  of  the  group;  and,  in  order  to  keep  to  the  westward  of  Eotter- 

I.  A.  2  V 


330  BANKA  TO  SINGAPOEE. 

dam  Eeef,  the  south-western  extreme  of  Pankel  must  not  be  brought  to  the 
westward  of  N.W.  i  W. 

To  clear  the  shoal  water,  4  to  5  fathoms,  which  extends  nearly  2^  miles 
southward  of  the  Topics,  Siolon  Hill  must  be  kept  open  of  South-west  Hill, 
which  will  lead  South  of  it,  and  the  apex  of  Loban  open  of  the  West  ex- 
treme of  Pankel  clears  it  to  the  westward,  as  also  the  Dutch  Shoal  and  shoal 
bank  of  soundings  south-eastward  of  Pankel. 

It  is  not  advisable  to  stand  over  between  the  Topies  and  Pankel,  on  ac- 
count of  the  Rotterdam  Eeef;  the  reef  which  lies  N.  by  W.  ^  W.  nearly 
half  a  mile  from  the  northern  island  of  the  Topies  Group  ;  and  the  Dutch 
Shoal  of  3  fathoms  lying  S.E.  ^  E.  nearly  1 J  mile  from  Pulo  Pankel. 

The  Dutch  Shoal,  S.E.  of  Pankel,  will  be  avoided  by  keeping  the  S.W. 
extreme  of  Pankel  to  the  northward  of  N.W.  I  N. ;  and  the  northern  Topie 
Island,  if  not  brought  South  of  E.  by  S.  J  S.,  will  lead  to  the  southward. 

The  S.W.  end  of  Pankel  should  not  be  approached  nearer  than  half  a  mile 
on  account  of  the  shore  reef,  close  to  which  are  1 3  fathoms  water ;  the  West 
side  may  be  neared  to  7  or  8  fathoms,  but  the  northern  end  should  not  be 
approached  within  a  mile  on  account  of  the  shoal  water  extending  N.N.W. 
from  it ;  this  shoal  water  may  be  avoided  by  keeping  Little  Garras  light- 
house open  of  the  S.W.  extreme  of  Pankel. 

Between  Pankel  and  the  Isabella  Bank,  a  vessel  may  stand  well  over  in 
depths  of  8  or  9  fathoms  ;  but  not  to  bring  the  North  end  of  Pankel  to  the 
southward  of  S.S.E.  J  E.,  or  Turkolei  lighthouse  to  the  westward  of  N.  by  W., 
to  avoid  the  Sore  Eeefs.  Terkolei  lighthouse  bearing  E,  ^  N.  clears  the 
Isabella  Shoal  to  the  southward  ;  and  Sau  lighthouse  in  line  with  the  West 
end  of  Little  Loban  leads  well  clear  to  the  westward. 

Little  Loban  should  not  be  approached  nearer  than  half  a  mile ;  and, 
after  passing  it,  the  western  extreme  should  not  be  brought  South  of  S.  by 
E.  f  E.,  until  Batu  Point  bears  East,  which  will  avoid  the  dangers  near 
Dessa  Island.  Batu  Point  is  bold  close-to  ;  and  both  it  and  Dua  Island  may 
be  approached  to  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  but  not  nearer  the  latter,  on  account  of 
the  reef  which  fronts  it,  and  near  to  which  are  8  and  10  fathoms.  West 
Point  of  Bintang  is  bold,  and  may  be  approached  to  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  but 
a  reef  begins  at  this  point  which,  extending  outside  Malang  Orang  and  Kera 
Islands,  fronts  the  whole  of  the  N.W.  coast  of  Bintang.  Malang  Yarong 
may  be  approached  to  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  but  Kera  Island  not  nearer  than 
three-quarters  of  a  mile.  Very  close  to  the  edge  of  the  bank  which  fronts 
this  part  of  the  coast  are  7  and  8  fathoms. 

After  passing  Malang  Yarong  great  care  must  be  taken  when  standing  in 
for  the  Bintang  shore  to  avoid  the  dangerous  bank  which  curves  away  from 
that  island  and  extends  half  a  mile  outside  Pulo  Kera,  and  very  close  to 
which  are  12  or  13  fathoms  water;  Sau  lighthouse  bearing  S.S.W.  5  W. 
will  lead  well  clear  of  this  bank,  as  also  of  the  Netscher  and  Crocodile  Shoals, 


EHIO  STEAIT— DIEECTIOXS.  331 

If  Sau  li^lithonse  cannot  be  made  out  after  Pulo  Kera  hearts  southward  of 
East,  Malang  Jarnng  Island — which  will  be  seen  well  clear  of  the  extreme 
of  the  land  as  Netscher  Shoal  is  n  eared — must  not  be  brought  "West  of 
S.  by  W.  f  W.  until  the  screw  pile  beacon  on  the  North  end  of  the  Pan 
Eeef  bears  W.  4^  N.  ;  a  vessel  will  then  be  to  the  northward  of  Netscher 
Shoal,  and  Pulo  Kera  may  be  brought  S.S.W.  but  nothing  to  the  westward, 
until  Subong  Point  bears  S.E.  by  E.,  by  which  means  a  vessel  will  avoid  all 
the  dangers  off  the  N.W.  coast  of  Bintang,  including  the  Crocodile  Shoal. 

Through  Rhio  Strait  from  Singapore. — The  ebb  tide  from  Singapore  meets 
the  flood  setting  through  Ehio  Strait  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Pan  Eeefs  ;  ves- 
sels, therefore,  weighing  at  high  water  from  Singapore  will  carry  a  fair  tide 
through  both  straits. 

The  flagstaff  on  Fort  Canning,  Singapore,  bearing  West,  leads  2  miles 
southward  of  the  Johore  Shoals  ;  and  when  Johore  Hill  bears  North,  a  ves- 
sel will  be  eastward  of  the  shoals.  Entering  Ehio  Strait,  pass  between  the 
Little  Pan  buoy  and  the  screw  pile  beacon  on  Great  Pan  ;  or,  pass  eastward 
of  the  Pan  Eeefs,  and,  in  doing  so,  be  careful  not  to  bring  Johore  Hill  to 
the  northward  of  N.N.W.  J  W.  until  Barbukit  Hill  bears  North. 

After  passing  the  Pan  Eeefs,  a  course  from  S.  h  W.  to  S.  by  "W".  i  W.  will 
lead  down  the  fairway  of  the  strait  until  the  vessel  has  arrived  nearly  abreast 
of  the  West  point  of  Bintang,  when  S.  by  E.  is  the  mid-channel  course  as 
far  as  the  Loban  Island.  From  thence  a  course  about  S.E.  ^  S.,  making 
allowance  for  tide,  will  lead  midway  between  Pankel  and  Moeboet,  also  be- 
tween the  Garras  Islands  and  the  Topies,  and  out  of  the  strait. 

To  work  through  Rhio  Strait  from  the  Northward. — In  working  between  the 
Pan  Eeefs,  the  screw  pile  beacon  on  the  North  and  the  buoy  at  the  South 
end  of  the  Great  Pan  will  point  out  the  situation  of  that  danger ;  but  when 
standing  towards  the  Battam  shore,  in  order  to  avoid  the  dangerous  reef 
extending  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  land,  care  must  be  taken  not  to 
stand  inside  a  line  drawn  from  Malang  Orang  buoy  to  the  buoy  of  the  Little 
Pan,  nor  to  bring  the  eastern  extreme  of  Little  Innang  East  of  S.  by  E.  If 
proceeding  by  the  eastern  channel,  in  rounding  the  Pan  Eeefs,  take  care  not 
to  shut  Pulo  Nongsa  behind  Nongsa  Point,  until  Johore  Hill  bears  N.N.W. 
^  W.,  and  then  not  to  bring  Johore  Hill  to  the  northward  of  that  bearing 
until  Barbukit  Hill  bears  N.  I  W.  or  North.  The  last-named  hill  must  not 
be  brought  at  all  to  the  eastward  of  North  when  on  the  East  side  of  Great 
Pan  Eeefs. 

Standing  towards  the  N.W.  coast  of  Bintang,  to  avoid  the  Crocodile  Shoal, 
Barbukit  Hill  should  not  be  brought  West  of  N.  by  W.  \  W.,  or  in  case 
Barbukit  cannot  be  seen,  Kera  Island  must  not  be  brotight  West  of  S.S.W.  ; 
or  a  vessel  should  tack  in  10  or  9  fathoms.  When  the  screw  pile  beacon  on 
the  Great  Pan  bears  North  of  West,  a  vessel  will  be  nearing  Netscher  Shoal, 
and  must  avoid  bringing  the  small  islet  of  Malang  Yarong  (which  will  be 


332  BANKA  TO  SINGAPORE. 

seen  well  clear  of  the  extreme  of  the  land)  West  of  S.  by  W.  f  W.,  or  8au 
lighthouse  West  of  S.S.W.  ^  W. ;  this  last  precaution  will  also  clear  the 
dangerous  bank  between  Kera  Island  and  Malang  Yarong.  The  soundings 
decrease  so  suddenly  about  this  part  of  the  coast  that  they  must  not  be  relied 
on  to  give  warning  in  time  to  avoid  the  dangers. 

Kera  Island  must  not  be  approached  within  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  but 
Malang  Yarong  may  be  to  a  quarter  of  a  mile.  A  reef  rounds  away  from 
Malang  Yarong  to  West  Point,  having  depths  of  8  or  7  fathoms  close-to,  and 
it  must  be  given  a  berth  from  three-quarters  to  half  a  mile  until  up  with 
West  point,  which  is  rather  bold.  Dua  Island  must  not  be  neared  within  a 
quarter  of  a  mile,  on  account  of  the  reef  which  fronts  it ;  and  all  danger  be- 
tween Dua  and  Little  Loban  will  be  avoided  by  keeping  the  West  end  of  the 
latter  island  East  of  S.  by  E.  f  E.,  or  by  not  bringing  West  Point  West  of 
N.  i  W. 

Standing  to  the  westward,  when  near  the  South  side  of  Great  Pan  Reef, 
Sau  Point  should  not  be  brought  South  of  S.W.  |  W.,  which  will  clear  the 
Great  Pan,  and  also  the  Malang  Orang  Reef,  in  case  the  buoys  upon  these 
dangers  should  have  disappeared.  From  Malang  Orang  beacon  to  Sau 
Island,  keep  the  East  point  of  Sau  open  of  Little  Innang,  to  avoid  the  dan- 
gers which  lie  north-westward  of  Sau. 

The  eastern  point  of  Sau  is  bold  on  its  northern  side,  but  on  its  southern 
side  is  a  small  reef,  distant  from  it  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  which  should  be 
given  a  wide  berth  ;  after  passing  it,  be  careful  to  keep  the  eastern  extreme 
of  Little  Innang  open  of  the  eastern  extreme  of  Sau,  to  clear  the  long  spit 
■which  projects  from  the  latter  island,  and  also  to  avoid  the  reef  extending 
from  Innang,  in  case  the  beacon  which  marks  it  should  be  gone.  Close  to 
the  reef  are  8  or  7  fathoms,  and  14  or  15  fathoms  about  half  a  mile  off. 

The  same  objects  in  line  will  serve  to  guide  the  vessel  past  the  Innang 
Shoal  buoy,  towards  which,  if  desirable,  she  may  stand  a  little  closer,  after 
which,  keep  the  East  extreme  of  Little  Tiemara  South  of  S.S.E.  |  E.,  to> 
avoid  the  Johannes  Shoal.  Little  Tiemara  is  fronted  by  a  reef,  and  should 
be  given  a  berth  of  at  least  half  a  mile.  After  passing  this  island,  Tiemara 
Bank  will  be  avoided  by  not  bringing  the  N.E.  extreme  of  that  island  to  the 
North  of  N.W.,  until  the  S.W.  extreme  of  Tiemara  is  North  of  W.  by  N., 
■when  she  may  stand  into  the  bay  towards  Sembolang  Point,  as  convenient, 
tacking  in  8  or  7  fathoms, 

Seinbolang  Point  may  be  approached  to  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  10  or  9 
fathoms.  After  passing  it,  do  not  bring  its  South  extreme  to  the  West  of 
W.  by  S.  until  the  eastern  extreme  of  East  Moeboet  bears  S.S.E.,  to  avoid  a 
bank  which  extends  N.N.W.  of  that  island.  Between  East  Moeboet  and 
Great  Garras  a  vessel  may  stand  into  8  or  7  fathoms,  but  a  good  mark  for 
tacking  is  to  keep  Little  Garras  well  open  of  the  East  extreme  of  Great 


EHIO  STRAIT -DIEECTIONS.  333 

Garras,  and  this  will  also  keep  the  vessel  clear  of  the  bank,  which  lies  about 
1 J  mile  to  the  southward  of  Moeboet. 

Little  Garras  Island  may  be  approached  to  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  but  Great 
Garras  not  nearer  than  a  mile.  After  passing  Little  Garras,  the  lighthouse 
must  not  be  brought  to  the  westward  of  N.W.  until  the  East  point  of  Galang 
(which  projects  into  the  middle  of  the  bay  to  the  southward)  bears  W.  4  S., 
in  order  to  clear  DitloflFs  Eeef.  Tjassens  Shoal,  which  fills  up  a  great  por- 
tion of  this  bay,  may  then  be  approached  to  9  or  8  fathoms. 

Come  no  nearer  than  half  a  mile  to  Dempoe  Point ;  and,  after  passing  it, 
do  not  bring  it  North  of  N.W.  by  W.  until  the  S.E.  extreme  of  Selatan  ia 
"West  of  W.  by  S.,  which  will  keep  the  vessel  clear  of  East  Bank  and  the 
shoal  bank  filling  up  Selatan  Bay.  Rondo  or  Dumpo  Island  bearing 
S.W.  ^  S.  also  leads  outside  of  East  Bank  and  all  other  dangers  between 
that  island  and  Dempoe  Point,  and  is  a  safe  tacking  mark. 

Between  Rondo  Island  and  Katang  Linga  a  vessel  may  stand  well  over 
towards  Oedik  and  Selanga  Islands,  but  must  avoid  standing  within  a  line 
drawn  from  the  northward  of  the  last-named  islands  to  the  N.W.  extreme 
of  Katang  Linga.  The  East  side  of  Katang  Linga  should  not  be  approached 
nearer  than  half  a  mile,  and  in  order  to  avoid  the  Rifleman  Shoal  (which, 
lies  about  H  mile  eastward  of  the  N.E.  point  of  Binan),  the  northern  extreme 
of  Katang  Linga  must  not  be  brought  North  of  W.  by  N.  ^  N.  (this  also 
clears  the  3i-fathom  patch  off  the  North  part  of  Binan),  nor  the  eastern 
extreme  of  Missana  East  of  S.E.  ^  E. 

Having  passed  the  Rifleman  Shoal,  if  the  apex  of  Binan  is  not  brought  to 
the  northward  of  W.  by  N.,  the  dangers  which  extend  about  three-quarters 
of  a  mile  from  the  North  side  of  the  Missana  will  be  avoided. 

Standing  to  the  eastward.  Little  Loban  should  not  be  approached  nearer 
than  half  a  mile  ;  and,  after  passing  it,  Sau  lighthouse  in  line  with  its  West 
extreme  will  clear  the  West  side  of  Isabella  Bank.  The  southern  part  of 
the  bank  will  be  avoided  by  not  bringing  Terkolei  lighthouse  East  of  E.  ^  N. 
Between  the  Isabella  Shoal  and  Pankel,  a  vessel  may  stand  well  over  into 
depths  of  8  or  9  fathoms  ;  but,  in  order  to  avoid  the  Sore  Reefs,  do  not 
bring  Terkolei  lighthouse  to  the  westward  of  N.  by  W.,  or  the  North  end  of 
Pankel  to  the  southward  of  S.S.E.  i  E.  Little  Garras  lighthouse  open  of 
the  S.W.  extreme  of  Pankel  will  lead  clear  of  the  shoal  water  extending 
N.N.W.  from  the  North  part  of  that  island  ;  its  West  side  may  be  approached 
to  8  or  7  fathoms  ;  shoal  water  extends  from  the  S.W.  extreme,  close  to  which 
are  13  fathoms  water  ;  it  should  not  be  closed  nearer  than  half  a  mile.  The 
apex  of  Loban  open  of  the  West  extreme  of  Pankel,  will  lead  clear  of  the 
Dutch  Shoal,  and  of  the  shoal  bank  of  soundings  south-eastward  of  Pankel ; 
this  mark  will  also  lead  to  the  westward  of  the  shoal  water  (4  to  5  fathoms), 
which  extends  nearly  2J  miles  southward  of  the  Topies,  and  which  will  bo 
cleared  to  the  southward  by  keeping  Siolon  Hill  open  of  S.W.   Hill.     Tho 


334  VAEELLA  AND  DUEIAN  STEAITS,  ETC. 

shoal  bank,  just  mentioned,  is  not  dangerous  to  small  vessels  which  may  stand 
nearer  to  the  Topies  ;  but  in  order  to  avoid  Rotterdam  Reef,  the  S.W.  ex- 
treme of  Pankel  must  be  kept  North  of  N.W.  ^  W. 

To  the  southward  of  the  Topies,  Alligator  Island  may  be  approached  to 
half  a  mile,  and  a  vessel  may  stand  on  well  into  the  channel  between  Siolon 
and  Talang,  but  must  not  bring  S.W.  Hill  to  the  West  of  W.  f  N.,  on 
account  of  Thomas  Shoal.  There  are  many  shoal  patches  between  Talang 
and  Pulo  Gin,  but  they  all  (except  the  Hendnk  Jan  Rock,  awash  at  low- 
water),  lie  out  of  the  track  of  ships.  The  S.E.  side  of  Talang  should  be 
given  a  berth  of  at  least  2  miles  in  passing,  keeping  South-west  Hill  well 
open  of  Talang,  until  Pulo  Terobi  bears  E.  by  N. 


3.— VAEELLA  AND  DURIAN  STRAITS,  ETC. 

In  the  height  of  the  N.E.  monsoon,  in  December  and  January,  when 
strong  northerly  winds  prevail,  it  blows  much  more  freely  in  the  open  por- 
tion of  the  China  Sea,  to  the  eastward  of  Linga  and  Bintang,  than  it  does 
in  the  straits  they  form  with  the  coast  of  Sumatra.  Mr.  Stanton,  therefore, 
recommends  the  Varella  and  Durian  Straits  for  a  sailing  ship  going  north- 
wards at  this  season,  as  by  avoiding  the  heavy  sea,  and  southerly  current, 
•which  sometimes  runs  at  the  rate  of  3  knots  an  hour,  they  will  save  much 
time,  and  have  smooth  water,  good  anchorage,  and  will  also  be  greatly 
assisted  by  the  squalls  from  the  Sumatra  coast. 

The  straits  have  not  been  completely  surveyed.  Lieutenant  Melvill  Van 
Carnbee  drew  up  a  chart  in  1843,  to  which  Mr.  Stanton,  R.N.,  made  con- 
siderable additions  in  1860 — 1,  and  further  corrections  have  since  been  made, 
but  still  the  chart  and  directions  must  not  be  considered  as  perfect,  and  the 
mariner  is  therefore  cautioned  not  to  place  too  much  reliance  on  them. 

The  COAST  of  SUMATRA  from  Batakarang  Point  (the  N.W.  limit  of  the 
Strait  of  Banka,  described  on  page  198),  trends  about  N.N.W.  towards  Ja- 
boeng  Point,  sometimes  known  as  Cape  Bon,  in  about  lat.  0°  58'  S.  The 
entire  coast,  which  is  very  low,  covered  with  wood,  and  entirely  unknown,  is 
fronted  by  a  mud-bank,  that  may  be  approached  to  6  or  5  fathoms  water, 
except  off  Jaboeng  Point,  close  to  which  there  are  in  some  places  9  fathoms, 
but  all  vessels  should  keep  3  miles  from  it.  A  bank  of  4  fathoms  was  found 
by  H.M.  surveying  vessel  Saracen,  in  1861,  with  Jaboeng  Point  bearing 
N.W.  by  W.,  distant  9  miles  ;  a  depth  of  6  fathoms  also  nearer  the  shore. 
This  is  probably  a  projecting  horn  or  spit  extending  from  the  mud  flat,  and 
as  shoal er  soundings  may  be  found,  vessels  bound  to  Varella  Strait  should 
keep  5  miles  off  shore  until  Jaboeng  Point  bears  West. 

TAN  JONG  JABOENG,  or  Cape  Bon,  in  lat.  0°  58'  S.,  long.  104''  22'  E., 


VARELLA,  OR  BRAHALLA.  335 

is  the  south-eastern  limit  of  the  Inner  Route.  Like  most  other  parts  of  the 
East  coast  of  Sumatra,  it  is  low  land,  and  has  a  shoal-water  bank  extending 
more  than  a  mile  from  it. 

VARELLA,  or  Brahalla,  is  a  small  island,  450  ft.  high,  which  gives  its 
name  to  the  strait,  and  has  a  hill  on  its  western  part,  which  may  be  seen  20 
miles  off.  It  lies  in  the  middle  of  Varella  Strait,  and  bears  from  Tanjong 
Jaboeng,  N.  by  E.  J  E.,  nearly  9^  miles,  and  from  Pulo  Taya,  W.  by  S.  30 
miles. 

There  are  some  islets  and  rocks  near  Varella,  the  largest  of  which,  Anak 
Varella,  lies  about  a  mile  north-eastward  of  it ;  and  a  mile  North  from  it  lies 
a  rock,  with  17  fathoms  close  to  it. 

There  is  anchorage  on  the  S.W.  side  of  Varella,  and  water  may  be  pro- 
cured ;  but  this  only  ought  to  be  done  in  case  of  necessity,  as  the  lurking 
piratical  proas  have  been  known  to  assault  and  massacre  the  crews  of  boats 
sent  on  shore  to  procure  water  at  this  island.  The  ship  Hercules  was  attacked 
by  seventeen  large  proas  near  this  place,  and  narrowly  escaped  being  taken 
by  them.* 

Kunst  Shoal. — Capt.  G.  Kunst,  of  the  Dutch  barque  Louisa  Kroon  Prinses 
of  Sweden,  reports  having  seen  a  shoal,  with  but  12  ft.  water  over  it,  from 
which  Varella  Island  bore  W.N.W.,  distant  3  miles. 

Middle  Rocks  lie  4|-  miles  N.E.  by  N.  from  Varella,  or  nearly  midway 
between  the  latter  and  the  islets  which  front  the  South  end  of  Sinkep 
Island.     Rocks  extend  halfway  across  from  Varella  to  the  Middle  Rocks. 

Pollux  Rock,  with  only  4  ft.  water  over  it,  lies  nearly  2  miles  N.E.  of 
the  Middle  Rocks,  and  from  it  the  nearest  of  the  islets  southward  of 
Sinkep  bears  N.  by  W.  3^  miles,  and  Anak  Varella  Islet  S.W.  J  S.,  nearly 
5^  miles. 

The  channel  southward  of  Varella  Island  is  wider  and  more  free  from 
danger  than  the  channel  northward  of  it,  and  is  consequently  much  more 
frequented.  The  shoal  bank  fronting  Tanjong  Jaboeng  projects  about  8  or 
9  miles  north-westward  from  it,  forming  a  sort  of  elbow,  to  avoid  which  it 
will  be  necessary  to  keep  Tanjong  Jaboeng  to  the  South  of  S.E.  ^  S.,  until 
Varella  Island  is  East  of  E.N.E.     The  channel  to  the  northward,  between 


*  Although  piracy  has  very  much  decreased  in  these  seas  since  Horsburgh's  time,  and, 
as  a  general  rule,  but  little  danger  need  now  be  apprehended  from  piratical  fleets,  yet 
Llanun  pirate  proas  have  been  known  to  pass  through  Banka  Strait  within  the  last  few 
years.  It  is  still,  in  fact,  very  necessary  indeed  for  merchant  vessels  which  have  occasion 
to  fill  up  water  in  out  of  the  way  places  to  be  on  their  guard  against  surprise.  Natives,  not 
ordinarily  pirates,  frequently  become  such  if  a  good  opportunity  present  itself,  and  mer- 
chant vessels  offer  such  rich  prizes,  that  the  natives  of  almost  any  part  of  the  Eastern  Seas 
would  very  likely  be  tempted  to  attack  them,  if  they  saw  a  favourable  opportunity  for 
doing  so  successfully,  when  many  of  the  crew  were  away  from  the  ship  watering,— J.  \V. 
lUed,  Master  R.X.,  1864. 


336  VARELLA  AND  DURIAN  STRAITS,  ETC. 

Varella  and  the  small  islands  contiguous  to  the  S.E.  end  of  Sinkep  is  encum- 
bered with  the  dangers  just  mentioned. 

SINKEP,  the  easternmost  of  the  three  islands  forming  the  North  side  of 
Varella  Strait,  is  about  17  or  18  miles  in  extent,  and  of  very  irregular  shape, 
projecting  to  a  point  on  its  East  side,  another  on  its  S.E.  side,  and  a  third  oa 
its  South  side.  Between  these  points  are  rather  large  bays,  the  most  southern 
one,  Baru  Bay,  being  3  miles  deep.  On  the  eastern  side  of  the  island  is  a 
range  of  hills,  with  a  peak  1,440  ft.  high  near  the  centre  of  the  range. 
There  is  a  hill  over  Boekoe,  or  Buku  Point,  and  4  miles  to  the  northward  of 
it,  on  the  West  coast  of  the  island,  is  a  sharp  peak  of  moderate  elevation. 
From  Boekoe  Point  the  coast  line  takes  a  north-westerly  direction  for  14 
miles  to  Sahoyoro  Strait,  which  separates  Sinkep  from  the  island  next  west- 
ward of  it.  Rocks  above  and  below  water  front  the  whole  S.W.  coast  of 
Sinkep,  to  the  distance  of  a  mile. 

Rawa  is  the  outer  of  two  islands  westward  of  Sinkep,  their  S.W.  coast 
line  following  the  same  N.W.  direction  as  that  of  Sinkep,  the  whole  distance 
from  Boekoe  Point  to  the  N.W.  extreme  of  Rawa  being  23  miles.  The  islands 
are  separated  by  a  channel  so  narrow  that  they  appear  as  one.  Shoal  water 
extends  2  miles  from  the  S.E.  point  of  the  eastern  island. 

Sinkep  Laut  is  the  outermost  of  four  or  five  small  islets  lying  about  2|- 
miles  off  the  S.E.  point  of  Sinkep. 

Seera,  or  Reef  Island,  is  small,  160  ft.  high,  and  lies  E.  f  N.  6|  miles  from 
Boekoe  Point,  and  N.W.  J  N.  14  miles  from  Tarella  Island.  It  is  a  flat, 
low  island,  sometimes  mistaken  for  Varella  when  coming  from  the  northward. 
A  reef  surrounds  the  island,  and  extends  more  than  a  mile  from  its  East  end, 
and  more  than  2  miles  from  its  N.W.  end.  At  4  miles  W.  by  N.  |  N.  from 
Seera  is  a  patch,  having  4  fathoms  least  water  over  it.  Anah  Seera  are  rocky 
islets,  lying  about  2f  miles  N.  by  E.  from  Seera,  with  a  safe  channel  between 
them  and  the  latter  island,  and  also  (with  the  exception  of  the  4J-fathom 
patch  2  miles  eastward  of  them)  between  them  and  the  coast  of  Sinkep. 
A  bank  with  2  to  3  fathoms  water  over  it  extends  from  them  about  2  miles 
in  a  north-westerly  direction. 

Speke  Rock,  on  which  a  ship  of  this  name  struck,  lies  W.  by  N.  \  N.,  9 
miles  from  Seera  Island,  and  S.E.  5^  miles  from  the  southern  Alang-Tiga 
Island.  It  is  of  small  size,  and  a  portion  of  it  uncovers  at  two-thirds  ebb, 
showing  as  a  small  black  rock  about  the  size  of  a  boat.  Close-to  are  10 
fathoms  water.  Boekoe  Point  kept  open  to  the  southward  of  Seera  Island, 
E.  i  S.,  leads  to  the  southward,  and  the  southern  Alang-Tiga  Island  bearing 
N.W.  by  N.  leads  to  the  westward. 

Atkin  Rock,  on  which  the  brigantine  Bob  Tail  Nag,  Capt.  Atkin,  struck  in 
May,  1863,  is  a  pinnacle  which  uncovers  at  two-thirds  ebb.  The  marks  for 
the  rock  are,  the  West  extreme  of  the  North  Alang-Tiga  Island,  just  shut  iu 


JAMRI  OR  JAMBIE  RIVER.  337 

by  the  East  extreme  of  the  Middle  Island,  and  the  South  extreme  of  the 
Southern  Island,  bearing  N.W.  by  W.  |  W.,  distant  three-quarters  of  a  mile. 

Alang-Tiga  Islands,  bearing  N.W.  ^  W.  29  miles  from  Varella,  are  a 
group  of  five  small  islets,  and  some  rocks  above  water.  The  three  principal 
islands  are  high,  and  may  be  seen  24  or  25  miles,  and  the  others  13  or  14 
miles  from  the  vessel's  deck. 

Silensing,  or  Green  Island,  is  an  islet  119  ft.  high,  lying  2f  miles  north- 
westward of  Rawa  Island,  being  separated  from  it  by  a  safe  channel,  with 
depths  of  10  to  19  fathoms.  Wright  Island,  or  Boenta,  is  a  small  islet  lying 
1^  mile  northward  of  Silenseng.  Some  rocks  appear  to  extend  about  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  from  it. 

JAMBI  or  JAMBIE  RIVER.— From  Tanjong  Jaboeng  (page  334),  the 
coast  of  Sumatra  trends  in  a  westerly  direction  to  Jambie  Point,  from  whence 
it  falls  back  to  the  south-westward,  to  the  principal  entrance  of  the  Jambi 
Eiver,  also  named  the  River  Nioer,  or  Kwala-nur.  There  are,  however,  be- 
tween this  entrance  and  Tanjong  Jaboeng,  several  other  entrances,  off  the 
mouths  of  the  two  easternmost  of  which  lies  an  island  named  Berba.  The 
river  is  barred,  and  has  a  depth  oi  \\  fathom  over  the  bar,  and  4  to  8 
fathoms  inside.  It  is  one  of  the  principal  rivers  on  this  side  of  Sumatra,  and 
a  Dutch  expedition  under  Lieut.  Schouw  Sautvoort  was  started  in  1876  to 
explore  in  its  neighbourhood.  There  are  several  towns  and  villages  on  the 
banks  of  the  river,  the  principal  of  which  is  Simpang,  about  20  miles,  and 
Jamlie,  about  50  miles  from  the  entrance.  This  part  of  Sumatra  is  undei  the 
Dutch,  who  have  a  station  and  fort  at  Moeara  Kompeh,  a  town  5  miles  above 
Simpang.     For  30  miles  inland  the  country  is  a  wooded  marsh. 

Coal. — A  fine  seam  of  coal  was  (in  1860)  discovered  near  the  Sultan's 
house  at  Jambie.  It  is  said  to  be  12  ft.  thick,  close  to  the  river,  and  at  some 
distance  below  the  surface,  quite  equal  to  English  Newcastle  coal. 

BASSO,  or  Bakauw  Point,  in  lat.  0°  20'  S.,  long.  103°  47f  E.,istheS.E. 
extreme  of  Basso  Island,  which  projects  in  the  form  of  a  peninsula  from  the 
main  coast  of  Sumatra  in  an  E.N.E.  direction  about  13  or  14  miles,  its 
breadth  being  about  5  or  6  miles.  It  bears  N.W.,  and  is  distant  about  52  J 
miles  from  Tanjong  Jaboeng,  the  coast  line  between  falling  back  into  a  large 
bight,  33  or  34  miles  deep,  the  main  entrance  to  the  Jambie  River,  just  de- 
scribed, being  situated  at  its  head.  The  eastern  face  of  Basso  Island  should 
not  be  approached  nearer  than  about  2  miles,  as  a  shoal,  steep-to,  projects 
nearly  a  mile  from  it. 

AMPHITRITE  BAY  and  INDRAGIRIE  RIVER.— Amphitrite  Bay  is  a 
large  bight  about  16  miles  deep,  formed  between  the  N.E.  extreme  of  Basso 
Island  and  Baroe,  or  Dato  Point,  15  miles  to  the  northward.  The  bay  is 
nearly  filled  by  a  shoal,  which  extends  several  miles  from  either  shore.  It 
projects  in  a  N.  by  W.  direction  (Horsburg  says  N-  by  E.)  for  5  or  6  miles 
I.  A.  2% 


338  VARELLA  AND  DUEIAN  STEATTS,  ETC. 

from  the  South  point  of  entrance,  but  it  curves  away  more  gradually  from  the 
North  point,  and  between  these  projections  is  the  deep-water  portion  of  the 
bay,  about  3  or  4  miles  broad. 

The  large  River  Indragirie  discharges  itself  through  several  channels 
into  Amphitrite  Bay,  and  also  into  the  bay  between  Tanjong  Jaboeng  and 
Basso  Island. 

Caution. — The  outer  edge  of  the  shoal  extending  from  the  points  of  en- 
trance to  Amphitrite  Bay,  especially  from  the  southern,  is  steep-to,  having 
1 0  or  1 1  fathoms  within  half  a  mile  of  it  in  some  places,  then  quickly  5  or  4 
fathoms,  to  1^  or  1  fathom  upon  it,  which  requires  great  attention  to  the  lead 
when  approaching  this  part  of  the  coast  in  the  night. 

All  this  part  of  the  coast  of  Sumatra  is  flat  low  land,  thickly  wooded  with 
trees  about  120  ft.  high. 

From  the  low  headland  of  Dato  Point,  the  coast  runs  N.  by  W.  and 
N.N.W.  toward  the  Strait  of  Durian,  and  is  fronted  by  a  shoal  bank  from 
2  to  6  miles  off  shore,  which  may  be  approached  by  the  lead,  as  from  10 
fathoms  upon  its  edge  the  soundings  gradually  decrease  to  6,  5,  4,  and  3 
fathoms. 

CHANNELS  between  SINKEP  and  LINGA  ISLANDS.— PowoeJo  Island, 
5  or  6  miles  long.  East  and  West,  2  miles  broad,  and  having  a  hill  955  ft, 
high  near  its  centre,  lies  between  Sinkep  and  Linga,  dividing  the  passage 
between  those  islands  into  two  channels,  named  Lima  and  Ponoebo  Straits. 

Lima  Strait,  between  Ponoebo  and  Linga,  is  narrow,  much  encumbered 
with  islets  and  dangers,  and  does  not,  upon  the  chart,  appear  to  be  a  very 
convenient  channel  for  navigators  unacquainted  with  it.  Capt.  McKenzie, 
however,  says  that  it  is  safe  and  quicky  passed  through  with  the  tide  ;  and 
that  on  its  western  side,  just  beyond  the  narrows,  there  is  a  small  bay  on  the 
Linga  shore,  with  good  anchorage,  wood,  and  water. 

Ponoebo  Strait,  between  Sinkep  and  Ponoebo  Islands,  is,  like  Lima  Strait, 
very  narrow  and  encumbered  with  islets  and  dangers.  It  is  said  that  a  vessel 
of  moderate  draught  may  pass  through  it  with  safety. 

PXJLO  SETJAWA  lies  close  to  the  N.W.  extreme  of  Linga,  from  which  it 
is  separated  by  a  channel  about  half  a  mile  broad.  Upon  the  chart  it  is 
shown  as  a  long  narrow  island,  14  or  15  miles  long,  and  3  miles  broad,  with 
hillocks  on  it  from  200  to  300  ft.  high  ;  but  this  island,  together  with  many 
others  near  it,  are  very  imperfectly  known,  not  having  been  even  roughly 
surveyed. 

Tiampa  Island,  separated  from  the  western  side  of  Setjawa  by  a  channel 
about  1^  mile  wide,  is  about  5  miles  long  N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  about  li  mile 
broad.  Boeova  Island  lies  nearly  3  miles  westward  of  the  N.W.  point  of 
Tiampa,  and  in  the  channel  separating  them  is  a  group  of  islets  and  rocks. 
Boeova  is  only  2  miles  in  extent,  but  it  is  a  remarkable  island,  rising  to  a 
peak  888  ft.  high. 


TEMIANff,  EODONG,  AND  DUMPO  STEAITS.  339 

Bian  is  the  easternmost,  and  Lohom  the  westernmost  of  a  chain  of  islets 
fronting  the  South  and  S.W.  sides  of  Boeova.  The  Leda  Rock  is  the  outer- 
most of  a  ridge  of  rocks  which  extend  about  1^  mile  in  a  N.W.  by  W.  direc- 
tion from  Loham. 

TEMIANG,  RODONG,  and  DUMPO  STRAITS.— To  the  northward  of 
Boeva  Island,  the  eastern  side  of  the  Inner  Route  is  bounded  by  numerous 
islands,  with  deep  channels  between  them.  In  order  to  avoid  the  difficulty 
and  delay  sometimes  experienced  in  getting  from  the  northern  part  of  Durian 
Strait  to  Singapore  Road,  many  sailing  vessels  have  preferred  to  pass  from 
the  Inner  Route  by  Abang  Strait  or  Dumpo  Strait  into  Rhio  Strait.  It  seems 
probable  that  the  best  passages  might  be  made  in  this  way,  for  the  great 
depth  of  water  in  the  western  part  of  Singapore  Strait  is  often  embarrassing 
in  light  winds. 

Temiang  Island,  which  limits  the  Temiang  Group  to  the  noi-th-eastward, 
is  7  miles  long,  3  miles  broad,  and  much  the  largest  of  the  islands.  The 
island  is  mostly  composed  of  high  hills,  and  near  the  West  end  is  some  table 
land  elevated  800  ft. 

Close  off  the  N.  W.  end  of  Temiang  is  Pintoe,  an  island  about  1^  mile 
long  ;  and  otf  the  N.W.  end  of  Pintoe  is  an  island  named  Kebat.  All  the 
islands  are  fringed  with  reefs. 

Pompon  Island  lies  S.W.  by  W.,  a  little  over  2  miles  from  Kebat ;  it  is 
rather  more  than  half  a  mile  in  diameter,  rising  to  a  hill  in  the  centre  433  ft. 
high.  A  rock,  awash  at  high  water,  lies  close  oflP  its  N.W.  point.  Some 
detached  rocks  he  N.E.  by  E.  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  Pompon,  and 
N.W.  i  N.,  the  same  distance  from  the  N.W.  islet  of  the  Babie  Group, 
which  lie  between  Pitoe  and  Pompon  Islands. 

Pompon  Shoal,  N.  f  E.,  2J  miles  from  Pompon  Island,  consists  of  three  or 
four  rocks  several  feet  above  water.  A  detached  rock  awash  lies  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  to  the  westward. 

Irene  Rock,  said  to  lie  W.  by  N.  ^  N.,  about  7  miles  from  Pompon 
Island,  could  not  be  found  by  the  Rifleman,  in  1869,  in  the  course  of  a  few 
hours'  search';  but  the  examination  was  insufficient  to  disprove  its  ex- 
istence. 

Allor,  a  small  round  island,  139  ft.  high,  is  surrounded  by  a  reef  and 
some  islets. 

PANGALLAP  ISLAND,  3  miles  long  N.  by  W.  \  W.  and  S.  by  E.  J  E., 
is  moderately  elevated  and  fringed  by  a  reef.  The  channel  between  Pan- 
gallap  and  the  reef  extending  from  Allor  is  3  cables  broad,  and  from  7  to  23 
fathoms  deep. 

Dedap  lies  to  the  westward  of  Pangallap.  Off  the  S.E.  end  of  Dedap 
are  three  small  islets  and  a  rock,  the  latter  being  distant  a  little  over  half  a 
mile.     A  mile  from  the  island,  in  the  same  direction,  are  two  rocks  awash  ; 


340  VAEELLA  AND  DURIAN  STEAITS,  ETC. 

from  the  outer  one  of  these  the  South  end  of  Pangjallap  bears  N.E.  |  E., 
and  the  South  extreme  of  Allor  E.S.E.  The  channel  eastward  of  these,  and 
between  Dedap  and  Pangallap,  appears  to  be  free  from  danger,  with  the 
exception  of  a  rock  awash  a  short  distance  outside  the  edge  of  the  reef 
frin;i;ing  the  latter  island,  and  which  bears  E.  by  N.  I  N.  from  the  North 
end  of  Dedap. 

A  small  islet  lies  close  to  the  N.W.  point  of  Dedap,  and  half  a  mile  off  in 
that  direction  lie  two  small  islets,  encircled  at  a  short  distance  by  a  reef. 
These  islets  form  the  southern  limit  of  Abang  Strait  Cdescribed  farther  on). 

Rodong  Group  (see  page  314)  lies  to  the  westward  of  Niamok  and  Mis- 
sana.  The  three  eastern  islands,  which  form  a  sub-group,  are  known  as 
the  Desie  Islands ;  the  two  western  ones,  lying  close  together,  as  the  Ma- 
dang  Islands.  The  channel  between  Missana  and  the  Eodong  group  is 
encumbered  with  many  dangers,  and  should  not  be  used. 

The  Dua  Islands,  two  rather  low  islands,  lie  W.N.W.  2^  miles  from 
the  Madangs.  Two  reefs  lie  1^  mile  north-westward  of  the  Dua  Islands. 
On  the  South  end  of  the  southern  one  is  an  islet,  and  on  the  N.E.  extreme 
of  the  other  is  Tree  Rock,  a  rock  about  10  ft.  above  high  water,  with  a  tree 
upon  it.  A  coral  patch,  with  3  fathoms  water  over  it,  and  11  to  14  fathoms 
around  it,  lies  N.W.  by  W.  \  W.  nearly  a  mile  from  Tree  Eock,  the  channel 
between  them  is  safe. 

Tetampan  Group,  occupying  a  circular  space  about  4  miles  in  diameter, 
lies  north-westward  of  the  Eodong  group  ;  it  comprises  numerous  islands, 
islets  and  rocks,  divided  from  each  other  by  narrow,  intricate  channels,  en- 
cumbered with  many  reefs  and  dangers.  Tetampan,  elevated  390  ft.,  the 
highest  and  most  conspicuous  of  the  islands,  is  situated  near  the  S.  W.  part 
of  the  gi'oup  ;  Binan  and  Katarg  Linga  form  its  eastern  and  northern  limits, 
and  the  Nopong  Islands,  with  the  adjacent  islets  and  reefs,  its  north-western 
ones. 

TEMIANG  STRAIT,  leading  from  the  China  Sea  to  the  Durian  and  the 
other  straits  adjacent,  is  about  14  miles  long  and  2  broad,  its  direction  being 
N.W.  by  W.  i  W.  and  S.E.  by  E.  |  E.  ;  it  is  bounded  to  the  southward  by 
the  northern  islands  of  the  Sebangka  group,  and  by  Temiang,  Pintoe,  and 
Kebat,  and  to  the  northward  by  Niamok,  the  Eodong  group,  Dua  Islands, 
and  Tree  Eock  Eeefs. 

A  dangerous  pinnacle  rock  awash,  very  difficult  to  make  out,  lies  at  the 
southern  entrance  of  this  strait,  nearly  1  mile  N.E.  from  a  group  of  small 
islands  south-eastward  of  Temiang.  This  danger  may  be  passed  on  either 
side,  the  channel  to  the  southward  being  three-quarters  of  a  mile  wide,  but 
the  best  plan  is  to  pass  to  the  northward  ;  in  doing  so,  however,  be  car,eful 
to  avoid  the  shore  reef,  which  projects  half  a  mile  to  the  southward  of  the 
East  point  of  Desie,  and  also  a  rock  awash,  which  lies  more  than  2  cables 
from  the  South  point  of  the  Madang  Islands. 


RODONG  AND  ABANG  STEAITS.  341 

RODONG  STRAIT,  between  the  Eodong  and  Tetampan  groups,  is  also 
navigable,  but  a  rock  awash,  which  lies  N.N.E.  \  E.  more  than  6  cables  off 
the  North  point  of  Rodong,  must  be  carefully  avoided ;  there  are  also  two 
patches  of  reef,  one  lying  a  quarter  of  a  mile  south-eastward,  and  the  other 
about  double  the  distance  south-westward,  of  the  southern  island  of  tho 
Tetampan  group.  Besides  avoiding  the  first-mentioned  danger,  vessels, 
when  working,  should  not  stand  within  a  line  joining  the  northern  extremes 
of  Rodong  and  Missana  Islands. 

The  channel  between  the  Tetampan  group  and  Dua  Island  and  Tree  Rock 
Reefs  is  safe,  taking  care  not  to  stand  too  close  to  the  S.W.  islands  of  the 
group  between  Tetampan  and  Little  Nopong. 

PANGALLAP  STRAIT  is  limited  on  the  East  by  the  Tetampan  group 
and  the  Selanga  Islands,  and  on  the  West  by  Allor,  Pangallap,  and  Oedek 
(page  314).  A  bank,  with  from  5  to  10  fathoms  water  on  it,  lies  in  the  fair- 
way of  this  strait,  having  on  the  northern  end  a  rock  awash,  from  which 
North  Selanga  Island  bears  E.  i  S.  IJ  mile,  and  the  apex  of  Allor  Island 
S.W.  by  S.  2^  miles  ;  near  its  opposite  extreme  is  a  2^-fathom  patch  of  hard 
sand,  with  the  N.E.  extreme  of  Pangallap  bearing  N.W.  ^  N.  2h  miles,  and 
the  apex  of  Allor  Island  S.W.  f  S.  I5  mile.  Vessels  may  pass  betn-een  or 
on  either  side  of  these  dangers,  but  it  is  better  to  pass  to  the  eastward  of 
both  of  them.  South  of  the  N.E.  point  of  Pangallap  a  hard  mud  hank,  with 
5  to  10  fathoms  water  over  it,  extends  nearly  a  mile  to  the  eastward,  and 
the  same  distance  to  the  southward  ;  and  a  bank  of  sand,  nearly  half  as 
large,  with  about  the  same  depth  of  water  over  it,  extends  to  the  eastward 
from  Oedik  ;  elsewhere  the  soundings  are  very  irregular,  13  to  28  fathoms. 

The  strong  tides  near  the  springs,  owing  to  the  uneven  nature  of  the 
bottom,  cause  violent  whirls  and  overfalls,  which  are  alarming  to  strangers  ; 
but  it  seems  only  necessary  to  avoid  the  above  described  dangers  to  pass 
safely  through  the  strait,  as  none  besides  those  could  be  discovered,  though 
carefully  searched  for. 

ABANG  STRAIT. — Little  Abang,  about  a  mile  in  extent,  lies  2  miles 
N.W.  by  N.  from  Dedap,  with  the  Nio  Islands,  a  group  of  islets  and  rocks 
surrounded  by  reefs,  lying  nearly  a  mile  from  its  eastern  side.  Between 
Dedap  and  Little  Abang  is  Abang  Strait,  narrowed  to  the  breadth  of  a  mile 
by  two  islets,  which  lie  half  a  mile  off  the  N.W.  end  of  Dedap,  and  by  the 
Sapientoe  islets  and  rocks,  the  outer  edge  of  which  is  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
from  the  S.E.  end  of  Little  Abang.  A  short  distance  westward  of  the  fair- 
way of  the  strait  is  a  deep  hole  of  25  fathoms,  with  15  fathoms  round  its 
edge.  The  depths  near  the  islets  are  7  fathoms,  with  12  in  mid-channel, 
increasing  to  20  or  23  fathoms  between  the  North  point  of  Pangallap  and 
the  Nio  Islets. 

Great  Abang,  twice  the  size  of  Little  Abang,  lies  N.N.W.  of  it,  and  be- 
tween them  is  a  channel  with  3  to  9  fathoms,  but  it  is  narrow,  being  con- 


342  VAEELLA  AND  DUKIAN  STEAITS,  ETC. 

tracted  by  an  island  near  Great  Abang  and  the  reefs  extending  from  both 
islands.  A  rock,  with  but  3  ft.  water  over  it,  lies  W.  i  S.  nearly  a  mile 
from  the  S.W.  point  of  Little  Abang,  and  S.E.  |  E.  the  same  distance  from 
the  South  point  of  Great  Abang  ;  near  it  the  depths  are  4  to  9  fathoms. 
Close  to  the  West  side  of  Great  Abang  is  Toriel  Islet,  and  W.  J  S.  H  rni^e 
from  this  islet  is  Hippomenes  Rock,  a  rock  awash,  with  7  to  13  fathoms 
around  it. 

Cameleon  Rock  was  examined  in  the  Rifleman  ;  it  is  a  small  rock  about  a 
foot  above  high  water,  with  1 1  fathoms  close  to  its  West  side,  and  some 
patches  of  2^  and  3  fathoms  from  a  quarter  to  half  a  mile  northward  and 
north-eastward  of  it.  From  the  rock  the  apex  of  Potong  bears  N.N.W., 
distant  nearly  6?  miles,  and  the  South  point  of  Little  Abang  E.  f  N.,  distant 
about  7  miles.  Potong,  if  not  brought  to  the  westward  of  North,  will  lead 
well  clear  to  the  westward  of  both  the  Irene  and  Cameleon  Rocks. 

Potong'  Island,  lying  5  miles  W.N.W.  from  Great  Abang,  has  several 
hills  upon  it,  one  of  which  is  462  ft.  high.  The  island  is  surrounded  by 
numerous  islets  and  rocks,  which,  off  its  S.E.  side,  extend  three-quarters  of 
a  mile.  Off  the  N.E.  side  the  soundings  are  very  irregular  and  somewhat 
shoal,  3^  fathoms  being  found  at  two-thirds,  and  '2\  fathoms  at  one-third  of 
a  mile  from  the  shore. 

LTJMPO  STRAIT,  7  miles  long  N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  3  miles  broad,  is 
bounded  on  the  southward  by  Oedik  Island  and  the  eastern  sides  of  the 
Abang  group,  and  to  the  northward  by  Dumpo,  the  S.W.  part  of  Gallang, 
and  the  islands  Penjaboeng  and  Somoet,  which  lie  off  the  West  coast  of 
Gallang.  Shore  reefs,  not  extending  far  from  most  of  them,  front  the  whole 
of  these  islands,  but  from  the  S.W.  part  of  Gallang  the  reef  projects  a  third, 
and  from  Semoet  not  quite  a  quarter  of  a  mile. 

This  strait  affords  easy  and  safe  navigation,  the  fairway  being  perfectly 
free  from  danger,  and  the  following  rocks  lie  so  near  the  shore  that  they 
may  be  easily  avoided.  Haai  Shoal,  a  patch  of  2  fathoms,  lies  a  quarter  of 
a  mile  S.S.E.  from  Duinpo  ;  a  &-feet  rock  E.S.E.  half  a  mile  from  the  S.W. 
point  of  Gallang  ;  a  rock  above  water,  E.  by  S.,  a  third  of  a  mile  from  the  North 
point  of  Great  Abang  ;  and  Penjahoeng  Rock,  S.W.  |  S.,  4  cables  from  the 
North  point  of  the  island  of  that  name.  This  last  is  the  most  dangerous, 
and  will  be  avoided  if  the  S.W.  point  of  Gallang  be  kept  open  of  the  S.W. 
point  of  Penjaboeng,  and  the  apex  of  Tafelberg,  a  table  hill  on  Gallang 
Island,  open  of  the  N.W.  end  of  Semoet.  The  soundings  in  the  straits  are 
very  variable. 

We  now  commence  the  description  of  Durian  Strait. 

THREE  BROTHERS.— The  South  Brother,  in  lat.  0°  33'  20"  N.,  long. 
103°  46'  E.,  is  the  largest  and  highest  of  the  three  islands  lying  at  the 
South  entrance  of  Durian  Strait.  It  is  about  a  mile  in  length  North  and 
South,  and  not  quite  half  a  mile  in  breadth  ;  the  highest  hill  near  the  centre 


FALSE  DUniAN.  343 

of  the  island  is  257  ft.  high,  and  may  be  seen  17  or  18  miles.  There  is  a 
■white  clifl' or  rock  on  the  N.E.  side,  which  makes  this  island  remarkable. 
The  Middle  Brother,  only  135  ft.  high,  lies  about  1^  mile  northward  from 
the  North  point  of  the  South  Brother.  Between  the  South  and  Middle 
Brother  there  is  a  safe  passage,  about  two-thirds  of  a  mile  wide,  with 
soundings  from  9  to  13  fathoms.  The  North  Brother,  sometimes  called  the 
Round  Brother,  is  smaller  and  lower  than  the  others,  being  but  87  ft.  high. 
It  lies  N.  by  W.  ^  W.  2i  miles  from  the  Middle  Brother,  and  between  them 
there  is  a  safe  passage,  with  11  to  17  fathoms  water,  now  frequently  used. 

The  Eastern  Bank,  which  bounds  the  channel  to  the  eastward  of  the 
Brothers,  is  composed  of  hard  sand,  having  irregular  depths  on  it  from  1  to 
6  fathoms,  with  10  and  12  fathoms  close  to  its  western  edge.  A  number  of 
low  mangrove  islands  extend  from  about  2^  miles  northward  of  the  Sumatra 
coast,  to  a  distance  of  8  or  9  miles  in  that  direction  from  it.  The  south- 
easiernmost  of  the  group  is  a  very  small  islet,  known  as  South  Island,  90  ft. 
high,  and  surrounded  by  rocks.  The  north-easternmost  one,  named  Long 
Island,  which  lies  about  6  miles  westward  of  the  South  and  Middle  Brothers, 
is  1^  mile  long,  North  and  South  ;  and  1^  mile  north-westward  of  it  is  a 
higher  island,  named  Saddle. 

A  patch,  having  only  2  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  with  the  northern  ex- 
treme of  Long  Island,  bearing  W.  ^  S.,  Saddle  Island  W.  f  N.,  and  the  peak 
of  False  Durian  N.N.W.  I W.  About  a  mile  north-eastward  uf  the  2-fathom 
patch  is  another  shoal,  with  3  fathoms  water  over  it,  and  4  or  5  fathoms 
around  it,  discovered  in  1861  by  Mr.  Stanton,  commanding  H.M.S.  Saracen. 
It  is  about  a  third  of  a  mile  in  extent,  composed  of  sand  and  shells,  and  lies 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  South  from  Hooky  Islet,  off  the  eastern  extreme  of 
False  Durian. 

All  these  dangers  will  be  avoided  by  keeping  South  Passage  Island,  or 
the  West  end  of  Little  Durian,  open  eastward  of  the  rocky  islet  lying  oif  the 
eastern  extreme  of  False  Durian  ;  or  by  not  bringing  the  latter  to  the  north- 
ward of  N.N.W.  until  nearly  abreast  of  it,  when  it  may  be  approached  to  2 
cables'  lengths. 

FALSE  DURIAN,  or  Pulo  Duri,  is  a  very  irregular  shaped  island,  about 
2^  miles  in  extent,  and  with  the  contiguous  islands,  forms  tlie  south-western 
limit  of  Durian  Strait.  Near  its  N.W.  end  is  a  peak  604  feet  high,  which 
bears  West  distant  5  miles  from  the  North  Brother. 

Three  or  four  small  islands  lie  close  to  the  S.E.  point  of  False  Durian, 
the  outermost  one  of  which,  named  Eocky  Islet,  is  very  small.  A  group  of 
islets  and  rocks,  called  Eocky  Islands,  lie  off  the  N.W.  point. 

As  the  islands  hereabout  have  a  similar  appearance,  strangers  when 
coming  from  the  southward  ought  to  be  careful  not  to  mistake  one  for  the 
other,  for  some  ships  have  not  been  able  to  discern  the  proper  passage.    The 


314  VARELLA  AND  DURIAN  STRAITS,  ETC. 

peak  of  Great  Durian  being  higher  than  the  peak  of  False  Durian,  or  indeed 
of  any  other  land,  is  first  discerned  in  coming  from  the  southward. 

Richardson  Shoal. — This  dangerous  coral  rock,  on  which  the  ship  Hurry 
Pnddemsey,  Capt.  Richai'dson,  struck  in  May,  1863,  has  lately  been  examined 
by  H.M.  surveying  vessel  Bifeman.  It  is  about  200  yards  in  extent,  has  2f 
fathoms  on  it,  and  7  to  10  fathoms  around  it,  and  between  it  and  the  East 
side  of  False  Durian  Island,  at  low-water  springs.  From  the  rock  the  peak 
of  False  Durian  bears  W.  by  N.,  distant  2|  miles  ;  Rocky  Islet  S.  |  E.  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  j  North  Brother,  E.  ^  N.,  2|  miles  ;  and  Middle  Brother 
IS.E.  by  E.,  4  miles.  To  avoid  this  rock,  do  not  bring  Rocky  Islet  South  of 
S.  by  W.,  until  the  peak  of  False  Durian  bears  West. 

GREAT  DURIAN,  or  Pulo  Sanglar,  about  4  miles  N.N.W.  of  the  North 
Brother,  is  a  larger  island  than  False  Durian,  being  '6^  miles  in  extent,  with 
a  peak  near  its  centre  965  feet  high.  This  peak,  as  remarked  above,  is 
the  highest  land  hereabouts,  and  is  consequently  visible  at  the  greatest 
distance. 

The  Tombs  is  the  name  given  to  some  islets  and  reefs,  extending  about 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  southern  part  of  Great  Durian.  A  small 
reef  of  coral  lies  about  half  a  mile  south-westward  of  the  Tombs,  and  about 
a  mile  S.E.  by  S,  from  the  S.W.  point  of  Great  Durian. 

Little  Durian,  590  ft.  high,  and  about  half  the  size  of  Great  Durian,  lies 
off  the  N.W.  extreme  of  the  latter  island,  from  which  it  is  separated  by  a 
channel,  only  a  quarter  of  a  mile  wide.  South  Passage  Island,  204  ft.  high, 
and  about  half  a  mile  in  extent,  North  and  South,  lies  three-quarters  of  a 
mile  from  the  S.W.  coast  of  Little  Durian.  It  is  surrounded  by  rocks  lying 
close  to  the  shore.  North  Passage  Island,  156  ft.  high,  is  about  half  the  size 
of  South  Passage  Island,  from  which  it  bears  N.N.W.  f  W.  2^  miles. 

PRINCES  ISLAND,  lying  W.  by  S.  f  S.  2f  miles  from  North  Passage 
Island,  on  the  western  side  of  Durian  Strait,  is  a  coral  formation  not  much 
above  high  water.  It  is  covered  with  trees,  and  their  heigM  being  about 
100  ft.,  the  island  has  a  round  and  conspicuous  appearance. 

SOUTHERN  ENTRANCES  of  DURIAN  STRAIT.— Durian  Strait  may 
be  entered  on  either  side  of  the  Three  Brothers.  When  the  peak  of  Great 
Durian  is  seen  bearing  N.  by  W.,  a  ship  will  be  in  the  fair  track  for  entering 
the  strait  by  either  channel,  and  should  steer  for  the  South  Brother,  which, 
in  one  with  Great  Durian  peak,  bears  N.N.W.,  nearly. 

The  channel  eastward  of  the  Three  Brothers,  between  them  and  the 
Eastern  Bank,  and  between  the  North  Brother  and  the  South  shore  of 
Great  Durian,  is  about  4  miles  wide,  having  various  depths,  from  15  to  10 
fathoms. 

The  channel  westward  of  the  Brothers,  between  them  and  False  Durian, 
is  3  miles  wide,  and  has  from  8  to  14  fathoms  water,  but  near  the  North 
Brother  24  fathoms.     Both  channels  are  equally  safe. 


MUEO  ISLAND— THE  TWINS.  345 

The  Strait  of  Sang-lar,  to  the  northward  of  Great  and  Little  Durian,  may 
also  be  considered  one  of  the  southern  entrances  to  Durian  Strait,  although 
it  is  but  imperfectly  surveyed,  and  does  not  offer  any  advantages  to  induce  a 
vessel  to  proceed  through  it,  but  on  the  contrary  is  very  inferior  to  either  of 
the  other  channels. 

Monkey  Islands,  three  in  number,  lie  from  IJ  to  li  mile  northward  of 
Little  Durian.  Two  rocks,  or  patches  of  reef,  lie  off  the  N.  W.  point  of  the 
•westernmost  Monkey  Island,  and  a  4-fathom  patch  midway  between  the 
West  end  of  Little  Durian  and  the  western  Monkey  Island. 

MTJRO  ISLAND  is  long,  narrow,  but  high,  and  forms  the  eastern  side  of 
the  middle  part  of  Durian  Strait.  It  extends  from  about  1 J  mile  northward 
of  Great  Durian  in  a  N.AV.  by  N.  direction  for  b\  miles.  On  its  East  side, 
between  it  and  Suji  Island,  is  the  Strait  of  Muro.  The  West  side  of  Muro 
is  but  imperfectly  known. 

Dolphin  Island,  153  ft.  high,  lies  about  a  third  of  a  mile  off  the  N.W. 
end  of  Muro  Island.  A  rock  lies  a  third  of  a  mile  N.N.W.  from  the  North 
extreme  of  Dolphin  Island.  A  reef,  of  an  oval  form,  2  cables  in  extent, 
steep-to  all  around,  and  dry  at  low-water  springs,  lies  a  mile  westward  of  the 
southern  part  of  Dolphin  Island. 

Bolombo  Island  is  high,  about  3  miles  long,  N.W.  by  N.  and  S.E.  by  S., 
and  half  a  mile  broad.  Its  southern  end  is  about  a  mile  E.  ^  N.  from  the 
North  end  of  Muro,  and  its  North  end  is  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from 
the  Twins.  Its  North  end  is  fronted  by  a  reef  to  a  distance  of  nearly  half  a 
mile,  having  a  white  rock  within  its  margin,  off  the  N.W.  point  of  the  island. 
Red  Island,  or  Pulo  Goomeata,  lying  nearly  2  miles  N.W.  of  Dolphin  Island, 
is  of  triangular  shape,  about  half  a  mile  in  extent,  and  covered  with  trees. 
Its  height  is  256  ft.,  and  it  may  be  seen  15  miles  off. 

The  passage  between  Eed  Island  and  Dolphin  Island  ought  not  to  be 
attempted,  for  nearly  in  mid-channel  lie  two  dangerous  rocks,  one  awash  at  low 
water  spring  tides,  and  the  soundings  near  being  irregular,  afford  no  guide. 
A  rockt/  patch,  dry  at  low  water,  lies  rather  more  than  half  a  mile  W.  by  S. 
from  the  S.W.  end  of  Red  Island,  with  deep  water  all  round,  and  between  it 
and  the  island.  Nearly  half  a  mile  northward  of  Eed  Island  is  a  small  rocky 
islet  with  a  tree  on  it,  surrounded  by  rocks,  dry  at  low  water. 

The  Twins,  or  Fulo  Mentegas  are  two  small  round  islands,  lying  a  little 
more  than  a  mile  north-eastward  of  Eed  Island.  They  bear  N.N.W.  and 
S.S.E.  of  each  other,  and  are  152  ft.  high.  Distant  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
north-westward  of  the  North  Twin  is  the  North  end  of  a  dangerous  and  exten- 
sive coral  reef ,  dry  at  low-water  spring  tides,  having  from  10  to  17  fathoms 
all  round. 
The  Western  Shore  of  Durian  Strait,  from  False  Durian  to  the  Carimons, 

1.  A.  2  Y 


346  VARELLA  AND  DURIAN  STRAITS,  ETC. 

is  formed  of  numerous  low  islands,  covered  with  trees,  the  principal  of  which 
is  Sabon.  This  land  is  generally  known  as  the  Sabon  shore,  for  the  islands 
forming  it  are  separated  from  Sabon  and  from  each  other  only  by  very  nar- 
row channels,  and  therefore  appear  as  one  continuous  island. 

Pulo  Panjang,  a  large,  low,  flat  island,  lies  northward  of  Saddle,  and 
westward  of  False  Durian  ;  off  its  North  coast  is  a  small  islet  named  Round 
Island.  Pulo  Torreatep,  the  next  island  named  on  the  chart,  is  the  largest 
and  easternmost  of  a  group  of  several  islands,  and  bears  N.  W.  by  W.  ^  W., 
5  miles  from  the  N.W.  point  of  False  Durian  ;  about  a  third  ot  a  mile  from 
its  East  side  is  a  patch  with  4  fathoms  water  on  it.  Two  miles  N.N.W.  f  W. 
from  Terreatep,  is  what  appears  to  be  rather  a  conspicuous  island.  The 
channel  between  this  island  and  Princes  Island  has  not  been  sounded. 

SABON  ISLAND,  or  Pulo  Pappan,  is  the  largest  island  on  the  western 
shore  of  Durian  Strait.  Its  North  point  reaches  to  within  3  miles  of  the 
southern  part  of  the  Great  Carimon,  and  off  its  N.E.  coast  lie  the  islands  of 
Buru,  Paril,  and  Pandan. 

Beep-water  Point,  the  most  eastern  point  of  Sabon,  lies  2f  miles  N.  W.  from 
Princes  Island.  There  is  another  point  2^  miles  westward  of  Princes  Island, 
the  coast  between  forming  a  bay,  fronting  which  is  a  reef  with  some  trees 
upon  it,  from  the  outer  part  of  which  Deep-water  point  bears  N.N.W.  ^  W., 
distant  three-quarters  of  a  mile.  To  avoid  this  danger,  be  careful  to  keep 
the  peak  of  False  Durian  open  eastward  of  Princes  Island. 

From  Deep-water  Point  the  Sabon  coast  trends  N.W.  by  W.,  and  lying 
close  off  it  are  four  islands,  the  north-westernmost  of  which  is  the  largest. 

Middleburgh  Shoal,  lying  nearly  midway  between  Red  Island  and  the 
bank  extending  from  Sabon  Island,  is  a  reef  of  coral  rocks,  300  yards  in 
extent,  of  circular  form,  partly  dry,  about  1  foot  above  the  sea  at  low-water 
spring  tides,  its  sides  being  almost  perpendicular,  with  7  and  9  fathoms 
close  to  the  rocks,  and  17  to  20  fathoms  about  200  yards  off.  When  on  the 
centre  of  the  shoal,  the  Passage  Islands  were  in  one,  their  East  extremes 
bearing  S.E.  by  S.  ;  the  rocky  islet,  with  a  tree  on  it,  off  the  North  end  of 
Red  Island,  nearly  on  with  the  North  brow  of  the  North  Twin  ;  the  Twins 
open  to  the  northward  of  Red  Island  ;  the  South  end  of  Red  Island,  E.  by 
N.  i  N.  ;  Sabon  Hill,  W.  by  N.  i  N.  ;  Clay  Island,  W.  i  N. ;  peak  of  Great 
Durian,  S.E.  i  E.,  and  the  peak  of  False  Durian,  S.S.E.  J  E. 

Passage  eastward  of  Middleburgh  Shoal. — The  passage  between  Middleburgh 
Shoal  and  the  bank  extending  from  the  Sabon  shore  is  about  If  mile  wide, 
with  soundings  deepening  from  6  or  7  fathoms  near  the  bank  to  14  and  16 
and  20  fathoms  near  the  shoal. 

PULO  BURU  is  a  low  island,  4^  miles  in  length  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E., 
crowned  with  high  trees,  and  having  a  few  inhabitants,  who  collect  great 
quantities  of  mangosteins,  durians,  and  other  fruits,  which  flourish  here  in 
a  wild  and  luxuriant  state.     It  is  the  next  largest  island  to  Sabon,  and  its 


GEEAT  AND  LITTLE  CARIMON  ISLANDS.  347 

S.E.  part  bears  N.N.AV.  nearly  5  miles  from  Deep-water  Point.  Off  its 
South  end  is  a  small  islet,  named  Clay  Island,  covered  with  straggling  trees 
and  surrounded  by  rocks. 

The  eastern  shore  of  Pulo  Bum  is  fronted  by  a  shoal-water  bank  to  a 
distance  of  from  1  to  1^  mile,  and  rocks  partly  dry  at  half  tide  nearly  to  the 
same  distance,  with  Sabon  Hill,  or  Gunong  Pappan  bearing  from  W.  J  N. 
to  West.  These  dangers  may  be  avoided  by  keeping  Deep-water  Point  South 
of  S.  I  E. 

Sabon  Hill  cannot  be  easily  mistaken,  being  the  only  hill  on  the  western 
side  of  the  channel  to  the  southward  of  Great  Carimon,  which  island  has  on 
it  two  high  peaks  or  hills,  and  the  Little  Carimon  one,  as  seen  from  the 
southward,  but  has  really  two  high  peaks  on  it  also. 

Pulo  Pandan,  the  southern  of  two  small  islands  lying  about  a  mile  north- 
ward of  Pulo  Buru,  is  low,  and  covered  with  trees  about  100  ft.  high.  Pulo 
Paril  is  a  much  larger  island  than  Pandan,  lying  to  the  westward  of  it,  and 
close  to  the  northern  part  of  Sabon. 

Close  to  the  eastward  of  Deep-water  Point  the  depth  is  9  fathoms,  and  5 
fathoms  close  to  the  northern  extreme  of  the  point  ;  but  from  thence  a  shal- 
low bank  extends,  with  a  slight  curve  iuto  the  bight  between  Deep-water 
Point  and  Pulo  Buru,  as  far  as  Pulo  Pandan.  Deep-water  Point  bearing 
S.  t  E.  will  lead  a  mile  clear  of  the  edge  of  this  bank. 

GREAT  CARIMON  ISLAND,  which  divides  the  Straits  of  Malacca, 
Durian,  and  Singapore,  has  been  described  on  page  136,  ante.  It  is  10 
or  11  miles  in  length  in  a  N.N.W.  direction,  and  near  its  North  end  are  two 
high  and  conspicuous  peaked  hills,  the  northern  one  1,376  feet,  and  the 
southern  one  1,474  ft.  high  ;  the  rest  of  the  island  consists  of  low  level  land. 
Its  southern  part  is  separated  from  Sabon  Island  by  the  Strait  of  Clam,  2^ 
miles  wide. 

LITTLE  CARIMON  (see  p.  136)  is  a  high,  bold  island,  2^  miles  in  length 
N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  rising  to  two  peaks,  covered  with  trees,  the  northern  one 
being  1,067  ft.,  and  the  southern  one  1,026  ft.  high. 

Sand  Banks. — A  patch  of  5  fathoms  lies  E.  i  S.  1|  mile  from  Pulo  Pan- 
dan ;  and  there  are  two  other  patches  of  4  fathoms  off  the  same  island,  one 
bearing  E.  by  N.  nearly  2  miles,  and  the  other  about  N.E.  J  N.  the  same 
distance  from  it.  These  patches  seem  to  be  the  tail  of  a  bank  of  sand  lying 
about  2  miles  off  the  S.E.  coast  of  Great  Carimon,  and  which  nearly  joins 
another  bank  extending  S.E.  from  the  Little  Carimon.  Pulo  Pandan  bear- 
ing South  will  lead  to  the  eastward  of  the  2j-fathom  patch  on  the  southern 
bank  ;  and  the  peaks  of  Little  Carimon  in  line  about  N.W.  will  lead  close  to 
the  edge  of  the  northern  bank  in  5  or  4j  fathoms.  A  white  Herbert's  buoy  is 
said  to  lie  oflF  the  reef  extending  from  the  S.W.  point  of  Carimon  Island. 

Tides.— Throughout  Varella  and  Durian  Straits  the  tides  are  very  irregu- 
lai-,  rendering  it  difficult  to  ascertain  either  their  direction  or  velocity.     In 


348  VAEELLA  AND  DURIAN  STRAITS,  ETC. 

August  and  September  the  rise  and  fall  was  found  generally  to  be  between 
10  and  11  ft.,  sometimes  running  from  3  to  4  knots  per  hour  during  the 
springs,  at  other  times  not  more  than  2|  knots  at  the  same  period.  This 
irregularity  appears  to  be  produced  by  the  prevailing  winds  in  the  North  or 
South  entrance  of  the  straits,  forcing  the  tides  through  in  one  direction  for 

1 2  or  1 8  hours  at  a  time,  although  the  rise  and  fall  on  the  shore  was  regular. 
But  sometimes  the  tides  run  with  regularity. 

At  Eed  Island,  in  the  northern  part  of  Durian  Strait,  it  is  high  water,  full 
and  change,  at  10'',  and  the  tide  rises  10  or  11  ft. 

The  ripplings  might  be  alarming  to  a  stranger ;  they  appear  to  be  caused 
by  the  uneven  bottom,  and  the  resistance  the  tides  meet  with  from  the  steep 
reefs  and  numerous  small  islands. 

PHILLIP  CHANNEL,  or  the  north-eastern  entrance  to  Durian  Strait,  is 
formed  between  the  numerous  islands  fronting  Battam  and  Boelang  Islands 
to  the  south-eastward,  and  Long  and  Round  Islands  to  the  north-westward. 
It  appears  to  be  free  from  danger,  with  good  anchorage,  and  is  a  short  route 
for  vessels  proceeding  to  or  from  Singapore. 

SUJI,  JOMBOL,  BOELANG,  and  BATTAM,  are  four  islands  lying  to  the 
north-eastward  of  Muro  and  Bolombo  Islands.  The  two  former  are  about 
10  miles  long  in  a  N.W.  and  opposite  direction;  the  two  latter  are  much 
larger,  Boelang  being  about  15  miles  long,  in  the  same  direction,  and  7 
miles  broad,  and  Battam  15  or  16  miles  in  an  East  and  West  direction,  and 

13  or  14  miles  North  and  South.  The  northern  parts  of  Boelang  and  Battam 
form  part  of  the  southern  side  of  Singapore  Strait. 

Numerous  small  islands,  islets,  and  rocks  lie  off  the  shores  of  and  in  the 
channels  between  the  above-named  large  islands,  the  whole  of  which  are 
known  under  the  general  name  of  the  Boelang  Archipelago,  but  in  the  pre- 
sent state  of  our  knowledge,  no  vessel  should  venture  among  them,  and  it  is 
therefore  only  the  outermost  islands  and  dangers  which  concern  the  ordinary 
navigator,  and  those  will  be  next  described,  after  the  following  brief  ob- 
servations on  the  channels  between  the  large  islands.  Muro,  Suji,  Jombol, 
and  Batu  Hadji  Straits  are  the  names  of  the  channels  separating  these  large 
islands. 

Muro  Strait  is  bounded  on  the  West  by  G-reat  Durian,  Muro,  and  Bolombo 
Islands,  and  on  the  East  by  the  eastern  bank  and  Suji  Island.  There  are 
many  islands  and  rocks  in  it,  and  it  has  been  but  imperfectly  surveyed.  It 
is,  however,  navigable  with  proper  care;  and  in  1860  an  electric  telegraph 
cable  between  Singapore  and  Batavia  was  laid  through  it  from  a  large 
steamer  piloted  by  a  Dutch  steam  frigate. 

Suji  Strait,  between  Suji  and  Jombol,  is  very  imperfectly  known,  but  it  is 
certainly  encumbered  at  both  ends  with  many  dangers. 

Jombol  Strait,  between  Jombol  and  Boelang,  is  also  encumbered  with 
many  dangers,  although  apparently  not  to  so  great  an  extent  as  Suji ;  it  is 


PULO  DONCAN.  349 

but  imperfectly  known  ;  and  at  present,  like  the  rest  of  the  straits,  is  not 
available  for  general  navigation. 

Batu  Hadji  Strait,  between  Boelang  and  Battam,  is  very  narrow,  in  some 
places  not  a  quarter  of  a  mile  broad.  A  running  survey  was  made  of  this 
strait  several  years  ago  by  Mr.  L.  C.  Bailey,  Master  E.N.,  and  it  is  said  to 
be  available  for  vessels,  but  we  cannot  give  any  directions  for  it.  A  short 
time  since  it  was  urged  upon  the  attention  of  nautical  men  at  Singapore  as 
being  a  route  by  which  vessels  could  be  speedily  towed  from  Singapore  Eoads 
to  sea  in  the  N.E.  monsoons ;  but  it  will  have  to  be  properly  surveyed  before 
it  can  be  used  for  such  a  purpose. 

PULO  DONCAN,  lying  N.E.  f  N.,  distant  6^-  miles  from  the  Twins  (page 
245),  is  the  larger  of  two  low  wooded  islands,  fronting  the  North  entrance 
of  the  Strait  of  Jombol,  which  is  formed  by  a  group  of  beautiful  islands, 
some  of  which  are  inhabited.  Pulo  Doncan  is  surrounded  by  reefs  to  a 
distance  of  a  mile,  and  between  E.N.E.  and  E.S.E.  to  2  miles  off. 

Cap  Island,  so  named  from  its  appearance,  bearing  N.  J  W.  4  miles  from 
Pulo  Doncan,  is  a  rock  about  40  ft.  in  height,  with  a  flat  top  and  perpendi- 
cular sides,  surrounded  by  a  reef  to  the  distance  of  about  300  yards. 

It  would  be  imprudent  to  pass  to  the  eastward  of  Cap  Island,  between  it 
and  Steep  Cape,  as  a  reef  of  rocks  lies  1  mile  off  Steep  Cape,  and  it  is  quite 
possible  that  others  may  exist,  for  the  chart  has  very  few  soundings  in  this 
locality. 

Round  Island,  or  Tahong  Ketchil,  is  a  small  but  elevated  islet,  lying  i^ 
miles  northward  of  Cap  Island,  2f  miles  W.  by  S.  ^  S.  from  Helen  Mara 
Reef,  and  3|^  miles  S.S.W.,  southerly,  from  Raffles  lighthouse.  It  is  the 
south-easternmost  of  a  chain  of  islands  and  reefs  which  extend  from  it  in  a 
north-westerly  direction  for  about  5 J  miles. 

Long  Island,  or  Tahong  Besar,  115  ft.  high,  and  lying  nearly  half  a  mile 
N.N.W.  of  Round  Island,  is  similarly  surrounded  by  reefs,  and  a  small  islet 
lies  close  to  its  North  shore.  Long  Island  and  Round  Island  are  also  known 
as  the  Brothers :   both  are  covered  with  trees. 

Red  Island,  or  Pulo  Patampong,  is  a  mere  islet  or  rock,  20  ft.  high,  covered 
with  trees,  with  a  beach  of  red  sand,  lying  two-thirds  of  a  mile  to  the  N  W. 
of  Long  Island. 

Three  detached  reefs  lie  in  a  south-westerly  direction  from  Red  Island,  the 
outer  and  largest  one  being  distant  nearly  \^  mile  from  it.  Raffles  light- 
house on  Coney  Island,  in  line  with  the  N.  W.  extreme  of  Long  Island,  leads 
to  the  eastward  of  them  ;  Round  Island  bearing  E.  by  N.  leads  to  the  south- 
ward ;  and  the  northern  Tree  Island,  open  westward  of  the  southern  one, 
bearing  N.N.W.,  leads  to  the  westward. 

Tree  Islands,  or  Pulo  Angup,  two  small  islets,  or  rather  clumps  of  trees, 
are  the  outermost  of  the  islands  and  dangers  which  extend  north-westward 
from  Round  Island,  and  limit  the  southern  side  of  the  western  entrance  of 


350  VARELLA  AND  DURIAN  STRAITS,  ETC. 

Singapore  Strait.  In  passing  northward  of  Tree  Island,  the  Raffles  light- 
house (or  light)  should  not  be  brought  to  the  northward  of  East,  nor  the 
reef  neared  under  a  depth  of  1 4  fathoms,  which  will  keep  a  vessel  half  a  mile 
northward  of  its  northern  edge. 

Kent  Rocks  lie  between  Red  Island  and  Tree  Island  Reef,  N.W.  |-N.  and 
S.E.  f  S,  from  each  other,  and  not  quite  half  a  mile  apart.  Eromthe  south- 
ern rock,  which  is  the  larger  of  the  two,  and  has  1  i  fathom  over  it  at  low 
water  springs,  the  North  end  of  Long  Island  is  on  with  the  centre  of  Red 
Island,  S.E.  by  E.,  and  Raffles  Hghthouse  bears  E.  by  N.  J  N.  From  the 
northern  rock,  which  is  about  30  or  40  ft.  in  circuit,  with  not  more  than  3  ft. 
water  on  it,  the  southern  Tree  Island  bears  W.  f  S.  (or  W.  J  N.),  distant  a 
mile,  and  Raffles  lighthouse  E.  by  N.  I  N.,  4  miles. 

HELEN  MARS  REEF  is  the  outermost  of  some  dangerous  reefs,  which, 
together  with  several  small  islets,  lie  off  the  N.W.  point  of  Boelang.  From 
this  reef  Round  Island  bears  W.  by  S.  f  S.,  distant  Sf  miles,  and  Raffles 
lighthouse  is  just  inside  the  left  extreme  of  Barn  and  Alligator  Islands 
N.W.  i  W.,  nearly.     A  short  distance  from  it  are  14  and  15  fathoms. 

The  North  peak  of  Great  Carimon  in  line  with  Red  Island,  leads  close  to 
the  northward  of  this  dangerous  shoal ;  Red  Island,  bearing  W.  f  8.,  will 
lead  well  clear  to  the  northward  ;  and  Steep  Cape,  the  bold  headland  inside 
Cap  Island,  if  kept  to  the  southward  of  S.  ^  W.,  will  lead  to  the  westward. 

The  Helen  Mars  Reef  lies  at  the  point  where  Phillip  Channel  joins  the 
main  channel  of  Singapore  Strait,  which  at  this  part  is  bounded  on  the 
North  side  by  Coney  Island,  on  which  stands  Raffles  lighthouse,  and  the 
islands  adjacent  to  it ;  and  on  the  South  side  by  the  Helen  Mars  and  adjacent 
reefs  and  islands.  Long  Island,  Red  Island,  Kent  Rocks,  and  Tree  Islands, 
with  its  surrounding  reef. 

The  description  of  the  Rabbit  and  Coney,  with  Raffles  lighthouse,  and  the 
western  part  of  Singapore  Strait,  is  given  hereafter. 

Directions  Northward. — Departing  from  Bmiha  Strait,  and  being  abreast  of 
Batakarang  Point  in  7  fathoms,  if  bound  to  Varella  Strait,  a  N.N.W.  course 
will  lead  towards  Varella  or  Brahalla  Island,  distant  about  78  miles.  The 
bank  along  the  Sumatra  coast  in  this  space  being  very  flat,  the  soundings  are 
usually  the  best  guide,  and  the  rule  is  to  keep  in  from  5^  to  7  fathoms. 
Recollect,  however,  that  at  9  miles  S.E.  by  E.  from  Tanjong  Jaboeng  the 
bank  projects  a  sort  of  spit  or  horn,  having  only  4  fathoms  water  over  it, 
and  6  fathoms  between  its  northern  part  and  the  shore. 

The  tides  near  the  shore  are  generally  strong  ;  in  the  offing  they  are  irre- 
gular, and  currents  sometimes  prevail. 

In  passing  through  the  South  channel,  between  Varella  Island  and  Tan- 
jong Jaboeng,  keep  in  10  or  12  fathoms  towards  Varella  to  give  a  berth  to 
the  bank  of  hard  ground  projecting  from  Tanjong  Jaboeng ;  from  thence, 
■working  along  the  coast  to  the  westward. 


DIBECTIONS.  351 

Standing  towards  Varella,  remember  the  shoal  with  only  2  fathoms  water 
over  it,  reported  to  lie  E.S.E.,  3  miles  from  that  island  (page  335).  Being 
through  the  narrow  part  of  the  passage  between  Tanjong  Jaboeng  and 
Varella,  which  is  about  6^  miles  wide,  a  N.W.  by  W.  course  should  be  steered 
towards  the  Alang  Tiga  Islands,  keeping  along  the  coast  in  soundings  of  9 
to  12  fathoms,  and  carefully  avoid  the  Spake  Rock  (page  336).  In  this 
track  attention  to  the  tides  is  indispensable,  for  they  are  often  irregular,  some- 
times setting  out  of  the  Jambie  River  to  the  north-eastward  2^  or  3  miles 
per  hour. 

Having  passed  the  Alang  Tiga  at  about  2  miles,  a  course  about  N.  by  W. 
should  be  steered  for  the  southernmost  of  the  Three  Brothers,  bearing  from 
the  Alang  Tiga  N.  by  W.  i  W.,  distant  63  miles.  In  working,  be  careful 
not  to  stand  nearer  to  Basso  Island  or  Dato  Point  than  2  miles,  and  also 
avoid  being  tempted  to  stretch  into  Amphitrite  Bay,  for  the  banks  off  the 
former,  and  the  shoals  in  the  latter,  are  steep-to,  and  the  lead  cannot  be 
depended  upon  to  give  warning  in  sufficient  time. 

To  enter  Durian  Strait  by  the  eastern  channel,  a  berth  of  1  or  2  miles  may  be 
given  to  the  South  and  Middle  Brothers,  by  passing  them  in  10  or  12  fa- 
thoms ;  and  on  nearing  the  North  Brother,  give  a  prudent  berth  to  the  reef 
that  projects  from  it  to  the  south-eastward,  taking  care  also  not  to  stand  too 
far  over  towards  the  eastern  bank.  When  the  southern  point  of  Great 
Durian  is  approached,  the  three  islets  near  it,  called  the  Tombs,  will  be 
discerned,  and  Sabon  Hill,  bearing  about  W.  by  N.  |  N.,  making  like  two 
islands,  which  may  be  mistaken  for  the  Carimons.  Having  passed  the  North 
Brother,  at  1^  or  2  miles  distance,  haul  to  the  westward,  giving  a  berth  of 
about  1^  mile  to  the  southern  part  of  Durian,  to  avoid  the  sunken  rocka 
rather  more  than  half  a  mile  south-westward  of  the  Tombs. 

To  enter  Durian  Strait  by  the  western  channel,  when  near  the  South  Brother, 
steer  to  the  westward  of  it  at  IJ  mile  distance,  and  proceed  to  the  northward 
in  8  to  12  or  14  fathoms,  about  mid-channel  between  the  other  Brothers  and 
the  eastern  part  of  False  Durian,  to  avoid  the  foul  ground  surrounding  the 
Brothers,  and  the  shoal  patches  which  lie  to  the  southward  of  the  rocky  islet 
contiguous  to  the  East  end  of  False  Durian  (see  page  343). 

Take  care,  however,  when  standing  towards  False  Durian,  not  to  bring 
rocky  islet  to  the  southward  of  S.  by  W.  until  the  peak  of  False  Durian 
bears  West,  to  avoid  Richardson  Rock. 

Having  cleared  the  Brothers  by  either  of  the  channels,  the  Passage  Islands 
will  be  seen  to  the  north-westward  on  the  East  side  of  the  channel ;  and  on 
the  West  side,  opposite  North  Paasage  Island,  is  a  flat  island  called  Princes. 
There  is  a  channel  between  the  Passage  Inlands  and  Little  Durian,  but  it  is 
not  frequented,  as  it  is  not  so  convenient  as  the  former ;  but  in  a  case  of  ne- 
cessity a  ship  may  sail  between  any  of  these  islands,'  giving  them  a  berth  of 
1  mile,  as  off  their  points  there  is  generally  rocky  and  foul  ground. 


352  VAEELLA  AND  DURIAN  STRAITS,  ETC. 

After  leaving  the  Brothers,  steer  for  the  Passage  Islands ;  in  mid-channel 
the  depths  will  be  generally  from  17  to  26  fathoms.  When  they  are  ap- 
proached, Eed  Island,  about  6  miles  N.  ^  W.  from  North  Passage  Island, 
will  be  discerned ;  it  may  be  known  by  two  islets  to  the  north-eastward  of 
it,  called  the  Twins.  With  care,  the  passage  is  safe  in  daylight,  between 
Middleburgh  Shoal  and  Eed  Island ;  but  as  a  reef,  dry  at  low  water,  lies 
W.  by  S.  more  than  half  a  mile  from  the  latter,  and  the  depths  being 
from  17  to  26  fathoms,  with  some  overfalls,  the  channel  to  the  westward  is 
preferable. 

There  is  also  a  passage  close  to  the  eastward  of  Red  Island ;  but  as  its 
eastern  side  is  bounded  by  the  rocks  lying  about  a  mile  N.W.  of  the  Twins, 
and  by  others  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  E.S.E.  of  Red  Island,  it  ought 
not  to  be  attempted  by  a  stranger. 

The  channel  eastward  of  Middleburgh  Shoal,  between  it  and  the  reef  lying 
W.  by  S.  from  Red  Island,  requires  care  ;  the  best  track  is  about  mid-channel 
in  19  to  16  fathoms,  mud.  The  peak  of  Great  Durian  bearing  S.E.  a  little 
southerly,  or  East  point  of  North  Passage  Island  in  line  with  the  peak  of 
False  Durian,  bearing  S.S.E.,  will  lead  mid-channel  between  the  patch  off 
Red  Island  and  Middleburgh  Shoal.  In  working,  do  not  bring  the  peak  of 
False  Durian  above  a  ship's  length  open  westward  of  North  Passage  Island, 
nor  stand  nearer,  to  the  reef  off  Red  Island,  than  to  bring  that  peak  nearly 
on  with  South  Passage  Island.  The  tides  are  very  strong  between  Middleburgh 
Shoal  and  Red  Island,  the  flood  setting  to  the  southward,  and  the  ebb  to  the 
northward,  from  3  to  4  knots  on  the  springs. 

The  Channel  tvestioard  of  the  Middlehurgh  Shoal  is  preferable,  being  about  2;^ 
miles  wide,  with  mostly  regular  soundings  from  16  and  17  fathoms  close  to 
the  shoal.  When  clear  of  North  Passage  Island,  haul  to  the  westward  for 
the  Sabon  shore,  then  steer  about  N.N.W.  along  it,  in  7  fathoms,  which 
will  lead  in  the  fair  track  between  that  shore  and  Middleburgh  Shoal.  When 
Red  Island  bears  East,  or  E.  by  S.,  edge  out  a  little,  about  N.  by  W.  or 
North,  and  deepen  to  10  or  12  fathoms ;  continuing  to  keep  in  these  depths, 
steer  to  the  northward,  taking  care  to  give  a  good  berth  to  the  South  end  of 
Great  Carimon,  to  avoid  the  bank  of  2J,  3,  and  3^  fathoms,  sand  and  mud, 
which  projects  3  miles  from  the  South  point  of  that  island.  When  abreast 
of  this  point,  the  distance  of  4  or  5  miles  should  be  preserved  from  the  East 
side  of  Great  Carimon,  and  the  Little  Carimon  may  be  rounded  at  any  con- 
venient distance,  if  bound  to  the  northward. 

In  working,  do  not  deepen  towards  Middleburgh  Shoal  to  above  8J  fa- 
thoms, as  there  are  9  fathoms  very  near  its  eastern  edge ;  but  the  Sabon 
shore  may  be  approached  to  5-J-,  or  to  5,  or  4 J  fathoms,  in  a  small  ship. 

To  pass  through  Phillip  Channel. — If  bound  to  Singapore,  having  passed 
between  Middleburgh  Shoal  and  the  Sabon  shore,  and  brought  Red  Island 
to  bear  East  or  E.  by  S.,  a  course  about  N.E.  by  N.  may  be  steered  guard- 


DIRECTIONS.  353 

ing  against  tide,  to  pass  through  Phillip  Channel  to  the  westward  of  Doncaa 
Island  and  between  Cap  Island  and  Round  Island,  neither  of  which  should 
be  approached  nearer  than  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  on  account  of  the  reefs 
which  project  from  them. 

In  this  route  take  care  that  the  vessel  is  not  set  too  near  the  dangers  which 
lie  at  the  entrances  and  near  the  points  of  the  Straits  of  Muro,  Suji,  and 
Jombol,  for  the  tide  rushes  through  them  with  a  velocity  of  8  or  4  knots  at 
springs.  Having  passed  Cap  Island,  bring  it  to  bear  S.  by  W.  f  W.,  or 
S.S.W.  astern,  which  will  lead  through  in  mid-channel  between  Round  and 
Long  Islands  to  the  "West,  and  Helen  Mars  Reef  to  the  East.  The  soundings 
in  this  track  are  very  variable,  15  to  35  fathoms. 

In  working,  if  standing  westward  of  the  South  end  of  Round  Island,  do 
not  go  farther  in  that  direction  than  to  bring  Raffles  Lighthouse  on  with  the 
N.W.  end  of  Long  Island. 

Standing  towards  the  N.E.  sides  of  Round  and  Long  Islands,  to  avoid  the 
reefs  which  extend  from  them,  the  Cap  should  not  be  brought  South  of 
S.  i  W.,  or  Raffles  Lighthouse  East  of  N.  by  E.  The  Cap,  if  not  brought 
West  of  S.S.W.  f  W.,  or  Steep  Cape,  the  bold  headland  inside  Cap  Island, 
kept  to  the  South  of  S.  J  W.,  will  keep  the  vessel  clear  of  the  Helen  Mars 
Reef ;  and  when  the  northern  peak  of  Great  Carimon  is  well  open  northward 
of  Red  Island,  a  vessel  will  be  northward  of  that  danger,  and  may  proceed 
to  the  north-eastward  into  the  fairway  of  the  main  channel  of  Singapore 
Strait.     To  proceed  from  thence  to  Singapore  Road,  see  hereafter. 

Directions  Southward. — Leaving  Singapore  Strait,  and  having  proceeded  as 
far  as  Raffles  Lighthouse,  and  brought  it  to  bear  W.N.W.,  or  N.W.  by  W., 
distant  about  1^  mile,  Cap  Island  will  be  seen  bearing  about  S.  by  W.  f  W., 
or  S.S.W.,  and  kept  upon  either  of  those  bearings  it  will  lead  about  mid- 
channel  between  Helen  Mars  Reef  and  Round  Island.  In  working,  Cap 
Island  must  not  be  brought  West  of  S.S.W.  ^  W.,  or  Steep  Cape  West  of 
S.  5  W.,  to  avoid  Helen  Mars  Reef.  The  dangers  extending  from  Round 
Island  and  Long  Island  will  be  avoided  by  not  bringing  Cap  Island  South 
of  S.  i  W. 

Having  passed  westward  of  the  Cap,  which  must  not  be  approached  nearer 
than  half  a  mile,  a  course  about  S.W.  or  S.W.  by  S.  may  be  steered  towards 
the  Sabon  shore ;  but,  as  before  noticed,  be  particularly  careful  to  guard 
against  the  effects  of  the  tide  in  this  locality. 

With  a  commanding  breeze,  the  passage  eastward  of  the  Middleburgh 
Shoal  may  be  taken  by  keeping  the  East  point  of  North  Passage  Island  in 
line  with  the  N.W.  peak  of  False  Durian,  which  will  lead  midway  between 
the  shoal  and  the  rocky  patch ;  the  water  deepens  towards  the  Middleburgh 
Shoal,  it  being  steep-to  all  round.  To  prevent  being  set  upon  it  in  light 
I.  A.  2z 


no 4  VARELLA.  AND  DURIAN  STRAITS,  ETC. 

winds,  caution  is  requisite,  as  the  tides  run  here  from  3  to  4  miles  an  hour  at 
times. 

A  vessel  being  abreast  of  Little  Carimon,  with  its  northern  end  bearing 
West  from  2  to  2^  miles,  a  S.S.E.  4  E.  course  will  carry  her  clear  of  the  mud- 
banks  fronting  the  low  land  of  Grreat  Carimon,  in  soundings  from  7  to  8 
fathoms,  until  the  North  end  of  Pandan  Island  is  on  with  the  North  end  of 
Salion,  when  the  strait  between  Great  Carimon  and  Sabon  will  be  open. 
With  a  working  wind  from  Little  Carimon  the  soundings  are  the  best  guide 
in  standing  towards  the  mud-banks  fronting  Great  Carimon,  which  ought 
not  to  be  approached  under  6  fathoms,  remembering  that  the  peaks  of  Little 
Carimon  in  line,  bearing  about  N.W.,  lead  close  to  the  edges  of  the  shoal 
banks  ;  the  depths  in  the  offing  are  from  14  to  16  fathoms,  mud.  The  peaks 
of  Little  Carimon  in  line  will  lead  outside  the  dangers  off  Great  Carimon,  as 
will  also  Pandan  bearing  South. 

When  the  strait  between  Great  Carimon  and  Sabon  is  open,  the  soundings 
become  irregular  ;  and  here  caution  is  requisite  with  a  working  wind,  as  the 
tides  set  strong  through  this  straight  to  the  westward  at  times.  When  the 
North  end  of  Pandan  is  on  with  the  North  end  of  Sabon,  and  the  vessel  is 
distant  from  the  former  2  miles,  in  7  fathoms,  a  S.  by  E.  course  will  lead 
clear  of  the  mud-bank  that  fronts  Buru,  and  midway  between  it  and 
Middleburgh  Shoal,  till  the  North  end  of  Red  Island  is  on  with  the  South 
end  of  the  South  Twin,  and  the  soundings  will  be  irregular,  from  5  to  9 
fathoms. 

In  working,  a  vessel  may  stand  to  the  eastward  to  a  moderate  distance  at 
discretion,  but  she  must  not  approach  the  shore  of  Buru  nearer  than  1^  mile 
in  6  to  6  fathoms.  When  the  South  end  of  Buru  bears  West,  the  soundings 
will  decrease  regularly  on  the  edge  of  the  mud-bank  which  extends  south- 
ward as  far  as  Deep-water  Point,  and  the  mud-bank  may  be  borrowed  on  at 
discretion.  Standing  eastward  towards  Middleburgh  Shoal,  do  not  approach 
it  nearer  than  to  bring  the  West  end  of  North  Passage  Island  to  touch  the 
East  end  of  South  Passage  Island ;  the  North  end  of  Red  Island,  on  with 
the  bluff  headland  to  the  eastward,  will  lead  northward  of  the  shoal,  and  the 
North  end  of  Red  Island,  on  with  the  South  end  of  the  Twins,  will  lead 
southward  ;  the  latter  transit-line  also  just  clears  to  the  northward,  the  rocky 
patch  lying  to  the  westward  of  Red  Island. 

When  clear  of  Middleburgh  Shoal,  and  of  the  shoal  to  the  westward  of 
Dolphin  Island,  as  the  strait  to  the  southward  is  free  from  danger,  a  direct 
course  may  be  steered  for  the  East  end  of  False  Durian  ;  the  Passage  Islands 
may  be  approached  to  any  convenient  distance.  Princes  Island  must  not  be 
neared  much  under  a  mile,  as  dangers  extend  a  considerable  distance  from 
it.  The  soundings  throughout  are  very  irregular,  decreasing  towards  the 
western  shore,  where  there  is  good  anchorage.  At  IJ  mile  from  the  north- 
western and  largest  of  the  two  rocky  islets  off  the  N.  W.  end  of  False  Dm'ian, 


DIRECTIONS.  •  .300 

and  it  being  on  with  the  peak  of  the  latter,  there  is  a  bank  of  hard  saud  and 
stones  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  extent,  having  4-^-  fathoms  least  water,  and 
from  10  to  6  fathoms  close-to  ;  when  on  it,  the  East  side  of  South  Passage 
Island  is  on  with  the  North  end  of  Little  Durian. 

Standing  towards  the  South  end  of  Great  Durian,  come  no  nearer  the 
Tombs  than  1  mile,  when  South  Passage  Island  will  bear  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W., 
to  avoid  the  small  reef  of  coral  rock  lying  half  a  mile  from  the  South  Tomb, 
and  near  to  which  are  20  to  29  fathoms.  The  best  anchorage  in  this  part  of 
the  strait  will  be  found  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  eastern  shore 
of  False  Durian,  in  12  to  14  fathoms.  With  a  working  wind,  keep  near 
False  Durian,  where  the  tides  are  much  stronger  than  in  mid-channel;  but 
take  care  to  bring  Rocky  Islet  to  the  West  of  S.  by  W.  before  the  peak  of 
False  Durian  bears  West,  to  keep  clear  of  Richardson  Shoal. 

To  pass  westward  of  the  Brothers,  between  them  and  False  Durian,  steer 
through  in  mid-channel ;  but  with  a  working  wind,  either  side  of  the  channel 
may  be  borrowed  on,  when  to  the  southward  of  Richardson  Shoal. 

After  passing  Rocky  Islet,  off  the  S.E.  end  of  False  Durian,  keep  it  West 
of  N.N.  W.  until  to  the  southward  of  the  3-fathom  bank,  lying  nearly  a  mile 
South  of  it. 

To  pass  eastward  of  the  Brothers,  after  passing  the  Tombs,  steer  E.  by  S., 
keeping  about  2  miles  from  the  North  and  East  sides  of  the  North  Brother, 
where  the  water  will  shoal  to  12  or  13  fathoms  ;  then  steer  about  S.  by  E., 
attending  to  the  set  of  the  tide,  to  pass  the  Middle  and  South  Brother  at  the 
same  distance,  not  borrowing  nearer  thenii  than  10  or  12  fathoms.  With  a 
■working  wind,  do  not  stand  too  far  over  towards  the  Eastern  bank,  but  tack 
immediately,  if  irregular  soundings  are  got  on  the  overfalls  near  it,  nor  so 
far  out  as  to  sink  the  beach  of  the  Middle  Brother  from  the  deck  of  an  ordi- 
nary ship.  The  depths  in  this  channel  will  be  mostly  from  10  to  12  fathoms 
near  the  Brothers,  to  1 6  or  18  fathoms  near  the  overfalls  on  the  edge  of  the 
Eastern  bank. 

Being  abreast  of  the  South  Brother,  at  about  2  miles  distance,  steer  South 
or  S.  by  W.  until  it  bears  N.N.W. ;  and  whether  the  vessel  has  passed  east- 
ward or  westward  of  the  Brothers,  after  having  brought  the  South  Brother 
to  bear  N.N.W.,  steer  about  S.  by  E.  ^  E.  towards  the  Alang  Tiga  Islands, 
and  endeavour  to  keep  in  from  14  to  16  fathoms.  With  a  working  wind  the 
best  track  is  to  stand  to  the  eastward  until  in  17  fathoms,  about  mid-channel, 
and  into  12  fathoms  towards  the  Sumatra  shore,  but  not  under  this  depth  in 
passing  Dato  and  Basso  Points,  as  the  shoal  fronting  the  latter  is  steep-to, 
with  8  to  14  fathoms  near  its  edge.  After  passing  Basso  Point,  the  coast 
may  be  approached  occasionally  to  6  or  7  fathoms  ;  but  the  best  track  with 
a  fair  wind  is  about  mid-channel  between  it  and  the  Alang  Tiga,  or  pass 
about  2  or  2^  miles  westward  of  these  islands  at  discretion. 

Having  passed  the  Alang  Tiga,  keep  the  southorumost  island  to  the  North 


356  VAEELLA  AND  DURIAN  STRAITS,  ETC. 

of  N.W.  by  N.,  until  Seera  Island  bears  East  or  E.  ^  S.,  to  avoid  the  Speke 
Rock ;  the  proper  track  from  the  Alang  Tiga  to  Varella  is  to  keep  along  the 
Sumatra  coast  in  9  to  12  fathoms,  borrowing  to  6  or  7  fathoms  towards  the 
coast,  with  a  working  wind. 

Caution  is,  however,  necessary  if  running  here  in  thick  weather  or  in  the 
night,  on  acount  of  strung  tides  setting  into  or  out  of  the  rivers,  or  you  may 
get  set  on  the  extensive  sand  and  mud  bank  fronting  the  coast  to  the  west- 
ward of  Tanjong  Jaboeng,  opposite  the  mouth  of  the  Jambie  River. 

Varella  Island  maj'^  be  passed  at  about  2  miles  distance  in  10  or  12  fathoms ; 
but  the  spit  surrounding  Tanjong  Jaboeng  is  steep  from  5  fathoms,  and 
should  be  approached  only  with  great  caution  under  a  depth  of  10  fathoms 
in  working. 

From  a  position  about  8  miles  East  from  Tanjong  Jaboeng  to  abreast 
Batakarang  Point,  at  the  entrance  of  Banka  Strait,  the  course  is  about 
S.S.E.,  and  the  distance  66  miles,  and  the  whole  of  the  bank  fronting  the 
coast  is  in  this  space  very  flat,  with  regular  soundings  upon  it,  except  the 
horn  or  spit  with  only  4  fathoms  on  it,  lying  9  miles  south-eastward  of  Tan- 
jong Jaboeng.  The  best  guide,  therefore,  after  leaving  Yarella,  is  to  keep 
along  the  coast  in  from  5^  to  7  fathoms,  until  Batakarang  Point  is  approached, 
and  6i  or  7  fathoms  are  the  proper  depths  to  preserve,  when  passing  this 
point  and  entering  Banka  Strait,  to  avoid  the  Frederick  Hendrik  Rocks,  on 
the  East  side  of  the  channel ;  with  a  working  wind,  the  point  may  be  ap- 
proached to  6J  or  5  fathoms. 


CHAPTEE    IX. 


THE    STRAIT    OF    SINGAPORE, 

This  great  thoroughfare  between  India  and  China  is  about  50  mih  s  in  length 
from  ihe  junction  of  the  Straits  of  Malacca  and  Rhio,  previously  described, 
to  the  Horsburgh  Lighthouse  at  its  eastern  end.  The  great  Malay  Penin- 
sula is,  as  it  were,  continued  in  extensive  ranges  of  islands,  separated  by  in- 
tricate channels,  of  difficult  navigation,  but  within  a  few  years  the  beautiful 
lighthouses  at  either  end  of  the  main  ship  channel  have  rendered  the  passage 
easy,  with  common  attention,  either  by  day  or  night. 

Formerly  the  ships  of  less  draught  and  smaller  tonnage  passed  through 
the  Old  Strait  to  the  northward  of  Singapore  Island,  but  this  is  now  never 
used  by  the  larger  vessels  of  modern  times — a  fact  due,  in  some  degree,  to 
the  western  entrance  of  this  channel,  having  become  much  shoaler. 

In  the  earliest  days  of  European  navigation,  the  route  followed  was  around 
the  South  side  of  Singapore  island,  by  the  Salat  Sambulan  and  the  almost 
newly-discovered  New  Harbour.  It  is  exactly  described  by  John  Hughen 
Van  Linschoten,  in  his  "  Discourse  of  Voyages  of  the  Portingales  into  the 
East  Indies,"  probably  written  in  the  early  part  of  the  sixteenth  century,  and 
which  certainly  shows  that  these  early  Portuguese  pilots  were  as  well 
acquainted  with  the  channels  as  we  are  even  now,  and  their  instructions  are 
the  best  to  pursue  in  the  present  day.  They  used  Pedra  Branca  as  a  leading 
mark,  and  went  through  the  middle  channel,  as  now  recommended. 

The  strait  was  generally,  though  not  minutely,  surveyed  by  J.  T.  Thomp- 
son, Esq  ,  F.R.G.S.,  the  Government  surveyor  at  Singapore,  and  the  en- 
gineer to  the  excellent  Horsburgh  and  Eaffles  Lighthouses,  which  form  its 
portals;  and  the  directions  which  follow  are  taken  from  the  China  Sea 
Directory, land  are  based  on  this  survey,  as  added  to  by  Messrs.  Richards, 
Keod,  and  Stanton,  R.N.,  in  1858 — 1862.     We  have  re-arranged  the  matter 


358  THE  STEAIT  OF  SINGAPORE. 

so  as  to  commence  at  the  western  end,  where  it  connects  with  the  straits  pre- 
viously described. 

The^Winds  and  Seasons  are  described  on  pages  6 — 13,  ante. 

The  Currents  and  Tides  are  noticed  generally  on  pages  26,  27. 

Passages  to  and  from  Singapore  are  discussed  on  pages  50 — 67. 

The  NORTH  SIDE  of  the  STRAIT  is  formed  by  the  southern  extremity  of 
the  Malay  Peninsula,  and  the  southern  shores  of  the  Island  of  Singapore. 

TANJONG  BOLUS,  the  N.W.  limit  of  the  strait,  and  the  termination  of 
the  Strait  of  Malacca,  has  been  alluded  to  on  page  136,  the  Carimon  Islands 
on  the  opposite  side  being  the  other  boundary.  They  are  also  described  on 
page  136. 

The  Bank,  which  surrounds  Tanjong  Bolus,  extends  across  the  entrance  of 
the  old  Strait  of  Singapore,  and  is  very  shallow,  having  only  from  6  to  12  ft. 
water  on  most  parts.  Its  outer  edge  trends  about  E.  by  N.  for  about  9  miles 
to  Tanjong  Gul,  the  S.  W.  point  of  Singapore  Island.  The  Old  Strait  of  Sin- 
gapore, or  Salat  Tamhroh,  in  early  times  the  great  highway,  is  not  now  used 
by  large  vessels.     Its  western  entrance  has  shoaled  up  very  considerably. 

To  the  south-eastward  of  Tanjong  Gul  is  a  cluster  of  islands,  of  which  we 
have  no  particular  account,  which  bounds  the  inner  channel,  called  Salat 
Samhulan.  This  is  navigable,  but  the  strait  South  of  the  islands  is  much  pre- 
ferable, as  it  is  more  direct,  and  its  dangers  are  marked  by  beacons. 

The  Coast  of  Singapore  Island,  to  the  eastward  of  the  Salat  Sambulan, 
trends  in  a  straight  line  S.E.  and  N.W.,  and  at  its  South  end  is  the  New 
Jlarbotir,  a  strait  presently  described,  which  separates  it  from  Blakan  Mati 
Islands,  beyond  which,  in  the  same  direction,  are  the  St.  John's  Islands, 
which  form  the  northern  side  of  the  narrowest  part  of  the  strait.  To  the 
north-eastward  of  these  islands  is  the  roadstead  and  harbour  of  Singapore- 
They  will  be  described  together  hereafter. 

SINKI  CHANNEL,  or  Salat  Sinki,  by  which  Singapore  New  Harbour  is 
approached  from  the  westward,  is  bounded  on  either  side  by  reefs,  the  edges 
of  which  are  marked  by  beacons.  Its  length  is  4  miles,  and  its  breadth,  at 
the  eastern  part,  where  it  is  narrowest,  is  but  three-quarters  of  a  mile.  The 
depths  in  it  are  very  irregular,  generally  from  9  to  15  fathoms,  but  in  places 
there  are  over  20  fathoms.  The  eastern  extreme  of  the  channel  is  about  3 
miles  to  the  westward  of  New  Harbour,  and  the  western  extreme  about  the 
same  distance  from  the  Sultan  Shoal,  described  presently. 

North  Side.— The  first  of  the  reefs,  westward  from  New  Harbour,  are 
named  the  Ctjrene  Shoals,  and  their  S.E.  extreme  bears  from  Lots  Wife 
AV.  by  S.,  distant  2|  miles.  They  consist  of  two  patches,  which  dry  at 
three-quarters  ebb,  extending  nearly  l^  mile  East  and  West,  and  about 
half  a  mile  North  and  South.  The  eastern  patch  is  twice  as  large  as  tlie 
western  one,  from  which  it  is  separated  by  a  narrow  channel.  A  heacon  is 
placed  upon  tho  South  extreme  of  each  of  the  patches. 


SIXKI  CHANNEL.  359 

Tlie  next  patch  lies  3  miles  to  the  westward  of  the  western  beacon  of  the 
Cyrene  Shoals  ;  it  is  very  small,  and  has  a  ivhite  beacon  on  its  North  side. 

Half  a  mile  North  of  this  patch  is  a  small  island  named  Pulo  Laut,  having 
a  smaller  island  close  to  the  eastward  of  it.  These  two  islands  are  the 
southernmost  of  an  extensive  group  of  islands  lying  close  together,  and  to 
the  northward  of  which,  between  them  and  the  Singapore  shore,  is  the  navi- 
gable channel  named  Salat  Sambulan. 

The  outermost  reef  on  the  North  side  of  the  Sinki  Channel,  and  which 
may  be  considered  to  form  its  north-western  limit,  is  a  small  patch  lying 
W.  3  N.  li  mile  from  the  beacon  on  the  small  patch  last  mentioned  ;  W.S.W. 
1  mile  from  the  "West  end  of  Pulo  Laut,  and  N.E.  by  E.  J  E.  2\  miles  from 
the  Sultan  Shoal ;  this  patch  is  not  marked  by  a  beacon. 

South  Side. — The  South  side  of  the  channel  is  marked  by  four  red  beacons^ 
the  w^iole  of  them  being  nearly  in  line  on  a  W.  by  S.  and  E.  by  N.  bearing, 
and  almost  equidistant  from  each  other.  The  easternmost  beacon,  bearing 
S.  by  E.  f  E.,  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  eastern  beacon  on  the 
Cyrene  Shoals,  is  placed  on  the  northern  edge  of  the  reef  which  surrounds 
Freshcater  Island,  or  Pulo  Boohun  and  Pulo  Oelar.  The  next  beacon,  almost 
a  mile  distant,  is  on  the  edge  of  the  reef  which  extends  from  Pulo  Bosing. 
Westward  of  this  last  are  two  reefs,  which  dry  at  three-quarters  ebb,  and 
their  northern  edges  are  each  marked  by  a  beacon. 

Pulo  Salook,  a  small  islet,  90  ft.  high,  may  be  considered  as  the  south- 
western limit  of  the  Sinki  Channel.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  reef,  which  pro- 
jects nearly  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  it,  and  other  patches  of  reef  lie  in  a 
S.S.W.  direction,  and  extend  more  than  half  a  mile  from  it.  Pulo  Salook 
bears  S.  f  E.  nearly  2\  miles  from  the  beacon  on  the  reef  South  of  Pulo 
Laut,  S.E.  by  E.  2^  miles  from  the  reef  which  forms  the  north-western 
limit  of  the  strait,  and  E.  by  S.  |  S.  3j  miles  from  the  tripod  beacon  on  the 
Sultan  Shoal. 

Directions. — Coming  from  the  westward,  and  intending  to  proceed  through 
the  Sinki  Channel,  a  course  may  be  steered  to  sight  the  tripod  beacon  on  the 
Sultan  Shoal,  which  may  be  passed  at  a  prudent  distance  on  either  side. 
But  to  provide  against  the  chance  of  the  beacon  having  disappeared,  or  in 
the  event  of  thick  weather,  the  safer  plan  will  be  to  steer  for  Pulo  Salook — 
which,  being  a  small  round  islet  90  ft.  high,  can  be  readily  distinguished — • 
on  an  East,  or  E.  -^  S.  bearing.  When  the  tripod  beacon  is  made  out,*  and 
is  brought  to  bear  from  N.N.W.  to  N.W.,  steer  from  E.  by  N.  to  E.N.E., 
giving  Pulo  Salook  a  berth  of  li  mile  ;  after  it  is  passed  keep  a  good  look- 


*  If  the  tripod  beacon  upon  the  Sultan  Shoal  cannot  be  seen,  a  vessel  should  not  proceed 
until  she  is  quite  certain  of  her  position,  and  assured  that  some  accident  must  have  hap- 
pened to  the  beacon.  As  the  mail  steamers,  both  to  and  from  Europe,  now  pass  through 
the  Sinki  Channel,  great  attention  is  paid  to  the  beacons  which  mark  it. 


360  THE  STEAIT  OF  SINCxAPORE. 

out  for  the  outer  beacons  on  either  side  of  the  channel,  when  it  will  be  only 
necessary  to  steer  mid-channel  between  them. 

The  same  course,  E.  by  N. — always  remembering  to  guard  against  the 
effects  of  tide — will  lead  to  the  entrance  of  New  Harbour,  which  should  also 
be  entered  in  mid-channel,  taking  care  not  to  get  too  close  over  towards 
Berlayer  Point,  and  to  keep  the  conspicuous  red  bluff,  which  will  be  seen  on 
the  South  side  of  the  harbour,  well  open  of  the  P.  and  0.  Company's  jetties, 
to  clear  the  Berlayer  Eock.  It  is  very  necessary,  however,  when  taking 
care  to  avoid  this  rock,  not  to  get  too  close  over  on  the  opposite  side,  as  has 
sometimes  happened.  The  best  plan  is  to  keep  as  nearly  as  possible  in  mid- 
channel. 

The  Tides  are  very  irregular  in  the  passages  among  the  islands,  running 
sometimes  4  miles  per  hour  at  springs. 

ST.  JOHNS  ISLANDS,  which  limit  Singapore  roads  to  the  south-westward 
and  form  the  eastern  limit  of  the  North  side  of  this  part  of  Singapore  Strait, 
will  be  described  presently. 

The  SISTERS  are  two  small  islets,  not  quite  a  mile  to  the  westward  of 
West  St.  Johns  Island  ;  the  South  Sister,  named  Pulo  Soobur,  is  89  ft.  high. 
They  are  surrounded  by  reels,  which  in  places  extend  to  the  distance  of  a 
cable's  length,  and  close  to  their  edges  are  irregular  soundings  of  5  to  9  fa- 
thoms. South  from  the  South  Sister  the  soundings  soon  deepen  to  10,  12, 
16,  and  18  or  19  fathoms.  The  channel  between  them  and  West  St.  Johns 
is  free  from  danger,  with  depths  of  14  to  24  fathoms ;  but  about  one-third  of 
a  mile  West-southerly  from  the  South  Sister  is  the  eastern  end  of  a  patch, 
with  1 8  ft.  water  over  it,  which  thence  extends  one-third  of  a  mile  to  the 
W.N.W. 

MIDDLE  ISLAND,  or  Fulo  Saharoot,  78  ft.  high,  bears  W.  by  S.  3^  miles 
from  West  St.  Johns,  and  N.E.-easterly  4^  miles  from  Eaffles  lighthouse. 
It  is  a  green  island,  with  other  islands  to  the  north-westward  of  it.  It  is 
surrounded  by  a  I'eef,  which,  from  its  S.E.  point,  projects  nearly  a  third  of 
a  mile. 

A  Dangerous  Reef  of  rocks  lies  S.E.  by  E.  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from 
the  S.E.  point  of  Middle  Island.  The  reef  is  small,  and  always  covered,  ex- 
cept at  very  low  tides,  some  points  of  the  rocks  being  then  just  discernible. 
From  it  the  South  extreme  of  West  St.  Johns  Island  bears  E.N.E.  3  miles, 
Eaffles  lighthouse  S.  W.  by  W.  i  W.  4|  miles,  and  Buffalo  Eock  S.  by  E.  \  E. 
The  chart  shows  no  soundings  on  the  South  side  of  this  reef,  but  there  is  said 
to  be  deep  water  close  to  ;  on  the  North  side  it  is  said  to  be  a  steep  coral 
wall,  and  the  chart  shows  8  fathoms  close  to  this  side. 

Pxdo  Jong,  a  small  round  islet  75  ft.  high,  lying  half  a  mile  N.W.  of 
Middle  Island,  open  eastward  of  Middle  Island,  leads  N.E.  of  the  reef,  and 
the  South  point  of  West  St.  Johns  N.E.  by  E.  i  E.,  or  Raffles  lighthouse 
S. W.  by  W,  A  W.,  leads  to  the  southward.     The  South  peak  of  Carimon 


EABBIT  AND  CONEY— ALLIOATOR  ISLAND.  361 

Island,  in  line  with  the  N(jrth  part  of  Barn  Island,  W.  by  S.  I  S.,  also  leads 
to  the  southward  of  it. 

The  North  side  of  the  channel  between  Barn  Island  and  Middle  Island  is 
bounded  mostly  by  shoals  and  coral  reefs,  partly  dry  at  low  water.  Nearly 
2^  miles  S.W.  by  W.  from  Middle  Island  is  a  reef,  the  middle  part  of  which 
is  dry. 

The  RABBIT  and  CONEY  are  two  small  islets,  on  the  North  side  of  the 
western  entrance  to  the  main  channel,  nearly  connected  with  the  S.E.  end  of 
Barn  Island,  to  the  North  of  it,  by  a  reef  of  rocks  partly  dry  at  low  water. 
The  Coney,  or  southernmost,  is  the  smallest,  and  distant  from  the  point  of 
Barn  Island  rather  less  than  one-third  of  a  mile.  The  Rabbit  is  on  with 
the  centre  of  Barn  Island  bearing  N.W.  ^  W.  ;  the  Coney  is  on  with  it, 
N.W.  I  N.,  nearly  ;  and  these  islets  are  in  one  with  each  other,  bearing 
N.  by  E.  5  E.  A  rocky  spit,  covered  at  high  tide,  projects  nearly  a  cable's 
length  to  the  southward  from  the  Coney ;  consequently  the  islet  should  be 
given  a  berth  of  2  cables. 

RAFFLES  LIGHTHOUSE,  on  Coney  Island,  was  named  after  Sir  Stam- 
ford Raffles,  the  founder  of  Singapore.  It  is  in  lat.  1°  9'  51"  N.,  long.  103" 
44'  51"  E.,  and  exhibits,  at  an  elevation  of  105  ft.  above  high  water,  a  ^xed 
hright  light,  which  is  visible  from  a  ship's  deck  at  the  distance  of  12  miles, 
between  the  bearings  E.S.E.  (being  obscured  over  the  St.  Johns  Islands  and 
Middle  Island,  and  its  oflF-lying  reef)  and  N.W.  by  W.,  which  latter  bearing 
leads  I  mile  S.W.  of  Sultan  Shoal.  It  bears  S.W.  by  VV.  ^  W.  7^  miles 
from  the  South  end  of  West  St.  John's  Island  ;  E.  ^  N.  nearly  5^  miles 
from  the  North  end  of  Tree  Island  Reef;  S.E.  ^  E.  nearly  7^  miles  from  the 
Sultan  Shoal;  N.W.,  westerly,  3  miles  from  Helen  Mars  Reef;  and  West, 
northerly,  4^^  miles  from  Buffalo  Ro<'k. 

BARN  ISLAND,  or  Pulo  iSennang,  about  a  mile  in  extent  and  133  ft.  high, 
lies  close  to  the  N.W.  of  the  Rabbit  and  Coney,  and  E.  by  N.  ^  N.  5  miles 
from  Tree  Island.  It  is  of  a  square,  level  aspect,  covered  with  trees,  and 
visible  at  the  distance  of  15  miles.  Its  South  and.  West  sides  are  fronted  by 
a  reef  extending  2  or  3  cables  from  it,  close  to  which  are  9  or  1 1  fathoms, 
with  18  and  19  fathoms  a  short  distance  off. 

ALLIGATOR  ISLAND,  or  Pulo  Euvcaii,  nearly  joins  the  N.W.  end  of 
Barn  Island,  the  space  between  affording  no  passage  for  ships.  It  is  about 
the  same  size,  but  52  ft.  higher  than  Barn  Island,  aod  of  a  sloping  form, 
the  highest  part  being  at  its  South  end.  At  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  its 
South  end  are  14  and  16  fathoms,  but  off  its  West  side  not  more  than  6  to  9 
fathoms  will  be  obtained  at  half  to  two-thirds  of  a  mile. 

A  mile  to  the  northward  of  Alligator  Island  is  a  small  island,  Pulo  Soo- 
dong,  inside  which,  between  Middle  and  Freshwater  Islands,  are  several  islands, 
with  numerous  coral  reefs  amongst  them,  the  exact  positions  of  which  aro 
I.  A.  3  a 


362  THE  STEAIT  OF  SINGAPORE. 

unknown  ;  these  islands  and  dangers  lie  quite  out  of  the  track  of  shipping. 
Pulo  Salook,  the  north-westernmost  of  them,  and  also  the  S.W.  limit  of  the 
Sinki  Channel,  is  described  at  page  359. 

SULTAN  SHOAL  [Terumho  Careemon),  which  forms  the  north-western 
limit  of  the  western  entrance  to  Singapore  Strait,  is  of  circular  form-,  about 
two-thirds  of  a  cable's  length  in  diameter,  and  the  rocks  on  its  shoalest  part 
are  about  2  ft.  above  the  sea  at  low-water  spring  tides.  The  ship  of  that 
name  grounded  on  it  in  1789.  Its  North  side  is  marked  by  a  tripod  beacon, 
painted  in  red  and  white  stripes,  from  which  the  N.W.  extreme  of  Tree 
Island  Eeef  bears  S.  i  E.  5  miles ;  Pulo  Salook  E.  by  S.  f  S.  3J  miles  ;  and 
Baffles  lighthouse,  just  open  of  the  West  extremes  of  Alligator  and  Barn 
Islands,  S.E.  ^  E.  Tj  miles.  Captain  Ross  examined  this  shoal  in  1829,  and 
reported  it  to  be  steep-to,  7  fathoms  water  within  a  boat's  length  of  the 
rocks. 

Ajax  Shoal,  on  which  the  steam  vessel  of  that  name  touched  in  1877,  lies 
1  mile  S.E.  by  E.  |  E.  from  the  Sultan  Shoal  beacon  ;  this  shoal,  composed 
of  coral  with  sharp  pinnacles,  is  about  half  a  cable  in  extent  N.E.  by  N.  and 
S.W.  by  S.,  and  has  on  its  S.W.  extremity  a  depth  of  19  ft.,  at  low  water, 
spring  tides.  A  nun  huoy,  painted  red,  has  been  placed  by  the  Master  At- 
tendant at  Singapore,  on  the  centre  of  Ajax  Shoal ;  this  buoy  should  be 
given  a  berth  of  2  cables  when  passing  it,  on  either  side. 

The  following  bearings  were  taken  from  the  Growler  whilst  at  anchor  in  5 
fathoms,  on  the  shoal : — viz.,  Sultan  Shoal  beacon,  N.W.  by  W.  i  W. ; 
Rafflles  lighthouse,  S.E.  \  E.  ;  and  Tanjong  Bolus,  W.  by  N. 

The  line  of  islands  and  shoals  which  lie  to  the  south-westward  of  these 
Round,  Long,  Red,  and  Tree  Islands,  &c.  which  form  the  N.E.  limit  of  the 
strait  of  Durian,  has  been  described  on  page  349  previously. 

SOUTH  SIDE  of  the  STRAIT.— The  strait  between  the  rocky  ledges 
north-westward  of  Little  Sambo  and  St.  John's  Islands  (described  in  p.  371), 
is  2^  miles  wide,  with  very  irregular  soundings,  varying  from  15  or  16  to  40 
or  50  fathoms. 

Caution. — Owing  to  the  strong  tides  which  rush  through  this  part  of  the 
strait,  and  the  rocky  and  uneven  nature  of  the  bottom,  violent  eddies  and 
overfalls,  very  alarming  to  strangers,  are  usually  to  be  met  with,  more 
especially  on  the  South  side  of  the  channel,  towards  the  Sambo  Islands  ;  for 
•which  reason,  as  also  because  of  the  dangers  and  great  depths  of  water  on 
that  side,  it  is  advisable  to  keep  on  the  North  side,  near  St.  John's  Islands, 
— a  custom  always  followed  by  those  accustomed  to  the  navigation  of  the 
strait. 

The  Coast. — That  part  of  the  southern  side  of  Singapore  Strait  between 
the  Sambo  Islands  and  the  north-western  extreme  of  Boelang  Island,  a  dis- 
tance of  71  miles  to  the  S.W.  by  W.,  is  formed  of  numerous  islands  lying 


PULO  SENNANG- BUFFALO  ROCK.  363 

on  eifher  side  of  the  entrance  of  Batu  Hadji  Strait,  which  separates  the  large 
islands  of  Batt  im  and  Boelang. 

Pulo  Sennaug,  the  outermost  of  the  islands  at  the  eastern  side  of  entrance 
to  Batu  Hadji  Strait,  is  only  about  a  third  of  a  mile  in  extent,  and  bears 
S.W.  by  W.  ^  W.  about  H  mile  from  the  N.W.  extreme  of  Little  Sambo, 
and  S.  by  E.  |^  E.  3  miles  from  West  St.  Johns.  Westward  of  this  island 
there  are  many  dangers. 

Barren  Island,  the  outer  of  the  small  islands  on  western  side  of  entrance 
to  Batu  Hadji  Strait,  is  a  mere  rock  or  islet,  and  bears  S.W.  by  W.  ^  W.  2^ 
miles  from  Pulo  Sennang  ;  S.  by  W.  J  W.  4 J  miles  from  West  St.  Johns  ; 
and  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  U  mile  from  Bufialo  Ptock. 

Near  Pulo  Sennang  are  depths  of  from  7  to  12  fathoms.  Barren  Island 
appears  to  be  free  from  danger,  with  depths  of  13  to  18  fathoms  between  it 
and  Buffalo  Pock  ;  but,  as  previously  remarked,  vessels  should  avoid  getting 
on  this  side  of  the  strait. 

Buffalo  Rock,  lying  well  out  towards  the  fairway  of  the  strait,  is  of  a 
black  colour,  about  the  size  of  a  long-boat,  always  above  water,  with  30  and 
40  fathoms  water  near  it  to  the  southward,  and  irregular  soundings  of  13, 
18,  and  25  fathoms  close  to  it  on  the  N.W.  side.  It  bears  S.W.  by  S.  4 
miles  from  the  South  extreme  of  West  St.  Johns;  S.S.E.  3  miles  from 
Middle  Island,  and  East-northerly  from  Paffles  lighthouse. 

Between  the  Buffalo  Eock  and  the  reef  off  the  S.E.  end  of  Middle  Island, 
the  strait  is  2|  miles,  the  same  breadth  as  between  the  rocky  ledges  and 
West  St.  Johns.  It  is  prudent,  in  working  here,  to  keep  nearest  the  North 
side  of  the  channel,  making  short  tacks,  and  not  to  deepen  above  30  or  34 
fathoms  towards  the  Buffalo  Rock,  and  the  South  side  of  the  strait. 

Tides. — The  flood  from  the  straits  of  Malacca  sets  to  the  eastward,  and  the 
flood  from  the  China  Sea  sets  to  the  westward,  meeting  between  Tanjong 
Bolus  and  Tree  Island.  It  is  high  water  at  Rabbit  Island  at  full  and  change 
at  II  a.m.,  but  the  tide  does  not  set  to  the  eastward  till  about  1  p.m.,  and  it 
is  then  about  half  low  water  by  the  shore. 

The  tides  set  fairly  through  the  channel  about  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.  be- 
tween St.  John's  Islands  and  Raffles  lighthouse,  frequently  very  strong,  with 
eddies  on  the  springs.  Their  velocity,  when  strongest,  is  from  4  to  4^  miles 
per  hour,  making  it  unpleasant  to  anchor  here  in  large  ships  when  the 
•weather  is  unsettled  in  the  night,  particularly  if  unacquainted.  From  Raifles 
lighthouse  to  the  western  entrance  of  the  strait  the  tides  cannot  be  depended 
on  to  set  as  fairly  through  the  channel  as  they  do  to  the  eastward  of  the 
lighthouse,  but  may  be  expected  to  draw  more  across  the  channel  in  a  north- 
easterly or  opposite  direction.  Outside  the  strait  between  Tree  Island  and 
Tanjong  Bolus  no  dependence  can  be  placed  upon  the  set  of  the  tides,  for 
they  sometimes  run  strong  down  towards  the  straits  of  Durian,  and  at  other 
times  to  the  northward  towards  the  old  strait  of  Singapore. 


364  THE  STRAIT  OF  SINGAPORE. 

The  flood  has  been  observed  in  both  monsoons  to  run  to  tlie  westward  10 
or  12  hours  at  a  time,  or  even  18  hours,  strong  and  weak  alternately;  at 
other  times  the  flood  sets  only  6  hours  to  the  westward,  and  the  ebb  the 
same  length  of  time  to  the  eastward  ;  but  the  tides  throughout  Singapore 
Strait  are  seldom  very  regular. 

During  the  strength  of  the  N.E.  monsoon  at  neap  tides,  the  current  sets 
to  the  westward  at  times  for  three  or  four  days,  although  there  is  a  regular 
rise  and  fall  by  the  shore.  Stafi"  Commander  Richards,  R.N.,  commanding 
H.M.S.  Saracen,  found  the  rise  and  fall  in  New  Harbour  to  be  10  feet  at 
springs  and  7^  feet  at  neaps. 

Temporary  Anchorages. — Owing  to  the  strong  tides  and  ctirrents  in  th© 
western  part  of  Singapore  Strait,  sailing  vessels  are  frequently  obliged  to 
anchor,  for  which  purpose  the  North  side  of  the  channel  is  much  to  be  pre- 
ferred. The  most  convenient  spot  for  the  purpose  between  St.  Johns  and 
Raffles  lighthouse,  are  the  banks  which  front  the  Sisters  and  Middle  Islands, 
(See  page  360.) 

Abreast  of  the  South  end  of  St.  Johns  a  ship  ought  not  to  anchor  if  it  can 
he  avoided,  for  the  water  is  deep,  and  the  tides  run  in  eddies  with  greater 
strength  than  in  any  other  part  of  the  strait. 

There  appears  to  be  fair  anchorage,  in  12  to  19  fathoms,  a  mile  or  two  ou 
either  side  of  Bufi'alo  Rock,  or  between  it  and  Barren  Island  ;  also  between 
it  and  Helen  Mars  Reef,  as  well  as  about  a  mile  or  so  to  the  northward  and 
westward  of  the  latter  danger  ;  but  this  side  of  the  strait  is  usually  avoided 
as  much  as  possible  even  by  those  locally  acquainted. 

To  the  westward  of  Raffles  lighthouse  there  is  convenient  anchorage  in  & 
to  12  fathoms  all  along  the  North  side  of  the  strait,  while  to  the  southward 
the  water  is  deep,  and  the  bottom  rocky  ;  the  South  side  of  this  part  of  the 
strait  is,  therefore,  very  unsuitable  for  anchoring  purposes,  especially  when 
it  is  remembered  that  violent  squalls  are  common  hereabouts. 

Caution. — Vessels  at  anchor,  or  coming  to  an  anchor  during  the  night, 
should  be  careful  to  ascertain  their  exact  position  as  nearly  as  possible,  and 
to  have  a  ffood  bearing  of  Raffles  light ;  they  should  also  keep  a  vigilant  look- 
out that  they  do  not  drag  their  anchors,  and  drift  into  danger. 

Directions. — To  proceed  from  Singapore  Roads  or  from  the  eastward, 
through  the  western  part  of  Singapore  Strait,  steer  to  pass  the  South  point 
of  St.  Johns  Islands  as  close  as  the  wind  may  permit,  and  then  about  S.W. 
"by  W.  i  W.  to  round  the  Rabbit  and  Coney.  It  is  best  to  keep  nearest  the 
North  side  of  the  channel  in  this  track,  to  avoid  the  BuflFalo  Rock,  and  the 
deep  water  and  rocky  bottom  towards  the  South  shore ;  but  remember  the 
reef  off  the  S.E.  end  of  Middle  Island.  The  South  end  of  St.  Johns  kept 
N.E.  by  E,  I  E.,  or  Raffles  lighthouse  S.W.  by  W.  h  W.,  leads  clear  of  this 


WESTEEN  ENTRANCE— DIRECTIONS.  365 

reef,  and  either  of  these  are  safe  bearings  to  lead  along  the  North  side  of  the 
channel  until  Eaffles  lighthouse  is  approached,  which  naay  be  rounded  at  the 
distance  of  2  or  3  cables'  lengths,  if  the  wind  is  northerly. 

After  rounding  the  lighthouse,  steer  W.N.  W.  to  pass  between  Tree  Island 
and  Sultan  Shoal;  the  lighthouse  kept  between  E.  by  S.  and  E.S.E.  will 
lead  in  a  good  fairway  course,  but  it  must  not  be  brought  at  all  to  the 
northward  of  East  to  avoid  Tree  Island,  or  to  the  southward  of  S.E.  by  E. 
to  clear  the  Sultan  Shoal ;  having  passed  between  those  dangers,  a  course 
West  or  W.  by  N.,  according  to  the  set  of  the  tide  and  other  circumstances, 
■will  lead  between  Little  Carimon  and  Tanjong  Bolus. 

At  Night. — Raffles  light  (page  361)  kept  in  sight  clears  all  dangers  on  the 
North  side  of  the  channel,  both  to  the  eastward  and  westward  of  it. 

To  proceed  from  Little  Carimon  to  the  eastward  through  the  western  part  of 
Singapore  Strait. — When  in  mid-channel  between  Tanjong  Bolus  and  Little 
Carimon,  in  17  to  20  fathoms  water,  steer  East  or  E.S.E.  as  the  prevailing 
"wind  and  tide  require,  observing  to  bring  the  North  point  of  Little  Carimon 
W.  ^  S.,  or  draw  gradually  tlie  North  peak  of  Great  Carimon  in  one  with 
the  South  point  of  Little  Carimon,  bearing  about  W.  by  S.  J  S.,  which  will 
lead  about  2  miles  northward  of  Tree  Island.  If  the  wind  is  southerly,  bor- 
row towards  Tree  Island  to  14  fathoms,  about  a  mile  distant,  but  no  nearer 
which  will  favour  the  vessel  in  rounding  the  Rabbit  and  Coney. 

As  before  stated.  Raffles  lighthouse  bearing  between  E.  by  S.  and  E.S.E., 
is  the  fair  channel  course  between  Tree  Island  and  Sultan  Shoal,  not  bring- 
ing the  lighthouse  to  the  northward  of  East  to  avoid  Tree  Island,  nor  to  the 
southward  of  S.E.  by  E.  to  clear  the  Sultan  Shoal.  Having  passed  Tree 
Island,  steer  to  round  the  lighthouse  at  from  2  cables'  lengths  to  1  or  IJ 
mile  distant ;  or  if  the  wind  and  tides  are  adverse,  or  from  other  circum- 
stances it  be  desirable  to  do  so,  anchor  to  the  westward  of  Barn  Island,  out 
of  the  strength  of  the  tide.  Having  rounded  the  lighthouse,  steer  to  pass 
St.  Johns  Islands  at  a  convenient  distance — from  2  cables'  lengths  to  a  mile 
— not  bringing  the  lighthouse  to  the  southward  of  S.W.  by  W.  ^  W.,  or  the 
South  point  of  St.  John's  to  the  eastward  of  N.E.  by  E.  5  E.,  to  avoid  the 
danger  on  the  North  side  of  the  channel.  After  rounding  St.  Johns,  and 
bound  to  Singapore  Roads  or  through  the  eastern  part  of  the  strait,  proceed 
as  directed  hereafter. 

In  working  through  between  St.  John  Islands  and  Raffles  lighthouse  it  is 
usual  to  keep  on  the  North  side  of  the  channel,  making  short  tacks  if  neces- 
sary, as  that  part  of  the  strait  affords  tolerably  convenient  anchorage  alono- 
the  greater  portion  of  it,  and  vessels  are  extremely  liable  to  meet  with  light 
baffling  airs,  which  would  render  it  necessary  for  them  to  anchor.  It  is 
especially  requisite  to  attend  to  this  when  to  the  eastward  of  Buffalo  Rock 
for  on  that  part  of  the  South  side  of  the  strait  the  water  is  deep,   and  the 


366  SINGAPOEE. 

bottom  rocky  and  unsafe  for  anchoring  upon,  the  danger  being  much  in- 
creased by  rapid  currents  and  tides,  with  violent  eddies  and  overfalls. 

All  danger  on  the  North  side  of  this  part  of  the  channel  will  be  avoided  if 
the  South  extreme  of  8t.  Johns  Islands  be  not  brought  eastward  of  N.E.  by 
E.  i  E.,  or  Eaffles  Lighthouse  southward  of  S.W.  by  W.  ^  W.,  but  these 
bearings  more  particularly  apply  to  the  rock  which  lies  S.E.  by  E.  from 
Middle  Island.  Vessels  may,  with  proper  precaution,  stand  farther  over 
between  the  Sisters  and  Middle  Island,  and  bring  the  South  end  of  St.  Johns 
as  far  as  E.  by  N.  Take  care,  however,  when  nearing  Middle  Island,  n<it 
to  bring  Pulo  Jong  on  with  the  East  extreme  of  Middle  Island  until  the 
lighthouse  bears  S.W.  by  W.  ^  W.,  or  the  South  end  of  St.  Johns  N.E.  by 
E.  ^  E.  When  to  the  westward  of  the  rock,  which  may  be  known  by  seeing 
Piilo  Jong  open  of  the  West  side  of  the  island,  a  vessel  may  stand  to  the 
northward  until  the  South  end  of  St.  Johns  bears  E.N.E.,  but  nothing  to 
the  eastward  of  that  bearing.  At  night,  Eaffles  light  kept  in  sight  leads  clear 
of  all  dangers  on  the  North  side  of  the  strait,  as  before  stated. 

The  narrowest  part  of  the  channel  is  when  Buffalo  Eock  bears  S.  by  E.  to 
South,  between  it  and  the  rock  lying  south-eastward  of  Middle  Island  ;  and 
to  know  in  the  night  when  the  vessel  is  in  this  part  of  the  channel,  Middle 
Island  will  in  general  be  perceived  nearer,  and  more  distinctly  than  the 
other  islands  on  the  North  side  of  the  channel.  When  approaching  the 
meridian  of  Buffalo  Eock,  or  when  Middle  Island  bears  about  N.N.W.,  be 
careful  to  keep  Eaffles  Lighthouse  to  the  southward  of  W.  f  S. ;  on  no 
account  must  it  be  brought  to  the  westward  of  W.  ^  S.  when  Middle  Island 
bears  N.N.W.  When  Middle  Island  bears  N.  by  W.,  the  vessel  will  be 
westward  of  Buffalo  Eock,  and  in  daylight  may  stand  farther  to  the  south- 
ward, if  necessary ;  but  it  is  much  safer  and  better  to  keep  over  towards  the 
Coney.  If,  however,  a  board  should  be  made  to  the  southward,  take  care  to 
keep  clear  of  Helen  Mars  Eeef  (page  350), 


SINGAPORE. 

SINGAPORE,  properly  Singhapura — i.e.  Lion  City,  the  great  British  em- 
porium of  the  Indian  Archipelago,  was  acquired  by  purchase  in  1819;  and 
in  1826  was  formed  into  one  government  with  Penang  and  Malacca.  It  now 
ranks  as  the  fourth  European  city  of  India,  being  exceeded  by  Batavia, 
which  the  Dutch  founded  just  two  centuries  previously,  in  1619  ;  a  century 
before  Calcutta  was  established,  and  50  years  before  Bombay  became  a 
British  settlement. 

Singapore  was  the  first  experiment  in  free  trade.  Its  success  is  measured 
by  its  progress.  In  1819,  the  population  of  the  island  consisted  of  150 
miserable  fihermen;    iseven  years  after  it  amounted  to  13,000;  in  1850  it 


SINGArOEE.  367 

reached  60,000,  and  in  1865  it  was  90,700,  among  whom  were  58,000 
Chinese,  13,500  Malays,  and  about  800  Europeans.  In  this  population  the 
disproportion  of  the  sexes  was  most  startling ;  to  six  men  there  was  but  one 
woman,  taking  the  whole  inhabitants  of  the  island  ;  but  among  the  Chinese 
this  difference  was  still  greater,  only  one  woman  to  eighteen  men.  In  the 
census  of  1871  the  number  of  the  population  was  returned  as  88,032,  but 
doubts  exist  as  to  the  accuracy  of  the  returns,  and  the  number  is  probably 
much  larger.  Of  the  returned  number,  about  one  c^uarter  were  females  ;  of 
Malays  there  were  19,250,  and  the  sexes  were  about  equal  in  number: 
Chinese,  54,098,  of  whom  7,467  were  females;  natives  of  India,  11,191, 
about  one  quarter  of  whom  were  females ;  Eurasians  (half-castes)  number 
2,164,  and  the  females  outnumber  the  males;  the  white,  European  and 
American  population,  numbered  1,329.  Altogether  there  are  about  fifteen 
Dationalities  among  the  people,  who,  preserving  generally  their  own  lan- 
guages, make  use  of  the  liquid,  easily  acquired  Malay,  as  a  common  medium 
of  intercommunication.  In  1863  its  imports  reached  six  and  a  half  millions 
sterling,  and  its  exports  five  and  a  half  millions,  together  twelve  millions 
sterling.  In  1875  the  imports  had  decreased  to  four  and  a  quarter  millions, 
and  the  exports  to  four  millions  sterling,  which  decrease  is  accounted  for  by 
the  fact  that  goods  are  now  shipped  direct  to  China  and  other  places,  instead 
of  being  trttnshi[jped  at  Singapore.  In  1875,  2,261  vessels  arrived  at  the 
port,  with  an  aggregate  tonnage  of  1,283,786  tons,  or  an  average  of  568 
tons  each. 

Ihe  Island  of  Singapore  is  about  25  miles  long,  and  14  in  its  greatest 
breadth  ;  area,  206  square  miles,  or  one-fourth  larger  than  the  Isle  of  Wight. 
It  is  separated  from  the  Malay  main  land  by  the  Old  Strait  before  men- 
tioned, once  the  great  thoroughfare,  now  abandoned  for  the  more  open  and 
well  beaconed  passage  to  the  southward.  Except  on  the  shore  of  this  strait, 
the  British  settlement  extends  10  miles  inland,  while  to  the  southward  and 
with  the  islands,  75  in  number,  the  whole  area  of  the  settlement  comprises 
an  area  of  223  square  miles.  The  island  has  the  appearance  of  one  con- 
tinuous forest,  with  undulating  surface,  the  highest  hill  being  519  ft.  hio^h, 
and  nearly  in  the  middle  of  the  island. 

It  was  ceded  to  Britain  by  the  Sultan  of  Johore,  on  February  6th,   1819 
and  the  city  was  then  founded  by  Sir  Stamford  Eaffles.     He  was  succeeded 
by  the  late  talented  historian  of  the  Indian  Archipelago,  Mr.  John  Crawfurd 
r.R.G.S.,  in  1823,   who    established  the  present  laud-tenure;  he  was  suc- 
ceeded, in  1827,  by  Mr.  Murchison. 

The  following  description  of  the  town  and  harbour  is  taken,  like  the  fore- 
going portion  of  the  work,  from  the  China  Sea  Pilot. 

The  Town  of  Singapore  is  built  on  each  side  of  the  Singapore  Eiver  a 
small  stream,  only  navigable  for  boats,  on  the  S.E.  side  of  the  island,  about 
4  miles  northward  of  the  South  extremity  of  the  St.  John's  Islands.     Th* 


368  SINGAPORE. 

commercial  part  of  the  town  is  on  the  South  side  of  the  river,  the  bank  on 
that  side  being  lined  with  quays  and  godowns  for  the  landing  and  reception 
of  merchandise.  The  river  is  usually  crowded  with  cargo  boats  and  many 
other  descriptions  of  small  craft  on  their  way  to  and  from  the  ships  in  the 
harbour,  presenting  a  scene  of  extraordinary  bustle  and  activity.  Singapore 
is  a  free  port ;  there  are  no  harbour  or  tonnage  dues. 

Fort  Fullerton,  a  small  battery,  stands  on  the  southern  part  of  the  entrance 
to  Singapore  Eiver.  It  is  important  from  being  the  point  to  which  it  has 
been  customary  of  late  years  to  refer  the  meridian  distances  of  this  portion 
of  the  Archipelago.  The  latitude  and  longitude  of  Fort  Fullerton  now  used 
is  r  17'  20"  N.,  and  103°  51'  18"  E.  A  handsome  line  of  godowns  is  erected 
to  the  southward  of  the  fort,  upon  some  land  reclaimed  from  the  sea  for  that 
purpose.  These  buildings  are  conspicuous  when  approached  from  the  east- 
ward ;  and  in  1867  an  extensive  system  of  fortifications  was  in  progress. 

The  principal  landing  place  is  at  the  Dalhousie  Pier,  a  structure  of  stone 
and  wood,  on  the  northern  side  of  the  entrance  to  the  river,  projecting  over 
the  flat  which  extends  from  the  shore  some  distance  to  seaward.  An  obelisk 
stands  near  the  inner  end  of  the  pier,  and  around  it  axQ  four  red  lights,  which 
serve  to  point  out  the  position  of  the  landing  place  at  night.  A  white  light 
is  shown  on  the  outer  end  of  the  pier.  Close  to  the  left  of  the  obelisk  (as 
viewed  from  seaward)  are  two  fine  buildings ;  the  one  standing  back  is  the 
court-house,  and  that  nearer  the  sea  the  town  hall.  Farther  to  the  left  is  the 
post-office,  a  very  mean-looking  building,  and  still  farther  to  the  left,  on  the 
bank  of  the  river,  is  the  office  of  the  master-attendant. 

On  the  right  of  the  obelisk,  the  esplanade,  a  grass  enclosure  surrounded 
by  p  carriage  drive,  extends  along  the  sea  front  for  the  distance  of  a  quarter 
of  a  mile,  and  the  drive  round  it  is  the  fashionable  resort  of  the  European 
residents  in  the  cool  of  the  evening.  Behind  the  esplanade  are  three  large 
buildings,  the  two  farthest  to  the  left  are  used  as  hotels,  and  the  third  is  the 
masonic  hall.  To  the  right  of  these  buildings  stands  St.  Andrews  Church, 
one  of  the  finest  ecclesiastical  structures  in  India,  built  after  the  model  of 
Netley  Abbey ;  the  church  has  a  fine  tower,  surmounted  by  a  lofty  spire, 
which  is  very  conspicuous  when  viewed  from  seaward.  To  the  right  of  the 
church  is  a  very  large  building,  the  Eaffl.es  Institution ;  extending  from 
which,  in  the  same  direction,  are  a  number  of  handsome  detached  houses, 
standing  in  gardens.  Beyond  this  line  of  houses  is  an  extensive  native 
town,  the  greater  part  of  which  is  hidden  by  the  sandy  point,  named  Tan- 
jong  Rhoo. 

The  above  is  a  brief  description  of  the  most  prominent  objects  seen  along 
the  shore  of  Singapore  Bay,  wheu  viewed  from  the  anchorage. 

SINGAPORE  ROADS*  are  on  the  southern  side  of  Singapore  Island,  their 

*  The  Limits  of  the  Port  of  Singapore  are  as  follow: — From  an  oLelit-k  built 
cnTanjong  Cutong  in  a  struii^ht  line  to  Peak  Island ;  along  the  northern  shore  of  that  itland 


TANJONG  CATONG.  369 

limit  being  defined  by  a  line  drawn  from  an  obelisk  on  Tanjong  Catong,  2^ 
miles  E.  by  N.  from  Fort  FuUerton,  to  Peak  Island.  The  usual  anchorage, 
however,  for  ships  taking  in  and  discharging  cargo,  and  which  is  generally 
known  as  Singapore  Harbour,  is  restricted  to  that  part  of  the  roads  com- 
prised within  the  limits  defined  by  a  line  drawn  from  Malay  Point  in  an 
easterly  direction,  until  it  meets  the  line  drawn  between  Tanjong  Catong 
and  Peak  Island,  and  which  includes  a  space  about  one-third  of  the  extent  uf 
the  entire  roads. 

TANJONG  CATONG,  or  Deep-water  Point,  forming  the  north-eastern 
boundary  of  Singapore  Eoads,  is  3|  miles  W.S.  W.  from  the  small  Red  Clifi's. 
An  obelisk,  which  marks  the  harbour  limit  in  this  direction,  stands  about  a 
cable's  length  to  the  westward  of  the  round  of  the  point. 

Sand-Banks. — Lines  of  fishing-stakes  run  out  from  the  coast  about  Tan- 
jong Catong,  over  the  shallow  bank  extending  from  the  coast,  and  close  to  the 
ends  of  the  stakes  are  6  and  7  fathoms  water,  but  these  soundings  are  in  a 
narrow  run  of  deep  water,  behind  the  harbour  bank,  the  5-fathom  line  at  the 
edge  of  which  is  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  distant  from  the  point. 

Between  the  deep  water  close  to  the  point  and  the  5-fathom  line  outside 
of  it,  are  several  patches  with  but  2^  and  2f  fathoms  water  over  them,  and 
two  patches  with  as  little  as  2  fathoms.  One  of  the  latter  lies  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E. 
from  the  obelisk,  distant  half  a  mile  from  the  shore  nearest  to  it  j  and  the 
other  S.  by  W.  |  W.  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  obelisk. 

These  shoals  will  be  avoided  by  keeping  Mount  Serapong  Avestward  of 
S.  W.  by  W.  i  W.  until  the  flagstatf  on  Fort  Canning  bears  W.  by  N.  i  N.  ; 
or  by  not  shoaling  under  a  depth  of  6  fathoms  towards  them. 

Tanjong  Rhoo,  or  Sandy  Point,  is  the  extreme  of  the  land  extending  If 
mile  West  from  Tanjong  Catong,  and  formmg  the  northern  shore  of  Singa- 
pore Bay.  It  bears  N.E.,  a  little  over  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the 
enta-ance  of  Singapore  River,  and  is  separated  from  the  western  shore  of  the 
l>fiy  by  a  channel  a  quarter  of  a  mile  wide,  in  which  there  are  but  3  to  7  ft. 
water  at  low  spring  tides. 


to  its  north-westernmost  point,  thence  in  a  straight  line  to  its  southernmost  point  of  Bla- 
kang  ilati,  thence  along  the  eastern  and  northern  shores  of  that  island  to  the  north- 
westernmost  point  thereof,  thence  in  a  straight  line  to  a  mark  placed  at  Batu  Blaayer 
(Lot's  Wife)  on  the  island  of  Singapore,  thence  along  the  shores  of  the  island  of  Singapore, 
to  the  ohelisk  at  TanjoDg  Catong,  including  the  mouth  of  the  Singapore  River  as  far  as  the 
eecond  or  Coleman's  Bridge,  also  the  mouths  of  the  Rochore  and  Eallang  Rivers  as  far  as 
the  first  bridges  crossing  those  streams,  and  including  the  public  streets,  roads,  or  high- 
wa5-s,  made  or  to  be  made  along  the  banks  of  these  rivers  to  the  limits  specified  and  includ- 
ing all  public  landing-places,  stairs,  piers,  or  jetties,  made  or  to  be  made  along  the  shores  of 
the  island  of  Singapore. 

I.    A.  3  B 


.370  SINGAPORE. 

Inside  Tanjong  Ehoo  is  an  extensive  shallow  lagoon,  convenient  for  the 
anchorage  of  boats  and  native  craft,  and  very  many  such  are  to  be  seen  there 
at  certain  seasons.  Some  shipwrights'  yards  are  now  established  at  this 
point,  and  small  vessels  go  there  to  be  repaired. 

FORT  CANNING. — Eising  abruptly  behind,  and  overlooking  the  town  of 
Singapore,  is  a  hill,  156  ft.  high,  upon  which  formerly  stood  a  large  bunga- 
low, the  residence  of  the  governor ;  now,  however,  the  crest  of  the  hill  is 
covered  by  a  large  fort,  which  has  been  named  Fort  Canning,  in  honour  of 
the  late  Viceroy  of  India.  Near  the  middle  of  the  fort  is  a  flagstaff,  crossed 
with  two  yards,  which  is  used  during  the  day  to  signal  the  arrival  of  ships. 

Light. — K  fixed  white  light  is  exhibited  from  the  flagstaff  on  Fort  Canning, 
at  an  elevation  of  226  ft.  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  It  is  a  bad  light,  but 
in  clear  weather  is  said  to  be  visible  at  15  miles.  It  is  only  shown  over  an 
arc  of  90°,  or  between  St.  John's  Island  and  Johore  Shoal. 

A  mud  flat  fronts  the  whole  shore  of  Singapore  Bay  from  abreast  of  Tan- 
jong Catong  to  Malay  Point.  In  front  of  the  esplanade  it  extends  rather 
more  than  a  cable's  length,  in  front  of  Fort  Fullerton  and  the  new  godowns, 
not  more  than  half  a  cable,  but  in  the  bay  to  the  southward,  towards  Malay 
Point,  its  distance  from  the  shore  is  nearly  2  cables. 

MALAY  or  Malang  Point,  the  south-western  limit  of  Singapore  Bay  bears 
S. W.  by  W.  \  W.  nearly  3  miles  from  the  obelisk  on  Tanjong  Catong,  and 
S.  by  W.  f  W.  nearly  a  mile  from  the  entrance  of  Singapore  River.  A  mud 
and  sand  flax,  with  several  patches  of  rocks  upon  it,  and  which  dries  at  two- 
thirds  ebb,  fronts  the  small  bay  between  Malay  Point  and  Pagar  Point. 
That  part  of  the  bank  which  extends  from  Pagar  Point,  and  on  which  the  sea 
wall  is  built,  is  known  as  Pagar  Spit,  and  that  extending  from  Malay  Point  as 
Malay  or  Malang  Spit.  Shoal  water,  under  3  fathoms,  extends  some  distance 
outside  the  flat,  and  its  edge  is  marked  by  several  lines  of  fishing  stakes. 

BLAKAN  MATI  ISLAND  lies  to  the  southward  of  the  southern  part  of 
Singapore  Island,  from  which  it  is  separated  by  a  channel,  known  as  New 
Harbour.  The  island  is  2  miles  long  W.N  W.  and  E.S.E.,  and  a  mile 
broad  at  its  eastern  extreme,  but  its  western  end  terminates  in  a  point.  It 
is  fringed  by  a  reef,  which  from  Berala  Point,  its  north-eastern  extreme,  pro- 
jects a  quarter  of  a  mile  to  the  eastward ;  this  part  of  the  reef  is  known  as 
Berala  Spit,  and  from  its  outer  part  Berala  Point  bears  W.  J  S.,  and  the 
hill  over  Pagar  Point  N.  \  W.  ;  from  thence  it  trends  about  S.  by  W.  for  the 
eastern  extreme  of  the  island,  from  which  it  projects  but  a  short  distance. 
Off  the  South  point  of  the  island  the  shore  reef  extends  about  three-quarters 
of  a  cable's  length,  and  about  the  same  distance  along  its  West  side  ;  but  a 
small  detached  reef,  named  Pelawan,  about  1 1  cable  in  extent,  lies  2  cables' 
lengths  off  the  West  shore  of  the  island,  nearly  midway  between  its  southern 
and  western  extremes. 

MOUNT  SERAPONG,  rising  to  the  height  of  302  ft.    near  the  north- 


ST.  JOHN'S  ISLANDS.  371 

eastern  extreme  of  Blakan  Mati,  is  conspicuous  when  approaching  Singapore 
Eoads  from  the  eastwardj.and  will  assist  a  stranger  in  making  out  the  land, 
St.  Johns  Islands  being  seen  to  the  southward  of  it.  There  are  several  other 
hills  of  less  height  than  Serapong  upon  Blakan  Mati,  but  they  are  more  ob- 
servable in  coming  from  the  westward,  when  they  wiU  be  seen  under  the 
higher  land  of  Singapore  Island. 

Over  Rimau  Point,  the  West  extreme  of  the  island,  is  Mount  Siloso,  170  ft. 
high,  to  the  eastward  of  which,  and  South  from  Berdaun  Rock,  is  Mount 
Imheah,  202  ft.  high.  South-eastward  from  Imbeah  is  a  hill,  168  ft.  high, 
westward  of  which  is  another,  160  ft.  high. 

Buran  Darat  is  the  name  of  an  extensive  coral  reef,  which  uncovers  at 
two-thirds  ebb,  and  fronts  the  eastern  shore  of  Blakan  Mati  Island.  It  is 
about  a  mile  long,  N.E.  by  N.  and  S.W.  by  S.,  a  quarter  of  a  mile  broad  at 
the  northern  end,  and  terminates  in  a  point  at  its  southern  extreme.  There 
is  a  detached  patch,  with  1^  fathom  on  it,  lying  about  a  cable's  length  to  the 
northward  of  the  North  edge  of  the  reef.  The  north-eastern  extreme  of 
Buran  Darat  is  marked  by  a  white  beacon,  from  which  Berala  Point  bears 
W.  i  N.,  distant  nearly  two-thirds  of  a  mile,  and  the  hill  over  Pagar  Point 
N.N.W.,  westerly. 

ST.  JOHN'S  ISLANDS,  three  in  number,  form  the  south-western  limit  of 
Singapore  Roads.  They  lie  about  N.E.  by  E.  and  S.W.  by  W.  from  each 
other,  extending  nearly  a  mile  in  those  directions. 

Peak  Island,  or  Pido  TamlaTcool,  the  north-easternmost  of  the  three,  is  a 
mere  islet,  rising  to  a  peaked  hill  101  ft.  high.  From  its  western  part  a 
low,  narrow,  sandy  neck  extends,  on  the  extreme  of  which  is  a  small  mound, 
which  at  some  little  distance  appears  like  a  separate  islet.  The  island  is  en- 
compassed by  a  reef. 

The  Middle  Island,  known  as  East  St.  John^s  Island,  is  about  half  a  mile 
long  N.  W.  and  S.E.,  a  quarter  of  a  mile  broad,  189  ft.  high,  and  sloping  in 
form.     It  is  also  surrounded  by  a  reef. 

West  St.  John's  Island  is  rather  larger  than  East  St.  John's,  but  not  quite 
80  high.  Its  N.E.  extreme  is  joined  to  the  main  body  by  a  narrow  neck  of 
lower  land,  which  at  a  little  distance  gives  it  the  appearance  of  a  separate 
islet.  Between  these  islands  are  narrow  channels  about  half  a  cable  wide, 
with  depths  of  6  to  16  fathoms  in  them. 

In  the  space  between  Blakan  Mati  and  St.  John's  Island  are  a  few  small 
islands  and  several  extensive  reefs.  Between  the  latter  are  channels  of  deep 
water,  but  they  are  so  narrow  and  intricate  as  to  be  useless  for  the  purposes 
of  ordinary  navigation. 

Pulo  Sikookur,  about  half  a  mile  long  N.W.  by  N.  and  S.E.  by  S.,  but 
very  narrow,  lies  nearly  mid-channel  between  West  St.  John's  and  Blakan 
Mati  Islands.  Puh  Ringat  is  the  easternmost  of  two  small  islets  which  lie 
cluse  to  the  north-eastward  of  St.  John's  Islands. 


372  SINGAPORE. 

To  avf)id  all  the  dangers  between  St.  John's  Islands  and  Malay  Voint^ 
Peak  Island  must  not  be  brought  to  the  eastward  pf  S.  ^  E.,  when  Mount 
Serapong  bears  to  the  northward  of  W.N.W.  When  Mount  Serapong  is  to 
the  westward  of  W.N. W.,  a  vessel  may  stand  on  until  the  western  extreme 
of  Wpst  St.  John's  Island  bears  S.  by  W.  ^  W.,  but  no  farther. 

Outer  Bank  and  Shoal.— A  mud-bank,  with  general  depths  of  10  to  4 
fathoms  over  it,  extends  across  the  outer  roads  of  Singapore,  from  the  St. 
John's  Islands  to  abreast  of  Tanjong  Catong,  where  it  takes  the  direction  of, 
and  fronts,  the  coast  some  distance  to  the  north-eastward. 

The  least  water  on  this  bank  is  about  the  middle  of  it,  and  it  is  this  part 
which  is  generally  known  as  the  Outer  shoal,  which  is  1^  mile  long  N.E. 
and  S.W.,  a  cable  broad  at  its  northern,  and  nearly  half  a  mile  broad  at  it» 
southern  end,  having  depths  of  4  to  4|  fathoms  over  the  greater  part  of  it, 
but  some  patches  of  3  J  and  3^  fathoms  near  its  southern  extreme.  This  hank 
is  shoaling  rapidly.  From  the  N.E.  end  of  the  shoal,  in  5  fathoms,  the 
obelisk  on  Tanjong  Catong  bears  N.  f  E.,  Fort  Canning  flagstaff  is  just  to 
the  northward  of  the  obelisk  on  the  Dalhousie  Pier  N.W.  by  W.  nearly, 
and  Peak  Island  bears  S.S.W.  1^  W.  ;  from  its  south-eastern  extreme  Fort 
Canning  flagstaff  bears  N.N.W.  I  W.,  and  Peak  Island  S.  by  W.  i  W. ; 
and  from  its  south-western  extreme  the  same  flagstaff  bears  N.N.W.,  and 
Peak  Island  S.  \  W. 

Fort  Canning  flagstaff  open  northward  of  Dalhousie  Pier,  bearing  N.W. 
by  W.  \  W.,  will  lead  clear  of  the  North  end  of  the  outer  shoal ;  Peak 
Island  S.W.  by  S.  will  lead  eastward  of  it ;  and  the  southern  extreme  of 
Blakan  Mati  Island  S.W.  by  W.  i  W.  will  lead  westward. 

North-eastward  of  the  Outer  shoal  the  bank  is  not  quite  three-quarters  of 
a  mile  broad,  with  depths  of  6,  7,  and  8  fathoms  over  it.  South-westward 
of  the  Outer  shoal  the  soundings  on  the  bank  are  not  so  regular,  and  a  hole 
of  deep  water,  half  a  mile  long,  runs  into  the  bank  in  a  north-westerly 
direction  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  St.  John's  Islands. 

A  small  patch,  about  2  cables  in  extent,  having  4  fathoms  least  water 
over  it,  lies  about  a  third  of  a  mile  south-westward  of  the  Outer  shoal,  and 
from  its  centre  Fort  Canning  flagstaff  bears  N.N.W.-northerly,  Peak  Island 
S.  I  W.,  and  Mount  Serapong  W.  by  N.  \  N.  Mount  Serapong  bearing 
W.  I  N,  leads  between  this  patch  and  the  Outer  shoal,  and  bearing  W.  by 
N.  1^  N.  leads  to  the  southward  of  it. 

Peak  Island  bearing  S.W.  leads  just  outside  the  10-fathom  line  at  the 
edge  of  the  bank  in  from  11  to  13  or  14  fathoms;  the  soundings  quickly 
deepening  to  17,  20,  25,  and  30  fathoms  south-eastward  from  the  middle 
and  southern  part;  and  to  17  and  20  fathoms  south-eastward  from  the 
northern  part  of  the  bank. 

Inside  the  Outer  Shoal  are  10  to  12  fathoms,  mud,  decreasing  gradually  to 
7  or  6  fathoms,  but  shoaling  suddenly  from  a  depth  of  5  to  4  or  3  fathoms, 


DIRECTIONS.  373 

when  Fort  Canning  flagstaff  bears  to  the  northward  of  N.W.  by  W.  i  W., 
demanding  caution  in  large  ships  anxious  to  get  as  close  in  as  possible. 
With  Fort  Canning  flagstaff  to  the  westward  of  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W.,  the 
soundings  decrease  much  more  regularly.  The  2-fathom  line  extends  nearly 
half  a  mile  south-eastward  of  Fort  Fullerton,  and  nearly  three-quarters  of  a 
mile  from  the  depth  of  Singapore  Bay.  The  extremity  of  the  north-eastern 
line  of  fishing-stakes  marks  the  3-fathom  edge  of  the  shore  bank,  eastward 
of  Malay  Point. 

Near  the  north-eastern  extreme  of  the  Duran  Darat  Eeef  is  a  run  of  deep 
water — 12  to  23  fathoms — which  terminates  about  half  a  mile  E.S.E.  from 
Malay  Spit. 

Anchorage. — The  trade  of  Singapore  is  now  so  considerable  that  a  large 
number  of  vessels  are  always  to  be  found  anchored  in  that  part  of  the  roads 
called  the  harbour,  and  small  vessels  may  run  in,  guided  by  their  soundings, 
and  anchor  where  they  can  find  a  convenient  berth. 

Vessels  of  large  draught  must  be  more  cautious,  on  account  of  the  sound- 
ings decreasing  suddenly  from  5  to  4  and  3  fathoms.  Grood,  safe  anchorage, 
in  from  7  to  10  fathoms  water,  will  be  found  with  the  flagstaff  on  Fort  Can- 
ning between  the  bearings  of  W.  by  N.  ^  N.  and  N.W.  ^  N.,  and  with 
Mount  Serapong  bearing  S.W.  by  W.  ^  W.,  or  the  left  extreme  of  Blakan 
Mati  S.W.  i  W. ;  the  latter  bearing  places  a  ship  a  little  further  in,  and  is 
useful  when  the  flagstaff  is  to  the  westward  of  N.W.  by  W. 

Directions. — Small  vessels  bound  to  Singapore  Roads  from  the  eastward 
will  have  no  difficulty,  as  they  have  merely  to  proceed  to  a  convenient  an- 
chorage. Those  drawing  between  12  and  16  ft.  may  pass  inside  the  shoals 
off  Tanjong  Catong,  by  keeping  in  the  run  of  deep  water,  pretty  close  to  the 
end  of  the  lines  of  fishing  stakes  which  extend  out  from  the  point ;  but 
vessels  of  larger  draught  had  better  keep  outside  those  shoals. 

It  is  often  advisable  for  vessels,  and  the  usual  custom  for  those  belonging 
to  the  port,  to  keep  the  Singapore  shore  well  aboard  when  proceeding  to  the 
anchorage  from  the  eastward,  especially  when  the  wind  is  off  the  land  and 
the  tide  setting  to  the  westward.  It  will  then,  however,  be  very  necessary 
to  be  guarded  as  Tanjong  Catong  is  approached,  and  vessels  of  large  draught 
must  be  very  careful  not  to  bring  Mount  Serapong  (on  Blakan  Mati  Island), 
to  the  southward  of  S.W.  by  W.  ^  W.,  until  the  flagstaff  on  Fort  Canning 
bears  W.  by  N.  ^  N.,  or  to  avoid  getting  under  a  depth  of  6  fathoms  towards 
the  Tanjong  Catong  shoals. 

A  vessel  of  large  draught  wiU  pass  north-eastward  of  the  Outer  shoal,  and 
not  have  less  than  5  fathoms  water,  by  keeping  the  flagstaff  between  the 
bearings  of  W.  by  N,  |  N.  and  N.W.  by  W.,  and  she  should  be  prepared  to 
anchor  direcfhj  ^lonnt  Serapong  bears  S.W.  by  W.  i  W.,  or  the  left  extreme 
of  Blakan  Mati  S.W.  -^  W.,  inside  of  which  vessels  of  heavy  draught  should 


374  SINGArOEE. 

not  go;  but  those  drawing  not  more  than  18  or  20  ft.  may  go  a  cablets 
length  or  so  farther  in,  and  have  4  or  5  fathoms. 

When  bound  to  the  roads  from  the  westward,  and  having  rounded  Peak 
Island  at  the  distance  of  about  2  cables'  lengths,  steer  N.  by  E.  or  N.N.E., 
according  to  the  tide,  across  the  Outer  shoal  for  the  anchorage.  A  large 
ship,  wishing  to  avoid  the  Oouter  shoal,  may  steer  to  the  northward  with 
Peak  Island  bearing  between  South  and  8.  by  E., — but  nothing  to  the  east- 
ward of  the  latter  bearing, — until  the  left  extreme  of  Blakan  Mati  bears 
S.W.  by  W.  i  W.,  which  bearing  kept  on  will  lead  north-westward  of  the 
Outer  shoal,  and  then  steer  as  convenient  for  the  anchorage. 

In  working  towards  the  dangers  between  St.  Johns  Islands  and  Blakan. 
Mati,  care  must  be  observed  not  to  bring  Peak  Island  East  of  S.  ^  E.  while 
Mount  Serapong  is  North  of  W.N.W.  ;  but  when  Mount  Serapong  is  West 
of  W  N.W.  a  vessel  may  stand  on  until  the  western  extreme  of  West  St. 
Johns  Island  bears  S.  by  W.  ^  W.  The  shoalest  spots  on  the  Outer  shoal 
will  be  avoided  by  not  bringing  Peak  Island  West  of  South,  after  the  South 
extreme  of  Blakan  Mati  bears  W.  by  S.  The  fishing  stakes  will  give  warn- 
ing when  a  vessel  is  standing  towards  the  Pagar  and  Malay  spits.  The 
South  extreme  of  Blakan  Mati,  if  not  brought  West  of  S.W.  by  W.  a  W., 
will  lead  clear  of  the  inner  side  of  the  Outer  shoal ;  and  large  ships,  not 
wishing  to  stand  over  this  shoal  when  outside  of  it,  should  not  bring  Peak 
Island  South  of  S.W.  by  S. 

SINGAPOEE  NEW  HAEBOUR. 

NEW  HARBOUR,  between  Singapore  and  Blakan  Mati  Islands,  is  about 
2f  miles  long,  in  a  general  direction  East  and  West,  and  not  more  than  l^ 
cable  broad  in  places.  The  eastern  entrance  is  bounded  on  the  North  by 
the  Malay  and  Pagar  spits,  and  on  the  South  by  Buran  Darat  Eeef,  and  the 
reefs  surrounding  the  eastern  sides  of  Blakan  Mati  and  Ayer  Brani  Islands. 

As  an  anchorage  New  Harbour  is  but  a  very  indifferent  one  indeed,  for 
the  breadth  of  the  navigable  channel  is  but  from  100  to  200  yards,  the  bottom 
is  rocky  and  foul,  and  affords  but  bad  holding  ground,  whilst  the  tides  rush 
through  it  with  great  velocity  ;  there  is,  from  these  circumstances,  great  risk 
of  vessels  dragging  their  anchors  and  going  ashore,  especially  during  the 
violent  squalls  which  are  common  in  this  part  of  the  world. 

Notwithstanding  these  serious  drawbacks,  New  Harbour  has  grown  into 
a  place  of  considerable  importance,  for  it  possesses  facilities  for  running  out 
jetties  and  making  docks,  which  render  it  of  the  highest  possible  value  to  a 
large  shipping  port  like  Singapore,  situate  in  the  very  centre  of  eastern  com- 
merce. The  Peninsular  and  Oriental  Company,  together  with  other  steam 
proprietors  and  merchants,  have  erected  extensive  coal  stores,  wharves,  and 
jetties,  the  latter  allowing  of  the  largest  steamers  being  lashed  alongside  in 


NEW  HARBOUE.  375 

perfect  security.  It  is  the  place  of  arrival  and  departure  of  the  mail 
steamers,  and  all  other  steamers,  no  matter  how  large,  proceed  here  to  coal. 
There  are  capacious  dry  docks,  with  workshops,  and  all  needful  appliances 
for  repairing  ships. 

The  whole  of  the  above  establishments  are  situated  on  the  North  or 
Singapore  side  of  New  Harbour,  but  the  English  and  French  Governments 
have  coal  wharves  and  jetties  on  Pulo  Ayer  Brani,  an  island  lying  in  the 
middle  of  the  eastern  entrance  to  the  harbour,  and  dividing  it  into  two 
channels. 

Both  sides  of  the  harbour  are  fringed  with  reefs  which  dry  at  low  water, 
but  close  to  their  edges  are  depths  of  3^  to  4J  fathoms,  increasing  quickly  to 
5  and  6  fathoms,  and  to  this  circumstance  New  Harbour  owes  its  impor- 
tance. The  deep  water  at  the  edges  of  the  reefs  allowing  the  largest  vessels 
to  come  alongside,  it  is  but  a  simple  matter  to  run  out  jetties  to  secure  the 
vessel  to.  These  jetties,  of  course,  greatly  facilitate  the  coaling  of  steamers 
and  landing  of  cargo,  which,  at  the  anchorage  in  the  roads,  can  only  be  done 
by  means  of  boats. 

The  entranse  to  New  Harbour  between  Pagar  Spit  and  Ayer  Brani  Island 
is  divided  into  three  channels,  by  the  Timbaga  Eocks  and  Brani  Shoals, 
which  are  marked  by  buoys  and  beacons,  as  hereafter  described.  The  chan- 
nel between  Pagar  Spit  and  Timbaga  Eocks  is  named  the  North  Channel ; 
that  between  Timbaga  Eocks  and  Brani  Shoals  the  Middle  Channel ;  and  that 
between  Brani  Shoals  and  Ayer  Brani  Island  the  Sotcth  Channel. 

NORTH  SIDE  of  NEW  KARBOVR.— Pagar  Spit,  which  forms  the  north- 
eastern limit  of  New  Harbour,  extends  about  S.S.E.  ^  E.  a  third  of  a  mile 
from  Pagar  Point,  and  its  extreme  is  marked  by  a  red  beacon,  and  there  is 
another  at  a  cable's  length  to  the  north-westward  of  it.  Between  these 
beacons  is  the  head  of  the  sea  wall,  which  is  built  on  Pagar  Spit,  and  off  it 
is  moored  a  red  nun  hauling  off  buoy,  in  4  fathoms  water  S.  by  E.,  150  yards 
from  the  end  of  Pagar  sea  wall.  From  the  first  beacon  the  edge  of  the  reef 
trends  in  a  north-westerly  direction  for  rather  more  than  half  a  mile.  The 
edge  of  this  latter  part  of  the  reef  is  marked  by  two  Jlxed  white  beacons,  and 
close  to  it  are  depths  of  3^  to  5  fathoms.  The  edge  then  trends  about  S.W. 
by  W.,  and  for  a  distance  of  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  mile  is  lined  with  a  row 
of  jetties,  with  coal  stores  and  godowns  behind  them.  At  a  cable's  length 
farther  to  the  S.W.,  on  the  other  side  of  a  shoal  bight  named  Blangah  Bay, 
is  St.  James's  Hill,  70  ft.  high,  having  a  house  and  some  trees  on  its  summit 
and  which  is  a  beautiful  feature  in  the  delightful  scenery  of  this  harbour. 
It  juts  out  from  the  main — to  which  it  is  connected  merely  by  a  low,  narrow 
neck — close  to  the  edge  of  the  reef,  which  is  there  marked  by  a  red  beacon. 
Mooring  buoys,  painted  red,  are  placed  off  the  jetties,  to  assist  in  securing 
the  steamers  when  coaling. 

From  St.  James's  Hill  the  edge  of  the  reef  takes  a  westerly  direction    and 


3-^6  SINGAPORE. 

at  a  cable's  length  from  the  hill,  on  the  other  side  of  a  shoal  bight,  named 
Sibet  Bay,  commence  the  jetties  of  the  Peninsular  and  Oriental  Company, 
with  extensive  cual  stores  and  godowns  behind  them.  The  whole  of  these 
buildings  are  on  ground  that  was  once  a  small  island,  but  which  is  now 
connected  to  the  main  island  of  Singapore  by  a  roadway.  The  entire 
frontage  of  the  jetties  is  about  1^  cable  in  extent.  A  red  heacon  marks  the 
edge  of  reef  between  St.  James  Hill  and  the  jetties,  and  at  either  end  of  the 
jetties  is  a  dolphin  to  secure  vessels  to,  with  two  mooring  buoys  off  in  the 
stream  for  the  same  purpose. 

Proni  the  western  end  of  these  jetties,  the  edge  of  the  reef  takes  a 
W.  by  N.  direction  for  3J  cables'  lengths,  a  red  heacon  marking  it  about 
halfway  ;  it  then  turns  sharply  to  the  N.W.,  and  at  about  the  distance  of  1^ 
cable  is  the  dry  dock  and  works  previously  alluded  to.  From  the  dock  the 
reef  curves  round  to  the  westward,  forming  Chermin  Bay ;  it  then  takes  a 
S.W.  direction  for  about  IJ  cable,  when  it  again  curves  to  the  westward, 
and  then  to  the  southward,  forming  another  small  bay,  and  finally  passes 
about  a  quarter  of  a  cable's  length  round  Lot's  Wife,  at  the  north-western 
limit  of  the  harbour. 

Hantu,  the  small  round  island  lying  in  front  of  Chermin  Bay,  is  nearly 
1^  cable  in  diameter,  96  ft.  high,  and  covered  with  trees.  Its  southern  side, 
being  nearly  in  the  same  line  as  the  Peninsular  and  Oriental  jetties  and 
Lot's  Wife,  forms  part  of  the  northern  side  of  the  main  channel  of  the  har- 
bour. A  reef  surrounds  the  East,  South,  and  West  sides  of  the  island,  the 
edge  of  which,  on  the  South  side,  is  marked  by  a  white  heacon.  The  N.E. 
side,  opposite  the  dry  rock,  is  free  from  reefs,  with  3  fathoms  water  close  to. 
On  the  East  side  of  the  island  is  a  ship-yard,  with  a  patent  slip  for  vessels 
under  200  tons. 

EEELAYEE  POINT,  the  north-western  limit  of  New  Harbour,  mentioned 
previously,  is  formed  of  cliffs  of  moderate  elevation,  and  projects  in  a  S.S.E. 
direction  from  the  low  mangrove  behind  it  to  a  rather  sharp  point.  From 
this  point  the  coast  trends  in  a  north-westerly  direction,  and  is  fringed  with 
a  white  beach  named  Pasir  Panjang,  or  long  beach,  upon  which,  at  a  cable's 
length  from  Berlayer  Point,  stands  a  board,  denoting  the  harbour  limit  in 
this  direction. 

Lot's  Wife  is  a  rock  about  6  ft.  above  high  water,  lying  immediately  off 
the  pitch  of  Berlayer  Point,  about  a  third  of  a  cable's  length  inside  the  edge 
of  the  shore  reef,  which  is  here  steep-to.  This  rock  was  formerly  much 
higher,  and  had  the  appearance  of  a  pillar,  hence  its  name. 

Berlayer  Rock,  with  but  U  fathom  water  over  it,  lies  S.W.,  rather  more 
than  half  a  cable's  length  from  Perlayer  Point.  H.M.S.  Charyhdis  touched 
upon  this  rock  ;  it  is  now  marked  by  a  heacon. 

A  Patch,  having  but  3J  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  West-southerly,  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  from  Berlayer  Point.     It  is  the  shoalest  part  of  a  bank 


MOUNT  FABER— AYER  BRANI  ISLAND.  377 

over  the  greater  part  of  which  are  4  and  5  fathoms  water,  with  7  and  8 
fathoms  close  to  its  outer  edge,  and  6  fathoms  between  it  and  the  shore  reef 
fronting  Pasir  Panjang  beach. 

To  clear  this  patch,  and  also  the  Berlayer  Rock,  keep  Tereh  Point,  a  con- 
spicuous red  bluff  on  Ayer  Brani  Island,  well  open  of  the  Peninsular  and 
Oriental  Company's  jetties. 

MOUNT  FABER  is  the  name  of  a  conspicuous  range  of  hills  which  rise 
bold  up  on  the  northern  shore,  about  the  middle  part  of  New  Harbour. 
The  direction  of  the  range  is  about  N.W.  and  S.E.,  the  highest  point,  357 
feet,  being  towards  its  N.W.  end.  Near  the  middle  of  the  range  is  a  flag- 
staff, which,  like  that  upon  Fort  Canning  Hill,  is  crossed  by  two  yards,  used 
for  signalling  the  arrival  of  ships  from  the  westward,  and  repeating  the 
signals  made  from  Fort  Canning.  The  height  of  the  range  where  the  flag- 
staff stands  is  303  ft.,  exactly  the  same  height  as  Mount  Serapong  on  the 
opposite  side  of  New  Harbour. 

Eastward  of  Mount  Faber,  behind  the  wharves  and  jetties,  are  several 
small  hills  from  100  to  132  ft.  high. 

AYER  BRANI  ISLAND,  commonly  known  as  Pulo  Brani,  lies  inside  the 
eastern  entrance  to  New  Harbour.  It  is  nearly  two-thirds  of  a  mile  long, 
N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  the  same  extent  East  and  West ;  its  greatest  length  is 
on  its  north-eastern  side,  facing  Singapore  roads,  and  vipon  this  part  are 
three  hills,  the  middle  one,  which  is  the  highest,  being  168  ft.  above  the  sea. 
Teregeh  Point,  the  S.E.  extreme,  and  Tereh  Point,  the  North  extreme  of  the 
island,  are  both  formed  by  cliffs ;  those  forming  Tereh  Point  are  of  a  red 
colour,  and  present  a  bold,  red  bluff,  which  is  very  conspicuous  when  viewed 
from  either  entrance  of  the  harbour. 

This  island,  like  Blakan  Mati,  is  encircled  by  a  coral  reef  with  occasional 
patches  of  sand  upon  it,  which  uncovers  at  two-thirds  ebb.  From  Teregeh 
Point  the  reef  projects  about  half  a  cable's  length  to  the  southward,  and 
more  than  2  cables'  lengths  eastward,  the  extreme  of  the  latter  part  being 
known  as  Teregeh  Spit,  and  marked  by  a  white  beacon.  From  this  spit  the 
reef  curves  round  gradually,  passing  about  a  cable's  length  fi-om  Silingsing 
Point,  the  middle  point  of  the  island ;  it  then  closes  the  island  until  at  Tereh 
Point  it  is  distant  only  about  20  or  30  yards.  From  Tereh  Point  it  curves 
slightly  in  towards  Saga  Bay,  and  then  runs  pretty  straight  about  W.S.W., 
and  forms  a  spit,  the  outer  part  of  which  is  more  than  IJ  cable's  length 
westward  of  Risim  Point,  the  West  extreme  of  the  island. 

Buoys. — Two  black  nun  buoys  were  placed  to  mark  Brani  Reef  in  1876, 
one  in  3  fathoms,  on  the  S.E.  end  of  the  reef,  with  Teregeh  Spit  beacon 
bearing  S.W.  by  W.,  distant  \\  cable;  and  the  other  on  the  edge  of  the 
Brani  Reef,  off  Brani  Bay,  in  5  fathoms,  with  the  red  beacon  on  the  North 
shore  bearing  N.  f  W.  distant  nearly  3  cables. 

I.  A.  3  c 


378  SINGAPOEE. 

The  N.W.  side  of  Ayer  Brani,  between  Tereh  and  Risim  points,  is  the 
most  important  part  of  the  island.  Between  these  points  is  Saga  Bay,  dry 
at  low  water,  which  oflfers  great  facilities  for  the  construction  of  dry  docks. 
Some  years  ago  a  dry  dock  was  commenced  by  a  Mr.  Clunis,  who  had 
early  perceived  the  advantages  possessed  by  this  island  for  such  enterprises. 
He  had  made  considerable  progress  with  his  work  when  he  was  stopped  by 
the  Government,  who  took  possession  of  the  property,  owing  to  Mr.  Clunis 
having  failed  to  possess  himself  of  the  proper  legal  grant  of  the  land.  The 
Government  has  since  built  a  temporary  jetty  and  coal  stores  close  to  the 
dock,  at  the  north-eastern  part  of  Saga  Bay,  but  with  the  dock  itself  nothing 
has  been  done.  These  coal  stores  and  jetty  are  at  present  in  a  dilapidated 
state,  but  they  are  about  to  be  replaced  by  permament  structures.  Just  to 
the  north-eastward  of  Eisim  Point  the  French  Government  has  erected  some 
good  coal  stores  and  run  out  a  convenient  jetty,  off  which  mooring  buoys  are 
placed  to  secure  the  vessel  to. 

SINKI  STRAIT  is  the  channel  between  Ayer  Brani  and  Blakan  Mati 
To  render  it  navigable,  beacons  are  placed  on  the  edges  of  the  reefs 
bounding  it ;  even  now  it  is  hardly  safe  for  sailing  vessels,  owing  to  the 
uncertainty  of  the  direction  of  the  gusts  of  wind  caused  by  the  adjacent 
high  land. 

SILUGTJ  ISLAND  lies  at  the  western  entrance  of  Sinki  Strait,  about  a 
third  of  a  mile  West  from  the  extreme  of  the  spit  projecting  from  Eisim 
Point,  and  fronts  a  shallow  bight,  dry  at  low  water,  named  Imbeah  Bay. 
It  is  a  remarkable  little  island,  almost  circular  in  shape,  and  moderately 
elevated,  with  a  small  bungalow  on  its  summit.  The  shore  reef  projects 
from  the  coast  a  short  distance  outside  this  island  ;  close  to  it  are  3i  to  5 
fathoms. 

On  a  projecting  point  of  Blakan  Mati,  a  short  distance  to  the  south-east- 
ward of  Silugu,  is  a  jetty  for  heaving  down  ships. 

BERDAUN  ROCK  is  a  small  patch  of  reef  above  water,  grown  over  by 
mangrove  trees,  distant  about  IJ  cable  westward  of  Silugu  Island,  and  half 
a  cable  from  the  Blakan  Mati  shore.  A  reef,  dry  at  low  water,  extends  about 
two-thirds  of  a  cable  westward,  and  about  a  third  of  a  cable  northward  and 
eastward  from  it. 

RIMAU  POINT,  the  N.W.  extreme  of  Blakan  Mati,  and  the  S.W.  limit 
of  New  Harbour,  is  formed  of  cliffs  with  patches  of  shelving  rocks  project- 
ino-  from  their  bases.  The  shore  reef  extends  only  a  short  distance  from  the 
North  and  West  sides  of  the  point,  and  close  to  it  are  3|  and  4  fathoms, 
excepting  in  a  W.N.W.  direction  from  the  West  extreme  of  the  point,  where 
a  sort  of  narrow  tongue  with  but  Ig  fathom  water  projects  to  a  distance  of 
half  a  cable's  length. 

Brani  Shoals  lie  at  the  eastern  entrance  of  New  Harbour,  between  Pagar 
Point  and  Ayer  Brani  Island.     They  extend,  under  a  depth  of  3  fathoms, 


NEW  HAEBOUR.  079 

about  half  a  mile  N.W.  by  W.  and  S.E.  by  E.,  and  from  their  S.E.  ex- 
treme Teregeh  Point  bears  S.W.  by  W.,  and  Pagar  Point  N.  J  W. ;  from 
their  N.W.  extreme  the  eastern  part  of  Teregeh  Point  bears  S.  f  E.,  and 
Pagar  Point  N.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  The  least  water  upon  these  shoals  is  1^ 
fathom,  this  part  being  near  their  centre,  and  in  length  it  is  about  2 
cables,  and  from  a  few  yards  to  half  a  cable  wide.  The  channel  on  their 
eastern  side  is  marked  by  three  white  buoys,  one  near  their  S.E.  extreme, 
one  near  their  middle,  and  the  other  half  a  cable's  length  inside  their  N.W. 
end.  A  white  buoy  has  also  been  placed  on  the  S.W.  edge  of  the  shoal  in 
3  fathoms,  with  the  end  of  Pagar  sea  wall  bearing  E.N.E.,  distant  4  cables. 

The  soundings  decrease  gradually  towards  the  shoals,  and  if  the  lead  be 
properly  attended  to,  it  will  show  when  a  vessel  is  nearing  them.  The 
channel  between  them  and  Blakan  Mati  is  about  a  cable  wide,  with  depths 
in  it  of  3  to  10  fathoms. 

The  Timbaga  Rocks,  dry  at  low  water  springs,  lie  between  Pagar  Point 
and  the  shoalest  part  of  the  Brani  Shoals  ;  they  are  about  half  a  cable  long 
N.W.  by  W.  i  W.  and  S.E.  by  E.  i  E.,  but  only  a  few  yards  broad.  Two 
red  beacons  mark  these  rocks,  one  on  either  extreme. 

The  Timbaga  Shoal,  about  half  a  cable  in  extent,  and  with  only  1 J  fathom 
least  water  over  it,  lies  about  a  cable's  length  north-westward  of  the  Timbaga 
Rocks,  and  its  north-western  end  is  marked  by  a  red  buoy. 

Maeander  Shoal,  about  a  cable  in  extent,  East  and  West,  with  6  to  16  ft. 
water  over  it,  lies  on  the  South  side  of  the  main  channel  of  New  Harbour, 
about  1|  cable  South  of  the  Peninsular  and  Oriental  Company's  works,  and 
a  cable  to  the  N.W.  of  the  extreme  of  the  spit  extending  from  Risim  Point. 
The  shoal  is  marked  by  two  red  huoys,  one  near  its  S.E.,  and  the  other  near 
its  N.W.  end  ;  around  it,  and  in  the  channel  between  it,  and  Risim  Spit,  the 
depths  are  3J  to  4i-  fathoms. 

A  mooring  buoy,  for  the  use  of  the  Peninsular  and  Oriental  Company's 
steamers,  is  placed  110  yards  to  the  northward  of  the  eastern  extreme  of  this 
shoal. 

Keppel  Rock,  with  15  ft.  water  over  it,  lies  W.S.W.,  a  cable's  length 
from  the  western  extreme  of  the  Peninsular  and  Oriental  Company's  works. 
Close  around  the  rock  are  soundings  of  5  and  6  fathoms,  and  a  buoy  is  placed 
near  its  eastern  side.  The  South  extreme  of  Mount  St.  James  on  with  the 
eastern  extreme  of  the  Peninsular  and  Oriental  Company's  jetties  leads 
southward  of  the  rock. 

Anchorage. — The  general  depths  in  New,  Harbour  are  6,  7,  or  8  fathoms, 
but  the  bottom  is  foul  and  rocky,  and  very  indifferent  holding  ground.  Staff 
Commander  Richards^  R.N.,  who  surveyed  this  harbour  in  H.M.S.  Saracen, 
which  vessel  remained  at  anchor  there  for  three  months,  I'emarks  : — "  The 
holding  ground  is  bad,  and  great  care  is  necessary  to  prevent  fouling  the 


380  •  SINGAPOEE. 

anchors  ;  vessels  remaining  more  than  a  day  should  moor."  The  best  an- 
chorage is  considered  to  be  off  the  French  Naval  Coal  Stores. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  the  Peninsular  and  Oriental 
Company's  Wharf,  at  O*"  45".  Springs  rise  10  ft.,  neaps  7J  ft.  The  ordinary 
ratp  of  the  tide  at  springs  is  2\  knots,  but  it  is  much  influenced  by  the  pre- 
vailing monsoon,  and  often  runs  4  knots  at  the  springs.  During  the  N.E. 
monsoon  the  stream  sets  to  the  westward  1 8  hours  in  the  24  hours  during 
spring  tides,  and  almost  continuously  during  neaps. 

Directions. — Vessels  proceeding  from  Singapore  Eoads  into  New  Harbour 
should  steer  ahout  S.W.,  according  to  their  draught,  not  approaching  Malang 
or  Malay  Point  nearer  than  a  mile,  nor  hauling  to  the  westward  until  Mount 
Faber  flagstaff  is  in  line  with  the  eastern  extreme  of  the  landing  jetties,  which 
clears  the  shoal  spit  off  Malay  and  Pagar  Points.  In  rounding  these  points, 
the  fishing  stakes  furnish  a  ready  guide  to  vessels,  the  outer  ends  of  the 
longest  lines  of  stakes  having  3  fathoms  water  close  to  them,  increasing  at  a 
short  distance  to  5  and  7  fathoms.  Having  rounded  Malay  and  Pagar  Points^ 
steer  to  the  westward  until  the  two  red  beacons  on  the  Timbaga  Rocks  are  in 
line,  bearing  N.W.  by  W.  \  W.,  and  observing  that  Teregeh  Point,  the 
south-eastern  extreme  of  Ayer  Brani  Island,  must  not  be  brought  to  the 
"westward  of  W.  ^  S.,  which  clears  Berala  Spit  and  the  northern  part  of  the 
Buran  Darat,  and  remembering  that  the  north-eastern  extreme  of  the  latter 
is  marked  by  a  white  beacon,* 

To  proceed  through  North  Channel,  north-eastward  of  the  Timbaga  Eocks, 
steer  ahout  N.W.,  and  passing  about  half  a  cable's  length  westward  of  the 
outer  or  south-easternmost  of  the  two  red  beacons  which  mark  Pagar  Spit,, 
open  the  Timbaga  Eock  beacons  on  the  port  bow,  and  pass  in  mid-channel 
between  those  beacons  and  the  inner  or  north-western  beacon  of  Pagar  Spit. 
Continue  on  a  N.W.  by  W.  course,  according  to  circumstances,  leaving  th& 
red  buoy  on  the  Timbaga  Shoal  about  half  a  cable's  length  on  the  port  hand, 
and  edging  to  the  westward  as  convenient  when  Pulo  Silugu,  a  small  round 
island,  with  a  bungalow  on  its  summit,  is  seen  just  open  of  the  red  cliffs  of 
Tereh  Point,  which  mark  clears  the  N.  W.  extremes  of  the  Timbaga  and  the 
Brani  Shoals. 

It  should  be  remembered,  when  passing  between  the  north-western  ex- 
tremes of  the  shoals  just  mentioned  and  the  coral  bank  which  extends  \^ 
cables'  lengths  from  the  shore  of  Singapore  Island,  and  which  uncovers  at 
two-thirds  ebb,  that  the  edge  of  the  latter  is  marked  by  two  fixed  white 
beacons,  one  North  of  the  red  buoy  on  the  Timbaga  Shoal,  and  the  other 


*  Staff-Commander  Richards  observes,  that  owing  to  the  strong  tides  and  to  the  hard 
hottom,  the  floating  beacons  frequently  break  adrift,  so  that  no  dependence  can  be  placed 
upon  them  ;  he  recommends  strangers  to  take  a  pilot. 


NEW  HAEBOUE— DIRECTIONS.  881 

about  midway  between  the  ivhite  beacon  just  mentioned  and  the  extremes  of 
jetties.     Close  to  these  beacons  are  3  and  4  fathoms  water. 

To  proceed  by  the  Middle  Channel  to  the  south-westward  of  the  Timbaga 
Eocks,  after  having  rounded  Malay  and  Pagar  Points,  and  brought  the  bea- 
cons on  the  rocks  in  line,  steer  about  N.W.  by  W.,  opening  the  beacons  on 
the  starboard  bow,  and  pass  about  half  a  cable's  length  to  the  westward  of 
both  of  them,  and  also  of  the  red  buoy  on  the  Timbaga  Shoal,  about  midway 
between  the  latter  and  the  white  buoy  on  the  N.E.  extreme  of  the  Brani 
Shoals,  in  depths  of  7  to  4J  fathoms,  deepening  to  6  and  7  fathoms  as  Pulo 
Silugu  comes  open  of  the  red  cliffs  of  Tereh  Point ;  when  steer  West  and 
W.S.  W.,  to  pass  mid-channel  between  the  jetties  and  Tereh  Point,  leaving 
the  red  beacon  and  mooring  buoys  on  the  starboard  hand. 

The  best  anchorage  is  abreast  of  the  French  Naval  Coal  Stores ;  but  if 
wishing  to  proceed  farther  to  the  westward,  or  through  the  harbour  to  the 
■westward,  a  vessel  may  pass  on  either  side  of  the  eastern  of  the  two  mooring 
buoys  off  the  Peninsular  and  Oriental  Company's  Wharf,  but  it  is  better  to 
pass  it  on  the  South  side,  pretty  close-to,  giving  a  good  berth  to  the  buoys 
on  the  Mseander  Shoal,  which  will  then  be  on  the  port  side.  Keppel  Eock 
■will  be  avoided  if  the  South  extreme  of  St.  James's  Mount  is  not  shut  in 
behind  the  East  extreme  of  the  Peninsular  and  Oriental  Company's  jetties. 

Having  passed  between  the  Mseander  Shoal  and  Keppel  Eock,  a  vessel 
may  anchor  where  convenient,  as  nearly  in  mid-channel  as  possible.  To 
proceed  from  thence  through  New  Harbour  to  the  westward,  it  will  be 
merely  necessary  to  steer  about  W.  by  S.,  and  taking  care  not  to  get  too 
close  over  towards  the  Berdaun  Eock,  keeping  as  nearly  in  mid-channel  as 
possible,  and  so  pass  out  of  the  harbour.  The  conspicuous  red  bluff  forming 
Tereh  Point,  if  kept  well  open  of  the  Peninsular  and  Oriental  Company's 
Works,  will  lead  out  clear  of  the  reef  extending  from  the  South  end  of 
Hantu,  on  which  there  is  a  red  beacon,  aad  also  of  the  Berlayer  Eock  and 
19-ft.  patch  just  outside  the  harbour. 


SINGAPOEE  STEAIT ;  EASTEEN  PAET. 

The  SOUTH-EAST  COAST  of  SINGAPORE  ISLAND,  from  Tanjong  Catong, 
which  forms  the  north  eastern  limit  of  Singapore  Eoads  or  Harbour  to 
Changhi  Point,  takes  a  direction  first  to  E. N.E.  5  miles,  and  then  N.E.  by  N. 
SJ  miles.  A  slight  indentation  in  the  coast  line  about  3  miles  S.W.  by  S. 
from  Changhi  Point,  is  known  as  Tulloh  Mati  Ikan  (Dead  Fish  Bay),  just  to 
the  southward  of  which,  "where  the  shore  begins  to  round  away  to  the  west- 
ward, are  Tanjong  and  TuUoh  Buddoh. 

Red  Cliffs.— The  South  and  S.E.  coasts  of  Singapore  are  level  and  woody. 


382  SINGAPOEE  STRAIT;  EASTERN  PART. 

The  most  conspicuous  objects  are  the  Large  Red  Cliff,  or  Tannah  Merab 
Besar,  about  S.W.  ^  S.  H  mile  from  Changhi  Point;  and  the  Small  Red 
Cliff,  or  Tannah  Merah  Ketchil,  in  a  small  bight  in  the  land,  just  to  the 
south-westward  of  Tulloh  Buddoh. 

A  Shoal  Bank  fronts  the  whole  of  this  part  of  the  coast,  extending  to  a 
distance  of  more  than  half  a  mile  in  places.  The  soundings  decrease  toward* 
it  with  tolerable  regularity,  but  large  ships  should  not  near  it  under  a  depth 
of  10  fathoms. 

CHANGHI  POINT,  the  N.E.  extreme  of  Singapore  Island,  forms  the 
S.E.  limit  of  the  Old  Strait  of  Singapore.  It  is  low  land,  with  a  white  sandy 
beach,  and  bears  about  W.  by  N.  nearly  6  miles  from  Johore  Point.  A  shoal 
bank  extends  about  a  cable's  length  from  the  point,  close  to  which  are  depths 
of  6  fathoms. 

RED  CLIFF  BANK  is  an  extensive  flat  of  mud  and  sand,  with  some 
patches  of  rock  and  coral  upon  it,  extending  from  the  eastern  part  of  Sin- 
gapore Island,  between  Changhi  Point  and  Tanjong  Buddoh.  The  north- 
eastern edge  of  the  bank  projects  about  S.E.  ^  E.  nearly  4  miles  from 
Changhi  Point,  its  extreme  forming  a  sort  of  horn  or  spit.  From  Tanjong 
Buddoh  the  bank  projects  in  an  easterly  discretion  towards  the  Johore  Shoal, 
which  may  be  considered  the  outer  horn  or  spit  of  the  bank.  These  two 
horns  thus  projecting  from  the  main  part  of  the  bank  form  a  sort  of  basin 
between  them,  in  which  are  depths  of  7  to  12  fathoms. 

JOHOEE  SHOAL,  or  Allang  Ban,  fronts  the  entrance  of  the  Old  Strait 
of  Singapore,  and  may  be  considered  as  the  horn  or  spit  of  the  outer  part 
of  the  bank  extending  about  6  miles  eastward  from  the  Red  Cliffs  at  the  East 
end  of  Singapore  Island.  The  shoal  is  about  2  miles  long  East  and  West, 
nearly  a  quarter  of  a  mile  broad,  and  is  composed  of  hard  sand,  having  1 J 
fathom  on  its  shoalest  part  at  low  water,  3  and  o\  fathoms  on  its  South 
extreme,  and  12  to  15  fathoms  very  near  to  it,  on  the  South,  East  and  S.W. 
sides. 

South  Romania  Island  open  of  South  Point  leads  clear  to  the  southward  of 
this  shoal ;  and  when  coming  from  the  eastward  it  may  also  be  avoided  by 
not  approaching  the  North  shore  under  a  depth  of  17  fathoms  after  Johore 
Hill  bears  North,  or  Barbukit  Hill  N.E.  f  E.  Coming  from  the  westward, 
St.  John's  Island  should  not  be  brought  to  the  southward  of  W.S.W.,  after 
Little  Johore  Hill  bears  N.  by  E.,  or  Johore  Hill  N.E.  by  N.,  nor  the  shoal 
neared  under  a  depth  of  17  fathoms  until  Johore  Hill  bears  North. 

OLD  STRAIT  of  SINGAPORE,  the  channel  between  the  northern  shores 
of  Singapore  Island  and  the  Malay  Peninsula,  was  formerly  the  passage  by 
which  all  vessels  proceeded  between  India  and  China,  when  the  strait  at 
present  in  use  was  not  known  to  be  navigable.  Its  western  entrance  has 
very  much  filled  up ;  formerly  it  had  3 3  fathoms  in  it  at  the  least  water,  but 


TIKONG  BESAE  AND  TIKONG  KETCHIL.  383 

now  a  bar  of  sand,  with  but  2  fathoms  water  on  it,  stretches  across  from 
Tanjong  Gul  to  Tanjong  Bolus. 

No  vessels  now  proceed  through  this  strait,  but  they  occasionally  enter  by 
the  eastern  or  Johore  Channel  to  load  granite  at  Pulo  TJbin,  or  to  load  tim- 
ber at  a  small  town,  about  halfway  through  the  strait,  close  to  Tanjong 
Putri  in  Johore,  and  which  the  present  Tumongong  is  striving  to  bring  into 
importance,  having  erected  some  extensive  saw  mills  there,  for  the  purpose 
of  cutting  up  the  timber  as  it  is  brought  from  the  adjacent  forests.  But 
these  vessels  invariably  enter  and  leave  by  the  eastern  channel. 

TIKONG  BESAE,  and  TIKONG  KETCHIL  are  the  two  islands  lying  north- 
westward of  Johore  Point,  at  the  entrance  of  the  Johore  Eiver,  dividing  that 
stream  into  two  branches.  Tikoyig  Besar,  as  its  name  implies,  is  the  larger 
island  of  the  two,  being  in  extent  3|  miles  East  and  West,  and  2\  miles 
North  and  South.  Tikong  Ketchil,  or  Little  Tikong,  lying  close  to  the  West 
side  of  the  larger  island,  is  in  shape  nearly  round,  its  diameter  being  about 
two-thirds  of  a  mile.  There  is  a  small  islet,  named  Pulo  Sijonkan,  lying  close 
to  the  S.E.  side  of  Tikong  Besar ;  and  another,  named  Pulo  Sijahat,  at  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  to  the  southward  of  Tikong  Ketchil. 

Kapala  Rocks  appear  to  be  three  rocky  heads  awash,  the  outer  one  lying 
S.  by  E»  f  E.  rather  more  than  1^  mile  from  the  South  point  of  Tikong  Ket- 
chil, 1,5  mile  W.  by  S.  J  S.  from  the  South  point  of  Tikong  Besar,  and  4 
miles  W.  by-N.  ^  N.  from  Johore  Point. 

Tikong  Bank  is  the  extensive  shoal  bank  which  surrounds  both  the  Tikong 
Islands,  and  also  projects  outside  the  islets  and  rocks  just  mentioned.  Its 
edge  is  distant  from  Pulo  Sijonkan,  in  the  direction  of  Johore  Point,  about 
1^  mile  ;  and  from  thence  takes  a  N.N.E.  direction,  passing  about  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  outside  the  East  end  of  Tikong  Besar.  Southward  of  Pulo  Sijon- 
kan the  bank  extends  farthest,  its  edge  in  this  direction  being  distant  nearly 
1 1  mile  from  the  islet. 

The  eastern  side  of  this  bank  is  rather  steep,  and  must  be  approached  with 
caution  ;  on  the  South  side  tlie  depths  decrease  more  regularly,  and  it  may  be 
approached  with  proper  attention  in  that  direction  by  the  lead. 

JOHORE  RIVER,— Kwala  or  Qualla  Johore,  or  mouth  of  the  Johore 
Eiver,  is  bounded  on  the  East  side  by  the  bank  surrounding  the  South  and 
West  sides,  and  extending  to  the  northward  of  Pulo  Tikong ;  and  on  the 
West  side  by  Eed  Cliff  Bank,  by  the  reef  which  projects  eastward  from  Pulo 
TJbin,  and  by  Tanjong  Kopo  and  the  coast  to  the  northward  of  it. 

The  old  town  of  Johore,  once  a  place  of  considerably  trade,  now  consists 
of  some  wretched  huts,  built  with  bamboo  and  mud,  where  good  water  may 
be  procured,  but  nothing  else.  It  stands  about  10  miles  up  the  river,  which 
is  navigable  for  ships  the  whole  distance.  It  is  not  at  all  probable  that 
European  vessels  will  have  to  proceed  to  Johore  for  several  years  to  come 
yet,  although  it  is  quite  possible  that  the  energy  of  the  present  Tumongong 


384  SINGAPOEE  STEAIT ;  EASTERN  PART. 

(the  sovereign  of  Johore),  may,  in  the  course  of  time,  again  develop  sotQ« 
trade  there. 

JOHORE  POINT  is  a  bluff  promontory,  forming  the  eastern  side  of  the 
entrance  of  Johore  River  and  of  the  Old  Strait  of  Singapore.  The  edge  of 
the  shore  bank  and  the  Malang  Berdaun  Rocks  extend  nearly  three-quarters 
of  a  mile  to  the  southward  of  Johore  Point. 

JOHORE  HILL,  or  Maru  Bukit,  660  ft.  high,  is  of  a  regular,  oblong, 
sloping  form,  and  covered  with  trees.  Standing  but  a  very  short  distance 
inland  from  Johore  Point,  it  is  one  of  the  most  conspicuous  objects  in,  and 
serves  as  a  useful  landmark  for  navigating,  the  Strait  of  Singapore. 

Little  Johore  Hill,  749  ft.  high,  rises  N.  by  W.  |  W.  5^  miles  from  Jo- 
hore Hill.  Although  higher,  this  hill  is  not  so  extensive  as  Johore  Hill,  but 
it  is  also  useful  as  a  landmark. 

GALDER  HARBOUR  is  the  name  given  to  the  entrance  of  one  branch  of 
the  Johore  Eiver.  It  lies  just  round  Johore  Point,  bounded  on  one  side  by 
the  bank  fronting  the  coast  to  the  north-westward  of  Johore  Hill,  and  on 
the  other  by  the  extensive  bank  which  projects  from  Pulo  Tikon  Besar.  The 
breadth  of  the  harbour  is  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  with  anchorage  in  5^  to 
9  fathoms, 

Tanjong  Stapah,  about  S.E.  by  E.  J  E.  3^  miles  from  Johore  Point,  is  a 
good  mark  when  kept  in  line  with  South  Point,  from  which  it  bears  West- 
northerly,  distant  3f  miles,  to  keep  vessels  well  clear  to  the  southward  of  all 
the  dangers  near  the  Romania  Islands.  This  point  appears  to  be  pretty 
bold  close-to ;  but  vessels  are  recommended  to  give  it  a  berth  of  at  least 
half  a  mile. 

A  patch  of  dry  bank,  with  5  and  6  fathoms  water  close-to,  lies  about  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  "W.  by  N.  from  Tanjong  Stapah.  It  seems,  however,  to 
be  but  part  of  a  shoal  bank  which  fronts  the  coast  to  the  distance  of  a  mile, 
between  Tanjong  Stapah  and  Johore  Point. 

The  Malang  Berdaun  are  a  rocky  cluster,  some  above  and  others  below 
water,  the  outer  rocks  of  which  lie  South  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from 
Johore  Point,  and  within  the  edge  of  the  shore  bank  just  described.  These 
dangers  are,  however,  quite  out  of  the  ordinary  track  of  vessels  as  they  lie 
inside  the  Johore  Shoal. 

Tanjong  Teeram,  about  H  mile  eastward  of  Tanjong  Stapah,  and  bearing 
W.  ^  N.  2J  miles  from  South  Point,  has  rocks,  both  awash  and  below  the 
water,  lying  off  it,  and  there  are  also  many  between  it  and  South  Point ;  but 
they  are  all  within  the  margin  of  the  3-fathom  edge  of  the  shore  bank. 

SOUTH  POINT,  or  Tanjong  Tehimpang,  the  most  southern  point  of  this 
part  of  the  Malay  Peninsula,  bears  W.S.W.-southerly  5  miles  from  Romania 
Point.  The  3-fathom  edge  of  the  shore  bank  which  fronts  this  part  of  the 
coast,  is  distant  about  a  third  of  a  mile  from  South  Point ;  the  soundings 
near  it  decrease  rather  suddenly  from  10  or  9  fathoms. 


ROMANIA  POINT  AND  ISLANDS.  385 

ROMANIA  POINT,  or  Tatijong  Penyiisoh,  the  S.E.  extreme  of  the  Malay 
Peninsula,  and  of  Asia,  with  the  circumjacent  coast,  is  level  land,  covered 
with  trees.  The  S. W.  extreme  of  the  point  is  nearly  1^  mile  S.W.  by  W.  %  W. 
from  the  S.E.  extreme,  and,  although  it  is  rather  conspicuous,  no  name  has 
yet  been  given  to  it  upon  the  chart.  Between  the  extremes  is  a  middle 
point,  with  a  small  bay  on  either  side. 

Many  rocks  lie  off  Romania  Point,  extending  nearly  half  a  mile  from  it  in 
a  southerly^direction.  A  rock  awash  also  lies  a  short  distance  off  shore,  be- 
tween the  middle  point  and  the  S.W.  extreme. 

A  shoal  bank  fronts  this  shore  and  extends  outside  these  rocks,  its  edge 
being  distant  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  a  S.  by  W.  direction  from 
Romania  Point.  Southward  of  the  S.W.  extreme  of  the  point  a  tongue  pro- 
jects in  an  easterly  direction  from  the  shore  bank,  the  outer  part  of  which  is 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  South  of  the  point.  Over  this  tongue  are  3  fathoms 
water,  but  inside  of  it  is  a  narrow  gap  of  4  and  5  fathoms. 

BARBUKIT  HILL,  645  ft.  high,  4^  miles  W.N.W.  from  Romania  Point, 
and  bearing  from  Horsburgh  Lighthouse  W.  by  N.  f  N.  12^  miles,  is  a  regu- 
lar pyramid  rising  from  the  low  land,  and,  being  only  about  5  miles  inland, 
is  a  very  useful  object  in  making  out  the  entrance  of  the  strait. 

FALSE  BARBUKIT,  432  ft  high,  is  a  low,  sloping  hill  near  the  sea,  ap- 
pearing like  a  tope  of  trees  a  little  more  elevated  than  the  adjacent  coast, 
which  is  all  rather  low  and  woody  to  the  northward  of  Barbukit  HiU.  It 
bears  N.N.E.  6  miles  from  Barbukit  Hill,  and  N.W.  from  Horsburgh 
Lighthouse,  and,  being  discernible  during  hazy  weather  much  sooner  than 
Barbukit  Hill,  answers  as  a  guide  in  coming  from  the  northward  towards  the 
northern  extremity  of  the  outer  shoals. 

Prom  the  S.W.  extreme  of  Romania  Point,  the  South  coast  of  the  Malay 
Peninsula,  trends  to  the  north-westward  for  about  IJ  mile  to  the  entrance  of 
a  small  river,  the  Songie  Romynia.  From  thence  the  land  curves  away  to  the 
south-westward  for  2\  miles  to  Tanjong  Romynia,  between  which  and  South 
Point,  which  bears  from  it  S.W.  by  W.  i  W.  nearly  1 J  mile,  is  a  small  bay, 
and  the  entrance  of  another  small  river,  the  Songie  Kalarang. 

WATER,  or  Watering  Islands,  is  the  name  given  to  a  small  round  island 
about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  extent,  with  an  islet  off  its  West  extreme  con- 
nected to  it  by  a  reef,  lying  N.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  from  Tanjong  Romynia,  the 
outer  side  of  the  island  being  distant  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  it. 

Close  around  the  S.W.  extreme  of  Romania  Point  is  Diana  Cove,  where 
there  is  a  stream  oi  fresh  water.  The  Romynia  River,  farther  to  the  north- 
■westward,  has  2  or  3  ft.  water  at  its  narrow  entrance  at  low  tide,  and  is  na- 
vigable by  boats  2  or  3  miles  inland. 

The  ROMANIA  ISLANDS,  fronting  Romania  Point,  are  six  in  number ; 
the  westernmost  or  larger  one  is  composed  of  two  islands  very  near  each 
I.  X.  3d 


386  SINGAPOEE  STEAIT;  EASTEEN  PAET. 

other,  joined  by  a  reef;  the  northernmost  and  south-easternmost  are  two 
barren  rocks  ;  but  the  others  are  covered  with  trees.  They  extend  about  2^ 
miles  N.E.  and  S.W.,  the  largest  being  within  a  mile  of  the  point,  and  the 
nearest  to  it.  There  is  a  rock,  about  12  ft.  above  water,  near  the  South  point 
of  South  Island,  and  a  reef  of  straggling  rocks  extending  to  the  eastward, 
which  are  bold  to  approach  on  the  South  side. 

DANGERS. — The  following  dangers  lie  contiguous  to  the  Eomania  Is- 
lands :  — 

Congaltons  Carr,  a  rocky  patch,  with  l^  fathom  water  over  it,  and  8  to  12 
fathoms  close-to,  is  the  easternmost  of  the  dangers  lying  near  the  Eomania 
Islands.  From  it  the  middle  of  the  largest  island  is  in  line  with  Peak  Eock, 
the  latter  distant  a  mile  ;  North  Eock,  the  northernmost  island,  bears  N.W.- 
northerly  nearly  2  miles,  and  Horsburgh  Lighthouse  E.S.E.-easterly  5^ 
miles. 

To  avoid  this  danger,  do  not  bring  the  southern  extreme  of  the  largest 
Eomania  Island  to  the  westward  of  W.  ^  N.,  or  the  centre  of  that  island  in 
line  with  Peak  Eock,  until  Tanjong  Punji  bears  N.N.W.  J  W. 

Caution. — When  the  tide  is  running  to  the  westward,  vessels  passing 
through  the  North  channel  must  be  very  careful  that  they  are  not  set  too 
near  this  danger,  of  which  the  lead  will  not  give  timely  warning. 

Jones  Reef,  having  only  1  fathom  water  over  it,  and  8  or  9  fathoms  close- 
to,  lies  N.N.W.  f  W.  a  little  over  half  a  mile  from  Congaltons  Carr,  with 
the  Peak  Eock  bearing  S.W.  |  W.,  distant  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  and 
North  Eock  N.W.  |  W.  U  mile. 

Whale  Rock,  or  Whales  Crown  Roch,  lying  W.  by  S.  nearly  a  third  of  a 
mile  from  Jones  Eeef,  is  a  small  ledge  of  rocks  which  is  particularly  danger- 
ous, as  it  is  only  at  about  three-quarters  ebb  that  a  email  round  rock  be- 
comes visible,  and  indicates  the  existence  of  the  danger.  It  is  steep-to,  and 
the  depth  in  its  vicinity  is  irregular,  being  from  15  to  8  or  9  fathoms.  Peak 
Eock  bears  from  it  S.W.  ^  S.,  and  North  Eock  N.W.  i  N.,  distant  a  mile. 

A  rocJc  awash  lies  a  short  distance  E.N.E.,  and  a  4-fathom  patch  about  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  N.N.E.  from  Peak  Eock.  Another  4-fathom  patch,  with 
12  fathoms  near  it,  lies  a  short  distance  to  the  northward  of  Whale  Eock. 

A  Reef,  about  half  a  mile  in  extent,  and  dry  in  places,  lies  between  North 
Island  and  North  Eock.  Its  eastern  extreme  bears  North  from  Peak  Eock, 
distant  three-quarters  of  a  mile ;  and  its  western  extreme  rather  less  than 
half  a  mile  S.S.W.  from  North  Eock.  Upon  its  north-eastern  extreme  is 
the  smallest  of  the  Eomania  Islands — a  mere  rock  ;  and  there  is  a  o-fathom 
patch  between  it  and  North  Island. 

Stork  Reef,  lying  S.W.  by  W.  |-  W.  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from 
Congaltons  Carr,  is  about  3  cables  in  extent  N.E.  and  S.W.,  and  from  its 
S.W.  point  Barbukit  Hill  is  on  with  the  North  hump  of  the  large  Eomania 
Island  bearing  W.  by  N.  |  N.  ;  Peak  Eock  N.W.,  distant  a  little  more  than 


THE  EOMANIA  SHOALS.  387 

half  a  mile;  the  point  of  Watering  Bay,  the  S.W.  part  of  Romania  Point, 
West ;  and  Horsburgh  Lighthouse  E.  by  S.  i  S.  6  miles. 

A  Three-Fathom  Patch  lies  S.W.  by  W.  two-thirds  of  a  mile  from  Stork 
Eeef.  South  Island  bears  from  it  N.  by  W.  |  W.  half  a  mile ;  the  South 
end  of  the  large  Romania  Island  N.W.  nearly  a  mile  ;  and  South  Point 
W.  by  S.  6i  miles. 

A  rock  awash  lies  with  South  Island  N.E.  ^  E.,  distant  one-third  of  a  mile, 
and  the  large  Romania  Island  N.  by  W.  f  W.  about  the  same  distance. 

A  Four-Fathom  Patch  lies  nearly  a  mile  W.  by  S.  from  the  3-fathom  patch 
just  mentioned  ;  with  South  Island  bearing  N.E.  nearly  a  mile ;  the  large 
Romania  Island  N.  by  E.  5  E.,  .three-quarters  of  a  mile;  and  the  largest 
Water  Island,  West-southerly. 

A  Shoal  with  only  2^  fathoms  water  over  it,  and  which  is  the  southernmost 
of  the  dangers  near  the  Romania  Islands,  lies  with  the  large  Romania  Island 
bearing  N. N.E. -easterly,  distant  1|  mile  ;  Horsburgh  Lighthouse  E.  I  S.  7f 
miles  ;  Romania  Point  North  1  j  mile  ;  and  South  Point  W.  i  S.,  nearly  4f 
miles.  There  is  a  patch  of  4  J  fathoms  lying  a  third  of  a  mile  in  a  south- 
easterly direction  from  this  shoal. 

Clearing  Mark. — There  is  deep  water,  9  to  12  or  13  fathoms,  very  close  to 
the  above  dangers.  Tanjong  Stapah,  a  point  3f  miles  to  the  eastward  of 
South  Point,  in  line  with  South  Point  bearing  West,  will  lead  clear  to  the 
southward  of  the  last-mentioned  patch  of  2f  fathoms,  as  also  to  the  southward 
of  all  the  dangers  near  the  Romania  Islands. 

The  ROMANIA  SHOALS  are  a  number  of  detached  patches  of  sand  and 
coral — various  as  to  extent  and  depths  of  water  over  them — stretching  in  a 
south-westerly  direction  from  the  tail  of  the  bank  which  extends  to  the  south- 
ward of  North  Patch,  towards  the  rocks  and  dangers  which  lie  outside  the 
Romania  Islands.  Between  these  patches  are  channels  with  depths  of  8  to 
10  fathoms  water. 

The  limits  of  these  shoals,  to  depths  of  4  fathoms  and  under,  lie  between 
the  bearings  of  N.  by  W.  J  W.  and  N.W.  ^  W.  from  Horsburgh  Lighthouse, 
the  distance  on  the  former  bearing  being  6  miles,  and  on  the  latter  5  miles. 
The  least  water  shown  upon  the  chart  is  3^-  fathoms,  and  this  shoal  portion 
lies  between  the  bearings  N.  by  W.  f  W.  and  N.N.W.  A  W.  from  Horsburgh 
Lighthouse,  and  is  about  a  mile  in  length,  in  a  northerly  direction.  But  it 
does  not  appear  that  3^  fathoms  is  the  least  water  on  these  shoals,  and  great 
caution  should  be  used. 

Outside  the  N.E.  limit  of  the  shoal  part  of  these  reefs,  the  patches  have 
depths  generally  of  6  to  8  or  9  fathoms  over  them,  but  there  is  one  patch  of 
5  fathoms  bearing  N.  h  W.,  and  another  of  the  same  depth  bearing  N.W. 
by  W.  from  the  lighthouse. 

South  Island,  the  southernmost  island  of  the  Romania  Group,  just  open  of 
South  Point,  the  southern  extreme  of  the  Malay  Peninsula,  leads  to  the  south- 


288  SINGAPOKE  STRAIT;  EASTERN  PART. 

ward  of  the  Romania  Shoals  ;  and  Horsburgh  Lighthouse  kept  to  the  sotitli- 
ward  of  S.  by  E.  ^  E.,  will  lead  to  the  eastward  of  those  patches  which  have 
less  than  5  fathoms  over  them. 

NORTH  PATCH,  lying  4J  miles  W.  by  S.  from  the  Eastern  Bank,  is  gene- 
rally considered  the  outermost  of  the  Romania  Shoals,  for  the  reason  that  the 
Eastern  Bank,  not  having  less  than  7  or  8  fathoms  water  over  it,  is  not  only 
not  dangerous  to  the  mariner,  but  it  is  in  fact  useful  to  him,  serving  to  deter- 
mine his  position  ;  whereas  the  North  Patch,  having  but  4  fathoms  water  over 
it,  is  not  safe  for  a  large  ship  to  cross  in  a  swell  or  a  heavy  sea.  The  patch 
is  nearly  IJ  mile  long.  North  and  South,  and  half  a  mile  broad,  composed  of 
mud  and  sand,  and  has  but  4  fathoms  water  over  the  greater  part  of  it.  It 
lies  near  the  North  end,  and  is  the  shoalest  part  of  a  bank  about  5  miles  long 
and  2  miles  broad,  with  depths  of  6  to  10  fathoms  over  it,  and  a  5-fathom 
spot  about  a  mile  from  its  South  end.  From  the  North  end  of  North  Patch, 
Palse  Barbukit  Hill  bears  W.  |  S.  12i  miles;  Barbukit  Hill  S.W.  by  W.  |  W. 
16  miles  ;  and  Horsburgh  Lighthouse  S.  by  W.  11  i  miles. 

Bintang  Little  Hill  open  to  the  westward  of  Bintang  Great  HiU,  leads 
half  a  mile  eastward  of  the  North  Patch. 

The  EASTERN  SANK,  the  outermost  of  the  shoal  patches  off  Romania 
Point,  is  nearly  1^  mile  in  extent,  with  soundings  of  7 J  to  10  fathoms  over 
it,  and  11  to  14  fathoms  close  around  it.  It  lies  about  a  mile  inside  the 
range  of  the  Horsburgh  light,  and  from  its  outer  edge  the  light  bears  S.W. 
by  S.,  distant  14  miles;  Barbukit  Hill  W.  by  S.  |  S. -southerly ;  and  False 
Barbukit  W.  ^  S. 

Vessels  getting  soundings  of  8  to  10  fathoms  on  this  bank,  during  hazy 
weather,  sometimes  think  they  are  on  the  northern  patch  of  Romania  outer 
reef,  and  then  haul  more  to  the  eastward,  which  renders  them  liable  to  fall 
to  leeward  of  the  strait. 

PEDRA  BRANCA  lies  nearly  in  mid-channel  of  the  eastern  entrance  to 
Singapore  Strait,  and  as  it  advances  beyond  the  mouth  of  the  straits  consi- 
derably into  the  China  Sea,  it  has  for  ages  sei'ved  as  the  principal  leading 
mark  to  vessels  passing  out  of,  or  into,  the  straits.  Its  Portuguese  name, 
*'  white  rock,"  was  significant  of  its  appearance  prior  to  the  erection  of  the 
lighthouse,  from  its  being  so  marked  by  the  dung  of  the  numerous  sea  birds 
which  lived  on  it.  It  consists  of  a  reef  of  light  grey  granitic  rocks,  about 
450  ft.  long  N.E.  and  S.W.,  and  200  ft.  broad.  At  high  water  it  had  the 
appearance  of  a  mere  heap  of  boulders  loosely  piled  together,  which  only 
afforded  two  rocks  large  enough  to  build  the  lighthouse  upon ;  the  S.W.  one 
was  chosen. 

The  HORSBURGH  LIGHTHOUSE,  which  stands  on  this  rock,  is  a  noble 
monument.  It  was  determined  on  in  1847,  after  several  years  of  delay  and 
discussion.  The  funds  were  partially  raised  by  liberal  subscription  in  Sin- 
gapore and  China,  and  the  structure  was  designed  and  executed  by  J.  T. 


DANGERS  NEAR  PEDRA  BRANCA.         389 

Thompson,  Esq.,  the  government  surveyor,  who  has  given  an  elaborate  and 
interesting  account  of  the  work.  It  is  dedicated  to  the  memory  of  James 
Horsburgh,  F.R.S.,  the  hydrographer  of  the  East  Indies.  It  is  a  fine  column 
of  dressed  granite,  the  first  building  so  constructed  in  these  countries,  is  92 
feet  9  inches  in  height  from  base  to  the  top  of  the  funnel,  with  a  white 
spherical  dome,  and  the  base  of  the  rock  being  16  feet  9  inches  above  the 
high-water  level,  it  has  a  total  height  of  109  feet  6  inches. 

It  shows  a  brilliant  revolving  light,  from  nine  holophotal  metallic  reflectors, 
the  invention  of  Mr.  Thomas  Stevenson,  three  on  each  face  of  a  triangular 
frame,  which  revolves  in  three  minutes,  consequently  a  bright  flash  of  15 
seconds'  duration  is  produced  in  every  direction  once  in  a  minute.  The  light 
totally  disappears  at  great  distances.  It  is  elevated  95  ft.  above  high-water 
mark,  and  so  may  be  seen  15  miles  off  from  the  deck  of  an  ordinary  ship. 

It  is  in  lat.  1°  19'  58"  N.,  long.  104°  24'  28"  E.,  and  from  it  the  largest  island 
ofi'  Romania  Point  bears  W.  by  N.  i  N.  about  7^  miles.  It  is  the  same  dis- 
tance from  the  shore  of  Bintang,  and  is  in  one  with  the  centre  of  Bintang 
Great  Hill,  bearing  S.  by  E.  J  E. 

DANGERS  near  PEDRA  BRANCA.— With  the  exception  of  a  patch  of  4 
fathoms,  the  North  and  N.W.  sides  of  Pedra  Branca  are  steep-to,  there  being 
17  fathoms  close  to  the  rock,  and  30  to  36  fathoms  near  it. 

This  4-fathom  patch  lies  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  northward  of  the  rock, 
and  is  the  only  shoal  spot  between  it  and  the  Romania  Shoals,  in  which 
space  the  depths  are  very  variable  in  mid-channel,  17  to  32  fathoms,  but 
they  become  more  i-egular,  17  to  14  fathoms,  towards  the  Romania  Shoals. 

The  East,  South,  and  S.E.  sides  of  Pedra  Branca  should  not  be  approached 
nearer  than  a  mile,  for  there  are  dangerous  rocky  patches  to  the  distance  of 
half  a  mile  from  the  East  side;  and  the  South  and  S.E.  sides  are  foul  to 
three-quarters  of  a  mile,  at  which  distance  South  and  S.S.E.  ^  E.  from  the 
lighthouse  are  two  dangerous  ledges,  named  Middle  Rocks,  which  are  but 
little  above  the  surface  at  high  water.  Eastward  at  a  short  distance  from  the 
Middle  Rocks  is  a  patch  of  4  fathoms,  and  North  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from 
this  patch  is  a  rock  with  only  3  ft.  of  water  over  it. 

SOUTH  LEDGE  is  very  dangerous.  It  consists  of  three  pointed  rocks, 
very  little  detached  from  each  other,  with  8  and  9  fathoms  close  to,  and  16 
or  18  fathoms  at  a  short  distance  from  them  in  their  stream.  They  are  of 
small  extent,  not  visible  until  the  ebb  has  been  made  some  time,  and  are 
nearly  covered  before  the  stream  of  flood  begins  to  run.  Horsburgh  light- 
house bears  from  them  N.  by  E.  5  E. ,  distant  2  miles  ;  the  large  Romania 
Island  N.W.  by  W.  \  W.  7^  miles :  and  the  outer  hHl  on  Brakit  Point  E.S.E. 
12^  miles. 

Between  the  South  ledge  and  Middle  Rocks  the  distance  is  about  1  h  mile, 
and  the  depths  15  to  20  fathoms  ;  and  between  the  South  ledge  and  Diana 
Shoal  the  distance  is  4^  miles,  and  the  depths  vary  from  12  to  18  fathoms, 


390  SINGAPORE  STRAIT ;  EASTERN  PART. 

decreasing  under  1 1  fathoms  within  a  mile  of  the  Diana,  and  shoaling  to  8 
fathoms  close  to  that  danger. 

The  Tides  about  Pedra  Branca  are  described  on  pages  26,  27. 

EAST  COAST  of  the  MALAY  PENINSULA.— The  coast  from  Romania 
Point  turns  sharply  to  the  northward,  and  at  the  distance  of  a  little  over 
half  a  mile  is  a  point  with  some  rocks  off  it,  from  whence  the  land  falls 
back,  forming  a  bay  about  a  mile  deep,  the  northern  horn  of  which,  named 
Tanjong  Punji,  bears  N.  f  E.  4^  miles  from  Romania  Point.  About  41  miles 
N.  by  W.  i  W.  from  Tanjong  Punji,  is  another  point,  named  Tanjong  Lompaty 
which  bears  about  West  from  the  North  patch,  the  outermost  of  the  shoal 
patches  which  extend  from  the  Romania  Shoals. 

A  shoal  bank  fronts  the  whole  of  the  coast  from  the  point  a  mile  northward 
of  Romania  Point  to  Tanjong  Lompat.  Abreast  of  Barbukit  Hill  it  projects 
If  mile  from  the  shore,  nearly  as  far  as  the  meridian  of  North  Rock,  which 
bearing  South  leads  close  to  its  edge.  Off  Punji  Point  it  extends  about  half 
a  mile,  and  off  Lompat  Point  three-quarters  of  a  mile. 

Water. — Excellent  water  can  be  procured  from  the  river  close  round  the 
rocky  point,  about  6  cables'  lengths  North  of  Romania  Point. 

The  Inner  Channel,  between  Romania  Point  and  the  islands,  cannot  be 
considered  safe,  and  we  refrain  from  giving  any  directions  which  might  have 
the  effect  of  tempting  vessels  to  use  it. 

The  North  Channel  is  bounded  on  the  East  by  the  shoalest  part  of  the 
Romania  Shoals,  and  on  the  West  by  the  dangers  which  lie  to  the  eastward 
of  the  Romania  Islands.  The  channel  is  about  3J  miles  wide  ;  there  is  one 
patch  of  4  to  5  fathoms  and  another  of  5  fathoms  lying  in  its  fairway,  but 
there  does  not  appear  to  be  any  less  water,  and  it  is  now  frequently  used 
by  those  locally  acquainted. 

Directions  from  the  Northward. — Coming  from  the  northward,  and  wish- 
ing to  proceed  into  Singapore  Strait  by  the  North  Channel,  pass  about 
midway  between  the  North  patch  and  the  shore,  and  by  the  time  False 
Barbukit  Hill  bears  West,  Barbukit  Hill  should  bear  S.W.  by  W.,  nearly,  or 
in  case  Barbukit  cannot  be  discerned,  the  South  extreme  of  Tanjong  Punji 
should  bear  about  S.W.  ^  W.  ;  a  S.  f  W.  course  will  then  lead  through  the 
channel  by  the  middle  track  marked  on  the  chart,  which  passes  over  the 
patch  of  4  to  5  fathoms. 

A  vessel  following  this  track  will  have  soundings  from  13  to  10  fathoms, 
until  Barbukit  Hill  bears  about  W.  by  S.  or  W.  ^  S.,  when  they  will  de- 
crease to  8  and  7  fathoms,  and  when  Barbukit  Hill  bears  West  to  about  6 
fathoms.  She  will  then  soon  have  5  or  4J  fathoms  on  the  bank,  except  at 
low-water  spring  tides,  when  there  may  be  as  little  as  4  fathoms.  The 
depths  will  soon  increase  to  8,  9,  or  10  fathoms,  and  then  suddenly  to  13, 
or  perhaps   15  fathoms,   when  she  will  bo  in  Singapore  Strait.     This  4- 


DIRECTIONS.  391 

fathom  patch  may  be  avoided  and  the  banks  crossed  In  not  less  than  6 
fathoms  water,  by  steering  for  Horsburgh  lighthouse  bearing  S.E.  ^  S.  to 
S.E.  ^  S. 

Having  crossed  the  banks,  the  S.  f  "W.  course  should  be  continued  to 
avoid  getting  too  near  Congaltons  Carr,  over  which  there  is  but  1^  fathom. 
The  middle  of  the  largest  of  the  Eomania  Islands  in  line  with  Peak  Eock  is 
the  mark  for  this  dangerous  patch,  and  vessels  should  be  cautious — extremely 
80  when  the  tide  is  making  to  the  westward — not  to  bring  the  East  extreme 
of  Punji  Point  to  the  North  of  N.N.W.  ^  W.,  until  Peak  Eock  is  North  of 
the  middle  part  of  the  largest  of  the  Eomania  Islands,  or  until  the  South  end 
of  the  last-named  island  bars  W.  ^  N.  The  vessel  will  then  be  to  the 
southward  of  Congaltons  Carr,  and  may  steer  S.W.,  but  nor  more  westerly, 
until  Tanjong  Stapah  comes  open  South  of  South  Point,  when  she  will  be  to 
the  southward  of  all  the  dangers  near  the  Eomania  Islands,  and  may  steer 
W.S.W.  or  W.  by  S.,  according  to  circumstances. 

From  the  Southward. — In  proceeding  through  the  North  channel  from 
Singapore,  take  care,  after  passing  South  Point,  not  to  lose  sight  of  Stapah 
Point  behind  it,  in  order  to  avoid  the  2|-fathom  patch  and  other  dangers 
near  the  Eomania  Islands.  When  the  largest  of  those  islands  bears  N.N.W., 
steer  N.E.,  to  pass  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  outside  Congaltons  Carr  ; 
but  if  the  tide  is  setting  to  the  westward,  a  more  easterly  course  must  be 
steered  to  avoid  that  danger,  which  will  be  done  if  the  South  end  of  the 
largest  of  the  Eomania  Islands  be  not  brought  westward  of  W.  J  N.,  or 
Peak  Eock  in  line  with  the  centre  of  that  island,  until  the  right  extreme  of 
Punji  Point  bears  N.N.W.  J  W.  With  these  marks  on  the  vessel  will  be  in 
about  13  or  15  fathoms  water,  and  may  steer  N.  |  E.,  through  the  North 
channel  on  the  middle  track. 

In  following  this  middle  track,  the  soundings  will  vary  from  12  to  15 
fathoms  for  the  distance  of  the  first  mile,  when  they  will  suddenly  decrease 
to  9  or  8  fathoms,  and  shortly  after  to  5  or  4^,  and  if  at  low-water  spring 
tides,  perhaps  to  4  fathoms.  Having  crossed  this  shoal  part  of  the  bank — 
which  is  only  about  a  third  of  a  mile  broad — the  soundings  will  soon  deepen 
to  6,  7,  and  8  fathoms,  and  by  the  time  Barbukit  Hill  bears  W.  h  S.,  to  10 
and  11  fathoms;  from  thence  to  the  northward  they  will  continue  to  be  12 
or  13  fathoms  until  past  the  North  patch. 

A  vessel  will  avoid  the  4-fathom  patch  and  cross  the  banks  in  not  less 
than  6  fathoms  water,  by  keeping  Horsburgh  lighthouse  S.E.  \  S.  to  S.E 
^  S.,  and  steering  the  opposite  course  till  the  banks  are  crossed. 

In  working  through  the  southern  part  of  this  channel,  Horsburgh  light- 
house should  not  be  brought  to  the  southward  of  S.E.  5  S.  when  standing 
towards  the  Eomania  Shoals ;  nor  to  the  eastward  of  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  when 
standing  towards  Congaltons  Carr  or  Jones  Eeef.  The  soundings  are  not  at 
all  to  be  depended  upon  to  guide  a  vessel  near  these  latter  dangers,  for  there 


392  SINGAPORE  STRAIT;  EASTERN  PART. 

are  12  fathoms  in  one  direction  and  6  in  another  very  close  to  Congaltons 
Carr,  and  9  or  8  fathoms  close  to  Jones  Reef. 


SOUTH  SIDE  OE  EASTERN  PART  OF  THE  STRAIT. 

BINTANG  is  the  largest  island  on  the  South  side  of  Singapore  Strait ; 
B.attam  Island,  on  the  West  side  of  Rhio  Strait,  is  also  of  considerable  size, 
and  from  it  a  chain  of  islands,  separated  by  narrow  guts,  extends  westward, 
terminating  nearly  opposite  the  Rabbit  and  Coney. 

The  North  side  of  Bintang  is  about  16  or  17  miles  in  length,  nearly 
E.  by  N.  and  W.  by  S.,  the  greater  part  being  taken  up  by  the  large  bay  of 
Sumpat ;  several  dangers  lie  off  it,  which  will  be  described  in  detail  farther 
on.  Like  most  of  the  other  land  bounding  the  strait  of  Singapore,  it  is 
covered  with  trees,  and,  excepting  the  hills  inland,  is  not  much  elevated. 

Bintang  KUls.—Bmtanff  Great  Bill,  in  lat.  1°  4'  20"  N.,  long.  104°  29'  E., 
bearing  S.  by  E.  i  E.,  about  16  J  miles  from  Horsburgh  Lighthouse,  may  be 
seen  in  clear  weather  40  miles,  being  1,230  ft.  high,  and  is  a  good  mark  in 
approaching  the  entrance  of  the  strait  from  the  northward.  When  viewed 
from  that  direction  it  forms  a  saddle,  and  adjoining  it  on  the  North  side, 
there  is  a  small  conical  hill,  called  False  Bintang  Hill,  or  Bintang  Little  Hill, 
762  ft.  high,  the  summit  of  which  is  central  with  the  saddle  of  the  large 
hill  bearing  S.  8°  E.  When  the  centre  of  the  saddle  bears  South  {true),  the 
summit  of  the  Little  Hill  is  just  open  with  the  western  shoulder  of  the  large 
hill ;  and  this  mark  or  bearing  of  Bintang  Hill  is  a  safe  guide  to  carry  a 
vessel  to  the  eastward  of,  but  pretty  near  to  the  North  patch,  the  outermost 
of  the  Romania  Shoals. 

TANJONG  BRAKIT,  the  N.E.  point  of  Bintang  Island,  has  some  hilla 
on  its  East  side  217  ft.  high,  and  others  a  mile  farther  to  the  southward  267 
feet  high.  Reefs  and  dangers  extend  l\  mile  from  this  point,  within  the 
margin  of  which  lie  the  following  : — Pulo  Coco,  an  island  40  ft.  high,  narrow, 
but  three-quarters  of  a  mile  long,  lies  close  to,  and  appears  to  form  the 
©astern  side  of,  Brakit  Point ;  it  may  be  approached  to  a  distance  of  half  a 
mile.  Pulo  Brahit,  30  ft.  high,  is  an  island  about  half  the  size  of  Coco, 
lying  half  a  mile  N.N.E.  from  the  northern  part  of  Brakit  Point.  It  should 
not  be  approached  nearer  than  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  for  the  shore  reef 
projects  nearly  half  a  mile  outside  of  it. 

Blac]<  Rocks  are  a  cluster  of  dark-coloured  rocks  lying  off  the  North  ex- 
treme of  Brakit  Point,  the  outermost  rocks  being  distant  nearly  a  mile  from 
the  shore  ;  and  a  tongue  of  sand,  with  but  3  fathoms  water  over  it,  projects 
a  third  of  a  mile  from  their  outer  edge. 

BRAKIT  ROCK,  discovered  in  1861  by  Mr.  Stanton,  commanding  H.M.S. 
Saracen,  is  a  cable  in  length,  N.  W.  and  S.E.,  and  half  a  cable  in  breadth, 
▼ith  2  fathoms  over  it  at  low  water,  and  10  to  12  fathoms  close  to  all  round. 


TULLOH  SUMPAT.  393 

It  lies  N.N.E.  J  E.  2?  miles  from  Tanjong^  Brakit,  and  from  its  southera 
and  shoalest  part  the  northern  extreme  of  Pulo  Sumpat  appears  in  line  with 
the  apex  of  Little  Bintang  Hill  S.W.  J  S.,  and  Horsburgh  lighthouse  bears 
W.  by  N.  ^  N.  12^  miles.  A  conspicuous  double  tree  on  a  long  hill  4  miles 
from  Tanjong  Lokan  appears  just  outside  the  point  bearing  S.  J  W.  This 
tree  kept  well  open  of  Tanjong  Lokan  clears  the  eastern  side ;  Pulo  Panjang 
peak  S.E.  ^  S.  will  clear  both  the  eastern  and  northern  sides.  Barbukit  Hill, 
about  four  times  its  own  breadth  open  eastward  of  Horsburgh  lighthouse, 
will  also  lead  a  vessel  northward  ;  and  Little  Bintang  Hill  well  open  north- 
ward of  Pulo  Sumpat  will  lead  to  the  westward. 

The  channel  between  the  Brakit  Eock  and  the  point  is  free  from  danger. 
It  is  not,  however,  advisable  to  use  this  channel  except  in  cases  of 
emergency. 

Postillion  Reef,  composed  of  coral  and  sand,  and  having  2  fathoms  water 
over  it,  lies  nearly  half  a  mile  outside  the  shore  reef  extending  from  Brakit 
Point ;  between  them  are  depths  of  4  to  8  fathoms.  Horsburgh  lighthouse 
bears  from  this  reef  N.W.  by  W.  |  W.,  nearly  10^  miles. 

A  shoal,  apparently  about  half  a  mile  in  extent,  having  1^  fathom  water 
over  it,  is  marked  on  the  chart  S.W.  by  W.  ^  W.,  \^  mile  from  Postillion 
Eeef,  W.  by  N.  ^  N.,  a  little  over  2^  miles  from  Tanjong  Brakit. 

TULLOH  SUMPAT  or  Sumpat  Bay,  is  the  extensive  bight  between  the 
western  extreme  of  Tanjong  Brakit  and  Tanjong  Batu  Sow,  which  lie  W.  f  S. 
and  E.  f  N.  of  each  other  2^  miles  apart.  Pulo  Sunvpat,  a  small  island  178 
feet  high,  lying  in  the  eastern  part  of  Sumpat  Bay,  may  be  readily  known 
by  its  saddle  shape.  It  lies  2\  miles  South  of  the  shoal  last  mentioned,  and 
S.E.  \  S.  IJ  mile  from  the  western  extreme  of  Brakit  Point. 

Two  Reefs  lie  near  the  bottom  of  Sumpat  Bay,  the  outer  of  which  is  nearly 
a  mile  distant  from  a  rocky  point  on  the  shore,  about  2  miles  W.  by  S.  ^  S. 
from  Pulo  Sumpat,  and  2\  miles  E.  |  N.  from  Tanjong  Batu  Sow. 

Diana  Shoal,  about  half  a  mile  in  extent,  has  but  2f  fathoms  water  over 
it,  and  4  fathoms  close  around.  From  its  outer  edge  Tanjong  Brakit  bears 
E.  \  S.  distant  8|  miles ;  Tanjong  Batu  Sow  S.W.  3  miles ;  and  Horsburgh 
lighthouse  N.  by  W.  §  W.  6  miles.  A  little  more  than  half  a  mile  in  a 
W.S.W.  direction  from  this  shoal  is  a  sand  patch  with  4  and  5  fathoms 
water. 

Langui  Shoal,  about  a  third  of  a  mile  in  extent  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.,  lies 
W.  by  S.  ^  S.  4;^  miles  from  the  Diana  Shoal.  Over  its  South  end  there  is 
but  \\  fathom  water,  and  3  fathoms  over  its  North  end.  From  its  North 
end  Tanjong  Subong — the  N.W.  point  of  Bintang  at  the  entrance  of  Ehio 
Strait — bears  S.W.  J  W.  4  miles,  Tanjong  Batu  Sow  E.S.E.  a  little  over  2 
miles,  and  Horsburgh  lighthouse  N.  by  E.  f  E.  7?  miles. 

This  shoal  and  bank  will  be  avoided  by  not  bringing  the  point  of  Bintang, 
I.   A.  3  E 


394  SINGAPORE  STEAIT  ;  EASTERN  PART. 

which  lies  a  mile  W.S.W.  of  Tanjong  Batu  Sow,  to  the  eastward  of  S.S.E., 
until  Pulo  Skeree  (Doea  Island),  which  lies  on  the  East  side  of  the  entrance 
of  Rhio  Strait,  comes  open  of  Tanjong  Subong,  bearing  about  S.W.  Hors- 
burgh  lighthouse  bears  from  the  Langui  Shoal  N.  by  E.  f  E.  7|  miles ;  the 
lighthouse  or  light  therefore  bearing  N.N.E.  i  E.  will  lead  about  a  mile 
westward  of  this  danger.  A  three-fathom  patch  lies  about  half  a  mile  to  the 
southward  of  the  Langui  Shoal,  and  between  them  are  6  to  7  fathoms  water. 

The  Coast  between  Tanjong  Batu  Sow  and  Tanjong  Subong,  forms  a  bay 
about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  deep,  and  oflf  its  East  point,  which  is  about  a 
mile  W.S.W.  from  Tanjong  Batu  Sow,  are  some  islets  and  rocks. 

At  half  a  mile  S.W.  by  W.  from  Tanjong  Pergam,  the  West  point  of  the 
bay,  is  an  islet  called  Pulo  Pergam,  with  a  rock  awash  about  a  third  of  a  mile 
N.W.  by  W.  from  it.  A  rock  awash  lies  about  a  third  of  a  mile  N.E.  |  E. 
from  Tanjong  Subong. 

From  the  above  description,  it  will  be  seen  that  the  whole  of  this  part  of 
the  coast  is  fronted  with  dangers  ;  and  as  it  has  been  but  partially  explored, 
and  it  is  extremely  probable  that  other  dangers  than  those  marked  on  the 
chart  may  exist,  vessels  are  advised  not  to  attempt  to  come  inside  the  Diana 
and  Langui  Shoals. 

Tanjong  Subong,  the  north-western  point  of  Bintang,  and  the  Crocodile 
and  Pan  Shoals,  in  the  entrance  of  Rhio  Strait,  have  been  previously  de- 
scribed on  pages  318  and  325. 

TANJONG  NONGSA,  the  most  northern  point  of  Battam  Island,  bears 
W.  5  N.,  distant  \3^  miles  from  Tanjong  Subong;  South,  nearly  11  miles 
from  Johore  Hill ;  and  S.  by  E.  J  E  7i  miles  from  the  eastern  extreme  of 
Johore  Shoal.  The  shore  reef,  which  extends  a  mile  off  Tanjong  Bomban, 
the  N.E.  extreme  of  Battam,  decreases  in  distance  from  the  shore  towards 
this  point,  and  off  its  eastern  part  does  not  extend  farther  than  1  or  2  cables' 
lengths. 

Pulo  Nongsa,  a  small  island  a  third  of  a  mile  in  extent,  with  a  high  tree 
upon  it,  lies  \\  mile  westward  of  Tanjong  Nongsa,  and  about  half  a  mile  off 
the  nearest  point  of  Battam.  It  is  rather  a  conspicuous  object  when  near 
this  part  of  the  strait,  and  if  kept  open  of  Nongsa  Point  will  lead  a  ship 
clear  of  the  Little  Pan  Shoal. 

Bollan  Bay,  lying  to  the  westward  of  Tanjong  Nongsa,  is  nearly  3  miles 
wide  at  its  mouth,  between  Tanjong  Treng  on  the  East,  and  Tanjong  Pengair 
on  the  West,  and  2^  miles  deep,  narrowing  towards  its  head.  A  detached 
reef  lies  at  the  entrance  of  Bullan  Bay,  a  mile  distant  E.  |^  N.  from  Tanjong 
Pengair.  The  best  anchorage  in  this  bay  for  vessels  of  moderate  draught 
appears  to  be  with  Pulo  Nongsa  bearing  N.E.  by  E.,  and  Tanjong  Treng 
about  E.  by  S.  ^  S. 

BATTAM  BAY,  the  large  bight  immediately  to  the  westward  of  Bollan 
Bay,  is  nearly  7|  miles  wide,  and  2  miles  deep,  being  bounded  to  the  east- 


DIRECTIONS.  395 

ward  by  the  projecting  point  of  which  Tanjong  Stqiiang  is  the  N."W.  extreme, 
and  to  the  westward  by  the  two  Sambo  Islands.  In  the  depth  of  the  bay 
are  two  islands  about  a  mile  apart,  the  eastern  one  of  which  is  named  Man- 
grove Island. 

The  Sambo  Islands,  forming  the  western  limit  of  Battam  Bay,  project 
from  Battam  Island  in  a  N.W.  by  N.  direction,  towards  St.  John's  Islands 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  strait.  Pulo  Sambo,  the  southern  island,  is  nearly 
a  mile  long  and  about  half  a  mile  broad,  and  is  distant  a  little  over  IJ  mile 
from  the  nearest  part  of  Battam.  Little  Sambo,  about  half  the  size  of  Pulo 
Sambo,  lies  about  a  third  of  a  mile  to  the  northward  of  it. 

A  rockg  ledge,  a  third  of  a  mile  in  extent,  lies  N.N.W.  i  W.,  the  outer  part 
distant  two-thirds  of  a  mile  from  Little  Sambo  ;  and  half  a  mile  to  the  west- 
ward of  it  is  another  rocky  ledge.  These  ledges  are  the  outermost  dangers 
on  the  southern  side  of  this  part  of  the  strait,  and  near  them  are  very  irre- 
gular soundings. 

Directions  for  the  Eastern  Fart  of  the  Strait. — The  Middle  Channel  be- 
tween Horsburgh  lighthouse  and  the  Romania  Shoals  is  the  main  entrance 
to  Singapore  Strait  from  the  eastward.  Although  the  South  channel  is  still 
recommended  as  being  preferable  for  sailing  through  in  the  night,  yet  it  is 
so  encumbered  with  dangers,  to  clear  which  no  good  marks  can  be  given, 
that  it  is  seldom  used  by  those  accustomed  to  the  navigation  of  the  strait, 
more  especially  since  the  discovery,  in  1161,  of  the  Brakit  Rock  oflF  Brakit 
Point,  which  is  extremely  dangerous  to  vessels  standing  out  in  the  N.E. 
monsoon.  The  difficulty  and  danger  attending  the  navigation  of  this  chan- 
nel arises  from  the  risk  of  wrongly  judging  the  distance  from  the  lighthouse 
when  endeavouring  to  keep  clear  of  the  South  ledge. 

Coming  from  the  eastward  or  north-eastward  in  the  daytime,  the  entrance 
of  Singapore  Strait  may  be  easily  recognized  if  the  weather  be  fine  and  clear 
by  Bintang  Great  Hill,  a  remarkable  saddle  hill  (1,230  ft.  high)  on  Bin- 
tang  Island,  and  the  sharp-peaked  hill  of  Barbukit  (645  ft.  high),  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  strait.  Bearings  of  these  objects  will  serve  to  fix  the 
vessel's  position  and  guide  her  in  shaping  a  course  to  sight  the  lighthouse. 
In  making  the  entrance  at  night,  if  the  vessel's  position  be  known,  it  will  be 
merely  necessary  to  stand  on  boldly  for  the  light,  being  careful  to  make  a 
proper  allowance  for  the  set  of  the  current,  and  when  the  light  is  seen,  steer 
so  as  to  pass  about  a  mile  to  the  northward  of  it.  Vessels  should  not  get 
within  about  2  miles  ot  the  light  until  it  bears  to  the  southward  of  W.S.W., 
on  account  of  the  dangers  lying  off  its  East  side. 

It  is  from  the  northward,  however,  that  the  strait  is  mostly  made  (viz.,  by 
vessels  coming  from  China),  it  being  now  the  general  custom  for  vessels 
from  Europe  to  enter  from  Rhio  Strait. 

During  the  strength  of  the  N.E.  monsoon  the  current  sets  generally  to  the 
southward  or  S.S.E.,  between  Pulo  Aor  and  the  East  end  of  Bintang,  by 


396  SINGAPORE  STEAIT  ;  EASTERN  PART. 

■which  vessels  running  for  Singapore  Strait  in  thick  weather  are  liable  to 
fall  to  the  southward  of  its  entrance,  if  proper  allowance  be  not  made. 

Departing  from  Pulo  Aor,  steer  to  bring  it  to  bear  about  North  when 
disappearing  ;  if  the  weather  be  clear,  Bintang  Hill  and  Pulo  Aor  may  be 
seen  together  ;  but  this  seldom  happens.  Do  not  bring  the  centre  of  Bin- 
tang Saddle  Hill  to  the  eastward  of  South,  until  Horsburgh  lighthouse  is 
visible  from  the  deck  ;  for  with  the  hill  bearing  South  the  vessel  will  not 
pass  far  outside  the  North  patch  ;  but  it  is  a  safe  bearing  if  the  compass  be 
cori'ect,  and  will  lead  down  in  soundings  of  16  to  13  fathoms.  Bintang  Little 
Hill,  open  to  the  westward  of  Bintang  Great  Hill,  leads  to  the  eastward  of 
the  North  patch. 

In  hazy  weather  Bintang  Hill  is  seldom  visible  until  the  eastern  bank  is 
passed,  in  which  case,  having  Pulo  Aor  disappearing  about  North,  a  course 
S.  by  W.  to  S.S.W.  may  be  requisite  to  counteract  the  south-easterly  cur- 
rent, or  the  ebb  tide  setting  out  of  the  strait  to  the  north-eastward.  The 
depths  will  decrease  regularly  in  steering  southward,  and  the  low  land  will 
prolally  be  seen  to  the  westward,  when  in  20  or  18  fathoms ;  if  so,  coast  it 
along  at  10  or  12  miles'  distance,  until  False  Barbukit  low  sloping  hill  is 
discerned,  appearing  a  little  way  from  the  sea  like  a  clump  of  trees  more 
elevated  than  the  others.  When  this  hill  bears  "VV.S.W.,  15  fathoms  is  the 
fair  track  ;  with  it  bearing  W.  f  S.  and  W.  ^  S.,  overfalls  from  16  to  13 
fathoms  may  be  experienced,  or  probably  less  water,  being  then  about  the 
parallel  of  the  North  patch  and  the  shoal  patch,  with  8  to  10  fathoms,  on 
the  eastern  bank. 

Having  coasted  along  at  10  or  12  miles  distance,  with  the  land  distinctly 
in  sight  from  the  deck,  and  having  brought  False  Barbukit  Hill  to  bear 
about  W.  by  S.,  the  vessel  will  be  approaching  the  North  patch  ;  and  with 
this  hill  bearing  about  W.  f  S.,  if  a  cast  of  10,  9,  or  8  fathoms  is  got,  but 
uncertain  whether  these  soundings  are  on  the  North  patch,  or  on  the  shoal 
patch  of  the  eastern  bank,  haul  to  the  south-eastward  until  in  14  or  15 
fathoms.  Steer  then  South  about  2  miles,  or  until  False  Barbukit  Hill  bears 
West,  when  the  vessel  will  be  to  the  southward  of  the  shoal  patch  of  the 
eastern  bank,  and  abreast  the  North  patch ;  she  may  then  haul  in  to  the 
W.S.W.,  and  get  a  cast  of  10  or  11  fathoms,  and  will  then  be  certain  that 
these  soundings  are  on  the  outer  edge  of  the  Romania  Shoals,  but  in  doing 
so,  heave  the  lead  quickly,  and  if  there  is  less  than  10  fathoms,  haul  out 
directly  eastward  into  15  to  16  fathoms,  and  then  steer  along  the  S.E.  edge 
of  the  shoals  in  16  or  17  fathoms.  If,  when  the  lighthouse  is  discerned,  it 
bears  S.S.W.,  the  vessel  will  be  clear  to  the  eastward  of  the  shoals  ;  but  if 
it  is  seen  bearing  S.  by  W.,  she  will  be  close  to  or  upon  their  edge.  Having 
steered  round  the  shoals  so  far  as  to  bring  the  lighthouse  S.  by  W.,  do  not 
come  under  16  or  17  fathoms  in  passing  along  their  southern  part ;  for  they 
are  there  steep  from  16  to  12,  and  from  12  to  3  fathoms  at  a  cast,  on  some  of 


DIRECTIONS.  397 

the  rocky  patches,  with  the  lighthouse  bearing  from  S.E.  ^  S.  to  South. 
South  Island  just  open  to  the  southward  of  South  Point,  bearing  about  "W. 
by  S.  ^  S.,  leads  clear  to  the  southward  of  all  the  Eomania  Shoals. 

Although  Pedra  Branca  Pock  is  steep-to  on  the  North  side,  it  should  not 
be  approached  very  closely,  for  vessels  are  liable  to  estimate  their  distance 
from  it  sometimes  greater  than  the  truth ;  and,  as  the  tide  runs  stiong,  they 
are  in  danger  of  being  drifted  quickly  towards^  the  rock  without  warning,  if 
they  borrow  near  it  in  light  winds. 

Having  passed  between  the  Eomania  Shoals  and  Lighthouse,  and  bound 
to  Singapore  Poads,  if  the  vessel  be  over  on  the  North  side  of  the  channel, 
steer  about  S.W.  or  S.W.  by  W.,  if  in  mid-channel  about  W.S.W.,  and  if 
near  the  lighthouse  about  W.  by  S.,  taking  care  if  on  the  North  side  of  the 
channel  to  have  Tanjong  Stapah  open  of  South  Point,  before  South  Island, 
of  the  Pomania  group,  is  brought  to  the  eastward  of  N.  by  E.  Having 
brought  the  lighthouse  to  bear  E.  by  N.,  the  opposite  course  (W.  by  S.) 
will  lead  at  a  convenient  distance  from  the  North  shore  of  the  strait  until 
Changhi  Point  bears  North,  when  steer  half  a  point  more  to  the  southward  ; 
the  ships  in  the  roads  will  be  by  this  time  in  sight,  and  be  a  guide  in 
approaching  the  anchorage,  and  as  Tanjong  Catong  is  neared,  the  flagstaff 
on  Fort  Canning  Hill  overlooking  the  town  should  not  be  brought  to  the 
westward  of  "W.  by  N. 

If  the  tide  is  running  to  the  westward  it  is  the  usual  practice  for  vessels 
to  keep  well  over  on  the  North  side  of  the  channel,  especially  in  light  winds, 
for  neglecting  this  precaution  they  have  often  been  swept  by  the  rapid 
current  past  Singapore  Roads  and  the  St.  John's  Islands — the  deep  water  45 
or  50  fathoms,  rendering  it  difficult  or  imposssible  for  them  to  anchor — into 
the  western  part  of  the  strait.  In  doing  this,  however,  they  must  be  cautious 
not  to  go  too  near  the  Johore  Shoal,  which  will  be  avoided  by  keeping  South 
Romania  Island  open  of  South  Point,  or  South  Point  to  the  northward  of 
E.  by  N.  *  N. 

At  Night  keep  a  good  look-out  for  Horsburgh  Light  (page  388),  which 
being  visible  in  clear  weather  at  15  miles,  will  be  in  sight  before  the  vessel 
can  get  too  near  the  dangers  at  the  entrance  of  the  strait. 

If  entering  the  strait  from  the  southward  or  south-eastward,  the  light  is 
seen  bearing  to  the  southward  of  West,  a  course  may  be  shaped  to  pass  about 
2  miles  to  the  northward  of  the  light,  proper  care  being  observed  to  allow 
for  the  set  of  the  tide,  so  that  the  light  is  not  neared  under  2  miles,  on  a 
West  or  N.AV.  bearing,  to  avoid  the  dangers  extending  to  the  East  and 
S.E.  from  it.  Should  the  light,  when  first  seen,  bear  about  W.  by  N.  or 
W.N.W.,  a  vessel  will  be  within  2  or  3  miles  of  the  Brakit  Rock,  over  which 
there  are  but  2  fathoms  water,  and  from  which  the  light  bears  W.  by 
N.  iN.  12i  miles. 

If  when  entering  from  the  northward  the  light  is  made  bearing  anything 


398  SINGAPORE  STRAIT;  EASTERN  PART. 

to  the  southward  of  S.S.W.,  haul  to  the  eastward  until  it  bears  S.S.W., 
which  will  lead  outside  the  North  patch;  approach  the  light  upon  this 
bearing  until  about  2  miles  from  it,  when  a  W.S.W.  course  may  be  shaped 
until  the  light  is  brought  E.  by  N.,  when  keep  it  on  that  bearing,  steering 
W.  by  S.  until  the  light  is  lost  sight  of. 

Continuing  for  4  or  5  miles  farther  on  a  W.  by  8.  course  after  Horsburgh 
Light  has  disappeared,  the  fixed  light  at  Singapore  will  soon  come  in  sight, 
but  in  case  it  should  not  be  distinctly  made  out  by  the  time  Johore  Hill 
bears  N.  by  E.,  do  not  come  under  16  or  17  fathoms  towards  Johore  Shoal, 
and  if  a  cast  of  12  or  11  fathoms  should  be  had  haul  quickly  to  the  south- 
ward, for  this  shoal  is  steep,  and  should  not  be  approached  under  that  depth. 
Be  careful  not  to  mistake  Singapore  Light,  which  will  be  seen  some  dis- 
tance above  the  horizon  when  first  discerned,  and  high  above  the  lights  of 
the  shipping  and  town  as  the  roads  are  neared ;  when  plainly  seen  it  may 
be  approached  on  a  West  bearing  until  the  eastern  extreme  of  Singapore 
Island  (Changhi  Point)  bears  North,  or  Johore  Hill  bears  N.E.  |  E.,  when 
the  light  should  be  brought  to  bear  W.  i  N. ;  as  Tanjong  Catong  is 
approached,  edge  to  the  southward  until  the  light  is  to  the  northward  of 
W.  by  N. 

It  is  very  necessary  to  observe  the  precaution  of  keeping  on  the  North 
shore  of  the  strait  when  nearing  Singapore  Roads  at  night,  for  although  a 
vessel  may  have  entered  the  strait  with  a  strong  N.E.  monsoon,  yet  as  she 
nears  the  roads,  the  wind  will,  in  the  night,  generally  draw  off  the  land 
from  the  north-westward,  making  it  always  very  difiicult  and  sometimes 
impossible  to  fetch  into  the  roads  or  get  into  a  convenient  depth  of  water  for 
anchoring. 

If  bound  into  the  strait  of  Malacca,  a  W.  by  S.  i  S.  course  is  the  fair 
mid-channel  track  from  Horsburgh  Lighthouse,  and  when  within  5  miles  of 
St.  John's  Island,  the  Raffles  fixed  white  light  on  Coney  Island  will  be  dis- 
tinctly seen.  A  vessel  should  steer  up  pretty  close  to  St.  John's  Island, 
avoiding  the  South  side  of  the  strait,  and  proceed  through  the  western  part 
of  the  strait  according  to  the  directions  given  at  pages  364—366  ;  the  Raffles 
Light  bearing  W.S.W.  is  the  fair  channel  mark. 

The  South  Channel  is  sometimes  convenient  for  ships  which  fall  to  lee- 
ward of  Horsburgh  Lighthouse  during  thick  weather,  as  they  have  no  occa- 
sion to  anchor  outside.  If  the  wind  be  north-easterly,  they  may  run  down 
until  within  4  or  5  miles  from  the  Bintang  shore,  remembering  that  Barbukit 
Hill  must  be  kept  four  times  its  own  breadth  open  northward  of  Horsburgh 
Lighthouse,  or  the  lighthouse  kept  westward  of  W.  by  N.  ^  N.  to  clear  the 
Brakit  Rock,  then  haul  to  the  westward,  and  pass  nearly  in  mid-channel 
between  the  shore  and  the  lighthouse  in  11  to  13  fathoms  of  water.  With 
the  wind  at  N.W.  or  N.,  it  will  be  advisable  to  borrow  nearer  to  the  South 
ledge  than  to  the  Bintang  shore,  observing  not  to  approach  too  closely  to  the 


DIRECTIONS.  399 

South  ledge,  as  it  is  covered  at  high-tide.  By  borrowing  towards  the 
weather  side  of  the  channel,  vessels  will  be  enabled  to  reach  well  into  the 
entrance  of  the  strait ;  and  if  the  wind  is  scant  and  the  tide  against  them, 
they  will  have  smooth  water  and  good  bottom  for  anchorage,  until  the  tide 
of  flood  is  favourable  for  proceeding  to  the  westward. 

To  work  throngh  the  Eastern  Part  of  the  Strait. — No  difficulty  will  be  ex- 
perienced by  strangers  in  working  in  either  direction  through  the  eastern 
part  of  the  strait.  The  most  prudent  plan  is  to  keep  towards  the  North 
shore,  as  the  depths  are  more  convenient  for  anchoring  on  that  side  of  the 
strait,  in  case  of  having  to  bring  up.  A  vessel  should  tack  towards  the 
Eomania  shoals,  when  South  Island  is  seen  opening  to  the  southward  of 
South  Point ;  and  when  standing  towards  Stork  Eeef  and  Congaltons  Carr, 
South  Point  should  not  be  brought  to  the  southward  of  W.  ^  S.  When 
South  Island  bears  to  the  eastward  of  North,  Tanjong  Stapah  must  not  be 
shut  in  behind  South  Point  when  standing  to  the  northward  ;  and  from 
thence  the  shore  may  be  approached  into  12  or  11  fathoms.  South  Island 
kept  open  of  South  Point  leads  to  the  southward  of  Johore  Shoal,  and  when 
standmg  towards  this  danger,  if  these  objects  connot  be  seen,  avoid  coming 
under  17  or  16  fathoms,  and  on  no  account  under  12  or  11  fathoms,  for  the 
shoal  is  steep.  From  Johore  Shoal  to  Singapore  Poads  the  shore  may  be 
approached  to  12  or  11  fathoms;  but  it  is  not  prudent  to  go  into  a  lesa 
depth. 

There  are  no  dangers  on  the  South  side  of  the  strait,  excepting  those 
fronting  the  Bintang  Coast  and  the  Crocodile  and  Pan  Shoals,  &c.  But  a 
vessel  should  not  stand  so  far  over  as  to  get  near  these  dangers,  for  no  ad- 
vantage will  be  gained  by  doing  so,  and  the  depths  there  are  inconveniently- 
great  for  anchoring.  Pulo  Nong:sa,  a  remarkable  little  island,  with  a  high 
tree  upon  it,  lying  just  to  the  westward  of  the  entrance  to  Phio  Strait,  is- 
very  convenient  for  taking  bearings  of  when  getting  over  to  the  southward 
near  Phio  Strait,  and  if  kept  to  the  southward  of  West,  will  lead  clear  of  all 
danger  at  the  entrance  of  that  strait. 

To  proceed  from  ISingapore  Roads  to  the  Eastward. — On  leaving  the  roads,, 
steer  about  E.  by  S.  until  past  Tanjong  Catong,  when  a  course  may  be 
shaped  about  East,  and  by  not  bringing  the  flagstalf  on  Fort  Canning  ta 
the  southward  of  West  as  long  as  it  remains  in  sight,  it  will  lead  well  clear 
of  Johore  Shoal.  When  Johore  Hill  bears  North,  the  vessel  will  be  west- 
ward of  Juhore  Shoal,  and  may  steer  E.  by  N.  for  the  lighthouse,  and  passing 
about  a  mile  to  the  northward  of  it,  proceed  to  sea  as  convenient. 


CHAPTEE    X. 


THE    GULF    OF    SIAM,    ETC. 

The  Gulf  of  Siam  extends  from  Pulo  Kapas  on  the  Malay  coast,  245  miles 
N.  by  W.  from  Point  Romania  to  Pulo  Obi,  off  Cambodia  Point,  217  miles 
in  a  N.N.E.  direction.  But  in  order  to  complete  the  description  of  the 
coast,  that  portion  of  the  Malay  Peninsula  South  of  Pulo  Kapas  will  be 
included  in  the  present  chapter.  A  portion  of  this  coast,  more  than  100 
miles  in  extent,  was  surveyed  in  1849  by  Mr.  J.  T.  Thompson,  F.R.G  S.,  the 
surveyor  of  the  Straits  Settlements.  The  rest  is  imperfectly  laid  down,  but 
the  Siamese  Government  have  recently  made  some  new  surveys. 

The  Gulf  of  Siam  has  not  been  completely  surveyed,  but  the  examination 
of  its  shores,  more  than  1,000  miles  in  extent,  made  by  Mr.  John  Eichards, 
E.N.,  in  H.M.  surveying  vessel  Saracen,  in  1856 — 8,  includes  everything 
required  for  its  safe  navigation.  The  ensuing  description  of,  and  directions 
for  the  Gulf  are  chiefly  by  that  ofl&cer. 

The  Winds  and  Seasons  are  described  on  pages  16 — 17,  ante. 

The  Currents  on  page  28. 

The  Passages  to  and  from  the  Gulf,  on  pages  63  to  67, 

The  EAST  COAST  of  the  MALAY  PENINSULA,  from  Romania  Point, 
its  S.E.  extreme,  to  opposite  Pulo  Varela,  is  mostly  lew  and  woody,  its 
general  direction  being  about  N.N.W.  Close  to  the  coast,  especially  off  the 
points,  there  are  many  rocks,  both  above  and  below  water,  but  they  all,  with 
the  exception  of  the  Gading  Rocks,  near  Blair  Harbour,  appear  to  lie  within 
the  3-fathom  line  of  sounding ;  so  that  when  clear  of  Romania  Reef  the 
coast  is  in  most  places  safe  to  approach  by  the  lead. 

It  was  formerly  a  common  practice  for  vessels  bound  from  China  to  Singa- 
pore, or  to  Banka  or  Gaspar  Straits,  to  work  down  close  to  this  coast.  Now, 
however,  as  has  been  previously  remarked  (p.  62),  those  from  China  usually 
stand  to  the  southward  as  soon  as  they  can  weather  the  reefs.  But  vessels 
from  Siam  bound  to  the  southward  against  the  S.  W,  monsoon,  generally  find 


SIBOU  ISLANDS— PULO  TINGY.  401 

it  most  convenient  to  keep  as  close  as  possible  to  the  Malay  coast,  where  they 
meet  with  regular  tides,  whilst  a  constant  northerly  current  is  found  a  few- 
miles  from  the  coast. 

PULO  EU,  in  lat.  2°  7'  N.,  long.  104°  17'  E.,  is  the  south-eastern  of  a 
chain  of  islets  and  rocks  which  lie  in  a  S.E.  direction  from  Pulo  Tingy,  and 
East  and  S.E.  of  the  Sibou  Islands  ;  it  is  described  as  a  round,  bluff  rock. 

Ambong  Reef  is  placed  on  the  chart  7  miles  to  the  N.  W.  of  Pulo  Eu  ;  and 
nearly  in  a  line  between  them  lie  four  small  islets,  or  rocks  above  water, 
named  respectively  Chupa,  Chondong,  Gantajig,  and  Belelei. 
,  Lima  Island,  lying  about  1^  mile  N.W.  of  Ambong  Eeef,  is  nearly  half 
a  mile  in  extent,  and  there  are  two  rocks  above  water  named  Eaket,  about 
half  a  mile  E.S.E.  from  it,  another  rock  just  to  the  northward  of  its  West 
extreme ;  and  another,  named  Sangul,  nearly  a  mile  W.  by  N.  ^  N.  from 
it.  They  all  appear  to  be  connected,  and  surrounded  to  a  short  distance  by 
a  reef. 

SIBOU  ISLANDS.— Sibou,  lying  about  5  miles  to  the  S.W.  of  Pulo  Tingy, 
and  the  same  distance  from  the  coast,  is  a  narrow  island,  3  miles  long  N.W. 
and  S.E.,  and  near  its  South  end  is  a  hill,  553  ft.  high.  A  small  island, 
Middle  Sibou,  and  two  islets  or  rocks  named  respectively  Sibou  Kukus  and 
South  Sibou,  together  with  other  rocks  both  above  and  below  water,  extend 
in  a  south-easterly  direction  from  Sibou,  for  a  distance  of  2  miles.  The 
western  side  of  the  group  is  dangerous  to  approach. 

Sibou  Channel,  between  Sibou  and  the  main,  is  about  2^  miles  wide  in 
the  navigable  part  between  the  danger  limits  on  either  side,  and  perfectly 
clear,  with  general  depths  of  6  to  8  fathoms,  but  of  9  or  10  fathoms  near  the 
island. 

PULO  TINGY,  in  lat.  2°  18'  N.,  long.  104°  9'  E.,  is  conspicuous  from  a 
very  high  peak,  which,  rising  gradually  from  the  low  land  near  the  sea, 
terminates  at  the  summit  in  a  sharp  spire  or  cone,  2,046  feet  high.  The 
island  is  nearly  4  miles  long,  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W,,  and  S.E.  by  E.  |  E.,  and 
2  miles  wide. 

A  cluster  of  islets  and  rocks  extend  nearly  2  miles  southward  and  south- 
eastward from  Tingy  ;  and  on  its  East  side,  about  half  a  mile  off  shore,  is  a 
small  island  named  Ibul,  with  an  islet  between  it  and  the  shore,  and  rocka 
below  water  a  short  distance  outside  of  it.  About  If  mile  off  the  North 
part  of  Tingy  is  a  reef,  called  the  Gebang  Roclcs  ;  and  to  the  south-westward 
of  it  is  the  Siam  Enoll,  of  3  fathoms,  lying  about  1  mile  off  the  N.W.  part 
of  Tingy. 

Morau  Rocks,  or  Arethusa  Beef,  appears  to  be  a  reef  under  water,  extend- 
ing to  the  northward  and  westward  of  a  small  islet,  which  lies  4f  miles 
N.N.W.  from  Sibou  Island,  and  W.  i  S.  from  the  peak  of  Tingy,  nearly  ia 
mid-channel  between  Tingy  and  the  main. 

I.  A.  3  r 


402  GULF  OF  SI  AM,  ETC. 

BABI  ISLANDS. — Babi,  or  High  Island,  lying  9  miles  N.W.  from  Pulo 
Tingy,  is  2i  miles  long  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.,  and  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
broad.  On  its  South  end  are  two  peaks,  the  northern  one  of  which  is  911 
feet  high  ;  some  rocks  appear  to  lie  close  to  its  southern  shore.  Middle  Bahi, 
an  island  about  half  a  mile  in  extent,  with  several  islets  and  rocks  close  to 
it,  Kes  nearly  1 J  mile  north-westward  of  Babi ;  and  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
north-westward  of  Middle  Babi,  is  a  rather  larger  island,  named  North  Babi. 

Captain  Ross,  in  the  Phlegethon,  in  the  month  of  August,  having  found  that 
the  two  watering  places  on  the  S.W.  part  of  Pulo  Tingy  had  dried  up,  pro- 
ceeded to  Pulo  Babi,  and  found  here  three  springs  of  clear  fresh  water,  the 
principal  one  on  the  N.W.  point  of  the  island,  to  the  southward  of  a  small 
patch  of  mangrove  jungle. 

Tikus  Rocks. — A  rock  above  water,  with  small  detached  rocks  around  it, 
lies  3:^  miles  to  the  eastward  of  the  southern  part  of  Babi.  Sakit  Mata  is 
a  rock  awash,  lying  E.  |  N.,  distant  nearly  2 J  miles  from  the  North  point 
of  Babi. 

Rawa  is  a  small  island,  about  half  a  mile  in  extent,  lying  3^  miles  North 
from  Babi,  and  2\  miles  N.E.  from  North  Babi.  From  Eawa  a  chain  of 
islets  and  rocks  extend  3  miles  to  the  north-westward. 

SIRIBUAT  ISLANDS,  bearing  W.  |  S.,  15  miles  from  the  Asses  Ears  on 
Tioman,  and  N.N.W.  7  miles  from  Gurong,  appear  upon  the  chart  as  two 
islands,  the  eastern  and  larger  being  about  If  mile  in  extent.  The  western 
island  is  a  little  more  than  half  the  extent  of  the  eastern  one,  but  is  748  ft. 
high.  The  islands  are  connected  by  a  reef,  upon  which  are  some  islets  and 
rocks. 

BLAIR  Hk'R'ROJi'Bi.—Kahan Island,  \\  mile  long  N.N.W.  ^W.  and  S.S.E. 
^  E.,  and  but  half  a  mile  broad,  lies  W.  by  S.  6J  miles  from  the  Siribuat 
Islands,  and  the  space  between  its  West  side  and  a  prominent  point  of  the 
coast  named  Peniabong  Point,  about  a  mile  distant,  is  known  as  Blair  Har- 
bour. About  a  mile  south-eastward  of  the  South  entrance  of  the  harbour,  is 
a  small  group  above  and  below  water,  named  the  Gading  Rocks ;  there  also 
appears  to  be  rocks  extending  from  the  points  on  both  sides  of  the  South 
entrance,  thus  materially  contracting  the  channel.  A  small  island,  named 
Little  Kaban,  lies  about  a  mile  northward  of  Peniabong  Point ;  other  islets 
and  rocks  lie  to  the  westward  of  the  point.  North-westward  of  Kaban  is  a 
group  of  islets  and  rocks  named  Tonos,  and  in  the  same  direction,  distant  2 
miles  from  Kaban,  is  a  small  island  named  Leiar. 

Blair  Harbour  is  safe,  sheltered  from  all  winds,  with  anchorage  in  4  and 
4J  fathoms,  stiff  mud.  It  is  easy  of  access  by  passing  between  the  North 
point  of  Kan  and  the  small  islands,  where  the  depths  are  6  and  7  fathoms, 
decreasing  to  5  and  4^  fathoms  inside.  There  is  also  good  anchorage  under 
some  of  the  other  islands  farther  out. 

Capt.  Pridham,  R.N.,  who  touched  here  September  8th,  1830,  discovered 


INNER  CHANNEL— PULO  AOR.  403 

a  rock  in  the  entrance  of  the  harbour,  which  uncovers  with  the  falling  tide, 
about  half  a  mile  South  of  Leiar  Island. 

Plenty  of  good  water  may  be  procured  on  Kaban  Island  by  digging  wells 
6  ft.  deep,  about  20  or  30  yards  from  high-water  mark. 

The  INNER  CHANNEL,  between  the  Malay  coast  and  the  groups  of 
islands  just  described,  is  safe  for  ships  of  any  description  by  keeping  along 
the  coast  at  3  or  4  miles  distance.  The  depths  in  it  are  8  to  11  fathoms,  in 
the  fair  track,  usually  soft  ground.  The  channel  is  safe  in  the  day,  but  in 
the  narrow  parts,  among  the  islands,  it  is  prudent  to  anchor  at  night,  because 
some  of  the  rocks  or  islets  are  very  little  above  water. 

Tides. — About  20  miles  to  the  southward  of  the  entranse  to  the  Inner 
channel  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Q*"  14",  and  spring  tides  rise  6 
to  8  ft.  Near  the  Siribuat  Islands  it  is  high  water  at  S**  50",  and  the  rise 
is  9  feet. 

PULO  AOR,  the  southern  peak  of  which,  1,805  ft.  high,  is  in  lat.  2°  26^'  N., 
long.  104°  34i'  E.,  is  generally  adopted  as  a  point  of  departure  by  ships 
bound  to  China,  and  they  also  steer  for  it  on  their  returning  passage.  It  is 
small,  but  high,  and  covered  with  trees.  Being  formed  of  two  hills,  with  a 
gap  between  them,  it  has  the  appearance  of  two  islands  when  viewed  at  a 
great  distance,  bearing  N.E.  or  S.W.,  and  resembles  a  saddle  on  a  nearer 
approach  ;  but  when  it  bears  N.W.  the  hills  are  in  one.  The  easternmost 
hill  is  of  round  form,  like  a  dome,  rather  higher  than  the  other,  and  in  clear 
■weather  may  be  seen  45  or  48  miles  from  the  deck  ;  at  such  times  Bintang 
Hill  and  Pulo  Aor  are  visible  together,  when  midway  between  them. 

The  bay  on  the  S.W.  side  of  the  island  aflfords  shelter  in  the  N.E.  mon- 
soon, when  the  wind  is  between  North  and  E.S.E.  ;  and  here,  persons  unac- 
quainted with  the  entrance  of  Singapore  Strait  frequently  anchor  in  dark, 
hazy,  blowing  weather,  until  it  becomes  more  favourable  for  running  into 
that  strait.  This  has  not  been  a  common  practice  since  the  establishment 
of  the  Horsburgh  light  at  the  entrance  of  Singapore  Strait.  Pinang  Islet, 
covered  with  trees,  lies  off  the  S.E.  point  of  Pulo  Aor,  and  Lang  Islet  lies  off 
the  N.W.  point ;  to  the  N.E.  of  the  latter  is  Dyang  Islet,  larger  than  the  two 
others,  and  separated  from  the  North  end  of  Aor  by  a  narrow  gut,  having  18 
or  19  fathoms  water  in  it. 

The  depths  near  Pulo  Aor  are  from  32  to  35  fathoms  to  the  northward  and 
eastward,  24  and  25  fathoms  to  the  westward,  decreasing  to  16  or  17  fathoms 
towards  Pulo  Tingy,  and  to  21  fathoms  close  to  the  South  end  of  Pulo 
Pemangil. 

Supplies. — Pulo  Aor  is  inhabited,  and  there  is  a  considerable  number  of 
huts  around  the  bay ;  firewood  and  some  cocoa-nuts  may  be  procured,  but  no 
other  refreshments  except  water.  Ships  water  with  their  own  boats,  for  the 
natives,  although  shy  of  strangers,  are  generally  found  to  be  inoffensive  ;  it 
is,  however,  imprudent  to  let  the  sailors  go  up  into  the  country. 


404  GULF  OF  SIAM,  ETC. 

There  is  a  rise  and  fall  of  tide  about  5  or  6  ft.,  although  the  current  in  the 
offing  sets  mostly  with  the  monsoon. 

Directions.  — li  coming  from  the  northward  and  intending  to  anchor  in 
the  bay  on  the  S.W.  side  of  Pulo  Aor  during  N.E.  winds,  pass  on  the  West 
side  of  the  island,  in  order  to  fetch  into  the  bay  so  far  as  the  watering  place, 
which  is  a  small  running  stream  on  its  North  shore.  After  rounding  the 
West  side  of  the  island,  which  is  steep-to,  at  any  convenient  distance,  haul 
into  the  bay  until  Lang  Island  is  on  with  the  N.W.  point,  and  anchor  in  20 
to  15  fathoms,  sandy  bottom,  with  the  extremes  bearing  from  N.W.  to  S.E. 
^  E.,  off  shore  about  half  a  mile  ;  but  sail  ought  to  be  reduced  in  timej 
because  from  20  fathoms  the  bank  is  steep,  and  it  would  be  imprudent  to 
shoal  under  15  fathoms  in  a  large  ship. 

PULO  PEMANGIL  (or  Pisang  or  Pamlelan)  is  distant  11  miles  N.W.  by 
W.  from  Pulo  Aor,  which  it  resembles  when  seen  in  hazy  weather  bearing 
to  the  S.W.  or  southward  ;  for  it  is  formed  of  two  hills  with  a  gap  between 
them,  giving  it  the  appearance  of  a  saddle,  but  it  is  not  so  high  as  Aor. 
Its  South  peak,  1,507  ft.  high,  is  in  lat.  2°  34^'  N.,  long.  104°  22'  E.  It  is 
said  that  water  may  be  obtained  upon  Pemangil ;  but  ships  seldom  stop  here, 
for  it  is  not  inhabited,  and  consequently  affords  no  supplies. 

PULO  TIMOAN,  the  South  end  of  which  is  in  lat.  2°  43'  N.,  bearing 
N.W.  J  W.  about  22  miles  from  Pulo  Aor,  is  11  miles  in  extent,  North  and 
South,  and  from  2  to  6  miles  wide.  This  island  is  composed  of  lofty 
mountains,  the  highest  of  which  rises  to  an  elevation  of  3,444  ft.  and  may 
be  discerned  55  or  60  miles  in  clear  weather.  On  its  South  end  are  two  re- 
markable peaks,  called  from  their  aspect  Asses'  Ears,  standing  on  one  base, 
and  rising  almost  perpendicularly  from  the  sea  to  heights  of  2,525  and  2,294 
feet.  There  is  a  village  on  the  S.E.  side  of  the  island  in  a  small  sandy  bay, 
which  has  ^anchorage  in  20  or  22  fathoms,  sand,  and  may  be  used  during 
fine  weather ;  but  the  bay  on  the  S.W.  side  of  the  island  affords  the  best 
shelter  in  the  N.E.  monsoon. 

Water ;  Wood. — There  is  a  small  river  on  the  East  side  of  this  bay,  where 
boats  can  fill  their  casks ;  but  a  bar  at  the  entrance  prevents  their  going  in 
and  out  at  low  water.  At  a  small  rivulet  on  the  N  W.  side  of  the  bay,  fresh 
water  may  be  filled  at  all  times.  Firewood  may  be  procured  in  abundance 
near  the  shore.  Refreshments  are  not  to  be  had  here,  the  bay  seldom  being 
inhabited.  Ships  seldom  touch  at  this  island,  and  persons  landing  on  it 
must  be  guarded  against  the  deceit  of  the  natives,  and  ought  not  to  penetrate 
into  the  interior. 

The  flood  tide  sets  to  the  northward,  along  the  West  side  of  Timoan,  and 
the  ebb  to  the  southward,  1  or  \h  mile  per  hour,  at  times;  it  is  high  water, 
fuU  and  change,  at  6  hours,  and  springs  rise  7  or  8  ft. 

At  3  miles  South  of  the  Asses'  Ears  is  a  small  island  named  Geeit,  having 
a  small  islet  or  rock  close  to  the  southward  of  it. 


MAEGAEET  SHOAL— PAHANG  ETVEE.  405 

Bara  and  Burong  are  two  rocks  or  small  islets,  lying  in  the  fairway  of  the 
channel  between  Timoan  and  the  Siribuat  Islands.  Bara  lies  6  miles  west- 
ward of  Geeit,  with  the  Asses'  Ears  bearing  N.E.  by  E.  J  E.,  distant  7 
miles ;  some  rocks  below  water  extend  about  a  mile  to  the  northward  of 
Bara.  Burong  is  distant  10  miles  N.W.  I  N.  from  Bara,  the  same  distance 
eastward  of  Timoan. 

2hh'e  is  the  largest  of  the  islands  lying  oflF  the  N.W.  point  of  Timoan,  from 
•which  it  is  distant  nearly  3  miles.  It  is  about  a  mile  in  extent,  and  rocks 
above  and  below  water  extend  about  a  mile  to  the  southward  of  it.  The 
channel  between  Tolie  and  the  N.W.  point  of  Timoan  is  clear,  with  depths 
of  22  and  24  fathoms. 

The  COAST  from  Blair  Harbour  falls  back  6  or  7  miles  in  a  W.N.W. 
direction  to  the  Indau  River  ;  it  then  takes  a  north-westerly  direction  for 
9  or  10  miles  to  the  entrance  of  the  Pontean  River ;  from  thence  it  curves 
round  gradually  until  it  assumes  a  northerly  direction,  which  it  preserves  as 
far  as  the  entrance  of  the  Pahang  Eiver,  48  miles  to  the  northward  of  the 
Pontean. 

Boyah  Rock. — Two  small  islets,  named  Duchong,  lie  nearly  a  mile  off  the 
coast  to  the  southward  of  the  Pontean  Eiver,  and  about  3  miles  eastward  of 
them  is  the  Boyah  Rock,  awash,  with  4  and  5  fathoms  water  around.  From 
the  rock  the  entrance  of  the  Pontean  bears  W.  i|  N.,  5  J  miles  ;  the  entrance 
of  the  Indau  S.  by  E.  |  E.,  6  miles ;  and  the  apex  of  the  western  Siribuat 
Island  W.  by  S.  southerly. 

MARGARET  SHOAL,  in  lat.  2°  59^'  N.,  long.  103°  38'  E.— The  brig  Mar- 
garet, in  working  to  the  northward  along  the  coast,  January,  31st,  1827, 
shoaled  suddenly  from  6  to  4  and  3  fathoms,  3  miles  off  shore.  There  are 
two  conspicuous  little  hills  on  the  low  land,  of  regular  form,  the  northern- 
most of  which  bore  W.  by  S.,  and  the  other  S.W.  by  W.,  when  the  vessel 
"was  in  3  fathoms. 

PULO  VARELA,  in  lat.  3°  18'  N.,  long.  103°  38'  E.,  is  a  barren  rock  12  or 
13  miles  from  the  main,  crowned  with  a  few  bushes,  which  in  clear  weather 
may  be  discerned  about  15  miles.  There  is  a  ledge  of  rocks  even  with  the 
water's  edge,  about  1^  or  2  miles  nearly  North  from  it,  on  which  the  sea 
breaks  in  bad  weather  ;  and  about  6  miles  North  and  N.N.E.  of  it  there  is 
a  rocky  bank  with  overfalls,  probably  not  dangerous,  for  the  least  water  on 
it  is  thought  to  be  about  5  fathoms.  The  channel  inside  Varela  is  con- 
sidered safe. 

PAHANG  RIVER,  the  entrance  to  which  is  in  lat.  3°  34^'  N.,  about  20 
miles  N.W.  of  Pulo  Varela,  was  formerly  a  place  of  great  trade,  and  is  still 
frequented  by  Chinese  junks ;  but  it  is  small,  very  shoal,  and  contracted  by 
sands,  which  project  from  the  low  points  on  each  side.  Pahang  Point  bounds 
the  river  on  the  South  side,  and  has  breakers  stretching  from  it  to  the  N.N.E. 
nearly  1^-  mile;  a  spit  of  hard  sand,  with  3  to  6  fathoms,  extends  about  a 


406  GULF  OF  SIAM,  ETC. 

mile  farther  in  the  same  direction,  on  the  West  side  of  which  vessels  of  mo- 
derate draught  may  anchor  in  4|  or  5  fathoms,  clay  and  sand,  off  shore  1^- 
mile,  with  Pahang  Point  bearing  South  or  8.  i  E,  about  2i  miles.  Large 
vessels  anchor  at  a  greater  distance  from  the  shore. 

The  COAST  from  the  Pahang  trends  about  N.  by  E.  for  a  distance  of  33 
miles  to  a  point  in  4°  8'  N.,  having  high  land  near  it,  between  which  and 
South  Cape,  about  14  miles  farther  to  the  northward,  a  bay  is  formed  with 
some  islands  close  to  the  shore.  From  South  Cape  the  direction  of  the  coast 
alters  to  about  N.  by  W.,  as  far  as  Tingeran,  a  distance  of  about  28  miles : 
between  are  several  bays,  separated  by  Middle  Cape  and  North  Cape,  all  of 
which  have  from  9  to  10  or  11  fathoms  water  within  2  or  3  miles  of  the  shore, 
but  the  projections  or  capes  are  rocky. 

A  chain  of  mountains  commences  inland,  nearly  abreast  of  Pulo  Varela, 
which  converges  towards  the  coast  near  South  Cape,  and  then  extends  along 
it  towards  Tringanu. 

Between  Pulo  Varela  and  Tingeran  the  coast  is,  in  general,  safe  to  ap- 
proach to  8  or  10  fathoms  water  ;  but  there  are  frequently  overfalls  of  1  or  2 
fathoms  in  the  oflB.ng,  or  ridges  lying  parallel  to  the  coast ;  and  there  are 
some  spots  of  7  or  8  fathoms,  sand  and  gravel,  with  9  fathoms  inside  of 
them,  but  this  portion  has  not  been  properly  surveyed. 

HOWARD  SHOAL  was  passed  over  by  Mr.  Howard,  commanding  the  ship 
Janet  Button,  in  1823,  in  lat.  4°  17'  N.,  long.  103°  38J'  E.,  bearing  South 
(or  S.  by  W.)  30  or  31  miles  from  Pulo  Brala,  and  S.E.  |  E.  6  miles  from 
the  River  Camaman.  Upon  this  shoal  he  got  2  fathoms,  rocks,  and  was  in- 
formed by  the  Malay  fishermen  that  there  was  only  1  fathom  on  its  centre. 

Tingeran  River,  the  entrance  to  which  is  in  lat.  4°  49'  N.,  is  formed  close 
under  the  South  side  of  Pocky  Point,  the  latter  being  about  12  miles  West 
from  Pulo  Brala  ;  this  river  is  barred  by  rocks. 

PULO  BRALA,  in  lat.  4°  49'  N.,  long.  103°  38'  E.,  distant  12  or  13  miles 
from  the  main,  is  of  considerable  size,  and  may  be  seen  30  or  32  miles  off  in 
clear  weather ;  when  it  bears  S.  f  W.  its  summit  is  flat,  but  appears  in  hum- 
mocks when  bearing  to  the  S.W.  and  westward.  There  is  a  black  rock  or 
islet  1  or  2  miles  distant  from  its  southern  extreme,  and  two  islets  off  its 
north-western  extreme,  the  outer  one  being  distant  nearly  5  miles. 

Between  this  island  and  the  coast  opposite,  about  Rocky  Point,  the  sound- 
ings are  irregular  in  some  places,  and  the  bottom  rocky  or  sandy. 

PULO  KAPAS  is  considered  as  the  S.W.  limits  of  the  Gulf  of  Siam.  Its 
S.W.  point  is  in  lat.  5°  13'  N.,  long.  103°  16'  4"  E. ;  it  is  H  mile  long, 
North  and  South,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  wide,  and  elevated  478  ft.  A 
large  rock  lies  a  cable's  length  N.W.  of  it.  The  island  is  fertile,  and  in- 
habited by  fishermen,  who  cultivate  a  few  vegetables  for  their  own  consump- 
tion. The  channel,  inside  Pulo  Kapas,  between  the  island  and  main,  is  2|- 
miles  broad,  and  quite  safe. 


TEINGANO  HEAD— EEDANG  ISLANDS.  407 

TRINGANO  HEAD,  bearing  W.N.W.,  distant  about  3  miles  from  the 
North  point  of  Pulo  Kapas,  and  S.S.E.  ^  E.  6  miles  from  the  entrance  of 
Tringano  River,  is  remarkable  as  the  only  rocky  point  in  the  neighbourhood. 
A  rock  awash  at  high  water  lies  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  beach,  and  \^ 
mile  to  the  southward  of  the  Tringano  Eiver  entrance. 

TRINGANO  RIVER. — The  entrance  to  this  river  may  be  easily  known  by 
the  large  gap  or  opening  in  the  coast  line,  as  well  as  by  a  remarkable  cone, 
situated  about  1  mile  to  the  southward  of  the  town.  There  is  also  in  the 
town  a  small  steep  hill,  100  ft.  high,  with  a  fort,  on  which  the  Eajah's  flag 
is  displayed  when  a  vessel  passes  within  signal  distance  of  the  place. 

The  river  has  a  bar,  with  7  ft.  over  it  low  water.  Within  the  bar,  and 
immediately  off  the  town,  there  is  good  anchorage  in  5  fathoms,  but  the 
river  itself  above  the  town  is  very  shallow.  The  Rajah  is  hospitable  to 
strangers,  and  the  natives  of  the  coast  are  friendly.  Wood,  water,  and  fresh 
stock  can  be  procured  at  reasonable  rates. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  the  entrance  of  Tringano  River,  at  8 
a.m.,  and  springs  rise  7  ft. 

EULO  ROCKS. — The  coast  from  the  entrance  of  the  Tringano  trends  north- 
westward, and  is  low  and  slightly  convex  to  Eulo  Village,  where  the  high 
land  approaches  close  to  the  beach.  The  Eulo  Rocks,  a  small  group  of  6  ft. 
elevation,  lie  immediately  off  the  village,  an  eighth  of  a  mile  from  the  beach, 
N.N.  W.  J  W.  9  miles  from  the  entrance  of  the  Tringano  River. 

Seal  Rocks  consist  of  three  distinct  groups,  the  extremes  of  which  lie 
North  and  South,  nearly  a  mile  apart.  The  South  Seal  is  elevated  9  ft., 
the  other  two  groups  only  3  ft. ;  there  are  deep  channels  between  them. 
The  South  Seal  lies  nearly  2^  miles  from  Seal  Bluff,  and  there  is  a  good 
channel  between  it  and  the  blujff,  with  regular  soundings.  Care,  however, 
should  be  taken,  when  standing  towards  the  bluff,  to  avoid  a  rock,  awash  at 
low  water,  lying  North  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  bluff.  Jiukit  Trokit  is  a 
rock,  elevated  140  ft.  above  the  sea,  lying  4  miles  northward  of  the  Seal 
Rocks.  There  is  a  rock,  only  5  ft.  high,  nearly  a  mile  westward  of  it. 
House  Rock,  lying  N.W.  i  N.,  lOj  miles  from  Seal  Bluff,  is  so  named  from 
its  appearance. 

REDANG  ISLANDS.— The  Great  Redang,  the  peak  of  which  is  in  lat. 
5°  48'  16"  N.,  long.  103°  0'  48"  E.,  is  safe  to  approach  on  all  sides.  It  is  sur- 
rounded by  small  islets  and  rocks,  but  they  are  all  bold-to,  and  have  gene- 
rally good  water  inside  them.  There  is  plenty  of  wood  and  good  fresh 
water,  and  turtle  may  be  caught  in  abundance  on  a  beach  at  the  North  part 
of  the  island.  There  is  a  fine  bay  on  the  North  side  and  a  small  harbour 
on  the  South  side  of  the  island.  The  harbour  is  protected  to  the  southward 
by  Pulo  Pinang,  and,  although  small,  might  be  useful  to  a  ship  in  distress 
or  in  want  of  repairs.     There  is  a  village  on  Pulo  Pinang,  and  a  few  huta 


408  GULF  OF  SIAM,  ETC. 

scattered  in  different  parts  of  the  Great  Eedang.  The  conical  peak  of  the 
Little  Redang  is  985  ft.  high.     All  these  islands  are  quite  safe  to  approach. 

PRINTIAN  ISLANDS. — This  group,  lying  about  15  miles  north-westward 
of  the  Great  Redang,  is  also  safe  to  approach.  The  channel  between  the  two 
large  islands,  although  narrow,  is  quite  safe  for  vessels  with  a  leading  wind. 
There  is  good  anchorage  on  either  side  of  the  channel,  but  the  most  secure 
is  to  the  southward.     The  islands  are  inhabited,  but  fresh  water  is  scarce. 

TURTLE-BACK  ISLAND,  so  named  from  its  peculiar  shape,  is  elevated 
346  ft.,  and  bears  N.W.,  distant  26  miles  from  Seal  Bluff.  The  interme- 
diate coast  is  low.  Between  Tringano  and  Turtle-back  Island,  at  the  dis- 
tance of  several  miles  inland,  there  are  two  ranges  of  high  mountains  ;  the 
northern  one  and  nearest  the  coast  is  elevated  3,388  ft.  The  channel  be- 
tween Turtle-back  and  the  Printian  Islands,  as  well  as  the  passage  between 
it  and  the  main,  is  safe. 

KALANTAN  RIVER.— From  Turtle-back  Island  the  coast  trends  N.W.  f 
N.  30  miles  to  the  East  point  of  Kalantan  Eiver.  There  are  no  dangers  on 
any  part  of  it  that  are  not  apparent,  and  attention  to  the  lead  will  always 
indicate  the  distance  from  the  land. 

The  Town  of  Kalantan  stands  on  the  right  bank  of  the  main  river,  5  miles 
fix)m  the  entrance,  near  the  confluence  of  its  delta,  which  consists  of  five 
streams.  The  main  river  at  the  town  is  about  2  cables  broad  and  2  fathoms 
dee^) :  its  banks  here  are  very  sandy.  The  town  extends  about  a  mile  along 
the  river  front,  and  seems  to  be  densely  populated.  The  greater  part  of  the 
population  are  Malays  ;  the  remainder  are  Chinese  ;  Siamese  were  not  seen. 
The  Rajah  is  a  Malay,  subject  to  the  King  of  Siam  ;  both  he  and  his  people 
are  friendly  and  courteous  to  strangers.  The  whole  delta  of  the  river  is  very 
fertile  and  highly  cultivated.  It  produces  immense  quantities  of  cocoa-nuts, 
and  a  great  variety  of  fruits.  Bullocks,  sheep,  goats,  and  fowls  were  plen- 
tiful.    Dollars  are  current. 

The  main  branch  of  the  river  is  the  third  stream  from  the  eastern  one,  and 
was  said  to  have,  in  1856,  9  ft.  over  the  bar  at  high  water  springs.  The  delta 
of  the  river  is  said  to  be  continually  altering  during  the  N.E.  monsoon. 

Vessels  approaching  the  river  from  the  south-eastward  will  be  guided  to  it 
by  three  small  hills,  situated  near  the  coast,  13  miles  to  the  southward.  Two 
of  these  hills  (close  together)  are  called  the  Paps,  and  are  elevated  300  ft.  . 
the  third,  named  Wedge  Hill,  is  elevated  400  ft.,  and  separated  a  short  dis- 
tance. The  Paps  bearing  S.  by  E.  f  E.  will  be  in  line  with  the  sandy  point 
near  the  main  entrance  of  the  river. 

The  Coast  for  25  miles  westward  from  the  main  entrance  of  the  Kalantan 
has  not  been  surveyed,  but  it  is  believed  to  be  quite  safe.  It  is  all  low  land 
for  the  above  distance,  at  the  termination  of  which  there  is  a  remarkable 
conical  hill  standing  on  the  coast  line.     This  hill  is  elevated   1,158  ft.,  and 


PULO  LOZIN— CAPE  PATANI.  409 

bears  S.E.  by  S.  17  miles  from  Baltu  Rackil.  Baltic  Rackil,  in  lat.  6°  40'  36"  N., 
long.  lOr  43'  56"  E.,  is  a  white  rock,  elevated  35  ft.,  and  quite  steep-to. 

Hilly  Cape  is  remarkable  as  the  northern  extreme  of  a  chain  of  hills,  which 
rising  far  in  the  interior,  and  cutting  the  parallel  of  Kalantan  25  miles  west- 
ward of  it,  here  jut  out  into  the  sea,  and  form  an  angle  of  the  coast,  remark- 
able from  its  two  steep  bluffs.  The  easternmost  of  these  bluffs  bears  from 
Baltu  Eackil  N.W.  J  W.  15  miles. 

Pulo  lozin,  in  lat.  T  21'  N.,  long.  102°  1'  48"  E.,  is  7  ft.  above  high  water, 
steep-to  all  around,  and  in  size  and  appearance  resembles  a  vessel  of  about 
100  tons  burthen  bottom  up. 

The  following  information  of  the  navigation  of  this  part  of  the  coast  is 
an  extract  from  the  Bangkok  Calendar,  1873,  and  derived  from  the  surveys 
of  H.S.M.  surveying  brig  Enemy  €haser,  Capt.  A.  J.  Loftus. 

"  From  Hilly  Cape  to  Ligor,  vessels  may  safely  approach  the  shore  to  a 
distance  of  4  miles,  giving  Cape  Patani  a  berth  of  at  least  3  miles,  as  there 
are  shoal  sand  patches,  having  10  ft.  of  water,  in  that  neighbourhood. 
Patani  Bay  is  quite  choked  up,  and  navigable  only  for  small  boats  at  high 
water.  There  is  no  island  existing  off  the  end  of  Cape  Patani,  as  shown  on 
the  old  charts.  The  mouth  of  Patani  Eiver  lies  a  little  to  the  westward  of 
the  meridian  of  the  cape. 

"  Midway  between  Patani  and  Eow  Island,  and  about  3  miles  from  the 
shore,  is  a  hard  patch  of  ground,  having  10  ft.  of  water  on  it.  Pulo  Ticos 
and  Pulo  Kewshan  may  be  approached  on  their  eastern  side  as  close  as  con- 
venient, there  being  plenty  of  water  and  no  hidden  dangers  near  them. 
Inside  these  islands  the  water  is  shoal,  and  not  navigable  for  sailing  vessels 
of  any  size.  Small  vessels  will  find  snug  anchorage  in  2h  fathoms  water, 
bottom  of  mud,  one-quarter  of  a  mile  off  the  S.  W.  end  of  Pulo  Ticos.  When 
coming  in,  or  leaving  the  inner  roadstead,  keep  the  South  end  of  the  island 
(Ticos)  close  aboard.  Large  vessels  will  ride  comfortably  in  5  fathoms  water, 
with  the  South  end  of  Pulo  Ticos  bearing  westerly. 

"  The  coast  from  here  to  the  extreme  North  end  of  Pulo  Tantalam  is  quite 
clear,  with  good  depth  of  water  close-to,  mud  bottom.  The  coast  line  is  not, 
however,  as  represented  on  the  old  charts  ;  the  extreme  end  of  the  Lamcolam 
Pook  being  about  4  miles  farther  South,  and  ^h  miles  farther  East,  than  is 
there  represented.  The  Pook  itself  is  a  narrow,  curved  spit  of  coarse  sand, 
being  about  6  miles  in  length,  and  300  ft.  at  its  greatest  breadth,  and  having 
a  compact  cluster  of  young  fir  trees  on  its  extremity,  which  may  be  seen  at  a 
distance  of  12  miles  from  the  deck. 

"  The  water  is  shoal  off  and  around  this  point,  and  continues  so  to  the  mouth 
of  Ligor  Eiver,  which  bears  from  the  Pook  about  W.  i  N.,  distant  of  miles, 
■when  it  gradually  deepens  to  the  northward.  No  hidden  dangers  have  been 
discovered  from  thence  to  lat.  10°  7'  N. 

1.  A.  3  G 


410  GULF  OF  SIAM,  ETC. 

"  Between  the  Pook  and  Ligor  Creek  the  land  forms  a  deep  bight  to  the 
southward,  where  a  river  named  Pakinham,  1 J  mile  wide  at  its  mouth,  leads 
to  the  inland  sea  in  the  same  direction.  This  bight,  like  that  of  Patani,  is 
navigable  only  for  small  boats  at  high  tide.  To  anchor  in  Ligor  Roads, 
round  the  Pook  at  a  distance  of  4  miles,  steer  to  the  westward,  and  bring 
up  according  to  draught.  If  coming  from  the  northward,  keep  inshore,  and 
anchor  in  suitable  water  near  the  inner  fishing  stakes.  Circumstances  are 
frequently  favourable  near  the  shore  for  vessels  to  beat  down  against  the 
S.W.  monsoon." 

SIX60RA. — The  town  of  Singora  stands  just  within  the  East  point  of  the 
river,  and  contains  about  2,500  inhabitants.  Its  position  may  be  known  by 
two  small  islands  off  the  port,  as  well  as  from  a  remarkable  piece  of  table 
land  at  the  entrance  of  the  river  opposite 4he  town. 

The  anchorage  for  small  vessels  is  in  17  ft.  water,  close  inside  the  inner 
island,  called  by  the  Malays  Fulo  Ticos.  The  river  has  a  bad  bar  at  its 
entrance. 

Wood  and  water  may  be  purchased  at  the  town,  the  latter  from  a  spring 
just  within  the  bar  of  the  river.  Stock  of  every  description  is  plentiful  and 
cheap. 

The  ISTHMUS  of  KRAW  or  Kraa  (Monkey  Isthmus)  is  probably  the 
narrowest  portion  of  the  Malay  Peninsula.  Its  western  side  has  been  alluded 
to  in  our  Directory  for  the  Indian  Ocean,,  page  1067.  The  eastern  inlet  is  the 
Champon  or  Tseoompyoon  River,  which  has  a  bar  with  only  9  ft.  over  it  at  low- 
water.  A  large  town  of  the  same  name  lies  on  its  banks,  20  miles  from  its 
mouth.  The  isthmus  between  this  point  and  the  village  of  Kraw  on  a  branch 
of  the  Pakchan  Eiver  falling  into  the  Bay  of  Bengal,  was  traversed  by 
Captains  Fraser  and  Forlong,  under  the  direction  of  Col.  Fytche,  with  a 
view  to  discover  whether  it  was  available  for  a  canal  or  railroad  across.  But 
the  desirability  of  this,  although  it  may  be  practicable,  is  very  questionable, 
as  two  transhipments  of  goods,  &c.,  would  be  required  to  save  93  hours  be- 
tween Calcutta  and  Hong  Kong ;  and,  moreover,  there  are  no  good  ports  at 
either  end. 

Koh  Krah,  in  lat.  8°  24'  47"  N.,  long.  100°  43'  30"  E.,  is  half  a  mile  long, 
a  third  of  a  mile  broad,  and  530  ft.  high.  Two  high  rocks,  and  a  rock  awash, 
lie  to  the  southward.  A  small  quantity  of  stagnant  fresh  water  may  be 
obtained  on  this  island,  and  turtle  are  so  plentiful  that  150  have  come  up  in 
a  single  night. 

The  coast  between  Singora  and  Champon,  200  miles  to  the  N.N.W.,  has 
not  been  surveyed. 

LEM  CHONG  P'RA,  or  Cape  Chong  P'ra,  is  a  remarkable  craggy  head- 
land of  1,060  ft.  elevation,  in  about  lat.  10°  54'  N,,  long.  99°  28'  10"  E.  A 
narrow  island,  called  Koh  Buot,  lies  2  miles  south-westward  of  the  cape,  and 
■within  the  island  is  a  snug  bay  named  Chong  P'ra. 


LEM  TONG  LAN— PRAN  EOCKS.  411 

lEM  TONG  LAN.— From  Lem  Chong  P'ra,  Lem  Tong  Lan  bears  N.  by  E., 
distant  18  miles.  About  midway  within  the  bay,  formed  by  these  points, 
is  a  level  cliffy  island,  called  Eoh  Tin,  342  ft.  high,  and  nearly  \\  mile  long. 
There  is  no  safe  passage  for  vessels  between  Sing  and  Koh  Tlu.  Lem  Tong 
Lan  is  814  ft.  high,  and  the  coast  being  very  low  within  it,  at  a  distance  it 
makes  like  an  island.  At  11  miles  northward  of  Lem  Tong  Lan  there  is  a 
remarkable  clump  of  conical  hills,  and  a  low  dangerous  island  lies  imme- 
diately off  them,  at  the  distance  of  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  shore. 

From  Lem  Tong  Lan,  Koh  Chan,  an  island  80  ft.  high,  lying  4  miles  off 
the  coast,  bears  N.N.E.,  and  the  distance  is  27  miles,  and  to  Koh  Luem  it  is 
37  miles,  on  nearly  the  same  line  of  bearing. 

KOH  LUEM,  406  ft.  high,  is  the  outermost  of  several  islands  which  lie 
off  the  bays  called  Ao-ti-bon-lai  (?)  and  Ao-ti-now  (?). 

Ao-ti-hon-lai,  the  northern  bay,  affords  the  best  anchorage  for  ships. 
W.S.W.  15  miles  within  the  South  horn  of  Ao-ti-now,  is  the  mountain 
named  Kow  Luang,  elevated  4,326  ft.,  which  is  by  far  the  most  conspicuous 
landmark  on  the  whole  coast. 

KOH  TA-KTJT,  300  ft.  high,  is  I  mile  long,  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.,  and  a 
quarter  wide,  lying  about  N.N.E.  28  miles  from  Koh  Luem  ;  the  coast  be- 
tween these  islands  is  clear,  and  the  soundings  regular. 

Samroiyot  Hills. —  Cui  Point  (corrupted  by  Europeans  into  Cin)  is  the  end 
of  a  spur  running  down  from  a  remarkable  clump  of  rocky  hills  near  the 
coast,  called  by  the  natives  Samroiyot,  or  300  peaks.  At  a  distance  their  ap- 
pearance is  that  of  a  serrated  table  island  ;  the  highest  peak  is  elevated  1,900 
feet.  Samroiyot  is  unlike  any  other  land  in  the  gulf,  and  all  vessels  bound 
to  Bangkok  in  the  S.W.  monsoon  endeavoiir  to  make  it. 

Water. — The  only  fresh  water  to  be  obtained  between  Chong  P'ra  and 
Cui  Point  is  from  wells,  which  have  been  provided  at  places  convenient  for 
the  use  of  native  craft  by  wealthy  benevolent  Siamese. 

PEAN  ROCKS,  two  in  number,  and  each  100  ft.  high,  bear  N.  f  W.  17 
miles  from  Koh  Ta-kut.  The  village  of  Pran  stands  on  the  shore  at  the 
entrance  of  a  river  4  miles  southward  of  these  rocks. 

Between  Koh  Ta-kut  and  the  Pran  Eocks  is  a  dangerous  rocky  patch  of 
1  fathom  water,  from  the  centre  of  which  the  North  patch  of  Koh  Ta-kut 
bears  S.  :^  E.  8  miles,  and  a  remarkable  head  on  the  coast  line  "W.S.W.  2 
miles.  Vessels  should  not  approach  this  part  of  the  coast  nearer  than  2^ 
miles,  nor  stand  into  less  water  than  7  fathoms. 

A  small  headland  stands  out  prominently  from  the  coast  line  at  2  miles 
N.  by  W.  from  the  North  Pran ;  and  East  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the 
centre  of  this  headland  is  a  rock  which  covers  at  haK  flood. 

CHULAI  POINT  is  34  miles  N.  f  E.  from  the  Pran  Rocks.  At  17  miles 
N.  by  E.  \  E.  from  the  North  Pran  there  is  much  rocky  ground,  and  some 


412  GULF  OF  SIAM,  ETC. 

dano-erous  patches  of  only  2  fathoms  water  lie  5  miles  off  shore;  from  the 
outer  patch  Chulai  Peak  bears  N.W.  by  W.  |  W. 

When  passing  the  neighbourhood  of  this  rocky  ground,  it  is  recommended 
not  to  approach  the  coast  nearer  than  6  miles,  nor  to  stand  into  less  water 
than  7  fathoms. 

The  Coast  about  Chulai  Point  and  to  the  northward  of  it  is  all  very  low. 
The  edi<^e  of  the  bank  extends  a  considerable  distance  from  the  shore  and 
is  steep-to,  especially  off  the  village  of  Banlam,  8  miles  northward  of  Chulai 
Point,  where  there  are  only  2  fathoms  at  the  distance  of  3^  miles  from  the 
shore. 

Immediately  round  Banlam  Point  the  low  coast  trends  to  the  north- 
westward, and  the  soundings  in  the  offing  become  regular.  From  this  point 
along  the  head  of  the  gulf  to  the  bar  of  Bangkok  Eiver  the  lead  will  b© 
found  a  safe  guide  by  day  or  night. 

The  town  of  Pechaburri  is  8  miles  up  a  river,  the  principal  entrance  to 
which  is  5i  miles  N.W.  of  Banlam  Point.  It  is  clean,  well  built,  and 
densely  populated,  the  centre  of  a  great  rice-producing  district,  and  evidently 
of  considerable  importance.  In  point  of  climate  it  is  preferable  to  Bangkok, 
and  more  likely  to  agree  with  the  constitutions  of  Europeans.  The  an- 
chorage off  the  entrance  of  the  river  is  far  more  sheltered  in  the  S.W. 
monsoon  than  that  off  the  bar  of  Bangkok  River,  and  cargo  might  be  safely 
embarked  at  all  times. 


EAST  COAST  OF  THE  GULF. 

PULO  OBI,  the  main  island  of  the  Obi  group,  lies  about  11  miles  S.E.  by 
S.  of  Camao  Point,  the  south-western  extreme  of  Cambodia,  which  bounds 
the  East  side  of  entrance  of  the  Gulf.  The  island  is  nearly  2J  miles  long 
N.E.  and  S.W.,  and  rather  narrow  near  the  middle,  the  widest  and  highest 
part  being  the  S.W.,  which  is  elevated  1,046  ft.  From  its  S.W.  end  Camao 
Point  bears  N.N.W.  f  W.  12  miles;  and  Hull  Eock  S.E.  |  E.  4  miles. 
There  are  also  two  small  islands  within  a  mile  of  the  S.E.  point  of  Obi, 
which  contract  the  channel  between  them  and  Hull  Eock  to  little  more  than 
2  miles.  The  approaches  to,  and  passages  between  all  these  islands,  are  quite 
safe  by  keeping  at  a  prudent  distance  from  the  shore. 

The  channel  between  Pulo  Obi  and  the  depth  of  3  fathoms  on  the  bank 
extending  from  the  coast  of  Cambodia,  is  rather  less  than  2  miles  wide,  has 
6  to  15  fathoms  in  it,  and  is  quite  safe  to  navigate.  Marsh  Eeef,  lying  N.  ^ 
W.  3 J  miles  from  the  North  point  of  Obi,  is  a  dangerous  group  of  rocks 
awash  at  low  water. 

There  are  two  small  pebbly  bays,  one  on  the  N.W.,  the  other  on  the  S.K 


PULO  PANJANG.  413 

side  of  Pulo  Obi.  The  best  anchorage  is  directly  oflP  these  bays,  on  either 
side  of  the  island,  according  to  the  monsoon,  at  about  half  a  mile  from  the 
shore. 

Frenh  water  is  plentiful  in  the  N.W.  and  S.E.  bays,  but  the  shores  are  not 
convenient  for  embarking  it.  All  the  islands  are  densely  wooded.  No  in- 
habitants were  seen. 

M.  Wj'st,  commanding  the  Alan  Prah,  made  some  examination  of  Pulo  Obi 
in  1867.  He  found  good  anchorage  off  the  S.W.  side  of  the  island,  and 
traces  of  human  beings  on  the  coast  in  the  vicinity.  The  bay  on  the  N.E. 
side  of  the  island  he  found  to  consist  of  two  bays,  the  southernmost  of  which 
has  the  deepest  water,  and  is  most  frequented.  In  the  valley  extending  from 
the  head  of  this  bay  was  found  a  small  chapel,  said  to  be  visited  by  Chinese 
sailors  at  times. 

PULO  PANJANG,  the  main  island  of  the  Panjang  group,  is  in  lat.  9°  18' 
14"  N.,  long.  103°  28'  14"  E.  It  is  3  miles  long.  East  and  West,  2  miles 
wide,  and  of  a  nearly  uniform  height  of  550  ft.,  making  hke  table  land  from 
the  sea  in  every  direction.  There  are  two  small  islands,  having  deep  chan- 
nels between  them,  at  about  a  mile  from  its  East  end ;  and  one  connected 
with  its  South  point.  Besides  these  there  is  a  large  white  rock,  75  ft.  high, 
S.  by  W.  1 J  mile  from  its  South  point ;  and  two  large  rocks,  named  East 
Island  and  Table  Rock,  elevated  110  and  40  ft.  respectively,  bearing  from 
the  N.E.  part  of  Panjang  N.E.  by  E.  8^  miles. 

During  the  N.E.  monsoon  the  bay  on  the  S.W.  side  of  Pulo  Panjang 
affords  capital  shelter  and  good  anchorage.  Fresh  water  and  wood  can  be 
obtained  in  abundance  in  the  bay,  and  fish  may  be  caught  in  any  quantity 
with  a  seine.  The  anchorage  on  the  S.E.  side  of  the  island  is  very  in- 
different.    The  island  is  not  inhabited. 

Caution. — Pulo  Way,  Veer  Islet,  Koh  Prins,  the  Tanqualah  group,  and 
the  Depend  Eeef,  were  regularly  surveyed,  and  the  soundings  taken  in  the 
neighbourhood  seem  to  denote  that  the  passages  between  them  are  safe ;  but 
as  time  woidd  not  permit  these  approaches  from  the  northward  and  westward 
to  be  sounded,  caution  must  be  observed  when  steering  for  them  from  those 
quarters. 

The  channel  between  these  islands  and  Koh  Tron  is  believed  to  be  quite 
clear  and  safe. 

PULO  WAY,  or  Koh  Kicang  Noi,  about  50  miles  N.W.  of  Pulo  Panjang, 
consists  of  two  islands  about  the  same  size,  nearly  the  same  height  (250  ft.) 
each  beingjnearly  2  miles  long,  E.S.E.  and  W.N.W.,  and  a  quarter  to  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  wide.  They  are  distant  nearly  a  mile  from  each  other. 
East  and  West,  and  the  channel  between  them  is  quite  safe.  A  rock,  ele- 
vated only  3  ft.  above  high  water,  lies  E.  by  S.  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
from  the  East  point  of  the  eastern  island  ;  and  there  is  a  dangerous  patch 
on  which  H.M.S.  Saracen  struck,  with  only  4  ft.  on  it,  lying  N.  by  W.  ^  W. 


414  GULF  OF  SIAM,  ETC. 

three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  N.  W.  end  of  the  same  island.  Good  an- 
chorage will  be  found  oflP  the  North  side  of  the  eastern  island,  but  the  best 
berth  is  off  a  sandy  bay  on  the  N.E.  side  of  the  western  island. 

The  natives  obtain  their /resA  ivater  from  a  well  about  the  middle  of  the 
eastern  island  ;  and  from  appearance,  good  water  might  be  obtained  in  this 
way  on  any  part  of  either  island  at  a  moderate  distance  from  the  shore.  The 
islands  are  covered  with  wood  ;  the  beaches  afford  turtle  ;  and  a  single  cast 
of  the  seine  will  generally  procure  a  boat  load  of  fish. 

KOH  TANG  or  Tanqualah  Island,  bearing  N.N.E.  |  E.,  2^  miles  from 
Pulo  Way,  is  SJ  miles  long,  very  narrow,  and  has  a  peak  rising  to  an  eleva- 
tion of  440  ft.  near  its  North  end.  The  fine  clean  sandy  bay  on  its  eastern 
side  will  afford  good  anchorage  in  the  S.W.  monsoon. 

DEPOND  REEF,  in  lat.  9°  58^'  N.,  long.  103°  7'  33"  E.,  is  about  half  a 
cable's  length  in  diameter,  just  awash  at  low  water,  steep-to  on  all  sides, 
and  in  fine  weather  might  not  be  noticed  until  close  upon  it.  From  it  the 
peak  of  Tanqualah  is  faintly  seen  bearing  N.  i  W.,  distant  \^h  miles  ;  and 
the  peak  at  the  South  end  of  the  western  Pulo  Way  is  visible  over  the  middle 
of  the  eastern  Pulo  Way,  W.  by  S.  ^  S.  nearly  14^  miles.  The  islands  form- 
ing Pulo  Way  are  well  in  sight  from  an  elevation  of  15  ft. 

Condor  Reef.* — The  Bremen  barque  Condor,  3rd  February,  1860,  was 
totally  lost  on  a  sunken  reef,  said  to  lie  in  lat.  10°  42'  N.,  long.  102°  48'  E. 
The  reef  was  afterwards  searched  for  by  Lieut.  Ellis,  E.N.,  in  the  gunboat 
Weazel,  but  without  success,  owing  to  rough  weather.  A  patch  of  9  fathoms 
•with   15  to  20   around  it  was,  however,  found  in  10°  41'  N.,   102°  51'  E. 


*  Doubtful  Dangers. — The  following  dangers  may  be  considered  not  to  exist,  as, 
coupled  with  the  fact  that  they  have  been  carefully  and  unsuccessfully  searched  for,  there 
are  hundreds  of  vessels  every  year  navigating  in  their  vicinity  without  noticing  their 
existence : — 

John  Wade  ifocA;.— Commander  Fitzroj',  of  H.M.  gun-vessel  Avon,  on  a  recent  passage 
from  Singapore  to  Bangkok,  passed  over  and  carefully  searched  about  the  position  ascribed 
to  the  John  Wade  Eock,  in  lat.  10°  40'  N.,  long.  101°  48'  E.,  but  no  sign  of  danger  could 
be  discovered.  This  very  doubtful  rock,  on  which  the  American  ship  of  that  name  was 
reported  to  have  been  lost  at  3  p.m.  on  26th  March,  1858,  has  been  frequently  looked  for  in 
other  vessels  with  the  like  result,  and  its  existence  is  altogether  discredited  by  those  accus- 
tomed to  the  navigation  of  the  Gulf  of  Siam. 

Emanuel  Beef,  reported  in  1862  by  the  French  ship  Emanuel,  in  lat.  11°  49' N.,  long. 
101°  19'  E.,  and  with  Chong  Samit  bearing  N.  \  E.,  was  also  searched  for  in  the  Avon  with 
no  better  success ;  nothing  like  danger  could  be  met  with  in  the  locality.  Captain  Bush, 
harbour  master  at  Bangkok,  reports  that  after  a  careful  search  of  nearly  three  days,  under 
very  favourable  circumstances,  he  was  unable  to  discover  anything  like  danger  in  the 
vicinity,  and  is  sure  that  the  look-out  man  was  deceived. 

A  shoal  reported,  in  1864,  to  lie  in  lat.  11°  59'  N.,  long.  101°  10'  E.,  was  also  passed  over 
in  the  Avon  ;  the  soundings  on  and  near  the  spot  were  20  fathoms.  This  doubtful  danger 
appears  to  have  found  a  place  on  the  chart  from  verj'  insufiicient  data. 


CAMBODIA  POINT— FALSE  PULO  OBI.  415 

Captain  Thompson,  of  the  brig  Katinka,  in  March,  1872,  saw  the  reef,  which 
he  placed  in  lat.  10°  43'  N.,  long,  (by  their  good  sets  of  observations) 
102°  51'  E.  The  most  complete  account  is  by  Lieut.  Yeron,  of  the  French 
navy,  who  examined  the  reef  in  the  steamer  Ze  Frelon,  who  describes  it  as 
follows  : — Condor  Reef  is  a  rocky  plateau  half  a  cable  in  extent,  and  from 
16  to  20  ft.  below  the  surface,  except  at  six  points  which  rise  above  the 
general  level  of  the  reef  to  within  6  to  1^  ft.  of  the  surface.  The  shoalest 
point  is  on  the  S. W.  part  of  the  reef ;  from  this  point  the  depth  increases  in 
the  same  proportion  toward  the  North  and  South ;  that  is,  5A-  fathoms  at 
110  yards,  and  13  fathoms  at  220  yards.  Toward  the  East  the  depth  in- 
creases gradually  to  13  fathoms  at  half  a  mile  from  the  same  point,  but  it 
changes  rapidly  to  16 J  fathoms  outside  of  that  distance.  On  the  West  side 
the  change  is  more  rapid ;  6  fathoms  of  water  is  found  at  55  yards,  from 
thence  it  increases  rapidly  to  1 6J  fathoms,  and  22  fathoms  water  is  found  at 
3  cables  West  of  the  shoalest  point.  From  the  head  of  the  reef  or  shoalest 
spot  the  bearings  true  are  as  follows :  The  western  island  of  the  Koh-Samit 
group,  N,  37°  E.  The  islet  situated  between  the  Koh-Kong  and  Middle 
Island,  N.  76°  E.  The  highest  peak  of  Koh-Kong  S.  88°  E.  These  bear- 
ings give  the  position  of  the  reef:  Lat.  10°  43'  40"  N.,  Long.  102°  53'  19"  E. 

Runs  Heefis  marked  in  lat.  10°  43'  N.,  long.  102°  35'. 

CAMAO  or  CAMBODIA  POINT,  the  south-western  extreme  of  Cambodia, 
is  low  and  covered  with  trees,  and  cannot  be  seen  farther  than  about  9 
miles  from  the  deck  of  a  small  vessel.  The  edge  of  the  bank  off  the  point  is 
very  steep-to,  the  soundings  decreasing  at  once  from  8  to  2  fathoms,  which 
latter  depth  will  be  found  at  the  distance  of  2  miles  off  shore.  Abreast  Pulo 
Obi  the  edge  of  the  bank  is  fully  5  miles  off  shore  ;  it  is  very  steep  also  to 
the  eastward  along  its  southern  edge,  and  as  several  rocks  have  been  found 
within  the  5  fathoms  line,  it  will  be  prudent  when  passing  not  to  go  into  less 
than  8  fathoms  water. 

To  the  northward  of  Camao  Point  the  soundings  are  regular,  and  the 
coast  may  be  approached  with  safety. 

From  Camao  Point  the  land  trends  in  an  E.N.E.  direction  17  miles  to 
the  Camao  River  entrance,  which  is  nearly  dry  at  low  water.  Excepting  tho 
scattered  huts  of  a  few  solitary  fishermen,  no  signs  of  inhabitants  were  seen 
near  it. 

From  hence  the  coast  takes  a  northerly  direction  to  abreast  Pulo  Dama. 
The  land  is  all  very  low,  with  the  exception  of  the  Paps,  two  small  rocky 
bluffs,  elevated  100  ft.  on  the  coast  line,  bearing  N.E.  J  E.  20  miles  from 
False  Pulo  Obi. 

FALSE  PULO  OBI,  bearing  N.N.W.  2  W.  23  miles  from  Camao  Point,  is 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  long,  half  a  mile  broad,  elevated  500  ft.,  with  cliffy- 
sides,  and  steep-to  all  round.  At  4  miles  to  the  S.S.E.  ^  E.  is  a  small 
rocky  island,  elevated   167  ft.,  with  a  ledge  of  rocks  projecting  a  quarter  of 


416  GULF  OF  SI  AM,  ETC. 

a  mile  from  its  East  side.  The  channel  between  these  two  islands  is  quite 
safe  ;  and  there  is  a  fine  safe  channel  12  miles  wide,  between  them  and  the 
main. 

Pulo  Dama  is  3^  miles  long,  North  and  South,  1  mile  wide,  and  near  its 
centre  is  a  sharp  peak,  elevated  1,077  ft.  Three  small  islands  lie  off  its 
North  point,  and  there  are  also  several  off  its  S.E.  end.  No  fresh  water, 
and  no  inhabitants. 

Tammassou  is  a  high  table  island,  elevated  1,390  ft.,  with  steep  cliffy 
sides,  bearing  about  E.N.E.  16  miles  from  Pulo  Dama.  The  island  is  safe  of 
approach  in  every  direction.     A  little  fresh  water  was  found  on  it. 

Teeksou  Island,  N.E.  |  E.  13  miles  from  Tammassou,  is  of  conical  form, 
and  elevated  1,380  ft.  There  is  no  passage  for  ships  to  the  eastward  of  this 
island. 

Teksia  Peak  is  a  cone  of  810  ft.  elevation,  bearing  N.N.E.  7  miles  from 
Teeksou,  and  remarkable  as  the  first  high  land  on  the  main  seen  on  ap- 
proaching from  the  southward.  Between  this  peak  and  Teeksou  there  is  an 
anchorage  for  large  trading  junks,  whose  cargoes  are  brought  out  from  the 
neighbouring  town  in  the  flat  boats  of  the  country. 

TABLE  HEAD  is  a  rocky  headland,  elevated  600  ft.,  bearing  W.  by  N., 
15  miles  from  Teksia  Point.  The  coast  between  foi'ms  a  deep  sandy  bay, 
having  several  small  rivers  falling  into  it.  This  bay  is  very  shoal ;  and  a 
dangerous  rock,  awash,  lies  S.E.  ^  S.  4 J  miles  from  Table  Head. 

TEKERE  or  MINGHUE,  a  cone-shaped  island,  elevated  1,120  ft.,  and 
bearing  S.W.  J  S.  8  miles  from  Table  Head,  is  the  largest  of  an  archipelago 
of  islands  and  rocks,  that  extend  westward  and  south-westward  from  Table 
Head.  There  are  two  islets,  named  Outer  Island  and  Shark  Island,  to  the 
south-westward  of  Tekere ;  and  there  is  one  also,  called  West  Island,  lying 
about  midway  between  Tekere  and  the  Twins,  in  the  fairway  channel  for 
vessels  approaching  Cancao  from  the  southward. 

CANCAO  RIVER  has  on  either  side  of  its  entrance  high  bluffs,  which, 
together  with  the  gap  dividing  them,  are  remarkable  from  the  westward  : 
and  from  this  direction  the  town  of  Cancao,  which  stands  at  the  entrance, 
may  be  seen  at  the  distance  of  6  or  7  miles.  The  anchorage  off  the  town  is 
good,  and  the  soundings  regular.  In  working  up  to  it  from  "West  Island, 
care  should  be  taken  not  to  make  too  free  with  the  islands  on  either  hand  ; 
many  of  them  being  surrounded  by  dangerous  rocks. 

Cancao,  named  on  the  French  charts  Hatien,  is  said  to  have  a  population 
of  8,000.  The  entrance  of  this  river  now  belongs  to  the  French,  having  been 
recently  ceded  to  that  government  by  the  King  of  Cambodia.  There  is  a 
large  fort  in  front  of  the  town  to  seaward  to  defend  the  entrance  of  the 
river.  This  river  communicates  by  a  canal  with  the  great  Cambodian  river 
Makiang,  and  is  the  route  by  which  the  produce  of  the  interior  is  brought 
down  to  the  coast.     Some  native  boatmen  assured  a  French  missionary 


KOH  TRON.  417 

iresident  at  Kamput  that  there  is  a  13-feet  channel  into  the  Cancao  River. 
Lieut.  Richards  only  found  7  ft.  at  high  water.     Government  boats  were 
sent  out  to  warn  the   Saracen  oflF,  but  it  was   done  with  civility.     The  fort 
occasionally  fires  on  merchant  vessels  passing  near. 

As  no  European  vessel  is  allowed  to  anchor  off  Cancao,  they  are  obliged 
to  rendezvous  at  Kamput,  to  which  anchorage  their  cargoes  are  convej'ed  in 
Cancao  junks. 

Between  Cancao  and  Kep  Point,  10  miles  to  the  north-westward,  the  coast 
is  only  navigable  for  junks.  There  is  no  safe  passage  for  ships  inside  the 
Pirate  Islands  ;  the  Saracen  grounded  twice  in  making  the  attempt. 

Anchorages. — Mr.  Brown,  commanding  the  English  brigantine  Acis, 
January,  1860,  recommends  the  following  anchorages  to  vessels  bound  to 
Cancao,  the  approaches  to  which  are  marked  on  the  chart.  That  eastward 
of  Great  Pirate  Island  will  be  most  useful  to  vessels  trading  with  Cancao  in 
the  S.W.  monsoon.  The  anchorage  eastward  of  North  Pirate  Island  may 
also  be  of  service  to  vessels  of  light  draught  in  the  same  monsoon,  and  so 
may  that  under  the  South  side  of  Peaked  Island  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  ;  but 
it  is  to  be  feared  that  the  channels  leading  to  the  two  latter  anchorages  will 
.be  found  rather  intricate.  A  2§- fathom  shoal  is  reported  by  Mr.  Brown  as 
extending  2^  miles  W.  by  N.  from  North  Pirate  Island ;  and  he  further 
states  that  he  found  a  4|-fathom  channel  between  Ragged  Rock  and  the 
nearest  Pirate  Island,  where  2f  and  3J  fathoms  are  marked  on  the  chart. 

The  anchorage  under  the  South  side  of  Peaked  Island  is  stated  to  be  the 
best  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  for  vessels  that  have  sometimes  to  receive  cargo 
both  from  Kamput  and  Cancao.  A  vessel  of  large  draught  should  approach 
this  anchorage  from  the  westward,  by  the  main  channel  about  3  miles  West 
of  the  Pirate  Islands. 

East  and  West  Brother  are  two  small  islands,  473  and  406  feet  respec- 
tively in  height,  lying  off  the  South  point  of  Koh  Tron.  They  bear  nearly 
E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.  from  each  other,  and  are  3  miles  apart. 

KOH  TRON,  called  by  the  natives  JToh  Dud,  is  of  a  triangular  form,  26 
miles  long,  North  and  South,  and  14  wide  at  its  broadest  part,  which  is 
near  the  North  end.  Along  its  N.E.  side  is  a  mass  of  high  table  land, 
elevated  about  1,600  ft. ;  farther  southward  is  a  remarkable  quoin-shaped 
hill,  and  there  are  some  remarkable  conical  hills  and  bluffs  at  the  South  end 
of  the  island.  There  are  also  some  hills  of  moderate  height  near  the  N.W. 
point ;  the  remainder  of  the  island  is  low.  The  eastern  shore  is  dangerous 
to  approach,  it  being  fringed  with  coral  reefs  and  sunken  rocks,  but  the 
island  is  quite  clear  of  danger  in  every  other  direction.  Eresh-water  streams 
abound,  especially  along  the  eastern  shore. 

Directions  for  South  Channel  to  Kamput.— The  Brothers,  with  Pulo  Dama, 
are  the  chief  guides  when  bound  to  Kamput  from  the  southward.     Vessels 

LA.  3  H 


418  GULF  OF  SIAM,  ETC. 

intending  to  take  the  South  channel  to  Kamput  may,  if  necessary,  pass 
northward  of  the  Brothers,  but  they  should  not  approach  Eound  Hill  Point 
(the  South  point  of  Koh  Tron)  nearer  than  3  miles,  as  a  rocky  ridge  with  2J 
fathoms  on  it  extends  E.S.E.  2|  miles  from  the  point. 

The  eastern  shore  of  Koh  Tron,  particularly  from  abreast  Pulo  Cici  to  its 
North  point,  is  very  dangerous.  In  standing  towards  the  Koh  Tron  shore, 
always  tack  when  the  soundings  deepen  suddenly.  Pulo  Cici,  or  the  Twins, 
are  two  small  islets  covered  with  trees,  and  connected  together  by  a  reef  of 
rocks;  the  northern  islet  is  213  ft.  high.  A  vessel  ixay  pass  at  a  mile  on 
either  side  of  them. 

Caution. — Between  Koh  Tron  and  Pulo  Cici  lies  the  Rosita  Hock,  on  which 
an  English  schooner  of  that  name  struck.  It  is  of  coral,  half  a  cable's  length 
in  diameter,  of  only  2  ft.  water,  and  steep-to  on  all  sides,  but  may  be  seen 
at  a  short  distance  from  aloft  by  the  discoloured  water.  The  high  Twin 
bears  from  it  S.E.  by  E.  4J  miles  ;  South  Pirate  Island,  E.  f  S.  ;  Grunung 
Susu  or  Paps,  300  ft.  high  (about  a  mile  North  of  Bumbi  Bluff),  N.  ^  W. ; 
and  Byoot  Peak,  1,608  ft.  high  (near  the  N.E.  point  of  Koh  Tron),  N.W.  by 
W.  J  W.,  westerly. 

North  Channel  to  Kamput. — For  all  large  vessels  the  channel  northward 
of  Koh  Tron  is  recommended,  as  the  water  is  deep  and  the  soundings  regu- 
lar. Caution  should  be  used  in  standing  towards  the  edge  of  the  North 
bank  near  the  western  entrance  of  the  Kamput  River,  as  it  is  steep-to  and 
rocky.  The  ground  is  also  foul  at  the  North  point  of  Koh  Tron.  A  number 
of  large  rocks  20  ft.  high  extend  about  2  cables'  lengths  from  the  point, 
having  others  near  them  under  water. 

The  western  entrance  of  the  North  channel  between  "Water  Island  and 
Koh  Tron,  is  2|  miles  wide,  but  there  is  a  large  flat  rock  just  within  it,  and 
lying  North  half  a  mile  from  the  N.W.  point  of  Koh  Tron  ;  and  a  rocky 
island  covered  with  trees  lies  W.  by  S.  1^  mile  from  the  same  point.  There 
are  also  two  other  small  rocky  islands  to  the  southward  of  the  entrance. 

In  passing  through  this  channel  vessels  should  not,  if  possible,  pass  inside 
Flat  Rock  or  any  of  the  above  small  islands,  as  the  ground  is  foul  between 
them  and  Koh  Tron,  and  the  set  of  the  tides  irregular. 

The  Anchorage  off  Kamput  is  in  4  fathoms,  with  Bumbi  cone  in  line  with 
the  Paps,  N.  %  W.,  and  Kep  Peak  E.  f  S.  Bullocks,  pigs,  fowls,  ducks,  and 
eggs  were  purchased  very  cheap.  Of  vegetables  there  were  great  variety, 
and  the  market  had  a  good  supply  of  fruit.  Wood  was  plentiful ;  water  can 
be  obtained  from  wells  near  the  town,  but  it  is  muddy  and  bad,  and  pro- 
cured with  great  difficulty. 

Good  anchorage  will  be  found  on  the  N.W.  side  of  Water  Island  in  4 
fathoms  water,  at  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  shore  ;  and  all  vessels  in- 
tending to  remain  any  length  of  time  at  Kamput  would  do  well  to  anchor 
here  and  complete  their  water.     The  watering  place  is  in  a  sandy  bay  on 


BAY  ISLAND— KUSEOVIE  ROCK.  419 

the  N.W.  side  of  the  island  ;  there  is  a  fine  running  stream,  and  as  the 
beach  is  very  steep,  the  water  is  easily  embarked.  This  bay  is  also  a  good 
place  to  haul  the  seine. 

BAY  ISLAND. — Sailing  from  Kamput  to  the  westward,  after  passing 
Water  Island,  and  a  shallow  inlet  in  the  bight  of  the  bay  to  the  northward 
of  it,  Bay  Island  will  become  conspicuous  from  its  position,  as  well  as  com- 
parative magnitude.  It  is  2J  miles  in  diameter,  elevated  380  ft.,  and  its 
outer  or  South  point  bears  \Y.  by  N.  J  N.  13  miles  from  the  southern  extreme 
of  Water  Island. 

Kapongsom  River. — From  Bay  Island  the  coast  trends  to  the  northward 
towards  the  estuary  of  the  Kapongsom  River,  which  is  13  miles  wide,  and, 
as  far  as  it  was  examined,  quite  safe.  The  deep  water  appeared  to  be  along 
the  southern  shore. 

RONG  SAM  LEM,  the  southernmost  of  a  chain  of  islands  that  front  the 
estuary  of  the  Kapongsom,  is  5  miles  long,  North  and  South,  elevated  780 
feet,  and  its  shores  are  steep  and  quite  safe  of  approach.  On  its  N.E.  side 
there  is  a  fine  bay,  named  after  the  Saracen,  which  indents  the  island  so 
deeply  as  almost  to  divide  it  into  two  parts,  and  affords  good  anchorage  for 
the  largest  vessels.  Wood  and  fresh  water  may  be  had  in  abundance  at  the 
head  of  the  bay,  but  it  is  easier  procured  just  without  the  bay  to  the  north- 
ward, where  the  beach  is  steep-to.  Between  Rong  Sam  Lem  and  the  nearest 
point  of  the  main,  a  distance  of  9  miles  across,  may  be  considered  the  proper 
entrance  into  the  estuary  of  the  Kapong.som. 

KOH  RONG,  lying  2i  miles  northward  of  Rong  Sam  Lem,  is  8  miles  long, 
N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  5  broad.  The  greater  portion  of  the  northern  end  of 
this  island  consists  of  table  land,  the  highest  part  of  which,  elevated  1,158 
feet,  descends  with  a  slope  to  the  southward,  and  rises  again  near  the 
southern  extreme,  where  it  terminates  in  a  sharp  peak.  Its  shores  are 
generally  steep  and  foul. 

There  are  no  inhabitants  on  any  of  these  islands. 

The  channel  between  Koh  Rong  and  Rong  Sam  Lem  is  quite  safe, 
although  generally  rocky  ground  and  unfit  for  anchorage. 

Koh  Samit,  H  tdx^Q  long,  1  mile  broad,  and  elevated  400  feet,  is  the 
southernmost  and  largest  of  a  chain  of  islands  and  rocks  that  front  the  coast 
for  12  miles  northward  of  Samit  point.  There  is  a  deep-water  channel  in- 
side all  these  islands.  The  highest  and  most  remarkable  hill  about  this 
part  is  elevated  1,155  feet,  and  is  named  the  Quoin,  from  its  peculiar  wedge 
shape. 

KUSROVIE  ROCK,  in  lat.  \V  6'  25'  N.,  long.  102°  47'  49'  E.,  and  distant 
about  17  miles  from  the  nearest  part  of  this  coast,  is  about  three-quarters  of 
a  cable's  length  in  diameter,  and  36  ft.  high,  without  a  particle  of  vegetation 
on  it.  Its  sides  are  shelving,  and  isolated  rocks  extend  half  a  cable's  length 
from  it.     The  bottom  can  be  plainly  seen  near  it  in  6  fathoms. 


420  GULP  OF  SIAM,  ETC. 

Ellen  Bangka  Shoal. — The  commander  of  the  Netherlands  India  barq-ne 
Ellen  Banglca  reports  that  his  vessel,  whilst  under  sail  on  the  12th  November, 
1870,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Kusrovie  Eock,  struck  twice  on  a  shoal, 
on  which  there  was  only  1 1  ft.  water.  The  vessel  was  at  that  time  North,  b 
or  6  miles  from  the  Kusrovie  Rock,  which  was  visible  from  the  deck.  The 
danger  has  accordingly  been  placed  in  lat.  11°  11'  N.,  and  long.  102°  47'  E. 
(  rhe  London  and  China  Telegraph  of  March  14th,  1871.) 

KOH  KONG  is  a  level  table  island,  11  miles  long,  North  and  South,  4 
miles  wide,  and  elevated  1,500  ft.  It  has  some  fine  sandy  beaches  along  its 
western  shore,  which  is  steep-to,  and  quite  safe  of  approach,  but  'fhe  island 
offers  no  sheltered  anchorages  or  other  advantages  to  shipping.  There  are 
no  inhabitants. 

Within  Koh  Kong  there  is  a  large  shallow  baj',  into  which  numerous  email 
rivers  disembogue  ;  but  they  are  generally  unapproachable. 

The  main  land  within  Koh  Kong  is  very  low  as  far  as  visible  to  the  east- 
ward, but  it  rises  to  the  northward  with  great  regularity  until  it  joins  the 
high  table  land  abreast  Koh  Kut. 

Two  rivers  of  considerable  magnitude  enter  the  sea  a  short  distance  north- 
ward of  Koh  Kong  ;  the  northernmost  river  is  called  Klong  Koh  Kong. 

The  COAST,  from  the  Klong  Koh  Kong,  takes  a  N.N.W.  *  W.  direction 
40  miles  to  Tung  Yai  Bay,  and  is  quite  safe  to  approach  with  regular 
soundings.  With  the  exception  of  two  rocky  bluffs,  the  land  near  the  sea 
is  low,  and  fringed  by  a  straight  sandy  beach  ;  parallel  to  the  coast,  at  the 
distance  of  2  or  3  miles  inland,  a  table  land  rises  with  great  regularity  to  the 
height  of  more  than  2,000  ft.  One  of  its  highest  points  was  found  to  be 
elevated  4,000  ft. 

Tung  Yai  Bay  affords  good  anchorage,  but  the  eastern  shore  must  be  ap- 
proached with  caution,  as  several  rocks  lie  nearly  a  mile  off  it.  A  small 
stream,  the  Tung  Yai  Eiver,  falls  into  the  head  of  the  bay,  but  it  is  only 
navigable  for  boats.  Lem  Nam,  forming  the  western  point  of  entrance  of 
Tung  Yai  Bay,  makes  like  a  low  woody  island  from  the  southward.  From 
thence  the  coast  takes  a  W.N.W.  direction  20  miles  to  Lem  Ling,  or  Junk 
Point,  and  is  fronted  all  the  way  by  an  extensive  flat  named  Tung  Yai  Bank. 
A  small  mangrove  islet  lies  close  to  Lem  Ling,  and  the  ground  is  foul  for 
some  distance  off  it ;  but  Lem  Ling  is  quite  clear  to  the  S.W. 

KOH  KUT,  lying  16  miles  off  the  coast  between  the  parallels  of  11°  34' 
and  11°  46',  is  a  high  level  island,  with  steep,  cliffy  sides.  There  are  two 
small  conical  peaks  near  its  South  end,  the  highest  of  which  (the  northern) 
is  elevated  1,171  ft.  The  island  has  no  permanent  inhabitants  Good  an- 
chorage will  be  found  in  a  bay  near  the  N.W.  end  of  Koh  Kut,  with  a  fine 
stream  of  fresh  water  running  into  it. 

KOH  MAK,  lying  3  miles  N.W.  of  Koh  Kut,  and  S.S.E.  7  miles  from  Koh 
Chang,  is  3  miles  in  diameter,  and  very  low,  excepting  at  its  West  end,  which 


KOH  CHANG-CHENTABUN  EIVER.  421 

presents  a  rocky  head  to  seaward,  elevated  300  feet.  It  is  inhabited  by 
fishermen  engaged  in  collecting  biche-de-mer. 

KOH  CHANG,  16  miles  long,  N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  6  miles  wide,  consists 
of  a  mass  of  peaked  hills  intersected  by  rocky  and  precipitous  ravines.  The 
highest  part  of  the  island  (a  table  peak  near  its  centre)  is  elevated  2,446  ft. 
Notwithstanding  the  numerous  islands  and  rocks  that  fringe  Koh  Chang,  no 
dangers  were  discovered  near  its  shores  but  what  were  apparent.  There  is 
a  native  government  station  at  a  low  jutting  point  on  its  eastern  side,  with 
about  twenty  persons,  who  are  the  only  inhabitants.  Tigers  are  said  to  be 
numerous.  Fresh  water  can  be  obtained  on  the  western  side  of  Koh  Chang, 
about  3  miles  from  the  North  point.* 

The  Coast  from  Lem  Ling  trends  N.W.  3  N.  21  miles  to  Lem  Sing,  which 
forms  the  western  side  of  entrance  to  the  Chentabun  Eiver.  The  shore  be- 
tween is  low  mangrove  ;  but  a  short  distance  from  it,  and  5  miles  from  Lem 
Sing,  are  three  small,  high  islands.  There  is  also  a  large  river  at  the  dis- 
tance of  6  miles  northward  of  Lem  Ling. 

ALABASTER  ROCKS,  in  lat.  12°  20'  N.,  long.  102°  If  E.,  7^  miles 
S.  by  W.  from  the  entrance  of  the  Chentabun  River,  were  examined  and 
their  positions  determined  by  Mr.  Alabaster,  of  H.M.  Consulate,  Bangkok, 
who  describes  them  as  two  small  rocks,  about  40  ft.  apart,  lying  N.  by  E. 
and  S.  by  W.  from  each  other.  The  southern  and  larger  one  is,  at  low 
water  spring  tides,  about  14  ft.  long  by  5  broad,  and  3  ft.  above  the  sur- 
face of  the  sea  ;  the  northern  one  is  smaller,  and  shows  but  2  ft.  above 
water.  From  the  Alabaster  Eocks  Cone  Island  bears  N.  ^  W.,  westerly ; 
the  summit  of  Khao  Sabap  mountain,  N.E.  f  N.  ;  the  southernmost  of  three 
small  islands,  N.E.  by  E.  ^  E. ;  and  Table  Peak,  the  highest  part  of  Koh 
Chang,  S.E. 

The  Allan  Prah,  on  her  voyage  from  Saigon  to  Bangkok,  saw  a  rock  in  lat. 
12°  2bh'  N.,  long.  101°  39iy  E.,  which  position  was  determined  by  bearings. 

CHENTABUN  RIVER.— The  position  of  this  river  may  be  recognized  from 
a  distance  by  a  mountain  called  Khao  Sabap,  which  rises  to  an  elevation  of 
2,090  ft  N.E.  by  E.  9  miles  from  its  entrance  ;  also  by  Lem  Sing,  which  at 
a  distance  appears  like  an  island,  and  may  be  further  known  by  a  conical 
islet,  named  Cone  Island,  405  ft.  higli,  lying  a  mile  westward  of  it,  as  well  as 
by  a  remarkable  white  cliff  on  its  eastern  face. 

The  eastern  side  of  entrance  begins  at  Koh  Chula  or  Bar  Island,  between 
which  and  Lem  Sing  is  the  channel  into  the  river,   with  13  ft.  in  it  at  low 


*  Doubtful  Baiujers. —  -ome  of  the  old  manuscript  charts  show  a  sunken  rock  midway  be- 
tween the  Kusrovie  Rock  and  the  South  point  of  Koh  Kut ;  and  another  24  miles  West  of 
the  North  point  of  Koh  Chang.  The  Saracen  passed  over  these  positions  without  meeting 
any  token  of  their  existence,  but  caution  is  recommended  to  all  vessels  passing  their  neigh- 
bourhood. 


422  GULF  OF  SIAM,  ETC. 

water,  but  as  it  is  only  a  quarter  of  a  mile  wide,  it  would  be  necessary  to 
warp  a  large  vessel  in  against  a  head  wind.  Vessels  can  ascend  the  river  as 
far  as  the  fork,  which  is  within  10  miles  of  the  town.  A  convenient  an- 
chorage without  the  bar  is,  with  Koh  Chula  N.E.  by  E.,  distant  about  half 
a  mile-  Fresh  stock  is  scarce,  but  an  abundance  of  good  water  may  be  pro- 
cured in  a  small  bay  westward  of  Lem  Sing. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  the  entrance  of  the  Chentabun,  at 
lO*"  0",  and  the  rise  is  5  J  ft.  The  highest  tide  took  place  on  the  day  after 
the  change. 

Koh  Samit,  377  ft.  high,  bears  W  N.W.  52  miles  from  the  North  end  of 
Koh  Chang.  It  lies  off  Lem  Ya,  from  which  it  is  separated  by  a  channel, 
called  CJiong  Samit,  1^  mile  mile,  with  a  depth  in  it  of  3  fathoms. 

Mr.  Alabaster  reports  that  the  native  pilots  declare  a  rock  exists  in  Chong 
Samit,  towards  the  western  end  of  the  strait,  about  mid-channel ;  their  direc- 
tions for  avoiding  it  are — "  It,  on  entering  the  strait  from  the  westward, 
Koh  Plateen  is  sighted,  stand  over  close  to  the  main  land  ;  if  Koh  Plateen 
is  not  sighted,  keep  as  near  as  possible  to  the  island." 

LEM  YA  may  be  known  by  a  clump  of  conical  hills  extending  from  it  15 
miles  inland ;  the  highest,  which  is  the  northernmost,  is  elevated  2,470  ft. 
On  each  side  of  this  headland  the  coast  is  low.  The  bay  to  the  westward  is 
slightly  concave,  and  fringed  with  a  sandy  beach  to  Lem  Sahemsan,  or  Cape 
Liant.     The  bay  to  the  eastward  has  several  small  islands  in  it. 

Mr.  Alabaster  also  reports  that  the  native  pilots  say  a  rock,  named  Hin- 
ai-eorp,  lies  in  about  lat.  12°  35i'  N.,  long.  101°  46J'  E.,  in  a  direct  line  be- 
tween the  island  of  Mon-KIang  and  the  small  bay  on  the  main  named  Tung 
Kaben,  about  5  miles  distant  from  the  latter. 

CAPE  LIANT  or  Lem  Sahemsan. — On  approaching  this  cape  from  the 
southward,  the  outer  islands  off  it,  Chuen  and  Me-san,  being  the  highest  land 
in  the  neighbourhood,  will  be  first  seen.  Hin  Chalan,  in  lat.  12°  27'  46"  N., 
long.  100°  58'  29"  E.,  will  not  be  observed  until  it  is  within  the  distance  of  5 
miles  ;  it  is  a  white  rock  40  ft.  high,  a  cable's  length  in  diameter,  very  steep- 
to,  and  quite  safe  to  approach. 

The  channel  between  Hin  Chalan  and  Chuen  is  2^  miles  wide,  and  quite 
clear.  The  channel  between  Chuen  and  Me-san  is  a  mile  wide  ;  and  there 
is  also  a  channel  between  Cape  Liant  and  Koh  Riat,  but  it  is  only  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  wide,  and  although  much  used  by  small  vessels,  is  dangerous  during 
spring  tides,  and  certainly  should  never  be  attempted  by  a  sailing  vessel, 
without  a  fair  and  commanding  breeze.  All  these  channels  seem  to  be  re- 
markably clear  of  danger. 

Sheltered  Bay,  at  3  miles  north-westward  of  Cape  Liant,  is  about  4  miles 
wide  and  2  deep,  with  good  anchorage  all  over  it.  Koh  Yoh,  the  outer  island 
off  its  entrance,  is  remarkable  from  its  resemblance  to  an  erect  triangle. 
The  eastern  born  of  this  bay  may  be  known  by  a  remarkable  cone  454  ft.  in 


KOH  LUE:\[— KOH  SI-CHANG.  423 

height.  Lem  Putaii,  the  N.W.  point  of  Sheltered  bay,  is  a  bold  bluff  head- 
land of  600  ft.  elevation,  and  close  round  it,  to  the  northward,  is  a  bay, 
called  Tung  Kitea.  Fresh  water  can  be  obtained  in  the  S.E.  corner  of  this 
bay. 

Tung  Plong  Bay  lies  1  mile  northward  of  Tung  Kitea,  and  being  shel- 
tered by  Koh  Kram  and  Koh  Ira,  offers  secure  anchorage  to  vessels  detained 
in  the  channel. 

A  remarkable  rock,  called  Sombrero,  lies  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the 
S.E.  side  of  Koh  Kram,  and  the  channel  between  it  and  Koh  Ira  is  about  a 
mile  wide.  The  Sombrero  should  not  be  approached  closely  to  the  northward, 
as  there  is  much  foul  ground  for  a  considerable  distance  in  that  direction. 

Koh  Kram,  lying  9  miles  north-westward  of  Cape  Liant,  is  3  miles  long, 
North  and  South,  and  2  miles  wide.  There  is  a  remarkable  sharp  peak  of 
704  ft.  elevation  on  its  S.E.  side,  and  a  bay  on  its  N.W.  side;  its  western 
shores  are  quite  safe  to  approach,  but  reefs  extend  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
from  its  eastern,  and  half  a  mile  from  its  southern  shores. 

KOH  LUEM,  or  Pilot  Island,  bears  N.N.W.  ^  W.  16  miles  from  the 
N.W.  point  of  Kroh  Kram ;  along  this  line  runs  a  chain  of  small  islands, 
called  Ein,  Kring  Badung,  Mana  Mechy,  and  the  comparatively  large  island 
of  Pai,  which  is  2  miles  long  and  1  mile  wide.  The  channels  between  all 
these  islands  are  free  from  danger. 

Koh  Luem,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  long,  North  and  South,  and  half  a 
mile  wide,  is  as  steep  as  a  wall  to  the  southward  and  westward,  and  rises 
from  the  sea  bold  and  cliffy  all  around,  its  peak  of  a  dome-like  appearance, 
and  445  ft.  high,  being  in  lat.  12°  57^'  N.,  long.  100°  38'  59"  E.  This  island, 
from  its  conspicuous  and  peculiar  position,  has  long  been  considered  the 
principal  landmark  at  the  head  of  the  gulf ;  all  vessels  bound  to  the  Me-nam 
make  it,  and  taking  their  departure  from  it,  run  boldly  for  the  anchorage  off 
the  bar  by  day  or  night. 

KOH  LAN,  lying  E.  by  S.  7^  miles  from  Koh  Luem,  is  2J  miles  long,  a 
mile  wide,  and  has  a  remarkable  sharp  peak,  elevated  685  ft.  On  its  eastern 
side  is  a  village,  containing  about  200  inhabitants. 

The  Coast  between  Tung  Plong  Bay  and  Koh  Klet-keo,  4  miles  to  the 
northward,  is  high,  presenting  rocky  bluffs  to  seaward,  with  sandy  bays  be- 
tween. Lem  Pataya  is  N.  ;^  E.  9  miles  from  IQet-keo,  and  E.  by  S.2f  miles 
from  East  Lan,  the  small  island  off  the  East  side  of  Koh  Lan.  One  mile 
E.  by  S.  of  East  Lan  there  is  a  rocky  bank  about  a  cable's  length  in  extent, 
with  3  ft.  on  it,  which  narrows  the  channel  between  it  and  Lem  Pataya  to 
1^  mile.  From  Lem  Pataya,  Lem  Kican  bears  N.N.E.  ^  E.  distant  3^-  miles, 
and  Lem  Kra-lang  N.  |  E.  9^  miles. 

KOH  SI-CHANG.— W.N. W.  4  miles  off  Lem  Kra-bang  commences  the 
Koh  Si-Chang  Group,  between  which  and  the  coast  there  is  a  clear  channel, 
Koh  Si-chang,  the  largest  of  the  group,  is  3^  miles  long,  North  and  South 


424  GULF  OF  SIAM,  ETC. 

1  mile  broad,  and  its  peak,  which  rises  at  the  North  end  of  the  island  to  an 
elevation  of  C97  ft.,  bears  N.E.  by  N.  loj  miles  from  Koh  Luem.  An  island 
named  Kanghu,  with  a  sharp  peak  325  ft.  high,  lies  one- third  of  a  mile  off 
the  South  end  of  Koh  Si-chang,  and  a  rock  10  ft.  high,  like  the  hull  of  a 
ship,  about  two-thirds  of  a  mile  off  the  North  end  ;  an  island,  also,  called 
Koh  Kam,  and  three  islets,  lie  off  the  N.E.  side ;  the  western  side  is  quite 
clear.  E.  by  N.  half  a  mile  from  the  rock  10  ft.  high,  is  a  rock  with  only  4 
feet  water  on  it ;  and  there  is  another  with  3  ft.  N.N.W.  one-third  of  a  mile 
from  the  North  point  of  Koh  Kam. 

The  bay  on  the  N.E.  side  of  Koh  Si-chang  affords  anchorage  partly  shel- 
tered by  Koh  Kam  and  the  islets  to  the  eastward.  The  village  on  the  South 
shore  of  this  bay  probably  contains  about  200  inhabitants,  who  appear  less 
shy  of  foreigners  than  the  natives  of  the  coast  to  the  southward. 

SI-MA-HA-RA-CHA.'^'— Koh  Si-ma-ha-ra-cha  is  a  rocky  islet,  about  90  ft. 
high,  lying  aoout  a  third  of  a  mile  from  the  coast,  N.N.E.  \  E.  6^  miles 
from  Lem  Kra-bang,  and  East  6|  miles  from  the  North  point  of  Koh  Si- 
chang.  The  town  of  Si-ma-ha-ra-cha  stands  on  the  shore  about  S.E.  half  a 
mile  from  the  islet,  and  contains  500  inhabitants  ;  and  the  town  of  Bang  Pra, 
about  3  miles  to  the  northward,  has  about  1,000  inhabitants.  The  latter 
town  cannot  be  approached  nearer  than  2  miles  by  a  vessel  of  large  draught. 

With  Si-ma-ha-ra-cha  bearing  E.  by  N.  half  a  mile,  in  SJ  fathoms  at  low 
water,  or  for  a  large  vessel  a  quarter  of  a  mile  farther  out  on  the  same  line 
of  bearing  in  4  fathoms,  is  apparently  the  best  anchorage  at  the  head  of  the 
gulf,  for  communicating  with  the  shore,  for  it  is  better  sheltered  than  any 
other  part. 

Supplies. — Fresh  water  is  abundant  on  shore  when  the  springs  elsewhere 
are  dry,  and  the  towns  of  Si-ma-ha-ra-cha  and  Bang  Pra  could  furnish  large 
quantities  of  fresh  stock.  At  the  distances  of  half  and  three-quarters  of  a 
mile  southward  of  Bang  Pra  are  two  fine  streams  of  water  that  run  into  the 
sea  through  the  beach,  and  the  natives  say  that  they  are  never  dry,  even  in 
the  hottest  seasons.  A  boat  might  fill  from  these  streams  at  high  water,  but 
at  low  tide  the  sands  dry  out  so  far  that  they  could  not  be  approached  within 
half  a  mile. 

BANG-PASOI. — From  Si-ma-ha-ra-cha  the  coast  curves  round  to  the 
northward,  and  at  the  distance  of  8  miles  is  Double  Head  (native  name  Lem 
SamooJc,  the  Nose  Point),  a  prominent  bluff  rising  from  the  low  land  to  the 
height  of  270  ft.,  and  appearing  at  a  distance  like  an  island.  At  2  miles 
north-eastward  of  Double  Head  stands  the  village  of  Anhin  (a  royal  watering 
place),  and  4  miles  E.N.E.  of  Anhin,  in  the  depths  of  a  shoal  muddy  bight, 
is  the  large  town  of  Bang-Pasoi,  a  place  of  considerable  importance.     The 

*  Si,  lieautiful ;  niaha,  great ;  racha,  royal,  in  Pali. 


THE  BANG-PA-KONG  RIYER— BANGKOK  EIVER.  425 

town  is  governed  by  a  high  noble,  and  has  a  good  market,  but  unfortunately 
it  is  only  accessible  from  the  sea  at  high  water. 

The  BANG-PA-KONG  EIVER  empties  itself  into  the  gulf  at  4  miles  north- 
ward of  Bang-Pasoi,  and  appears  to  be  a  fine  navigable  stream ;  from  hence 
to  the  Me-nam  entrance  the  coast  is  all  low  mangrove. 

ME-NAM  CHAU-PHYA  or  Bangkok  River  has  on  the  western  point  of 
entrance  a  clump  of  high  trees  like  a  small  mound,  elevated  about  30  ft. 
above  the  surrounding  mangrove,  and  this  is  the  first  land  seen  on  approach- 
ing from  the  southward.  From  this  mound  Pilot  Island  or  Koh  Luem  bears 
S.  I  E.  34^  miles;  Double  Head,  S.E.  by  E.  22J  miles;  and  Koh  Si-chang 
Peak  S.E.  by  S.  25  miles. 

LIGHT. — A  pile  lighthouse  is  erected  on  the  western  side  of  a  sand-bank, 
inside  the  bar  of  Bangkok  Eiver,  and  from  it,  in  the  year  1874,  a,  fixed  bright 
light  was  shown  at  an  elevation  of  44  ft.,  visible  10  miles  off.  The  lighthouse 
lies  3  miles  S.  by  E.  h  E.  from  the  West  entrance  point  of  the  river,  and  in 
lat.  13°  29'  26"  N.,  long.  100''  35'  20'  E. 

The  river  is  deep  and  free  from  shoals  for  a  distance  of  60  miles.  At  about 
3  miles  within  the  entrance,  on  the  eastern  bank,  is  Pahiam,  where  vessels 
must  anchor  to  discharge  guns  and  ammunition,  and  take  on  board  a  custom- 
house officer.  Here  is  a  fair  market,  from  which  vessels  remaining  at  the 
bar  anchorage  can  obtain  their  daily  supplies  of  fresh  food,  but  it  is  con- 
sidered better  to  send  to  Bangkok  for  stock  for  a  voyage. 

Paklat  Lang,  on  the  western  bank  of  the  river,  4  miles  above  Paknam,  is 
the  entrance  to  a  canal  which  saves  a  circuit  of  nearly  10  miles  to  boats  pro- 
ceeding to  or  from  Bangkok ;  ships  must  take  the  circuitous  route  by  the 
river.  The  entrance  is  marked  by  a  guard-house  on  each  side,  and  its  vici- 
nity may  be  known  by  a  long  range  of  batteries  half  a  mile  above  on  the 
same  side  of  the  river.  The  canal  re-enters  the  river  alongside  some  floating 
houses  at  the  small  village  of  Paklat  Bon. 

BANGKOK,  the  capital  and  seat  of  trade  of  Siam,  is  about  25  miles  from 
the  sea,  following  the  river  course,  or  about  14  miles  direct.  The  first  im- 
portant objects  seen,  in  approaching  the  city,  are  the  American  consulate  on 
the  West,  Puddicombe's  ship-building  yard  and  Russell  and  Co.'s  godowns 
on  the  East.  Above  these  are  some  handsome  temples,  the  French  consulate 
and  cathedral,  the  custom-house,  British  and  Portuguese  consulates,  and  the 
godowns  of  some  English  merchants,  all  on  the  East  bank ;  the  only  con- 
spicuous object  on  the  other  side  being  a  fort  nearly  opposite  the  British  con- 
sulate. Beyond  this  the  river  on  either  bank  is  lined  with  floating  houses, 
over  which  can  be  seen  thick  clusters  of  wooden  houses  built  on  piles,  and 
several  magnificent  temples.  The  second  creek  above  the  British  consulate 
leads  to  the  Sampeng  Bazaar,  an  extensive  and  well-supplied  market.  Far- 
ther on  is  the  walled  city,  on  the  East  bank  ;  and  in  the  opposite  suburb  are 

I.    A.  3  I 


426  GULF  OF  SI  AM,  ETC. 

some  European  stores  and  lodging-houses,  the  palaces  of  the  Pra-klang  and 
Kalahome,  the  old  British  factory,  palace  of  the  Kromma  Luang,  several 
European  merchants'  residences,  and  some  temples,  one  of  them  a  lofty  py- 
ramidal building,  above  which  vessels  seldom  anchor. 

In  the  city  itself  are  many  temples  conspicuous  for  beauty.  The  palaces 
of  their  Majesties  the  First  and  Second  Kings  are  extensive  buildings,  with 
a  long  river  frontage  furnished  with  elegant  and  commodious  landing-stages 
ior  royal  use.  Floating-houses  continue  for  3  or  4  miles  above  the  First 
King's  palace,  with  few  interruptions.  The  population  of  Bangkok  is  esti- 
mated at  300,000. 

'*  In  running  for  the  anchorage  oflP  Bangkok  Eiver,  make  Koh  Luem,  and 
from  that  departure  steer  boldly  up,  allowing  for  a  westerly  set,  according 
to  the  strength  of  the  N.E.  monsoon.  The  lighthouse  will  be  seen  before 
the  land  is  made,  and  is  an  excellent  guide  for  running  in ;  bring  it  to  bear 
North,  and  run  for  it,  keeping  the  lead  going,  and  anchor  according  to  the 
draught  of  the  ship.  During  the  N.E.  monsoon  the  land  is  generally  ob- 
scured by  smoke,  so  that  the  lighthouse  will  be  the  only  mark  to  show  the 
mouth  of  the  river.  Anchorage  during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  lighthouse  bearing 
N.  35°  W. ;  during  the  S.W.  monsoon,  lighthouse  bearing  N.  17°  E.  Pilot- 
boats  cruise  between  Koh  Luem  and  the  bar,  having  competent  Europeaa 
pilots  on  board ;  they  generally  anchor  vessels  in  about  6  fathoms  water, 
with  the  lighthouse  bearing  as  above,  according  to  the  season,  and  distant 
about  6  miles." — Lieut.  Nichols,  V.S.N.,  1873. 

Owing  to  the  shifting  nature  of  the  bar,  it  is  not  safe  to  enter  without  a 
pilot.     The  pilot  boats  carry  a  flag  red  and  white  horizontal. 

It  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  soundings  become  hard  when  nearing 
the  East  banks,  which  are  composed  principally  of  sand,  and  very  soft  when 
nearing  the  West  flat,  which  is  all  soft  mud. 

Lieutenant  Ellis,  in  1868,  examined  the  entrance,  and  searched  in  vain  for 
the  four  piles  of  stones  sunk  across  the  mouth  of  the  river,  and  said  to  have 
as  little  as  3  ft.  over  them.  He  found  one  mass  of  stones  about  two-thirds 
of  the  way  across  the  channel  on  the  eastern  side,  but  over  which  there  was 
1^  fathom  at  low  water;  he  could  find  no  less  water  anywhere  about  the 
entrance. 

The  lest  anchorage  off  the  bar  for  communicating  with  the  shore  is  in  3^ 
fathoms,  with  the  two  river  points  well  overlapping,  and  the  West  point 
mound  bearing  N.  I  W.  or  North,  distant  6^  miles. 

Caution. — Approaching  the  bar  of  the  Bangkok  Eiver  from  the  southward 
in  the  N.E.  monsoon,  it  will  be  necessary,  when  near  the  head  of  the  gulf, 
to  allow  for  a  westerly  current  which  occasionally  runs  ^-ith  great  strength 
along  the  edge  of  the  bank,  and  vessels  set  to  leeward  by  it  have  found  con- 
siderable difl&culty  in  regaining  the  anchorage.     For  this  reason  boats  work- 


BANGKOK.  427 

ing  out  of  the  river  should  not  attempt  to  cross  the  bar  before  they  can  make 
sure  of  fetching  their  ships. 

The  Tides  near  the  entrance  are  very  irregular.  It  is  high  water  at  from 
4*'  30""  to  8^  0",  and  the  rise  varies  from  7i  to  11  ft.  At  and  near  the  springs 
there  were  only  two  tides  in  24  hours,  and  four  tides  at  neaps.  These  irre- 
gularities, caused  by  the  gradual  change  from  one  to  the  other,  are  occasion- 
ally increased  and  confused  by  changes  of  wind  in  the  gulf. 

In  the  month  of  April  the  river  is  at  its  lowest  level,  and  the  tide  observa- 
tions during  this  month  gave  3  ft,  on  the  bar  at  low  water  springs,  and  10^- 
feet  at  high  water.  Towards  the  end  of  the  rainy  season  (the  beginning  of 
October)  the  river  is  much  swollen,  and  its  banks  are  frequently  flooded  and 
the  country  inundated.  The  bar  has  then  5  ft.  on  it,  at  low  water  springs, 
and  14  and  15  ft.  at  high  water,  and  the  water  is  said  to  be  quite  fresh  at 
low  tide. 

Outside  the  bar  and  near  the  anchorage  the  flood  sets  to  the  westward, 
and  the  ebb  to  the  eastward,  altering  its  direction  occasionally  according  to 
the  strength  of  the  river  stream.  Along  the  eastern  shore  of  the  gulf  towards 
Cape  Liant  the  ebb  sets  to  the  southward  and  flood  to  the  northward. 

It  is  high  water  at  Cape  Liant  about  the  same  time  as  at  the  bar  of  the 
Bangkok,  and  the  rise  is  only  6-J  ft. 

Tachin  River. — The  mouth  of  this  river  lies  about  20  miles  to  the  west- 
ward of  the  Bangkok  River  ;  it  was  navigated  for  about  85  miles  by  H.M.S. 
Teazer,  in  November,  1871.  This  river  has  a  similar  bay  to  that  of  the 
Bangkok  River,  but  the  entrance  is  more  difficult  to  distinguish,  the  land  in 
the  neighbourhood  being  low,  and  covered  with  trees. 

In  clear  weather  the  high  land  of  Bang-Pasoi  brought  to  bear  E.  by  S., 
will  lead  to  a  position  off  the  bar,  which  may  be  crossed  on  a  N.N.W. 
course.  Tachin  River  has  about  the  same  general  depth,  and  is  of  the  same 
general  width  as  Bangkok  River. 

The  r^(72er  anchored  oQ  Maconchm  in  lat.  13°  39'  N.,  long.  100°  11'  E., 
nearly  35  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  Tachin.  At  Maconchisi  are  the  new 
mills  of  the  Indo-Chinese  Sugar  Company  ;  the  sugar  is  at  present  sent  in 
barges  by  canal  to  Bangkok,  but  it  is  expected  that  vessels  will  shortly  navi- 
gate the  Tachin  River  as  easily  as  they  now  do  the  River  Bangkok,  whereby 
an  expensive  freight  will  be  saved. 


CHAPTEE    XL 


THE   COAST   OF   COCHIN    CHINA,   TON-KING,   ETC. 

The  coast  described  in  the  present  section  borders  the  empire  of  Anam, 
which  is  960  miles  in  length  from  North  to  South,  and  averages  about  300 
miles  in  breadth.  It  is  divided  into  three  distinct  portions,  French  Cochin 
China  or  Saigon,  Cochin  China,  and  Tonquin.  The  first,  of  which  Saigon  is 
the  capital,  was  ceded  to  the  French  (together  with  the  free  right  of  navi- 
gating the  several  arms  of  the  Cambodia  Eiver),  by  the  Emperor  of  Anam, 
in  1863.  Saigon  was  first  occupied  by  the  French  in  1857.  Subsequently 
additional  territory  has  been  acquired  by  the  French,  and  several  ports  have 
been  opened  to  commerce.  Eaung-Chow  (Hoi  How),  in  Hainan,  is  now  open  ; 
the  ports  of  Haip-hong  and  Han-oi,  in  Tonquin,  were  declared  open  to 
commerce  in  a  treaty  signed  in  August,  1874,  and  the  port  of  Quin-hon  in 
November,  1875.  The  Empire  of  Anam  contains  from  12,000,000  to  15,000,000 
of  inhabitants,  and  the  French  territory  900,000.  There  were  in  the  latter 
only  10  European  British  subjects  resident  in  1874.  The  chief  export  is 
rice  :  of  this  article,  340,000  tons  were  exported  from  the  French  territory  of 
Saigon  in  the  year  1876,  chiefly  to  China  and  Java.  Cotton,  pepper,  sugar, 
silk,  coffee,  fish,  &c.,  are  also  exported.  The  trade  is  chiefly  in  the  hands  of 
Chinese  merchants. 

The  view  which  the  country  of  Cochin  China  and  Tonquin  presents  from 
the  sea  is  that  of  a  varied  landscape,  composed  of  bold  headlands,  picturesque 
valleys,  well  cultivated  slopes,  extensive  downs,  and  low  plains,  frequently 
terminating  in  sand-hills  with  a  back-ground  of  rather  lofty  mountains  in 
the  distance. 

1.— COCHIN  CHINA. 

The  Coast  of  Cambodia,  or  Lower  Cochin  China,  from  Cambodia,  or 
Camao  Point,  its  south-western  extreme,  to  the  Saigon  Eiver,  is  very  low 
land,  inundated  by  the  sea  at  times ;  and  in  most  parts  the  trees  are  just 
discerned  nearly  level  with  the  water's  edge,  from  the  deck  of  a  large  ship, 
at  the  distance  of  1 1  or  12  miles.  The  whole  coast  is  fi-onted  with  shoal 
banks  of  sand,  which  project  10  or  12  miles  from  it  in  some  places,  having 


EOYALIST  BANK— PULO  CONDOEE  GROUP.      429 

2  J  and  3  fathoms  on  them,  and  6  to  7  fathoms  near  their  edges.  The  sound- 
ings are  regular  in  the  offing,  and  decrease  gradually  until  the  edges  of  these 
banks  are  approached  :  then  from  9  or  8  fathoms  the  water  shoals  suddenly 
in  some  places  ;  the  bottom  near  the  edges,  and  also  a  considerable  distance 
seaward,  is  mostly  fine  sand  and  oaze. 

As  the  coast  here  is  very  low  and  destitute  of  any  particular  mark,  it  must 
be  approached  pretty  closely  to  observe  its  bearing,  but  this  must  be  done 
with  great  caution ;  when  its  trend  changes  from  eastward  to  north-eastward, 
the  entrance  of  the  Cambodia  River  will  be  abreast. 

ROYALIST  BANK.— The  late  Lieut.  D.  M.  Gordon,  of  H.M.  surveying- 
vessel  Royalist,  sounded  on  a  bank,  about  S.E.  by  E.  24  miles  from  Pulo 
Obi,  which  he  thus  described  : — "  On  January  15th,  1848,  we  discovered  a 
bank,  having  17  fathoms  water  at  each  end ;  and  crossing  it  in  a  S.S.E. 
direction,  we  continued  in  from  10  to  6  fathoms,  sand  and  hard  bottom,  for 
about  IJ  mile,  where  we  again  deepened  to  17  fathoms.  Pulo  Obi  was 
occasionally  in  sight  through  the  haze,  but  no  correct  bearing  could  be 
obtained.  I  could  not  see  the  bottom,  and  am  not  jjositive  that  it  was  coral, 
the  lead  only  bringing  up  reddish  sand.  We  made  it  in  lat.  8°  12^'  N.,  long. 
105°  lU'  E." 

There  is  another  patch  of  6  fathoms  upon  the  Admiralty  chart,  about 
E.  by  N.  .V  N.,  20  miles  from  the  Royalist  Bank. 

The  BROTHERS  are  two  small  islands,  about  2J  or  3  miles  apart,  N.E. 
by  E.  and  S.W.  by  W.,  lying  about  80  miles  eastward  of  Pulo  Obi,  and 
nearly  40  miles  from  the  coast  of  Lower  Cochin  China.  The  westernmost, 
in  lat.  8°  34'  N.,  long.  106°  11'  E.,  is  a  barren  rock,  not  more  conspicuous 
than  Pedra  Branca  at  the  entrance  of  Singapore  Strait,  and  has  high  breakers 
on  its  eastern  side  during  blowing  weather.  The  easternmost  is  a  high 
round  islet,  with  trees  on  its  summit,  bearing  W.  by  S.,  18  miles  from  Pulo 
Condore. 

PULO  CONDORE  GROUP  (called  Con-non  by  the  Cochin  Chinese),  lies 
about  50  miles  from  the  coast  of  Cambodia  or  Lower  Cochin  China,  and  60 
or  70  miles  to  the  westward  of  the  fair  track  of  vessels  bound  up  or  down 
the  Main  route  of  the  China  Sea,  but  right  in  the  track  of  those  proceeding 
between  Singapore  and  Saigon.  The  principal  island  is  nearly  9  miles  in 
length  N.E.  and  S.W.,  from  2  to  4  miles  in  breadth,  and  the  head  of  the 
landing  place  at  the  village  in  Great  Bay,  on  its  S.E.  side,  is  in  lat.  8°  40' 
57"  N.,  long.  106°  36'  11"  E.*  It  is  encompassed  by  several  islands  much 
smaller,  which  are  mostly  all  high  and  covered  with  trees,  and  is  formed  of 
a  ridge  of  mountains,  the  summit  of  the  highest  of  which  is  elevated  1,954 


•  The  mean  of  observations  obtained  in  1862  bj' the  oflScers  of  H.M.  surveying-vcsiels 
Swallow  and  liijeman. 


430  COCHIN  CHINA. 

feet,  and  has  been  seen  50  miles  off  in  clear  weatlier.  The  island  is  thinly 
inhabited  by  people  from  Cambodia  and  Cochin  China,  who  reside  in  a  vil- 
lage on  a  plain  at  the  bottom  of  Great  Bay.  The  French  are  in  possession 
of  the  island,  which  they  make  use  of  as  a  penal  settlement. 

The  approaches  to  Pulo  Condore  are  safe.  The  coral  banks  only  occur 
near  the  shores,  and  more  particularly  in  those  parts  that  are  sheltered  from 
the  N.E.  and  S.W.  monsoons. 

The  CAMBODIA  RIVER  is  of  great  commercial  importance.  It  has  been 
termed  the  Me-kong,  or  Me-kiang,  but  by  the  French  surveyors  it  is  called 
the  Cambodia  River.  Taking  its  source  in  the  mountains  of  Thibet,  it  tra- 
verses two  of  the  south-western  provinces  of  China,  and  passing  along  the 
entire  western  frontier  of  the  Annamite  empire,  enters  Cambodia,  where  it 
divides  into  three  branches  or  arms,  two  of  which  flow  through  Lower  Cochin 
China,  and  are  there  known  as  the  rivers  Hau-giang  and  Tien-giang. 

This  great  river,  the  surveys  of  which  are  the  result  of  the  labours  of  M. 
Man  en  and  other  French  hydrographic  engineers,  is  navigable  for  a  great 
distance  into  the  interior.  The  waters  commence  to  rise  in  the  month  of 
May,  attain  their  maximum  in  October,  and  decrease  until  March.  They  rise 
26  to  33  ft.  at  Nam  Van,  and  17  ft.  about  Chau-doc  and  the  Each  Ong  Nu. 
Tides  are  only  felt  during  the  season  when  the  waters  are  low,  and  their 
height  is  10  inches  at  Nam  Van,  and  nearly  4^  ft.  at  Chau-doc. 

DELTA  of  the  CAMBODIA  RIVER.— The  several  mouths  of  the  Cambodia 
Eiver  form  a  delta  more  than  60  miles  in  extent,  in  a  N.E.  and  S.W.  direc- 
tion. The  land  is  low,  and  subject  to  frequent  changes  in  consequence  of  the 
accumulation  of  the  rich  alluvial  deposit  brought  down  by  the  different 
branches  of  the  river.  Shoal  banks  front  the  whole  delta,  and  extend  so  far 
to  seaward  that  the  land  is  nearly  always  invisible  from  their  outer  edges. 
The  5-fathom  line  of  soundings  bounding  these  banks  passes  about  30  miles 
to  the  westward  of  Pulo  Condore,  and  imagining  a  line  to  be  drawn  from 
that  island  to  Cape  St.  James,  the  5-fathom  line  will  be  about  8  or  9  miles 
distant  from  it  ^t  the  Co-khien  mouth,  and  about  3  miles  at  the  Cuatieu 
mouth.  Between  the  extreme  mouths  of  the  river,  from  lat.  9°  20'  to  10°  N., 
lies  the  most  advanced  part  of  the  coast,  and  it  is  in  front  of  this  part  that  the 
bank  projects  farthest.  The  soundings  near  its  edge  decrease  suddenly  from 
10  or  11  to  3  fathoms,  and  the  land,  which  is  here  7  or  8  miles  distant,  is 
generally  invisible. 

Many  ships  have  gone  on  shore  in  this  locality,  on  account  of  the  great 
risk  arising  from  the  rapid  decrease  of  the  soundings  and  the  absence  of  any 
land  marks.  It  is  therefore  necessary  in  approaching  this  coast  from  the 
ofl3.ng  to  exercise  extreme  prudence,  and  the  greatest  possible  caution  should 
be  observed  when  navigating  to  the  westward  of  the  line  of  Cape  St.  James 
bearing  N.  by  E.  ^  E.  At  the  first  cast  under  11  fathoms,  or  as  soon  as  trees 
become  visible,  it  is  necessary  to  haul  out  quickly  to  the  eastward,  especially 


DELTA  OF  THE  CAMBODIA  EIVER.  431 

during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  when  the  currents  set  strong  on  to  the  banks  to 
the  south-westward.  The  direction  of  these  currents  vary  from  West,  S.W., 
and  S.S.W.,  and  their  rate,  which  depends  a  great  deal  upon  the  force  of 
the  wind,  is  sometimes  as  much  as  40  or  50  miles  in  24  hours.  Near  the 
mouths  of  the  Cambodia  River  the  rate  of  the  current  increases  with  the 
flood  and  diminishes  with  the  ebb. 

The  waters  of  the  Cambodia  are  charged  with  yellowish  mud,  and  dis- 
coloured water  may  at  times  be  seen  7  or  8  miles  out  at  sea  towards  the  end 
of  the  ebb,  but  it  is  driven  back  by  the  flood.  This  change  of  colour  indi- 
cates the  approach  to  shoal  water,  and  is  therefore  a  limit  which  it  is  not 
prudent  to  pass. 

The  formation  of  deposit  is  so  rapid  in  these  parts,  that  the  limits  which 
we  have  given  may  perhaps  be  altered  in  a  few  years.  There  is  so  much 
sea  on  the  edges  of  these  banks,  and  the  currents  which  set  towards  the  land 
are  so  strong,  that  this  coast  should  be  absolutely  avoided  during  the  N.E. 
monsoon. 

The  mouths  Ba-thac  and  Binh-nan,  which  limit  to  the  westward  the  delta 
of  the  Cambodia  Eiver,  bear  N.N.W.  J  "VV.,  and  are  distant  45  miles  from 
Pulo  Condore.  The  shoal  banks  fronting  them  extend  about  9  or  10  miles, 
and  are  for  the  most  part  uncovered  at  low  water.  The  bar  at  the  entrance 
of  the  former  has  not  been  completely  sounded  ;  upon  that  of  the  Dinh-naa 
there  are  8  ft.  at  low  water  spring  tides. 

The  mouths  Cong-hau  and  Co-khien  are  about  20  miles  farther  to  the  north- 
eastward ;  the  shoal  banks  fronting  them  extend  10  or  11  miles,  and  partly 
uncover.  Upon  the  bar  fronting  these  entrances  there  are  but  6  ft.  water, 
low  spring  tides.  There  is  a  clump  of  trees  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Cong- 
hau,  and  a  fort  on  the  right  bank  at  the  entrance  of  the  Co-khien. 

The  Ben-nhau  mouth,  7  or  8  miles  farther  to  the  north-eastward,  appears 
to  be  more  accessible  ;  from  8  to  10  ft.  was  found  upon  the  bar  at  low  water 
springs,  but  the  channel  is  long,  tortuous,  and  difficult.  Two  Jorts,  one  upon 
each  point  of  the  entrance,  defend  it.  It  was  near  this  entrance  that  the 
We^er  was  lost,  the  wreck  of  which  is,  or  was  very  recently,  still  visible  upon 
the  bank  to  the  southward  of  the  entrance,  at  a  distance  of  8  miles. 

A  few  miles  farther  to  the  north-eastward  is  the  entrance  of  the  Ba-lai,  upon 
the  bar  of  which  9  or  10  ft.  water  was  found  at  low  water  spring  tides. 

The  Cua-dai  and  the  Cua-tieu,  the  two  northernmost  mouths  of  the  Cambo- 
dia River,  are  defended  by  forts  built  upon  the  banks  at  their  entrances.  On 
the  bar  uf  the  former  but  5  or  6  ft.  was  found,  and  on  that  of  the  latter  6  or 
7  ft.,  at  low  water  springs.  The  shoal  banks,  near  which  it  is  necessary  to 
pass  in  entering  these  mouths,  are  numerous  and  extensive,  the  shallow  water 
covering  them  forming  large  plateaux  of  very  dangerous  breakers. 

In  the  actual  state  of  things  it  would  be  useless  to  give  instructions  for 
entering  these  different  mouths,  the  banks  and  channels  being  subject  to 


432  COCHIN  CHINA. 

change  of  position  ;  the  coast,  moreover,  is  very  low,  and  covered  with  a 
vegetation  so  uniform,  that  in  all  probability  any  bearings  we  might  give 
here  would  but  have  the  effect  of  leading  into  error.  None  of  these  mouths 
are  therefore  practicable,  in  our  opinion,  unless  they  be  j&ret  carefully  buoyed, 
or  unless  with  the  assistance  of  a  local  pilot. "^ 

DELTA  of  the  RIVER  DON-NAI.  — Six  miles  to  the  eastward  of  the 
Dongtranh  mouth  lies  Cangio  Point,  which  limits  on  the  "West  the  bay  of 
Ganh  Eay,  into  which  flows  the  Don-nai,  as  well  as  the  Viam-tcheou,  the 
Viam-lcai-mep,  the  Ba-lou,  the  Tchavia,  and  the  Racli-lap. 

Caution. — In  front  of  the  mouths  Cua-dai  and  Cua-tieu,  and  to  the  south- 
eastward of  Cangio  Point,  the  banks  are  the  most  numerous  and  extensive, 
and  as  they  limit  on  the  West  the  channel  leading  to  Saigon,  it  is  neces- 
sary to  be  extremely  careful  that  the  vessel  is  not  drifted  towards  them  by 
currents. 

When  the  vessel  is  abreast  of  the  Cua-dai  mouth,  or  about  15  miles  dis- 
tant from  the  light  on  Cape  St.  James,  take  care  that  the  light  is  not  brought 
to  the  East  of  N.E.  f  N.,  upon  which  bearing  at  that  distance  it  leads  in  4 
fathoms  about  2|  miles  outside  the  dangerous  banks  and  breakers  at  the 
entrance  of  the  river.  From  thence  that  bearing  of  the  light  appears  to  be 
a  prudent  tacking  mark  when  standing  towards  the  banks  fronting  the 
shore ;  it  is  however  possible,  when  distant  from  5  to  7  miles  from  Cape  St. 
James,  to  stand  farther  to  the  westward,  until  the  light  bears  N.E.  i  E.,  but 
we  consider  it  advisable  not  to  do  so,  especially  in  large  vessels. 

DON-NAI  or  SAIGON  RIVER.— The  Phuoc-linh-giang,  commonly  called 
the  Don-nai,  or  Saigon  Eiver,  has  not  been  surveyed  higher  up  than  the 
cascades,  situated  about  25  miles  above  Bien-hoa,  the  chief  town  of  a  province 
of  that  name,  and  which  lies  12  miles  to  the  N.E.  by  N.  of  Saigon.  It  does 
not  become  navigable  until  below  the  ancient  barriers,  at  the  point  where  the 
Tay-giang  branches  off,  6  miles  below  Bien-hoa.  From  thence  it  follows  a 
south-easterly  direction  for  3  or  4  miles,  and  then  trends  with  several  wind- 
ings to  the  south-westward,  until  it  receives  the  Saigon  arm  and  forms  the 
Tam-giang-khau,  which  runs  nearly  North  and  South.  At  Phami  Point  it 
divides  into  two  arms  ;  the  one  turning  to  the  westward  is  the  Loirap,  that 
turning  to  the  south-eastward  reassumes  the  name  of  the  Phuoc-binh-giang 
or  Don-nai.  Four  or  five  miles  below  the  point  at  which  the  Loirap  diverges, 
a  smaller  branch,  named  Each-mon-gom,  turns  to  the  eastward.     This  sepa- 


*  At  present  the  only  port  useful  for  trade  is  Saigon,  nor  is  it  probable  that  any  other 
port  "will  be  utilised,  for  the  whole  country  being  intersected  with  numerous  rivers 
and  canals,  it  is  an  easy  matter  to  convey  its  products  to  Saigon,  the  river  leading  to 
■which  can  be  safelj'  and  easily  entered  at  any  time  by  the  largest  class  of  ships.  The 
Company's  ships  which  traded  to  Cambodia  in  the  16th  century  frequently  got  aground  in 
the  river,  and  it  appears  always  to  have  been  an  intricate  navigation  for  large  ships. 


CAPE  ST.  JAMES.  433 

rates  into  two  streams,  both  of  which  rejoin  the  main  river  at  one  point, 
and  form  that  part  known  as  the  Quatre-bras  (four-arms').  The  Don-nai 
disembogues  at  Cangio  Point  in  Ganh  Pay  Bay,  8  miles  below  Quatre-bras. 

The  Saigon  arm  of  the  Don-nai  is  its  sole  af&uent,  and,  like  it,  is  re- 
plenished by  the  inundations  from  the  great  river  of  Cambodia.  It  flows 
from  the  N.W.  to  the  S.E.,  leaves  on  its  right  the  mountain  of  Badinh, 
passes  by  the  Cai-cong,  Thu-dau-mot,  and  Dai-thieu,  and,  pursuing  a  very 
serpentine  course,  passes  Saigon,  joining  the  Don-nai  about  8  or  9  miles 
below  that  city. 

CAPE  ST.  JAMES,  bearing  from  Pulo  Condore  about  N.  by  E.  ^  E.,  dis- 
tant 98  miles,  and  forming  the  eastern  boundary  of  the  entrance  to  the 
Don-nai  oi  Saigon  Piver,  is  the  first  high  laud  seen  when  coming  from  the 
south-westward,  the  whole  of  the  coast  from  thence  to  the  Gulf  of  Siam 
being  very  low  drowned  land.  The  mountain  forming  the  cape  has  at  its 
southern  part  a  low  gap,  and  on  its  northern  part  a  high  gap,  which  give  it 
the  appearance  of  three  islands  when  first  seen  at  a  distance  of  about  30 
miles,  but  on  a  near  approach  the  connexion  is  percived.  The  extreme  of 
the  cape  is  a  narrow  tongue  projecting  to  the  southward,  and  at  a  short 
distance  to  the  eastward  of  it  is  a  small  islet. 

The  village  of  Vang-tau  stands  in  Cocoa-Nut  Bay,  on  the  western  side  of 
Cape  St.  James,  about  IJ  mile  from  its  South  extreme.  The  bay  is  about  a 
mile  long  and  half  a  mile  deep,  the  beach  being  hned  by  a  grove  of  cocoa- 
nut  trees.  The  shore  between  the  extreme  of  the  cape  and  the  bay  is  bold, 
and  may  be  passed  at  half  a  mile  with  safety ;  but  the  bay  is  shallow  and 
afi'ords  anchorage  only  for  vessels  of  the  smallest  class.  At  the  southern 
part  of  the  bay  the  soundings  decrease  pretty  regularly  from  5  to  3  and 
2  fathoms,  but  at  the  northern  part  they  decrease  suddenly  from  5  to  1|- 
fathoms ;  vessels,  therefore,  intending  to  anchor  ofi"  this  bay  should  approach 
it  with  caution,  and  anchor  in  7  or  6  fathoms  ;  the  bottom  is  soft  mud,  and 
the  holding  ground  good.  "  Be  careful  not  to  drop  the  anchor  on  a  sunken 
rock  in  7  fathoms  of  water ;  the  extreme  S.W.  point  of  the  bay  bearing 
S.E.  by  E.,  and  the  N.W.  point  N.E.  by  E."— Ca/?^.  A.  J.  Loftus. 

Water. — Good  water  may  be  obtained  from  wells,  easy  of  access,  at  the 
village  of  Yang-tau  ;  water  may  also  be  found  at  a  village  in  the  Ganh  Pay 
Piver,  a  short. distance  from  the  point  marked  in  the  chart. 

Lights.— A  fixed  white  light  of  the  first  order  is  exhibited  from  a  light- 
tower,  26  ft.  high,  standing  on  the  southernmost  of  the  heights  of  Cape  St. 
James,  and  776  yards  within  the  South  extreme  of  the  cape.  The  light  is 
elevated  482  ft.  above  the  mean  level  of  the  sea,  and  is  visible  in  clear 
weather  at  about  28  miles.  The  position  of  the  light-tower  is  lat.  10°  19^' 
N.,  long.  107°  5'  25"  E. 

A  fixed  white  light,  elevated  32  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  visible  10  miles,  is 
I.  A.  »  «^ 


434  COCHIN  CHINA. 

exhibited  from  a  lightvessel  moored  head  and  stern  N.W.  and  S.E.,  in  5 
fathoms  water,  close  to  the  right  or  West  bank  of  the  Dun-nai  Eiver,  N.W. 
i  W.,  distant  2  J  miles  from  Cangio  Point. 

CANGIO  or  BASSOK  BANK,  forming  the  western  boundary  of  the  en- 
trance to  the  Don-nai  Eiver,  is  very  extensive,  and  has  but  3  to  4  ft.  water 
over  it  at  low  tides.  From  its  southern  extreme,  in  2  fathoms,  the  light- 
house on  Cape  St.  James  bears  E.  by  N. — northerly,  4;^  miles,  but  shoal 
soundings  of  3  and  S^  fathoms  extend  from  thence  to  a  2^- fathoms  patch, 
which  lies  S.W.,  from  3^  to  4  miles  from  the  lighthouse.  The  edge  of  the 
bank  from  the  southern  extreme  in  2  fathoms,  takes  a  north-easterly  direc- 
tion till  abreast  of  Yang-tau,  when  it  trends  to  the  northward  as  far  as 
abreast  of  Point  A,  where  the  navigable  channel  is  about  IJ  miles  broad  ; 
from  thence  the  bank  curves  away  gradually  towards  Cangio  Point,  passing 
it  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile  off. 

The  edge  of  the  Cangio  Bank  may  generally  be  known  by  rows  of  fishing 
stakes,  the  extremes  of  which  are  usually  close  to  the  deep  water ;  these 
stakes,  however,  cannot  be  depended  upon  for  marks,  being  occasionalJy 
shifted  by  the  natives. 

Shoal  Banks  at  the  Entrance.— The  shoal  patch,  lying  about  2J  miles 
S.E.  of  the  2  fathoms'  extreme  of  the  Cangio  Bank,  is  a  hard  bank  of  sand 
and  gravel  about  half  a  mile  in  extent,  with  13  to  15  ft.  water  over  it. 
Prom  its  north-eastern  extreme  the  lighthouse  on  Cape  St.  James  bears  N.E. 
by  E.,  distant  3  miles.  Between  the  shoal  patch  and  the  Cangio  Bank  the 
depths  are  3  and  3 J  fathoms;  3^  and  4  fathoms  extend  a  mile  to  the  east- 
ward of  it,  and  irregular  soundings  of  3J,  5^,  and  4  fathoms,  about  1^  mile 
to  the  north-eastward ;  from  thence  to  Cape  St.  St.  James  the  depths  are  6 
to  8  fathoms. 

The  Formosa  Bank,  the  West  extreme  of  which  lies  S.E.  by  E.  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  South  point  of  Cape  St.  James,  is  a  mile  in 
extent  E.  by  N.  and  W.  by  S.,  and  composed  of  hard  sand  and  gravel,  with 
but  13  to  15  ft.  water  over  it.  About  a  mil©  E.N.E.  from  it  is  a  patch  of  3 
fathoms,  about  half  a  mile  in  extent. 

■  Two  miles  S.S.E.  from  Cape  St.  James  there  are  shoal  patches  of  4f 
fathoms  on  a  bank  of  irregular  soundings,  which  extends  from  thence  about 
E.  by  N.,  nearly  3  miles.  Between  this  bank  and  the  Formosa  Bank  and  3 
fathoms  patch,  are  depths  of  6  fathoms,  and  6  to  7  fathoms  in  other  direc- 
tions from  it. 

The  Formosa  Bank,  and  the  shoal  patches  to  the  southward  and  eastward 
of  it,  will  be  avoided  if  the  lighthouse  is  not  brought  to  the  westward  of 
N.  by  W. 

The  Channel  at  the  entrance  of  the  Don-nai  forms  an  elbow  to  Cangio 
Point,  the  first  land  met  with  on  the  left  hand  when  entering.  It  is  10  miles 
long,  and,  between  the  North  point  of  Cocoa-Nut  Bay  and  the  Cangio  Bank, 


SAIGON  EIVER-CANGIO.  435 

2  miles  broad,  but  gradually  narrows  to  threp-quarters  of  a  mile  abreast  of 
Cangio  Point,  where  the  river  is  usually  considered  to  begin.  The  channel 
is  bounded  on  the  "West  and  South  by  the  Cangio  Bank,  on  the  East  by  the 
cape  land,  and  a  mud  bank  which  extends  about  2  miles  from  the  East  side 
Ganh  Eay  Bay,  and  on  the  North  by  a  mud  bank  which  extends  nearly  2 
miles  to  the  eastward  of  the  land  opposite  Cangio  Point ;  these  mud  banks 
are  separated  by  a  passage  with  5  to  8  fathoms  water  in  it.  The  bottom  of 
the  channel  is  soft  mud  ;  the  general  depths  are  7  to  12  fathoms,  and  ships 
may  anchor  in  any  part  of  it. 

The  entrance  of  the  river  at  Cangio  Point  cannot  be  made  out  when  dis- 
tant, the  land  being  very  low,  and  covered  with  brushwood.  Should  the 
guard-ship  be  moored  in  her  proper  position  at  Cangio,  the  trees  and  her 
hull  will  be  seen  close  together,  formmg  an  excellent  mark  for  the  entrance 
of  the  river. 

CANGIO  is  a  small  fishing  village  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river,  not  far 
from  Cangio  Point,  but  it  was,  in  1862,  nearly  deserted  on  account  of  the 
numerous  pirates  in  the  river. 

Supplies. — Sometimes  a  few  fish,  ducks,  pigs,  eggs,  and  a  small  supply  of 
vegetables  may  be  bought  at  the  village,  at  moderate  prices.  The  native 
boats  are  numerous  here,  and  sail  very  fast,  with  two  and  sometimes  three 
triangular  sails  made  of  matting,  and,  if  wanted,  may  be  hired  for  a  small 
Bum  to  go  to  Saigon  or  elsewhere. 

Guard-ship,  Pilots,  &c. — A  French  frigate  is  stationed  as  a  guard-ship  off 
Cangio,  but  she  is  sometimes  lying  off  Cape  St.  James.  All  vessels  arriving 
must  be  brought  to  an  anchor  where  she  is,  their  small  arms  and  ammuni- 
tion, of  whatever  kind  and  quantity,  must  be  packed  up,  numbered,  and 
taken  on  board  of  her,  and  the  manifest,  port  clearance,  list  of  passengers, 
and  the  shij)'s  draught  of  water  must  also  be  shown  to  her  commanding 
ofiicer  ;  after  which  a  receipt  and  pass  to  proceed  up  the  river  will  be  granted. 
Printed  port  regulations  may  be  obtained  on  board,  and  also  pilots  for  the 
river,  if  necessary.     Rate  of  pilotage  3  dollars  per  foot. 

Caution.— Should  the  guard-ship  be  at  her  station  oflP  Cangio,  large  vessels 
should  not  pass  on  her  South  side,  there  being  no  room  between  her  and  a 
hard  bank  of  sand,  extending  some  distance  from  the  South  bank  of  the  river. 
The  best  anchorage  is  midway  between  the  frigate  and  the  North  bank,  in 
8  fathoms,  soft  bottom.  By  proceeding  farther  into  the  river  much  deeper 
water  will  be  found,  making  it  sometimes  very  awkward  for  a  large  ship  to 
get  the  anchor  in  the  strength  of  the  N.E.  monsoon. 

Banks  and  Dangers  in  the  River. — Banks  extend  from  both  sides  of  the 
river  between  Cangio  Point  (B)  and  the  points  marked  E.  and  F.  consider- 
ably narrowing  the  channel,  which  must  there  be  navigated  with  caution ; 
the  soundings  are  irregular,  and  the  banks  shoal  suddenly.  The  river  from 
thence  to  Point  P  is  free  from  danger,  with  the  exception  of  a  bank  pro- 


436  COCHIN  CHINA. 

jecting  a  short  distance  from  Point  M,  another  from  the  point  opposite  N, 
and  another  from  Point  0. 

Coral  Banks. — There  is  a  coral  bank  in  the  bend  opposite  Point  P,  "which 
extends  more  than  half-way  across  the  river;  along  its  edge  are  U  and  2 
fathoms  water,  with  less  depths  near  the  shore.  There  is  also  a  detached 
bank  with  as  little  as  ^  fathom  water  over  it  between  the  southern  part  of 
the  shore  bank,  and  the  shore  just  to  the  southward  of  Point  P;  and 
another  detached  bank,  with  2|  fathoms  water  over  it,  just  to  the  northward 
of  Point  P. 

Mr.  Phillips,  master  of  H.M.S.  Vigilant,  remarks  that  these  banks  are  well 
buoyed  ;  and  upon  the  French  charts  they  are  or  were*  marked  as  follows  : — 

Three  red  buoys  are  placed  upon  the  outer  edge  of  the  shore  bank. 

A  horizontally  striped  red  and  hlach  buoy  is  placed  upon  the  South  extreme 
of  the  lower  detached  bank,  abreast  of  the  southern  red  buoy  on  the  shore 
bank.  A  black  buoy  is  placed  upon  its  northern  edge ;  and  a  red  buoy  marks 
its  western  limit. 

A  perpendicularly  striped  hlach  and  white  buoy  is  placed  on  the  northern 
end  of  the  northern  detached  bank. 

Three  trees  with  their  stems  painted  in  llach  and  white  bands,  mark  the 
limits  of  these  dangers  on  the  eastern  or  right  hand  bank  of  the  river,  going 
up  ;  and  a  tree,  similarly  painted,  marks  the  northern  limit  on  the  opposite 
Bide  of  the  river. 

The  best  channel  for  large  ships  appears  to  be  between  the  red  buoy  ou 
the  western  edge  of  the  southern  bank  and  the  shore  on  the  left  hand,  going 
up  ;  and  afterwards  between  the  middle  red  buoy  of  the  shore  bank,  and  the 
perpendicularly  striped  llaclc  and  white  buoy  on  the  northern  detached  bank. 
The  usual  plan,  however,  is  to  closely  hug  the  shore  on  the  left  hand,  going 
up  the  river. 

A  shoal  bank  projects  some  distance  from  the  shore  at  Point  S  at  the  junc- 
tion of  the  Loirap,  to  avoid  which  vessels  going  up  should  keep  over  on  the 
left  bank  or  eastern  side  of  the  river. 

Dangerous  Bank  commences  nearly  1^  mile  above  Point  T,  and  extends 
about  3A  miles  along  the  bank  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  river,  from  which 
it  is  separated  by  a  narrow  channel  of  3  fathoms.  It  reaches  about  halfway 
across  the  river,  and  is  composed  of  sand  and  rock,  the  latter  prevailing  at 
its  South  end  ;  it  is  also  coated  with  mud  and  clay.  Several  ships  have  been 
much  injured  on  this  bank,  and  have  experienced  great  difficulty  in  getting 
off  it.  When  beating  up  or  down  this  reach,  tack  just  before  getting  in  mid 
river,  and  never  shoal  the  water  anything  under  6  fathoms. 

*  We  have  received  no  notice  of  the  arrangement  of  the  buoys  as  above  described,  having 
been  altered  since  the  French  system  was  adopted  of  marking  channels  with  red  buoys  and 
beacons  on  the  starboard  side,  entering  from  sea,  black  to  port,  and  red  and  black  to  be 
passed  on  either  side. 


THE  CITY  OF  SAIGON.  437 

Dangerous  bank  extends  to  abreast  of  Point  V,  where  the  river  turns 
sharply  from  a  N.N.E.  to  a  W.S.W.  direction  ;  from  thence  to  Saigon  the 
river  is  free  from  danger. 

The  CITY  of  SAIGON,  the  capital  of  the  French  possessions  in  Cochin 
China,  stands  on  the  right  or  West  bank  of  the  Don-nai,  about  45  miles 
from  Cape  St.  James.  It  was  formerly  the  principal  arsenal  and  marine 
depot  of  the  king  of  Cochin-China,  who,  in  1790,  caused  it  to  be  extensively 
and  strongly  fortified  by  Colonel  V.  Olivier,  a  French  officer  in  his  service, 
Saigon  consists  of  two  towns  connected  by  a  straggling  suburb  ;  Pingeh 
with  the  citadel  being  on  the  West  side  of  the  river,  and  the  commercial 
town  being  on  a  tributary  stream  navigable  by  large  boats.  It  is  regularly 
built  and  iotersected  by  canals,  some  of  which  are  lined  with  quays  of  stone 
and  brick-work.  The  houses  are  mostly  of  earth,  one  story  high,  and 
thatched  with  palm-leaves.  The  citadel,  fortified  in  European  style,  contains 
barracks,  officers'  quarters,  and  the  governor's  residence.  Saigon  has  also 
a  naval  yard  and  arsenal,  a  palace,  and  large  rice  magazines.  It  communi- 
cates with  the  Mekong  by  a  canal  20  miles  in  length,  and  has  a  foreign 
trade  with  China,  Siam,  Java,  the  Philippines,  &c.  In  1876,  there  were  317 
vessels  of  all  nationalities,  and  aggregating  234,299  tons  register,  loaded  at 
Saigon,  of  which  215  vessels,  of  158,151  tons,  were  British.  The  markets 
are  well  supplied  with  provisions,  especially  fish,  and  the  environs  fertile  and 
carefully  cultivated.  Exports,  see  page  428.  A  railroad  from  Cholon  to 
South  Fort,  a  distance  of  6  or  7  miles,  was  determined  on  in  1875. 

The  observatory,  about  half  a  mile  from  the  principal  landing-place,  is 
reached  by  a  straight  road.  It  is,  according  to  the  French  charts,  in  lat. 
10°  46'  40"  N.,  long.  106°  41'  52"  E.  The  observations  obtained  in  1853  in 
H.M.S.  Rifleman  agree  very  closely  with  this  position,  viz.,  lat.  10°  46'  39 'N., 
long.  106°  42'  31"  E. 

Anchorage. — The  anchorage  for  men-of-war  is  ofi"  the  city  in  from  5  to  7 
fathoms ;  merchant  vessels  are  obliged  to  anchor  below  the  mouth  of  the 
Viam-Benghe.  Ships'  papers  must  be  shown  to  the  harbour  master  ou 
arrival,  and  a  berth  for  mooring  ship  will  be  pointed  out  by  him. 

Supplies. — Captain  Loftus  says  that  water  is  obtained  from  a  well  at  the 
Chinese  bazaar  on  the  Viam-Benghe ;  it  is  brought  alongside  in  boats.  The 
fish  are  small  and  black,  and  inferior  eating.  Ducks  and  fowls  sell  for  about 
three  dollars  per  dozen  ;  vegetables  are  scarce.  There  is  but  a  limited 
quantity  of  ships'  stores,  and  little  variety  for  visitors. 

A  plentiful  supply  of  excellent  beef  was  obtained  here  by  H.M.S.  Rifleman, 
and  also  snipe  at  moderate  prices. 

Climate. — During  the  day  the  heat  is  very  great,  the  thermometer  often 
rising  to  100°  in  the  shade,  and  during  the  night  also  the  air  is  very  close 
and  the  heat  oppressive. 

Few  strangers  escape  from  what  is  called  the  Scdgon  fever ;  it  seems  to 


438  COCHIN  CHINA. 

be  of  a  chronic  form,  and  not  easily  got  rid  of.  Emetics,  purgatives,  and 
large  doses  of  quinine  are  used  for  its  cure.  Attacks  of  cholera  and  sua 
stroke  are  also  frequent.  Bathing,  moderate  exercise  in  the  shade,  spare 
regular  diet,  and  ample  rest,  are  the  best  preventives.  Exposure  to  the  sun, 
indolence,  costiveness,  irregular  diet,  and  drinking  fermented  liquors  must 
be  avoided. 

Tides. — At  Cape  St.  James  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  2*"  30"  ;  * 
at  Cangio  Point  at  3''.  Upon  the  bars  of  all  the  Cambodia  rivers,  as  far  as 
the  mouth  of  the  Ben-nhau,  it  is  high  water  nearly  at  the  same  time  as  at 
Cangio.  Equinoctial  springs  rise  13  ft.,  neaps  9  ft.  Spring  tides  run 
strong ;  ebb  tides  last  longer  than  the  floods.  Neap  tides  are  feeble  and 
irregular ;  sometimes  strong  currents  set  into  the  river  at  that  period,  and 
raise  the  height  of  the  tides  a  little.  On  the  coral  bank  up  the  river  it  is 
high  water  at  3**  SO-" ;  and  the  rise  is  the  same.  At  Saigon  the  tides  are 
tolerably  strong  and  regular  about  the  springs ;  it  is  high  water  at  4**  30™, 
and  the  rise  is  11  to  12  ft. 

"Neaps  are  weak  and  irregular,  with  strong  under  currents  and  very 
little  rise  and  fall.  Vessels  dropping  down  during  neaps  will  fiind  great 
advantage  in  having  a  square  sail  sunk  under  the  stern,  with  two  guys 
leading  forward.  From  the  pitch  of  the  cape  the  flood  sets  to  the  Cangio 
Bank,  almost  direct  to  the  mouth  of  the  river ;  the  ebb  takes  the  opposite 
direction.  The  passage  up  the  river  generally  occupies  two  days." — Captain 
Jjoftus. 

Directions  for  making  the  Land  and  Entering  the  Don-nai  River. — In  the  N.E. 
monsoon  ships  from  the  southward  should  make  the  land  well  to  windward 
of  the  port,  or  they  will  be  set  quickly  to  leeward  of  Cape  St.  James,  and 
too  near  the  Cangio  Bank,  by  the  flood  tide  and  the  sea  current  setting 
about  S.W.  by  W.  along  the  coast.  But  a  strong  set  in  the  opposite  direc- 
tion may  be  expected  with  the  ebb  tide,  which,  at  the  full  and  change  of  the 
moon,  begins  to  run  out  of  the  river  about  midnight. 

Entering  the  River,  the  fairway  mark  is  the  two  points  of  the  cape  land 
northward  of  Cocoa-nut  Bay  in  one,  N.  by  W.  ^  W. ;  this  will  lead  between 
the  shoal  patches  in  regular  soundings  of  6  or  7  fathoms. 

Cape  Bakek  just  open  of  Cape  Ti-wan,  bearing  N.E.  by  E.,  leads  to  the 
southward  of  the  shoal  patches  which  lie  south-eastward  of  Cape  St.  James, 
and  the  lighthouse  bearing  N.  by  W.  leads  to  the  westward. 

The  western  extreme  of  the  North  point  of  the  cape  land  (A)  bearing 
North,  will  lead  clear  of  the  shoal  patch  on  the  western  side  of  the  channel, 
and  bearing  N.  by  E.  \  E.  will  lead  between  the  shoal  patch  and  the  Cangio 
Bank  in  3  fathoms  least  water. 

*  Mer  de  Chine,  p.  210.  Capt.  Loftus  gives  ll*"  as  the  time  of  high  water  at  the  cape, 
and  o''  30'"  at  Saigon. 


CAPE  ST.  JAMES  TO  SAIGON.  439 

In  the  South-west  Monsoon^  when  the  East  end  of  Pulo  Condore  is  brought 
to  bear  South  with  a  westerly  wind  and  lee  current,  steer  northward,  and  the 
vessel  will  soon  gain  the  edge  of  the  bank  fronting  the  Cambodia  rivers,  and 
extending  to  the  mouth  of  the  Saigon  Eiver. 

Strong  freshes  run  out  of  these  rivers  during  this  monsoon,  and  join  the 
sea  current,  whereby  vessels  are  obliged  to  keep  the  edge  of  the  bank  aboard 
to  prevent  being  set  to  leeward  of  the  meridian  of  Cape  St.  James. 

Continue  along  the  edge  of  the  bank,  with  the  lead  going  in  not  less  than 
10  fathoms,  and  keep  on  until  Cape  St.  James  bears  about  N.N.E.,  then 
steering  direct  for  it  on  that  bearing,  will  lead  to  the  fairway  of  the  entranse 
to  the  river. 

CAPE  ST.  JAMES  to  SAIGON.— A  steam  vessel  will  have  no  difficulty  in 
proceeding  up  the  Don-nai  Eiver  for  the  first  time,  guided  by  the  chart  only, 
and  without  the  assistance  of  a  pilot,  by  keeping  as  nearly  as  possible  in 
mid-channel,  and  being  careful  in  rounding  the  points.  Of  course,  near  the 
Coral  Banks  and  Dangerous  Bank,  it  will  be  necessary  to  be  guided  by  the 
buoys  (page  436)  which  mark  the  former,  and  to  keep  over  to  the  fort  side 
when  passing  the  latter.  A  stranger  may  proceed  boldly  up  to  the  city,  as 
there  is  plenty  of  room  to  anchor  and  swing  upon  the  flood  tide.  It  is  a 
difi'erent  matter  however  with  sailing  ships,  and  the  following  directions  for 
their  guidance  are  by  Captain  A.  J.  Loftus,  commander  of  the  barque  JJew- 
sm^^o?i  of  Singapore,  1862. 

In  the  North-east  Monsoon. — Having  rounded  Cape  St.  James  at  a  moderate 
distance,  either  with  the  flood  or  ebb,  keep  mid-channel,  and  steer  for  point 
A  until  it  bears  East,  distant  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  then  steer  N.  W.  \  W. 
till  the  trees  on  point  B.  bear  W.  \  N.,  or  the  guard  ship  W.  ^  N.  ;  at  the 
same  time  point  A  must  be  brought  to  bear  S.E.  by  E.  Then  steer  W.  by  N. 
for  the  entrance  of  the  river.  Take  care  to  make  these  courses  good, 
attending  carefully  to  the  lead.  Having  arrived  at  the  entrance,  bring  up 
midway  between  the  guard  ship  and  the  North  bank  in  9  fathoms  water. 
Do  not  pass  inside  the  guard  ship. 

When  turning  to  windward  between  Cape  St.  James  and  Cangio  Point, 
the  lead  should  be  kept  constantly  going,  and  the  water  not  shoaled  to  lesa 
than  7  fathoms  on  either  side,  the  banks  being  steep-to  in  many  places ;  with 
a  hard  bottom  the  vessel  is  on  the  edge  of  the  bank. 

Having  complied  with  the  regulations  of  the  guard  ship,  weigh  at  low- 
water,  with  a  commanding  breeze  from  the  eastward,  and  proceed  toward® 
point  E,  keeping  in  mid-channel,  and  giving  the  small  islet  lying  ofi"  point 
E  a  good  berth. 

When  near  point  E,*  brace  up  and  luff,  run  close  to  it  through  the  next 

*  Many  seamen  have  mistaken  point  D  for  that  of  E,  and  having  luffed  round  it  have 
got  aground  on  hard  sand. 


440  COCHIN  CHINA. 

reach.  Should  the  wind  be  scant,  make  a  tack  and  proceed  on  to  point  J, 
keeping  it  close  aboard  ;  then  brace  up  and  luff  along  the  South  reach, 
giving  the  mouth  of  a  river  below  the  point  a  moderate  berth  ;  steer  on  in 
mid-channel  until  near  point  M,  then  haul  up,  and  if  the  ship  is  handy, 
work  through  the  East  reach,  otherwise  back  and  fill,  or  drop  through  if  the 
tide  be  strong.  Make  sail  again  at  the  end  of  the  reach  and  proceed,  round- 
ing point  0  in  mid-channel,  as  there  is  a  little  shoal  water  off  it.  Keep  very 
close  in  to  that  side  of  the  river  until  the  painted  tree  that  grows  out  of  the 
water  at  point  P*  and  the  Coral  Bank  are  passed,  giving  the  tree  a  berth  of 
half  a  ship's  length. 

Having  passed  the  bank,  run  on,  keeping  clear  of  the  bight  Q,  which  is 
shoal.  When  off  point  T,  cross  over  to  U,  sailing  along  that  side  at  a  con- 
venient distance.  Keep  close  to  point  V  if  the  wind  be  scant,  and  luff 
through  the  next  reach  ;  then  keep  away  and  brace  sharp  up  at  point  W, 
keep  a  close  luff  through  the  South  reach,  and  bring  up  below  the  shipping. 

In  the  South-west  Monsoon. — Having  arrived  at  Cape  St.  James,  proceed  on 
and  anchor  in  mid-channel  off  point  A  if  the  tide  is  ebbing ;  if  not,  brace 
up  and  work  to  windward  in  a  N.W.  direction  until  point  A  is  brought  to 
bear  S.E.  by  E.,  and  the  group  of  trees  on  point  B  W.  \  N.,  or  the  guard 
ship  W.  ^  N.,  then  work  up  for  the  mouth  of  the  river  on  these  bearings, 
keeping  the  lead  constantly  going,  and  not  shoaling  the  water  under  7 
fathoms. 

This  is  the  rainy  season  at  Saigon,  and  the  prevailing  winds  are  from  the 
West  and  S.W.  Ships  are  able  to  partly  drop  and  sail  up  the  river  in  this 
monsoon.  But  when  under  canvas  be  prepared  for  heavy%squalls,  with  rain 
from  the  West  and  S.W.,  which  travel  across  the  southern  part  of  Cambodia 
from  the  Gulf  of  Siam.  The  tides  also  are  stronger  and  of  longer  duration 
now  than  in  the  N.E.  monsoon.  , 

Having  arrived  at  the  guard  ship  and  complied  with  the  regulations,  at  a 
favourable  opportunity  get  away  at  low  water  with  a  westerly  or  south- 
westerly commanding  breeze,  and  proceed  up  the  river,  making  short  tacks, 
if  necessary,  in  the  upper  part  of  this  reach  between  points  E  and  D. 

When  standing  over  to  either  side  of  the  river  above  the  branch  C,  do  not 
shoal  the  water  to  less  than  10  fathoms  ;  but  having  rounded  point  E,  in 
working,  approach  either  side  to  any  distance,  as  both  shores  are  steep-to. 

When  close  to  the  Four  Arms,  the  water  deepens  suddenly  from  12  to  17 
and  20  fathoms,  and  it  would  be  advisable  to  pass  these  rivers  under  canvas, 
until  beyond  the  influence  of  their  conflicting  currents,  and  shoaler  water  is 
met  with. 

In  kedging  or  sailing  past  these  rivers  with  the  flood,  keep  in  or  about 

*  It  is  doubtful  if  this  painted  tree  now  exists ;  it  is  not  marked  on  the  latest  French 
charts. 


SAIGON  TO  CAPE  ST.  JAMES.  441 

mid-channel,  and  be  guarded  against  the  tide,  which  sets  strong  from  the 
N.W.  arm  into  the  small  river  below  point  J.  Having  cleared  the  small 
river  at  J,  proceed  sailing  or  kedging,  according  to  the  size  or  handiness  of 
the  ship.  The  flood  tide  at  the  rivers  K  and  L  enter  the  main  branch,  con- 
sequently ships  passing  their  mouth  will  be  set  on  the  opposite  shore. 

Having  passed  point  0,  if  under  sail,  it  will  be  advisable  to  take  it  in,  and 
kedging  past  the  coral  bank,  with  the  anchor  under  foot  in  the  manner 
formerly  mentioned,  as  it  very  seldom  happens  in  this  monsoon  that  a  ship 
can  luff  round  point  P,  and  clear  the  bank. 

In  passing  this  bank  with  a  fresh  wind  and  flood  tide,  take  great  care  to 
starboard  the  helm  quickly  when  rounding  point  P,  as  the  tide  sets  from  that 
point  directly  into  the  opposite  bight,  and  ships  from  neglect  of  this  precau- 
tion would  be  apt  to  tail  on  the  West  end  of  the  bank.  Having  cleared  it, 
proceed,  and  pass  the  mouth  of  the  river  at  E  closely,  as  the  flood  tide  seta 
out  of  it  over  to  the  opposite  bank. 

When  under  sail  or  kedging,  pass  point  S  in  mid-channel,  and  make  di- 
rectly over  to  U,  as  the  flood  rushes  out  of  the  river  at  S,  and  sets  over  to 
point  T,  sweeping  the  tail  of  the  Dangerous  bank.  Ships  are  very  apt  to 
be  set  on  the  South  end  of  this  bank  when  kedging  past,  if  the  point  of  the 
river  opposite  S  be  not  kept  close  aboard. 

Continue  on  and  give  point  Y*  a  close  shave  in  passing,  as  the  greater 
bulk  of  the  flood  tide  runs  to  the  northward,  which  is  apt  to  carry  vessels 
beyond  the  mouth  of  the  smaller  river,  and  with  a  head  wind  would  lose  a 
tide  or  so  in  getting  back  again.  Whereas  by  hugging  the  point  close,  a 
couple  of  tacks  will  easily  clear  the  reach,  then  bear  away  for  Saigon,  and 
drop  up  to  the  shipping  at  leisure. 

From  Saigon  to  Oangio  Point  the  ebb  tide  from  the  main  branch  enters  the 
minor  rivers  and  flows«in  a  circuitous  direction  to  the  sea  ;  whilst  the  flood, 
on  the  contrary,  empties  itself  into  the  principal  stream,  the  small  river  at  J 
being  the  only  exception. 

SAIGON  to  CAPE  ST.  JAMES. — In  the  North-east  Monsoon  the  average 
passage  of  small  vessels  to  the  mouth  of  the  river  is  about  five  days,  while 
large  vessels  have  taken  from  flfteen  to  twenty  days.  The  former  have  the 
advantage  of  being  able  to  beat  through  nearly  all  the  reaches,  whilst  the 
latter  have  to  back  and  fill  or  kedge  with  the  anchor  under  foot. 

When  unmooring  at  the  city,  cat  the  starboard  anchor,  keeping  the  port 
one  down  for  kedging,  and  having  broken  groxmd,  sheer  from  side  to  side, 


*  Ships  dropping  up  or  down  this  part  of  the  river  should,  if  possible,  avoid  the  deep 
bight  to  the  westward  of  point  V,  and  keep  close  to  the  opposite  point,  as  there  are  some 
cbstructions  in  the  bottom  of  that  Light,  by  which  vessels  have  lost  their  anchors. 

I.    A.  3  L 


442  COCHIN  CHINA. 

lying-  athwart  the  tide  when  convenient,  and  hujzging  the  points  when  there 
is  no  shoal  off  them,  to  prevent  being  set  into  the  bights. 

After  rounding  point  V,  keep  on  the  sanae  side  of  the  river  as  far  as  U, 
and  from  thence  sheer  direct  over  to  point  T,  passing  it  closely,  to  prevent 
being  set  into  the  river  Loirap  opposite.  The  ebb  runs  very  strong  into  its 
mouth,  and  many  ships  have  been  hoisted  on  the  soft  mud  bank  lying  off 
point  S,  through  delay  in  crossing  over.  Proceed  on,  and  when  a  short  dis- 
tance from  the  river  R,*  change  anchors,  giving  that  branch  a  good  berth 
whilst  passing,  as  the  ebb  tide  sets  strong  into  it.  Having  passed  the  bight 
Q,  in  mid-channel,  keep  close  in  to  that  side,  and  look  out  for  point  P ;  if  the 
tide  runs  strong  when  the  painted  tree  is  approached,  run  out  a  line  and 
check  the  ship  round  it,  keeping  the  bushes  close  aboard  to  prevent  being  set 
on  the  rocky  patch  below  the  point ;  this  precaution  is  necessary,  particularly 
duiing  the  springs,  as  the  ebb  tide  runs  very  strong,  setting  from  point  P, 
directly  over  the  rocky  path. 

Proceed,  passing  point  0  in  mid-channel ;  strong  sets  will  be  found  in  the 
bight  at  N  and  off  point  M,  and  also  into  the  rivers  L  and  K,  the  former  of 
which  is  nearly  blocked  up  with  soft  mud.  Vessels  should  hug  the  points 
opposite  these  rivers  very  closely  whilst  passing,  otherwise  they  will  be 
hoisted  into  them,  and  meet  with  more  or  less  delay. 

Proceeding,  take  care  in  passing  the  Four  Arms,  as  the  ebb  tide  sets 
strong  up  the  two  northern  arms,  the  water  also  increases  in  depth  at  their 
junctions,  making  it  very  unhandy  for  kedging,  and  troublesome  work  for 
the  men  at  the  windlass. 

The  best  way  to  pass  is  to  keep  as  close  as  safety  will  permit  to  the  mouth 
of  the  river  at  J,  which  is  rather  shoal,  having  but  3  fathoms  across  its 
mouth.  Having  passed  it  keep  very  close  to  point  J,  where  plenty  of  water 
will  be  found,  until  beyond  the  tidal  influence  of  th^  rivers. 

Should  the  ship  sheer  off  the  point,  carry  a  line  out  to  the  trees  at  J,  and 
snub  her  round  it,  otherwise  she  will  be  hoisted  into  one  of  the  northern 
arms,  and  be  delayed.  Several  vessels  have  been  delayed  from  one  to  two 
days  through  this  cause.  After  passing  the  Pour  Arms,  proreed,  keeping 
close  to  point  E,  as  the  tide  sets  strong  into  the  bight  opposite.  The  channel 
from  E  to  D  is  much  contracted  by  the  extent  of  the  banks  on  both  sides  of 
the  river. 

Having  passed  point  E,  proceed  in  mid-channel  until  the  small  island  off 
point  D  is  rounded,  keeping  the  North  shore  aboard  until  arriving  at  the 
guard  ship.  By  these  means  the  strong  set  in  the  river  C  and  the  extensive 
hard  banks  which  lie  on  that  shore  will  be  avoided.    These  banks  are  pretty 

Vessels  dropping  past  the  river  at  E,  and  the  Coral  Bank  should  always  use  the  star- 
board anchor  with  the  ebb  tide,  and  the  port  anchor  with  the  flood.  By  these  means  the 
river  at  R  and  the  bank  will  be  passed  without  much  trouble. 


CAPE  TIWAN.  443 

steep-to,  and  vessels  tacking  or  droppino;  in  any  part  of  this  reach  should 
borrow,  if  anything,  towards  the  North  shore,  as  the  water  shoals  there  more 
gradually.  The  lead  at  the  same  time  should  be  kept  carefully  going,  and 
very  short  tacks  made  by  vessels  working  through  the  narrows  at  the  upper 
part  of  this  reach. 

Having  anchored  at  Cangio,  receive  the  arms,  and  clearance  from  the 
guard  ship  ;  then  get  away  with  the  sea  breeze  on  the  ebb  tide,  and  work 
the  vessel  through  the  channel  to  the  eastward,  being  careful  not  to  shoal 
the  water  under  7  fathoms  when  standing  towards  the  banks. 

When  the  guard  ship  is  brought  to  bear  W.  ?  N.,  or  the  trees  on  point 
B  W.  i  N,  bring  the  point  A  to  bear  S.E.  by  E.  ;  work  up  for  the  point  on 
these  bearings,  taking  care  not  to  stand  too  close  to  the  high  land  of  St. 
James,  as  the  wind  is  generally  puffy  and  unsteady,  causing  ships  at  times 
to  miss  stays.  Should  the  tide  be  nearly  done  before  getting  clear  of  the 
cape,  it  would  be  advisable  to  anchor  off  Cocoa-nut  Bay  until  the  next  ebb 
makes,  for,  should  the  wind  fall  light  outside,  the  flood  tide  would  in  all 
probability  set  the  ship  on  the  Cangio  Bank. 

In  the  South-west  Monsoon,  ships  leaving  Saigon  will  find  little  difficulty  in 
getting  down  to  Cape  St.  James,  as  the  prevailing  winds  are  almost  invariably 
favourable  for  most  of  the  reaches  in  the  river. 

When  large  ships  cannot  be  worked  through  the  smaller  reaches,  or  are 
obliged  to  kedge  in  consequence  of  foul  winds,  &c.,  the  directions  already 
given  for  dropping  down  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  will  be  applicable.  During 
settled  weather  in  this  monsoon  the  sea  breeze  sets  in  from  S.W.,  South, 
S.E.,  and  sometimes  E.S.E.  at  Cape  St.  James. 

From  Cangio  work  out  of  the  bay  with  the  ebb  tide  to  the  cape,  following 
the  directions  already  given  for  the  N.E.  monsoon. 

CAPE  TIWAN,  bearing  E.N.E.  lOi  miles  from  Cape  St.  James,  is  high, 
and  may  be  seen  in  clear  weather  40  miles  off.  It  is  the  termination  of  a 
chain  of  hills,  which,  stretching  northward,  end  in  a  long  slope  to  seaward, 
and  it  is  generally  the  first  land  made  in  coming  from  the  southward. 
When  off  it,  Cape  St.  James  will  be  seen  resembling  two  islands  of  moderate 
height. 

The  bay  between  Cape  St.  James  and  Tiwan  is  filled  by  a  shoal  bank,  the 
3  fathoms  edge  of  which  is  from  1  to  4  miles  off  shore.  Four  miles  off  the 
entrance  of  the  Cua-lap  River,  in  the  middle  of  the  bay,  with  the  lighthouse 
bearing  W.  |  S.,  and  Cape  Tiwan  N.E.  \  E.  3|  miles,  is  a  patch  with  4^ 
fathoms  over  it.  Pernamhuco  Rock,  on  which  the  vessel  of  that  name  struck 
in  June,  187-5,  was  afterwards  examined  by  the  French  ship  of  war  Surcouf, 
and  found  to  lie  8  ft.  below  the  surface  of  the  water,  S.E.  \  S.,  2  miles  from 
Cape  Tiwan,  and  E.  |  N.  from  Cape  St.  James  lighthouse.  To  avoid  these 
rocks,  it  is  advisable  for  vessels  passing  between  Capes  Tiwan  and  St.  James 


444  COCHIN  CHINA. 

to  avoid  coming  under  a  depth  of  1 0  fathoms  until  they  open  the  entrance  of 
the  Saigon  Eiver. 

BRITTO  BANK,  named  after  a  Portuguese  captain  who  was  wrecked  upon 
it,  was  examined  by  Captain  Eoss,  I.N.,  in  1817,  who  found  it  to  be  a  dan- 
gerous shoal  about  1 J  mile  in  length,  E.N.E.  and  "W.S.W.,  and  its  breadth 
does  not  exceed  one-third  of  a  mile.  The  shoalest  spot  has  but  2  fathoms 
water  over  it,  and  consists  of  a  large  patch  of  rocks  near  the  North  part  of 
the  shoal,  from  which  the  summit  of  the  highest  hill  over  Cape  Bahek  bears 
W.  i  N.  distant  19-^-  miles;  Cow  Island,  N.  by  AV.  9 J  miles;  and  the  islet 
close  to  Kega  Point,  N.E.  f  N.  15j  miles.  There  are  3  to  5  fathoms  over 
other  parts  of  the  shoal. 

Otram  Point,  termed  of  yellowish  white  sand  hills,  about  120  to  150  ft. 
high,  which  render  it  easily  discernible,  bears  N.E.  by  E.  f  E.  12^  miles  from 
Cape  Tiwan. 

OS  this  part  of  the  coast,  at  from  2  to  3 J  miles  distant,  are  several  shoal 
patches,  of  from  4  to  5  tathoms  water.  These  banks,  from  the  water  shoal- 
ing suddenly  over  a  hard  bottom,  cause  overfalls,  particularly  near  the  edge 
of  the  shore  bank.  The  patches  under  the  depth  of  5  fathoms  will  be 
avoided  by  keeping  Cape  Tiwan  to  the  northward  of  West,  until  Cape  Bahek 
bears  N.  by  W. 

CAPE  BAHEK,  or  Ba  Ke,  N.E.  by  E.  J  E.  ii  miles  from  Otram  Point, 
consists  of  a  hill  about  400  ft.  high,  surrounded  by  smaller  ones,  and  is 
connected  with  Otram  Point  by  a  range  of  sand  hills. 

The  soundings  for  12  miles  eastward  of  Cape  Bahek  decrease  regularly 
towards  the  shore,  but  inside  the  Britto  Bank  there  are  several  shoal  patches^ 
only  two  of  which,  however,  are  dangerous  to  any  but  the  largest  ships. 

The  first  of  these  patches,  with  only  3  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  about  7 
miles  N.W.  of  the  Britto  Bank,  and  3|  miles  from  the  nearest  land,  which  is 
a  point  bearing  about  N.  ^  W.  from  it ;  the  summit  of  the  highest  hill  over 
Cape  Bahek,  bearing  W.  by  S.  ^  S.  14|  miles;  and  Cow  Island  N.E.  by  N. 
6  miles. 

About  2^  miles  to  the  S.W.  of  the  3-fathom  patch  is  another  of  5  fathoms, 
with  6  and  7  fathoms  around  it,  and  from  it  the  summit  of  Cape  Bahek  bears 
W.  by  S.  nearly  12^  miles,  and  Cow  Island  N.E.  ^  N.  8|  miles.  Three 
miles  E.  by  S.  from  this  patch  is  another,  of  4J  fathoms  water. 

Vessels  passing  between  the  Britto  Bank  and  the  shore  should  not  attempt 
to  go  inside  the  3-fathom  patch,  for  there  are  no  objects  sufficiently  near  to 
afford  safe  marks  for  passing  between  it  and  the  tail  of  the  spit. 

COW  ISLAND,  bearing  N.E.  by  E.  i  E.  19f  miles  from  Cape  Bahek,  is  a 
Bmall  round  island,  with  trees  upon  its  summit,  lying  about  a  mile  from  the 
nearest  part  of  the  coast,  and  li  mile  westward  of  the  entrance  of  a  small 
river.     It  is  safe  to  approach,  the  soundings  decreasing  regularly  towards  it. 

KEGA  POINT  (in  lat.  10°  42'  N.,  long.  107°  59'  40'  E.  by  the  French  chart), 


VINE,  GUIO,  AND  LOGAN  POINTS.  445 

bearing  from  Cow  Island  E.  by  N.  J  N.,  distant  12  miles,  is  the  extremity 
of  a  tongue  of  low  land,  the  prolongment  of  a  spur  from  Mount  Taiku,  ter- 
minating in  an  islet  which  resembles  from  a  distance  a  fort  in  ruins. 

The  land  is  low  and  woody  near  the  sea  ;  inland  the  country  is  high,  and 
the  regular  sloping  mountain  Tai-ku  rises  to  an  elevation  of  1,312  ft.,  at  9 
miles  N.W.  ^  N.  from  Kega  Point.  This  mountain  is  visible  a  great  distance 
from  seaward,  being  the  most  conspicuous  land  in  this  part  of  the  coast,  and 
detached  from  any  other  high  land. 

The  shore  may  be  approached  by  the  lead  for  a  distance  of  6  or  7  mile& 
eastward  of  Cow  Island,  but  about  4J  miles  "W.S.W.  from  Kega  Point,  and 
3^  miles  from  the  shore,  the  water  shoalens  suddenly  from  6  or  7  to  3^ 
fathoms.  W.  by  S.  4  miles  foom  Kega  Point  is  a  patch  with  only  2|  fathoms 
■water  over  it.  A  patch  with  4f  fathoms  water  over  it,  and  6  to  8  fathoms 
around  it,  lies  E.  |  S.,  distant  8  miles  from  Cow  Island,  with  Mount  Tai-ku 
bearing  North,  and  Kega  Point  N.E.  by  E.  ^  E.,  distant  6^  miles.  About 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  the  south-eastward  of  this  patch  is  another  of  5  J 
fathoms. 

Kega  Point  is  safe  to  approach,  there  being  9  or  10  fathoms  water  close 
to  it.* 

VINE  POINT,  bearing  from  Kega  Point  N.E.  |  E.  22  miles,  has  a  small 
bank  on  its  West  side,  northward  or  inside  of  which  there  is  good  anchorage 
in  5  fathoms,  opposite  a  fishing  village  in  the  small  bay  on  the  West  side 
of  the  point.  Phan-thit  Bay  is  formed  by  the  land  trending  northward  from 
Kega  Point  to  the  Pbo-hai  Eiver,  and  from  thence  eastward  to  Vine  Point. 
Tiger  Island  lies  close  to  the  East  side  of  Vine  Point.  Although  covered  with 
birds'  dung  it  is  not  conspicuous,  and  only  perceived  when  a  ship  is  near  the 
land.  The  coast  hereabout  is  speckled  with  alternate  patches  of  sand  and 
verdure. 

GUIO  POINT,  bearing  N.E.  i  E.  about  12  miles  from  Vine  Point,  forms 
the  South  point  of  the  bay  of  Phan-ry,  and  is  known  by  a  high,  steep  sand- 
hill close  to  the  sea.  From  Guio  Point  the  coast  trends  nearl}'-  North  to  the 
entrance  of  the  Phan-ry  Eiver,  and  is  of  a  reddish  colour.  Phan-ry  is  a  large 
fishing  village. 

LOGAN  POINT,  bearing  N.E.  by  E.  \  E.  15  miles  from  Guio  Point,  is  a 
narrow,  low  neck  of  land,  projecting  a  considerable  distance  into  the  sea.  On 
its  West  side  there  is  a  small  bay  with  a  fishing  village.  Shoal  water  appears 
to  extend  nearly  a  mile  from  the  point. 


•  The  description  of  the  coast  of  Cochin  China  has,  so  far,  hcen  principally  derived  from 
the  late  French  surveys ;  what  follows,  with  the  exception  of  the  more  recent  descriptions 
of  the  Treaty  Ports,  is  chiefly  from  the  surveys  made  by  Mons.  Jean  Marie  Dayat  in  1793, 
and  from  the  remarks  of  Captain  Daniel  Ross,  of  the  Bombay  Marine,  who  visited  this 
coast  during  the  yrars  1806 — 10, 


446  COCHIN  CHINA. 

A  bank  about  a  mile  in  extent,  with  4f  fathoms  water  over  it,  was  dis- 
covered in  1862  by  H.M.S.  Vulcan^  lying  about  2^  or  3  miles  southward  of 
Lo^an  Point,  with  the  East  extreme  of  the  point  bearing  N.N.E.,  and  the 
West  extreme  N.N.  W.  Another  4  J-fathom  patch,  named  Amazon  Bank,  lies 
about  4  miles  south-eastward  of  the  point ;  it  is  surrounded  by  depths  of  1 1 
and  14  fathoms. 

PTJIO  CECIR  de  TERRE  (cilled  Hon-cau  by  the  natives),  lying  N.E.  by 
E.  5  E.  S  miles  from  Logan  Point,  is  a  low  island,  extending  nearly  E.N.E. 
and  W.S.W.,  having  near  its  centre  a  mass  of  rocks  higher  than  the  other 
parts,  which  is  visible  about  15  miles  from  the  deck  of  a  large  ship.  When 
first  seen  it  appears  like  a  small  peak  or  spire,  and  sometimes  like  a  boat's 
sail ;  the  whole  of  the  island  is  rocky  and  barren,  with  the  exception  of  a 
little  grass  or  green  moss  on  the  flat  part.  The  two  low  extremities  of  the 
island  are  encompassed  with  rocks,  which  project  out  above  and  below  water 
to  a  considerable  distance.  There  are  also  some  rocks  above  water  on  the 
South  side,  but  as  the  danger  is  generally  visible,  the  island  may  be  ap- 
proached in  the  day  to  2J  or  3  miles ;  in  the  night  it  ought  not  to  be  given 
a  wider  berth,  for  then  the  island  cannot  be  perceived  unless  it  be  very  near, 

Breda  Bank. — The  coast  behind  Pulo  Cecir  de  Terre  forms  a  deep  and  ex- 
tensive bay,  stretching  from  Logan  Point  to  the  land  of  Cape  Padaran  ;  and 
the  high  land  of  Cecir  to  the  N.  W.  and  North  of  the  island  is  very  moun- 
tainous close  to  the  sea.  Between  Pulo  Cecir  de  Terre  and  the  N.E.  side  of 
this  bay,  opposite  the  Gap  of  Padaran,  lies  the  Breda  Bank,  having  2  fa- 
thoms, coral  rocks,  on  its  eastern  edge,  and  there  is  said  to  be  much  less 
water  to  the  westward.  This  danger  is  not  in  the  way  of  vessels  passing  out- 
side Pulo  Cecir  de  Terre,  unless  with  a  working  wind  they  stand  far  into  the 
bay  between  that  island  and  the  land  of  Padaran. 

CAPE  PADARAN  (called  Muidin  by  the  natives),  in  lat.  11°  21'  N.,  long. 
108°  58'  E.,  is  high  land,  steep  and  convex  to  seaward,  forming  the  project- 
ing part  of  the  continent  to  the  S.E.  The  high  land  of  Padaran  is  joined  to 
the  adjacent  mountain  of  Cecir  by  a  neck  of  low  level  land,  visible  only  when 
near  the  shore  on  the  North  or  South  side  of  the  cape.  The  neck  of  low  land 
forms  a  deep  gap  between  the  land  of  Padaran  and  the  mountain  to  the 
westward ;  and  this  gap  or  chasm  in  the  land  is  generally  called  the  Gap  of 
Padaran,  and  by  the  natives  Cana.  It  is  very  conspicuous  at  a  great  distance, 
and  serves  as  a  mark  to  avoid  Holland  Bank  to  the  W.N.W.  of  Pulo  Cecir 
de  Mer,  described  hereafter,  and  to  point  out  the  direction  of  Pulo  Cecir  de 
Terre,  this  island  being  on  with  the  Gap,  bearing  from  N.  by  E,  \  E.  to 
N.  by  E.  i  E. 

Soundings  do  not  extend  far  out  from  Cape  Padaran,  it  being  a  steep  head- 
land, bold  to  approach,  having  from  25  to  30  fathoms  very  near  the  shore. 

Amazon  and  Althea  Banks. — The  soundings  about  Pulo  Cecir  de  Terre, 
being  in  general  irregular,  are  not  always  a  sufficient  guide  in  the  night  to 


PHANEAN  BAY  AND  HAEBOUR— DAVAICH  HEAD.   447 

show  the  proximity  of  the  island.  The  ship  Althea  got  on  a  bank  of  8,  7, 
and  6^  fathoms,  with  the  island  bearing  N.  by  E.  J  E.  just  in  sight  from  the 
deck,  and  Logan  Point  N.  by  W.  \  W.  Lieut.  Banare,  of  the  French  navy, 
examined  these  banks  cursorily  in  1872,  and  believes  the  two  banks,  Amazon 
(page  446)  and  Althea,  to  be  only  one  bank,  making  out  from  the  North 
point  of  Cecir  Island  Bay,  surrounding  the  latter ;  thence  trending  out  to 
the  S.W.,  and  terminating  at  about  14  miles  distance  from  the  southern 
point  of  the  bay. 

Over  an  extent  of  about  16  miles,  in  a  N.E.  and  S.W.  direction,  he  found 
but  shallow  water,  at  times  being  able  to  see  distinctly  the  sandy  bottom 
covered  with  coral  heads. 

Although  having  obtained  not  less  than  5^  fathoms  water,  he  is  not  posi- 
tive that  there  may  not  be  less. 

Before  a  more  thorough  examination  has  been  made,  large  vessels  should 
keep  clear  of  these  banks,  and  not  approach  the  coast  South  of  the  parallel 
of  Cape  Padaran. 

PHANEAN  BAY  and  Harbour. — Cape  Padaran  is  the  southern  boundary 
of  the  great  bay  of  the  same  name,  called  also  Phanran  Bay,  after  a  consi- 
derable town  at  its  head,  where  there  is  a  tolerable  harbour,  formed  by  a 
reef,  dry  at  low  tide,  that  projects  about  2  miles  from  the  western  shore,  and 
shelters  vessels  from  the  sea. 

After  having  passed  Cape  Padaran,  if  bound  to  the  harbour,  steer  for  the 
middle  of  the  bay,  to  avoid  a  reef  and  foul  ground  contiguous  to  the  western 
shore,  then  keep  to  the  northward,  for  the  North  entrance  point  of  the  har- 
bour until  the  reef  on  the  western  side  is  plainly  seen. 

When  near  the  entrance,  a  mass  of  rocks,  one  over  the  other,  like  ruins, 
will  be  perceived  close  to  the  shore  at  the  N.AV.  side  of  the  harbour,  and 
beyond  it  an  isolated  hill ;  keep  the  highest  rock  of  the  mass  on  with  this 
hill,  in  steering  past  the  reef  at  the  distance  of  a  third  of  a  mile  ;  6  or  7  fa- 
thoms will  be  the  least  water.  When  inside  the  reef,  -steer  more  westerly, 
and  anchor  in  4  fathoms,  good  holding  ground.  There  is  a  rivulet  at  the 
bottom  of  the  harbuur,  and  a  stream  of  fresh  water  where  the  reef  joins  the 
shore. 

From  Phanran  Bay  to  Davaich  Head  the  coast  runs  about  N.E.  by  N.,  and 
is  very  mountainous  and  steep.  A  little  to  the  southward  of  Davaich  Head 
there  is  an  opening  into  Viing-  Gang,  a  large  basin  or  cove,  inhabited  by 
fishermen,  which  is  darkened  by  the  steep  surrounding  mountains. 

DAVAICH  HEAD,  or  False  Cape  Varela*  called  Mui-Davaich  by  the  na- 
tives, in  lat.  ll''  44'  N.,  long.  109°  13'  E.,  is  formed  by  a  high  oblong  moun- 
tain of  great  magnitude,  which,  from  the  steep  cliffs  that  front  the  sea,  rises 

*  Named  from  a  rock  or  knob  upon  the  mountain,  a  little  inland,  having  some  resem- 
lt)lance  to  that  over  Cape  Varela,  although  not  nearly  so  conspicuous. 


448  COCHIN  CHINA. 

with  a  gentle  acclivity  inland  ;  it  may  be  known  from  the  other  prominent 
headlands  by  its  great  height,  its  convex  outline,  and  by  its  regularly  sloping 
to  seaward. 

CAM-RANH  BAY  and  Harbour. — The  entrance  to  Cam-ranh  Bay  is 
bounded  on  the  South  side  by  the  land  of  Davaich  Head,  and  the  contiguous 
isles,  and  on  the  North  side  by  the  high  island  Tagne  :  this  is  called  the 
large  entrance,  in  which  there  are  from  18  to  14  fathoms  water.  The  small 
entrance  is  between  the  North  point  of  Tagne  Island  and  the  opposite  point 
of  the  main ;  it  has  7  and  8  fathoms  water  in  it,  but  it  is  very  narrow,  and 
should  not  be  used  except  in  a  case  of  necessity.  The  bay  carries  10  and  12 
fathoms  water,  and  is  protected  from  the  sea  by  Tagne  Island. 

About  IJ  mile  to  the  N.W.  of  Tagne  Island  is  the  entrance  to  Cam-ranh 
Harbour,  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  wide,  formed  by  a  point  of  land  on 
the  North  side,  and  a  long  neck  or  narrow  peninsula  to  the  S.W.  The  inner 
harbour  is  an  extensive  lagoon.  There  are  no  hidden  dangers  in.  either  the 
bay  or  harbour,  and  they  are  safe  for  ships  of  any  description,  the  bottom 
being  generally  mud,  and  good  holding  ground.  The  harbour  is  mostly  in- 
habited by  fishermen. 

FISHER  ISLANDS,  in  lat.  12°  2'  to  12°  4'  N.,  are  of  moderate  height, 
and  lie  3i  or  4  miles  off  the  mainland  to  the  northward  of  Cam-ranh  Bay. 
The  southernmost  island  is  called  ^ow-«oj;  the  other,  which  is  the  largest, 
and  named  JTon-ngai,  has  some  islets  and  rocks  near  it.  The  channel  inside 
these  islands  is  said  to  be  safe,  with  12  fathoms  water  near  the  shore,  and 
there  is  good  anchorage  opposite  to  them  in  the  S.W.  monsoon,  close  to  the 
coast  at  the  sandy  plain. 

The  passage  inside  the  Fisher  Islands  is  thought  to  be  safe,  and  it  may  be 
adopted  if  intending  to  proceed  into  Nha-trang  Bay  by  the  southern  entrance  ; 
but  caution  must  be  used,  for  there  is  to  the  N.W.  of  these  islands,  in  the 
fair  track,  a  rocky  patch,  on  which  the  ship  Lord  Castlereagh  shoaled  suddenly, 
August  18th,  1807. 

Capt.  A.  G.  Strode,  E.N.,  H.M.S.  Vulcan,  1862,  reports  having  seen  "what 
was  evidently  a  sunken  rock,  lying  three-quarters  of  a  mile  W.N.W.  of  the 
southernmost  of  the  Fisher  Islands,  in  lat.  12°  1'  N.,  long.  109°  19'  E." 

Tre'  Island,  in  lat.  12°  16'  N.,  is  high,  and  contains  several  coves,  where 
vessels  may  repair  damages.  The  ship  ITpfon  Castle  anchored  to  the  west- 
ward of  Tre  Island,  between  the  inner  of  the  small  islands  and  the  main,  to 
the  southward  of  Nha-trang  Bay,  and  found  it  good  anchorage,  and  conve- 
nient for  watering. 

NHA-TRANG  BAY  is  large,  and  protected  by  Tre  Island  and  its  adjoin- 
ing isles  to  the  southward,  and  by  the  mainland  and  Pyramid  and  Dune 
Islands  to  the  northward  and  eastward.  The  anchorage  is  in  8  fathoms,  good 
holding  ground,  with  the  entrance  of  Nha-trang  River  bearing  about  N.W. 
•r  N.W.  ^  N.,  distant  1  mile,  and  Tre  Island  E.S.E.     The  river  has  a  bar, 


THE  FISHER  ISLANDS-HON  COHE  BAY.  449 

will  only  admit  vessels  drawing  7  or  8  ft.  water,  and  communicates  with 
Nha-trang  city,  about  5  miles  to  the  westward.  This  city  is  the  capital  of 
the  provinces  Nha-trang  and  Binkang,  and  has  a  fort,  built  in  the  European 
manner,  by  Monsieur  Oliver,  a  French  engineer.  Here  they  manufacture 
some  silk  and  other  articles,  and  carry  on  trade  with  different  parts  of  the 
coast. 

A  ship  in  want  of  wood  or  water  may  obtain  them  by  touching  at  this 
place. 

To  proceed  into  Nha-trang  Bay  by  the  South  entrance,  a  vessel  may  pass 
on  either  side  the  Fisher  Islands,  then  between  Tre  Island  and  the  two  isles 
to  the  S.  W.  of  it.  Between  the  West  point  of  Tre  Island  and  the  main,  the 
channel  is  1|^  or  H  mile  wide. 

The  northern  entrance  into  Nha-trang  Bay,  although  wide,  has  a  coral 
bank  nearly  in  mid-channel,  opposite  the  large  Bay  of  Binkang,  which  makes 
it  necessary  to  keep  nearest  to  Tre  Island. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Nha-trang  Bay,  at  8i  hours ;  and  the 
rise  and  fall  is  5  or  6  ft.     There  is  only  flood  and  one  ebb  in  24  hours. 

The  FISHER  ISLANDS  are  three  small  barren  islands,  with  some  rocks 
close  to  them.  Pyramid,  the  southernmost  island,  in  lat.  12°  19'  N.,  is  a  high 
regular  cone  or  pyramid,  conspicuous  as  a  mark  in  sailing  along  the  coast. 
The  channel  between  it  and  Tre  Island  is  safe. 

Dune  Island,  lying  about  a  mile  to  the  N.E.  of  Pyramid,  is  of  moderate 
height,  flat  on  the  summit,  like  the  crown  of  a  hat,  when  viewed  in  some 
directions  ;  to  the  south-eastward  of  it  are  some  islets  or  rocks.  Shala  lies  5 
or  6  miles  to  the  northward  of  Dune  Island,  and  about  3  miles  to  the  south- 
eastward of  the  peninsula  of  Hon  Cohe. 

HON  COHE  BAY,  the  next  large  bight  to  the  northward  of  Binkang  Bay, 
which  is  shallow,  has  several  islands  in  it,  the  outermost  of  which,  called 
Bac,  has,  about  a  mile  eastward  of  it,  a  rock  called  the  Button,  and  three 
islands  to  the  westward.  Between  Bac  and  the  eastern  of  these  three  islands 
there  is  a  safe  passage,  and  also  between  the  latter  and  the  other  two  islands, 
which  lie  much  nearer  the  western  shore  ;  but  the  widest  channel  is  outside 
Bac,  between  it  and  the  East  point  of  entrance  of  the  bay.  At  the  head  of 
the  harbour  is  the  village  of  Hon  Cohe. 

On  the  East  side  of  the  bay  are  several  islands  at  the  entrance  of  Couabd 
Harbour,  into  which  ships  may  warp,  and  moor  to  the  trees,  there  being 
plenty  of  water  and  no  danger ;  but  vessels  do  not  usoally  go  there,  as  the 
harbour  is  inhabited  only  by  a  few  fishermen.  This  harbour  or  cove  is 
formed  by  high  mountains. 

At  Hon  Cohe  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  11^  hours  ;  and  the  tide 
rises  5  ft. 

The  Three  Kings  are  three  rocks,  lying  about  1^  mile  eastward  of  the 

I.  A.  S  31 


450  COCHIN  CHINA. 

eastern  point  of  entrance  of  Coua-be  Passage.  They  are  bold  to  approach, 
having  30  fathoms  water  near  them,  with  a  passage  between  them  and  the 
point. 

HONE  GOME  BIGHT.— About  5  miles  northward  of  the  Three  Kings, 
and  close  to  a  point  of  the  main  land,  lies  the  small  island  Boi-moi,  at  some 
views  resembling  a  turret  or  sentry-box.  The  point,  from  which  this  island 
is  separated  by  a  very  narrow  channel,  is  the  easternmost  land  of  Cochin 
China,  being  a  little  to  the  eastward  of  the  meridian  of  Cape  Varela.  Be- 
tween it  and  Cape  Varela,  the  land  forms  a  concavity  called  Hone  Come 
Bight,  in  which  the  soundings  are  regular,  and  there  is  good  anchorage  in 
8  or  10  fathoms,  sandy  bottom,  at  the  South  side,  about  2  miles  W.N.W.  of 
the  point,  near  a  small  island.  The  sandy  flat,  which  extends  from  the 
high  land  of  Coua-be  to  that  of  Cape  Varela,  is  a  neck  of  land  scarcely  a 
mile  broad  in  some  places,  separating  the  head  of  Hon  Cohe  Bay  from  the 
sea  ;  and  the  three  islands  in  the  middle  of  that  bay  may  in  passing  be  per- 
ceived over  the  sandy  flat. 

Water  can  be  obtained  at  the  southern  extremity  of  the  sandy  flat,  but  in 
the  dry  season  wells  must  be  dug  in  the  sand,  at  some  distance  from  the  sea. 
Fresh  water  may  be  procured  in  this  manner  on  most  parts  of  the  coast. 

PORT  ONG-RO,  at  the  northern  extremity  of  Hone  Come  Bight,  seems 
safe  at  all  times.  It  is  about  a  mile  wide  at  entrance,  stretching  about  3 
miles  inland,  in  a  north-easterly  direction,  with  soundings  of  8,  7,  and  6 
fathoms,  close  to  the  village  at  its  head.  The  bottom  is  fine  clay.  Pulo  Varela 
is  a  small  island  near  the  shore,  to  the  south-westward  of  the  entrance. 

Water. — On  the  West  side  of  the  harbour  fresh  water  may  be  procured  in 
several  places,  but  the  best  watering  place  is  about  half-way  up  on  the  same 
side,  to  the  north-eastward  of  a  little  cove. 

CAPE  VARELA,  or  Pagoda  Cape,  in  lat.  12°  55'  N.,  long.  109°  24|'  E.,  is 
formed  of  steep  clifi's,  extending  nearly  North  and  South  2^  miles,  having  in 
the  middle  of  them  a  small  sandy  bay,  where  a  stream  of  excellent  water 
descends  from  the  mountain  into  the  sea.  The  cape  itself  may  be  seen  from 
a  distance  of  28  or  30  miles,  and  when  first  perceived  in  coming  from  the 
northward  appears  like  an  island,  the  gap  of  low  land  which  joins  it  to  the 
mountain  behind  being  then  depressed  under  the  horizon.  This  mountain* 
rises  directly  over  the  cape,  and  upon  its  summit  there  is  a  large  perpendi- 
cular rock,  resembling  a  pagoda  or  chimney,  called  Da-bia  by  the  natives, 
which  makes  it  very  conspicuous ;  and  it  may  be  seen  about  60  miles  dis- 
tance from  the  deck  of  a  large  ship,  either  from  the  northward  or  southward, 
in  clear  weather ;  but  the  summits  of  the  mountains  are  frequently  obscured 
by  clouds  or  vapours,  particularly  in  the  N.E.  monsoon.     The  cape  may  be 

.  *  There  is  a  hot  spring  in  the  middle  of  the  cape  mountain,  and  there  is  said  to  be  silver 
ore  in  some  of  the  mountains,  which  form  double  and  treble  ridges  behind  the  cape. 


PEEFORATED  ROCK -PHI' YEN  HARBOUR.  451 

approached  close  to,  there  being  20  and  25  fathoms  water  around  it  at  a 
small  distance  from  the  shore. 

Directions. — From  abreast  Davaich  Head  or  False  Cape  Varela  the  course 
is  N.  by  E.  ^  E.  and  N.  by  E.,  until  Pyramid  Island  and  the  other  islands 
adjacent  to  it  are  passed,  then  N.  ^  E.,  and  North  to  Cape  Varela.  The 
best  track  in  the  night,  with  a  fair  wind,  is  to  keep  from  6  to  9  miles  off  the 
di£Ferent  headlands,  which,  with  the  Fisher  Islands  and  Pyramid  group,  will 
be  visible  at  that  distance  in  passing  along,  if  the  weather  be  clear.  When 
the  weather  is  unfavourable,  edge  farther  out,  to  give  the  islands  a  prudent 
berth  :  and  if  soundings  are  obtained,  the  vessel  will  not  be  far  from  them, 
or  some  of  the  headlands. 

From  Cape  Varela  to  Cape  San-ho  the  course  is  N.  by  W.,  or  N.  ^  W., 
about  50  miles,  but  soundings  will  not  be  obtained  in  this  track  unless  near 
the  coast.  A  little  inland  there  is  a  mount  in  the  vicinity  of  the  city  of 
Quinhon,  with  a  spired  pagoda  on  it ;  further  to  the  northward  there  is  a 
mountain,  on  the  summit  of  which  there  is  a  tower  crowned  with  a  small 
spire  or  funnel ;  the  latter  is  in  about  lat.  14°  6'  N.,  and  they  are  discernible 
when  sailing  along  the  coast  at  a  considerable  distance. 

PERFORATED  ROCK.— About  4  miles  North  from  Cape  Varela  lies  a 
mass  of  rocks,  some  of  them  level  with  the  water's  edge ;  but  the  central 
rock  is  considerably  elevated,  with  a  large  stone  on  its  summit,  appearing  as 
if  placed  by  art ;  in  passing  near  it,  when  abreast,  a  hole  through  will  be 
perceived  below  the  upper  stone,  which  has  given  it  the  name  of  Perforated 
Rock.  There  is  safe  passage,  with  20  to  25  fathoms  water,  between  it  and 
the  mainland, 

PHUYEN  BIGHT  is  formed  by  the  land  taking  a  West  and  N.W.  direc- 
tion from  Cape  Varela  to  the  Phuyen  River,  which  is  distant  from  the  cape 
about  11  miles.  About  18  or  20  miles  N.W.  from  the  cape,  not  far  inland, 
stands  a  high  isolated  mountain,  which,  being  a  regular  cone,  is  called 
Conical  Mountain,  or  Epervier ;  a  little  to  the  S. W.  of  it  there  is  a  sloping 
piece  of  land,  with  a  rock  or  pagoda  on  it,  which  is  only  discerned  when 
near  the  shore.  Here  the  mountains  recede  to  the  westward,  a  great  dis- 
tance inland,  and  the  Cape  Varela  chain  stretching  also  to  the  westwai-d,  a 
large  space  of  low  land  is  formed  close  to  the  sea  round  Phuyen  Bight, 
between  Cape  Varela  and  Conical  Mountain. 

PHUYEN  HARBOUR.— The  entrance  to  this  great  inlet,  in  lat.  13°  23'  N., 
is  about  2  miles  wide,  with  10  and  11  fathoms  water  on  either  side  the 
small  island  that  lies  a  little  inside,  called  Nest  Island,  from  the  West  side 
of  which  a  reef  extends  in  that  direction  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  mile.  The 
country  around  this  excellent  inlet,  one  of  the  best  in  the  world,  is  well 
cultivated,  and,  together  with  the  houses  and  huts  interspersed  along  the 
hills,  presents  on  entering  it  a  beautiful  landscape.  The  province  of  Phuyen 
is  better  cultivated  than  any  other  in  Cocliin  China. 


452  COCHIN  CHINA. 

The  inlet  has  general  depths  in  it  from  12  to  5  fathoms ;  and  three  an- 
chorages, Port  Xuan-dai  on  its  South  side,  Port  Vung-Iam  on  its  West  side, 
and  Port  Vung-chao  in  its  N.E.  corner.  The  anchorage  of  Port  Xuan-dai  is 
in  7  or  8  fathoms,  sandy  bottom,  with  the  entrance  of  the  river  bearing  South, 
and  Nest  Island  about  N.E.  by  E.  That  of  Port  Vung-lam  is  in  7  fathoms, 
mud,  on  the  North  side  of  an  island  that  fronts  the  port,  with  the  village 
bearing  S.W.  by  "W.  Port  Vung-chao  is  sheltered  from  every  wind  by 
circumjacent  mountains,  and  the  anchorage  is  in  4J  or  5  fathoms,  with  the 
houses  in  the  grove  of  cocoa-nut  trees  bearing  S.E.  to  S.E.  by  E.  The 
North  shore  of  this  port  is  fronted  by  a  coral  reef,  which  is  visible  at  low- 
water.  In  proceeding  towards  Vung-chao  the  Buoy  Pock  must  be  avoided 
which  lies  nearly  awash  about  a  third  of  a  mile  from  the  eastern  shore 
of  the  inlet.  There  is  a  small  cove,  called  Vung-la,  on  the  North  side  of 
entrance  of  the  inlet,  where  two  or  three  vessels  might  be  hove  down,  if 
requisite. 

The  watering  place  is  in  a  small  bay  to  the  N.  by  E.,  in  which  is  a  fine 
cascade  close  to  the  beach,  and  very  convenient  for  watering. 

Gain-Ba  Point,  about  3  miles  northward  of  the  entrance  of  Phuyen 
Harbour,  has  small  bays  formed  on  each  side  of  it.  About  3  miles  to  the 
northward  of  Gain-ba  Point  is  another  point  called  Vung-trich ;  and  4^ 
miles  beyond  the  latter  is  another,  named  Vung-mon  ;  these  two  points  are 
also  bold. 

COU-MONG  HARBOUR.— Between  Vung-trich  and  Vung-mon  Points  is 
the  bay  of  Vung-mon,  which  is  safe  to  approach,  with  regular  soundings  in 
it  towards  the  shore.  On  its  South  side,  in  lat.  13°  30'  N.,  is  the  very  narrow- 
entrance  of  Cou-mong  Harbour,  with  7  and  8  fathoms  water  in  it,  5  and 
4  fathoms  a  little  inside,  and  3  to  4  fathoms  to  the  southward  of  the  small 
island,  Cou-mong,  in  the  middle  of  the  harbour.  This  is  an  excellent  cove 
for  small  vessels,  or  those  of  middling  size ;  and  there  is  a  little  village 
among  the  cocoa-nut  trees  to  the  northward  of  the  island. 

PULO  CAMBIR  (the  centre),  in  lat.  13°  32 J'  N.,  and  4  or  5  miles  west- 
ward of  the  meridian  of  Cape  Varela,  has  a  regular  sloping  appearance,  and 
is  visible  about  18  miles  from  a  ship's  deck;  it  is  of  considerable  size,  ex- 
tending N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.,  having  a  few  fishermen's  huts  on  the  S.W. 
side ;  and  at  a  short  distance  S.E.  from  its  South  end  there  are  some  sharp- 
peaked  rocks,  called  the  Two  Paps.  This  island  is  nearly  abreast  and  about 
2  or  3  miles  distant  from  Vung-mon  Point ;  and  the  channel  between  it  and 
the  coast  is  safe. 

Date  Island,  lying  about  6  miles  N.N.W.  of  Vung-mon  Point,  and  1^  mile 
distant  from  the  main,  is  of  round  form,  and  covered  with  trees.  From 
Vung-mon  Point  to  opposite  Date  Island  the  coast  is  steep  and  very  moun- 
tainous, forming  a  considerable  bight,  called  Cambir  Bay. 

aUIN-HON  HARBOUR,  the  entrance  to  which  is  about  North  distant  6 


CAPE  SANHO,  ETC.  453 

miles  from  Date  Island,  is  bounded  on  the  West  by  a  neck  of  sand  about 
4  miles  long,  and  on  tlie  East  by  high  steep  land.  This  harbour,  once  a 
place  of  considerable  trade,  is  likely  again  to  become  of  importance,  as  it  was 
opened  to  foreign  commerce  on  Nt)vember  1st,  1875.  It  is  sheltered  from 
southerly  winds  by  the  curved  form  of  the  high  land  on  that  side  of  the 
entrance,  and  is  protected  by  forts  built  on  the  point ;  but  vessels  of  large 
draught  are  prevented  from  entering  it  by  a  shoal  bank  that  extends  a  long 
way  out  from  the  western  point,  and  which,  stretching  across  to  the  land 
on  the  East  side  of  the  entrance,  forms  a  bar,  on  which  there  are  only  3  and 
3J  fathoms  water. 

The  deepest  water  is  close  to  the  eastern  point  of  entrance,  where,  it  is 
stated,  a  vessel  may  carry  from  3^  to  4  fathoms  on  the  bar,  at  high  water 
spring  tides;  inside  of  it  the  depth  increases  to  7,  8,  and  10  fathoms.  The 
western  part  and  bottom  of  the  harbour  is  a  spacious  lagoon,  with  shoal 
water  ;  several  small  rivers  fall  into  it,  one  of  which  communicates  with  the 
city  of  Quin-hon,  situated  about  15  miles  to  the  westward,  and  is  the  capital 
of  the  province  of  the  same  name. 

CAPE  SAN-HO,  in  lat.  13°  44'  N.,  long.  109°  14'  E.,  about  2^  or  3  miles 
eastward  of  the  entrance  of  Quin-hon  Harbour,  is  a  high  blujff  headland, 
forming  the  eastern  point  of  the  Bay  of  Quin-hon.  Close  to  the  land,  a 
little  to  the  northward  of  the  cape,  there  is  an  island,  called  Hau  by  the 
natives  ;  and  the  coast,  which  extends  about  5  miles  North  from  the  cape,  is 
steep  and  high. 

Abreast  the  North  point  of  this  high  land  there  are  some  small  islets,  one 
of  which,  called  Cau,  is  of  a  round  form,  and  lies  about  one  mile  off  the 
point ;  and  nearly  1 J  mile  outside  of  this  there  are  some  rocky  islets,  named 
Hom-Co  by  the  natives,  and  by  Europeans  Black  Jack. 

BUFFALO  ISLAND,  in  about  lat.  14°  5'  N.,  and  4  miles  distant  from  the 
high  land  abreast,  is  a  convex  rock  of  sloping  form,  moderately  elevated,  but 
will  not  be  seen  in  the  night  until  it  is  approached  very  close.  It  lies  15 
miles  to  the  northward  of  the  North  point  of  the  high  land  that  forms  Quin- 
hon  Harbour  ;  from  which  point  the  coast  is  low  for  some  distance,  and  agaia 
becomes  high  opposite  Buffalo  Island.  The  water  is  very  deep  outside  this 
rock,  and  the  coast  to  the  westward  is  bold  and  safe  to  appi-oach,  having 
soundings  of  14  and  16  fathoms  near  the  shore. 

Nuoc-Ngol,  or  Fresh-water  Point  and  Bay,  lie  about  9  miles  to  the  N.W. 
of  Buffalo  Island.  Turtle  Island,  about  9  miles  farther  to  the  northward, 
and  3  miles  off  shore,  is  small,  and  very  little  above  water ;  but  there  is  a 
safe  channel  between  it  and  the  shore.  Tarn- Quam  River  disembogues  in 
about  lat.  14°  32'  N.,  at  the  northern  extremity  of  a  sandy  flat;  the  bar  at 
the  entrance  is  passable  only  by  boats  at  high  water.  Tiphou  River  falls  into 
the  sea  at  5  miles  to  the  southward  of  the  Tam-quam,  in  the  middle  of  the 
sandy  flat. 


454  COCHIN  CHINA. 

The  Coast  from  Tam-quam  Point  trends  about  North  6  miles,  and  then 
N.W.  by  N.  about  33  miles  to  the  entrance  of  the  Quan-gai  River.  It  is 
steep  and  bold  to  approach.  Contiguous  to  the  sea  the  coast  is  of  moderate 
height,  but  the  country  is  very  high  inland.  There  is  anchorage  ofiF  the 
Quan-gai  Elver. 

Cape  Batangan,  in  lat.  15°  16'  N.,  about  6  miles  to  the  north-eastward  of 
the  river,  projects  to  seaward,  and  forms  on  its  South  side  a  bay,  in  which, 
at  about  a  mile  distant  from  the  cape,  there  are  some  rocks,  called  Rochy 
Islands,  nearly  even  with  the  water's  edge ;  the  country  vessels  sometimes 
pass  between  these  rocks  and  the  cape.  There  is  also  a  rock  with  2 5  fathoms 
of  water  over  it,  in  about  15°  13'  15"  N.,  a  short  distance  off  the  coast,  on 
which  the  French  transport  V Indre  struck  in  1875.  From  it  Plat  Rock  bore 
S.  28°  E.,  tnie,  distant  H  mile.  The  coast  from  this  cape  to  Cape  Bantam 
runs  about  N.N.W.  12  miles,  and  the  soundings  are  20  and  25  fathoms  near 
the  shore. 

PULO  CANTON,  called  Collao-ray  Island  by  the  natives,  in  lat.  15°  24'  N., 
long.  109°  6'  E.,  is  of  considerable  size,  and  visible  26  or  27  miles  from  the 
deck  of  a  large  ship.  It  has  a  level  aspect  when  viewed  from  southward  ; 
its  West  side  is  inhabited,  well  cultivated,  and  fresh  water  may  be  procured. 
A  reef  projects  from  its  S.E.  end  ;  and  to  the  northward  there  are  overfalls 
and  rocky  bottom,  extending  about  3  miles  from  it,  and  a  low  island  that  lies 
about  2  miles  to  the  north-westward. 

The  channel  between  Pulo  Canton  and  the  main  is  safe,  with  soundings 
of  25  to  40  fathoms. 

Caution. — It  may  be  proper  to  observe,  that  vessels  adopting  the  inner 
passage  to  China  during  the  strength  of  the  S.W.  monsoon,  in  June,  July, 
and  August,  ought  not  to  edge  off  from  the  coast  of  Cochin  China  until  they 
pass  within  sight  of  Pulo  Canton,  particularly  if  the  winds  are  light  and 
baffling.  On  an  old  French  manuscript  chart,  a  reef  is  placed  in  lat.  13°  58' 
N.,  long.  110°  20' E. 

Q.TJI-Q.U'IK  BAY,  formed  on  the  "West  side  of  Cape  Bantam,  close  to  the 
foot  of  high  mountains,  is  about  4  miles  wide  and  6  miles  deep,  with  some 
islets  in  it,  and  small  creeks  where  fresh  water  may  be  procured  ;  and  it 
affords  good  anchorage  in  the  S.W.  monsoon.  At  its  N.W.  extremity  there 
is  a  small  bay  or  cove  under  Cape  Eappoix,  said  to  afford  shelter  in  the  N.E. 
monsoon. 

FALSE  COLLAO  ISLAND. — From  Cape  Happoix  the  coast  trends  nearly 
N.W.  by  N.  about  45  miles  to  Cape  Touron,  and  in  this  space  the  country  is 
mountainous  a  little  inland.  About  9  miles  northward  from  Cape  Happoix, 
and  about  11  miles  off  the  coast,  lies  the  island  of  False  Collao,  of  consider- 
able height,  and  a  reef  is  said  to  project  from  its  South  extreme. 

CHAM-COLLAO  (the  South  part),  in  lat.  15°  54'  N.,  long.  108°  36}'  E., 
and  9  miles  distant  from  the  main,  is  a  high  island,  about  6  miles  in  length 


TOUEON  BAY-RIYER  HUE.  455 

N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.,  having  some  islets  adjoining  its  South  end,  and  others 
as  far  as  6  miles  westward  from  its  N.W.  part.  Tc  is  inhabited,  well  culti- 
vated, and  the  anchorage  on  the  West  side,  in  4  or  4J  fathoms  near  the 
village,  may  be  considered  a  safe  harbour  in  all  winds.  Opposite  this  island 
lies  the  entrance  of  the  Fai-foh  River,  which,  by  a  narrow  arm  of  the  sea, 
communicates  with  Touron  Bay.  Near  the  entrance  of  this  river  there  is  a 
mass  of  marble  rocks,  very  conspicuous  when  sailing  near  the  coast. 

TOURON  BAY.— Cape  Totiron,  or  Tien-Tchu,  in  lat.  16°  8'  N.,  long.  108° 
21'  E.,  is  the  eastern  extreme  of  the  peninsula  that  forms  the  East  side  of 
Touron  Bay  (called  Han-san  by  the  natives) ;  and  CoUao-Han,  or  Touron 
Island,  in  lat.  16^  12'  N.,  long.  108°  16'  E.,  lies  close  to  the  point  of  land  that 
forms  the  N.W.  side  of  its  entrance.  The  entrance  is  2f  miles  wide,  with 
regular  soundings  of  15  and  14  fathoms,  decreasing  inside  to  8,  7,  and  6 
fathoms.  The  northern  shore  of  the  peninsula  must  be  given  a  berth,  for  a 
reef,  on  which  the  sea  sometimes  breaks,  projects  about  three-quarters  of  a 
mile  from  the  third  point.  A  rock  awash  lies  a  quarter  of  a  mile  off  the 
North  point  of  the  peninsula,  with  a  depth  of  6  and  7  fathoms  between  it 
and  the  shore.  The  inner  point  of  the  peninsula  is  also  joined  to  a  small 
contiguous  island  by  a  shoal.  This  small  island  is  in  lat.  16°  7'  N.,  lono-. 
108°  17'  E.,  and  the  usual  anchorage  for  ships  is  to  the  southward  of  it,  in  4 
or  5  fathoms,  sheltered  from  all  winds. 

This  was  formerly  a  great  place  of  trade,  and  some  European  nations  had 
factories  here  ;  but  no  trade  has  been  carried  on  by  Europeans  to  this  port 
for  a  considerable  time  past. 

In  Touron  Bay  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  2>^,  and  springs  rise 
4  feet. 

CAPE  CHOUMAY,  or  Chouvay,  in  lat.  16°  21'  N.,  and  22h  miles  N.W.  by 
W.  from  Cape  Touron,  is  the  extremity  of  a  round  and  rugged  peninsula  of 
moderate  height,  which,  united  to  the  coast  by  an  isthmus  of  sand,  appears 
like  an  island  with  two  summits  when  seen  from  the  N.E.  or  S.W.  A  chain 
of  high  mountains  with  round  summits  extends  almost  to  the  coast.  There  is 
good  anchorage  in  a  small  bay  on  the  West  side  of  the  cape,  where  there  is 
a  river.  A  canal  leads  from  Cape  Choumay  to  Hue,  and  facilitates  the  com- 
munication between  that  city  and  Touron. 

The  RIVER  HUE,  or  Hue-Fo,  the  entrance  to  which  is  in  lat.  16°  34'  50" 
N.,  is  generally  considered  the  boundary  between  the  coast  of  Cochin  China 
and  Tong  King.  Between  Cape  Choumay  and  this  river  the  coast  is  farmed 
of  sand-hills,  the  summits  of  which  are  covered  with  numerous  villages, 
surrounded  by  trees  and  cultivated  fields  ;  a  peculiarity  which  will  prevent 
mistaking  this  part  of  the  coast  for  that  North  of  Hue,  where  the  villages 
are  on  the  sides  and  not  on  the  summits  of  the  sand-hiUs.  The  position  of 
the  ri?er  is  marked  by  a  large  fort  with  a  flagstaff,  built  on  the  West  point 
of  entrance  ;  at  half  a  mile  West  of  this  is  a  small  hill  with  a  remarkable 


456  THE  GULF  OF  TONG  KING. 

pagoda.  There  is  good  anchorage  off  the  mouth  of  the  river  in  6  fathoms, 
muddy  bottom  ;  but  it  is  said  that  there  is  a  heavy  swell  along  the  coast 
during  the  N.E.  monsoon.  The  bar  of  the  river  has  only  10  ft.  on  it  at  low 
water, 

The  city  of  Hue,  situated  about  12  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  river,  is 
sometimes  the  residence  of  the  king  of  Cochin  China.  It  is  composed  of  two 
parts,  the  inner,  and  the  outer  town  where  the  mass  of  the  population  re- 
sides, which  has  been  estimated  at  100,000  souls ;  the  inner  town  is  a  large 
square  fortress,  built  after  Vauban,  according  to  the  plans  of  the  French 
engineers.  The  river  encloses  it  on  two  sides,  besides  a  canal  130  ft.  broad, 
by  which  it  is  entirely  surrounded. 


2.— THE  GULF  OF  TONG  KING. 

The  GULF  of  TONG  KING,  or  Tonquin,  is  the  great  bend  of  the  coast 
comprised  between  the  parallels  of  17°  and  22°  N.,  and  which  is  rendered  a 
deep  inlet  by  the  peninsula  of  Lien-chew  and  the  island  of  Hainan,  which 
protect  it  to  the  eastward.  The  entrance  between  Cape  Lay  on  the  West 
and  the  S.W.  part  of  Hainan  on  the  East  is  about  120  miles  wide,  which  is 
the  general  width  of  the  gulf  itself.  Several  islands  lie  contiguous  to  the 
western  shore  of  the  gulf,  and  numerous  small  islands  and  shoals  at  its  head. 
Soundings  may  be  obtained  all  over  it,  45  and  40  fathoms  in  the  middle,  de- 
creasing towards  either  shore  ;  the  bottom  is  generally  soft,  fit  for  anchorage. 
In  some  parts  the  soundings  appear  to  be  irregular,  for  the  ship  Holla,  in 
lat.  17°  25'  N.,  to  the  northward  of  Tiger  Island,  shoaled  from  35  and  30 
fathoms  mud,  to  10  fathoms  on  a  bank,  steering  W.  by  S. ;  and  soon  deepened 
again  to  25  and  30  fathoms,  steering  W.  by  N. 

CAPE  LAY. — From  the  Hue  River  a  low  and  sandy  coast  trends  about 
N.W.  I  "W.  47  miles  to  Cape  Lay,  which  itself  is  rocky,  of  moderate  height, 
and  covered  with  several  patches  of  trees.  A  bank  extends  a  short  distance 
off  this  cape;  within  2  miles  of  the  cape  the  depth  varies  from  15  to  20 
fathoms. 

TIGER  ISLAND,  distant  about  12  miles  E.  by  N.  from  Cape  Lay,  was 
explored  in  1831  by  Laplace,  Commander  of  La  Favorite.  It  is  small,  about 
a  mile  in  extent,  and  its  centre  rises  to  a  peak  about  328  ft.  in  height,  which 
is  visible  in  clear  weather  at  a  distance  of  15  to  18  miles.  The  South  point 
is  perpendicular ;  the  North  point  terminates  in  a  low,  narrow  neck  of  land. 
The  channel  which  separates  it  from  the  coast  is  clear,  with  17  to  23  fathoms 
water. 

The  Coast  north-westward  of  Cape  Lay  is  sandy  and  low ;  it  trends  first  to 
the  N.  by  W.  for  about  31  miles,  after  which  it  inclines  towards  the  West 
as  far  as  the  entrance  of  the  river  Quia  Hoy,  at  which  stands  a  fort ;  from, 


CAPE'BOUNG  QUIOUA— NORTH  WATCHER.  4.57 

thence  the  coast  runs  N.  by  W.  for  about  30  miles  to  Cape  Boung  Quioua, 
forming  a  bay  of  moderate  depth. 

CAPE  BOUNG  aUIOUA.-To  the  northward  of  Quia  Hoy  the  sand-hills 
are  of  a  reddish  colour,  and  their  summits  are  covered  with  brushwood.  The 
coast  here  is  elevated,  and  forms  two  bays  of  considerable  depth,  in  each  of 
which  is  a  small  stream.  Cape  Boung  Quioua,  easily  known  by  its  large  red 
spots,  is  formed  of  elevated  land.  There  are  two  islands  near  it,  and  a  third 
at  2^  or  3  miles  to  the  S.S.W.  ;  the  latter  is  named  Boissieux  Islatid,  and  it 
terminates  towards  the  West  in  a  long  reef  which  projects  !{  mile  towards 
the  coast. 

The  anchorage  of  Boung  Quioua  is  very  good  for  all  kinds  of  vessels  during 
the  N.E.  monsoon.  A  vessel  can  anchor  in  4f  to  6  fathoms,  sandy  bottom, 
,  under  shelter  of  the  islands. 

About  2?  miles  E.S.E.  from  Cape  Boung  Quioua  the  charts  show  a  skoal 
.with  10  fathoms  water;  its  position,  however,  is  uncertain.  Lat.  17°  50'  N., 
.long.  107°  E. 

SOUTH  WATCHER.— At  7i  miles  E.  by  S.  from  the  cape,  in  lat.  17^  55' 
,  10"  N.,  is  a  barren  and  rugged  rock,  called  South  Watcher  Island,  having 
17  fathoms  at  less  than  a  cable's  length  from  its  western  side,  decreasing  to 
9y  fathoms  near  the  small  islands  near  the  cape. 

TSEU  or  Goat  Island,  also  called  Sovel,  lies  near  a  promontory  1,410  ft. 
.high,  and  is  distant  12  miles  N.N.W.  from  Cape  Boung  Quioua.  When  seen 
from  the  East  it  appears  like  two  pointed  hummocks,  with  a  perpendicular 
cliff  towards  the  North,  and  sloping  to  the  South  ;  it  is  surrounded  by  a  reef 
which  extends  more  particularly  to  the  South  and  West.  There  is  an  islet  at 
2  miles  N.E.  of  Sovel.     It  is  a  jagged  rock  with  a  number  of  pointed  peaks. 

Tides. — A  short  distance  to  the  southward  of  Sovel,  during  a  period  of 
two  weeks,  only  one  tide  was  observed  in  24  hours  ;  excepting  for  three  or 
four  days,  during  which  there  were  two  tides  per  day.  The  range  of  tide 
was  about  10  ft.,  but  this  rise  decreased  in  proportion  in  going  southward. 

At  6  miles  to  the  West  of  Sovel  is  a  small  port  open  only  from  the  North 
,to  N.W.  The  bottom  is  sandy,  and  it  is  sheltered  from  the  East  and  N.E. 
by  a  rocky  peninsula,  connected  with  the  coast  by  a  narrow  sandy  isthmus, 
which  running  to  a  point  projects  half  a  mile  from  the  shore. 

The  Coast  from  Cape  Boung  Quioua  has  been  entirely  mountainous,  but 
from  the  small  port  just  mentioned  it  trends  to  the  N.W.  by  W.,  and  alters 
to  a  sandy  shore  occasionally  interrupted  by  isolated  mountains,  the  first  of 
which,  called  the  Mamelles  {Paps),  is  easily  distinguished  by  its  two  summits, 
1,656  ft  high,  which  in  coming  from  the  South  are  liable  to  be  mistaken  for 
those  of  Sovel. 

NORTH  WATCHER  (marked  Hot  Island  on  the  chart)  is  a  small  island, 
lying  10  miles  N.W.  from  the  MameUee,  21  miles  N.W.  J  W.  from  Sovel, 
I.  A.  3  K 


458  THE  GULF  OF  TONG  KING.  * 

and  3  miles  North  of  a  prominent  hill  2,033  ft.  high.  To  the  SE.  of  it  is  a 
much  smaller  island,  a  short  distance  southward  of  which  the  sea  has  been 
seen  breaking. 

The  coast  from  abreast  the  North  Watcher  changes  its  direction  to  N.W. 
by  N.  for  45  miles,  and  then  runs  N.N.E.  as  far  as  Bien  Shan  Island,  thus 
forming  a  large  bay,  in  which,  at  2  or  3  miles  from  the  shore,  the  depth  is 
6^  fathoms.  A  short  distance  before  arriving  abreast  of  the  North  Watcher, 
high  mountains  appear  in  the  N.W.  and  N.N.W.,  and  in  front  of  this  part 
of  the  coast  lies  Matt  Island. 

Matt  Island,  formerly  called  FrahaU,  in  lat.  18°  50'  N.,  and  about  10  miles 
from  the  shore,  is  1  mile  in  length,  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.,  and  precipitous  on 
all  sides  except  the  South. 

Besides  two  small  islands  lying  at  less  than  half  a  mile  E.  by  S.  from  Matt, 
there  are  between  Matt  and  the  coast  two  rocks ;  the  one,  distant  about  4 
miles  S.W.  of  Matt,  is  32  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  at  a  short  distance  resem- 
bles a  junk  under  sail ;  and  the  other,  about  1  mile  N.N.W.  of  the  former, 
is  low  and  flat,  and  consequently  dangerous. 

GNEU  ISLAND,  lying  about  6  miles  West  of  Matt,  and  about  2  miles 
from  the  coast,  consists  of  two  hills  separated  by  a  neck  of  low  land ;  so 
that  from  a  distance,  with  the  island  bearing  South,  it  will  appear  like  two 
islands. 

PORT  of  LACHT  KOUENN.— The  coast  from  abreast  Gneu  Island  ad- 
yances  more  towards  the  sea,  and  forms  a  bay,  at  the  head  of  which  are  high 
mountains,  with  a  flat  shore  at  their  base.  The  port  of  Lacht  Kouenn, 
situated  in  this  bay,  in  about  lat.  19°  4'  30"  N.,  long.  105°  43'  9"  E.,  is  a 
good  anchorage  for  small  vessels ;  its  entrance,  which  faces  the  S.S.E.  and 
is  not  more  than  a  cable  wide,  has  on  the  West  side  a  large  rock,  called  Dog 
Eock,  which  is  connected  with  the  shore  by  a  narrow  isthmus,  only  seen  at 
low  water. 

This  harbour,  which  is  the  best  of  those  that  have  been  explored  on  the 
coast  of  Tong  King  by  M.  E.  Ploix,  is  sheltered  from  all  winds,  except  those 
from  the  West,  by  rather  higher  mountains.*  It  is  2  to  3  cables  in  width, 
with  about  1^  fathom  least  water  in  it  at  low  tide.  The  river  Lacht  Kouenn 
empties  itself  into  it,  coming  from  the  W.N.W. 

•  The  size  of  the  rivers  of  Tong  King,  which  flow  into  the  sea  between  lat.  20'  and  21* 
North,  is  shown  by  the  great  amount  of  alluvion  that  has  been  deposited,  and  which  is 
estimated  to  be  about  328  ft.  per  annum,  being  the  amount  which  the  bank  of  the  river 
encroaches  on  the  sea.  At  their  entrance  the  fall  of  water  is  about  10  ft.,  and  about  16  ft. 
during  spring  tides,  if  we  can  believe  the  inhabitants.  The  depth  varies,  no  doubt,  with 
the  quantity  of  rain  that  falls  into  the  basin,  the  melting  of  snow  on  the  hills,  where  the 
rivers  find  their  source,  and  the  force  and  direction  of  the  wind  on  the  coast ;  but  10  ft. 
rise  and  fall  may  always  be  depended  on,  and  vessels  of  a  certain  draught  are  always  sure 
of  being  able  to  penetrate  into  the  country.— IT.  E,  Ploix. 


ME'  ISLAND-KIAO  RIVER.  459 

Coal  is  found  at  the  village  of  Magne  Shan,  on  the  East  shore  of  the 
harbour. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  this  harbour,  at  10'',  and  the  range 
of  tide  is  from  8|  to  9^  ft. 

ME  ISLAND,  in  lat.  19°  21'  N.,  and  8  miles  from  a  projecting  point  of  the 
coast,  is  the  most  northern  of  a  considerable  group  of  islands,  about  25  in 
number,  of  diflFerent  forms,  and  nearly  all  precipitous.  The  most  western, 
which  is  flat  and  precipitous  on  all  sides,  is  called  Bong  Island. 

BIEN  SHAN  ISLAND  lies  to  the  westward  of  Me  Island,  and  rather  near 
the  coast.  It  is  about  2  or  3  miles  long  North  and  South,  and  its  northern 
part  turns  abruptly  to  the  West,  and  forms  a  bay,  which  affords  anchorage 
for  small  vessels,  sheltered  from  the  westward.  Larger  vessels  can  anchor 
at  the  entrance  of  this  bay. 

At  Bien  Shan  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  S*"  SC",  and  the  rise  of 
tide  is  about  10  ft. 

The  Coast  from  Bien  Shan  Island  runs  northward,  and  afterwards  N.N.E. 
At  6  miles  North  of  the  island  is  the  river  Keun-hong,  in  which  the  water  is 
very  shallow.  Here  the  coast  changes  its  aspect,  the  hills  are  at  a  greater 
distance  from  each  other,  and  as  the  country  with  which  they  are  surrounded 
is  very  low,  they  appear  like  islands. 

Ne'  Island,  lying  about  3  miles  from  the  shore,  and  in  lat.  19°  52'  30"  N., 
is  the  last  island  met  with  before  arriving  at  the  head  of  the  gulf.  It  affords 
a  temporary  shelter  from  North  winds  in  about  6^  fathoms  water. 

To  the  S.  W.  of  Ne,  and  upwards  of  a  mile  from  the  coast,  is  an  islet  about 
1 3  to  16  ft.  high  ;  here  the  river  Trann  falls  into  the  sea,  and  on  its  bar  is  a 
depth  of  2  fathoms  at  low  water.  It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Trann  River,  at  S"*  30"",  and  springs  rise  about  10  ft. 

KIAO  RIVER.— About  4  or  5  miles  to  the  S.  W.  of  the  point  before  which 
lies  the  island  Ne,  and  on  a  low  beach,  is  the  mouth  of  the  river  Kiao,  on 
the  bank  of  which,  and  6  miles  in  the  interior,  stands  the  arsenal  of  Hamatt, 
where  the  king's  vessels  are  built.  These  pass  across  the  bar  without  any 
cargo,  with  IJ  fathom  at  high  tides.  This  river  communicates  with  the 
river  Trann,  which,  as  mentioned  before,  falls  into  the  sea  opposite  Ne. 

The  Coast  to  the  northward  of  Ne  Island  is  a  chain  of  serrated  mountains, 
and  from  them  the  country,  for  a  considerable  distance  inland,  is  entirely 
flat.  As  far  as  these  mountains,  the  depths  appeared  to  decrease  in  a 
regular  manner  on  approaching  the  coast,  but  on  leaving  it  they  were 
irregular.  Frooi  these  mountains  the  land  forms  a  great  convex  bend  to- 
wards the  East ;  nothing  is  to  be  seen  but  a  low  shore,  relieved  at  a  distance 
by  trees,  which  here  and  there  appear  to  rise  out  of  the  sea.  Fronting  this 
shore  are  extensive  banks,  stretching  in  some  places  from  8  to  10  miles  east- 
ward.    Mountains  become  visible  in  the  N.W.,  but  they  are  far  inland. 

Three  great  rivers,  the  Dai,  Lak,  and  the  Balat,  form  here  a  great  delta  ; 


460  THE  GULF  OF  TONG  KING. 

they  communicate  with  each  other  partly  by  natural  means,  and  partly  by 
canals  constructed  by  the  inhabitants.  Pilots  are  also  indispensable  in  order 
to  anchor  before  their  mouth.  A  line  of  soundings,  of  8  to  11  fathoms, 
rock  and  sand,  was  carried  by  the  Primauguet  at  about  7  miles  from  the 
visible  coast. 

The  RIVER  DAI  falls  into  the  sea  to  the  eastward  of  the  above  serrated 
mountains.  The  Preffent,  which  anchored  off  its  mouth  at  the  end  of  De- 
cember, 1859,  found  on  the  bar  a  depth  of  6^  ft.,  muddy  sand,  at  low  water, 
which  would  give,  according  to  the  tidal  observations  made  along  the  coast, 
about  13  ft.  at  high  water,  in  ordinary  weather.  After  crossing  the  bar  the 
depth  increases  to  3f  fathoms  at  the  entrance.  The  missionaries  assert  that 
there  are  3J  fathoms  water  before  their  house,  which  stands  about  20  miles 
up  the  river, 

RIVER  BALAT.— The  Primauguet  anchored  in  lat.  20°  12'  N.,  about  6 
miles  S.S.E.  from  the  mouth  of  the  River  Balat  or  Keua-dong,  the  deepest  of 
the  three  rivers,  and  rather  near  the  banks  to  the  West,  having  at  less  than 
a  mile  another  bank  to  the  N.E.,  at  the  "West  side  of  which  terminates  the 
canal  which  joins  the  branch  West  of  Balat  (Keua-dong),  this  being  the 
deepest  channel  to  enter  the  country.  The  pilots  state  that  there  are  5^  ft, 
at  low  water,  and  10|^  to  12|  ft.  at  high-water  spring  tides. 

At  15  to  20  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  Balat,  and  near  the  junction  of  a 
natural  branch,  which  flows  to  the  South  and  unites  the  rivers  Dai  and  Lak, 
the  river  becomes  much  broader.  The  fort  Mom-ro  is  erected  here,  and 
opposite  to  it  a  toll-bar  is  established,  which  seems  to  be  halfway  between 
the  coast  and  Nam-binh,  the  first  town  of  Tong  King  after  Keicho.  Beyond 
Mom-ro  the  rivers,  which  discharge  themselves  into  the  sea  partly  by  the 
Dai  and  Lak,  and  partly  by  the  three  or  four  branches  of  the  Balat,  unit© 
and  become  one  large  river,  which  is  no  doubt  deep. 

Nam-binh  does  not  stand  quite  on  the  River  Balat,  but  on  a  canal  of  little 
depth,  which  joins  the  river  about  3  miles  from  the  town.  The  other  part 
of  this  canal  enters  at  Roukbo  into  the  river  Dai,  a  little  below  the  old  esta- 
blishment of  the  French  missionaries,  and  the  important  town  of  Nim-binh,* 
the  second  in  the  province.  A  little  above  Nam-binh  are  the  old  factories, 
and  farther  to  the  N.W.  lies  Keicho,  the  capital  of  Tong  King,  which  it 
appears  can  be  reached  by  vessels  drawing  about  9f  ft.  water. 

Tides. — From  tidal  observations  made  on  board  the  Primauguet,  at  the 
anchorage  otf  the  mouth  of  the  river  Balat,  the  establishment  appeared  to  be 
4  hours,  and  the  rise  of  tide  from  6  to  9  ft.,  the  flood  coming  from  the  South, 


*  At  Balat,  the  foniier  limits  of  the  coast,  at  the  time  of  the  commerce  with  Holland 
(about  200  years  ago),  is  at  present  about  4  or  6  miles  in  the  interior.  Balat  is  one  of  the 
three  ports  op«m;d  to  French  commerce  by  the  treaty  of  Saigon. 


RIVER  LACHT  HUEN.  461 

and  tlie  ebb  from  the  North.     It  was  difficult  to  determine  if  there  was  only 
one  tide  every  day. 

Keicho,  or  Hanoi,  hereafter  described,  the  capital  of  Tong  King,  is  about 
28  leagues  up  the  river  Balat.  It  is  more  than  150  years  since  European 
vessels  traded  to  this  river,  and  the  knowledge  of  the  navigation  of  the 
gulf  not  having  been  carefully  recorded,  it  is  now  almost  lost  to  Europeans. 
Trade,  however,  may  again  open  up,  but  for  the  present  the  treaty  port  of 
Haiphong,  on  the  Cua  Cam  River  to  the  northward,  will  probably  absorb 
the  little  trade  there  is.  According  to  M.  Ploix,  it  appears  that  vessels  of 
about  10  ft.  draught  can  go  as  far  as  the  capital,  but  that  there  are  dan- 
gerous gravel  banks  before  reaching  it.  Keicho  is  in  about  lat.  21°  N.,  long. 
105°  47' E.  It  is  badly  fortified ;  the  houses  are  constructed  of  earth  and 
wood,  covered  with  cane,  leaves,  or  thatch.  The  Dutch  and  Portuguese  had 
commercial  establishments  here,  but  they  have  been  destroyed  long  ago. 
The  silk  and  porcelain  manufactures  of  Keicho  are  the  most  valued  of  thia 
part  of  the  East. 

The  Coast  North  of  the  entrance  of  the  Balat,  as  far  as  Cape  Daushon 
(Too-shan),  is  low,  and  its  direction  is  N.N.E.  nearly.  It  appears  that  there 
are  some  rivers  within  this  limit,  and  a  line  of  soundings,  from  3^  to  9  fa- 
thoms, was  carried  at  a  distance  of  5  or  6  miles  from  the  shore. 

RIVER  LACHT  HTJEN.— Between  Daushon  and  another  projecting  point 
the  coast  forms  a  bay  with  an  opening  10  or  12  miles  wide,  but  it  is  almost 
entirely  filled  with  banks.  Into  this  bay  fall  the  two  principal  and  numerous 
smaller  branches  of  the  Lacht  Huen  River  (probably  the  Songka,  Sangkoi, 
or  Red  River).  Up  the  southern  of  the  principal  outlets  is  the  newly-opened 
treaty  port  of  Haiphong.  The  coast  northward  of  the  bay,  into  which  the 
River  Lacht  Huen  flows,  is  steep-to,  and  is  formed  by  extremely  rugged 
mountains,  which  determine  deep  bays,  where  a  vessel  drawing  1 1  ft.  water 
will  find  safe  shelter. 

The  branches  of  the  river  forming  the  delta  of  Sangkoi  may  be  navigated 
by  vessels  drawing  16  ft.  water,  but  which  should  not  enter  without  the  aid 
of  a  local  pilot,  as  the  channels  frequently  change.  Between  the  delta  and 
Hai-Dzeuong,  about  50  miles  up  from  the  mouth  of  the  Cua  Cam  branch, 
there  is  usually  a  current  running  out  of  the  river  at  the  rate  of  half  to  one 
knot.  Above  Hai-Dzeuong,  in  a  narrow  channel  leading  to  Keicho,  the 
current  runs  IJ  to  2  knots  an  hour.  The  water  of  the  river  is  thick  and  of  a 
red  colour,  hence  one  of  its  names. 

Tides. — According  to  the  observations  of  Lieutenant  T.  Pepham,  of  the 
French  navy,  the  water  on  the  bar  of  the  Cua-cam  entrance  of  Sangkoi 
River  rises  and  falls  as  follows  : — When  the  moon's  declination  is  North  : 
On  the  moon  rising  the  water  falls,  and  again  commences  to  rise  as  the  moon 
sets.     When  the  moon's  declination  is  South  :  On  the  moon  rising  the  water 


462  THE  GULF  OF  TONG  KING. 

oommenceg  to  rise,  and  again  commences  to  fall  as  the  moon  sets.     Tho 
greatest  range  of  tide  is  13  ft. 

Hondau  Island  and  Lighthouse  lie  off  the  South  extremity  of  Daushon 
Point,  in  lat.  20°  40'  N.,  long.  106°  47' E.,  and  mark  the  West  side  of 
the  entrance  to  the  Cua-Cam  branch  of  the  Lach  Huen  Elver,  The  island 
is  small,  100  ft.  high,  and  the  light,  exhibited  at  an  elevation  of  164  ft. 
above  the  sea,  is  &  fixed  white  light,  visible  between  the  bearings  of  S.  by  E. 
^  E.  and  N.E.,  and  in  clear  weather  should  be  seen  from  a  distance  of  8 
miles,  but  it  is  not  a  very  reliable  light. 

A  Eiiropean  pilot  is  either  stationed  on  Hondau,  or  is  cruising  between  it 
and  Apowan ;  he  will  take  vessels  up  the  Cua-Cam  branch  to  Haiphong. 
Pilotage  is  compulsory,  the  charges  being  3.05  dollars  a  foot  for  steam 
vessels,  and  4.55  dollars  a  foot  for  sailing  vessels.  If  no  pilot  come  off, 
vessels  should  anchor  to  the  eastward  of  Hondau  Island,  and  send  to  Hai- 
phong. Care  should  be  taken  not  to  bring  Hondau  Island  to  bear  southward 
ofW.S.W.,  as  the  water  shoals  quickly  inside  that  bearing  from  31  to  2^ 
fathoms. 

A  vessel  drawing  1 7  ft.  can  cross  the  bar  at  high  water  ordinary  springs  ; 
at  neaps  there  are  about  14  ft.  at  high  water,  but  the  range  of  tide  is  very 
uncertain,  as  is  also  the  time  of  high  water,  at  full  and  change. 

HAIPHONG. — The  following  description  is  chiefly  extracted  from  a  pam- 
phlet drawn  up  by  N.  B.  Dennys,  Esq.,  Ph.  D.,  Secretary  of  the  Hongkong 
Chamber  of  Commerce  :* — 

The  port  of  Haiphong,  named  also  Haidong,  or  Hwafung,  recently 
opened  to  foreign  trade  under  a  treaty  made  with  the  Tonquinese,  is  situated 
about  16  miles  up  the  Cua  Cam  branch  of  the  Lacht  Huen  River.  The 
town,  a  collection  of  huts,  in  about  lat.  20°  49'  N.,  long.  106°  40'  E.,  is 
at  the  mouth  of  a  creek,  which  enters  the  Cua  Cam  on  its  right  bank. 
It  contained,  in  1876,  a  population  of  about  10,000;  of  whom  850  were 
Chinese  and  142  French,  120  of  the  latter  being  soldiers  and  marines  who 
have  charge  of  two  forts  which  command  the  passage  of  the  river.  These 
forts  are  only  to  be  held  until  indemnity  is  paid  to  the  French  and  Spanish 
governments.  A  French  consul  is  resident.  Only  three  steamers  and  three 
Bailing  vessels  had  visited  the  port  between  September,  1875,  and  April, 
1876,  which  does  not  look  very  promising  for  future  trade. 

Supplies  can  be  easily  obtained.  Water  for  drinking  purposes  is  supplied 
at  one  dollar  per  ton,  but  it  can  be  more  easily  procured,  and  of  better 
quahty,  from  the  French  commissariat ;  the  charge  for  this  is  three  dollars 
per  ton. 

*  A  most  valuable  work  for  captains  to  have  who  intend  visriting.  Its  title  is,  "  Report 
on  the  newly-opened  Ports  of  Kiung-chow  (Hoi  How)  in  Hainan,  and  of  Haiphong  in 
Tonquin  (Visited  in  April,  1876),  by  N.  B.  Dennys,  Ph.  D.,  etc."  Hongkong  ;  Printed  by 
Noronha  &  Sons,  Oswald's  Terrace,  Wellington  Street. 


HAIPHONG.  463 

In  the  narrow  creek,  on  the  bank  of  which  is  situated  the  custom-house, 
are  four  wooden  jetties,  two  on  either  side,  one  of  which,  on  the  East  bank, 
is  used  as  a  public  wharf. 

The  river  at  Haiphong  is  2§  cables  wide  and  4|  fathoms  deep.  Vessels 
drawing  15  ft.  can  anchor  in  mid-channel.  Merchant  vessels  anchor  N.  and 
E.  of  the  northern  fort ;  man-of-war  vessels  N.W.  from  it. 

Keicho,  or  Hanoi,  the  centre  of  commerce  (Haiphong  being  its  port),  is 
the  capital  of  Tonquin,  and  head-quarters  of  French  influence  in  that 
country,  and  is  situated  inland,  upon  the  river,  at  the  mouth  of  which  lies 
Haiphong.  By  the  most  direct  water  route,  the  distance  from  its  port  is 
about  60  miles ;  but  as  the  water  in  this  channel  is  frequently  too  low  to  float 
even  the  lightest  draft  boats,  the  usual  route  taken  is  by  the  main  river 
which  extends  the  journey  to  about  150  miles.  The  enormous  rise  of  the 
Bpper  waters  during  the  rains  (some  25  ft.)  renders  both  channels  equally 
available  for  a  short  period  in  each  year. 

This  latter  lies  through  the  Tai  Bing  Canal  and  Eed  Eiver,  upon  the 
banks  of  which  latter  Hanoi  lies.  It  is  very  intricate,  and  the  sands,  which 
abound  in  its  course,  are  at  times  impassable.  Vessels  drawing  only  6  ft. 
can,  however,  generally  manage  to  get  up,  the  depth  at  low  water  varying 
from  f  fathom  to  2  fathoms.  Keicbo  may  be  also  reached  by  proceeding  up 
the  Balat  Eiver  as  described  on  pages  460-1. 

Hanoi  is  notable  as  the  place  where  Lieut.  Gamier  (whose  description  of 
this  country,  in  a  splendid  work  published  in  Paris  in  1873,  is  so  well  known), 
•was  murdered  in  November,  1873.  The  town  is  situated  on  the  left  bank 
of  the  river,  and  is  said  to  contain  60,000  inhabitants,  exclusive  of  2,000  to 
3,000  Chinese  and  some  175  Frenchmen.  Missionaries  have  long  been 
resident  in  the  district,  which  is  said  to  contain  20,000  Christians.  The 
houses  are  mostly  of  brick.  The  chief  trade  is  silk.  No  shipping,  except 
river  and  cargoe  boats,  is  seen  at  Hanoi.  One  or  two  steam  launches,  how- 
ever, run  weekly  between  Haiphong  and  Hanoi.  As  at  Haiphong  the  French 
have  some  land  on  the  river  bank  at  Hanoi,  ceded  to  them  and  other 
foreigners,  and  some  buildings  are  erected  on  it.  So  far  wines  and  stores 
have  been  the  chief  imports ;  further  trade  is,  however,  likely  to  arise,  es- 
pecially as  South-Western  China  can  be  reached  by  the  Songka  Eiver. 
M.  Dupuis  was  the  first  to  do  this  successfully.  In  October,  1873,  he  con- 
veyed an  expedition  up  the  river  with  arms,  &c.,  for  the  Chinese,  who  were 
then  engaged  in  quelling  disturbances.  He  describes  the  country  as  abound- 
ing in  the  precious  metals,  as  well  as  copper,  iron,  zinc,  &c.  The  river  at 
Hanoi  is  6  to  6  cables  broad,  and  small  vessels  (probably  of  8  or  9  feet 
draught)  may  reach  this  point.  There  is  a  rise  of  30  ft.  in  the  summer,  the 
river  being  consequently  wider  and  deeeper  then.  Imports  and  exports  are 
ae  agreed  by  treaty,  taxed  5  per  cent,  ad  valorem,  salt  10  per  cent.     The 


464  COCHIN  CHINA. 

money,  weights  and  measures  will  be  described  in  the  Appendix  at  the  end 
of  this  volume. 

Directions  for  Eaiphong  from  the  Southward.  —  Having  passed  Hondau 
Lighthouse  (the  light  from  which  is  not  to  be  depended  on),  bring  Daushon 
Point  to  bear  S.W.  by  W.  |  W.  distant  half  a  mile,  and  steer  N.W.  J  W. 
for  a  distance  of  IJ  miles,  passing  between  fishing  stakes  on  either  side. 

When  Petit  Mirador  (a  hill  over  a  point  lying  N.W.  from  Hondau),  bear- 
inf  S.  by  E.  ^  E.,  is  in  line  with  the  western  base  of  Daushon  Hill,  seen 
between  a  group  of  trees  and  the  hill,  steer  in  with  this  mark  astern,  allow- 
ing for  a  strong  tide  off  the  mouth  of  the  Cua-Cam  River ;  when  Petit 
Morne  Oonique,  which  is  easily  recognised,  bears  W.  by  S.  J  S.,  the  entrance 
of  the  Cua-Cam  River  will  be  plainly  visible  to  the  eastward.  Off  the  mouth 
of  this  river,  the  shores  of  which  are  very  low,  a  sharp  shoulder  of  the  higher 
range  of  hills  is  in  line  with  a  low  peak  rising  from  the  plain  below  ;  from 
this  peak  a  table  land  extends  westward,  terminating  in  two  conical  shaped 
hummocks.     From  this  position  a  mid-channel  course  leads  to  Haiphong. 

Or  another  leading  mark  is,  after  passing  the  fishing  stakes,  to  bring 
Hondau  Island  in  line  with  Daushon  Point,  bearing  S.  by  E.  ^^  E.,  and  keep 
it  so  until  Petit  Morne  Conique  bears  W.  by  S.  J  S.,  when  proceed  as  before. 
This  mark  leads  close  to  a  sand-bank  North  2  miles  from  Daushon  Point, 
and  as  this  is  the  shoalest  part  of  the  channel,  the  soundings  should  be  care- 
fully attended  to.  When  a  remarkable  tree  on  shore  comes  in  line  with 
Petit  Morne  Aplati,  the  sand-bank  is  passed.  In  order  to  keep  in  the  deep 
water  channel.  Petit  Mirador  must  be  kept  open  East  of  the  group  of  trees 
lying  westward  of  the  base  of  Daushon  Hill. 

Vessels  can  anchor  off  Petit  Mirador  in  14  ft.  water,  obtaining  shelter 
from  N.E.  winds. 

PORT  OTJNONG  is  on  the  East  side  of  entrance  of  the  East  channel  into 
the  River  Lacht  Huen.  Off  it  is  a  rock  called  the  JVinepin  from  its  shape. 
W.  by  S.  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  Ninepin  is  a  dangerous  rock  with 
about  1 1  ft.  on  it,  and  8  fathoms  close  around  it  at  low  water. 

In  1849  H.M.  ships  Columbine,  Fury,  and  Phlegethon,  entered  the  East  or 
Main  Channel  of  the  Lacht  Huen  River  in  chase  of  pirates.  The  entrance, 
in  lat.  20°  41'  40"  N.,  is  obstructed  by  a  bar  which  they  crossed  at  high  water, 
carrying  2f  to  3  fathoms.  Inside  the  bar  the  water  deepens,  and  the  shores 
are  generally  bold,  except  off  the  West  side,  where  there  is  an  extensive 
sand-bank.  Wood  was  plentiful,  but  little  water  or  provisions.  The  natives 
said  there  was  coal  in  the  vicinity,  but  their  accounts  were  vague. 

The  French  ship  Pregent  entered  this  channel  in  1859,  and  at  that  period 
there  were  1 1  ft.  on  the  bar  at  low  water. 

During  the  Pregenfs  stay  in  the  Lacht  Huen,  there  was  only  one  tide  every 
24  hours  ;  during  neap  tides,  however,  there  were  3  or  4  day*  during  which 


APOWAN  HARBOUR— GOW-TOW  ISLAND.  465 

there  were  two  tides  per  day,  but  they  were  weak,  and  then  one  tide  suc- 
ceeds the  other,  so  that  the  establishment  at  full  and  change  is  alternately 
at  I''  p.m.  and  l*"  a.m.  every  14  days.     The  rise  and  fall  was  about  10  ft. 

Apowan  Harbour  lies  about  E.  by  N.  10  miles  from  Hondau  Island.  It 
is  reported  to  be  a  good  typhoon  harbour.  The  soundings  inside  are  from  4 
to  5  fathoms  (soft  mud),  shoaling  to  2  and  1  fathom  towards  the  village. 
The  entrance  is  about  500  yards  wide  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.,  with  from  4  to  6 
fathoms  through  it. 

The  Egeria  anchored  in  Z\  fathoms,  with  centre  of  village  bearing  N.E.  by 
E.  I  E. ;  left  extreme  of  island  to  the  south-eastward  S.E.  \  S. ;  right  ex- 
treme of  island  to  the  south-eastward  S.  f  E. ;  loft  extreme  of  island  to 
south-westward  S.W.  |  S. 

Vessels  from  the  south-eastward,  after  passing  Norway  Islands,  steer  about 
N.W.,  until  a  remarkable  high  nipple-shaped  rock  bears  East,  thence  N.E. 
for  a  cone-shaped  peak  which  stands  on  the  point  at  the  East  side  of  the 
•entrance.  The  West  entrance  point  consists  of  low  rugged  black  rocks 
which  will  appear  overlapping  the  East  entrance  point  as  it  is  approached  on 
•a  north-easterly  course. 

There  is  another  entrance  to  Apowan  Harbour  from  the  south-eastward 
by  which  the  Egeria  entered,  having  from  9  to  6  fathoms  water,  and  passing 
between  some  high  precipitous  islets  about  150  yards  apart.  This  entrance, 
however,  is  unsafe,  as  there  are  said  to  be  sunken  rocks  in  the  neighbour- 
hood. There  are  12  hours  ebb  and  12  hours  flood  at  Apowan.  The  greatest 
rise  is  from  12  to  13  ft.,  the  least  about  7  ft. 

About  3  miles  to  the  northward  of  Apowan  is  the  eastern  entrance  to  a 
channel  which  leads  across  the  peninsula  to  the  westward.  Its  western  en- 
trance is  about  2  miles  northward  of  Ounong. 

Chay-le-pi,  an  extensive  group  of  rocks,  some  of  which  are  always  covered, 
lie  E.  \  N.  19|  miles  from  the  Ninepin  Rock.  At  4  or  5  miles  to  the  S.W. 
of  them  is  a  small  group  of  islands,  the  Norway  Islands  of  the  charts. 

Between  the  Chay  and  Ninepin  Rocks  is  the  entrance  of  the  remarkable 
bay,  called  Fietze-loong ,  extending  northward,  and  filled  with  islets  and  rocks 
of  limestone  formation. 

The  North  Coast  of  the  Gulf  of  Tong  King,  as  far  as  the  strait  of  Hainan, 
appears  to  be  little  known.  It  may  be  said  to  be  bounded  by  banks  and 
rocks  which  extend  a  long  distance  off  shore  ;  some  large  islands  only  have 
been  visited  by  the  Columbine,  Fury,  and  Phlegethon,  when  in  pursuit  of 
pirates. 

GOW-TOW  ISLAND. — There  are  several  islands  between  the  Chay  Rocks 
and  Gow-tow  Island  to  the  N.E.  The  Columbine  passed  to  the  southward  of 
Wuntaun  Island  and  found  a  good  passage  1^  mile  broad.  There  is  good 
anchorage  near  Fungung,  4  or  5  miles  West  of  Wuntaun. 

Gow-tow,  or  Pirate  Island,  consists  of  a  group  of  islands  of  which  Chung- 
I.  A.  3  o 


4pn  GULF  OF  TONG  KING. 

Ian  and  Gow-tow  are  the  largest ;  the  former  is  about  4  miles  long  and  1  to 

2  miles  broad,  in  a  N.E.  and  S.W.  direction. 

A  rid"-e  of  hills  with  an  average  height  of  about  500  ft.,  and  sloping  down 
to  the  sea  on  both  sides,  occupies  the  centre  of  the  island  and  terminates  in 
two  or  three  abrupt  precipitous  cliffs  of  a  red  color,  about  200  or  300  feet 
lii"-h.  Gow-tow  Island  is  level  and  much,  lower,  having  only  one  high  conical 
shaped  bill  near  its  North  end.  Its  South  end  has  several  precipitous  cliffs 
similar  to  those  on  Chung-Ian,  but  not  more  than  100  ft.  high. 

There  is  a  safe  and  spacious  anchorage  for  vessels  of  moderate  draught 
between  these  two  islands,  sheltered  by  Chung-Ian  to  the  eastward,  by  Gow- 
tow  to  the  westward,  and  by  three  or  four  smaller  islands  to  the  northward. 
The  Egeria  entered  it  by  a  channel  half  a  mile  wide,  which  separates  the 
South  point  of  Chung-Ian  from  Gow-tow  Island.  From  the  eastward  Chung- 
Ian  was  coasted  along  aboiit  2  miles  distant  in  15  and  13  fathoms  water,  and 
when  the  passage  between  the  two  islands  was  well  open,  a  N.N.W.  course 
was  steered  through  it,  avoiding  the  South  point  of  Chung-Ian,  where  a 
sunken  reef  on  which  the  sea  was  breaking  extends  in  a  south-westerly  direc- 
tion The  soundings  varied  from  10  to  7J  fathoms  in  mid-channel,  decreas- 
ing to  6  fathoms  as  the  vessel  proceeded.  The  deepest  water  in  this  harbour 
is  close  along  the  Chung-Ian  shore,  towards  Gow-tow,  and  to  the  north- 
westward, towards  a  smaller  island  in  that  direction,  the  water  shoals  to  2^ 
fathoms  fully  a  mile  and  a  half  from  the  beaches. 

The  Egeria  anchored  off  Chunglan  Island,  abreast  a  patch  of  black  rocks 
on  the  beach,  with  a  quoin-shaped  island  bearing  N.N.E.  \  E.,  the  North 
extreme  of  Gow-tow  Island  N.W.  by  W.  \  W.,  a  conical  peak  on  Gow-tow 
N.W.  by  W.,  West  side  of  the  entrance  S.  f  "W".,  and  the  East  side  S.  by 
E.  J  E. ;  deeper  water,  however,  was  found  farther  to  the  north-eastward  to 
within  300  or  400  yards  of  the  beach. 

There  were  only  a  few  inhabitants  on  these  islands ;  pirates  make  perio- 
dical raids  and  destroy  the  houses  and  crops.  The  ground  appears  fertile, 
and  has  been  cultivated  in  patches ;  the  hills  are  almost  denuded  of  trees, 
a  feature  by  which  this  group  may  be  distinguished  from  the  islands  to  the 
south-westward,    which  are  all  thickly  wooded  along  their  summits. 

A  reef,  awash,  nearly   IJ  cables  long,  running  N.E.  and  S.W.,  lies  about 

3  miles  from  the  N.W.  point  of  Gow-tow  Island  ;  this  point  may  be  rounded 
close  to.  There  is  a  reef  bearing  West,  distant  4  miles  from  the  anchorage 
in  Sha-pak-wan,  the  bay  on  the  western  side  of  the  island.  In  the  centre  of 
this  bay,  about  1^  mile  from  the  shoie,  is  a  cluster  of  dangerous  rocks  awash 
at  low  water,  bearing  S.W.  by  S.  from  its  N.W.  point,  and  a  reef,  breaking 
in  bad  weather,  extends  for  about  2|  cables  to  the  S.W.  from  the  south- 
western point  of  the  bay. 

There  is  a  channel  with  2  ot  3  fathoms  at  low  water  between  Gow-tow 
and  the  island  three-quarters  of  a  mile  ^northward  of  it,  but  a  reef  runs 


CAPE  PAHKLUNG.  467 

along  the  N.E.  shore  of  Gow-tow,  coining  close  to  the  beach  on  its  northern 
side.     The  best  channel  is  found  by  keeping  close  to  this  reef. 

S.W.  of  Gow-tow  is  an  archipelago  of  small  grotesquely  shaped  islands 
and  pyramidal  rocks,  covered  with  thick  jungle  interspersed  with  patches 
of  lawn;  they  rise  to  a  height  of  about  130  ft.,  and  are  steep-to ;  numerous 
caverns  are  to  be  found  on  their  shores,  in  some  cases  forming  natural 
arches,  having  a  depth  of  from  3  to  9  fathomss  underneath  them.  There  are 
some  rocks  awash  bearing  S.S.E.  about  2-J  cables  from  the  southern  islands 
of  this  group. 

The  main  land  recedes  from  the  general  run  of  the  coast  line  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  these  islands,  forming  the  bay  before  mentioned  about  13 
miles  deep,  named  Fietze-loong. 

Gow-tow  or  Pirate  Island  has  on  its  western  side  an  extensive  bay,  which 
is  apparently  without  danger.  "Wood  and  water  may  be  obtained.  There 
are  a  few  miserable  huts  on  its  shore.  The  anchorage  is  however  considered 
unsafe  in  bad  weather  on  account  of  the  heavy  sea  that  enters. 

The  passage  from  Ching  moy-tow  Island  to  Gow-tow  by  Ye-moon  passage 
N. W.  of  Gow-tow,  and  also  to  Fietze-loong  Bay  has  been  frequently  traversed 
by  the  Anlan  drawing  8  ft.,  and  is  apparently  without  danger. 

Sat  Island,  in  lat.  21°  20'  N.,  long.  107°  46'  E.,  is  named  from  its  resem- 
blance to  a  Chinese  hat,  when  seen  from  the  eastward. 

Tidal  Streams. — Between  Gow-tow  and  Norway  Islands,  and  Hainan  Strait, 
the  currents  are  reported  to  run  1  to  2  knots  an  hour  in  a  north-easterly  and 
south-westerly  direction.  The  Egeria  experienced  in  April  a  set  of  about  28 
miles  S.W.  i  W.  in  a  run  of  24  hours  from  the  entrance  of  Hainan  Strait 
to  Gow-tow  Island  ;  there  had  been  a  fresh  north-easterly  breeze  during  the 
passage. 

Lowseu  Island  lies  12  miles  N.E.  of  the  North  extreme  of  Chung-Ian. 
Good  anchorage  in  7  fathoms,  mud,  will  be  found  off  a  little  sandy  bay  oa 
the  S.W.  side  of  this  island. 

Echim  Island,  5  miles  S.E.  of  Lowseu,  is  small,  and  lies  about  2  or  3  cables 
North  of  Tycham  Island,  to  which  it  is  apparently  joined  ;  both  islands  ap- 
peared to  be  fuul  all  round.  Between  Tycham  Island  and  Chung-Ian,  there 
is  a  group  of  small  islands,  the  most  conspicuous  of  which,  Chusan,  is  of  a 
pyramidal  shape;  it  is  the  eastern  island  of  the  group,  and  lies  S.W.  ^  S. 
from  Lowseu  Island. 

CAPE  PAHKLUNG  is  the  eastern  point  of  a  bay  in  which  are  situate  the 
town  and  harbour  of  Choukshan.  It  is  in  lat.  21°  31'  N.,  long.  108°  17'  E., 
or  about  8  miles  to  the  eastward  of  the  position  assigned  to  it  previous  to 
1876  ;  it  is  a  bold  promontory,  behind  which  rises  a  range  of  mountains  5,000 
to  7,000  ft.  high.  The  harbour,  12  miles  West  of  Cape  Pahklung,  is  on 
the  boundary  between  Cochin  China  and  China.  It  is  formed  by  shoals 
on  the  East  and  a  low  point  on  the  West,  has  5  fathoms  water  in  it ;  pilots 


468  GULF  OF  TONG  KING. 

may  be  obtained.  The  Columbine  and  Furi/  anchored  off  the  shoals,  with  the 
cape  bearing  N.E.  A  E.,  distant  6  miles. 

Pahklung  Rock  (Pak-su-hai),  lying  S.  |  "W.  8  miles  from  Cape  Pahklung, 
is  awash  at  high  water,  but  being  so  far  off  the  coast  it  makes  the  approach 
to  Choukshan  Bay  dangerous  at  night.  It  is  in  lat.  21°  22'  N.,  long.  108° 
14'  E.,  or  about  7  miles  to  the  eastward  of  the  position  formerly  assigned  to 
it  on  the  chart.     (H.M.S.  Lili/,  1876.) 

Guie  Chow  Island,  bearing  about  S.E.  |  E.  58  miles  from  Cape  Pahklung, 
is  7  miles  in  extent  East  and  West,  and  400  ft.  high.  There  is  an  excellent 
harbour  on  its  southern  side.  Chayung  Island,  lying  7  miles  E.S.E.  of  Guie 
Chow,  is  4  or  5  miles  in  length,  about  500  feet  high,  but  affords  no  an- 
chorage. 

BACHT-LONG-VI,  or  NigUingah  Island,  in  lat.  20°  8'  N.,  long.  107°  46^'' 
E.,  from  its  position  appears  to  form  a  good  landmark  for  vessels  bound  to 
the  northern  part  of  the  gulf.  It  is  2  to  3  miles  in  length,  N.E.  and  S.W.^ 
high,  with  a  flat  summit,  and  its  sides  are  almost  everywhere  precipitous, 
except  to  the  S.E.,  where  there  are  some  huts  along  the  shore.  Off  its  low 
N.E.  point  are  sunken  rocks,  and  breakers  to  the  distance  of  half  a  mile- 
The  sea  also  breaks  some  distacee  from  the  S.E.  point  of  the  island. 


3.— COAST  OF  CHINA  AND  HAINAN  ISLAND. 

As  before  mentioned,  the  boundary  line  between  Cochin  China  and  China 
reaches  the  coast  at  12  miles  West  of  Cape  Pahklung.  Of  the  small  portion 
of  coast  described  in  this  chapter  very  little  is  known,  and  Hainan  Island  is 
only  becoming  of  interest  on  account  of  the  new  treaty  port  on  its  North 
coast  recently  opened  to  commerce. 

Between  Cape  Pahklung  and  Pakhoi,  about  45  miles  to  the  eastward,  th& 
northern  shore  of  the  Gult  of  Tonquin  recedes,  and  is  formed  of  the  deltas 
of  several  extensive  rivers,  one  of  which,  the  Zoong-moon,  has  its  mouth  12 
miles  northward  of  Cape  Pahklung. 

The  directions  for  Pakhoi  are  from  those  drawn  up  by  Commander  Coch- 
rane in  H.M.S.  Zilg,  in  1876,  and  by  Capt.  Cocker,  of  the  Chinese  gunboat 
Feihoo. 

PAK-HOI,  opened  to  foreign  trade  in  April,  1877,  is  entered  between 
the  outer  extremity  of  the  fishing  stakes  off  a  sandy  point  li  miles  N.E.  of 
Quantow,  and  a  large  sand-bank,  which  protects  the  anchorage  to  the  north- 
ward J  this  channel  is  less  than  a  cable  broad,  and  to  keep  in  not  less  than 
15  ft.  water,  the  stakes  should  be  rounded  as  closely  as  possible,  as  the  water 
shoak  rapidly  to  the  sand-bank.  Tikok  village,  hereafter  mentioned,  is  in 
lat.  2r  28'  N.,  and  long.  109°  5'  5"  E.     The  anchorage  at  Pakhoi  is  good  and 


PAKHOI.  469 

safe  in  any  weatter.     The  exposed  side  faces  the  "West,  But  it  is  stated  that 
there  is  no  force  in  the  westerly  winds  here. 

The  deepest  water  in  this  anchorage,  25  feet  at  low  water,  is  to  be  found 
about  7  cables  East  of  the  outer  extreme  of  the  stakes,  with  the  sandy  point 
bearing  S.W.  by  W.  The  holding  ground  is  of  stiff  mud,  and  should  a  vessel 
remain  for  any  length  of  time,  the  anchor  should  be  occasionally  lifted. 

Supplies  may  be  obtained  from  Pakhoi  at  moderate  prices. 

Directions  for  approaching  Pakhoi  from  Hainan  Strait. — The  captain  of  a 
vessel  starting  from  Haik'ao  (Hoi  How),  for  Pak-hoi,  ought,  before  weighing 
anchor,  to  ascertain  the  condition  of  the  tidal  current,  which  runs  East  and 
West,  and  vice  versa,  with  great  force  in  the  Hainan  Straits,  and  in  his  sub- 
sequent navigation  to  make  due  allowance  for  its  effect.  It  is  the  simplest 
and  safest  plan  to  leave  in  the  evening,  and  to  steer  from  the  centre  of  the 
Hainan  Straits  West  till  Haik'ao  is  30  or  35  miles  distant,  so  as  to  keep 
absolutely  clear  of  any  danger  off  Cape  Cami,  and  to  be  certain  of  avoiding 
a  3J-fathom8  patch  of  doubtful  position,  marked  on  the  charts  13  miles  West 
of  Cape  Cami, 

Having  gone  thus  far,  a  course  N.W.  f  W.  for  34  miles,  and  then  a  course 
North  for  30  miles  further,  ought  to  lead  a  steamer  westward  of  the  exten- 
sive banks  lying  as  far  as  20  miles  off  the  land,  and  about  daylight  to  the 
first  land,  namely,  the  small  island  called  on  the  charts  Chayune,  but  known 
to  Chinese  as  Ch'ieh  Yang.  This  island,  which  is  high  and  bold,  lies  about 
34  miles  S.S.E.  off  Quantow  Head,  in  lat.  20°  54'  N.,  and  long.  109°  13'  E. 
About  7  miles  to  the  N.W.  of  it  is  the  island  of  Weichow,  called  on  the 
charts  Guiechow.  Though  larger  in  area,  the  latter  island  is  much  less 
elevated  than  Ch'ieh  Yang.  It  has  a  Catholic  missionary,  is  apparently 
well  cultivated,  and  is  foul  off  the  North  and  East  sides  for  a  distance  of 
from  1  to  2  miles,  and  for  about  half  a  mile  off  the  West  and  S.W.  sides. 
At  night,  when  in  the  vicinity  of  Guiechow  Island,  do  not  shoal  the  water 
less  than  10  fathoms.  After  passing  Ch'ieh  Yanh  (Chayune)  about  half  a 
mile  to  the  East  of  it,  in  9  or  10  fathoms,  and  keeping  well  clear  of  the  reef 
off  Weichow  (Guiechow),  a  course  to  N.N.W.  will  lead  to  Quantow  Head, 
"which  will  make  as  an  island. 

There  are  5  fathoms  of  water  to  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  this  head- 
land. Between  the  island  of  Ch'ieh  Yang  (Chayune)  and  Quantow  Head 
innumerable  heavy  fishing  stakes  exist  which  render  it  a  very  imprudent 
thing  for  a  vessel  to  attempt  to  navigate  this  distance  after  dark. 

To  the  eastward  of  Quantow  Head  the  land  is  low,  and  the  water  shoal 
for  a  long  distance  off  shore,  to  avoid  which,  when  approaching  Pakhoi 
from  the  southward,  Quantow  hills  should  not  be  brought  to  bear  North  of 
N.  by  E. 

Quantow  Head  is  a  bold  headland  390  ft.  high,  forming  the  western  ex- 
tremity of  a  narrow  peninsula  of  which  the  northern  extremity  is  the  pro- 


470  GULF  OF  TONG  KING. 

jecting  beach  on  which  the  village  of  Tikok,  one  of  the  limits  of  the  Pakhoi 
anchorage,  is  built.  To  enter  the  harbour  after  having  reached  about  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  to  the  West  of  Quantow  Head,  a  vessel  should  steer  for 
the  northei-n  end  of  the  fishing-stakes  which  will  now  be  seen  to  the  N.E. 
planted  athwart  the  entrance  of  the  harbour  in  tiers  running  N.N.W.  from 
the  village  of  Tikok  for  a  distance  of  830  yards,  taking  care  not  to  get  into 
less  water  than  3  fathoms,  as  a  sandspit  runs  out  in  a  N.E.  direction  from 
the  N.N.W.  point  of  the  head  ;  at  the  same  time  a  vessel  must  not  go  too 
far  olf,  as  there  is  a  sand-bank  running  East  and  West  to  the  North  of  the 
fishing-stakes.  The  fishing-stakes  can  be  passed  close  alongside  (some  in 
fact  occupy  the  deepest  part  of  the  channel),  after  which  a  course  East  by 
South  for  a  short  distance  takes  a  vessel  to  her  anchorage. 

There  is  a  detached  hill  to  the  East  of  Quantow  Head,  130  feet  high, 
known  as  Tikok  Hill.  When  this  hill  bears  S.W.,  and  the  northern  end  of 
the  fishing-stakes  bears  W.  ^  N.,  good  anchorage  will  be  found  in  4J  fathoms 
at  low  water. 

The  tides  at  Pakhoi  are  not  regular.  There  is  as  a  rule  only  one  tide  in 
the  24  hours,  which  varies  in  its  rise  and  fall  from  8  ft.  to  17  ft. 

The  soundings  from  Haik'ao  to  Pakhoi  are  regular,  and  by  attention  to 
the  lead  notice  of  approach  to  land  will  be  given  in  ample  time  to  avoid 
accident. 

CAPE  CAMI,  the  N.W.  entrance  point  of  Hainan  Strait,  is  a  low  sandy- 
point  backed  by  sand  hills  with  patches  of  scrub.  Hoosheah  Hill,  at  25 
miles  from  the  cape,  will  be  easily  recognised  from  its  isolated  position. 
Black  rocks  extend  from  the  cape  for  some  distance.  Strong  tide  ripples 
and  patches  of  discoloured  water  are  met  with  in  this  vicinity. 

The  spit  of  shoal  water  is  reported  to  extend  off  the  cape  in  a  south- 
westerly direction  for  a  distance  of  2  miles;  but  there  appears  to  be  no  danger 
off  the  point,  outside  of  the  sand-spit.  Good  shelter  from  N.W.  winds  may 
be  found  in  7  fathoms,  sand  and  mud,  with  Cape  Cami  bearing  N.W.  ^  W. 
distant  about  4  miles. 

About  12  miles  West  of  Cape  Cami  there  is  a  sand-bank,  upon  which  as 
little  as  3^  fathoms  are  said  to  exist,  it  is  apparently  a  ridge  extending  North 
and  South  for  several  miles  with  1 3  fathoms  on  each  side  of  it. 

A  shoal  of  6  fathoms  is  reported  8  miles  W.S.W.  from  the  cape  ;  of  7  to  9 
fathoms  distant,  15  miles  iu  a  W.N.W.  direction;  and  26  miles  W.  f  S. 
from  the  cape,  is  an  extensive  sand-bank  with  depths  of  5  to  6  fathoms. 

Haian  Bay,  15  miles  eastward  of  Cape  Cami,  may  be  easily  recognised  by 
a  white  fort  (96  ft.  above  high  water),  erected  on  the  West  entrance  point, 
opposite  the  village  of  Haian.  The  anchorage  is  in  5  fathoms,  IJ  mile  Suuth 
of  this  fort,  whence  the  water  shoals  rapidly  to  the  shore.  Sheumen  Pagoda, 
another  conspicuous  land-mark,  lies  N.W.  from  Haian  Fort,  distant  about 


HAINAN  ISLAND.  471 

5^  miles.  The  anchorage  is  protected  from  all  -winds  from  East  round 
through  North  to  West ;  the  bottom  is  mud,  and  affords  good  holding  ground. 
The  greater  part  of  the  sugar  exported  from  Hoihow  is  brought  over  in 
junks  from  Haian. 

Haksha  Village  is  situated  at  the  head  of  a  white  sandy  bay,  about  2  miles 
East  of  Hian  :  there  is  anchorage  for  junks  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from 
the  village.  Numerous  fishing-stakes  extend  off  the  East  point  of  Haiau 
Bay,  and  a  reef  of  rocks  stretches  off  the  same  point,  in  a  south-easterly 
direction,  for  some  distance. 


4.— HAINAN  ISLAND. 


Hainan  Island,  bounding  the  Gulf  of  Tong  King  to  the  eastward,  is  about 
155  miles  in  extent,  N  E.  and  S. W.,  and  about  90  miles  in  breadth.  It  is 
in  most  parts  very  high  uneven  land  when  viewed  from  seaward,  but  in  the 
interior  there  are  many  level  districts,  cultivated  with  rice,  sugar-cane,  areka 
or  betel-nut  trees,  and  tobacco.  These  cultivated  plains  are  separated  from 
each  other  by  lofty  mountains,  covered  with  impenetrable  forests,  through 
which  the  natives  have  cut  narrow  passes  in  the  most  accessible  parts,  to 
enable  them  to  go  from  one  district  to  the  other.  The  island  forms  part  of 
the  province  of  Quang-tong,  and  is  subject  to  the  Chinese,  who  hold  all  the 
places  of  profit  or  of  consequence,  keeping  the  inoffensive  aborigines  in  a 
state  of  abject  poverty.  Kien-chew  or  Kiung-chau,  the  capital  of  Hainan, 
is  situated  at  the  North  side  of  the  island  and  a  few  miles  from  it  Hoi- 
How,  a  treaty  port,  stands  on  the  banks  of  a  river  on  the  North  coast  of  the 
island. 

The  N.W.  coast  of  this  island  is  little  known  to  Europeans. 

The  South  and  S.E.  coasts*  are  bold  to  approach,  with  soundings  gene- 
rally from  25  to  35  fathoms  very  near  or  close  to  the  headlands,  deepening 
to  65  or  70  fathoms  about  15  miles  off;  and  in  some  places  these  soundings 
extend  18  or  20  miles  off  shore. 

The  S.E.  coast  is  indented  with  several  fine  bays,  affording  good  an- 
chorage and  shelter  from  the  N.E.  monsoon.  Each  of  these  bays  may  be 
considered  a  safe  harbour  during  that  monsoon,  but  they  are  partly  open  to 
southerly  winds. 


*  The  survey  of  the  S.E.  coast  of  Hainan  was  made  by  Captain  Daniel  Boss,  I.N.,  on 
Loard  the  surveying  ships  Discovery  and  Investigator,  in  1817.  It  commenced  at  Gaalong 
aud  Yulinkan  Bays,  where  base  lines  were  measured  on  the  shore  ;  after  which  a  chain  of 
triangles  was  carried  on  from  the  East  Brother  Island  to  False  Tinhosa  Island,  and  in  that 
space  three  spaces  were  measured  by  sound,  and  every  care  taken  to  render  the  survey  cor- 
rect.    The  other  coasts  of  the  island  are  incorrectly  delineated,  and  not  to  be  relied  on. 


472  HAINAN  ISLAND. 

Winds.  —  Typhoons  or  hurricanes,  as  some  writers  term  fhem,  have  been 
singularly  destructive  in  Hainan.  As  at  Hongkong,  they  usually  take  place 
between  June  and  October,  August  and  September  being  the  worst  months. 
The  Chinese  state  that  the  more  violent  ones  give  ample  notice  of  their  ap- 
proach, generally  occurring  every  two  or  three  years,  though  twelve  months 
never  elapse  without  a  typhoon  visiting  the  coast.  No  very  heavy  storm, 
however,  appears  to  have  happened  for  about  five  years  (1876),  though  one  of 
moderate  force  destroyed  a  good  deal  of  property  last  autumn.  K'iung-chow 
is  said  to  have  been  three  times  entirely  destroyed  by  typhoons  within  his- 
toric times.  The  extremely  violent  typhoons  are  locally  known  as  Chii-funffy 
the  ordinary  ones  being  called  Pao-fung. 

The  average  temperature  of  Northern  Hainan  is  slightly  above  that  of 
Hongkong,  but  the  climate  is  very  damp,  fogs  continuously  prevailing  for 
long  periods.  Hr.  Taintor  describes  the  spring  as  dry,  but  rain  fell  fre- 
quently during  my  stay  of  nearly  three  weeks.  The  monsoons  blow  as  at 
Hongkong,  viz.,  the  S.W.  from  April  to  October,  and  the  N.E.  from  October 
to  April.     Their  force  is,  however,  very  irregular  on  the  North  coast. 

Banks  at  the  Eastern  Entrance  to  Hainan  Strait. — In  the  vicinity  of 
Hainan  Head  there  are  several  dangerous  sand-banks,  upon  which  the  sea 
sometimes  breaks.  There  are  deep-water  channels  between  them,  which, 
when  properly  surveyed  and  defined,  may  be  used  by  vessels  proceeding  to 
the  eastward,  but  an  attempt  to  pass  between  the  banks  must  always  be 
attended  by  uncertainty  and  risk,  owing  to  the  strong  currents  which  prevail 
in  this  neighbourhood,  and  the  distance  of  the  sand-banks  from  the  land. 
No  reliable  directions  for  the  passage  in  or  out  can  be  laid  down  until  the 
locality  is  better  known.  In  the  directions  hereafter  given  for  approaching 
Hoi-how,  some  remarks  are  made  on  the  passage  through  these  banks. 

HAINAN  HEAD,  the  N.E.  point  of  Hainan  is  low  and  rocky,  termi- 
nating in  a  reef,  awash  at  high  water,  extending  North  half  a  mile  from  the 
shore.  The  mound,  usually  called  Hainan  Head,  lies  about  three-quarters 
of  a  mile  S.W.  f  W.  from  the  N.E.  point,  and  when  bearing  S.W.  by  S.,  5 
or  6  miles  distant,  appears  as  a  flat- topped  mound  about  180  ft.  high,  be- 
tween which  and  Mount  Mofou  the  land  is  low.  Some  black  rocks  above 
water  extend  off  the  mound  to  the  N.E.,  and  at  a  distance  of  3  or  4  miles 
there  are  breakers. 

Mount  Mofou,  S.  41°  E.,  20  miles  from  Hainan  Head,  appears  at  a  distance 
as  an  island,  and  has  sometimes  been  mistaken  for  one  of  the  Taya  Islands, 
which  are,  however,  much  smaller.  It  is  high,  with  a  cleft  in  its  centre,  and 
rises  to  a  height  of  800  to  1,000  ft. 

The  coast  West  of  Hainan  Head  recedes  a  few  miles,  and  then  trends 
West  for  about  5  miles,  terminating  in  a  sandy  point  (Poochin  Point),  from 
which  it  trends  South,  towards  Poochin  Lagoon. 

Poochin  Pagoda,  a  round  whitewashed  building  with  red  top,  488  ft.  above 


HOI-HOW  BAY.  41  i 

the  sea,  stands  on  the  highest  of  the  sand-hills,  6  miles  W.S.W.  from 
Hainan  Head.  Poochin  Lagoon  is  used  by  small  vessels,  able  to  cross  tjie 
bar,  of  7  or  8  ft.  A  patch  of  rocks,  dry  at  half-tide,  lies  half  a  mile  West  of 
Poochin  I'oint,  and  there  are  numerous  fishing  stakes  hereabout  which  re- 
quire caution, 

A  shoal,  on  which  the  water  is  said  to  break,  is  reported  to  lieN.W.  byW. 
from  Poochin  Pagoda,  about  3  miles  off  shore.  This  shoal  is  said  to  extend 
8  miles  in  an  East  and  West  direction. 

The  coast  from  Poochin  Point  to  the  entrance  of  the  lagoon  is  faced  with 
rocky  patches,  and  must  be  approached  with  caution.  There  is  said  to  be  a 
well-sheltered  and  safe  anchorage  in  the  N.E.  monsoon,  in  4  fathoms,  about 
half  a  mile  S.  W.  from  the  point.  The  coast  from  the  entrance  of  Poochin 
Lagoon  to  Hoi-how  Point  is  low,  with  no  conspicuous  objects  for  the  first  few 
miles ;  it  forms  a  deep  bay,  which  is  reported  by  the  native  fishermen  to 
have  several  shoal  patches.  Kien-Chew-Fou  pagoda  forms  a  good  landmark, 
but  is  hidden  behind  trees  when  bearing  to  the  westward  of  South.  There 
appeared  to  be  a  junk  harbour  with  Kien-chew  pagoda  bearing  South. 

Hoi-How  or  Backsha  Point  lies  AVest  17  miles  from  Poochin  Pagoda. 
It  is  low  and  sandy,  with  fishing  stakes  extending  off  2  miles  N.N.W.  from 
it.  A  village  lies  2  miles  inland.  Hoi-how  Bay  is  included  between  Back- 
sha Point  and  Inner  Point,  9  miles  westward  of  it.  Hoi-how  is  situated  at 
its  S.E.  corner,  between  which  and  Backsha  Point  are  numerous  sand  and 
mud  banks  extending  off  shore  to  a  distance  of  2  miles. 

HOI-HOW  BAY. — The  following  is  chiefly  derived  from  the  pamphlet 
mentioned  on  page  462,  which  is  illustrated  with  plans,  and  would  be  of 
much  use  to  vessels  visiting  this  port,  especially  as  so  little  is  now  known  of 
the  coast. 

Hoi-How,  or  irai-lc'ow,'^  may  be  considered  at  present  as  the  port  to 
K^ung-chow,  or  Kien  Cheiv,  which  is.  however,  only  important  as  the  seat  of 
government,  and  is  situated  upon  the  river,  14  li  or  nearly  4  English  miles 
S.E.  of  it.  There  is,  however,  no  water  communication  between  the  places 
for  anything  larger  than  a  canoe,  and  an  amusing  method  is  adopted  for  the 
carriage  of  passengers  and  goods  between  the  two  places.  Mr.  Dennys  says  : 
"  The  means  of  transit,  irrespective  of  walking,  are  threefold — by  pony, 
wheelbarrow,  or  chair.  Very  few  riders  are  seen,  and  the  wheelbarrow 
(which  is  also  largely  employed  for  goods)  seems  to  be  the  popular  vehicle. 
It  is  ridden  astride  by  both  men  and  women,  the  feet  being  placed  in 
stirrups  on  either  side  of  the  wheel.     The  whole  machine  is  of  the  clumsiest 


•  Captain  J.  S.  .Cocker,  of  tlie  Chinese  gun-boat  Feihoo,  says  that  the  name  Hoi-how, 
commonly  used  by  foreigners  in  China,  is  unknown  in  Hainan,  where  the  name  Haik'ao  or 
Saik'ow  is  used. 

1.  1..  3  P 


474  HAINAN  ISLAND. 

description.     The  chairs  are  remarkably  light  and  small,  being  anything  but 
comfortable." 

Uoi-how  lies  upon  the  shores  of  a  shallow  bay  and  still  shallower  creek  or 
river  (it  being  the  former  at  low  water,  though  it  forms  a  branch  mouth  to 
the  main  river  at  high  tide),  both  presenting  great  impediments  to  easy 
trade,  its  appearance  is  more  thriving  than  one  would  expect.  The  principal 
industries,  visible  to  the  casual  stranger,  are  rope-making,  dyeing,  junk- 
building,  basket-making,  «S:c.,  with,  of  course,  numerous  rice  mills,  small 
silversmith's  shops,  vermicelli  and  beancake  shops,  &c.,  such  as  may  be  seen 
in  any  Chinese  town.     The  population  of  Hoi-how  numbers  about  12,000. 

Si(2)plies  are  plentiful  and  prices  moderate.  Water  is  brought  off  in  water 
boats,  but  it  is  unfit  for  drinking  or  cooking  purposes,  being  muddy  and 
brackish.  A  large  trade  in  sugar,  ground  nut  cake,  bean  cake,  also  oil, 
coins,  and  Chinese  articles  is  carried  on  by  junks,  between  Hoi-how,  Swatow, 
Macao,  and  other  northern  ports. 

There  is  a  British  Consulate  and  a  Custom-house.  The  former  stands 
about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  S.E.  of  the  southern  fort  at  the  mouth  of  the  Hoi- 
how  River,  and  at  high  water  is  practically  isolated  from  the  surrounding 
neighbourhood.  The  building  allotted  to  the  staff  of  the  Marine  Customs, 
which  is  only  accessible  to  cargo-boats  at  high  water,  lies  East  of  the  British 
Consulate,  and  not  far  from  the  edge  of  the  western  suburb.  A  foreign 
settlement  may  be  formed. 

The  coinage,  &e.,  is  described  in  the  Appendix  at  the  end  of  this  volume. 

The  Anchorage  of  Hoi-how  is  essentially  shallow,  consisting  of  a  sandy  and 
mud-bottomed  bay,  slightly  protected  on  its  N.E.  side  by  sand-spits,  but 
considerably  exposed  to  all  winds,  except  those  blowing  from  the  southward. 
At  a  radius  of  about  3  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  creek  upon  which  Hoi- 
how  is  situated,  there  is  a  depth  of  from  5  to  6  fathoms,  but  this  position  is 
entirely  open  ;  and  this  depth  rapidly  decreases,  so  that  from  10  to  12  feet 
only  are  found  at  low  water  when  about  2  miles  distant  from  the  same  point. 
Vessels  drawing  15  ft.  of  water  cannot  safely  anchor  under  2^  miles  from  the 
shore.  "E-M..^.  Ugeria,  drawing  14  ft.,  was  anchored  at  this  distance.  The 
Ling-Feng  and  Sun-  Chi,  drawing  8  feet  6  inches  and  9  feet  respectively,  were 
anchored  at  a  similar  distance  from  the  forts,  but  nearer  to  the  South  shore 
of  the  bay ;  nor  did  soundings  taken  justify  their  moving  farther  in.  A 
glance  at  the  chart,  however,  will,  better  than  any  description,  give  a  clear 
idea  of  the  anchorage. 

Tides. — According  to  a  note  upon  the  survey  of  Hoi-how  anchorage  made 
by  Mr.  Henderson  (Chief  Engineer  of  the  Lighthouse  Department),  and  the 
Captain  of  the  Fei-hoo,  the  tides  are  very  irregular,  they  themselves  observ- 
ing only  one  high  and  one  low  water  a  day. 

The  range  of  tide  is  7  ft.  The  flood  sets  into  the  straits  from  the  eastward, 
and  into  the  bay  from  the  N.E. 


HOI-HOW.  475 

At  Hoi-how,  during  37  days  in  May  and  June,  1876,  when  the  tides  were 
observed  by  H.M.S.  Egeria,  the  greatest  range  was  found  to  be  llA  ft.,  the 
least  2  ft.  At  the  period  of  the  highest  tides,  which  apparently  follow  the 
moon's  extreme  declination,  there  is  only  one  flood  and  one  ebb  in  the  24 
hours,  the  flood  making  for  about  16  hours,  the  ebb  about  8  hours ;  velocity, 
1 J  or  2  knots  an  hour.  In  like  manner,  the  tidal  stream  through  Hainan 
Strait  was  observed  to  set  to  the  westward  for  16  hours,  to  the  eastward  for 
about  8  hours  ;  greatest  strength  2  to  3  knots  an  hour.  On  the  Hainan 
shore  the  stream  is  said  to  turn  an  hour  earlier  than  in  the  offing. 

Approaching  Hoi-how  from  Hongkong. — Two  routes  from  Hongkong  to  Hoi- 
how  are  open  to  vessels  ;  one  known  as  the  "  inshore,"  and  the  other  as  the 
"  direct"  route.  The  dangers  of  the  inshore  route  (owing  to  defective  sur- 
veys) are  somewhat  great.  The  difficulties  of  the  navigation  from  Now- 
chow  to  Hoi-how  can  scarcely  be  exaggerated.  A  vessel  missing  the  tide, 
owing  to  fog  or  other  causes,  is  detained  for  the  day,  the  southern  portion  of 
the  anchorage  being  crossed  by  a  sand-bar,  which,  at  high  water,  has  a  little 
under  3  fathoms  on  its  deepest  part.  Vessels  drawing  16  ft.  of  water  connot 
eafely  attempt  it,  even  in  smooth  weather.  H.M.S.  Egeria,  drawing  14  feet 
6  inches,  nearly  touched  on  crossing  it,  in  company  with  the  S.S.  Anlan, 
when  conveying  H.B.M.  Yice-Consul  to  Hoi-how — there  being  then  a  very 
heavy  sea  on.  After  passing  the  bar,  shoals  and  rocks,  some  awash  and 
almost  all  marked  by  breakers,  abound  on  either  hand,  until  the  extremity 
of  the  Lien-chow  peninsula  has  been  cleared. 

Pilots. — Now-chow  furnishes  an  ample  supply  of  more  or  less  competent 
pilots  for  the  inshore  route,  some  nine  boarding  the  Ling-Feng  on  her  enter- 
ing the  anchorage,  all  of  whom  possessed  certificates  from  masters  of  vessels. 

The  Direct  Route,  or  that  through  the  banks  lying  N.E.  of  Hainan  Head, 
has  been  several  times  successfully  used.  The  shoals  may  be  identified  by 
the  dark  yellow  water  on  them,  and  by  the  heavy  breakers  which  exist,  even 
in  flue  weather.  The  channels  between  are  4  or  5  miles  wide,  and  have 
deep  water  of  a  light  green  tint ;  there  is  probably  a  depth  of  5  to  12  fa- 
thoms. The  tides  are  strong,  and  heavy  overfalls  exist  in  the  vicinity  of 
Hainan  Head. 

The  following  directions  by  Captain  Cocker,  of  the  Chinese  cruiser  Ling 
Feng,  should  be  used  with  caution,  until  the  locality  is  better  known  : — 
Vessels  from  the  eastward  should  endeavour  to  make  Hainan  Head,  bearing 
S.W.  by  "VV.  ^  W.  and  keeping  it  on  that  bearing,  approach  within  6  miles; 
then  steering  to  the  north-westward  pass  4  miles  North  of  Hainan  Head. 
Bring  Poo-chin  pagoda  to  bear  S.  40°  W-,  well  open  of  Hainan  Head,  and 
pass  3  miles  North  of  the  pagoda,  then  haul  out  to  pass  8  miles  North  of  the 
low  sandy  coast  which  lies  between  Poo-chin  pagoda  and  Hoi-how,  until  the 
Hummocks  (p.  476)  bear  S.S.W.,  when  the  vessel  may  steer  to  pass  outside 
the  fishing  stakes  and  thence  for  Hoi-how  Bay. 


47r,  HAINAN  ISLAND. 

H.M.S.  Lily,  in  1876,  found  a  clear  channel  to  Hoi-how,  from  a  position 
about  7  miles  North  of  the  Taya  Islands,  passing  about  4  miles  northward 
of  Mo-fou  Point,  and  rounding  the  reef,  stretching  off  the  N.E.  point  of 
Hainan,  at  a  distance  of  a  quarter  of  a  mile. 

Mr.  Anderson,  master,  S.S.  Conquest,  1876,  reports  the  existence  of  a  good 
channel,  free  from  danger.  He  recommends,  when  leaving  Hoi-how,  to 
bring  the  sand  spit  off  Baksha  Point  to  bear  South,  and  from  thence  an 
E.  by  N.  i  N.  course,  leads  between  the  shoals  in  about  12  fathoms  water. 

The  Coast.— As  before  stated,  the  North,  West,  and  East  coasts  of  Hainan 
are  but  little  known  to  Europeans.  The  following  brief  description  of  the 
North  coast  is  by  Lieut.  W.  H.  Stephens,  R.N.,  of  H.M.S.  Egeria,  1876,  and 
of  the  West  coast  by  Lieut.  H.  C.  St.  John,  R.N.,  who  carried  a  line  of 
soundings  along  it  in  H.M.  gun-boat  Opossum  in  1865. 

Jinmee  Point,  as  before  remarked,  forms  the  western  point  of  Hoi-how 
Bay.  It  is  composed  of  barren  sand-hills,  the  point  being  made  remarkable 
by  a  cone-shaped  mound,  situated  half  a  mile  from  the  beach,  and  by  a 
Tillage  on  its  western  side. 

About  6  or  7  miles  inland  a  range  of  hills  rises  gradually  from  the  east- 
ward, and  terminates  to  the  westward,  in  two  extinct  craters,  named  the 
Smnmocks,  whicH  bear  S.W.  by  S.  from  the  end  of  Backsha  Sand  Spits  and 
S.  by  E.  \  E.  from  Jinmee  Point.  They  are  visible  about  25  miles  distant, 
and  form  a  conspicuous  mark.  Numerous  fishing  stakes  extend  from  Jin- 
mee Point  for  a  distance  of  about  a  mile. 

Between  Jinmee  Point  and  Sad  Point,  15  miles  westward  from  it  is  a 
shallow  bay,  bounded  by  low  land,  which,  however,  rises  in  its  western  part 
and  at  Sad  Point,  cliffs  of  a  dark  red  colour,  and  80  ft.  high,  are  formed.  A 
detached  piece  lying  N.E.  of  the  point  is  very  conspicuous  in  approach- 
from  the  westward.  West  of  Sad  Point  is  Manu  Barbour,  on  the  western 
Bide  of  which  the  coast  is  again  low,  and  at  a  distance  of  8  miles  inland  rises 
the  gently  sloping  mound  called  Laam  Koo  Hill.  It  is  in  lat.  19°  55'  N., 
long.  1 09°  39'  E.  A  reef  extends  half  a  mile  off  the  western  entrance  point 
of  Manu  Harbour. 

Pingmar,  or  Double  Sill,  about  40  miles  S.W.  of  Manu  Harbour,  is  con- 
spicuous from  all  directions  ;  it  rises  abruptly  from  low  land,  and  forms  a 
double-headed  hill  distinctly  separate  on  N.E.  and  S.W.  bearings,  but  makes 
like  a  round-topped  single  mount  when  bearing  about  S.8.E.  25  or  30  miles 
distant.  Between  Laamkoo  Hill  and  Pingmar  the  land  appeared  low, 
forming  How-sui  Bay  ;  about  halfway  between  the  two  hills,  and  some 
distance  inland,  is  a  round-topped,  isolated,  conspicuous  hill,  named  by  the 
pilots  Koong-chin,  and  the  volcanic  mountains  before  mentioned  are  some- 
times visible  beyond. 

The  N.W.  coast  of  Hainan,  from  Hoi-how  to  How-sui,  a  distance  of  45 
miles,  is  flat  and  uneven,  and  the  country  appeared  cultivated  with  sugar- 


YAIT-CHEW  BAY.  477 

cane.     At  How-sui  hills  first  begin  to  appear.     A  small  vessel  could  anchor 
under  the  diifferent  points  of  land,  but  there  is  no  good  anchorage. 

Off  How-sui  there  is  an  island  of  sand  {Stumba  in  Chinese),  which  is  the 
only  island  between  Hoi-how  and  Yait-chew. 

Pingmar,  on  Double-hill  Point,  forms  the  western  point  of  How-sui  Bay. 
About  a  mile  from  it  there  is  the  remarkable  double-coned  hill,  which  has  the 
same  double  appearance  when  approaching  from  North  or  South. 

Pillar  Point,  8  miles  S.W.  of  Double  Hill  Point,  is  very  remarkable, 
having  a  peculiar  pillar  rock  on  it,  and  a  small  mandarin  hat-shaped  islet 
joined  to  it  at  low  water.  Flat  Point,  14  miles  S.W.  of  Pillar  Point,  is 
remarkable.  There  is  deep  water  close  off  it.  Between  Pillar  Point  and 
Flat  Point  is  Chappoo  Bay,  in  which  is  a  good  anchorage  at  Heong-po. 
Sandbanks  lie  in  the  mouth  of  the  bay,  as  shown  by  the  chart. 

At  7  miles  westward  of  Flat  Point  is  the  entrance  to  Hoita  Uarlour,  a  reef 
of  rocks  lying  off  shore  between,  covered  at  low  water.  Two  small  conical 
hills  lie  at  the  back  of  Hoita. 

Bluff  Boint,  21  miles  S.W.  of  Flat  Point,  is  rocky,  about  300  ft.  hip'h,  with 
anchorage  on  its  South  side.  From  here  sandbanks  and  shoals  begin  to 
appear,  and  continue  as  far  as  the  S.W.  point  of  Hainan.  The  Opouum 
passed  inside  of  them.  They  appeared  to  extend  some  10  miles  to  seaward, 
and  are  invisible  from  the  shore.  Pyramid  Point  is  very  remarkable,  having 
a  pyramidal  rock  shooting  out  of  a  low,  flat,  sandy  point.  North  of  it  is 
Back-li  Bay,  so  named  from  a  village  about  2  miles  inland  from  its  head  ;  it 
lies  to  the  North  of  Pyramid  Point.  The  anchorage  is  off  the  village,  but 
there  is  a  small  reef  near  it  (which  breaks  only  at  low  water),  which  must 
be  avoided. 

From  Back-li  Bay  the  Bouncer  passed  about  3  miles  from  Pyramid  Point, 
and  steering  6  miles  off  the  land  kept  outside  all  the  sands. 

Snake  Point,  in  lat  18°  24'  N.,  long.  108°  54'  E.,  forms  the  West  entrance 
point  of  Yait-chew  Baj-,  and  terminates  in  two  sandy  hummocks  about  100 
feet  high,  lying  N.E.  by  N.  and  S.W.  by  S.  from  each  other.  Mud  Island 
lies  South  from  Snake  Point,  distant  about  I5  mile.  Button  Island  lies 
W.  ^  S.,  distant  1  mile  from  Mud  Island.  There  is  said  to  be  no  safe 
channel  either  between  these  islands,  or  between  them  and  Snake  Point. 
Maddock  Pock,  which  covers  at  half  tide,  lies  north-westward  of  the  Button, 
at  the  distance  of  about  I5  mile. 

Yait-chew  Bay  affords  good  anchorage  during  the  N.E.  monsoon  in  3 J 
fathoms,  about  2  miles  from  the  beach  at  the  head,  from  which  to  the  shore 
the  water  shoals  very  gradually.  A  good  position  for  anchoring  is  with 
Yait-chew  Fort  bearing  N.N.E.,  and  Mud  Island  in  line  with  Button  Island, 
bearing  W.  j  S. 

Great  Cape,  at  the  eastern  entrance  to  Yat-chew  Bay,  may  be  recognised 
by  a  hill  surmounted  by  a  pagoda,  which  lies  about  4  miles  E.N.E.  from  it. 


478  HAINAN  ISLAND. 

S.W.  3  to  4  miles  from  Great  Cape  is  a  dangerous  sunken  rock.     Toucon 
Motmtain,   1,200  ft.  above  high  water,  is  rugged,  with  several  peaks. 

Sama,  Sanghia  or  Samoy  Bay,  25  or  26  miles  eastward  from  Yait-chew 
Bay,  has  several  rocks  and  islets  in  it,  with  anchorage  inside  for  small  vessels. 

Yulinkan  Bay  is  separated  from  Sama  Bay  by  a  long  narrow  strip  of  land, 
which  terminates  in  Soloman  Point,  and  between  it  and  Paumel  or  Tomb 
Point  is  the  entrance,  3  miles  wide.  About  a  mile  to  the  northward  of 
Paumel  Point,  and  near  the  eastern  shore  of  the  bay  is  a  small  island  named 
Zonhj.  The  usual  anchorage  is  in  9  or  13  fathoms,  on  a  mud  and  sand  bot- 
tom, about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  north-westward  of  Zonby,  sheltered  in 
every  direction,  except  between  South  and  W.S.W.  Several  ships,  driven 
from  the  coast  of  China  by  typhoons  at  the  beginning  of  the  N.E.  monsoon, 
have  been  known  to  take  shelter  here  until  the  monsoon  was  over.  The  bay 
cannot  be  a  safe  anchorage  in  the  S.W.  monsoon. 

Good  fresh  water  is  to  be  procured  close  to  the  beach  in  a  small  bay  on  the 
East  side  of  Yulinkan  Bay,  and  the  natives  are  ready  and  willing  to  assist  in 
procuring  both  wood  and  water. 

A  dangerous  sunken  rock  lies  S.W.  from  3  to  4  miles  from  Great  Cape, 
but  the  sea  breaks  over  it  if  there  is  any  swell  on. 

To  the  north-westward  of  the  anchorage  in  the  bay  is  a  good  channel 
leading  into  the  creek  or  inner  harbour,  which  is  said  to  be  the  resort  of 
pirates.  The  inner  harbour  is  surrounded  by  hills,  and  forms  the  outlet  of 
a  fine  river  which  falls  into  its  N.E.  part. 

Directions. — A  ship  may  warp  in  if  the  weather  is  fine  ;  or  if  with  a 
southerly  or  easterly  wind  she  may  sail  in,  by  keeping  nearest  to  the  eastern 
shore  until  nearly  abreast  Eocky  Point,  then  steer  over  for  Sandy  Point,  and 
round  it  at  a  short  distance.  The  best  time  to  enter  is  at  low  water,  the 
dangers  being  then  more  conspicuous,  and  5  or  5^  fathoms  will  be  the 
smallest  depth  in  the  fair  channel.  Having  rounded  Sandy  Point,  and  shut 
it  in  with  the  land  on  the  East  side  of  the  outer  bay,  anchor  in  5^  or  6  fa- 
thoms, within  a  Kttle  less  than  half  a  mile  of  the  shore  near  Sandy  Point. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Yulinkan  Bay  at  Q*"  45",  rise  about 
2i  ft.    There  is  one  tide  in  24  hours  during  springs,  two  during  neaps. 

CAPE  BASTION,  the  South  extreme  of  Hainan,  is  in  lat.  18^  9 J'  N.,  long. 
109°  33^  E.  It  is  the  South  point  of  a  high  peninsula,  4  miles  broad,  bold, 
of  rocky  appearance,  and  visible  25  or  26  miles  ofi"  in  clear  weather. 

GAALONG  BAY. — At  2J  miles  eastward  of  Cape  Bastion  is  a  black  rocky 
point,  named  Cape  Rhinoceros,  forming  the  West  extreme  of  Gaalong  Bay, 
which  is  about  5  miles  wide,  and  3  miles  deep.  In  the  eastern  part  of  the 
entrance  are  two  round  islands,  called  the  Brothers,  and  one  called  St.  Peter, 
or  Middle  Island,  near  the  middle  of  the  northern  part  of  the  bay  ;  in  the 
N.W.  part  there  are  some  rocks  above  and  under  water,  and  the  bottom 
along  the  western  side  the  bay  is  generally  foul. 


LEONG-SOY  BAY— TIEN-FUNG.  479 

The  usual  anchorage  for  ships  is  between  Middle  Island  and  the  eastern 
shore  of  the  bay,  in  8  fathoms  water,  over  sand  and  mud.  The  Discovery 
anchored  with  the  East  Brother  S.S.E.  ^  E.,  the  West  Brother  S.  I  W. 
nearly,  and  the  two  extremes  of  the  bay  S.E.  \  S.  and  S.W.  ^  W.,  distant 
about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  off  the  eastern  shore.  In  this  position  much 
swell  was  experienced  with  a  S.E.  wind,  from  which  it  would  appear  to  be  a 
very  unpleasant  anchorage  during  the  S.W.  monsoon. 

Water. — Northward  from  the  usual  anchorage  there  is  a  white  sandy 
beach,  and  a  rocky  part  of  the  shore  separates  it  from  the  small  bay  to  the 
eastward.  On  the  N."W.  side  of  these  rocks  fresh  water  can  be  procured 
from  a  small  run,  that  terminates  in  a  pool  close  to  the  beach.  The  tide 
rises  here  about  4  or  5  ft. 

Directions.— Th.e  depth  of  water  close  outside  the  Brothers  varies  from  25 
to  21  fathoms,  and  within  them  from  15  to  12  fathoms,  decreasing  gradually 
to  6  or  8  at  the  anchorage.  With  a  leading  wind  the  bay  may  be  entered 
by  one  of  the  three  channels ;  that  between  the  East  Brother  and  eastern 
shore  has  from  15  to  18  fathoms,  coarse  sandy  bottom  ;  but  as  a  reef  pro- 
jects from  the  N.E.  end  of  the  Brother,  it  will  be  prudent  to  keep  in  mid- 
channel,  or  rather  nearest  to  the  main.  The  channel  between  the  Brothers 
is  safe,  but  the  western  channel  is  the  most  convenient  with  a  •working  wind, 
being  nearly  3  miles  wide. 

LEONG-SOY  BAY.— Leong-soy  Point,  bearing  N.E.  by  E.  \  E.  23i  miles 
from  the  East  Brother,  is  formed  by  several  high  hummocks,  having  a  sandy 
plain  to  the  northward,  and  when  seen  at  16  or  17  miles  distance,  it  appears 
like  an  island.  At  2  miles  westward  of  Leong-soy  is  another  conspicuous 
point,  with  a  hill  of  a  sugarloaf  shape  ;  and  about  2  miles  farther  to  the 
N.W.  are  several  dry  rocks,  steep-to,  which  extend  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
from  another  point.  At  1^  mile  N.  by  W.  of  this  latter  point  is  a  narrow 
and  very  shoal  passage,  which  leads  between  two  sandy  points  into  an  ex- 
tensive salt-water  lake.  The  anchorage  off  the  bar  is  much  exposed  ;  the 
city  is  7  miles  from  the  anchorage.  Farther  to  the  westward  is  another 
considerable  town,  named  Tong-kin. 

TIEN-FTJNG,  or  Sail  FlocJc,  in  lat.  18°  26f  N.,  long.  110=  7'  E.,  and  bear- 
ing N.E.  .by  E.  from  Leong-soy  Point,  is  one  of  a  cluster  of  large  rocks 
above  water,  which,  from  its  being  higher  and  whiter  than  the  others,  has 
acquired  the  name  of  Sail  Pock. 

The  Coast  between  Leong-soy  Point  and  Tinhosa  Island,  about  29  miles 
to  the  N.E.,  forms  a  large  bay,  in  which  may  be  seen  many  sandy  beaches 
and  very  high  land  near  the  shores,  but  it  affords  no  safe  anchorage  during 
tlie  southerly  monsoon.  On  the  eastern  shore  of  the  bay  stands  the  town  of 
Munchow  ;  and  in  the  vicinity  of  the  coast,  near  the  middle  part  of  the  bay 
are  three  prominent  peaks  of  an  elevated  range  of  mountains,  the  centre  one 
being  the  most  pointed,  and  a  little  higher  than  the  others  j  this  lies  near 


4S0  HAINAN  ISLAND. 

the  sea  and,  at  a  considerable  distance,  is  sometimes  mistaken  for  Tinhosa 
Island.  Capt.  Eoss  made  it  in  lat.  18^  38'  N.,  long.  110°  7'  15"  E.,  which  is 
about  2  miles  inshore,  and  may  be  seen  35  or  40  miles  off;  when  it  bears 
W.  by  N.  J  N.  it  is  over  Saddle  Island.  Farther  inland,  in  about  lat.  18" 
56'  N.  there  is  another  mountain  of  similar  appearance  to  the  former,  but 
more  elevated.  It  was  seen  bearing  W.S.W.  nearly  90  miles  distant,  then 
forming  in  three  peaks  or  sugar-loaves. 

TINHOSA  ISLAND  is  2J  miles  in  extent,  in  a  North  and  South  direction, 
and  is  formed  by  two  high  hills,  united  by  a  narrow  sandy  isthmus,  which 
covers  at  high-water  spring  tides.  The  southern  hill,  the  highest,  is  600  ft. 
high,  and  its  summit  is  in  lat.  18°  39'  45"  N.,  long.  110°  27'  E.,  determined 
by  angles  irom  the  East  Brother.  The  island  is  just  discernible,  from  the 
poop  of  a  large  ship,  at  a  distance  of  33  miles. 

False  Tinhosa,  in  lat.  11°  49'  N.,  long.  110°  32'  E.,  and  9  miles  N.E.  from 
Tinhosa,  is  an  island  of  small  extent  and  middling  height,  and  when  viewed 
from  the  southward  has  a  rock  like  a  pillar  at  its  eastern  extremity.  The 
island  may  be  seen,  in  clear  weather,  from  a  distance  of  23  or  24  miles.*  A 
pagoda  stands  about  24  miles  North  of  False  Tinhosa  Island. 

The  Coast  from  False  Point,  abreast  of  False  Tinhosa,  extends  N.  by  E. 
and  N.N.E.  about  54  miles,  to  a  point  under  which  is  shelter  in  the  N.E. 
monsoon,  and  close  to  which,  in  about  lat.  19°  37'  N.,  long.  111°  5'  E.,  is  a 
high  mountain  named  Tongeon  by  the  Chinese,  which  may  be  seen  40  or  45 
miles  off;  and  from  there  being  no  other  high  land  in  its  vicinity,  may  be 
taken  for  an  island.  The  point  on  which  the  mountain  stands  is  in  lat.  19° 
37'  N.,  long.  111°  7 J'  E.,  and  the  depth  of  water  was  from  18  to  20  fathoms 
about  2J  miles  off  it. 

Chun-Ian,  in  lat.  19°  29'  N.,  is  reported  to  be  a  good  harbour  for  vessels 
that  can  cross  the  bar.     Wood,  water,  and  provisions  can  be  obtained. 

The  Hainan  shore  to  the  northward  of  Tongeon  Point  is  very  low  and 
sandy,  without  cultivation.  To  the  northward  of  this  low  land  the  coast 
becomes  again  high,  and  safe  to  approach  ;  the  high  land  j)rojects  a  little  to 
the  eastward,  and  from  lat.  19°  43'  N.  stretches  northward,  forming  Hainan 
Head,  the  N.E.  extremity  of  the  island,  in  lat.  20°  0'  N.,  long.  110°  54'  E. 

The  TAYA  ISLANDS,  separated  from  the  high  land  of  Hainan  Head  by 
a  safe  channel  about  12  miles  wide,  consist  of  two  groups  of  high  barren 
islands,  sis  or  seven  in  number,  with  some  rocks,  which  may  be  seen  about 
12  or  15  miles  off.  The  pilots  say  there  is  a  safe  passage  3  miles  wide 
between  the  two  groups.  They  extend  N.E.  by  N.  and  S.W.  by  S.  about 
15  miles,  the  northernmost  island  being  in  lat.  20°  2' N.,  long.  111°22'E. 
The  southernmost  island,  in  lat.  19°  52' N.,  long.  111°  12j'  E.,  seems  one 
of  the  largest,  and  from  it  a  high  sand-bank  stretches  to  the  N.N.E.,  hav- 
ing regular  soundings,  20  and  21  fathoms  about  3  miles  from  it  on  the 
East  side. 


(     480fl     ) 


CHAPTER    XII. 


NORTH-WEST   COAST   OF   BORNEO. 

TANJONG  API  is  a  low  spit,  forming  the  north-western  extremity  of 
Borneo.  It  has  been  referred  to  on  page  287  ante,  and  the  coast  of  Borneo 
to  the  southward  of  it  has  been  there  described.  The  term  Api,  fire  is  ap- 
plied to  this  point,  owing  to  its  having  been  the  principal  pirate  rendezvous,* 
where  the  visitors,  upon  going  away,  were  accustomed  to  leave  a  log  burning 
near  the  stream  for  signal  to  their  friends. f 

The  point  may  be  distinguished  from  the  northward  or  southward,  if 
showing  in  profile,  by  its  abrupt  termination  formed  by  the  stems  of  large 
trees,  differing  from  mangrove,  as  well  as  by  a  small  hummock  within.  The 
beach,  also,  is  remarkable,  being  composed  of  very  white  sand,  studded  with 
black  basaltic  rocks,  which  project  to  seaward,  showing  reefs. 

There  is  an  extensive  off'-lying  reef  filled  in  by  a  sand-bank,  which  en- 
circles the  point,  leaving  an  entrance  to  the  northward.  The  soundings 
decrease  rapidly  from  12,  7,  to  2  fathoms.  Good  anchorage  may  be  found 
in  14  fathoms  W  N.  W.  of  Api  Eock. 

Poon,  palo-maria,  and  woods  resembling  cedar  and  ebony,  adapted  for 
spars  and  boat  planks,  were  obtained  here. 

The  entire  range  of  Datu,  presenting  a  detached  mass,  clear  of  the  in- 

*  The  active  operations  undertaken  and  steadilj'  pursued  in  the  four  years,  1843 
to  1846,  had  thoroughly  destroyed  all  the  pirate  holds  whence  fleets  of  rovers  had  so 
long  spread  terror  on  the  coasts  of  Borneo  and  many  other  countries,  and  the  moral  in- 
fluence and  example  of  regular  government  supplied  by  the  colony  of  Labuan  and  the 
Eajahship  of  Sarawak  have  completed  what  was  then  so  well  begun,  and  although  on  rare 
occasions  acts  of  violence  are  still  committed,  no  professional  pirate  fleet  or  vessel  has 
sailed  along  the  coast  for  many  years.  Shipwrecked  crews  are  treated  with  kindness,  and 
the  smallest  trading  prahus  traverse  in  safety  a  coast  line  extending  over  more  than  700 
miles. — Official  Report,  1875. 

t  The  general  observations  on  the  coasts  of  Borneo  are  chiefly  by  Captain  Sir  Edward 
Belcher,  C.B. 

Mr.  Logan,  commanding  the  Rob  Roy,  bound  from  Labuan  to  Singapore,  reported  having 
Been  oS"  Tanjong  Api,  the  wreck  of  a  vessel  ashore  on  a  reef,  lying  with  Marundum  Island 
bearing  X.E.  |  X.,  Haycock  Island  N.  by  W.  \  W.,  and  St.  Pierre  Island  W.  \  S. 

There  is  good  reason  to  conclude  that  Sir.  Logan  was  mistaken  in  supposing  the  wreck  to 
be  on  a  reef,  as  it  was  fallen  in  with  afterwards  by  other  vessels,  drifting  about,  and  ultimately 
went  on  shore  a  short  distance  southward  of  Api  Point,  where  she  was  visited  by  the  autho- 
rities of  Sarawak.     This  danger  is  now  removed  from  the  charts. 
Insertion. 


4803  NORTH-WEST  COAST  OF  BOENEO. 

termediate  mangroves,  will  lead  to  the  northward  of  the  dangers  near  Api 
Point. 

Water. — As  this  is  the  only  spot  where  good  water  can  be  conveniently 
obtained  in  this  neighbourhood,  it  will  be  necessary  to  follow  these  very 
precise  instructions  for  landing  and  procuring  it  with  safety. 

Tanjong  Api  is  a  low,  rocky  formation,  on  which  the  sea  forces  up  the 
sand  by  its  great  exposure  to  westerly  swells,  and  closes  the  mouth  of  a  small 
river  which  would  otherwise  flow  to  the  sea.  The  main  stream,  thus  dammed 
up  by  the  sand,  forms  a  deep  dark-coloured  pool  of  a  reddish  tint.  But  na- 
ture has  again,  with  a  view  to  purify  her  supply  of  this  invaluable  article, 
interposed  a  reservoir,  by  forming  a  small  strip  or  pond,  running  parallel  to 
the  beach,  and  containing  about  100  tons  of  pure  water,  which  is  filtered 
through  the  barrier  of  sand,  and  thus  furnishes  to  the  passing  traveller  this 
inestimable  gift. 

Between  the  rocks  there  is  a  safe  admission  tot  boats,  but  due  caution 
is  necessary. 

The  best  landing  will  be  found  60  yards  to  the  southward  of  the  great 
rock  on  the  North,  where  the  beach  is  clear.  Immediately  within  the  beach 
line  will  be  found  the  pond  before  alluded  to,  into  which  the  engine  suction 
hose  may  be  placed.  This  supply  is  of  such  importance  to  mankind  at  large 
that  parties  visiting  Tanjong  Api  should  be  warned  from  trying  any  wanton 
experiments,  such  as  cutting  a  channel  to  the  sea,  by  which  it  might  be  de- 
stroyed. 

Tides. — The  tide  at  Tanjong  Api  was  found  to  rise  about  7  ft.,  the  direc- 
tion of  the  flood,  in  15  fathoms  at  2  miles  ofi"  shore,  being  E.N.E.,  and  of 
the  ebb  S.S.W. 

From  a  position  off  Tanjong  Api  to  a  similar  position  off  Tanjong  Datu, 
the  course  is  E.N.E.,  and  the  distance  22J  miles.  The  dangers  within  the 
line  between  these  points  have  not  been  satisfactorily  examined,  and  there 
is  some  reason  to  apprehened,  from  the  sudden  changes  in  the  soundings, 
attended  with  suspicious  eddies,  that  undiscovered  rocks  lie  near  the  surface. 

TANJONG  DATIT. — Great  caution  should  be  observed  in  approaching 
this  point.  The  tides  are  rapid,  and  the  reef  which  encircles  it,  at  a  radius 
of  2  miles,  is  studded  with  rocks,  several  of  which  are  freqiiently  awash. 

There  is  no  inducement  of  any  kind  to  bring  a  vessel  within  3  miles, 
therefore  no  excuse  for  risking  its  dangers  within  a  depth  of  19  fathoms, 
where  a  vessel  may  securely  anchor  to  await  the  change  of  tide. 

The  entire  western  coast  of  this  mountainous  range  is  studded  with  rocks, 
and  the  landing  is  difficult  and  dangerous.  On  the  eastern  side  the  coast 
runs  suddenly  to  the  southward  steep-to,  and  offers  two  sandy  bays.  A  coral 
bank,  with  detached  rocks,  being  a  continuation  from  the  point,  extends 
about  3  miles  to  the  southward,  but  there  is  deep  water  within. 

Tides— The  flood  stream  off  shore  sets  East,  the  ebb  nearly  West ;  rate 
2  to  2i  knots. 


NIGER  BANK— TANJONG  SIPANG.  4S0c 

NIGER  BANK,  discovered  in  1858  byH.M.S.  liiffer,  and  surveyed  in  1862 
by  H.M.S.  Rifleman,  is  composed  of  hard  clay,  4i  miles  long  East  and  "West, 
and  1^  mile  broad.  The  outer  edge  of  the  centre  part  of  the  band  is  about 
North,  distant  5  miles  from  Tanjong  Datu.  The  bank  has  5  to  9  fathoms 
on  it,  and  is  very  convenient  to  anchor  upon  to  await  tide  j  the  5-fathom 
spots  are  towards  the  East  and  S.E.  ends. 

Caution- — In  the  event  of  detached  boats,  or  a  very  small  vessel,  seeking 
shelter,  it  may  be  found  at  7  miles  southward  of  Tanjong  Datu,  in  Sleepy 
Bay  (Pirate  Bay),  but  caution  is  necessary,  as  rocks  near  the  surface  are 
abundant.  Fresh  water  was  not  found.  The  whole  space  included  between 
a  line  from  Tanjong  Datu  to  Talan  Island  is  very  dangerous. 

The  Coast. — E.S.E.  43  miles  from  Tanjong  Datu  is  Tanjong  Sipang,  at  the 
extremity  of  a  high  peninsula,  the  coast  between  forming  an  extensive  bay, 
within  which  are  the  rivers  Siru,  Samatan,  and  Lundu ;  Sampadien  and  some 
minor  estuaries  also  discharge  their  waters,  and  in  the  eastern  extreme  of 
the  bay  the  Sarawak  presents  its  western  embouchure.  There  are  several 
small  islands,  the  entire  spaces  between  which  are  safe  up  to  6  fathoms,  but 
within  that  depth  great  caution  is  necessary. 

The  Talan  or  Turtle  Islands  lie  S.E.  by  S.  13  miles  from  Tanjong  Datu, 
and  deserve  notice  as  affording  a  rendezvous  or  shelter  under  their  lee  for 
boats.  The  northern  island  is  remarkable  for  the  resort  of  turtle  to  a  small 
sandy  delta  on  its  southern  side.  Turtle  Rock,  lying  S.S.W.  about  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  from  Little  Talan  Island,  is  uncovered  at  low  water,  and 
dangerous  by  night. 

TANJONG  SIPANG  may  always  be  distinguished  from  the  eastward  or 
westward  by  two  remarkable  thumbs  or  sugarloaf  cones,  which  show  out 
clear  next  its  northern  extremity.  The  southern  crest  of  the  range  {Santu- 
long  Peak)  2,712  ft.  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  can  be  seen  clearly  at  a  dis- 
tance of  40  miles. 

Samarang  or  Cruizer  Rock,  with  a  3i-fathom  patch  about  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  S.W.  of  it,  lies  3  miles  North  of  Tanjong  Sipang,  and  covers 
at  half  ebb.  It  is  surrounded  by  deep  water,  having  6  or  7  fathoms 
close  to,  and  is  difficult  to  find.  Mantang  Peak  in  line  with  the  western  side 
of  Tanjong  Sipang,  clears  it  on  the  East,  and  the  eastern  points  of  Tanjong 
Sipang  in  line  clears  it  on  the  West ;  the  thumb  of  the  point  end  on  leads  on 
it.  Probably  it  is  a  continuation  of  the  range,  this  being  another  outlying 
sugarloaf. 

Sailing  vessels  navigating  this  coast  must  always  be  prepared  to  drop  a 
light  anchor  should  calm  attend  an  opposing  tide,  and  particularly  between 
Tanjong  Api  and  Tanjong  Sirik.  In  the  depth  of  14  fathoms  no  danger 
may  be  apprehended.  The  flood  does  not  run  more  than  four  hours,  and 
the  strength  of  the  ebb  prevails  eight ;  and  where  calms  are  frequent,  and 
steam  is  not  available,  no  advance  can  be  made  without  great  attention  to 
this  subject. 


480^  NORTH-WEST  COAST  OF  BOENEO. 

The  Santubong  Entrance  to  the  Sarawak  Eiver  was  surveyed  by  Sir 
Edward  Belcher  in  1844. 

Navigating-Lieutenant  H.V.  Russell,  of  H.M.S.  Reynard,  in  1863,  remarks 
"■  that  the  Santubong  entrance  is  not  navigable  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  ;  even 
the  small  trading  steamer  uses  the  Moratabas  entrance  when  going  to  Singa- 
pore during  this  season.  But  at  any  time  the  Moratabas  is  the  best  chan- 
nel for  a  stranger  to  take.  Pilots  are  not  to  be  found  at  the  mouths  of  the 
river,  but  by  sending  to  the  Rajah  of  Sarawak  the  assistance  of  the  Euro- 
peans in  charge  of  the  gun  boats  may  be  obtained." 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  the  Santubong  entrance,  at 
4'',  springs  rise  10  ft.,  neaps  6  ft. ;  at  the  Sarawak  junction  at  5'',  at  Sara- 
wak city  at  S*"  20"",  and  springs  rise  15  to  18  ft.,  neaps  9  ft.  ;  and  at  the 
Moratabas  entrance  at  4**,  springs  rise  9  ft.,  neaps  5 J  ft. 

Lieut.  Russell  remarks  that  the  highest  tides  occur  at  the  change  of  the 
monsoons,  viz.,  March,  April,  and  November.  In  the  N.E.  monsoon  the 
new  moon  gives  the  highest  tide,  and  those  of  the  day  are  more  regular,  and 
exceed  in  height  those  of  the  night ;  while  during  the  S.W.  monsoon  the 
contrary  takes  place,  and  the  higher  tides  are  then  at  full  moon. 

Directions. — Making  the  land  from  the  N.W.  or  N.E.,  the  position,  as 
regards  the  two  entrances  to  the  Sarawak,  may  immediately  be  determined 
by  the  inland  or  coast  ranges  in  connection.  Thus  Matang  Peak,  seen  clear 
to  the  westward  of  Santubong  crest  can  leave  no  doubt  as  to  the  lead  to  the 
western  mouth.  The  thumbs  will  also  show  on  the  left  of  the  profile  of 
Sipang.  Another  feature  is  exhibited,  which  is  not  visible  farther  to  the 
eastward  ;  this  is  the  topsail-shaped  detached  elevation  on  the  right  of 
Matang. 

Approaching  from  the  N.E.,  Matang,  seen  eastward  of  Santubong  Peak, 
will  afford  a  satisfactory  guide  either  for  Tanjong  Sipang,  or  for  finding 
Tanjong  Po,  the  mark  for  the  Moratabas  entrance  to  the  Sarawak,  for  which 
latter  it  is  unerring,  bearing  S.W.  by  W.  ^  W.  from  a  distance. 

Matang,  when  seen  to  the  eastward  of  Santubong,  shields  Topsail  Peak 
from  view,  and  the  very  steep  character  of  Santubong  afi'ords  on  this  view  a 
safe  leading  mark,  even  as  far  as  the  mouth  of  the  Sarebas  River. 

To  ascend  this  branch  of  the  Sarawak  it  will  be  expedient  to  obtain  a  good 
local  pilot,  or  to  have  boats  sounding  in  advance,  as  well  as  immediately 
under  the  bowsprit,  as  there  are  several  dangerous  patches  of  rock,  one  of 
which  is  in  mid-channel.  A  red  huoy,  the  position  of  which,  however,  is  not 
to  be  depended  on,  lies  off  the  entrance  of  the  river  N.W.  by  W.  from  Mount 
Santubong.  The  channel  thence  extends  about  S.S.E  4 J  miles  to  Royalist 
Rock  beacon,  just  westward  of  the  entrance  point  of  the  river,  and  on  the 
South  side  of  the  channel.  There  was  but  2f  fathoms  on  the  bar  at  high 
water  in  1864. 


MORATABAS  ENTRANCE  TO  SARAWAK.  481 

Moratabas  Entrance  to  Sarawak. — From  Tanjong  Sipang,  Laki,  or  Peile 
Island,  lying  off  the  northern  extremity  of  Po  Point  peninsula,  bears  E.  by 
S.  i  8.  10^  miles;  and  this  course  may  be  safely  steered  by  day  or  night,  if 
the  land  can  be  distinguished,  hauling  northerly  if  the  depth  decreases  to  less 
than  5  fathoms ;  but  in  bad  weather  or  fogs  a  depth  of  not  less  than  12 
fathoms  should  be  risked. 

Po  Point  lighthouse,  of  a  bright  yellow  colour,  stands  on  the  summit  of 
the  point ;  since  the  year  1873  di  fixed  bright  light  has  been  shown  from  it, 
at  an  elevation  of  490  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  visible  13  miles  oflf.  The 
river  is  stated  to  be  huoyed  on  its  left  bank  from  Moratabas  Point,  fronting 
the  fishing  village,  to  the  village  of  ISinjinkat. 

The  entire  face  of  Moratabas  sea  range  to  the  N.E.  is  steep-to,  and  may 
safely  be  approached  into  8  fathoms ;  and  if  intending  to  enter  the  Morata- 
bas Channel,  this  shore  should  be  hugged,  passing  within  half  a  mile  of  a 
white  rock  or  islet  off  Po  Point.  The  Moratabas  Channel  begins  at  this 
white  rock,  within  half  a  mile  of  which  is  the  deep  part. 

Navigating-Lieutenant  Moss,  of  H.M.S.  Scout,  in  March,  1863,  surveyed 
the  Moratabas  entrance,  and  found  that  the  banks  forming  the  channel  had 
altered  considerably  since  Sir  Edward  Belcher's  survey,  rendering  the  direc- 
tions for  navigating  it  given  by  that  officer  no  longer  applicable.  Navigating- 
Lieutenant  Eussel,  of  H.M.S.  Reynard,  shortly  afterwards  made  a  track 
survey  of  the  river  from  Moratabas  Point  to  Sarawak,  which  is  sufficient  to 
enable  vessels  to  proceed  up  safely.  The  Rifleman  twice  entered  the  river, 
and  steamed  up  to  Sarawak,  guided  by  these  surveys,  finding  the  soundings 
correct,  and  experiencing  no  difficulty. 

The  channel  of  this  entrance  of  the  river  is  bounded  on  either  side  by 
banks,  composed  generally  of  sand,  with  mud  in  places.  The  western  bank 
takes  from  Po  Point  a  direction  about  S.  |  E.  for  a  distance  of  nearly  3 
miles,  when  it  rounds  away  S.S.W.  |  W.  for  a  mile,  and  then  S.W.  by  W. 
for  IJ  mile,  where  it  forms  a  slight  projection;  from  thence  it  trends  "West 
to  Moratabas  Point,  distant  half  a  mile. 

A  conical  huoy  painted  red  is  (or  was)  placed  oflP  the  spit  of  the  Si  Jalore 
Shoal,  or  western  bank,  in  3|  fathoms,  low  water  spring  tides.  Vessels 
should  not  attempt  to  pass  to  the  westward  of  this  buoy,  but  should  pass  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  to  the  eastward  of  it. 

The  outer  edge  of  the  eastern  bank,  marked  by  the  3-fathom  line,  appears 
to  lie  about  N.E.  by  N.,  distant  3^  miles  from  Po  Point ;  from  thence  it  takes 
a  southerly  direction  for  5  miles,  and  then  curves  up  gradually  to  Brooke 
Point,  opposite  Moratabas  Point.  But  the  outline  of  the  eastern  bank  is 
somewhat  irregular,  and  a  detached  knoll  of  sand,  with  only  14  ft.  water 
over  it,  called  Scout  Shoal,  from  H.M.S.  Scout  having  touched  upon  it,  lies 
with  Po  Point  bearing  N.W.  by  N.,  and  Moratabas  Point  S.W.  southerly. 

I.  A.  8  Q 


482  NOETH-WEST  COAST  OF  BOENEO. 

The  deepest  water  over  the  bar  is  between  this  knoll  and  the  western  bank, 
the  distance  between  them  being  about  a  mile.  The  depths  at  low  water 
spring  tides  are  3  J  and  4  fathoms,  and  the  bottom  is  composed  of  hard  sand. 

Otter  Rock. — The  barque  Otter,  on  her  way  down  from  Quop  anchorage, 
struck  and  remained  some  hours  on  a  pinnacle  rock,  with  only  3  ft.  on  it  at 
low  water  springs,  and  deep  water  all  round.  The  rock  lies  nearly  in  the 
middle  of  the  river.  If  mile  within  the  entrance  points,  and  E.N.E.  about  9 
cables  from  the  Belcher  Eock.  The  pilots  and  small  steamers  navigating 
the  river  always  pass  to  the  southward  of  the  rock. 

Directions. — Proceeding  from  abreast  Po  Point,  keep  the  islet  half  its 
breadth  open  of  the  point,  and  steer  S.  by  E.  \  E.  until  Po  Point  is  distant 
about  3  miles,  and  Mount  Santubong  (2,712  ft.  high),  distant  13  miles,  bears 
W.  by  N.  \  N.,  and  is  seen  in  the  centre  of  a  break  in  the  hills.  The  above 
course  will  leave  Scout  Shoal,  two-thirds  of  a  mile  distant,  on  the  port  side, 
and  bring  you  to  a  position  haK  a  mile  E.N.E.  of  the  red  buoy.  From  this 
position  steer  S.S.W.  \  W.  towards  a  clump  of  trees  on  the  South  entrance 
point  of  the  river  until  Tree  Point,  the  first  point  northward  of  Moratabas 
Point,  is  in  line  with  the  S.W.  Sharp  Peak,  bearing  W.  by  N.  ^^  N.,  when 
steer  W.S.W.  §  W.  into  the  river  midway  between  the  points.  Otter  Eock, 
within  the  points,  has  been  above  described. 

Caution. — With  strong  northerly  winds  a  heavy  swell  is  experienced  when 
about  halfway  between  Po  Point  and  Sarawak  Eiver  entrance.  H.M.S. 
Juno,  drawing  18  ft.,  slightly  touched  when  in  mid-channel  at  half-tide,  with 
28  ft.  soundings,  in  February,  1877. 

Water.— To  the  eastward  of  Peile  Island  is  a  water-stained  cliff,  with  a 
minute  cascade  delivering  itself  most  invitingly  into  the  sea.  The  ascent  to 
the  cliff,  about  30  ft.  above  the  sea,  is  easy.  On  the  summit  will  be  found  a 
series  of  natural  reservoirs  of  transparent  water. 

Vessels  drawing  more  than  15  ft.  water,  or  of  greater  length  than  200  ft., 
cannot  go  above  the  Quop  without  incurring  considerable  risk  ;  and  almost 
every  man-of-war  that  has  gone  up  has  met  with  some  accident. 

The  SARAWAK  RIVER.— The  delta  of  this  river  is  formed  by  the  several 
streams  which  have  been  briefly  described.  They  unite  at  the  Quop,  or 
Lintang  Junction,  about  8  or  9  miles  above  the  bar  of  the  Moratabas 
entrance.  Elaborate  directions  have  been  given  for  their  navigation,  but  as 
it  is  manifest  that  in  addition  to  the  changes  which  necessarily  occur  in  the 
channels,  much  local  knowledge  would  be  required  to  pass  safely  up  or  down, 
they  are  not  here  repeated.  Some  direction  boards  have  been  nailed  to  the 
trees  at  the  more  important  points,  and  their  warnings  or  guidance  should 
be  attended  to. 

TOWN  of  SARAWAK  or  KUCHING.— The  principal  part  of  the  town  is 
on  the  South  side  of  the  river,  where  there  is  a  good  bazaar  and  market. 
The  church  and  bishop's  residence  are  also  on  this  side  of  the  river ;  and 


LUPAR  AND  EAJANG  EIVERS.  483 

close  to  the  building,  half  fort  aud  half  house,  which  stands  on  Crookshank 
Point,  are  the  post-office,  treasury,  and  other  government  offices. 

The  Rajah's  house  is  prettily  situated  on  a  small  elevation  above  the  new 
fort,  with  one  or  two  bungalows  near  it  for  the  use  of  his  staff. 

In  1871,  the  total  value  of  exports  was  £169,826;  of  imports  £172,331. 
In  this  year  twenty-three  vessels  entered  from  Great  Britain  and  her  colo- 
nies, carrying  considerably  more  than  half  (in  value)  of  the  imports  and 
exports. 

Beef  and  fowls,  with  sweet  potatoes  and  other  vegetables,  can  be  obtained 
without  difficulty. 

Directiona  to  pass  outside  the  Moratabas. — Owing  to  the  shifting  of  the  banks 
at  the  Moratabas  entrance,  the  exterior  line  of  danger,  in  3  fathoms  at  low 
water  springs,  is  no  longer  represented  by  a  line  E.  by  S.  ^  S.  from  Po  Point 
to  Curong  Island.  Unless  intending  to  enter  the  river,  Sipang  Thumbs 
should  not  be  brought  to  the  northward  of  West,  until  well  past  the  Mora- 
tab  is  entrance. 

LUPAR  RIVER,  or  Batang  Lupar,  is  known  also  as  the  Sakarran  from  the 
Sakarran  tribe  of  D^'aks  inhabiting  it.  To  enter  this  river,  bring  Burong 
Island  to  bear  S.S.E.,  or  equidistant  between  West  Peak  and  Bliong  Hill, 
passing  Burong  Island  at  a  safe  distance.  The  mud  flat  has  pretty  nearly 
equal  water  over  it,  but  it  was  found  to  be  apparently  deeper,  and  the  bottom 
softer,  close  to  the  southern  coast  line  (even  with  the  starboard  oars  touching 
the  mud). 

For  boats  or  vessels  of  light  draught,  the  Lupar  River  may  be  approached 
from  the  northward,  but  it  is  necessary  to  be  guided  by  the  direction  as 
well  as  time  of  tide,  particularly  as  the  ebb  tide  sets  westerly  on  Burong 
Island, 

The  young  flood  brings  in  a  lore,  which  may  be  avoided  by  anchoring  in  6 
fathoms  within  the  Linga  entrance,  or  in  4  fathoms  eastward  of  Aboi  Point, 
until  after  the  first  quarter  flood. 

Sarebas  River  is  12  or  13  miles  to  the  north-eastward  of  the  Lupar.  Its 
entrance  has  not  been  surveyed,  but  Commander  Miall,  who,  in  1858,  in 
H.M.S.  Mohaiclc,  proceeded  some  distance  up  this  river,  remarks  as  follows  : — 
The  Sarebas  is  a  larger  river  than  the  Rajang,  In  charge  of  a  pilot,  an 
Englishman  in  the  employ  of  the  Rajah  of  Sarawak,  we  proceeded  40  miles, 
though  at  night.  The  soundings  are  regular  and  deep.  The  only  necessary 
precaution  is  to  take  the  bends  of  the  river  (which  are  numerous),  avoiding 
the  spits  which  run  out  from  the  points. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Burong  Island,  at  4''  45"°,  and  the  rise 
of  tide  7  ft.  The  flood  tide  off  the  island  sets  S.E.,  2^  knots  an  hour,  and 
the  ebb,  N.  W.  by  N.,  at  the  same  rate ;  the  ordinary  rise  is  6  ft. 

RAJANG  RIVER. — In  this  neighbourhood  the  land  is  very  low,  and  a 
large  river,  the  Rajang,  falls  into  the  sea  by  two  mouths,  the  larger  of  which 


484  NOETH-WEST  COAST  OF  BOENEO. 

is  about  45  miles  north-eastward  of  Tanjong  Po,  and  40  miles  southward  of 
Tanjong'  Sirik.  This  river  is  likely  to  become  of  some  commercial  import- 
ance, and  it  will,  under  very  careful  pilotage,  admit  vessels  of  20  ft.  or  more 
draught,  the  following  are  deduced  from  what  the  original  chart  by  Lieut. 
Gordon  warrants. 

His  anchorage  is  marked  just  to  the  southward  of  Tanjong  Jerri,  the 
North  point  of  entrance,  and  the  leading  mark  given  by  him  is  the  Lalang 
branch  of  the  river  open,  with  the  South  point  of  the  entrance  bearing 
S.E.  ^  E.  But  it  would  be  preferable  to  bring  Tanjong  Jerri  to  bear  East  a 
little  northerly,  until  the  inner  point,  easterly,  showed  the  river  open  in  5 
fathoms.  Enter  on  the  first  quarter  flood  with  these  marks  lapping,  when 
the  swell  of  the  last  drain  of  ebb  will  have  subsided,  and  give  Tanjong  Jerri 
a  fair  berth. 

Commander  Miall,  in  H.M.S.  Mohmck,  also  proceeded  up  the  Eajang.  He 
remarks  as  follows: — "Steamed  up  the  Eajang  to  the  fort  or  stockade,  a 
distance  of  25  miles.  The  water  is  pretty  deep,  and  there  are  but  few  dan- 
gers ;  the  anchor  was  let  go  off  the  fort  in  6 J  fathoms.  The  river  at  this  part 
is  very  narrow ;  we  experienced  a  difficulty  in  turning  under  steam  on  that 
account,  as  also  from  the  strength  of  the  tides." 

Mr.  Consul  Eicketts,  in  his  commercial  report  for  1865,  remarks  —  "From 
accurate  information,  I  find  that  there  are  from  3J  to  4  fathoms  over  the 
bar  of  the  Eajang  at  low  water,  and  at  high  water  probably  6  fathoms. 
Ships  of  1,000  tons  and  upwards  could  proceed  some  few  miles  up  the  river 
and  find  good  anchorage  either  at  the  village  of  Eajang,  situated  at  no 
great  distance  from  its  mouth,  or  at  Mount  Sousou,  about  12  miles  above 
the  village. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  at  full  and  change,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Eajang, 
at  4*"  45";  the  rise  of  the  day  tides  is  9  ft.,  and  the  night  tides  13  ft.  ;  the 
apparent  depth  on  the  bar  at  low  water  (at  the  time  of  its  survey,  in  1847,) 
being  3  fathoms.  The  tides,  both  in  this  river  and  the  Sarebas,  are  very 
strong. 

Quitting  this  river,  it  is  advisable  to  stand  to  the  N.W.  into  18  or  20  fa- 
thoms before  stretching  to  the  n'Orthward,  to  round  Tanjong  Sirik. 

Palo  River. — Following  the  coast  line  northerly  from  the  Eajang,  the 
Balony  Eiver  is  about  6  miles  northwardof  Tanjong  Jerri ;  it  is  unimportant, 
and  possibly  but  an  estuary  connecting  with  the  Palo  Eiver,  halfway  between 
the  Eajang  and  Tanjong  Sirik.  The  Palo  has  a  small  islet  on  the  sandy 
tongue  of  its  southern  point. 

Quitting  the  Palo  Eiver  and  proceeding  northerly,  the  off-shore  soundings, 
between  12  and  6  fathoms,  appear  to  afford  sufficient  warning  until  nearing 
Tanjong  Sirik,  which  should  not  be  approached  under  a  depth  of  12  fathoms. 

TANJONG  SIRIK,  the  western  point  of  entrance  to  the  Bruit  Eiver,  is 
low  and  dangerous,  and  ehoale  extend  from  it  to  the  distance  of  6  miles. 


TANJONG  SIETK.  485 

Vessels  should  not  come  nparer  this  point  than  8  miles,  nor  into  less  water 
than  12  fathoms,  the  soundings  decreasing  rapidly  from  that  depth  to  4 
fathoms. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  the  entrance  of  the  Bruit  Eiver,  at 
S*" ;  and  springs  rise  11  ft.  The  ebb  and  flood  preserve  an  E.  by  N.  and 
W.  by  S.  set  off  the  entrance  in  6  fathoms. 

The  tides  in  the  offing  set  north-eastward  and  south-westward,  but  in- 
shore follow  more  closely  the  direction  of  the  coast,  and  near  Tanjong  Sirik 
they  will  be  found  to  run  North  and  South  with  a  velocity,  according  to  the 
prevalence  of  rain,  from  2  to  3  knots  an  hour.  The  flood  tide  will  be  found 
to  produce  a  strong  indraught  into  all  the  rivers,  which  must  be  carefully 
guarded  against. 

Proceeding  northward  from  the  Sarawak,  a  good  off-shore  course  must  be 
steered,  and  allowance  made  for  the  flood  tide,  which  runs  strong  to  the 
S.E.  on  the  line  between  Tanjong  Po  and  Tanjong  Sirik,  but  follows  more 
closely  the  direction  of  the  coast  in  shore,  setting  strong  into  the  mouths  of 
the  rivers.  It  will  be  well  remembered  that  Matang  sharp  peak  seen  over 
the  inner  brow  of  Moratabas  Peninsula  about  W.  by  S.  f  S.,  is  the  danger 
line  for  vessels  of  moderate  draught,  and  Sipang  Thumb  bearing  West,  the 
warning  for  the  off-lying  shoals  of  the  Sarawak  Eiver, 

Shoals^  extend  6  miles  from  Tanjong  Sirik,  the  flood  tide  setting  strong 
upon  it  with  a  heavy  swell ;  this  point  should  not,  therefore,  be  neared  to  a 
less  distance  than  8  miles,  or  under  a  depth  of  12  fathoms,  the  soundings 
decreasing  suddenly  from  that  depth  to  4  fathoms. 

The  Coast. — From  Tanjong  Sirik  to  Tatan  Point,  a  safe  course,  recom- 
mended, is  parallel  to  the  chord  between  these  points  about  E.  by  N.  in  12 
fathoms,  which  will  afford  an  average  distance  of  10  miles  off  shore.  Pro- 
ceeding, therefore,  on  this  course  in  the  above  depth,  if  making  a  passage, 
or  in  6  fathoms  if  intending  to  call  at  the  rivers,  we  first  meet  with  the  mouth 
of  the  Ballang  River.  The  entrance,  which  appears  to  be  nearly  North  and 
South'with  the  river  open,  is  barred  nearly  3  miles  off  shore.  The  village  of 
Oury  is  about  2  miles  within,  on  the  northern  bank. 

To  the  eastward  of  the  Ballang  are  the  rivers  Oyah,  Panuit,  and  Judah,  but 
they  have  not  been  sufidciently  examined  to  warrant  more  than  the  visit  by 
boats.  The  Muka  is  the  next  important  river  in  point  of  trade  and  popula- 
tion, but  as  the  chart  indicates  only  3  ft.  at  low  water,  it  is  not  likely  to  be 
visited  by  any  but  boats  or  native  craft.  Writing  of  this  region,  Lieut, 
de  Crespigny,  E.N.,  remarks,  in  1873,  that  he  had  been  up  to  Mount  Ular 
Bulu  in  search  of  cinnibar,  but  had  found  no  indication  of  it  or  any  other 
metal. 

The  mouth  of  the  Neian  appears  to  have  received  some  attention,  off  which 
Lieutenant  Gordon  anchored  in  two  positions,  N.E.  and  N.AV.  of  its  entrance. 
It  is  obstructed  by  a  bar,  having  only  li  ft.  of  water.     This  is  succeeded  by 


486  NORTH-AVEST  COAST  OF  BORNEO. 

the  Tat  an  River,  nearly  4  miles  W.S.W.  of  Tatan  Point.  Mount  Tatan  is 
1,890  ft.  high,  and  bears  S.E.  J  E.  distant  10  miles  from  the  entrance  of  the 
Tatan  River,  and  S.S.W.  distant  nearly  20  miles  from  the  entrance  of  the 
Bintula  River.  Farther  inland,  to  the  southward  of  Mount  Tatan,  is  a  ridge 
of  hills,  the  most  prominent  of  vrhich  is  named  Table  Hill. 

The  Bintula,  also  a  barren  river,  was  visited  by  the  Samarang  in  1843. 
The  approach,  particularly  on  the  ebb,  is  dangerous.  The  cutter  grounded 
about  2  miles  off  shore,  and  the  swell  several  times  threatened  to  top.  The 
water  deepens  suddenly  within,  and  the  stream,  which  was  fresh  at  the  last 
of  the  ebb,  is  of  a  deep  reddish  hue.  The  natives,  or  probably  a  piratical 
crew,  seen  within,  did  not  appear  to  be  well  disposed. 

The  natives'  leading  mark  is  a  dead  tree  on  Tupak  Hill  in  line  with  the 
West  point  of  entrance  S.E.  by  S. 

This  part  of  Borneo  is  now  under  the  Grovernment  of  the  Rajah  of  Sarawak, 
by  arrangement  with  the  Sultan  of  Borneo.  Trading  stations  are  estab- 
lished both  at  Bintula  and  Muka. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  the  entrance  of  the  Bintula  River,  at 
b^  45™,  and  the  rise  is  6  ft. 

The  following  notes  are  from  the  Sarawak  Gazette : — Bintula  stands  on  the 
banks  of  a  river  which  is  easily  navigated  by  vessels  of  the  size  generally 
employed  on  our  coast.  During  the  N.E.  monsoon  there  is  generally  much 
less  sea  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  than  at  other  places  on  the  coast,  as  it  is 
protected  by  Kidurong  Point.  There  are  9  or  10  ft.  on  the  bar  at  the  top 
of  the  tide,  and  the  entrance  is  about  60  yards  across.  The  gunboat  ITearts- 
ease  and  the  schooner  Courier  have  come  in  two  or  three  times  during  the 
year  1870.  From  one  branch  at  the  head  of  the  Bintula  River  the  upper 
part  of  the  Rejang  can  be  easily  reached  by  a  short  journey  overland.  This 
route  is  constantly  used  by  traders  during  the  N.E.  monsoon.  They  find  it 
easier  to  come  from  Baloi  to  Bintula  at  that  season  than  to  descend  the 
dangerous  rapids  in  the  Rejang,  which  must  be  passed  to  reach  Sibu. 
Another  branch  of  the  upper  Bintula  River  runs  in  the  direction  of  the 
Tinga.  The  journey  overland  between  the  streams  only  consumes  a  day  and 
a  half  for  loaded  men.  Tinga  traders  occasionally  bring  produce, to  Bintula 
by  this  route.  Vessels,  as  they  enter  the  Bintula  River,  have  to  pass  the 
fort,  and  then  reach  the  bazaar,  off  which  all  traders  anchor.  This  bazaar 
is  chiefly  built  of  wood,  with  bilian  ataps,  though  some  of  the  houses  are  still 
roofed  and  walled  with  nipa  leaves.  The  Kampong  is  further  up,  above  the 
bazaar.  New  houses  are  being  built  here  at  the  edge  of  the  river  on  bilian 
posts  9  or  10  ft.  high,  with  plank  or  bark  walls  and  leaf  ataps.  These  new 
heuses  are  long  buildings  with  a  double  row  of  rooms  and  a  passage  between, 
the  people  living  on  either  side  of  this  corridor.  In  front  of  the  house  are 
the  platforms  on  which  the  raw  sago  is  worked,  built  on  posts  or  floating  on 


KIDUEONG  BAY.  487 

the  river,  for  the  sake  of  getting  the  water  used  in  the  process  of  making 
"without  difficulty. 

The  fort,  bazaar,  and  principal  part  of  the  Kampong  are  built  on  the 
right  bank  of  the  river  ;  there  are,  however,  three  smaller  kampongs  on  the 
opposite  bank.  The  exports  in  1870,  valued  at  172,946  dollars,  besides 
gutta  percha  and  raw  sago,  consist  of  camphor,  india-rubber,  bezoar-stones, 
and  various  sorts  of  canes.  The  country  up  the  river  is  laid  out  in  large 
plantations  of  the  sago  palm.  There  are  very  few  paddy  fields,  the  inha- 
bitants not  growing  rice  enough  for  their  own  consumption.  Bilian  wood 
grows  abundantly  on  the  banks.  The  greatest  obstacle  to  improvement  is 
the  want  of  population. 

The  Acis  Patches  were  announced  in  October,  1860  : — "  Two  coral  shoals 
have  been  discovered  off  the  N.W.  coast  of  Borneo  by  the  brigantine  Acis. 
The  position  of  the  eastern  shoal  is  given  as  lat.  3°  45'  N.,  long.  112°  42'  E. 
The  other  shoal  lies  on  the  same  parallel,  and  at  a  short  distance  to  the 
westward." 

The  Rifleman  anchored  near  the  reported  positions  of  these  patches,  and 
searched  for  them  without  success.     It  is  possible  they  may  exist  somewhere 
in  that  locality ;  but  as  9  and  10  fathoms  are  shown  on  them  in  the  chart 
they  were  not  of  sufficient  importance  to  detain  her. 

Kidurong  Bay. — Northerly  from  the  Bintula,  at  5  miles  distance,  is  Kidu- 
rong  Point,  and  about  3  miles  S.S.E.  from  the  point  is  a  round  hill  named 
Mount  Kidurong.  To  the  southward  of  Kidurong  Point  is  the  bay  which 
has  been  sounded,  by  Captain  G.  Heyler,  of  H.M.  gunboat  Heartsease. 

Kidurong  Bay  is  the  only  place  of  shelter  along  300  miles  of  coast  from 
Tanjong  Sirik  to  Labuan.  In  the  N.E.  monsoon  small  vessels  could  run  in 
here,  and  lie  safely  at  anchor,  sheltered  from  E.N.E.  and  N.W.  gales.  The 
anchorage  is  good,  being  soft  mud  and  sand  ;  the  soundings  vary  from  2  to 
8|  fathoms ;  good  anchorage  could  be  obtained  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  off 
the  inside  point  in  3  fathoms  of  water. 

In  entering  the  bay  from  the  northward  stand  down  till  the  point  bears 
E.  J  N.  about  one  mile  distant ;  then  stand  in  E.  i  N.  to  2i  or  3  fathoms  of 
water,  and  let  go  abont  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  inside  point  with  the 
outside  point  bearing  N.W.  by  N.  Entering  from  the  southward  or  Bintulu 
side  stand  out  into  5  fathoms,  then  stand  for  the  point  about  N.E.  by  N.,  but 
do  not  come  closer  than  half  a  mile  off'  the  point,  then  stand  in  for  the 
anchorage.     Good  fresh  water  may  be  obtained  here  in  abundance. 

The  following  are  the  bearings  of  the  proposed  lighthouse  :  Mount  Tatu 
N.N.E.,  and  Kidurong  Hill  S.S.E.— C/ii««  Mail,  1872. 

The  coast  from  Kidurong  Point  to  Breaker  Bay  and  beyond  appears  to  be 
studded  by  rocky  ledges.  Indeed  this  coast,  up  to  Tanjong  Bali,  should  be 
avoided  within  depths  of  12  fathoms  by  day  and  30  fathoms  by  night.     The 


488  NOETH-WEST  COAST  OF  BOENEO. 

soundings  suddenly  decreased  from  12  to  6  fathoms,  and  heavy  breakers, 
with  rocks  above  watei',  were  noticed  some  distance  off-shore. 

Lieutenant  Gordon  observes: — The  large  bay  contained  between  Sirik 
and  Barram  Points,  as  far  as  we  have  examined  it,  appears  to  be  free 
from  danger.  About  30  miles  E.N.E.-ward  from  Sirik  Point  we  found  the 
soundings  about  7  miles  off  shore  uneven,  varying  from  3  to  5  fathom,  sand. 
A  rock  also  exists  off  Tanjong  Bali,  about  16  miles  southward  of  Tanjong 
Barram,  but  it  is  only  3  miles  off  the  shore,  and  inside  the  7  fathoms  line. 

The  principal  objects  along  the  coasts  of  this  bay  are  Mount  Tatan,  1,890 
feet;  Mount  Silungan,  1,500  ft.;  and  Mount  Lambier,  1,550ft. 

Marabu. — k.t  2 J  miles  northward  of  Tanjong  Bali,  and  13  miles  southward 
of  Tanjong  Barram,  is  the  mouth  of  the  Meri  (or  red)  Eiver,  on  the  southern 
bank  of  which  is  the  village  of  Marabu,  where  a  considerable  trade  in  bees' 
wax  and  camphor  is  carried  on  with  Borneo  and  Singapore.  The  entrance 
is  barred,  and  shoals  extend  some  distance  from  the  coast. 

TANJONG  BARRAM  forms  an  abrupt  bend  of  the  coast,  and  is  fringed 
by  a  shoal  line  extending  2^  miles  from  the  shore.  Off  shore  the  soundings 
deepen  suddenly,  and  no  dangers  seem  to  threaten;  vessels  working  up  may 
therefore  stretch  well  off  this  point  to  the  north-westward,  so  as  to  make  a 
good  board  to  the  eastward. 

The  Barram  River  discharges  itself  into  the  sea  in  a  W.N.  W.  direction  at 
the  point.  The  greatest  depth  over  the  bar  does  not  exceed  6  ft.  at  low 
water,  but  suddenly  deepens  within  to  4  and  5  fathoms ;  the  stream  being 
fresh  nearly  at  the  mouth. 

The  Coast  from  Barram  Point  easterly  for  45  miles  is  very  low,  intersected 
by  numerous  creeks,  and  at  38  miles  from  the  point  is  the  entrance  of  the 
Ampa,  where  there  appears  to  be  some  trade,  and  whence  several  prahus 
were  observed  to  depart. 

AMPA  PATCH.— N.E.  |  E.  32  miles  from  Tanjong  Barram,  and  15  miles 
off  shore,  is  the  centre  of  a  bank  termed  the  Ampa  Patch,  composed  of  sand 
and  coral,  upon  which  depths  of  5  fathoms  was  the  least  water  found.  It  is 
surrounded  by  15  fathoms,  and  irregular  soundings. 

SCOUT  and  VICTORIA  PATCHES  are  two  coral  shoals  lying  to  the  south- 
westward  of  the  Bruni  Patches,  the  channel  between  which  and  the  coast  of 
Borneo,  heretofore  considered  quite  safe,  being  thereby  rendered  very  dan- 
gerous. Each  shoal  extends  nearly  a  mile  in  a  North  and  South,  and  about 
half  a  mile  in  an  East  and  West  direction.  These  dangers  were  examined 
in  H.M.S.  Rifleman,  in  1863. 

H.M.S.  Scout  passed  over  the  edge  of  the  former  patch,  in  4  fathoms.  The 
least  water  found  by  the  Rifleman  was  2  fathoms,  which  lies  S.S.W.  ^  W. 
4f  miles  from  the  West  Bruni  Patch,  and  W.  by  S.  i  S.  12  miles  from  Keti 
Islet. 

The  Victoria  Patch  waa  discovered  by  H.M  I.N.  eteam-vessel  Victoria,  16th 


BRUNI  PATCHES- PELONG  POCKS.  489 

August,  1860,  and  the  least  water  obtained  upon  it  was  17  ft.  It  bears 
S.S.W.  i  W.  7  miles  from  the  West  Bruni  Patch;  S.  by  W.  f  W.  2  miles 
from  the  Scout  Patch,  and  W.  by  S.  |  S.  13  miles  from  Keti  Islet. 

A  2^  fathom  patch,  discovered  in  1860,  lies  2  miles  westward  of  Victoria 
Patch,  and  a  4J  fathom  patch  to  the  S.W.  of  it. 

The  only  mark  to  clear  these  dangers  is  a  bearing  of  Keti  Islet,  which  is 
just  visible  at  a  distance  of  12  miles. 

BRUNI  PATCHES.— From  the  Ampa  Patch,  steering  easterly,  the  water 
gradually  shoals  from  17  to  7  fathoms;  when  on  the  parallel  of  5°  N.,  and 
with  Bruni  Cliffs  (above  which  cleared  or  bald  hills  will  be  noticed),  bearing 
E.  by  S.  nearly  10  miles,  a  series  of  coral  patches  will  be  found,  extending 
4  miles  East  and  West,  and  2  miles  North  and  South,  leaving  a  channel 
within  of  4  miles  free  from  danger.  From  these  patches,  on  which  2  fathoms 
were  found,  Pisang  Mount  may  be  seen  bearing  East. 

Two-Fathoms  Rock. — Among  the  off-shore  dangers  a  single  cast  of  2  fa- 
thoms lies  with  Bruni  white  cliffs,  bearing  S.W.  by  S.  distant  10  miles, 
and  Bruni  bluff  S.E.  by  E.  J  E.  7  miles.  Woody  Peak  in  line  with  Bruni 
white  cliffs  leads  directly  on  it. 

Outlying  Shoals.— During  the  passage  of  H.M.S.  Iron  Bulce,  in  1872,  from 
Singapore  to  Labuan,  soundings  were  obtained  in  5  fathoms  in  lat.  5°  5'  N., 
long.  114°  40' E.,  about  4^  miles  N.N.W.  of  the  Bruni  Patches,  with  the 
eastern  extreme  of  the  Bruni  cliffs  bearing  S.E.  f  E. 

Colombo  Shoal  is  placed  on  the  chart  in  lat.  5°  13'  N.,  long.  114°  44'  E.  It 
has  5  fathoms  water  over  it. 

Information  was  also  received  from  the  captain  of  a  vessel  trading  between 
Labuan  and  Singapore,  of  a  similar  patch  about  16  miles  to  the  N.E.  of  that 
found  by  the  Iron  Bulce,  reported  to  be  in  lat.  5°  13'  N.,  long.  114°  53'  E. 
This  position  was  determined  from  cross  bearings  of  Kuraman  Island  and 
Mount  Pisang. 

GTTNTJNG  MALU,  in  the  interior,  is  the  highest  mountain  noticed  in  this 
part  of  Borneo.  It  is  in  lat.  4°  5'  20"  N.,  long.  114°  55'  8"  E.,  and  rises  in  a 
conical  form,  slightly  flattened  at  the  apex,  to  an  elevation  of  8,000  ft.  It 
can  be  seen  90  miles,  and  is  visible  from  Labuan  to  20  miles  southward  of 
Barram,  a  range  of  100  miles. 

BRUNI  BLUFF  slopes  easterly  to  Pisang  Point,  where  the  sea  at  times 
breaks  heavily.  The  land  rises  to  600  ft.  at  Mount  Pisang,  which  derives  its 
name  from  pisang,  plantain  in  Malay.  It  is  bare  on  the  crown,  excepting  a 
small  patch  of  trees  on  its  summit,  and  it  forms  the  tail  of  a  long  range 
extending  about  12  miles  towards  the  city  of  Bruni,  and  exhibits  traces  of 
coal  throughout.     Numerous  sandstone  cliffs  show  to  the  northward. 

PELONG  ROCKS,  lying    2    miles  North  of  Bruni  Bluff,  consist  of  four 

1.    A.  3    R 


490  NOETH-WEST  COAST  OF  BOENEO. 

separate  rocks  stretching  to  the  northward  ;  the  water  is  deep  close-to,  and 
the  channel  between  them  and  the  bluff  is  safe.  W.  by  N.  ;^  N  distant  6 
miles  is  the  2-fathoms  rock  before  described,  having  5  fathoms  immediately 
surrounding  it,  outside  of  which  there  are  10  fathoms. 

The  main  channel  leading  to  the  E.N.E.  from  the  Pelong  Eocks'  may  be 
safely  worked,  even  at  night,  in  fine  weather.  It  is  about  4  miles  in  width, 
and  is  everywhere  safe  in  16  fathoms. 

Directions. — Between  Sirik  and  Barram  Points,  steamers  or  vessels  having 
a  fair  wind  may  steer  to  pass  the  latter  4  or  5  miles  off.  There  is  nothing 
in  that  track  excepting  the  coral  patches  off  the  Bintula  Eiver  (page  487), 
over  which  there  are  said  to  be  9  and  10  fathoms  water.  Neither  are  there 
any  known  dangers  in  the  offing  nearer  than  the  Luconia  breakers.  Vessels 
working  against  the  monsoons  will  find  more  regular  tides  in  shore,  but  they 
must  guard  against  the  effects  of  the  indraught  of  the  flood  tide  into  the 
several  rivers. 

Between  Sirik  and  Tatan  Points  they  may  stand  safely  into  8  or  7  fathoms, 
but  between  Tatan  and  Barram  Points  it  does  not  appear  to  be  safe  to  stand 
into  less  than  12  fathoms,  the  soundings  decreasing  suddenly  from  that  depth, 
and  the  whole  line  of  the  coast  is  said  to  be  studded  with  sudden  dangers 
from  the  instant  the  trees  can  be  discerned. 

Prom  Barram  Point  to  Labuan,  or  to  the  entrance  of  the  Bruni  Eiver,  it 
is  proper,  as  previously  remarked,  to  keep  outside  all  the  dangers  between 
Barram  Point  and  Bruni  Bluff. 

BRUNI  RIVER. — The  city  and  Malay  state  of  Bruni  have  given  their 
name  to  the  largest  island  in  the  world,  if  Australia  is  reckoned  as  a  con- 
tinent. The  modern  name  being  synonymous  with  Borneo,  as  spelt  by  older 
authors.  It  has  been  visited  by  European  vessels  for  the  coal  which  exists 
in  great  abundance  on  the  N.W.  shore  of  the  river.  The  trade  of  the  port 
of  Bruni  is  almost  exclusively  carried  on  with  the  British  settlements  of 
Singapore  and  Labuan,  steamers  running  regularly  between  these  places. 
The  trade  is  much  the  same  as  that  described  at  Labuan.  In  1875  exports 
were  valued  at  £36,663  ;  imports  at  £36,672.  The  chief  export  was  sago 
to  the  value  of  £17,835,  and  the  chief  import  cotton  clothes,  valued  at 
£13,448. 

The  port  of  Bruni  lies  about  15  miles  up  the  river  of  that  name,  the 
navigation  of  which  is  easy,  but  an  artificial  bar,  which  was  constructed 
about  300  years  ago  for  purposes  of  defence,  obstructs  the  free  passage  near 
the  island  of  Cherimon.  At  this  spot,  however,  the  river  itself  keeps  a 
narrow  channel  clear,  sufl5ciently  deep,  at  all  times,  for  small  craft,  but  large 
ships  can  only  pass  the  bar  during  high  water.  The  town  is  called  by  travel- 
lers a  "  water  city,"  the  houses  being  built  on  piles  driven  into  the  mud  on 
either  side  of  the  main  stream  of  the  river.  Its  population,  chiefly  Maho- 
metan, is  estimated  to  number  35,000.     The  situation  is  considered  healthy. 


BEUNI  RIVER.  491 

Tlie  river  and  its  approaches  were  origiually  surveyed  by  Captain  Drink- 
water  Bethune,  R.N.,  in  1845,  and  this  chart,  with  subsequent  remarks, 
forms  the  basis  of  the  ensuing  description.  Brief  and  later  directions  will 
be  found  on  page  493. 

The  mouth  of  the  Bruni  River  waS  especially  examined  by  Lieutenant 
Gordon,  in  H.M.S.  Royalist,  and  he  observes : — "  There  are  no  good  marks 
for  entering,  and  I  do  not  think  there  could  be  better  directions  than  those 
given  by  Mr.  Kirton  in  the  old  chart.  — Thus  :  '  Do  not  come  within  4 J  miles 
of  the  S.E.  point  of  Moaro  Island  until  it  is  brought  to  bear  S.W.  by  W. 
or  W.S.W.,  then  stand  right  for  it,  as  the  Moaro  Reef  trends  neao-ly  N.E. 
for  3  or  4  miles.' 

''Moaro  lieefis  all  sand,  and  has  two  or  three  small  rocks  near  the  sea;  it 
is  only  dry  near  the  island  at  low  water,  but  the  whole  of  it  is  very  shoal ; 
coming  near  it  may  always  be  known  by  the  soundings  changing  from  mud 
to  sand." 

This  rule  of  sand  is  not  always  a  sure  guide,  as  sand  will  be  found  on  the 
Sundar  Spit,  and  at  night,  or  after  sunset,  a  vessel  obtaining  4  fathoms,  sand 
may  be  induced  to  steer  easterly,  and  thus  become  fixed  for  a  tide  on  the 
Sundar  Spit. 

Some  little  experience  in  this  locality,  and  as  far  up  as  the  city  of  Bruni, 
induce  the  following :  The  whole  region  about  the  entrance  to  the  Bruni 
abounds  in  dangers,  demanding  extreme  caution,  and  the  banks  appear  to 
have  changed  their  outline  since  the  old  chart  was  constructed.  Entering 
by  the  Moaro  Shoal,  endeavour  to  keep  in  10  fathoms,  or  until  reaching  a 
depth  of  5  fathoms,  having  Mount  Pisang  open  of  the  northern  extreme  of 
Moaro  Island  on  the  bearing  W.  by  S.  ^  S.  Or,  running  down  from  the 
northward,  bring  it  on  that  bearing  and  steer  for  Sapo  Point,  until  having 
passed  over  5  fathoms,  sand,  depths  of  6  fathoms  or  less,  mud,  are  obtained. 

If  the  bearings  can  be  depended  on,  and  the  outline  of  Moaro  can  be 
seen  (trees  northward),  this  course  should  lead  directly  up  to  the  extremity 
of  Moaro  Spit.* 

Tree  Peak  in  line  witli  Sapo  Point  bearing  about  S.W.  by  W.  i  W.  just 
clears  Sundar  Spit  in  3  fathoms. 

Now,  at  the  present  day,  when  every  navigator  handles  his  sextant  with 
ease,  let  him  bring  Mount  Pisang  to  bear  W.  by  S.  i  S.,  and  steer  for  it 
until  Mount  Say  subtends  an  angle  of  18^.  He  will  then  know  distinctly 
his  position,  and  from  thence  he  may  be  enabled  practically  to  reach  the 
anchorage  off  Moaro  securely. 

*  Sapo  Point  is  low,  -with  a  few  shrubs,  but  there  are  (or  were)  high  trees  about  7  cables' 
lengths  westward  of  it,  which  are  seen  10  or  12  miles.  A  stranger  would  not  be  able  to 
recognise  Mount  Say  without  a  good  description  of  it,  on  account  of  the  numerous  hills. 
It  is  a  sharp  cone,  having  an  elbow  at  right  angles  on  one  side,  and  is  seen  over  the  hills 
close  to  the  sea  shore. — Navigatins-Licutenant  Russell,  H.M.S.  Reitnard,  1863. 


492  NORTH-WEST  COAST  OF  BOENEO. 

Having  proceeded  as  directed,  steer  now  direct  for  Mount  Say  and  -watch 
the  angle  of  Pisang  with  Mount  Say,  until  it  reaches  22°  30',  when  the  vessel 
will  be  in  the  fair  channel  in  6  fathoms,  mud. 

It  is  important  to  bear  in  mind  that  the  course  of  the  ebb  is  about  N.E.  ^ 
E.,  whereas  that  of  the  flood  sets  about  S.E.  across  Sundar  Spit,  on  the 
starboard  beam  of  a  vessel  entering,  and  vice  versa  departing.  Due  allow- 
ance should  be  made  for  this,  and  the  hand-lead  allowed  to  remain  at  the 
bottom  a  few  minutes,  if  in  doubt,  to  determine  not  only  the  set  of  the  ship, 
but  also  if  she  overcomes  the  tide. 

As  soon  as  Sapo  Point  can  be  distinctly  seen,  it  should  be  kept  a  little 
open  of  Tree  Peak  on  its  proper  constant  bearing,  but  if  the  flood  tide  be 
running  it  must  be  kept  on  the  starboard  bow.  There  is  no  fear  of  danger 
on  that  side,  and  Sapo  Point  must  be  hugged  closely,  to  avoid  the  Tapayan 
sands,  the  flood  running  with  considerable  force  past  Sapo  Point.  The  vessel 
should  be  rounded  to  starboard,  and  the  anchor  let  go  immediately  on  round- 
ing the  point,  which  will  ensure  the  best  berth. 

The  ebb  tide  strikes  into  the  embayed  coast  line  of  Moaro,  and  forces  the 
tide  easterly,  until  it  clears  the  point ;  precaution  should  therefore  be  observed 
to  prevent  the  tide  setting  the  vessel  on  to  the  eastern  tongue. 

Such  instructions  have  proved  a  sufficient  guide  to  enter  rivers  much  more 
intricate  than  that  of  Bruni ;  and  where  the  safety  of  a  vessel  is  involved, 
neither  the  trouble  of  pilotage  from  aloft,  nor  the  practice  of  the  more  im- 
proved modes,  by  reliable  instruments,  should  induce  any  seaman  to  omit 
making  use  of  the  facilities  which  correct  charts  thus  afibrd. 

Vessels  anchoring  here  should  have  an  anchor  well  to  the  eastward,  as 
night  squalls  frequently  drive  vessels  from  their  anchors. 

Water  may  be  obtained  near  the  beach,  but  unless  driven  by  necessity, 
its  use  should  be  avoided.  It  is  of  a  dark  colour,  strongly  impregnated  by 
peat,  and  probably  affected  by  naphtha  springs,  or  pyrites  connected  with 
the  underlying  coal.* 


*  A  good  channel,  beaconed  with  a  least  depth  of  18  ft  at  high  water,  leads  up  to  it. 
The  first  and  last  of  these  beacons  on  ttie  starboard  or  northern  side  are  distinguished  by 
a  sort  of  ball  on  their  summits,  the  space  between  and  also  the  port  side  of  the  channel 
being  marked  by  branches  of  trees.  Vessels  intending  to  take  this  channel  may,  after 
rounding  Sapo  Point,  steer  along  the  South  coast  of  Moaro  or  at  a  discretionary  distance, 
according  to  the  depth  of  water,  which  decreases  gradually  towards  the  island,  taking  care 
not  to  open  Mount  Pisang  of  Bowong  Point  until  clear  of  the  Tapayan  shoals,  and  when 
approaching  Bowong  Point  keep  a  good  look-out  for  the  beacons  on  either  hand,  between 
which  the  vessel  is  to  pass.  A  tolerable  mark  through  between  the  beacons  is  a  small  elbow 
on  the  northern  part  of  Mount  Pisang,  iu  line  with  some  white  cottages  below  it,  bearing 
W.  by  N.  or  W.N.W.  Strangers  should  procure  a  pilot,  as  the  beacons  are  liable  to  be 
washed  away. — Navigating  Lieutenant  H,  S.  Ley,  H.M.S.  Cormorant,  \%bT. 


BEUNI  EIVER.  493 

Sapo  Point  to  Bruni. — The  course  of  the  river  from  Sapo  Point  to  Bruui, 
the  capital  of  Borneo  proper,  may  generally  be  discerned  by  the  lines  of 
fishing  stakes,  which,  at  the  period  of  Lieut.  Gordon's  visit  appeared  to  ter- 
minate by  the  fishing  stage  in  deep  water,  and  alternately  on  either  bank, 
Thus,  by  leaving  the  first  on  the  left,  second  on  the  right,  &c.,  the  channel 
was  easily  traced  by  the  boats. 

Mount  Pisang  and  Bowong  Point  (the  south-western  extreme  of  Moaro) 
in  line  clears  both  the  Tapayan  Spits ;  and  Mount  Say  kept  open  eastward  of 
Jagar  Ridge  leads  up  to  the  bar. 

On  nearing  the  islands  Churmin  and  Ingaran  (literally,  Churmin,  brio-ht 
like  a  looking-glass,  and  Areng,  coal),  the  channel  between  Ingaran  and  the 
main  may  be  taken  by  boats.  But  the  ship  canal  has  been  artificially  nar- 
rowed by  stones  laid  down,  continuous  with  the  reef  from  Ingaran,  so  as  to 
compel  vessels  to  pass  under  the  guns  of  the  forts  on  the  North  end  of 
Churmin.  The  result  has  been  to  cause  the  current  to  cut  a  deep  channel 
round  the  point  of  Churmin,  and,  entering  with  the  flood,  it  requires  very 
great  caution,  from  the  sudden  turn  from  South  to  N.N.W.,  to  prevent 
being  thrown  on  the  breakwater  to  starboard,  or  the  Churmin  Rocks  to  port. 
Fortunately  the  channel  then  leads  by  a  moderate  curvature  to  the  western 
shore,  after  which  a  course  mid-channel,  and  moderate  attention  to  the  chart, 
will  carry  safely  uy  to  the  city,  the  anchorage  being  at  the  opening  leading 
to  the  palace  in  6  fathoms. 

"  The  Barou  Islands  may  be  recognised  on  approach,  the  southern  being 
high  and  rounded,  the  northern  low,  with  two  conspicuous  clumps  of  large 
trees  close  together.  Mount  Say  be  known  by  taking  its  bearing  on  approach  ; 
it  appears  the  northern  of  three  hills  of  similar  elevation,  and  has  a  steep 
notched  shoulder  on  the  right,  which  is  the  leading  mark.  If  not  made  out 
before,  after  passing  Sapo  Point  it  will  be  the  right-hand  hill  seen  over  River 
Point."— Commander  Bullock,  H.M.S.  Serpent,  1866. 

"To  enter:  After  passing  Sapo  Point,  steer  to  the  westward,  and  brin"' 
Mount  Say  to  bear  S.W.  |  W.  open  East  of  Jagar  Ridge,  until  Sapo  Point 
bears  N.E.  by  E.  \  E.,  when  alter  course  to  S.W.  by  W.  h  W.,  keeping 
Mount  Pisang  astern.  When  Mount  Pisang  bears  N.  by  E.  ^  E.,  a  stake 
beacon  should  be  seen,  which  leave  about  half  a  cable  on  the  port  hand 
then  steer  S.  by  W,  ^  W.,  keeping  Mount  Pisang  astern.  When  Mount 
Say  comes  just  clear  of  Jagar  Ridge,  the  vessel  should  be  between  two 
stake  beacons  lying  E.  by  N.  and  W.  by  S.  from  each  other.  From  the 
beacons  alter  course  to  S.S.W.,  which  should  lead  mid-channel  between  the 
beacons  on  South  Bar  bank  and  Barrier  beacon." — Navigating  Sub-Lieut. 
E.  H.  WelHngs,  H.M.S.  Lily,  1876. 

H.M.S.  Lily  in  crossing  the  bar  at  high  water  by  the  above-mentioned 
channel,  had  not  less  than  14  ft.  water,  bottom  soft  mud.     At  spring- tides, 


494  NORTH-WEST  COAST  OF  BORNEO. 

2  ft.  more  water  would  probably  be  found.  The  flood-tide  in  the  channel 
sets  on  to  the  barrier  of  stones. 

In  the  river  above  Barrier  beacon,  considerably  less  water  was  found  by 
the  Lili/t  in  the  month  of  May,  than  is  shown  on  the  chart.  The  bank 
which  extends  from  the  North  shore  of  the  river,  4  miles  above  Asing 
Point,  has  extended  farther  out  than  was  formerly  marked  on  the  chart. 

Tides. — By  the  chart  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  the  Bruni  River 
at  ll*",  and  springs  rise  12  ft. 

Commander  Bullock  remarks  :  — "  From  good  information  from  the  best 
Labuan  pilot,  the  ordinary  rise  at  springs  is  8  ft.,  occasionally  9  ft.  There 
is  a  greater  range  in  November,  December,  and  January.  From  January 
to  June  the  high  tides  occur  at  night ;  from  July  to  December  in  the  day- 
time.    The  intermediate  high  water  rises  only  1^  ft.  above  the  mean  level." 

Supplies. — Fresh  water  may  be  obtained  from  a  spring  near  the  base  of 
the  Kianghi,  where  the  natives  will  be  observed  filling  their  bamboos.  The 
entire  range  of  this  mountain,  terminating  at  Bruni  bluff,  is  probably  com- 
posed of  coal,  which  in  many  positions  crops  to  the  surface.  The  market  of 
Bruni,  carried  on  by  numerous  canoes,  supplies  poultry,  eggs,  deer,  fruit, 
vegetables,  &c.  The  trade  is  the  same  as  that  (described  on  page  496)  of 
Labuan. 

The  water  buffalo  were  used  for  beef;  but  bullocks  of  good  quality  are  to 
be  obtained  through  the  Kadyans  or  Dyak  race  of  this  region,  the  Malays 
not  being  a  pastoral  or  farming  race. 

The  LABTJAN  GROUP,  a  dependency  of  Great  Britain  since  1845,  com- 
prehends Labuan,  Kuraman,  Burong  (or  Bird  Island),  Rusukan  Besar  (or 
Great  Rusukun,  supposed  to  be  connected  with  deer),  Rusukan  Kechil  (or 
Little  Rusukan),  EniJe,  Pappan  (or  Coolin  Pappan),  and  Daat.* 

Labuan,  the  largest  of  the  group,  extends  about  10  miles  in  a  N.E,  by  N. 
and  S.W.  by  S.  direction,  forming  an  obtuse-angled  triangle  on  this  base, 
and  having  about  5  miles  width  at  the  vertex,  where  it  would  perpendicu- 
larly bisect  the  base.  This  supposed  division  into  two  right-angled  triangles 
would  divide  the  island  into  nearly  equal  portions,  the  northern  being  the 
solid  land,  and  the  southern  marshy,  or  intersected  by  streams. 

There  is  good  timber  on  the  north-western  point  of  the  island,  but  it  was 
more  easily  obtained  on  the  southern  portion  at  the  watering  place  about  1 


•  The  signification  of  the  word  Labuan  in  the  Malay  language  is  anchoring-place.  In 
Marsden's  Dictionary  it  is  written  Labuh-an  ;  but  this  has  eventually,  or  by  the  dropping 
of  the  h,  fallen  into  its  present  use. 

Labuan  was  given  to  the  English  in  1845  as  a  port  or  trading  station  ;  and  a  right  was 
secured  for  British  subjects  to  reside  or  trade  in  any  part  of  the  dominions  of  the  Sultan 
of  Borneo.  In  recent  years  it  has  been  proposed  to  bring  the  government  of  Labuan  under 
the  administration  of  the  Straits  Settlements. 


THE  LABUAN  GROUP.  495 

mile  from  Kiamsan  Point,  the  S.W.  point  of  the  island.  It  was  used  for 
boat  plank,  timbers,  and  knees,  being  a  rough  description  of  poon,  varying 
much  in  solidity,  from  the  centre,  which  was  very  dense,  to  the  outer  coating, 
■which  resembled  cedar.  The  watering  place  is  well  marked  by  the  termina- 
tion of  a  range  of  casuarina  trees  at  a  bright  sandy  beach  at  the  northern 
bend  of  the  bay.  The  supply  is  abundant,  landing  easy,  on  a  sandy  beach, 
and  boats  lie  safe  within  convenient  distance  for  hoses.  It  is  almost  in 
connection  with  a  salt-water  pool,  which  may  cause  some  mistake.  At  low 
■water  large  and  excellent  oysters  may  be  found  attached  to  the  rocks,  then 
laid  bare. 

The  North  end  of  Labuan  is  the  highest  part  of  the  island,  its  summit, 
topped  by  trees,  being  elevated  460  ft.,  and  appearing,  when  seen  from  the 
North,  as  two  peaks  of  equal  height.  It  is  surrounded  by  sandstone  cliffs, 
and  an  extensive  reef  stretches  off  the  northern  point ;  a  continuation  of  this 
belts  the  island,  offering  occasional  breaks  admitting  boats.  The  northern 
portion  is  worked  for  coal,  and  convenient  anchorage  for  vessels  of  any 
draught  may  be  foimd  off  Koubong  bluff.  Steam  vessels  can  approach  to 
a  cable's  length  of  the  beach. 

A  reef  extending  from  the  point  off  Koubong  Bluff  affords  a  good  founda- 
tion for  a  jetty,  but  a  heavy  sea  occasionally  tumbles  in  upon  this  coast 
during  the  N.E.  monsoon  ;  vessels  should  therefore,  in  that  monsoon,  an- 
chor well  out  in  a  safe  position  for  getting  away,  and  veer  in  for  coalino-. 

The  best  spars  can  be  obtained  here,  and  after  rain  a  stream  of  reddish 
water  flows  over  the  rocks  to  the  sea. 

Fresh  dangers  are  frequently  discovered  off  the  northern  reef,  and  great 
vigilance  is  necessary,  the  lead  affording  no  warning ;  the  patches,  when  the 
sun  is  visible,  exhibit  a  light  green  hue,  and  a  peculiar  heave  of  the  sea  may 
be  detected  by  a  vigilant  observer.  A  breaking  patch  lies  2^  miles  to  the 
N.N.E.  of  the  point. 

COAL. — The  coal  seams  extend  the  length  and  breadth  of  Labuan ;  the 
mines  are  at  the  North  end  of  the  island.  The  coal  produces  satisfactory 
results,  and  is  exported  to  Hong  Kong  and  elsewhere,  but  it  burns  rapidly. 
In  1848  the  value  of  the  coal  exported  amounted  to  £600,  and  in  1874  to 
£3,451.  The  quantity  raised  fluctuates  largely  from  year  to  year  ;  in  1866 
it  was  valued  at  £11,995.  Recent  endeavours  have  been  made  to  reach  an 
11 -ft.  seam,  but  great  difficulty  arises  from  the  badness  of  the  pumping  ma- 
chinery, which  is  not  able  to  cope  with  the  water  in  the  mine.  In  December, 
1874,  a  depth  of  96  fathoms  had  been  reached,  and  three  separate  seams  of 
6^  ft.,  3  ft.,  and  4^  ft.  had  been  discovered.  The  price,  in  1874,  did  not 
exceed  5  dollars  50  cents  per  ton  free  on  board,  15  dollars  per  ton  being  the 
cost  in  the  neighbouring  colonies.. 

The  railroad  from  the  mines  to  the  shipping  place  at  Tanj  ong  Kubono', 


496  NOEXn-WEST  COAST  OF  BORNEO. 

including  a  substantial  jetty,   was  constructed  in  1862.     A  new   wharf  was 
commenced  in  1874. 

The  climate  of  Labuan  closely  resembles  that  of  the  warm  summer  months 
in  the  South  of  Ireland.  Temperature  ranges  between  71°  and  90°.  Eain 
falls  plentifully,  but  chiefly  in  the  night. 

Supplies. — Fresh  beef  can  be  procured  in  Labuan.  Vegetation  is  luxu- 
riant, and  the  finest  fruit  is  grown  ;  oranges,  pummellos,  mangoes,  man- 
gosteens,  pine-apples,  bananas,  &c.,  can  be  got  in  abundance. 

Fish  is  plentiful  and  cheap,  and  fowls  can  be  purchased,  but  nearly  every- 
thing is  very  dear.  The  water  in  Victoria  Harbour  is  bad ;  it  can  be  pro- 
cured at  high  tide. 

The  long  continued  prevalence  of  cholera  in  1876,  and  the  previous  out- 
break of  small-pox  in  1873,  had  had  a  very  depressing  influence  on  trade. 

Labuan  may  be  considered  an  outport  to  Singapore,  as  here  the  produce 
of  the  neighbouring  coasts  and  of  the  Sooloo  Islands  is  collected  for  re- 
shipment  to  Singapore,  which  is  distant  707  miles.  The  total  imports 
into  the  colony  during  the  year  1875  were  valued  by  the  importers  at 
£119,362  ;  of  these  there  came  from  Singapore  £67,105,  and  from  the  coast 
of  Borneo  £52,257.  The  exports  were  in  all  £114,332,  of  which  £63,229 
went  to  Singapore ;  the  exports  to  the  coast  of  Borneo,  being  taken  as  of 
equal  value  to  the  imports  with  which  they  are  purchased,  represent  a  total 
of  £51,103.  Copper  coinage,  in  1875,  was  replacing  on  the  coast  of  Borneo 
the  cumbrous  forms  of  metallic  currency  formerly  prevalent  there. 

Exports  in  1874,  taking  them  in  order  of  importance,  were  as  follows  :  — 
Sago,  £30,109;  birds'  nests,  £4,342;  india-rubber,  £3,867  (decreasing); 
coal,  bees'-wax,  specie,  rattans,  camphor,  tortoise-shell,  pearls,  hides,  dam- 
mar, gutta-percha,  sharks'  fins,  &c.  The  principal  articles  in  use  at  Labuan 
and  adjacent  coasts  are — brass,  brass  dishes,  wire  and  other  brassware,  boxes, 
candles,  cotton  cloth,  cotton  thread,  thread  for  embroidery,  earthenware, 
gambler,  gongs,  gunpowder,  iron  bars,  empty  jars,  muskets,  opium,  salt, 
sugar,  tobacco,  &c.,  &c.,  all  of  which  are  obtained  from  Singapore  by  the 
Labuan  traders.  A  very  good  breed  of  ponies  might  be  procured  in  consi- 
derable numbers  on  the  N.W.  coast  of  Borneo,  also  at  Cagayan  Sooloo,  and 
more  at  Sooloo  itself. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Victoria  Harbour  at  9"*  45""  ; 
springs  rise  6  ft.,  neaps  4^  ft.  There  are  two  regular  tides  in  the  day,  but 
in  the  S.W.  monsoon  the  night  tide  does  not  rise  as  high  as  the  day  tide, 
and  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  the  night  tide  is  the  highest.  In  the  slack  of  the 
monsoon  the  rise  of  the  tides  is  equal. 

VICTORIA  HARBOUR,  on  the  S.E.  side  of  Labuan,  is  well  sheltered  in 
both  monsoons.  The  general  depths  in  it  are  from  4  to  10  fathoms,  over 
a  bottom  of  stiflf  mud,  decreasing  gradually  as  the  head  of  the  harbour  is 
approached.     Moor  open  hawse  to  the  S.E.,  as  strong  gusts  from  South  to 


LABUAN.  497 

East  occur,  particularly  at  night.  The  atmosphere  here  is  oppressive,  and 
unless  compelled  to  remain,  it  is  preferable  to  anchor  South  of  Pappan 
Island,  where  the  full  strength  of  land  and  sea  breezes  will  be  experienced. 
The  shores  of  the  harbour  are  bordered  with  sand-banks,  which  dry  at 
low  water.  On  the  West  side  they  extend  off  nearly  3  cables,  and  are  in- 
terspersed with  patches  of  rocks  and  stones.  On  the  North  side  the  bank 
does  not  extend  more  than  a  cable  from  the  shore.  Each  side  they  are 
steep-to ;  at  half  a  cable's  length  from  where  the  sand  dries  there  is  deep 
water. 

Rusukan  Kechil,  one  of  the  group  of  islands  off  the  S.W.  extremity 
of  Labuan,  was  selected  by  Sir  E.  Belcher  for  the  astronomical  position, 
being  convenient  for  the  survey,  and  solid  ground.  Its  eastern  sandy 
tongue  is  the  point  on  which  the  observations  were  made. 

Vessels  visiting  this  group,  simply  for  rating  chronometers  on  Little  Ru- 
sukan,  should  give  it  a  clear  berth  to  the  southward  of  3  miles,  hauling  up 
when  the  western  extremes  of  Great  Eusukan  and  Kuraman  are  in  line, 
and  avoiding  the  2^-fathom  patch  to  the  south-eastward  of  the  former,  by 
bringing  Little  Eusukan  on  either  outline  of  Kuraman,  anchor  in  11  fathoms 
about  1  mile  East  of  Little  Eusukan,  where  good  landing  may  be  found  on 
the  northern  beach. 

BARAT  BANK  has  2  fathoms  on  it,  and  its  outer  extremity  lies  S.W.  | 
W.  3|  miles  from  Great  Eusukan,  the  soundings  decreasing  suddenly  from 
30  to  10  fathoms  near  it.  It  is  therefore  prudent  not  to  haul  up  for  Great 
Eusukan  until  it  bears  N.E.,  preserving  the  depth  of  about  15  fathoms  on 
an  E.N.E.  course  until  Great  Eusukan  is  open  westerly  of  Kuraman,  when 
the  course  to  Pappan  is  free  from  danger.  Preserving  a  depth  of  15  fathoms 
will  keep  you  clear  of  a  3i-fathom  patch  which  lies  1  mile  South  of  Great 
Eusukanjand  4  cables  S.E.  of  a  breaking  patch. 

Lieutenant  Gordon  observes  : — "  Between  the  S.W.  point  of  Labuan  and 
Kuraman  is  a  passage  between  reefs,  but  I  do  not  consider  it  safe." 

Formosa  Hock  lies  in  the  channel  between  Kuraman  Island  and  Kiamsan 
Point,  with  the  latter  bearing  N.N.E.  -^  E.,  and  Burong  Island  East. 

Trident  Shoal,  lying  S.S.W.  ^  W.,  nearly  a  mile  from  Enoe  Island,  is  a 
coral  patch  2  cables  long,  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.,  and  one  cable  broad,  with 
only  1  fathom  on  it  at  low  water.  The  North  extreme  of  Daat  Island  just 
touching  the  South  end  of  Pappan  clears  it  to  the  southward,  and  the  flag- 
staff on  Eamsay  Point  open  East  oF  Enoe  clears  it  to  the  eastward.  There 
is  a  passage  2  cables  wide,  with  a  depth  of  6  fathoms,  between  it  and  the 
shoal  running  off  Enoe. 

Enoe  Island. — The  shoal  surrounding  this  island  consists  of  sand,  with 
occasional  patches  of  rocks  and  stones.     It  runs  off  7  cables  to  the  north- 

I.A.  3  s 


498  NORTH-WEST  COAST  OF  BORNEO. 

■ward,  3^  to  the  southward,  and  3  cables  to  the  eastward  of  the  island,  and 
on  the  "West  side  joins  the  coral  reefs  stretching  out  from  Labuan.  A  beacon 
(consisting  of  stakes  lashed  at  the  top)  is  placed  on  its  N.E.  extreme  in  4 
fathoms  water,  with  the  summit  of  Enoe  bearing  S.W.  ^  S.,  distant  nearly 
7  cables,  flagstaff  on  Ramsay  Point  N.N.E.,  1  mile,  and  extreme  of  man- 
grove on  Hamilton  Point,  West,  nearly  8  cables.  The  shoal  is  steep-to 
on  all  sides  ;  at  a  cable  distant  from  where  it  dries  are  from  6  to  7  fathoms 
water. 

Pappan  Island  is  flat,  and  covered  with  trees,  the  tops  of  which  are 
124  ft.  above  the  sea  level.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  shoal  which  extends  a 
cable's  distance  from  the  North  shore,  2  cables  from  the  West,  and  3  cables 
from  the  South  shores,  and  to  the  westward  it  is  only  separated  by  a  small 
passage  three-quarters  of  a  cable  wide  from  the  reefs  running  off  Daat 
Island  and  the  main  coast  of  Borneo.  A  Je«cow  is  placed  on  the  S.W.  ex- 
treme of  the  shoal  in  4  fathoms,  and  from  it  the  S.W.  end  of  Pappan  bears 
N.E.  ^  N.  2f  cables,  the  summit  of  Enoe  W.  \  S.  1^  mile,  and  the  flagstaff 
on  Ramsay  Point  N.N.W.  ^  W.,  li  mile. 

Outer  Shoal,  lying  between  Pappan  and  Enoe  Island,  is  a  cable  in  extent, 
consists  of  coral,  and  has  only  3  ft.  on  it  at  low  water.  A  beacon  with  a  black 
ball  is  placed  in  1 J  fathom  on  its  East  side,  close  to  the  shoalest  part,  and 
from  it  the  flagstaff  on  Ramsay  Point  bears  N.  \  W.  12  cables ;  summit  of 
Enoe  Island  W.  by  S.  f  S.,  nearly  a  mile ;  Pappan  beacon  E.  by  S.  f  S., 
two-thirds  of  a  mile  ;  and  Enoe  beacon  N.W.  by  W.  J  W.,  half  a  mile.  The 
passage  between  the  Outer  Shoal  and  Pappan  beacon  is  6  cables  wide,  and 
has  depths  of  12  to  25  fathoms  ;  the  passage  between  it  and  Enoe  beacon  is 
4  cables  wide,  and  has  9  to  11  fathoms. 

Harbour  Shoal,  lying  between  Ramsay  Point  and  Enoe  Island,  is  a  small 
coral  patch,  half  a  cable  in  extent,  with  1^  fathom  least  water  on  it.  A 
beacon  with  a  white  ball  is  placed  near  the  centre  of  the  shoal,  and  from  it 
the  flagstaff  on  Ramsay  Point  bears  N.  by  E.  ^E.,  distant  6  cables'  lengths ; 
Outer  beacon  S.  by  E.  |  E.,  6^  cables;  and  Enoe  beacon  S.W.  by  S.,  4^ 
cables.     Vessels  may  pass  on  either  side  of  this  shoal. 

Columbine  Beacon.* — From  Ramsay  Point  the  shoal  water  extends  in  an 
E.S.E.  direction  for  7  cables,  when  it  turns  to  the  E.N.E.,  and  curves  gra- 
dually to  the  northward.  The  edge  of  this  bank  is  or  was  marked  by  the 
Columbine  and  Inner  beacons. 


*  Caution. — Mariners  are  cautioned  r'  to  put  confidence  in  the  arrangement  of  the 
beacons  as  placed  on  the  charts  marking  the  approaches  to  Victoria  Harbour.  Columbine 
beacon  and  the  three  beacons  on  the  West  side  of  the  bank  to  the  northward  of  Daat  Island 
do  not  exist.— Mercantile  Marine  Magazine,  June,  1871. 


LABUAN— VICTORIA  HARBOUE.  499 

The  Columbine  beacon,  surmounted  by  a  black  ball,  is  in  3  fathoms  water, 
and  from  it  the  flagstatf  on  Ramsay  Point  bears  W.  \  S.,  nearly  a  mile  ; 
Collier  Head  N.  |  W.,  9J  cables,  and  the  S.W.  point  of  Pappan  Island 
S.  I  W.,  li  mile. 

On  an  old  chart  of  Labuan  a  rock  was  placed  just  to  the  north-east- 
ward of  the  position  of  this  beacon,  but  although  searched  for  carefully, 
nothing  more  than  a  small  patch  of  coral  with  1^  fathom  on  it  was  found, 
just  detached  from  the  edge  of  the  2-fathom  line  of  soundings,  but  inside 
the  line  of  3  fathoms.  The  centre  of  this  patch  is  N.E.  by  N.,  If  cable 
from  the  beacon,  the  3-fathom  line  of  soundings  running  in  a  N.E.  by  E, 
direction,  li  cable  from  the  beacon.  In  the  channel,  1  mile  wide,  between 
Columbine  beacon  and  the  shoal  off  Pappan  Island,  the  soundings  are  irre- 
gular, from  9  to  20  fathoms. 

The  Inner  Beacon  marks  the  edge  of  the  shoal  water  halfway  between 
Columbine  beacon  and  Ramsay  Point.  It  is  in  2  fathoms  at  low  water,  and 
from  it  Columbine  beacon  bears  E.  by  N.  ^  N.,  distant  half  a  mile ;  the  flag- 
staff on  Ramsay  Point  W.  by  N.  half  a  mile ;  and  Collier  Head  N.  by  E.  |  E., 
1^  mile.  Between  these  two  beacons  the  edge  of  the  shoal  curves  a  cable's 
length  to  the  southward  of  a  straight  line  joining  them,  and  between  the 
Inner  beacon  and  the  flagstaff  off  Ramsay  Point  there  is  a  coral  patch  of  1 
fathom  and  another  of  three-quarters  of  a  fathom,  detached  from  the  edge 
of  the  bank,  which  extends  1|  cable  to  the  southward  of  a  straight  line 
joining  the  flagstaff  and  beacon.  Both  patches  are  steep-to,  and  to  avoid 
them  keep  Columbine  beacon  open  of  the  Inner  beacon,  whilst  the  flagstaff 
on  Ramsay  Point  is  on  a  bearing  westward  of  North. 

Two  beacons,  with  a  white  hall  on  each,  are  placed  on  the  western  edge  of  the 
reef  extending  from  Daat  Island  to  Lubedan  Island.  The  southern  one 
stands  about  E.N.E.,  a  little  more  than  2  miles  from  Collier  Head.  The 
northern  one  is  N.E.  |^  N.,  3A  miles  from  the  same  place,  and  N.  f  E.,  nearly 
2  miles  from  the  South  beacon.     (See  note,  p.  498.) 

DIRECTIONS  for  South  Channel.— In  working  into  Victoria  Harbour 
from  the  S.W.,  Pappan  open  to  the  northward  of  Daat  clears  the  Trident 
Shoal  on  one  hand,  and  Burong  open  of  Kiamsan  Point  gives  fair  warning 
of  it  on  the  other.  The  flood  tide  runs  fast  near  Pappan  Island,  and  from 
the  prevailing  winds  it  was  found  advisable  to  hug  its  western  side,  making 
short  boards  to  the  N.E.  until  a  free  course  into  Victoria  Harbour  offered, 
grazing  the  northern  dangers.  Work  up  under  the  South  side  of  Pappan 
until  the  vessel  can  weather  Enoe.  Tack  on  the  first  cast  in  10  fathoms  ;  if 
the  tide  should  tend  to  shut  Little  Rusukan  in  with  EniJe,  keep  away,  as 
thpy  must  be  kept  open  until  near  Pappan,  which  is  bold-to  on  the  West. 
Keep  rap  full,  and  go  round  before  the  vessel  is  swept  past  its  northern  end, 
otherwise  the  eddy  may  bewilder  the  steerage.     Tack  again  in   10  fathoms 


500  NORTH-WEST  COAST  OF  BORNEO. 

before  Great  Rusukan  Peak  opens  inside  of  Enoe.  This  will  clear  the  6-ft, 
patch,  on  which  Burong  Island  will  be  seen  clear  of  Hamilton  Point.  When 
the  northern  bluflfs  are  seen  open  of  Collier  Head,  the  vessel  will  have  a  free 
wind  into  Victoria  Harbour.  Keep  Burong  just  shutting  with  Hamilton 
Point  until  the  harbour  beach  opens,  when  the  vessel  may  safely  round  the 
1 -fathom  tongue,  extending  H  cable's  length  to  the  south-eastward  of  the 
flagstaff,  by  keeping  in  6  fathoms. 

Vessels  wishing  to  sail  in  or  out  of  Victoria  Harbour  should  always  take 
advantage  of  the  land  and  sea  breezes,  instead  of  attempting  to  work  in. 
Arriving  in  the  afternoon  or  at  night,  the  best  way  is  to  anchor  about  half  a 
mile  South  of  the  Outer  shoal  in  10  to  11  fathoms,  weighing  at  daylight  the 
next  morning,  and  running  in  with  the  land  breeze  ;  and  in  leaving  the  har- 
bour wait  for  the  sea  breeze  between  noon  and  1  p.m.,  which  carries  a  vessel 
with  a  fair  wind  past  all  danger. 

North  Channel. — As  regards  the  pilotage  of  this  channel,  much  diversity 
of  opinion  seemed  to  exist,  but,  it  may  be  remarked,  not  by  those  who  made 
the  surveys.  No  difficulty  was  at  any  time  experienced  in  beating  through 
with  the  object  of  determining  the  5-fathom  limit.  The  following,  there- 
fore is  the  result  of  practical  knowledge. 

In  leaving  Victoria  Harbour  by  this  passage  enter  mid-channel  between 
the  shoals  of  Ramsay  Point  and  Daat  Island,  with  Burong  Island  open  of 
Hamilton  Point,  and  when  the  S.E.  point  of  Daat  shuts  in  with  its  S.W. 
angle,  and  Malancassan  Island  opens  off  its  northern  point,  a  N.  f  E.  course 
may  be  steered,  which,  with  the  tide,  and  edging  easterly  on  any  cast  less 
than  5  fathoms,  will  carry  the  vessel  out  in  not  less  than  that  depth.* 

The  westerly  soundings  are  all  safe,  and  dangers  dependent  on  sun's  bear- 
ing, or  before  2  p.m.  visible. 

In  approaching  from  the  northward  steer  for  mid-channel,  but  withal 
nearer  to  Lubedan.  Nothing  less  than  4^  fathoms  water  on  that  shore  wiU 
be  found  until  Lubedan  opens  from  the  distant  tall  trees  of  the  N.E.  coast ; 
then  proceed  direct  for  Pappan  Island,  and  when  Burong  opens  haul  in  for 
the  town  point,  and  anchor  as  before. 

Route  from  Labuan  to  the  Palawan. — Sir  Edward  Belcher  makes  the 
following  observations  on  proceeding  to  sea  from  the  northern  part  of 
Labuan  : — 

As  regards  off-shore  dangers,  the  patches  to  the  northward  rise  suddenly. 

Gordon  Patches. — North,  12  miles  from  Bethune  Head,  is  a  patch  of  4 
fathoms,  with  patches  of  5,  6,  and  7  fathoms  1-^-  mile  to  N.W.  of  it,  and  one 
or  two  detached  7-fathom  patches  extending  as  far  as  2J  miles  westward  of 
it  and  a  mile  eastward  of  it. 

Having  passed  through  the  North  channel,  the  safest  course  for  vessels  of 
large  draught  is  to  bring  the  high  land  of  Bethune  Head  to  bear  8.  by  W., 


JAHAT  SHOALS.  501 

avoiding  the  dangers  extending  3  miles  off  the  Head,  and  steer  N.  by  E. 
until  past  Gordon  Patches ;  this  would  make  a  direct  cotirse  to  the  North, 
nearly  on  the  meridian  of  the  high  hills  of  Labuan,  until  reaching  the  lati- 
tude of  5°  45'  N.,  in  20  fathoms,  when  an  easterly  course  may  be  shaped  to 
make  Pulo  Tega.  This  will  avoid  the  Jahat,  Winchester,  and  Nosong 
patches,  and  lead  to  the  channel  southward  of  the  Tega  group,  much  more 
reliable  than  the  narrow  opening  between  the  Deluar  and  Tega  Shoals, 
unless  good  berth  be  given  at  10  miles  from  the  northern  Tega  Islet,  which, 
simply  for  making  a  passage,  should  be  preferred. 

Other  duties,  or  inducements,  may  lead  the  navigator  along  the  coast  line, 
off  which  safe  anchorage  will  generally  be  found. 

At  7  miles  N.N.E.  from  the  North  extreme  of  Labuan,  deep  water  (15  or 
20  fathoms)  will  be  gained.  Hence  a  N.E.  by  E.  course,  in  depths  from  11 
to  14  fathoms  may  be  observed,  and  the  Pme  Point  shoals  avoided  by 
moderate  attention  to  the  bearings  of  the  elevations  marked  on  the  chart. 
As  a  general  caution  for  distance  from  this  coast  line  and  limit  of  shoals,  the 
base  of  the  trees  on  the  beach  should  not  be  distinguished  when  off  Pine 
Point. 

On  the  other  hand,  similar  precaution  is  necessary  not  to  render  them  in- 
distinct (which  the  distances  of  5  and  10  miles  would  vary),  which  will  keep 
the  wary  navigator  within  the  limits  of  the  Jahat  dangers.  Having  touched 
several  of  these  dangers,  we  may  observe  that  due  caution,  now  their 
existence  is  determined,  is  given  by  the  lead,  and  the  heave  of  the  sea  will 
always  warn  an  intelligent  pilot  of  shoal  water.  Independent  of  this,  when- 
ever the  sun  is  abaft  either  beam,  or  on  the  back  of  the  observer,  the  bright 
green  hue  of  the  shoals  is  distinctly  visible. 

The  preceding  remarks  especially  apply  to  vessels  of  great  draught ;  but 
to  small  craft,  not  exceeding  14  or  15  ft.,  the  inner  passage  within  the  shoals 
may  be  taken  at  1^  mile  from  the  coast  line.  If  proceeding  easterly,  keep 
Lubedan  Islet  barely  clear  of  Toulak  Point ;  or,  if  westerly,  the  S.E.  extreme 
of  Tega  and  Nosong  barely  in  contact,  apparently  opening  as  the  vessel  re- 
cedes from  Tega. 

Shoals  North  of  Sahat  Point. — A  3-fathom  patch  lies  N.N.W.  5  miles 
from  Sahat  Point  and  6  miles  N.E.  of  Bethune  Head.  JVis  Shoal  lies  3  miles 
N.E.  of  the  preceding ;  and  abont  a  mile  N.  W.  of  Nis  Shoal  is  a  o-fathom 
spot,  and  2  miles  S.E.  of  it  a  2-fathom  spot,  South  H  mile  from  which,  and 
4^  miles  N.N.E.  of  Sahat  Point,  is  a  2  and  3  fathoms  spot,  apparently  at  the 
end  of  a  spit  extending  from  the  shore. 

JAHAT  SHOALS.— The  Jahat  (literally  bad,  or  danger)  Bank,  was  ex- 
amined closely  by  Lieut.  Gordon,  and  is  thus  described  by  him  :  — "  Jahat 
Bank,  the  principal  and  most  dangerous  reef,  is  of  coral,  and  horse-shoe 
form,  bearing  N.E.  J  N.  from  the  North  point  of  Labuan,  and  N.  §  E.  from 


502  NOETH-WEST  COAST  OF  BORNEO. 

Lubedan.  It  has  6  ft.  water  on  its  eastern,  and  only  3  ft.  on  the  south- 
western part ;  there  is  deep  water  all  round  except  on  the  North  side,  where 
depths  of  5  fathoms  extend  for  a  considerable  distance,  and  there  may  be 
less  ;  and  there  is  a  passage  through  the  N.W.  or  centre  part  of  it." 

NOSC:i'G  SHOALS.— N.E.  f  N.  f  miles  from  the  Jahat  Shoals,  and  West 
from  the  South  point  of  the  largest  Tega  Island,  is  a  coral  reef,  on  which  are 
two  small  sand  patches  nearly  level  with  the  sea,  or  awash  at  high  water. 
From  these  patches,  breaking  with  any  ripple,  the  reef  extends  1^  mile 
N.  by  E.,  and  the  ground  is  very  uneven  on  the  S.W.  The  following  warn- 
ing lines  circumscribe  its  dangers,  and,  as  will  be  seen  by  the  chart,  afford 
a  very  safe  passage  to  the  southward. 

The  North  Tega  or  Burong  Island,  which  is  high  and  conspicuous,  clear 
of  the  great  Tega  Island,  will  lead  to  the  southward ;  Tangout  Eock  shut  in 
with  Nosong  eastern  outline  leads  to  the  eastward  ;  and  Turtle  or  the  second 
Tega  Island  open  of  the  great  Tega  Island  leads  to  the  northward  of  these 
shoals. 

PULO  TEGA  GROUP,  which  is  composed  of  three  islands,  Tega,  Turtle, 
and  Burong  (which  derive  their  name  from  Tega,  three),  extend  off  Nosong 
Point,  but  the  best  authorities,  the  natives,  with  whom  friendly  intercourse 
prevailed,  termed  this  point  Tanjong  Pulo  Tega,  a  matter  of  importance 
when  communicating  with  the  coast  people  of  the  Kimanis. 

Between  Tega,  the  largest  island,  and  Nosong  Point,  the  channel  is  quite 
safe,  and  the  chart  itself  affords  suflB.cient  warning  for  clearing  the  dangers 
off  the  point.  The  wind  prevailing  off-shore  prevents  vessels  from  getting 
near  the  S.E.  spit. 

The  group  stands  on  a  coral  bank,  extending  about  6  miles  N.N.E.  and 
S.S.W.,  with  a  danger  breadth  of  3  miles.  The  largest  island  is  safe-to,  and 
affords  good  anchorage  under  its  centre  in  the  southern  bay ;  but  a  shoal 
with  2  and  2^  fathoms  over  it  extends  from  its  eastern  extreme  in  a  southerly 
direction  for  the  distance  of  a  mile,  close  to  which  are  14  fathoms.  A  shoal 
patch,  with  but  2  fathoms  on  its  outer  end,  also  lies  W.  by  S.  from  the 
western  extreme  of  the  island,  the  outer  part  of  which  is  distant  If  mile ; 
close  to  this  shoal  are  7  to  9  futhoms.  Navigating- Lieutenant  Eussell,  of 
H.M.S.  Reynard,  says  that  a  coral  rock,  with  6  ft.  water  over  it,  lies  about 
half  a  mile  to  the  westward  of  the  S.E.  point  of  the  island,  and  about  the 
same  distance  from  the  shore. 

Turtle  and  Burong  Islands  occupy  a  patch  of  3  miles  in  extent,  and  the 
channel  is  only  passable  in  light  boats. 

The  northern  island  received  the  name  of  Bird  (Burong)  from  the  quantity 
of  birds'  deposit.  It  is  high,  and  bold-to  on  its  S.E.  side,  where  good  an- 
chorage was  found  in  9  fathoms.     The  trees  are  useless. 

KIMANIS  BAY,  so  retained  in  compliment  to  the  name  given  by  Dal- 
rymple,  as  well  as  to  the  commercial  importance  of  the  river  of  the  same 


KIMANIS  BAY.  503 

name,  is  an  extensive  bight,  and  lies  immediately  to  the  eastward  of  Nosong 
Point,  and  free  from  danger. 

Kapala  River  (or  Kuala-panko^  native),  in  the  S.W.  bight  of  Kimanis  Bay, 
is  safe,  at  high  water,  for  trading  craft  drawing  12  ft.,  or  it  can  be  entered 
at  all  times  in  smooth  water  by  a  draught  of  4  ft.  The  Lama  River  is  about 
3  miles  to  the  eastward  of  the  Kapala.  It  is  barred  by  rollers  in  bad  weather, 
but  in  smooth  water  may  be  entered  at  high  water  by  boats  drawing  5  ft. 
At  low  water  springs  it  probably  would  show  dry,  or  possibly  oflPer  a  very 
narrow  boat  channel.  The  Membakut  is  an  insignificant  stream  in  the  depth 
of  Kimanis  Bay. 

Kimanis  River,  the  entrance  to  which  is  iu  the  eastern  bend  of  Kimanis 
Bay,  has  shoal  water  extending  a  considerable  distance  off  its  mouth,  which, 
at  low  tide,  is  entirely  barred  to  the  smallest  boats.  At  high  water,  prahus 
of  some  size,  drawing  probably  6  ft.  water,  enter  the  river  by  the  southera 
channel. 

The  Kimanis  River  forms  the  boundary  of  the  territory  ceded  to  Great 
Britain  in  1763,  as  well  as  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Sultan  of  Bruni,  or  Borneo 
Proper ;  our  relations,  therefore,  with  the  people  are  likely  to  become  more 
important  to  commerce,  as  this  river  is  one  of  the  principal  trading  connec- 
tions with  the  interior,  as  well  as  with  the  city  of  Bruni,  to  which  it  sends 
seed-pearls,  camphor,  beeswax,  vegetable  wax,  pepper,  &c. 

Siqjplies. — The  people  were  found  very  difficult  to  deal  with.  Goats, 
ducks,  fowls,  vegetables,  fruit,  pepper,  beeswax,  camphor,  parrots,  &c.,  were 
brought  down  in  quantity,  and  at  very  low  prices.  Watering  is  incon- 
venient, as  the  natives  must  be  relied  on  to  fill  and  bring  the  casks  to  the 
boats. 

Watering  Place. — At  about  4  miles  northward  of  the  Kimanis  Eiver  will 
be  found  a  space  of  20  acres  of  cleared  land,  fringed  at  the  beach  by  a  line 
of  casuarinas,  and  close  to  the  small  river  Benoni  to  the  northward.  The 
water  will  be  found  in  a  long  canal  immediately  within  the  trees  and  parallel 
to  the  beach.  It  is  200  yards  long,  30  yards  wide,  and  in  general  seasons 
may  afi'ord  a  mean  depth  of  5  ft.  The  water  is  excellent,  and  is  probably 
in  the  course  of  constant  filtration  to  the  sea. 

Particular  stress  has  been  laid  in  describing  this  locality,  as  we  found  our- 
selves frequently  deceived  in  replenishing  water  at  places  where  positive  in- 
formation of  its  existence  was  given. 

The  Benoni  is  probably  connected  with  the  above  watering  place,  and 
during  the  freshes,  floods  the  neighbouring  flat,  before  described  as  cleared 
land.  The  Minani,  about  3  miles  northerly  of  the  Benoni,  is  barred,  but, 
like  the  latter,  can  be  entered  by  boats  at  high  water. 

To  the  northward  of  Kinindukan  Bluff",  the  eastern  horn  of  Kimanis  Bay, 
the  coast  dangers  recommoiice,  but  are  ^  sily  avoided  by  due  attention  to  the 
soundings.     The  inland  ranges  rise  suddenly,  attaining  heights  of  1,500  anu 


504  NOETH-WEST  COAST  OF  BORNEO. 

2,000  ft.     The  rivers  are  insignificant,  a;nd  do  not  offer  any  inducement  for 
trade  or  other  purposes  until  reaching  Gaya  Bay. 

Caution. — From  a  general  intercourse  with  all  the  tribes,  Malay,  Bajow, 
as  well  as  the  Dyak  or  mountain  races,  it  was  apparent  that  by  kindness  and 
firmness  they  are  disposed  to  be  friendly.  Timidity,  or  too  much  suspicion 
on  the  part  of  visitors,  naturally  renders  th.em  cautious.  But  caution,  even 
under  the  British  pendant,  is  imperative  in  all  transactions  with  the  Malay 
race. 

Pulo  Lyang. — N.  f  "W.  3^  miles  from  Kinindukan  Bluff,  and  2  miles  from 
the  nearest  shore,  lies  the  island  Lyang  of  the  chart  (termed  Llangliangan  by 
the  Bajows  and  coasters).  It  is  high,  bold-to,  and  may  be  safely  passed  at 
1  mile  off  by  day  or  night,  at  which  latter  period  it  may  be  mistaken  for  a 
vessel  under  sail. 

GAYA  GROUP  and  BAY. —  Gaya  is  a  lofty  well- wooded  island,  15 J  miles 
N.N.E.  -2"  E.  of  Lyang,  and  nearly  connected  with  the  main  by  an  extensive 
reef.  To  the  southward  of  Gaya  lie  four  small  islets  ;  within  these  there  is 
safe  anchorage. 

Gaya  Bay  is  formed  by  the  northern  point  of  Gaya  Island  and  Tanjong 
Kaetan,  which  is  surmounted  by  a  remarkable  peak.  To  the  northward  of 
Gaya,  and  parallel  to  the  chord  of  the  bay,  are  the  islands  Sapangar,  Udar, 
Udar  Keckil,  and  Vdar  Tega,  which  form  the  land-locked  harbour  of  Sapangar 
Bay,  the  most  secure  harbour  on  this  coast. 

Between  Sapangar  and  Gaya  the  main  channel  is  safe.  There  are  also 
channels  between  the  other  islands,  but  they  are  unsafe,  by  reason  of  the 
liability  to  sudden  calms,  currents,  and  gusts.  The  outer  navigation  is  safe, 
but  beware  of  making  too  free  with  the  lee  side  of  Sapangar,  or  the  vessel 
will  be  becalmed. 

"Within  the  bays  or  port  just  mentioned  are  the  rivers  Inanam  and  Kdbatuan. 
The  Inanam  is  nearest  to  Pulo  Gaya,  and  its  entrance  is  difficult,  even  for 
boats. 

Kabatuan  River  is  in  sight  of  the  eastern  bend  near  the  Udar  Kechil,  not 
within  the  northern  bight  or  inner  bay,  but  may  be  at  once  distinguished, 
when  abreast  of  its  entrance,  by  a  yellow  sandstone  bluff  on  its  northern,  and 
the  abrupt  angle  of  the  coast  on  the  southern,  shore. 

The  main  or  outer  bar  appears  to  be  composed  of  coral  knolls,  being  a 
continuation  of  the  line  of  reef  extending  from  the  Inanam.  There  are  gaps 
in  this  through  which,  at  high  water,  small  craft  might  contrive  to  enter  the 
river.  The  mouth  is  nearly  closed  by  a  small  sand  delta,  near  the  southern 
edge  of  which  the  deepest  water  was  found.  Water,  however,  flows  in  small 
drains  within  the  delta,  furnishing,  by  perseverance,  about  10  gallons  in  a 
quarter  of  an  hour.     A  few  miles  within  the  river  the  water  is  fresh. 

The  Kabatuan  is  the  principal  trading  river  of  this  region.  Taking  into 
consideration  the  security  uf  the  harbour,   as  well  as  the  facility  of  com- 


MANGALUM  ISLAND.  505 

munication  in  all  weathers,  added  to  the  character  of  its  governor,  this  may- 
be considered  as  the  safest  and,  at  present  probably,  best  trading  position  on 
the  coast. 

The  deep  bight  northward  of  this  river  is  beset  with  shoals,  and  possesses 
nothing  worthy  of  its  exploration. 

The  outer  islands  are  surrounded  by  deep  water,  uninhabited,  and  possess 
no  interest. 

Tanjong  Kaetan  is  the  inner  bluff,  near  the  islands,  surmounted  by  apeak 
of  the  same  name.  The  outer  bluff  has  no  name,  it  therefore  was  designated 
Gaya  Head.     It  is  steep- to,  and  has  no  hidden  dangers  outside  of  it. 

Menkabong  Bluff  and  Eiver. — This  bluff,  about  5  miles  N.E.  of  Gaya 
Bluff,  is  a  high  crowned  peninsula,  with  a  sandy  beach  connecting  it  with 
the  river  of  Menkabong,  which  is  about  2  miles  to  the  S.W.  The  river  can 
be  entered  by  boats  or  small  traders  drawing  7  to  8  ft.  The  inhabitants  are 
apparently  friendly. 

Directions. — Before  proceeding  farther  along  the  coast,  the  observations  of 
Lieut.  Gordon,  R.N.,  on  the  outer  navigation,  will  be  recorded.  "Vessels 
working  up  must  not  stand  too  far  off,  as  there  are  numerous  reefs  off  the 
East  side  of  Mangalum,  which  island  is  "W.N.W.  24  miles  from  the  N.W. 
point  of  Gaya  Island.  Off  here,  at  7  miles  from  the  shore,  during  the 
strength  of  the  N.E.  monsoon,  a  strong  current  was  found  setting  to  the 
north-eastward." 

MANGALUM  ISLAND,  the  S.W.  point  of  which  is  in  lat.  6°  10'  40"  N., 
long.  116°  35'  20"  E.,  is  nearly  round,  4  miles  in  circumference,  and  very  low, 
the  highest  part  of  the  ground  being  only  a  few  feet  above  the  level  of  the 
sea  ;  the  tops  of  the  trees  are  visible  from  a  sloop's  deck  about  12  miles.  It 
is  surrounded  by  a  coral  chain,  broken  only  at  the  S.E.  portion,  where  vessels 
may  enter  and  anchor  close  to  the  shore. 

Wood  for  fuel  and  other  purposes  is  abundant;  the  trees  grow  quite 
straight,  and  there  is  great  variety.  Mangalum  Island  is,  or  was,  a  common 
rendezvous  for  piratical  proas. 

Tides. — High  water  about  11  p.m.,  and  low  water  at  6.45  a.m.,  the  greatest 
rise  of  tide  being  5  ft.  It  may  be  remarked  here  that,  as  in  other  positions 
on  the  North  coast  of  Borneo,  the  night  tides  greatly  exceed  those  by  day, 
but  are  yet  regular ;  that  this  apparent  single  tide  at  night  may  probably  be 
accounted  for  by  the  prevalence  of  strong  sea  breezes  outside,  which,  failing 
at  sunset,  permit  the  tide  to  resume  its  flow,  and  that  two  or  three  sets  of 
tidal  observations  at  this  position  would  upset  this  theory,  as  it  did  that — so 
long  contended  for  by  successive  navigators — at  Tahiti. 

Bank  of  Soundings. — H.M.S.  Dwarf,  in  August,  1876,  struck  soundings 
on  a  bank  which  lies  between  lat.  6°  22'  N.  and  6°  16'  30"  N.,  long.  115°  51' 
10"  E.  and  115°  46'  25".     The  vessel  was  steering  S.W.  |  S.,   and  the  first 

I.    A.  3  T 


506  NORTH-WEST  COAST  OF  BORNEO. 

cast  obtained  was  9A  fathoms,  bottom  distinctly  visible ;  the  shoalest  cast  was 
6  fathoms,  sand ;  the  general  appearance  of  the  bottom,  coral  with  rocks  in- 
terspersed. From  the  North  end  of  the  bank  Kaetan  Peak  bore  S.E., 
North  extreme  of  Mangalum  Island  S.W.  by  W.,  centre  of  Gay  a  Island 
S.S.E.  J  E.  From  the  South  end  of  the  bank  Kaetan  Peak  bore  S.E.  by 
E.  1^  E.,  North  extreme  of  Mangalum  Island  S.W.  by  W.  i  W.,  centre  of 
Gaya  Island  S.E.  The  nearest  part  of  the  main  land,  Gaya  Head,  was  thus 
distant  20  miles. 

Off-lying  Shoal. — Commander  George  Robinson,  of  H.M.S.  Rinaldo,  also 
reports,  that  during  the  passage  from  Labuan  to  Manila,  when  about  21 
miles  from  the  coast  of  Borneo,  the  leadsman  suddenly  got  soundings  in  7 
fathoms,  decreasing  to  5  fathoms,  the  bottom  being  distinctly  visible,  and 
discoloured  water  seea  from  the  masthead  to  the  northward.  From  thia 
shoal  water  the  West  extreme  of  Gaya  Island  bore  S.  ^  E.,  and  the  moun- 
tain of  of  Kini  Balu  S.E.  by  E.  |  E.,  the  depth  of  5  fathoms  being  in  lat. 
6°26'N.,  long.  115°  56'  E. 

Tawalan  River. — From  Menkabong  BluJQF,  which  is  belted  by  a  reef,  the 
coast  runs  pretty  straight  about  4  miles,  when  the  mouth  of  the  Tawalan 
throws  off  an  extensive  sandy  flat.  The  entrance  is  guarded  by  a  spit,  dry 
at  low  water,  into  which  boats  can  enter,  from  the  South,  on  the  first  quarter 
ebb.  Within  is  rather  a  large  village  of  huts,  inhabited  solely,  it  is  asserted, 
by  the  Bajow  fishermen. 

Sulaman  River. — Two  miles  beyond  the  Tawalan  or  Kawalan  is  the  mouth 
of  the  Sulaman.  This  appears  to  be  a  spacious  river,  running  as  far  as  the 
eye  could  trace,  in  a  broad  sheet  inland.  The  stream  is  rapid,  and  the  depth 
at  low  water  about  6  ft.  on  the  bar.  Immediately  within,  it  increases  to  3 
fathoms,  the  channel  apparently  deepening  on  the  southern,,bank. 

The  Coast  from  hence  to  the  South  bluff,  belonging  to  the  Ambong  range, 
is  tolerably  bold-to,  but  totally  void  of  interest.  Between  this  bluff  and  the 
entrance  to  the  port  of  Ambong  are  several  patches  of  rock,  but  mostly  above 
water.  Vessels  should  not  near  to  less  than  8  fathoms,  or  they  will  lose  the 
wind. 

AMBONG  BAY. — The  port  of  Ambong,  approached  from  the  northward, 
may  always  be  recognized  by  the  peculiar  projection  of  high  peaks,  as  it 
were,  into  the  sea.  On  the  East  will  be  noticed  the  island  of  Usukan,  show- 
ing as  a  black  bushy  cone ;  the  mountains  near  it  on  the  main,  exhibiting  at 
the  same  time  smooth,  yellowish-green,  rounded  summits,  their  bases  easterly, 
falliug  into  apparently  level  land.  In  the  depth  will  be  seen  the  high  ranges 
skirting  the  bottom  of  the  port  of  Ambong,  and,  if  sufficiently  clear,  the  blue 
tinted  mountain  of  Kini  Balu  (Chinese  widow),  13,698  ft.  in  height,  crown- 
ing all  in  the  distance.  On  the  right  the  Ambong  range,  clothed  with  trees 
from  the  base  to  its  summit,  will  stand  in  the  foreground  sloping  off  gradually 


AMBONG  BAY.  507 

towards  tho  Siilaman  River,  where  the  high  ranges  cease,  excepting  10  or  15 
miles  in  the  interior. 

A  shoal  patch,  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  extent,  with  2^  to  3  fathoms  water 
over  it,  lies  with  its  outer  part  bearing  N.  ^  W.,  distant  8  J  cables  from  Cape 
Ambong.  At  3  cables  north-eastward  of  this  patch  is  another  of  nearly  the 
same  extent,  but  having  only  2  fathoms  water  over  it  in  places.  From  a  2- 
fathom  spot  near  its  outer  end  Cape  Ambong  bears  S.  by  W.  f  W.,  distant 
nearly  a  mile,  and  Perunjuk  Point  S.E.  |  E.,  distant  over  a  mile. 

Supplies. — Ambong,  as  a  place  of  trade  or  for  refreshments,  affords  bul- 
locks, goats,  fowls,  eggs,  &c.,  at  very  moderate  prices.  Beeswax,  pepper, 
camphor,  birds'  nests,  and  other  Bornean  produce,  were  freely  brought  down 
to  trade. 

There  are  two  positions  for  watering :  one  immediately  to  the  northward 
and  opposite  to  Ambong  Town  ;  the  other,  and  the  most  convenient,  if  cleared 
above  its  run  beforehand,  is  at  the  beach  north-eastward  of  the  anchorage. 
The  quantity  depends  much  on  the  season. 

Directions. — The  approach  to  the  port  of  Ambong  is  so  evident  on  the 
chart  that  but  few  directions  are  needed.  Nevertheless  the  navigator  may 
find  himself  hampered  by  wind  or  tide,  and  a  few  hints  may  ease  his  mind, 
should  he  find  himself  on  the  verge  of  danger,  and  he  will  undoubtedly  be 
led  there  by  too  near  an  approach  to  Cape  Ambong  and  the  consequent 
failure  of  wind  under  the  high  land. 

If  coming  down  from  the  northward,  with  Kini  Balu  visible,  bring  it  to 
bear  S.E.  and  steer  for  it,  which  will  lead  to  Ambong  on  the  deepest  line  of 
soundings. 

There  is  no  danger  in  approaching  from  the  westward  with  a  strong  lead- 
ing wind,  or  under  steam,  the  actual  danger  being  North  of  the  cape,  within 
1  cable's  length  of  the  shore.  But  trust  not  the  breeze,  steer  East,  or  make 
good  that  course,  at  2  cables'  lengths  from  the  cape,  until  gaining  the  depth 
of  8  fathoms,  and  having  the  highest  peak  of  the  sea  range  of  the  western 
peninsula  over  the  centre  of  the  sandy  bay  immediately  beneath  ;  observing 
that  the  first  sight  of  the  sand,  clear  of  the  rocks,  gives  warning  of  the  off- 
lying  patches,  and  the  two  inner  points  in  line,  of  having  passed  them. 

A  vessel  may  then  steer  for  Perunjuk  Point,  and  a  berth  be  taken  in  6 
fathoms,  about  2  cables  S.E.  of  it,  with  the  eastern  house  of  Ambong  Beach 
open  of  Teluk  Point. 

Large  vessels  preferring  greater  security  should  adopt  the  outer  course, 
bearing  in  mind  that  Usukan  open  of  Sak  Point  N.E.  ^  N.  barely  clears  the 
patches  off  Cape  Ambong  at  a  good  cable's  length.  This  mark  will  be  dis- 
tinct at  all  hours,  even  towards  dark.  But  when  objects  can  be  clearly  seen 
the  yellow  island,  Jaga,  brought  immediately  under  the  highest  outer  cone, 
Mount  Eoberton,  also  well  seen  at  dawn  or  dusk,  on  the  bearing  of  N.E.  by 


508  NORTH-WEST  COAST  OF  BORNEO. 

E.  i^  E.,  may  be  preferred.  On  this  bearing  not  less  than  11  fathoms  will  be 
found  until  the  patches  are  passed,  and  Perunjuk  Point  bears  S.E. 

Ambong  Beach,  3  miles  distant,  will  then  be  clearly  seen,  and  when  ita 
western  extreme  is  about  to  shut  in  with  Perunjuk  Point,  shape  a  course 
immediately  for  the  latter. 

In  fine  weather,  by  a  careful  look-out  from  aloft,  all  dangers  will  be  clearly 
visible. 

Sak  Point. — Quitting  Ambong  bound  north-easterly,  Jaga,  a  very  promi- 
nent yellow  sandstone  clifiy  island,  may  be  shaved  ;  but  within  the  depth  of 
13  fathoms  northerly  of  Soundal  Point  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  dan- 
gerous rocks  near  the  surface  are  yet  undiscovered ;  one,  awash  at  low  tides, 
and  surrounded  by  a  coral  bank,  lies  W.  f  S.  of  Sak  Point. 

TJSTJKAN  BAY,  about  3  miles  to  the  northward  of  Ambong  Bay,  ofi'ers 
not  only  safe  anchorage,  but  also  an  excellent  watering-place  in  its  bight, 
and  is,  moreover,  the  only  convenient  spot  for  communicating  with  the 
River  Abai.  Directions  therefore  requisite  for  anchoring  and  watering  will 
be  given. 

Passing  the  rock  awash  off  Sak  Point,  the  clearing  marks  for  which  are 
Jaga  Island  open  of  Soundal  Point,  and  the  second  head  on  the  southern  side 
of  Usukan  Bay  open,  steer,  or  work  for  Slime  Rock,  which  is  safe  to  approach 
to  a  cable's  length  on  the  S.W.  side,  and  anchor  in  10  fathoms,  with  the  apex 
of  the  rock  bearing  N.W.  A  vessel  will  then  lie  secure  from  swell,  and  1^- 
mile  from  the  watering  place  in  the  depth  of  the  bay. 

The  Slime  Rock  is  connected  with  Usukan  Island  by  a  ridge  under  water. 
A  rock  awash,  with  deep  water  within,  but  too  near  the  land  for  safe  naviga- 
tion, lies  off  Usukan. 

Water. — As  the  driblets  of  Ambong  afford  but  little,  and  the  detention 
of  more  than  two  days  may  be  involved,  it  is  important  to  know  that  here, 
in  safe  anchorage,  and  not  incommoded  by  natives,  watering  can  be  expedi- 
tiously accomplished. 

Usukan  Island,  fronting  the  Abai  River  entrance,  is  a  prominent  feature 
on  the  coast,  standing  out  clear  from  the  land,  and  almost  a  warning  for 
danger  when  not  shut  in.  It  is  high,  conical,  and  well  clothed  with  timber, 
and,  indeed,  at  times  of  extreme  low  tides,  may  be  a  peninsula. 

ABAI  RIVER. — It  is  by  this  western  channel,  at  the  first  quarter  flood, 
that  boats  should  visit  the  Abai,  as  the  entrance  by  the  North,  although 
deeper,  is  troubled  by  rollers. 

This  was  formerly  the  port  of  Abai,  the  principal  rendezvous  of  the  Illa- 
non  pirates,  but  since  they  have  selected  Tampassuk,  as  better  protected  by 
the  Sultan,  the  importance  of  Abai  has  fallen.  The  natives  are  peaceable, 
and  will  furnish  bullocks,  vegetables,  and  refreshments,  but  not  so  reasonable 
as  at  Ambong. 

As  Abai  Port  is  open  by  ita  eastern  entrance  to  vessels  drawing  9  ft.  at 


TAMPASSUK  EIVEE.  509 

low,  and  12  to  14  ft.  at  high  water,  it  is  proper  to  caution  those  intending  to 
enter,  that  the  bottom  within  is  hard  sand,  and,  unless  they  pass  into  the 
river  at  once,  where  3  and  4  fathoms,  mud,  wiU  be  found,  they  are  endan- 
gered by  the  swell  and  rollers,  which  would  cause  them  to  strike  heavily  and 
bilge.  They  must  not,  therefore,  calculate  on  anchoring  in  the  outer  harbour. 
A  Dangerous  Patch,  on  which  the  sea  breaks,  lies  North,  IJ  mile  from 
Usukan  Island,  and  exhibits  three  cones,  or  pinnacles,  at  dead  low  water 
springs.  The  marks  for  it  are  the  points  of  Abai  Port  lapping,  or  the  points 
westerly  of  Usukan  Bay  and  peak  of  Slime  Eock  in  line.  Abai  Port  open 
of  Usukan  leads  to  the  eastward.  The  channel  within  is  safe,  and  to  be  pre- 
fen-ed. 

TAMPASSUK  RIVER.— The  beach  from  the  Abai  Eiver  to  the  entrance 
of  the  Tampassuk  Eiver,  a  distance  of  about  3  miles,  is  nearly  straight,  sandy, 
and  from  tbe  very  shelving  nature  of  the  whole  extent  of  coast  up  to  the 
Ant  Islands,  constantly  subject  to  heavy  rollers,  rendering  landing  dangerous, 
if  not  impracticable.  The  14-fathom  line  extends  far  to  seaward,  and  al- 
though only  two  patches  have  as  yet  been  discovered  by  the  sea  breaking 
over  them,  it  is  necessary  to  caution  vessels,  not  having  business  at  Tam- 
passuk, to  give  the  coast  at  least  a  distance,  by  the  lead,  of  14  fathoms,  or 
as  before  remarked,  do  not  open  Usukan  Island  of  the  land  westerly. 

The  entrance  to  the  Eiver  Tampassuk  is  barred  by  a  sand-bank,  over 
■which,  at  high  water,  there  is  probably  12  ft.,  but  at  low  water  springs,  not 
more  than  6  ft. 

Caution. — It  is  necessary  at  all  times  to  be  on  the  guard  when  near  the 
Illanon  pirates,  which  frequent  Tampassuk.  They  are  all  well  armed,  in- 
clined to  be  insolent,  and  are  so  sudden  in  their  movements,  that  they  may 
execute  much  mischief,  even  slaughter,  and  escape  before  they  can  be  over- 
taken or  punished  ;  wherever  they  are  fallen  in  with,  there  may  not  be  proof 
of  piracy,  but  the  utmost  caution  is  requisite. 

Three-Feet  Rock.— At  4J  miles  S.W.  by  W.  |  W.  from  the  outer  Ant 
Island,  close  to  Kranga  Bluff,  lies  a  shoal,  marked  as  a  3-ft.  rock,  but  at 
times  awash,  on  which  the  sea  breaks.  The  line  of  direction  for  it  is,  Usu- 
kan Island  clear  of  the  western  land  beyond  ;  if  the  objects  overlap,  it  wiU 
lead  clear  outside. 

This  danger  is  surrounded  by  deep  water,  and  shoals  suddenly  from  14  to 
2  fathoms.  In  this  region  the  20-fathom  limit  should  be  preserved  during 
night. 

Ant  Islands  lie  off  Kranga  Bluff,  at  the  extremity  of  the  sandy  bay,  the 
shore  of  which  trends  N.E.  \  E.  9J  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  Tampassuk 
Eiver.  The  bay,  as  before  stated,  terminates  in  a  river  which  did  not  find  a 
place  on  former  charts. 

EISA  ISLAND,  or  Black  Peninsula. — N.E.  ^  N.  from  a  safe  position  off 
the  Ant  Island  dangers,  will  lead  clear  to  a  Black  Peninsula,  Bisa  Island 


510  NOETH-WEST  COAST  OF  BORNEO. 

distant  8i  miles.  The  entire  space  within  is  thickly  studded  with  dangers, 
which  about  a  mile  to  the  north-eastward  of  Gasap  Point  extend  a  mile  from 
the  shore.     Landing  is  very  difficult. 

Mantanani  Islands. — Eighteen  miles  to  the  northward  of  Usukan,  and 
about  12  miles  W.  by  N.  from  Bisa  Island,  lies  the  group  called  Mantanani, 
consisting  of  two  low  islands,  and  one  tolerably  high  clump,  termed  Nob 
Island,  the  latter  covered  almost  entirely  with  a  species  of  pisonia,  the  roots 
of  which  embrace,  and  apparetly  confine  together,  the  loose  structure  of 
Btones  consisting  of  calcareous  tufa,  which  appears  to  have  been  thrown  up 
(or,  one  would  almost  say  deposited)  in  the  most  unaccountable  manner. 
Bird  Island  of  the  Pulo  Tega  group,  is  of  precisely  similar  formation,  but  of 
larger  fragments. 

There  is  no  inducement,  beyond  wooding,  for  any  vessels  to  touch  at  this 
island.     It  is  or  was  much  frequented  by  the  pirates. 

OFF-LYING  SHOALS. — There  is  reason  to  believe  that  many  shoal  patches 
may  exist  in  this  neighbourhood,  and  in  bringing  a  line  of  soundings  from 
the  South  Furious  Shoals  towards  Labuan,  H  M.S.  Rifleman  came  on  a  bank 
at  night,  lying  S.W.  by  W.  17  miles  from  Nob  Island  of  the  Mantanani 
group. 

SOUTH  FURIOUS  SHOALS,  a  group  of  coral  patches  lying  a  few  miles 
to  the  north-westward  of  the  Mantanani  Islands,  were  discovered  in  August, 
1859,  by  H.M.S.  Furious,  and  examined,  in  1863,  by  H.M.S.  Rifleman,  which 
vessel  anchored  upon  a  small  coral  bank  barely  half  a  mile  in  extent,  N.N.W. 
\  W.  nearly  7  miles  from  the  western  extreme  of  the  Mantanani  Islands. 
It  is  in  lat.  6°  4 8 J'  N.,  long.  116°  14|'  E.,  and  the  least  water  upon  it  is  7 
fathoms. 

About  2  miles  S.S.  W.  of  the  last-mentioned  patch  is  another  of  6  fathoms, 
about  a  mile  in  extent ;  westward  and  south-westward  of  which  again,  are 
other  and  more  extensive  banks.  N.N.W.  about  5  miles  from  the  western 
extreme  of  the  Mantanani  Islands  is  a  small  patch  of  8  fathoms  ;  and  N.  by 
W.  i  W.,  3J  miles,  is  another  spot  of  10  fathoms. 

NORTH  FURIOUS  SHOALS  are  three  coral  patches  lying  about  20  miles 
northward  of  the  Mantanani  Islands.  These  were  also  examined  in  the 
Rifleman,  and  from  the  vessel's  position  at  anchor  in  11  fathoms  among  them, 
in  lat.  7°  3'  19"  N.,  long.  116°  18'  15"  E.,  Nob  Island,  of  the  Mantanani 
group,  bore  S.  |  E.,  and  Banguey  Peak  E.  by  N.  f  N.  These  shoals  extend 
N.W.  by  N.  and  S.E.  by  S.  nearly  2  miles,  and  the  least  water  upon  them  is 
7  fathoms.     The  soundings  around  about  are  very  irregular. 

Barton  Rock  appeared  on  former  charts  as  awash  in  lat.  6°  52'  N.,  long. 
116°  19f'  E.,  9 J  miles  North  of  the  Mantanani  Islands.  The  Rifleman  passed 
over  this  position  without  finding  the  rock  ;  28  fathoms  being  the  least  water 
obtained,  but  circumstances  did  not  allow  of  a  further  search. 

WHITE  ROCKS.— Bisa  Island  (page  509)  forms  the  southern  horn  of  a 


BATOMANDE  EOCKS— SAMPANMANGIO  POINT.  511 

great  bay,  having  two  large  white  islets  on  its  chord,  with  two  smaller  in  its 
bight.  A  reef  extending  2J  miles  in  a  N.  by  E.  i  E.  direction,  and  nearly  a 
mile  in  breadth,  surrounds  the  White  Eocks,  which  are  known  only  by  the 
native  fishermen  as  Batu  Putih. 

The  largest  rock  is  in  lat.  6°  42'  N  ,  long.  116°  35'  52"  E.  Within  this 
reef,  guided  by  the  chart,  good  anchorage  will  be  found,  varying  from  8  to 
12  fathoms. 

At  4 J  miles  North  from  White  Eock,  6  miles  S.  J  W.  from  the  outer 
Batomande,  and  If  mile  W.  by  S.  §  S.  from  the  nearest  rocky  bluff,  Ganda 
Head,  lies  a  shoal.  The  whole  of  this  region  is  unsafe.  It  should  be  avoided 
by  vessels  drawing  above  12  ft. 

BATOMANDE  ROCKS.— N.  i  E.,  10|  miles  from  White  Eock  (and  visible 
from  each  other),  lie  the  two  Batomande  Eocks,  so  named  in  the  old  charts 
by  Dalrymple.  They  are  one  of  the  astronomical  positions  of  this  coast,  and 
are  situated  in  lat.  6<^  52'  42"  N.,  long.  116°  36'  24"  E. 

These  conspicuous  rocks  are  of  yellow  sandstone,  40  ft.  above  the  sea  ; 
they  lie  W.  by  N.  J  N.,  2  miles  from  Tanjong  Agal,  with  which  they  are 
connected  by  a  dangerous  reef,  leaving  a  single  opening  immediately  within 
the  inner  high  rock. 

TANJONG  AGAL  derives  its  appellation  from  a  species  of  fucus  known  by 
that  name  in  commerce,  and  is  collected  on  its  rocky  ledges  by  the  fishermen 
for  sale,  similar  to  birds'  nests  and  trepang. 

In  sailing  to  the  northward  and  eastward,  a  distance  of  3  miles  from  the 
shore  should  be  observed,  the  safe  course  from  10  fathoms  off  the  Batomande 
to  the  Island  of  Kalampunian  being  N.E.  |  N.,  and  the  distance  14  miles. 
The  space  within  this  line  can  only  be  safely  traversed  by  boats. 

An  unimportant  river,  navigable  for  boats  at  high  water,  enters  at  the 
sandy  beach  immediately  in  front  of  a  white  cliff,  N.E.  by  E.  |  E.,  3  miles 
from  Tanjong  Agal.  The  next  river  is  about  3  miles  northerly  from  the 
last,  and  appears  to  enter  at  the  southern  termination  of  a  line  of  tall 
casuarinas. 

The  bay  is  terminated  by  a  black  rocky  promontory,  which,  from  its  being 
composed  of  a  blackish  compact  basalt,  containing  in  its  vesicles  masses  of 
zeolite,  received  the  appellation  of  Zeolite  Bluff  (ot  Katiga  Point).  This  bluff 
is  N.E.  i  E.  8  miles  from  the  Batomande  Eock,  and  S.S.W.  6^  miles  from 
Kalampunian,  but  it  is  not  seen  from  the  latter. 

One  stream  flows  out  immediately  to  the  northward  of  Zeolite  Bluff,  but 
it  is  barred  to  boats. 

No  traces  whatever  of  human  beings  were  observed  during  several  days' 
examination  of  this  angle  of  Borneo. 

SAMPANMANGIO  POINT  is  readily  distinguished  by  the  tall  casuarinas 
which  rise  from  its  grassy  bluff,  and  by  the  Island  of  Kalampunian  off  its 
extremity.     It  is  the  western  point  or  cape  of  the  great  bay  of  Maludu  ;  but 


512  NORTH- WEST  COAST  OF  BORNEO. 

ae  Kalampunian  is  exterior  to  this,  and  is  the  better  leading  object,  it  will 
deserve  especial  notice.  These  terms  Sampanmangio  and  Kalampunian  have 
so  long  been  known  as  beacons  for  this  part  of  the  world,  that  it  would 
scarcely  be  prudent  to  disturb  them,  whatever  their  meaning  may  imply. 
They  are  known  by  these  names  since  Dalrymple  handed  them  to  us. 

Water. — It  is  probable,  in  favourable  seasons,  that  water  may  be  obtained 
on  the  western  bay,  immediately  within  Sampanmangio  Point,  where  the 
sandy  beach  succeeds  the  cliff  termination  and  the  level  or  marshy  ground 
commences.  This  is  also  the  favourite  resort  of  deer,  wild  hogs,  &c.  Another 
spot  also  promises,  at  the  neck  of  the  Peninsula  Islet,  where  a  fair  leading 
wind  will  be  found  at  full  or  half  tide  on  its  southern  side. 

KALAMPUNIAN  ISLAND  lies  1  mile  North  of  Sampanmangio  Point, 
and  its  summit  is  in  lat.  7°  4'  17"  N.,  long.  116°  44'  51"  E.,  the  nearest  point 
of  which  island  bears  N.E.  |  N.,  distant  IH  miles.  It  is  a  sandstone  for- 
mation, similar  to  the  nearest  bluff  of  Sampanmangio,  and  rises  abruptly, 
from  a  flat  bed,  to  the  height  of  40  ft. 

The  Coast  south-eastward  for  7  miles  from  Kalampunian,  has  been  ex- 
amined, but  not  beyond.  It  is  dangerous  to  approach  within  2  miles,  in 
consequence  of  many  off-lying  coral  patches. 

MALUDU  BAY. — The  great  Bay  of  Maludu  was  not  examined  by  the 
Samarang ;  but  the  main  channel  North  of  the  entrance,  between  Borneo 
and  the  islands  of  Balambangan  and  Banguey,  is  free  from  dangers,  except- 
ing those  expressly  mentioned  in  connection  with  the  reefs  off  their  proper 
shores. 


CHAPTER    XIII. 


BALABAC   STRAIT   AND  THE  ISLANDS  NORTH  OF   BORNEO, 
INCLUDING  PALAWAN. 

The  line  of  shoals  which  lie  on  the  edge  of  the  bank  of  soundings  off  the 
N.W.  coast  of  Palawan,  and  which  form  the  S.E.  limit  of  the  Palawan  Pas- 
sage, will  be  described  in  a  subsequent  chapter,  in  connection  with  the  other 
dangers  in  that  channel ;  what  follows  is  a  description  of  the  little  visited 
island  of  Palawan,  and  those  that  lie  between  it  and  the  North  extremity  of 
Borneo. 

The  following  directions,  from  the  North  part  of  Borneo  to  the  South  part 
of  Palawan,  are  from  those  by  Staff  Commander  J.  W.  Eeed,  JR.N.,  and 
have  been  compiled  from  the  surveys  of  that  officer  whilst  in  command  of 
H.M.  surveying  vessel  Rifleman  in  1869. 


Between  the  North  part  of  Borneo  and  the  South  part  of  Palawan  are 
several  small  islands,  of  which  Balambangan,  Banguey,  and  Mallawalle, 
lying  a  few  miles  from  the  Borneo  coast,  with  many  islets  and  rocks,  form  a 
conspicuous  group.  Northward  of  this  group  is  Balabac  Strait,  which, 
connects  the  China  and  Sulu,  or  Mindoro,  seas.  The  elevated  island  of 
Balabac  forms  the  northern  limit  of  the  strait,  and  between  that  island  and 
Palawan  are  many  smaller  ones,  of  which  Mantangoule,  Bancalan,  Boug- 
sook,  Pandannan  and  others  form  a  group  separated  from  Balabac  by  North 
Balabac  Strait. 

BALAMBANGAN  ISLAND,  11  miles  N.E.  by  N.  from  Sampanmangio 
Point,  the  N.W.  extreme  of  Borneo,  presents  in  its  soutliern  portion  a  range 
of  hills,  the  highest  of  which  is  440  ft.  ;  these  elevations  ai-e  bounded  on  the 
■western  sea  margin  by  abrupt  cliffy  outlines.  The  northern  portion  of  the 
island  is  flat,  but  thickly  covered  with  high  trees.  A  spur  juts  easterly  at 
nearly  the  mid  axis  of  the  island,  dividing  the  two  inlets  known  as  the 
North  and  South  harbours  ;  and  on  the  peninsula  head  forming  the  southern 
I.  A.  3  IT 


514  BALABAO  STRAIT. 

horn  of  the  last  of  these,  observations  were  obtained  by  Sir  Edward  Belcher, 
as  tlie  chief  eastern  meridian  for  his  survey  of  the  North  coast  of  Borneo. 

Both  harbours  afford  good  water,  but  the  purest  was  found  at  the  southern 
one. 

Some  islets  and  rocks  lie  off  the  South  end  of  the  island,  and  a  detached 
coral  patch,  with  3  fathoms  water  over  it,  E.  by  S.  f  S.,  distant  a  mile  from 
it.  Off  the  S.W.  point  of  Balambangan  is  the  small,  round  island  oi  Kalutan, 
278  ft,  high,  which  a  vessel  should  not  near  under  half  a  mile,  on  account  of 
a  reef  projectirg  from  the  West  side  of  it.  The  whole  western  coast  of 
Balambangan  is  fronted  by  reef,  which  projects,  in  places,  three-quarters  of 
a  mile. 

Siagid  Shoal,  a  detached  coral  bank,  1^  mile  in  length,  with  less  than  a 
fathom  water  over  some  parts  of  it,  lies  2  miles  off  the  N.W.  part  part  of  the 
island  ;  by  keeping  in  depths  not  less  than  14  or  13  fathoms,  all  these  dan- 
gers will  be  avoided. 

Eeefs  and  shoals  extend  more  than  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  Siagut 
Point,  at  the  North  end  of  the  island,  and  a  3-fathom  patch  lies  N.N.W., 
nearly  \\  mile  from  it ;  vessels  should,  therefore,  give  it  a  berth  of  a  couple 
of  miles,  or  not  come  under  9  or  8  fathoms  when  rounding  it. 

The  whole  of  the  East  coast  of  Balambangan  is  also  fronted  by  coral;  IJ 
mile  south-eastward  of  Siagut  Point,  separated  from  the  shore  reef  by  a 
passage  6  fathoms  deep,  lies  a  coral  shoal,  more  than  half  a  mile  in  diameter, 
having  less  than  a  fathom  water  over  some  parts  of  it ;  and  eastward  of  this 
danger,  in  the  channel  between  it  and  the  extensive  reef  surrounding  Tiga 
Islet,  is  a  small  spot  of  Zh  and  another  of  2^  fathoms,  which  should  induce 
great  caution  in  the  event  of  a  vessel  having  occasion  to  pass  through  that 
channel. 

The  outlines  to  the  eastward  of  Observatory  jHead,  and  along  the  entire 
S.E.  coast,  will  be  found  fringed  with  shoals,  which  are  not  easily  discovered, 
unless  the  sun  be  shining  on  the  back  of  the  observer.  These  shoals  will 
then  exhibit  a  pale  green  tint,  the  deeper  water  being  clearly  defined  by  a 
deep  blue. 

Tiga  Islet,  low  and  covered  with  trees,  is  surrounded  by  reefs,  and  must 
be  approached  with  caution. 

To  enter  South  Harhour  requires  close  attention  to  the  following  directions, 
as  well  as  the  customarj'  warning  of  "  lead  and  look  out :  " — First,  the  Cone, 
the  outer  islet  off  Tanjong  Kalutan,  open  of  the  islets  off  Observatory  pe- 
ninsula W.S.W.,  positively  clears  danger,  and  on  that  bearing,  if  the  anchor 
be  let  go  at  the  moment  the  harbour  heads  open  N.W.,  the  vessel  will  be  in 
13  fathoms,  suflG.ciently  clear  of  danger.  Water  will  be  found  at  a  green 
patch  of  grassy  land  cleared  from  trees,  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  within 
Haha  Point. 

The  North  Harlour,  or  Looc  Barabok  Barabok  (a  Bajow  name),   offers 


BANGUEY  I8LAND.  615 

greater  convenience  for  anchorage  than  the  South  harbour,  and  is  of  much 
easier  approach,  the  shoals  being  better  defined. 

To  clear  the  shoals  off  Tanjong  Saparoak,  do  not  lose  sight  of  the  southern 
point  of  Balambangan,  or  mask  it  by  the  islets  off  Observatory  Point,  on 
which  line  the  Half-  Channel  Patch  lies,  breaking  at  times,  and  having  3  feet 
at  low  water. 

The  Banguey  Island  shore  is  safe  ;  work  upon  that  coast  until  the  trees 
of  Tanjong  Battang  present  a  decided  outline,  or  the  latter  bears  about 
W.  by  N.  Two  reefs  awash  lie  on  the  chord  of  the  bay.  Enter  the  bay  on 
a  West  course,  halfway  between  the  northern  reef  and  Tanjong  Battang, 
looking  out  to  avoid  a  9-feet  knoll,  which  is  on  the  line  of  the  western  ex- 
tremity of  Pulo  Kalankaman  on  with  the  trees  of  Tanjong  Battang.  A  shoal 
atvash,  which  bounds  the  bay  entrance  on  the  North,  will  then  be  noticed ; 
it  may  be  grazed,  and  a  position  taken  up  in  10  fathoms,  having  its  centre 
in  line  with  the  trees  of  Tanjong  Battang.  The  South  reef  is  also  awash, 
and  behind  it  (with  a  safe  channel  out  S.  by  E.  grazing  the  reef)  the  Sama- 
rang  ancliored. 

It  was  on  the  southern  point  of  North  Harbour  that  the  English  establish- 
ment (finally  deserted  in  1803)  was  situated.  Two  streams  flow  into  the  sea, 
one  on  each  side  of  the  ruins.  The  westernmost  is  to  be  preferred  for  water- 
ing. Fuel  may  be  obtained  at  any  part  of  these  islands,  and  is  similar  in 
quality  to  the  woods  of  Borneo  grown  on  hard  soil. 

BANGUEY  ISLAND — the  nearest  part  2J  miles  eastward  of  Balamban- 
gan— is  twice  the  size  of  that  island  ;  it  is  somewhat  rhomboidal  in  form, 
about  13  miles  in  diameter,  very  irregular,  and  everywhere  fringed  with 
reefs.  The  South  coast  is  faced  by  small  island,  between  which  are  deep- 
water  channels,  and  behind  them  large  concealed  spaces  formerly,  and  even 
now  at  times  the  rendezvous  and  hiding  places  for  the  Llanum  pirate  prows. 
They  form  the  northern  limit,  and  are  included  in  the  description  of  Ban- 
guey South  channel.  The  West  coast  is  included  in  the  description  of  Ban- 
guey West  channel,  and  the  North  coast  in  that  of  Balabac  Strait.  Off- 
lying  for  several  miles  the  N.E.  and  East  coasts  of  Banguey  are  numerous 
islands,  islets,  and  dangers,  some  of  which  will  be  included  in  the  descrip- 
tion of  Banguey  South  channel,  and  others,  farther  on,  under  special  de- 
nominations. 

There  are  several  ranges,  as  also  some  detached  hills  on  Banguey ;  the 
highest,  Banguey  Pealc,  elevated  1,876  ft.,  is  at  the  N.W.  end  of  the  island, 
and  shows  up  as  a  very  conspicuous  object  for  more  than  30  miles  around. 

From  the  peak  a  long  spur  slopes  in  a  south-westerly  direction  to  the  West 
coast,  and  a  range  of  hills  extends  to  the  eastward  for  a  distance  of  6  miles, 
East  Bill,  at  the  extreme  of  the  range,  being  elevated  1,076  ft. ;  thence  some 
smaller  ranges  take  a  northerly  direction,  and  terminate  near  the  coast  in 
North  Hill,  742  ft.>igh. 


516  BALA  BAG  STRAIT. 

Bangney  West  Channel,  between  Balambangan  and  Banguey,  leading 
from  the  China  Sea  into  Balabac  Strait,  is  not  so  free  from  danger  as  it 
was  supposed  to  be,  a  rock,  with  9  ft.  water  over  it,  having  been  discovered 
in  the  fairway,  and  also  other  dangers  off  the  N.W.  coast  of  Banguey, 
during  the  progress  of  the  survey  of  Balabac  Strait  and  its  vicinity,  by  Staff 
Commander  Eeed,  in  H.M.S.  Rifleman. 

Molleangan,  an  island  466  ft.  high,  and  Little  Molleangan,  about  one-third 
its  size,  together,  with  some  islets  and  numerous  rocks,  lie  south-westward 
of  the  S.W.  point  of  Banguej',  the  outer  rocks  being  nearly  4  miles  off. 
Dangers  stretch  off  in  westerly  and  north-westerly  directions  from  Mollean- 
gan to  the  distance  of  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  and  others  in  a  northerly 
direction  till  they  unite  with  those  fronting  the  S.W.  coast  of  Banguey. 

Giving  the  West  coast  of  Banguey  a  cautious  berth  of  1  mile  on  a  N.E. 
and  S.W.  line,  and  not  decreasing  the  water  to  less  than  19  fathoms,  the 
coast  is  safe.  A  close  examination  and  survey  of  the  coast  failed  to  detect 
any  river.  No  fresh  water  was  found,  and  the  reefs  were  unsafe  at  low 
water  for  light  boats. 

Manyangit  Point,  the  N.W.  extreme  of  Banguey,  can  be  approached  to 
within  a  quarter  of  a  mile.  The  N.W.  coast  terminates  at  Samarang  Point, 
6^  miles  N.E.  by  E.  from  Manyangit  Point,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  W.N.  W. 
of  which  is  the  outer  edge  of  a  patch  of  dry  coral,  with  a  sand  cay  upon  it, 
60  that  this  part  of  Banguey  must  be  neared  with  caution.  Two  small  coral 
shoals,  the  north-eastern  one  having  2^  fathoms  water  over  it,  and  the  other 
3  fathoms,  lie  1 J  mile  off  shore,  with  Banguey  Peak  bearing  S.  by  W.  ^  AV. 
The  channel  between  these  shoals  and  the  shore  dangers  is  clear,  with  depths 
of  6  and  7  fathoms.  Bifleman  Pock,  a  small  coral  patch  with  1^  to  2^  fa- 
thoms water  over  it,  and  5  and  6  fathoms  close  to,  lies  in  the  fairway  between 
the  shoals  just  described  and  those  extending  south-eastward  from  Tiga 
Islet,  distant  1 J  mile  from  the  former,  and  nearly  a  mile  from  the  latter. 
From  the  centre  of  the  patch  Manyangit  Point  bears  S.S.W.,  and  the  S.W. 
end  of  Tiga  Islet  W.  |  N.  Westward  of  the  rock  are  6  and  7  fathoms,  but 
eastward  of  it  the  soundings  are  shoaler  and  more  irregular. 

Passing  through  Banguey  West  channel,  Banguey  Peak  bearing  N.N.E., 
or  a  depth  of  19  fathoms  being  preserved,  will  lead  you  clear  to  the  west- 
ward of  Molleangan  Islands.  Manyangit  Point  to  the  northward  of  N.  by 
E.  ^  E.  will  keep  vessels  clear  of  the  whole  of  the  dangers  fronting  the  West 
coast  of  Banguey. 

Being  to  the  northward  of  the  Half  Channel  Patch,  haul  out  a  little  to- 
wards mid-channel,  and  steer  a  northerly  course  until  about  a  mile  past 
Manyangit  Point,  when  bring  it  to  bear  S.  by  W.,  and  carefully  keeping  it 
80,  guarding  against  tides,  pass  between  Eifleman  Rock  and  Tiga  Islet 
Reels.  Steering  a  N.  by  E.  course,  and  having  brought  the  centre  of  the 
highest  part  of  Tiga  Islet  on  the  port  beam,  the  rock  will  be  on  the  starboard 


BANGUEY  SOUTH  CHANNEL.  517 

beam,  and  •when  past  it  a  vessel  of  heavy  draught  may  edge  more  to  the 
eastward,  to  avoid  some  4-fathom  patches,  the  nearest  of  which,  lies  half  a 
mile  north-westward,  of  the  rock. 

BANGUEY  SOUTH  CHANNEL,  through  which  vessels  may  pass  from 
the  China  Sea  into  the  Sulu  Sea,  instead  of  through  Balabac  Strait,  is  some- 
what intricate,  and  demands  careful  navigation,  being  for  the  greater  part 
of  its  length  bounded  by  dangers.  The  western  entrance,  about  IJ  mile 
wide,  is  between  Outer  Shoal,  the  westernmost  of  many  dangers  which  ex- 
tend off  several  miles  from  the  N.W.  part  of  Borneo,  and  the  Molleangau 
Islands  off  the  S.W.  part  of  Banguey.  The  southern  limits  of  the  channel 
are  formed  by  the  dangers  off  the  N.W.  and  northern  parts  of  Borneo  ;  the 
South  channel  dangers  ;  the  reefs  off  the  northern  part  of  Mallawalle  ;  and 
the  northern  edge  of  the  reefs  and  shoals  extending  many  miles  eastward  of 
that  island,  and  known  as  Mallawalle  eastern  dangers.  The  northern  limits 
comprise  the  islands  which  lie  close  to,  and  appear  to  be  part  of,  the  southern 
ehore  of  Banguey  ;  the  Carrington  Reefs  ;  and  by  an  extensive  mass  of  reefs 
known  as  the  S.E.  Banguey  dangers. 

Those  dangers  only  will  be  described  which  lie  outside  the  mass,  limiting 
the  channels  proper  for  vessels  to  proceed  by;  the  dangers  N.W.  and  North 
of  Borneo  will  be  first  described. 

Outer  Shoal  forms  the  S.W.  limit  of  Banguey  South  Channel ;  it  is  some- 
what square  shaped,  about  a  mile  in  extent,  with  from  1  to  3  fatlioms  water 
over  the  greater  part  of  it,  and  a  patch  which  dries  near  its  eastern  side. 
The  N.W.  end  is  steep,  having  13  fathoms  close  to,  and  this  part  forms  the 
southern  boundary  of  the  entrance  to  the  channel ;  from  it  the  apex  of  Little 
Molleangan  bears  N.E.  f  N.  2J  miles  ;  and  a  small  islet  close  to  the  N.W. 
point  of  Borneo,  having  upon  it  a  white  patch  which  shows  like  a  boat's  sail, 
bears  S.E.  f  S.  5  miles. 

A  sand  cay,  on  the  East  side  of  a  coral  ledge  nearly  awash,  lies  E.  by  S. 
^  S.,  2J  miles  from  the  N.E.  extreme  of  Outer  Shoal,  and  S.E.  by  S.  south- 
erly nearly  3.^  miles  from  Little  Molleangan. 

Between  Outer  Shoal  and  the  sand  cay,  but  nearer  the  latter,  is  a  small 
dangerous  coral  patch  with  only  1  fathom  water  upon  it. 

Another  small  sand  cay,  in  the  centre  of  a  coral  ledge,  lies  E.  ^  N.  1^ 
mile  from  that  before  mentioned,  and  S.E.  ^  E.  3f  miles  from  Little  Mol- 
leangan. These  cays  are  very  useful  as  marking  the  limits  of  the  channel 
in  the  dii-ection  of  Borneo,  and  being  composed  of  white  sand  (coral  debris) 
they  are  very  conspicuous. 

Nearly  3  miles  E.N.E.  from  the  sand  cay,  last  mentioned,  is  a  2-fathom 
coral  patch,  with  a  couple  of  ledges  which  dry  a  short  distance  southward  of 
it ;  from  this  danger,   which  is  the  most  northerly  of  the  whole  cluster, 


518  BALABAC  STRAIT. 

Little  Molleangan  bears  W.  by  N.  §  N.,  5f  miles,  and  the  apex  of  Pata- 
niinam  N.N.W.  ^  W.,  nearly  4  miles. 

About  1^  miles  E.  ^  S.  from  the  2-fathom  shoal  is  the  outer  of  two  coral 
lecl"-es  lying  close  together;  from  it  Little  Molleangan  bears  W.  by  N.  I  N., 
7^  miles,  Patanunam  apex  N.W.  i  W.  5  miles,  and  the  highest  apex  of 
Mallawalle  E.  ^  N.  8  miles.  A  3-fathom  patch  lies  3  cables  E.S.E.,  and 
a  ledo-e  of  rocks  a  little  over  1^  mile  in  the  same  direction  from  these 
dan"-ers;  this  ledge,  however,  should  properly  be  considered  one  of  the 
dangers  off-lying  the  N.E,  coast,  and  affecting  the  navigation  of  the  channel 
between  Borneo  and  Mallawalle. 

South  Channel  Dangers  comprise  five  coral  shoals  which  lie  nearly  mid- 
way between  the  Banguey  and  Borneo  coasts,  limiting  Banguey  South 
channel  to  the  southward,  and  Mallawalle  channel  to  the  northward.  It  is 
only  necessary  to  consider  these  shoals  as  a  dangerous  group  which  the  fol- 
lowing bearings  just  clear : — On  the  North  side  the  apex  of  Large  Mollean- 
gan W.  I  S.  ;  on  the  South  side  the  same  object  W.  -J  N. ;  on  the  West  side 
the  South  apex  of  Pagassan  N.  i  E. ;  and  on  the  East  side,  the  islet  next  the 
Point  of  Banguey,  East  of  Lampassan,  N.  J  W. 

Mallawalle  Island,  7  miles  distant  E.  by  N.  from  the  North  extreme  of 
Borneo,  is  4  miles  long,  and  about  the  same  distance  broad.  The  island  for 
the  most  part  consists  of  ranges  of  hills  from  400  to  500  ft.  high  ;  but  one 
range,  towards  the  N.W.  end,  attains  the  elevation  of  562  ft.  N.W.  islet 
lies  a  short  distance  off  the  N.W.  end ;  and  North  Island,  low  and  nearly 
a  mile  in  length,  lies  so  close  to  and  projects  from  the  North  part  of  the 
main  island  in  such  a  manner  that  it  is  not  easily  seen  to  be  detached. 

Mallawalle,  including  the  adjoining  islands  and  islets,  is  encircled  by  a 
belt  of  reef  which  dries  at  low  water ;  and  at  the  N.W.  point  of  Malla- 
walle it  curves  round  and  projects  a  narrow  spit  more  than  a  mile  to  the 
southward,  forming  a  sort  of  small  harbour,  with  8  fathoms  water  in  it, 
where  proas,  or  other  small  vessels,  could  easily  find  anchorage.  At  the 
South  end  of  Mallawalle  is  an  inlet  about  a  mile  in  depth. 

Off  the  North  side  of  Mallawalle,  at  its  western  end,  the  shore  reef 
extends  about  IJ  mile,  and  encloses  liorth  Island,  1  mile  long,  N.N  E.,  and 
S.S.W.  A  2-fathom  coral  patch  lies  N.N.W.  I  W.,  nearly  7  cables  from  North 
Island,  and  5  cables  outside  the  reef  encompassing  it,  and  from  this  patch 
three  narrow  strips  of  reef,  dry  at  low  water,  extend  more  than  2  miles  to 
the  eastward  ;  the  westernmost  strip  is  marked  near  the  middle  by  a  sand 
cay.  Between  these  dangers  and  the  shore  reef  is  a  channel  with  depths  of 
10  or  11  fathoms,  decreasing  to  4  fathoms  near  the  reefs  on  either  side. 

Half  a  mile  north-eastward  of  the  snout,  px'ojecting  from  the  shore  reef  at 
the  eastern  part  of  Mallawalle,  is  a  conspicuous  sand  cay,  situated  near  the 
West  end  of  a  detached  reef  which  extends  a  mile  eastward  of  the  cay  ;  the 
channel  between  this  danger  and  the  shore  reef  is  blocked  by  a  2-fathom 


BANQUET  SOUTH  CHANNEL.  519 

coral  shoal.  About  1|  miles  N.  by  E.  from  the  East  end  of  Mallawalle,  and 
N.N.W.,  1^  mile  from  the  cay,  is"  a  narrow  strip  of  coral,  half  a  mile  in 
length,  which  dries;  close  around  it  are  12  and  13  fathoms;  and  S.E.  i  E., 
IJ  mile  from  the  cay,  is  another  small  coral  patch,  with  a  spot  upon  it  which 
dries,  and  depths  of  15  fathoms  close  to ;  but  these  are,  in  fact,  the  western- 
most of  the  Mallawalle  eastern  dangers. 

Mallawalle  Channel.— Dangers  extend  off  3  or  4  miles  from  the  N.E. 
coast  of  Borneo,  and  between  these  and  Mallawalle  is  a  safe  channel  3  miles 
broad;  but  a  rock  lies  in  the  fairway  just  outside  the  southern  part,  which 
is  the  limit  of  the  li/'f  email's  survey  in  that  direction,  and,  probably,  many 
other  dangers  will  be  discovered  when  the  survey  is  extended. 

Mallawalle  Eastern  Dangers  comprise  a  large  number  of  detached  reefs 
and  shoals  which  extend  10  or  11  miles  in  directions  E.N.E.,  East,  and  S.E. 
from  Mallawalle.  It  is  only  the  northern  edge  of  these  dangers,  bounding 
the  eastern  part  of  Banguey  South  Channel  to  the  southward,  which  require 
description,  for  there  can  be  no  possible  object  to  induce  risking  a  vessel 
amongst  them,  unless  it  is  a  gunboat  in  pursuit  of  pirates. 

About  2f  miles  N.E.  by  E.  from  the  detached  cay  off  the  eastern  end  of 
Mallawalle  Island,  is  a  small  coral  strip  which  dries,  but  surrounded  by 
depths  of  14  and  15  fathoms.  One-third  of  a  mile  southward  of  this  strip  is 
a  shoal  half  a  mile  in  extent,  with  less  than  a  fathom  water  over  it.  A  mass 
of  reefs  and  shoals,  occupying  a  space  IJ  mile  in  extent,  with  13  fathoms 
close  to  on  their  northern  side,  lies  a  mile  eastward  of  the  coral  strip,  just 
described;  and  E.  by  N.  i  N.,  Oi  miles  from  the  same  danger  is  a  shoal 
half  a  mile  in  length,  with  only  7  ft.  water  on  its  northern  end.  This  last 
danger,  being  always  covered,  is  not  so  readily  seen  as  the  others,  and  it  is 
important  to  bear  this  in  mind,  as  the  shoal  occupies  a  prominent  position, 
bordering  as  it  does  on  the  deep  water  of  Banguey  South  Channel. 

The  Straggler,  a  small  coral  islet,  with  trees  20  ft.  high,  is  a  very  useful 
object  for  guiding  strangers  into,  and  assisting  them  in  navigating  the 
eastern  part  of  Banguey^South  Channel.  From  it  the  7  ft.  patch  just  de- 
scribed lies  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W.  nearly  1|  miles,  whilst  westward  of  the  islet 
are  several  other  dangers.  The  reef  surrounding  the  islet  extends  1^  mile 
in  an  E.  by  N.  ^  N.  direction.  About  1 J  ^^^  S.E.  from  the  East  extreme 
of  the  Straggler  Eeef,  and  E.  by  S.  f  S.  from  the  islet,  is  the  outer  edge  of 
a  shoal  having  in  some  places  less  than  6  ft.  water.  This  is  the  north- 
eastern danger  of  the  Mallawalle  group,  and  half  a  mile  eastward  of  it  is 
a  3^  fathoms  coral  patch.  Other  dangers  of  the  group  extend  7  miles  further 
to  the  southward,  which  was  the  limit  of  the  Eiflemmi's  survey  in  a  S.E. 
direction  from  Banguey. 

Fairway  Shoal,  at  the  eastern  entrance  of  South  Banguey  Channel,  is  a 
coral  shoal,  from  half  to  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  diameter,  having  a  rock 
awash  near  its  southern  part,  and  1^  to  3  fathoms  elsewhere  ;  its  eouthern 


520  BALABAC  STRAIT. 

extreme  is  N.E.  i  E.,  2i  miles  from  the  Straggler,  U  mile  N.N.E.  ^  E. 
from  the  eastern  extreme  of  its  reef,  which  limits  the  width  of  the  channel 
southward  of  the  shoal ;  the  channel  between  it  and  S.E.  Banguey  dangers 
is  3  miles  wide.  From  the  eastern  part  of  this  danger  the  highest  apex  of 
Mallawalle  bears  W.  by  S.  ^  S.,  distant  14  miles,  and  Banguey  Peak 
W.N  W.,  westerly,  distant  27  J  miles. 

Islands  off  the  South  Coast  of  Banguey. — The  Molleangan  Islands,  which 
form  the  north-western  limit  of  Banguey  South  Channel,  have  already  been 
described  (page  516) ;  it  is,  however,  proper  to  observe  here  that  dangers 
extend  three-quarters  of  a  mile  westward  and  two-thirds  of  a  mile  eastward 
of  Little  Molleangan  ;  but  Molleangan,  a  high  conspicuous  island,  which 
points  out  the  entrance  of  the  channel  from  afar,  is  free  from  danger  on 
those  sides  a£tecting  the  navigation  of  this  channel.  Patanunan  Island,  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  eastward  of  the  S.W.  point  of  Banguey,  is  428  ft.  high, 
serves  as  a  useful  object  for  bearings  when  passing  through  the  channel. 
Pagassan  Island,  3  miles  eastward  of  Patanunan,  is  fringed  by  a  reef  which 
projects  3  cables  from  the  southern  part,  and  a  cable  farther  off  lies  a  rock 
awash  ;  the  island  must  thei-efore  be  neared  cautiously.  Three-quarters  of 
a  mile  eastward  of  Pagassan  is  Zampassan,  the  southern  part  of  which  ex- 
tends thence  2^  miles  in  an  E.N.E.  direction.  This  island  is  also  high,  and 
from  its  southern  and  eastern  points  some  peculiar  spits  of  coral,  dry  at  low 
water,  project  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile.  The  S.E.  extreme  of  Banguey 
is  bordered  by  coral  reefs,  outside  the  edges  of  which,  opposite  the  mouth  of 
an  inlet,  lie  two  rather  large  detached  patches,  the  South  end  of  the  outer 
one  being  a  mile  off. 

Nearly  2i  miles  from  the  East  end  of  Lampassan  is  the  West  end  of  Car- 
ring ton  Reefs,  comprising  several  masses  of  coral,  for  the  most  part  dry  at  low 
water,  extending  4  miles  in  an  E.  by  N.  direction  ;  they  are  a  mile  broad, 
and  on  the  North  side,  4  cables  from  the  edge  of  the  mass,  is  a  detached 
spot  of  '2h  fathoms.  Between  this  last  and  the  dangers  extending  from  the 
Banguey  shore  is  a  channel  three-quarters  of  a  mile  wide,  but  which,  as  a 
matter  of  ordinary  navigation,  no  vessel  would  require  to  use. 

The  main  channel  lies  between  the  Carrington  Reefs  and  those  off  the 
North  part  of  Mallawalle,  and  by  this  channel  only  should  strangers  attempt 
to  proceed,  taking  care  not  to  near  the  former  dangers  under  a  depth  of  15 
or  13  fathoms;  the  apex  of  Pagassan  bearing  W.  ^  N.  leads  close  to  the 
southward,  and  the  East  end  of  Lampassan  bearing  N.  by  W.  \  W.  leads 
westward  of  a  4^-fathom  patch  lying  3  cables  off  the  West  end  of  them. 

South-East  Banguey  Dangers  comprise  an  extensive  group  of  reefs  and 
shoals  10  miles  in  length,  E.  by  N.  h  N.,  and  W.  by  S.  |  S.,  and  nearly  5 
miles  in  breadth  ;  they  lie  south-eastward  of  Bancawan  Island  and  reefs, 
being  separated  from  them  by  Bancawan  Channel ;  the  southern  part  is  9 
miles  south-eastward,  and  the  eastern  part  14^  miles  eastward  of  the  S.E. 


BANGUEY  SOUTH  CHANNEL.  521 

extreme  of  Banguey.  The  West  end  of  the  group  is  defined  by  two  small 
isolated  patches,  dry  at  low  water  and  steep-to  ;  the  northern  patch  lies 
almost  half  a  mile,  and  the  southern  one  somewhat  more  outside  the  body  of 
the  reefs,  with  depths  of  12  fathoms  between,  so  that  a  sharp  look-out  is 
essential  when  nearing  them,  and  the  same  precaution  will  have  to  be  ob- 
served when  passing  through  the  channel,  as  the  reefs  forming  the  southern 
edge  of  the  mass  are  all  steep-to.  A  space,  about  2  miles  in  extent,  at  the 
eastern  part  of  these  dangers,  is  studded  by  a  number  of  coral  patches,  with 
If  to  3f  fathoms  water  over  them,  and  from  the  outer  or  eastern  one  the 
apex  of  Latoan  Island  bears  N.W.  by  W.  f  W.,  9^  miles  ;  Banguey  Peak 
W.  by  N.  i  N.,  24  miles ;  and  the  apex  of  Mallawalle  S.W.  by  W.,  14 
miles. 

The  passage  between  the  S.E.  Banguey  dangers  and  Carrington  Eeefs  is 
nearly  2  miles  wide,  and  perfectly  safe. 

Bancaw&n  Channel,  separating  Bancawan  Eeefs  from  S.E.  Banguey  dan- 
gers, is  three-quarters  of  a  mile  wide  at  its  narrowest  part,  near  the  middle. 
The  direction  of  the  channel  is  nearly  straight,  and  a  N.E.  -|  E.  course  will 
lead  between  the  East  end  of  Carrington  Reefs  and  the  West  end  of  the 
SJS.  dangers,  and  through  the  fairway  ;  but  it  will  be  necessary  in  practice  to 
be  guided  more  by  a  vigilant  look-out  for  the  reefs  on  each  hand  bounding 
the  channel  than  by  compass  bearings  :  with  proper  precautions  there  will 
be  no  difficulty  in  taking  a  gun-vessel  safely  through. 

DIRECTIONS  FOR  BANGUEY  SOUTH  CHANNEL.— Having  rounded 
Sampanmangio  Point,  stand  over  to  the  eastward  for  the  Molleangan  Islands, 
bringing  their  apexes  in  line  as  they  are  approached.  When  arrived  within 
2  or  3  miles  of  them  open  Little  Molleangan  left  of  the  apex  of  the  larger 
island,  and  steer  East  into  the  channel ;  and,  in  order  to  keep  well  clear  of 
Outer  Shoal,  avoid  opening  the  whole  of  Patanunan  (a  black  round  looking 
island  when  viewed  from  near  the  entrance  of  the  channel)  right  of  Mollean- 
gan, before  the  apex  of  Little  Molleangan  is  brought  to  bear  N.N. E.  Having 
passed  Little  Molleangan  steer  up  more  to  the  north-eastward,  keeping  a 
mile  or  so  off  Molleangan  and  Pantanunan ;  and,  being  past  those  islands, 
bring  the  apex  of  the  latter  to  bear  W.  ^  S.  and  steer  the  opposite  course 
through  the  fairway  between  the  South  Channel  dangers  and  the  rock  off 
the  South  end  of  Pagassan ;  Molleangan  apex  bearing  W.  by  S.  well  clears 
the  former,  and  Patanunan  apex  bearing  W.  by  S.  {  S.  clears  the  latter 
danger. 

Continue  to  steer  an  E.  -|-  N.  course,  by  preserving  the  opposite  bearing  of 
Patanunan  apex,  until  the  summit  of  the  hill  at  the  southern  part  of  Pa- 
o-assan  bears  W.  i  N.,  when  steer  East  for  a  mile  or  so,  until  the  bearing 
changes  to  W.  ^  N.,  northerly ;  when  by  keeping  it  so,  and  steering  the 
opposite  course,  the  dangers  off  the  North  part  of  Mallawalle  will  be  avoided. 

I.  A.  3  X 


522  BALABAC  STRAIT, 

When  the  highest  hill  of  Mallawalle  is  brought  to  bear  S.W.  ^  S.,  edge 
away  a  little  to  the  southward— to  give  a  wider  berth  to  the  S.E.  Banguey 
dangers— until  the  same  peak  bears  W.S.W.,  when  the  opposite  course 
E.N.E.  carefully  preserving  the  back  bearing,  will  lead  between  the  outer 
part  of  the  S.E.  Banguey  dangers  and  Fairway  Shoal,  and  out  of  the  channel 
into  the  Sulu  Sea. 

These  directions  will  serve  very  usefully  to  assist  in  the  safe  guidance  of 
vessels,  but  attention  to  them  must  be  supplemented  by  a  most  vigilant  and 
careful  look-out  from  aloft.  The  best  time  for  proceeding  through  from  the 
westward  is  of  course  afternoon,  with  the  sun  astern,  when  there  is  seldom 
much  difficulty  in  making  out  the  various  dangers  as  the  vessel  advances, 
which  it  is  almost  impossible  to  do  with  a  glaring  sun  ahead. 

BALABAC  STRAIT,  leading  from  the  China  Sea  into  the  Mindoro  or 
Sulu  Sea,  is  bounded  on  the  South  by  the  islands  of  Balambangan  and  Ban- 
guey, and  on  the  North  by  the  island  of  Balabac.  The  greater  part  of  the 
body  of  the  strait  is  occupied  by  coral  dangers,  far  too  numerous  to  admit 
of  detailed  description.  These  dangers  are  delineated  upon  the  chart,  the 
result  of  the  Rifllemanh  survey  in  1869. 

The  high  peak  of  Balabac  Island  is  the  most  conspicuous  object  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  strait,  and  visible  from  all  parts  of  it.  Banguey  and  Balabac 
Peaks  lie  N.  i  E.  and  S.  ^  W.  of  each  other,  37^  miles  apart,  and  as  most 
of  the  dangers  and  channels  are  to  the  eastward,  and  therefore  at  right 
angles  to  that  line,  these  peaks  are  of  the  first  importance  for  determining 
the  position  of  vessels  when  navigating  this  dangerous  strait. 

BALABAC  ISLAND,  lying  oflP  the  S.W.  extremity  of  Palawan  Island,  and 
about  26  miles  northward  of  Balambangan,  is  nearly  20  miles  in  extent 
North  and  South,  and  9  miles  East  and  West.  On  the  southern  half  of  the 
island  are  several  ranges  of  high  cliflPs,  exhibiting  great  variety  in  the  out- 
line of  their  summits  ;  only  two,  however,  are  of  sufficient  importance  to 
require  particular  description.  Steep-fall  Range,  the  first  of  these,  is  about 
2  miles  from  Cape  Melvill,  the  South  point  of  the  island ;  the  summits  of 
the  several  hills  composing  it  form  together  a  semicircular  line,  convex  to 
seaward,  and  being  of  nearly  the  same  elevation,  850  ft.,  present  a  some- 
what table-like  appearance,  whence  the  sides  fall  in  a  very  precipitous 
manner ;  hence  the  name.  These  features  will  enable  strangers  to  readily 
recognise  this  range,  without  confounding  it  with  the  small  range  at  the 
S.W.  extreme  of  the  island,  the  highest  part  of  which  is,  moreover,  but 
330  ft.  From  Steep-fall  Range,  other  hills,  less  elevated,  extend  in  a  north- 
westerly direction  nearly  as  far  as  the  West  extreme  of  the  island ;  and 
northward  from  the  same  range  other  ranges,  varying  in  height  from  1,200 
to  1,300  ft.,  extend  to  Dalawan  Bay;  these  last  are  separated  from  the  still 
higher  ranges  of  Balabac  Peak  by  a  valley  which  runs  in  a  W.N.  W.  direction 


BALABAC  ISLAND.  523 

across  the  island.  Bahbac  Peak,  the  other  object  calling  for  special  remark, 
is  a  sharp  hill  near  the  eastern  shore,  5  miles  northward  of  Steep-fall  Eange, 
and  obtains  the  greatest  elevation  on  the  island,  1,900  ft.  Eastward  of  the 
peak  some  ranges  slope  down  to  Dalawan  Bay  and  the  shore  northward  of 
it ;  and  northward  of  these,  separated  from  them  by  a  valley,  other  ranges 
extend  along  the  coast  as  far  as  Calandorang  Bay ;  westward  of  the  peak  is 
a  range  of  six  or  seven  sharply  marked  apexes,  running  in  a  N.  by  E.  direc- 
tion to  the  inner  part  of  the  same  bay,  and  westward  of  this  last  are  several 
other  ranges,  inferior  in  altitude,  which  stretch  over  nearly  as  far  as  the 
West  extreme  of  the  island,  joining  those  which  extend  from  Steep-fall 
Eange.  On  the  northern  part  of  the  island,  joining  those  which  extend 
from  Steep-fall  Eange.  On  the  northern  part  of  the  island,  beyond  Calan- 
dorang Bay,  are  several  detached  hills,  the  highest,  750  ft.,  being  situated 
near  the  coast,  1^  mile  northward  of  the  bay. 

The  West  Coast  of  Balahac  cannot  be  closely  approached  on  account  of 
numerous  reefs  and  shoals  which  extend  several  miles  oflf.  These  dangers 
extend  over  many  miles,  and  are  of  two  kinds :  the  first  consists  of  large 
reefs,  most  of  which  begin  to  uncover  at  the  first  of  the  ebb,  the  whole  of 
them  being  dry  at  low  water ;  whilst  the  second  comprises  shoals  and  shoal 
banks,  none  having  less  than  10  ft.  water  over  them  at  low  tides  ;  these  lie 
outside  the  reefs  which  dry,  some  of  them  being  7  miles  from  the  shore. 
Should  closer  information  be  required,  it  will  be  obtained  more  readily  from 
the  chart  than  from  a  written  description. 

The  following  is  a  very  brief  description  of  the  dangers  lying  W.  and 
S.W.  of  Balabac  :— 

The  South  extreme  of  Gnat  Reef,  on  which  H.M.  gunboat  of  that  name 
was  wrecked,  lies  2  miles  N.W.  from  the  S.W.  extreme  of  Balabac ;  thence 
the  reef  extends  1^  mile  to  the  northward.  There  is  a  channel  round  it  with 
many  dangers.  N.W.,  3  miles  from  the  South  end  of  Gnat  Eeef,  is  the 
South  extremity  of  Balahac  Great  Reefs,  which  thence  extend  8  miles  to  the 
northward,  and  dry  to  the  distance  of  from  3  to  5  miles  from  the  shore. 
S.  W.  Patches,  a  line  of  shallow  water  from  3J  to  9  fathoms,  lies  2  miles 
South  of  the  South  extreme  of  Gnat  Eeef  and  Balabac  Great  Eeefs.  The 
Western  Shoals,  and  numerous  detached  patches  of  2  J  to  5  fathoms,  extend  to 
a  distance  of  about  3  J  miles  West  from  the  western  side  of  Balabac  Great 
Eeefs.  Ada  Reef,  dry  at  low  water,  lies  oil'  the  N.W.  side  of  Balabac  Island. 
It  is  2i  miles  long  E.N.E.  and  W.S  W.,  three  quarters  of  a  mile  broad  at 
its  West  extreme,  and  lies  a  mile  outside  the  shore  reef  just  mentioned,  the 
channel  between  being  full  of  shoals  and  patches  of  reef.  From  the  N.W. 
extreme  of  this,  the  outermost  danger  off  the  southern  part  of  Blind  Har- 
bour, Balabac  Peak  bears  S.E.  by  E.,  11|  miles,  and  the  apex  of  the  hill 
over  the  northern  point  of  Blind  Harbour  N.E.  by  E.  i  E.  6i  miles. 

Ada  Eeef  is  connected  by  a  coral  bank,  having  less  than  3  fathoms  water. 


524  BALABAC  STEAIT. 

witli  the  dangers  of  Blind  Harbour,  and  those  extending  from  the  shore 
thence  to  Cape  Disaster. 

North-  West  Shoal,  the  last  of  the  Balabac  dangers  to  be  noticed,  lies  about 
8  miles  north-eastward  of  Ada  Reef,  2  miles  distant  from  the  coast  north- 
ward of  Blind  Harbour ;  it  is  2^  miles  long  N.E.  by  E.  and  S.W.  by  W., 
and  half  a  mile  broad.  This  is  a  dangerous  shoal,  having  as  little  as  If 
fathom  over  some  parts,  and  only  2^  to  3  fathoms  over  the  greater  part  of 
its  extent :  to  avoid  this  danger,  the  S.W.  end  of  Balabac  Peak,  must  not  be 
brought  southward  of  S.E.  f  S.,  nor  "West  point  South  of  S.  J  E. ;  and  Cape 
Disaster,  the  North  point  of  the  island,  if  not  brought  to  the  northward  of 
E.  I  N.,  will  clear  the  N.E.  end. 

When  standing  towards  the  dangers  off-lying  the  West  coast  of  Balabac 
in  the  afternoon,  when  the  sun  will  be  astern,  the  outer  shoals,  and  also  the 
reefs  inside  of  them,  will  generally  be  seen  a  long  way  off,  but  always  in 
sufficient  time  to  avoid  them ;  but  if  the  sun  is  ahead,  more  especially  if  it  is 
low,  the  outer  shoals  are  sometimes  difficult  to  make  out  until  close  to  them. 
The  soundings  are  so  variable  and  uncertain,  under  depths  of  30  fathoms,  as 
to  afford  little  assistance  to  seamen,  and  in  the  daytime  a  good  look-out  is  of 
the  first  importance  ;  but  at  night  the  soundings  must  be  carefully  attended 
to  if  near  these  dangers,  and  vessels  should  not  decrease  their  depths  under 
40  fathoms  off  the  S.W.  and  West  parts  of  the  island,  nor  under  50  fathoma 
off  the  N.W.  part. 

Blind  Harbour  is  an  opening  nearly  2  miles  wide  on  the  N.W.  side  of 
Balabac,  having  the  appearance  of  a  capacious  bay,  being  4  J  miles  in  extent. 
It  is,  however,  blocked  up  with  coral,  except  near  the  points  at  the  entrance, 
where  there  is  a  narrow  channel  between  the  reefs,  with  9  and  10  fathoms 
water. 

From  Blind  Harbour  to  Cape  Disaster,  the  North  extreme  of  Balabac,  and 
round  the  northern  extremity  of  the  island,  the  coast  is  low,  with  two  small 
cliffy  hiUs  a  little  inland.  It  is  fronted  by  a  reef,  which  at  low  water  driea 
from  4  to  5  cables,  and  off  Cape  Disaster  7  cables  from  the  shore.  Shoal 
water  extends  some  short  distance  outside  the  reef,  and  near  Blind  Harbour 
stretches  off  more  than  a  mUe  from  the  coast. 

The  Eastern  side  of  Balalac  Islayid  is  tolerably  bold,  with  deep  water  close 
to  the  shore.  From  Cape  Melville,  the  South  point  of  the  island,  the  coast 
to  Dalawan  Bay  trends  to  the  N.E.,  and  is  steep-to,  except  at  the  cape  and 
the  N.E.  point  of  Clarendon  Bay,  a  small  inlet  near  it,  off  which  reefs,  dry 
at  low  water,  extend  2  cables. 

The  coast  northward  of  Dalawan  Bay  trends  North  a  little  westerly  j  it  is 
fringed  by  a  reef,  which  extends  from  1  to  1^  cable  from  the  shore,  and  has 
three  small  inlets,  the  southernmost  of  which  is  called  Calandorang. 

From  Candaraman,  the  northernmost  inlet,  the  coast  takes  a  more  westerly 


JBALABAC  ISLAND.  525 

direction  for  2|  miles  to  Encampment  Head,  a  small  bushy  isthmus  nearly  a 
mile  to  the  eastward  of  Cape  Disaster. 

From  Cape  Melvill,  the  South  point  of  the  island,  reefs  extend  off  half  a 
mile,  and  from  the  S.  W.  part  of  the  island  nearly  a  mile  :  some  distance 
outside  the  shore  reefs  the  ground  is  foul,  with  detached  shoal  spots  here 
and  there  ;  from  the  outermost  of  these,  a  3-fathom  patch,  the  right  extreme 
of  the  southern  part  of  the  island  bears  N.E.  by  E.  ^  E.,  IJ  miles,  and  the 
S.W.  extreme  N.  by  \V.  J  W.  1^  mile  :  vessels  should  not  come  nearer  than 

2  miles  to  the  coast  between  Cape  Melvill  and  the  S.  W.  point  of  Balabac. 

Clarendon  Bay  is  a  small  inlet,  opening  into  the  coast  in  a  north-westerly 
direction,  with  depths  of  3^  to  5  fathoms,  five  cables  inside  the  points;  from 
the  southern  point  the  shore  reef  extends  off  a  very  short  distance,  but  from 
the  northern  point  it  projects  more  than  2  cables  in  a  S.E.  direction,  narrow- 
ing the  width  at  the  entrance  to  barely  three-quarters  of  a  cable.  Clarendon 
Bay,  after  being  surveyed  by  Mr.  Doorly,  navigating  midshipman  of  H.M.S. 
Rijleman,  was  used  as  a  place  of  shelter  from  S.W.  gales  by  H.M.  gun-vessel 
Avon,  when  engaged  in  recovering  guns  and  stores  from  the  wreck  of  the 
Gnat. 

Balawan  Bay,  convenient  for  wooding  and  watering,  and  affording  good 
shelter  with  south-westerly  winds,  has  its  entrance  6|  miles  from  the  South 
point  of  Balabac  Island,  with  Balabac  Peak  bearing  N.AV.  2|^  miles.  When 
off  Dalawan  Bay,  its  locality  wiU  be  readily  recognised  by  the  low  land  run- 
ning in  a  W-N-W.  direction  from  the  beach  across  the  island,  separating 
the  high  land  about  Balabac  Peak  from  the  Transept,  a  smooth  table-topped 
hill  on  the  South  side  of  the  bay. 

The  bay  is  about  a  mile  wide  from  shore  to  shore  at  the  entrance,  and 
about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  deep.  Eeefs,  which  dry  at  low  water,  project 
from  both  points  at  the  entrance,  contracting  the  channel  to  a  little  less  than 
7  cables ;  that  on  the  northern  side  has  a  rock  at  its  extremity  called  Buoy 
Eock,  lying  South  2  cables  from  the  shore,  but  rocky  ground  extends  3^ 
cables  beyond  this  in  a  north-easterly  direction,  having  in  some  parts  only 

3  fathoms  water,  with  5  and  7  fathoms  close  to  the  edge. 

There  is  a  white  rock  on  the  shore  in  the  south-western  corner  of  the  bay 
1  i  cable  to  the  northward  of  which  is  the  entrance  of  the  river.     A  reef 
of  rocks  one  cable  in  extent,  showing  only  at  low  water  springs,  lies  to  the 
eastward   of   the  entrance    of   the    river,    upwards  of  2   cables  from  the 
beach. 

The  shores  of  the  bay  are  densely  wooded,  the  entrance  on  either  side 
being  fronted  with  mangrove.  The  best  anchorage  is  about  the  centre  of  the 
bay  in  9  fathoms,  mud,  nearly  half  a  mile  from  the  beach.  South-eastward 
about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  White  Eock,  where  the  mangrove  joins 
the  foot  of  the  hills  in  Dalawan  Bay,  is  a  rivulet  oi  good  water ;  there  are  also 
one  or  two  good  streams  on  the  northern  shore  of  the  bay,  but  neither  of 


526  BALABAC  STEATT. 

them  was  found  so  eligible  for  the  purpose  of  watering  as  the  river ;  in  the 
dry  season  the  water  must  be  obtained  some  distance  up  to  be  good.  The 
river  is  navigable  for  boats  on  ordinary  occasions  about  a  mile,  where  there 
are  a  few  houses  and  some  cultivated  ground  occupied  by  Malays,  who  by 
turns,  as  opportunities  offer,  act  the  parts  of  pirates  or  husbandmen.  Their 
character  is  decidedly  questionable,  and  merchant  boats'  crews  should  be  on 
their  guard. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Dalawan  Bay  at  IP  ;  and  the  rise  of 
tide  is  5  ft. 

Calandorang  Bay,  or  Puerto  del  Prmcipe  Alfonso,  6  miles  northward  of 
Dalawan  Bay,  is  a  Spanish  settlement,  established  a  few  years  ago  for  the 
purpose  of  developing  the  trade  of  Palawan  and  other  neighbouring  islands ; 
it  has  not  yet  succeeded,  however,  in  making  any  progress,  for  there  is  abso- 
lutely no  trade  whatever.  It  is  a  naval  establishment.  No  supplies  of  any 
kind  are  to  be  procured  ;  bullocks,  and  other  necessaries  for  the  use  of  the 
garrison,  being  sent  periodically  from  Manila. 

The  bay  is  6  cables  wide  at  its  entrance,  and  1^  mile  deep.  The  South 
point  of  the  entrance  is  formed  by  a  hill,  110  ft.  high,  named  Almirante 
Gill,  upon  which  is  a  lighthouse ;  the  North  point  is  mangrove,  with  hills  a 
a  short  distance  inside  of  it :  coral  and  shoal  water  extend  nearly  a  cable  off 
both  points. 

The  light  on  Almirante  Gill  is  elevated  268  ft.  above  the  mean  level  of  the 
sea,  and  in  clear  weather  should  be  seen  from  a  distance  of  10  miles.  The 
tower  is  square,  white  with  a  red  base,  and  surmounted  by  a  red  lantern. 

On  the  South  shore,  a  cable  or  so  inside  the  lighthouse,  is  a  coal  store 
and  small  jetty,  and  further  on  two  bluffs,  or  heads,  project  from  the  higher 
ranges  on  to  the  beach ;  from  the  first  of  these  coral,  dry  at  low  water,  and 
shoal  soundings,  extend  about  a  cable,  and  from  the  last  a  coral  ledge 
stretches  out  rather  more  than  half  that  distance.  Beyond  the  bluffs,  about 
half  a  mile  from  the  entrance,  is  a  landing  pier,  the  town  being  built  on  the 
shore  of  the  bay  westward  of  it,  and  terminating  at  a  third  bluff,  or  spur, 
protruding  from  the  high  range  of  hills  behind.  The  North  shore  of  the 
bay  is  all  mangrove ;  from  two  points,  about  half  a  mile  from  the  entrance, 
coral,  dry  at  low  water,  extends  off  about  1^  cable ;  and  from  a  point  oppo- 
site the  town,  a  coral  reef,  with  some  rocks  above  water  upon  it,  extends  off 
almost  as  far. 

A  3 -fathom  patch,  with  3f  fathoms  around  it,  lies  off  the  first  bluff  west- 
ward of  the  coal  store ;  from  it  the  lighthouse  bears  E.  :|^  S.,  and  the  block- 
house S.W.  1  S. 

The  anchorage  in  the  bay  is  good,  the  bottom  being  of  mud,  and  during  the 
S.W.  monsoon  it  is  perfectly  sheltered  and  secure ;  a  convenient  position  for 
a  moderate  sized  ship  to  anchor  in  is  just  outside  a  line  between  the  light- 
house and  the  dry  rocks,  with  the  former  bearing  E.  by  S.  ^  S.,  the  bluff 


NORTH  AND  N.E.  COASTS  OF  BANGUEY.  527 

westward  of  the  town  S.W.  i  W.,  and  the  block-house  fort,  a  white  octa- 
gonal-shaped building,  S.W.  by  S.  :  small  vessels  can  go  farther  in  on  the 
line  of  bearing  of  the  bluff,  just  mentioned,  and  anchor  where  most  con- 
venient. The  N.E.  monsoon  occasionally  blows  into  the  bay  with  consider- 
able force,  sending  in  also  a  nasty  chop  of  a  sea,  so  that  it  is  better,  at  that 
season,  to  anchor  more  over  towards  the  North  shore,  taking  care  to  have 
plenty  of  room  for  veering.  At  Calandorang  Bay  it  is  high  water,  full  and 
change,  at  IP  ;  springs  rise  6  ft. 

A  steamer  will  find  no  difiiculty  whatever  in  entering  Calandorang  Bay 
guided  by  the  chart.  It  is,  however,  very  difficult  and  dangerous  of  access 
for  sailing  vessels,  on  account  of  the  deep  water  outside,  and  of  the  strono- 
tides  and  currents  which  sweep  along  the  East  coast  of  Balabac,  in  the 
strength  of  the  monaoon.  A  sailing  vessel  bound  for  that  port  should  be 
provided  with  a  heavy  kedge,  and  stout  hemp,  or  coir,  cable,  to  enable  her  to 
bring  up  in  deep  water,  in  case  of  missing  the  port,  which  she  should  not 
attempt  to  make  without  a  commanding  breeze.  About  3  or  4  cables  off  the 
port  the  depths  are  35  and  40  fathoms,  and  a  mile  off  they  are  over  100 
fathoms.  A  vessel  coming  from  the  southward  should  make  for  Dalawan 
Bay,  if  the  wind  should  threaten  to  fail  her,  and  await  there  a  more  favour- 
able opportunity  for  entering  Calandorang  Bay ;  for  if  the  wind  should  die 
away  when  she  was  a  mile  or  so  off  the  port  she  would  be  swept  in  the  most 
helpless  manner  towards  the  numerous  dangers  to  the  northward :  with  a 
commanding  breeze,  however,  no  difficulty  will  be  found  in  enterino-  as 
directed  for  steam-vessels. 

It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that,  on  account  of  the  very  deep  water  along 
the  East  coast  of  Balabac,  sailing  vessels  bound  either  for  Dalawan  or 
Calandorang  Bays  must  hug  the  shore,  which  is  pretty  bold,  the  fringe  of 
reef  extending  but  a  very  short  distance  from  it. 

NORTH  AND  N.E.  COASTS  OF  BANGUEY.— Between  Samarang  Point 
(page  516)  and  the  North  point  of  Banguey  the  coast  line  falls  back  into  a 
couple  of  bays.  North  Guliuan,  an  islet  on  the  western  part  of  a  reef  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  in  extent,  lies  nearly  a  mile  off  the  North  point  of 
Banguey,  and  5^  miles  E.  by  N.  f  N.  from  the  sand  cay  off  Samarang 
Point.     In  this  space,  westward  of  Guhuan,  there  are  no  offlying  dangers. 

Off-lying  Dangers  are  numerous,  and  extend  a  long  way  from  the  N.E. 
part  of  Banguey. 

A  shoal  bank  extends  from  the  reef  surrounding  North  Guhuan  in  an  E.  f 
S.  direction,  \\  miles ;  from  the  middle  of  it  a  tongue  projects  half  a  mile  to 
the  northward,  having  a  patch  of  dry  reef  near  the  centre,  and  a  spot  of  3 
fathoms;  E.  by  N.,  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  extreme.  Two  sand  cays, 
surrounded  by  reefs,  lie  at  the  eastern  end  of  the  bank ;  and  between  this 
part  of  it  and  the  shore  dangers,  which  stretch  off  about  three-quarters  of  a 
mile,  is  a  narrow  run,  with  4  and  5  fathoms  depths  of  water  on  it. 


528  BALABAC  STRAIT. 

Louisa  Shoal,  coral,  with  U  to  3  fathoms  water  over  it,  8  cables  in  extent 
N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  4  cables  broad,  lies  half  a  mile  outside  the  bank,  just 
described,-  from  its  North  extreme  North  Guhuan  bears  S.  by  W.  i  W., 
distant  U  mile,  and  from  its  West  extreme  Samarang  Point  S.W.  by  W.  \ 
W.  nearly  6  miles.  Nanyangit  and  Samarang  Points  in  line,  bearing  S.W. 
^  W.,  lead  a  good  half  mile  outside  this  danger. 

Maggie  Reef,  a  strip  of  coral  a  quarter  of  a  mile  long,  dry  at  low  water,  lies 
on  the  northern  part  of  a  coral  shoal,  about  3  miles  in  circumference,  situated 
E.  by  N.  a  little  over  2|  miles  from  Louisa  Shoal,  and  having  upon  it  several 
rocks,  just  below  water.  North  Guhuan,  bearing  S.W.  by  W.,  will  lead 
half  a  mile  outside,  or  N.W.  of  it;  East  Guhuan  bearing  S.S.E.  ^  E.  leads 
well  clear  to  the  eastward. 

Between  Louisa  and  Maggie  Shoals  are  several  4^  and  5  fathom  patches, 
and,  outside  the  line  of  those  dangers,  two  spots  of  3J  fathoms,  one  bearing 
N.E.  3  N.  nearly  3  miles,  and  the  other  N.E.  |  E.  nearly  3J  miles,  from 
North  G-uhuan.  A  small  spot  of  5i  fathoms  lies  on  the  edge  of  the  bank, 
and  close  to  the  northward  of  it  are  12  fathoms  :  from  this  spot  North 
Guhuan  bears  S.W,  ^  S. ;  the  right  extreme  of  South  Mangsee  island  N. 
by  E.  i  E. ;  and  East  Guhuan  S.S.E.  i  E. 

East  Guhuan,  an  islet  about  the  same  size  as  North  Guhuan,  stands  on  the 
West  side  of  a  coral  shoal  which  extends  nearly  half  a  mile  north-westward, 
3  cables  north-eastward,  and  nearly  a  mile  South  and  south-eastward  from 
it.  About  a  mile  N.N.  W.  of  East  Guhuan,  a;  little  to  the  eastward  of  a  line 
between  it  and  Maggie  Shoal,  is  a  9  ft.  patch,  about  3  cables  in  extent. 

Bangmy  Outer  N.E.  Bangers  are  a  cluster  of  reefs  lying  to  the  north- 
eastward of  those  just  described,  and  divided  from  them  by  a  clear  channel 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  IJ  mile  wide,  with  depths  of  7  to  10  fathoms; 
they  extend  3J  miles  in  a  N.W.  h  W.  and  opposite  direction,  and  a  little 
over  a  mile  in  a  direction  at  right  angles  to  their  length.  A  large  reef  occu- 
pies the  centre  of  the  mass,  and  dries  within  three-fourths  of  a  mile  of  each 
end  ;  upon  the  N.E.  extreme  of  the  reef  is  a  sand  cay,  which  is  very  useful 
for  pointing  out  the  locality  of  these  dangers,  they  being  6  miles  distant 
from  the  shore.  Shoal  water  stretches  off  nearly  a  mile  eastward  of  the  cay, 
which  must  not  be  neared  anywhere  to  within  a  mile,  except  at  the  West 
side,  where  the  reef  extends  off  only  a  short  distance.  Close  to  the  outside 
edge  of  these  shoals  are  11  or  12  fathoms. 

The  East  coast  of  Banguey  is  fronted  by  dapgers  which  extend  off  several 
miles ;  they  consist,  for  the  most  part,  of  extensive  reefs,  dry  at  low  water, 
separated  from  each  other  by  narrow  channels — impracticable  for  navigation  ; 
it  is  only  the  outer  ones  that  require  detailed  description. 

Rahamkamman  is  the  name  of  a  small  islet,  2  miles  S.E.  of  East  Guhuanl 
It  lies  towards  the  N.W.  end  of  a  coral  shoal  about  a  mile  in  extent,  the 
part  surrounding  the  islet  drying  at  low  water.     South-westward  of  this 


BALABAC  STRAIT.  529 

shoal,  separated  from  it  by  a  5J-fathom  channel,  about  half  a  mile  wide,  is 
another,  about  three  times  as  large,  having  three  islets,  a  sand  cay,  and 
several  extensive  patches  of  reef.  The  S.E.  islet  is  named  Balundangan,  a 
mile  S.W.  of  which  is  an  island  about  IJ  mile  long,  and  rather  more  than 
half  a  mile  off  the  coast. 

May  Williams  Shoal,  9  cables  long  N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  4  cables  broad, 
having  from  2J  to  3  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  half  a  mile  south-eastward  of 
Kahamkamman  Shoal ;  from  its  S.E.  end  the  islet  bears  N.W.  by  N., 
distant  2  miles,  and  the  apex  of  Latoan  S.S.W.  ^  W.,  distant  3^  miles  ; 
around  the  shoal  are  depths  of  7  to  9  fathoms. 

Sampson  Patches,  three  in  number,  have  3^  to  5  fathoms  water  on  them ; 
from  the  outer  patch,  Kahamkamman  bears  W.  |  N.,  distant  3  miles,  and 
the  apex  of  Latoan  S.W.  ^  S.,  nearly  5f  miles. 

Latoan  and  Bancawan  Inlands  and  Reefs  comprise  four  or  five  islands, 
several  extensive  reefs,  and  many  small  detached  dangers,  the  whole  forming 
a  group  7  miles  long  North  and  South,  and  b\  miles  wide.  Only  boats  can 
pass  between  the  various  reefs  composing  the  group  ;  but,  between  them  and 
the  reef  fronting  the  Banguey  shore,  there  is  a  deep  water  channel,  through 
which  it  is  possible  for  a  gun-boat  to  pass,  although,  near  the  West  point  of 
Bancawan,  it  is  narrowed  to  little  more  than  a  cable  by  a  small  reef  in  the 
middle. 

Latoan  is  an  oval-shaped  island,  a  mile  long  N.W.  and  S.E.,  the  trees 
upon  it  rising  to  a  kind  of  low  apex  near  the  centre.  Bancawan,  \^  mile 
south-west n-ard  of  Latoan,  is  an  irregular  shaped  flat  island,  2\  miles  long 
North  and  South,  and  If  mile  broad.  Outer  Latoan  Patch  is  the  name  given 
to  the  eastern  one  of  three  isolated  patches  which  lie  close  to  the  N.E.  edge 
of  the  large  reef  surrounding  Latoan.  It  is  about  2  miles  in  circumference, 
with  1  to  3  fathoms  water  over  most  parts  of  it ;  and  a  rock,  a  few  feet  under 
water,  lies  near  its  eastern  margin.  From  this  last,  Kah.amkamman  bears 
N.W.  i  N.,  distant  4^  miles,  and  Latoan  apex  S.W.  by  W.  f  W.,  distant  3f 
miles.  East  Banguey  Patches  are  two  small  coral  shoals,  lying  three-quarters 
of  a  mile  and  a  mile,  respectively,  outside  the  Bancawan  Eeefs  ;  the  inner 
one  has  as  little  as  2  fathoms  upon  it,  but  the  outer  one  not  less  than  2|- 
fathoms.  From  the  latter,  Latoan  apex  bears  W.N.W.  3f  miles,  and  the 
left  extreme  of  the  round  island,  south-eastward  of  Bancawan,  S.W.  by 
W.  i  W.,  4!  miles. 

Mangsee  Great  Reef,  which  forms  the  northern  limit  of  the  main  channel 
through  Balabac  Strait,  lies  4^  miles  northward  of  North  Guhuan,  and  a 
little  over  3  miles,  in  the  same  direction,  from  the  Louisa  Shoal ;  its  distance 
from  the  10-fathom  line  at  the  edge  of  the  shore  bank  is  1^  mile.  The  reef 
is  5  miles  long  E.  by  N.  and  W.  by  S.,  and  2f  miles  broad.  It  is  nearly 
everywhere  covered  at  high  water,  but  a  sand  cay  upon  the  eastern  part  is 

I.    A.  3  Y 


530  BALABAC  STRAIT. 

generally  visible  from  aloft  when  near  the  edge.  At  low  water  the  reef  pre- 
sents a  vast  expanse  of  coral  and  sand,  with  lagoons  here  and  there. 

From  the  West  end  of  the  reef  shoal  water,  under  10  fathoms,  extends 
about  2  miles  in  a  W.S.W.  direction.  The  soundings  over  this  part  are 
very  irre"-ular,  and,  although  the  least  depth  discovered  was  4  fathoms,  the 
locality  should  be  avoided.  From  the  outer  part  of  this  shoal  water  Banguey 
Peak  bears  S.S.W.  i  W.,  and  the  apex  of  North  Mangsee  N.E.  by  E.  ^  E. 

The  MAIN  CHANNEL  through  Balabac  Strait  is  limited  to  the  southward 
by  the  10-fathom  line  defining  the  edge  of  the  shoal  bank  which  extends 
from  the  shore,  encompassing  the  various  dangers  and  shoal  patches  lying  off 
the  North  and  N.E.  coasts  of  Banguey ;  and  it  is  limited  to  the  northward 
by  Mangsee  Great  Eeef,  the  southern  part  of  which  is  li  mile  distant  from 
the  edge  of  the  bank  on  the  Banguey  side.  The  depths  in  the  channel  are 
not  regular,  varying  from  14  to  23  fathoms,  the  deepest  water  being  rather 
nearer  the  reef  than  the  middle  of  the  channel. 

Vessels  coming  from  the  south-westward,  and  bound  through  Balabac 
Strait  in  the  N.E.  monsoon,  will  find  the  Main  Channel  the  most  convenient 
to  proceed  by,  attending  to  the  following: — When  making  for  the  entrance 
of  the  strait,  and  nearing  the  N.W.  part  of  Balambangan,  care  must  be  had 
not  to  bring  Point  Buttun  to  the  westward  of  S.W.  5  S.,  nor  to  come  into 
less  than  14  or  13  fathoms,  in  order  to  keep  clear  of  the  dangers  extending 
from  the  shore,  and  of  the  Siagut  Shoal.  Siagut  Point,  the  North  point  of 
the  island,  must  not  be  approached  nearer  than  2  miles,  nor  under  a  depth 
of  8  fathoms.  North  Hill,  on  the  North  part  of  Banguey,  if  not  brought 
to  the  eastward  of  E.  by  S.  ^  S.,  will  lead  a  good  half  mile  outside  all  the 
dangers  ofi'  Siagut  Point,  as  also  those  extending  North  of  Tiga  Islet,  which 
last  should  not  be  neared  to  a  less  distance  than  a  mile,  or  under  a  depth  of 

8  or  7  fathoms.     From  Tiga  Islet  the  Banguey  coast  may  be  approached  to 

9  or  8  fathoms,  until  North  G-uhuan  is  brought  to  bear  about  S.S.E.,  when 
it  will  be  well,  especially  for  large  ships,  not  to  come  inside  the  10-fathom 
edge  of  the  bank  extending  from  the  Banguey  shore,  as  the  sudden  variations 
of  the  soundings  on  the  bank  are  very  alarming,  and  no  less  perplexing,  to 
strangers.  The  light  green  colour  of  the  water  over  the  Great  Mangsee 
Eeef  will,  even  at  high  tides,  always  enable  a  good  look-out  aloft  to  make 
out  the  edge  sufficiently  far  off  to  permit  of  a  vessel  being  guided  past  it  at 
a  safe  distance ;  and  when  over  on  the  South  side  of  the  channel,  the  first 
cast  of  10  fathoms,  or  under,  will  denote  the  edge  of  the  bank.  Having 
brought  the  apex  of  North  Mangsee  to  bear  westward  of  North,  vessels  may 
stand  on  to  the  bank  if  desirable  to  do  so,  but  seamen  must  beware  of  a 
scant  wind,  or  lee  tide,  sagging  them  to  leeward  towards  Banguey  Outer 
N.E.  reefs,  and  be  careful  to  avoid  bringing  North  Hill  anything  to  the 
westward  of  S.W.  by  W.  ^  W.  until  the  West  extreme  of  North  Mangsee 
is  shut  in  behind  South  Mangeee. 


BALABAC  STRAIT.  531 

Coming  from  the  Sulu  Sea,  the  Mangsee  Islands  should  be  made  bearing 
about  West,  when  a  course  about  W.S.W.  will  lead  up  to  the  entrance  of 
the  channel.  If,  however,  the  channel  should  be  made  more  from  the 
southward,  and,  as  the  apex  of  North  Mangsee  begins  to  shut  in  behind  the 
southern  island,  14  or  13  fathoms  may  be  had,  a  vessel  will  be  over  towards 
Banguey  Outer  N.E.  reefs,  and  care  must  be  taken  to  bring  North  Hill  of 
Banguey  to  the  southward  of  S.W.  by  W.  i  W.  before  proceeding  further 
to  the  westward. 

Mangsee  Danger  Bank*  includes  within  its  limits  the  Mangsee  and  Sa- 
lingsingan  Idcuids,  together  with  the  extensive  dangers  adjacent  to  them,  and 
Loxdale  and  Jessie  Shoals,  besides  many  other  smaller  ones.  Its  length 
E.  by  S.  i  S.  and  W.  by  N.  ^  N.  is  10  miles,  and  its  breadth  4^  miles  at  the 
eastern  end,  tapering  to  a  point  at  the  opposite  extreme. 

South  Mangsee  Island  is  somewhat  round  shaped,  about  half  a  mile  in  dia- 
meter ;  it  stands  upon  a  patch  of  reef  which  extends  fro.n  it  a  mile  eastward, 
6  cables  westward,  half  a  mile  south-eastward,  and  less  distances  in  other 
directions. 

North  Mangsee  Island  is  half  a  mile  north-westward  of  South  Mangsee,  and, 
like  it,  is  covered  with  trees  ;  these  rise  to  a  kind  of  apex  near  the  centre, 
1 60  ft.  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  The  island  is  7  cables  long  and  3  cables 
broad,  and  from  its  East  end  reefs  and  shoals  extend — beyond  those  project- 
ing from  South  Mangsee — for  a  distance  of  2^  miles,  and  some  patches  of  4 
to  7  fathoms  extend  half  a  mile  further  in  an  easterly  direction.  From  the 
West  end  a  line  of  reefs  and  shoals  runs  off  in  a  W.  by  N.  |  N.  direction, 
nearly  3^  miles. 

Jessie  Shoal,]  1 J  mile  long,  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.,  and  half  a  mile  broad, 
lies  about  2  to  3  miles  E.N.E.  of  the  Mangsees,  having  as  little  as  6  ft.  over 
it  in  places.  This  danger  is  situated  at  the  East  part  of  the  bank,  and  some 
shoal  spots  run  off  from  it  in  a  south-easterly  direction.  From  10  fathoms 
outside  these,  Salingsingan  bears  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W.,  distant  A\  miles,  and 
the  left  extreme  of  South  Mangsee  Island  W.S.W.,  distant  3^  miles. 

Salitigsingan  Island  is  a  mere  strip  of  coral  and  sand,  covered  with  trees ; 
it  is  rather  more  than  half  a  mile  long,  N.W.  by  W.  J  W,  and  S.E.  by 
E.  ^  E.,  and  shoals  extend  2  miles  westward  of  the  island,  and  three-quarters 
of  a  mile  eastward. 


*  The  limits  of  this  bank,  as  is  the  case  with  all  the  other  similar  banks  encumbering 
Balabac  Strait,  is  detined,  on  the  chart,  by  a  danger  line  ;  and  as  the  separate  dangers  com- 
prising these  banks  lie  too  close  together  for  vessels  to  pass  amongst  them,  they  are  not  de- 
scribed  minutely,  but  only  in  general  terms,  and  as  briefly  as  possible. 

t  It  must  have  been  on  this  shoal  that  the  Black  Adder  grounded  in  November,  1873,  as 
described,  in  a  letter  to  the  "  Nautical  Magazine  "  of  May,  1874. 


532  BALABAC  STEAIT. 

Loxdale  Shoal,  forming  the  West  end  of  the  Danger  Bank,  lies  U  mile 
westward  of  the  dangers  extending  from  the  islands  of  North  Mangsee  and 
Salingsingan,  the  depths  between  being  from  22  to  34  fathoms.  It  is  a 
coral  shoal,  nearly  If  mile  long,  E.  f  N.  and  W.  f  S.  From  the  West  end 
of  this  danger  Banguey  Peak  bears  S.S.W.,  South  Mangsee  Island  S.E.  by 
E.  -J-  E.,  and  Salingsingan  E.  \  S. 

Mangsee  Channel,  separating  Mangsee  Great  Eeef  from  Mangsee  Danger 
Bank,  is  a  mile  wide  at  its  narrowest  part,  between  the  shoal  water  extend- 
ing half  a  mile  off  Great  Eeef  and  that  stretching  off  the  same  distance  from 
South  Mangsee;  the  depths  there  are  irregular,  14  to  17  fathoms  near  the 
reef,  and  24  to  33  fathoms  towards  the  island,  and  throughout  the  channel 
the  depths  are  greater  on  the  side  of  the  Mangsee  Danger  Bank. 

Ordinary  navigators  will  rarely  have  occasion  to  use  this  channel,  but  in 
case  of  necessity,  the  following  directions  may  be  of  assistance  : — Coming 
from  the  westward,  and  having  sighted  the  Mangsee  Islands,  bring  the 
centre  of  the  South  one  to  bear  E.  by  S.,  and  steer  for  it,  carefully  preserving 
the  bearing ;  when  the  West  end  of  North  Mangsee  bears  N.E.  by  E.  |  E. 
steer  S.E.  by  S.,  passing  midway  between  the  islands  and  Great  Eeef.  With 
a  good  compass  and  a  vigilant  look-out,  no  difficulty  will  be  found  in  follow- 
ing these  directions,  and  passing  safely  through  this  channel. 

Coming  from  the  eastward,  a  vessel  must  be  guided  by  the  look-out  alone 
to  the  entrance  of  the  channel,  which,  being  arrived  at,  she  should  pasa 
through  the  middle,  steering  a  N.W.  by  N.  course ;  when  the  West  end  of 
North  Mangsee  bears  N.E.  by  E.  |  E.,  and  the  centre  of  South  Mangsee 
E.  by  S.,  steer  W.  by  N.  out  of  the  channel. 

GREAT  DANGEH  BANK  is  very  extensive,  and  comprises  many  shoals, 
amongst  which  no  vessel  should  venture.  It  is  14  miles  long  in  a  W.N.W. 
and  opposite  direction,  and  8  miles  broad  at  its  N.W.  end,  gradually  de- 
creasing in  breadth  towards  the  opposite  extreme  ,•  the  outline  of  the  entire 
bank  closely  resembles  the  form  of  a  shoulder  of  mutton. 

S.E.  Shoals  denote  several  small  coral  patches  situated  at  that  end  of  the 
bank;  they  extend  over  a  space  about  3  miles  in  diameter.  From  the  S.E. 
extreme  of  the  bank  Balabac  Peak  bears  N.W.  ^  W.,  North  Mangsee  apex 
S.W.  by  W.  f  W.,  and  Banguey  Peak  S.W.  -J  W.  southerly. 

Sa7id  Cay,  the  only  conspicuous  object  marking  any  part  of  the  bank, 
stands  at  the  southern  side  of  it,  about  5  miles  westward  of  the  S.E.  extreme, 
and  3^-  miles  northward  of  the  East  end  of  Mangsee  Danger  Bank.  From 
the  centre  of  the  cay  the  left  extreme  of  South  Mangsee  bears  S.W.  |  S.  6 
miles,  centre  of  Salingsingan  W.  by  S.  |  S.  5  miles,  and  Balabac  Peak  N.W. 
27^  miles. 

Middle  Shoals  are  a  cluster  of  coral  patches,  lying  on  that  part  of  the  bank 
implied  by  their  name.  Mrth  Patches,  two  in  number,  lie  along  the  North 
edge  of  the  bank,  and  have  nowhere  less  than  3 J  fathoms  water  over  them. 


BALABAC  STEAIT.  533 

-2V.  W.  Shoals  lie  along  the  edge  of  that  portion  of  the  bank  designated  by 
their  name,  and  near  the  eastern  end  of  them  is  a  spot  with  only  9  ft.  over 
it.  From  the  10-fathom  line  bounding  the  north-western  extreme  of  the 
shoal  patches,  Banguey  Peak  bears  S.  by  W.  I  W.,  Balabac  Peak  N.W.  I  N., 
Lumbucan  N.  |  W.,  and  Salingsiugan  S.S.E.  f  E. 

MIDDLE  CHANNEL,  separating  Mangsee  Danger  Bank  trom  Great 
Danger  Bank,  is  a  mile  wide  at  its  narrowest  part,  between  the  shoals  ex- 
tending nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile  eastward  of  Salingsingan  and  those 
extending  3  miles  westward  of  Sand  Cay,  increasing  greatly  in  width  towards 
both  ends. 

Middle  Channel  lies  quite  out  of  the  ordinary  route  of  ships,  but  it  may  be 
safely  made  use  of,  if  necessary,  by  attending  to  the  following  directions  : — 
Coming  from  the  westward,  shape  a  course  to  sight  Salingsingan  Island 
between  the  bearings  of  E.  by  S.  ^  S.  and  S.E.  The  former  bearing  leads 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  northward  of  Loxdale  Patch,  and  the  latter  close  to  9 
fathoms  on  the  edge  of  Great  Danger  Bank.  Having  made  out  Salingsingan^ 
and  being  arrived  within  4  or  5  miles  of  it,  the  fairway  course  through  the 
channel  is  E.  by  S.  f  S.,  passing  a  good  mile  northward  of  Salingsingan,  and 
bearing  in  mind  that  shoal  water  stretches  off  nearly  a  mile  in  a  N.W.  by  W. 
direction  from  that  island.  Being  past  Salingsingan  the  Sand  Cay  should 
be  seen  about  three  points  on  the  port  bow  ;  proceed  on  the  same  course, 
and  pass  out  of  the  channel,  remembering  that  the  centre  of  Salingsingan 
bearing  W.  by  N.  J  N.  leads  close  to  the  Jessie  Shoal,  and  bearing  W.  5  S. 
close  to  the  edge  of  the  Great  Danger  Bank. 

Coming  from  the  eastward,  the  channel  must  be  approached  cautiously, 
and  if  near  the  S.E.  part  of  Great  Danger  Bank,  care  must  be  taken  not  to 
bring  the  apex  of  North  Mangsee  to  the  south fl^ard  of  W.  by  S.  f  S.,  and  a 
sharp  look-out  kept  for  the  Sand  Cay  and  Salingsingan ;  when  the  last  is 
sighted,  the  centre  must  be  brought  between  the  bearings  of  W.  by  N.  i  N. 
and  W.  -^-  S.,  and  a  mid-channel  course,  W.  by  N.  J  N.,  steered  through  the 
channel,  passing  a  mile  to  the  northward  of  Salingsingan  ;  when  past  that 
island,  its  centre  must  not  be  brought  to  the  eastward  of  E.  by  S.  ^  S.  till 
Balabac  Peak  bears  N.N.W.  in  order  to  keep  clear  of  Loxdale  Patch,  nor 
to  the  southward  of  S.E.  until  Lumbucan  bears  North  in  order  to  avoid 
Great  Danger  Bank. 

Ray  Bank,  composed  of  sand,  underneath  which  there  is  probably  coral, 
is  a  mile  long  E.  by  N.  ^  N.  and  W.  by  S.  i  S.,  and  half  a  mile  broad,  the 
least  water  near  the  centre  being  4  fathoms.  It  lies  about  4i  miles  eastward 
of  the  N.W.  shoals  on  the  Great  Danger  Bank. 

Ellis  Shoal,  3  miles  north-eastward  of  Ray  Bank,  is  a  coral  bank,  2J 
miles  long  in  an  E.  I  N.  and  opposite  direction,  and  6  cables  broad.  The 
western  half,  having  9  to  6  fathoms  water  over  it,  is  not  dangerous,  but  the 
eastern  half  is  so,  there  being  but  21  and  3  fathoms  over  the  greater  part  of 


534  BALABAC  STEAIT. 

it.     From  the  West  extreme  of  tlie  shoal  part,  Balabac  Peak  bears  N.N.W. 
I  W.,  and  the  centre  of  Lumbucan  N.N.E.  ^  E. 

Simanahan  Reef  and  Channel. — The  reef  is  about  If  mile  northward  of 
North  Patches  on  the  Great  Danger  Bank,  situated  near  the  centre  of  a  coral 
bank  5  miles  long,  E.  ^  N.  and  W.  ^  S.,  and  three-quarters  of  a  mile  wide. 
The  part,  dry  at  low  water,  has  a  sand-bank  near  its  centre,  which  is  just 
below  the  surface  at  high  water ;  this  serves,  even  when  covered,  from  the 
lio'ht  colour  of  the  water  over  it,  to  point  out  the  position  of  the  reef  from  a 
considerable  distance.  From  the  West  extreme  of  the  bank  the  centre  of 
Lumbucan  bears  N.N.W.  f  W.  Sf  miles,  and  Steep-fall  Eange,  on  Balabac 
Island,  W.  by  N.  f  N.  15^  miles. 

The  channel  between  Great  Danger  Bank  and  Simanahan  Eeef  is  perfectly 
free  from  danger  with  soundings  of  24  to  30  fathoms.  All  that  is  necessary 
for  its  safe  navigation  is  to  pass  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  the  south- 
ward of  the  reef  on  an  East  or  West  course,  but  occasion  can  very  seldom 
arise  to  render  this  a  convenient  channel  to  proceed  by. 

Doorly  Patches  are  several  small  coral  banks,  the  centre  of  them  lying 
N  N.E.  I  E.,  Similes  from  the  centre  of  Simanahan  Sand-bank.  The  general 
depths  over  them  are  7  to  10  fathoms,  and  no  less  than  6^  fathoms  could  be 
discovered  anywhere  upon  them. 

Lumbucan  Danger  Bank,  5i  miles  long  N.E.  by  E.  and  S.W.  by  W.,  and 
2j  miles  wide,  comprises  Lumbucan  Island,  with  the  dangers  extending 
around  it,  and  also  some  isolated  shoals  southward  and  north-eastward  of  it. 

Lmnlucan  Island,  bearing  S.E.  by  E.  \  E.  from  Balabac  Peak,  and  9  miles 
distant  from  the  shore,  is  small,  low,  and  wooded,  with  the  trees  gradually 
rising  from  the  centre.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  reef  and  shoal  water.  South 
Shoal  lies  1%  mile  soutliward  of  the  island.  It  is  half  a  mile  in  extent,  with 
If  to  3  fathoms  water  over  it,  and  uneven  depths.  K.£.  Shoals,  some  coral 
patches,  with  If  to  3  fathoms  over  them,  lie  a  mile  north-eastward  of  the 
dangers  encompassing  Lumbucan. 

Lumbucan  Channel,  limited  to  the  southward  by  Ellis  Shoal  and  Simana- 
han Eeef,  and  to  the  northward  by  Lumbucan  Danger  Bank,  is  4  to  5  miles 
wide,  and  perfectly  free  from  danger.  Doorly  Patches  divide  the  channel  at 
its  eastern  end,  the  passage  northward  of  them  being  4  miles,  and  the  one 
southward  of  them  2  miles  wide. 

If  bound  to  the  north-eastward,  this  channel,  on  account  of  its  capacious- 
ness, is  a  very  good  one  to  use  ;  and  to  ensure  a  safe  navigation,  it  will  be 
only  necessary  to  keep  a  proper  look-out  for  the  dangers  limiting  it,  and 
when  near  them  to  pay  attention  to  the  bearings  (previously  given)  of  the 
different  land  objects  which  point  out  their  extremes. 

Comeeran  Danger  Bank,  2f  miles  long  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.,  and  a  mile 
broad,  includes  within  its  limits  Domeeran  Island  and  two  shoals.     Natives 


BALABAC  STEAIT.  535 

from  Balabac  frequent  the  island  for  the  purpose  of  catching  turtle,  which 
at  times  resort  here  in  great  numbers. 

Comeeran  Island,  one-fourth  the  size  of  Lumbucan,  but  similar  in  character, 
lies  N.  i  E.  5  miles  from  that  island.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  reef,  extending 
from  1  to  2  cables  off. 

A  shoal,  nearly  half  a  mile  in  extent,  with  2  to  3  fathoms  water  over  it, 
lies  south-westward  of  Comeeran,  its  outer  edge  being  distant  nearly  1 J  mile  ; 
and  another  shoal,  about  the  same  size,  having  2|  to  3  fathoms  over  it,  lies 
a  little  farther  off  in  an  easterly  direction,  Balabac  Peak  bearing  "W.  f  N. 
leads  southward  of  all  the  dangers  near  Comeeran,  and  bearing  W.  I  S. 
northward  of  them  ;  Lumbucan  bearing  S.  by  E.  I  E.  leads  westward,  and 
the  extreme  of  the  trees  on  the  North  point  of  that  island  bearing  S.S.W. 
leads  eastward  of  them. 

Comeeran  Channel  is  3^  miles  wide  between  the  dangers  surrounding 
Lumbucan  and  the  S.  W.  shoal  off  Comeeran.  The  soundings  in  it  are  very- 
irregular,  with  6  to  10  fathoms  over  coral  patches  in  places;  and  a  bank 
about  a  mile  in  extent,  lies  near  the  middle,  over  the  southern  part  of  which 
are  4f  and  5  fathoms — the  least  water  that  could  be  discovered  anywhere  in 
the  passage;  this  lies  with  Balabac  Peak  bearing  W.  by  N.  |  N.,  Co:;  eerau 
Island  N.  |  W.  This  channel  is  not  to  be  recommended,  but  it  can  be  used 
with  safety  by  attention  to  the  bearings,  before  given,  of  the  extremes  of  the 
dangers  bounding  it. 

Nasubatta  Island  and  Reef. — Nasubatta  Island,  lying  N.N.W.  ^  W.  7i 
miles  from  Comeeran,  is  a  low  cleft  rock  of  sandstone  formation,  covered 
with  trees,  and  appearing  like  two  small  bushy  islets  when  seen  from  the 
N.W.  and  S.E.  It  lies  from  2  to  3  cables  inside  the  northern  edo-e  of  a  reef 
dry  at  low  water,  which  extends  three-quarters  of  a  mile  S.W.,  1^  mile 
S.S.W.,  and  more  than  a  mile  S.E.  by  S.  from  the  larger  islet ;  close  to  this 
shoal  are  depths  of  40  to  50  fathoms,  and  70  to  75  fathoms  3  or  4  cables  off. 

Roughton  Reef  lies  to  the  eastward  of  Nasubatta  Eeef,  separated  by  a 
channel  l^  mile  broad,  in  which  the  depths  are  very  great.  On  the  N.  W". 
side  is  a  sand  cay,  upon  which  some  bushes  have  sprung  up.  From  this 
Balabac  Peak  bears  S.W.  by  "W.  ^  W.,  Comeeran  Island  S.  f  E.,  and  the 
larger  Nasubatta  Islet  W.  I  N.  The  reef  is  steep-to  at  most  parts,  and 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  northward  of  the  East  point  is  an  isolated  spot  of  2^ 
fathoms. 

Nasubatta  Channel  is  4!  miles  wide  between  the  edge  of  the  reef  surround- 
ing Comeeran  and  the  edge  of  Eoughton  Eeef.  It  is  necessary,  when  navi- 
gating this  channel,  to  carefully  guard  against  the  effects  of  the  strono-  tides 
and  currents  which  sweep  through  it  in  the  direction  of  North  Balabac  Strait 
•with  great  velocity. 

The  sonndings  on  the  East  coast  of  Balabac,  inside  the  islands  above  de- 
scribed, are  very  deep,  owing  to  a  strong  current  usually  sweeping  past ;  no 


536  BALABAC  STRAIT. 

bottom  being  obtained  with  upwards  of  70,  and  in  some  places  100  fathoms 
line,  within  a  mile  of  the  shore. 

Candaraman  Island  lies  north-westward  of  Nasubatta,  distant  3^  miles 
from  reef  to  reef.  It  is  a  low,  flat  island,  and  the  reef,  which  extends  from  3 
to  4  cables  from  the  northern  and  eastern  sides  of  Candaraman,  and  on  the 
edge  of  which  a  few  detached  rocks  generally  show,  forms  the  south-eastern 
limit  of  North  Balabac  Strait. 

North  Channel  is  4^  miles  wide  between  the  North  end  of  Nasubatta 
Eeef  and  the  S.E.  part  of  that  extending  from  Canabungan,  and  5i  miles 
wide  between  the  shoal  water  off  Houghton  Eeef  and  the  reefs  extending  IJ 
mile  from  Byan  and  Gabung  Islands. 

The  soundings,  in  a  N.W.  direction  from  Nasubatta,  are  very  deep,  as 
will  be  seen  by  the  chart.  The  only  difficulty  likely  to  arise  in  the  naviga- 
tion of  this  channel  will  be  caused  by  the  strong  tides  and  currents  which 
rush  through  it  with  great  velocity  during  the  stregth  of  the  monsoons, 
requiring  a  strong  favourable  breeze  to  enable  a  sailing  vessel  to  make 
headway  against  them.  But  no  danger  is  likely  to  occur  from  this  cause  if 
vessels  keep  over  to  the  northward  of  the  deep  water,  where  they  can  always 
bring  up. 

NORTH  BALABAC  STRAIT.— About  26  miles  N.  by  E.  ^  E.  from  Bala- 
bac Peak,  and  nearly  16  miles  from  Cape  Disaster,  the  northern  extremity 
of  Balabac,  is  Cape  Buliluyan,  the  southern  point  of  Palawan  ;  the  inter- 
vening space  being  occupied  by  a  cluster  of  low  wooded  islands,  almost 
destitute  of  feature,  the  largest  and  easternmost  of  which  is  Bugsuk.  These 
islands  admit  only  of  one  safe  channel  between  them,  called  North  Balabac 
Strait,  which  is  formed  on  the  South  by  Balabac  Island  and  Candaraman, 
and  on  the  North  by  Bancalan,  Mantangule,  and  Canabungan  Islands. 

Secam  is  a  low  wooded  island,  1;^  mile  long,  and  only  1^  cable  wide,  lying 
in  an  E.S.E.  and  W.N.W.  direction,  at  the  western  entrance  of  North 
Balabac  Strait,  northward  of  Cape  Disaster,  and  separated  from  it  by  Bate 
Channel,  1|  mile  wide,  where  there  is  deep  water,  20  and  30  fathoms,  close 
to  the  edge  of  the  reefs.  The  island  is  surrounded  by  a  reef  which  follows 
the  contour  of  the  coast-line,  and  extends  1 1  mile  from  its  north-western 
extreme  ;  and  there  is  a  4-fathom  patch  near  the  extreme,  and  a  similar 
patch  li  mile  West  from  the  West  end  of  Secam. 

Bancalan  Island,  lying  5  miles  north-eastward  of  Secam,  is  3  miles  long, 
N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  1?  mile  wide,  and  has  a  small  tree  on  its  western  side. 
The  island  is  half  encircled  by  a  reef,  contracting  the  channel  between  it  and 
Secam  to  the  width  of  3  miles. 

Mantangule  lies  3  miles  south-eastward  of  Bancalan  Island,  and  the  space 
between  is  rendered  dangerous  by  numerous  small  patches  of  shallow  water. 
Mantangule  is  5  miles  long,  E.  by  S.  |  S.  and  W.  by  N.  ^  N.,  and  IJ  mile 
broad.     It  is  much  larger  than  Canabungan,  which  lies  2  miles  to  the  south- 


NORTH  BALABAC  STRAIT.  537 

westward  of  it,  and  which  is  but  1|-  mile  long,  N.E.  and  S.W.,  and  about  a 
third  of  a  mile  broad. 

Reefs  also  extend  Ij  mile  to  the  westward  of  Mantangule  and  Canabun- 
gan,  the  two  islands  being  connected  by  a  bank  of  sand  and  coral. 

To  the  south-westward  of  Canabungan,  between  it  and  Candaraman,  is 
the  narrowest  part  of  the  channel,  1|  miles  wide,  where  a  strong  current  is 
usually  setting. 

A  vessel  requiring  anchorage  will  find  tolerable  shelter  from  S.W.  winds  on 
the  North  side  of  Secam  Island,  in  19  and  20  fathoms  water,  sand  and  coral, 
about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  shore,  with  the  eastern  extreme  of 
the  island  bearing  South ;  the  reef  to  the  westward  affording  protection  from 
the  swell. 

In  blowing  weather,  a  second  anchor  should  be  let  go  in  time,  as  the 
squalls,  which  often  succeed  each  other  rapily,  are  sometimes  most  violent ; 
and,  once  off  the  bank  in  deep  water,  a  vessel  would  be  awkwardly  situated 
as  there  is  no  other  anchorage  for  which  she  could  run  ;  and  taking  the 
channel,  the  only  alternative  at  night,  would  be  attended  with  risk. 

Tides  and  Current. — It  is  high  water  at  Secam  Island,  full  and  change,  at 
lO*"  50'"  a.m.,  and  low  water  at  6^  oO"*  p.m. ;  rise  5  ft.  The  flood  tide  sets  to 
the  eastward,  and  the  ebb  to  the  westward  ;  maximum  velocity  observed  2^ 
knots.  There  is  only  a  tide  and  a  half-tide  in  the  24  hours,  the  latter  occur- 
ring in  the  daytime  in  the  month  of  November. 

The  strength  of  the  current  through  Balabac  Strait  depends  greatly  on 
the  prevailing  winds.  In  the  months  of  October  and  November,  after  a 
succession  of  westerly  winds,  it  was  found  to  set  constantly  to  the  eastward, 
slackening  only  on  the  ebb  tide  ;  while  in  July,  after  a  continuance  of  un- 
usually fine  weather,  with  light  East  and  S.E.  winds,  it  set  with  the  same 
velocity,  viz.,  from  three-quarters  to  2-J  knots  in  the  opposite  direction.  The 
mean  velocity  observed  for  thirteen  consecutive  hours  was  1|  knot. 

Directions. — If  coming  from  the  southward  or  westward,  do  not  attempt 
to  approach  Balabac  Island  nearer  than  12  miles,  until  its  peak  bears  to  the 
southward  of  S.E.  by  E.  i  E.  ;  or  if  obscured,  a  low  cliff  hill,  near  the 
northern  extremity  of  the  island,  bearing  East,  when  an  E.N.E.  course  may 
be  steered  for  Secam  Island,  which  will  show  like  a  small  cluster  of  trees 
with  a  flattish  summit. 

Pass  nearly  mid-channel  to  the  southward  of  Secam  Island,  borrowing  a 
little  on  its  shore,  to  avoid  the  edge  of  the  reef  which  extends  about  three- 
fourths  of  a  mile  from  Cape  Disaster,  but  on  which  the  sea  generally  breaks. 

From  Secam  Island  the  channel  course  is  S.E.  by  E.  6  miles,  passing 
between  Candaraman  and  Canabungan,  two  low  islands,  appearing  nearly 
equal  in  size  and  elevation ;  the  former  having  a  small  island  between  it  and 
I. A.  3  :i 


535  BALABAC  STRAIT. 

Balabac,  and  the  latter  a  few  casuarina  trees  detached  from  its  northern 
extremity. 

Approaching  from  the  north-westward,  Secam  will  appear  like  a  small 
round  island  ;  and  in  passing  to  the  northward  of  it,  care  should  be  taken 
not  to  approach  too  near  the  reef  off  the  north-western  extremity,  as  rocky 
ground  extends  three-fourths  of  a  mile  from  it,  where  there  may  be  shoaler 
water  than  that  marked  in  the  chart ;  viz.  6  and  8  fathoms. 

Having  passed  Secam  Island  about  5  miles,  Nasubatta  will  be  seen,  dis- 
tant about  7  or  8  miles,  through  the  channel  in  the  offing  to  the  south-east- 
ward, and  soon  afterwards  Comeeran  Island  nearly  in  line  beyond  it. 

If  bound  to  Dalawan  Bay,  and  a  S.W.  wind,  haul  close  round  the  reef 
of  Candaraman,  and  beat  down  between  these  islands  and  the  Balabac  shore, 
where  there  is  a  safe  channel  with  deep  water,  but  no  anchorage. 

Islets  near  Banealan Pataican  is  a  small  wooded  islet,  encircled  by  a 

reef,  lying  a  mile  to  the  north-eastward  of  the  point  of  Banealan.  Paton- 
gong  Met  lies  3  miles  north-eastward  of  Banealan.  Canimeran,  lying  1|  mile 
north-eastward  of  Patongong,  and  3  miles  from  Cape  Buliluyan,  is  a  small 
sandy  island  with  trees  ;  a  reef  extends  8  cables  to  the  north-westward. 

Pandannan  Island,  3^  miles  to  the  north-eastward  of  Banealan,  is  about  6^ 
miles  in  length  N.E.  and  S.W.,  and  about  2f  miles  wide.  Its  southern  and 
western  shore  are  fronted  with  coral,  and  off  the  south-western  extreme  is  a 
sand-bank,  dry  at  low  water. 

On  the  North  side  of  Padannan  the  land  rises  a  little,  on  which  there  are 
two  conspicuous  trees.  The  extremity  of  the  island  also  terminaoes  in  small 
abrupt  heads,  more  especially  at  the  N.E.  point,  off  which  there  is  a  small 
bushy  islet,  from  which  a  reef  extends  b\  miles  in  a  north-easterly  direction, 
parallel  with  the  coast  of  Palawan,  having  20  and  24  fathoms  close  to  its 
western  edge. 

There  is  also  an  islet  on  the  N.W.  face  of  the  island,  midway  between  it 
and  Palawan,  and  East  2^  miles  from  Canimeran,  from  which  an  extensive 
reef  projects,  contracting  the  channel  round  the  South  point  of  Palawan  to 
three-fourths  of  a  mile,  where  there  are  7  to  9  fathoms,  mud. 

Fresh  water  was  found  in  a  small  opening  on  the  South  side  of  Pandannan 
Island,  about  If  mile  to  the  eastward  of  the  point;  but  the  supply,  besides' 
being  scanty,  is  difficult  to  obtain,  owing  to  a  reef  that  extends  \\  mile  from 
the  shore,  parts  of  which  are  dry  at  low  water. 

Bugsuk  Island,  or  Bongsook,  9  miles  long,  in  a  North  and  South  direction, 
and  4^  miles  broad,  lies  close  to  the  East  side  of  Pandannan,  but  is  sepa- 
rated from  it  by  a  long  channel,  only  3J  cables  wide,  running  nearly  North 
and  South,  in  which  there  are  depths  of  10  and  18  fathoms.  The  southern 
and  eastern  faces  of  Bugsuk  are  fronted  by  a  reef  extending  in  some  parts 
nearly  2  miles  from  the  shore.  The  only  recognizable  feature  on  the  island 
is  a  clump  of  trees  near  the  N.E.  extreme.     Bowen  is  a  small  island  lying  off 


PALAWAN  ISLAND,  WEST  COAST.  539 

the  North  point  of  Bugsuk,  and  a  reef,  partly  dry  at  low  water,  extends  S^ 
miles  from  it  in  an  easterly  direction.  Appo,  Guhung,  and  Byan  are  small 
islands  lying  in  an  irregular  W.S.W.  direction  from  the  S.W.  point  of  Bug- 
suk, with  which  they  are  connected  by  a  reef.  Ifalimono  Island  lies  1 1  mile 
N.N.E.  of  Mantangule,  and  is  connected  with  it  by  a  coral  spit.  It  is  small, 
high,  and  differs  from  the  rest  in  character  and  feature.  The  ground  in  the 
vicinity  is  foul,  and  studded  with  rocky  patches  nearly  awash. 

Channels. — To  the  eastward  of  Bancalan,  limited  on  the  North  and  South 
by  Pandannan  and  Mantangule,  and  on  the  East  and  S.E.  by  Bugsuk,  and 
the  small  islands  Appo,  Gabung,  and  Byan,  is  an  expanse  of  water,  8  miles 
in  an  East  and  West,  and  3J  miles  in  a  North  and  South  direction,  where  in 
some  parts  anchorage,  sheltered  from  all  winds,  may  be  found  in  from  7  to 
12  fathoms.  The  channel  into  it  are,  however,  intricate,  and  almost  im- 
practicable for  sailing  vessels,  being  either  close  along  the  edges  of  the  reef, 
or,  where  it  is  wide  and  inviting,  between  small  detached  coral  patches,  for 
which  it  is  impossible  to  give  any  specific  directions. 

It  must  be  borne  in  mind,  that  in  navigating  these  channels,  much  de- 
pends on  a  good  lookout ;  for  the  edges  of  the  reef  are  generally  well  defined, 
and  any  danger  likely  to  bring  a  ship  up,  will  under  ordinary  circumstances, 
be  detected  beforehand. 


PALAWAN*   ISLAND,    WEST    COAST. 

Cape  Buliluyan,  or  Booleelooyan,  the  southern  point  of  Palawan  Island,  in 
lat.  8°  20'  25"  N.,  long.  117°  9'  41 '  E.,  is  low,  fronted  by  mangroves,  hav- 
ing on  its  South  side  depths  of  4  to  8  fathoms  close  to  the  shore,  and  on  the 
eastern  side  from  28  to  30  fathoms.  The  western  side  is  fronted  by  a  reef, 
which  is  dry  at  low  water. 

Coral  Patches. — At  2  miles  to  the  westward  of  Cape  Buliluyan,  and  the 
same  distance  northward  of  the  small  bushy  island  of  Canimeran,  is  a  coral 
patch  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  extent,  with  2  and  4  fathoms  on  it,  the 
soundings  in  the  neighbourhood  being  18  and  20  fathoms.  North,  a  little 
westerly,  3  miles  from  the  above  and  2J  miles  from  the  shore,  is  another 
patch  with  the  same  depth,  half  a  mile  in  extent,  from  the  centre  of  which 
the  body  of  Capyas  Island,  a  little  open  North  of  S.W.  hill,  bears  N.E.  |  E., 
and  the  southern  extreme  of  Palawan  S.E.  by  S.  easterly. 

Off  Welcome  Point,  3i  miles  to  the  northward  of  Cape  Buliluyan,  rocky 
ground,  with  2  and  3  fathoms  on  it,  extends  about  If  mile  from  the  shore  ; 
and  if  the  Regenth  bearings  be  correct,  it  was  on  this  spot  that  a  vessel  of 
that  name  was  wrecked  in  October,  1822. 

*  This  island  is  known  to  the  Spanirds  as  Faraquas. 


540  PALAWAN  ISLAND,  WEST  COAST. 

Capyas,  a  small,  low,  woody  island,  lies  6  miles  to  the  northward  of  Cape 
Buliluyan,  and  1  mile  off  shore.  The  South  side  of  the  island  is  steep-to. 
Eocky  ground  extends  2i  miles  to  the  westward  of  Capyas. 

ALIMUDEEN  POINT,  N.  by  E.  f  E,  distant  SJ  miles  from  Capyas,  is  a 
small  wooded  promontory,  which  forms  the  southern  extremity  of  Caneepaan 
Bay.  A  low  range  of  hills,  which  begin  to  rise  abreast  of  Capyas,  runs 
parallel  with  the  coast,  about  H  ^^^  inshore,  of  which  S.W.  hill,  with 
a  small  triple  summit  900  feet  above  the  sea,  is  the  highest  and  most  con- 
spicuous. 

South  Eegent  Shoal,  which  appears  to  be  the  westernmost  of  the  inner 
dangers,  is  a  patch  of  sand  and  coral,  upwards  of  half  a  mile  in  extent, 
North  and  South,  on  which,  near  its  northern  extreme,  there  are  only  8  ft. 
water,  with  13  and  14  fathoms  all  around  the  edge.  It  lies  nearly  midway 
on  the  bank,  7^  miles  from  the  shore,  and  5|  miles  South  of  the  North 
Eegent  Shoal. 

Kamonga  Shoal.— On  a  line  with  S.W.  hill,  E.  by  S.  f  S.  3f  miles  from 
the  South  Eegent  Shoal,  and  midway  between  it  and  the  shore,  is  the  Ka- 
monga, a  2-fathoms  patch  3  cables  in  extent. 

CANEEPAAN  BAY.— Cape  Seeacle,  2|  miles  N.N.E.  of  Alimudeen  Point, 
is  a  wooded  promontory  higher  than  that  of  Alimudeen,  forming  the  North 
extremity  of  Caneepaan  Bay,  with  a  small  but  conspicuous  tree  on  the  flat 
part  of  its  summit.  In  the  centre  of  a  sandy  beach  to  the  southward  of  this, 
the  Caneepaan  Eiver  disembogues.  It  is  navigable  for  boats.  Northward 
of  Cape  Seeacle,  and  formed  on  the  East  side  of  that  promontory,  is  a  small 
bay,  called  Seemagoup,  with  reefs  drying  nearly  across  the  entrance.  The 
eastern  shore  of  Seemagoup  Bay  is  overlooked  by  Caneepahan  Hill,  976  ft, 
above  the  sea,  rather  steep  and  conical,  with  two  summits  when  seen  from 
the  north-westward. 

BULANHOW  MOUNTAIN.— To  the  eastward  of  Caneepaan  Hill,  and 
nearly  in  the  centre  of  the  island  from  shore  to  shore  (which  is  here  about 
13  miles  across),  the  high  land  of  Bulanhow  rises,  attaining  an  elevation  of 
about  3,500  ft.  above  the  level  of  the  sea.     It  is  of  a  reddish  aspect. 

SE  PAN-GOW  BAY. — N.E.  5 J  miles  from  Cape  Seeacle  is  Se-pan-gow 
Bay,  in  which  apparently  there  are  two  deep  inlets,  with  Cliff  Point,  a  small 
red  cliff  to  the  northward,  and  two  green  islets  lying  close  together  imme- 
diately under  steep  hill,  the  shoulder  of  a  coast-range  to  the  southward. 
There  are  8  and  9  fathoms  at  the  entrance  of  the  bay,  but  when  well  within 
the  points,  the  mud  dries  across  it. 

Water. — N.E.  3£-  miles  from  Cliff  Point  is  Eock  Point,  a  long  bluff  head, 
with  a  small  rock  lying  off  it.  To  the  southward  of  this  point  is  a  sandy 
bay,  the  shore  of  which  is  lined  with  casuarina  trees,  where,  at  the  western 
extremity,  near  Pine  Point,  there  is  a  good  flow  of  fresh  water. 


TERIGEE  BANK-MARASI  BAY.  511 

PERIGEE  BANK.-  The  coast  between  Cape  Seeacle  and  Cliff  Point  is 
dangerous  to  ajrproach,  as  rocky,  uneven  ground,  with  many  shoal  patches, 
extends  in  some  places  2h  miles  from  the  shore.  The  largest  of  these 
patches  is  the  Perigee,  with  2^  fathoms  over  it,  on  which  the  sea  breaks  in 
blowing  weather,  lying  to  the  westward  of  Se-pan-gow  Bay,  and  N.W.  by 
W.  2J  miles  from  Providence  Point. 

Coloby  Patch. — N.N.E.  3j  miles  from  the  south-western  extremity  of  the 
Perigee  Bank,  and  N.W.  \  N.  4J  miles  from  Cliff  Point,  is  the  Coloby 
Patch,  2  cables'  lengths  in  extent,  with  2^  fathoms  upon  it,  and  22  and  25 
fathoms  water  in  its  immediate  vicinity. 

Antelope  Shoal.— W.  |  N.  3i  miles  from  the  Coloby  Patch,  and  N.E.  JN. 
5^  miles  irom  the  Breaker  Reef,  is  the  largest  of  the  Antelope  cluster.  It  is 
a  narrow,  angular  strip  of  sand  and  coral,  7  cables  in  extent  in  a  N.E.  and 
S.AV.  direction,  on  which  there  are  only  2|  fathoms  water,  with  30  and  35 
fathoms  on  either  side.  It  lies  6  miles  from  the  shore,  and  there  are  30 
fathoms,  green  mud,  between  it  and  the  Coloby  Patch.  S.W.  by  W.  j  W. 
IJ  mile  from  the  centre  of  this  shoal,  is  a  3-fathom  shoal  patch;  and  there 
is  also  another  with  3  and  4  fathoms,  N.  by  W.  ^  W.,  about  li  mile  from  it. 

N.E.  by  E.  J  E.  1  mile  from  the  Antelope,  is  a  bank  of  sand  and  coral,  4 
cables  in  extent,  with  only  2  fathoms  Avater  on  it. 

N.E.  Antelope  Shoal,  the  north-easternmost  of  the  Antelope  cluster,  lies 
N.E.  by  E.  5  E.  Ij  mile  from  the  latter  2-fathom  shoal,  and  N.E. -easterly, 
2|  miles  fom  the  Antelope.  It  is  3  cables  in  extent,  and  not  less  than  3 
fathoms  were  found  upon  it,  and  it  has  31  fathoms  close  to  its  outer  edge. 

The  lead  does  not  give  the  slightest  indication  when  in  the  proximity  of 
these  shoals. 

MARASI  BAY.— From  Rock  Point  the  coast  trends  to  the  eastward  4 
miles,  forming  Marasi  Bay,  off  the  North  point  of  which,  distant  6  cables,  is 
a  small  bushy  islet  called  Leeta-Leeta,  connected  with  the  shore  by  a  reef 
which  also  extends  the  same  distance  northward  of  it. 

From  Rock  Point  a  low  ridge  extends  along  the  South  shore  of  Marasi 
Bay,  on  which  is  Balansungain  Peak,  947  ft.  in  height  above  the  sea.  At 
the  back  of  the  above  ridge,  fronting  Bulanhow  and  running  parallel  with 
the  coast,  is  a  higher  range,  called  I-wi-ig,  with  a  double  hill  in  the  centre, 
1,814  ft.  above  the  sea. 

Balansungain  Islands. — In  the  south-western  part  of  Marasi  Bay,  a  mile 
from  Rock  Point,  are  two  islands  of  sandstone  formation,  called  Balansun- 
gain, lying  3  to  5  cables'  lengths  from  the  shore  ;  the  westernmost  (which  is 
flat)  being  nearly  connected  with  it  by  a  spit  which  dries  at  low  water. 

The  distance  from  Marasi  Bay  to  Rocky  Bay  on  the  opposite  shore  of  the 
island  is  10  miles. 

PAGODA  CLIFFS.— N.E.  i  E.  lOJ  miles  from  the  summit  of  Bulanhow, 
and  5^  miles  inland  of  Marasi  Bay,  is  a  remarkable  limestone  cliff,  2,000  ft. 


542  PALAWAN  ISLAND,  WEST  COAST. 

above  the  level  of  the  sea,  having  a  table  summit  with  two  clefts,  which 
form  pinnacles  at  either  extremity ;  the  southern  being  the  sharper,  and 
having  a  small  ninepin  rock  in  the  gap,  is  conspicuous  on  a  N.W.  and  S.E. 
bearino-.  It  is  called  by  the  natives  Ta-go-ra-ras,  and  by  the  old  navigators 
the  Pagoda  Cliff.  It  rises  immediately  above  a  plain,  which  here  extends  in 
a  North  and  South  direction  across  the  island. 

MANTALEENGAHAN  MOUNTAIN,  the  summit  of  which  is  in  lat.  8°  49' 
22"  N.  lono-.  117*^  39'  26'  E.,  is  the  highest  on  the  island  of  Palawan, 
attaining  an  elevation  above  the  sea  of  6,843  ft.  It  is  usually  of  a  reddish 
barren  aspect,  and  when  viewed  from  the  westward  has  a  table  summit,  the 
North  end,  where  it  takes  a  sudden . fall,  being  the  highest  part;  while  a 
long  smooth  shoulder,  terminating  in  three  small  nipples,  slopes  gradually 
to  the  southward. 

From  Mantaleengahan  Mountain  a  high  central  range  extends  in  a  North 
easterly  direction  to  the  parallel  of  9°  10'  N.,  having  on  it  several  remarka- 
ble notch  saddle  peaks  with  sharp  shoulders,  the  two  highest  of  which  are 
Lan-dar-gun  (a  deep  saddle  summit),  5,397  ft. :  and  Gantung  (a  notch  peak), 
5,868  ft.  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  Towards  the  termination  of  this  range, 
there  is  a  table  hill  with  a  sharp  nipple,  called  Cal-li-lu-gon,  1,793  ft. 

The  Coast  from  Leeta-Leeta  Islet  trends  to  the  north-eastward  13J  miles 
to  Pampangduyang  Point ;  it  is  low,  and  has  small  bays,  in  some  of  which 
there  are  rivulets  of  fresh  water. 

Illaan  Hill,  frequently  a  useful  object  on  this  part  of  the  coast,  from  the 
high  land  being  obscured,  is  a  small  detached  hill,  covered  with  wood,  600 
feet  above  the  sea,  rising  a  mile  from  the  coast  behind  Townsend  Point,  and 
S.  J  W.  2J  miles  from  Pampangduyang  Point. 

A  mile  and  a  half  southward  of  Pampangduyang  Point,  in  the  bight  of  a 
small  bay,  is  a  rivulet,  from  which  in  favourable  weather  a  supply  of  good 
water  may  be  obtained. 

Five-Fathom  Patches. — N.  by  W.  f  W.  4  miles  from  Washington  Head, 
and  W.  i  N.  from  Illaan  Hill,  is  a  5-fathom  patch,  2  cables  in  extent,  lying 
3^  miles  from  the  shore,  with  a  patch  which  breaks  at  low  water  2J  miles 
to  the  south-eastward  of  it ;  the  latter  lying  1^  mile  West  of  Jervois 
Point. 

Caution. — Vessels  should  not  approach  this  part  of  the  coast  within  3 
miles.  The  lead  gives  no  warning  when  near  a  reef,  and  the  water  is  not 
always  sufficiently  clear  to  see  the  danger. 

The  Coast  from  Pampangduyang  Point  takes  a  north-easterly  direction 
for  11^-  miles  to  Eran  Point,  which,  as  well  as  the  intermediate  land,  is  low, 
densely  wooded,  and  fronted  by  reefs  drying  from  4  to  5,  and  in  some  parts 
7,  cables'  lengths  from  the  shore. 

Eran  ftuoin. — At  7^  miles  from  Pampangduyang  Point  is  low  Point,  2^ 
miles  beyond  which  is  Beecher  Point,  and  on  the  plain  between  these  two 


ERAN  BAY -TRIPLE-TOP  ISLAND.  543 

points  is  a  quoin-shaped  hill  called  by  the  natives  Pa-le-pie-kan,  rising  to  an 
elevation  of  518  ft.  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  It  is  in  lat.  9°  3'  25"  N.,  long. 
117°  38'  56"  E.,  and  from  it  Eran  Point  bears  N.E.  by  N.  2^  miles. 

ERAN  BAY,  immediately  to  the  eastward  of  Eran  Point,  is  the  first  bay 
on  the  coast,  coming  from  the  southward,  which  affords  eligible  anchorage 
in  S.W.  winds,  to  obtain  wood,  water,  and  supplies.  Its  locality  may  be 
readily  recognized  by  the  Eran  Quoin. 

Grantung  Mountain  and  False  Sharp  peak  (the  latter  likely  to  be  mistaken 
when  first  seen  for  Sharp  or  Sal-le-kan  Peak),  2,814  ft.  farther  South,  over- 
look this  bay,  the  spurs  from  which  approach  very  near  the  coast. 

Eran  Bay  is  4  miles  wide  at  the  entrance,  2  miles  deep,  and  open  to  the 
northward  ;  the  bottom  is  bisected  by  a  long  head  called  Truce  Head.  From 
this  islet  the  reef  projects  ju  a  northerly  direction  three-quarters  of  a  mile, 
with  its  extremity  East  2  miles  from  Eran  Point.  S.  by  E.  1^  mile  from 
this  point,  in  the  S.W.  corner  of  the  bay,  is  the  entrance  of  the  Eran  River, 
which,  under  ordinary  circumstances,  boats  can  enter,  and  obtain  a  supply 
of  good  water  without  going  very  far  up.  There  are  one  or  two  rivulets  of 
fresh  water,  called  by  the  natives  Eetloose,  to  the  eastward  of  Truce  Head. 

The  population  of  this  and  the  neighbouring  district,  at  the  period  of  the 
Eoyalisfs  visit,  was  said  to  be  about  750,  chiefly  Dusuns,  or  hill  people. 

The  best  place  to  anchor  in  Eran  Bay  is  eastward  of  Eran  Point,  a  mile 
from  the  shore,  in  6J  or  7  fathoms,  stiflf  mud,  with  the  Quoin  Hill  bearing 
S  W.  |-  W.,  and  Bivouac  Islet  S.E.  by  E.,  midway  between  it  and  the  reef 
off  Bivouac  Islet,  or  closer  up  if  necessary. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Eran  Bay,  at  lO*"  10""  a.m.  ;  the  rise 
is  65  ft.     There  is  a  tide  and  half-tide  in  the  24  hours. 

The  Coast  to  the  northward  of  Eran  Bay  trends  N.N.E.  about  4  miles  to 
Elizabeth  Point ;  then  N.E.  by  E.  9f  miles  to  Hummock  Point.  Pu-Lute 
Range,  which  is  about  7J  miles  inshore  of  this  part  of  the  coast,  is  3,067  ft. 
high,  with  a  deep  saddle  to  the  southward,  and  a  high  and  a  low  sharp 
Nipple,  the  former  2,930  ft.  in  height,  on  the  slope  to  the  northward. 

Malapakkun  and  Marantao  Islands. — Three  miles  W.  by  S.  of  Hummock 
Point,  and  1;^  mile  off  the  shore,  is  Malapakkun,  a  wooded  island  340  feet 
high,  with  a  small  double  summit.  Fringing  reefs  extend  along  the  neigh- 
bouring coast,  increasing  in  distance  from  the  shore  towards  Hummock 
Point,  and  inclosing  a  small  island  called  Marantao,  247  ft.  high,  lying  off 
the  coast  1  mile  to  the  westward  of  the  point. 

Caution. — Vessels  approaching  the  coast  immediately  to  the  northward  of 
Eran  Bay,  should  not  shut  Malapakkun  Island  in  with  Elizabeth  Point,  as 
the  ground  is  treacherous  thereabouts. 

TRIPLE-TOP  ISLAND,  N.E.  \  E.  4i  miles  from  Marantao,  and  N.W. 
nearly  3  miles  from  Albion  Head,  is  the  outermost  of  several  islands  ]yin" 
from  2  to  4  miles  to  the  Eastward  of  Hummock  Point.     It  is  somewhat  flat 


544  PALAWAN  ISLAND,  WEST  COAST. 

■with  three  summits  (the  highest  being  162  ft.  above  the  sea),  and  a  pinnacle 
rock  at  its  northern  extremity.  A  reef  extends  1  cable's  length  from  the 
S.W.  side  of  Triple-top. 

TAY-BAY-U  BAY. — Albion  Head,  bearing  E.  by  N.  4^  miles  from  Hum- 
mock Point,  is  a  bold  perpendicular  limestone  cliff,  with  stalactite  caves, 
luxuriantly  wooded,  and  having  several  summits  of  nearly  equal  elevation, 
the  highest  being  600  ft.  above  the  sea.  It  is  the  extremity  of  a  point 
projecting  from  the  land,  in  a  north-easterly  direction,  and  forming  the 
western  shore  of  Tay-bay-u  Bay. 

Tay-bay-u  Bay  affords  shelter  in  either  monsoon,  being  protected  on  the 
S.W.  by  the  projecting  point,  of  which  Albion  Head  forms  the  extremity, 
and  on  the  North  by  a  low,  flat  island,  surrounded  by  reefs.  It  is,  how- 
ever, difficult  of  access,  and  ought  not  to  be  attempted  by  vessels  without 
some  previous  local  knowledge. 

A  long  range  of  hills  overlooks  the  southern  part  of  Tay-bay-u  Bay,  the 
highest  part  of  which  is  1,630  ft.  above  the  sea,  extending  to  the  south- 
eastward, two-thirds  of  the  way  across  the  island,  where  it  terminates  in 
the  conical  mound  Ma- la-nut,  1,290  ft.  above  the  sea,  but  not  so  high  in 
appearance. 

The  shore  of  Tay-bay-u  Bay  is  fronted  with  mangrove,  and  in  the  south- 
eastern part,  at  the  western  extremity  of  a  sand-beach,  the  Ma-la-nut  River 
disembogues,  where  fresh  water  may  be  procured  with  tolerable  facility  when 
the  river  is  swollen. 

About  1|  mile  up  this  river  there  is  a  landing-place  on  the  right  bank, 
which  leads  into  an  open  tract  of  country  rather  extensively  cultivated, 
where  there  are  a  few  houses,  occupied  principally  by  Illanuns,  the  chief  of 
whom  styles  himself  Sultan  of  Ma-la-nut,  and  exercises  almost  absolute 
control  over  a  population  of  about  3,000  souls.  They  are  in  communication 
with  the  people  of  Eran  and  Caneepaan,  and  also  with  other  Malay  estab- 
lishments on  the  East  coast  of  the  island. 

Supplies. — Goats,  fowls,  yams,  and  vegetables  of  various  kinds  were  pro- 
cured, for  which  the  natives  were  willing  to  take  cloth,  crockery,  and  other 
articles  in  exchange  ;  and  they  would  stack  firewood  on  the  beach  (but 
would  not  embark  it)  at  the  rate  of  one  dollar  for  100  billets,  the  average 
size  of  each  being  about  2  feet  long  and  4  inches  thick. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Tay-bay-u  Bay,  at  ll*"  15" 
a.m.  ;  low  water  at  S**  50""  p.m.  ;  rise  6  feet.  The  current  is  hardly  per- 
ceptible. 

Unless  the  navigator  has  some  previous  local  knowledge  of  Tay-bay-u 
Bay,  it  is  almost  impossible  to  give  clear  sailing  directions  for  it,  as  no  mark 
will  lead  direct  in. 

TREACHEROUS  BAY.— Eleven  miles  from  Albion  Head  is  Deep  Bay 
I'oiut,  and  midway  between  is  Treacherous  Bay,  separated  from  the  latter 


VICTORIA  PEAK— MOORSOM  HEAD.  545 

by  a  group  of  four  islands,  and  overlooked  by  two  remarkable  peaked  hills 
(called  by  the  old  navigators  LevU's  Cap  Peak),  the  foot  of  which  breaks 
through  the  mangrove  and  forms  a  conspicuous  yellow-looking  cliff  on  the 
shore,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  the  S.W.  of  which  is  a  stream  of  fresh  water. 
Back  Cap,  the  highest  or  inshore  peak,  is  720  ft.  above  the  sea. 

It  is  recommended  not  to  stand  into  Treacherous  Bay,  as  the  reefs  to  the 
northward,  as  well  as  to  the  north-westward  of  Low  Flat  Island,  extend  a 
long  way  off,  and  the  water  is  usually  so  muddy  that  they  cannot  be  seen. 

The  Coast  between  Double  Island  and  Deep  Bay  Point  is  low  and  thickly 
wooded,  and  should  not  be  approached  nearer  than  2  miles,  as  the  edge  of 
the  reef  dries  half  a  mile  from  the  points,  with  rocky  ground  in  some  places 
a  mile  beyond  it.  From  Deep  Bay  Point  to  Long  Point,  a  distance  of  18 
miles,  the  general  trend  of  the  coast  is  N.E.  ^  N. 

VICTORIA  PEAK,  a  sharp  double  peak,  the  second  highest  on  Palawan 
Island,  attaining  an  elevation  of  5,680  ft.  above  the  sea,  occupies  a  central 
position  on  the  intermediate  range,  from  which  several  lower  ranges,  of  not 
l«ss  remarkable  feature,  extend  on  either  side,  forming  ravines  and  deep 
gorges,  thickly  clothed  with  timber. 

VALLEY  CONE. — From  a  range  immediately  in  front  of  Victoria  Peak,  a 
spur  runs  down  to  the  coast  to  Steep  Point,  4|  miles  to  the  north-eastward 
of  Deep  Bay  Point,  forming  on  the  North  side  a  valley,  at  the  head  of  which 
is  Valley  Cone,  a  remarkable  conical  hill  lying  beneath  three  sharp  peaks  on 
the  ridge  above. 

GAP  RANGR — Immediately  overlooking  these  hills  is  Brow  peak  or 
shoulder,  3,840  ft.  above  the  sea,  forming  the  extremity  of  a  ridge  which 
here  takes  a  sudden  trend  to  the  eastward,  attaining  an  elevation  of  about 
5,000  ft,  at  its  highest  part,  and  having  two  gap  peaks  on  it  halfway. 

The  northern  face  of  this  range  is  a  steep  slope,  with  deep  ravines  and 
some  conical  hills  at  the  foot,  of  which  latter  Brow  Cone,  1,180  It.  high,  over 
Bluff  Point,  is  conspicuous. 

The  Coast. — The  bay  to  the  northward  of  Deep  Bay  Point  is  bold  to  ap- 
proach to  half  a  mile  of  the  shore ;  but  from  Steep  Point  to  Bluff  Point  the 
coast  is  fronted  by  a  reef,  extending  from  3  to  5  cables  off. 

Peaked  Island,  110  ft.  high,  with  a  rock  23  ft.  out  of  water,  nearly  three- 
quarter  of  a  mile  to  the  westward  of  it,  lies  off  the  entrance  of  a  fresh-water 
stream  which  flows  into  the  sea  just  northward  of  a  mound  280  feet  high, 
called  Cuckold  Hill. 

MOORSOM  HEAD,  3^  miles  beyond  Bluff  Point,  is  rather  a  prominent 
headland,  moderately  elevated,  with  a  small  rock  out  of  water  half  a  mile 
to  the  westward,  and  a  reef  awash — lying  a  mile  from  the  shore,  with  7  fa- 
thoms inside  it — 1 J  mile  to  the  northward  of  it. 

Water. — There  is  a  stream  of  fresh  water  at  the  base  of  Moorsom  Head, 
I.  A.  4  a 


546  PALAWAN  ISLAND,  WEST  COAST. 

in  a  sandy  bay  on  the  North  side,  and  also  one  at  the  extremity  of  the  heach, 
nearly  a  mile  to  the  north-eastward. 

LONG  POINT,  in  lat  9°  38'  8"  N.,  long.  118°  19'  6"  E.,  is  densely  wooded, 
moderately  elevated,  and  gradually  sloping  from  the  centre,  terminating  in 
a  rocky  coast.     The  point  is  steep-to. 

APPXJRAWAN. — Five  miles  to  the  north-eastward  of  Moorsom  Head  and 
close  to  the  southward  of  Long  Point,  is  Appurawan  roadstead,  where  a  vessel 
may  obtain  a  few  supplies,  such  as  goats,  fowls,  vegetables,  &c.,  from  the 
natives,  who  occupy  small  farms,  scattered  over  a  considerable  tract  of 
country  inland,  and  which  are  approached  by  a  small  river  that  disembogues 
on  the  South  side  of  Appurawan  Head,  IJ  mile  from  Long  Point. 

Appurawan  is  the  southernmost  of  the  Christian  settlements  on  this  side 
of  Palawan,  the  natives  being  chiefly  Baquit  people,  and  holding  no  inter- 
course with  the  Malays  to  the  southward.  They  cultivate  rice,  maize,  sweet 
potatoes,  tobacco,  cotton,  in  small  quantities. 

Anchorage. — The  best  anchorage  is  westward  of  Appurawan  Head,  in  17 
or  18  fathoms,  stiff  mud  and  shells,  about  2  miles  from  the  shore,  with  the 
extremity  of  Long  Point  bearing  N.E. 

ANIPAHAN  PEAK. — East  of  Long  Point  are  two  remarkable  sharp 
peaks,  of  nearly  equal  elevation  (the  northernmost,  called  Anipahan,  being 
the  sharper),  from  which  small  table  spurs  project ;  they  are  connected  with 
Long  Point  by  a  gradual  slope  in  the  range,  on  which  are  some  round- 
topped  hills,  usually  visible  when  the  more  elevated  land  is  capped.  There 
is  a  deep  valley  to  the  northward,  overlooked  by  a  sharp  shoulder  3,606  feet 
above  the  sea,  which  is  the  commencement  of  another  central  range  broken 
up  into  summits  of  various  configuration,  extending  to  Ulugan  Bay. 

MOUNT  STAVELY.— The  most  remarkable  of  these  are  Mount  Stavely, 
3,930  It.  high  (a  needle  peak  rising  from  the  centre  of  a  small  table  sum- 
mit immediately  to  the  northward  of  the  sharp  shoulder),  and  two  dome- 
shaped  mountains  farther  northward.  The  latter,  the  southernmost,  called 
Thumb  Peak  (^4,260  It.)  is  the  highest  part  of  the  range,  and  has  a  knob  on 
it ;  the  other.  Mount  Beaufort,  has  a  small  hollow  in  the  highest  part ;  and 
in  the  afternoon,  when  the  sun  is  out,  a  conspicuous  red  slip,  assuming  the 
shape  of  the  letter  V,  will  be  seen  on  a  slope  in  front  of  a  peak  to  the  south- 
ward of  these. 

From  Mount  Beaufort  the  range  gradually  falls,  and  is  again  almost  sepa- 
rated between  Mount  Herschel  and  Mount  Peel,  a  low  ridge  only  connecting 
them.  Between  the  former  there  are  two  sharp  peaks,  the  northern  lying 
more  inland,  and  having  a  double  hill  in  the  hollow  of  the  range  between  it 
and  Mount  Herschel. 

Mount  Herschel  is  2,316  feet  above  the  sea,  and  has  a  smooth  summit 
filopiug  to  the  south-westward. 


NORTH  AND  SOUTH  REEFS-ULUGAN  BAY.  547 

NOKTH  and  SOTJIH  EEEF3.— There  is  a  small  bay  on  theNortli  side  of 
Long  Point,  to  the  northward  of  which  are  two  rocks  lying  parallel  with  the 
shore  a  mile  off.  and  IJ  miles  apart,  with  17  fathoms  between  them.  South 
Reef  is  20  ft.  out  of  water  and  bold  to  approach,  the  soundings  around  it 
being  18  and  20  fathoms ;  North  Reef  is  awash  at  high  water.  The  depths 
in  the  bay  are  12  and  14  fathoms  mud,  and  20  and  30  fathoms  off  the 
entrance. 

There  are  some  streams  of  fresh  water  in  the  above  bay,  but  where  the 
bent  flows  the  shore  is  fronted  with  coral,  which  extends  2  cables'  lengths 
from  it,  witli  3  and  4  fathoms  close  to  the  edge. 

ANIPAHAN,  about  10  miles  N.E.  of  Long  Point,  is  a  small  settlement  of 
Baquit  people,  where  there  are  one  or  two  huts,  and  a  little  cleared  ground. 
The  shoie,  2  miles  on  either  side  of  this  point,  is  fronted  by  coral. 

Hen  and  Cliickens. — Bluff  Point,  12f  miles  N.E.  of  Anipahan  Point,  is 
formed  i>y  a  sjiur  from  Mount  Herschel,  and  has  a  bay  to  the  northward  of 
it,  halfwaj'  between  which  and  Table  Point,  6  miles  beyond,  is  a  small  group 
of  islets  and  rocks  called  the  Hen  and  Chickens,  lying  IJ  mile  from  the 
(shore,  with  19  and  27  fathoms  water  between  them  and  Sprat  Point  to  the 
eastward. 

Mount  Airyy  a  double-top  summit  lying  at  the  foot  of  Mount  Peel,  over- 
looks Hen  and  Chickens  Bay,  to  the  southward  of  which,  between  it  and 
Mount  Herschel,  the  ridge  is  very  low. 

On  the  shore  are  numerous  small  sand  bays,  free  from  coral,  with  streams 
of  fresh  water  in  some  of  them,  the 'supply  depending  on  the  season. 

Mount  Peel,  3,600  ft.  above  the  sea,  rises  immediately  at  the  back  of  this, 
and  has  an  abrupt  fall  in  the  spur  extending  towards  Mount  Airy. 

N.W.  HEAD. — The  coast  towards  Ulugan  Bay  is  of  a  bold,  rocky,  barren 
aspect,  with  several  high  cliffs  ;  and  about  2J  miles  southward  of  N.W. 
Head  is  a  remarkable  square  grayish  patch.  The  whole  shore  is  bold  to 
approach,  having  17  and  20  fathoms  close  to.    ^ 

ULUGAN  BAY  (called  by  the  natives  Banog),  on  the  eastern  side  of  N.W. 
Head,  is  3  miles  wide  at  the  entrance  between  Cordelia  Point  and  Broken 
Head,  and  formed  by  a  deep  indentation  in  the  land  8  miles  in  a  southerly 
direction,  half  severing  the  island  of  Palawan.  The  coast  on  the  northern 
part  of  the  eastern  shore  of  the  bay  is  bold,  cliffy  land,  and  of  reddish  barren 
aspect.  Sanghowen,  the  North  peak,  1,816  ft.  high,  has  a  small  table  summit 
when  seen  in  a  south-easterly  direction,  and  two  sharp  nipples  on  the  brow 
in  front  of  it.  Bentoan,  immediately  to  the  southward,  and  separated  from 
it  by  a  low  woody  valley,  which  forms  the  back  of  the  watering  bay,  rises  to 
an  elevation  of  1,730  ft,,  is  sharp,  when  viewed  as  above,  and  has  a  lower 
range  adjoining  it  to  the  southward  with  four  distinct  summits. 

Three-Peaked  Island,  or  Ca-muug-yan,  the  highest  summit  of  which  is 


6<S  PALA.WAN  ISLAND,  WEST  COAST. 

140  ft.  above  the  sea,  lies  N.  f  E.,  U  miles  trom  N.W.  Head,  the  northern 
extremity  of  the  peninsula  forming  the  western  side  of  Ulugan  Bay. 

A  rocky  ledge,  consisting  of  sand  and  coral,  extends  a  mile  to  the  south- 
ward of  Three-Peaked  Island,  almost  across  the  passage,  on  which  the 
average  depth  is  9  and  12  fathoms,  with  19  and  25  fathoms  at  2  cables' 
lengths  on  either  side  of  it.  N.N.E.  I  E.,  distant  U  cables  from  the  highest 
peak  of  Three-Peaked  Island,  is  a  rock  which  generally  shows,  with  one 
visible  only  at  low  water,  half  a  cable's  length  to  the  northward  of  it. 

Reeta  Island. — The  western  shore  of  the  bay  is  undulating  higli  land, 
with  three  inlets,  and  is  fronted  by  Eeeta  Island,  1^  mile  long.  North  and 
South,  and  barely  more  than  a  cable  wide  in  any  part ;  it  has  a  detached 
rocky  head  at  its  northern  extreme,  45  ft,  in  height,  called  Observatory  Rock, 
in  lat.  10°  6'  11"  N.,  long.  118°  46'  26"  E.,  part  of  the  base  of  which  shows 
white  on  entering  the  bay.  Off  Observatory  Head,  rocky  ground,  with  5  and 
7  fathoms  on  it,  extends  in  a  northerly  direction  about  2  cables'  lengths. 
The  eastern  shore  of  the  island  is  steep-to,  having  19  and  20  fathoms  within 
a  cable's  length  of  the  coral,  which  fringes  it.  A  reef,  dry  at  low  water, 
extends  nearly  a  cable's  length  off  Tide-pole  Point,  the  southern  extremity 
of  the  island  ;  the  edge  of  the  reef  is  generally  well  defined  by  the  dis- 
colouration of  the  water. 

The  channel  to  the  westward  of  Eeeta  Island  is  about  3  cables  wide,  and 
has  13  and  17  fathoms  in  it,  but  abreast  of  South  inlet  it  is  choked  with  coral 
patches,  having  9  and  10  fathoms  between  them.  In  heavy  northerly  galea 
this  channel  appears  to  break  across. 

Magsiapo  Reef,  having  some  spots  of  only  10  and  12  ft.  water  on  it,  extends 
6  cables  westward  and  north-westward  of  Reef  Islet,  lying  nearly  2  cables 
off  Marabay  Point  on  the  eastern  shore,  and  has  its  outer  edge  one  mile 
from  the  southern  part  of  Reeta  Island.  S.S.W.  ^  W.  If  mile  from  Reef 
Islet  is  the  centre  of  a  rocky  patch,  more  than  half  a  mile  in  extent,  upon 
which  the  sea  generally  breaks  at  low  water.  The  high  nipple  (1,254  ft.)  on 
the  brow  of  Sangbowen  open  of  Broken  Head,  bearing  N.  f  E.,  leads  on  the 
western  edge  of  this.  It  is,  however,  too  far  up  for  vessels  to  approach,  as 
the  head  of  the  bay  is  lined  with  reefs,  which  project  in  some  places  upwards 
of  half  a  mile  from  the  shore.  The  above  mark  also  just  clears  the  Mag- 
siapo Reef,  and  is  a  good  guide  to  keep  vessels  to  the  westward  when  working 
out  of  the  bay  until  they  are  past  the  entrance  to  Tagnipa  Inlet. 

Oyster  Inlet,  the  southernmost  inlet  on  the  western  shore,  has  its  entrance 
6  cables  to  the  S.W.  of  Tide-pole  Point,  and  runs  back  If  miles  in  a  W.N.W. 
direction,  being  separated  from  the  coast  outside  by  a  low  ridge  2  cables 
wide.  Reefs,  which  project  from  both  points,  contract  the  channel  at  the 
entrance  to  one  quarter  of  a  mile  in  breadth ;  they  also  fringe  the  shore 
inside  to  the  extent  of  one  cable's  length,  gradually  increasing  towards  the 
head  of  the  inlet,  where  a  bank  of  mud  and  rocks  runs  off  half  a  mile,  on 


ULUGAN  BAY.  549 

which  good  oysters  may  be  found.  There  are  19  fathoms  at  the  entrance, 
■which  depth  gradually  decreases  over  a  stiff,  muddy  bottom  to  9  fathoms, 
close  to  the  reef  at  the  head  of  the  inlet. 

The  two  small  inlets  to  the  northward  of  Oyster  Inlet  are  shoal. 

East,  distant  3^  cables  from  Coral  Point,  on  the  South  side  of  the  entrance 
to  Oyster  Inlet,  and  south-westerly  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from 
Tide-pole  Point,  are  some  small  detached  coral  patches,  nearly  awash  at 
low  water. 

Cai-ho-lo  and  Ba-he-lee  Rivers. — Two  small  rivers  disembogue  near  the 
S.W.  corner  of  Ulugan  Bay,  and  in  the  rainy  season  have  fresh  water  very 
near  their  entrance.  Cai-ho-lo  Eiver  breaks  through  the  mangrove  between 
the  high  ranges  of  Car-so-glan  and  Cai-ho-lo,  l.|  mile  to  the  southward  of 
Oyster  Inlet.  It  is  navigable  for  boats  about  half  a  mile,  where  a  good 
stream  of  water  is  generally  running,  but  owing  to  the  extensive  reefs  which, 
line  the  bottom  of  the  bay,  neither  this  nor  the  Ba-he-lee  Eiver  forms  an 
eligible  watering-place.  The  Ba-he-lee  has  a  small  islet  at  its  entrance, 
which  is  S.E.  by  S.  ^  mile  from  the  mouth  of  the  Cai-ho-lo,  and  is  navigable 
for  boats  about  Ij  mile.  A  short  distance  beyond  this  is  a  small  farm  on 
some  rising  ground,  occupied  by  a  few  natives  from  Baquit,  who  collect  prin- 
cipally bees'-wax,  and  cultivate  the  land  in  a  small  way. 

Between  the  two  rivers  is  a  small  islet  called  Tara-cai-a-wan,  nearly  half 
a  mile  to  the  southward  of  which  is  a  white  rock,  and  though  small,  thia 
generally  forms  a  conspicuous  object  after  entering  the  bay. 

The  Soundings  in  Ulugan  Bay  are  from  30  to  35  fathoms  at  the  entrance, 
gradually  decreasing  towards  the  bottom  of  the  bay  to  12  fathoms,  green 
mud,  close  to  the  edge  of  the  reef. 

The  Anchorage  in  Ulugan  Bay  is  at  the  southern  extremity  of  Eeeta 
Island,  off  the  entrance  of  Oyster  Inlet,  in  20  fathoms,  stiff  mud.  No  expe- 
rience was  had  of  the  anchorage  in  the  northerly  monsoon.  During  westerly 
gales  the  swell  sets  home  to  the  bottom  of  the  bay,  breaking  heavily  upon 
the  reefs,  especially  on  the  eastern  shore.  In  the  month  of  November, 
during  one  of  these,  which  shifted  to  the  N.W.,  H.M.S.  Royalist,  riding 
with  a  whole  cable  at  this  anchorage,  was  at  times  pitching  forecastle  under. 

Water.— Goodi  water  can  be  obtained  in  a  small  bay,  with  a  stony  beach, 
to  the  southward  of  Sangbowen,  N.  by  E.  !  E.  4J  miles  from  Observatory 
Eock,  and  E.  by  N.  of  Three-Peaked  Islet.  It  is  not,  however,  practicable 
to  land  there  at  all  times,  for,  except  in  fine  weather,  a  heavy  swell  usually 
sets  into  it.  The  anchorage  also  is  unsafe,  having  30  fathoms  as  close  to  the 
shore  as  it  would  be  prudent  for  a  vessel  to  lie,  and  from  which  it  might  b© 
difficult  to  weigh  with  a  westerly  wind. 

Caution. — Sailing  vessels  being  compelled  to  water  here,  should  not  anchor 
nearer  than  one  mile  to  the  shore ;  and  they  should  be  prepared  to  weigh 


550  PALAWAN  ISLAND,  WEST  COAST. 

on  the  sliglitest  indication  of  a  westerly  wind,  as  the  swell  is  liable  to  come 
in  suddenly. 

The  Eoyalist,  while  at  anchor  off  this  bay  in  the  month  of  November,  was 
caught  in  a  strong  westerly  wind  which  brought  in  a  heavy  swell,  and  with 
difficulty  escaped  clear,  being  obliged  to  slip  her  cable. 

Durin"-  the  fine  season,  i.e.  from  April  to  July  or  August,  fresh  S.E.  winds 
usually  blow  over  the  low  land  at  the  bottom  of  the  bay  ;  and  in  calm 
weather  swarms  of  butterflies  are  constantly  crossing  the  bay  from  the  eastern 
shore. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Ulugan  Bay  at  Q*"  30""  a.m. ; 
low  water  at  S*"  30™  p.m.  ;  maximum  rise  (occurring  generally  three  days 
after),  51  ft. 

No  perceptible  current  was  observed  in  the  bay,  except  after  heavy 
raine,  or  when  westerly  winds  have  prevailed,  when  there  is  a  light  out- 
draught. 

Directions. — Vessels  bound  to  Ulugan  Bay,  or  any  of  the  harbours  of 
Palawan  to  the  northward,  should  conform  to  the  directions  given  for 
navigating  the  Palawan  Channel,  and  ought  not  to  attempt,  except  under 
favourable  circumstances,  to  cross  the  bank  to  the  southward  of  the  parallel 
of  10°  N. 

If  coming  from  the  southward,  it  is  recommended  to  be  near  the  edge  of 
the  bank  at  daylight,  with  Mount  Peel  bearing  about  E.  by  S.,  when  Three- 
peaked  Island,  at  the  entrance  of  Ulugan  Bay,  will  bear  E.  J  N.,  distant 
about  37  miles.  Approaching  in  this  direction,  the  bay  will  be  readily  re- 
cognised when  a  considerable  distance  off  by  some  high  rugged  land,  and  a 
remarkable  dome-shaped  hill  called  St.  Paul,  just  seen  over  a  lower  range, 
forming  the  North  point  of  the  bay.  At  the  back  of  this  a  very  sharp  peak 
rises,  named  Cleopatra  Needle,  being  the  southernmost  and  highest  of  a 
range  extending  5^  miles  in  a  north-easterly  direction.  To  the  southward 
and  nearer  than  the  above  is  Mount  Peel,  already  noticed,  comparatively  an 
isolated  mountain,  sloping  gradually  from  the  summit  to  the  base,  situated 
S.W.  4  miles  from  the  bottom  of  the  bay,  and  S.  by  W.  ^  W.  10  miles  from 
Three-peaked  Island. 

Approaching  from  the  northward  the  bay  is  more  readily  distinguished, 
apparently  by  a  complete  separation  between  Mount  Peel  and  the  high  land 
to  the  south-westward  of  the  Cleopatra  Range,  the  low  land  at  the  bottom  of 
the  bay  not  being  discernible  until  within  a  few  miles  of  Cape  Sangbowen. 

If  with  a  S.W.  or  westerly  wind,  pass  to  the  southward  of  Three-peaked 
Island,  not  borrowing  too  much  on  the  Manabure  shore,^where  the  vessel  is 
liable  to  be  baffled  under  the  land.  Pass  at  a  discretional  distance  to  the 
eastward  of  Reeta  Island,  in  order  to  avoid  being  set  towards  the  Magsiapo 
Eeef,  the  western  edge  of  which  is  cleared  by  keeping  the  high  nipple,  ou 


ST.  PAUL  BAY— JIBBOOM  BAY.  551 

the  brow  of  Sangbowen,  to  the  westward  of  Broken  Head,  and  proceed  to 
the  anchorage. 

ST.  PAUL  BAY. — Eastward  of  Cape  Sangbowen,  the  north-western  point 
of  Ulugan  Bay,  and  separated  from  it  by  a  low  wooded  valley,  is  Mount 
Blomjidd,  high  table  land,  upwards  of  2,000  ft.  above  the  sea,  with  several 
small  nipples  on  the  summit,  and  steep  watercourses  down  the  side,  termina- 
ting in  a  bold  barren-looking  coast,  immediately  to  the  eastward  of  which  is 
St.  Paul  Bay. 

Overlooking  the  bay  on  the  Sonth  are  some  ver}' remarkable  dome-shaped 
hills  and  perpendicular  cliff's  of  limestone  formation,  the  most  conspicuous  of 
which  is  St.  Paul,  3, .'370  ft.  above  the  sea,  from  which  the  bay  derives  its 
name.  To  the  eastward  of  this  is  a  range,  called  by  the  old  navigators  the 
Four  Peaks,  of  which  Cleopatra  Needle,  5,200  it.  in  height,  is  the  southern- 
most and  highest. 

The  second  peak  from  the  North  is  4,730  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  has  a 
Bmall  slip  close  to  the  summit. 

Cliff  Head,  bearing  N.E.  ^  E.,  distant  9^  miles  from  Cape  Sangbowen,  and 
forming  the  northern  extremity  of  St.  Paul  Bay,  is  a  long  wooded  promon- 
tory, terminating  in  an  abrupt  fall,  350  ft.  above  the  level  of  the  sea. 

The  shore  of  St  Paul  Bay  is  bold  to  approach,  having  7  fathoms  near  the 
points,  and  from  12  to  16  fathoms  (fine  sand  and  shells)  in  the  centre. 

JIBBOOM  BAY,  the  upper  part  of  which  is  an  indentation  in  the  land 
running  3  miles  in  a  north-easterly  direction  lies  to  the  northward  of  Cliff 
Head.  At  the  enti-ance,  midway  between  the  latter  and  Peaked  Point,  4J 
miles  to  the  N.N.E.,  is  a  small  group  of  islands  and  rocks,  the  centre  and 
largest  of  which,  Bay  Island,  has  a  somewhat  flat  summit,  and  is  307  feet 
above  the  sea.  Opposite  this  group  on  the  South  side  is  a  long  point,  with 
deep  sandy  bays  on  either  side,  and  a  remarkable  hill  (2,015  ft.  high),  with 
a  nipple  shoulder  at  the  back.     The  shore  of  the  bay  is  steep-to. 

Shelter  from  N.E.  winds  will  be  found  in  15  fathoms  about  three-quarters 
of  a  mile  to  the  southward  and  eastward  of  Bay  Island  group,  with  Zoe,  the 
easternmost  islet,  and  Peaked  Point,  the  northern  extremity  of  the  bay,  in 
line  bearing  N.  f  E.  The  channel  to  the  northward  of  the  group  is  a  mile 
wide,  and  practicable  for  vessels. 

The  Coast  from  Peaked  Point  (which  has  a  detached  rock  about  100  feet 
high  close  off  it,  with  one  smaller,  3J  cables'  lengths  to  the  southward), 
trends  N.N.E.  2^  miles  to  a  steep  bold  point,  called  Avialingat,  at  the  foot  of 
■which  is  a  nine-pin  rock. 

Prom  this  point  the  coast  takes  a  sudden  trend  to  the  eastward,  and  off  the 
first  point  from  it  are  two  islands,  called  Cacbolo  and  Cabalas,  which  form 
part  of  the  western  side  of  May-day  Bay. 

MAY-DAY  BAY,  immediately  to  the  eastward  of  Cabalas  and  Cacbolo 
Islands,  affords  excellent  shelter  in  the  S.W.  monsoon,  and  is  by  far  a  more 


552  PALAWAN  ISLAND,  WEST  COAST. 

convenient  anchorage  for  wooding  and  watering  than  any  of  those  we  have 
described  to  the  southward  on  this  side  of  Palawan. 

It  is  3i  miles  wide  at  the  entrance,  between  Cacbolo  and  Cacnipa  Islands, 
5J  miles  deep,  and  is  formed  on  the  eastern  side  by  a  long  irregular-shaped 
promontory,  the  continuation  of  a  high  range  jutting  out  in  a  northerly  di- 
rection from  the  body  of  the  island,  eastward  of  which  lies  Port  Barton. 

Cacnipa  or  High  Island  lies  off  the  extremity  of  the  above  promontory,  and 
is  separated  from  it  by  a  channel  4  cables  wide,  in  which  is  Passage  Eeef, 
about  6  ft.  out  of  water.  The  island  is  steep  and  bold,  1,050  ft.  high,  and 
3^  miles  in  circumference,  with  two  summits,  the  southern  being  the  higher. 
There  is  a  remarkable  thumb  rock  off  the  south-western  point,  and  a  peaked 
rock  lies  3  cables'  lengths  from  the  shore  on  the  North  face  of  the  island. 

In  the  south-eastern  part  of  May-day  Bay  is  a  remarkable  conical  head, 
with  deep  sandy  bays  on  either  side.  The  bay  on  the  North  side  is  irre- 
regular  in  contour,  and  has  14  to  20  fathoms  in  it,  while  that  on  the  South 
aide  has  19  and  20  fathoms  at  the  entrance,  and  a  similar  but  smaller 
conical  head  in  it,  with  some  streams  of  fresh  water  breaking  through  the 
beach. 

The  soundings  at  the  entrance  of  May-day  Bay  are  25  and  27  fathoms, 
sand  and  mud,  gradually  decreasing  to  19  fathoms  close  to  Conical  Head. 
The  points  in  the  bay  appear  to  be  steep-to,  and  there  is  no  known  danger 
in  it  but  what  shows. 

Water. — The  watering  place  is  at  the  head  of  a  small  cove,  named  Water- 
ing Bay,  2  miles  S.W.  by  W.  of  Conical  Head.  The  best  anchorage  is  in 
19  fathoms  off  the  entrance  of  this  bay,  almost  midway  between  it  and 
Conical  Head,  with  the  tangents  of  Cabalas  and  Cacbolo  Islands  in  line. 
The  stream  falls  from  the  rocks  on  the  South  side  of  the  cove,  just  before 
coming  to  the  sand  beach,  where,  at  high  water,  or  even  at  half  tide,  a  boat 
can  go  almost  under  it. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  May-day  Bay,  at  9^  55° 
a.m. ;  low  water  at  b^  55"  p.m. ;  and  the  rise  (only  one  observation),  is  3^ 
feet. 

BOAYAN,  lying  N.E.  3^  miles  from  Cacnipa  Island,  is  an  irregular- 
shaped  island  nearly  5  miles  in  extent  East  and  West,  and  3^  miles  N.N.E. 
and  S.S.W.,  being  in  some  parts  less  than  half  a  mile  wide.  Its  north- 
western extremity  terminates  in  a  bold  conspicuous  head,  with  a  double 
summit  725  ft.  above  the  sea.  The  highest  part  of  the  island  is  about  910 
feet  in  height,  and  near  it  is  a  flat  double  summit,  apparently  of  the  same 
elevation. 

Two  islands  lie  from  3^  to  4  cables'  lengths  off  Bluff  Point,  the  south- 
western extremity  of  Boayan.  Shelter  from  S.W.  winds  will  be  found  on 
the  N.E.  side  of  Boayan,  in  about  15  fathoms. 

Royalist  Shoal  is  a  coral  patch  with  only  2  J  fathoms  over  it,  lying  E.S.E. 


PORT  BAETON.  553 

one  mile  from  Saddle  Island,  with  the  summit  of  Cabalas  open  of  the  S.E. 
Bide  of  Cacnipa  Island  S.W.  i  W. 

AIBAGUEN,  lying  3  miles  nearly  eastward  of  Cacnipa,  and  nearly  2i 
miles  South  of  the  S.W.  extremity  of  Boayan,  is  a  leg-of-mutton  shaped 
island,  570  ft.  high,  and  nearly  U  mile  in  extent,  with  a  conspicuous  red 
stripe  (land  slip)  on  the  N.W.  side. 

PORT  BARTON. — Albaguen  Island  is  the  extremity  and  largest  of  a  group 
of  islands  stretching  in  a  north-westerly  direction  from  the  eastern  shore 
across  the  mouth  of  a  deep  bay,  and  wiiich,  together  with  tlie  promontory 
mentioned  on  page  551-2  as  forming  the  eastern  side  of  May-day  Bay,  en- 
closes a  spacious  sheet  of  water,  to  which  the  name  of  Port  Barton  has 
been  given. 

The  entrance  to  Port  Barton  is  between  Riddle  Point,  the  S.W.  extremity 
of  Albaguen,  and  Bubon  Point,  the  N.E.  extremity  of  the  promontory,  which 
is  in  lat.  10°  29'  19"  N.,  lung.  119°  5'  37"  E.  From  the  latter  point  the 
harbour  runs  5^  miles  in  a  southerly  direction,  and  near  its  head  is  Endeavour 
Island,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  length  Korth  and  South,  having  "Wedge 
Islet  lying  off  its  south-eastern  face,  halfu-ay  to  the  shore.  There  is  however 
nothing  to  induce  vessels  to  go  beyond  Middle  Reef,  nearly  3  miles  within 
the  entrance,  the  harbour  affording  no  eligible  watering  place,  although 
there  are  several  streams  in  the  mangroves  which  border  the  shore,  which  is 
apparently  rocky  in  that  direction.  The  soundings  at  the  entrance  of  the 
harbour  are  about  25  fathoms,  mud,  decreasing  gradually  to  5  and  6  fathoms 
close  to  the  edges  of  the  reefs  which  fringe  the  shore  at  the  head  of  it. 

If  requiring  shelter  only  in  Port  Barton,  and  in  the  S.W.  monsoon,  anchor 
in  the  northern  part  of  the  bay  in  20  fathoms,  stiff  mud.  In  X.E.  winds 
vessels  wishing  to  seek  closer  shelter  for  repairs,  &e.,  will  find  good  anchorage 
in  12  fathoms  mud,  farther  to  the  eastward,  South  of  the  body  of  Capsalay 
Island,  care  being  taken  in  approaching  it  to  avoid  Capsalay  Reef. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Port  Barton,  at  10''  55''  a.m.  ; 
low  water,  3^  So""  p.m.  ;  and  the  rise  of  tide  6  ft. 

PAGDANAN  POINT  is  a  peninsular  head  of  reddish  aspect,  nearly  2J 
miles  to  the  E.S.E.  of  the  eastern  extremity'  of  Buayan  Island,  and  has  Con- 
fusion Rock,  white,  and  about  40  feet  high,  lying  3  cables'  lengths  off  it. 
Niaporay  Mand,  354  ft.  above  the  sea,  lies  in  the  channel  between  Pagdanan 
Point  and  Boayan,  at  half  a  mile  from  the  latter;  and  S.E.  by  E.  half  a  mile 
from  the  nearest  point  of  Niaporay  is  the  southernmost  of  two  coral  patches, 
which  lie  nearly  in  the  centre  of  tlie  channel.  There  are  only  9  ft.  over  it  at 
low  water.  There  is  also  a  2j-fathoms  patch,  but  not  so  much  in  the  way 
as  the  above,  lying  E.N.E.  half  a  mile  from  the  summit  of  Niaporay  Island. 
Pagdanan  Rock,  the  northern  patch  of  coral  just  noticed  as  lying  nearly  in 
X.  ▲.  4  s 


5M  PALAWAN  ISLAND,  WEST  COAST. 

the  centre  of  the  channel,  has  2J  fathoms  on  it,  with  7  and  10  fathoms  close 
to,  and  lies  N.E.  by  N.  one  mile  from  the  Niaporay  Patch. 

PAGDANAN  BAY. — At  2A  miles  to  the  north-eastward  of  Capsalay  Island 
is  Betbet  Point,  with  a  conical  hill  near,  and  a  small  islet  of  tlie  swrne  name 
off  it,  from  which  a  coral  spit  projects  nearly  two-thirds  of  a  mile  in  a 
W.N.W.  direction. 

At  two-thirds  of  a  mile  in  a  north-easterl)'  direction  from  Betbet  Point  is 
Eeef  Point,  between  which  and  Pagdanan  Peninsula  is  PagdauHn  l?ay,  2J 
miles  wide  at  the  entrance,  and  about  the  same  di>tance  deep.  Reefs  lie  off 
the  points  in  the  bay,  some  to  the  extent  of  half  a  mile. 

A.  fresh  water  rivulet  disembogues  at  the  foot  of  a  small  green  cliff  i<land 
in  the  centre  of  Pa^danan  Bay;  and  there  are  also  two  others  in  the  South 
part  near  Squall  Point 

The  soundings  to  the  southward  of  Bonyan  Island  average  about  24  fa- 
thoms, mud.  At  the  entrance  of  Pagdanan  Bay  there  are  10  and  \1  f.ithonis. 
Vessels  not  wishing  to  go  into  Purt  Bartun  will  find  good  shelter  from  S.W. 
winds  to  the  northward  of  Capsalay  Island;  and  frum  N.E.  winds  iu  Pag- 
danan Ba}'. 

MOUNT  CAPOAS,  N.E.  f  N.  10^  miles  from  Bold  Head  (Boayan  Island), 
and  in  lut.  10°  48'  lU"  N.,  long.  119°  lb'  56'  E.,  is  high  talde-looking  land, 
3,;3oO  ft.  above  the  sea,  wish  a  high  and  a  low  sharp  nipple  at  the  western 
shoulder,  and  a  conspicunus  land-slip  extending  twu-thirds  of  the  way  from 
the  summit  to  the  base,  immediately  under  it. 

IMURXJAN  BAY  has  its  limits  formed  by  Boayan  Island  and  Pagdanan 
to  the  southward,  and  Emergenc}'  Poifit,  under  Mount  Capoas,  to  the  north- 
ward, and  is  about  12  miles  wide  at  the  entrance.  Its  eastern  shore  is 
overlooked  by  a  high  range  of  hills,  of  which  Buy  Pe«k,  nearly  abreast  of 
Imuruan  Island,  is  the  most  ccmspicuous.  Farther  to  the  southward  over 
Pagdanan  Bay  the  range  is  lower  and  assumes  a  table  ridge.  Fi'om  the  low 
neck  of  Pagdanan  Peninsula  the  shore  of  the  bay  for  8^  ndles  is  almost  one 
continuous  .>-and  beach,  and  throughout  the  bay  is  l>old  to  approach,  having 
3  to  5  fathoms  close  to  the  beach.  At  th-e  entrance  the  soundings  vary  from 
20  to  ;iO  fathoms,  mud. 

Shelter  from  the  N  E.  winds  will  be  found  to  the  northward  of  these 
islands,  near  the  foot  of  Mount  Capoas,  in  19  fathoms,  mud;  wiiere  also  a 
tolerably  good  supply  of  fish  may  be  obtained  with  the  seine,  on  the  sandy 
beaches  opposite. 

CAPE  CAPOAS,  in  lat.  10°  51'  38"  N.,  long.  110°  12'  6"  E.,  N.  by  E.  J  E. 
16i  miles  from  Bold  Head,  and  nearly  North  of  AVedge  Island,  is  a  bold 
projecting  headland  with  two  summits,  and  the  extreme  western  point  of  the 
peninsula,  on  which  the  table  mountain  of  that  name  is  situated,  which 
bears  from  it  S.E.  J  E.  distant  5J  miles. 

Conflagration  Hill.— N.N. W.  A  W.  nearly  5  miles  from  Emergency  Point, 


INLULUTOC— MALAMPAYA  SOUND.  555 

and  2  miles  to  the  south-eastward  of  Cape  Capnaa,  lying  ofif  one  of  the  points 
of  the  sfiveral  buys  with  which  the  coast  is  indented,  is  a  remarkable  steep 
conical  island.  It  is  named  Conflagration  ITill,  from  an  accident  having 
occurred  there,  whicii  proved  fatal  to  one  man,  and  nearly  so  to  an  officer 
and  part  of  a  lioai's  crew  who  werei  nscending  it  for  the  purpose  of  making 
observations,  in  consequence  of  the  long  grass  having  been  inadvertently  set 
on  fire. 

Shelter  from  N.E.  -winds  may  be  found  in  the  first  bay  to  the  eastward  of 
Conflagration  Hill,  about  West  of  Low  Mt)unt  Capoas,  a  peak  rising  1,560 
feet  above  the  sea,  immediately  to  the  northward  of  the  table  Mount  Capoas, 
and,  next  to  it,  the  highest  on  the  peninsula. 

To  the  northward  of  Cape  Capoas,  for  tJ  miles  to  Diente  Point,  the  sotith- 
•western  point  of  the  entrance  of  Malampaja  Sound,  the  c^ast  is  deeply  in- 
dented, the  bottom  of  snuie  of  the  bays  being  separated  from  thnse  corre- 
epimding  to  them  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  peninsula  and  in  Malampaya 
SoUTid,  by  very  narrow  isthmuses. 

INLULUTOC,  the  largest  of  these  bays,  1|  mile  wide  and  2^  miles  deop, 
lies  nearly  midway  between  Cape  Capoas  and  Diente  Point,  and  affords 
good  shelter  in  the  N.E.  monsoon.  It  is  overlooked  on  the  North  by  Saddle 
Jim,  l,0(iO  ft.  above  the  sea,  which,  together  with  Chinongah  to  the  north- 
eastward, f.)rm  conspicuous  objects  to  identify  the  locality.  There  are  no 
dangers  likely  to  bring  a  vessel  up  in  any  of  these  bays  but  what  are  visible. 
Outside,  the  coast  is  bold,  rocky,  and  very  precipitous  m  some  places,  with 
deep  water  close  to. 

Anchorage — IVater. — The  best  place  to  anchor  in  Inlulutoc  (the  only  eligi- 
ble bay  for  vessels  to  enter)  is  on  the  North  shore,  U  mile  to  the  eastward 
of  "Wreck  Head,  a  bold  rocky  cliff  forming  the  North  point  of  it,  between 
Teodore  Point  and  Anchorage  Island,  in  15  and  16  fathoms,  mud,  with 
Saddle  Hill  bearing  about  N.  by  W.,  where  near  the  foot  of  it,  at  the  head 
of  the  bay,  are  two  streams  of  fresh  water. 

MALAMPAYA  SOUND,  formed  on  the  north-eastern  side  of  the  penin- 
sula of  Capoas,  is  about  19  miles  deep  in  a  south-easterly  direction,  varying 
in  breadth  from  2  to  iipwards  of  4  miles  in  the  broadest  part.  It  is  one  of 
the  finest  liarbours  tliat  can  be  desired,  being  aluKJst  perfectly  free  from 
hidden  dangers,  and  cimtaining  along  its  shores  bays  and  deep  recesses, 
capable  of  giving  close  shelter  to  any  class  and  number  of  vessels.  The 
entrance  is  occupied  by  Tuluran  Island,  leaving  only  a  narrow  channel  on 
either  side,  and  at  about  7  miles  within  the  entrance  the  sound  is  contracted 
by  long  projecting  headlands  from  either  shore,  forming  as  it  were  a  second 
strait,  containing  several  islands,  which  opens  into  an  expanse  of  water  9 
miles  deep  and  4  miles  wide,  called  the  Inner  Sound,  in  which  are  the 
Spanish  settlements  Pancol  and  Baulao. 

Caution. — Merchant  vessels  entermg  Malampaya  Sound  in  the  early  part 


556  PALAWAN  ISLAND ;  WEST  COAST. 

of  the  S.W.  monsoon,  particularly  in  the  months  of  May  and  June,  should 
be  on  their  guard  against  pirates,  for  in  Pirate  Bay,  4  miles  within  the  en- 
trance, H  M.S.  EoyalisVs  gig  was  nearly  cut  ofiF  in  May,  1851,  by  a  fleet  of 
eight  Illanon  prahus  on  their  annual  marauding  expedition. 

Diente  Point,  the  northern  extremity  of  Capoas  peninsula,  is  the  western 
limit  of  the  principal  channel  leading  to  Malampaya  Sound.  Notch  Islet, 
176  ft.  above  the  sea,  lies  immediately  off  it,  and  at  IJ  cable's  length  to  the 
northward  of  the  islet  is  a  reef  of  rocks  awash. 

Tulnran  Island,  occupying  the  entrance  of  Malampaya  Sound,  is  4  J  miles 
long.  North  and  South,  and  \^  mile  wide.  Two  sharp  peaks,  attaining  a 
hei"lit  of  1,272  ft.,  rise  in  the  body  of  the  island,  and  there  are  several  others 
of  considerable  elevation  on  it ;  Tuluran  Table,  the  southernmost,  being  1,033 
feet  above  the  sea,  and  not  unlike  Mount  Capoas  on  a  smaller  scale.  The 
northern  and  western  shores  are  bold,  rocky,  and  precipitous  in  some  parts, 
with  conspicuous  watercourses  here  and  there. 

At  the  north-western  point  of  the  island  is  a  remarkable  peaked  islet, 
with  two  rocks  awash  a  cable's  length  off  it. 

BLOCKADE  STRAIT,  the  channel  to  the  southward  of  Tuluran  may  be 
said  to  have  its  entrance  between  Diente  Point  and  Bold  Head,  a  distance  of 
2\  miles.  It  takes  a  south-easterly  direction,  and  at  about  2  miles  within 
the  above  line  of  entrance  is  the  narrowest  part,  6  cables'  lengths  across. 
Beyond  this  the  strait  is  about  a  mile  wide  for  \\  mile,  when  it  opens  into 
the  outer  extensive  portion  of  Malampaya  Sound. 

Entrance  Beef. — N.N.E.  i  E.  nearly  two-thirds  of  a  mile  from  Notch  Islet, 
off  Diente  Point,  is  a  cluster  of  small  rocks,  of  which  one  is  a  pillar  rock, 
called  Entrance  Reef.  White  Round  Islet  and  Pyramid  Rocks  lie  off  the 
western  face  of  Tuluran  Island.  White  Eound  is  small,  80  ft.  above  the 
sea,  and  bears  W.  by  N.  nearly  \\  mile  from  Bold  Head,  the  westernmost 
point  of  the  island  and  nearest  shore. 

The  Pyramid  Eocks  are  50  ft.  out  of  water,  and  one-quarter  of  a  mile  in 
extent  N.E.  and  S.W.  The  highest  rock  lies  N.N.E.  nearly  2  miles  from 
White  Eound  Islet,  and  three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  the  westward  of  Triple 
Head,  the  N.W.  point  of  Tuluran. 

The  passage  is  safe  between  White  Eound  Islet  and  Pyramid  Rocks,  but 
between  the  latter  and  Peaked  Islet  there  is  a  coral  patch  with  only  6  ft. 
water  on  it,  N.E.  ^  N.  one-quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  highest  Pyramid 
Rock. 

Cone  Islet  and  Largon  Eocks. — A  conical  islet,  237  ft.  above  the  sea,  lies 
in  front  of  Bolalo  Bay,  on  the  South  shore  of  Blockade  Strait,  and  nearly 
midway  between  Notch  Islet  and  Parmidiaran  Point,  a  small  conical  head 
with  a  pillar  rock  over  it  and  the  South  point  of  the  narrowest  part  of 
Blockade  Strait.  N.  by  W.  \  W.  one-quarter  of  a  mile  from  Cone  Islet,  is 
a  smaller  islet  called  Largon,  from  which  rocks  out  of  water  extend  one- 


BOLALO  AND  PIEATE  BATS.  657 

third  of  a  mile  to  the  northwarfl,  their  outward  extremity  being  E.  by  S.  |  S., 
nearly  a  mile  from  Entrance  Eeef,  with  Malapina  Island  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E., 
4^  miles. 

BOLALO  BAY. — There  is  a  small  bay  immediately  to  the  eastward  of 
Diente  Point,  and  between  its  eastern  limit  and  Parmidiaran  Point,  distant 
If  mile,  is  the  entrance  of  Bolalo  Bay,  a  deep  inlet  aflFording  good  shelter 
from  S.W.  winds.  It  runs  2^  miles  in  a  southerly  direction,  the  bottom 
being  separated  by  a  narrow  isthmus  from  the  North  part  of  Inlulutoc  Bay. 
The  width  inside  is  about  half  a  mile. 

Chinongab,  a  very  sharp  peak,  elevated  1,216  ft.,  with  a  small  table  ridge 
adjoining  it,  rises  at  nearly  two-thirds  of  a  mile  within  the  eastern  shores  of 
this  bay,  and  is  the  same  distance  form  the  shores  of  the  bay  to  the  north- 
eastward, and  Pirate  Bay  to  the  eastward. 

ENDEAVOUR  STRAIT,  to  the  eastward  of  Tuluran  Island,  has  its  south- 
ern entrance  between  Pillar  Pock  Point  and  Endeavour  Point,  rather  more 
than  three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  the  E.S.E.  The  strait  runs  nearly  North 
and  South,  and  is  6  miles  in  length,  and  barely  a  cable  wide  at  the  nar- 
rowest part. 

Coral  fringes  the  shores  on  either  side  of  the  strait,  and  nearly  in  the  centre 
of  a  bay  on  the  West  side,  immediately  under  Soutli  Tuluran  Peak,  is  a  rock 
awash  at  low  water,  with  10  and  12  fathoms  all  round. 

Endeavour  Strait  ought  not  to  be  used  by  sailing  vessels,  as  they  are 
sure  to  be  baffled,  especially  in  the  Narrows,  by  the  very  high  land  on  either 
sider  of  it. 

PIRATE  BAY.— Between  Blockade  Strait  and  the  second  or  inner  en- 
trance, the  western  shore  of  the  sound  has  three  deep  bays,  in  each  of  which 
the  ground  is  quite  clear,  and  excellent  shelter  is  afforded  from  all  winds  ; 
but  the  two  southern  bays  have  no  watering  places. 

Pirate  Bay,  the  northernmost  of  the  three  bays  just  mentioned,  will  be 
found  the  most  convenient  to  vessels  not  bound  to  Pancol,  but  merely  re- 
quiring shelter,  or  wood,  or  water. 

Water. — The  watering  place,  affording  a  good  supply,  is  in  the  bottom  of 
Pirate  Bay,  almost  immediately  under  Chinongab  Peak. 

Tenabian  Island  is  325  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  nearly  two-thirds  of  a  mile 
long  in  a  N.E.  and  S.W.  direction,  the  N.E.  portion  of  the  island  having 
an  extreme  breadth  of  nearly  half  a  mile,  and  the  S."\V.  portion  a  regular 
breadth  of  about  a  cable's  length.  The  passage  inshore  of  the  island  is  2 
cables'  lengths  across,  but  there  is  a  reef  in  it  which  covers. 

Malapina  Island,  fronting  the  inner  part  of  Blockade  Strait,  is  small,  156 
feet  above  the  sea,  and  lies  a  mile  to  the  eastward  of  Tenabian,  with  the 
northernmost  point  of  Tacbolo  Island  S.  |  E.  2^  miles. 

Boat  Rock. — A  small  rock  of  this  name  lies  just  within  the  entrance  of 


«58  PALAWAN  ISLAND ;  WEST  COAST. 

N.E.  Bay,  E.  |  S.  IJ  ir.ile  from  the  highest  point  of  Malapina  L4and,  and 
South  nearly  h^ilf  a  mile  from  the  South  point  of  N.E.  Bay  lalanJ. 

TACBOLO  ISLAND.  — In  the  inner  strait,  which  is  about  2^  miles  wide, 
and  3^  miles  long  in  a  south-easterly  direction,  are  several  islands,  the 
poith- westernmost  of  which  is  Tacholo,  300  feet  above  the  sea,  partially 
cleared,  and  nearly  a  mile  in  length  N.W.  and  S  E.  It  lies  exactly  in  mid- 
cliannel  between  the  heads  at;  the  entrance  of  the  strait.  Between  it  and 
Passage  Island  on  the  East  and  Pnggnianan  Point,  a  headland  with  a  triple 
summit  380  ft.  above  the  sea,  on  the  West,  is  the  principal  passage  leading 
into  tlie  Inner  Sound. 

Passage,  Eniaran,  and  Durangan  Islands.— Passage  Island,  the  largest  in 
the  strciit,  is  '6  miles  in  circumference,  and  is  separated  from  the  S  E.  point 
of  Tacbolo  by  a  channel  only  1  cable  wide,  in  which  there  aro  5  fathoms, 
and  from  Tuluan  Hill,  the  middle  point  on  the  eastern  shore,  by  a  boat 
channel,  barely  three-quarters  of  a  cable  wide. 

A  small  islet,  called  Eniaran,  with  a  fiat  rock  on  the  West  side,  lies  close 
off  its  western  point,  and  off  the  western  p  -int  of  a  small  bay  on  the  South 
side  of  the  island  is  a  white  roik  called  Balolo.  Durangan,  a  round-backed 
island  o86  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  rather  more  than  half  a  mile  in  length 
Eitst  and  West,  with  two  small  black  rocks  at  the  eastern  extremity,  occupies 
the  centre  of  the  channel  between  the  S.W.  face  of  Passage  Island  and 
Bululu  Point,  the  northern  extremity  of  a  chain  of  hills  projecting  to  the 
northward  from  the  southern  shore  of  the  strait. 

The  channel  between  Passage  and  Durangan  Islands  is  nearly  half  a  mile 
wide,  and  contains  the  only  danger  (the  Caucea  Pock)  we  are  aware  of  that 
is  not  visible. 

To  the  southward  of  Durangan  the  channel  is  the  same  width,  and  has 
depths  of  9  and  12  fa;homs,  mud,  in  it;  nearly  in  the  centre  is  Colonhogop, 
the  westernmost  of  two  small  islands  4  cables'  lengths  apart  in  about  an 
E.  by  S.  and  W.  by  N.  direction.  Bartoc,  the  easternmost,  has  a  reef  ex- 
tending half  a  cable's  length  from  its  south-western  side. 

Cancea  Rock,  the  above-mentioned  danger,  consists  of  a  coral  ledge  nearly 
awash  in  some  parts  at  low  water,  fronting  the  head  immediately  to  the 
westward  of  the  small  bay  on  the  South  side  of  Passage  Island,  from  which 
it  extends  nearly  2  cables'  lengths  with  11  and  12  fathoms  close  to  its  edge. 
From  its  outer  extremity,  Flat  Rock,  off  Eniaran  Islet,  is  in  line  with 
Chinongab  Peak  bearing  N.W.,  and  the  outer  black  rock  off  the  East  end 
of  Durangan  Islmd  bears  S.S.W.  5  W. 

Mallaratone  and  Ibelbel  Islands.— S.E.  by  E.  i  E.  nearly  a  mile  from  the 
East  end  of  Durangan,  and  two-thirds  of  a  mile  southward  of  Canica  Point, 
the  South  point  of  Passage  Island,  is  Mallaratone  Island,  lying  N.E.  and 
S.W.,  in  wliich   direction  it  is  nearly  half  a  mile  long,  with  an  average 


DAMAO,  MALLAROIS,  AND  YINALO  ISLANDS.  559 

breadth  of  about  a  cable's  length.  A  small  white  pillar  rook  lies  nearly  a 
cable's  Ifngth  off  its  S.W.  point. 

Ibelbel  l>land,  about  2  cables  in  diameter,  partialh*  cleared,  and  having 
a  quantity  of  banibc.o  growing  upon  it,  is  on  the  northern  shore  of  the  strait 
at  the  ejitrarue  of  a  bay  ■of  which  Passa^ze  I>lan  I  forms  the  West  side.  It 
lies  E.  ^  S.  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  Cajiica  Point,  and  N.E.  ^  E.  about 
tlie  sniiip  disfan'e  fr^m  MulLiratone  I-land,  witli  dear  channels  between. 

DAMO,  MALLAROIS,  and  VL^'^ALO  ISLANDS,  on  opposite  sides  and 
marking  the  south-eastern  limits  of  the  strait,  aieN.E.  and  8.W.,  IJ  niile 
from  each  other.  D.imao,  226  It.  in  heiyht  above  the  sea,  and  nearly  ihree- 
■qnarters  of  a  mile  in  extreme  length  N.W.  and  S  E.,  is  on  the  southern 
•shore  S.S.E.  f  E.  three-quarters  of  a  mile  frnm  M..ilriratone  Island.  A 
peaked  islet,  8i  ft.  high,  lies  off  its  northern  extremity,  and  in  the  channel 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  wide,  separating  the  island  from  a  headland  on  the 
South,  are  some  small  islets  and  rocks  awash. 

Malhirois  Island,  E.  ^  N.  nearly  1^  niile  from  the  North  p'unt  of  !Malla- 
ratone,  and  S.E.  by  E.  J  E.  three-quart'ers  of  a  mile  from  Ibelbel,  is  93  leet 
above  the  sea,  less  tlian  a  cable  in  length,  and  has  a  precipitous  cliff  on  the 
South  side,  with  some  rocks  detached  from  the  East  end. 

There  is  a  larger  island  called  Vinalo  lying  2  cables  to  the  northward  of 
Malhirois,  and  the  channel  between  them  is  safe. 

ALLIGATOR  BAY  is  the  northernmost  of  two  large  bays  on  the  southern 
side  of  the  strait,  and,  next  to  Pirate  Bay,  the  n.ost  convenient  phice  in  the 
sound  for  watering.  Durangan  and  Palcocotan  Islands  are  immediately  off 
the  entrance,  which  ii  between  Green  Head  and  lialulu  Puint.  Alligator 
IsLtnd  lies  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  bay,  South  of  the  watering-place,  and 
to  the  south-eastward  of  it  is  a  double  cone  island. 

The  soundings  at  the  entrance  of  the  bay  are  10  and  12  ftithoms,  mud, 
decreasing  gradually  to  3  and  4  fathoms  near  the  shore. 

Water. — In  the  S.E.  cnrner  of  the  bay  the  main  stream  from  Mount 
Capoas  discharges  itself  thiough  some  low  ground,  but  the  watering-place 
is  on  the  North  shore  of  the  bay,  in  the  first  small  iudentatiun  from  Green 
Head. 

MALIPU  BAY  is  separated  from  Alligator  Ba}'  by  the  chain  of  hills  of 
whicli  Balulu  Point  is  at  the  northern  extremity,  and  it  has  its  eastern  limit 
at  Damao  Island.  A  remarkable  hunch  hill  (546  ft.)  rises  on  the  south- 
eastern side  of  the  bay,  and  on  the  western  siiore  is  Chinicaran  Island,  with 
an  isthffjus  head  on  the  North  face,  the  passage  between  which  and  the 
shore  has  only  12  ft.  water  in  the  narrowest  part. 

M(junt  Capoas  and  the  adjacent  hi^h  land  rise  directly  behind  the.se  bays, 
and  it  was  from  the  mouth  of  a  small  stream  just  to  the  westward  of 
Chinicaran  Island  that  the  party  who  ascended  Capoas  set  out;  keeping  the 
course  of  the  main  stream,  they  advanced  by  a  steep  granite  gorge  on  the 


560  PALAWAN  ISLAND  ;  WEST  COAST. 

face  of  the  mountain,  which  is  everywhere  conspicuous  from  the  North  side 
of  the  sound. 

The  soundings  in  Malipu  Bay  average  about  8  fathoms  in  the  north-western 
part,  4  fathoms  to  the  south-eastward,  and  these  depths  decrease  gradually 
to  2  fathoms  towards  the  shores  of  the  bottom  of  the  bay. 

PANCOL. — The  Inner  sound  of  Malampaya  opens  immediately  beyond 
Daraao  and  Mallarois  Islands,  and  in  a  bay  on  the  northern  side,  1$  mile 
from  the  latter,  is  the  Spanish  settlement  of  Pancol,  prettily  situated  under 
the  high  land,  and  fronted  by  a  green  isolated  hill,  65  ft.  high,  on  which  is 
built  a  stockade  in  lat.  10°  52'  9"  N.,  long.  119°  22'  56"  E.  The  natives  are 
exceedingly  friendly,  and  for  supplies  it  is  certainly  the  best  place  on  the 
coast.  A  stream  of  fresh  water  runs  on  either  side  of  the  stockade  hill,  and 
water  can  be  procured,  but  not  readily  in  ships'  boats.     Eish  is  plentiful. 

Vessels  can  anchcr  oflf  Pancol  in  3  fathoms,  stiff  mud,  within  a  quarter  of 
a  mile  S.  by  W.  of  the  stockade,  or  in  deeper  water  farther  off,  as  convenient, 
the  anchorage  being  perfectly  safe  in  all  seasons. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Pancol  at  Q^  40"",  and  the  rise 
of  tide  is  6  ft. 

The  MALAMPAYA  EIVER  disembogues  at  the  bottom  of  a  shallow  bay 
on  the  eastern  side  of  the  sound  3  miles  from  Pancol.  A  high  round  island 
■called  Mrilootone,  with  a  small  conical  head  at  the  South  end,  and  an  island 
on  either  side,  lie  across  the  entrance  of  this  bay,  leaving  a  channel  into  it 
little  more  than  2  cables  wide,  in  which  there  are  only  13  ft.  water.  Off 
the  first  point  inside  these  islands  is  a  white  rock,  and  across  the  entrance  of 
the  river  is  a  line  of  stakes  commanded  by  a  small  stockade  in  which  a 
guard  is  usually  kept.  At  low  water  the  mud  dries  considerably  outside 
this,  nearly  abreast  of  two  small  islands  on  the  South  side  of  the  bay. 

The  river,  which  is  navigable  for  boats  about  2  miles,  runs  into  the  body 
of  the  island  in  a  south-easterly  direction  ;  near  its  head  is  a  good  foot-path 
leading  to  the  village  of  Tai-Tai,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  island,  a  dis- 
tance of  2  miles. 

BAULAO,  a  settlement  similar  to  that  of  Pancol,  but  smaller,  is  on  the 
eastern  shore  near  the  head  of  the  sound,  S.S.E.  J  E.  nearly  6J  miles  from 
Pancol.  It,  however,  cannot  be  approached  within  2  miles  by  a  vessel 
drawing  more  than  12  ft.  water,  as  the  sound  shoals  gradually  from  3  fa- 
thoms at  4  miles  southward  of  Pancol  to  the  head,  where,  at  low  water,  the 
mud  dries  out  nearly  to  Bay  or  Bivouac  Islet,  a  mile  from  the  mangroves. 

Immediately  to  the  southward  of  Baulao,  the  hills  at  the  head  of  the 
sound  on  either  side  recede,  and  are  separated  by  an  extensive  plain  which 
runs  through  the  body  of  the  island,  almost  to  the  opposite  coast,  some  of 
the  water  of  which  is  discharged  into  Malampaya  Sound  by  a  river  having 
its  outlet  through  the  mangrove,  close  to  Bush  Head,  nearly  3  miles  South 
of  Baulau. 


MALAMPAYA  SOUND— DIRECTIONS.  561 

There  are  several  detached  ranges  on  this  plain  ;  on  the  West,  those 
overlooking  Imuruan  Bay,  and  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Port  Barton  are 
recognizable. 

The  western  shore  of  the  sound  to  the  southward  of  Damao  Island  is  in- 
dented by  bays,  all  of  which  are  shoal. 

The  average  depth  in  the  centre  of  the  Inner  Sound  is  6^  fathoms,  mud, 
from  which  it  shoals  gradually  on  all  sides,  except  towards  the  entrance, 
where  it  deepens  to  9  and  10  fathoms. 

Alleged  Banger— In  an  old  MS.  chart,  which  was  seen  at  Tai-Tai,  there 
is  a  rock  called  Coloma,  laid  down  nearly  in  the  centre  of  the  Inner  Sound. 
The  late  Captain  Bate  tried  for  three  consecutive  days  to  find  it,  without 
success,  and  the  people  of  Pancol  and  Baulao  denied  having  any  knowledge 
of  its  existence.  As  near  as  could  be  ascertained  from  the  Spanish  chart, 
the  position  of  the  rock  is  about  3  miles  S.  ^  E.  of  Pancol  stockade. 

The  northern  extremes  of  Mallarotone  and  Durangan  Islands  kept  in  sight, 
will  prevent  a  vessel  going  near  this  position. 

Directions. — In  making  the  entrance  of  Malampaya  Sound  from  the  west- 
ward. Notch  Islet  shows  conspicuously  off  Diente  Point,  White  Pound  Islet 
will  be  seen,  and  on  a  closer  approach  the  Entrance  and  Largon  Eocks, 
which  are  always  above  water,  become  visible.  The  best  course  is  between 
these  rocks  and  White  Pound  Islet,  the  soundings  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
which  average  about  30  fathoms,  and  the  former  may  be  passed  on  the 
North  side  as  near  as  convenient.  With  a  southerly  wind,  they  should  be 
kept  close  aboard  to  enable  the  vessel  to  fetch  through  the  narrowest  part  of 
Blockade  Strait,  or  she  is  liable  to  be  set  over  upon  the  northern  shore  by 
shifts  of  wind  from  the  high  land  about  Chinongab.  Having  passed  Parmi- 
diaran  Point,  proceed  just  outside  the  small  white  rock  in  the  centre  of  the 
next  bay,  and  the  reef  awash  off  the  point  under  Lookout  Hill,  having  13 
fathoms  close  to,  may  be  shaved  without  danger ;  then  haul  into  Pirate  Bay, 
and  anchor  as  convenient. 

Entering  the  strait  with  a  N.E.  wind,  pass  on  either  side  of  White  Round 
Islet,  and  conform  to  the  same  directions  as  before,  only  keeping  on  the 
Tuluran  shore,  but  not  too  close,  or  the  vessel  is  liable  to  be  becalmed,  from 
the  high  land  there  rising  more  abruptly  than  on  the  South  side. 

The  passage  through  the  second  strait  into  the  Inner  Sound  is  on  the 
S.W.  sides  of  Tacbolo  and  Passage  Islands,  and  in  using  it  great  care  must 
be  taken  to  avoid  the  Cancea  ledge  of  rocks  under  water  between  the  latter 
island  and  Durangan. 

The  Coast  to  the  northward  of  Tuluran  Island,  at  the  entrance  of  Malam- 
paya Sound,  trends  northward  for  nearly  5  miles,  where,  near  Custodio  Point, 
the  extremity  of  a  promontory  which  forms  the  western  shore  of  Bacuit  Bay, 
is  a  remarkable  quoin  hiU,  466  ft.  above  the  sea.     The  intermediate  coast  is 

I.  A.  '  4  0 


562  PALAWAN  ISLAND ;  WEST  COAST. 

of  a  bold  rocky  aspect,  with  several  land-slips  appearing  as  vertical  reddish- 
looking  stripes  down  the  face. 

Rugged  Limestone  Group From  Custodio  Point,  the  extremity  of  the 

promontory  above  mentioned,  a  remarkable  group  of  rugged  islands,  of 
limestone  formation,  extends  8^  miles  in  a  N.N.W.  direction.  The  sides  of 
these  islands  present  bare  perpendicular  clififs  of  every  variety  of  tint,  with 
numerous  stalactite  caves,  in  which  the  edible  bird's  nest  is  sought.  The 
summits  terminate  in  small  clusters  of  needle  peaks,  and  wherever  it  is 
possible  for  vegetation  to  take  root,  they  are  luxuriantly  clothed  with  foliage, 
of  which  the  pandanus  predominates. 

Guntao  Islands.— North  and  South  Gruntao  Islands,  the  south-westernmost 
of  this  group,  lie  North  8  J  miles  from  White  Pound  Islet,  at  the  entrance  of 
Malampaya  Sound,  and  4J  miles  to  the  westward  of  Custodio  Point. 

Vestacado  Rocks,  showing  like  two  small  boats,  lie  W.  by  S.  f  S.  1^  mile 
from  the  opening  between  the  Guntao  Islands,  and  on  this  bearing  the  bold 
head  of  Mantinloc  appears  in  the  passage. 

Tapiutan,  the  outer  island  of  the  Rugged  group,  having  its  summit  in 
lat.  11°  12'  50'  N.,  long.  119°  15'  18"  E.,  lies  7  miles  from  the  shore,  and  N. 
by  E.  5  miles  from  the  Guntao  Islands.  It  is  nearly  2i  miles  long  N.N.W. 
and  S.S.E.,  the  highest  part,  which  is  round-topped,  being  1,415  ft.  above 
the  sea. 

Matinloc  Island. — East  of  Tapiutan,  and  separated  from  it  by  a  channel 
1^  mile  long,  but  only  2  cables  wide,  in  which  there  are  20  fathoms  water, 
is  the  northern  half  of  Matinloc,  an  island  formed  by  a  very  narrow  ridge  of 
limestone,  nearly  4|  miles  in  extent,  running  in  a  N.  ^  W.  and  S.  ^  E.  direc- 
tion, and  almost  separated  in  three  places  by  deep  gaps. 

The  Horn,  1,250  ft.  above  the  sea,  rises  nearly  in  the  centre  of  the  island, 
and  when  viewed  in  a  northerly  or  southerly  direction,  assumes  the  appear- 
ance of  its  name,  forming  a  most  conspicuous  and  readily  recognizable  feature 
on  making  the  coast. 

Ynambuyod  Island.— Off  the  N.E.  face,  lying  parallel  with  and  separated 
from  Matinloc  by  a  deep  channel  1  mile  wide,  is  another  island,  called 
Ynambuyod,  similar  in  feature  but  smaller,  being  only  IJ  mile  long.  Two 
islets.  Cliff  and  Crown,  lie  respectively  1^  and  9  cables  off  its  northern  ex- 
tremity, with  17  and  20  fathoms  between  them.  There  is  also  a  remarkable 
rock  lying  one-quarter  of  a  mile  off  its  south-eastern  face,  called  the  Mush- 
room, from  its  being  poised  on  a  narrow  stem  about  one-third  the  diameter 
of  the  whole  base. 

Miniloc  Island  lies  to  the  eastward  of  the  southern  part  of  Matinloc,  the 
channel  between,  in  which  there  are  upwards  of  25  fathoms,  being  Ij  mile 
wide.  It  is  a  remarkable  high,  rugged  island,  3J  miles  in  circumference, 
with  several  summits  and  precipitous  crags,  the  coast  nearly  all  around 
being  broken  up  into  sharp  cliffy  heads,  and,  on  the  South  side,  exceedingly 


BACUIT  BAY.  663 

picturesque  bays.  On  the  N.W.  face  are  two  high,  rocky  islets,  the  south- 
ernmost and  largest  of  which  is  cleft  in  two  to  the  water's  edge. 

Pacluyaban,  Entalula,  and  Pangutasian  Islands.— On  the  southern  side 
of  Minoloc  Island,  nearly  connected  with  it  by  a  smaller  island,  which  occu- 
pies the  passage,  is  Pacluyaban,  also  of  limestone  formation,  and  very  pre- 
cipitous. Between  the  latter  island  and  Custodio  Point  are  two  islands ; 
Entalula,  similar  in  character  to  the  above,  and  Pangutasian,  of  entirely 
different  feature. 

Pangutasian  Island  has  a  double  summit,  and  slopes  gradually  towards 
the  S.E.  point,  where  there  is  a  sandy  tongue,  from  which  a  reef  projects  in 
a  south-westerly  direction,  contracting  the  channel  between  the  island  and 
the  Custodio  shore,  off  which  latter  is  Plat  Eock,  to  3  cables  across.  The 
depth  in  this  channel  is  14  and  16  fathoms. 

On  the  eastern  face,  3  cables'  lengths  from  Pangutasian,  is  Popolcan,  a 
limestone  islet  310  ft.  above  the  sea. 

Guintungauan  Island  and  Jip  Rocks.— Guintungauan  Island  E.  ^  S.  2j 
miles  from  the  South  point  of  South  Guntao,  and  W.  by  N.  nearly  1^  miles 
from  Custodio  Point,  is  a  quarter  of  a  mile  long,  and  appears  like  a  square 
block  when  seen  in  a  North  and  South  direction. 

The  Jip  Eocks  are  a  lump  of  limestone,  95  ft.  high,  cleft  in  two,  and  lie 
N.E.  by  N.  half  a  mile  from  Guintungauan  Island,  and  1  mile  to  the  west- 
ward of  Pangutasian. 

Water. — A  reef,  which  always  shows,  extends  1  cable's  length  from  Cus- 
todio Point,  and  in  a  small  bay  fronted  with  coral  between  it  and  Flat  Eock, 
is  a  stream  of  fresh  water. 

BACUIT  BAY,  formed  partly  on  the  West  by  the  islands  just  described, 
is  9  miles  deep,  and  3  miles  wide  at  the  entrance  between  Miniloc  Island 
and  a  limestone  peninsula,  the  highest  part  of  which,  called  Bacuit  Peak,  is 
tolerably  sharp,  and  attains  an  elevation  of  1,500  ft.  above  the  sea.  The 
eastern  shore  trends  nearly  North  and  South,  and  is  overlooked  by  a  high 
range,  extending  in  a  northerly  direction.  This  range,  on  which  there  are 
some  curiously  shaped  peaks,  forms  part  of  a  great  vein  of  mountain  lime- 
stone that  here  traverses  the  island  in  a  north-easterly  and  south-westerly 
direction,  commencing  on  the  West  side  of  Palawan  at  Tapiutan  and  Cauayan 
Islands,  just  embracing  both  shores  of  Bacuit  Bay,  and  terminating  on  the 
East  coast  at  Old  Castle  Point  and  the  islands  fronting  Tai-Tai  Bay,  alto- 
gether a  distance  of  30  miles.  The  average  breadth  of  the  vein  appears  to 
be  about  7  miles. 

There  are  several  islands  in  the  bay,  all  of  which  are  precisely  similar  in 
feature  and  character  to  the  group  outside. 

Ynabuyatan  and  Malpacao  Islands. — Ynabuyatan,  the  northernmost 
island  facing  the  eastern  shore  of  the  bay,  is  a  very  conspicuous  object  on 


564  PALAWAN  ISLAND  ;  WEST  COAST. 

entering,  being  1,130  ft.  above  the  sea  (somewhat  resembling  the  appear- 
ance of  an  elephant  on  its  haunches),  and  nearly  a  mile  in  circumference. 

Malpacao,  a  remarkable  ridge  of  limestone,  with  a  high  boulder  detached 
from  it,  assuming  the  form  of  a  double  island,  lies  S.S.E.  |-  E.  nearly  a  mile 
from  Ynabuyatan,  midway  between  the  southern  point  of  this  bay  and 
Lagen  Island. 

Lagen  Island,  1,140  ft.  above  the  sea,  the  southernmost  and  largest  of  the 
three  islands  on  the  eastern  side,  is  of  irregular  form,  If  mile  in  length 
N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  presents  a  bold  cliffy  shore,  upwards  of  400  ft.  in  per- 
pendicular height,  with  several  sandy  bays. 

Comocutuan  and  Dibuluan  Islands  lie  on  the  western  side  of  the  bay.  The 
former,  a  small  precipitous  island  rising  298  ft.  above  the  sea,  is  S.E.  by  E. 
1|  mile  from  Pangutasian  Island,  and  between  it  and  the  shore  abreast,  dis- 
tant upwards  of  a  mile,  a  spit  projects  3  cables'  lengths  from  an  islet  with  a 
white  rock  close  to  it.  Dibuluan  Island  is  S.S.E.  ^  E.  2  miles  from  Como- 
cutuan, and  about  midway  between  it  and  Lagen  are  three  rocky  islets,  the 
easternmost  of  which  shows  like  a  ninepin  on  entering  the  bay. 

Manlalec  is  a  small  village,  situated  a  short  distance  up  a  rivulet,  half  a 
mile  inside  the  southern  point  of  the  small  bay,  off  which  is  Ynabuyatan 
,  Island,  on  the  eastern  shore  of  Bacuit  Bay  ;  the  approach  is  commanded  by 
a  stockade  at  the  entrance  mounting  three  guns. 

The  old  and  now  deserted  village  of  Bacuit  is  in  the  extreme  south-eastern 
corner  of  Bacuit  Bay,  fronted  by  a  mud  flat,  dry  at  low  water. 

Tides.— li  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Bacuit  Bay,  at  10''  a.m. ;  and 
the  rise  of  tide  is  about  6  ft.  Little  or  no  current  has  been  observed  in 
the  bay. 

Directions The  best  channel  for  small  vessels  proceeding  to  Bacuit  Bay, 

if  coming  from  the  southward,  is  between  Entalula  and  Pacluyaban  Islands. 
It  is  6  cables  wide,  and  has  25  fathoms  in  it,  with  20  fathoms  close  to  the 
shore  on  either  side. 

The  best  anchorage  in  the  S.W.  monsoon  is  in  17  or  18  fathoms,  stiff  mud, 
about  a  mile  to  the  south-eastward  of  Comocutuan  Island,  off  the  first  lime- 
stone head ;  but  as  neither  fresh  water  nor  supplies  are  to  be  had  readily, 
there  is  little  inducement,  except  it  be  shoaler  water,  for  vessels  to  go 
farther  up. 

CADLAO,  or  Table  Top  Island,  2,000  ft.  above  the  sea,  lies  immediately  to 
the  N.W.  of  Bacuit  peninsula,  being  separated  from  it  by  a  channel  barely 
3  cables  wide,  in  which  there  are  17  and  19  fathoms  close  to  the  points,  and 
it  may  almost  be  considered  as  a  continuation  of  the  North  side  of  Bucuit 
Bay ;  while  Tapiutan  and  Matinloc  are  regarded  as  forming  the  southern 
extremity  of  it. 

The  island  is  3£-  miles  in  length,  in  a  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.  direction,  with 
an  average  breadth  of  about  half  a  mile,    Its  features  are  very  remarkable, 


CAUAYAN  AND  CAVEEN  ISLANDS— BACUIT.  565 

and  it  forms  the  most  conspicuous  object  when  making  the  northern  end  of 
Palawan. 

The  table  rises  in  the  centre  of  the  island,  to  the  eastward  of  which,  and 
separated  from  it  by  a  deep  gorge,  are  two  remarkable  peaks,  of  nearly  equal 
elevation,  called  East  and  West  Loggerheads.  The  island,  especially  on  the 
southern  and  eastern  sides,  exhibits  all  the  characteristic  features  of  the 
contiguous  group,  some  of  the  cliffs  overhanging  the  perpendicular  to  a  con- 
siderable extent. 

There  is  a  bay  on  the  North  side  of  the  island  immediately  under  the  table, 
with  an  islet  in  it  called  Mitre  ;  and  on  the  S.W.  face,  4  cables  distant  from 
the  shore,  is  Ymbalaba  Island,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  extent,  North  and 
South,  the  channel  between  the  two  having  11  fathoms  in  it. 

Shelter  in  N.E.  winds  may  be  found  to  the  eastward  of  this  island,  South 
of  the  table,  in  16  or  20  fathoms,  stiff  blue  mud. 

CAUAYAN  and  CAVERN  ISLANDS.— North  of  Cadlao,  and  separated 
from  it  by  a  channel  about  half  a  mile  wide,  in  which  is  a  peaked  islet,  is 
Cauayan  Island,  827  ft.  in  height,  and  1^  mile  in  extent  about  N.W.  by  N. 
and  S.E.  by  S.  It  is  of  similar  formation  to  the  neighbouring  islands,  but 
has  a  more  even  summit. 

On  the  N.W.  face  of  Cauayan,  and  distant  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  it,  is 
Cavern,  a  small  island,  the  extreme  of  the  group.  It  is  3.30  ft.  high,  and 
when  viewed  in  an  East  or  West  direction  has  a  tall  pillar  rock  rent  from  the 
North  end. 

Good  shelter  from  S.W.  winds  is  to  be  had  on  the  North  side  of  Cadlao, 
off  Mitre  Islet,  in  17  fathoms,  stiff  mud. 

Tides.— It  is  high  water  at  Cavern  Island,  full  and  change,  at  9^  30""  a.m. ; 
low  water  at  5^  30™  p.m. ;  rise  of  tide  (one  observation  only),  5^  ft. 

BACTTIT. — Cadlao  and  the  islands  just  described  form  the  western  side 
of  a  deep  bay,  in  the  southern  extreme  of  which  is  the  village  of  Bacuit, 
called  also  by  the  natives  Ta-lan-dac,  in  a  sandy  bay  on  the  North  side  of  the 
peninsula  forming  the  northern  extremity  of  Bacuit  Bay.  In  1851  it  con- 
tained a  population  of  200,  exclusive  of  women  and  children,  all  Eoman 
Catholics,  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Alcalde  at  Tai-Tai. 

The  soundings  at  the  entrance  of  the  bay,  and  off  Cavern  Island,  vary  from 
20  to  30  fathoms,  decreasing  gradually  to  12  and  14  fathoms  to  within  half  a 
mile  of  the  shore  ;  towards  the  village  of  Bacuit  it  shoals  to  3  and  4  fathoms 
close  to  the  edge  of  the  coral. 

Supplies,  such  as  goats,  pigs,  fowls,  vegetables,  &c.,  in  a  moderate  way, 
may  be  obtained  from  the  natives,  for  which,  as  usual,  they  ask  an  exorbi- 
tant price ;  but  a  more  equitable  bargain  may  be  made  by  giving  articles  of 
wearing  apparel,  crockery,  hardware,  &c.,  in  exchange. 

AVater  may  be  procured  from  a  stream  at  the  eastern  end  of  the  beach,  but 
not  with  any  degree  of  facility. 


566  PALAWAN  ISLAND ;  WEST  COAST. 

The  Coast  trends  in  a  northerly  direction  from  Bacuit  for  8  miles  to  Craw- 
ford Point.  A  central  range,  the  continuation  of  that  over  Bacuit  Bay,  over- 
looks both  shores  of  Palawan,  and  in  the  parallel  of  Cadlao,  where  it  attains 
the  greatest  elevation,  is  a  high  table,  the  north-western  and  south-eastern 
shoulders  of  which  are  IJ  mile  apart,  and  are  respectively  2,055  and  2,230 
feet  above  the  sea. 

There  is  a  sharp  peak,  1,630  ft.  in  height  to  the  southward,  and  several 
hills  of  less  elevation  bordering  the  coast,  the  features  of  which  are  entirely 
different  from  those  of  the  limestone  formation,  and  this  is  nowhere  so  evi- 
dent as  at  the  back  of  Bacuit  village,  where  a  sudden  transition  occurs. 

East  peak,  attaining  a  height  of  1,890  ft.  above  the  sea,  rises  4 J  miles  to 
the  north-eastward  of  the  high  table,  but  it  is  not  generally  observable 
from  the  West  side  until  some  distance  off  shore.  It,  however,  forms  a 
conspicuous  object  when  to  the  northward  and  eastward  of  the  North  end 
of  Palawan. 

Emmit,  a  small  wooded  island,  170  ft.  high,  with  two  remarkable  pillar 
rocks  at  the  North  extremity,  lies  2  cables'  lengths  off  a  projecting  point, 
midway  between  Bacuit  and  Crawford  Point,  and  eastward  of  the  channel 
separating  Cadlao  and  Cauayan  Islands. 

The  coast  to  the  northward,  on  which  is  a  small  sugar-loaf  hill,  is  bold  to 
approach,  having  6  and  10  fathoms  close  to  the  shore;  but  that  to  the 
southward  is  fronted  with  coral,  and  should  not  be  closed  nearer  than  half 
a  mile. 

Water. — Eocky  ground  extends  half  a  mile  from  the  point  opposite  Emmit 
Island,  and  in  the  first  bay  to  the  southward  of  it  was  a  rivulet  of  fresh 
water  in  May,  1851. 

NORTH  COAST  OF  PALAWAN.— Abreast  of  Crawford  Point  the  island 
of  Palawan  is  8  miles  wide,  and  from  this,  as  well  as  Darcotuan  Point,  cor- 
responding to  it,  on  the  East  coast,  the  island  gradually  contracts,  forming 
at  the  northern  extremity  a  promontory  3 J  miles  long,  and  1|  mile  wide. 
Near  the  termination  of  this  is  a  hill  493  ft.  above  the  sea,  with  some  table 
looking  land  of  greater  elevation  to  the  southward. 

Off  the  sandy  beach,  and  N.  by  W.  nearly  one  mile  from  Crawford  Point, 
are  the  Gemeles,  two  white  looking  rock  islets  ;  and  N.  i  W.  2J  miles  from 
Crawford  Point,  and  separated  from  the  headland  above  mentioned  by  a  safe 
channel  1 J  mile  wide,  in  which  there  are  9  and  10  fathoms,  sand,  is  Lalu- 
taya  Island,  1 J  mile  long,  407  ft.  above  the  sea,  and,  except  on  the  eastern 
side,  where  fronting  two  small  sand  bays  some  coral  extends  2  cables,  is  bold 
to  approach. 

Biaphila  and  Calitan  Islands. — Base  Bay  is  immediately  to  the  northward  of 
Pasco  Inlet,  off  which,  and  2^  miles  N.E.  by  E.  of  Lalutaya,  is  Diaphila 
Island,  lying  a  mile  from  the  shore,  with  a  safe  channel  inside.  Calitan 
Island,  256  ft.  in  height  above  the  sea,  lies  N.  by  E.  |  E.  nearly  2  miles 


PALAWAN  ISLAND ;  EAST  COAST.  567 

from  the  latter,  and  nearly  half  a  mile  westward  of  the  northern  extreme 
point  of  Palawan.     There  is  a  sharp  double  rock  between  it  and  the  shore. 

On  the  South  side  of  an  indentation  on  the  coast  between  these  islands,  is 
North  Hill,  965  ft.  high. 

Cahuli  Island,  the  highest  part  of  which  is  in  lat.  11°  26'  25"  N.,  long. 
119"^  29'  46'  E.,  lies  oil  the  North  end  of  Palawan,  and,  except  when  seen  in 
a  N.W.  or  S.E.  direction,  appears  to  form  part  of  that  island,  the  channel 
separating  them,  in  which  there  are  7  and  9  fathoms,  being  only  3  cables 
wide.  It  is  \h  miles  in  extent  from  North  to  South,  560  ft.  in  height,  and 
has  rather  a  flat  summit,  the  northern  extremity  of  the  island  terminating 
in  a  small  head,  with  17  fathoms  water  almost  alongside.  It  is  also  bold  to 
approach  on  all  sides,  the  soundings  in  the  immediate  vicinity  being  about 
20  fathoms. 


EAST  COAST  OF  PALAWAN  ISLAND. 

In  giving  sailing  directions,  and  a  description  of  the  East  coast  of  Palawan, 
it  is  to  be  borne  in  mind,  that,  although  we  believe  they  will  be  found  suffi- 
ciently succinct  and  accurate  to  meet  the  ordinary  requirements  of  navigators, 
they  are,  nevertheless,  but  the  result  of  a  few  observations  hurriedly  collected 
in  a  run  down  the  coast  during  the  summer,  and  a  beat  up  in  the  winter 
months  of  1850,  taken  with  a  view  to  ascertaining  the  practicability  of  adopt- 
ing this  route  to  China,  in  preference  of  the  usual  passage  on  the  West  side 
of  Palawan,  when  late  in  the  monsoon.  They  are  not,  therefore,  implicitly 
to  be  relied  upon,  as  resulting  from  a  well-executed  survey  ;  nor  are  they 
intended  in  any  way  to  lessen  the  necessity  of  keeping  that  vigilant  look-out 
which  the  navigation  of  coral  seas,  on  all  occasions,  urgently  demands. 

The  adoption  of  the  regular  Palawan  Passage,  in  preference  to  the  route 
on  the  East  side  of  the  island,  is  recommended  as  the  result  of  Captain  Bates' 
experience. 

In  the  strength  of  the  N.E.  monsoon,  vessels  may,  taking  the  latter  route, 
reach  as  far  as  the  parallel  of  10°  N.,  or  the  island  of  Dumaran,  without 
very  great  difficulty ;  but  to  get  beyond  this  they  will  experience  at  least 
considerable  delay,  even  if  they  succeed  at  all,  for  the  current  in  this  season 
sweeps  strong  to  the  southward,  between  Palawan  and  the  Cuyos  Islands, 
the  velocity  being  almost  in  direct  proportion  to  the  strength  of  the  wind. 
H.M.S.  Royalist,  in  the  month  of  December,  was  delayed  15  days,  vainly  en- 
deavouring to  get  round  Dumaran  against  the  monsoon,  and  had,  after  all  to 
make  the  passage  into  the  China  Sea,  via  Panay  and  Mindoro. 

The  currents  on  the  East  coast  depend  chiefly  on  the  prevailing  winds. 

The  flood  tide  sets  along  the  shore  to  the  southward,  and  the  ebb  to  the 


568  PALAWAN  ISLAND ;  EAST  COAST. 

northward.  The  maximum  velocity  observed  was  1^  knots,  and  the  rise 
7  feet. 

The  Coast  to  the  northward  of  Bugsuk  Island  (page  538)  has  been  only 
partially  surveyed  ;  and  that  part  between  Eawnsley  and  Madripore  Points, 
a  distance  of  5  miles,  is  merely  sketched  in,  and  no  soundings  have  been 
taken  near  it.     It  is  low,  consisting  chiefly  of  mangrove. 

At  2J  miles  beyond  Madripore  Point  is  Deception  Point,  and  at  5  miles 
farther  to  the  eastward  is  Church  Point,  having  two  wooded  hills  to  the 
N.E.,  and  a  reef  which  dries  off  \\  mile  to  the  S.E.  In  the  coast  between 
the  latter  points  are  two  openings,  with  4  and  6  fathoms  water  in  them. 

URSULA  ISLAND,  in  lat.  8°  20'  42"  N.,  long.  117°  29'  56"  E.,  lies  with 
the  North  point  of  Bugsuk  bearing  East  12^  miles,  and  Church  Point  N.  by 
"W.  9|  miles.  It  is  one-third  of  a  mile  in  length,  lew,  covered  with  wood, 
and  surrounded  by  sand.  The  South  side  is  steep-to ;  but  a  reef,  dry  at  low 
water,  extends  from  the  northern  half  of  the  island,  nearly  a  mile  in  a  N.E. 
direction. 

N.W.  by  W.  2j  miles  from  the  summit  of  Ursula  Island,  is  a  2^-fathoms 
coral  patch ;  and  there  is  also  one  with  apparently  very  little  water,  N.  f  E. 
4f  miles  from  the  same,  the  soundings  between  varying  from  14  to  upwards 
of  40  fathoms.     Vessels  should  keep  outside  Ursula  Island. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Ursula  Island,  at  ll*",  and  the 
rise  of  tide  7^  ft. 

Wright  Shoal,  discovered  by  the  Rifleman  in  1868,  is  a  dangerous  coral 
patch,  having  but  1|-  fathom  on  the  shoalest  part;  it  lies  E.  J  S.  9  miles 
from  Ursula  Island,  and  is  in  lat.  8°  19'  17"  N.,  long.  117°  38'  25"  E.  ;  the 
shoal  water  extends,  under  a  depth  of  10  fathoms,  \l  miles  East  and  West, 
and  is  half  a  mile  broad.  This  danger  lies  in  the  direct  track  of  vessels 
proceeding  between  Balabac  and  Mindora  Straits. 

Reef  Island. — N.W.  ^  N.  7f  miles  from  Ursula  Island,  similar  to  it  in 
character,  and  oj  miles  from  the  shore,  is  Reef  Island,  from  which  coral  pro- 
jects in  every  direction  ;  that  to  the  eastward,  to  the  extent  of  If  mile,  where 
a  bank  dries  at  low  water. 

PIRATE  ISLAND,  less  than  2  cables  in  extent,  lies  N.E.  I  E.  5^  miles 
from  Church  Point,  and  \^  mile  from  the  shore.  A  reef  extends  nearly  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  from  it  in  an  E.S.E.  direction  ;  and  there  is  a  patch  of 
coral  with  3  fathoms  over  it,  lying  S.S.W.  %  W.,  nearly  a  mile  from  the 
island. 

ROCKY  BAY  is  immediately  under  the  Panalingahan  range,  noticed  pre- 
viously, and  has  its  southern  limit  about  5^  miles  N.N.E.  of  Church  Point. 
Three  small  rivers  disembogue  on  the  western  shore  of  the  bay,  the  northern- 
most of  which  has  some  houses  near  the  entrance,  probably  a  piratical  esta- 
blishment. 

Outer  Four-Fathoms  Patch.— The  shoalest  and  outermost  of  the  coral 


TAC-BO-LU-BU.  569 

patches  that  has  been  discovered  has  4  fathoms  on  it,  and  lies  with  Pirate 
Island  W.  by  N  6  miles  ;  Ursula  Island  S.E.  §  S.  ;  Church  Point  E.  by  S. ; 
Wood  Hill,  the  northernmost  and  highest  of  the  three  that  overlook  the 
Pirate  Island  shore,  W.  by  N,  |  N.,  and  Mantaleengahan  Mountain,  N.  ^  E. 

Gull  and  Egg  Sands,  nearly  2  miles  apart,  with  dry  patches  on  them,  lie 
in  the  entrance  of  Eocky  Bay ;  the  former  N.E.  by  E.  J  E.,  2  J  miles,  and  the 
latter  N.E.  |  E.  nearly  4|  miles  from  Pirate  Island  When  inside  these  sands 
the  depths  decrease  gradually  from  22  to  4^  fathoms,  stiflf  mud,  towards  the 
head  of  the  bay. 

Oflf  the  reef  that  lines  the  western  shore  of  the  bay  there  are  some  rocks 
and  dry  sand  patches,  the  largest  of  which,  a  mile  in  extent,  lies  2  miles 
North  of  Pirate  Island,  and  one  mile  from  the  shore. 

Segyam  Islands  are  two  low  islands  connected  with  the  shore  at  the  N.E. 
point  of  the  bay,  and  have  reefs  near  them,  the  largest  patch  lying  S.S.W. 
6  cables'  lengths  from  the  westernmost  island,  with  8  and  10  fathoms  close 
to  it. 

Caution. — Vessels  having  no  object  in  coming  into  Eocky  Bay  should  not 
close  this  part  of  the  coast  nearer  than  6  miles. 

The  Coast  from  the  Segyam  Islands  trends  about  E.N.E.  for  13^  miles  to 
Sir  James  Brooke  Point,  thence  about  N.E.  by  E.  for  12f  miles  to  Nose 
Point,  which  is  low  and  wooded,  with  a  small  hill  at  the  back  of  it ;  the  in- 
termediate land  is  a  low,  densely  wooded  plain,  well  populated,  with  several 
cultivated  spots,  and  overlooked  by  the  high  range  of  Mantaleengahan.  The 
coast  is  slightly  indented,  and  bold  to  approach  to  half  a  mile,  the  soundings 
when  that  distance  from  it  being  about  6  fathoms.  Several  streams  of  fresh 
water  flow  into  the  bays,  and  some  of  the  points  have  projecting  reefs  ;  that 
off  Nose  Point  extending  the  farthest  ofl',  a  distance  of  nearly  half  a  mile. 
Three  miles  S.  W.  by  W.  I  W.  of  Nose  Point  is  a  reef  awash  half  a  mile  from 
the  shore. 

TAC-BO-LTJ-BTJ,  in  lat.  8°  43'  21"  N.,  long.  117°  44'  26"  E.,  and  about  7^ 
miles  E.N.E.  of  the  Segyam  Islands,  is  a  Malay  settlement,  and  the  district 
over  which  a  Datoo  presides.  It  appears  to  be  well  populated.  Goats, 
sweet  potatoes,  and  fruit  in  small  quantities  may  be  obtained  ;  and  also  water 
from  a  rivulet  in  fine  weather,  when  there  is  no  surf  on  the  beach.  There  is 
anchorage  in  the  roadstead  oflf  the  settlement  in  from  1 2  to  16  fathoms,  stiff 
mud,  about  a  mile  or  upwards  from  the  shore,  with  Mantaleengahan  Moun- 
tain bearing  N.W.  by  N.,  and  Addison  Peak,  a  remarkable  thumb  shoulder 
at  the  end  of  a  spur,  N.  by  E.  Eeefs  project  3  cables  off  both  the  points 
forming  the  bay. 

There  is  also  another  Malay  establishment  at  Prahu  Point,  about  8  miles 
to  the  N.E.     It  was  not  visited  by  the  RoyalisVs  boats. 

The  soundings,  when  from  3  to  4  miles  off  the  coast  between  the  Segyam 
l.A.  4  D 


570  PALAWAN  ISLAND,  EAST  COAST. 

Islands  and  Nose  Point,  vary  from  20  to  30  fathoms  mud,  deepening  as  the 
latter  point  is  approached,  with  patches  of  6  and  8  fathoms,  coral,  occa- 
sionally. 

EAST  ISLAND,  the  N.W.  extreme  of  which  is  in  lat.  8°  53f'  N.,  long. 
18°  13'  56"  E.,  is  a  low  coral  island  nearly  half  a  mile  in  extent,  covered  with 
trees,  visible  about  12  to  15  miles  off,  and  has  a  reef  extending  from  the 
eastern  side,  on  the  extremity  of  which  is  a  small  bush  half  a  mile  from  the 
island.  There  is  no  anchorage  near  it,  the  depths  in  the  immediate  vicinity 
being  upwards  of  100  fathoms. 

Cumi-Cumi  Island. — The  Rifleman  passed  within  3  miles  of  the  position 
ascribed  to  an  island  of  this  name  in  lat.  8°  57'  N.,  long.  118°  39'  E.,  proving 
what  had  long  been  believed  by  seamen  familiar  with  the  navigation  of  the 
Mindoro  Sea,  that  no  island  exists  there.  East  Island,  24  miles  W.  by  S. 
of  the  above  position,  just  previously  described,  was  plainly  visible  at  a 
distance  of  20  miles,  and  is  the  only  off-lying  island  in  the  locality. 

The  Coast  from  Nose  Point  trends  N.N.E.  J  E.  about  11  miles  to  Crawford 
Cove,  which  is  a  mile  deep,  and  has  5  fathoms  at  the  entrance.  Davie  Hill 
overlooks  the  shore  at  nearly  2  miles  to  the  southward,  and  on  the  North  side 
of  the  cove  is  a  tree  hill,  the  southern  extremity  of  a  coast  range. 

Immediately  to  the  northward  of  Crawford  Cove  are  several  low  coral 
islands  fronting  the  shore,  giving  rise  to  the  name  of  Island  Bay  to  this  part 
of  the  coast. 

ISLAND  BAY  has  been  only  partially  sounded ;  but  sufficiently  so,  how- 
ever, to  ascertain  that  several  shoal  patches  exist,  and  that,  close  in,  it  is 
hazardous  for  vessels  to  navigate.  It  corresponds  with  Tay-bay-u  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  island,  the  distance  across  being  about  9  miles. 

The  plain  intervening  is  cultivated  in  many  parts,  and  broken  up  into 
several  detached  hills  of  conical  form,  at  the  back  of  which  the  deep  saddle 
hill  of  Pu-lute,  and  Step  Cliff  on  the  Ma-la-nut  range,  are  conspicuous. 

Eelief  Point,  in  the  N.E.  part  of  the  bay,  is  in  lat.  9°  9'  45"  N.,  long.  118° 
12'  1"  E.,  and  from  it  coral  ground,  on  which  there  are  patches  of  3  ft.  and 
12  ft.,  extends  1^  mile  to  the  S.W. 

Water. — There  is  a  fresh  water  rivulet  at  half  a  mile  to  the  N.W.,  or 
within  Relief  Point. 

Gardiner,  Bessie,  and  Reef,  three  low  islands,  upwards  of  a  mile  from  each 
other,  lie  in  a  N.E.  direction  from  Crawford  Cove  more  than  a  third  of  the 
distance  across  Island  Bay.  Eeef  Island,  the  north-easternmost,  has  its 
eastern  side  surrounded  by  coral,  which  dries  half  a  mile  from  it,  and  has 
14  fathoms  very  near  the  edge. 

Another  group  of  islands  and  sand-banks  lies  in-shore  and  to  the  north- 
ward of  these,  fronting  the  bottom  of  the  bay ;  the  depth  of  water  between 
and  around  them  is  6  and  7  fathoms. 


FLAT  AND  SAND  ISLANDS.  571 

On  the  N.E.  island  of  the  in-shore  group  is  the  ruin  of  a  Mahomedan 
temple. 

Two  and  a  Half  Fathoms  Patch  lies  nearly  midway  between  Eeef  Island 
and  Eelief  Point,  and  3  miles  off  shore,  with  the  North  extreme  of  Eeef 
Island  a  little  open  of  Coast  Hill,  which  rises  close  to  the  shore  at  1|  mile 
North  of  Crawford  Cove,  bearing  W.  by  S.  f  S.  ;  Steep  Cliff,  on  Ma-la-nut 
range,  W.  by  N.  |  N. ;  and  the  Button,  a  bush  islet  near  the  shore,  N.  |  W. 

The  Coast  from  Eelief  Point  trends  in  a  straight  line  6  miles  in  an  easterly 
direction  to  Bivouac  Point,  where  a  good  stream  of  fresh  water  breaks 
through  the  shingle.  There  is  a  rock  awash  nearly  midway  between  the  two 
points  at  half  a  mile  from  the  shore. 

In  front  of  this  part  of  the  coast,  at  3^  miles  from  the  shore,  is  a  3- 
fathoms  coral  patch,  with  depths  of  15  and  16  fathoms,  mud,  inside  it,  and 
which  lies  with  Bivouac  Point  N.E.  ^  N.,  4^  miles  ;  Eelief  Point,  N.W.  | 
W.,  4^  miles  ;  Table  Shoulder,  the  southern  termination  of  the  Victoria 
Eange  on  this  side  of  the  island,  immediately  overlooking  the  coast  N.  by 
W.  I  W. ;  and  the  North  extreme  of  Eelief  Island,  nearly  in  line  with 
Coast  Hill,  W.  by  S. 

The  soundings  off  Island  Bay,  and  between  it  and  East  Island,  vary  from 
20  to  40,  and  upwards  of  100  fathoms,  with  rocky  patches  here  and  there  of 
6,  7,  and  12  fathoms. 

FLAT  ISLAND,  lying  6 J  miles  E.N.E.  of  Bivouac  Point,  is  12  miles  in 
extent.  North  and  South,  low,  and  covered  with  trees.  It  is  separated  from 
a  sandy  tongue  projecting  from  Casuarina  Point  on  the  main,  by  a  channel 
4  cables  wide,  in  which  there  are  8  fathoms.  On  its  N.E.  face  a  coral  spit 
runs  off  nearly  half  a  mile. 

Together  with  the  main  land,  a  small  bay  is  formed  on  the  western  side  of 
the  island,  where  good  shelter  from  N.E.  winds  may  be  found  in  5  and  6 
fathoms,  mud,  with  Crawford  Point,  the  S.W.  extremity  of  Flat  Island, 
bearing  S.E.,  and  Emmeline  Island,  the  southernmost  of  some  small  islands 
just  detached  from  the  opposite  shore,  S.W.  by  W. 

Emmeline  Island  is  bold  to  approach,  but  off  Crawford  Point  the  reef, 
which  fronts  the  South  and  western  shores  of  Flat  Island,  extends  4  cables, 
and  has  8  and  9  fathoms  close  to  the  edge. 

A  reef  commencing  at  the  sandy  tongue,  projects  6  cables'  lengths  to  the 
southward  of  Casuarina  Point,  close  to  which  there  are  8  fathoms. 

Casuarina  Point  is  in  lat.  9^  15'  N.,  long.  118^  24'  16'  E. 

Caution  is  necessary  in  going  into  this  bay,  as  it  has  been  only  partially 
sounded.     No  watering  place  was  found  in  it. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water  in  this  vicinity,  full  and  change,  at  midnight,  and 
on  the  following  day  at  9''  SO"'  a.m.     Eise  of  tide  6f  ft. 

SAND  ISLAND  lies  E.  i  N.  5  miles  from  Casuarina  Point,  and  3^  miles 
from  the  nearest  part  of  Flat  Island.     It  is  one-quarter  of  a  mile  in  extent, 


572  PALAWAN  ISLAND,  EAST  COAST. 

CDvered  with  wood,  and  surrounded  by  a  reef,  dry  at  low  water,  which,  on 
the  eastern  side,  extends  half  a  mile  from  the  island,  with  from  6  to  12 
fathoms  close  to  the  edge. 

The  soundings  outside  Flat  and  Sand  Islands  vary  from  20  to  40  fathoms, 
mud ;  in  their  immediate  vicinity  the  depths  are  10  and  12  fathoms,  mud, 
decreasing  gradually  to  the  shore.  Shoaler  casts,  such  as  6  and  7  fathoms 
of  sand  and  coral,  here  and  there,  may  always  be  anticipated. 

S.W.  I  W.,  distant  1^  mile  from  the  centre  of  Sand  Island,  is  a  5J-fathoms 
patch  of  coral,  with  14  fathoms,  mud,  on  either  side. 

30th  of  June  Island,  lying  N.E.  by  N.  8|  miles  from  Sand  Island,  and  2^ 
miles  off  shore,  is  similar  in  aU  respects  to  Sand  Island,  the  reef  on  the  East 
side  extending  only  4  cables'  lengths. 

21aUhy  Island,  nearly  as  large,  and  of  the  same  description  as  Elat  Island, 
lies  4  miles  to  the  N.N.E.  of  the  30th  of  June  Island,  being  separated  from 
the  shore  by  a  channel  one  mile  wide,  but  which  has  not  been  sounded. 

Two  dry  sand-banks  with  reefs  lie  between  these  islands,  the  depth  of 
water  in  the  vicinity  being  from  4  to  7  fathoms,  and  there  is  a  reef  awash 
N.W.  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  30th  of  June  Island. 

A  rocky  spit  also  extends  4  cables'  lengths  from  the  S.W.  point  of  Maltby 
Island. 

The  Coast  opposite  these  islands  partakes  of  the  same  features  as  that 
farther  to  the  southward,  being  low  and  thickly  wooded.  Victoria  Peak, 
5,680  ft.  above  the  sea  (page  545),  overlooks  it,  and  the  mountain  range, 
which  presents  some  deep  gorges  and  picturesque  valleys,  is  fronted  by  an 
extensive  and  deeply  wooded  plain,  the  hills  not  approaching  the  sea  until 
near  Table  Head,  which  is  low,  and  nearly  12  miles  N.E.  by  N.  of  Maltby 
Island.     On  the  North  side  of  Table  Head  is  a  small  inlet  for  boats. 

"Village  Bay,  in  which  are  a  few  huts,  2  miles  to  the  northward  of  Maltby 
Island,  is  small,  and  a  coral  patch,  6  cables  in  extent,  N.W.  and  S.E.,  occu- 
pies its  centre.  Off  the  South  point  of  the  bay  are  two  islets  connected  with 
the  shore  by  a  reef,  and  a  reef  fronts  the  coast  for  a  mile  from  the  point  on 
the  North  side. 

Water. — There  is  a  good  fresh  water  stream  5  miles  to  the  south-westward 
of  Table  Head,  and  2  miles  to  the  southward  of  S.W.  hill,  near  where  the 
range  forms  part  of  the  coast  line. 

The  Soundings  off  this  part  of  the  coast  are  exceedingly  irregular. 

East,  6  miles  from  30th  of  June  Island,  there  is  a  bank  of  sand  and  coral 
upwards  of  5  miles  in  extent,  on  which  the  least  water  that  has  been  dis- 
covered is  6^  fathoms  ;  immediately  outside  there  are  no  soundings  with  80 
fathoms ;  the  depths  inside  the  bank  vary  from  12  to  20  fathoms. 

Three  and  a  Half  Fathoms  Patch.  — Rocky  ground  also  extends  in  a  northerly 
direction  from  this  bank,  where,  at  the  extremity,  is  as  little  as  3J  fathoms, 
perhaps  less.     This  patch  lies  East  of  Village  Bay  about  2^  miles  from  tlie 


PORT  ROYALIST— E-WI-IG  RIYER.  673 

shore,  and  from  it  the  south-eastern  extreme  of  Mai  thy  Island  bears  S.W. 
^  S.  ;  the  huts  in  Yillage  Bay,  W.  |  N.  ;  Dome,  a  conspicuous  hill  on  the 
ridge  which  connects  Table  Head  with  the  Yictoria  range,  N.W.  by  W.  i  W., 
and  Table  Head,  N.  by  E.  |  E. 

At  li  mile  to  the  eastward  of  this  patch  there  is  no  bottom  with  120 
fathoms,  but  at  4  miles  to  the  north-eastward  of  it  there  are  105  fathoms 
water,  2J  miles  from  the  shore,  with  30  fathoms  immediately  inside.  The 
bottom  is  distinctly  visible  when  on  these  banks. 

PORT  ROYALIST  has  its  entrance  4i  miles  north-eastward  of  Table 
Head ;  and  Tide-pole  Point,  the  inner  extreme  point  of  low  land  on  the 
North  side,  is  in  lat.  9°  43'  43"  N.,  long.  118==  43'  11"  E.  It  is  formed  in  an 
extensive  densely  wooded  plain,  fronting  a  high  mountain  range  to  the 
S.W.  of  ]\Ii)unt  Peel,  of  which  Mount  Beaufort  and  Thumb  Peak  (page  546) 
are  conspicuous.  The  latter,  when  seen  from  the  S.E.,  appears  a  remarkable 
steep  conical  mountain,  with  a  knob  on  the  summit,  and  it  hears  N.W.  by 
W.  ^  W.  from  the  entrance  of  the  harbour.  The  entrance  is  a  strait  nearly 
3  miles  long  and  2  miles  wide,  in  a  W.N.W.  direction,  being  almost  at  right 
angles  to  the  prevailing  winds  in  both  monsoons. 

Coral  spits  project  from  both  the  outer  points,  -which  contract  the  channel 
at  the  entrance  to  1  mile  in  width.  The  South  spit  extends  7  cables'  lengths 
from  the  shore;  while  the  North  projects  only  4  cables,  and  parts  of  both 
dry  at  low  water. 

The  reefs  forming  these  spits  extend  along  the  coast  outs^ide,  and  have 
12  and  13  fathoms  close  to  the  edge  ;  that  on  the  North  has  several  dry 
patches. 

In  the  strait  the  depth  is  25  fathoms,  m.ud,  which  decreases  as  the  head  of 
the  harbour  is  approached  to  4  and  5  fathoms  close  to  the  reef 

There  are  two  inlets  on  the  South  side  of  the  strait ;  the  eastern  has  a 
rock  at  the  entrance  lying  olf  a  red  cliff,  which  when  first  seen  may  be  easily 
mistaken  for  some  native  huts.  The  western  and  largest  is  upwards  of  1^ 
mile  deep,  and  has  a  coral  spit  projecting  nearly  4  cables'  lengths  from 
Heron  Point,  its  North  entrance  point. 

There  is  deep  water  in  both  these  inlets,  but  their  entrances  are  very 
much  contracted  by  coral. 

From  the  inner  part  of  the  strait  the  harbour  extends  3  miles  in  a  northerly 
direction,  and  is  2  miles  wide.  The  North  and  western  shores  are  chiefly 
mangrove,  the  former  being  broken  up  into  bays  and  inlets,  all  of  which 
are  shoal  and  fronted  with  coral. 

E-wi-ig  River  disembogues  on  the  western  side  of  the  harbour,  to  the 
northward  of  apparently  a  deep  mangrove  ha.j,  and  has  a  small  island  at  the 
entrance,  W.  by  N.  2  miles  from  Tide-pole  Point. 

This  river  is  navigable  for  boats  about  2|  miles ;  half  a  mile  farther  up  is 
a  small  village,  which  in  1850  contained  about  forty  or  fifty  persons,  chiefly 


574  PALA.WAN  ISLAND,  EAST  COAST. 

Bysayans,  carrying  on  a  small  traffic,  beeswax,  rice,  maize,  &c  ,  with,  some 
of  the  contiguous  settlements.  They  were  quite  harmless,  and  willing  to 
give  ships  supplies,  but  unable  to  do  so,  being  in  a  wretched  state  of  poverty 
and  filth. 

After  heavy  rains  the  river  is  fresh  almost  at  the  entrance ;  but  in  the  dry 
season  boats  must  go  some  distance  up  to  get  the  water  good. 

Mud  dries  at  low  water  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  entrance, 
through  which  are  two  boat  channels  diverging  from  either  side  of  the  island 
at  the  mouth  of  the  river. 

Harbour  Island  lies  off  the  largest  opening  on  the  North  shore  of  the 
harbour  ;  and  besides  being  connected  with  the  shore  by  reefs,  has  a  rocky 
spit,  and  some  detached  coral  patches  extending  nearly  a  mile  from  it  in  a 
southerly  direction,  having  upon  its  extremity  a  rock  nearly  awash  with  6 
fathoms  close  to. 

Anchorage. — Between  the  end  of  this  spit  and  Buckle  Point,  three-quarters 
of  a  mile  N.N.W.  of  Tide-pole  Point,  a  distance  of  two-thirds  of  a  mile,  is 
the  best  place  to  anchor  in  the  N.E.  monsoon.  In  the  other  seasons,  vessels 
may  lie  farther  to  the  southward. 

Vessels  bound  to  Port  Eoyalist,  and  wishing  to  remain  at  anchor  outside 
for  the  night,  will  find  the  most  convenient  place  somewhere  abreast  of 
Bryson  Point,  3  or  4  miles  to  the  northward  of  the  entrance,  in  10  or  15 
fathoms  water,  about  2  miles  off  shore. 

Directions. — The  soundings  off  Port  Eoyalist  are  deep,  there  being  no 
bottom  with  upwards  of  100  fathoms  of  line;  and  it  is  not  until  a  vessel 
approaches  within  a  mile  of  a  line  joining  the  points  at  the  entrance  that 
ground  is  struck,  when  from  120  fathoms  the  depths  suddenly  decrease  to 
20  and  30  fathoms,  sand.  This  change  is  sometimes  marked  by  a  ripple  line 
on  the  surface. 

The  only  part  of  the  harbour  that  is  bold  to  approach  is  the  shore  on  the 
northern  side  of  the  strait,  from  about  half  a  mile  inside  the  point  to  Buckle 
Point.  There  is,  however,  a  spit  between  the  latter  and  Tide-pole  Point, 
extending  2  cables  off,  the  edge  of  which  is  generally  well  defined  by  the 
light  green  water  over  it. 

In  proceeding  into  Port  Eoyalist  do  not  approach  either  shore  near  the 
entrance  within  a  mile,  until  abreast  of  the  opening. 

When  Tide-pole  Point  is  seen  midway  between  Thumb  Peak  and  Mount 
Beaufort,  bearing  about  N.W.  by  W.,  the  vessel  will  be  in  the  fairway,  and 
inay  then  be  steered  direct  for  it. 

Tide-pole  Point  in  line  with  Thumb  Peak,  N.W.  by  W.  |  W.,  leada Just 
dear  of  the  North  spit,  and  the  same  point  in  line  with  Mount  Beaufort, 
bearing  N.W.  ^  N.,  clears  the  South  spit. 

Having  passed  the  spits,  keep  the  northern  side  of  the  strait  on  board  ; 
and  when  abreast  of  Tide-pole  Point,  in  17  or  20  fathoms,  haul  gradually  to 


DEEP  BAT,  ETC.  575 

the  northward  for  Buckle  Point,  keeping  upwards  of  3  cables'  lengths  from 
the  shore,  and  anchor  in  from  9  to  12  fathoms,  mud,  about  this  distance 
W.N.  W.  of  the  latter  point. 

It  is  recommended  not  to  go  beyond  half  a  mile  to  the  northward  of 
Buckle  Point,  as  the  channel  between  the  reefs  gets  very  narrow,  and  a  1|- 
fathom  patch  lies  6  cables  N.  by  E.  ^  E.  of  it. 

Vessels  working  in  or  out  of  Port  Royalist  should  not  approach  either  the 
South  side  of  the  strait  or  harbour  nearer  than  half  a  mile. 

During  easterly  winds  a  heavy  swell  sets  into  the  strait,  which  breaks 
violently  on  the  reefs,  and  also  across  tJie  bay  to  the  southward  of  the  river. 

DEEP  BAY. — From  Port  Royalist  the  coast  trends  a  little  to  the  west- 
ward of  North  fur  12  miles,  and  then  E.N.E.  for  25  miles,  to  Buld  Point,  the 
angle  of  the  bight  forming  what  the  old  navigators  called  Deep  Bay. 

This  bay  corresponds  with  Ulugan  Bay  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  island, 
the  plain  intervening,  on  either  side  of  which  Mount  Peel  and  the  Cone  are 
conspicuous,  being  only  5  miles  across  ;  and  in  approachidg  Deep  Bay  from 
the  westward.  Mounts  Herschel  and  Airy  appear  as  two  islands  between 
Mount  Peel  and  the  range  to  the  southward. 

Four  low  coral  islands,  covered  with  wood,  lie  in  a  direct  line  N.E.  by 
E.  i  E.  and  S.W.  by  W.  i  W.  nearly  equidistant  across  the  bottom  of  this 
bay,  and  between  these  and  the  shore  is  another  group,  consisting  of  four 
islands  and  some  reefs  and  dry  sand  patches,  all  of  which  have  been  but 
imperfectly  delineated  and  sounded. 

Castle  Point,  on  the  North  shore  of  Deep  Bay,  in  lat.  9°  59'  N.,  long. 
118°  .55'  61"  E.,  probably  so  called  from  a  small  rocky  protuberance  (a 
characteristic  feature  of  the  Cleopatra  range)  on  the  brow  of  the  hill  over  it, 
is  the  commencement  of  a  bold  range  which  borders  the  coast  to  Green 
Island  Bay.  At  2i  miles  westward  of  Castle  Point  is  a  small  river,  navi- 
gable for  boats,  and  there  is  also  a  stream  of  fresh  water  three-quarters  of  a 
mile  eastward  of  the  point. 

E.N.E. ,  14  miles  from  Castle  Point  is  Bold  Point,  with  a  double  hill  im- 
mediately over  it,  forming  the  N.E.  extremity  of  Deep  Bay,  and  is,  as  re- 
gards both  the  aspect  of  the  land  and  depth  of  water  near  it,  quite  what  the 
name  imports. 

Ramesamey  and  IVIackesy  Islands. — Ramesamey,  the  south-westernmost 
of  the  former  group,  mentioned  above,  lies  in  a  bed  on  the  western  side  of 
Deep  Bay,  a  mile  from  the  shore,  and  8}j  miles  to  the  northward  of  Port 
Royalist.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  reef  extending  off  one-quarter  of  a  mile, 
and  there  is  a  small  Tuft  Island  S.E.  by  S.  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  it. 

Mackesy,  the  next  island  to  the  E.N.E.,  of  similar  form,  and  3^  miles 
from  Ramesamey  Island,  is  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  circumference,  and 
appears  to  have  no  reef  round  it. 

Jleara  and  Fraser  Islands,  both  apparently  bold  to  approach,  lie  'inshore 


576  PALAWAN  ISLAND,  EAST  COAST. 

of  the  above,  fronting  the  opening  in  the  mangrove,  on  the  West  of  which, 
near  the  coast,  is  a  hill  range  of  reddish  aspect. 

A  reef,  partly  dry  at  low  water,  lies  half  a  mile  to  the  S.E.  of  the  North 
point  of  the  inlet,  and  a  bush  islet  close  to  the  shore,  a  mile  to  the  north- 
ward of  it. 

There  are  depths  of  3  and  4  fathoms  inside  Ramesamey  and  Meara 
Islands,  and  10  fathoms  near  the  entrance  of  the  Mangrove  Inlet. 

Eeef  Island,  lying  4  miles  to  the  E.N.E.  of  Anchorage  Island,  is,  in- 
cluding the  reef  that  surrounds  it,  upwards  of  a  mile  in  extent  N.N.E.  and 
S.S.W.,  and  the  same  distance  N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  there  is  a  small  sand- 
bank, dry  at  low  water,  at  3  cables'  lengths  from  its  S.W.  extreme. 

A  rocJcy  lanlc,  nearly  dry  at  low  water.  If  mile  in  a  N.E.  and  S.W.  direc- 
tion, lies  halfway  between  the  two  latter  islands,  to  the  northward  of  which, 
and  between  Eeef  Island  and  the  shore,  a  distance  of  3^  miles,  are  two  of 
the  four  islands  composing  the  inner  group,  with  a  dry  sand-patch  off  the 
outer  extremity  of  each.  The  depth  of  water  between  the  rocky  bank  and 
Reef  Island  is  11  and  12  fathoms. 

Anchorage  Island,  2^  miles  in  circumference,  the  north-easternmost  and 
largest  of  the  group,  has  a  reef  fronting  the  eastern  side,  which  at  low  water 
dries  off  3  cables'  lengtlis,  and  a  rock  awash  at  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
from  the  N.W.  point.  The  channel  inside  this  island  is  almost  blocked  up 
by  two  reefs,  with  dry  sand-patches  on  each,  and  a  shoal  spit  which  extends 
half  a  mile  from  Castle  Point. 

Between  the  latter  and  Anchorage  Island  are  depths  of  12  and  17  fathoms. 

Soimdmgs.—Th.Qxe  is  a  bank  off  Deep  Bay  with  5  fathoms  on  it,  upwards 
of  2  miles  in  extent,  lying  nearly  in  a  direct  line  between  Port  Eoyalist  and 
Bold  Point,  and  S.S.E.  6|  miles  from  the  body  of  Anchorage  Island. 

Fronting  the  group  of  islands,  a  little  to  the  southward,  the  soundings  vary 
from  8  to  12  and  23  fathoms. 

A  bank  with  17  and  27  fathoms  over  it  lies  5^  miles  S.E.  of  Bold  Point ; 
but  within  2  miles  of  the  coast  to  the  westward  of  the  point,  there  are  no 
soundings  with  upwards  of  170  fathoms;  nor  is  ground  obtained  at  this 
depth  (unless  within  3  cables'  lengths  of  the  shore,  where  there  are  30 
fathoms)  all  along  the  coast,  until  3  miles  S.E.  of  Anchorage  Island,  when 
it  changes  suddenly  to  6,  9,  and  then  20  fathoms. 

Constancia  Shoal,  the  general  extent  of  which  is  unknown,  was  discovert'd 
by  a  Spanish  vessel  of  that  name.  It  had  8J-  fathoms  on  it,  sand  and 
coral,  where  first  sounded  on,  but  the  depth  increased  to  11  fathoms  about  1 
mile  to  the  N.W.,  and  again  decreased  from  that  depth  in  a  W.S.W.  direc- 
tion. The  shoal  part  lies  about  E.  by  S.,  15  miles  from  Bold  Point,  which 
places  it  in  lat.  9°  58^  N.,  long.  119°  24^  E. 

Pasig  Shoal,  of  5  fathoms,  is  placed  in  the  chart  9  miles  S.E.  of  Constancia 
Shoal,  in  lat.  9°  50'  N.,  long.  119°  31'  E. 


GREEN  ISLAND  BAY.  577 

GREEN  ISLANDS.— From  Bold  Point  the  hills  forming  the  coast  range 
take  a  northerly  direction  ;  and  at  3  miles  to  the  northward  of  the  dou^tle 
hill  over  the  point,  on  the  same  range,  is  Bold  Peak,  upwards  of  3,000  ft. 
above  the  sea. 

The  sweep  of  the  current,  either  round  this  point  or  from  Green  Island 
Bay,  appears  to  have  detached  a  portion  of  the  low  land,  which  now  forms 
North  and  South  Green  Islands,  together  nearly  4  miles  in  length,  and  two 
smaller  islands  to  the  northward,  fronting  the  East  side  of  Bold  peak. 

Pascoe  Channel,  the  channel  inside  the  Green  Islands,  through  which  the 
current  in  the  month  of  June  was  observed  running  at  the  rate  of  3^-  knots 
an  hour  to  the  northward,  is  from  1  to  3  cables  wide.  Eeefs  lie  either  side 
of  this  channel.  Off  a  point  on  the  mainland  to  the  southward  of  the  en- 
trance, the  coral  extends  4  cables'  lengths,  and  there  is  a  rock  awash  with  7 
and  8  fathoms  close  to,  immediately  in  the  opening  to  the  northward. 

The  depth  of  water  about  a  mile  outside  North  Green  Island  is  27  and  28 
fathoms,  but  there  is  a  2-fathom  patch  E.  by  S.  this  distance  from  its  North 
extreme. 

GREEN  ISLAND  BAY,  to  the  N.E.  of  the  Green  Islands,  has  several 
low  coral  islands,  with  extensive  reefs  and  numerous  sand  patches  in  it. 

At  Cliff  Point,  11  miles  N.N.E.  of  North  Green  Island,  a  ridge  of  low 
hills,  called  the  Barbacan  Range,  joins  the  coast,  and  behind  these  is  a 
higher  range  in  the  body  of  the  island,  with  some  double  summits  and  long 
table  spurs  or  shoulders. 

Barbacan. — A  small  river  disembogues  at  5^  miles  north-eastward  of  Cliff 
Point,  and  it  is  shoal  off  the  entrance,  where  the  surf  breaks  heavily  at 
times.  On  the  right  bank,  at  half  a  mile  up,  is  the  small  village  of  Barba- 
can. Prom  Barbacan  the  northern  shore  of  Green  Island  Bay  trends  about 
E.  by  N.  for  10^  miles  to  High  Point,  a  bold  headland  forming  the  north- 
eastern limit  of  the  bay.  At  2  miles  from  the  river  is  Barbacan  Point,  and 
close  to  the  sea,  at  5  miles  beyond,  is  a  conical  shaped  hill  called  Bay  Peak, 
rising  to  a  height  of  1,800  ft. 

Mount  Baring,  in  lat.  10'  24'  55"  N.,  long.  119=  32'  56'  E.,  and  N.E.  33 
miles  from  Bold  Point,  rises  directly  over  High  Point  to  an  elevation  of 
2,100  ft.  Johnson  Island,  the  outer  of  the  S.W.  portion  of  the  group  in 
Green  Island  Bay,  lies  N.E.  19  miles  from  Bold  Point,  and  4^  miles  from  the 
shore.  A  bank,  consisting  of  sand  and  coral,  1  i  mile  in  extent,  East  and 
"West,  dries  at  low  water  2J  miles  S.  J  "W.  of  the  island.  There  is  also 
some  rocky  ground  with  4  fathoms,  and  18  and  20  fathoms,  mud,  close  to, 
with  the  island  bearing  N.  by  W.  J  W.  distant  3^  miles. 

Howley,  Stanlake,  Flat,  and  Shell  Islands  lie  inshore  of  Johnson  Island  ; 
Iloidcij,   the  south-western  and  innermost,  is  N.N.E.  7^  miles  from  North 
Green  Island,  and  1^  mile  fi-om  the  shore,  with  a  reef  between;  and  there 
I.  A.  4  E 


578  PALAWAN  ISLAND,  EAST  COAST. 

is  a  sand-bank  S.  by  W.  i  W.  l^  mile  from  Howley  Island.     Stanlake  and 
Flat  islands  are  the  two  largest  in  the  bay. 

A  sand-patch  lies  IJ  mile  to  the  eastward  of  Stanlake.  Shell  island  is 
N.  J  E.  3  miles  from  Johnson  Island,  and  between  it  and  Barbican.  It  has 
a  shoal  extending  one-third  of  a  mile  from  its  north-western  side,  and  a  sand- 
patch  at  6  cables'  lengths  to  the  south-westward.  Gi-een  Island,  the  outer- 
most of  the  N.E.  portion  of  the  group,  lies  E.  f  N.  6J  miles  from  Johnson 
Island,  and  S.W.  by  S.  from  High  Point. 

Reef  Island,  from  the  East  side  of  which  coral  projects  three-quarters  of  a 
mile,  lies  W.N.W.  2^  miles  from  Green  Island,  and  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W.  A\ 
miles  from  Johnson  Island  ;  midway  between  it  and  Shell  Island  is  a  sand- 
bank and  reef. 

Hog  Island,  lying  3  miles  N.  by  W.  J  "W.  of  Green  Island,  and  the  same 
distance  from  the  shore,  is  H  cable  in  extent,  with  a  roch  awash,  East, 
northerly,  1  mile  from  it. 

The  Coast  beyond  High  Point  takes  a  N.E.  direction  for  12  miles  to 
Endeavour  Point,  which  is  low  and  densely  wooded.  Midway  between  is 
Squall  Point,  from  which  a  range  runs  nearly  North  to  the  coast  at  the  same 
distance  on  the  other  side  of  Endeavour  Point,  having  Brahe  Peah,  a  sharp 
hill  1,300  ft.  above  the  sea,  on  the  southern  part,  and  a  double  peak  1,400 
feet  high  to  the  northward  of  it. 

Ulan. — Two  miles  to  the  northward  of  High  Point  is  a  small  river,  with  a 
village  similar  to  that  of  Barbacan,  called  Ulan,  on  the  right  bank,  half  a 
mile  from  the  entrance.     The  river  is  fresh  at  the  village. 

Dry  Sand-hanlcs. — Two  reefs  lie  off  this  part  of  the  coast.  The  outer, 
which  is  a  mile  in  diameter,  and  has  a  dry  sand-bank  in  the  centre,  is  4^ 
miles  from  the  shore,  and  E.  |  N.  6|  miles  from  High  Point.  The  other  is 
2J  miles  inshore  of  it,  and  has  also  a  sand-patch,  which,  as  well  as  that  on 
the  outermost  reef,  shows  at  all  times.  Eeefs  and  sand-banks  extend  nearly 
2  miles  off  the  coast  to  the  northward  of  this. 

DUMARAN  ISLAND,  separated  from  Endeavour  Point  by  a  channel  1^ 
mile  wide,  is  about  42  miles  in  circumference,  and  not  more  than  600  feet 
above  the  sea  in  any  part.  It  is  of  irregular  form,  and  has  no  very  re- 
markable features  by  which  to  distinguish  it,  the  hills  being  apparently  nearly 
of  the  same  elevation,  and,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  the  settlement  on  the  North  shore,  and  near  the  North  part  of  the  island, 
are  thickly  wooded. 

There  is  an  inlet  on  the  S.E.  face  running  3  miles  into  the  body  of  the 
island,  with  5  fathoms  water  near  the  head  ;  and  at  the  eastern  extremity  of 
Dumaran  is  an  island  connected  with  the  shore  by  a  sandy  isthmus,  East  of 
which,  nearly  6  miles,  is  a  small  wedge-shaped  island  called  Trepang. 

Three  small  islands  front  this  part  of  the  coast ;  the  S.W.  and  largest, 
called  Christmas  Island,  lying  4  miles  East  of  the  opening  of  the  inlet  above 


DUMAEAN— COOK  CHANNEL.  579 

mentioned.  S.W.  about  IJ  mile  from  the  summit  of  it  is  a  3-fatliom  patch 
of  coral,  and  there  is  also  one  with  4  fathoms  at  8  cables'  lengths  N.W.  of 
the  same.  At  4i  miles  S.W.  of  Christmas  Island,  abreast  of  Green  Point, 
the  South  point  of  the  inlet,  is  a  rocky  bank  with  only  4  fathoms  on  it. 
Also  S.W.  of  Green  Point,  fronting  an  opening,  is  a  2^J-fathom  patch,  lying 
li  mile  from  the  shore. 

Barton  Point,  the  S.W.  extremity  of  Dumaran,  has  a  spit  with  2^  fathoms 
water  on  it,  projecting  IJ  mile  to  the  westward. 

Coral  Shoal. — Nearly  midway  between  Barton  Point  and  the  inner  dry 
sand-patch  already  noticed  as  lying  off  the  coast  between  High  and  Endea- 
vour points,  is  a  coral  shoal  with  only  3  fathoms,  and  perhaps  less,  over  it. 
From  it  South  Hill,  Dumaran,  bears  E.  |  N.  ;  Endeavour  Point,  N.  J  W.  ; 
and  Drake  Peak,  N.W.  by  W.  The  soundings  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of 
this  shoal  are  12  and  15  fathoms. 

DUMARAN.—  The  Spanish  settlement  of  Dumaran,  next  in  importance  to 
that  of  Tai-tai,  is  4J  miles  to  the  northward  of  Barton  Point,  and  in  the 
bottom  of  a  small  bay  immediately  opposite  Endeavour  Point.  The  fort 
stands  on  a  hillock  close  to  the  landing  place  in  lat.  10°  32'  N.,  long.  119° 
46'  51"  E.,  and  in  1850  was  in  a  dilapidated  condition,  the  terre  plain,  on 
which  a  few  pieces  of  old  iron  ordnance  were  mounted,  being  partly  con- 
structed of  nebong,  supported  by  poles,  about  25  ft.  from  the  base  of  the 
building.  A  church  forms  part  of  the  interior  arrangements  of  the  fort. 
The  village  is  prettily  situated  in  the  rear  amongst  some  cocoa-nut  trees,  and 
there  is  a  considerable  tract  of  land  in  the  interior  under  cultivation. 

Supplies. — Ample  supplies,  such  as  rice,  maize,  sweet  potatoes,  tobacco, 
and  cotton  are  raised,  both  for  the  consumption  of  the  inhabitants  and  for 
the  purposes  of  traffic.  Pigs,  goats,  and  fowls  are  also  plentiful,  but  an  ex- 
travagant value  is  put  on  them. 

There  is  not  any  eligible  watering-place  in  the  bay. 

Anchorage.— Shelter  from  N.E.  winds  will  be  found  on  the  West  side  of 
Dumaran  in  from  9  to  12  fathoms,  mud,  S.S.W.  of  the  bay  where  the  settle- 
ment is. 

COOK  CHANNEL  is  the  passage  between  Dumaran  Island  and  the  shore 
of  Palawan,  and  has  its  southern  entrance  between  Endeavour  Point  and  a 
rocky  spit  with  a  sand-bank  on  it,  dry  at  low  water,  extending  to  the  south- 
ward li  mile  from  the  West  point  of  Dumaran. 

The  tides  set  rapidly  through  the  channel,  and  it  should  not  be  attempted 
by  a  sailing  vessel,  unless  under  peculiarly  favourable  circumstances. 

From  Endeavour  Point  the  island  of  Palawan  takes  a  suden  trend  in  a 
N.N.W.  direction,  and  the  coast  assumes  an  entirely  different  character, 
being  fronted  by  numerous  islands  and  rocks,  not  one  of  which  partakes  of 
the  features  of  those  farther  to  the  southward. 

Dumpier  Point  bears  N.  by  W.  |  W.,  distant  9  miles  from  Endeavour  Point, 


580  PALAWAN  ISLAND,  EAST  COAST. 

and  forms  the  western  extremity  of  the  bay  mentioned  above.  Point  Peak,  a 
sharp  peak  960  ft.  above  tlie  sea,  and  others  of  less  elevation,  immediately 
over  it,  joining  the  range  noticed  on  page  578. 

Of  the  islands  in  the  northern  entrance  of  Cook  Channel,  the  three  largest 
lie  on  the  eastern  or  Dumaran  shore,  in  a  N.  by  E.  and  S.  by  W.  direction. 
South  Channel  Island  is  2  cables'  lengths  West  of  the  southernmost  of  these 
three,  and  is  connected  with  it  by  a  reef  awash  in  some  parts  at  low  water. 

A  rock  awash  lies  apparently  in  the  centre  of  Cook  Channel  at  3  cables' 
lengths  from  the  edge  of  the  reef  on  the  S.E.  side  of  South  Channel  Island, 
with  the  summit  of  the  large  island  N.N.W.  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  and 
Endeavour  Point  W.S.W.  the  same  distance. 

Goat  Island,  the  northernmost  on  the  eastern  side  of  Cook  Channel,  is 
N.N.E.  2^  miles  from  South  Channel  Island  ;  it  is  380  ft.  in  height  above 
the  sea,  and  has  a  rocky  head  just  detached  from  the  North  extremity. 

A  3-fathom  coral  patch  lies  W.  i  N.  1  mile  from  the  summit  of  this  island, 
with  15  and  16  fathoms  olose  to. 

Eeef  and  Bivouac  Islets. — On  the  West  side  of  Cook  Channel  are  four 
small  and  one  larger  island.  The  latter,  200  ft.  above  the  sea,  lies  nearly 
West  about  2  miles  from  the  centre  island  on  the  opposite  side,  and  fronting 
it  are  the  Beef  and  Bivouac  Islets. 

Bivouac  Island,  160  ft.  high,  lies  half  a  mile  to  the  N.N.E.  of  Eeef  Islet, 
is  bold  to  approach,  and  has  a  small  rocky  head  on  the  N.E.  side,  with  4 
fathoms  close  to  it. 

North  Channel  Island  is  6  cables'  lengths  to  the  N.W.  of  Bivouac,  and 
from  it  a  reef  projects  2  cables  in  a  N.E.  direction. 

Barren  Island,  lying  to  the  N.E.  of  Dampier  Point,  and  separated  from  it 
by  a  channel  2  miles  wide,  in  which  there  are  23  fathoms,  is  a  narrow  island, 
2J  miles  long,  North  and  South,  and  720  ft.  in  height.  It  is  of  a  rocky, 
barren  aspect,  with  comparatively  few  trees  growing  upon  it. 

There  is  a  ^-fathom  patch  S.  J  E.  8  cables'  lengths,  and  one  with  the  same 
depth  E.  by  S.  \\  mile  from  the  South  extreme  of  Barren  Island,  the  two' 
being  in  line  with  Dampier  Point  bearing  S.W.  by  W.  f  W. 

Water. — A  stream  in  the  above-mentioned  bay,  difficult  to  distinguish 
unless  close  to  the  beach,  was  the  only  eligible  place  discovered  on  this  part 
of  the  coast  for  watering,  which  here  is  a  tedious  operation  if  not  supplied 
with  long  hoses.  In  the  absence  of  these  the  natives  were  found  willing  to 
fill  the  casks  and  float  them  oE  on  bamboo  rafts,  constructed  especially  for 
the  purpose,  at  the  rate  of  75  cents  per  tun.  If  the  latter  expedient  be 
adopted,  patience  is  indispensable. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Barren  Island,  at  9''  30" 
a.m. ;  low  water  at  5  p.m.  ;  rise  of  tide  5f  ft. 

CARLANDAGAN   ISLANDS.— The  Carlandagan   group,  lying  E.N.E., 


SOUTH  TAI-TAI  ISLAND  AND  BAY.  581 

distant  16  miles  from  the  N.E.  extremity  of  Dumaran  Island,  is  composed  of 
two  large  islands,  and  three  smaller  islets  or  rocks. 

Carlandagan,  the  southernmost  island,  is  3  miles  in  extent  from  North  to 
South,  and  has  a  high  precipitous  conical  head  to  the  South. 

Maducang  Island,  926  ft.  high,  lies  N.  h  E.  of  Carlandagan,  the  channel 
between,  in  which  there  are  lOi  fathoms,  being  6  cables  wide.  A  small 
island  called  Indong  is  connected  with  the  shore  on  the  S.E.  side,  and  to  the 
eastward  3f  miles  is  Bird  Island,  with  a  remarkable  white  rock  2^  miles  N. 
by  W.  of  it. 

High  water,  at  full  and  change,  occurs  at  the  Carlandagan  group  the  same 
time  as  at  Barren  Island,  32  miles  to  the  westward ;  rise  of  tide  6  ft. 

The  Coast. — Immediately  opposite  Barren  Island,  and  on  the  North  of 
Point  Peak,  is  an  inlet  .'3i  miles  deep,  with  two  islands  at  the  entrance,  the 
largest  of  which,  called  Shadwell  Island,  is  1^  miles  from  the  shore. 

A  rochj  patch,  with  3  fathoms  water  on  it,  lies  S.E.  i  S.  one  mile  from  the 
summit  of  Shadwell  Island. 

SOUTH  TAI-TAI  ISLAND  bears  N.W.  by  N.,  distant  6  miles  from  the 
North  extreme  of  Barren  Island,  and  is  separated  from  the  South  point  of 
the  bay  of  Tai-Tai  by  a  channel  barely  a  mile  wide,  with  19  fathoms  in  it. 
The  highest  part  of  the  island  is  elevated  610  ft.  above  the  sea.  A  rock 
awash  lies  rather  more  than  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  shore  on  the 
East  side  ;  and  at  the  S.E.  extremity  of  the  island  is  a  small  spit,  with  an 
islet  and  a  white  rock  near  it. 

Midway  between  this  island  and  the  North  extreme  of  Barren  Island,  is  a 
bank  nearly  a  mile  in  length,  E.  by  S.  and  W.  by  N.,  with  3  and  4  fathoms, 
coral,  upon  it. 

TAI-TAI  BAY  is  nearly  10  miles  wide  and  5  miles  deep,  and  is  capable  of 
affording  good  shelter,  in  the  S.  W.  monsoon.  Its  western  shore  corresponds 
with  the  eastern  side  of  Malampaya  inner  sound,  the  distance  across  in  some 
parts  not  exceeding  4  miles. 

A  high  range  overlooks  both  shores,  and  that  portion  which  separates  the 
N.W.  part  of  Tai-Tai  Bay  and  bottom  of  Bacuit  Bay  has  an  abrupt  shoulder 
1,680  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  some  remarkable  sharp  hunch  peaks  on  it, 
giving  rise  to  the  appellation  of  Shark-fin  range.  Four  islands  lie  across 
the  entrance  of  Tai-Tai  Bay,  extending  in  a  northerly  direction  from  South 
Tai-Tai  Island. 

Tai-Tai  Fort,  lat.  10°  50' N.,  long.  119°  30'  56 "E.,  in  the  S.W.  angle  of  the 
bay,  is  the  principle  settlement  of  the  Spaniards  on  the  island  of  Palawan. 
From  their  own  account,  they  first  planted  themselves  here  in  1600.  The 
permanent  fortress,  which  now  stands  on  the  extremity  of  a  narrow  isthmus 
(nearly  isolated  at  high  water),  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  small  bay  where 
the  village  is,  was  commenced  in  the  year  1710,  and,  as  recorded  in  the  in- 
terior of  the  building,  finished  in  1738.    The  fort,  which  had  been  allowed 


582  PALAWAN  ISLAND,  EAST  COAST. 

to  fall  into  a  dilapidated  state,  was,  under  the  energetic  Alcalde,  Antonio 
Gimenez,  an  officer  in  the  Spanish  Eoyal  Engineers,  put  in  an  efficient  con- 
dition. The  garrison  in  1850  consisted  of  about  200  soldiers,  Manila  men, 
and  there  were  17  gunboats  attached  to  the  station. 

The  population  at  the  same  period  was  said  to  be  about  600  souls,  consist- 
ing of  Bysayans  and  half  caste  Manila  people,  over  whom  are  placed  the 
Alcalde,  or  governor  of  the  province,  and  seven  European  Spanish  officers, 
including  a  padre. 

Supplies. — The  usual  supplies,  such  as  pigs,  goats,  fowls,  vegetables,  &c., 
are  to  be  obtained  in  moderate  quantities,  and  there  were  some  cattle  seen 
in  the  interior. 

"Water  here,  as  elsewhere  on  this  coast,  is  not  plentiful,  that  is,  such  as 
can  with  facility  be  procured  with  ships'  boats. 

From  Tai-Tai  the  shore  of  the  bay  takes  a  northerly  direction.  At  2  miles 
is  Tai-Tai  Head,  and  3J  miles  beyond  is  a  bush  island,  just  detached  from 
the  shore,  with  a  boat  channel  inside.  A  reef  awash  lies  1|-  mile  off  a  little 
to  the  southward  of  this. 

Polarican. — There  is  an  islet  on  the  North  side  of  a  small  opening  in  the 
reef,  8  miles  to  the  northward  of  Tai-Tai,  which  leads  to  a  rivulet  of  fresh 
water,  and  where,  on  a  hill  overlooking  it,  is  a  stockade  and  a  small  settle- 
ment, called  Polaricon,  prettily  situated  amongst  some  cocoa-nut  trees. 

Silanga  Bay,  which  is  2  miles  wide  and  nearly  the  same  deep,  has  a  settle- 
ment comprising  a  stockade  and  a  few  houses  built  upon  a  small  isthmus  head 
in  the  north-western  shore  and  immediately  under  a  shoulder  peak,  1,700  ft. 
above  the  sea,  called  Silanga  Peak. 

Shelter  from  N.E.  winds  may  be  had  in  Silanga  Bay  in  12  and  15  fathoms, 
West  of  Smooth  Hill,  taking  cave  to  keep  rather  on  the  eastern  side,  as  the 
shore  on  which  the  settlement  is,  is  fronted  by  coral  half  a  mile  off. 

Old  Castle  Point,  having  the  Lion  Eock  S.S.E.  4  cables'  lengths  from  it,  a 
high  precipitous  limestone  formation,  the  N.E.  limit  of  Tai-Tai  Bay,  may  also 
be  considered  the  S.E.  point  of  Silanga  Bey.  Vessels  proceeding  into  Si- 
langa Bay  should  haul  close  round  Lion  Rock  (a  steamer  may  pass  into  it) 
in  order  to  avoid  the  Eoyalist  Beef,  and  enter  to  the  N.E.  of  Silanga  Islands, 
keeping  a  good  look-out  for  discoloured  water. 

North  Tai-Tai,  the  southernmost  island  immediately  fronting  Tai-Tai  Bay, 
is  North  nearly  a  mile  from  South  Tai-Tai  Island.  Elejjhant  Islandlies  about 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  to  the  northward  of  Castle  Island,  and  has  a  reef  awash 
at  three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  the  eastward.  Snake  Hock,  about  60  ft.  high, 
lies  to  the  eastward,  distant  8k  miles  from  the  summits  of  these  three  islands, 
which  bear  respectively  S.W.  by  W.  i  W.,  W.  |  S.,  and  W.  J  N. 

There  is  a  bank  with  2,  4,  and  6  fathoms  coral  over  it,  about  a  mile  in  ex- 
tent, N.E.  and  S.W.,  lying  to  the  north-westward  of  Snake  Eock. 

South  Passage  Islaiid,  1 J  mile  in  length  North  and  South,  lies  in  the  offing 


SHAEKSFIN  BAT— SMITH  ISLAND.  583 

of  Tai-Tai  Bay,  7f  miles  N.E.  by  N.  of  South  Tai-Tai  Island,  and  nearly  5 
miles  S.E.  by  S.  of  Old  Castle  Point. 

Iguano,  the  northernmost  island  in  the  entrance  of  the  bay,  is  5|  miles  to 
the  westward  of  South  Passage  Island  and  N.  ^  W.  nearly  2f  miles  from 
Elephant  Island.  There  is  some  rockyfground,  on  which  the  Royalist  struck, 
1 J  miles  to  the  eastward  of  Iguano. 

Bumlell  is  a  remarkable  double  headed  island  with  a  rocky  islet  a  cable 
off  its  S.E.  point,  W.  |  N.  4^  miles  from  Iguano,  and  2^  miles  E.N.E.  of 
Polarican.  A  small  double  island  also  lies  W.  f  S.  nearly  3  miles  from 
Iguano,  and  between  is  a  rock,  with  15  ft.  water  over  it. 

A  coral  patch  with  9  ft.  on  it  lies  N.N.W.  \  W.  nearly  a  mile  from  Dum- 
bell  Island. 

The  Silanga  Islands,  three  in  number,  lie  off  the  entrance  of  Silanga  Bay, 
each  being  surrounded  by  a  reef  barely  a  cable  in  extent ;  but  to  the  S.E.  of 
the  centre  island  there  is  a  patch  lying  3  cables'  lengths  from  it. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  fuU  and  change,  in  Tai-Tai  Bay,  at  9''  30",  and 
the  rise  of  tide  is  5^  ft. 

Fronting  Castle  Peak  Peninsula  is  a  group  consisting  of  four  large  and 
several  smaller  islands. 

Collinson  Island,  the  S.E.  and  smallest  of  the  four,  3i  miles  in  circum- 
ference, lies  nearly  East  5  miles  from  Castle  Peak,  and  has  to  the  N.W.  of 
it  Borne  (1,020  ft.  above  the  sea),  and  Montero  Islands,  each  being  separated 
from  the  other  by  a  channel  from  2  to  4  cables  wide. 

Gimenez  Island,  the  largest  of  the  group,  3J  miles  in  circumference,  is  a 
mile  to  the  northward  of  Montero,  from  which  several  small  islands  extend 
in  a  northerly  direction  towards  Knob  and  Triple,  and  Smith  Islands. 

Eight  cables  E.  by  N.  :^  N.  of  a  remarkable  red  cliff  rock  on  the  East  side 
of  Dome  Island,  is  a  rocic  awash. 

It  is  recommended  not  to  take  the  passages  between  the  islands  forming 
this  group,  as  they  have  been  but  imperfectly  surveyed,  although  the  sound- 
ings around  are  deep,  viz.  20  and  30  fathoms. 

Three-Fathoms  Patch. — Some  islets  lying  on  the  North  side  of  this  penin- 
sula have  also  reefs  off  them  ;  N.E.  ^  N.  1^  mile  from  the  easternmost  of 
which,  and  S.  ^  E.  1  ^  mile  from  Pigeon  Island,  is  a  3-fathoms  coral  patch. 

SHARKSFIN  BAY,  immediately  to  the  northward  of  Castle  Peak  Penin- 
sula, is  2J  miles  wide  at  the  entrance,  and  is  formed  on  the  North  by  an 
island  (connected  at  low  water  with  the  shore),  5  miles  in  extent,  on  which 
are  two  remarkable  peaks,  called  Knob  and  Triple.  Eeefs  from  the  northern 
shore  stretch  nearly  halfway  across  the  entrance. 

SMITH  ISLAND,  13^  miles  to  the  northward  of  Collinson  Island,  and  5 
miles  north-eastward  of  Knob  and  Triple  Island,  is  2i'miles  in  extent,  having 
at  Ihe  South  poiLt  a  remarkable  rocky  lump,  60  ft.  high,  tbree-quaitere  of  a 


584  PALAWAN  ISLAND. 

mile  S.E.  of  which  is  a  rocky  islet,  resembling  in  form  somewhat  that  of  a 
bishop's  mitre. 

ILOC  or  AUSTIN  ISLAND,  lying  If  mile  N.W.  of  Smith  Island  and  6^ 
miles  East  of  Santa  Monica,  is  4  miles  in  extent  N.  by  E.  and  S.  by  W.,  and 
has  off  its  N.E.  extreme,  a  smaller  island  with  a  rock  out  of  water  in  the 
middle  of  the  channel  separating  them.  The  western  side  of  this  island 
appears  bold  to  approach,  the  depths  within  half  a  mile  being  16  and  17 
fathoms.     It  has,  however,  been  but  partially  sounded. 

CLEOPATRA  ISLAND  lies  North  2|  miles  from  the  eastern  side  of  Knob 
and  Triple  Island,  4  miles  to  the  westward  of  Smith  Island,  and  31  miles 
from  the  shore.  It  is  2|  miles  in  extent,  has  an  undulating  summit,  and 
some  detached  rocks  out  of  water,  off  the  North  point.  A  coral  spit  projects 
to  the  eastward  4  cables'  lengths  from  the  South  point  of  the  island,  to  the 
southward  of  which,  lying  respectively  at  half  and  one  mile  from  it,  are  two 
rocks  out  of  water. 

The  Coast  of  Palawan  between  Knob  and  Triple  Island  and  Santa  Monica, 
about  7-|-  miles  to  the  northward,  is  fronted  by  rocky  ground,  which  in  some 
places  extends  upwards  of  a  mile  from  the  shore. 

North  and  South  rocks,  always  above  water,  lie  off  it,  in  a  N.  by  W.  and 
S.  by  E.  direction,  2i  miles  apart,  the  latter  being  2  miles  from  the  shore, 
and  nearly  2^  miles  North  of  Knob  and  Triple  ;  in  a  direct  line  between 
these  rocks  are  two  patches  of  3  and  3J  fathoms,  coral,  with  10  and  16 
fathoms  outside. 

Santa  Monica,  the  northernmost  settlement  of  the  Spaniards  on  the  East 
coast  of  Palawan,  is  situated  in  a  small  bay  immediately  under  East  peak, 
(page  566),  the  stockade  being  built  on  a  small  projecting  head,  with  a  few 
houses  at  the  back  amongst  some  cocoa-nut  trees.  The  population  in  1850 
was  about  100,  and  in  other  respects  the  station  is  similar  to  those  previously 
described. 

Darcotuan  Bay.  —  Darcotuan  Point,  forming  the  South  extremity  of  the 
hay  of  that  name,  is  N.  by  W.  2J  miles  from  Santa  Monica,  and  has  a  small 
rock  close  to  it,  from  which  Cabuli  Island,  off  the  North  point  of  Palawan 
(described  in  page  567),  is  distant  nearly  5|  miles  to  the  N.N.E. 

Bay  Island  occupies  a  central  position  in  this  bay,  about  a  mile  from  the 
shore,  and  has  on  the  South  side  some  reefs  which  stretch  nearly  two-thirds 
of  the  way  towards  Darcotuan  Point.  Eeefs,  awash,  also  extend  8  cables' 
lengths  in  a  northerly  direction  from  the  latter,  with  1.'3  fathoms  close  to. 

In  the  northern  part  of  the  bay  are  the  North  and  South  Brother  Islets, 
lying  a  mile  to  the  S.E.  of  the  opening  between  Cabuli  and  Palawan.  The 
depth  immediately  outside  them  is  25  fathoms,  but  in  the  direction  of  Bay 
Island  it  is  only  12  fathoms,  mud. 


CHAPTER    XIY. 


NORTH-WEST   COASTS  OF  THE  PHILIPPINE   ISLANDS,   ETC. 

In  this  chapter  the  N.W.  coasts  of  the  important  archipelago  the  Philip- 
pine Islands  will  be  described.  The  island  of  Palawan  also  belongs  to  the 
same  archipelago.  The  latter,  as  before  mentioned,  has  been  regularly, 
though  not  completely,  surveyed  by  Captain  Bate.  Our  descriptions  of  the 
coasts  to  the  northward  of  this,  which  form  the  eastern  limit  of  the  China 
Sea,  is  chiefly  derived  from  the  charts  drawn  up  under  the  superintendence 
of  Don  Antonio  Morata,  of  the  Spanish  Eoyal  Navy,  who  was  at  the  head 
of  the  hydrographic  commission  appointed  to  collect  the  information  upon 
this  portion  of  the  Spanish  possessions.  To  these  charts  and  the  resulting 
remarks  some  additions  have  been  made  by  other  officers,  as  quoted  and 
arranged  in  the  ensuing  pages,  which  are  derived  from  the  China  Sea  Pilot, 
vol.  ii. 

The  general  features  of  the  Philippine  Islands  will  be  described  in  a 
future  chapter,  only  that  portion  limiting  the  China  Sea  being  here 
alluded  to. 

HASTINGS  ISLAND,  lying  7  or  8  miles  eastward  of  the  North  point  of 
Palawan,  between  it  and  Linacapan,  is  2J  miles  in  extent  N.W.  and  S.E., 
and  has  several  summits,  the  highest  being  near  its  South  extremity,  where, 
just  detached  from  the  point,  is  an  islet  head  and  some  rocks  awash.  Im- 
mediately off  the  N.W.  point  is  a  somewhat  flat  cliffy  head,  called  Base  Cliff, 
and  to  the  northward  of  the  island,  between  it  and  Square-top  group  off 
Observatory  Island,  are  two  peaked  islets. 

LINACAPAN  ISLAND  is  the  largest  of  an  extensive  group  lying  between 
the  N.E.  coast  of  Palawan  and  the  Calamianes,  distant  11  or  12  miles  from 
the  former.  It  is  about  10  miles  in  extent.  East  and  West,  and  has  on  the 
North  side  two  deep  bays,  with  several  islands  and  rocks  lying  off  their 
prominent  points.  In  the  eastern  bay  are  several  steep  conical  heads  ;  and 
I.  A.  4  y 


586  N.W.  COASTS  OF  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

in  the  S.W.  corner  is  the  Spanish  settlement  of  St.  Nicholas,  comprising  a 
stockade  and  a  few  houses.  There  are  19  fathoms  water  at  a  mile  from  the 
settlement ;  but  the  approach  to  the  bay  has  not  been  sounded,  and  no  part 
of  the  southern  face  of  the  island  has  been  examined. 

Several  islands  and  peaked  rocks  lie  between  the  North  side  of  Linacapan, 
and  Calamion  Island  ;  and  to  the  south-eastward  there  are  also  some  small 
groups  of  islands. 

Observatory  Island,  lying  E.  by  N.  ^  N.  10  miles  from  Cabuli,  is  the 
north-westernmost  of  the  Linacapan  group.  It  is  758  ft.  above  the  sea,  and 
when  first  seen,  on  making  Palawan  from  the  northward  appears  like  a 
conical  hill.  The  island  is  If  mile  in  extent,  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.,  and  has 
at  its  North  extreme  a  saddle  head,  with  a  slip  or  water-course  down  it, 
connected  by  a  low  neck  of  land,  on  either  side  of  which  are  sandy  bays. 

A  small  rocky  point,  where  observations  were  usually  taken,  in  the  bay 
on  the  West  side  of  Observatory  Island,  is  in  lat.  11°  30^'  N.,  long.  119°  39' 
33"  E. 

The  channel  between  Observatory  Island  and  Linacapan  is  barely  1 J  mile 
wide,  and  has  upwards  of  30  fathoms  water.  A  strong  current  (depending 
in  velocity  and  direction  on  the  prevailing  winds)  will  be  found  usually 
setting  through  it. 

Square  Top  Group.— Four  islands  and  some  peaked  rocks,  so  called,  lie 
off  the  S.W.  face  of  Observatory  Island,  S.S.W.  3  miles  from  the  largest  of 
which  is  Hastings  Island. 

Base  Reef,  lying  N.W.  by  N.  nearly  3J  miles  from  the  high  part  of  Ob- 
servatory Island,  is  about  the  size  of  a  large  boat,  and  between  it  and  the 
saddle  head  are  two  rocks  awash. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  one  day  after  full  and  change,  at  Observatory 
Island  at  IP;  maximum  rise  observed,  5 J  ft.  The  half  tides  in  the  month 
of  May  occurred  during  the  day. 

The  CALAMIANES  are  a  group  of  high  islands  lying  between  the  N.E. 
end  of  Palawan  and  Mindoro,  and  extending  between  the  parallels  of  11°  39' 
and  12°  20'  N.,  and  the  meridians  of  119°  47'  and  120°  23'  E. 

Busuagan  or  Busuanga,  the  largest  island  of  the  group,  is  about  34  miles 
in  extent,  N.W.  by  W.  and  S.E.  by  E.,  and  18  miles  at  its  broadest  part. 
It  is  very  irregular  in  form,  being  indented  with  numerous  deep  bays.  The 
islands  and  reefs  which  front  its  N.E.  side,  form  the  western  side  of  North- 
umberland Strait. 

Calamian  or  Culion  Island  lies  off  the  S.W.  side  of  Busuagan,  from  which 
it  is  separated  by  a  strait  about  3  or  4  miles  wide  in  its  narrowest  part,  and 
in  which  are  numerous  islands,  rocks,  and  shoals.  Calamian  is  19  miles 
long,  N.  by  W.  A-  W.  and  S.  by  E,  ^  E.,  and  its  greatest  breadth,  near  the 
middle  of  the  island,  is  nearly  10  miles.  It  is  also  of  very  irregular  shape 
on  the  side  next  Busuagan,  but  its  western  side,  which  alone  concerns  the 


THE  CALAMIANES  GROUP.  587 

ordinary  navigator,  is  nearly  straight,  in  the  direction  of  the  greatest  length 
of  the  island.  Close  to  the  south-western  extreme  is  Dicahaito,  a  small 
island  which  is  distant  nearly  10  miles  from  the  nearest  part  of  Linacapan  ; 
between  them  lie  the  numerous  small  islands  and  peaked  rocks  previously 
mentioned. 

Upon  the  West  side  of  Calamian,  in  lat.  11=  45'  N.,  is  a  small  island  at 
the  entrance  of  a  narrow  inlet  or  harbour  running  into  the  island  in  a  north- 
easterly direction  about  5  miles.  A  reef,  with  some  rocks  above  water  upon 
it,  projects  about  a  mile  to  the  south-westward  of  the  island.  A  little  over 
3  miles  jST.W.  by  W.  from  the  island  is  an  islet  or  rock,  surrounded  by  a  reef, 
which  is  nearly  2  miles  distant  from  the  nearest  shore. 

Islands  and  Dangers  Westward  and  Northward  of  the  Calamianes.— 
Galoc  is  the  name  of  a  long  narrow  island  lying  close  ojff  the  north-western 
extreme  of  Calamian.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  reef  which  projects  from  its 
south-western  end  nearly  a  mile.  Close  off  its  northern  part,  and  about  a 
third  its  size,  is  an  island  named  Popototan,  from  the  western  point  of  which 
a  reef  extends  more  than  a  mile  to  the  south-westward. 

From  Popototan  a  chain  of  islands  and  dangers  extends  across  the  strait 
which  separates  Calamian  from  Busuagan,  and  other  islands  and  dangers 
extend  several  miles  to  the  northward  ;  it  is,  however,  only  the  outer  of 
these  that  concern  the  ordinary  navigator. 

Isla  Verde,  Green  Island,  or  Nalaut,  in  lat.  12°  3'  N.,  long.  119=  47'  E.,  and 
the  westernmost  island  hereabout,  is  of  moderate  height,  covered  with  trees, 
and  visible  15  miles  off;  it  is  surrounded  by  a  coral  reef,  extending  about 
one-third  of  a  mile.  About  3  or  4  miles  N.W.  of  the  island  the  Discovery 
got  overfalls  on  a  coral  shoal,  but  did  not  find  less  than  5  fathoms  ;  to  the 
eastward  of  the  island  23  fathoms  were  found,  and  9  and  10  fathoms  close 
to  the  reef. 

The  Haycock,  in  lat.  12°  9'  N.,  long.  119°  48^'  E.,  is  a  high  rocky  island, 
about  2  miles  off  the  western  part  of  Busuagan,  and  may  be  seen  18  or  20 
miles.  About  2^  miles  West  of  the  Haycock  soundings  of  26  fathoms  were 
found,  with  overfalls,  19  fathoms  about  6  miles  off,  and  30  fathoms  about  11 
miles  off. 

Elet  is  the  name  of  a  2J-fathom  patch,  which  lies  close  to  the  westward 
of  two  small  islets,  joined  by  a  reef  to  a  point  of  the  N.W.  part  of  Busua- 
gan, N.  by  E.,  distant  about  4  miles  from  the  Haycock. 

JEscollo  del  Pinaculo,  Pinnacle  Rock,  in  lat.  12°  19 J'  N.,  and  about  2  miles 
West  of  the  North  point  of  Busuagan,  is  a  very  sharp  rock  above  water, 
having  25  fathoms  water  about  2  miles  westward  of  it,  and  12  fathoms  about 
a  mile  off. 

Calavite,  Bimipac,  or  Riyh  Island,  in  lat.  12°  21^'  N.,  long.  119°  53^'  E., 
by  Captain  Eoss,  I.N.,  lies  about  2  miles  to  the  northward  of  the  North 
point  of  Busuagan.     It  is  a  small  island,  not  quite  2  miles  in  extent,  and  the 


588  N.W.  COASTS  OF  nilLIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

channel  between  it  and  Busuagan  does  not  appear  to  be  free  of  danger,  as 
some  rocks  were  seen  above  water  eastward  of  the  island. 

About  a  mile  north-westward  of  Calavite  Island  are  rocks  above  water, 
one  of  which,  named  Sail  JRocl;  is  very  remarkable ;  and  If  mile  north- 
•westward  of  this  lies  a  large  black  rock,  named  JV.  W.  Hock  or  Dickilem,  in  lat. 
12°  24t' N.,  long.  119°  52' E.  When  passing  between  these  the  Discovery 
had  38  fathoms,  and  about  2  miles  N.N.E.  of  N.W.  rock,  passed  over  a  coral 
spot  in  8  fathoms. 

Calocoto,  or  North  Hock,  in  lat.  12°  28'  N.,  long.  120"  If'  E.,  is  of  a  dark 
slate  colour,  no  trees,  has  two  lumps,  and  when  closely  approached,  appears 
excessively  rugged,  having  three  others  a  short  distance  westward  of  it.  It 
is  the  northernmost  of  the  islands  which  lie  on  the  East  side  of  Busuagan, 
and  may  be  seen  13  or  14  miles  from  the  deck. 

Soundings. — The  charts  exhibit  no  soundings  within  20  miles  of  the  West 
side  of  Calamian,  but  beyond  that  distance  are' irregular  soundings,  19  to 
54  fathoms.  In  lat.  11°  52' N.,  long.  119°  26'  E.,  is  a  patch  of  9  fathoms, 
■with  other  patches,  12  to  15  fathoms,  within  a  few  miles  of  it.  The  sound- 
ings near  the  islands  westward  and  north-eastward  of  the  Calamianes  have 
been  given  with  the  description  of  those  islands.  They  are  also  very  irre- 
gular, 17  to  30  fathoms,  with  patches  of  5  and  8  fathoms,  and  it  would 
appear  necessary  to  be  on  the  lookout  for  shoal  water  when  navigating  ia 
this  locality. 

A  doubtful  patch  of  5  fathoms  is  shown  on  the  charts  14  or  15  miles  to 
the  northward  of  the  North  point  of  Busuagan,  in  about  lat.  12°  35'  N.,  long. 
119°  52'  E. 

Mindoro  Strait. — Dangers  in  the  North  Entrance — Between  the  parallels  of 
12°  35'  N.  and  12°  34',  there  are  four  banks  at  the  North  entrance  of  Min- 
doro Strait,  which  were  examined  in  November  and  December,  1872,  by  the 
Spanish  gunboat  Ilindoro. 

Hunter  Shoal — The  most  western  of  the  above,  named  Hunter  Shoal,  is  in 
lat.  12°  40'  N.,  long.  120°  15'  E.  The  part  on  which  the  sea  breaks  is  a 
fiat  rock  about  a  cable  in  extent.  It  trends  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.  for  the  dis- 
tance of  2  cables,  with  12  fathoms  water  on  it,  but  at  its  South  end  it  has 
but  8  feet  at  low  water.  Around  it  are  depths  varying  from  24  to  64  fathoms, 
From  it  Mount  Calavite  bears  N.  by  E.  ^  E.,  and  Apo  Islet  E.  1°  S.,  which 
places  it  in  lat.  12'  40'  N.,  long.  120°  9'  E. 

Merope  Shoal  lies  5|  miles  N.E.  of  Hunter  Shoal.  From  the  centre  of  the 
bank.  Mount  Calavite  bears  N.  by  E. ;  Apo  Islet  S.E.  by  E. ;  and  Mount 
Tundalara,  8.  2°  W. ;  which  places  it  in  lat.  12°  43'  29"  N.,  long.  120°  13' 
22"  E. 

Rosamel  Bank,  7  miles  N.  by  E.  from  Merope  Shoal,  could  not  be  found. 
It  is  probably  Hunter  Bank,  for  on  sounding  on  its  assigned  position,  and 
over  a  radius  of  4  to  5  miles,  no  bottom  was  found  with  90  fathoms  of  line. 


WEST  COAST  OF  MINDOllO  ISLAND.  SSO- 

Bajo  De  Apo  or  Appo  Shoal,  lying  between  the  West  coast  of  Mindoro 
and  the  island  of  Busuagan,  was  examined  by  the  Spanish  surveying  ships, 
and  also  by  the  British  ships  Discovery  and  Investigator,  under  the  command 
of  Captain  Eoss  in  1813.  Its  northern  extremity  is  in  lat.  12°  '15'  N.,  long. 
120°  29'  E. ;  from  thence  the  shoal  extends  S.E.  by  S.  7a  miles,  where  it  forma 
a  very  narrow  spit  or  East  point,  in  lat.  12°  40f  N.,  long.  120°  34'  E. ;  from 
the  East  point  the  southern  extreme  bears  S.  35°  W.,  distant  oA  miles,  and 
between  the  two  points  there  are  several  gaps  in  the  shoal,  having  9  ft.  water. 
On  the  western  side  there  are  two  islands,  Apo  and  Me^ior.  Apo,  the  western 
one  is  largest,  being  about  half  a  mile  in  diameter,  and  covered  with  trees  ; 
white  beaches  line  its  northern  and  eastern  sides,  and  a  surrounding  reef 
projects  about  half  a  mile.  About  \^  mile  E.N.K  of  it  Menor  a  small 
rock  on  the  western  edge  of  Apo  Bank  was  formerly  called  Little  Apo,  and 
is  surrounded  by  reefs ;  off  its  N.W.  end  is  an  elevated  rock  covered  with 
trees.     Between  Menor  and  Apo  is  a  wide,  practicable  channel. 

Apo  is  in  lat.  12°  39'  N.,  long.  120°  26'  E.  ;  from  its  centre  the  North 
part  of  the  shoal  bears  N.  24°  E.,  distant  7  miles  ;  the  eastern  point  E.  9° 
N.,  8  miles  ;  and  the  South  point  S.  56°  E.,  6|  miles. 

Towards  the  middle  of  Apo  Bank,  at  the  North  end,  are  two  cays,  close  to 
each  other,  and  visible  some  distance. 

The  whole  extent  of  Apo  shoal  is  10  miles  from  its  North  to  the  South 
point,  and  9  miles  from  its  East  point  to  the  western  part  of  the  large  island. 
There  are  two  high  black  rocks  N.E.  of  the  small  island,  which  may  be  seen 
about  6  miles  off,  and  the  islands  in  clear  weather  are  visible  from  aa 
elevation  of  20  ft.,  about  10  miles.  At  low  water  many  small  rocks  are  dry- 
on  the  shoal,  particularly  along  its  North  side. 

Ships  intending  to  pass  between  the  coast  of  Mindoro  and  the  Appo  Shoal 
in  the  night,  should  keep  about  6  miles  off  the  small  islands  near  Pandan 
Point,  as  the  eastern  point  of  the  shoal  is  narrow,  and  should  the  wind  be 
■westerly,  it  would  not  readily  be  perceived,  nor  would  there  be  breakers  to 
make  known  the  approach  to  danger. 

Liscovertj  Bank. — The  centre  of  this  bank  is  in  lat.  12°  41'  13"  N.,  long. 
120°  37'  10"  E.,  with  Point  Sablayan  bearing  N.E.  by  N.  ;  the  North  islet 
of  Pandan  N.N.E.  J  E. ;  the  South  islet  of  Pandan  N.N.E.  |  E.  ;  Mount 
Calavite  N.  by  E.  *  E.  ;  Apo  Islet  W.  i  S. ;  and  Merer  Islet  W.  \  S.  The 
bank  is  very  narrow,  extending  \\  mile  North  and  South,  with  9  fathoms 
over  it,  and  no  change  in  the  colour  of  the  water.  The  spot  was  found  with 
difficulty,  as  the  natives  knew  nothing  of  it.  The  21indoro  anchored  on  it, 
but  saw  no  signs  of  breaking  ;  there  was  a  slight  stream  of  current  visible. 

The  WEST  COAST  of  MINDORO  ISLAND  has  no  soundings  off  it  ex- 
cepting in  the  bays,  or  within  1  or  2  miles  of  the  shore  in  some  places. 
In  the  interior  double  and  treble  chains  of  mountains  extend  through  the 
island,  and  some  low  points  of  land  project  from  them  into  the  sea. 


590  N.W.  COASTS  OF  PHILirPINE  ISLANDS. 

GARZA  BAY,  formed  between  points  Buruncan  and  Ilim  or  Ylin,  the 
South  extremes  of  Mindoro  and  Ilim  Islands,  affords  excellent  anchoraj^e 
and  shelter  from  northerly  winds  at  the  mouth  of  the  strait  in  10  or  12 
fathoms.  Garza  Island  and  its  extensive  shoal  also  offers  shelter  from  strong 
easterly  gusts.  About  3  miles  to  the  W.N.W.  of  Buruncan  Point  is  a  rock 
awash,  and  3J  fathoms  on  its  southern  side. 

The  strait  between  Ilim  and  Mindoro  is  free  from  dangers,  but  owing  to 
the  prevalence  of  light  airs  should  not  be  attempted  without  a  fair  wind. 
Caution  must  be  used  when  entering  Garza  Bay  from  the  northward  by  this 
strait,  for  the  spit  off  Mindoro  shoals  suddenly  from  10  to  3  fathoms.  Keep 
the  channel  well  open,  therefore,  borrowing  rather  on  Ylin  until  Garza  is 
nearly  locked  in  by  the  eastern  point,  then  haul  easterly,  anchoring  in  1 2 
fathoms. 

This  neighbourhood,  particularly  Mangarin,  the  principal  settlement  of 
Mindoro,  had  been  reported,  by  a  Spanish  officer  who  had  commanded  a 
gunboat,  to  abound  in  stock,  water,  &c.,  and  much  attenticm  was  directed  to 
these  matters,  as  likely  to  be  of  importance  to  vessels  making  this  passage 
from  Batavia,  Macassar,  or  Basilan  Strait.  Indeed,  it  is  immediately  off 
this  place  that  the  Young  Queen  was  fallen  in  with,  distressed  by  want  of 
water,  which  might  have  been  readily  obtained  at  Ylin  without  inconvenient 
delay  had  the  coast  been  known.  No  inhabitants  were  noticed  in  Garza  Bay. 
MANGARIN  or  Mangarim  Bay. — fl.M.S.  Samarang  passed  through  the 
strait,  between  the  S.W.  part  of  Mindoro  Island  and  Ylin  Island,  anchoring 
off  Mangarin  Bay,  the  Royalist  being  moored  within  the  sandy  tongue,  which 
is  in  lat.  12°  20'  N.,  long.  121°  2'  8"  E. 

The  interior  of  the  bay  is  very  shoal,  and  the  settlement,  1^  mile  N.E. 
of  the  spit,  only  accessible  to  light  boats.  There  is  no  inducement  to  visit 
Mangarin  ;  little  was  offered,  and  that  excessively  dear,  and  water  fit  for 
consumption  was  not  found ;  indeed,  the  marshy,  unhealthy  location  should 
be  avoided. 

ILIM  or  Ylin  Island  fronts  the  S.W.  part  of  Mindoro,  covering  a  space 
of  10  miles  in  a  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.  direction.  The  South  extreme  is  bold- 
to  on  all  its  faces.  Hence  easterly,  with  the  previous  warning  for  the  tail  of 
the  Garza  Shoal,  no  dangers  are  known.  Northerly,  the  passage  up  to  the 
town  by  the  channel  is  safe,  if  it  can  be  run  with  a  free  wind  ;  but  it  is  safer 
to  pass  outside  Ambolon,  bearing  in  mind  that  the  tail  of  the  southern 
shoal,  lying  off  the  latter  island,  is  exactly  on  the  line  of  contact  of  Ilim  and 
Ambolon  extremes  at  the  moment  that  Ambolon  outer  point  shows  clear  of 
the  smaller  attached  island.  Indeed,  the  reef  with  this  warning  is  so  mani- 
festly to  be  seen  that  no  excuse  will  warrant  the  oversight,  notwithstanding 
the  deep  water  between  it  and  the  island. 

ISupplies. — The  town  of  Ilim  or  Y'lin  will  be  found  in  lat.  12°  15'  N.,  one 
mile  to  the  northward  of  Ambolon  Island.     A  reef  extends  seaward  half  a 


PALUAN  BAY.  591 

mile,  off  which,  with  the  southern  large  house  bearing  East,  good  anchorage 
will  be  found  in  10  fathoms.  A  channel,  staked  by  the  natives,  leads  up  to 
the  settlement,  where  a  stream  delivers  itself  into  the  sea  ;  but  much  sweeter 
water  was  found  trickling  over  a  cliff  just  round  the  town  point  to  the 
southward,  to  which  the  boats  had  easier  access,  and  from  which  H.M.S. 
Samaravg  was  readily  completed  with  water.  Of  the  other  source,  a  most 
excellent  run  of  water  was  found,  but  used  for  all  purposes  by  the  people, 
and  difficult  to  embark,  excepting  at  high  tide,  owing  to  the  shore  being  dry 
at  least  a  cable's  length  from  the  mouth  of  the  stream.  Fowls,  eggs,  grain, 
and  vegetables  were  procured  at  reasonable  prices.  Cattle  were  stated  to  be 
abundant  at  Mangarin,  but  of  this  we  have  already  remarked. 

AMBOLON  ISLAIJD.— The  dangers  on  the  sea-board  of  this  island  are 
all  visible,  and  easily  avoided. 

On  the  meridian,  or  2|  miles  North  of  Ambolon,  a  shoal  as  well  as  a 
t<mgue  spitting  to  the  W.N.W.  from  Ylin  must  be  avoided  ;  and  5  milea 
North,  two  coral  banks,  one  dry  at  low  water,  cover  the  entrance  to  Man- 
garin Baj'. 

The  safe  channel  in,  will  be  found  by  passing  the  northern  dry  patch  on 
its  northern  side,  and  the  next  dry  patch  (2^  miles  easterly)  on  its  South, 
anchoring  the  moment  the  channel  between  Ylin  and  Mindoro  is  fairly 
open. 

Pandan  Islands. — The  position  and  configuration  of  these  islands,  which 
lie  off  the  coast  of  Mindoro,  in  12°  50'  N.,  were  verified  by  the  Mindoro. 
During  the  S.W.  monsoon  there  is  shelter  to  the  N.E.  of  them ;  but  when 
seeking  it,  go  North  of  them,  or  between  the  two, — never  South  of  them. 

Port  Sablayan,  one  of  the  few  harbours  on  the  West  coast  of  Mindoro  • 
has  anchorage  which  may  be  recommended.  Here,  vessels  of  any  size  can 
obtain  good  shelter  at  all  times  except  with  the  winds  from  S."W. ;  but 
even  with  these,  small  craft  can  lie  under  the  lee  of  the  reefs,  and  laro-e  and 
small  vessels  alike  may  anchor  in  safety  outside  the  harbour,  North  of  point 
Sablayan,  between  the  Pandan  Islands  and  the  coast. 

PALUAN  BAY,  at  the  N. W.  end  of  Mindoro  (House  Cliff),  was  examined 
by  the  late  Capt.  W.  T.  Bate,  E.N.,  of  H.M.S.  Rotjalist.  It  affords  excellent 
shelter  in  the  N.E.  monsoon,  and  is  also  a  convenient  place  for  vessels  to 
obtain  supplies  when  passing  through  Mindoro  Strait.  The  bay  is  5  miles 
wide  at  entrance,  of  a  semicircular  form,  running  back  3  miles  in  a  northerly 
direction.  There  are  no  dangers  in  it.  Reefs,  dry  at  low  water,  extend  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  from  either  point  of  entrance,  having  deep  water  close  to 
them.  The  soundings  at  the  entrance  are  from  45  to  50  fathoms,  half  a  mile 
to  the  southward  of  which  they  increase  to  200  fathoms. 

The  best  anchorage  is  in  the  north-eastern  extremity  of  the  bay,  in  14 
fathoms  (to  which,the- water  suddenly  shoals  from  20  fathoms),  less  than  a 
mile  from  the  beach,  and  West  from  a  small  isolated  head,  upon  which  a 


592  N.W,  COASTS  OF  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

hut  is  erected.  There  is  a  black  rock  close  to  it,  standing  a  few  yards  in 
front  of  a  sandy  beach,  which  shows  in  good  relie£  The  bottom  consists  of 
a  black  tenacious  mud,  from  which  it  is  difficult  to  extricate  the  anchor  after 
it  has  been  down  a  few  days. 

Water. — A  small  river  disembogues  immediately  on  the  North  side  of  the 
<;liff,  where  good  water  can  be  obtained  with  facility ;  and  on  the  beach  there 
is  plenty  of  drift-wood.  The  coral  projects  half  a  mile  from  the  entrance  of 
the  river,  and  has  10  and  12  fathoms  close  to  its  edge. 

Caution. — Care  must  be  taken  when  beating  into  Paluan  Bay,  for  the 
squalls  come  violently  oflF  the  high  land,  are  very  sudden,  and  at  night  do  not 
give  the  least  warning. 

CAPE  CALAVITE,  the  north-western  extreme  of  Mindoro,  is  in  lat.  13° 
26'  N.,  long.  120°  18'  E.  Between  it  and  Paluan  Bay  there  are  soundings 
near  the  shore,  which  is  bold  to  approach.  The  few  rocks  interspersed 
along  this  part  of  the  coast,  adjacent  to  the  cape,  lie  close  in,  and  one  of 
them,  just  above  water,  has  a  sandy  beach  adjoining,  upon  the  projecting 
part  of  the  coast  that  forms  the  cape.  Over  this  point  stands  Calavite 
Mountain,  which  is  of  regular  sloping  form,  and  visible  at  a  great  distance 
in  clear  weather. 

Flying  Cloud  Rock.— The  ship  Flying  Cloud,  on  the  7th  of  April,  1854,  is 
reported  to  have  struck  on  a  sunken  rock,  with  from  6  to  12  ft.  water  on  it, 
and  about  30  or  35  ft.  in  diameter ;  it  is  said  to  lie  in  lat.  13°  28'  N.,  long, 
about  119°  34'  E. 

LUEANG  ISLANDS.— Lubang,  extending  about  16  miles  nearly  N.W. 
and  S.E.,  is  the  largest  island  of  a  detached  group  that  fronts  the  S.W.  end 
of  Luzon  and  the  N.W.  end  of  Mindoro;  it  is  high  in  the  middle,  but  low 
at  each  extreme.  Navigating-Lieutenant  Phillips,  H.M.S.  Vic/ilant,  1863, 
remarks  that  the  northern  part  of  Lubang  is  very  low  land,  and  when  coming 
from  the  southward,  the  northern  extreme  of  the  high  land  in  the  centre  may 
be  mistaken  for  the  end  of  the  island.  Amhil  or  Amtil,  to  the  eastward  of  it, 
is  a  high  conical  mountain,  about  2,500  ft.  high.  Golo  Island,  a  high  but 
long  narrow  strip  of  land,  8  miles  W.N.W.  and  E.S.E  ,  with  reefs  off  its 
N.E.,  East,  and  S.E.  points,  adjoins  the  south-eastern  extreme  of  Lubang. 
The  northern  part  of  Lubang  is  lined  by  a  reef,  on  which  the  Company's 
ship  Regent  was  driven  and  wrecked,  after  having  struck  on  one  of  the  shoals 
off  the  S.W.  end  of  Palawan,  where  she  lost  her  rudder. 

Looc  Bay,  on  the  East  side  of  Lubang,  is  thus  described  by  Sir  E.  Belcher, 
— "  On  the  eastern  end  of  Lubang  Island,  and  covered  by  Ambil  Island,  is 
the  very  snug  port  of  Lcioc,  which  affords  safe  retreat  in  the  event  of  acci- 
dent in  passing  Calavite,  or  during  the  passage  by  the  strait  of  Bernardino. 
It  is  pretty  free  from  dangers  at  the  mouth,  and  good  holding  ground  will 
be  found  in  depths  between  10  and  20  fathoms.  Within  the  former  depth  it 
suddenly  shoals,  and  several  lines  of  coral  ledge  bar  the  inner  depths  of  the 


LUBANG  ISLANDS.  593 

bay  from  direct  access,  although  excellent  shelter  would  be  found  by  a  vessel 
moored  between  these  barriers,  to  which  they  might  easily  be  conducted. 
At  the  village  a  brisk  rivulet  supplies  most  excellent  water,  but  boats  cannot 
fill  except  at  high  -water. 

In  approaching  the  bay  caution  must  be  observed,  as  a  3J-fathom  patch  is 
marked  on  the  chart  about  2}^  miles  to  the  eastward  of  the  southern  horn  of 
the  bay.  "Water,  as  well  as  wood,  are  easily  procured,  but  bullocks,  stock, 
vegetables,  &c.,  are  at  the  same  (or  higher)  prices  as  Manila. 

Another  port  was  indicated  on  the  North  side  of  Lubang.  It  was  curso- 
rily viewed  by  the  Samarang  in  passing,  and  appeared  to  be  merely  sheltered 
by  a  reef  running  parallel  to  the  coast.  It  might  aiford  shelter  to  a  steamer, 
but  ingress  and  egress,  unless  in  very  favourable  weather,  owing  to  its  being 
on  a  lee  shore,  is  problematical  to  a  sailing  vessel.  The  village  is  termed 
Tagbach,  and  may  afford  supplies  to  passing  vessels  which  send  tlieir  boats. 
It  was  reported  to  be  a  gunboat  rendezvous. 

Northward  of  Ambil  are  some  rocks,  and  the  islets  of  Mandani  and  Mala- 
vatuatt.  To  the  northward  of  these  islets  are  shoal  patches,  but  the  least 
water  over  them  appears  from  the  chart  to'be  6  fathoms,  the  soundings  round 
about  being  36  to  50  and  90  fathoms.  Westward  of  Ambil,  and  2  or  3  miles 
from  the  northern  shore  of  Lubang,  are  two  rather  extensive  shoals,  named 
Ambil  and  Afuera  Banks. 

Cabra  or  Goat  Island,  the  south-western  extreme  in  lat.  13°52.^'N.,  long. 
120°  2^'  E.,  is  the  outer  or  westernmost  island  of  the  Lubang  group,  and  its 
S.E.  point  nearly  joins  the  N.W.  end  of  Lubang;  it  is  a  low,  flat,  woody 
island,  about  200  ft.  in  height,  and  very  even,  with  a  reef  of  foul  ground 
projecting  from  its  North  end.  Sir  E.  Belcher  remarks  : — "  Some  doubt 
existing  as  to  the  true  position  and  the  dangers  reported  to  extend  oflF  this 
island,  a  day  was  devoted  to  establish  this  turning  point  of  the  navigation  of 
these  seas." 

"  The  Samarang  grazed  the  island  on  its  eastern  side,  rounding  to  and  an- 
choring off  its  southern  face.  The  distance  usually  observed  in  passing  land 
is  the  only  question  to  be  noticed  here.  No  dangers  requiring  express  cau- 
tion exist.  It  has  also  been  passed  by  the  Samarang,  very  close  on  the  "West 
side,  much  within  the  range  that  any  merchant  vessel  could  try,  without  the 
appearance  of  danger.  In  the  voyage  of  H.M.S.  Sulphur,  it  is  observed, — 
"  Both  the  Starling  and  Sulphur  shaved  the  surf-line  of  Cabra  without  ob- 
taining soundings  ;  therefore  the  dangers  reported  to  lie  to  the  northward  of 
this  island  are  incorrectly  stated." 

The  Channel  Eastward  of  the  Lahang  Islands,  and  aL^o  between  theai  and 

Mindoro,  is  frequented  by  the  Spanish  ships,  when  going  to  or  coming  from 

Manila.     The  Samarang  beat  through  this  channel  easterly,  and  Sir  Edward 

Belcher  remarks,  — "  It  is  important  to  remind  seamen  that  from  about  4  to 

I.  A.  4  a 


594  N.W.  COASTS  OF  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS.     ' 

6  a.m.  those  who  frequent  this  coast  state  that  sudden  heavy  squalls  may  be 
expected  off-shore,  and  as  vessels  are  compelled  to  carry  a  press  of  sail  to 
make  progress,  they  should  shorten  before  they  attempt  Calavite ;  and  this 
especially  applies  to  close  working  to  get  through  the  channel  between  it 
and  Lubang.  Even  with  caution  a  flurry  took  two  jibbooms  in  succession 
between  6  and  10  a.m.  The  advantage  gained  by  this  channel,  which  is 
free  from  dangers  as  to  pilotage,  was  manifest,  as  it  enabled  us,  having 
cleared  the  channel  at  3  p.m.,  to  reach  the  entrance  of  Manila  Bay  with  a 
free  wind  at  10  p.m." 

MINERVA  ROCK. — Ships  passing  eastward  of  the  Lubang  group  and  ap- 
proaching the  S.W.  point  of  Luzon,  called  Cape  Santiago,  should  be  careful 
to  avoid  the  Minerva  Rock,  which  seems  not  to  have  been  noticed  by  navi- 
gators, until  the  Minerva,  of  Alioa,  Capt.  Robertson,  bound  from  Sydney  to 
Manila,  struck  on  it  at  2  a.m.,  September  10th,  1834,  although  an  American 
ship  had  been  wrecked  on  it  several  years  previously.  It  is  said  to  be  a  coral 
rock,  having  17  fathoms  water  near  it,  and  bearing  from  Cape  Santiago 
S.E.  ^  E.,  distant  4  or  5  miles. 

FORTUN  ISLAND,  in  lat  14°  2'  45"  N.,  long.  120°  28'  34"  E.,  is  shown 
on  the  chart  as  about  a  mile  in  extent,  with  some  rocks  off  its  eastern  side. 
Sir  E.  Belcher  observes, — "  The  island  is  safe  to,  and,  like  Cabra,  requires 
but  the  seaman's  attention." 

SIMO  BANK— In  about  lat.  14°  4'  N.,  long.  120°  16'  E.,  14  or  15  miles 
northward  of  the  Lubang  group,  and  12  or  13  miles  W.  |^  N.  from  Fortun 
Island,  is  a  bank  4  or  5  miles  in  extent,  with  7  to  11  fathoms  water  over  it, 
and  irregular  soundings,  21  to  109  fathoms,  near  it. 

SOUTH-WEST  COAST  of  LUZON.— We  have  no  description  of  the  land 
between  Cape  Santiago  (the  South  extreme  of  Luzon)  and  Manila  Bay,  and 
this  part  of  the  coast  is  quite  out  of  the  ordinary  track  of  vessels  proceeding 
up  and  down  the  China  Sea.  The  coast  line  appears  by  the  chart  to  take 
from  Cape  Santiago  a  north-westerly  direction  for  4  or  5  miles,  when  it 
trends  10  or  11  miles  to  the  northward  to  San  Diego  Point,  which  appears 
to  be  low  and  sandy.  This  latter  part  is  fronted  by  a  reef  which  projects  in 
places  more  2  miles  from  the  shore. 

Fuego  Point  bears  about  N.  by  W.  10  miles  from  San  Diego  Point,  and  just 
to  the  northward  of  the  latter  is  Lian  Bay,  and  about  midway  between  the 
points  is  the  anchorage  and  town  of  Nasuglu.  Two  or  three  miles  southward 
and  south-westward  of  Fuego  Point,  fronting  a  small  bay,  are  several  islets 
and  rocks. 

From  Fuego  Point  the  coast  line  takes  a  direction  about  N.  by  E.  to  Lim- 
bones  Island,  which  lies  close  off  a  point  of  the  main  ;  in  this  space  are  some 
bays  and  islets,  with  anchorages  off  them.  From  Limbones  the  coast  falls 
back  to  the  north-eastward,  forming  the  southern  part  of  Manila  Bay, 


MANILA.  i95 


The  soundings  off  this  part  of  Luzon  are  deep  and  irregular,  30  to  100 
fathoms,  and  afford  but  little  or  no  warning  when  approaching  the  dangers, 
close  to  which  are  17  to  60  fathoms;  consequently  the  navigator  will  have  to 
approach  the  coast  with  proper  care  and  caution. 


MANILA. 

MANILA  BAY. — This  large  inlet  is  about  30  miles  in  extent  each  way, 
and  the  land  on  both  sides  is  high.  The  city  of  Manila,  standing  on  its 
eastern  shore,  about  25  miles  from  the  entrance,  is  the  capital  of  Luzon,  one 
of  the  largest  of  the  Philippine  Islands,  and  the  seat  of  the  Spanish  Govern- 
ment in  the  East.  The  city  is  large  and  convenient  for  trade,  the  country 
adjacent  producing  excellent  indigo,  sugar,  tobacco,  hemp  for  cordage,  &c.  ; 
but  the  inhabitants  around  are  indolent.  The  cigar  factories  are  numerous, 
several  thousand  of  women  working  in  each.  Its  chief  dependence  was 
formerly  on  the  trade  to  Acapulco,  carried  on  in  two  or  three  ships,  which 
usually  sailed  in  March  or  April  from  that  place,  and  arrived  at  Manila  in 
August  or  September,  but  not  always  regular ;  now,  however,  it  has  a  con- 
siderable trade  with  all  parts  of  the  world. 

The  imports  of  Manila  are  chiefly  British  manufactures,  linens  and  cottons, 
hardware,  and  articles  of  British  produce ;  French  and  German  toys  and 
goods,  wines,  &c.  Its  exports  are  sugars,  rice,  hemp,  tobacco,  hides,  and 
cotton ;  a  small  quantity  of  coffee,  indigo,  rhubarb,  native  cloths,  and  hats. 
In  1875,  86  British  ships  (chiefly  from  Hong  Kong  and  Australia),  or 
67,687  tons,  entered  at  Manila;  111  Spanish  ships,  or  32,316  tons;  and  65 
foreign  ships,  chiefly  American,  or  53,966  tons. 

During  the  months  of  June,  July,  and  August,  the  air  of  Manila  is  ren- 
dered impure  by  noxious  exhalations  arising  from  the  swampy  land  around ; 
and  the  weather  being  sultry,  with  much  rain  at  times,  febrile  complaints 
are  then  likely  to  appear. 

The  N.E.  monsoon  blows  strong  out  of  Manila  Bay  at  times,  accompanied 
by  a  cloud  resembling  smoke,  which  is  di-iven  out  of  the  bay  to  the  S.W., 
and  forms  an  arch  in  that  horizon,  when  the  sky  is  otherwise  clear ;  but 
sometimes  sea-breezes  from  the  S.AV.  blow  into  the  bay  in  the  N.E.  monsoon 
after  mid-day,  increasing  in  strength  as  you  advance  into  the  bay. 

The  harbour  is  formed  by  two  piers  at  the  mouth  of  the  River  Pasig.  A 
bar  lies  ofl'  the  river's  mouth  covered  by  11  feet  at  low  and  14  feet  at  high 
water.  The  harbour  itself  has  as  much  as  25  feet  of  water.  The  channel 
over  the  bar  runs  from  the  end  of  the  northern  mole  S.S.W.,  diagonally 
across  the  mouth  of  the  river,  and  is  marked  by  two  red  conical  huoys,  which 
must  be  passed  close-to. 


596  N.W.  COASTS  OF  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

A  small  green  light  visible  seaward  between  the  bearings  N.W.  and  S.E.  is 
shown  from  a  red  iron  stand  on  the  battery  of  the  South  mole  head,  and  a 
red  light  visible  8  miles  from  a  circular  white  tower  on  the  North  mole  head. 
These  lights  bear  North  and  South  from  each  other,  and  that  on  the  North 
mole  head  is  in  lat.  14°  36'  7"  N.,  long.  120°  57'  20"  E. 

Supplies. — Coal  of  all  kinds  may  be  purchased.  Water  can  be  purchased, 
but  as  the  water  boats  have  to  be  sent  5  or  6  miles  up  the  river,  timely  notice 
must  be  given.  The  water  in  Manila,  excepting  the  rain  preserved  in  tanks, 
is  brackish  and  very  hard.  Fresh  beef  is  or  was  very  bad,  being  spoiled  in 
the  killing.  If  much  be  required,  the  bullocks  should  be  purchased  and 
killed  on  board.     Vegetables  are  not  plentiful. 

"The  stay  at  Manila  was  sufficiently  long  to  prove  how  very  unsuitable  a 
port  it  is  for  refitting  a  ship  and  recruiting  the  men  ,  compelled,  as  the  ship 
is,  to  anchor  at  a  distance  of  nearly  2  miles  from  the  shore,  with  a  tempera- 
ture ranging  from  75  to  85  degrees,  with  an  oppressive  atmosphere,  the  tem- 
perature of  the  water  being  constant  at  82  degrees.  The  public  houses  open 
to  the  crews  are  dens  of  infamy,  in  which  the  men  are  hocussed,  robbed,  and 
turned  into  the  streets,  without  any  chance  of  obtaining  remedy,  owing  to 
the  insufficiency  of  the  police." — J.  E.  Davis,  H.M.S.  Challenger,  Nov.  1874. 

THE  ENTRANCE  OF  MANILA  BAY  is  divided  by  some  islands  into 
two  channels,  known  respectively  as  the  North  and  South  channels. 

Corregidor,  or  Mariveles  Island  and  Lighthouse,  the  principal  island  in 
the  entrance,  lies  over  towards  the  North  shore,  and  is  3;^  miles  in  length 
East  and  West.  A  Lighthouse  60  feet  high  stands  on  its  highest  point,  in 
lat.  14°  23'  6"  N.,  long.  120°  33'  30"  E.,  and  exhibits  at  an  elevation  of  639 
feet  above  the  sea  a  white  light,  which  revolves  every  half  minute,  and  is  visiblo 
in  clear  weather  at  20  miles.  A  fixed  white  light  is  shown  from  the  white 
tower  on  the  West  mole  head.  There  is  fresh  water  to  be  procured  under 
a  steep  cliff  at  the  western  end  of  the  island,  but  the  landing  is  on  a  stony 
beach,  and  inconvenient. 

Pulo  Caballo  and  Lighthouse. — Pulo  Caballo  is  a  high  bluff  rock  639  feet 
high,  of  considerable  size,  partially  covered  with  verdure,  lying  about  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  southward  of  Buri  Point,  the  eastern  extreme  of  Corre- 
gidor.  K  fixed  white  light  is  exhibited  from  the  low  spur  on  ^the  N.E.  part 
of  the  rock,  27  ft.  above  high  water  mark,  and  is  visible  6  miles.  It  is 
concealed  hy  high  land  to  seaivard  between  the  bearings  of  S.W.  by  S.  and 
W.  by  S.,  and  screened  towards  the  North  shore  between  the  bearings  of  N. 
by  E.  and  N.W.  by  W.  |  W. 

Sangley  Point  lAg\it.—A.  fixed  white  light  is  shown  on  the  eastern  shore 
of  Manila  Bay,  elevated  29  ft.  above  high  water  and  visible  7  miles  off,  at 
Sangley  Point,  the  outer  extreme  of  the  low  land  at  the  entrance  of  Port 
Cavite. 

Soundings  of  50  to  40  fathoms  will  be  got  when  within  7  or  6  miles  of 


MANILA  BAY.  597 

Corregidor,  decreasing  gradually  to  27  or  26  fathoms  about  2  miles  to  the 
westward  of  it. 

Between  Corregidor  and  the  North  shore  the  depths  are  50  to  48  fathoms 
within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  the  island,  26  fathoms  in  mid-channel,  decreas- 
ing quickly  to  16  or  15  fathoms,  stony  ground,  -svithin  half  a  mile  of  the 
North  shore. 

La  Monja,  the  Nun,  or  Raycoch,  is  a  high  rock,  bearing  from  Corregidor 
Light  W.  J  S.  distant  3  miles,  with  27  fathoms  water  within  a  quarter  of 
a  mile  of  it  all  round.  The  soundings  from  it  decrease  regularly  to  29  fa- 
thoms within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  the  North  shore,  and  deepen  to  29  or  30 
fathoms  near  the  N.W.  part  of  Corregidor,  close  to  which  there  is  a  per- 
forated rock. 

FULTON  ROCK.— This  danger  lies  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  off  the 
northern  shore  of  the  entrance,  N.  by  W.  \  W.  from  Corregidor  Lighthouse. 
There  appears  to  be  6  to  11  fathoms  near  the  rock,  and  5  to  6  fathoms  be- 
tween it  and  the  shore.  The  North  shore,  several  miles  north-eastward  of 
it,  is  fronted  by  rocks,  and  about  3  miles  north-eastward  of  the  Fulton  is  or 
was  a  hell  buoy  to  warn  ships  to  avoid  the  dangers  which  lie  off  Caucav© 
Point. 

El  Frayle,  the  Friar,  rock  or  islet,  which  appears  like  a  sail,  lies  3^ 
miles  S.  4  E.  from  Caballo  Light,  and  nearly  2  miles  from  the  South  shore 
of  the  bay.  Close  around  it  are  depths  of  10  and  11  fathoms,  increasing  to 
17  and  23  fathoms  at  a  short  distance  to  the  westward. 

K  Z  fathoms'  patch  lies  3  miles  N.W.  of  Point  Marijondon,  the  nearest 
land,  and  4  miles  from  the  Friar. 

PORT  MARIVELES,  on  the  North  side  of  the  entrance  to  Manila  Bay, 
is  about  a  mile  wide  and  li  mile  deep,  with  good  anchorage,  sheltered  from 
all  but  S.E.  winds.  Vessels  of  any  size  may  moor  here,  and  procure  excel- 
lent water.  Some  rocky  islets,  called  Los  Cochinos,  with  a  rock  awash  just 
outside  them,  project  half  a  mile  off"  the  S.W.  point  of  entrance.  Vessels 
may  anchor  in  17  fathoms,  with  the  village  bearing  N.W.  by  W.,  or  they 
may  run  farther  into  the  bay  if  necessary ;  the  bottom  being  good  holding' 
ground  and  the  anchorage  safe.  This  is  a  convenient  place  for  ships  to 
touch  at  when  in  want  of  wood  and  water,  the  former  being  an  expensive 
article  at  Manila. 

St,  Nicolas  Banks  are  two  shoals  lying  midway  between  Caballo 
Island  and  Port  Cavite.  The  outer  shoal,  nearly  a  mile  in  extent,  is  the 
larger  of  the  two,  and  has  but  5  feet  water  on  its  shoalest  part.  From  its 
outer  or  northern  edge  in  1 1  feet  water,  Corregidor  Light  bears  W.  by  S.  ^ 
S.,  and  Cavite  Church  E.  by  N.  J  N.  Within  a  ship's  length  to  the  north- 
westward there  are  13  and  15  fathoms  water,  the  soundings  being  no  guide 
in  approaching  it,  because  the  bank  is  so  steep.  A  buoy  was  placed  on  this 
fihoal,  but  had  disappeared  when  H.M.S.  Nassau  was  here  in  1871. 


598  N.W.  COASTS  OF  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

CAVITE',  on  the  eastern  shore  of  Manila  Bay,  is  the  port  and  marine  ar- 
Benal  of  Manila,  where  ships  are  built,  and  to  which  those  are  hove  down 
that  want  repairs,  it  having  excellent  conveniences  for  that  purpose.  The 
town  is  well  fortified,  and  stands  on  a  low  point  of  land,  which  forms  a  good 
harbour  or  cove,  the  deepest  water  in  which  appears  to  be  3^  fathoms,  soft 
mud,  with  shelter  from  West  and  S.W.  winds.  As  the  water  in  the  wells 
here  is  brackish,  the  inhabitants  are  supplied  with  fresh  water  from  the  river 
by  Old  Cavite. 

ANCHORAGE  IN  MANILA  ROAD.— A  good  berth  is  in  7  fathoms,  stiff 
mud,  with  the  church  of  Santo  Domingo  (white,  with  two  square  towers, 
an  excellent  mark  for  entering  or  leaving  the  bay)  bearing  E.N.E.  ^  E.  ; 
light  on  North  mole,  N.E.  by  E.  |  E. ;  an  isolated  cloister  to  the  right  of  the 
town,  E.S.E.  ^  E. ;  and  the  light-tower  at  Cavite,  S.  by  W.  This  anchorage 
is  only  2  miles  from  the  town,  and  has  the  advantage  of  a  fair  wind  for  boats 
to  and  from  the  mouth  of  the  river.  Large  ships  generally  anchor  at  Cavite 
Harbour.  Sir  Edward  Belcher  observes,  that  anchorage  may  be  taken  up 
anywhere  among  the  shipping,  but  the  best  and  most  convenient  is  in  5  or  6 
fathoms,  having  the  flagstaff  of  the  garrison  gate  open  to  the  right  of  the 
convent  dome,  which  is  within  the  walls.  This  position  enables  boats  to  fetch 
off  under  canvas,  against  the  fresh  afternoon  breezes,  when  a  very  unpleasant 
sea  prevails,  which  not  only  renders  pulling  in  laden  boats  laborious,  but 
entails  wetting,  a  matter  in  tropical  climates  to  be  specially  avoided,  irre- 
spective of  damage  to  light  goods. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Manila  Bay,  at  10''  40",  and 
springs  rise  about  2^  ft.  The  tides  are  irregular ;  with  an  easterly  wind, 
the  ebb  runs  out  18  hours  together,  between  Corregidor  and  the  North  shore 
pretty  strong ;  the  flood  about  6  hours  to  the  eastward,  sometimes  weak,  at 
other  times  with  considerable  strength. 

Directions. — If  intending  to  enter  Manila  Bay  by  the  North  channel, — 
when  about  6  miles  to  the  westward  of  Corregidor,  steer  for  it ;  with  a  fair 
wind  the  common  passage  is  between  it  and  the  Haycock,  afterwards  on  the 
North  side  of  Corregidor.  From  hence  to  Manila  the  course  is  N.E.  by  E, 
^  E.,  distant  25  miles,  and  to  Cavite  E.  by  N.  ^  N.  22  miles.  To  avoid  San 
Nicolas  Shoals,  keep  the  Haycock  open  of  the  northern  part  of  Corregidor 
bearing  W.S.W.  until  the  steeple  of  Cavite  Church  bears  East,  and  a  re- 
markable hummock,  which  stands  close  to  the  sea  upon  a  point  of  land  on 
the  North  shore,  W.N.W.  ;  being  then  clear  of  the  shoals,  steer  for  Cavite 
or  Manila  at  discretion. 

In  the  fair  channel,  between  the  shoals  and  the  North  shore  of  the  bay, 
the  depths  are  17  and  18  fathoms,  decreasing  gradually  towards  that  shore 
to  5  and  4  fathoms ;  and  in  steering  eastward,  the  depths  also  decrease  re- 
gularly to  5  fathoms  off  Cavite,  where  ships  anchor  a  little  more  than  a  mile 
off  chore  in  that  depth,  the  bottom  all  stiff  mud. 


MANILA  BAT.  699 

In  using  the  channel  northward  of  Corregidor,  care  must  be  taken  not 
to  near  the  North  shore  under  a  mile,  in  order  to  avoid  the  Fulton  Eock 
and  the  dangers  fronting  that  part  of  the  coast.  It  appears  from  the  chart 
that  the  Haycock  kept  to  the  westward  of  S.W.  i  W.,  will  lead  clear  of 
these  dangers. 

South  Channel. — When  the  wind  is  blowing  from  the  eastward,  out  of  the 
bay,  the  current  runs  out  through  the  North  channel  to  the  westward ;  it  is 
therefore  proper  at  such  times  to  adopt  the  channel  between  Corregidor  and 
the  South  shore,  there  being  more  room  in  it  to  work  to  windward.  To 
enter  the  bay  by  this  channel,  caution  is  requisite  when  the  vessel  is  abreast 
Point  Marijondon,  the  easternmost  high  land  on  the  South  shore,  N.W.  of 
which  is  the  4  fathoms  patch  before  mentioned.  The  trail  of  the  St.  Nicolas 
Banks  also  trends  away  gradually  towards  this  high  land,  and  the  water  may 
shoal  suddenly  in  approaching  them  from  12  to  7  or  6  fathoms,  rocky  ground. 
Do  not,  therefore,  come  under  13  fathoms  when  in  their  vicinity,  and  when 
to  the  eastward,  keep  the  Haycock  open  with  the  northern  part  of  Cor- 
regidor. From  15  fathoms  water,  the  cast  may  be  7,  and  then  8  fathoms 
on  the  verge  of  the  St.  Nicolas  Banks,  when  the  Haycock  is  shut  in  with 
Corregidor. 

To  avoid  the  St.  Nicolas  Banks  at  night,  Corregidor  Light  must  not  be 
be  brought  to  the  westward  of  S.W.  by  W.  f  W. 

Within  three-quarters  or  half  a  mile  of  the  eastern  part  of  Corregidor  there 
are  22  and  23  fathoms ;  and  when  it  can  be  rounded,  stand  over  for  and 
work  along  the  North  shore,  which  has  15  or  16  fathoms  at  a  quarter  of  a 
mile,  and  10  or  12  fathoms  about  a  cable's  length  off;  although,  in  some 
places,  the  water  shoals  suddenly  from  15  to  10,  7,  and  5  fathoms,  there  is 
no  invisible  danger,  and  when  past  Corregidor,  the  North  shore  has  good 
amhorage  over  a  sandy  bottom.  Farther  to  the  northward  and  eastward 
this  shore  becomes  more  flat,  the  soundings  decreasing  regularly  from  10  to 
8,  6,  5,  4,  and  3  fathoms  close  in  shore. 

Sir  Edward  Belcher  remarks,  that  it  is  customary  to  enter  this  bay  by  the 
passage  between  Mariveles  Bay  and  Corregidor  Island,  but  experience  has 
proved  that  this  practice  is  injudicious,  that  the  wider  channel  easterly,  where 
less  tide  prevails,  is  to  be  preferred,  where  the  local  or  coasting  pilot  well 
knows,  that  by  hugging  the  eastern  coast  of  the  bay  or  wide  channel,  a  fair 
leading  or  working  breeze  will  be  experienced  at  times  when  calms  prevail 
on  tlie  western  side  of  the  bay.  As  an  instance  of  this,  at  5^  30"  a.m.  on 
the  IGth  March,  1814,  an  American  frigate  was  seen  at  dawn  well  to  wind- 
ward, taking  the  western  channel.  Fresh  working  breezes  prevailed,  and  at 
noon  the  Samarang  having  beat  up  by  the  eastern  channel,  had  brought  El 
Frayle  S.S.W.  h  W.  and  Cavite  Lighthouse  E.N.E.  In  12  hours,  viz.,  at 
S*"  30"  p.m.  she  was  moored  off  Manila.     At  dawn  the  next  morning  the 


600  N.W.  COASTS  OF  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

American  frigate  was  seen  becalmed  on  the  "West  side  of  the  bay,  and  sho 
did  not  anchor  off  Manila  before  8  o'clock. 

The  only  reason  advanced  for  the  custom  before  alluded  to,  is,  that  it  is 
more  convenient  for  the  guard  boat  to  communicate  by  the  western  channel, 
and  the  officer  of  the  guard  boat  generally  instructs  vessels  in  an  authori- 
tative manner  to  adhere  to  routine,  even  to  threaten  if  his  directions  are  not 
obeyed. 

Working  up  on  the  eastern  side  of  Manila  Bay,  the  chart  furnishes  suffi- 
cient warning  as  to  where  danger  may  be  apprehended.  The  best  leading 
mark  for  avoiding  the  San  Nicolas  Banks  (until  Cavite  Lighthouse  bears  E. 
by  N.  i  N.)  is  never  to  open  El  Frajde  to  the  westward  of  the  more  distant 
land  to  the  southward.  Nevertheless,  it  is  prudent  to  hug  that  shore,  on. 
short  boards,  up  to  that  limit,  particularly  about  noon,  or  before  2  p.m.,  as 
the  S.E.  sea  breeze  first  makes  easterly,  then  southerly,  o£f  Cavite,  which 
affords  a  fine  lead  to  the  anchorage  of  Manila. 

The  Coast  from  Mariveles  Point,  at  the  entrance  of  Manila  Bay,  takes  a 
general  direction  nearly  N.W.  byW.  ^  W.  for  about  7  miles  to  Luzon  Point, 
and  is  indented  with  several  small  bays;  it  then  trends  nearly  North  for 
about  the  same  distance,  and  then  north-westward  for  another  8  or  9  miles, 
thus  forming  a  bight,  named  Bagac  Bay,  the  town  of  Bagac  being  in  the 
depth  of  it,  in  lat.  14°  35'  N.  From  the  north-western  extreme  of  this  bay 
the  coast  line  trends  to  the  northward  to  Port  Subig.  ^ 

The  Coast  from  Mariveles  Point  to  Port  Subig  is  in  general  equally  steep, 
and  may  be  approached  to  1  or  2  miles  in  some  parts  ;  but  it  will  be  prudent 
to  give  it  a  wide  berth,  because  rocks  or  foul  ground  extend  2  miles  or  more 
from  some  of  the  points. 

POET  BINANGA,  or  Minargas,  is  the  first  bight  to  the  southward  of  the 
entrance  of  Port  Subig.  Small  vessels  may  anchor  in  3  fathoms,  sheltered 
from  all  winds  excepting  those  at  West  and  W.S.W.  ;  the  course  into  it  is 
East  and  E.  by  N.,  about  mid-channel  between  the  points,  to  avoid  the  shoals 
projecting  from  them,  and  there  are  4  fathoms,  fine  sandy  bottom,  inside, 
within  a  musket-shot  of  the  shore. 

PORT  SUBIG  has  Grande  Island  at  its  entrance  in  lat.  14°  47'  N.,  long. 
120°  12y  E.,  to  the  westward  of  which  is  the  safe  passage  into  the  port; 
for  the  passage  to  the  eastward  is  intricate  and  lined  by  reefs.  This  port 
stretches  8  or  9  miles  inland,  and  forms  two  excellent  harbours,  one  on  the 
East  side,  named  Port  Olongapo,  or  Olonapo,  and  the  other  at  the  northern 
extremity,  opposite  the  village  of  Subig  ;  here  ships  of  any  description  may 
be  sheltered  from  all  winds  in  7  to  10  fathoms,  mud. 

PORT  SIIANGUIN,  in  lat.  14°  47 J'  N.,  long.  120°  5'  E.,  is  about  half  a 
mile  wide  at  entrance,  and  2  miles  deep,  having  tolerable  shelter  from  all 
winds,  but  rather  exposed  to  the  N.W.  and  W.N.  W.  The  southern  part  is 
formed  by  a  high,  round,  bare  hUl,  with  a  reef  projecting  from  it  about  a 


CAPONES  POINT.  '       601 

musket-shot  to  the  northward  ;  this  must  be  avoided  in  steering  East  into 
the  entrance  of  the  port,  where  the  depth  is  30  fathoms,  decieasing  gradu- 
ally to  the  anchorage  a  little  inside,  near  the  beach  on  the  South  shore, 
which  is  the  best  berth. 

About  2J  miles  S.S. W.  of  the  southern  point  of  this  port  there  are  several 
rocky  islets,  called  the  Three  Friars,  with  a  coral  reef  projecting  from  them 
nearly  a  mile  to  the  north-westward,  and  between  these  rocks  and  the  shore 
there  are  40  and  42  fathoms  water. 

There  is  a  stream  oi  freshwater  at  the  bottom  of  Port  Silanguin. 

CAPONES  POINT,  in  lat.  14°  54'  N.,  long.  120°  3'  E.,  is  the  most  western 
point  of  this  part  of  Luzon,  and  therefore  important  to  vessels  proceeding 
to  and  from  China,  and  passing  close  to  this  coast.  It  bears  from  Cabra,  or 
Goat  Island,  North,  distant  60  miles,  and  is  high,  bare  land,  of  reddish 
aspect,  having  two  islands  about  2  miles  distant  to  the  north-westward  of  it; 
the  outermost  of  these,  called  Great  Capones,  is  about  one  mile  in  length 
East  and  West,  and  nearly  3  miles  distant  from  the  shore.  It  has  a  sunken 
rock  off  its  North  side. 

About  a  mile  outside  Capones  Point  the  depth  is  42  or  44  fathoms  ;  from 
40  to  35  fathoms  will  be  found  within  a  mile  of  the  shore,  between  this  part 
of  the  coast  and  the  North  part  of  Port  Subig,  and  generally  45  to  50  fathoms 
about  3  or  4  miles  off. 

The  Coast  from  Capones  Point  takes  a  general  N.  by  W.  J  W.  direction  for 
83  miles,  to  the  southern  part  of  Palauig  Point.  A  town  named  Cahangan 
lies  about  7  or  8  miles  northward  of  Capones  Point,  and  another  and  more 
important  town,  named  Iba  or  Yba,  the  capital  of  the  province  of  Zambales, 
6  or  7  miles  southward  of  Palauig  Point.  A  reef  is  also  shown  as  lying 
about  2  miles  off  shore,  in  lat.  15°  10'  N.,  with  several  other  dangers  between 
it  and  Palauig  Point.  At  19  or  20  miles  to  the  northward  of  Capones  Point, 
is  Playa-Honda,  formed  of  a  small  hill,  projecting  a  little  into  the  sea  ;  and 
the  fort  is  2  miles  farther  northward  amongst  trees,  by  which  it  is  not  easily 
perceived.  The  coast  between  them  is  of  moderate  height,  with  a  level 
space  of  considerable  extent  northward  of  Capones  Point ;  but  inland,  the 
country  is  formed  of  high  double  mountains,  one  of  which  has  a  small  sharp 
peak  upon  it.  About  2  or  3  miles  off,  the  depths  are  35  and  40  fathoms, 
and  the  shore  is  lined  by  coral  reefs,  stretching  out  nearly  a  mile  in  some 
places;  about  1^  mile  from  the  beach  there  is  a  small  coral  bank,  bearing 
S.W.  by  S.  from  Playa-Honda  Fort,  having  2  fathoms  water,  and  close  to  it 
10  or  12  fathoms.  From  Manila  Bay  entrance  to  lat.  15°  N.  the  land  is 
generally  high  and  mountainous.  Here  it  begins  to  decrease  in  height ;  and 
near  the  sea  in  lat.  16°  N.  is  not  much  elevated. 

PALAUIG  POINT  and  BANK— The  southern  part  of  this  point  is  in 
about  lat.  15°  26^'  N.,  long.  119'  53'  E. ;  from  thence  the  coast  line  trends 

I.A.  4  H 


602  N.W.  COASTS  OF  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

northward  for  5  or  6  miles  to  the  southern  point  of  entrance  to  Port  Ma- 
singloc. 

Palauig  Bank  is  a  danger  about  2  miles  to  the  south-westward  of  the 
point ;  from  its  outer  part  the  West  end  of  South  Salvador  Island  bears  N. 
by  E.  £  E.,  and  Mount  Yba  E.  by  S.  The  Luzon,  a  new  steamer,  commanded 
by  Mr.  McGowan,  was  wrecked  upon  this  shoal  in  December,  1864  ;  and  as, 
by  the  same  authority,  there  appear  to  be  several  other  dangers  on  either 
side  of  the  point,  it  will  be  prudent  to  give  this  part  of  the  coast  a  berth 
of  3  or  4  miles. 

The  Coast  from  Palauig  Point  to  Cayman  Point,  bearing  N.  by  W.  \  W. 
30  miles,  is  indented  with  several  deep  bays  filled  with  shoals,  projecting 
beyond  the  points  that  form  their  entrance.  Just  round  the  northern  part 
of  Palauig  Point,  in  about  lat.  15°  31'  N.,  is  a  small  port  named  Masingloc; 
and  16  or  17  miles  farther  northward,  inside  the  Hermans  or  Sisters  Islands, 
is  the  port  of  Santa  Cruz.  Between  Santa  Cruz  and  Caiman  Point  is  Bazol 
Bay,  which  appears  to  be  encumbered  by  many  dangers. 

HERMANAS  and  CULEBRA  ISLANDS.— Hermanas  Islands,  or  the  Two 
Sisters,  are  low  and  woody,  with  a  conspicuous  sandy  beach,  the  northern 
one,  in  lat.  15°  48'  N.,  being  the  larger,  and  distant  about  2  J  miles  from  the 
other.  Islote  Cuiehra,  about  5;^  miles  northward  of  the  North  Sister,  is 
small,  with  trees  on  it  and  a  sandy  beach.  These  islands  have  shoals  pro- 
jecting a  long  distance  from  them,  and  it  will  be  prudent  to  give  them  a 
good  berth  in  passing,  for  they  are  about  6  miles  off  shore. 

PUNTA  CAYMAN,  or  Cayman  Point,  in  lat.  15°  55 J'  N.,  has  a  reef  pro- 
jecting to  the  S.S.W. ;  but  the  channel  is  safe  between  it  and  Culebra 
Island,  having  30  fathoms  water,  and  the  point  may  be  approached  occa- 
sionally to  10  fathoms  .on  the  tail  of  the  reef, 

Seno  de  Bazol,  or  Tamhove  Road. — The  channel  between  Culebra  Island 
and  Caiman  Point  leads  to  the  extensive  bay  called  the  Seno  de  Bazol,  or  as 
formerly  Tambove  Eoad,  which  lies  to  the  eastward  of  Caiman  Point,  and 
is  open  only  to  southerly  winds.  There  appears  to  be  many  detached  reefs 
in  it.  Steering  for  the  extremity  of  the  beach,  to  the  eastward  of  the  point, 
the  depths  will  be  12  to  15  fathoms,  coarse  sand  and  shells,  near  the  termi- 
nation of  the  beach ;  the  water  will  then  deepen,  but  until  in  soft  mud  it 
will  be  improper  to  anchor,  for  rocks  are  scattered  over  the  bottom,  whore  it 
consists  of  sand. 

Wood  and  good  water  may  be  got  here. 

The  Coast. — From  Caiman  Point  to  the  entrance  point  of  the  Bay  of 
Lingayen,  the  land  is  level,  of  moderate  height  and  sterile  aspect,  with 
a  steep  beach  fronting  the  sea,  and  may  be  seen  in  clear  weather  about  24 
miles.  The  coast  in  this  space  is  bold  to  approach,  having  no  ground  at 
50  fathoms  within  a  mile  of  it  in  many  places ;  there  are  soundings  near  the 


LINOAYEN  GULF.  603 

beach  in  some  of  the  small  bays,  where  a  vessel  may  anchor  occasionally, 
but  there  is  no  safe  place  of  shelter  for  large  ships. 

LINGAYEN  GULF,  or  Pangminan  Gulf,  the  entrance  to  which  between 
Purra  Island  off  Bolinao  on  the  West  and  Punta  de  San  Fernando  on  the 
East,  is  17  miles  wide,  and  from  the  line  joining  them  to  its  head  at  the 
town  of  Lingayen  26  miles  in  depth,  is  very  extensive,  formed  by  the  low 
land  oi  Cabahijjan  Island,  taking  a  south-easterly  direction  about  12  miles; 
and  then  the  Mongos-Mongos  chain  of  islets  and  rocks,  extending  along  it 
nearly  S.E.  by  S.,  lines  the  West  side  of  the  bay. 

The  Gulf  is  about  30  miles  deep,  and  about  20  miles  wide  across  the 
entrance,  from  Santiago  Island  to  San  Fernando  Point,  or  Balanac.  Lin- 
gayen Eiver,  a  place  of  some  trade,  disembogues  at  the  bottom  of  the  bay, 
and  into  which  the  small  coasting  vessels  can  pass  over  the  bar.  The  rivers 
San  Fabian  and  San  Thomas  are  farther  eastward,  the  former  directly  in  the 
S.E.  angle  of  the  bay. 

Port  Sual. — About  U  or  2  miles  to  the  southward  of  the  high  islet  Cala- 
niitian,  which  is  the  last  of  the  Mongos-Mongos  chain,  there  is  good  an- 
chorage in  muddy  bottom,  at  the  entrance  of  a  small  port,  called  Sual,  into 
which  a  ship  might  be  warped,  should  circumstances  render  it  necessary. 

Navigating  Lieut.  Harvey,  of  H.M.S.  Magicienne,  in  1859,  made  a  rough 
plan  of  Port  Sual,  and  furnished  the  following  account : — 

The  port  is  of  small  extent,  the  entrance  narrowed  by  rocks  and  reefs  to 
the  breadth  of  about  a  third  of  a  mile,  while  an  extensive  coral  bank,  with 
but  5  ft.  water  over  it,  fills  up  a  large  portiun  of  the  port. 

The  land  about  Portuguese  Point,  the  northern  point  of  entrance  of  the 
port,  appears  like  an  island  when  viewed  from  a  distance  of  7  or  8  miles  ; 
the  point  may  be  recognized  by  a  small  round  tower  on  its  bluff,  and  be- 
tween it  and  Calamitian  Island  the  ground  is  foul,  with  rocks  just  awash. 
A  reef  extends  nearly  1 J  cable's  length  from  Portuguese  Point.  It  is  always 
covered,  and  the  sea  breaks  upon  it  only  when  the  wind  sets  in.  Matigos  or 
Mamas  Point,  the  southern  point  of  entrance,  has  rocks  extending  some  dis- 
tance from  it;  but  they  are  always  uncovered,  and  may  be  approached  to 
half  a  cable's  length.  In  the  S.W.  part  of  the  port  is  the  village,  which 
has  a  church  and  a  small  landing  jetty.  Mr.  Harvey  made  the  position  of 
Port  Sual  to  be  lat.  16°  7'  20"  N.,  long.  120°  2'  44"  E.,  and  the  rise  of  tide 
6  feet. 

When  approaching  the  port,  keep  about  H  or  2  miles  from  Calamitian  or 
Calamitian  Island,  steering  for  Manzas  Point ;  pass  the  outer  rock  off  that 
point  at  the  distance  of  half  a  cable's  length,  and  then  steer  for  the  church, 
taking  care  to  avoid  the  large  coral  patch,  the  southern  edge  of  which  lies 
between  the  N.E.  point  of  the  port  and  the  church,  bearing  from  each 
other  N.E.  ^  E.  and  S.W.  i  W.  ;  anchor  in  o  or  4}  fathoms. 


604  N.W.  COASTS  OF  rHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

DILE  POINT,  in  lat.  17°  34 J'  N.,  long.  120°  20^'  E.,  is  the  most  promi- 
nent point  of  this  part  of  the  coast,  projecting  far  to  the  north-westward. 
Between  it  and  San  Fernando  Point  there  are  several  towns  along  the  coast. 
The  country  is  formed  of  high  double  mountains,  with  low  woody  points  to 
seaward  in  some  places,  and  the  direction  of  the  coast  is  mostly  North  and 
N.  by  E.  H.M.S.  Samarang  met  with  a  dangerous  patch  in  the  bay  near 
Dile  Point,  2^  miles  offshore,  a  church  bearing  E.S.E. 

Vigan  or  Bigan  Road,  in  lat.  17°  24'  N.,  is  sheltered  from  northerly  ^inda 
by  Dile  Point,  but  exposed  to  the  southward  and  westward.  A  patch  of  3^ 
fathoms  is  marked  on  the  chart  about  a  mile  off  shore.  The  anchorage  is 
near  the  shore,  off  the  river,  bearing  about  East,  in  10  or  12  fathoms;  the 
bank  shelves  suddenly  off  to  no  soundings.  About  9  miles  inland  to  the 
E.N.E.  of  the  road  there  is  a  chasm  between  two  mountains,  called  Abra  de 
Vigan,  or  Gap  of  Vigan,  which  is  very  conspicuous  when  riewed  from  the 
oflSng,  and  is  a  good  mark  to  know  this  part  of  the  coast. 

Lepog  or  Salut-Salut  Bay,  at  11  miles  north-eastward  of  Dile  Point,  is 
sheltered  from  all  winds  but  those  that  blow  between  S.W.  and  W.N.W. 
There  are  good  depths  in  it,  and  the  reefs  bounding  the  entrance,  with  a 
rocky  bank  in  the  mouth  of  the  bay,  will  be  seen  in  clear  weather.  The 
rocky  bank  has  1  and  2  fathoms  on  it,  with  a  passage  on  each  side  of  9  or  10 
fathoms  water ;  but  that  to  the  northward,  between  it  and  the  North  point 
of  the  bay,  is  too  contracted. 

The  coast  from  Vigan  Eoad  to  this  bay  should  be  given  a  good  berth,  for 
Pingiie  or  Finget  Island,  or  Bantay,  surrounded  by  breakers  and  foul  ground, 
lies  about  1 J  mile  off  the  projecting  part  of  the  land  to  the  southward  of 
Lepog  Bay ;  and  to  the  northward  of  it  the  coast  is  lined  with  coral  reefs, 
stretching  out  a  great  way,  as  far  as  the  entrance  of  Lepog  Bay. 

PORT  SALOMAGUE,  adjoining  to  the  northward  of  Lepog  Bay,  is  sepa- 
rated from  it  by  a  point  of  land  encompassed  with  shoals.  "West  from  this 
point,  IJ  and  2  miles  distant,  are  two  rocky  banks,  with  2J  fathoms,  or  pro- 
bably less,  water  on  them.  This  port  is  more  capacious,  sheltered  from  the 
same  winds,  and  deeper  than  Lepog  Bay. 

The  North  point  is  also,  like  the  southern  one,  encompassed  with  a  reef, 
■which  stretches  to  the  eastward  along  the  northern  side  of  the  port ;  and  an 
island  of  moderate  height  lies  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  point, 
with  a  reef  projecting  off  it  about  a  cable's  length  to  the  S.W.  This  place 
may  be  known  from  the  oflfing  by  a  chasm  or  gap  in  some  high  mountains, 
■which  overtop  the  rest  of  the  chain  on  this  coast.  It  resembles  the  Gap  of 
Vigan,  but  it  is  not  so  large,  nor  does  it  approach  so  near  the  sea  as  that 
gap  ;  it  may  also  be  seen  bearing  about  S.E.,  when  a  ship  is  12  or  13  miles 
West  of  Salomague  Bay.  When  the  Gap  of  Salomague  bears  about  E.  \  S., 
an  East  course  will  lead  direct  towards  Salomague  Island  at  the  North 
point  of  the  port,  which  should  be  approached  in  a  large  ship,  bearing  about 


CAPE  BOJEADOR.  605 

East ;  and  the  reef  off  its  S.W.  point  ought  to  be  passed  close  in  25  or  30 
fathoms,  mud,  to  avoid  the  rocky  banks  that  lie  to  the  westward  of  the  South 
point  of  the  port ;  she  may  then  eteer  right  in  the  middle  of  the  port,  rather 
inclining  towards  the  northern  shore,  and  anchor  in  8  fathoms.  Farther  in 
there  is  a  shoal  spot,  which  will  be  perceived  in  clear  weather  by  the  dis- 
coloured water  on  it.  The  best  berth  to  moor  is  in  6  or  7  fathoms,  mud, 
opposite  some  rice  magazines  on  the  North  shore. 

The  Coast  from  Port  Salomague  trends  about  N.  by  E.  to  Cape  Bojeador ; 
in  the  bight  to  the  southward  of  the  cape  there  is  said  to  be  anchorage  near 
the  shore  ;  in  some  parts  the  coast  is  low  and  woody  to  seaward. 

The  chain  of  high  mountains  inland,  which  commences  near  St.  Fabian, 
in  the  Gulf  of  Lingayen,  extends  parallel  to  the  coast,  gradually  diminishing 
in  height,  and  stretching  more  inland  about  24  miles  to  the  southward  of 
Cape  Bojeador,  leaves  a  spacious  plain  fronting  the  sea.  Another  chain  of 
hills  begins  about  7  or  8  miles  from  the  shore,  and  stretches  northward 
parallel  to  the  coast-line. 

About  9  miles  northward  of  Salomague  is  Badog  or  Sinay  Isle,  about  half 
a  mile  oflF  a  point  of  land,  surrounded  by  a  reef;  and  the  coast  between 
these  places  is  rocky,  with  breakers  projecting  from  it  about  a  mile. 

Ilara  Hummock  stands  near  the  sea,  about  9  miles  southward  of  Cape  Bo- 
jeador ;  being  of  middling  height,  with  patches  of  trees  on  it,  and  there  being 
no  other  of  similar  appearance,  it  is  a  good  mark  in  sailing  along  the  coast. 
Soundings  are  got  about  3  miles  off  shore  from  Salomague  to  Ilara  Hum- 
mock, but  from  4  or  5  miles  beyond  the  latter  to  Cape  Bojeador,  none  are 
obtained  at  the  distance  of  2  miles  from  the  shore ;  and  the  whole  of  this 
part  of  the  coast  is  destitute  of  shelter  for  ships,  and  has  rocky  patches 
stretching  out  above  a  mile  in  some  places. 

CAPE  BOJEADOR,  in  lat.  18°  30'  N.,  long.  120°  34'  E.,  is  a  low  point 
with  a  reef  of  breakers  projecting  off  it,  which  forms  the  north-western 
extreme  of  Luzon.  From  hence  the  coast  takes  a  N.E.  direction,  and  at 
the  distance  of  6  miles  is  Negra  Point,  on  the  East  side  of  which  is  anchorage 
•with  southerly  winds.  The  deep  bay  between  this  point  and  Dialao  Point, 
9  miles  to  the  N.E.,  has  much  foul  ground  on  its  eastern  shore.  There  is 
anchorage  at  the  bottom  of  this  bay,  near  the  small  port  of  Bangui,  which  is 
said  to  have  been  long  shut  up  by  an  earthquake. 

Cauagan  or  Mereira  or  Mayraira  Point,  distant  about  20  miles  N.E.  of  Cape 
Bojeador,  has  a  reef  projecting  about  a  mile  out.  Caravallo  or  Patapat  Point, 
bearing  about  E.  by  S.  11  or  12  miles  from  Cauagan  Point,  is  a  bluff,  steep 
point  of  white  cliffs,  having  a  mass  of  high  mountains,  the  Montes  Patapa, 
contiguous  to  it.  To  the  eastward  of  Caravallo  Point  there  is  a  round  hill 
of  middling  height,  called  Pata  Point.  The  whole  of  the  coast  from  Cape 
Bojeador  to  this  place  is  steep,  without  any  soundings  until  near  the  shore. 


606  N.W.  COASTS  OF  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

The  land  is  of  moderate  height,  and  in  some  parts  rather  low  close  to  the 
sea,  with  several  rivers ;  but  the  country  inland  is  high  and  mountainous. 


SCARBOROUGH  or  Maroona  Shoal  was  surveyed  by  Nav.  Lieut.  Wilda 
in  H.M.S.  Swallow,  March,  1866.  It  is  a  dangerous  coral  reef,  rising  out  of 
deep  water,  and  it  affords,  and  that  only  in  the  calmest  weather,  a  single 
precarious  anchorage  off  the  entrance  to  the  lagoon,  at  its  south-eastern 
extremity.  The  opening  to  the  lagoon  is  about  2  cables  wide,  but  it  is  dan- 
gerous from  the  large  jutting  pieces  of  coral  extending  from  point  to  point, 
over  which  there  are  only  9  ft.  water,  with  5  and  6  fathoms  close  to;  jutst 
within  it  shallows. 

The  reef  consists  of  a  narrow  belt  of  coral,  nearly  level  with  the  water's 
edge,  enclosing  a  lagoon  of  clear  blue  water.  On  the  belt  are  scattered  several 
rocks  3  to  10  ft.  above  water,  visible  about  5  miles.  The  10-ft.  rock  is  l^ 
mile  S.W.  of  the  opening.  In  shape  the  reef  is  a  right-angled  triangle, 
•with  the  corners  rounded  off,  the  western  side  being  nearly  perpendicular  to 
the  southern,  the  direction  of  the  three  sides  being  S.  f  E.  7^  miles,  S.E. 
by  E.  10  miles,  and  E.  J  N.  8  miles.  The  South  side  and  North  point  are 
in  lat.  15°  5' N.  and  15°  12'  N.  respectively,  and  the  West  side  and  East 
point  in  long.  117°  44'  and  117°  52'  E. 

In  March,  1866,  the  current  ran  strong  to  the  westward;  in  April,  1853, 
its  direction  was  very  doubtful  in  the  proximity  of  the  reef.  It  is  high 
water,  full  and  change,  about  1 1*",  and  the  rise  is  5  ft. 

The  TRTJRO  SHOAL,  in  lat.  16°  19'  N.,  long.  116°  41'  E.,  was  discovered 
by  Capt.  T.  J.  Duggan,  of  the  ship  Truro,  in  September,  1857.  He  states, 
"  Whilst  taking  my  forenoon  observation,  distinctly  saw  the  bottom,  white 
coral.  Got  a  cast  of  the  lead  instantly  at  10  fathoms;  again,  about  half  a 
mile  more  North,  had  19  fathoms;  steered  North  for  another  half  mile,  and 
had  22  fathoms,  and  the  next  cast  no  bottom  at  40  fathoms  ;  no  shoal  patches 
were  visible  from  the  mast-head." 

PRATAS  ISLAND  and  REEF  was  surveyed  by  Navigating  Lieutenant 
John  Eichards,  E.N.,  April,  1858.  Patras  Island,  the  N.E.  end  of  which 
is  in  lat.  20°  42'  3"  N.,  long.  116°  43'  22"  E.,  rises  from  the  West  side,  and 
near  the  middle  of  the  sunken  part  of  the  Pratas  Eeef  It  is  about  1 J  mile 
long,  E.  by  S.  and  W.  by  N.,  half  a  mile  wide,  and  40  ft.  high,  of  which 
elevation  the  scrubby  bush,  with  which  it  is  covered,  forms  about  10  feet. 
It  is  composed  of  sand,  not  a  particle  of  mould  or  earthy  matter  could  be 
found  on  it,  and  its  shape  is  that  of  a  horse-shoe,  enclosing  a  shallow  inlet 
or  lagoon,  which  runs  into  its  western  side  for  about  half  a  mile,  and  must 
afford  shelter  to  the  Chinese  fishermen  who  come  here  to  fish  in  the  early 
part  of  the  year.     Brackish  water  can  bo  obtained  by  digging  a  few  feet 


PRATAS  ISLAND  AND  EEEF.  607 

into  the  sand.      Gannets  are  numerous,  and  may  be  knocked  down  with 
sticks. 

The  island  is  visible  at  a  distance  of  9  or  10  miles,  in  clear  weather,  from 
the  deck  of  a  large  vessel ;  from  the  westward  it  will  make  like  two  detached 
but  contiguous  islets,  the  centre  being  lower  than  the  ends.  It  is  visible 
when  near  the  southern  extreme  of  the  reef,  but  more  conspicuous  when 
approaching  it  from  the  westward  or  northward. 

The  N.E.  point  of  Pratas  Eeef  is  in  about  lat.  20=  47'  N.,  long.  116° 
53'  E.,  is  a  coral  barrier  of  nearly  circular  form,  encircling  a  lagoon  of  5  to 
10  fathoms  water,  and  thickly  studded  with  coral  knolls  round  its  margin, 
but  comparatively  clear  near  the  middle.  The  reef  is  about  40  miles  in  cir- 
cumference, 1  to  2  miles  broad,  and  slightly  flattened  on  the  northern  side. 
Nearly  two-thirds  of  it,  or  the  North,  East,  and  South  sides,  are  just  dry  at 
low-water  springs  ;  the  remainder,  or  western  side,  forms  a  sunken  barrier, 
across  which  are  two  channels  leading  into  the  lagoon,  one  on  each  side  of 
Pratas  Island.  The  North  channel  is  about  3  miles  wide,  between  the 
island  and  the  edge  of  the  breakers,  and  3  fathoms  may  be  carried  near  the 
middle  of  it  at  low-water  springs.  The  South  channel  is  by  far  the  better 
of  the  two,  from  being  wider,  a  little  deeper,  as  well  as  its  comparative  free- 
dom from  coral  knolls. 

Tides. — During  the  survey  of  Pratas  Eeef,  April,  1858,  it  was  high  water, 
full  and  change,  at  about  4  a.m.,  and  the  rise  was  about  5  ft.  There  was 
only  one  perceptible  ebb  and  one  flow  in  the  24  hours  at  the  springs.  The 
highest  tide  occurred  on  the  third  day  after  the  full  moon,  but  the  tides  were 
very  irrpgular. 

Anchorage. — Although  Pratas  Eeef  is  steep-to  in  most  parts,  there  are 
several  spots  where,  in  case  of  necessity,  a  vessel  might  find  anchorage  out- 
side the  breakers,  particularly  on  the  West  side,  abreast  the  middle  of  the 
channels  through  the  sunken  part  of  the  reef,  and  at  the  distance  of  about 
lA  or  2  miles  on  either  side  of  the  island.  At  each  of  these  spots  there  is 
good  anchorage  in  the  N.E.  monsoon,  in  20  to  10  fathoms,  but  the  position 
abreast  the  South  channel  is  considered  the  best,  the  sunken  reef  at  this 
part  being  deeper  and  the  bottom  more  even  than  in  the  channel  North  of 
the  island.  A  vessel  of  light  draught  might  even  anchor  in  safety  on  the 
reef,  in  the  middle  of  the  South  channel  in  3^  fathoms  at  low  water,  or  cross 
it  and  take  up  a  berth  inside  the  lagoon  in  10  fathoms,  fine  sand. 

Captain  Eoss,  I.N.,  visited  this  reef  in  the  Discovery^  with  the  Investigator 
in  company,  August,  1813.  The  first  soundings  obtained  were  74  fathoms, 
fine  coral,  about  U  or  2  miles  fi'om  the  N.E.  point ;  from  thence  the  former 
vessel  steered  along  the  North  side,  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the 
breakers,  in  soundiugs  of  31  to  38  fathoms;  the  Investigator  keeping  about 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  off,  had  great  overfalls  of  10  to  24  fathoms.  After 
rounding  the  N.W.  part  of  the  reef  about  a  mile  off  in  35  fathoms,  rocky 


608  PEATAS  ISLAND  AND  EEEF. 

bottom,  they  anchored  in  24  fathoms,  about  1 J  mile  from  the  West  end  of 
the  island,  with  the  island  bearing  from  S.E.  ^  S.  to  E.S.E.  About  half- 
way between  this  position  and  the  shore  the  depths  were  4  and  5  fathoms, 
and  then  very  shoal  water. 

H.M.S.  Higliflyer,  in  May,  1857,  anchored  about  8  cables'  lengths  from 
the  West  end  of  the  island,  in  20  fathoms,  coral  and  clay,  the  extremes 
bearin"-  S.E.  f  E.  and  E.  by  S.  She  also  anchored,  with  stream  anchor,  at 
half  a  mile  from  the  S.E.  edge  of  the  reef,  in  32  fathoms,  white  mud,  with 
the  centre  of  the  island  N.W.  ^  W.  distant  10  miles  ;  there  were  13  fathoms 
water  at  2  cables'  lengths  from  the  edge  of  the  reef,  and  7  fathoms  at  a  short 
distance  from  the  edge.  In  April,  1859,  H.M.  steam  gunboat  Leven  an- 
chored three-quarters  of  a  mile  off  shore  in  5  fathoms,  with  the  centre  of  the 
island  bearing  E.  by  N. 

Caution  — When  beating  against,  or  running  with,  the  strength  of  the 
monsoon  up  or  down  the  China  Sea,  vessels  should  always  endeavour  to  pass 
to  leeward  of  Pratas  Reef,  on  account  of  the  invariable  set  of  the  current  to 
l-eeward  ;  for  there  are  no  soundings  to  indicate  a  near  approach,  and  the 
weatlier  is  frequently  thick  and  hazy  in  this  vicinity.  The  safest  quarter  to 
make  the  reef  is  irom  the  N.W.,  the  island  being  on  its  western  side,  and 
the  currents  in  the  neighbourhood  invarjubly  running  in  a  N.E.  or  S.W. 
direction  according  to  the  monsoon.  Approaching  the  reef,  a  vessel  should 
be  conned  from  the  fore-top.  The  sun  should  be  well  above  the  horizon, 
and  if  possible  astern  or  on  the  beam,  as  the  bottom  can  then  be  easily  seen 
in  10  fathoms. 

The  Uossach  Shoals  were  said  to  have  been  seen  by  Mr.  Hossack,  com- 
manding the  ship  Cyclone,  9th  August,  1861.  He  reports,  "  When  standing 
to  the  N.W.,  wind  W.S.W.,  tacked  ship,  having  seen  two  patches,  the 
easternmost  of  which  appeared  to  be  very  shoal,  about  2  or  3  fathoms  water, 
extending  about  400  ft.,  and  the  water  breaking  on  it.  From  good  observa- 
tions the  position  of  the  reef  is  lat.  21°  31'  N.,  long.  117°  7'  E."  These 
ehoals  were  sought  for  in  vain  by  H.M.S.  Serpent  in  1866. 


CHAPTER    XY. 


THE  CHINA  SEA,  WITH  ITS  ISLANDS  AND  DANGERS. 

The  great  channel  between  the  continent  of  Asia  on  the  N.W.,  and  the  line 
of  the  islands  of  the  Indian  Archipelago  between  Borneo  and  the  Philippines 
on  the  opposite  side,  have  been  described  in  previous  pages. 

The  Coasts  of  Malaya  and  the  Gulf  of  Siam  are  described  in  Chapter  X, 
pages  400  to  427. — The  Coasts  of  Cochin  China  and  Ton  King,  with  the 
Island  of  Hainan,  are  given  in  Chapter  XI,  pages  428 — 480. — The  North- 
West  Coast  of  Borneo,  in  Chapter  XII,  pages  480  to  512.  Palawan  Island 
and  the  Philippine  Islands  are  included  in  Chapters  XIII  and  XIV,  pages 
513— 608.— The  k^outh-AVest  part  of  the  China  Sea,  or  that  between  the 
North  coast  of  Java  and  the  Coasts  of  Sumatra  and  Borneo,  is  described, 
with  its  detached  islands  and  shoals,  in  Chapter  VIII,  pages  295  —  356. 

The  CHINA  SEA,  although  the  main  ship  route  towards  the  long  fre- 
quented parts  of  China,  was  but  imperfectly  understood  previous  to  the 
examination  commenced  by  Lieut.  J.  W.  Peed,  P.N.,  in  H.M.S.  Rifle- 
man. Before  this,  the  charts  were  disfigured  by  numerous  shoals,  which 
closer  examination  showed  to  be  either  non-existent,  or  placed  so  far  out  of 
their  true  positions  as  to  have  been  announced  at  different  times  as  distinct 
dangers,  widely  separated. 

The  important  results  of  Lieut.  Reed's  survey  have  been  to  show  that 
there  are  two  clear  channels,  free  from  all  known  danger,  the  one  to  the 
N.W.  upwards  of  230  miles  in  breadih  between  the  coasts  of  Cochin  China 
and  a  line  of  reefs  and  dangers  lying  along  the  centre  of  the  China  Sea, 
generally  parallel  with  its  limiting  coast.  The  other  channel,  termed  the 
Palawan  Passage,  lies  between  the  reefs  on  the  edge  of  the  bank  of  sound- 
ings on  the  N.W.  side  of  that  island  and  the  S.E.  limit  of  that  apparent 
archipelago  of  reefs  which  limits  the  northern  channel. 

The  labours  of  the  officers  in  command  of  the  Rifleman  have  wisely  been 
confined  in  the  outset  in  determining  the  outer  limits  of  this  line  of  dangers, 

I.   A.  4  I 


610  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

and  the  result  has  been  not  merely  the  determining  of  the  exact  character  of 
many  previously  announced  reefs  and  banks,  but  proving  the  non-existence 
or  wrong  identity  of  others,  and  the  discovery  of  several  new  groups  of 
banks,  which  are  not  dangerous,  but  will  serve  as  excellent  points  of  verifi- 
cation and  departure  in  this  troublesome  navigation. 

The  currents  of  this  region,  also,  do  not  appear  to  be  well  understood,  and 
some  remarks  by  Captain  Pulack,  on  pages  85 — 91,  will  be  read  with  in- 
terest, as  giving  the  result  of  much  experience  in  these  waters,  and  the  best 
means  of  utilizing  every  slant  of  wind  or  current  in  making  a  direct  passage 
against  the  adverse  monsoon,  instead  of  the  very  circuitous  routes  formerly 
advocated. 

From  the  fact  of  its  dangers  having  thus  disappeared,  and  those  which  are 
determined  having  shown  that  there  are  safe  routes  under  the  lee  of  either 
shore,  it  is  probable  that  a  gi-eat  portion  of  the  commerce  will  pass  through 
this  main  ship  channel,  instead  of  being  carried  through  the  distant  and  im- 
perfectly known  passages  to  the  eastward  of  Borneo. 

The  S.W.  portion  of  the  China  Sea,  which  has  been  previously  described, 
is  separated  from  the  main  area  by  three  groups  of  islands,  the  Anamba 
Islands  and  the  two  clusters  of  the  Natuna  Islands,  which  have  broad  and 
safe  channels  between  them.  In  describing  these,  we  follow,  as  heretofore, 
the  compilation  published  by  the  British  Admiralty. 


THE  ANAMBA  ISLANDS. 


The  westernmost  group,  termed  by  Europeans  the  Anambas,  is  not  known 
by  that  name  to  the  natives.  They  are  mountainous  and  sterile,  and  the 
scanty  products  of  the  land  and  sea  are  disposed  of  by  the  few  Malay  inha- 
bitants at  Singapore.  Formerly  they  had  an  evil  name  for  piracy,  but  are 
now  peaceful  traders  and  fishermen,  nominally  subject  to  the  Dutch,  a  flag 
of  that  nation  being  shown  at  Terempa,  where  a  magistrate  is  appointed. 

The  approach  to  the  group  from  the  westward  is  not  dangerous,  and  the 
French  surveys  of  this  part,  made  in  1828  and  1831,  may  be  used  with 
confidence. 

Climate. — From  the  vegetation  and  the  stout  build  of  the  people,  the 
climate  must  be  considered  very  favourable.  While  the  avei-age  tempera- 
ture in  Bangkok  and  in  the  Gulf  of  Siam  had  been,  in  daytime  in  the  shade, 
93°  to  95°,  and  at  night  88°  to  90^',  it  was  at  the  Anamba  Islands  only,  re- 
spectively, 84°  and  77°.  The  cause  of  this  low  temperature  appears  to  be  the 
frequent  heavy  rains,  preceded  by  fresh  breezes.  (Corvette  Nj/mphe,  June, 
1873.) 

The  SOUTHERN  GROUP  consists  of  the  White  Eock,  high  above  water, 
in  lat.  2°  20'  N.,  long.  105°  34'  E.,  and  the  following  islands  :— 


THE  ANAMBA  ISLANDS.  RU 

Pulo  Repon,  or  Saddle  Island,  in  lat.  2°  25'  N.,  long.  105°  52'  E.,  the 
most  southern  island  of  the  group,  is  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in 
extent.  Captain  Goldsmith,  of  H. M.S.  Hyacinth,  states  that  this  island  has 
discoloured  water  three-quarters  of  a  mile  off  its  N.E.  end,  with  regular 
soundings  of  33  and  35  fathoms,  sand  and  shells,  about  1^  mile  to  the  west- 
ward of  it. 

Capt.  Laplace,  of  the  French  Imperial  corvette  La  Favorite,  in  April,  1831, 
passed  about  midway  between  White  Kock  and  Pulo  Eepon,  carrying  depths 
from  30  to  34  fathoms,  muddy  bottom. 

Baua  is  a  small  group,  about  1 1  miles  north-eastward  of  Eepon  ;  and 
about  15  miles  N.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  from  Baua  is  another  small  group,  called 
Kittan,  in  lat.  2°  39'  N.  This  last  group  forms  the  south-eastern  limit  of  the 
Anamba  Islands. 

The  Riabu  Group  extends  from  about  5  to  13  miles  N.N.W.  of  the  Rittan 
group.  Pulo  Eiabu  is  a  high  island,  about  6  miles  in  extent,  having  a  much 
smaller  island,  named  Piling,  close  to  the  westward  of  it,  and  several  islets 
and  roclcs  off  its  S.E.  extreme. 

The  WESTERN  GROUP  comprises  a  high  island,  called  DJimaJa,  about 
14  miles  in  length,  with  several  small  islands,  nearly  joining  each  other,  off 
its  N.W.  extreme  ;  their  N.W.  limit  is  in  lat.  3°  5'  N.,  long.  105°  32'  E.,  and 
the  South  point  of  the  large  island  is  in  lat.  2°  50'  N.  Djimaja  has  a  peak 
on  it,  and  a  bay  on  the  North  side,  with  islets  and  reefs  about  a  mile  distant 
on  the  western  side,  and  soundings  of  24  to  35  fathoms  near  them. 

Courier  Rock. — There  is  a  sunken  rock,  on  which  the  Courier  struck,  in 
lat.  2°  58'  N.,  about  3  miles  from  the  western  shore  of  Djimaja,  and  nearly 
the  same  distance  S.W.  ^  S.  from  Joulan  Point,  which  projects  to  the  west- 
ward near  the  parallel  of  3°  N. 

Pulo  Domar,  in  lat.  2°  45'  N.,  long.  105°  25'  E.,  and  the  most  western  of 
the  Anamba  Islands,  is  a  high,  barren  rock,  with  34  or  36  fathoms  water 
close  to  it,  35  to  40  fathoms  between  it  and  Djimaja,  and  32  to  39  fathoms 
in  the  channel  between  it  and  Pulo  Aor.  Sir  E.  Belcher  states  it  to  be  150 
feet  high,  and  that  in  fine  weather  safe  landing  may  be  found  on  its  S.E. 
extreme. 

Telaga  Group.— Telaga  or  Peaked  Island,  in  lat.  3°  5'  N.,  and  about  8 
miles  north-eastward  of  the  East  end  of  Djimaja,  is  about  3  miles  in  extent, 
and  has  a  high  peak  on  its  northern  end.  Close  to  its  N.W.  end  is  Little 
Telaga,  an  island  about  half  its  size,  and  close  to  its  western  side  are  some 
islets  and  rocks. 

Some  groups  of  small  islands  lie  between  Telaga  and  Eiabu,  and  others 
between  the  former  island  and  the  northern  group.* 


*  In  sailing  round  the  northern  group  of  the  Anamba  Islands,  Telaga  or  Peaked  Island 
is  a  most  remarkiible  object,  and  appeared  higher  than  any  land  about  it.     Douraij  Island 


612  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

The  NORTHERN  GROUP  of  the  Anamba  Islands  is  comprised  between 
the  parallels  of  3^  and  3°  30'  N.  Its  western  portion  consists  of  tliree  large 
islands,  and  there  are  numerous  smaller  ones  to  the  south-eastward,  with 
other  detached  islets.  The  longitude  of  the  most  eastern  islets  is  106°  29'  E. 
The  larger  islands  are  inhabited,  and  abound  with  fruits  and  vegetables. 

Captain  Laplace  examined  this  group  in  1831,  and  he  makes  the  three 
large  islands  to  extend  from  lat.  3°  9'  to  3°  27J'  N.,  the  two  northernmost, 
called  Mata  and  Molur,  having  a  channel  about  a  mile  wide  between  them, 
called  Selamata  (more  properly  Selat-Mata),  with  depths  of  15  to  28  fathoms 
in  the  South  entrance  and  middle  part ;  but  the  northern  part  has  several 
isles  and  rocks,  and  appears,  by  the  chart  of  the  survey,  not  to  have  been 
examined.  Between  the  South  point  of  Mobur,  the  westernmost  island,  and 
Mangar  Island,  fronting  it  about  a  mile  distant  to  the  westward,  is  the 
entrance  of  a  deep  inlet,  named  Paris  Cove,  which  extends  about  3  miles  to 
the  northward  into  Mobiir,  nearly  dividing  that  island  into  two  sections  ;  th© 
general  depths  in  it  are  23  to  17  fathoms,  decreasing  near  the  shore  at  the 
upper  part,  and  it  appears  to  form  a  safe  harbour.  The  German  corvette 
Ntjmphe,  in  June,  1873,  anchored  in  18  fathoms  of  water,  with  a  house  on  the 
West  side  of  the  cove  bearing  W.S.W.,  and  the  S.E.  point  of  the  bay  S.E. 
^  S.     A  supply  of  good  water  was  procured,  but  no  provisions. 

Siantan,  the  southern  large  island,  fronts  tlie  South  end  of  Mata,  being 
separated  from  it  by  a  channel  from  1  to  1|  mile  wide,  in  which  the  depths 
are  from  10  to  24  fathoms.  The  eastern  entrance  of  this  channel  is  ob- 
structed by  a  chain  of  shoals,  but  there  is  thought  to  be  a  narrow  passage, 
with  from  5  to  9  fathoms  water,  to  the  southward  of  them,  by  keeping  close 
along  the  reef  that  borders  the  eastern  side  of  Siantan.  The  western  entrance 
of  the  channel  is  formed  by  Tnpinier  Say,  which  is  3  miles  wide  between 
Pedasse  Point,  the  N.W.  extreme  of  Siantan,  and  the  South  point  of  Man- 
gar,  which  bear  nearly  North  and  South  of  each  other ;  the  centre  of  the 
entrance  is  in  lat.  3°  16^'  N.,  with  depths  from  24  to  32  fathoms. 

Terempa. — About  IJ  ofiil®  inside  Pedasse  Point,  is  Terempa  village,  at 
the  bottom  of  a  small  bay,  where  a  vessel  might  anchor  in  from  10  to  15 
fathoms,  sandy  bottom,  sheltered  from  all  winds.  Terempa,  containing  300 
or  400  inhabitants,  is  the  chief  place  of  the  group,  and  the  residence  of  the 
native  magistrate  appointed  by  the  Dutch.  The  German  corvette  Nymphe 
anchored  here  in  20i  fathoms  water,  with  Rigni  Island  bearing  N.W.  by  N. 
and  Pedasse  Point  W.  by  N. 


is  high,  about  the  same  height  as  Paat  Island.  Sendock  is  a  low  rock,  and  will  not  be  seen 
till  Namas  Island  (which  is  high  and  one  mass  of  large  rocks)  bears  about  S.E.  Guerite 
Kock,  -when  first  seen,  makes  like  a  topsail  schooner ;  on  a  nearer  approach  the  stone  on  the 
summit  appears  like  the  top  of  a  lighthouse,  and  on  a  S.W.  bearing,  like  a  schooner  running 
before  the  wind. — Navigating  Lieutenant  J,  W.  King,  H.M.S.  Vernon,  June,  1847. 


NATUNA  ISLANDS.  613 

Two  miles  eastward  of  Terempa  a  bay  is  formed  in  the  N.E.  part  of 
Siantan,  with  depths  of  10  to  15  fathoms  near  tlie  reef  that  borders  the 
shore,  where  it  would  appear  by  the  chart  ships  might  anchor  comj^letely 
landlocked. 

The  following  is  from  the  report  of  the  German  corvette  Nymphe,  1873  :  — 

From  Terempa  we  steered  southerly  around  Siantan  Island  for  the 
southern  entrance  of  Clermont  Channel,  but  we  found  the  chart  too  incom- 
plete. "We  therefore  proceeded  North  through  Thetis  Channel,  along  the 
eastern  shore  of  Bougainville  Island,  for  the  northern  entrance  of  Port 
Clermont,  which,  according  to  the  chart,  was  to  be  looked  for  in  a  south- 
westerly direction  from  a  cliff  running  out  to  the  North.  This  we  found  to 
be  correct ;  but  the  eastern  coast  of  Bougainville  Island  proved  to  be  quite 
different  from  that  represented  on  the  chart,  on  which  it  trended  first  about 
2  miles  North  and  South,  and  then  2  miles  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.,  with  a 
small  bight  midway  of  the  latter  part,  while  in  fact  there  were  two  bays, 
the  southernmost  of  which  was  about  a  mile  deep,  with  an  entrance  similar 
to  Port  Clermont,  with  depths  of  from  11  to  17  fathoms  ;  the  northern  bay 
■was  wider  and  of  less  depth.  The  southern  bay  is  quite  foul,  and,  as  the 
entrance  much  resembles  that  of  Port  Clermont,  may  be  dangerous. 

In  Port  Clermont  we  found  the  reefs  and  shoals  to  extend  considerably 
into  the  channel,  rendering  it  quite  narrow.  The  hilly  shores  are  every- 
where steep-to  ;  the  harbour  is  quite  roomy,  and,  having  three  entrances, 
would  be  an  excellent  place  of  refuge  when  better  surveyed.  The  water  in 
the  creek  shown  on  the  chart  is  in  such  small  quantity  that  it  would  hardly 
BufB.ce  for  one  vessel. 

NATUNA  ISLANDS. 

The  name  given  by  Europeans  to  these  groups  is  entirely  tmknown  to  the 
Malay  inhabitants.  They  own  allegiance  to  the  Prince  of  Johore,  who  lives 
under  British  protection  at  Singapore.  The  larger  islands  only  are  inha- 
bited, and  according  to  Mr.  Crawfurd,  the  Great  Natuna  had  a  population  of 
600,  the  northern  group  300,  and  the  southern  400,  making  a  total  of  1,300. 
The  islands  are  rocky  and  sterile,  and  the  few  articles  of  trade,  fish,  raw- 
sago,  and  cocoa-nut  oil,  are  exchanged  in  the  straits  of  Malacca  for  rice, 
clothing,  and  iron. 

The  northern  groups  were  examined  by  Captain  Laplace,  in  the  French 
Imperial  corvette  La  Favorite,  in  1831,  and  a  survey  was  made  by  Lieutenant 
E.  Paris.  The  South  Natuna  Islands  were  surveyed  by  the  late  Lieutenant 
D.  M.  Gordon,  E.N.,  in  H.M.S.  Royalist,  in  1847. 

The  Natuna  Islands  extend  in  a  N.N.W.  ^  W.  direction  to  the  distance  of 
100  miles  from  Tanjimg  Api,  the  N.W.  extreme  of  Borneo.     They  may  be 


614  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

divided  into  three  groups,— the  South  Natuna,  near  Borneo;  the  Great 
Natuna  and  its  contiguous  islets  ;  and  the  North  Natuna. 

SOUTH  NATUNA  ISLANDS, — This  group  extends  from  the  coast  of  Bor- 
neo to  about  lat.  3°  3'  N.  ;  it  is  subdivided  by  a  safe  channel,  and  the  outside 
channel,  between  it  and  Great  Natuna,  is  spacious.  The  two  principal 
islands  are  Sirhassen  and  Subi. 

Marundum,  the  southernmost  island  of  the  group,  is  in  lat.  2°  4'  N.,  long. 
109°  7i'  E.,  and  bears  from  Tanjong  Api  N.AV.  by  W.  i  W.,  14  miles.  It 
is  about  a  mile  in  extent,  and  120  ft.  high.  A  reef,  which  dries,  lies  about 
a  mile  off  its  AVest  side,  and  there  is  a  patch  of  4^  fathoms  about  the 
same  distance  from  its  N.E.  side.  The  soundings  round  about  are  very 
irregular. 

API  PASSAGE,  the  channel  between  the  coast  of  Borneo  and  Marundum, 
appears  to  be  free  from  danger,  with  depths  varying  from  11  to  23  fathoms. 
The  description  of  the  adjacent  coast  of  Borneo  will  be  found  on  pages  2S7 
and  480,  ante. 

South  Haycock  Island,  in  lat.  2°  17' N,,  long.  108°  55^'  E.,  is  a  mere  islet, 
said  to  be,  however,  very  conspicuous  ;  it  is  surrounded  to  the  distance  of 
about  a  tliird  of  a  mile  by  a  reef,  and  there  appears  to  be  an  islet,  or  rock 
above  water,  close  to  the  southward  of  it. 

Sembuni  and  Moln  Shoals  comprise  an  extensive  mass  of  dangers  lying 
between  Marundum  and  Sirhassen.  The  Sembuni  is  the  name  given  to  that 
portion  which  lies  nearer  to  Marundum,  the  channel  between  that  island  and 
the  shoals  being  7  or  8  miles  wide,  free  from  danger,  but  with  depths  vary- 
ing from  8  to  16  fathoms.  The  Larkin  Shoal,  of  Horsburgh,  appears  to  be 
one  of  the  Sembuni  patches. 

The  Molu  Shoals  lie  to  the  eastward  of  Haycock  Island,  and  cover  a  space 
about  5  miles  in  extent ;  the  channel  between  the  island  and  the  shoals  is 
about  5  miles  wide,,  with  depths  varying  from  11  to  20  fathoms. 

A  rock  is  placed  on  the  chart  4  or  5  miles  to  the  N.E.  of  the  Molu  patches, 
■with  Prantou  Island  bearing  N.  I  E.  5^  miles,  and  the  apex  of  Brian  Island 
N.W.  i  W.  13  miles.  To  the  eastward  of  this  rock  is  a  space  7  or  8  miles 
in  extent,  which  has  not  been  sounded  over,  and  where  it  is  probable  other 
dangers  may  exist. 

SIRHASSEN  PASSAGE  is  bounded  on  the  South  by  Haycock  Island  and 
the  northern  part  of  the  shoals  and  dangers  just  described,  and  on  the  North 
by  Sirhassen  and  its  contiguous  islands.  Its  narrowest  part,  between  the 
rock  N.E.  of  the  Molu  Shoals  and  Prantou  Island,  is  about  o  miles  wide, 
and  appears  to  be  free  from  danger,  although  the  soundings  here,  as  else- 
where in  this  neighbourhood,  are  very  irregular,  14  to  40  fathoms. 

SIEHASSEN  GROUP. — Sirhassen  or  Ififfh  Island,  is  9  miles  long.  East  and 
West,  and  represented  on  the  chart  as  mountainous,  except  on  its  N.E.  side. 


NATUNxV  ISLANDS— SUBI  GROUP.  615 

■where  the  lofty  extremes  of  the  island  have  a  low  sandy  bay  between  them. 
Nearly  joining  the  island  on  its  S.W.  side  are  several  islets,  the  largest  of 
wliich,  Brian  Island,  is  760  ft.  high.  These  islets,  having  but  very  narrow 
channels  between  them,  must  at  a  distance  appear  as  part  of  the  main  island. 
The  chain  of  islets  running  about  7  miles  in  a  N.N.E.  direction  from  the 
N.E.  point  of  Sirhassen,  give  a  partial  shelter  from  the  north-easterly  winds 
to  vessels  which  may  anchor  in  the  sandy  bay  before  mentioned,  the  depths 
in  which  are  from  10  to  17  fathoms. 

It  is  reported  that  the  ship  Lighifoot,  Pierce,  master,  from  Whampoa  to 
London,  struck  on  a  coral  shoal  the  3rd  September,  1854,  about  3^  miles 
to  the  westward  of  Sirhassen  Island,  in  la'o.  2°  32'  N.,  long.  108°  58'  E.  ; 
■whilst  the  ship  was  on  shore,  found  the  current  was  setting  to  the  eastward 
3  knots  per  hour. 

Prantoii,  a  small  island,  465  ft.  high,  lies  nearly  3  miles  to  the  southward 
of  the  eastern  extreme  of  Sirhassen,  with  a  deep  channel  of  20  to  40  fathoms 
between  them. 

Royalist  Haven  is  on  the  S.W.  and  "West  side  of  Sirhassen  Island.  The 
leading  mark  in  is  IToimt  Koti  [l&o  ft.  high,  on  the  N.W.  part  of  the  island), 
on  with  David  Point  bearing  N.N.W.  The  entrance  is  about  2  cables  wide 
between  Rimell  and  Wilkinson  Eocks,  with  7  to  10  fathoms  in  the  channel, 
and  7  to  1 1  fathoms  in  the  haven  ;  there  are  several  rocky  heads  with  deep 
water  between  them  in  and  near  the  anchorage,  in  9  or  10  fathoms,  nearly 
half  a  mile  within  the  entrance,  though  a  vessel  of  large  draught  may  thread 
her  way  between  the  coral  heads  at  least  2  miles  within  the  entrance  towards 
Banff  Bay  to  the  N.N.W.  The  Dutch  have  or  had  a  small  supply  of  coal 
on  Sirhassen  Island. 

KOTI  PASSAGE  is  the  name  of  the  channel  between  Sirhassen  and 
Pulo  Panjung,  dividing  the  South  Natuna  group  into  two  divisions.  It  is 
9  or  10  miles  wide,  and  appears,  with  the  exception  of  the  Milton  Shoal,  to 
be  quite  free  from  danger,  although  'the  depths  are  very  irregular,  15  to  30 
fathoms  generally,  with  some  deeper  holes — no  bottom  35  to  37  fathoms 
— near  mid-channel. 

This  passage  is  often  used  by  vessels  proceeding  from  Singapore  to 
Hong  Kong  against  the  N.E.  monsoon,  and  which  are  unable  to  weather 
Subi. 

Milton  Shoal. — Capt.  Le  Boutillier,  of  the  John  Milton,  reports  a  shoal  in 
the  Koti  Passage,  as  follows  : — "  On  the  22nd  September,  1869,  passed  over 
a  shoal,  where  on  the  chart  is  marked  20  fathoms  water.  This  shoal  is 
about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  breadth,  the  bottom  of  large  round  coral  stones; 
found  no  less  than  28  ft.  of  water,  being  very  smooth  at  the  time,  seeing  the 
bottom  quite  plain,  vessel  going  at  the  rate  of  one  mile  per  hour.  At  the 
same  time  took  several  cross  bearings,  and  found  the  said  shoal  to  be  in 
lat.  2°  37'  N.,  long.  108°  50'  E." 


616  ,  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

STJBI  GROUP. — Subi  or  Soiihi,  or  Flat  Island,  the  northernmost  and  largest 
island  of  the  South  Natuna,  is  about  12  miles  long  North  and  South,  and 
5  miles  wide,  including  an  island  about  2  miles  in  extent  o£f  its  northern  end, 
to  which  it  is  connected  by  a  reef  It  is  also  apparently  connected  with,  the 
smaller  island  of  Panjung  and  its  neighbouring  islets,  lying  7  miles  to  the 
S.S.E.  by  the  rocky  bank  on  which  both  seem  to  be  based. 

Subi  appears  to  be  surrounded,  except  on  its  S.W.  side,  with  shelving 
rocks,  to  the  distance  of  2  or  3  miles,  and  on  their  outer  edge  are  several 
rocky  islets,  the  principal  of  which  is  Bucu,  on  the  West  side  of  Panjung, 
completely  detached;  and  16  miles  south-westward  of  Subi  is  the  hilly  island 
called  Serai,  or  West  Island,  in  lat.  2°  40' N.,  long.  108°  35' E.,  with  the 
Doua  Eock  I J  mile  north-eastward  of  it. 

Pumumahung  Reef,  lying  about  3  miles  West  of  the  Panjung  group,  is 
about  2  miles  in  extent.  East  to  West,  by  one  mile  North  and  South,  with, 
soundings  of  4  to  15  fathoms  near  it.  There  is  also  a  rocky  patch,  the 
Jahak  Reef,  at  Z\  miles  N.N.W.  of  this  ;  and  West  of  the  latter,  and  North, 
distant  3^  miles  of  the  Doua  Eock,  is  the  Jaring  Reef,  which  is  a  rock  with 
a  bank  extending  about  3  miles  to  the  north-eastward  from  it.  There  is  also 
a  rocky  patch  called  Laid  Reef,  off  the  East  side  of  Subi,  about  2J  miles  out- 
side the  reef  surrounding  the  island,  from  which  the  hill,  200  ft.  high,  on 
the  northern  extreme  of  Subi  bears  N.W.  \  W.,  and  the  eastern  apex  of 
Pulo  Panjung  S.  by  W.  f  W.  Vessels  should  be  cautious  in  approaching 
the  eastern  side  of  Subi. 

The  Soundings  round  the  South  Natuna  group  vary  from  10  and  15  to  30 
and  40  fathoms,  and  to  the  south-eastward  extend  to  the  coast  of  Borneo  in 
average  depths  of  14  to  20  fathoms. 

Current. — The  current  at  times  is  strong  among  the  South  Natuna  Is- 
lands, according  to  the  prevailing  winds.  In  the  Koti  Passage  it  has  some- 
times been  found  to  run  2^  miles  per  hour  to  the  northward,  during  the 
southerly  monsoon. 

The  Channel  between  Subi  and  Low  Island  is  ordinarily  used  by  vessels 
proceeding  to  China  by  the  Palawan  route,  during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  al- 
though, as  has  been  previously  remarked,  it  sometimes  happens  that  vessels 
are  unable  to  weather  Subi,  and  find  it  convenient  to  proceed  through  the 
Koti  Passage.  Low  Island  lies  60  miles  to  the  westward  of  Subi,  but  the 
channel  is  narrowed  to  about  50  miles  by  reefs  which  lie  eastward  and  south- 
eastward of  Low  Island. 

LOW  ISLAND,  in  lat.  3=^  0'  N.,  long.  107°  48'  E.,  is  in  extent  about  3 J 
miles  North  and  South,  and  2J  miles  East  and  West,  having  shoal  water 
extending  to  a  considerable  distance  from  its  eastern  and  western  sides.  The 
following  dangers  render  great  caution  necessary  in  passing  to  the  southward 
of  it:— 

JACKSON  EEEF  lies  off  the  S.E.  part  of  Low  Island,  in  lat.  2°  56'  N., 


NATUNA  ISLANDS-  G17 

long.  107°  55'  E.  The  bottom  was  perceived  in  14  fathoms,  coral,  and  the 
boat  in  sounding  near  the  ship,  had  from  5  to  7  fathoms,  coral ;  in  one  jjlace 
only  43.  fathoms,  with  apparently  less  water  on  other  patches  of  this  coral 
ehoal,  which  extends  about  2  miles  in  a  S.E.  and  N.W.  direction,  bearing 
from  the  East  point  of  Low  Island  E.S.E.,  distant  about  6  miles.  This  shoal 
ought  to  be  avoided,  as  well  as  Hutton  Eeefs  to  the  northward ;  they  may 
probably  be  a  continuation  of  the  chain  of  shoals  formed  of  coral  patches,  now 
ascertained  to  exist  in  the  proximity  of  Low  Island. 

Hutton  Reefs  are  thus  described  in  the  journal  of  Mr.  Howard  : — Observ- 
ing shoal  water  to  extend  a  long  distance  off  the  East  and  "West  ends  of  Low 
Island,  edged  out  to  give  it  a  wide  berth  in  passing  on  the  South  side.  From 
10  a.m.  to  noon  steered  E.  by  S.  3  miles,  and  East  2  miles,  when  discoloured 
water  was  seen  bearing  East ;  hauled  up  N.E.  by  N.  to  go  between  it  and 
the  island,  the  extremes  of  the  latter  then  bearing  from  N.W.  by  N.  to  W. 
by  N.,  distant  about  3  miles,  observed  lat.  2°  59'  N. 

In  passing  between  the  shoal  and  island,  the  least  water  was  8  fathoms, 
rocks,  with  the  East  part  of  the  island  bearing  S.W.  by  W.  ^  W.  3  miles, 
and  the  nearest  patch  of  shoal  water  S.E.  This  appears  to  be  an  extensive 
shoal,  consisting  of  patches,  and  formed  in  the  shape  of  a  horse-shoe.  After 
passing  between  it  and  Low  Island,  sent  the  first  officer  in  a  boat  to  examine 
the  nearest  patch,  on  which  he  had  3J  fathoms,  pyramidal  rocks,  and  there 
is  probably  less  water  on  some  of  the  patches,  with  channels  between  them. 
The  South  or  outer  patch  appeared  to  lie  4  or  4i  miles  from  Low  Island  in 
an  E.  by  N.  or  N.E.  direction. 

Diana  Reefs.— This  dangerous  coral  reef,  lying  to  the  N.N.W.  of  Low 
Island,  is  thus  described  by  Lieutenant  Kempthorne,  who  grounded  upon  it 
in  H.M.  brig  Diana  : — Saw  the  bottom,  and  sounded  in  4f  fathoms,  but  lost 
the  lead,  by  its  getting  fixed  in  the  coral.  Wore  to  the  eastward,  and  had 
5  J,  6,  7,  8,  10,  11,  17  fathoms,  then  no  bottom  at  20  fathoms.  The  boat  sent 
to  sound  had  3 J  fathoms,  and  several  casts  of  Sf  fathoms  on  the  points  of 
coral,  with  deep  water  between  them ;  two  spots  of  discolored  water,  one 
bearing  South,  and  the  other  S.W.  by  W.  about  2  miles,  appeared  much 
shoaler  than  where  the  boat  sounded.  The  shoal  seemed  to  extend  N.E. 
by  E.,  and  S.W.  by  W.  ly  miles ;  no  broken  water  was  visible  upon  it,  but 
when  the  swell  rolled  over  the  points  of  coral,  it  resembled  a  shoal  of  fish. 

When  the  bottom  was  first  seen  in  4|  fathoms,  the  N.E.  point  of  Low 
Island  bore  S.E.,  and  the  N.W.  point,  with  the  S.W.  point  just  open  of  it, 
bore  S.S.E.  ^  E.,  Haycock  Island,  N.  43°  W.,  distant  from  Low  Island  about 
9  or  10  miles.  Where  the  boat  sounded,  she  had  nearly  the  same  bearings, 
but  was  half  a  mile  more  to  the  N.W.,  with  Haycock  Island  just  in  sight 
from  her. 

Caution. — The  channel  between  the  Natuna  and  Anamba  Islands  ia  wide 

I.    A.  4  £ 


618  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

and  safe  in  daylight ;  but  as  several  coral  spots  with  but  little  water  on  them 
have  been  discovered  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Natunas,  a  good  look-out  is  neces- 
eaiy,  as  other  shoal  patches,  yet  unknown,  may  probably  exist. 

Yong  Sahal  Bank,  is  placed  on  the  Dutch  chart  W.  ^  S.  19  miles  from 
the  S.  W.  point  of  Low  Island. 

North  Haycock  Island,  in  about  lat.  3°  17'  N.,  long.  107°  34J'  E.  is  high, 
of  conical  shape,  having  a  reef  projecting  3  or  4  miles  from  it  to  the  S.W. 
and  South,  with  30  and  33  fathoms  near  its  edge. 

ElpMnstone  Rock  is  named  after  the  ship  which  discovered  it  in  1844,  and 
is  thus  described  by  her  commander,  Mr.  Crawford  : — It  stands  high  out  of 
the  water,  about  69  feet.  From  the  southward  a  reef  projects  about  a  mile, 
at  the  extreme  of  which  is  a  rock  which  is  partially  covered  at  high  water. 
From  this  a  dangerous  reef  projects  a  long  distance  to  leeward,  and  is  pro- 
bably a  continuation  of  the  Hutton  or  Diana  Eeefs.  To  the  northward  of 
the  main  rock  there  appears  to  be  a  safe  passage.  This  rock  is  in  lat.  3° 
23'  N.,  long.  107°  50J'  E.,  and  in  a  dark  night  or  thick  weather  a  ship  would 
be  on  it  before  it  could  be  seen,  as  the  soundings  are  no  guide ;  from  40  to 
23  fathoms  in  a  cast. 

GREAT  NATTJNA  GROUP.— Great  Natuna  Island,  called  Pulo  Boong- 
Ouran  by  the  Malays,  extends  from  3°  38^'  to  4°  16 J'  N.,  and  two  small 
islands  off  the  North  point,  joined  to  it  by  a  reef,  extend  about  3  miles  farther 
with  17  fathoms  water  within  a  mile  of  them.  The  North  extreme  of  the 
idand  is  in  long.  108°  lli°  E.,  and  the  East  extreme  in  108°  23'  E.,  its 
breadth  being  about  25  miles. 

The  interior  of  the  island  is  mostly  high  ;  and  on  the  northern  part  are  two 
mountains  of  considerable  elevation,  Mount  Bedong  or  Quoin  Hill,  in  lat.  4°  3' 
N.,  and  Mount  Eanay,  near  Cape  Senubing,  the  East  point  of  the  island,  in 
lat.  4°  N.  ;  the  latter  is  1,890  feet  high,  and  may  be  seen  44  or  45  miles. 
Some  of  the  projecting  parts  of  the  coast  are  rather  low,  particularly  from 
lat.  4°  N.  to  the  North  end  of  the  island,  where  there  are  red  cliffs. 

Eeefs  and  islets  front  the  eastern  coast  of  this  island,  rendering  it  dan- 
gerous to  approach  under  6  or  7  miles  in  some  places,  at  which  distance  the 
depths  are  usually  from  34  to  46  fathoms.  Mr.  Whiteside,  commanding  the 
ship  Sarah,  describes  an  extensive  coral  bank  in  patches,  in  passing  over 
which  the  ship  received  a  slight  shock,  at  which  time  a  small  island  off  the 
Natuna  bore  S.W.  by  W.,  distant  about  6  miles.  A  one-fathom  patch,  in 
lat.  4°  4'  N.,  long.  108°  26'  E.,  called  in  the  chart  Mieulle  Reef,  agrees  with 
this  bearing,  but  it  is  only  half  the  distance  from  the  island,  which  is  called 
Senoang,  and  lies  close  to  Cape  Senubing. 

Devonport  Rock  is  10  miles  distant  from  the  East  coast  of  the  Great 
Natuna  Island,  and  in  the  neighbourhood  of  deep  water  34  fathoms.  It  has 
about  17  ft.  water  on  the  part  where  the  Devonport  struck.     From  the  ship 


NATUNAS- PYRAMIDAL  EOCKS.  619 

the  following  bearings  were  taken;  Senoang  Island  N.W.,  and  Kamodi 
Island  S.W.  by  W.,  which  places  it  in  about  lat.  3°  54'  N.,  long.  108°  30'  E. 

A  reef  is  placed  upon  the  Admiralty  chart  S.  by  E.  J  E.,  distant  3^ 
miles  from  Kamodi,  the  outermost  of  two  islets  lying  ofiP  this  coast ;  and 
another  reef  is  said  to  lie  3  or  4  miles  farther  in  the  same  direction  from 
that  islet. 

The  Dutch  vessel  Lamina  Elizaheth  struck  on  a  reef  lying  off  the  S.E.  coast 
of  Great  Natuna,  with  Kamodi  and  Jantay  Islets  nearly  in  one,  bearing  N. 
by  E.  f  E. ;  Mount  Eanay  N.  by  W.  |  W. ;  the  nearest  high  land  on  Na- 
tuna W.  by  N.  i  N. ;  the  South  point  of  the  same  W.  ^  N. ;  and  the  point 
of  Lagong  Island  about  W.  by  S.  It  appears  necessary  to  be  cautious  in 
approaching  the  eastern  and  south-eastern  coasts  of  Great  Natuna. 

The  western  coast  of  Great  Natuna  is  also  fronted  by  islands,  the  chief  of 
which  are  the  Duperre  group,  lying  near  its  S.W.  extreme.  They  are  high 
islands ;  Sedcdap,  in  lat.  3°  34'  N.,  is  the  southernmost.  Salaor,  or  Peaked 
Island,  in  lat.  3°  53'  N.,  is  also  high;  likewise  Seluan,  or  North-west  Island, 
in  lat.  4°  9'  N.,  long.  107°  50'  E.,  which  has  a  reef  projecting  a  mile  or  more 
from  its  South  point,  with  depths  of  30  to  20  fathoms  on  its  S.W.  side  ;  a  reef 
is  marked  on  the  chart  at  2^  or  3  miles  distance  from  the  western  side  of 
this  island,  and  one  3  miles  S.S.E.  of  Sededap. 

A  reef  of  coral  rock,  with  only  2  fathoms  on  it,  and  from  20  to  30  fathoms 
near  it  on  the  West  and  S.W.  sides,  lies  in  lat.  4°  3'  N.,  about  5  miles 
S.S.W.  from  Seluan  Island  ;  about  5  miles  S.W.  |  S.  from  this  reef,  and 
10  miles  N.W.  by  W.  from  Peaked  Island,  and  about  the  same  distance 
from  Seluan  Island  is  another  coral  shoal  in  lat.  3°  59'  N.,  having  3  fathoms, 
rocks,  on  it,  and  from  20  to  30  fathoms,  mud,  close  around.  These  shoals 
were  explored  by  Captain  Ross,  in  1814.  There  is  also  a  reef  named  Semapi, 
midway  between  Seluan  and  the  North  point  of  Great  Natuna,  9  or  10  miles 
off  shore  ;  it  appears  to  be  of  considerable  extent. 

PYRAMIDAL  ROCKS,  in  lat.  4^3'  N.,  long.  107"  21f'  E.,  are  in  the  track 
of  ships  returning  from  China  late  in  the  season,  when  they  pass  between 
the  Anamba  and  Natuna  Islands,  proceeding  towards  Gaspar  Strait.  The 
Windham  and  Coldstream,  in  1817,  passed  on  the  East  side  of  these  rocks  at 
4  miles  distance  ;  they  described  them  as  a  clump,  of  rugged  aspect,  elevated 
about  20  or  25  feet  above  the  sea.  The  General  Kyd,  commanded  by  Mr. 
Nairne,  in  1818,  passed  4  or  5  miles  to  the  westward  of  them ;  when  Seluan 
Island  bore  N.  85°  E.,  the  rocks  were  on  a  transit  line  with  Salaor  Island 
bearing  S.  72°  E.,  distant  4  or  5  miles. 

In  1863,  H.M.S.  Rifleman  carried  a  line  of  soundings  from  Victory  Island 
to  the  position  of  a  doubtful  rock  that  was  placed  on  the  Admiralty  chart  1 1 
miles  S.W.  of  the  Pyramidal  Rocks.  The  Rifleman  passed  close  to  the  spot 
without  discovering  any  danger,  and  had  soundings  in  33  fathoms.     The. 


620  THE  CHINA  SE.\. 

Pyramidal  Eocks  were  also  passed  within  4  miles,  but  it  was  getting  too 
dark  to  examine  them  closely.* 

A  BouUful  Rock  is  placed  upon  the  chart  in  lat.  4°  11'  N.,  long.  107°  34f' 
E.,  about  15  miles  N.E.  by  E.  from  the  Pyramidal  Rocks,  and  the  same  dis- 
tance to  the  westward  of  the  North  point  of  Seluan  Island.  The  Dutch 
notice,  previously  alluded  to,  states  that  a  rock,  25  ft.  above  water,  was  dis- 
covered lying  N.E.  by  E.  \  E.  of  the  Pyramidal  Eocks.  Its  appearance  was 
eimilar  to  those  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Pulo  Semione,  and  it  is  said  to  be 
in  long.  107°  26'  E. 

Success  Reef  is  about  2  miles  in  extent,  in  lat.  4°  22'  N.,  long.  107°  55' 
E.,  nearly  midway  between  Semione  Island  and  the  North  point  of  Great 
Natuna.  When  the  breakers  on  the  reef  were  seen  from  the  ship^s  deck 
bearing  E.  by  S.  about  2  miles,  Semione  bore  N.W.  |  W.  about  12  miles; 
the  eastern  extreme  of  North  Natuna  N.  by  E. ;  and  the  western  extreme  of 
Great  Natuna  S.  by  W.  I  W.  about  20  miles.  The  ship  afterwards  tacked 
in  35  fathoms,  within  a  mile  of  the  breakers.  The  Favourite,  Captain  La 
Place,  in  March,  18  31,  passing  close  to  the  eastern  extremities  of  these 
dangers,  marked  as  two  patches  in  his  chart,  carried  soundings  of  30  to  20 
fathoms,  sandy  bottom. 

Semione  or  Saddle  Island,  in  lat.  4°  31'  N.,  long.  107°  42'  E.,  has  a  reef 
projecting  from  its  South  end,  and  another  from  the  N.W.  end,  with  less 
than  3  fathoms  water  on  it,  and  40  fathoms  close-to. 

There  is  a  rock  above  water  about  4  miles  S.  by  W.  J  W.  from  this  island 
and  between  thf  m  are  depths  of  28  fathoms. 

THE  NORTH  NATUNA  GROUP  are  of  moderate  height,  producing  cocoa- 
nuts  and  some  other  fruits,  and  are  inhabited  by  Malays.  They  comprise  a 
long  island  named  Pulo  Laut  (Sea  Island),  stretching  N.E.  by  N.  and  S.W. 
by  S.  8  miles,  with  Pulo  StoJtong,  a  smaller  island,  near  its  northern  extreme, 
and  several  islets  and  rocks  close  to  its  southern  end,  upon  the  reef  that 
fronts  the  shore.  There  is  also  a  rocky  islet,  in  lat.  4°  39'  N.,  about  2^  miles 
S.  by  E.  \  E.  from  the  S.E.  point  of  Laut ;  and  S.  i  E.,  2A  miles  from  this 
islet,  a  rock  touched  on  by  the  Louise  and  Marguerite,  drawing  14 J  ft.  water, 
in  1873.  From  it  the  S.W.  end  of  Pulo  Laut  bore  N.N.W.  I  W.  Gloria  Reef, 
on  which  the  Spanish  steamer  of  that  name  was  wrecked  in  May,  1877,  lies 
2  miles  N.W.  of  the  Louise  and  Marguerite.  From  this  wreck,  lying  in  15 
feet  water,  the  West  extreme  of  Pulo  Laut  bore  N.N.W.,  and  the  South 
extreme  of  Semione  Island  W.S.W.     Between  the  two  reefs  a  depth  of  12 

*  From  the  Pyramidal  Rocks,  H.M.S  Rifleman  carried  a  line  of  soundings  to  the  posi- 
tion of  the  French  Eocks,  shown  on  former  charts  as  three  rocks  ahove  water  lying  N.NW. 
\  W.  of  Pulo  Laut.  Their  position  was  approached  on  a  W.  hy  N.  \  N.  bearing,  and  at 
noon  the  Rifleman  was  2  miles  North  of  it.  She  then  steered  South  7f  miles,  N.W.  9  miles, 
and  N.E.  6-2  miles,  without  discovering  any  signs  of  the  rocks.  The  soundings  about  the 
spot  were  from  35  to  40  fathoms. 


SAOALS  ON  EASTERN  SIDE  OF  MAIN  EOUTE.  621 

feet  was  found,  so  that  the  locality  must  be  most  carefully  avoided  until 
examined  properly.  About  9  or  10  miles  south-westward  of  the  rocky  islet 
is  Cockeran  Bank,  with  8  fathoms  on  it,  from  which  Seraione  Island  bears 
W.  by  S.  \  S.,  distant  11  miles. 

The  North  extreme  of  these  islands  is  in  lat.  4°  51'  N.,  long.  108°  3'  E. 
There  are  35  fathoms  water  about  I5  mile  N.N.W.  from  fctokong,  but  the 
whole  of  the  western  coast  of  Laut  is  fronted  by  a  dangerous  reef,  which 
extends  nearly  5  miles  W.  by  S.  and  W.S.W.  from  the  S.W.  point  of  that 
island,  having  no  bottom  at  40  fathoms  within  a  mile  of  its  West  extreme ; 
but  both  North  and  South  of  this  extreme  there  are  soundings  of  32  to  36 
fathoms,  mostly  coral  bottom. 


SHOALS  ON  EASTERN  SIDE  OF  MAIN  ROUTE. 

Scawfell  Shoal  and  Charlotte  Bank  are  hereafter  described. 

Vanguard  Bank  is  crescent-shaped,  about  37  miles  long,  with  an  average 
width  of  6  miles.  It  has  no  danger  whatever  on  it,  the  least  water  being  9 
fathoms,  the  general  depths  varying  from  20  to  60  fathoms.  The  horns  of 
the  crescent  are  respectively  in  lat.  T  16J'  N.,  long.  109°  26'  E.,  and  lat.  7** 
31'  N.,  long.  109°  57'  E.,  the  convex  curve  being  on  the  N.W.  side,  and 
reaching  to  the  parallel  of  7°  36'  N. 

Grainger  Bank,  lying  33  miles  north-eastward  of  the  Vanguard,  is  pear- 
shaped,  5i  miles  long,  N.E.  and  S.W.,  by  2|  at  its  widest  part.  It  has  only 
6  fathoms  least  water  on  it,  but  no  danger ;  the  general  depths  are  under  20 
fathoms,  the  bottom  coral,  quite  visible  over  nearly  the  whole  of  it.  The 
centre  is  in  lat.  T  47|'  N.,  long.  110'  29'  E. 

Prince  Consort  Bank  (discovered  by  the  Rifleman),  lies  between  the  Van- 
guard and  Prince  of  Wales  Bank,  and  extends  from  7°  46'  N.  to  7°  58'  N., 
and  from  109°  55'  to  110°  6'  E.  No  danger  exists  on  it ;  the  general  sound- 
ings are  from  30  to  50  fathoms,  sand  and  coral,  the  least  water  found  being 
on  a  small  coral  patch  of  10  fathoms. 

Prince  of  Wales  Bank,  the  centre  of  which  is  in  lat.  8°  85'  N.,  long.  110° 
32^'  E.,  is  in  shape  an  irregular  oblong,  12  miles  in  extent  N.E.  and  S.W., 
by  7^  miles  wide ;  near  its  N.W.  corner  is  a  patch  having  4  fathoms  on  it, 
but  nothing  less  was  found.  It  is  in  character  just  the  same  as  the  other 
banks  in  the  neighbourhood,  coral,  having  three  or  four  excrescences  on  it, 
but  no  danger,  without  the  4  fathoms  may  be  considered  so ;  the  general 
depths  upon  it  are  under  20  fathoms. 

Alexandra  Bank,  in  lat.  8°  U' N.,  long.  110°36JE.,  is  in  shape  a  full 
oval,  5  miles  in  extent  North  and  South,  by  3^  miles  wide.  A  small  patch 
with  only  3  fathoms  water  on  it  was  found  close  to  the  eastern  edge,  but  no 
other  dangers  exist.  The  average  depth  on  the  bank  is  about  15  fathoms; 
the  bottom  coral,  distinctly  visible. 


622  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

Rifleman  Bank  lies  between  the  parallels  of  7°  31'  and  7°  57'  N.,  and  the 
meridians  of  111°  32'  and  111°  45  J'  E.  Shoal  patches  were  found  round  its 
edges,  one  of  which,  of  only  11  ft.  water  and  half  a  mile  in  extent,  lies  on 
its  northern  edge  in  lat.  7°  55'  20"  N.,  long.  111°  42' E.  ;  with  this  exception, 
4  fathoms  was  the  least  depth  obtained  on  the  bank.  In  the  centre  of  the 
bank,  the  soundings  are  from  20  to  40  fathoms,  sand  and  coral ;  and  around 
its  edge,  outside,  a  few  deep  casts  were  obtained  varying  from  300  to  600 
fathoms. 

Bomlay  Castle  Shoal. — The  11  ft.  patch  on  the  North  edge  of  this  bank  is 
the  shoal  seen  by  Mr.  Cameron,  commanding  the  Orleana,  who  obtained  a 
cast  of  8  ft.,  and  placed  the  danger  in  lat.  7°  56'  N.,  long.  111°  38'  E.  The 
8  ft.  knoll  was  not  found  by  the  Rifleman's  boats,  but  it  is  quite  possible  to 
have  escaped  the  lead,  for  large  isolated  rocks  are  known  to  exist  on  coral 
reefs,  though  extremely  difficult  to  find.  Heavy  breakers  mark  the  position 
of  this  patch,  in  any  but  the  finest  weather. 

The  Rifleman  sounded  over  the  position  assigned  to  the  Bombay  Castle 
Eeef,  in  lat.  7°  56'  N.,  long.  111°  51'  E.,  but  no  bottom  could  be  obtained 
with  upwards  of  10  fathoms  of  line  ;  nor  could  any  sign  of  shoal  water  be 
seen  from  the  mast  head  under  most  favourable  circumstances,  when  on, 
and  cruising  around  its  supposed  position ;  it  is  therefore  deemed  probable 
that  the  Bombay  Castle  must  have  sighted  the  1 1  ft.  patch  on  the  Eifleman 
Bank,  as  the  latitude  is  nearly  the  same,  though  the  longitude  differs  9 
miles. 

LADD  REEF  {Roh  Roy  Reef  of  former  charts^,  the  eastern  extreme  of 
which  is  in  lat.  8°  401'  N.,  long.  111°  41'  E.,  is  a  coral  bank  3  miles  long 
E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.,  and  a  mile  wide  at  its  broadest  part,  which  is  at  its 
eastern  end.  In  the  centre  of  the  reef  is  a  lagoon  with  a  bottom  of  clear 
white  sand,  which  shows  up  with  remarkable  distinctness.  The  surrounding 
reef  uncovers  at  half  tide  in  many  places,  and  at  low  water  it  is  almost  im- 
possible for  boats  to  cross  over  into  the  lagoon.  A  conspicuous  beacon  was 
reported  to  exist  on  it  in  1868. 

Gillies  Island,  doubtless  identical  with  Ladd  Eeef,  reported  to  be  in  lat.  8° 
38'  N.,  long  111°  28'  E.,  is  now  removed  from  the  charts.  H.M.S.  Rifleman 
found  800  fathoms  in  its  supposed  position. 

SPEATLY  ISLANB,  in  lat.  8°  38'  N.,  long.  111°  54'  30"  E.,  bearing  E. 
^  S.,  distant  14  miles  from  Ladd  Eeef,  is  evidently  identical  with  Storm  Is' 
land,  as  no  other  island  exists  in  the  vicinity.  It  is  a  flat  islet,  about  8  ft. 
high,  and  very  small,  being  in  extent  but  2i  by  1^  cables'  lengths,  with  a 
margin  of  bright  white  sand  and  broken  coral,  which,  when  the  sun  is  shin- 
ing on  it,  is  conspicuous  from  the  mast-head  at  a  considerable  distance.  It 
was  described  by  Mr.  Spratly,  commanding  the  Cyrus,  whaler,  as  "  a  low 
sandy  island,  the  top  appearing  to  be  covered  with  bushes."  Commander 
Ward  says  that  not  a  bush  or  even  a  blade  of  grass  is  to  be  found  upon  it, 


SHOALS  ON  EASTERN  SIDE  OF  MAIN  ROUTE.  628 

and  the  appearance  described  by  Mr.  Spratly  was  no  doubt  the  effect  of  the 
mirage,  which  exaggerates  the  size  and  distorts  the  appearance  of  the  drift- 
wood on  the  beach  and  the  sea  birds  which  throng  it.  At  a  distance  of  3  or 
4  miles,  the  birds  standing  erect  look  very  like  small  bushes. 

The  islet  is  on  the  West  side  of  a  coral  bank,  which  is  1|  mile  long  N.E. 
and  S.W.,  and  three-quarters  of  a  mile  wide.  Northward  of  the  islet  the 
bank  is  shallow,  there  being  only  3^  fathoms  close  to  the  edge  of  the  deep 
water,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  distant  from  the  islet,  decreasing  towards  the 
shore.  North-eastward  of  the  islet  there  are  7  or  8  fathoms  on  the  bank, 
which  extends  not  quite  half  a  mile  from  it.  Rocky  ledges,  dry  a,t  luw  water, 
surround  the  islet,  rendering  it  necessary  to  be  cautious  when  landing  iu 
boats,  which  during  the  S.W.  monsoon  may  be  eflfected  on  the  lee  side.  The 
bank  is  steep-to,  the  sea  breaking  heavily  upon  it  in  the  S.W.  monsoon, 
except  in  very  fine  weather. 

A  square  beacon  was  erected  by  Commander  Ward  on  this  islet.  It  is 
formed  of  four  uprights  of  rough  driftwood  spars,  27  feet  high  and  15  feet 
apart.  The  uprights  are  shored  up,  and  the  centre  space  solidly  filled  in  and 
built  up  to  the  height  of  15  feet  with  drift-wood,  rubble,  &c.  The  top  is  at 
present  covered  in  with  canvas — to  be  replaced  by  plank  if  circumstances 
permit — with  black  and  white  sides,  and  may  be  seen  in  clear  weather  at  a 
distance  of  8  miles. 

The  Rifleman  anchored  in  about  6  fathoms  on  the  N.E.  point  of  the  bank, 
but  it  is  so  steep-to,  that,  riding  with  the  wind  W.S.W.,  and  50  fathoms  of 
chain  out,  the  vessel's  stern  was  in  54  fathoms  ;  this  position  was,  however, 
fairly  sheltered  from  the  S.W.  ;  the  extremes  of  the  islet  bore  S.W.,  ^  S. ; 
and  S.W.  by  W.  |-  W.,  and  the  extreme  of  the  breakers  on  the  western 
edge  W.  I  S. 

In  the  months  of  June  and  July  the  island  swarmed  with  turtle  of  a  very 
fine  description,  and  they  may  possibly  frequent  it  at  other  seasons.  Large 
numbers  were  taken,  being  easily  turned  over  by  two  or  three  men  on  the 
beach,  in  the  evening  or  night,  and  occasionally  in  the  daytime ;  they  are 
apparently  identical  with  the  green  turtle  of  Ascension.  Immense  quantities 
of  their  eggs  were  found  on  the  S.W.  side  of  the  islet.  Fish  were  nume- 
rous, but  very  few  captures  effected.  Sea  birds'  eggs  literally  covered  the 
ground.  About  seventy  sprouts  of  cocoa-nut  trees  were  planted,  and  at  the 
end  of  a  fortnight  exhibited  every  promise  of  a  vigorous  growth. 

Tides. — Observations  at  Spratly  Island  in  the  S.W.  monsoon  showed  but 
one  tide  during  the  24  hours,  and  in  the  early  part  of  July  it  was  found  to 
be  high  water  at  Q*"  a.m.,  the  rise  and  fall  being  5^  feet.  No  observations 
up  to  the  present  time  have  been  obtained  during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  which 
probably  creates  a  great  change.  The  direction  of  the  stream  at  the  N.E. 
corner  of  the  bank  was  S.W.  during  the  rising  tide,  and  S.E.  to  E.N.E, 
during  the  falhng  tide. 


624  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

The  Ruby  Shoal,  a  email  spot  formerly  shown  upon  the  Admiralty  chart  in 
lat.  8°  35'  N.,  long.  112°  4'  E.,  was  searched  for  in  1864  and  in  1865  by  the 
JRifleman  without  success ;  it  is  now  expunged  from  the  chart. 

LONDON  REEFS.— TFesiJ  London  Reef,  bearing  E.  by  N.  f  N.  distant  31 
miles  from  Ladd  Eeef,  is  the  westernmost  of  a  group  of  shoals,  the  London 
Beefs  of  the  charts.  It  is  a  bank  4^  miles  long,  N.E.  by  E.  and  S.W.  by  W., 
S^  miles  wide,  and  almost  surrounded  by  coral  reefs,  some  of  which  dry  at 
low  water.  There  is  a  space  in  the  centre  of  the  bank  with  from  6  to  10 
fathoms  water  in  it,  but  slso  many  shoal  spots.  The  only  approach  to  this 
central  space  is  from  the  S.E.  side,  but  so  many  coral  patches  crop  up  that 
the  navigation  is  extremely  hazardous.  On  the  East  side  of  the  bank,  in  lat. 
8°  52'  N.,  long.  112°  14|'  E.,  is  a  sandy  cay,  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  extent 
N.E.  and  S.W.,  but  only  26  yards  wide,  and  2  feet  above  high  water.  The 
Rifleman  anchored  at  the  middle  of  the  North  side  of  the  bank  in  lat.  8°  53' 
N.,  long.  112°  12|-'E. 

Central  London  Reef,  the  centre  of  which  is  in  lat.  8°  55i'  N.,  long.  112° 
20'  E.,  was  discovered  by  the  Rifleman  whilst  sounding  between  the  East  and 
West  London  Eeefs.  It  is  a  coral  patch,  awash,  half  a  mile  in  extent,  with 
a  shallow  lagoon  inside  the  belt  of  coral.  On  the  S.W.  extreme  of  the  reef 
is  a  sandy  cay,  60  or  70  yards  in  circumference,  which  is  probably  covered 
at  high-water  springs. 

This  is  in  every  respect  a  most  dangerous  reef,  and  lies  directly  in  the 
track  of  vessels  working  up  or  down  the  China  Sea.  Being  small,  it  is  not 
marked  by  great  masses  of  breakers,  like  those  which  so  readily  point  out 
the  positions  of  East  and  West  London  Reefs,  for  one  of  which  it  has  pro- 
bably been  mistaken,  when  sighted,  as  it  has  doubtless  been. 

Caution. — Like  all  other  dangers  in  the  China  Sea  visited  by  the  Rifleman, 
the  Central  London  Reef  is  surrounded  by  deep  water,  thus  rendering  the 
lead  useless ;  it  is  therefore  essentially  necessary  to  observe  the  greatest  pre- 
caution when  in  their  vicinity,  and  never  to  stand  towards  them  with  the  sun 
shining  ahead,  as  under  these  circumstances  it  becomes  almost  impossible  to 
distinguish  shoal  water  or  breakers. 

East  London  Reef  is  7  miles  long,  East  and  West,  from  1  to  2  miles  broad, 
and  its  East  end  is  in  lat.  8°  49'  38"  N.,  long.  112°  37'  26"  E.  The  coral 
rtmnd  its  edges  encloses  a  lagoon,  having  4  to  8  fathoms  water.  No  entrance 
into  the  lagoon  could  be  discovered,  but  there  were  apparently  numerous 
shoal  patches  inside.  The  sea  breaks  heavily  on  the  reef,  and  on  its  western 
extreme  are  one  or  two  rocks  which  seldom  cover.  No  soundings  could  be 
obtained  with  100  fathoms  of  line  at  one  mile  from  where  the  coral  dries, 
nor  with  500  fathoms  at  2  miles  North  of  it. 

Cuarteron  Reef,  named  after  the  Spaniard  who  discovered  it,  is  awash, 
and  in  shape  like  a  crescent,  whose  chord  is  3  miles  in  length,  E.  by  S.  and 


DISCOVERY  EEEFS.  625 

W.  by  N.,  with  the  curve  to  the  southward.     Its  eastern  extreme  is  in  lat. 
8°  60'  54"  N.,  long.  112°  49'  34"  E. 

This  reef  was  found  steeper-to  than  any  yet  visited,  for  although  deep 
water  is  found  close  to  all  of  them,  there  was  generally  some  slope  from  the 
rocks  awash,  on  which  the  Rifleman  could  anchor  with  safet)'  for  a  short 
period,  to  enable  the  position  to  be  fixed  ;  here,  however,  although  she  an- 
chored in  5  fathoms,  with  the  jib-boom  over  the  rocks  awash,  the  reef  was 
so  steep  as  to  cause  the  anchor  to  roll  down  the  incline,  and  run  the  cable 
out  to  the  clinch.  Captain  Ward  is  of  opinion  that  no  vessel  should  ever 
venture  to  sight  this  reef. 

The  Fiery  Cross  or  Investigator  N.W.  Reef,  which  was  marked  as  two 
distinct  dangers  on  former  charts,  was  found  by  Lieutenant  J.  W.  Reed  in 
H.M.S.  Rifleman  in  1867,  to  be  but  one  extensive  coral  reef,  having  several 
dry  patches  on  it,  upon  most  of  which  the  sea  breaks  even  in  light  winds,  or 
■with  a  light  swell.  It  is  14  miles  in  length  N.E.  by  E.  and  S  W.  by  W., 
and  4  miles  in  breadth.  Its  S.W.  end  is  in  lat.  9°  32'  N.,  long.  112°  53'  E., 
and  its  N.E.  end  in  lat.  9°  41'  N.,  long,  113°  4'  E.  The  largest  dry  patch  is 
at  its  S.W.  end,  and  here  were  found  the  wrecks  of  two  vessels,  supposed  to 
have  been  those  of  the  Fiery  Cross  and  Meerschaum,  both  of  which  are  known 
to  have  been  lost  upon  this  reef. 

DhauUe  Shoal,  reported  in  the  year  1826,  by  the  vessel  of  that  name, 
which  anchored  on  it  in  3  fathoms,  is  now  erased  from  the  charts.  Its  re- 
ported position  was  25  miles  westward  of  the  South  end  of  Fiery  Cross 
Reef,  in  lat.  9°  32'  N.,  long.  112°  24'  E.  Here,  and  in  the  locality  in  favour- 
able weather,  H.M.S.  Rifleman  was  employed  a  whole  day  in  searching  for 
this  reef,  but  with  no  success,  a  depth  of  1,060  fathoms  being  found  on  the 
spot.     The  Lhaulle  doubtless  anchored  on  the  end  of  Fiery  Cross  Reef. 

DISCOVERY  GREAT  REEF,  the  South  end  of  which  is  in  lat.  10°  0'  42" 
N.,  long.  113°  51  J'  E.,  is  a  long,  narrow  coral  shoal,  the  greater  part  of  which 
dries  at  low  tides,  with  several  large  rocks  upon  it  which  always  show  above 
■water  ;  in  the  centre  is  a  lagoon,  which  appeared  to  be  shallow,  and  to  have 
no  passage  through  the  reef  leading  into  it.  From  the  South  point  the  reef 
trends  first  North,  5  miles,  then  N.  by  E.,  5  miles,  and  it  is  a  mile  broad  at 
the  South  end  and  half  a  mile  at  the  North.  No  bottom  was  found  with  100 
fathoms  line  within  a  very  short  distance  of  any  part  of  the  reef  except  off 
its  North  end,  where  the  Rifleman  anchored  in  42  fathoms,  nearly  half  a  mile 
from  the  rocks;  a  third  of  a  mile  off  its  S.W.  point  a  sounding  of  192 
fathoms,  sand  and  coral,  was  obtained. 

The  reef  reported  10  miles  north-eastward  of  Discovery  Great  Reef  was 
found  to  have  no  existence  by  H.M.S.  Rifleman. 

Discovery  Small  Reef,  in  lat.   10°  1^'  N.,  lung.  114°  1^'  E.,  is  a  small 

I.  A.  4    L 


626  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

round  coral  patch,  a  third  of  a  mile  in  diameter,  dry  in  places  at  low  tides, 
■with  very  deep  water  all  round.  Soundings  of  174  and  180  fathoms,  sand 
and  coral,  were  obtained  very  close  to  its  eastern  side,  and  no  bottom  at  210 
fathoms  the  same  distance  off  the  opposite  side. 

Western  or  Floral  Temple  Reef,  the  centre  of  which  is  in  lat.  10°  15'  N., 
lono-.  113°  37'  E.,  is  the  westernmost  reef  in  this  part  of  the  China  Sea,  and 
very  dangerous,  having  patches  of  rock  just  under  water  at  the  S.W.  part, 
and  but  1  to  3  fathoms  in  other  places.  It  is  li  mile  long  N.E.  and  S.W., 
and  rather  more  than  half  a  mile  broad  at  the  southern  part,  decreasing  to 
half  that  breadth  at  the  opposite  end.  The  Rifleman,  for  the  purposes  of  the 
survey,  anchored  in  5  fathoms  on  its  north-eastern  extreme,  which  had  to  be 
approached  with  great  caution,  as  shoal  water  was  seen  at  a  very  short  dis- 
tance inside  the  edge  ;  soundings  of  18  to  74  fathoms  were  obtained  close  to, 
but  at  a  short  distance  off  no  bottom  at  100  fathoms. 

The  reef  upon  which  the  Flora  Temple  was  wrecked  in  1859  was  said  to  lie 
6  miles  north-westward  of  the  western  reef,  but  the  Rifleman  passed  over 
that  position,  and  certainly  no  danger  exists  there ;  moreover,  the  descrip- 
tion of  the  reef  given  at  the  time  of  the  wreck  applies  exactly  to  the  Western 
reef,  where,  without  doubt,  the  ship  was  lost. 

TIZARD  BANK  and  REEFS.— From  Discovery  Small  Eeef,  the  nearest 
part  of  this  bank,  bears  N.E.  by  E.,  and  is  distant  16  miles.  It  is  very  ex- 
tensive and,  like  the  generality  of  the  large  coral  banks  in  the  China  Sea, 
consists  of  a  lagoon,  bordered  by  shoal  patches.  Several  of  the  patches 
up  on  the  Tizard  Bank  are  dangerous  reefs,  dry  at  low  water,  two  with 
islands  on  them,  and  a  third  a  sand  cay.  The  bank  lies  in  an  E.N.E.  and 
W.S.W.  direction,  and  extends  nearly  31  miles;  its  breadth  in  the  middle 
being  11  miles,  at  the  S.W.  part  7  miles,  and  at  the  opposite  end  3 1  miles. 

Itu  Abaer,  the  larger  of  the  two  islands,  is  situated  at  the  N.W.  corner  of 
the  bank,  and  is  three-quarters  of  a  mile  long  E.  by  N.  and  W.  by  S.,  and 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  broad.  The  reef  surrounding  it  extends  in  some  places 
to  the  distance  of  a  short  half  mile,  and  in  others  riot  so  far  ;  its  limits,  how- 
ever, are  generally  defined  by  a  line  of  breakers.  The  island  is  covered  by 
small  trees  and  high  bushes,  together  with  numerous  nests  of  sea  birds. 
Two  or  three  cocoa-nut  and  a  few  plantain  trees  stand  near  a  small  well,  but 
the  most  conspicuous  object  is  a  single  black  clump-like  tree  on  the  North 
side  of  the  island,  which  may  be  distinctly  seen  10  miles  off;  this  is  in  10° 
22'25"N.,  and  114°  21' 45"  E. 

A  little  more  than  6  miles  East  from  Itu  Aba  is  a  small  sand  cay,  nearly 
in  the  centre  of  a  round-shaped  reef,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  diameter. 
The  island  and  cay  are  connected  by  a  line  of  shoal  patches,  which  form 
the  N.E.  part  of  the  bank  ;  and  nearly  midway  between,  but  nearer  the 
island,  is  a  dangerous  reef,  entirely  covered  at  half-tide,  about  the  sanae  size 
as  that  surrounding  the  cay.     Elsewhere  on  the  northern  edge  of  the  bank 


TIZAED  BANK  AND  EEEFS.  627 

there  is  not  less  than  4  fathoms,  and  vessels  may  safely  anchor  in  from  7  to 
1 1  fathoms  about  1 J  mile  westward  of  the  sand  cay,  midway  between  it  and 
the  reef  last  described. 

Petley  Reef,  an  oval-shaped  patch  a  little  over  a  mile  in  extent,  lies  E.  by 
N.  I  N.  oj  miles  from  Sand  Cay;  it  forms  the  extremity  of  a  remarkable 
strip  of  coral,  \\  mile  wide,  projecting  like  a  horn  in  a  N.N.E.  direction 
from  the  main  body  of  the  bank,  the  edge  of  which  trends  E.8.E.  from  the 
cay  ;  not  less  than  6  fathoms  was  found  upon  the  strip,  except  within  a  mile 
of  the  southern  part  of  the  reef  above  mentioned,  where  it  shoals  to  4  and  3 
fathoms,  and  no  bottom  could  be  obtained  with  100  fathoms  at  a  short  dis- 
tance on  either  side  of  it. 

mdad  Reef,  the  N.E.  end  of  which  is  in  lat.  10°  23'  N.,  long.  114°  42'  E., 
forms  the  eastern  extreme  of  Tizard  Bank.  It  is  a  peculiarly  shaped  reef,  4^ 
miles  long,  N.N.E.  I  E.  and  S.S.W.  J  W.,  the  southern  and  middle  parts 
being  about  H  mile  wide,  but  of  irregular  outline  ;  and  the  northern  part 
tapering  away  in  the  form  of  a  long,  narrow  tongue,  on  either  side  of  which 
no  bottom  could  be  obtained  with  100  fathoms  of  line.  A  few  large  rocks 
are  visible  at  high  water,  and  at  low  water  many  smaller  ones  uncover. 
Shoal  patches  extend  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  the  westward  of  the 
reef. 

Namy  it  Island  \\QS  Awe  South  from  Itu  Abaer,  distant  11 J  miles;  it  is  very 
small,  being  only  3  cables  long  East  and  West,  and  1  cable  broad,  and  is 
surrounded  by  a  reef  which  projects  more  than  a  mile  to  the  westward,  and 
about  a  third  of  a  mile  in  other  directions. 

Gaven  Reefs  are  two  dangerous  reefs,  covered  at  high  water,  which  lie  to 
the  westward  of  Namyit ;  the  first  is  oval-shaped,  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
long  N.N.W.  and  S.8.E.,  the  island  bearing  from  it  E.  JN.,  distant  6  miles ; 
the  second  is  a  mile  long  North  and  South,  and  nearly  three-quarters  of  a 
mile  broad  at  its  northern  end,  narrowing  to  a  point  at  the  opposite  end  ; 
this  last  is  the  westernmost  danger  of  the  Tizard  group,  and  its  outer  edge 
is  in  10°  18'  20"  N.,  and  114°  13'  7"  E. 

Anchorage. — The  above  comprise  all  the  dangers  found  upon  this  great 
bank,  and,  with  the  exception  of  a  small  3-fathom  patch  which  lies  N.E. 
nearly  a  mile  from  Namyit  Island,  nothing  less  than  4  fathoms  was  found 
upon  any  of  the  shoal  patches  surrounding  the  lagoon  ;  so  that  vessels  of 
moderate  draught  can,  in  cases  of  necessity  and  in  fine  weather,  find  conve- 
nient anchorage,  observing  always  due  care  and  caution  in  approaching 
them,  so  as  to  guard  against  possible  danger  from  some  shoal  spot  having 
escaped  detection  by  the  lead. 

Hainan  fishermen,  who  subsist  by  collecting  trepang  and  tortoise-shell, 
were  found  upon  most  of  these  islands,  some  of  whom  remain  for  years 
amongst  the  reefs.  Junks  from  Hainan  annually  visit  the  islands  and  reefs 
of  the  China  Sea  with  supplies  of  rice  and  other  necessaries,  for  which  the 


62S  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

fishermen  give  trepang  and  other  articles  in  exchange,  and  remit  their  pro- 
fits home.  The  junks  leave  Hainan  in  December  or  January,  and  return 
with  the  first  of  the  S.W.  monsoon.  The  fishermen  upon  Itu  Abaer  Island 
were  more  comfortably  established  than  the  others,  and  the  water  found  ia 
the  well  on  that  island  was  better  than  elsewhere. 

LOAI-TA  BANK  and  REEFS  extend  21  miles  N.E.  and  S.W.  ;  its 
Bouthern  part  is  5J  miles  wide,  and  its  centre  7  miles  ;  from  thence  it  gra- 
dually narrows  to  a  point  at  its  N.E.  extreme. 

Loai-ta  Island  (South  island  of  Horsburgh)  lies  N.  j  E.,  distant  18  miles, 
from  Itu  Abaer,  its  N.W.  extreme  being  in  lat.  10°  40'  45'  N.,  long.  11 4°  24' 
54"  E.  It  is  a  low  sand  island,  covered  with  bushes,  and  small,  being  only 
1^  cable  in  diameter  ;  a  reef  surrounds  it,  extending,  in  some  places,  nearly 
half  a  mile. 

A  reef,  about  1|  mile  in  extent,  dry  at  low  water,  and  having  a  small 
sand  cay  near  the  centre,  lies  5  miles  north-westward  of  Loai-ta.  Another 
and  larger  reef  lies  three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  the  south-westward  of  the 
one  just  mentioned,  extending  in  that  direction  1|  mile,  its  width  being 
about  a  mile.  The  S.W.  extreme  of  this  last  reef,  which  is  also  the  S.W. 
extreme  of  Loai-ta  bank,  is  in  10°  42'  N.,  and  114°  19'  E. ;  the  sand  cay 
bearing  N.E.  distant  nearly  3  miles,  and  Laoi-ta  Island  E.  by  S.  6  miles. 

From  the  sand  cay  above  mentioned  the  north-western  edge  of  the  bank 
trends  away  E.N.E.  5  miles,  and  then  N.E.  13  miles ;  no  less  than  4  fathoms 
was  found  anywhere  upon  this  part  of  the  bank. 

Lan-Kesam  Cay,  a  coral  patch,  half  a  mile  in  extent,  which  partly  dries  at 
low  water,  lies  E.  by  N.  2  miles  from  Loai-ta  Island ;  and  E.N.E.  6J  miles 
from  the  same  island  is  a  larger  reef,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  diameter, 
having  a  sand  cay  near  its  centre ;  this  cay,  known  to  the  Hainan  fishermen 
as  Lan-Keeam,  is  in  10°  43'  20"  N.,  114°  31'  E. 

N.E.  by  E.  A  E.  3  miles  from  Lan-keeam  is  a  small  dry  patch,  which 
forms  the  S.E.  angle  of  the  great  Loai-ta  Bank,  and  N.E.  \  N.  4^  miles 
from  that  cay  is  another  small  reef ;  this  last  is  the  northernmost  patch 
which  dries. 

From  the  reef  just  mentioned  the  south-eastern  edge  of  the  bank  trends 
to  the  N.  by  E.  about  9  miles,  when  it  meets  the  north-western  edge  j 
nothing  less  than  4  fathoms  was  obtained  on  this  part  of  the  bank. 

SOTJBIE  REEF,  the  S.W.  end  of  which  is  in  lat.  10°  53^'  N.,  long. 
114°  4'  E.,  is  the  westernmost  danger  in  this  locality.  It  is  an  irregular- 
shaped  coral  reef,  nearly  3^  miles  long,  N.E.  and  S.W.,  and  2  miles  broad, 
is  dry  at  low  water,  and  has  a  lagoon,  into  which  there  appears  to  be  no 
passage. 

THI-TTT  REEFS  and  ISLAND,  or  the  JSf.  W.  Dangers,  consist  of  several 
very  dangerous  patches  grouped  upon  two  coral  banks,  separated  by  a  nar- 
row deep  gut.     Thi-tu  is  a  low  sand  island,  somewhat  round  ,in  shape,  aad 


TRIDENT  SHOAL.  629 

not  quite  half  a  mile  in  diameter.  Near  its  S.W.  end  is  a  dark  clump  tree  in 
lat.  11°  3'  9"  N.,  long.  114°  16'  25"  E.  ;  in  addition  to  this  clump  tree  the 
island  has  upon  it  some  low  bushes  and  two  stunted  cocoa-nut  trees,  near  to 
which  is  a  small  well  and  a  few  plantain  trees. 

From  the  island  the  western  bank  widens  out  in  directions  N.W.  and. 
S.W.  for  a  distance  each  way  of  2|  miles  ;  the  North  side  of  this  part  of  the 
bank  is  marked  by  a  round  coral  reef,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  diameter 
between  which  and  the  reef  surrounding  the  island  are  soundings  of  2J  to  7 
fathoms,  the  deep  water  being  nearer  the  island.  The  South  edge  of  the 
bank  is  also  marked  by  a  reef,  but  this  is  much  smaller  than  the  one  just 
described,  and  the  depths  between  it  and  the  island  are  more  favourable  for 
anchoring  upon  than  the  opposite  side  of  the  bank,  being  in  no  place  less 
than  4J  fathoms.  From  these  two  reefs  the  bank  gradually  narrows  and 
terminates  in  a  point  in  lat.  11°  2'  30"  N.,  long.  114°  10'  30"  E.,  the  island 
bearing  E.  f  N.,  distant  6  miles. 

On  the  North  edge  of  the  bank  is  a  sand  cay,  which  bears  from  the  island 
W.  I  N.,  nearly  3J  miles.  This  is  also  on  a  large  patch  of  reef,  dry  at  low 
water,  and  between  it  and  the  western  extreme  of  the  bank  are  dan^-erous 
reefs,  nearly  always  marked  by  breakers.  There  is  a  passage  into  the 
lagoon  between  the  sand  cay  reef  and  the  one  2 J  miles  N.W.  of  the  island 
with  depths  of  5  to  12  fathoms. 

The  South  side  of  the  bank  is  not  nearly  so  dangerous  as  the  North  side 
and  vessels  may  anchor  upon  it  with  the  sand  cay  bearing  between  N.E.   by 
N.   and  N.W.  by  N.,   or  to  the  eastward  of  the  patch  which  lies  S.W.  2 J 
miles  from  the  island,  with  the  cay  bearing  N.W.  by  W.  |  W.,  and  the  island 
N.E.  i  E.     In  the  lagoon  the  depths  are  17  to  19  fathoms. 

The  eastern  bank  is  a  mass  of  dangerous  reefs  and  patches ;  its  western 
extreme  is  more  than  a  mile  eastward  of  Thi-tu  Island,  extendin^^  from 
thence  1|  mile  East  and  3^  miles  N.E.,  with  an  average  breadth  of  2  miles^ 

TRIDENT  SHOAL,  lying  E.  by  N.  16  miles  from  North  Danger,  is  a 
coral  bank  7|  miles  long  and  6  broad,  of  the  shape  of  a  shoulder  of  mutton 
the  broad  part  being  to  the  northward  ;  it  is  composed  of  many  patches 
with  less  than  10  fathoms  water  over  them,  two  of  which  are  dan^^-erous. 
These  patches  lie  round  the  edges  of  the  bank,  forming  a  lagoon,  the  depths 
in  which  are  26  to  37  fathoms ;  close  outside  of  them,  there  is  no  bottom  at 
100  fathoms. 

The  most  dangerous  patch  is  at  the  northern  extreme  of  the  shoal.  This 
patch  extends  1 J  mile  East  and  West,  and  half  a  mile  North  and  South  and 
near  its  centre,  in  lat.  11°  31'  30"  N.,  long.  114°  39'  15"  E.,  is  a  small  spot 
which  dries  at  low  water  springs ;  the  depths  on  other  parts  of  the  patch 
vary  from  1 J  to  6  fathoms.  The  other  patch  is  at  the  eastern  extreme  of  the 
shoal,  and  is  distant  3i  miles  S.E.  ^  S.  from  that  just  described  •  it  is  a 
small  spot  of  2^  fathoms,  with  depths  of  3  to  5  fathoms  at  half  a  mile  around 


630  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

it.  Some  casts  of  4  fathoms  were  had  about  a  mile  W.  by  S.  from  the  dry 
spot,  but  not  less  than  5  fathoms  on  any  of  the  other  patches.* 

LYS  SHOAL  lies  2  miles  southward  of  Trident  Shoal,  and  like  the  latter 
is  formed  of  a  number  of  patches  under  10  fathoms,  with  a  lagoon  in  the 
centre  ;  only  one  danger,  a  small  spot  of  17  ft.,  was  found,  and  this  lies  near 
the  S.W.  extreme  of  the  bank,  in  lat.  11°  19'  40"  N.,  long.  114^  34'  24"  E. ; 
around  it  the  depths  are  5  fathoms.  Some  5-fathom  patches  were  also 
discovered  near  the  N.E.  end  of  the  bank,  but  nothing  under  6  fathoms  was 
met  with  elsewhere,  the  general  depths  on  the  patches  being  7  to  10  fa- 
thoms, and  a  short  distance  outside  of  them  bottom  was  not  reached  with  100 
fathoms  of  line. 

North  Danger  Reef,  of  coral  formation,  is  about  8|-  miles  long,  N.E.  and 
S.W.,  and  4|  miles  broad.  On  its  N.W.  side  are  two  sandy  cays,  the  north- 
eastern of  which  is  half  a  mile  long,  one-quarter  of  a  mile  broad,  and  10  ft. 
above  the  level  of  the  sea  at  high  water ;  the  south-western  cay  is  only  4 
cables  long,  and  IJ  cable  broad,  but  its  elevation  is  15  ft.  above  the  same 
level.  Between  the  cay  is  a  passage  1  mile  wide,  with  from  4  to  9  fathoms 
water,  leading  into  the  lagoon  of  the  reef,  where  the  depth  is  from  20  to  25 
fathoms. 

Shoal  water  exists  all  round  the  edge  of  North  Danger  Eeef,  and  there 
are  heavy  breakers  over  the  coral,  awash  at  its  N.E.  and  S.W.  extremes. 
No  soundings  could  be  obtained  close  to  the  edge  of  the  reef  with  upwards 
of  100  fathoms  of  line,  but  one  cast  of  380  fathoms  was  procured  1^  mile  to 
the  N.E.  of  the  breakers  on  its  N.E.  extreme.  On  the  eastern  side  of  the 
reef  no  bottom  could  be  obtained  with  450  fathoms  of  lino. 

Both  cays  are  covered  with  coarse  grass,  and  on  the  north-eastern  of  the 
two  is  a  stunted  tree  in  lat.  11°  28'  N.,  long.  114°  20|'  E.  The  cays  are  fre- 
quented by  Chinese  fishermen  from  Hainan,  who  collect  biche-de-mer,  turtle- 
shell,  &c.,  and  supply  themselves  with  water  from  a  well  in  the  centre  of  the 
north-eastern  cay. 

Caution. — Vessels  should  not  attempt  to  pass  through  the  reefs  in  this 
part  of  the  China  Sea,  as  a  line  of  dangerous  shoals,  extending  many  miles, 
is  known  to  exist  eastward  of  the  dangers  just  described. 

Currents  and  Tides. — Whilst  the  Rifleman  was  at  anchor  on  the  reefs, 
careful  observations  were  taken  of  the  set  of  the  current,  which,  for  16  hours 


*  Mr.  Lyall,  commander  of  the  Trident,  who  discovered  the  Trident  Shoal,  placed  it  6 
miles  to  the  northward  of  this  position.  The  Rifleman  was  employed  five  days  searching 
that  locality  without  discovering  any  danger,  and  it  is  certain  none  exists  there. 

The  Bremen  vessel  G.  E.  Lorenz  Meyer  was  reported  by  her  commander,  Mr.  Moller,  to 
have  struck  at  night  upon  a  shoal  in  lat.  11°  25'  N.,  long.  114°  51'  E.  ;  this  position  was 
also  examined  by  the  Rifeman,  but  no  danger  discovered,  and  there  is  but  little  doubt  that 
the  vessel  struck  on  the  eastern  patch  of  the  Trident. 


SCAWFELL  AND  BANDA  SHOALS.  631 

out  of  the  24,  invariably  set  to  windward,  generally  with  the  greatest  force 
■when  the  monsoon  was  strongest. 

The  rise  of  tide  at  springs  was  about  6  ft.,  and  at  neaps  1  to  2  ft.  ;  one 
tidal  stream  in  24  hours. 


ISLANDS  AND  DANGERS  IN  THE  FAIRWAY  OF  THE  MAIN 

ROUTE. 

CHARLOTTE  BANK.— H.M.  surveying  vessel  Rifleman  anchored  in  8  fa- 
thoms upon  the  Charlotte  Bank,  in  lat.  7"  7|'  N.,  long.  107°  37^'  E.  From  this 
position  the  bank  extended  North  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  South  1^  mile, 
East  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  and  West  3  miles  ;  the  least  water  found  was 
5  fathoms.  Tiie  bank  will  be  avoided  by  keeping  under  30  fathoms  water 
when  passing  its  parallel. 

SCAWFELL  SHOAL.— Mr.  Thompson,  commanding  the  ship  Scawfell,  re- 
ports as  follows  : — "On  the  13th  of  May,  1865,  on  my  passage  up  the  China 
Sea,  just  before  noon  I  observed  an  unusual  quantity  of  fish  around  the 
ship,  and  while  taking  noon  observations,  rocks  were  reported  under  the 
bottom.  I  immediately  got  a  cast  of  the  lead,  and  had  9  fathoms,  the  lead 
trembling  off  the  coral  gave  half  a  fathom  more.  The  water  was  very  smooth 
at  the  time,  the  vessel  having  just  steerage  way,  with  a  very  light  air  from 
the  N.E.  Other  casts  of  the  lead  gave  1^  fathoms  until  about  the  middle  of 
the  shoal,  when  the  lead  got  fast  between  the  coral  rocks  and  was  lost ;  this 
part  appeared  as  shoal  as  any  that  was  visible  round  the  ship.  Got  another 
lead  ready  as  soon  as  possible,  when  we  had  17  fathoms,  then  losing 
sight  of  the  bottom,  the  ship  drifting  to  the  N.N.W,,  with  a  light  northerly 
current  about  one  knot  an  hour.  On  sounding  an  hour  later,  the  ship 
going  in  the  same  direction  at  the  same  rate,  had  22  fathoms ;  one  hour 
afterwards  20  fathoms,  this  last  being  5  or  6  miles  north-westward  of  the 
shoal. 

"The  noon  observations  taken  on  the  shoal  gave  lat.  7°  19'  N.,  and  by 
mean  of  forenoon  and  afternoon  sights  for  chronometer,  made  the  longitude 
of  the  shoal  to  be  106°  51'  E..  Made  Pulo  Condore  next  day,  and  by  that 
island,  together  with  observations  taken  in  Sunda  and  Gaspar  Straits,  the 
chronometers  appeared  to  be  quite  correct." 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  position  of  this  shoal  is  about  as  far  to  the 
westward  of  the  usual  track  of  shipping  proceeding  up  or  down  the  China 
Sea  before  a  fair  monsoon  as  the  Charlotte  Bank  is  the  eastward  of  it. 
Lying  80  near  the  fairway,  it  appears  extraordinary  that  it  has  not  been 
before  observed. 

BANDA  SHOAL,  discovered  in  1871,  has  a  depth  of  3  fathoms  over  it, 
and  lies  S.E.  48  miles  from  Pulo  Condore,  in  lat.  8°  N.,  long.  107°  E.  It  is 
marken  on  the  charts  as  a  small  isolated  patch. 


632  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

PTJLO  CONDORE  has  been  before  noticed  on  page  429.  It  is  50  miles  off 
the  coast  of  Cambodia,  and  is  to  the  westward  of  the  main  track  through 
the  China  Sea,  but  immediately  in  the  way  of  those  going  between  Singa- 
pore and  Saigon.  It  is  occupied  by  the  French,  who  use  it  as  a  penal 
settlement.  The  approaches  to  the  island  are  safe.  The  village  in  the 
Great  Bay  on  the  S.E.  side  is  in  lat.  8°  40'  57"  N.,  long.  106°  36'  11"  E. 

The  Great  Bay  is  formed  by  the  projection  from  the  main  body  of  the 
island  of  two  high  points  of  land,  which  are  about  5  miles  apart.  Off  the 
southern  point  a  chain  of  four  islets  extends  nearly  1|  mile  to  the  eastward, 
and  the  bay  is  fronted  in  that  direction  by  an  island,  named  Haon  Bai  Kan, 
having  an  islet  off  its  South  side,  named  Haon  Lap. 

There  are  three  passages  into  this  bay  ;  that  between  the  southern  point 
and  the  islets  to  the  eastward  of  it,  although  but  a  quarter  of  a  mile  wide, 
is  quite  safe,  with  depths  of  20  and  16  fathoms,  decreasing  to  9  and  7  inside. 
The  passage  between  the  islets  and  Hoan  Bai  Kan  is  about  2J  miles  wide, 
but  is  nearly  filled  up  by  a  bank  with  depths  generally  of  3^  to  4^  fathoms, 
hut  having  one  patch  of  only  2i  fathoms,  and  two  patches  of  3  fathoms 
upon  it.  The  2|-fathom  patch  lies  about  two-thirds  of  a  mile  N.E.  f  E. 
from  the  easternmost  of  the  islets.  One  of  the  3-fathom  patches  lies  nearly 
a  mile  N.E.  by  E.  from  the  same  islet,  and  the  other  is  about  half  a  mile 
S.  by  W.  i  W.  from  the  western  part  of  Haon  Bai  Kan.  The  passage 
between  the  northern  point  of  the  bay  and  Haon  Bai  Kan  is  the  best  for 
large  vessels,  being  two-thirds  of  a  mile  wide,  with  depths  of  10  to  19 
fathoms. 

The  northern  sides  of  the  islets  off  the  southern  point  of  the  bay  are 
fringed  with  coral,  as  is  the  western  side  of  Hoan  Bai  Kan  ;  but  Hoan  Lap 
islet  appears  to  be  bold  close-to,  the  chart,  however,  has  no  soundings  near 
its  astern  side.  The  bay,  inside  a  line  connecting  its  northern  and  southern 
points — which  bear  from  each  other  N.E.  f  N.  and  S.W.  f  S. — is  encum- 
bered with  an  extensive  shore  flat,  as  also  many  detached  shoal  patches 
having  less  than  6  ft.  water  over  them.  On  account  of  these  dangers  vessels 
should  not  go  inside  the  line  connecting  the  points,  excepting  at  the  S.W. 
part  of  the  bay,  where  they  may  stand  in  until  the  North  point  of  Haon 
Bai  Kan  bears  N.E.  by  E.  J  E.,  there  being  nothing  outside  that  line  more 
dangerous  than  a  patch  of  3  J  fathoms,  with  4|-  and  5  fathoms  near  it,  which 
lies  nearly  half  a  mile  N.  by  E.  J  E.  from  the  southern  point  of  the  bay  ; 
and  a  small  patch  of  3f  fathoms,  with  6  and  7  fathoms  around  it,  which  lies 
N.N.E.  i  E.,  distant  IJ  mile  from  the  same  point. 

The  anchorage  in  Great  Bay  is  only  available  during  the  S.W.  monsoon. 
In  order  to  avoid  the  sea,  vessels  should  anchor  in  its  S.W.  part,  where, 
however,  the  squalls  are  heavier,  but  the  holding  ground  is  good,  the  bottom 
being  gray  mud.  There  appears  to  be  good,  safe  anchorage,  with  depths  of 
5^  and  6  fathoms,  inside  the  3^  and  3f  fathoms  patches,  with  the  South  point 


PULO  CONDOEE.  633 

bearing  from  S.  by  W.  to  South,  and  Haon  Lap  Islet  from  E.  i  N.  to  E.  ^  S. 
A  good  berth  for  a  large  ship  appears  to  be  in  7  or  8  fathoms,  with  Haon 
Tai-leung,  the  largest  islet  off  the  South  point  of  the  bay,  bearing  about 
South,  and  Haon  Lap  East  or  E.  I-  N, 

North-East  Bay  is  to  the  northward  of  the  North  point  of  Great  Bay,  and 
would  appear  to  offer  convenient  shelter  in  the  S.W.  monsoon  for  vessels 
not  wishing  to  enter  Great  Bay.  It  appears  to  be  quite  free  from  danger, 
but  the  depths  decrease  rather  quickly  from  6  to  5  fathoms.  Vessels  should 
therefore  anchor  in  7  fathoms,  or  directly  the  water  shoals  under  that  depth. 

Haon  Cao  is  the  name  of  a  bold  island,  nearly  a  mile  in  extent,  lying  2 
miles  N.E.  by  E.  from  Haon  Bai  Kan.  In  the  channel  between  them  are 
depths  generally  from  12  to  15  fathoms,  but  near  Haon  Cao  the  soundings 
appear  to  be  more  irregular,  17  to  29  fathoms. 

A  barren  white  rock  lies  N.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  3i  miles  from  the  N.E.  point  of 
the  largest  island  of  the  Pulo  Condore  group;  around  it  are  17  to  22 
fathoms. 

South-West  Bay,  or  Pulo  Condore  Harbour,  called  by  the  Cochin-Chinese 
Queou  Dam  Leun,  is  formed  between  the  S.W.  end  of  the  large  island  and 
an  adjoining  high,  island  called  Little  Condore,  or  Bae  Vioung,  the  East 
point  of  which  is  separated  from  the  S.W.  point  of  the  large  island  by  a 
narrow  gullet,  but  to  the  north-westward  they  are  separated  about  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile,  forming  the  entrance  to  the  harbour.  Here  the  depths 
are  9  and  7  fathoms,  gravel  and  mud,  decreasing  to  5  and  3  fathoms  near 
the  flat  that  occupies  the  head  of  the  harbour,  and  which  is  dry  at  low 
water.  This  bay  is  well  sheltered  by  the  surrounding  hills,  except  from  the 
north-westward,  but  the  wind  is  seldom  strong  from  that  quarter  ;  it  affords 
shelter  to  seven  or  eight  vessels.  The  heavy  squalls  require  precaution,  but 
holding  ground  is  good. 

Some  islets  lie  off  the  North  point  of  this  bay,  to  the  northward  of  which 
is  a  high  island  named  Haon  Trap,  having  some  rocks  above  and  below 
water  extending  from  its  N.W.  side. 

Haon  Tae,  another  high  island,  lies  about  a  mile  to  the  north-westward 
of  Haon  Trap  ;  off  its  north-eastern  extreme  is  an  islet.  Haon  Tae  Niao  is 
another  island  lying  a  little  more  than  2  miles  to  the  north-eastward  of  Haon 
Tae,  having  a  reef  and  some  rocks  extending  a  little  over  a  cable's  length 
from  its  North  and  East  sides.  There  is  a  safe  passage  inside  the  two  last- 
mentioned  islands,  with  depths  of  16  to  22  fathoms. 

Supplies. — At  the  time  oi  ih.Q  Rifleman'' s  visit,  in  1862,  the  inhabitants  were 
living  in  a  state  of  great  poverty  in  miserable  huts,  and  subsisting  upon 
yams,  pumpkins,  fruit,  and  fish.  Horsburgh  remarks: — "These  islands 
abound  with  timber,  but  there  are  no  articles  of  trade  to  be  procured ;  the 
soil  being  generally  dry  and  unfruitful,  the  country  unhealthy,  and  abound- 
I.  A.  4  m 


634  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

ing  "with  reptiles,  there  is  no  inducement  for  strangers  to  visit  this  place   ; 
consequently  few  ships  touch  here." 

In  the  Mer  de  Chine,  1st  part,  page  197,  published  in  1865,  it  is  stated 
that  "the  character  of  the  inhabitants  is  very  mild.  The  country,  without 
being  rich,  yields  plenty  of  fruit,  timber  for  building,  and  vegetables.  The 
natives  rear  a  large  quantity  of  pigs  and  poultry." 

Water  may  be  procured  in  the  N.E.  part  of  South-West  Bay,  a  short  dis- 
tance to  the  southward  of  the  landing-place. 

Tides. — At  the  Pulo  Condore  group  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at 
2*'  SO"",  and  springs  rise  6^  feet. 

Soundings. — The  soundings  13  or  14  miles  outside  the  Brothers  are  17  or 
18  fathoms ;  13  and  12  fathoms  within  2  miles  of  them  on  the  East  and  N.E. 
sides,  deepening  to  17,  18,  and  20  fathoms  close  to  Pulo  Condore.  When 
Pulo  Condore  bears  North,  or  N.  by  E.,  distant  about  30  miles,  the  sound- 
ings are  19  and  18  fathoms;  when  N.W.  about  25  miles,  18  and  17  fa- 
thoms ;  West  45  or  50  miles,  24  fathoms ;  West  60  miles,  27  fathoms. 
Eounding  Pulo  Condore  on  the  South  and  S.E.  sides  within  2  to  3  miles 
distance,  the  depths  will  be  17  or  18  fathoms. 

From  18  fathoms,  near  the  White  Eock  off  the  N.E.  end  of  the  Pulo  Con- 
dore group,  the  soundings  continue  between  18  and  17  fathoms  for  a  few 
miles  in  a  direct  line  to  Cape  St.  James,  when  they  gradually  decrease  to 
15,  14,  and  13,  with  an  occasional  cast  of  17  fathoms,  as  that  headland  is 
approached. 

From  Pulo  Condore,  steering  direct  for  the  Great  Catwick,  the  depths  in- 
crease very  slowly  until  within  40  or  45  miles  of  the  latter,  then  rather 
quicker  from  30  or  34  to  45  and  50  fathoms  near  the  Catwick. 

The  following  accounts  of  the  reefs  and  dangers  to  the  north-eastward  are 
chiefly  derived  from  the  result  of  a  survey  made  by  navigating-lieutenant 
J.  W.  Peed,  commanding  H.M.  surveying  vessel  Rifleman,  between  the  3rd 
April,  and  21st  May,  1863. 

ROYAL  BISHOP  BANK.— From  near  the  Great  Catwick,  the  Rifleman 
carried  a  line  of  soundings  for  this  bank  until  she  came  to  a  coral  patch,  3J 
miles  long,  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.,  and  about  l^  mile  broad,  having  10  fa- 
thoms least  water  upon  it,  in  lat.  9°  40'  N.,  long.  108°  14'  E.  There  are  28 
to  30  fathoms  all  round  it. 

Circumstances  did  not  permit  of  a  farther  search  for  the  7  and  8  fathoms 
patches  said  to  be  found  on  the  Eoyal  Bishop,  and  which  will  probably  be 
discovered  to  the  northward  of  the  bank  examined. 

Corsair  Rock  is  now  removed  from  the  charts.  Its  existence  has  been  fre- 
quently denied,  and  the  Rifleman  passed  so  close  to  its  reported  position, 
lat.  9°  54'  N.,  long.  108°  35'  E.,  that  she  must  have  seen  it  if  it  had  been 
there. 

RAGLAN  BANK.— The  ship  Lady  Raglan,  in  September,  1858,  is  said  to 


PULO  SAPATU— JULIA  SHOAL.  635 

have  passed  over  a  rocky  shoal  lying  about  S.E.  |  S.  39  miles  from  Pulo 
Sapatu,  in  lat.  9=  28'  N.,  and  long.  109°  25'  E.  ;  no  soundings  were  tried  for, 
but  the  rocks  were  plainly  visible  under  the  vessel's  bottom ;  shoal  -water 
was  seen  a  short  distance  off;  the  direction,  however,  is  not  stated.  This  is 
another  doubtful  danger  which  could  not  be  found  by  the  Rifleman,  there 
being  upon  the  spot  no  bottom  with  300  fathoms.  The  Lightning  steamer 
also  passed  over  this  position  recently  without  observing  any  appearance  of 
danger,  although  circumstances  were  very  favourable  for  doing  so. 

In  1875,  the  French  government  gave  notice  that  the  vessel  Jachnel  had 
passed  near  a  shoal  supposed  to  be  the  same  as  that  seen  by  the  British  ship 
Lady  Raglan  in  1858.  The  «/acA-mc?  passed  close  to  the  shoal,  on  which  the 
sea  was  breaking  heavily,  and  the  position  assigned  to  it  by  that  vessel  is 
lat.  9°  24'  N.,  long.  109°  26'  E.  The  position  of  this  danger  must  be  con- 
sidered as  approximate,  and  caution  is  necessary  when  navigating  near  it. 
It  will  be  observed  that  the  position  assigned  to  the  danger  by  the  Jachnel  is 
r  to  the  eastward  and  4'  to  the  southward  of  the  spot  searched  by  the 
Rifleman. 

PTJLO  SAPATU  (or  Sapata\  or  Shoe  Island.— Its  summit,  347  ft.  high,  is 
in  lat.  9=  58'  23'  N.,  long.  109°  5'  57"  E.  It  is  the  easternmost  of  three 
islands  that  go  by  the  name  of  Catwicks.  It  is  a  high,  barren  rock,  fre- 
quented by  numerous  birds,  one-third  of  a  mile  long  North  and  South,  about 
half  as  broad,  and  visible  in  clear  weather  at  22  or  23  miles.  Under  very 
favourable  circumstances  it  is  possible  to  effect  a  landing  upon  the  rocks  at 
its  base  ;  but  otherwise  it  is  impossible.  When  viewed  in  some  directions,  it 
resembles  a  shoe ;  at  others  it  seems  a  large  square  column  ;  and  when  bear- 
ing to  the  westward  it  assumes  the  form  of  a  pyramid.  Ships  generally 
endeavour  to  sight  this  island,  or  to  pass  within  20  or  25  miles  of  its  eastern 
side,  in  proceeding  up  or  down  the  main  route  of  the  China  Sea.  With 
the  exception  of  a  rock  awash  lying  a  quarter  of  a  cable's  length  eastward 
of  its  South  end,  the  island  is  bold  close  to;  16  and  17  fathoms  were 
obtained  about  2  cables'  lengths  eastward  of  it,  and  half  a  mile  off  in  that 
direction  25  to  30  fathoms.  On  the  West  side  the  soundings  are  a  few 
fathoms  deeper. 

JULIA  SHOAL  is  a  small  coral  patch  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  extent, 
with  only  2i  fathoms  on  it  at  low  tides,  lying  S.E.  by  E.  distant  3i  miles 
from  Pulo  Sapatu. 

The  Little  Catwick  in  line  with  the  northern  extreme  of  Sapatu,  N.W.  by 
W.  f  W.,  leads  nearly  half  a  mile  north-eastward  of  the  Julia  ;  the  Little 
Catwick  exactly  in  line  with  the  southern  extreme  of  Sapatu,  leads  over  10  ' 
fathoms  water  on  the  S.W.  edge  of  the  shoal ;  and  the  Little  Catwick  well 
open  of  the  southern  extreme,  N.W.  |  W.,  leads  half  a  mile  south-westward 
of  it. 

When  the  Little  Catwick  is  just  lost  behind  the  southern  extreme  of  Sa- 


6f36  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

pat'j,  and  the  angle  of  elevation  of  that  island  is  1°  22',  or  more  (the  height 
of  the  eye  being  15  feet),  ships  will  be  one  mile  or  more  inside  the  Julia. 
When  the  angle  of  elevation  is  0°  45',  or  less  (the  height  of  the  eye  being  15 
feet),  they  will  be  one  mile  or  more  outside  the  shoal. 

It  is  strange  that  no  mention  of  this  important  danger  is  made  in  Hors- 
burgh.  In  1836  Mr.  Thomas,  commanding  the  ship  Good  Success,  observing 
a  rippling,  sent  a  boat  to  examine  it,  and  found  a  sharp  pinnacle  rock,  to 
which  the  boat  was  held  by  a  boat  hook.  In  1847  it  was  examined  in  the 
ship  Julia,  but  no  less  water  than  3  fathoms  could  be  found,  which  is  no 
doubt  the  usual  depth  upon  the  shoal,  although  it  is  not  safe  to  depend  upon 
finding  more  than  2J  fathoms.  It  is  possible  that  the  Christopher  Rawson 
knocked  off  the  pinnacle  mentioned  by  Mr.  Thomas.  She  struck  with  great 
force,  dragging  the  stern  post  out  of  her. 

From  the  examination  made  in  the  Jxilia  the  danger  obtained  a  position  on 
the  charts,  which  position  was  very  nearly  the  same  as  that  ascribed  to  it  by 
Mr.  Thomas.  Lieut.  Eeed  agrees  with  both  in  bearing,  but  makes  the  dis- 
tance from  Pulo  Sapatu  (which  with  them  must  have  been  a  matter  of  judg- 
ment only)  a  mile  less  than  they. 

This  shoal  has  been  the  cause  of  more  anxiety,  perhaps  than  any  other  in 
the  China  Sea.  In  all  probability  many  of  the  reported  positions  of  dangers 
in  that  locality  (for  instance  the  Hopkins  Bank),  have  proceeded  from  this 
shoal  having  been  seen,  and  its  position  wrongly  estimated.  In  the  note 
below '^  are  given  Lieutenant  Reed's  reasons  for  believing  that  the  Christopher 


*  The  Rifleman  searched  carefully  for  the  dangers  supposed  to  exist  to  the  eastward  of 
Pulo  Sapatu,  but  without  success.  The  Eawson  Shoal  was  marked  on  the  charts  as  a 
doubtful  danger  about  20  miles  E.S.E.  of  Pulo  Sapatu.  It  was  hereabouts  the  Christopher 
Rawson  was  supposed  to  have  struck.  But  bearing  in  mind  that  the  accident  occurred  in 
the  middle  of  the  night,  when  the  ship  was  running  under  double-reefed  topsails  before  a 
strong  X.E.  monsoon,  and  that  she  went  down  a  few  minutes  after  striking,  the  crew  having 
barely  time  to  save  their  lives  by  taking  to  the  boats,  it  was  manifestly  impossible  under 
such  circumstances  to  calculate  the  position  of  the  shoal  with  any  degree  of  certainty ;  it 
must  have  been  a  matter  of  mere  conjecture. 

It  happened  that  the  gunner's  mate  of  the  Rifleman  belonged  to  the  Christopher  Rawson 
when  she  was  lost.  Overhearing  him  speak  of  the  wreck  in  the  passage  out  from  England, 
Lieutenant  Eeed  questioned  him  as  to  the  circumstances.  He  asserted  that  they  had  seen 
no  land  before  the  vessel  struck,  but  shortly  after  they  had  taken  to  the  boats  (which  were 
running  before  the  wind)  an  island  was  seen  upon  the  starboard  quarter  about  4  or  5  miles 
off.  If  this  statement  be  true,  the  vessel  could  not  have  been  lost  in  the  position  shown 
in  the  charts,  for  Sapatu  is  only  visible  from  the  bridge  of  the  Rifleman  at  a  distance  of 
22  miles. 

The  Rifleman  steamed  about  the  position  of  the  Rawson  a  whole  day,  but  could  find  no 
appearance  of  danger.  The  soundings  upon  the  spot  were  162  fathoms,  with  similar  depths 
around  it.  H.M.S.  Saracen  also  passed  over  this  spot  some  years  ago  and  saw  no  danger. 
It  has  also  been  passed  over  by  many  other  vessels  with  the  same  result. 


THE  P  YE  AMID,  ETC.  687 

Rawson  (the  only  vessel  heard  of  striking  on  a  shoal  near  Pulo  Sapatu)  was 
lost  upon  the  Julia  ;  and  that  from  the  impossibility  of  correctly  calculating 
the  ship's  position  at  the  time  of  the  accident,  the  navigation  of  the  China 
Sea  was  for  twenty  years  encumbered  with  the  Eawson  Shoal. 

The  PYRAMID,  or  LITTLE  CATWICK,  is  a  small  peaked  rock  56  feet 
high,  lying  N.W.  by  W.  5  W.  2^  miles  from  Pulo  Sapata.  It  is  steep  close 
to,  with  no  danger  near  it,  and  can  be  seen  about  9  to  10  miles. 

The  channel  between  this  rock  and  Pulo  Sapatu  is  free  from  danger,  and 
the  soundings  in  it  are  deep,  50  to  65  fathoms.  The  following  observations 
from  Horsburgh  are  very  valuable, — "  Although  this  passage  seems  to  be 
safe  with  a  commanding  wind,  it  ought  not  to  be  adopted  excepting  in  a 
case  of  emergency,  for  it  is  contracted,  and  the  currents  are  strong  and  irre- 
gular about  these  islands.     Ships  passing  here  in  the  night,  during  the  N.E. 


A  day  was  also  spent  in  searching  for  the  Hopkins  Bank,  but  no  sign  of  danger  was  met 
with  in  this  case  either. 

For  these  reasons,  therefore,  and  considering  also  that  no  authentic  account  of  danger 
having  been  seen  near  the  position  has  since  appeared,  Lieut.  Eeed  thinks  that  it  may  be 
fairly  inferred  that  the  Christopher  Eauson  was  lost  on  Julia  Shoal ;  and  that  thsre  is  no 
good  reason  for  believing  that  any  other  danger  exists  in  that  locality. 

A  day  was  spent  in  carefuUy  searching  for  the  Forth,  Columbia,  and  Alexander  Shoals, 
but  nothing  of  the  sort  could  be  met  with.  Upon  the  positions  of  the  Forth  and  Alexander 
the  Bifeman  had  no  bottom  with  .500  fathoms  ;  and  no  bottom  with  350  fathoms  upon  that 
of  the  Columbia. 

Mr.  T.  B.  White,  the  late  commander  of  the  Lanrick  and  Fiery  Cross,  a  gentleman  of  great 
experience  in  the  China  Sea,  in  an  able  paper  communicated  to  the  Nautical  Magazine 
in  1853,  thus  mentions  these  shoals  : — "  The  Shepherdess,  Christopher  Eawson,  Forth,  and 
Alexander  Shoals,  I  do  not  believe  to  exist.  The  Eawson  was  no  doubt  bilged  on  the  3- 
fathoms  patch  (the  Julia  Shoal)  lately  found  a  few  mUes  S.E.  of  Pulo  Sapatu.  The  Forth 
Eock  is  said  to  have  been  seen  at  2  a.m.  in  a  dark  squally  night,  and  the  Alexander  s  wreck 
is  asserted  to  have  been  seen  on  the  Western  Eeef.  Nor  need  we  be  much  surprised  at 
this  latter  discrepancy,  when  it  is  known  that  in  the  strength  of  the  S.W.  monsoon,  obser- 
vations are  often  not  to  be  had  for  36  or  48  hours,  and  the  current  in  thut  season  often 
runs  from  30  to  as  much  as  56  miles  in  24  hours,  varj-ing  in  direction  from  E.  by  S.  to 
N.E.  by  E." 

Mr.  Crockett,  now  commanding  the  steamer  Clan  Alpine,  who  has  had  similar  experience 
in  the  China  Sea  to  Mr.  White,  also  states  that  he  has  passed  over  the  positions  of  all  these 
supposed  shoals,  and  has  never  seen  any  sign  of  danger.  Many  similar  statements  have 
been  received  from  other  captains  not  so  well  known  as  those  referred  to,  but  m  every  way 
worthy  of  credit. 

From  the  above  statements,  and  from  the  result  of  the  examination  in  the  Eifleman,  it 
may  be  inferred  that  the  main  route  to  China  is  not  fraught  with  so  much  difficulty  and 
danger  as  it  has  been  hitherto  considered  to  be,  and  that,  with  the  exception  of  the  Julia 
and  Eaglan  Banks,  there  is  no  reliable  report  of  the  existence  of  any  danger  between  Pulo 
Sapatu  and  the  western  edges  of  the  reefs  known  to  extend  from  the  North  Danger  Reef 
far  to  the  south-westward. 


638  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

monsoon,  ought  to  make  proper  allowance  for  a  south-westerly  current,  which 
is  liable  to  deceive,  and  to  carry  them  down  upon  the  island,  particularly  if 
the  wind  is  strong  at  the  time." 

ROUND  ISLAND,  or  GREAT  CAT  WICK,  is  a  barren  rock  196  ft.  high, 
and  about  U  cables  in  diameter,  bearing  W.N.W.,  distant  11 J  miles  from 
Sapatu,  and  nearly  South,  about  30  miles  from  Pulo  Ceicer  de  Mer.  It  is 
bold  close-to,  having  30  to  50  fathoms  at  a  short  distance  from  it  in  all 
directions. 

LA  PAIX  ROCK  is  a  small  spot  with  a  pinnacle  awash  lying  nearly  in  the 
fairway  of  the  channel  between  Great  and  Little  Catwick,  and  which  may, 
with  this  exception,  be  considered  safe  to  navigate.  From  the  pinnacle  the 
Great  Catwick  bears  west-northerly,  distant  4^  miles,  and  the  Little  Catwick 
is  seen  open  to  the  southward  of  Pulo  Sapatu,  bearing  S.E.  by  E. -easterly, 
5^  miles.  Except  in  exceedingly  fine  weather,  the  sea  always  breaks  upon 
this  rock,  but  vessels  should  not  attempt  the  channel  at  night,  unless  their 
position  is  exactly  known,  and  other  circumstances  are  favourable. 

yXJSUN  SHOAL,  in  lat.  10°  16'  N.,  long.  109"  2'  15"  E.,  is  a  small  coral 
patch  of  4  fathoms,  lying  in  the  fairway  of  the  channel  between  Ceicer  de 
Mer  and  the  Catwicks.  From  it  the  S.W.  summit  of  the  former  bears  N.  by 
W.  f  W.  17  I  miles,  the  Great  Catwick  S.S.W.  i  W.  14f  miles,  and  Sapatu 
S.  by  E.  ;^  E.  18  miles,  which  is  very  nearly  the  position  assigned  to  it  by  its 
discoverer ;  close  around  it  are  45  and  50  fathoms,  which  is  the  general  depth 
of  the  middle  of  the  channel ;  but  about  a  mile  W.N.W.  of  the  shoal  is  a 
patch  of  24  fathoms. 

In  fine  weather  the  shoal  is  not  easily  seen,  but  when  blowing  hard  in 
the  strength  of  the  monsoons,  the  sea  has  been  frequently  observed  to  break 
heavily  upon  it. 

There  is  good  reason  to  believe  that  the  Yusun  is  the  only  danger  in  the 
channel  between  Ceicer  de  Mer  and  the  Catwicks,  which  is  otherwise  spacious 
and  safe.  The  soundings  in  the  channel  are  irregular,  and  will  be  better 
understood  by  a  reference  to  the  chart. 

PTJLO  CEICER  DE  MER  is  3^  miles  long  North  and  South,  and  1^  mile 
broad.  There  are  two  small  hills  towards  its  North  end,  and  they  bear 
E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.  distant  a  mile  from  each  other.  The  S.W.  and  higher 
hill  of  the  two  is  in  lat.  10°  32'  36"  N.,  long.  108°  56'  30"  E. ;  it  is  360  feet 
high,  has  a  round  top,  slopes  gradually  until  it  joins  the  low  land,  and  is 
visible  at  24  or  25  miles.  The  N.E.  hill,  306  ft.  high  and  of  a  conical  torm, 
rises  abruptly  from  the  low  land,  and  has  several  irregular  masses  of  rock 
near  its  summit,  which  give  it  a  somewhat  remarkable  appearance. 

Nearly  half  a  mile  off  the  N.E.  end  of  the  island  are  several  masses  of 
rocks  with  foul  ground  around  them ;  the  most  conspicuous  is  a  large  black 
rock  60  ft.  high.     This  part  of  the  island  should  not  be  approached  by  ves- 


PULO  CEICER  DE  MER.  63& 

sels  of  large  draught  nearer  than  1  i  or  2  miles,  nor  by  small  vessels  nearer 
than  a  mile.  In  a  case  of  emergency  it  is  possible,  perhaps,  to  gain  shelter 
from  the  S.W.  monsoon  by  anchoring  off  the  N.E.  end  in  14  or  15  fathoms ; 
but  the  bottom  is  rocky,  bad  holding  ground,  and  by  no  means  to  be  recom- 
mended as  an  anchorage. 

On  the  East  side  of  the  island  is  a  sandy  bay  which  has  the  appearance  of 
affording  convenient  anchorage  ;  but  a  coral  reef  not  only  fills  it  completely 
up,  but  projects  in  such  a  manner  that  the  5  fathoms  line  of  soundings  forms 
an  arc  of  a  circle  convex  to  seaward  more  than  a  mile  distant  from  the  depth 
of  the  bay,  and  approaches  within  a  cable's  length  or  two  of  the  N.E.  and 
S.E.  points  of  the  island.  Vessels  should  be  extremely  cautious  in  approach- 
ing this  treacherous  bay,  as  the  soundings  decrease  so  suddenly  from  no 
bottom  with  40  or  50  fathoms  to  4  or  5  fathoms,  that  the  land  cannot  be  relied 
upon  to  give  warning  of  the  danger  in  sufficient  time  to  avoid  it. 

At  half  a  mile  off  the  S.E.  end  of  Ceicer  de  Mer  is  a  small  island  lying 
in  a  North  and  South  direction,  the  highest  point  of  which  is  133  ft.  above 
the  sea.  The  S.E.  part  of  Ceicer  de  Mer  is  nearly  the  same  height,  and  both 
present  steep  rugged  cliffs  to  the  eastward.  In  the  middle  of  the  channel 
between  these  islands  is  a  mass  of  rocks  just  above  water,  between  which  and 
the  small  island  is  a  channel  for  boats.  A  quarter  of  a  mile  S.E.  of  the 
small  island  is  a  conspicuous  black  rock  30  feet  high,  with  smaller  rocks 
around  it ;  2  cables'  lengths  S.E.  of  which,  again,  are  two  rocks  awash.  The 
small  island,  therefore,  should  not  be  approached  within  a  mile  when  bear- 
ing to  the  westward  of  North. 

Anchorage.— K  sandy  beach  extends  along  the  whole  "West  and  S.W. 
coasts  of  Ceicer  de  Mer,  the  S.W.  point  being  formed  by  a  number  of  black 
rocks.  There  is  fair  anchorage  in  13  to  16  fathoms,  with  a  bottom  of  sand 
and  shells,  all  along  these  shores  ;  but  the  best  is  just  to  the  southward  of 
the  S.W.  point,  where  vessels  may  conveniently  anchor  in  10  to  14  fathoms. 
It  is  necessary,  however,  to  be  careful  in  coming  to,  as  shoal  water  and  rocks 
extend  about  one-third  of  a  mile  from  the  island,  and  the  depths  rapidly 
decrease  from  1 1  to  4  fathoms. 

Supplies,  etc.—F\x\o  Ceicer  de  Mer  is  inhabited  by  poor  fishermen  and 
others,  and  is  well  cultivated,  yet  no  supplies  could  be  obtained.  The 
natives  brought  off  a  few  fowls  on  one  occasion,  and  seemed  pleased  to  re- 
ceive some  empty  bottles,  biscuit,  &c.,  in  return ;  but  they  refused  all  offers 
of  money,  and  woiild  not  be  prevailed  upon  to  sell  anything.  They  were 
much  disturbed  at  the  vessel  remaining  so  long  in  their  neighbourhood,  and 
kept  up  an  almost  incessant  noise  with  drums  and  gongs  all  the  time  she 
was  at  anchor.  They  always  lined  the  beach,  armed  with  spears  and  other 
Chinese  weapons,  when  any  boat  landed,  but  did  not  attempt  to  molest 
the  crew. 

HIGH  KOCK,  of  a  white  colour,  50  ft.  high,  and  the  resort  of  sea  birds, 


640  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

lies  N.W.  i  N.  nearly  5  miles  from  the  N.W.  point  of  Ceieer  de  Mer.  Nearly 
half  a  cable's  length  northward  of  it  is  a  small  rock  a  few  feet  above  water, 
close  to  the  northward  of  which  is  a  rock  awash. 

In  the  channel  between  Ceieer  de  Mer  and  High  Eock  the  depths  vary 
from  S  to  12  fathoms,  and  the  bottom  is  coral.  Near  the  rock  some  patches 
of  5  and  6  fathoms  were  found,  but  no  danger  discovered.  The  channel 
between  Ceieer  de  Mer  and  Holland  Bank  is  about  12  miles  wide.  The 
depths  in  it  are  very  irregular,  varying  from  26  to  10  fathoms,  the  bottom 
generally  sand,  or  sand  and  shells,  at  the  deep  soundings,  and  rocky  at  the 
shoal  ones. 

HOLLAND  BANE  is  composed  of  coral,  and  has  various  depths  of  water 
upon  it.  Its  greatest  length  (under  a  depth  of  10  fathoms)  is  6|  miles 
E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.,  and  its  breadth  4  miles.  The  shoalest  patches  are 
towards  its  N.E.  end.  The  soundings  on  these  patches  are  very  irregular ; 
the  least  water  found  was  2i  fathoms,  reduced  to  low  water  springs.  Erom 
the  centre  patch,  in  lat.  10°  39'  N.,  long.  108°  43'  E.,  the  S.W.  summit  of 
Ceieer  de  Mer  bore  about  E.S.E.  15  miles,  and  High  Eock  about  E.  by  S. 
10 J  miles. 

The  S.W.  hill  of  Ceieer  de  Mer  bearing  S.E.  by  E.  I  E.  leads  just  outside 
the  depth  of  10  fathoms,  on  the  N.E.  end  of  Holland  Bank  ;  and  bearing  E. 
by  S.  I  S.,  leads  outside  the  same  depth  on  the  South  end.  Therefore,  ves- 
sels passing  northward  of  the  bank,  should  not  bring  the  S.W.  or  high  and 
sloping  hill  of  Ceieer  de  Mer  to  the  eastward  of  S.E. ;  and  those  passing 
southward  of  the  bank  should  not  bring  the  same  hill  to  the  southward 
of  East. 

The  soundings  round  the  bank  are  very  irregular,  and  afford  no  certain 
guide,  but  the  bank  is  much  steeper  on  its  eastern  edge  than  elsewhere. 
The  lead,  however,  is  not  at  all  to  be  relied  on  in  approaching  that  edge,  for 
20  fathoms  may  be  had  at  one  cast,  and  4  fathoms  the  next.  Excepting  at 
the  eastern  part,  if  the  lead  be  attended  to  and  hove  quickly,  it  will  point 
out  the  edge  of  the  bank  before  a  ship  gets  into  danger. 

The  following  valuable  remarks,  from  Horsburgh,  cannot  be  improved 
upon : — "  To  avoid  this  bank  on  its  western  side,  do  not  raise  Pulo  Ceieer  de 
Mer  more  than  to  have  the  summits  of  the  two  hills  visible  from  the  poop 
of  a  large  ship  when  the  island  is  bearing  E.  ^  S.  and  S.E. ;  for  if  the  low 
part  of  the  island  between  the  hills  be  in  sight  from  the  poop,  bearing  from 
E.  by  S.  to  E.S.E.,  the  vessel  will  be  near  the  edge  of  the  bank." 

Caution. — Vessels  should  keep  a  good  look-out  when  passing  between 
Ceieer  de  Mer  and  High  Eock,  or  High  Eock  and  Holland  Bank ;  for 
although  many  hundreds  of  soundings  were  obtained  by  the  Rifleman,  in 
the  neighburhood,  and  the  result  of  the  survey  affords  reasonable  assurance 
that  these  channels  are  quite  safe,  yet  with  depths  so  irregular,  and  the 
bottom  mostly  of  coral,  the  possibility  of  some  small  patch  having  escaped 


THE  PARACEL  ISLANDS  AND  EEEFS.  641 

the  lead,  even  in  the  most  careful  survey,  should  always  be  borne  in  mind 
and  guarded  against  as  far  as  possible. 

The  MINERVA  BANK,  lying  to  the  north-eastward  of  Pulo  Sapatu,  was 
discovered  by  the  company's  ship  of  this  name,  in  1821,  "At  noon,  observed 
in  lat.  10°  32'  N.,  steered  N.E.  ^  N.  5  miles,  and  about  half-past  noon,  the 
water  appearing  very  much  discoloured,  kept  the  lead  going  quick  ;  had  40 
fathoms  first  cast,  then  35,  30,  and  28  fathoms ;  shortened  sail,  and  hove  to, 
head  to  the  S.E.  ;  next  cast  had  39,  40,  and  42  fathoms,  and  continued  this 
depth  by  repeated  soundings.  From  noon  till  2  p.m.,  when  lying  to,  had 
steered  N.E.  ^  N.  8  miles,  which  gave  6  miles  northing,  placing  the  bank  in 
10°  38'  N. ;  and  good  sights  taken  at  the  same  time  made  the  long.  110°  18' 
E.  by  means  of  three  chronometers.  The  soundings  upon  the  bank  were  all 
coral  rock,  and  it  appeared  to  extend  to  about  11  mile  in  a  north-easterly 
direction,  as  in  hauling  to  the  southward  the  depth  greatly  increased.  About 
a  quarter  past  2  p.m.  bore  away,  and  gradually  increased  the  soundings  from 
45  to  50  fathoms,  then  no  bottom  at  55  fathoms. 

Soundings  were  tried  for  in  the  Rijleman  on  the  supposed  position  of  this 
bank,  but  no  bottom  was  obtained  with  200  fathoms.  Lieutenant  Eeed  has, 
however,  no  doubt  that  it  exists  somewhere  near  its  assigned  position  on 
the  chart ;  but  as  28  fathoms  is  the  least  water  reported  upon  it,  he  did  not 
deem  it  sufficiently  important  to  occupy  his  time  in  making  a  closer  search. 


THE  PAEACEL  ISLANDS  AND  EEEFS. 

The  PARACEL  ISLANDS  and  REEFS  are  an  extensive  group  of  low 
islands,  reefs,  and  shoals,  which  extend  from  lat.  15°  45|'  to  17°  8'  N.,  and 
from  long.  111°  9'  to  112°  43'  E.  Vessels  should  carefully  avoid  coming 
within  their  limits,  as  the  dangers  among  them  are  not  accurately  known. 
This  will  be  seen  by  the  following  description,  taken  from  the  survey  made 
by  Captains  Eoss  and  Maughan,  of  the  Bombay  Marine,  in  1808.  It  may 
induce  caution  if  we  remind  our  readers  that  H.M.  gun-vessel  Slancy  was 
wrecked  on  Drummond  Eeef  of  this  group  during  a  gale  on  16th  May,  1870, 
when  3  officers  and  46  men  were  drowned,  and  only  9  of  the  crew  saved. 
The  ship  Caradacxis  also  went  ashore  during  the  same  gale. 

TRITON  ISLAND,  in  lat.  15°  46'  N.,  long.  111°  11'  E.,  extends  in  aN.  W. 
and  S.E.  direction  about  3  or  4  miles  (according  to  a  plan  of  it  by  Captain 
Brown,  of  the  Triton),  and  is  thought  to  be  the  most  southern  and  western 
danger  of  the  Paracels.^''     Its  North  part  is  a  sandy  lump,  about  20  ft.  high, 

*  In  June,  1815,  Captain  Maughan,  in  the  Investifjator,  passed  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
of  apparently  some  patches  of  coral,  having,  he  supposed,  about  6  or  8  fathoms  water  over 
I.A,  4  N 


642  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

sloping  down  in  a  low  point  to  the  S.E.,  with  high  breakers  projecting  a 
great  way  in  that  direction ;  another  reef  projects  from  its  N.W.  end  ;  there 
are  no  soundings  near  it. 

BOMBAY  SHOAL,  lying  between  lat.  15°  59'  and  16°  6'  N.,  and  long. 
112°  26'  and  112°  38'  E.,  is  a  reef  of  breakers  of  oblong  form,  about  12  miles 
in  extent  E.  by  N.  and  "W.  by  S.,  having  apparently  an  entrance  at  the 
western  part,  with  deep  water  inside  ;  some  of  the  rocks  are  level  with  the 
water,  and  have  sandy  patches  inside  of  them.  This  shoal  is  steep-to,  for  at 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  at  its  South  side,  the  Bomlay  had  no  bottom  with 
100  fathoms  of  line  ;  and  close  around  it  Captain  Ross  in  his  survey  could 
get  no  bottom.  It  seems  to  bear  about  S.  by  W.  from  Pyramid  Rock,  for 
although  the  Bombaij  made  it  several  miles  more  easterly  than  the  longitude 
stated  above  from  the  survey  of  Captain  Ross,  it  probably  is  not  so  ;  because 
the  Jehangire  observed  at  noon,  in  lat.  16°  5'  N.,  long.  112°  52'  E.,  and  no 
danger  could  be  discerned  from  the  mast-head. 

JEHANGIRE  BANK  is  named  after  the  above  ship,  which  got  upon  a 
coral  bank  in  lat-  16°  18'  N.,  long.  112°  35'  E.,  and  had  12,  10,  and  9^ 
fathoms  water  ;  the  next  cast  was  30  fathoms,  and  in  less  than  an  hour  had 
no  bottom,  drifting  to  the  south-eastward  by  the  lead,  being  calm  at  the  time. 
This  seems  to  agree  with  the  account  of  Capt.  Eoss's  pilot,  who  stated  that 
there  are  soundings  on  coral  banks  in  a  narrow  line  between  Lincoln  Island 
and  the  Bombay  Shoal,  which,  with  those  dangers,  form  the  eastern  boundary 
of  the  Paracels. 

Bremen  Bank.— The  North  German  schooner  barque  Charlotte,  of  Bremen, 
Captain  B.  Steengrafe,  reports  a  shoal  under  the  following  circumstances  : — 
Left  Hong  Kong  on  the  18th  of  March,  bound  on  a  voyage  to  Bangkok. 
After  a  favourable  passage  of  four  days  sighted  the  Paracels  ;  being  desirous 
of  ascertaining  the  rates  of  chronometers,  found  old  rates  to  be  exactly  cor- 
rect by  good  observations  and  cross  bearings.  At  9  a.m.  Lincoln  Island 
bore  E.  by  N.,  and  Pyramid  Eock  South  per  compass  ;  thence  sailed  S.S.W. 
16  miles  until  noon.  After  having  taken  the  meridian  altitude  of  the  sun, 
found  ourselves  upon  a  coral  bank.  Set  the  lead  going  immediately,  and 
sounded  carefully  from  10 J  to  12 J  fathoms,  within  a  few  minutes  to  1. 
Sailed  over  it  a  distance  of  5  miles  in  S.S.W.  direction  ;  southern  edge  ap- 
peared to  stretch  W.N.W.  and  E.S.E.  ;  bank  visible  from  the  topgallant 
yard  as  far  as  we  could  discern.  Had  with  more  than  20  fathoms  line  no 
soundings  at  about  half  a  cable's  length  from  the  South  edge.  The  true 
position  of  the  point  of  the  bank  we  were  on  was,  by  dead  reckoning,  lat. 

them  ;  but  no  soundings  could  be  obtained  with  110  fathoms  of  line  at  that  distance,  and  a 
boat  could  not  be  hoisted  out  to  examine  them,  on  account  of  the  high  sea  and  blowing 
weather.  These  patches,  seen  at  2  p.m.,  are  in  lat,  14°  12'  N.,  long.  112°  52'  E.  ;  but  it  is 
uncertain  that  they  were  real  dangers. 


PARACEL  ISLANDS  AND  REEFS.  643 

16°  24'  N.,  long.  112°  24'  E. ;  by  observations  lat.  16°  24'  N.,  long.  112°  25' 
East.  Had  very  fine  -weather  at  the  time,  light  easterly  winds  and  little 
swell  from  the  same  quarter,  sky  clear. 

LINCOLN  ISLAND,  the  S.E.  point  of  which  is  in  lat.  16°  39'  34"  N.,  long. 
112°  44'  23"  E.,  is  li  mile  long,  N.W.  and  S.E.,  three-quarters  of  a  mUe 
wide,  and  about  20  ft.  high  ;  it  is  covered  with  brushwood,  and  surrounded 
by  a  coral  reef,  dry  at  low  water,  which  extends  1^  mile  from  its  S.E.  point, 
half  a  mile  from  its  North  and  East  sides,  and  about  a  cable's  length  from 
its  S.W.  side.  A  narrow  coral  shoal  runs  off  to  the  southward  from  its  S.E. 
point,  which  is  said  by  Horsburgh  to  extend  1 1  miles  ;  time  did  not  admit  of 
its  being  properly  examined  by  the  Rifleman,  but  judging  from  the  soundings 
that  were  obtained,  the  dangerous  part  of  this  shoal  does  not  appear  to  ex- 
tend farther  than  3  miles  from  the  island.  Grood  anchorage  can  be  obtained 
in  the  N.E.  monsoon  under  its  lee  in  8  to  10  fathoms,  coral,  about  half  a  mile 
from  the  shore.  The  spring  of  excellent  water  in  the  centre  of  this  island, 
mentioned  by  Horsburgh,  is  merely  a  well  dug  by  the  Hainan  fishermen 
close  to  a  stunted  cocoa-nut  tree,  into  which  the  salt  water  filters. 

PYRAMID  ROCK  bears  S.W.  \  W.,  distant  7^  miles,  from  the  S.E.  point 
of  Lincoln  Island,  and  10 J  miles  N.W.  by  W.  from  the  South  end  of  the  bank 
extending  southwards  from  that  island.  Between  Lincoln  Island  and  the 
Pyramid  there  are  depths  of  27  to  31  fathoms. 

H.M.S.  Bido,  in  1844,  observed  a  shoal  about  10  miles  to  the  eastward  of 
Lincoln  Island.  It  is  shown  on  the  chart  as  a  doubtful  danger  in  lat.  16° 
45'  N.,  long.  112°  54' E. 

PASSOO  KEAH,  in  lat.  16°  6'  N.,  long.  111°  46'  E.,  is  a  small  sandy  island, 
surrounded  by  a  coral  reef,  having  no  soundings  near  it. 

DISCOVERY  SHOAL  or  REEF.— The  West  end  of  this  dangerous  shoal 
is  in  lat.  16°  11'  40'  N.,  long.  111°  33'  E.  ;  from  thence  it  extends  E.N.E.  15 
or  16  miles  to  its  eastern  extremity  in  lat.  16°  16'  N.,  long.  Ill"  48J'  E.  The 
reef  is  of  the  shape  of  an  extended  oval,  with  an  opening  1  cable  wide  on  its 
South  side,  having  in  it  overfalls  from  2  to  20  fathoms,  and  a  small  opening 
on  the  North  side.  There  are  no  soundings  about  20  yards  from  the  reef, 
and  scarcely  2  fathoms  water  over  any  part  of  it,  with  many  spiral  rocks  a 
few  feet  above  the  water's  edge.  The  Hainan  boats  come  here  to  fish  from 
January  to  May. 

Vuladdore  Shoal,  lying  9  or  10  miles  E.  by  N.  from  the  Discovery  Shoal, 
is  7  miles  in  extent  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.  It  has  a  few  small  spiral  rocks  on 
it  above  water,  with  high  breakers,  and  no  soundings  at  the  distance  of  a 
cable's  length  on  either  side.  Captain  Ross  made  the  centre  of  this  shoal 
in  lat.  16°  18'  N.,  long.  112°  2'  E. ;  the  Portuguese  snow  Vuladdore,  in  her 
passage  from  Macao  to  Manila,  saw  it  in  lat.  16°  19'  N.,  long.  112°  5'  E., 
bearing  S.  15°  W.  39  miles  from  the  Amphitrite  Islands.     She  had  passed 


644  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

to  the  westward  of  these  islands  on  the  preceding  day,  and  in  steering  south- 
ward had  no  soundings,  nor  did  she  see  any  other  shoal  but  that  which  has 
been  named  after  her. 

The  Crescent  Chain  of  islands  and  reefs,  called  by  Captain  Eoss,  Money, 
Robert,  Pattle,  Drummond,  and  Duncan  Islands,  extends  from  lat.  16°  27' 
*to  16°  37'  N.,  and  from  long.  111°  28'  to  111°  46'  E.  They  consist  of  six  low 
sandy  islands,  for  the  most  part  connected  by  reefs,  stretching  nearly  East 
and  West  in  the  form  of  a  crescent,  at  the  East  end  of  which  an  elbow  is 
formed  by  part  of  the  reef  turning  round  to  the  south-westward ;  on  this 
part  stand  the  two  Duncan  Islands,  with  an  opening  4  miles  between  their 
contiguous  reef  and  the  Antelope  Shoal,  which  lies  about  2  miles  to  the  east- 
ward of  Money,  the  western  island  of  the  group.  This  opening  is  on  the 
South  side  of  the  chain,  and  inside  there  are  soundings  ;  but  the  ground  is 
chiefly  coral,  with  great  overfalls  from  25  to  5  fathoms.  The  best  anchorage 
is  close  to  the  reef,  on  the  North  side  of  Duncan  Island,  where  there  are 
some  broad  patches  of  sandy  bottom. 

The  Duncan  and  Drummond  Islands  were  more  particularly  examined  by 
the  Rifleman,  and  the  passage  between  them  sounded.  The  two  Duncan 
Islands  are  now  joined  by  a  sandy  spit  which  is  always  uncovered ;  they 
extend  a  mile  in  an  East  and  "West  direction,  are  4  cables  in  breadth,  and 
surrounded  by  a  coral  reef  which  extends  in  some  places  4  cables  from  the 
shore,  and  dries  at  low  water.  On  the  westernmost  of  the  islands  is  a  cocoa- 
nut  tree. 

Drummond  Island  is  nearly  round,  its  diameter  being  about  3  cables  ;  at 
2  cables  South  of  it  is  a  rock  which  never  covers.  A  reef  of  coral  extends 
a  short  distance  from  the  West  side  of  the  island,  but  runs  for  miles  to  the 
eastward  and  north-eastward  of  it.  Both  Duncan  and  Drummond  Islands 
are  covered  with  brushwood.  Between  them  is  a  safe  channel,  upwards  of 
a  mile  in  width,  with  from  19  to  20  fathoms  water.  Horsburgh  says  this 
channel  should  not  be  taken  in  large  vessels,  the  passage  westward  of  Dun- 
can Island  being  preferable  ;  but  the  Rifleman,  when  passing  between  Dun- 
can and  Money  Islands,  suddenly  got  to  shoal  water,  which  appeared  to 
extend  across  that  channel,  and  therefore  the  channel  between  Duncan  and 
Drummond  Islands  is  certainly  safer  for  steamers.  Vessels  may  anchor  to 
the  northward  of  Duncan  Island  in  from  16  to  18  fathoms,  about  half  a  mile 
off  shore. 

Observation  Bank,  in  lat.  16°  36'  N.,  long.  111°  40^'  E.,  is  small,  lies  on 
the  North  side  of  the  Crescent  Chain,  and  may  be  considered  as  part  of  it. 
Within  this  bank,  about  3  miles  to  the  southward,  is  an  anchorage  from  5 
to  20  fathoms,  on  a  coral  bottom. 

Hotspur  Shoal,  on  which  an  American  ship  of  this  name  was  wrecked  in 
1860,  is  said  to  lie  in  lat.  16°  51'  N.,  long.  111°  30'  E. ;  it  is  likely,  however, 
to  be  the  North  shoal,  lying  to  the  northward. 


AMPHITEITE  ISLANDS-MACCLESFIELD  BANK.  645 

AMPHITRITE  ISLANDS  are  in  two  groups,  lying  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.  of 
each  other,  and  having  a  deep-water  channel  between  them.  The  northern 
group  consists  of  four  low,  narrow  islands,  connected  by  a  reef  of  rocks  that 
projects  2  or  3  miles  beyond  their  extremes ;  upon  the  westernmost  island 
there  is  a  cocoa-nut  tree,  from  which  it  has  received  the  name  of  Tree  Island. 
The  western  extremity  of  the  reef  surrounding  these  islands  is  in  lat.  16°  59' 
N.,  long.  112°  12'  E.  ;  the  reef  extends  about  10  miles  E.S.E.,  the  eastern 
extremity  being  in  lat.  16°54'N.,  long.  112°22'E.,  and  it  forms  the  northern 
limit  of  danger  in  this  part  of  the  archipelago.  There  are  no  soundings  on 
the  North  side,  but  there  is  good  anchorage  in  10  fathoms,  sand,  under  the 
S.E.  side  of  the  chain,  about  half  a  mile  from  the  rocks  ;  no  fresh  water  is 
procurable. 

The  southern  group  consists  of  two  islands,  called  "Woody  and  Rocky, 
lying  very  near  each  other.  Woody  Island,  in  lat.  16°  SOV  N.,  long.  112° 
19'  E.,  is  about  3  miles  in  circumference,  covered  with  small  trees.  A  reef 
projects  around  this  island  to  the  distance  of  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  con- 
nected with  Eocky  Island. 

Eocky  Island,  in  lat.  16°  52'  N.,  long.  112°  19^' E.,  is  small,  and  nearly 
of  the  same  h^ght  as  Woody  Island  ;  there  are  no  soundings  to  the  N.E. 
or  eastward  of  it,  but  irregular  soundings  extend  6  miles  to  the  S.W.  of 
these  islands,  decreasing  to  14  fathoms  in  some  places.  Close  to  the  reef 
on  the  West  side  of  Woody  Island  there  are  25  fathoms  ;  and  the  depths 
decrease  gradually  from  30  to  15  fathoms  towards  the  Amphitrite  Islands, 
where  a  vessel  may  anchor  if  requisite. 

The  North  Shoal,  extending  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.  about  6  miles,  is  narrow 
and  steep-to,  having  soundings  only  on  the  North  side,  14  fathoms  within 
half  a  cable's  length  of  the  rocks.  The  East  end  of  this  shoal  or  reef  is  in 
lat.  17°  6V  N.,  long.  11 T  32i'  E.,  and  it  appears  to  be  the  north-western 
danger  of  the  Paracels. 

Tides  and  Currents. — At  the  Crescent  chain,  and  at  some  other  of  the  Pa- 
racel  Eeefs,  there  are  regular  tides  during  the  springs.  The  currents  run 
generally  strong  before  the  wind  in  both  monsoons,  but  in  light  winds  be- 
tween the  monsoons  they  are  continually  changing  their  direction  amongst 
the  shoals.  Ships  ought,  therefore,  never  to  come  within  the  limits  of  these 
dangers,  if  it  can  possibly  be  prevented,  for  they  may  be  drifted  upon  some 
of  the  reefs  during  calms,  close  to  which  there  is  no  anchorage.  There  are 
several  channels  between  the  different  reefs  or  shoals,  from  12  or  15  to  30 
and  35  miles  wide. 


MACCLESFIELD  BANK,  discovered  by  the  English  ship  of  this  name  in 
1701,  is  of  greater  extent  than  is  generally  supposed,  for  the  Fort  St.  David 


646  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

country  ship  is  said  to  have  obtained  soundings  in  lat.  15°  17'  N.,  on  its 
southern  part;  and  in  lat.  16°  19'  N.  by  noon  observation,  the  Stormont  had 
14  fathoms  on  its  northern  part,  and  about  1  mile  farther  to  the  south vrard 
she  had  14  fathoms  water ;  the  Cirencester  also  had  a  quarter  less  10  fathoms, 
in  lat.  16°  19' N.,  long.  114°  33'  E.,  deepening  gradually  until  in  lat.  16° 
21J'  N.,  then  55  fathoms,  no  ground.  The  bank,  therefore,  appears  to  ex- 
tend from  lat.  15°  17'  to  16°  21'  N. ;  its  length  East  and  West  being  about 
90  miles,  the  western  edge  being  nearly  in  long.  113°  40'  E.,  and  the  eastern 
edge  in  about  long.  114°  53'  E. 

The  depths  on  this  bank  are  generally  very  irregular,  from  25  or  30  to  40 
or  50  fathoms,  coral  rock  ;  and  in  some  places,  where  the  soundings  are  a 
little  regular,  the  bottom  is  coarse  or  fine  sand.  There  appear  to  be  gaps 
in  some  parts  of  the  bank,  where  no  soundings  have  been  obtained  with  80 
or  100  fathoms  of  line ;  for  several  ships,  in  steering  directly  over  it,  after 
getting  ground,  have  lost  soundings  for  a  considerable  time,  and  obtained 
them  again. 

On  the  northern  and  eastern  parts  of  the  bank  there  are  level  patches  of 
considerable  dimensions,  with  regular  soundings  from  9  to  15  fathoms,  sandy 
bottom ;  there  are  also  some  patches  on  the  southern  and  western  parts,  with 
14  to  17  fathoms  upon  them. 

The  greatest  extent  of  the  bank.  East  and  West,  appears  to  be  near  its 
northern  extremity,  for  soundings  have  been  obtained  in  long.  114°  51' E. 
In  lat.  15"  56'  N.,  and  long.  114°  51'  E.,  the  Thetis  had  11^  fathoms,  and 
carried  soundings  3  or  4  miles  farther  to  the  eastward,  deepening  to  20,  40, 
60,  and  75,  then  80  fathoms,  no  ground,  when  in  long.  114°  55'  E. 

The  Admiralty  chart  shows  soundings  of  17  and  20  fathoms,  in  about  lat. 
15°  58'  N.,  long.  115°  6'  E.,  and  a  cast  of  130  fathoms  in  long.  115"  10', 
which  is  17  miles  eastward  of  Horsburgh's  extreme  eastern  position.  The 
chart  also  shows  5J  and  6  fathoms  between  the  parallels  of  16°  4'  and  16°  12' 
N.  in  about  long.  113°  54'  E.,  with  30,  40,  and  80  fathoms  extending  to  the 
northward,  the  latter  depth  being  in  lat.  16°  35' N. 

In  1857  the  Siamese  vessel  Bangkok,  Captain  Moses,  when  crossing  this 
bank  in  lat.  16°  2^'  N.,  long.  114°  2J'  E.,  got  suddenly  into  5^  to  4  fathoms, 
coral  and  red  sand,  and  as  suddenly  deepened  to  10,  16,  add  20  fathoms;  the 
weather  was  fine  and  the  sea  smooth,  otherwise  with  a  swell  he  believes  it 
would  break.*' 


*  H.M.S.  Rifleman  made  three  passages  across  the  bank  from  North  to  South,  in  about 
long.  114°  30',  114°,  and  113°  40'.  The  follov/ing  description  of  these  passages  will  be  of 
service. 

On  the  first  occasion,  on  her  way  from  Hong  Kong  to  the  North  Danger,  she  crossed  the 
Macclesfield  Bank  in  March,  1865.  Soundings  were  struck  in  lat.  16°  11'  N.,  long.  114* 
26  E.,  in  116  fathoms,  bottom  sand  and  mud,  a  line  of  soundings  was  then  carried  in  a 


ST.  ESPRIT  SHOAL.  647 

Bet-ween  the  western  edge  of  the  Macclesfield  Bank  and  the  eastern  limit 
of  the  Paracel  Eeefs,  it  has  been  said  there  are  other  coral  banks,  with 
soundings  of  various  depths  upon  them  ;  yet,  in  this  space  of  about  30  miles, 
probably  no  soundings  are  to  be  obtained. 

ST.  ESPRIT  SHOAL. — The  examination  of  the  various  positions  ascribed 
to  this  shoal  was  made  in  May,  1866,  by  Navigating  Lieut.  John  W.  Reed, 
Commanding  H.M.S.  Rifleman,  in  the  tender  Dove.  The  shoal  was  stated  to 
be  "  6  leagues  in  diameter,  with  9  to  15  fathoms  on  its  southern  part,  and 
on  the  northern  part  there  are  rocks  even  with  the  water's  edge,"  but  no 
Buch  dangerous  shoal  exists  near  any  of  these  ascribed  positions,  all  of  which 
were  sounded  over  by  the  Dove  under  circumstances  extremely  favourable  for 
observing  the  sea  topping  or  breaking  over  dangerous  patches,  had  any  such 
existed. 

The  Esprit  Shoal  was  found  to  be  a  coral  bank  2^  miles  in  length,  East 
and  AVest,  and  1^  mile  in  breadth  ;  its  centre  being  in  lat.  19°  33'  N.,  long. 
113°  2'  E.  The  general  depths  upon  it  are  9  fathoms,  the  least  water  ob- 
tained being  7  fathoms,  with  60  to  80  fathoms  close  to.  The  Dove  remained 
at  anchor  upon  the  shoal  for  two  days,  on  both  of  which  good  observations 
were  obtained  for  determining  its  position. 

Captain  Ross,  of  the  Discovery,  who  passed  over  the  shoal  in  1813,  placed 
it  about  5  miles  to  the  south-eastward,  and  Monsieur  D'Apres  19  miles  to 
the  westward,  of  the  above  position.  D'Apres'  position  was  well  sounded 
over,  and  regular  depths  of  95  to  100  fathoms  obtained.     The  Asseviedo's 


S.  by  E.  direction  over  the  bank,  and  the  least  depth  of  water  met  with  was  12  fathoms, 
the  general  depths  being  from  40  to  50  fathoms  ;  but  a  patch  of  15  fathoms  was  found  near 
its  southern  edge  in  lat.  15°  34'  N.,  long.  114°  30'  E.  ;  and  5  miles  farther  southward  no 
bottom  could  be  obtained  with  307  fathoms  of  line. 

On  the  second  occasion,  in  April,  1867,  star  observations  placed  the  ship  at  o^  30""  a.m. 
in  lat.  16°  34'  N.,  long.  114°  13'  E. ;  from  thence  steered  for  the  4-fathom  patch,  reported 
to  have  been  passed  over  in  1867,  by  Mr.  Moses,  commanding  the  Siamese  vessel  Bangkok, 
in  lat.  16°  2'  30"  N.,  long.  114°  2'  30"  E.  ;  the  deep-sea  lead  was  kept  constantly  going,  but 
no  bottom  was  obtained  with  50  to  60  fathoms  of  line,  At  noon  found  the  ship  to  be  in 
lat.  15°  59'  N.,  long.  113°  58'  E.,  and  that  she  had  passed  about  2  miles  to  the  westward  of 
the  ascribed  position  of  the  patch.  Proceeding  to  the  southward,  soundings  of  42  fathoms, 
coral  bottom,  were  had  on  the  northern  edge  of  the  bank  in  lat.  15°  51'  N.,  long.  113°  57'E. 
Regular  depths  of  42  and  43  fathoms  were  carried  until  in  lat.  15°  30'  N.,  long.  113°  57'  E., 
where  32  fathoms  were  obtained ;  3  miles  South  of  this  position  no  bottom  was  reached 
with  103  fathoms. 

On  the  third  occasion,  during  her  passage  from  Hong  Kong  to  the  reefs  in  May,  1868, 
she  struck  soundings  in  40  fathoms  on  the  northern  edge  of  the  bank  in  15°  38'  N.,  and 
113°  40'  E. ;  frem  this  position  a  line  of  soundings— 40  to  33  fathoms— was  carried  across 
the  bank  in  a  S.  |^  E.  direction  for  11  miles,  when  no  bottom  with  50,  and  immediately 
afterwards  no  bottom  with  100  fathoms  of  line  could  be  obtained. 


648  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

account  placed  the  shoal  in  lat.  19°  6'  N.,  long.  113°  4'  E.,  and  this  position 
was  also  sounded  over,  but  no  bottom  could  be  obtained  with  200  fathoms 
of  line. 

The  Dove  also  sounded  over  the  position  of  the  discoloured  water  seen  from 
the  Altliea  in  1806,  lat.  19°  36'  N.,  long.  112°  17'  E.,  but  regular  depths  from 
65  to  70  fathoms  were  found  in  that  locality. 

Helen  Shoal  is  a  small  patch  If  mile  in  length,  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.,  and 
a  mile  wide  ;  its  centre  is  in  lat.  19°  12'  N.,  long.  113°  53'  39"  E.  The  least 
water  upon  it  is  6J  fathoms,  the  general  depths  being  8  and  9  fathoms  ; 
around  it  no  bottom  could  be  obtained  with  100  fathoms  of  line. 

Currents. — The  strong  ripplings  mentioned  by  Eoss,  were  not  observed 
by  the  officers  of  the  Dove,  during  the  two  days  she  was  anchored  on  the  St. 
Esprit  Shoal.  Strong  ripplings  were,  however,  seen  during  the  search  over 
the  various  positions  ascribed  to  the  shoal,  but  on  examination  they  appeared 
to  be  mere  current  ripplings,  the  water  being  as  deep  there  as  elsewhere. 
The  current  was  found  to  set  generally  to  leeward. 

Captain  Eoss  was  of  opinion  that  the  shoal  was  of  small  extent,  and  that 
the  report  of  dry  rocks  on  it  is  erroneous,  as  the  swell  at  the  time  the  Disco- 
very was  crossing  it  was  high,  and  would  have  produced  breakers  on  any 
very  shoal  parts ;  whereas  no  discoloured  water  was  visible  till  in  10  fathoms, 
although  the  day  was  clear ;  but  strong  ripplings  broke  on  board  the  ship 
when  in  the  vicinity  of  the  shoal,  which  might  be  mistaken  for  breakers  by 
persons  unacquainted. 


PALAWAN  PASSAGE. 


The  following  dangers  lying  in  the  fairway  of  vessels  proceeding  to  the 
Palawan  passage  on  their  way  to  China,  were  (with  the  exception  of  the 
Louisa  Shoal,  examined  by  Captain  Bate,  H.M.S.  Roijalist,  in  1850-54)  sur- 
veyed in  1863  and  in  1866  by  Navigating  Lieutenant  J.  W.  Eeed,  command- 
ing H.M.S.  Rifleman. 

The  adjacent  coast  of  Borneo  has  been  described  on  pages  481  to  512,  and 
Balabac  Strait  and  the  islands  to  the  northward,  including  Palawan,  in 
chapter  xiii,  pages  513  to  584.  What  follows  will  be  a  description  of  the 
outlying  shoals,  and  of  those  lying  on  the  edge  of  the  Borneo  and  Palawan 
bank  of  soundings,  which  are  passed  in  sailing  through  this  channel  to  or 
from  the  China  coast,  commencing  from  the  south-westward. 

Caution. — Lieut.  Eeed,  E.N.  remarks,  when  engaged  in  the  examination 
of  the  dangers  the  weather  was  remarkably  fine— finer  indeed  than  had  been 
experienced  in  any  previous  season  ;  little  or  no  current  was  found,  and  the 
sea  was  in  general  so  smooth  that  hardly  a  breaker  appeared  on  the  edges 


DANGERS  S.W.  OF  PALAWAN  PASSAGE.  649 

of  the  dry  reefs ;  this  made  it  difficult  to  detect  dangers,  and  it  was  only 
during  the  search  for  the  Dhaulle  Shoal  that  the  weather  was  favourable  for 
doing  so.  Up  to  the  8th  of  June,  when  the  Rifleman  arrived  at  Manila,  the 
weather  continued  fine,  with  the  exception  of  occasional  light  squalls  of  wind 
and  rain,  and  on  the  10th  the  first  of  the  S.W.  monsoon  was  felt,  the  weather 
still  remaining  very  fine. 

SOUTH  LUCONIA  SHOALS  comprise  a  group  of  four  coral  shoals,  the 
southernmost  of  which  is  about  a  mile  in  extent,  and  in  the  form  of  a  horse- 
shoe, with  the  open  part  to  the  north-eastward ;  between  the  horns  of  the 
shoal  are  26  fathoms.  The  general  depths  on  the  shoal  are  from  2  to  3 
fathoms,  but  near  the  N.W.  extreme  is  a  rock  nearly  awash.  The  southern 
extreme  of  the  middle  part  of  the  shoal  is  in  lat  4°  59J'  N.,  long.  112°  39J' 
E.,  and  bears  from  Barram  Point  W.  by  N.  \  N.,  distant  81  miles. 

The  westernmost  shoal  of  the  group,  lying  about  W.  by  N.  distant  7  miles 
from  the  southernmost  one,  is  nearly  2  miles  long  N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  about 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  broad.  The  general  depths  over  it  are  2  and  3 
fathoms,  but  near  the  S.E.  extreme  is  a  rock  just  below  the  surface  of  the 
water,  and  a  similar  one  at  the  N.W.  extreme  ;  the  latter  is  in  lat.  5°  2\'  N., 
long.  112=31i'E. 

Luconia  Breakers. — A  reef,  nearly  half  a  mile  in  extent,  and  upon  which 
the  sea  breaks  even  in  fine  weather,  lies  on  the  eastern  extreme  of  a  shoal, 
over  which  are  various  depths  under  5  fathoms.  The  shoal  extends  nearly 
2  miles  in  a  north-westerly,  and  about  a  mile  in  a  south-westerly,  direction 
from  the  centre  of  the  breakers,  which  is  in  lat.  5°  3'  24"  N.,  long.  112°  41' 
36"  E. 

One  mile  north-eastward  of  the  centre  of  the  breakers  is  the  South  extreme 
of  a  narrow  strip  of  shoal,  with  2  to  3  fathoms  water  over  it,  which  extends 
from  thence  about  N.  by  E.  for  a  distance  of  2  miles.  The  North  extreme 
of  this  shoal  is  in  lat.  5°  5f'  N.,  long.  1 12°  42|'  E. 

The  whole  of  these  shoals  are  steep-to. 

There  is  good  reason  to  believe  that  no  dangers  exist  between  the  South 
Luconia  Shoals  and  the  coast  of  Borneo.*  Many  lines  of  soundings  were 
obtained  in  the  Rifleman  from  these  shoals  in  directions  between  S.W.  (round 
southward)  and  East,  but  no  dangers  could  be  discovered.  The  general 
depths  were  from  55  to  69  fathoms. 

NORTH  LUCONIA  SHOALS.— Upon  the  old  charts  of  the  China  Sea  a 


*  The  Rifleman  steamed  for  three  days  over  and  about  the  reputed  positions  of  two  very- 
doubtful  dangers,  named  on  the  old  charts  of  Horsburgh,  Kirton  Shoal  and  Euphrates 
Eeef.  The  weather  and  other  circumstances  were  extremely  favourable  for  seeing  shoal 
patches,  but  nothing  was  visible,  nor  could  bottom  with  600  fathoms  be  obtained  on  the 
position  ascribed  to  the  Euphrates  Keef. 

I.  A.  4  0 


650  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

number  of  dangers  were  shown  between  the  parallels  of  5°  20'  and  6"  2'  N., 
and  the  meridians  of  112°  14'  and  112°  40'  E.  ;  they  were  named  Lugonia, 
Seahorse,  George  and  Ambercrombie,  and  Friendship  Shoals.  These  dan- 
gers were  examined  by  H.M.S,  Rifleman^  and  were  found  to  consist  of  a  mass 
of  coral  reefs  and  shoals,  amongst  which  no  vessel  should  venture.  The 
above  general  name  is  now  adopted  as  applying  to  the  entire  group,  but 
the  names  given  by  the  original  discoverers  have  been  retained  for  particular 
or  conspicuous  localities. 

The  southern  extreme  of  the  group  is  marked  by  two  shoal  patches,  about 
4  miles  apart,  but  lying  in  the  same  latitude,  5°  11  \'  N.,  and  each  of  them 
is  rendered  conspicuous  by  rocks  just  below  the  surface  of  the  water,  upon 
which  the  sea  breaks  with  the  least  swell. 

The  western  patch,  about  a  mile  in  extent  East  and  "West,  and  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  wide,  has  but  1  to  2  fathoms  water  over  it,  and  near  its  western 
end,  in  long.  112°  32^'  E.,  are  two  rocks  nearly  awash,  upon  which  the  sea 
is  generally  breaking  even  in  fine  weather.  About  half  a  mile  West  of  these 
rocks  is  a  patch  of  3  fathoms,  on  the  eastern  extreme  of  a  coral  bank,  with 
2  fathoms  least  water,  which  extends  from  thence — curving  gradually  to  the 
north-westward — for  a  distance  of  3  miles. 

The  eastern  patch  has,  like  the  western  patch  just  described,  two  rocks 
nearly  awash  at  its  western  extreme,  in  long.  112°  38'  E.,  and  upon  which 
also  the  sea  is  generally  breaking  even  in  fine  weather.  The  shoal  patch 
upon  which  they  lie  has  2  fathoms  water  over  it,  and,  about  a  mile  eastward 
of  the  rocks,  it  forms  the  south-eastern  extreme  of  a  long,  narrow  coral  bank, 
which  extends  irom  thence  6^  miles,  in  a  general  direction  about  N.N.W., 
its  average  breadth  being  about  a  third  of  a  mile.  The  general  depths  over 
this  bank  are  4  or  5  fathoms,  but  there  are  several  patches  of  2  and  3 
fathoms,  and  a  rather  extensive  patch  near  its  north-western  extreme,  in  lat. 
5°  32f'  N.,  long.  112°  35^'  E.,  has  as  little  as  1^  fathom  over  it. 

Seahorse  Breakers,  in  lat.  5°  31'  N.,  long.  112°  34'  E ,  is  the  most  con- 
spicuous danger  of  the  Lugonia  Shoals.  It  is  a  reef  of  rocks  and  sand  just 
above  water,  about  a  mile  long,  N.  by  E.  and  S.  by  W.,  and  one-third  of  a 
mile  broad.  From  these  breakers  shoals  extended  as  far  as  the  Rifleman  was 
able  to  sound  in  1863,  viz.,  18  miles  North,  5  miles  South,  5  miles  East,  and 
13  miles  West. 

The  northernmost  of  the  shoal  patches  reached  in  1863  was  in  lat.  5°  48' 
30"  N.,  long.  119°  32'  15"  E.  In  1866  the  vessel  was  anchored  near  a  2|- 
fathom  patch,  in  lat.  5°  55'  15"  N.,  long.  112°  31'  30"  E.,  on  the  northern 
edge  of  a  coral  bank,  traced  for  2  miles  to  the  southward,  but  which  no 
doubt  extends  to  the  northernmost  patch  surveyed  in  1863,  and  just  referred 
to  ;  vessels  should  not  pass  between  these  positions.* 

*  Captain  Bate  in  H.M.S.  Moyalist  passed  over  the  position  ascribed  to  the  George  and 
Abercrombie  ■without  finding  it.    He  supposed  that  it  and  the  Friendship  were  the  Bame 


DANGEES  S.W.  OF  PALAWAN  PASSAGE.  651 

Friendship  Shoal  is  the  northernmost  of  the  Lugonia  group ;  the  Rifleman 
crossed  it  without  getting  less  than  4^  fathoms,  although  there  appeared  to 
he  less  depths  in  some  places.  The  North  part  of  the  shoal  is  in  lat.  5°  59' 
30"  N.,  long.  112°  31'  30"  E.,  and  though  this  position  must  be  considered 
approximate,  it  is  nevertheless  near  the  truth.  Lines  of  soundings  were 
obtained  in  directions  N.E.,  North,  and  N.W.  from  the  North  end  of  the 
shoal  for  a  distance  of  4  miles,  but  no  shoal  water  was  found.  The  survey 
of  the  Lugonia  Shoals  was  not  (October,  1867)  completed  to  the  northward 
and  westward. 

Caution.—  No  directions  can  be  given  that  will  enable  vessels  to  pass  safely 
through  these  reefs  and  shoals.  Although  not  less  than  2  fathoms  were 
found  upon  those  to  the  northward  of  the  Seahorse  Breakers,  yet  they  should 
be  avoided,  as  it  is  quite  possible  there  may  be  knolls  with  less  water  upon 
them  which  have  escaped  the  lead.* 

Louisa  Shoal,  the  S.W.  rock  of  which  is  in  lat.  6°  19f  N.,  long.  113°  18^' 
E.,  or  9°  27'  12"  East  of  Fullerton  Battery,  Singapore,  by  H.M.S.  Royalist, 
in  October,  1851,  is  a  dangerous  coral  reef  of  quadrangular  form,  two-thirds 
of  a  mile  in  extent  from  East  to  West.  The  rocks  on  it  are  generally  covered 
at  high  water,  with  the  exception  of  two  small  clusters  on  its  eastern  and 
south-western  extremes  ;  the  centre  of  the  shoal  is  shallow.  There  are  no 
soundings  with  50  fathoms  close  to  its  outer  edge,  nor  with  180  fathoms  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  to  the  south-westward  of  the  shoal,  but  within  20  yards  of 
the  S.W.  rock  there  are  10  fathoms. 

The  Tidal  Stream  at  the  Louisa  Shoal  at  noon,  on  the  full  and  change  days 
in  the  month  of  October,  1850,  was  setting  to  the  W.N.W.,  and  the  maxi- 
mum rise  appeared  to  be  about  4  ft. 

VERNON  BANK,  discovered  by  H.M.S.  Vernon  in  1847,  is  a  large  coral 
shoal,  having  a  dangerous  group  of  rocks,  named  after  H.M.S.  Fury,  upon 
one  part,  and  a  patch  of  2f  fathoms  on  another  part  of  it.  The  bank  lies 
between  the  parallels  of  5°  39'  and  5°  50^'  N.,  and  the  meridians  of  114°  57  J' 
and  115°  7i'  E.,  and  is  in  form  of  an  irregular  triangle,  having  its  base,  6 


shoal ;  but  the  error  was  in  the  longitude  of  the  George  and  Ambercrombie,  which  placed 
it  too  far  to  the  westward.  It  exists,  and  forms  part  of  the  mass  of  shoals  which  extend 
continuously  from  the  Seahorse  Breakers  to  the  Friendship. 

*  Captain  Bate  also  passed  over  the  position  assigned  in  Horsburgh's  chart,  tIz.,  lat. 
5°  54'  N.,  long.  114'  7'  E.,  to  the  Cayo  Marino,  a  3-fathom  shoal,  without  being  able  to 
discover  it;  nor  could  soundings  be  obtained  when  in  the  neighbourhood,  with  from  180 
to  200  fathoms. 

The  Cava  Shoal,  placed  in  lat.  5'  51'  N.,  long.  114°  30f'  E.,  was  searched  for  in  vain  by 
the  Rifleman.  On  the  spot  mud  bottom  was  obtained  with  415  fathoms  of  line.  She  also 
anchored  in  46  fathoms  on  the  supposed  position  of  a  reef,  on  which  the  steamer  South- 
westerti  is  said  to  have  struck,  in  lat.  b"  54'  N.,  115°  4|'  E.,  and  sounded  round  it  for  miles, 
obtaining  regular  soundings.  Commander  Ward  confidently  asserts  that  the  reef,  does 
not  exist. 


652  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

miles  in  length,  to  the  S.W.  and  its  apex  to  the  N."W.,  extending  in  those 
directions  about  12  miles. 

The  Fury,  in  1858,  crossed  the  western  edge  of  this  bank,  and  saw 
breakers  about  1^  mile  in  extent,  which  no  doubt  were  on  the  Eury  Eocks. 
This  formidable  danger  is  nearly  3  miles  in  extent,  and  consists  of  coral 
patches,  with  2  to  3  fathoms  water  over  them,  and  several  detached  rocks, 
one  or  two  of  which  nearly  uncover  at  low  water.  These  rocks  are  pinnacle- 
shaped,  with  4  to  6  fathoms  aroimd  them,  so  that  in  fine  weather  there  is 
seldom  much  break  of  the  sea  over  them,  and  sometimes  none  at  all  pro- 
bably. The  centre  of  the  rocks  is  in  lat.  5°  43^'  N.,  long.  115°  2i'  E.,  and 
with  the  eye  18  ft.  above  the  sea,  the  highest  part  of  Labuan  (303  ft.)  is  just 
visible,  bearing  S.S.E.  |  E. 

The  soundings  on  the  other  parts  of  the  bank  are  irregular,  with  several 
patches  of  but  4  and  5  fathoms,  and  on  the  West  and  N.W.  sides  of  the 
bank  is  a  sort  of  curved  coral  wall,  convex  to  seaward,  having  4J  to  9  fa- 
thoms on  it,  14  to  19  fathoms  inside  of  it,  and  20  to  30  fathoms  close  outside 
of  it.  As  the  Eury  Eocks  lie  2  to  3  miles  inside  the  edge  of  the  bank,  the 
lead,  if  carefully  attended  to,  will  give  sufficient  warning  to  avoid  them  ;  but 
large  vessels  should  on  no  account  make  free  with  this  dangerous  bank,  and 
small  vessels  will  do  well  to  give  it  a  wide  berth,  for  the  currents  in  the 
vicinity  are  very  uncertain. 

The  2f-fathom  patch,  near  the  N.E.  extreme  of  the  bank,  is  in  lat.  5°  49' 
20"  N.,  long.  115°  5'  20".  It  is  a  small  coral  knoll,  surrounded  to  some  dis- 
tance by  soundings  of  4  and  5  fathoms.  This  part  of  the  bank  should  also 
be  avoided. 

Samarang  Bank,  its  centre  in  lat.  5°  35^'  N.,  long.  114°  53f  E.,  is  an 
oval-shaped  coral  bank  6^  miles  long,  E.  by  N.  and  W.  by  S.,  and  4|  miles 
wide.  The  general  depths  on  it  are  4  to  6  fathoms,  and  the  least  water 
found  was  3^  fathoms.  From  the  centre  of  the  bank  the  highest  part  of 
Labuan  (303  ft.)  bears  S.E.  by  E.  \  E. 

Saracen  Bank. — H.M.  surveying  vessel  Saracen,  in  1854,  on  her  passage 
from  Labuan  to  Hong  Kong,  discovered  an  extensive  coral  bank,  having 
generally  from  2  to  4  fathoms  water  over  it,  with  dry  patches  and  several 
coral  knolls  with  but  a  few  feet  water  over  them.  The  bank  is  5  or  6  miles 
in  diameter,  and  its  centre  is  in  about  lat.  6°  7|'  N.,  long.^ll5°  20 J' E., 
bearing  W.  by  S.  ^  S.,  distant  14  or  15  miles  from  Mangalum  Island 
(page  505). 

Dangers  had  been  seen  in  this  locality  before,  but  their  positions  were 
quite  uncertain.  It  seems  very  probable  that  other  dangers  may  exist  here- 
about besides  those  known. 

ROYAL  CHARLOTTE  SHOAL,  of  a  nearly  rectangular  shape,  is  li  mile 
in  length,  N.W.  by  W.,  and  S.E.  by  E.,  and  nearly  a  mile  in  breadth.     On 


DANGEES  S.W.  OF  PALAWAN  PASSAGE.  653 

its  south-eastern  side  are  stones  2  to  4  ft.  above  high  water  ;  the  highest  of 
them  is  in  6°  57'  18"  N.,  and  113°  35' 30"  E. ;  there  are  also  one  or  two 
stones  on  itsN.E.  edge,  which  just  show  at  high  water.  This  shoal  and  also 
the  Louisa,  although  lying  off  the  coast  of  Borneo,  may  be  said  more  pro- 
perly to  belong  to  Palawan,  for  they  may  be  considered,  both  in  their  cha- 
racter and  position,  to  form  a  suitable  portal  through  which  to  introduce  the 
navigator  to  this  Channel.* 

Swallow  Reef  and  Ardasier  Shoal  are  described  hereafter. 

Doubtful  Dangers.—  Viper  Shoal  is  marked  doubtful  on  the  chart,  in  lat. 
7°  30'  N.,  long.  115°  E.  The  Royalist  passed  over  its  assigned  position,  and 
when  on  the  spot  could  get  no  bottom  with  500  fathoms,  though  the  day 
was  clear,  and  conditions  good  for  detecting  a  danger.  The  Saracen  subse- 
quently passed  oyer  the  same  ground  with  a  view  to  its  discovery,  and  with 
the  same  result. 

Ottawa  Shoal. — This  danger  was  reported  by  Mr.  Gribble,  commanding 
the  Peninsular  and  Oriental  steamer  Ottawa,  and  supposed  by  him  to  be  the 
Yiper  Eock.  The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  log-book  of  that  vessel, 
dated  December  6th  1860  : — "  Sighted  from  the  mast-head  broken  water  on 
the  port  bow,  having  every  appearance  of  being  a  shoal  about  half  a  cable 
in  extent  from  East  to  West,  with  no  indication  of  shoal  water  near  it. 
When  abeam  it  was  about  2  or  3  miles  distant  from  the  ship,  and  was 
then  visible  from  the  deck.  Position  of  the  shoal  lat.  7°  16'  N.,  long. 
115°  5'  E. 

The  Rifleman  searched  for  this  danger  for  three  days,  but  could  find  no 
indication  of  it,  nor  could  bottom  be  got  with  1,000  fathoms  of  line.  The 
area  sounded  over  is  comprised  within  the  following  limits  : — 8  miles  East, 
15  miles  West,  5  miles  North,  and  5  miles  South  of  the  position  given 
above. 

North  Viper  Shoal  or  Seahorse,  is  shown  on  the  chart  as  a  shoal  with 
rocks  above  water,  5  miles  in  extent,  lying  between  the  parallels  of  7°  59'  and 
8°  4'  N.,  and  in  long.  115°  23'  E.  The  position  of  this  reputed  shoal  was 
not  examined  by  the  Rifleman.  The  Saracen  passed  near  it  without  seeing 
any  appearance  of  shoal  water,  but  from  the  following  account  of  a  reef  seen 
by  Mr.  Baird,  this  danger  would  appear  to  lie  17  miles  N.  J  E.  of  its  ascribed 
position  on  the  chart. 


*  Sandy  Island,  reported  in  1863  by  Mr.  "W.  Andrew,  master  of  the  barque  Tliames,  to 
be  in  about  7'  20'  N.,  114°  10'  E.,  was  looked  for  in  the  Rifkinan.  At  noon,  from  lat.  7° 
12'  N.,  and  long.  114°  1'  E.,  a  course  was  shaped  for  the  assigned  pusition  of  the  island ;  at 
2^  30""  p.m.  the  vessel  was  in  the  same  latitude  and  1  mile  to  the  eastward  of  it ;  from 
thence  a  course  was  steered  for  the  South  Ardasier  Shoal.  No  appearance  of  shoal  water 
could  be  seen  from  the  vessel  on  either  of  these  courses,  and  certainly  no  island  exists 
within  5  or  6  miles  on  either  side  of  the  lines  passed  over. 


654  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

Commodore  Reef. — Mr.  Hugh  Baird,  commanding  the  ship  Commodore,  re- 
ports as  follows: — Monday,  December  22nd,  1862,  at  8  a.m.,  saw  what  I 
took  to  be  the  Viper  North  Shoal,  or  Seahorse,  the  N.E.  end  bearing  by 
compass  N.N.W.  3  miles ;  it  seemed  to  extend  over  3  miles  N.E.  and  S.W. 
Partly  dry  sand,  and  several  rocks  from  20  to  30  ft.  above  water,  and  heavy 
breakers  all  around  it.  At  noon  it  bore  W.  by  S.,  distant  about  6  miles ; 
lat.  by  observation  8°  22'  N.,  long.  115°  31'  E.,  placing  the  shoal  17  miles 
North  of  its  position  on  the  Admiralty  chart.* 


DANGERS   ON   THE   WESTERN   SIDE   OF    THE   PALAWAN 

PASSAGE. 

HALF-MOON  SHOAL,  having  the  Inclined  Rock  on  its  eastern  side  in  lat. 
8°  51|'  N.,  long.  116°  16'  45"  E.,  by  H.M.S.  Royalist,  in  July,  1853,  is 
formed  by  a  belt  of  coral  even  with  the  water's  edge,  of  the  average  width 
of  one  cable's  length,  except  at  its  S.W.  extremity,  where  it  is  broader.  It 
is  of  oblong  shape,  the  long  diameter  being  nearly  3  miles  in  a  N.E.  and 
S.W.  direction,  and  the  average  width  of  the  shoal  one  mile.  On  the  eastern 
side,  to  the  southward  of  the  Inclined  Rock,  there  are  two  breaks  in  the  belt 


*  EoGEE  Breakees.— Heavy  breakers  were  seen  in  about  lat.  8°  21'  N.,  long.  116°  25' E., 
from  the  Peninsular  and  Oriental  steamer  Formosa,  commanded  by  Mr.  Eoger,  on  the  4th 
of  January,  1858.  There  was  a  swell  from  the  N.E.,  and  the  broken  water,  about  10  yards 
in  extent  North  and  South,  was  apparently  caused  by  a  rock  a  few  feet  under  water.  The 
vessel  proceeded  slowly,  and  soundings  were  occasionally  tried  for  with  100  fathoms,  no 
bottom.  The  weather  was  thick  and  rainy,  but  on  clearing  up  observations  and  a  bearing 
of  the  distant  land  confirmed  the  position  of  the  breakers  by  dead  reckoning. 

Navigating- Lieutenant  Keed,  commanding  H.M.  surveying  vessel  Rifleman,  remarks: — 
"  This  is  another  instance  in  which  it  was  most  desirable  that  a  boat  should  have  been 
lowered  from  the  Formosa  to  examine  the  breakers  and  to  find  out  if  there  was  really  any 
rock  there  or  not.  It  was  of  the  greatest  importance  to  avoid  placing  a  doubtful  danger  at 
the  very  entrance  and  in  the  centre  of  the  fairway  of  the  Palawan  Channel.  An  hour  or 
so  would  have  decided  the  point  beyond  doubt,  whereas  several  valuable  days  of  the  Rifk' 
man's  time  were  occupied  in  searching  for  the  Ottawa  Shoal  and  Roger  Breakers  without 
enabliug  us  after  all  to  decide  the  matter  positively." 

Mr.  Curling,  commanding  the  Peninsular  and  Oriental  steamer  China,  who  has  made 
many  voyages  by  this  route,  asserts  that  the  appearance  of  breaker*  where  no  real  danger 
exists,  is  very  common  in  the  Palawan.  This  is  further  corroborated  by  the  following  ex- 
tract from  the  log-book  of  the  ship  Veloz,  Commander  Mr,  John  Jones :—"  At  noon,  6th 
November,  1859,  lat.  8°  2i\  N.,  long.  116°  25'  E,  At  lOh  30m  a.m.  the  mast-head  look-out 
reported  breakers  about  a  mile  on  the  port  beam.  Lowered  a  boat,  and  sent  the  chief 
officer  to  examine  the  spot.  It  proved  to  be  an  extensive  patch  of  seaweed,  drift  wood,  and 
a  great  number  of  fish.  No  soundings  at  50  fathoms.  We  were  passing  over  the  spot 
marked  '  iloger  Breakers '  on  the  chart,  but  could  not  see  any  indication  of  it." 


DANGEES  IN  THE  PALAWAN  PASSAGE  655 

forming  channels  into  the  basin,  the  southernmost  of  which  has  4  to  9  fa- 
thoms in  it,  and  is  marked  by  a  cluster  of  rocks,  which  generally  show 
above  water.  Half-tide  Eocks  are  interspersed  over  the  belt,  the  largest  of 
which  is  at  the  N.W.  extremity  of  the  shoal.  The  average  depth  in  the 
basin  is  14  and  16  fathoms,  with  numerous  patches  of  coral  scattered  about 
it.  From  the  shoal  Balabac  Peak  (pages  522-3)  bears  S.E.  ^  S.,  distant  71 
miles ;  Bulanhow  Mountain  (page  540))  E.  by  S.  J  S. ;  and  the  Elbow  or 
nearest  part  of  the  bank  of  soundings  fronting  Palawan  Island  (page  656) 
S.E.  ^  E.  39  miles. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water  at  the  Half-Moon  Shoal,  5  days  after  full  and 
change,  at  10^  45"  a.m.,  and  the  rise  is  about  4  feet. 

ROYAL  CAPTAIN  SHOAL  lies  E.N.E.  23^  miles  from  the  Half-Moon 
Shoal,  and  N.W.  \  W.  from  the  edge  or  nearest  part  of  the  bank,  contract- 
ing the  channel,  which  is  here  the  narrowest  part,  to  25|-  miles  in  width  . 
Observation  Eock,  at  its  North  extremity,  which  shows  at  half  tide,  is  in  lat. 
9°  1'  45'  N.,  long.  116°  39'  36"  E. ;  from  it  Balabac  Peak  bears  S.  by  E.  ^  E., 
distant  68^  miles,  Bulanhow  Mountain  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E. ;  and  in  clear  weather 
the  high  land  of  Mantaleengahan  (page  542)  is  visible.  The  shoal  is  ellip- 
tical, the  length  being  If  mile  in  a  N.W.  and  S.E.  direction,  with  a  breadth 
of  one  mile.  The  belt,  which  is  entirely  covered  at  high  water,  and  of  ir- 
regular form  in  the  inner  rim,  varies  very  much  in  width,  the  broadest  part 
being  at  the  S.E.  extremity,  where  it  is  2  cables.  There  are  depths  of  15 
to  17  fathoms,  sand  and  coral,  with  several  coral  patches,  inside  the  basin. 
There  is  no  entrance,  but  at  high  water  a  boat  can  cross  the  belt.  The 
outer  edge  is  steep-to,  having  no  bottom  with  upwards  of  100  fathoms, 
within  half  a  cable's  length  of  the  reef.  Only  a  few  rocks  on  the  belt  show 
at  low  water. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water  at  the  Eoyal  Captain  Shoal,  6  days  after  full  and 
change,  at  11.30  a.m.  ;  the  rise  is  about  4  feet. 

SOMBAY  SHOAL,  on  which  the  French  frigate  Madagascar  was  wrecked, 
in  1841,  lies  N.E.  by  N.  29  miles  from  the  Eoyal  Captain  Shoal,  and  27^ 
miles  from  the  nearest  part  of  the  bank  of  soundings.  Madagascar  Eock, 
on  its  N.E.  extremity,  is  in  lat.  9"^  26'  7"  N.,  long.  116'  56'  4"  E.,  and 
from  it  Mantaleengahan  Mountain  bears  S.E.  ^  E.  ;  and  Bulanhow  S.S.E. 
^E. 

This  shoal  is  in  the  form  of  an  ellipsis,  lying  in  a  N.E.  and  S.W.  direc- 
tion one  mile  in  length  by  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  breadth.  The  basin, 
in  which  there  are  16  and  18  fathoms,  sand,  is  completely  enclosed  by  a 
belt,  on  which  three  or  four  rocks  show  at  half  tide,  the  most  conspicuous 
being  at  the  North  extremity  of  the  shoal.  There  are  30  fatlioms  outside 
the  reef,  within  20  yards  of  the  S.W.  and  N.E.  extremes  ;  but  beyond,  there 
is  no  bottom  in  any  direction  with  upwards  of  150  fathoms  line. 


656  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

The  Bombay  is  the  northernmost  and  smallest  of  this  description  of  shoals 
in  the  Palawan  Passage. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water  at  the  Bombay  Shoal,  7  days  after  full  and  change 
at  noon  ;  rise  about  4  feet.  While  the  tide  was  rising,  the  current  was  ob- 
served setting  to  the  N.E. 

CARNATIC  SHOAL  is  said  to  lie  about  N.E.  by  N.  47  miles  from  the 
Bombay  Shoal,  in  lat.  10°  6'  N.,  long.  117°  21'  E.,  and  to  have  as  little  as  3^ 
fathoms  over  it.  H.M.S.  Royalist,  in  July,  1853,  could  not  discover  the  shoal 
in  the  position  assigned  to  it,  or  succeed  in  obtaining  soundings  with  from 
100  to  200  fathoms,  when  in  the  neighbourhood. 

Other  banks  and  dangers  (outliers  of  the  great  prolific  coral  bed)  are 
reported  to  exist  to  the  north-eastward  of  this  and  the  Bombay  Shoal,  by 
vessels  which  have  deviated  from  the  proper  channel  course,  all  which  appear 
to  have  no  soundings  near  them.* 


DANGEE8   ON  THE  EASTEEN   SIDE   OF   THE  PALAWAN 

PASSAGE. 

Having  described  the  dangers  and  shoals  which  limit  the  western  boundary 
of  the  Palawan  Passage,  we  shall  now  proceed  with  those  on  the  eastern  side, 
which  lie  immediately  within  the  edge  of  the  bank  of  soundings  fronting  the 
island.  The  coast  has  been  described  in  pages  539  to  567.  The  S.W.  part 
of  the  bank  forms  an  Elbow  on  the  parallel  of  nearly  8J°  N.,  from  which 
Cape  Buliluyan,  the  South  point  of  Palawan,  bears  E.  by  S.  J  S  ,  Balabac 
Peak,  S.S.E.,  and  Bulanhow  Mountain  E.  by  N.  J  N.  The  bank  also  ex- 
tends to  the  northward,  fronting  the  Calamines  group. 

HEREFORDSHIEE  SHOAL.— The  ship  Rerefordshire,  in  1815,  struck  upon 
a  reef  in  lat.  8°  35'  N.,  long.  116°  59'  19"  E.,  about  15  miles  to  the  north- 
eastward of  the  above  Elbow ;  an  occurrence  which  might  have  been  pre- 
vented had  the  lead  been  properly  attended  to,  as  the  danger  lies  4  miles 
within  the  edge  of  the  bank.  The  position  of  this  shoal  was  not  fixed  by 
H.M.S.  Royalist. 

NORTH  REGENT  SHOAL,  N.E.  by  E.  |  E.  5  miles  from  the  Hereford- 
shire, is  a  dangerous  coral  patch,  4  cables  in  extent,  having  in  some  places 


*  Holmes  Shoal. — The  Rifleman  on  leaving  the  Routh  Shoal  steered  a  S.E.  |  S,  course 
to  pass  over  the  doubtful  position  of  Holmes  Shoal ;  no  bottom  at  200  fathoms  was  obtained 
on  its  reputed  position,  lat.  10°  32'  N.,  long.  117'  59'  E.,  nor  was  any  sign  of  shoal  water 
seen  in  the  vicinity  ;  many  others  have  reported  to  the  same  effect.  It  certainly  does  not 
exist  where  reported,  and  there  are  reasons  for  believing  that  the  Fairy  Queen  Shoal, 
18  miles  to  the  -westward,  is  the  Holmes  Shoal. 


DANGEES— PALAWAN  PASSAGE.  657 

only  13  ft.  water  on  it.  It  lies  6  miles  within  the  edge  of  the  bank,  and  9^ 
miles  from  the  nearest  shore,  with  the  S.W.  or  Triple  Hill  S.E.  J  E. ;  summit 
of  Bulanhow  Mountain  a  little  open  South  of  Caneepahan  Hill,  E.  J  S. ;  and 
the  Pagoda  (page  5^1),  E.  by  N.  I  N. 

N.W.  J  "W.  4i  miles  from  the  North  Eegent  Shoal,  and  one  mile  inside 
the  edge  of  the  bank,  is  a  coral  patch,  with  10  fathoms  water  on  it;  at  1^ 
miles  to  the  north-eastward  of  which,  and  2  miles  inside  the  edge  of  the 
bank,  is  another  patch,  3  cables  in  extent,  with  only  5  fathoms  on  it.  Also 
N.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  U  miles  from  the  latter,  is  a  4-fathom  patch,  3  cables  in 
extent ;  ard  a  7 -fathoms  knoll  lies  half  way  between  the  two.  The  sound- 
ings in  the  vicinity  of  the  two  latter  shoals  are  27  and  20  fathoms,  sand  and 
shells ;  the  soundings  near  the  former,  which  are  within  2  cables'  lengths  of 
the  10  fathoms,  being  60  fathoms,  mud,  with  74  and  77  fathoms  between 
them  and  the  edge  of  the  back.  Between  the  North  Eegent  and  the  above 
shoals  the  depths  are  from  30  to  45  fathoms,  mud,  and  sometimes  sand  and 
broken  coral. 

BREAKER  REEF,  Ijing  N.E.  |  E.  5  miles  from  the  North  Eegent,  is  3 
cables  in  extent,  and  of  triangular  form,  with  a  few  rocks  showing  at  low 
water.  It  is  8  miles  inside  the  edge  of  the  bank,  and  7  miles  from  Cape 
Seeacle,  the  nearest  shore,  and  from  it  S.W.  or  Triple  Hill  bears  S.S.E. ; 
Caneepahan  Hill,  S.E.  by  E.  f  E. ;  and  the  Pagoda,  showing  to  the  south- 
ward of  a  double  hill  on  I-wi-ig  range  E.  J  N. 

Eocky  Ground,  where  there  are  only  2J  fathoms,  extends  If  mile  to  the 
westward  of  this  reef ;  also  noi-thward  of  it  3^  miles  there  is  a  patch  with 
4^  fathoms  ;  and  another  N.W.  i  W.  2^  miles  from  that,  with  6^  fathoms; 
the  soundings  in  the  neighbourhood  being  30  and  40  fathoms,  except  to  the 
south-westward  of  the  latter,  where  there  are  16  and  30  fathoms,  coral,  half 
a  mile  from  it. 

Paraquas  Ridge  begins  at  11  miles  N.  ^  W.  from  the  Breaker  Eeef,  and 
extends  8  miles  to  the  N.E.,  parallel  with  and  a  mile  inside  the  edge  of  the 
bank,  when  it  then  trends  2  miles  to  the  eastward.  It  is  a  long  irregular 
formed  bank  of  coarse  sand  and  shells,  with  a  very  narrow  ridge  of  coral 
having  gaps  through  it,  and  on  which  ridge  the  least  water  found  was  5 
fathoms ;  the  average  depth  being  6,  7,  and  9  fathoms,  with  from  20  to  30 
fathoms  on  the  bank.  When  on  the  extremes  of  the  bahk  the  bearings 
were  as  follows  : — 

S.  extreme  in  N.  extreme  in 

26  fathoms.  19  fathoms. 

Bulanhow  Mountain         -  -      S.E.  i  S.  -  -        S.  hy  E.  f  E. 

Caneepahan  Hill  -  -  -      S.E.  by  S.  -  -        S.  f  E. 

Pagoda  (Pagoda  Cliffs)     -  -       E.  by  S.  i  S.  -  -         S.E.  easterly. 

Mantaleengahan  Mountain  -       E.  ^  S.  -  -         E.  by  S.  ~  S. 

I.    A.  4  J 


658  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

The  outer  edge  of  this  bank  is  steep-to,  having  in  many  places  60  and  70 
fathoms  within  2  or  3  cables'  length  of  the  ridge. 

VANGUARD  SHOAL  is  a  coral  patch  2  cables  in  extent,  with  only  one 
foot  water  on  it,  lying  E.  by  S.  5J  miles  from  the  shoalest  part  of  the  Para- 
quas  Eidge,  and  12  miles  off  shore,  with  Caneepahan  Hill  bearing  S.  ^  E. ; 
Bulanhow  S.  by  E.  f  E. ;  Pagoda  S.E.  J  E. ;  and  Mantaleengahan  E.  by 
S.  i  S. 

Between  this  shoal  and  the  Paraquas  the  soundings  are  irregular,  varying 
from  30  to  50  fathoms.  To  the  south-westward  of  the  latter  they  are  from 
70  to  80  fathoms,  mud,  when  on  the  edge ;  20  and  30  fathoms,  coarse  sand 
and  broken  coral,  a  mile  inside,  and  40,  45,  and  50  fathoms,  mud,  when 
fairly  on  the  bank. 

SCALEBY  CASTLE  SHOAL  is  a  dangerous  coral  patch,  2  cables  in  ex- 
tent, with  15  ft.  water  on  it,  and  32  fathoms  close  to  its  edge,  lying  in  lat. 
9°  5'  N.,  long.  117°  17'  11"  E.,  N.E.  by  N.  7^  miles  from  the  North  extreme 
of  the  Paraquas,  and  only  IJ  mile  within  the  edge  of  the  bank.  From  it 
Bulanhow  bears  S.  |  E.  ;  Pagoda  S.S.E.  |  E.  ;  Mantaleengahan,  a  little 
open  South  of  Illaan  Hill,  S.E.  by  E.  southerly  ;  Sharp  Peak,  a  little  open 
South  of  a  high  peak  on  the  Mantaleengahan  Eange,  S.E.  by  E.  f  E. ;  and 
Eran  Quoin  E.  J  S.  It  is  distant  15  J  miles  from  Townsend  Point,  the  nearest 
shore. 

COLLINGWOOD  SHOAL,  lying  N.E.  by  E.  15i  miles  from  the  Scaleby 
Castle,  and  6  miles  inside  the  edge  of  the  bank,  is  half  a  mile  in  extent,  and 
on  it  the  least  water  found  was  13  feet,  with  26  and  28  fathoms  close  to  its 
western  or  outer  edge  ;  the  soundings  in  the  neighbourhood  being  40  and 
45  fathoms,  stiff  mud.  From  this  shoal  Eran  Quoin,  the  nearest  land,  bears 
S.E.  i  S.  12  miles ;  Pagoda  (which  is  very  conspicuous  on  this  bearing  over 
the  low  land,  and  generally  discernible  when  the  elevated  objects  are  ob- 
scured), S.  i  W. ;  Mantaleengahan,  S.  by  E.  f  E.  ;  and  Grantung,  a  high 
notch  peak  (page  542)  S.E.  i  E. 

To  the  N.N.W.  of  this  shoal  the  edge  of  the  bank  projects  a  little  beyond 
the  general  trend,  and  has  on  either  side  a  less  regular  contour  with  bights, 
having  soundings  of  130  and  140  fathoms  within  a  mile,  and  in  some  places 
only  3  cables'  lengths  from  the  coral  patches. 

Coral  Patches. — From  the  Scaleby  Castle  Shoal  to  the  parallel  of  9°  30' N., 
a  distance  of  35  miles,  the  coral  patches  on  the  edge  of  the  bank  of  sound- 
ings are  so  numerous,  that  to  give  a  description  or  bearings  for  each  sepa- 
rately, would  tend  more  to  confuse  than  make  clear  the  directions  for  the 
navigation  of  this  part  of  the  channel.  Four  fathoms  is  the  least  water 
that  has  been  found  on  them,  and  they  may  generally  be  distinguished  by 
an  ordinary  look-out  from  the  mast-head.  It  is,  however,  recommended  to 
avoid  them,  as  it  is  impossible  to  say  whether  there  may  or  may  not  be 
shoaler  parts  which  have  escaped  detection.     The  average  depth  upon  the 


DANGEES -PALAWAN  PASSAGE. '  659 

patches  is  from  6  to  7  and  9  fathoms,  with  15  and  20  fathoms  close  to 
their  edges. 

York  Breakers. — This  is  a  dangerous  coral  shoal,  in  lat.  9°  5 3  J'  N.,  long, 
118°  8'  26'  E.,  on  which  the  Countess  of  London  is  supposed  to  have  been 
wrecked  in  November,  1816.  It  is  4  cables  in  extent,  with  less  than  2  feet 
on  it  at  low  water,  and,  except  in  fine  weather,  generally  breaks.  It  lies  6^ 
miles  inside  the  edge  of  the  bank,  and  is  steep-to,  having  45  fathoms  close 
to  the  edge,  the  soundings  contiguous  to  it  being  40  and  50  fathoms,  mud. 
When  on  it,  Victoria  Peak  bears  S.  by  E.  ^  E. ;  Anipahan,  the  northernmost 
of  two  sharp  peaks,  over  Long  Point,  S.E.  §  E. ;  Mount  Stavely  E.  by  8.  f 
S. ;  Mount  Peel  E.  by  N. ;  and  in  clear  weather  Cleopatra  Needle  will  be 
seen  over  Ulugan  Bay,  nearly  in  line  with  Carsoglan  Hill  E.  by  N.  I  N. 
(See  pp.  546,  547,  551.) 

Coral  Patches. — There  is  a  coral  patch,  having  only  3  J  fathoms  on  it,  lying 
S.W.  i  S.  4  miles  from  the  centre  of  the  York  Breakers  ;  and  1^  mile  west- 
ward of  it  is  another,  with  4  fathoms,  the  latter  lying  3|  miles  inside  the 
edge  of  the  bank,  with  a  bank  of  coarse  sand  intervening,  on  which  the 
average  depth  is  18  and  20  fathoms. 

The  soundings  in  the  neighbourhood  of  these  shoals  are  from  40  to  50 
fathoms,  mud. 

Middle  Shoal. — From  the  York  Breakers  in  the  direction  of  Ulugan  Bay, 
viz.,  E.  by  N.  f  N.,  distant  16^  miles,  and  at  12  miles  off  shore,  is  the 
Middle  Shoal,  2  cables  in  extent,  with  3^  fathoms,  coral,  upon  it,  and  12 
and  20  fathoms  close  to  its  edge.  From  it  Mount  Peel  bears  E.  ^  N. ;  Ani- 
pahan Peak  S.  I  E.  ;  Mount  Staveley  S.S.E.  J  E. ;  and  the  summit  of  Long 
Point  S.  i  W. 

Directions. — To  the  northward  of  the  parallel  of  9^  30'  N.,  the  soundings 
on  the  bank'are  more  regular,  and  the  coral  patches  lying  near  the  edge  of 
it,  except  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  York  Breakers,  have  generally  more 
water  on  them  than  those  to  the  southward,  seldom  having  less  than  7  and 
9  fathoms  up  to  the  parallel  of  10'  40'  N.,  where  they  again  begin  to  cluster, 
and  have  as  little  as  4  fathoms  in  some  places.  Vessels,  therefore,  bound  to 
Ulugan  Bay,  or  wishing  to  close  with  the  land  for  the  purpose  of  working  up 
in  shore,  cannot  do  better  than  cross  the  bank  about  this  parallel,  with  Mount 
Peel  on  an  E.  i  S.  or  E.  by  S.  bearing,  or  where  it  is  still  clearer  on  a  S.E. 
by  E.  I  E.  bearing.  The  bank  on  this  parallel  extends  30  miles  from  the 
coast.  The  first  soundings  obtained  on  the  edge  will  generally  be  18  or  20 
fathoms,  coarse  sand  and  broken  coral,  or  perhaps  a  9-fathoms  cast  on  coral, 
v.hen  the  bottom  will  be  visible,  after  which  the  depth  will  be  more  regular, 
the  40  and  50  fathoms'  casts  being  chiefly  on  a  stiff  muddy  bottom  ;  while 
in  less  water  sand  and  mud,  or  sand  and  broken  coral,  will  predominate. 
The  nearer  to  the  shore  the  fewer  are  the  patclies,  and  the  more  regular  the 
soundings. 


660  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

Crescent  Reef,  in  lat.  10°  40'  N.,  long.  118°  42'  26"  E.,  and  upon  which 
there  are  4  fathoms,  is  a  very  narrow  strip  of  coral,  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
in  extent,  in  an  E..N.E.  and  W.S.W.  direction,  lying  1|  mile  inside  the  edge 
of  the  bank,  and  22  miles  from  the  nearest  shore.  There  are  40  and  44 
fathoms  within  half  a  mile  of  its  edge. 

When  on  the  centre  of  the  shoal,  Sangbowen,  the  North  peak  of  Ulugan 
Bay,  bears  S.  by  E.  :^  E. ;  Cleopatra  Needle,  S.S.E.  ^  E.,  ;  summit  of  Cac- 
nipa  or  High  Island  (page  552),  S.E.  by  E.  f  E. ;  highest  part  of  Boayan 
Island  (page  552),  E.  by  S.  J  S.,  easterly;  and  Mount  Capoas  (page  554), 
E.  by  N.  i  N. 

The  Bank  immediately  West  of  this  shoal  follows  apparently  the  contour 
of  the  coast  line,  and  takes  a  sudden  trend  in  a  westerly  direction  for  about 
10  miles,  with  soundings  of  60  and  75  fathoms.  To  the  northward  of  the 
shoal  it  trends  nearly  North  for  9  miles,  and  then  N.E.  2J  miles. 

South,  2 1  miles  from  the  Crescent  Shoal,  there  is  a  7-fathoms  patch,  with 
soundings  of  36  and  40  fathoms  close  to;  and  E.N.E,  2^  miles  from  the 
same  is  another,  3  cables  in  extent,  having  only  4J  fathoms  on  it,  with 
40  fathoms  close  to  the  edge.  Between  these  shoals  and  the  shore,  the 
soundings  vary  from  30  to  50  fathoms,  and  the  ground  appears  to  be  free 
from  danger, 

Capoas  Cluster. — In  the  vicinity  of  the  above  patches,  and  between  them 
and  the  Crescent  Eeef,  the  soundings  are  irregular,  where  also  there  appear 
to  be  several  shoal  spots  of  5  and  6  fathoms,  all  lying  from  1  to  6  miles 
within  the  edge  of  the  bank.  They  are  too  closely  grouped  and  too  far  ofif 
shore  for  bearings  to  be  of  any  advantage  to  navigate  between  them. 

N.  by  E.  lOi  miles  from  the  Crescent  Shoal  is  a  5-fathoms  coral  patch, 
one  of  the  Capoas  cluster,  lying  only  4  cables'  lengths  inside  the  edge  of  the 
bank,  with  upwards  of  40  fathoms  water  close  to  it ;  and  also  a  6-fathoms 
patch  1^  mile  S.W.  of  it.  From  the  former  Mount  Capoas  bears  E.  ^  S.- 
easterly,  distant  32|  miles ;  the  northernmost  of  the  Four  Peaks  on  Cleo- 
patra Eange  S.S.E.  ^  E.,  and  the  summit  of  Tapiutan  Island  (page  562) 
N.E.  i  E. 

N.E.  by  E.  8f  miles  from  the  5-fathoms  patch  is  a  4  J-fathoms  coral  patch, 
apparently  the  northernmost  of  the  Capoas  cluster,  3  cables  in  extent,  with 
52  fathoms  close  to  its  western  edge.  It  lies  li  mile  inside  the  edge  of  the 
bank,  with  Mount  Capoas  bearing  E.  by  S.  J  S.,  Chinongab  Peak  (page  557) 
East-northerly ;  and  the  highest  peak  of  Tapiutan  Island  N.E.  |  E. 

The  least  water  that  has  been  found  on  the  Capoas  cluster  is  4  J  fathoms. 
The  soundings  in  the  immediate  neighbourhood  are  40  and  50  fathoms. 
Vessels  should  keep  clear  of  this  part  of  the  bank. 

The  Bank  of  Soundings  from  the  5-fathoms  patch  above  mentioned  trends 
to  the  north-eastward  for  9  miles,  and  then  nearly  North  parallel  with  the 
line  of  coast. 


DANGERS -PALAWAN  PASSAGE.  661 

Erom  the  northernmost  of  the  Capoas  cluster,  the  bank  trends  North  a 
little  westerly,  preserving  a  distance  of  about  30  miles  from  the  shore,  to 
the  parallel  of  11°  12'  N.,  when  it  gradually  takes  a  north-easterly  direction, 
and  does  not  approach  the  North  point  of  Palawan  nearer  than  23  miles. 
The  bank  is  steep-to,  40  and  50  fathoms  being  close  to  the  lOO-fathoms  line. 
Here  and  there  it  has  comparatively  shoal  ridges  (15  to  20  fathoms)  of 
coarse  sand  and  broken  coral,  on  which  there  are  some  7  3  and  9  fathoms 
patches  of  coral  lying  close  to  the  edge.  The  northernmost  and  shoalest 
of  these  that  has  been  discovered,  and  on  which  there  are  7  fathoms,  lies  1^ 
miles  inside  the  edge  of  the  bank,  in  lat.  11°  28'  45"  N.,  long.  119°  1'  E. 
When  on  it  the  North  Hill  on  Palawan  bears  E.  by  S. -easterly  ;  West 
shoulder  of  the  High  Table  Range  (page  566)  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E. ;  Cadlao  or 
Table-top  Island  (page  564)  S.E.  f  E. ;  and  the  Horn  on  Matinloc  Island 
(page  562)  S.E.  J  S.  It  is  20  miles  distant  from  the  nearest  part  of  the 
island,  and  the  depths  in  the  vicinity  vary  from  20  to  40  fathoms. 

The  nature  of  the  bottom  near  the  patches  is  usually  fine  sand,  but  when 
fairly  on  the  bank,  especially  off  the  North  part  of  Palawan,  stiff  green  mud 
predominates.  The  bank  farther  to  the  northward  does  not  appear  to  be  so 
steep  as  that  abreast  of  the  island,  soundings  with  160  fathoms  having  been 
found  nearly  4  miles  outside  the  lOO-fathoms  line. 


The  foregoing  pages,  relating  to  the  shoals  and  dangers  in  the  China  Sea, 
contain  descriptions  of  those  which  lie  on  the  south-eastern  verge  of  the 
main  route,  along  the  continental  side,  or  those  which  form  the  north- 
western side  of  the  Palawan  route,  which  have  been  found  by  the  recent 
examination  to  be  free  from  danger. 

In  former  times,  the  imperfect  observations  of  passing  vessels,  and  the  too 
frequent  very  desultory  notices  of  presumed  discovery  of  dangers,  caused  the 
charts  to  be  embarrassed  with  a  multitude  of  reefs  which  have  no  existence, 
as  has  been  shown. 

But  in  the  space  between  the  two  channels,  as  they  may  be  termed,  along 
the  Asiatic  side,  and  that  parallel  with  Palawan,  there  still  remains  a 
labyrinth  of  clusters,  shoals,  and  reefs,  in  many  cases  of  doubtful  existence, 
but  in  more  of  doubtful  position,  for  this  area  has  up  to  the  present  period 
been  unsurveyed,  and  *^  ought  lo  he  avoided  hj  all  7iavigators.^''  This  truth 
cannot  be  too  strongly  impressed  upon  all,  for  although  it  is  possible  that  a 
ship  might  pass  unharmed  through  this  region  of  dangers,  coralline,  reefs, 
and  sand-banks,  yet  the  risk  is  very  great,  and  the  greatest  caution  will  not 
be  an  excuse  for  venturing  into  such  imminent  danger. 

The  ensuing  enumeration  and  description  of  shoals  lying  out  of  the  proper 
track  of  ships,  is  therefore  added  with  a  view  to  making  these  remarks  com- 
plete, rather  as  an  object  of  utility. 


662  THE  CHINA  SEA. 


SHOALS   NEAE   THE   MAIN  EOUTE. 

The  Bombay  Castle,  Orleana,  Johnson,  and  Kingston  Shoals  of  former 
charts,  were  found  by  Commander  Ward,  in  H.M.  surveying  vessel  Rifleman, 
to  be  patches  on  the  edge  of  the  Eifleman  Bank,  described  on  page  622. 

OWEN  SHOAL,  in  lat.  8°  8'  N.,  long.  UP  69'  E.,  was  discovered  in  1835, 
by  Mr.  Owen,  commanding  the  ship  David  Scott,  who  had  soundings  of  5  to 
4^,  and  one  cast  of  3f  fathoms  in  passing  over  it,  a  little  past  noon,  steering 
S.S.E.,  and  at  1  p.m.  cleared  the  shoal,  having  then  no  bottom.  The  shoal 
appeared  to  be  about  2  miles  in  extent,  consisting  of  black  and  white 
speckled  coral,  in  a  state  of  rapid  accretion,  apparently  by  the  vitality  and 
energy  of  the  madrepores,  observed  in  recent  formations  of  large  pieces  of 
coral  brought  up  by  the  lead.  The  patches  of  speckled  coral  were  bright 
and  alarming  while  on  the  shoal,  and  although  no  breakers  were  perceived, 
as  the  sea  was  then  very  smooth,  yet  with  a  heavy  swell,  the  sea  probably 
rises  in  rollers  over  the  shoal  patches,  when  a  large  ship  would  be  liable  to 
strike  on  some  of  them. 

AMBOYNA  CAY  was  surveyed  by  Commander  Ward,  H.M.S.  Rifleman, 
in  1864.  It  is  in  lat.  7°  51f'  N.,  long.  112°  55'  E.,  and  is  the  dry  portion  of 
a  small  coral  bank  running  N.E.  and  S.W.  The  cay  is  at  the  south-west 
extreme  of  the  bank,  and  is  150  yards  long,  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.,  124  yards 
wide,  and  8  feet  above  high  water  mark.  It  is  surrounded  by  coral  ledges, 
some  of  which  dry  at  low  water,  but  in  no  instance  do  they  extend  as  far  as 
2  cables'  lengths  from  high  water  mark ;  the  sea  breaks  heavily  upon  these 
ledges  in  any  swell, 

About^two-thirds  of  the  rock  forming  the  cay  is  covered  with  a  rich  coat 
of  guano,  and  in  some  places  4  feet  deep,  the  deposit  of  myriads  of  boobies, 
petrels,  and  other  marine  birds  ;  the  rest  of  the  cay  is  comminuted  coral. 
A  large  pile,  composed  of  all  the  drift-wood  to  be  collected  on  the  cay,  a  few 
lumps  of  coral,  &c.,  was  erected  in  the  centre,  and  can  be  seen  as  a  sail  at  a 
distance  of  from  5  to  7  miles  in  clear  weather. 

The  bank,  to  the  north-eastward  of  the  cay,  forms  a  very  narrow  ridge  a 
mile  long  by  2  cables  wide.  The  soundings  upon  it  are  about  4  fathoms 
Irom  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  reef  until  close  to  the  end  of  the  spit, 
when  the  water  deepens  rapidly  from  9  to  17  fathoms,  and  then  dips  into  67 
fathoms,  no  bottom ;  while  at  a  distance  less  than  a  third  of  a  mile,  no 
bottom  was  obtained  with  220  fathoms  of  line.  There  is  no  danger  on  the 
ridge  if  vessels  do  not  get  into  less  than  4  fathoms,  although  from  the  exces* 
Give  clearness  of  the  water  the  bottom  looks  alarmingly  close  to  the  ship's 
keel ;  the  ledges  surrounding  the  islet  are  steep-to. 

Anchorage  on  the  ridge  in  5  fathoms,  in  the  S.W.  monsoon,  was  obtained 


LIZZIE  WEBBER  AND  STAGS  SHOALS.  663 

by  the  Rifleman,  fairly  sheltered  from  the  prevailing  wind.     Fish  appeared 
to  be  abundant,  but  only  a  few  were  caught. 

Tides. — By  observations  at  Amboyna  Cay  two  days  before  neaps,  the 
maximum  rate  of  tide  was  1.4  knots  per  hour,  the  flood  stream  setting  about 
N.  by  W,  the  ebb  West ;  flood  commencing  at  11  p.m.,  and  the  ebb  at  6  a.m. 
Rise  and  fall  doubtful. 

LIZZIE  WEBBER  SHOAL.— Mr.  Dallas  reported  that  while  returning  in 
a  small  vessel,  the  Lizzie  Webber,  to  the  wreck  of  the  Fiery  Cross  (in  1860), 
they  struck  upon  a  reef  in  lat.  8°  4'  N.,  long.  113=  12'  E.  The  reef,  which 
was  very  little  under  water,  is  a  narrow  strip  of  sand  and  coral  lying  in  a 
N.E.  and  S.W.  direction. 

This  shoal  is  supposed  to  extend  about  25  miles  to  the  north-eastward  of 
the  above  position,  as  reported  by  Mr.  P.  Orr,  commanding  the  barque 
Canada,  which  was  wrecked  on  it  on  the  24th  December,  1864,  at  12.30  a.m. 

STAGS  SHOAL,  placed  in  8°  24'  N.,  112°  57'  E.,  was  reported  in  1802  by 
Mr.  Trinder,  commanding  the  brig  Amboyna,  as  follows  : — "  The  North  end 
of  the  shoal  extended  S.E.  and  S.S.W.  in  form  of  a  triangle,  with  rocks 
above  water  and  breakers  in  various  parts,  the  intermediate  space  appa- 
rently very  shoal,  and  the  southern  extremity  could  not  be  discerned  from 
the  mast-head." 

The  Rifleman,  from  a  position  5  miles  North  of  that  given  above,  was 
steered  E.S.E.  12  miles,  when  she  was  in  the  latitude  of  the  shoal,  and  11 
miles  East  of  it,  here  no  bottom  was  obtained  at  200  fathoms  ;  a  West  course 
was  then  steered  for  21  miles,  and  again  a  S.E.  by  E.  course  until  the 
longitude  of  the  shoal  was  reached.  Soundings,  with  40  fathoms  of  line, 
were  tried  for,  as  quickly  as  possible,  on  the  different  courses,  and  on  the 
spot  assigned  to  the  danger,  bottom  (dark  oaze)  was  brought  up  from  a  depth 
of  1,085  fathoms. 

The  Rifleman  had  previously  passed  over  the  position,  and  H.M.S.  Reynard 
also  steamed  about  the  locality,  and  it  is  certain  from  the  result  of  these 
examinations  that  no  shoal  exists  within  10  miles  of  the  position  assigned. 
The  soundings  obtained  in  the  Rifleman  in  former  years  indicate  that  the 
shoal  does  not  exist  to  the  westward, — and  it  seems  probable  that  the  danger 
seen  from  the  Amboyna  was  part  of  the  Lizzie  Webber  or  Canada  Shoal, — ■ 
25  miles  E.S.E.  of  the  position  ascribed  to  the  Stags, — and  this  is  verified 
by  the  fact  of  the  Amboyna  Cay  being  found  11  miles  farther  West  than 
reported  by  Mr.  Trinder. 

Pearson  Reef,  in  lat.  8°  56'  N.,  long.  113°  44' E.,  was  seen  in  1843  by 
Mr.  Pearson,  commanding  the  Bahamian,  who  reported  that  he  passed  about 
3  miles  to  windward  of  an  extensive  shoal  in  the  above  position,  about  2 
miles  long  in  a  North  and  South  direction,  with  some  rocks  above  water  on 
the  southern  edsre. 


664  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

Cornwallis  South  Reef  is  a  doubtful  danger,  placed  on  the  chart  in  lat. 
8°  50'  N.,  long.  114°  liy  E.,  and  shown  as  being  3  or  4  miles  in  extent. 

Ganges  Reef  is  another  doubtful  shoal,  32  miles  to  the  northward  of 
Cornwallis  South  Eeef,  in  lat.  9°  22'  N.,  long.  114°  11'  E. 

Sin  Co  we  Island  is  reported  by  the  fishermen  to  lie  in  lat.  9°  41'  N., 
long.  114°  21'  E.  (approximate). 

Fancy  Wreck  Shoal  is  a  doubtful  danger,  30  miles  north-eastward  of  the 
Ganges  Reef,  in  lat.  9°  43'  N.,  long.  114°  41'  E. 

Cornwallis  Reef,  also  doubtful,  is  shown  on  the  chart  as  an  extensive  reef 
with  rocks,  20  miles  to  the  north-westward  of  the  last-named  shoal,  in  lat. 
10"  0'  N.,  long.  114°  23'  E. 

Pennsylvania,  one  of  the  many  doubtful  shoals,  is  placed  in  lat.  10°  0'  N., 
long.  115°  10'  E.  ;  and  about  20  miles  N.N.W.  of  it,  in  lat.  10°  18'  N.,  long. 
115°  4'  E..  is  another  doubtful  Granges  reef.  About  14  miles  N.N.E.  of  this 
latter,  in  lat.  10°  32'  N.,  long.  115°  8'  E.,  is  Ganges  North  Reef,  also  a  doubt- 
ful danger. 

Third  Thomas  Shoal  (1839)  is  placed  on  the  chart  in  lat.  10°  52'  N.,  long. 
115°  55'  E.,  and  shown  as  being  3  or  4  miles  in  extent. 

Flat  Island,  in  lat.  11°  1'  N.,  long.  115°  40'  E.,  is  said  to  be  low  and  flat, 
surrounded  with  breakers,  and  having  a  reef  projecting  from  its  N.E.  side. 
It  is  marked  doubtful  in  the  charts,  but  it  is  said  that  it  has  been  seen  by 
several  ships.  This  is  the  northernmost  danger  in  this  part  of  the  China 
Sea,  and  lies  nearly  midway  between  the  North  Danger  Eeef  and  the  north- 
easternmost  of  the  dangers  bounding  the  Palawan  channel. 

SHOALS  NEAR  THE  PALAWAN  ROUTE. 

Swallow  Reef,  seen  by  the  Swalloio  in  1801,  lies  28  miles  N.N.E.  from 
Charlotte  Reef.  It  is  formed  of  a  belt  of  coral  surrounding  a  shallow 
basin,  is  3j  miles  long,  E.  |  N.,  and  W.  f  S.,  and  IJ  mile  wide.  At  its 
eastern  part  are  some  rocks  from  5  to  10  ft.  above  high  water,  the  highest 
of  which  is  in  7°  23'  N.,  113°  50'  23"  E.  ;  there  are  also  one  or  two  stones  on 
the  south-eastern  side  which  show  at  high  water ;  the  West  end  terminates 
in  a  sharp  point. 

ARDASIER  SANK,  lying  N.E.  of  Swallow  Reef,  is  very  extensive,  and 
has  only  received  a  partial  examination.  It  is  probable  that  the  South  Ar- 
dasier,  7°  34'  N.,  114°  9  E.,  Gloucester,  7°  50' N.,  114°  15' E.,  and  North 
Ardasier  Breakers,  7°  56',  long.  114°  2',  as  also  the  breakers  seen  by  Mr. 
Dallas  in  1860,  in  lat.  7°  38',  long.  113°  54'  E.,  are  shoal  patches  on  diflPerent 
parts  of  one  large  bank.  The  south-eastern  side,  which  forms  one  of  the 
nort^iern  limits  of  the  approach  to  the  Palawan  passage,  has  been  surveyed 
in  the  Rifleman.  The  general  direction  of  this  part  is  N.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  and 
S.W.  by  W.  ^  W.  for  a  distance  of  20  miles,  but  the  outline  of  the  edge  is 


INVESTIGATOR  SHOAL.  665 

very  irregular.  Several  shoal  patches  of  3  to  5  fathoms  were  found  near  the 
edge;  the  shoalest  spot  discovered  had  only  2^  fathoms  water;  this  last  is 
in  7°  36' 37"  N.,  114^^  10'  10"  E.,  very  close  to  the  position  ascribed  to  the 
South  Ardasier  Breakers. 

INVESTIGATOR  SHOAL,  examined  by  Captain  Crawford,  of  the  Indian 
Navy  surveying  ship  Investigator,  in  1813,  is  very  extensive;  its  western 
point  being  in  lat.  8°  5'  N.,  long.  114°  31'  E.,  and  its  eastern  extremity  in 
lat.  8^  10'  N.,  long.  114°  50'  E.  It  is  about  4  miles  in  breadth,  North  and 
South. 

Cay  Marino  is  a  doubtful  shoal,  jjlaced  upon  the  chart  in  lat.  8°  30'  N., 
long.  114°  21'  E. 

S.W.  and  N.E.  Shea  Shoals  were  seen  by  Mr.  Shea,  commanding  the 
Buchinghamshire,  in  1833.  The  first  shoal  appeared  to  consist  of  two  reefs  of 
rocks,  with  high  breakers,  extending  IJ  mile  E.  by  S.  and  W.  by  N.,  and 
half  a  mile  North  and  South,  the  centre  of  which  was  found  to  be  in  lat. 
8°  N.,  long.  114°  55'  E.,  by  observations  of  sun,  moon,  and  stars. 

The  other  shoal,  seen  on  the  following  morning,  appeared  to  consist  of 
two  dry  white  banks,  with  a  ridge  of  rocks  extending  from  them  to  the 
westward  about  2  miles,  which  was  considered  to  be  in  lat.  8°  30'  N.,  long. 
115°  19'  E. 

Glasgow  Bank. — Mr.  Baird,  commanding  the  ship  Glasgow,  is  said  to 
have  discovered  a  bank  in  lat.  S'  39'  N.,  long.  115°  31'  E.  It  apparently 
extended  3  miles  to  its  N.E.  edge,  and  was  composed  of  sand  and  rocky 
peaks,  in  some  places  21  to  32  ft.  above  the  sea. 

Alicia  Annie  Shoal. — Captain  R.  Kirby  reports  having  seen  a  reef  in  lat. 
9°  25'  N.,  long.  115'  IQi'  E.,  of  lagoon  form,  3  miles  in  length,  N.W.  by  N. 
and  S.E.  by  S.  There  is  a  slight  rise  of  sand  hill  at  its  N.W.  end,  and  a 
reef  of  rocks  at  its  S.E.  extreme,  with  several  detached  rocks  around.  There 
was  a  portion  of  wreck  on  the  S.E.  end,  and  a  junk  with  four  boats  close  by  ; 
inside  the  lagoon  there  was  a  boat  apparently  fishing.  Soundings  were  tried 
for  at  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  S.E.  end,  but  no  bottom  with  100  fathoms 
of  line.  First  Thomas  Shoal  was  made  the  next  day,  and  the  chronometer 
showed  it  to  be  2  miles  "West  of  its  position  on  the  chart. 

First  and  Second  Thomas  Shoals  appear  by  the  chart  to  have  been  seen 
in  1839.  The  first  is  placed  in  lat.  9°  18'  N.,  long.  115°  53'  E. ;  the  second 
is  shown  as  an  extensive  shoal,  9  or  10  miles  long  North  and  South,  and  4 
miles  broad  ;  its  southern  part  is  in  lat.  9°  41'  N.,  long.  115°  47'  E. 

Investigator  N.E.  Shoal,  in  lat.  9°  15'  N.,  long.  116=  24'  E.,  is  shown  on 
the  chart  as  having  some  rocks  awash  upon  it. 

Pennsylvania  and  Sabina  Shoals. — One  of  the  doubtful  Pennsylvania 
Shoals  is  placed  upon  the  chart  about  17  or  18  miles  northward  of  the  N.E. 
Investigator,  in  lat.  9°  31'  N.,  long.   116°  23'  E.,  and  there  are  three  other 

I.  A.  4  Q 


666  THE  CHINA  SEA. 

patches  of  that  name,  the  first  in  lat.  9°  47'  N.,  long.  116°  44'  E.,  the  second 
about  4  miles,  and  the  third  about  10  miles  to  the  north-westward  from  it. 

The  Sabina  Shoal,  placed  upon  the  chart  in  lat.  9°43'N.,  long.  116°  34^'  E., 
was  discovered  by  Mr.  French,  commanding  the  Sabina,  of  New  York,  in 
1836,  who  saw  "rocks  with  the  sea  breaking  tremendously  over  them." 
Mr.  French  thought  it  was  one  of  the  doubtful  Pennsylvania  Shoals,  which 
in  all  probability  it  is. 

Mr.  E.  Eouth,  commanding  the  Bombay/,  with  the  Henry  Clay  in  company, 
sighted  breakers  which  his  observations  placed  nearly  in  the  position  of  the 
Sabina  Shoal. 

Lord  Auckland  Shoal  appears  on  the  chart  as  a  bank  with  8  to  80  fa- 
thoms water  over  it.  The  8-fathom  part  is  in  lat.  10°  21'  N.,  long.  117°  17' 
E.  ;  close  to  the  eastward  of  the  bank  there  is  no  bottom  at  ]  00  fathoms. 

OTHER  PENNSYLVANIA  SHOALS  — BROWN  SHOALS.— Another 
Pennsylvania  Shoal  is  placed  on  the  chart  in  lat.  10°  24'  N.,  long.  116°  33' 
E.  ;  and  another,  the  Pennsylvania  North  Eeef,  in  lat.  10°  49'  N.,  long.  116° 
54'  E.  The  positions  of  these  are  very  doubtful,  and  it  is  probable  that  the 
shoals  seen  by  Mr.  Brown,  commanding  the  Arabian,  in  1838,  were  the  same. 
The  following  is  Mr.  Brown's  account  of  them  : — 

"  On  the  8th  of  January,  1838,  on  our  passage  to  China  by  the  Palawan, 
standing  to  the  northward,  wind  N.E.,  at  10.30  a.m.  passed  close  to  wind- 
ward of  a  coral  patch,  with  apparently  5  or  6  fathoms  water  over  it,  blowing 
fresh  and  a  good  deal  of  sea  ;  could  not  lower  a  boat  to  determine.  It  lies 
in  lat.  10°  30'  N.,  long.  116°  41  E. 

**  Same  day,  lying  up  East  on  the  port  tack,  at  3.30  p.m.,  came  suddenly 
into  shoal  water.  Saw  the  coral  rocks  very  distinctly  under  the  ship's  bottom. 
Hove  the  lead  over,  first  cast  had  5  fathoms,  and  mark  above  water  for  a 
few  casts.  Put  the  helm  up  and  run  to  the  southward  for  a  few  minutes, 
until  we  gradually  deepened  to  30  fathoms,  no  bottom.  "We  appeared  to  be 
on  the  southern  edge  of  an  extensive  coral  flat,  extending  N.E.  and  N.W.  of 
us  some  miles.  By  sights  taken  immediately  we  came  off  the  shoal ;  this 
part  of  it  lies  in  long.  117°  0'  E.,  or  4'  East  of  the  Bombay  Eeef,  which  we 
left  yesterday ;  lat.  10°  35'  N.,  which  we  observed  at  noon. 

**  The  following  day  at  9  a.m.,  standing  to  the  northward,  with  a  fresh 
wind  from  N.E.,  and  a  heavy  head  sea,  came  again  into  shoal  water  ;  coral 
rocks  seen  very  close  to  our  keel,  but  before  we  could  get  the  lead  forward 
we  had  passed  over  the  ridge  into  28  fathoms.  From  9''  to  IP  30™  a.m.  ran 
8  miles  on  a  N.N.W.  course  in  irregular  coral  soundings,  least  water,  by 
the  lead,  1 1  fathoms,  but  at  times  we  apparently  had  much  less  from  the 
proximity  of  the  coral  rocks.  We  entered  upon  the  flat  in  lat.  10°  39'  N., 
long.  117°  24'  E.  ;  came  off  in  lat.  10°  46'  N.,  long.  117°  19'  E.  The  longi- 
tude computed  from  a  series  of  sights  before  and  after  noon  ;  the  latitude  by 
a  good  meridian  altitude,  four  observers,  and  clear  weather.     In  passing 


SEAHOESE  OR  SOUTH  SHOAL.  667 

over  this  bank  the  water  appeared  very  shoal  East  and  West  of  us,  lying  in 
ridges  in  that  direction." 

Amy  Douglas  Shoal. — The  Amy  Douglas,  commanded  by  Mr.  Pensberry 
— under  the  Siamese  flag — on  her  passage  up  the  Palawan,  passed  over  a 
shoal  in  lat.  10°  52'  N.,  long.  116"  25'  E.  On  February  12th,  1860,  at  noon, 
had  good  observations,  and  noticed  about  that  time  the  water  discoloured 
for  about  a  mile  on  each  side  of  the  ship.  Dropped  the  lead  over  the  side 
and  found  14  fathoms.  Mr.  Pensberry  is  of  opinion  that  the  water  was  much 
more  shallow  to  the  westward  of  the  ship. 

Fairy  Queen  Shoal,  having  9  fathoms  water  over  it,  is  placed  on  the 
chart  in  lat.  10°  39'  N.,  long.  117°  38'  E. 

Coral  Bank, — H.M.S.  Rifleman,  when  proceeding  from  Loai-ta  Island 
(page  628),  round  the  northern  edge  of  the  Archipelago,  obtained  soundings 
of  47  fathoms  on  a  coral  bank  in  lat.  11°  28'  N.,  long.  116°  46'  E. ;  steermg 
E.  by  S.  J  S.  3  miles  farther  had  44  fathoms,  and  shortly  afterwards  12 
fathoms  on  a  small  coral  patch  in  lat.  11°  26'  N.,  long.  116°  53'  E.  Con- 
tinuing the  same  course,  the  depths  were  42  fathoms  for  a  distance  of  5 
miles;  at  8  miles  125  fathoms,  and  at  14  miles  175  fathoms.  A  few  miles 
farther  on  no  bottom  was  reached  with  200  fathoms  of  line. 

SEAHORSE  or  ROTJTH  SHOAL  was  examined  by  the  Rifleman.  It  lies 
at  the  N.E.  angle  of  the  archipelago  of  reefs,  and  forms  the  N.E.  limit  of  the 
Palawan  Passage.  It  is  a  pear-shaped  coral  bank,  8  miles  in  length,  N.N.E. 
f  E.  and  S.S.W.  |  W.,  41  miles  in  breadth  at  the  North  end  and  3  miles  at 
the  South  end  ;  it  is  not  dangerous,  the  least  water  upon  it  being  4  J  fathoms, 
which  was  found  on  a  5-fathom  patch,  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in 
extent,  at  the  North  extreme  of  the  bank  in  lat  10°  50'  N.,  long.  117°  46'  E. 
Nothing  less  than  6  fathoms  were  obtained  on  any  of  the  other  patches  sur- 
rounding the  lagoon  ;  the  depths  in  the  lagoon  vary  from  17  to  19  fathoms 
at  the  shoal  edges  to  35  fathoms  in  the  centre. 

The  northern  part  of  this  shoal  was  passed  over  by  the  Seahorse  in  1786, 
and  the  southern  part  by  Mr.  Routh,  commanding  the  Bomhay,  in  1835. 

A  Sandy  Shoal  is  placed  upon  the  chart  in  lat.  11°  2'  N.,  long.  117°  37' E. 

Templer  Bank.— The  Minerva,  commanded  by  Mr.  Templer,  passed  over 
a  bank  to  the  north-westward  of  the  Seahorse  Bank,  in  November,  1835, 
having  from  10  to  17  fathoms  water  on  it.  The  bank  appeared  to  extend 
about  4  miles  North  and  South,  and  as  no  discoloured  water  was  seen  to  the 
eastward,  but  several  apparently  shoal  patches  were  perceived  to  the  west- 
ward, it  is  supposed  that  the  ship  passed  over  the  eastern  part  of  the  bank. 
The  centre  of  the  bank  is  in  lat.  11°  7'  N.,  long.  117''  13'  E. 


PART    HI. 


THE    EASTERN    PASSAGES. 

The  descriptions  and  directions  given  in  the  foregoing  pages  have  been  de- 
voted to  those  coasts  and  channels  leading  towards  the  Coast  of  China, 
which  lie  to  the  westward  of  Borneo,  and  which  are  approached  by  the  Straits 
of  Malacca  and  Sunda,  and  are  therefore  generally  known  as  the  "Western 
Passages. 

The  Eastern  Passages,  which  remain  to  be  described,  are  those  to  the 
eastward  of  Borneo,  and  may  be  taken  either  by  the  Strait  of  Sunda,  and 
passing  eastward  through  the  Java  Sea,  or  else  by  one  or  other  of  the  straits 
between  the  islands  East  of  Java. 

In  earlier  times  these  various  routes  were  known  by  different  names,  of 
which  Pitt's  Passage,  or  that  which  passes  East  of  Gilolo,  between  it  and 
the  West  end  of  New  Guinea,  may  be  cited  as  the  most  generally  known, 
and  this  for  a  reason  happily  non-existent  now — that  it  avoided  those  straits 
and  islands  subject  to  the  Dutch. 

Our  charts  of  these  passages  are  very  much  more  imperfect  than  those  of 
the  portions  of  the  Indian  Archipelago  to  the  northward"  and  westward,  and 
this  consideration  should  have  much  weight  with  the  commander  in  the 
choice  of  a  route. 

Till  recent  years  the  British  charts  in  general  use,  such  as  those  drawn  up 
by  the  late  Captain  Horsburgh,  were  very  unsafe  guides,  and  it  was  main- 
tained by  the  Dutch  in  Java  that  they  caused  many  disasters.  This  obloquy 
ia  now  in  a  great  measure  removed  ;  for,  however  imperfect  the  charts  of  the 
eastern  parts  of  the  Archipelago  may  still  be,  the  labours  and  observations 
of  many  British  and  Dutch  officers  have  been  combine.d  for  their  improve- 
ment, although  no  proper  and  systematic  survey  has  been  made  of  the  entire 
area.  Prominent  among  these  stands  the  "  Netherlands  Commissie  tot  het 
verbetering  der  Zeekarten  in  de  Oost  Indie,"  with  which  the  name  of  the  late 
Lieutenant  Peter  Baron  Mellvill  van  Carnbee,  may  be  associated.  These 
have  given  to  the  nautical  world  a  very  much  more  perfect  representation  of 


THE  EASTEEN  PASSAGES.  669 

tlie  navigation  of  the  south-eastern  portion  of  the  Indian  Archipelago  than 
was  formerly  attainable. 

These  charts  were  published  chiefly  by  the  respected  and  ancient  firm  of 
Wed.  Q".  Hulst  Van  Keulen,  of  Amsterdam,  and  have  since  been  copied  and 
improved  by  our  Admiralty  and  others. 

In  the  future  descriptions  of  the  channels  leading  towards  China,  we  com- 
mence with  the  great  island  of  Java,  which  stands  as  a  rampart  between  the 
Indian  Ocean  and  the  Archipelago,  and  then  proceed  with  the  islands  and 
straits  to  the  eastward  and  northward,  in  due  order,  as  far  as  the  irregular 
distribution  of  the  islands  will  permit. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


JAVA,  AND  THE  JAVA  SEA. 


JAVA. 

The  Island  of  Java  is  beyond  all  comparison  the  most  important  portion  of 
the  Indian  Archipelago.  Its  fertility,  its  population,  their  civilization  and 
industry,  place  it  far  in  advance  of  all  surrounding  islands. 

It  is  about  575  miles  long,  with  a  breadth  varying  from  48  to  117  miles, 
the  area  being  computed  at  37,029  square  geographical  miles,  or  about  one- 
third  larger  than  Ireland,  but  it  supports  a  population  twice  as  numerous. 
It  may  be  compared  in  form,  size,  and  position  to  Cuba,  but  then  it  has  ten 
times  the  number  of  inhabitants. 

It  is  the  principal  colonial  possession  of  the  Dutch  nation,  and  its  governor 
is  paramount  over  all  other  of  the  Dutch  possessions  in  the  East.  It  claims 
the  singular  merit  among  Oriental  countries  under  European  subjection  of 
producing  a  considerable  revenue  to  the  Netherlands  Government.  What- 
ever opinions  may  be  held  concerning  the  restrictive  and  engrossing  policy 
of  the  Dutch,  the  facts  of  the  great  increase  of  the  productiveness,  the  ex- 
ports, and  the  population,  stand  as  an  evidence  that  the  systems  there 
carried  out  have  been  beneficial  to  the  inhabitants  and  to  the  home  govern- 
ment. 

A  century  ago  the  population  of  Java  and  the  adjacent  island  of  Madura 
was  estimated  at  2,000,000.  At  the  end  of  the  last  century  it  had  risen  to 
3,660,000.  In  1815,  during  the  temporary  occupation  by  the  English,  the 
census  gave  4,615,270  inhabitants.  The  Dutch  have,  since  the  restoration 
of  the  island,  made  many  enumerations,  and  each  census  has  shown  a  large 
and  steady  increase.  In  1845  the  population  of  both  islands  was  9,530,781. 
On  December,  31st,  1872,  the  census  gave  17,298,200  as  the  number  of  in- 
habitants in  Java  and  Madura.  This  included  28,926  Europeans,  and  185,758 
Chinese  settlers.  It  is  thus  one  of  the  most  densely  populated  countries  in 
the  world,  and  this  is  more  apparent  if  the  large  area  occupied  by  its  lofty 
and  inaccessible  mountains  is  taken  into  accouut. 


ISLAND  OF  JAVA.  671 

The  material  prosperity  of  its  people  has  also  advanced  with  the  increase 
of  their  numbers,  and  the  great  exports  of  coffee,  sugar,  rice,  «S;c.,  subject  to 
a  heavy  export  duty,  brings  in,  as  before  said,  an  ample  revenue  for  its  local 
government,  and  also  leaves  a  large  amount  for  the  home  exchequer.  Java 
is  therefore  much  more  important  to  HoUand  than  India  is  to  the  British 
nation  ;  and  it  is  looked  upon  as  their  promised  land  ;  *'  Java  is  ons  Kaniian" 
has  been  said  of  it  by  a  Dutch  writer. 

A  ridge  of  lofty  mountains  runs  from  West  to  East  throughout  its  entire 
length.  The  more  lofty  of  the  conical  peaks  are  generally  visible  from  sea, 
and  of  these  there  are  about  33  which  rise  above  5,000  ft.  above  that  level. 
Of  these,  Salah,  7,200  ft.,  and  Pangeranga,  9,663  ft.,  in  the  rear  of  Batavia . 
Gedee,  or  Tagal  Peak,  11,300  ft.,  between  Tagal  and  Pekalongan  ;  Soembing, 
11,000  ft.  ;  and  Merapie,  9,290  ft.,  near  Samarang;  Japara  Peak,  4,600  ft.  ; 
Laicoe,  10,700  ft. ;  Ardjoena,  12,000  ft. ;  and  Semiroe,  the  loftiest  summit, 
12,400  ft.,  near  the  Strait  of  Madura,  are  the  most  noticeable  for  their  eleva- 
tion. They  all  appear  to  have  been  formed  as  active  volcanoes,  and  the 
hidden  fires  are  in  some  cases  scarcely  extinct,  but  none  are  now  in  activity. 

The  heights  of  these  mountains  have  been  observed  by  Lieuts.  Eietveld, 
Escher,  Eschauzier,  Staring,  Brutel  de  la  Eiviere,  and  Melvill  van  Carnbee, 
of  the  Dutch  navy. 

They  are  a  continuation  of  that  volcanic  band  alluded  to  in  an  early  part 
of  this  volume  as  encircling  that  vast  area  limited  by  Malaya,  Sumatra,  Java, 
and  the  islands  East  of  it,  Celebes,  the  Philippines,  Japan,  Kamtchatka, 
along  which  volcanic  agency  is  more  or  less  evident  or  active. 

The  South  coast  of  Java  is  abrupt  and  iron  bound,  affording  but  very  little 
shelter,  and  being  a  lee  shore,  beaten  by  the  whole  force  of  the  waves  from 
the  Indian  Ocean,  is  carefully  to  be  avoided ;  but  it  is  free  from  storms.  The 
chief  ports  and  settlements  are  on  the  northern  side,  along  which  are  large 
plains  of  unsurpassed  fertility,  between  the  mountains  and  the  sea. 

At  the  principal  ports  the  Government  have  established  very  ordinary 
means  for  refitting.  The  open  ports  (1870)  in  the  island  for  import  and  ex- 
port trade  are  Batavia,  Samarang,  Sourabaya,  Cheribon,  Passoeroean,  and 
Tjilatjap.  For  export  only,  the  following  ports  are  open  in  Java,  Anjer, 
Bantam,  Indramayoe,  Tagal,  Pekalongan,  Eembang,  Probolingo,  Bezoekie, 
Panaroekan,  Banjoewangie,  Pangool,  Patjitan,  and  Wyncoopsbay.  There 
are  railways  running  inland  from  Batavia  and  Samarang,  and  along  the 
entire  length  of  the  island  is  a  fine  road,  800  miles  in  extent,  made  by 
General  Daendels.  There  is  electric  telegraphic  communication  throughout 
the  island  and  with  all  parts  of  the  world,  as  described  with  Batavia  here- 
after. 

The  island  lies  between  the  wind  systems  of  the  two  hemispheres,  and 
thus  enjoys  an  immunity  from  those  storms  and  cyclones  which  devastate  the 
countries  in  higher  latitudes ;  but  it  is  very  moist,  and  to  this  fact  it  probably 


672  ISLAND  OF  JAVA. 

owes  much  of  its  fertility.  Formerly  it  was  considered  to  be  very  unliealthy, 
but  later  experience  and  an  improved  mode  of  living,  adopted  by  Europpans, 
have  shown  that  it  is  not  more  deleterious  to  the  white  man  than  any  other 
tropical  country,  and  it  has  besides  the  advantage  of  affording  lofty  sites  for 
residence  and  sanatoria. 

Although  no  very  systematic  and  minute  survey  of  its  coast  has  been  made 
by  the  Dutch  Government,  yet  the  zeal  of  the  officers  in  its  large  fleet,  well 
directed  by  the  Commission  for  the  improvement  of  the  Indian  charts,  have 
given  us  tolerably  perfect  delineations  of  its  shores  and  harbours.  The  work 
was  carried  on  under  the  orders  of  Rear- Admiral  Lucas,  the  commandant  of 
the  Dutch  navy,  by  the  officers  before  mentioned.  The  first  chart  was  pub- 
lished in  Amsterdam,  in  1842,  under  the  authorship  of  the  late  Mr.  Jacob 
Swart  and  Lieut.  P.  Baron  Melvill  van  Carnbee.  To  accompany  this  chart, 
they  drew  up  the  "  Zeemans-Gids  voor  de  Yaarwaters  rondom  het  Eiland 
Java,"  from  which  the  following  directions  are  derived,  as  translated  into 
English  by  Lieut.  G.  Tichelman. 

A  ship  bound  to  Batavia,  being  abreast  of  St.  Nicholas  Point,  ought  to 
steer  E.  J  S.,  or  E.  by  S.,  to  pass  Bantam  Bay,  mid-channel  between  Babi 
Island  and  the  reef  which  projects  from  Pontang  Point;  with  this  course, 
Menscheneter  Island  and  Great  Kombuis  will  be  seen  ahead,  and  the  Hoorn 
Islands  in  a  N.E.  or  E.N.E.  direction,  visible  in  clear  weather  at  the  distance 
of  3^  or  4  leagues.  The  best  track  in  the  night  is  to  keep  in  14  or  15  fa- 
thoms, taking  care  not  to  borrow  under  1 1  fathoms  toward  the  Java  shore, 
nor  to  deepen  beyond  18  fathoms  in  the  offing.  It  would,  however,  be  rather 
imprudent  for  strangers  in  these  waters  to  keep  under  sail  all  night;  it 
would  be  better  to  anchor,  as  moderate  depths  are  found  from  here  to 
Batavia  Eoads.  The  tides  set  generally  East  and  West  along  this  part  of 
the  coast. 

Pulo  Babi  lies  due  North  from  Pontang  Point,  and  according  to  the  trigo- 
nometrical survey  of  Lieutenant  Staring,  D.R.N.,  in  1841,  the  centre  of  the 
island  is  in  5°  48'  45"  S.,  and  106°  16'  13"  E.  It  extends  2^  miles  East  and 
West,  and  a  mile  North  and  South  ;  it  is  steep-to  on  all  sides,  except  on  the 
E.S.E.,  where  a  reef  projects  to  a  distance  of  3  cables'  lengths,  and  off  the 
West  point,  at  a  distance  of  1 J  cables'  lengths,  are  some  rocks.  Half  a  mile 
West  of  the  island  there  are  from  17  to  15  fathoms  ;  along  the  South  side 
2  i  to  17  fathoms;  on  the  East  side  20  fathoms;  and  along  the  North  side 
from  25  to  11  fathoms  water.  In  some  old  charts  a  rock  is  placed  4  miles 
S.E.  from  Babi,  called  Cheribon,  but  apparently  does  not  exist,  as  Lieutenant 
Staring  carefully  examined  the  place  without  finding  it ;  and  the  native 
fishermen  also,  who  are  very  well  acquainted  with  the  existing  dangers, 
declared  that  they  knew  of  no  such  rock. 

The  BAY  of  BANTAM  is  about  8  miles  East  and  West,  and  6  miles 
North  and  South,  and  contains  one  large  and  several  small  islands,  but  no 


BANTAM.  673 

hidden  dangers,  consequently  there  is  no  difficulty  in  navigating  it.  Paniang 
or  Panjang,  the  name  of  the  large  island,  is  2  miles  in  diameter,  and  lies  in 
the  western  part  of  the  bay.  The  island  is  bold  to  approach  on  all  sides,  ex- 
cept off  the  South  point ;  the  passage  on  the  West  side  of  Paniang  is  also 
navigable,  and  is  1^  mile  wide,  and  has  variable  depths  from  5  to  9  fathoms. 
South  by  West  from  its  S.W.  point  a  small  rock  lies  at  a  cable's  length  off, 
with  6  ft.  water.  S.E.  of  Paniang,  and  very  near  it,  there  are  two  small 
islands,  the  reefs  from  which  project  to  the  southward  half  a  mile,  and  con- 
sequently ought  not  to  be  approached  within  that  distance.  W.N.W.  from 
the  North  side  of  Paniang,  close  under  the  Java  shore,  there  are  two  small 
islands,  of  which  the  largest  is  called  Pulo  Kalie ;  and  more  toward  St.  Ni- 
cholas Point,  li  mile  E.  by  S.  from  it,  lies  a  third  island,  called  Saliera, 
sometimes  called  Rohhen  Island,  and  in  old  charts  Notendop,  between  which 
and  the  two  former  may  be  found  the  place  called  Pangorian.  S.W.  of  Pa- 
niang, in  Bantam  Bay,  there  are  three  small  islands,  under  the  Java  shore, 
the  northernmost  of  which  may  be  approached  very  near,  there  being  at  a 
distance  of  2  or  3  cables'  lengths  4  and  4f  fathoms  at  low  water,  and  this 
same  depth  will  be  found  near  the  two  southernmost  islands  at  the  distance 
of  5  or  6  cables'  lengths,  shoaling  to  3|-  and  2  fathoms  when  approaching 
them.  South  of  Paniang,  2  or  2J  miles  distant,  lies  a  group  of  islands, 
called  Eoehor,  Karang-Padang,  Lima-jamhoe,  and  Lima-hlappa,  in  old  charts 
called  the  Butch  Churchyard.  These  islands  are  surrounded  by  reefs  of  1  and 
2  cables'  lengths  in  extent ;  and  between  them,  as  well  as  West  from  them, 
and  close  in-shore,  there  are  several  coral  banks,  for  which  reason  it  is  ad- 
visable, when  entering  the  bay  by  the  West  channel,  and  having  passed 
Paniang,  to  steer  about  S.E.  in  7,  5,  and  4|-  fathoms,  along  the  North  side 
of  the  northernmost  island  of  this  group,  to  the  anchorage.  Eastward  of 
Paniang  there  are  two  islands,  called  Mujang  Besar  and  Mvjang  Eetjil  (or 
Pamoejang,  or  Iladu),  with  a  free  passage  on  both  sides ;  but  that  between 
these  islands  and  Paniang  is  preferable,  having  regular  depths  from  9  to  5 
fathoms,  and  shoaling  towards  the  anchorage  to  4  fathoms.  Both  the  Mu- 
jang Islands  may  be  approached  very  near,  being  clear  of  danger;  and  when 
passing  to  the  eastward  of  them,  the  best  way  is  to  keep  closer  to  them  than 
to  the  Java  shore,  within  a  mile  of  which,  in  some  places,  there  are  but  3 
fathoms  at  low  water,  while  in  the  other  channels  from  3J  to  5  fathoms  will 
be  found. 

BANTAM,  once  the  native  emporium  of  these  seas,  has  been  reduced  from 
its  former  importance  to  an  insignificant  place.  It  is  now  an  open  port  for 
exports  only.  The  Dutch  Government,  gradually  increasing  in  their  power 
and  authority  over  the  province  whose  name  it  bears,  finally  deposed  the  last 
of  its  kings  in  1843,  and  banislied  him  to  Surabaya. 

The  anchorage  for  large  ships  is  W. S.W.  or  S.W.  from  Mujang  Ketjil, 
I.  A..  4k. 


674  JAVA. 

and  South  from  the  East  point  of  Paniang  in  3f  to  41  fathoms  depth  at  low 
water,  and  small  vessels  will  find  a  good  road  in  3  fathoms,  a  mile  distant' 
from  the  beach,  and  half  a  mile  East  of  Lima-klappa  Island.  Very  near  the 
shore  are  the  two  Dua  Islands,  with  the  depth  of  2  or  3  fathoms  near  them. 
The  flagstaff  of  the  fort  is  in  6°  1'  39"  S.,  and  106°  8'  48"  E.,  according  to  the 
trigonometric  survey  of  Lieutenant  Staring,  in  1841.  The  mouth  of  the 
river  is  closed  by  a  mud-bank,  upon  which  there  are  2  fathoms  water  at  the 
distance  of  a  mile,  and  1  fathom  at  the  distance  of  2  or  3  cables'  lengths 
from  it.  In  a  S.S.W.  direction  from  the  centre  of  the  bay  stands  the  con- 
spicuous hill  of  Pinang,  or  Mount  Bantam,  which  is  a  good  mark  for  vessels 
entering  the  bay.  The  mean  rise  and  fall  of  tide  is  2  or  3  ft.,  and  at  springs 
5  ft.,  but  with  neap  tides  no  rise  is  perceptible. 

PONTANG  POINT,  forming  the  East  side  of  Bantam  Bay,  is  bluff,  but  a 
reef  projects  from  it  IJ  mile.  This  reef,  which  has  been  represented  in 
former  charts  much  too  large,  is  steep-to,  as  the  depths  decrease  speedily 
from  8  and  9  to  3,  \h,  and  1  fathom,  and  stretches  farthest  in  a  N.  by  E. 
direction  from  Pontang  Point,  where  the  limit  of  3  fathoms  lies  about  East 
from  the  North  point  of  Paniang  Island.  "When  passing  along  this  point  it 
is  advisable  not  to  come  nearer  than  12  or  11  fathoms,  before  the  East  point 
of  Babi  Island  is  well  to  the  westward  of  N.  by  W.  ^  "W.  The  northern- 
most point  of  the  reef  of  Pontang  lies  3  miles  N.E.  by  E.  from  the  point  it- 
self, and  S.  f  E.  from  the  East  point  of  Babi. 

Between  Pontang  Point  and  Kaik  Point  the  coast  forms  a  bight,  and  in 
the  middle  of  this  bight  are  situated  the  village  and  the  river  of  Tanara,  from 
whence  a  reef  with  a  tongue,  projects  3  miles  off.  Outside  of  this  tongue 
the  depths  of  2  and  3  fathoms  increase  speedily  to  7  fathoms  and  more  ;  and 
the  northernmost  point  of  the  tongue,  in  3  fathoms,  at  low  water,  bears 
E.  f  S.  from  Pontang  Point,  and  W.  \  S.  from  Menscheneter  Island.  In  this 
bight,  close  in-shore,  lies  the  small  island  of  Tianhier,  in  a  N.N.E.  direction, 
from  which,  at  half  or  1  mile  distance,  there  are  two  coral  banks  above 
water. 

MENSCHEN-ETER  ISLAND  (Man-eater,  or  Cannibal)  is  3  miles  north- 
ward of  Tanjong  Kaik,  and  on  the  West  side  of  the  reef  which  projects  from 
it.  The  island  is  low,  covered  with  trees,  and  little  more  than  one-third  of 
a  mile  in  diameter.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  narrow  reef  which  is  very  steep- 
to,  and  between  it  and  the  end  of  the  reef,  there  is  a  very  narrow  channel, 
fit  for  proas,  with  soundings  from  4  to  11  fathoms. 

A  lighthouse  is  proposed  on  Menscheneter  Island.  It  will  show  a  flashing 
light,  visible  16  miles  off. 

Menscheneter  Eeef  projects  North  of  Kaik  Point,  and  its  northern  edge 
consists  of  a  steep  sand-bank  with  rocky  patches,  called  by  the  natives  Karang 
Walla.  Off  the  North  end  of  the  reef,  in  5  fathoms  water,  and  only  2  cables 
North  of  a  depth  of  2  fathoms,  is  placed  a  white  buoy,  surmounted  by  a  ball, 


BATAVIA.  675 

N.E.  by  E.  I  E.,  7  cables  from  the  North  end  of  Menscheneter  Island,  and 
N.  l  W.  3i  miles  from  the  extremity  of  Kaik  Point.  Vessels  should  keep 
well  outside  the  position  of  this  buoy  at  night,  as  the  depths  decrease  so 
suddenly  from  7  and  5  fathoms. 

Cheribon  Rock,  mentioned  on  page  672,  is  now  placed  on  the  charts  4-^ 
miles  from  the  East  end  of  Babie  Island. 

Strnisvogel,  or  Ostrich  Bank,  consists  of  five  difi'erent  coral  rocks,  stretch- 
ing North  and  South  about  a  mile,  and  East  and  West  a  little  more  than 
half  a  mile ;  on  the  shoalest  place  there  are  2  fathoms  at  low  water,  but  close 
to  the  bank  13  and  17  fathoms;  and  therefore  it  should  be  approached  with 
great  caution.  It  bears  N.W.  |  N.  from  the  middle  of  Menscheneter,  and 
S.  J  W.  from  the  West  point  of  Great  Tidong,  the  westernmost  of  the  Hoorn 
Islands,  A  white  Herbert's  buoy,  surmounted  by  a  (/lobe,  is  placed  on 
Karang-Poerak,  the  North  end  of  the  reef;  and  an  iron  beacon,  with  a  cone, 
stands  on  Karang-Bezoar,  the  South  end  of  the  bank. 

Tangara  Rock  rises  suddenly  out  of  13  and  14  fathoms,  mud,  having  upon 
its  shoalest  spot,  3  fathoms,  a  beacon  with  a  triangle,  bearing  N.  |  E.  from  the 
middle  of  Menscheneter,  and  W.N.W.  |  W.  from  the  middle  of  Great  Kom- 
buis.  Halfway  between  Struisvogel  and  Tangara,  or  H  mile  N.W.  i  W. 
from  the  latter,  there  is  another  small  coral  rock,  called  the  Zaut ;  the  least 
depth  upon  it  is  3|  fathoms  at  low  water,  and  close  to  it  from  12  to  17  fa- 
thoms, soft  ground. 

The  CHANNELS  which  lead  towards  Batavia  from  the  westward  are  two 
in  number,  the  Inner  Westerly  Channel  (het  Westelijk  Binnen-Vaarwater),  and 
the  Outer  Westerly  Chamiel  (het  Westerlijk  Buiten-Vaarwater). 

The  INNER  CHANNEL,  which  appears  to  be  most  used,  passes  between 
the  North  end  of  Menscheneter  Island  and  reef  and  the  Kombuis  Islands, 
then  between  Middelburg  Island  and  the  Ontong  Java  Reef,  and  westward 
of  Onrust  and  Kuiper  Island. 

The  OUTER  CHANNEL  runs  to  the  northward  of  the  Kombuis,  Middel- 
burg, and  Amsterdam  Islands,  and  then  between  Eotterdara  and  Haarlem, 
and  afterwards  between  the  white  buoy  on  Eynland  and  the  black  buoys  on 
Neptunus,  Pas-op,  and  Pipa  Reefs. 

The  INNER  or  Dutch  Channel  may,  with  a  good  look-out,  be  considered 
as  free  from  dangers.  To  proceed  through  it,  a  ship  should  pass  between 
Menscheneter  Island  and  the  Great  Kombuis,  due  attention  being  paid  to 
Struisvogel,  Laut,  and  Tongara  Rock,  and  not  to  borrow  too  much  on  the 
Java  shore  toward  the  buoy  off  Menscheneter  Reef.  A  good  berth  should 
also  be  given  to  the  Great  Kombuis,  as  Pedynab  Beefs  project  to  a  consider- 
able distance  from  its  western  point.  Upon  the  western  point  of  these  reefs 
is  a  blade  buoy,  with  a  ball,  from  which  the  South  point  of  Great  Kombuis 
bears  S.E.  by  E.  f  E.,  and  its  N.W.  point  E.N.E.  \  E.,  about  a  mile  distant. 
Between  this  reef  and  that  of  the  Menscheneter  the  channel  is,  in  its  narrow- 


676  JAVA. 

est  part,  2  miles  wide,  with  depths  from  8  to  12  fathoms.  Between  Kaik 
Point  and  Ontong  Eeef  there  is  a  bight,  in  which  the  depths  decrease  regu- 
larly towards  the  Java  shore,  except  near  a  rocky  shoal  oflF  Serang  Point, 
stretching  East  and  West  1  mile,  and  having  in  some  places  2J  and  2  fa- 
thoms water ;  this  shoal  bears  South  from  G-roote  (Great)  Kombuis,  E.  by  N. 
from  Kaik  Point,  and  S.E.  by  E.  from  Menscheneter  Island,  the  depths  in- 
creasing speedily  toward  the  offing  to  7  and  9  fathoms. 

Loembing  Rock. — Between  the  Great  and  Little  Kombuis  lies  the  dan- 
gerous Midden  or  Loemhong  Klip,  a  rock  only  a  ship's  length  in  extent,  and 
carrying  only  2  J  fathoms  at  low  water.  On  the  middle  of  it  stands  a  hlach 
beacon,  with  a  cone,  bearing  W.S.W.  from  the  South  point  of  Little  Kom- 
buis, and  S.E.  by  E.  |  E.  from  the  South  point  of  Great  Kombuis.  To  the 
southward,  a  little  more  than  a  mile  from  Kleine  (Little)  Kombuis,  there  is 
Tiga  Shoal,  with  3J  fathoms  at  low  water;  this  is  marked  by  a  llach  buoy, 
surmounted  by  a  ball,  and  from  which  the  North  point  of  Middelburg  bears 
E.  JS. 

Meinderts,  Manders,  or  Mynder  Shoal,  is  1 J  cable's  length  in  diameter,  and 
has  2  fathoms  depth  upon  its  shoalest  part.  It  is  marked  on  its  North  and 
South  sides  by  two  hlacTc  buoys,  surmounted  by  globes.  The  northern  of  these 
bears  S.E.  i  E.,  2  miles  from  the  East  end  of  Little  Kombuis,  and  W.  f  N. 
from  the  North  side  of  Middelburg  Island.  S.E.  of  Mynder  Shoal  lies 
another  small  but  dangerous  shoal  in  the  common  track,  discovered  in  1840 
by  Lieutenant  Staring,  D.R.N.  This  shoal,  called  Tanna  Kenappan,  or 
Ketapang,  has  2J  fathoms  on  it  at  low  water,  and  close  around  it  6  fathoms, 
which  quickly  increases  to  7  and  9  fathoms.  A  llach  luoxj,  with  a  hall,  has 
been  placed  on  this  shoal,  from  which  the  beacon  of  Ontong  Reef  bears 
S.E.  by  E.  I  E.,  distant  a  little  more  than  a  mile;  the  South  point  of 
Amsterdam,  just  opening  clear  of  the  South  point  of  Middleburg  Island, 
E.  1  S. ;  and  the  North  point  of  Middleburg  E.N.E.  \  E.  Besides  this 
shoal,  there  are  some  others  to  the  westward  of  Middleburg,  but  none  of 
them  in  the  common  track  of  ships.  Upon  two  of  them,  however,  there  are 
leacons.  A  ship  beating  up  along  the  South  side  of  the  above-mentioned 
dangers  should  consider  it  as  a  fairway  mark,  not  to  bring  the  South  point 
of  Middleburg  Island  to  the  southward  of  E.  J  N.,  and  to  keep  the  South 
point  of  Amsterdam  always  well  open  South  of  Middleburg. 

The  passage  between  the  beacons  on  Middleburg  and  Ontong  Reef  is  very 
narrow  (not  quite  half  a  mile),  in  8  or  10  fathoms  water.  The  reef  which 
borders  the  South  coast  of  this  island  is  very  narrow,  and  carries  a  beacon, 
with  a  cone  at  its  extreme  end. 

MIDDLEBURG  ISLAND,  2  miles  N.  by  E.  from  Ontong  Java,  forms  the 
North  side  of  the  Inner  Channel.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  reef,  on  the  S.E. 
point  oC  which  is  a  llach  leacon,  with  cone;  and  2  J  cables  westward  of  the 
beacon  is  a  black  buoy,  surmounted  by  a  ball,  on  the  South  side  of  the  shoals 


BATAVIA.  677 

A  red  light  is  proposed  to  be  established  on  the  S.E.  extreme  of  Middleburg 
Island,  as  it  is  the  turning  point  into  the  Batavia  Eoads. 

Amsterdam  Island,  to  the  eastward  of  it,  is  also  surrounded  by  a  reef, 
quite  steep-to,  but  having  a  narrow  9-fathom  channel  between  it  and  Mid- 
dleburg. 


BATAVIA. 

The  capital  of  the  Dutch  East  India  Possessions  was  first  built  on  the  low 
shore  of  the  bay,  called  the  Heede  van  Batavia,  when  that  nation  established 
itself  in  the  East.  In  1610  a  fort  was  built  and  named  Batavia,  on  the 
site  of  the  present  one,  but  at  that  time  it  stood  on  the  edge  of  the  sea, 
which  was  deep  nearly  up  to  its  walls.  The  town  was  founded  in  1619,  on 
the  ruins  of  the  native  one  of  Jacatra,  and  the  Dutch,  true  to  their  home 
instincts,  built  their  streets  on  the  sea  level,  with  straggling  canals  inter- 
secting them.  This  arrangement,  convenient  and  good  in  Holland,  was 
most  pestiferous  within  the  tropics,  and  the  place,  up  to  recent  times,  was 
proverbial  for  unhealthiness. 

In  1699  a  series  of  earthquakes  brought  down  a  vast  quantity  of  earth, 
which  blocked  up  the  previous  channels,  and  obstructed  the  two  piers  which 
had  been  carried  out  along  the  course  of  the  river.  A  large  bank  was 
formed  off  this  entrance,  and  these  piers  were  gradually  extended  as  the 
land  subsequently  increased  with  the  drifts  brought  on  to  it  by  the  prevalent 
currents. 

In  1753  the  coast  line  had  advanced  to  one-third  of  a  mile  from  the  walls 
of  the  Kasteel  or  Fort,  and  at  90  years  later  the  shore  line  was  a  mile  sea- 
ward of  the  fort.  At  present  the  piers  are  carried  seaward  If  mile  from  the 
shore  line  at  the  time  of  the  first  establishment  of  the  fort.  The  pestiferous 
canals  were  filled  up  in  1809 — 1817  by  Marshal  Daendels,  under  the  vigorous 
administration  of  the  French  rule. 

The  population  of  Batavia,  as  ascertained  by  the  first  correct  census  by  the 
British  Government  in  1814,  was  47,217.  Twenty  years  later  it  had  risen 
to  118,000,  and  in  1850  it  was  ascertained  to  be  348,325 — a  marvellous  in- 
crease.    It  is  now  about  650,000. 

The  railway  between  Batavia  and  Buitenzorg,  about  30  miles  in  length, 
was  opened  in  Jan.,  1873.  It  is  a  great  boon  to  the  inhabitants,  enabling 
them  to  easily  reach  the  high  and  healthy  land  of  the  interior.  The  goods 
traffic  is  gradually  increasing,  quantities  of  tea,  rice,  coffee,  and  other  pro- 
ductions being  transported  from  the  interior  to  Batavia. 

Batavia  is  connected  with  all  parts  of  the  island  by  electric  telegraph,  and 
also  with  all  parts  of  the  world.  Messages  for  Europe  and  China  are  sent 
by  way  of  Singapore.    A  cable  is  laid  to  Padang,  on  the  West  coast  of  Su- 


678  JAVA. 

matra,  and  another  from  Banjoewangie,  on  the  South  coast  of  Java,  to  Port 
Darwin,  thus  bringing  the  Australian  lines  into  the  system.  The  rates,  in 
1874,  were,  to  Europe  £6  78.,  and  to  Singapore  £1  3s.  For  Australia  the 
rates  were,  in,  1872,  to  Port  Darwin,  20  words,  48  florins  75  cents ;  to  Mel- 
bourne 50  florins,  and  to  Syney  52  florins. 

As  may  be  supposd,  the  low  fore  shore  afi'ords  no  facilities  for  commerce, 
and  it  is  by  the  piers  and  the  proas  that  come  out  to  the  shipping  in  the 
roads  that  commerce  is  carried  on.  There  is  no  private  establishment  for 
repairing  ships,  and  only  vessels  of  very  small  tonnage  can  be  taken  into 
the  river  and  careened.  A  project  for  the  erection  of  docks,  &c.,  was  afoot 
in  1870,  but  since  that  time  nothing  has  been  done.  The  only  place  for 
repairs  in  Java  is  at  Sourabaya.  The"naval  establishment  is  at  the  island  of 
Onrust,  5f  miles  north-westward  from  the  pier-heads. 

The  BAY  of  BATAVIA,  between  the  point,  Ontong  Java  on  the  West, 
and  Krawang  Point  on  the  East,  is  21  miles  in  width,  and  between  the  lines 
joining  those  points  it  is  8  miles  in  depth.  The  bottom  consists  of  soft  mud, 
but  in  the  vicinity  of  the  shoals,  rock.  The  soundings  are  from  10  to  4 
fathoms,  regularly  shoaling  towards  the  shore ;  and  generally  throughout 
the  bay  at  a  mile  distant  from  the  beach  there  will  be  found  3  fathoms. 
Except  in  a  few  places,  the  road  is  sheltered  by  a  chain  of  islands,  by  which 
ships  are  always  protected  against  a  dangerous  swell  setting  in.  The  road 
may  be  considered  as  very  safe,  for  although  ships  roll  considerably  in  the 
strength  of  the  western  monsoon,  and  are  consequently  compelled  to  strike 
their  top-gallant  masts  and  yards,  no  danger  is  to  be  apprehended  of  driving, 
from  the  excellence  of  the  holding  ground. 

Most  of  the  islands  and  shoals  lying  near  the  road  consist  of  coral  with 
white  sand  above  water,  and  are  covered  with  various  kinds  of  trees  ;  they 
are  steep-to,  and  it  would  seem  that  some  of  them  increase  in  extent,  so  that 
it  will  be  necessary  to  re-examine  the  depths  from  time  to  time ;  and  the 
more  prudence  is  recommended  to  those  who  try  to  pass  over  shoals,  on 
which  but  just  sufficient  depth  is  indicated.  The  coast  of  Java  is  generally 
flat,  but  30  miles  inland  from  Batavia  the  Goenong  Gedeh,  or  the  Blue 
Mountains,  rise  to  a  considerable  height.  Lieut.  Melvill  Van  Carnbee  found, 
in  1841,  by  angular  measurement,  the  height  of  these  mountains  above  the 
surface  of  the  sea,  viz. :  Pangerango,  9,954  ft.  ;  Salak,  7,322  ft.  ;  Karang, 
6,014  ft.  In  the  western  monsoon  their  peaks  may  be  seen  from  the  road 
in  the  morning,  but  are  seldom  visible  during  the  eastern  monsoon.  From 
the  common  anchorage  near  Eynland  Shoal,  the  highest  peak  of  these 
mountains,  called  Pangerango,  bears  S.  by  E.  I  E.,  the  highest  or  eastern- 
most peak  of  Salak  S.  ^  W.,  and  Mount  Karang,  in  the  Bantam  residency, 
W.  by  S.  According  to  the  trigonometrical  survey  these  peaks  are  in  lat. 
6°  45'  15",  6°  42',  and  6°  15'  45"  S.,  and  in  long.  107°  1'  45",' 106°  47',  and 
106°  6'  45"  E. 


BATAVIA.  679 

Beacons. — In  1855-6  a  system  of  beaconage  was  adopted  by  the  Marine 
Commission  for  Batavia  Eoads,  by  which  the  limits  of  the  three  principal 
channels  leading  towards  Batavia  were  clearly  marked.  Two  descriptions  of 
beacons  only  (both  painted  hlaclc)  were  used  ;  the  one  surmounted  by  balls  or 
globes,  and  the  other  by  cones.  The  beacons  with  gloles  to  be  left  to 
starhoard,  and  those  with  coyies  to  port,  on  entering.  The  situation  and  use 
of  these  beacons  will  be  described  hereafter  in  their  respective  places.  With 
these,  and  the  new  lighthouse  on  the  pier-head  at  Batavia  there  will  bo  no 
difficulty  in  entering.  In  recent  years  hwys  on  the  starboard  side  of  channels 
are  generally  painted  ivhite. 

ONTONG-JAVA  REEF  which  forms  the  western  limit  of  Batavia  Bay,  is 
steep  at  its  northern  end,  and  consists  there  of  a  hard  sand  bank  with 
some  rocks,  with  only  half  a  fathom  at  low  water  ;  the  beacon  with  a  globe, 
which  stands  upon  its  northern  edge  20  ft.  above  high  water,  ought  not  to 
be  approached  nearer  than  in  8  or  9  fathoms.  At  the  eastern  side,  abreast 
of  the  island  Schiedam,  Ontong  Eeof  is  more  sloping,  and  may  be  more 
nearly  approached  if  the  lead  be  kept  briskly  going.  A  ship,  after  passing 
Middleburg,  should  steer  S.E.,  S.E.  by  S.,  and  S.S.E.,  edging  aw*ay  for 
Onrust  Island.  Kelor  Roch,  or  the  Steen  (Stone)  of  Onrust,  is  the  western- 
most of  several  small  coral  rocks  which  lie  off  the  North  point  of  Onrust ; 
they  are  small  and  steep-to  ;  and  on  the  shoalest  place  there  are  2^  fathoms 
near  the  beacon  with  a  cone,  which  stands  on  its  north-western  extremity, 
about  4  cables'  lengths  N.W.  from  Onrust,  and  which  must  be  passed  on  its 
western  side.  The  Mathilda  Roch  lies  less  than  half  a  mile  W.  I  N.  from  the 
former,  and  carries  a  leacon  with  o,  glole,  on  its  N.E.  side  in  3  fathoms  depth, 
but  at  low  water  there  is  no  more  than  2  fathoms  upon  its  shoalest  spot. 
The  channel  runs  betwixt  these  two  last-mentioned  rocks,  and  it  is  advisable 
not  to  pass  to  the  eastward  of  Kelor  Eock,  nor  between  the  islands  of  Onrust, 
Kerkhof,  and  Purmerend,  on  account  of  the  numerous  shoals  in  that  space. 
If  a  vessel  should  be  working  between  Schiedam  and  Onrust,  she  will  have 
to  look  out  for  a  small  rock,  discovered,  in  1846,  by  Lieutenant  Tengnagel, 
D.E.N. ,  from  whence  Onrust  bears  South,  easterly,  and  Mathilda  Eock 
beacon  S.W.  \  W.  It  carries  3  fathoms  at  low  water,  but  there  are  6i-  fa- 
thoms all  round  it  and  close  to. 

ONRUST,  a  small  islet,  not  more  than  400  yards  in  length,  is  the  arsenal 
of  Batavia,  and  has  every  convenience  for  refitting  a  ship.  There  is  24  ft. 
alongside  the  jetty,  and  the  place  is  excellently  managed. 

There  is  a  dry  dock  400  ft.  long,  at  which,  previous  to  1866,  vessels  could 
be  repaired,  but  since  that  date  only  in  very  urgent  cases  are  merchant 
vessels  admitted. 

The  flagstaff  upon  the  island  of  Onrust  is  in  6°  2'  20"  S.,  and  4°  27'  W., 
from  the  Time-ball  at  Batavia,  or  in  106°  43'  40 '5"  E  of  Greenwich. 

Kuiper  Island  is  a  cj^uarter  of  a  mile  South  of  Onrust.  It  is  bold-to  on  the 


680  JAVA. 

S.W.,  but  a  reef  surrounds  it  on  the  other  sides.  On  the  north-western 
point  of  the  reef  a  hlach  beacon  with,  cone  marks  the  North  side  of  the  Inner 
Channel.  The  powder  magazines  for  merchant  shipping  are  on  Kuiper 
Island, 

When  past  the  Kelor,  or  Stone  of  Onrust,  steer  to  the  westward  of  Onrust 
and  Kuiper  Islands,  giving  a  proper  berth  to  a  reef  which  projects  1  or  1^ 
cable's  length  from  the  N.W.  side  of  Kuiper,  and  of  which  the  limits  are 
indicated  by  the  leacon  with  a  cone.  The  S.W.  side  of  Kuiper  Island  may 
be  approached  without  danger ;  but  do  not  keep  too  much  to  the  Java  side, 
on  account  of  a  small  rock,  called  Karang  Kuiper^  which  bears  S.S.W.  half 
a  mile  from  the  island,  with  2j  fathoms  on  its  shoalest  part,  at  low  water. 
It  has  a  white  huoy  with  glohe  on  its  North  side,  and  marks  the  starboard  side 
of  the  Inner  Channel.  A  little  way  farther  to  the  S.S.W.  from  this  beacon 
there  is  a  sandha^ih  with  1  fathom  water  upon  it. 

Soon  after  having  rounded  Kuiper  steer  S.E.  by  E.  towards  the  lighthouse 
on  the  West  pier  in  Batavia  Eoad,  and  the  white  buoys  with  balls  on 
Reigersdaal  and  Rijnland  Shoals  will  be  seen  ahead ;  pass  between  them  in 
6  to  7i  fathoms  right  toward  the  shipping  in  the  road,  and  anchor  in  6  or  5 
fathoms,  mud.  South  from  Eynland  buoy.  The  western  passage  between 
Reigersdaal  and  the  main  is  not  to  be  recommended,  on  account  of  two 
shoals  bearing  S.W.  from  it,  upon  one  of  which  there  are  3J  fathoms  water. 

The  OUTER  CHANNEL.— That  which  is  called  the  Outer  Channel  leads 
along  the  North  side  of  the  Struisvogel  Eocks  and  the  Great  and  Little 
Kombuis,  as  a  ship  coming  from  the  westward  may  pass  on  either  side  of 
these.  Between  the  Struisvogel  Eocks  and  the  Hoorn  Islands,  it  is  5  miles 
wide  ;  and  these  islands  may  be  approached  from  the  southward  to  within 
half  a  mile,  as  their  reefs  do  not  reach  farther  off  than  \\  cable's  length. 
To  the  westward,  however,  there  is  a  rock  called  Karhouw,  about  a  mile 
W.  f  N.  from  the  West  point  of  Tidong,  the  westernmost  of  the  Hoorn  Islands, 
on  which  there  is  1  fathom  at  low  water.  A  leading  mark  to  pass  to  the 
northward  of  Struisvogel  Shoal,  and  of  the  Laut  and  Tangara  Eocks,  is  to 
keep  the  Little  Kombuis  well  open  to  the  northward  of  the  Great  Kom- 
buis. A  ship  may  pass  also  to  the  southward  of  the  Struisvogel  be- 
tween it  and  Tangara  Eock  beacon,  but  in  this  case  the  latter  must  be 
approached  within  1  mile  distance,  on  account  of  the  Laut  Eock,  before 
described.  The  passage  between  Tongara  Eock  and  Great  Kombuis  is  also 
safe,  only  taking  care  to  remain  full  a  mile  from  the  West  point  of  that 
island,  on  account  of  the  small  coral  rocks  which  project  therefrom. 

The  HOORN  ISLANDS  (or  Het  Wapen  van  Hoorn  Eilanden)  are  four  in 
number,  stretching  W.  by  N.  and  E.  by  S.  4  miles  ;  the  two  westernmost  are 
called  the  Great  and  Little  Tidong,  and  the  two  easternmost,  bearing  North 
and  South  of  each  other,  are  called  Pajang  Islands.  Each  of  these  groups 
is  surrounded  by  reefs,  which  fall  partly  dry  at  low  water,  and  which  are 


BATAVIA.  681 

very  steep-to  at  the  outside.  The  reef  round  the  Tidongs  projects  but  very 
little  to  the  southward  ;  to  the  northward  about  1 J  cable's  length,  and  to  the 
eastward  about  3  cables'  lengths,  while  that  which  surrounds  the  Pajangs 
projects  North  and  South  about  1,  and  East  and  West  2  or  3  cables'  lengths. 
The  soundings  to  the  southward  of  the  Hoorn  Islands  are,  very  near  them, 
30  and  40  fathoms,  and,  in  the  channel  between  them  and  the  Angeneita 
Islands,  which  is  full  2  miles  wide,  35  to  50  fathoms. 

The  Angeneita  Islands  are  a  little  more  than  4  miles  North  of  the  Kom- 
buis  Islands,  and  are  all  very  small  islands,  Pulo  Parrie  being  the  largest 
and  easternmost ;  they  are  connected  to  each  other  by  reefs,  partly  visible 
above  water  and  extending  in  some  places  three-quarters  of  a  mile.  One 
mile  East  from  Pulo  Parrie  are  two  small  shoals  very  near  each  other,  called 
the  Jonks,  one  of  which  shows  above  water,  and  upon  the  other  there  are 
2  fathoms  at  low  water.  The  fairway  of  the  Outer  Channel,  between  the 
Angeneita  and  the  Kombuis  Islands,  is  close  along  the  North  side  of  the 
latter,  in  order  to  avoid  five  heads  of  rook  which  lie  on  the  North  side  of  the 
channel.  The  southernmost  and  easternmost  of  these  is  the  Serassa  Pod; 
marked  by  a  black  huoy  on  its  western  side,  from  which  Little  Kombuis 
Island  bears  S.S.W.  2f  miles;  Pangan  RocTc,  of  3^  fathoms,  "W.  by  N. 
half  a  mile ;  Tanda  Po  Lakki  Rock,  of  4i  fathoms,  West  three-quarters  of  a 
mile  ;  Panyangdi  Laut  Rocks,  a  dangerous  patch  one-third  of  a  mile  in  extent, 
N.  by  W.  1  mile  ;  and  about  midway  between  the  buoy  and  the  East  end  is 
Parrie  Island. 

Being  so  far  advanced  that  Little  Kombuis  bears  S.S.W.  and  Serassa 
buoy  North,  steer  N.E.  or  N.E.  by  E.  till  Dapoer  Islet  bears  E.  by  S.,  and 
then  make  right  for  it,  because  a  straight  course  from  the  Little  Kombuis 
toward  Dapoer  would  lead  among  the  coral  rocks  which  lie  North  and  N.W. 
from  Middleburg,  on  some  of  which  there  are  not  more  than  2^  to  3  fathoms 
at  low  water.  The  northernmost  of  these  rocks  lies  2J  cables  northward  of 
a  line  joining  the  Little  Kombuis  and  Dapoer.  It  is  marked  by  a  large 
white  Herbert's  buoy,  from  which  Dapoer  Island  bears  E.  J  N.,  distant  2J 
miles  ;  Little  Kombuis  W.  by  S.  ^  S.,  3  J  miles  ;  Middleburg  Island,  East 
end  S.  by  E.  \  E.,  2|  miles;  and  Serassa  Eock  buoy  N.W.  by  W.  J  W. 
3^  miles. 

A  ship  coming  from  the  Little  Kombuis  may  also  pass  between  the  shoals 
N.W.  of  Middleburg,  and  along  the  North  side  of  this  island  as  well  as  of 
Amsterdam  ;  but  she  ought  to  have  a  steady  breeze,  for  fear  of  being  taken 
aback  between  the  reefs,  and  it  will  always  be  prudent  to  have  a  boat  ahead 
sounding.  If  a  boat  cannot  be  spared,  and  if  she  has  a  leading  wind 
through  this  channel,  she  will  avoid  the  shoals  by  steering  (as  soon  as  Little 
Kombuis  bears  S.S.W.)  a  S.  by  E.  course  until  Little  Kombuis  bears 
W.  by  N.,  and  is  in  line  with  the  South  end  of  Great  Kombuis  ;  keeping  it 
I.  A.  4  s 


682  JAVA. 

80  will  lead  over  a  4 J  fathom  patch,  lying  N.W.  by  N.  H  mile  from  the 
N.W.  end  of  Middleburg  Island,  and  3i  cables  northward  of  a  3|-fathom 
patch,  which  lies  N   i  E.  4  cables  from  the  N.E.  end  of  Middleburg  Island. 

From  a  position  a  mile  N.E.  of  Amsterdam  a  south-eastei'ly  course  may 
be  steered  for  the  Middle  Channel. 

Dapoer  Island  is  surrounded  by  a  reef,  and  2  cables'  lengths  N.E,  and 
S.  by  E.  from  it  lie  two  separate  dangerous  coral  banks,  the  former  extend- 
ing to  a  distance  of  4  cables  from  the  island,  and  the  latter  a  2f-fathom 
patch,  at  the  distance  of  3|  cables — for  which  reason  Dapoer  should  not  be 
approached  within  a  mile  distance  on  these  bearings. 

A  lightliouse  has  been  proposed  on  Edam  Island,  but  is  not  likely  to  be 
established.  North  of  Edam,  at  three-quarters  of  a  mile  distance,  there  is  a 
coral  reef  of  considerable  extent,  with  not  more  than  half  a  fathom  of  water. 

Monnikendam  Reef  lies  E.  by  S.  from  Haarlem  Islet,  and  N.  by  W.  from 
Hoorn  ;  it  falls  partly  dry  at  low  water,  but  has  in  some  places  2  and  3 
fathoms.  A  white  Herbert's  buoy  marks  the  North  side  of  the  reef,  and 
superseded  the  beacon  existing  here  previous  to  1872. 

Middle  Channel. — To  take  this  channel,  the  vessel  should  not  borrow  too 
much  on  the  eastern  shore  of  Amsterdam,  as  a  reef  projects  from  that  side 
2  cables'  lengths.  Two  and  a  half  miles  further,  mind  the  small  rock, 
called  Obie,  marked  by  a  ivhite  buoy  surmounted  by  a  glole,  lying  half  a  mile 
East  of  Rotterdam.  The  channel  leads  to  the  eastward  of  this  rock,  between 
it  and  Ayer  Banh,  which  has  2^-  fathoms  water  upon  it  at  low  water,  and  is 
indicated  by  a  hlack  luoy  with  ball,  which  bears  West  from  the  North  point 
of  Hoorn  Island  at  2^  cables'  lengths  distance.  Between  Rotterdam  and 
Kerkhof  there  are  several  small  coral  rocks  with  \\  to  3f  fathoms  upon 
them,  for  which  reason  a  ship  should  not  borrow  too  much  towards  that  side 
of  this  channel.  The  easternmost  of  these  rocks  bears  N.N.E.  from  Kerkhof, 
S.E.  from  Rotterdam,  and  S.  by  E.  from  Obie  buoy.  The  Wapen  of  Pur- 
merend,  or  lalan  Roclc,  is  about  2  cables'  lengths  in  extent,  consisting  of  large 
rocks  with  2  and  3  feet  water  upon  them,  and  close-to  8  fathoms ;  it  has  a 
white  buoy  with  a  hall  at  its  N.E.  point,  which  bears  E.  ^  S.  from  Pur- 
merend,  and  S.  f  W.  from  Hoorn. 

Saket  Reef  bears  S.  by  E.  half  a  mile  distant  from  Pui*merend  Island ;  it 
is  2  cables  in  length,  and  carries  2  fathoms  water  on  its  shoalest  part  at  low 
water,  as  well  as  a  beacon  with  a  cone  on  its  S.W.  point.  There  are  two  other 
reefs  hereabout,  one  2  cables'  lengths  to  the  East,  and  the  other  half  a  mile 
S.E.  from  Purmerend,  upon  each  of  which,  at  low  water,  there  is  but  half  a 
fathom  patch. 

The  EASTERN  CHANNELS  leading  to  Batavia  Eoad  are  very  safe  and 
convenient,  and,  like  the  western  channels,  the  chief  dangers  are  marked 
by  beacons  in  the  southern  entrance.  Those  between  the  islands  of  Edam, 
Alkmaar,   Enkhuizen,  and  Leiden,  have  soundings  of  H,  12,  11,  and  10 


BATAVIA.  683 

fathoms  ;  the  channel  to  the  southward  of  Leiden  is  also  safe,  if  attention  is 
paid  to  the  shoals  which  lie  between  it  and  the  main,  and  to  a  small  coral 
rock,  2\  cables'  lengths  East  of  Leiden,  upon  which  the  Dutch  ship  Amstel 
struck  in  1842.  It  is  marked  by  a  Uach  Jlerlerfs  luoy  surmounted  by  a  hall. 
The  rock  was  surveyed  by  Lieut  M.  L,  Kool,  D.R.N.,  who  found  it  to  be  two 
ships'  lengths  in  diameter,  carrying  1^  fathom,  and  speedily  deepening  to  3, 
5,  7,  and  9  fathoms.  From  the  shoalest  spot,  the  North  point  of  Leiden  was 
in  one  with  the  middle  of  Hoorn  Island  ;  the  South  point  bore  W.  %  S.,  the 
West  point  of  Edam,  just  behind  the  West  point  of  Alkmaar,  and  the  East 
point  of  Edam  open  to  the  eastward  of  Alkmaar.  The  rock  is  218  yards 
from  the  reef  round  the  island,  and  between  them  there  is  7  fathoms  depth. 

Vader  Smit  Shoal. — The  first  shoal  between  Leiden  and  the  Java  shore  is 
Vader  Smit,  a  coral  reef  above  water.  It  has  a  beacon  and  globe  on  its  South 
point,  which  bears  S.  f  E.  from  Leiden,  and  N.W.  I  N.  from  Priok  Point. 
There  is  also  a  white  Herbert  buoy  oif  its  N.E.  extremity.  A  depth  of  only 
3  fathoms  is  found  at  half  a  mile  West  of  the  buoy,  and  the  same  distance 
N.W.  of  the  beacon. 

One  mile  East  from  Vader  Smit,  and  S.E.  by  S.  from  Leiden,  Lieutenant 
Eschauzier,  D.R.N.,  discovered,  in  1840,  another  rock,  with  2 J  fathoms  at 
low  water.  This  rock  was  very  dangerous  to  ships  proceeding  through  this 
channel,  and  to  avoid  it  they  passed  H  or  2  miles  to  the  eastward  of  Vader 
Smit,  but  it  is  now  marked  by  a  beacon  with  a  glohe.  There  is  a  depth  of 
only  3f  fathoms  at  3  cables  AV.N.W.  of  the  beacon.  About  a  mile  N.W. 
from  Priok  Point  there  are  also  two  other  patches  of  coral  rocks,  in  3  and  3  J 
fathoms  water.  The  best  channel  is  to  the  southward  of  the  beacons  and 
the  shoal  East  of  Vader  Smit,  in  5i  and  6  fathoms  The  coast  of  Java,  to  the 
eastward  of  Priok  Point,  may  be  approached  safely  by  the  lead  to  6  fathoms, 
as  the  soundings  decrease  regularly  ;  though  off  Krawang  Point  it  is  better 
not  to  borrow  nearer  than  8  fathoms,  as  the  depths  decrease  there  very 
quickly  to  3  fathoms. 

Nierstuk  is  a  rocky  shoal  of  about  2  cables  in  length,  usually  covered  by 
breakers,  having  2  ft.  depth  at  low  water.  It  was  very  easily  discovered  by 
a  discoloration  of  the  water,  or  by  the  breakers  which  show  with  the  least 
wind,  but  now  it  is  marked  by  two  white  buoys  4  cables  apart,  one  off  its 
North  and  the  other  off  its  South  end.  It  bears  W.S.W.  i  W.  from  Vader 
Smit,  and  about  S.S.W.  from  Leiden.  The  passage  between  it  and  Vader 
Smit  is  more  than  a  mile  wide,  with  6  and  7  fathoms  depth.  The  passage 
between  Nierstuk  and  the  shoals  of  Neptunus,  and  Pas-op,  is  more  than  half 
a  mile  wide,  with  6  and  7  fathoms  depth. 

The  Neptunus  consists  of  large  rocks  with  2  feet  water;  it  is  1  or  1^ 
cable's  length  in  diameter,  and  is  marked  by  a  Uach  buoy  surmounted  by  a 
hall  off  its  N.W.  extreme,  and  by  a  Uach  buoy  off  its  S.E.  end. 

Fas-op  Shoal  is  very  small,  with  14  feet  on  its  shoalest  place,  and  6  and  6 


684  JAVA. 

fathoms  close  to  it ;  it  bears  E.  i  N.  a  full  mile  from  Rynland  Shoal.  It  is 
marked  by  a  hlacJc  huoy  surmounted  by  a  hall  on  its  North  side.  This  buoy 
lies  Ah  cables  S.S.W.  of  the  buoy  on  the  N.W.  extreme  of  Neptunus  Eeef, 
a  depth  of  6  fathoms'  water  being  found  between  them. 

Karang^  Pipa  is  marked  on  its  western  side  by  a  hlach  buoy  surmounted 
by  a  lall  which  lies  S.S.W.  J  "W.  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  buoy  on 
Pas-op  and  a  mile  E.  f  S.  from  the  Rynland  Shoal  buoy.  It  is  a  small  coral 
rock  -with  2^  fathoms  at  low  water,  and  close  around  5,  6,  and  7  fathoms. 

The  three  buoys  surmounted  by  balls  on  the  western  side  of  Neptunus, 
Pas-op,  and  Pipa  Eeef  are  nearly  in  line  N.  by  E.  f  E.  from  the  lighthouse 
on  the  western  pier  at  the  distances  of  If,  2,  and  2 J  miles. 

Rynland  Shoal  is  very  small,  and  has  15  feet  water  on  its  shoalest  part. 
It  is  marked  on  its  North  side  by  a  lohite  buoy  surmounted  by  a  lall,  bearing 
N.  by  "W.  f  W.,  H  ^il©  distant  from  the  end  of  the  pier  of  Batavia  River. 
The  channel  between  Rynland  and  Pas-op  Shoals  is  a  mile  wide,  and  6  to  8^ 
fathoms  in  depth. 

BATAVIA. — The  piers  which  confine  the  river  run  in  a  N.  by  W.  direction 
from  the  observatory  and  time-bal],  toward  the  Rynland  Shoal.  They  ex- 
tend for  a  mile  beyond  the  line  of  shore  into  18  feet  water. 

A  LIG-HTHOUSE,  showing  a  "bri^hi  fixed  light,  elevated  54  feet,  stands  on 
the  "West  pier  4  cables  lengths  from  the  head,  and  is  shown  from  a  lens 
apparatus  of  the  4th  order,  and  may  be  seen  at  more  than  14  miles  off 
according  to  the  elevation.     A  small  lamp  light  is  shown  on  the  pier-head. 

The  best  positions  for  anchorage  by  night  are  with  this  light  between  S.  f 
W.  and  S.  f  E.  when  to  the  southward  of  the  Rynland,  Pipa,  and  Nierstuk 
Shoals.  Entering  the  roads  by  the  western  channel,  and  having  passed  the 
beacon  on  Karang  Kuiper,  steer  S.E.  until  the  light  bears  South,  and  then 
anchor.  Two  white  buoys,  in  4f  fathoms  depth,  lie  S.  by  E.  and  S.  by  W 
of  Rynland  Shoal,  and  mark  the  South  limit  of  the  anchorage. 

Batavia  Observatory,  where  a  time  ball  has  been  exhibited  since  1839, 
stands  East,  3133  yards  from  the  boathouse  near  the  river,  or  a  little  more 
than  a  mile  and  a  half  from  the  lighthouse  on  the  pi<^r-head.  The  geogra- 
phic position  of  the  time  ball  is  in  lat.  6°  8'  S.,  and  the  assumed  longitude 
106°  48'  7^"  E.,  6''  SI""  58^  in  time. 

The  Time  Ball  is  hoisted  every  day  at  5  minutes  before  noon,  Batavia 
mean  time,  half-way  up  the  pole ;  at  2  minutes  to  mean  noon  it  is  hoisted  to 
the  top,  and  precisely  at  Batavia  mean  noon  it  falls.  For  those  ships  that 
wish  to  rate  their  chronometers  according  to  Greenwich  mean  time,  the 
moment  of  6  o'clock  a.m.,  Greenwich  mean  time,  is  indicated  in  the  same 
way;  the  ball  being  hoisted  half-way  up  at  46™  58''  p.m.,  Batavia  mean 
time  ;  and  at  49™  58*  to  the  top;  and  exactly  at  51™  58'  p.m.,  Batavia  time, 
which  corresponds  to  6  o'clock  a.m.  Greenwich  time,  it  falls. 

The  usual  place  for  large  ships  to  anchor  is  in  5  or  6  fathoms  on  a  mud 


BATAVIA.  685 

bottom,  about  a  mile  distant  from  the  pier-head,  and  between  S.S.W.  and 
S.E.  from  Eynland  Shoal.  They  seldom  moor,  as  the  anchors  generally 
bury  themselves  in  the  soft  mud,  for  which  reason  it  is  advisable  to  sight  the 
anchor  sometimes  during  a  long  stay.  Small  vessels  may  anchor  nearer  to 
the  pier-head,  in  4  or  3-  fathoms.  There  used  to  be  a  bar  just  outside  of 
the  middle  mouth  of  the  river,  with  only  2  or  3  feet  depth  at  low  water  upon 
it ;  but  since  the  pier  was  lengthened,  and  the  river  shut  off  by  a  dike  to 
turn  the  current,  this  bank  has  disappeared.  In  the  western  monsoon  there 
is  sometimes  such  a  heavy  swell  which  breaks  at  the  mouth  of  the  river,  that 
proas  are  unable  to  get  out,  and  ships'  boats  may  be  exposed  to  great  danger 
sent  on  shore  after  a  blue  warning  flag  is  displayed  at  the  boathouse. 

Tides. — By  accurate  observations,  made  in  1839  at  Onrust,  it  seems  that 
the  tides  and  the  rise  and  fall  of  water  are  not  sulDJect  to  fixed  rules.  In  the 
eastern  monsoon,  it  appeared  to  be  high  water  there  in  the  evening  ;  and  in 
the  western  monsoon  in  the  forenoon ;  the  time  of  high  water  at  full  and 
change  being  generally  10  o'clock  p.m.  in  the  eastern  monsoon,  and  at  10 
a.m.  in  the  western.  The  mean  rise  and  fall  was  2  feet,  and  the  maximum 
and  minimum  4  feet,  and  scarcely  an  inch. 

Whenever  the  weather  is  so  boisterous,  especially  during  the  western 
monsoon,  that  any  attempt  to  land  at  the  jetty,  at  Batavia,  or  alung  the 
shore,  would  be  attended  with  danger,  a  blue  flag  will  be  hoisted  at  the 
Mizen  of  the  Guard  Ship,  and  similar  flags  will  also  be  shown  at  the  Ob- 
servatory, as  well  as  at  the  palace  of  Wettereden.  The  signal  "There  is 
too  much  surf  to  land  "  will  likewise  be  displayed  at  the  Observatory. 

The  variation  of  the  compass  is  at  present  0°  45'  E.  In  1847  it  was  1° 
45'  E.,  as  computed  from  a  great  number  of  observations  on  board  H.N.M. 
ships  ;  thus  showing  that  when  compared  with  former  years,  it  has  changed 
from  West  to  East,  and  is  again  decreasing  in  the  latter  direction.  The  mean 
height  of  the  mercury  in  the  barometer  is  29.67  inches.  The  influence  of 
the  weather  upon  the  barometer  is  very  small,  it  being  seldom  raised  by 
continued  dry  weather,  or  depressed  by  a  boisterous  moist  temperature, 
more  than  from  1  to  ^  lines  above  or  below  the  mean.  The  mean  tempera- 
ture in  the  morning  and  evening  is  from  70°  to  74°,  and  at  noon  from  84°  to 
86°  Fahrenheit ;  although  it  occasionally  rises  to  90°  or  95°.  Batavia  Eoad 
is  rendered  unhealthy  by  the  pernicious  influence  of  the  noxious  vapours 
generated  along  the  marshy  coast  and  the  shoals  at  low  water,  which  are 
uncovered,  and  it  seems  to  be  chiefly  in  the  shifting  months  of  the  monsoons 
that  the  Batavia  fever  is  most  frequent.  Ships,  therefore,  intending  to  make 
a  long  stay  should  not  anchor  too  near  the  shore. 

There  is  at  Batavia  an  excellent  establishment  for  purifying  the  water  for 
the  shipping  in  the  road ;  this  water  is  conveyed  on  board,  at  fixed  and 
moderate  prices,  in  whole  or  half  leaguers,  or  in  proas  fitted  with  tanks. 
Artesian  wells  have  also  been  recently  sunk  (1875). 


686  JAVA. 

Krawang  Point  is  16  miles  N.E.  by  E.  from  the  Batavia  lighthouse.  The 
shore  bank  around  the  point  stretches  off  for  2  or  3  miles,  and  therefore  it 
should  not  be  made  too  free  with.  There  are  no  detached  dangers  in  the 
eastern  portion  of  Batavia  Bay,  and  therefore  a  vessel  may  safely  anchor  in 
any  part  of  it. 


The  islands  and  dangers  which  lie  in  the  Java  Sea  to  the  northward  of 
those  which  lie  across  the  mouth  of  Batavia  Bay,  will  be  described  pre- 
sently. 

The  NORTH  COAST  of  JAVA  is  in  general  flat,  covered  with  large  trees 
to  the  beach,  and  a  little  way  up  the  country  there  are  several  high  peaks, 
which  may  serve  as  sea  guides.  Some  of  these  are  10,000  and  11,000  ft. 
high,  and  their  positions  accurately  laid  down  in  the  charts.  It  occurs  often 
that  they,  especially  in  the  eastern  monsoon,  are  concealed  by  clouds  or  by 
the  hazy  state  of  the  atmosphere,  but  in  the  western  monsoon  the  highest  of 
them  may  be  seen  more  than  26  leagues.  In  October,  1842,  Lieut.  Melvill 
van  Carnbee  saw  the  Pangerango,  or  Blue  Mountains,  at  the  distance  of  37 
leagues.  The  soundings  along  the  coast  are  regular,  so  that  in  most  places 
the  land  may  be  approached  to  8,  7,  6,  and  5  fathoms,  mud ;  but,  in  some 
places  extensive  shoals  project  from  the  shore ;  and  there  are  a  few  danger- 
ous rocks  and  shoals  in  the  offing. 

The  Eastern  Monsoon  prevails  along  this  coast  while  the  sun  is  to  the 
northward  of  the  equator,  and  the  western  monsoon  when  the  declination  is 
South  ;  their  general  tendency  being  towards  that  parallel  where  the  sun  is 
in  the  zenith.  The  former  is  in  its  greatest  strength  in  the  months  of  June, 
July,  and  August ;  and  the  western  monsoon  in  December,  January,  and 
February.  As  in  most  intertropical  countries,  land  and  sea  breezes  will  be 
found  within  a  certain  distance  from  the  shore,  and  may  be  very  advan- 
tageously employed  in  an  adverse  monsoon.  These  land  and  sea  breezes, 
however,  are  not  regular,  as  in  the  strength  of  the  western  monsoon  the 
wind  does  not  at  all  deviate  from  its  common  direction,  and  in  the  middle  of 
the  eastern  monsoon  seldom  more  than  one  or  two  points. 

Ships  passing  between  Batavia  and  Sourabaya  and  back  must  steer  dif- 
ferent courses  in  different  seasons,  in  order  to  make  a  speedy  passage ;  and 
although  the  rules  prescribed  here  are  not  submitted  as  fixed  laws,  yet  they 
should  be  followed  as  nearly  as  possible,  according  to  circumstances. 

Vessels  going  in  the  western  monsoon  from  Batavia  to  Sourahaga  ought  to  run 
out  from  the  Eynland  Shoal  between  N.  and  N.E.,  till  Edam  bears  North. 
Then  steer  N.E.  by  E.  16  miles,  and  E.N.E.  20  miles,  till  in  about  5°  42'  S., 
and  107°  24'  E.,  when  they  will  be  clear  of  the  reefs  of  Sedarie ;  then  steer 
East  36,  and  S.E.  or  S.E.  by  E.  28  miles,  passing  between  the  rock  of  Pama- 
noekan  and  Boompjes  Islands,  after  which  a  direct  course  may  be  steered 


BATAVIA— DIEECTIONS.  687 

for  the  point  of  Indramayoe.     When  they  have  verified  their  reckoning  by 

one  of  these  points  the  course  will  be  East  for  49  leagues,  along  the  South 
side  of  Carimon  Java  Islands,  till  Mandelike  Island  boars  South ;  from  thence 
steer  S.E.  by  E.  and  E.S.E.  to  make  Ouwer  Point  (in  about  long.  112°  E.) 
care  being  requisite  not  to  bring  Mandelike  to  the  northward  of  "West  till 
clear  of  Taio  Bank.  From  Ouwer  Point  the  course  is  E.  and  E.S.E.  along 
the  shore,  having  a  good  mark  in  the  Doodkists  (coffins)  to  make  Panka 
Point.  In  this  monsoon  it  is  of  the  highest  importance,  when  past  Mande- 
like, not  to  keep  too  much  in  the  offing,  as  the  easterly  currents  will  carry 
a  ship  speedily  past  Sourabaya  Strait,  in  which  case  the  hills  upon  the  island 
Madura,  called  the  False  Doodkists,  will  be  mistaken  for  those  which  lie 
near  Panka  Point.  In  such  circumstances,  a  ship  would  have  the  greatest 
trouble  to  beat  up  against  the  westerly  winds  and  contrary  currents  in  order 
to  fetch  Sourabaya  Strait,  a  case  which  has  often  happened. 

Ships  hound  from  Sourabaya  to  Batavia  in  the  western  monsoon  have  a  difficult 
task  to  perform,  when  the  wind  blows  with  violence,  and  for  a  ship  that  sails 
indifferently  it  will  be  impossible. 

It  is  always  a  safe  rule  to  take  advantage  of  every  little  veering  of  the 
wind  which  will  give  the  most  westing.  Should  it  draw  to  the  southward  of 
West,  work  up  with  short  tacks  under  the  Java  shore,  to  avoid  the  disadvan- 
tage of  a  high  sea  and  easterly  currents.  If  it  comes  to  a  gale  with  a  high 
head  sea,  it  would  be  advisable  to  bear  up  for  one  of  the  harbours,  and  wait 
a  change  in  the  weather,  as  in  general  such  weather  does  not  last  long. 
Most  of  the  roads  along  the  North  coast  of  Java  are  unsafe  in  this  monsoon, 
such  as  those  of  Japara,  Samarang,  Pekalongan,  Indramayoe,  Tjassem,  and 
Pamanoekan,  being  exposed  to  much  sea,  and  some  are  difficult  to  enter. 
Cheribon  Eoad  affords  good  shelter  from  westerly  winds ;  but  in  most  in- 
stances it  will  be  better  to  return  and  anchor  behind  Panka  Point,  for,  if 
the  wind  comes  to  N.W.  or  N.N.W.,  a  vessel  might  be  much  hampered  by 
the  Java  shore,  causing  great  trouble  to  get  off,  especially  if  in  the  Bay  of 
Samarang.  In  the  western  monsoon,  tolerable  good  shelter  will  also  be  found 
near  or  in  Joana  Eoad,  or  behind  Cape  Boegel  and  the  Taio  Bank. 

Shi2)s  hound  from  Sourahaya  to  Batavia  in  the  eastern  monsoon  should  steer 
from  Panka  Point  W.N. W.  or  W.  by  N.  till  past  Mandeliko  Island,  and  then 
about  West  from  Indramayoe  Point,  which  should  be  seen.  From  thence  a 
westerly  course  for  8  or  9  leagues  will  carry  them  in  sight  of  Pamanoekan 
Point,  but  not  too  far  in  the  offing  for  fear  of  Pamanoekan  Eock.  When 
certain  of  having  passed  that  rock,  steer  about  N.N.W.  till  at  least  8  miles 
to  the  northward  of  Sedarie  Point,  to  avoid  the  Sedarie  Eeefs,  and  then  try 
to  get  sight  of  the  land  near  Krawang  Point  with  a  S.  W.  or  W.S.  W.  course, 
after  which  make  Edam  Island,  and  passing  between  it  and  Krawang  Point 
with  a  S.W.  course,  run  into  Batavia  Eoad.  When  the  ship  has  arrived  off 
Sedarie  Point,  if  becalmed  there,  seeing  the  land,  mind  the  westerly  current. 


688  JAVA. 

which  might  carry  her  much  more  to  the  westward  than  the  reckoning  would 
indicate,  and  might  entangle  her  among  the  Nassau  ledges  and  other  dangers 
thereabout.  H.N.M.S.  Schrikverwekker,  coming  from  the  eastward  to  Ba- 
tavia,  was  carried  so  far  by  the  current  in  the  night  of  the  17th  of  May, 
1800,  and  was  wrecked  upon  one  of  the  reefs  near  Angenita  Islands.  And 
the  Admiral  Zoutman,  Captain  Heykop,  which  ship  struck  in  March,  1839, 
upon  a  coral  rock,  bearing  (by  account)  16J  miles  N.N.W.  I  AV.  from  Kra- 
wang  Point,  and  carrying  18  feet  water.  This  rock  seems  to  have  been  the 
Nassau  Ledge.  The  captain  remarks  that  long  experience  had  taught  him 
that  if  a  ship  be  more  than  7  or  8  leagues  distant  from  this  part  of  the  coast, 
it  is  prudent  to  anchor,  even  in  25  fathoms,  if  the  weather  is  not  too  threaten- 
ing, as  the  lead  is  no  proper  guide  in  such  a  situation. 

A  vessel  from  Batavia  to  Souralaya  in  the  eastern  monsoon  ou^i  to  take  every 
possible  advantage  of  the  land  and  sea  breezes,  and  therefore  should  not 
stand  too  far  into  the  offing.  If  she  leaves  Batavia  Road  in  the  evening,  or 
in  the  night,  and  arrives  abreast  of  Edam  on  its  eastern  side,  a  north-easterly 
course  will  carry  her  to  about  latitude  5°  42',  where  she  may  expect  the  sea 
breeze.  From  thence  she  will  get  sight  of  the  Points  of  Pamanoekan  and 
Indramayoe  with  S.S.E.,  S.E.,  or  E.S.E.  courses,  taking  care  to  give  a  good 
berth  either  North  or  South  to  Pamanoekan  Pock.  Then  let  her  try  to  get 
so  much  easting  with  the  land  wind  that  the  next  tack  in-shore  will  allow  her 
to  stand  along  Cheribon  Eeef.  When  this  succeeds,  and  on  this  tack  Brebes 
Point,  or  Tegal,  is  made,  the  coast  should  not  be  approached  from  thence  to 
Samarang,  nearer  than  10  miles,  in  order  to  avoid  the  Pemoelang  and  Koro- 
welan  Pucks,  nor  should  she  stand  too  far  off  on  account  of  the  Bappang 
Eeef.  If  not  bound  to  Samarang,  when  making  long  tacks  off  and  the  short 
boards  in-shore,  she  will  get  sight  of  the  Japara  Mounts,  and  may  try  to 
gain  so  much  easting  as  to  weather  with  the  sea  breeze  Mandelike  and  Taio 
Bank.  Take  care,  however,  not  to  borrow  too  much  on  this  bank,  and 
therefore  Mandelike  should  not  be  brought  to  bear  to  the  northward  of 
West  before  Cape  Boegel  is  distant  8  miles.  From  thence  beat  up  with  short 
tacks  in  the  offing  and  long  ones  in-shore,  along  the  coast  toward  Panka 
Point,  in  order  to  get  sight  of  the  Loodkist  or  Coffin  Hills.  In  the  night  the 
small  Mount  Koekoesan,  near  the  Coffins,  is  a  good  mark  for  bearing  away 
towards  Panka  Point. 

KRAWANG  POINT,  in  5°  57'  S.,  and  107°  1'  7"  E.,  forms  the  N.E. 
boundary  of  Batavia  Bay,  as  before  mentioned.  When  bound  to  the  east- 
ward, pass  this  point  at  a  distance  of  4  miles  in  15  fathoms  ;  for  though  it 
may  be  approached  to  2  miles  in  10  fathoms,  it  is  bettor  kept  at  a  greater 
distance,  as  to  the  eastward  of  this  point  the  bank  trends  to  the  northward 
till  it  reaches  an  offing  of  nearly  3  miles. 

Sedarie  Reefs.— From  Krawang  Point  steer  E.  by  N.  or  E.N.E.  to  avoid 
the  Eeefs  of  Sedarie.     The  coast  between  Krawang  and  Sedarie  Points 


THE  PAMANOEKAN  EOCK.  689 

stretches  about  East  and  E.  by  S.,  forming  two  bights  towards  Sedarie  Point, 
which  is  a  low  round  projection.  Its  woody  north- easternmost  part  is  in 
6°  591'  S.,  and  107°  24^'  E.,  and  about  4  miles  to  the  eastward  of  the  mouth 
of  Sedarie  River.  Sedarie  Reefs  consist  of  some  dry  patches  or  shoals  de- 
tached from  the  shore,  with  narrow  channels  between  them.  Upon  the  two 
northernmost  of  these  patches  3^-  and  4^  fathoms  is  the  shoalest  water,  and 
altogether  they  extend  2  miles  N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  1  mile  across ;  and  are 
composed  of  black  sand  with  shells.  The  northernmost  bank  bears  N.E. 
from  Sedarie  Point,  6  miles  distant.  The  depths  outside  increase  rapidly 
from  5  to  7  fathoms,  and  at  the  distance  of  2  miles  to  the  northward,  to  10 
fathoms,  inside  of  which  it  is  not  advisable  to  pass ;  and  there  the  low  land 
of  the  point  is  just  discernible.  Upon  the  southernmost  of  these  shoals, 
which  consists  of  three  small  patches  of  sand  with  shells,  near  each  other, 
the  least  water  is  2J  fathoms.  Between  the  North  and  South  patches  there 
is  a  channel  of  1  mile  in  breadth,  lying  N.W.  and  S.E.,  with  8  to  10  fathoms 
water,  but  decreasing  to  the  eastward  to  6  fathoms.  Between  the  South 
patch  and  the  main,  a  channel  1  mile  wide  and  4  fathoms  deep,  over  mud, 
stretches  2  miles  along  the  coast.  It  is  best  to  pass  to  the  northward  of  all 
these  dangers. 

Near  the  northermost  of  these  shoals,  Lieutenant  Escher  took  the  follow- 
ing bearings :  Mount  Salak  S.W.  i  S.,  the  Pangerango  8.S.W.  J  W.,  the 
Panimbang  S.  by  W.  i  W.,  the  highest  top  of  the  Craggy  Mountains  S.  ^ 
W.,  the  highest  top  of  Tankobang  Llountains,  6,427  feet,  S.  by  E.  f  E.,  the 
Tampomaas  S.E.  by  8.,  and  Cheribon  Peak  (just  visible)  S.E.  From  the 
outer  edge  of  the  Sedarie  Reef  the  course  is  between  S.E.  and  E.S.E.  towards 
Pamanoekan  Point,  which  lies  in  6°  12'  S.,  and  long.  107"  49J'  E.,  or  57'  30" 
from  Batavia.  The  shore  may  be  approached  to  within  8  fathoms,  and  from 
10  to  14  fathoms  is  a  proper  track  in  the  night,  in  order  to  pass  within  the 
Pamanoekan  Rock,  on  which  the  Wacrden  Castle  was  lost. 

The  PAMANOEKAN  ROCK  is  very  dangerous.  Its  position,  and  even  its 
existence,  was  doubted,  but  numerous  disasters  hereabout  showed  that  it  cer- 
tainly did  lie  somewhere  in  the  vicinity.  In  the  ancient  sea  atlas,  by  the 
celebrated  J.  Van-Keulen,  the  rock  is  marked  nearly  in  its  position  and  true 
character.  It  was  surveyed  in  1802  by  Lieut.  N.  Doekes,  and  said  by  him 
to  bear  N.E.  by  N.,  a  little  easterly  from  Pamanoekan  Point  from  13  to 
18  miles;  the  adjacent  depth  being  17  to  19  fathoms.  According  to  his 
survey  the  rock  is  109  yards  in  extent,  witn  2|  fathoms  water  upon  it,  and 
Pamanoekan  Point  just  visible,  appearing  as  an  island.- 

It  has  been  many  times  sought  for  since  without  success.  But  on  August 
7th,  1848,  the  Netherlands  barque  Celebes,  Capt.  J.  R.  N.  J.  Biji,  struck  on 
it,  and  was  fixed  there  for  some  time.  Her  draught  was  15f  feet  English, 
and  when  aground  Mount  Tampomaas  bore  S.  f  E.,  and  Pamanoekan  Point, 

I.    A.  it 


690  JAVA. 

S.S.W.  i  W.  By  a  good  chronometer  observation  the  longitude  was  found 
as  107°  50'  7"  E.,  lat.  6'  3'  S.  By  these  data  it  is  only  10  miles  from  Pama- 
noekan  Point,  if  the  charts  be  correct.  It  is  very  small,  as  at  less  than 
half  a  ship's  length  all  around  the  vessel,  there  was  from  8  to  20  fathoms. 

A  Fifteen-feet  Patch  is  marked  on  the  charts  at  9 1  miles  eastward  of  Pama- 
noekan  Eock,  20  miles  N.W.  by  W.  of  Indromaya  Point,  and  19  miles 
W.S.W.  of  Eackit  Island  light. 

Near  Pamanoekan  Point,  about  2  miles  distant  W.  ^  S.  from  it  and  N.N.E. 
from  the  mouth  of  Tjassem  Eiver,  good  anchorage  in  the  East  monsoon  may 
be  taken  in  4  fathoms  water ;  but  it  is  an  open  anchorage,  and  unsafe 
during  the  N.W.  monsoon.  From  this  anchorage  the  course  of  N.E.  by 
E.  leads  clear  of  a  reef  which  projects  nearly  to  the  distance  of  a  mile  from 
the  point.  Between  the  Sadoelang  Islands,  which  lie  from  8  to  16  miles  to 
the  westward  of  Pamanoekan  Point,  there  are  some  shoals,  which  it  is  ad- 
visable not  to  approach.  From  Sedarie  to  to  Indramayoe  Point  the  coast  is 
low,  with  some  high  land  in  the  interior  ;  it  may  be  approached  safely  to  8 
fathoms,  but  not  nearer. 

THE  POINT  OF  INDRAMAYOE,  in  6°  12'  S.,  and  1°  29^'  E.  from  Ba- 
tavia,  is  of  moderate  height  and  woody,  and  at  some  distance  has  the  appear- 
ance of  an  island ;  at  its  western  side  there  is  a  good  anchorage  in  4  or  5 
fathoms,  but  to  the  northward  it  should  not  be  approached  within  7  fathoms, 
as  the  reef  projects  there  nearly  a  mile.  Indramayoe  is  an  open  port  for 
exports  only. 

RACKIT  or  BOOMPJES  ISLAND,  in  5°  54'  fc5.,  and  108°  20'  E.,  is  full  6 
leagues  N.  ^  E.  from  Indramayoe  Point.  According  to  Lieutenant  B.  H. 
Staring,  D.E.N.,  who  surveyed  it  in  1840,  Eackit  Island  is  about  a  mile  East 
and  West  in  extent,  and  lies  in  the  track  of  25  fathoms. 

LIGHT. — A  revolving  white  light,  showing  a  flash  of  24  seconds  duration, 
preceded  and  followed  by  an  eclipse  of  36  seconds,  is  shown  from  the  S.E. 
point  of  Eackit;  it  is  elevated  116  ft.  above  the  sea,  visible  23  miles  off. 
The  tower,  of  open  ironwork,  is  painted  white. 

About  N.N.E.  from  Eackit  lies  Middle  Patch,  a  collection  of  rocks,  close  to 
each  other,  and  partly  visible  above  water ;  and  still  farther  N.N.E.  the 
North  Outer  Patch,  in  5°46i'  S.,  and  108°  22|-'E.,  the  passages  between  these 
shoals  and  the  island  are  each  of  them  3  miles  wide,  with  25,  26,  and  27 
fathoms  depth,  and  are  both  safe.  Vessels,  however,  should  keep  in  the 
mid-channels,  as  the  reefs  project  a  little  distance  under  water-  Close  to  the 
northward  of  the  Outer  Patch  there  are  27  fathoms,  and  4  miles  N.N.E.  of 
it  30  fathoms  blue  mud.  When  working  through  the  channel,  between 
Eackit  Island  and  Indramayoe  Point,  in  the  night,  do  not  approach  the 
island  nearer  than  20  fathoms,  nor  the  point  nearer  than  10  fathoms.  The 
depth  in  the  channel  was  found  to  be  greater  than  the  chart  of  1841  showed  ; 
it  is  from  24  to  25  fathoms. 


CAPE  TANNA  AND  EEEF— CHEEIBON.  691 

CAPE  TANNA  and  Reef. — From  Indramayoe  Point  the  coast  runs  S.E. 
by  E.  7  leagues  toward  Capo  Tanna,  in  6°  30'  S.,  and  thence  S.  by  E.  14 
miles  toward  Cheribon,  the  flagstaff  of  which  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  river 
lies  in  6°  45'  S.,  and  108°  34'  E.,  or  1°  46'  E.  from  Batavia.  The  reef  was 
surveyed,  in  1802,  by  Captain  Busscher,  D.E.N.,  and,  in  1841,  by  Lieut. 
Groll.  Both  the  surveys  show  that  the  re?/ projects  nearly  4  leagues  to  the 
eastward,  with  3-^  fathoms  on  its  extreme  end,  and  2i  and  2  fathoms  farther 
in  ;  in  some  places  it  consists  of  hard  sand,  in  others  of  softer  ground,  and 
part  of  it  is  sometimes  covered  with  breakers. 

CHERIBON. — The  cliief  town  of  the  important  province  of  the  same  name, 
and  an  open  port,  is  16  miles  southward  of  Cape  Tanna,  and  the  same  dis- 
tance S.W.  of  the  East  end  of  the  Tanna  Eeef.  It  is  the  outlet  of  the 
remarkably  fertile  province^  which,  consisting  chiefly  of  volcanic  soils,  pro- 
duces abundance  of  coffee,  indigo,  teak-timber,  &c.  It  had  a  bad  reputation 
for  unhealthiness,  a  third  of  its  inhabitants  having  perished  from  a  pestilence 
at  the  commencement  of  the  present  century.  It  is  the  residence  of  a  Dutch 
governor  and  staff,  and  on  th.6  South  side  of  the  river  is  a  fort  for  its  pro- 
tection, the  flagstaff  of  which  is  a  mark. 

Light. — Since  July  1st,  1867,  a  hright  Jixed  dioptric  light  has  been  shown 
from  the  extremeity  of  the  northern  mole  of  the  harbour,  elevated  26  feet 
above  high  water,  and  visible  8  miles  off.  It  is  merely  intended  as  a  guide 
to  the  roadstead  at  night. 

The  South  prong  of  the  Tanna  Eeef  and  Cheribon  Peak,  and  the  flagstaff, 
are  in  one,  on  the  bearing  of  S.W.  ;  the  proper  mark,  therefore,  to  avoid 
that  South  prong  is  to  bring  the  mount  well  to  the  westward  of  S.W.,  and 
to  round  the  reef  in  6  or  7  fathoms.  Large  ships  find  a  good  anchorage  at 
2  miles  N.E.  or  E.N.E.  from  the  fort,  with  a  small  but  conspicuous  Djatty 
bush,  about  W.N.W.  in  3 1  to  4i  fathoms,  soft  mud  ;  and  small  vessels  more 
in  shore  half  a  mile  from  it,  in  3  to  2^  fathoms.  In  the  western  monsoon  this 
road  affords  a  good  shelter  from  the  high  sea,  and  is  a  safe  anchorage  at  any 
time  of  year. 

Cheribon  Peak,  10,323  feet  as  ascertained  by  barometer,  in  1840,  by  Dr. 
Junghun,  being  very  conspicuous,  is  a  good  mark  for  ships  sailing  along  this 
coast ;  it  stands  in  6°  54^  S.,  and  108"  28J'  E. 

Peak  of  Tegel. — Between  Cheribon  and  Tegal  the  coast  is  low,  but  inland 
the  country  is  mountainous,  and  the  Peak  of  Tegal,  or  Guno7ig  Gede,  is  the 
highest  point  of  the  whole  island  ;  it  is  in  7°  13i'  S.,  and  109°  13'  3"  E.  A 
little  more  to  the  eastward,  but  nearer  to  the  sea,  there  is  another  conspicuous 
mountain,  called  Gadjah,  or  the  Elephant. 

TEGAL,  or  Tagal.— The  flagstaff  of  the  fort  at  Tegal  lies  in  6°  44'  S.,  and 
109°  8'  7"  E.,  and  bears  North  by  West  from  Mount  Tegal.  It  is  an  open 
port  for  exports  only.  The  anchorage  is  in  4  or  5  fathoms  North  by  West 
from  the  fort,  1  or  1  i  mile  off  shore.    Tegal  Rock  lies  N.E.  \  E.  4i  miles  from 


692  JAVA. 

Tegal,  and  about  3  miles  from  the  nearest  point  of  the  shore.  This  rock  is  partly 
even  with  the  water's  edge,  and  extends  East  and  West  710  yards,  and  North 
and  South  300  yards.  It  is  marked  by  a  ichite  beacon.  From  Tegal  Peak 
this  beacon  bears  about  N.  h  W.,  and  the  soundings  at  half  a  cable's  length 
round  it  are  9  fathoms ;  shoaling  regularly  towards  the  shore,  in  8  and  7,  to 
the  mid-channel  in  6  fathoms.  Tegal  cannot  be  considered  a  safe  anchorage 
during  the  N.W.  monsoon. 

It  is  proposed  to  show  o,  fixed  red  light  from  an  iron  post  at  Tegal. 

From  Tegal  to  Samarang  the  coast  runs  about  East  with  some  small  bights. 
Cape  Pamalang  should  not  be  approached  nearer  than  in  16  fathoms,  to  avoid 
the  shoals  of  Soegalie  and  Pemoelang,  which  lie  about  4  miles  N.W.  and 
N.N.W.  from  that  point.  The  shoalest  spots  upon  these  shoals  are  16  and 
27  feet;  and  they  bear  about  16  miles  E.N.E.  J  E.  from  Tegal,  and  N.N.E. 
from  Mount  Gadjah. 

Pekalongan,  an  open  port  for  exports  only,  is  at  the  mouth  of  a  river,  which 
lies  in  6°  51j  S.,  and  109°  43'  40"  E. ;  the  town  being  a  little  inland,  and  not 
visible  from  seaward  through  the  trees. 

Light. — A  white  plastered  pyramid  was  erected  in  1836,  a  little  to  the 
westward  of  the  entrance  of  the  river;  and  since  September,  1866,  this 
pyramid  has  been  used  as  a  lighthouse,  showing  a  bright  ^xei  light,  elevated 
26  feet,  visible  8  miles  off.     It  is  a  guide  to  the  roadstead  off  the  river. 

When  coming  from  the  eastward,  if  a  vessel  should  pass  Cape  Goenong  at 
the  distance  of  2  miles,  in  5  or  6  fathoms  depth,  the  lighthouse  will  be  seen 
bearing  West  by  South ;  from  thence  steer  W.N.W.  ^  W.  in  5J  fathoms, 
toward  the  road  of  Pekalongan,  where  she  may  anchor  in  4f  or  3^  fathoms, 
soft  ground,  at  U  or  1^  miles  from  the  entrance  of  the  river.  Coming  from 
the  westward.  Cape  Pamalang  should  not  be  approached  too  near,  to  avoid 
the  shoals  of  Soegalie  and  Pemoelang  ;  but  once  past  those  rocks,  Oeloedjami 
Point  may  be  approached  to  4J  fathoms,  at  the  distance  of  3  or  2  miles, 
where  the  pyramid  wiU  be  discerned,  bearing  E.S.E.  about  8  miles,  amongst 
some  high  trees  on  the  beach  which  served  formerly  to  guide  a  ship  to  Peka- 
longan Road.  Pekalongan  is  not  a  safe  anchorage  during  the  N.W.  mon- 
soon. 

Bappang,  or  Coreas  Reef.— When  not  touching  at  Tegal,  14  to  20  fathoms 
is  a  good  depth  in  the  night  to  avoid  the  Bappang  or  Coreas  Eeef,  which 
was  examined,  in  1847,  by  Captain  Theedens,  who  anchored  near  it  in  8 
fathoms,  and  found  its  length  and  breadth  to  be  about  half  a  mile.  Its 
general  depth  was  5J  to  4  fathoms,  but  in  one  spot  there  was  a  single  rock 
carrying  only  14  feet ;  close  round  the  reef  there  were  4^  fathoms,  and  it  lay 
in  the  stream  of  23  fathoms,  and  20  miles  from  the  shore,  and  about  18 
miles  East  of  Pamalang  Point ;  but  this  position  is  doubtfiil,  as  it  has  been 
placed  5  miles  farther  to  W.  by  N. 

Eorowelan  Shoal. — Another  shoal  called  Korowelan,  or  Korrowolaan,  with 


SAMAEANG.  693 

3|  fathoms  depth,  is  situated  more  to  the  eastward  about  6  miles  off  shore, 
abreast  of  Kendal.  Between  this  shoal  and  the  shore  is  a  channel  with  10 
to  5  fathoms  depth.  A  conspicuous  conical  UerlerVs  beacon  buoy  (which  always 
stands  upright),  painted  red,  is  placed  on  the  shoal. 

MOUNTAINS — Between  Tegal  and  Samarang  the  land  is  high  in  the 
interior ;  the  most  conspicuous  mountains  toward  the  latter  place  are  the  Sin- 
doro  (10,318  feet),  and  Soembing  (11,030  feet),  or  the  Twee  Gebroeders  (Two 
Brothers),  both  remarkable  peaks,  the  easternmost  being  most  remote,  26^ 
miles  from  the  shore.  They  bear  S.W.  by  W.,  and  S.W.  \  S.  from  the  en- 
trance of  Samarang  Eiver.  The  easternmost  and  highest  peak  (8,389  feet) 
of  the  Pralioe,  or  Praauw  Mountaims  bears  W.S.W.  nearly  from  the  mouth  of 
that  river.  To  the  eastward  of  these  stand  the  Samarang  Mountains,  called 
Oenaran,  or  Onarang,  5,147  ft.,  and  Merbaboe,  10,220  ft.,  bearing  S.  by  "W.  f 
W.,  and  S.  j  W.,  from  the  mouth  of  Samarang  Eiver. 

THE  BAY  OF  SAMAEANG,  bounded  to  the  eastward  by  the  high  land  of 
lapara,  lies  South  from  the  islands  of  Crimon  Java,  or  Karimon  Java.  This 
bay  affords  good  anchorage  in  the  eastern  monsoon  in  5  or  6  fathoms,  mud, 
at  about  3  or  4  miles  from  the  beach,  the  flagstaff  of  Samarang  bearing  S. 
or  S.S.E.,  the  westernmost  visible  land  about  West,  and  the  high  land  of 
lapara  N.E.  by  E.  Small  vessels  may  anchor  in  4  fathoms,  2  or  IJ  miles 
distant  from  the  shore.  The  road  being  open  to  West  and  N.W.  winds, 
ships  are  exposed  in  the  western  monsoon  to  a  high  sea,  for  which  reason 
this  bay  is  not  to  be  recommended  in  that  season,  particularly  if  compelled 
to  make  a  long  stay. 

SAMAEANG,  which  lies  in  the  head  of  the  bay,  is  one  of  the  three  prin- 
cipal cities  of  Java  for  European  residence  and  commerce,  and  one  of  the 
ports  of  call  for  the  Netherlands'  Indian  Steam  Navigation  Company's  boats. 
It  is  an  open  port,  and  the  seat  of  the  governor  of  the  important  province  of 
the  same  name.  The  shore  of  the  bay  upon  which  it  is  built  is  very  low,  the 
site  being  an  alluvial  plain,  and  the  beach  is  only  communicated  with  by 
means  of  a  raised  causeway.  It,  however,  contains  some  handsome  build- 
ings, and  is  protected  by  fortifications  from  native  attack.  The  great  high- 
way which  traverses  Java  from  West  to  East,  passes  through  the  place,  and 
there  is  another  road  which  crosses  the  island  here,  about  70  miles  broad, 
from  North  to  South.  A  railway  runs  into  the  interior  from  Samarang. 
The  concession  was  first  granted  in  1872,  but  many  delays  have  occurred  in 
its  construction. 

At  Samarang  there  are  no  establishments  for  repairing  vessels.  The  har- 
bour is  quite  open,  and  in  the  N.W.  monsoon  very  dangerous,  and  commu- 
nication between  the  shore  and  the  harbour  is  often  interrupted  for  several 
days.  The  Government  continued  deaf  to  the  representations  of  the  mer- 
cantile community  of  Java  regarding  the  necessity  of  insuring  the  complete 


694  JAVA. 

safety  of  the  harbour,  although  it  has  indeed  met  them  half-way  by  building 
a  new  walled-in  canal  extending  some  way  over  the  surf. — (1870.) 

A  harbour  light  is  proposed  to  be  established  here  on  the  completion  of  the 
harbour  works.  A  white  beacon  is  placed  on  Oedjoing  Kalavaran,  to  indi- 
cate the  N.E.  limit  of  the  Eoad  of  Samarang. 

The  flagstaff  stands  in  6°  57'  20"  S.,  long.  110°  24'  37"  E. 

lAPARA  ROAD  is  situated  in  6°  32^'  S.,  and  110°  35*'  E.,  and  is  very 
safe  in  the  eastern  monsoon.  The  anchorage  is  inside  of  the  islands  Kelok 
and  Panjang,  in  4  to  6  fathoms  depth.  When  coming  from  the  westward  the 
high  land  of  lapara  appears  like  an  island,  the  coast  near  Samarang  being 
low,  and  forming  a  deep  curve.  From  Samarang  Eoad  to  lapara  Point  the 
course  is  about  N.N.E.  ;  and  between  them  lies  Visscher  Island,  in  about 
6°  36'  S.  Approaching  from  the  northward,  caution  is  required  to  avoid  a 
3f-fathom  bank,  which  lies  between  2  and  5  miles  off  shore,  and  between  3 
and  5  miles  north-westward  of  Panjang  Island.  Its  centre  is  in  lat.  6°  28'  S., 
long.  110°  34'  E.  It  appears  to  be  about  3  miles  in  diameter,  and  leaves  but 
a  narrow  channel  between  it  and  the  dangers  extending  off  shore. 

It  is  proposed  (May,  1877,)  to  show  a  s-mBll  fixed  red  light  at  Japara. 

KAEIMON  JAVA,  or  the  Crimen  Java  Islands,  are  very  numerous, 
covering  a  space  of  12  or  13  leagues  East  and  West,  and  5  leagues  North 
and  South. 

They  were  surveyed,  but  not  completely,  by  the  Dutch,  in  the  frigate 
Vreede,  Captain  Dibbets,  in  1803;  many  detached  shoals  and  other  dangers 
have  since  been  discovered. 

The  largest  and  highest  of  these  islands  are  Karmon,  Komodian,  and  Pa- 
rang, which  are  discernible  at  a  great  distance.  There  is  a  Dutch  settlement 
atKarimon,  which  is  sometimes  visited  by  ships.  The  general  anchorage  is 
about  3  miles  West  from  Karimon,  and  about  midway  between  the  islands 
Meniangan  at  the  East  side,  and  Glean  and  Boerong  at  the  West  side,  in  20 
to  30  fathoms  water  ;  but  there  is  a  sand  bank  3  ft.  above  water,  extending 
E.S.E.  and  W.N.  W.  about  3  cables'  lengths,  with  the  West  end  of  the  Great 
Karimon  bearing  N.  25°  E.;  Pulo  Boerong,  W.  17°  S.  ;  and  Pulo  Glean, 
W.  7i°  S. 

Another  sand  bank,  with  4J  ft.  water  over  it,  stretches  N.E.  and  S.W. 
for  4  cables'  lengths  in  breadth,  with  the  West  end  of  Great  Karimon 
E.  7^°  N.  Pulo  Boerong  and  Pulo  Glean  in  one,  S.  48°  W. ;  Pulo  Tjamara 
Ketjil,  N.  30°  W.  The  flagstaff  stands  in  5°  54'  S.  and  110°  31^'  E.  Between 
the  different  islands  there  are  deep  channels  with  10  to  30  fathoms,  but  they 
should  be  cautiously  used,  for  besides  the  reefs  which  project  from  the  islands, 
there  are  some  other  dangerous  rocks,  which  were  discovered  and  surveyed, 
in  1825,  by  Lieutenant  I.  I.  Baedrie,  and  in  1826  by  Captain  Elgenhuizen, 
D.R.N.,  and  in  1862  by  Captain  Halverhout,  D.R.N.,  in  the  steam  frigate 
Soemhing. 


lAPAEA  EOAD-KAEIMON  JAVA.  695 

A  coral  reef,  dry  at  low  water,  with  both  Krakab  Islands  in  one,  and  bear- 
ing S.S.W.  J  W.,  the  highest  land  of  Karimon  Island  E.  by  S. 

The  Eatang  Reef  stretches  East  and  West  about  2  or  3  miles,  and  North 
and  South  about  a  mile,  and  although  it  does  not  dry  at  low  water,  it  is 
easily  discerned  in  clear  weather.  From  this  reef  Katang  Island  bears 
E.  by  N.,  the  highest  land  of  Karimon  E.  J  S.,  Krakab-besar  E.S.E.  \  E,, 
Krakab-ketjil  S.E.  by  E.  |  E.,  and  the  North  point  of  Parang  N.E.  f  E. 

The  sand  bank  and  coral  rocks,  called  Kappal,  are  about  2  or  3  miles  East 
and  West,  and  a  mile  broad.  Upon  its  shoalest  part  there  are  2  and  3  ft. 
water.  From  its  West  point  Krakab-besar  bears  N.  by  E.  |  E.,  and  Krakab- 
ketjil  N.  by  E.  I  E.,  Boerong  E.  ^  N.,  the  highest  land  of  Karimon  Island 
E.N.E.  I  E.,  Niamok  Island  N.N.W.,  and  the  West  point  of  Parang  Island 
N.  iE. 

There  are  also  the  following  dangers  to  be  guarded  against. 

A  coral  reef,  with  6  ft.  water  on  it,  2  cables  in  length  North  and  South, 
with  Pulo  Katang  bearing  S.  62°  E. ;  Karang  Bessie  N.  IT  W. ;  and  Pulo 
Njamok  E.  17°  S. 

A  coral  reef,  uncovering  at  low  water,  one-third  of  a  mile  long,  N.N.E.  and 
S.S.W.,  with  Pulo  Njamok  E.  8^^  S. ;  Pulo  Katang  N.  17'  E. ;  Karang- 
Katang  W.  by  S.  A  reef  of  sand  and  coral  extends  for  3  miles  to  S.  62''W. 
from  Pulo  Njamok.  From  the  outer  end  of  this  danger  Pulo  Katang  bears 
N.  19°  E. ;  Karang  Bessie  N.  19'  W.  ;  Pulo  Krakab  Ketjil  E.S.E. 

Karang  Bessie,  discovered  in  1826,  is  an  isolated  sand  bank,  high  out  of 
the  water,  and  about  1|  mile  long  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W. 

From  these  rocks  the  N.W.  point  of  Parang  bears  N.E.  by  E.  i  E.,  the 
highest  land  of  Karimon  E.  by  S.,  Kombang  E.  J  N.,  the  South  point  of 
Njamok  S.E.  i  S.,  and  the  middle  of  Kombar  Island  N.E.  ^  E. 

Besides  these  reefs  and  rocks,  a  shoal  will  be  found  between  Kombar  and 
Parang  Islands;  another  2  miles  S.E.  of  Parang;  again,  at  a  mile  N.E.  of 
Tjamara-ketjil ;  and  several  other  small  rocks  .along  the  East  coasts  of  Ko- 
modian  and  Karimon  Islands.  A  vessel  coming  from  the  westward,  and  in- 
tending to  touch  at  these  islands,  should  make  Karimon  about  E.N.E.,  and 
steer  right  for  it,  taking  care  to  give  Krakab-ketjil  a  berth  of  6  miles  to  the 
southward,  in  order  to  avoid  Kappal  Reef;  and  then  to  pass  between  Boe- 
rong and  Meniangan,  steering  for  the  anchorage.  Between  Karimon  and 
Moniangan  there  is  a  channel  with  sufficient  depth  for  large  ships,  but  it  is 
rendered  very  narrow  by  reefs  that  project  from  both  sides.  When  passing 
along  the  western  side  of  this  group  of  islands,  it  would  be  prudent  to  keep 
at  least  8  miles  to  the  westward,  to  make  sure  of  clearing  Katang  and  Bessie 
Keefs. 

Tides  amotig  the  Karimon  Islands. — In  1839  Mr.  Michalofsky  observed  the 
tides  among  these  islands,  and  states  that  they  are  very  irregular,  but  that 
with  rising  water  (in  the  eastern  monsoon  by  night,  and  in  the  western 


696  JAVA. 

moDBOon  by  day),  the  current  runs  most  to  the  eastward,  and  with  falling 
water  to  the  westward.  It  is  but  once  in  the  24  hours  high  and  low  water, 
each  tide  lasting  from  9  to  15  hours.  At  full  and  change  it  is  high  water  in 
the  eastern  monsoon  at  8  p.m.,  and  in  the  western  monsoon  at  the  same  hour 
a.m. ;  and  there  seemed  to  be  a  general,  although  irregular,  retrograde 
motion  in  the  time  of  high  water.  The  mean  rise  and  fall  of  the  water  was 
4  ft.,  and  the  greatest  6  ft. 

The  PASSAGE  between  the  Karimon  Islands  and  the  coast  near  lapara  is 
10  or  11  leagues  wide,  with  depths  of  19  to  30  fathoms.  Near  the  Java 
coast  lies  the  island  oi  Mandelihe,  in  6°  22'  S.,  and  110°  49'  E.  This  island 
bears  North  from  Mount  Moera,  about  a  mile  off  shore,  and  may  be  approached 
very  near,  it  being  steep-to  at  all  sides.  The  passage  between  Mandelike 
and  the  main  is  free  from  dangers,  being  a  mile  wide,  and  having  3f  and  4^ 
fathoms  water. 

Two  miles  East  of  Mandelike,  at  Cape  Boegel,  the  coast  forms  a  deep  curve, 
from  which  the  Bank  of  Taioe  projects  5  or  6  miles  off  shore  ;  a  large  ship 
should  therefore  not  bring  Mandelike  to  the  North  of  "West,  until  6  miles 
past  Cage  Boegel.  This  bank  consists  of  the  same  whitish  clay  which  is 
found  near  Mandelike  and  in  most  places  along  the  North  coast  of  Java ; 
it  stretches  along  the  coast,  toward  Joana  Eoad,  where  there  are  4  fathoms 
water. 

HEMBANG  BAY  is  bounded  to  the  eastward  by  the  Point  of  Lierang  in 
6°  36^'  S.,  and  111°  28'  E.  Close  to  the  beach  are  the  towns  oi  Remlang  and 
Zassem,  noted  for  their  timber,  and  at  the  West  end  of  the  bight  the  village 
Joana,  a  little  way  up  a  small  river.  The  South  shore  of  the  bight  is  lined 
with  a  great  many  islets  and  rocks.  The  flagstaff  of  Rembang  stands  in 
6°  40^'  S.,  and  111°  14'  40"  E.  This  is  an  open  port  for  exports  only.  To 
steer  for  the  road,  and  to  avoid  the  rocks,  of  which  some  are  lying  2^  miles 
off  shore,  bring  the  flagstaff  to  bear  South,  and  anchor  on  that  bearing  in  4 
or  4^  fathoms,  about  2  miles  from  the  shore.  From  Lierang  Point  the 
coast  leads,  with  some  small  curves,  about  E.  by  S.  to  Sourabaya  Strait,  and 
may  be  approached  to  6  and  5J  fathoms,  and  in  some  places  into  4^  fathoms 
water.     It  is  proposed  to  show  a  small  bright  light  at  Java. 

PANKA  POINT,  or  rather  the  flagstaff,  is  in  6°  56'  i"  S.,  and  112=  34'  E., 
or  9'  56"  W.  from  the  western  pier-head  of  Sourabaya  ;  it  forms  the  western 
side  of  the  strait  which  leads  to  Sourabaya,  and  is  a  low  and  sandy  point, 
A  little  to  the  westward  of  it  there  are  some  conspicuous  mountains,  two  of 
which  are  called  the  Coffins  {Doodkisten),  from  their  shape,  and  a  third  is  of 
a  square  form ;  and  these  hills  serve  exceedingly  well  to  recognize  Panka 
Point,  and  in  the  western  monsoon  it  is  advisable  to  get  sight  of  them  in 
time,  especially  at  night,  because  the  current  carries  a  ship  speedily  to  the 
eastward  of  the  strait. 

The  STRAIT  of  SOURABAYA  was  trigonometrically  surveyed,  in  1843-7, 


STEAIT  OF  SOUEABAYA.  697 

by  Lieutenant  (now  Captain)  M.  H.  Jansen,  D.R.N,  (a  name  since  famous 
in  connection  with  Indian  Hydrography  and  Meteorology),  assisted  by  five 
other  able  officers ;  at  its  entrance,  between  Panka  Point  and  Cape  Wodon, 
the  N.W.  point  of  Madura,  it  is  15  miles  wide,  and  that  space  is  nearly  all 
filled  up  by  an  extensive  flat,  called  the  Zee  Bank,  but  leaving  at  the  western 
side  two  narrow  channels  for  the  navigation  of  large  ships. 

The  Lightvessel  at  the  northern  entrance  of  the  western  channel  leading 
to  Sourabaya  exhibits  a  white  light,  elevated  28  ft.  above  the  sea,  visible  10 
miles  off.  The  light  consists  of  three  lanterns  hoisted  on  the  mast  of  the 
lightship,  which  appear  as  one  light  at  a  distance.  The  vessel,  painted 
yellow,  carries  a  black  ball  at  the  masthead,  and  has  the  name  "  Sourabaya  " 
painted  on  the  side.  When,  for  trimming  the  light,  the  lantern  is  hauled 
down,  the  gong  will  be  sounded,  and  a  clear  burning  lantern  hoisted  tem- 
porarily. She  lies  in  lat.  6°  57'  S.,  long.  112°  40'  E.,  midway  between  white 
buoys  2  and  3,  which  mark  the  western  side  of  the  Western  Channel  at  the 
North  entrance  to  Sourabaya  Strait.  From  her  Panka  Point  bears  W.  by 
N.  1  N.  5^  miles  distant ;  Cape  Wodon  or  Madura,  W.  by  S.  ^  S.  8  miles 
distant ;  and  Fort  Erfprins  S.  by  W.  ^  W.  4J  miles  distant. 

All  vessels  require  pilots,  and  should  anchor,  or  heave  to,  oflp  Panka 
Point,  to  wait  for  them.  In  the  eastern  monsoon  a  vessel  may  anchor 
at  the  entrance  of  the  New  Channel,  to  wait  for  high  water,  if  necessary,  to 
carry  her  over  the  bank,  and  the  more  so,  because  in  this  monsoon  higli  water 
takes  place  in  the  morning.  In  the  western  monsoon  high  water  occurs  at 
night,  or  in  the  evening,  and  when  a  high  swell  makes  it  unadvisable  to  an- 
chor outside  of  the  bank,  it  is  better  to  do  so  under  Panka  Point,  bringing 
the  flagstafE"  to  bear  N.W.  1  or  1 J  mile  distant,  in  3  or  4  fathoms. 

To  pass  outside  of  the  Zee  Bank,  keep  the  Little  Square  Mount  (being  the 
western  of  the  hills  near  Panka  Point)  W.  by  S.  h  S.  open  to  the  North  of  the 
Coffins  till  at  the  entrance  of  the  channel,  taking  care  that  the  two  Coffins  are 
in  one,  and  appear  to  be  as  one  long  mountain  ridge.  To  the  eastward  the 
N.W.  extremity  of  Madura,  Cape  Wodon,  should  not  be  brought  to  the 
northward  of  East,  in  order  to  clear  the  Zee  Bank,  and  the  rocks  of  lamoeang, 
which  lie  a  little  to  the  eastward  of  the  channel,  and  which  are  covered  by 
the  sea  at  high  water. 

Ships  are  sometimes  detained  xipon  the  bank  or  at  the  entrance  of  the 
channel  by  the  singular  tides  which  prevail  thei-e,  and  for  which  science  has 
not  yet  been  able  to  account,  or  the  pilots  even  to  reduce  to  rule.  In  the 
chart  of  the  channels  leading  to  Sourabaya,  by  Capt.  M.  H.  Jansen,  D.R.N., 
the  depths  are  given  at  low  water,  and  the  following  remarks  are  made  on 
the  tides — 

"During  the  months  in  which  the  sun  is  on  or  near  the  equator,  i.e.,  in 
March,  April,  September,  and  October,  there  are  in  this  channel,  at  the  fuU 

I.   A.  4  u 


698  JAVA. 

and  change,  two  tides  in  the  24  hours  ;  but  at  the  quarter  moons,  as  well  as 
during  all  the  other  months,  there  is  only  one  tide,  and  it  makes  low  water 
in  the  night  with  South  declination,  and  in  the  day  when  the  sun  has  North 
declination. 

"  The  greatest  rise  and  fall  of  spring  tides  is  6  ft.,  and  it  occurs  only  in 
those  months  when  there  is  but  one  high  water  in  the  24  hours,  and  3  or  4 
days  after  full  and  change.  The  least  rise  and  fall  is  4  ft.,  and  this  takes 
place  at  the  full  and  change  also,  but  only  in  the  months  when  there  are  the 
two  tides,  which  may  be  regarded  as  a  change  for  the  day  high  water  to  the 
night  high  water,  and  vice  versa.  At  the  quarter  moons  of  these  months  the 
water  rises  about  5  ft.,  and  in  every  other  month  5|  ft.,  above  the  depths 
marked  in  this  chart.* 

"  In  the  month  of — 


HOURS.         HOURS. 

May 

it  is  high  water  between     9^ 

and     Oi 

June 

8 

„      Oi 

July 

7 

„      0 

August 

4 

„       9 

November 

10 

,     12i 

December 

8 

„     12 

January 

8 

„     12 

February 

7 

„     12 

"  At  the  spring  tides,  as  well  as  at  the  quarter  moons,  it  is  high  water 
always  at  lOJ  or  22|  hours. 

"  During  the  months  when  the  two  tides  occur,  it  is  also  high  water  at  10 5'' 
and  221''.  These  two  tides  are,  however,  different  in  height  ;  and  when  the 
sun's  declination  is  North,  the  morning  tide  is  the  highest ;  but  when  it  is 
South,  the  evening  tide.  In  those  the  quarters  which  give  but  one  tide,  give 
the  higher  water  as  at  full  and  change." 

For  more  convenience,  a  stake  will  be  erected  at  each  side  of  the  channel, 
inside  of  the  bank,  indicating  how  many  feet  of  water  there  is  upon  the 
bank. 

A  vessel  bound  to  Sourabaya  may  steer  for  the  entrance  of  the  chapnel 
across  the  Zee  Bank,  as  before  directed.  The  land  about  Grissee  slopes 
gradually  up  from  the  eastward  to  Mount  Gierie,  but  its  western  side  is 
abrupt.  "When  this  steep  western  face  of  the  mount  bears  S.  by  "W.  ^  W., 
the  trees  of  Menarie  will  be  in  the  same  direction,  and  this  is  the  mark  to 
enter  the  channel  with  the  courses  of  S.  by  W.  J  "W.,  S  by  W.,  and  South. 

When  a  Kttle  way  up  channel,  more  trees  will  be  seen  on  Menarie,  and 

*  In  most  of  the  months  there  are  15  or  16  ft.  water  upon  the  bank,  but  when  the  sun 
has  no  declination,  or  when  it  is  very  small,  14  ft.,  and  14  ft.  at  full  and  change. 


STRAIT  OF  SOURABAYA.  699 

they  should  be  brought,  as  soon  as  they  are  visible,  in  one  with  that  same 
steep  western  side  of  Mount  Grissee ;  and  at  length,  when  the  low  point  of 
Menarie  is  entirely  seen,  keep  it  just  open  of  the  steep,  and  enter  the  strait 
on  that  mark.  If  there  be  a  commanding  breeze,  she  may  be  kept  more 
towards  Piering  Point  on  the  Madura  side,  because  the  Menarie  Bank  pro- 
jects into  the  channel.  In  hazy  weather,  especially  during  the  eastern  mon- 
soon, the  Grissee  hills  are  not  always  distinctly  seen,  but  the  buoys  hereafter 
described  render  that  of  less  importance  than  formerly.  In  the  eastern 
monsoon,  when  high  water  happens  between  8  o'clock  a.m.  and  noon,  and 
the  springs  at  10  or  11  o'clock,  the  period  when  the  land  wind  ceases  and 
the  sea  breeze  has  not  yet  set  in,  the  best  way  is  to  work  up  with  the  land 
wind  towards  the  shoalest  part  of  the  bank,  n  order  to  make  use  of  the 
high  water,  when  the  sea  breeze  sets  in.  The  current  sets  to  the  north- 
ward immediately  after  high  water,  and  therefore  if  vessels  that  are  out- 
ward bound  can  get  with  the  land  wind  to  this  spot,  they  will  be  able  in  a 
few  tacks,  with  the  sea  breeze,  to  pass  outside  the  bank. 

The  shoalest  part  of  the  Zee  Bank  channel  is  nearly  level.  On  the  shal- 
lowest, in  1847,  there  were  10  ft.,  and  with  spring  tides  16  ft.  ;  with  common 
tides  it  was  15  and  14  ft. 

Generally  the  ground  is  so  soft  that  a  vessel  receives  no  damage  by  remain- 
ing aground  there  ;  and  there  was  an  instance  of  a  ship,  drawing  a  quarter 
of  a  foot  more  than  the  depth  of  the  channel,  passing  over  the  bank. 

In  the  western  monsoon,  when  it  is  high  water  between  8  o'clock,  p.m., 
and  midnight,  the  sea  breeze  generally  prevails  ;  in  case  of  its  being  some- 
what scant  when  going  out,  keep  close  along  the  western  buoys,  and  then 
one  tack  will  carry  you  over  the  bank. 

The  directions  given  above  will  be  found  useful  in  studying  the  tides  and 
best  time  for  entering  the  channel.  We  now  proceed  to  describe  the  buoys, 
and  a  few  of  the  directions  given  above  will  be  repeated. 

Buoys. — The  northern  entrance  channels  to  Sourabaya  Strait  are  marked 
by  white  buoys  on  their  western  sides,  and  by  Hack  buoys  on  their  eastern 
sides,  or  by  white  buoys  to  starboard,  and  black  buoys  to  port,  in  entering. 
The  buoys  are  each  surmounted  by  a  staff  and  ball.  The  entrance  to  the 
Western  Channel,  at  7  miles  E.  by  N.  of  Panka  Point,  is  marked  on  either 
side  by  a  white  buoy  and  a  black  buoy,  these  buoys  being  2  miles  apart 
E.  by  S.  J  S.  and  W.  by  N.  ^  N.  from  each  other.  The  white  buoy,  on  the 
western  side  of  the  channel,  lies  7  miles  nearly  E.  by  N.  \  N.  from  the  flag- 
staff on  Panka  Point,  and  N.  k  E.  3f  miles  from  the  new  lightvessel. 

The  leading  mark  up  the  Western  Channel  is  the  western  slope  of  Grissee 
Hills,  in  line  with  the  outer  edge  of  the  trees  on  Menarie,  S.  by  W.  ^  W. 
This  mark  will  lead  up  between  the  white  buoys  and  the  lightvessel  (each 
about  2  miles  apart)  on  the  westei-n  side  of  the  channel,  and  the  black  buoys 
on  the  eastern  side.     By  keeping  to  this  mark  a  vessel  will  pass  nearly  a  mile 


700  JAVA. 

eastward  of  the  lightvessel,  IJ  mile  eastward  of  Fort  Erfprins,  and  4  cables 
outside  the  shoal  water  extending  oflP  that  fort ;  thence  the  course  continued 
will  carry  her  in  safety  nearly  up  to  Kresik. 

The  Eastern  Channel  is  marked  in  a  similar  manner  to  the  Western 
Channel,  but  is  much  narrower,  being  only  about  half  a  mile  across.  It  has 
three  white  buoys  on  its  western  side,  and  three  black  buoys  on  its  eastern 
side  ;  the  outermost  buoy  lying  three-quarters  of  a  mile  E.  by  S.  ^  S.  from 
the  outer  black  buoy  of  the  Western  Channel,  9^  miles  E.  ^  N.  of  Panka 
Point ;  5  miles  W.  ^  N.  of  Cape  Wodon ;  and  N.E.  J  E.  4  miles  from  the 
lightvessel.  From  a  position  midway  between  the  outer  buoys  of  this  chan- 
nel the  course  is  S.  by  W.  f  W.  for  4^  miles,  thence  from  abreast  the  third 
white  buoy  the  course  is  more  westerly,  or  about  S.W.  by  S.  for  3  miles  into 
the  Eastern  Channel,  which  is  entered  abreast  Fort  Erfprins.  In  proceedings 
up  this  channel  great  laution  is  requisite  to  avoid  the  Dyamnang  Pocks, 
on  the  eastern  side ;  the  second  black  buoy  lies  off  their  eastern  side. 
From  abreast  Fort  Ei'fprins  the  leading  mark  previously  given  will  lead  up 
the  channel. 

The  Java  Bank,  abreast  Fort  Erfprins,  is  steep-to,  shoaling  suddenly  from 
15  to  2  or  3  feet.  The  channel  is  a  mile  wide,  and  if  too  fearful  of  the 
Java  Bank,  you  will  be  in  danger  of  the  Zee  Bank ;  and  the  more  so,  because 
the  stream  from  Solo  River  runs  along  the  western  side  of  the  fort,  and  then 
sets  over  to  the  Zee  Bank.  The  most  projecting  part  of  the  sand  abreast 
Fort  Erfprins  lies  E.  by  S.  |  S.  a  mile  from  the  fort,  and  can  be  easily  cleared 
by  passing  2  cables  outside  of  the  white  buoy,  lying  E.  f  N.  from  the  fort, 
and  steering  nothing  westward  of  S.  f  W.,  the  course  previously  recom- 
mended for  passing  through  the  channel. 

In  the  narrows  of  the  strait  a  mark  to  avoid  the  Java  side  is  the  steep  side 
of  Mount  Grissee  open  of  the  low  point  of  Menarie;  and  the  mark  for  the 
opposite  shore,  or  Madura  side,  is  the  small  house  upon  the  pier-head  of 
Sembilangan,  not  open  of  the  land.  When  a  vessel  has  to  enter  these  nar- 
rows with  a  faint  breeze,  which  is  often  the  case,  it  is  advisable  to  keep  on 
the  Menarie  side  of  the  bank  in  10  fathoms,  because  the  stream  setting  out 
of  the  Solo  Piver  has  often  so  much  force,  particularly  a  little  before  low 
water,  that  she  may  be  swept  by  the  united  efforts  of  this  current  and  the 
stream  from  the  old  channel,  across  the  strait,  and  compelled  to  anchor.  In 
the  westerly  monsoon  it  is  also  advisable  to  keep  this  side,  to  be  certain  to 
fetch  above  the  fishing-stakes,  when  the  wind  is  scant. 

When  working  through  this  part  of  the  strait,  stand  over  toward  the  Ma- 
dura side  into  7  fathoms,  and  to  the  Java  side  while  the  steep  side  of  the 
Grrissee  mount  is  open  of  the  Menarie  land.  Ships  that  anchor  in  the  narrows 
of  the  strait  should  do  so  under  Sawo  Point,  2  miles  southward  of  Fort  Erf- 
prins, in  not  less  than  10  fathoms,  as  in  less  water  there  are  rocks  under 


STRAIT  OF  SOUEABAYA.  701 

the  mud,  which  would  endanger  the  safety  of  the  ship  by  the  loss  of  the  an- 
chor.   The  stream  is  very  strong  in  the  narrows,  especially  to  the  northward. 

The  fishing-stakes  which  are  found  in  this  strait,  and  which  are  a  great 
obstruction  both  to  its  navigation  and  to  the  streams  of  tide,  should  be  kept 
all  to  the  eastward ;  pass  them  very  near  when  going  to  the  southward,  and 
make  the  Fourteen-feet  Bank.  "With  a  working  wind  the  Madura  shore  may 
be  approached  by  keeping  the  lead  briskly  going  till  amongst  the  fishing- 
stakes  ;  but  on  the  other  side  be  careful  to  keep  the  flagstaff  of  Fort  Erfprina 
open  outside  of  the  trees  of  Menarie,  to  avoid  the  steep  Java  Bank,  which 
fills  up  the  whole  space  formed  by  the  curve  between  Menarie  and  Grissee. 
A  red  buoy  marks  the  North  side  of  an  isolated  2 ^-fathom  patch,  in  th© 
middle  of  the  strait,  N.  |  E.  2  miles  from  Kresik  light.  This  patch  is  about 
2  cables  across;  Kresik  light  bearing  S.  f  E.  leads  in  mid-channel  west- 
ward of  it. 

In  the  beginning  of  the  eastern  monsoon,  the  northerly  sea  breeze  with 
which  the  Zee  Bank  has  been  crossed,  wiU  not  blow  farther  than  abreast  of 
Sembilangan  ;  and  from  thence  to  Boeloe  Point,  light  baSiing  winds  will  be 
met  with  ;  but  when  the  easterly  wind  comes  out  from  the  bight  of  Sotja, 
keep  along  the  fishing-stakes,  so  as  to  make  a  good  board  to  the  southward 
in  working  towards  Sourabaya.  In  a  more  advanced  stage  of  the  eastern 
monsoon  the  sea  breeze  will  reach  farther  in,  and  will  also  be  more  northerly  ; 
80  much  so  that,  generally  in  the  afternoon,  vessels  run  right  before  the  wind 
into  Sourabaya.  In  the  night  the  land  wind  blows  from  the  West,  and  in 
the  morning  more  from  the  southward.  In  the  western  monsoon  the  land 
wind  varies  between  the  N.W.  and  S.W.,  and  towards  the  end  of  that 
monsoon  more  northerly. 

Kresik  or  Grissee  is  a  noted  trading  place,  being  frequently  visited  by 
coasting-vessels,  which  keep  up  a  brisk  trade  ;  many  of  the  Indian  ships  were 
built  there,  and  it  affords  good  means  for  repairing  them.  A  pier  projects  for  a 
considerable  distance,  and  close  to  this  pier  is  the  usual  anchorage. 

K  fixed  bright  light  is  shown  at  the  pier-head  of  Kresik,  elevated  42  feet, 
and  visible  8  miles  off. 

From  Grissee  to  Sourabaya  the  course  is  S.E.  and  S.E.  by  E.,  and  close  to 
two  rocks  situated  near  the  Madura  shore,  called  the  Bujfels  Rocks  {^-aSsLloes), 
the  outermost  of  which  is  seldom  covered  by  the  sea,  even  at  high  water 
The  Madura  shore  may  be  approached  by  the  lead  till  near  the  Buffels,  and 
these  rocks  may  be  approached  till  within  half  a  mile.  The  Java  Bank, 
near  the  Pisang  Hocks  (which  are  marked  by  a  white  buoy  on  their 
northern  side),  is  steep-to,  the  depth  increasing  towards  them  to  8  or  9 
fathoms,  and  in  some  places  near  their  edge  to  10  or  11  fathoms;  they 
are  always  covered,  and  on  their  shoalest  part  there  is  but  a  foot  of  water. 
They  nearly  touch  the  steep  bank  of  Java,  S.AV.  by  W.  from  the  Buffels. 
To  keep  clear  of  the  Pisangs,  do  not  bring  Tanjongun  Point  to  the  eastward 


702  JAVA. 

of  North,  and  tack  immediately  when  the  water  deepens,  as  that  indicates 
the  proximity  of  this  bank.  The  current  sets  direct  on  these  rocks,  for  which 
reason  it  is  advisable  in  calms  and  light  winds  to  remain  near  the  Madura 
shore,  if  possible ;  but  when  once  past  the  Pisangs  and  Buflfels,  both  shores 
may  be  approached  to  7  fathoms  till  in  Sourabaya  Roads. 

SOERABAYA,  Sourabaya,  or  Surabaya,  is  in  the  southern  part  of  the 
Strait  of  Madura,  and,  with  the  exception  of  that  of  Tjilatjap  on  the  South 
coast,  is  the  only  sheltered  harbour  that  Java  possesses,  the  others  being 
only  open  roadsteads. 

It  is  the  stronghold  of  Java,  and  the  Dutch  government  have  spent  larg» 
sums  in  fortifying.  It  is  a  port  of  call  for  the  Netherlands^  India  Steam 
Navigation  Company's  boats.  The  ground  on  which  the  town  stands  is  a 
flat  alluvium,  of  recent  formation,  and  surrounded  by  marshy  land,  which  is 
penetrated  by  the  sea.  A  river,  called  the  Kali-Maas  (river  of  gold),  the 
source  of  which  is  at  a  considerable  distance  in  the  interior  of  the  island, 
separates  into  two  branches  just  before  reaching  the  town.  While  one  of 
its  streams  divides  Sourabaya  into  two  equal  parts,  the  other  just  enters  it^ 
and  falls  into  the  sea  about  half  a  mile  to  the  East  of  the  former.  The 
principal  branch  is  straitened  from  Sourabaya  to  the  sea.  The  current  in  it 
is  very  strong,  and  always  running  down ;  the  flood  or  ebb  stream  being 
neither  of  them  felt,  except  by  producing  a  difi'erence  of  level. 

This  canal  is  the  high  road  of  intercourse  between  the  roadstead  and  the 
town,  which  is  accessible  to  all  vessels  of  less  than  12  ft.  draught.  Boats  are 
tracked  up  against  the  stream,  and  on  the  left  bank  of  the  river  is  a  track 
road  for  the  purpose. 

Besides  a  strong  citadel  built  at  the  entrance  of  the  town  on  the  right  bank 
of  the  river,  there  is  an  enciente  with  bastions,  entirely  surrounding  the  town 
on  all  sides.  This  enceinte  is  very  wide  ;  but  the  importance  of  the  town 
must  not  be  judged  by  its  dimensions,  for  there  are  no  houses  of  stone  ex- 
cepting those  along  the  quays,  and  these  are  only  about  300  or  400  yards  on 
each  side  of  the  canal.  The  rest  of  the  enclosure  is  filled  one-half  by  swamps 
and  the  other  by  the  straw  huts  of  the  Malays. 

The  left  bank  of  the  canal  is  reserved  for  the  houses  of  Europeans  and 
the  various  government  establishments;  the  right  bank  is  occupied  by  the. 
Arabs  and  Chinese.  The  Europeans  who  live  there  are  generally  military 
and  civil  functionaries  of  the  government  and  some  small  merchants,  who 
have  only  their  houses  of  business  in  the  town,  their  dwelling-houses  being 
outside  of  the  enceinte.  It  is  the  same  with  those  carrying  on  business,  wha 
do  not  employ  more  than  two  hours  at  their  office.  All  these  buildings  are 
scattered  towards  the  river  South  of  Sourabaya,  and  extend  to  2  or  3  miles 
from  the  centre  of  the  town. 

There  is  an  excellent  Marine  Establishment  and  good  Hospital  at  Soura- 
baya.    There  were,  iu  1870,  several  private  establishments  for  the  repair  of 


STRAIT  OF  SOURABATA.  703 

fillips,  but  all  on  the  primitive  heaving  down  system.  The  Government 
Floating  Docks  are  excellently  managed,  but  merchant  vessels  can  seldom 
get  access  to  them.  A  time  hall  is  in  operation  at  the  Marine  Establishment, 
longitude  112°  43'  30"  E. 

Vessels  may  at  once  embark  their  cargoes  without  employing  proas  ;  and 
all  sorts  of  supplies  and  refreshments  are  to  be  had  in  abundance,  especially 
fresh  water,  which  is  filtered  and  purified,  and  carried  on  board  in  tanks,  in 
the  same  manner  as  at  Baiavia. 

The  river  is  broad  and  elongated  by  two  piers  ;  and  at  high  water  there 
is  sufiBcient  depth  for  large  proas  and  square-rigged  coasting  vessels,  which 
come  in  to  be  careened  and  repaired.  At  low  water,  however,  great  care  is 
requisite  in  entering  the  river,  even  with  boats,  there  being  sometimes  only 
a  foot  of  water  upon  the  bank,  and  if  not  kept  just  in  the  mid-channel, 
they  may  be  upset  by  the  current.  The  road  is  esteemed  to  be  very  healthy, 
and  afiFords,  in  all  seasons,  proper  and  safe  berths  for  vessels  of  all  sizes. 

The  anchorage  is  about  half  a  mile  North,  or  N.N.W.  from  the  entrance 
of  the  river,  in  9  fathoms  water,  Grissee  bearing  about  N.W.  by  W.  In  the 
western  monsoon  it  is  better  to  anchor  a  little  farther  out  in  stifi'er  holding 
ground,  and  also  to  moor. 

Vessels  staying  longer  than  24  hours  in  Soerabaya  Roads  are  compelled 
to  moor  with  sufficient  scope  of  cable,  and  clear  of  other  shipping,  under  a 
penalty  of  100  florins  for  vessels  above  100  tons  burden,  or  of  25  florins  for 
smaller  vessels.     (Ordinance,  March  28,  1862.) 

The  land  is  low  fronting  the  strait,  but  at  a  considerable  distance  in  the 
interior  there  are  some  high  mountains,  of  which  the  principal  peaks  are 
the  Penang,  S.  by  W.  \  W.,  distant  26  miles,  5,495  ft.  high ;  Ardjoeno,  S.  by 
W.  i  W.,  distant  36^  miles,  11,627  ft.  high;  and  Setniroe,  S.  by  E.,  55^  miles, 
12,385  ft.  high. 

The  Solo  Elver,  which  discharges  its  water  into  the  strait  of  Sourabaya 
at  a  distance  of  2  miles  W.S.W.  from  Fort  Erfprins,  is  one  of  the  largest 
and  deepest  rivers  of  the  Isle  of  Java,  and  is  navigated  by  large  proas  far 
into  the  interior.  In  1841  a  part  of  this  river,  with  the  shoals  at  its  entrance, 
was  surveyed  by  Lieut.  Groll,  commander  H.N.M.  iron  steamer  £tna.  He 
states  that  the  channel,  from  the  southward  of  Fort  Erfprins  to  the  entrance, 
leads  close  along  the  shore  of  Menarie,  and  at  low  water  in  from  3  to  H 
fathoms  in  depth.  Upon  the  bank  which  runs  along  the  North  side  of  this 
channel  there  are,  at  low  water,  but  5^  or  6  ft.,  and  part  of  it  dries ;  it  con- 
sists in  some  places  of  sand,  and  in  others  of  mud,  but  higher  up  of  clay  and 
mud.  The  depth  is  greater  inside  than  outside  the  entrance,  amounting  in 
many  places  towards  the  village  Boenga  to  5  and  7  fathoms.  In  the  eastern 
monsoon  the  flood  streams  up  as  far  as  Boenga,  and  at  Bodjo  Negors  the 
water  is  brackish  and  unpalatable.     In  the  western  monsoon  there  is  more 


704  JAVA. 

water  in  the  river,  and,   according  to  the  natives,  the  current  in  this  season 
always  sets  down. 


MADURA  ISLAND. 


The  North  Coast  of  Madura,  and  the  channels  eastward,  were  surveyed, 
in  1822,  by  Lieut.  F.  A.  Fokke,  of  the  Dutch  Eoyal  Navy.  The  whole  of 
the  North  coast  of  this  island  may  be  safely  approached,  there  being  at  the 
distance  of  1  mile  4  or  5  fathoms  depth,  at  2  or  3  miles  7  to  9  fathoms,  and 
6  to  8  miles  15  to  20  fathoms,  and  16  to  20  miles  30,  40,  and  45  fathoms,  for 
the  most  part  good  holding  ground. 

This  coast  is  moderately  elevated,  and  except  for  some  hills  near  its 
western  end,  of  a  uniform  height ;  it  has  generally  a  fertile  appearance,  with 
some  rocky  sand  patches  at  its  eastern  extremity.  A  fresh-water  place  is 
said  to  be  not  far  from  the  East  end. 

BAWEAM"  or  Bavian  or  Lubec  Island  bears  due  North  from  Sourabaya 
Strait,  and  its  centre  lies  in  5°  49""  S.,  and  112°  42'  E.,  according  to  the  mean 
of  several  chronometric  observations.  It  is  of  considerable  extent,  being 
North  and  South  9 J  miles,  and  East  and  West  10  miles;  towards  the  centre 
and  West  end  very  high  ;  and  having  some  small  islands  on  both  sides.  It 
is  dangerous  to  approach  from  the  eastward,  on  account  of  extensive  rocky 
shoals,  which  reach  6  to  10  miles  off,  and  near  which  there  are  25  and  30 
fathoms  water.  The  outermost  of  these  is  the  extensive  group  of  the  Tam- 
haga  Roeks,  which  show,  and  lie  about  10  miles  E.N.E.  of  the  peak  of  Ba- 
wean  Island.  These  rocks  form  a  group  2  or  3  miles  in  extent,  and  are  the 
northernmost  of  the  patches  lying  off  the  East  side  of  Bawean.  Separated 
from  them  by  a  channel,  1^  mile  wide,  is  another  patch,  2  miles  in  extent. 
North  and  South.  These  are  separated  from  Lor  Island  (1^  mile  off  the 
East  extreme  of  Bawean)  and  its  surrounding  dangers  by  a  channel  1^  mile 
in  width.  Bungarang  Reef,  under  water,  lies  4  miles  S.E.  of  Lor  Island. 
The  channels  within  these  reefs  are  of  doubtful  safety.  The  South,  West, 
and  North  coasts  of  the  island  should  not  be  approached  within  2  miles,  ex- 
cept with  great  caution,  as  many  sunken  rocks  lie  off  its  shores.  Noko  Reef 
lies  S.E.  from  the  peak  of  Bawean,  l|  mile  off  shore. 

Sankapoera.—Th.Q  principal  place  in  this  island  is  Sanka  Poera,  or  Sanca 
Poura,  on  the  shore  of  a  bay,  in  its  southern  coast.  There  is  good  anchorage 
in  this  bay,  in  7  to  10  fathoms  water,  between  the  reefs,  the  western  ex- 
tremity of  the  bay,  Alang  Point,  which  is  high  and  conspicuous,  bearing 
from  West  to  W.S.W.     There  are  several  reefs  in  this  bay,  which  stretch 


GILIANG.  705 

air^ross  from  both  sides,  and  therefore  a  stranger  should  not  bring  Alaug 
Point  to  the  southward  of  W.  ^  8. 

W.S.W.  i  W.,  3  or  4  miles  from  Alang  Point,  Lieut.  Fokke  discovered  a 
ledge  of  rocks,  carrying  from  5  to  9  fathoms,  but  suddenly  rising  from  the 
depth  of  30  fathoms ;  and  the  Uromo  found  another  at  the  same  distance 
from  that  point,  but  bearing  from  8.  by  W.  ^  W.  to  S.  by  E.  f  E.,  with  7 
to  9  fathoms. 

Miltoti  Rock,  4  miles  westward  of  Bawean  Island,  was  found  by  Mr.  George 
Butchard,  in  1876,  to  consist  of  coral,  to  extend  about  270  yards  in  a  N.W. 
and  S.E.  direction,  and  to  have  16  ft.  on  its  shoalest  part,  deepening  all 
round  to  4^  and  6  fathoms,  and  then  to  18  fathoms.  The  following  bearings 
for  the  position  of  this  danger  are  given  by  Mr.  Butchard  : — S.W.  point  of 
Bawean  Island,  S.E.  by  E. ;  North  point  of  Bawean  Island  (Tienio  Point), 
N.E.  by  E. ;  Small  Islet  (Nusa),  N.E.  ^  N.  These  bearings  place  the  rock 
in  lat.  5°  44'  S.,  long.  112°  33'  E. 

Nusa  Island  and  Rock,  the  rock  lying  about  a  mile  N.W.  from  the  islet, 
are  about  4  miles  N.N.E.  of  Milton  Eock,  and  4  miles  westward  of  Tienio 
Point,  the  N.W.  extreme  of  Bawean  Island.  S.W.  and  N.E.  of  Tienio 
Point  dangers  lie  at  the  distance  of  a  mile. 

The  Hastings  Eock,  upon  which  the  British  ship  the  Marquis  of  Hastings 
Btruck,  May  27,  1826,  lies  in  6°  6'  S.  and  112''  32'  E.,  with  the  summit  of  the 
island  of  Bawean  bearing  N.E.  by  N.,  20  miles  distant.  The  rock  is  not 
visible,  and  probably  but  very  small. 

Nahmen's  or  Oosterling  Eock  or  Ircakers  were  seen  from  the  Dutch  barque 
Oosterling,  March  22,  1855,  at  about  25  miles  N.W.  of  the  centre  of  Bawean. 
It  was  not  sounded  on,  but  it  appeared  to  be  in  lat.  5°  33'  S.,  long,  112°  28'  E. 

The  Arrogant  Eeef,  in  5°  12'  S.,  and  113°  0'  E.  by  a  mean  of  the  chrono- 
meters of  H.M.S.  Arrogant,  and  those  of  the  Dover  Castle,  which  agreed 
within  4  minutes  of  arc,  lies  about  11  leagues  N.N.E.,  of  Bawean,  having 
been  dif  covered,  in  1802,  by  the  former  ship.  It  was  examined  by  the  boats, 
and  found  to  extend  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  N.W.  and  S.E.  with  only  5  or 
6  ft.  water,  where  they  could  approach  in  safety  from  the  breakers.  There 
were  from  5  to  12  and  25  fathoms  round  it  at  the  distance  of  a  cable's 
length.     This  reef  is  just  in  the  track  of  ships  from  Batavia  to  Macassar  &c. 

GILIANG  or  Pondi  is  a  small  flat  island,  in  7°  S.,  and  114°  10'  48"  E., 
and  about  3  miles  East  from  the  East  point  of  Madura.  The  passage  be- 
tween them  has  from  5  to  16  fathoms  water,  soft  ground,  but  is  a  very  narrow- 
channel,  occasioned  by  the  shoal  spit  which  projects  from  the  East  point  of 
Madura,  and  upon  the  edge  of  which  there  are  but  3  fathoms.  A  small 
shoal,  with  3^  fathoms  water,  lies  a  mile  AVest  from  the  North  point  of 
I.  A.  4  2: 


706  JAVA. 

(xiliang ;  and  a  large  bank  with  U  fathom  shoalest  water  stretches  North 
and  N.N.E.  as  far  as  3  miles  from  the  East  point  of  Madura. 

Tamlaga  Rock. —  The  two  dangerous  rocks  of  Tambaga,  according  to 
Lieutenant  Fokke,  lie  4  miles  East  from  Sarotak  Point,  the  south-eastern 
angle  of~Talango  Island  ;  N.E.  by  N.  from  Lawak  ;  and  S.  by  W.  ^  W. 
from  Giliang.  At  low  water,  these  rocks  are  even  with  the  water's  edge, 
and  lie  about  a  mile  distant  from  each  other,  with  10,  20,  and  24  fathoms 
close  to.  A  third  and  very  dangerous  rock,  previously  known  to  exist,  lies 
rather  above  a  mile  to  the  South  of  them.  Its  position  was  ascertained  by 
Captain  Gaeter,  D.E.N. ,  in  the  steamer  i^raa^,  in  1867.  The  British  ship 
JEdendale  was  wrecked  on  it.  It  has  only  14  ft.  water,  and  bears  S.E.  by  E. 
from  the  westerly  Tambaga  Eeef  and  S.W.  \  S.  from  the  eastern  one,  Gili 
Lawak  bearing  S.W.  westerly. 

A.  fifteen- feet  patch  lies  a  cable  southward  of  the  Tambaga  Rocks. 

Four  miles  N.E.  of  these  Tambaga  Rocks  there  is  another,  which  was 
discovered,  in  1822,  by  Lieut.  Fokke,  and  named,  after  the  vessel  he  com- 
manded, the  Jacoba  Fltzabeth ;  but  it  need  not  be  avoided  by  ships,  as  the 
shoalest  water  upon  it  is  7  fathoms,  with  22  and  50  fathoms  all  round. 

SAPOEDIE  ISLAND,  the  Galioen,  or  Respondi,  of  the  old  charts,  lies 
between  7°  3'  and  7°  10^'  S.,  and  the  West  point  in  114°  19'  E. ;  it  is  larger 
and  higher  than  Giliang.  Both  are  well  cultivated,  and  bear  a  fertile  and 
pleasant  aspect.  About  5  miles  to  the  N.N.E.  of  the  N.E.  end  of  Sapoedie 
is  Pandyang,  a  small  island  with  two  small  islets,  lying  within  9  miles  west- 
ward from  it.  North  3  miles  from  the  centre  of  the  three  islets,  and  N.E.  f  N. 
of  the  West  point  of  Sapoedie  is  a  6-fathom  bank,  discovered  in  1864  by 
Capt.  Kuffeler. 

Sapoedie  Strait,  or  the  channel  between  Sapoedie  and  Giliang,  is  6  miles 
wide,  and  the  usual  track  for  vessels  bound  to  the  Strait  of  Bali.  Besides 
the  above-described  rocks  of  Tambaga  and  Jacoba,  there  are  no  dangers  ; 
and  though  the  soundings  are  very  irregular,  varying  from  10  to  30  fathoms, 
yet  it  is  a  very  good  channel,  and  preferable  either  to  that  West  of  Giliang, 
or  East  of  Sapoedie.  South  of  Sapoedie  the  depths  increase  rapidly  to  50 
and  100  fathoms  ;  and  the  course  to  be  steered  to  Cape  Sedano  is  about 
S.  by  E. 

There  is  a  safe  channel  to  the  eastward  of  Sapoedie,  with  moderate  depths 
between  it  and  the  isle  of  Ra-as  (Great  Hog  Island).  Lieutenant  Boedrie, 
in  H.N.M.  schooner  Iris,  found  a  rocky  shoal,  upon  which  were  but  2  fathoms. 
This  spot  bore  W.  i  S.  from  Sarok  Island  and  N.  ^  E.  from  the  West  point 
of  Ra-as.  The  shoal  is  round,  about  a  cable's  length  in  diameter,  and  very 
dangerous  for  all  vessels  passing  through  this  channel  from  Sumanap  to 
Kangeang  or  Macassar. 

Lawak,  or  Turtle  Island,  lies  in  lat.  7°  12'  20"  S.,  and  long.  114°  3' E. 
It  is  a  small  sandy  island,  covered  with  trees,  and  discernible  8  miles  ofiP. 


SUMANAP.  707 

Between  this  island  and  the  extremity  of  the  long  neck  projecting  from  Gin- 
tang  Island,  6  miles  to  the  westward,  are  two  rocks  above  water,  E.N.E. 
and  W.S.W.,  1|  mile  apart.  The  easternmost  lies  2  miles  West  of  Lawak, 
and  has  a  sunken  rock  just  West  of  it.  The  western  rock  has  a  sunken 
danger  on  its  eastern  side. 

SUMANAP  (the  Flagstaff)  lies  in  7°  2'  30"  S.,  and  113°  55'  E.  It  is  a 
considerable  town,  and  furnishes  fresh  water  and  provisions  of  all  kinds. 
The  adjacent  country  abounds  with  rice  and  timber,  several  coasting  traders 
being  built  here.  The  bay  is  margined  by  a  soft  mud  bank,  so  that  ships 
are  obliged  to  anchor  at  a  great  distance  from  the  shore.  Large  ships 
anchor  in  5  or  5^  fathoms,  4  or  5  miles  from  the  fort.  Small  vessels  anchor 
more  in  shore,  about  2 J  miles  from  Sumanap,  in  3  fathoms,  mud. 

Ships  coming  from  the  southward,  and  intending  to  touch  at  Sumanap, 
should  first  make  Lawak,  pass  on  its  eastern  side,  and  stand  along  the  South 
side  of  Talango  for  the  anchorage.  The  passage  between  Lawak  and  Gen- 
ting  is  not  to  be  recommended,  on  account  of  the  above-mentioned  rocks ; 
nor  should  Gintang,  or  Genting,  be  approached  too  near  on  its  northern 
side,  as  two  rocks,  Noko  and  Gemer,  lie  1^  and  1  mile  from  it ;  both,  how- 
ever, are  above  water,  and  discernible  at  some  distance.  The  channel  lead- 
ing to  Sumanap,  between  Gintang  and  Radja,  is  safe,  with  19  to  8  fathoms 
water  ;  but  a  berth  of  about  a  mile  should  be  given  to  these  islands  on  both 
sides,  as  reefs  project  nearly  to  that  distance.  Channel  passed,  steer  N.E. 
by  E.,  in  8  fathoms  depth,  close  round  the  South  point  of  the  bay,  for  the 
anchorage.  The  extremity  of  the  reef  off  the  West  side  of  Gintang  is  marked 
by  a  white  buoy  with  mast  and  ball,  and  that  off  the  East  end  of  Radya  by  a 
Hack  buoy  with  mast  and  ball. 

Along  the  Madura  coast  there  is  in  most  places  soft  mud,  except  upon  the 
reef  near  the  East  point ;  but  among  the  islands  there  will  generally  be 
found  hard  sand  or  rock  at  the  bottom.  Lieutenant  Fokke  gives  the  time  of 
high  water,  in  the  middle  of  the  East  monsoon,  at  noon  ;  but  in  November 
about  midnight.  In  common  tides  the  rise  is  5  ft.,  and  at  springs  7  or  8  ft. 
Sometimes  he  experienced  a  current  among  the  islands,  of  2^  miles  per 
hour. 

Gilingan  Island  lies  S.W.  2^  miles  from  the  West  end  of  Radya,  and 
S.E.  li  mile  from  it  is  Guntur  Rock.  A  doubtful  patch  lies  S.E.  ^  S.  2 J 
miles  from  Gilingan,  and  a  9-ft.  rock  was  reported  by  the  Merapie  to  lie  in 
lat.  V  18'  S.,  long.  113°  54'  E.,  with  Genting  Island  bearing  N.  ^  W.  to 
N.E.  ^  N.     This  latter  patch  is  not  marked  on  the  Admiralty  chart. 

Boender  and  Tiandie  are  two  places  in  a  bight  of  the  South  coavst  of 
Madura,  about  6  leagues  West  of  Sumanap.  These  places  are  sometimes 
visited  by  trading  ships,  to  take  in  salt,  which  they  produce  in  abundance. 
A  great  many  dangerous  rocks  and  reefs  lie  in  this  bay,  and  make  it  neces- 
sary to  approach  it  with  caution,  the  more  so  as  the  fishing  stakes  indicating 


705  JAVA. 

their  position  being  sometimes  washed  away  by  the  sea,  no  implicit  reliance 
can  be  placed  on  them. 

In  the  eastern  monsoon  the  tide  sets  N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  in  the  western 
monsoon  E.N.E.  and  "W.S.W.  In  common  tides  the  rise  is  4J  ft.,  and  in 
the  springs  8  or  8^  ft. 

KANGEANG. — A  chain  of  small  islets  and  rocks  stretch  eastward  of  Sa- 
poedie  as  far  as  Karigeang,  an  extensive  island,  the  N.W.  point  of  which  i« 
in  6°  50'  30"  S.,  and  115°  12'  E.  In  former  charts  all  these  island  were  re- 
presented very  incorrectly,  but  the  observations  of  yarious  officers  of  the  Dutch 
navy  have  made  the  islands  better  known. 

The  north-western  part  of  Kangeang  is  high  and  rugged,  but  clothed  with 
trees  ;  the  eastern  point  is  less  high,  with  a  more  even  appearance  ;  and  in  the 
S.W.  part  the  land  is  low  and  bushy.  It  is  a  very  fertile  island,  governed 
by  the  Sultan  of  Sumanap,  and  scantily  peopled  ;  but  visited  by  trading 
proas  from  Baly,  Sumanap,  and  Bawean.  Sometimes  this  island  is  subject 
to  invasions.  Near  the  N.W.  point  of  Kangeang  lies  the  small  iaiand  of 
Manpoeriet,  or  Manropet,  which  is  of  considerable  height,  and  visible  as  far  as 
that  N.W.  point,  i.e.,  in  clear  weather,  about  8  or  9  leagues ;  and  it  is  sur- 
rounded by  a  coral  reef,  which  projects  at  the  N.W.  and  W.N.W.  sidea 
about  3  miles.  Between  Manpoeriet  and  the  N.W,  side  of  Kangeang,  there 
is  a  bay  of  a  mile  wide,  in  which  are  several  rocks,  one  of  which,  a  danger- 
ous coral  patch  of  3^  fathoms,  lies  with  Manpoeriet  West  point  bearing' 
N.W.,  and  Katapang  flagstaff  W.  and  E.  ^  S.  The  village  of  Katapang  is 
situated  in  this  bay.  According  to  Lieutenant  Jolly,  a  ship  having  cleared 
the  reef  of  Manpoeriet,  may  steer  mid-channel  into  the  bay,  till  Manpoeriet 
bears  North,  when  a  good  anchorage  will  be  found  in  10  fathoms  depth. 
This  is  a  fair  and  safe  berth  in  the  S.E,  monsoon,  and  it  is  not  advisable  for 
large  ships  to  stand  farther  in,  as  coral  reefs  project  in  some  places  a  mile 
off  shore.  There  are  some  refreshments  to  be  had  there,  and  a  liitle  good 
water  may  be  found  in  two  wells  upon  the  beach.  In  the  N.W.  monsoon  a 
large  ship  will  not  obtain  shelter  against  hard  winds  and  high  seas, 

Kamirian,  or  TJrk  Island,  in  7°  2'  15"  S.,  and  115°  12'  E.,  or  8°  24'  E.  of 
Batavia,  is  of  a  circular  form,  very  woody,  not  very  high,  with  a  sandy  beach 
all  round,  but  which  projects  most  to  the  westward.  The  passages  on  both 
Bides  of  Kamirian  are  safe,  with  40  and  50  fathoms  depth  in  the  middle,  25 
near  the  island,  and  15  and  10  on  the  Kangeang  side.  These  passages  are 
of  importance  to  ships  coming  from  Australia  and  bound  to  Singapore  or 
Bengal,  and  are  often  preferred  to  Salayer  Strait  when  coming  from  Banda 
or  the  Moluccas,  in  the  strength  of  the  East  monsoou,  and  going  to  Batavia, 
The  passage  to  the  eastward  of  Kamirian  is  4  miles  wide,  and  has  no  dan- 
gers, as  the  reefs  project  from  the  S.W.  point  of  Kangeang  about  a  mile 
only  ;  and  the  passage  West  of  Kamirian  between  it  and  Takat,  is  at  least 


KAXGEAXG  GTTOUF.  109 

A  miles  wide,  and  has  no  dangers,  the  reefs  on  either  side  showing-  their 
edges  by  the  discolouration  of  the  water. 

Karang  Takat  Bank,  sometimes  called  the  Four  Brothers,  is  an  extensive 
coral  shoal,  which  stretches  E.S.E.  and  W.N.W.  for  a  length  of  4  leagues, 
with  three  dry  patches,  elevated  2  or  3  ft.  above  low  water.  These  patches 
are  called  by  the  natives  Takat  Oomoh,  Takat  Fimor,  and  Takat  Tinga ;  two  of 
them  are  near  the  extreme  ends,  and  one  in  the  middle  of  the  bank.  Ac- 
cording to  Lieutenant  Boedrie,  in  1827,  and  Captain  Machielson,  in  1834, 
the  southernmost  part  of  the  bank  bears  about  W.  ^N.  from  Kamirian,  and 
the  northernmost  part  of  it  S.W.  by  W.  i  W.  from  the  N.W.  point  of  Kan- 
geang.  This  shoal  is  very  steep-to,  as  Lieut.  Gregory,  who  passed  very 
near  it  in  1836,  in  H.N.M  corvette  Boreas,  states  that  at  the  distance  of  half 
a  mile  E.N.E.  from  its  north-westernmost  point  he  had  39  fathoms,  and  at 
half  a  mile  from  its  S.E.  point,  Urk  Island  bearing  E.  by  S.,  there  was  no 
bottom  with  45  fathoms.  With  a  good  look-out  at  the  mast-head,  this 
dangerous  shoal  will  be  discernible  at  a  considerable  distance  by  the  colour 
of  the  water,  except  when  in  the  direction  of  the  sun. 

The  passage  West  of  Takat,  between  it  and  the  small  islands  of  Kamoedie 
and  Goa,  is  about  3  or  4  leagues  wide,  and  is  said  to  be  safe ;  but  as  but  little 
is  known  about  this  channel,  the  utmost  care  and  prudence  is  to  be  recom- 
mended to  vessels  proceeding  through  it. 

The  English  ship  Ma7j,  in  1843,  passed  close  to  the  southward  of  Ea-as 
and  of  the  islands  to  the  eastward  of  it,  and  struck  upon  a  coral  rock  there, 
with  only  13  ft.  According  to  the  account  of  her  captain  (Gait),  it  lies  5  miles 
S.E.  by  E.  from  Little  Ea-as,  or  Tund  Island,  and  6  miles  S.  by  W.  from 
Goa.     There  is  also  a  rock  between  Timd  and  Ea-as. 

Dangers  Northward  of  Kangeang. — At  3  miles  N.N.W.  of  Manropit 
Island  is  a  sunken  rock,  and  15  miles  westward  of  that  island  is  another  sunken 
rock  of  doubtful  position,  but  placed  on  the  chart  in  lat.  6°  -50'  S.,  long, 
114°  51'  E.  Sumhing  Reef,  of  3  fathoms,  discovered  in  1863,  is  marked  on 
the  chart  6  miles  North  of  the  North  side  of  Kangeang  Island,  in  lat. 
6°  42'  S.,  long.  115°  22'  E.  At  15i  miles  N.  ^  E.  of  Sumbing  Eeef  is  a  4^- 
fathom  patch,  and  N.E.  by  N.  11  miles  from  this  patch  is /*r2'wc(?  i/awr/^s 
Reef,  in  lat.  6=  20'  S.,  long.  115°  31'  E.  A  spot  4  miles  long  East  and  West, 
■with  9  and  10  fathoms  water  over  it,  lies  in  lat.  6°  5'  S.,  long.  115°  12'  to 
115°  16'  E. 

Kalkun  or  Turkey  Islands,  five  in  number,  are  low,  and  their  locality  little 
known.  A  passage  between  them  and  Kangeang  has  been  used,  but  is  also 
little  known.  The  southern  island  is  surrounded  by  rocks  to  the  distance  of 
3  miles  all  round,  and  lies  13  miles  N.  by  E.  of  the  East  end  of  Kangean^ 
Island,  in  lat.  6=  43'  S.,  long.  115°  41'  E.  It  is  2  miles  in  length  East  and 
West.  Two  of  the  islands  lie  N.W.  h  N.,  at  the  distance  of  5  and  10  miles 
from  the  East  end  of  the  South  Turkey  Island,  and  a  sunken  rock  lies  in 


710  JAVA. 

the  same  direction  6  miles  from  the  outer  island,  and  1 1  miles  South  of 
Prince  Maurits  Eeef,  The  other  two  islands  lie  at  11  miles  N.N.E.,  and  15 
miles  N.E.  by  N.  from  the  South  Turkey. 

Looper  Reef,  of  coral,  in  lat.  6°  28'  S.,  long.  115°  55'  E.,  and  10  miles 
E.N.E.  from  the  N.E.  Turkey  Island,  has  2f  fathoms  water  on  it,  and  was 
discovered  by  Capt.  Looper,  E.D.N. 

Belliqueux  Reef  is  the  old  name  for  all  this  locality.  A  4i-fathom  patch 
lies  12  miles  E.S.E.  of  Looper  Reef,  and  thence  the  water  is  considered  dan- 
gerous westward  of  a  line  extending  25  miles  to  the  southward  to  Sakala  or 
Sastings  Island,  which  lies  20  miles  N.E.  of  the  East  end  of  Pandyang 
Island,  the  easternmost  of  the  Kangeang  Group. 

A  roclc  is  marked  in  lat.  6°  34'  S.,  long.  116°  44'  E.,  38  miles  N.E.  by  K 
of  Sakala  Island,  and  45  miles  E.  ^  S.  of  Looper  Reef 

Peterborough  Shoal,  in  lat.  6°  87',  long.  115°  5H',  was  discovered  by  a  vessel 
of  that  name  in  1871.  The  shoal  appeared  to  be  a  narrow  coral  shoal,  lying 
in  au  East  and  West  direction.  It  was  steep-to,  and  from  it  the  N.E. 
Turkey  Island,  distant  10  miles  N.W.  by  N.,  was  just  visible. 

Cyclops  Reef  is  marked  in  Dutch  charts  in  lat.  6°  48'  S  ,  long.  115°  44'  E. 
It  has  4J  fathoms  water,  and  lies  S.S.E.  7^  miles  from  the  South  Turkey 
Island.  Sedulang  Shoal  lies  6  miles  eastward  of  it,  and  10  miles  N.  \  E.  of 
an  islet  of  the  same  name.  There  are  no  reefs  yet  discovered  between  Sedu- 
lang Shoal  and  the  islets  lying  off  the  Kangeang  Group,  or  in  the  space  of 
9  miles  southward  of  Cyclops  Reef  and  Sedulang  Shoal. 


(     711     ) 


MADURA   STRAIT. 


Vessels  bound  from  Sourabaja  to  the  Strait  of  Madura  will  find  pilots  at 
Passueroean.  There  are  two  channels  ;  the  Jansen  Channel,  to  the  westward, 
is  well  buoyed,  and  leads  along  the  Java  shore  ;  while  the  Old  Channel 
(Trechter),  lying  more  to  the  eastward,  passes  close  to  the  Gezonken  (sunken) 
Fort,  commonly  called  Daendels  Fort,  and  is  not  buoyed.  But  before  we 
enter  either  of  those  channels,  it  will  be  satisfactory  to  give  some  remarks 
upon  the  tides  in  the  Trechter,  which  afi'ect  them  both  equally. 

The  Tides  in  many  parts  of  these  seas  are  attended  with  considerable 
peculiarities  and  difficulties,  and  none  more  so  than  those  which  psss  through 
the  Trechter.  They  have  been  carefully  investigated  and  elaborately  de- 
scribed by  Capt.  M.  H.  Jansen,  D.E.N. ;  but  for  the  general  purpose  of  these 
instructions  the  following  briefly-stated  facts  will  probably  be  sufficient.  It 
has  been  seen  that  on  the  Zee  Bank  there  are  for  a  few  months  two  tides  in 
the  24  hours,  but  that,  for  the  major  part  of  the  year,  there  is  only  one  hicrh 
water  in  that  interval ;  in  the  Trechter,  on  the  contrary,  there  are  always 
two  distinct  tides,  though  they  differ  materially  in  height,  according  to  the 
sun  being  North  or  South  of  the  equator.  Secondly,  the  rise  and  fall  of  the 
water  in  the  Trechter,  springs  and  neaps,  are  8;^  and  5^  ft.  ;  which,  being 
much  greater  than  the  corresponding  rise  and  fall  on  the  Zee  Bank,  it  fol- 
lows that  the  stream  sets  to  the  northward  through  the  Trechter  from  two 
hours  after  high  water,  a  circumstance  very  favourable  to  vessels  enterino- 
from  the  southward,  and  equally  troublesome  to  those  that  are  bound  to  the 
eastward  from  Sourabaya. 

The  JANSEN  CHANNEL,  above  mentioned,  is  liable  to  change,  and 
therefore  no  permanent  directions  can  be  depended  on  for  it.  But  the  Dutch 
Government  have  well  buoyed  this  channel  in  the  early  part  of  1867,  with 
hlack  Herbert's  buoys  on  its  western  side,  and  wldte  buoys  on  its  eastern  side. 
The  channel  is  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  wide  at  its  northern  end,  and 
1^  mile  wide  between  the  buoys  at  its  southern  end.  The  northern  black 
buoy  lies  3  miles  East  of  Sourabaya,  and  3  cables  N.E.  of  Kalabang- 
kang  Point;  between  this  black  buoy  and  the  outermost  white  buoy, 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  E.N.E.  of  it,  is  the  northern  entrance  of  Jansen 
Channel.  Thence  the  course  is  about  S.E.  by  S.  for  7^  miles,  till  the  outer 
edge  of  the  trees  on  the  Java  shore  come  in  Hne  with  the  south-western 
slope  of  Madura  bearing  N.  W.,  which  is  the  mark  for  leading  out  of  the 
South  end  of  the  channel. 

Between  the  black  buoy  at  the  northern  entrance,  and  the  outer  black 
buoy  at  the  southern  entrance  of  Jansen  Channel,  the  distance  is  14  miles, 
and,  including  these  two  buoys,  the  western  side  of  the  channel  is  marked  by 
nine  black  buoys.     From  the  southernmost  black  buoy  the  eouthernmost 


712  JAVA. 

white  buoy  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  channel  bears  N.  J  W.,  distant  3 
miles.  The  eastern  side  of  the  channel  is  marked  by  seven  white  buoys,  all 
on  Herbert's  principle  except  the  northernmost. 

Jansen  Channel,  outward  boimd. — When  bound  to  the  eastward  from  Sou- 
rabaya,  steer  E.  by  N.  to  clear  the  Java  Bank,  which  is  steep-to,  keeping 
the  end  of  the  Navy-yard  to  the  southward  of  W.  by  S.  If  beating  out,  do 
not  approach  the  Madura  shore  nearer  than  7  fathoms  ;  and  on  the  Java  side 
tack  immediately  that  there  is  less  water  than  8  or  9  fathoms.  If  compelled 
to  anchor,  avoid  doing  so  near  Madura,  as  the  bottom  there  is  rocky.  An 
8-ft  shoal,  marked  by  a  white  buoy,  lies  some  distance  off  the  shore  ; 
from  it  the  7-fathom  line  is  sufficient  security.  In  steering  towards  the 
northern  entrance  of  the  Jansen  Channel,  keep  as  near  as  can  be  done  with 
safety  to  the  Java  Bank,  in  order  to  haul  in  close  round  the  buoy  off  the 
point  of  Kalaban  ;  for  the  eastern  stream,  instead  of  bending  round  the 
buoy,  sets  across  the  channel  and  upon  the  Tongue,  which  is  the  name  of  the 
long  shoal  that  forms  the  eastern  side  of  the  Jansen  Channel.  When  once 
in  the  channel  the  stream  takes  its  direction.  The  depths  in  the  Jansen 
Channel  gradually  decrease  from  6  and  7  fathoms  between  the  buoys  at  its 
North  entrance  to  2^  fathoms  between  the  buoys  at  its  South  entrance,  and 
midway  between  these  depths  there  is  only  18  ft.  water.  Deeply  laden 
vessels  are,  therefore,  obliged  to  anchor  there,  and  wait  for  high  water. 
Along  the  whole  length  of  the  Tongue  the  banks  are  steep-to  on  both  sides, 
and  therefore,  when  working,  vessels  should  tack  short  of  the  line  of  the 
stakes  ;  and  indeed  in  the  narrow  part  of  the  channel,  3  miles  within  its 
North  entrance,  although  a  mile  in  breadth,  it  is  advisable  for  them  to  drive 
with  the  tide,  which  runs  there  with  great  velocity — even  8  knots  it  has  been 
asserted.  The  Java  Bank,  to  the  southward  of  this,  is  a  little  more  gradual 
in  its  slope,  but  still  too  steep  to  make  free  with  ;  and  the  Kletta  Rocks,  though 
buoyed,  should  not  be  approached  without  great  caution.  Still  farther  to  the 
southward,  the  edges  of  the  banks  become  flatter,  and  vessels  may  borrow 
on  them  by  the  lead. 

OLD  TRECHTER  CHANNEL. — Vessels  proceeding  from  Sourabaya  by 
this  channel,  pass  pretty  close  to  the  S.AV.  side  of  Daendels  Fort,  a  large 
collection  of  stones,  brought  there  for  the  purpose  of  building  a  fortress 
which  should  command  the  Pass,  and  thrown  into  the  water.  There  is  a  red 
buoy  off  these  dangerous  stones.  The  channel  leads  along  the  S.  W.  side  of 
the  fort,  and  this  is  its  narrowest  and  shallowest  part,  as  no  more  than  2  fa- 
thoms depth  will  be  found  at  low  water.  The  rise  and  fall  of  the  tides  is  in 
this  place  three-quarters  to  1 J  fathom.  From  off  the  fort  the  Zadelberg  Hills 
on  Madura  will  be  seen  bearing  N.  W.  ^  N.,  N.N.  W.,  and  N.N.E.  The  eastern- 
most is  the  highest  of  the  three,  and  may  be  distinguished  by  two  conspicuous 
trees  at  its  foot ;  this  hill  is  the  great  mark  for  the  inlots  throughout  the 
strait ;  the  middle  one  is  not  so  high,  and  seems  chiefly  to  be  composed  of 


KOKO  REEF,  OR  ZWAANTJES  DROOGTE.  713 

high  trees ;  the  westernmost  is  also  of  moderate  height,  and  resembles  a 
saddle  more  than  the  others.  This  passage  should  never  be  attempted  with- 
out a  pilot. 

When  leaving  Sourabaya  Road  with  a  fair  wind  the  course  is  E.N.E.  to 
the  Madura  shore,  in  order  to  clear  the  mud  bank  which  projects  a  consider- 
able distance  off  the  Java  shore,  East  from  the  river,  leaving  nothing  but  a 
small  channel  between  the  two  banks,  and  also  to  avoid  the  indraught  of  the 
Jansen  Channel. 

The  land  breeze  seldom  reaches  far  off  shore,  and  therefore  when  leaving 
Sourabaya  beat  up  along,  in  the  eastern  monsoon,  the  Madura  shore,  and 
borrow  on  the  Java  side  only  as  near  in  as  9  fathoms ;  the  mud-bank  being 
here  steep-to.  To  beat  to  the  eastward,  except  with  an  eastern  stream,  is 
impossible  ;  and,  therefore,  the  Jansen  Channel,  throughout  which  the  land 
breeze  prevails,  is  by  far  the  most  eligible  during  the  eastern  monsoon. 

When  past  Daendels  Fort,  proceed  S.E.  by  S.  and  S.E.,  till  it  bears 
N.N.W.  ^  W.,  4  miles  distant,  when  the  three  hills  of  Zadelberg  will  be 
visible  at  the  East  side  of  the  fort.  Between  the  sunk  fort  and  Passaroean 
a  mud  bank  projects  a  considerable  distance  off  shore,  with  a  dangerous 
knoll,  called  the  Slatan,  which  makes  it  advisable  not  to  borrow  on  the  Java 
shore  nearer  than  7  or  6  fathoms.  A  ship  should  also  mind  the  dangers 
S.W.  of  Kambing  Island,  presently  described,  especially  when  working  to 
the  southward. 

Passaroean. — To  touch  at  Passaroean,  the  pilots  have  a  mark  of  four  or 
five  conspicuous  trees,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  town,  and  the  mark  for  standing 
into  the  road  is,  or  was,  a  small  dark  bush,  at  the  mouth  of  the  river,  near  a 
single  house,  bearing  S.  i  E.  The  anchorage  is  3  or  4  miles  N.N.E.  to  N.E. 
from  the  flagstaff,  and  N.W.  by  W.  f  W.  or  W.N.W.  from  Warangan  Point, 
in  5  or  6  fathoms,  mud.     Pilots  may  be  procured  here  for  Sourabaya. 

A  red  light  is,  or  is  to  be,  shown  from  a  lamp-post  at  Passaroean,  lat. 
7°  37'  S.,  long.  112°  55' E. 

Kambing  Island  lies  in  7°  19'  36"  S.  and  113°  12'  40"  E.  ;  it  is  about  a 
mile  in  extent,  woody,  not  high,  but  visible  in  clear  weather  at  the  distance 
of  4  or  5  leagues.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  coral  reef,  close  to  which  there  are 
from  14  to  20  fathoms,  and  then  shoaling  gradually  toward  Madura  into  4 
fathoms.     At  2  miles  West  from  the  West  end  of  Kambing  is  a  sand-hank. 

A  small  sJwal  of  IJ  cable,  bears  S.W.  by  S.,  2  miles  from  the  West 
point  of  Kambing  Island.  There  were  4  ft.  water  upon  it  at  the  time,  being 
half  tide,  and  therefore  at  low  water  2  ft.  It  seems  to  correspond  in  place 
with  that  laid  down  in  some  charts  as  the  Eabeljaauw  Bank. 

KOKO  EEEF,  or  ZWAANTJES  DROOGTE.— A  coral  reef  of  half  a  mile 
in  breadth,  called  by  the  natives  Koko,  and  by  the  Dutch  Zwaanijes  JDroogte  ; 
one  part  of  it  is  always  in  sight,  and  consists  of  white  sandstone.     In  1855 
I.  A.  4  Y 


714  JAVA. 

a  conspicuous  iron  screw  pile  beacon  was  erected  on  it,  this  is  now  super- 
seded by  the  lighthouse,  from  which  the  outer  buoy  of  the  channel  is  visible, 
so  that  it  is  an  excellent  mark. 

LIGHTHOUSE. — The  lighthouse  on  Koko  Eeef,  completed  in  1872,  ex- 
hibits a  revolving  Iright  light,  at  an  elevation  of  54  ft.  above  the  sea.  The 
lio-ht  appears  as  a  fixed  bright  light  for  1^  minute,  and  in  the  succeeding 
half  minute  shows  a  flash  of  10  seconds  duration,  preceded  and  followed  by 
an  eclipse  of  10  seconds.  The  flashes  are  visible  about  14  miles  off.  In 
foggy  weather,  or  if  the  light  is  out  of  order,  a  hell  is  sounded.  The  follow- 
ing dangers  lie  near  the  lighthouse. 

Manilla  Roch,  or  bank  under  water,  two  ships'  lengths  in  extent,  bears 
S.W.  by  S.  and  S.W.  J  W.  from  the  extremities  of  Kambing  Island,  3  or  4 
miles  distant,  having  2  fathoms  water  on  its  shoalest  part,  and  16  fathoms 
between  it  and  that  island. 

Sirumpa  Rock  is  5  miles  N.W.  by  N.  from  Koko  lighthouse. 

Bur  a  Rock,  with  a  sand-bank,  is  about  Ij  or  2  miles  in  extent,  and 
bears  N.W.  f  N.  5  miles  from  Koko  Reef,  and  about  S.W.  by  W.  11 
miles  from  Kambing.     Upon  the  shoalest  part  there  is  3  ft.  water. 

Eendragt  Shoal. — A  small  rocky  shoal,  discovered  in  1841  by  Capt.  H.  H. 
Deuling,  in  the  Dutch  barque  Eendragt,  with  the  Koko  bearing  W.  by  N.,  5 
miles  distant,  and  the  island  of  Kambing  N.  ^  E. 

Ships  bound  to  the  eastward  from  Passaroean  should  generally  make 
their  easting  along  the  Java  shore,  in  order  to  profit  by  the  land  and  sea 
breezes,  which  blow  with  more  regularity  and  strength  than  on  the  Madura 
side ;  besides  which,  if  becalmed  or  set  to  the  westward  by  the  current,  they 
may  anchor  on  the  Java  side.  In  the  eastern  monsoon,  during  the  day  S.E. 
by  E.  and  E.N.E.  winds  prevail ;  in  the  night  commonly  a  brisk  S.S.W.  or 
S.W.  land  breeze,  and  often  in  the  forenoon  followed  by  light  baffling  winds 
and  calms.  In  the  western  monsoon,  N.N.W.  and  W.S.W.  winds  blow  very 
hard,  sometimes  declining  in  the  evening,  and  often  veering  to  S.W.  and 
S.S.W.  in  the  night ;  the  current  generally  runs  East  or  West,  but  that  de- 
pends on  the  prevailing  wind. 

The  winds,  however,  in  the  Strait  of  Madura,  are  more  variable  than  on  any 
other  part  of  the  coasts  of  Java  and  Madura,  arising  not  only  from  the  con- 
traction of  the  passage,  but,  perhaps,  from  the  influence  upon  the  atmosphere 
of  the  several  high  mountains,  among  which  are  some  active  volcanoes,  in  the 
eastern  part  of  Java.  Very  frequently  variable  and  suddenly  shifting  winda 
and  squalls  are  experienced  in  this  strait. 

A  reef,  called  the  Karang  Katang,  was  discovered  by  Captain  Kingdom,  in 
the  Dutch  ship  Liederika.  It  lies  in  the  bay  between  Warangan  Point  and 
Probolingo,  about  2|  miles  off  shore,  with  Probolingo  West  harbour  point 
S.  J  E.,  and  Gunong  Lores  E.  |  S.  It  is  very  small,  and  has  3f  fathoms 
least  water,  surrounded  by  depths  of  9^  fathoms. 


KATAPANG,  OR  KRABBEN  ISLAND.  715 

KATAPANG,  or  Krabben  Island,  in  7'  41'  S.,  and  113°  16'  10  E.,  is  not 
high,  but  woody ;  about  a  mile  East  and  West,  and  half  a  mile  North  and 
South.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  broad  coral  reef,  which  projects  fully  a  mile 
to  the  eastward,  with  15  fathoms  close  to  its  East  and  N.E.  sides,  and  10 
fathoms  at  the  West  and  S.W.  sides.  When  not  bound  to  Probolingo,  or 
to  one  of  the  adjacent  places,  keep  well  to  the  northward  of  Katapang,  but 
at  the  same  time  giving  a  good  berth  to  Eendragt  Reef. 

A  ship  may  safely  approach  the  Java  shore  till  Mount  Eingit  bears  South, 
as  no  dangers  have  been  found  on  the  coast  to  the  westward  of  it,  except  a 
little  to  the  eastward  of  Cape  Bedoelang,  where  there  seems  to  be  a  shoal  2 
miles  from  the  shore.  H.N.M.  schooner  Argo  struck  on  it  in  September, 
1846.  It  may  be  the  same  as  that  examined  by  Lieutenant  Toutenhoofd, 
which  lies  above  half  a  mile  off  the  most  projecting  point  between  Bezoekie 
and  Bedoelan,  called  Tanjong  Binor.  The  reef  is  called  Karang  Krantjie,  is 
awash,  and  from  it  Gunong  Laros  bears  S.  ^  E. 

PROBOLINGO  flagstaff  is  in  7°  44'  30'  S.,  and  113°  12'  E.  The  town 
lies  in  a  bight  of  the  coast,  opposite  Katapang,  that  island  bearing  N.E.  f  N., 
Warangan  Point  W.N.W.,  and  Mount  Lamongan  S.S.E.  ^  E.  It  is  an  open 
port  for  exports  only.  The  coast  may  be  approached  in  this  bight  safely, 
with  due  attention  to  the  lead,  there  being  at  2  miles  distance  4  to  6  fathoms, 
at  3  miles  7  and  8  fathoms,  and  so  on,  gradually  increasing.  A  vessel  going 
to  Probolingo  may  pass  either  East  or  West  of  Katapang,  but  should  not  ap- 
proach it  within  2  miles.  The  common  anchorage  in  the  road  is  in  4  or  5 
fathoms,  with  the  flagstaff  bearing  about  S.S.E.,  Katapang  N.E.  i  N.,  and 
Warangan  Point  about  W.N.W.  \  W.  This  place  is  often  visited  by  ships 
in  want  of  water  or  refreshments,  both  of  which  are  excellent.  The  river  is 
lengthened  by  a  pier.  The  English  ship  Albion,  sunk  in  the  roads  of  Probo- 
lingo, is  marked  by  a  buoy  (1875). 

A  red  light  is,  or  is  to  be  shown  from  an  iron  post  at  Probolingo. 

Mount  Lamongan,  or  Belierang,  is  an  active  volcano,  about  17  miles  S.E. 
by  S.  of  Probolingo.  It  stands  in  8°  0'  30"  S.,  and  113°  20' E.;  and  its 
summit  is  6,824  ft.  above  the  sea,  while  that  of  the  Argopoera  Mountain,  to 
the  eastward,  and  the  highest  of  the  range,  rises  to  9,843  ft.,  according  to 
Dr.  F.  Junghuhn. 

BEZUKIE  flagstaff  is  in  7°  43'  45"  S.,  and  113°  40'  E.  This  town  is  the 
capital  of  the  Residency  which  comprises  the  eastern  part  of  Java,  and  is 
much  frequented  by  ships.     It  is  an  open  port  for  exports  only. 

A  hright  light  is,  or  is  to  be,  shown  from  an  iron  post  at  Bezukie. 

A  vessel  bound  to  this  place  from  the  westward  may  steer  inshore  near 
Bedoelang  Point,  so  as  to  bring  Mount  Eingit,  or  Ringgit,  to  bear  E.  by  S., 
but  not  more  to  the  eastward,  on  account  of  the  shoal  before  described.  It 
is  easily  distinguished  by  its  superior  height,  its  vicinity  to  the  coast,  and  by 
its  rugged,  rough,  and  barren  aspect ;  it  is  an  extinct  volcano,  and  its  summit 


716  JAVA. 

stands  in  7°  43'  30"  S.,  and  1 13°  51'  E.  When  this  mountain  bears  E.  by  S.  ^ 
a  hill  named  Tempora,  to  the  westward  of  the  town,  will  soon  be  discerned 
on  the  bearing  of  S.E.,  and  the  conspicuous  white  coffee  storehouses,  with 
red  tiles,  of  Bezoekie.  In  approaching  the  anchorage  the  water  will  shoal 
from  20  to  8  fathoms,  and  a  broad  sandy  bank  spreads  out  from  the  shore, 
steep-to,  and  projecting  farthest  from  Katang  Point,  where  there  is  but  1^ 
fathom  or  less.  Abreast  of  Mount  Tempora,  in  the  western  part  of  the  road, 
some  rocks  and  foul  ground  will  be  found.  A  mile  to  the  eastward  of  Ka- 
tang Point  there  are  11  to  13  fathoms,  and  this  depth  will  be  carried  as  far 
as  Poetie  Point.  The  anchorage  is  N.  by  "W.,  or  N.N.W.,  from  the  flagstaff. 
Mount  Tempora  W.S.W.  I  "W.,  about  a  mile  from  the  shore,  and  in  9  or  10 
fathoms  water.  In  7^  fathoms,  with  Mount  Tempora  "W.  by  S.,  a  ship 
would  lie  too  near  the  bank  and  too  close  to  the  fishing  stakes. 

PANARUKAN.— The  flagstaff  of  Panarukan  is  in  lat.  7°  43'  S.,  long. 
113°  53'  36"  E.  The  town  lies  in  a  little  bay  at  the  foot  of  Mount  Ringit. 
It  is  an  open  port  for  exports  only.  The  western  side  of  this  bay  is  formed 
by  a  projecting  point,  on  the  extremity  of  which  stands  Pilarmig  Hill,  and 
which,  in  one  with  Mount  Eingit,  bears  S.  by  W.  ^  W.  A  dangerous  rock, 
with  only  10  ft.  on  it  at  low  water,  lies  in  this  part  of  the  bay  at  half  a  mile 
off  the  beach,  with  the  flagstaff  at  Panarukan  bearing  S.  64^°  E.,  and  the 
eastern  high  peak  of  Gunong  Einggit  S.  65°  W.  The  eastern  coast  of  the 
bight  leads  N.E.  and  N.E.  by  E.  to  Cape  Tyna,  and  is  partly  margined  by  a 
rocky  reef,  which  begins  2  miles  from  Panarukan,  projects  half  a  mile  from 
the  shore,  and  reaches  as  far  as  the  Eiver  Gomok.  This  reef  dries  at  low 
water  in  some  places,  but  has  5  fathoms  close  to  it,  and  10  and  12  fathoms 
depth  at  a  mile  distant.  Ships  coming  from  the  westward  and  bound  to 
Panaroekan,  may  stand  in  for  the  road,  with  Mount  Einggit  bearing  South, 
and  anchor  in  17  to  15  fathoms  water,  on  a  mud  bottom,  full  a  mile  from  the 
shore ;  the  flagstaff  S.  or  S.  \  E.,  and  Mount  Einggit  S.W.  Good  fresh 
water  and  beef  are  to  be  procured  there  ;  but  fowls  and  other  provisions  are 
scarce.  The  anchorage  is  considered  safe  at  any  time  of  year. 
A  red  light  is,  or  is  to  be,  shown  at  Panarukan. 

CAPE  TJINA  or  China  Point  is  the  northernmost  point  of  the  eastern 
part  of  Java,  and  is  in  7°  38'  S.,  and  114°  4'  E.  ;  it  is  all  low,  so  that  from 
the  westward,  the  Sedano  Hills  are  seen  high  above  it.  There  is  a  small 
sandbank  just  to  the  westward  of  Cape  Tjina,  upon  which  there  are  but  1^ 
and  2  fathoms  at  low  water,  and  from  which  the  cape  bears  N.E.  by  E.,  and 
Mount  Einggit  W.  by  S.  There  is  another  shoal  of  4^  fathoms,  hard  sand, 
just  to  the  westward  of  Cape  Tjina.  The  cape  bearing  E.N.E.  h  E.,  1  mile 
distant,  and  Mount  Einggit  S.W.  ^  W.  ;  and  2  miles  from  the  land  to  the 
southward ;  but  the  bank  rises  as  suddenly  as  a  wall  from  13  and  12  fathoms, 
to  5,  and  less.  To  avoid  this  danger,  it  is  advisable,  when  passing  Cape 
Tjina  at  the  West  side,  not  to  borrow  too  much  towards  the  shore. 


KO^tBANG  BAY— CAPE  SEDANO.  717 

KOMBANG  BAY. — To  the  eastward  of  Cape  Tjina  the  coast  runs  about 
8  miles  to  the  southward,  and  forms  Kombang  Bay,  in  which  are  situated 
the  kampongs  {villages)  of  Aggel,  Kombang,  and  Tianker.  This  bay  reaches 
to  Tianker  Point.  This  bight  is  not  free  from  dangers,  as  from  Tjina  there 
is  a  sandbank  a  mile  off,  with  2  fathoms  water,  though  14  to  9  fathoms  are 
close  to  it.  There  is  said  to  be  another  bank  to  the  S.E.,  with  2  fathoms 
only  at  high  water,  called  the  Enora. 

A  dangerous  shoal  was  discovered,  in  1812,  by  H.M.S.  Hecate.  Her  boat 
found  2h  fathoms,  rocks,  and  on  some  parts  of  it  there  appeared  to  be  less 
water,  and  an  appearance  of  breakers.  Cape  Tjina  bore  from  it  N.W.  by  W.  j 
Mount  Einggit,  W.S.W.  ;  the  first  point  to  the  westward  of  Cape  Sedano 
(Tianker  Point),  E.  by  S.  ;  and  Sedano  Mount,  E.S.E.  Inside  of  this  shoal 
there  are  13  fathoms  water,  3  miles  from  the  Java  shore.  But  as  this  shoal 
has  been  sought  for  without  success,  it  is  doubtful  if  it  exists  as  stated ; 
nevertheless,  vessels  should  not  enter  the  bight  between  Tjina  and  Tianker 
without  necessity,  and  then  with  very  great  caution. 

The  is  a  good  anchorage  in  the  eastern  monsoon  behind  Tianker  Point. 
In  this  part  of  the  Isle  of  Java  there  are  several  small  rivers,  but  at  high 
water  their  contents  near  the  entrance  are  brackish.  The  westernmost  gives 
the  best  fresh  water,  which  falls  there  over  some  rocks,  situated  above  high 
water  mark. 

Between  Tianker  Point  and  the  projecting  point  of  Loemoet,  8  miles  to  the 
eastward,  there  is  another  bay,  and  the  village  of  Tiottehy  about  a  mile  from 
the  entrance  of  a  river.  The  mouth  of  this  river  may  be  found  by  a  very 
conspicuous  dead  tree,  with  two  branches,  on  its  eastern  bank.  The  anchor- 
age is  in  9  or  10  fathoms,  half  a  mile  off  shore,  the  dead  tree  bearing  S.E. 
by  S.  or  S.E.,  and  Loemoet  Point,  or  the  East  point  of  the  bay,  E.  by  S., 
about  4  miles  distant.  The  river  affords  good  water,  and  is  often  visited  by 
trading  proas  ;  but  with  a  N.E.  or  E.N.E,  wind  the  road  is  exposed  to  a 
high  sea.  The  reefs  near  this  village  stretch  off  to  the  westward  from  Loe- 
moet Point  till  abreast  of  the  dead  tree.  They  are  all  within  a  mile  of  the 
shore,  and  often  afford  shelter  to  the  pirates,  it  being  difficult  to  pursue  them, 
and  they  find  there  fresh  water  in  abundance. 

CAPE  SEDANO  forms  the  north-easternmost  point  of  the  Isle  of  Java,  in 
7°  49'  S.  and  114°  26'  53"  E.  From  Loemoet  Point  to  the  eastward  the  coast 
curves  gradually  from  E.S.E.  to  S.E.,  without  any  conspicuous  points,  the 
whole  being  considered  as  Cape  Sedano.  The  true  cape  is  a  bluff  rocky  pro- 
jection, which  bears  E.N.E.  3  E.  from  the  summit  of  Mount  Sedano,  and 
from  which  the  coast  runs  more  southerly.  The  perpendicular  height  of  the 
mount  above  the  sea  is  4,760  ft.  Near  the  cape  there  is  a  reef,  which  stretches 
2  or  3  cables'  lengths  off  shore,  and  inside  of  which  frequently  proas  are  an- 
chored. The  depth  along  this  coast  is  considerable,  being  in  places  50  and 
60  fathoms,  no  bottom.  Mount  Sedano  is  high  and  rugged,  and  from  different 


718  JAVA. 

points  of  view  has  a  different  appearance,  showing  sometimes  a  flat  table  top, 
and  sometimes  separate  summits. 

MEINDERS  DROOGTE  is  1°  41'  30"  S.,  and  114°  22'  30"  ;E.,  lies  North 
nearly  6  miles  from  the  north-eastern  coast  of  Java,  and  consists  of  coral, 
part  of  which  is  always  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  This  dry  part  stretches 
N.W.  and  S.E.  about  a  mile  ;  it  is  very  narrow,  and  resembles  at  some  dis- 
tance the  trunk  of  a  fallen  tree. 

LIGHT. — An  iron  pile  lighthouse,  with  three  galleries,  was  constructed  in 
the  Meinders  Droogte  Reef,  in  1877,  and  from  it  is  shown  a  fixed  hriffht  lights 
from  a  catadioptric  (lenses  and  reflectors)  apparatus  of  the  fourth  order. 
The  lighthouse  is  46  ft.  high,  and  the  light,  elevated  56  ft.,  is  visible  12 
miles  off. 

Vessels  should  not  approach  the  lighthouse  for  3  or  4  miles  on  its  eastern  side, 
as  a  2-fathom  patch  extends  to  the  distance  of  2|  miles  from  it  in  that 
direction.  It  is  separated  from  the  dry  reef  by  a  narrow  channel.  On  its 
S.W.  side  the  lighthouse  reef  spreads  a  mile  under  water,  consisting  of  large 
detached  rocks,  carrying  3  fathoms  water,  while  there  are  50  fathoms  close 
to  them. 

About  a  mile  W.N.  W.  i  W.  from  the  above  reef  there  is  another  patch  of 
half  a  mile  in  extent,  with  2  fathoms  water  in  the  shoalest  place,  and  no 
bottom  with  25  fathoms  between  them. 

Lieutenant  Rietveld  discovered  three  other  reefs  bearing  "W".  by  N.  and 
W.S.W.  ^  W.,  besides  the  last-mentioned,  at  the  distance  of  1  and  2  miles 
from  the  dry  part  of  Meinders  Droogte,  but  with  not  less  than  7  fathoms  in 
the  shoalest  place,  and  then  8,  10,  and  15  fathoms.  Two  Dutch  vessels  were 
wrecked  in  1866,  on  what  were  stated  to  be  some  detached  shoals,  but  it  was 
found  that  the  Isis  was  S.  30°  W.,  a  third  of  a  mile  from  the  beacon,  and  the 
Cornelis  Anthony  was  on  the  reef  bearing  "W.N.W.  from  the  beacon.  To  the 
southward  of  them  there  are  50  and  58  fathoms. 

The  Eastern  Coast  of  Java,  which  forms  the  western  shore  of  the  Strait 
of  Bali,  will  be  described  in  the  next  chapter,  in  connection  with  that  strait, 
and  the  islands  East  of  it. 


The  SOUTH  COAST  of  JAVA  is  unlike  the  North  coast,  which  in  most 
places  consists  of  low  plains  near  the  sea,  with  regular  soundings  along  the 
coast,  and  anchoring  ground  almost  everywhere.  The  South  coast  is  gene- 
rally high,  consisting  of  steep  rocks  and  rugged  points,  always  covered  with 
foam  and  breakers,  and  the  whole  coast  wearing  a  barren  and  desolate  ap- 
pearance. In  general,  great  depths  will  be  found  in  the  immediate  vicinity 
of  the  coast,  and  although  in  some  places  a  less  forbidding  beach  and  a  less 
depth  of  water  may  be  found,  yet  they  very  seldom  afford  a  fit  spot  for  an- 


GHAD.TAGAN  BAY.  719 

chorage.  as  a  terrific  swell,  especially  in  the  N.E.  monsoon,  lashes  with  un- 
ceasing fury  on  to  its  headlands,  or,  carried  by  the  full  force  of  the  ocean, 
rolls  into  its  ports  and  havens.  Notwithstanding  this,  the  South  coast  of 
Java  is  not  altogether  destitute  of  places  of  shelter,  for  there  are  a  few  bays 
and  harbours  which  afford,  under  every  circumstance,  a  safe  retreat,  and 
have  been  made  known  by  the  surveys  of  some  eminent  officers  of  H.M.S. 
navy. 

From  the  small  extent  in  latitude  of  Java,  and  the  consequent  approxima- 
tion of  its  North  and  South  coasts,  the  mountains  serve  as  leading  marks 
equally  on  either  side  of  the  island.  Throughout  the  western  monsoon  some 
of  these  mountains  may  be  discerned  at  the  distance  of  15  to  26  leagues,  but 
in  the  eastern  monsoon  they  are  generally  concealed  by  a  hazy  sky,  and 
therefore  not  distinguishable  till  very  near.  The  situation  and  height  of  these 
mountains  have  been  already  described  in  the  former  pages. 

The  Winds  and  Seasons  are  described  on  page  14  ante;  the  Cuerknts  on 
pages  30,  31. 

The  SOUTH  POINT  of  Java,  in  8°  47'  S.,  and  114°  26'  13"  E.,  is  the 
southernmost  projection  of  the  great  peninsula  which  forms  the  south-eastern 
extremity  of  Java.  From  this  point  the  coast  curves  in  a  little,  E.  by  N.  for 
about  8  miles  towards  the  Zuidoost  Hoek,  or  S.E.  point  of  Java  ;  and  again, 
N.W.  by  W.  for  about  6  miles  towards  Tamhang  Point.  This  part  of  the 
coast  seems  to  be  fringed  with  reefs  under  water,  to  a  mile  off  shore,  with  20 
and  25  fathoms  close  outside,  and  with  70  and  100  fathoms  of  line,  no  bottom, 
at  2  and  4  miles  distance.  Continual  breakers  will  be  seen  there,  and  the  im- 
practicability of  anchoring  in  such  large  depths  makes  it  advisable  to  keep  at 
some  distance  off  this  coast,  especially  in  calms  and  light  airs. 

GEADJAGAN  BAY. — Gradjagan  is  a  large  bay  to  the  westward  of  Tarn- 
bang  Point.  It  is  10  or  11  miles  wide,  and  about  6  miles  across ;  and  it  ia 
said  to  afford  good  anchorages  during  the  eastern  monsoon,  in  14  to  8  fa- 
thoms water.  On  the  western  side  of  the  bay,  on  a  small  river,  stands  the 
village  of  Gradjagan,  but  neither  there,  nor  in  the  wells  along  the  beach,  ia 
good  water  to  be  had ;  nor  can  ships'  provisions  be  procured. 

From  Gradjagan  Bay  to  Nusa  Baron,  or  Baron  Island,  a  distance  of  about 
16  leagues,  the  coast  is  steep,  rocky,  and  barren,  forming  a  chain  of  small 
bights,  lined  witli  several  islets  and  rocks,  which  make  the  approach  dan- 
gerous. One  of  these  bights,  16  miles  to  the  eastward  of  Baron  Island,  ia 
called  Fledermuis  (Bat)  Bag,  but  from  its  rocky  shore,  large  depths,  bad 
shelter  in  most  winds,  and  continual  surf,  is  unsafe. 

Baron  or  Barung  Island. — The  S.  point  of  Nusa  Baron  is  in  8"  32'  S.,  and 
the  W.  point  in  113"  15'  E.,  and  the  island  is  8  miles  in  length,  and  4  miles  in 
breadth.  Its  South  side  is  low,  fronting  the  sea,  but  the  S.W.,  S.E.,  and  E, 
sides  steep,  of  considerable  height,  and  rocky,  and  discernible  at  a  consider- 
able distance.     The  summit  of  Moxmt  Semiroe  bears  from  the  East  point 


720  JAVA. 

about  N.W.  by  W.,  and  its  nearest  distance  from  the  shore  of  Java  is  2 A  or 
3  miles,  with  20  and  30  fathoms  between  them.  At  the  N.E,  angle  of  the 
island  there  is  a  small  bay,  where  tolerable  anchorage  may  be  found  in  the 
N.W.  monsoon  in  27  fathoms. 

N.N.W.  i  W.  from  the  East  point,  and  E.N.E.  from  the  West  point  of 
Baron  Island,  the  Java  shore  forms  a  projecting  land-tongue ;  5  miles  to  the 
eastward  of  which  lies  the  village  and  the  river  of  Poeger,  where  some  pro- 
visions and  water  may  be  procured  in  the  western  monsoon. 

Dampar  Bay. — N.N.W.  of  Baron  Island,  the  Java  coast  makes  a  bay, 
"with  50,  30,  and  20  fathoms  water.  The  easternmost  part  of  this  bay  has  a 
sandy  beach,  which  rises  into  sandhills  or  downs  ;  the  western  shore  is  rocky, 
and  it  is  said  that  dangerous  sunken  reefs  project  some  distance  from  the 
■shore.  One  rock  lies  8  miles  W.N.W.  from  the  N.W.  point  of  Barung 
Island. 

To  the  westward  of  Dampar  the  country  inland  is  mountainous,  and  in 
clear  weather  a  good  mark  to  correct  the  reckoning  is  the  high  hill  of 
Semiroe,  the  conical  summit  of  which  is  in  8°  8'  S.,  and  112°  54'  E.,  and 
discernible  20  leagues.  The  coast  forms  here  several  bights,  of  which  the 
principal,  Pelolot  Bay,  bears  about  S.  J  W.  from  Semiroe  Peak. 

Sempoe  Island  is  8  miles  to  the  westward  of  Pelolot  Bay,  and  its  West 
point  lies  in  8°  28'  30"  S.,  and  112°  39'  E.,  or  about  S.W.  by  S.  from  Semiroe 
Peak.  The  island  is  5  miles  long,  and  consists,  as  does  all  the  adjacent 
■coast,  of  high  rocks.  It  is  separated  from  the  main  by  a  strait  a  quarter  of 
a  mile  wide.  From  the  island  of  Sempoe  the  coast  runs  about  17  leagues 
W.  by  N.,  and  consists  of  a  ridge  of  steep  rocks,  fronted  by  an  uninterrupted 
line  of  surf. 

SEGORO  WEDIE  BAY  is  one  of  the  most  splendid  bays  of  the  whole 
island  of  Java,  as  well  with  respect  to  its  situation  and  fitness  for  trade  as  to 
the  magnificent  appearance  of  its  extensive  basin,  surrounded  by  its  high 
and  picturesque  land,  or  by  the  numerous  islands  in  its  entrance.  The 
latitude  of  Tawing,  a  village  at  the  northern  part  of  the  bay,  is  8°  16'  40"  S. 

The  group  of  Limo  Rocks  (or  Five  Islands),  which  are  full  2  miles  S.E.  of 
the  entrance,  are  in  8°  22'  45"  8.,  and  111°  43'  48"  E.  Outside  of  the  bay, 
besides  the  Limo  Rocks,  there  are  several  other  small  islands,  but  all  within 
3  miles  of  the  shore,  and  as  some  of  them  are  elevated  from  120  to  400  ft. 
above  the  sea,  they  serve  as  leading  marks  towards  the  entrance  of  the  bay. 
All  these  islands,  as  well  as  the  adjacent  coast,  are  steep-to,  rising  abruptly 
out  of  the  water,  so  that  a  ship  may  pass  on  either  side  of  them  when  enter- 
ing the  bay.  There  is  said  to  be  a  dangerous  rock  of  3J  fathoms  called 
Bergat,  with  Goenong  Island  bearing  W.N.W.  i  W.,  Wot  Jaloe  Point 
N.N.E.,  Losari  Island  E.  i  S.,  and  the  West  point  of  Boyo  S.  by  E.  i  E., 
but  this  is  doubtful. 


SEGOEO  WEDIE  BAY.  721 

There  are  no  other  concealed  dangers  in  the  entrance  of  the  bays,  as  the 
Batang  and  Skel  Eocks  remain  always  above  the  surface. 

Segoro  Wedie  Bay  is  separated  into  two  bights,  Segoro  and  Damas ;  the 
former  is  bounded  to  the  southward  by  the  sugarloaf  shaped  island  Kembeng, 
and  to  the  northward  by  the  rock  of  Pegat.  In  this  bight  a  ship  will  be 
sheltered,  in  14  fathoms  mud,  from  wind  and  sea  in  the  eastern  monsoon,  on 
the  eastern  side  of  the  bay.  Fresh  water  may  be  procured,  and  communi- 
cation may  be  kept  up  with  the  shore,  by  the  ships'  boats  or  by  proas,  as 
most  convenient  respecting  the  cargo. 

The  anchorages  along  the  western  side  of  the  bay  are  not  safe,  and,  with 
a  southerly  wind,  even  those  on  its  eastern  side  are  not  exempt  from  a  heavy 
swell  that  rolls  heavily  in  ,•  while  with  south-easterly  gales,  sudden  gusts  of 
wind  come  down  from  the  mountains,  but  they  are  not  of  long  duration. 

Gemah  and  Boemboen  Bays. — About  4  miles  to  the  eastward  of  Segoro 
Wedie  Bay  there  is  a  deep  bight,  between  Wat  Jaloe  Point  and  Djong  Pakis 
Point,  about  6^  miles  wide  at  the  entrance,  and  receding  4  miles  to  the 
northward,  where  it  is  divided  into  two  parts  by  a  rocky  projecting  interval. 
The  western  part  is  called  Gemah  Bay,  and  the  eastern  Boemboen. 

In  general  the  coast  is  here  rocky,  but  very  steep.  In  the  eastern  mon- 
soon the  bay  is  wholly  open  to  the  wind  as  well  as  to  a  high  running  sea, 
except  under  the  south-eastern  point  of  Lemiring,  where  a  ship  will  find  a 
tolerable  shelter  close  in-shore  near  the  village  of  Popoh.  The  northern  and 
western  sides  of  Gemah  Bay  are  unsafe  in  that  monsoon. 

Popoh  has  about  150  inhabitants,  and  affords  good  water  and  wood,  but 
no  ship's  provisions  whatever.  Inland  communication  is  here  much  more 
convenient  than  from  any  of  the  other  bays  of  the  South  coast,  as  it  is  only 
separated  from  the  interior  by  a  ridge  of  hills  300  or  400  ft.  in  height,  which 
is  comparatively  low. 

Boemboen  Bay  lies  3  miles  to  the  eastward  of  Gemah  Bay,  and  extends 
from  Pakis  Point,  upon  which  stands  a  round  hill  of  the  same  name,  to  Selo 
Pajong  (a  flat  stone),  which  bears  some  resemblance,  at  a  distance,  to  a  dis- 
masted wreck.  There  being  no  inhabitants,  no  provisions  are  to  be  had  ; 
but  the  bay  is  unfit  to  be  used  in  the  eastern  monsoon. 

Soembreng  Bay. — From  Segoro  Wedie  Bay  the  shore  stretches  West,  and 
W.N.W.  8  miles  to  Soembreng  Bay,  forming  diff'erent  points  and  small 
bights,  though  not  off'ering  good  anchorage. 

Soembreng  Bay,  in  about  8°  20'  S.,  and  111°  34'  E.,  is  far  inferior  to  that 
of  Segoro  Wedie,  not  only  in  regard  to  its  smaller  extent,  but  in  its  insecure 
anchorages  and  inconvenient  landing-places.  Two  or  three  miles  S.W.  of 
this  bay  the  three  rocky  and  uninhabited  islands,  Kalengan,  Preyidjono,  and 
Kepanean,  serve  as  good  marks  for  this  or  for  Pangoel  Bay. 

It  is  2  miles  wide  at  its  entrance,  and  contains  no  dangers  except  the 
I    A.  4  Z 


722  JAVA. 

rocks  round  the  small  island  of  Sroyoe,  near  its  S.E.  point ;  and  Gebos  Reef 
•which  bears  S.S.E.  from  that  island,  about  2  cables'  lengths,  but  it  shows 
itself  above  water.     The  depths  in  the  entrance  are  from  35  to  40  fathoms. 

At  each  end  of  the  sandy  beach,  upon  which  there  is  always  a  high  surf 
there  is  the  mouth  of  a  river.  The  eastern  one  has  some  rocks  beneath  the 
water's  edge  at  high  water,  and  very  dangerous  when  there  is  the  least 
swell.  The  water,  however,  is  very  good,  and  fire-wood  may  be  had  in 
plenty  there.  The  communication  with  the  interior  is  difficult  from  the 
steep  ridge  of  mountains. 

PANGOOL  or  Pangoel  Bay  is  about  6  miles  to  the  westward  of  Soembreng, 
and  5  leagues  from  Segoro  Wedie ;  it  atfords  a  good  anchorage  in  the  eastern 
monsoon,  and  is  frequently  visited  by  coasting  traders,  being  an  open  port, 
but  for  exports  only.  Its  limits  were  defined  by  the  Royal  Ordinance,  March 
23rd,  1862,  as  lying  within  the  line  joining  the  beacon  mark  for  the  harbour 
and  the  N.W.  point  of  Pulo  Kongitan,  or  North  Gialang,  and  bearing  from 
each  other  N.E.  i  E.  and  S.W.  i  W. 

At  the  distance  of  a  mile  from  the  S.E.  point  of  the  Bay  of  Pangoel  lie 
the  dano-erous  rocks  of  Sero ;  they  are  partly  above  water,  and  though  the 
southernmost  is  sometimes  covered,  its  high  breakers  usually  show  its  place. 
The  passage  to  the  eastward,  between  them  and  the  S.E.  point  of  the  bay,  is 
a  mile  wide,  and  seems  to  be  free  from  danger,  as  all  the  rocks  are  visible 
above  water.  The  common  anchorage  in  Pangool  Bay  is  at  the  N.E.  side 
in  7  or  8  fathoms,  sand,  opposite  the  Government  Salt  Storehouse  ;  but  as  a 
ship  is  exposed  there  to  a  dangerous  swell,  and  the  landing  is  troublesome, 
another  anchorage,  a  little  more  to  the  southward,  in  a  bight  abreast  of 
Kongilan  Island,  is  preferable.  This  bight  is  scarcely  half  a  mile  wide,  but 
it  has  good  ground,  sand  and  clay,  in  7  to  5  fathoms.  The  bottom  rises 
gradually  towards  a  sandy  island,  upon  which  stands  the  cofifee  storehouses ; 
and  there  is  a  pier,  which  much  facilitates  the  transfer  of  cargoes,  as  well  as 
the  intercourse  of  boats. 

From  Pangool  the  coast  stretches  to  the  westward  for  24  miles  to  Patjitan, 
but  forming  some  bights,  of  which  Lorok  -Bay  is  the  principal,  although  too 
small  and  too  much  exposed  to  afford  any  anchorage  for  ships.  The  coast  is 
high,  rocky,  and  lined  by  a  continued  range  of  breakers. 

PATJITAN  BAY. — Ships  bound  to  Patjitan  Bay  ought  to  steer  close  along 
the  shore,  for  fear  of  passing  it  in  the  night,  the  opening  not  being  wide  ; 
care  is  also  requisite  not  to  mistake  it  for  Lorok  Bay,  as  they  bear  much 
resemblance  to  each  other  ;  but  as  these  bays  differ  1 5  minutes  in  longitude, 
an  error  of  this  kind  is  not  probable,  if  any  confidence  can  be  placed  in  the 
chronometers,  and  if  due  attention  is  paid  to  the  following  directions.  The 
middle  of  the  bay  lies  in  8°  15'  S.  and  111°  3'  E.  Its  limits  were  officially 
defined  (March  23,  1862)  as  being  inside  the  line  joining  the  signal  flagstaff 
on  Ngamber  Point,  on  the  eastern  side,  and  the  hillock  of  Karang  Semondo 


BAGLEN  HEAD.  723 

on  the  West.  The  entrance  is  only  1  mile  wide,  but  inside  it  expands  to  2 
miles  in  breadth  and  in  length  ;  and  when  it  bears  N.  or  N.  by  E.  the  bay  is 
open  and  easily  discovered.  The  fair  track  into  the  bay  is  mid-channel  be- 
tween the  two  points,  on  both  of  which  a  high  surf  always  breaks.  Patjitan 
Bay  cannot  be  considered  as  quite  safe,  or  as  an  agreeable  resort,  for  ships 
must  submit  there  to  continued  heavy  rolling,  sometimes  gunwale  under, 
occasioned  by  the  perpetual  high  southerly  swell.  Notwithstanding  all  this, 
the  anchorage  has  in  most  places  good  holding  ground,  consisting  of  black 
sand  mixed  with  clay,  in  8  to  14  fathoms.  There  are  but  two  places  in  the 
bay  fit  for  boats  to  land  ;  the  first  on  the  western  side,  near  a  small  patch  of 
white  sand,  called  Temper  an  Beach  ;  the  watering-place  is  also  there,  and  near 
it  the  best  anchorage  in  8  or  9  fathoms  water.  The  other  landing-place  is 
near  the  eastern  point  of  the  bay,  in  Megelon  Cove,  which,  though  very  small, 
is  large  enough  to  contain  a  single  ship.  In  this  cove  there  is  very  little 
swell,  and  12  to  10  fathoms,  soft  ground  ;  farther  in,  a  deep  cleft  will  be 
discerned  in  the  land,  in  the  direction  of  N.E.  by  E.,  forming  a  little  harbour, 
with  depths  of  4  to  2  fathoms,  soft  ground,  and  shoaling  gradually  to  3  ft., 
with  a  small  white  sandy  beach  without  any  surf  at  all.  Both  the  little 
harbour  and  the  cove  in  which  it  is  situated  are  completely  landlocked  ;  but 
the  communication  with  the  chief  town,  Patjitan,  is  difficult  from  the  inter- 
vening mountains.     Patjitan  is  an  open  port  for  exports  only. 

The  fine  river  Pantier  falls  into  the  bay  at  its  N.E.  side,  but  it  is  difficult 
to  enter  on  account  of  its  bar.  The  whole  North  side  of  Patjitan  Bay  is 
lined  with  a  beach  of  white  sand,  but  the  high  surf  renders  it  impracticable 
for  landing.  It  is  high  water,  at  full  and  change,  about  8  o'clock,  and  the 
vertical  rise  is  a  little  more  than  7  ft. 

From  Patjitan  Bay  a  barren,  woody,  uninhabited  coast  of  chalk  moun- 
tains, and  fronted  by  a  continuous  line  of  breakers,  stretches  W,  by  N.  and 
W.N.W.  It  forms,  however,  some  small  bights,  of  which  Homho,  Krakal, 
and  Baron,  are  the  largest,  but  all  of  them  useless  to  ships.  Farther  on, 
from  near  Brossot  to  Bollong  Head,  the  shore  is  not  so  steep,  and  the  beach 
rises  into  a  chain  of  sand  downs,  about  25  ft.  in  height  above  the  water. 
There  is  no  anchorage  near  this  part  of  the  coast. 

BAGLEN  HEAD,  or  Meganties  Point,  lies  in  long.  109°  24'  E.,  and  is  a 
promontory  of  steep  and  inaccessible  rocks,  said  in  the  old  charts  to  resemble 
Beachy  Head.  Landing  there  is  impossible  from  the  high  surf ;  and  it  is 
without  doubt  that  there  are  some  sunken  rocks  near  it.  Many  instances 
are  on  record  of  boats  and  proas,  in  endeavouring  to  land,  having  been  up- 
set, and  of  large  trading  proas,  as  well  as  other  vessels,  having  been  wrecked 
there. 

When  coming  from  the  eastward,  Baglen  Head  seems  to  be  surrounded 
by  low  land,  and  is  a  notable  mark  for  ships  bound  to  Tjilatjap.  From  the 
S.E.  or  southward  it  has  the  appearance  of  an  island  with  peaked  hills.     It 


7  J I  JAVA. 

l)ears  much  resemblance  to  Kambangan  Island ;  but  if  the  chronometers  are 
not  much  in  error,  such  a  mistake  is  not  probable,  as  the  two  points  differ 
24'  in  long;itude. 

SCHILDPADDEN  or  Turtle  Bay  is  the  long:  bight  between  Kambangan 
Island  and  Baglen  Head.  According  to  the  Kambangan  pilots,  this  bight 
is  without  dangers,  and  has  good  holding  ground  throughout,  except  near 
the  range  of  breakers.  Some  rivers  that  discharge  themselves  into  it  cause 
irregular  currents,  with  patches  of  discoloured  water  and  ripples,  and  drive 
out  trees  and  shrubs  in  abundance.  In  the  eastern  monsoon  it  affords  no 
anchorage  for  ships,  at  least  not  without  suffering  from  much  wind  and  swell, 
near  the  village  of  Jettis  ;  for  though  Baglen  Head  offers  some  partial  shelter, 
by  which  landing  is  rendered  less  dangerous  than  at  any  other  place,  yet  the 
promontory  does  not  project  enough  to  afford  a  safe  anchorage.  The  only 
good  anchorage  in  the  whole  of  Schildpadden  Bay  is  behind  the  eastern  end 
of  Kambangan  Island. 

KAMBANGAN  ISLAND  is  separated  from  Java  by  a  very  narrow  ehannet, 
and  it  occupies  the  whole  space  between  the  bays  of  Schildpadden  and  Pe- 
naniong.  At  each  end  of  the  island  there  is  a  harbour,  Tjilatjap  and  Tjitando-. 
The  latter,  to  the  eastward,  is  a  place  of  considerable  resort  for  vessels  of  all 
sizes ;  and  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river,  which  empties  itself  into  the 
former,  stands  the  establishment  of  Kalie  Poetjang. 

To  the  northward  the  channel  expands  into  Anakan  Lagoon,  which  is  fuUy 
4  miles  square,  but  from  its  extensive  mud-banks  it  is  navigable  by  proas  and 
small  vessels  only.  Kambangan  is  throughout  its  whole  length  high  and 
rocky,  but  covered  with  large  trees,  and  stretches  from  W.N.W.  to  E.S.E., 
its  extreme  length  being  15,  and  its  breadth  4  miles. 

TJILATJAP  or  Chailachap,  near  the  eastern  part  of  Kambangan,  is  an 
open  port,  and  the  most  important  on  the  South  coast  of  Java.  It  has 
increased  remarkably  in  importance  since  the  development  of  the  commerce 
of  the  island,  being  the  market  for  the  entire  products  of  the  surrounding 
country.  The  surveys  of  the  Dutch  Government,  and  the  marks  esta- 
blished, will  simplify  its  navigation,  but  a  pilot  is  necessary. 

The  South  point  of  Tjilatjap  lies  in  7°  44'  40"  S.,  and  109°  5'  30  E.  ;  and 
the  flagstaff  on  BoUong  Head  is  in  7°  46'  12"  E.,  and  109°  7'  0"  E.,  according 
to  Lieut.  Rietveld. 

Vessels  bound  to  Tjilatjap  ought  to  steer  for  the  eastern  end  of  Kamban- 
gan. This  island,  from  the  southward,  is  very  conspicuous ;  the  East  part 
being  high  and  terminating  in  the  bluff  head  of  Bollong.  In  clear  weather, 
and  when  the  mountains  are  not  hidden  by  clouds,  the  conical  peak  of  Tegal 
will  be  an  excellent  mark  ;  by  bringing  its  summit  N.  by  E.  ^  E.,  when 
Bollong  Head  will  be  seen  in  the  same  bearing ;  but  if  the  peak  should  be 
made  on  the  bearing  of  North,  then  the  head  will  rise  in  the  N.W.  about  20 
miles  distant.     When  approaching  to  within  5  or  6  miles  to  the  eastward  of 


TJTLATJAP  AND  LIGHT.  725 

Kamhangan,  some  hills  will  be  discerned,  which  are  situated  to  the  eastward  of 
the  rivers  Serayoe  and  Adirejo,  and  near  the  shore,  and  have  the  appearance 
Oi  an  island. 

LIGHT. — In  order  to  distinguish  the  eastern  point  of  Kambangan  from 
Karang  Bollong  to  the  East  ot  it,  a  stone  tower  was  erected,  but  it  was  blown 
down.  A  new  stone  tower,  75  ft.  high,  was  erected  in  1861.  There  is  now 
a  lighthouse  on  this  part  of  the  island,  onTjimiring  Hill,  from  which  dibright 
revolving  light  is  shown  at  an  elevation  of  665  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  visible  20 
miles  off.  It  appears  as  a  bright  light  for  8  seconds  in  every  minute,  and 
is  obscured  to  vessels  close  under  the  land. 

Besides  this  outer  mark  there  are  three  pairs  of  leading  marks  or  beacons-, 
which  show  the  direction  of  the  inner  channel,  and  two  others  farther  in. 

In  coming  from  the  eastward,  and  getting  near  the  island,  the  rock  of 
Bollong  will  be  perceived,  lying  87  yards  from  the  N.E.  point  of  Kamban- 
gan Island ;  this  rock,  at  which  the  channel  begins,  is  very  small,  covered 
with  some  trees,  and  hollow  underneath. 

Lieutenant  Rietveld  says — When  Bollong  Rock  bears  West,  at  2  miles 
distance,  good  anchorage  will  be  found;  when  the  S.E  point  of  Noesa  Kam- 
bangan bears  S.S.W.,  12  or  13  fathoms,  sandy  bottom  ;  the  East  point  ap- 
proached within  half  a  mile,  8  fathoms,  sandy  bottom  ;  the  East  point  bear- 
ing South,  5  or  6  fathoms,  sand ;  and  N.E.  of  Bollong  Rock,  or  of  the  flag- 
staff, at  low  water,  4  fathoms.  Inside  or  to  the  westward  of  Bollong  Rock, 
there  are  again  6  and  8  fathoms,  and  throughout  the  whole  channel  good 
anchorage  ground  will  be  found,  as  indicated  by  the  chart. 

A  government  native  pilot  proceeds  instantly  on  board  of  any  vessel  on 
her  making  the  signal  for  a  pilot,  which  should  be  accompanied  by  a  gun. 

With  westerly  winds  there  is  no  great  swell  under  the  lee  of  Kambangan 
Island,  and  vessels  to  the  N.E.  of  Bollong  Head,  while  waiting  for  a  pilot, 
may  anchor  there  as  soon  as  they  are  sufiiciently  sheltered.  In  the  south- 
eastern monsoon  the  pilot  will  come  out,  unless  the  wind  and  swell  are  too 
high,  in  which  case  that  anchorage  would  not  be  safe,  and  then  vessels 
should  stand  off  and  on  in  the  offing,  unless  they  are  so  far  acquainted  with 
the  place  as  to  be  able  to  run  inside  of  Bollong  Head,  where  they  will  be 
protected  from  the  wind,  and  not  very  much  incommoded  by  the  swell. 
While  waiting  outside,  keep  Bollong  head  to  the  West  of  S.W.,  as  the 
outer  or  sea-bank  stretches  from  the  point  N.E.  of  the  Hard  iSand-bank 
opposite  Kambangan. 

Beacons. — The  channel  within  Karang  Bollong  is  shown  by  several  beacons 
as  above  mentioned.  The  principal  are  two  stone  towers,  surmounted  with 
hexagonal  iron  plates,  25  ft.  in  diameter,  standing  near  Karang  Tonga,  and 
288  ft.  apart;  being  in  one,  S.  68°  W.,  they  lead  up  to  Karang  Rempak. 

Two  smaller  but  similar  beacons,  near  Banjoe  Njapa,  75  ft.  apart  S.  45°  W. 
in  one,  lead  through  the  narrows  by  Karang  Rempak. 


726  JAVA. 

To  the  southward  of  Karang  Rempak  are  two  similar  inntr  leacom,  East 
and  West,  45  ft.  apart,  leading  between  Karang  Rempak  and  Karang 
Tenga. 

These  three  pairs  of  beacons  are  alike  in  form  and  colour.  The  higher  and 
inner  ones  are  white,  with  three  black  perpendicular  stripes.  The  outer  and 
lower  ones  are  white.  When  in  one  the  white  beacon  covers  a  portion  of 
the  inner  one,  the  black  stripes  on  which  are  thus  seen  over  it. 

Besides  these  beacons  there  are  two  pair  of  marks  farther  in.  The  first 
two  are  on  the  North  side  of  the  channel ;  they  stand  on  Karang  Balie,  and 
point  out  the  end  of  the  sea-bank.  Their  tops  are  triangular,  the  base  of 
the  triangle  being  perpendicular,  and  their  upper  points  in  opposite  direc- 
tions, so  that  when  seen  in  one,  these  tops  being  at  equal  heights,  form  a 
square.     Their  bearing  is  N.  53°  W.,  and  show  the  above  direction. 

Another  pair  of  similar  beacons  stand  on  the  southern  side  of  the  channel, 
a  little  to  the  southward  of  the  former,  and  are  in  one  N.  60°  W.  260  ft. 
apart.  In  using  these  marks,  great  caution  is  requisite,  to  keep  the  narrow 
channel,  without  touching  on  the  banks. 

As  for  a  stranger  a  pilot  is  necessary,  it  is  needless  to  give  more  direction* 
than  those  which  were  generally  useful  previous  to  the  establishment  of 
the  beacons  in  1861. 

The  channel  up  to  Tjilatjap  is  very  narrow  from  abreast  of  Bollong  Rock, 
where  it  makes  a  curve  towards  the  S  W.  ;  and  between  the  end  of  the  Hard 
Sand  and  Kambangan  it  is  not  220  yards  wide,  but  on  both  sides  steep-to. 
In  the  middle  of  the  channel  there  are  from  4  to  9  fathoms,  with  a  few  spots 
which  carry  only  20  ft.  It  is  too  narrow  to  work  in,  and  therefore  a  vessel 
must  be  warped  in  against  the  wind. 

To  avoid  a  rock  which  bears  North  of  Mount  Brambang,  or  8.S.E.  from 
the  coal  store  on  the  South  point  of  Tjilatjap,  and  which  carries  only  2^ 
fathoms  at  low  water,  keep  the  point  of  Sodon  in  sight,  well  outside  of  Agong 
Point.  This  point,  Agong,  in  one  with  the  foot  of  the  farthest  visible  mount, 
Boaya,  leads  just  upon  the  rock,  Sudon  Point  being  then,  of  course,  shut 
in.  Keep  nearest  to  the  Kambangan  side,  where  good  anchorage  will  bo 
found  S.S.W.  from  the  storehouses,  on  the  line  uniting  the  pier  and  the 
watering-place,  and  in  5  or  6  fathoms,  with  a  sand  and  mud  bottom.  The 
deepest  water  will  be  found  on  the  Kambangan  shore,  which  is  also  steep- 
to.  A  vessel  lies  here  as  in  a  dock,  sheltered  from  all  winds,  and  without 
any  swell ;  so  that  since  the  pier  was  completed,  cargoes  are  shipped  or  dis- 
embarked with  facility. 

The  bight  of  Tjilatjap,  between  the  South  point  and  Green  point,  contains 
a  soft  sloping  mud-bank,  stretching  out  as  far  as  the  pier,  and  drying  at  low 
water  spring  tides.  With  the  South  point  ol  Tjilatjap  in  one  with  the  flag- 
staff of  Bollong,  there  are  not  more  than  4  fathoms  depth  between  those  two 
above-mentioned  points. 


TJILATJAP.  727 

Tides. — The  following  information  respecting  the  tides,  currents,  and  winds 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  Tjilatjap,  has  been  collected  from  Lieut.  Eietveld's 
remarks. 

The  ebb  tide  runs  between  the  easternmost  beacons  to  the  N.N.E.  and 
N.E.,  and  the  flood  to  the  S.W.,  over  the  Hard  Sand-bank,  and  then  partly 
turns  to  the  W.S.W. 

Abreast  of  Balie  Rock,  just  to  the  -westward  of  Rempak  Point,  the  ebb  tide 
sets  to  the  North  and  N.E.  over  the  sand-bank ;  also  the  flood  to  the  South 
and  S.W. ;  and  in  the  West  monsoon  to  the  S.S.E.,  towards  Banjoe  Japa 
Rock,  in  the  deepest  part  of  the  bight,  from  whence  it  follows  the  westerly 
trend  of  the  channel.  When  the  Hard  Sand-bank  is  dry,  the  streams  set  of 
course  along  its  edge. 

To  the  westward  of  Tjilatjap  Point  the  tidal  streams  follow  the  direction 
of  the  channel ;  the  flood,  more  than  half  the  length  of  Kambangan  Island, 
into  the  Anakan  Lagoon,  where  it  meets  the  flood  which  sets  in  through 
Tjitando  Bay  and  round  the  West  point  of  Banting  Mattie.  The  ebb  runs 
in  the  contrary  directions,  sweeping  round  the  bight  of  Banjoe  Japa,  and  then 
N.E.  through  the  narrows,  and  crossing  the  Hard  Sand,  or  entering  the  sea 
in  an  East  or  E.S.E.  direction. 

The  velocity  of  these  streams  is  variable,  2J,  3,  4,  4^  knots,  and  the  ebb 
even  5  and  5^  in  the  rainy  season.  The  time  of  high  and  low  water  is,  at 
full  and  change,  low  water,  2'*  35"",  and  high  water  S""  45";  the  length  of  the 
flood  being  about  6*"  0™ ;  and  the  mean  rise  and  fall  about  3^  ft.  The 
greatest  range  of  the  tide  that  took  place  was  6  feet  3^  inches. 

In  the  morning,  before  8  or  9  o'clock,  there  is  usually  a  gentle  laud 
breeze  from  the  West  or  W.N.W.,  which  enables  vessels  to  go  out  in  the 
eastern  monsoon.  Then,  in  both  monsoons,  it  is  calm  till  1 1  o'clock,  which 
allows  ships  to  warp  or  tow  in,  during  the  western  monsoon.  From  the 
middle  of  July,  however,  till  the  beginning  of  October,  there  are  continued 
easterly  winds,  without  the  least  interruption ;  and  in  August  and  Septem- 
ber they  are  accompanied  by  heavy  rains,  and  sometimes  storms,  with  no 
westerly  or  land  breeze  at  all. 

Deep-laden  ships  waiting  outside  for  a  fit  opportunity  to  weigh  often  sufi'er 
severely  from  the  sea.  In  both  monsoons  a  small  steam-tug  (perhaps  now 
established)  would,  therefore,  be  a  great  benefit  to  the  trade  of  Tjilatjap. 

The  watering  place  on  the  Kambangan  shore  is  near  the  anchorage,  and 
aff'ords  good  and  pure  water ;  a  brick  aqueduct  and  reservoir  may  the  pro- 
cess convenient. 

The  Island  of  Kambangan  is  all  rock  and  wood,  there  is  therefore  plenty 
of  fuel,  and  even  trees  fit  for  topmasts.;  there  is  also  a  profusion  of  game 
such  as  deer,  wild  hogs,  tigers,  rhinoceroses,  &c.     Refreshments  are  to  be 
procured  plentifully  at  Tjilatjap,  but  few  ships'  stores  at  present.     The  fa- 
vourable position  of  this  port  for  general  commerce  has  so  wonderfully  in- 


728  JAVA. 

creased  the  number  of  vessels  by  which  it  is  visited,  and  so  conveniently  is  it 
connected  with  the  rest  of  Java,  that  perhaps  at  no  very  distant  period  it 
will  be  the  principal  entrepot  of  the  whole  island.  On  the  sea-face  of  Karang 
liollong  are  numerous  caves,  in  which  are  found  the  edible  birds'  nests  so 
highly  prized  by  Orientals.  The  nests  are  formed,  by  a  small  species  of 
swallow,  of  gelatinous  seaweed.  The  caves  are  from  50  to  700  ft.  beneath 
the  bill  tops,  and  inaccessible,  except  to  men  lowered  by  ropes. 

The  climate  of  Tjilatjap  cannot  be  considered  healthy,  especially  in  the 
western  monsoon ;  and  malignant  fevers  prevail  sometimes  after  a  long 
drought,  and  during  the  rainy  season. 

At  Tjilatjap  are  residing  an  assistant  resident,  a  storekeeper,  and  some 
civil  authorities  of  minor  importance,  and  a  small  garrison  at  Karang  Bol- 
long,  a  military  doctor,  hospital,  &c.  The  western  entrances  of  Segara  Ana- 
kan,  which  are  formed  to  the  westward  of  Kambangan  Island,  and  which 
are  visited  sometimes  by  coasting  vessels  to  fetch  a  cargo  of  salt  for  Kalie 
Poetjang,  are  very  narrow  and  intricate.  BessekHead,  the  S.W.  extremity 
of  Kambangan  Island,  lies  in  7°  41'  45"  S.,  and  108°  49'  E. 

Tjitando  Inlet,  the  western  entrance  to  the  Segara  Arrakan,  or  Anakan  La- 
goon, between  Kambangan  and  the  Java  shore,  is  2  miles  long,  and  for  a 
mile  2  cables'  lengths  wide;  and  both  sides  are  high,  steep,  and  rocky. 
Wre  Island  divides  the  inlet  into  two  parts,  and  there  are  also  some  detached 
rocks,  which  make  it  still  more  intricate.  The  opening  into  this  inlet,  which 
lies  2  miles  North  of  Bessek  Head,  Kambangan,  is  not  discerned  easily  when 
coming  from  the  southward,  even  at  a  short  distance,  from  its  tortuous  course 
and  its  high  shores ;  but  steering  a  little  northward  of  Bessek  Head,  Wre  will 
easily  be  distinguished  when  standing  in-shore. 

Ships  bound  to  this  place  in  the  eastern  monsoon  should  make  the  land  a 
little  to  windward  of  the  western  end  of  Kambangan,  and  then  run  along 
towards  the  Isle  of  Wre,  but  not  forgetting  the  Amboer,  a  dangerous  sunken 
rock,  bearing  N.  by  W.  i  W.,  700  yards  from  Bessek  Head. 

In  the  western  monsoon  a  ship  should  first  steer  for  Cape  Mandararie,  at 
the  extremity  of  Penaniong  Bay,  and  bearing  W.S.W.  |  W.,  19  miles  from 
Bessek  Head.  From  Cape  Mandararie  the  course  of  E.N.E.  leads  into  the 
entrance  of  this  inlet. 

The  steep  sides  of  the  Tjitando  Inlet  intercept  all  winds  which  do  not  blow 
straight  through,  and  the  little  room  it  affords  for  working,  along  with  it8 
winding  form,  in  most  cases  render  towing  or  warping  unavoidable.  A  ship 
must  trust  chiefly  to  the  tides,  and  when  she  arrives  at  the  mouth  of  the  in- 
let, she  should  anchor  and  wait  for  the  flood.  It  need  scarcely  be  mentioned 
that  with  westerly  and  southerly  winds  there  will  be  a  heavy  swell  there, 
and,  although  the  holding  ground  is  good,  a  ship  cannot  be  said  to  lie  in 
safety. 

With  southerly  winds,  in  either  monsoon,  the  entrance  of  this  inlet  is  Tery 


TJITANDO.  729 

troublesome  and  sometimes  impossible  ;  but  with  easterly  winds,  and  no  high 
sea,  a  ship  may  anchor  near  the  South  side  of  the  Isle  of  Wre,  and  wait  for 
a  favourable  tide. 

Between  the  entrance  of  the  inlet  and  Bessek  Head  there  is  a  small  bight 
called  Bator  Cove,  which,  though  only  half  a  mile  wide,  affords  good  shelter 
in  easterly  winds. 

In  the  passage  there  is  an  irregular  bottom  of  gravel  and  broken  rocks, 
and  not  till  in  the  Anakan  basin  will  better  ground  be  found,  and  there  only 
for  a  small  space.  "When  abreast  of  Banting  Mattie,  a  ship  will  be  land- 
locked on  all  sides,  and,  being  no  longer  exposed  to  the  swell,  she  may  an- 
chor in  safety ;  but  she  should  be  provided  with  chain  cables,  for  the  chan- 
nels being  passed  entirely  by  warping  or  towing,  it  is  necessary  to  bring  up 
very  frequently. 

Wre  Island,  which  divides  this  inlet  in  two  parts,  is  high,  rocky,  and 
densely  clothed  with  trees,  stretching  N.X.E.  and  S.S.W.  nearly  a  mile  in 
length,  but  varying  in  breadth  from  440  to  55  yards.  The  passages  to  the 
East  and  West  of  "Wre  Island  are  called  respectively  Tando  and  Sehel.  It  is 
difiB.cult  to  prescribe  under  what  circumstances  either  of  these  channels 
ahould  be  preferred, — the  position  of  the  vessel,  the  wind  and  weather,  the 
tide,  and  other  considerations, — must  decide  the  choice  of  the  prudent 
seaman. 

"When  proceeding  through  Tjitando  or  Channel,  it  should  be  considered 
that  the  reef  projecting  from  Serang  Point  (which  is  the  western  extremity 
of  Kambangan,  and  bearing  E.S.E.  from  the  South  point  of  V^re)  is  not  so 
dangerous  as  its  heavy  breakers  would  indicate  at  the  first  appearance  ;  for 
outside  of  this  reef  there  is  hard  sand,  ground,  with  10  to  14  fathoms  water, 
where,  although  much  exposed  to  the  swell,  anchoring  is  not  dangerous.  In 
bad  weather,  indeed,  this  reef  should  never  be  approached,  except  to  pass 
it  with  a  leading  wind  and  good  headway.  Within  Serang  Point  lies  the 
small  island  of  Manok,  and  W.N.W.  from  it  the  dangerous  rock  of  Tongak, 
which,  is,  however,  visible  at  low  water.  The  channel  leads  between  this 
island  and  some  rocks,  and  is  only  328  yards  wide,  with  from  5  to  18  fa- 
thoms depth  in  the  middle.  Between  Tongak  and  Wre  the  passage  is  barred 
by  rocks,  and  to  the  depth  eastward  of  Manok  there  is  only  from  1  to  3 
fathoms  depth.  Accordingly  vessels  should  steer  close  along  the  West  side 
of  Manok  Island;  thence  with  a  N.E.  or  E.N.E.  course  in  12  to  20  fathoms 
depth,  along  the  projecting  peninsula  of  Java,  called  Siragalo  ;  and  pass 
Cape  Mattie  with  a  North  or  N.N.  W.  course.  Siragalo  Peninsula  is  high  and 
steep,  and  may  be  passed  at  the  S.E.  and  East  sides  at  half  a  cable's  length, 
in  6  and  12  fathoms  water;  but  the  Kambangan  side  should  not  be  ap- 
proached too  near,  on  account  of  the  rocks  of  Gomboyok,  which  are  dry  at 
very  low  water,  and  bear  S.  by  W.  and  S.S.W.  from  Cape  Mattie,  and  E.  by 

I.  A.  5  A 


730  JAVA. 

N.  and  E.N.E.  from  the  point  of  Siragalo.  The  eddy  of  the  ebb  tide  along 
the  Kambangan  shore  sets  right  upon  those  rocks.  Cape  Mattie  lies  half  a 
mile  North  of  Siragalo,  and  half  a  mile  farther,  on  the  Java  shore,  the  river 
Tjitando  falls  into  the  sea.  The  anchorage  off  Cape  Mattie  is  in  12  to  20 
fathoms  water,  but  a  better  berth  may  be  found  in  7  to  10  fathoms,  sandy 
bottom,  about  4  cables'  lengths  from  the  mouth  of  the  river  Tjitando.  There 
being  extensive  reefs  on  the  Java  shore,  and  in  the  Anakan  Basin, 
and  the  tides  and  eddies  being  very  irregular,  it  is  advisable  to  moor 
the  ship. 

The  Tji  Schel  Channel  to  the  westward  of  Wre  Island  is  not  so  dangerous 
as  that  of  Tando,  and  has  throughout  its  whole  length,  irregular  depths, 
from  4  to  12  and  16  fathoms,  gravel  and  broken  rocks.  It  is  necessary, 
however,  to  keep  in  the  mid-channel,  as  there  are  but  3  fathoms  water  to 
the  North  and  N.E.  of  the  Isle  of  Wre  ;  for  330  yards  distance,  and  to  the 
westward  of  the  peninsula  of  Siragalo,  the  Eawit  Eocks,  which  are  dry  at 
low  water,  project  100  yards  distance  off  shore. 

This  channel  is  longer  than  that  of  Tando,  and  has  the  further  disadvan- 
tage that,  when  the  wind  is  not  favourable,  vessels  cannot  get  directly  inside 
of  Siragalo,  and  they  are  compelled  to  anchor,  which  occasions  loss  of  time. 
In  such  circumstances  it  is  better  to  wait  to  the  S.W.  of  the  North  end  of  the 
Isle  of  Wre,  because  the  North  and  East  sides  afford  less  shelter,  and  a 
nasty  swell  makes  the  eastern  anchorage  very  inconvenient.  When  Sira- 
galo has  been  rounded,  proceed  according  to  the  directions  for  the  Taudo 
Channel. 

As  both  these  channels  are  too  intricate  for  strangers,  they  should  not 
attempt  them,  unless  in  a  case  of  high  necessity,  without  a  pilot. 

The  rise  and  fall  of  the  water  depend  much  upon  the  winds,  and  on  the 
more  or  less  efflux  of  the  rivers  which  fall  into  the  Anakan  Sea ;  spring  tides 
generally  rise  5  to  5J  ft.,  and  the  neap  tides  3^  to  4  ft.  The  currents  are 
unequal  in  force,  and  the  duration  of  the  streams  very  irregular,  except 
when  the  rivers  are  low,  the  flood  and  ebb  then  changing  every  6  hours  ;  but 
while  the  rivers  are  full,  the  flood  runs  3,  and  the  ebb  9  hours.  At  full  and 
change,  the  times  of  high  and  low  water  are  too  variable  to  allow  us  to  give 
the  establishment. 

PENANIONG  BAY,  formed  between  the  western  end  of  Kambangan  and 
Cape  Mandararie,  is  about  6  leagues  in  extent,  and  is  divided  into  two  un- 
equal parts  by  the  peninsula  and  point  of  Penaniong,  the  eastern  Maurits 
Bay,  and  the  western  Vries  Bay. 

In  Maurits  Bay,  between  the  peninsula  and  Kambangan  Island,  a  ship 
may  find  sufficient  shelter  in  the  western  monsoon.  When  entering  Maurits 
Bay,  a  rock,  perforated  like  the  arch  of  a  bridge,  will  be  discerned,  also  three 
rocks  in  a  line,  like  sugar-loaves ;  there  are  no  dangers,  the  soundings  de- 
crease gradually  till  within  a  mile  of  the  shore,  where  a  ship  may  anchor, 


WYNKOOPS  BAY.  731 

or  nearer  if  requisite ;  and  fresh  water  may  be  procured  easily  in  a  small 
sandy  bay. 

From  Cape  Mandararie  the  coast  stretches  westward,  and  then  W.N.W. 
and  W.  by  N.,  to  Cape  Anjol,  a  distance  of  more  than  40  leagues,  without 
meeting  between  these  points  anything  worth  notice.  Nothwithstanding, 
there  are  two  points  where,  at  Cape  Santiang,  the  coast  curves  in  for  some 
miles;  and  still  more  at  Cape  Eurum,  about  107°  36'  E.  longitude.  Near 
Boemie  Foint,  which  lies  in  108°  17'  E.,  there  are  two  small  islands,  the 
westernmost  of  which  is  round,  and  the  other  low  and  more  level. 

This  part  of  the  South  coast  of  Java  seems  to  be  free  from  dangers, 
although  off  most  of  the  points  there  are  reefs,  on  which  the  sea  usually 
breaks  with  violence,  and  in  every  bight  or  curve  a  heavy  surf  rolls  up  a 
white  sandy  beach.  In  general,  at  4  miles  distance  off  shore,  50  to  30  fa- 
thoms will  be  found  ;  and  within  that  distance  a  30  to  12  fathoms  line  will 
reach  the  bottom,  which  is  mostly  sand,  and  tolerably  good  holding  ground, 
were  it  not  for  the  very  high  swell.  Vessels  beating  up  along  this  coast 
should  therefore  keep  under  sail  during  the  night,  and  not  approach  too 
near  the  shore  ;  but  in  all  cases  their  ground  tackle  ought  to  be  kept  in 
readiness  for  immediate  use  if  required. 

From  Cape  Santiang  to  the  eastward  the  coast  is  low  near  to  the  sea, 
woody  and  cultivated,  and  of  an  agreeable  appearance,  but  to  the  westward 
of  that  point  to  Cape  Anjol  it  is  much  higher  and  mountainous. 

Coasting  along  this  part  of  Java,  a  ship  may  often  correct  her  reckoning 
by  the  summits  of  the  mountains  ;  the  positions  of  the  Mounts  Patoeha, 
Tiloe,  Papadayang,  and  Tjikoray,  between  107^°  and  108'  E.,  have  not  been 
yet  ascertained  with  accuracy,  but  a  little  more  to  the  westward,  in  clear 
weather,  the  bearings  of  Pangerango  (blue  mountains)  and  Salak,  of  which 
the  places  and  the  elevations  have  been  determined,  will  be  satisfactory. 

CAPE  ANJOL,  in  the  old  charts  called  Wine-coopers  (Wynkoops)  Point, 
is  situated  in  lat.  7°  25'  S.,  and  long.  106°  24 V  E.  The  point  is  low,  but 
nevertheless  easily  distinguished,  and  from  the  westward  is  very  conspicuous. 
Near  the  point  there  is  a  low  sandy  island,  with  some  trees  on  it.  To  the 
eastward  of  Cape  Anjol  the  coast  bends  slightly  round  to  Gadia  Point,  and 
has  somewhat  of  the  appearance  of  a  wall  with  embrasures.  About  3  miles 
offshore  the  depth  is  19  fathoms. 

From  the  cape  the  coast  trends  suddenly  to  the  N.N.W.  for  about  3 
leagues  to  Cape  Monijol,  and  from  thence  N.  by  E.  and  N.N.E.  6  miles  to 
Pantyoer  Point  and  Zand  Bay,  which  extends  to  Cape  Ragat,  where  Wyn- 
koops Bay  begins. 

WYNKOOPS  BAY  lies  N.E.  and  S.W.,  and  is  entirely  open  to  W.  and 
S.W. winds.  Its  entrance  points,  Ragat  and  Payong,  bear  N.W.  by  N.  and 
S.E.  by  S.  9^  miles  from  each  other;  and  the  whole  length  of  the  bay  is  10 
miles.    At  the  N.E.  side  of  the  bay  are  the  government  storehouses  for  coffee 


732  JAVA. 

and  salt ;  and  their  position  has  been  determined  by  many  observations  to  be 
6"  59'  30"  S.,  and  106°  31'  E.,  or  17'  W.  of  Batavia.  The  limits  of  the  road, 
defined  officially  March  23rd,  1862,  are  on  the  North,  the  parallel  of  the 
beacon  to  the  southward  of  the  government  storehouses,  to  southward  the 
parallel  of  the  beacon  of  Palaboean-Eatoe,  and  to  the  West  the  12-fathoni 
(Eynland)  line.  Wynkoops  Bay  is  an  open  port  for  express  only.  There 
are  many  spots  of  good  anchorage  ground,  but  a  large  funnel-shaped  space 
in  the  middle  channel,  leading  from  the  entrance  to  the  store,  is  more  than 
100  fathoms  deep.  Two  cables'  lengths  due  West  from  the  stores  there  are 
some  sunken  rocks,  with  3  and  Ih  fathoms  water ;  and  they  so  fend  off  the 
sea,  that  a  communication  may  always  be  kept  with  the  shore  in  boats.  The 
bay  is  surroxmded  by  high  hills,  which  are  clothed  with  trees  to  the  water's 
edge.  In  some  places  ragged  points  project,  with  a  few  scattered  rocks 
upon  them,  some  visible  and  others  invisible,  and  reaching  half  a  cable's 
length  or  more  off  shore.  The  best  roadstead  is  to  the  southward  of  the 
storehouses,  and  is  called  the  Palaboen  Radja.  Regular  soundings  will  be 
found  there  and  along  the  coast  as  far  as  Gambang  Point,  with  good  hold- 
ing ground  of  clay  and  sand  ;  and  vessels  may  safely  anchor  there  in  as  far 
as  8  fathoms,  or  from  half  a  mile  to  a  mile  off  shore. 

Between  Gambang  and  Ponnay  Points  there  is  also  good  anchoring 
ground,  but  the  water  is  too  deep  there,  being  at  half  a  mile  from  the  rocks 
50  fathoms,  and  a  little  farther  100  fathoms,  no  ground.  Between  Ponnay 
and  Eagat  Points,  the  latter  being  the  S.W.  point  of  the  bay,  there  is  no 
anchorage,  as  there  is  no  bottom  at  a  quarter  of  a  mile  off  shore  with  50 
fathoms.  In  the  northern  part  of  the  bay  vessels  may  also  anchor  to  the 
westward  of  Pamoelang  Point,  up  to  the  Eiver  Tjiboreno.  In  the  western 
monsoon  it  is  better  to  anchor  in  a  greater  depth,  as  the  usual  road  is  not 
then  so  safe,  the  winds  raising  a  considerable  sea.  At  the  South  side  of 
the  bay,  if  it  be  necessary  to  land  in  the  eastern  monsoon,  smooth  water 
will  be  found  in  some  places,  where  native  huts  are  seen  near  the  beach, 
or  behind  the  rocks ;  but  at  the  N.W.  side  there  is  then  no  landing  place 
at  all. 

At  night  the  N.J],  side  of  the  bay  is  usually  obscured  by  mists ;  and  as  the 
depth  in  the  entrance  is  too  great  for  anchoring,  all  vessels  should  stand  off 
and  on  till  morning  ;  and  this  they  can  do  without  trouble,  there  being  no 
tides  worth  mentioning. 

With  heavy  rains  the  current  from  the  Eiver  Mandirie  sets  to  the  S.W. 
along  the  coast,  but  is  never  stronger  than  three-quarters  of  a  mile  per  hour ; 
and  in  the  N.E.  corner  of  the  bay  there  is  none.  From  the  Eiver  Tjiboreno 
also  there  is  sometimes  an  outset  of  2  miles  per  hour ;  but  this  N.W.  part 
of  the  bay  should  never  be  visited  without  necessity,  for  although  the 
ground  is  good  enough,  when  close  in,  yet  there  is  much  danger  there  from 
th(i  breakers. 


ZAND  BAY.  733? 

In  neap  tides  the  rise  and  fall  near  the  storehouses  is  2  feet  7  inches,  and 
in  the  springs  about  5^  feet.  At  full  and  change  the  time  of  high  water  is 
5  o'clock,  but  the  time,  as  well  as  the  rise,  depends  much  upon  the  iniluence 
of  the  rivers,  which  often  disturb  its  regularity. 

At  full  and  change  there  is  commonly  a  change  of  weather  ;  baffling  and 
variable  winds,  with  sudden  squalls,  predominate  about  this  time,  and  the 
sea  runs  higher. 

The  land  wind  during  the  night  is  either  N.E.  or  S.E.,-  according  to 
the  side  of  the  bay  ;  the  sea  breeze  sets  in  usually  at  9  or  10  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  and  in  the  eastern  monsoon  is  not  stronger  in  the  roadstead  than  a 
topgallant  breeze. 

The  little  strength  of  the  eastern  monsoon  in  this  bay  is  probably  caused 
by  the  high  mountains  which  surround  it,  and  though  in  the  monsoon  the 
western  wind  blows  with  force,  Wynkoops  Bay  is  visited  throughout  both 
seasons  by  coasting  vessels,  as  well  as  by  large  ships,  for  they  are  at  all  times 
sure  of  finding  a  good  anchorage. 

Ships  coming  from  Europe  in  the  eastern  monsoon  generally  shape  their 
course  so  as  to  make  the  land  to  windward  of  Sunda  Strait,  and  it  often 
happens  they  get  first  sight  of  the  land  near  Cape  Anjol  or  of  Wynkoops 
Bay.  Should  a  vessel  in  such  a  case  require  fresh  water,  it  may  speedily  be 
procured  in  Wynkoops  Bay,  whilst  beef,  rice,  and  fowls  may  also  be  had 
there.     This  bay  is  also  very  convenient  for  shipping  produce  for  Europe. 

The  only  river  of  importance  in  the  bay  is  the  Mandirie,  which  is  of  con- 
siderable breadth,  but  a  bar  at  its  mouth  is  an  impediment  to  its  navigation, 
and  the  stream  meeting  the  swell  produces  heavy  breakers.  The  other 
rivers  divide  in  rivulets  and  small  branches,  and  disperse  themselves  on  the 
beach  without  being  noticed. 

ZAND  BAY,  li  mile  to  the  S.W.  of  Wynkoops  Bay,  is  about  Z^  miles 
across,  between  the  points  of  Jaiar  and  Pantyoer ;  but  further  in  contracts 
to  1|  by  1  mile.  The  N.W.  point  of  the  little  island  of  Mandra  in  this  bay 
is  in  7°  11'  7"  S.  and  106=  25'  E.  The  depths  at  the  entrance  are  irregular, 
from  40  to  50  fathoms,  but  just  outside,  in  a  line  between  Eagat  and  Pan- 
tyoer Points,  and  bearing  N.W.  i  W.  from  Mandra  Island,  there  is  a  patch 
with  7  to  14  fathoms.  A  little  inside  of  the  entrance  the  depth  decreases 
rapidly  to  30,  20,  and  10  fathoms,  miid  bottom,  and  to  the  north-eastward  of 
Mandra  to  7,  5,  4,  and  3  fathoms,  also  mud. 

Besides  Mandra,  which  is  a  remarkable  rock,  surrounded  by  cliffs,  with 
some  trees,  there  is  Manok,  another  small  rocky  island,  less  elevated  and 
more  oblong. 

This  bay  is  essentially  rocky,  yet  in  the  middle  there  is  a  large  and  good 
anchoring  ground,  consisting  of  mud  mixed  with  sand.  Along  the  north- 
eastern side  of  the  bay,  the  rocks  do  not  run  ofi"  more  than  a  cable's  length, 
except  at  Jaiar  Point,  whore  ii  reef,  visible  above  water,  projects  for  a  dis- 


7'A  JAVA. 

tance  of  3  cables'  lengths.  There  are  many  rocks,  both  visible  and  sunken, 
on  the  South  side  of  the  bay  and  near  Mandra  Island  ;  one  of  them,  called 
the  Castor,  is  particularly  dangerous,  from  its  being  in  11  fathoms  and  near 
the  anchorage ;  it  carries  2  feet  at  low  water,  but  is  only  made  visible  by 
the  breakers  during  the  sea-breeze,  its  top  not  being  above  8  ft  in  diameter. 
To  the  south-eastward  of  it  43  yards,  there  is  another  rock  of  the  same  kind 
carrying  2^  fathoms.  From  the  Castor  Eock  the  ISorth  end  of  Mandra 
bears  S.E.  by  E.,  Byoek  Point  S.  i  E.,  and  Pantyoer  Point  W.S.W.  i  W. 
The  best  anchorage  for  a  large  ship  in  Zand  Bay  is  about  the  middle,  in  12 
or  1 3  fathoms  water,  and  with  the  following  bearings  :  the  North  end  of 
Mandra  Island  S.E.  by  S.,  Pantyoer  Point  W.S.W.,  Jaiar  Point  N.E.  J  E., 
and  Eagat  Point  N.N.E.  ^  E.,  or  about  half  a  point  open  of  the  farthest 
visible  land  to  the  northward.  When  anchored  on  these  bearings  a  ship 
will  be  N.E.  ?  E.,  about  900  yards  distant  from  the  Castor  Eock,  and  to 
avoid  that  danger  it  is  advisable,  when  entering  the  bay,  not  to  bring  the 
North  point  of  Mandra  Island  to  the  southward  of  S.E.  by  S. 

Two  sunken  rocks  lie  southward  of  Castor  Eock  at  2  cables  from  the  shore, 
and  at  the  distance  of  6  and  7  cables  westward  of  the  West  point  of  Mandra 
Island.  Another  rock  lies  2  cables  W.N.W.  of  the  West  end  of  Manok 
Island,  and  the  water  East  and  South  of  this  is  dangerous. 

At  the  N.E.  and  S.W.  sides  of  the  bay  the  mountains  approach  close  to 
the  sea,  but  the  S.E.  shore  is  more  even,  and  high  and  marshy  alternately. 
The  hills  and  the  low  land  are  all  covered  with  high  trees,  and  near  the 
beach  with  bamboos. 

The  largest  river  which  discharges  into  Zand  Bay  is  the  Latoe,  S.E.  i  E. 
from  the  isle  of  Mandra.  The  vertical  rise  and  fall  of  the  water  is  there  4 
feet  10  inches,  and  at  half  tide  the  river  is  navigable  for  boats. 

The  rivers  Kanter  and  Maringo,  at  the  eastern  side  of  the  bay,  in  which 
there  are  waterfalls  of  400  and  200  feet  in  height,  are  barred  by  breakers 
across  their  mouths,  and  consequently  not  navigable. 

To  the  southward  of  Zand  Bay,  between  the  points  Pantyoer  and  Kapoo, 
there  are  two  bights,  also  surveyed,  in  1837,  by  Captain  Ampt,  and  found  to 
contain  good  anchoring  ground,  mostly  white  sand  with  shells,  and  mixed 
with  some  clay. 

From  the  numerous  rocks  along  this  part  of  the  coast  these  bights  are 
avoided  by  all  strangers,  but  they  are  really  very  convenient  to  anchor  in 
during  the  night  in  the  eastern  monsoon  for  vessels  bound  to  Wynkoops 
Bay,  and  not  being  able  to  reach  that  road.  A  ship  will  then  be  well 
sheltered  here,  and  also  with  southerly  or  even  south-westerly  winds,  but 
in  the  western  monsoon  it  would  be  very  dangerous  to  anchor  in  either  of 
them.  Both  these  bights  contain  wood  for  fuel,  plenty  of  fish,  and  turtle  in 
abundance. 

Between  Kapoo  Point  and  Capo  Monyol,  which  bear  S.  h  W.  and  N.  A  E. 


THE  JAVA  SEA.  735 

3  miles  from  each  other,  there  is  another  bight,  -with  regular  soundings  of 
20,  15,  and  10  fathoms,  and  good  anchoring  ground,  but  H.N.M.  corvette 
Castor,  having  remained  here  a  ■whole  day  at  anchor,  found  that  she  was  not 
sufficiently  sheltered,  and  that  the  surf  was  so  high  that  landing  was  deemed 
almost  impossible.  In  proceeding  to  the  southward,  towards  Cape  Anjol, 
the  greater  is  the  swell  and  the  higher  the  surf;  and  although  the  lead 
marks  from  10  to  40  fathoms,  between  4  and  8  miles  off  shore,  the  coast  to 
the  southward  of  Kapoo  Point  affords  no  safe  anchorages.  Upon  the  rocks 
of  Cape  Anjol  the  sea  breaks  with  tremendous  force,  preventing  all  inter- 
course with  the  coast ;  and  in  the  eastern  monsoon,  as  soon  as  a  ship  comes 
abreast  of  this  cape,  she  will  find  that  the  wind  considerably  increases. 

From  Wynkoops  Bay  the  coast  of  Java  stretches  9  miles  West  to  Gehang 
Point,  and  from  thence  it  trends  more  north-westerly.  The  coast  is  high  and 
rocky,  but  becomes  more  level  to  the  westward  at  Sussa  Point,  where  there 
is  a  sandy  beach ;  the  whole  coast  is  covered  with  trees.  In  the  whole  of 
that  interval  there  is  but  little  anchoring  ground,  and  in  many  places  very 
near  the  shore  no  bottom  with  100  fathoms  line.  A  little  to  the  eastward  of 
Hussa  Point  there  is  a  bank  of  soundings  carrying  from  15  to  30  fathoms 
water,  coarse  sand  and  mud,  and  extending  to  Trowers  Island. 

From  Hussa  Point,  off  which  a  reef  projects  a  mile  to  the  south-eastward, 
and  between  it  and  Malang  Point,  there  are  many  rocks  near  the  shore,  but 
mostly  visible.  To  the  westward  of  the  latter  point  is  the  mouth  of  the 
Piver  Tjibinoeangan,  which  is  said  to  be  navigable  for  small  proas,  provided 
there  be  no  swell.  From  the  point  of  Mentoyong,  to  the  westward  of  that 
river,  some  shoals  stretch  out  full  2  miles  to  the  southward  along  with  some 
sunken  rocks,  while,  by  keeping  more  to  the  southward,  towards  Trowers 
Island,  10,  16,  and  17  fathoms  water  will  be  found.  From  the  southern 
extremity  of  those  shoals  the  following  bearings  were  taken  ;  Hussa  E.N.E. 
I  E.,  Sodon  Point  W.  h  S.,  and  the  western  point  of  Trowers  Island  S.  by 
AV.  f  W. 

CAPE  SANGIAN  SIRA.— The  coast  from  thence  to  Cape  Sangian  Sira 
and  Java  Head,  as  well  as  Trowers  and  Klapper  Islands,  with  adjacent 
depths  and  dangers,  have  been  described  on  pages  152,  153,  ante,  in  con- 
nection with  the  account  of  Sunda  Strait. 


THE  JAVA  SEA. 

'  The  space  comprised  between  the  islands  of  Sumatra,  Borneo,  Java,  and 
Celebes,  is  known  by  the  name  of  the  Java  Sea.  It  is  more  than  800  miles 
from  West  to  East,  and  has  a  breadth  of  250  miles.  For  a  great  portion  of 
its  area  there  is  no  proper  survey,  and  therefore  it  should  be  navigated  with. 


736  JAVA. 

more  than  ordinary  caution,  as  defective  charts  are  stated  to  have  been  one 

cause  of  disaster. 

The  East  Coast  of  Sumatra  between  Sunda  and  Banka  Straits  has  been 
described  on  pages  181  to  187  ante.  The  dangers  which  lie  to  the  eastward 
of  the  direct  track  between  these  two  straits  will  be  now  described.  The 
JVorth  Coast  of  Java  has  just  been  given  in  detail. 

Tie  THOUSAND  ISLANDS  (Duizend  Eilanden,  Dutch).— The  Thousand 
Islands  have  been  surveyed  by  Lieut.  Dijsrink,  D.R.N.,  whose  chart  was 
published  in  1862.  They  are  about  sixty  in  number,  and  approach  within 
2  miles  of  the  Hoorn  Islands  (page  680),  and  the  northernmost  Pulo  Boea 
and  JVorth  Island  is  in  lat,  5°  24J',  so  that  they  extend  22J  miles  in  a  North 
and  South  direction. 

Previous  to  the  survey  they  were  but  little  known.  Among  the  southern 
groups  there  are  many  lurking  rocks  and  reefs ;  this  portion  should  there- 
fore be  carefully  avoided,  unless  well  acquainted.  The  channel  between 
their  South  end  and  the  northern  side  of  the  Hoorn  Islands  appears  to  be 
quite  clear,  and  there  are  numerous  passages  between  them  to  the  north- 
ward, but,  as  before  said,  they  should  not  be  attempted  by  a  stranger. 

The  northern  part  of  the  Thousand  Island  group  is  described  on  pages 
183,  184. 

The  following  are  the  dangers  to  the  eastward  of  the  Thousand  Islands  : — 

Sireen  Rocks,  reported  in  1838  as  a  patch  of  breakers,  in  lat.  5°  19' 30"  S., 
long.  106°  34'  45"  E.,  has  since  been  searched  for  carefully  without  any  suc- 
cess, and  its  existence  is  now  considered  as  diproved. 

ARNEMUIDEN  ROCK  lies  East  of  the  North  "Watcher.  As  the  position 
of  the  latter  island  has  been  altered  in  latitude  and  longitude,  it  is  probable 
this  may  account  for  the  differences  in  the  positions  of  this  well-determined 
shoal,  which  is  in  lat.  5°  12'  30"  S.,  long.  106°  42'  E. 

Molenwerf  Shoal,  a  doubtful  danger,  is  marked  in  lat.  5°  13'  S.,  long. 
106°  50'  E.     Etna  Shoal  lies  4|-  miles  southward  of  it. 

The  Etna  Shoal,  so  called  by  Lieut.  Groll,  although  covered  by  the  sea, 
was  very  probably  not  far  below  its  surface,  as  the  swell  occasionally  broke 
upon  it.  It  was  impossible  for  a  boat  to  go  upon  the  shoal  to  sound,  but 
close  to  were  20  fathoms  mud,  with  much  shells  and  coral  sand.  At  1^ 
cable's  length  there  were  13  fathoms,  same  bottom;  although  less  sand 
■when  farther  from  the  shoal.  The  position  was  determined  to  be  5°  17'  18" 
S.,  and  106°  55'  E.     Lieut.  Groll  found  no  other  danger. 

BROUWERS  SHOAL  has  been  determined  by  the  Netherlands  survey  to 
be  in  lat.  5°  17'  30"  S.,  long.  107°  0'  20"  E.,  about  8  miles  north-eastward  of 
its  position  on  the  old  charts. 

The  SOUTH  WATCHER,  or  Pulo  Ampel,  or  Peniekie,  lies  in  5°  42'  47"  S., 
and  106°  42'  17"  E.,  and  bears  N.  ^  W.  13  miles  from  Dapur  Island,  from 
whence  it  is  just  visible,  but  from  the  deck  of  a  large  ship  the  island  may  be 


NASSAU  or.  IvKOYA  BANK.  737 

discovered  in  clear  weather  at  the  distance  of  5  or  6  leagues.  It  is  small, 
thickly  covered  with  wood,  and  surrounded  by  a  reef  which  projects  to  the 
N.E.  about  450  yards,  and  to  the  South  and  West  about  100  and  220  yards. 
This  reef  is  very  steep,  with  8  fathoms  close,  and  at  two  boats'  lengths  24 
and  23  fathoms,  mud  ;  it  cannot,  therefore,  be  approached  by  the  lead. 
From  the  deck  of  a  ship  off  the  South  Watcher,  Dapur  and  the  Thousand 
Islands  cannot  be  seen,  but  from  her  tops  they  will  be  just  visible. 
.  NASSAU  or  Kroya  Bank  was  surveyed,  in  1841,  by  Lieut.  T.  Groll,  in 
H.N.M.  steamer  Etna,  with  great  accuracy.  It  bears  N.E.  ^  N.  from  Dapur 
Island,  S.E.  ^  S.  from  the  South  Watcher,  and  N.  by  W.  from  Edam;  in 
5°  49'  S.,  and  106°  49'  E.  The  natives,  who  are  commonly  very  well  ac- 
quainted with  the  existing  dangers,  assert  that  there  are  no  other  shoals 
than  this  ledge  between  Edam  and  the  South  Watcher,  which  need  be 
avoided  by  ships,  although  Lieut,  G-roll  found  some  patches  with  5J  and  7 
fathoms  to  the  westward  of  Nassau.  The  shoalest  ledge  upon  the  Nassau 
was  If  fathom,  according  to  Lieut.  Groll,  and  round  it  3  and  4  fathoms, 
coral  bottom.  It  stretches  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.  about  300  yards,  with  17 
fathoms  very  near  it,  and  a  little  farther  off,  16  fathoms,  mud  with  shells. 
From  this  ledge  Alkmaar  in  Batavia  Eoads  was  just  concealed  behind  Edam, 
80  that  they  afford  a  fair  mark  to  avoid  it  by  keeping  these  islands  well  open 
of  each  other. 

A  Q-fathom  patch  lies  S.W.  25  miles  from  Nassau  Bank. 

A  shoal  of  from  20  to  7  fathoms  was  sounded  on  by  Th.  Schut,  of  the 
Dutch  frigate  Maria  Elise,  Dec.  11,  1861.  Its  position  is  given  as  5°  50'  15" 
S.,  long.  107°  35'  30"  E.,  or  about  43  miles  W.  by  N.  of  Eackit  Island  light. 

DIRECTIONS. — Ships  leaving  Batavia  and  bound  to  Banka  Strait,  ought 
to  steer  betwixt  Eynland  Shoal  and  the  eastern  reefs,  and  proceed  on  a 
northerly  course  through  the  Great  or  Edam  Channel ;  this  course  leads  be- 
tween the  Hoorn  and  Haarlem  Islands,  and  Monnikendam  sandbank  on  the 
port  side,  and  Leiden,  Enkhuizen,  Alkmaar,  and  Edam  on  the  starboard 
side,  but  avoiding  the  shoals  near  Dapoer  and  Edam. 

From  Edam  steer  for  the  South  Watcher,  avoiding  the  Nassau  Ledge 
by  keeping  Alkmaar  open  to  the  westward  of  Edam.  From  the  South 
Watcher  do  not  steer  too  much  to  the  westward  towards  the  Thousand 
Islands,  especially  in  the  eastern  monsoon,  when  a  ship  is  liable  to  be  driven 
in  a  calm  amidst  unknown  dangers,  where  there  is  sometimes  a  current  of 
4  miles  an  hour.  The  South  Watcher  may  be  passed  on  either  side,  but  off 
the  North  Watcher,  beware  of  the  Arnemuiden,  and  other  shoals  more  to  the 
eastward.  To  avoid  them  with  certainty,  give  the  North  Watcher  to  the 
eastward  a  berth  of  6  miles.  A  ship  may  also  pass  the  North  Watcher  on 
its  western  side,  but  then  she  must  borrow  towards  it,  so  as  to  clear  tho 
Two  Brothers,  and  the  Lynn  Shoal,  and  to  give  a  sufficient  berth  to  the 
I.  A.  5  b 


738  JAVl  SEA. 

Brouwer  Bank.  From  the  North  Watcher  shape  a  course  for  Lucipara' 
about  N.  by  W.  ;  but  in  the  western  monsoon,  with  S.W.  and  westerly 
winds,  it  will  be  prudent  to  steer  more  to  the  westward,  borrowing  toward 
the  banks  which  project  from  the  Sumatra  coast  as  far  as  to  11  to  9  fathoms, 
but  they  should  not  be  approached  nearer  than  9  fathoms,  particularly  in 
the  night. 

Ships  that  have  passed  through  Sunda  Strait,  and  are  bound  to  Banka 
Strait,  should  steer  a  direct  course  N.  by  E.  for  the  Two  Brothers,  after 
having  passed  also  the  Zutphen  Islands  and  North  Island,  according  to  the 
directions  before  given.  It  is  prudent  to  keep  within  a  moderate  distance  of 
the  Sumatra  coast,  in  order  to  avoid  the  shoals  in  the  offing;  11  or  12  fa- 
thoms is  a  good  depth.  With  a  working  wind,  a  good  mark  in  daylight  is, 
when  standing  in-shore,  to  tack  when  North  Island  is  just  in  one  with  the 
highest  Zutphen  Island ;  the  depth  will  then  be  generally  7  or  8  fathoms, 
and  a  large  ship  should  not  risk  a  less  depth  when  working  between  North 
Island  and  the  Two  Brothers. 

The  Islands  and  Reefs  which  lie  off  the  North  coast  of  Java  to  the  east- 
ward of  Batavia  have  been  described  in  previous  pages.  The  following  are 
between  it  and  the  South  coast  of  Borneo. 

The  SOLOMBO  ISLANDS  are  but  little  known.  Great  Solomho,  or  Nma 
Ltmho,  is  about  100  miles  E.  f  N.  from  Bavian  Island,  described  on  page 
704.  It  is  said  to  be  5  or  6  miles  in  length  from  North  to  South,  where  it 
terminates  in  a  high,  fiat-topped  hill,  about  550  ft.  high,  visible  24  miles  off. 
This  hill  is  in  lat.  5°  33'  S.,  and  about  long.  114°  27'  E.  The  greater  part  of 
the  island  is  a  long  projection  of  low  land. 

The  middle  island,  or  Little  Solomho,  is  about  3  leagues  to  the  northward 
of  the  former,  its  eastern  extremity  bearing  N.  J  E.  from  the  hill  of  Great 
Solombo.  Its  centre  is  in  5°  21i'  S.,  114°  28'  E.  This  island  is  neither  so 
large  nor  so  high  as  the  former,  and  between  them  the  channel  is  6  miles 
wide,  and  considered  to  be  safe.  The  North  coast  of  Little  Solombo  should 
however,  be  approached  with  caution,  as  Capt.  Milbank,  of  the  Shun  Zee,  in 
1869,  saw  what  he  thought  to  be  the  wreck  of  a  barque  on  some  rocks,  off 
the  N.  W.  side  of  that  island. 

Arends  or  Arentes  Island,  the  northernmost  of  the  group,  is  in  5°  1'  S.,  and 
114°  35'  E.,  and  bears  N.  by  E.  i  E.,  about  9  leagues  from  Little  Solombo  ; 
a  little  islet  lies  off  its  South  end.  The  channel  between  it  and  Little  So- 
lombo seems  to  be  safe,  but  tide  rips  and  a  reef  with  fishing  stakes  is  marked 
on  the  chart  as  extending  7  miles  E.S.E.  of  its  S.E.  end.  The  South  end 
of  Arentes  may  be  passed  at  the  distance  of  3  or  4  miles,  but  the  western 
side  should  be  approached  with  caution,  on  account  of  a  rocky  spot,  upon 
which  an  American  ship  struck  in  January,  1794,  the  captain  reporting  that 
he  had  18  fathoms  just  before  and  after  striking,  and  one  cast  of  5  fathoms 
immediately  after  the  shock  ;  the  track  of  18  fathoms  should  therefore  be 


SOUTH  COAST  OF  BORNEO.  739 

avoided.  This  rock  must  lie  about  3  leagues  West  from  Arends,  but  its 
position  has  not  yet  been  accurately  ascertained.  Fishing  stakes  extend  4 
miles  oflP  the  N.W.  end  of  the  island. 

The  Rosalie  Rock  was  discovered,  in  1823,  by  Capt.  Baptist,  of  the  Dutch 
Indian  ship  Rosalie,  on  her  passage  from  Sourabaya  to  Macassar.  According 
to  his  statement,  it  lies  in  5°  56'  S.,  and  8  leagues  S.S.W.  {  W.  from  Great 
Solombo,  which  brings  it  in  longitude  114"  15^' E.  Rosalie  Rock  has  the 
appearance  of  a  small  island  of  reddish  sand,  with  one  tree  in  the  centre.  It 
seemed  to  be  about  6  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  all  round  it  small  rocks  above 
water,  which  was  very  deep,  as  the  ship  was  at  anchor  in  42  fathoms,  at  1 
mile  distant. 

The  islands  and  shoals  which  lie  still  farther  to  the  eastward  will  bo 
described  in  connection  with  the  Strait  of  Macassar  hereafter. 

The  SOUTH  COAST  of  BORNEO  is  but  little  known,  and  has  not  been 
surveyed.  Therefore  what  follows  respecting  it  must  be  received  with  all 
caution.  It  was  made  to  accord  with  the  charts  drawn  up  by  the  late  Mevill 
van  Carnbee  and  W.  F.  Versteeg,  1859. 

TANJONGr  SAMBAR,  the  S.W.  headland  of  Borneo,  has  been  described 
in  connexion  with  the  Carimata  Strait,  in  a  former  portion  of  this  book,  page 
281.  To  the  eastward  of  this,  Yeritam  or  Ajer  Hitam  Bay  extends  for  22  miles, 
a  small  river  of  that  name  falling  into  its  head.  Tanjong  Ajermata  is  its 
eastern  limit,  to  the  East  of  which  is  a  considerable  river,  the  Kwala  Djellei, 
has  a  broad  entrance.  Off  the  coast  to  the  East  of  this,  shoal  water  extends 
20  miles  seaward,  and  facing  the  western  limits  of  the  Bay  of  Rotaringin, 
the  name  of  the  Dutch  province,  and  the  river  which  falls  into  it,  at  40  miles 
East  of  the  mouth  of  the  Djellei  or  Dieley.  The  Koemai  River  enters  the 
next  bay  to  the  eastward,  and  the  coast  here  assumes  a  southerly  direction 
for  35  miles,  terminating  in  Tavjong  Poeding,  or  Flat  Point,  in  lat.  3°  30'  S., 
long.  Ill"  55'  E. 

From  Flat  Point  the  coast  trends  to  E.N.E.  for  70  miles  to  Sampit  or  Pa}i- 
daran  Bay,,  which  from  the  map  appears  to  be  an  extensive  inlet,  and  is  an 
open  port  for  exports  and  imports ;  Tanjong  Malalajer,  lat.  3°  30'  S.,  long. 
113°  30'  E.,  is  30  miles  S.S.E.  from  the  entrance  to  this  bay,  and  at  about 
30  and  42  miles  respectively  to  the  E.N.E.,  are  the  mouths  of  the  Great 
Dayak  or  Kohajau  River,  and  the  Little  Bayak  River.  Off  these  rivers  there 
is  a  very  extensive  sand-bank,  said  to  extend  for  20  miles  and  more  off  the 
land,  and  beyond  this  are  some  shoal  patches  10  leagues  from  the  coast. 
One  of  these,  in  lat.  4°  0'  S.,  long.  113°  50'  E.,  has  4J  fathoms,  with  8  fa- 
thoms close  to  it,  and  the  land  of  Borneo  is  just  visible  from  it,  bearing  N.E. 
\  N.     All  these  remarks,  however,  are  of  the  most  vague  description. 

BARITO  or  BANDYER  BIYER.—Bandjermasin,  a  port  of  call  for  the 
Netherlands'  India  Steam  Navigation  Company's  boats,  and  an  open  port 
for  exports  and  imports,  was  once  a  very  important  pepper  port  of  the  Dutch, 


740  JAYA  SEA. 

and  stands  about  13  miles  up  the  Barito  Eiver,  about  23  miles  eastward  of 
the  Little  Dayak  Eiver.  It  is  the  port  of  a  principality  acquired  by  the 
Dutch  in  1785,  and  is  now  held  by  that  nation.  The  river  has  been  surveyed 
by  P.  H.  Wedden,  and  the  following  directions  by  Capt.  Godtare,  adapted 
to  that  chart. 

The  entrance  of  the  river  is  formed  by  Tartjong  Boerong  on  the  East  side, 
and  Tanjong  Bedalla  Toea  on  the  western,  these  being  2f  miles  apart.  At 
about  a  mile  N.E.  from  the  latter  point  is  another,  called  by  Captain  Grodt 
Bearing  Point,  being  the  visible  extreme,  used  as  a  mark  for  sailing  over  the 
bar.  This  bar  is  7  miles  to  the  S.  3o°  E.  of  Tanjong  Bedalla  Toea.  The 
channel  lies  between  banks  of  hard  clay  and  sand  to  the  eastward,  and  of 
mud  and  clay  westward,  and  the  bar  has  from  11  to  16  ft.  at  high  water,  the 
bank  on  the  western  side  being  nearly  dry  at  low  water,  and  another  rock 
lies  near  the  bar  on  that  side. 

Buoys. — Two  white  on  the  eastern  and  two  hlack  buoys  on  the  western  side 
were  placed,  in  1876,  to  mark  the  channel  across  the  bar  of  the  Barita 
Eiver.  The  outer  black  buoy,  in  lat.  3°  39'  33"  S.,  long.  114°  25'  54"  E.,  is 
in  7  ft.  water,  S.S.W.  from  the  West  entrance  point  of  the  river ;  the  outer 
white  buoy,  in  7  ft.  water,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  N.E.  by  N.  from  the 
black  buoy.  About  If  mile  within  these  outer  buoys,  and  to  the  N.N.W. 
of  them,  lie  the  two  inner  buoys.  The  channel  within  these  buoys  is 
marked  by  eight  ball  beacons  on  the  port  side  and  five  ninepin  shaped  bea- 
cons on  the  starboard  side. 

To  enter,  bring  Bearing  Point  to  N.  35°  E.,  and  Tanjong  Boerong  N.  58** 
E.,  and  you  will  then  be  on  the  outer  edge  of  the  bar  in  3  fathoms  water. 
Eromhence  steer  N.E.  |  N.  in  16,  15,  13,  and  14  ft.  water,  to  bring  Bearing 
Point  N.  34°  E.,  when  Tanjong  Boerong  bears  N.  66"  E.  ;  then  steer  N.E.  |- 
N.  until  the  former  bears  N.  25°  E.,  and  the  latter  E.  by  N.,  when  you  will 
be  inside  the  bar  in  from  15  to  20  ft.,  and  should  steer  N.E.  ^  N.  for  the 
mouth  of  the  river,  and  clear  of  a  narrow  spit  that  projects  a  considerable 
distance  from  Tanjong  Boerong  to  the  westward.  Bearing  Point  may  be 
approached  to  within  30  or  40  fathoms  if  necessary.  From  hence  local 
knowledge  is  necessary  to  take  a  ship  up  to  Fort  Van  Tuyl,  at  the  South  end 
of  the  town.  Mid-channel  is  the  best  track  to  keep  clear  of  the  trees,  and 
to  avoid  the  eddy  tides  near  the  points. 

CAPE  SALATAN,  or  Tanjong  Soengiharoe,  of  the  Dutch  charts,  in  lat. 
4°  10'  S.,  long.  114°  41'  E.,  is  the  southern  point  of  Borneo,  and  the  high 
land  over  it,  called  Gunong  Eatoos,  appears  like  islands  when  seen  10  or  12 
leagues  o£F.  This  high  land  forms  a  ridge  of  peaked  hills,  stretching  east- 
ward toward  Pulo  Laut,  but  close  to  the  sea  the  coast  is  low  and  wooded. 
The  district  is  called  Tanah  Laid,  and  is  very  populous. 

The  coast  hereabout  may  be  approached  to  10  fathoms,  but  14  fathoms  is 
a  good  depth  to  preserve  in  passing  Cape  Salatan,  and  from  hence  towards 


LITTLE  PTJLO  LAUT.  741 

Pulo  Laut  it  may  be  approached  with  caution  to  7  or  8  fathoms ;  the  former 
ought  not  to  be  passed  at  a  greater  distance  than  8  or  almost  10  leagues,  on 
account  of  Arentes  Island,  on  the  South  side  of  this  passage,  and  a  rocky  spot 
to  the  westward  of  that  island. 

Dangers. — Between  Arends  Island  and  Pulo  Laut  there  have  been  several 
isolated  dangers  reported.  Bampton  Bank,  a  small  patch  of  2  fathoms,  lies 
20  miles  N.E.  ^  N.  from  Arends  Island.  At  15  miles  northward  of  this 
danger  is  a  4-fathoms  patch,  surrounded  by  depths  of  14  and  \o  fathoms.  It 
was  discovered  by  Capt.  Duaud,  and  named  by  him  Oiseaujc  Bank.  Buattd 
Bank  bears  from  Cape  Salatan  S.S.E.,  distant  22  miles.  There  have  been 
no  dangers  reported  between  these  and  Little  Pulo  Laut  Islands,  but  at  5 
miles  off  Tuka  Point  the  Dutch  S.S.  CoeJioarn  reports  having  struck  on  a  2- 
fathoms  patch  in  lat.  2°  58'  S.,  long.  115°  25'  E.  At  11^  miles  N.E.  by  E. 
^  E.  from  this  is  a  sunken  rock,  4  miles  off  the  land  and  1 1  miles  beyond  this 
a  2i  fathoms  bank  was  discovered  in  1869  by  the  S.S.  Betsy,  5  miles  off 
the  land  and  15  miles  S.W.  J  W.  from  the  "West  entrance  point  of  the  Pulo 
Laut  Strait. 

LITTLE  PULO  LAUT,  or  the  Lauriot  Islands,  are  mostly  high,  and  ex- 
tend 9  miles  from  N.W.  to  S.E.  The  S.W.  island,  2IaUa  Sin,  is  in  lat. 
4°  51'  S.,  long.  115°  43'  E.,  and  about  850  feet  high.  The  shore  is  rocky. 
On  the  N.W.  side  of  the  northernmost  island,  the  Laurel  filled  up  her 
water  from  some  deep  holes  or  wells  under  the  trees  at  the  foot  of  the 
mountains. 

Moeso  Siri,  or  the  Moresses,  in  lat  4°  23'  S.,  long.  115°  50',  is  a  group  of 
three  islands,  the  highest  of  which  lies  15  miles  N.  by  E.  of  the  northern- 
most of  the  Little  Pulo  Laut  cluster.  It  is  formed  like  a  pyramid,  and  has  a 
regular  peak  at  the  summit. 

There  are  three  or  four  islets  or  rocks  above  water  contiguous  to  them  ; 
they  lie  near  each  other,  the  largest  in  the  centre.  They  ought  not  to  be 
approached  nearer  than  3  miles  in  the  night,  for  the  outermost  rock  is  about 
1^  mile  to  the  southward  of  the  high  island,  and  is  on  with  the  body  of  it, 
bearing  N.N.W.  ^  W. 

PULO  LAUT,  which  lies  off  the  S.E.  end  of  Borneo,  and  forms  the  S.W. 
side  of  the  Macassar  Strait,  is  56  miles  long  from  N.N.E.  to  S.S.W.,  and 
from  its  South  point  a  reef  of  breakers  projects  almost  to  the  nearest  island, 
Btdo  Koenyit,  which  is  small  and  bold-to. 

The  STRAIT  of  PULO  LAUT,  which  separates  that  island  from  Borneo, 
is  said  to  be  too  narrow  lor  large  ships,  but  may  be  followed  with  a  com- 
manding breeze,  and  in  daylight.  The  southern  portion  of  it  was  surveyed 
by  the  Dutch  officers  A.  H.  Huijsman  and  G.  A.  de  Lange,  in  1848,  and  this 
shows  a  clear  channel,  with  from  6  to  4  fathoms  throughout  its  southern  half  • 
but  beyond  this,  to  the  northward,  it  is  more  intricate.  Wo  have  no  avail- 
able directions  fur  it. 


CHAPTEE  xyri. 


ISLANDS  AND  PASSAGES  EASTWARD  OF  JAVA. 

OtTR  knowledge  of  the  islands  eastward  of  Java  is  not  so  exact  as  that  of 
other  parts  of  the  Indian  Archipelago,  but  much  has  been  done  through  the 
zeal  of  the  Dutch  officers,  who  have  been  stationed  here.  They  have  recorded 
a  vast  number  of  excellent  observations,  and  these  have  been  collected  by 
the  Dutch  commission  for  the  improvement  of  the  East  India  charts.  Among 
these  officers  who  may  be  cited  as  foremost  in  this  good  work,  are  P.  Baron 
Melvill  van  Carnbee,  Eietveld,  Boom,  J.  Van  Gogh,  J.  M.  J.  Brutel  de  la 
Eiviere,  P.  F.  Uhlenbeck,  T.  Van  Capellen,  E.  F.  de  Scijflf,  C.  Bosch,  &c., 
&c.  These  remarks  have  been  collected  in  the  Directions  drawn  up  by  Lieut. 
H.  D.  A.  Smits,  of  the  Dutch  navy,  1848,  which  have  been  followed  here. 


BALY  ISLAND  AND  STRAIT. 


The  Island  of  Baly  or  Bally  is  82  miles  long  East  and  West,  and  about  50 
miles  in  its  greatest  breadth,  containing  about  1,700  square  geographical 
miles.  An  excellent  and  elaborate  account  of  it  and  the  adjacent  island  of 
Lombok,  has  been  drawn  up  by  Melvill  van  Carnbee,  and  published  in  the 
Moniteur  des  Indes,  1846. 

It  is  very  mountainous  ;  a  ridge,  apparently  a  continuation  of  the  Java- 
nese ranges,  traverses  nearly  the  whole  of  it  from  "West  to  East.  One  of  its 
peaks,  in  the  eastern  part,  far  overtops  all  the  rest,  and  is  seen  very  far  off 
at  sea,  70  to  80  miles  in  the  wet  or  rainy  monsoon,  when  the  air  is  clear 
of  clouds  or  fogs.  In  the  opposite  season  its  head  is  usually  enveloped  in 
clouds.  This  Peak  of  Baly,  properly  Gmiong  Ago7ig,  or  Agoeng,  lat.  8°  20'  S., 
long.  115°  28'  E.,  is  11,326  ft.  high,  inferior  only  to  those  of  the  Java  peaks, 
and  nearly  equal  to  that  of  Tenerife.  The  island  is  chiefly  volcanic,  and 
resembles  in  a  remarkable  degree  the  geologic  formations  of  the  East  end  of 


CAPE  PASSIER.  743 

Java.  The  South  point,  or  Tafelhoek,  is  a  calcareous  formation  of  very  recent 
geological  origin,  according  to  M.  Zollinger.  Besides  Agong,  which  broke 
out  in  1843  into  a  state  of  activity,  several  other  mountains  are  still  showing 
the  effects  of  that  volcanic  agency  which  has  manifested  itself  in  such  terri- 
ble forms  here.  Earthquakes,  as  may  thus  be  supposed,  are  very  common. 
The  most  disastrous  was  that  of  November  22,  1815,  seven  months  after  the 
famous  eruption  of  Sumbawa,  which  covered  Baly  with  a  bed  of  ashes  more 
than  a  foot  thick.  That  of  November  22nd  was  felt  as  far  as  Sourabaya, 
and  lasted  an  hour  ;  and  one  of  the  mountains  which  lie  in  the  rear  of  Beli- 
ling,  on  the  North  coast,  was  overturned  and  rolled  down,  and  a  subterra- 
nean lake  burst  out  with  incredible  fury. 

From  its  elevation,  Baly  is  abundantly  provided  with  water  by  numerous 
streams.  Eice  is  consequently  the  chief  article  of  cultivation.  The  people 
are  a  mild  and  tractable  race,  of  industrious  agricultural  habits,  and,  on  the 
coast  at  least,  chiefly  profess  the  Hindoo  religion.  The  island  is  very  popu- 
lous. M.  Huskus  Koopman,  the  Dutch  commissioner,  in  1842,  estimated  it 
at  700,000,  or  more  than  480  to  the  square  mile,  a  remarkable  density  of 
population,  which  is  a  powerful  argument  as  to  their  industry.  This  small 
island  is  divided  into  eight  independent  principalities,  each  of  which  abuts 
on  the  coast.  It  is  very  favourably  placed  for  commerce  and  revictualling. 
I:s  trade  is  chiefly  in  the  hands  of  Chinese  and  Buginese.  The  Dutch  formed 
a  trading  post  at  Kotta,  in  the  South  Peninsula,  in  1839,  but  it  was  given 
up.  Owing  to  the  frequent  insults  to  the  Dutch  flag,  the  governor  ordered 
an  expedition  to  Baly  in  1846  ;  this  attacked  and  took  Beliling  on  the  North 
coast,  on  June  28th  in  that  year,  after  a  strong  resistance.  Their  bravery 
was  forgotten  on  a  subsequent  attack,  when  the  Dutch  force  was  compelled 
to  retreat.  But  the  ultimate  result  was  to  cause  the  native  princes  to  respect 
Dutch  commerce,  to  endeavour  to  suppress  piracy,  and  consent  not  to  allow 
any  European  power  to  become  possessed  of  their  territory. 

The  NORTH  COAST  of  BALY  runs  generally  East  and  West,  and  belongs 
to  the  States  of  Beliling  and  Karang  Assem,  the  latter  occupying  the  East 
end  of  the  island. 

CAPE  PASSIER,  before  mentioned,  the  N.W.  point  of  Bali,  forms  the 
narrowest  part  of  the  strait,  which,  between  Baly  and  Java,  is  here  only  1^ 
mile  wide.  A  reef  projects  about  half  a  mile  from  Cape  Passier,  and  is 
marked  by  a  white  buoy,  but  the  Java  shore  is  steep-to,  and  may  be  ap- 
proached without  fear. 

The  coast  to  the  eastward  of  this  cape  has  three  places  to  which  vessels 
resort,  Tebunkus,  Beliling,  and  Sangsit,  all  on  its  western  part.  They  can 
only  be  visited  in  the  eastern  monsoon. 

St.  Nicolas  Bay  lies  5  miles  eastward  of  Cape  Passier.  The  northern  part 
appears  to  be  free  from  dangers,  but  it  has  no  convenient  soundings  j  in  the 


744  BALY  ISLAND  AND  STRAIT. 

southern  part  two  dry  reefs  are  seen,  and  it  is  probable  that  there  exist  other 
dangers  thereabout. 

Minjangan  or  Herten  Island,  contiguous  to  the  shore,  to  the  westward,  is 
surrounded  by  a  reef,  which  projects  far  to  the  eastward  and  westward. 
There  is  a  dry  patch  of  coral  and  sand  off  its  western  end,  and  at  low  water 
the  whole  reef  is  olten  visible.  In  the  passage  between  Minjingan  and  Bali 
soundings  may  be  had  in  12,  15,  and  20  fathoms,  but  there  is  a  sunken  rock 
in  the  strait  S.S.E.  from  the  West  end  of  Minjingan.  Ships  may  shelter  in 
the  strait  during  the  western  monsoon. 

Banju  Wedan  Bay,  to  the  eastward  of  St.  Nicolas  Bay,  is  nearly  closed  by  a 
reef,  and  turns  immediately  to  the  eastward ;  proas  may  lie  here  hidden  from 
the  sea  view.     There  is  a  warm  spring  at  its  head. 

Gunong  Sandan  is  6  miles  East  of  Banju  Wedan  Bay.  It  is  close  to  the 
shore.  The  low  point  to  the  westward  of  Mount  Sandan  has  a  large  reef 
running  off  W.N.W.  and  W.  by  N.  along  the  shore,  inside  of  which  num- 
bers of  piratical  proas  may  lie  concealed. 

Gunoncf  Gondol,  or  Mount  Goendel,  4  miles  eastward,  is  a  small  peaked  and 
bare  hill,  which  may  be  known  by  its  yellow  aspect,  standing  on  a  low  land- 
tongue  projecting  to  the  northward,  so  as  to  form  a  safe  sheltering  place,  and 
at  the  same  time  a  good  lookout  for  the  pirates. 

To  the  northward  of  Mount  Goendol  there  is  an  extensive  reef  of  an  oval 
shape,  with  20  fathoms  near  its  northern  edge,  then  9,  4,  3,  2,  3,  and  7 
fathoms  rocky  and  sandy  bottom,  and  24  fathoms  to  the  south- south- west- 
ward, which  enables  ships  to  pass  (having  a  fair  wind)  between  the  reef  and 
the  shore,  so  as  to  overtake  the  pirates  in  their  sheltering  place  on  the  East 
side.  From  the  reef.  Mount  Goendol  bears  S.S.W.,  Plakkie  Point,  West- 
northerly,  and  Mount  Sandan  W.  by  N.  nearly.  Another  small  reef,  with  4 
and  6  fathoms,  and  18  fathoms  on  its  northern  edge,  bears  N.W.  by  W.  from 
Mount  Goendol,  distant  2^  miles. 

There  is  a  single  rock  carrying  7  and  9  fathoms,  with  Mount  Goendol 
bearing  S.E.  by  E.  |  E.,  Plakkie  Point  S.E.  by  E.  :^  E.,  and  another  more 
extensive  reef  stretching  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.,  with  4,  3,  2,  If,  4,  and  7 
fathoms  on  it.  Mount  Sandan  bearing  W.  J-  S.,  and  the  North  point  of  Min- 
jangan or  Herten  Island  W.  by  N. 

From  the  N.W.  points  of  two  other  reefs,  in  soundings  of  2|  and  9 
fathoms.  Mount  Sandan  bears  S.W.  |  S.,  and  the  East  point  of  St.  Nicolas 
Bay  W.  f  N.     The  innermost  reef  is  partly  dry. 

From  the  East  point  of  another  extensive  reef,  in  2f  fathoms.  Mount  San- 
dan lies  S.  i  E.,  and  the  East  point  of  St.  Nicolas  Bay  W.  ^  N. 

From  the  centre  of  a  smaller  reef,  south-westward  of  the  last  mentioned, 
in  3  fathoms,  Mount  Sandan  was  found  to  bear  S.E.  by  S.,  and  Mount  Goen- 
dol E.S.E. 

Tebunkos.— The  road  of  Tebunkos,  or  Teboenkoes,  in  8°  7'  S.  and  115°  E., 


BELILING  AND  SANGSIT  R0AD3.  745 

18  said  to  be  the  best  on  the  North  coast  of  this  island,  being  sheltered  from 
N.W.  and  North  winds  by  a  dry  coral  reef,  which  fronts  the  shore  at  the 
distance  of  380  yards,  and  inside  of  which  first-rate  ships  may  lie  in  safety, 
but  they  should  moor  W.S.W.  and  E.N.E.  in  mid-channel,  so  that  vessels 
may  swing  clear  of  the  shoal  water  on  both  sides.  Between  Antoran  Point 
to  the  eastward  and  Cape  Koanjer  to  the  westward,  many  dangerous  reefs 
project  to  a  considerable  distance  from  the  land. 

Bound  to  Tebunkos,  keep  the  reef,  which  may  be  known  by  a  small  house 
and  some  trees  on  it,  bearing  South ;  round  it  very  closely  on  either  side, 
and  moor  to  the  southward  of  it  in  13  or  14  fathoms. 

The  ebb  runs  westward,  and  the  flood  eastward ;  generally  only  one  flood 
and  one  ebb  tide  are  observed  in  24  hours.  At  full  and  change  of  the  moon 
it  is  high,  water  at  5  o'clock,  and  the  rise  of  the  tide  is  6  or  7  feet  at  the 
springs. 

Beliling  and  Sangsit  Eoads, — Beliling  or  Bleleng,  the  chief  village  of  the 
N.W.  principality,  is  7  miles  E.N.E.  of  Tebunkos,  and  Sangsit  is  3  miles 
farther  on  in  the  same  direction. 

There  is  anchorage  all  along  the  shore  between  Beliling  and  Sangsit 
Points,  at  1^  or  2  cables'  lengths  off  shore,  on  a  steep  bottom  of  coral  and 
eand.  During  the  western  monsoon  the  anchorage  opposite  to  the  Beliling 
fort  is  considered  unsafe ;  it  is  better  to  lie  then  inside  of  the  reef  to  the 
westward  of  Sangsit  Point,  which  is  about  4  cables'  lengths  distant  from  the 
latter,  being  steep-to,  and  having  patches  of  only  IJ  fathom.  At  Beliling 
Point  there  is  a  steep  reef,  of  which  several  rocks  are  visible  above  water. 
With  the  river  bearing  South  you  may  stand  in  for  the  anchorage  without 
fear.  Beliling  Eiver  will  be  known  by  the  proas  lying  inside  ;  its  entrance 
is  in  8°  5'  30"  S. 

Light. — A  red  light  was  first  shown  at  Sangsit  in  September,  1877. 

The  N.E.  Coast  oi  Bali  is  still  more  unsafe  than  that  to  the  westward.  The 
principal  points  being  Eoehoe  and  TJoelik,  at  1 8  and  6  mUes  respectively,  from 
the  East  point  of  the  island. 

To  the  eastward  of  Sangsit  the  high  mountains  nearly  reach  the  coast ; 
near  Tianiar  the  chain  is  split  by  a  deep  ravine ;  it  then  passes  the  village  of 
Tiolik,  and  forms,  under  the  name  of  Mount  Seraja,  the  bold  eastern  ex- 
tremity of  Bali,  sends  out  ridges  southward  towards  Labuan  Amok  and 
Padang  Cove,  and  slopes  down  to  the  southward  in  low,  cultivated  land. 
The  coasts  are  steep-to  on  either  side,  though  close  inshore  some  anchorage 
may  be  found  in  considerable  depths. 

Mount  Agong,  or,  as  it  is  usually  called,  the  Peak  of  Bali,  is  the  highest 

point  of  the  chain  of  mountains  which  terminates  in  the  East  point  of  Bali ; 

its  summit  is  often  visible  at  the  distance  of  80  miles.    The  most  remarkable 

summits  of  the  chain  are  the  four  peaks  of  Mount  Tabanan,  about  the  centre 

I.  A.  5  « 


746  BALY  ISLAND  AND  STEAIT. 

of  the  island,  and  the  volcano  Bator,  although  the  latter  is  not  very  high, 
the  smoke  issuing  from  its  crater  may  be  perceived  at  a  great  distance. 

Cape  Karang  Assem,  the  eastern  point  of  Bali,  is  in  about  lat.  8°  21'  30" 
S  ,  long.  115°  41'  E.,  and  is  formed  by  the  eastern  slopes  of  Gunong  Seraja, 
a  mountain  more  than  4,000  ft.  in  height.  Ktibu  Manalc,  a  small  island,  lies 
off  its  eastern  extremity. 

Oedjong,  the  landing  place  for  the  chief  town  of  the  Karang  Assem  state, 
is  6  miles  S.W.  from  Manak  Island. 

There  is  anchorage  near  the  village  of  Oedjong  in  20  fathoms,  3  cables* 
lengths  off  shore,  the  village  and  the  peak  bearing  N.W.  \  W.,  the  N.E. 
point  of  the  land  N.E.  by  E.,  the  islet  of  Asam  S.S.W.  ^  W.,  and  the  East 
point  of  Pandita  Island  S.  \  W. 

Green  or  Groen  Island  is  5  miles  farther  to  the  S.W.  The  passage  inside  it 
is  safe. 

Amok  Bay,  or  Lahuan  Amok,  is  very  safe  during  the  western  monsoon,  the 
bottom  being  not  so  steep,  and  there  is  little  surf  on  the  sandy  beach ;  the 
soundings  decrease  regularly  from  35  to  10  fathoms  at  2  cables'  lengths  from 
the  beach. 

Padang  Cove  is  separated  from  Amok  Bay  by  Castor  Point,  and  is  nearly 
filled  up  with  reefs,  between  which  there  remains  only  a  small  gullet  about 
82  ft.  broad,  where  small  craft  may  find  anchorage  in  2  J  or  3  fathoms. 

Castor  Point,  between  the  cove  and  Labuan  Amok,  may  be  known  by  a 
temple  standing  on  it.  The  village  Padang  is  seen  in  the  back  ground,  be- 
tween tufts  of  trees.  The  S.E.  coast  of  Bali  is  safe  to  approach,  but  there 
are  no  soundings  near  it,  unless  close  in  shore.  The  anchorage  near  Lebi, 
at  9  miles  "W.  by  S.  of  Padang,  is  said  to  be  safe  in  both  monsoons,  and  ships 
may  anchor  there  in  from  15  to  8  fathoms,  abreast  of  the  sandy  beach. 

Panteh.  Timor,  or  the  eastern  road  of  Bali  Badong,  is  safe  during  the 
western  monsoen ;  ships  may  moor  inside  of  the  reefs  along  the  shore.  The 
entrance  between  the  reefs,  however,  is  very  narrow  and  intricate,  and  as  the 
tides  set  with  great  velocity  over  the  points  of  the  reefs,  it  is  dangerous  to 
haul  a  ship  inside. 

From  Benoa  Point,  the  southern  side,  on  which  is  a  flagstaff,  a  reef  runs 
south-eastward,  the  outer  edge  of  which  bears  about  North  from  the  Bro- 
thers, two  small  islands  lying  close  to  the  shore.  The  low  island  of  Serangan 
extending  between  the  points  of  the  bay,  is  lined  by  a  broad  reef,  which  is 
steep-to,  and  has  a  sharp  point  projecting  to  the  southward.  Schooners  and 
small  craft  may  haul  inside  through  the  channel  between  these  reefs.  At  full 
and  change  it  is  high  water  about  11  o'clock. 

The  Pandita,  Banditi,  or  Salomlo  Group,  situated  between  8°  39'  and  8°  48' 
S.,  and  115°  22'  and  115°  31'  E.,  appears  from  the  southward  as  high  table 
land,  with  a  small  peak  on  its  East  end.     It  is  dangerous  to  approach  these 
islands,  as  the  tides  run  there  with  tremendous  rapidity. 


TAFEL  HOEK.  747 

The  channels  on  both  sides  of  the  group  are  safe,  but  the  western  is  to  be 
preferred,  as  the  eddies  are  not  so  violent  there,  and  there  being  anchorage 
near  the  Baly  shore.  There  is  also  a  patch,  with  soundings  of  30  fathoms, 
on  which  ships  have  stopped  a  tide  in  fine  weather,  Kassoemba  (which  may 
be  known  by  large  store  houses  on  the  beach)  bearing  N.W. 

TAFEL  HOEK,  or  Table  Point.— The  southern  part  of  Baly,  called  Tafel 
Hoek,  is  a  high  peninsula,  joined  by  an  isthmus  to  the  body  of  the  island  ; 
the  isthmus,  upon  which  there  are  two  villages,  Kotta  on  the  North  side,  and 
Toehan  to  the  south-eastward,  is  barely  a  mile  broad.  On  both  sides  of  it 
there  are  anchoring  roads,  of  which  the  westernmost  is  used  during  the 
eastern  monsoon,  and  the  other,  just  alluded  to,  during  the  opposite 
monsoon. 

Panteh  Barat. — The  western  road,  or  Badong  Bay,  is  not,  however,  quite 
safe  during  the  eastern  monsoon,  on  account  of  the  heavy  rollers  which  enter 
about  full  and  change  of  the  moon,  nor  after  very  blowing  weather ;  these 
rollers  often  cause  the  chains  to  part,  or  oblige  the  vessels  to  leave  the  road, 
and  therefore  they  ought  never  to  moor  there. 

Coming  from  the  westward,  a  high  tree,  standing  near  Toeban,  may  be 
seen  long  before  the  low  land  can  be  discerned,  and  soon  afterwards  the  flag- 
staff and  a  small  house,  the  lower  part  of  which  is  whitewashed.  The  shore 
is  covered  with  heavy  breakers,  which  project  a  long  way  opposite  to  tho 
flagstaff.  The  anchorage  is  unsafe  on  account  of  the  heavy  swell  which  comes 
round  Tafel  Hoek,  very  far  from  the  village  of  Kotta,  and  the  landing  is 
dangerous.  Westward  of  the  reefs  are  soundings  in  12  and  15  fathoms,  and 
close  to  their  edge  6  and  7  fathoms.  There  is  a  bar  W.  i  N.  from  the  flag- 
staff, with  2|  (or  If)  fathoms  on  it,  at  low  spring  tide ;  there  remains  a 
passage  with  depths  of  3  and  3  J  fathoms  between  the  bar  and  the  reef.  The 
bar  diminishes  greatly  the  swell  of  the  sea,  and  the  anchorage  inside  is  safe, 
although  lying  in  the  midst  of  breakers.  It  happens,  however,  that  vessels 
lying  too  near  the  bar,  or  when  the  breakers  on  it  are  very  high,  are  some- 
times obliged  to  leave  this  anchorage,  and  run  for  shelter  to  the  northward  of 
the  bar,  where  the  breakers  do  not  reach.  By  keeping  the  high  tree,  which 
stands  to  the  northward  of  the  flagstaff,  between  E.S.E.  and  S.E.  by  E.,  you 
may  work  in-shore  till  in  5^  fathoms  ;  but,  if  not  acquainted  with  the  place, 
it  is  prudent  to  anchor  in  8  or  10  fathoms,  with  the  flagstaff  bearing  S.E.  by 
S.,  and  to  send  for  a  pilot. 

It  is  high  water  at  full  and  change  of  the  moon  at  1 1  o'clock,  and  the  rise 
of  tide  amounts  sometimes  to  8  or  10  feet.  The  export  of  rice  to  China  and 
Singapore  is  considerable,  and  supplies  are  to  be  got  in  abundance,  also  cattle 
and  poultry,  the  watering  place  is  near  the  flagstaff. 

The  S. W.  coast  of  Baly,  beyond  this,  which  also  forms  the  Strait  of  Bali, 
stretches  to  N.W.  and  W.  by  N.  for  38  miles,  whence  it  assumes  a  more 
northerly  direction  for  20  miles  to  Cape  Passier,  before  mentioned.     It  is 


748  BALY  STRAIT. 

generally  lined  by  a  reef  with  a  great  surf  upon  it,  which,  however,  is  the 
only  danger  near  this  coast,  and  in  calm  weather  ships  may  anchor  along  it 
ir  from  12  to  18  fathoms.  This  facility  of  anchoring,  together  with  the 
pretty  regular  land  breezes,  make  it  easy  to  work  along  this  shore  in  the 
eastern  monsoon. 

Manok  Bay  lies  about  4  miles  to  the  southward  of  Cape  Passier  ;  the  en- 
trance is  barely  a  ship's  length  wide,  and  inside  of  the  bay  there  are  three 
small  islands,  surrounded  by  a  flat  of  mud  and  sand.  To  the  eastward  of 
the  islands  there  are  only  2  fathoms,  and  the  cove  near  the  watering  place 
has  only  water  enough  for  very  small  proas ;  fresh  water  is  very  scarce.  The 
tides  run  with  great  velocity  round  these  islands,  and  the  perpendicular  rise 
of  the  water  is  from  8  to  10  feet. 


BALY  STRAIT. 

With  the  exception  of  the  Strait  of  Alias,  to  the  East  of  Lombok,  the  Baly 
Strait  is  to  be  preferred  to  all  the  passages  eastward  of  Java,  as  there  is 
anchorage  on  both  sides  of  the  Narrows,  which  may  be  gradually  passed  in  a 
single  tide.  Another  advantage  of  Baly  Strait  is,  that  ships  bound  to  Europe 
during  the  western  monsoon  are  not  so  much  liable  to  fall  in  with  the  coast 
of  Australia  as  when  passing  through  any  of  the  other  eastern  passages. 

Wi7ids. — From  February  to  September  southerly  winds  prevail  in  Baly 
Strait,  and  during  the  other  months  baffling  westerly  winds,  succeeded  by 
calms  and  heavy  squalls,  probably  caused  by  the  high  land  of  Java.  During 
the  eastern  monsoon  fresh  breezes  occur  from  S.S.W.  to  S.W.  to  the  eastward 
of  Cape  Sedano,  while  steady  East  and  E.N.E  winds,  succeeded  by  land 
breezes  from  South  to  S.S.W.  are  found  to  the  westward  of  the  same  cape  ; 
from  July  to  November  the  S.W.  winds  to  the  northward  of  the  strait  blow 
rather  strong,  while  at  the  same  time  fresh  northerly  breezes,  varying  be- 
tween N.W.  and  N.E.,  prevail  to  the  westward  of  the  cape.  This  change 
of  the  winds  takes  place  immediately  to  the  eastward  of  Cape  Sedano,  or 
when  the  strait  opens ;  but  past  the  strait,  or  when  approaching  the  coast  of 
Baly,  the  wind  diminishes  in  force,  and  veers  gradually  to  S.E,  Mount 
Goendol  seems  to  be  the  limit  of  the  S.W.  winds,  or  of  the  influence  of  the 
strait  in  rendering  the  winds  unsteady  and  variable.  The  southern  part  of 
the  strait  being  much  wider  the  wind  is  not  so  strong  there,  and  near  the 
shore  of  Baly  the  regular  land  breeze  usually  occurs. 
The  currents  are  noticed  on  page  31,  ante. 

The  EASTERN  COAST  of  JAVA,  forming  portions  of  that  of  the  Dutch 
provinces  or  Besidentces  of  Bezoeki  and  Banjoewangi,  is  about  70  miles  in  extent 
from  Cape  kSedauo,  the  N.E.  to  the  S.E.  point  of  Java. 


CAPE  SEDANO— DUIVEN  ISLAND.  7^9 

CAPE  SEDANO  ia  in  7^^  49'  12"  S.,  and  114°  27'  30"  E.  ;  it  is  rocky  and 
steep,  and  the  middle  one  of  three  points  near  each  other.  The  volcano  of 
Gunong  Baloeran,  or  Telagu  Woerong,  or  Tafelborg,  4,347  feet,  bears  W.8.W. 
^  W.,  nearly  from  Cape  Sedano,  and  N.N.E.  |  E.  from  Mount  Idjing. 

The  anchorages  of  Tinjang,  Toe,  and  Assam,  to  the  southward  of  Sedano, 
are  much  frequented  by  the  pirates ;  they  are  formed  by  detached  reefs,  and 
have  only  single  entrances  and  little  space  inside,  but  at  Kajang,  3J  miles 
South  of  the  cape,  a  large  number  of  proas  may  lie  concealed,  and  may 
escape  either  to  the  northward  or  southward. 

Pirates  also  often  take  shelter  inside  the  reefs  of  Tiotek,  10  miles  to 
N.N.W.  of  Bape  Sedano,  which  stretch  parallel  to  the  shore  between  the 
points  of  Tiotek  and  Loemoet ;  they  consist  of  4  large  reefs  above  water  and 
some  other  shoal  patches.  Those  passages  between  the  three  westernmost 
are  the  widest,  and  lead  to  the  anchorages  of  Lahuan  Gattal  and  Labuan 
Gollek  near  which  there  is  a  watering  place. 

MEINDERS  DROOGTE,  or  Karang  Maas,  in  7°  41'  30"  S.,  and  114°  22' 
30"  E.,  has  been  before  described  on  page  718,  together  with  its  lighthouse. 
It  bears  N.N.E.  from  Mount  Sedano,  E.  f  N.  from  Mount  Ringit,  and  N.  f 
W.  from  the  easternmost  point  of  Java.  Ships  passing  between  Java  and 
the  rocks  ought  not  to  approach  close  to  their  S.  and  S.W.  sides,  on  account 
of  the  reefs. 

Tanjong  Tjandibang  is  5  miles  South  of  Cape  Sedano.  A  bank,  covered 
with  only  3  feet  water,  lies  about  a  mile  off  shore,  Mount  Sedano  bearing 
W.N.W.  z  W.,  Mount  Idjing  S.W.  and  Tjandibang  Point,  with  some  trees 
on  it,  S.  by  W.  ^  W.  The  2-fathoms  bank  is  the  north-easternmost  danger, 
and  is  known  by  its  discoloured  water.  Mount  Sedano  bears  N.W.  i  N.  ; 
Mount  Idjing  S.W.  by  W.  I  W.  ;  and  Tjandibang  Point,  North  from  tho 
shoal. 

It  is  also  said  that  the  2-fathoms  bank  lies  S.  by  E.  of  Cape  Sedano,  and 
N.  by  E.  ^  E.  of  Duiven  Island,  and  about  3  miles  off  shore ;  it  consists  of 
five  rocks  close  together,  with  only  6^  ft.  water  over  them.  It  will  be,  how- 
ever, prudent  not  to  bring  Duiven  Island  to  the  southward  of  S.S.W. 

There  are  two  reefs  to  the  south-westward  of  the  2-fathoms  shoal ;  they 
bear  about  N.  and  S.  from  each  other,  and  on  t*he  southernmost,  in  sound- 
ings of  5  fathoms.  Mount  Sedano  was  found  to  bear  N.N.W.  ^  W.  Another 
rock,  close  to  which  19  fathoms  were  found,  lies  with  Mount  Idjing  bearing 
S.W.  by  W.  I  W.,  Mount  Sedano  N.N.W.  h  W.,  and  Tjandibang  Point 
N.  by  E.  From  another  shoal,  to  the  southward  of  the  former,  Mount 
Idjing  bears  W.S.W.  i  W.,  Mount  Sedano  N.N.W.  i  W.,  Tjandibang 
Point  N.  by  E.,  and  Duiven  Island  S.S.E.  I  E.  All  these  dangers  have 
also  light-green  discoloured  water. 

DUIVEN  ISLAND,    also  named   Taboean  or  Gilboan,  is  small,   and  sur- 


750  BALY  STEATT. 

rounded  by  a  reef,  which  projects  to  the  North  and  S.E.  of  the  island,  and 
bears  E.  |  N.  from  Mount  Idjing. 

LIGHTHOUSE, — An  open  iron  framework,  30  ft.  high,  was  completed  in 
1872,  on  the  East  side  of  Duiven  Island,  and  from  it  is  shown,  at  an  eleva- 
tion of  55  ft.,  Si  fixed  hright  light,  visible  12  miles  off.  Lat.  8°  2'  30"  N.,  long. 
114°  27'  E.  Duiven  Island  is  dangerous  to  approach,  as  the  current  sets 
strongly  towards  it,  so  that  vessels  can  only  be  saved  from  driving  upon  it 
during  a  calm  by  their  anchors  holding  against  the  reef  in  60  fathoms  depth. 
It  was  the  practice  for  piratical  proas  to  lie  in  wait  on  the  North  side  of  the 
reef  for  vessels  coming  out  of  Bali  Strait.  The  passage  to  the  eastward  of 
this  island  is  preferable,  as  there  are  dangers  to  the  westward,  but  in  light 
and  favourable  breezes  the  western  branch  may  be  adopted,  there  being  an- 
chorage N.N.W.  from  the  island  in  40  fathoms ;  or,  by  keeping  a  good  look- 
out for  the  reefs,  in  20  fathoms  closer  in  shore.  When  going  out  by  the 
western  passage,  if  overtaken  by  the  contrary  stream  before  reaching  the 
northern  anchorage,  vessels  are  better  able  to  fetch  the  anchorage  to  the 
southward  of  Dodol. 

The  first  anchorage  is  in  the  bight  to  the  southward  of  the  first  point 
following  after  Batoe  Dodol  (which  place  may  be  known  by  a  bridge  over  a 
creek,  with  a  guardhouse  near  it),  in  18,  12,  and  10  fathoms,  and  in  the  eddy. 
There  is  also  anchorage,  but  closer  in  shore,  in  the  small  bays  to  the 
southward  of  this,  as  far  as  the  high  tree  on  the  Java  shore,  but  it  is 
difficult  to  reach  them  with  light  winds  if  the  vessel  is  not  near  the  shore. 

The  dangers  of  Baly  Strait  begin  when  you  approach  the  high  tree  2  miles 
N.N.E.  of  Banjoewanjie.  This  tree  is  difficult  for  a  stranger  to  reognise,  but 
a  beacon  is  marked  on  the  chart  as  situated  on  a  point  of  the  land  near  it. 
At  three-quarters  of  a  mile  S.  by  W.  from  the  beacon  is  North  Rock,  oT  3 
fathoms,  a  small  patch  lying  3  cables  off  shore.  It  lies  with  the  high  tree  N.  f 
W.,  and  the  flagstaff  of  Fort  Utrecht  S.W.  by  W.  |  W.  Vessels  co:;  ing 
from  the  northward,  and  bound  to  Banjoewangie  during  the  eastern  mon- 
soon, are  sometimes  obliged  to  pass  this  rock  at  low  water,  and  as  there  is 
often  a  great  swell,  it  is  considered  very  dangerous ;  but  by  keeping  Mount 
Ikan  about  a  ship's  length  open  to  the  eastward  of  Pakkem  Point  they  will 
pass  to  the  westward  of  the  rock. 

The  Leptford  Shoal  stretches  here  along  the  shore,  being  a  reef  of  rocks 
with  unequal  soundings.  Its  North  end  lies  in  6  ft.  water,  with  the  flag- 
staff of  Fort  Utrecht,  Banjoewangi  bearing  S.W.  by  S.,  Pakkem  Point  in 
one  with  the  western  foot  of  Mount  Ikan  S.  \  E.,  the  high  tree  N.  |  W.,  and 
a  white  bmxj  on  its  South  end  S.  by  W.  westerly,  3^  cables  distant.  This  buoy 
lies  half  a  mile  N.E.  of  Banjoewangi  Light. 

Cameleon  Rock,  a  small  patch  of  3  fathoms,  marked  by  a  white  buoy,  lies 
nearly  a  mile  E.N.E.  of  Banjoewangie  Light. 

Further  southward  lies  the  (J real  Rock,  which  carries  2  fathoms  water  ; 


BANJOEWANGIE.  751 

from  the  black  buoy  on  it  the  pier  at  Banjoewangie  is  seen  in  one  with 
Fort  Utrecht  W.N.W.,  the  high  tree  North,  and  Mount  Idjing  N.W.  |  N. 
Inside  of  this  rock  lies  another,  also  marked  by  a  Uach  buoy.  It  is  called 
the  Kaiman  or  Crocodile,  with  2  fathoms  water,  the  fort  bearing  W.  by  N., 
the  high  tree  N.  ^  E.,  andPakkem  Point  S.  |  W. 

BANJOEWANGIE,  the  Dutch  settlement  in  Baly  Strait,  from  which  the 
telegraph  cable  leaves  the  shore  to  cross  the  water  to  Port  Darwin,  is  the 
chief  town  of  its  province,  and  8  miles  South  of  the  Narrows.  It  is  an  open 
port  for  exports  only,  and  is  a  place  of  call  for  refreshments  for  vessels  pro- 
ceeding by  the  eastern  passages.  The  water  is  good  when  the  pipes  are 
clean,  otherwise  it  soon  becomes  fetid.  The  town  is  not  always  readily  dis- 
tinguished in  the  afternoon,  when  the  sun  is  behind  it ;  a  good  guide  then  is 
the  Bakungan  Mountains,  a  triple  topped  range  on  the  Baly  shore,  from 
which  it  bears  West. 

The  road  of  Banjoewangie  is  limited  by  the  last-mentioned  reefs.  There 
is  very  safe  anchorage  there  during  the  western  monsoon,  in  from  1 2  to  8 
fathoms,  when  ships  should  moor  North  and  South,  and  they  may  then  take 
their  cargoes  on  board  without  the  least  difficulty.  But  during  the  eastern 
monsoon  the  South  and  S.E.  winds  blow  strongly  in  the  afternoon,  and  often 
in  the  morning  too,  and  cause  a  great  surf  on  the  shore,  through  which  only 
very  small  proas  can  pass.  It  is  not  advisable  to  anchor  a  sailing  vessel 
close  in  during  the  S.E.  monsoon,  for  the  difficulty  in  getting  out  may  cause 
detention. 

Light— A /xec?  light,  elevated  41  ft.,  is  shown  from  Fort  Utrecht,  seen  12 
miles  off;  lat.  8'  12'  50"  S.,  long.  114°  22'  30"  E.  With  the  light  between  W. 
by  S.  ^  S.,  and  West,  you  may  approach  the  road  clear  of  all  dangers. 

The  river  cannot  be  entered  unless  at  high  water,  and  then  the  surf  is 
generally  most  high.  Mount  Idjing  bears  from  the  pier  N.W.  ^  N.,  and 
Mount  Ikan  south-easterly. 

There  is  a  patch  of  5  and  6  fathoms  on  a  hard  bottom,  to  the  eastward  of 
which  there  are  9  and  10  fathoms,  to  the  northward  7,  6,  and  4  fathoms,  and 
to  the  southward  8  and  9  fathoms.  The  patch  bears  E.  i  N.  from  the  fort, 
and  North  from  Pakkem  Point. 

To  enter  the  roads  from  the  northward,  keep  the  land  immediately  to  the 
southward  of  Pakkem  Point  in  view,  and  do  not  approach  the  shore  in  less 
than  15  fathoms  before  the  fort  bears  West,  nor  bring  the  house  on  the  pier 
in  one  with  the  fort,  on  account  of  the  Groots  Rock  ;  this  will  lead  to  the 
eastward  of  all  the  dangers.  Passing  between  the  Cameleon  Eock  and  the 
Deptford  Rocks,  keep  Pakkem  Point  well  open  of  the  foot  of  Mount  Ikan 
but  it  is  not  required  to  keep  in  sight  the  land  to  the  southward  of  Pakkem 
Point. 

When  the  fort  or  its  fixed  light  is  brought  to  bear  West  steer  direct  for  it 
till  in  12,  20,  or  8  fathoms  clear  bottom,  where  you  may  bring  up ;  but  some 


752  BALT  STRAIT. 

attention  is  required  on  account  of  the  streams  of  tide  while  nearing  the 
shore,  as  they  run  sometimes  in  a  contrary  direction  to  those  in  the  middle 
of  the  strait. 

To  avoid  the  rocks  to  the  southward  keep  the  pier  so  as  to  view  it  always 
on  its  North  side.  The  best  anchorage  is  with  the  fort  bearing  West,  the 
high  tree  N.  J  E.,  and  Pakkem  Point,  South. 

A  vessel  desiring  to  have  a  pilot  in  the  strait  ought  to  give  due  notice 
beforehead  to  the  pilot  at  Banjoewangie,  of  the  place  from  and  the  date  on 
which  she  intends  to  sail.  He  then  will  take  care  to  have  one  ready  on  her 
making  the  signal,  near  the  Java  shore  at  anchor  on  the  reef  opposite  Ta- 
boean  Island.  During  the  eastern  monsoon  the  pilots  seldom  cruise,  as  only 
a  few  vessels  then  require  their  assistance. 

Departing  from  Banjoewangie  bound  to  the  southward,  do  not  approach 
too  near  to  Pakkem  Point,  as  a  reef  projects  from  it  about  3  miles.  Its 
outer  extremity  is  marked  by  a  hlach  buoy  with  white  ring,  in  4  fathoms, 
with  the  highest  Bakungau  mountain  bearing  E.  by  N.  ^  N.,  and  Fort 
Utrecht  N.N.W.  \  W. 

Anchorage  in  7  or  8  fathoms  may  be  found  all  along  the  shore  from  Pak- 
kem Point  to  Pampang  Bay. 

A  dangerous  spot  was  discovered  S.E.  2  miles  from  Pakkem  Point,  in 
1865  by  H.N.M.  steamship  Bromo.  It  has  3^  fathoms  least  water,  and  lies 
with  the  flagstaff  at  Banjoewangie  N.W.  |  N. ;  Mount  Ikan  S.  ^  W.;  Mount 
Eaoe  W.N.W.  \  W.  It  is  only  about  35  ft.  in  diameter,  and  has  15  or  16 
fathoms  close  around  it.  Its  eastern  edge  was  found  by  Captain  M'Kenzie 
to  bear  N.  \  E.  from  Mount  Ikan,  Pakkem  Point  in  one  with  Banjoewangie 
N.  ^  W.  distant  5  miles. 

Mount  Ikan,  14  miles  South  of  Banjoewangie,  is  an  isolated  flat-topped 
bluff,  separated  from  the  Sloko  Hills  by  a  low  isthmus,  causing  it  at  a  dis- 
tance to  appear  like  an  island,  forms  a  very  safe  bay,  sheltered  on  the 
eastern  side  by  this  hill,  which  is  about  400  or  500  ft.  high,  and  on  the  North 
side  by  the  projecting  land  of  Java,  so  that  the  water  is  smooth  in  both  the 
monsoons.  The  southern  shore  is  covered  with  thick  forests  of  jattee  trees. 
There  is  anchorage  from  the  entrance  to  3  or  4  miles  inwards,  on  the  eastern 
side  of  the  bay,  in  depths  from  12  fathoms,  regularly  decreasing  to  3  fathoms, 
the  bottom  coral  sand,  but  not  farther  to  the  westward  of  the  Mount  Ikan 
shore  than  half  a  mile  or  a  mile.  The  beach  on  the  eastern  side  is  lined 
with  a  small  reef,  consisting  of  coral  and  mud,  and  the  W.  and  S.  shores  by 
muddy  flats. 

S.E.  CAPE  of  Java  is  the  extremity  of  the  low  Balambangan  peninsula, 
on  the  northern  side  of  which  is  a  range  of  hills  which  terminate  on  the  East 
at  Cape  Sloko.  The  points  of  the  low  land  dip  at  10  or  12  miles,  causing  a 
false  point  to  be  seen  beyond  that  distance.  An  extensive  coral  reef  borders 
the  cape,  but  North  of  the  Sloko  ranges  the  shore  is  very  steep,  and  a  ship 


CAPE  TAFEL.  753 

working;  through  may  stand  in  boldly.     There  is  no  safe  anchorage  near  the 
Java  shore  to  the  southward  of  Mount  Ikan. 

The  Prince  of  Orange  Bank,  in  the  middle  of  the  strait,  is  a  6-fathom  bank, 
on  which  ships  may  anchor  in  case  of  calm  and  contrary  tide.  It  is  about  4 
miles  in  extent,  with  soundings  from  6  to  24  fathoms,  black  sand,  mixed 
with  stones  and  shells.  It  lies  with  the  low  East  extremity  of  Java,  S.  by 
W  ;  eastern  summit  over  Cape  Sloko,  S.  W.  ^  S. ;  and  the  summit  of  Mount 
Ikan,  W.N. AY. 

CAPE  TAFEL,  the  South  extreme  of  Baly  Island,  is  a  peninsula  of  table 
land,  bordered  by  a  high  broken  cliff  and  a  few  small  reefs.  Though  about 
300  ft.  high,  it  may  be  styled  low  in  comparison  to  the  adjacent  mountain- 
ous country.  The  western  part  is  the  higher  and  bolder,  the  eastern  tapers 
into  a  low  point,  off  which  is  a  low  island.  Soundings  of  20  fathoms  may 
be  found  West  and  South  of  the  West  cliff  at  the  distance  of  a  mile.  Badong 
Bay,  North  of  Cape  Tafel,  a£"ords  shelter  from  S.E.  winds,  with  anchorage 
in  8  to  6  fathoms,  sand  and  mud,  good  holding  ground  ;  but  there  is  little  or 
no  protection  from  the  heavy  ground  swell  that  rolls  in  from  South. 

DIRECTIONS.— Ships  bound  from  the  Strait  of  Madura  to  Baly  Strait 
during  (he  eastern  monsoon  work  between  Java  and  Meinders  Shoal,  the 
dangers  near  the  former  being  all  above  water  ;  but  to  the  West  and  south- 
westward  of  Meinders  Shoal  there  is  a  reef  extends  about  IJ  mile,  which 
may  be  known  by  light-green  discoloured  water. 

After  rounding  Cape  Sedano,  the  wind  will  change  to  S.W.  or  S.S.W., 
which  will  enable  them  to  fetch  the  Baly  shore  about  Minjangan  Island  or 
Mount  Goendol,  from  whence  it  is  easy  to  work  towards  the  strait.  Should 
adverse  tides  or  approaching  night  forbid  an  entrance  to  the  strait,  ships 
should  keep  under  an  easy  sail.  If  the  stream  runs  to  the  northward  they 
will  not  be  liable  to  approach  the  shore,  and  by  keeping  Minjangan  Island 
to  the  southward  of  S.S.E.,  and  the  high  mountain  of  Idjing  to  the  south- 
ward of  West,  they  will  avoid  Taboean  Island  and  the  dangers  near  the  coast 
of  Baly. 

When  the  tide  changes,  work  with  short  tacks  between  Minjangan  and 
Taboean  Islands,  and  keep  the  Java  shore  on  board,  when  in  the  Narrows, 
to  avoid  the  reef  off  Cape  Passier ;  the  Java  shore  is  preferable  also,  because 
the  sea  is  not  so  boisterous  there  as  near  Baly.  When  the  tide  is  goin"  to 
change,  search  for  anchorage  in  the  bays  to  the  southward  of  Dodol,  the 
Java  ehore  being  safe  to  approach  as  far  as  the  high  tree. 

When  past  the  high  tree,  keep  Mount  Ikan  well  open  with  Pakkem  Point, 
or,  rather,  stretch  over  to  the  eastward  so  far  as  to  get  in  view  the  land  to 
the  southward  of  Pakkem  Point,  and  do  not  borrow  towards  Java  in  less 
than  15  fathoms  before  Fort  Utrecht  bears  West,  for  which  they  may  then 
steer  as  before  directed.  When  working  to  the  southward  of  Banjoewangie, 
!.▲.  6X> 


75  i  LOMBOK  ISLAND  AND  STRAIT. 

keep  Mount  Ikan  to  the  westward  of  S.  by  W.,  to  avoid  the  reef  off  Pakkem 

Point. 

The  southernmost  safe  anchorage  on  the  Java  side  of  the  strait  is  in 
Pampang  Bay,  nevertheless  keep  on  the  Java  shore  until  near  S.E.  point,  as 
the  sea  is  usually  smoother  there  than  near  Baly,  aud  no  tide  perceptible. 
Havino-  approached  the  S.E.  point,  stretch  over  to  Baly,  and  work  along 
that  shore  with  the  land  and  sea  breezes,  occasionally  anchoring  in  from  12 
to  18  fathoms. 

If  bound  through  the  strait,  keep  Mount  Ikan  well  open  of  Pakkem  Point, 
or,  rather,  keep  the  land  to  the  southward  of  this  point  in  view  until  you 
are  to  the  northward  of  the  high  tree,  when  it  is  advisable  to  keep  nearest 
to  Java,  to  be  the  sooner  in  anchorage  if  required,  and  to  avoid  the  reef  off 
Cape  Passier.  You  may  pass  on  either  side  of  Duiven  Island  at  a  moderate 
distance  ;  the  western  passage  is  preferable  in  case  of  light  winds,  as  there 
is  anchorage  to  the  N.  W.  of  that  island  in  40  to  20  fathoms.  Great  care  is 
requisite  in  approaching  the  Java  shore,  on  account  of  the  several  dangers 
near  it ;  and  should  a  contrary  tide  come  before  you  reach  the  anchorage  to 
the  northward  of  the  Narrows,  you  must  endeavour  to  reach  the  anchorage 
to  the  southward  of  Dodol.  When  nearing  the  2-fathom  shoal  it  is  prudent 
not  to  bring  Duiven  Island  to  the  southward  of  S.S.W.  The  N.E.  part  of 
Java  may  be  approached  within  2  miles. 

Vessels  working  through  the  strait  will  save  time  by  taking  a  pilot,  for 
the  tides  are  irregular  and  require  local  knowledge. 

Tides. — Near  to  Duiven  Island  the  establishment  of  the  port  at  S"*.  Flood 
runs  to  the  North,  ebb  to  the  South.  During  the  N.W.  monsoon,  Decem- 
ber, January,  and  February,  the  ebb  is  very  weak,  especially  near  the  times 
of  high  and  low  water.     It  is  also  stronger  by  night  than  by  day. 


LOMBOK  ISLAND  AND  STRAIT. 


LOMBOK,  Lombock,  Sassak,  or  Selaparang,  is  the  next  island  eastward 
of  Baly,  separated  from  it  by  the  strait  to  which  it  gives  its  name.  Although 
of  a  very  ditferent  figure,  it  is  very  nearly  of  the  same  area  as  Bali,  and  of 
similar  geologic  formation.  It  has  also  a  very  lofty  peak  on  its  N.E.  angle, 
which  overtops  the  other  mountains  of  which  it  is  principally  composed. 
This  is  called  Rindjanie  Peak,  and  was  measured  trigonometrically  by  Mel- 
ville van  Carnbee  as  12,379  ft. ;  Horsburgh  states  that  he  found  it  by  the 
same  means  to  be  only  8,688  ft.,  but  the  Dutch  officer  is  confident  in  his 
own  observation.  It  is  an  extinct  volcano,  in  lat.  8°  21'  0"  S.,  long.  116°  27' 
E.,  and  appears  double  when  seen  from  the  southward. 

This  peak  forms  a  portion  of  a  chain  of  mountains,  which  traverse  the 


THE  ROCKY  ISLETS.  755 

island  from  West  to  East ;  and  to  the  southward  is  another  and  lower  chain, 
which  has  a  similar  direction.  From  its  elevation,  like  Baly,  it  is  abundantly 
Bupplied  with  water  in  the  rainy  season,  when  its  numerous  rivers  swell  to 
an  enormous  volume,  and  send  down  vast  quantities  of  water;  but  during 
the  dry  season  the  reverse  is  the  case,  and  then  scarcity  prevails  in  many 
parts,  so  that  vessels  coming  here  at  this  period  are  compelled  to  bring  water 
with  them. 

The  people,  though  more  advanced  in  civilization  than  in  surrounding 
countries,  are  difficult  to  deal  with.  Europeans  are  established  in  the  two 
principal  places,  Ampanam  on  the  West  coast  the  chief  port,  and  Tring  in 
the  S.W.  bay,  and  through  them  the  barter  or  trade  may  be  conducted. 
They  owe  in  some  degree  an  allegiance  to  the  Dutch,  but  all  caution  should 
be  used  in  any  dealings  with  them.  They  make  excellent  krises  or  swords, 
and  firearms,  which  are  in  great  request  in  the  islands  around.  Eice  is  the 
staple  production,  and  the  fertile  valley  in  the  centre  of  the  island  is  skilfully 
and  zealously  cultivated.  The  island  now  prospers,  but  two-thirds  of  the 
inhabitants  perished  in  the  dreadful  eruption  of  Sumbawa  in  1815,  the  whole 
island  being  covered  with  ashes  to  the  depth  of  18  inches,  accordin"-  to 
M.  Zollinger. 

The  North  coast  is  steep-to  and  without  anchorage.  In  the  old  charts  two 
dangers  are  laid  down  to  the  northward  of  the  islands,  which  seem  not  to 
exist,  as  many  ships  have  made  a  fruitless  search  for  them. 

A  range  of  small  islands,  named  Trawangan,  Meno,  and  Si'ra,  lie  off  the 
N.W.  point,  or  Cape  Roeuihek.  There  are  numerous  rocks  around  them,  and 
the  coast  runs  East  and  West  for  about  44  miles. 

The  North  point  of  the  island  is  a  green  point,  in  8°  11'  S.,  and  the  land 
thereabout  has  a  fruitful  appearance,  and  seems  to  be  well  peopled. 

The  N.E.  point  of  Lombok  is  fronted  by  two  low  islands  called  the  Twins 
(Tweelings),  which  are  surrounded  and  united  by  a  reef  with  a  boat  passage 
across  it ;  the  road  to  Sogean  is  inside  of  these  islands,  having  anchorage  in 
from  8  to  1 2  fathoms.  Water  is  to  be  had  at  the  village  of  Sogean  on  the 
river  Melanting.  The  channel  inside  of  these  islands  is  safe,  with  soundings 
from  11  to  16  iathoms  mid-channel,  regularly  decreasing  towards  Lombok 
over  a  sandy  bottom,  and  generally  increasing  towards  the  reef  round  tlie 
islands,  which  is  steep-to,  with  16  fathoms  near  its  edge.  The  Lombok 
shore,  as  well  as  the  Twins,  may  be  approached  to  the  distance  of  a  quarter 
of  a  mile,  as  a  man  from  the  masthead  can  see  all  the  dangers  on  either 
side. 

The  Eocky  Islets  at  12  miles  South  of  the  Twins  is  a  group  of  three  low 
rocky  {Rotsige,  Dutch)  islands  bearing  S.W.  by  S.  from  each  other,  and  a 
dry  sandbank  ;  but  they  are  all  connected  by  a  reef  which  projects  about  a 
mile  to  the  south-eastward.  The  channel  to  the  westward  of  the  group  is 
free  from  danger,  with  regular  soundings  from  15  to  17  fathoms  throughout. 


756  LOMBOK  ISLAND  AND  STEATT. 

The  channel  to  the  eastward  of  them  is  much  wider,  but  destitute  of  sound- 
ings, for  which  reason  the  former  is  more  generally  used.  When  proceeding 
to  the  southward,  the  Lombok  shore  ought  to  be  kept  at  least  a  mile  distant 
in  order  to  avoid  the  shoal  on  which  the  Surat  Castle,  an  English  Indiaman, 
struck  in  March,  1796.  It  is  a  coral  patch  of  3  fathoms,  lying  a  little  to  the 
South  of  the  point  of  land  that  bears  W.  by  S.  from  the  South  extremity  of 
the  Eocky  Islands,  and  opposite  to  a  fresh-water  creek  in  the  bight,  to  the 
Bouthward  of  that  point.  There  are  overfalls  from  25  to  10  and  6  fathoms, 
coral  rock,  about  3  or  4  miles  S.S.W.  from  the  Eocky  Islands,  but  not  less, 
it  is  believed,  than  6  fathoms. 

Sagara,  near  the  village  of  Lomhok,  is  only  adapted  for  small  vessels.  It 
is  sheltered  by  a  dry  sandbank  and  a  narrow  channel  with  soundings  of  3 
and  4  fathoms,  from  a  point  of  land  which  projects  to  the  northward,  and 
forms  a  cove.  The  anchorage  inside  is  safe  in  both  the  monsoons,  and  it  is 
much  easier  to  water  there  than  at  Laboe  Hadye.  There  is  a  road  across 
the  island  from  this  place. 

Labuan  Hadji  or  Bally,  is  12  miles  South  of  Lombok.  The  road  is  not 
quite  safe  during  the  eastern  monsoon,  as  the  anchors  often  drag  when  the 
sea  breeze  is  very  strong.  The  anchorage  for  large  ships  is  in  17  or  15 
fathoms,  black  sand,  about  1^  or  2  miles  off  shore,  with  Lombok  Peak  bear- 
ing N.N.  W.,  the  southernmost  bluff  island  on  the  Sumbawa  side  of  the  strait 
E.S.E.,  and  the  next  to  the  northward  E.  ^  N.  or  E.  f  N.  These  islands  are 
the  best  guide  to  know  when  abreast  of  Labuan  Hadji,  for,  being  situated 
behind  a  tope  of  cocoa-nut  trees,  it  is  not  easily  perceived  from  the  offing. 
Ships  ought  never  to  go  under  10  or  11  fathoms.  Boats  sent  to  fetch  water 
anchor  inside  of  the  reef  at  the  mouth  of  the  river ;  the  casks  are  filled  about 
100  yards  from  the  beach,  and  then  floated  off  to  the  boats.  The  water  is 
good,  but  ought  not  to  be  filled  when  the  tide  is  high,  for  it  is  then  brackish, 
and  during  the  south-eastern  monsoon  it  is  often  tedious  getting  water  off 
from  the  shore.  Eefreshments  of  every  description  are  to  be  procured  here 
in  great  plenty.  The  flood  sets  to  the  northward,  and  the  ebb  to  the  south- 
ward, about  1|^  or  2  knots  at  the  springs  ;  it  is  high  water  in  the  roads  about 
12*"  30"  at  full  and  change,  but  nearly  3  hours  sooner  upon  the  shore,  and 
the  rise  of  tide  is  10  or  12  ft. 

Pedioe,  Peejow,  or  Pejoet,  is  more  frequented  than  Labuan  Hadji,  being 
more  safe  and  convenient  for  watering,  as  the  river  is  navigable  by  boats. 
On  Cape  Louar,  the  North  point  of  the  bay,  there  is  a  flagstaff  in  about  8° 
47'  S.  and  116°  32'  E.  The  anchorage  is  in  7  or  8  fathoms,  with  Lombok 
Peak  bearing  N.  f  W.,  the  southernmost  island  on  the  Sumbawa  side  of  the 
strait  E.N.E.  ^  E.,  the  flagstaff  on  Cape  Louar,  North,  Eingiet  Point  in  one 
with  the  southern  part  of  the  Tafel  Berg  near  the  S.W.  point  of  Sumbawa 
S.E.  Eingiet  Point,  on  this  bearing,  is  a  good  mark  to  avoid  the  reefs  to 
the  southward  of  the  anchorage,  and  this  line  ought  not  to  be  passed  when 


AMPANNAM.  757 

entering  the  bay  ;  the  only  other  dangers  to  be  avoided  are  the  reef  off  Cape 
Louar,  which  is  nearly  dry,  and  a  rock  bearing  8.  f  W.,  about  a  cable's 
length  distance  from  the  flagstaff,  and  visible  at  low  springs.  Capt.  Kingdom 
discovered  also,  in  18  46,  a  sandbank  with  3^  to  5  fathoms  on  it  and  8  fatlioms 
all  round,  Eingiet  Point  bearing  S.E.  i  S.  southerly,  East  Island  S.  by  W. 
i  W.,  and  the  flagstaff  on  Cape  Louar  N.  W.  |  W. 

The  SOUTH  COAST  of  Lombok,  between  Cape  Eingit  and  Cape  Bamho 
Bamho,  the  S.W.  point,  is  about  50  miles  from  E.  to  W.  There  is  a  small  bay, 
Telok  Longas  or  Blongas,  which  it  is  said  affords  safe  anchorage  in  the  westerly 
monsoons,  but  quite  exposed  in  the  opposite  season.  The  S.W.  point  is  the 
extremity  of  a  peninsula  which  forms  a  bight  on  the  North  side,  in  the  head 
of  which  is  Tring,  one  of  the  best  anchorages  in  the  island. 

A  rock,  scarcely  showing  above  high  water  off  the  South  coast  of  Lombok, 
was  discovered  by  Captain  B.  van  Eiethagen,  in  the  bark  Sophia  Zoutze,  in 
1864  ;  when  it  bore  E.  by  N.,  the  South  point  of  Panditi  Island  bore  W.N.W. 
^  W.,  and  the  S.W.  point  of  Lombok  N.W.     It  lies  5  miles  off  shore. 

Labuan  Tring. — In  running  for  Labuan  Tring  from  Ampanam  a  southern 
course  will  about  lead  down  the  bay,  but  in  blowing  weather  it  is  preferable 
to  haul  out  S.  by  W.  ^  W.  at  first,  and  when  abreast  of  Karang  Point,  easily 
known  by  a  little  conical  hill  near  it,  and  about  2^  miles  from  Ampanam, 
Bteer  South,  or  more  easterly  if  required,  as  you  approach  the  cove.  The 
western  side  of  the  entrance  to  the  cove  is  bluff,  and  readily  distinguished  ; 
the  East  point  is  low  and  sandy,  with  bamboos  and  brushwood.  Entering 
the  cove,  keep  nearest  to  the  eastern  shore,  as  a  reef  runs  off  the  other.  A 
good  mark  is,  to  bring  the  low  point  about  S.  by  E.,  and  run  in  with  that 
bearing  till  a  high  bluff  point  on  the  East  side  of  the  cove  be  seen.  Haul 
round  the  East  point  until  it  bears  N.N.W.  J  W.,  or  N.W.  by  N.,  and  bring 
up  in  about  10  fathoms,  mud  and  clay,  2  or  not  more  than  3  cables'  lengths 
from  the  beach ;  the  water  here  will  be  quite  smooth,  although  a  great  deal 
of  swell  may  be  in  the  entrance.  A  reef  surrounds  the  island,  which  lies 
E.S.E.  of  this  anchorage  ;  of  this  be  careful  by  bringing  up  close  to  the  beach, 
which  is  so  steep-to  that  4  fathoms  will  be  found  over  a  boat's  stern  when  she 
touches  the  ground  forward,  except  near  the  eastern  extreme  point.  There 
is  also  a  good  berth  in  the  West  side  of  the  cove  close  in-shore  in  6  or  7  fa- 
thoms, mud,  care  being  taken  not  to  run  beyond  the  small  islet.  There  are 
three  good  wells  near  the  huts  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  cove.  Firewood 
and  bamboos  may  be  cut  in  plenty,  but  any  other  supplies,  excepting  plan- 
tains and  cocoa-nuts,  are  scarce. 

AMPANNAM  or  A?npanam  is  the  chief  trading  place  of  Lombok.  It  is 
on  the  West  coast,  at  about  midway  between  Tring  and  the  N.W.  point.  It 
affords  an  excellent  sheltered  road  during  the  eastern  monsoons,  but  during 
the  westerly  monsoons  it  has  no  security  whatever  from  the  swell  and  wind. 


758  LOMBOK  ISL.\ND  AND  STEAIT. 

At  all  seasons  there  is  usually  a  very  heavy  swell,  which  makes  the  taking 
or  discharging  cargo  difficult  and  even  dangerous. 

The  large  bay  of  Anipanam  is  a  safe  road  during  the  eastern  monsoon,  as 
before  said,  and  Labuan  Tring  Bay,  in  the  S.E.  part  of  it,  sheltered  from 
all  winds.  A  group  of  islands  and  reefs  fronts  the  southern  shore  of  the 
bay  ;  and  there  is  a  bank  of  coral  aad  sand,  with  soundings  of  from  10  to  25 
fathoms,  on  which  the  Heroine  lay  at  anchor  during  a  fresh  S.E.  breeze,  the 
first  island  to  the  northward  of  the  West  point  of  Lombok  bearing  S.  by  E. 
about  3  miles.  There  is  also  anchorage  a  little  southward  of  the  North 
point  of  the  projecting  S.W.  land  of  Lombok. 

H.N.M.  frigate  Boreas  watered  here  in  June,  1838,  and  filled  daily  2,000 
gallons  ;  at  high  water  boats  can  enter  the  river,  but  otherwise  the  casks  must 
be  carried  across  a  neck  of  land.  Cattle  are  cheap,  and  all  kinds  of  provi- 
sions are  to  be  had  there.  The  mouth  of  the  river  cannot  always  be  dis- 
cerned at  a  distance,  but  it  may  be  known  by  the  huts  along  its  banks. 

There  is  a  rocky  patch,  with  only  2^  fathoms,  to  the  north-westward  of  the 
flagstaff,  probably  the  same  on  which,  in  1811,  the  boats  of  H.M.S.  Psyche 
had  3  fathoms,  Lombok  Peak  bearing  E.  by  N.,  and  the  North  point  of  the 
bay  N.  by  W.  \  W.  There  are  2^  fathoms  on  a  shoal  S.W.  of  Karang 
Point,  and  near  the  shore,  having  6  fathoms  all  round. 

The  tides  in  the  bay  are  seldom  found  to  be  strong ;  the  rise  of  tide  is 
from  5  to  7  ft.,  and  it  is  high  water,  at  full  and  change  of  the  moon,  about 
8  o'clock. 

The  best  marks  for  Ampanam  Bay  are,  the  peak  of  Baly  bearing  W.N.W., 
Lombok  Peak  between  E.N.E.  and  N.E.  by  E.,  or  the  river  bearing  E.  by  N. ; 
but  it  is  not  safe  to  approach  the  shore,  after  having  passed  the  ridge,  in  less 
than  10  fathoms,  as  in  some  parts  the  soundings  decrease  very  rapidly  from 
7  to  3  fathoms.  During  the  western  monsoon  (from  November  to  April) 
ships  ought  to  anchor  "i  miles  off  shore,  so  as  to  be  able  to  run  for  Labuan 
Tring,  if  need  be.  On  appearance  of  bad  weather  the  chains  should  be 
buoyed,  and  everything  ready  to  slip. 

Trawangan,  or  North  Island,  before  mentioned,  is  13  miles  N.N.W.  of 
Ampanam.  It  is  the  highest  of  a  group  of  three  islands  near  the  N.W. 
point  of  Lombok,  in  8°  20'  S.,  and  116°  1'  E.,  and  from  its  North  point 
Lombok  Peak  bears  E.  by  S.  H.N  M.  steamer  Hecla  anchored  in  15  fathoms 
with  this  island  bearing  from  North  to  N.W.  by  N.,  Eombeh  Point  S. 
by  W.,  Mount  Agong,  or  the  Peak  of  Baly,  West,  northerly,  and  a  river 
S.E.  by  E. 

Siwa  Reef  lies  N.E.  5  miles  from  Trawangan  Island,  and  a  doubtful  reef 
is  marked  on  the  chart  at  4  miles  ofi"  shore,  and  10  miles  north-eastward  of 
Siwa  Reef. 

During  the  East  monsoon,  strong  winds  from  S.S.W.  to  S.E.  prevail  in 
the  Strait  of  Lombok,  and  during  the  western  monsoon  N.W.  winds  ;  during 


ALLAS  STRAIT.  759 

the  former  the  southerly  currents  are  the  strongest,   and  during  the  latter 
they  run  with  more  velocity  to  the  northward. 

The  STRAIT  of  LOMBOK,  between  Lombok  and  Bali,  is  36  miles  from 
North  to  South,  and  from  10  to  25  miles  in  breadth.  The  Bali  side  has  beea 
previously  described,  and  the  Lombuk  shore  is  given  above. 

Entering  Lombok  Strait,  with  an  adverse  current  during  the  eastern  mon- 
Boon,  most  progress  may  be  made  by  keeping  the  Baly  side  on  board  until 
the  peak  bears  West.  By  stretching  over  then  to  Lombok,  a  ship  will  very 
likely  fetch  the  road  of  Ampanam,  especially  if  the  Baly  side  of  the  strait  be 
left  early  in  the  morning  for  the  sake  of  the  sea  breeze  from  the  southward. 
With  a  contrary  current,  it  is  difficult  to  get  down  on  the  Lombok  side  of 
the  strait,  and  on  the  Baly  side  after  the  peak  bears  to  the  northward  of 
West.  The  channels  on  both  sides  of  Pandita  Islands  are  safe,  but  the 
■western  one  is  to  be  preferred,  as  ships  may  anchor  occasionally  near  Baly, 
and  the  ripplings  are  not  so  strong  there  as  to  the  eastward  of  these  islands. 
Although  the  route  through  Lombok  Strait  is  liable  to  great  delay,  it  is  often 
used  by  ships  bound  to  China,  which  pass  St.  Paul  and  Amsterdam  Islands 
in  the  latter  part  of  January,  or  in  the  beginning  of  February  ;  the  passage 
through  the  Strait  of  Alias  is,  however,  generally  quicker.  Care  is  then 
requisite  not  to  fall  to  leeward  of  the  intended  strait.  The  high  peaks  of 
Bali  and  Lombok  may  be  seen  in  clear  weather  about  8  leagues  to  the  south- 
■ward  of  the  straits,  the  latter  one  showing  from  this  view  two  summits  over 
the  high  western  part  of  the  island. 


ALLAS  STRAIT. 


Alias  Strait,  separating  Lombok  from  Sumbawa,  is  about  45  miles  long 
on  a  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.  direction,  and  from  9  to  15  miles  wide.  Although 
it  has  not  been  properly  surveyed,  it  is  probable  that  all  its  dangers  are 
known,  and  it  has  some  advantages  over  the  straits  to  East  or  West  of  it. 
The  Lombok  side  has  been  just  described, 

The  West  Coast  of  Sumbawa,  about  45  miles  long  between  Tangong  J,ahu 
Bua,  the  N.W.  point,  and  the  S. W.  point  of  the  Table  Hill,  which  forms  that 
extremity. 

Mr.  H.  Zollinger,  who  visited  this  coast  in  1847,  gives  the  following  de- 
Bcription  of  it :  — 

Kamoedong,  Tawar,  Segattal,  and  Belo,  the  north-easternmost  of  the  islands 
•which  front  the  N.W.  coast  of  Sumbawa,  are  low,  with  rocks  contiguous  to 
their  points,  and  deep  channels  between  them.  There  are  soundings  from  4 
to  14  fathoms  in  the  channel  inside  of  these  islands,  and  the  bays  of  Paddie, 
Boeer,  and  Alias,   afford  anchorage.     The  latter  is  a  cove,  12  miles  from. 


760  ALIAS  STRAIT. 

Labu  Bua  Cape,  stretching  about  South,  and  deep  enough  for  large  ships. 
To  the  south-westward  of  Belo  are  the  islands  of  Bassar,  Genang,  PatakiOy 
Oenet  Passeran,  and  Tatagen,  all  high,  and  Belang,  a  low  island,  and  the 
southernmost  of  this  group.  Inside  of  the  latter  islands  are  soundings  from 
25  to  30  fathoms. 

Taliwang  Bay. — The  road  of  Taliwang  affords  a  secure  anchorage  during 
the  south-eastern  monsoon.  From  the  bluff  North  point  of  the  bay,  Lom- 
bok  Peuk  bears  N.W.  ^  N.,  the  southernmost  island  in  the  strait  W.N.W. 
^  W.,  and  Eingit  Point  S.W.  by  W.  \  W.,  and  the  South  point  of  the  bay 
S.E.  by  E.  i  E.  12^  miles  from  Labuan  Hadji,  or  Laboe  Hadye ;  the  bay 
may  also  be  known  by  a  peak  near  the  beach,  rising  to  a  height  of  about 
1,570  English  feet.  Water  and  wood  are  easily  procured,  and  provisions  are 
cheap,  but  they  must  be  ordered  a  day  before. 

Ships  in  want  of  water  and  wood  should  anchor  to  the  south-eastward  of 
Knoop  Island,  in  15  or  16  fathoms;  but  wh^n  provisions  only  are  wanted, 
they  may  anchor  in  7  or  8  fathoms,  8.  by  E,  from  a  storehouse,  standing 
near  the  bluff  North  point  of  the  bay.  The  natives  are  polite  and  ready  to 
assist. 

The  straits  to  the  eastward  of  Java  being  all  more  or  less  subject  to  fre- 
quent calms,  it  is  advisable  to  keep  in  soundings,  on  account  of  M'hich  the 
Lombok  side  of  the  strait  is  to  be  preferred,  the  more  so  as  the  currents  are 
not  so  strong  there  as  in  the  middle,  ond  on  the  East  side,  of  the  strait. 

The  Strait  of  Alias  is  easily  known  in  coming  from  the  southward,  the 
S.W.  part  of  Sumbawa  being  high  rugged  land,  whereas  the  East  end  of 
Lombok  is  composed  of  steep  cliffs,  facing  the  sea.  The  S.W.  point  of  Sum- 
bawa is  a  double  table-hill,  in  9°  2'  S.,  and  116°  47'  E.,  and  Lombok  Peak 
bears  N.  by  W.  ^  W.  from  the  entrance  of  the  strait. 

With  the  S.E.  point  of  Lombok  bearing  W.N.W.,  and  the  S.W.  point  of 
Sumbawa  S.E.  by  E.,  soundings  are  got  in  64  or  70  fathoms,  clean  bottom ; 
but  farther  to  the  southward  and  eastward  the  bottom  is  rocky,  and  no  sound- 
ings less  than  80  or  90  fathoms. 

In  the  south-eastern  monsoon,  the  winds  blow  strongly  from  the  southward 
during  the  greatest  part  of  the  day,  but  they  subside  towards  evening,  when 
the  land  wind  from  Lombok  begins.  In  the  western  monsoon,  variable  and 
bafflmg  southerly  breezes  are  often  experienced  in  the  Strait  of  Alias. 

Bound  to  the  southward,  it  is  advisable  to  get  underway  very  early  in  the 
morning,  in  order  to  clear  the  strait  if  possible,  before  the  sea  breeze  sets  in. 

There  is  good  anchorage  on  the  western  or  Lombok  side  of  the  strait ;  in 
many  parts  the  bank  of  soundings  is  very  steep,  extending  only  a  short 
distance  from  the  shore,  and  requiring  careful  attention  to  the  lead  while 
approaching  it  in  the  night  time.  Stock  and  fresh  water  can  be  obtained  at 
a  reasonable  price  at  Bally,  Pidioe,  and  Lombok,  and  at  Alias  on  the  Sum- 
bawa side. 


SUMBAWA  ISLAND.  761 

The  prevailing  current  is  from  the  southward,  which,  in  the  centre  of  the 
strait  sometimes  runs  3  or  4  knots.  In  June,  1845,  H.M.S.  Fly  experienced 
an  equally  strong  current  from  the  northward. 

At  Bally  the  tides  are  described  as  regular,  the  flood  coming  from  the 
southward,  and  setting  along  shore  at  from  1  to  2  knots  per  hour. 


SUMBAWA  ISLAND. 


The  Island  of  Sumbawa,  Sombawa,  or  Soembawa,  is  one  of  the  most  re- 
markable in  the  world,  possessing  as  it  does  the  most  tremendous  volcano 
known.  It  is  of  very  singular  form,  being  deeply  indented  by  arms  of  the 
sea,  especially  on  its  North  side.  Its  character  and  proximity  to  Celebes  and 
Oillolo,  and  their  fantastic  forms,  point  to  their  common  igneous  origin. 

The  elevation  of  the  great  volcano  Tambora,  or  Tumbora,  is  9,040  ft. 

The  great  eruption  of  Tumbora  occurred  between  April  5th  and  17th,  in 
1815,  and  it,  for  a  time  at  least,  destroyed  the  island,  which  from  a  fertile 
and  thriving  region  become  a  desolate  waste.  The  whole  area  was  deeply 
covered  with  volcanic  ashes  to  the  depth  of  from  4  to  2  ft.  -,  nearly  two- 
thirds  of  the  inhabitants  perished,  a  large  number  buried  alive  in  the  ashes, 
the  rest  dying  from  want  and  starvation.  According  to  M.  van  den  Broek, 
there  were  only  20,000  to  25,000  men  who  survived,  and  it  was  not  for  many 
years  that  any  immigration  took  place,  and  then  a  multitude  of  Buginese 
and  Makassars  took  possession  of  the  land,  and  restored  it  to  more  that  its 
previaus  fertility.  The  area  over  which  the  ashes  fell  extended  from  near 
to  Bencoolen  in  Sumatra  to  Timor,  a  distance  of  more  than  1,500  miles  apart, 
East  and  West,  and  over  the  South  portion  of  Borneo,  Celebes,  &c.,  for  a 
diameter  of  900  miles. 

The  natives  are  a  good-natured  people,  and  the  island  produces  a  great 
quantity  of  sandal-wood  ;  the  trade  in  horses  is  considerable. 

Madang  or  Flat  Island,  the  centre  of  which  is  in  8°  8'  S.  and  117°  18'  E.,  lies 
off  the  North  side  of  Sumbawa.  It  is  very  low  near  the  "West  end ;  the 
northern  part  is  a  little  elevated,  and  may  be  seen  from  deck  at  a  distance  of 
16  miles  in  very  clear  weather.  It  has  reefs  from  the  North  and  S.W.  points, 
and  a  dry  spot  near  its  northern  edge,  from  which  the  East  point  of  the 
island  bears  about  S.  by  E.  The  S.E.  shore  forms  a  small  bight,  opposite  to 
which  a  single  ship  may  find  anchorage  in  30  fathoms  a  mile  off  shore  and 
half  a  mile  from  a  reef. 

Majo,  or  Maio,  7  or  8  miles  E.S.E.  of  Vlak,  is  an  extensive  island,  regu- 
larly high,  with  the  exception  of  the  East  point,  which  appears  at  some  dis- 
tance as  a  low  and  separate  island.     A  reef  projects  from  the  N.W.  point ; 


762  SUMBAWA  ISLAND. 

and  the  bay  on  the  West  side  of  the  island  is  full  of  shoals,  behind  which 
the  pirates  often  take  shelter.  In  former  times  the  West  part  of  Maio  was 
inhabited,  and  there  are  several  springs  of  good  water  on  that  side  of  the 
island.  The  frequent  visits  of  the  pirates  obliged  the  inhabitants  to  leave 
this  island  for  Sumbawa. 

Setonda  Island,  off  the  N.E.  point  of  Maio,  is  in  8°  6'  30"  S.,  and  117°  43'  E. 
It  is  of  moderate  height,  with  the  top  appearing  somewhat  flattened,  when 
seen  from  the  north-eastward ;  the  reefs  from  the  points  are  of  very  small 
extent.  Viak,  Maio,  and  Setonda,  are  all  uninhabited,  for  the  pirates  often 
make  their  appearance  there. 

The  Bay  of  Sumbawa  to  the  southward  of  Flat  Island,  and  to  the  eastward 
of  Labu  Bua  Point,  the  N.W.  cape  of  Sumbawa,  has  no  other  dangers  than 
the  reefs  along  the  shore,  which  project  most  from  the  West  point  of  the 
bay,  about  2  cables'  lengths,  and  are  steep-to  and  dry  at  low  water ;  the  an- 
chorage is  in  20  to  16  fathoms,  clay  bottom,  about  2  cables'  lengths  offshore. 
Entering  from  the  northward  and  steering  toward  the  centre  of  the  bay,  the 
soundings  decrease  regularly  but  rapidly  from  40  to  17  and  to  7  fathoms 
within  a  short  distance  from  a  dry  sandbank  opposite  to  the  river's  mouth  ; 
and  as  the  bay  is  open  from  N.N.E.  to  N.W.  by  W.,  a  vessel  cannot  be  con- 
sidered safe  during  the  western  monsoon.  The  landing  is  easiest  to  the 
westward  of  the  river  on  a  sandy  beach,  as  the  river  can  be  entered  only  at 
high  water.     The  village  of  Sumbawa  is  about  2  miles  inland. 

To  the  eastward  of  this  bay,  and  opposite  to  the  South  coast  of  Maio,  is 
the  extensive  Gulf  of  Salee.  Mr.  H.  Zollinger,  who  explored  the  whole 
island  of  Sumbawa  in  1847,  gives  the  following  description  of  it. 

The  large  Gulf  of  Salee  extends  about  13  leagues  in  a  S.E.  direction,  and 
is  about  4  leagues  wide.  The  entrances  along  the  N.E.  and  S.W.  points  of 
Maio  are  both  narrow  ;  the  western  one  being  about  a  gun-shot  wide.  The 
South  point  of  Maio  is  pretty  bold,  but  reefs  project  from  Menangis  and 
Gayong  Points,  on  the  southern  shore ;  and  in  the  bight  of  Peniaring  between 
these  points  there  is  shoal  water. 

Gayong  Point  forms  the  West  side  of  an  inlet  with  deep  water  inside, 
which  stretches  about  4  miles  South,  called  Bango,  or  Bunga,  with  a  small 
village.  The  entrance  of  this  inlet  bears  S.W.  by  S.  from  Setonda,  but  it  is 
too  intricate  for  ships,  having  reefs  on  either  side. 

Liang  and  Negalie,  two  long,  narrow,  and  hilly  islands,  stretch  parallel  to 
the  coast,  and  form  two  narrow  channels  with  deep  water  stretching  about 
N.N.W.  and  S.S.E. ;  proas  may  enter  them  at  both  ends.  The  southern 
beach  is  inhabited  by  fishermen,  and  about  3  miles  inland  stands  the  large 
village  of  Lapie. 

The  next  bay  to  the  south-eastward  is  called  Tieris  ;  then  follows  Kollong, 
a  large  bay,  bounded  by  a  monotonous  and  bai'ren  plain,  and  by  low  hills  to 
the  southward  ;  the  S.E.  winds  pass  freely  over  them,  and  blow  strongly  in 


TAMBORA  VOLCANO.  76:5 

this  part  of  the  gulf.  The  bottom  of  the  bay  is  mud  mixed  witli  sand,  and 
its  little  depth  of  water  does  not  permit  vessels  to  stand  close  in  shore  ;  3^ 
miles  inland  is  Plampang,  a  considerable  and  well  fortified  place,  governed 
by  a  nearly  independent  prince. 

The  island,  or  rather  isthmus,  is  not  more  than  8  miles  broad. 

The  Bay  of  Ampang  to  the  eastward  of  Kollong  Bay  is  also  shallow.  There 
are  several  islands  in  this  part  of  the  gulf,  called  Tengar,  Tapan,  Keho,  Dempoe 
(easily  known  by  two  peaked  hills),  Tepie,  liah't,  a  large  island.  Koivanko 
Bay,  to  the  eastward,  is  shallow  ;  near  its  eastern  beach  is  the  small  island 
Balerek,  and  the  long  and  low  island  Kowanko,  stretching  E.S.E.  ;  Nisaah 
Monteh  is  contiguous  to  its  AVest  point,  and  fronts  the  bay  to  the  northward. 

There  are  also  several  inlets  in  the  East  part  of  the  gulf,  but  most  of  them 
are  closed  by  reefs  ;  they  are  named  Tioerie  Lora,  Sonapa,  and  Gempoe,  fronted 
by  the  rocks  of  Poedo ;  rivers  disembogue  in  the  former  and  in  Sonapa.  The 
small  village  Gempoe  stands  about  a  mile  from  the  beach  ;  good  fresh  water 
is  to  be  had  here,  and  the  country  abounds  with  game. 

The  northern  shore  is  uninhabited  ;  it  runs  in  a  straight  direction,  and  is 
Bteep-to,  affording  no  anchorage.  From  August  to  October,  pirates  come  to 
this  bay  for  fire-wood,  and  greatly  disturb  the  natives,  who  therefore  build 
their  villages  far  inland.  They  often  attack  proas  and  ships  which  pass  near 
Maio  Island. 

The  tides  set  with  great  velocity  through  the  Strait  of  Salee,  and  probably 
also  through  the  northern  entrance  to  the  gulf.  The  flood  sets  to  the  E.S.E. 
and  the  ebb  to  the  W.N.  W. ;  during  the  eastern  monsoon  the  latter  is  strongest, 
and  it  is  high  water  about  the  moon's  meridian  passage. 

The  chains  of  mountains  generally  follow  the  direction  of  the  bays  which 
they  limit,  causing  S.  or  S.S.E.  and  N.  or  N.N.W.  winds  in  the  West  part 
of  the  gulf,  N.W.  and  S.E.  winds  near  its  centre,  and  E.  or  E.S.E.  and  W, 
or  W.N.W.  winds  at  its  East  end.  During  the  eastern  monsoon  the 
northerly  winds  are  light,  on  account  of  the  vicinity  of  the  high  land  of 
Tambora  and  Maio,  but  the  southerly  winds  blow  then  rather  strongly  over 
the  low  land  of  Kollong.  Pilots  for  this  gulf  are  to  be  had  at  Sumbawa 
Town.  There  is  plenty  of  wood  on  either  shore,  but  provisions  and  fresh 
water  are  very  scarce. 

TAMBORA  VOLCANO.— The  Gulf  of  Salee  is  separated  from  the  Bay  of 
Dompo  by  the  isthmus,  on  which  stands  the  high  volcano  of  Tambora,  or 
Tumbora.  The  summit  of  the  mountain  is  very  large,  and  of  a  circular  form, 
in  the  longitude  of  117°  48',  and  bearing  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  from  Setonda 
Island. 

Dompo  Bay.— In  former  times  the  Dutch  had  settlements  in  the  Bay  of 
Dompo,  but  they  have  been  abandoned.  Mr.  Zollinger,  on  his  journey  to 
the  top  of  Tambora,  found  a  fine  spring  of  water,  called  by  the  natives  Tam- 
poerokh,  close  to  the  beach  on  the  western  .shore  of  the  bay.     Several  inlets 


764  SUMBAWA  ISLAND. 

afford  good  anchorage,  tlie  westernmost  of  which,  Bioe  Bay,  is  much  fre- 
quented by  pirates.  In  former  times  the  Dutch  had  established  a  trade  for 
sapanwood  at  Kamboe,  and  the  road  of  Kila  is  very  safe  during  the  eastern 
monsoon,  but  the  villages  along  this  coast  are  all  deserted  now  on  account 
of  the  frequent  invasions  of  the  pirates. 

Bima  Bay,  15  miles  eastward  of  Dompo  Bay,  stretches  deeply  inland,  and 
forms  a  safe  harbour,  where  ships  lie  quite  landlocked  and  sheltered  on  all 
sides  by  high  land.  In  the  wide  entrance  there  is  only  a  temporary  anchor- 
age. The  shores  which  bound  the  bay  approach  each  other  about  4  miles 
from  the  entrance,  forming  a  narrow  channel  for  about  3  miles  in  length  and 
not  half  a  mile  in  breadth,  with  soundings  from  32  to  20  fathoms,  but  lead- 
ing to  a  spacious  cove,  in  the  centre  of  which  lies  the  high  island  Kambing. 
The  Dutch  have  a  battery  near  the  beach  on  the  East  side  of  the  bay.  The 
narrow  entrance  is  defended  by  two  small  bentings,  where  the  Dutch  colours 
are  hoisted.  To  the  southward  of  Bima  the  bay  forms  another  spacious  covo 
with  an  islet  near  the  southern  beach. 

During  the  eastern  monsoon,  very  strong  southerly  winds,  accompanied  by 
heavy  squalls,  continue  to  blow,  sometimes  for  many  days,  outside  of  the 
narrow  channel ;  and  yet,  inside,  quite  calm  under  the  high  land,  and  im- 
possible to  enter  the  bay.  The  land  winds  blow  regularly  during  both  the 
monsoons,  and  there  is  therefore  no  difficulty  in  quitting  it. 

Kambing  Island  lies  due  South  from  the  Narrows  in  8°  26'  45"  S.,  anci 
118°  41'  E.  Having  passed  the  Narrows,  the  village  of  Bima  will  be  soon 
discovered  ;  steer  directly  for  it  until  in  11  fathoms,  when  a  low  point  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  bay  will  be  seen  open  with  the  South  point  of  Kambing 
Island.  Do  not  run  farther  in,  as  the  depths  decrease  rapidly  from  9  to  2 
fathoms  on  the  edge  of  the  muddy  flat  opposite  the  village. 

It  is  high  water  at  full  and  change  of  the  moon  at  noon,  and  the  rise  of  the 
tide  is  6  ft.  The  landing  is  difficult,  on  account  of  the  extensive  mud-flat 
opposite  to  the  battery  ;  water  is  scarce  and  bad. 

From  the  N.E.  point  of  the  bay  the  South  point  of  Apie  Island  bears 
E.  \  N.,  its  N.W.  point  N.E.  by  E.,  and  its  southern  peak  E.  by  N.  When 
southerly  winds  prevent  the  entrance  of  the  bay,  it  is  advisable  to  anchor  on 
the  East  side  of  the  outer  bay,  as  otherwise  you  are  obliged  to  stand  off 
during  the  night,  and  many  days  may  be  lost  in  a  fruitless  attempt  to 
work  in. 

Sangeang  Island  or  Gunong  Api  is  a  high,  volcanic,  double-peaked 
island,  ofi"  the  N.E.  Cape  of  Sumbawa,  between  the  latitudes  of  8°  6'  and 
and  8°  14'  S.,  and  the  southern  or  highest  peak  is  in  119°  2'  E.  It  bears  S. 
by  E.  i  E.  from  the  North  peak.  The  island  is  very  steep-to  on  every  side. 
Proas  sometimes  land  there  to  cut  wood.  Its  N.  and  N.E.  sides  should 
not  be  appreached  within  a  mile. 

The  Eastern  Coast  of  t^umbawa   strotchea  at  first  about  South  to  Sapi 


SUMBAAVA  ISLAND.  T6.5 

Bay,  where  it  takes  an  easterly  direction  till  past  Midden  and  Todo  Islands, 
and  then  turns  again  to  the  southward  as  far  as  the  southern  entrance  of  the 
strait.  Near  the  North  point  of  Midden  Island  lies  Keppek,  a  small  islet, 
with  two  rocks,  between  which  and  Setan  is  the  most  frequented  channel, 
being  about  3  miles  wide ;  about  6  miles  to  the  southward  of  Keppeh  lies 
Kamara  Island,  close  to  Sumbawa. 

Sapi  Bay  is  formed  by  a  deep  bight  in  Sumbawa,  and  sheltered  by  Mid- 
den Island  and  some  adjacent  islets.  The  bay  is  1^  mile  wide,  with  sound- 
ings from  20  fathoms,  gradually  decreasing  to  17  and  14  fathoms  in  the 
centre,  and  to  5  fathoms  in  the  southernmost  part  of  the  bay ;  the  shore  of 
Sumbawa  is  lined  by  a  reef,  but  the  islands  may  be  approached  within  a 
short  distance. 

Sapi  Town  is  situated  by  the  side  of  a  creek,  at  the  south-western  extremity 
of  the  bay  ;  ships  may  procure  there  every  kind  of  refreshments,  which  the 
natives  will  barter  for  toys,  fire-arms,  empty  bottles,  &c.  ;  but  single  vessels 
ought  to  be  guarded  against  any  treachery  of  the  inhabitants. 

Rees  and  Britannia  Bays  are  formed  by  the  projecting  points  of  Sumbawa 
to  the  northward  of  Sapi  Bay,  and  at  either  of  them  ships  may  procure  wood 
and  water. 

The  outer  verge  of  soundings  stretches  nearly  in  a  direct  line  from  Keppeh 
to  Api  Islands  ;  the  soundings  decreasing  pretty  regularly  towards  Sumbawa 
from  60  to  20  fathoms,  from  half  to  a  quarter  of  a  mile  off  shore ;  but 
towards  Banta  there  are  no  soundings,  unless  very  deep.  Nor  are  sound- 
ings to  be  had  in  the  southern  part  of  the  strait  South  of  Setan,  beyond  half 
a  cable's  length  from  it ;  there  are  20  and  25  fathoms  between  it  and  the 
Low  Rocks  adjacent,  deepening  to  the  northward.  Hereabouts  the  bottom 
is  all  rocky,  with  overfalls  and  rapid  tides  setting  past  Setan,  4  and  5 
knots,  and  producing  strong  ripplings  like  breakers,  which  render  ships  un- 
governable. 

In  about  118°  26'  E,  there  is  a  deep  inlet  or  bay,  with  a  narrow  entrance. 
Inside  is  a  pearl  bank,  which  was  thickly  covered  by  the  eruption  of  Mount 
Tambora.  Mr.  Zollinger  visited  this  bay,  which  is  called  Tiempia,  and  got 
a  few  oysters  containing  pearls  of  a  small  size.  He  sounded  in  2  fathoms  in 
the  Narrows  ;  but  according  to  the  natives  there  are  4  fathoms  in  the  basin. 
Pirates  frequent  this  bay,  and  they  often  take  shelter  inside  of  Sido  and  Ten- 
gani,  the  Ragged  Islands  of  the  old  charts. 


(      766     ) 

SAPI  STRAIT. 

This  passage  through  the  chain  of  islands,  between  Sumbawa  on  the  West, 
and  Comedo  to  the  eastward,  is  about  20  miles  in  width.  Its  shores  were 
cursorily  examined  by  Lieut.  W.  T.  Baars,  D.R.N. ,  in  1837-8. 

The  Strait  of  Sapi,  Sapie,  or  Sapy,  was  much  frequented  in  former  times, 
but  at  present  the  Strait  of  Alias  is  preferred,  being  both  wider  and  easier. 
The  northern  entrance  of  the  former  is  divided  into  two  branches  by  Banta 
Island,  but  the  channel  between  it  and  Comodo  is  seldom  used,  as  it  is  to 
leeward  during  the  western  monsoon,  and  has  no  soundings,  while  the  ebb 
tide  sets  strongly  upon  Comodo,  which  is  a  high  and  steep  land,  and  sur- 
rounded by  rocks  and  reefs.  Between  Api  Island  and  Banta  the  sea  is  clear, 
but  H.N.M.  steamer  Hecla,  when  rounding  the  N.W.  point,  at  the  distance 
of  a  mile,  June  2,  1844,  fell  in  with  a  reef  when  the  island  bore  S.  by  E.  ^ 
E.  to  E.S.E.  Another  rock  lies  just  N.W.  of  this  islet,  lying  off  the  South 
end  of  Banta. 

Gili  Banta,  or  Banta  Island,  may  be  known  by  its  northern  peak  gradually 
sloping  to  its  low  southern  point.  This  peak  is  in  8°  22'  30"  S.,  and  119"^ 
15'  E.     The  West  side  of  the  island  forms  a  pretty  large  bay, 

Setan,  or  Macota,  is  a  small,  peaked  island,  with  several  rocks  to  the  north- 
ward, bearing  S.S.E.  ^  E.  from  Api  Peak,  and  S.  by  W.  from  Banta  Peak. 
The  Middle  Rocks  lie  W.N.W.  |  W.  from  Setan,  S.S.W.  \  W.  from  the  east- 
ern extremity  of  Banta,  and  S.E.  ^  E.  from  the  Black  Rocks,  and  the  latter 
bear  W.N.W.  from  Setan.  The  Low  Rocks,  nearly  level  with  the  water's 
edge,  lie  about  3  miles  S.W.  from  the  South  point  of  Banta,  and  3  milea 
N.  i  W.  from  Setan.  When  Banta  Peak  bore  N.E.  I  N.,  and  Setan  S.E. 
by  E.  \  E.,  the  Boreas  had  the  Low  Rocks  bearing  N.E.  by  E.,  visible  from 
the  shrouds. 

As  the  Low  Rocks  are  nearlyeven  with  the  water's  edge,  the  track  be- 
tween them  and  Setan  is  not  so  safe  as  that  between  the  latter  and  Keppeh. 
In  this  passage  keep  near  Todo  Island,  rounding  its  N.E.  point  about  the 
distance  of  a  mile,  for  some  ships  have  been  in  danger  of  being  drifted  on 
the  rocks  near  Setan  by  the  rapid  tides. 

Although  the  tides  set  rapidly  through  the  middle  of  the  strait,  the  flood 
to  the  northward,  and  the  ebb  to  the  southward,  they  become  much  weaker 
within  the  edge  of  the  bank  of  soundings,  near  the  north-eastern  part  of 
Sumbawa,  where  there  is  very  little  tide  in  the  bays.  The  rise  of  tide  in 
Sapi  Bay  is  10  ft.  ;  in  Britannia  Bay  11  or  12  ft.  ;  and  it  is  high  water  about 
1  o'clock  at  full  and  change  of  the  moon. 

The  winds  are  variable  in  Sapi  Strait,  forming  a  kind  of  land  and  sea- 
breeze,  those  from  the  westward  prevailing  in  the  western  monsoon ;  and 
during  the  opposite  season,  strong  breezes  blow  into  the  strait  from  the 
sou.liward  a  great  part  of  the  day. 


SAri  STRAIT.  767 

The  eastern  branch  of  the  strait,  between  Gili  Banta  and  Comodo,  is  seldom 
used,  there  being  no  soundings  ;  the  passage,  however,  between  Banta  and 
•Peak  Island  is  safe,  and  the  latter  is  very  steep-to  ;  it  bears  E.S.E.  from  the 
South  Point,  and  S.  f  E.  from  the  East  point  of  Banta.  Several  rocks  lie 
between  Peak  Island  and  Comodo,  and  it  seems  that  there  is  no  safe  chan- 
nel inside. 

Opposite  to,  or  about  East  from  Kamara  Island,  a  small  island  lies  close 
to  Comodo.  It  is  said  that  the  passage  inside  of  it  is  safe,  and  that  there  is 
good  anchorage  in  the  bays  to  the  southward  of  it,  a  cable's  length  oflf 
shore.    . 

No  other  dangers  are  known  in  the  southern  part  of  the  strait,  except  a 
shoal  to  the  southward  of  Fulo  Kamara,  in  its  S.W.  part,  rather  in  the  bight 
•which  this  island  forms  with  Sumbawa,  having  only  6  ft.  water  on  it. 

Chimney  or  Schoorsteen  Island. — Contiguous  to  the  S.W.  point  of  Comodo 
stands  a  high  and  bold  island,  with  a  nob  or  upright  rock  resembling  a  chim- 
ney on  its  declivity,  which  renders  this  island  a  good  mark  to  reconnoitre  the 
strait  in  coming  from  the  south-eastward.  The  West  point  of  this  island 
bears  S.  by  E.  from  Banta  Peak,  and  is  in  8°  46'  S.  and  119°  22'  E.  A  rock 
lies  about  a  mile  southward  of  the  chimney,  and  another  near  the  South 
point  ol  Komodo,  3  miles  to  the  eastward. 

Ships  steering  for  Sapi  Strait,  with  light  variable  or  easterly  winds,  may 
fall  in  with  the  West  end  of  Sandalwood.  This  island  is  of  middling  height 
and  may  be  seen  in  clear  weather  9  or  10  leagues,  and  the  peak  near  its 
West  end  about  20  leagues.  The  West  point  of  Sandalwood  lies  in  9*^  42' 
S.  and  119°  E.  With  westerly  winds,  which  blow  strongly,  and  produce 
easterly  currents,  the  South  coast  of  Sumbawa  may  be  approached,  as  it  is 
mostly  high,  except  opposite  to  the  bottom  of  the  Gulf  of  Salee,  near  the 
middle,  where  there  is  a  low  point,  covered  with  trees.  Remark  also  the 
shoal  water  stated  to  exist  by  Capt.  Villoch. 

Entering  the  strait,  bring  the  East  point  of  Kamara  to  the  westward  of 
North,  on  account  of  the  Ida  Shoal,  and  steer  for  the  passage  between  Setan 
and  Todo,  rounding  the  N.E.  point  of  the  latter  island  at  about  a  mile  dis- 
tance, to  avoid  the  rocks  to  the  north-westward  of  Setan,  and  in  order  to  be 
the  sooner  in  soundings ;  the  currents  not  being  so  strong  there,  an  anchor- 
age may  be  obtained  when  the  tide  is  contrary.  If  during  the  western  mon- 
soon the  route  through  Salayer  Strait  is  to  be  pursued,  borrow  towards  the 
East  side  of  Api,  and  keep  well  to  windward,  because  by  the  strong  easterly 
current,  sometimes  of  32  miles  in  24  hours,  ships  are  thrown  to  leeward  of 
the  islands  fronting  the  South  end  of  Salayer,  and  obliged  to  pass  them  to 
the  southward. 

In  going  from  Salayer  Strait  towards  the  Strait  of  Sapi,  during  the  south- 
eastern monsoon,  endeavour  to  fall  in  with  the  North  point  of  Comodo,  and 
pass  through  the  eastern  channel  on  the  Banta  Island  side,  if  not  in  want 


768  SAPI  STRAIT. 

of  water ;  but  in  all  other  cases  the  western  channel  seems  preferable  Two 
islets  lie  in  the  eastern  half  of  the  channel. 

The  SOUTHERN  COAST  of  Sumhawa  is  very  little  known,  and  the  repre- 
sentations we  have  of  it  are  derived  from  the  ancient  charts.  In  1864  Don 
J.  Frederico  Villoch  sailed  along  its  southern  side,  and  has  given  the  follow- 
ing general  observations  on  it.  The  mountainous  coast  of  Sumbawa,  as  seen 
from  different  points,  varies  greatly  ;  generally  it  appears  rocky  and  covered 
with  bushes.  At  1^  mile  from  its  S.W.  extreme  is  a  small  islet,  about 
three  ships'  lengths  in  extent,  and  near  to  it  to  S.W.  is  one  still  smaller, 
and  the  first  point  which  projects  toward  them  to  S.E.  is  low,  even,  and 
terminates  in  a  perpendicular  point.  The  coast  from  this  trends  E.N.  E.  14 
miles,  and  then  S.W.  about  half  that  distance,  then  South  for  another  4  or 

6  leagues,  the  land  being  lofty  and  mountainous,  but  sloping  down  to  the 
sea  in  an  extremely  low  point.  From  this  it  runs  East  and  West  for  30 
miles,  when  two  conspicuous  points  project  to  southward,  the  bluff  land 
between  them  being  remarkable. 

At  the  last  of  these  points  a  sandbank  terminates.     It  commences  at  6  or 

7  miles  to  the  West  of  it,  and  reaches  10  or  11  miles  to  the  South.  Its 
colour  is  so  marked  that  it  may  be  compared  exactly  with  the  Great  Bahama 
Bank.  This  is  a  good  point  for  correcting  the  reckoning,  a  difficult  matter, 
on  account  of  the  strength  of  the  current,  as  well  as  from  the  frequency  of 
fogs.  Its  edge  is  well  defined,  the  colour  of  the  sea  changing  very  suddenly, 
as  if  its  edges  were  perpendicular.  Beyond  this  bank  to  the  eastward  the 
coast  is  lofty  and  perpendicular,  appearing  to  be  quite  clean  and  safe. 

COMODO  ISLAND,  on  the  East  side  of  Sapi  Strait,  is  but  little  known. 
According  to  the  chart  of  Lieut.  W.  C.  Baars,  1837-8,  it  is  about  25  miles 
long  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.,  and  about  8  miles  broad,  being  separated  from 
Floris  by  the  intricate  strait  of  Mangarei.  It  is  high  and  steep,  of  volcanic 
formation,  and  said  to  be  part  of  the  principality  of  Bima  in  Sumbawa. 

The  North  coast  of  Comodo  and  the  N.W.  coast  of  Floris  were  first  ex- 
plored in  1843  by  Kapt. -Lieutenant  Coertsen's  squadron.  The  North  coast 
of  Comodo  forms  a  large  bay;  when  entering  it  their  first  soundings  were  iu 
35  fathoms,  with  the  North  extremity  of  Api  Island  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W. 
and  the  N.W.  point  of  Comodo  W.  by  S.  They  steered  along  shore  at  the 
distance  of  about  a  mile,  and  sounded  in  32,  35,  30,  28,  and  25  fathoms, 
opposite  to  a  bight  where  the  ships  anchored. 

The  steamer  Secia  came  to  in  18  fathoms,  hard  bottom,  with  11  fathoms 
a  cable's  length  closer  in  shore,  the  N.W.  point  of  the  bay  bearing  N.W.  by 
N.,  the  North  extremity  of  two  islands  contiguous  to  the  N.E.  point  of 
Comodo  N.E.  f  E.,  and  a  small  islet  N.E.  i  N. 

It  was  easy  to  land,  the  coast  having  a  slow  ascent ;  and  fruit  trees  were 
in  abundance,  particularly  tamirind  and  palm  trees.  The  land  abounded 
with  deer. 


ilANGAEAI  «TliAlT— FLORIS.  76y 

The  next  day  they  passed  between  two  islands  off  the  N.E.  point  of  Co- 
modo ;  rocks  above  water  being  seen  in  the  channel  nearest  to  the  southern 
island,  they  borrowed  toward  the  northern  islet. 

MANGARAI  or  Mangerye  Strait. — The  Eeda  experienced  strong  south- 
erly winds  at  the  entrance  of  the  Strait  of  Mangarai,  but  the  current  was  so 
strong  that  she  was  drawn  in,  at  the  rate  of  11  miles  an  hour!  about  S.  ^W.; 
the  other  vessels,  at  sonae  distance  to  the  northward,  having  a  light  northerly 
sea  breeze.  The  Strait  of  Mangarai  showed  a  continued  chain  of  reefs, 
sandbanks,  and  islands,  with  three  high  peaks,  and  with  apparent  channels 
between  them.  At  9  a.m.  the  S.E.  extremity  of  the  strait,  formed  by  a 
high  and  bold  rock,  was  seen  bearing  S.  by  E.  ^  E. ;  at  the  same  time  the 
S.E.  point  of  Comodo,  a  bold  rocky  point  in  the  shape  of  a  woman's  breast, 
bore  S.  S. W.  f  W.  The  course  was  then  altered  to  North,  but  the  current, 
which  caused  violent  ripplings  and  deep  whirlpools,  was  so  strong  at  the 
time,  that  the  vessel,  working  with  full  power,  hardly  advanced,  and  could 
not  be  kept  on  its  course,  veering  4  or  5  points  to  and  fro.  After  a  fruitless 
search  for  a  passage  between  the  N.E.  point  of  Comodo  and  the  adjacent 
island  (the  several  islands  at  the  entrance  of  the  strait  having  been  examined 
by  the  other  ships),  they  altogether  returned  through  the  same  channel 
whieh  they  had  passed  in  the  morning. 

The  Resource,  Captain  W.  Bligh,  went  through  the  strait  bound  to  the 
northward  August,  1789  ;  this,  however,  appears  to  be  the  single  case  of  a 
ship  attempting  this  most  dangerous  and  intricate  passage. 

FLOmS,  or  Ende,  or  Mangarai,  is  about  200  miles  long  from  West  to 
East,  and  from  40  to  50  miles  broad,  wi<;h  an  area  of  4,040  square  miles. 
Its  name  is  perhaps  more  properly  Flores,  as  given  to  it  by  the  early  Portu- 
guese. It  has  not  been  surveyed,  but  it  consists  of  a  chain  of  volcanic  hills 
and  mountains,  in  continuation  of  the  great  band  passing  through  Java  and 
Sumbawa.  Two  of  its  peaks  are  active  volcanoes,  one  of  them  about  7,000 
feet  high.  The  people,  an  inoffensive  race,  have  frizzled  hair,  and  appear 
to  be  an  intermediate  race  between  the  Malays  and  Papuas,  but  distinct  from 
either.  Cotton  and  sepan  wood  are  its  chief  products,  but  it  has  little 
trade.  At  Potta,  on  the  North  coast,  the  Dutch  have  (or  had)  a  fort  and 
small  post  for  the  suppression  of  piracy,  and  there  was  a  Portuguese  settle- 
ment at  Larantuka,  near  the  S.E.  end. 

The  ensuing  directions  are  chiefly  those  drawn  up  by  the  Dutch  ofRcer, 
Lieut.  Smits. 

Badiak  Cove,  on  the  N.W.  coast  of  Eloris,  is  quite  sheltered  by  a  chain 
of  islands.  It  is  situated  in  8"^  28'  S.  and  119°  48'  E.  Enter  by  the  passage 
to  the  southward  of  all  the  islands,  and  anchor  in  13  fathoms,  the  S.E.  point 
of  the  bay  bearing  S.  by  E.  ^  E.,  a  point  of  Eloris  N.  by  E.  ^  E.,  the  N.E. 
point  of  Kanassir  N.  \  E,,  Badiak  between  "W.N.W.  and  W.S.W.,  and  the 
i.  X.  5  i'  . 


770  FLORIS  ISLAND. 

watering  place  E.  by  8.  This  cove  is  a  perfect  hiding-place  for  pirates, 
several  narrow  channels  between  the  islets  affording  them  an  easy  escape  in 
case  of  a  surprise,  and  the  hills  in  the  vicinity  an  extensive  view  to  seaward. 
A  run  of  very  clear  water,  from  the  foot  of  a  cataract,  led  into  a  small  inlet 
about  50  paces  long,  where  sampangs  can  enter  to  fill  the  water-casks.  The 
cove  will  be  easily  found  by  keeping  the  northernmost  of  the  islands  conti- 
guous to  the  N.E.  point  of  Gomodo  W.  by  N. 

There  are  four  islands  close  to  Cape  Kandisang,  the  N.W.  point  of  Floris. 
Between  this  point  and  the  next  island  the  channel  is  only  half  a  mile  in 
breadth,  which  is  reduced  by  the  reefs  on  either  shore  to  2  cables'  lengths  ; 
and  the  high  land,  producing  squalls  and  variable  winds,  renders  it  a 
perilous  passage.  It  leads,  however,  into  a  spacious  bay,  near  the  N.E. 
point  of  which  lies  Bodo  Island,  in  8°  19'  30"  S.,  and  119°  59'  E. 

Seraya  Island,  2  miles  in  diameter,  lies  3  miles  N.W.  of  Cape  Kandisang. 
Two  and  a  half  miles  North  of  its  North  point  is  a  sunken  rock.  Sunken 
rocks  also  lie  2  miles  N.E.  by  E.  of  Cape  Kandisang,  2  miles  S.W.  of  Bodo 
Island,  and  Vesuvius  Rock,  with  2  fathoms  water  over  it,  3  miles  North  of 
Bodo  Island. 

The  bays  of  Terang  and  Barrie  are  separated  from  each  other  by  a  point  of 
land  to  which  Longso  Island  is  joined  by  a  reef.  The  small  islet  Koico,  which 
has  an  extensive  reef,  nearly  closes  the  entrance  of  the  Bay  of  Terang, 
leaving  only  two  narrow  channels  between  the  reefs  of  Longso  and  Koko, 
and  between  the  latter  and  the  reef  which  stretches  along  the  N.W.  point 
of  the  bay.  Farther  inside  there  are  some  other  shoals  with  soundings  of 
9  fathoms  between  them.  All  the  reefs  are  steep-to,  and  mostly  dry  at  low 
water. 

The  anchorage  in  Barrie  Bay  is  in  12  fathoms  N.W.  or  W.N.W.  from  the 
village,  but  deeper  in  the  bay  ships  lie  better  sheltered  and  more  conve- 
niently for  watering.  In  1847  a  colony  of  about  200  Bimanese  was  settled 
here,  in  order  to  keep  away  the  pirates  from  this  sheltering  place. 

The  Bay  of  Reo,  so  called  after  the  village  which  stands  on  the  S.E.  shore 
in  8°  15'  S.,  and  120°  32'  E.,  is  bounded  to  the  westward  by  a  high  and  bold 
point  called  Bessie,  and  to  the  eastward  by  Kediending  Point ;  reefs  run  off 
both  points  about  half  a  mile,  and  there  is  a  dry  sandbank  opposite  to  the 
mouth  of  Yzer  River.  The  bottom  is  very  steep,  and  the  anchorage  in  from 
30  to  7  fathoms,  close  in  shore.  The  Yzer  Eiver  is  navigable  for  proas  far 
upwards,  and  the  stream  carries  down  a  considerable  quantity  of  iron  ore 
and  also  some  gold  dust. 

POTTA.-The  road  of  Potta,  in  8°  17'  S.  and  120°  45' E.,  is  bounded 
to  the  westward  by  Cape  Baya,  a  bold  point  bearing  due  East  from  Bessie 
Point.  The  shore  is  here  so  steep-to  that  in  some  parts  no  bottom  is  felt 
with  50  fathoms  at  2  cables'  lengths  outside  the  reef  which  lines  the  beach. 
The  anchorage  is  in  18  fathoms.     Cape  Baya,  bearing  N.W.  by  AV.  £  W., 


FLOlilS  HEAD.  771 

Potta  Village  N.  by  E.  f  E.,    Passier  Point   (the  East  limit  of  the  bay) 
N.E.  i  N. 

The  Dutch  bark  Diederika,  Captain  J.  J.  Kingdom,  in  1847,  at  6  p.m., 
saw  breakers  bearing  S.  j  E.,  distant  half  a  mile,  in  lat.  8°  21'  S.,  and  long. 
121°  13'  30"  E.,  about  4  miles  off  the  shore. 

A  small  sandbank,  bearing  S.E.  about  8  miles,  observed  lat.  8°  22'  40"  S., 
when  this  danger  was  South,  distant  1  mile,  Paloweh  Island  bore  E.N.E. 
This  sandbank  lies  about  6  miles  off  shore,  and  is  surrounded  by  rocks. 

Paloweh  is  a  high  island  and  bold  to  approach  ;  the  peak  is  situated  in 
8°  19'  S.  and  121°  42'  E.  The  channel  between  it  and  Floris  is  safe,  and 
about  6  miles  wide.  The  coast  of  Floris  to  the  southward  may  be  known  at 
a  great  distance,  as  it  consists  of  high  white  rock. 

Liuguette  or  Sukur  Island  has  a  high,  sharp  peak  near  the  East  point,  and 
a  hill  on  its  S.W.  declivity  ;  the  summit  of  the  peak  lies  in  8°  6'  S.  and  122" 
8'  E.  There  is  no  anchorage  near  this  island,  and  the  reefs  projecting  from 
the  N.W.,  8.W.,  and  S.E.  points  are  of  little  extent ;  there  is  a  rock  above 
water  with  a  single  tree  on  it  on  the  reef  off  the  S.E.  point.  Fura  Hock  lies 
4  miles  South  of  Liuguette. 

The  Doffer  Islands,  two  in  number,  are  joined  by  a  reef ;  they  appear  at 
a  distance  as  three  islands,  the  middle  part  of  the  westernmost  island  being 
low.  From  the  West  point  of  West  Doffer,  Linguette  Peak  bears  N.  W.  by  N. 
nearly.  There  are  sunken  rocks  lying  to  a  distance  of  5  miles  West  from 
Doffer  Island. 

The  Bastaard  Islands  are  high,  particularly  the  Great  Bastaard.  The 
mountain  on  the  South  part  may  be  known  by  two  ravines.  Close  to  the 
eastward  of  it  lie  six  small  islets,  and  to  the  north-eastward  of  the  eastern- 
most of  these,  the  East  Bastaard.  The  coast  of  Floris  to  the  southward  and 
eastward  of  this  group  forms  several  deep  bays,  and  one  of  its  low  points 
approaches  close  to  the  islets  to  the  eastward  of  the  Great  Bastaard  ;  the 
channel  between  these  islands  and  the  point  is  nearly  a  mile  wide,  and  the 
two  easternmost  islets  are  joined  to  each  other  by  a  reef.  The  coast  forms 
several  deep  bays,  and  has  the  appearance  of  a  wall  in  decay.  Nowhere  was 
anchorage  found  among  these  islands  ;  it  would  therefore  be  dangerous  to 
cruise  among  them  in  a  sailing  vessel.  Macassar  proas  frequent  these  places, 
as  there  is  much  tripang  there,  but  they  are  often  annoyed  by  the  pirates. 
Sunken  rocks  lie  a  mile  South  of  the  S.W.  end  of  the  Great  Bastaard,  and 
also  2  miles  South  of  the  S.E.  end;  there  is  also  a  sunken  rock  off  the  West 
end  of  the  East  Bastaard. 

Giliting  lies  at  ihe  head  of  the  bay,  S.W.  of  Bastaard  Islands ;  two  sun- 
ken rocks  lie  near  the  shore,  and  Reteh  Bank,  of  2  fathoms,  4  miles  W.  by  N. 
of  the  town. 

FLORIS  HEAD,  or  the  Iron  Cape— The  N.E.  extremity  of  Floris  is  a 


772  FLOKIS  ISLAND. 

hijih  and  steep  promontory  of  considerable   extent,    called  Floris   Head, 
situated  in  8°  4'  45"  S.,  and  122°  53'  E. 

The  Angelica  Eeef  is  stated  to  lie  about  30  miles  N.W.  by  W.  from 
Floris  Head  ;  but  this  position  is  uncertain.  According  to  Lieutenant  Hooft, 
May,  1844,  with  the  reef  bearing  E.  by  N.  to  N.W.,  the  peak  of  Linguette 
bore  S.S.W.  -i  W.,  Poloweh  Peak  S.W.  ^  W.,  Floris  Head  S.E.  by  E.  f  E., 
lat.  observed  7°  48'  39"  S.,  and  had  no  poundings  in  80  fathoms.  The  reef 
seemed  to  extend  E,S.E.  about  3  miles,  and  appeared  to  be  about  half  a 
mile  broad  near  its  extremities,  which  are  nearly  even  with  the  water,  but 
only  2  cables'  lengths  near  the  centre. 

The  JIaai  run  aground  during  the  night,  near  the  S.E.  point  of  this  shoaL 
When  aground  she  had  6  ft.  near  the  bow,  2  fathoms  at  the  rudder,  and 
40  fathoms  on  the  edge  of  the  shoal  about  two  ships'  lengths  to  the  north- 
north-eastward  ;  Floris  Head  bore  S.E.  by  E.  JE.,  Ilimandri  Peak  S.E.  ^  E., 
Lobetobie  Peak  S.S.E.  |  E.,  Linguette  Peak  S.S.W.  f  W.,  Paloweh  (in- 
distinctly seen)  S.W.  i  W.,  and  Toea  N.W.  by  W. ;  lat.  observed,  7°  4S' 
30"  S. 

The  reef  appeared  to  extend  about  4  miles,  and  is  divided  by  two  nar- 
row channels,  which  traverse  it  in  a  North  and  South  direction,  with  some 
dry  rocks  on  the  centre. 

Pasier  Leiyeran  or  Angelica  Shoal  is  now  marked  on  the  charts  as  4  miles 
in  diameter,  its  centre  being  in  lat.  7°  46'  S.,  long.  122°  18'  E. 

Bangalore  Reef,  on  which  the  ship  BavgaJore,  from  Amboina,  bound  to  Alias 
Strait,  was  wrecked  in  1802,  is  said  to  extend  North  and  South  about  3  miles, 
with  rocks  resembling  proas  under  sail.  It  is  very  probable  that  the  ship 
was  lost  on  the  West  part  of  Angelica  Shoal. 

The  ISLANDS  between  Floris  and  the  southern  part  of  Celebes  and  Sa- 
layer  are  but  little  known.  They  were  great  resorts  of  pirates,  but  since 
1843  they  have  been  almost  cleared  out,  and  they  were  partially  examined 
by  Lieutenant  Uhlenbeck,  in  H.N.M.  steamer  Hehla,  in  1843, 

The  easternmost  islands  of  this  group  and  of  the  Tyger  Islands  are  Kohona 
or  Post  Horse  (Postpaard),  in  7°  25'  S.,  and  122°  3'  E.,  with  a  reef  projecting 
about  1^  mile  from  its  East  point,  and  Kalia,  Pereh,  or  Baars  Island,  in  6° 
66'  S.,  and  122°  15'  E. 

Madu,  or  Pandiang  Island,  in  7°  28'  S.,  is  separated  from  Kalatoa  Island 
by  a  channel  of  3  miles  in  breadth.  Eeefs,  with  much  discoloured  water 
and  steep-to,  run  off  the  points  on  the  West  coast  of  both  these  islands  ; 
the  channel  between  them  is  free  from  dangers. 

Kalatoa  Island  is  about  6  miles  in  diameter,  with  high  land  at  its  South 
end.  To  the  eastward  of  this  high  land,  and  off  the  S.E.  end  of  the  island, 
is  Cornelia  Road,  in  V  24'  S.,  long.  12P  44'  E.  The  anchorage  is  in  sand 
and  coral,  in  24  fathoms  water,  2  cables  off  shore. 

There  are  several  islands  and  dangers  to  the  north-westward  of  Kalatoa, 


PYAMPEA— MAMALAK  ISLAND.  77$ 

which  are  paid  to  extend  almost  to  the  islands  Latonda  and  Salayer,  and  far 
to  the  northward,  although  it  appears  that  there  is  a  passage  along  the  coast 
of  Salayer. 

The  reefs  which  line  the  "West  coast  of  Bonerato  project  in  some  parts  of 
the  bay  about  4  cables'  lengths  from  the  shore. 

The  8trait  between  Bonerato  and  Kalao  is  safe.  Kalao  is  a  moun- 
tainous island,  most  elevated  at  each  end  ;  a  reef,  which  is  partly  dry,  and 
ranging  from  12  fathoms,  runs  off  the  West  point  in  a  W.S.W.  direction 
about  5  miles. 

The  Jfartanne  Shoal,  in  7°  27'  S.,  and  121°  13'  E.,  extends  about  5  or  8 
miles  East  and  West,  and  -3  or  4  miles  North  and  South,  having  rocks  above 
water  on  the  southern  part.  From  the  wreck  of  the  JJarianne,  in  1820,  Ka- 
lao and  Bonerato  bore  from  N.  to  N.W.  by  W.  i  W.,  and  Madoe  E.  by  N. 

About  midway  between  this  reef  and  Madoe  lie  two  small  islets,  called 
Knjoe  or  Kayu,  which  are  surrounded  by  a  reef, 

Dyampea,  or  Tjampeah,  is  the  largest  island  of  this  group  ;  it  has  a  rug- 
ged appearance,  and  terminates  to  the  eastward  in  a  low  point.  There  is 
an  extensive  reef  on  the  North  side  of  this  island,  with  overfalls  from  30  to 
5  fathoms.  Kamharraghie  Bay,  on  the  South  coast  of  Djampea,  formed  by 
a  projecting  point  of  the  land  and  by  several  islets  which  iront  the  South 
coast,  and  inside  of  which  there  are  passages  for  proas,  was  much  frequented 
by  the  pirates.  The  bay  is  environed  by  picturesque  mountains,  covered 
with  canary  and  other  kind  of  high  trees,  and  it  is  considered  safe  in  both 
monsoons. 

Maringi  Bay  is  6  miles  farther  to  the  eastward,  at  the  eastern  foot  of  the 
peak  of  Djampea.  At  from  12  to  18  miles  northward  of  Bonerato  is  a  group 
of  three  islands,  Latonda,  Little  Latonda,  and  Kampa,  surrounded  by  a  reef. 
Between  them  and  the  East  point  of  Tjampeh,  which  is  17  miles  West  from 
Latonda,  a  reef  is  shown  on  the  chart. 

To  the  westward  of  the  East  end  of  Dyampea  are  three  small  islands, 
Badjnk,  Batu,  and  Kamarie ;  and  at  14  miles  North  of  the  same  point  is  Ka- 
joeicaddie,  which  has  a  peak  on  its  West  point.  Sisir,  a  low  island,  lies  4 
miles  N.W.  from  the  N.W.  end  of  Dyampea ;  it  is  surrounded  by  a  reef, 
but  leaves  a  clear  channel  between.  At  5  miles  to  the  West  of  it  a  reef  is 
reported,  and  at  7  miles  W.S.W.  is  a  2-fathom  rock.  Vesuvius  Bock  lies  in 
lat.  7°  8'  30"  S.,  long.  120°  23'  30'  E.,  11^  miles  S.W.  by  S.  of  Sisir,  and  36 
miles  S.  -,  E.  of  it  is  a  doubtful  patch. 

Mamalak  Island,  or  MamalaMi,  in  6°  40'  S.  and  120°  13'E.,  is  the  western- 
most island  of  this  group  ;  it  is  surrounded  by  a  reef,  and  the  channel  be- 
tween it  and  Roessa  and  Tambelaoeang  is  dangerous. 

The  channel  between  Mamalak  and  the  Postilion  is  19  or  20  leagues  wide, 
without  dangers,  and  is  the  usual  track  of  ships  from  Sapi  Strait  bound  to 
the  Strait  of  Salayer  or  Makassar. 


774  FLORIS  ISLAND. 

During  the  eastern  monsoon  ships  will  experience  here  a  daily  set  of  the 
current  to  the  westward,  from  16  to  30  miles,  and  during  the  western  mon- 
soon it  runs  with  rather  greater  velocity  to  the  eastward.  Ships  working 
towards  Makassar  during  the  eastern  monsoon  should  bring  Api  Island  to 
bear  S.S.W.  or  S.  W.  by  8.  before  they  cross  over  ;  and  during  the  western 
monsoon  it  is  often  very  difficult  to  weather  the  strait  of  Salayer  after  hav- 
ing passed  through  Sapi  Strait,  on  account  of  which  the  passage  through 
the  Strait  of  Alias  is  now  generally  preferred. 

The  route  along  the  coast  of  Floris  and  to  the  northward  of  Paloweh  and 
Linguette  is  generally  adopted  by  ships  bound  from  Sapi  Strait  to  Pitts 
Passage,  and  also  by  ships  bound  to  Amboina  late  in  the  monsoon,  in  March 
or  April,  or  returning  from  there  in  June,  July,  and  August.  It  is  prudent 
not  to  stretch  over  far  to  the  northward  on  account  of  the  islands  and  dan- 
gers before  mentioned,  and  of  some  others  which  are  doubtful. 

SOUTH  COAST  of  FLORIS.— As  the  trade  on  the  South  coast  of  Floris  is 
carried  on  exclusively  by  proas,  and  the  trade  with  Sandelhout  Island  being 
of  little  importance,  the  strait  between  these  islands  is  seldom  frequented, 
unless  by  ships  navigating  between  Singapore,  or  Java  and  Timor,  or 
Australia. 

The  Strait  of  Mangarai,  or  Mangara,  before  described,  lies  between  Co- 
mod  o  and  Rindia,  an  uninhabited  island,  which  abounds  with  wild  buffaloes 
and  horses. 

There  is  a  deep  bay  in  the  South  coast  of  this  island,  but  full  of  reefs. 

Molo  Strait  separates  Eindia  from  Floris ;  its  entrance  may  be  easily 
known  by  a  high  island  in  8°  46'  S.  and  1 19°  44'  E.  Alligator  Bay  is  formed 
by  a  neck  of  land  projecting  to  the  southward.  The  S.W.  point  of  this  bay 
is  low  and  green,  and  the  S.E.  point  may  be  known  by  a  perpendicular 
black  clilf,  to  the  south-eastward  of  which  there  is  a  low  point,  with  a 
remarkable  hole  in  a  rock,  appearing  from  the  seaside  like  a  sail.  The  bay 
is  2|-  cables'  lengths  broad,  by  half  a  mile  in  length,  and  a  considerable 
stream  or  river  falls  into  the  sea  in  its  N.E.  part,  where  there  is  a  steep 
bank,  extending  about  a  cable's  length  from  the  river's  mouth  ;  the  beach 
is  steep-to  in  every  part  of  the  bay,  and  no  other  dangers  exist.  Although 
the  tides  were  nearly  imperceptible,  the  rise  of  the  water  was  observed  12  ft. 
at  the  springs. 

The  South  point  of  Mangrove  Bay  may  be  known  by  a  brown  spot  near  its 
extremity,  and  the  North  point  has  a  green  appearance.  Then  follows  to 
the  northward  a  bold,  rocky,  and  wooded  point,  and  the  next  point  is  high 
and  overhanging. 

Cape  Som,  the  S.W.  point  of  Floris,  appears  at  a  distance  as  an  island, 
and  is  situated  in  4°  49'  S.  and  119"^  .35'  E.  The  land  falls  back]  north- 
eastward and  forms  a  bay,  near  the  East  point  of  which  lies  Toren  (tower) 
Island,  easily  kuuwn  ut  a  great  distance  by  a  sugurloaf  peak  staudiug  near 


EXDE  BAY— SUXTBA  OR  SANDALWOOD  ISLAND.  77.5 

its  western  extreme  in  8°  62'  30"  S.  and  120°  U'  E.  Nanga  Ramo  Bay,  in 
which  is  anchorage,  sheltered  from  the  eastward,  lies  13  miles  E.N.E.  of 
Tower  Island.  The  coast  then  forms  a  more  extensive  bay,  terminating  in 
the  southernmost  point  of  Floris,  on  which  stands  the  sharp  peak  of  Bokka, 
in  8°  54'  S.  and  120°  59'  E.,  which  has  been  seen  at  the  distance  of  31 
leagues ;  and  in  8*  50'  S.  and  121°  12'  E.  stands  the  high  volcano  of  Eomha 
Peak,  southward  of  which  is  Keo  Bay.  The  land  hereabout  is  imperfectly 
known  ;  it  appears  to  be  fruitful  and  well  peopled,  but  the  inhabitants  are 
said  to  be  uncivilized  and  savage.  Along  the  shore  a  great  surf  was  observed 
by  the  steamer  Hecla,  and  she  ran  into  discoloured  water  when  in  chase  of 
some  proas,  Eomba  Peak  bearing  N.E.,  and  the  extremities  of  the  land 
E.  I  S.  and  W.  by  N.,  half  a  mile  off  shore. 

ENDE  BAY  is  formed  by  the  high  isthmus  of  Api  Head,  on  which  is  an 
active  volcano,  and  bounded  to  the  westward  by  a  bold  point,  in  long. 
\'2V  20'  E.  Ende  Island,  opposite  to  the  centre  of  the  bay,  has  the  shape  of  a 
gunner's  quoin,  with  the  highest  part  turned  towards  the  South  ;  and  appears 
at  a  distance  as  a  projecting  point  of  the  land. 

The  coasts  here  are  steep-to  on  all  sides ;  near  the  southern  beach  of  the 
bight  of  Amhogaga  the  first  soundings  in  36  and  26  fathoms  are  within  2 
cables'  lengths  off  shore.  Water  is  scarce,  as  well  in  the  village  as  in  the 
river  of  Braai.  Proas  find  shelter  from  westerly  winds  on  the  N.E.  side  of 
Ende,  where  good  anchorage  is  found  opposite  to  the  ruins  of  a  Portuguese 
fort,  and  water  may  be  had  there. 

The  bay  to  the  eastward  of  Api  Head  has  not  been  visited,  but  it  is  sup- 
posed to  be  safe  during  the  western  monsoon.  From  hence  the  coast  stretches 
about  E.  by  N.,  with  many  remarkable  mountains  inland,  among  which  the 
principal  are  a  high  volcano,  in  8°  49'  S.  and  121°  52'  E. ;  a  lofty  peak  near 
the  shore,  which  may  be  distinguished  at  a  great  distance  in  coming  from 
the  westward,  in  8°  48'  S.  and  122°  5'  E. ;  a  mountain  with  a  flat  top,  in 
8°  44'  S.  and  122°  25'  E.  ;  and  Lobetohie,  the  northern  head  peak  of  which 
forms  a  sugar-loaf,  in  8°  32'  S.  and  122'  47'  E. 

SUMBA  or  SANDALWOOD  ISLAND,  the  Tanna  Tyumha  of  the  Malays, 
has  not  been  surveyed.  It  is  estimated  to  have  an  area  of  3,800  square 
miles,  and  its  people  are  of  the  Malayan  race,  but  a  distinct  nation.  The 
land  is  mountainous,  and  like  the  neighbouring  countries  is  perhaps  volcanic. 
But  little  is  known  of  it,  and  there  is  no  trade  to  boast  of. 

The  North-East  coast,  about  90  miles  in  extent,  offers  a  very  monotonous 
view,  showing  a  calcareous  wall  with  a  nearly  level  top  about  1,200  ft.  high, 
and  from  2  to  6  miles  inland,  covered  with  long  grass.  At  Palmedo,  Sassa, 
and  Tapi  Points  the  land  has  a  more  regular  aspect,  and  the  hills  about 
Roeloe  are  rather  elevated  parts  of  the  wall,  but  those  near  Nangamessie  and 
Palmedo  are  peaked.     The  East  part  of  Sandalwood  appears  to  be  a  plain 


776  SUMBA  OR  SANDALWOOD  ISLAND. 

covered  with  grass  and  bushes,  and  gradually  sloping  down  towards  the  low 
points  Tapi  and  Mandieli. 

From  Tapi  Point  to  Mandieli  the  coast  is  covered  by  a  reef  projecting 
about  4  miles,  with  an  island  upon  it  formed  by  some  flat  rocks  about  25  ft, 
above  water,  called  Mano. 

Nangamessie  Harhour,  in  the  bay  between  Atta  and  Mandolo  Points,  is 
formed  by  reefs  projecting  from  the  shore,  which  are  steep-to  and  mostly 
dry,  and  by  a  detached  reef,  with  only  1  and  2  fathoms  water  over  it,  on 
the  East  side  of  the  entrance,  which  is  separated  by  a  narrow  but  deep 
channel  from  the  rocks  of  the  shore.  The  space  between  the  reefs  is  1  or  2 
cables'  lengths. 

Mandolo  Point  and  Cape  Roeboe  are  bold,  and  Cape  Sassa  rises  nearly  per- 
pendicularly to  a  height  of  250  ft.  on  its  North  and  West  sides. 

The  entrance  of  Fahnedo  Eiver  hears  S.W.  by  W.  I  W.,  about  12  miles 
from  Cape  Sassa ;  boats  drawing  from  5  to  7  It.  can  enter  at  high  water. 
The  road  may  be  known  by  the  Kron  Berg,  which  is  the  highest  point  of  the 
back  land,  and  the  top  of  which  is  wooded  and  peaked  ;  and  further  to  the 
westward  another  woody  peak  of  about  the  same  height  will  be  seen. 

The  N.E.  Coast  of  Sandalwood  may  be  approached  within  1  or  2  miles, 
with  the  exception  of  the  East  point  of  the  island.  Erom  seaward  no 
villages  are  visible  except  Lenna,  near  Palmedo,  and  Taimano,  near  Nanga- 
messie. 

There  is  a  high  peak  in  the  West  part  of  Sandalwood,  which  may  be  seen 
about  20  leagues,  and  most  part  of  the  South  coast  is  seen  at  the  distance  of 
9  or  10  leagues.  The  West  point  of  the  island,  called  Reef  Point,  on  account 
of  a  great  reef  projecting  from  it,  is  in  about  9°  40'  S.  and  118°  59'  E.,  bear- 
ing S.  by  W.  ^  W.  from  the  southern  entrance  of  Sapi  Strait. 

Cape  Blackwood,  the  South  point  of  Sandalwood,  is  in  10"^  20'  S.  and 
120°  29'  E.,  and  as  high  and  inaccessible  as  the  rock  of  Gibraltar,  with  a 
low  connecting  land-tongue,  on  either  side  of  which  lies  a  spacious  bay. 
The  West  one  seems  to  be  well  shelteied  by  the  islands  fronting  the  point, 
but  there  are  no  soundings  3  or  4  miles  off  shore. 

There  is  a  safe  harbour  sheltered  by  reefs  from  all  winds  on  the  South 
coast,  in  long.  119°  28',  near  the  populous  village  Tida.  There  is  also  safe 
anchorage  near  Treba,  and  in  the  spacious  bay  of  Wedielo,  near  the  South  end 
of  this  island. 

Fly  Islands  are  two  small  islands  lying  at  14  and  20  miles  westward  of  Cape 
Blackwood  ;  the  eastern  one  is  high  and  rugged,  with  a  small  islet  off  its 
western  end  ;  and  the  western  one  low,  with  a  sunken  rock  West  of  it. 

Niagara  Breakers  viere  seen  by  Captain  Fray  in  18G9,  in  lat.  10°  44' S., 
long.  120°  5'  E.,  with  the  largest  of  the  Fly  Islands  bearing  N.E.  by  N.,  and 
Cape  Blackwood  N.E.  i  E. 

A  lO-/athom  patch  was  diecovered  in  1869  by  the  S.S.  Corona,  at  about  150 


STRAITS  BETWEEN  FLORIS  AND  OMBAY.  777 

milos  southward  of  Sandalwood  Island,  inlat.  12°  26'  S.,  long.  118°  40'  30''  E. 

Savu  Islands. — The  channel  between  Sandalwood  and  Savu  is  about  15 
leagues  wide,  and  has  no  other  dangers  than  the  reef  which  projects  far 
from  the  East  point  of  the  former  island. 

Savu,  or  Rai  Haicu,  may  be  seen  at  8  or  9  leagues  distance  ;  it  has  a  sandy 
and  barren  aspect,  and  Banjoan  is  low  and  wooded. 

H.M.S.  Serpent  coasted  along  the  South  shores  of  these  islands  to  verify 
their  positions,  and  found  them  fairly  correct.  They  are  bold,  except  that 
from  the  East  point  of  Rai  Diuwa  or  Benjoan,  an  extensive  reef  was  seen 
on  which  the  sea  was  breaking  heavily.     (1869). 

Hockie  or  Dana  (New  Island)  is  of  coral,  low,  and  covered  with  scrub, 
having  a  ridge  along  its  north-eastern  side  of  about  120  ft.  elevation,  the 
western  part  of  which  is  a  detached  knoll  like  a  short  horn.  This  latter  is 
in  lat.  10°  49'  S  ,  121°  16'  E.  Under  this  ridge,  and  facing  the  N.E.,  is  a 
broad  sand  beach,  which  is  the  only  practicable  landing-place  in  fine  weather. 
Off  the  northern  part  of  this  beach  is  the  anchorage  in  12  fathoms,  sand, 
with  the  knoll  bearing  S.W.,  and  the  East  point  S.S.E.  Wild  goats  abound 
on  the  island,  but  no  fresh  water  could  be  discovered. 

Ships  late  in  the  monsoon  bound  to  China,  and  passing  St.  Paul  and 
Amsterdam  Islands  in  the  latter  end  of  September,  October,  November,  or 
December,  generally  proceed  through  the  Ombay  Passage.  They  ought  to 
make  the  East  point  of  Sandalwood,  and  to  pass  between  it  and  Savu,  or 
between  the  latter  and  Rotti,  if  they  fall  to  leeward  with  N.W.  or  westerly 
winds.  In  former  times  it  was  usual  to  steer  for  the  West  end  of  Sandal- 
wood, and  to  pass  between  it  and  Floris ;  but  the  route  to  the  eastward  of 
Sandalwood  is  preferable,  particularly  with  variable  winds,  nor  can  it  be 
required  to  pass  to  the  westward  of  Sandalwood  unless  the  wind  blows  strong 
from  the  north-westward  with  a  lee  current,  when  it  may  be  desirable  to  pass 
to  windward. 

STRAITS  between  Floris  and  Ombay. — The  several  straits  between  Floria 
and  Ombay  Islands  are  narrow,  and  subject  to  strong  currents  and  frequent 
calms,  succeeded  by  heavy  squalls  from  those  high  mountainous  islands,  and 
are  therefore  but  seldom  used. 

The  straits  of  Floris,  Solor,  and  Lamakwera  or  Zemandro,  are  often  used 
by  the  Dutch  vessels  of  war  bound  to  Timor,  and  it  seems  that  formerly  the 
Strait  of  Boiling,  or  the  Dutch  Gut,  between  Lombatta  and  Adenara,  was 
much  frequented.  The  straits  of  Alloo  and  Pantar  are  very  intricate,  very 
deep  and  embarrassed  with  strong  currents. 

In  March,  1868,  from  twenty  to  thirty  vessels  had  been  over  three  weeks 
endeavouring  to  get  through  Ombay  Passage — with  the  usual  luck  of  losing 
by  day  what  was  gained  at  night.  At  length  the  masters  of  the  Lord 
Maeauley  (drawing  20  ft.),  and  the  Westminster  (drawing  22  ft.),  resolved  to 

I.  A.  5  Q 


77S 


STRAITS  BETWEEN  FLORIS  AND  OMBAY. 


turn  back  and  try  what  could  be  done  at  Zemandro  Strait ;  after  two  days 
they  reached  the  entrance.  At  noon,  Sangi  Island  bore  East  of  them,  and 
with  the  strong  current  and  the  assistance  of  a  4-knot  breeze  they  were  clear 
through,  and  past  the  dangers  at  the  northern  end  of  the  strait  in  2^  hours. 
The  Gossamer  on  this  occasion  passed  through  AUor  Strait. 

The  STRAIT  of  FLORIS,  between  the  East  coast  of  that  island  and  the 
West  coasts  of  Solor  and  Adenara,  stretches  N.N. E.  and  S.S.W.,  about  12 
leagues.  The  southern  part  of  the  strait,  along  the  coast  of  Solor,  is  gene- 
rally called  Lohetobie  Strait,  and  the  northern  part  the  Gut  of  Larantuka.  The 
narrowness  of  these  straits  and  their  strong  currents  make  it  unadvisable  to 
resort  to  them  unless  in  case  of  necessity. 

If  intending  to  pass  through  the  Strait  of  Floris  during  the  western  mon- 
soon, after  passing  Sandalwood  haul  in  for  the  coast  of  Floris,  and  approach 
it  pretty  closely.  In  coasting  to  the  eastward,  Ifigh  or  Hoog,  a  high  round 
island  in  the  mouth  of  the  strait,  must  be  passed  on  the  West  side.  The 
island  is  in  about  8°  40'  S.,  and  122°  51'  E.,  and  is  steep-to,  having  no 
ground  near  it  at  90  or  95  fathoms.  There  is  a  ledge  of  rocks  a  little  to  the 
eastward  of  it,  part  of  which  is  visible  above  water,  and  other  islands  and 
rocks  front  the  South  part  of  Solor.  At  a  small  distance  inside  High  Island 
two  other  rocky  islets  form  the  passage,  which  are  seen  when  the  strait  is 
open;  they  bear  W.S.W.  and  E.N.E,  from  each  other,  distant  half  a  mile 
or  more,  having  soundings  of  40  and  30  fathoms  mid-channel,  but  the  com- 
mon passage  is  on  the  East  side  of  these  two  islets. 

The  S.E,  point  of  Floris,  at  the  foot  of  the  high  peak  or  volcano  of  Lohetobie^ 
is  of  a  green  aspect,  resembling  a  gunner's  quoin,  from  which  a  reef  pro- 
jects with  9  fathoms  near  its  edge.  The  peak  of  llimandri  bears  N.N.E.  of 
the  point. 

At  Larantuka,  a  village,  where  the  Portuguese  have  a  settlement,  good 
water  and  refreshments  for  two  or  three  vessels  may  be  had.  The  anchorage 
in  the  Bay  of  Larantuka,  about  I  or  1^  cable's  length  off  shore,  is  considered 
more  safe  than  nearer  Adenara,  but  the  bottom  is  the  same. 

The  narrows  of  Floris  Strait  are  about  3  cables'  lengths  wide,  with  sound- 
ings in  16  fathoms,  mid-channel,  12  and  11  fathoms  nearer  to  Adenara,  14 
and  15  fathoms  on  the  Floris  side  of  the  strait,  and  deepening  suddenly  to 
19  fathoms,  no  bottom  when  to  the  northward  of  the  narrows. 

The  flood  sets  to  the  northward  and  the  ebb  South.  The  tides  change 
regularly  every  six  hours.  H.N.M.  frigate  Triton,  December,  1838,  ob- 
served the  ebb  to  run  2  or  2^  knots,  but  the  flood  5,  the  latter  to  set  in  very 
irregularly,  with  violent  ripplings,  which  make  it  dangerous  to  anchor  in 
the  entrance  of  the  strait.  It  was  high  water  at  12  o'clock  two  days  before 
full  moon. 

Ships  from  the  southward,  when  leaving  the  narrows,  should  haul  in  for 
Adenara,  because  the  tide,  setting  strong  round  the  point  of  Floris,  will  bo 


KOMBA  Ii>LAND— SOLOR  STEAIT.  779 

liable  to  drift  them  on  the  reef  which  projects  from  this  point,  or  to  horse 
them  into  the  Bight  of  Floris  outside  the  point,  which  is  shoal  all  over. 

Ships  coming  from  the  nortliward  may  anchor  ofl  the  village  of  Adenara, 
either  to  get  out  the  boats  and  take  every  precaution  requisite  before  tliey 
proceed  into  the  strait,  or  to  procure  refreshments.  When  Serbette  bears 
N.W.  by  W.,  and  Komba  N.E.  ^  E.,  Adenara  village  bears  S.E.  by  S. 

Serbette  Island,  situated  in  the  northern  entrance  of  the  strait,  is  S"  8' 
30"  S.  and  123^  1'  E.,  bearing  S.E.  by  E.  i  E.  from  Floris  Head,  and  N.  by 
E.  ^  E.  from  Ilimandri  Peak,  is  a  low  island,  uninhabited,  and  visible  from 
the  deck  about  8  or  10  miles.  It  is  surrounded  by  an  extensive  reef,  partly 
dry,  from  the  eastern  extremity  of  which  Ilimandri  Peak  bears  S.W.  J  'SV., 
and  Wokka  Peak  S.E.  I  E.  The  reef  extends  about  the  same  distance 
nearly  2  miles  to  the  westward,  and  the  channel  inside  between  it  and  Floris 
is  apparently  clear. 

KOMBA  ISLAND,  or  Batutara,  is  high,  and  stretches  North  and  South 
about  3  miles.  The  peak  on  the  southern  part  is  in  7°  48'  S.,  and  123°  34'  E. 
It  is  an  active  volcano,  and  was  seen  during  an  eruption  by  Captain  the 
Hon.  H.  Keppel,  R.N.  From  the  West  coast  of  this  island  Wokka  Peak 
bears  S.S.W.  ^  W.,  the  N.W.  peak  of  Lomblen  S.  ^  W.,  and  Lobetobie 
Peak  S.E.  ^  E. ;  and  from  its  East  coast  the  two  tops  of  the  latter  mountain 
bear  S.  by  E.  f  E.  and  S.S.E.,  and  the  West  peak  of  Lomblen  S.  f  W.  It 
is  an  excellent  guide  for  ships  coming  from  the  Banda  Sea  and  bound  to  the 
Strait  of  Floris,  which  bears  S.W.  i  W.  It  may  be  passed  on  either  side  in 
steering  for  the  Strait  of  Floris  during  the  eastern  monsoon,  because  the 
currents  are  strong  to  the  westward. 

Jessie  Shoal  lies  24  or  25  miles  N.E.  |  E.  of  Pulo  Komba.  The  high  land 
of  Lomblen  is  visible  from  it.  The  rock  is  level  with  the  top  of  the  water, 
but  no  breakers  were  seen.  It  must  be  the  same  danger  as  the  Mackie 
Shoal,  discovered  in  1826. 

SOLOE  STRAIT.— Vessels  bound  to  Timor,  after  passing  through  the 
Strait  of  Floris,  generally  proceed  through  the  Strait  of  Solor,  between  the 
islands  Solor  and  Adenara  ;  it  stretches  about  East  and  West,  and  is  3  miles 
wide.  There  is  no  anchorage,  except  close  in-shore,  and  the  Solor  side  of 
the  strait  is  preferable,  as  the  squalls  are  not  so  frequent  there,  Solor  being 
less  elevated  than  Adenara. 

Lawang,  on  the  North  side  of  Solor,  has  the  ruins  of  a  Dutch  fort.  Good 
water  may  be  had  on  the  opposite  shore.  North  of  Lawang. 

The  village  oi  Lamakwera,  near  the  N.E.  end  of  Solor,  is  in  8"  26  S.  and 
123"  9'  E.  The  ebb  sets  to  the  northward  and  the  flood  to  the  southward  ; 
sea-breeze  southerly,  and  land-breeze  northerly  and  light.  In  approaching 
the  anchorage,  the  lead  ought  to  be  kept  going  as  the  soundings  decrease 
rapidly  towards  the  village. 

There  is  a  reef  a  little  to  the  westward  of  Lamakwera,  of  21  fathoms,  the 


780  STRAITS  BETWEEN  FLORIS  AND  OMBAY. 

North  and  N.E.  points  of  Solor  bearing  W.  i  S.  and  S.S.E.  ^  E.     There  is 
a  safe  passag'e  between  the  reef  and  Solor. 

BOLENG  STRAIT,  the  "  Dutch  Gut,''  was  much  frequented  by  the  Dutch 
Company's  ships,  and,  according  to  their  charts,  there  are  soundings  all 
through  it,  and  anchorage  in  20  to  9  and  6  fathoms  in  the  Bay  of  Lomblen. 
The  northern  entrance  of  the  strait  bears  about  S.S.W.  \  W.  from  Komba 
Island.  In  the  centre  of  this  entrance  are  the  Boleng  Islets,  about  2^  miles 
West  of  the  N.  W.  point  of  Lomblen,  and  surrounded  by  a  reef.  The  N.W. 
end  of  Lomblen  is  also  fringed  with  a  reef,  but  in  mid-channel  the  depth 
appears  to  be  good — no  bottom  at  50  fathoms.  Dutch  charts  show  but  an 
exceedingly  narrow  passage  between  the  Boleng  Islets  and  Adenara.  The 
Lomblen  side  of  the  strait  appears  the  safest,  and  it  is  said  that  there  is 
anchorage  in  Lomblen  Bay  in  19  to  9  and  6  fathoms. 

LOME  ATA  or  Lomhlen  Island. — The  S.W.  point  of  Lomblen  bears  S.  by 
E.  I  E.  from  the  N.E.  point  of  Solor.  The  South  and  West  coasts  of  this 
island  are  high  and  bold,  volcanic,  and  of  a  barren  aspect.  Soangie  Island, 
easily  known  by  a  hole  which  opens  when  it  bears  N.W.  f  W.,  is  in  8°  35'  S. 
and  120°  13'  E.,  and  bears  S.S.E.  from  the  S.W.  point  of  Lomblen,  and 
W.  f  S.  from  Lamarap  Peak  ;  it  has  a  green  aspect,  and  may  be  approached 
within  a  short  distance. 

ALLOR  or  Maurissa  Strait. — In  approaching  the  Strait  of  Allor,  along 
the  South  coast  of  Pantar,  the  seaman  is  struck  with  the  appearance  of  four 
islands,  but  the  easternmost  proves  to  be  the  high  S.W.  part  of  Pantar,  the 
second  the  West  part  of  the  same  island,  joined  to  the  body  of  the  island,  by 
a  low  land-tongue,  though,  according  to  Lieut  P.  F.  Uhlenbeck,  D.R.N.,  it 
is  detached  ;  the  next  is  Nuhatan  or  Bahi  Island,  which  may  be  called  low  in 
comparison  to  the  surrounding  land  ;  several  rocks  and  reefs  project  from  it, 
especially  from  the  South  point ;  another  reef  projects  a  considerable  way 
from  the  North  point  in  a  N.N.E.  direction.  The  fourth  is  Nabokam  or 
Eusa,  which  has  a  reddish,  rocky,  and  barren  aspect,  and  is  dangerous  to  S 
miles  off  its  S.W.  coast.  When  Little  Island  is  in  one  with  the  West  part 
of  Pantar,  the  opening  of  the  strait  will  be  discerned. 

The  high  S.W.  foreland  of  Pantar  has  a  reef  running  off  in  a  southerly 
direction,  on  the  outer  edge  of  which  lies  a  large  rock  with  heavy  breakei'S ; 
the  passage  between  Klein  Island  and  Pantar  is  thought  to  be  very  dan- 
gerous, and  seems  never  to  have  been  examined.  A  high  rock  is  joined  by 
a  reef  to  the  westward  of  Middle  Island.  The  western  isthmus  of  Pantar 
and  Little  Island  has  nearly  the  same  level  aspect ;  but  the  N.W.  point  of 
the  isthmus  may  be  known  by  a  group  of  seven  trees  on  it.  The  N.W. 
coast  of  Pantar  stretches  about  N.E.,  forming  several  bays,  and  a  reef  runs 
off  the  North  point  about  2  miles,  with  many  rocky  points  visible  above 
water. 

Grrm  Island  is  small,   round,   and  high,  consiatiug  of  reddish  rock.     It 


PANTAR.  781 

appears  from  the  eastward  like  a  sand-hill,  but  when  viewed  from  the 
southward  it  has  a  green  appearance.  Flat  Island  is  very  low  ;  its  North  side 
is  covered  with  shrubs,  but  the  southern  part  is  barren.  The  Pantar  perceived 
only  one  low  island,  but  the  Hecla  saw  two,  possibly  united  at  low  water.  A 
reef,  with  several  ledges  of  rocks  a  little  above  water,  projects  about  N.E.,  4 
miles  from  Green  Island.  The  western  edge  of  this  reef  runs  along  the- 
West  coast  of  Flat  Island,  and  joins  it  to  Green  Island. 

The  NE.  point  of  Lomblen  is  fronted  by  a  reef  with  heavy  breakers  ;  but 
a  little  to  the  southward  of  this  point  the  coast  is  clear  as  far  as  the  next 
projecting  point,  which  is  also  fronted  by  high  rocks,  and  near  which  there 
are  no  soundings. 

A  1\-fathom  patch  lies  in  the  middle  of  the  narrow  pait  of  the  strait,  be- 
tween the  N.E.  point  of  Lomblen  and  the  West  point  of  Pantar. 

The  Currents  in  this  strait  are  most  violent  at  times,  and  render  a  ship 
quite  ungovernable,  should  it  fall  calm,  as  is  frequently  the  case.  Added  to 
these  evils,  the  depth  is  usually  unfathomable,  and  affords  no  anchorage. 
The  Dutch  sloop  of  war  Pantar  was  thus  drifted  to  and  fro  for  several  hours 
in  the  greatest  peril,  in  June,  1839,  and  only  saved  by  a  southerly  breeze 
springing  up  at  midnight.  These  considerations  should  weigh  with  a  com- 
mander before  he  ventures  to  take  this  strait. 

The  strait  of  Allor  may  be  easily  known,  as  well  from  the  North  as  from 
the  southward,  by  the  high  double  peak  LohetoUe,  near  the  N.E.  point  of 
Lomblen,  in  8°  12'  S.  and  123=  4o' E.,  bearing  N.N.W.  i  W.  from  the 
middle  channel.  Green  Island  is  also  a  good  guide  in  coming  from  the 
northward  ;  and  Lomblen  and  Pantar  being  both  very  high  land,  the  strait 
will  be  easily  discerned. 

It  is  not  advisable  to  attempt  this  passage,  when  bound  to  the  southward 
during  the  eastern  monsoon,  as  it  would  be  difficult  to  get  through  in  one 
tide,  the  winds  then  generally  blowing  strong  from  South  to  S.S.W. 

Great  care  is  requisite  when  sailing  along  the  entrance  of  Allor  Strait,  not 
to  approach  Lomblen  within  4  leagues  distance,  as  ships  are  liable  to  be 
horsed  in  the  strait  by  the  current,  as  happened  with  the  Dutch  frigate  Maas, 
in  1839.  In  general,  great  attention  is  to  be  paid  to  the  currents  when 
passing  near  any  of  the  eastern  straits,  as  ships  have  often  been  carried  into 
them.  The  Pantar  observed  high  water  between  9  and  10  a.m.,  two  days 
before  full  moon. 

PANTAR,  Pntar,  or  Pandai,  which  forms  the  eastern  side  of  Allor  Strait, 
is  but  little  known.  Its  western  side  was  examined  by  Lieut.  L.  J.  de  Yrieze, 
in  1839.  The  people  are  rude,  half-naked  heathens,  with  dark  brown  com- 
plexions and  frizzled  hair,  and  are  not  to  be  trusted.  It  is  high  and  most 
probably  volcanic. 

The  STRAIT  of  PANTAR  is  formed  between  the  island  and  the   West 


782  OMBAY-WETTA. 

side  of  Ombay.  The  N.W.  end  of  Ombay  is  high  bold  land,  and  the  dis- 
tance from  it  to  the  N.E.  point  of  Pantar  is  5  miles ;  but  in  the  northern 
part  of  the  strait  there  aie  three  islands.  The  northernmost  of  these,  called 
Panjang  or  North  Island,  in  about  8°  8'  40"  S.  and  124°  17'  E.,  is  low,  and  oa 
the  middle  of  it  there  is  a  small  hummock.  Another  island,  in  the  form  of  a 
cone,  bears  S.  ^  W.  from  the  former,  and  the  third,  called  High  Island,  is 
much  larger,  and  terminates  in  a  double  peak,  nearly  as  high  as  the  N.W. 
end  of  Ombay  or  the  peak  of  Pantar  ;  and  the  land  abreast  of  it  forms  a 
bay  on  both  sides  the  strait.  There  is  a  deep  inlet  to  the  N.E.,  and  a  Malay 
village  near  the  beach  in  the  back  part  of  this  bay.  Twerin  or  8outh  Island, 
situated  in  the  southern  entrance  of  the  strait,  in  about  8°  29'  S.  and 
124''  14'  E.,  is  high.  The  proper  channel  through  is  between  the  islands  in 
the  North  part  of  the  strait  and  the  Ombay  shore,  and  out  to  the  southward 
on  either  side  of  South  Island  ;  but  the  passage  West  of  the  latter  is  prefer- 
able. The  narrowest  part  of  the  channel  is  between  the  N.E.  point  of  High 
Island  and  the  North  point  of  the  inlet  that  stretches  into  Ombay,  and  is  2 
or  3  miles  wide. 

A  high  mountain,  forming  a  saddle,  stands  on  the  southern  part  of  Pantar  ; 
its  southern  peak  is  in  8°  32'  S.  and  124°  6'  E. 

The  OMBAY  PASSAGE,  between  Ombay  and  the  North  coast  of  Timor, 
is  16  miles  wide  in  the  narrowest  part.  It  has  apparently  deep  water 
throughout,  and  there  is  no  danger  known,  but  it  has  not  been  surveyed. 

The  most  eligible  route  for  ships  late  in  the  season  bound  to  China  is  by 
the  Ombay  Passage,  to  proceed  to  the  westward  of  Buru,  then  through  Pitt 
and  Dampier  Straits,  or  the  Gilolo  Passage.  After  making  the  East  point  of 
Sandalwood  Island,  pass  between  Timor  and  Ombay,  and  haul  close  round 
the  East  point  of  the  latter  island  to  the  northward. 

OMBAY,  Ombai,  or  Allor,  extends  nearly  E.  and  W.,  about  19  leagues  ; 
it  is  all  high,  but  most  so  at  the  eastern  part,  and  is  covered  with  beautiful 
high  trees  to  the  summit  of  the  highest  ridges  of  its  mountains.  The  in- 
habitants are  of  the  Malay  Negro  race,  with  dark  complexions  and  frizzled 
hair.  Like  the  Dyaks  of  Borneo,  they  are  ferocious  head-hunters,  but  con- 
tent themselves  with  the  lower  jaw.  On  the  coast  some  of  the  people  profess 
Mahomedanism. 

It  is  about  50  miles  long  from  AVest  to  East,  and  its  West  end  is  deeply 
indented  by  a  large  bay.  It  is  of  volcanic  formation,  but  is  not  known  to 
contain  any  active  volcano.  The  S.E.  point  is  formed  by  a  bluff  white  rock, 
in  8°  21' S.  and  125°  14'  E.  A  sunken  rock  lies  near  this  point;  and  off 
Bilukii,  15  miles  to  the  westward,  two  sunken  rocks  lie  near  the  shore. 

WETTA  is  also  high  and  bold,  extending  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.  about  19 
leagues.  Dog  (or  Honden)  Isla^id,  off  the  N.W.  point  of  Wetta,  is  in  T  41' S. 
and  126°  1'  E.  ;  and  Liban,  or  Babi,  is  another  high  island,  separated  by  a 
chaiiucl  of  about  2  milos  broad  irom  the  S.W.   end   of  Wetta.     The  West 


KAMBING.  783 

coast  of  Wetta  is  faced  by  reefs^and  the  channel  inside  Babi  is  said  to  be 
unsafe.  The  mail  steamer  Normanhy  reports  (in  1875)  having  struck  on  a 
reef  extending  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  South  end  of  Libau  Island. 
A  break  was  also  observed  on  what  was  supposed  to  be  a  sunken  rock,  lying 
3  miles  East  of  the  South  point  of  Libau  Island. 

The  Nautilus  Reef,  of  1839,  N.  by  E.  3  miles  from  the  North  end  of  Libau 
Island,  is  partly  dry,  extends  S.  by  "W.  and  N.  by  E.,  about  3  miles,  and 
a  mile  broad.  The  reef  consists  of  sand  and  small  rocks,  with  some  dry 
coral  patches,  and  there  are  soundings  of  20  fathoms,  1  or  2  cables'  lengths 
to  the  eastward  of  it,  regularly  decreasing  towards  the  shoal,  over  a  bottom 
of  white  sand. 

The  East  point  of  Wetta  is  in  about  7°  4.5'  S.  and  126°  47'  E.  ;  it  is  not 
advisable  to  approach  this  island  closer  than  4  miles,  as  H.N.M.  schooner 
Janus,  1840,  saw  breakers  near  the  S.E.  part,  about  2  miles  from  the  shore. 

H.N.M.  sloop  Dourga  anchored  abreast  of  the  village  Sauw,  which  is  near 
the  middle  of  the  South  coast,  in  50  fathoms,  and  found  it  sheltered  from 
south-easterly  winds,  by  a  projecting  point  of  land. 

KAMBING,  an  island  which  lies  on  the  N.E.  side  of  the  Ombay  Passage, 
is  said  to  be  about  12  miles  long.  North  and  South,  and,  like  the  rest  of 
this  neighbourhood,  has  not  been  surveyed.  Its  name  means  "  goat  island," 
and  is  applied  to  it  from  the  number  of  a  small  species  of  deer  found  on  it. 
Its  surface  is  hilly,  and  near  to  its  South  end  is  a  peaked  mountain,  on  the 
suo-mit  of  which  is  a  mud  volcano.  This  remarkable  feature  consists  of 
twelve  hillocks,  from  which,  at  regular  intervals,  is  a  discharge  of  gas  and 
mud,  the  mud  forms  the  cones,  and  the  saline  water  trickling  down  the  sides 
is  a  great  attraction  to  the  deer. 

Kambing  Island  extends  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.  about  8  miles  ;  from  its 
N.W.  point  the  peak  of  Babi  bears  N.E.  i  N.  In  1844  Lieutenant  Hooft's 
squadron  approached  the  West  side  of  this  island,  within  4  cables'  lengths 
abreast  a  village  situated  in  the  mountains ;  the  boats  got  no  bottom  at  65 
fathoms,  about  two  ships'  lengths  off  shore,  and  had  9  fathoms  rock  bottom 
almost  at  the  beach.  The  boats  were  at  first  received  in  a  hostile  manner, 
and  the  natives  rolled  large  stones  from  the  tops  of  the  hills  in  order  to  im- 
pede the  ascent  along  a  steep  path,  but  afterwards  the  commanding  officer 
succeeded  in  establishing  an  intercourse  with  them.  They  appear  to  be  but 
little  civilized,  and  they  had  no  firearms  nor  ornaments  which  might  reveal 
any  former  intercourse  with  Europeans.  In  some  parts  of  the  West  coast 
there  are  narrow  beaches  about  150  paces  broad,  but  the  land  then  ascends 
like  a  steep  wall ;  wherever  the  ground  permits  cultivation,  palm-trees  and 
fields  of  jagon  are  seen.  A  sounding  of  1,780  fathoms,  mud,  has  been  taken 
at  5  miles  South  of  the  S.E.  end  of  the  island. 

H.N.M.  steamer  Ilecia,  with  the  other  ships  in  tow,  coasted  within  a  short 
distance  along  the  North  and  East  sides  of  this  island,  without  finding  an- 


7fl4  TIMOR  ISLAND. 

chorage.  The  shore  was  found  to  be  stee(p-to  on  all  sides,  except  near  the 
N.E.  point,  from  •which  a  reef  projects  about  2  miles.  The  North  and  East 
coasts  appear  to  be  still  more  inhospitable  than  the  West  coast,  and  do  not 
oflFer  even  a  landing-place.  No  villages  are  seen  there,  and  no  other  boata 
than  very  small  lippas. 

The  channel  betwixt  Kambing  and  Babi  is  5  or  6  miles  wide,  and  that 
betwtjen  Kambing  and  Ombay  about  5  leagues  ;  both  are  subject  to  strong 
currents,  and  in  the  northern  part  of  the  latter,  in  lat.  8°  10'  S.,  long.  125° 
20'  E.,  a  rock  has  been  reported. 

KISS  A  or  Kisser  Island. — The  centre  of  Kisser  Island  is  in  8°  6'  S.  and 
127°  10'  E.  The  Dutch  fort  VoUenhoven,  on  the  West  side  of  this  island,  was 
evacuated  long  since,  but  is  kept  in  good  condition  by  the  Malay  inhabi- 
tants, who  are  Christians.  Near  the  edge  of  the  reef  there  is  no  bottom  with 
80  fathoms,  and  the  soundings  on  it  are  very  irregular,  5  and  10  fathoms, 
with  overfalls  of  30  fathoms. 

Roma  Island. — The  West  point  of  Royna  or  Teralta  bears  East  about  1 1 
leagues  from  the  East  point  of  Wetter,  and  is  in  7°  38'  S.  and  127°  19'  E. 
The  Dourga  anchored  in  7  fathoms  on  a  sandbank,  which  projects  half  a 
mile  to  the  northward  of  Media  Island,  which  is  very  small,  and  bears  South 
3  leagues  from  the  West  point  of  Koma,  and  about  3  miles  from  Kampong 
Dieroesoe  on  Roma.  During  the  north-western  monsoon  ships  many  anchor 
in  the  bight  to  the  northward  of  that  village,  to  leeward  of  the  West  point. 
It  is  necessary  to  moor  the  ship  with  a  cable  on  the  shore  here  as  well  as  at 
Kisser,  to  prevent  her  being  driven  to  sea  when  the  land  breeze  blows  hard. 

TIMOR  or  TIMUR  is  the  largest  of  this  eastern  range,  being  in  area 
about  one-fourth  that  of  Java,  or  double  that  of  Jamaica.  It  is  about  370 
miles  long,  and  50  in  its  greatest  breadth.  It  lies  in  an  oblique  direction  to 
the  westward  chain  of  islands,  and  unlike  them,  is  of  different  geologic  for- 
mation ;  instead  of  volcanic  rocks,  it  consists  of  sedimentary  clay  slates  and 
madreporic  limestone,  containing  many  caverns.  But  it  is  subject  to  frequent 
earthquakes,  one  of  which,  in  1794,  did  much  damage  to  Koepang. 

It  is  also  very  different  in  climate  to  the  islands  West  of  it ;  instead  of 
the  luxuriant  vegetation  there  seen,  Timor  is  covered  with  a  stunted  growth 
more  resembling  the  northern  part  of  Australia.  This  fact  very  much  dimi- 
nishes its  value  as  a  colony.  The  inhabitants  seem  to  be  a  race  intermediate 
between  the  Malay  and  Papuan  Negro.  They  resemble  in  many  respects 
the  Dyaks  of  Borneo.  They  are  seemmgly  divided  into  three  tribes,  differing 
chiefly  in  dialects.  Their  character  and  that  of  the  climate  and  soil  of  Timor, 
have  made  it  a  comparatively  unimportant  possession  of  the  European 
powers,  the  Dutch  and  Portuguese,  who  have  settlements  on  it. 

But  it  is  interesting  as  a  link  between  Asia  and  Australia,  and  it  is  this 
political  view  which  has  caused  the  above-named  European  powers  to  retain 
poseession   of   their  poets,   although,   probably,    at  a  considerable   annual 


SAMAO-KOEPANG.  785 

sacrifice.  The  western  part  is  nominally  at  least,  under  the  Dutch,  whose 
chief  port,  and  also  the  principal  place  on  the  island,  is  Koepang  or  Kupang, 
at  its  S.W.  end.  It  forms  part  of  the  Banda  Eesidentie,  which  extends 
hence  to  the  Arru  Islands,  having  the  Banda  Islands  as  their  chief  place. 
All  the  north-eastern  portion  is  or  was  claimed  by  the  Portuguese,  but  in 
1860,  according  to  the  last  cessions  to  the  Netherlands,  Portugal  has  now 
only  the  North  coast  with  the  Island  Kambing.  These,  however,  are  far 
from  profitable,  for  while,  in  1867-8,  the  receipts  of  the  government  were 
£27,900,  the  expenses  were  £99,000. 

The  climate  of  Timor,  especially  the  western  portion  of  it,  resembles  that 
of  northern  Australia,  differing  essentially  from  the  healthy  climate  of  the 
Moluccas  and  from  the  islands  to  the  westward  of  it.  The  westerly  mon- 
soon, which  ordinarily  sets  in  in  the  middle  of  November,  continues  till 
April,  brings  heavy  rains  and  overcast  weather,  which  is  very  detrimental  to 
European  constitutions.  While  during  the  easterly  monsoon  in  the  rest  of 
the  year,  the  weather  is  almost  always  clear,  and  the  rains  moderate,  so 
that,  notwithstanding  the  great  heat,  the  air  is  not  unhealthy.  This  great 
variation  in  climate,  from  extreme  humidity  to  intense  dryness,  is  much 
greater  in  Timor  than  in  the  adjacent  countries.  In  eastern  Timor,  during 
the  dry  season,  not  a  drop  of  rain  falls,  and  the  natives,  their  cattle,  and 
the  vegetation  alike  suffer  from  the  intense  drought.  But  it  is  free  from 
wind,  storms,  and  cyclones,  although  thunder  and  lightning  are  of  daily 
occurrence  in  the  wet  season. 

SAMAO,  Semao,  or  Samauw,  a  small  island  20  miles  long  and.  7  broad,  lies 
off  the  S.W.  end  of  Timor.  The  eastern  side  consists  of  a  chain  of  moun- 
tains of  moderate  height,  the  rest  is  a  sterile,  sandy  plain.  A  remarkable 
fig-tree,  called  by  the  natives  Noemoek,  making  a  small  forest  of  three 
thousand  stems,  is  an  object  of  veneration.  The  native  rajah  of  Timor  re- 
sides here. 

The  Strait  of  Samao,  separating  the  island  from  Timor  is  about  3  miles 
broad  and  15  miles  long,  affording  good  anchorage  and  shelter  in  the  south- 
west monsoon,  when  there  is  none  in  the  road  or  anchorage  at  Koepang, 
opposite  to  it.  The  strait  has  soundings  of  30  to  60  and  70  fathoms  in  mid- 
channel.  Between  Bolk,  and  Tanal  Point  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  strait, 
also  at  Haiyina  Sissi  the  N.E.  point  of  Semao  Island,  long  and  dangerous 
spits  project  from  the  shore  reefs  ;  they  are,  however,  easily  seen  when  the 
sun  is  in  a  favourable  position. 

Point  Oijsma,  the  S.W.  end  of  Timor,  is  in  lat.  10=  20'  S.,  long.  123°  26'; 
it  has  a  reef  extending  to  the  S.W.  with  heavy  breakers,  and  soundings  of 
12  to  18  fathoms  near  its  edge. 

KOEPANG  or  KUPANG,  on  the  South  side  of  a  deep  bay  is,  as  above 
said,  the  chief  Dutch  settlement.  They  first  took  the  place  from  the  Portu- 
I.  A.  in 


78r,  TIMOR  ISLAND. 

guese  in  1613,  and  erected  the  Fort  Concordia,  which  remains  to  this  day, 
but  is  in  a  ruinous  condition.  It  is  a  port  of  call  for  the  Netherlands'  India* 
Steam  Navigation  Company's  boats.  An  aqueduct  carries  a  good  supply  of 
excellent  water  to  the  beach.  Coal  can  generally  be  obtained  at  a  settlement 
on  the  South  side  of  Koepang  Bay  ;  the  price  is  about  £5  the  ton  (1877). 
The  flagstaff  is  in  lat.  10°  10'  S.,  long.  123°  34'  30"  E. 

A  red  light  is  shown  from  a  post  on  a  house  at  Koepang,  elevated  40  ft. 

Pakoela  Point,  the  North  point  of  the  bay,  is  low,  having  sunken  rocks 
extending  nearly  a  mile  from  it,  and  may  be  known  by  a  tree,  which  stands 
separate  from  the  others,  and  is  visible  long  before  the  low  point  can  be 
discerned.  Tihoes  is  a  small,  round,  wooded  isle,  situated  on  the  edge  of  the 
reef  which  lines  the  North  point  of  the  bay,  and  when  the  point  bears  E.S.E. 
i  E.,  it  is  seen  just  touching  the  islet.  Kera  is  a  low,  sandy  isle,  in  the 
middle  of  the  entrance  of  the  bay,  surrounded  by  an  extensive  reef,  on  either 
side  of  which  there  are  clear  channels.  When  this  island  bears  S.S.E.  1  mile, 
and  Tikoes  E.N.E.  3  or  4  miles,  soundings  will  be  got  in  60  fathoms,  sand 
and  coral,  decreasing  to  50  and  38  fathoms  about  half  a  mile  from  Kera  ; 
come  no  nearer  to  it  on  account  of  its  surrounding  reef,  which  projects  much 
farther  from  the  "West  and  S.E.  sides.  It  is  partly  dry  at  low  water,  which 
is  always  discoloured. 

Selamo  Peak,  in  9°  57'  S.  and  123°  39'  E.,  has  a  remarkably  rugged  appear- 
ance, and  may  be  seen  long  before  Samao  annd  Rotti  are  discerned  in  coming 
from  the  westward. 

The  reefs  between  Tikoes  and  Boerong,  and  those  which  project  to  the 
south-eastward  of  the  latter  isle,  are  partly  dry  at  low  tide,  and  they  are 
steep-to  from  10  or  8  fathoms  to  2  or  1 J  fathoms.  To  avoid  the  first,  these 
islands  ought  not  to  be  brought  in  opposite  bearings. 

Good  water  may  be  easily  got  to  the  N.N.W.-ward  of  Boerong,  where 
boats  can  approach  close  to  the  beach.  There  is  also  a  small  river  near  the 
village  of  Selamo,  but  boats  cannot  approach  unless  at  high  water.  Captain 
Stokes  says  that  the  good  water  is  above  the  fall,  and  that  water  should  not 
be  taken  within  the  tidal  influences  ;  that  so  taken  in  the  South  corner  of  the 
bay  is  liable  to  produce  dysentery. 

Ships  may  procure  here  cattle,  poultry,  and  fruits.  They  ought  not  to  go 
nearer  in  than  16  fathoms,  as  it  shoals  rapidly  from  9  to  2  fathoms.  When 
it  is  blowing  weather  from  N.W.,  ships  are  often  obliged  to  leave  this 
anchorage  and  to  search  for  shelter  near  Boerong  or  under  Samao  ;  but  the 
latter  anchorage  is  foul,  rocky,  and  steep,  and,  as  the  currents  set  with  great 
strength  through  the  Strait  of  Samao,  ships  are  liable  to  be  driven  into  deep 
water  if  the  anchor  should  drag. 

The  channel  to  the  southward  of  the  island  of  Kera  is  also  safe,  and  the 
reefs  which  surround  that  island  are  easily  perceived  by  the  colour  of  the 
water  ;  they  project  about  1-^  mile   to  the  westward,  and  the  sea  generally 


ROTTI.  787 

breaks  heavily  on  the  northern  edge.  The  northern  passage  is,  however, 
preferable,  there  being  soundings  in  it  from  40  to  25  fathoms,  which  will 
enable  ships  to  anchor  when  overtaken  by  a  calm.  In  the  southern  passage 
the  first  soundings  are  got  about  3  miles  from  Koepang. 

The  tides  in  the  bay  are  weak.  It  is  high  water,  at  full  and  change  of  the 
moon,  about  1 1  o'clock  ;  the  rise  at  the  springs  is  9  ft.,  and  at  neap  tides 
only  4  or  4  J  ft.  ;  the  flood  comes  in  from  the  westward. 

ROTTI  lies  17  miles  South  of  the  S.W.  point  of  Timor.  Between  them  is 
the  island  of  Lando,  joined  to  Eotti  by  shoal  water.  It  is  a  dependency  of 
the  Dutch  Governmet  of  Koepang,  but  is  governed  by  several  (fifteen  it  is 
said)  native  princes  or  rajahs  in  a  feudal  manner,  which  the  rugged  nature 
of  the  country  allows,  each  seigneur  residing  isolated  in  his  rocky  territory 
in  the  hill  fortresses.  They  are  industrious,  and  are  a  better  looking  race 
than  the  people  of  Timor. 

The  Strait  of  Rotti  lies  between  Lando  and  Timor.  Rotti  is  of  middling 
height,  visible  12  to  14  leagues  distance  ;  it  is  fronted  by  several  islands, 
and  has  many  fine  bays  and  inlets. 

With  the  excption  of  Beatrice  shoal,  the  strait  of  Rotti  seems  to  be  free 
from  dangers.  In  some  parts  there  are  soundings  in  60  fathoms,  decreasing 
towards  Eotti. 

Beatrice  Shoal,  in  lat.  10°  31'  30"  S.,  long.  123°  35'  E.,  was  discovered  by 
Commander  John  Hutchinson,  of  H.M.  Surveying  Vessel  Beatrice,  and  subse- 
quently Mr.  Waleson,  the  harbour-master  of  Koepang,  succeeded  in  finding 
on  it  a  knoll  with  only  5  ft.  water,  over  which  the  sea  almost  always  breaks. 
The  shoal  is  an  oval-shaped  coral  bank,  lying  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.,  half  a 
mile  in  extent.  Soundings  of  3  to  6  fathoms  are  found  on  its  central  part 
(where  probably  the  knoll  is),  deepening  to  8  and  10  at  either  end,  where 
there  is  tolerable  anchorage  ;  outside  this  the  reef  falls  steeply  into  deep 
water.  The  centre  of  the  shoal  is  on  the  following  bearings  : — N.E.  point 
of  Oessoe  Island  (the  island  East  of  Landu)  W.  5  N.,  7^  miles  ;  the  conspi- 
cuous double  hill  over  the  point,  W.  i  N.  ;  the  high,  flat-topped  hill  of 
Eotti,  S.W.  I  W. ;  S.W.  point  of  Timor  (entrance  of  Semao  Strait),  N.W. 
f  N.  ;  White  Clifi's  of  Timor,  N.E.  northerly. 

The  West  coast  of  Eotti  is  fronted  by  some  islands  between  which  there  is 
a  passage.  These  islands  are  low,  the  southern  ones  particularly  so.  The 
exception  is  a  rocky  islet  with  steep  cliffs,  lying  in  the  channel  between 
Dana  Island  and  the  main,  which  is  conspicuous  at  20  miles  distance,  when 
all  the  neighbouring  land,  except  the  hills  of  Eotti,  has  dipped.  The  only 
anchorage  recommended  about  the  islands  is  on  the  North  side  of  Noesa. 

Dome  is  the  westernmost  island,  and  is  famous  for  its  goldsmiths,  the  most 
expert  in  the  archipelago.  Their  filagree  ornaments  are  much  prized  for 
their  beauty  and  neatness.  Two  smaller  islands  lie  adjacent  to  the  N.W. 
point  of  Kotti. 


78»  NOETK  COAST  OF  TIMOR. 

When  passing  the  N.E.  point  of  Oessoe  the  water  was  suddenly  shoaled 
by  H.M.S.  Serpent  to  5  fathoms,  the  point  then  bearing  N.W.,  H  mile  dis- 
tant. The  shoal  was  not  examined.  An  unexamined  coral  bank,  on  which 
the  least  water  obtained  whilst  crossing  it  was  15  fathoms,  lies  3^  miles 
"W.N.  W.  of  Dana,  the  southernmost  of  the  islands  off  Eotti.  No  examina- 
tion was  made  of  it. 

The  islands  of  Lando  and  Eotti  form  two  safe  roadsteads  ;  the  entrance  to 
Eango,  on  the  North  side  of  Eotti,  is  from  the  eastward,  and  is  difficult  to 
go  out  during  the  eastern  monsoon.  The  entrance  to  Karhaffo  Bay  is  from 
the  westward,  rounding  the  reef  which  projects  from  the  S.W.  point  of 
Lando  ;  ships  lie  there  quite  landlocked. 

H.N.M.  schooner  Circe  anchored,  in  1846,  in  the  road  of  Baa,  on  tho 
North  coast  of  Eotti,  in  15  fathoms,  with  Tormana  Eocks  bearing  N.E.  \  E., 
the  flagstaff  S.E.  ^  S.,  and  the  extreme  West  point  of  the  land  seen  between 
two  islets  W.  J  S.,  in  10°  44'  42"  S.,  and  123°  1'  40"  E. 

The  English  ship  Abercromiie,  bound  to  China,  after  being  dismasted  to 
the  southward  of  Sandalwood,  anchored  in  Boykaai  Bay  on  the  South  coast  of 
Eotti,  January  1812,  in  21  fathoms,  soft  bottom,  3  cables'  lengths  off  shore, 
and  procured  there  water  and  refreshments.  This  is  perhaps  the  same  bay 
which  was  visited  by  Captain  R.  Spratley,  of  the  Cyrus  whaler,  which  i» 
formed  by  the  islands  La  and  Mano,  fronting  the  coast,  and  inside  of  which 
there  is  safe  anchorage  in  10°  52'  S.  and  123°  5'  E.  It  is  high  water  in 
Cyrus  Harbour,  at  full  and  change  of  the  moon,  at  12  o'clock,  and  the  tide 
rises  5  or  6  ft. 

There  exist  several  shoal  patches,  and  probably  dangers,  off  the  East  side 
of  Eotti,  but  they  are  very  imperfectly  known.  The  Satellite  Rocks  are  about 
4  miles  from  the  nearest  part  of  the  island  off  the  N.E.  point  of  Eotti,  a 
hummock  on  the  centre  of  which  bore  W.  j  S.  and  the  S.W.  point  of  Timor 
N.  iE. 

The  SAHUL  BANK  is  said  to  be  dangerous  in  some  places,  but  there  is 
reason  to  believe  that  it  is  not  so  extensive  as  laid  down  in  the  charts,  where 
it  reaches  from  10°  40'  to  11°  30'  S.,  commencing  near  the  East  point  of 
Eotti,  and  stretching  to  the  eastward  upwards  of  2  degrees. 

As  the  dangers  of  this  bank  have  never  been  examined,  it  should  be 
avoided,  and  vessels  should  not  stretch  over  so  far  to  the  southward  in  sailing 
along  the  South  coast  of  Timor. 

The  NOETH  COAST  of  TIMOR  extends  for  nearly  40  miles  in  an  irre- 
gular N.N.E.  direction  to  Gomok  Point,  E.S.E.  of  which  is  Timu  Peak. 
Nolloi  anchorage  lies  North  of  Timu  Peak,  in  lat.  9°  52'  S.,  long.  123°  52'  E. 
At  15  miles  to  the  N.E.  of  GomoTs  Point  is  Sutrana  or  Sotroma  Eoad,  which 
lies  off  the  mouth  of  a  small  river  S.E.  of  Jula  Island.  A  sunken  rock  lies 
about  a  mile  westward  of  the  mouth  of  the  river. 

Jl'.naiif/o,  a  bandbank  or  rock  which  appears  only  in  old  Dutch  charts,  has 


LIEFOU—GEDEH.  789 

since  been  seen  by  Captain  C.  Hart,  who  describes  it  as  a  small  patch  a  litcle 
above  water,  or  even  with  the  water'  edge,  situated  in  lat.  8°  41'  S.,  long. 
123°  51'  E.     It  lies  6  miles  off  shore,  and  6  miles  S.W.  of  Grula. 

Gula  or  Goela  is  a  small  island  of  middling  height  in  9°  15'  S.  and  124°  E., 
distant  6  or  8  miles  from  Timor,  and  bearing  N.  by  W.  from  Timoe  Peak, 
which  is  in  9="  33'  S. 

Tulang  Ihan  Bay  is  in  long.  124°  16'  E.  Sunken  Rocks  lie  just  off  the  shore 
at  2  and  5  miles  westward  of  it. 

Liefou,  a  portuguese  settlement,  in  9'  12'  S.  and  124°  24'  E.,  or  24'  E.  of 
Goela  Island,  according  to  the  observations  of  D'Entrecasteaux,  has  an  open 
roadstead,  which  is  separated  from  Tolanican  Bay  by  a  low  point.  There  is 
anchorage  near  the  village  of  Koesie  in  22  fathoms,  2  cables'  lengths  oflf 
shore,  the  houses  bearing  about  South,  Liefou  Point  E.N.E.,  2  miles  dis- 
tant, and  Gula  West.  A  vessel  might  anchor  near  Sotrana  in  30  to  40 
fathoms,  foul  and  rocky  ground,  about  1^  cable's  length  off  shore,  with  the 
houses  bearing  S.  by  W.,  Gula  Island  N.W.  westerly,  extremities  of  the 
land  N.E.  by  E.  and  W.  ^  S. 

Atapopa  is  a  Dutch  settlement,  in  lat.  8°  59'  S.,  long.  124°  50' E.,  28  miles 
eastward  of  Liefou,  which,  cannot  be  seen  at  more  than  2  miles  distance,  as 
the  land  rises  immediately  behind  it.  The  land  thereabout  is  remarkably 
rugged,  in  some  parts  rocky  and  barren,  but  generally  wooded.  To  Dutch 
Point,  7  miles  westward  of  Atapopa,  the  coast  is  foul,  and  for  5  miles  to  the 
eastward.  The  outer  anchorage  is  in  36  fathoms,  half  a  mile  off  shore, 
N.W.  from  the  village  of  Dolilo,  and  with  a  tomb  at  Atapopa  in  line  with  a 
gap,  S.  by  E.  ^  E.  This  is  also  the  leading  mark  through  the  narrow  en- 
trance in  the  reef  into  the  inner  harbour. 

Gedeh  is  a  Portuguese  settlement  in  8°  57'  S.  and  124°  55'  E.,  as  observed 
on  board  H.N.M.  frigate  Boreas,  in  1838.  It  lies  in  a  valley  surrounded  by 
picturesque  mountains,  and  is  frequented  by  whalers.  It  is  fronted  by  a 
rock,  which  bears  N.N.E.  from  the  flagstaff,  and  with  soundings  near  it. 
The  Boreas,  coming  from  the  westward,  had  no  soundings  till  within  4  miles 
of  the  road,  then  65,  55,  and  50  fathoms,  decreasing  to  35  fathoms,  a  cable's 
length  off  shore  ;  being  becalmed,  she  was  towed  round  the  West  point  of 
the  bay,  and  steered  for  the  rock  in  soundings  of  42,  50,  45  to  26  fathoms, 
brownish  sand,  where  she  came-to,  the  flagstaff  bearing  S.S.E.  ^  E.,  distant 
2  cables'  lengths,  the  rock  N.E.  J  N.,  N.E.  point  of  the  road  N.N.E.  J  E., 
and  Pantar  Peak  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W.  It  is  very  tedious  work  to  water 
here,  on  account  of  the  great  surf  on  the  beach.  The  best  landing  place  is 
abreast  of  the  fort,  where  the  boats  come  to  their  grapnel.  The  tides  in  this 
road  and  farther  to  the  westward  close  in-shore,  change,  but  are  very  weak. 
A  sunken  rock  lies  2  miles  off  shore,  on  the  North  side  of  the  anchorage, 
with  Mount  Sukekit  bearing  S.W.  by  S. 

DIELLI,  or  Dilli,  belonging  to  the  Portuguese,  is  the  principal  port  on 


790  DIELLI. 

the  North  side  of  Timor,  where  the  Netherlands  India  Steam-Navigation 
Company's  boats  and  other  ships  proceeding  through  the  Ombay  passage 
sometimes  stop  for  supplies.  Lieutenant  Kolff  gave  a  sad  picture  of  it  in 
1825  when  he  visited  it  in  the  Bourga,  and  Mr.  A.  R.  Wallace,  the  natura- 
list, who  visited  it  in  1861,  says  "  it  is  a  most  miserable  place  compared  with 
even  the  poorest  of  the  Dutch  towns.  The  houses,  the  custom-house,  and 
the  church  are  all  built  of  mud  and  thatch ;  the  fort  is  only  a  mud  enclo- 
sure." Dilli  is  much  frequented  by  whalers,  and  has  a  considerable  trade  in 
wax  and  sandalwood.  The  flagstaff  is  in  8°  34'  S.  and  125°  37'  E.  From  the 
low  situation  of  the  town  under  the  high  land,  it  is  with  difficulty  perceived 
when  coming  from  the  northward,  but  to  the  eastward  of  it  there  is  a  bluff 
projecting  point  by  which  it  may  be  known.  Off  this  bluff,  at  the  distance 
of  half  a  mile,  is  a  reported  3-fathoms  patch.  The  houses  and  the  flagstaff 
wiU  be  visible  when  about  4  miles  distant  from  the  Timor  shore,  with  the 
peak  of  Kambing  bearing  N.  ^  E.  Large  ships,  which  only  stop  for  re- 
freshments, should  anchor  at  a  fit  distance  outside  of  the  reefs  which  form 
the  inner  harbour,  as  the  channel  between  the  reefs  is  very  narrow,  and  there 
is  little  space  inside  of  them. 

A  good  outer  anchorage  is  on  the  Brilliant  Bank,  on  which  15  fathoms 
least  water  is  found,  with  the  signal-tower  bearing  E.S.E.  2  miles  distant, 
and  Fatukama,  the  East  point  of  Delhi  Bay,  N.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  This  bank  ia 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  long  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.,  and  was  first  made 
known  by  Captain  Walker  in  1867. 

The  inner  harbour  is  formed  by  the  reefs  running  off  the  bay  points  and 
another  detached  reef  between  them,  which  are  mostly  dry  at  low  water,  and 
consist  of  sand  and  coral.  The  western  entrance,  on  the  North  side  of  which 
is  a  white  buoy,  is  the  widest  and  most  used,  but  it  is  difficult  to  run  out 
through  this  channel  when  there  is  no  land  breeze.  The  new  lighthouse 
is  on  the  reefs  forming  the  South  side  of  the  western  entrance,  and  the  white 
buoy  above  mentioned,  bears  N.E.,  distant  2  cables'  lengths  from  it. 

To  enter  the  harbour  of  Dielli  from  the  westward,  pass  mid-channel  be- 
tween the  lighthouse  and  the  white  buoy  in  soundings  from  10  to  6  and  14 
fathoms.  The  instant  a  ship  hauls  round  the  reef  near  the  West  point  of 
the  bay,  sail  should  be  reduced.  Steer  for  the  custom-house,  which  is  a 
large  building  standing  near  the  beach,  to  the  westward  of  a  high  tree,  and 
keep  it  in  one  with  the  gate  of  the  church,  which  will  lead  you  close  to  a 
coral  patch,  on  which  a  bamboo  has  been  planted  in  10  or  11  ft.  When  in- 
side of  this  patch,  haul  in  for  the  West  part  of  the  harbour,  and  come-to  in 
9  fathoms  at  an  equal  distance  from  the  custom-house,  and  the  bridge  to 
the  westward,  and  abreast  of  a  white  house.  The  shore  is  here^steeper  and 
softer  than  near  the  custom-house,  where  there  are  two  coral  patches,  with 
3  and  6  feet  water  over  them.  Between  the  reefs  the  bottom  is  hard,  but 
iubide  mud. 


80UTn  COAST  OF  TIMOR.  791 

The  eastern  channel  is  only  half  a  cable's  length  wide,  but  it  has  a  leading 
wind  during  the  western  monsoon,  both  for  ships  entering  or  going  out.  To 
enter  it,  keep  the  high,  tree  in  one  with  the  house  standing  between  the 
church  and  the  custom-house.  There  are  soundings  from  20  to  7  fathoms  in 
this  channel.  Haul  close  round  the  point  of  the  reef,  to  avoid  the  patches 
abreast  of  the  custom-house.  Another  good  anchorage  is  in  15  fathoms, 
with  the  flagstaff  of  the  fort  bearing  S.E.  I  E.,  the  church  S.E.  ^-  S.,  the  bat- 
tery near  the  inner  point  W.  ^  S.,  and  the  South  point  of  Kambing  Island 
N.  by  W.  I  W.  It  is  high  water,  at  full  and  change  of  moon,  at  1^  30™,  and 
the  rise  of  the  tide  is  6  ft.  at  the  springs.  Cattle  and  vegetables  may  be  had 
here,  but  rice  and  poultry  are  neither  cheap  nor  abundant. 

Between  Manatuti  Point  and  Lameh  Point,  18  miles  to  the  eastward,  is  a 
deep  bay,  in  the  western  part  of  which  is  Mantotte,  4  or  5  miles  southward 
ol  Manatuti  Puint.  Lamsana,  a  snug  cove  a  few  miles  farther  to  the  east- 
ward, sheltered  by  reefs  from  all  winds,  has  good  anchorage  in  8  or  9 
fathoms.  Wemasee  anchorage  is  just  westward  of  Lameh  Point.  Lameh 
Point  has  sunken  rocks  off  it.     Laga  anchorage  is  10  miles  to  the  S.E.  of  it. 

Between  the  bluff  point  eastward  of  Dilhi  and  Manatute  Point,  20  miles 
to  the  eastward,  the  coast  should  not  be  approached  within  5  miles,  as  sunken 
rocks  lie  off"  it. 

Abreast  the  S.E.  point  of  Ombay  is  the  narrowest  part  of  the  strait  of 
Jklalloea,  or  the  Ombay  passage,  which  is  there  5  leagues  wide. 

The  currents  in  the  Ombay  Passage  are  noticed  on  page  31. 

The  SOUTH  COAST  of  TIMOR,  although  little  frequented,  is  safe  to  ap- 
proach within  a  moderate  distance.  In  coasting  along  this  side  of  island 
during  the  night,  keep  at  a  moderate  distance  from  the  points  of  land,  aa 
several  of  them  have  projecting  reefs.  This  coast  stretches  about  N.E.  by 
lE.  and  S.W.  by  W. ;  the  land  is  low  near  the  coast,  but  gentle  hills  rise  a 
little  inland  and  a  chain  of  high  mountains  is  in  the  interior,  which  may  be 
seen  27  leagues.  The  land  is  mostly  covered  with  trees,  except  in  some  parts 
which  appear  cultivated.  Ships  in  sailing  along  this  coast  have  found  many 
small  islets  that  were  safe  to  approach,  and  soundings  of  15  to  25  fathoms 
within  1|  mile  of  the  shore. 

Nusa  Besie,  or  Jackee  Island,  in  about  8°  25'  S.  and  127°  16'  E.,  fronts  the 
East  point  of  Timor.  It  is  low  and  flat,  appearing  as  a  land-tongue,  before 
it  opens  with  Timor.  There  is  anchorage  between  it  and  Timor,  but  the  cur- 
rents set  with  great  velocity  through  the  channel. 

H.B.M.  ship  North  Star  saw  six  remarkable  white  cliffs  of  difi'erent  di- 
mensions in  124°  17'  E.,  probably  Batoe  Poetie,  which  H.F.M.  sloop  Casua- 
rina,  Commander  L.  Freycinet,  made  in  124°  15'  30"  E. 

Ships  crossing  over  between  Wetter  and  Amboina  generally  run  in  sight 
of  Gunong  Api,  to  secure  the  passage  along  the  Lucipara  and  Turtle  Is- 
lands. 


792  DIRECTIONS. 

GUNONG  API,  in  6°  43'  S.  and  126°  43'  E.,  is  a  high  conical  mountain, 
visible  15  or  16  leagues.  It  is  in  a  state  of  ignition,  with  smoke  generally 
issuino-  from  the  crater  at  the  summit,  and  is  bold  to  approach. 

DIRECTIONS. — In  addition  to  the  remarks  given  on  pages  80 — 85  ante, 
the  following  will  be  useful  Leaving  Amboina  in  the  eastern  monsoon 
(April  to  September)  steer  for  Gunong  Api,  give  a  wide  berth  to  the  Luci- 
para  Islands,  on  account  of  which  it  is  preferable  to  pass  to  the  westward  of 
them,  as  the  current  generally  sets  strong  to  the  westward  during  this  mon- 
soon. From  thence,  if  bound  to  Europe,  steer  to  make  Honden  Island,  and 
proceed  through  the  Ombay  Passage  and  the  channel  to  the  eastward  or 
westward  of  Savu.  Being  so  far  to  the  southward  as  Eotti  or  Savu,  the 
S.E.  winds  will  begin  gradually  to  increase  in  strength. 

If  bound  to  Java,  the  passage  through  the  strait  of  Salayer  would  be  pre- 
ferable ;  but  when  the  route  along  the  islands  to  the  eastward  of  Java  is 
be  taken,  steer  for  Komba  Island,  and  proceed  to  the  westward  along  the 
North  coast  of  Floris,  towards  the  Strait  of  Madura ;  or  when  on  the  meri- 
dian of  Alias  Strait,  cross  over  so  as  to  pass  between  TJrk  and  Kangeang, 
or  between  the  former  and  Takat  Shoals,  and  proceed  along  the  North  coast 
of  Madura,  directions  for  which  passages  have  been  given  in  former  pages. 

The  general  passage  for  ships  bound  from  Java  to  Amboina  during  the 
western  monsoon,  is  through  the  Strait  of  Salayer. 

Ships  leaving  Amboina  for  Europe  or  Java  during  the  western  monsoon, 
generally  proceed  by  the  northern  route,  i.e.,  to  the  northward  of  Celebes 
and  Borneo,  or  in  the  latter  part  of  the  monsoon  through  the  Strait  of  Ma- 
kassar. Should  Amboina  be  left  in  March,  the  southern  passage  may  be 
adopted,  i.e.,  to  work  along  the  North  coast  of  the  islands  to  the  eastward  of 
Java,  as  there,  generally,  the  winds  begin  to  shift  and  the  currents  to  di- 
minish in  strength.  It  is  advisable  to  stand  up  toward  Buru,  and  from 
thence  to  work  over  near  St.  Matthew  Islands.  Having  approached  these 
and  Veldhoen  Island,  a  southerly  or  S.S.W.  course  ought  to  be  followed  in 
crossing  over  to  the  islands  to  the  eastward  of  Java.  If  bound  to-  Europe, 
pass  through  the  Strait  of  Allor  ;  and  when  clear  of  it,  proceed  through  the 
channel  between  Sandalwood  and  Savu,  or  between  the  latter  and  Eotti. 

Leaving  Amboina  in  the  strength  of  the  western  monsoon  bound  to  the 
westward,  and  having  occasion  to  take  the  southerly  passage,  though  it  may 
not  be  possible  to  weather  the  strait  of  Allor,  nor  probably  the  Ombay  pas- 
sage ;  yet  a  ship  ought  to  use  every  means  to  pass  on  the  North  side  of 
Timor,  for  if  she  fall  to  leeward,  and  be  obliged  to  round  the  East  of 
that  island,  she  will  find  great  difficulty  in  beating  to  the  westward  between 
it  and  the  coast  of  Australia,  where  strong  winds  from  W.N.W.  to  W.S.W., 
"with  squally  weather  and  a  heavy  sea,  usually  prevail  from  November  to 
April.  If  a  ship  should  unavoidably  fall  to  leeward,  work  to  the  westward 
along  the  South  coast  of  Timor. 


CHAPTER    XVIII. 


ISLANDS  AND  PASSAGES  EASTWARD  OF  BORNEO. 

We  are  now  advancing  eastward  into  regions  of  which,  much  less  is  accu- 
rately known  than  perhaps  of  any  other  part  of  the  maritime  world.  The 
extensive  archipelagoes  which  lie  between  the  more  frequented  islands  of 
Java  and  Borneo,  and  the  North  Pacific,  are  but  little  visited  for  commer- 
cial purposes  by  European  nations.  Their  inhabitants,  more  or  less  un- 
civilized, have  few  European  wants,  and  but  few  products  for  exportation. 
There  has  been  no  regular  survey  made  of  any  large  portion  of  this  area. 
A  few  detached  places  have  been  well  examined,  and  positions  accurately 
determined,  by  Dutch  and  English  officers.  To  fill  up  the  voids  which  occur 
in  our  recent  knowledge,  we  are  obliged  to  have  recourse  to  the  older  voyages, 
or  to  the  recitals  of  scientific  travellers  not  specially  appertaining  to  hydro- 
graphy. 

What  follows,  therefore,  in  this  chapter  must  be  generally  received  with 
caution  ;  neither  the  date  of  much  of  the  information,  nor  its  confessedly 
imperfect  nature,  can  induce  confidence.  It  will  be  needless  to  recite  the 
numerous  authorities  consulted ;  but  should  more  intimate  knowledge,  or 
greater  detail  be  required,  other  works,  not  usually  available  at  sea,  must 
be  consulted. 


THE  STRAIT  OF  MAKASSAR. 


The  great  channel  eastward  of  Borneo,  which  takes  its  name  from  the  port 
or  rather  the  nation,  on  the  S.W.  extreme  of  Celebes,  is  360  miles  long,  and 
with  a  breadth  varying  from  150  to  65  miles,  the  narrowest  portion  being  its 
northern  entrance.  This  large  area  is  separated  into  several  channels  by 
extensive  shoals  and  numerous  islands  which  lie  chiefly  in  the  central  por- 
tion.    Many  of  these  are  of  the  most  dangerous  character,  and  when  it  is 

I.    A.  5  I 


794  *  THE  STRAIT  OE  MAKASSAE. 

remembered  that  this  strait  and  the  coasts  which  limit  it  have  not  been 
properly  surveyed,  and  that  many  dangers  may,  and  probably  do,  remain 
undiscovered,  it  behoves  every  commander  who  passes  through  it  to  use  more 
than  ordinary  caution. 

It  may  be  said,  generally,  that  there  are  two  channels  most  available,  the 
one  along  the  Borneo  coast,  which  appears  to  be  preferable,  and  that  on  the 
Celebes  side,  the  latter  having  unfathomable  depths  close-to,  and  not  afford- 
ing any  anchorage,  while  the  reverse  is  the  case  on  the  opposite  side. 

The  EAST  COAST  of  BORNEO  is  subject  to  the  Dutch,  who  exercise 
sovereignty  over  it,  in  virtue  of  several  treaties  with  the  native  sovereigns 
entered  into  since  1816.  The  total  area  in  Borneo  thus  claimed  by  the 
Netherlands  as  belonging  to  that  nation,  embraces  two-thirds  of  the  entire 
island,  or  a  territory  one-half  larger  than  Great  Britain  and  Ireland.  But 
their  sway  over  by  far  the  greater  portion  is  of  the  slightest  character,  and 
this  sovereignty  over  a  vast  tropical  wilderness  can  be  but  of  little  advan- 
tage to  them. 

The  charts,  or  rather  maps,  which  have  been  published  by  the  Topogra- 
phical Bureau  at  Batavia,  show  how  little  is  known  of  the  coast  in  question  ; 
and,  therefore,  the  few  remarks  which  follow  are  of  a  vague  character,  and 
are  made  in  accordance  with  the  charts  published  by  the  Dutch  Com- 
mission. 

PULO  LAUT,  or  Great  Pulo  Laut,  has  been  before  mentioned,  page  741, 
and  the  strait  which  separates  it  from  the  S.E.  extreme  of  Borneo  is  there 
described.  The  island  is  53  miles  long  North  and  South.  Its  N.E.  part  is 
lofty,  forming  a  peak  called  Gunong  Seeleloeng,  and  its  eastern  part  is  appa- 
rently clear  of  danger,  with  soundings  of  13  to  15  fathoms,  muddy  bottom, 
at  6  or  8  miles  off.  Off  its  South  point  lies  a  small  island,  Pulo  Kunyit 
(Koenjit),  the  South  end  of  which  is  in  lat.  4°  6'  20"  S.,  long.  116°  5'  E. 

At  9  miles  S.E.  from  this  is  a  small  island  Dwaalder,  and  6J  miles  farther 
in  the  same  direction  are  the  Two  Brothers,  or  Gehroeders,  all  surrounded  by 
reefs,  but  having  14  to  16  fathoms  water  between  them.  Dwaalder  is  higher 
at  the  East  and  West  ends  than  in  the  middle,  so  that  it  appears  like  a 
saddle  when  seen  from  the  southward.  Erom  its  eastern  side  a  reef  pro- 
jects about  the  length  of  the  island.  It  is  in  lat.  4°  13'  40"  S.,  long.  116°  11' 
E.  At  71  miles  due  East  of  Dwaalder  is  the  St.  George  Banh,  with  12  and 
14  fathoms  close  up  to  it.  To  the  N.N.W.  of  this,  and  9  miles  East  of 
Kunyit,  are  the  Bira  Birakan  Islands,  surrounded  by  an  extensive  reef. 

Pulo  Seboekoe,  or  Sehuku,  an  island  16  miles  long,  lies  off  the  East  coast 
of  Pulo  Laut,  but  we  have  no  particulars  of  the  strait  within  it ;  it  is  high 
in  the  centre.  From  its  North  point,  Tanjong  Manghop,  a  reef  projects  for 
2  miles.  At  4  miles  West  of  Mangkop  Point  is  Manti  Island,  and  2  miles 
West  of  this  small  island  is  a  sunken  rock. 

Tanjong  Pamantyngan,  the  North  point  of  Pulo  Laut,  has  a  reef  around  it, 


THE  THEEE  ALIKE  ISLANDS.  795 

but  it  may  be  rounded  at  the  distance  of  li  miles  in  8  or  10  fathoms.  In  the 
bay  formed  by  the  North  part  of  Sebuku  and  the  projecting  point  of  Borneo, 
Tanjong  Dewa,  31-  miles  to  the  North  of  it,  and  facing  the  northern  part  of 
the  Strait  of  Pulo  Laut  (see  page  741),  there  is  shelter  from  all  winds,  ex- 
cept those  from  North  and  East.  The  northern  part  of  this  bay  is  shoal,  but 
the  soundings  are  regular  to  the  watering  place  under  the  high  land  on  the 
West  side,  where  you  may  anchor  abreast  of  it  in  6  fathoms,  about  li  mile 
oS  shore,  with  the  N.E.  point  of  the  bay  bearing  E.  by  S.  i  S.,  and  a  small 
island  covered  with  trees,  on  the  East  side  of  the  bay,  bearing  S.E..  Oysters 
may  be  got,  and  the  woods  abound  with  wild  hogs  and  deer  ;  but  care  should 
be  exercised  when  a  party  lands,  as  the  natives  are  treacherous,  although 
under  Dutch  supervision. 

The  THREE  ALIKE  ISLANDS,  or  Pulo  Sambarghp,  lie  15  miles  East  of 
the  South  end  of  Sebuku.  Their  centre  is  in  lat.  3°  39'  S.,  long.  116°  41'. 
They  bear  N.E.  45  miles  from  Dwaalder,  and  form  a  group  of  three  is- 
lands, alike  in  appearance,  exclusive  of  an  islet  and  some  contiguous  rocks, 
visible  5  or  6  leagues  off.  The  channel  between  them  and  Sebuku  is  quite 
safe,  and  they  are  also  quite  clear  to  the  eastward  for  17  miles,  where  is  the 
Twee  Vrienden  Eeef  presently  described. 

The  southern  entrance  to  the  strait  of  Makassar  has  an  extensive  range  of 
shoals  and  islets  which  lie  to  the  northward  of  those  existing  off  the  North 
coasts  of  Bali,  Lombok,  and  Sumbawa.  Of  these  the  following  is  a  descrip- 
tion as  far  as  is  known. 

The  Sibbald  Bank  appears  to  the  south-westernmost.  It  is  not  exten- 
sive ;  but  Captain  Forbes  sounded  in  from  20  to  5  fathoms,  coral,  so  that 
there  may  be  less  depth  now.  Its  shoalest  part,  5  fathoms,  is  placed  in  5° 
46' S.,  long.  117°  4'  E.,  or  83  miles  N.E.  by  N.  from  Hastings  Island. 
Around  this  shoalest  patch  is  6  fathoms  at  2  miles  to  the  S.E.,  8  fathoms  at 
2  miles  W.S.W.,  and  10  fathoms  at  2  miles  to  the  N.E.  There  is  deep  water 
beyond  these  depths,  and  another  5-fathoms  patch  lies  9  miles  eastward,  re- 
ported by  Lieutenant  Howe,  E.N,  This  patch  lies  in  lat.  5'  45'  S.,  long. 
117°  12'  E.  At  2  miles  North  of  it  is  a  depth  of  7  fathoms,  and  for  5  miles 
S.S.E.  of  it  the  depths  are  6  and  7  fathoms ;  outside  these  soundings  is  deep 
water,  but  a  detached  7-fathoms  patch  lies  12  miles  S.S.E.  of  the  5-fathom8 
patch. 

The  Aurora  Bank,  coral,  with  several  casts  of  4f  fathoms  on  it,  and  per- 
haps less,  is  apparently  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  broad,  in  lat.  5°  25' 
S.,  long.  116°  58' E. 

Nusa  Komba,  a  low  island,  in  lat.  5°  14'  S.,  long.  117°  4'  E.,  has  a  reef 
extending  for  6  miles  to  the  South  of  it.  At  9  miles  North  of  it  is  Sibaru,  or 
Siharoe,  the  southernmost  of  a  group  of  four  low  wooded  islands,  called  Nusa 
Siri,  extending  5  miles  to  the  northward,  the  northern  one  in  5°  0'  S.  117°  5' 
E.,  and  may  be  seen  at  a  considerable  distance.     Trinidad  Shoal,  of  4^ 


796  THE  STEAIT  OF  MAKASSAE. 

fathoms,  lies  midway  between  Sibaroe  and  Nusa  Komba,  and  6^  fathoms 
has  been  reported  at  6  miles  S.W.  by  S.  of  Sibaroe.  A  10-fathom  bank,  8 
miles  wide  from  East  to  West,  lies  to  the  northward  of  Noesa  Siri  Islands, 
and  on  this  bank  are  two  4^-fathom  patches,  one  lying  6  miles  North,  and 
the  other  6  miles  N.W.  of  the  northernmost  island  of  the  Noesa  Siri 
Group. 

Pudsey  Dawson,  a  45-fathom  patch,  is  in  lat  4°  42'  S.,  long.  117*^  4'  E.  ■ 

Laurel  Reef  is  a  narrow  reef,  extending  from  an  8-fathom  patch,  in 
4°  20'  S.,  to  a  3^-fathom  patch  in  4"  34'  S. ;  the  last-named  patch  is  very 
steep-to,  and  at  5  miles  northward  of  it  is  a  2^-fathom  patch,  named  Batii 
Batong,  in  lat.  4°  29'  S.,  long.  1 17°  7'  E.  At  9  miles  eastward  of  the  Laurel 
Eeef  another  similar  reef  is  marked,  but  its  existence  is  very  doubtful. 

The  Martalan  Shoal,  so  named  after  the  ship  which  discovered  it,  is  placed 
in  4'^  ir  S.,  long.  117°  10'  E.,  20  miles  to  the  northward  of  the  Laurel 
Shoal. 

The  ship  Sea  Serpent,  in  lat.  3°  56'  S.,  long.  117°  28'  E.,  anchored  on  a 
coral  bank  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  long,  the  least  depth  lound  being  from 
4  to  6  fathoms.     There  was  no  discolouration  of  the  water. 

A  bank  that  dries,  with  a  reef  extending  southward  of  it  for  about  1  mile, 
was  discovered  in  lat.  3°  31'  50"  S.,  long.  117°  29'  40"  E. 

At  10  miles  E.S.E.  and  11  miles  S.E.  of  the  last-named  bank  are  two 
others. 

Twee  Vrienden  Reef,  about  2  cables  in  length,  and  in  some  places  6  feet 
above  water,  reported  in  1876,  was  discovered  by  a  vessel  of  that  name 
striking  on  it.     Its  estimated  position  is  lat.  3°  40'  S.,  long.  117"  8'  E. 

Franklin  Bank  is  in  lat.  3°  2'  S.,  117°  33'  E. 

The  Triatiffles  or  Zari  Larien  Isles  are  three  small  islands,  nearly  in  the 
middle  of  the  strait,  of  which  the  southernmost,  in  lat.  3°  5'  S.,  long.  117° 
50'  E.,  is  a  small  sandy  island,  with  several  bushes  on  it.  At  4  miles  to  the 
northward  of  it  are  the  two  other  islands  near  together.  Union  Bank,  a 
small  bank  of  8  fathoms,  is  25  miles  eastward  of  the  Triangles. 

Laars  (Dutcli)  the  Boot  Bank,  is  an  extensive  shoal,  or  collection  of  coral 
banks,  of  very  irregular  figure,  the  South  end  of  which  is  in  lat.  6°  2'  S., 
long.  118°  14'  E.  ;  its  West  end,  10  fathoms,  in  lat.  5°  44'  S.,  long.  118°  E. 
Between  its  western  end  and  the  Sibbald  Bank  are  some  10-fathom  patches. 
In  lat.  5°  47'  S.,  long.  118°  17'  E.,  is  a  5-fathom  patch,  S.S.W.  5  miles,  S.E. 
12  miles,  and  E.N.E.  15  miles  from  which,  other  similar  patches  have  been 
reported.  A  low  wooded  island,  Saflana,  Zalineff,  or  Pulo  Bewnkan,  is  situated 
on  the  North  end  of  Laars  Bank,  in  lat.  5°  26'  S.,  long.  118°  26'  E.  At  6 
miles  S.  ^  E.  of  it  is  another  similar  island,  named  Laars  Island,  islets  and 
rocks  lying  between.  Dangerous  rocks  also  extend  for  5  miles  to  the  south- 
ward, and  10  miles  to  the  westward  of  Laars  Island.  The  general  soundings 
on  these  banks  are  from  10  or  15  fathoms  to  4  fathoms,  which  appears  to  be 


TONYN  ISLAND.  797 

the  least  water  found,  and  that  towards  its  northern  part.  A  depth  of  12 
fathoms,  coral,  was  found  by  the  Vittor  Pisani,  to  the  southward  of  the  Boot, 
in  lat.  6°  4'  30"  S.,  long.  118°  15'  E.  The  bank  appeared  about  a  mile 
broad. 

The  best  track  for  crossing  the  Boot  Bank  is  southward  of  lat.  b"  40';  but 
in  thick  weather  a  wide  berth  should  be  given  to  the  islands  by  keeping  well 
to  the  southward,  for  there  is  probably  no  danger  on  the  southern  part, 
though  the  depths  of  5  or  6  fathoms,  when  there  is  much  swell,  may  not  be 
pleasant  for  a  large  ship. 

Tonyn  Island,  or  Benkoehean,  is  low  and  woody,  in  lat.  5°  31'  S.,  long.  118° 
36'  E.,  or  7  miles  East  of  Laars  Island.     It  is  surrounded  by  coral  rocks. 

To  the  westward  and  north-westward  of  Pulo  Saflana,  between  the 
Laars  Bank  and  those  previously  described,  is  a  range  of  islands  and  banks, 
of  which  but  little  is  known.  The  northernmost  is  shown  on  the  Dutch 
charts,  Edam  or  Medemblik,  in  lat.  5°  0'  S.,  long.  11 7°  56'  E.,  and  to  the  south- 
ward, in  an  extent  of  23  miles,  are  those  named  Middellurg,  Hoorn,  Amster- 
dam, or  BoandoenganJcetjil  and  Doandoenganhezaar,  the  last  in  lat.  5°  23J'  S., 
long.  117°  55'  E.  These  southern  islands  have  been  called  the  Hen  and 
Chickens  in  the  old  charts.  To  the  westward  of  this  range  is  Rotterdam. 
Island,  or  Kaloekaloekoan,  about  33  miles  E.  \  N.  from  Nusa  Komba.  It  is 
said  to  have  good  water  on  it,  and  that  there  are  two  reefs  12  miles  to  the 
"West,  and  10  miles  to  the  S.W.  of  it.  Sunken  rocks,  discovered  near  the 
islands  above  mentioned,  lie  as  follows.  Rotterdam  Island  should  not  be 
approached,  except  with  great  caution,  to  within  the  distance  of  2  miles  ;  a 
sunken  rock  also  lies  3J  miles  S.E.  of  it.  Edom  Island  has  a  5-fathom  patch 
at  4  miles  "West  of  it,  and  a  series  of  rocks  extending  5  miles  N.N.W.  from 
it.  Middleburg  Island  has  a  sunken  rock  3  miles  "West  of  it,  and  between 
this  island  and  the  northern  danger  extending  from  Horn  Island,  the 
distance  is  2  miles.  Between  Horn  and  Amsterdam  Island  is  unsafe.  At  7 
miles  "W.  ^  S.  from  Doandoanganbezar  is  a  sunken  rock. 

To  the  eastward  of  the  islands  and  shoals  just  mentioned,  the  water  was 
examined  by  H.M.S.  Nassau,  in  1872.  Marisindeh  Island  is  in  lat.  5°  5'  S., 
long.  118°  ir  E.  ;  at  6  miles  to  the  southward  of  it  is  the  northern  end  of  a 
dangerous  bank,  which  thence  extends  3  miles  to  the  southward.  At  27 
miles  E.N.E.  of  Marisindeh  is  Taka  Bakang  or  Teignmouth  Bank,  3  miles  in 
diameter;  it  lies  23  miles  to  the  westward  of  the  dangers  of  the  Spermonde 
Archipelago. 

The  Brill  Shoal,  or  Taka  Romata,  the  south- easternmost  of  this  range  of 
islets  and  shoals,  is  very  dangerous.  Its  South  end  is  in  lat.  6^  8'  S.,  long. 
118°  55'  E.  It  is  probably  a  coral  reef,  with  very  steep  sides,  about  5  miles 
long,  North  and  South.  The  rocks  are  awash  on  its  northern  part,  and  in 
many  rarts  the  verge  has  only  2  ft,  water. 


798  THE  STRAIT  OF  MAKASSAR. 

The  banks  and  islands  which  lie  against  the  S.W.  part  of  Celebes  will  be 
described  presently. 

The  COAST  of  BORNEO,  northward  of  Pulo  Laut,  is  but  little  known,  and 
has  been  very  seldom  visited  by  Europeans.  A  peculiar  race,  a  kind  of  sea 
gypsies,  live  about  the  mouths  of  the  rivers.  They  are  called  by  Mr.  Earl 
the  Orang  Badju,  dwelling  in  boats  of  8  or  10  tons  burden,  each  boat  con- 
taining a  family  of  about  15  inhabitants,  who  employ  themselves  in  catching 
and  curing  fish  and  trepang.  They  are  very  trustworthy,  and  are  very  use- 
ful in  carrying  despatches  or  any  similar  offices. 

Eloempang,  or  Ealumpang  Bay,  lies  immediately  North  of  the  point  which 
protects  the  entrance  to  the  Pulo  Laut  Strait.  Pulo  Nanha,  and  an  islet  to 
the  North  of  it,  lie  in  the  entrance,  round  the  North  end  of  which  is  the 
channel  which  leads  to  an  apparently  well  sheltered  roadstead.  A  rock  lies 
a  mile  off  the  East  end  of  this  islet.  To  the  North  of  this  the  land  is 
skirted  by  a  broad  shelf,  with  breakers  on  its  outer  edge  4  and  5  miles  from 
land. 

Shoal  or  Flat  Point,  Tanjong  Mirra,  in  lat.  2°  35'  S.,  long.  116°  32"  E., 
is  the  southern  extremity  of  a  piece  of  wooded  level  land,  about  9  leagues 
in  length.  To  the  South  of  it  is  the  entrance  to  Bamulan  Bay^  a  large  bay, 
into  which  several  rivers  fall,  and  which  form  the  outlet  of  the  district  of 
Tamah  Boemhoe.  A  reef  projects  from  Shoal  Point  for  4  J  miles  in  a  southerly 
direction,  having  some  rocks  and  bushes  above  water,  but  the  flat  which 
fronts  the  point  may  be  borrowed  on  with  safety  to  6  fathoms  on  the  East 
side,  about  2  leagues  distant  from  the  point,  the  bottom  being  soft,  and  the 
depth  very  gradually  decreasing.  Steering  a  direct  course  along  the  coast, 
the  water  shoals  about  2  fathoms  abreast  the  point,  and  returning  to  the 
former  depth  when  past  it. 

Ragged  Point,  Tanjong  Ares,  is  in  lat.  2°  8'  30"  S.,  long.  116°  37'  E.,  and 
27  miles  N.  by  E.  from  Flat  Point.  The  land  between  them  being  level 
and  moderately  elevated,  is  terminated  to  the  northward  by  Ragged  Point, 
which  is  bluff,  with  some  gaps  among  the  trees,  and  surrounded  by  a  reef. 

Shoals.—  This  portion  of  the  Strait  of  Makassar  is  the  most  intricate,  as 
there  are  several  shoals  which  contract  the  passage  on  this  side  to  its 
narrowest  part.  These  shoals  have  not  been  properly  examined,  and  the 
soundings  not  being  regular,  there  is  great  difficulty  in  avoiding  them  at 
night.  The  Hercules  Shoal  is  one  of  these,  in  lat.  2°  20'  S.,  long.  116°  45'  E. 
It  bears  S.  35°  E.  from  Ragged  Point,  and  N.  47°  E.  from  Flat  Point,  distant 
11-^-  miles  from  shore.  It  is  composed  of  sand,  coral,  and  stones,  with  from 
3  to  9  ft.  water  on  it,  and  from  15  to  17  fathoms  close- to.  At  7  miles  to  the 
N.E.,  and  8  miles  N.W.  by  N.  of  the  Hercules  Shoal,  are  other  detached 
dangers. 

Addington  Shoal  appears  to  be  the  southernmost.  It  is  a  very  dangerous 
coral  patch  of  14  ft.  water,  with  Flat  Point  bearing  N.W.  i  N.,  distant  20 


THE  LITTLE  PATEENOSTEES.  799 

miles.  It  apparently  forms  part  of  an  extensive  series  of  patches,  with  deep 
water  between  them,  the  extent  being  nearly  2J  miles  in  a  N.W.  and  S.E. 
direction.  There  are  several  distinct  shoals,  one  a  patch  of  sand  above  water, 
on  the  N.W.  side. 

When  abreast  this  dangerous  shoal,  it  is  best  to  keep  within  4  or  5  leagues 
of  the  coast,  and  not  to  bring  Flat  Point  to  the  westward  of  N.  W.,  North,  or 
N.W.  I  N.,  until  to  the  northward  of  its  parallel,  which  is  about  lat.  2°  50'. 
Breakers  were  also  seen  to  the  N.E.  of  it,  in  lat.  2°  40'  S.,  long.  117°  0'  E., 
extending  North  and  South  about  5  miles. 

The  LITTLE  PATERNOSTERS,  or  Pulo  Palabalagan,  lie  in  the  middle 
of  the  strait  off  this  part.  They  are  called  the  Little  Paternosters,  to  distin- 
guish them  from  the  other  group  North  of  Sumbawa.  They  are  most 
vaguely  placed  on  the  charts,  but  are  said  to  consist  of  thirteen  small  isles, 
with  banks  of  sand  and  coral  above  and  under  water,  scattered  over  a  space 
80  miles  in  breadth,  on  the  parallel  of  2"  20'  S.  The  southernmost  isle  is  in 
lat.  2=  42'  S. ;  the  north-easternmost  in  lat.  2°  10'  S.,  long.  117^  56'  E.  ;  and 
the  north-westernmost  in  lat.  2°  8'  S.,  long.  117°  35'  E.  On  these  two  isles 
there  is  fresh  water ;  they  are  all  covered  with  low  trees,  and  should  not  be 
approached,  as  their  neighbourhood  is  dangerous,  breakers  and  shoals  lying 
fully  8  miles  to  the  northward  of  the  N.W.  islet,  and  for  30  miles  East  and 
West  of  them  are  numerous  scattered  reefs. 

The  Blenheim  Reef,  in  lat.  2°  24'  S.,  at  21  miles  E.N.E.  of  Flat  Point,  is 
apparently  the  westernmost  of  the  above  shoals,  and  therefore  forms  the 
eastern  side  of  the  fairway.  The  Hannah  Shoal,  about  26  miles  E.  by  S.  of 
Eagged  Point,  in  lat.  2°  18'  S.,  long.  117°  2'  E.,  forms  a  portion  of  these 
western  limits.     Emily  Anina  Islet,  in  2°  4'  S.,  long.  117°  E.,  is  doubtful. 

Pasir  or  Passier  River,  on  the  coast  of  Borneo,  the  mouth  of  which  is  in 
lat.  1°  51'  S.,  is  a  considerable  stream,  about  40  or  50  miles  up  which  is  the 
town  of  Pasir,  formerly  of  some  importance,  a  considerable  native  trade  being 
carried  on  with  the  Spice  Islands  ;  but  it  subsequently  became  a  den  of  in- 
famy and  piracy.  In  1772  the  English  proposed  to  establish  a  factory  here, 
but  did  not  carry  it  into  effect.  The  anchorage  off  the  mouth  of  the  river  or 
Kwala  Pasir,  is  in  4J  or  5  fathoms,  3  leagues  off  shore,  to  the  northward  of 
the  river.  There  are  some  shoals  in  the  South  part  of  the  bay,  between 
Eagged  Point  and  the  river,  from  3  to  6  miles  off  shore,  to  avoid  which,  in 
coming  to  Pasir,  you  should  get  into  the  latitude  of  the  anchorage  before 
approaching  the  shore,  and  then  steer  West  for  it.  Supplies  may  be  got  at 
the  town,  but  ships  must  be  guarded  against  attack.  At  the  N.W.  part  of 
the  bay  is  the  broad  entrance  of  Pasir  J^ama,  called  Adang  Bay  All  the  land 
is  low  and  wooded  near  the  sea,  but  inland  it  is  hilly. 

Jason  Reef,  off  this  coast,  is  5  miles  in  extent.  North  and  South,  and  4 
miles  East  and  West ;  its  N.E.  end  is  in  lat.  1°  47'  S.,  long.  116°  55'  E.  The 
eastern  part  is  9  leagues  eastward  of  the  entrance  to  the  Pasir  Eiver.  There 


800  THE  STEAIT  OF  MAKASSAE. 

is  a  depth  of  from  12  to  23  fathoms  to  westward,  and  18  to  20  fathoms  im- 
mediately to  the  eastward  of  them. 

From  Tanjong  Telakai,  the  N.E.  point  of  Adang  Bay,  the  coast  trends  to 
the  north-eastward  for  26  miles  to  Balih  Papan  Bay ;  the  coast  is  low,  but  at 
30  miles  N.W.  of  the  bay  a  detached  mountain  is  seen,  Gunong  Balik  Papan, 
and  to  the  North  of  Adang  Bay  the  land  rises  in  hummocks.  A  rock  lies  in 
the  middle  of  the  entrance  to  the  bay. 

The  RIVER  KOETEI  or  Koti,  or  Mahakkan,  one  of  the  most  consider- 
able in  Borneo,  forms  a  delta  commencing  in  lat.  0°  57'  S.,  and  extending 
thence  for  40  miles  to  the  northward,  the  low  land  intersected  by  its  nume- 
rous branches  and  mouths,  being  called  Pulo  Pamarang,  or  Pamarung,  or 
Dondrekin  Eiland,  by  the  Dutch,  and  it  was  surveyed  by  a  Dutch  oflB.cer, 
Q-.  W.  E.  Moeth,  in  1856.  The  various  branches  diverge  from  a  point  more 
than  25  miles  from  the  bars  of  the  southern  entrances,  and  the  town  of  San- 
gason  stands  on  the  South  side  of  the  stream.  At  9  or  10  miles  still  higher 
up  the  river  is  the  larger  Bugis  town  of  Samarinda,  the  capital  of  the  state 
of  Koetei ;  Tengaroeng  or  Tongarron  being  30  miles  in  direct  distance  to  the 
N.W.,  but  much  more  following  the  windings  of  the  river,  which  is  here 
very  tortuous.  The  Sultan  of  Koetei  entered  into  a  treaty  with  the  Nether- 
lands Grovernment,  October  12th,  1845,  by  which  he  acknowledged  the 
sovereignty  of  that  nation,  and  by  which  he  undertakes  to  suppress  piracy, 
and  accords  the  free  navigation  of  the  river  as  high  as  Samarinda.  A  Dutch 
expedition  under  Major  Muller,  ascended  the  river  in  1825,  to  cross  the 
country  to  the  West  coast,  but  they  were  cut  off  by  the  Dyaks.  Mr.  Dalton, 
an  Englishman,  went  up  two  years  after,  and  lived  15  months  among  the 
Dyaks.  The  river  in  the  rainy  season  brings  down  large  drifts  of  trees  and 
vegetation,  carrying  them  out  to  sea,  when  they  appear  frequently  at  a  dis- 
tance like  small  islands  or  prahus  under  sail. 

Pamarung  Islands  form  the  delta  as  before  said.  The  south-westernmost 
mouth,  Muara  Dyawa,  is  in  lat.  1°  0'  S.,  long.  117°  20'  E.  It  runs  to  the 
northward,  and  has  10  ft.  least  water  on  the  bar,  but  is  deeper  within, 
although  between  the  bar  and  Sangason  there  are  some  places  with  only  6 
feet  depth.  Numerous  branches  debouche  to  the  eastward  of  these,  one  of 
the  largest  behind  Oedjong  Becapay,  14  miles  from  Muara  Dyawa.  Tanjong 
Bayor,  the  easternmost,  and  central  point  of  the  delta,  is  in  lat.  0°  43'  S., 
long.  117°  38' E.  The  shoal  water  extends  fully  6  to  10  miles  outside  the 
dry  land  to  the  northward  and  eastward,  but  its  outer  edge  is  here  more 
steep-to  than  the  southern  portion  of  the  islands  and  flats  of  the  delta.  The 
tides  rise  here  from  8  to  9  ft.  A  detached  2i-fathom  patch  lies  14  miles 
S.E.  by  E.  of  Tanjong  Bayor. 

The  Coast  of  Koetei,  to  the  northward  of  the  Pamarung  Islands,  is  little 
known,  and  but  seldom  seen.  At  25  miles  North  of  them  is  a  cluster  of 
islets  and  rocks,  which  extend  along  the  shore  to  lat.  0°  10'  N.     A  slight 


ISLAND  OF  CELEBES.  801 

projection  of  the  land,  Oedjong  /Saw^aw^  lying  on  the  equator.  In  lat.  0°22'N., 
and  at  8  miles  off  shore,  is  a  detached  rock,  Karang  Sangatta  ;  and  in  lat. 
0°  35'  N.,  long.  117°  55'  E.,  is  Bungalun  Rock,  marked  doubtful  in  position 
on  the  chart.  These  should  be  thought  of  should  a  vessel  venture  into  this 
great  bay,  at  the  head  of  which,  in  lat.  0°  45'  N.,  there  is  anchorage  in  5  to 
10  fathoms,  muddy  bottom,  near  the  shore,  but  be  careful  of  another  detached 
rock,  li  mile  from  the  land.  The  coast  from  this  trends  to  the  eastward  for 
68  miles,  with  no  place  worthy  of  remark  except  a  large  bay  in  long.  118°  0 , 
called  Sanhoelirang  or  Telolch  SaJca  Bag,  at  the  back  of  which  is  a  mountain  of 
the  same  name.  Bira  Birahan,  a  small  islet,  lies  8  miles  off  shore,  in  long. 
118°  27'  E.  At  6  miles  E.S.E.  of  it  is  a  shoal,  varying  from  10  fathoms  to 
18  ft.,  in  lat.  0^  42'  N.,  long.  118°  35'  E.  It  was  discovered  in  1869  by  the 
Dutch  barque  Johanna  Anthonia. 

TANJONG  KANIONGAN  is  the  north-western  limit  of  the  Strait  of  Ma- 
kassar. It  is  in  lat.  1°  4'  N.,  long.  115°  56'  E.  It  is  the  eastern  extremity 
of  a  range  of  high  even  land,  which  extends  to  the  westward,  joining  the 
great  central  chain  of  mountains.  At  7  miles  south-westward  of  it  a  rocky 
shoal  lies  against  the  shore,  and  immediately  around  the  cape  itself  there  is 
shoal  water,  but  outside  this  the  depth  is  very  considerable.  From  the  cape 
the  land  trends  to  the  W.N.W.,  and  has  some  extensive  shoals  and  several 
islets,  with  channels  intersecting  them  at  8  or  10  miles  distant.  These 
islands,  and  the  rest  which  lie  off  the  northern  side  of  the  peninsula,  are  very 
differently  represented  in  the  more  recent  Dutch  charts,  to  what  is  given  by 
older  authors,  and  they  cannot  in  any  way  be  considered  as  forming  the 
entrance  to  the  strait. 

The  ISLAND  of  CELEBES,  one  of  the  most  singular  in  the  world,  forms 
the  eastern  limit  of  the  strait.  Except  in  some  small  portions,  it  has  never 
been  surveyed,  but  on  the  coasts  not  examined  there  appears  to  be  few  dan- 
gers to  navigation  ;  the  water  is  very  deep  close-to  as  far  as  is  known, 
but  the  paucity  of  observations  will  give  but  little  knowledge  of  its  real 
character. 

The  grotesque  form  of  the  island,  four  long  peninsulas  joined  together,  is 
familiar  to  every  schoolboy.  From  this  cause  it  has  few  or  no  rivers  worth 
mentioning,  and  its  mountainous  character  is  such,  that  the  fertilizing  effects 
of  these  streams  is  carried  at  once  into  the  deep  waters  of  the  ocean.  Thus 
there  is  but  little  agriculture,  and  the  total  population  of  the  island  does  not 
much,  if  at  all,  exceed  a  million,  while,  if  it  were  as  fertile  as  Java,  it  ought 
to  be  fifteen  times  as  many,  the  area  of  Celebes  being  one-half  larger  than 
Java.  The  best  known  portion  of  the  island,  is  the  southern  peninsula,  and 
it  is  by  far  the  most  populous  and  important.  A  chain  of  mountains  runs 
through  it,  and  terminates  to  the  southward  in  the  highest  point  of  the 
island,  Lompoe  Batang,  8,200  ft.  high,  and  near  to  the  southern  coast. 
I.  A.  5  k 


802  ISLAND  OF  CELEBES. 

The  people  of  Celebes  are  of  the  same  race  as  those  of  Sumatra,  Java,  and 
Borneo,  but  are  divided  into  a  very  great  number  of  tribes,  possessing  every 
variety  of  civilization,  from  the  savage  cannibal  and  head-hunter  to  the  man 
of  letters.  The  most  civilized  portion  is  that  in  the  S.  W.  peninsula.  The 
great  feature  of  the  nativfes  of  Celebes  is  their  propensity  for  the  sea.  This 
probably  arises  from  the  proximity  of  every  part  of  the  island  to  the  sea,  its 
sterility,  and  the  abundance  of  fish  which  may  be  caught  around  it.  From 
whatever  cause  it  proceeds,  the  inhabitants  of  Celebes  are  at  present  the  most 
skilful  and  adventurous  native  mariners  and  merchants  of  the  archipelago. 
Their  little  vessels  of  peculiar  build,  called  Padewakan  by  the  Malays,  and 
of  the  burden  of  from  40  to  50  tons,  conduct  the  carrying  trade  from 'one  end 
of  the  archipelago  to  the  other,  their  outward  and  homeward  voyages  being 
guided  by  the  monsoons.  Besides  the  trade  conducted  in  Celebes  itself,  the 
people  of  this  island  are  to  be  found  as  settlers  in  every  part  of  the  archipe- 
lago where  there  is  trade  and  protection,  and  many  vessels  belonging  to 
them  sail  from  such  settlements." — Crawfurd. 

The  whole  of  the  island  is,  nominally  at  least,  subject  to  the  Dutch,  and 
it  is  divided  into  three  provinces.  The  government  of  Mangkasser,  em- 
bracing the  southern  and  part  of  the  south-eastern  peninsula  ;  the  Eesidence 
of  Ternati,  attached  to  the  Moluccas,  around  the  shores  of  the  eastern  Gulf 
of  Tomaiki,  and  the  residence  of  Manado,  embracing  the  shores  of  the  Grulf 
of  Tomini  and  the  long  northern  peninsula.  The  capital  of  the  whole  is 
Makassar  or  Mangkasser. 

SONTHEIN,  on  the  South  coast  of  the  southern  peninsula,  is  a  Dutch 
town,  at  the  head  of  a  bay,  in  lat.  5"  32'  S.,  long.  119°  55'  E.  It  is  connected 
by  a  post  road  with  Macassar,  50  miles  in  length.  Behind  it  rise  the 
highest  mountains  in  Celebes,  Gunong  Loempoe,  Ballang,  or  Bonthein  PeaJc, 
before  mentioned;  its  summit  is  11  miles  due  North  of  the  town.  There  is 
good  anchorage  in  7  or  8  fathoms,  sandy  bottom,  at  about  2  miles  off  from  the 
village.  The  land  rises  from  the  shore  towards  the  slopes  of  the  mountains, 
and  on  its  upper  portion  potatoes  and  European  vegetables  are  grown. 

Boelecomla,  another  Dutch  village,  is  14  miles  eastward  of  Bonthein. 
Boelecomba  Hill,  in  longitude  120°  8'  E.,  is  not  very  conspicuous  when  first 
seen  in  coming  from  the  westward ;  but  when  abreast  of  it,  it  becomes  an 
excellent  mark,  being  a  high  conical  hill  standing  by  itself  on  the  low  land 
near  the  sea  to  the  N.W.  of  the  village.  There  is  good  anchorage  off  it 
with  the  bell  buoy  N.N.W.  J  W.  and  the  flagstaff  of  Boelecomba  N.N.W. 
2J  or  3  miles  in  6J  or  7  fathoms,  sand  and  mud.  Water  may  be  procured 
in  the  river  on  the  East  side  of  the  bay,  by  sending  boats  about  a  quarter  of 
a  mile  up  it.  A  coral  reef  projects  nearly  2  miles  from  the  western  point  of 
the  watering  bay,  and  is  steep-to. 

Melassor  Bay  is  20  miles  westward  of  Bonthein,  Cape  Boelo  Boelo,  the 
southernmost  point  of  Celebes,  lying  between.     Its  eastern  extreme  point  is 


POINT  LATKAN-MAKASSAR.  803 

called  Elamhang,  in  lat.  5°  40'  S.,  119°  40'  E.  Between  this  and  an  islet  on 
the  West  side,  the  bay  is  3  miles  wide  at  the  entrance.  Shoal  water  extends 
for  \\  mile  westward  of  Tanjong  Klambang,  but  3  and  4  fathoms  ax'e  found 
close  to  the  island  on  the  West  side.  Toeratte  Bay  is  to  the  westward  of 
Melassor  Bay,  but  appears  to  be  foul  and  rocky.  The  southern  coast  of 
Celebes  is  fronted  by  a  bank  of  tolerably  regular  soundings,  '2  or  3  leagues 
broad  in  some  parts,  which  is  a  good  guide  by  night,  but  12  to  15  fathoms 
are  found  close  to  the  headlands. 

POINT  LAYKAN,  or  Tanjong  Laikan,  the  south-westernmost  point  of 
Celebes,  is  in  lat.  5"  36'  S.,  long.  119°  26'  30".  It  should  have  a  berth  of 
3  miles  5n  account  of  a  coral  bank  which,  extends  for  1 J  or  2  miles  from  it, 
but  the  water  shoals  near  it  to  15  or  12  fathoms,  and  there  are  4  and  5 
fathoms  on  its  edge. 

TANA  KEKE,  an  island  about  3  miles  in  diameter,  lies  10  miles  north- 
westward of  Point  Laykan.  It  has  a  level  appearance,  and  may  be  seen  18 
or  20  miles  off.  It  is  separated  from  the  S.W.  part  of  Celebes  by  a  naviga- 
ble channel  about  2  miles  wide,  with  10  fathoms  least  water  between  the 
reefs  on  either  hand,  soft  bottom,  but  frequently  coral.  A  Hack  conical  Her- 
bert's luo7j,  8  ft.  high,  is  placed  on  the  N.E.  part  of  the  reef,  against 
Tana  Keke  Island,  in  4^  fathoms  water ;  and  a  similar  buoy,  but  painted 
white,  lies  on  the  westerly  projecting  point  of  the  Malang  Beang  Shoal  in 
3f  fathoms.  Between  these  two  buoys  there  is  a  safe  channel  through  the 
Tana  Keke  Passage. 

There  is  a  6-fathom  patch  about  in  mid-channel  in  the  southern  entrance. 
Avoiding  this  on  passing  through,  keep  in  mid-channel,  or  rather  nearest  to 
Tana  Keke.  Three  islands,  called  the  Three  Brothers,  lie  to  the  N.W.  of 
Tana  Keke.  The  bank  of  soundings  stretches  to  the  West  of  these  for  6 
leagues,  the  outermost  patch  of  4^  fathoms  lying  in  lat.  5°  22^'  S.,  long. 
118°  55'  E.  At  18  miles  southward  of  this  patch,  and  about  the  same  dis- 
tance south-eastward  of  Tonyn  Island,  is  a  bank  of  13  to  17  fathoms,  sur- 
rounded by  deep  water. 

Cape  Magindari  is  12  miles  N.N.W.  from  Cape  Laykan,  and  forms  the 
eastern  limit  of  the  strait  within  Tana  Keke.  From  this  the  coast  trends  to 
the  northward,  and  at  6  miles  from  it  is  a  small  island,  GUssong,  close  to  the 
coast. 

MAKASSAR  or  MANGKASSER,  the  metropolis  of  Celebes,  was  surveyed 
by  Sir  Edward  Belcher,  in  1844.  He  established  an  observatory  near  to 
the  North  angle  of  the  fort,  in  lat.  5°  8'  9"  S.,  long.  119°  21'  18". 

The  Fort  of  Makassar,  Kasteel  Rotterdam,  stands  on  the  S.W.  angle  of  the 
town,  disconnected  by  a  ditch  and  high  rampart,  within  which  the  military 
reside.  The  town,  which  is  walled,  is  very  regularly  built,  extending  about 
one-quarter  of  a  mile  by  half  a  mile  over  its  squares,  and  having  3  gates  on 
its  southern  face,  which  were  closed  at  9  o'clock.  The  Chinese  appear  to  con- 


804  MAKASSAE. 

stitute  the  majority  of  the  population  of  the  town,  but  the  huts  of  the  natives 
extend  far  to  the  northward,  and  appear  to  be  thickly  inhabited,  as  are  all 
the  coast  and  the  islands.  The  fishing  propensities  of  the  natives  are  evident 
everywhere.  The  beacons,  which  are  frequently  found  in  16  and  17  fathoms, 
induce  a  belief  in  shoal  water.  Makassar  is  reckoned  particularly  salubrious. 
The  atmosphere  is  very  dry  ;  it  seldom  rains,  and  is  similar  to  the  climate  of 
Lima.  Nevertheless  the  horizon  and  atmosphere  on  the  mountains  is  very 
hazy.  The  sea  breeze  generally  sets  in  regularly  about  10  o'clock,  com- 
mencing from  the  southward,  and  veers  to  the  westward  before  sunset,  when 
it  fails,  and  is  succeeded  about  10  o'clock  by  a  cool  land  breeze.  Stock  is 
plentiful  and  reasonable  in  price,  as  well  as  vegetables, 

Makassar  is  a  port  of  call  for  the  Netherlands'  India  Steam  Navigation 
Company's  boats.  It  was  declared  a  free  port  by  an  ordinance  from  the 
Dutch  Governor-general,  dated  September  9th,  1846,  which  took  effect  on 
January  1st,  1847.  The  roadstead  of  Makassar,  though  only  an  open  one, 
is  not  subject  to  storms,  and  has  safe  anchorage,  and  the  native  trade  has 
always  been  considerable.  Subsequently  to  the  enfranchisement  of  Makas- 
sar two  other  places  on  the  N.E.  end  of  Celebes,  Menado  on  the  North  side 
and  Kema  on  the  opposite  side  were  declared  free  ports  on  September  28th, 
1848.  In  entering  these  roads  all  vessels  are  required  to  hoist  their  national 
flag,  which  will  be  responded  to  on  the  shore,  and  a  correct  description  of 
the  ship  and  her  destination  must  be  handed  to  the  officers. 

Lights.— On  Fort  Rotterdam  a  fixed  bright  light  is  shown,  which  is  visible 
11  miles  off,  and  about  1^  mile  to  the  southward  a  second  light  was  estab- 
lished in  1870.  Previous  to  the  establishment  of  this  light  a  lightvessel 
marked  the  South  end  of  the  Great  Lelij  Shoal.  It  illuminates  in  a  seaward 
direction  an  arc  of  180°,  divided  into  three  sections,  of  which  the  central  one, 
measuring  30°,  shows  a  red  light,  and  the  others,  each  of  75°,  a  white  light. 
The  lantern  is  placed  at  an  elevation  of  39  ft.  above  the  level  of  high  water ; 
the  red  light  being  visible  3  miles,  and  the  white  light  8  miles. 

From  the  lighthouse,  the  beacon  on  Pienjing  Shoal  bears  S.  67°  30'  W., 
and  the  beacon  on  South  end  of  Great  Lelij  Shoal  N.  65°  30'  W. ;  the  red 
sector  of  light  being  about  midway  between  these  beacons. 

The  new  light  will  serve,  in  conjunction  with  the  harbour  light  at  Macas- 
sar, to  render  Macassar  roads  easy  of  access  from  the  South  and  S.W.  For 
this  purpose,  having  entered  the  red  sector  of  light,  steer  for  the  light  on  an 
easterly  bearing,  until  Macassar  harbour  light  bears  N.E.  by  N.,  when  steer 
for  it,  taking  care,  on  approaching  the  latter  light,  to  alter  course  more  to 
the  northward,  in  order  to  enter  the  roads. 

The  anchorage  is  within  a  line  of  shoals,  the  southernmost  of  which  is 
called  the  Great  Lely,  or  Lelei,  a  mile  in  extent,  and  for  a  great  part  nearly 
awash,  its  eastern  angle  being  more  than  half  a  mile  West  of  the  castle,  the 
depths  between  varying  from  7  to  10  fathoms.     It  is  a  coral  reef  covered 


THE  SPERMONDE  AECHIPELAGO.  805 

■with  sand.  The  Little  Lelei  and  other  shoals  extend  for  more  than  2  miles 
to  the  northward,  but  leave  a  clear  channel  of  9  fathoms  depth  between 
them,  which  can  be  taken  by  bringing  the  North  angle  of  the  castle  to  bear 
E.  by  S.  ^  S.  In  coming  to  it  from  the  southward  the  castle  should  not  be 
brought  to  the  northward  of  N.N.E.  ^  E.  till  past  the  dangerous  Fieiijing 
Reefy  marked  by  a  beacon,  which  lies  off  the  extremity  of  a  sandy  spit  jut- 
ting out  to  the  westward  three-quarters  of  a  mile  on  the  South  side  of  the 
Goa  Eiver,  and  2J  miles  distant  from  the  castle.  The  anchorage  is  abreast 
the  town  in  7  or  8  fathoms. 

The  South  end  of  the  Great  Lelij  Shoal  is  marked  by  a  beacon  with  a 
triangular  head,  and  Hoofd  Eeef,  the  S.E.  extreme  of  Little  Lelij  Reef,  is 
marked  by  a  hlack  buoy,  moored  in  2  fathoms,  with  a  pyramid  on  the  shore 
bearing  E.  by  N.,  and  the  Fort  lighthouse  S.S.E.  f  E.,  half  a  mile  distant. 
The  eastern  end  of  Little  Lelij  Shoal,  and  also  the  reef  extending  off  Fort 
Rotterdam,  are  each  marked  by  a  beacon. 

In  advancing  from  the  westward,  care  must  be  taken  to  guard  against  a 
sunken  rock,  marked  on  the  Dutch  charts  at  2f  miles  nearly  due  West  of 
the  fort ;  it  is  there  called  Bonie  Banlco.  At  4  miles  W.  by  N.  from  the  fort 
is  Sammalona  or  DeviVs  Island,  surrounded  by  a  reef.  There  are  several 
other  islands  scattered  on  the  great  flat  which  extends  from  20  to  30  miles 
off  the  coast  for  70  miles  northward  of  Tana  Keke. 

The  SPERMONDE  ARCHIPELAGO,  as  these  islands  are  called,  are  best 
understood  by  the  chart ;  it  would  be  impossible  to  describe  them  verbally. 
The  whole  of  the  space  for  50  miles  North  of  Makassar,  and  for  20  to  33 
miles  off  shore,  is  a  complete  labyrinth  of  shoals.  The  westernmost  of  these 
is  Pulo  Eapo  Fosang,,  in  lat.  4°  43'  S.,  long  118°  55'  E.,  and  this  bears  N.W. 
^  W.  36  miles.  A  sunken  rock  on  the  reef  which  surrounds  it  lies  nearly  2 
miles  westward  from  it,  and  at  2\  miles  still  farther  West  is  a  rock  which 
dries  at  low  water,  but  separated  from  the  main  reef  by  a  deep  channel.  To 
the  N.E.  of  this  the  limits  of  the  reef  have  not  been  traced,  but  the  northern 
edge  trends  generally  East  and  West,  on  the  parallel  of  4°  18'  S.,  and  is  very 
steep-to,  the  depths  at  a  short  distance  outside  being  unfathomable. 

There  are  channels  through  the  Archipelago  towards  Makassar,  and  at 
the  northern  entrance  to  this  a  Herbert's  huoy,  painted  hlaclc,  with  a  white 
horizontal  band,  is  placed  on  the  N.E.  part  of  the  Tomisa  Reef,  in  5  fathoms 
water.     There  are  also  some  white  stone  beacons  marking  the  reefs. 

Pareh  Pareh  Bay,  at  68  miles  northward  of  Makassar,  has  a  landlocked 
basin  at  its  head.  The  channel  leading  to  it  runs  to  northward  2  miles,  and 
is  clear  on  the  port  side,  but  has  some  shoals  on  the  opposite  shore,  abreast 
of  the  village  of  Pareh  Pareh,  in  lat.  4°  1'  S.,  long.  119°  34'  E.  From  this 
the  coast  trends  to  N.  by  W.  for  about  33  miles,  when  it  assumes  a  westerly 
direction  for  27  miles,  forming  an  extensive  bight,  terminated  on  the  N.W. 
by  Cape  Mandhar.     At  8  miles  eastward  of  the  cape  is  an  anchoring  place 


806  CAPE  MANDHAR— BAY  OF  PALOS. 

off  the  village  of  Balanipa,  lat.  3°  32'  S.,  long.  119°  5'  E.  The  anchorage  is 
on  a  projecting  spit  of  2J  to  6  fathoms,  with  the  village  or  rather  the  mouth 
of  its  river,  bearing  N.W.  three-quarters  of  a  mile  distant.  Immediately 
East  of  Cape  Mandhar  is  Madye7ia  Road,  an  anchorage  open  to  the  south- 
ward, but  there  is  an  opening  thi'ough  the  reef  opposite  the  village,  which 
is  in  lat.  3°  32'  S.,  long.  118°  5^)'  E. 

CAPE  MANDHAR  or  Mandar,  lat.  3°  35'  S.,  long.  118°  54',  is  high  land, 
and  on  its  western  side  is  quite  bold-to,  but  shoal  water  extends  some  dis- 
tance to  the  southward  and  eastward  from  it.  The  coast  trends  to  N.  by  W. 
from  it  for  7  miles  to  Penamhoeang,  a  village  facing  a  bay  open  to  the  west- 
ward, in  lat.  3"  27'  S.,  long.  118°  51'  E.  There  is  anchorage  in  this  bay  in 
12  to  20  fathoms  within  300  yards  of  the  shore,  protected  from  the  north- 
ward and  southward.  Tijnrana  Bay  is  10  miles  northward  of  Penamboeang, 
and  has  two  lofty  islets  on  its  West  side,  Taai  Manoe,  to  the  South  of  which 
is  the  village  in  lat.  3°  19'  S.  The  depth  in  the  bay,  open  to  the  N.W.,  to 
the  East  of  these  is  from  10  to  20  fathoms.  From  this  the  coast  of  Celebes, 
but  little  known  and  unsurveyed,  trends  irregularly  to  lat.  2°  52',  where  on 
the  northern  side  of  Lehanie  Bay  are  the  anchorages  of  Tapullang,  to  the  East 
of  a  cape  of  that  name,  and  of  Kait,  a  mile  to  the  westward  of  it.  The 
bank  is  very  steep-to,  and  has  30  fathoms  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  the 
shore.  Good  water  may  be  procured  here.  H.M.S.  Virgime  watered  here 
in  24  hours,  and  could  have  procured  buffaloes  and  other  stock  by  waiting 
for  them. 

Cape  William,  in  lat.  2°  40'  S.,  118°  47'  E.,  is  12  miles  northward  of  Cape 
Kait,  and  is  a  high  projecting  headland,  having  a  large  bay  to  the  eastward. 
When  this  cape  bears  East  10  leagues  distant,  the  south-easternmost  of  the 
Little  Paternosters  will  be  seen,  and  should  be  avoided.  Meinderts  Shoal,  of 
5  fathoms,  lies  7  miles  W.  by  N.  of  Cape  William.  Mamoedya  Bay,  to  the 
eastward  of  Cape  William,  is  protected  from  the  northward  by  an  island 
called  by  the  same  name.  It  affords  good  anchorage  either  with  the  village 
bearing  E.S.E.  a  mile  distant,  or  inside  a  rocky  shoal,  in  11  fathoms  three- 
quarters  a  mile  to  N.E,  of  the  centre  of  the  village. 

The  coast  to  the  northward  of  this  for  many  miles  is  unknown  and  un- 
visited.  The  first  place  of  which  we  know  anything  is  Kajeli  or  Kayeli,  in 
lat.  1°  40'  S.,  said  to  be  famous  for  gold,  sheep,  &c.,  but  anyone  landing 
here,  or  on  any  part  of  this  coast,  should  use  the  greatest  caution  against 
treachery. 

The  BAY  of  PALOS,  the  entrance  to  which  is  in  lat.  0°  37'  S.,  has  been 
examined  by  officers  of  the  Dutch  navy,  and  its  several  anchorages  have 
been  surveyed  by  Lieuts.  Van  Loo,  Castendyk,  &c.  It  is  a  deep  gulf  pene- 
trating the  coast  in  a  S.S.E.  direction  for  nearly  20  miles,  with  a  breadth  of 
from  4  to  6  miles,  thus  affording  much  shelter.  Its  shores,  especially  the 
eastern  side,  appear  to  be  thickly  peopled.      On  the  eastern  side  are  the 


CAPES  TEMOEL  AND  DONDA.  807 

anchorages  or  bays  of  Wari,  6  miles  within  the  entrance  points,  Membora  10 
miles  farther  South,  and  Palos  at  its  head.  The  anchorage  here  is  to  the 
eastward  of  the  village,  which  is  in  lat.  0°  57'  S.,  long.  119°  49'  E.  A  high 
table  mountain  lies  E.S.E.  from  the  village.  Near  the  entrance  of  the  bay, 
on  the  western  side,  is  the  roadstead  of  Dangola,  abreast  of  the  village.  A 
rock  is  shown  in  the  Dutch  maps  as  lying  about  13  miles  N.N.W.  from  the 
western  headland  of  the  bay,  but  its  position  is  uncertain. 

The  northern  peninsula  of  Celebes  here  separates  from  the  main  body  of 
the  island,  assuming  first  a  northerly  and  then  an  easterly  direction.  The 
isthmus  connecting  it  is  here  very  narrow,  but  of  undetermined  breadth,  as 
the  head  of  the  great  Gulf  of  Tomini  is  very  little  known.  Melville  van 
Carnbee  makes  its  breadth  to  be  only  10  miles. 

CAPE  TEMOEL  or  Samsa  is  the  West  extremity  of  a  peninsula  of  high 
land,  projecting  considerably  from  the  line  of  coast,  on  the  equator,  in 
longitude  119°  36'  E.  When  first  made  from  the  northward  it  makes  like 
islands,  as  the  land  which  connects  it  with  the  coast  is  lower  than  the  hills 
which  form  it.  Captain  Horsburgh  states  that  he  was  all  the  month  of 
February  endeavouring  to  round  it  to  the  northward.  A  shoal  extends  to  the 
northY'ard  of  the  cape  about  IJ  mile.  About  5  miles  N.  by  W.  from  the 
cape  lies  a  small  round  island,  the  South  Watcher,  or  Zutd  Wachter' oi  the 
Dutch,  having  a  reef  projecting  from  its  South  end,  and  from  its  N.E.  end 
a  reef  of  rocks  and  sand  extends  towards  the  Celebes  shore  more  than  one- 
third  the  distance  between  them.  It  is  not  advisable  to  go  inside  the  island, 
as  it  seems  unsafe.  A  shoal,  seen  by  Captain  Spratley,  bears  S.W.  \  S. 
from  the  South  Watcher  and  West  from  Cape  Temoel  3^-  miles  distant.  It 
is  about  2  miles  in  length  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.,  and  deep  water  within  a 
mile  of  it. 

The  Seven  Islands,  in  lat.  0°  32'  N.,  are  flat,  low,  and  woody,  not  easily 
distinguished  unless  when  near  them,  except  the  outermost,  called  the  North 
Watcher  (Noord  Wachter),  in  about  lat.  0°  36'  N.,  long.  119°  42'  E.,  distant 
13  miles  from  shore,  and  seems  not  so  large  as  the  others,  but  may  be  seen 
15  or  18  miles  oflF.  This  island  is  surrounded  to  the  distance  of  a  mile  on 
its  West,  North,  and  East  sides  by  a  coral  reef;  beyond  this  reef  the  channel 
between  it  and  Pulo  Pangahsia7i,  6  miles  to  the  S.E.,  is  clear  of  danger.  At 
15  miles  E.N.E.  from  the  North  Watcher,  and  3  miles  off  shore,  the  Dutch 
charts  mark  a  danger,  called  Rynsdroogte. 

CAPE  DONDA,  or  Dondo,  which  may  be  taken  as  the  N.  E.  limit  of  the 
strait  of  Makassar,  is  in  lat.  0°  59'  30"  N.,  long.  120°  12'  E.,  22^^  leagues 
N.E.  by  N.  from  Cape  Temoel.  The  mountains  over  this  cape  being  very 
high  and  bold,  and  having  a  steep  declivity  to  the  water's  edge,  terminating 
in  several  bold  headlands,  make  it  diJ0B.cult  to  distinguish  this  cape.  The 
cape  or  N.W.  extreme  of  the  peninsula,  according  to  the  Dutch  charts,  is  an 
island,  with  a  rock  2  miles  westward  of  it.     A  doubtful  rock  is  marked  at  9 


808  DIEECTIONS— STEAIT  OF  MAKASSAE. 

miles  to  the  N.W.  of  it.  Some  shoal  water  is  said  to  exist  to  the  southward 
of  it,  but  generally  along  this  coast  no  soundings  can  be  got  close  to  the 
shore,  nor  does  there  appear  to  be  any  in  the  bays  with  sandy  beaches  near 
the  Seven  Islands  or  Cape  Temoel. 

DIRECTIONS  for  the  Strait  of  Makassar.— The  great  extent  of  this  strait 
and  the  breadth  of  its  channels  prevent  any  specific  directions  being  given 
for  it,  or  marks  for  avoiding  its  dangers.  The  imperfection  of  our  knowledge 
adds  to  these  difficulties.     A  few  general  remarks  must  suffice. 

The  Little  Paternoster  group,  as  before  stated,  separates  the  strait  into 
two  channels,  of  which  the  western  one,  along  the  Borneo  coast,  is  10  or  11 
leagues  broad,  and  the  other  about  12  leagues.  There  are  some  dangers  in 
the  former,  but  still  it  is  more  frequented  and  preferred  to  the  eastern  side, 
along  the  Celebes  shore,  as  the  depths  are  moderate,  and  anchorage  may 
be  found  in  most  parts,  whereas  the  coast  of  Celebes  is  almost  entirely 
steep-to,  and  the  offing,  as  far  as  is  known,  unfathomable,  besides  which 
there  are  but  few  anchoring  places,  as  will  be  seen  from  the  foregoing 
directions. 

In  October  and  November  it  is  probable  that  the  Celebes  side  is  pre- 
ferable, for  light  southerly  breezes  prevail  here  at  this  time,  when  the  wind 
is  difi'erent  on  the  Borneo  side,  and  when  strong  southerly  currents  prevail 
in  the  middle  of  the  strait,  their  velocity  has  been  found  to  decrease  a  little 
as  the  Celebes  shore  is  approached. 

To  sail  along  the  Celebes  side,  and  coming  from  the  southward  or  west- 
ward in  the  westerly  monsoon,  approach  the  S.E.  part  of  Great  Pulo  Laut 
as  if  you  were  proceeding  along  the  Borneo  side,  and  thence  by  an  E.  by  N. 
or  E.N.E.  course,  traverse  the  strait  and  make  the  coast  of  Celebes,  about 
Cape  Mandhar,  taking  care  to  avoid  the  Triangles,  the  Union  Bank,  and 
the  cluster  of  little  known  banks  which  lie  in  about  117°  30'  E  ,  and  which 
should  be  left  to  northward,  avoiding  also  the  Martaban  and  Laurel  Shoals 
to  the  southward.  The  lead  should  be  kept  going,  and  a  good  look-out 
kept  for  these  dangers.  Proceeding  along  the  coast  of  Celebes,  northward 
of  Cape  Mandhar,  you  should  keep  at  least  2  or  3  leagues  off  shore  in  light 
winds,  to  prevent  being  drifted  near  the  shore  ;  but  when  beating  to  the 
northward  against  a  steady  wind  and  lee  current,  you  should  work  near  the 
coast  in  most  places,  particularly  in  the  bay  to  the  South  of  Cape  Temoel, 
where  you  will  be  out  of  the  strength  of  the  stream.  Ships  coming  from  the 
southward  in  the  easterly  monsoon  should  pass  between  Tana  Keke  and  the 
S.W.  part  of  Celebes,  if  intending  to  touch  at  Makassar. 

The  Borneo  side  is  generally  preferred,  as  above  stated,  until  the  Little 
Paternosters  are  passed.  To  proceed  by  this  route,  and  having  passed  the 
S.E.  part  of  Great  Pulo  Laut,  the  channel  on  either  side  of  the  Three  Alike 
Islands,  may  be  chosen  according  to  circumstances,  and  a  course  steered 
towards  Flat  Point,  avoiding  the  Addington  Shoals. 


THE  NOETH  COAST  OF  CELEBES.  809 

The  best  track  between  these  points  with  a  working  wind  is  to  stand  out 
into  1  -5  or  1 6  fathoms,  about  4  or  5  leagues  from  shore,  and  back  again  into 
7  or  8  fathoms,  about  2  or  1^-  leagues  distant.  The  bottom  is  generally  soft 
mud,  but  in  some  parts  overfalls  may  be  got  from  10  to  7  fathoms  in  the  fair 
channel,  about  4  or  5  leagues  from  shore. 


The  NORTH  COAST  of  CELEBES,  320  miles  long,  is  very  little  known. 
The  peninsula  forms  the  Dutch  Eesidentie  of  Menado,  the  chief  port,  at  its 
N.E.  extremity.  This  peninsula  varies  in  breadth  20  to  50  miles.  A  range 
of  mountains  traverses  its  whole  length,  rising  into  some  lofty  peaks  at  its 
East  end.  The  North  coast  is  steep,  and  the  land  falls  more  gradually 
towards  the  Gulf  of  Tomini,  on  the  South.  Erom  its  character  there  are  no 
rivers  properly  so  called,  but  numerous  streams  descend  from  the  mountains. 
The  country  is  very  thinly  populated,  not  with  aborigines,  but  with  Bugis 
and  immigrants  from  Ternate  and  Tidore.  There  is  little  or  no  trade,  and 
that  is  all  centred  at  the  free  port  of  Menado.  Although  most  of  its  moun- 
tains are  not  volcanic,  yet  earthquakes  are  frequent,  and  some  active  volca- 
noes are  found  near  Menado.  Gold  is  procured  near  Gorontalo  ;  rice  is  also 
grown,  and  excellent  cordage  is  made  near  Menado. 

CAPE  RIVERS,  40  miles  N.E.  by  E.  from  Cape  Dondo,  may  be  taken  as 
the  N.W.  Cape  of  Celebes.  It  was  surveyed  by  Eear- Admiral  Sir  Edward 
Belcher.  It  has  two  small  islets  close  to  it,  and  the  land  that  forms  it 
having  a  regular  declivity,  with  a  gap  not  far  from  its  extremity,  gives  the 
cape  an  isolated  appearance  when  first  seen.  To  the  eastward,  between  it 
and  Trees  Cape,  there  is  a  projecting  headland  with  white  clifis  fronting 
the  sea. 

Slime  Islet,  the  outermost  islet  off  the  cape,  is  a  high  rocky  pile  of  appa- 
rently upheaved  grey  basalt,  about  80  ft.  above  the  sea  level,  with  a  few 
shrubs  on  it,  the  whole  being  coated  and  whitened  by  the  dung  of  marine 
birds,  hence  its  name.  Its  position  was  established  as  \°  20'  24"  N.,  long. 
120°  43'.  Immediately  within  this  is  another  islet  of  similar  construction, 
and  about  150  ft.  high,  and  a  space  of  half  a  mile,  with  a  deep  channel,  in- 
tervenes between  it  and  Cape  Elvers.  The  reefs  extend  southerly  from  those 
islets  as  far  as  the  eye  can  reach,  and  the  coast  from  the  cape  suddenly  re- 
ceding into  deep  and  lonely  bays,  leaves  a  good  harbour  or  channel  within. 
The  coast  between  it  and  Cape  Dondo  forms  a  concavity,  and  is  mountainous 
at  a  short  distance  inland.  At  15  miles  South  of  Cape  Eivers,  and  in  the 
S.E.  angle  of  the  bay  is  the  anchorage  of  Negri  Baru.  The  tide  rises  at 
Slime  Island  9  ft. 

KaUtan  Island,  20  miles  south-westward  of  Cape  Eivers,  is  7  miles  long 

I.  A.  '  5  L 


810  THE  NOETH  COAST  OF  CELEBES. 

W-N-W.  and  E.S.E.,  and  about  a  mile  broad.  Its  eastern  end  is  in  lat. 
1°  N,,  long.  120°  35'  E.,  and  2  miles  off  the  South  side  of  the  island,  at  2 
miles  West  from  its  eastern  end  is  a  sunken  rock.  Between  Kabitan  and 
Cape  Eivers  there  are  some  islets  extending  to  a  distance  of  3i  miles  from 
the  North  side  of  Kabitan,  and  three  patches  of  sunken  rock  in  1°  6'  N., 
120°  36'  E.,  1°  10'  N.,  120°  35'  E.,  and  the  most  extensive  is  1°  13'  N.,  120° 
38'  E.     Dondo  Islets  lie  close  to  the  coast,  in  lat.  1°  10'  N. 

The  richness  of  the  mountainous  regions  of  Celebes  afford  many  interest- 
ing views  along  the  North  coast  to  the  eastward  ;  here  there  are  many  cul- 
tivated s]Dots  both  on  hill  and  dale,  which,  by  their  bright  grassy  tints  and 
contrasts  of  colour  exhibit  an  effect  scarcely  less  interesting  than  that  of 
more  civilized  regions.— (Sir  Edward  Belcher.) 

At  5  miles  eastward  of  Cape  Eivers  a  sandbank  fills  the  head  of  a  small 
bay,  and  off  the  eastern  point  of  the  bay  lies  a  small  islet  named  Da  lan- 
gan.  A  sandbank  lies  a  mile  off  the  shore  at  3  miles  eastward  of  the  islet. 
Several  small  islets  lie  off  the  coast  to  the  eastward. 

Cape  Randi  is  40  miles  eastward  of  Cape  Eivers,  and  the  coast  here  turns 
to  the  southward  for  10  miles  to  the  anchorage  of  Bool,  where  it  is  said  that 
fresh  water  may  be  got,  but  some  dangers  project  from  the  shore,  and  there 
is  a  3-fathom  rock  on  which  a  ship  has  struck. 

At  17  miles  eastward  of  Bool,  and  within  a  mile  of  the  shore,  lie  the  two 
small  Radya  Islets ;  between  these  and  Palelee  Bay,  9  miles  to  the  eastward, 
is  Lintido  Point,  which  is  high.  Off  Kaboe  Point,  the  eastern  point  of  the 
bay,  distant  a  mile,  is  a  sunken  rock,  in  lat.  P  7'  30"  N.,  long.  121°  53'  E. 
Between  Kaboe  Point  and  Huledehongo  Point,  10  miles  to  the  eastward,  a 
rock  is  marked  doubtful  at  3  males  off  shore.  Between  Huledebongo  Point, 
which  has  rocks  extending  IJ  mile  from  it,  and  Bolole,  a  high  point  8  miles 
to  the  eastward,  is  Beau  Bay.  At  4  miles  northward  of  Bolole  Point  is  the 
South  end  of  a  reef  which  thence  extends  8  miles  to  the  north- east  ward  to  a 
point  in  lat.  1°  15'  N.,  long.  122°  19'  E.  Bolontio  Point  is  8  miles  eastward 
of  Bolole  Point,  and  6  miles  E.S.E.  of  it  are  the  Damuma  Islands  and  Eeefs, 
extending  to  a  distance  of  3  miles  off  the  shore. 

Timor  Bank,  of  2J  fathoms,  is  in  1°  5' N.,  122°  31' E.  It  lies  5  miles 
North  of  the  two  small  Radya  Isles,  which  lie  East  and  "West  of  each  other, 
3  miles  North  of  Donda  Point,  a  rock  lying  in  the  channel  between  them  and 
the  point. 

Kwandang  Bay  is  between  Dondo  Point  and  Cape  Besar,  16  miles  to  the 
eastward  of  it.  It  is  very  extensive  and  very  foul.  Two  islets  lie  at  1  and 
2  miles  North  of  Cape  Besar,  and  outside  the  line  joining  Cape  Dondo  and 
Cape  Besar  are  three  isolated  patches  lying  off  the  mouth  of  the  bay.  One 
of  these  lies  5  miles  W.  by  N.  of  Cape  Dondo,  another  7  miles  E.  by  N.  of 
Dondo  Point,  and  the  outer  one  12  miles  E.N.E.  of  Dondo  Point,  and  7 


MENADO.  811 

miles  N.W.  of  the  outer  islet  oflF  Cape  Besar,  which  is  in  lat.  1°  1'  N.,  long. 
122°  46'  E.     A  douhtful  patch  is  marked  at  6  miles  N.E.  of  Cape  Besar. 

Bonghie  is  a  small  islet  in  lat.  1°  5'  N.,  long.  122°  52'  E.,  8  miles  off  shore, 
and  for  25  or  30  miles  eastward  of  this  the  shore  should  not  bo  approached 
but  with  the  greatest  caution,  on  account  of  the  imperfectly  examined  Josina 
Reefs,  which  extend  to  a  distance  of  10  miles  from  the  shore.  There  is  some 
very  high  ground  southward  of  the  Josina  Reefs,  12  miles  inland.  Domisil 
Bay  is  in  long.  123°  43',  and  some  islets  extend  2  miles  off  its  eastern  point. 
Ochie  Bay  is  8  miles  eastward  of  this,  and  Moloro  Islet  1^  mile  off  shore,  5 
miles  eastward  of  Ockie.  Bolano  Bangha  is  on  a  point  7  miles  eastward  of 
Moloro  Islet,  and  at  3  and  5  miles  eastward  of  it  are  two  rocks.  Midway 
between  Bolano  Bangka  and  Lomhok,  10  miles  to  the  eastward,  are  two 
islets  2  miles  from  the  shore.  Two  rocks  lie  at  1  mile  North  and  2|  miles 
N.N.W.  of  Maririe  Point,  the  western  entrance  point  of  Lombok  Bay,  which 
is  small. 

From  Lombok  Bay  the  coast  trends  to  the  N-E.  16  miles  to  Sapa  Point, 
between  which  and  Talapan  Point,  9  miles  to  the  N.E.,  is  the  entrance  to 
Amurang  Bay,  10  miles  deep.  For  15  miles  to  the  eastward  of  Talapan 
Point  the  shore  is  bordered  by  rocks  to  7  miles  distance.  Talapan  Point  is 
in  lat.  1°  20'  N.,  long.  122°  25'  E. 

The  District  of  Minahasa  or  Ifenado,  which  embraces  the  eastern  extremity 
of  the  peninsula  for  a  distance  of  55  miles,  is  a  romantic  region  of  volcanic 
mountains,  some  of  which  are  in  a  state  of  activity.  The  highest  is  Elolat, 
6,694  feet  in  height,  the  volcano  Seputan,  5,570  feet,  and  Mount  Sempo,  4,744 
feet.  Cacao  and  coffee  have  been  extensively  cultivated,  the  latter  of  very 
fine  quality. 

MENADO,  or  Manado,  a  Free  Port,  and  port  of  call  for  the  Netherlands 
India  Seam-Navigation  Company's  boats,  is  the  chief  place.  It  was  con- 
stituted so,  with  Kama  on  the  opposite  side,  by  the  Dutch  Governor-General 
of  the  Indies,  by  an  ordinance  dated  Batavia,  September  28,  1848.  The 
Dutch  first  built  a  wooden  fort  here  in  1655.  Manado  Tm,  a  very  steep, 
conical,  well  wooded  island,  apparently  an  old  volcano,  about  2,750  feet 
high,  is  the  westernmost  of  a  cluster  of  islands  which  lie  N.W.  of  the  Bay 
of  Monado.  It  is  17  miles  N.W.  from  the  town,  and  is  a  good  guide  for 
making  it. 

The  whole  bay  of  Menado,  which  faces  the  N.W.,  is  steep-to,  decreasing 
suddenly  from  150  fathoms  to  60,  10,  and  1  fathom.  The  anchorage  should 
be  approached  along  the  beach  obliquely  ;  let  go  the  anchor  when  the  line  at 
the  taffarel  gives  60,  veer  eight  shackles,  and  secure  by  stream  anchor  on 
the  reefs.  This  will  berth  you  in  15  fathoms,  and  the  operation  must  be 
completed  before  4  p.m.,  or  the  land  squalls  may  drive  you  off  into  150  fa- 
thoms. The  holding  ground  off  the  mouth  of  the  river  is  best,  and  affords 
better  scope.    In  the  months  of  November,  December,  and  January,  the 


812  GULF  OF  TOMINI. 

rollers  are  said  to  be  terrific,  but  no  instance  has  occurred  of  a  vessel  being 
wrecked  or  driven  on  shore.  The  fort,  called  Fort  Amsterdam,  is  at  the 
North  end  of  the  place,  and  is  in  lat.  1°  29'  25"  N.,  long.  124°  46'.  Eise  of 
tide  6  ft.     High  water,  full  and  change,  nearly  noon. 

North  Cape,  or  Papahimpongang,  is  17  miles  north-eastward  of  the  North 
point  of  Menado  Bay.  From  this  to  Cape  Coffin  or  Polisan,  the  N.E.  ex- 
treme of  Celebes,  the  distance  is  13?  miles.  The  whole  of  the  land  is  com- 
posed of  lofty  ranges,  surmounted  by  peaks,  of  which  Klabat  is  the  most 
conspicuous.  It  has  been  seen  clearly  from  Ternate  and  Meyo,  and  from  60 
miles  to  the  westward. 

The  STRAIT  of  BANKA,  which  is  formed  by  this  coast  and  a  cluster  of 
two  larger  and  five  smaller  islands,  is  from  3  to  6  miles  wide.  About  the 
middle  are  two  rocks,  one  of  which  is  IJ  mile  from  the  South  side,  the 
Koerier  Rock,  of  19  feet,  the  other  2  miles  to  the  North  of  it.  Banka  Island, 
the  largest  and  easternmost  of  the  group,  is  about  1,100  ft.  high. 

Limbe  Island  lies  against  the  East  end  of  Celebes,  and  forms  a  narrow 
and  somewhat  intricate  strait.  It  is  about  12  miles  long,  and  in  the  middle 
there  is  an  island  encircled  by  a  reef,  which  occasions  an  eddy ;  and  the 
tides  being  very  strong,  the  passage  through  the  strait  is  not  advisable  in  a 
large  vessel.  Close  on  the  "West  side  of  the  strait  is  a  lofty  volcano,  the 
lava  from  which  has  extended  to  the  eastern  point  of  Celebes,  called  by  the 
Dutch  Verhrandehoek.  To  the  S.W.  of  this  peak  rises  the  lofty  peak  of 
Gunong  Sodara,  or  the  Ttvo  Sisters,  4,300  feet  high,  and  still  farther  to  the 
S.W.  is  Mount  Klolat  or  Klahat,  before  mentioned.  In  the  South  part  of  the 
narrows  of  Limbe  Strait  there  is  good  anchorage,  where  ships  caught  in 
Kema  Eoad  with  S.E.  winds  may  find  shelter. 

KEMA,  a  free  2^ort,  and,  like  Menado,  regularly  visited  by  steamers,  lies 
at  the  S.E.  foot  of  Mount  Klobat.  It  is  in  lat.  1°  21'  N.,  long.  125°  3'  E. 
There  is  a  good  road  from  it  to  Menado.  There  is  good  anchorage  in  the 
road  abreast  of  the  fort,  in  10  or  12  fathoms,  with  Mount  Klobat  bearing 
N.  36°  W.,  and  the  Two  Sisters  N.  28°  E.,  about  a  mile  off  shore,  the 
depth  thence  gradually  decreasing  to  the  town,  where  good  water  and  other 
refreshments  are  to  be  procured.     The  tides  rise  5  and  6  ft.  about  this  part. 

From  Kema  the  coast  trends  to  S.W.  by  S.  for  25  miles  to  the  Boentin 
Isles,  a  cluster  which  extends  some  distance  from  the  shore,  the  track  being 
outside  of  them.  The  coast  may  be  approached  within  3  miles,  and  in  most 
places  nearer.  From  this  to  Cape  Tolo  the  distance  is  80  miles ;  we  have  no 
particulars  of  it  beyond  the  Dutch  maps. 

The  GULF  of  TOMINI  or  of  Gorontalo,  is  the  great  bay  which  separates 
the  northern  and  eastern  peninsulas  of  Celebes.  From  Cape  Tolo  to  its 
head  it  is  230  miles  deep,  and  is  50  miles  wide  at  the  entrance,  and  90 
miles  at  its  head.     It  is  very  little  known,  especially  at  the  western  part. 

Gorontalo,  on  the  North  side  of  the  gulf,  63  miles  westward  of  Cape  Tolo, 


GULF  OF  TOLO— BOETON.  813 

is  the  chief  port  of  the  gulf,  and  the  residence  of  the  Dutch  Commissioner. 
The  country  around  it  produces  gold  dust,  wax,  &c.  Its  position  is  given  as 
0°  25'  N.,  long.  122°  50'  E.  by  Melvill  van  Carnbee.  There  are  two  small 
coves  just  within  the  entrance  of  the  river  on  the  eastern  side.  Into  either 
of  these  a  ship  may  haul,  and  moor  to  the  large  stones  that  lie  on  the  beach, 
protected  from  the  rapid  stream  that  runs  down  after  much  rain  ;  or  she 
can  anchor  in  mid-channel  close  to  the  fishing  stakes  in  the  entrance  to  the 
river.  The  village  is  about  2  miles  up,  and  abounds  with  refreshments  of  all 
kinds.  A  red  ligld  is  or  is  to  be  shown  at  night  from  an  iron  post  at  Goron- 
talo.  Pagoioat  is  62  miles  westward  of  Gorontalo,  in  long.  121°  55' E.;  the 
anchorage  is  within  the  reefs  that  border  the  shore,  in  9  to  20  fathoms. 
Tomini  is  in  the  N.W.  bight  of  the  gulf;  we  have  no  particulars  of  it. 
Parigi  is  at  the  head  of  the  gulf,  with  the  Table  Mountain,  which  overlooks 
the  head  of  the  Bay  of  Palos,  rising  in  its  rear.  The  Togean  Islands,  on  the 
South  side  of  the  gulf,  are  frequented  by  the  fishermen  for  trepang  and  tor- 
toise shell,  which  are  carefully  prepared. 

Cape  Talabo,  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  eastern  peninsula,  is  in  lat.  0° 
46'  S.,  long.  123=  27'  E.     It  is  a  steep  headland. 

The  GULF  of  TOLO  or  Tomaiki  is  almost  unknown,  and  there  is  no  port 
or  place  of  any  interest  on  its  northern  shore.  A  cluster  of  islands  lies  to 
the  southward  of  Cape  Talabo,  of  which  the  principal  is  Bangaai.  A  chief 
deputed  by  the  Sultan  of  Ternate  resides  here,  and  a  considerable  native 
trade  is  carried  on  from  it  with  the  shores  of  the  Gulf  of  Tolo  and  the  ad- 
jacent islands  in  wax,  tortoise  shell,  and  trepang.  Of  the  other  islands, 
Peling,  Lnhuba,  Banhela,  &c.,  the  charts  must  furnish  descriptions. 

Cape  Nederhurgh  forms  the  S.E.  limit  of  the  Gulf  of  Tomaiki,  in  lat.  alout 
2°  54'  S.,  long.  122°  16'  E.  To  the  southward  of  this  the  coast  is  fronted  by 
numerous  islands,  of  which  Padea  and  Manui  are  the  principal.  The  inha- 
bitants of  the  latter  construct  the  fishing-boats,  which  are  sold  to  the  baju 
fishermen.  Wowoni  (Weywongy  of  the  old  charts),  28  miles  to  the  south- 
ward of  Manui,  is  larger  and  more  mountainous  than  the  former  islands, 
and  was  formerly  inhabited  by  a  peaceable  industrious  people,  but  it  has 
been  depopulated  by  the  incursions  of  pirates. 

Kendari  or  Vosmaer  Bay,  in  3°  57'  S.,  122°  32'  E.,  was  discovered  by  the 
enterprising  Sub-Resident  M.  Vosmaer,  in  1831,  during  his  examination  of 
these  shores.  He  gave  an  interesting  account  of  the  country  around  it,  and 
of  its  warlike  people  continually  "head  hunting."  In  1835  he  established 
here  the  elements  of  a  permanent  factory,  under  the  hopes  of  creating  a 
trade  in  its  neighbourhood. 

BOETON  or  Buton  Island  lies  off  the  S.E.  extremity  of  t)ie  peninsula, 
and  is  the  residence  of  the  Sultan  of  this  and  the  surrounding  islands.  The 
Dutch  Government  have  also  an  assistant  resident  here.  The  island  is  about 
80  miles  in  length,  and  is  generally  of  moderate  height,  and  hilly  in  the 


814  BOETON  STEAIT. 

southern  parts.  The  South  point  is  in  about  5°  41',  long.  122°  48'  30"  E.  The 
island  is  composed  chiefly  of  a  coralline  limestone  ;  the  soil  is  not  fertile,  but 
produces  the  finest  cotton  in  the  whole  Indies.  In  the  North  part  facing 
Celebes  the  shore  is  marshy  and  covered  with  mangrove  swamp.  Along  the 
West  and  South  coast  the  shore  is  often  abrupt  and  rocky,  except  in  the  bays 
which  have  generally  a  beach  of  white  sand. 

The  East  Cape  of  Boeton  is  a  long,  low,  level  point,  in  lat.  5°  15'  S.,  long. 
123°  16',  projecting  far  into  the  sea,  and  having  behind  it,  in  the  interior,  a 
piece  of  remarkable  table  land  close  to  its  western  side.  To  the  northward 
of  this  is  an  extensive  bay,  called  on  the  Dutch  charts  Kaliesusu  Bay,  for- 
merly Dwaal  Bay.  In  its  North  extreme  there  is  a  road  or  harbour,  with 
soundings  of  30  to  55  fathoms  at  the  entrance.  Care  is  required  in  entering 
between  the  shoals  on  the  East  and  those  fronting  the  islands  which  bound 
the  western  side  of  the  road,  which  seemed  to  be  sheltered  from  the  sea  by 
shoals  projecting  from  the  point  on  the  East  side.  Eefreshments  may  be 
procured  at  the  village  on  the  N.E.  side  of  the  bay.  The  N.E.  Coast  qf 
Boeton  appears  to  be  safe,  and  may  be  coasted  within  moderate  distance.  A 
little  inland  from  the  N.E.  point  of  Boeton  there  is  a  small  peaked  hill  like 
a  sugar-loaf.     The  North  point  is  in  lat.  4°  23'  S.,  long.  123^  4'  E. 

BOETON  STRAIT,  which  separates  Boeton  from  Moena  or  Muna,  is  about 
66  miles  in  length,  and  is  very  narrow  in  fome  parts,  although  the  depth  does 
not  appear  to  be  less  than  10  or  12  fathoms.  In  early  times  it  was  much 
used,  but  now  the  more  open  passage  around  the  South  end  of  Boeton  is 
generally  followed.  The  southern  entrance  is  on  either  side  Kadalua  Island, 
from  which  reefs  extend  to  some  distance. 

Off  the  S.W.  part  of  Boeton  are  two  small  islands.  The  southernmost  is 
Siumpu,  the  South  Island  of  the  old  charts.  According  to  Melvill  van  Carn- 
bee  it  is  in  lat.  5°  40'  S.,  long.  122°  30'  E.  It  is  of  moderate  height,  formed 
of  stratified  rock,  and  not  well  made  out  in  coming  from  the  westward.  A 
coral  patch,  with  3  fathoms,  lies  with  the  East  end  of  Siumpu  bearing  N.N.E. 
and  the  South  point  of  Boeton  N.E.  by  E.  A  E.  A  reef  of  black  rocks  was 
reported  in  1870  as  lying  2  miles  North  of  the  West  end  of  Siumpu.  Middle 
Island,  a  small  island,  lies  between  Sompoe  and  Kadalua,  or  JVorth  Island,  7^ 
miles  to  the  northward.  Kadalua  should  not  be  approached  within  a  mile, 
as  sunken  rocks  exist  off  its  South,  West,  and  N.E.  points. 

(The  groups  of  islands  to  the  south-eastward  of  Boeton,  and  those  scat- 
tered over  the  Banda  Sea,  will  be  described  hereafter.) 

Boeton,  the  chief  place  on  Boeton,  is  just  inside  the  strait  on  the  East  side, 
in  lat.  5°  28'  S.,  long.  122°  36' E.  It  is  the  residence  of  the  Sultan,  and  some 
Dutch  officials  are  to  be  found  here.  Poultry,  vegetables,  &c.,  may  be  got. 
The  tides  are  moderate,  and  will  assist  a  vessel  in  drifting  through  in  light 
winds,  and  convenient  and  good  anchorage  may  often  be  got.    A  shoal  pro- 


GULF  OF  BONl.  815 

jects  a  little  way  from  the  N.W.  end  of  Boeton,  and,  when  clear  of  it,  the 
channel  leading  out  takes  an  easterly  direction,  passing  between  Wowoni  (or 
Weywonij)  and  Boeton.  The  strait  is  not  made  out  from  the  northward 
until  you  are  up  with  it ;  a  remarkable  rock,  hollow  below,  with  bushes  on 
it,  lies  against  the  Boeton  shore ;  both  sides  of  the  strait  rise  perpendicularly 
from  the  sea. 

Passing  along  the  S.E.  end  of  Boeton,  if  the  wind  is  westerly,  keep  the 
Boeton  coast  on  board  to  the  East  point,  to  prevent  being  set  over  toward 
Wangi  Wangi  and  the  Tukan  Bissi  Isles  by  southerly  currents  and  light 
airs,  which  frequently  prevail  in  the  offing.  It  is  said  that  the  ship  Noord- 
heck  was  wrecked  on  a  reef  which  lies  15  miles  S.E.  of  the  East  cape,  in  lat. 
5°  30'.  Care  is  also  required  when  between  the  latitudes  of  6°  39'  and  6° 
31',  as  Penguin  Reef,  with  as  little  as  9  ft.  water  on  it,  leaves  a  channel  only 
4  miles  wide  between  it  and  the  S.E.  coast  of  Boeton. 

Mcena,  Muna,  or  Pangasanc,  the  island  westward  of  Boeton,  is  50  miles 
long  North  and  South,  and  is  subject  to  Boeton.  Its  chief  town  is  in  the 
interior,  but  its  only  port  is  at  the  North  end,  called  Tiora,  or  Tiwora,  which 
gives  its  name  to  the  strait  between  it  and  the  southern  part  of  this  penin- 
sula of  Celebes. 

Tioro  Strait  is  intricate  and  unknown  to  European  navigators.  The  shoals 
and  islands  are  very  numerous,  and  there  are  no  inducements  for  taking  it, 
especially  in  a  large  vessel. 

Kabeina,  or  Camhyna,  is  a  large  island  to  the  westward  of  the  South  end 
of  Moena.  It  rises  steeply  and  rugged  from  its  western  extremity  towards 
a  high  peak  in  its  centre,  which  is  about  4,000  ft.  high,  lat.  5°  19'  S.,  long. 
121°  54'  E.  The  island  is  about  12  miles  in  diameter,  and  off  its  South  and 
S.E.  ends  there  are  one  or  two  small  islands,  with  rocks  2  or  3  miles  S.E.  of 
them.  About  2  or  3  miles  from  its  West  end  lie  three  islands,  very  low, 
with  breakers  projecting  2  or  3  miles  South  from  them.  A  rock  also  lies  IJ 
mile  off  shore,  S.W.  of  the  central  peak.  In  coming  from  or  to  the  Strait  of 
Salayar,  these  rocks  should  be  guarded  against. 

The  GULF  of  BONI  separates  the  two  southern  peninsulas  of  Celebes,  and 
is  90  miles  wide  at  its  entrance,  and  extends  150  miles  northward.  It  has 
been  visited  by  Sub-Resident  Vosmaer,  in  1831,  but  had  not  been  circum- 
navigated till  James  Brooke,  Esq.,  afterwards  the  Eajah  Sir  J.  Brooke, 
sailed  around  it  in  his  yacht  the  Royalist,  between  November  29th,  1839,  and 
May  1st,  1840.  In  the  first  chapters  of  his  interesting  work,  published  in 
1848,  a  narrative  of  this  cruise  is  given,  and  affords  much  information. 

CAPE  LASSA,  or  Berak,  is  the  S.W.  point  of  the  gulf,  and  the  northern 
point  of  the  Strait  of  Salayar.  It  is  in  lat.  5°  36'  S.,  long.  120"  29'  E.  It  is 
18  miles  eastward  of  Boelecomba,  mentioned  on  page  802,  ante.  Palunrueh, 
or  Balanranga,  an  island  400  ft.  high,  is  27  miles  due  North  of  Cape  Lassa; 
off  it  are  several  coral  reefs.     The  village  of  Songi  is  up  a  river  abreast  of 


816  POINT  PATIRO-CAPE  MARASANGA. 

this.  The  course  to  the  northward  was  among  numerous  reefs  and  shcals, 
threading  the  way  with  some  difficulty.  Of  the  outlying  known  dangers, 
Boni  Rock  is  20  miles  N.  by  E.  of  Cape  Lassa.  ByMorps  Bank,  10  miles  in 
extent  E.  and  W.,  is  nearly  30  miles  N.E.  by  N.  of  Cape  Lassa.  Limpogeh 
Island,  in  lat.  4°  55'  S.,  long.  120°  45'  E.,  is  small,  and  has  a  sunken  rock  2 
miles  South  of  it,  and  numerous  isolated  dangers  between  it  and  Lamleina 
Reef,  21  miles  to  the  N.N.W.  of  it. 

Point  Patiro,  lat.  4°  39'  S.,  was  passed  half  a  mile  distant;  off  it  is  a 
patch  of  white  sand  and  coral,  the  channel  being  inside  it ;  off  this  cape  the 
flood  comes  from  the  South,  the  ebb  North,  but  not  strong,  though  the  rise 
is  considerable. 

Boni,  the  chief  town  of  the  district,  is  two  hours  journey  inland  from 
Bajue,  or  Badyoa,  which  is  10  miles  W.N.W.  of  Cape  Patiro.  The  State  of 
Boni,  once  the  most  powerful  in  Celebes,  presented  the  curious  spectacle  of 
an  aristocratic  elective  monarchy.  Palette,  1 1  miles  North  of  Point  Patiro, 
is  wooded,  and  superior  in  elevatioii  to  the  adjoining  coast.  Between  these 
points  the  Lambeina  Reef  extends  off  shore  to  a  distance  of  10  miles;  a 
small  islet  is  situated  on  its  eastern  part.  Chinnana  River  is  7  miles  North 
of  Palette.  The  town  is  some  distance  up  the  stream,  which  drains  some 
large  lakes,  the  only  ones  known  in  Celebes.  Peneki  Bay  is  14  miles  north- 
ward of  the  mouth  of  the  Chinnana  River ;  the  coast  here  is  a  low  mangrove 
flat. 

Cape  Marasanga  or  Siiva,  in  lat.  3°  44'  is  low  and  covered  with  light 
green  trees,  but  beyond  this  the  scenery  changes  its  character,  and  the  low 
shore  is  replaced  by  lofty  hills  and  wooded  mountains.  Mount  Latimojoyig 
crowning  all.  The  whole  of  the  coast  South  of  Cape  Marasanga  is  em- 
barrassed by  coral  reefs  of  unknown  extent.  The  district  of  Luwu,  which 
surrounds  the  head  of  the  gulf,  is  one  of  the  most  ancient  of  the  Bugis  States. 
It  is  a  mountainous  region,  but  the  shores  are  more  clear  of  outlying  shoals. 
Jenemaiji,  or  Red  Water  Point,  in  lat.  3°  18'  S.,  is  so  named  on  account  of  a 
discoloured  stream  which  discharges  itself  near  it.  From  this  the  coast  runs 
N.W.  20  miles  to  the  town  of  Palopo,  at  the  head  of  a  bay  in  the  N.W.  part 
of  the  gulf.  It  is  the  capital  of  Luwu,  but  is  only  a  miserable  collection  of 
300  houses.  At  12  miles  N.  by  E.  from  Cape  Dyenee,  are  two  sunken 
dangers,  and  N.N.E.,  at  the  distance  of  15  miles,  is  another. 

Beraoe,  or  Burn,  at  the  head  of  the  gulf,  in  lat.  2°  41'  S.,  long.  120°  41'  E., 
seems  to  be  the  chief  place  of  the  neighbourhood.  Two  sunken  rocks  lie  to 
a  distance  of  2  miles  from  shore,  at  2  miles  S.W.  of  Beraoe.  In  the  N.E. 
angle  of  the  gulf  is  the  town  and  river  of  Usu.  It  lies  on  the  North  side  of 
a  bay,  the  southern  side  of  which  is  entirely  distinct  in  character  from  the 
northern,  the  former  being  bold  and  abrupt,  the  latter  an  alluvial  plain.  Ptdo 
Paloch  (or  separated  mountain)  is  an  island  off  the  South  point  of  Usu  Bay. 
It  is  bold  and  wooded,  and  divided  from  the  main  by  a  moderate  channel. 


SALAYAE  OR  SALETEE  STRAIT.  817 

At  5  miles  S.W.  of  it  a  doubtful  rock  is  marked.  The  scenery  of  all  this 
coast  to  the  southward  is  most  picturesque,  bold  wood-covered  hills,  with 
high  mountains  behind.  Cape  Tahako  is  in  lat.  3°  20'  S.  Cape  Susua,  lat. 
3°  27',  is  bold  and  prominent,  as  are  two  others,  Lihnandala  and  Lahekara,  to 
the  southward  ;  the  coast  is  very  bold-to.  Midway  between  Capes  Labuan- 
data  and  Labekara  is  a  reef  3  miles  off  shore,  Batu  Lakie  Read,  a  slightly 
projecting  headland,  18  miles  S.E.  of  Cape  Labuandata,  has  a  rock  marked 
doubtful  at  3  miles  S.S.E.  of  it.  Cape  Bungie,  in  lat.  3'  54'  S.,  is  a  project- 
ing promontory,  in  the  bay  northward  of  which  is  the  small  island  of  Roko. 
Off  its  western  side  is  another  small  islet.  In  4°  8'  S.  is  Padamarang  Island^ 
5  miles  in  diameter.  Lambasina  Islet  lies  a  mile  West  of  its  N.W.  point,  and 
a  second  islet,  W.N.W.  6  miles  from  its  N.W.  point,  has  a  rock  off  each  end 
and  another,  5  miles  W.S.W.  from  it.  Within  Padamarang  Island,  is  Kongka 
Bay,  nearly  filled  by  reefs.  Maniang  Met,  5  miles  S.E.  of  the  S.E.  point  of 
Padamarang,  and  4  miles  off  shore,  forms  the  outer  western  point  of  the 
channel  leading  up  to  Pasatue,  a  village  at  the  head  of  Kongka  Bay. 

The  Minkoka  District,  the  Baaikonka  of  the  Dutch,  occupies  the  head  of  this 
bay.  The  country  is  attractive,  and  partially  cleared.  The  mountains  sink 
to  a  strip  of  aUuyial  plain  near  the  sea.  The  people  resemble  the  Bugis  in 
person,  but  are  a  separate  race. 

Cape  Takarie  is  36  miles  South  of  Padamarang  Island.  There  is  a  small 
bay  just  northward  of  it.  Sunken  rocks  lie  1  or  2  miles  off  shore  at  inter- 
vals for  15  miles  northward  of  Cape  Takarie,  and  11  miles  westward  of  it  is 
the  North  end  of  a  reef,  in  lat.  4°  42'  S.,  long.  121°  17'  E.,  which  thence 
extends  7  miles  to  the  southward.  Bassa  Island  is  low,  15  miles  southward 
of  Cape  Takarie,  rocks  lie  to  2  miles  W.N.W.  and  to  8  miles  N.N.W. 
from  it. 

Cape  Boenging  Katto,  the  S.E.  extreme  of  the  gulf,  is  in  lat.  4°  55',  long. 
121°  45'  E.,  and  is  15  miles  East  of  Bassa.  A  suriken  rock  is  reported  7  miles 
S.W.  by  W.  from  it. 

SALAYAR  or  SALEYER  STRAIT,  between  Cape  Lassa,  on  the  S.W. 
side  of  the  Gulf  of  Boni  and  the  North  end  of  the  island  of  Salayar,  is  a 
great  highway  for  the  commerce  between  the  Moluccas  and  the  Java  Sea. 
Several  islands  lie  in  the  strait,  and  in  the  old  charts  are  called  North, 
Middle,  and  South  Islands.  Sarontang,  a  small  islet,  lies  5  miles  S.S.E.  of 
Cape  Lassa,  and  should  not  be  approached  within  a  mile  on  its  South  side. 
Lukan  Lovoeh  is  another  islet,  5  miles  S.W.  of  Cape  Lassa.  There  appears 
to  be  a  clear  channel  3  miles  wide  between  these  islands,  but  the  channel 
generally  used  is  5  miles  wide  to  the  southward  of  Sarontang,  ^between  it 
and  Boang  Island.  This  latter  island  is  1^  mile  in  diameter,  and  lies  2  miles 
from  the  North  point  of  Salayer  Island,  the  channel  between  being  dan- 
gerous because  of  sunken  rocks. 

I.  A.  5  m 


818  SALAYAE  ISLAND. 

Dangers  in  Salayer  Strait. — At  5  miles  westward  of  Lukan  Loweh  is  a 
6^-fathom  patch,  4  miles  off  shore.  A  sunken  rock  lies  between  this  and  the 
shore.     Eanlcaj),  a  4-fathom  patch,  lies  8  miles  West  of  Lukan  Loweh. 

The  Mansfield  Shoal,  in  lat.  5°  43^'  S.,  long.  120°  13^  E.,  lies  to  the 
westward  of  the  strait,  is  not  very  well  known,  and  is  dangerous.  It  is 
extensive,  and  lies  about  18  miles  W.N.W.  of  the  North  end  of  Salayar; 
Sarontang,  just  seen  from  the  mast-head,  about  E.  by  N.  f  N. ;  and 
Boelecomba,  or  Peaked  Hill,  on  Celebes,  N.  by  "W.  It  is  said  to  have  on 
some  parts  not  more  than  3  to  3|  fathoms,  with  deeper  soundings  up  to  the 
Celebes  shore,  but  none  to  the  southward. 

A  7-fathom  patch,  probably  the  same  as  Amhoina  Shoal,  which  was  reported 
as  dangerous,  lies  8  miles  eastward  of  Mansfield  Shoal. 

To  sail  through  the  Strait,  intending  to  pass  outside  of  the  Mansfield  Shoal, 
which  is  the  best  track  with  a  S.W.  wind,  keep  out  of  soundings,  about  16 
or  18  miles  from  the  Celebes  coast,  when  Bonthein  Peak  bears  between 
N.  i  E.  and  N.  by  W.  ;  and  when  the  North  end  of  Salayer  is  discerned,  by 
keeping  its  extreme  point  East,  but  nothing  to  the  southward  of  this  bearing, 
you  will  clear  the  shoal  to  the  southward.  Steer  direct  for  Sarontang  Island, 
and  pass  it  well  to  southward.  Along  the  Celebes  coast,  inside  the  Mans- 
field Shoal,  thex^e  are  moderate  depths  for  anchoring. 

SALAYAR  ISLAND  is  about  40  miles  long,  North  and  South,  but  is 
narrow.  It  is  very  populous,  and  is  a  dependency  of  Celebes.  The  people 
are  industrious,  and  raise  considerable  produce.  The  teak  tree  has  been 
planted,  and  flourishes.  It  is  said  that  this  island  is  the  division  of  the 
climate  systems  of  the  eastern  and  western  parts  of  the  Archipelago  (see 
page  20  ante),  the  rainy  season  being  reversed,  and  by  which  they  conform 
to  the  West  with  the  north-westerly,  and  in  the  East  with  the  south-easterly 
monsoon. 

The  North  Point  of  Salayar  is  in  lat.  5°  47'  S.,  and  the  land  over  it  being 
rather  higher  than  the  islands  adjacent,  and  joined  to  the  main  body  of  the 
islands  by  a  low  neck,  makes  the  North  point  appear  isolated  when  first 
made  either  from  the  eastward  or  from  the  westward,  a  fact  that  should  be 
attended  to  in  making  for  the  strait.  There  is  a  large  village  on  the  N.W. 
side  of  the  point,  but  with  shoals  and  rocks  stretching  out  from  it,  conse- 
quently it  is  a  very  bad  anchorage.  Pasi,  or  Hoog  Island,  an  island  of  con- 
siderable length,  lies  on  the  S.W.  side  of  Salayar,  parallel  with  and  a  short 
distance  from  it. 

In  the  northern  part  of  the  strait,  dividing  it  from  Salayar,  and  on  the 
eastern  side,  is  a  kampong  and  fort,  abreast  of  which  is  good  anchorage  in 
10  to  12  fathoms.  There  is  a  reef  around  the  North  end  of  Hoog  Island, 
and  to  the  West  of  it  is  the  Whale  or  Souteland  Reef,  about  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  in  extent,  with  12  ft.  on  it,  and  4 J  fathoms  close-to,  and  reported  by 
the  master  of  the  Evelyn  to  lie  about  4  miles  W.N.W.  from  the  North  end 


THE  POSTILIONS.  819 

of  Pasi  Island,  otherwise  known  as  Hog  Island.  From  the  shoalest  part  of 
Whale  Shoal  the  North  end  of  Pulo  Salayer  bears  N.N.E. ;  and  the  S.W. 
extremes  of  Pasi  Island  and  Pulo  Salayer  are  in  line.  It  is  of  undeter- 
mined extent,  but  is  about  9  miles  West  of  Hoog  Island.  A  2-fathom  patch 
lies  5  miles  off  the  West  coast  of  Salayar,  in  lat.  6°  18'  S. 

The  South  Point  of  Salayar  is  in  about  lat.  6°  27'  S.,  long.  120°  28'  E.,  and 
is  surrounded  by  an  extensive  reef.  At  3  miles  westward  of  it  is  Baoloeang, 
a  small  island,  with  a  reef  projecting  far  off  from  its  N.E.  point,  but  leaving 
a  deep  channel,  35  to  38  fathoms,  between  it  and  Salayar. 

The  Tiger,  or  Tyger  Islands  of  the  old  charts,  lie  to  the  southward  of  the 
Gulf  of  Boni,  and  southward  of  the  track  eastward  from  Salayer  Strait.  The 
steamer  Hertog  Bernard,  when  steaming  to  the  eastward  of  Salayar,  in  1871, 
in  search  of  the  American  whaler  Xantho,  stranded  near  an  island  group 
which  appears  on  old  charts  under  the  name  of  the  Tyger  Islands.  This 
group  consists  of  a  large  number  of  coral  islands,  mostly  high,  surrounded 
by  far  extending  reefs,  and  visible  from  on  deck  to  a  distance  of  from  2  to  3 
geographical  miles.  The  largest  and  most  north-easterly,  named  North 
Tiger  Island,  lies  in  6°  21'  S.,  and  121°  3'  E.  from  Greenwich.  From  North 
Tiger  Island,  a  chain  of  reefs  stretch  out  S.S.E.  to  Kala  Tua ;  to  the  East 
of  these  reefs  is  no  anchoring  ground ;  they  rise  up  steep  from  a  depth  of 
100  fathoms.  The  wreck  of  the  Xantho  was  found  on  the  eastern  side  of 
these  dangers,  and  lies  in  6°  30'  S.,  and  121°  17'  E.  from  Greenwich.  The 
commander  of  the  Xantho  has  reported  that  to  the  East  of  the  reefs  a  safe 
passage  exists  between  Kala  Tua  and  Post-horse  Island,  in  a  N.N. Westerly 
direction. 

Tamioeloengan,  or  Tamhelaoeang ,  a  little  known  island,  lies  8  miles  S.S.W. 
of  the  South  point  of  Salayar,  and  is  about  3  miles  long ;  2  miles  farther 
South  is  the  North  end  of  Roesah,  or  Roessa,  another  undescribed  island, 
with  a  peak  at  its  North  end.  Between  this  small  island  and  the  low  islet 
of  Sisir,  17  miles  to  S.S.E.,  and  described  on  page  773,  there  are  several 
reefs,  with  probably  clear  channels  between  them.  Mamalahkie,  described 
on  page  773,  is  10  miles  westward  of  Eoesah.  These  islands  were  formerly 
marked  as  the  Tonyn  or  Tonin  Islands,  but  they  are  not  now  known  by  that 
name.  The  islands  to  the  southward  and  eastward  are  alluded  to  on  pages 
772,  773  ante. 

The  whole  of  these  islands  and  groups  which  lie  between  the  Java  and 
Floris  Seas,  do  not  appear  to  have  been  examined  for  many  years,  and, 
therefore,  the  very  imperfect  accounts  we  have  of  them  can  be  of  little 
service. 

There  are  two  groups  still  to  be  mentioned,  which  lie  to  the  westward  of 
those  just  described,  to  the  North  of  Sumbawa. 

The  POSTILIONS  lie  about  70  miles  S.S.W.  of  the  S.W.  point  of  Celebes, 
and  the  same  distance  North  from  Sanjeang,  off  the  East  end  of  Sumbawa 


820  THE  MOLUCCA  ISLANDS. 

(page  764).  They  consist  of  an  extensive  range  of  low  islands  extending  36 
miles  in  a  S.E.  and  N.W.  direction,  and  are  almost  entirely  unknown.  The 
North  island  is  in  lat.  6°  31'  S.,  long.  118°  42'  E.  The  N.W.  island  has  a 
small  lump  in  the  centre.  The  easternmost  limit  of  the  islands  is  in  lat. 
6°  48' S.,  long.  119°  12^  E.  There  is  apparently  a  safe  channel  between 
them  and  the  Great  Paternosters,  but  little  is  known  of  it,  and  a  series  of 
islands  extends  for  60  or  70  miles  S.W.  of  the  South  end  of  the  Postilions. 

At  about  40  miles  West  of  their  south-westernmost  point  is  the  N.E.  end 
of  a  more  extensive  range,  the  Great  Paternosters. 

The  GREAT  PATERNOSTERS  consist  of  several  groups  of  coral  islands, 
mostly  low  and  wooded,  extending  nearly  N.E.  and  S.W.  110  or  120  miles. 
They  are  but  little  known,  and  should  be  avoided  till  they  are  better  de- 
scribed. Many  of  them  are  surrounded  by  reefs  and  sboal  coral  patches. 
The  S.W.  isles  are  about  6°  56'  S.,  long.  117°  5'  E.  The  N.E.  Paternoster 
is  in  about  lat.  6°  36'  S.,  long.  118°  17  E.  Near  the  N.E.  Paternosters,  in 
lat.  6°  30'  S.,  and  long.  118°  18'  30"  E.,  the  water  was  observed  to  be  dis- 
coloured, and  a  coral  reef  supposed  to  exist. 


THE  MOLUCCA  ISLANDS. 


The  designation  of  Moluccas  has  been  extended  to  all  the  islands  between 
Celebes  and  New  Guinea,  but  properly  it  should  be  confined  to  the  chain  of 
five  islands  running  North  and  South  on  the  West  side  of  Halmahera  or 
Jilolo,  having  Ternate  to  the  North  and  Batchian  on  the  South.  These 
islands  are  the  native  country  of  the  Clove — a  spice  considered  to  be  of  such 
value  in  the  middle  ages,  that  the  search  for  it  was  one  of  the  chief  incen- 
tives to  the  first  voyages  of  Columbus,  which,  in  addition  to  giving  us  the 
knowledge  of  a  new  world,  have  also  attracted  a  navigation  which  has  made 
known  to  us  regions  equal  in  extent  to  that  new  world.  These  small  islands, 
unattractive  in  themselves,  have  therefore  played  an  important  part  in  the 
progress  of  navigation  and  hydrography. 

The  Moluccas,  as  now  understood,  are  claimed  by  the  Dutch,  who  hold 
the  sovereignty  over  the  whole  of  them  with  greater  or  less  power.  They 
are  divided  into — 1.  The  Residentie  van  Amhoina,  which  embraces  that  island, 
the  West  part  of  Ceram,  Buru,  and  the  neighbouring  islands ;  2.  The  Resi- 
dentie van  Banda,  comprising  that  small  group,  the  East  part  of  Ceram,  and 
all  the  groups  to  the  South  and  S.E. ;  3.  The  Residentie  van  Ternate,  em- 
bracing the  three  Sultanats  of  the  Moluccas  or  Spice  Islands  proper,  the 
islands  of  Jilolo  or  Halmahera,  a  portion  of  Celebes,  and  the  islands  to  the 
S.W.  of  them.  The  details  of  the  area  and  population  of  these  several  pro- 
vinces was  given  for  the  first  time  with  any  accuracy  by  that  accomplished 


THE  XULLA  ISLES.  821 

hydrographer  Melvill  van  Carnbee,  in  the  "  Moniteur  des  Indes  "  for  1846-9. 
The  interesting  figures  there  given  must  be  the  guide  to  those  who  require 
further  information. 

This  section  will  be  a  description  of  the  islands  and  passages  as  far  as 
they  are  known,  commencing  with  the  westernmost.  The  authorities  for 
these  are,  besides  the  numerous  notices  collected  and  issued  by  the  Dutch 
commission  for  the  improvement  of  the  Indian  Sea  charts,  the  surveys  of 
Lieut.  Gregory  ;  the  voyage  of  M.  M.  Modera,  S.  Miiller,  «S:c.,  in  the  Dutch 
corvette  Triton,  in  1828;  that  of  M.  Kolff  in  the  Doerga,  in  1825-6;  Freycinet, 
in  1822-5  ;  Dumont  d'Urville  in  the  Astrolabe  and  Zelee,  in  1837-40,  when  a 
large  number  of  important  observations  were  made ;  Sir  Edward  Belcher's 
voyage  of  the  Samarang,  1844,  Capt.  Owen  Stanley,  E..N.,  1889;  Mr.  A.  S. 
Bickmore,  1865;  Voyage  of  the  Challenger,  1874,  &c.,  &c.  Besides  these, 
the  works  of  Temminck,  Eysinga,  &c.,  have  been  consulted,  and  many  par- 
ticulars are  extracted  from  our  old  Oriental  Navigator  of  1806. 

The  XULLA  ISLES,  a  group  of  four  or  more  islands  to  the  eastward  of 
the  eastern  peninsula  of  Celebes,  do  not  appear  to  be  at  all  known,  as  no 
good  account  is  to  be  found  of  them.  Their  name  is  apparently  given  by  the 
Portuguese,  and  is  sometimes  written  Zidla  or  Soela. 

Xulla  Taliabo,  the  westernmost,  is  high  and  bold,  with  but  few  inhabitants. 
Its  north-western  point  is  marked  as  in  lat.  1°  45'  S.,  long.  124°  19',  from 
whence  it  extends  eastward  for  60  miles,  and  is  separated  from  the  next 
island  by  the  strait  of  Sapaloeloe  or  Surinam. 

Xulla  Mangola,  the  next  to  the  eastward,  is  generally  high,  especially  at 
its  N.W.  end,  where  it  is  lofty  and  rugged.  It  is  about  50  miles  long.  Off 
its  East  end  is  the  smallest  of  the  group,  Lifa  Matoelah  or  Ztssamatula,  sepa- 
rated by  a  narrow  channel.  It  is  moderately  high  and  level,  having  along 
its  North  and  East  sides  several  white  cliffs,  which  are  conspicuous  at  a  con- 
siderable distance.  The  S.E.  point  is  in  lat.  1°  51'  S.,  long.  126°  30'  E., 
and  off  it  is  an  isle  which  forms  like  a  saddle  in  coming  from  the  northward. 

Xulla  Bessi,  the  southernmost,  is  of  considerable  height,  and  may  be  seen 
12  or  13  leagues  off,  and  has  a  level  appearance  when  seen  at  a  distance. 
It  is  about  30  miles  long,  and  its  S.E.  point  is  in  about  lat.  2°  28'  S.,  long. 
126°  2'  E.  It  is  well  cultivated  and  inhabited,  producing  much  wax  and 
honey.  There  is  a  village,  Sabi,  near  the  S.E.  point,  where  a  ship  may  pro- 
cure some  refreshments.     There  is  a  Dutch  resident  here. 

Sannana  Bag,  on  the  N.E.  coast  of  Xulla  Bessi,  was  surveyed  by  Lieut. 
J.  C.  G.  Brennwala.  It  is  a  good  harbour,  half  a  mile  in  diameter,  almost 
surrounded  by  coral  reefs,  with  a  narrow  entrance  facing  the  East,  with  7  to 
1 1  fathoms  in  it.  Immediately  opposite  the  entrance  is  a  building  called  the 
large  mosque,  which,  bearing  West,  would  lead  through.  At  a  short  distance 
North  of  this  is  the  Fort  de  Verwachting,  which  is  W.  by  N.  ^  N.  from  the 
entrance,  and  in  lat.  2°  2'  S.,  long.   125°  56'  E.     Inside  the  harbour  the 


822  GEEYHOUND  STRAIT— BOURO. 

depths  are  from  7  to  14  fathoms,  clay  bottom,  and  good  anchorage  in  the 
centre,  with  the  fort  bearing  N.  67°  W.,  the  great  mosque  West,  and  the 
little  mosque  on  the  South  side  S.  40°  W.     Tides  rise  9  ft. 

The  channel  between  Bessi  and  Mangola  is  about  3  or  4  miles  wide  be- 
tween the  coral  reef  which  extends  North  of  the  former  island,  with  an- 
chorage in  from  30  to  35  fathoms  near  the  Mangola  shore,  which  is  bold  to 
approach.  The  currents  are  strong  in  the  channel,  and  influenced  by  the 
tides.  In  coming  through  from  the  eastward,  keep  on  the  eastern  side  until 
near  the  small  island  West  of  the  passage,  when  you  may  haul  to  the 
southward. 

Greyhound  Strait  leads  past  the  western  end  of  Taliabo.  The  western 
coast  of  this  island  trends  nearly  North  and  South  about  13  miles,  having  a 
haycock  island,  Seho,  in  lat.  1°  58',  close  to  its  S.W.  point,  and  another 
island  off  its  N.W.  point;  from  the  latter,  several  islands  lie  near  the 
Taliabo  shore,  to  the  N.E.  and  eastward.  Masunie  or  Middle  Island,  which 
separates  the  straits  into  two  channels,  bears  West  9  miles  from  the  North 
island  above  mentioned.  It  is  low,  swampy,  and  covered  with  trees,  and 
surrounded  by  shoal  water. 

A  sunlcen  rock  lies  at  2  miles  westward  of  the  South  end  of  the  western 
islet,  lying  off  the  N.W.  extreme  of  Taliabo,  and  the  Qmniet  touched  on  a 
shoal  of  1|  fathom,  lying  3  miles  south-westward  of  the  sunken  rock.  From 
the  shoal  Pulo  Massuni  bore  N.  59°  W.  ;  Pulo  Lembau,  E.N.E.  ;  and  Pulo 
Seho  S.  28°  E.  There  are  3  fathoms  water  on  the  edge  of  the  reef,  S.E.  of 
Pulo  Massuni,  and  it  is  3  miles  East  of  the  eastern  side  of  the  island. 

BOURO,  Boeroe  (Dutch),  or  JBuru,  a  large  and  lofty  island,  is  42  miles 
south-eastward  of  Xulla  Bessi.  It  is  80  miles  long  by  50  in  its  greatest 
breadth,  and  is  therefore  one-half  larger  than  Bali  or  Lombok,  but  compared 
with  them  is  of  but  little  value.  It  is  a  vast  mass  of  mountainous  land, 
rising  to  the  height  of  from  7,000  to  8,000  ft.,  the  most  elevated  in  the  Mo- 
lucca Sea.  Mount  Tomahoe,  8,530  ft.  above  its  N.W.  point,  is  very  lofty. 
Cape  Balatetto  or  Palpatu,  the  N.W.  cape,  is  in  lat.  3°  6'  S.,  long.  126°  4'  E. 
The  West  coast  trends  about  South  for  32  miles  to  Cape  LisateJce,  6  miles  to 
S.W.  of  which  is  a  roch  awash.  The  southern  coast  curves  irregularly  E.S.E. 
and  E.N.E.  for  88  miles,  and  then  northward  toward  Cayeli  Bay. 

Cayeli  or  Cajeli  Bay,  on  the  N.W.  coast,  is  the  chief  place  of  the  island. 
Fort  Defensie,  in  the  S.W.  part  of  the  bay,  according  to  Admiral  Sir  E, 
Belcher,  is  in  lat.  3°  22'  49"  S.,  long.  127^  6'  27"  E.  The  southern  and 
western  shores  are  fronted  by  an  extensive  coral  reef  to  the  distance  of  about 
a  mile,  and  on  the  eastern  side  lies  a  large  coral  reef,  which  extends  nearly 
one-third  across  the  bay. 

There  is  a  rugged  mount  or  double  peak,  two  very  high  conical  hills 
inland,  called  the  Mother  and  Daughter,  which  from  the  sea  appear  as  one. 
The  Daughter  is  only  seen  separate  when  well  into  the  depth  of  the  bay. 


AMBLAU-  MANIPA.  823 

The  eastern  side  is  streaked  with  white,  by  reason  of  its  bare  rocks.  It  lies 
on  the  S.E.  side  of  the  depth  of  Cayeli  Bay,  4  J  miles  S.E.  J  S.  from  the  fort, 
and  is  an  excellent  mark  for  rounding  the  eastern  head  from  the  S.E.  ;  as 
long  as  its  head  can  be  seen  above  the  trees  at  the  eastern  point,  the  ship- 
ping will  be  perfectly  clear  of  danger.  The  instant  it  begins  to  rise,  after 
passing  the  point,  a  course  may  be  shaped  for  the  North  point,  which 
apparently  shows  as  the  left  of  an  island  on  the  N.W.  shore.  When  in 
mid-channel  steer  with  the  town  off  the  port  cathead  until  Mother  bears 
S.E.  by  S.  Then  steer  South  for  the  fort ;  shorten  sail  when  about  1  mile 
from  it,  and  anchor  at  the  first  cast  25  fathoms,  bottom  mud,  good  holding 
ground. 

The  limit  of  danger,  westerly,  is  the  two  eastern  turrets  of  the  fort  in 
line.  Sir  Edward  Belcher  found  soundings  in  every  part  of  the  bay,  both 
going  in  and  coming  out ;  on  the  latter  occasion  it  never  exceeded  50  fathoms 
until  he  hauled  up  E.N.E.  Entering,  it  ranged  from  64,  42,  to  60  gravel, 
anchored  with  the  fort,  South,  Eed  Island,  or  Pulo  Papeoa,  East.  The 
latter  is  IJ  mile  E.  by  N.  from  the  fort,  and  behind  it  is  a  landlocked  an- 
chorage in  6  fathoms,  entered  between  the  reefs  North  of  the  island,  the 
channel  first  trending  S.E.,  then  South.  H.M.S.  Sulphur  was  here  in  August 
and  September,  1840.  Sir  Edward  says  that  Bouro  or  Cayeli  Bay  possesses 
great  advantages  over  Amboina  as  regards  supplies  of  poultry,  eggs,  water, 
and  wood.  The  harbour  is  also  snug,  sheltered  from  the  monsoons,  and 
less  troubled  with  the  diurnal  rains  of  Amboina.  Deer  are  plentiful  in  the 
interior.  A  great  variety  of  beautiful  woods,  adapted  for  cabinet  purposes, 
and  now  (1868)  greatly  appreciated,  are  also  plentiful,  including  the  most 
valuable  ebony  of  these  seas.  The  cajeput  oil  is  principally  obtained  from 
this  island  and  sent  to  Amboina.  The  Dutch  resident  was  much  perplexed 
at  the  frigate's  visit. 

It  is  high  water,  at  full  and  change,  at  1''  32"  ;  rise  of  tide  4^  ft. 

Amblau  or  Amblauw,  a  small  island  6  miles  in  extent,  lies  6  miles  off  the 
S.E.  end  of  Bouro.  Its  East  end  is  in  lat.  3°  50'  S.,  long.  127°  17'  E.  A  reef 
of  rocks  is  reported  to  lie  in  the  strait,  but  its  position  is  not  known. 

Manipa  is  a  lofty  island,  2,100  ft.  high,  midway  between  Bouro  and  the 
western  peninsula  of  Ceram,  its  centre  being  in  lat.  3°  17'  S.,  long.^l27°  34' 
E.  The  best  channel  is  the  Manipa  Passage,  between  it  and  Bouro.  It  is 
about  16  miles  wide,  is  without  soundings,  and  clear  of  danger.  It  is  the 
passage  generally  used  in  going  from  Bouro  to  Ceram  or  Amboina.  At  1^ 
mile  West  from  the  West  extreme  of  Manipa  is  the  small  islet  of  Suangi, 
327  ft.  high,  in  lat.  3°  16'  30"  S.,  long.  127^  29'  E.  On  the  South  side  of 
Manipa  is  the  Dutch  fort,  off  which,  and  within  a  small  islet,  there  is  an- 
chorage close  to  the  shore.  Kelang  is  2,400  ft.  high,  and  lies  to  the  N.E.  of 
Manipa,  being  separated  from  it  by  a  safe  channel  3  miles  wide,  through 
which  the  tides  or  currents  set  very  strongly  at  times  with  great  noise  and 


824  ISLAND  OF  AMBOINA. 

strong  ripplings.  Babi  is  low,  and  separated  by  a  narrow  but  closed  pas- 
sage from  the  N.E.  Cape  Kelang.  To  the  East  it  is  separated  from  the 
West  point  of  Ceram,  Tanjong  Hatan,  by  a  narrow  passage  called  the  Nas- 
soutoscke  Gat. 

AMSOINA  or  Amboyna,  a  free  port,  is,  as  before  observed,  the  seat  of  the 
Dutch  Government  of  the  adjacent  islands,  although  it  is  not  very  populous, 
Melvill  van  Carnbee  giving  its  total  inhabitants  as  29,592  in  1841,  of  which 
about  9,000  live  in  the  chief  town.  They  are  a  brown  complexioned  race, 
who  have  lost  many  of  the  distinctive  characteristics  they  were  found  to  have 
when  the  island  was  first  discovered.  The  Malay  is  now  the  universal 
language,  and  a  large  proportion  of  them  have  been  well  educated  and  cared 
for  by  the  Dutch  Government,  so  that  they  are  allowed  to  be  the  most  moral, 
well  conducted,  and  peaceable  people  of  the  whole  Archipelago. 

The  island  is  29  miles  long  E.N.E.  andW.S.W.,  and  consists  of  two  por- 
tions, nearly  separated  by  a  narrow  and  low  isthmus,  across  which  the  Dutch 
commenced  and  nearly  succeeded  in  cutting  a  canal.  The  northern  and 
largest  portion  is  called  by  the  natives  Sttoe  or  Situ,  and  the  southern  pe- 
ninsula, on  which  is  the  capital  of  the  Moluccas,  is  Leitimor. 

"  Amboyna  is  a  beatiful  island,  nearly  divided  in  two  by  a  broad  sea  inlet 
running  between  high  hills,  covered  with  forest  or  yellow  grass,  and  along 
the  shores  are  Malay  villages,  nearly  hidden  by  cocoa  groves.  Fourteen 
miles  up,  on  the  South  side,  is  the  town  of  Amboyna,  the  bay  continuing  6 
miles  farther,  narrowing  just  above  the  town,  and  again  broadening  into  a 
lake*like  sheet  of  water,  bounded  by  soft  and  lovely  vegetation  at  the  foot  of 
low  wooded  hills.  We  anchored  almost  alongside  of  a  pier  crowded  with 
Dutch  soldiers  and  Malays,  excited  at  our  arrival.  Though  the  town  from 
the  anchorage  looked  picturesque  enough  with  trees  and  palms  springing  up 
above  the  roofs,  we  were  rather  disappointed,  as  it  by  no  means  looked  Kke 
the  large  place  we  had  heard  it  was  ;  but  when  on  shore  we  found  it  was 
very  much  larger  than  Banda." — (Lord  George  Campbell :  Log  Letters  from 
the  Challenger.) 

The  island  is  composed  of  primitive  and  volcanic  rocks,  and,  like  many 
other  productions,  the  clove  cultivation  is  peculiarly  adapted  to  the  disin- 
tegrated soil  of  volcanic  origin.  The  little  energy  of  the  inhabitants,  about 
30,000  in  number,  is  almost  exclusively  devoted  to  the  growth  of  this  staple 
product,  as  the  island  is  not  much  cultivated  in  other  respects.  The  total 
produce  of  the  clove  is  about  500,000  lbs.  to  600,000  lbs.  per  annum.  This 
industry,  however,  is  not  now  so  well  cared  for,  since  the  soil  of  other  lands 
has  been  found  suitable  for  clove  cultivation.  Shells  of  rare  species  are  also 
much  collected  and  exported.  The  rocky  and  hilly  portions  of  the  island  do 
not  attain  a  very  great  elevation,  Gunong  Salhoetoe,  in  the  N.E.  part  of 
Hitoe,  being  4,010  ft.,  and  Gunong  Latoea,  in  the  S.W.  part,  3,363  ft.  The 
highest  points  of  Leitimor  are  Gunong  Nbnna,  1,972  ft.,  2  miles  S.S.W.  of 


THE  BAY  OF  AMBOINA.  825 

the  city,  and  Grunong  Ilorie,   2,030  ft.,  3  miles  E.S.E.  of  the  same.     The 
southern  peninsula  is  traversed  by  some  good  roads. 

Winds,  ^-c. — From  a  meteorological  register  kept  at  Amboina,  extending 
over  a  period  of  four  years  ending  1874,  it  would  appear  that  the  N.W. 
monsoon  commences  about  November  and  lasts  till  April ;  but  only  during 
January,  February,  and  part  of  March  do  the  winds  blow  steadily,  and  then 
between  North  and  N.W.  The  S.E.  monsoon  blows  from  May  to  the  begin- 
ning of  September,  after  which  it  becomes  variable  to  the  end  of  November, 
In  December  the  wind  is  variable  from  North  through  West  to  South,  and 
in  March  and  April  from  N.W.  to  S.AV. 

Rain  falls  in  every  month  of  the  year,  the  driest  being  from  October  to 
April  inclusive,  with  an  average  of  13  days  rain  and  8  inches  fall  for  each  of 
these  months.  The  other  months  average  21  days  rain,  with  a  fall  of  27 
inches.  The  mean  temperature  for  the  whole  year  ranges  from  74°  to  86° 
Fahrenheit. 

Earthquakes  occur  from  December  to  June. 

Tanjong  Wawolle,  the  western  extreme,  is  in  lat.  3°  40^'  S.,  long.  127° 
54'  30"  E.  ;  off  it  are  three  islands  called  the  Drie  Breeders  (three  brothers), 
or  Pulo  Tega,  between  all  of  which  and  also  between  them  and  the  point, 
there  are  safe  passages.  The  North  shore  of  Amboina  is  clear  of  danger 
throughout,  and  the  channel  between  it  and  Ceram,  4  or  5  miles  wide,  is 
subject  to  strong  but  irregular  currents.  Off  the  N.W.  point  of  Amboina  is 
a  small  island,  Pulo  Potnlo,  and  from  this  to  the  S.E.  extreme  of  the  northern 
part  of  the  island  the  distance  is  8  miles  in  a  S.  by  W.  direction.  Bagualla 
Bay  indents  the  eastern  face  of  the  island,  and  at  its  head  is  the  low  isthmus. 
There  are  numerous  shoals  in  it,  and  it  is  entirely  open  to  the  East. 

The  BAY  of  AMBOINA,  which  trends  to  N.E.  by  E.,  enters  between 
Tanjong  Allang  on  the  West  and  Noesanive  on  the  East ;  they  are  steep-to, 
and  bear  East  and  West  from  each  other  6  miles  apart.  About  3  cables' 
lengths  S.S.E.  from  the  latter  point  there  is  a  narrow  bank  of  soundings  of 
from  15  to  50  fathoms,  on  which  a  ship  might  anchor  during  a  calm.  It  is 
detached  from  the  shore. 

Inside  the  S.E.  point  is  a  slender  bay,  called  formerly  Portuguese  Bay,  but 
there  are  no  soundings  to  be  obtained  at  a  cable's  length  from  the  shore  on 
either  side  except  in  the  upper  part  near  to  the  narrows. 

AMBOINA  or  Amboyna,  the  capital  of  the  Moluccas,  is  8  miles  up  the 
bay  on  its  southern  shore,  or  about  15  miles  from  Point  Allang.  The  town 
is  regularly  built,  clean,  and  neat,  with  wide  and  regular  streets.  It  has  a 
governor's  palace  and  a  long  esplanade,  planted  with  nutmeg  trees,  termi- 
nating at  Fort  Victoria,  at  the  N.E.  end  of  the  town. 

The  houses  are  built  in  the  Dutch  style,  but  chiefly  of  one  story,  on  account 
of  the  frequency  of  earthquakes.     The  Chinese  quarter,  which  is  extensive, 

I.  A.  5  N 


826  AMBOINA. 

is  in  the  western  part,  and  has  a  very  large  and  well  stocked  market,  fur- 
nishing most  of  the  luxuries  as  well  as  the  necessaries  of  the  climate,  but 
the  people  do  not  seem  to  be  so  industrious  as  they  are  in  other  parts  of  the 
world. 

"  The  Dutch  Government  have  a  large  coal  depot  here.  One  day  we  pro- 
ceeded farther  up  the  harbour  for  the  purpose  of  taking  in  a  supply,  lying 
alongside  a  jetty  during  the  operation  ;  it  was,  however,  a  slow  and  tedious 
process,  for  no  inducement  could  make  the  coolies  get  in  anything  like  a 
reasonable  quantity  per  day.  It  was  a  pretty  place,  and  as  we  had  the  ad- 
ditional facilities  of  lying  alongside  a  pier,  many  excursions  were  taken.  On 
completing  our  coaling  we  returned  to  our  first  anchorage  off  the  town.  The 
passage  down  the  harbour  afforded  one  of  the  most  astonishing  and  beauti- 
ful sights  to  behold.  The  bottom  was  absolutely  hidden  by  a  continuous 
series  of  coral  sponges,  actiniae,  and  other  marine  productions  of  varied 
forms  and  brilliant  colours.  The  waters  were  clear  as  crystal,  and  the 
depth  varying  from  8  to  10  fathoms."— (W.  J.  J.  Spry,  E.N.,  Cruise  of 
H.M.S.  Challenger.) 

This  citadel  was  built  by  the  Portuguese,  and,  besides  the  military  quar- 
ters, contains  storehouses  for  the  produce  of  the  clove  plantations.  A  wooden 
jetty  extends  from  the  wharf  in  front  of  the  fort,  off  which  is  the  usual  an- 
chorage. The  town  contains  about  8,000  or  9,000  people,  but  seems  to  be 
declining.  The  summer-house  on  the  S.W.  angle  of  Fort  Victoria,  the  ob- 
servatory of  Sir  Edward  Belcher,  was  found  by  him  to  be  in  lat.  3°  41'  30" 
S.,  long.  128°  10'  18"  E.  corrected),  which  agrees  closely  with  the  observa- 
tions of  Lieutenant  H.  A.  Meijer,  of  the  Dutch  royal  navy,  who  surveyed 
the  bay  in  1840.  A  survey  of  the  island  was  made  in  1842  by  Lieutenant 
H.  van  Guffron. 

The  bay,  as  before  observed,  has  very  deep  water  along  the  middle,  for 
at  between  3  and  4  cables'  lengthsof  the  jetty  there  are  60  fathoms  water. 
The  bay  here  is  about  2  miles  wide.  There  is  anchorage  abreast  of  the 
fort,  in  case  a  ship  is  driven  from  the  anchorage  to  the  south-westward,  off 
tbe  town. 

The  best  time  for  entering  the  bay  in  the  westerly  monsoon  is  in  the  morn- 
ing between  daybreak  and  8  or  9  a.m. ;  and  by  keeping  a  N.E.  by  E.  course 
from  between  the  heads  nearly  in  mid-channel,  you  will  generally  carry  a 
breeze  up  to  the  anchorage  off  the  town.  During  the  night  light  variable 
airs  or  calms  generally  prevail,  accompanied  with  an  outset,  which  renders 
the  progress  up  the  bay  tedious  and  difficult,  for  ships  are  liable  to  be  drifted 
about  by  the  eddies,  or  probably  out  of  the  bay  after  getting  half-way  up 
with  a  favourable  breeze.  There  is,  however,  no  danger  to  be  apprehended 
during  the  night,  for  although  a  ship  may  seem  to  be  drifting  toward  the 
beach  when  calm,  yet  the  depth  of  the  water  allows  a  ship  to  be  set  parallel 
to  the  shore  close  to.     Strong  gales  are  often  experienced  in  the  westerly 


AMBOINA.  827 

monsoon,  about  full  and  change  of  the  moon,  which  are  generally  preceded 
by  a  great  swell  tumbling  into  the  bay. 

In  the  easterly  mo7isoo7i,  as  the  current  frequently  sets  strongly  past  the 
points  of  the  bay  to  the  westward,  a  ship  coming  from  this  direction  ought 
to  work  up  in  the  offing  until  Noesanive  Point  bears  N.N.E.  or  N.  by  E. 
She  should  then  steer  round  it  pretty  close,  keeping  along  the  southern  shore 
of  the  bay  at  a  moderate  distance  under  low  sail ;  for  the  sudden  gusts  of 
wind  which  come  off  the  high  land  sometimes  might  endanger  the  masts  with 
light  sails  set. 

The  anchorage  is  off  the  town  or  the  fort,  in  about  20  fathoms,  at  2  cables' 
lengths  off  shore.  It  is  customary  to  run  the  stream  cable  on  shore,  and  for 
this  purpose  heavy  anchors  are  already  laid  down,  to  which  cables  can  be 
attached  at  low  water.  The  edge  of  the  shoal  off  the  town  of  Amboina  is 
well  marked  by  fishing  stakes,  which  may  also  be  seen  in  many  parts  of  the 
bay.  H.M.S.  Challenger  anchored  in  24  fathoms  1  cable  W.  by  N.  from 
the  pier. 

Water,  fruit,  and  vegetables  may  be  got,  but  stock  cannot  be  depended  on 
at  all  times.  The  watering  place  is  opposite  to  the  town  1^  mile  distant,  but 
there  is  another  in  the  Inner  Harbour. 

"  Beef  is  indifferent  in  quality  and  expensive,  being  2s.  per  lb.  ;  fowls, 
Is.  6d.  each  ;  ducks,  3s.  to  4s.  each ;  eggs,  2s.  6d.  per  dozen.  Fish  is  plen- 
tiful and  cheap,  but  fruit  is  scarce. 

**  The  coaling  wharf  is  at  Tanjong  Mungayeu,  a  little  more  than  a  mile 
south-westward  of  the  town  pier,  and  there  are  4  fathoms  alongside  it. 
Ships  intending  to  coal  at  the  wharf  should  steer  in  with  their  heads  to  the 
south-eastward,  and  at  half  a  cable's  length  off  the  wharf  end  drop  the  port 
anchor  in  10  fathoms,  hauling  alongside  by  means  of  the  wooden  piles  placed 
at  convenient  distances  along  the  shore.  The  red  buoy  to  the  north-eastward 
of  the  wharf  is  lightly  moored,  and  intended  only  for  the  off-fasts  of  the 
small  steamers  frequenting  the  port.  Large  vessels  will  therefore  find  it 
necessary  to  have  their  stream  anchors  to  windward,  as  the  wharf  is  slightly 
built,  and  the  N.E.  wind  presses  them  strongly  against  it.  A  large  quan- 
tity of  coal  is  stored  here,  principally  from  Newcastle-on-Tyne,  the  price 
being  £3  per  ton.  Labour  can  be  obtained  at  a  Dutch  rupee,  of  Is.  8d.  per 
day,  but  only  about  60  tons  a  day  is  shipped. 

"  There  is  a  monthly  mail-steamer  from  Makassar  or  Sourabaya,  which 
touches  at  Koepang  and  Dilli  in  Timor,  and  at  the  Banda  Islands,  on  the 
voyage  to  Amboina ;  also  at  Ternate  and  either  Kema  or  Menado  in  the 
Celebes,  on  her  return. 

"  Tides.— It  was  found  to  be  high  water,  full  and  change  (in  October)  in 
Amboina  Harbour,  at  2''  5™,  the  day  tide  being  lower  than  the  night  tide ; 
they  are,  however,  irregular,  and  influenced  by  the  wind." — (H.M.S.  Chal- 
lenger,  October,  1874.) 


828  OMA- SAPAROEA. 

The  Inner  Harbour  is  entered  by  a  narrow  channel,  300  yards  wide,  be- 
tween the  sandy  flat  on  the  South  side  and  the  steeper  North  shore.  There 
are  6  to  10  fathoms  water  in  it.  It  is  U  naile  above  the  town,  and  the 
channel,  as  before  stated,  is  on  the  northern  side ;  within,  it  widens  into  a 
large  basin,  3  miles  long  by  U  broad,  with  tolerably  even  depths  over  it, 
varying  from  12  to  18  fathoms.  It  is  well  sheltered  from  aU  winds,  but, 
probably  from  this  cause,  is  considered  to  be  unhealthy  for  ships'  crews, 
much  sickness  prevailing  with  the  small  vessels  coming  inside,  while  those 
in  the  outer  harbour  continue  healthy.  The  watering  river  is  on  the  North 
side,  and  may  be  known  by  a  house  on  either  side  of  it,  at  a  small  distance. 
Casks  are  readily  filled  by  means  of  a  hose,  but  a  loaded  long  boat  can  only 
float  out  at  high  water.  The  head  of  the  harbour,  as  before  mentioned,  is 
separated  from  Baguala  Bay  on  the  eastern  end  of  the  island  by  a  narrow 
sandy  isthmus.  At  one  time  the  Dutch  attempted  to  cut  a  canal.  It  has 
been  partially  filled  up,  still  up  to  the  present  large  prahus  are  floated  up 
and  carried  across  the  remainder  to  avoid  going  round  the  whole  of  the 
island. 

OMA  or  Haruku  lies  6  miles  eastward  of  the  eastern  part  of  Amboina. 
The  channel  is  quite  safe.  It  is  about  9  miles  long,  and  the  clove  is  well 
cultivated.  It  has  no  harbour  or  roadstead,  the  chief  place  being  Hanihu,  at 
its  S.W.  end.  Fort  Zeelandia  here  is  in  lat.  3°  37'  45"  S.,  long.  128°  25'  E. 
The  North  coast  of  the  island  should  not  ^e  approached  within  2  or  3 
miles. 

SAPAROEA  or  Honimoa,  the  next  island  to  the  eastward,  is  larger  than 
Oma,  and,  like  Amboina,  is  of  an  irregular  figure,  two  peninsulas  joined  by 
a  narrow  isthmus.  The  channel  between  Oma  and  Honimoa  is  only  a  mile 
wide  in  its  narrowest  part,  destitute  of  anchorage,  and  subject  to  strong 
currents  or  tides.  Should  a  vessel  venture  through,  which  is  not  to  be 
recommended,  keep  on  the  Oma  shore.  Some  shoals  are  marked  on  the 
Dutch  charts  as  lying  a  mile  East  off  the  N.E.  point  of  Oma. 

Pulo  Dombo  or  Pigeon  Island,  a  small  islet,  lies  off  the  South  point, 
known  formerly  as  the  Dolphin's  Nose.  This  is  in  lat.  3°  39^'  S.,  long.  128° 
39'.  A  bay,  3  miles  deep,  lies  to  the  East  of  it,  and  Pulo  Melano  or  Moelana 
about  2  miles  to  the  S.W. 

Saparoea  village,  the  chief  place,  lies  at  the  head  of  the  bay  of  which  the 
Dolphin's  Nose  is  the  S.W.  point.  Fort  Buurstede  protects  it.  There  is  good 
anchorage  near  this  fort  in  the  westerly  monsoon  in  about  12  fathoms. 
Steer  in  about  mid-channel,  between  the  reefs  that  line  both  sides  of  the 
bay,  but  no  soundings  are  to  be  got  until  within  a  mile  of  the  fort,  and 
anchor  in  10  fathoms  with  it  bearing  N.W.  450  yards  distant.  The  fort  is 
in  lat.  3°  35'  50"  S.,  long.  128°  38'  18"  E.  High  water,  full  and  change,  at 
Ih  0™  ;  springs  rise  6  ft.  The  island,  like  the  others,  is  well  cultivated,  and 
has  several  roads  traversing  its  central  portion  to  its  North  shore. 


THE  BANDA  ISLANDS.  829 

NUSA  LAUT,  about  800  ft.  high,  the  easternmost  of  the  Amboina  group, 
or  the  Clove  Islands,  is  separated  from  Honimoa  by  a  safe  channel,  2  miles 
wide.  Foul  ground  surrounds  it  to  the  distance  of  a  quarter  of  a  mile.  There 
is  no  shelter  whatever,  but  anchorage  may  be  had  in  favourable  weather  at 
the  North  side,  and  ojEf  the  N."\V.  part,  where  there  is  a  fort.  A  road  goes 
all  round  the  island,  a  circuit  of  18  or  20  miles.  It  is  believed  to  produce 
the  best  cloves  of  all  the  group. 

The  STRAIT  which  separates  these  islands  from  the  South  coast  of  Ceram 
is  of  very  various  width.  Its  northern  part,  along  the  shores  of  Ceram,  is 
believed  to  be  quite  clear  at  a  mile  off  the  land,  but  a  berth  should  be  given 
in  working  through  it,  to  the  shoals  which  lie  to  the  northward  of  Oma  and 
off  the  N.  W.  part  of  Honimoa.  The  eastern  islands  are  comparatively  low, 
and,  when  viewed  at  a  long  distance  from  the  southward,  do  not  appear 
separated  from  the  very  much  higher  land  of  Ceram  to  the  northward  ;  it  is 
not  until  closer  up  with  them  that  they  are  perceived  to  be  distinct  islands. 

The  BANDA  ISLANDS  are  the  home  of  the  nutmeg  tree,  as  the  islands 
just  described  are  of  the  clove.  It  is  a  singular  fact  that  these  two  spices  of 
such  universal  use  should  be  only  produced  on  two  such  insignificant  groups 
of  islands,  lying  so  near  the  equator  as  those  in  question.  There  has  been 
no  regular  hydrographical  survey  of  the  group,  but  the  Dutch  authorities 
and  Captain  Owen  Stanley  have  given  us  sufficient  data  to  use  the  charts 
with  confidence. 

The  islands,  subject  to  the  Dutch,  by  whom  a  Eesident  is  appointed,  have 
been  cared  for  in  a  most  expensive  and  exclusive  manner.  The  nutmeg 
monopoly  was  formerly  maintained  by  the  government,  by  purchasing  the 
produce  at  a  fixed  price,  and  supplying  the  proprietors  of  the  perks  (parks) 
with  slaves  at  a  fixed  price,  and  rice  from  Java  at  its  cost.  Since  the  aboli- 
tion of  slavery,  however,  any  one  is  free  to  clear  the  jungle  and  plant  the 
spice-giving  trees.  The  annual  produce  is  about  600,000  lbs.  of  nutmegs 
and  150,000  lbs.  of  mace.  Many  obsolete  obstructions  to  the  extension  of 
commerce  have  been  removed,  but  the  islands  still  preserve  their  character 
of  exclusively  producing  the  best  nutmegs.  The  nutmeg  trees  are  in  fruit  and 
blossom  all  the  year  round ;  the  flower  is  yellow,  and  the  fruit  like  a  small 
unripe  peach.  When  fit  to  gather,  the  outer  rind  splits  open,  disclosing  the 
nut  with  its  covering  of  mace. 

The  Banda  Islands  have  been  frequently  described,  and  most  recently  by 
Mr.  W.  J.  J.  Spry  and  Lord  George  Campbell,  who  visited  the  islands  on 
board  H.M.S.  Challetiger  in  September,  1874.  They  were  much  struck  durino- 
their  three  days'  stay  with  the  neatness  of  the  town,  the  beauty  of  the 
scenery,  and  hospitality  shown  by  the  inhabitants.  We  take  the  account  of 
a  visit  by  Mr.  A.  S.  Bickmore,  in  company  with  the  Dutch  Governor-General 
Mr.  Arriens,  in  September,  1865. 

They  are  ten  in  number ;  the  largest,  Lonthoir  or  Lontar,  or  Great  Banda, 


830  THE  BANDA  ISLANDS. 

is  a  crescent-shaped  island,  about  7  miles  long,  and  a  mile  and  a  half  wide 
in  its  broadest  parts.  Its  eastern  horn  curves  towards  the  North,  and  the 
other  points  to  the  West.  In  a  prolongation  of  the  former  lie  Pulo  Pisang, 
"  Banana  Island,"  and  Pulo  Kapal,  "  Ship  Island."  The  first  is  only  about 
two-thirds  of  a  mile  long,  and  half  as  wide,  and  the  last  is  merely  a  high 
rock,  resembling  the  poop  of  a  ship,  hence  its  name.  Within  the  circle  of 
which  these  islands  form  an  arc,  lie  three  other  islands.  The  highest  and 
most  remarkable  is  the  Gunong  Api,  or  "  Burning  Mountain,"  apparently 
attaining  a  very  considerable  elevation,  because  its  sides  rise  so  abruptly 
up  from  the  sea.  Between  the  Gunong  Api  and  the  northern  end  of  Lonthoir 
lies  Neira,  about  two  miles  long  and  less  than  a  mile  broad.  North-east  of 
the  latter  is  a  small  rock,  called  Pulo  Krakka,  or  "  Women's  Island."  The 
centre  of  the  circle  of  which  Lonthoir  is  an  arc,  falls  in  Zonne  Gat  or  Sun 
Strait,  a  narrow  passage  separating  Gunong  Api  from  Neira.  The  diameter 
of  this  circle  is  about  six  miles.  Without  this  another  concentric  circle  may 
be  drawn,  which  will  pass  through  Pulo  Ai  (Wai),  **  Water  Island,"  on  the 
West,  and  Eosengain  on  the  S.W.  ;  and  outside  of  this  a  third  concentric 
circle,  which  will  pass  through  Pulo  Swangi,  "  Sorcery,"  or  "  Spirit  Island" 
on  the  N.W.,  Pulo  Eun  (Eung),  -'Chamber  Island,"  on  the  West,  and  the 
reef  of  Eosengain  on  the  S.W.  The  total  area  of  the  whole  group  is  only 
17.6  geographical  square  miles. 

In  the  five  islands  now  named — Lonthoir,  Eosengain,  Ai,  Eun,  and  Neira 
— grow  all  the  good  nutmegs  consumed  in  every  part  of  the  world.  De  Bar- 
ros,  in  1852,  said  that  they  had  been  frequented  for  ages  by  the  Malays,  in 
proof  of  which,  the  names  of  the  difi'erent  islands  mentioned  above  are  all  of 
Malay  or  Javanese  origin.  The  aboriginal  population  at  that  time  is  given 
at  15,000,  which,  if  correct,  would  have  made  this  group  far  more  densely 
peopled  than  any  other  island  or  number  of  islands  in  the  whole  archipelago 
at  the  present  day. 

The  climate  and  proximity  of  the  great  volcano  render  the  islands  very 
unhealthy,  the  annual  deaths  in  the  group  amounting  to  1  in  21.  The 
frequent  eruptions,  always  followed  by  famine  and  death,  and  the  earth- 
quakes, which  also  devastate  the  group,  have  kept  down  the  population  to 
a  very  great  degree.  The  most  fatal  of  these  visitations  occurred  in  1G29, 
1683,  1686,  1691,  1743,  1816,  and  1852.  So  terrible  were  the  ravages  of 
the  eruption  and  earthquake  of  1691,  that  all  the  more  wealthy  people  hastily 
abandoned  it,  and  it  was  only  by  the  firmness  of  the  Dutch  Governor  that 
the  abandonment  of  the  place  was  prevented.  Some  of  these  have  com- 
menced their  destruction  without  an  instant  of  warning,  and  the  ashes  and 
hot  stones  have  buried  the  island  in  dust  and  ashes,  and  poisoned  its  water 
in  a  moment. 

Winds,  etc  — From  inquiries  amongst  the  natives  and  Dutch  residents,  it 
was  gathered  that  the  North- West  Monsoon,  which  sets  in  about  the  middle 


GEEAT  BANDA.  831 

of  November,  occasionally  blows  with  violence,  but  that  the  South-West 
Monsoon  seldom  blows  so  fiercely.  Eain  falls  in  both  monsoons,  the  dry 
months  being  September  and  October,  when  light  variable  winds  and  calms 
prevail. 

The  population  of  the  group  in  1840  was  only  5,081,  of  which  Neira  had 
1,225,  Lonthoir  372,  Ai  148,  and  Eun  42.  These,  amounting  to  1787,  were 
the  free  population;  but  to  make  up  the  total  there  were  2,183  slaves  and 
1,029  convicts  from  Java,  Sumatra,  and  Borneo,  so  that  the  people  had  de- 
creased one-fifth  in  the  previous  115  years. 

GREAT  BANDA  is  about  7  miles  long,  by  li  broad.  It  is  divided  into 
three  districts,  Lontlwir,  or  Lonthar,  at  its  "West  end,  and  the  rest  into  the 
Voorland,  or  "  front,"  on  the  North  side,  and  the  Achterland,  or  the  ''  back," 
on  the  South  and  East. 

The  shore  of  the  western  horn  of  crescent-shaped  Lonthoir  is  composed 
of  a  series  of  nearly  perpendicular  crags,  200  or  300  feet  high ;  but  on  the 
North  side  the  luxurious  vegetation  of  these  tropical  islands  does  not  allow 
these  rocks  to  remain  naked,  and  from  their  horizontal  crevices  and  upper 
edges  hang  down  thick  wide  sheets  of  a  bright  unfading  verdure.  The 
western  entrance  to  the  harbour  is  between  the  abrupt  magnificent  coast  of 
Lonthoir  on  the  right,  and  the  high,  overhanging  peak  of  Gunong  Api  on 
the  left,  and,  as  we  advance,  these  separate  and  open  to  our  view  the  steep 
lofty  wall  that  forms  the  northern  shore  of  Lonthoir.  This  is  completely 
covered  with  one  dense  mass  of  vegetation,  out  of  which  rise  the  erect 
columnar  trunks  of  palms. 

This  western  end  of  Lonthoir  is  about  400  feet  high,  and  is  composed  of 
coral  rock  of  very  recent  date.  Nearly  the  whole  island  is  composed  of  such 
eruptive  rocks,  and  Lonthoir  may  be  regarded  as  merely  a  part  of  one  immense 
crater  about  6  miles  in  diameter,  if  it  were  circular,  though  it  may  have  been 
more  nearly  elliptical.  Pulo  Pisang  and  Pulo  Kapal  already  noticed  as  fall- 
ing in  this  circle,  are  two  other  fragments  of  the  old  crater  walls — all  the 
rest  have  disappeared  beneath  the  sea.  Here,  then,  is  another  enormous 
crater,  greater  even  than  that  seen  among  the  Zeugger  Mountains  on  the 
eastern  end  of  Java,  whose  minor  and  major  axes  severally  measure  three 
miles  and  a  half  and  four  miles  and  a  half,  and  whose  floor  of  naked  sand 
is  well  named  by  the  Malays  "  the  Sandy  Sea."  Banda  Neira  represents  the 
extinct  craters  rising  in  that  Sandy  Sea,  and  Gunong  Api  has  a  complete 
analogue  in  the  still  active  Bromo.  The  enclosed  bay,  where  vessels  now 
anchor  in  8  or  9  fathoms,  is  the  bottom  of  this  old  crater,  and,  like  that  in 
the  Zeugger  Mountains,  is  composed  of  volcanic  sand. 

The  radiating  ridges  on  the  outer  side  of  Lonthoir  represent  the  similar 
ridges  on  the  sides  of  every  volcano  that  is  not  building  up  its  cone  by 
frequent  eruptions  at  its  summit. 

Every  island  in  the  group  is  now  belted  with  a  fringing  reef,  except  at  a 


832  GUNONa  API— NEIEA. 

few  places  where  the  shore  is  a  perpendicular  precipice,  and  the  water 
of  "reat  depth.  The  western  entrance  through  which  we  came  to  the 
roads  is  already  quite  closed  up  by  a  broad  reef  of  living,  growing  coral. 

The  Western  Channel,  half  a  mile  wide,  which  separates  it  from  Gunong 
Api,  is  called  the  Lonthoir  Channel.  It  has  6  and  7  fathoms  in  the  fairway, 
but  from  the  North  shore,  abreast  of  Lonthoir  village,  shoal  water  extends 
for  half  a  mile  off.     The  channel,  therefore,  is  under  the  Gunong  Api  shore. 

GUNONG  API,  the  "burning  mountain,"  is  simply  a  volcanic  cone,  in  lat. 
4°  31'  S.,  long.  129°  54'  E. 

The  whole  mountain  is  one  great  cone,  about  2  miles  in  diameter,  of 
small  angular  blocks  of  trachytic  lava  and  black  volcanic  sand,  the  crater 
at  its  top  being  a  conical  cavity  in  this  mass.  The  form  of  the  summit 
is  nearly  elliptical ;  the  depth  of  the  crater  is  about  80  feet,  its  diameter 
being  roughly  estimated  at  from  100  to  150  yards.  The  area  at  the  top 
is  about  200  yards  long,  by  390  wide,  composed  of  heaps  of  small  lava- 
blocks,  which  are  whitened  on  the  exterior,  and  in  many  places  quite  en- 
crusted with  sulphur.  Through  these  heaps  of  stones  steam  and  sulphurous 
acid  gas  are  continually  rising. 

The  first  European  who  reached  the  summit,  so  far  as  I  am  aware,  was 
Professor  Reinwardt,  in  1821  ;  the  second  was  M.  Salomon  Miiller,  in  1828, 
and  from  that  time  till  the  13th  of  September,  1865,  when  we  ascended  it, 
only  one  party  had  attempted  this  difficult  undertaking,  and  that  party  was 
from  the  steamer  Etna,  whose  name  we  had  found  on  a  large  rock  in  the  old 
crater.  Some  of  the  crew  of  H.M.S.  Challenger  ascended  the  mountain  in 
1875,  and  took  2  hours  in  reaching  the  summit. 

The  height  of  this  volcano  we  found  to  be  707-5  metres,  2,321  feet.  Its 
spreadicg  base  occupies  less  space,  2  miles  square.  In  size,  therefore,  it 
is  insignificant,  compared  to  the  gigantic  mountains  on  Lombok,  Java,  and 
Sumatra;  but,  when  we  consider  the  great  amount  of  suffering,  and  the 
immense  destruction  of  property  that  have  been  caused  by  its  repeated 
eruptions,  it  becomes  one  of  the  most  important  volcanoes  in  the  archi- 
pelago."— Bichnore. 

NEIRA,  or  Banda  Neira,  is  separated  from  Gunong  Api  by  a  channel  of 
irregular  breadth,  called  Zonnegat,  or  Sun  Strait.  It  being  so  contracted,  and 
the  tides  within  it  being  so  rapid,  it  is  seldom  used  except  by  small  vessels. 
Erom  the  north-eastern  part  of  Great  Banda  it  is  separated  by  the  Slaman, 
or  East  Gat,  a  name  given  to  it  from  a  ruined  Portuguese  fort  on  the  N.W. 
end  of  Great  Banda.  Neira  is  about  If  miles  long  from  N.N.W.  to  S.S.E., 
and  the  capital  of  the  group  is  at  its  South  end.  Its  highest  point  is  the 
Papenhurg,  640  feet  at  its  northern  part.  The  southern  part  is  composed  of 
hills,  which  gradually  slope  down  to  the  South  shore,  on  which  the  town  or 
village  is  built.  On  the  S.W.  point  are  the  Pakhuizen,  or  Magazines,  and 
above  this  point,  on  the  summit  of  a  hill,  is  Fort  Belgica. 


PULO  PISANG.  833 

Fort  Belgica  is  in  form  a  regular  pentagon.  At  the  corners  are  bastions 
surmounted  by  small  circular  towers,  so  that  the  whole  exactly  resembles 
an  old  feudal  castle.  Its  walls  are  white  and  almost  dazzling  in  the  bright 
sunlight,  and  beneath  is  a  broad  neatly-clipped  glacis,  forming  a  beautiful 
green,  descending  lawn.  Below  this  defence  is  Fort  Nassau,  which  was  built 
by  the  Dutch  when  they  first  arrived  in  1609,  only  two  years  before  the 
foundations  of  Belgica  were  laid,  and  both  fortifications  have  existed,  much 
as  they  are  now,  for  more  than  two  centuries  and  a  half.  To  the  right  and 
left  of  this  fort  extends  the  town  of  Banda  Neira,  with  rows  of  pretty  shade- 
trees  on  the  bund,  or  front  street  bordering  the  bay.  The  town  is  prettily 
laid  out,  and  contained,  in  1874,  6,000  inhabitants,  including  600  Euro- 
peans. At  one  end  is  the  Dutch  garrison,  and  at  the  other  the  Chinese, 
Arabs,  &c.  There  are  three  piers  running  into  the  sea.  The  roads  are  in 
excellent  order,  being  kept  so  by  convicts  ;  a  row  of  green  trees  on  each  side 
of  the  road  gives  them  a  refreshing  coolness.     Banda  is  a  free  port. 

H.M.S.  Challenger  entered  the  harbour  northward  of  Great  Banda,  between 
Pisang  Island  and  Point  Burang,  and  anchored  in  7  fathoms,  with  the  East 
extreme  of  Banda  Neira  bearing  N.E.  f  N.,  the  South  extreme  of  Gounung 
Api  W.  I  N.,  and  Fort  Nassau  N.  h  W. 

The  edges  of  the  shoal  water  on  either  side  of  the  southern  channel  into 
Banda  Harbour,  between  Gounung  Api  and  the  western  end  of  Great  Banda, 
are  marked  by  beacons,  each  consisting  of  a  pole  surmounted  by  a  triangle. 

Su2)plies  are  scane  and  expensive,  fowls  are  3s.  to  4s.  each,  eggs  2id.  each. 
Beef  can  only  be  occasionally  procured.  Vegetables  and  fruit  are  to  be  had 
in  small  quantities.  Coal  is  generally  to  be  had,  but  the  supply  cannot 
always  be  depended  on. 

Tides. — From  the  Dutch  observations,  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change, 
at  the  mole  head  in  Banda  Harbour,  at  12'\  ;  springs  rise  14  ft.  The  tides 
are  strong,  but  not  regular ;  it  is  therefore  proper  to  moor  at  once. 

Batu  Palo  Matti  is  the  N.W.  point  of  Neira,  and  off  it  is  Palo  KraJcka,  or 
Porto  Krah,  an  islet  lying  in  the  northern  entrance  to  the  Sun  Strait. 

Pulo  Pisang  lies  half  a  mile  northward  of  the  N.E.  point  of  Great  Banda, 
and  is  joined  by  a  reef  to  Pulo  Kapal,  the  Ship  Rock.  Between  Pisang  and 
Great  Banda  the  channel  is  very  deep.  Pulo  Way  or  Ai  bears  West  7  miles 
from  Gunong  Api,  and  E.  by  N.  \  N,  4  miles  from  Pulo  Run  or  Rung,  the 
passage  between  the  latter  being  said  to  be  unsafe,  as  a  reef  extends  ofi"  the 
North  side  of  Pulo  Eun.  Pulo  Swangg,  the  northernmost  of  the  group, 
bears  N.  J  W.  from  Pulo  Way.  Rosengain,  or  Rosengeyn,  the  easternmost  of 
the  Banda  Islands,  lies  about  4  miles  eastward  of  Great  Banda. 

Rosengain  Reef,  which  breaks,  lies  5  miles  S.E.  by  S.  of  the  island  of  the 
same  name.     It  is  in  lat.  4"  38'  S.,  long.  130^  5'  E. 

I.  A.  5  0 


834  THE  BANDA  SEA. 

The  islands,  generally,  are  subject  to  gusts  of  wind  from  the  mountains, 
and  the  weather  is  hot  and  oppressive  in  the  day,  but  the  nights  are  cool. 

In  the  Westerly  Monsoon,  the  only  practicable  channel  is  by  the  Lonthoir 
Channel,  which,  as  before  said,  has  shoal  water  on  its  southern  side ;  so  that 
it  is  necessary  to  keep  the  Gunong  Api  shore  on  board.  The  extremity  of 
Pulo  Way  kept  just  touching,  but  open  with  the  extremity  of  Grunong  Api, 
will  lead  a  ship  up  to  the  anchorage.  As  this  is  only  used  for  coming  in 
in  this  monsoon,  so  it  is  the  channel  used  for  going  out  in  the  opposite 
season. 

In  the  Easterly  Monsoon,  the  broader  Slaman  Channel  is  used.  Give  a 
berth  of  half  a  mile  to  the  shore  of  Great  Banda  and  to  that  of  Banda  Neira. 
You  may  pass  on  either  side  of  Pulo  Pisang  and  Pulo  Kapal,  but  not 
between  them,  and  when  to  the  southward  of  them  the  channel  is  about  2 
miles  wide. 

The  anchorage  is  off  the  Eesidentie  House  and  the  New  Pier  at  Neira,  in 
7  or  8  fathoms,  with  Pulo  Way  just  shut  in  with  the  point  of  Gunong  Api 
and  Eoit  Belgica,  about  N.N.W.,  distant  one-third  of  a  mile  from  the  wharf. 
The  Orpheus  Bank,  with  only  15  ft.  water  over  it,  will  be  avoided  in  coming 
in  by  not  shutting  in  the  north-eastern  point  of  Great  Banda  with  the  low 
S.E.  point  of  Banda  Neira. 


THE  BANDA  SEA. 


The  space  between  the  S.E.  portion  of  Celebes  and  the  islands  lying  off  it 
on  the  one  hand,  and  New  Guinea  on  the  other,  with  the  islands  just  de- 
scribed, with  Ceram  on  the  North,  and  the  chains  of  islands  extending  east- 
ward from  Timor,  has  been  termed  the  Banda  Sea.  It  is  difficult  to  describe 
in  geographical  sequence  a  series  of  islands  so  widely  scattered.  Most  of 
the  islands  are  supposed  to  belong  to  the  Dutch,  and  during  the  period  when 
a  strict  monopoly  of  trade  was  maintained  at  the  Spice  Islands,  that  Govern- 
ment established  and  kept  up  a  number  of  forts  on  the  chief  islands  for 
the  protection  of  this  monopoly.  Since  this  system  has  been  partially  aban- 
doned, the  interest  in  them,  which  must  have  been  costly,  has  led  in  most 
cases  to  their  virtual  abandonment,  but  still  the  natives  acknowledge  the 
sway,  now  so  slightly  exercised  over  them,  and  they  usually  appear  to  pass- 
ing ships  or  traders  under  Dutch  colours. 

The  Banda  Sea  is  of  great  depth  in  places,  as  H.M.S.  Challenger  obtained 
a  sounding  of  2,800  fathoms  in  lat.  5"  24'  S.,  long.  130°  38'  E.  In  the  serial 
temperatures  taken  in  the  deep  soundings,  the  same  temperature,  37.5°,  was 
found  from  a  depth  of  900  fathoms  to  the  bottom,  indicating  that  the  Banda 
Sea  is  enclosed  by  a  rim  or  border,  with  only  900  fathoms  in  its  deepest 
channel. 


TOKEN  BESSI.  835 

Some  of  the  islands  are  still  very  little  known  or  visited,  especially  those 
in  the  western  part ;  of  the  others  which  lie  between  the  Moluccas  andN.W. 
Australia,  the  charts  have  had  many  improvements  from  the  observations 
and  partial  surveys  by  Captains  J.  Lort  Stokes  and  Owen  Stanley,  E.N.,  and 
especially  the  remarks  of  Lieutenant  D.  IT.  KolfF,  of  the  Dutch  navy  ;  but 
very  much  is  required  before  we  can  give  a  perfect  description  of  the  region. 
We  commence,  as  before,  with  the  western  portion — that  next  to  Boeton  off 
Celebes,  is  described  on  page  814,  atite. 

TOKEN  BESSI,  or  Tukan  Bissi  Islands,  an  extensive  but  little  known 
archipelago,  lies  to  the  S.E.  of  Boeton.  They  are  of  moderate  elevation, 
but  are  quite  unsurveyed,  Wmigi-  Wangi,  or  Waniyi,  the  north-westernmost, 
and  perhaps  the  largest,  is  10  miles  eastward  of  Cape  East  of  Boeton.  Be- 
tween them  the  depth  is  very  great,  1,070  fathoms.  The  island  is  high, 
and  may  be  seen  7  or  8  leagues  oif,  and  may  be  approached  within  2  or  3 
miles  on  the  North  and  "West  coasts,  there  being  no  soundings  nor  any 
appearance  of  danger  above  1^  mile  off  shore.  It  is  inhabited,  and  abounds 
with  cocoa-nuts.  The  South  side  of  "Wangi-Wangi  is  bordered  by  three  or 
four  islands,  and  S.S.W.  8  miles  from  the  western  one  is  the  N.W.  end  of  a 
shoal,  in  lat.  5°  24'  S.,  long.  123°  24'  30"  E.,  which  thence  extends  to  the 
S.E.  towards  the  Kadupa  Group.  Kadupa,  or  Comhado,  another  cluster,  lies 
13  miles  S.E.  from  Wangi-Wangi,  and  the  southernmost,  BinonJco  or  Pinunko, 
is  in  about  lat.  6°  17'  S.,  long.  124°  E. 

The  space  between  the  southern  island  and  the  northernmost  is  supposed 
to  be  foul,  but  is  quite  unknown.  Some  small  islands,  tree  covered,  called 
the  Boompjes,  are  marked  on  the  Dutch  charts. 

Hegadis,  in  lat.  6°7'S.,  long.  122°  40' E.,  is  the  westernmost  of  the  groups 
around  the  S.E.  end  of  Boeton.  It  is  of  moderate  height,  and  about  3  miles 
in  diameter.  Reefs  extend  East  and  West  of  it,  and  off  its  South  end  are 
some  islets,  called  the  Lagu  Rocks.  At  9  miles  to  the  South  of  it  is  a  sunken 
rock,  of  doubtful  position.  A  Six-Feet  Bank,  of  considerable  extent,  is  shown 
to  the  eastward  of  it ;  and  East  of  the  bank,  40  miles  East  of  Hegadis,  an 
island,  vaguely  marked  as  Groenivout  Island,  on  the  old  charts. 

The  Boeton  Passage,  mentioned  on  page  814,  is  about  20  miles  wide  in  its 
narrowest  part,  between  these  islands  and  shoals  and  the  South  end  of 
Boeton  ;  and,  as  far  as  is  known,  is  safe,  with  the  exception  of  Penguin  Eeef, 
lying  5  miles  off  the  coast  of  Boelon. 

Some  shoals  are  marked  to  the  southward  and  south-eastward  of  Binonko, 
but  nothing  certain  can  be  said  of  them.  The  Emperor  of  China  Rock  is  said 
to  be  33  miles  S.S.E.  of  Binonko,  and  another  rock,  Koko  or  Kaka,  is 
vaguely  stated  to  lie  at  12  miles  S.E.  of  the  same,  or  under  the  name  of  the 
New  Rock,  in  lat.  6°  39'  S.,  long.  124^  40'  E.,  at  37  miles  South  of  Velthoen 
Island. 

Velthoen,  the  south-easternmost  of  the  islands  off  Boeton,  is  in  lat.  6°  S., 


836  THE  BANDA  SEA. 

Ion"-.  124°  46'  E.  It  is  low,  covered  with  trees,  and  about  5  miles  in  extent, 
and  should  not  be  approached  within  2  or  3  miles.  When  seen  to  the  west- 
ward the  coast  has  a  white  chalky  appearance,  probably  coral,  which  might 
be  mistaken  for  breakers. 

An  island  of  small  size  is  marked  doubtful  midway  between  Velthoen  and 
Binonko. 

St.  Matthew  Islands,  the  north-easternmost,  are  two  in  number.  They 
extend  in  a  N.W.  and  S.E.  direction  for  15  miles,  the  centre  being  in  lat. 
5°  24'  S.,  long.  124°  16'  E.  The  southernmost  is  the  largest,  separated  from 
the  other  by  a  space  of  4  miles  of  breaking  reefs.  They  are  about  30  miles 
eastward  of  the  northern  Token  Bessi.  The  channels  between  are  not  safe, 
having  several  reefs,  and  with  our  imperfect  knowledge  demanding  a  good 
look-out. 

Ships  bound  westward  in  the  S.E.  monsoon  should  steer  for  the  northern 
of  the  Token  Bessi's,  and  round  it  within  3  or  4  miles,  for  by  steering  wide 
of  these  islands,  you  may  not  be  able  to  weather  or  beat  round  the  South 
end  of  Boeton  against  the  northerly  currents  which  prevail  at  times.  Wetter, 
and  the  other  islands  on  the  South  side  of  the  Floris  Sea  are  described  on 
pages  782,  &c. 

LUCIPARA,  Lousapara,  or  Lucapin,  is  a  cluster  of  five  low  islands,  covered 
with  trees,  the  North  islet  in  lat.  5°  28J'  S.,  long.  127°  31'  E.,  according  to 
the  Dutch  frigate  Maria  Reygershergen.  They  cannot  be  seen  more  than  12 
miles  from  the  deck.  Within  5  miles  to  the  E.S.E.  of  this  are  several 
small  islets,  and  at  about  2  miles  S.W.  from  them  is  a  reef  called  William  I. 
Reef,  from  a  steamvessel  of  that  name,  which  was  wrecked  on  it  in  1837. 

The  Turtle  Islands  are  three  in  number,  very  low  and  small,  and  dan- 
gerous to  approach  by  night,  being  surrounded  by  coral  reefs.  The  northern- 
most island  is  in  about  lat.  5°  20'  S.,  long.  127°  48'  E. ;  the  other  two  islands 
lying  at  3  miles  to  the  S.W.,  and  5  miles  to  S.  \  W.  They  lie  11  miles  N.E. 
from  the  Lucipara  Islands. 

GTJNONG  API,  before  mentioned  on  page  792,  a  volcano  or  burning  moun- 
tain, as  its  name  indicates,  is  a  high  conical  hill,  visible  45  to  50  miles  off. 
Its  summit  is  in  lat.  6°  43'  S.,  long.  126°  43^'  E.,  bearing  S.W.  by  S.  88 
miles  from  the  Lucipara  Islands.  It  is  generally  active,  and  the  smoke 
issuing  from  its  crater  will  indicate  its  proximity.     It  is  bold-to. 

The  SERWATTY  ISLANDS.— The  several  groups  of  little  known  or  visited 
islands,  which  lie  between  Timor  and  Timor  Laut,  are  generally  known  as 
the  Senoatty  Islands.  The  people  are  of  the  Malay  race,  and  are  described 
by  Mr.  George  Windsor  Earl,  who  visited  them,  as  a  peaceable  and  indus- 
trious race,  who  raise  vegetables,  sugar,  and  hogs,  and  are  divided  into  three 
castes — lords,  land  owners,  and  serfs. 

EOMA,  which  lies  64  miles  S.E.  i  S.  from  Gunong  Api,  is  a  hilly  island, 
about  12  miles  in  circumference.     There  is  said  to  be  good  anchorage  in  a 


LETTI.  837 

bay  on  the  N.TV.  side,  but  this  part  of  the  island  has  but  a  scanty  popula- 
tion. On  the  S.W.  side  lies  a  fine  and  fertile  valley,  through  which  runs  a 
small  river.  In  the  West  monsoon  there  is  good  anchorage  for  a  vessel 
opposite  to  the  mouth  of  this  river,  from  which  abundance  of  timber,  fire- 
wood, and  good  water  may  be  obtained.  On  the  other  sides  of  the  island 
the  shores  are  steep  and  rocky,  which  renders  even  boat  landing  very  difii- 
cult.  The  chief  village  lies  on  the  side  of  a  hill  about  400  ft.  above  the  sea, 
and  is  very  picturesque.  The  population,  who  are  chiefly  Christians,  are 
very  industrious,  and  collect  large  quantities  of  wax,  besides  cultivating  the 
soil,  so  that  provisions  may  probably  be  obtained.  The  anchorage  of 
Serussa  is  on  the  S.E.  side  of  the  island,  northward  of  the  small  island  Nussa 
Media,  which  lies  within  1  i-  mile  of  the  shore.  The  South  shore  of  Eoma 
is  dangerous  to  a  mile  ofi".  Its  West  point  is  in  lat.  7°  38'  S.,  long. 
127°  20'  E. 

A  doubtful  island,  with  a  rock  ofi"  its  North  end,  is  marked  at  8  miles 
North  of  the  West  end  of  Eoma,  and  several  uncertain  islands  within  20 
miles  to  the  eastward  of  it. 

Media  is  a  small  island,  placed  on  the  chart  about  3  miles  S.W.  of  the 
South  end  of  Eoma.  The  island  is  covered  with  trees,  but  without  fresh 
water.  Abundance  of  turtle  ai'e  caught  around  this  and  the  other  islands 
A  rock  is  marked  near  its  N.W.  side. 

LETTI,  or  LETTE,  is  about  23  miles  E.N.E.  of  the  East  Cape  of  Timor, 
and  to  the  S.S.E.  of  Eoma.  It  is  about  8  miles  in  extent.  A  high  ridge 
of  hills  extends  along  the  centre  of  the  island  from  East  to  West,  the  sides 
of  which,  sloping  towards  the  sea,  are  covered  with  trees,  and  the  whole 
island  presents  an  appearance  of  great  fertility,  but  it  sufi'ers  much  some- 
times from  drought.  It  was  surveyed  by  Captain  Owen  Stanley.  As  above 
said,  it  is  generally  hilly,  but  low  near  the  shore,  where  the  chief  part  of  the 
inhabitants  reside  in  villages  on  the  more  elevated  and  projecting  points. 
Eeefs  line  the  island  on  the  North  and  N.W.  sides  through  an  opening, 
which  is  the  entrance  to  the  anchorage  off  the  village  of  Tomlra,  which 
appears  to  be  the  chief  place.  This  inlet  or  basin  is  from  400  to  500  ft.  wide, 
with  G  to  9  fathoms,  sandy  bottom.  It  is  bounded  on  either  side  by  reefs, 
visible  at  low  water.  In  the  westerly  monsoon  the  best  anchorage  is  off 
the  village  of  Batu  Mean,  on  the  East  side  of  the  island,  opposite  Moa. 
The  people  are  not  so  civilized  as  those  of  Eoma,  neither  are  they  so 
prosperous. 

Moa  lies  next  eastward  of  Letti,  and  is  about  18  miles  long  East  by  South 
and  West  by  North.  The  S.W.  point  of  the  island  is  surrounded  by  reefs, 
but  on  every  part  of  the  East  side  of  the  island  there  is  good  and  convenient 
anchorage  during  the  appropriate  monsoon. 

The  S.W.  point  of  the  island  has  reefs  steep-to,  so  that  there  is  a  very 
heavy  surf,  especially  in  the  rainy  monsoon.     The  people,  who  profess  much 


838  THE  BANDA  SEA. 

attachment  to  the  Dutch  Government,  turn  their  chief  attention  to  breeding 
cattle,  and  grow  only  a  small  quantity  of  vegetables  and  Indian  corn.  On 
the  N.E.  point  of  the  island  is  a  solitary  high  mountain,  called  Eorhou,  or 
Buffalo  Peal,  4,100  ft.  high,  in  lat.  8°  12'  S.,  long.  128°  2'  30"  E.,  resembling 
in  appearance,  though  so  much,  lower,  the  Peak  of  Tenerife.  The  rest  of 
the  island  is  generally  flat  and  coralline ;  on  the  South  and  south-eastern 
sides  there  is  very  little  cultivation.  The  buffaloes  are  the  best  that  can  be 
procured  among  these  islands. 

Lakor  is  separated  from  Moa  by  a  strait,  in  which  is  good  anchorage. 
The  island  bears  a  perfect  resemblance  to  a  dry  coral  bank,  raised  about  20 
ft.  above  the  sea,  so  that  there  is  butl  ittle  scope  for  cultivation.  The  sandy 
spots  are  planted  with  cocoa-nut  trees  ;  most  of  the  necessaries  of  life  are 
imported  from  the  other  islands,  so  that  the  population  is  small  and  poor. 
The  Bourga  anchored  off  the  western  village,  on  the  North  shore,  in  7 
fathoms,  with  a  warp  on  to  the  shore  reef.  At  8  miles  eastward  of  Lakor  is 
a  small  cluster  of  islets,  called  OTcenao. 

Luan,  about  32  miles  E.N.E.  from  Lakor,  is  a  group  about  14  miles  in 
circumference,  and,  being  high,  is  visible  at  a  considerable  distance.  An 
extensive  reef,  studded  with  islets,  surrounds  it,  within  which,  there  is  a 
depth  of  2  fathoms,  affording  sufficient  anchorage  to  small  traders.  The 
islets  to  the  N.E.  of  Luan  are  not  inhabited,  and  are  about  4  miles  distant 
from  the  the  main  island.  Close  outside  these  the  reef  is  steep-to,  and  may 
be  safely  approached.  The  people,  forming  200  or  300  families,  nominally 
Christians,  are  tolerably  civilized.  The  chief  product  of  the  islands  is 
tortoise-shell,  of  good  quality.  Trepang  is  also  one  of  the  chief  articles  of 
trade,  as  well  as  edible  birds'  nests.  Louan  is  the  chief  island.  Matumara, 
a  small  islet,  lies  2  miles  South  of  it ;  and  Klapa,  the  second  largest  islet,  is 
3  miles  eastward  of  Louan. 

Sermatta,  or  Sermattan,  next  eastward  of  Luan,  is  about  15  miles  long, 
and  composed  of  a  high  ridge  of  hills,  extending  East  and  West,  the  sides 
of  which  run  steeply  down  to  the  sea.  As  the  island  is  thinly  inhabited, 
and  affords  no  shelter  to  shipping,  it  is  unimportant  to  strangers.  The  in- 
habitants are  subject  to  the  people  of  Luan.  East  end  lat.  8°  16'  S.,  long, 
129°  0'  E. 

DAMMA  lies  65  miles  N.N.W.  of  Sermatta.  It  is  high  and  hilly,  and  on 
its  N.E.  extremity  is  a  volcanic  peak,  from  the  crater  of  which  smoke  issues 
almost  without  interruption.  At  the  foot  of  this  mountain,  near  a  cave,  in 
the  Bay  of  Kulewatta,  are  some  warm  sulphureous  springs,  useful  as  a 
bath  in  rheumatic  cases.  The  island  is  about  15  miles  long  from  N.W.  to 
S.E.,  and  on  its  East  side  is  Kulewatta  Bay,  before  mentioned,  extending 
about  4  miles  inland,  and  in  many  parts  quite  unfathomable,  with  precipitous 
shores.  Wilhehnus  Bay,  on  tlie  North  side  of  the  island,  was  formerly  the  seat 
of  the  Dutch  residency.  It  is  much  exposed,  and  a  heavy  swell  tumbles  home 


MANO— BABA.  839 

in  it  in  all  seasons,  but  there  is  secure  anchorage  near  the  mouth  of  a  small 
fresh-water  river.  Several  islands  are  marked  to  the  southward  and  two  to 
the  westward  of  it,  but  we  have  no  particulars  of  them. 

Teon,  or  Tame,  is  37  miles  E.N.E.  of  Damma,  is  hilly,  and  of  moderate 
height.  It  is  uninhabited.  Nila,  which  is  much  larger,  is  about  18  miles 
N.E.  of  Teon,  the  water  between  being  dangerous.  It  consists  of  a  high, 
round  hill,  with  anchorage  for  small  vessels  on  its  North  side.  It  is  visible 
6  leagues  off.  In  the  channel  between  it  and  Teon  there  are  numerous  reefs, 
so  that  it  is  quite  unsafe.  It  is  inhabited  by  a  few  heathens.  Tortoise-shell 
is  procured  in  great  abundance  on  all  these  islands.  Two  shoals  are  shown 
on  the  old  charts  to  the  northward  of  Nila,  and  the  captain  of  the  Dutch 
brig  Doeahorgh  reported,  in  1870,  a  shoal  N.W.,  distant  bh  miles  ;  particulars 
not  stated;  and  Captain  Griffin,  in  1874,  reports  a  danger  with  the  peak  of 
Nila  bearing  W.S.W.  ^  S.,  and  Seroea  N.E.  i  N. 

Serua,  or  Seroea,  in  lat.  6=  17'  S.,  long.  130=  0'  E.,  is  32  miles  N.E.  of  Nila, 
and  is  said  to  have  anchorage  on  the  North  side  ;  but  most  of  these  islands 
are  steep-to,  and  generally  have  a  rocky  bottom  in  those  few  places  where 
they  have  been  sounded. 

MANO  or  Bird  Island.— This  island,  l^ing  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.,  is  about 
1  mile  long  and  half  a  mile  wide  ;  it  is  prism-shaped,  its  sides  sloping  from 
the  sea  at  an  angle  of  about  30'  to  the  summit,  which  is  980  ft.  high.  The 
eastern  slope  and  the  northern  part  of  the  summit  are  wooded,  the  western 
slope  and  southern  part  of  the  summit  are  bare.  Smoke  was  seen  rising 
from  the  West  side  by  H.M.S.  Challenger.  The  South  point  of  the  island  is 
in  lat.  5°  34'  S.,  long.  130°  19'  E.  At  22  miles  E.N.E.  i  N.  from  it,  H.M.S. 
Challenger  found  a  depth  of  2,800  fathoms. 

SABA  is  43  miles  E.N.E.  of  Sermatta.  It  is  hilly  and  tolerably  high, 
and  surrounded  by  several  smaller  islets,  the  most  important  of  which  are 
Wetang  to  the  "West,  Daaiio  the  North,  Maselar  to  the  S.E.,  and  Lawelaar  to 
the  East.  The  best  anchorage  near  Baba  during  the  East  monsoon  is  on  the 
West  side  of  the  island  off  the  village  of  Te2)a ;  and,  in  steering  towards 
this,  the  Dourga  ran  close  along  the  North  shore  of  Wetang,  and  then  stood 
over  to  Baba,  when  she  worked  up  close  under  the  land  to  the  anchorage, 
bringing  up  in  1.5  fathoms,  good  holding  ground.  Care  is  necessary  in 
working  up  to  the  anchorage  during  this  monsoon,  as  heavy  squalls  some- 
times come  off  the  land.  When  easterly  winds  prevail,  it  is  said  that  the 
most  secure  roads  are  under  the  coast  of  Wetang.  There  is  a  bank  of  5^  to 
10  fathoms  between  them,  on  which  a  vessel  will  be  sheltered  from  all  winds. 
There  is  also  anchorage  at  the  East  end  of  Baba,  with  the  N.E.  point  of  the 
island  bearing  about  North,  and  the  South  point  S.  by  W.,  and  the  entrance 
of  a  fresh- water  river  S.W. ;  but  the  bottom  is  generally  foul  about  this 
island.     The  western  side  of  Baba  is  so  precipitous  and  oyergrown  with 


840  THE  TENIMBEE  ISLANDS— TIMOR  LAUT. 

forest,  that  there  is  but  little  cultivation.  Matang  is  more  fertile,  and  is  well 
cultivated. 

The  people  are  divided  into  two  portions,  one  to  N.W.,  the  other  to  S.E., 
the  centre  of  the  island  being  uninhabited.  They  are  a  barbarous  people, 
who  have  forgotten  nearly  all  the  old  Dutch  influences  for  good,  and,  like 
those  of  Timor  Laut,  are  not  to  be  trusted. 

The  TENIMBEE,  ISLANDS.— This  group  is  the  easternmost  of  those 
which  extend  from  Timor  towards  the  Ki  and  Arru  Islands.  It  consists  of 
numerous  islands,  of  which  Timor  Laut,  or  "Timor  of  the  Sea,"  is  the  prin- 
cipal. They  are  almost  all  low  and  coralline,  with  the  exception  of  Serra 
and  Vordate,  which  have  some  hills.  The  inhabitants  are  of  the  Malayan 
race,  and  are  good  looking  when  young.  They  are  very  particular  with 
their  persons,  and  have  great  cleanliness  in  their  dwellings,  &c.,  a  rare 
virtue.  They  are  industrious,  and  raise  much  vegetables,  farinaceous  roots, 
cocoa-nuts,  hogs,  goats,  and  poultry ;  but  they  are  not  to  be  trusted.  Capt. 
Owen  Stanley  has  given  a  vivid  picture  of  his  visit  to  a  village  in  the  S.E. 
part  of  Timor  Laut. 

TIMOR  LAUT,  according  to  the  charts,  is  95  miles  long  from  S.W.  to  N.E. 
Its  eastern  coast  is  formed  of  a  range  of  hills,  wooded  to  the  very  summit, 
and  indented  by  deep  bays,  which  would  afford  anchorage  during  the  N.W. 
monsoon,  were  it  not  for  a  coral  reef  that  appears  to  extend  along  the  coast 
at  the  distance  of  2  or  3  miles  from  the  shore. 

The  South  Point,  or  S.W.  point,  is  rather  low,  in  lat.  8"  19'  S.,  long.  130° 
43',  and  is  fronted  by  a  dangerous  reef,  pi'ojecting  from  it  2  miles,  requiring 
great  caution  when  in  its  proximity  during  the  night,  particularly  as  the 
currents  are  variable  and  strong  at  times.  The  land  about  the  point  is 
covered  with  ti'ees,  and  the  shore  to  about  a  mile  eastward  presents  a  rocky 
face,  the  East  end  of  which  has  the  appearance  of  the  entrance  of  a  river, 
and  is  remarkable  by  a  large  detached  fragment  of  rock  resembling  the  hull 
of  a  ship.  From  the  South  point  the  coast  extends  in  a  N.E.  by  E.  direc- 
tion 12  or  13  miles,  and  afterwards  more  northward,  the  whole  extent  to  the 
North  end  being  above  100  miles.  A  wooded  islet  lies  2  miles  West  of  the 
South  Point. 

Oliliet,  on  the  East  coast  of  Timor  Laut,  was  visited  by  Captain  Owen 
Stanley,  R.N.,  in  H.M.S.  Britomart.  He  places  it  in  7"  55'  S.,  long.  131"  23' E. 
It  is  built  on  a  hill,  413  ft.  high,  about  the  middle  of  the  East  coast.  The 
hill  is  nearly  perpendicular,  and  only  capable  of  being  ascended  by  ladders. 
The  houses  are  all  built  on  piles,  and  are  thatched  and  surmounted  at  the 
gables  by  richly  carved  large  wooden  horns.  It  does  not  appear  to  be  a 
place  from  which  any  quantity  of  sea  stock  can  be  procured,  for  although 
there  were  many  pigs  seen,  they  did  not  seem  inclined  to  part  with  them. 
Water  may  be  got  on  the  beach,  but  a  merchant  vessel  should  be  very  cau- 
tious in  sending  her  boats  for  it  to  guard  against  treachery.     To  the  N.E.  of 


THE  AEEU  ISLANDS.  841 

Oliliet  there  are  six  other  villages  perched  on  cliffs  overhanging  the  sea,  and 
most  difficult  to  approach. 

Of  this  coast,  beyond  what  has  been  stated,  nothing  more  is  known,  and 
the  whole  of  the  western  shore  appears  to  be  a  complete  terra  incognita. 

Laarat  or  Laroc  Island,  off  its  N.E.  point,  is  nearly  20  miles  long ;  its 
eastern  shore  is  surrounded  by  a  reef,  but  off  which  there  is  anchorage  in 
the  westerly  monsoon. 

Vordate  Island,  which  is  higher  than  the  rest,  is  separated  from  Laarat 
by  a  safe  channel,  2  miles  wide.  The  island  is  well  cultivated  ;  the  an- 
chorage off  its  South  end  is  not  very  good,  owing  to  the  great  unevenness  of 
the  bottom.  H.M.S.  Britomart  came  here  in  1839  and  anchored.  They 
found  that  the  natives  were  very  well  off,  had  many  European  goods,  but 
were  not  to  be  trusted.  Like  the  adjacent  islands,  the  people  acknowledge 
some  sort  of  sovereignty  in  the  Dutch.  Many  of  them  profess  Christianity, 
especially  the  chiefs.  They  have  been  converted  for  many  years  by  the 
Dutch  from  Amboina. 

Of  the  other  islands  which  lie  to  the  northward  of  Timor  Laut,  Ma^'u 
and  Muhi,  we  know  nothing  ;  the  northernmost  is  represented  in  lat.  6°  35' 
S.,  long.  131°  40'  E.  The  same  may  be  said  of  the  islet  and  reefs  which 
extend  for  many  miles  off  its  N.W.  side,  and  having  Serra,  a  high  land  to 
the  S.W.,  the  S.W.  point  of  which  is  in  lat.  7°  38'  S.,  long.  130°  44'  E.,  and 
is  quite  bold-to.  The  strait  between  this  and  Baba,  60  miles  to  W.S.W.,  is 
deep  and  clear. 

The  ARRIT  ISLANDS,  which  lie  130  miles  E.N.E.  from  Timor  Laut,  are 
an  extensive  group  or  archipelago  extending  110  miles  from  North  to  South, 
and  with  a  breadth  of  from  40  to  50  miles.  They  were  visited  by  H.M.S. 
Britomart  in  1839-41,  and  from  the  descriptions  by  her  commander  Owen 
Stanley  and  other  officers,  and  especially  from  the  notices  given  by  ]\Ir.  Geo. 
Windsor  Earl  at  the  same  period,  we  owe  nearly  all  thut  can  be  said  of 
them.  H.M.S.  Challenger  anchored  off  Dobbo  for  a  week  in  September, 
1875,  when  some  interesting  additions  to  the  natural  history  collection  were 
made,  including  some  fine  specimens  of  the  king  bird  of  paradise.  The  name 
is  properly  Pulo  Aran,  "  islands  of  the  casuarina  trees." 

The  Arru  Islands  are  under  Dutch  authority,  being  visited  periodically  by 
the  officials  from  Banda.  They  are  inhabited  by  a  negro  race,  bearing  more 
resemblance  to  the  northern  tribes  of  Australia  than  to  the  Papuans  of  New 
Guinea,  but  they  seem  to  have  acquired  more  civilization  than  is  usual  with 
this  race.  Many  strangers,  Malays,  Javanese  and  others  from  Celebes  and 
the  Moluccas  are  settled  among  them.  They  are  vigorous  traders,  mother- 
o' -pearl  shells,  trepang,  birds'  nests,  and  tortoise-shell  being  the  chief  articles. 
The  islands  are  of  limestone  formation,  and  the  land  rises  from  an  elevation 
scarcely  above  the  sea-leyel  to  the  eastern  side.  The  shores  abound  in 
I.  A.  6  P 


842,  THE  AERU  ISLANDS. 

caverns,  the  resort  of  the  swallow  which  builds  the  esculent  nest.  They  are 
covered  with  tall  trees,  the  casuarina  being  prominent  among  them. 

The  land  is  only  a  few  feet  higher  than  the  level  of  the  sea,  except  in 
ppots  where  patches  of  limestone  rock  rise  to  the  height  of  about  20  ft. ;  but 
the  immense  trees  which  cover  the  face  of  the  country  give  it  the  appear- 
ance of  being  much  more  elevated.  Most  of  the  islands  consist  of  fresh- 
water swamps,  and  the  jungle  is  so  thick  that  it  is  seldom  penetrated  by  the 
natives  ;  the  communication  between  the  different  villages,  all  of  which  are 
erected  on  the  sea-shore,  being  carried  on  by  means  of  boats. 

The  produce  of  the  Arru  Islands  consists  chiefly  of  pearls,  moth er-o' -pearl, 
tortoise-shell,  birds  of  paradise,  and  trepang ;  but  the  trade  of  Dohlo  on  the 
N.W.  side  does  not  entirely  depend  upon  the  produce  of  the  Arru  Islands 
alone.  The  Bugis  prahus  import  large  quantities  of  British  calicoes,  iron 
hardware,  muskets,  gunpowder,  &c.,  from  Singapore ;  to  obtain  which, 
Dobbo  is  visited  by  natives  of  Ceram,  Buru,  New  Guinea,  and  all  the  adja- 
cent islands,  it  being  the  only  spot  in  this  part  of  the  world  where  British 
manufactures  can  be  procured.  The  tortoise  and  moth  er-o' -pearl  shells, 
ambergris,  birds  of  paradise,  ebony,  cloves,  massay-bark,  rosamald,  an 
odoriferous  wood,  and  kaya  buku,  a  wood  much  prized  in  Europe  for  cabinet 
work  are  obtained  here.  British  calicoes  and  iron  are  the  only  articles  taken 
in  exchange  for  these  by  the  prahus  of  New  Guinea. 

Of  the  timber  of  the  Arru  Islands  there  are  several  varieties  highly  spoken 
of  by  the  Bugis,  who  build  and  repair  prahus  here,  for  its  durability  and 
ease  with  which  it  is  worked.  Although  of  immense  size,  the  trees  are 
almost  invariably  sound,  and  as  they  can  be  felled  within  a  few  yards  of  the 
beach,  it  is  not  impossible  that  timber  may  at  some  future  time  form  a 
valuable  article  of  export. 

The  western  islands  of  this  group  are  thinly  inhabited.  The  eastern 
islands  are  said  to  be  more  thickly  inhabited ;  the  natives  appear  to  be  a 
harmless  race,  and  although  their  country  in  produce  is  so  rich,  the  greater 
portion  are  in  a  state  of  poverty.  This  is  to  be  attributed  to  the  inconsi- 
derate use  of  spirituous  liquors,  large  quantities  of  which  are  brought  by 
the  traders  from  Java  and  Makassar ;  indeed,  with  rice,  it  forms  the  bulk  of 
their  cargoes. 

Weather. — From  native  report,  the  S.E.  monsoon  commences  at  the  Arru 
Islands  about  the  beginning  of  May,  and  lasts  until  the  end  of  August  or 
middle  of  September  ;  light  winds  then  prevail  to  the  middle  or  end  of  No- 
vember, when  the  N.W.  monsoon  sets  in.  The  rainy  season  is  during  the 
N.W.  monsoon,  but  there  is  rain  on  every  day  of  the  S.E.  monsoon.  The 
finest  months  are  September  and  October,  when  but  little  rain  falls.  This 
account  of  the  weather  agrees  with  that  given  by  the  missionaries  of  Redscar 
Bay,  New  Guinea. 

Ngor  Island  is  the  southernmost  of  the  group,  its  South  extreme  being  in 


THE  ARRU  ISLANDS.  843 

lat.  7°  10'  S.,  long.  134°  23'  E.  The  North  part  of  this  island  was  the  first 
land  sighted  by  H.M.S.  Challenger  in  approaching  from  the  southward. 
Batu  Goyang  and  Krei  Islands  to  the  N.W.  of  Ngor,  between  it  and  White 
Eock,  could  not  be  seen  in  their  assigned  positions. 

Trangan  Island,  forming  the  S.W.  land  of  the  group,  is  low  and  flat ;  the 
only  elevations  on  its  western  side  are  a  small  wooded,  flat-topped  hill  (S.W. 
hill)  conspicuous  from  the  southward,  in  lat.  6°  49'  S.,  long.  134°  8J'  E.  ; 
and  a  low  summit  (North  Hill)  but  slightly  higher  than  the  surrounding 
land,  and  conspicuous  only  from  the  westward.  It  is  in  lat.  6°  40'  S.,  long. 
134°  6'  E. 

Close  off  the  South  point  of  the  island  are  two  small  islets,  the  southern 
one,  White  Roch,  in  lat.  6°  58'  S.,  long.  134°  13'  E.,  is  bare,  about  20  feet 
high,  and  shows  white  when  seen  against  the  green  background.  The  other 
islet  has  a  few  scattered  trees  upon  it. 

The  South  point  of  Trangan  Island  is  not  remarkable,  but  just  East  of  it 
are  some  very  conspicuous  red  cliff's.  From  the  South  point  the  western  coast 
of  the  island  trends  N.W.  for  2  or  3  miles  to  a  bare  point,  where,  turning 
northward,  it  forms  a  bay.  Upon  the  western  bluff  point  (Eed  Patch  Point) 
of  this  bay  is  a  red  patch,  by  which  it  is  easily  distinguished.  Its  extremity 
is  in  lat.  6°51J'S.,  long.  134°4i'E,,  and  it  was  seen  from  the  north-westward 
at  a  distance  of  18  miles. 

The  coast  northward  of  Red  Patch  Point  is  low  and  flat,  as  far  as  the 
N.W.  point  of  the  island  next  South  of  Maika  Island,  which  seemed  to  ei.d 
abruptly  with  the  trees  growing  to  its  outer  extremity,  and  it  is  easily  re- 
cognized. About  5  miles  southward  of  this  point,  is  an  apparent  bluff  that 
stands  out  from  the  dead  level  of  the  trees,  and  is  the  only  prominent  object 
northward  of  North  Hill. 

Maika  and  Bahi  Islands  are  both  flat  and  thickly  wooded  ;  they  were  seen 
at  a  distance  of  about  15  miles. 

Blackburne  Shoal,  lying  W.S.W.  8  miles  from  Eed  Patch  Point,  is  about  1 
mile  in  extent,  and  upon  it  there  appeared  to  be  as  little  water  as  6  ft.,  with 
shallow  water  to  the  north-eastward.  The  outer  part  of  the  shoal  is  in  lat. 
6=^  54i'  S.,  long.  133°  57'  E. 

From  10  miles  S.W.  of  the  South  point  of  Ngor  Island  to  the  Blackburne 
Shoal,  the  soundings  varied  from  19  to  12  fathoms  ;  northward  of  the  shoal 
the  depths  were  from  7  fathoms  to  13  fathoms  W.N.W.  13  miles  from  North 
Hill,  after  which  the  water  deepened  to  35  fathoms.  Off  the  N.W.  point  of 
the  island  next  South  of  Maika  Island,  10  fathoms  were  found  N.W.  4^ 
miles  from  the  point,  when  the  depth  rapidly  increased  to  40  fathoms,  and 
45  fathoms  8  miles  West  of  Maika  Island.  Ten  miles  W.S.W.  of  Babi 
Island  no  bottom  was  found  at  150  fathoms,  and  there  are  58  fathoms  3 
piiles  W-S.W.  of  the  N.W.  point  of  Wama  Island.     Westward  of  Dobbo 


844  THE  AEEU  ISLANDS. 

Harbour  the  water  deepens  rapidly,  when  Babi  Island  opens  of  "Wama 
Island. 

Kobroor  Island,  the  central  one,  is  the  largest,  and  is  55  miles  long.  Off 
its  N.W.  end  is  Wolan  or  WoJcam,  off  the  S.W.  side  of  which  is  Wama  on  the 
North  shore  of  which  is  Dobbo,  the  chief  trading  port. 

Dobbo  Harbour  is  formed  by  the  channel  between  Wokan  and  Wama. 
The  village  is  in  lat.  5°  47'  S.,  long.  134°  14'  E.  Mr.  Hill,  E.N.,  of  H.M.S. 
Britomart,  gives  the  following. 

The  native  traders  found  at  Dobbo  from  the  northward,  generally  prefer 
making  the  small  island  of  Bali,  lat.  5°  52'  S.,  long.  134°  10',  after  getting 
hold  of  which  a  N.N.E.  course  is  steered  for  the  N.W.  point  of  Wama, 
distant  6J  miles,  and  may  be  known  by  a  native  village  and  a  small  Dutch 
fort. 

Vessels  bound  to  Dobbo  from  the  southward,  when  in  the  parallel  of  6°  8' 
South,  and  long.  134°  4'  East,  with  11  or  12  fathoms  of  water,  will  find  a 
deep  opening  to  the  eastward,  and  a  little  more  to  the  northward  will  be 
seen  the  island  of  Babi,  which  is  low.  Having  reached  the  N.W.  end  of 
Babi,  and  being  4  or  5  miles  to  the  westward  of  it,  steer  N.E.  or  more 
easterly,  until  you  see  the  village  and  fort  of  Waula,  on  the  N.W.  point  of 
Wama. 

Water  may  be  procured  at  the  point,  by  sinking  a  cask  a  few  feet  deep, 
but  it  is  not  very  good  from  the  stream.  The  native  chiefs  of  the  islands  of 
Wama  and  Wokan,  who  have  both  gold-headed  sticks  with  the  Dutch  arms 
on  them  (as  a  symbol  of  authority),  expect  a  trifling  present  of  arrack  and 
tobacco  from  vessels  visiting  the  harbour. 

The  following  is  by  Commander  Tizard,  who  was  here  in  H.M.S.  Chal- 
lenger in  September,  1874.  Steering  into  Dobbo  Harbour  with  the  end  of  the 
spit  upon  which  the  village  is  situated,  bearing  E.S.E.,  a  depth  of  5|^  fathoms 
was  obtained  when  the  rock  off  the  N.W.  point  of  Wama  Island  bore 
S.  by  W.  ;  and  3J  fathoms,  with  the  spit  end  bearing  E.S.E,  and  the  rock 
bearing  W.  ^  S.  ;  from  which  it  was  inferred  that  the  3-fathom  line  extends 
farther  from  the  shore  than  has  been  hitherto  supposed. 

The  Challenger  anchored  in  16  fathoms,  with  the  rock  off  the  N.W.  point 
of  Wama  Island  bearing  West,  the  western  point  of  Wokan  Island  N.W.  ^ 
N.,  and  the  end  of  Dobbo  Spit  S.S.E.  |  E.  Fishing  stakes  were  seen  in 
various  parts  of  the  harbour,  stretching  from  the  shore  nearly  to  the  edge  of 
the  reef. 

The  native  estimate  of  the  number  of  inhabitants  in  the  village  of  Dobbo 
was  300,  in  September,  1874,  principally  Bugis  from  the  southern  part  of 
Celebes ;  but  during  March  the  number  is  said  to  be  increased  to  as  many  as 
1,500,  by  the  crews  of  large  trading  proas  from  the  Makassar  coasts,  which 
carry  from  30  to  40  men  each. 

Supplies  are  scarce,  and  consist  of  a  few  fowls,  eggs,  and  fish.     Upon  the 


THE  ARRU  ISLANDS.  845 

islands  of  Ougia  and  Wassia  there  are  deer,  a  pair  having  been  originally 
placed  upon  each  island  by  the  Dutch. 

Alligators  are  said  to  abound  on  the  islands,  particularly  in  the  swamp  at 
the  back  of  Dobbo. 

The  principal  exports  are  trepang,  pearl-shell,  birds'  nests,  tortoise-shell, 
and  birds  of  paradise.  The  price  of  pearl-shell  is  2s.  per  lb.,  tortoise-shell 
158.  per  lb.,  and  birds  of  paradise  are  sold  to  the  Chinese  traders  by  the 
natives  for  2  dollars  each.  The  coin  used  is  the  Dutch  dollar  at  4s.  2d.,  and 
the  rupee  at  Is.  8d.     Gold,  particularly  sovereigns,  is  eagerly  accepted. 

Tides.— 'From  observations  obtained  at  Dobbo  (in  September,  1874)  it 
would  appear  to  be  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  about  2''  30"".  Springs 
rise  6  ft.,  but  the  time  of  high  water  is  uncertain.  The  flood  stream  in 
Dobbo  Harbour  comes  in  from  the  eastward,  and  the  ebb  stream  from  the 
westward.  In  the  S.E.  monsoon  the  flood  is  weak,  but  the  ebb  runs  from 
1  to  1^  knot  an  hour. 

Having  to  run  in  or  out,  great  attention  should  be  paid  to  the  tides.  If 
turning  in  with  the  flood,  and  standing  towards  the  southern  shoal,  you 
should  tack  the  first  shoal  cast,  as  the  tide  sets  strong  over  that  bank  ;  in 
turning  out  with  the  ebb,  the  same  attention  should  be  paid  to  the  northern 
shoal,  as  the  ebb  sets  strong  over  that  bank.  The  people  of  Wama  profess 
to  be  pilots,  but  those  seen  by  the  Britomart  did  not  appear  to  be  the  least 
trustworthy  or  of  any  use. 

Coal  Store. — A  Dutch  coal  store  on  the  East  end  of  "Wama  Island  was 
visited.  The  coals,  estimated  at  300  or  350  tons,  were  in  a  shed  90  ft.  long 
by  30  ft.  wide,  and  20  ft.  high,  and  close  to  the  beach,  which  appeared 
steep-to.  Boats  can  probably  load  at  any  time  of  tide,  and  a  vessel  approach 
within  a  half  or  1  mile  of  the  beach  upon,  which  the  shed  stands. 

A  passage  or  strait  about  one-quarter  of  a  mile  wide,  was  found  running 
in  an  easterly  and  westerly  direction  through  the  islands,  winding  slightly. 
From  its  western  entrance,  which  may  be  distinguished  by  a  small  rocky 
islet  on  the  southern  side,  the  North  point  of  Maika  Island  bore  W.  \  S., 
the  right  extreme  of  Babi  Island  N.W.  f  W.,  the  left  extreme  of  Wama 
Island  N.N.W.  f  W.,  and  the  right  extreme  of  Wama  Island  N.  by  W.  \  W. 
In  the  centre  of  the  passage  were  found  depths  of  4  and  5  fathoms. 

The  island  North  of  this  strait  is  named  by  the  natives  Wokan,  who  stated 
that  it  was  part  of  the  island  forming  the  North  side  of  Dobbo  Harbour. 

The  island  South  of  the  strait  (Kobroor)  was  called  AVanembai,  The  in- 
habitants were  numerous  and  friendly,  and  cultivate  plantains,  cocoa-nuts, 
sugar-canes,  pine-apples,  &c.,  in  patches  of  partially  cleared  ground  enclosed 
by  rough  rail  fences.  The  land  is  greatly  diversified  by  hill  and  dale,  al- 
though from  the  sea  it  appears  perfectly  flat,  but  it  seldom  rises  to  more 
than  100  ft.  in  height. 

Each  house  contains  10  or  12  families,  the  space  being  partitioned  off  by 


846  THE  KI  OR  KEI  ISLANDS. 

boards  a  foot  high  into  divisions  about  6  ft.  square,  each  portion  being  the 
residence  of  a  famil}'. 

It  was  also  said  that  at  an  island  named  Gomo  Gomo,  at  the  back  of  Ko- 
broor,  and  two  days  journey  from  Dobbo,  goats  and  an  abundance  of  poultry 
might  be  procured. 

The  high  mountains  of  Great  Ki,  which  rise  to  a  height  of  about  3,000  ft., 
are  visible  before  Dobbo  Harbour  is  lost  sight  of. 

The  northernmost  point  of  the  Arru  Islands  is  in  about  lat.  5°  20'  S.,  long. 
134°  40'  E.  60  miles  distant  from  the  coast  of  New  Guinea. 

The  KI  or  KEI  ISLANDS  are  70  miles  westward  from  Dobbo,  in  the 
Arru  Islands.  The  name,  which  has  been  variously  spelt  as  above,  or  Key, 
Kiif  or  Ky,  perhaps  means  island  or  the  tribes  which  inhabit  them,  as  it  is 
prefixed  to  most  of  the  places  on  them.  The  Xi  group  consists  of  two  large 
islands,  called  the  Great  and  Lesser  Ki,  and  a  number  of  smaller  ones  lying 
to  the  N.W.  of  the  latter.  The  Great  Ki  is  about  40  miles  long,  high  and 
mountainous  ;  but  the  Lesser  Ki  is  nowhere  more  than  50  ft.  above  the  level 
of  the  sea.  The  natives  of  the  islands  differ  very  considerably,  both  in  per- 
sonal appearance  and  in  language,  from  those  of  the  Arru  Islands,  and  are 
evidently  the  same  race  with  that  inhabiting  the  Serwatty  and  Timor  Laut. 
During  the  stay  of  the  JBritomart  at  Ki  the  inhabitants  maintained  the  high 
character  they  have  acquired  for  industry  and  hospitality  to  strangers.  The 
population  is  between  8,000  and  10,000. 

H.M.S.  Challenger  left  Dobbo  on  the  23rd  of  September,  1874,  and 
reached  Little  Ki  Island  the  following  evening,  having  obtained  two  sound- 
ings between  the  groups  of  islands  in  800  and  580  fathoms,  green  mud.  As 
the  largest  island  of  the  group  was  approached,  several  boats  full  of  natives 
boarded  the  ship,  but  as  they  were  all  more  or  less  afflicted  with  skin  disease, 
they  were  soon  cleared  out.  On  anchoring  at  Ki  Doulan  this  malady  was 
found  not  to  be  so  prevalent.  The  Rajah  and  numbers  of  natives  visited 
the  ship.  The  chief  trade  of  the  place  is  boat-building,  for  which  they  are 
locally  famous.  The  natives  are  an  active  race,  as  they  proved  by  running 
over  the  rigging  like  cats,  in  a  manner  that  could  scarcely  be  imitated  by 
the  seamen  themselves.  None  of  the  women  were  to  be  seen  ;  being  Moham- 
medans, they  are  naturally  and  religiously  jealous  of  them,  and  kept  them 
out  of  sight.     Some  fine  pigeons,  weighing  two  pounds  each,  were  taken. 

Great  Ki,  as  before  said,  is  about  40  miles  long  from  N.N.E.  to  S.S.W., 
and  is  not  more  than  6  miles  across  where  broadest.  Its  South  point  is  in 
lat.  5°  56'  S.,  long.  132°  53'  E.  At  8  miles  from  this,  on  the  East  side,  is  a 
small  harbour,  Hier. 

The  North  point  of  Great  Ki  Island  is  bluff  and  readily  distinguished ;  its 
extreme  was  found  to  be  in  lat.  5°  16'  45"  S.,  long.  133°  10'  45"  E.  On  the 
East  and  West  sides  of  the  point  are  small  bays,  in  which  huts  were  seen, 
and  probably  anchorage  may  be  found  in  them. 


LITTLE  KI  ISLAND— KI  DOULAN  HARBOtJE.  84^ 

The  N.E.  point,  lying  S.E.  ^  E.  2  miles  from  the  North  point,  is  low  and 
sandy,  with  casuarina  trees  growing  upon  it.  Off  the  point  are  two  small 
islets,  the  outer  being  about  40  ft.  high.  From  the  N.E.  point,  the  eastern 
coast  of  the  island  runs  to  the  southward  for  3  miles,  and  then,  receding  to 
the  westward,  forms  a  small  bay,  on  the  South  point  of  which  is  the  village 
of  Ali  Bandang  ;  whence  the  land  extends  about  S.  by  W.  i  W.  to  a  con- 
spicuous point  in  lat.  5°  34'  S.,  long.  133°  8'  E. 

The  N.W.  point  is  W.  by  S.  ^  S.  2  miles  from  the  North  point,  and  off  it 
there  is  a  detached  rock  30  or  40  ft.  high.  The  western  side  of  the  island  is 
nearly  straight  in  a  S.S.W.  direction  for  a  considerable  distance,  without 
any  conspicuous  object  on  its  shores. 

The  whole  of  the  island  is  mountainous,  the  range  traversing  its  centre 
and  sloping  down  on  either  side,  the  peak  at  the  North  end  being  2,200  ft. 
high. 

Little  Ki  Island  in  reality  consists  of  three  low  wooded  separate  islands, 
each  about  10  or  12  miles  long  North  and  South,  and  5  to  8  miles  wide ;  the 
two  eastern  of  these  are  separated  from  the  southern  part  of  the  Great  Ki 
Island  by  a  strait  varying  in  breadth  from  6  miles  at  its  southern  entrance 
to  12  miles  in  its  northern.  In  the  South  part  of  this  strait,  10  miles  North 
from  the  South  end  of  Great  Ki  Island,  and  5  miles  off  one  of  its  projecting 
points,  is  an  extensive  shoal.  Hogian  is  the  southern  of  the  Little  Ki  group, 
and  is  separated  from  Ki  Doulan  to  the  northward  by  a  narrow  strait.  To 
the  westward  of  Ki  Doulan  and  Hogian,  and  separated  from  them  by  a 
narrow  strait,  is  Letman  Island,  on  which  is  a  hill  200  ft.  high  at  its  N.E. 
end.  Between  the  North  side  of  Letman  and  the  West  side  of  Ki  Doulan 
are  three  large  and  numerous  smaller  islands  and  rocks. 

Ki  Doulan  Harbour. — N.W.,  8  miles  from  the  North  point  of  Ki  Doulan 
Island,  is  Ramadan  Island,  \^  mile  in  diameter,  and  midway  between  is 
another  small  island,  which  forms  the  West  side  of  entrance  to  Ki  Doulan 
Harbour,  the  North  point  of  Ki  Doulan  forming  the  eastern  side  of  the  en- 
trance. Doulan  Laut  Island,  with  a  shoal  off  its  eastern  point,  is  about  2 
miles  in  diameter,  and  shelters  Ki  Doulan  Harbour  on  its  western  side. 
Commander  Tizard,  who  visited  the  harbour  in  H.M.S.  Challenger,  in  Sept., 
1874,  gives  the  following  information  : — 

Ki  Doulan  Harbour  was  not  readily  distinguished  from  the  north-east- 
ward, from  the  similarity  of  the  two  outer  islands,  Pulo  Ramadan  and  Pulo 
Bandang,  each  having  a  small  islet  off  its  S.E.  side. 

There  is  a  small  summit  about  200  ft.  high  upon  the  South  point  of  Pulo 
Oboor,  called  Buket  Krain,  and  another,  Buket  Kalamit,  of  about  250  ft., 
upon  the  main  shore  of  Little  Ki,  S.S.W.  3^  miles  from  Buket  Krain. 

The  first  anchorage  of  the  Challenger  was  off  the  village  of  Tamandam  on 
the  North  point  of  the  harbour,  with  Tranjong  Serbat  bearing  E.  J  S.,  Buket 
Krain  S.S.W.  |  W.,  and  the  East  extreme  of  Pulo  Bandang  N.N.W.    The 


848  THE  ARAFUEA  SEA. 

eecond  anchorage  was  in  19  fathoms,  off  Ki  Doulan  village,  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  from  the  shore,  and  about  a  cable  from  the  edge  of  the  shoal  water, 
with  the  mosque  at  Ki  Doulan  bearing  East,  Loobi  Rock  S.W.  by  S.,  and  the 
left  extreme  of  Doulan  Laut  W.  ^  S. 

From  the  village  of  Ki  Doulan  a  wharf  or  jetty,  built  of  loose  coral  stones, 
extends  off  to  the  edge  of  the  shoal  water.  A  few  fowls  and  eggs,  cocoa  nuts, 
and  a  small  quantity  of  pumpkins  and  plantains  were  procured.  Some  fine 
pigeons  weighing  about  2  lbs.  each  were  also  shot.  Sago  palms  grow  upon 
the  island,  and  supply  the  staple  food  of  the  natives. 

One  day's  observations  (September  25th),  at  full  moon,  gave  the  time  of 
high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Ki  Doulan  Harbour,  at  l""  26",  Springs  rise 
7  ft.  The  same  report  as  to  the  winds  and  weather  was  given  at  Ki  Doulan 
as  at  the  Arrou  Islands. 

Southern  Channel. — A  deep  channel,  was  found  from  the  harbour  westward, 
South  of  Doulan  Laut  Island,  by  which  the  Challenger  proceeded  to  sea. 
Between  the  reef  off  Doulan  Laut  Island  and  the  reef  westward  of  Pulo  Oot 
9  and  10  fathoms  were  obtained  upon  what  seemed  to  be  a  ledge  joining  the 
two  reefs ;  westward  of  this  the  water  deepened  rapidly,  and  90  fathoms 
was  obtained  between  the  N.W.  point  of  Little  Ki  Island  and  the  islet  of 
Pulo  Gad  an  g. 

Margaretha  Harbour. — According  to  Count  Lovera  di  Maria,  commanding 
the  Italian  vessel  of  war  Vettor  Pisani,  1872,  is  situated  about  5  miles  to  the 
southward  of  Ki  Doulan  Village,  on  the  "West  side  of  Ki  Doulan  Island,  is 
a  capacious  and  well-sheltered  harbour  formed  by  Ki  Doulan,  Letman,  and 
Oboor  Islands ;  the  best  anchorage  is  off  Tuallah  Village,  in  7  to  1 1  fathoms 
good  holding  ground. 

The  passage  leading  from  Margaretha  Harbour  to  the  southward,  between 
Letman  and  Ki  Doulan,  is  about  l^  miles  in  length,  and  from  1  to  3  cables 
wide,  with  depths  of  2^  to  2f  fathoms. 

Vessels  entering  Margaretha  Harbour  from  the  northward  should  steer  in 
with  Buket  Kalamit  (197  ft.  high),  in  line  with  Buket  Krain,  bearing  S.W 
J  S.,  until  Loobi  Rock  bears  East,  whence  a  S.  by  W.  course  for  3^  miles 
will  lead  to  the  anchorage  off  Tuallah. 

The  ARAFURA  SEA  is  the  area  southward  of  the  foregoing  islands,  be- 
tween them  and  the  North  coast  of  Australia.  There  is  nothing  to  describe 
in  it,  more  than  information  given  by  the  charts.  The  only  dangers  or  shoals 
in  the  open  sea  are  the  Victoria  Shoal,  lat.  9°  13'  S.,  long.  131°  22'  E.,  a 
doubtful  position,  and  the  Lynedoeh  Banh,  discovered  in  the  ship  of  that 
name,  Captain  W.  Stead,  October  26th,  1838,  in  9°  55'  S.,  long.  130°  40'  E. 
The  latter  had  13  to  7  fathoms  least  water  when  found,  three-quarters  of 
a  mile  long,  and  composed  of  coral,  which  may  have  grown  up  to  a  less  depth 
than  the  above. 

The  Money  Shoal,  27  feet,  is  another  small  detached  spot,  lying  62  miles 


THE  AEAFUEA  SEA.  849 

N.E.  from  the  entrance  of  Port  Essington,  lat.  10°  19'  S.,  long.  132°  47'  E. 
These  appear  to  be  all  the  shoal  spots  which  have  been  found. 

The  depth  of  the  Arafura  Sea  increases  from  20  to  30  fathoms,  on  the 
meridian  of  Cape  Valsche  and  Cape  Wessel  to  450  fathoms  off  the  South  end 
of  Timor  Laut.  From  Melville  Island,  in  Australia,  to  the  latter,  the  depths 
also  appear  to  gradually  increase. 

One  feature  of  this  sea,  which  has  been  frequently  noticed,  is  the  quantity 
of  fish  spawn,  or  of  microscopic  animalcula^,  which  discolour  its  waters.  It 
being  the  highway  to  India  from  New  South  Wales,  via  Torres  Strait,  it 
has  become  of  more  importance  since  that  important  channel  has  been  well 
surveyed,  and  thus  opened  to  commerce.  Captain  Henry  Toynbee  passed 
through  it  in  his  well  known  ship  the  Gloriana,  in  September  and  October, 
1855.     He  notices  the  discolouration  of  the  water  from  animal  life. 

September  27,  1855. — At  noon  this  day  the  sea  was  all  shades  of  yellow, 
blue,  and  green,  caused  by  what  I  suppose  to  be  fish  spawn ;  it  had  a  fishy 
smell,  and  its  shape,  when  seen  through  a  small  microscope,  was  like  that  of 
grass  seed. 

29th.— Much  fish  spawn  was  seen  again  to-day;  in  some  parts  it  was  quite 
dark  enough  to  be  mistaken  for  a  sand-bank  ;  it  floated  in  lines  pointing  in 
the  direction  of  the  wind- 

In  conclusion  he  says — I  have  little  to  say  on  our  passage  through  the 
Arafura  Sea.  Most  of  the  reported  dangers  are  under  water,  and  we  found 
none  of  them.  We  had  soundings  of  15  fathoms  about  50  miles  to  the  west- 
ward of  Booby  Island  ;  27  fathoms  forty  miles  further  to  the  West ;  and  38 
fathoms  seventy-five  miles  further ;  then  the  depth  decreased  to  29  fathoms 
at  the  spot  where  we  passed  the  line  between  Wessel  Island  and  Frederick 
Henry  Island.  From  this  point  it  gradually  increased  again,  so  that  it  is 
probable  that  a  line  of  less  soundings  connects  these  islands.  We  averaged 
109  miles  per  diem  through  this  sea,  which  quite  equalled  my  expectations, 
and  were  in  11°  S.,  on  the  meridian  of  Cape  Leeuwin  on  our  thirty-third  day 
from  Sydney.  Thence  we  gradually  increased  our  southing  until  we  were  in 
lat.  13°  51'  S.,  where  we  had  a  good  S.E.  trade.  On  the  18th  of  October 
we  were  in  10°  S.  lat.  and  90°  E.  long  ;  and  between  the  25th  and  26th  we 
crossed  the  line,  in  87°  E.  On  the  5th  of  November  we  anchored  at  the 
Sandheads. 

To  the  westward  of  Little  Ki  Island  are  several  clusters  of  small  islands. 
H.M.S.  Challenger,  in  September,  1874,  passed  among  these  islands  in  pro- 
ceeding towards  Banda  from  the  Ki  Islands,  and  found  the  charts  most 
inaccurate.  Many  islands  were  not  marked  at  all.  We  give  below  the  in- 
formation gained. 

In  about  6°  S.  and  132°  30'  E.,  or  15  miles  S.W.  by  W.  from  the  S.W. 
I.  A.  5  Q 


850        TIONFOLOKKER  GROUP— NUSA  TELLO  ISLANDS. 

end  of  Hagian  Island  of  the  Little  Ki  group,  is  an  island,  and  several  lie 
northward  of  it,  at  8  or  10  miles  westward  of  Little  Ki. 

The  Tionfolokker  Group  consists  of  three  large  and  four  small  islands  with 
a  few  outlying  rocks.  They  lie  in  a  N.E.  by  N.  and  S.W.  by  S.  direction, 
and  extend  over  about  20  miles  in  length,  and  about  8  miles  in  width.  The 
south-westernmost  island  is  550  feet  high  and  round-backed  ;  its  southern 
point  is  in  lat.  6°  47'  S.,  long.  132°  9'  E. 

The  other  islands  are  low  and  flat,  but  covered  with  trees,  and  they  can 
be  seen  at  a  distance  of  from  12  to  15  miles. 

A  reef  extends  for  3  miles  southward  from  the  two  islands  lying  north-east 
of  the  high  south-western  island  of  the  group  ;  on  the  edge  of  this  reef  are 
some  rocks  which  are  always  above  water.  No  other  dangers  were  seen,  but 
vessels  should  not  venture  amongst  the  islands. 

Three  Brothers  Islands. — This  group  of  three  islands  occupies  a  triangular 
space,  the  apex  of  the  triangle  being  to  the  southward,  and  its  sides  are  from 
6  to  7  miles  in  length. 

Ta  Island,  the  southernmost,  is  round  shaped,  about  one  mile  in  diameter, 
and  390  ft.  high ;  its  South  point  is  in  lat.  5°  42'  S.,  long.  131°  54'  E.  The 
island  appeared  to  be  inhabited. 

Dol  Island,  the  north-eastern  and  largest,  is  low;  it  is  \\  mile  long  in  a 
N.  by  W.  and  S.  by  E.  direction,  and  nearly  one  mile  in  width  ;  its  southern 
point  in  lat.  5°  37^'  S.,  long.  131°  58^'  E.,  is  N.E.  ^  N.  6  miles  from  Ta 
Island. 

Onelifi  Island,  the  north-western  of  the  group,  is  also  low,  but  covered  with 
trees ;  it  is  round  and  about  half  a  mile  in  diameter,  and  is  in  lat.  5°  36^'  S., 
long.  131°  53r  E. 

Each  island  is  fringed  with  a  coral  reef  which  did  not  appear  to  extend  far 
from  the  shore;  and  the  passages  between  the  islands  seemed  free  from 
danger. 

Nusa  Tello  Islands  lie  to  the  North  of  the  Three  Brothers.  The  southern- 
most of  them  is  Kanalur  Island,  5  miles  long,  in  a  N.E.  and  S.W.  direction. 
No  dangers  were  observed  eastward  of  the  Three  Brothers  Islands,  or  be- 
tween that  group  and  Kanalur  Island.  It  has  an  islet  oflF  its  N.E.  extreme, 
and  rises  to  the  summit  in  a  succession  of  beach-like  terraces.  The  peak, 
which  is  1,600  ft.  high,  is  in  lat.  5°  20^'  S.,  long.  131°  57'  E.,  and  it  was  seen 
from  the  southern  entrance  of  Ki  Doulan  Harbour.  The  island  is  probably 
inhabited  as  smoke  and  cocoa-nut  trees  were  seen  upon  it. 

At  8  miles  northward  of  Kanalur  is  Kandar,  a  smaller  island ;  and  5  miles 
northward  of  this  is  Boen,  with  two  small  islets  within  2  miles  N.E.  of  it. 
Toppers  Eoedje  is  marked  P.D.,  at  10  miles  N.E.  by  E.  of  [Boen,  as  is  also 
Little  Fortune  Island,  9  miles  N.N.E.  of  Boen. 

Toa  or  Tehor  Island  is  6  miles  long  North  and  South,  and  3  miles  wide  at 


GOEAM  ISLES.  851 

its  North  end.  Its  South  extreme  is  in  lat.  4'  50'  S.,  long.  131°  46'  E.  At 
6  miles  E.  by  N.  of  this  point  is  a  small  islet. 

Matabella  Islands.— The  group  is  hilly  and  rocky,  and  the  South  ex- 
treme of  the  Matabellas  is  a  small  table  hill.  Kamiwi  or  Corsair  is  the 
central  and  largest  of  the  Matabellas;  it  is  6  miles  long  N.W.  and  S.E. 
—its  South  extreme  being  in  4°  30'  S.,  13P  40'  E.  At  5  and  7  miles  S.E. 
by  S.  from  this  point  are  two  small  islets,  called  the  Bare  Islets.  Kulcar, 
another  small  islet,  lies  6  miles  East  of  them.  Separated  from  the  North 
extreme  of  Kassuwi  by  a  strait  1^  mile  wide  are  Watuhclla  and  higar  Islets^ 
joined  by  a  bank,  and  extending  6  miles  in  a  N.W.  and  S.E.  direction. 

GORAM  ISLES  are  three  in  number,  and  are  separated  from  the  Ceram 
Laut  group  to  the  N.W.  by  a  narrow  channel.  They  are  distinguished  by 
the  natives  as  Goram,  Manovolko  and  Salawatta  or  Soeroeaki,  or  Salavako. 
They  are  rather  high,  and  very  fertile.  Eice  is  only  grown  on  the  main 
island,  as  that  is  considered  to  be  an  hereditary  right. 

Goram  is  the  easternmost;  its  S.E.  point  is  in  lat.  4°  3'  S.,  long.  131°  28' 
E.,  and  it  is  about  9  miles  long.  It  has  the  largest  population,  and  most 
trade  of  the  group.  The  people  resemble  those  of  Ceram,  and  being  well 
acquainted  with  the  neighbouring  coasts,  willingly  go  on  board  foreign 
trading  vessels  as  pilots.  Coin  is  unknown,  cotton  twist  being  the  best 
object  to  barter.  There  is  a  small  harbour,  called  Ojidor,  in  the  reef  on 
the  N.W.  side  of  Goram,  which  is  the  chief  trading  place.  Between  the 
two  coral  reefs  which  form  it  there  are  16  and  18  fathoms.  Going  north- 
ward by  keeping  the  Matabellas  their  own  breadth  open  of  the  West  en- 
trance of  Goram,  will  lead  outside  of  them.  A  N.E.  by  E.  course  leads  in, 
and  the  channel  can  be  seen,  but  a  gun  fired  will  bring  a  pilot  off.  When 
you  have  entered,  bear  more  to  the  northward,  and  come  to  off  a  stone  pier 
in  10  fathoms.  Fowls,  fruit,  and  sago  can  be  procured.  There  is  a  clear 
passage  between  the  two  western  islands,  and  also  between  the  N.W.  island 
and  Ceram  Laut.  There  is  another  harbour,  open  to  the  East,  near  the  S.E. 
point,  called  Kailahat. 

CERAM  LAUT,  "Ceram  to  sea,"  lies  off  the  S.E.  end  of  Great  Ceram, 
and  is  a  cluster  of  islets  lying  on  one  coral  reef,  15  or  18  miles  long,  which, 
as  usual,  is  very  shoal  on  its  edges,  and  drops  at  once  into  deep  water.  The 
Avestern  island,  which  is  the  largest,  is  high  and  hilly,  and,  according  to 
Captain  Kolff,  has  an  exceedingly  high  tree  on  it,  under  which  the  chiefs  of 
Kilwari  are  interred,  and  which  forms  a  good  land  mark  for  seamen.  Lat. 
3°  50'  S.,  long.  131°  O'E- 

Kilwari,  or  Kalhcaru,  is  a  small  sandy  island  overspread  with  houses,  on 
the  N.W.  side  of  Ceram  Laut,  to  which  it  is  joined  by  a  sand-bank.  The  two 
villages  are  under  the  native  rajah  to  the  East,  and  the  other  a  small  portion 
to  the  West  under  a  Dutch  commander,  and  are  separated  from  each  other 
by  a  stone  wall,  6  feet  high  and  2  feet  thick,  a  similar  defence  surrounding 


852  CERAM. 

the  island.  Coral  reefs  extend  for  a  considerable  distance  from  the  island, 
but  boat  landing  may  be  effected  in  a  bay  on  the  North  side.  The  people 
are  of  the  Malay  race,  and  are  chiefly  fishermen,  and  take  considerable 
quantities  of  tortoise-shell  and  trepang,  which  with  other  articles  are  largely 
collected  and  bartered  here. 

Ghissa  or  Gesir  is  a  low,  sandy,  uninhabited  island,  surrounded  by  a  reef 
off  Kilwari,  the  channel  between  being  narrow,  but  said  to  be  safe. 

The  Keffing  Isles,  two  in  number,  lie  close  to  the  S.E.  extreme  of  Ceram, 
and  are  connected  with  it  by  sunken  reefs.  Little  Keffinq  is  well  peopled, 
each  village  being  governed  by  a  separate  rajah.  The  East  point  is  in  lat, 
3"  52'  S.,  long.  130°  53'  E.  The  island  is  low,  and  the  groups  of  huts 
among  the  cocoa-nut  trees  have  a  very  picturesque  appearance.  To  the 
East  of  these  islands  and  the  reef  which  surrounds  them,  there  is  a  small 
island,  with  a  deep  channel  between. 

CERAM,  one  of  the  largest  islands  of  the  Malay  Archipelago,  is  1 62  miles 
long  East  and  West,  and  about  40  miles  across  where  broadest.  A  chain  of 
mountains  runs  through  its  eastern  length,  so  that  it  may  be  said  to  consist 
of  one  Cordillera,  some  of  the  peaks  of  which  rise  to  the  height  of  6,000  to 
8,000  ft.,  and  one  of  them,  Nusa  Meli,  to  9,250  ft.  It  has  no  active  volcano 
or  extinct  crater,  as  far  as  is  known,  and  has  no  good  harbour  on  either 
shore,  except  that  of  Amahai,  North  of  the  Amboina  group.  The  whole 
island  is  covered  with  one  stupendous  forest,  but  generally  of  useless  timber. 
The  coasts  are  occupied  with  an  enterprising  race  of  Malay  fishermen,  who 
vigorously  collect  tortoise-shell  and  trepang  from  as  far  as  New  Guinea  and 
Australia.  But  they  are  a  wild  and  untractable  people,  who,  though  they 
may  be  hospitable  to  Europeans  who  visit  them  to  their  profit,  are  inveterate 
head-hunters,  and  live  in  constant  feuds.  They  should  not,  therefore,  be 
trusted.  The  island,  as  a  whole,  is  very  thinly  inhabited.  A  small  portion 
of  its  East  end,  Toho,  is  under,  nominally  at  least,  the  Dutch  Residentie  of 
of  Banda ;  the  rest  belongs  to  the  Residentie  of  Amboina. 

On  the  North  coast  of  Ceram,  during  the  East  monsoon,  the  weather  is 
fine  with  regular  land  and  sea  breezes.  The  West  monsoon  is  the  wet  and 
squally  season,  although  it  brings  fine  weather  at  Amboina,  a  very  singular 
exception;  but  at  Ceram  the  West  monsoon  is  the  rainy  and  squally  season, 
in  conformity  with  its  general  character  everywhere  else  in  these  seas  from 
December  until  April.  The  wind  is  frequently  fresh  from  West  and  W.N.W. 
during  the  day,  dying  away  towards  night,  and  veering  to  the  W.S.W.  with 
a  light  breeze  in  the  morning. 

Waru  Bay,  on  the  eastern  coast  of  Ceram,  has  anchorage  off  the  village, 
which  is  in  its  southern  part,  in  lat.  3°  26'  S.,  long.  130°  45'  E.  It  affords 
good  anchorage,  where  water  and  other  refreshments  may  be  procured.  For 
5  miles  eastward  of  this  village  the  water  is  foul  from  the  coast,  and  there  is 
also  a  small  shoal  5  miles  W.N.W.  of  it,  the  anchorage  lying  between  these 


CERAM.  853 

reefs.  N.N.E.  10  miles  from  "Waruis  Parang  Island,  dangerous  to  approach, 
and  having  a  reef  2  miles  oflF  its  "West  end.  Semgum,  or  Lengowa  Point,  is 
22  miles  northward  of  Waru  ;  and  at  10  miles  N.W.  from  Semgum  Point  is 
Lama  Point,  at  22  miles  westward  from  which,  is  the  anchorage  in  Kobie 
Bay,  a  small  bay,  sheltered  by  the  land  from  winds  between  S.E.  and  West. 
Leuwarden  Reef,  the  West  end  of  which  is  7  miles  E.  by  N.  from  Lama 
Point,  is  2  or  3  miles  in  extent,  and  very  dangerous,  the  West  side  being  a 
white  sand-bank,  and  the  eastern  side  a  ledge  of  rocks,  some  above  water. 
There  are  no  soundings  near  it,  nor  in  the  channel  inside  it,  which  is  con- 
sidered to  be  safe. 

Wahaay  Bay. — The  fort  at  the  head  of  this  bay,  according  to  the  Dutch 
charts,  is  in  lat.  2°  45'  30"  S.,  long.  129°  30'  E. 

It  was  visited  by  Captain  R.  L.  Hunter,  in  the  Marshall  Bennett,  in  1840. 
He  says  it  is  something  to  the  westward  of  the  situation  assigned  to  Flat 
Point  of  the  charts.  Wahaay,  however,  is  at  no  point,  nor  is  the  land  near 
it  at  all  remarkable  for  flatness  ;  in  fact,  the  houses  are  on  the  rise  of  a  hill 
of  some  height.  It  presents  from  the  offing  a  straight  coast,  therefore  it  is 
necessary  in  running  for  it  to  keep  within  4  or  5  miles  of  the  shore,  that  the 
houses  may  be  seen  ;  the  adjoining  land  also  appears  more  cleared  here  than 
elsewhere. 

Wood  here  is  plentiful  of  all  kinds,  large  or  small,  for  spars,  plank  or  any 
purpose,  and  excellent  water  near  the  ship,  and  very  convenient. 

For  refreshments  a  tolerable  supply  of  fowls  can  be  procured,  and  we 
obtained  sweet  yams  enough  to  supply  all  hands  daily  during  our  stay. 
Pine  apples  and  plantains  are  plentiful.  Fish  frequently  are  in  abundance, 
and  sometimes  wild  deer.  Pigs,  goats,  sheep,  and  ducks,  are  scarce  and 
expensive. 

Close  to  it  on  the  western  side  is  a  similar  but  larger  opening  in  the  reefs ; 
at  the  head  of  the  bay,  which  it  leads  to,  is  a  village  called  New  Hatiling. 
There  is  a  shoal  in  the  middle  of  the  bay  ;  the  anchorage  is  inside  this. 

It  is  high  water  on  full  and  change  days  at  6  p.m.,  only  one  tide  in  24 
hours,  and  the  rise  8  ft. 

Sawaai  Bay  is  in  lat.  2°  51'  S.,  long.  129°  9'  E.  Taitjong  Para  forms  its 
western  point ;  it  is  low,  and  has  several  small  islands  surrounded  by  shoals, 
the  outer  one  named  Pulo  Basar,  lying  2  or  3  miles  off.  There  are  also  some 
islands  and  shoals  in  the  S.E.  part  of  the  bay.  The  channel  into  the  harbour 
or  road  is  to  the  westward  of  the  latter,  by  steering  South  for  a  mount  called 
the  Friar's  Hood,  at  the  bottom  of  the  bay,  near  the  village  Selema  ;  and 
having  rounded  the  reef  and  islands  fronting  the  road,  haul  along  shore  to 
the  eastward,  and  anchor  near  it,  with  Pulo  Atui,  the  westernmost  island, 
bearing  North.  The  water  is  deep,  40  to  25  fathoms,  but  it  is  good  anchor- 
age, in  the  S.E.  monsoon,  bottom  mud. 


854  CERAM. 

Ella  Island  and  shoala,  5  miles  in  extent,  lie  off  the  western  entrance  of 
Pha  Point. 

Cape  Talanuru  is  the  N.W.  extremity  of  Ceram,  and  is  in  lat.  2°  52'  S., 
long.  128°  ir  E.  From  this  the  western  part  of  Ceram  trends  off  to  the 
S.W.  and  South  for  45  miles  in  a  long  irregular  peninsula,  in  a  similar 
manner  to  Amboina,  Saparua,  and  other  volcanic  islands  in  the  neighbour- 
hood, and  as  is  seen  on  a  much  larger  scale  in  the  singular  forms  of  Celebes 
and  Halmaheira. 

Bonoa,  an  island  of  about  12  miles  long,  with  a  reef  off  its  northern  end, 
lies  off  this  N.W.  part  of  Ceram,  forming  Bonoa  Strait,  5  miles  wide  in  its 
narrowest  and  S.W.  part.  It  is  quite  clear  on  the  North  side,  but  the 
Ceram  coast  is  skirted  by  a  series  of  islets  and  rocks,  which  require  care. 
Ada  Reef  lies  3  miles  West  of  the  West  extreme  of  the  North  coast  of 
Bonoa. 

The  islands  which  lie  between  this  and  Bouro,  forming  the  East  side  of  the 
Bouro  or  Manipa  Strait,  have  been  mentioned  on  pages  823-4,  ante. 

The  South  Coast  of  Ceram  has  but  few  particulars  to  interest  the  seaman. 
It  is  deeply  indented  by  the  different  bays  at  its  western  end.  Seal  Point,  its 
S.W.  extreme,  is  the  end  of  the  long  peninsula  above  mentioned,  and  4 
miles  North  of  the  Three  Brothers,  which  lie  off  the  N.W.  end  of  Amboina. 
Piero  Bay,  28  miles  wide,  penetrates  the  S.W.  part  of  Ceram,  opposite  to 
Amboina,  and  thus  forms  a  wide  portion  of  the  strait  limited  to  the  South 
by  Amboina  and  the  islands  East  of  it. 

Amahai  Bay,  East  point,  is  30  miles  N.E.  by  E.  from  the  N.E.  point  of 
Saparua.  The  bay  extends  in  an  E.N.E.  direction  for  23  miles,  and  on  the 
North  side  of  its  eastern  point  is  a  secure  anchorage  called  Amahai  Roads. 
It  was  surveyed  in  1862  by  Lieut.  Koning.  The  outer  bay  is  named  by  the 
natives  Elpapoetie  Bay,  and  in  the  centre  of  it  there  are  no  soundings,  and 
the  shores  are  very  steep-to. 

The  Inner  Bay  is  limited  by  Tanjong  Koeahho  on  the  West,  of  moderate 
height,  and  on  the  East  by  Tanjong  Mapoei,  higher,  and  covered  with  trees. 
At  the  head  of  the  bay  is  the  small  village  of  Amahai,  where  there  is  a  small 
Dutch  fort  and  garrison,  the  flagstaff  of  which  is  in  lat.  3°  19'  30"  S.,  long. 
128°  56'  7"  E.  It  is  high  water  at  noon,  and  the  rise  is  3  ft.  In  coming  in, 
you  may  pass  round  Point  Koeakho  within  a  ship's  length,  and  avoid  the 
reef  which  projects  from  the  eastern  side  nearly  two-thirds  over,  and  may 
be  seen  by  the  colour  of  the  water.  There  are  some  bamboo  stalks  on  it, 
and  there  is  sometimes  a  bathing-house.  Anchor  with  Point  Koeakho  bear- 
ing N.W.  by  W.,  and  Point  Mapoe  N.N.E.,  the  cupola  on  the  reef  N.  |  E., 
and  the  flagstaff  of  the  controller's  house  E.S.E.  f  E.  in  8  fathoms  with  40 
fathoms  of  cable. 


(     8.55     ) 


WESTERN  PART  OF  THE  ISLAND  OF  NEW  GUINEA. 

The  COAST  of  NEW  GUINEA,  which  fronts  the  Molucca  Islands,  is 
chiefly  known  to  us  from  the  voyage  of  Lieut.  Kolfi",  in  1826.  "We  take  the 
following  from  the  extracts  made  from  his  work  by  Mr.  George  Windsor 
Earl.  It  is  very  much  out  of  the  way  of  the  ordinary  track  of  ships,  and  is 
never  visited  by  European  vessels  for  trade,  and  will  therefore  need  but  few 
remarks.  Should  the  Dutch  Government  act  on  the  knowledge  recently 
acquired  of  this  fine  island  (the  greatest  area  of  the  world  now  entirely  un- 
known, with  the  exception  of  a  portion  of  Africa)  there  may  be  a  necessity 
for  further  nautical  information  on  it.  The  eastern  part  of  the  island,  in- 
cluding the  discoveries  of  Captain  Moresby,  in  H.M.S.  Basilisk,  during 
the  years  1873-4,  are  described  in  the  South  Pacific  Directory,  chapter  xix. 

FREDERIK  HENDRIK  ISLAND,  on  the  S.W.  coast,  is  about  100  miles 
long,  separated  from  the  mainland  by  Prinses  Marianne  or  Dour g a  Strait,  first 
determined  to  be  a  channel  in  1835.  The  island  is  everywhere  low,  appa- 
rently marshy,  and  covered  with  a  dense  forest.  The  entire  South  coast  is 
fronted  by  a  mud-bank,  extending  about  8  miles  out  to  sea,  having  3  fathoms 
on  its  verge,  from  which  the  depth  rapidly  increases  to  9,  14,  and  27  fathoms. 
Ahoxit  50  miles  to  the  N.E.  of  Cape  Yalsche  the  mud-bank  begins  to  decrease 
in  breadth,  so  that  vessels  are  enabled  to  approach  the  shore. 

Cape  Valsche,  or  False  Cape,  according  to  Lieut  Kolff,  is  in  lat.  8=  22'  S., 
long.  137^  40'  E.  The  northern  part  of  Dourga  or  Prinses  Marianne  Strait 
is  about  15  miles  wide,  the  eastern  part  being  in  lat.  7'  23'  S.,  long.  138°  54' 
E.,  and  there  was  no  danger  discovered  by  the  Dutch  ships  in  beating 
through.  On  the  North  side  of  the  strait,  about  5  miles  within  the  entrance, 
is  a  creek,  within  which  the  water  is  fresh  at  three-quarters  ebb,  but  difficult 
to  be  got  on  account  of  the  hostility  of  the  natives,  who  should  be  avoided  on 
all  occasions. 

The  coast  from  the  entrance  to  the  strait  extends  in  a  N.N.W.  direction  to 
the  False  Utanata  River.  The  land  is  low  and  covered  with  forest,  and  a  mud- 
bank,  which  lines  the  shore,  prevents  approach  within  from  4  to  8  miles. 
The  coast  is  thickly  peopled  by  inhospitable  natives. 

The  Triton  Sandhank,  the  South  side  of  which  is  in  lat.  6'  0'  N.,  long.  138° 
4'  E.,  lies  23  miles  ofi"  shore,  and  has  10  fathoms,  mud,  immediately  to  the 
southward.  Providential  Banh,  lat.  5°  38'  S.,  long.  137°  52'  E.,  has  4,  6,  and 
7  fathoms  immediately  to  the  South  of  it.     It  lies  18  miles  from  the  main. 

False  Utanata  River,  in  lat.  4°  46'  S.,  long.  136°  57'  E.,  is  of  considerable 
size,  but  a  bar  of  sand  extends  across  its  mouth,  on  which,  during  the  S.E. 
monsoon,  there  is  a  heavy  surf.  A  vessel  may  anchor  in  13  fathoms  to  the 
westward  of  the  bar ;  but  a  strong  swell  from  the  southwai'd,  and  the  reefs 
which  lie  to  the  N.W.,  render  this  anchorage  unsafe  in  the  S.E.  monsoon. 


856  WESTERN  PART  OF  NEW  GUINEA. 

Fahe  Wdkia  River,  7  or  8  miles  to  the  northward,  is  of  a  similar  description. 
The  shores  of  these  rivers  are  thickly  peopled,  but  no  intercourse  with  them 
was  obtained.  The  coast  to  the  northward  of  this  forms  a  deep  bight,  ter- 
minating in  Cape  Steenhoom,  lat.  4°  44'  S.,  long.  136°  23'  E.,  across  which,  in 
a  line  between  the  cape  and  the  river,  lie  several  shoals,  the  outermost  of 
which  lies  9  miles  S.E.  from  Cape  Steenboom. 

Utanata  River,  in  lat.  4°  40'  S.,  long.  136°  15'  E.,  is  about  2  miles  wide  at 
its  mouth,  and  is  fronted  by  a  bar,  on  which  there  is  above  6  ft.  at  low 
water.  The  natives  here  were  more  friendly,  perhaps  arising  from  more 
frequent  intercourse  with  the  Ceramese  and  Makassar  traders.  To  the  N.W. 
of  the  Utanata  lies  the  Wamuka  River,  lat.  4°  39'  S.,  long.  139°  11'  E.  It  is 
rather  smaller  than  the  former,  and,  like  it,  is  covered  by  a  bar. 

Cape  Buru,  or  Boeroe,  lat.  4°  28'  S.,  long.  135°  10'  E.,  is  a  steep  promon- 
tory, visible  at  a  distance  of  30  miles,  with  no  soundings  4  miles  outside. 
At  25  miles  N.W.  by  "W.  from  it  is  Mount  Lahahia,  near  the  coast,  4,526  ft. 
high.  This  is  the  western  of  a  chain  of  mountains  which  thence  extends 
inland  to  the  eastward,  and  is  known  as  the  Charles  Louis  Range.  At  40 
miles  North  of  False  Utanata  River  the  elevation  is  11,500  ft.,  and  at  56 
miles  N.E.  of  the  same  river  the  elevation  is  14,000  ft. 

Cape  Perier  is  N.W.  by  W.  f  W.,  42  miles  from  Cape  Buru,  the  coast 
between  having  a  few  small  indentations.  Between  Cape  Perier  and  Cape 
Baudin,  10  miles  N.W.  from  it,  is  the  entrance  to  Etna  Bay,  which  is  20  or 
25  miles  deep.  Between  Etna  Bay  and  Triton  Bay,  30  miles  to  the  west- 
ward, the  coast  is  fronted  by  several  islands  having  narrow  straits  between. 
The  easternmost  of  these  islands,  named  Chausot,  is  1,600  ft.  high,  and  lies 
5  miles  westward  of  Cape  Baudin.  The  westernmost  is  named  Aidumea  ;  it 
is  10  miles  long,  N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  forms  the  eastern  side  of  the  entrance 
to  Triton  Bay. 

Triton  Bay  is  an  inlet  extending  6  miles  to  the  N.E.  into  the  mainland. 
A  chain  of  five  small  islands  stretches  4  miles  W.S.W.  from  the  "West  point 
of  Aidumea,  and  the  fair  channel  lies  between  the  outermost  of  these  and 
Semieuw.  Fort  Du  Bus,  a  Dutch  establishment,  is  at  the  head  of  a  small 
cove  on  the  North  side  of  Triton  Bay,  lat.  3°  46'  S.,  long.  134°  3'  E.  The 
cove  is  2  miles  deep  and  a  mile  wide,  having  at  the  entrance  a  depth  of  32 
fathoms,  which  decreases  to  5  fathoms,  mud,  at  its  head,  where  a  vessel  may 
moor  a  cable's  length  from  the  shore.  The  channel  into  the  cove  is  close 
to  the  S.W.  side,  as  a  mud  bank,  nearly  dry  at  low  water,  extends  from  the 
N.E.  side,  three-fourths  of  the  width  of  the  cove.  High  water,  full  and 
change,  P  8™ ;  rise  and  fall  7  ft.  Water  and  refreshments  may  be  obtained 
here  through  the  Dutch  commandant.  Iris  Strait,  the  channel  by  which  the 
Triton  entered  the  bay,  is  formed  by  Aidumea  Island  to  the  South  and  by 
Dramaai  Island  and  the  mainland  to  the  North.    Its  South  entrance  is  2  miles 


PULO  ADI,  ETC.  857 

wide,  in  lat.  4°  2'  S.,  long.  134°  6'  E.,  from  which  it  stretches  N.W.  by  W. 
about  6  miles.  At  45  miles  W.N.W.  of  the  entrance  to  Triton  Bay  is  the 
N.W.  corner  of  Arguna  Bay,  which  is  little  known. 

Pulo  Adi,  or  Wessel  Island,  which  extends  W.N.W.  and  E.S.E.  about  25 
miles,  lies  33  miles  to  the  S.W.  of  the  entrance  to  Triton  Bay.  The  S.E. 
point  of  the  island  is  in  lat.  4°  16'  S.,  long.  133°  34'  E.,  and  W.S.^V.  of  this 
point  at  9  miles  distant  is  Vogel  or  Bird  Island,  surrounded  by  a  reef. 

The  Nautilus  Strait  separates  Adi  from  the  southern  shore  of  the  Orange 
Nassau  peninsula,  on  the  South  side  of  which  is  Speelman  Bay,  before  which 
lie  some  islets  named  Buloffs  and  Karawari.  In  Nautilus  Strait  the  western 
end  of  Wessels  Island  should  not  be  approached  within  a  mile.  Sunken 
rocks  also  lie  at  3  miles  W.N.W.  and  5  miles  N.  by  E.  of  this  point.  There 
is  anchorage  North  of  the  N.W.  point  of  Wessels  Island,  southward  of  some 
islands.  Plana  Islands,  two  in  number,  are  5  and  8  miles  northward  of  the 
centre  of  Wessels  Island.  The  district  here  is  under  the  control  in  some 
measure  of  the  Mysole  chiefs.  The  S.W.  part  of  this  portion  of  the  western 
peninsula  of  New  Guinea  is  not  known  beyond  the  coasts,  which  are  tolerably 
well  defined  on  the  chart. 

Cape  Kaffoera,  lat.  4°  5'  S.,  long.  132°  47'  E.,  is  23  miles  West  of  Nautilus 
Strait,  and  here  the  coast  is  high  and  bold,  and  trends  to  Cape  Sapey,  28 
miles  to  the  N.N.W.  Near  the  shore,  along  the  stretch  of  coast,  the  land 
reaches  an  elevation  of  over  3,000  ft.,  and  no  bottom  was  found  with  100 
fathoms  of  line  at  4  miles  westward  of  it.  Cape  Kaloeman  or  Kalomuns  is  in 
4°  S.,  and  has  several  islands  northward  of  it. 

Between  Cape  Sapey  and  Dree  Cap  Peninsula,  60  miles  to  the  N.W.  ^  N. 
from  it  the  district  is  known  as  Charles  Albert  Archipelago.  Gudin  Island, 
6  miles  long  N.W.  and  S.E.,  is  1,200  ft.  high,  and  has  a  hill  at  each  of  its 
extremities.  Cape  Foidlioy,  10  miles  northward  of  it,  is  in  lat.  3°  17'  S., 
long.  132°  32'  E.  It  is  high,  and  has  a  3-fathom  patch  \h  mile  West  of  it. 
At  10  miles  N.N.W.  of  it  is  Jacobs  Island.  Gide  Isles  lie  to  7  or  8  miles  off 
the  S.W.  part  of  Dree  Cap  Peninsula,  and  eastward  of  them,  at  10  and  15 
miles  distance,  are  Roze  Island  and  Coster  Island. 

Mc  Cluer  Gulf,  or  Telok  Berow,  is  an  extensive  inlet,  which  reaches  within 
5  miles  of  the  shores  of  the  Great  Geelvink  Bay,  almost  insulating  the  N.W, 
part  of  New  Guinea.  This  part  is  under  the  influence  of  the  Salawatti 
chiefs,  and,  like  the  rest  of  the  vicinity,  is  very  little  known.  From  the 
N.W.  point  of  Mc  Cluer  Gulf,  thus  named  from  Lieut.  Mc  Cluer,  who  sailed 
up  it  in  1791,  to  the  western  extreme  of  New  Guinea,  there  are  several  bays, 
but  we  have  no  hydrographical  particulars  of  them.  The  natives  are  stated 
to  be  numerous,  treacherous,  and  hostile. 

Patippi  Bay  is  7  miles  deep,  and  has  its  entrance  in  lat.  2°  41'  S.,  long.  132° 
10'  E.,  facing  the  West.     It  is  on  the  North  side  of  Drei  Cap  Peninsula. 

I.  A.  5  JR 


858  WESTERN  PART  OE  NEW  GUINEA. 

Wass  Island,  6  miles  westward  of  the  entrance  to  Patippi  Bay,  is  a  small  islet 
close  to  the  laud,  and  protecting  an  anchorage  eastward  of  it.  At  16  miles 
eastward  of  the  entrance  to  Patippi  Bay  is  Segaar  Bay^  with  numerous  islets 
and  rocks  lying  N.W.,  North,  and  East  of  its  entrance.  It  is  high  water  in 
Segaar  Bay  at  6*^  30".     Springs  rise  4  to  6  ft. 

The  channel  between  this  portion  of  New  Guinea  and  the  East  end  of 
Ceram,  and  the  islands  which  trend  south-eastward  from  it,  and  to  north- 
ward of  the  Ki  and  Arru  Islands,  is  apparently  clear,  and  from  65  to  90 
miles  in  breadth.  The  first  island  in  proceeding  north-westward  through  it 
is  Saluda  or  Wonie  Melat,  off  the  entrance  of  McCluer  Gulf,  the  South  point 
in  lat.  2°  40'  8.,  long.  131°  37'  E.  To  the  S.E.  of  it  is  a  group  of  islets 
called  Pisangs. 

MYSOLE  or  Misool,  a  large  island  45  miles  long  and  15  to  20  broad,  is 
but  little  known,  though  of  such  considerable  extent.  The  interior  is  said 
to  be  inhabited  by  Arafura  negroes,  and  the  coast  by  a  mixture  of  the 
negro  and  Malay  races.  It  is  generally  level  land,  and  of  moderate  height, 
and  the  shores  are  lined  almost  all  around  it  by  a  range  of  small  islands, 
the  outermost  of  which  to  the  N.W.  and  E.S.E.  lie  many  miles  off.  On  the 
South  side  is  Efhe,  which  forms  a  harbour,  visited  by  Capt.  Forrest  in  1775, 
where  he  was  well  received  by  the  inhabitants  at  a  small  village.  Nume- 
rous other  islets  lies  off  the  South  side  of  My  sole  to  a  distance  of  nearly  10 
miles  in  the  eastern  half  of  the  island.  Efhe,  the  largest  island,  is  in  lat. 
2°  5'  S.,  long.  130°  11' E. 

To  the  eastward  of  the  S.E.  point  of  Mysole  a  range  of  islets  and  scattered 
rocks  extend  for  14  leagues,  terminating  to  the  East  in  False  Pisang — "ba- 
nana-island," a  common  Malay  term  in  these  seas. 

Off  the  North  coast  of  Mysole  are  numerous  islets  and  several  sand- 
banks, only  to  be  understood  by  the  chart,  which  extend  more  than  halfway 
across  the  channel  between  the  island  and  Popa,  leaving,  however,  a  clear 
route  15  miles  in  width,  and  leading  towards  Pitt  Strait. 

The  Kanari  or  Canary  Islands  lie  to  the  N.W.  of  Mysole,  and  are  an  ex- 
tensive chain  of  flat,  wooded,  uninhabited  islands,  leaving  a  narrow  passage 
between  some  of  the  groups  which  lie  close  to  Mysole.  Great  Canary  is  the 
westernmost  and  largest,  in  lat.  1°  49'  S.,  long.  129"  35'  E. 

On  this  island  Captain  Forrest,  on  his  voyage  to  New  Guinea  in  1775,  in 
search  of  the  nutmeg  tree,  found  good  water,  in  a  pond  situated  on  the 
South  end.  He  anchored  in  Round  Harbour,  so  called  by  him,  lying  be- 
tween two  small  islands,  which  are  at  a  small  distance  on  the  East  side. 

To  the  southward  of  those  islands  which  front  the  South  shore  of  Mysole 
and  the  North  coast  of  Ceram  the  passage,  which  is  50  miles  wide,  is  safe, 
and  was  partially  examined  by  Lieutenant  Briitel  de  la  Riviere,  D.E.N., 
in  1850. 


POPA.  859 

Between  My  sole  and  Popa  are  the  groups,  little  known,  called  the  Vienna 
Isles,  and  Nosela  Islands. 

FitzMaurice  Shoal,  of  2  fathoms,  is  marked  in  two  positions  northward  of 
the  Canary  Islands.  Pigeon  Island  is  in  lat.  V  42'  S.,  long.  129°  45'  E., 
and  the  shoal  is  marked  5  miles  N.  \  W.  from  it,  and  at  10  miles  N.W. 
from  it. 

In  the  strait  between  Mysole  and  Salwatti  are  several  islands  and  dangers. 
Pinon  or  West  Brother  Island  lies  in  the  centre  of  the  East  part  of  the  strait 
northward  of  the  False  Pisangs.  There  is  a  sand-bank  N.W.  7  miles  from  it. 
Efmatal  Island,  10  miles  off  the  New  Guinea  coast,  is  20  miles  to  the  E.N.E., 
and  N.W.  10  miles  from  Efmatal  is  an  extensive  sand-bank  with  a  depth  of 
2  fathoms  water  near  the  New  Guinea  coast.  Orse  Islets,  in  lat.  1"  33'  S., 
long.  130°  61'  E.,  are  2  miles  off  the  coast  of  New  Guinea,  and  10  miles  east- 
ward of  the  southern  entrance  to  Galewo  Strait.  Vessels  should  not  pass 
inside  of  them,  as  some  banks  lie  to  the  East  and  West.  Vettor  Pisani  Isles, 
two  small  islets  near  together,  the  southern,  being  in  lat.  1°40'S.,  long.  130° 
29'  E.,  lie  in  the  middle  of  the  strait  midway  between  the  North  point  ©f 
Mysole  and  the  Orse  Islets.  A  2f  fathom  bank,  Hesketh  Shoal,  was  reported 
in  1876  as  lying  about  1^^  mile  northward  of  these  islets  and  between  them 
and  the  Schilpad  Isles.  From  it  Schilpad  North  Island,  the  largest  and 
highest  of  the  group  of  that  name,  bore  from  it  N.  by  E.  J  E.,  distant  5  or 
6  miles,  in  latitude  1°  38'  S.,  long.  130°  28'  E.,  12  miles  from  the  nearest 
part  of  Mysole  Island.  A  sandbank  lies  5  miles  off  the  North  shore  of 
Mysole,  W.S.W.  of  Vettor  Pisani  Isles.  Schilpad  group,  six  or  seven  small 
islands,  lies  about  5  miles  northward  of  Vettor  Pisani  Isles,  and  a  chain  of 
islets  extends  N.W.  from  them  for  a  distance  of  10  or  12  miles.  A  sunken 
rock  lies  N.  by  W.  10  miles  from  the  Schilpad  group,  and  another  at  15 
miles  N.  ^  W.  from  it. 

POPA,  Popo,  or  Poppa,  42  miles  North  of  the  West  end  of  Mysole,  is 
inhabited.  Its  East  point  is  in  lat.  1°  8'  S.,  long.  129°  53'  E.  Including 
the  adjacent  islands  which  surround  its  S.W.  and  West  sides,  it  is  18  miles 
from  East  to  West,  and  9  miles  in  breadth.  It  has  two  remarkable  hills  on 
its  West  part,  which  may  be  seen  at  a  great  distance,  the  one  of  a  semi- 
circular form,  like  a  beehive ;  the  other  of  an  oblong  shape  ;  the  rest  of  the 
island  being  entirely  flat.  The  group  of  islets  off  its  S.W.  part  are  some- 
times called  the  Tatas.  At  its  N.W.  end  is  a  considerable  island,  called 
Calap  or  Ealap.  Deception  Island,  of  the  old  charts,  to  the  N.E.  of  Calap, 
adjoining  the  N.W.  part  of  Popa,  appears  like  four  separate  islands  in 
passing  along  the  North  side  of  it,  having  four  separate  points,  each  re- 
sembling an  island  until  they  are  closely  approached.  Close  to,  and  among 
these  isles  which  surround  the  western  part  of  Pulo  Popa,  there  are  sound- 
ings, but  none  at  2  or  3  miles  distance. 


860  WESTEEN  PART  OF  NEW  GUINEA. 

Grosvenor  Hank,  5  miles  in  extent,  with  3  fathoms  least  water,  lies  ISmileiS 
W.S.W.  of  the  Tatas,  in  lat.  1°  19'  S.,  long.  129°  23'  E. 

SAL  AW  ATI  or  Salwatti,  a  large  island  adjacent  to  the  West  end  of  New 
Guinea,  is  lofty,  and  inhabited  by  above  4,000  Arafura  negroes.  The  charts 
will  give  all  particulars  known. 

Galewo  Strait,  which  lies  between  Salawati  and  New  Guinea  is  only 
known  from  the  examination  made  of  it  by  Lieut.  McCiuer,  who  went 
through  it  in  the  Panther  and  Endeavour.  It  was  called  Revenge  or  Watson 
Strait,  Captain  Watson  of  the  Revenge  being  the  first  person  who  went 
through  it  in  1764.  It  is  much  embarrassed  by  numerous  small  islands  and 
shoals,  and  being  out  of  the  direct  track  of  ships  it  is  seldom  or  never  used. 
At  the  North  part  of  it  a  chain  of  islands  stretches  across  from  the  N.E. 
point  of  Salawati  to  Cajye  Spencer  on  New  Guinea.  It  has  been  called  Foxd 
Point  by  the  Dutch,  and  reefs  project  from  it  to  the  N.W.,  and  from  the 
adjoining  islands  to  the  distaiice  of  1|  or  2  miles.  There  are  soundings  and 
various  depths  throughout  Galewo  Strait,  and  there  is  anchorage  in  many 
places,  but  at  its  N.W.  part  the  water  is  deep  very  near  to  the  shore. 

The  North  Coast  of  New  Guinea  eastward  of  Cape  Spencer  is  generally 
high,  but  in  some  places  is  low  near  the  coast.  A  short  distance  inland  a 
chain  of  mountains  covered  with  trees,  and  from  4,000  to  5,000  feet  high, 
extends  parallel  with  the  coast  as  far  as  the  N.W.  point  of  the  Great  Geel- 
vink  Bay. 

BATANTA  or  Battanta,  another  considerable  and  lofty  island,  is  also  little 
known.  It  lies  North  of  Salawati,  and  is  separated  from  it  by  Pitt  Strait. 
The  island  is  about  30  miles  long  E.  by  N.  and  W.  by  S.  Cape  Maho,  its 
West  extremity,  is  in  lat.  0°  56'  S.,  long.  130°  24'  E.,  bearing  N.E.  by  E.  ^ 
E.  from  the  East  end  of  Pulo  Popa,  34  miles  distant.  Off  this  cape  is  a 
small  but  high  island,  Fisher  Island,  bearing  from  it  W.  ^  N.  2  miles.  Ba- 
tanta  and  Salawati  to  the  South  of  it  are  lofty,  and  may  be  seen  after  a  ship 
has  passed  Pulo  Popa. 

PITT  STRAIT  was  thus  named  by  Capt.  Jas.  Dewar,  who  went  through 
it  in  the  ship  Warwick  in  1760.  The  shores  of  Batanta  and  Salawati,  which 
form  this  strait,  are  both  lofty  and  steep,  and  the  tides  are  remarkably  rapid, 
attended  with  strong  eddies,  which  render  the  passage  at  all  times  dangerous, 
especially  if  it  should  happen  to  fall  calm. 

There  are  no  soundings  going  through  the  strait,  except  near  Salawati,  on 
the  East  side  of  Roggewijn  Island,  which  is  a  small  island  at  the  West 
entrance  of  the  strait,  and  must  be  passed  on  the  North  side  in  going 
through ;  and  also  at  a  small  distance  from  a  shoal  orreef  of  rocks,  the  Batanta 
Reef,  9  miles  E.  by  N.,  from  the  East  end  of  Batanta.  You  must  be  careful 
not  to  approach  them,  as  the  want  of  anchorage  may  expose  you  to  danger  j 


WAIGIOU.  861 

for  these  reasons  Pitt  Strait  is  seldom  frequented,  and  Dampier  Strait  is  pre- 
ferred, being  shorter  and  wider,  with  anchoring  ground  in  the  narrowest 
part. 

After  a  ship  is  in  Pitt  Strait,  in  case  of  night  coming  on,  without  moon- 
light, she  may  haul  in  for  the  Salawati  shore,  where  she  may  anchor,  should 
occasion  require,  but  it  is  improper  to  anchor  if  it  can  be  avoided.  Some 
ships  have  been  thrown  by  the  eddies  against  the  North  shore  of  Salawati, 
their  yards  touching  the  trees,  and  apprehending  great  danger.  Steer  right 
through  this  strait,  keeping  as  near  the  middle  as  you  can,  till  near  the  East 
end  of  Batanta ;  then  haul  over  to  the  southward  toward  Jackson's  Island, 
to  give  a  berth  to  the  reef  off  the  East  end  of  Batanta.  It  runs  a  consider- 
able distance  from  that  end  of  the  island,  having  3i  and  4  fathoms  on 
some  parts  of  it,  but  there  is  a  greater  depth  on  the  West  and  South  sides  of 
it,  where  a  ship  may  anchor,  if  the  tide  is  carrying  her  towards  the  shoal 
part  of  the  reef.  Jackson's  Island  is  high,  and  lies  off  the  N.E.  end  of 
Salawati. 

When  past  the  reef  you  may  steer  for  Point  Pigot,  which  is  the  S.E.  point 
of  the  Island  Waigiou ;  and  when  to  the  eastward  of  it  you  are  in  the 
Pacific  Ocean,  taking  care  to  avoid  the  Buccleugh  Shoal  at  12  miles  N.E.  by 
E.  from  Point  Pigot ;  and  another  shoal,  3  miles  South  of  the  western  of  two 
islet?,  which  lie  off  Point  Pigot  to  the  southward. 

WAIGIOU  is  a  considerable  island,  64  miles  long,  to  the  northward  of 
Batanta.  Its  North  shore  is  just  South  of  the  equator.  It  is  generally  hilly 
in  the  interior,  the  highest  peak.  Cone  de  Beiiffle  or  BuffaWs  Horn,  was  esti- 
mated by  the  officers  of  the  French  surveying  ship,  La  Coquille,  under 
DUrville,  at  1,516  ft.  The  climate  is  moist  and  hot,  and  the  people  on  the 
coast,  which  in  some  places  is  low,  are  said  to  be  a  cross  between  the  Malay 
and  the  Papuan  negro.     Sago  is  their  chief  food  ;  rice  is  unknown. 

Captain  Forrest  explored  the  northern  coast  of  Waigiou  in  January  and 
February,  1775.  The  coast  is  described  as  generally  bold,  but  reefs  extend 
from  some  of  the  points  and  small  isles  near  the  shore.  Within  the  harbours 
fresh  water  may  be  obtained. 

Piapis  is  situated  about  3  leagues  from  the  S.W.  end  of  the  island.  Rocks, 
on  which  the  sea  generally  breaks,  project  to  the  W.N.W.,  about  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  from  the  western  point  of  the  entrance.  They  may  be  avoided  by 
steering  in  about  S.E.,  and  keeping  towards  the  West  point.  Off  the  latter 
is  a  haycock  rock,  about  15  ft.  high,  and  standing  in  10  fathoms  of  water. 

The  entrance,  rather  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  breadth,  has  from 
30  to  20  fathoms  water.  The  depth  thence  decreases.  A  ship  may  haul 
round  the  haycock  rock,  and  anchor  to  the  S.W.  of  it,  in  15  or  20  fathoms, 
muddy  bottom.  Fresh  water  may  be  procured  at  a  pool  on  the  island  within, 
which  has  a  hill  on  it.  Between  this  island  and  the  western  shore  there  are 
rocks,  leaving  a  passage  of  8  fathoms  close  to  the  island,  and  of  6  fathoms 


862  WESTEEN  PART  OF  NEW  GUINEA. 

close  to  the  shore  in  a  cove  at  the  S.W.  side,  where  a  ship  may  be  careened. 
At  the  bottom  of  the  eastern  branch  there  is  good  timber  for  masts,  and  a 
email  brook  of  water  may  be  found  near  two  peaked  hills.  On  the  small  but 
high  island  Sipsipa,  which  forms  the  eastern  po'int  of  the  entrance,  there  is 
a  pool  of  fresh  water. 

Nearly  midway  between  the  harbours  of  Piapis  and  OflFak,  there  is  a  small 
island  called  the  Shoe;  thiis  named  from  its  appearance.  Three  remarkable 
peaks  will  be  seen  in  sailing  along  the  coast  ^  of  these  the  first  or  western 
peak  is  represented  at  2  miles  to  the  eastward  of  Piapis ;.  the  second  or 
middle  peak  to  the  S.S.E.  of  the  Shoe  ;  and  the  third  or  East  peak  to  the 
southward  of  Offak.  The  latter,  from  its  peculiar  figure  called  the  Buffaloes 
Horn,  is  mostly  covered  with  trees,  and  very  steep. 

Offali  Earhour  is  31  miles  to  the  eastward  of  Piapis.'  Being  surrounded  by 
high  land,  it  is  not  readily  discernible  at  a  distance.  At  the  entrance,  on 
the  eastern  side,  is  a  sugar-loaf  hill,  about  500  feet  in  height,  and  the  Buf- 
falo's Horn  above  mentioned  standing  inland  will  be  seen.  The  latter  in  a 
line  with  the  Sugar-loaf  bears  S.S.  W. 

The  breadth  and  depths  of  the  entrance  are  nearly  the  same  as  those  of 
Piapis.  The  course  in  is  about  S.  by  W.,  keeping  some  rocky  islets,  like  hay- 
cocks, which  lie  near  the  eastern  point,  on  the  port  side.  Within,  the  harbour 
extends  considerably;  on  one  side  to  the  eastward,  on  the  other  to  the  S.W. 

To  the  southward,  fronting^  the  entrance,  are  two  islands  connected  by  a 
reef;  the  outer  one  has  a  pool  of  fresh  water  on  it,  and  a  reef  extends  from 
its  western  end.  On  the  South  side  of  the  isle  and  reef  are  from  12  to  ft 
fathoms,  over  a  muddy  bottom;  but  there  are  from  26  to  20  fathoms  midway 
between  it  and  the  entrance.  A  little  way  within  the  eastern  point  is  a 
small  sandy  cove  with  10  fathoms,  and  a  stream  of  fresh  water. 

Pulo  Manouaran,  at  a  league  from  the  coast,  lies  3^  leagues  from  th© 
entrance  of  Offak  Harbour,  in  the  direction  of  N.W.  by  W.  The  isle  is  of 
moderate  height,  and  has  a  pool  of  fresh  water  on  it,  and  an  islet  close  to  its 
N.W.  point.  There  are  soundings  from  it  to  the  East  and  West,  and  a  safe 
channel  within,  varying  in  depth  from  10  to  20  fathoms. 

Rawak. — This  harbour  is  situated  at  about  5  leagues  from  Offak.  It  is 
formed  by  the  isle  called  Pulo  Rawah,  which  is  separated  from  the  island  of 
Waigiou  by  a  narrow  channel.  The  larger  entrance,  about  half  a  mile  wide, 
is  from  the  eastward,  with  depth  decreasing  from  17  to  10  fathoms.  A  ship 
may  be  sheltered  here  from  all  winds,  excepting  those  from  between  East 
and  N.E.  Water  may  be  obtained  from  two  streams  on  the  Waigiou  shore, 
which  is  inhabited. 

At  8  miles  E.N.E.  of  Pawak  Island  is  a  shoal,  and  in  the  same  direction 
6  miles  from  it  a  41  fathom  bank. 

Boni  Ha/rhour,  6  miles  eastward  of  Eawak,  has  its  entrance  filled  with  shoals^ 

DAMPIER  STRAIT,  or  Gemen,  or  Gamien,  is  formed  by  Batanta  Island 


DAMPIER  STRAIT.  863 

to  the  South  and  Waigiou  to  the  North.  It  is  named  from  the  great  English 
navigator  who  first  explored  it.  It  is  70  miles  long  from  Cape  Mabo,  the 
West  point  of  Batanta,  to  Cape  Pigot,  the  S.E.  point  of  Waigiou.  But  the 
narrower  and  difficult  part  of  the  strait  is  only  30  miles  long,  and  is  north- 
ward of  Batanta.  Gamen  is  the  largest  of  several  islands  on  the  North  side 
of  the  strait,  and  appears  as  part  of  the  South  coast  of  Waigiou,  being  sepa- 
rated from  it  only  by  narrow  channels  leading  into  an  extensive  inlet. 

Chabrol  Bay  is  to  the  eastward  of  this  inlet.  It  extends  in  a  W.N.W. 
direction  across  the  island  to  within  1^  or  2  miles  of  the  western  arm  of 
Ofi'ak  Harbour,  and  within  2  J  miles  of  Ports  Buperrey  and  i)'  Vrville,  nearly 
cutting  through  the  island.  On  the  western  side  of  Chabrol  Bay  two  other 
bays  branch  from  it ;  and  at  its  northern  extremity  is  a  safe  harbour  named 
Port  Blosseville  by  the  officer  of  La  Coquille,  lat.  0°  5'  S.,  long.  130°  40'  E. 

King  William  IslancL,  to  the  southward  of  Gamen,  and  on  the  North  side 
of  the  strait,  is  high,  with  a  white  patch  on  its  eastern  extremity ;  it  may  be 
seen  12  or  13  leagues  off,  and  when  first  discerned  in  coming  from  the  east- 
ward, three  hills  on  it  appear  like  separate  islands.  Contiguous  to  the  East 
end  of  King  William  Island,  is  Hump  Island,  with  a  round  rocky  islet  a 
short  distance  outside  of  it,  and  two  shoals  N.W.  from  it.  Several  small 
islets  lie  near  the  Waigiou  shores. 

Augusta  and  Pigeon  Islands  are  very  low,  and  lie  in  the  middle  of  the  strait 
to  the  southward  of  the  West  end  of  King  William's  Island  ;  the  western- 
most is  Augusta,  and  the  easternmost  Pigeon  Island.  Foul  Island  lies  be- 
tween the  East  end  of  King  William's  Island,  and  the  North  shore  of  Ba- 
tanta, but  nearest  to  the  latter.  It  is  a  small,  level  island,  and  the  channel 
is  between  it  and  King  William  Island.  Due  East  of  Foul  Island  is  a  small 
white  sandbank,  part  of  which  is  covered  with  tall  trees,  and  is  called 
Mansjield  Island.  This  island  is  on  the  South  side  of  the  strait.  There  are 
several  others  between  it  and  Batanta,  but  scarcely  to  be  distinguished 
from  Batanta,  being  very  near  that  island.  The  passage  between  King 
William  Island  and  Waigiou  is  unsafe. 

Woodford  Shoals  are  two  4-fathom  patches,  which  lie  respectively  at  7  and 
10  miles  S.W.  from  Augusta  Island,  and  are  described  presently. 

On  leaving  Pulo  Popa,  if  the  wind  should  be  northerly,  haul  up  N.E.  or 
N.E.  by  N.,  so  as  to  be  able  to  lie  round  the  N.W.  end  of  Batanta,  observing 
not  to  approach  near  the  Tameay  Isles,  a  chain  of  islands  lying  to  the  west- 
ward of  Batanta,  8  or  9  leagues  from  Cape  Mabo  ;  these  islands  are  not  well 
known,  therefore  it  is  proper  to  give  them  a  good  berth,  by  borrowing  on 
Batanta,  the  West  end  of  which  is  perfectly  clear  of  danger ;  and  when  3  or 
4  leagues  to  the  N.E.  of  Fisher's  Island,  there  are  soundings  as  far  as  Foul 
Island.  Being  to  the  northward  of  Fisher's  Island,  a  ship  should  not  ex- 
ceed 3  or  4  leagues  distance  from  Batanta,  as  to  the  westward  of  Augusta 
Island  there  are  some  coral  patches,  called  the  Woodford  Shoals,  not  perfectly 


864  WESTEEN  PAET  OF  NEW  GUINEA. 

known.  There  is  a  spot  on  which  the  Augusta  had  only  3  or  4  fathoms, 
which  bears  W.  by  S.  2  leagues  from  Augusta  Island  ;  another  spot,  on 
which  the  Mansfield  had  6  fathoms,  bears  about  W.S.W.  4  miles  from  Au- 
gusta Island ;  and  it  is  probable  there  may  be  less  water  on  some  of  these 
patches.  The  soundings  in  these  straits  are  in  general  irregular,  the  bottom 
gravel,  with  coral  and  shells  in  some  places  ;  you  have  from  30  to  60  fa- 
thoms, until  2  or  3  miles  to  the  eastward  of  Pigeon  Island.  There  is  a  bank 
extending  eastward  from  this  island  4  or  5  miles,  with  moderate  depths  on 
it  for  anchorage,  the  bottom  mostly  sand  and  gravel.  There  is  5^  fathoms 
coral  rock,  with  Pigeon  Island  W.  by  S.  1|  mile  ;  but  deepens  to  10  and  12 
fathoms,  sand,  when  3  or  4  miles  eastward  from  this  island.  To  the  north- 
ward the  water  deepens  fast  towards  the  East  end  of  King  William's 
Island,  there  being  no  ground  at  1  mile  distant  from  it,  with  90  fathoms  of 
line.  It  also  gets  deeper  in  standing  towards  the  shoal  which  surrounds 
Foul  Island  ;  this  is  called  Vansittarf  s  Shoal,  extending  3  miles  to  the  N.W. 
of  Foul  Island,  and  then  trenches  directly  to  the  southward,  till  it  reaches 
Batanta ;  from  its  N.W.  extreme  the  North  verge  of  it  extends  in  a  line 
directly  East,  towards  the  East  end  of  Batanta,  Mansfield  Island  lying  on  the 
northern  edge  of  it.  When  you  have  passed  at  the  distance  mentioned  from 
the  Batanta  shore,  and  Augusta  Island  bears  N.E.  by  E.,  you  should  then  edge 
over  towards  it  and  Pigeon  Island,  to  keep  at  a  proper  distance  from  the 
N.W.  part  of  the  Vansittart's  Shoal,  by  not  coming  nearer  Foul  Island  than 
6  or  6  miles,  when  it  bears  East,  nor  within  4  miles  when  it  bears  to  the 
southward.  Augusta  and  Pigeon  Islands  may  be  approached  on  the  South 
side  to  a  small  distance  if  necessary,  as  the  coral  flat  does  not  extend  far  out 
to  the  southward  from  them.  There  is  a  channel  between  these  two  islands, 
but  it  is  narrow  and  intricate.  Augusta  Island  is  the  easiest  for  landing  on, 
to  cut  wood ;  but  on  the  ebb  tide  care  is  requisite,  to  prevent  boats  from 
receiving  inj  ury  on  the  sharp  coral  rocks.  If  you  see  Mansfield  Island,  it  is 
a  good  guide  for  the  shoal  spots  which  the  Augusta  and  Mansfield  were  upon. 
Keep  it  on  with  the  South  part  of  Foul  Island,  and  you  will  go  clear  to  the 
southward  of  them  both  ;  and  when  within  3  miles  of  that  island,  pass  on 
the  South  side  of  them,  at  any  convenient  distance.  When  to  the  eastward 
of  Pigeon  Island,  and  you  have  it  bearing  West  from  3  to  5  miles,  you  shoal 
to  10  or  12  fathoms,  but  borrow  over  toward  Foul  Island,  you  will  deepen, 
there  being  60  fathoms  irregular,  close  to  the  North  and  N.W.  verge  of 
the  Yansittart's  Shoal,  the  verge  of  which  is  thought  to  be  steep  and  dan- 
gerous. When  Foul  Island  bears  S.  by  E.  or  South,  there  are  no  more 
soundings,  and  you  are  clear  of  danger  ;  only  do  not  near  Batanta  so  as  to 
be  in  a  line  with  Foul  and  Mansfield  Islands,  as  that  line  borders  on  Van- 
sittart's Shoal. 

When  past  Foul  Island  steer  for  Point  Pigot ;  along  the  Waigiou  shore 
you  will  see  several  small  islands  lying  close  to  that  point,  which  appear  like 


PITT'S  PASSAGE.  865 

inlets  of  a  river.  If  the  wind  be  from  the  northward,  keep  near  Point  Pigot, 
so  as  to  be  able  to  keep  at  a  tolerable  distance  from  New  Guinea,  when  clear 
of  the  strait.  Point  Pigot  is  the  S.E.  end  of  Waigiou  ;  it  is  moderately 
high,  and  two  small  islands,  with  a  sandbank  3  miles  S.S.W.  of  the  western- 
most, lie  at  a  very  little  distance  from  it ;  its  latitude  is  0°  19'  S.,  long.  131° 
ir  E.  The  N.W.  point  of  New  Guinea  is  low,  but  after  you  have  got  a  few 
leagues  to  the  eastward  of  Point  Pigrot,  all  the  North  coast  is  vei-y  high  and 
mountainous.  Between  Point  Pigot  and  New  Guinea  the  passage  is  about 
8  leagues  wide ;  when  outside,  a  ship  should  make  to  the  eastward  till  she 
gets  sufficient  easting  to  pass  to  the  eastward  of  the  Pelew  Islands,  giving  a 
reasonable  distance  to  the  North  coast  of  New  Guinea. 

Buccleugh  Bank  is  8  miles  eastward  of  the  eastern  side  of  "Waigiou  Island. 
It  is  5  miles  in  diameter,  the  shallowest  part,  of  2  and  3  fathoms,  lying  on 
its  western  side,  N.E.  by  E.  10  miles  from  Point  Pigot,  and  the  same  distance 
S.E.  from  Cape  Lamarche,  the  N.E.  point  of  Waigiou. 

In  Dampier's  Strait  the  tide  seems  very  irregular,  and  yery  strong  at 
times  ;  between  Pulo  Popa  and  Batanta,  in  the  S.E.  monsoon,  there  is  often 
a  current  setting  to  the  northward,  but  at  times  there  is  no  current.  In  the 
N.W.  monsoon,  from  September  to  April,  the  prevailing  ciirrent  is  southerly ; 
although,  at  times,  it  may  be  liable  to  deviations. 

Between  Point  Pigot  and  New  Guinea  the  tide  appears  to  run  sometimes 
12  hours  in  and  out;  but  the  tide  setting  to  the  eastward  is  generally  the 
strongest  in  this  part  in  both  monsoons. 

In  the  narrow  part  of  Dampier's  Strait,  between  Foul  Island  and  Au- 
gusta and  Pigeon  Islands,  the  tide  to  the  S.W.  appears  to  be  the  strongest, 
in  the  southerly  monsoon,  and  continues  to  run  longer  than  the  tide  out  of 
the  strait. 

In  July  and  August,  at  anchor,  about  4  miles  eastward  of  Pigeon  Island, 
the  tide  to  the  eastward  has  been  observed  seldom  to  run  longer  than  5 
hours  ;  often  weak,  with  a  long  interval  of  slack  water  ;  but,  at  other  times, 
its  velocity,  for  a  short  time,  when  strongest,  has  been  from  4^  to  5  miles 
an  hour. 

At  the  same  times  and  places  it  has  been  observed  that  the  tide  to  the 
westward  frequently  runs  10  and  11  hours,  gradually  augmenting  in  strength 
in  the  first  part,  setting  about  W.S.W.,  from  thence  S.W.  by  S.,  when 
strongest  about  5  miles  an  hour,  or  a  little  more  on  high  spring  tides,  and 
about  4  miles  on  the  neaps.  After  running  strong  S.W.  by  S.  to  S.W.  for 
a  few  hours,  it  abates  gradually,  until  it  changes  and  runs  to  the  eastward. 

PITT'S  PASSAGE,  the  great  channel  North  of  Boeru  and  Ceram  is  some- 
times called  by  the  Dutch  the  Ceramese  Sea  {Ceramsche  Zee).  It  is  quite  free 
from  danger,  as  far  as  is  known,  and  the  charts  will  show  all  its  hydrogra- 
phical  features. 

I.  A.  6  8 


866  OBI  MAJOE. 

OBI  MAJOR  or  Ombirah,  "  great  gain  Island,"  lies  on  the  North  side  of 
Pitt's  Passage.  It  is  about  30  miles  long  East  and  West,  and  15  miles  wide. 
It  is  lofty,  the  highest  ,part  being  about  5,000  ft.  high.  Over  the  N.W. 
point  of  Obi  Major  is  a  remarkable  Muff,  with  a  knob-like  summit,  higher 
than  the  surrounding  forest,  which  is  probably  a  clump  of  trees  ;  the  knob 
is  in  lat.  1"  24'  S.,  long.  127°  24'  E.  Five  miles  southward  of  this  bluff  is  a 
projecting  point  which  looks  like  an  island.  It  is  surrounded  by  several 
smaller  islands,  of  which  Gomona,  on  the  South  side,  is  most  conspicuous 
from  this  passage.  It  is  850  ft.  high,  round-backed,  and  its  centre  is  in  lat. 
1°  50'  S.,  long.  127°  3b'  E.,  bearing  from  the  East  point  of  Lisa  Matula  of 
the  Xulla  Islands,  East  55  miles. 

Sophia  Reef  lies  midway  between  the  North  point  of  Gomona  and  Pocky 
Point,  the  West  point  of  Obie  Major,  which  should  not  be  approached  withiu 
2  miles. 

Ohie  Latta  is  6  miles  in  diameter,  and  attains  an  elevation  of  about  2,400 
feet ;  upon  it  are  three  or  four  sharp,  well-defined  peaks,  of  nearly  equal 
height,  the  highest  point  being  in  lat.  1°  25'  S.,  long.  127°  18'  E.  Its  centre 
is  8  miles  N.N.W.  of  Rocky  Point. 

Typa  Island,  off  the  N.W.  point  of  Obie  Major,  is  10  miles  long  E.S.E.  and 
W.N.W.,  is  about  1,000  ft.  high,  and  rises  in  a  single  round-backed  hill,  its 
summit  being  in  lat.  1°  12'  S.,  long.  127°  23'  E. 

Numerous  tide  rips  were  passed  through  westward  of  the  Obie  Islands  by 
H.M.S.  Challenger. 

The  Bahia  Reef  lies  25  miles  N.W.  by  W.  from  Obi  Latta,  and  30  miles 
S.W.  from  Mandolie.  It  is  a  dangerous  coral  reef,  announced  in  December, 
1858,  as  having  been  discovered  by  the  ship  Bahia,  striking  and  dragging 
heavily  on  it,  lat.  1°  10'  S.,  long.  126°  50'  E. 

Lukisong  or  Loyang,  "  Landscape  Island,"  lies  off  the  East  end  of  Obi 
Major.  It  is  sometimes  called  in  the  old  charts  Great  Pulo  Gasses.  Its  South 
end  is  in  lat.  1°  43'  S.,  long.  128°  2'.  It  is  9  miles  long  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W., 
and  of  moderate  height,  well  wooded,  stretching  with  a  remarkably  even 
slope  that  forms  its  northern  extremity.  The  channel  inside  it  is  very  nar- 
row, and  subject  to  calms,  owing  to  the  adjacent  high  land,  and  is  therefore 
not  recommended  for  ships.  A  small  island,  Long  Island,  lies  off  the  North 
end  of  Lukisong  or  Lookisong. 

Pulo  Gasses  is  7  or  8  miles  eastward  of  Lukisong,  and  nearly  of  the  same 
height,  a  flat  table-land  for  about  three-fourths  of  its  extent,  sloping  down 
to  each  end  with  a  spit  of  rocks,  stretching  about  a  cable's  length  from  the 
S.E.  end,  which  is  in  lat.  1°  38'  S.,  long.  128°  14' E.  The  island  has  a  sandy 
bgach,  but  no  soundings  at  1  or  2  miles  off.  The  channels  on  either  side 
are  safe  ;  that  to  the  westward  may  be  used  with  a  westerly  wind,  but  that 
to  the  eastward  is  wider,  and  seems  better  with  a  working  wind. 


THE  GILOLO  PASSAGE.  867 

The  Courier  Rock,  a  five-feet  shoal,  seen  in  1845,  bears  N.W.  ^  N.,  about 
26  miles  from  Gasses,  and  8  miles  North  of  the  N.E.  point  of  Obi  Major. 

Talhot  Shoal  was  reported  in  1873,  by  the  master  of  the  vessel  of  that 
name,  in  lat.  1°  51'  30"  S.,  long.  128°  8'  E.,  with  the  East  side  of  Gasses 
bearing  N.N.E.,  and  High  Peak  on  Gomona  W.N.W.  ;  where  the  latest 
charts  mark  no  bottom  at  70  fathoms.  The  sea  was  nearly  smooth,  and 
ship  sailing  from  5  to  6  knots  per  hour,  steering  S.S.W.  She  grated  over 
for  about  three  times  her  own  length.  The  extent  of  the  shoal  S.S.W.  and 
N.N.E.  would  be  about  500  ft.  Before  we  had  time  to  pass  the  lead  we 
were  in  deep  water.  This  shoal  lies  directly  in  the  fairway  between  Manipa 
Straits  and  the  entrance  to  Gillolo  Passage.  The  bottom  must  be  of  dark- 
coloured  rocks,  as  there  was  not  the  slightest  discolouration  of  water,  or  any 
appearance  whatever  to  indicate  danger.  Time  of  accident,  3.30  p.m.  Tide, 
half-ebb. 

Kekik,  a  high  island,  bears  N.E.  by  E.  |  E.  20  miles  from  Gasses,  in  lat. 
1°  30'  S.,  long.  128"  35'  E.  Laun,  about  6  miles  eastward  of  Kekik,  is  also 
a  high  island,  with  an  islet  off  each  side  of  it,  and  another  in  the  form  of  a 
button,  between  it  and  Kekik. 

Pisang,  the  highest  of  these  islets,  forms  two  hills  resembling  each  other, 
and  may  be  seen  30  or  35  miles  off;  in  lat.  T  23'  S.,  long.  128°  49'  E.  The 
Nabob  Shoal,  ot  3i-  fathoms,  lies  16  miles  North  of  Pisang. 

The  Bee  or  Bu  Islands  lie  24  miles  E.N.E.  of  Pisang  '  They  form  a  group 
of  ten  or  twelve  small,  low  islands,  15  or  16  miles  West  from  the  West  end 
of  Papa  (page  859),  the  channel  between  being  safe.  These  islands  are  in- 
habited, and  produce  cocoa-nuts.  A  few  goats  and  some  dried  fish  perhaps 
may  be  procured. 

Captain  Jacob  B.  Brown,  of  the  American  barque  Agate,  writes  to  the 
"  Shipping  and  Mercantile  Gazette"  as  follows  : — "  On  a  voyage  from  New 
York  for  Shanghai,  January  25,  1877,  the  barque  ^^a^e  struck  upon  reefs 
off  Boe  Islands,  which,  in  the  latest  charts,  are  laid  down  as  deep  water. 
These  islands  are  laid  down  in  1°  10'  S.,  and  129°  20'  E.  There  are  various 
reefs  making  off  from  Boe  Islands,  extending,  by  good  observation,  to  1^ 
14 J'  S.  ;  depth  of  water,  2,  2^,  2i,  and  3  fathoms.  Most  of  the  islands  ap- 
pear to  be  connected  by  coral  reefs.  This  group  of  islands  lies  in  the  direc- 
tion of  E.S.E.  and  W.N.W.  A  rock  appears  from  the  mast-head  between 
the  Boe  Islands  and  Popa,  about  4  miles  from  the  former.  I  should  recom- 
mend extreme  caution  in  navigating  about  these  islands.  There  is  a  safe 
anchorage  between  the  two  westward  of  the  reefs  in  12  fathoms  of  water." 

The  McCleur  Bank,  a  dangerous  coral  shoal,  19  ft.,  has  been  said  to  lie  in 
the  channel  to  the  westward,  2  miles  in  extent,  and  bearing  W.  by  S.  20 
miles  from  the  Boe  Islands,  and  E.N.E.  from  Pisang. 

The  GILOLO  PASSAGE  or  Strait,  between  Halmaheira  on  the  West,  and 
the  islands  of  Mysole,  Waigiou,  &e.,  on  the  East,  may  be  said  to  commence 


868  GTLOLO  PASSAGE. 

to  the  north-jrard  of  the  islands  just  described,  and  is  preferred  by  some  to 
the  narroTrer  Dampier  Strait,  to  the  eastward,  for  passing  into  the  Pacific 
Ocean  from  Pitt's  Passage.  Having  avoided  the  neighbourhood  of  Talbot 
Shoal  above  described,  enter  it  between  Gasses  and  Kekik,  haul  cloae  around 
the  South  end  of  the  former,  to  prevent  being  carried  past  the  channel  by 
the  current,  which  frequently  sets  to  the  eastward.  After  rounding  Gasses, 
the  loftier  parts  of  the  Dammer  Islands,  off  the  South  end  of  Halmaheira, 
will  rise  in  sight  from  the  deck.  They  first  appear  in  form  of  a  saddle,  the 
southernmost  being  in  lat.  1°  11'  S.,  bearing  N.N.E.  26  or  27  miles  from  the 
North  end  of  Lukisong.  They  will  be  described  presently,  the  islands  and 
shoals  which  lie  in  the  passage  will  follow. 

Black  Rocks  or  Fairioay  Ledge,  bears  about  E.N.E.,  6  miles  from  the 
southernmost  of  the  Dammer  Islands,  They  are  a  low  ridge  of  rocks,  about 
2  miles  in  extent  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.,  a  part  of  which,  near  the  East  end, 
is  about  the  size  of  a  small  ship's  hull  above  water.  The  breakers  continue 
toward  Dammer  beyond  the  rocks.  They,  therefore,  should  be  carefully 
avoided  in  the  night,  by  giving  a  wide  berth  to  them,  for  there  are  no 
soundings  to  guide. 

Anchorage. — Captain  Collins,  of  the  American  vessel  Brewster^  reports  as 
follows  : — 

At  the  southern  entrance  of  Gillolo  Passage,  5  miles  South  of  the  '  Black 
Eocks,'  I  was  becalmed,  and  experienced  a  three-knot  current,  setting  about 
S.S.E.,  which  drifted  the  ship  towards  Toppershead  or  Button  Island. 
When  within  4  miles  of  it,  saw  bottom  plainly  ;  let  go  my  kedge  anchor  in 
14  fathoms — Toppershead  Island  bearing  S.  by  E.,  distant  3^  to  4  miles. 

This  bank  extends  East  and  West,  how  far  I  was  not  able  to  ascertain, 
but  another  vessel  anchored  about  3  miles  East  of  me,  on  the  same  bank, 
therefore  I  think  it  extends  as  far  as  from  Lawn  Island  to  Kekik  Island. 
Pound  50  fathoms  between  the  bank  and  the  islands,  and  15  fathoms  within 
a  cable's  length  of  Toppershead  Island. 

There  were  nine  other  vessels  in  company,  and  had  they  known  of  this 
anchorage  they  could  ail  have  availed  themselves  of  its  convenience,  and 
thus  escaped  the  anxiety  and  trouble  incidental  to  being  drifted  about  at 
the  mercy  of  the  tides  and  currents.  In  my  own  case,  I  think  I  should  have 
lost  the  ship  on  Toppershead  Island,  had  it  not  been  for  the  anchorage  on 
the  bank. 

I  am  sorry  that  I  cannot  give  you  a  more  accurate  description  of  it.  I 
lay  at  anchor  24  hours  (2nd  of  December,  1868),  after  which  the  current 
changed,  setting  strong  to  the  N.W.,  enabling  me  to  proceed  on  my  passage. 
The  vessel  anchored  with  me  had  12  fathoms;  it  may  possibly  be  much 
ehoaler  in  some  parts. 

The  Wida  or  Weedah  Islands  form  two  compact  groups  of  low  wooded 
islands,  the  southernmost  bearing  N.  \  W.  from  Kekik,  and  N.N.E.  from 


GEBI  OR  GEBEH— row  ISLAND.  86» 

the  South  point  of  Halmaheira,  10  or  12  miles,  in  lat.  0°40'S.  The  northern 
group  is  8  or  9  miles  "W.N.W.  of  the  other.  They  lie  on  the  -western  side  of 
the  passage,  and  seem  to  be  safe  to  approach,  though  very  steep-to. 

Veldman  Roch  is  6  miles  northward  of  the  eastern  group,  in  lat.  0°  27'  S., 
long.  128°  24'  E. 

To  the  northward  of  Popa  there  is  a  line  of  islands,  of  which  we  have  no 
account.  On  the  Dutch  charts  they  are  named  Vlaming,  the  south-western- 
most Schooteroog,  Klaarheck,  and  Kommerust  the  north-easternmost,  which  lies 
12  miles  W.S.W.  of  the  western  island  of  the  Tameay  group. 

GEBI  or  Gebeh,  a  large  island,  on  the  N.E.  part  of  Gilolo  Strait,  is 
long  and  narrow,  about  21  miles  long  E.S.E.  and  W.N.W.  It  is  hilly,  but 
not  exceeding  500  ft.  high  ;  the  formation  is  probably  sandstone,  not  vol- 
canic. The  aborigines  are  Papuans,  but  there  are  settlers  from  the  Mo- 
luccas, who  own  the  sovereignty  of  the  Sultan  of  Tidore.  Their  chief  em- 
ployment is  fishing  for  trepang  and  pearl  oys^^ers.  The  north-western  part 
is  rather  low,  but  the  other  end  is  high,  and  terminates  in  a  bluff  point.  The 
N.W.  point  is  very  nearly,  or  quite,  on  the  Equator,  Capt.  Duperrey  placing 
it  in  lat.  0°  2'  N.,  long.  129'  19',  while  Lieut.  McCleur  gives  it  as  0°  0'.  It 
bears  from  Moar  off  Cape  Tabo,  on  Halmaheira,  E.  by  S.  I  S.  21  miles,  and 
this  forms  the  narrowest  part  of  the  Gilolo  Passage. 

Few  Island  lies  off  its  S.  W.  side.  It  has  a  peaked  hill  on  its  South  point, 
and  is  separated  from  the  southern  shore  of  Gobi  by  a  narrow  channel,  about 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  wide,  which  forms  a  safe  harbour,  much  frequented  by  the 
whalers,  with  depths  of  from  10  to  15  fathoms.  There  is  a  passage  into  it 
on  either  side  of  Fow  Island,  by  passing  close  to  the  latter,  for  a  shoal  lies 
in  mid-channel  in  the  West  entrance,  with  good  depths  around.  In  the 
South  entrance  there  are  two  small  shoals  close  to  each  other,  the  best  chan- 
nel being  between  them  and  the  East  side  of  Fow.  In  the  bay  to  the  east- 
ward of  these  shoals  there  is  anchorage  in  15  to  20  fathoms,  near  the  Gobi 
shore,  the  chief  village,  Eetchepee,  being  about  2  miles  distant,  on  the  East 
side  of  the  island. 

At  1  mile  off  the  Gebi  shore  to  the  S.E.  in  the  bottom  of  the  bay,  distant 
If  to  2  miles,  is  a  fresh-water  stream  or  creek  with  excellent  water,  into 
which  onr  boats  went  at  half-flood  and  filled  the  casks  from  alongside,  but  at 
low  water  as  there  is  a  bar,  your  boats  must  anchor  outside,  land  the  casks 
and  roll  them  a  short  distance  up  the  hill,  in  which  case  you  have  to  raft 
them  off,  which  may  be  done  with  ease  and  expedition,  as  the  water  is 
perfectly  smooth,  and  must  be  so  during  the  whole  of  the  N.W.  monsoon. 
A  ship  tolerably  well  manned  would  have  no  difficulty  in  filling  twenty  or 
thirty  tons  in  the  course  of  the  day.  From  the  mouth  of  the  creek  the  South 
point  of  Fow  Island  bears  by  compass  W.  ^  N.,  and  may  also  be  known  by 
a  bluff  cliff  or  headland,  the  only  one  in  the  bay,  rising  in  a  gentle  slope  of 
table-land  from  the  top  of  the  cliff  towards  the  hills  to  the  S.E. 


87a  THE  GILOLO  PASSAGE. 

Spars  fit  for  yards  and  masts  abound  on  either  shore  ;  vegetables,  fruits, 
and  fish  are  also  procurable  in  abundance  from  the  natives,  who  are  very 
friendly  and  kind,  many  of  them  speaking  English,  Fow  Harbour  being 
much  frequented  by  whalers. 

On  the  N.E.  side  of  Fow  a  narrow  channel  fronting  Gebi  Harbour  stretches 
into  the  island  close  to  the  peaked  hill,  and  forms  an  excellent  port  or  basin, 
■with  4  or  5  fathoms  in  the  narrow  entrance,  and  from  10  to  16  fathoms 
within.  The  fresh  water  rivulet  is  on  the  Gebi  shore  opposite  the  North 
point  of  Fow.     Tide  rises  5  ft.  at  springs. 

The  N.E.  side  of  Gebi  is  steep-to  without  anchorage,  and  the  islands  Yoe 
and  Utu  or  Oetoe^  about  3  miles  northward  of  the  East  point,  are  small  and 
low. 

Gagy  is  of  considerable  extent,  being  about  22  miles  S.E.  by  E.  from  the- 
S.E.  end  of  Gebi,  North  end,  lat.  0°  20'  S.,  long.  129°  55'  E.  It  is  moder- 
ately elevated,  formed  of  uneven  hummocks,  having  some  small  islets  S.W. 
of  it,  called  Doif  (or  Dove),  and  a  large  group  called  the  Banffapally  IslandSy 
to  the  eastward,  off  the  S.W.  end  of  Waigiou.  Between  these  and  Gagy 
there  is  a  passage,  and  the  channel  between  Gagy  and  Gebi  is  very  safe, 
having  an  islet  near  the  South  end  of  the  latter.  This  channel  is  sometimes 
taken  by  ships  going  outward,  and  may  probably  be  advantageous  to  those 
coming  towards  Pitt's  Passage  during  the  S.E.  monsoon. 

Syang,  in  lat.  0°  20'  N.,  long.  129°  52'  E.,  is  40  miles  N.E.  by  E.  ^  K 
from  the  N.W.  end  of  Gebi.  It  is  a  low,  flat  island,  about  3  miles  in  extent, 
with  fresh  water  at  a  rocky  point  near  its  N.W.  end,  from  whence  a  reef 
projects  three-quarters  of  a  mile.  Eye  Island,  off  the  North  end  of  Syang, 
is  small  and  low,  and  covered  with  trees.  There  is  said  to  be  a  bank,  having 
10  or  11  fathoms  over  it  about  5  or  6  miles  East  of  Syang. 

Wyang  or  Vayag,  9  miles  S.E.  from  Syang,  is  the  northernmost  of  a 
range  extending  off  the  N.W.  end  of  Waigiou.  Yen  is  the  easternmost. 
Ruih,  the  largest  and  highest,  lat.  0°  2'  S.,  is  the  southernmost,  and  is 
surrounded  by  rocks  which  contract  the  passage  between  it  and  Waigiou. 
This  has  been  called  the  Bougainville  or  French  Passage,  as  it  was  explored  by 
the  French  expedition  under  Bougainville. 

The  channels  among  these  islands  are  probably  safe  in  many  parts,  but 
require  care,  as  the  French  corvette  Urame  found  a  coral  bank  of  6  fathoms, 
5  miles  N.W.  by  N.  from  the  North  end  of  Kuib. 

Ormsbee  Shoal,  least  water  15  fathoms,  bearing  N.  ^  W.  from  Wyang.  in 
lat.  0°  42'  N.,  long.  130°  0'  E.,  that  island  and  Syang  being  visible  from  the 
masthead.  Nearer  to  Halmaheira  there  are  several  shoals,  which  will  be 
described  with  that  island. 

Captain  J.  W.  Eoy,  of  the  Chusan,  writes  as  follows  to  Lloyd's  agent  at 
Iloilo:  —  "As  some  doubt  appears  to  exist  as  to  the  extent  of  the  Ormsbee 
Shoal,  North  of  the  entrance  of  Gillolo  Passage,  I  beg  to  hand  to  you  a  few 


HALMAHEIRA  OR  GILOLO.  871 

remarks  made  while  passing  the  South  end  of  the  above  shoal  on  my  passage 
from  London  to  Shanghai. 

"On  the  30th  of  December,  1872,  at  8.30  a.m.,  centre  of  Syang  Island 
bore  due  South  ;  steered  due  East  7^  miles  by  patent  log ;  the  centre  of  the 
island  then  bore  S.S.W.  These  angles  place  the  ship  at  the  last  bearing 
N.N.E.  17  miles  from  Syang  Island.  At  the  same  time  saw  rocks  under 
the  ship's  bottom ;  sounded  immediately ;  had  7  and  9  fathoms ;  then  no 
ground. 

"  This  appears  to  be  the  southern  extremity  of  the  shoal,  lat.  0°  38'  N., 
long.  129°  58'  E. ;  the  bank  to  the  North  of  the  ship  at  that  time  appeared 
to  have  much  less  water,  and  very  smooth.  I  am  sorry  that  I  cannot  give 
you  a  more  accurate  description,  as  I  had  to  take  advantage  of  the  light 
breeze  then  blowing." 

DIRECTIONS. — Having  entered  the  Gilolo  Passage  by  the  strait  on  either 
side  of  Gasses,  as  mentioned  previously,  if  passing  to  the  eastward  of  that 
island,  steer  about  N.N.E.  ^E.,  orif  by  the  western  entrance,  about  N.  by  E., 
BO  as  to  pass  between  Point  Tabo  of  Halmaheira  and  Gobi.  In  the  night, 
be  careful  to  give  a  berth  to  the  Tramway  Ledge  and  to  the  Wida  Islands  ; 
but  it  is  advisable  to  keep  on  the  western  side  of  the  passage  when  the  winds 
are  light,  as  the  current  sometimes  sets  to  the  N.E.  or  eastward.  If  the 
wind  be  at  N.N.W.,  so  as  to  occasion  delay  in  working  to  the  westward  of 
Gebi,  pass  to  leeward  between  it  and  Gagy,  and  then  out  into  the  Pacific 
through  any  of  the  channels  near  Syang.  But  the  western  channel,  and 
between  the  Catharina  Isles  and  Syang  should  be  followed  if  possible,  so  as 
to  weather  the  Aiu  and  Asia  Islands. 

HALMAHEIRA  or  GILOLO  is  one  of  the  most  singularly  formed  islands 
in  the  world,  being  a  representation  of  Celebes  on  a  small  scale — a  junction 
of  four  peninsulas  jutting  to  the  eastward  and  also  to  the  North  and  South ; 
but  it  is  not  more  than  one-tenth  of  the  area  of  the  larger  island,  and  about 
half  the  size  of  Timor. 

The  name  has  been  very  variously  designated.  The  Dutch,  who  claim  the 
sovereignty,  now  term  it  Halmaheira,  otherwise  Almahera,  as  above,  which 
probably  means  "  mainland,"  in  distinction  from  the  range  of  the  true 
Moluccas  on  the  western  side.  The  name  by  which  it  has  been  generally 
placed  in  geographical  works  is  Gilolo  or  Jillolo,  by  the  Dutch  Djailolo, 
which  was  applied  by  the  early  Portuguese  to  the  whole  island,  from  the 
name  of  a  kingdom,  and  now  of  a  town  on  the  S.  W.  side  of  the  northern 
peninsula,  near  to  Ternate. 

Its  surface  is  broken,  mountainous,  and  volcanic,  the  highest  point  being 
6,500  ft.  high.  From  its  physical  character,  and  the  depth  of  the  surround- 
ing ocean,  the  fertilizing  powers  of  the  climate  run  away  into  deep  water, 
and  thus  the  island  from  this  cause  and  the  absence  of  irrigation  is  not  pro- 
ductive.    It  is  covered  with  a  tall  forest,  among  which  it  is  singular  that  the 


872  HALMAHEIRA  OR  GILOLO. 

clove  tree  is  not  found,  though  its  native  place  is  in  the  islands  adjacent  to 
it  on  the  West.  The  absence  of  this  and  of  other  articles  of  commercial 
production,  have  left  the  natives  (a  rude  and  inoffensive  people)  in  a  com- 
paratively uncivilized  state.  The  original  natives  are  a  brown  com- 
plexioned  race,  speaking  peculiar  languages,  but  the  coast  is  usually  occu- 
pied by  Malays,  who,  like  the  rest  of  their  race,  are  much  addicted  to  a  sea- 
faring life. 

The  island  is  subject  to  the  Dutch  nation,  and  is  divided  between  the 
governments  of  the  Sultan  of  Ternate,  who  has  the  northern  and  half  the 
southern  peninsula,  and  that  of  the  Sultan  of  the  next  island,  Tidore,  who 
holds  the  central  portion  of  the  island.  Its  three  bays  on  the  eastern  side 
are  open,  and  have  no  good  harbours,  but  this  is  of  less  importance  in  a  sea 
never  troubled  by  storms.  Our  hydrographical  knowledge  of  this  and  its 
adjacent  islands  is  most  imperfect,  and  what  will  be  said  here  is  little  more 
than  an  enumeration  of  the  points. 

Dammer  Island,  before  mentioned,  lies  off  the  South  point,  and  to  the 
southward  of  it  there  are  numerous  islets  and  rocks,  extending  to  a  consider- 
able distance  to  the  South  and  S.W. 

Tanjong  Libobo  or  Cocoa-nut  Point,  lat.  0°  51'  S.,  long.  128°  23'  E.,  is  the 
southern  point  of  Halmaheira.  There  is  a  knob  on  it,  but  the  land  near  it 
is  rather  low  and  uneven.  Pulo  Bali  (or  Ordal),  which  lies  off  this  point,  is 
small,  and  lies  in  the  entrance  of  the  strait  between  Dammer  and  Halma- 
heira, which  is  too  narrow  for  ships.  The  Wida  Isles,  which  lie  to  the 
N.N.E.  of  Libobo  Point,  have  been  before  mentioned. 

Wida  or  Weedah  Bay,  as  the  south-easternmost  bay  of  Halmaheira  is 
called,  takes  its  name  from  a  village  lying  on  its  western  side  near  the  head. 
It  is  63  miles  wide  in  the  entrance,  and  about  the  same  depth.  We  have 
no  useful  particulars  concerning  it. 

Cape  Tabo,  in  lat.  0°  10'  N.,  long.  128°  51'  E.,  is  the  north-easternmost 
point  of  this  bay.  It  has  a  gradual  slope,  ending  in  a  bluff  to  seaward,  and, 
when  bearing  N.W.  by  N.,  some  white  cliffs  are  seen  near  it.  The  land 
about  it  is  lofty,  and  over  the  point  there  rises  a  quoin-shaped  hill,  the 
highest  point  to  the  westward.  Pulo  Moar,  off  the  extremity  of  Cape  Tabo, 
is  low,  flat,  and  woody,  and  connected  with  the  cape  by  rocks  and  breakers. 
Close  to  the  East  point  of  those  there  is  a  small  islet,  in  lat.  0"  9'  N.,  long. 
128°  66'  E.     There  are  several  villages  near  this  part  of  Halmaheira. 

The  Shanpee  Islands,  a  group  three  or  four  in  number,  lie  15  miles  North 
from  Cape  Tabo.  They  extend  3  or  4  leagues  North  and  South,  and  are 
mostly  level,  of  considerable  size,  with  a  small  elevation  between  the  central 
part  and  northernmost  island.  The  Recovery  Rock,  a  round  islet  or  rock, 
about  half  a  mile  in  circuit,  with  a  few  shrubs  on  it,  lies  about  10  miles 
S.W.  by  W.  from  the  next  group,  the  Catherine  Islands.  These  are  three 
small  low  islands  near  each  other,  forming  the  western  side  of  the  Nortlx 


MORTI.  873 

entrance  to  the  Gilolo  Passage.  They  are  about  1^  mile  long,  lying  W.  by 
N.  and  E.  by  S.,  low,  and  steep-to  on  the  southern  side,  which  appears  to 
be  steep  as  a  wall,  except  near  the  East  end,  where  there  is  a  small  sandy 
cove.  The  Canton  Packet  Shoal  consists  apparently  of  white  sand  and  black 
rocks,  very  near  the  surface,  about  mid-channel  between  the  Shanpee  and 
Catherine  Islands,  lat.  0°  40'  N.,  long.  129'  4'  E.  The  Ardassier  Rock  is 
N.W.  of  the  Catherine  Islands,  in  lat.  0°  45'  N.,  long.  129°  E.  The  Aurora 
Bank  is  the  easternmost  of  these,  and  is  of  small  extent.  Although  8  fa- 
thoms was  the  least  depth  found  on  it  on  its  discovery,  yet  a  whaler  has 
stated  that  there  is  only  5  ft.  in  some  parts,  which  must  very  much  diminish 
the  safety  of  the  Gilolo  Passage  in  rough  weather. 

Bitjoli  or  Bitzoli  Bay  is  the  eastern  or  central  inlet  of  Halmaheira,  sepa- 
rating its  N.E.  from  the  S.E.  peninsvdas.  It  has  numerous  islets  and  rocks 
scattered  over  it.  It  takes  its  name  from  a  village  on  its  South  shore,  where 
there  is  a  Dutch  sub-resident.  Chiaico  Bay  is  the  north-easternmost  of  the 
inlets,  which  give  Halmaheira  its  bizarre  configuration.  We  have  no 
account  of  it.  On  the  north-eastern  side  of  the  northern  peninsula  is 
Gunonrj  Karakan,  the  highest  point  of  the  island. 

Tanjong  Batu  Bessao  is  in  lat.  2°  14'  N.,  long.  127°  33'  E.  This  part  of 
Halmaheira  is  high,  bold  land,  with  three  high,  remarkable  peaks.  There 
are  several  islands,  called  collectively  the  Tale^iading  Islands,  to  the  N.W.  of 
the  point,  the  northern  of  which,  Dili,  is  in  2°  17'  N.,  127°  33'  E.  They  are 
of  moderate  height. 

MORTI,  or  Morotai,  or  Morty,  is  the  northernmost  of  the  Molucca  group. 
It  is  about  58  miles  long  North  and  South,  and  10  to  12  miles  broad.  The 
North  cape  is  in  lat.  2°  44'  N.,  long.  128°  21'  E.  It  slopes  down  from  the 
high  table  land  into  a  point  which  forms  this  cape.  The  northern  end  is 
skirted  by  a  reef  which  extends  1  or  2  miles  off,  having  no  soundings  close- 
to,  with  some  small  islands  adjoining. 

Riao  or  Riow  Island  lies  off  the  western  side  of  Morti,  separated  by  a  small 
strait.  In  the  bay  between  the  N.E.  part  of  Eiao  and  Morti  there  is  said  to 
be  anchorage,  with  fresh  water,  abundance  of  wild  hogs,  deer,  pigeons,  &c., 
on  the  islands  contiguous. 

The  Western  Coast  of  Halmaheira  trends  to  S.S.W.  for  about  63  miles, 
to  the  point  which  forms  the  north-western  extremity  of  the  bay,  in  which 
lies  the  village  of  Gilolo  or  Djailolo,  which,  as  has  been  before  mentioned, 
gave  its  name  to  the  island.  After  the  terrible  earthquake  of  1840,  which 
devastated  the  adjacent  and  chief  island  Ternate,  this  place  was  proposed  as 
a  fitting  one  to  remove  the  seat  of  government  to,  but  nothing  was  carried 
into  effect. 

The  point  of  Gilolo  nearest  to  Hieri  Island  lies  from  Hieri  Peak  N.E.  |  N. 
8  miles.     Over  this  point  is  a  hill,  1,050  ft.  high  ;  3  miles  north-eastward  of 

I.  A.  5  T 


874  THE  MOLUCCA  ISLANDS. 

the  hill  there  is  a  remarkable  sharp  peak  of  3,450  ft. ;  and  about  8  miles 
still  farther  northward  a  flat-topped  hill  with  four  peaks  on  it  will  be  seen. 

Bodingo  Bay,  to  the  eastward  of  Ternate  and  Tidore,  has  the  village  of 
Sedangoli  on  its  North  side,  and  that  of  Dodingo  at  its  head — places  of  some 
importance  among  others  which  are  quite  insignificant.  From  this  bay  the 
western  coast  of  Halmaheira  trends  to  S.S.E.  for  about  110  miles  to  the 
South  point,  before  alluded  to.  There  is  nothing  particularized  concern- 
ing it. 

The  MOLUCCA  ISLANDS  properly  consist  of  the  five  islands  next  enu- 
merated, which  lie  against  the  West  coast  of  Halmaheira.  The  name  is 
unknown  among  the  native  languages,  though  applied  by  the  early  Portu- 
guese discoverers.  The  term  has  had  a  much  more  widely-spread  significa- 
tion by  including  the  islands  East  and  N.E.  of  Celebes,  but  originally  it  was 
restricted,  as  above  said,  to  the  five  islands  in  question.  They  were  formerly 
considered  the  principal  of  the  Spice  Islands,  but  had  ceased  to  be  so  from 
the  destruction  of  the  trees  by  the  Dutch.  They  are,  however,  regaining 
their  reputation  for  spice-bearing  and  nutmegs  ;  cinnamon  is  also  grown 
to  a  great  extent;  pepper  is  largely  cultivated,  as  also  are  cofi'ee  and 
cocoa ;  the  sago-bearing  palm  flourishes  in  every  part  of  the  island.  They 
also  now  produce  what  the  others  do  not,  and  which  is  more  thought  of  by 
the  passing  seamen,  viz.,  a  tolerably  good  supply  of  provisions,  in  sheep, 
fowls,  vegetables,  and  a  greater  variety  of  fruit ;  pine-apples,  oranges, 
lemons,  bananas,  &c.,  being  plentiful  in  their  seasons. 

TERNATE  ISLAND  lies  between  the  parallels  of  0°  45'  N.  and  0°  52'  N., 
and  the  meridians  of  12 7M6i'  E.  and  127°  22'  E.  The  peak  is  5,600  ft. 
high,  and  in  lat.  0°  48^'  N.,  long.  127°  19'  E.  Its  shores  appeared  steep-to, 
and  with  no  dangers  beyond  a  few  reefs  extending  off  from  one  quarter  to 
half  a  mile. 

In  the  Ternate  Channel  the  flood  stream,  coming  from  the  north-eastward, 
formed  numerous  tide-rips  and  eddies,  which  gave  the  appearance  of  broken 
water  over  a  sunken  reef. 

Ternate  is  the  northernmost  and  principal  of  the  group,  the  head  quarters 
of  the  Dutch  government  of  its  region,  and  the  seat  of  the  Sultan,  who  claims 
sovereignty  over  a  large  part  of  Halmaheira.  It  is  of  very  small  extent, 
being,  in  fact,  the  mere  pedestal  on  which  stands  the  lofty  volcano  of  the 
same  name.  This  volcano  produced  no  fewer  than  fourteen  eruptions,  be- 
tween 1608  and  1840,  and  at  times  has  nearly  caused  the  total  abandonment 
of  the  island.  The  peak  was  ascended  without  much  difficulty  by  a  party 
from  H.M.S.  Challenger.  The  clove,  for  which  this  island  was  celebrated, 
and  which  was  apparently  its  native  seat,  has  long  been  almost  extirpated 
from  its  soil. 

Ternate  is  a  free  port,  and  is  visited  regularly  by  the  Netherlands  India 
Steam  Navigation  Company's  boats,  the  town  being  on  the  East  side  of  the 


TERNATE  ISLAND.  875 

island.  Fort  Oranje,  which  protects  it,  is  in  lat.  0°  47'  N.,  long.  127°  21'  E. 
The  anchorage  is  abreast  the  town.  The  Scaleby  Castle  anchored  in  Novem- 
ber in  22  fathoms,  coarse  sand  and  gravel,  with  the  flagstaff  of  the  fort 
bearing  N.W.  by  N.  Water  was  only  procurable  in  small  quantities  at  this 
time.  It  was  during  this  night  that  one  of  the  most  violent  of  the  explosions 
before  alluded  to  occurred  at  the  volcano.  The  town  is  built  along  the 
shore,  half  hidden  among  fruit  trees  and  cocoa-palms.  As  usual,  there  are 
the  Dutch,  Chinese,  and  Malay  quarters.  Behind  the  town  lies  a  consider- 
able extent  of  level  ground,  before  the  wooded  slope  of  the  mountain  com- 
mences, and  a  great  portion  of  this  is  occupied  by  plantations  growing  every 
spice,  fruit,  and  palm,  under  the  tropical  sun  ;  cloves,  pepper,  cinnamon, 
nutmeg,  coffee,  cocoa,  pine-apples,  durians,  oranges,  limes,  citrons,  bananas, 
bread-fruit,  and  endless  others,  with  palms  of  every  kind,  are  here  planted 
on  a  green  sward,  level  as  a  billiard-table." — Lord  George  Campbell 

The  Challenger  was  here  in  October,  1874,  and  made  purchases  of  a  fine 
collection  of  parrots  and  other  natural  history  objects.  The  crew  received 
much  ho  pitality  at  the  hands  of  the  inhabitants.  As  on  the  other  islands 
visited  in  this  region,  the  beautiful  tropical  vegetation  was  highly  appre- 
ciated by  those  who  went  into  the  interior  of  the  island. 

The  anchorage  chosen  by  H.M.S.  Challenger  in  Ternate  Eoad  was  in  13 
fathoms,  with  the  extreme  of  the  North  pier  extending  from  the  Resident's 
house,  N.  ^  W. ;  the  extreme  of  the  middle  pier,  N.N.W.  J  W. ;  the  ex- 
treme of  the  South  or  coaling  pier,  N.W.  by  W.  ^^  W. ;  and  Maytara  Island 
S.S.W.  Vessels  making  more  than  a  temporary  stay  should  moor,  as  the 
holding-ground  is  bad,  and  the  tide  streams  strong. 

Three  piers  extend  from  the  island  to  the  edge  of  the  reef,  which  is  com- 
posed of  sand  and  coral.  The  northern  pier  is  used  as  a  landing  place,  the 
middle  pier  is  for  the  shipment  of  merchandise,  and  the  southern  is  the 
coaling  pier.  These  piers  are  lightly  built,  and  would  be  easily  destroyed 
by  a  ship  pressing  against  them. 

Two  large  coal  sheds  stand  upon  the  shore  abreast  the  coal  wharf ;  they 
are  capable  of  holding  1,000  or  1,500  tons,  but  at  the  time  of  the  Challenger's 
visit  a  small  quantity  only  Mas  in  stock. 

There  is  a  depth  of  5  fathoms  at  the  outer  end  of  the  pier ;  and  small 
anchors  are  buried  on  the  land  to  which  hawsers  may  be  secured,  but,  from 
the  frailty  of  the  pier,  anchors  off  the  bow  and  quarter  are  necessary. 

Supplies  are  plentiful  and  moderate  in  price  (October,  1874).  Beef,  1.?. 
per  lb. ;  fowls,  8s.  per  dozen  ;  ducks,  2s.  Qd.  to  3s.  each ;  geese,  6s.  to  7s. 
each  ;  sweet  potatoes,  5s.  per  picul  of  133  lbs.  ;  potatoes  (imported),  25s.  per 
picul.  Fruit  in  its  season  is  abundant ;  the  durien,  mangostein,  mangoe, 
pine-apple,  orange,  lemon,  banana,  jack-fruit,  and  pomegranate  grow  luxu- 
riantly. The  coffee  and  cocoa  beans  are  cultivated,  also  the  arica  and  sago 
palms,  the  latter  supplying  the  principal  food  of  the  inhabitants. 


876  THE  MOLUCCA  ISLANDS. 

Birds  of  paradise  skins  can  be  procured  in  considerable  numbers  at  the 
rate  of  6s.  or  7s.  each.  As  a  spice  island,  Tern  ate  is  growing  in  importance, 
and  produces  nutmegs,  pepper,  cinnamon,  and  cloves. 

The  Dutch  dollar  and  rupee  are  the  coins  in  general  circulation.  An 
English  shilling  is  only  accepted  as  half  a  rupee.  Gold  in  small  quantities 
can  be  changed  at  its  full  value. 

Magnetic  sand. — The  whole  of  the  sand  upon  the  island  proved  to  be  of 
such  a  highly  magnetic  character  that  no  compass  observations  could  be 
made. 

I^iV^es.— It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Ternate,  deduced  from  one 
day's  observations,  at  S*"  10";  springs  rise  about  4  ft. 

The  flood  stream  comes  from  the  northward,  and  the  ebb  stream  from  the 
southward,  and  they  run  for  two  hours  after  high  and  low  water  by  the 
shore. 

Winds,  Sfc. — From  a  register,  kept  by  the  surgeon  of  the  Dutch  settle- 
ment at  Ternate,  extending  over  a  period  of  8  years,  from  1860  to  1867  in- 
clusive, it  was  deduced  that  the  N.E.  monsoon  blows  through  January, 
February,  and  March,  the  wind  varying  from  N.E.  to  N.W.  After  a  month 
of  variable  winds,  the  S.W.  monsoon  commences  in  May  and  ends  in  Octo- 
ber, its  direction  being  from  S.E.  to  S.W.  During  November  and  December 
the  winds  are  again  variable. 

Rain  fell  on  216  days  of  each  year,  or  18  days  per  month;  the  average 
fall  during  the  N.E.  monsoon  being  rather  less  than  during  the  S.W.  mon- 
soon. 

The  mean  temperature  for  each  of  the  above  8  years  was  80.7°. 
On  comparing  the  records  of  the  weather  at  Ternate  with  those  at  Am- 
boina  and  stations  eastward,  it  would  appear  that  during  the  periods  of  their 
greatest  strength,  the  N.E.  monsoon  passing  through  the  Molucca  Passage 
turns  eastward  and  becomes  the  N.W.  monsoon  in  the  Banda  and  Arafura 
Seas  ;  and  that  the  S.E.  monsoon  blowing  through  the  Arafura  and  Banda 
Seas,  bends  into  the  Molucca  Passage,  and  joins  the  S.W.  monsoon  in  the 
Pacific. 

These  changes  in  the  direction  of  the  winds  in  this  locality  will  be  seen  to 
be  a  corroboration  of  those  shown  on  the  Admiralty  Wind  Charts. 

Hieri  Island,  lying  to  the  northward  of  Ternate,  is  circular  in  shape,  and 
about  If  mile  in  diameter;  the  peak,  which  is  in  lat.  0°  54'  N.,  long.  127° 
18'  E.,  is  2,200  ft.  high.  Off  the  North  point  of  Hieri  Island  is  a  rock,  and 
north-westward  of  the  island  is  a  small  islet,  both  close  to  the  shore. 

TIDORE  or  Tidor  is  the  next  southward  of  Ternate,  and  is  separated  from 
it  by  a  safe  channel.  It  is  larger  than  Ternate,  and,  like  that  island,  is 
entirely  of  volcanic  formation.  The  mountain,  of  which  it  is  chiefly  com- 
posed, is  6,000  feet  high,  and  its  extinct  crater  is  in  lat.  0°  39'  N.,  long. 
127°  22'  30"  E. 


TIDORE.  877 

The  capital  of  the  island,  Soa  Sia,  is  on  the  East  side.  The  Sultan  is  tri- 
butary to  the  Dutch,  but  at  one  period  held  great  sway  over  a  large  portion 
of  central  Halmaheira,  which  is  still  subject  to  his  influence.  The  people  of 
Tidore,  about  6,000  in  number,  are  Mohamedans,  having  been  so  from  early 
ages.  The  town  is  walled,  and  contains,  besides  the  Sultan's  walled  resi- 
dence, a  large  mosque,  &c.  The  anchorage  is  off  the  town  in  30  fathoms, 
sandy  bottom,  but  in  several  places  the  ground  is  foul,  with  deep  water  close 
to  the  shore. 

Mareh  or  Potlahhr  Island,  1,160  ft.  high,  is  the  next  in  succession  to 
Tidore,  the  passage  between  them  being  safe  and  the  island  bold-to.  Two 
small  sandbanks,  dry  at  low  water,  lie  almost  5  miles  East  from  the  middle 
of  this  passage.  These  banks  may  be  readily  seen  by  their  white  colour 
during  the  sunshine  or  daylight,  and  they  are  the  only  known  danger  in  the 
passage.  They  may  easily  be  avoided  by  keeping  on  the  Halmaheira  side 
in  coming  up. 

Motir,  or  Mortier,  or  Moone,  is  the  next  southward,  and  is  about  4  miles 
in  diameter,  the  passage  northward  of  it  being  about  3  miles  wide.  It  is 
2,800  feet  high,  the  highest  point  being  in  lat.  0°  28'  N.,  long.  127°  23'  E. 

Makkian  is  a  larger  island  than  the  last,  and  is  also  bold-to.  Its  peak  is 
in  lat.  0°  19'  S.,  long.  127°  23'  E.  On  its  South  shore  is  the  village  of  Mofa- 
gila,  where  there  is  a  Dutch  resident.  The  Scalehy  Castle  anchored  here  with 
the  fort  bearing  S.W.  off  shore  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  35  fathoms,  sand  and 
shells.  Miskien  is  the  next  island  southward,  and  Kayo  or  Kiow  succeeds  it 
southward.  They  are  together  about  1 1  miles  from  North  to  South.  To  the 
westward  of  them  is  a  cluster  of  islets,  called  the  Guaricha  or  Latta  Islands. 
By  daylight  they  are  not  dangerous,  as  most  of  them  are  visible. 

At  Makian,  in  1846,  a  tremendous  volcanic  eruption  took  place,  splitting 
the  peak  in  two,  destroying  villages  and  their  inhabitants  by  thousands. 
The  island  again  repeopled,  once  more  in  1862  the  volcano  burst  out,  kiUed 
some  6,000  people,  leaving  scarce  one  to  tell  the  tale;  and  the  ashes  dis- 
charged so  covered  Ternate,  40  miles  distant,  that  nearly  all  vegetation  there 
was  destroyed. — Lord  George  Campbell. 

At  6  miles  S.W.  from  the  S.W.  end  of  Makkian  is  a  5-fathom  bank,  and 
11  miles  in  the  same  direction  from  it  is  Laigoma,  the  easternmost  of  a 
cluster  of  islets  and  rocks  which  extend  for  20  miles  to  the  West  and  W.  by 
S.  The  western  part  of  the  group  should  on  no  account  be  approached,  as 
several  sunken  rocks  lie  around  it. 

The  Wolf  Rock  lies  about  28  miles  W.  i  S.  from  the  South  end  of 
Makkian,  lat.  0°  20'  N.,  long.  127°  9'  E.  It  is  nearly  level  with  the  surface, 
the  sea  breaking  over  it,  when  it  is  visible  in  the  hollow  of  the  swell.  It  is 
thus  a  very  dangerous  neighbour.  From  it  the  Peak  of  Ternate  bears  N.E.  f 
N.  43  miles.     One  of  the  Guaricha  isles  bears  S.E.  by  E.   12  miles,  and  a 


878  THE  MOLUCCA  ISLANDS. 

small  island  off  the  North  part  of  this  group  bears  E.  by  S.  about  the  same 
distance. 

BATCHIAN  or  Batjan,  one  of  the  five  original  Molucca  or  Clove  Islands, 
is  by  much  the  largest  of  them,  and  is  the  southernmost.  Like  the  others, 
it  is  of  volcanic  formation.  It  is  said  that  fossil  coal  of  good  quality  has 
been  found  on  it.  The  island  is  of  irregular  figure,  about  52  miles  long  from 
N.W.  to  S.E.,  and  has  numerous  islands  off  its  "West  end.  The  Sultan  of 
Batjan  is  the  third  prince  in  rank  subject  to  the  Netherlands  in  these  seas, 
but  he  has  very  little  power  over  his  subjects,  and  piracy  under  his  flag  used 
to  be  common  under  the  protection  and  seclusion  of  the  bays  and  harbours 
formed  by  the  islands  around  it.  The  population  of  Batjan  is  about  3,000. 
The  chief  town,  Batjan,  is  at  the  head  of  a  bay  on  the  S.W.  side,  and  here 
the  Dutch  have  a  post,  called  Fort  Barneveld.  Mount  Lalurs,  upon  Batchian 
Island,  is  a  remarkable  flat-topped  mountain,  7,150  ft.  high,  in  lat.  0°  44'  S., 
long.  127°  32'  E. 

"On  the  14th  of  October,  1874,  we  passed  the  islands  of  Batchian  and 
Tawali,  which  are  great  volcanic  masses  heaped  up  into  ridges,  about  1,000 
feet  in  height,  and  separated  by  a  long,  narrow  strait,  abounding  in  the 
grandest  scenery.  Here  on  Batchian  the  clove  tree  grows  wild.  North  of 
this  island  is  Makian,  an  old  volcano  ;  in  fact,  we  were  just  now  surrounded 
with  extinct  craters." — W.  J.  J.  Spry,  R.N.,  Crm%e  of  S.M.S.  Challenger. 

The  Strait  of  Batchian  is  formed  by  the  islands  of  Bottan  Lumang  and 
Mandolie  or  Marigorang,  the  latter  of  which  is  flat-topped  and  about  1,000  ft. 
high.  The  southern  part  of  it  is  broad,  and  there  is  good  anchorage  in  most 
places,  with  sheltered  anchorage  on  the  adjacent  shores,  but  the  tide  runs 
very  strongly  through  the  narrows  in  the  North  part  of  the  strait.  The 
strait  may  be  said  to  continue  past  the  N.W.  part  of  Batchian,  between  that 
coast  and  the  island  of  Great  Tawalie  or  Kasiruta.  This  channel  could  only 
be  used  with  the  greatest  caution.  Great  Tawali  has  several  islets  off  its 
S.E.  end,  of  which  the  Sow  Islets,  low  and  not  remarkable,  are  the  southern- 
most. A  sunken  rock  lies  just  South  of  the  southern  Sow.  Great  Tawali  is 
20  miles  long  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.,  and  10_miles  broadat  its  middle.  It  is 
high,  and  also  flat-topped,  with  a  peak  rising  above  the  surrounding  hills  to 
a  height  of  2,650  ft. ;  the  peak  is  in  lat.  0°  20'  S.,  long.  127°  5'  E. 

Tappi  and  Latta  Latta  Islands  are  separated  by  a  strait  5  miles  wide  and 
10  miles  long  from  the  N.W.  side  of  Great  Tawali  Island.  Tappi  Island  is 
generally  high;  the  highest  peak,  of  l,-'300  ft.,  is  in  lat.  0°  15' S.,  long. 
127°  4'  E.  Off  the  South  and  West  extremes  of  Tappi  are  two  small  islets, 
about  200  ft.  high ;  and  3  miles  northward  of  its  North  point  are  three 
small  rocks  close  together,  130  ft.  high,  and  in  lat.  0°  11'  S.,  long.  127°  I'E. 
From  a  position  10  miles  West  of  the  Peak  of  Tappi,  the  islands  of  Ternate, 
Tidore,  and  Mortier  were  seen,  and  also  one  of  the  islands,  probably  Guari- 
cha,  northward  of  Little  Tawali. 


STEAIT  OF  PATIENTIE- MOLUCCA  PASSAGE.  879. 

Strong  streams  of  flood  and  ebb  were  experienced  by  H.M.S.  Challenger 
westward  of  the  Batchian  Islands,  the  flood  coming  from  the  northward  and 
the  ebb  from  the  southward. 

The  tide  sets  through  among  these  islands  to  the  northward  and  southward 
about  6  hours  each  way,  but  not  always  regular,  and  it  rises  about  6  ft. 

The  STRAIT  of  PATIENTIE,  between  Batchian  and  the  southern  penin- 
sula of  Halmaheira,  is  about  50  miles  long,  and  of  very  various  breadths. 
It  is  a  useful  passage  for  vessels  sailing  between  Ternate  and  Amboina  in 
the  S.E.  monsoon,  although  there  is  no  good  anchorage  in  it,  as  there  is  in 
that  of  Batchian  to  the  westward. 

The  northern  enti'ance  is  between  a  projecting  point  of  Halmaheira  and 
Batu  Sombo  Island,  close  to  the  Batchian  shore,  an  opening  7  miles  wide. 
Between  the  S.E.  point  of  the  island  and  Bristly  Point  on  Baichian,  lie  two 
islands  near  the  shore,  and  to  the  southward  of  the  point  and  southernmost 
of  these  islands  there  is  a  large  bay,  with  good  anchorage  and  plenty  of 
wood  and  water.  Further  in  the  strait  is  Lary  Island,  long,  low,  and  flat. 
It  is  covered  with  trees,  and  is  close  to  the  Halmaheira  shore,  on  which, 
opposite  to  its  N.E.  point,  there  is  a  fresh  water  river,  where  plenty  of  wood 
and  water  may  be  obtained.  The  passage  between  the  island  and  the  Hal- 
maheira shore  is  very  narrow  and  shallow,  and  the  tide  is  sometimes  exceed- 
ingly rapid.  Farther  South  is  Helang,  or  Amsterdam  Island,  in  the  middle 
of  the  Narrows.  After  passing  these  islands,  going  southward,  stand  over 
to  the  eastern  side  of  the  strait,  and  keep  along  that  coast,  on  account  of  a 
shoal  said  to  lie  nearly  in  mid-channel  between  the  East  point  of  Batchian 
and  Halmaheira.  The  East  point  above  mentioned  is  in  lat.  0°  48'  S.,  long. 
127°  53'  E.,  and  has  deep  water  close-to  in  some  parts,  but  some  islets  and 
projecting  spits  should  have  a  proper  berth. 

The  MOLUCCA  PASSAGE,  or  Molucca  Sea,  the  wide  space  between  the 
islands  just  described  and  the  eastern  side  of  Celebes,  described  on  page 
812,  requires  but  little  description.  The  islands  to  the  South  of  it,  the 
Xulla  Group,  are  described  on  page  821,  and  Obi  Major  on  p.  866.  Between 
the  N.E.  part  of  Celebes  and  the  N.W.  shore  of  Halmaheira,  the  breadth  of 
the  narrowest  part  of  the  strait  is  120  miles. 

Mayor  or  Meyo  Island,  in  the  middle  of  the  passage  between  Ternate 
and  Menado  on  Celebes,  is  about  3^  miles  long  East  and  West,  and  rises 
gradually  from  the  shore  to  a  round-backed  summit,  1,280  ft.  high,  in  lat. 
r  20^  N.,  long.  126'^  22J'  E.  There  is  said  to  be  anchorage  on  both  the 
North  and  South  sides,  sheltered  from  the  monsoons. 

Tifore,  or  Tyfore,  17  miles  S.W.  of  Mayor,  is  about  2  miles  long  in  an 
East  and  West  direction,  and  H  mile  broad.  On  its  N.W.  end  is  a  saddle 
peak  530  ft.  high,  the  eastern  and  highest  summit  being  in  lat.  1°  1'  N., 
long.  126°  8'  E.  About  one  cable's  length  ofi'  the  N.W.  point  of  the  island 
is  a  small  islet.     On  the  eastern  side  of  the  island  there  is  a  bay  in  which, 


880  DIRECTIONS. 

according  to  the  statement  of  the  Malays  at  Ternate,  whose  proas  frequently 
take  shelter  in  it,  there  is  a  depth  of  20  or  30  fathoms,  with  a  ridge  of  coral 
across  its  entrance,  upon  which  there  are  from  1  to  3  fathoms.  There  are 
no  soundings  to  be  got  in  the  strait  between  Tifore  and  Meyo,  and  no  danger 
was  observed  by  H.M.S.  Challenger.  The  current  sets  to  the  N.E.  during 
the  greater  part  of  the  year. 

The  islands  to  the  North  of  the  N.E.  extremity  of  Celebes,  and  those  South 
of  Mindanao,  will  be  described  in  the  succeeding  chapter. 

DIRECTIONS  for  the  Eastern  Passages,  or  those  eastward  of  Borneo,  to 
the  description  of  which  the  latter  pages  of  this  work  have  been  devoted,  have 
been  given  in  pages  67 — 102.  The  choice  of  the  most  advantageous  straits  or 
channels  in  the  different  monsoons  is  there  indicated,  and  as  will  be  under- 
stood, this  choice  must  depend  very  greatly  upon  the  consideration  of  the 
sailing  powers  of  the  ship,  combined  with  the  direction  and  strength  of  the 
winds  encountered.  To  follow  the  directions  given  in  the  remarks  referred 
to  will  not  be  difficult  in  combination  with  the  hydrographical  descriptions 
in  this  chapter,  as  the  latter  follow  in  regular  geographical  order,  and  are 
thus  readily  followed  in  any  voyage,  whether  going  northward  or  southward. 
The  illustrative  chart  facing  page  42  will  also  aid  in  facilitating  the  applica- 
tion of  those  general  directions  with  the  subsequent  descriptions. 


CHAPTER    XIX. 


In  the  foregoing  pages  the  various  islands  and  channels  which  form  the 
southern  part  of  the  chain  of  the  Eastern  Passages,  or  those  between  Borneo 
and  New  Guinea,  have  been  described.  What  follows  in  the  present  chapter 
will  be  descriptions  and  brief  remarks  on  the  islands  North  of  the  Moluccas, 
of  which  the  Sulu  Archipelago  and  the  important  Philippine  Islands,  are 
the  principal.  The  information  is  derived  from  a  variety  of  sources,  and 
considerable  improvement  in  our  knowledge  of  the  Sulu  Archipelago  was 
gained  by  an  examination  made  by  H.M.S.  Nassau,  in  1872.  It  may,  how- 
ever, be  observed,  generally,  that  the  hydrographical  knowledge  of  the 
islands  described  in  this  chapter  is  not  as  perfect  as  could  be  desired.  We 
commence  with  the  southward  and  proceed  northward  towards  the  northern 
portion  of  the  Philippine  Archipelago. 


ISLANDS  NORTH  OF  THE  MOLUCCAS. 

Bejaren  is  about  26  miles  N.E.  from  the  East  end  of  Banka  Island,  lying 
against  the  north-eastern  extremity  of  Celebes,  and  described  on  page  812. 
The  channel  southward  of  it  is  quite  safe,  and  is  much  used.  When  seen 
from  an  eastern  or  western  direction  it  is  wedge-shaped,  with  the  cliflF  to  the 
southward  ;  but  seen  from  the  southward  it  rises  to  a  single  sharp  hill  with 
a  thumb-like  summit  projecting  nearly  500  ft.  above  the  main  portion  of  the 
hill.  The  peak  is  1,240  ft.  high,  and  in  lat.  V  6^'  N.,  long.  125°  2If  E.  A 
fire  was  seen  on  the  N.W.  side  of  the  island  by  H.M.S.  Challenger. 

Tagulanda  is  about  10  miles  N.  by  E.  from  Bejaren,  the  channel  between 
being  clear  of  danger.  The  island  is  about  7  miles  long,  and  has  two  sum- 
mits which  show  from  East  and  West ;  the  eastern  summit  is  round-backed 
and  2,550  ft.  high ;  the  western  peak,  2  miles  West  of  the  eastern,  is  more 
abrupt,  and  2,450  ft.  in  height.  To  the  S.W.  of  it,  in  lat.  2°  20'  N.,  long. 
125°  21'  E.,  and  connected  by  a  reef,  is  the  islet  Buang  or  Roang,  which  shows 
from  the  East  and  West  as  two  sharp  volcanic  peaks,  but  from  the  southward 
I.  A  b  -Q 


882  ISLANDS  NORTH  OF  THE  MOLUCCAS. 

as  three  peaks  ;  the  eastern,  of  2,450  ft.,  is  the  highest.  Smoke  was  seen 
rising  from  the  middle  summit,  and  the  island  to  within  300  or  400  ft.  of  the 
sea  is  covered  with  lava  and  scorite,  the  lower  part  being  wooded.  At  5 
miles  N.  W.  of  Eoang  is  Passigi,  small,  flat,  and  covered  with  trees,  the  tops 
being  about  100  ft.  high. 

Siao  or  Seauw  is  larger  than  Tagulanda,  and  is  made  very  conspicuous  by 
a  high  conical  volcanic  peak,  lat.  2°  44'  N.,  long.  125°  22'  E.  There  is  a 
village,  named  Undung,  about  the  middle  of  the  western  side  of  the  island, 
off  which  to  the  W.S.W.  is  a  sunken  rock.  MakaUhe,  a  small  island,  round- 
backed,  with  palm  trees  (probably  cocoa-nut)  growing  on  its  highest  ridge, 
lies  8  miles  West  of  Siao.  This  island  was  seen  25  miles  off  by  H.M.S. 
Challenger,  but  Maquiliere  Island  was  not  visible  at  the  same  distance. 
Mandang,  with  other  islets,  lie  on  the  eastern  side  of  Siao.  Some  rocks  pro- 
ject from  the  S.W.  side  of  Mandang,  between  which  and  Siao  there  is  an 
opening  a  mile  wide.  The  channel  between  Siao  and  Tagulanda  is  about  12 
miles  wide,  and  quite  safe. 

A  group  of  small  islands  lies  between  Sangir  and  Siao.  They  are  some- 
times called  the  Karahitang,  or  Passage  Islands.  The  westernmost  of  the 
northern  cluster  is  Karakitang,  and  is  high  ;  the  easternmost  is  Pala,  and 
projects  into  a  low  point  to  the  eastward.  The  channel  to  the  southward  of 
them,  between  this  and  Siao,  is  considered  to  be  dangerous,  as  there  is  a 
cluster  of  four  rocky  islets  nearly  midway  between  the  two  islands  ;  one  of 
these  is  called  the  Quoin.  If  this  channel  is  taken,  the  North  end  of  Siao 
should  be  passed  close-to,  to  avoid  them  ;  but  it  is  better  to  pass  southward 
of  that  island.  The  easternmost  of  these  islands  is  called  the  Rabbit,  which 
is  18  miles  S.E.  of  the  South  end  of  Sangir.  There  are  two  other  small 
islets  or  rocks  to  the  East  of  the  Eabbit,  and  others  to  the  westward;  several 
of  them  are  small  spiral  rocks,  and  some  appear  like  haycocks. 

SANGIR  or  Sanguir  is  24  miles  long  N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  is  of  volcanic 
formation,  a  link  in  that  great  chain  which  passing  through  Java  continues 
northward  through  the  Philippine  Islands.  It  contains  many  extinct  craters, 
and  several  active  volcanoes.  The  northern  part  consists  of  high  mountains. 
The  chief  peak  is  Mount  Abu,  at  the  N.W.  end.  The  people  are  somewhat 
civilized,  simple,  and  inoffensive,  speaking  a  peculiar  language.  The  South 
point,  Cape  Palumbatu,  is  in  lat.  3°  21'  N.,  long.  125°  39'  E.  The  island  is 
surrounded  by  numerous  smaller  islets,  of  which  we  have  no  account.  The 
western  side  is  indented  by  several  small  bays,  with  soundings  of  from  40  to 
60  fathoms  at  from  1  to  2  miles  off  shore.  It  is  clear  of  danger,  but  the 
bottom  is  mostly  coral.  There  is  an  anchorage  off  a  small  river  or  watering 
place  in  a  bay,  in  lat.  3°  29'  N.,  long.  125°  28'  E.,  with  the  village  bearing 
E.N.E.,  the  piece  of  land  like  an  island,  but  joined  to  the  main  island  N.E., 
distant  1^  mile,  the  point  of  Fulo  Keama,  off  the  South  end  of  Sangir, 
S.  36°  E.     The  watering  river  is  there  a  little  to  the  southward  of  the  land 


THE  TULUR  ISLANDS.  88:3 

resembling  an  island.  The  tides  run  to  the  northward  and  southward  about 
2  miles  an  hour,  and  rise  6  or  7  ft.  The  water  should  be  filled  before  high 
water,  as  the  ebb  soon  runs  out  dry.  Poultry  and  vegetables  may  be  got. 
There  is  also  said  to  be  a  harbour  on  the  East  of  Sangir,  formed  by  the  ad- 
joining small  islands,  several  of  which  are  at  a  considerable  distance. 

There  are  some  small  islands  which  lie  scattered  in  the  space  between 
Sangir  and  the  South  point  of  Mindanao,  but  they  have  safe  channels  among 
them.  The  southernmost  is  called  Louisa  Island,  13  miles  N.  by  W.  from 
Sangir.  The  Louisa  Skoal  is  N.W.  4  miles  distant.  There  is  a  good  channel 
outside  the  isles  ofif  the  N.E.  part  of  Sangir,  but  great  caution  is  requisite  in 
the  bight.  To  the  northward  of  the  last-mentioned  island  is  a  group  called 
the  Carcaralong  Islands,  six  in  number,  extending  from  lat.  4°  15'  N.  to 
4°  46'  N.  They  are  named  respectively  the  Haycock,  Armadores,  Anda,  the 
two  Saddle  Islands,  and  Ariaga,  the  northernmost.  Haycock  Rock,  in  lat. 
4°  ir  N.,  long.  125°  5'  E.,  lies  N.W.  by  W.,  24  miles  from  Louisa  Island, 
and  W.  by  S.  f  S.,  12  miles  from  Haycock  Island.  There  is  also  a  dangerous 
patch  of  rocks,  seen  by  the  Iphigenia,  two  above  water  a  mile  apart,  and  a 
third  under  water  a  mile  to  the  southward  of  the  southernmost,  in  lat. 
4°  11'  N.,  long.  126°  8'  E. 

The  TULUE  ISLANDS  are  the  last  of  the  Dutch  possessions  that  have 
to  be  noticed.  They  lie  65  miles  north-eastward  of  the  Sangir  group,  are 
not  much  known,  but  are  also  called  the  Talaut  or  Salibabo  Islands,  the 
latter  being  the  name  of  the  principal  island.  They  are  inhabited  by  a  par- 
tially civilized  and  simple  race,  who  raise  yams,  cocoa-nuts,  hogs,  goats,  and 
poultry. 

The  southernmost  island  is  Kaloroan  (Kabroeang),  and  has  a  peaked 
summit  on  its  eastern  end.  At  its  S.E.  point  is  Kaman  Village,  in  lat. 
3°  49'  N.,  long.  127°  2'  E.  Saiibabo  or  Lirong  is  to  the  W.N.W.  of  Kaboroan. 
On  its  N.W.  end  is  a  table  hill,  and  the  principal  village  is  in  a  small  har- 
bour at  the  bottom  of  Salibabo  Bay,  at  its  S.E.  end.  Sailing  infer  the  road 
by  the  South  channel,  between  Kaboroan  and  the  S.E.  point  of  Salibabo,  a 
berth  must  be  given  to  a  spit  that  projects  rather  more  than  half  a  mile 
from  the  shore,  about  halfway  between  the  point  and  the  harbour.  The 
havbour  is  readily  known  by  the  houses  and  cocoa-nut  trees,  but  is  not 
adapted  apparently  for  large  vessels.  There  is  a  safe  channel  between  this 
island  and  the  others  to  the  N.E.,  but  the  S.E.  end  of  Karekelang  should  be 
approached  with  caution. 

The  Northiimberlajid  Reef  lies  about  12  miles  S.E.  from  the  peak  of  Ka- 
boroan.    It  is  about  2  miles  in  extent,  and  has  a  patch  of  sand  above  water. 

Karakelang  is  the  largest  and  northernmost  of  the  Talout  Islands,  and  is 
24  miles  long  N.E.  and  S.W.  The  northern  part  is  lined  with  a  dangerous 
reef,  which  projects  3  or  4  miles  from  the  North  point. 

The  Meangis  Islands,  36  miles  N.E.  of  Karekelang,  cuusist  of  five  islands, 


884  THE  StJLU  AECHIPELAGO. 

of  moderate  height,  with  some  smaller  ones  adjoining.  The  southernmost, 
Kakarutan  Island,  is  in  lat.  4°  39'  N.,  long.  127°  7'  E.  At  2  miles  eastward 
of  it  are  some  small  islets,  and  5  miles  N.N.E.  of  it  a  sunken  rock,  which 
also  lies  8.  ^  E.  2^  miles  from  Central  Island.  Namusa,  the  largest  island, 
3  miles  long  North  and  South,  and  670  ft.  high,  has  its  North  point  in  lat. 
4°  48'  N.,  long.  127°  6'  E.  At  5  miles  W.N.W.  from  this  point  is  North 
Island.  Karatin  Island  lies  6  miles  South  from  North  Island,  and  has  a 
sunken  rock  off  its  N.W.  end.  These  islands  are  but  little  known,  and  a 
good  look-out  is  required  when  near  them.  H.M.S.  C'^a^^ew^CT- passed  within 
6  miles  of  them  in  February,  1875,  and  exchanged  some  tobacco  for  lories 
brought  off  by  the  natives  in  their  canoes.  A  S.E.  current  had  drifted  the 
ship  further  South  than  was  intended. 

The  CELEBES  SEA  is  the  area  between  these  last  described  islands,  the 
Sulu  Islands,  the  coast  of  Borneo,  and  the  North  coast  of  Celebes,  Its 
shores  have  been  described,  but  the  following  may  be  interesting  as  relating 
to  its  depth,  &c. 

"  Proceeding  through  the  passage  between  Banka  Island,  off  the  North 
coast  of  Celebes,  and  Bejaren  Island,  the  positions  of  those  and  the  neigh- 
bouring islands  were  fixed,  and  a  sounding  obtained  in  2,150  fathoms,  red 
clay,  when  only  23  miles  West  of  Maquiliere  Island.  The  serial  tempera- 
ture proved  that  the  water  in  the  Celebes  Sea  is  cut  off  from  communication 
with  the  surrounding  seas  below  700  fathoms,  the  temperature  of  the  water 
below  that  depth  being  uniform  at  38°  6',  this  agreeing  with  the  observations 
of  Commander  Chimmo.  On  the  22nd  of  October  another  sounding  was 
obtained  in  2,600  fathoms,  when  about  40  miles  from  the  land  of  Point 
Pola,  South  coast  of  Mindanao,  with  the  same  result  as  to  temperature." — 
Yoyage  of  H.M.S.  Challenger,  Geographical  Magazine^  November,  1875, 


THE  SULU  ARCHIPELAGO, 


This  labyrinth  of  islands  between  Borneo  and  the  Philippine  Islands  is 
variously  termed  the  Sulu,  Sooloo,  Soolo,  Soeloe  (Dutch),  Jolo  (Spanish), 
Suluk  (Malay).  An  examination  of  the  group  was  made  in  1872  by  Com- 
mander Chimmo;  E.N.,  in  H.M.S.  Nassau.  Previous  to  this  our  knowledge 
was  very  scanty,  and  chiefly  derived  from  the  visit  of  the  United  States' 
Exploring  Expedition,  in  1842. 

The  Archipelago  consists  of  nearly  150  islands,  many  of  them  mere  rocks, 
clustered  around  the  three  larger  islands,  which  alone  are  of  any  importance. 
Basilan  to  the  E.N.E.,  Sulu  in  the  central  part,  and  Tawi-Tawi  in  the 
"W.8.W.  part.  Although  the  islands  are  supposed  to  be  under  the  rule  of 
the  Spaniards,  the  Sultan  and  his  subjects  are  in  conetant  rebellion,  and  a 


THE  SULU  ARCniPELAGO.  885 

blockade  of  the  ports  was  going  on  at  the  time  of  the  visit  of  H.M.S.  Chal- 
lenger to  Samboangan  in  1875.  Previous  to  holding  communication  with 
these  people  it  is  necessary  to  hoist  a  flag  of  truce. 

The  commerce,  chiefly  with  Manila,  is  mostly  in  tortoise-shell,  pearl 
oyster,  pearls,  sharks'  fins,  trepang,  and  swallows'  nests.  The  people  pro- 
fess the  Mohammedan  religion,  and  the  only  people  who  can  reside  among 
them  as  traders  are  the  Chinese,  who  pay  a  large  tribute  in  their  shipping 
transactions. 

Tapul  Group. — <?»«««» /«?«m<?,  the  peak  of  which  is  in  lat.  5"  32'  N.,  long. 
120°  52'  E.,  and  1,714  ft.  above  the  sea,  is  the  highest  island  between  Sulu 
and  Tawi-Tawi.  There  are  several  lai'ge  villages  built  on  the  reefs  that 
fringe  the  S.W.  and  East  coasts,  the  inhabitants  of  which  carry  on  the  pearl 
fishery.  Tara  Island  lies  on  the  reef  to  the  North  of  Siassi,  and  IJ  mile 
North  of  this  is  a  solitary  rock,  8  ft.  above  high  water  mark. 

Tapul  and  Bulipoyigpong^  two  fertile  and  well  cultivated  islands,  lie  to  the 
northward  of  Siassi;  the  former  is  1,657  ft.,  and  the  latter  984  ft.  high. 
They  are  apparently  clear  to  the  westward,  but  reefs  extend  to  the  southward 
and  eastward  of  both. 

A  3-fathom  patch,  a  mile  in  extent,  lies  2  miles  northward  of  Siassi,  with 
the  East  extreme  of  Manubol  Island  bearing  S.  |  W.,  and  the  North  extreme 
of  Tara  Island  E.  by  S.  h  S.  Another  patch,  about  3  cables  in  extent, 
awash  at  half  tide,  with  deep  water  around  it,  lies  \\  mile  S.  j  E.  from  Tara 
Island  ;  and  a  third  j)atch,  of  3  fathoms^  lies  If  mile  E.S.E.  from  it. 

Lapac,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  the  westward  of  Siassi,  in  the 
distance  on  a  S.E.  bearing  looks  like  two  islands.  The  reef  from  this 
island  nearly  joins  that  of  Siassi.  The  Imperial  German  ship  Elisabeth^ 
Captain  Von  Wiekede,  obtained  good  anchorage  in  1 1  fathoms,  in  the  chan- 
nel between  Siassi  and  Lapac  Islands,  abreast  a  house  almost  hidden  by 
trees,  on  Siassi  Island.  The  southern  portion  of  this  channel,  which  lies 
between  the  coral  reefs  extending  from  these  islands,  is  1  cable  wide,  with 
depths  of  6  to  9  ft.  on  the  bar  at  the  South  entrance,  where  it  is  only  halt  a 
cable  wide  ;  but  from  an  examination  by  Captain  Schick,  in  the  German 
schooner  Minna,  1876,  there  appears  to  be  6|  lathoms  in  the  southern  en- 
trance of  the  channel. 

One-third  of  a  mile  from  the  S.W.  point  of  Lapac  is  a  dangerous  patch  of 
rock,  with  8  fathoms  between  it  and  the  shore.  The  island  of  Manubol,  on 
the  South  part  of  the  Lapac  lieef,  has  a  large  fishing  village  on  the  north- 
eastern side.  Good  anchorage  was  found  by  H.M.S.  Frolic,  in  1874,  ofi'  the 
West  side  of  Lapac  Island  ;  and  immediately  ofi'  the  northern  entrance  of 
the  passage,  between  Lapac  and  Siassi  Islands,  good  shelter  is  said  to  be 
found  by  vessels,  in  the  S.W.  monsoon.  There  is  also  good  anchorage  in 
from  7  to  1 2  fathoms,  sand  and  coral,  to  the  southward  and  westward  of  the 
email  island  West  of  Lupac,  and  immediately  oiT  the  village.     Supplies  may 


886  THE  SULU  AECHIPELAGO. 

be  obtained  at  Lapac,  such  as  bullocks,  goats,  and  fowls,  at  a  moderate  rate, 
but  vegetables  are  scarce,  as  is  also  water. 

Selu7i,  a  small  island  2|  miles  N.W.  of  Lapac,  is  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
lono-,  153  ft.  High,  covered  with  trees,  and  steep-to,  with  a  clear  channel  be- 
tween it  and  Lapac.  Tapaam,  a  low  island,  lies  S.W.  of  Lapac.  The  chan- 
nel between  is  about  1^  mile  wide,  and  navigable. 

Tapaam  Passage,  which  is  formed  by  Tapaam  and  Lapac  to  the  eastward, 
and  Bubuan  and  Maniacolat  to  the  westward,  is  about  63  miles  wide  at  its 
narrowest  part,  viz.,  between  Maglumba,  a  small  island,  123  ft.  high,  off 
Maniacolat,  and  the  N.W.  side  of  Tapaam.  This  passage  is  clear  for  a 
steamer,  and  would  be  convenient  for  a  sailing  ship,  as  the  tides  make  fairly 
through  it,  and  in  calms  or  light  winds  a  vessel  could  always  anchor  to  await 
the  change  of  tide.  Crest  of  Wave  Shoal  is  in  the  fairway  of  the  Tapaam 
Passage,  and  the  shoalest  part  of  4|  fathoms  lies  about  N.E.  ^  E.,  4f  miles 
from  the  little  conical  island  of  Parangaan,  on  the  S.W.  side  of  the  passage. 
As  a  rule,  it  is  easily  discerned  by  discolouration,  or  by  the  tide  ripplings. 
Tapaam  Shoal  is  a  small  patch  of  6^  fathoms,  coral  and  sand,  nearly  midway 
between  Tapaam  and  Bubuan. 

Tagao  Island  lies  7  miles  southward  of  Bubuan.  It  is  a  small  island,  with 
a  sunken  rock  one-third  of  a  mile  S.E.  of  it.  Magpeo,  another  small  island, 
surrounded  by  shallow  water,  lies  2  miles  northward  of  Tagao.  Keenapoussan 
Group,  10  miles  to  the  southward  of  Babuan  Island,  consists  of  three  low, 
densely  wooded,  coral  islands  of  Tabawan,  Bintoulan,  and  Keenapoussan, 
between  the  two  former  of  which  there  is  a  narrow  5  fathom  channel.  As 
the  reefs  to  the  southward  of  these  islands  are  steep-to,  and  the  lead  conse- 
quently gives  no  warning,  care  should  be  taken  when  navigating  in  this 
vicinity.  The  tides  here  are  also  strong.  The  best  anchorage  is  with  the 
West  extreme  of  the  village  on  the  North  side  of  Tabawan  about  S.S.E., 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  off  shore.  The  tides  are  regular  here,  and  not  very 
strong. 

The  TAWI-TAWI,  or  Taui-Taui,  or  Tawee-Taivee  Group,  are  those  nearest 
to  Cape  Unsang.  The  principal  island  of  the  cluster  is  Tawi-Tawi,  35  miles 
long,  and  its  northern  side,  according  to  the  Spanish  charts,  appears  nearly 
clear  of  danger. 

Bongalao  Island  is  the  most  western  of  the  Tawi-Tawi  Group.  It  is  about 
2f  miles  long  by  1^  mile  broad,  and  the  highest  peak  is  1,151  ft.  above  the 
sea,  but  other  peaks  attain  nearly  the  same  altitude.  Observation  Islet, 
immediately  South  of  Bongalao,  is  in  lat.  5°  0'  33"  N.,  long.  119°  44'  20"  E. 
Sanga  Sanga  Island  is  about  6  miles  long  in  a  N.E.  and  S.W.  direction,  and 
3J  miles  across  at  the  widest  part ;  it  lies  immediately  to  the  northward  of 
Bongalao,  between  it  and  Tawi-Tawi  Island,  and  separated  from  each  by  a 
very  narrow  boat  passage.  Unlike  Bongalao,  this  island  is  not  high,  has  no 
conspicuous  hill  on  it,  and  is  covered    with  trees.     There  are  a  few  small 


THE  TAWI-TAWI  GROUP.  887 

patches  of  cultivation  on  the  S.E.  side  over  Pandan  Bay,  where  there  is  a 
Panglema  or  chief,  but  there  is  none  in  any  other  part  of  the  island.  Panda7i 
Bay  is  a  snug  anchorage,  well  sheltered  from  all  winds,  with  good  holding 
ground,  taking  care  if  going  close  in  to  avoid  the  rock  awash  and  the  6-foot 
coral  patch  in  the  middle  of  the  entrance.  The  best  anchorage  is,  however, 
outside  the  bay,  in  from  11  to  13  fathoms,  mud,  with  the  Panglema's  House 
(on  the  East  side  of  the  bay)  N.N.W.  ^  W.,  and  South  point  of  Sanga 
Kanga  W-S-W.  There  are  no  supplies  to  be  obtained.  Care  should  be 
taken  in  approaching  Pandan  Bay,  to  avoid  some  dangers  on  the  South  coast 
of  Tawi-Tawi. 

Papahag  Island  lies  on  the  South  side  of  the  entrance  to  Pandan  Bay,  and 
East  of  Bongalao  Islan-d.  There  are  said  to  be  numerous  wild  cattle  here, 
but  none  were  seen  during  the  Nassau's  visit  in  February,  1872. 

Bahmhing,  a  town  on  the  South  coast  of  Tawi-Tawi,  was  destroyed  by  the 
Spanish  squadi'on  in  1871,  since  when,  on  the  smoke  of  a  steamer  being 
seen,  the  inhabitants  take  to  their  boats.  They  are  pirates  when  opportunity 
offers,  and  build  boats  at  a  place  called  Lupa  Buan,  about  10  miles  to 
the  N.E. 

Bilitan  is  an  island  about  3^  miles  long,  the  North  extreme  being  about 
•6^  miles  S.S.E.  of  Balambing;  there  appeared  to  be  some  large  villages  in 
the  interior  of  this  island,  and  judging  by  the  number  of  boats  passing  be- 
tween it  and  Tawi-Tawi  and  the  islands  to  the  S.W.,  there  is  great  traffic 
carried  on  between  them.  The  reef,  with  a  few  narrow,  tortuous  channels 
through  it,  joins  Bilatan  to  the  S.E.  end  of  Tawi-Tawi,  and  from  the  S.W. 
■end  of  Bilatan  a  dangerous  coral  reef,  with  sand  cays,  extends  for  9  miles  to 
the  S.W.  Simonor  Island  is  about  5  miles  in  diameter  from  N.W.  to  S.E., 
and  its  N.E.  end  lies  W.S.W.  9  miles  from  the  S.W.  end  of  Bilatan.  It  is 
thickly  inhabited,  but  has  no  anchorage  near,  as  the  fringe  of  coral  reef 
surrounding  it  is  steep-to.  At  2  miles  N.E.  of  its  N.E.  end  is  Laa,  a  small 
island,  surrounded  by  a  reef,  which  thence  extends  for  5  miles  to  the  W.N.  W., 
having  2^  fathoms  on  its  western  extremity,  and  a  second  island  2  miles 
W.N.W.  from  the  first.  This  reef  with  the  S.W.  extremity  of  that  extend- 
ing from  Bilitan  forms  a  channel  on  the  East  and  North  sides  of  Simonor. 
Manuc  Matica  is  is  separated  from  Simonor  by  a  deep  channel  2  miles  wide. 
It  is  thickly  inhabited,  and  the  reef  surrounding  it  steep-to. 

There  is  good  anchorage  anywhere  along  the  South  coast  of  Tawi-Tawi 
from  Bongalao  to  Balambing  in  about  13  fathoms,  sand  and  coral,  muddy 
bottom  being  sometimes  obtained,  but  there  are  several  dangers,  as  before 
mentioned,  which  require  caution.  When  anchored  North  of  Laa  Island  in 
H.M.S.  Nassau,  the  natives  came  off  from  Simonor  in  large  numbers  with 
fowls,  goats,  cocoa-nuts,  sweet  potatoes,  and  fish. 

Sibutu  Island,  the  North  end  of  which  is  in  lat.  4°  54'  40"  N.,  long. 
119^^  27'  E.,  lies  W.  by  S.  J  S.  about  18  miles  distant  from  the  Observation 


888  THE  SULU  ARCHIPFXAOO. 

Islet  South  of  Bongalao ;  it  runs  nearly  North  and  South,  and  is  about  14 
miles  long,  with  an  average  breadth  of  2  miles.  With  the  exception  of  the 
single  peak  on  the  East  coast,  which  has  an  altitude  of  524  ft.,  and  is  a  per- 
fect cone,  the  island  is  flat  and  densely  wooded.  A  reef,  steep-to,  fringes 
the  coast,  and  then  runs  nearly  8  miles  South  of  its  southern  point,  some 
email  islands  covered  with  trees,  lying  near  its  S.W.  extreme. 

From  2  to  2^  miles  West  of  Sibutu  a  chain  of  islets  and  reefs  runs  to  the 
southward  and  parallel  to  it,  of  which  Omapui  and  Tuinindao  Islands  are  the 
principal.  There  is  a  deep  channel  between  Sibutu  and  these  islands,  but 
it  has  not  been  examined.  From  the  N.E.  point  of  Omapui  the  reef  trends 
to  the  N.W.  for  about  2^  miles,  and  then  to  the  S.W.  These  islands  are 
frequented  for  the  beche-de-mer.  The  natives  report  that  wild  cattle  are 
very  numerous  in  Sibutu,  and  that  Omapui  abounds  with  wild  pigs. 

Unsang  Anchorage,  off  the  extreme  East  point  of  Borneo,  affords  good^ 
shelter  in  the  S.W.  monsoon,  the  bottom  in  the  bay  being  moderately  even, 
and  holding  ground  of  sand  and  mud,  remarkably  good.  The  N.E.  extreme 
of  the  island  South  of  the  anchorage  is  in  lat  5°  14'  54"  N.,  long.  1 19°  15'  1 1" 
E.,  and  lies  N.W.  by  W.  |  W.  from  the  Observation  Islet,  South  of  Bon- 
galao, distant  32  miles. 

Two  and  a  half  miles  N.  by  E.  ^  E.  from  the  observation  point  is  Rocky 
Bank,  two  rocks  on  a  3-fathom  bank.  Three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  the  west- 
ward of  Rocky  Bank  is  Sandy  Bank,  half  a  mile  in  extent,  composed  of  sand 
•and  mud,  its  western  edge  being  within  1 1  cables  of  the  shore. 

No  fresh  water  was  found  at  any  time  of  tide.  Fish  are  plentiful.  There 
were  no  traces  of  natives  during  the  stay  of  the  Nassau.  Casuarina  trees 
for  steaming  purposes  may  be  cut  in  any  quantity  close  to  the  beach. 

Rene  Bank,  of  4  fathoms,  lies  in  lat.  5°  31'  N.,  long  119=  9'  E.,  N.E.  by 
E.,  5  miles  from  Tambisan  Island,  on  the  East  side  of  Tangusu  Bay. 
Discolored  water  was  seen  at  6  miles  N.E.  of  it  in  lat.  5°  37'  N.,  long.  119° 
15'  E.,  approx. 

Nymphe  Bank  was  discovered  by  a  Prussian  corvette  of  that  name  in  1873. 
It  is  described  as  half  a  mile  in  extent,  and  breaking  heavily.  Lat.  5°  43'  N., 
long.  118°  41' E. 

Peri  Bank,  of  5J  fathoms,  is  in  lat.  5°  47'  N.,  long   118°  57'  E. 

Sunday  Bank  lies  N.  by  W.,  distant  32  miles  from  Hog  Point,  which  is 
visible  from  it.  The  shoalest  water  on  this  bank  (10  fathoms,  sand  and 
coral)  is  in  lat.  5°  50'  35"  N.,  long.  119°  9'  30"  E. 

Talantam  Bank  is  composed  of  sand  and  coral.,  the  shoalest  part  of  5  fa- 
thoms being  in  lat.  5°  42'  N.,  long.  119°  26'  30"  E.  It  is  about  3  miles  long 
N.W.,  and  S.E.  If  mile  wide,  with  an  average  depth  of  8  fathoms.  With 
wind  against  the  tide  there  are  heavy  overfalls  round  this  bank. 

The  Pearl  Bank,  on  which  are  Taj  a  and  Zan  Islands,  is  a  formation  of 
coral  and  sand,  lying  about  E.  by  N.  and  W.  by  S.,  15  miles  long,  with  an 


SIILU.  8«9 

average  width  of  6  miles,  and  very  steep-to.  The  opening  leading  into  the 
lagoon  formed  by  the  coral  reef  on  Pearl  Bank,  has  a  bar  extending  across 
it  with  9  to  13  ft.  water.  This  reef  has  several  small  islands,  the  highest 
(50  ft.)  being  near  the  S.E.  extreme.  There  is  fair  anchorage  ou  the  bank 
either  to  the  N.E.  or  S.W.,  in  the  S.W.  and  N.E.  monsoons  respectively, 
but  tides  are  very  strong,  running  with  a  velocity  of  from  3  to  5  knots  an 
hour. 

Doc- Can  lies  E.  \  N.  about  12  miles  from  the  eastern  islet  on  the  Pearl 
Bank.  In  the  centre  of  this  island  is  a  large  lagoon,  with  several  islets  in  it. 
A  bank  w^th  from  5  to  8  fathoms  extends  about  2  miles  to  the  N.W.  of  Doc- 
Can  Island.  The  tides  here  are  very  strong,  the  flood  running  N.N.W.,  ebb 
S.W.,  3  to  5.5  miles  an  hour.  There  is  anchorage  South  and  West  of  Doo- 
Can,  but  none  North  of  it ;  outside  the  20-fathom  limit  the  bank  is  steep-to  ; 
on  the  southern  side  of  the  island,  a  ship  should  anchor  directly  9  or  10 
fathoms  is  obtained,  as  deeper  water  will  be  found  between  those  soundings 
and  the  edge  of  the  reef. 

Laparan  Island  is  situated  to  the  eastward  of  Doc-Can,  with  a  channel 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  wide  dividing  them  ;  it  runs  North  and  South,  is  5 
miles  long,  and  from  2  to  3  miles  broad,  and  covered  with  trees.  To  the 
westward  it  is  fronted  by  a  coral  reef,  with  several  small  islets  on  it,  the  reef 
being  steep-to.     There  is  no  anchorage  to  the  westward  of  Laparan. 

Cap  Island  lies  9  miles  E.N.E.  from  Laparan.  It  has  sunken  rocks  ex- 
tending 3  miles  westward  from  its  northern  end,  and  a  2|-fathom  patch  at  3 
miles  eastward  of  the  same  point.  Deoto  Bato,  2\  miles  long  in  a  N.N.W. 
and  S.S.E.  direction,  lies  in  the  southern  part  of  the  strait  which  separates 
Laparan  and  Cap  Islands.  Numerous  small  islands  lie  to  the  south-eastward 
between  these  islands  and  the  Tapul  Group,  which  will  be  best  understood 
from  the  chart. 

SULTJ  is  about  30  miles  long,  and  8  or  10  miles  broad.  The  officers  of  the 
U.S.  Expedition  came  to  the  conclusion  that  they  had  seen  nothing  in  their 
circumnavigation  to  be  compared  to  this  enchanting  spot.  It  appeared  to 
be  well  cultivated,  with  gentle  slopes  rising  here  and  there  into  eminences 
from  one  to  two  thousand  feet  in  height.  Although  under  cultivation,  it  had 
the  freshness  of  a  forest  region.  The  effect  of  this  was  destroyed  in  part  by 
the  knowledge  that  this  beautiful  archipelago  was  the  abode  of  a  cruel  and 
barbarous  race  of  pirates. 

Sulu  or  Sotmg,  at  the  N.W.  end  of  the  island,  is  or  was  the  residence  of 
the  Sultan  or  fiajah,  and  the  emporium  of  the  archipelago.  H.M.S.  Egeria 
visited  the  place  in  1876,  and  found  that  the  town  had  been  destroyed. 
According  to  Sir  Edward  Belcher,  it  is  built  on  piles,  like  Brunion  the  N.W. 
coast  of  Borneo,  running  in  three  lines  out  to  sea,  the  out  r  houses  being 
in  4  fathoms,  the  intervals  allowing  the  Samarang  to  lie  in  the  main  street. 
I.  ▲.  •  5  X 


890  THE  SULU  AECHIPELAGO. 

The  chiefs,  however,  reside  on  terra  firma.  There  are  or  were  two  batteries, 
one  on  each  side  of  this  main  water  communication.  It  is  in  lat.  6°  2'  N., 
long.  121°  E. 

The  anchorage  in  the  road  is  in  18  or  20  fathoms,  on  a  loose  sandy  bottom, 
with  the  Sultan's  house  bearing  S.  26°  E.,  Mount  Temontangis  S.  26°  W., 
Tulian  Eock  S.  67°  W.,  and  the  S.W.  point  of  Paliangan,  the  largest  and 
westernmost  island  in  the  offing  N.  60°  W.  The  bottom  being  insufficient 
holding  ground,  ships  are  liable  to  drive  in  N.W.  squalls.  Bullocks,  poul- 
try, and  live  stock  of  all  kinds,  with  abundance  of  vegetables  and  fruits, 
may  be  procured ;  also  wood  and  water.  But  in  any  communications  here, 
the  utmost  caution  should  be  used,  as  before  urged.  Water  may  be  procured 
in  abundance  in  Talian  Bay  at  the  N.E.  end  of  the  island. 

In  coming  to  Sulu  Eoad  from  the  N.E.  care  should  be  taken  to  avoid  the 
Tahut  Palunuan  Shoal,  with  3  and  3  J  fathoms  or  less  water,  and  extending 
N.E.  and  S.W.  for  6  or  7  miles.  The  southern  part  is  in  lat.  6°  14'  N., 
long.  121°  16'  E.,  about  18  miles  N.  by  W.  from  the  East  end  of  Sulu,  and 
16  miles  westward  of  the  Duo  Bolod,  two  rocks  700  feet  in  height,  nearly 
midway  between  Sulu  and  Basilan.  They  are  quite  bold-to.  Leaving  Sulu 
Eoad,  the  best  route  to  the  S.E.  is  round  the  West  end  of  the  island,  leaving 
the  high  island  of  Tapul  before  mentioned,  and  the  low  islands  of  Taluk  and 
Kabinguan  to  the  southward,  and  the  islands  nearer  to  Sulu  to  the  north- 
ward. One  of  the  detached  coral  patches  mentioned  before,  however,  lies 
near  this  track.  It  has  8  J  fathoms,  and  bears  from  the  westernmost  high 
land  of  Sulu  S.S.E.  and  West  from  the  South  point  of  Pata  Island,  which  is 
high.  The  tides  set  fair  through  this  channel,  and  sometimes  very  strong. 
Off  the  West  end  of  Sulu,  in  December,  they  have  been  found  to  set  N.W. 
and  S.E.  at  4  miles  an  hour.  During  the  N.N.  monsoon  there  is  generally 
a  N.W.  or  westerly  current  in  the  neaps  between  Sulu  and  Basilan.  In 
March  the  current  generally  sets  to  the  eastward. 

Dalrymple  Rarhour,  on  the  N.E.  side  of  the  island  of  Sulu,  is  formed  by 
the  island  of  Tulyan  on  the  North  and  the  coast  of  Sulu  to  the  South,  and, 
being  the  only  well-protected  harbour  in  this  fertile  island,  may  at  some 
future  day  be  a  place  of  importance.  Good  anchorage  will  be  found  during 
the  N.E.  monsoon  under  the  lee  of  Tulyan  Island  ;  the  natives  report  that, 
during  the  N.E.  monsoon  the  wind  seldom  blows  home. 

Tulyan  Island,  about  1  mile  in  length  froai  S.S.W.  to  N.N.E.,  and  8  cables 
in  an  East  and  West  direction,  is  steep  on  the  West  side,  running  up  to  a 
height  of  513  ft.,  the  summit  being  clothed  with  long  grass.  The  Spaniarda 
had  a  guard  of  soldiers  on  this  island  for  some  time,  but  the  natives  from  the 
mainland  made  such  frequent  excursions,  spearing  the  sentries  and  cattle, 
that  they  found  it  advisable  to  remove  the  settlement,  since  which  time  it. 
has  not  been  inhabited. 


THE  PANGUTARAN  GROUP.  891 

Buol  was  the  largest  town  in  this  part  of  the  island  of  Sulu,  but  was  par- 
tially destroyed  by  the  Spaniards  in  1872. 

A  large  ship  visiting  Dalrymple  Harbour  should  round  Tulyan  Island  to 
the  northward,  and  approach  the  anchorage  by  the  eastern  passage,  avoiding 
the  4i-fathom  patch  3^  cables  S."W.  of  Martin  Bluff,  having  passed  on  the 
island  side  of  which,  a  course  about  S.W.  A  W.  until  the  southern  point 
bears  West,  leads  up  to  the  anchorage  in  8  or  9  fathoms.  The  extreme 
eastern  point  of  the  island  should  then  bear  about  N.N.E.  j  E.  Supplies 
are  not  to  be  obtained. 

Maimbun  Bay,  on  the  S.W.  side  of  Sulu  Island,  is  much  used  as  an  an- 
chorage during  the  N.E.  monsoons  ;  the  bottom,  however,  appears  to  be 
studded  with  loose  coral.  The  rock  charted  2  miles  South  from  Point  Ca- 
balian  (the  West  entrance  point  of  Maimbun  Bay),  is  said  not  to  exist.  A 
shoal  (Batolaqui  Shoal),  awash  at  high  water,  was  seen  from  the  Swinger,  at 
half  a  mile  E.S.E.  from  Point  Cabalian. 

The  Pangutaran  Group,  to  the  N.W.  of  Sulu,  consists  of  several  islands, 
of  which  that  which  give  the  name  is  the  largest  and  westernmost.  Th^re 
is  a  village  on  the  coast  at  5  miles  S.W.  of  Sulu,  and  near  the  shore,  N.E.  of 
this  village,  is  a  sunken  rock.  W.N.W.  3  miles  from  the  point  on  which 
the  village  stands  is  an  islet,  with  a  sunken  rock  1^  mile  westward  from  it. 
Marongos,  a  small  island,  lies  N.W.  6  miles  from  Sulu,  and  in  a  N.E.  direc- 
tion from  it  lie  three  other  islands,  within  a  distance  of  8  miles.  A  bank 
lies  a  little  to  the  S.E.  of  the  centre  one  of  the  three.  Palliavgan,  5  miles 
long  N.E.  and  S.W.,  has  its  South  extreme  at  3  miles  W.  by  N.  from  Ma- 
rongos. Off  its  S.W.  extreme  are  some  dangers,  and  at  4  miles  W.S.W. 
from  this  point  is  a  3-fathom  patch.  There  is  a  clear  channel  between  the 
Pangutaran  Group  and  Ubian,  and  this  is  the  proper  course  in  the  S.W. 
monsoon,  as  the  currents  run  strongly  to  the  northward  along  the  West  sides 
of  the  islands.  To  the  northward  of  Pangutaran  the  springs  sometimes  run 
6  knots,  and  if  horsed  to  the  eastward  of  the  island,  there  will  be  some 
difficulty  in  getting  to  the  S.E.,  as  the  two  adjacent  islands,  Eulassein  and 
Pandiican,  are  connected  by  reefs,  and  the  strait  between  is  very  narrow. 

Ubian  is  inhabited,  the  largest  town  Suang-bunah  being  on  the  S.W.  side, 
well  protected  by  a  coral  reef.  From  Ubian  a  shallow  bank,  with  from  7  to 
1 1  fathoms  over  it,  runs  in  a  W.S.W.  direction  for  nearly  19  miles  to  Cap 
Island.  This  bank  affords  a  good  stopping  place  for  a  ship  taking  the  Pan- 
gutaran passage  ;  its  northern  edge  is  very  steep,  and  the  lead  should  be 
kept  going  when  approaching  from  this  direction.  There  is  anchorage  be- 
tween Ubian  and  Malicut,  a  small  island  3^  miles  S.W.  of  it,  in  from  5  to  10 
fathoms,  but  the  bottom  is  hard  and  even.  There  is  also  anchorage  about 
I  mile  W.S.W.  of  the  North  end  of  Malicut  in  7  to  9  fathoms,  but  the  tides 
run  strong  at  springs. 

The  interval  between  Sulu  and  Basilan,  a  space  13  miles  wide,  is  occupied 


892  THE  SULU  AECHIPELAGO. 

by  several  groups  of  islands,  which  have  open  and  clear  channels  between 
them.  The  south-easternmost  of  these  openings,  between  Point  Tandu,  the 
East  point  of  Sulu,  and  Bengao,  the  island  next  eastward  of  it,  is  5^  miles 
wide,  and,  as  far  as  is  known,  is  safe,  the  only  danger  being  a  reef  off  the 
N.W.  paint  of  the  latter  island.  The  channels  between  this  and  Belauan, 
separated  by  Batanguingi  and  Tongkuil  Islands,  are  also  safe. 

In  the  space  to  the  northward  of  Sulu  Island  are  several  detached  rocts 
and  dangers.  Teomabal  Island,  12  miles  East  of  Panducan,  has  a  reef  extend- 
ing 8  miles  E.N.E.  from  it,  and  5  miles  northward  of  the  eastern  end  of  this 
reef  is  a  detached  If  fathom  bank.  St.  Lucia  Shoal,  of  3^  fathoms,  is  in  lat. 
6°  24'  N.,  long.  121°  14'  E.  Wilhelmina  Rock,  awasb  at  high  water,  lies  7 
miles  E.  ^  N.  from  this,  and  at  8  miles  S.E.  from  the  St.  Lucia  is  a  rock 
awash,  with  a  3i-fathom  patch  just  northward  of  it,  and  shallow  water  ex- 
tending for  6  miles  to  the  S.W. 

Belauan  or  Belawn  is  the  south-easternmost  of  a  cluster,  and  is  apparently 
low  land,  and  on  the  N.W.  island  is  a  high,  round  mount.  The  East  point 
of  Belauan  is  in  lat.  6°  7'  30"  N.,  long.  121°  52'  E.  A  mile  to  the  N.E.  of  it 
are  two  small  islets,  called  Difulul.  Tataran  is  also  of  moderate  height,  and 
is  6  miles  northward  of  the  East  point  of  Belauan. 

The  channel  between  Tataran  and  Lanauan,  which  is  533  feet  in  height, 
is  6  miles  in  breadth,  and  the  edge  of  the  bank  of  soundings  on  which  the 
islands  stand  is  very  steep-to  to  the  eastward  of  them.  This  occasions  a 
ridge  or  line  of  strong  ripplings,  appearing  sometimes  like  breakers  when  the 
current  runs  swiftly,  but  there  is  no  danger,  the  least  depth  being  9  and  10 
fathoms.  Tapiantana  Island,  which  forms  the  N.E.  limit  of  this  channel, 
has  a  high,  hill,  forming  a  regular  peak  on  its  western  part,  with  low  land 
stretching  out  to  its  East  point,  which  is  in  lat.  6°  17'  N.,  long.  122°  E. 
Buhuan  Island,  to  the  northward  of  Tapiantana,  is  very  similar  to  it,  and 
has  a  mount  of  similar  form  983  ft.  high.  To  the  eastward  of  them  are  the 
Salipen  Islands,  from  the  North  side  of  which  a  reef  extends  towards  the 
South  point  of  Basilan.  The  channel  between  the  South  end  of  Basilan  and 
the  reefs  which  lie  off  it  is  safe,  but  in  some  parts  is  very  narrow,  so  that 
that  South  of  Lanauan  is  much  to  be  preferred. 

BASILAN,  the  largest  of  the  eastern  group,  belongs  to  the  Spanish  Go- 
vernment.  It  was  a  nest  of  thieves  and  pirates,  the  most  expert  in  the 
archipelago,  and  in  consequence  was  taken  possession  of  by  the  Spaniards, 
and  attached  to  the  province  of  Samboangan  in  Mindanao.  It  is  about  20 
miles  long,  and  is  a  mountainous  country.  The  highest  point,  on  the  South 
side,  is  3,970  ft.  high  ;  the  East  end  rises  to  2,540  ft.,  and  the  western  point 
to  1,116  it. 

Point  Matanal,  the  eastern  extremity,  is  in  lat.  6°  37'  N.,  long.  122°  19'  E. 
Above  it  is  the  high  land  before  mentioned.  The  N.E.  shore  of  the  island 
is  quit©  bold-to,  and  trends  to  W.N.  W.  for  20  miles  to  the  mouth  of  a  narrow 


BASILAN-  PASSANHAN  OR  ISABELA  HAEBOUR.  893 

strait,  formed  by  Malaunavi  Island,  in  which  is  the  Spanish  post  of  Imhela  or 
Passanhan. 

Passanhan  or  Isabela  Harbour,  at  the  N.W.  side  of  Basilan  Island,  can 
be  entered  from  the  North  or  South,  and  there  is  sufficient  depth  of  water 
for  large  vessels.  The  channel  has  an  everage  width  of  1 J  cable  ;  the  shoals 
which  in  some  places  narrow  it  are  marked  by  buoys,  as  is  also  the  shoal  off 
the  southern  entrance.  Large  vessels  should  moor  in  the  stream ;  smaller 
vessels  may  lie  closer  to  the  shore  of  the  harbour. 

The  tides  during  the  stay  of  the  Rertha,  in  the  month  of  April,  were  regu- 
lar, of  six  hours'  duration  each,  and  no  slack  water ;  they  are,  however,  fre- 
quently influenced  by  the  wind.  The  flood  set  S.W.  and  the  ebb  to  the  N.E., 
at  the  rate  of  1^  or  2  knots. 

Isahela,  the  residence  of  the  Spanish  Governor  of  Basilan,  is  situated  on 
the  western  slope  of  a  chain  of  hills,  590  ft.  high,  and  densely  wooded.  The 
bar  of  the  rivulet  Passanhan,  West  of  the  town  of  Isabela,  is  impassable  even 
for  small  craft.  It  supplies  the  only  drinking  water  to  be  obtained,  but  so 
high  up  that  boats  cannot  ascend.  Provisions  cannot  be  obtained.  There 
is  a  coal  depot  for  the  use  of  the  Spanish  vessels  of  war,  at  a  small  island 
adjoining  the  mainland  ;  no  other  store  of  coal  is  kept. 

The  population  consists  of  5,000  or  6,000,  chiefly  Malays  and  Chinese, 
who  live  in  bamboo  huts,  the  Malays,  according  to  their  custom,  over  or 
near  the  water.  Some  convicts  are  kept  on  the  idand  where  the  coal  depot 
is  placed. — (Ship  Rertha,  Imperial  German  Navy,  1875.) 

The  bay  to  the  West  of  this,  called  San  Rafael  Bay,  has  anchorage  in  12 
to  15  fathoms,  protected  in  some  degree  by  the  shoals  which  extend  westward 
from  the  island. 

To  the  westward  of  Basilan  there  are  numerous  islands,  the  channels  be- 
tween which  appear  to  be  safe,  but  should  only  be  used  with  caution, 
Buhuan,  983  ft.  high,  lies  off"  the  South  point  in  lat.  6°  21'  N.,  long.  122°  O'E. 
The  Basilan  coast,  to  the  N.W.  of  this,  is  clear,  as  also  the  channel  3  miles 
wide  to  the  North  of  it,  but  to  the  eastward  there  are  some  shoals  which  very 
much  contract  the  passage  to  the  eastward.  Malusa,  a  settlement  of  the 
Spaniards  on  the  S.W.  coast  of  Basilan,  is  deserted  ("1875),  and  its  vicinity 
should  be  avoided,  the  inhabitants  being  hostile.  On  the  S.E.  side  of  Basi- 
lan, between  the  island  Cauluan  and  Matanal  Point,  there  is  a  bank  of 
soundings  against  the  shore  of  the  wide  bay  which  opens  to  the  S.E. 

Sibago  Island,  which  lies  %h  miles  N.E.  by  N.  from  Point  Matanai,  is 
high,  with  low  land  projecting  from  the  hill.  It  is  in  lat.  6°  45'  N.,  long. 
122°  24'  E.  Langil  Island  is  3  miles  to  the  W.N.W.  of  Sibago  ;  it  also  has 
low  land  extending  from  its  high  hill,  and  the  two  islands  when  seen  in 
nearly  the  above  or  opposite  bearing,  appear  as  one  saddle  hill.  Cocos,  a 
high  and  small  island,  is  5  miles  W.  i  S.  from  Langil,  and  5  miles  off  Basi- 


S94  THE  SULU  ARCHIPELAGO. 

Ian.  The  Eelena  Bank,  coral,  lies  about  H  mile  N.W.  from  Cocos,  which  is 
in  lat.  6°  46'  N.,  long.  122°  14'  E. 

The  STRAIT  of  BASILAN,  between  that  island  and  the  South  point  of 
Mindanao,  is  about  6^  miles  wide  where  narrowest.  To  the  south-eastward 
are  the  islands  just  mentioned,  and  to  the  westward  are  the  clusters  which 
lie  to  the  N.W.  of  Basilan  and  northward  of  Pilas. 

Filas  is  all  low  level  land,  except  the  North  part,  where  there  are  two  hills 
about  710  ft.  high.  It  is  about  6  miles  long  North  and  South,  and  a  small 
island,  Tagowlu,  lies  on  its  eastern  side. 

Of  the  islands  West  of  Pilas  the  Salleolukit  Isles  are  the  westernmost,  and 
are  25  miles  westward  of  the  West  point  of  Basilan.  A  3  miles  N.W.  of  this 
is  this  Favotirite  Roch,  12  ft.,  in  lat.  6°  44'  N.,  long.  121°  22',  which  is  the 
farthest  to  the  N.W.  The  Griffin  Rocks  lie  6  miles  N.  by  E.  from  Salleolukit. 
They  must  have  a  berth  to  the  eastward,  as  the  sea  does  not  always  break 
on  them.  There  is  another  rock,  Batu  Balu,  about  7^  miles  to  the  S.E.  of 
Salleolukit.  Besides  these  there  are  several  other  shoals  to  the  westward  of 
Pilas  and  Sanghoys  Islands,  the  latter  lying  18  miles  N.W.  by  W.  from 
Basilan ;  they  are  two  high  islands  close  to  each  other,  and  are  sometimes 
called  the  Hare's  Ears.  The  hill  on  the  South,  or  Great  Sangboy,  resembles 
a  dome. 

Teinga  or  Texjnga  is  about  3  miles  N.N.E.  from  the  North  Sangboy.  It  is 
in  lat.  6°  54'  N.,  long.  121°  38'  E.,  and  is  the  northernmost  of  the  Sulu  Ar- 
chipelago. It  is  very  low,  covered  with  trees.  A  reef  extends  a  short  dis- 
tance South  of  it,  and  another  a  considerable  distance  to  the  North  of  it. 
There  is  also  a  6-fathom  spot  at  6|  miles  E.  by  N.  ^  N.  from  it,  reported  by 
the  ship  Wild  Rover,  in  1870. 

Between  Pilas  and  Basilan  are  Malaga  or  Mataha,  low  and  woody,  and 
Bululi  to  the  northward  of  it,  a  considerable  island,  with  a  sloping  hill  at  the 
North  part,  and  low  land  to  the  southward.  With  Pilas  Island  it  forms  a 
safe  channel  3  miles  wide.  About  midway  between  Matagu  and  Baluk  there 
is  said  to  be  a  bank  or  dangerous  rock. 

The  Santa  Cruz  Islands,  on  the  North  side  of  the  strait,  adjacent  to  the 
South  point  of  Mindanao,  are  two  in  number  and  small.  There  are  numerous 
coral  reefs  in  their  vicinity.  One  of  these  has  13  ft.  water,  and  lies  4  miles 
S.W.  \  W.  from  the  western  island,  the  eastern  peak  of  Basilan  bearing 
S.E.  by  E.  There  are  other  patches  between  this  and  the  island  to  the  east- 
ward. There  is  another  coral  reef  of  16  feet,  with  the  western  Sta.  Cruz 
Island  bearing  E.  by  S.  ;|  S.  7  miles.  A  6-fathom  patch  lies  3  miles  off  the 
North  coast  of  Basilan,  at  14  miles  westward  of  Cocos  Island. 

With  the  exception  of  these  reefs,  and  that  near  the  Cocos  Islands,  the 
Strait  of  Basilan  appears  to  be  safe,  although  the  depths  in  it  are  very  irre- 
gular, with  rocky  bottom  in  many  places. 


(     895     ) 


THE   PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

This  noble  archipelago  belongs  to  the  Spaniards  by  right  of  discovery. 
Twenty-nine  years  alter  the  discovery  of  America  by  Columbus,  and  two 
years  after  the  conquest  of  Alexico,  Fernando  Magalhaens,  or  as  he  is  com- 
monly called  Magellan,  after  having  passed  round  Cape  Horn,  and  discover- 
ing the  Ladrone  Islands,  came  in  sight  of  Samar,  one  of  the  Philippines,  on 
Sunday,  March  17th,  1521,  the  feast  of  St.  Lazarus,  and  thus  named  them 
the  Archipelago  of  St.  Lazaro,  which  -was  subsequently  changed  by  Villa- 
lobus  21  years  later,  to  their  present  appellation,  in  honour  of  Philip  Prince 
of  Asturias,  the  unworthy  son  of  Charles  V.  Magellan,  coming  to  Zebu  or 
Cebu,  began  the  work  of  conquest  and  conversion  simultaneously,  and  was 
shot  by  the  Indians  in  a  foolish  fray  on  the  island  of  Mactan,  adjacent  to  the 
East  coast  of  Zebu,  on  August  26th,  1521.  Thus  died  the  first  circumnavi- 
gator, his  ships  being  brought  to  Spain  by  his  cousin  and  historian  Barbosa. 
A  monument  is  erected  to  his  memory  at  Zebu,  as  hereafter  described. 

The  archipelago  numbers  thirty-one  islands  of  importance,  exclusive  of 
numerous  tiny  islets,  rocks,  and  reefs.  They  extend  from  North  to  South, 
over  sixteen  degrees  of  latitude,  a  circumstance  which  endows  them  with  a 
striking  variety  of  climate,  which  in  its  turn  is  exemplified  in  the  growth  of 
products  belonging  to  both  the  temperate  and  torrid  zones,  the  palm  and 
the  fir,  the  pine-apple,  the  potato,  and  wheat  flourishing  alike  on  their 
shores.  The  situation  of  these  fertile  islands,  occupying  as  they  do  a  central 
point  between  Japan,  China,  Annam,  the  English  and  Dutch  settlements  in 
the  East  Indies  and  Australia,  not  to  speak  of  their  favourable  position  for 
communication  with  the  West  coast  of  America,  ought  to  ensure  them  a 
world-wide  trade.  But  hitherto,  in  spite  of  the  early  trade  with  Manilla  in 
the  16th  century,  commerce  has  languished  hopelessly  through  the  elaborate 
and  short-sighted  restrictions  imposed  by  Spanish  protectionists.  There  is 
however,  good  ground  for  anticipating  better  days,  for  a  decree  of  the  5th  of 
April,  provided  that  the  difi'erential  duties,  which  were  framed  in  a  spirit  of 
the  most  extraordinary  hostility  to  all  foreign  traders,  should  expire  at  the 
end  of  two  years,  that  all  export  duties  should  be  abrogated,  and  that  the 
more  annoying  port  dues  should  be  consolidated  into  one  single  charge.  The 
most  important  products  of  the  islands  are  tobacco,  coffee,  cacao,  cocoa-nut 
oil,  sugar  and  Manila  hemp.  Manila,  Samboanga,  Zebu,  Ilo  Ilo,  Tacloban 
and  Legaspi  are  open  ports. 

The  rest  of  the  islands,  excepting  Mindanao  and  the  Bashi  Islands,  are 
known  collectively,  as  the  Bisayas,  or  Visayas,  a  native  word  signifying 
"  painted  man,"  as  the  people  were  found  to  be  so  when  first  discovered  by 
the  Spaniards.     But  they  are  all  under  one  government,  that  oi  the  Captain- 


896  THE  PHILirPINE  ISLANDS. 

General,  resident  at  Manila,  whose  jurisdiction  not  only  extends  over  all  the 
islands,  but  also  over  the  Marianas  in  the  Pacific.  The  people  are  of  diflferent 
races.  The  mountain  tribes  are  called  Negritos,  diminutive  negroes,  who 
also  inhabit  the  island  Negros,  adjacent  to  Zebu.  Another  race  are  the 
Igorrotes,  a  copper-coloured  race,  who  resemble  the  Dyaks  of  Borneo,  and 
are  eager  head-hunters.  The  great  mass  of  those  subject  to  the  Spanish 
rule  are  the  Tagals  inhabiting  Luzon,  and  the  Bisayans,  who  live  on  the 
other  islands,  each  having  a  variety  of  dialects  and  customs.  A  large  Chinese 
population  also  exists. 

The  number  of  the  population  has  been  variously  and  vaguely  estimated, 
the  latest  account  being  that  given  by  Dr.  Meyer,  in  1875,  who  states  that 
the  population  of  the  archipelago,  according  to  the  latest  Spanish  accounts, 
numbered  7,451,352;  of  these  4,540,191  were  in  Luzon,  and  1,052,586  in 
Panay. 

The  seasons  may  be  divided  into  the  wet  and  dry,  the  former  extending 
from  June  to  November,  and  the  latter  from  December  to  May. 

Tides. — It  is  only  in  recent  years  that  the  tides  of  these  islands  have  been 
understood.  Owing  to  their  great  irregularity,  it  required  a  long  series  of 
observations  at  frequent  intervals  to  gain  sufficient  knowledge  to  make  known 
the  system.  These  observations  have  been  made,  and  the  conclusion  come 
to,  that  in  the  course  of  the  lunar  day  in  the  Bay  of  Manila  there  are  two 
high  waters  and  two  low  waters  of  different  relative  heights,  and  that  the  dif- 
ference between  the  height  of  the  two  high  waters  has  reference  to  the  age 
of  the  moon.  Senor  Don  Francisco  Carrasco,  who  has  written  an  elaborate 
paper  on  the  subject  (translated  in  Nautical  Magazine  for  July,  1868),  thus 
speaks  of  these  differences : — 

"If  we  follow  the  curve  during  the  lunar  month,  we  see  that  at  the  be- 
ginning of  the  lunation  there  is  a  high  water  of  great  comparative  impor- 
tance ;  and  another  most  minute  one,  corresponding  to  the  passage  of  the 
moon  over  the  inferior  meridian  (antipodes).  The  important  high  water  goes 
on  decreasing  in  height  with  the  age  of  the  moon,  when  the  heights  of  both 
high  waters  are  nearly  equal ;  the  first  goes  on  decreasing  and  the  second 
increasing  until  full  moon,  when  the  great  tide  of  new  moon  is  converted 
into  the  least  and  this  into  the  largest.  Starting  from  this  conclusion,  the 
same  phenomenon  presents  itself  in  the  large  tide  diminishing,  and  the 
smaller  one  increasing,  so  as  to  become  equal  at  the  last  quarter,  and  at  the 
next  new  moon  returning  to  its  former  greater  height  and  the  other  to  its 
lesser."     The  rise  of  the  tide  varies  from  3^  to  6  or  7  ft.  in  Manila  Bay. 

MINDANAO,  or  Magindanao,  is  the  southernmost  of  the  Philippine 
Islands,  and  next  to  Luzon  is  the  largest.  It  is  very  little  known,  but  some 
trade  is  done  with  Labuan.  Up  to  a  comparatively  recent  period  the 
Spaniards  only  held  the  North  and  N.E.  portion  of  it,  leaving  the  great  bay 
on  the  South,  and  this  part  of  the  island  in  the  hands  of  those  pirates  whose 


CAPE  SARANGAXI,  OR  PANGUITAN.         897 

name  of  Llanuns  or  lUanuns  derived  from  the  bay,  spread  terror  over  the 
surrounding  seas. 

Miudanao  is  about  270  miles  long  from  East  to  West,  and  245  miles  from 
North  to  South.  Its  mountains  are  of  great  altitude,  and,  like  many  other 
islands  of  the  eastern  seas,  clothed  with  the  richest  forest  growth  nearly  to 
their  summits.  There  are  many  volcanoes,  some  extinct,  others  more  or  less 
active.  Among  the  latter  is  Mount  Calalan^  in  the  S.E.  part.  It  is  inter- 
sected by  these  mountains  in  many  directions,  and  in  the  valleys  they  form 
are  many  extensive  lakes,  a  circumstance  to  which  the  island  owes  its  name. 
It  is  or  was  divided  by  the  Spaniards  into  four  provinces,  that  of  Caraga  on 
the  N.E.  side,  Neuva  Guipuzcoa  on  the  S.E.,  Misamis  on  the  N.W.,  and  the 
small  district  of  Samhoangan  on  the  South  end  of  the  western  peninsula. 
Of  the  people  little  can  be  said  here.  M.  Meyer  estimated  the  population  to 
number  191,802,  in  1871.  The  whole  of  the  interior  is  occupied  by  those 
piratical  people  of  very  various  races,  but  known  generally  as  the  lUanos  or 
lUanuns  before  mentioned.  They  profess  Mohammedanism.  The  climate  is 
hot  and  humid,  but  from  its  lying  so  near  the  equator,  it  is  beyond  the  reach 
of  typhoons.  This  renders  the  coast  much  more  safe  than  it  otherwise 
would  be,  although  in  the  extensive  bays  which  indent  it  there  are  many 
places  of  shelter. 

CAPE  SARANGANI,  or  Panguitan,  is  the  South  point  of  Mindanao.  It 
is  in  lat.  5°  35'  N.,  long.  125°  21'  E.  The  land  adjacent  is  lofty,  and  may  be 
seen  30  or  40  miles  oflf.  Off  it  lie  the  Sarangani  Islands,  two  in  number, 
bearing  E.N.E.  and  W.S.AV.  of  each  other,  and  about  South  from  Cape 
Panguitan.  The  easternmost  is  much  the  lowest,  and  has  a  hill  on  its  South 
end.  Linitan  is  a  small  low  island,  about  3  miles  northward  of  the  eastern 
Sarangani  Island,  and  has  reefs  projecting  from  its  North,  South,  and  East 
points. 

The  Channel  between  the  cape  and  the  Sarangani  Islands  is  about  5  or  6 
miles  wide,  clear  of  hidden  danger.  There  is  a  passage  between  the  islands, 
the  eastern  side  of  which  is  the  best,  as  there  is  a  shoal  projecting  nearly 
into  mid-channel  from  the  western  side  in  the  narrowest  part. 

To  the  north-westward,  20  miles  distant  from  the  South  point,  is  a  deep 
bay,  with  a  bank  lying  S.W.  of  its  western  entrance  point.  It  is  known  as 
the  Bnhia  de  Sarangani,  and  from  this  the  southern  coast  trends  to  the  north- 
westward towards  the  great  bay  which  so  deeply  indents  the  South  side  of 
the  island.  A  sunken  rock  lies  3  miles  off  the  land  in  lat.  6°  12'  N.,  long. 
124°  T  E.,  and  a  bank  West  of  Leno  Bay,  in  lat.  6°  41'  N.,  long.  123°  55'  E. 

Illana  Bay  is  40  miles  wide  in  its  opening,  and  in  its  eastern  part  is  the 

island  of  Bongo,  lying  off  the  mouths  of  the  Rio  Grande,  the  largest  river  of 

Mindanao.     It  is  near  the  mout  of  this  river,  at  Cotahatu  or  Cota  Batto,  6 

miles  from  its  bar,  that  the  Spanish  fort  has  been  established.     In  the 

I.  A.  5  y 


898  THE  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

eastern  part  of  this  bay,  at  5  miles  N.  a  E.  from  the  North  end  of  Bongo,  is 
the  Pinatayan  Bank,  extending  to  2  miles  off  Point  Matimioz.  The  piratical 
people  of  Illana  Bay  have  been  known  to  drag  their  vessels  over  the  isthmus 
to  the  North  shore,  to  escape  pursuit.  We  have  no  particulars  of  the  great 
bays  which  lie  to  the  westward  of  this,  named  the  Puerto  de  Dumanquilas  and 
the  Seno  or  Bay  of  Sihugimj. 

Circe  Bank,  of  3j  fathoms,  lies  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  entrance  to  Si- 
buguey  Bay  in  lat.  7°  17'  30"  N.,  long.  122°  37'  30"  E.  To  the  south- 
westward  of  it  are  two  other  banks,  one  of  2f  fathoms,  N.E.  by  E.  10 
miles  from  Tanalutan  Island,  and  another,  Samar  Bank,  of  2\  fathoms,  at 
4  miles  E.N.E.  of  the  same  island. 

SAKBOANGA  and  its  vicinity  were  surveyed  by  Sir  Edward  Belcher  in 
the  Samarang  in  1844,  the  examination  including  the  Santa  Cruz  Islands 
before  mentioned.  The  fort  at  the  eastern  end  of  the  town  is  regularly 
built  and  equipped.  It  is  in  lat.  6°  54'  55"  N.,  long.  122°  6'  30'  E. 
There  is  a  church  at  the  western  end.  The  anchorage  off  the  town  is  not 
good,  the  bottom  being  foul  and  the  bank  steep,  the  depth  of  12  fathoms 
being  close  in.  Samboanga,  a  free  port,  is  a  penal  colony  of  the  Spani- 
ards, and  is  not  specially  adapted  for  the  refreshment  or  refitment  of  pass- 
ing vessels.  Bullocks,  fowls,  yams,  fruits,  rice,  and  vegetables  are  procur- 
able. The  water  is  excellent,  and  easy  to  obtain  ;  it  runs  behind  the  beach 
in  a  fine  stream,  but  it  should  be  filled  early  in  the  morning,  before  the 
•whole  female  population  commence  their  washing. 

Light. — There  is  a  small  pier  or  mole,  at  the  head  of  which  a  red  fixed 
light  is  shown,  elevated  32  ft.  It  is  in  about  lat.  6"  54'  N.,  long,  122" 
4'  E. 

Tides. — From  information  acquired  from  the  Spanish  surveying  vessel  at 
Samboangan,  it  appears  that  the  times  of  high  water  and  turn  of  the  streams 
are  extremely  irregular,  the  time  of  high  water,  fuU  and  change,  varying 
from  7  to  10  hours  after  the  meridian  passage  of  the  moon;  and  the  same 
phenomena  is  observed  here  as  in  the  China  Sea,  viz.,  that  in  the  S. TV.  mon- 
soon the  day  tide  is  the  highest,  and  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  the  highest  tide 
is  at  night. 

La  Colder  a  is  12  miles  westward  of  Samboanga.  It  is  a  small  harbour,  at 
the  head  of  which  is  a  small  fort,  where  the  Spanish  flag  is  hoisted  to  vessels 
passing  through  the  Strait  of  Basilan,  and  here  also  is  anchorage  for  ships 
when  they  cannot  lie  in  the  open  roadstead  in  front  of  Samboanga.  Eresh 
water,  but  not  good,  can  be  procured  here.  At  2  miles  to  the  N.W.  is  a 
place  called  Daumalong,  with  a  small  stockaded  fort.  This  occupies  the  S.W. 
point  of  Mindanao,  and  is  the  N.W.  entrance  point  of  Basilan  Strait. 

The  North-  West  Coast  of  Mindanao  is  more  irregular  than  any  other  por- 


CAMIGUIN  ISLAND.  899 

tion  of  the  Bisayas  Islands.  The  charts  will  show  its  -configuration.  The 
province  of  Misamis  on  the  northern  side  of  this  portion  is  the  most  im- 
portant of  the  island.  The  principal  inlet  is  the  Bahia  de  Iligan,  an  extensive 
bay,  at  the  head  of  which,  on  the  western  side  of  a  deep  inlet,  with  a  low 
marshy  head  called  the  Lagiina  de  Pangnil,  stands  the  pueblo  of  Misamis^  the 
chief  place  of  the  province,  lat.  8°  10'  N.,  long.  123°  49'  E.  It  has  some 
trade,  and  is  protected  from  the  Moro  pirates  by  a  small  fort  built  on  the 
beach.  It  is  said  that  the  bay  and  inlet  afford  safe  anchorage  even  for  the 
largest  ships.  The  Bay  of  2facajalar  or  Macahalao  is  40  miles  N.E.  of  Misa- 
mis, and  at  its  South  part  is  the  third  Spanish  post  on  this  coast,  that  of 
Cagayan  which  is  some  distance  up  the  river. 

Camiguin  Island  lies  to  the  North  of  this,  and,  with  the  exception  of  some 
shore  reefs,  is  apparently  clear.  Mr.  W.  J.  J.  Spry,  E.N.,  thus  describes 
the  visit  of  H.M.S.  Clmllenger: — "  To  the  East  we  could  see  at  the  distance 
of  50  or  60  miles  the  island  of  Camiguin,  its  volcanoes  giving  out  both 
smoke  and  steam.  From  this  distance  the  volcanoes  seemed  just  on  a  level 
with  the  water,  the  most  prominent  part  of  the  island  being  an  older  vol- 
cano, which  rises  up  behind  the  active  cone  to  a  height  of  upwards  of  5,000 
feet. 

"On  the  morning  of  the  26th  January,  1875,  we  gradually  approached 
the  island,  and  at  noon  were  close  under  the  volcano,  when  parties  of  natu- 
ralists landed  to  explore,  and  the  vessel  proceeded  on,  and  came  to  anchor 
off  the  little  village  of  Abaji.  It  seems  early  in  the  year  1871  this  island 
was  visited  with  several  violent  earthquakes,  which  resulted  in  the  first 
eruption ;  from  this  date  the  accumulation  of  the  mountain  has  been  going 
on  gradually,  and  apparently  with  little  violence.  The  general  colour  of  the 
cone  is  a  rich  chocolate  brown ;  it  has  now  reached  some  2,000  ft.  in  height, 
and  its  base  has  gradually  extended  until  it  entirely  covers  the  town  of 
Camiguin,  formerly  the  largest  on  the  island  (with  a  population  of  10,000 
inhabitants).  Now  only  a  few  ruined  walls  remain  of  this  town,  which  was 
formerly  in  one  of  the  most  prosperous  and  fertile  of  the  small  islands  of 
the  archipelago.  Since  the  eruptions,  the  island  has  become  almost  deso- 
late ;  only  a  few  hundred  inhabitants  remain ;  most  of  the  houses  are  in 
ruins,  and  the  paddy  fields  and  groves  of  flax  are  deserted  and  overgrown 
with  a  second  jungle.  For  miles  on  either  side  of  the  volcano  the  trees  are 
blighted  and  vegetation  is  destroyed  by  the  sulphureous  exhalations.  Tem- 
peratures were  taken  in  185  fathoms;  but  that  shown  57°  was  in  no  way 
other  than  usual  at  similar  depths  in  these  seas." 

From  this  the  North  coast  of  Mindanao  runs  irregularly  to  the  East  and 
northward,  forming  the  GoJfo  de  Butuan,  which  affords  good  shelter,  and 
terminates  in  Point  Bilaa,  which  forms  the  narrowest  part  of  the  Surigao 
Passage.  A  2  -fathom  bank  extends  nearly  2  miles  northward  of  Point 
Bilaa,  and  between  it  and  Gipdo  Island,  6  miles  norlli-eu&tward  of  it,  are  two 


900  THE  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

rocks  lying  H  mile  apart,  and  in  the  centre  of  the  channel.  One  of  these 
is  6  feet  below  water.  This  portion  of  Mindanao  forms  the  province  of 
Caraga,  which  is  said  to  possess  the  chief  gold  mines  of  the  island.  It  is 
very  hilly,  covered  with  a  dense  vegetation,  and  is  very  thinly  inhabited. 

Surigao,  the  chief  place  of  the  province,  is  4  miles  to  E.S.E.  of  the  above- 
mentioned  point,  and  lies  on  the  North  side  of  a  small  bay  of  difficult 
access.  You  may  anchor  in  14  or  15  fathoms,  fine  grey  sand,  with  the  vil- 
lage bearing  S.  by  W.  1  or  IJ  mile.  If  brought  more  westerly,  it  is  a  chance 
if  the  anchors  hold,  on  account  of  the  violent  tides.  If  intending  to  water 
here,  and  the  wind  being  at  southward  and  westward,  carry  all  possible  sail, 
taking  care  to  haul  close  round  Surigao  Point  between  Rozol,  or  the  South- 
wood  Island  and  Mindanao,  keeping  this  coast  aboard  until  the  village  bears 
as  above.  The  currents  rush  past  it  with  great  rapidity  during  the  N.E. 
monsoon,  when  this  side  of  the  island  becomes  a  lee  shore.  There  are 
some  building-yards  here,  and  the  native  vessels  are  well  constructed  of 
the  excellent  timber  from  the  adjacent  hills  and  interior  mountains,  where  it 
is  said  that  teak  is  abundant.  The  people  are  mild  and  docile,  but  several 
forts  are  kept  up  to  prevent  piracy. 

At  5^  miles  northward  of  Point  Bilaa  is  a  small  island,  1^  mile  E.  by  N, 
from  which  is  a  rock  which  breaks.  Gipdo,  a  high  island  5  miles  long, 
N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.,  forms  the  eastern  side  of  the  passage  leading  to  Su- 
rigao, the  land  of  Point  Bilaa  forming  the  western  side.  lu  the  middle  of 
this  passage  are  two  small  rocks  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.  a  mile  apart.  Two 
miles  North  from  the  N.W.  end  of  Gipdo  is  a  small  island  with  a  rock  just 
North  from  it,  Sihanag  has  a  rock  oil  its  southern  end  3  miles  North  from 
the  last  named  rock. 

The  STRAIT  of  SURIGAO  or  Panaon,  which  passes  between  this  North 
part  of  Mindano,  and  the  South  point  of  Panaon  is  12  miles  broad  where 
narrowest.  To  the  eastward  it  is  fronted  by  the  group  of  Surigao  Islands, 
of  which  Dinigat,  or  Gurbo,  or  Bella  Vista  is  the  largest,  and  is  40  miles  long. 
This  island  ofi'ering  a  direct  resistance  to  the  course  of  the  great  equatorial 
current  drifting  to  the  westward  across  the  Pacific  in  one  season,  or  in  the 
reverse  direction  at  another,  causes  the  channels  separating  them  and  lead- 
ing to  the  Surigao  Passage  to  be  most  dangerous,  from  the  violent  tides  and 
currents  which  rush  through  them.  It  should  therefore  be  never  attempted 
from  choice,  for,  in  addition  to  the  tidal  and  drift  currents,  the  course 
through  must  be  carried  nearly  at  a  right  angle,  so  that  it  is  almost  im- 
possible to  have  a  fair  wind  throughout,  and  in  a  calm  the  danger  is  much 
increased,  as  there  are  neither  soundings  nor  good  anchorage.  These  re- 
marks are  especially  applicable  late  in  the  season,  or  when  there  is  a  chance 
of  the  N.E.  monsoon  setting  in  prematurely.  But  if  a  ship,  in  proceeding  to 
China,  should  be  carried  into  it  by  the  westerly  current  not  later  than  the 
early  part  of  October,  she  might  ventuie  through. 


LEYTE.  901 

The  Eastern  Coast  of  Mindanao  is  not  described,  nor  visited  by  commerce, 
although  the  interior  country  affords  much  good  timber,  and  abounds  with 
trees  producing  large  quantities  of  wax  and  honey.  It  is  a  lee  shore  much 
to  be  avoided,  as  before  said,  during  the  eastern  monsoon. 

A  singular  fact  remains  to  be  noticed.  Dampier  tells  us  that  there  is  a 
large  island,  38  miles  long,  34  broad,  lofty,  and  covered  with  forest,  called 
the  Idand  of  San  Juan,  lying  30  miles  eastward  of  this  coast.  Modera 
knowledge  is  not  sufficient  to  affirm  satisfactorily  that  it  does  not  exist,  though 
it  does  not  appear  to  have  been  seen  since.  Ita  existence  is  therefore  in- 
credible. 

Panaon  is  17  miles  long  from  N.N.W.  to  S.S.E.,  and  at  its  North  end 
is  a  narrow  strait  separating  it  from  the  S.E.  point  of  Leyte.  At  the  North 
end  of  the  island  is  the  village  of  Liloan,  and  this  strait  is  called  the  Puerto 
di  Liloan.  It  has  7  fathoms  least  water,  and  there  is  anchorage  in  the  small 
bay  off  the  village. 

LEYTE  is  the  next  large  island  to  the  N.W.  of  Mindanao,  and  is  115  miles 
long  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.  It  is  generally  mountainous,  and  several  of  its 
peaks  are  quiescent  volcanoes.  Forests  cover  a  great  portion  of  its  surface ; 
among  the  trees,  that  which  produces  the  "brea,"  or  pitch,  is  the  most 
remarkable.  Since  the  active  measures  which  have  been  taken  for  the  sup- 
pression of  piracy  by  the  Moros,  the  population  of  this  island  has  increased 
in  a  remarkable  manner.  The  people  are  all  of  the  Visaya  race,  and  have 
long  been  converted  to  Christianity.  The  town  of  Leyte,  which  gives  it  its 
name,  is  at  the  N.W.  extremity,  but  the  chief  place  is  Tacloban. 

Tacloban,  opened  to  foreign  commerce  in  1873,  is  situated  at  the  N.E.  end 
of  the  island  of  Leyte,  and  at  the  South  entrance  of  the  straits  which  sepa- 
rates Leyte  from  Samar.  It  is  a  safe  harbour  during  both  monsoons,  but 
the  passage  to  it  through  the  Juanico  Straits  is  somewhat  difficult  for  sailing 
vessels,  owing  to  the  strength  of  the  current  running  between  the  island  of 
Samar  and  the  island  of  Leyte.  To  steamers  drawing  14  ft.  of  water  there 
would  be  no  difficulty  in  making  this  harbour. 

Leyte  is  thinly  inhabited,  and  the  people  of  Tocloban  are  poor  and 
miserable,  as  are  those  of  the  rest  of  the  island.  It  is  mountainous  and 
covered  with  forest.  Volcanic  craters  are  found,  and  sulphur  abounds  in 
some  placfis.  Cocoa-nut  oil  is  made,  but  the  trees  are  sometimes  destroyed 
by  hurricanes. 

The  Strait  of  San  Juanico  separates  Leyte  from  Samar.  It  is  about  30 
miles  in  length,  and  not  more  than  a  mile  wide  in  its  narrower  portions,  and 
the  two  sides  of  the  strait  being  so  similar  and  parallel,  lead  to  the  inference 
that  the  two  islands  were  once  united.  In  making  for  this  strait,  of  the 
navigation  of  which  we  have  no  particulars,  the  Samar  or  northern  shore 
must  bo  kept  on  board.     Its  N.W.  poitiou  is  called  the  Canal  de  Janabatas. 


902  THE  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

To  the  westward  of  this  the  North  shore  of  Leyte  forms  a  deep  bay,  at  the 
head  of  which  is  the  poor  village  of  Carigara,  where  the  first  cacao  tree  was 
planted  in  the  Philippines. 

Palompon  Harhour  is  an  entrance  through  the  reefs  on  the  western  shore  of 
Leyte,  in  lat.  11°  4'  N.  Port  Bella  lies  S.E.  of  and  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  promontory  to  Palompon.  It  is  in  lat.  10°  50'  N.  Ylongos  is  on  the 
S.W.  coast  of  Leyte,  in  lat.  10°  24'  N. 

SAMAR  is  larger  than  Leyte,  and  forms  a  separate  province.  It  was 
called  Ihahao.  Its  eastern  shore  being  washed  by  the  Pacific,  has  but  little 
shelter,  and  its  north-western  side  forms  the  principal  entrance  from  the 
great  ocean  to  the  Bisayas  and  other  islands  of  the  archipelago.  The  S.E. 
point  is  continued  seaward  by  a  chain  of  islands,  the  outer  point  of  the 
south-easternmost,  called  Punta  Bangui,  is  in  lat.  10°  54'  30"  N.,  long.  125° 
50'  E.  It  is  mountainous  and  lofty,  its  northern  peaks  being  visible  from 
Zebu  serving  as  a  good  mark  for  the  adjacent  channels.  Like  the  other 
islands  it  is  covered  with  forest,  and  in  its  central  portion  is  a  considerable 
population  of  Indians,  but  not  Negritos.  Cocoa-nut  oil,  cacao-bean,  abaca 
or  Manila  hemp,  wax,  pearl  oysters,  and  tortoise  shell  are  the  productions, 
and  the  people  trade  with  the  Pelew  and  Mariana  Islands.  Catbalogan,  on 
the  North  side  of  a  bay  on  its  western  shore,  is  the  chief  town  and  residence 
of  the  Alcalde. 

Puerto  de  Palapa,  on  its  N.E.  end,  afi'ords  good  shelter  to  vessels  about 
to  pass  through  the  San  Bernardino  Strait.  It  is  formed  by  the  island  of 
Batag  on  the  East,  and  the  islands  of  Laguan  and  Cahmjagan  on  the  West, 
and  is  a  channel  about  8  miles  long.  Off  each  of  its  eastern  entrance  points 
reefs  extend  for  some  distance,  but  the  channel  midway  is  quite  clear,  with 
depths  of  from  7  to  12  fathoms.  From  this  the  opening  is  nearly  a  mile 
wide,  and  extends  westward  for  3^  miles,  when  it  turns  to  northward,  and 
between  the  islands  on  either  side  there  are  good  depths  of  water  for  an- 
chorage, and  a  free  outlet  into  the  strait  to  the  northward.  Good  water  is 
to  be  got  on  Laguan  Island,  which  forms  the  S.W.  side  of  the  port,  and  thero 
is  a  narrow  but  useless  channel  to  the  South  of  it,  which  leads  into  Laguan 
Bay.  In  this  bay  a  vessel  may  anchor  in  6  or  7  fathoms  between  Laguan 
and  the  Samar  shore,  sheltered  from  East  and  N.E.  winds,  but  exposed  to 
the  N.W.  and  West. 

From  this  northern  entrance,  to  the  Balicuatro  hlands  which  form  the 
eastern  limit  of  the  Strait  of  San  Bernardino,  the  distance  is  39  miles  due 
West.  To  the  eastward  of  Viri,  the  northernmost  of  these  islands,  there  is 
a  bank  of  soundings,  varying  from  7  to  35  fathoms,  which  has  been  traced 
for  16  miles  to  the  E.N  E.,  and  may  be  a  guide  in  approaching  the  strait. 

The  Western  Coast  of  Samar. — At  the  northern  part  of  the  coast  between 
Points  Lipata  and  Quinabasaran  there  is  a  slight  bay,  which,   although 


THE  STRAIT  OF  SAN  BERNAEDINO.  903 

having  little  depth,  aflfords  good  anchorage,  particularly  in  the  season  of  the 
N.E.  winds,  and  although  at  a  good  distance  from  it,  large  rocks  are  scat- 
tered over  the  sandy  bottom,  yet  when  nearer  the  coast  these  are  not  so 
numeix)us,  and  the  ground  is  much  cleaner.  In  the  interior  of  the  bay  there 
is  a  rivulet  from  which  a  vessel  may  complete  her  water. 

About  1;^  mile  from  Quinabasaran  Point,  and  E.S.E.  from  the  North  end 
of  Puercos  Island,  is  the  mouth  of  the  River  Moho,  across  which  there  is  a 
narrow  opening  with  a  depth  of  2  fathoms  at  low  water.  A  steam  launch 
might  enter  here  and  obtain  water  at  the  cascades,  some  little  distance  up 
th«  river. 

About  4  miles  S.S.E.  of  the  Eiver  Mobo  is  the  little  port  of  Canaguaion. 
It  may  be  used  by  any  vessel  in  case  of  necessity,  and  is  formed  by  a  bend 
in  the  coast  and  two  islets  in  its  mouth  that  leaves  two  narrow  channels  for 
entering  and  leaving. 

The  STRAIT  of  SAN  BERNARDINO,  which  separates  the  N.W.  part  of 
Samar  from  the  S.E.  extremity  of  Luzon,  is  named  from  the  small  islet  which 
lies  in  its  eastern  entrance.  This  narrow  passage  is  all  to  which  the  name  is 
applicable,  but  it  has  been  extended  to  the  whole  of  the  track  between  the 
islands  leading  towards  Manila,  formerly  the  only  point  of  general  maritime 
interest  in  the  Philippines.  It  was  formerly  the  great  highway  for  the 
Spanish  galleons  on  their  way  to  Manila  from  Acapulco. 

Tides. — The  greatest  range  of  tide  occurs  generally  in  June  and  December, 
and  is  about  6  ft.  ;  the  smallest  range  of  tide  is  about  3^  ft.,  generally  in 
March  and  September. 

The  phases  of  the  moon  have  but  slight  influence  on  the  time  of  hi»h 
water  or  on  the  tidal  range.  The  highest  tides  follow  the  moon's  greatest 
declination ;  the  lowest  tides  follow  the  moon's  least  declination ;  at  the 
moon's  greatest  North  or  South  declination  there  is  only  one  flood  and  one 
ebb  in  the  twenty-four  hours ;  at  the  moon's  least  declination  there  is  one 
flood  and  one  ebb  in  twelve  hours." 

The  points  on  which  the  pilots  are  mostly  agreed  is  that  in  the  channel  the 
water  begins  to  rise  at  about  two  hours  after  the  moon  is  up.  That  the 
greatest  rise  and  fall  is  8  ft.  That  from  the  eastern  mouth  of  the  strait  to 
about  the  meridian  of  Bondog  the  flood  sets  westward,  and  the  ebb  eastward 
when  it  falls  :  and  that  from  that  meridian  to  the  western  mouth'of  the  strait 
the  reverse  of  that  takes  place.  That  from  the  eastern  mouth  of  the  strait  to 
the  above  meridian,  the  stream  of  flood  runs  longer  than  that  of  ebb  in  the 
N.E.  monsoon  ;  the  reverse  being  found  in  the  S.W.  monsoon,  and  the  oppo- 
site condition  to  this  is  found  in  the  western  part  of  the  strait.  That  the 
night  tides  are  commonly  higher  than  those  of  the  day. 

With  the  foregoing  considerations  the  navigator  may  be  advised  that  on 


904  THE  rniLTPPINE  ISLANDS. 

entering  the  strait,  he  should  immediately  look  to  the  state  of  the  tide,  and 
follow  up  his  observations  closely  while  he  is  in  it,  and  to  depend  more  on 
what  he  sees  than  on  any  calculation.     (See  also  pa^e  896.) 

In  making  for  the  strait  from  the  Pacific,  Cape  Espiritu  Santo,  in  lat.  12° 
32^'  N.,  long.  125°  13'  E.,  the  N.E.  point  of  Samar  is  in  general  made  for. 
It  is  bold  high  land,  and  may  be  seen  12  or  13  leagues  oflP.  But  should  the 
wind  be  northerl}'  it  would  be  better  to  make  directly  for  the  entrance  of  the 
strait;  or  you  may  become  embarrassed  with  the  islands  and  shoals  on  the 
North  side  of  Samar.  The  entrance  to  the  Emhocadero  or  strait  is  contracted 
by  the  Balicuatro  Islands  before  mentioned.  The  islet  of  San  Bernardino^ 
covered  with  trees,  many  of  which  are  ebony,  lies  to  the  N.W.  of  these, 
directly  in  the  entrance  of  the  strait,  lat.  12"'  46'  N.,  long.  124°  15'  E.  There 
is  a  small  islet  close  to  it  on  the  North  and  some  rocks  on  the  East  side, 
otherwise  it  is  clear,  and  on  either  side  there  is  a  channel  4  or  5  miles  wide, 
with  soundings  of  from  30  to  60  fathoms.  Having  passed  this  island,  the 
fairway  of  the  strait  will  bear  to  S.S.W.  between  Caput  Island,  off  the  N.W. 
end  of  Samar,  and  Tielin  Juag  and  Colinton  Islets,  on  the  Luzon  side ;  these 
are  bold-to,  but  at  2  miles  S.W.  by  S.  from  the  latter  island  is  the  Calantas 
Bank,  surrounded  by  depths  varying  from  3^  on  the  East  to  26  fathoms  on 
the  North  side.  Avoiding  this,  the  passage  is  clear  either  to  the  N.W.  by  W- 
to  clear  the  North  end  of  Ticao  in  proceeding  towards  Manila,  or  to  the 
southward  towards  Zebu  or  Ilo-ilo.  There  is  a  channel  to  the  East  of  Capul 
Island,  between  it  and  Puercos  Island,  which  is  2  miles  wide,  with  reefs  on 
the  port  hand,  but  a  rock  of  2f  fathoms,  called  El  Diamante,  lies  in  its 
southern  entrance,  2  miles  S.S.E.  of  the  South  end  of  Capul.  There  is  no 
anchorage  around  Capul,  except  at  a  bay  at  its  South  end,  but  it  may  be  had 
around  Puercos  Island. 

TICAO,  the  first  island  to  the  westward,  is  24  miles  long.  Port  San  Ja- 
cinto, about  the  middle  of  its  N.E.  side,  is  an  anchorage  sometimes  used  in 
passing  the  strait.  It  may  be  known  by  a  building  or  fort  with  round  bas- 
tions on  a  rocky  cliff,  the  land  rising  behind  it.  It  is  in  lat.  12°  34'  N.,  long. 
123°  44'  E.  The  anchorage  in  the  road  is  in  15  or  16  fathoms,  sand  and 
gravel,  a  little  more  than  half  a  mile  off  shore,  with  the  house  or  fort  bear- 
ing S.W.  f  W.,  a  pyramidal  rock  to  the  southward  of  it,  South,  thesugarloaf 
hill  on  Luzon  N.  ^  W.,  and  the  mouth  of  Sorsogon  Harbour  N.  by  E.  f  E. 
13  miles.  The  bank  is  steep,  so  anchor  as  soon  as  possible.  There  is  very 
little  stream  in  the  road.  High  water  at  6^  hours ;  rise  6  ft.  The  South 
point  of  the  entrance  to  the  harbour  is  fronted  by  a  reef  which  stretches 
along  shore  to  the  southward  ;  and  a  reef  projects  nearly  half  a  mile  from  a 
point  where  there  is  a  black  rock,  about  a  mile  to  the  North  from  the  North 
point  of  the  harbour's  mouth.  The  latter  is  contracted  by  a  reef  on  the  South 
side,  but  inside  the  harbour  there  is  room  for  several  ships.     The  northern 


MASBATE.  005 

arm  being  very  shoal,  vessels  are  obliged  to  anchor  on  the  South  side,  with 
the  entrance  partly  open.  The  watering  place  is  about  2  miles  to  the  north- 
ward. Good  beef  and  fruits  may  be  procured.  It  was  in  this  port  that  the 
galleons  from  Manila  awaited  a  favourable  wind  for  their  voyage  to  Acapulc(j. 
At  o  miles  to  the  N.W.  is  Togagauno  Bay,  and  at  the  N.  W.  end  of  the  island 
is  the  bay  or  port  of  &an  Miguel,  protected  from  the  East. 

SIASBATE  is  the  next  of  the  Visayas  Islands,  south-westward  of  Ticao. 
It  is  somewhat  of  a  crescent  form,  36  miles  long,  and  has  a  chain  of  moun- 
tains running  along  its  entire  length,  from  the  slopes  of  which  the  rivulets 
bring  down  sufficient  gold  to  make  the  washings  for  it  payable.  It  is  very 
thinly  inhabited.  Puerto  Barreras,  near  the  N.W.  point,  offers  safe  anchor- 
age, but  requires  great  care  in  entering.  Its  S.E.  point.  Cape  Caduljuan, 
has  a  reef  around  it,  a  continuation  of  that  fronting  the  East  coast  of  the 
island.  The  land  surrounding  this  port  is  for  the  most  part  mountainous 
and  of  a  red  colour,  from  whence  it  seems  that  various  handsome  patterns  of 
wood  are  obtained.  There  is  no  watering  place  in  the  bay,  and  therefore  a 
vessel  must  send  well  up  the  river  for  it.  The  town  is  at  a  considerable 
distance  from  its  mouth,  and  has  thirty  or  twice  that  number  of  families  in 
it  from  Balino,  very  poor  in  spite  of  the  beautiful  place,  and  the  washings 
for  gold  hard  by.  The  natives  are  held  in  such  terror  that  the  inhabitants 
dare  not  even  go  to  fishing  in  the  bay. 

The  N.E.  part  of  Masbate  from  the  Baj'  of  Mobo  as  far  as  Port  Magda- 
lena  has  anchoring  ground  of  30  to  35  fathoms  at  half  a  mile  off  shore.  The 
Port  of  Magdalena,  in  lat.  12°  27i'  N.,  long.  123°  33'  E.,  is  very  small,  but  is 
an  excellent  anchorage,  for  notwithstanding  being  open  to  the  N.W.  it  may 
be  considered  safe  in  all  seasons.  Even  a  large  vessel  may  be  secured  with 
as  many  fastenings  as  required  to  trees,  and  although  she  might  be  blown 
on  shore  with  the  few  winds  to  which  it  is  exposed,  she  would  come  to  no 
harm  on  mud.  The  margin  of  the  port  has  no  settlement,  but  about  l^-mile 
to  the  westward  is  the  town  of  Baliuo,  containing  about  eighty  families,  in 
the  inlet  of  which  there  is  shelter  for  small  boats,  and  a  small  river.  Some 
vegetables,  fowls,  and  honey,  are  all  that  is  to  be  had  there. 

Between  Masbate  and  Sibuyan  are  several  known  dangers.  Bennet  Bank 
is  a  patch  of  sand  and  mud,  a  mile  in  diameter,  its  centre  being  in  lat. 
12°  24'  N.,  long.  123°  6'  E.  It  bears  S.W.  f  S.  15  miles  from  Bugui  Point, 
the  N.W.  point  of  Masbate.  At  7  miles  S.S.W.  from  it  is  a  sunken  rock. 
A  4^-fathom  patch  lies  4  miles  West  of  Mirabeles  Point,  the  North  point  of 
entrance  of  Nin  Bay.  Las  Llagas  is  the  name  given  to  five  patches,  sepa- 
rated by  deep  water,  lying  in  the  middle  of  the  strait.  Of  these  the  northern- 
most, in  lat.  12°  15'  N.,  long.  122°  64'  E.,  has  only  4  ft.  water  over  it.  At  3 
jniles  South  from  this  is  a  2|-fathom  patch,  and  S.  ^  W.  of  this  is  a  patch  of 
3£  fathoms.     There  is  a  depth  of  107  fathoms  between  the  two  h.sL  men- 

I.    A  5  z 


906  THE  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

tioned.  The  easternmost  has  only  If  fathom  water  over  it,  and  lies  in  lat. 
12°  13'  N.,  long.  122°  59'  E.,  5  miles  E.S.E.  from  the  northernmost.  A 
sunken  rock  lies  4  miles  S.W.  from  the  eastern  patch. 

Cervera  Bank,  of  1|  fathom,  lies  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  8  miles  from  Cambalayan 
Point,  the  East  point  of  Sibuyan,  in  lat.  12°  21'  N.,  long.  122°  A^'  E.  At 
IJ  mile  East  from  it  is  another  small  bank.  Perseus  Bank  is  4|  miles  S.S.W. 
from  Cervera  Bank,  and  another  bank  is  marked  at  2  miles  S.W.  from  it. 

Cresta  de  Gallo  is  a  small  islet,  S.E.  |  S.  6  miles  from  Point  Cauit,  the 
South  point  of  Sibuyan.  Shoal  water  extends  a  mile  North  from  it,  and  3^ 
miles  to  the  S.S.W.  Prueha  Bank,  of  6  fathoms,  lies  South  from  Point 
Cauit,  and  N.W.  from  the  Cresta  de  Gallo,  and  there  are  two  4i-fathoni 
patches,  one  lying  N.N.E.  3  miles,  and  the  other  S.E.  by  E.  the  same  dis- 
tance from  the  Cresta  de  Gallo. 

ZEBU  or  Cebu  is  an  island  of  some  importance  and  interest,  as  its  port  has 
been  thrown  open  to  foreign  commerce.  The  island  is  120  miles  long,  and 
narrow,  with  ranges  of  hills  of  no  great  height  traversing  it  in  a  longitudi- 
nal direction.  The  town  of  Zebu,  the  oldest  in  the  Philippine  Islands,  and 
the  seat  of  government  of  the  southern  Philippines,  lies  in  an  extensive 
and  well  ctiltivated  plain,  at  the  foot  of  the  mountains,  and  is  considered 
healthy. 

The  population  consists  of  80,000,  principally  Malays  and  Chinese.  The 
huts  of  the  poorer  Malays,  mostly  fishermen,  on  the  sea  shore,  constitute  the 
western  part  of  the  town,  while  beyond  them  stand  numerous  massive  houses, 
with  good  streets.  The  town  is  well  built,  and  has  large  barracks,  two 
churches,  and  a  lazaretto.     Zebu  has  also  a  naval  station. 

The  exports  consist  chiefly  of  sugar,  hemp,  tobacco,  coflPee,  and  piiia  lace  ; 
the  imports  embrace  European  goods,  rice,  and  coal.  Coal  is  imported  from 
Australia  ;  a  vessel  cannot  depend  upon  a  supply  with  certainty.  There  is 
coal  on  the  island,  but  not  properly  mined.  Provisions  are  plentiful.  In 
1874,  6,933  tons  of  shipping  entered  at  Zebu. 

The  channel  between  Zebu  and  Leyte  is  clear  as  far  as  is  known,  with  the 
exception  of  the  following  banks,  which  are  easily  avoided.  Calangaman 
Inland  is  low,  and  lies  S.E.  \  E.  15  miles  from  the  N.E.  extreme  of  Zebu. 
Its  western  end  should  not  be  approached  within  3  miles.  Capatancillo  is 
another  small,  low  island,  2  miles  off  the  coast  of  Zebu,  and  S.W.  12  miles 
from  Calangaman.  Shoal  water  extends  4  miles  N.  by  E.  from  it.  About 
midway  between  Zebu  Island  and  that  of  Mactan,  E.N.E.  of  the  city,  are 
the  Camote  Islands  against  the  Leyte  shore,  but  which  leave  good  channels 
around  but  not  between  them. 

The  Port  of  Zebu  is  protected  by  the  small  island  of  Mactan  or  Magtan, 
before  mentioned.    It  is  about  9  miles  long,  and  the  town  lies  in  about  mid- 


ZEBU.  907 

way  througli  the  strait  on  the  shore  of  the  larger  island.  The  strait  forming 
Port  Zebu  is  easily  navigated,  as  there  is  always  the  ripple  on  the  edges  of 
the  banks,  and  their  colour  marks  the  channel.  Fort  Zebu  is  a  triangular 
building,  painted  red,   and  armed  with  small  guns. 

On  the  small  island  of  Mactan,  Magellan  was  killed,  soon  after  he  first 
discovered  the  Philippines  in  1521.  In  memory  of  the  great  navigator, 
Queen  Isabella  II.  has  erected  a  conspicuous  monviment. 

Light. — A  small  fixed  light,  elevated  46  ft.,  is  shown  on  Bagaca  Point,  the 
West  side  of  the  northern  entrance  to  the  Port  of  Zebu.  It  is  difficult  to 
distinguish  from  fishing  lights  shown  in  the  vicinity.  Lat.  10°  4'  N.,  long. 
123'  59^  20'  E. 

The  narrow  channel  entrance  bears  about  S.S.W.  from  the  light,  and  in 
entering,  the  South  or  Mactan  side  should  be  kept,  as  a  shoal  extends  a 
great  part  of  the  way  over  the  channel  from  the  opposite  side,  but  in  mid- 
channel  there  is  nothing  to  pick  up  a  ship  in  her  route  to  the  town,  the  fort 
forming  the  outer  point  of  the  city.  From  this  to  the  southern  entrance  the 
route  is  also  clear,  but  in  mid-channel  in  the  southern  opening  is  the  Bajo 
Lipata  (mentioned  below),  which  must  be  cautiously  approached. 

The  best  anchorage  ofi"  Zebu  is  S.S.W.  of  the  fort,  in  5  to  7  fathoms,  mud  ; 
nearer  the  southern  reef  the  water  is  deeper,  and  bottom  hard.  From  the 
anchorage  ofi'  the  fort  a  south-westerly  course  should  be  steered  until  the 
dome  of  San  Nicholas  church  bears  N.  i  E.,  when  a  course  of  S.  \  W.  leads 
in  the  fairway  between  Lipata  Bank  and  the  reef  on  Mactan  Island. 

The  harbour  is  difficult  of  access  for  large  vessels  from  the  North,  owing 
to  the  narrowness  of  the  channel,  unless  with  a  leading  wind.  With  a  fair 
wind  it  is  not  dangerous,  the  passage  between  being  deep  enough,  and  only 
requiring  to  be  less  imperfectly  buoyed  off.  To  the  South  the  entrance  is 
more  open  and  easy  of  access,  though  care  is  required  to  avoid  the  Lepata 
and  Narvaez  shoals. 

H.M.S.  Challenger  visited  Zebu  in  January,  1875,  one  object  of  her  visit 
being  to  obtain  some  specimens  of  the  beautiful  sponge  Euplectella  or  Venus' 
baskets,  said  only  to  be  obtained  near  Zebu.  "  The  pinnace,  taking  guides 
who  knew  the  bank  where  they  grow,  went  out  to  get  some.  The  natives 
lowered  their  apparatus — a  bamboo  triangle  of  two  sides,  on  which  thirty-six 
fish-hooks  are  fastened  ;  with  this  they  always  brought  several  up,  some- 
times as  many  as  ten.  They  were  very  fine  specimens,  the  skeletons  covered 
■with  brownish  animal  matter,  but  so  that  the  skeleton  tracing  was  not  hidden, 
while  the  top  is  usually  bare.  One  day's  drying  in  the  sun  will  take  the 
animal  matter  off,  leaving  the  bleached  skeleton  clean." — Lord  George 
Campbell. 

Dalaguete  Village,  about  40  miles  southward  of  Zebu,  is  marked  by  a 
conspicuous  church,  which  may  be  seen  a  long  distance  both  from  the  North 


908  THE  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

and  South.  On  Tanon  Point,  the  southern  point  of  Zebu  Island,  there  ia 
also  a  larg'e  villasre,  with  a  church.  Sumilon  Island,  lying  to  the  N.E.  of 
Taiion  Point,  is  about  150  ft.  h\^\\. 

Bohul  forms  a  part  of  the  province  of  Zebu.  It  is  about  50  miles  long, 
and  possesses  no  point  of  commercial  interest.  Its  North  and  West  coasts 
are  bounded  by  rocky  shoals,  and  to  the  N.E.  the  channel  between  it  and 
Levte  is  nearly  closed,  but  a  narrow  passage  will  be  found  close  to  the  Leyte 
shore,  between  it  and  the  small  island  of  Camigao.  A  l|-fathom  patch  lies 
7  miles  North  of  Point  Acio,  the  eastern  point  of  Bohul,  2  miles  off  shore. 
Fmfio^  or  Siquijor  Island,  20  miles  to  the  S.W.  of  Bohul,  has  also  nothing  to 
be  described.  A  sunken  rock  lies  2  miles  off  its  N.E.  coast,  N.E.  from  the 
highest  peak. 

Cervera  Rock  is  2  cables  long,  N.E.  and  S.W.,  and  has  13  ft.,  coral  and 
sand,  on  its  shoalest  part.  From  the  rock,  the  S.W.  extreme  of  Bohul 
Island  bears  N.  60°  W.,  the  North  extreme  of  Pamilacan  Island  N.  82°  E., 
the  South  extreme  S.  88^  E.,  the  Mount  N.E.  of  Pangalo  N.  4°  E. 

NEGROS  was  formerly  called  Baglas.  It  is  110  miles  long,  and  although 
larger,  is  not  so  rich  or  populous  as  Zebu.  Its  interior  is  but  little  known, 
but  is  peopled  by  the  Negritos,  who  have  given  the  name  to  the  island. 
The  villages  are  generally  built  on  the  sea  shore,  with  the  exception  of 
Tanay  and  Hoc,  which  are  in  the  interior.  The  chief  place  of  the  island  is 
Jimamailan  or  Urmamaylan,  about  the  centre  of  the  western  coast,  seated  on 
an  open  bay  at  the  mouth  of  a  small  river,  over  the  bar  of  which  small  craft 
are  floated  by  means  of  bamboos  placed  under  their  keels.  The  only  har- 
bour deserving  of  mention  is  Bacolot,  opposite  to  the  island  of  Guimaras, 
against  the  Panay  shore.  From  the  North  point  an  extensive  reef  extends 
for  20  miles,  connecting  it  with  Bantayan  Island.  The  western  side  is  in 
general  safe  and  sandy,  but  the  eastern  side  is  very  dangerous,  especially  in 
the  South,  where  the  Strait  of  Tanon  separates  it  from  Zebu.  This  is  not 
more  than  2  miles  in  width,  and  subject  to  most  violent  currents. 

BTJRIAS  is  a  long,  narrow  island,  40  miles  from  N.W.  to  S.E.  by  5  miles 
broad.  Its  surface  is  rocky  and  hilly ;  rice,  tnaize,  and  abaca  (hemp),  are 
the  chief  products.  It  was  long  without  inhabitants,  or  only  visited  by 
piratical  Moros,  but  is  now  used  as  a  place  of  transportation  for  criminals 
from  Manila,  and,  in  order  to  create  an  excellent  population,  abandoned 
women  are  also  sent  here. 

Busin. — At  its  N.W.  end  is  the  harbour  of  San  Jose  or  Busin,  formed  by 
the  island  of  San  Joso,  with  Fort  San  Pascual  on  a  hill  commanding  the 
narrowest  part.  There  is  a  safe  entrance  from  theN.E.,  as  well  as  a  narrow 
one  from  the  westward ;  but  the  tollowing  off-lying  dangers  require  men- 
tioning. At  2  miles  North  from  the  East  end  of  Busin  Island,  and  4  miles 
W.S.W.  from  the  small  island  oi  Anima  Sola,  is  a  sunken  rock.  Numerous 
islets  and  dangers  extend  N.W.  to  the  distance  of  2  miles  from  the  West  end 


TANAY.  909 

of  Busin,  and  N.N.W.  2.\  miles  from  this  end  is  a  small  detached  islet,  with 
a  bank  N.N.E.  a  mile  from  it.  Templo  Island,  3  miles  long  W.N.W.  and 
E.S.E.,  with  sunken  rocks  off  each  of  its  extremities,  lies  3  miles  West  of 
Busin.  Sombrero  Islets  are  2  miles  West  of  Templo  Island  ;  and  Sand  Island, 
2  miles  West  of  Sombrero  Islets,  has  sunken  rocks  to  2  miles  off  its  North 
end. 

£i/  night  the  entrance  of  Busin  Harbour  is  facilitated  by  three  fixed  lights — 
one  at  the  North  entrance,  a  second  at  the  West  entrance,  and  the  third  on 
the  end  of  the  bank.  Brought  in  one  with  the  last  they  lead  through  the 
respective  channels.  The  N.E.  side  of  Busin  is  quite  bold-to,  but  a  reel  pro- 
jects from  its  S.W.  side. 

Busainga  Harhoiir  is  on  the  N.E.  coast,  6  miles  South  from  the  Anima  Sola 
Itock,  which  lies  off  the  North  point  of  Burias.  A  fixed  blue  light  is  shown 
here. 

Boca  Engano  Harbour  is  about  15  miles  from  the  S.E.  point.  Its  position 
is  marked,  by  night,  by  a  blue  fixed  light. 

Malaguing  Gilog  Harbour  is  on  the  S.W.  coast,  about  12  miles  from  Boca 
Engano.     Its  situation  is  also  shown  by  a  blue  light  at  night. 

We  have  no  particulars  of  these  three  last-named  ports  or  anchorages. 

PANAY  is,  next  to  Luzon,  the  most  important  of  the  Philippines,  and  is 
the  largest  of  the  Visayas  Islands.  It  is,  for  its  area,  the  most  fertile  and 
densely  populated.  It  is  somewhat  of  a  triangular  form,  95  miles  long,  and 
with  an  area  of  3,960  square  geographical  miles.  A  chain  of  high  moun- 
tains runs  from  North  to  South  throughout  its  whole  extent ;  but  little  is 
knojvn  of  the  interior.  From  its  physical  features,  being  abundantly  ele- 
vated, and  lying  in  the  midst  of  the  archipelago,  it  is  a  flourishing  island  ; 
and.  the  opening  of  its  chief  port  Ilo-ilo  to  foreign  commerce,  will  lead  to 
a  great  advance  in  its  commercial  prosperity.  It  is  divided  into  three  pro- 
vinces, Capiz  on  the  North,  Ilo-ilo  on  the  East,  and  Antigue  on  the  western 
shore.  The  population  of  the  whole  island  was  estimated  to  number 
1,052,586  in  1875. 

Between  the  S.W.  point  of  Masbate  and  the  N.E.  point  of  Panay  is  the 
island  of  Jintotolo,  with  a  reef  ofi'  its  western  part,  and  8  miles  W.S.W, 
from  it  are  the  two  Zapatas,  nearly  of  the  same  size  and  height.  Zapata 
Menor  being  270,  and  Zapata  Mayor  260  ft.  high,  the  former  bare,  and  the 
latter  wooded  and  partially  cultivated.  Jintotolo  is  flat,  and  thickly  wooded 
to  the  water's  edge,  the  trees  being  about  120  ft,  high  ;  it  is  apparently 
uninhabited. 

The  Capiz  Coast,  or  North  side  of  Panay,  is  about  80  miles  in  extent. 

There  are  numerous  off-l^ing  reefs  about  its  western  part,  and  therefore  it 
should  not  be  made  free  with.  At  19  miles  West  of  the  eastern  point  is  the 
island  Oliitaya,  surrounded  by  a  reef,  with  no  good  channel  inside  it,  but 
that  botweeu  it  and  Zapato  Menor  is  quite  safe.     Pimta  Bulacaue,  the  N.E. 


910  THE  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

point  of  Panay,  is  low,  and  in  lat.  11°  36'  30",  long.  123°  13'  E.  It  is  sur- 
rounded by  a  reef,  and  at  from  5  to  6  miles  N.N. E.  of  it  there  is  a  dangerous 
reef  of  18  ft.  least  water,  called  the  Cuearacha.  A  dangerous  If -fathom 
patch  also  lies  3  miles  off  shore,  at  10  miles  W.S.W.  from  it. 

The  Silanga  Islands  lie  off  the  N.E.  point  of  Panay.  This  portion  of 
the  Philippine  Islands,  comprising  the  strait  between  Panay  and  Negros 
with  the  South  and  S.W.  coasts  of  the  former  island,  were  surveyed  by  Lieut, 

D.  Claudio  Montero,  of  the  Spanish  navy,  in  1854,  and  therefore  the  charts 
are  deserving  of  more  confidence  here. 

The  Gigantes  Islands,  North  and  South,  are  the  north-easternmost  of  these. 
A  bank  extends  eastward  from  the  northern  one,  but  there  is  a  12-feet 
channel  between  them,  and  the  channels  West  of  them  are  open.  Calagnan 
and  Sicojan  Islands,  both  high,  lie  about  8  miles  S.W.  of  them.  A  4-fathom ' 
bank  lies  2h  miles  South  from  the  South  point  of  the  latter.  The  most  con- 
spicuous land-mark  here  is  the  Pan  de  Azucar,  or  Sugar-loaf  Island,  the 
summit  of  which  is  in  11°  17'  N.  A  series  ot  islands  extends  south-westward 
from  it  towards  the  Strait  of  Iloilo,  but  they  are  generally  bold -to.  Tagil  is 
next  South  of  the  Pan  de  Azucar,  separated  from  it  by  a  narrow  but  shoal 
channel.  Between  the  South  end  of  Tagil  and  the  Panay  shore  is  the  an- 
chorage of  Bacahuan,  in  the  strait  separating  the  islands. 

A  written  description  of  the  shoals  which  encumber  the  channel  North  of 
Negros  and  S.E.  of  the  Gigante  Islands  would  be  useless ;  they  can  only  be 
understood  from  the  chart. 

Taguhanhan  Island  is  the  last  of  the  larger  islands,  and  has  a  safe  channel 
on  either  side.  At  1^  mile  North  from  its  N.W.  part  is  Apiton,  where  there 
is  a  watering  place.  From  this  to  the  Calahazas  Islets  is  5  miles,  and  at  1^ 
mile  S.S.W.  of  them,  and  the  same  distance  off  the  Panay  shore  is  a  sunken 
lock,  the  Pepitas. 

Turia  Rock  lies  in  this  part  of  the  channel,  and  is  verg  dangerous.  It 
presents  a  surface  of  33  yards,  over  which  there  is  no  more  than  5^  ft.  water, 
with  8  fathoms  close  to. 

The  commander  of  the  gun  boat  Prueha  took  the  following  bearings  from 
a  spot  73  yards  North  of  the  said  rock,  in  4J  fathoms  : — the  S.E.  part  of 
Anauayan  Island  N.  47°  20'  E.  ;  the  South  part  of  Ilacaon  Island,  S.  85°  52' 

E.  ;  the  North  part  of  the  Calabazas  Isles,  N.  63°  14'  W. ;  Yisita  Manapla, 
S.  11°  10'  E.  ;  and  the  North  part  of  the  southernmost  of  the  Binanan  Isles, 
S.  29°  E.  ;  placing  the  rock  in  lat.  11°  2'  15"  N.,  long.  123°  5'  E. 

ILOILO  having  been  opened  to  foreign  commerce,  as  before  said,  pos- 
sesses more  interest  than  most  other  ports  in  the  Philippines.  The  town 
or  village  stands  on  a  low  point  of  land  at  the  eastern  entrance  of  a  creek 
near  the  S.W.  end  of  the  strait  which  forms  the  harbour.  H.M.S.  Challenger 
visited  Hoilo  in  October,  1874,  and  obtained  a  supply  of  coal.  A  few  English 
merchants  were  there  doing  business  in  sugar  and  hemp.     The  town  was 


ILOILO.  911 

found  to  be  not  at  all  attractive,  part  of  it  being  flooded  at  high  water,  and 
the  streets  generally  in  a  dirty  condition.  In  1875,  52  vessels  entered  Iloilo, 
aggregating  35,453  tons,  of  which  14,886  were  British. 

The  Isla  de  Gwimaras,  22  miles  long  by  3  in  breadth,  forms  in  front  of 
Iloilo  a  sheltered  passage,  running  N.E.  and  S.W.,  with  a  breadth  varying 
from  2^  to  6  miles,  with  deep  water  and  good  anchorage.  The  best  entrance 
which  is  from  the  South,  is  considerably  narrowed  by  tho  Otong  Bank,  which 
stretches  from  the  Panay  shore  to  the  W.S.W.  for  a  considerable  distance, 
above  4  miles,  and  is  increasing  to  the  westward.  The  channel  is  clear  to 
the  southward  of  it,  and  there  is  a  narrower  one  to  the  northward.  It  is  no 
obstacle  when  once  made  out  during  the  S.W.  monsoon,  and  with  a  contrary 
or  N.E.  monsoon,  vessels  can  work  or  drag  through  with  the  tide,  keeping 
well  over  towards  Guimaras,  anchoring,  if  necessary,  on  the  edge  of  the 
sand,  which  affords  good  holding  ground.  This  southern  entrance  should 
be  used  by  all  large  ships  if  unprovided  with  a  pilot.  The  edges  of  the 
Otong  Bank  are  marked  by  fishing  stakes,  and  at  its  N.E.  end  there  is  good 
anchorage. 

If  blowing  hard  in  the  southern  channel  a  vessel  may  proceed  to  Port 
Buluagan  or  Santa  Ana,  on  the  West  side  of  Gruimaras,  which  is  easy  of 
access,  and  capable  of  admitting  vessels  of  large  tonnage,  and  affords  good 
shelter  under  almost  any  circumstances. 

The  Fort  of  Iloilo  occupies  the  extremity  of  a  low  spit,  with  deep  water 
close-to.  It  is  in  lat.  10°  41'  50",  long.  122°  36'  E.  The  town  lies  on  the 
beach  to  the  N.W.  of  it,  and  to  the  North  of  it  is  the  entrance  of  the  river 
or  creek,  on  the  South  point  of  which  is  a  post-house,  or  Ventay,  a  small 
bamboo  watch-box.  It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  12  o'clock ;  rise 
5 1  feet. 

The  strait  beyond  this  assumes  a  more  northerly  direction,  with  the  shore 
bold- to  on  the  eastern  side.  At  7  miles  to  the  north-eastward  in  the  eastern 
entrance  of  the  Narrows,  is  a  cluster  of  remarkable  rocks,  called  the  Stete 
Fecados,  the  Seven  Sins  Pocks.  At  IJ  mile  East  of  them  is  the  West  end 
of  the  Iguana  Bank,  a  narrow  spit  2J  miles  long  East  and  West,  with  6  feet 
least  water.  The  best  channel  is  to  the  North  of  it,  but  it  is  also  clear  to  the 
southward.     Fimta  Dumangas  forms  the  N.E.  point  of  the  entrance. 

Having  arrived  at  the  southern  entrance  of  the  strait  according  to  the  di- 
rections subsequently  given,  you  will  at  once  see  at  daybreak  whether  it  is 
ebb  or  flood  tide  ;  if  ebb,  it  is  necessary  to  stop  at  anchor  till  it  turns  (that 
is  with  the  wind  at  N.E.),  as  with  the  flood  tide  you  can  easily  work  up  in 
short  tacks  under  the  Guimaras  shore.  A  bank  lies  in  the  bay,  on  the  West 
side  of  Guimaras,  3  miles  South  from  Iloilo  Fort.  Making  Iloilo  Strait  from 
the  southward,  Bondulan  Point,  which  is  high  and  bold,  should  be  brought 
to  bear  N.E.  J  N.,  and  steered  for  until  the  remarkable  clump  of  trees  in 
Iloilo  is  seen.     These  trees  brought  about  half  their  width  open  of  the  point, 


912  THE  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

until  the  southern  angle  of  the  fort  opens  of  Bondulan  Point,  will  lead  clear 
of  the  Otou  Bank.  In  thick  or  hazy  weather,  when  you  canuot  see  the  fort 
(which  is  very  seldom  the  case),  you  must  never  bring  the  point  of  Bondulan 
on  Ouimaras  to  the  East  of  N.E.  ^  E.  ;  bui  keeping  the  fort  a  little  open  of 
this  point  is  the  best  leading  mark  with  a  fair  wind.  "When  past  Point 
Boudulan,  and  the  wind  is  fair,  you  ought  to  keep  the  fort  a  little  on  the 
port  bow. 

The  best  anchorage  to  load  is  with  the  fort  bearing  S.W.  ^  W.,  and  the 
small  bamboo  watch-box  near  the  port  entrance  of  the  river  N.W.  ^  N.  It 
is  dangerous  to  keep  near  the  starboard  entrance  of  the  river,  as  the  surf  is 
heavy  at  times,  and  the  tide  runs  strong.  At  spring  tides  high  water  a  vessel 
drawing  16  ft.  can  come  out,  but  at  ordinary  tides  only  15  ft.  Always  have 
a  pilot  for  entering  the  river. 

The  depth  of  water  on  the  bar  at  the  entrance  of  the  creek  or  river  Iloilo 
is  about  10  ft.  at  low  water,  but  within  the  river  there  are  nearly  2^  fathoms 
with  the  sides  of  a  vessel  nearly  touching  the  mangroves,  and  off  the 
town  it  deepens  to  5  fathoms.  A  vessel  drawing  about  15  ft.  can  enter  or 
leave ;  and  when,  as  is  proposed,  a  dredging  machine  is  employed  to  clear 
away  the  mud  which  has  been  allowed  to  accumulate  at  the  shallower  parts 
near  the  entrance,  vessels  of  almost  any  burthen  will  be  able  to  complete 
their  cargoes.  The  banks  of  the  creek  being  of  soft  mud,  there  is  little  or 
no  risk  to  be  apprehended  from  grounding.  Proceeding  about  IJ  mile  up 
the  creek,  the  coasting  craft  bring  up  at  the  jetties  of  their  respective  owners, 
and  have  the  great  advantage  of  discharging  and  loading  at  the  stores  with- 
out employing  boats.  Coasting  vessels  can  go  beyond  this  point  as  far  as 
Molo  by  passing  a  drawbridge. 

The  channel  for  entering  the  river  is  marked  hy  four  beacons  (1864),  formed 
each  of  three  piles,  two  on  each  bank.  The  direction  of  the  channel  is 
N.  7°  W.,  and  the  depth  in  the  channel  is  14  ft.  at  lowest  tides,  deepening 
to  17  ft.  inside  the  bar.  Great  care  should  be  used  to  guard  against  the 
violent  currents  in  the  entrance. 

The  country  around  Iloilo  is  well  cultivated,  the  inhabitants  quiet,  and 
apparently  industrious.  The  chief  exports  are  sugar,  sapan  wood,  tobacco, 
hides,  hemp,  and  rice.  The  women  make  large  quantities  oi  pina  goods  from 
the  fibres  of  the  pine-apple  leaf,  and  from  cotton,  silk,  and  hemp.  Fresh  beef 
is  cheap  and  good,  and  by  giving  a  few  days'  notice  two  or  three  hundred 
bullocks  could  be  procured,  each  weighing  about  200  lbs.,  at  the  rate  of  about 
7  dollars  a  bullock.     Powls,  eggs,  &c.,  may  be  obtained. 

Provisions  and  coolies  are  much  cheaper,  and  good  water  can  always  be 
got  to  the  North  and  South  of  the  village  of  Tilas,  opposite  to  Iloilo  on 
the  Guimaras  shore.  The  tide  changes  very  suddenly,  and  runs  down  very 
strongly. 

Fort  Santa  Ana,  or  Buluagan,  on  the  West  coast  of  Guimaras  Island,   10 


ILOILO-DIllECTIONS.  91.3 

miles  S.S.W.  of  Iloilo,  affords  excellent  shelter.  It  is  a  landlocked  basin, 
a  mile  in  extent,  with  from  3  to  9  fathoms  water.  The  entrance  channel 
runs  East  and  West.  The  South  side  is  the  best,  as  there  is  a  sunken  rock 
on  the  North  side  of  the  entrance,  and  a  spit  runs  off  from  the  North  point. 
Within  the  harbour,  towards  its  head,  is  another  sunken  rock,  which  must 
be  looked  to  in  seeking  an  anchorage.  There  is  a  river  of  good  water  at  the 
head  of  the  bay. 

DIRECTIONS. — The  ensuing  remarks  by  Mr.  Vice-Consul  Loney,  as  to  the 
routes  toward  Iloilo,  will  be  applicable  generally  to  the  navigation  of  the 
inner  channels  of  the  Philippine  Islands  either  to  the  port  in  question  or 
towards  Manila  or  Zebu. 

South- West  Monsoon. — Vessels  making  the  voyage  from  Australia  or  any 
place  to  the  southward  of  the  Philippines,  will  find  it  the  best  course  in  the 
S.  W.  monsoon  to  enter  the  Philippine  Archipelago  by  the  Strait  of  Basilau 
(page  894),  between  that  island  and  Samboangan  ;  and  in  passing  Point 
Batalampon,  the  S.W.  point  of  Mindanao,  to  keep  well  up  to  Point  Gorda, 
58  miles  to  the  northward,  and  the  N.W.  point  of  the  western  peninsula  of 
Mindanao,  and  make  the  Murcielagos  Islands,  17  miles  farther  to  the  N.E., 
and  thus  avoid  being  swept  off  to  the  westward  by  the  strong  currents  setting 
from  off  the  Mindanao  coast  during  both  monsoons. 

After  passing  the  Murcielagos,  the  high  land  of  Negros  soon  becomes 
visible,  and  the  course  is  clear  and  safe  along  its  western  side  towards  the 
island  of  Guimaras.  When  off  the  S.W.  point  of  Guimaras,  the  route  is 
direct  for  the  narrow  channel  between  that  island  and  Iloilo.  On  makina: 
and  entering  this  channel,  care  should  be  taken  to  keep  on  the  Guimaras 
shore,  so  as  to  clear  the  Otong  Shoal.  This  shoal,  being  of  soft  sand,  may 
be  approached  pretty  closely,  in  the  event  of  its  being  necessary  to  beat 
through.  The  tides  run  through  the  passage  with  considerable  strength  ; 
but  if  unable  to  make  head  against  the  ebb,  bring  up  on  the  edge  of  the 
shoal,  and  wait  for  the  flood  to  the  northward. 

The  North-East  Monsoon. — During  this  monsoon  it  is  generally  considered 
to  be  the  best  route  for  ships  from  Australia  to  Manila,  to  make  a  detour  to 
the  eastward  of  the  Philippines,  and  enter  the  Archipelago  by  the  Strait  of 
San  Bernardino.  In  coming  from  Australia  to  Iloilo,  it  will  therefore  be 
advisable,  during  the  period  of  northerly  wind,  to  beat  up  outside  as  far  as 
Samar,  and  enter  the  Bernardino  Straits  by  that  island  and  Masbate.  If 
bound  from  Manila,  or  ports  to  the  northward,  vessels  may  also  safely  proceed 
towards  Iloilo  through  the  Mindoro  Passage,  and  onwards  through  the  chain 
of  islands  off  the  N.E.  coast  of  Panay.  After  passing  Tablas  and  Eomblon, 
the  latter  with  an  excellent  light  and  a  good  harbour,  make  for  the  Silangas 
Islands,  the  group  off  the  N.E.  end  of  Panay,  a  good  mark  for  which  is  the 
high  conical  island,  the  Pan  de  Azucar,  M'hich  is  visible  from  a  great  dis- 
I.  A.  6  a 


914  TEE  rniLirriNE  islands. 

tance.  In  approaching  these  islands  during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  vessels 
should  keep  along  between  the  islets  of  Jintotolo  and  the  larger  Zapata; 
and  during  the  S.W.  monsoon  move  in  towards  the  Pan  ay  shore,  between 
Olutaya  and  Zapato  Menor.  After  leaving  the  Zapatas,  the  course  is  to  the 
northward  or  southward  of  the  Gigantes,  as  preferred,  and  the  channel 
through  the  group  of  islands  is  generally  entered  between  Sicogon  and  Ca- 
lai'uan,  from  whence  the  route  is  continued  past  Culebra,  Pan  de  Azucar, 
Bagabu,  and  Tagubanhan,  though  for  vessels  of  heavy  tonnage  it  may 
possibly  be  found  preferable  to  adopt  the  outer  and  broader  passage  between 
the  groups  of  islands  and  Negros,  keeping  within  2  or  3  miles  of  the  Negroa 
shore,  in  order  to  avoid  the  dangerous  Turia  Rock,  described  on  p.  910. 

If  the  inner  route  among  the  islands  be  taken,  good  anchorage  will  be 
found  throughout,  more  particularly  at  Pan  de  Azucar  and  at  Bacauan  or 
La  Concepcion.  At  Bacauan  assistance  and  supplies  may  be  had  through 
the  commandant  of  the  district,  and  at  Apiton  good  water  and  live  stock  can 
be  obtained.  After  passing  Tagubanhan,  and  emerging  into  the  broad 
channel  (after  passing  the  Turia  Eoek  above  mentioned),  the  best  course 
is  to  steer  direct  for  the  highest  land  visible  on  the  island  of  Guimaras,  care 
being  taken  to  clear  the  Calabazas  and  the  Pepitas  Eock,  and  then  proceed 
as  above  directed. 

It  should  be  remarked  that  the  coast  from  the  Gigantes  to  Iloilo  affords 
good  anchorage,  and  vessels  have  been  known  to  ride  out  heavy  gales  in  the 
open  channel  between  Negros  and  Panay. 

The  ebb  tide  to  the  North  of  the  Pepitas  Eock  runs  to  the  eastward,  but 
to  the  South  of  it  it  sets  to  the  West.  It  runs  through  the  Silanga  Islands, 
and  as  far  as  the  Seven  Sins,  about  3  or  4  miles  an  hour,  but  in  the  strait, 
owing  to  its  being  so  constricted,  it  is  said  to  run  at  6  or  7  miles  an  hour. 

From  Manila  to  Iloilo,  the  best  and  safest  route,  according  to  Captain 
Ganswyk,  is  to  proceed  along  the  West  coast  of  Panay,  or  close  along  the 
coast  of  the  Province  of  Antiques),  at  any  season,  because  the  West  monsoon 
is  not  very  regular,  and  seldom  or  ever  blows  strongly  between  the  Cuyos 
Archipelago  and  Panay,  or  to  the  North  of  Basilan.  To  the  North  and 
along  the  East  coast  of  Mindoro  is  safe  and  easy,  and  if  it  should  happen 
that  you  meet  with  strong  S.W.  winds  near  Tablas,  it  is  time  enough  then 
to  keep  off  aud  go  along  the  East  coast  of  Panay.  The  South  coast  of  Panay 
is  free  from  dangers  till  near  the  Oton  Shoal,  and  the  wind  scarcely  ever 
blows  on  the  land.  The  bights  along  the  coast  have  deep  water,  and  you 
can  work  close  in-shore,  or  from  point  to  point,  with  perfect  safety ;  but 
there  is  no  good  anchorage,  as  the  coast  is  steep,  and  the  holding  ground  not 
good.  You  may  sail  close  to  the  West  side  of  Panay,  or  the  coast  of  An- 
tiques anywhere  to  the  South  of  Balhatan  Island,  lat.  11°  36°  N.,  which  is 
very  steep,  only  avoiding  Maralison  Island,  lat.  11°  20'  N.,  which  has  a  reef 


THE  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS.  915 

to  the  East  and  West,  and  sunken  rocks  near  the  shore  at  Nalupa,  in  laf. 
ir  IV  N.,  and  at  San  Jose  in  lat.  10''  44' N.  There  is  also  a  6-fathom 
patch  near  Tibiao  in  lat.  11°  18'  N.  "When  you  double  the  S.W.  point  of 
Panay  during  the  night,  you  must  not  go  too  close  to  the  islands  off  it, 
Juraojurao,  off  the  South  extreme,  and  N^ugas,  which  is  4  miles  to  the  W.N.W., 
as  both  of  them  have  reefs  around  them  to  the  southward,  but  not  to  a  great 
distance.  When  clear  to  the  eastward  of  these  islands,  and  not  too  far  South, 
you  may  safely  steer  N.E.  by  E.  32  miles  without  any  danger ;  but  at  that 
distance  it  is  necessary  to  lie-to  during  the  night ;  or,  if  the  night  is  very 
clear,  to  run  in  towards  the  shore  of  Panay,  and  steer  carefully  along  the 
coast,  at  the  same  time  keeping  the  lead  going,  and  as  soon  as  you  are  in 
shoal  water  to  anchor  at  once  till  daylight,  because  if  you  keep  over  tow^irrls 
the  Guimaras  shore  (particularly  during  the  N.E.  monsoon),  you  will  find 
no  anchorage,  and  will  lose  ground.     Thence  proceed  as  above  directed. 

The  voyage  from  Iloilo  to  Manila,  during  the  north-easterly  monsoon 
(from  November  to  March),  usually  occupies  the  better  class  of  square  rigged 
vessels  from  10  to  15  days,  and  from  4  to  6  on  the  return  voyage.  Owing:  to 
the  protection  afforded  by  the  chain  of  the  Silanga  Islands,  and  by  other 
harbours  on  the  route,  the  Iloilo  vessels  do  not  (as  is  usually  the  case  be- 
tween the  ports  on  the  northern  part  of  the  more  exposed  coast  of  Luzon 
and  the  capital)  lay  up  during  the  stormy  months  from  September  to  No- 
vember, and  communication,  though  less  frequent  during  these  months,  is 
seldom  altogether  suspended. 

The  Coast  of  Antique,  as  the  western  coast  of  Panay  is  called,  from  its 
being  the  province  of  that  name,  runs  nearly  North  and  South.  General 
directions  for  it  have  been  just  given.  It  is  commercially  unimportant,  for 
the  people  are  not  so  industrious  as  those  of  other  parts  of  this  fertile  island. 
During  the  S.W.  monsoon  it  is  in  general  highly  dangerous  to  approach  it, 
and  at  this  period  the  coasters  scarcely  venture  out  for  fear  of  pirates.  There 
are  one  or  two  points  where  ships  call  for  water  and  provisions.  It  is  com- 
posed of  alternate  hills  or  mountains,  and  plains,  and  when  the  rice  grounds 
are  green  some  parts  appear  very  pleasant.  Generally  the  temperature  is 
agreeable,  and  the  climate  healthy. 

Aniguig,  near  the  South  point,  may  afford  some  refreshments  ;  it  is  in  a 
deep  bay.  The  country  inland  and  for  some  distance  is  formed  by  a  ridge 
of  rugged  mountains,  called  the  Cresta  de  Gallo,  the  Cockscomb  Mountains 
forming  part  of  the  great  chain  which  runs  through  the  length  of  the 
island. 

San  Jose  de  Buenavista,  17  miles  from  the  S.W.  point  of  the  island,  and 
in  lat.  10°  45',  is  with  the  village  of  Antique,  3  miles  southward,  considered 
to  form  the  capital  of  the  province.  It  is  a  miserable  place,  founded  in  1 733, 
with  a  few  forts  to  guard  against  pirates.  There  is  good  anchorage  off  it, 
but  it  is  not  safe,  and,  as  a  sunken  rock  exists,  should  not  be  approached  at 


916  THE  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

night.  It  is  a  convenient  place  for  water  and  refreshments,  as  a  Spanish 
resident  will  lend  his  aid.  In  coming  here  with  a  brisk  wind,  sail  must  be 
reduced  in  time,  as  the  bank  is  very  steep,  decreasing  rapidly  from  30  to  7 
or  8  fathoms,  th'e  proper  depth. 

To  the  northward  of  San  Jose  the  coast  may  be  approached  with  caution, 
and  in  daylight  to  within  3  or  4  miles.  But  caution  should  be  used,  as  the 
coast  is  not  well  known.  Napula  (or  Nalupa),  in  lat.  11°  10^',  is  25  miles 
North  of  San  Jose,  and  5  miles  southward  of  Tiliao,  a  small  pueblo  on  a 
projecting  point.  Also  while  proceeding  southward  from  the  village  of 
Tibiao  on  the  West  coast  of  Panay  Island,  Captain  Fagg  obtained  soundings 
on  a  coral  reef  well  known  to  the  small  coasters,  off  the  pueblo  or  village  of 
Napula  ;  some  parts  of  the  reef  appeared  awash,  but  he  had  H  fathom  with 
the  village  of  Nalupa  bearing  E.  by  S.,  distant  about  2  to  2^  miles.  In  lat. 
11°  20'  is  the  high  island  of  Maralison,  and  4  miles  farther  North  is  the  low 
point  of  Lipata,  surrounded  by  a  reef ;  9  miles  North  of  this  is  the  larger 
islet  of  Balhatan  or  Maniguig.  A  bank  exists  near  the  coast,  Ih  miles  North 
of  Point  Lipata.  Point  Pucio,  the  westernmost  point  of  Panay,  is  in  lat. 
11°  46|^'  N.,  long.  121°  50'  E.,  and  has  a  rock  near  it. 

The  outlying  rocks  off  the  West  Coast  of  Panay  belong  more  particularly 
to  the  Suiu  Sea,  and  are  hereafter  described. 


THE  SULU  SEA. 


The  space  included  between  the  Sulu  Archipelago  on  the  South,  to  Min- 
doro  on  the  North,  and  having  the  Philippine  Islands  on  the  East,  and  Pa- 
lawan on  the  West,  is  distinguished  by  the  term  of  the  Sulu  Sea,  or  some- 
times as  the  Sea  of  Mindoro.     Although  of  great  depth  (1,778  fathoms),  this 
sea  is  thought  to  have  no  greater  depths  than  250  fathoms  in  the  passages 
■which  join  it  with  the  surrounding  seas.     The  deep  sea  temperatures,  taken 
by  Commander  Chimmo,  showed  that  from  a  surface  temperature  of  84°  in 
each  sea  the  thermometer  fell  to  55"  at  200  fathoms,   and   37°  at   1,600  fa- 
thoms in  the  China  Sea.     While  in  the  Sulu  Sea,  although  it  was  the  same 
at  200  fathoms,  yet  the  bottom  temperature  was  50°,  or  about  equal  to  that 
at  a  depth  of  300  fathoms  in  the  China  Sea.     He  therefore  argues,  from  this 
and  other  data,  that  the  water  filling  the  deep  basin  of  the  Sulu  Sea  cannot 
be  drawn  from  a  greater  depth  than  250  or  300  fathoms  out  of  the  surround- 
ing seas. 

Winds. — The  N.E.  monsoon  in  the  Sulu  Sea  prevails  from  December  to 
June.  The  first  burst  of  the  S.W.  monsoon  was  experienced  at  Ho  Ho  on 
the  10th  of  June  (1871),  when  it  blew   a  heavy  gale  from   that  direction, 


THE  SULU  SEA.  917 

•with  torrents  of  rain,  the  wind  shifting  to  the  N.E.  again  two  or  three  days 
afterwards,  and  blew  generally  from  that  direction  at  Zebu  and  Camiguin  in 
the  middle  of  July. 

Crossing  the  Sulu  Sea  in  H.M.S.  Nassau,  during  July,  the  wind  was  light, 
from  W.N.W.  to  N.W.,  with  heavy  clouds  in  the  S.  W.  and  gloomy  weather. 
On  her  arrival  at  Cagayan  Sulu,  the  wind  shifted  to  S.E.,  after  which  it 
blew  from  N.W.  to  S.W.,  squally,  with  heavy  continuous  rain.  Between 
Cagayan  Sulu  and  Labuan  the  winds  were  light  and  variable. 

Currents. — During  the  N.E.  monsoon  the  current  runs  regularly  in  the 
direction  of  the  wind,  and  varies  in  strength  according  to  the  force  of  the 
wind.  In  the  early  months  of  this  monsoon,  when  the  wind  blows  strongest, 
the  current  runs  with  the  velocity  of  a  mile  an  hour,  decreasing  to  about 
half  a  mile  an  hour  in  May  and  June. 

The  eastern  limits  of  the  Sulu  Sea  have  been  just  described ;  the  coast  of 
Palawan  is  given  in  former  pages,  from  the  surveys  and  remarks  of  Captain 
Bate.     The  Sulu  Group  is  also  described  previously. 

The  North-East  Coast  of  Borneo  is  so  little  known  that  to  describe  it3 
shores  and  dangers  would  be  useless.  We,  therefore,  only  notice  its  more 
important  harbours  and  their  off-lying  dangers.  Unsang  Anchorage  has 
been  mentioned  on  page  888. 

SANDAKAN  HARBOUR.— In  1873  a  trading  settlement  was  established 
at  Sandakan  Bay,  very  centrally  situated  for  collecting  the  valuable  pro- 
ductions of  that  neighbourhood.  The  subsequent  hostile  operations  of  the 
Spaniards  against  the  people  of  the  Sulu  Archipelago  have  given  additional 
importance  to  this  place,  and  the  bay  is  visited  by  a  steamer  from  Labuan. 

Caution  is  necessary  in  approaching  Sandakan  Harbour,  as  the  shoals  in 
the  neighbourhood  are  imperfectly  known  ;  to  the  north-westward  they  are 
said  to  extend  7  miles  from  the  shore.  The  entrance  of  Sandakan  Harbour 
may  be  recognized  by  Bahalatolis  Island,  situated  on  the  western  side  of  tho 
entrance  of  the  harbour,  in  lat.  5°  50'  N.,  long.  118°  11'  E.  The  south- 
eastern side  of  the  island  descends  abruptly  from  a  height  of  980  ft.,  while 
the  north-western  side  slopes  gradually.  The  islets  on  the  reef  extending 
North  from  this  island  are  densely  covered  with  wood. 

The  shoal  of  13  ft.,  lying  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  entrance  seaward  of 
Towsan  Dooyon  Island,  does  not  show  by  discoloured  water.  The  S.E. 
point  of  Bahalatolis  Island  bearing  S.S.W.  leads  clear  of  dangers  on  either 
hand,  and  when  the  island  is  passed  the  vessel  may  steer  direct  for  the  an- 
chorage abreast  Buy  Island. 

G-ood  anchorage  will  be  found  well  inside  the  entrance  on  the  western 
shore,  in  from  9  to  6  fathoms,  with  a  high  peak  bearing  N.W.  The  Hertha 
anchored  in  mid-channel  in  10^  fathoms,  mud,  with  the  N.E.  point  of  Buy 
Island,  bearing  S.S.E.,  about  10  miles  distant  from  the  European  settlement. 


918  THE  SULU  SEA. 

There  are  two  small  villages  in  the  harbour,  also  a  station  of  the  Labuau 
Trading  Company.  Firewood  and  good  water  can  be  obtained  from  the 
natives,  but  no  other  supplies. 

Tides. — The  flood  tide  in  Sandakan  Harbour  sets  at  the  rate  of  a  half  to 
\^  knot  for  6  hours,  the  last  3  hours  being  after  the  turn  of  low  water;  and 
the  ebb  at  the  rate  of  a  half  to  1 J  knot  for  18  hours. 

There  are  several  islands  lying  to  the  north-eastward  of  the  entrance  of 
Sandakan  Harbour.  Taganac  Island  is  15  miles  N.E.  from  Bahalatolis 
Island,  and  E.  by  N.  8  miles  from  Taganac  is  Baguan  Island.  Each  of 
these  islands  is  less  than  a  mile  in  diameter.  Clotilde  Roeh  rises  about  10  ft. 
above  the  level  of  low  water,  and  is  about  100  yards  long  N.N.W.  and 
S.S.E.,  and  about  20  yards  broad.  From  the  rock  Baguan  Island  bears 
S.E.  by  S.,  southerly,  9 J  miles,  and  Taganac  Island  S.  by  W.  ^  W.  9  miles  ; 
these  bearings  place  it  in  lat.  6°  9'  50"  N.,  long.  118°  25'  E.  Laurel  Rotk  is 
about  double  the  height  and  size  of  Clotilde  Rock.  It  lies  N.E.  by  N.  4 
miles  from  Baguan  Island.  At  11  miles  westward  of  Clotilde  Eock  is 
another  rock,  3  miles  N.E.  of  the  Bukkungaan  Islets. 

CAGATAN  DE  SULU  is  a  small  group  in  the  south-western  part  of  the 
Sulu  Sea,  bearing  about  100  miles  N.  by  W.  from  Cape  Unsang,  on  Borneo, 
and  75  miles  East  of  Mallawalle  Island,  South  of  Banguey.  It  seems  to 
belong  to  no  power,  unless  claimed  by  the  Sulu  Sultan,  and  was  a  resort  for 
pirates.  There  are  several  islets  to  the  northward ;  the  northernmost, 
Quinapusan,  is  11  miles  N.  |  W.  from  the  chief  island,  and  the  southernmost, 
Mutipns,  5  miles  to  the  S.W.,  are  two  in  number,  one  in  form  of  a  saddle, 
with  anchorage  near  them,  and  they  are  safe  to  approach. 

The  chief  island,  Cagayan,  is  large,  1,000  ft.  high,  and  well  clothed  with 
trees.  It  is  of  volcanic  origin,  and  a  portion  of  it  appears  as  a  complete  crater, 
having  one  or  more  very  deep  circular  basins  within  the  edge,  but  they  are 
quite  barred  from  approach  from  the  sea.  Captain  Sir  Edward  Belcher's 
observatory  was  set  up  on  a  small  islet,  at  the  entrance  of  this  most  romantic 
basin,  lat.  6°  58'  5"  N.,  long.  118°  24'  11"  E.,  being  nearly  on  the  meridian  of 
the  great  island.  Eeefs  appear  to  extend  fully  a  mile  from  the  western 
shore,  with  rocks  dry  at  low  water. 

"  Cay  ay  an  is  about  25  miles  in  circumference,  nearly  on  every  point  sur- 
rounded by  a  fringe  reef  of  coral,  in  a  very  active  and  progressive  state,  and 
which  affords  protection  to  canoes,  and  rafts  made  of  bamboo,  to  travel  from 
one  point  to  another  in  smooth  lanes  of  water,  enabling  the  natives  to  pursue 
their  fishing,  on  which  they  chiefly  exist,  without  being  subject  to  heavy 
seas. 

"  The  men  fish,  while  the  women  do  all  laborious  work,  such  as  carrying 
water,  pounding  rice,  &c.  We  found  them  very  friendly  all  round  the 
island,  constantly  coming  on  board,  and  accompanying  us  when  on  shore, 


CAGAYAN  DE  SULU.  919 

and  very  useful  as  guides  (for  a  trifle)  in  cutting  down  trees  and  clearing 
away  bushes. 

"  There  are  safe  anchorages  around  the  island  in  both  monsoons  ;  that  in 
the  N.E.  is  safe  and  good  on  the  S.W.  side  in  from  8  to  10 fathoms;  another 
good  anchorage  on  the  S.W.  side  of  Keenapousan  in  10  fathoms;  a  third 
about  a  mile  South  of  the  little  islet  at  the  entrance  to  the  crater  on  the  S.E. 
side  in  12  fathoms,  but  all  coral  bottom. 

"  The  water  on  the  East  side  of  the  island  is  the  deepest,  having  240 
fathoms  1  mile  ofi"  the  land,  and  strong  tide  rips  around  here  often  frighten 
the  mariner  ;  but  they  are  about  the  deepest  water. 

"The  S.E.  side  of  the  island  is  by  far  the  most  picturesque  and  interest- 
ing, but  not  the  best  anchorage ;  the  land  here  slopes  to  the  South,  is  richly 
wooded,  and  many  parts  cleared,  having  plantations  of  bananas  and  sweet 
potatoes ;  but  no  dwellings  were  visible  from  the  ship,  nor  did  any  natives 
visit  us,  as  they  so  readily  did  at  the  S.W.  end  on  our  first  arrival. 

"  I  do  not  know  any  island  I  have  seen  over  the  world  more  favourably 
situated  for  trade,  or  more  suitably  adapted  for  cultivation.  Rice,  su^-ar 
cocoa,  coffee,  maize,  potatoes,  and  vegetables,  would  all  grow  if  cultivated. 
Cotton-tree  and  tobacco-leaf  were  already  growing  there.  The  soil  is  excel- 
lent, rich,  of  trap  formation,  with  sufficient  sand  to  make  it  loose  and  friable. 
Cattle  of  all  sorts  —horses,  cows,  sheep,  pigs,  and  poultry — would  fatten  and 
thrive  here.  Enterprising  men,  with  some  Chinese  labourers,  would  soon 
make  it  a  valuable  island,  and  not  a  disagreeable  one,  to  live  on." — Captain 
Chimmo,  R.N.,  1871. 

Keenapoussan,  a  small  island,  811  ft.  high,  is  the  northernmost  of  the 
Cagayan  Sulu  group.  Anchorage  will  be  found  on  the  S.W.  side  of  the 
island,  in  from  7  to  10  fathoms,  coral  and  sand,  with  Keenapoussan  summit 
N.E.  ^  N.,  and  Pomelikan  summit  S.S.E.  ^  E.  N.E.  Batik,  with  only  4 
fathoms  on  its  shoalest  part,  lies  N.E.  by  E.  about  3^  miles  from  Keena- 
poussan. N.  W.  Bank  has  a  4-fathom  patch  N.  W.  ^  W.  3^  miles  from  Kee- 
napoussan, and  runs  in  a  N.W.  and  S.E.  direction. 

Between  Bisu  Bintoot  and  Bisu  Bohan  there  is  a  safe  channel,  but  Bieu 
Bohan,  Bohan,  and  Mandah  are  connected  by  a  reef  dry  at  low  water.  All 
these  islands,  with  the  exception  of  Bintoot,  are  thickly  wooded,  Mandah 
having  a  sharp  peak  283  ft.  high.  Bintoot  appears  a  vast  block  of  dark 
sandstone.  There  is  a  good  channel  between  Pomelikan  and  Bintoot,  but 
the  latter  island  should  be  kept  aboard,  as  a  reef  runs  off  Pomelikan  to  the 
southward  and  westward  about  3  cables. 

Tides. — At  Cagayan  Sulu,  during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  it  is  high  water,  full 
and  change,  at  6*"  10",  springs  rising  6  ft.  ;  the  tides  are,  however,  irregular 
and  uncertain,  the  tidal  stream  being  scarcely  perceptible. 

Muleegee  Islands  lie  8  miles  South  from  the  West  end  of  Cagayan  Sulu. 
They  are  two  small  islands,  410  and  232  ft.  above  the  sea  respectively,  and 


920  THE  SULU  SEA. 

bearN.E.  by  N.  and  S.W.  by  S.  from  each  other.  The  channel  between 
them  should  not  be  attempted.  Mambahenauan,  another  small  island,  lies  20 
miles  S.  by  E.  ^  E.  from  Muleegee  Islands. 

The  Muleegee  Patches  consist  of  a  number  of  coral  banks  with  from  5  to  10 
fathoms;  the  shoalest  lies  W.  \  N.  26  miles  from  the  great  Muleegee  Island. 
A  patch  of  61  fathoms  was  sounded  on  in  lat.  7°  3'  36"  N.,  long.  1 1 T  56'  24"  E. 
The  Pudsey  Dawson  Bangers  are  a  series  of  coral  patches,  the  western  of 
which,  with  15  ft.,  bears  E.  ^  S.  nearly  19  miles  from  the  East  extreme  of 
Mallawalle  Island,  in  Banguey  South  Channel ;  from  this  danger,  on  the 
bearing  of  E.  by  N.  ^  N.  for  about  13  miles,  are  several  banks  with  from 
2^  to  10  fathoms  on  them.  These  banks  are  principally  coral  and  sand,  with 
deep  water  between  ;  as  a  general  rule  they  are  not  steep-to,  and  thus,  if  the 
lead  be  kept  going,  warning  of  their  vicinity  will  be  given.  Dangerous 
reefs  also  lie  westward  and  southward  of  the  Pudsey  Dawson  dangers,  and 
are  only  to  be  understood  by  studying  the  chart. 

Viola  Reef,  having  only  4  ft.  at  low  water  spring  tides,  and  on  which  the 
Spanish  vessel  Viola  struck  and  remained  several  hours,  is  reported  as  lying 
in  lat.  7°  50'  N.,  long.  117°  40'  50"  E.  Another  rock  of  doubtful  position  is 
marked  at  5  miles  N.N.W.  of  the  Viola  Eook. 

St.  Michael  Islands  consist  of  four  islets;  they  lie  about  40  miles  to 
the  northward  of  Cagayan  Sulu ;  the  largest,  Bancawang,  Is  about  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  long,  and  at  2  cables  from  the  N.E.  point  is  nearly 
divided  by  the  sea.  The  N.E.  point  rises  to  a  peak,  123  ft.  high.  Banca- 
wang is  connected  with  a  small  coral  islet,  lying  I J  mile  to  the  northward, 
by  a  reef  extending  from  the  North  and  West  sides,  with  sand  cays  and 
large  boulders  on  it.     The  islet  is  steep  to  the  S.E. 

Manuh  Manukan,  the  larger  of  the  two  S.W.  islets  of  the  group,  is  thinly 
covered  with  trees,  the  tops  of  which  are  32  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  lies  about 
W.S.W.  5  J  miles  from  the  N.E.  point  of  Bancawang. 

There  is  no  safe  anchorage  around  any  of  these  islands ;  in  the  progress 
of  the  survey,  H.M.S.  Nassau  anchored  in  6  fathoms,  South  of  Manuk  Ma- 
nukan, and  had  70  fathoms  over  the  stern. 

Two  and  a  quarter  miles  N.W.  of  Manuk  Manukan  is  a  coral  reef  of  2J- 
fathoms,  which  is  considered  to  be  connected  with  Manuk  Manukan  by  shoal 
ground,  and  therefore  to  be  avoided. 

The  West  Bank  is  4  miles  to  the  westward  of  Manuk  Manukan,  and  runs 
about  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.  3f  miles  long.  The  least  water  found  was  6^ 
fathoms,  near  the  South  end.  The  eastern  extreme  of  the  extensive  S.  W. 
Bank  lies  S.W.  ^  S.  4|  miles  from  Manuk  Manukan.  H.M.S.  Nassau  an- 
chored on  this  bank  on  several  occasions  in  good  holding  ground.  Red 
bream  and  large  cod-fish  in  great  numbers  were  caught  on  most  of  the  banks 
when  in  depths  exceeding  10  fathoms. 

Java  Reef,  between  St.  Michael  Isles  and  Bancoran,   was  discovered  by 


THE  CAGAYANES  ISLANDS.  921 

Captain  Kempton  in  1869.  He  found  a  depth  of  2 J  fathoms  least  water, 
surrounded  by  depths  of  5  and  6  fathoms.  From  the  bank,  St.  Michael's 
Island  bore  S.W.  by  S.  |  S.  ;  Bancaran  Island,  N.E.  i  N. ;  and  Mount 
Mantaleengahan,  in  Palawan,  N.W. 

Bancoran  Island,  the  centre  of  which  is  in  lat.  7°  57'  N.,  long.  118°  40'  E., 
is  about  4J  cables  in  extent,  flat,  and  covered  with  trees,  the  tops  of  which 
are  140  ft.  above  the  sea. 

Tub  Bataha. — This  dangerous  line  of  reefs  consists  of  small  islets,  sand 
cays,  and  large  boulders,  all  connected  by  sand  ridges,  and  fringed  with 
steep-to  coral  reefs,  running  S.W.  and  N.E.  for  a  distance  of  about  16  miles. 

The  N.E.  islet,  which  is  the  highest,  is  15  ft.  above  the  sea,  with  verdure 
in  the  centre,  and  lies  in  lat.  8°  53'  48"  N.,  long.  120°  0'  45"  E. 

The  S.W.  islet  is  10  ft.  above  the  sea,  with  the  trunk  of  a  large  embedded 
tree  on  the  N.E.  side.     Apparently  a  chainel  exists  through  the  reef  about 

5  miles  North  of  the  S.W.  islet,  but  it  was  not  examined.  Both  of  these 
islets  were  teeming  with  sea  birds,  numbers  of  them  flying  round  the  ship 
before  the  reef  was  sighted. 

To  the  eastward  of  Tub  Bataha  two  rocks  are  marked,  one  in  lat.  8°46'N., 
long.  119°  57' E.;  and  the  other,  Tetnerario  Rock,  lat.  8°  48' N.,  long.  120°  5^'  E. 

Jessie  Beazley  Eeeflies  about  14  miles  N.W.  by  "W.  from  the  northern  islet 
of  the  Tub  Bataha ;  this  position  can  only  be  considered  approximate,  as  the 
reef  was  alone  seen  from  the  mast-head  of  H.M.S.  Nassau  on  passing  the 
Tub  Bataha. 

South  Tub  Bataha  was  supposed  to  exist  in  lat.  8°  4'  N.,  long.  119°  50'  E. 
H.M.S.  Nassau  tried  for  soundings  there,  finding  no  bottom  with  1 80  fathoms  ; 

6  miles  W.  by  N.  of  this  position,  at  noon,  with  good  observations,  bottom 
was  obtained  in  1,878  fathoms,  pale  yellow  sand.  As  the  observations  were 
made  on  a  clear  day,  and  a  good  look-out  kept  from  the  mast-head,  there  is 
no  doubt  this  shoal  has  been  misplaced  on  the  charts. 

Nicholson  Rock  is  marked  in  lat.  8°  52'  N.,  long.  119°  43'  E.,  12  miles 
W.  \  N.  of  the  South  end  of  Tub  Bataha. 

ClotiUe  Breaker  is  in  lat.  8°  1 1'  N.,  long.  1 19°  16'  E. 

Rosalia  Rock,  discovered  in  March,  1868,  is  in  lat.  8°  54'  N.,  long.  119°  6' E. 

The  CAGAYANES  ISLANDS  were  very  imperfectly  described  and  deli- 
neated on  the  Spanish  charts,  until  Sir  Edward  Belcher  made  a  cursory 
survey  of  them  in  March,  1846.  Cagayau,  the  largest  and  southernmost  of 
the  group,  is  about  5  miles  long  ;  at  its  broadest  part,  which  is  towards  the 
southern  end,  it  is  2  miles  across  ;  the  highest  hill,  285  ft.  above  the  level  of 
the  sea,  lies  68  miles  West  af  Negros  West  point.  The  remaining  islets  of 
this  group  are  low,  and  covered  with  trees.  A  reef  which  curves  to  the 
eastward,  and  is  steep-to  on  all  sides,  extends  85  miles  to  the  northward  of 
Buombong.  The  Observatory  was  fixed  on  a  small  rocky  islet  in  the  channel 
I.  A.  6  b 


922  THE  SULU  SEA. 

between  the  two  largest  islands,  lat.  9°  35'  30"  N.,  long.  121°  15'  30"  ;R 
The  bays  or  creeks  situated  in  the  interior  of  the  extensive  sound  formed  by 
the  two  great  islands  are  very  picturesque  and  retired,  and  have  at  their 
entrance,  or  chord  of  the  bay,  a  depth  of  not  less  than  3^  fathoms.  If  the 
entrance  to  this  sound  from  the  northward  should  be  found  clear  from  dan- 
ger, or  even  accessible  by  dint  of  pilotage,  this  group  would  form  an  im- 
portant naval  position,  but  not  more  than  12  ft.  could  be  found  by  the 
Samarang.  The  cottages  of  the  inhabitants  are  scattered  about  in  the  little 
nooks  or  bays,  but  are  not  neat  or  cleanly,  although  the  people  they  saw 
were  clean  limbed,  light  coloured,  vigorous,  and  very  respectful  and  courteous 
in  manner.  Sir  Edward  was  assured  that  bullocks,  vegetables,  and  fowls, 
could  be  procured,  and  inferred  that  whalers  frequently  visit  the  pueblo,  a 
pretty  large  village,  with  a  whitewashed  fort  and  a  church.  The  islands  are 
surrounded  by  a  reef,  which  extends  nearly  9  miles  to  the  northward. 

Colusa  Island,  lying  10  miles  W.  by  N.  ^  N.  from  the  South  point  of  Ca- 
gayan,  is  about  60  ft.  high,  covered  with  trees,  and  visible  8  miles  o£F.  There 
is  a  deep  channel  between  it  and  Cagayan.  Ca/vilU  and  Sandy  Islands,  with 
their  outlying  reefs,  extend  8^  miles  in  a  N.E.  by  E.  and  S.W.  by  W.  direc- 
tion, with  a  deep  channel  1^  mile  wide  between.  As  these  islands  are  steep- 
to  on  all  sides,  the  mariner  should  be  cautious  when  navigating  in  their 
vicinity,  the  lead  giving  no  warning. 

Between  the  Cagayanes  group  and  the  South  end  of  Panay  there  are 
several  shoals.  The  southernmost  was  announced  in  1839,  as  the  Nicholson 
Banlc,  3  fathoms  (perhaps  less),  9  or  10  miles  North  of  the  larger  Cagayan. 
Another  was  announced  by  Captain  Wedge,  of  the  Sultana,  in  1845,  with 
oiily  9  ft.  least  water,  in  lat.  9°  59'  N.,  long.  121°  24'  E.  Another,  an  exten- 
sive reef,  on  which  the  Golconda  struck  in  1837,  and  the  Sell  in  1839,  reaches 
to  within  23  miles  S.  by  W.  of  the  South  extremity  of  Panay.  The  charts 
must  afford  all  further  information. 

Piedra  Blanca,  or  white  rock,  lies  in  lat.  10°  27'  N.,  long.  121°  3'  E.,  about 
20  miles  S.  i  E.  from  the  S.W.  point  of  the  Gran  Cuyo,  but  far  to  the  west- 
ward of  the  ordinary  track  of  vessels. 

Queen  of  the  Seas  Sank,  an  8-fathom  patch,  was  discovered  by  Captain 
Smiley  Eeid,  in  1868.  The  bottom  was  distinctly  seen,  and  the  bank  ap- 
peared to  be  about  IJ  or  2  miles  in  diameter.  From  the  bank,  Carlandagan 
Island  bore  N.W.,  and  Quiminatin  N.E.  ^  N.,  which  places  the  shoal  in  lat. 
10°  26'  N.,  120°  29' E.,  or  15  miles  eastward  of  the  position  now  assigned 
to  it. 

The  CXJYOS  ISLANDS,  or  Islas  de  los  Amantes,  is  an  extensive  archipelago 
between  Panay  and  Palawan.  The  charts  of  them  will  give  the  only  account 
we  have  ;  there  is  no  good  description.  Gra7i  Cuyo  is  the  largest  and  one 
of  the  southernmost.  Its  centre  is  in  lat.  10°  52'  N.,  long.  121°  2'  E.  It  is 
well  cultivated  with  rice  in  some  parts ;  the  village  is  on  the  N.W.  side. 


THE  CUYOS  ISLANDS.  923 

Many  of  the  other  islands  are  high  and  rocky  ;  the  easternmost  is  iu  hit. 
10°  58i'  N.,  long.  121°  16'  E.,  9  miles  N.E.  of  Gran  Cuyo.  Qumuluhan,  the 
northernmost,  is  in  lat.  11°  27'  N.,  long.  120°  51'  E.,  and  is  a  high  island, 
with  others  near  it,  to  the  southward. 

There  are  safe  channels  among  the  various  islands,  with  depths  varying 
from  30  to  .60  fathoms,  but  a  large  ship  should  not  get  entangled  among 
them,  as  many  of  the  reefs  extend  a  long  way  around  them,  and  there  are 
detached  coral  patches  either  not  known  or  not  properly  placed.  Of  the 
sunken  dangers  known  there  is  a  \^-fathom  patch,  S.W.  by  W.  I  W.,  21 
miles  from  the  peak  of  Cuyo  Island,  and  S.E.  10^  miles  from  Paya,  a  small 
island,  the  south-westernmost  of  the  group.  Canipo  Island  is  N.N.W.  10 
miles  from  Cuyo,  and  the  space  between  is  nearly  filled  up  by  a  shallow 
bank.  A  sunken  rock  is  placed  in  lat.  IP  N.,  120°  38'  E.,  W.N.W.  25  miles 
from  Cuyo  Island.  Agatuya  is  an  island  3  miles  long  North  and  South.  A 
sunken  rock  lies  N.W.  3  miles  from  its  North  extremity,  and  S.W.  the  same 
distance  irom  Lit,  another  small,  high  island.  A  \- fathom  patch  was  dis- 
covered by  Captain  Mackenzie,  of  the  ship  Chinaman^  in  1871,  in  latitude 
ir  17'  N.,  121°  6'  E.,  10  miles  E.N.E.  of  Dit. 

The  Sombrero  Rock,  midway  between  the  S.W.  end  of  Panay  and  the 
Cuyos  Islands,  is  not  larger  than  a  long  boat,  and  can  only  be  seen  when 
witliin  8  or  9  miles;  it  generally  shows  black.  Soundings  appear  to  extend 
from  the  Sombrero  Eock  to  the  Cuyos  It  is  in  lat.  10°  43'  N.,  distant  20 
miles  from  Panay,  and  can  only  be  made  out  at  the  distance  of  8  or  10  miles. 
It  bears  from  Point  Naso  N.W.  29  miles,  from  the  centre  of  Gran  Cuyo 
E.  by  S.  \  S.,  and  from  Paguayan,  the  easternmost  of  the  Cuyo  Islands,  S.E. 
distant  24  miles. 

Pontui  Bank  is  a  small  dry  patch,  in  lat.  IT  20'  N.,  long.  121°  41'  E., 
S.W.  by  W.  16  miles  from  Balbatan  Island.  A  7-fathom  coral  patch  lies  4 
miles  N.N.W.  from  it;  and  Sidtan  Bank,  with  5^  fathoms  water  over  it,  Hes 
13  miles  West  of  the  7-fathom  patch. 

The  Panagatan  Shoal  lies  to  the  S.W.  of  Semirara.  It  is  also  called  the 
Camden  Reef,  and  is  a  coral  reef,  4  miles  in  extent  East  and  West,  and  4 
miles  broad.  There  are  three  eoral  islands  on  it,  all  covered  with  trees,  that 
to  the  westward  being  the  highest,  only  12  ft.  above  high  water.  No  fresh 
water  found ;  but  they  are  visited  by  fishermen.  The  S.E.  point  of  the 
North  island  is  in  lat.  11°  50'  40"  N.,  long,  about  121°  16'  E.  Its  native 
name  is  derived  from  the  enormous  shells  of  the  tridacna  or  Chama  gigas 
which  abound  on  it. 

Falmouth  Bank,  of  11  and  12  fathoms,  lies  15  miles  West  of  Panagatan 
Shoal.  Leonidas  Bank,  of  5^  fathoms,  lies  15  miles  N.N.W.  of  Falmouth 
Bank,  and  12  miles  S.W.  of  Ambolon  Island.  Three  shoal  patches  lie  east- 
ward of  the  Calamion  Islands,  one  of  5^  fathoms  7  miles  E.S.E.  from  the 
East  end  of  Bulalacao.     Magellancs  Bank,  of  5^   fathoms,   8  miles  East  of 


924  THE  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

Delian,  in  lat.  11°  51'  N.,  long.  120^  29'  E.,  and  a  4j-fathom  patch  S.S.E. 
10  miles  from  Mao^ellanes  Bank,  and  14  miles  eastward  of  the  5i-fathom 
patch  just  mentioned. 


MINDORO  is  76  miles  from  North  to  South,  and  its  northern  coast  is 
about  the  same  length.  Its  western  shore  has  been  described  (p.p.  586 — 592) 
as  forming  a  portion  of  the  limit  of  the  China  Sea.  It  is  an  island  of  great 
natural  fertility,  its  climate  is  very  hot,  and  the  rains  almost  incessant. 
Cape  Calavite,  its  N.W.  extremity,  is  formed  by  the  slopes  of  a  lofty  moun- 
tain, and  from  this  the  North  coast  trends  nearly  eastward,  and  at  25  miles 
from  Cape  Calavite  is  the  Ahra  de  Ilo,  where  is  good  anchorage,  and  between 
them  are  the  ruins  of  a  remarkable  church.  They  stand  on  a  narrow  plain 
called  Punta  de  San  Tomaa,  now  deserted,  but  their  existence  shows  that 
the  island  must  have  been  once  populous  before  the  incursions  of  the  pirates 
about  the  middle  of  last  century.  This  coast  of  the  island  is  exceedingly 
unhealthy,  and  is  uninhabited.  It  is  believed  that  to  sleep  a  single  night  on 
it  is  certain  to  produce  a  putrid  or  tertian  fever.  At  12  miles  eastward  of 
the  Abra  de  Ho  is  the  Puerto  Galera,  only  fit  for  boats.,  and  thus  named  be- 
cause it  was  a  refuge  for  the  galleys  in  pursuit  of  the  pirates.  Inland  of  this 
is  the  loftiest  mountain  of  Mindoro.  The  coast  to  the  eastward  is  deserted 
and  inaccessible,  and  only  visited  occasionally  by  the  wild  inhabitants  to  take 
the  honey  which  is  abundant  among  its  rocky  cliffs.  Calapan,  the  chief  place 
of  the  island,  is  14  miles  E.  by  S.  of  the  Puerto  Galera,  and  is  on  a  point 
from  which  an  extensive  reef  projects.  It  is  a  miserable  place,  with  a  small 
fort.  Point  Dumali,  its  N.E.  point,  is  bold  and  steep-to,  and  when  coming 
from  the  eastward  may  be  recognised  by  a  remarkable  white  patch  on  the 
face  of  it  about  4U0  ft.  high. 

Mindoro  is  at  present  very  unimportant.  The  remnant  of  its  once  civilized 
population  now  live  in  the  interior,  a  miserable  and  degraded  remnant,  and 
the  alleged  unhealthiness  of  its  shores  prevents  immigration  to  restore  its 
former  fertility. 

SIBUYAN  is  1 3  miles  in  diameter ;  it  is  only  inhabited  by  Indians,  nearly 
uncivilized,  and  therefore  it  is  quite  unimportant.  On  its  N.E.  side  is  a  reef 
of  sand  and  rocks,  which  uncovers  at  low  water,  5  or  6  miles  in  extent.  It 
runs  parallel  with  the  coast,  leaving  a  channel  half  a  mile  wide  within  it, 
having  from  6  to  10  fathoms  water,   and  which  perhaps  affords  some  shelter. 

The  channel  between  Sibuyan  and  Masbate,  with  its  shoals,  has  been 
before  noticed  (page  905). 

ROMBLON  is  8  miles  West  from  the  western  point  of  Sibuyan.  It  is  10 
miles  long,  and  at  its  N.E.  end  is  an  excellent  small  harbour,  and  a  well 
kept  village.  There  is  a  fort  here  built  by  a  priest  to  resist  the  piratical 
Muros,  which  he  did  so  efifectually  as  to  gain  the  name  of  Capitan  Terror. 


TABLAS— LUZON.  925 

There  sire  four  small  fixed  lights  shown  at  Ronjblon,  but  no  account  is  jriven 
of  their  use  or  application.  They  are  on  the  Sahang,  Aghatan,  Binagon  and 
Rosas  Poi)its  beacons. 

TABLAS,  next  "West  of  Eombh'n,  is  33  miles  long,  but  is  narrow.  We 
have  no  account  of  its  coasts.  It  has  three  small  villages,  and  a  fort  for 
protection  against  the  Moro  pirates. 

Marinduque  is  25  miles  long  and  11  broad.  It  is  lofty,  and  Mount  Jfar- 
langas  is  of  <  onsiderable  elevation,  rising  over  its  southern  cape.  The  island 
is  fertile,  rice  the  chief  product ;  the  principnl  outlet  of  which  is  at  Jfalauigi, 
an  open  road  on  its  southern  coast.  On  the  N.E.  side  is  a  town  and  harbour, 
called  Sta.  Cruz  de  Napo,  spacious  and  sheltered,  and  on  the  N.W.  side  is 
that  of  Sanf  Andres,  a  shoal  lying  in  front  of  it. 

Port  St.  Andrews,  in  the  N.W.  part  of  the  island,  has  a  very  narrow  en- 
trance, with  some  dangers  extending  from  the  shore  on  the  northern  side. 
Within  is  a  deep  well  sheltered  basin.  There  is  no  town  here,  but  at  4^ 
miles  to  the  southward  is  Buac,  with  1,100  inhabitants.  Gazan  is  nearly  20 
miles  further  down  the  coast. 

Of  the  islands  to  the  northward  of  Tablas,  Bos  Hermanas  are  flat  and  about 
150  ft.  high,  Maestro  de  Campo  being  high  and  steep-to.  Banton  and 
Sirnara  Islands  are  readily  recognized  from  the  northward  of  Maestro  de 
Campo ;  the  former  is  high,  peaked,  and  rugged,  and  apparently  unculti- 
vated, while  the  latter  is  moderately  elevated,  flat-topped,  and  well  culti- 
vated, with  a  village,  church,  and  fort  on  its  South  side. 

LUZON,  LUCON,  or,  as  it  is  sometimes  corrupted,  "  Luconia,"  is  by  much 
the  largest  and  most  important  of  Las  Islas  Filipinas.  It  is  of  an  exceed- 
ingly irregular  figure,  participating  in  this  character  with  the  other  volcanic 
islands  of  the  archipelago,  such  as  Mindanao,  Halmaheira,  and  Celebes,  the 
volcanic  agency  being  apparently  continuous  throughout  all  these,  and  ex- 
tending northward  towards  Japan  and  Kamtchatka.  Measured  along  its 
greatest  length  it  is  550  miles  in  extent,  but  the  great  mass  of  the  island  is 
in  the  northern  peninsula,  which  is  135  miles  broad  in  some  parts.  Its  form 
has  been  compared  to  the  bent  arm  "  brazo  doblado,"  and  its  aggregate 
area  is  nearly  equal  to  double  that  of  Ireland. 

It  is  divided  by  the  Spaniards  into  nineteen  provinces,  of  which  that  of 
Tondo,  which  contains  the  capital,  Manila,  is  by  far  the  most  important;  the 
others  need  not  be  enumerated.  The  whole  commerce  of  the  island  and 
most  of  the  civilization  and  European  residents  are  centred  in  its  capital. 

From  its  great  extent  in  latitude,  between  latitudes  12°  30'  and  18°  43'  N., 
it  lies  in  the  main  strength  of  the  monsoons,  which  exert  their  whole  force 
on  either  coast  alternately.  Throughout  its  length  ranges  of  volcanic  moun- 
tains extend,  commencing  in  the  South  with  the  active  volcano  of  Balusan, 
on  the  North  side  of  the  Strait  of  San  Bernardino,  and  cuntinuing  through 


926  THE  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS, 

many  lofty  peaks  along  the  southern  peninsulas,  exhibiting  more  or  less  the 
results  of  former  or  recent  activity.  On  the  south-western  side  of  the 
northern  peninsula  and  on  the  opposite  coast  are  separate  ranges,  and  in  the 
northern  portion  are  those  of  the  Sierra  Madre  or  El  Gran  Cordillera,  which 
runs  generally  parallel  with  the  eastern  coast,  terminating  in  the  North  at 
Cape  Engaiio.  On  the  western  side,  and  in  a  similar  direction,  are  the 
Cordillera  Central  and  del  Norte,  which  are  generally  known  as  the  Mantes 
Caralallos. 

These  mountain  chains,  although  of  no  great  elevation,  probably  nowhere 
6,000  or  7,000  ft.,  have  an  important  influence  on  the  climate  of  the  eastern 
or  western  coasts,  in  a  similar  way  that  the  Ghauts,  in  about  the  same  lati- 
tudes, have  on  the  meterology  of  the  Indian  peninsula.  There  are  nume- 
rous volcanoes  along  this  chain,  of  which  those  to  the  S.E.,  such  as  May,on, 
above  Albay,  Taal  in  the  centre  of  a  lake,  Bonolano,  &c.,  are  the  best  known. 
Earthquakes  are  consequently  frequent,  and  have  been  in  some  cases  very 
destructive. 

The  seasons  are  divided  into  the  wet  and  the  dry.  In  the  western  portion 
the  rains  last  from  the  beginning  of  June  until  the  middle  of  September, 
while  at  this  season  there  is  fine  weather  in  the  eastern  and  northern  parts 
of  Luzon.  This  monsoon  is  not  so  regular  on  the  western  coast  as  farther  at 
sea,  and  in  other  portions  of  its  course,  being  much  interfered  with  by  the 
various  islands  and  mountains.  In  October  the  westerly  monsoon  gives  place 
to  the  northerly  winds,  which  then  bring  similar  rains,  derived  from  the 
evaporation  in  passing  over  the  Pacific,  on  to  the  eastern  coast.  When  these 
rains  set  in  the  fall  is  so  abundant,  that  the  whole  country  becomes  inun- 
dated and  generally  impassable,  and  the  flat  plains  are  then  little  better 
than  vast  lagoons.  A  surprising  fertility  is  the  consequence  of  this  abun- 
dance of  moisture,  combined  with  the  tropical  heats  which  are  constant 
throughout  the  year.  From  the  wetness  of  the  climate  for  so  large  a  por- 
tion of  the  year  roads  and  bridges  are  deficient,  and  a  great  portion  of  the 
commerce  is  carried  on  coastwise,  a  traffic  which  is  much  aided  by  the  pecu- 
liarly indented  coast  line  of  its  more  densely  peopled  parts.  The  heat  is 
very  great,  but  the  humidity  qualifies  this.  The  great  heats  commence 
about  the  middle  of  March,  when  the  winds  from  East  and  S.E.  set  in.  and 
which  last  about  two  months.  At  the  changes  of  the  seasons  hurricanes  and 
typhoons  are  frequent  and  very  violent. 

Of  the  North  and  eastern  coasts  we  know  very  little  ;  our  hydrographical 
knowledge  of  it  is  almost  entire  ignorance.  This  portion  of  the  island  is 
scarcely  subject  to  Spain,  has  no  trade  or  productions,  and  being  moreover 
a  lee  shore  for  so  large  a  portion  of  the  year,  it  is  avoided  by  ships  at  all 
times,  on  account  of  this  and  of  the  strong  currents  which  prevail  close 
to  them. 

The  SOUTH  COAST  of  LUZON  is  imperfectly  known.     Caje  Santiago,  its 


THE  SOUTH  COAST  OF  LUZON.  927 

western  extremity,  in  lat.  13°  46'  N.,  long.  120°  40'  20"  E.,  is  low,  with  reefs 
extending  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  it,  and  Minerva  Hock,  4  miles  S.E.  of  it. 
Verde  Island,  9  miles  to  the  S.E.  of  the  East  end  of  Maricaban,  is  4  miles 
long  N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  1,500  ft.  high.  *  By  taking  care  not  to  shut  in  its 
North  point  by  Maricaban,  the  Minerva  Rock  will  be  cleared  by  at  least  3 
miles.  Between  Cape  Santiago  and  the  western  end  of  Maricaban  Island, 
which  is  surmounted  by  rocks,  11  miles  S«E.  by  E.  from  it,  is  the  entrance 
to  Balagan  Bay,  the  S.W.  part  of  which  is  called  Fagapas  Bay.  In  these  bays 
there  is  good  anchorage.  Maricaban  Island  is  7  miles  long,  high,  and  covered 
with  trees.  On  its  eastern  end  there  is  a  mountain,  which  is  remarkable  for 
being  on  land  which  is  higher  than  any  part  of  the  island.  At  the  western 
end  there  is  another,  not  so  high,  terminating  in  a  peak,  and  is  very  distinct 
•from  the  neighbouring  heights  of  Point  Santiago.  Vessels  may  anchor  on  a 
sandy  bottom  oif  all  the  beaches  on  the  northern  and  southern  sides  of  this 
island  ;  but  it  is  necessary  to  do  so  close  to  them,  for  they  are  very  bold. 
To  the  northward  of  the  western  end  of  the  island  there  is  a  small  islet  ex- 
tending North  and  South  surrounded  by  rocks.  Eocks  and  islets  extend  to 
2  miles  off  the  East  end  of  Maricaban.  The  channel  northward  of  Verde 
Island  is  generally  preferred,  as  a  rock  is  said  to  exist  about  1 J  mile  S.E.  ^  E. 
from  the  South  point  of  Verde  Island,  and  a  reef  running  5  cables  North  of 
the  Bacos  Islands. 

The  entrance  to  Batangas  Bay  is  between  the  East  end  of  Maricaban 
Island  and  Matoco  Point,  high  and  covered  with  trees,  5  miles  to  the  east- 
ward. The  best  anchorage  is  in  its  N.E.  part,  near  the  town  of  Batangas  or 
Bauang.  The  River  Rosario  is  10  miles  eastward  of  Matoco  Point,  the  coast 
between  being  sandy.  Point  Malahrigo,  4  miles  S.E.  by  E.  from  Eosario,  is 
covered  with  trees.  Northward  of  it  is  some  high  ground,  3,500  feet  hi^h, 
called  the  Sierras  of  Rosario,  which  forms  a  useful  landmark  in  approaching 
from  the  eastward.  The  next  high  ground  to  that  at  Point  Malabrigo  is  at 
Sigayan  promontory,  10  miles  N.E.  by  E.  of  it.  There  is  anchorage  near  the 
coast  between  these  places  The  eastern  extreme  of  Sigayan  promontory  is 
called  Cape  Bantigui.  One  and  a  half  mile  N.W.  from  it  is  a  small  bay  with 
some  wooded  islets  in  it.  Paghilao  Island  lies  11 J  miles  N.E.  from  Point 
Bantigui.  Its  irregular  shape  forms  a  bay  on  its  southern  coast,  and  the 
island  itself,  nearly  filling  up  the  bay  in  which  it  lies,  forms  two  harbours, 
Pagbilao  to  the  westward  and  Lagummanoc  to  the  eastward.  The  first  of 
these  is  much  embarrassed  by  shoals,  and  requires  a  pilot.  Vessel  not  draw- 
ing above  24  ft.  can  enter  Lagummenoc,  but  great  caution  is  necessary  in 
doing  so,  for  the  reefs  which  extend  from  its  two  points  very  much  reduce 
the  breadth  of  the  entrance. 

Erom  the  S.E.  point  of  Pagbilao  Island,  in  lat.  13°  53'  N.,  long.  121°  48' 
E.,  for  28  miles  to  the  south-eastward  to  Point  Tuguian,  the  coast  should  not 
be  approached  within  a  distance  of  2  or  3  miles,  as  numerous  sunken  rucks 


928  THE  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

lie  off  it.  Between  Point  Tuguian  and  Point  Pinamuntangan,  26^  miles  to 
the  south-eastward,  a  shallow  bay  is  formed.  In  the  southern  part  of  this 
bay,  5  miles  N.  by  W.  from  the  last  named  point,  is  a  patch  of  rocks  2  miles 
in  extent  and  3  miles  off  shore.  '  Mulanay,  a  mall  bay,  with  the  town  of 
Yendo  on  its  shores,  is  in  lat.  13°  30'  N.,  long.  122°  25'  E.  This  bay  is  backed 
by  high  ground,  and  to  the  southward  of  it  the  peninsula  is  high,  terminating 
in  Mount  Bondog,  1,250  ft.  high,  24  miles  to  the  southward. 

Bondog  Head  lies  2  miles  8.S.E.  from  Mount  Bondog,  and  from  it  the  coast 
trends  about  N.E.  for  8  miles  to  Point  Arena,  and  has  several  sandy  bays 
with  anchorage.  A  shoal,  3  miles  N.E.  from  Bondog  Head  and  a  mile  off 
the  shore,  should  be  avoided.  Somhocagon  Bay  is  4  miles  N.N.W.  from  Point 
Arena,  and  several  sunken  rocks  lie  near  the  intervening  coast.  In  this  bay 
country  boats  resort  for  anchorage,  but  there  is  a  large  rock  in  the  midst  of 
it,  leaving  a  channel  between  it  and  the  shore.  In  the  N.W.  part  of  the 
bay  is  the  town  of  the  same  name.  The  North  point  of  the  bay  has  a  reef 
extending  from  it  to  the  S.E.  in  a  semicircular  form,  under  which  there  is 
good  sheltered  anchorage  in  4  fathoms,  fine  sand. 

Alihijahan  Island,  on  the  western  side  of  the  Gulf  of  Eagay,  and  6  miles 
North  of  Arena  Point,  is  3  miles  long  North  and  South,  and  surrounded  by 
rocks.  There  is  a  channel  IJ  mile  wide  between  the  rocks  off  its  western 
side,  and  those  extending  a  mile  from  the  main.  N.N.W,  5  miles  from  the 
North  end  of  this  island,  is  the  Palad  Bank,  3  miles  off  shore.  The  entrance 
of  Pusgo  Harbour  lies  N.W.  7  miles  from  Palad  Bank,  and  has  Point  Pusgo 
on  its  eastern  side,  a  mile  southward  from  which  is  a  If -fathom  patch,  the 
best  entrance  to  the  harbour  being  on  the  western  side  of  this  patch, 

Guinayan  is  a  town  at  the  head  of  the  Gulf  of  Kagay,  on  its  western  side,  25 
miles  above  Point  Pusgo.  In  approaching  this  place  there  are  two  dangers 
to  be  avoided,  one  lying  S.E.  by  E.  8  miles  from  it,  and  a  IJ-fathom  patch 
3^  miles  E.  ^  S.  from  it.  Ragay  is  on  the  eastern  shore  of  the  gulf,  E.S.E. 
from  Guinayan.  The  S.E.  entrance  point  of  the  Gulf  of  Eagay  may  be  con- 
sidered as  Tamba  Point,  which  lies  S.E.  from  the  North  end  of  Burias 
Island.  Between  Tamba  Point  and  St.  Bernardino  Strait  are  several  har- 
bours worthy  of  mention.  Visita  and  Ilarigotidon  are  towns  near  the 
coast,  respectively  in  lat  13°  1'  30"  N.,  and  13°  0'  30"  N.  Bonson  lies  4  m.iles 
above  the  mouth  of  a  small  river,  off  which  is  shallow  water.  At  5^  miles 
S.E.  of  Donson  Eiver  is  the  entrance  of  Fort  Putiao,  in  lat.  12°  53'  N.,  long. 
123°  40'  E.  The  channel  into  Port  Putiao  is  in  the  middle  of  the  mouth 
leaving  the  islet  off  the  point  on  the  left  hand.  But  it  is  necessary  to  enter 
lead  in  hand  and  with  small  sail  to  keep  the  channel,  for  there  are  rocky 
shoals  on  both  sides  which  dry  at  low  water.  In  the  mouth  there  are  25  to 
10  fathoms,  mud. 

The  port  of  Parlatuan,  2  miles  to  the  eastward,  has  scarcely  3  fathoms 
mid-channel,  although  it  has  5  and  6  fathoms  inside.     To  get  into  it  a  vessel 


THE  EASTERN  COASTS  OF  LUZON.  929 

must  be  towed  and  sound  to  keep  the  channel  and  avoid  the  rocks  which 
appear  at  low  water. 

Sosogon  Bay,  12  miles  deep,  is  the  best  port  to  be  found  hereabouts,  and 
on  its  shores  are  several  towns,  where  provisions  may  be  obtained.  Bagatao 
Island,  2  miles  long  W.N.W.  and  E.S.E.,  lies  across  its  entrance,  and  the 
best  passage  in  is  between  its  western  end  (lat.  1 2°  52' N.,  long.  123°46'30"E.), 
and  Malumahuan,  a  small  island,  li  mile  to  the  westward.  There  is  an- 
chorage on  a  sand -bank  South  of  the  West  end  of  Bagatao  Island,  in  12  or 
14  fathoms.  When  inside  the  port  a  vessel  may  anchor  where  suitable.  If 
large  she  must  not  approach  the  vicinity  of  Sorsogon,  for  from  the  third  part 
of  the  extent  the  depth  decreases  20  fathoms.  But  there  is  the  satisfaction 
of  knowing  that  the  whole  of  the  ground  is  mud,  and  that  in  the  event  of 
touching  it,  a  vessel  cannot  do  herself  much  harm.  Water  is  got  from  the 
East  side  of  the  outer  harbour.  It  was  in  this  bay  that  at  one  period  the 
great  galleons  which  went  to  Acapulco  were  built,  and  here  also  were  esta- 
blished roperies  for  the  making  of  cordage  from  the  Manilla  hemp,  the  pro- 
duce of  a  species  of  banana. 

Bulan  is  a  town  1 3  miles  southward  of  Bagatao  Island.  The  coast  be- 
tween has  anchorage  off  it ;  but,  at  1\  miles  northward  of  Bulan,  a  shoal 
bank  of  sand  stretches  some  distance  off  the  coast.  At  the  town  of  Bulan 
(formerly  Gate)  is  a  river,  the  bar  of  which  has  but  5  ft.  on  it  at  low  water. 
Within  this,  however,  it  is  navigable  with  but  little  change  of  depth.  The 
town  is  seated  on  the  right  bank  at  a  short  distance  inside.  On  the  bare 
sandy  point  which  extends  out  a  tolerable  distance  is  a  fort. 

Butag  Bay,  3  miles  to  the  south-eastward  of  Bulati,  is  1|^  mile  wide  be- 
tween Points  Angas  and  Barugo,  off  each  of  which  are  some  rocks.  A  town 
lies  at  the  head  of  the  bay.  The  shore  of  the  Day  is  mountainous  in  some 
parts  towards  the  shore  and  well  wooded,  and  the  depth  of  the  water  in  it 
admits  of  vessels  of  all  kinds.  Tagiran  Point,  formed  of  a  hill  with  a  flat 
top,  is  7  J  miles  S.E.  by  S.  of  Butag,  and  there  are  several  bays  where  an- 
chorage may  be  obtained,  lying  between.  This  point  is  in  lat.  12°  32'  N., 
long.  123°  58'  30"  E.,  and  several  bays  with  anchorage  in  them,  lie  to  the 
eastward  of  it.  Calantes  Bank  is  a  small  coral  rock,  5|  miles  E.S.E.  from 
Tagiran  Point.  It  is  mentioned  on  page  904.  The  small  islands  of  Calinfan, 
Juac,  and  Tielin,  off  the  S.E.  end  of  Luzon,  have  many  rocks  near  their 
shores,  but  the  narrow  strait  which  separates  them  from  the  coast  of  Luzon 
has  plenty  of  depth  for  any  vessel. 

The  EASTERN  COASTS  of  LUZON,*  washed  by  the  Pacifle,  are  very 

•  "Lbgaspi,  opened  to  foreign  commerce  in  1873,  is  situated  at  the  S.E.  end  of  the 
Island  of  Luzon.     It  is  an  open  roadstead  much  exposed  to  the  violence  of  the  N.E.  mon- 
I.   A  6c 


930  THE  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

irregular,  and  in  their  southern  portion  very  deeply  indented  by  large  bays 
and  inlets.  The  Strait  of  San  Bernardino,  which  separates  it  from  Samar, 
and  is  the  great  inlet  from  the  Pacific  to  the  Bisayas  Islands,  has  been 
described  on  page  903. 

The  Volcano  of  Bulusan,  lat.  12°  47' N.,  stands  as  a  sentinel  on  the  northern 
side  of  this  Embocadero  or  strait,  and  being  in  constant  activity,  its  flames 
have  been  a  good  mark  by  night  for  approaching  it. 

Magnoc  Bay  has  its  entrance  at  2  miles  westward  of  Tielin  Island  (page 
■929).  At  the  southern  point  of  Tielin  Island  a  shoal  extends  out  S.E.,  and 
as  its  neighbouring  isle,  Juac,  has  another  extending  in  the  contrary  direc- 
tion, they  leave  but  a  small  channel  between  them,  which  is  used  by  the 
trading  craft  of  the  country.  Magnoe  Bay  is  not  large,  but  may  afford  an- 
chorage to  any  vessel,  whether  the  weather  may  be  fine  or  blowing  between 
North  and  S.S.W.  ;  but  to  all  other  winds  she  would  be  exposed  and  subject 
to  a  considerable  swell.  The  town  is  very  small  and  poor.  To  the  north- 
ward it  has  a  river,  and  may  afford  water  and  a  few  provisions.  The  southern 
point  of  entrance  of  Magnoe  Bay  has  shoal  water  extending  off  it  for  more 
than  half  a  mile  to  the  northward.  Having  passed  Point  Padan,  which  is 
next  to  the  E.N.E.  from  the  North  point  of  the  Bay  of  Magnoe,  there  is 
neither  bay  nor  place  for  anchorage  as  far  as  that  of  Albay.  The  whole 
coast  is  composed  of  ravines  with  rocky  terminations  or  sandy  beaches,  and 
although  off  these  the  ground  may  be  clean,  at  some  distance  there  is  a  rocky 
ridge  which  extends  from  Point  Padan  as  far  as  the  shoals  of  Montufar, 
leaving  only  some  few  breaks  or  cuts  which  the  pilots,  who  know  them,  pass 
through  in  their  small  craft  for  Bulusan,  lat.  12°  42'  N.  ;  Guhat,  12°  56^'  N. ; 
Bagacay,  1 3°  N. ;  or  for  any  part  of  the  coast,  inside  the  ridge. 

The  Gulf  of  Alhay  is  22  miles  deep  in  an  East  and  West  direction,  and  lies 
between  the  three  islands  of  Eapurrapu,  Batan  and  Cacraray,  on  its  North, 
and  the  xjoast  of  Luzon  on  its  South  side.  Its  entrance  is  between  Ungay 
Point,  the  S.E.  point  of  Eapurrapu,  lat.  13°  11'  N.,  long.  124°  Qi'  E.,  and 
Montugan  Point,  5  miles  South  from  it.  The  latter  point  has  sunken  rocks 
off  it.  The  narrow  channels  between  the  islands  forming  the  North  side  of 
the  harbour  are  intricate  and  dangerous,  and  some  sunken  rocks  also  lie  off 
the  South  side  of  the  islands.  The  South  shore  of  Albay  Gulf  forms  two 
large  bays,  in  the  eastern  of  which  are  the  villages  of  Nabug,  Sugob,  and 
Bacon;  and  in  the  western,  called  Poliqui  Bay,  are  Manito  and  Caguayan, 
on  its  eastern  shore,  and  Poliqui  on  its  western.     Sunken  rocks  lie  all  round 

fioon.  There  being  also  deep  water  close  to  the  shore,  vessels  at  anchor  run  great  risk  of 
dragging  during  the  gales  which  often  prevail  on  thiit  part  of  the  coast.  Coral  reefs  are 
also  said  to  exist  in  the  Bay  of  Legaspi,  though  not  entered  on  the  chart." — Mr.  Coneul 
Rickets,  1873. 

There  is  no  mention  made  of  this  place  on  the  charts. 


LUZON— CATANDUANES  ISLAND.  931 

PoHqui  Bay,  at  1  or  2  miles  off  shore.  Allay  Totcn,  in  lat.  13'  9'  N.,  long. 
123°  43'  E.,  lies  2  miles  inland  from  the  head  of  the  bay.  A  village  lies  on 
the  coast  East  of  it,  at  the  mouth  of  a  river.  N.  by  E.  5  miles  from  this 
village  is  that  of  Lime,  with  rocks  on  the  shore.  Two  detached  rocks  also 
lie  3  miles  S.E.  of  the  mouth  of  the  river  in  which  Livoc  is  situated.  Port 
Sula,  at  the  S."W.  end  of  Cacraray  Island,  lies  5  miles  East  of  Livoc. 

Tobaco  Gulf,  next  North  of  Albay  Gulf,  has  its  chief  town,  named  TobacOf 
just  within  its  western  entrance  point,  which  is  in  lat.  13°  22'  N.,  long. 
123°  43'  E.  This  gulf  is  7  miles  broad  East  and  West.  The  island  of  San 
Miguel  shelters  it  from  the  northward,  and  round  the  western  end  of  this 
island  is  the  entrance  to  the  gulf,  a  mile  broad.  The  North  side  of  this 
island  is  bordered  by  dangers  to  a  mile  off,  and  the  channel  eastward  of  it^ 
between  it  and  Cacraray,  is  unsafe.  The  West  end.  of  San  Miguel  should 
not  be  approached  when  bearing  South  of  S.S.E.  Besides  Tobaco,  the 
villages  of  Malilipuy,  Bagacay,  and  Pilis,  are  built  on  the  shores  of  Tobaco 
Gulf.  On  the  South  side  of  Canamuan  Peninsula,  17  miles  to  the  northward, 
is  Lagonotj  Gulf,  with  several  villages  on  its  shores. 

The  Volcana  of  Allay,  in  perpetual  agitation,  lies  5  miles  W.N.W.  from 
Livoc,  and  is  constantly  threatening  the  neighbourhood,  "vhich  is  fertile  and 
well  cultivated.     The  roads  too  are  better  here  than  in  other  parts. 

CATANDUANES  ISLAND  is  34  miles  long  by  15  to  18  broad.  It  is  lofty 
and  fertile.  The  heat  of  the  climate  is  tempered  by  the  sea  breezes.  Pice, 
cotton,  abaca,  and  maize  are  produced.  The  abundant  forests  of  its  interior 
yield  good  timber  for  ship-building.  There  are  several  islands  in  the  strait 
named  Maqueda  Canal,  which  is  10  to  20  miles  broad,  separating  it  from 
Punta  Rungus  on  Luzon,  above  which  rise  the  lofty  mountains  of  Canamuan. 

lot  Point,  the  North  point  of  Catanduanes  Island,  is  in  lat.  14°  8'  N.,  long. 
124°  13^'  E.  Matulin  Idand  lies  5  miles  E.N.E.  of  it,  and  is  surrounded  to 
of  1  or  2  miles  by  sunken  rocks.  Horadada  Rocks,  above  water,  He  6  or  7 
miles  N.  by  W.  from  lot  Point,  and  Abriop  Bank  2  or  3  miles  N.W.  from 
Horadada  Rocks. 

Pa7iay,  4  miles  long  N.E.  and  S.W.,  lies  off  the  N.E.  coast  of  Catandu- 
anes, in  lat.  14°  4'  N.  Along  its  western  side,  which  is  bordered  by  rocks, 
is  the  entrance  to  a  small  bay,  in  which  are  situated  the  villages  of  Baga- 
manoe,  Payo,  and  Biga.  On  the  East  coast  of  Catanduanes  is  Tamhongon,  in 
lat-  13°  59'  N.,  and  Port  Baras  in  lat.  13°  39'  N.  Sunken  rocks  lie  off  the 
coast  at  Pandaran  Point,  in  lat.  13°  51'  N.,  at  Jimoto  Bay  in  lat.  13°  46'  N., 
and  at  Biniirun  Point  in  lat.  12°  41'  N. 

Nagumhuaya  is  the  S.E.  point  of  Catanduanes  Island.  It  is  in  lat.  13°  32' 
N.,  long.  124°  31'  E.  Between  this  and  another  point  10  miles  to  the  west- 
ward is  a  deep  bay,  into  the  eastern  part  of  which  a  large  river  flows,  having 
Cabugao  and  Balo  villages  at  its  mouth.  On  the  S.W.  coast  of  Catanduanes 
is  anchorage  off  the  village  of  Calolbong.     On  its  westera  coast  is  no  place 


932  THE  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

of  importance.     Palumbanes  Island  lies  5  miles  West  of  its  N.W.  point, 
where  is  a  small  bay  named  Carao. 

Puerto  de  Sisiran  is  on  the  North  shore  of  Canamuan  peninsula,  the 
entrance  being  32  miles  W.  by  S.,  of  the  North  point  of  Catanduanes. 
It  is  safe,  and  sheltered  by  a  group  of  islands,  the  entrance  to  it  being  in  lat. 
14°  N.,  long.  123°  41'  E.  The  channel  leads  South,  and  when  round  the 
East  point  of  the  island  haul  West,  and  anchor  to  the  N.E.  of  the  village  of 
Basi  on  the  Luzon  shore.  At  24  miles  to  the  S.W.  is  the  peaked  mountain 
Ysaroc  and  Psarroc,  near  the  head  of  the  bay  of  San  Miguel. 

In  approaching  this  bay  care  should  be  taken  to  avoid  some  sunken  rocks, 
which  lie  at  7  miles  north-eastward  of  its  eastern  entrance  point.  They  ex- 
tend for  1^  mile  N.W.  of  a  small  island.  To  the  southward  of  them  is 
Tagun  Bay,  West  of  Lahuy  Island. 

Botavanan  Island,  in  lat.  14°  10'  N.,  long.  123°  20',  lies  23  miles  N.W.  by  W. 
from  the  entrance  of  Sisiran  ;  the  coast  between  is  broken  up  into  three  deep 
bays.  At  5  miles  S.W.  by  W.  from  Botavanan  Island  is  Pinitan  Point, 
with  sunken  rocks  extending  a  mile  N.W.  from  it.  Between  this  point  and 
Siruma  Island,  5  miles  to  the  S.W.,  is  the  entrance  of  /Struma  Bay,  at  the 
head  of  which  is  a  village  of  the  same  name. 

San  Miguel  Bay. — The  entrance  of  this  bay  is  5  miles  wide  between  Siruma 
Island  just  mentioned  and  the  Canimo  Islands  to  the  westward.  At  the 
head  of  the  bay  is  Cabusao,  at  the  mouth  of  a  river  which  has  formed  a  bank 
extending  for  5  miles  to  the  N.N.E.  C'olasi,  on  the  western  shores  of  the 
bay,  lies  S.W.  from  Siruma  Island.  This  bay  is  open  to  the  northward,  but 
some  sheltered  spots  may  perhaps  be  found  on  its  eastern  side.  The  western 
shores  of  the  bay  are  low  and  unhealthy. 

The  Canimo  Islands  form  the  N.W.  side  of  the  entrance  to  St.  Miguel  Bay. 
The  channel  between  them  and  the  shore  is  closed  by  reefs.  West  of  the 
largest  and  northern  island  of  this  group  is  the  mouth  of  the  Daet  Eiver,  in 
lat.  14°  5'  N.,  long.  122°  59'  E.  Gold  is  reported  to  be  found  in  the  streams 
hereabout,  and  a  town  to  exist.  Mount  Labot,  5,092  ft.  high,  lies  S.W.  15 
miles  from  Canimo  Island. 

Off  this  part  of  the  coast  an  extensive  bank  is  reported  to  exist ;  its  S.E. 
end  is  in  lat.  14°  38'  N.,  long.  123°  38'  E.,  thence,  with  a  width  of  from  5  to 
7  miles,  it  extends  for  20  miles  to  the  N.W. 

Matandumaten  Island  is  small,  and  lies  12  miles  northward  of  the  entrance 
to  St.  Miguel  Bay.  To  the  N.W.  of  this  is  the  Calagnas  Group,  with  sunken 
rocks  extending  3  miles  from  their  S.E.  side.  Cacbalisay  Island  is  the  eastern 
of  the  group,  and  5  miles  S.E.  from  its  eastern  end  is  a  small  islet  with  a 
sunken  rock  off  its  South  side. 

Qwinamanocan  Island,  7  n:iles  N.W.  of  Canimo  Island,  lies  within  a  mile  of 
the  shore,  and  22  miles  north-westward  of  this  is  a  small  group  with  a  bank 
off  their  northern  side  called  the  Tonao  Isles.     They  lie  8  miles  West  of 


LUZON— THE  POLILLO  ISLAND.  933 

Maculabo,  the  western  of  the  Calagnas  Isles.  Mount  Bagacay  is  in  lat.  14° 
Hi'  N.,  long.  122°  48'  E.,  and  on  the  coast  8  miles  N.N.W.  from  it  is  Para- 
cale  village.  Mamhulao  is  at  the  head  of  a  bay,  the  entrance  to  which  faces 
the  N.W.,  and  lies  7  miles  westward  of  Paracale.  The  River  Capalonga 
enters  the  sea  in  long.  122'  22'  E.,  16  miles  westward  of  the  Tongao  Isles. 
To  the  westward  of  the  mouth  of  this  river  is  Jaulo  Island.  Dagdaf  Point, 
with  a  rock  off  it,  lies  9  miles  W.S.W.  Jaulo  Island,  and  between  them  lies 
Sogod  Bay.  Paranjo  Point  is  4  miles  S.W.  from  Dagdap  Point,  and  about 
3  miles  West  of  it  is  Palupari  Island,  the  intervening  space  being  dangerous. 
At  4  miles  S.S.W.  of  Paranjo  Point  is  Silanja  Point,  the  space  between 
being  occupied  by  a  bay,  at  the  head  of  which  is  the  town  of  Calagua. 
Silanga  Point  is  separated  by  a  channel  2  miles  wide  from  the  East  end  of 
Alahat  Island,  which,  with  a  width  of  about  4  miles,  thence  extends  for  15 
miles  in  a  N.W.  direction,  sheltering  Lamon  Bay  to  the  southward.  The 
West  end  of  Alabat  Island  is  surrounded  to  a  distance  of  a  mile  by  sunken 
rocks.  Panguiren  is  on  the  South  side  of  the  West  end  of  Alabat  Island, 
and  at  8  miles  West  of  it  on  the  main  is  the  town  of  Mauban.  Majajaquin  and 
Talolen  are  villages  in  the  S.E.  head  of  Lamon  Bay,  and  Gamaca  is  7  miles 
West  from  them.  Cahalete  Island,  5  miles  long  N.  by  W.  and  S.  by  E.,  is 
separated  by  a  strait  3  miles  wide  from  the  N.W.  end  of  Alabat  Islets 
lie  a  mile  off  the  North  end,  and  1^  mile  off  the  N.W.  end  of  Alabat. 

Balesin  Island,  1^  mile  in  diameter,  lies  N.W.  If  miles  from  Dagdap  Point, 
and  at  13  miles  N.E.  of  it  is  the  West  end  of  Jomalig  Island,  which  thence 
extends  for  12  miles  to  the  E.S.E.  Two  small  islands  lie  East  2  miles,  and 
S.E.  3  miles  from  its  eastern  end. 

The  Polillo  Islands,  consisting  of  one  large  island  30  miles  northward  of 
Alabat,  with  some  others  on  its  East  coast,  are  very  little  known.  The 
centre  of  the  large  island  is  occupied  by  an  extensive  mountain,  named  Ma- 
lolo.  It  is  probable  that  there  is  shelter  during  the  N.E.  monsoon  close 
under  the  lee  shore  of  Polillo,  perhaps  in  a  small  bay  where  the  principal 
village  lies  S.W.  of  Mount  Malolo.  To  visit  this  bay  Mount  Malolo  should 
be  kept  bearing  South  of  E.  by  N.  on  approaching  the  coast,  as  many  rocks 
lie  within  4  miles  of  the  shore  to  the  southward,  and  leave  the  channel  inside 
them  a  mile  wide  and  4  miles  long  near  the  shore. 

On  the  Luzon  shore,  on  the  parallel  of  the  South  point  of  Polillo,  is  the 
small  harbour  of  Lampon,  having  15  ft.  water  in  the  entrance,  with  3  or  4 
fathoms  inside.  The  strait  separating  Polillo  from  the  main  island  has 
poundings,  although  deep  water.  The  N.W.  coast  of  Polillo  is  bordered  by 
sunken  rocks,  as  is  also  the  coast  of  the  mainland  to  the  westward.  The  Gulf 
ofBingala  is  in  lat.  15°  N.,  long.  121°  32'  E.,  17  miles  W.S.W.  of  Panampa- 
tam  Point,  the  N.W.  point  of  Polillo.  Dumages  River  lies  4  miles  southward 
of  the  Gulf  of  Dingala. 

The  North-east  Coast  of  Luzon  is  but  very  little  known,  and  never  visited. 


934  THE  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

The  Nueva  Provincia,  although  nominally  under  Spanish  sway,  is  really 
occupied  by  independent  tribes,  who  have  no  commercial  relations  with  the 
world,  and  scarcely  a  village  is  marked  on  the  official  maps  on  the  230  miles 
of  coast  intervening  between  the  above  and  the  N.E.  point.  Beaten  inces- 
santly by  the  whole  fetch  of  the  Pacific  surf,  at  best  it  must  be  an  iron- 
bound  eoast,  and  is  so  indicated,  and  probably  with  very  strong  currents 
drifting  past  it.  This  must  be  especially  the  case  in  the  N.E.  monsoon, 
which  brings  the  rainy  reason  here,  and  when  the  remark  before  made  is  re- 
membered, that  the  mountain  ranges  intercepting  the  S.  W.  monsoon,  bring 
the  rain  on  to  the  opposite  coast,  although  in  a  less  continuous  manner,  it 
will  be  inferred  that  they  reach  the  eastern  shore  very  much  mitigated  in 
their  force,  and  are  probably  felt  as  light  and  baffling  winds,  or  as  more 
violent  squalls.  In  the  absence  of  any  recorded  experience,  it  may  be  the 
safest  course  to  entirely  avoid  it  as  far  as  possible. 

Baler  Bay^  in  lat.  15°  49'  N.,  has  a  village  of  the  same  name  in  its  inner 
angle,  and  may  afiPord  shelter  from  southerly  winds.  The  8eno  de  Casigiiran 
is  a  large  bay  open  to  the  S.E.  and  from  its  eastern  point,  Cape  San  Ildefonso, 
in  lat.  16°  1'  N.  a  range  of  cliffs  extends  for  36  miles  N.E.  by  N.  to  the 
entrance  of  the  Puerto  de  Tumango,  in  the  northern  bend '  of  which  is  the 
viUage  oi  Dauilican,  in  lat.  16°  50',  which  may  have  shelter  from  the  north- 
eastward. From  hence  to  Cape  Engano  there  is  nothing  to  remark,  more 
than  what  the  charts  explain.  Mount  Moises,  4,085  ft.  high,  lies  7  miles 
W.N.W.  of  Paranan  Bay,  and  in  lat.  17°  13'  N.  Mount  Cresta  lies  10  miles 
West  of  Bivilican  Bay,  and  in  lat.  17°  21'  N.  ;  Mount  dos  Cuernos-,  in  lat.  17" 
30'  N.,  is  4,008  ft.  high,  and  near  the  coast ;  Mount  Cetaceo,  in  lat.  17°  44' 
N.,  is  within  5  miles  of  the  coast ;  Mount  Cagua,  a  volcanic  peak,  is  in  lat. 
18°  13' N.,  and  between  it  and  Cape  Engano  are  two  other  elevations  of 
3,451  and  2,086  ft.  respectively. 

CAFE  ENGANO  is  the  N. t^.  point  of  Luzon  ;  its  name  "  deceit"  may  be 
the  reason  why  the  term  should  also  be  applied  to  the  N.E.  point  of  Palabi 
Island. 

PALAUI  ISLAND,  N.E.  point,  is  7  miles  to  W.N.W.  of  the  N.E.  point 
of  Luzon,  and  is  sometimes  called  Cape  Engano  ;  it  is  moderately  elevated. 
A  coral  reef,  with  high  breakers  and  several  rocks  above  water,  extends 
E.N.E.  about  3  miles  from  the  point  of  the  cape  ;  and  patches  of  shoal  water 
project  a  mile  beyond  it.  This  reef  fronts  the  eastern  side  of  the  island  at 
the  same  distance,  extending  southward  about  4  miles,  until  abreast  a  round 
hill  forming  its  South  point,  and  joins  the  N.E.  end  of  Luzon.  Close  to  the 
northward  of  the  cape  are  two  islets,  the  outermost  of  which,  called  Lava,  is 
a  square,  steep  mass  of  lava,  about  half  a  mile  in  extent,  and  may  be  seen 
at  the  distance  of  about  27  miles. 

The  channel  between  Cape  Engano  and  Camiguin  Island  to  the  N.N.W. 


LUZON— POET  SAN  YINCENTE.  935 

is  about  20  miles  wide,  and  clear  of  danger.  As  the  currents  set  strong  to 
the  northward  in  the  S.W.  monaoon,  it  will  be  prudent  for  vessels  proceeding 
to  the  eastward  to  keep  on  the  South  side  of  the  channel. 

Port  San  Vincente  is  formed  by  a  small  island  of  the  same  name,  lying 
between  the  N.E.  end  of  Luzon  and  the  adjacent  island  of  Palaui.  There  is 
room  in  this  port  for  three  or  four  ships,  sheltered  from  all  winds  ;  but  the 
entrant©  is  narrow  and  intricate,  being  formed  between  shoals  on  each  side, 
which  project  from  the  S.W.  part  of  Palaui,  and  from  Vincente  Island ;  a 
vessel  is  therefore  obliged  to  warp  in.  There  is  good  anchorage  in  5  fathoms 
opposite  the  mouth  of  the  port,  and  sheltered  from  all  winds  but  those  be- 
tween West  and  S.W. 

The  N.E.  extremity  of  Luzon  forms  a  peninsula,  which  projects  about  15 
miles  bej'ond  the  line  of  the  North  coast,  so  that  between  Cape  Engaiio  and 
Pata  Point  is  a  deep  bay  with  a  chain  of  mountains  inland,  and  a  consider- 
able space  of  moderately  elevated,  or  rather  low  land  fronting  the  sea,  in- 
terspersed with  villages  and  intersected  by  rivers.  There  is  a  continued 
beach  along  this  coast  with  regular  soundings,  generally  30  or  40  fathoms, 
about  1|  or  2  miles  off  on  the  western  part,  and  similar  depths  extend.  3  and 
4  miles  off  shore  when  farther  eastward. 

There  is  a  missionary  station  on  the  coast  S.W.  17  miles  from  the  S.W. 
end  of  Palaui  Island,  and  W.N.W.  from  the  volcanic  Mount  Cagua.  At  8 
miles  westward  of  this  station  is  the  village  of  Bugay,  N.W.  13  miles  from 
which  is  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande  de  Cagayan. 

The  Rio  Grande  of  Cagayan  rises  in  the  eastern  range  of  mountains  called 
the  Sierra  Madre,  and,  after  a  course  of  some  120  miles,  enters  the  China 
Sea  at  Aparri,  13^  miles  eastward  of  the  mouth  of  the  Abulag.  There 
being  but  14  or  15  feet  of  water  at  flood  tide  on  the  bar  of  this  river,  large 
ships  anchor  outside.  The  rapidity  of  the  current  and  the  sudden  floods 
render  the  navigation  of  the  Eio  Grande  at  times  exceedingly  dangerous. 
It  may  nevertheless  be  termed  the  highway  of  the  tobacco-producing  pro- 
vince of  Cagayan.  Small  steamers  run  to  Guagua,  Bulacan,  and  Manila. 
There  is  good  anchorage  in  10  or  11  fathoms,  about  2  miles  N.N.E.  from 
the  mouth  of  this  river.  The  point  on  the  S.E.  side  is  known  by  the  church 
and  convent  of  the  town  of  Aparri  built  on  it ;  abreast  of  which  or  North 
from  the  church  is  the  best  anchorage,  with  the  volcanic  mountain  on  Cami- 
guin  Island  bearing  N.N.E.  easterly. 

From  the  mouth  of  the  Eio  Grande  de  Cagayan  the  sandy  coast  continues 
for  14  miles  to  the  bar  of  the  Ahulag  and  Pamplona  Rivers.  Point  Pata  is 
15  miles  N.W.  of  Pamplona  Bar,  and  appears  as  a  round  hill  of  middling 
height.  Hence  to  Cape  Bojeador  the  coast  is  steep,  without  any  soundings 
until  near  the  shore.     The  coast  to  the  westward  is  described  on  pp.  605-6. 

The  BABUYAN  or  Five  Islands  form  a  kind  of  circular  chain  fronting 


936  THE  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

the  North  coast  of  Luzon.     The  channels  between  them  are  said  to  be  safe, 
without  soundings,  and  their  coasts  are  generally  steep-to. 

Dalupiri  Island,  the  westernmost  of  the  group,  has  a  level  appearance, 
extends  6  or  7  miles  in  a  N.W.  and  S.E.  direction,  and  may  be  seen  from  a 
distance  of  30  miles.  About  1^  mile  off  its  South  point  is  Rijutan  Islet,  sur- 
rounded by  shoals. 

Fuga  Island,  distant  about  8  miles  S.E.  of  Dalupiri,  is  lower,  and  of  an 
even  appearance,  terminating  in  low  land  at  the  eastern  part.  It  is  about 
10  miles  long,  East  and  West,  and  there  are  irregular  soundings  along  its 
S.W.  side,  where  a  vessel  may  occasionally  anchor. 

The  Bay  of  Musa  is  formed  between  the  West  end  of  Puga  and  two  small 
islands  adjacent,  called  Barrete  and  Mahag.  The  best  channel  into  the  bay 
is  from  the  southward,  between  Barrete  and  the  West  point  of  Fuga,  the 
depths  being  14  and  16  fathoms  outside,  and  9  to  12  fathoms  in  mid- 
channel.  Barrete  Island  has  a  reef  lying  off  its  West  side,  and  another  pro- 
jecting from  its  South  point.  Water  may  be  procured,  but  with  difficulty, 
some  distance  inland.  Musa  Bay,  although  sheltered  from  the  sea,  is  only 
fit  to  run  for  in  case  of  necessity. 

Calayan  Island,  lying  about  15  miles  N.E.  of  Dalupiri,  is  formed  of 
mountainous  and  uneven  land,  highest  in  the  centre,  with,  low  gaps  in  some 
places ;  it  is  steep-to,  without  any  safe  anchorage,  and  may  be  seen  in  clear 
weather  at  a  distance  of  45  miles.  Some  rocks  above  water  extend  about  a 
mile  from  the  South  and  East  points  ;  and  about  1 1  mile  off  the  N.E.  point 
is  an  islet  called  Panuctan,  about  a  mile  in  extent  North  and  South. 

Wyllie  Rocks,  consisting  of  two  clusters  above  water,  with  high  breakers 
between,  are  dangerous  to  vessels  passing  through  the  Babuyan  group  at 
night.  The  southernmost  rock,  which  is  the  largest,  bears  N.N.E.  distant 
about  5  miles  from  Panuctan  Islet ;  the  other  cluster  lies  about  1^  mile  in 
a  N.N.E.  direction  from  the  largest  rock.  Sunken  rocks  lies  between  the 
Wyllie  Eocks  and  Panuctan. 

BABUYAN  CLARO,  the  most  northerly  and  highest  of  the  Babuyan 
Islands,  is  about  25  miles  E.N.E.  from  Calayan.  On  its  West  end  is  a 
volcano,  between  which  and  the  mountains  on  the  eastern  part  is  a  concave 
curve  in  the  form  of  a  crescent,  when  viewed  from  the  North  or  South  ;  but 
when  the  island  is  seen  at  a  great  distance  from  the  eastward,  it  appears  as 
one  round  mountain  with  a  detached  hummock  to  the  northward.  A  reef 
projects  from  the  West  point  of  the  island.  The  South  point  is  steep  and 
rocky,  and  about  a  mile  off  it  is  a  black  rocky  islet,  in  the  form  of  a  sugar- 
loaf. 

CAMIGTJIN  ISLAND,  about  10  miles  in  extent  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.,  is 
high  and  hilly,  and  lies  about  26  miles  South  of  Babuyan  Claro.  Its  shore 
in  some  places  is  bordered  with  coral  rocks,  having  soundings  of  30  to  35 
fathoms  about  a  mile  off ;  and  the  land  is  low  close  to  the  sea,  along  its 


THE  BASHI  OR  BATAN  ISLANDS.  937 

eastern  and  northern  sides.  The  southern  part  of  the  island  is  formed  of  a 
high  mountain,  formerly  a  volcano,  visible  at  a  distance  of  60  miles.  To 
the  westward  of  this  mountain  some  steep  cliffs  front  the  sea,  about  2  miles 
to  the  southward  of  the  South  point  of  Port  San  Pio  Quinto. 

Port  San  Pio  ftninto  may  be  considered  the  only  place  amongst  these 
islands  tolerably  safe  for  a  large  ship,  for  the  bottom  in  it  is  not  so  rocky  as 
in  Musa  Bay,  Fuga  Island.  The  port  is  formed  by  a  concavity  in  the  land 
about  3  miles  wide  and  L}  mile  deep,  a  little  southward  of  the  middle  of  the 
West  side  of  Camiguin,  and  is  sheltered  from  the  westward  by  Pio  Quinto 
Islet,  which  lies  in  the  middle  of  the  entrance.  This  islet  is  high,  about  1^ 
mile  in  circumference,  steep  to  seaward,  and  has  on  each  side  a  safe  channel 
leading  to  the  port. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Port  San  Pio  Quinto  at  6*"  0™,  and 
springs  rise  about  6  ft. 

GUINAPAE  ROCKS  (or  Southern  Pillars),  bearing  E.  by  S.  about  10 
miles  from  the  North  point  of  Camiguin,  consist  of  two  rocks  like  towers, 
one  larger  than  the  other,  with  some  smaller  rocks  contiguous.  There  are 
no  soundings  within  a  short  distance  of  their  eastern  side ;  between  them 
and  the  nearest  part  of  Camiguin  is  a  channel  6  miles  wide,  which  is  safe  on 
the  island  side. 

DIDICAS  ROCKS  (or  Northern  Pillars),  about  7  or  8  miles  N.E.  ^  E.  of 
the  Guinapae,  are  a  group  of  four  sharp-pointed  rocks,  much  higher  than 
the  latter,  and  when  seen  at  a  considerable  distance  appear  like  ships  under 
sail.  They  are  about  2  miles  in  extent  N.E.  and  S.W.,  and  among  them 
are  many  rocks  of  various  sizes,  which  render  their  approach  dangerous  in 
light  winds ;  for  the  currents  run  strong  to  the  northward,  producing  rip- 
plings  like  breakers  in  the  vicinity  of  and  among  these  dangers,  and  there 
are  no  soundings  near  them  where  a  vessel  could  anchor  in  case  of  necessity. 

The  BASHI  or  BATAN  ISLANDS,  so  called  by  Dampier  from  the  name 
of  an  intoxicating  liquor  much  used  by  the  natives,  lie  northward  of  the 
Babuyan  group,  and  consist  of  a  chain  of  islands,  mostly  high,  extending 
from  lat.  10°  58'  to  21°  13'  N.,  and  the  channels  among  them  are  thought  to 
be  safe  and  free  from  hidden  danger.  During  the  N.E.  monsoon  strong 
winds  prevail  amongst  these  islands,  and  the  currents  are  occasionally  very 
strong ;  the  flood  sets  to  the  S.W.,  the  ebb  to  the  N.E. 

These  islands,  with  those  just  described,  form  part  of  that  great  volcanic 
band  before  alluded  to,  which  may  be  traced  far  to  the  northward.  The 
islands  of  Batan  and  Sabtan  are  mountainous,  with  many  broad  cultivated 
spots  ;  the  highest  peak,  apparently  an  old  volcano,  is  about  5,000  ft.  above 
the  level  of  the  sea,  and  thickly  covered  with  trees.  Abundance  of  vegeta- 
bles and  fruits  are  to  be  got.    Cattle,  pigs,  poultry,  sheep,  and  goats  are  also 

I.  A.  6  D 


938  THE  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 

abundant.  Deer  are  found  on  Sabtan  and  Ibugos,  and  quail  on  all  the 
islands.  Wood  is  reasonable  and  plentiful,  as  well  as  water  ;  but  this  latter 
necessary  is  difficult  to  procure. 

Balintang  Islands,  said  to  lie  in  lat.  19°  58'  N.,  long.  122°  14'  E.,  and  the 
southernmost  of  this  group,  consist  of  three  small  but  high-peaked  islets  or 
rocks,  visible  about  27  miles  off,  in  clear  weather,  and,  when  in  one,  bear 
E.  by  S.  and  W.  by  N.  The  westernmost  islet  is  much  larger  than  the  others, 
and  a  hole  is  seen  through  it  when  bearing  N.E.  They  are  steep-to,  and 
may  be  passed  on  either  side  at  2  or  3  miles  distance,  but  the  sea  beats 
violently  against  them  in  bad  weather. 

The  Balintang  channel,  between  these  islets  and  Babuyan  Claro,  is  about 
25  miles  wide,  and  is  frequently  used  by  vessels  when  proceeding  by  the 
eastern  passages  to  China. 

BATAN  ISLAND  is  about  9  miles  long,  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.,  and  Mount 
Irada,  on  its  northern  extremity,  is  3,806  ft.  above  the  sea.  The  rest  of  the 
island  is  mountainous,  and  has  several  broad  and  cultivated  spots. 

Captain  Sir  Edward  Belcher  in  the  Samarang  anchored  in  the  bay  of  San 
Domingo,  on  the  western  side  of  Batan  Island,  on  a  fair  clear  bottom  of  fine 
coral  sand,  the  best  berth  being  with  the  convent  barely  open,  when  moored 
off  the  northern  point  of  the  bay  in  13  fathoms  ;  this,  however,  is  not  very 
secure  with  a  northerly  wind.  Although  the  holding  ground  is  good,  thia 
bay  can  only  be  resorted  to  in  the  N.E.  monsoon. 

The  authorities  recommended  the  anchorage  off  San  Carlos,  about  2  miles 
to  the  N.W.,  as  the  best  for  obtaining  a  supply  of  water  ;  but  this  position 
is  exposed.  The  next  anchorage  is  that  of  San  Vincente,  which  is  the  port  of 
Ivana,  or  landing-place  for  that  village  ;  it,  however,  ought  not  to  be  resorted 
to,  as  it  is  very  confined,  and  must  be  quitted  the  moment  a  northerly  wind 
threatens. 

Sabtan  Island  is  separated  from  the  S.W.  end  of  Batan,  by  a  channel  2 
miles  wide,  which  appears  clear  of  danger.  Off  the  North  end  of  Saban  are 
two  ledges  of  rock,  with  a  passage  between  them  carrying  14  and  10  fathoms 
water. 

Ibugos  Island  is  small  and  rather  low,  excepting  a  hill  on  its  South  end, 
where  there  is  a  village.  It  is  separated  from  the  West  side  of  Sabtan  by  a 
channel  from  a  mile  to  half  a  mile  wide,  which  affords  indifferent  anchorage, 
the  bottom  being  rocky,  with  sandy  patches  between.  There  are  no  facilities 
for  watering.  Dequez  Island,  also  small  and  rather  low,  lies  nearly  half  a 
mile  westward  of  the  N.  W.  point  of  Ibugoa. 

As  the  current  sets  strong  to  the  northward  between  the  above  islands  in 
the  N.E.  monsoon,  it  is  advisable  to  work  westerly  round  Dequez,  and  not 
to  cross  the  channel  between  Batan  and  Sabtan  until  the  dividing  neck  of 
San  Carlos  is  clearly  open,  E.S.E.,  as  the  stream  dividing  at  Mabatui  Point 


IBAYAT  AND  NORTH  ISLANDS.  939 

sends  one  current  southerly ;  the  other,  which  is  an  eddy,  is  favourable  from 
thence  north-easterly  to  San  Domingo. 

Ibayat  Island,  about  8  miles  long,  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.,  lies  14  miles 
N.N.W.  of  Batan,  and  the  channel  between  is  free  from  danger  ;  Mount  Sta. 
Rosa  at  its  North  end  rises  680  ft.,  and  Mount  Riposet  at  its  north-eastern 
part,  800  ft.  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  The  island  is  without  anchorage  ; 
the  interior  is,  however,  highly  cultivated.  Abundance  of  refreshments  can 
be  easily  obtained. 

Diogo  is  a  small  island,  848  ft.  above  the  sea,  lying  3^  miles  eastward  of 
Ibyayat,  and  the  channel  between  is  clear  of  danger. 

Madubis  Island,  lying  N.N.E.  6  miles  from  the  North  end  of  Ibayat,  is 
about  IJ  mile  long  in  a  N.E.  and  S.W.  direction,  high  and  steep-to.  One 
mile  S.S.W.  of  it  is  Siayan  Island,  about  1^  mile  in  circumference,  having 
off  its  N.E.  side  several  detached  rocks.  The  channel  between  Mabudis 
and  Siayan  is  rendered  unsafe  by  detached  rocks  ;  that  between  Ibayat  and 
Siayan  is  about  4  miles  wide,  and  free  from  danger. 

Y'Ami,  the  northern  island  of  the  Bashi  group,  is  about  a  mile  in  circum- 
ference and  tolerably  high.  The  position  of  the  islet  lying  off  its  S.W.  point 
(by  Sir  Edward  Belcher)  is  lat.  21°  4'  56"  N.,  long.  121°  58'  24"  E. 

North  Island,  lying  2  miles  S.S.W.  from  Y'Ami,  is  high  and  steep-to,  ex- 
cept on  its  eastern  side,  off  which,  at  a  cable's  length,  there  are  three  islets 
and  some  detached  rocks.  The  channel  between  Y'Ami  and  North  Island  is 
safe,  and  carries  soundings  with  rocky  bottom,  but  too  deep  for  anchorage  ; 
that  between  Mabudia  and  North  Island  is  9  miles  wide,  and  free  from 
danger. 

The  North  Bashi  Rocks  could  not  be  found  by  Capt.  Sir  E.  Belcher,  who 
states  "  they  have  no  existence  in  the  position  assigned  them  in  the  charts, 
nor  in  the  visual  radius  from  the  mast-head  of  the  Samarang,  108  ft.  above 
the  level  of  the  sea." 

The  islands  on  the  North  side  of  the  Bashi  Channel  will  be  described 
hereafter. 

DUGAY  TROUIN  REEF  was  reported  by  the  captain  of  a  vessel  of  that 
name  in  1875,  to  lie  N.E.  of  Luzon,  in  lat.  19°  5'  N.,  long.  124°  43'  E. 


(     940     ) 


THE    COAST    OF    CHINA, 

The  coast  line  of  this  important  empire,  which  contains  more  than  one- 
third  of  the  population  of  the  globe,  is  about  2,500  miles  in  extent,  and  has 
been  well  surveyed  by  our  Admiralty.  The  charts  and  directions  between 
Canton  and  the  Yang-tze  Kiang  will  be  as  safe  guides  as  in  any  other  portion 
of  the  globe.  This  is  a  triumph  of  hydrography,  and  was  a  result  of  the  in- 
glorious war  commenced  in  1839-40,  consequent  upon  the  destruction  of  the 
opium  at  Canton,  April  3,  1839,  On  July  5th,  1840,  Chusan  was  taken 
possession  of  by  a  British  fleet,  among  the  officers  of  which  were  Admirals 
Sir  Richard  CoUinson  and  Henry  Kellett.  To  their  energy  and  skill  the  com- 
mencement of  the  noble  survey  is  due.  The  survey  continued  between  the 
years  1840-6,  and  the  result  is  a  fine  series  of  charts  and  instructions, 
describing,  with  minute  accuracy,  a  coast  which  might  be  claimed  as  almost 
first  discovered  by  them,  as  there  were  no  prior  nautical  surveys  of  by  far 
the  largest  portion. 

While  foreign  commerce  was  so  sedulously  confined  to  the  single  port  of 
Canton,  the  only  attempts  at  true  delineation  were  the  partial  surveys  of  the 
rivers  by  that  excellent  surveyor  Daniel  Koss,  1807 — 1816.  Some  other 
observers,  such  as  R.  Wallis,  D.  Inverarity,  &c.,  added  a  few  particulars. 
In  other  respects  we  were  almost  entirely  indebted  to  the  noble  work  of 
Jean  Baptiste  du  Halde,  a  Jesuit  missionary,  who  arranged  the  vast  mass  of 
information  collected  by  his  brother  missionaries  in  China,  and  published 
them  in  four  splendid  volumes  in  1735.  The  series  of  maps  accompanying 
this  work  deserve  some  notice.  The  whole  of  the  empire  was  carefully  sur- 
veyed, by  astronomical  observations  and  triangulation  by  these  Jesuit  mis- 
sionaries, under  the  authority  of  the  Emperor  Chang-hi;  commenced  in 
1708,  and  completed  in  1718.  These  maps  and  their  text  deserve  most 
honourable  consideration. 

Now,  however,  the  Admiralty  surveys,  chiefly  conducted  by  Capt.  CoUinson, 
have  totally  superseded  these  imperfect  representations  of  the  coast  line, 
while  the  survey  made  by  the  squadron  when  in  the  upper  Yang-tse  Kiang, 
and  other  observations  have  given  us  a  much  clearer  insight  into  the  inner 
geography  of  China. 


THE  COAST  OF  CHINA.  941 

To  add  to  the  completeness  of  our  knowledge,  in  the  year  1877,  H.M.S. 
Nassau,  Commander  Napier,  commenced  to  examine  the  several  dangers  dis- 
covered near  the  shore  by  the  hugging  of  the  land  during  the  strength  of  the 
N.E.  monsoon  by  the  numerous  large  steam-ships  engaged  in  trade  between 
the  Treaty  Ports. 

The  troublesome  wars  which  were  forced  upon  the  British  Government  by 
the  insolence  and  duplicity  of  the  Chinese  authorities,  added  to  the  great 
internal  disorganization,  terminated  in  the  Treaty  of  Tientsin,  which  was 
concluded  by  Lord  Elgin  on  June  26,  1858,  and  this  placed  the  external 
commerce  of  China  on  a  satisfactory  basis.  A  fresh  treaty  was  entered  into 
after  Peking  was  entered  by  the  British  and  French  armies,  on  October  24, 
1860,  and  a  new  treaty  not  yet  completed  will  further  open  the  country  to 
foreigners. 

The  whole  coasting  trade  of  the  empire  is  open  to  foreign  commerce, 
though,  of  course,  this  is  but  of  limited  utility.  The  wonderful  commerce 
which  has  sprung  up  since  its  establishment,  and  its  probable  futxire  develop- 
ment, may  be  judged  by  the  fact  that  in  1863  there  were  only  four  or  five 
ordinary  lights  on  the  Chinese  coasts,  which  are  now  pretty  well  lighted. 

The  following  is  a  list  *  of  the  Treaty  Ports  and  the  tonnage  (coast  trade) 
entered  at  each  during  the  year  1875  :— Shanghai,  847,443;  Chinkiang, 
599,118;  Kinkiang,  615,503;  Chefoo,  295,313;  Hankow,  283,375;  Amoy, 
277,259;  Ningpo,  267,428;  Swatow,  206,633;  Tientsin,  167,217  ;  Foochow, 
133,823;  Newchwang,  117,194;  Canton,  102,700;  Takow,  34,914;  and 
Tamsui,  26,516.  The  two  latter  ports  are  in  Formosa.  There  are  843 
foreign  firms  and  3,579  foreign  residents  at  these  ports,  211  firms  and  1,611 
residents  being  British,  46  firms  and  541  residents  American,  and  52  firms 
and  367  residents  German.  Pakhoi,  at  the  head  of  the  Tongking  Gulf, 
and  Hoi-how,  in  Hainan,  two  recently  opened  ports,  are  described  pre- 
viously. 

The  coast  generally  is  low,  but  with  bold  headlands,  in  the  S.W.  portion 
At  the  entrance  of  the  Canton  Eiver  it  commences  to  be  high  and  rocky,  and 
thus  continues  to  Chusan,  where  it  becomes  very  low,  and  so  continues  as 
far  as  the  Gulf  of  Pechili,  with  the  exception  of  the  bold,  rocky,  gold-bearing 
promontory  of  Shantung.  The  ensuing  descriptions  commence  with  the 
S.W.,  and  follow  those  of  the  shore  of  Tong-King  and  Hainan,  given  on 
pages  468  et  seq. 


Keport  on  the  trade  of  China  for  the  year  1875,  by  H.  Kopsch,  F.R.G.S, 


CHAPTEK    XX. 


THE  COAST  OF  CHINA,  BETWEEN  HAINAN  AND  HONG  KONG. 

NOW-CHOW,  in  about  lat.  20"  58' N.,  long.  110°  36'  E.,  bearing  8.W. 
about  45  miles  from  Tien-pak,  and  lying  oflF  the  north-eastern  part  of  the 
peninsula  of  Lien-chew,  is  a  small  port  dangerous  to  enter,  but  when  in  it 
there  is  good  shelter.  This  place  was  a  rendezvous  of  the  Ladrones  (pi- 
rates), whose  vessels  anchored  in  great  numbers  alongside  the  forts  and 
town,  their  crews  being  part  of  the  inhabitants. 

The  anchorage  of  Now-Chow,  some  5  miles  in  width,  and  abounding  in 
eand-banks,  especially  requires  surveying.  At  certain  seasons  it  is  likely  to 
remain  the  place  of  call  for  vessels  bound  to  Hainan,  and  the  approach  to 
it  from  either  side  requires  much  care.  The  difficulties  of  proceeding  to  the 
southward  are  mentioned  on  page  475. 

Now-Chow  Island  is  about  300  ft.  high,  9  miles  long,  3  miles  broad,  and 
well  cultivated.  Strangers  should  be  careful  to  avoid  the  sand-banks  on  the 
northern  shore.  The  North  point  of  the  island  is  5  miles  W.  by  N.  from  the 
eastern  point,  and  the  space  between  is  full  of  rocks,  awash.  Off  this  point 
is  a  dangerous  horn  of  sand,  and  it  would  be  advisable  to  obtain  a  pilot 
from  a  fishing  boat,  or  anchor,  and  send  to  the  town  for  one,  before  preceed- 
ing  farther.  Low  water  would  be  the  best  time  to  enter,  as  the  shoals  are 
then  visible. 

The  town  stands  in  a  small  bay  on  the  western  point  of  the  island,  which 
is  S.  W.  by  S.  6  miles  from  the  northern  point.  Here  may  be  obtained  good 
pilots  for  the  dangers  in  the  vicinity  of  the  island. 

In  addition  to  the  bank  in  the  centre  of  the  channel,  there  is  a  bank  with 
only  6  ft.  water,  extending  from  the  island.  The  least  water  found  (4 
fathoms)  by  H.M.S.  Algerine,  in  1868,  was  off  the  North  end  of  the  island, 
7  fathoms  were  carried  through  the  channel,  it  then  deepened  to  10,  towards 
the  fort.  The  best  anchorage  is  off'  the  village,  on  the  S.W.  side  of  the 
island,  but  not  too  close  to  the  fort,  as  the  water  is  deep.  Wood  and  water 
can  be  obtained  at  Now-Chow. 


TIEN-PAK.  943 

ftuan-Chow-Wan  Bay  is  extensive,  and  has  its  narrow  entrance  at  8  miles 
within  and  otf  the  N.W.  point  of  Now-Chow  Island.  By  some  it  is  recom- 
mended as  a  superior  stopping  place  to  Now-Chow,  but  the  banks  off  its 
entrance  will  prevent  its  becoming  much  used.  From  the  Now-Chow  an- 
chorage, with  clear  weather,  the  mountain  Kam  Loong  (Golden  Dragon)  or 
Toong  hong  Shan,  bearing  about  S.W.  by  W.,  over  20  miles  distance,  may 
be  seen  ;  the  successive  bearings  of  which  are  of  great  service  when  entering 
Quan-chow-wan  by  the  southern  channel,  the  channel  most  recommended. 
This  bay  was  formerly  a  great  resort  for  pirates. 

TIEN-PAK,  or  Tihen-Pien,  is  the  principal  place  on  the  South  Coast  of 
China,  where  salt  is  produced,  and  several  hundred  junks  are  employed 
transporting  it  to  Canton. 

The  high  land  on  the  N.E.  side  of  the  road,  called  Lintoa,  has  the  appear- 
ance of  a  high  round  mountain  in  coming  from  the  eastward  ;  its  southern 
extreme  is  called  Seij-ho,  or  Sye-ho  Point.  From  this  point,  E.  by  S.  1^  mile 
and  1  mile  distant  from  the  high  land,  lies  a  reef  of  rocks,  on  which  the 
sea  often  breaks.  From  Sey-ho  Point,  S.W.  about  half  a  mile,  lies  Pauk- 
pyah,  a  large  white  rock,  having  between  it  and  the  point  6  and  7  fathoms 
water;  Foong-hje-chye,  a  small  island,  lies  about  1^  mile  to  the  westward  of 
it.  Ty-fmig-hjoh,  about  2  miles  to  the  south-westward  of  the  latter,  is  of 
considerable  height,  being  the  outermost  island  of  the  road,  in  21"  22^'  N., 
long.  11  r  10^'  E. 

The  city  of  Tien-pak  is  walled  round,  and  is  of  considerable  extent.  A 
ship  touching  here  in  distress  may  procure  temporary  masts,  and  get  iron- 
work done  in  the  city ;  refreshments  of  all  kinds  may  be  got  from  the  vil- 
lages contituous  to  the  harbour. 

A  small  ship  in  want  of  shelter  from  a  N.E.  or  East  gale,  may  keep  near 
the  reef  of  rocks  to  the  eastward  of  Sey-ho  Point,  then  steer  between  that 
point  and  Pauk-pyah,  and  anchor  in  4  fathoms,  sand  and  mud,  about  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  westward  of  the  point.  She  must  not  go  farther  to  the 
northward.  Large  ships  ought  to  pass  about  a  mile  to  the  southward  of 
Pauk-pyah  and  Foong-kye-chye,  in  7  or  8  fathoms  water,  and  anchor  in  6 
fathoms  water  between  the  latter  and  Ty-fung-kj'oh,  or  rather  a  little  inside 
this  island,  which  will  shelter  them  from  the  S.W.  winds. 

To  the  N.W.  of  the  bar  about  If  mile  lies  Marble  Rock,  and  nearly  4  miles 
farther  westward  there  is  a  reef  of  black  rocks  ;  neither  of  these  can  be  ap- 
proached, the  water  being  very  shoal  on  that  side  of  the  bar. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  on  the  bar  of  Tien-pak  Harbour  at  12 
hours,  and  the  tide  rises  8  ft.  After  the  1st  of  September,  there  is  almost 
a  constant  westerly  current  along  this  coast,  running  from  half  to  1^  mile 
per  hour. 

Ty-Chook-Chow  is  an  island  lying  about  7  miles  E.  by  N.  from  Sey-ho 
Point,  and  3  miles  distant  from  the  coast.     It  has  rocks  on  the  North  side, 


944  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

stretching  to  the  north-westward  and  towards  the  coast ;  but  there  is  anchor- 
age on  its  West  side. 

Chin-Chew,  bearing  N.E.  by  E.  J  E.  5^  miles  from  Ty-chbok-chow,  is 
high,  and  covered  with  grass ;  it  should  not  be  approached  on  the  South 
side  nearer  than  1^  or  2  miles,  in  10  and  11  fathoms  water,  for  a  reef  of 
rocks,  on  which  the  sea  generally  breaks,  projects  S.  i  E.  from  it  about 
three-quarters  of  a  mile. 

SONG-YUI  POINT,  bearing  from  Chin-Chew  E.  by  N.  i  N.  about  10 
miles,  is  the  S.W.  extremity  of  the  Great  Bay,  at  the  N.E.  part  of  which  is 
Hai-ling  Harbour;  close  to  it  there  are  9  or  10  fathoms  water.  The  Brothers^ 
distant  3  miles  N.N.E.  from  Song-yi  Point,  are  two  islets  near  the  high 
island,  having  rocks  projecting  from  them  about  half  a  mile. 

HUI-LING-SAN  HARBOUR. — Hai-ling-shan,  or  Hui-Ung-san,  is  a  high 
island,  extending  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.  about  12  miles,  separated  from  the 
coast  on  the  North  side  by  a  narrow  passage,  and  having  an  extensive  shoal 
bay  to  the  N.E.,  and  a  harbour  on  the  West  side.  Two  small  islands,  some* 
times  called  the  Twins,  and  by  the  Chinese  Mamee-chow,  bear  from  Song-yui 
Point  E.  by  N.  |  N.,  distant  10  miles,  and  lie  close  to  the  S.W.  point  of 
Hai-ling-shan,  being  united  to  it  by  a  reef  and  sand-bank.  They  form  the 
outer  point  of  Hui-ling-san  Harbour ;  and,  in  coming  from  the  eastward, 
being  on  with  each  other,  appear  as  a  single  island. 

Bluff  Point,  bearing  E.  by  N.  8  miles  from  the  Mamee-chow  Islets,  is  high, 
and  has  9  and  10  fathoms  water  close-to ;  and  4  miles  N.E.  by  E.  f  E.  from 
that  point  are  two  rocky  islets  close  togther,  appearing  as  three  small  hum- 
mocks. A  little  inland  from  these  stands  Sugar-loaf  Hill,  which  does  not 
show  its  peak  when  seen  to  the  eastward  of  Bluff  Point. 

Close  to  the  East  point  of  Hai-ling-shan,  and  bearing  E.  by  N.  f  N.,  dis- 
tant 5^  miles  from  the  two  rocky  islets,  there  is  a  small  island,  having  7  fa- 
thoms water  close  to  it,  and  to  the  East  end  of  Hai-ling-shan  ;  but  S.W.  by  S. 
\\  mile  from  the  small  island,  there  is  a  reef  of  rocks  nearly  covered  at 
high  water.  On  the  East  part  of  Hai-ling-shan,  contiguous  to  the  sea, 
there  is  a  remarkable  patch  of  red  sand,  discernible  when  off  the  Man- 
darins Cap. 

To  sail  into  the  harbour,  if  coming  from  the  eastward,  pass  about  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  from  the  South  side  of  the  Mamee-chow  in  8  fathoms  water,  and 
round  them  about  the  distance  of  a  cable's  length  in  7  fathoms.  Steer  direct 
for  Deep  Water  Point,  which  bears  N.N.E.,  distant  rather  more  than  half  a 
mile,  which  pass  at  rather  less  distance  than  a  cable's  length,  for  the  edge  of 
a  2^-faihom  bank  is  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  it. 

From  this  point  steer  N.N.E.  ^  E.  about  a  mile,  for  a  fort  on  the  summit 
of  a  small  hill  covered  with  trees,  until  abreast  of  Teep-chow,  a  small  island 
about  mid-way  between  them,  to  the  westward  of  which,  about  a  quarter  of 
a  mile  distant,  large  ships  should  anchor  with  the  fort  bearing  N.E,  by  N. 


MANDARINS  CAP.  945 

The  West  side  of  the  bay,  between  the  Mamee-chow  and  the  Brothers, 
should  not  be  approached  under  5  fathoms  water,  the  bottom  being  sandy, 
with  shoal  water  under  that  depth. 

The  bay  between  Teep-chow  and  Deep-water  Point  has  only  2J  fathoms 
water;  here,  adjacent  to  a  small  joss-house  in  ruins,  fresh  water  may  be 
procured.  The  harbour  for  small  vessels  is  in  the  bay  formed  between 
Teep-chow  and  the  fort,  where  the  depths  are  8  and  9  ft.  Chino  Village 
stands  in  this  bay,  where  water  and  refreshments  are  obtained ;  carpenters 
and  caulkers  may  be  got  to  work  on  board,  and  smith's  work  can  be  executed 
at  the  village. 

In  Hui-ling-san  Harbour  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  about  8|  hours, 
and  the  tide  rises  from  7  to  8  ft. 

Ty-oa  Point  and  Bay  are  about  16  miles  E.N.E.  from  the  East  end  of 
Hai-ling-shan,  and  N.N.W.  \  W.,  16^  miles  from  Mandarins  Cap.  The 
depths  decrease  regularly  coming  from  Mandarins  Cap,  to  4  J  fathoms  at  low 
water  close  to  Ty-oa  Point.  Inside  the  point,  and  in  the  extensive  bay  to 
the  north-westward,  the  water  is  shoal. 

The  following  islands  and  rocks  lie  off  the  coast,  between  Hai-ling-shan 
and  Hawcheun  : — 

MANDARINS  CAP,  called  Fan-shee-ak,  "  White  Eock,"  by  the  Chinese, 
in  lat.  21°  28'  N.,  long.  112°  21f  E.,  is  a  barren  white  rock,  about  200  ft. 
high,  converging  gradually  to  the  summit,  and  terminating  in  a  sharp  peak. 
Near  it,  to  the  northward,  lie  two  other  rocks,  one  of  which  is  very  small. 
From  Mandarins  Cap,  Nam-oa  Harbour  bears  N.E.  by  E.  distant  13  miles, 
and  the  South  end  of  St.  John  Island  E.  by  N.  I  N.,  nearly  24  miles.  On 
the  South  and  West  sides  there  are  15  and  16  fathoms,  mud  bottom,  within 
a  cable's  length  of  the  rock,  and  13  fathoms  a  little  to  the  northward. 

Currents. — In  August  and  September,  when  easterly  winds  frequently  pre- 
vail, the  current  sometimes  sets  to  the  westward  3  miles  per  hour  off  Manda- 
rins Cap,  abating  only  to  IJ  mile  per  hour  when  the  tide,  under  ordinary 
circumstances,  would  be  setting  to  the  eastward.  The  westerly  current  con- 
stantly prevails  along  this  coast  during  the  easterly  monsoon,  and  frequently 
in  the  S.W.  monsoon,  particularly  if  the  wind  veer  to  the  eastward. 

Nam-Pang,  bearing  N.W.  by  W.  f  W.,  distant  lOf  miles  from  Mandarins 
Cap,  is  high  at  the  West  end,  and  about  1^  mile  in  length.  It  is  safe  to 
approach  all  round.  Round  Island,  bearing  West  3^  miles  from  Nam-pang, 
is  small,  and  named  from  its  appearance.  To  the  S.S.W.  of  it  about  2  miles 
there  are  two  rocks  awash.  The  Quoin  is  an  islet  resembling  a  gunner's  quoin, 
lying  near  the  East  side  of  Nee-wok  Island,  and  2f  miles  N.N.W.  of  Nam- 
pang.  Nee-wok  is  an  island  of  moderate  height,  about  a  mile  in  length, 
bearing  from  Nam-pang  N.W.  ^  N.  about  3^  miles. 

,    Ty-wok,  about   1^  mile  N.N.W.  of  Nee-wok,  is  high,  appearing  like  a 
I.  A.  6  b 


946  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

saddle  when  viewed  from  the  S.W.  S.W.  by  S.  1  mile  from  Ty-wot,  and 
N.W.  i  W.  from  the  summit  of  Nam-pang,  there  is  a  rock  with  7  fathoms 
all  round,  which  is  generally  visible  3  or  4  ft.  above  water,  and  the  sea  al- 
ways breaking  upon  it,  renders  it  conspicuous  in  passing. 

MONG-CHOW,  bearing  N.N.E.  IH  miles  from  Mandarins  Cap,  is  a  high 
island,  about  2^  miles  in  length,  and  covered  with  verdure.  There  is  a  town 
near  its  summit,  only  discoverable  from  the  S.E. ;  some  rocks  lie  ofiPits  N.E. 
point.  Small  vessels  may  anchor  in  3  fathoms  at  low  water,  on  the  West 
side  of  this  island,  during  easterly  winds ;  and  fresh  water  may  be  procured 
at  a  small  beach  on  that  side,  near  the  South  point. 

HAWCHEUN,  or  False  St.  John,  is  a  high  island,  extending  N.E.  and 
S.W.  about  11  miles.  The  S.W.  end,  in  lat.  21°  35'  N.,  long.  112°  31 V  E., 
is  a  bluff  point,  having  7  and  8  fathoms  water  close-to  ;  and  close  round  it 
on  the  West  side  there  are  two  small  bays,  with  sandy  beaches,  having  3^ 
fathoms  water,  where  small  vessels  may  take  shelter.  A  large  ship  will  be 
sheltered  from  easterly  winds  by  anchoring  in  5  or  6  fathoms,  soft  mud, 
about  a  mile  off. 

NAMOA  HARBOUR  is  formed  between  the  S.W.  end  of  Hawcheun  and 
Namoa  Island,  and,  although  rather  small,  it  is  safe  and  convenient  for  re- 
fitting a  ship,  after  being  disabled  by  a  typhoon,  or  otherwise  requiring 
shelter.  The  South  or  large  entrance  is  about  1^  mile  eastward  of  the  high 
bluff  S.W.  point  of  Hawcheun,  and  is  preferable  to  the  eastern  entrance  for 
ships  drawing  above  16  ft.  water;  having  6  fathoms  in  it,  gradually  de- 
creasing to  the  sandy  beach  at  the  village  of  Namoa  fronting  it,  and  no  dan- 
ger whatever.  It  is  three-quarters  of  a  mile  wide,  having  an  islet  on  the 
East  side,  called  Passage  Island,  joined  to  the  West  point  of  Namoa  by  a  few 
rocks.  With  an  easterly  wind  the  best  anchorage  for  a  large  ship  is  about 
halfway  between  Passage  Island  and  Green  Point,  which  has  a  round  mound 
on  it  covered  with  grass,  and  forms  the  N.W.  point  of  Namoa.  Here  she 
will  have  4^  or  5  fathoms,  soft  mud,  at  low  water,  according  as  her  berth  is 
near  to  or  farther  from  Namoa,  and  will  be  sheltered  by  this  island,  which 
is  500  ft.  high,  to  the  eastward,  and  by  the  high  land  of  Hawcheun  to  the 
northward,  round  to  S.W.,  from  whence,  if  it  blow  strong,  a  long  ground 
swell  rolls  in,  rendering  it  necessary  to  move  further  in,  to  the  western  part 
of  the  harbour,  where  there  are  4^  to  4  fathoms,  mud,  at  low  water. 

The  eastern  entrance,  between  Namoa  Island  and  the  S.E.  part  of  Haw- 
cheun, has  4J  fathoms,  gradually  decreasing  inside  to  3^  fathoms  at  low 
water  springs ;  and,  although  it  is  the  most  contracted  of  the  two,  will  be 
found  convenient  for  small  ships.  The  channel  is,  with  the  exception  of  a 
few  narrow  passages,  of  about  90  or  100  ft.  wide,  staked  completely  across ; 
but  vessels  very  soon  shoot  through  them.  The  best  berth  for  a  small  ship 
is  in  3  fathoms,  abreast  the  sandy  beach  on  Namoa,  which  forms  Green  Point, 


NAMOA  HAEBOUR.  947 

not  so  far  in  as  to  open  the  South  entrance,  but  to  see  it  over  the  narrow  neck 
of  that  point. 

There  are  several  watering  places  about  the  harbour,  the  largest  and  most 
convenient  of  which  is  in  Watering  Bay,  a  sandy  bay  on  Hawcheun,  bearing 
from  Green  Point  N.N.E.  ;  here  the  water  comes  close  to  the  beach. 

Barren  Island,  about  a  mile  to  the  northward  of  Green  Point,  has  a  white 
conical  rock  inside  of  it ;  both  are  connected  with  Hawcheun  at  low  water, 
and  separate  Watering  Bay  from  Namoa  Bay,  in  which  is  Namoa  Village, 
consisting  of  about  100  brick  houses,  at  a  small  distance  from  the  shore. 
Here  a  few  refreshments  and  fish  may  be  procured  ;  but  guard  against  the 
crews  of  any  Ladrone  boats,  which  may  be  about  the  coast. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Namoa  Harbour,  at  about  10  hours, 
and  the  rise  of  tide  is  7  to  8  ft.  ;  and  then  a  small  drain  of  ebb  sets  out 
through  each  of  the  channels. 

Directions.  —To  ei;ter  Namoa  Harbour  by  the  eastern  entrance,  if  coming 
from  the  eastward,  after  rounding  the  South  end  of  St.  John  pretty  close, 
steer  about  W.  by  N.;  or,  if  the  ebb  is  running,  more  northerly,  which  course 
will  lead  near  the  Boat  Rock,  which  bears  from  St.  John,  South  point  W.  f  N., 
distant  7  miles.  It  has  7  fathoms  water  close-to,  is  about  the  size  of  a  small 
boat,  never  entirely  covered,  and  the  sea  generally  breaks  on  it.  To  the 
northward  of  this  rock  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  lies  Round  Island, 
the  southernmost  of  a  chain  of  five  rocky  islets  fronting  the  East  side  of 
Hawcheun.  Having  passed  a  short  distance  southward  of  Boat  Rock,  steer 
about  W.N.W.  for  the  entrance  of  the  harbour,  distant  3  miles,  taking  care 
to  avoid  the  rocks,  which  have  7  fathoms  close  to  them,  projecting  nearly 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  S.E.  part  of  Namoa. 

The  FIVE  ISLANDS,  fronting  the  East  side  of  Hawcheun,  are  mostly 
small,  and  bound  the  West  side  of  the  channel  between  it  and  St.  John. 
Round  Island,  the  southernmost  of  them,  and  Boat  Rock  bearing  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E. 
nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  it,  have  been  mentioned  above  ;  there 
are  also  other  rocks,  high  above  water,  near  its  South  side.  Wasp  Island, 
next  to  the  northward  of  Round  Island,  is  the  largest  of  the  group  ;  high  at 
each  end,  and  nearly  separated  in  the  middle,  with  some  rocks  close  to  its 
East  side.  Cricket,  the  third  island,  is  high,  and  covered  with  grass.  The 
fourth,  called  Pipachoio,  is  of  middling  height,  covered  with  grass,  having 
some  rocks  above  water  projecting  off  its  South  end ;  there  are  4^  fathoms 
water  close  to  these  rocks,  and  also  between  them  and  the  other  island  to  the 
southward,  and  the  same  depth  close  to  the  East  side  of  Pipachow.  The 
fifth,  or  northernmost  island,  lies  nearest  the  Hawcheim  shore,  with  4  fa- 
thoms at  low  water  between  it  and  that  shore. 

There  is  no  hidden  danger  near  these  islands,  and  a  vessel  drawing  not 
more  than  15  ft.  water  may  either  pass  or  anchor  between  them  and  Haw- 
cheun, keeping  rather  nearer  to  the  island.     Here  she  will  find  shelter  in  3 


948  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

or  3J  fathoms,  soft  ground,  at  low  water,  and  can  be  supplied  with  refresh- 
ments from  the  town  of  Hawcheun,  which  stands  in  a  small  bay  fronting  the 
islands.  All  the  space  between  these  islands  and  St.  John  is  clear  from 
hidden  danger,  with  depths  of  5  and  6  fathoms,  soft  ground. 

To  the  northward  of  the  Five  Islands  the  depths  increase  to  4J  and  5  fa- 
thoms, in  a  direct  line  towards  the  West  point  of  St.  John,  and  continue  the 
same  in  passing  about  mid-channel  between  this  point  and  the  island  lying 
off  the  N.E.  end  of  Hawcheun.  Here  is  the  narrowest  part  of  the  channel, 
which  is  about  a  mile  wide,  where  vessels  may  be  sheltered  during  bad 
weather.  The  entrance  of  the  channel,  generally  called  St.  John  Road  ox  Bay 
between  the  South  part  of  St.  John  and  the  Five  Islands,  is  more  open  to 
blowing  weather ;  for  some  ships  at  anchor  there  have  been  obliged  to  cut 
their  cables  and  put  to  sea. 

ST.  JOHN  ISLAND,  or  Chang  Cheun-cham,  in  length  about  15  miles  N.N.E. 
and  S.S.W.,  has  been  generally  considered  as  two  islands,  for  in  coming 
from  the  eastward  or  westward,  the  high  land  on  each  extremity  appears 
separated  by  a  large  gap,  which,  on  a  near  approach,  is  found  to  be  a 
low,  narrow  isthmus  of  sand,  uniting  the  high  land,  and  having  a  bay  on 
each  side. 

There  are  7  and  9  fathoms  near  the  East  side  of  the  island,  and  no  hidden 
danger,  excepting  a  small  rock,  visible  only  at  low  water,  lying  off  a  bluff 
point,  about  2  miles  to  the  southward  of  the  N.E.  point  of  the  island,  from 
■whence  the  land  stretches  to  the  south-westward.  About  a  mile  off  the 
N.E.  point  of  the  island  there  are  some  rocks,  always  above  water,  with  a 
passage  of  8  and  9  fathoms  between  them  and  the  point ;  and  to  the  north- 
ward of  them  there  are  5  and  6  fathoms. 

On  the  North  side  of  the  island  there  are  two  small  bays  separated  by  a 
narrow  peninsula.  The  western  bay,  called  Sam-chmo-tong,  or  Tree  Island 
Bay,  is  the  largest,  with  several  small  islands  in  it,  and  only  2f  fathoms 
water  within  the  point ;  there  is  a  village  in  this  bay,  where  refreshments 
may  be  obtained.     All  this  side  of  the  island  is  free  from  danger. 

The  large  bay  on  the  West  side  of  St.  John,  opposite  the  sandy,  low 
isthmus,  extends  into  the  island  about  4  miles ;  but  a  ship  cannot  enter  it, 
the  water  being  shoal  18  to  12  ft. 

Shitoe  or  Satye  Bay,  on  the  S.W.  side  of  St.  John,  has  6  and  7  fathoms 
water  at  the  entrance,  and  a  small  vessel  may  go  farther  in,  and  anchor  in 
4  or  SI  fathoms ;  but  it  is  too  narrow  for  a  large  ship,  unless  she  were  to 
warp  in. 

Wycaup  is  a  small,  high,  rocky  island,  fronting  the  S.E.  end  of  St.  John 
Island,  being  separated  from  it  by  a  narrow  passage.  There  are  13  and  14 
fathoms  water  close  round  this  island  on  the  outside. 

Lieuchieu  is  an  island  of  moderate  height  and  barren  aspect,  separated 
from  Wycaup  and  the  S.E,  part  of  St.  John  by  a  safe  channel  2^  miles  wide. 


CANTON  RIVERS.  949 

The  WIZARD  ROCKS  lie  off  the  South  end  of  Ty-kam,  between  St.  John 
and  Coucok  Island,  12  miles  N.E.  ^  N.  from  Lieuchieu.  The  outermost, 
named  the  Flies,  consist  of  a  group  of  five  or  six  rocks,  about  30  ft.  high, 
having  10  fathoms,  mud,  at  the  distance  of  a  cable's  length  from  them.  The 
Great  or  South  Wizard  Rock  bears  from  the  Flies  N.  by  W.  f  W.,  distant  1 
mile ;  and  If  mile  northward  from  it  lies  a  white  conical  rock,  called  the 
Inner  or  White  Wizard.  Near  the  South  Wizard  the  depths  are  6  and  7  fa- 
thoms, and  near  the  White  Wizard  about  5  fathoms,  soft  ground.  S.W. 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  White  Wizard,  there  is  a  rock,  covered  at 
high  tide,  making  it  necessary  for  a  ship  passing  between  them  to  keep 
nearest  to  the  South  Wizard.  There  is  another  rock,  always  above  water, 
bearing  W.  by  N.  from  the  White  Wizard,  having  4  fathoms  near  it ;  and 
there  is  a  passage  with  4 J  fathoms  water  between  the  White  Wizard  and  the 
South  point  of  Tykam. 

Tykam  Island,  lying  to  the  northward  of  the  Wizard  Rocks,  is  of  con- 
siderable height,  of  darker  aspect  than  the  other  land,  and  in  clear  weather 
appears  with  red  streaks.  Between  this  island  and  Tonquay,  the  next  island 
to  the  westward,  the  water  is  shoal,  and  also  in  the  large  space  to  the  west- 
ward of  Tonqua. 

COUCOK,  the  next  island  to  the  eastward  of  Tykam,  is  high,  and  4  miles 
in  extent  East  and  West.  Its  S.W.  point  has  a  remarkable  rock  close  to  it, 
resembling  a  boat  under  sail.  The  West  side  of  the  island  is  formed  by  a 
steep  hilly  ridge  stretching  North  and  South,  having  good  anchorage  under 
it  in  6  fathoms.  Fresh  water  may  be  obtained  at  the  westernmost  of  two 
small  bays  on  the  North  side  of  the  island. 

Tymong  Island  lies  to  the  northward  of  Coucok,  having  an  islet,  called 
Samcok,  joined  to  the  S.W.  point  by  rocks  visible  at  low  water. 

Tylou  is  a  high  island,  with  a  large  ichite  patch  on  its  eastern  side,  resem- 
bling a  ship's  mizen  or  mizen  stay-sail,  when  viewed  in  some  directions. 
The  island  is  separated  from  Coucok  by  a  channel  about  2  miles  wide,  with 
7  and  6  fathoms  water  in  it.  By  passing  close  round  the  East  point  of 
Coucok,  it  appears  that  vessels  of  moderate  draught  might  anchor  to  the 
northward  of  that  point  in  5  fathoms,  sheltered  from  most  winds. 


CANTON  RIVERS. 


As  vessels  bound  to  Canton  River  from  the  southward  in  the  S.W.  mon- 
soon endeavour  to  make  Great  Ladrone  Island  bearing  about  North,  and 
then  proceed  towards  the  river  by  the  Great  West  Channel,  a  description 
will  first  be  given  of  the  islands  and  anchorages  on  the  West  side  of  this 
channel,  from  San-chau  Island  to  Cum-sing-mun  Harbour  (including  the 


950  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

Broadway  and  the  Si  kiang),  and  then  returning  to  the  Ladrone  Islands  the 
mariner  will  be  taken  through  the  different  passages  eastward  of  these 
islands  to  Hong  Kong,  and  to  the  entrance  of  the  river. 

SAN-CHAU,  which  forms  the  West  side  of  entrance  to  the  Broadway,  is 
the  next  large  island  north-eastward  of  Tylou  Island,  and  its  8.E.  point 
bears  W.  by  N.  13^  miles  from  the  Little  Ladrone.  The  space  between 
San-chau  and  Tylou  is  shoal,  with  some  islets  and  rocks  adjoining  the  N.E. 
end  of  the  latter.     The  depths  decrease  gradually  off  San-chau. 

MONTANHA,  or  Wunp  Cum  Island,  forming  the  East  side  of  entrance  to 
the  Broadway,  is  a  large  high  island  N.E.  of  San-chau,  and  close  to  its  N  E. 
side  is  Ko-ho  Island.  These  two  islands  form  the  South  side  of  the  Typa 
anchorage  ;  and  the  Great  West  Channel  is  bounded  by  them  on  the  West, 
and  by  Potoe  and  the  other  islands  adjacent  on  the  East. 

The  BROADWAY  is  the  chief  and  eastern  entrance,  and  the  only  one  yet 
surveyed,  of  the  Si-kiang.  It  has  sufficient  depth  to  admit  a  vessel  of 
moderate  draught  a  considerable  way  up,  and  may  be  found  useful  to  such 
as  intend  to  make  a  long  stay  near  Macao,  or  to  those  who  have  parted  from 
their  anchors,  and  draw  too  much  water  to  attempt  the  Typa  anchorage. 
Its  entrance  is  9  miles  south-westward  of  Macao,  between  the  islands  of 
San-chau  and  Montanha. 

The  Water  Islands  are  two  small  islets  lying  close  off  the  South  end  of 
Montanha ;  and  N.W.  f  N.  a  mile  from  them  lies  Inside  Islet,  having  a 
small  inlet,  called  Lark  Bay,  between  it  and  Morgan  Point  (608  ft,  above 
the  sea),  the  West  extreme  of  Montanha.  These  islands  are  on  the  East 
side  of  the  Broadway  entrance,  and  Coffin  Island,  bearing  S.W.  by  W.  J  W., 
distant  4  miles  from  the  Water  Islands,  is  on  the  western  side.  At  5  miles 
in  a  S.  f  E.  direction  from  Montanha  Peak  and  2|  miles  from  the  Water 
Islands  is  a  shoal  patch  of  12  ft. 

Tides.—  It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  the  entrance  of  the  Broadway 
at  IP,  and  springs  rise  7^  ft.  The  neaps  are  very  irregular,  there  being 
then  only  one  flood  and  one  ebb,  of  any  considerable  strength,  during  the 
24  hours.  The  direction  of  the  flood  outside  is  governed  principally  by  the 
winds;  with  strong  easterly  winds  it  comes  from  E.S.E.  ;  and  when  south- 
westerly winds  prevail,  from  South.  The  ebb  runs  generally  to  the  S.W. 
Inside  the  river  the  tides  take  the  direction  of  the  channel. 

Directions. — The  best  time  to  enter  the  Broadway  is  with  the  first  of  the 
flood,  and  if  at  anchor  in  Macao  Rimd  and  obliged  to  run  for  it  with  a  N.E. 
or  East  wind,  about  three-quarters  ebb  will  be  the  best  time  to  leave  the 
road,  that  the  first  of  the  flood  may  be  met  at  the  entrance,  where  it  flows 
sooner  than  in  the  road.  Having  rounded  the  East  point  of  Ko-ho  Island, 
about  IJ  mile  distant,  in  4^  fathoms,  steer  at  any  convenient  distance  round 
Apomi  Point,  the  high  S.E.  extreme  of  Montanha. 

When  abreast  the  point,  the  Water  Islands  will  be  seen  in  one  with  each 


CANTON  RIVERS.  951 

other,  near  the  western  extreme  of  a  bay  with  a  sandy  beach.  Steer  to  pass 
about  half  or  three-quarters  of  a  mile  southward  of  these  islands,  in  2J  or  3 
fathoms,  then  haul  round  the  western  island,  preserving  the  same  depth  and 
distance.  Do  not  exceed  the  distance  of  1  mile  westward  from  this  island, 
for  beyond  that  the  water  shoals  fast  to  2^  fathoms,  towards  the  San-chau 
shore.  From  abreast  the  islands  about  a  N.N.W.  ^  W.  course,  giving  a 
berth  of  three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  Inside  Islet,  will  lead  up  to  abreast 
Morgan  Point,  the  West  point  of  Montanha. 

From  the  above  point  the  water  shoals  gradually  towards  Ross  Island  on 
the  "West  side  of  the  channel.  There  is  generally  a  line  of  fishing  stakes 
extending  westward  from  the  point,  with  passages  among  them  for  vessels. 
Mong-chau,  or  Ballast  Island,  bears  N.N.W.,  distant  2^  miles  from  Morgan 
Point.  N.W.  f  N.  about  1^  mile  from  Morgan  Point,  and  fronting  the  first 
of  the  above  passages,  there  is  a  rock  which  shows  at  low  water  about  the 
size  of  a  small  boat.  The  channel  is  about  a  cable's  length  westward  of 
this  rock  ;  for  W.  i  S.  about  a  mile  from  it  there  is  another  rock,  which  also 
shows  at  low  water,  and  shoal  banks  bound  the  channel  on  both  sides.  Pak- 
tang,  a  small  island  with  a  sharp  hummock  on  its  N.E.  end,  lies  on  the 
western  bank,  W.  ^  N.  distant  3  miles  from  Ballast  Island.  The  bank, 
composed  of  mud,  has  only  6  ft.  on  it,  and  extends  1^  mile  from  Pak-tang 
towards  Ballast  Island,  contracting  it  to  about  the  breadth  of  from  half  a  mile 
to  a  mile,  with  2^  and  3  fathoms  in  it. 

If  intending  to  proceed  farther  up  than  Morgan  Point  steer  N.N.W. 
towards  the  rock  fronting  the  first  passage  to  Macao.  When  abreast  the 
rock,  steer  N.N.W.  ^  W.  IJ  miles,  and  the  vessel  will  then  be  abreast 
Ballast  Island,  in  2f  fathoms.  This  is  a  safe  and  convenient  anchorage, 
about  6  miles  S.W.  by  W.  of  Macao,  and  the  boats  are  kept  in  sight  when 
passing  to  and  fro  from  that  place.  Fresh  water  may  be  obtained  in  a  small 
bay  to  the  northward,  under  Beacon  Hill,  which  is  690  ft.  high,  and  has  a 
remarkable  stone  on  its  summit. 

TYPA  ANCHORAGE. — The  eastern  entrance  to  this  anchorage  is  between 
two  high  islands,  that  on  the  South  side  name  Ko-ho  or  Apomee,  and  that 
on  the  North  side  named  Typa  or  Kaikong.  Ko-ho  is  separated,  from  the 
N.E.  point  of  Montanha  by  a  narrow  gut  with  24  ft.  water  in  it,  decreasing 
to  9  or  10  ft.  farther  in  towards  the  Typa.  The  anchorage  is  between  the 
West  end  of  Typa  Island  and  the  East  end  of  Macarira  Island,  and  affords 
secure  shelter  in  3^  to  4  fathoms.  H.M.  ships  Herald  and  Modeste  refitted 
during  the  operations  in  China  in  1841. 

Tides. — In  this  anchorage,  and  in  Macao  Harbour,  it  is  high  water,  full 
and  change,  at  lO**  0".  The  springs  rise  about  7  ft.  ;  in  the  Typa  they  run 
1^  and  2  knots  per  hour,  when  not  influenced  by  the  winds.  The  ebb  runs 
out  of  the  Typa  entrance,  but  it  sets  across  it  when  outside  the  points. 

Directions. — Vessels  entering  or  leaving  the  Typa  should  weigh  at  half 


952  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

flood.  In  entering  steer  for  the  North  extreme  of  Ko-ho,  and  pass  it  pretty 
close,  the  deepest  water  being  on  this  side  of  the  entrance ;  continue  on  until 
the  summit  of  Sylock  Island  is  in  line  with  the  North  extreme  of  Ko-ho, 
Keep  this  latter  mark  on,  or  the  North  point  of  Sylock  just  in  sight,  bearing 
about  E.  f  S.,  leads  in  the  deepest  water ;  and  when  the  East  end  of  the 
middle  hill  on  Typa  Island  opens  westward  of  a  rocky  mount  forming  the 
S.W.  point  of  the  same  island,  haul  gradually  to  the  northward,  and  anchor 
near  the  West  point  of  Typa,  with  the  South  point  of  Sylock  open  of  the 
North  extreme  of  Ko-ho. 

Here  the  depth  is  3 1^  to  4  fathoms  at  low  tide,  and  vessels  are  sheltered 
from  all  winds  by  the  high  lands  around.  The  deepest  water  is  near  the 
West  point  of  Typa,  for  the  bay  abreast,  at  the  East  end  of  Macarira,  ia 
shoal.  The  watering  cove  is  at  the  head  of  this  latter  bay,  and  from  the 
North  point  a  reef  of  rocks  projects  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  mile  eastward  ;  a 
vessel  ought  not  to  go  so  far  northward  as  to  approach  this  reef.  In  the 
middle  and  eastern  parts  of  the  Typa  the  depths  are  only  14  and  15  ft.  at  low 
tide,  in  the  fair  channel  leading  to  the  anchorage,  but  no  injury  can  be  re- 
ceived by  grounding,  the  bottom  being  remarkably  soft. 

MACAO  HARBOUR. — Macao  stands  on  a  small  peninsula  projecting  from 
the  S.E.  end  of  Macao  Island.  The  peninsula  is  nearly  2  miles  long,  less 
than  a  mile  wide  at  its  broadest  part,  and  is  connected  with  the  island  by  a 
low,  narrow,  sandy  isthmus,  across  which  extends  a  barrier  wall  to  exclude 
foreigners  from  the  interior  of  the  island.  The  town  is  built  on  the  declivi- 
ties round  the  harbour,  the  shore  beneath  being  embanked,  so  as  to  form  a 
marine  parade,  backed  by  a  terrace  of  white  houses.  Eort  Quia  stands  on 
the  hill  to  the  N.W.  of  the  town. 

LIGHT. — A  bright  light,  revolving  every  64  seconds,  is  shown  from  Fort 
Guia.  It  is  elevated  330  ft.,  and  said  to  be  visible  15  to  20  miles  off.  It  is 
stated  to  be  in  lat.  22°  11'  N.,  long.  113°  33'  30"  E. 

This  settlement,  known  to  the  Chinese  as  Ngao-mun,  was  established  by 
the  Portuguese  in  1557,  but  has  never  been  recognized  as  a  possession  of 
Portugal  by  the  Chinese  government ;  the  British  government,  however, 
has  recognized  the  jurisdiction  of  its  law  courts  as  supreme.  In  December, 
1873,  the  Portuguese  goverment  abolished  the  system  of  CooHe  emigration 
which  has  been  existing  since  the  suppression  of  the  slave  trade.  Thig 
traffic,  if  all  is  true  that  has  been  reported  of  it,  equalled  the  old  iniquities 
of  the  African  slave  trade. 

The  Inner  Harbour  is  formed  between  the  peninsula  and  Patera  Island  to 
the  westward.  Its  entrance  is  narrow,  but  the  depths  are  20  ft.  at  low  water 
close  to  Fort  San  lago  or  Barra,  which  is  built  on  the  S.W.  point ;  and  from 
thence  the  soundings  are  19  and  16  ft.  along  the  western  shore  to  the  town. 
There  is  an  excellent  landing  pier.  Steamers  ply  daily  to  Hong  Kong,  and 
eyery  other  day  to  Canton. 


MACAO.  953 

Pedra  Areca,  a  rock  lying  S.E.  4  cables  from  Fort  Barra,  is  marked  by  a 
beacon,  and  San  Francisco  Bank,  If  mile  East  of  the  fort,  i»  a  mud  patch, 
with  two  heaps  of  ballast,  with  4  and  5  ft.  on  them,  and  10  ft.  close  to. 

Pilots. — Canton  River  pilots  are  procured  at  Macao,  and  each  receives  a 
chop  from  the  residing  mandarin,  to  deliver  to  the  officer  stationed  at  the 
Boca  Tigris,  describing  the  force  of  the  ship  and  to  what  nation  she  belongs. 

MACAO  ROAD  is  shoal,  the  depth  being  generally  from  3  fathoms  at  low 
■water  springs  on  the  West  side,  to  4  J  or  5  fathoms  close  over  to  Samcock  and 
the  other  islands  that  bound  the  East  side.  There  is,  hcwever,  said  to  be 
much  less  water  in  it  of  late  years,  but  as  the  bottom  is  soft  loam  or  loose 
mud  there  is  no  danger  of  a  vessel  striking  on  her  anchors,  for  they  imme- 
diately bury  in  it. 

Vessels  of  large  draught  usually  anchor  in  deep  water  near  the  islands, 
•with  Macao  bearing  between  W.  by  N.  and  W.N.W.,  distant  6  or  7  miles, 
which  render  the  communication  with  that  place  difficult  and  dangerous  in 
blowing  weather.  With  Ko-ho  Point  S.  by  W.  ^  W.,  and  Macao  W.N.W., 
distant  4  or  5  miles,  a  large  vessel  may  anchor  in  about  4  fathoms  at  low 
water,  and  be  more  conveniently  situated  for  procuring  a  pilot.  If  drawing 
imder  18  ft.  she  can  anchor  with  Macao  on  the  same  bearing  about  1^  mile 
off  the  Typa  entrance. 

Small  vessels  may  anchor  in  the  S.W.  monsoon  in  the  entrance  of  the 
Typa,  off  the  Ko-ho  shore,  a  little  outside  Ka-o  Islet,  in  about  3  fathoms  at 
low  water.  In  the  N.E.  monsoon  they  can  anchor  abreast  a  sandy  beach, 
between  the  Cau-chau  or  Nine  Islands  and  Macao,  in  3  or  3^  fathoms  ;  here 
they  will  generally  have  smooth  water  and  an  easy  communication  with  the 
shore. 

Directions. — The  route  to  Macao  Harbour  for  small  vessels,  through  the 
Typa  anchorage,  has  7  ft.  at  low  tide  in  the  fair  track  between  the  Typa  and 
the  harbour,  and  8  to  12  ft.  between  Typa  Island  and  Macao.  A  vessel 
should  steer  a  direct  course  from  the  Typa  to  the  harbour,  and  to  avoid  the 
sunken  rock,  Pedra-mea,  lying  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  eastward  of  the 
N.E.  point  of  Macarira,  keep  the  N.E.  point  of  Montanha  open  eastward  of 
Macarira  ;  or,  in  passing  it,  keep  rather  towards  the  Typa  Island  side  of 
mid-channel. 

From  thence,  steer  direct  for  the  entrance  of  the  harbour,  avoiding  Pedra 
Areca  Rock,  from  which  the  South  point  of  the  outermost  of  the  two  high 
Ma-lo-chau  Islets,  to  the  S.W.  of  the  entrance,  bears  W.  by  S.  J  S.  IJ  mile, 
and  the  point  of  Fort  Barra  N.  W.  about  4  cables.  The  N.E.  point  of  Mon- 
tanha in  line  with  East  point  of  Macarira  leads  westward  of  the  Pedra  Areca, 
and  a  vessel  will  not  be  too  near  it  if  she  does  not  go  eastward  of  a  line 
drawn  from  the  West  point  of  Typa  Island  to  Fort  Barra  Point.  This  point 
Bhould  be  rounded  pretty  close  in  entering  and  the  eastern  shore  kept  aboard 
I.  A.  6  r 


954  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

to  the  anchorage  abreast  the  town,  where  a  disabled  ship  may  be  hove  down 
and  repaired. 

Entering  from  the  outer  roads,  fort  Barra  Point  in  line  with  the  South 
extreme  of  Anang  village,  W.  by  N.,  will  lead  between  San  Francisco  Bank 
and  Pedra  Areca  in  9  feet  least  water,  deepening  as  the  harbour  is  ap- 
proached. 

CUM-SING-MUN  HARBOUR.— From  Macao  the  eastern  shore  of  Macao 
Island  trends  N.N.E.  about  11  miles  to  Bluff  Head,  where  it  turns  abruptly 
westward,  and  forms  a  deep  bight  called  Cum-sing-mun  Harbour.  This 
harboiir  is  safe  for  small  vessels,  and  it  would  be  a  desirable  haven  for 
vessels  of  large  draught  to  run  for  from  the  anchorage  off  Lintin,  at  the 
approach  of  a  typhon,  were  it  not  for  the  extensive  shoal  flat  they  would 
have  to  cross,  the  depths  being  only  2  to  3  fathoms  at  2  miles  outside  the 
entrance  ;  but  they  increase  quickly  to  7  and  8  fathoms  when  within  half  a 
mile  of  Bluff  Head,  which  is  the  proper  side  to  steer  for  in  coming  from  the 
S.E.,  and  also  to  keep  nearest  to  when  running  into  the  harbour. 

The  entrance,  about  half  a  mile  wide,  is  between  the  South  part  of  Kee-ow 
Island  and  Bluff  Head.  Between  this  head  and  the  small  islet  and  sunken 
rocks,  near  the  island  shore,  the  depths  are  irregular,  from  14  to  6  fathoms ; 
but  inside,  about  half  a  mile  West,  or  W.  by  S.  from  the  small  islet,  the 
bottom  is  soft,  affording  safe  anchorage  in  6,  5,  or  4  fathoms,  taking  care, 
however,  to  avoid  the  shoal  patches  shown  on  the  chart. 

GREAT  LADRONE  (Man-san  of  the  Chinese),  being  the  outermost  island 
directly  fronting  the  estuary  of  Canton  River,  is  generally  used  as  a  land- 
fall by  vessels  bound  there  from  the  southward  during  the  S.W.  monsoon  ; 
and  with  the  Little  Ladrone  adjoining  to  the  westward,  and  Potoe  to  the 
north-westward,  bounds  the  East  side  of  the  Great  West  channel,  leading  to 
the  river. 

This  steep,  bold  island  may  be  easily  known  by  its  N.W.  part  forming  a 
round  mount  or  dome  (1,465  ft.  high),  which,  being  more  elevated  than  the 
other  parts,  can  be  seen,  in  clear  weather,  about  27  miles  from  a  vessel's 
deck,  and  40  miles  from  the  mast-head ;  none  of  the  other  islands  have  a 
similar  appearance,  although  most  of  them  are  high.  The  island  is  about  2 
miles  in  diameter,  with  a  rocky  aspect  close  to  the  sea,  but  it  is  safe  to  ap- 
proach, the  depths  near  it  being  14  or  15  fathoms  ;  on  the  S.W.  part  there 
is  a  small  inlet,  named  Pumice-stone  Bay,  where  fishing  boats  take  shelter 
in  the  N.E.  monsoon. 

LITTLE  LADROH'E  {Pocking-han  o{  the  Chinese,  is  of  a  convex  sloping 
form,  not  so  much  elevated  as  the  Great  Ladrone,  and  separated  from  its 
West  side  by  a  narrow  channel  of  9  to  18  fathoms  water,  but  too  confined 
for  a  vessel  unless  in  a  case  of  necessity.  Near  the  West  side  of  the  island 
the  depth  is  about  10  fathoms,  decreasing  gradually  to  7  fathoms  about  half 


CANTON  RIVER.  955 

a  mile  southward  of  Potoe  ;  there  are  12  fathoms  near  its  South  point,  and 
14  and  15  fathoms  near  the  South  and  S.E.  sides  of  the  Great  Ladrone. 

A  small  rocky  islet  lies  close  to  the  N.E.  part  of  the  Little  Ladrone  ;  and 
North  nearly  three-quartes  of  a  mile  from  this  islet  there  is  a  black  rock 
covered  at  high  tide,  with  10  fathoms  close  around  ;  it  will  be  prudent 
therefore,  in  passing  this  locality  at  high  water  when  the  rock  is  covered,  to 
keep  about  mid-channel  between  the  Little  Ladrone  and  Tong-ho  island, 
which  lies  2^  miles  to  the  northward.  This  is  the  only  danger  near  the 
Little  Ladrone,  excepting  a  high  rock  close  to  its  N.  W.  side,  having  a  depth 
near  it  of  9  and  10  fathoms. 

Potoe,  or  Passage  Island,  bearing  N.N.W.  i  W.  5^  miles  from  the  south- 
west end  of  the  Little  Ladrone,  is  a  flat  sloping  rock,  visible  about  9  miles. 
There  are  5  to  6  fathoms  near  it  on  all  sides,  but  it  ought  not  to  be  ap- 
proached too  close  in  light  winds,  as  the  eddies  occasioned  by  the  freshes 
out  of  the  river  may  render  a  vessel  iinmanageable,  and  probably  drift  her 
towards  it,  or  Wong-mou,  the  adjacent  island.  The  channel  between  it  and 
the  S.E.  point  of  Montanha  is  about  5  miles  wide,  and  safe. 

Wong-mou  Island,  lying  1^  mile  E.N.E.  of  Potoe,  is  \\  mile  long,  North 
and  South,  and  has  a  peaked  hill  on  its  northern  part ;  at  nearly  half  a  mile 
from  its  West  side  there  are  some  rocks  above  water.  Liungnib,  lying  a  mile 
eastward  of  Wong-mou,  has  a  round  islet  off  its  South  end. 

About  three-quarters  of  a  mile  N.  W.  from  the  North  end  of  Liungnib  lie 
two  rocks,  which  cover  at  springs,  and  break  in  blowing  weather ;  therefore, 
in  passing  the  North  end  of  this  island,  keep  at  least  a  mile  from  it. 

PU-TOI  or  Pak-leak  Island  lies  N.E.  by  N.  nearly  1^  mile  from  the 
Great  Ladrone,  and  on  its  N.E.  point  is  a  remarkable  cone  hill,  855  ft.  high, 
which  is  visible  from  Macao.  The  island  is  of  irregular  shape,  and  on  its 
Bouthern  side  the  hills  are  much  covered  by  black  rocks.  On  its  northern 
side  are  some  small  bays  in  which  fresh  water  may  be  procured  ;  and  near 
its  N.E.  point  there  is  a  rocky  islet,  on  which  the  fishermen  have  a  hut  and 
fishing  stage.     A  rock,  awash,  lies  close  off  its  South  extreme. 

Clio  Rock,  on  which  H.M.S.  Clio  struck,  1 2th  December,  1841,  lies  about 
2  cables  from  the  West  side  of  Pak-leak,  with  the  N.W.  extreme  of  the 
island  bearing  N.  by  W.,  distant  4  cables'  lengths. 

TONG-HO  ISLAND,  about  2|  miles  N.  by  E.  h  E.  from  the  Little  Ladrone, 
is  1|  mile  long,  East  and  West,  and  of  moderate  and  unequal  height.  On 
its  N.E.  side  there  is  a  small  cove  into  which  the  ship  Boddam,  drawing  21^ 
feet  water,  wa.s  taken  by  her  pilot  and  remained  in  safety  during  a  typhoon. 
The  cove  is  about  2  cables  wide,  with  24  leet  water  at  the  entrance,  1 7  and 
18  ft.  well  inside,  at  low- water  springs,  and  the  bottom  all  soft  mud.  Here 
a  vessel  may  lie  at  anchor,  or  if  she  has  none,  be  run  into  the  mud  without 
risk.  Being  the  chief  rendezvous  of  the  fishing  boats  in  bad  weather,  or  a 
place  of  refuge  from  the  pirates,  it  is  protected  by  a  fort  on  tlie  N.W.  point 


956  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

of  entrance.  Good  water  may  be  obtained  at  Boddam  Cove,  also  beef,  fish, 
poultry,  and  some  fruit. 

Boddam  Cove  will  not  be  readily  distinguised  until  the  vessel  is  within 
about  2  miles  of  the  N.E.  part  Tong-ho.  Steering  for  the  entrance,  take 
care  to  give  a  berth  to  a  rock  lying  off  the  N.E.  point  of  the  island,  and  to  a 
sunken  rock  lying  about  H  cable  N.E.  of  the  fort  point ;  when  the  head 
of  the  cove  bears  S.W.  by  W.,  the  vessel  will  be  S,E.  of  the  rock.  Having 
brought  the  cove  fairly  open  on  the  above  bearing,  steer  for  the  point  on  the 
N.E.  side  of  entrance,  and  pass  it  within  the  distance  of  half  a  cable  j  forthe 
N.W.  point,  where  the  fort  is  built,  is  bordered  by  rocks. 

Bouncer  Rocks  are  two  rocks  close  together,  lying  N.E.  by  N.,  two-thirds 
of  a  cable  from  the  S.E.  entrance  point  of  the  cove ;  the  outer  rock  is  awash 
at  low  water. 

Good  water  may  be  obtained  at  Boddam  Cove,  also  beef,  fish,  poultry  and 
Bome  fruit. 

CHUK-WAN  ISLANDS.— These  two  islands  lie  about  E.  by  N.  U  mile 
from  Pak-leak,  and  the  larger  island,  the  eastern  one,  has  a  high  rocky  islet, 
named  Sharp  Idand,  lying  off  its  S.E,  point,  and  a  small  bay  on  its  North 
side.  There  are  14  fathoms  water  between  Hoa-oek  and  the  western  island, 
and  II  and  12  fathoms  northward  of  the  group. 

RALEIGH  ROCK,  on  which  H.M.S.  Raleigli  struck,  14th  April,  1857,  is 
a  small  pinnacle,  which  breaks,  when  there  is  a  moderate  sea,  at  low  water 
springs,  with  9  and  10  fathoms  close  to.  Its  position  is  lat.  22°  2'  N.,  long. 
113°  47'  E.,  nearly  in  mid-channel  between  Pak-leak  and  South  White  Rock, 
distant  2J  miles  from  the  latter.  When  on  the  rock  the  gap  in  the  centre  of 
South  White  Rock  is  in  line  with  the  right  extreme  of  a  small  wedge-shaped 
island  off  the  eastern  side  of  Lafsami  Island  bearing  N.E.  by  N.  \  the  highest 
part  of  Ai-chau  Island  E.  |^  N. ;  and  the  peak  of  the  Great  Ladrone  is  over 
the  western  slope  of  Pak-leak  S.S.W.  \  W. 

North,  and  South  White  Rocks  are  two  high  white  rocks  half  a  mile  apart, 
lying  North  about  3^^  miles  from  the  western  or  small  Chuk-wan  island. 
From  the  southern  rock  the  N.E.  point  of  the  eastern  Chuk-wan  bears 
S.S.W  \  W.,  distant  4|  miles.  About  a  mile  S.E.  of  the  southern  rock  is  a 
small  black  rock,  visible  only  at  low  springs,  having  9  fathoms  water  close 
around. 

The  White  Rocks  may  be  seen  in  fine  weather  in  time  to  avoid  them,  and 
the  depth  is  about  9  fathoms  near  their  eastern  side,  8  fathoms  on  the 
western  and  northern  sides,  and  9  fathoms  in  the  channel,  betweea  them 
and  Chuk-wan ;  but  since  the  loss  of  the  Raleigh  by  striking  on  the  Raleigh 
Rock,  it  will  be  prudent  not  to  use  this  chnnnel  until  it  has  been  more  accu- 
rately examined. 

AI-CHAU  ISLANDS  lie  N.E.  by  E.  i  E.,  4  miles  from  the  eastern  Chuk- 
wan,  and  the  eastern  or  larger  island  is  separated  from  the  smaller  one  on  its 


CANTON  EIVER.  957 

"West  side  by  a  very  narrow  channel  with  4  and  5  fathoms  in  it  at  low  water. 
Hill  Islet,  lying  N.E.  li  mile  from  the  northern  part  of  the  eastern  Ai- 
chau,  has  11  and  12  fathoms  water  at  a  short  distance  from  the  rocks 
ai'ound  it. 

The  SAMOUN,  or  Three  Gates,  form  a  group  of  three  small  islands  2^ 
miles  eastward  of  Ai-chau,  aod  extend  about  3J  miles  in  a  N.W.  and  S.E^ 
direction,  with  narrow  passages  between  them.  Near  the  N.W.  part  of 
the  N.W.  island,  called  Ilak-chcm,  there  are  two  peaked  islets;  and  on  the 
northern  side  of  the  gi'oup,  between  the  eastern  and  middle  islands,  there 
is  another  high  rocky  islet,  named  Gauze  with  a  bed  of  rocks  lying  south- 
ward of  it ;  the  South  end  of  the  eastern  island  is  the  highest  part  of  the 
group,  ond  forms  a  round  mount.  There  is  a  small  harbour  on  the  S.W. 
side  of  the  largest  island,  which  would  afford  shelter  to  two  or  three  vessel* 
during  a  N.E.  gale.     The  anchorage  is  in  6  to  10  fathoms,  muddy  bottom. 

LINGTING  ISLAND,  bearing  W.  |  N.,  distant  15  miles  from  the  N.E. 
head  of  the  Lema  Islands,  is  of  rugged  appearance,  about  1£-  mile  long, 
East  and  West,  and  rises  to  a  peak  near  its  centre.  Two  rocks,  one  awash 
and  the  other  above  water,  bearing  N.  by  E.  and  S .  by  W.  of  each  other,  lie 
eastward  of  the  North  point  of  the  island  ;  the  outer  one,  awash,  is  distant 
nearly  a  mile  E.N.E.  from  the  Nurth  point,  and  the  otlier  S.  by  W.  about 
half  a  mile  from  the  North  point,  and  the  other  S.  by  W.  about  half  a  mile 
from  the  outer  one,  with  depths  near  them  of  1 3  fathoms,  but  foul  ground 
between. 

The  Needle  Eocks,  on  which  H.M.S.  Doris  struck  in  1813,  are  two  heads 
lying  within  a  few  yards  of  each  other,  about  H  cable's  length  S.W.  of  the 
low  rocky  N.W.  extreme  of  Lingting,  and  they  are  so  sharp  that  it  is  diflS.- 
cult  to  keep  the  lead  fixed  on  their  points  ;  at  low  springs  they  have  about 
6  ft.  water  on  them,  at  which  time,  with  a  swell,  they  may  probably  show 
either  breakers  or  a  rippling.  From  the  outer  rock  the  S.W.  extreme  of  the 
Lema  Islands  is  just  shut  in  with  the  S.W.  point  of  Lingting,  and  the  highest 
part  of  Lamma  Island  is  a  little  way  over  the  low  N.W.  point.  A  vessel 
will  avoid  them  when  passing  round  the  N.W.  end  of  Lingting  by  not 
approaching  it  within  half  a  mile,  or  by  keeping  the  S.W.  extreme  of  the 
Lema  Islands  a  little  open  S.W.  of  Lingting. 

The  depths  close  to  the  North  point  of  Lingting  are  18  or  1 9  fathoms, 
decreasing  to  14  and  15  about  a  mile  distant ;  to  the  southward  and  west- 
ward of  the  island  there  are  10,  11,  and  12  fathoms  over  soft  bottom. 

When  passing  northward  of  Lingting  at  night,  give  its  North  side  a  berth 
of  1?  mile  to  avoid  the  rocks  of  its  N.E.  side. 

TY-LO  ISLAND  is  the  southern  of  the  range  of  small  islands  bounding 
the  East  side  of  Macao  Road.  It  is  high  near  the  western  part,  sloping  a 
little  to  the  eastward,  and  lies  N.  ^  E.  from  the  North  end  of  Liungnib,  from 
which  it  is  separated  by  a  good  channel  2|  miles  wide,  but  in  using  it  take 


958  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

care  to  avoid  the  rocks  off  the  northern  point  of  the  latter.  Ty-lock,  about 
half  a  mile  northward  of  Ty-lo,  is  a  small  rocky  islet,  with  a  large  rock  on 
its  summit. 

Sam-Cock  Island,  or  the  Pyramid,  the  largest  of  the  above  range,  and 
lying  U  mile  N.N.E.  from  Ty-lock,  is  of  moderate  height,  rugged  in  appear- 
ance, and  in  the  form  of  a  pyramid.  Between  it  and  Ty-lock  there  is  a  small 
islet  named  Sy-loek,  and  two  rocks  above  water  ;  but  the  channels  between 
these  are  so  narrow,  that  they  should  not  be  attempted  on  account  of  the 
strong  eddies,  which  frequently  render  vessels  unmanageable.  On  the 
northern  part  of  Sam-cock  there  is  a  small  bay  or  cove  for  boats,  and  the 
island  affords  fresh  water. 

Chxmg-chau-si,  TTest  Water  Island,  the  northernmost  of  this  range,  lies 
N.N.E.  about  1^  mile  from  Sam-cock,  and  there  is  7  fathoms  water  near  it 
to  the  eastward,  and  5  and  6  fathoms  to  the  northward  and  westward. 

Four-feet  Rock. — This  small  dangerous  needle  rook,  with  only  4  ft.  on  it 
and  10  fathoms  close  around,  lies  E.S.E.  3  miles  from  Chung-chau-si,  and 
from  it  the  summit  of  Ty-lo  bears  S.W.  by  W.,  the  centre  of  Sam-cock  W. 
i  8.,  and  the  small  islet  lying  off  the  N.W.  end  of  Chung-chau  N.N.E.  i  E. 
"When  Chuck-tu-aan  Island  (3  miles  S.E.  by  S.  from  Chung-chau-si)  and  the 
email  islet  off  the  N.W.  end  of  Chung-chau  are  on  the  same  bearing,  about 
N.N.E.  h  E.  and  S.S.W.  I  W.,  the  rock  will  be  between  the  two,  but  nearest 
the  former ;  therefore  if  a  vessel  has  occasion  to  enter  Macao  Road  by  this 
channel,  and  keeps  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  off  Lafsami  and  the  South 
side  of  Chung-chau,  she  will  pass  in  mid-channel,  and  have  10  or  12  fathoms 
■water,  decreasing  to  7  fathoms  as  she  nears  Chung-chau-si. 

CHXJNG-CHATJ,  or  Water  Island,  which  with  the  islands  southward  of  it 
bound  the  S.W.  side  of  Lantao  Channel,  lies  about  S.W.  by  W.  2J  miles 
from  the  S.W.  point  of  Lantao,  is  high,  and  near  its  North  point  there  is  a 
peaked  hill.  It  is  11  mile  long,  N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  there  are  no  hidden 
dangers  near  its  northern  side. 

Nau-tau-mun,  or  Bullock's  Head  Gate,  the  next  island  to  the  S.E.  is 
small  but  high,  and  is  separated  from  Chung-chau  by  a  narrow  channel 
through  which  H.M.S.  Doris  ran,  and  found  shoal  water  near  Chung-chau. 

LAF-SA-MI  ISLAND,  separated  from  Nau-tau-mun  by  a  narrow  channel, 
is  larger  than  either  Chung-chau  or  Nau-tau-mun.  It  is  inhabited  on  the 
south-western  side,  where  fresh  water  is  to  be  had  in  a  small  bay.  This 
island  from  some  views  forms  a  peak  ;  and  at  a  short  distance  eastward  of  its 
South  point  there  is  a  rocky  islet,  on  which  the  fishermen  have  huts,  and  a 
winch  for  heaving  up  their  nets. 

CHI-CHAU  ISLAND,  the  largest  of  two  islands  lying  2J  miles  E.S.E. 
of  Laf-sa-mi,  forms  the  South  side  of  the  East  entrance  of  Lantao 
Channel.  The  island  is  high,  of  round  appearance,  inhabited  on  the  West 
side,  and  separated  by  a  narrow  channel  from  the  smaller  and  lower  island, 


CANTON  RIVER.  959 

on  its  western  side  ;  a  sunken  rock  lies  off  its  N.E.  point,  and  a  patch  of  4 
fathoms  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  off  its  North  point. 

SOKO  liSLAXDS. — A-chau,  the  southern  of  the  two  Soko  Islands,  is  distant 
nearly  4  miles  S.E.  f  E.  from  the  South  point  of  Lantao,  and  forms  the 
North  side  of  the  eastern  entrance  of  Lantao  Channel.  The  South  point  of 
A-chau  is  high,  and  rises  very  steep,  having  7  fathoms  water  close  to ;  the 
depths  between  it  and  Chi-chau  are  11  to  13  fathoms,  deepening  suddenly  to 
25  or  30  fathoms  in  a  hole  or  swatch  close  to  Chi-chau. 

The  other  island,  lying  a  short  distance  northward  of  A-chau,  is  about  a 
mile  long.  East  and  West,  and  very  narrow  in  the  middle.  A  sand  spit 
extends  nearly  West  upwards  of  IJ  mile  from  its  West  side,  and  on  the 
West  extreme  of  the  spit  there  are  2f  fathoms  at  low  water,  decreasing 
quickly  to  2  and  1^  fathoms  towards  the  island.  A  rocky  islet  and  two  rocks 
above  water  lie  between  the  two  Soko  Islands  ;  there  is  also  at  nearly  a  mile 
eastward  of  A-chau,  a  high  rocky  islet. 

KYPONG  ISLANDS  are  the  southernmost  group  of  the  Archipelago 
fronting  the  estuary  of  Canton  River.  Pak-tsim,  the  largest  and  north-eastern 
island,  bearing  E.  by  S.  16  miles  from  the  Great  Ladrone,  has  near  its 
western  extreme  two  high  remarkable  peaks,  called  the  Asses  Ears,  which 
make  it  easily  known,  as  they  rise  from  the  same  base  almost  perpendicu- 
larly from  the  sea  to  the  height  of  980  ft.,  and  sloping  suddenly  down  on 
the  N.E.  side,  are  united  to  a  piece  of  moderately  elevated  land,  which  ter- 
minates that  part  of  the  island.  Tsi-mi-wan,  the  next  island  to  the  S.W.  is 
of  considerable  size,  and  separated  from  the  S.W.  point  of  Pak-tsim  by  a 
channel  about  half  a  mile  wide. 

A  range  of  islets  extends  4J  miles  in  a  south-westerly  direction  from  Tsi- 
mi-wan ;  the  south-westernmost  islet  (90  feet  high)  called  Gap  Rock,  but 
Man-mi-chuu  by  the  Chinese,  has  a  small  gap  in  it.  Between  the  South  end 
of  Tsi-mi-wan  and  Peaked  Rock  (180  feet  high),  the  easternmost  islet  of  the 
range,  there  is  a  passage  1^  mile  wide,  with  18  fathoms  least  water  in  it. 
A  rugged  rock,  50  ft.  high,  lies  about  IJ  mile  N.W.  ^  W.  from  the  South 
end  of  Tsi-mi-wan.  The  passage,  about  half  a  mile  wide,  between  Nut 
Island  and  the  islet  nearest  to  it  to  the  southward,  has  10  to  26  fathoms 
water.  There  is  also,  between  Gap  Rock  and  the  other  islets  to  the  east- 
ward, an  opening  a  mile  wide,  with  16  to  18  fathoms  water,  and  safe  to  pass 
through  with  a  steady  wind. 

Kwe-tau,  or  Tortoise  Head,  lying  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the 
East  point  of  Pak-tsim,  is  a  white  rocky  islet,  having  other  rocks  between  it 
and  the  point,  neither  of  which  ought  to  be  approached.  Gay-une  is  another 
islet,  rather  more  than  a  mile  northward  of  the  North  end  of  Pak-tsim : 
there  is  a  passage  between  it  and  the  latter,  which,  however,  ought  not  to 
be  attempted  unless  from  necessity;  for  there  is  said  to  exist  some  straggling 
rocks  on  which  the  sea  breaks  at  times. 


960  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

Cambridge  Rock,  on  which  a  vessel  of  this  name  struck,  August  30,  1820, 
requires  the  greatest  care  to  avoid  when  vessels  are  passing  through  the 
Tai-ta-mi  Channel  between  tbe  westernmost  of  the  Lema  Islands  and  the 
above  rocks.  The  rock  is  of  a  spiral  form  with  only  17  ft.  water  on  it,  and 
sometimes  breaks.  It  lies  N.  by  W.  i  W.  2i  miles  from  Kwei-tau,  N.N.E. 
^  E.  1|  mile  from  the  North  point  of  Pak-tsim,  and  from  it  the  highest  part 
of  Chi-chau  Island  is  in  line  with  Hill  Islet  N.W.,  and  the  S.E.  side  of 
Gay-une  Islet  is  on  with  N.W.  extreme  of  Eugged  Eock,  S.W.  J  W.  There 
are  4  and  5  fathoms  on  the  rocks  surrounding  the  spiral  rock  ;  from  thence 
the  depths  increase  to  23  fathoms  in  the  Tai-ta-mi  Channel,  which  is  2^ 
miles  wide,  and  safe  by  borrowing  towards  the  Lema  Islands  when  passing 
through. 

LEMA  ISLANDS  consist  of  three  large  and  one  small  island,  extending  in 
an  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.  direction  12|  miles.  The  easternmost  and  largest 
island,  named  Tamkan,  is  6  miles  long  and  a  mile  broad,  of  moderate 
height  and  undulating,  and  separated  from  Ye-chau,  the  middle  island,  by 
the  narrow  Yat-moun  Channel. 

The  Yat-moun  Channel,  by  Capt.  Bate's  survey  of  1850,  is  free  of  danger, 
and  carries  a  depth  of  12  to  19  fathoms,  but  it  is  said  that  there  is  a  sunken 
rock  in  mid-channel,  and  that  this  passage  should  not  be  attempted  unless 
from  necessity. 

Ye-chau  is  the  middle  and  highest  of  the  Lema  Islands,  and  when  viewed 
from  most  positions  it  appears  flat  on  the  top.  Close  to  its  N.E.  part  is  a 
small  rocky  islet,  named  Eound  Island,  visible  when  the  Yat-moun  Channel 

is  open. 

Foun-tinj  the  third  or  southern  of  the  large  islands,  is  separated  from  Ye- 
chau  by  the  narrow  Ye-chau  Channel,  with  19  to  30  fathoms  water  in  it. 
This  island  (1,210  ft.  high)  forms  more  in  a  peak  than  either  of  the  other 
two  and  has  a  point  projecting  westward  with  a  hummock  on  it,  named 
E-chau  Head.  To  the  southward  of  this  head  lies  Tai-ta-mi^  a  small  but 
high  island,  with  a  narrow  channel  between  it  and  Pountin.  Tai-ta-mi 
forms  the  N.E.  boundary  of  the  Tai-ta-mi  Channel,  which  has  Cambridge 
Eock  Pak-tsim  Island,  and  the  Kwei-tau  Eocks  bounding  its  S.W.  side. 

Directions. — The  Lema  Islands  on  their  southern  side  are  all  steep  and 
rocky,  not  affording  even  a  single  bay  for  a  boat  to  shelter  in,  and  the 
soundings  are  22  or  23  fathoms  about  1:^  mile  from  their  coasts;  on  their 
northern  sides  the  depths  are  generally  15  or  16  fathoms  close  to  the  shore. 
Vessels  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  should  endeavour  to  pass  between  the  North 
end  of  Tam-kan  and  Putoy,  which  lies  6  miles  northward,  and  its  North  end, 
when  viewed  from  the  E.N.E. ,  forms  a  small  peaked  hummock. 

Notwithstanding  the  Lema  Islands  appear  barren,  tliere  are  a  few  men 
residing  on  them,  preparing  charcoal  from  small  quantities  of  brushwood 
found  between  the  rocks,  which  they  send  to  Macao  for  sale.     Eresh  water 


LAMM  A  ISLAND  AND  CHANNELS.  961 

may  be  obtained  along  the  North  side  of  Tam-kan  at  several  places  ;  and 
close  to  the  westward  of  its  N.E.  point,  in  a  little  cove,  called  Joss  House 
Bay,  there  is  a  Chinese  place  of  worship,  and  about  this  part  the  Compra- 
dore's  boats  await  vessels  after  the  end  of  August,  when  the  easterly  winds 
set  in.  The  Yat-moun  and  Ye-chau  Channels  should  not  be  used  unless  ia 
a  case  of  emergency,  or  when  the  wind  blows  directly  through,  as  they  are 
narrow,  with  deep  water,  and  have  generally  a  strong  current  sweeping 
through  them.  Yat-moun  is  the  widest,  and  of  moderate  depth,  but  if  the 
Cordelia  Rock  is  in  existence,  it  is  very  dangerous. 

LAMMA  ISLAND  lies  off  the  S.W.  side  of  Hong  Kong,  and  its  S.W. 
point  bears  N.W.  by  W.  I  W.  13  miles  from  the  N.E.  head  of  the  Lema 
Islands,  and  N.E.  5J  miles  from  the  North  point  of  Lingting,  The  island  is 
of  rocky  appearance,  about  4  miles  long,  North  and  South,  and  2  miles  wide. 
The  North  end  of  the  island  is  about  a  mile  distant  from  the  S.W.  part  of 
Hong  Kong,  and  over  it  Green  Island  light  shows  of  a  green  colour. 

From  the  North  point  of  the  long  bay,  on  the  West  side  of  the  island,  the 
shore  trends  N.  ^  E.  a  mile  to  another  point,  off  which,  at  half  a  mile  from 
the  shore,  are  some  sunken  rocks.  The  S.E.  point  of  the  island  is  remark- 
able from  its  being  a  small  round  hummock  of  bright  green  appearance  on 
the  top,  and  rocky  near  the  water's  edge ;  this  part  of  the  island,  as  far  as 
the  eastern  point,  is  rocky  close  to  the  shore,  with  13  or  14  fathoms  water 
half  a  mile  off. 

The  cove  on  the  East  side  of  the  island,  to  the  northward  of  its  eastern 
point,  is  about  1^  mile  deep  and  two-thirds  of  a  mile  wide.  It  carries  a  depth 
of  8  to  3J^  fathoms,  and  a  vessel  may  anchor  in  6  or  7  fathoms  water, 
over  rocky  bottom,  about  half  a  mile  within  the  entrance,  and  ride  in 
security,  being  land-locked.  George  Island,  234  ft.  high,  lies  close  to  the 
northward  of  the  North  point  of  the  cove. 

A  rock  awash  at  low  water,  with  deep  water  around  it,  lies  N.  by  W.  j  W. 
about  one  cable  from  the  rock  whicb  is  above  water  near  the  N.W.  point  of 
Lamma  Island.  The  S.W.  point  of  Lamma  Island  open  of  the  West  point, 
bearing  S.  by  E.  ^  E.,  leads  to  the  westward  of  this  danger,  and  Tree  Island 
open  of  the  North  point  of  Lamma  Island,  bearing  E.  f  N.,  leads  to  the 
northward. 

LAMMA  CHANNELS. — East  Lamma  Channel,  between  Lamma  Island 
and  Hong  Kong,  is  about  a  mile  wide,  and  has  general  depths  in  it  of  from 
17  to  23  fathoms;  but  a  vessel  will  find  a  good  and  sheltered  anchorage 
between  George  Island  and  the  North  point  of  Lamma  in  7  or  8  fathoms. 
There  appear  to  be  no  dangers  in  this  channel,  but  a  rock  (doubtful)  is 
said  to  lie  off  the  S.E.  point  of  Mas-kong  or  Eound  Island,  on  the  Hong 
Kong  shore. 
The  West  Lamma  Channel,  between  the  western  side  of  Lamma  and  the 
I.  A.  6  G 


962  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

islands  lying  oflF  the  East  side  Lantao,  has  general  depths  of  5  and  6  fa- 
thoms on  a  mud  bottom.  Entering  it  from  the  East  Lamma  Channel,  the 
soundings  will  decrease  rapidly  to  7  and  6  fathoms  after  rounding  the  North 
point  of  Lamma,  off  which,  at  one-third  of  a  mile  to  the  N.N.E.,  is  a  rocky 
patch  of  8  fathoms,  surrounded  by  depths  of  14  to  21  fathoms. 

Water. — About  a  mile  N.E.  of  the  North  point  of  Lamma  Island,  and 
near  the  western  point  of  a  deep  cove,  named  Aberdeen  or  Shehpywan  Har- 
hour,  on  the  Hong  Kong  shore,  there  is  a  cascade  of  good  water  conveniently 
obtained. 

CHUNG  ISLAND  is  near  the  S.E.  side  of  Lantao,  N.  J  W.  5  miles  from 
Lingting.  Its  North  and  South  parts  are  high,  but  it  is  narrowed  near  the 
middle,  which  is  low,  by  two  bays,  one  on  the  East,  the  other  on  the  West 
Bide  of  the  island.  A  vessel  of  moderate  draught  will  find  good  shelter 
during  an  easterly  gale,  in  the  western  bay,  in  31  fathoms.  There  is  no 
danger  in  passing  the  South  end  of  the  island,  the  depths  being  7  and  8 
fathoms  close-to,  and  5  and  6  fathoms  near  the  south-western  part ;  but  East, 
about  3  cables  from  the  eastern  point  of  the  island,  is  a  small  rock,  which 
dries  at  low  water,  and  has  6  and  7  fathoms  close-to.  Capsingmoon  Pas- 
sage, between  Chung  Island  and  Lantao,  with  the  dangerous  Passage  Rock, 
is  described  hereafter. 

To  the  northward  of  Chung,  and  at  a  short  distance  from  Lantao,  there 
are  several  small  islands  and  rocks  above  water  ;  but  the  channels  between 
them  and  the  Lantao  shore  are  narrow,  shoal,  and  unfit  for  large  vessels. 
Fresh  water  can  be  procured  in  the  bay  on  the  western  side  of  Chung. 

The  PTJ-TOY  GROUP,  lying  off  the  South  end  of  Hong  Kong,  bounds  the 
northern  side  of  the  Lema  Channel.  Pu-toy,  the  southern  island  of  the 
group,  bears  N.N.W.  \  W.  6  miles  from  the  N.E.  head  of  the  Lema  Islands. 
It  is  of  moderate  height,  the  appearance  in  general  barren,  there  being  only 
a  small  quantity  of  brushwood  in  the  valleys.  On  its  western  side  there  is  a 
cove  for  boats,  and  a  small  rocky  islet.* 

Lo-chau  or  Beaufort  Island,  lying  northward  of  Pu-toy,  and  separated  from 
it  by  a  narrow  channel,  is  high,  flattened  at  the  top,  and  steep  all  around ; 
about  its  north-western  brow  there  is  a  small  peak,  with  a  few  large  and 
remarkable  rocks  on  it.  At  half  a  mile  off  its  S.W.  side  are  some  large 
rocks  above  water,  having  no  hidden  dangers  near  them.  Sun-kong,  about 
1^  mile  East  of  Lo-chau,  is  a  small  but  high  island,  rising  in  a  peak,  466 
leet  high,  towards  the  centre  ;  near  its  north-western  part  there  are  some 


•  Corn.  C.  M.  Buckle,  R.N.,  who  cruised  for  some  days  about  the  islands  southward  of 
Hong  Kong  in  H.M.S.  Cormorant,  1865,  remarks  that  there  are  a  number  of  small  rocks 
amongst  them,  some  above  and  some  below  low-water  mark,  which,  owing  to  the  small- 
ness  of  the  scale  of  the  chart  do  not  appear. 


^ 


HONG  KONG.  963 

rocki  considerably  above  water.  Wag-Ian,  about  three-quarters  of  a  mila 
East  of  Sun-kong,  is  a  small  barren  rocky  islet,  the  easternmost  of  this  group, 
having  16  and  17  fathoms  water  at  a  short  distance  to  the  eastward. 


HONG  KONG. 


HONG  KONG  ISLAND  {Eeang  Keang,  the  Island  of  Fragrant  Streams), 
80  called  from  the  numerous  water  courses  on  its  sides,  is  about  9  miles  long, 
N.W.  by  W.  and  S.E.  by  E.,  2  to  bh  miles  broad,  and  with  an  area  of  about 
29  square  miles.  It  lies  between  Lamma  Island  and  the  main,  from  which  it 
separated  by  a  narrow  channel  a  quarter  of  a  mile  wide,  named  Lyemun 
Pass.  The  appearance  of  the  island  is  somewhat  picturesque,  but  on  the 
whole  it  is  generally  barren  and  unprepossessing.  Victoria  Peak,  1,825  feet 
high,  in  the  N.W.  part  of  the  island,  serves  as  a  signal  station. 

Three  important  lighthouses  have  been  recently  established.  The  two  on 
the  eastern  end  of  Hong  Kong  Island  are  described  hereafter. 

Green  Island  Lighthouse,  first  illuminated  in  July,  1875,  is  a  round  white 
tower,  20  ft.  high,  and  stands  on  an  island  lying  off  the  N.W.  end  of  Hong 
Kong  Island.  The  light  infixed,  elevated  95  ft,  above  the  level  of  the  sea, 
and  visible  14  miles  off.  It  shows  red  to  the  westward  between  N.  by  W.  ^  W. 
and  S.  by  W.  ^  W.,  green  to  the  northward  between  N.  by  W.  ^  W.  (indi- 
cating the  western  edge  of  Kellet  Bank)  and  N.N.E.  \  E.,  and  also  green  to 
the  south-eastward  between  S.  by  W.  J  W.  and  S.E.  To  the  eastward  the 
light  is  obscured  by  the  island. 

HONG  KONG,  3  miles  in  extent,  is  on  the  North  side  of  Hong  Kong  Island. 
For  some  years,  owing  to  the  excessive  heat  of  the  city,  a  site  was  occupied 
as  a  sanatorium  at  Kowloon,  on  the  northern  shore  of  Victoria  Harbour.  By 
the  treaty  of  Tientsin  this  was  ceded  to  Britain,  and  the  tract,  about  5  square 
miles,  has  been  laid  out  for  villa  residences. 

In  the  year  1841,  when  the  island  became  a  British  possession  by  the 
treaty  of  Canton,  the  population  numbered  only  5,000  ;  in  1876  it  was  esti- 
mated at  122,000.  In  1865,  of  the  125,504  inhabitants,  2,034  were  European 
and  American,  and  the  remainder  all  or  nearly  all  Chinese. 

Hong  Kong  being  a  free  port,  it  is  impossible  to  give  any  statistics  of  its 
trade.  It  may  be  looked  upon  chiefly  as  a  depot,  only  a  small  quantity  of 
the  goods  imported  being  consumed  upon  the  island,  the  greater  portion 
being  re-exported  to  other  ports.  Amongst  the  articles  principally  dealt  in, 
may  be  enumerated — opium,  sugar,  flour,  cotton,  rice,  tea,  cotton  and  woollen 
goods,  silks,  oil,  salt,  provisions,  &c.,  besides  which  there  is  an  export  of 
granite,  almost  the  only  article  produced  in  the  colony. 

The  trade  with  the  Australasian  colonies  has  much  improved  smce  the 


964  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

steamers  of  the  Eastern  and  Australian  Mail  Steamship  Company  have 
regularly  established  their  line,  and  these  have  been  largely  supplemented 
by  occasional  vessels  leaving  this  for  Cooktown  in  the  northern  extreme  of 
Queensland.  Of  the  3,562,774  tons  of  shipping  entered  during  the  year 
1875,  45.2  per  cent,  arrived  in  junks,  43.7  percent,  in  steamers,  and  11.1 
per  cent,  in  European  and  American-built  sailing  vessels. 

Climate,  &c. — Hong  Kong  lies  just  within  the  tropic,  and  is  subject  to  an 
excessively  hot  and  a  somewhat  cool  season,  coinciding  with  the  S.W.  and 
N.E.  monsoons  ;  it  has  also  a  dry  and  a  rainy  season.  July  and  August  Are 
the  hottest  months,  the  temperature  ranging  from  80°  to  94°,  with  a  difference 
of  10°  between  day  and  night.  The  city  being  situate  on  the  North  side  of 
the  island  under  the  peak,  is  completely  sheltered  from  the  influence  of  the 
S.W.  monsoon,  which,  on  the  southern  side  of  the  island,  agreeably  tempers 
the  violent  heat.  November  to  January  is  the  coolest  period,  and  the  air  i* 
often  bracing  ;  the  temperature  occasionally  falls  below  40°,  and  ice  has  been 
known  on  the  peak,  but  this  is  rare  ;  sudden  changes  frequently  take  place, 
a  day  of  almost  tropical  heat  being  followed  by  a  cutting  northerly  wind,  for 
when  calms  and  variables  prevail,  it  is  hot  even  in  winter,  and  it  requires  the 
N.E.  wind  and  overcast  sky  to  reduce  the  temperature,  and  gales  from  the 
latter  quarter  are  common  in  the  autumn  and  spring  months,  blowing  for 
two  or  three  days.  March  and  April  are  rainy  and  foggy,  and  the  damp  is 
80  penetrating  that  the  greatest  care  is  required  to  prevent  clothes,  books, 
instruments,  stores,  &c.,  from  being  destroyed  or  injured  by  mildew.  Ty- 
phoons seldom  occur  before  June  or  July,  for  they  advance  northward  as  the 
season  progresses,  and  may  be  expected  most  severe  at  Hong  Kong  about 
the  autumnal  equinox. 

The  wet  season  commences  in  May,  and  continues  until  the  beginning  of 
August,  and  during  this  period  the  rain  falls  almost  without  intermission, 
frequently  causing  floods  which  do  great  damage. 

Although  visited  by  sickness  caused  by  malaria,  it  has  been  shown  by 
Btatistics  that  ior  salubrity  Hong  Kong  may  compare  favourably  with  most 
of  the  ports  of  the  East,  and  its  healthiness  has  been  greatly  increased  of 
late  years  by  its  sanitary  arrangements  and  excellent  water  supply.  The 
annual  rate  of  mortality  amongst  the  foreign  residents  between  1858  and 
1865  was  about  6^  per  cent.,  ranging  in  various  years  between  2  and  8  per 
cent.  The  most  unhealthy  years  have  been  those  most  deficient  in  rainfall. 
Dysentery  and  intermittent  fever  are  not  uncommon,  and  the  bilious  remit- 
tent fever,  sometimes  so  nearly  allied  to  yellow  fever,  occurs  in  the  summer 
season,  small-pox  prevailing  in  January,  February,  and  March.  Neglect  of 
the  usual  conditions  of  health,  such  as  exercise,  diet,  proper  clothing,  and 
the  like,  conduce  to,  and  exposure  to  the  rays  of  the  sun,  even  in  winter, 
almost  invariably  results  in,  sickness. 

The  Harbour  consists  of  the  space  enclosed  between  the  northern  shore  of 


HONG  KONG.  965 

the  island  and  the  mainland  immediately  opposite.  It  is  only  exposed  to  the 
force  of  strong  westerly  gales,  and  their  effect  is  mitigated  by  the  large 
number  of  outlying  islands,  so  that  altogether  it  may  be  deemed  one  of  the 
safest  in  the  world.  Eastward  of  the  harbour  the  peninsula  of  Kowloon 
forms  an  inner  harbour  which  is  nearly  landlocked,  and  which  affords  pro- 
tection to  vessels  in  all  weathers,  but  the  situation  is  not  a  convenient  one. 
On  the  approach  of  a  typhoon  the  native  craft  almost  invariably  seek  shelter 
over  towards  the  northern  side  of  the  harbour.  The  anchorage  is  most  com- 
modious, and  is  enteied  from  the  sea  by  fine  deep-water  cha  nels  both  from 
the  eastward  and  westward.  The  depth  of  water  varies  from  3  to  8  fathoms, 
deepening  to  11  fathoms  off  Kowloon  Point. 

There  are  port  regulations  for  the  berthing  of  vessels  under  the  superin- 
tendence of  the  harbour-master.  The  anchorage  for  the  merchant  shipping 
is  abreast  the  centre  and  lower  parts  of  the  city,  on  either  side  a  fairway 
channel,  marked  by  buoys  ;  that  for  the  men-of-war  lies  eastward,  between 
the  Government  establishments  and  Kowloon,  the  Cathedral  roughly  indi- 
cating the  dividing  limit. 

Supplies  of  every  kind  can  be  obtained  in  abundance,  and  there  is  a  well- 
regulated  market.  Excellent  water  from  the  well-constructed  water- works 
is  efficiently  supplied  to  the  city  and  shipping.  Every  appliance  necessary 
for  refit  and  for  the  repairs  of  ships,  and  steam  machinery  will  be  found  at 
the  dock  establishments,  stores,  &c.  ;  and  there  is  a  good  hospital  for  seamen, 
and  a  well-conducted  sailors'  home. 

Docks. — There  are  two  large  granite  docks  at  Aberdeen  or  Shekpywan 
Harbour,  a  narrow  inlet  formed  between  the  S.W.  shore  of  Hong  Kong, 
and  a  small  island  off  it  named  Aberdeen  or  Tapliohau.  They  lie  on  the 
Hong  Kong  shore  of  the  harbour,  and  one  of  them  is  capable  of  receiving 
the  largest  class  of  vessels  drawing  24  ft.  There  is  also  a  dock  at  Kowloon, 
and  a  patent  slip  at  East  point.  The  dock  charges  are  very  high,  owing  to 
want  of  competition,  and  therefore  many  prefer  to  have  their  vessels  docked 
at  Whampoa  in  the  Canton  River,  where  thw  charges  are  more  moderate.* 

The  dimensions  of  the  Aberdeen  Docks,  belonging  to  the  Hong  Kong  and 
Whampoa  Dock  Company,  are  as  follows  :  — 

Dock  No.  1.— Length  over  all,  330  ft.  ;  length  on  blocks,  308  ft.  ;  breadth 
over  all,  80  ft.  ;  breadth  at  bottom,  42  ft. ;  width  of  caisson  gate,  60  ft.  ; 
depth  over  sill  at  spring  tides,  18^  ft. ;  depth  over  sill  at  neap  tides,  16  ft. 

Dock  No.  2.— Length  over  all,  400  ft.  ;  breadth  over  all,  90  ft. ;  width  of 
caisson  gate,  70  ft. ;  depth  over  sill  at  spring  tides,  24  ft.  ;  depth  over  sill  at 
neap  tides,  21^  ft. 

*  A  rock  breaks  at  low  water  about  50  yards  to  the  westward  of  the  North  point  of  Aber- 
deen Bay.  There  is  alao  another  rock  a  little  more  than  half  that  distance  oflf  a  point  to  the 
South  of  it,  on  which  a  vessel  was  lost. 


966  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

The  above  are  the  extreme  depths  for  which  credit  is  claimed,  but  the 
level  is  much  influenced  by  the  wind  at  all  times,  and  from  October  to 
January  inclusive,  the  average  height  is  about  1  i  ft.  greater  at  springs  than 
during  the  remainder  of  the  year. 

A  steam-tug,  of  100  horse-power  nominal,  is  always  in  readiness  to  tow 
sailing  vessels  round  from  Hong  Kong  free  of  charge,  and  will  take  them 
back  or  to  sea  at  reduced  rates.  The  work-shops  on  the  premises  possess 
every  appliance  necessary  for  the  repairs  of  ships  and  steam  machinery. 
There  are  also  powerful  lifting-shears  on  the  jetty,  alongside  which  vessels 
can  lie  in  24  ft.  water,  and  take  in  or  out  boilers,  masts,  &c. 

The  Union  Dock  Company  has  also  a  dock  at  Kowloon,  which,  being 
•within  the  harbour  is  of  immense  advantage  to  vessels  which  may  reach 
port  in  such  a  state  as  to  require  instant  docking.  Its  dimensions  are  : — 
Length  over  all,  300  ft.  ;  breadth  of  entrance,  80  ft. ;  and  depth  over  sill  at 
ordinary  spring  tides,  21  ft. 

The  patent  slip  at  East  Point,  on  the  northern  shore  of  Hong  Kong,  is 
said  to  be  capable  of  taking  vessels  of  1,000  tons. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Hong  Kong  Eoad,  at  lO*"  15", 
and  springs  rise  about  4|  ft.  Around  the  island  the  tides  are  irregular, 
flowing  and  ebbing  without  any  apparent  change  of  direction  at  the  surface, 
and  at  neaps  there  sometimes  appears  to  be  only  one  tide  in  24  hours.  In 
the  harbour  the  tidal  streams  are  regular. 

At  Hong  Kong,  during  the  summer  months,  the  highest  tide  is  three  days 
after,  in  winter  three  days  before  the  full  and  change.  In  September, 
October,  and  November,  and  the  three  corresponding  spring  months,  March, 
April,  and  May,  the  highest  water  is  at  the  latter  end  of  the  quarter.  In 
March  the  tide  is  very  low.  At  all  seasons  of  the  year  the  tides  are  most 
irregular  off  the  mouth  of  the  Canton  River.  It  so  occurs  that  the  night  tides 
are  the  higher,  and  consequently  stronger,  during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  and 
similarly  the  day  tides  in  the  S.W.  monsoon.  The  rise  from  low  water  at 
Hong  Kong  is  7^  ft.,  except  in  strong  East  and  S.E.  winds.  A  tide  of  lO-fl. 
rise  at  Canton  or  Whampoa  is  generally  owing  to  a  freshet  or  a  strong 
southerly  wind. 

Directions. — Hong  Kong  Eoad  is  generally  approached  by  sailing  vessels 
from  the  westward,  which  side  is  protected  by  Green  Island  and  Kellett 
Bank,  the  latter  extending  nearly  1|  mile  northward  from  the  island,  with 
an  even  depth  of  3J  fathoms.  It  may  also  be  approached  from  the  eastward 
through  the  Lyemun  Pass  during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  but  the  winds  are 
generally  baffling  under  the  high  land,  for  which  reason  it  is  not  generally 
used  by  sailing  vessels. 

When  abreast  Green  Island,  if  the  vessel  be  of  heavy  draught,  keep  the 
peak  of  Lamma  Island  (Mount  Senhouse,  1,140  ft.  high)  open  westward  of 
Green  Island  S.  |  E.  until  Devil's  Peak  (on  the  mainland  near  Lyemun  Pass) 


HONG  KONG  ISLAND.  967 

is  in  line  with  the  White  Rock  on  the  South  point  of  Won-chu-chau  or 
Stone-cutters  Island,  when  a  S.E.  by  E.  course  will  lead  northward  of  Kel- 
lett  Bank,  and  direct  for  the  anchorage. 

Vessels  of  proper  draught  can  proceed  over  Kellett  Bank,  on  which  the 
least  water  is  20  ft ,  or  through  the  4-fathom  channel  between  Green  Island 
and  the  South  part  of  the  bank,  by  passing  about  1^  cable  northward  of  the 
island,  and  then  steering  for  the  road. 

The  narrow  channel  between  Green  Island  and  Hong  Kong  is  sometimes 
used  by  steamers,  also  by  sailing  vessels  when  a  fresh  fair  wind,  blows  right 
through.  It  has  depths  of  10  to  12  fathoms  in  the  middle,  shoaling  to  8,  6, 
and  4^  fathoms  after  passing  the  small  islet  eastward  of  Green  Island. 

TYTAM  BAY. — There  are  several  small  bays  on  the  southern  shore  of 
Hong  Kong,  all  of  which  are  safe  for  small  vessels  ;  but  at  the  S.E.  part  of 
the  island  is  a  deep  inlet,  named  Tytam  Bay,  2^  miles  deep,  \^  mile  wide  at 
entrance,  free  from  danger,  and  carries  a  depth  of  10  to  6  fathoms.  Tytam 
Head,  the  western  point  of  entrance,  is  a  high  bluflf,  with.  13  and  14  fathoms 
near  it ;  from  thence  the  western  shore  of  the  bay  trends  about  N.  by  E. 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  a  small  sandy  bay,  with  a  rocky  islet  fronting  the 
beach.  About  half  a  mile  northward  of  the  islet  the  land  forms  a  round  pro- 
jecting point,  and  northward  of  this  point  is  a  larger  bay,  with  a  sandy  beach, 
in  which  is  Tytam  village. 

Tylong  Sead,  or  Cape  d^Agutlar,  off  which  are  two  green  islets,  forms  the 
eastern  point  of  entrance  to  Tytam  Bay,  and  from  thence  the  eastern  shore  of 
the  bay  bends  round  to  the  northward  for  2  miles,  and  terminates  in  a  small 
inlet,  called  Tytam  Harbour,  carrying  4  to  6  fathoms,  but  its  head,  to  the 
N.W.,  is  shoal  and  rocky.  This  bay  would  be  useful  to  a  vessel,  with  the 
probability  of  a  dark  and  tempestuous  night,  for  by  running  in  she  will  at 
any  rate  be  snug,  even  if  there  should  be  a  typhoon  during  the  night.  Water 
may  be  obtained  at  Tytam  village  on  the  western  side  of  the  bay. 

There  is  very  little  tide  in  Tytam  Bay,  but  the  rise  and  fall  is  about  7  or  8 
feet  at  springs,  and  about  3  or  4  ft.  at  neaps.  The  ebb  sets  to  the  eastward 
between  Lo-chau  and  Hong  Kong. 

Directions.—  If  bound  to  Tytam  Bay  from  the  eastward,  the  route  may 
either  be  taken  to  the  northward  of  Wag-Ian,  Sun-kong,  and  Lo-chau, 
through  the  Shingshimun  Pass,  or  to  the  southward  of  these  islands  through 
the  Lema  Channel ;  then  round  Castle  Eock  to  the  westward  of  Lo-chau. 
but  the  northern  passage  is  preferable,  for  after  opening  the  bay  a  vessel 
may  havd  to  the  northward  in  any  convenient  berth  ;  whereas,  by  taking  the 
southern  route,  if  the  wind  be  northerly,  she  will  have  to  turn  in. 

Cape  d^Aguilar  Lighthouse  is  described  hereafter. 

LANTAO,  or  Ty-ho,  the  large  high  island  lying  westward  of  Hong  Kong, 
is  14  miles  long,  N.E.  by  E.  and  S.W.  by  W.,  and  its  greatest  breadth  is 


968  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

5i  miles.  About  the  centre  of  the  island  the  land  is  very  high,  making  in 
peaks,  the  highest  and  westernmost  of  which  rises  3,050  ft.  above  the  sea. 

West  Coast— Close  to  the  western  shcre  of  Lantao,  at  1^  mile  from  the 
South  point,  there  is  a  peaked  hill,  which  at  high  water  is  insulated.  From 
this  hill  to  the  point  a  mud  flat  extends  about  a  third  of  a  mile  off  shore, 
with  only  2  fathoms  water  on  it. 

About  1^  mile  N.N.W.  of  the  peaked  hill,  and  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
from  the  nearest  shore,  there  is  a  rock  above  water,  having  near  it  a  depth 
of  15  fathoms,  and  between  it  and  the  shf)re  7  fathoms,  decreasing  quickly 
towards  the  latter.  N.E.  by  N.  1^  mile  from  this  rock  is  a  bluff  point,  and 
eastward  of  the  latter  a  bay,  in  which  is  the  village  of  Ty-ho. 

North  Coast.— On  the  northern  side  of  Lantao  are  two  projecting  points, 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  apart,  between  which  is  the  bay  and  village  Sah-lo- 
ivunq ;  and  directly  fronting  the  eastern  point  of  the  bay  and  about  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  distant  is  a  small  islet,  having  a  rock  awash  off  its  N.W.  side. 
Between  this  islet  and  Saw-chau,  2^  miles  to  the  northward,  the  depth  is  too 
small  for  a  vessel  of  large  draught  at  low  water.  Immediately  eastward  of 
the  above  small  islet,  between  it  and  Chu-lu-cock  Island,  is  another  bay  iu 
.which  is  Tung-chung  village.  Red  Pointy  the  N.E.  extreme  of  Chu-lu-cock, 
has  a  remarkable  rocky  appearance,  and  is  frequented  by  a  company  of  stone- 
cutters, who  cut  the  granite  rocks  into  slabs  for  building.  The  South  point 
of  this  island  is  so  near  to  the  Lantao  shore,  that  in  passing  it  is  difficult  to 
distinguish  it  to  be  an  island.     In  Tung-chung  Bay  the  water  is  shoal. 

About  li  mile  E.N.E.  of  Eed  Point  lies  a  small  green  island  230  ft.  high, 
and  three-quarters  of  a  mile  further  in  the  same  direction  another  small 
island,  200  ft.  high,  which  are  the  Brothers  of  Dalrymple,  or  Motoe  of  the 
Chinese.  A  rock,  30  ft.  above  water,  lies  about  half  a  mile  southward  of  the 
East  Brother,  and  about  1^  mile  off  the  Lantao  shore.  A  small  reef  borders 
the  western  and  northern  ends  of  the  West  Brother.  From  the  East  Brother 
the  N.E.  part  of  Lantao  bears  E.  by  N.  4  miles. 

South  Coast. — The  southern  coast  of  Lantao  forms  two  large  but  shoal 
bays.  The  larger  and  eastern  bay,  to  the  north-eastward  of  the  Soko  Islands, 
has  in  it  a  small  islet  and  some  rocks  above  water,  and  a  populous  village  at 
its  head.  Here  H.M.S.  Cormorant  rode  out  an  easterly  gale,  in  September, 
1865,  which  lasted  48  hours.  The  anchorage  was  much  exposed,  but  the 
holding  ground  was  good,  hard,  stiff  mud,  mixed  with  sand  and  shells.  The 
western  bay  is  less  capacious  than  the  other,  and  carries  a  depth  of  2  to  5 
fathoms. 

Off  the  East  entrance  point  of  the  eastern  of  the  above  bays,  and  separated 
from  it  by  a  narrow  channel,  is  a  high  green  island  named  Patung,  and  close 
to  its  West  side  are  some  rocks  above  water.  A  small  vessel  will  find  good 
anchorage  westward  of  these  rocks,  with  them  bearing  about  S.  by  E.,  three- 
■quarters  of  a  mile  distant. 


CANTON  RIVER.  969 

CAP-SING-MUN  PASSAGE,  or  Throat  Gates,  formed  between  the  North 
point  of  Lantao  and  the  main,  is  separated  into  two  channels  by  Mah-wan 
Island.  The  channel  on  the  West  side  of  Mah-wan  is  generally  used  by 
steam-vessels,  but  it  is  narrow  with  dangerous  eddies  ;  the  channel  southward 
of  that  island  should  be  used  by  sailing  vessels,  as  it  is  wider,  with  good 
anchorage,  a  regular  tide,  and  the  advantage  in  the'N.E.  monsoon  of  being 
to  windward. 

Bunsansiah  or  Passage  Rock,  in  the  southern  entrance  of  the  Capsingmun 
Passage,  is  a  pinnacle  rock  awash  at  low  water,  having  depths  of  8  to  10 
fathoms  close  around  it.  From  its  centre,  Chunghue  Rock  is  in  line  with 
the  South  extreme  of  Chunghue  Island,  bearing  E.  by  N.,  and  the  East  ex- 
treme of  Cowechau  Island  is  in  line  with  the  West  extreme  of  Lamma  Island, 
S.  by  E.  f  E. 

A  sailing  vessel  proceeding  through  the  Cap-sing-mun  Passage  from  the 
westward,  should  keep  close  over  to  the  mainland  to  avoid  a  reef,  extending 
a  third  of  a  mile  from  the  N.E.  point  of  Mah-wan ;  then  steer  in  mid- 
channel  between  that  island  and  Chung-hue  Island,  which  lies  a  mile  to  the 
eastward,  and  after  rounding  the  South  end  of  the  latter,  if  bound  for 
Hong  Kong  Road,  steer  for  the  West  end  of  Won-chu-chau  or  Stone- 
cutters Islands. 

SAW-CHAU,  lying  3  miles  northward  of  Lantao,  and  S.E.  4^  miles  from 
Lintin,  is  a  small  narrow  island  nearly  a  mile  long,  with  a  sharp  hummock 
on  its  North  end.  About  1  mile  northward  of  it  is  Tong-ku  Island,  higher 
and  more  rocky  in  appearance  ;  and  S.W.  by  S.  from  the  South  point  of 
Tong-ku,  and  W.  by  N.  from  the  North  point  of  Saw-chau  there  are  two 
rocks  above  water,  about  a  mile  distant  from  each  island ;  the  western  is 
named  White  Roch  from  its  white  appearance. 

URMSTON  BAY,  or  Tong-ku  Harbour,  bounded  by  the  islands  Tong-ku 
and  Saw-chaw  to  the  West,  and  Castle  Peak  land  to  the  East,  is  a  safe  an- 
chorage, and  tolerably  sheltered  from  all  winds.  The  best  berth  is  in  about 
8  or  9  fathoms,  with  Tong-ku  Peak  just  open  of  the  South  end  of  Lintin, 
and  nearer  to  the  main  land  than  to  Tong-ku.  This  safe  bay  or  harbour 
was  named  Urmston  by  the  captains  of  the  fleet,  who  anchored  there  in 
August  and  September,  1823,  at  the  recommendation  of  Sir  James  Brabazon 
Urmston,  President  of  the  Company's  factory  at  Canton  during  the  discussion 
with  the  Chinese  relative  to  the  affair  of  the  Topaze  frigate  in  1821  —  22,  at 
Lintin  ;  the  anchorage  was  found  secure,  with  smooth  water  when  it  blew  a 
gale  from  the  eastward.     Fresh  water  was  procured  in  abundance. 

Directions. — The  approach  to  Urmston  Bay  for  vessels  of  large  draught  is 
between  the  East  side  of  the  spit  extending  from  the  South  side  of  Lintin  and 
the  islands  Saw-chau  and  Tong-ku,   and  then  northward  of  Tong-ku,  the 

I.    A  6  H 


970  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

depth  there  being  7  and  8  fathoms.  The  passage  south-ward  of  Saw-chau 
has  only  3  J  fathoms,  and  that  between  Saw-chau  and  Tong-ku  2^  fathoms. 

The  channel  between  White  Eock  and  the  East  side  of  Lintin  Spit  is  about 
2  miles  wide,  with  7  and  8  fathoms,  decreasing  towards  the  spit  to  5  fathoms. 
Working  northward,  do  not  stand  so  far  West  as  to  shoal  to  5  fathoms,  or  to 
bring  the  East  side  of  Lintin  northward  of  N.  by  W.  With  the  South  end 
of  Sau-chaw  bearing  E.N.E.,  and  Lintin  Peak  North,  a  vessel  will  be  on  the 
southern  edge  of  the  spit  in  4f  or  5  fathoms,  sand  and  mud. 

LINTIN  ISLAND,  lying  W.N.W.  of  Urmston  Bay,  is  about  7  miles  in 
circumference,  and  its  summit  terminates  in  a  high  conical  peak.  A  spit  of 
sand  extends  about  4J  miles  southward  from  the  South  side  of  the  island, 
having  3^  fathoms  water  on  its  outer  part,  but  only  9  ft.  within  2f  miles 
of  the  island,  and  rather  less  in  some  places.  The  spit  is  steep-to  on  the 
West  side,  with  10  fathoms  near  it,  7  fathoms  touching  its  edge,  then  3 
fathoms ;  and  on  the  East  side  the  water  suddenly  deepens  from  3  to  7  or  8 
fathoms.  When  within  5  miles  of  the  island,  if  the  vessel  is  of  large 
draught,  do  not,  when  standing  eastward  towards  the  spit,  bring  the  West 
end  of  Lintin,  westward  of  N.  f  W.,  or  tack  immediately  after  deepening  to 
9  or  10  fathoms ;  but  in  the  night  do  not  deepen  to  above  7  or  at  most  8 
fathoms. 

A  sandbank  also  extends  13^  miles  in  a  N.N.W.  direction  from  the  North 
side  of  Lintin,  and  on  its  northern  part  is  a  narrow  ridge  called  Lintin  Bar, 
the  southern  end  of  which,  in  2^  fathoms,  bears  W.  by  N.  f  N.  from 
Ean-si-ak  Islet,  and  N.N.W.  J  W.  about  6|  miles  from  Lintin  Peak.  The 
least  water  on  the  bar  is  12  ft.,  and  its  northern  end,  in  2^  fathoms,  lies 
N.W.  by  N.  lOi  miles  from  Fan-si-ak,  with  Sam-pan-chau  just  open  westward 
of  the  West  extreme  of  Anung-hoy  Island. 

The  anchorage  off  Lintin  is  about  1^  mile  from  the  sandy  beach  on  its 
S.W.  side,  in  10  or  12  fathoms ;  under  10  fathoms  the  water  shoals  quickly 
towards  the  island. 

Water. — Fresh  water  may  be  obtained  at  the  eastern  extremity  of  the 
beach  on  the  South  side  of  Lintin  ;  at  times  a  few  bullocks  and  vegetables 
may  be  procured  from  the  inhabitants  of  the  village. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  the  anchorage  off  Lintin,  at 
noon,  and  springs  rise  7  or  8  feet.  The  streams  run  nearly  North  and 
South,  and  the  ebb  in  the  freshes  sometimes  5 J  or  6  knots  per  hour.  In 
the  N.E.  monsoon  the  neaps  are  very  irregular,  sometimes  only  one  flood 
perceptible  during  24  hours  with  a  small  rise  when  the  other  flood  should 
prevail. 

FAN-SI-AK  ISLET.— Two  rocky  islets,  the  easternmost  of  which  is  the 
largest,  and  called  Fan-si-ak,  and  the  other  White  Eock,  lie  North  4J  miles 
from  the  peak  of  Lintin.  When  these  islets  are  in  one,  E.  by  S.  f  S.,  the 
southern  extremity  of  Lintin  Bar  is  on  the  same  bearing.     The  East  side  of 


LANKEET  FLAT-SAM-PAN-CHAU.  971 

the  channel  between  the  South  extremity  of  the  bar  and  Lintin  is  bounded 
by  sand-banks,  with  irregular  soundings  of  2h  and  3h  fathoms  on  them  at 
low  water. 

LANKEET  FLAT,  extending  from  the  North  end  of  Lintin  Bar,  across  the 
channel  to  the  shoal  mud  bank  on  the  "West  side,  and  N.W.  towards  Lankeet 
Island,  consists  of  sand  and  mud,  with  hard  bottom  in  some  places.  The 
depths  on  it  are  3  and  3 J  fathoms  at  low  water,  and  4|-  to  4 J  fathoms  at  high 
water  springs  ;  a  vessel  therefore  drawing  more  than  20  {t.  should  not  pass 
over  it  until  about  half  flood.  Close  to  the  northward  of  this  flat  there  are 
generally  some  fishing  stakes,  and  boats  fastened  to  them,  and  there  are 
others  between  Lintin  and  Lankeet.  Care  should  be  taken  not  to  run  over 
the  boats,  which  generally  show  lights  in  the  night. 

LANKEET  ISLAND,  bearing  N.N.W.  ^  W,  19  miles  from  Lintin  Peak, 
is  formed  of  two  hills,  sloping  into  a  low  point  at  the  "West  end,  where  there 
is  a  well  of  fresh  water  by  a  small  temple  close  to  some  trees  ;  the  island  at 
this  part  is  covered  with  earthen  vessels  containing  human  bones.  A  spit 
or  flat  extends  S.E.  by  S.  2^  miles  from  its  South  side,  with  only  2  and  2^ 
fathoms  over  it  at  low  water.  Between  this  spit  and  a  long  narrow  sand  to 
the  westward  is  the  Lankeet  entrance  of  the  western  channels. 

To  proceed  up  this  entrance  to  an  anchorage  in  Lankeet  Eoad,  keep  the 
highest  peak  of  Ty-cock-tau  just  open  of  the  outermost  of  the  rocks  project- 
ing oS"  the  West  end  of  Lankeet  N.W.  f  N.  ;  with  this  mark  on,  a  vessel 
will  have  4|  or  5  fathoms  at  high  water,  about  4  miles  from  Lankeet ;  and 
will  carry  the  same  depth  till  nearly  abreast  the  West  end  of  the  island, 
where  she  will  have  about  6  fathoms  in  Lankeet  Road.  This  is  a  convenient 
place  for  a  vepsel  to  moor  when  circumstances  require  her  stores  or  sick  to  be 
landed.     All  the  space  between  Lankeet  and  Ty-cock-tau  is  shoal. 

SAM-PAN-CHAXT,  or  Boat  Islet,  bearing  N.  by  E.  J  E.  U  mile  from  the 
East  end  of  Lankeet,  is  small,  of  middling  height,  resembling  a  boat  turned 
bottom  upwards,  and  is  the  best  guide  for  crossing  over  Lankeet  flat,  between 
the  northern  part  of  Lintin  Bar  and  Lankeet.  An  extensive  rocky  bank, 
partly  above  water,  projects  N.W.  from  it,  and  joins  the  shoal  bank  extend- 
ing from  Lankeet  to  Ty-cock-tau.  There  are  regular  depths  of  7,  8,  and  9 
fathoms  to  the  eastward  of  Sam-pan-chau. 

DIRECTIONS  to  CANTON  RIVER. -The  Lema  Channel,  formed  by 
the  Lema  Islands  on  the  South,  and  the  Pu-toy  group  on  the  Nurth,  is  about 
6  miles  wide,  and  safe  to  navigate,  with  regular  depths  of  17  to  19  fathoms, 
and  soft  bottom.  This  channel  should,  if  possible,  be  always  adopted  by 
sailing  vessels  bound  to  Kong  or  Canton  River  in  the  N.E.  monsoon,  to 
efi'ect  which  they  ought  to  make  the  N.E.  head  uf  the  Le:  a  Islands,  bearing 
to  the  westward.  If  the  weather  be  thick,  and  the  wind  blows  strong  «t 
East  or  S.E.,  it  may  be  prudent  to  heave-to,  when  land  cannot  be  discerned 
above  3  or  4  miles.     The  depths  are  19  to  21  fathoms,  close  to  the  head,  and 


972  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

about  18  fathoms  at  the  entrance  of  the  channel.  If  the  weather  will  not 
permit  the  vessel  to  enter  the  channel,  do  not  shoal  under  25  or  26  fathoms, 
as  in  these  depths  she  will  drift  clear  outside  all  the  islands. 

If,  however,  the  vessel  should  happen  to  be  near  the  entrance  of  the  Lema 
Channel  in  the  evening,  and  a  typhoon  is  expected,  she  should  run  imme- 
diately for  Tytam  Bay  (on  the  South  side  of  Hong  Kong),  or  for  the  Tathong 
Channel,  or  the  East  Lamma  Channel,  as  may  be  most  convenient ;  in  either 
of  which  she  will  be  secured  from  the  tempest,  if  an  anchorage  is  gained 
before  night. 

During  S.W.  or  westerly  winds  it  will  sometimes  be  found  difficult  to  turn 
through  the  Lema  Channel  from  the  eastward,  as  there  is  generally  a  set 
from  West  to  East,  occasioned  by  the  ebb  coming  from  the  westward  out  of 
the  numerous  channels,  and  the  flood  from  the  S.W.  ;  with  a  strong  S.W. 
wind  the  stream  runs  about  Ig  knot  per  hour  to  the  eastward,  only  slacking 
a  little  when  it  ought  to  change  its  direction.  Pu-toy  Island  may  be  ap- 
proached with  safety  to  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  and  the  whole  North  side  of  the 
Lema  Islands  to  half  a  mile. 

Through  LANTAO  CHANNEL. — From  about  a  mile  southward  of  Pu-toy 
a  West  course  for  19  miles  will  lead  to  the  entrance  of  Lantao  Channel, 
passing  northward  of  Lingting  and  southward  of  Lamma,  the  depths  de- 
creasing from  17  fathoms  ofi"  Pu-toy  to  12  and  13  fathoms  after  passing 
Lingting,  and  to  7  and  8  fathoms  as  the  channel  is  approached  ;  there  are  12 
fathoms  in  the  middle  of  the  entrance,  decreasing  to  7  or  8  fathoms  towards 
A-chau.  Lingting,  which  is  of  considerable  height,  and  terminates  at  the 
summit  in  a  conical  peak,  may  be  passed  on  either  side  as  the  wind  requires. 
If  passing  southward,  give  a  wide  berth  to  the  sunken  rocks  off  its  N.W. 
point ;  and  to  those  off  its  N.E.  point  if  passing  northward  ;  but  thg  channel 
northward  of  this  island  is  preferable,  for  in  daylight  it  has  no  hidden 
danger,  and  a  vessel  may  work  from  side  to  side.  In  the  night  give  the 
North  side  of  the  island  a  berth  of  1^  mile  to  avoid  the  two  small  rocks  off 
its  N.E.  point. 

Chi-chau,  when  seen  from  the  eastward,  has  a  remarkable  appearance, 
and  is  a  good  guide ;  it  makes  like  a  high,  round,  detached  island  with  dis- 
tant rugged  land  westward  of  it,  which  are  the  islands  of  Lafsami  and 
Chung-chau.  Having  entered  the  Lantao  Channel,  the  course  through  is 
N.W.  by  W.,  and  the  depths  will  be  variable,  not  under  8  or  9  fathoms,  nor 
above  25  fathoms.  The  ebb  tide  runs  through  in  strong  eddies,  particularly 
in  July  or  August,  when  its  rate  is  sometimes  4^  knots  per  hour  on  the 
springs.  With  a  light  wind  at  times,  it  is  difficult  to  manage  a  vessel  here- 
about. On  some  occasions  two  or  three  boats,  assisted  by  the  sails,  have 
been  baffled  in  their  attempts  to  tow  the  vessel's  head  round.  After  passing 
between  Chi-chau  and  A-chau,  the  water  will  deepen  from  10  to  17  fathoms 
in  mid-channel  near  the  islands  which  front  the  S.W.  point  of  Lantao,  and 


DIEEOTIONS-OANTON  RIVER.  973 

there  are  7  fathoms  close  to  the  point.  Having  rounded  the  point  at  a  mo- 
derate distance,  steer  to  the  northward  for  Lintin,  or  to  the  westward  for 
Macao  Road,  as  circumstances  require  ;  in  the  latter  case  the  depths  will 
gradually  decrease  to  5J  or  5  fathoms. 

In  turning  through  the  Lantao  Channel,  when  standing  northward,  do  not 
shoal  under  7  fathoms  in  a  vessel  of  large  draught,  nor  pass  the  line  of  bear- 
ing between  the  South  points  of  Lantao  and  A-chau.  Between  the  northern 
Soko  Island  and  the  Lantao  shore  there  is  a  good  channel,  1  mile  wide, 
which  may  be  taken  by  a  vessel  when  blowing  fresh  from  the  northward. 
In  this  case,  after  passing  the  South  point  of  Patung,  a  small  rocky  islet 
will  be  seen  in  the  bay  on  the  southern  shore  of  Lantao  ;  steer  to  the  north- 
westward until  this  islet  is  shut  in  behind  the  western  point  of  the  bay, 
when  keep  towards  the  South  point  of  Lantao,  and  the  depth  will  be  4^ 
fathoms,  muddy  bottom,  between  the  point  of  the  sandy  spit  and  the  Lantao 
shore. 

From  the  small  islet  oflP  the  North  side  of  Chung-chau,  Lintin  Peak  bears 
N.  ^  E.  13  miles  ;  the  sand  spit  extending  off  the  South  side  of  Lintin  is  on 
the  latter  bearing,  therefore  a  vessel  will  clear  it  if  this  islet  is  kept  S.  by  E. 
until  Lintin  Peak  bears  N.  by  E.,  then  steer  for  the  West  point  of  Lintin. 
In  a  dark  night  a  N.N.W.  or  N.W.  by  N.  course  (according  to  the  tide) 
should  be  steered  from  the  middle  of  the  Lintao  Channel  until  the  water 
shoals  to  6  fathoms,  then  steer  North,  keeping  a  good  lookout  for  the  fishing 
stakes.  On  this  latter  course,  if  the  water  deepens  above  7  fathoms,  keep  a 
little  westerly  until  the  vessel  is  near  or  above  Lintin,  where  she  can  anchor. 
By  not  deepening  above  7  fathoms,  she  will  not  be  too  near  Lintin  sand  spit, 
there  being  9  and  10  fathoms  close  to.  The  ebb  tide,  from  the  West  end  of 
Lintin  to  the  eastward,  sets  South  ;  but  over  on  the  western  shore  its  di- 
rection is  S.E. 

Through  TAI-TA-MI  CHANNEL. —Proceeding  towards  the  river  through 
the  Tai-ta-mi  Channel,  between  the  Lema  and  Kypong  Islands,  after  clear- 
ing Cambridge  Rock,  steer  northward  for  Linting,  passing  between  it  and 
the  Samoun  group,  and  then  proceed  through  the  Lantao  Channel ;  or  pass 
between  the  Samoun  group  and  Ai-chau,  and  then  steer  for  the  Lantao 
Channel  or  to  the  N.W.  direct  for  Lafsami.  Having  approached  Lafsami, 
keep  within  a  mile  of  its  western  side,  and  of  the  South  part  of  Chung-chau, 
to  avoid  the  4-ft.  needle  rock ;  after  passing  Chung-chau  steer  for  Lintin  or 
for  Macao  Road. 

If  the  channel  be  taken  between  the  Great  Ladrone  and  Gap  Rock,  or  the 
narrow  passage  between  the  latter  and  the  Kypong  Islands,  steer  to  north- 
ward, and  proceed  along  the  West  sides  of  Ai-chau  and  Lafsami.  Or  if 
bound  for  Macao  Road,  there  is  a  more  direct  passage  about  a  mile  wide, 
with  13  fathoms  water,  between  Pak-leak  and  Chuk-wan,  then  on  the  North 
sides  of  Tong-ho  and  Liungnib,  and  to  the  southward  of  Ty-lo,  which  tracks 


974  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

lie  nearly  in  a  direct  line  towards  the  road.  Although  this  channel  is  safe 
in  the  daytime,  great  care  must  be  taken  to  avoid  the  Ealeigh  Eock.  There 
is  a  safe  passage  between  the  Great  Ladrone  and  Pak-leak,  with  14  to  9  fa- 
thoms water,  but  recollect  the  sunken  rock  lying  half  a  mile  from  the  North 
side  of  the  Little  Ladrone,  and  also  the  Clio  Eock  ;  a  vessel  taking  this  route 
should  pass  southward  of  Potoe. 

Through  GREAT  WEST  CHANNEL.— This  channel,  on  the  West  side  of 
the  Ladrone  Islands,  is  generally  used  by  vessels  bound  to  Canton  during 
the  strength  of  the  S.W.  monsoon,  and  to  do  this  they  endeavour  to  fall  in 
with  the  Great  Ladrone  bearing  about  North,  or  N.  by  E. ;  but  late  in  the 
season  when  the  winds  incline  to  the  eastward,  or  at  any  other  time  when 
they  are  expected  to  come  from  the  northward  or  eastward,  it  will  be  pru- 
dent for  a  sailing  vessel  to  make  the  N.E.  head  of  the  Lema  Islands,  and 
proceed  towards  the  river  by  the  Lama  and  Lantao  channels.  Here  the 
risk  of  being  horsed  to  the  westward  by  the  freshes  setting  out  of  the  Great 
West  Channel  is  avoided,  and  a  northerly  wind  will  lead  to  an  anchorage 
in  the  river.  When  typhoons  happen  on  the  coast,  they  generally  com- 
mence in  a  moderate  gale  from  the  northward,  which  is  a  leading  wind  for 
these  channels,  and  as  the  wind  commonly  veers  to  the  eastward  before  it 
blows  hard,  a  vessel  with  the  first  of  the  gale  may  get  well  up  the  river 
above  Lintin,  where  these  storms  are  less  violent  than  outside  among  the 
islands. 

As  the  approach  to  the  Canton  estuary  is  probably  more  safe  than  that  of 
any  other  large  river  in  the  world,  there  being  no  sandbanks  at  the  entrance, 
and  the  channels  amongst  the  islands  outside  being  mostly  all  free  from  hid- 
den danger,  a  stranger  should  not  hesitate  to  push  through  the  nearest  con- 
venient channel  without  a  pilot,  if  the  weather  is  tolerably  clear.  But  the 
streams  must  be  attended  to,  as  they  set  in  difiPerent  directions  amongst  the 
islands  to  the  south-eastward  according  to  the  prevailing  winds ;  a  strong 
easterly  wind  generally  producing  a  westerly  current  or  tide,  which  abates 
in  strength  when  the  ebb  should  be  setting  to  the  S.E.  If  an  outside  pilot 
can  be  obtained  at  a  moderate  rate  he  may  be  useful  to  run  the  vessel  into 
some  cove  or  place  of  shelter,  if  a  storm  should  be  approaching,  or  if  she  be 
in  a  disabled  state.  Macao  Euad  should  not  be  used  if  there  is  an  appear- 
ance of  bad  weather,  but  run  well  up  the  river  above  Lintin. 

About  South  30  miles  from  the  Great  Ladrone,  the  depths  increase  to  27 
or  '28  fathoms  ;  about  60  miles  from  it,  to  42  and  44  fathoms;  and  sound- 
ings extend  on  the  same  meridian  to  about  lat.  20"  N. ;  from  hence  they  con- 
tinue westward  towards  Hainan  Head  ;  but  converge  towards  the  land,  with 
deeper  water  eastward  of  the  meridian  of  the  Ladrone  Islands  A  vessel 
falling  in  with  the  land  in  thick  weather  may  easily  distinguish  whether  it 
be  that  of  the  islands  eastward  of  the  Great  Ladrone  ;  for  the  Kypong  and 
Lema  Islands  have  soundings  of  23  and  24  fathoms  close  to ;  whereas  the 


DIEEOTIONS— CANTON  EIVER.  975 

islands  between  the  Great  Ladrone  and  St.  John  to  the  westward  have  only 
10  and  11  fathoms  at  a  considerable  distance  outside.  These  are  also  large 
and  of  regular  appearance,  resembling  a  coast  more  than  islands  ;  but  those 
to  the  eastward  are  detached,  high,  and  uneven,  excepting  Tam-kan,  the 
largest  of  the  Lema  Islands,  which  is  long  and  of  an  undulating  form. 

The  freshes  out  of  Canton  Eiver  set  almost  constantly  from  the  South  end 
of  Montanha,  along  the  shores  of  the  islands  to  the  westward,  at  the  rate  of 
1  to  2  knots  an  hour,  particularly  with  strong  easterly  winds ;  and  although 
at  times  there  seems  to  be  on  the  surface  a  flood  tide  setting  eastward,  or 
into  the  entranoe  of  the  river,  the  freshes  underneath  continue  to  run  west- 
ward, by  which  sailing  vessels  are  rendered  ungovernable,  even  in  fresh 
winds.  Many  vessels  from  this  cause,  after  getting  near  Montanha,  or  be- 
tween it  and  Potoe  Island,  have  been  drifted  nearly  to  St.  John  Island  whilst 
making  every  endeavour,  with  moderate  winds,  to  keep  their  heads  to  the 
eastward.  Steering,  therefore,  for  the  Great  West  Channel,  never  borrow 
near  San-chau,  or  the  other  islands  to  the  westward,  unless  it  is  blowing 
strong  from  the  S.W.  to  avoid  being  drifted  to  the  westward.  The  freshes 
abate  at  times,  and  then  weak  tides  set  to  the  eastward  ;  but  as  these  are  not 
of  long  duration,  a  vessel  should  keep  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  channel  in 
deep  water  towards  the  Ladrone  Islands  and  Potoe,  and  anchor  instantly  if 
she  finds  the  current  drifting  her  westward. 

In  the  strength  of  the  S.W.  monsoon,  as  before  stated,  endeavour,  if  the 
wind  be  steady  between  S.E.  and  S.W.,  to  make  the  Great  Ladrone,  bearing 
about  North,  and  never  fall  in  with  the  islands  to  the  westward  ;  this  is  the 
more  necessary  after  the  middle  of  August,  when  easterly  winds  are  likely  to 
prevail  several  days  together,  as  they  are,  more  or  less,  at  all  seasons.  If  a 
vessel  falls  to  leeward  about  St.  John,  in  September  or  October,  she  will  gene- 
rally make  a  tedious  passage  to  Macao  if  she  keeps  close  along  the  islands, 
where  the  current  or  freshes  setting  westward  will  oblige  her  frequently  to 
anchor ;  as  these  freshes  prevail  only  in  shoal  water,  near  the  islands,  the 
best  plan  to  adopt  is,  to  stand  well  off  the  land,  and  take  every  advantage  of 
the  favourable  shifts  of  wind,  to  get  to  the  eastward. 

Having  passed  through  the  Great  West  Channel,  or  if  the  vessel  has 
anchored  in  Macao  Road,  with  a  leading  wind  she  may  weigh  with  the  ebb, 
if  she  can  haul  over  north-eastward  for  Lintin ;  for  the  tide  will  then  act  upon 
her  port  bow,  and  keep  her  off  the  western  shore ;  whereas,  with  an  easterly 
wind,  the  flood  is  likely  to  drift  the  vessel  into  shoal  water  near  that  shore. 
With  a  fair  wind,  steer  about  N.N.E.  ^  E.  fi-om  Macao  Eoad  for  Lintin  ; 
if  it  be  night,  from  4^  to  5  fathoms  are  good  soundings ;  for  at  low- water 
springs  greater  depths  ought  not  to  be  expected,  until  several  miles  north- 
eastward of  the  road. 

Turning  up  against  a  northerly  wind  on  the  flood,  tack  from  the  West 
side  of  the  channel  in  about  4  fathoms,  according  to  the  vessel's  draught,  the 


976  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

lead  being  a  safe  guide  along  the  western  shore,  where  the  bottom  generally 
consists  of  mud.  The  islands  eastward  of  Macao  Eoad  may  be  safely  ap- 
proached, having  5  fathoms  near  them,  and  when  past  Chung-chau-si  the 
depths  will  increase  to  9  and  10  fathoms  towards  Lantao.  Working  from 
hence  to  Lintin  in  the  night,  stand  in  to  4J  fathoms  in  the  West  part  of  the 
channel,  and  do  not  deepen  above  7  or  7^  fathoms  to  the  eastward.  Here 
the  tides  become  stronger  as  the  vessel  proceeds  upwards. 

In  Macao  Eoad,  and  between  it  and  Lintin,  the  tides  are  frequently 
irregular,  setting  in  a  different  direction  at  the  surface  to  what  they  do 
underneath,  by  which  vessels  are  rendered  unmanageable  in  light  winds. 
The  ebb  is  stronger,  and  continues  longer  than  the  flood ;  the  freshes 
often  running  out  below,  when  a  flood  tide  at  the  surface  is  setting  into 
the  river. 

IINTIN  to  the  BOCA  TIGRIS.— When  within  7  miles  of  Lintin  steer  for 
its  West  point,  bearing  about  N.  |  E.,  and  when  abreast  the  point  run  north- 
ward in  soundings  from  5  to  6^  fathoms ;  with  a  westerly  wind  borrow  on 
the  West  side  of  the  channel ;  if  it  is  easterly  keep  in  6  to  6 1  fathoms  with 
the  flood  tide.  It  will  be  safe  to  proceed  9  or  12  miles  above  Lintin,  even  in 
the  night,  with  a  working  wind,  the  lead  being  a  certain  guide,  by  tacking 
from  the  West  side  of  the  channel  in  4^  fathoms,  and  from  the  East  side  in 
6^  fathoms  ;  but  when  about  6  or  7  miles  northward  of  Lintin,  tack  in  5^ 
fathoms  from  the  East  side  of  the  channel,  for  the  deepest  water  is  near  the 
edge  of  Lintin  Sand,  and  if  a  large  vessel  begins  to  shoal  on  its  edge  to  5 
fathoms,  she  will  not  have  room  to  tack. 

Lantao  is  frequently  obscured  by  clouds  or  haze,  but  when  its  summit  is 
visible  the  West  peak  of  that  island  affords  a  good  mark  for  running  up 
this  channel  in  the  day.  Steering  N.  by  W.  or  N.  by  W.  |  W.  from  the 
West  end  of  Lintin,  draw  gradually  the  high  West  peak  of  Lantao  on  with 
the  West  end  of  Lintin,  and  continue  to  bring  it  more  easterly  until  it  is  on 
with  Lintin  Peak,  or  a  little  open  eastward  of  that  peak,  and  keep  it  so, 
until  the  vessel  is  more  than  halfway  from  Lintin  towards  Lankeet.  Then 
if  the  wind  is  contrary,  Lantao  West  peak  may  be  brought  nearly  to  the 
East  end  of  Lintin,  in  tacking  from  the  East  side  of  the  channel,  and  well 
westward  of  Lintin  Peak  when  tacking  from  the  West  side ;  but  on  a  nearer 
approach  to  Lankeet,  the  West  peak  of  Lantao  must  not  be  brought  west- 
ward of  Lintin  Peak. 

When  within  5  miles  of  Lankeet,  the  West  peak  of  Lantao  must  not  be 
brought  more  westerly  than  touching  the  East  end  of  Lintin,  when  in  the 
West  side  of  the  channel ;  and  to  a  considerable  way  open  with  the  same 
when  on  the  eastern  side.  Here  the  depths  decrease,  and  there  is  only  about 
a  fathom  more  water  on  the  East  side  than  on  the  West  side  of  the  channel. 
A  vessel  will  pass  eastward,  in  14  ft.  water,  of  all  the  mud  banks  at  the 
entrance  of  the  western  channels  between  Cum-sing-mun  and  Lankeet,  by 


DIEECTIONS— CANTON  EIVER.  97? 

keeping  the  northern  and  highest  peak  of  Kee-ow  Island  West  of  S.  by  W. 
i  "W.,  and  the  summit  of  Lankeet  West  of  N.  by  W.  i  W.  The  pilots  some- 
times get  vessels  on  these  banks  in  the  night ;  but  with  those  of  large 
draught  they  are  more  inclined  to  borrow  close  over  to  the  eastward,  whereby 
they  have  frequently  grounded  upon  Lintin  Bar ;  it  will  therefore  be  pru- 
dent, when  the  pilot  appears  confused  or  uncertain  of  his  position,  to  anchor 
before  the  vessel  shoals  her  water. 

From  a  position  about  half  a  mile  oflF  the  West  end  of  Lintin,  a  N.  by  W. 
|-  W.  course  would  lead  fair  through  the  channel  to  the  East  side  of  Sam- 
pan-chau,  were  the  tides  to  run  in  that  direction  ;  but  from  Lintin  they  set 
N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.  nearly  as  far  as  the  North  end  of  Lintin  Bar,  and  from 
thence  to  Sam-pan-chau  about  N.W.  by  W.  and  S.E.  by  E. 

Steering  northward,  with  the  West  peak  of  Lantao  open  a  little  eastward 
of  Lintin  Peak,  or  keeping  in  between  4i  and  oi  fathoms,  Lankeet  Island 
will  be  seen  making  like  a  saddle,  and  shortly  afterwards  two  small  islets  or 
rocks  will  appear  close  to  its  eastern  end.  These  rocks  will  be  nearly  on 
with  the  middle  of  the  opening  of  the  Boca  Tigris  when  first  seen,  and 
should  not  be  brought  more  easterly  ;  nor  in  working  ought  they  to  be 
brought  to  touch  the  point  of  Tiger  Island,  which  forms  the  West  side  of  the 
opening,  until  within  4J  miles  of  Lankeet ;  being  then  northward  of  Lintin 
Bar,  a  vessel  may  edge  over  to  the  eastward.  There  is  no  good  cross  mark 
to  know  when  clear  of  the  bar  ;  but  a  pagoda  on  the  western  shore  bearing 
S.W.  f  W.,  will  lead  northward  of  its  extremity.  From  the  northern  end  of 
the  bar  Sam-pan-chau  is  a  little  open  with  Anung-hoy  Point  N.N.W.  i  W., 
and  the  little  hill  on  the  East  end  of  Lankeet  is  N.W.  ^  N'.,  distant  about 
ft  miles. 

Shortly  after  the  rocks  off  the  East  end  of  Lankeet  are  on  with  the  middle 
of  the  opening  of  Boca  Tigris,  or  rather  more  westerly,  if  the  vessel  is  within 
6  or  7  miles  of  Lankeet,  Sam-pan-chau  will  be  recognized  and  will  then  ap- 
pear under  the  land,  a  little  eastward  of  the  high  round  summit  of  Anung- 
hoy,  a  high  round  hill,  sloping  to  a  point  on  the  West  side,  and  forming  the 
eastern  boundary  of  the  Boca  Tigris.  Anung-hoy  Peak  in  line  with  Sam- 
pan-chau  hummock,  N.  by  W.  f  W.,  leads  westward  of  Lintin  Bar,  and 
eastward  of  Lankeet  Spit.  With  a  working  wind  keep  Sam-pan-chau  be- 
tween the  eastern  shoulder  of  Anung-hoy  hill  and  the  West  point  of  the 
same  ;  but  that  islet  must  not  be  opened  westward  of  Anung-hoy  Point  until 
clear  of  the  North  end  of  Lintin  Bar. 

With  an  easterly  wind,  to  prevent  being  set  by  the  tide  towards  Lankeet, 
keep  on  the  East  side  of  the  channel,  with  Sam-pan-chau  shut  in  a  little 
eastward  of  Anung-hoy  Point,  or  nearly  on  with  it.  When  within  4  miles 
of  Lankeet  a  vessel  may  stand  well  to  the  eastward  in  working,  opening 
Sam-pan-chau  considerably  westward  of  the  point,  being  then  to  the  north- 
I.  A.  6  I 


978  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

ward  of  the  extremity  of  Lintin  Bar  ;  do  not,  however,  stand  so  far  over  as 
to  bring  Anung-hoi  Point  to  touch  Chuen-pee,  but  tack  before  they  come 
on,  for  farther  eastward  the  water  is  shoal.  After  opening  Sam-pan-chau 
with  Anung-hoy  Point,  which,  with  a  westerly  wind,  need  not  be  done  until 
abreast  of  Lankeet,  steer  then  direct  for  the  land  of  Anung-hoy,  giving  Sam- 
pan-chau  a  berth  to  the  westward  of  half  a  mile  or  more  at  discretion,  in  9 
or  8  fathoms ;  the  depths  from  hence  will  be  9,  8,  and  7  fathoms  to  the 
entrance  of  the  Boca  Tigris,  increasing  to  13  and  16  fathoms  abreast  South 
Wantong. 

If  in  a  vessel  of  moderate  draught,  a  cast  of  3^  or  4  fathoms  hard  ground 
be  got  before  Lankeet  is  seen,  in  a  clear  night,  she  may  be  certain  of  its 
being  on  Lintin  Sand,  and  will  deepen  fast  on  hauling  westward  into  the 
channel. 

Through  Fan-si-ak  Channel. — If  a  vessel  is  drawing  23  feet  water,  it 
would  be  imprudent  to  attempt  the  channel  on  the  East  side  of  Lintin,  it 
being  very  narrow  just  above  and  about  Tree  Island,  with  a  considerable 
swell  in  it  when  blowing  strong  from  the  northward.  The  southern  part  of 
the  channel  between  "White  Eock  and  the  East  side  of  Lintin  South  spit  is 
about  2  miles  wide,  with  7  and  8  fathoms,  decreasing  towards  the  spit  to  5 
fathoms.  In  working  northward,  do  not  stand  so  far  West  as  to  shoal  to  5 
fathoms,  or  to  bring  the  East  side  of  Lintin  to  bear  North  of  N.  by  W. 
When  northward  of  Tong-ku,  if  the  vessel  is  of  20  or  21  ft.  draught,  keep 
the  eastern  shore  aboard,  avoiding  the  spits  of  shoal  water  at  the  points  of 
the  islands,  until  ofif  the  North  end  of  Mah-chau,  the  shoal  off  the  South  end 
of  which  will  be  avoided  by  not  shutting  Tree  Island  in  with  Mah-chau,  or 
by  not  bringing  the  highest  peak  of  Mah-chau  westward  of  N.  |  W.,  when 
White  Eock  is  in  one  with  the  North  end  of  Fan-si-ak,  which  is  the  mark 
for  the  South  end  of  Mah-chau  spit. 

From  hence  to  Tree  Island,  when  standing  towards  Lintin  Bar  or  Fan-si- 
ak  Bank,  keep  the  lead  going,  and  tack  in  4  fathoms  or  less,  according  to  the 
vessel's  draught ;  but  the  lead  will  be  the  best  guide,  as  the  bank  is  much 
curved  in  shape.  Standing  eastward,  do  not  bring  the  North  or  highest 
peak  ©f  Mah-chau  westward  of  South,  and  when  the  South  point  of  Sui- 
chau  bears  N.E.  do  not  bring  the  tree  on  Tree  Island  westward  of  N.  by  W. 
^  W.,  to  avoid  the  shoal  spit  of  2  and  3  fathoms,  which  extends  S.S.E.  from 
that  island  nearly  a  mile.  When  thus  far,  endeavour  to  pass  between  Tree 
Island  and  the  fishing  stakes  No.  1  (in  the  Admiralty  chart)  placed  near  it ; 
this  island  is  safe  to  approach  close  to  the  rocks,  but  on  the  Channel  Banks, 
on  the  western  side  of  these  stakes,  the  water  shoals  suddenly  to  2J  fathoms, 
irregular  soundings,  sand  and  mud. 

Being  close  to  the  West  end  of  Tree  Island,  do  not  bring  the  tree  to  bear 
more  southerly  than  S.E.  ^  E.,  this  bearing  being  close  on  the  edge  of  the 
shore  bank.     Standing  westward.  White  Eock  should  not  be  brought  east- 


CANTON  EIVER.  979 

ward  of  the  saddle  on  the  East  end  of  Lintin,  or  the  East  end  of  the  fishing 
stakes  No.  3  (in  the  chart  to  the  northward  of  N.W.  by  N.,  the  lead  not 
being  a  sufficient  guide  for  the  Channel  banks.  If  the  fishing  stakes  be  not 
removed,  they  appear  to  be  a  preferable  guide  to  the  land  mark,  being 
always  discernible,  but  either  may  be  used  in  clear  weather.  When  within 
half  a  mile  of  the  stakes  No.  3,  the  passage  becomes  wider,  extending  from 
the  shore  bank  to  Lintin  Bar,  with  4,  4J  and  4h  fathoms  in  it  at  low  water, 
shoaling  gradually  on  either  side,  so  as  to  render  the  lead  a  guide  in  tacking, 
the  bottom  being  very  soft  mud. 

If  close  to  Tree  Island  with  a  leading  wind,  steer  direct  for  the  centre  of 
the  fishing  stakes  No.  3,  and  pass  them  on  either  side,  as  circumstances 
require. 

There  is  another  range  of  fishing  stakes  (numbered  4),  bearing  S.W.  J 
W.  of  No.  3,  which  will,  when  near  them  and  bearing  South,  warn  a  vessel 
of  her  proximity  to  Lintin  Bar. 

If  the  vessel  is  under  20  feet  draught  a  wider  range  may  be  taken,  but 
she  ought,  if  possible,  to  follow  the  above  directions,  and  at  any  rate  pass 
between  Tree  Island  and  the  fishing  stakes  No.  1,  or  close  to  their  western 
end,  and  avoid  the  Channel  banks.  If  drawing  17  feet  or  under  she  may 
pass  up  or  down  any  part  of  the  channel,  keeping  to  the  eastward  of  Fan- 
si-ak  well  over  towards  Mah-chau,  avoiding  the  shoal  spits  which  project 
from  the  ends  of  the  islands. 

Tides. — In  the  Ean-si-ak  Channel  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  l"*  O™, 
but  the  rise  is  irregular,  especially  at  neaps,  the  rise  and  fall  being  then 
only  2^  to  3  ft.,  and  from  6  to  8^  ft  at  springs ;  velocity  from  3  to  4  knots, 
and  from  2  to  2^  knots  at  neaps. 

A  vessel  proceeding  up  with  a  working  wind  should  weigh  instantly  the 
tide  slackens  suffiently  for  her  to  make  any  progress,  in  whatever  part  of 
the  channel  she  may  have  anchored.  The  passage  between  Lintin  and  Fan- 
si-ak  should  not  be  attempted  in  vessels  of  large  draught,  having  only  2|  to 
2f  fathoms  in  it  at  low  water. 

The  CHU  KIANG  or  PEARL  RIVER,  commonly  called  CANTON 
RIVER,  rises  about  30  miles  North  of  Canton  (or  100  miles  from  the  sea) 
in  two  streams,  which  unite  at  10  miles  above  that  city;  at  this  junction  a 
long  narrow  stream  connects  it  with  the  North  river  by  two  branches,  one  at 
Sam-chui,  the  other  10  miles  North  of  that  place.  The  Tunff  Kiang  or  East 
river,  formed  between  the  islands  Chuen-pee  and  Ty-cock-tau,  or  perhaps 
more  strictly  between  Ty-cock-tau  and  the  island  of  Anung-hoy,  is  divided 
by  the  Wan-tong  Islands  into  two  channels,  the  eastern  of  which  is  generally 
used  by  vessels  of  large  draught,  and  is  named  Boca  Tigris,  and  the  western 
is  called  Bremmer  Channel. 


980  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

CHUEN-PEE  POINT,  the  South  extreme  of  Chuen-pee  Island,  is  close  to 
a  small  peak  called  Chuen-pee  Hill,  and  N.N.E.  I  E.  If  miles  from  Sam- 
pan-chau.  On  the  N.W.  point  of  the  island  is  a  small  watch-turret,  with 
a  fort  under  it ;  and  midway  between  this  point  and  Chuen-pee  Point  is  a 
ledge,  named  Pratt  Roch,  lying  a  quarter  of  a  mile  off  shore,  with  6  to  9  fa- 
thoms close  outside. 

Anchorage. — There  is  a  small  bay  with  sandy  beach  on  either  side  of  Chuen- 
pee  Point,  and  fresh  water  may  be  obtained  in  that  on  the  eastern  side ; 
but  vessels  of  large  draught  cannot  anchor  near  it,  the  soundings  being  shoal 
on  a  sandy  flat,  extending  eastward  and  south-eastward  from  the  point. 
The  anchorage  is  in  6  to  7  fathoms,  about  one-third  of  a  mile  from  the  beach 
on  the  western  side  of  tlie  point.  At  this  anchorage  it  is  high  water,  full 
and  change,  at  about  2''  0",  and  springs  rise  7  to  8^  feet. 

Anson  Bay,  between  Chuen-pee  and  Anung-hoy  Islands,  is  very  shoal, 
affording  only  a  harbour  for  boats  in  Junk  Creek. 

Bower  Point,  the  S.E.  extreme  of  Ty-cock-tau,  form  the  western  point  of 
entrance  to  Canton  Eiver.  From  this  point  to  Sam-pan-chau,  the  West  side 
of  Chuen-pee  Channel  is  bordered  by  a  shoal  flat,  over  which  boats  can  only 
pass  to  East  and  West  Ow-chau,  the  two  small  islets  lying  southward  of  the 
point. 

Anung-hoy  Point,  the  S  W.  point  of  Anung-hoy  Island,  forms  with  Keshen 
Point,  half  a  mile  to  the  N.W.,  the  eastern  side  of  the  Boca  Tigris.  The 
priiicipal  fortification?  for  defending  the  strait  are  built  on  this  face  of 
Anv]Tig-h(jy,  and  Anung-hoy  Peak  rises  immediately  behind  them  to  the 
height  of  1,500  ft.  These  are  the  first  to  attract  attention,  and  consist  of  a 
long  range  of  white  granite  masonry  pierced  with  embrasures  at  the  water 
level,  with  a  wall  running  up  the  steep  in  a  semicircle,  as  a  protection  from 
attack  in  rear. 

Wantong  Islands. — North  and  South  Wanton g  are  two  small  islands  lying 
nearly  in  mid-channel  abreast  Anung-hoy  Point,  and  form  the  western  side 
of  the  Boca  Tigris.  They  bear  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.  from  each  other,  distant 
a  third  of  a  mile  apart,  and  are  surrouded  by  a  bank  which  extends  1^ 
mile  in  a  S.E.  by  S.  direction  from  the  southernmost  island,  at  which  dis- 
tance the  depth  is  only  4  fathoms.  These  islands  are  completely  encircled 
with  white  granite  batteries. 

Directions. — From  mid-channel  abreast  San-pan-chau  with  a  leading  wind 
a  N.W.  by  N.  course  for  4i  miles  will  lead  to  the  entrance  of  the  Boca 
Tigris ;  but  with  a  turning  wind  be  careful,  when  standing  towards  Chuen- 
pee,  not  to  borrow  too  close  to  Pratt  Bock.  When  standing  westward  to- 
wards the  shoal  flat  extending  south-eastward  of  South  Wantong,  tack  before 
the  eastern  extreme  of  Tiger  Island  touches  the  eastern  part  of  the  fort  in 
North  Wantong. 

The  BOCA  TIGRIS  has  deep  water  and  uneven  bottom,  and  is  much  con- 


CANTON  EIVER.  981 

tracted  by  the  Chain  Rode,  above  water,  lying  E.S.E.  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
from  the  East  point  of  North  Wantong ;  and  although  the  passage  between 
it  and  Anung-hoy  Point  is  too  narrow  for  working  a  large  vessel,  she  can 
always  back  and  fill  through  with  the  tide.  The  tides  runs  strong  through  in 
eddies,  and  vessels  generally  keep  nearest  the  eastern  shore  in  passing.  If 
detained  here  by  the  Chinese  authorities,  the  best  position  to  anchor  is  in  7 
or  8  fathoms,  abreast  of  and  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  northward  of  the  fort 
and  turret  on  North  Wantong,  taking  c<ire  to  avoid  the  Wantong  Rock, 
lying  North  nearly  a  cable's  length  from  its  eastern  point. 

The  Bremer  Channel,  westward  of  the  Wantong  Islands,  carries  a  depth 
of  10  to  Sg  fathoms,  and  was  frequently  taken  by  Her  Majesty's  ships 
during  the  operations  in  Canton  River  in  1841.  If  intending  to  use  this 
channel,  the  first  village  seen  to  the  northward  of  Bower  Point  open  South 
of  the  first  bluff  point  above  Tij-coch-tau  Fort  (this  latter  point  has  the  ap- 
pearance of  an  island),  will  lead  southward  of  the  South  extreme  of  the 
shoal  flat  off  South  Wantong;  and  the  East  extreme  of  Tiger  Island  just 
open  westward  of  the  West  end  of  South  Wantong  will  lead  along  its 
western  edge  in  5  fathoms.  When  abreast  of  North  Wantong,  about  1^ 
cable  from  its  West  point,  steer  about  North  to  avoid  the  shoal  flat  on  the 
western  shore. 

Duff  Rock. — This  dangerous  pointed  rock,  with  only  18  ft.  water  over  it, 
and  7  to  9  fathoms  around  it  at  low  water,  lies  N.N.W.  f  W.  nearly  a  mile 
from  the  eastern  end  of  North  Wantong,  with  the  small  round  hummock  on 
the  western  part  of  South  Wantong  seen  over  the  western  slope  of  North 
Wantong  (between  the  small  redoubt  with  a  tree  on  it  and  the  point),  and 
the  high  land  of  Geefou  Island  touching  the  western  brow  of  Tiger  Island. 
A  vessel  will  pass  eastward  of  the  rock  by  not  bringing  Sam-pan-chau  to 
touch  the  East  end  of  North  Wantong,  until  she  has  approached  Tiger  Island 
BO  near  as  not  to  see  the  high  land  of  Geefou  to  the  westward  of  it. 

TIGER  ISLAND.— N.W.  i  N.  If  mile  from  the  East  end  of  North  Wan- 
tong is  the  Tiger's  Claw,  the  S.E.  extreme  of  a  remarkable  high  island, 
called  by  the  Chinese  Ty-fu  and  by  Europeans  Tiger  Island,  the  summit  of 
which  appears  cleft.  A  shoal  extends  S.E.  from  the  Claw,  and  at  the  dis- 
tance of  a  quarter  of  a  mile  the  depth  is  only  3^  fathoms.  There  is  a  fort  on 
the  N.E.  side  of  the  island.  This  island,  the  upper  end  of  which  is  a  re- 
markable mass  of  rounded  granite  with  precipitous  sides,  rises  to  the  height 
of  about  400  feet.  On  its  eastern  face  stands  a  battery  similar  to  that  of 
Anunghoy,  which  completes  the  defence  of  the  river  entrance. 

Bate  Rock,  discovered  by  the  late  Captain  W.  T.  Bate,  R.N.,  in  1857. 
lies  2  cables  northward  of  the  North  side  of  Tiger  Island,  with  the  fort  on 
that  island  bearing  S.E.  |  S., ;  the  highest  part  of  the  island  (eastern  sum- 
mit) S.  f  E. ;  and  the  N.W.  extreme  of  the  island  nearly  in  line  with  a  small 
granite  boulder  on  the  summit  of  the  hill  on  the  western  shore  of  the  river 


982  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

S.W.  i  W.  It  has  only  14  ft.  on  it,  is  steep-to,  there  being  10  fathoms  mud 
close  to  the  eastward,  and  7  fathoms  between  it  and  the  island.  To  pass  out- 
side or  N.E.  of  the  rock,  keep  the  East  extreme  of  North  Wantong  open  of 
Tiger  Island  Fort. 

Towling  Flat— About  a  third  of  a  mile  eastward  of  the  fort  on  Tiger 
Island,  is  a  projecting  elbow  of  Towling  Flat,  which,  together  with  Towling 
Sand,  are  much  increased,  and  have  extended  considerably  to  the  westward 
since  the  survey  of  this  river  in  1840.  The  sand  is  now  an  island  covered 
with  vegetation,  and  never  whoUy  under  water  even  at  the  highest  tides, 
Tomb  Point  (the  next  point  N.W.  of  Chuen-pee  Point)  must  be  kept  well 
open  of  Keshen  Point. 

Vessels  turning  to  windward  from  the  Boca  Tigris  towards  Tiger  Island 
may  stand  to  the  eastward  and  shut  in  the  high  land  of  Chuen-pee  with 
Anung-hoy  until  abreast  the  S.E.  point  of  Tiger  Island.  If  of  large  draught 
they  had  better  back  and  fill,  between  the  island  and  the  flat,  as  the  tides 
are  strong. 

The  Small  Bar  is  the  name  given,  in  the  chart  of  this  river,  by  Lieut.  D. 
Ross,  I.N.,  1815,  to  a  small  bank  of  hard  ground  lying  nearly  in  mid- 
channel,  about  4f  miles  northward  of  Tiger  Island.  It  is  now  more  than  a 
mile  in  extent.  North  and  South,  and  near  its  centre.  West,  two-thirds  of  a 
mile  from  Blake  Point,  a  patch  was  found  with  only  10  ft.  on  it;  the  depths 
on  the  other  parts  of  the  bank  were  2  to  3  fathoms. 

Second  Bar. — The  channel  for  vessels  of  large  draught  becomes  very  nar- 
row abreast  of  Second  Bar  Creek,  on  the  eastern  shore  of  the  river,  and  the 
services  of  a  pilot  are  requisite.  The  Second  Bar  is  a  large  collection  of 
shoals,  3  miles  in  length  in  a  N.  by  W.  ^  W.  direction,  lying  between 
Second  Bar  Creek  and  Second  Bar  Pagoda.  There  are  two  channels  over 
it,  on  either  side  of  the  central  banks  or  middle  grounds,  which  have  varying 
depths  of  13  to  17  ft.  on  them,  and  several  shoal  patches  of  9  to  11  ft.  The 
western  channel  is  about  2  cables  broad,  and  carries  18  to  26  ft.  at  low  water ; 
but  there  are  two  patches  in  it  of  14  ft.  water,  lying  respectively  W.  |  N. 
and  W.  by  S.  of  the  opening  of  Second  Bar  Creek.  The  West  point  of 
Tiger  Island  in  line  with  Grassy  Tongue,  S.  by  E.  easterly,  leads  through  in 
not  less  than  1 4  ft.  at  low  water,  touching  on  the  banks. 

The  eastern  channel  is  always  taken  by  the  pilots,  as  it  is  easier,  more 
direct,  and  along  the  shore.  Its  southern  part  is  entered  at  7  cables  above 
Amherst  Point,  but  a  shelf  steep-to,  extending  2  cables  off  the  intervening 
shore,  must  be  avoided.  Having  passed  this  shelf  stand  in  North  a  little 
easterly  towards  Second  Bar  Creek  to  get  the  leading  mark  on,  which  is 
Wantong  Tower  on  with  the  grassy  edge  of  the  land  at  Amherst  Point,  S.  by 
E.  1  E.,  when  abreast  of  Second  Bar  Creek.  From  hence  the  channel  is 
only  about  a  cable  wide  for  a  mile,  and  this  mark  will  lead  through  in  not 
less  than  17  to  20  feet  at  low  water,  provided  the  vessel  be  sheered  to  the 


CANTON  RIVEE.  983 

eastward  about  half  a  cable  to  avoid  a  14-ft.  patch  on  passing  the  first  little 
creek,  about  half  a  mile  above  Second  Bar  Creek ;  after  which  the  leading 
mark  may  be  regained  or  the  tower  kept  a  little  shut  in  with  the  point.  The 
banks  are  cleared  when  Second  Bar  Pagoda  bears  W.  by  S. 

The  Town  of  Timg-hian,  about  10  miles  eastward  of  Second  Bar,  may  be 
reached  by  two  principal  creeks,  each  of  which  has  several  outlets. 

Blenheim  and  "Whampoa  Passages. — At  3  miles  above  Escape  Creek,  and 
5i  miles  above  Second  Bar,  the  river  divides  into  two  main  branches,  the 
Whampoa  and  Blenheim  Passages,  which  meet  again  at  Honam  Point,  just 
above  the  city  of  Canton,  and  opposite  the  foreign  settlement.  By  the 
Blenheim,  or  southern  passage,  the  distance  to  Honam  Point  from  the  junc- 
tion is  16J  miles,  and  by  the  Whampoa,  or  northern  passage,  14  miles. 
Canton  lies  on  the  latter  below  Honam  Point,  and  8  miles  below  the  city  is 
Whampoa,  the  anchorage  for  foreign  vessels.  Above  Whampoa  the  river 
in  some  parts  is  not  navigable,  even  at  springs,  by  vessels  drawing  more  than 
13  ft.,  so  that  those  of  heavy  draught  have  to  proceed  to  Canton  by  Blenheim 
Passage. 

WHAMPOA. — At  2  miles  above  Escape  Creek,  and  near  the  East  bank  of 
the  River,  is  First  Bar  Island,  low  and  flat,  westward  of  which  are  the  four 
flat  islands,  smaller  but  similar,  and  then  the  larger  Danes  Island,  the 
western  part  of  which  is  covered  with  hilly  ground  which  marks  the  position 
of  ^Vhampoa.  The  navigable  pass  into  the  Whampoa  Passage  is  that 
which  is  next  westward  of  First  Bar  Island,  carrying  from  20  to  30  ft.  water. 

Whampoa  is  known  to  foreigners  as  Bamboo  Town.  Above  the  town  lie  the 
premises  of  the  Union  Dock  Company,  next  the  hill  with  a  chapel  embosomed 
in  foliage  at  its  foot  forming  the  Parsee  burial  ground,  and  the  British  Vice- 
Consulate  perched  on  the  brow  of  a  hill,  behind  which  lie  the  basins  and 
workshops  of  the  Hong  Kong  and  Whampoa  Dock  Company.  Fronting 
these  is  English  Reach,  and  above  it,  south-westward,  American  Reach. 
Opposite  is  Sulphur  Point,  formed  by  the  confluence  of  Elliot  Passage  (of 
which  American  Reach  is  a  part),  and  the  direct  channel  to  Hong  Kong. 
Whampoa  New  Town  extends  from  Sulphur  Point  along  the  left  bank  of 
American  Reach. 

The  Aiichorage  is  in  English  and  American  Reaches,  the  best  position  being 
between  the  North  sides  of  Danes  and  French  Islands,  and  Whampoa  New 
Town  opposite.  It  is  a  safe  anchorage  with  a  moderate  tide,  in  from  5  to  6 
fathoms,  soft  mud  bottom ;  there  is,  however,  scarcely  room  for  two  large 
ships  to  moor  abreast,  which  occasions  the  lower  part  of  the  shipping,  when 
there  are  many  arrivals,  to  lie  moored  in  English  Reach,  abreast  the  entrance 
of  Junk  Creek. 

Tides. — At  Whampoa,  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  the  month  of 
March,  at  1^  40",  in  April,  at  T  15",  and  in  May  and  June,  at  O''  30'°;  and 
the  rise  at  springs  is  7  to  8  ft.     In  March  the  day  and  night  tides  rise  to  the 


984  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

same  level.  From  April  to  October  the  day  tides  are  the  higher ;  and  from 
November  to  February  the  lower.  In  May  and  June  the  level  of  spring 
tides  is  4  ft.  higher,  and  that  of  neaps  2  ft.  higher  than  in  March. 

Doch. — There  are  nine  docks  of  various  classes.  The  Hong  Kong  and 
Whampoa  Dock  Company  have  four,  of  which  two  are  of  granite,  one  of 
wood,  and  two  mud  docks  available  for  small  vessels  at  low  charges.  The 
Union  Dock  Company  possess  four  other  docks.  Dock  A,  the  principal  dock 
at  Whampoa,  is  on  the  N.W.  side  of  Danes  Island,  under  the  cemetery  hill, 
and  was  formerly  called  Couper's  Dock.  Its  length  over  all  is  550  ft., 
breadth  80  ft.,  depth  over  sill  at  springs  16J  to  17  ft.,  and  at  neap  tides  13^ 
to  15  ft.  It  can  be  used  as  either  one  or  two  docks,  being  fitted  with  two 
caissons,  and  can  be  pumped  out  in  about  4  hours.  There  is  a  pair  of  shears, 
capable  of  lifting  60  tons,  on  the  jetty  alongside  which  vessels  can  lie  at  all 
times  of  tide.  Both  A  and  B,  the  other  granite  dock,  are,  as  regards  capa- 
city but  not  depth  over  sill,  the  largest  docks  in  China,  and  are  fitted  with 
every  appliance  in  the  way  of  caissons,  powerful  steam-pumps,  &c.,  to  ensure 
safety  and  despatch  in  the  work. 

Directions. — Having  entered  Canton  Eiver  by  the  Boca  Tigris,  be  careful 
when  approaching  Duff  Eock  not  to  bring  Sam-pan-chau  to  touch  the  East 
end  of  North  Wantong,  until  the  high  land  of  Geefu  Island  is  shut  in  with 
the  western  part  of  Tiger  Island.  In  passing  through  the  channel  between 
the  latter  island  and  Towling  Flat,  observe  that  Tomb  Point,  on  Chuen-pee 
Island,  kept  well  open  of  Anung-hoy  North  Fort,  will  lead  westward  of  the 
western  edge  of  the  flat ;  and  the  eastern  end  of  North  Wantong  kept  open 
of  Tiger  Island  Fort  will  lead  N.E.  of  Bate  Eock.  With  a  working  wind, 
a  vessel  of  large  draught  had  better  back  and  fill  through  this  channel,  as 
the  tides  in  it  are  strong. 

After  passing  Tiger  I&land,  keep  the  watch  tower  on  Chuen-pee  Fort  open 
of  Anung-hoy  North  Fort,  until  Bower  Point,  the  East  extreme  of  Ty-cock- 
tau,  is  in  line  with  the  eastern  side  of  Tiger  Island  ;  then  steer  up  the  river 
with  this  latter  mark  on,  and  it  will  lead  in  the  deepest  part  of  the  channel, 
but  nearest  to  Towling  Island,  in  7  or  8  fathoms  water.  When  the  remark- 
able high  part  of  Geefu  is  on  with  the  highest  land  to  the  westward,  or 
bearing  S.W.,  keep  more  eastward,  and  open  Bower  Point  again.  Thence 
steer  to  the  northward,  pass  on  either  side  of  the  small  Bar,  and  attend  to 
the  soundings  on  the  chart. 

The  two  Fairway  marks  for  crossing  the  Second  Bar  are  given  in  page 
982  ;  but  the  services  of  a  pilot  are  here  indispensable  to  a  vessel  of  20  ft. 
draught,  unless  the  channel  be  previously  buoyed ;  for  the  knolls  or  shoal 
patches  being  formed  of  sand  and  gravel  mixed  with  mud,  are  subject  to 
alter  in  position  by  the  freshes  of  the  river  and  the  spring  tides,  which  also 
render  the  navigable  channel  changeable.  A  pilot  can  be  obtained  from 
amongst  the  fishermen  on  the  spot,  who  then  buoy  the  channel  with  their 


CANTON  EIVER.  985 

sampans,  but  sufficient  time  should  be  given  them  to  sound  with  their  bam- 
boos and  to  take  their  stations  properly,  or  else  a  vessel  is  likely  to  take  the 
ground.  Vessels  often  ground  and  lie  in  a  dangerous  state  for  a  tide ;  and 
this  often  proceeds  from  two  or  three  pushing  over  together,  as  there  is  no 
time  to  be  lost  after  the  water  has  risen  sufficiently  for  a  vessel  drawing  23 
or  24  ft.  to  pass  over. 

Vessels  of  large  draught  proceeding  up  the  river  from  an  anchorage  below 
the  Second  Bar  in  the  N.E.  monsoon,  or  with  a  weather  tide,  should  be 
under  weigh  by  the  last  quarter  flood,  to  save  the  tide  across  the  bar ;  for 
the  channel  between  the  knolls  being  very  narrow,  they  must  back  and  fill 
through ;  if  of  moderate  draught  they  may  weigh  much  earlier.  The  diffi- 
culty in  crossing  the  bar  is  in  ascertaining  correctly  the  shoal  patches  on  either 
side  the  channel,  and  it  will  be  best  to  place  the  boats  on  them  at  the  first 
of  the  flood.  When  the  Second  Bar  Pagoda  bears  W.  by  S.,  the  bar  is 
crossed,  and  the  bottom  will  be  soft  and  loose,  unlike  that  on  the  bar,  which 
is  in  parts  hard  and  stony. 

After  passing  the  Second  Bar,  keep  between  a  third  and  half  a  mile  from 
the  eastern  shore  until  First  Bar  Island  is  approached,  when  the  river  begins 
to  be  contracted  and  its  navigation  requires  great  caution.  When  Whampoa 
Pagoda  is  observed  just  on  with  the  northernmost  clump  or  hill  on  Danes 
Island,  haul  out  more  into  the  middle  of  the  river  to  avoid  the  shoal  ground 
ofi"  the  South  side  of  First  Bar  Island. 

As  no  safe  marks  can  be  given  for  leading  between  First  Bar  Island  and 
the  easternmost  of  the  Flat  Islands,  towards  the  First  Bar,  it  will  be  pru- 
dent for  a  stranger,  if  without  a  pilot,  to  buoy  the  S.E.  extreme  of  the  spit 
extending  ofi"  the  eastern  Flat  Island,  and  also  the  Brunswick  Patches.  The 
best  route  appears  to  be  when  the  South  Chop-house  ou  the  southern  shore 
of  the  river  bears  S.S.W.,  to  haul  over  to  First  Bar  Island  to  avoid  the  spit, 
and  then  steer  in  about  N.W.  J  N.,  passing  along  the  western  face  of  the 
island  at  about  a  cable.  The  open  pile  beacon  on  the  S.E.  end  of  No.  1 
Flat  Island  marks  the  extremity  of  a  mud  bank.  When  Whampoa  Pagoda 
is  seen  clear  to  the  horthward  of  the  Flat  Islands,  steer  for  the  northern 
shore,  which  must  be  skirted  at  about  half  a  cable,  passing  through  the  nar- 
row 4-fathom  channel  northward  of  the  Brunswick  Patches. 

As  the  northern  patch  is  approached,  or  when  the  large  house  inland 
bears  about  N.  by  W.,  be  careful  in  preserving  the  distance  of  half  a 
cable  from  the  shore,  and  when  the  house  bears  eastward  of  N.  by  E.  the 
danger  will  be  passed.  Thence  steer  towards  Whampoa  through  Cam- 
bridge Reach,  borrowing  towards  the  northern  shore.  Entering  English 
Eeach,  the  southern  or  Danes  Island  shore  is  generally  preferred  to  avoid 
the  shoal  flat  off  Junk  and  Watson  Islands,  taking  care  to  give  a  berth 
to  the  cluster  of  rocks,  covered  at  half-flood,  near  Jardine  Point,  the  East 
I.  A.  6  K 


986  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

point  of  entrance  to  French  Eiver.  The  anchorage  off  Whampoa  is  in  5 
to  6  fathoms,  over  soft  mud  bottom ;  but  there  is  scarcely  room  for  two 
large  ships  to  moor  abreast,  which  occasions  the  lower  part  of  the  shipping, 
when  there  are  many  arrivals,  to  be  moored  in  English  Reach. 

Whampoa  to  Canton. — The  lower  part  of  the  City  of  Canton  is  8  miles, 
and  the  Shamien  or  Foreign  Concession  10  miles  above  Whampoa.  If  pro- 
ceeding by  the  Whampoa  Channel,  as  this  passage  is  called,  it  is  better  to 
take  a  pilot  for  the  first  time,  although  for  gun-boats  the  Admiralty  charts 
are  a  sufficient  guide  if  no  radical  changes  in  the  channels  of  recent  occur- 
rence have  been  reported.  Some  caution  may  be  required  in  passing  the 
Whampoa  barrier  if  the  tide  be  strong,  in  which  case  it  is  preferable  to  hug 
the  South  bank  at  the  mouth  of  Fiddler's  Eeach.  Another  part  where  care 
is  required  is  just  below  Canton,  where  the  city  is  first  lully  opened  out  dear 
of  Napier  and  Kuper  Islands,  for  a  reef  extends  nearly  a  cable  into  the  river 
from  the  South  bank.  When,  therefore,  the  small  Suburbs  Pagoda  on  the 
S.E.  or  nearest  angle  of  the  city  wall  comes  in  line  with  Qough's  Hill,  which 
is  a  little  to  the  right  of  the  tall,  square,  conspicuous  red  pagoda  of  five 
stories,  N.N.W.  ^  W.,  sheer  out  from  the  South  bank  into  mid-stream.  The 
rocky  ground  above  the  Dutch  Folly,  as  the  small  island  abreast  the  centre 
of  the  city  is  called,  has  been  recently  buoyed  and  lighted,  and  now  therefore 
presents  no  difficulty  to  navigation. 

Close  to  the  Dutch  Folly  are  two  wooden  buoys  to  mark  the  fairway  be- 
tween some  rocks.  One  is  in  8  ft.  water,  painted  in  red  and  black  vertical 
stripes,  to  mark  the  starboard  side  of  the  channel;  the  other  is  in  4  ft.,  with 
green  and  black  vertical  stripes,  to  mark  the  port  side  entering. 

Lights  and  Beacons. — On  the  sunken  rocks  above  the  Dutch  Folly  are  three 
square  stone  beacons,  from  which,  at  n\^t,  fixed  lights  are  exhibited.  Two 
red  lights  are  on  Nos.  1  and  2  red  beacons  on  the  starboard  hand  entering, 
and  one  green  light  is  on  the  port  hand  on  No.  3,  a  green  beacon. 

To  Canton  through  Blenheim  Passage. — In  the  Blenheim  Passage  lead- 
ing to  Canton  the  only  two  p  irts  where  difficulty  is  experienced  are  the 
pas-sage  of  the  Barrier  and  Parker  Puint  Bar.  From  Escape  Creek  above 
Second  Bar,  a  mid-channel  course  is  pursued  until  nearing  the  southern 
shores  of  the  Flat  Islands.  Close  these,  keeping  very  near  to  island  No.  3, 
and  also  the  south-eastern  face  of  Danes  Island,  but  sheer  well  off  as  soon  as 
French  Creek  westward  of  Danes  Island  opens  out,  and  steer  well  over 
towards  Terrace  Head  in  Kellett  Eeach,  a  hill  147  ft.  high,  on  which  the 
ground  is  cultivated  in  terraces  from  base  to  summit.  At  the  head  of  Kel- 
lett Eeach  is  Larkins  Point,  an  earth  cliff  40  ft.  high,  and  J|  cable  below  it 
is  Junk  Eock,  under  water,  120  yards  from  the  eastern  shore.  Above  Lar- 
kins Point  fishing  stakes  extend  halfway  across  the  river  from  the  South 
bank,  but  they  present  no  obstruction  as  the  channel  is  now  along  the  northern 
shore  for  some  distance. 


CANTON  RIVER.  987 

Bremer  Point,  having  a  group  of  hills  with  cliffs  at  their  base,  is  next 
closely  rounded  to  avoid  a  shallow  middle  ground  tailing  from  High  Island 
half  a  mile  down  stream.  High  Island,  of  88  ft  elevation,  lies  in  the  centre 
of  the  river,  narrowing  the  northern  or  navigable  channel  to  1  cable.  The 
Comus  sunken  rock,  60  yards  from  the  North  bank,  further  narrows  this 
channel;  it  lies  S.W.  of  the  highest  of  the  hills  of  Bremer  Point,  and  \\ 
cable  East  of  the  North  point  of  High  Island,  which  is  very  steep-to.  Above 
High  Island  is  Brown  Reach,  which  has  a  depth  of  24  to  25  ft.,  and  where 
H.M.S.  Blenheim  anchored.  Above  Galbraith  Hill  Point,  on  the  South  bank 
of  Brown  Reach,  the  river  splits  round  the  low  flat  island  of  Changshan. 
Senhouse  Reach,  the  channel  South  of  Changshan,  is  seldom  used,  the 
deepest  water  at  its  western  part  being  only  1 1  ft.  The  northern  channel  ia 
Maitland  Passage,  which  carries  deep  water  as  far  as  the  short  cut  which 
connects  it  with  Elliot  Passage  on  the  North ;  then  the  depth  decreases  to 
13  ft.  (20  to  21  It.  at  high  water  springs),  on  either  side  a  narrow  middle 
ground  of  10  ft.  Keep  along  the  North  shore  past  Changshan,  above  which 
more  fishing  stakes  are  seen  southward  of  the  fairway.  Above  the  next 
hilly  ground  on  the  South  bank,  and  between  it  and  Hamilton  Creek,  the 
river  is  broad  and  deep,  and  without  obstruction,  and  therefore  affords  ex- 
cellent anchorage.     Above  this,  vessels  drawing  IS  ft.  cannot  go. 

If  proceeding  to  Canton  the  deep  water  must  be  quitted  for  a  narrow 
gully  along  the  North  bank,  carrying  10  to  12  ft.,  which  leads  up  to  the 
Barrier  Passage.  Caution  is  required  here,  for  the  channel  is  irregular  both 
in  its  conformation  and  depth,  and  the  middle  ground  of  7  to  9  ft.,  which 
bounds  it  on  the  South,  is  of  the  same  character;  this  shoal,  which  extends 
from  the  Barrier  to  fully  half  a  mile  below  it,  being  entirely  northward  of 
the  centre  of  the  river. 

The  Barrier  is  an  artificial  obstruction  of  stones  and  piling,  constructed  to 
prevent  the  approach  of  large  ships  to  Canton,  during  the  first  China  war. 
Recently,  however,  the  passage  through  it  by  the  northern  bank  has  been 
widened  to  100  ft.,  and  deepened  to  11  ft.,  besides  being  rendered  more  prac' 
ticable  by  the  establishment  of  improved  beacons  and  lights. 

Two  wooden  heacons,  painted  white,  and  surmounted  by  a  hlach  disc  2  ft.  in 
diameter,  have  been  recently  erected  on  the  North  side  of  the  Barrier.  A 
scale  to  show  the  depth  of  water  is  affixed  to  each  beacon,  and  lights  will  be 
shown  at  night  to  indicate  the  passage. 

The  course  for  the  first  half  mile  above  the  Barrier  lies  along  the  North 
bank,  and  there  are  shoals  of  7  to  9  ft.  in  the  centre  of  the  river,  caused  by 
this  obstruction  to  the  current,  which  are  probably  of  a  shifting  character. 

Farker  Point  Bar  is  situate  at  a  crossing  from  this  branch  of  the  river  into 
that  from  Canton,  of  which  Elliot  Passage,  leading  to  Whampoa,  is  a  con- 
tinuation. It  is  shoal  in  consequence  of  being  out  of  the  scour  of  the  tides 
of  either  branch.     Its  shoalest  part,  8  to  9  ft.,  is  between  Parker  and  49th 


988  THE  COAST  OV  CHINA. 

Points.  Vessels  of  1 7  ft.  draught  have  passed  over  after  examination  and 
buoying  of  the  best  channel. 

Macao  Fort  Passage  is  a  reach  of  3i  miles,  leading  straight  up  from  Parker 
Point  Bar  to  the  Foreign  Concession  at  Canton.  Macao  Port,  a  picturesque 
object  on  an  islet  in  the  reach,  may  be  passed  closely  on  the  East  side,  but 
N.N.E.  of  the  northern  extremity  of  the  fort  lies  a  sunken  rock  exactly  in 
mid-channel,  between  the  fort  and  the  shore.  After  passing  this,  keep  in 
the  centre  of  the  river,  for  there  are  rocks  below  water  on  either  side,  close 
to  the  bank;  and  abreast  Birds'  Nest  Fort,  just  below  the  Honam  suburb, 
on  the  East  bank,  two  other  sunken  rocks  lie  close  together,  130  yards  from 
the  shore. 

The  ebb  stream  in  Macao  Fort  Passage,  at  springs,  runs  from  3  to  4  knots 
an  hour. 

Elliot  Passage  is  an  intermediate  branch  of  the  river  leading  to  Whampoa 
from  Canton,  and  is  indeed  the  direct  continuation  of  the  Macao  Fort  Pas- 
sage. It  was  originally  a  fine,  deep-water  channel,  but  the  large  Barrier  6 
miles  above  Whampoa,  of  similar  construction  to  those  in  the  other  passages, 
has  caused  the  bed  of  the  river,  for  1  mile  on  either  side  the  Barrier,  to  silt 
up,  and  not  more  than  8  ft.  can  with  certainty  be  carried  through  the 
Barrier  Channel,  which  is  close  along  the  South  Bank.  At  Whampoa, 
Elliot  Passage  is  entered  from  American  Eeach.  Both  this  and  other  inter- 
secting creeks  in  the  vicinity  may  be  navigated  with  the  aid  of  the  Admiralty 
chart,  having  been  surveyed  in  1857. 

CANTON,  the  capital  of  the  province  of  Kwang-tung,  stands  on  the  North 
bank  of  the  river,  about  31  miles  above  Boca  Tigris,  70  miles  from  Macao, 
and  74  miles  from  Hong  Kong.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  strong  wall  5  miles 
in  circumference,  the  foundation  of  which  is  of  red  feldspar  rock,  and  the 
upper  part  brick.  The  wall  varies  from  25  to  40  ft.  in  height,  and  is  20  ft. 
thick,  having  an  esplanade  on  the  inside,  and  is  accessible  on  three  sides  of 
the  city. 

To  the  West  of  the  city  a  concession  was  obtained  after  the  bombardment 
and  destruction  of  Canton  on  December  28-9,  1856,  and  an  area  of  24  acres 
was  levelled  and  planted,  and  a  quay  wall  built.  Of  this  area,  four-fifths 
have  been  appropriated  to  the  British  Grovernment,  and  one-filth  to  the 
French,  the  latter  portion  occupying  the  eastern  part.  Besides  the  consular 
offices  and  the  residence  of  the  Vice-Consul,  there  is  a  church,  library, 
reading-rooms,  &c.,  and  there  are  two  cemeteries  within  a  moderate  distance 
of  the  concessions.  The  Consul,  for  political  purposes,  resides  within  the 
city  at  an  official  yamun. 

•  Ofi"  Shamien  the  river  is  broad,  forming  a  commodious  anchorage  for  large 
steamers,  the  deepest  water,  18  to  22  ft.,  and  good  holding  ground,  being 
within  150  yards  of  the  river  wall  of  Shamien,  but  sailing  vessels  are  re- 
stricted to  the  anchorage  of  Whampoa. 


CANTON  RIVER.  989 

Supplies. — The  markets  of  Canton  are  well  supplied  with  provisions  at 
moderate  prices  ;  beef,  poultry,  and  fish,  fruit  and  vegetables  at  all  times, 
to  which  are  added,  in  winter,  mutton  and  game  in  plenty. 

War  and  rebellion,  the  opening  of  Hankow  as  a  shipping  port  for  tea,  and 
the  facility  with  which  smuggling  can  be  carried  on,  have  robbed  Canton  of 
the  pre-eminence  it  so  long  enjoyed  in  commercial  prosperity  ;  of  late  years 
foreign  trade  has  declined  about  one-half,  and  the  native  traders  are  rapidly 
absorbing  in  their  own  hands  the  dealings  which  before  were  the  means  of 
enriching  foreign  houses  of  business.  Tea  and  silk  are  the  principal  ex- 
ports, the  imports  are  cotton  goods,  rice,  opium,  «S:c. 

Climate. — Canton  enjoys  a  much  more  temperate  and  salubrious  climate 
than  most  places  situated  within  the  tropics,  and  neither  epidemics  nor  ma- 
laria prevail  there.  In  ordinary  years  the  temperature  ranges  from  42"  in 
winter  to  96°  in  summer ;  the  extreme  range  is  from  38°  to  100",  but  these 
are  rarely  reached.  The  seasons  correspond  with  the  period  of  the  monsoons, 
the  hot  season  being  from  May  to  October,  and  the  cool  season  from  the 
middle  of  October  to  the  latter  part  of  April.  The  S.W.  winds  set  in  early 
in  April,  but  do  not  gain  force  until  May,  when  rain  becomes  abundant,  and 
the  thermometer  rises  to  85°,  and  even  higher.  June  is  a  dry  and  sultry 
month,  whilst  in  July  and  August  frequent  showers  are  of  almost  daily 
occurrence,  which,  with  the  strong  monsoon,  temper  the  extreme  heat,  which 
averages  80°  to  88°.  September  is  again  sultry,  but  the  nights  begin  to  grow 
cool,  and  October,  though  warm,  is  usually  not  an  unpleasant  month.  The 
first  steady  blast  of  the  N.E.  monsoon,  in  the  early  part  of  November,  send- 
ing down  the  temperature  to  55,,  brings  a  sensation  of  bitter  cold  to  the  con- 
stitutions of  Europeans,  relaxed  by  the  preceding  heats ;  but  the  weather 
of  the  ensuing  months,  in  which  constant  sunshine,  a  moderately  cold,  but 
agreeable  temperature,  and  clear  skies,  prevail  almost  uninterruptedly,  is  not 
to  be  surpassed  in  any  quarter  of  the  globe.  Ice  sometimes  forms  in  Janu- 
ary, and  the  thermometer  has  been  registered  at  29°.  A  fall  of  snow,  2 
inches  deep,  occurred  in  February,  1835.  Fogs  are  common  in  February 
and  March.  Great  precaution  must  as  a  necessity  be  observed,  even  by  long 
residents,  to  avoid  exposure  to  the  sun  and  chills,  and  this  with  temperance 
in  diet  will  ordinarily  ensure  immunity  from  sudden  disease.  Fever  and 
ague,  and  sunstroke,  are  brought  on  by  very  slight  exposures,  and  bowel 
complaints  are  the  natural  consequences  of  imprudent  indulgence  in  fruits, 
cold  beverages,  &c.,  and  much  attention  should  be  paid  to  suitable  clothing. 
Chlorodyne,  Lamplough's  saline  mixture,  and  quinine  will  always  be  found 
useful  in  this  and  similar  climates. 

Tides.— It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  the  river  off  Canton,  in 
March,  at  2''  40*",  in  May  and  June  at  P  40",  in  September  and  October  at 
2h  12"";  the  springs  rise  about  5J  ft.,  neaps,  4i  ft.     During  the  N.E.  mon- 


990  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

soon  the  tides  rise  2  to  3  ft.  higher  in  the  night  than  in  the  day  ;  but  in  the 
S.W.  monsoon  the  day  tides  are  the  higher. 

The  SI  KIANG  or  WEST  RIVER,  also  called  the  Blue  River,  is  500  miles 
in  length  from  its  source  to  its  mouth,  which  is  9  miles  S.S.W.  of  Macao, 
and  receiving  in  its  course  some  large  tributaries,  drains  with  them  the  entire 
province  of  Kwang-si.  At  Sam-shui,  75  miles  from  the  sea,  where  its  course 
turns  from  South  to  East,  it  receives  the  waters  of  the  Peh-kiang,  or  North 
River,  which  rises  in  the  northern  part  of  the  province  of  Kwang-tung.  From 
the  North  River  and  from  the  West  Elver,  below  Sam-shui,  are  several  com- 
munications with  Fat-shan,  Canton,  and  other  parts  of  the  Canton  Eiver. 

DELTA  of  the  SI  KIANG  and  ADJACENT  RIVERS. -Between  Macao, 
Sam-shui,  and  Canton,  on  the  western  side  of  the  estuary  of  Canton  Eiver, 
is  a  large  tract  of  alluvial  land,  the  delta  of  these  rivers.  A  network  of 
streams  and  canals  intersect  this  space,  which,  from  the  greater  elevation  of 
land  on  the  Si  kiang,  discharge  themselves  into  Canton  Eiver,  and  thus, 
together  with  the  Tung  kiang  or  East  Eiver,  which  drains  a  large  central 
portion  of  the  Kwang-tung  Province,  flowing  into  Canton  Eiver  at  its  eastern 
side,  cause  the  great  volume  of  water  in  its  estuary  so  disproportionate  to  its 
size.  The  greater  portion  of  the  delta  has  been  reclaimed  in  times  long  past, 
by  embankments,  and  the  process  is  going  on  at  the  present  day. 

The  principal  channels  traversing  this  delta  fall  into  the  Canton  estuary, 
between  Cum-sing-mun  and  the  second  bar ;  some  small  upper  branches  in 
the  vicinity  of  Fat-shan,  falling  into  Canton  Eiver  between  Canton  and  the 
upper  part  of  Blenheim  Passage.  The  principal  of  these  streams,  the  Tam- 
chau  Channel,  traverses  the  entire  length  from  Sam-shui  (at  the  junction  of 
the  Si  kiang  with  North  Eiver)  in  a  S.E.  direction,  with  branches  to  all  the 
principal  towns  and  districts  in  the  delta.  In  the  central  district  of  Shun- 
tuk  nearly  all  the  channels  are  connected,  and  one,  which  passes  South  of 
the  town  of  Tai-lung,  joins  them  to  the  Si  kiang  2  miles  South  of  Kum- 
chuk.  Besides  these  there  is  the  narrow  channel  used  by  the  Nemesis, 
which,  entering  from  the  Broadway  5  miles  above  Moto  Fort,  runs  through 
Liau-si-wan,  and  joins  the  Wang-mun  or  the  first  channel  North  of  Cum- 
sing-mun. 

Between  Cum-sing-mun  and  Lankeet  are  the  Wang-mun,  Tam-chau,  and 
Ty-cock-tau  Channels.  They  enter  the  West  side  of  the  estuary  through 
extensive  mud  banks,  their  course  running  through  level  lands  dotted  with 
many  island-like  hills.  The  waters  are  kept  in  their  channels  by  artificial 
embankments,  without  which  almost  the  whole  of  the  rice  fields  would  be 
flooded  at  high  water.  The  rice  lands  are  principally  East  of  Tai-lung ; 
West  of  that  town  the  land,  although  having  the  same  features  (level  with 
island-like  hills),  is  more  elevated  (above  high  water  level),  and  cultivated 
with  mulberry  plants. 


CANTON  EIVER.  991 

The  embankments  are  wide,  but  being  planted  with  fruit  trees,  with  here 
and  there  houses  of  labourers,  leave  but  a  paved  path,  about  6  ft.  wide,  for 
foot  passengers.  The  rivers  and  numerous  canals  are  the  ordinary  mode  of 
transport,  as  every  field  is  approachable  by  a  canal.  The  towns  are  also 
entered  by  water,  the  channels  being  staked  across;  in  some  cases  an  entrance 
is  left  wide  enough  to  admit  a  large  junk,  the  opening  being  closed  by  rude 
gates,  as  at  Tam-chau  ;  in  others  these  barriers  consist  of  rows  of  stakes, 
with  their  heads  above  high  water,  closely  driven  across  the  whole  breadth 
of  the  river,  leaving  but  a  narrow  and  circuitous  channel  near  one  bank, 
through  which  the  current  runs  with  great  strength,  and  often  the  stakes  are 
level  with  low  water. 

The  general  course  of  the  Tam-chau  Channel  is  from  the  N.W.,  as  is  also 
that  of  the  Ty-cock-tau  Channel,  which  falls  out  of  the  Sdiwan  Channel  below 
the  town  of  Saiwan.  The  Saiwan  Channel  is  entered  from  Canton  River, 
North  of  Whitcomb  Island  ;  the  course  up  it  is  more  westerly,  and  it  joins 
the  Tam-chau  Channel  N.E.  of  Tai-lung.  Moneypenny  Creek  leads  from 
the  latter  into  the  Fatshan  branch  above  Haycock  Island. 

The  Tai-lung,  which  is  South  of  the  town  of  that  name,  runs  "West  from 
the  Tam-chau  Channel,  and  by  a  winding  course  joins  the  Si  kiang  by  the 
Junction  Channel.  The  Wang-mun  receives  three  branches,  the  Nemesis 
from  the  S.  W.,  and  the  Sailam  and  Kerr  Channels  from  the  N.  W. ;  the  latter 
also  joins  the  Si  kiang  through  the  Junction  Channel.  Besides  these  main 
channels  there  are  smaller  channels  at  right  angles  to  them,  forming  connec- 
tions at  different  points  of  their  course.  The  principal  of  these  have  been 
explored,  and  all  found  to  have  more  than  6  ft.  in  them  at  low  water  springs. 

To  describe  this  network  of  streams,  which  have  been  well  examined  by 
our  officers,  would  be  a  hopeless  task  without  the  elaborate  plans  they  have 
drawn  up  of  their  courses  and  connections ;  and  these  charts,  moreover,  are 
the  best  guides.  We  therefore  omit  the  details  wliich  have  been  given,  the 
principal  of  which  are  those  by  Commander  C.  J.  Bullock,  the  late  Captain 
Bate.  Captain  NoUoth,  &c. 

Tides.  — In  the  month  of  February  it  was  high  water,  full  and  change,  in 
Cum-sing-mun  Harbour,  at  U*"  6",  and  at  Lankeet  Island  at  11''  20".  In 
March  it  was  high  water  in  the  Tai-lun  Channel  (Kerr  Point)  at  1''  30",  in 
the  Wang-mun  at  IP  50",  and  in  the  Junction  Channel  at  about  2''.  At  all 
these  places  springs  rose  6^  ft.,  neaps  5^  ft.,  and  neaps  ranged  3 J  ft. 

In  the  Saiwan,  Tam-chau,  Tai-lung,  and  Junction  Channels  the  flood  sets 
to  the  westward,  and  the  ebb  to  the  eastward  towards  Canton  River.  In  the 
summer,  when  the  day  tides  are  the  higher,  it  appears  to  be  high  water 
nearly  all  day  at  springs  in  some  of  these  channels,  owing  to  the  day  tide 
only  falling  about  2  ft. 


CHAPTEE    XXI. 


EAST  COAST  OF   CHINA,   BETWEEN  HONG   KONG  AND  THE 

RIVER  MIN. 

TATHONG  CHANNEL  is  formed  between  the  West  side  of  Tamtu  Island 
and  the  East  side  of  Hon|;  Kong;  close  to  the  latter,  about  IJ  mile  north- 
ward of  Tylong  Head,  lie  two  small  rocky  islets,  and  between  these  islets 
and  the  South  extreme  of  Tamtu  is  the  Tathong  East  Roch,  above  water. 

Cape  D'Aguilar  Lighthouse,  sometimes  called  Tylong  Head  lighthouse, 
is  situated  at  the  S.E.  extreme  of  Hong  Kong  Island.  It  is  a  stone  tower, 
57  ft.  high,  which,  together  with  the  necessary  buildings,  is  painted  white. 
The  light  is  fixed,  elevated  198  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  visible  23  miles  off  as 
follows  : — visible  to  the  eastward  between  N.E.  and  S.E.  f  E.,  excepting 
where  the  Ninepin  and  Waglan  Islands  intervene ;  obscured  between  S.E.  |  E. 
and  S.E.  \  S.  by  Soon  Kong  Island  ;  visible  between  S.E.  \  S.  and  S.S.E.  ; 
obscured  from  S.S.E.  to  S.W.  by  S.  by  Lochow,  Pootoy,  and  Lema  Islands; 
visible  from  S.W.  by  S.  to  W.  by  S.  f  S.,  except  to  vessels  when  S.W.  of 
the  Samoun  group ;  and  visible  over  Tathong  Channel,  with  the  exception 
of  a  small  portion  obscured  by  Shicko  Head.  Position  lat.  22°  12'  15",  long. 
114°  15'  45"  E. 

Cape  CoUinson  Lighthouse,  on  the  eastern  side  of  Hong  Kong  Island, 
was  illuminated  on  the  1st  of  March,  1876,  and  shows  a /xf(?  light,  at  an 
elevation  of  200  ft.,  visible  8  miles  off.  This  light  appears  bright  in  the 
Tathong  Channel  between  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E.,  and  shows  red  to  the  west- 
ward of  those  bearings.  The  red  light  covers  the  Tathong  and  Bokhara 
Eocks  to  the  southward,  and  the  dangers  extending  out  from  Sywan  Bay  to 
the  northward,  so  that  vessels  approaching  Victoria  Harbour  from  the  south- 
ward and  eastward  will  clear  all  the  dangers  on  the  western  side  of  Tathong 
Channel  by  keeping  in  the  bright  light. 

Bokhara  Rocks  are  two  rocky  heads,  with  nine  fathoms  between  them. 
The  S.  W.  rock  (on  which  the  S.S.  Bokhara  struck)  is  a  pinnacle  rock  with  3 


TATHONG  CHANNEL.  993 

fathoms  on  it  at  low  water,  from  which  Tathong  Rock  bears  N.  by  W.  J  W., 
and  Cape  D'Aguilar  lighthouse  W.S.W.  A  Mack  and  ichite  chequered  buoy 
ha8  been  moored  in  9  fathoms  close  to  the  western  edge  of  S.W.  Bokhara 
Rock,  with  Tathong  Rock  bearing  N.  by  W.  |  W.,  and  Cape  D'Aguilar 
W.S.W. 

N.E.  Rock  is  a  pinnacle  rock  with  18  ft.  water  over  it,  situated  about  1^ 
cable  N.N.E.  ^  E.  from  S.W.  rock. 

From  the  centre  of  N.E.  ruck,  Tathong  Rock  is  in  line  with  the  extreme 
of  Cape  CoUinson,  bearing  N.  by  W.  J  W.  ;  the  N.W.  point  of  Beaufort 
Island  is  just  shut  in  behind  the  rocky  islet  to  the  southward  of  Cape 
D'Aguilar,  S.W.  southerly ;  and  Cape  D'Aguilar  lighthouse  bears  S.W.  by 
W.  f  W.  distant  8^  cables. 

Directions. — Vessels  bound  to  the  southward  through  Tathong  Channel, 
and  wishing  to  pass  between  Bokhara  Rocks  and  Hong  Kong  Island,  should, 
after  passing  to  the  eastward  of  Tathong  Rock,  bring  the  summit  of  Beaufort 
Island  in  line  with  Cape  D'Aguilar  bearing  S.S.W.,  and  steer  with  that 
mark  on,  until  Tathong  Rock  is  in  line  with  the  left  extreme  ot  Taitoo  Island 
N.  \  W.,  which  mark  should  be  kept  on,  until  abreast  of  Cape  D'Aguilar. 
If  passing  to  the  westward  of  Tathong  Ruck,  the  latter  mark  should  be 
brought  on  as  suon  as  convenient  after  passing  that  rock. 

Vessels  passing  to  the  eastward  of  Bokhara  Rocks  should  not  open  Ta- 
thong Rock  to  the  northward  of  Pottinger  Peak,  until  the  southern  extreme 
of  Tytam  peninsula  is  open  South  of  Cape  D'Aguilar. 

The  most  direct  route  for  steam  vessels  leaving  Hong  Kong  by  Lyemun 
Pass  and  through  Tathong  Channel  is  to  pass  West  of  Tathong  and  Bokhara 
Rocks,  and,  after  passing  Cape  D'Aguilar  steer  so  as  to  pass  midway  be- 
tween Putoy  and  Sunkong  Islands,  where  there  is  a  good  channel  with  15  to 
20  fathoms,  mud. 

Vessels  having  run  out  from  Hong  Kong  Road  through  the  Lyemun  Pass, 
and  wishing  for  anchorage  either  for  the  night  or  in  consequence  of  bad 
weather,  will  find  a  good  berth  in  the  bay  on  the  North  side  of  Tamtu  in  6 
fathoms ;  but  bear  in  mind  that  the  water  shoals  to  2f  fathoms  at  3  cables' 
lengths  from  the  Joss  House  on  the  North  side  of  the  bay. 

Tamtu  or  Tunglung  Island,  820  feet  above  the  sea  and  3  miles  in  circum- 
ference, is  separated  from  the  mainland  by  a  channel  called  Fotaumun  Pass, 
of  3  fathoms  water,  which  is  only  1  ^  cable  wide  between  the  rocks  which  lie 
off  both  points  in  the  channel.  S.E.  \  E.  distant  4  cables  from  the  North 
point  of  Tamtu  lies  a  sunken  rock,  from  which  the  West  end  of  Steep  Island 
(the  first  small  islet  to  the  north-eastward)  just  shows  clear  of  a  remarkable 
headland,  Yih  Bluff,  bearing  N.N.E.  ^  E. 

Steep  Islet  is  IJ  mile  northward  of  the  eastern  entrance  of  the  Fotaumun 
Pass,  and  4  cables  from  the  shore  ;  at  IJ  mile  farther  North  are  the  Trio 

I.  A.  6  L 


994  THE  COAST  C)Y  miXA. 

Islets.     There  is  an  indentation  in  the  coast,  with  8  fathoms  water,  "between 
Trio  and  Steep,  but  it  is  exposed  to  easterly  winds  and  swell. 

NINEPIN  GROUP  lies  4  miles  eastward  of  the  Fotaumun  Pass.  The  two 
largest  islets  bear  North  and  South  of  each  other,  and  the  channel  between 
is  2  cables  wide.  The  southern  face  of  the  South  Ninepin  is  a  precipitous 
cliff,  330  ft.  high ;  cff  its  S.W.  side  is  a  smaller  islet,  with  a  peaked  rock  off 
its  North  point.  The  surface  of  the  North  Ninepin  is  nearly  of  the  same 
elevation.     An  islet  lies  off  its  S.W.  extreme. 

Ninepin  Rock,  or  East  Ninepin,  222  ft.  high,  is  nearly  a  mile  eastward 
of  the  North  Ninepin,  and  assumes  the  appearance  that  its  name  indicates 
only  when  seen  in  a  N."W.  or  S.E.  direction  ;  otherwise  the  name  is  liable  to 
mislead. 

One-foot  Rock,  lying  S.  f  W.,  not  quite  7  cables  from  the  Ninepin,  has 
only  a  foot  over  it  at  low  water.  The  South  end  of  South  Ninepin  on  with 
Fotaumun  Pass,  W.  f  N.,  leads  South  of  it. 

North  Rock,  lying  N.W.  JN.,  distant  9  cables  from  the  Ninepin,  is  nearly 
awash.  There  is  a  reef,  which  breaks  at  low  water,  nearly  a  cable's  length 
S.E.  of  it. 

At  the  Ninepin  group  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  10*"  0",  and  the 
rise  is  5  ft. 

PORT  SHELTER. — To  the  northward  of  the  Ninepin  group  the  mainland 
forms  a  deep  bay,  containing  Port  Shelter  and  Eocky  Harbour.  The  western 
of  the  two,  Port  Shelter,  runs  back  5^  miles  to  the  northward,  and  its  head 
is  separated  from  tii«  S.W.  portion  of  Mirs  Bay  by  an  isthmus  I5  mile 
wide,  overlooked  by  the  Hunchback  Hills,  2,315  feet  above  the  sea,  which 
with  Shar^  Peak,  1,540  f^et  high,  on  the  West  side  of  the  entrance  to  Mirs 
Bay,  form  conspicuous  marks  by  which  this  portion  of  the  coast  may  be 
recognized. 

When  steering  for  Port  Shelter,  pass  eastward  of  Trio  and  Table  Islets,  as 
rocks  extend  3  cables  from  the  point  to  the  westward  of  them.  Nearly  a 
mile  northward  of  Table  Islet  is  the  southern  point  of  Jin  Island,  with  a 
peaked  rock  lying  2  cables  southward  of  it ;  and  E.  f  N.  rather  more  than  a 
cable's  length  from  Peaked  Rock,  is  a  rock  awash  at  high  water. 

Shelter  Island,  1^  mile  N.W.  of  Table  Islet,  should  likewise  be  left  to 
the  westward  when  steering  for  Port  Shelter,  as  the  ground  is  foul  between 
it  and  the  main.  There  is  good  anchorage  on  the  N.W.  side  of  Shelter 
Island  in  3  fathoms,  but  give  the  North  point  of  the  island  a  berth  of  a  cable 
and  avoid  the  9-ft.  patch,  lying  6  cables  to  the  northward  in  the  centre  of  the 
bay.  Southerly,  distant  1  cable  from  the  West  point  of  Shelter,  is  a  rock 
aw  ash  at  low  water  ;  and  there  is  a  patch  of  2l  fathoms  lying  half  a  mile 
westward  of  it, 

ROCKY  HARBOUR  is  formed  by  Keui  and  Jin  Islands  on  the  West,  and 
by  High,  Basalt,  and  Bluff  Islands  to  the  East  and  S.E.     Anchorage  will  be 


FUXG  BAY— MIRS  BAT.  995 

found  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  on  its  eastern  side,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  a 
email  cove  northward  of  Green  Islet,  where  there  is  a  mandarin  station  and 
a  village.  Inside  the  cove  the  depth  is  6  fathoms,  but  the  space  is  confined, 
owing  to  sunken  rocks.  In  the  S.W.  monsoon  vessels  will  be  better  shel- 
tered by  anchoring  to  the  N.W.  of  Day  Islet. 

Three-feet  Patch.— Midway  between  Day  Islet  and  the  North  end  of  Bluff 
Island  is  a  rocky  3-ft.  patch,  from  which  the  "West  point  of  Bluff  Island  is 
on  with  the  summit  of  North  Ninepin,  S.  ^  E.,  and  the  southern  summit  of 
Day  Islet  bears  W.N.W.  The  North  Ninepin  and  Bluff  Islands  touching 
leads  westward  of  it ;  and  the  West  end  of  the  islet  lying  off  the  S.W.  end 
of  North  Ninepin,  in  one  with  the  West  point  of  Bluff  Island,  leads  east- 
ward ;  also,  a  vessel  will  be  northward  of  it  when  Pyramid  Rock  opens  clear 
of  the  N.E.  extreme  of  Bluff  Island,  S.E.  by  E.  |  E. 

Three-fathoms  Patch  lies  6  cables  northward  of  the  3-ft.  patch,  with  the 
summit  of  Day  Islet  W.S.  W.,  Pyramid  Rock  S.E.  J  S.,  and  G:reen  Islet,  the 
small  islet  on  the  eastern  shore,  E.  %  N.,  and  distant  3  cables. 

The  channel  between  Basalt  Island  and  Bluff  Island  is  4  cables  wide,  and 
has  5  fathoms  in  it  at  low  water.  The  former  island  is  8  cables  long.  North 
and  South,  and  572  ft.  above  the  sea  ;  the  southern  faces  of  both  islands  are 
very  precipitous. 

The  channel  between  Town  Island  and  Basalt  Island  is  also  4  cables  wide, 
but  it  should  not  be  used  without  a  leading  wind,  or  in  a  handy  vessel,  as 
the  chow-chow  water,  or  whirling  eddies,  might  lead  them  into  difficulty. 
These  ripplings,  occasioned  by  the  meeting  of  adverse  currents,  are  fre- 
quently so  violent  as  to  render  a  vessel  unmanagele  when  within  their  in- 
fluence. 

S^iffh  Island,  7^  miles  in  circumference  and  910  ft.  above  the  sea,  is  sepa- 
rated from  Town  Island  by  a  channel  of  3^  fathoms  water,  but  in  some  places 
it  is  barely  a  cable  wide.  At  1^  cable  eastward  of  the  latter  is  Sole  Island, 
so  called  from  its  being  perforated. 

FUNG  BAY. — Conic  Isle,  lying  not  quite  a  cable  from  the  shore,  N.N.E. 
2^  miles  from  Hole  Island,  has  immediately  westward  of  it  a  small  bay  3^ 
cables  wide  and  three-quarters  of  a  mile  deep,  which  might  be  used  in  the 
N.E.  monsoon.  Fung  Bay,  the  next  inlet  to  the  northward,  is  1|  mile  wide, 
and  has  two  islets  and  a  rock  in  the  middle  of  it ;  but  it  is  too  much  exposed 
to  the  eastward  to  be  of  any  use. 

MIRS  BAY  is  a  deep  inlet  15  miles  to  the  N.E.  of  Hong  Kong,  and  it« 
entrance,  between  Fung  Head  on  the  West  and  Mirs  Point  on  the  East,  is 
5^  miles  wide;  its  extent  northerly  is  11  miles,  and  in  an  East  and  West 
direction  IS  miles.  Gau-tau.  a  rocky  islet,  90  ft.  high,  lies  about  2  miles 
within  the  entrance,  and  S.W.  by  W.  about  half  a  mile  from  it  is  a  rocky 
ledge,  part  of  which  is  always  unrovered. 

The  hills  near  Mirs  Fomt  rise  to  the  height  of  1,200  ft..,  and  juat  off"  its 


996  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

South  extreme  is  a  small  islet,  named  Griffin  Roch.  To  the  eastward  of  the 
islet  are  some  rocks,  at  a  cable's  length  from  the  shore ;  the  first  point  to  the 
northward  of  them  is  perforated. 

Grass  Island. — The  point  on  the  "West  side  of  entrance  of  Mirs  Bay,  \\ 
mile  N.  by  W.  of  Fung  Head,  has  two  islets  off  it,  and  from  thence  the 
western  coast  of  the  bay  trends  suddenly  to  the  westward,  then  northerly  1^- 
mile,  where  there  is  an  opening  3  cables  wide  leading  into  Long  Harbour ; 
the  navigable  channel,  however,  has  only  2  fathoms  in  it,  and  is  barely  a 
cable  wide,  with  shoal  water  extending  from  both  shores. 

On  the  North  side  of  the  opening  lies  Grass  Island,  420  ft.  high ;  and  at 
3^  cables  eastward  of  this  island  is  a  large  black  rock,  named  North  Gau, 
with  a  reef,  awash  at  high  water,  lying  N.W.  i  N.  4  cables  from  it.  There 
is  also  a  very  dangerous  6-ft.  rock,  on  which  the  German  war  ship  Cyclop 
struck  between  Grass  and  North  Gow  Islets.  It  lies  about  a  cable  westward 
of  the  islet  which  lies  near  the  West  side  of  North  Gow. 

Port  Island,  420  ft.  high,  is  nearly  6  cables  northward  of  Grass  Island, 
and  its  N.E.  point,  which  is  narrow,  projects  3  cables  from  the  body  of  the 
island.  There  is  a  convenient  watering  place  on  the  northern  side  of  this 
island. 

LONG  HARBOUR  runs  3i  miles  in  a  southerly  direction  from  its  en- 
trance, 6  cables  wide,  which  is  a  mile  S.S.W.  of  Port  Island.  Both  shores 
are  steep-to,  with  the  exception  of  the  S.  W.  end  of  Grass  Island,  where  there 
is  a  cove  with  a  rock  off  its  North  point ;  to  the  northward  of  this  rock,  and 
half  a  cable  from  the  shore  is  a  rocky  patch  of  3;  fathoms  ;  some  rocks  also, 
which  show  at  low  tide,  extend  nearly  a  cable's  length  from  high-water  mark 
at  the  S.W.  end  of  the  island. 

Jones  Cove,  the  next  inlet  westward  of  Long  Harbour,  is  a  mile  deep, 
N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.,  and  3  cables  wide  ;  but  it,  as  well  as  Long  Harbour,  is 
open  to  a  considerable  swell  from  the  N.N.E. 

Tolo  Channel,  leading  into  Tolo  Harbour,  is  the  next  inlet  westward  of 
Jones  Cove.  Its  entrance,  between  Port  Island  and  Bluff  Head,  is  nearly  1  \ 
mile  wide,  and  from  thence  the  channel  trends  S.W.  by  W.  7  miles  to  White 
Head,  forming  a  sound,  with  shores  steep-to,  the  depth  varying  from  6  to  14 
fathoms  on  the  North  shore. 

Withing  the  channel,  at  3J  miles  from  Bluff  Head,  is  Knoh  Reef,  with  a 
fiat  reef  2  cables  to  the  S.W.  of  it ;  and  2^  miles  farther  in  lies  Btish  Reef, 
North  of  which,  3 J  cables,  is  Harbour  Island.  Although  there  is  a  navi- 
gable channel  on  either  side  of  these  reefs,  the  one  northward  of  them  is 
preferred. 

At  White  Head  (which  is  a  peninsula  with  the  Hunchback  Hills,  2,315  ft. 
high,  with  very  precipitous  face,  rising  immediately  behind  it),  the  Tolo 
Channel  separates  into  three  arms,  Tide  Cove  to  the  S.W.,  Tolo  JIarhour  to 
the  N.W.,  and  Plover  Cove  to  the  N.E.     Plover  Cove  would  in  all  proba- 


MIES  BAY.  997 

bility  be  found  the  most  eligible  place  to  ride  out  a  typboon  ;  it  runs  back 
21  miles  to  the  eastward  beyond  Harbour  Island,  and  carries  a  depth  of  6  to 
4  fathoms. 

Round  Island  is  N.  W.  by  N.  2f  miles  from  Port  Island,  and  is  the  eastern- 
most of  an  extensive  group  lying  in  the  N.W.  part  of  Mirs  Bay ;  the  largest 
of  the  group  are  Double,  Crescent,  and  Crooked  Islands.  Double  Island,  the 
southernmost,  lies  N.W.  6  cables  from  Bluff  Head,  and  the  channel,  which 
separates  its  S.W.  point  from  the  main,  is  only  large  enough  for  boats. 

On  the  N.W.  side  of  Crooked  Island  is  a  large  village,  and  on  the  East 
end  a  remarkable  peaked  head,  between  which  and  the  mainland  to  the 
northward,  the  depths  are  9  to  4  fathoms,  muddy  bottom.  On  the  West 
side  of  the  island  is  a  good  anchorage  named  Crooked  Harbour ;  and  to  the 
southward,  formed  by  Crescent  and  Double  Island,  is  a  secure  basin,  named 
Double  Haven,  the  northern  entrance  into  which  is  3  cables  wide  ;  within 
it  the  depth  is  7  fathoms. 

PENG-CHATJ  ISLAND,  3  miles  in  circumference  and  148  ft.  high,  is  in 
the  N.E.  corner  of  Mirs  Bay,  N.  \  E.  4^  miles  from  Gau-tau.  The  geolo- 
gical formation  of  this  island  is  totally  different  from  the  adjacent  land,  being 
alluvial,  shale  stones  forming  its  beaches.  The  distance  between  it  and  the 
main  land  to  the  eastward  is  rather  more  than  a  mile,  forming  a  convenient 
anchorage,  sheltered  from  all  winds.  E.N.E.  from  the  island  is  the  remark- 
able peak,  East  Cone,  750  ft.  high,  overlooking  Typung  Bay,  the  distance 
across  being  IJ  mile,  and  the  land  tut  little  elevated.  Under  the  peak  is 
the  village  of  Namoa,  and  in  the  bay  South  of  it  is  a  peaked  rock  and  a 
sunken  reef. 

Anchorage. — The  N.W.  part  of  Mirs  Bay,  northward  of  Crooked  Island, 
gradually  shoals  to  the  westward,  and  affords  good  anchorage.  The  northern 
portion  of  the  shores  of  the  bay  are  steep-to.  Anchorage  in  the  N.E.  mon- 
soon will  be  found  all  along  the  eastern  shore  of  the  bay  to  the  southward 
of  Peng-chau  ;  but  the  number  of  fishing  platforms  on  stakes  in  8  and  9 
fathoms  water  render  the  navigation  awkward  in  the  dark.  There  is  an- 
chorage in  south-west  winds  to  the  westward  of  the  South  Gau,  in  8  or  9 
fathoms. 

Tides. — In  Tide  Cove,  in  the  S.W.  part  of  Mirs  Bay,  it  is  high  water,  full 
and  change,  at  lO*"  0"",  and  springs  rise  about  65  ft. ;  but  during  neaps  the 
water  remains  nearly  at  the  same  level.  With  the  flood,  there  is  a  great 
indraught  into  Mirs  Bay  and  Pocky  Harbour,  which  must  be  guarded 
against  in  shaping  a  course  from  the  Tuni-ang  Group  to  pass  outside  the 
Ninepin  Group. 

Directions. — As  the  ebb  stream  runs  to  the  southward  along  the  western 
shore  at  the  entrance  of  Mirs  Bay,  a  vessel  working  to  windward  with  a 
S.W.  wind  will  get  to  the  westward  speedily  by  keeping  near  the  land  passing 


998  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

between  the  Ninepin  Group  and  Tamtu  ;  but  as  soon  as  the  Lema  Channel 
opens  out  she  will  meet  with  a  set  to  the  eastward. 

During  August  and  part  of  September,  if  a  vessel  is  eastward  of  the 
Lema  Island,  she  will  find  it  difficult  to  proceed  along  shore  to  the  west- 
■ward  if  the  wind  is  from  that  quarter  ;  she  ought  therefore  either  to  stand 
off  to  the  southward  for  two  or  three  days  (if  ned,r  full  and  change  of  moon, 
■when  bad  weather  may  be  apprehended),  or  anchor  in  Mirs  or  Harlem  Bay 
for  an  easterly  wind,  which  in  these  months  usually  happens  every  few  days, 
close  in  with  the  coast. 

TUNI-ANG  GROUP.— From  Mirs  Point,  the  South  coast  of  the  peninsula 
separating  Mirs  and  Bias  Bays  trends  NE.  by  E.  8  miles  to  Teyih  Point,  and 
between  are  two  sandy  bays,  off  the  westernmost  of  which,  at  4  cables  from 
the  shore,  is  Coast  Islet,  having  4  fathoms  water  between  it  and  the  land. 
At  6  miles  eastward  of  Mirs  Point,  fronting  the  peninsula,  is  the  Tuni-ang 
group,  consisting  of  eight  islets,  including  Single  Island  and  Acong  Eock. 
The  largest  island,  the  northernmost,  is  5  miles  in  circumference,  and  its 
summit  rises  like  a  cone  to  the  height  of  960  feet ;  off  its  western  end  are 
two  islets. 

Peah  Hock,  lying  a  quarter  of  a  mile  westward  of  Net  Island,  with  4  and 
5  fathoms  water  between,  appears  like  two  islets  with  a  shingle  beach  con- 
necting them.  N.W.  i  W.,  4  cables  from  Peak  Rock,  is  a  ledge  of  rocks, 
the  northern  edge  of  which  is  always  visible ;  and  between  them  is  a  reef 
which  breaks  at  low  water. 

Immediately  southward  of  Tuni-ang  Island  are  three  islets,  called  by  the 
Chinese  Saman  (or  three  passages),  which  form  a  good  harbour,  named 
Samun  Road,  sheltered  from  all  winds,  except  those  from  W.N.W.,  round  by 
the  "West  to  S.W.  by  S.  Samun,  the  southern  islet,  is  3  miles  in  circumfer- 
ence, and  distant  1  mile  from  Tuni-ang ;  the  channel  between  it  and  Cone 
Islet  to  the  northward  has  9  and  10  fathoms  water.  The  passage  between 
Cone  and  Tuni-ang  is  crooked,  and  has  only  2^  fathoms  water. 

The  Acong  is  a  remarkable  pyramid  rock  lying  6  cables  N.E.  of  Single 
Island,  with  15  fathoms  water  between  them.  There  is  a  rock  with  16  feet 
over  it  lying  N.N.E.  f  E.  about  a  mile  from  the  Acong,  on  which  bearing  it 
is  on  with  the  S.E.  point  of  Single  Island.  When  on  this  rock,  which  rises 
so  abruptly  that  there  was  great  difficulty  in  finding  it,  Cone  Islet  bore  N.W. 
"by  W.  J  W.,  and  was  in  one  with  a  remarkable  gap  in  Tuni-ang. 

Anchorage. — In  the  N.E.  monsoon  the  trading  junks  anchor  in  9  fathoms 
southward  of  Net  Island  and  Peaked  Rock,  and  abreast  a  fort  on  Tuni-ang ; 
but  the  ground  is  foul  within  2  cables'  lengths  of  the  fort  point. 

Middle  Rocks. — N.E.  i  E.  from  the  summit  of  Tuni-ang  is  the  Middle  Rock 
just  awash  at  high  water.  From  it  the  Acong  Rock  bears  S.  ^  W. ;  Bate 
Island,  off  the  East  point  of  Bias  Bay,  N.N.E. ;  and  Lokaup  Island  N.W. 
by  N.  1  miles.     At  3  cables  S.W.  of  this  rock  is  a  reef  which  breaks  only  at 


BIAS  BAY.  999 

low  water,  and  from  which  the  East  end  of  Cake  lelet  (on  the  East  side  of 
Lokaup)  is  in  line  with  the  Pillars,  N.  by  W.  |  W. 

The  channel  between  Tuni-ang  Island  and  Teyih  Point,  the  West  point  of 
the  entrance  to  Bias  Bay,  is  U  mile  wide  ;  boih  shores  are  eteep-to,  with  the 
exception  of  the  reef,  already  mentioned,  lying  off  Peak  Rock  near  theN.W. 
point  of  Tuni-ang,  and  a  rocky  ledge  extending  south-westerly  from  the  first 
point  East  of  a  remarkable  white  rock  on  the  North  shore.  The  hills  on  this 
side  attain  an  elevation  of  2, GOO  and  2,800  feet. 

BIAS  BAY,  a  capacious  and  deep  inlet  similar  to  Mirs  Bay,  has  a  chain 
of  islands  fronting  its  western  shore,  which  is  indented  by  two  large  bays,  at 
the  head  of  the  principal  of  which  is  Typung  Uarbour.  This  harbour,  so 
named  from  the  walled  town  of  Typung  on  its  northern  shore,  although  con- 
tracted is  capable  of  affording  good  shelter  for  moderate-sized  vessels,  except 
with  easterly  winds,  when  the  anchorage  under  Lokaup  Island  should  be 
preferred.  On  the  northern  side  of  the  harbour  there  is  a  smooth  conical 
hill,  off  which  a  shoal  commences  extending  half  a  mile  from  the  shore ; 
the  southern  side,  which  is  bold-to,  must  therefore  be  kept  aboard.  Vessels 
drawing  more  than  15  ft.  should  not  proceed  farther  westerly  than  the  third 
point  on  the  South  side,  as  the  bottom  of  the  harbour  is  shoal. 

Bumbell  Bay,  the  next  inlet  northward  of  Typung  Harbour,  runs  back 
westerly  6  miles  from  Big  Island,  and  carries  a  general  depth  of  about  3 
fathoms. 

Fan-lo-Jcong  Sarbour,  in  the  north-eastern  pait  of  Bias  Bay,  has  an  entrance 
1 J  mile  wide,  with  a  depth  in  mid-channel  of  4  fathoms.  The  village  of 
Fan-lo-kong  is  on  the  northern  shore.  This  will  brobably  be  found  the  best 
anchorage  in  Bias  Bay  in  a  typhoon. 

Pagoda  Island  bears  from  Tsang-chau  N.W.  by  W.  J  W.  4  miles.  The 
water  shoals  towards  Pagoda  ;  to  the  W.S.W.,  3  cables  off,  are  some  rooks. 

Lokaup  Island,  the  southern  of  the  chain  of  islands  in  Bias  Bay,  has  on  its 
South  end  some  pyramidal  rocks.  It  bears  N.  by  E.  6  miles  from  Tuni-ang, 
and  the  channel  between  it  and  the  West  point  of  the  entrance  of  the  bay 
is  3  miles  wide,  with  a  depth  of  9  fathoms.  The  island  is  about  2  miles 
long,  and  nearly  separated  in  two  places ;  the  highest  part,  330  ft.  above  the 
sea,  is  near  the  South  end.  There  is  anchorage  on  either  side  of  it,  accord- 
ing to  the  prevailing  winds. 

There  are  six  islets  around  Lokaup,  three  on  the  West,  two  on  the  North, 
and  one  on  the  East  side.  The  North  islet,  named  the  Pillars,  is  remarkable 
from  the  two  square  pillars  on  its  South  side ;  there  is  a  reef  off  the  West 
end  of  the  islet  South  of  the  Pillars. 

Middle  Group. — About  a  mile  northward  of  the  Pillars  is  Middle  Group, 
consisting  of  six  islets.  Green  Island,  254  feet  high,  the  southernmost,  has 
an  islet  off  its  West  end  ;  and  at  three-quarters  of  a  mile  northward  of  it  is 
Eeef  Islet,  to  the  !S.E.  of  which  is  a  I'eef  that  breaks  at  low  water.     There  is 


1000  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

also  another  rock  awash  at  low  water,  lying  North  3  cables  from  Reef  Islet, 
and  there  is  another  N.  i  W.  Ij  miles  from  Eeef  Islet,  and  N.W.  i  N. 
from  Eed  Islet. 

Harbour  Group,  consisting  of  nine  islets,  is  not  quite  a  mile  northward  of 
Middle  Group.  The  southernmost  are  two  small  islets  named  the  Twins,  to 
the  N.E.  of  which,  at  2  cables,  is  Shoal  Island,  having  rocky  ground  extend- 
ing north-westerly  3  cables  from  it.  At  a  quarter  of  a  mile  westward  of  the 
Twins  is  Tree-a-top  Islet,  and  westward  of  it,  at  half  a  mile,  is  a  sugar-loaf 
shaped  island.  Narrow  Island  is  three-quarters  of  a  mile  long.  North  and 
South.  Round  Island  lies  rather  more  than  2  cables  northward  of  Narrow 
Island,  with  a  depth  of  5  and  6  fathoms  between  them ;  to  the  northward  of 
it  at  2  cables  lies  a  flat  rock  nearly  a-wash  and  steep- to.  N.  by  W.  6  cables 
from  Round  Island  is  Cone  Islet,  a  conical  rock  surrounded  by  reefs;  vessels 
wishing  to  anchor  to  the  westward  of  Narrow  Island  will  find  this  channel 
or  that  between  Tree-a-top  Islet  and  Sugar  Loaf  Island  the  best  to 
enter  by. 

To  the  westward  of  Sugar  Loaf  is  Big  Island,  oS  the  North  face  of  which 
is  a  small  islet,  and  further  North  a  flat  rock,  with  a  reef,  which  shows  only 
at  low  water  ;  when  upon  this  reef  the  highest  part  of  Narrow  Island  bears 
S.E.  by  E.,  and  Nobby  Reef  N.E.  by  E.  To  the  N.W.  of  Big  Island,  4 
cables,  is  Sand  Patch,  a  low  rock  surrounded  by  sand  ;  between  it  and  the 
island  there  are  3|  fathoms  water.  There  is  also  a  rock  awash  at  high  water 
on  the  South  side  of  Big  Island. 

BIAS  POINT,  the  eastern  point  of  the  entrance  of  Bias  Bay,  is  fronted 
to  nearly  a  mile  by  rocks,  between  which  and  the  land  the  channel  is  unsafe, 
but  the  passage  between  them  and  the  rock  lying  off  the  S.E.  end  of 
Bate  Island  may  be  used,  being  8  cables  wide,  with  a  depth  inside  of  4^ 
and  5  fathoms. 

Bate  Island  is  8  cables  long,  North  and  South,  and  half  a  mile  wide ; 
besides  the  rock  off  its  S.E.  end,  there  is  another  awash  at  high  water,  lying 
N.N.E.  6  cables  from  its  North  end,  with  the  South  point  of  Lokaup  S.W. 
by  W.  h  W.,  and  the  rock  off  the  S.E.  end  of  Bate  Island  E.  by  S. 

From  Bias  Point  the  eastern  coast  of  the  bay  trends  northerly  8^  miles  to 
Tsang-chau  Island.  There  is  anchorage  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  between  Bate 
and  Triple  Island,  lying  2^  miles  to  the  northward.  Tsang-chau  is  a  low 
flat  islet  with  a  smaller  one  S.E.  of  it,  lying  6  miles  northward  of  Triple. 

MENBOZA  ISLAND,  480  feet  high,  and  2f  miles  in  circumference,  bears 
S.E.  by  E.  \  E.  7^  miles  from  Bate  Island,  and  a  vessel  will  find  shelter  from 
a  S.W.  wind  on  its  northern  side.  Off  its  western  side  is  a  small  islet  sepa- 
rated from  it  by  a  channel  a  cable  wide,  and  of  9  feet  water.  Tsincoe  Island, 
167  feet  high,  lies  6  cables  northward  of  Mendoza,  with  11  fathoms  water 
between ;  near  its  centre  is  a  remarkable  cleft. 

FOKAI  POINT,  bearing  N.E.  by  E.  3|  miles  from  Mendoza,  is  the  South 


HARLEM  BAY— SAM-CHAU  INLET.  1001 

extreme  of  a  promontory  connected  to  the  main  by  a  low  sandy  isthmus  ;  the 
land  near  the  point  is  high,  and  has  the  appearance  of  an  island  when  viewed 
from  eastward  or  westward.  On  the  summit  of  the  Fokai  Hills  is  an  arti- 
ficial mound  670  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  on  the  hill  over  the  S.W.  point  is  a 
large  fort.  On  the  East  side  of  the  isthmus  are  three  rocky  islets ;  and  E. 
by  N.,  8  cables  from  the  northernmost  islet,  is  a  reef  showing  at  low  water, 
from  which  the  East  extreme  of  Fokai  Point  bears  S.  by  W.  ^  W.,  and  the 
Pauk  Piah  Pock  E.S.E. 

HARLEM  BAY,  formed  on  the  "West  side  of  the  Fokai  promontory,  affords 
secure  anchorage  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  ;  but  it  cannot  be  considered  safe 
during  a  typhoon,  when  the  winds  are  liable  to  shift  suddenly  to  different 
points  of  the  compass.  A  good  berth  will  be  found  northward  of  'Hebe  Islet 
in  any  convenient  depth  of  water.  This  islet  is  flat-topped,  and  70  ft.  high, 
and  a  ledge  of  rocks,  which  covers  at  high  water,  extends  3  cables  north- 
eastward of  it.  The  natives  here  are  not  so  shy  of  intercourse  as  at  other 
places  along  the  coast ;  they  will  supply  fish  and  vegetables. 

At  6  cables  westward  of  the  West  extreme  of  Fokai  Point,  and  10  or  12 
feet  above  the  sea,  is  Middle  Rock,  which  may  be  passed  on  either  side.  On 
the  western  foot  of  the  Fokai  Hills  is  a  fort,  with  a  tall  chimney  on  the  hill 
behind  it.  S.W.  by  W.  3  cables  from  Hebe  Islet  lies  a  rocky  patch,  of  3^- 
fathoms  water,  bearing  North  from  Middle  Eock,  and  N.W.  I  N.  from  the 
West  extreme  of  Fokai  Point. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Tuni-ang  Island  (page  998), 
at  8''  0"  ;  at  Tsang-chau  Island  in  Bias  Bay  at  S**  30" ;  and  at  Hebe  Islet  iu 
Harlem  Bay  (two  days  before  full  moon)  at  lO*"  0".  In  the  month  of  April 
the  current  in  this  neighbourhood  sets  constantly  to  the  westward,  its  rate 
increasing  upon  the  flood,  but  did  not  exceed  a  knot.  When,  however,  tha 
monsoon  drift  current  recedes  from  the  coast,  the  tidal  influences  prevail, 
and  it  is  commonly  reported  that  the  flood  stream  sets  westward  and  ebb 
eastward,  or  directly  the  reverse  of  their  set  North  of  Breaker  Point. 

Directions. — Bound  to  Bias  Bay  from  the  eastward,  pass  about  a  mile  west- 
ward of  Mendoza  Island,  and  then  steer  N.W.  by  W.  for  the  opening 
between  Lokaup  and  Bate  Islands,  shoaling  from  13  to  10  fathoms  water 
over  muddy  bottom.  From  thence  either  proceed  up  the  bay  to  an  anchor- 
age in  5  fathoms,  about  Ij  miles  from  the  eastern  shore,  3  miles  northward 
of  Triple  Island,  or  to  the  southward  of  Lokaup  to  an  anchorage  in  the  bny, 
or  in  Typung  Harbour.  There  are  several  populous  villages  on  the  eastern 
shore  where  no  doubt  refreshments  could  be  obtained. 

If  bound  to  Harlem  Bay,  round  Fokai  Point  about  half  a  mile  off  in  13 
fathoms  water,  and  either  haul  up  between  the  shore  and  Middle  Eock,  or 
pass  between  that  rock  and  Tsincoe  Island. 

SAM-CHAU  INLET.— From  Fokai  Point  the  coast  trends  N.E.  by  N.  12 

I.  A.  6  AI 


100-2  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

miles  to  i?o««  Head,  and  at  the  distance  of  9  miles  is  Coad  Met,  lying:  4  cables 
off  shore.  Shoal  water,  over  rocky  bottom,  extends  6  cables  southward  of 
this  islet,  and  here,  close  to  a  flat  rocky  head,  is  an  opening  a  cable  wide 
into  the  extensive  inlet  of  Sam-chau,  the  channel,  carrying  5  and  6  fathoms, 
beino-  close  to  a  narrow  cliff  on  the  southern  shore ;  but  in  strong  easterly 
winds  the  sea  breaks  across  it.  The  entrance  bears  W.  by  N.  ^  N.  from 
Siting  Islet,  and  E.  \  N.  from  Harlem  Peak,  which,  being  2,070  ft.  above  the 
eea,  forms  a  conspicuous  landmark.  S.S.W.  \  W.  nearly  2^  miles  from  Coast 
Islet  is  a  sunhm  rock,  from  which  Si-ting  bears  East  nearly  6  miles,  and 
Harlem  Peak  N.W.  h  W. 

Commander  P.  Cracroft,  of  H.M.S.  Reynard,  who  visited  this  inlet  in  chase 
of  pirates,  says,  "  The  mouth  of  the  inlet  is  but  little  wider  than  the  breadth 
of  a  ship  ;  there  is  also  an  inner  bar  with  an  equally  narrow  passage ;  and 
across  both  these  bars  the  tide  runs  5  knots.  The  depth  in  the  channel 
varies  from  6  to  8  fathoms,  and  deepens  to  10  fathoms  above  the  upper  bar, 
where  there  is  ample  room  for  a  vessel  to  swing  ;  but  such  is  the  intricacy 
of  the  navigation,  that  a  personal  examination  should  be  made,  and  the  state 
of  the  tide  carefully  ascertained  before  attempting  the  entrance." 

PEDRO  BLANCO  ROCK  {Ty-sing-cham  of  the  Chinese),  in  lat.  22°  19^ 
N.,  long.  115°  7'  E.,  when  bearing  North  appears  as  two  rocks;  the  summit 
\%  of  a  white  colour.  It  is  bold  to  approach,  having  20  fathoms  close  to  the 
southward,  and  18  fathoms  to  the  northward,  decreasing  gradually  to  13 
fathoms  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Pauk  Piah  Eock,  which  bears  from  it 
N.N.W.,  distant  15  miles. 

The  Pauk  Piah  is  a  flat  rock,  4  feet  (Capt.  Morant,  E.N.,  says  24  feet) 
above  high  water,  from  which  the  summit  of  the  Fokai  HiUs  bears  W.  |  N. 
7  miles. 

WHALE  ROCKS.— S.  by  W.  2^  miles  from  the  Pauk  Piah  are  the  two 
Whale  Eocks,  rising  abruptly  from  the  depth  of  12  fathoms,  and  upon  which 
the  sea  sometimes  breaks.  From  them,  the  West  extreme  of  Fokai  Point 
is  on  with  the  summit  of  Bate  Island,  W.  by  N.  \  N.,  the  summit  of  Fakai 
bears  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W.,  7  miles,  and  the  summit  of  Mendoza  West  a  little 
northerly. 

Tung-Ting  and  Si-Ting  are  two  rocky  islets  about  50  ft.  above  the  sea, 
lying  S.E.  |  S.  and  N.W.  5  N.  from  each  other,  distant  1|  mile  apart;  there 
are  sunken  and  detached  rocks  around  them  both. 

N.W.  by  W.  li  mile  from  Si-ting  is  a  rocky  patch  which  sometimes 
breaks.  There  is  also  the  ISingle  R(x:k  which  breaks  only  at  low  water, 
or  when  there  is  a  heavy  sea,  and  from  which  Si-tang  bears  S.W.  by  W. 
i  W. ;  Tung-ting  S.W.  by  S. ;  Hat  Islet  N.  by  E.,  and  Harlem  Peak,  W., 
northerly. 

HONG-HAI  BAY,  -about  15  miles  N.E.  of  Fokai  Point,  is  extensive,  but 
in  the  upper  part  the  water  shoals  to  6  and  4  fathoms,  and  it  is  open  to 


TT-SAMI  INLET,  ETC.  1003 

8.W.  and  South  winds.  There  are  several  islands  in  the  bay,  the  largest  of 
which,  Hong-hai,  is  in  the  middle  of  it. 

Vessels  are  recommended  not  to  pass  to  the  westward  of  Tung-ting  and 
Si-ting,  nor  into  the  N.W.  part  of  this  Bay,  as  they  will  find  a  heavier  sea 
there  than  outside ;  there  is,  also,  usually  a  long  ground  swell  near  Inside 
Island,  rendering  it  advisable  not  to  stand  farther  in  than  Hong-hai  Island. 

In  Hong-hai  Bay  is  an  inlet,  not  identified,  but  probably  that  which  is  9 
miles  N.E.  of  Fokai  Point,  which  was  visited  by  Captain  P.  Cracroft,  R.N., 
in  H.M.S.  Reynard,  184  9.  Its  bar  extends  nearly  across  the  entrance,  leav- 
ing an  opening,  on  the  South  side,  of  very  little  more  than  a  ship's  breadth. 
There  is  an  inner  bar  also  on  the  South  side,  with  an  equally  narrow  pas- 
sage, hugging  a  point  which  resembles  "Devil  Point,'  at  the  entrance  of 
Hamoaze  ;  and  over  these  bars  the  tide  sets,  at  springs,  with  the  great  velo- 
city of  0  or  6  knots. 

The  depths  in  the  channel  vary  from  4  to  8  fathoms,  deepening  to  10  fa- 
thoms above  the  inner  bar,  where  there  is  ample  room  for  a  ship  to  swing, 
but  the  n.^vigation  is  so  intricate  that  a  careful  examination  should  be 
made  before  attempting  the  entrance,  and  the  state  of  tae  tide  correctly 
ascertained. 

Eong-hai  Island,  bearing  N.E.  5  E.  8  miles  from  Si-ting,  is  half  a  mile 
long,  East  and  West,  3  cables  wide,  240  feet  high,  and  has  shelter  on  its 
northern  side  from  southerly  winds.  Two  rocks,  visible  at  low  water,  lie  3 
cables  from  the  shore,  S.  by  E,  f  E.  from  its  summit,  ffat  Islet  is  a  peaked 
rock  2f  miles  westward  of  Hong-hai.  It  is  called  by  the  Chinese  Ee-sin-she 
(fowl's  heart),  which  it  more  resembles  than  a  hat;  there  are  detached  rocks 
about  it.  Inside  Island,  5  miles  N.W.  of  Hong-hai,  is  460  ft.  high,  a  mile 
long  North  and  South,  and  but  little  more  than  a  cable  wide.  At  3  cables 
otf  its  S.W.  end  are  some  detached  rocks. 

Shoal  Bay  is  formed  at  the  head  of  Hong-hai  Bay,  3  miles  N.N.E.  of 
Hong-hai  Island.  Its  entrance  is  2  miles  wide,  and  within  the  water  shoals 
to  less  than  3  fathoms.  At  three-quarters  of  a  mile  eastward  of  Club  Point, 
the  East  point  of  the  entrance  to  Shoal  Bay,  there  is  a  rocky  ledge,  part  of 
■which  is  alwaj'S  above  water. 

TY-SAMI  INLET,  bearing  E.  :J  N.  9  miles  from  Hong-hai  Island,  has  an 
entrance  channel  half  a  mile  wide,  with  2 J  fathoms  in  it  at  low  water.  The 
northern  shore  of  the  chnnnel  is  shoal-to,  and  rather  more  than  half  a  mile 
ofi"  the  beach  are  some  rocks,  which  show  at  low  tide.  Ty-sami  Mound,  970 
feet  above  the  sea,  is  an  artificial  cone  on  the  highest  part  of  the  hills  near 
the  eastern  point  of  Hong-hai  Bay. 

In  Hong-hai  Bay  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  10*^  0",  and  the  rise 
is  6^  ft. 

Goat  Island,  lying  S.E.  3  miles  from  Tsiech  Point,  the  eastern  outer 
entrance  point  ol  Hong-hai  Bay,  is  the  southernmost  and  largest  of  a  uume- 


1004  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

rou8  group,  amongst  which  there  are  no  navigable  channels.  S.W.  ^  W. 
from  its  summit,  and  S.S.E.  J  E.  from  Tysami  Mound,  there  is  a  dangerous 
rock,  which  shows  only  when  the  tide  is  low  and  the  wind  high.  At  rather 
more  than  a  mile  inland  from  the  beach  northward  of  Goat  Island,  is  the 
walled  town  of  Tsieching.  There  is  good  anchorage  in  the  N.E.  monsoon 
on  the  N.W.  side  of  Goat  Island,  which,  with  the  group  of  islets  northward 
of  it,  shelters  well  from  the  heavy  sea.  This  roadstead  is  much  used  by 
opium  vessels,  which  approach  as  close  to  the  shelving  beach  as  the  depth  of 
water  will  allow. 

Reef  Islets  lie  S.E.  by  E.  3  miles  from  Goat  Island.  The  southern  or 
largest  islet  has  reefs  extending  a  cable's  length  in  a  southerly  direction  from 
its  East  end.  In  using  the  channel  between  Goat  Island  and  these  islets, 
take  care  to  avoid  a  sunken  roch  on  which  the  sea  breaks  at  low  water,  bearing 
E.  i  N.  1|  mile  from  the  summit  of  the  island,  and  N.W.  f  W.  2  miles  from 
the  North  end  of  the  islets. 

Vessels  may  pass  between  the  Eeef  Islets  and  some  rocks  awash  named 
Middle  Reef,  lying  If  mile  to  the  northward,  the  depth  being  7  and  8  fathoms, 
but  bear  in  mind  that  reefs  extend  rather  more  than  2  cables  northerly  from 
the  islets,  the  northern  danger  bearing  W.  ^  S.  from  Chelang  Point.  It  will 
not  be  prudent  to  pass  in-shore  of  Middle  Reef. 

CHELANG  POINT,  5  miles  E.  by  N.  \  N.  from  the  Eeef  Islets,  is  very 
remarkable,  of  moderate  height,  composed  of  red  sand,  with  many  ragged 
rocks  scattered  over  it.  The  point  has  two  islets  and  a  reef  close  ofiP  it, 
and  the  depth  is  13  fathoms  within  a  mile  of  the  outer  islet,  which  is  80 
feet  high. 

On  the  western  extremity  of  this  headland  is  a  fort,  and  westward  of  the 
fort  a  small  bay,  which  will  afford  shelter  in  the  N.E.  monsoon ;  but  a 
sunken  rock,  with  only  a  foot  water  over  it,  lies  N.W.  by  W.  5J  cables  from 
the  fort.  Flat  Roch  is  If  mile  W.  by  N.  from  Chelang  Point,  and  there  is  a 
small  sunken  rock  lying  N.W.  from  it,  and  West  from  the  fort.  The  land 
on  either  side  of  Chelang  Point  for  some  distance  is  of  a  remarkable  red 
colour  with  black  mounds. 

Kin-yu  or  Eemsiie  is  a  rocky  islet,  half  a  mile  long  N.E.  and  8.W.,  lying 
N.E.  ^  N.  3|  miles  from  Chelang  Point,  and  under  its  highest  or  N.E.  part 
there  is  a  high  rock.  Its  shores  are  bold-to,  but  the  islet  is  too  small  to 
afford  shelter. 

HIE-CHE-CHIN  BAY,  formed  between  Pauhhao  Point  on  the  West,  and 
Tongmi  Point  on  the  East,  has  7  to  bh  fathoms  water  at  entrance,  shoaling  to 
3  or  3^  fathoms  within  a  mile  of  its  head,  over  soft  muddy  bottom.  It  affords 
shelter  from  westerly  and  northerly  winds,  and  from  the  N.E.  monsoon,  but 
is  quite  exposed  to  the  southward  and  S.E.  ;  the  eastern  side  of  the  bay  is 
high  and  mountainous.     The  village  of  Kinsiang  stands  in  the  N.E.  bight  of 


HIE-CnE-CHIN  BAY.  1005 

the  bay,  immediately  under  Round  Hill.  Two  rivers  empty  themselves  at 
the  head  of  the  bay. 

Near  Tongmi  Point  is  Chino  Peak,  a  remarkable  conical  hill,  455  ft.  high, 
■which,  with  the  islets  of  Tung-ki  and  Si-ki,  render  this  side  of  the  bay  easy 
to  recognise  when  well  within  it.  But  when  in  the  offing  some  have,  in 
approaching  Chino  Bay,  mistaken  at  first  for  Chino  Peak,  Round  Hill,  on 
the  northern  shore  of  the  bay,  which  is  also  a  remarkable  conical  hill,  1,456 
feet  high.  When  first  seen,  Round  Hill  rises  like  an  island,  and  is  a  good, 
mark  when  approaching  from  the  south-westward.  The  land  about  Chino 
Bay,  when  first  made  from  the  same  direction,  appears  of  a  somewhat  uni- 
form height, 

Tung'-ki.— Chino  Peak  bears  N.W.  I  N.  nearly  2^  miles  from  Tung-ki, 
which  is  18  ft.  above  the  sea,  having  some  detached  rocks  on  its  eastern  side, 
and  three  rocks  awash  at  low  water,  half  a  cable  from  its  N.W.  side. 

Suwonada  Rock,  upon  'vhich  a  steamer  of  that  name  struck,  August, 
1969,  lies  in  nearly  mid-channel  between  Tongmi  Point  and  the  Tung-ki 
Rucks.  It  consists  of  two  or  three  pinnacle  rocks,  with  11  ft.  on  them  at  low 
water  springs,  and  8  or  9  fathoms  close  to.  This  dangerous  patch  lies 
N.  by  W.  f  W.,  4^  cables  from  the  West  extreme  of  the  Tung-ki  Rocks  ; 
Tongmi  Point  bearing  N.W.  by  W.  \  W.,  and  Si-ki  Rock  S.W.  by  W. 

No  indication  of  these  rocks  is  afforded  by  discoloured  water,  and  it  is 
recommended  that  the  passage  between  Tung-ki  Rocks  and  the  mainland 
should  not  be  used  for  the  purposes  of  navigation.  A  mile  North  of  Tung- 
ki,  and  East  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  Tongmi  Point,  is  a  cluster  of 
rocks  nearly  awash. 

Si-ki  Islet,  80  ft.  high,  rises  abruptly,  and  is  cleft  at  the  summit ;  Tung- 
ki  bears  from  it  E.N.E.  3  miles,  and  Chino  Peak  N.N.E.  I  E.  Between  the 
two  islets  the  soundings  are  1 1  and  1 2  fathoms. 

Paukshao  Bay,  on  the  western  side  of  Hie-che-chin  Bay,  affords  good 
shelter,  unless  the  wind  comes  eastward  of  South,  there  being  5  fathoms 
water  with  Paukshao  Point  bearing  westward  of  South.  Paukshao  Puint  is 
of  moderate  height,  with  numerous  rocks  scattered  over  its  surface.  Tha 
other  point  to  the  westward  has  a  high  battery  on  it.  There  is  said  to  be  a 
sunken  rock  lying  N.E.  about  half  a  cable's  length  from  Paukshao  Point. 

Chino  Bay  is  on  the  eastern  side  of  Hie-che-chin  Bay,  to  the  northward  of 
Chino  Peak,  and  on  its  shore  there  is  a  furt  and  small  village,  abreast  which 
the  water  is  shual,  the  2-fathoms  line  of  soundings  being  half  a  mile  off  the 
land.  West  from  Chino  Peak  is  the  Chmo  Reef,  extending  4  cables  from  the 
shore  ;  the  outer  rock  does  not  show  at  high  tide  unless  there  is  a  consider- 
able swell. 

A  dangerous  coral  rock,  on  which  the  Sarah  Lucy  struck,  lies  8J  cables 
S.E.  of  the  Yellow  Stone.    There  are  only  7  ft.  water  on  it,  4^  fathoms,  mud, 


1006  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

close-to.     To  pass  westward  of  the  rock,  keep  the  East  White  Stone  open 
westward  of  the  Yellow  Stone. 

The  best  anchorage  in  Chino  Bay  is  in  3f  fathoms  farther  northward  about 
East  of  the  Yellow  Stone,  which  is  the  southernmost  of  all  the  rocks,  with 
the  exception  of  the  Sarah  Lucy,  in  the  N.E.  part  of  the  bay.  The  walled 
town  of  Keishi-wei,  bearing  E.  by  N.  3  miles  frum  the  Yellow  Stone,  will 
be  seen  over  the  low  land  from  this  anchorage  ;  there  is  a  creek  leading  up 
to  it  which  will  admit  junks  at  low  water. 

Between  the  Yellow  Stone  and  the  rocks  three-quarters  of  a  mile  N.N.W. 
of  it,  there  is  a  channel  of  4^  fathoms  water  :  but  vessels  are  recommended 
not  to  approach  that  part  of  the  bay  northward  of  the  Yellow  Stone,  as  there 
are  several  sunken  rocks.  Vessels  drawing  less  than  18  ft.  may  stand  into 
the  bay  to  the  northward  of  the  West  White  Stone,  where  the  depth  is  3^ 
to  2\  fathoms,  the  water  shoaling  gradually  towards  the  beach. 

HUTUif  G  POINT.— From  Tongmi  Point  the  coast  takes  an  E  by  N.  ^  N. 
direction  about  15^  miles  to  Cupchi  Point,  and  at  the  distance  of  4^  miles  is 
Black  Rod-  Point,  with  black  rocks  off  it,  and  a  square  white  rock  on  its 
S.  W.  side.     N.W.  1 J  cable  from  the  White  Eock  is  a  sunken  rock. 

About  2f  miles  eastward  of  Black  Rock  Point  is  the  mouth  of  the  River 
Hutung,  which  falls  into  the  sea  on  the  West  side  of  Hutung  Point,  but  it 
has  only  6  ft.  water  over  the  bar.  On  its  South  bank  is  a  fort,  and  close  to 
the  fort  a  remarkable  dome-shaped  building,  apparently  intended  for  a  fire 
beacon ;  this  is  a  good  mark  in  hazy  weather,  being  so  easily  recognized, 
indeed  there  is  nothing  resembling  it  on  this  part  of  the  coast.  S.S.E.  1^ 
mile  from  the  fort  is  a  small  islet,  surrounded  by  reefs  and  deta  hed  rocks, 
one  of  which,  to  the  eastward,  is  of  a  curious  shape,  and  is  named  Figura 
Rock. 

At  3  miles  eastward  of  Hutung  Point  the  hills  come  down  to  the  beach, 
and  on  one  of  their  peaks  is  a  conspicuous  knob.  At  a  mile  off  the  beach  is 
a  flat  rock  with  sunken  dangers  between  it  and  the  shore ;  there  is  also  a 
rock  awash  to  the  S.E.  of  it. 

CUPCHI  POINT  has  a  rugged  summit,  210  ft.  high,  and  near  the  sea 
there  is  a  dilapidated  fort.  South  1^  mile  from  the  point  is  Turtle  Rock,  14 
feet  above  high  water,  and  inside  of  it  are  two  islets  and  four  patches  of  rock. 
The  junks  pass  between  Turtle  Rock  and  the  rock  next  to  the  northward, 
though  sunken  rocks  lie  westward  of  both,  and  much  discoloured  water, 
which,  however,  helps  to  detect  them.  The  U.S.S.  Palos  discovered  off 
Turtle  Rock  a  shoal,  with  only  2  fathoms  of  water.  From  the  shoal  Cupchi 
Point  bore  N.  f  E.  3  miles,  and  the  hill  marked  on  the  chart  as  726  ft.  hijjh, 
N.W.  J  W.  As  this  danger  lies  in  the  track  of  navigation,  vessels  should 
be  cautious  to  give  it  a  wide  berth,  when  passing  the  Turtle  Rock. 

Between  the  islets  and  the  point  the  channel  is  2  cables  wide,  but  the 
bottom  is  rocky  and  uneven,  and  a  rock  on  which  the  steamer  Five  Brothers 


TUNGAO  ROAD.  1007 

\ras  wrecked,  February  28th,  1859,  lies  60  fathoms  South  of  the  point.  The 
least  water  on  this  rock  is  12  ft.,  and  as  many  sunken  dangers  are  in  its 
vicinity,  it  would  be  imprudent  for  a  stranger  to  attempt  the  passage.  A 
ledge  of  rocks  extends  2  cables  from  the  point  westward  of  the  fort,  its  outer 
end  breaking  at  low  water. 

A  remarkable  little  black  conical  hill,  named  Black  Mount,  rises  230  ft. 
above  the  sea  from  a  red  sand  down,  at  4^  miles  N.E.  of  Cupchi  Point,  and 
half  a  mile  from  the  beach.  Eeefs  extend  half  a  mile  from  the  shore  along 
this  part  of  the  coast. 

Anchorage. — There  is  good  anchorage  during  the  N.E.  monsoon  to  the 
southward  of  the  Shag  Eock,  which  lies  half  a  mile  off  shore  N.N.W.  of 
Cupchi  Point ;  it  is  3  ft.  above  high  water,  and  has  2  J  fathoms  around  it, 
except  on  its  S.E.  side,  whf-re  there  is  a  projecting  reef.  On  the  main, 
abreast  this  rock,  is  a  fort  standing  on  the  East  side  of  entrance  to  a  river 
leading  to  the  walled  town  oi  Kiahtsz.  The  town  is  IJ  mile  from  the  fort, 
and  southward  of  it  is  a  pagoda  two  stories  high.  There  are  9  ft.  at  low 
water  on  the  bar  of  the  river. 

Nearer  the  entrance  there  is  a  second  fort  over  a  point,  and  a  martello 
tower  on  the  sandy  point  opposite,  to  the  southward  of  which,  sand-banks 
extend  more  than  half  a  mile.  Situated  exactly  in  mid-channel  between 
these  sand-banks  and  the  inner  fort  point  is  a  dangerous  rock,  steep-to, 
which  uncovers  at  low  water,  and  may  be  passed  on  either  side. 

TUNGAO  ROAD.— The  village  of  Tungao  stands  in  a  bight  of  the  coast 
N.E.  by  E.  15  miles  from  Cupchi  Point,  the  intervening  shore  being  low  and 
sandy.  On  the  bar  of  the  river,  West  of  the  village,  the  sea  breaks  heavily 
at  low  water,  and  outside  the  bar  the  water  shoals  suddenly;  so  that  vessels 
approaching  the  anchorage  in  Tungao  Eoad  should  not  bring  the  fort  at  the 
village  to  bear  eastward  of  N.E.  ^  N.,  when  within  1^  mile  of  it;  this  will 
be  found  a  good  roadstead  in  the  N.E.  monsoon,  well  sheltered  and  with 
good  holding  ground.  There  are  two  pagodas  in  the  neighbourhood,  one  on 
the  low  land  at  the  East  side  of  the  river's  mouth ;  the  other  on  the  hills  2 
miles  to  the  northward. 

S.E.  2^  miles  from  the  village  is  White  Rock,  which  forms  a  good  mark 
by  which  thi«  part  of  the  coast  may  be  recognized  ;  halfway  between  White 
Eock  and  the  village  is  a  creek  with  a  fort  upon  the  hills  East  of  it.  The 
land  near  the  coast  is  low,  with  several  fishing  villages  in  the  sandy  bays, 
the  boats  belonging  to  which  are  numerous,  and  being  of  difi'erent  shape  and 
smaller  than  those  of  Hai-mun  and  Cupchi,  will  enable  a  vessel  to  identify 
her  position  in  a  fog. 

Hai-Loong  Rock  is  directly  in  the  track  of  vessels  proceeding  from  the 
anchorage  in  Tungao  Eoad  round  Breaker  Point  when  keeping  in-shore  to 
avoid  the  N.E.  monsoon,  and  lies  S.  by  W.  f  W.  1  mile  from  the  White 
Bock,  with  pinnacles  11  ft.  below  the  surface  of  the  water  slipping  off  into 


1008  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

6  fathoms  on  either  side.     The  islet  inside  Breaker  Point  bears    from  it 
E.  by  N.  northerly,  and  the  North  pagoda  N.N.W.  J  W. 

BREAKER  POINT,  lying  1  miles  eastward  of  White  Rock,  and  E.  by  N.  f 
N.  23  miles  from  Cupchi  Point,  may  be  known  by  a  black  dome-shaped  hill, 
rising  280  ft.  from  a  red  sand  drift  on  the  point,  whence  the  hills  trend 
northward  and  westward,  dipping  suddenly  at  their  extremity.  The  shore 
should  not  be  approached  within  half  a  mile.  A  lighthouse  is  proposed  at 
Breaker  Point.  At  2  miles  westward  of  Breaker  Point  is  a  small  islet, 
having  Flat  Reef,  two  conspicuous  masses  1 2  ft.  above  high  water,  to  the 
south-eastward  of  it,  distant  9  cables.  A  quarter  of  a  mile  W.  by  N.  ^  N. 
from  Flat  Eeef  is  Black  Rock,  15  ft.  ;  and  N.N.W.,  half  a  cable,  another,  12 
feet  above  high  water.  Corea  Rock,  having  14  ft.  water  over  it,  lies  two'^ 
thirds  of  a  mile  S.W.  ^  S.  from  Flat  Reef.  One  and  a  half  cables  westward 
of  the  Corea  Rock  is  a  rocki/  patch,  with  3  to  5  fathoms  water  over  it,  and  7 
fathoms  around. 

Sunk  Rock  has  but  7  ft.  water  over  it.  From  it  the  apex  of  the  islet 
westward  of  Flat  Eeef  bears  N.  ^  E.,  distant  half  a  mile.  When  on  Sunk 
Rock,  Black  Rock  and  the  rock  (12  ft.  high)  respectively  to  the  West  and 
N.W.  of  Flat  Reef  are  in  line.  Another  rock  was  reported  in  1874,  by  thd 
British  steam-ship  JSfingpo,  South,  3  miles  from  Flat  Island,  and  S.W.  ^  S. 
from  Breaker  Point.  The  steam-ship  Ulysses,  also,  is  reported  to  have  struck 
on  a  rock  IJ  mile  East  of  this  position.  The  dark  hills  seen  over  the  high 
sandy  coast  is  very  deceptive  at  night,  and  Dome  Hill  can  then  very  seldom 
indeed  be  recognised ;  strangers  cannot  do  so  readily  by  daylight,  and  at 
night  are  very  liable  to  mistake  for  it  a  round-shaped  hill  at  the  extremity  of 
the  back  range.  For  these  reasons  soundings  only  can  be  relied  upon  to 
enable  vessels  to  pass  the  above  dangers  safely  at  night ;  when  by  keeping 
in  depths  of  11  or  12  fathoms,  not  less  than  11  fathoms,  they  will  pass 
from  1  to  2  miles  to  the  southward  of  Corea  Rock. 

Tides. — From  observations  on  the  tidal  streams,  from  January  to  May, 
between  Hong  Kong  and  Breaker  Point,  the  ebb  ran  to  the  eastward.  To 
the  eastward  of  Breaker  Point,  however,  the  flood  set  to  the  eastward,  which 
is  its  direction  throughout  the  N.E.  coast  of  China.  It  appears  that  the  tidal 
wave  from  the  Pacific  Ocean  strikes  first  upon  Breaker  Point. 

Tong-lae  Point  is  4J  miles  N.E.  ^  N.  from  Breaker  Point,  and  about  a 
mile  westward  of  it  is  the  entrance  to  a  creek  leading  to  the  walled  town  of 
Tong-lae.  On  the  eastern  side  near  the  entrance  is  a  fort,  under  which  in- 
different shelter  might  be  found  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  by  a  vessel  of  not  more 
than  12  ft.  draught,  but  she  would  be  in  an  awkward  position  should  the 
wind  veer  southward  of  East.  Sunken  rocks  abound  along  this  portion  of 
the  coast,  one  of  which  lies  6  cables  off  the  land,  with  the  fort  bearing 
N.W.  by  N.,  and  Rocky  Point  N.  by  E.  f  E.  Rocky  Point  is  the  low  ex- 
treme of  the  land  N.E.  \\  mile  from  Tong-lae  Point;  hence  the  coast  trends 


THE  CAPE  OF  GOOD  HOPE.  1009 

northerly,  and  at  the  distance  of  4^  miles  is  a  headland  with  reefs  extending 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  S.E.  of  it. 

HAI-MUN  BAY.— N.E.  ^  E.  7  miles  from  the  above  headland  is  Hai-mun 
Point,  and  between  them  Hai-mun  Bay.  The  town  is  built  on  the  left  bank, 
1  mile  within  the  entrance  of  the  river,  which  has  10  ft.  over  its  bar.  There 
are  three  pagodas  on  the  land  to  the  northward  of  the  bay,  two  of  which  are 
on  the  hills,  and  can  be  seen  in  clear  weather  from  Namoa  Island. 

At  9  cables  southward  of  Hai-mun  Point  are  two  rocks,  on  which  the  sea 
breaks.  From  the  southern,  Parkyns  Rock,  Eocky  Head  Point,  on  the  East 
side  of  entrance  of  Hai-mun  Eiver,  bears  N.W.  A  rocky  ledge,  with  only  2^ 
fathoms  on  its  South  end,  extends  6  cables  from  the  fort  on  the  East  point  of 
a  sandy  bay,  1 J  mile  E.S.E.  of  Rocky  Head  Point,  and  near  the  anchorage 
of  Hai-mun  Eiver  is  another  rock  showing  at  low  water,  from  which  the 
South  extreme  of  Hai-mun  Point  bears  E.  by  S.,  Eocky  Head  Point  N.E.  J  N., 
and  the  West  peak  of  Pagoda  Eange  N.W.  by  N. 

CAUTION. — On  many  occasions  vessels  have  nearly  been  lost  by  mistaking 
Hai-mun  Point  for  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  in  thick  weather,  when  the 
Island  of  Namoa  was  not  visible.  These  points  bear  a  marked  resemblance 
to  each  other,  both  having  three  distinct  high  points  with  sandy  beaches 
between.  In  such  weather,  the  low  white  sandy  shore  of  Hope  Bay  is  often 
not  visible. 

Hope  Bay  is  between  Hai-mun  Point  and  the  South  extreme  of  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope,  which  bears  E.  by  N.  f  N.  distant  about  8i  miles.  For  3^ 
miles  N.E.  of  Hai-mun  Point  vessels  should  not  close  this  part  of  the  shore 
nearer  than  three-quarters  of  a  mile  ;  beyond  that  distance  the  sandy  beach 
is  steep-to.  There  is  a  secure  anchorage  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  on  the  southern 
side  of  the  cape,  to  the  N.W.  of  Tide  Point.  Sunken  rocks  extend  a  cable 
from  the  fort  point ;  otherwise  this  bay  is  clear.  At  the  western  extreme  of 
this  sandy  bay  is  Peaked  Eock,  S.W.  by  S.  of  which,  distant  4  cables,  is  a 
small  sunken  pinnacle  rock,  on  which  H.M.  gunboat  Cockchafer  struck  in 
1868.  It  has  4  ft.  on  it  at  low  water,  with  5  fathoms  close-to  on  either  side. 
At  1^  mile  N.W.  of  Peaked  Eock  is  the  entrance  to  a  creek  which  communi- 
cates with  the  Eiver  Han,  3  miles  above  Swatow. 

The  CAPE  of  GOOD  HOPE  is  the  eastern,  and  Pagoda  Hill  the  northern 
boundary  of  the  entrance  to  the  Eiver  Han.  The  cape,  163  ft.  high,  is  the 
N.E.  extreme  of  a  hilly  peninsula,  the  highest  part  of  which.  High  Cape 
summit,  is  elevated  433  ft.  Vincent  Eange  lies  to  the  N.W.  of  the  cape, 
and  North  \\  mile  from  the  highest  part  of  Vincent  Eange  is  Signal  Sill, 
on  the  summit  of  which,  377  ft.  high,  is  a  rudely  constructed  semaj)hore. 

Dove  Rock  has  only  7  ft.  on  it.     From  it  the  South  summit  of  Double 
Island  bears  W.  by  N.  \  N.,  distant  5  miles,  and  Green  Islet  S.S.W.  ^  W. 
I.  A.  b  X 


1010  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

4|  miles.     Its  position  may  easily  be  recognized  in  calm  weather  by  the  tide 
setting  over  it. 

The  northern  face  of  the  Cape  of  Grood  Hope  is  half  a  mile  long,  and 
terminates  to  the  westward  in  a  bold  point,  on  which  is  an  old  fort.  N.  J  E., 
half  a  mile  from  the  fort,  is  Green  Met,  72  ft.  high,  from  the  N.E.  side  of 
which  rocks  extend  a  cable.  Bill  Islet,  50  ft.  high,  bears  N.N.W.  2|  miles 
from  the  cape,  and  is  nearly  1  mile  oflp  shore.  At  a  third  of  a  mile  S.  by 
E.  f  E.  from  this  islet  is  Squat  Rock,  about  15  ft.  high ;  and  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  S.W.  by  W.  from  Squat  Eock  is  a  reef  awash. 

Sugarloaf  Channel.— Peaked  Eock,  bearing  N.W.  |  N.,  2|  miles  from 
Bill  Islet,  lies  off  the  South  point  of  entrance  to  Sugarloaf  Channel,  which  is 
formed  between  the  West  side  of  Sugarloaf  Island  and  the  coast  abreast  it. 
This  channel,  although  only  2  cables  wide,  is  excellent,  either  side  being 
quite  steep  to  a  quarter  of  a  cable,  and  is  alwajs  used  by  steamers,  and  fre- 
quently by  sailing  vessels. 

Peaked  Eock,  25  ft.  high,  can  only  be  seen  when  it  it  is  standing  out  clear 
of  the  land.  Sugarloaf  Island,  which  bears  not  the  least  resemblance  to  its 
name,  is  200  ft.  high  ;  and  East,  distant  2  cables  from  its  South  extreme, 
are  two  rocks  nearly  awash  at  high  water. 

Double  Island  (the  pilot  station)  bearing  N.W.  by  N.,  4  cables  from  the 
North  extreme  of  Sugarloaf,  only  appears  double  when  seen  from  the  S.E. 
The  white  walls  and  tops  of  houses  are  the  best  guides  to  recognise  it  from 
seaward.  At  3  cables  S.S.E.  ^  E.  from  the  summit  and  IJ  cable  off  shore, 
are  rocks  which  cover  at  5  ft.  rise  of  tide  ;  the  channel  between  them  and 
Sugarloaf  cannot  be  recommended.  Fisherman  Island,  half  a  mile  westward 
of  Double  Island,  forms  with  it  the  continuation  of  Sugarloaf  Channel. 

Caution. — Between  Double  Island  and  the  anchorage  off  Swatow  are  nu-- 
merous  rows  of  fishing  stakes,  some  of  which  stretch  across  the  fairway. 

The  RIVER  HAN. — Pagoda  Hill,  the  northern  boundary  of  the  entrance 
to  the  river,  will  be  easily  recognized  by  the  pagoda  on  its  summit,  257  feet 
above  high  water.  Kakchio  Promontory,  4  miles  westward,  of  Double  Island, 
when  seen  from  seaward  has  the  appearance  of  one  continuous  hill,  the 
southern  part  being  486  ft.  high,  and  the  northern  296  ft.  ;  the  numerous 
ravines  by  which  it  is  cut  up  are  only  seen  when  close  to.  On  its  northern 
side  is  the  English  Consulate  (in  lat.  23°  20' 43"  N.,  long.  116°  39' 3"  E.) 
with  a  number  of  European  houses,  but  they  can  only  be  seen  when  close  up 
to  the  anchorage. 

Off  the  North  extreme  of  the  promontory,  and  separated  from  it  by  a  very 
narrow  channel,  is  Bottefurh  Rock,  50  ft.  high  ;  and  at  two-thirds  of  a  cable 
farther  to  the  N.N.W.  is  the  Wyoming  Rock,  with  only  4  ft.  at  low  water, 
marked  by  a  red  buoy,  in  4  fathoms,  20  ft.  N.AV.  of  the  rock.  Madras  Rock, 
having  8  ft.  on  it  at  low  water  springs,  was  discovered  by  the  P.  and  0.  ship 
Madras  striking  on  it  when  hauling  off  the  adjacent  beach.     From  the  rock 


SWATOW.  loll 

Bottefurli  Eock  bears  E.  by  N.,  the  English  Consulate  flagstaff  S.E.  by  E.  | 
E.,  and  the  extreme  of  the  western  pier  S.E.  by  S.,  distant  1|  cable. 

Cken-to  Roch,  with  5  ft.  water  over  it,  is  reported  as  a  small  cluster  from 
•which  the  British  Consulate  bears  S.  by  "W.  -J  W.  ;  the  Customs  flagstaff 
N.  by  W.  f  W.,  the  Harbour  Pilots'  Pier  S.E.  by  E.  \  E.,  and  the  North 
extreme  of  Bottefurh  Eock  W.  by  N.  ^  N. 

SWATOW  stands  on  the  northern  bank  of  the  river,  nearly  a  mile  distant 
from  Kakchio,  and  the  whole  of  the  Hongs  are  on  this  side.  The  anchorage 
for  foreign  vessels  is  immediately  fronting  the  town,  where  6  to  7  iathoras 
are  found,  with  good  holding  ground. 

The  Port  of  Sicatoic,  opened  to  foreign  trade  by  the  Treaty  of  Tientsin  in 
1858,  is  the  shipping  port  of  Chau-chu  fu,  35  miles  inland,  and  since  its 
establishment  as  a  centre  of  foreign  commerce,  has  been  the  means  of 
creating  a  large  emporium  at  San-ho-pa,  at  the  confluence  of  two  branches, 
40  miles  farther  up  the  river  Han.  Jetties  project  into  the  stream  to  a  dis- 
tance of  some  200  yards.  They  are,  in  most  cases,  built  of  rough  blocks  of 
granite.  The  military  mandarin  resides  at  the  small,  picturesque  fort  on  the 
"West  of  the  town,  in  close  proximity  to  the  custom  house. 

The  Han  above  Swatow  is  navigable  25  miles  above  where  the  Admiralty 
survey  terminates,  to  a  place  called  Tiaka,  where  a  bridge  crosses  the  river. 
Tiaka  is  about  12  miles  from  Chau-chu-fu,  the  capital  of  the  province. 
Another  branch  of  the  river  runs  to  Chau-chu-fu  from  Swatow,  but  it  is  so 
ehallow  that  it  is  only  available  for  flat-bottomed  boats. 

Supplies. — The  markets  are  fairly  supplied  with  beef,  mutton,  poultry, 
fish  and  fruit,  and  in  winter  with  wild-fowl.  Small  repairs  to  ships,  spars, 
&c.,  can  be  executed,  and  there  is  a  hulk  capable  of  heaving  down  vessels 
of  300  tons  or  more.  There  are  no  docks,  the  nearest  being  at  Amoy,  and 
the  rise  of  the  tide  is  insufficient  for  the  examinatien  of  the  bottoms  of 
ships  grounded  on  the  soft  mud.  There  is  constant  steam  communication  with 
Hong  Kong,  Amoy,  and  Foochow,  from  which  places  stores  of  all  kinds,  not 
procurable  at  the  port,  may  be  provided  in  a  few  days. 

The  foreign  trade  of  Swatow  has  been  very  rapidly  developed,  but  several 
causes  have  concurred  towards  confining  it  almost  exclusively  in  the  hands 
of  native  or  Singapore  Chinese. 

The  climate,  and  especially  Double  Island,  shares  with  Amoy  the  well- 
merited  repute  due  to  its  maritime  situation.  Double  island  affords  sea- 
bathing, and  attention  has  been  drawn  to  this  spot  as  a  possible  sanitarium 
for  Hong  Kong  and  the  southern  ports.  The  position  of  Swatow  at  a  point 
opposite  the  Bashee  Channel  renders  it  pecularly  exposed  to  typhoons,  the 
principal  range  of  which  is  in  this  narrow  seaway. 

Tides. — Springs  rise  9  ft.,  but  the  tides  are  much  influenced  by  the  pre- 
vailing winds.  During  the  S.W.  monsoon,  for  a  number  of  days  there  may 
be  only  2  or  o  ft.  rise.     Vessels  drawing  17  ft.  have  been  known  to  wait  ten 


1012  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

days  off  Double  Island,  there  not  being  sufficient  rise  of  tide  to  enable  them 
to  stand  out. 

Directions.— K  vessel  of  heavy  draught  running  for  the  entrance  of  the 
Eiver  Han  before  the  N.E.  monsoon  should  pass  outside  or  eastward  of  the 
Dove  Eock.  To  do  this,  do  not  bring  the  East  extreme  of  Fort  Island  to  the 
eastward  of  N.  ^  E.,  until  the  clearing  mark,  the  East  extreme  of  Green 
Islet  on  with  the  North  part  of  High  Cape  summit,  S.W.  J  S.,  is  made  out, 
when  steer  for  it  imtil  Sugarloaf  Channel  is  well  open.  Bill  Islet  and  Squat 
Bock  will  then  be  easily  recognized,  and  by  steering  in  with  Bill  Islet  on 
with  the  extreme  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  bearing  S.S.E.,  it  will  lead 
between  the  Outer  Flat- and  the  spit  extending  eastward  from  Double  Island 
in  not  less  than  15  ft.  at  low- water  spring  tides.  When  nearing  Double 
Island  great  attention  must  be  paid  to  keep  this  mark  exactly  on,  as  the 
channel  is  only  2  cables  wide.  Vessels  of  light  draught,  12  and  14  It.,  eaa 
easily  run  in  for  the  entrance  North  of  Double  Island. 

Fort  Island  lies  E.N.E.  If  mile  from  Pagoda  Hill.  Brig  Island,  so  called 
fi  0  n  a  rock  at  its  South  extreme,  which  appears  like  a  brig  when  seen  in  an 
East  or  West  direction,  lies  N.E.  |  E.  4f  miles  from  Fort  Island. 

N AMOA  ISLAND,  1 2  miles  long  East  and  West,  and  5!  miles  wide  at 
its  broadest  or  eastern  part,  is  separated  from  the  main  by  a  channel  about 
3^  miles  wide,  with  depths  varying  from  3  to  6  fathoms.  The  three  peaks 
of  this  island,  West  Peak,  1,h30  ft.,  Namoa  Peak  1,934  ft.,  and  Saddle 
Pfeak  1,794  ft.  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  form  the  most  prominent  land- 
marks in  the  neighbourhood.  Notwitlistanding  its  barrenness,  the  island  is 
exceedingly  populous,  the  fisheries  affording  a  livelihood  to  the  greater  por- 
tion of  the  inhabitants. 

Caution  is  required  to  avoid  the  large  fishing  stakes  which  almost  surround 
this  island  in  deep  water,  some  of  which  are  large  enough  to  carry  away  a 
vessel's  jib-boom.  The  anchorage  in  Clipper  Eoad  is  in  6  to  7  fathoms, 
very  good  holding  ground. 

Local  knowledge  is  necessary  when  approaching  the  anchorages  on  the 
westward  of  Namoa  from  the  southward,  as  the  knolls  of  the  S.W.  end  of 
Namoa  are  said  to  shift.  The  eastern  channel  between  North  point  of 
Namoa  and  Fort  Head  is  much  wider  and  has  general  depths  of  7  to  4 
fathoms. 

Nangaou  Bay,  the  next  bight  eastward  of  Shoal  Bay,  on  the  North  coast 
Namoa,  has  at  its  head  a  walled  town,  the  residence  of  the  magistrate  of  the 
district.  Vessels  drawing  less  than  18  ft.  may  stand  into  this  bay  until  Pa- 
goda Island,  on  its  eastern  side,  bears  E.  by  N.  ;  but  during  the  N.E.  mon- 
soon there  is  a  considerable  swell  in  it.  Eocks  extend  3  cables  from  the 
north-eastern  point  of  Namoa. 

South  Bay,  on  the  South  coast  of  Namoa,  affords  good  shelter  in  the  N.E. 
monsoon  ;  rocks  extend  1|  cable  southward  from  its  eastern  point.     Vessels 


LA  MOCK  ISLANDS— LAMON  EOCKS.  1015 

drawing  18  ft.  may  run  into  this  bay  until  the  extreme  of  the  point  bears 
S.E.     About  half  a  mile  S.E.  of  the  point  is  Crab  Island,  a  low  flat  islet. 

IFart  Rock,  with  4  J  fathoms  on  it  at  low  water,  lies  7  cables  off  East  Point 
of  Namoa,  with  North  point  of  Namoa  N.  39°  W.  and  West  end  of  Euff 
Eock  just  open  of  Dome  Island. 

LAMOCK  ISLANDS  are  a  g:roup  of  four  islets,  and  two  patches  of  rocks 
occupying  an  extent  of  7i  miles  in  a  N.E.  and  S.W.  direction.  From  tlie 
Boat  Eocks  at  their  S.W.  end,  the  We.st  point  of  Namoa  bears  N.W.  h  W. 
22  miles  ;  and  from  North  Eock  at  their  N.E.  end,  the  East  point  bear* 
N.W.  13 J  miles,  and  the  south-eastern  Brother  N.E.  by  E.  25|  miles. 

Boat  Rocks  are  two  square  rocks,  15  ft.  above  high  water,  about  the  size 
of  boats,  with  several  reefs  between  them.  White  Rock,  lying  N.E.  1^  mile 
from  Boat  Eocks,  is  sufficiently  large  to  afford  shelter  to  boats. 

Hig'h  Lamock,  near  the  centre  of  the  group,  is  covered  with  brushwood. 
The  channel  between  it  and  White  Eock  is  safe,  the  depths  varying  from  8 
to  14  fathoms.  The  distance  between  High  and  East  Lamock  Islands  is  a 
mile,  but  about  the  middle  of  the  channel  is  a  rock,  with  a  reef,  which  shows 
at  low  tide,  extending  southward  \^  cable  from  it.  The  three  northern  islets 
lie  close  together  ;  North  Eock,  the  northern  one,  which  has  a  pyramid  on 
it,  is  without  vegetation. 

LIGHTS. — On  High  Lamock  Island  there  are  exhibited  two  fixed  lights, 
Tiz.  :  —  a  high  white  light,  and  a  low  red  lijiht. 

High  Light  is  a  fixed  bright  light,  elevated  241  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  in 
clear  weather  should  be  seen  from  a  distance  of  22  miles.  The  lantern  is  on 
a  round  tower  of  cast  iron,  25  ft.  in  height  (lantern  vane  54  ft.  above  base), 
and  painted  black  ;  the  dwellings  and  boundary  wall  are  white. 

Low  Light  is  di  fixed  red  light,  elevated  55  ft.  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  and 
in  clear  weather  should  be  se^n  from  a  distance  of  7  miles.  The  light  ex- 
hibited from  a  window  in  a  white  building  erected  on  the  southern  slope  of 
the  island,  is  shown  only  between  the  beai'ings  S.W.  by  S.  and  S.W.  ^  W., 
covering  the  White  and  Boat  Eocks,  and  is  intended  as  a  guide  for  clearing 
these  rocks. 

Times  Rock,  on  which  several  vessels  have  struck,  is  a  dangerous  coral 
pinnacle,  with  only  9  ft.  at  low  water.  Froii  it  the  North  Eock  of  the  La- 
mock Islands  bears  S.W.  J  S.,  distant  nearly  1^  mile,  and  Dome  Island 
W.  by  N.  ^  N.,  12  miles. 

In  passing  inside  the  Lamock  Islands,  attention  to  the  tide  as  well  as  ta 
the  vessel's  course  is  necessary. 

LAMON  EOCKS. — Between  Namoa  and  Lamock  Islands  are  several  islets, 
the  northernmost  of  which  is  the  highest,  and  from  its  appearance  is  called 
Dome  Island.  The  two  southern  islets.  Ruff  Rock  and  Ocste  Rock,  lie  East  and 
West  of  each  other  ;  to  the  southward  of  the  Euff  are  the  Dot  and  Sul  Rocks. 


1014  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

A  reef  extends  one-third  of  a  mile  southward  of  the  Sul.  Plat  Island  is 
flat  topped,  and  is  lower  than  the  Euff  or  the  Oeste. 

Machinnon  Roch  has  only  5  ft.  water.  From  it  the  N.W.  point  of  Plat  Is- 
land bears  W.S.W.,  distant  three-quarters  of  a  mile  ;  the  East  extremity  of 
Oeste  Eock,  S.  by  E.  i  E.  2  miles ;  the  summit  of  Euff  Eock,  S.E.  |  E.  2 
miles  ;  and  the  summit  of  Dome  Island,  N.E.  by  E.  f  E. 

Sinta  Rock,  with  only  2  ft.  over  it,  lies  S.E.  f  S.,  nearly  5  miles  from  Dome 
Islet,  with  the  S  W.  extreme  of  Euff  Eock  in  line  with  the  summit  of  Plat 
Island,  bearing  W.N.W. ;  East  point  of  Namoa  N.  by  W.  ;  and  the  highest 
part  of  High  Lamock  E.  by  S.  f  S. 

Yeng  Rock,  awash  at  low  water,  is  5  miles  N.  f  E.  from  Sinta  Eock,  with 
the  North  end  of  Crab  Islet  in  one  with  the  S.W.  extreme  of  Namoa,  bear- 
ing W.  by  N.  northerly  ;  Dome  Islet  W.  by  S.  J  S.  ;  High  Lamock  S.E.  f 
S.,  and  East  point  of  Namoa  N.N.W.  §  W.  The  North  point  of  Namoa 
Been  clear  of  East  point,  leads  north-eastward. 

Glengyle  Rock,  lying  one-third  of  a  mile  off  the  S.E.  point  of  Namoa, 
breaks  and  lies  with  Namoa  East  point  bearing  N.  ^  E.  ;  Oeste  Eock  S.S.W. 
^  W.,  and  Three  Chimneys  W. S.W.  Its  position  was  ascertained  by  H.M.S. 
Nassau  in  1875. 

Half-Tide  Reef,  between  Dome  Islet  and  Namoa,  lies  rather  more  than  a 
mile  from  the  Namoa  shore,  S.E.  by  S.  from  Three  Chimney  Bluff.  The 
channel  between  these  rocks  and  Namoa  is  obstructed  by  fishing  stakes. 

Ckelsteu  Rock  appear  as  large  boulders,  and  bear  East  nearly  6J  miles 
from  the  North  point  of  Namoa. 

Dioyu  Reef  just  awash  at  high  water,  is  rather  more  than  3  miles  N.W. 
by  N.  from  Chelsieu  Eocks.  The  reef  is  horse-shoe  shaped,  120  yards  long, 
and  appears  to  form  a  natural  dock.     It  has  apparently  deep  water  close  to. 

CHALLTJM  BAY  is  fronted  by  the  North  side  of  Namoa  ;  and  its  entrance 
affords  better  shelter  during  the  N.E.  monsoon  than  Nangaou  Bay,  and  it  is 
also  a  good  anchorage  when  the  wind  blows  strong  from  East  or  E.S.E. 

Chauan  Bay  entrance  is  10  miles  N.E.  J  E.  from  the  North  point  of 
Namoa,  may  be  useful  during  the  southerly  monsoon.  A  vessel  should  not 
attempt  to  cross  the  bar  at  less  than  half  tide,  when  at  the  deepest  part  she 
would  have  12  to  14  ft.  In  the  N.E.  monsoon  it  runs  far  enough  back  to 
the  N.E.  to  allow  an  awkward  sea  to  arise,  and  a  vessel  should  then  endea- 
vour to  reaoh  Owick  Bay,  2  miles  eastward  of  Chauan  Head,  which  has  a 
sandy  bottom,  and  is  protected  to  the  eastward  by  a  narrow  isthmus,  having 
two  rocks  off  its  South  extreme.  The  bay  should  not  be  entered  during  the 
typhoon  months,  as  the  anchorage  is  unsafe  during  S.W.  winds.  Immedi- 
ately eastward  of  this  bay  is  a  remarkable  sand  patch,  which  will  help  to 
point  out  its  position. 

Jokako  Peak,  880  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  conical  shaped,  is  the  highest  part 
of  the  land  at  the  back  of  Owick  Bay.     Pell  Island,  '6  miles  eastward  of 


TONGSANG  HAEBOUE.  1015 

Owick  Point,  is  perforated  at  its  South  end,  which  will  be  seen  on  a  S.E.  or 
N.W.  bearing.  There  is  an  islet  between  it  and  Jokako  Point,  having  a 
reef  off  its  North  end.  Jokako  Foint  is  an  isolated  hill  640  ft.  above  the  sea : 
off  it  are  two  islets ;  the  nearest,  Cliff  Islet,  bearing  S.E.  by  E.  one  mile, 
and  the  other,  Square  Islet,  E.N.E.  1£-  mile.  Square  Islet  is  perforated.  A 
reef  extends  a  cable  N.N.W.  from  Cliff  Islet.  Cone  Peak,  elevated  800  ft. 
above  the  sea,  with  a  peaked  rock  off  its  eastern  point,  bears  N.N.E.  5  E. 
51  miles  from  Jokako  Point. 

The  Brothers -are  two  islets  lying  S.E.  by  E.  about  12  miles  from  Cone 
Peak,  and  N.E.  f  E.  28^  miles  from  Lamock  Light.  They  are  180  and  120 
ft.  in  height,  and  1^  mile  apart  in  a  S.E.  ^  E.  and  N.W.  J  "W".  direction. 
The  south-eastern  islet,  the  larger  and  higher  of  the  two,  has  a  fine  bluff  at 
its  South  extreme,  and  a  reef  extending  north-westward  from  it ;  the  smaller 
islet  has  a  remarkable  square  top. 

TONGSANG  HARBOUR  is  one  of  the  best  on  this  coast,  and  its  position 
•will  be  readily  recognised  by  Fall  Peak,  a  remarkable  peak,  930  ft.  above 
the  sea,  which  rises  on  its  eastern  shore  and  makes  something  like  a  saddle 
but  with  a  deeper  indentation  ;  upon  the  island  at  the  entrance  is  a  pao-oda 
which  bears  from  the  S.E.  Brother,  N.W.  by  N.  14^  miles.  A  mud  bank, 
of  3j  fathoms,  lies  outside  the  entrance,  with  the  pagoda  bearing  N.W.  ^  N. 
and  Fall  Peak  N.E.J  N. ;  but  by  keeping  the  Sisters,  two  islets  in  the 
northern  portion  of  the  harbour,  well  open  of  the  East  end  of  Middle  Is- 
land (the  island  N.E.  of  Pagoda  Island)  a  vessel  will  pass  eastward  of  the 
bank. 

Junks  anchoring  for  the  tide  bring  up  between  Pagoda  and  Middle  Is- 
lands, but  in  running  for  this  anchorage  take  care  to  avoid  the  rocks  which 
extend  south-eastward  2  cables  from  the  East  point  of  the  northern  portion 
of  Pagoda  Island.  The  walled  town  of  Tongyung  stands  on  a  jieninsula  on 
the  western  shore  of  the  entrance  abreast  Pagoda  Island.  The  inhabitants 
of  and  about  Thunder  Head  will  bring  off  supplies  of  bullocks,  poultry,  fish, 
and  vegetables. 

Caution. — When  running  into  Tongsang  Harbour,  sail  should  be  reduced 
in  time,  if  the  wind  is  fresh  outside,  for  violent  squalls  come  down  from 
Thunder  Head.  The  coast  on  the  eastern  side  of  Thunder  Head  must  not 
be  approached  within  a  cable. 

Pees  Pock,  covered  at  high  water  springs,  Lies  S.E.  by  E.  %  E.  rather  more 
than  half  a  mile  from   Fall  Peak,  with  the  chimneys  on  Chimney  Island 
forming  the  eastern  side  of  Eees  Pass,  bearing  N.E.  by  N.  ;  a  rock,  on  which 
the  sea  breaks  at  low  water,  lies  a  cable  eastward  of  it. 

Pass  Islets  bear  N.  t  E.  li  mile  from  Eees  Eock,  the  ground  between 
them  being  foul. 

Rees  Pass  is  between  the  Pass  Islets  and  Eees  Islands,  and  on  its  eastern 
side,  W.  by  S.  from  the  chimneys,  and  3  cables  from  the  shore  of  Chimney 


1016  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

Island,  is  a  shoal  of  only  two  fathoms  water.  The  Eees  Islands  are  barren, 
and  only  inhabited  by  fishermen,  H.M.  brig  Plover  rode  out  a  heavy  gale 
veering  from  N.E.  to  E.  by  N.,  in  this  pass.  Simplicia  Wreck  Hocks  are  6 
cables  N.E.  of  South-East  Island,  a  reef,  which  shows  at  low  water,  lying 
a  cable  N.E.  of  the  outer  rock. 

Caution. — In  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Eees  Islands  the  sea  rises  rapidly 
after  the  commencement  of  a  breeze,  and  overtops,  leading  to  the  suppositioa 
that  there  must  be  some  change  in  the  soundings. 

Dansborg  Islani,  lying  2  miles  N.E.  of  Simplicia  Wreck,  -has  three  peaks 
of  nearly  equal  heights.  Skead  Islet  is  li  mile  W.N.W.  of  this  island,  and 
between  them,  at  the  distance  of  4  cables  from  the  islet,  is  another  small  islet 
with  a  reef  extending  from  its  West  point ;  a  reef  also  projects  from  the  East 
point  of  Skead  Islet.  Chitig  Rock,  which  covers  at  high  tide,  lies  14  cables 
from  Skead  Islet.  The  eastern  Simplicia,  open  East  of  Skead  Islet,  leads 
eastward  of  the  reef. 

Goo  Rock  covers  at  a  quarter  flood.  It  lies  2  miles  S.W.  by  W.  |  W.  of 
the  Ching.  Awoota  Rock  is  close  to  the  main,  N.W.  |  W.  2i  miles  from  the 
Chimneys. 

Black  Head,  or  Hu-tau-shan,  5|  miles  northward  of  Dansborg  Island, 
comprises  five  separate  hills,  the  southern  of  which.  Black  Head,  is  most 
remarkable.  On  the  northern  hill  is  a  walled  town.  There  is  good  anchor- 
age south-westward  of  Black  Head,  but  not  much  shelter  unless  the  wind  be 
well  to  the  northward.  Should  the  wind  draw  round  to  the  eastward,  the 
sooner  this  anchorage  is  quitted. the  better.  Eefuge  will  then  be  found  by 
running  through  Eees  Pass  and  anchoring  close  under  Chimney  Island,  or 
in  Tongsang  Harbour. 

The  Coast  from  Black  Head  to  Eed  Bay,  10  miles  to  the  N.E.,  with  the 
exception  of  one  hill  and  two  hillocks,  is  a  sandy  plain.  K7iol  Rock,  150  ft. 
high  and  steep-to,  bears  S.E.  by  E.  |  E.  3J  miles  from  Spire  Islet. 

Eed  Bay  will  be  found  a  fair  roadstead  in  the  N.E.  monsoon,  and  may  be 
readily  recognized  by  two  high  black  rocks  off  its  eastern  point.  Ac  the 
head  of  the  bay  is  a  village  on  the  right  bank  of  a  creek. 

In  navigating  this  portion  of  the  coast  during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  the 
wind  will  be  found  to  hang  to  the  northward  from  2  to  10  a.m.,  and  in  the 
eastern  quarter  the  remaining  period.  Deeply  laden  vessels  will  find  it 
more  advantageous  to  seek  shelter  in  one  of  the  harbours  or  roadsteads 
above  mentioned  during  a  strong  N.E.  wind,  than  to  keep  underway,  as 
ground  can  seldom  be  gained  in  consequence  of  the  depth  of  water. 

Mount  Edmond  (lat.  24°  7'  N.,  long.  117°  50'  E.,  is  about  1,500  ft.  high, 
and  from  its  isolated  position  is  a  conspicuous  and  useful  landmark.  About 
6  miles  to  the  S.W.  of  Mount  Edmond  there  is  another  conspicuous  moun- 
tain about  1,200  ft.  high. 

Cork  Point  to  China-lia  Point.  —  The  coast  line  from  Cork  Point,  the 


CHAPEL  ISLAND,  ETC.  1017 

N.E.  point  of  Eed  Bay,  takes  a  N.E.  |  N.  direction  18i  miles  to  Chin-ha 
Point.  Halfway  between  Cork  and  Chin-ha  Points  is  House  Hill  Point,  the 
southern  extremity  of  a  small  islet  connected  with  House  Hill  at  low  water. 
House  Hill  is  low,  with  the  ruin  of  a  house  on  its  summit,  and  bears  N.W. 
by  W.  I  W.  from  Lamtia  Island.  There  are  two  small  inlets  here ;  both 
have  bars  across  the  entrance,  and  are  frequented  by  pirates.  Lamtia 
Island  bearing  N.E.,  distant  9  miles  from  Cork  Point,  is  of  basaltic  forma- 
tion, and  its  southern  side  rises  abruptly  from  the  sea  ;  a  reef  extends  N.W. 
by  N.  half  a  mile  from  it.  Notch  Island,  of  similar  formation,  lies  N.  by  W. 
3  miles  from  Lamtia,  and  has  a  rocky  spur  extending  S.  by  E.  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  from  it,  and  also  one  N.W.  by  W.  1^-  cables. 

CHAPEL  ISLAND,  in  lat.  24°  10'  18"  N.,  lono:.  118°  13^'  E.,  is  47  miles 
N.E.  f  N.,  from  the  8.E.  Brother,  and  lU  miles  S.S.E.  from  the  Chaucliat 
Eocks  at  the  entrance  of  Amoy.  It  is  of  basaltic  formation,  with  steep 
sides  and  grassy  top,  and  perforated  at  its  southern  end  ;  there  is  also  a  re- 
markable mound  on  either  end.  With  this  island  bearing  South,  and  when 
about  midway  between  it  and  the  entrance  to  Amoy,  Captain  Ross,  of  the 
Indian  Navy,  passed  over  a  sand-bank  of  6  fathoms  water,  but  no  less  could 
be  found. 

LIGHT.— A/^efl!  and  fashing  white  light,  the  flashes  being  shown  every 
half  minute,  is  exhibited  on  Chapel  Island.  It  is  elevated  527  ft  above  the 
level  of  high  water,  visible  all  round,  and  in  clear  weather  should  be  seen 
from  a  distance  of  22  miles.  The  illuminating  apparatus  is  dioptric,  of  the 
first  order.  The  tower,  63  ft.  high,  is  round  and  painted  black  ;  the  keeper's 
dwelling  and  wall  are  painted  white. 

Merope  Shoals  are  between  Chapel  Island  and  the  coast.  South  Merope 
has  only  5  ft.  on  its  shoalest  part,  at  its  southern  end,  from  which  Chapel 
Island  bears  N.E.  by  E.  I  E.  7!  miles,  and  Lamtia  Island  N.W.  by  W.  5 
miles;  thence  it  extends,  with  depths  of  3  and  4  fathoms,  nearly  5  miles  to 
the  N.E.  North  Merope  is  formed  of  pinnacle  rocks,  the  highest  of  which 
dries  8  ft.  at  low  water ;  these  rocks  have  deep  water  between  them,  and 
bear  W.  by  N.  8^  miles  from  Chapel  Island ;  the  eastern  edge  bears  N.E. 
from  Lamtia  Island. 

Tingtae  Bay,  4  miles  northward  of  North  Merope,  affords  shelter  for  small 
vessels  in  the  N.E.  monsoon.  The  pagoda  of  Fantai  Wushan,  1,720  feet 
above  the  sea,  stands  on  the  hills  ioi mediately  at  the  back  of  this  bay.  The 
coast  here  continues  in  a  north-easterly  direction  3  miles  farther  to  Chin-ha 
Point,  when  it  takes  a  sudden  turn  to  the  N.W.,  forming  Amoy  Harbour. 

i:rl  King  Shoal,  reported  by  the  master  of  the  English  steamship  ErlKivg, 
1869,  of  3  fathoms  water,  lies  S.  by  PI  2{  miles  from  Chin-ha  Point,  with 
Chapel  Island  bearing  S.E.  ^  E.,  and  Lamtia  Island,  S.W.  *}  W. 

CAUTION.— Vessels  bound  to  Amoy  from  the  southward  and  passing  be- 
I.  A.  6  0 


101 R  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

tween  the  ofF-lying  dangers  and  the  coast  should  use  the  utmost  caution. 

Chin-ha-Point  has  a  dangerous  rocky  patch  above  water,  about  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  in  diameter,  N.E.  by  E.  6^  cables  from  it.  Vessels  should  pass 
•well  outside  the  reef.  Notch  Island,  or  Table  Head,  just  open  of  Chin-ha 
Point  leads  to  the  S.E,  and  the  eastern  extreme  of  "Wu-seu  Island  bearing 
N.  J  W.  leads  to  the  eastward  of  it. 

Wu-seu  Island,  330  ft.  high,  is  on  the  western  side  of  entrance  to  Amoy 
Outer  Harbour,  and  on  its  summit  are  or  used  to  be  three  chimneys  (the 
usual  pirate  signal  on  the  coast  of  China.  Its  N.E.  and  S.E.  faces  are  steep 
cliffs.  It  will  be  prudent  not  to  pass  westward  of  Wu-seu,  as  the  channels 
inside  are  only  partially  surveyed.  A  rock,  which  is  sometimes  covered, 
lies  between  Wu-seu  and  Chin-ba  Point,  with  that  point  bearing  S.  5  W., 
and  Nantai  Wushan  Pagoda  W.N.W. 

The  Chauchat  are  three  flat  rocks  nearly  awash  at  high  tide,  lying  about 
half  a  mile  eastward  of  Wu-seu.  A  rocky  ^-ft.  patch  lies  4|  cables  E.  by  8. 
\  S.  from  Chauchat,  with  the  extremes  of  Wu-seu  bearing  from  S.W.  by  W. 
\  W.  to  W.N.W.,  and  the  eastern  extreme  of  Tae-tan  N,  ^  E.  A  vessel 
should  pass  eastward  of  the  rocks  by  keeping  Tae-pan  Point  open  northward 
of  Tsing-seu  N.W.  by  W.     Chow-chow  water  is  found  westward  of  them. 

The  Chin-tseao  are  two  rocks,  the  eastern  of  which  is  60  feet  high,  and  the 
other  covered  at  high,  water,  lying  N.W.  by  N.  haK  a  mile  from  the  North. 
end  of  Wu-seu  ;  between  them  and  the  main  are  several  islets  and  half- 
tide  rocks. 

TSING-SEU  is  a  table-topped  island  lying  three-quarters  of  a  mile  N.W.  of 
the  Chin-tseao  ;  it  rises  precipitously  from  the  sea,  and  forts  are  built  upon 
its  summit,  which  is  250  ft.  above  high  water. 

A  LIGHTHOUSE,  33  ft.  high,  octagonal  in  shape,  and  painted  in  red  and 
white  vertical  stripes,  is  established  on  the  northern  slope  of  Tsing-seu 
Island.  The  buildings  surrounding  it  are  painted  white.  From  the  light- 
house a,  fixed  light  was  first  shown  in  December,  1875.  It  shows  red  to  the 
southward,  over  Chauchat  Eocks  and  Wooseu  Island,  between  South  and 
S.E.  by  E. ;  white  over  the  entrance  and  up  the  harbour,  between  S.E. 
by  E.  and  N.W.  ^  W.  ;  and  red  to  the  northward  over  the  Taepan  Shoal, 
between  N.W.  J  W.  and  West.  The  light  is  elevated  130  ft.,  the  bright 
light  being  visible  15  miles  off,  and  the  red  light  8  miles. 

This  lighthouse  stands  on  the  western  side  of  the  entrance  to  Amoy  Outer 
Harbour,  Chih-seu  Island  standing  on  its  eastern  side.  The  channel  west- 
ward of  Tsing-seu  is  not  safe. 

On  the  western  side  of  Amoy  Outer  Harbour,  between  Tsing-seu  and  Tae- 
pan Point,  is  Tae-pan  Shoal,  which  will  be  avoided  when  standing  westward 
by  keeping  the  pagoda  on  Ki-sue  Island  open  N.E.  of  Tae-pan  Point.  To 
avoid  the  shoals  on  the  N.E.  side  of  the  harbour,  do  not  bring  the  East  end 
of  Seao-tan  to  the  southward  of  S.E.  by  E. 


■  AiVlD'Y  JJAlfiiiDUal  \^ 


fr^  II  »  »  A  (  XII  <i  »>^  m/tr/ 

/         eSl;.     ]        s        I         AND         ' 


''    ■•  ■  *")/  ^  """^f/^-^'^ " 


/^U-  t  T  T  I.  # 
/f  jS-'  K  M  O  Y     l?^,,f 


1 


Ciiank  y. 


.'T>»  '■-3. 


'  .:•  .1'.  .     .,.■    ^*kJ      :  ■■"    •■..  « V  '•• 


:^,' 


ivoili/iy*"  >-./'/ 


\ 


AMOY  HARBOUR.  1019 

Chih-seu  is  a  small  islet  60  ft.  high,  lying  N.E.  i  E.  8  cables  from  Tsing- 
seu.  This  islet  is  connected  to  two  other  small  islets,  Hwangkwa  and  Tao- 
sao  by  a  rocky  bed  which  blocks  the  passage. 

Seao-tan  is  an  island  6^  cables  long,  East  and  West,  200  ft.  high,  with 
three  chimneys  on  it,  and  a  sandy  bay  on  its  northern  side.  It  lies  E.N.E. 
of  Hwangkwa,  and  the  channel  between,  3  cables  wide,  is  frequently  used. 
On  Seao-tan  is  a  Signal  Station,  which  communicates  with  Amoy. 

Tae-tan  Island  and  Light. — Tae-tan,  the  highest  island  of  this  group, 
and  lying  N.E.  of  Seao-tan,  is  about  8  cables  long,  N.N.  W.  and  S.S.E., 
with  a  low  sandy  ithmus  in  the  centre ;  the  highest  part  is  at  its  East 
end.  The  channel  between  this  island  and  Seao-tan  is  2  cables  wide,  but 
as  vessels  are  likely  to  have  baffling  winds,  it  would  not  be  prudent  for  a 
stranger  to  use  it. 

There  is  a  white,  octagonal  lighthouse,  16  ft.  high  and  about  300  ft.  above 
the  sea,  on  Tae-tan  Island,  fitted  with  Argand  lamps,  and  exhibiting  a,  fixed 
light,  seen  10  miles  off  in  clear  weather,  but  the  light  cannot  be  depended 
on.     ThOj^light  is  shown  to  the  northward  between  West  and  S.E. 

It  is  said  that  since  the  survey  of  this  locality  in  1843,  the  soundings  on 
the  bank  westward  of  Tae-tan  have  much  decreased,  and  that  a  vessel  draw- 
ing more  than  12  ft.  must  wait  for  water  to  run  through  this  channel. 

AMOY  HARBOUE. — Amoy  Island,  about  22  miles  in  circumference,  occu- 
pies the  northern  portion  of  the  great  bight  between  Chin-ha  and  Hu-i-tau 
Points ;  in  the  eastern  portion  is  the  island  of  Quemoy  and  Hu-i-tau  Bay. 
The  City  of  Amoy  stands  on  the  S.W.  part  of  the  island,  abreast  the  Island 
of  Kulangseu,  which  affords  protection  to  the  inner  harbour. 

Amoy  was  captured  by  the  British  forces  on  August  26th,  1841,  and  by 
the  treaty  of  Nanking,  which  followed,  was  thrown  open  to  foreign  trade. 
The  harbour  is  one  of  the  best  and  most  easy  of  access  on  the  Coast  of 
China,  so  that  the  services  of  a  pilot,  either  in  entering  or  departing,  are 
scarcely  necessary.  There  is  good  holding  ground  in  the  outer  harbour,  and 
vessels  can  anchor  in  the  inner  harbour,  within  a  short  distance  of  the  beach, 
in  perfect  security. 

The  Chinese  City  occupies  the  south-western  corner  of  the  island  of  Amoy, 
near  the  mouth  of  the  Lung-kiang,  which  leads  westerly  to  Chang-chau-fu. 
The  population  is  estimated  to  exceed  200,000,  and,  unlike  the  turbulent 
Cantonese,  is  quiet  and  inoffensive.  There  is  a  seamen's  hospital  on  this 
side,  at  which  the  charges  are  1^  dollar  a  day  for  seamen,  and  3  dollars  for 
officers. 

The  British  Consul  and  staff,  together  with  the  medical  officer  and  chaplain 
attached  to  the  Consulate,  reside  on  Kulang-seu,  the  chief  consular  building 
being  situated  on  a  cliff  commanding  an  extensive  view  seaward  and  of  the 
harboui',  while  the  Vice- Consulate  is  built  at  its  foot. 


1020  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

The  docking  accommodation  is  very  good,  and  ably  managed  by  the  Amoy 
Dock  Company.  There  are  three  docks.  The  chief  establishment  is  situated 
on  the  Amoy  side,  nearly  abreast  Dock  Islet.  There  is  also  a  wharf,  with  18 
feet  water  alongside  at  springs,  fitted  with  masting  shears.  The  dock,  which 
is  capable  of  taking  a  vessel  300  ft.  long,  is  316  ft.  in  length  at  coping,  and 
304  ft.  on  floor  ;  depth  from  coping  to  sill,  20  ft.  ;  length  of  caisson  on  deck, 
64  ft. ;  on  floor,  54  ft.  ;  width  of  dock  at  entrance  gate,  60  ft.  ;  on  floor,  34 
feet ;  there  are  18J  ft.  water  at  entrance  at  springs,  and  the  rise  and  fall  is 
17  to  18  ft.  The  second  dock  is  on  the  Kulangseu  side,  near  the  Lintau 
landing  place ;  it  is  240  ft.  in  length.  The  third  and  smallest,  called  the 
Bellamy  Dock,  is  near  the  entrance  of  the  inner  harbour,  abreast  the  Brown 
Eock;  it  is  186  ft.  long. 

A  sunken  roch,  on  which  there  are  only  6  ft.  at  low  water,  lies  N.W.  f  N., 
1 J  cable^from  the  entrance  of  Amoy  Dock. 

The  Harbour  lies  between  Kulangseu  Island  and  the  S.W.  shore  of  Amoy 
Island,  and  is  from  2  to  3|  cables  in  breadth,  and  1|  mile  in  length.  Ku- 
langseu, 302  ft.  high,  when  viewed  from  the  entrance  of  the  outer  harbour, 
appears  as  one  huge  boulder.  The  British  Consulate,  standing  on  its  S.E, 
part,  is  very  conspicuous.     Over  the  consulate  is  the  Signal  Station. 

Buoys. —  Co];er  Rock,  the  outer  danger  at  the  entrance  of  the  eastern  chan- 
nel into  Amoy  inner  harbour,  has  2  ft.  water  on  it,  and  is  marked  by  a  rei 
and  white  vertical^  striped  buoy,  from  which  Cornwallis  Stone  bears  E.  by 
8.  I  S.,  and  is  distant  a  little  more  than  half  a  mile  ;  the  "West  extreme  of 
Thumb  Rock  is  just  touching  the  white  staff  on  the  point  North  of  it, 
N.W.  J  N.,  and  this  high  water  rock  (6  ft.  high)  off  Beveridge  Point  is  just 
open  South  of  two  small  rocks  of  the  same  height  lying  off  the  English  Con- 
sulate, nearly  West.     Coker  Rock  lies  in  mid-channel. 

Brown  or  Ashne  Rock,  of  13  ft.,  is  marked  by  a  buoy  in  red  and  white  hori- 
%ontal  stripes,  from  which  Coker  Rock  bears  S.  by  E.  |  E.  one-third  of  a 
mile,  and  the  South  extreme  of  the  easternmost  house  on  Kulangseu  is  just 
on  with  the  top  of  Thumb  Rock  W.  by  S.,  which  latter  is  distant  1^  cable. 

Harhour  Rock  lies  in  the  anchorage,  having  only  9  ft.  water  at  low  tides, 
and  6  and  7  fathoms  between  it  and  the  shore ;  from  the  rock  the  apex  of 
Dock  Island  bears  N.E.  \  N.,  distant  IJ  cable,  and  Monkey  Island  Pagoda, 
N.W.  i  W.,  7 J  cables.     There  is  a  buoy  36  ft  East  of  this  rock. 

Kellett  Spit  is  the  extreme  North  of  the  foul  ground  extending  in  a 
northerly  direction  from  the  North  point  of  Kulangseu.  A  red  buoy  is  placed 
in  5  fathoms  on  its  extreme  end.     It  has  been  the  scene  of  many  accidents. 


*  In  the  Chinese  official  list,  corrected  to  August,  1874,  it  is  stated  that  there  is  a  large 
iron  buoy  about  60  fathoms  from  the  Coker  Rock,  and  a  small  iron  buoy  ^0  ft.  S.W.  of  the 
pinnacle  of  the  rock,  but  how  coloured  is  not  mentioned. 


AMOY  HAEBOUR.  1021 

Anchorage. — The  outer  harbour  of  Amoy  has  extensive  anchorage  in  7  to 
16  fathoms,  good  holding  ground,  and  unless  vessels  are  badly  fuund  it  ia 
not  probable  that  any  gale  could  hurt  them.  The  usual  anchorage  is  west- 
ward of  Cornwallis  Stone ;  a  good  berth  is  in  about  6  fathoms,  muddy- 
bottom,  with  Cornwallis  Stone  bearing  East,  and  Thumb  Rock  N.W.  ^  N. 
This  is  almost  as  near  the  town  as  a  vessel  can  approach  without  the  neces- 
sity of  mooring.     Moorings  are  laid  down  for  H.M.  gunboats. 

There  is  also  good  and  safe  anchorage  in  7  to  17  fathoms  in  the  channel 
on  the  West  side  of  Kulangseu. 

Typhoons  are  scarcely  known,  but  when  experienced  along  the  coast,  Amoy 
is  visited  by  heavy  north-easterly  gales,  with  hot  winds,  veering  round  East 
and  South.  Vessels  then  in  the  neighbourhood  generally  run  for  Amoy 
Harbour  to  repair  damages. 

Tides.  —It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Amoy  Inner  Harbour,  at 
12*"  0"",  ordinary  springs  rise  18^  ft.,  neaps  14Jft.  During  the  N.E.  monsoon 
the  evening  fall  is  only  15  ft.,  the  previous  rise  having  been  19  ft.  This 
occurs  from  September  till  March,  when  for  a  short  time  the  morning  rise 
and  evening  fall  may  be  said  to  be  equal.  During  the  S.W.  monsoon  this 
phenomenon  is  reversed,  the  evening  tide  having  the  greatest  fall,  the  morn- 
ing the  least.     The  greatest  velocity  at  springs  is  4  knots. 

Owing  to  a  greater  rise  of  tide  from  August  till  December  than  the  other 
months  of  the  year,  a  vessel  may  be  taken  into  Amoy  Dock,  drawing  18^  ft. 
In  April  there  are  only  16  ft.  on  the  blocks,  which  is  the  lowest  during  the 
year.  It  gradually  falls  to  this  level  from  December,  and  again  increases  to 
the  month  of  August. 

DIRECTIONS. — When  bound  to  Amoy  from  the  southward,  after  round- 
ing the  Lamock  Islands  and  the  Brothers,  steer  about  N.E.  by  N.  for  Chapel 
Island,  keeping  between  10  and  12  miles  off  the  coast  to  avoid  South  Merupe 
Shoal.  The  Nantai  Wushan  pagoda  is  a  good  landmark  by  which  the 
entrance  of  Amoy  may  be  recognised  when  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Chapel 
Island,  which  may  be  passed  close-to  on  either  side,  thence  a  N.  by  W.  f  W. 
course  will  lead  towards  the  entrance  of  the  harbour.  As  the  8-feet  patch 
off  the  Chauchat  Rocks  is  approached,  keep  Tae-pan  Point  well  open  North 
of  Tsing-seu  to  pass  eastward  of  it ;  thence  steer  between  Tsing-seu  and 
Chih-seu  into  Amoy  outer  harbour. 

Approaching  the  harbour  from  the  eastward,  give  Dodd  Island  a  berth  of 
a  mile,  and  after  passing  Leeo-lu  Head,  wuich  is  steep-to,  be  careful  not  to 
shut  in  the  island  with  the  head  until  Ki-seu  Island  opens  South  of  Tae-tan 
Island,  W.  by  N.  f  N.,  to  clear  Quemoy  Spit.  Thence  steer  for  Tsing-seu, 
keeping  Tae-tan  Point  well  open  North  of  Tsing-seu  as  before. 

The  entranoe  to  Amoy  in  clear  weather  is  easily  distinguished  by  the  high 
land  on  the  South  side,  on  the  summit  of  which  is  the  Nan-tai  Pagoda,  an 
excellent  land-mark,  but  often  covered  with  clouds,  especially  in  the  S.W. 


1022  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

monsoon.     After  Chapel  Island  is  made  the  six  islands  forming  the  outer 
harbour  soon  come  in  sight. 

The  channel  into  the  inner  harbour,  between  Kulangseu  and  Amoy,  is  so 
narrow,  and  sunken  rocks  lie  ofif  both  its  shores,  that  a  stranger  should  not 
attempt  it  without  a  pilot.  The  best  anchorage  is  between  Dock  Islet  off  the 
city  point  and  Hauseu  Island.  The  inner  harbour,  however,  may  be  reached 
without  difficulty  by  passing  through  the  channel  westward  of  Kulangseu, 
taking  care  to  give  Druid  Head,  the  S.W.  point  of  the  island,  a  berth  of  at 
least  1  cable's  length,  and  recollecting  that  shoal  water  extends  half  a  mile 
from  the  main  land  on  the  opposite  shore.  After  passing  Draid  Head,  keep 
"well  over  towards  Watson  and  Hauseu  Islands,  and  in  crossing  over  to  the 
eastward  for  the  city  beware  of  Kellett  Spit,  extending  from  the  North  point 
of  Kulangseu,  especially  if  the  ebb  tide  is  running  strong. 

Pilots  (Chinese)  are  generally  to  be  met  with  inside  Chapel  Island  who  are 
licensed  to  pilot  vessels  (1869)  as  far  as  Cornwallis  Stone,  the  limit  of  the 
inner  harbour,  whence  European  pilots  take  charge.  Their  boats  may  be 
recognized  by  their  carrying  a  flag,  and  having  "Licensed  Pilot"  painted 
on  the  bows. 

Entering  the  harhotir. — It  is  always  advisable  to  enter  the  eastern  or  Blonde 
Channel  into  Amoy  Harbour  on  the  ebb.  In  entering,  steer  for  Cornwallis 
Stone,  and  after  passing  it  keep  the  Amoy  shore  aboard  on  the  ebb  and 
during  ttie  N.E.  monsoon.  The  Coker  and  Brown  Rock  buoys  watch  well ; 
leave  them  at  half  a  cable  on  the  port  hand.  The  South  Chalk  Island  just 
open  northward  of  Hauseu  Island,  N.W.  f  N.,  clears  the  Alibi  Rock,  the 
Isere  Rocks,  and  all  the  dangers  on  the  East  side  of  Kulangseu. 

The  wider  channel  on  the  West  side  of  Kulangseu  may  be  used  without 
difl&culty,  but  a  vessel  of  large  draught  in  entering  should  keep  Druid  Head 
a  little  eastward  of  North  to  avoid  a  3 -fathom  spit,  which  extends  off  Anson 
Bluff,  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  channel.  Cass  Spit,  extending  from  the  S.E. 
point  of  Sung-seu  Island,  has  only  8  ft.  at  low  water  on  its  extreme,  which 
is  one-third  of  a  mile  from  the  point ;  to  clear  it,  dc)  not  shut  in  the  white 
tower,  which  is  on  the  low  wooded  point  West  of  the  Chalk  Islands,  with 
the  N.E.  point  of  Sung-seu,  N.  by  W. 

In  working  through  this  channel,  standing  westward  towards  Cass  Spit, 
keep  the  white  tower  openof  the  N.E.  point  of  Sung-seu.  Standing  eastward, 
Druid  Head  and  the  small  joss  house  may  be  approached  to  three-quarters 
of  a  cable.  If  obliged  to  tack  between  the  small  joss  house  and  Modeste 
Point,  keep  Druid  Head  well  in  sight.  Kiu-sung-seu  is  fringed  with  low 
water  rocks,  and  may  be  approached  to  about  a  cable.  In  making  the 
eastern  board  towards  the  Isere  Rock.s,  tack  when  the  small  joss  house  is 
midway  between  First  Rock  and  Modeste  Point.  When  northward  of  the 
buoy  on  Kellett  Spit,  or  when  the  cathedral  cross  is  in  line  with  Duck  Islet, 


AMOY— DIEECTIONS.  1028 

steer  to  tlie  eastward  for  the  anchorage  off  the  city,  keeping  the  South  Chalk 
Island  open  North  of  Hauseu  to  clear  the  Isere  Eocks. 

On  entering  Amoy,  if  foggy,  after  passing  between  Tsing-seu  and  Chih- 
seu  and  unable  to  see  Kulangseu,  care  should  be  taken  to  ascertain  the 
direction  of  the  tide  as  it  runs  here  very  strong,  and  vessels  are  often  so 
drifted  out  of  their  course  as  to  be  compelled  to  anchor.  As  a  rule,  the 
ebb  tide  for  the  first  three  hours  will  be  found  setting  strongest  through  the 
narrow  channel  North  of  Kulangseu  and  obliquely  across  the  outer  harbour, 
about  S.E. ;  and  the  last  of  the  tide,  making  stronger  through  the  broad 
channel  South  of  Kulangseu,  will  generally  be  found  setting  more  easterly 
and  directly  through  the  fairway. 

In  working  out  with  the  ebb  tide  it  is  not  advisable  to  stand  in  close  to 
Tsing-seu  or  Chih-seu  on  account  of  the  eddies  and  chow-chow  water ;  the 
tides  at  springs  run  very  swiftly  between  the  islands  and  set  obliquely,  N.E. 
and  S.W.,  across  the  outer  harbour.  A  sailing  vessel  beating  out  of  Amoy 
on  the  ebb  should  be  careful  not  to  be  becalmed  under  Tsing-seu,  as  the  tide 
runs  strong  towards  it. 

Vessels  of  large  draught  should  pass  northward  of  Kellett  Spit  buoy,  as 
immediately  inside  it  are  only  1 8  ft.  at  low  water.  Many  vessels  have  passed 
over  the  Isere  Rocks  with  impunity,  owing  to  the  great  rise  of  tide,  but  some 
in  doing  so  have  been  greatly  injured,  and  in  the  case  of  the  Isere  a  total 
shipwreck  was  the  consequence. 

The  formation  of  the  bottom  in  Amoy  HarboUr  appears  as  irregular  as 
the  sudden  and  abrupt  falls  on  Kulangseu.  The  residents  are  of  opinion 
that  the  patches  are  mushroom  shaped,  and  consequently  when  cables  wind 
round  them  they  are  irrecoverable. 

When  there  is  much  shipping  in  the  inner  harbour,  the  easiest  way  often 
to  get  out  is  to  go  round  to  the  westward  of  Kulangseu. 

The  channel  around  Amoy  Island  is  so  narrow  and  winding  that  directions 
would  be  useless ;  the  chart  is  the  best  guide.  The  Bay  of  Sungseu,  on  the 
North  side  of  which  the  city  of  that  name  is  built,  runs  back  7  miles  to  the 
westward  from  Kulangseu  ;  it  is,  however,  shoal,  and  only  navigable  for 
small  craft. 

Coal  is  supplied  from  Hong  Kong  for  H.M.  ships,  and  stored,  and  is  put 
on  board  by  contractors  at  any  hour  of  the  day  or  night,  weather  permitting. 
Fresh  beef,  vegetables,  and  water  are  readily  procured. 

Q,UEMOY  ISLAND  is  separated  from  Amoy  by  a  channel  5  to  7  miles 
wide,  in  the  middle  of  which  is  Little  Quemoy  Island.  Between  Tae-tan 
Island  and  Little  Quemoy  the  channel  is  deep,  but  narrowed  by  reefs. 

The  channel  between  Little  Quemoy  and  Quemoy  is  half  a  mile  wide.  To 
enter,  bring  the  N.E.  point  of  Little  Quemoy  onaN.  ^  E.  bearing,  and  steer 
for  it  until  the  pagoda  on  Quemoy  bears  East,  then  haul  to  N.E.  by  N.  for 


1024  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

a  mile,  and  anchor  in  about  9  fathoms  secure  from  all  winds.    Vessels  draw- 
ing less  than  15  ft.  may  borrow  over  on  the  Little  Que-noy  shore. 

Quemoy  Bank  extends  3  miles  southward  from  the  West  point  of  Quemoy. 
It  is  steep-to,  and  the  lead  will  give  no  warning.  Leeo-ht  Bay,  on  the  South 
coast  of  Quemoy  Island,  is  said  to  afford  good  shelter  from  N.W.,  round 
northward,  to  East,  but  the  tides  are  uncertain,  and  several  dangers  exist 
near  the  shores. 

Hu-i-tau  Bay,  formed  between  the  eastern  side  of  Quemoy  and  the  main- 
land, affords  good  shelter  in  the  N.E.  monsoon.  Hu-i-tau  Point,  the  eastern 
point  of  entrance,  is  80  ft.  high,  and  at  1^  mile  south-eastward  of  it  is  a 
sunken  rock,  on  which  2f  fathoms  were  found. 

Vessels  requiring  shelter  during  the  N.E.  monsoon  in  this  bay,  will  find 
good  anchorage  on  its  eastern  side  between  Oyster  Islet  and  Oyster  Hock, 
taking  care  to  avoid  the  latter,  which  only  shows  at  low  water  springs. 
There  is  also  anchorage  westward  of  Oyster  Islet  in  5  fathoms,  but  the  islet 
should  not  be  brought  to  the  southward  of  East,  as  a  rocky  ledge  of  only  6 
feet  water  lies  6  cables  W.N.W.  of  the  islet. 

Vessels  seeking  shelter  in  a  southerly  wind  can  run  up  the  bay  to  the 
northward,  of  "White  Eoeks  and  Thalia  Bank,  and  find  anchorage  in  5^ 
fathoms  at  half  a  mile  N.E.  of  Flak  Islands  To  avoid  the  northern  edge  of 
Thalia  Bank,  do  not  bring  Flak  Island  to  the  northward  of  W.  by  N.  f  N. ; 
and  by  keeping  Oyster  Islet  open  northward  of  the  fort,  the  bank  will  be 
avoided  which  extends  from  the  North  side  of  the  bay. 

The  channel  between  Thalia  Bank  and  Quemoy  is  foul  with  several  reefs, 
and  should  not  be  attempted  without  some  previous  knowledge.  To  clear 
the  South  end  of  Thalia  Bank,  keep  the  chimney  on  the  North  end  of 
Quemoy  on  a  W.  by  N.  f  N.  bearing  until  White  Eock  bears  North,  then 
steer  N.W.  until  the  rock  is  N.E.  by  E.,  when  shape  a  course  to  pass  half  a 
mile  from  the  points  of  the  bays  on  the  Quemoy  shore. 

The  channel  North  of  Quemoy  having  8  ft.  in  it  at  low  water,  might  be 
used  at  high  tide  ;  but  no  vessels  should  attempt  it  without  a  pih)t. 

CHIMMO  BAY  is  between  Chimmo  Point  on  the  South,  and  Yungning 
Point  on  the  North.  The  former  of  these  points  lies  8J  miles  N.E.  of 
Hu-i-tau  Head.  This  bay  can  only  be  termed  a  roadstead,  and  is  dangerous 
in  the  southerly  monsoon.  Timgning  Islet  is  steep-to,  but  the  reef  lying 
W.  I  S.  3  cables  from  it,  covers  at  high  water.  Within  the  bay  the  depths 
shoal  gradually,  but  vessels  drawing  15  ft.  and  upwards  must  not  bring 
Yungning  Islet  to  the  southward  of  E.  f  S.  It  is  high  water,  full  and  change, 
in  Chimmo  Bay,  at  10''  20";  spri'  gs  rise  16  ft.  The  tide  sets  with  consider- 
able strength  along  the  coast,  between  Hu-i-tau  and  Chimmo  Bays ;  but 
both  the  period  and  the  rate  vary  considerably  with  the  monsoon.  The 
state  of  the  tide  will  be  known  by  the  numerous  fishing  nets  moored  off  the 
coast. 


CHIN-CHU  HARBOUE.  1025 

CHIN-CHU  HARBOUR.— The  coast  from  Chimmo  Bay  trends  N.E.  by  N. 
8  miles  to  Chungdii  Point,  the  southern  point  of  entrance  to  Chin-chu 
Harbour.  At  1^  mile  southward  of  Chungchi  Point  is  Bell  Islet,  with  a 
building  on  it  something  like  a  bell. 

Pilots. — Chin-chu  Harbour  is  the  only  place  where  pilots  can  be  got  for 
Hai-tan  Strait  or  Hungwha  Sound,  and  it  is  advisable  that  all  vessels  bound 
there  should  take  one,  as  the  navigation  is  very  intricate. 

Kusan  Pagoda,  760  ft.  above  the  sea,  on  the  North  side  of  Chiramo  Bay,  is 
an  excellent  mark  for  recognizing  the  locality  of  Chin-chu  Harbour  when 
approaching  it  from  the  southward.  From  a  position  about  If  mile  eastward 
of  Chungchi  Point,  steer  North  until  Choho  Pagoda  opens  northward,  of 
Seatoi  Island,  bearing  W.  J  S.,  when  the  pagoda  should  be  steered  fur  on 
that  bearing,  and  it  will  lead,  along  the  northern  edge  of  Seatoi  Bank.  The 
ship  Omega,  drawing  11  ft.,  struck  on  a  bank  1^  mile  eastward  of  Seatoi, 
but  not  less  than  2i  fathoms  were  found  upon  the  Seatoi  Bank  in  March, 
1844;  the  southerly  monsoon  may,  however,  cause  the  sand  to  accumulate 
at  times. 

If  running  for  the  harbour  from  the  northward,  aud  intending  to  anchor 
southward  of  the  Boot  Sand,  after  passing  about  three  quarters  of  a  mile 
South  of  Passage  Island,  steer  in  with  Choho  Pagoda  W.  f  S.  until  the  peak 
on  Tatoi  Island  bears  N.  by  W.  ^  W.,  and  the  eastern  end  of  Seatoi  Island 
S.S.W.  i  W.,  then  haul  to  the  southward,  and  pass  a  cable  eastward  of  the 
East  point  of  Seatoi.  Pound  the  South  side  of  Seatoi  at  half  a  cable,  and 
when  its  western  summit  is  on  with  the  highest  part  of  Tatoi,  the  vessel 
•will  be  in  the  narro>v  est  part  of  the  channel,  which  is  here  barely  a  cable 
across. 

Having  passed  Seatoi,  a  W.N.W.  course  will  lead  to  the  anchorage  above 
Pisai  Island  in  mid-channel.  By  keeping  this  island  westward  of  W.  by 
N.  ^  N.,  the  reef  off  Choho  Pagoda  will  be  avoided;  and  the  southern  edge 
of  the  Boot  will  be  cleared  by  not  bringing  Seatoi  to  the  southward  uf 
E.  by  S.  J  S. ;  the  outline  of  this  bank,  however,  is  generally  visible.  The 
opium  vessels  run  in  between  the  Lynx  and  Taheen  Eocks,  with  the  Si»uth 
extremes  of  Seatoi  Island  and  Ota  Eock  in  line  with  the  North  extreme  of 
Pisai.  The  anchorage  is  North  about  IJ  or  2  miles  from  Pisui,  where  the 
channel  is  3  cables  wide. 

If  wishing  to  anchor  on  the  North  side  of  the  Boot,  steer  to  pass  northward 
of  Tatoi  Island,  and  if  drawing  less  than  15  ft.  a  vessel  may  run  up  until 
Choho  Pagoda  bears  S.  by  W.  ^  W.,  where  she  will  have  smooth  water  in 
any  weather,  as  the  Boot  forms  an  excellent  breakwater.  The  North  edge 
of  the  Boot  will  be  avoided  by  keeping  the  White  Eocks  southward  of  East. 
A  sunken  rock  lies  1 J  cable  from  the  northern  shore,  and  N.  by  W.  i  W. 
from  the  summit  of  Tatoi.  There  is  good  anchorage  iu  N.E.  or  northerly 
I.  A.  6  p 


1026  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

gales  in  Sh  and  4  fathoms,  with  the  summit  of  Tatoi  S.E.  by  S.  ;  but  in  a 
S.  W.  o-ale  the  former  anchorage  is  to  be  preferred.  The  Boot  may  be  crossed 
by  a  vessel  of  light  draught  at  high  tide,  but  it  should  be  sounded  first,  as 
the  sands  are  liable  to  shift. 

The  entrance  of  the  small  river,  leading  to  the  town  of  Chin-chu,  is  Smiles 
"W.  by  N.  f  N.  from  Pisai  Island.  On  the  left  bank  near  the  entrance  is  a 
circular  fort,  4  or  5  miles  above  which  is  the  town  standing  on  the  North 
bank  of  the  river.  The  channels  to  it  are  shoal  and  intricate,  and  the  large 
junks  have  to  wait  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Pisai  for  tide  before  they  can 
cross  the  flats,  which  are  covered  with  artificial  oyster  beds. 

Tong-bu  Bay. — About  10  miles  N.E.  by  E.  of  Chung-chi  Point  is  the 
town  of  Tong-b<i,  south-westward  of  which  is  a  large  open  bay  or  roadstead, 
afi'ording  anchorage  in  7  to  4  fathoms,  with  good  shelter  in  the  N.E.  mon- 
soon ;  it  cannot,  however,  be  recommended,  on  account  of  the  exceedingly 
rocky  character  of  the  coast. 

Juno  Rock  is  a  cluster  of  rocky  heads  covered  with  coral,  with  12  ft.  at  low 
water,  and  5J  to  6  fathoms  around,  from  which  the  West  corner  of  ToDg-bu 
wall  bears  N.E.  If  mile. 

Pyramid  Point,  at  3  miles  eastward  of  Tong-bu,  appears  a  bold,  black 
face  of  land  ;  to  the  S.E.  of  it  is  a  rock  which  never  covers.  To  the  eastward 
of  the  Pyramid  are  several  reefs,  from  the  outermost  of  which  the  Pyramid 
bears  S.W.  by  W.  |  W.  6  cables. 

Port  Matheson,  called  by  the  Chinese  Gulai,  is  the  next  inlet  to  the  N.E. 
of  Chin-chu.  It  is  only  a  roadstead,  and  that  a  bad  one  in  the  southerly 
monsoon.  There  are  no  dangers  in  it  except  a  rock  lying  North  4  cables 
from  the  largest  islet  on  the  southern  shore. 

Meichen  Sound,  the  next  inlet  North  of  Port  Matheson,  is  6  miles  across 
at  the  entrance,  which  may  be  recognized  by  the  Ninepin  Rock  lying  nearly 
in  the  middle  of  it.  A  reef  extends  South  from  the  Ninepin,  and  at  the 
distance  of  a  mile  in  that  direction  is  Square  Rock,  one  of  a  cluster  of  rocka, 
which  does  not  cover  at  high  tide  ;  thence  the  reef  extends  south-westward 
If  cable,  and  its  outer  part  dries  at  low  water.  A  large  spar  is  moored 
about  1 J  mile  S.W.  of  square  Rock. 

East,  6  cables  from  the  Ninepin,  is  a  flat  patch  of  rocks  awash  at  high 
water,  and  between  this  patch  and  Eogues  Point  is  good  anchorage  in  the 
N.E.  monsoon.  In  the  southerly  monsoon  vessels  will  find  a  good  harbour 
to  the  N.W.  of  Saddle  Island,  which  bears  N.W.  by  N.  3^  miles  from  the 
Ninepin. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Meichen  Sound,  at  O*"  30™ ;  springs 
rise  17  ft. 

Sorrel  Rock,  bearing  E.  by  N.  3f  miles  from  Rogues  Point,  is  60  ft.  high, 
and  has  a  detached  rock  three-quarters  of  a  cable  South  of  it. 

Pinghai  Bay,  the  next  inlet  N.E.  of  Meichen  Sound,  is  6 J  miles  wide  at 


THE  OCKSEU  ISLANDS  AND  LIGHTHOUSE.  1027 

entrance,  between  the  Rowan  Islands  on  the  West  and  Ping  Point  on  the 
East,  and  shoals  gradually  from  5  to  3  fathoms.  Ping  Rock,  90  feet  hip-h 
and  conical  shaped,  lies  4  cables  southward  of  the  latter  point;  there  is  a 
sunken  rock  S.W.  by  W.  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  it.  The  anchorage  in 
this  bay  is  in  3  fathoms,  off  the  town  of  Pinghai,  with  the  Ping  Eock  bear- 
ing S.E.  by  E. 

Loutz  Eock  is  about  5^  miles  E.S.E.  from  Ping  Eock,  and  between  them, 
If  mile  from  Loutz,  are  two  sunken  rocks,  named  Loutz  Shoal,  from  which 
the  Ping  is  in  line  with  Marlin  Spike  Peak  N.W.  by  W.  \  W.  ;  and  the 
islet  lying  N.E.  of  the  Loutz  in  one  with  the  South  Yit,  E.  f  N.  N.N.  W.  2 
cables  from  the  above  islet  is  a  half-tide  rock,  and  another  S.  f  W.  8  cables 
from  the  islet  and  East  from  the  highest  part  of  the  Loutz. 

The  OCKSEU  or  WOKETJ  GROUP  « onsists  of  two  islands,  with  a  barren 
rock  in  the  centre  joining  the  eastern  island.  The  north-western  island,  the 
largest,  is  260  ft.  above  the  sea,  round-topped,  with  smooth  sides,  and  bears 
from  tlie  Sorrel  Eock  E.  by  S.  I  ^.  15  J  miles,  and  from  the  South  Tit  S.  by 
W.  J  W.  lOi  miles.  A  strong  tide  ripple,  or  reef,  appeared  to  break  about 
1^  mile  W.N.W.  of  the  western  Ockseu  Island. 

LIGHTHOUSE, — On  the  high  or  West  Ockseu  Island  stands  a  round  stone 
tower  64  ft.  high,  painted  black.  The  surrounding  buildings  are  painted 
•white.  The  light,  first  exhibited  in  December,  1875,  is  a  bright  revolving 
light,  showing  a  flash  every  minute.  It  is  elevated  286  ft.  above  the  sea,  and 
through  a  clear  atmosphere  is  visible  24  miles  off. 

LAM- YIT  ISLAND,  the  southern  and  largest  of  the  archipelago,  called 
the  Eighteen  Yits,  fronts  the  deep  and  extensive  inlet,  Hungwha  Sound.  Off 
the  South  point  of  the  island  is  South  Yit  Islet,  to  the  N.AV.  of  which  will 
be  found  a  snug  and  excelleut  anchorage,  in  7  to  10  fathoms,  in  the  N.Fl 
monsoon.  N.W.,  2  miles  from  the  South  Yit,  is  a  flat  rock,  always  above 
water  ;  and  S.  by  E.  4  cables  from  this  rock,  is  a  reef  awash  at  low  tide. 

Lam-yit  Channel  is  on  the  West  side  of  Lam-yit  Island.  A  sand-bank 
extends  2^^  miles  in  a  southerly  direction  from  the  West  point  of  Lam-yit  fi-om 
its  South  end,  the  South  Yit  bore  E.  f  S.  ;  its  western  edge  will  be  avoided 
by  keeping  Lam  Point  (the  West  point  of  the  island,  which  will  be  known  by 
its  three  chimneys)  to  the  eastward  of  North.  On  the  western  side  of  the 
channel  there  is  also  a  rocky  patch  of  If  fathom,  the  eastern  edge  of  which 
bears  S.  by  W.  2  miles  from  Clam  Islet,  the  largest  islet  between  Lam-yit 
and  the  main. 

Anchorage. — The  Plover  rode  out  a  strong  N.E.  gale  between  Lam  Point 
and  Clam  Islet ;  but  better  shelter  will  be  found  southward  of  Lam  Point, 
■where  the  junks  anchor.  Eor  vessels  of  large  draught  there  is  anchorage  in 
4  or  5  fathoms,  at  1^  mile  northward  of  the  point. 

HUNGWHA  SOUND.— Besides  Lam-yit  Island,  there  are  many  islxnds 
and  rocks  within  Hungwha  Sound,  bordering  its  shores,  the  principal  ones 


1028  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

being  near  the  entrauce  points.  The  only  passages  that  must  be  used  to 
enter  it  are,  the  Lam-yit  and  Himgwha  Channels,  and  Hai-tan  Strait. 

Filots  can  be  obtained  at  Chiu-chu.  Hungwha  River  flows  into  the 
western  part  of  Hungwha  Sound. 

Hungwha  Channel.— The  Eighteen  Yits  are  a  scattered  group  of  islands 
lying  N.E.  and  eastward  of  Lamyit  Island,  and  extending  over  a  space  of 
10  miles.  On  no  account  ought  vessels  to  stand  in  among  the  Yits,  as  the 
ground  is  very  uneven. 

Cliff  Island  lies  1^  mile  northward  of  the  North  extreme  of  Lam-yit.  From 
this  dangers  extend  £  r  nearly  1^  mile  to  the  N.E.  by  E.  At  2  miles  E.N.E. 
of  Cliff  Island  is  North  Fit  Rock,  surrounded  by  dangers,  and  lying  a  mile 
northward  of  the  N.W.  point  of  Bed  Yit,  the  largest  of  the  Eighteen  Yits. 
The  best  channel  into  Hungwha  Sound  will  be  found  by  passing  northward 
of  the  North  Yit  and  Cliff  Island,  and  southward  of  the  Passage  Islands, 
which  lie  2  miles  northward  of  Cliff  Island.  Henry  Rocks,  2^  miles  eastward 
of  the  North  Y'it,  and  S.S.W.  IJ  mile  from  White  Island,  are  a  dangerous 
cluster  of  sunken  rocks,  lying  W.  by  N.  and  E.  by  S.  1  mile  in  length.  Eerr 
Island  lies  N.E.  by  E.  2  J  miles  from  White  Islet,  and  has  numerous  dangers 
lying  South  and  S.E.  of  it.  With  White  Island  bearing  W.  by  N.,  how- 
ever, all  these  dangers  will  be  clered. 

Hungwha  Channel  leads  out  to  seaward  North  of  the  Eighteen  Yits,  and 
the  northern  side  of  which  is  bounded  by  the  island  and  reefs  off  Vangan 
Point. 

Entering  Hungwha  Channel  from  the  eastward,  pass  (taking  care  to  avoid 
the  Sedan  and  Comet  Eocks)  between  Double  Yit  and  Sentry  Island,  and 
westward  of  Sand  Island  and  the  rocky  islets  on  its  N.W.  face,  off  which 
there  is  anchorage,  should  daylight  or  the  tide  fail ;  but  the  best  shelter  is 
off  Station  Island,  to  the  North  of  Chim  Island. 

On  no  account  whatever  pass  between  Sand,  Sentry,  Eeef,  and  Chim 
Islands,  as  this  locality  has  not  been  sufficiently  examined,  and  beware  of 
the  reefs  eastward  and  southward  of  Eeef  Island.  Some  of  these  have  been 
accurately  placed.  The  Comet  Rock,  with  9  ft.  water,  lies  If  mile  S.  by  W. 
f  W.  from  the  summit  of  Eeef  Island.  Breaker  Bock  lies  1^  mile  South  of 
the  same.  Sedan  Bock,  the  outermost  yet  discovered,  is  of  small  extent, 
with  8  feet  water  over  it,  steep-to,  having  11  to  13  fathoms  close  around. 
From  its  shoalest  part,  Eed  Yit  Island  summit  is  just  open  northward  of 
the  North  extreme  of  Double  Yit  Island,  bearing  W.  i  N.  ;  and  Chim  Island 
summit  is  in  line  with  the  eastern  ^treme  of  the  reef  lying  3  cables  westward 
of  Bent  Island,  bearing  N.  byW.  ^  W. 

HAI-TAN  ISLAND. — This  large  and  irregular  shaped  island,  lying  be- 
tween the  parallels  of  25°  24'  and  25°  40'  N.,  is  separated  from  the  mainland 
by  the  fine  navigable  strait  bearing  the  same  name.  Its  northern  part  is 
high,  the  peak  of  Kiangshan  Hills  rising  1,420  ft.  above  the  level  of  the  sea, 


HAI-TAN  ISLAND.  1029 

■whilst  the  eastern  and  western  shores  are  low,  and  indented  by  deep  sandy 
bays.  Numerous  small  islands  and  rocks  occupy  Hai-tan  Strait,  between 
the  island  and  the  coast,  and  although  it  is  not  to  be  recommended  to  sailing 
vessels  except  with  a  commanding  breeze,  being  very  intricate,  yet  the 
coasting  steamers  and  junks  invariably  use  it;  one  of  the  latter  was  found 
lying  there,  having  being  detained  27  days  waiting  for  an  opportunity  to  get 
out  at  the  northern  end. 

There  is  very  good  anchorage  under  Hai  Head,  the  S.E.  point  of  Hai- 
tan  Island,  in  the  N.E.  monsoon.  It  is  reported  free  of  rocks.  H.M.  gun- 
boat Dwarf  in  1872  anchored  in  3J  fathoms,  with  the  outer  point  S.E.  by  E., 
and  the  easternmost  village  on  the  bay  N.N.E.  This  anchorage  is  frequented 
by  junks. 

To  enter  the  South  end  of  Hai-tan  Strait,  after  passing  Junk  Sail,  steer 
North  for  Low  Islet  until  the  East  end  of  Junk  Sail  and  the  West  end  of 
Station  Island  are  in  line,  keeping  them  so  until  Pass  Island  bears  South  ; 
but  be  careful  to  shut  the  points  in  somewhat  at  the  moment  of  passing  the 
Ashuelot  Rocks,*  or  when  Low  Island  will  be  coming  on  an  East  bearing. 
Then  steer  N.  ^  W.  or  N.N.W.  as  may  be  desirable  to  pass  East  or  "West  of 
Flag  Island. 

Since  the  date  of  Kellett's  and  Collinson's  Survey  in  1843,  the  channels 
North  of  Flag  Island  have  materially  altered,  the  old  channel  on  the  East 
having  decreased  in  depth  of  17  ft.  at  its  northern  part,  and  a  new  channel, 
the  Wilson,  on  the  western  side  of  the  strait,  has  22  ft.  at  low  water  springs. 
Between  the  two  a  middle  ground  3  miles  in  length  has  grown  up  with  only 
4  to  6  feet  water  over  it.  The  banks  are  generally  discoloured,  and  their 
edges  show,  but  not  invariably.  In  thick  weather,  especially  when  coming 
from  the  northward,  the  Wilson  channel,  is  preferable 

The  Cow^s  Horn,  a  remarkable  peak  on  the  main  to  the  northward  of  the 
strait,  kept  in  line  with  the  summit  of  Slut  Island  N.  \  W.,  leads  clear  of 
all  dangers  to  within  a  mile  of  the  northern  entrance. 

The  best  channel  out  of  Hai-tan  Strait  is  eastward  of  Slut,  between  Slut 
and  Shingan  Islands.  The  course  is  N.E.  \  N.  Eeefs  extend  from  both 
shores,  narrowing  the  channel  to  4  cables.  Between  Slut  and  Shingan 
there  are  often  strong  tide  rips  and  overfalls,  which  render  the  steerage 
very  difficult.     For  Pilots,  see  page  1025. 

Tessara  Islands  are  a  group  of  four  islets  lying  N.N.E.  6  miles  from  Slut 
Island.  There  is  nothing  here  sufficiently  extensive  to  shelter  a  vessel  in 
N.E.  monsoon,  and  it  cannot  be  considered  safe  for  large  vessels  to  pass  by 
any  of  the  channels  inside  Tessara  Islands. 

Red  Rock  is  a  small  islet  with  reefs  about  it,  lying  S.E.  by  S.  3  miles  from 


*  Siation  I>land  kept  open  of  the  point  inside  Junk  Sail  Kock,  leads  tliiough  the  channel 
■westward  of  Ashuelot  Rocks. 


1O30  THE  COAST  OF  CHINA. 

Tessara  Islands.  Vessels  should  not  close  the  Hai-tan  shore  to  the  eastward 
of  this  rock. 

Norton  Hock,,  about  50  ft.  high,  with  a  rock  awash  half  a  mile  westward  of 
it,  lies  East  6^  miles  from  Tessara  Islands. 

TURNABOUT  ISLAND,  lying  E.S.E.  about  4  miles  from  Hae  Head,  in 
lat  25°  26'  N.,  long.  119°  58'  -VI"  E.,  has  two  small  islets  off  it,  and  Sunda 
Hock,  dry  3  ft.  at  low  water  spring  tides,  bears  North  from  its  northern  ex- 
tremity, distant  3J  cables,  with  foul  ground  inside. 

Also  a  rock,  awash  at  low  water  spring  tides,  lies  South  of  the  South  point 
of  Turnabout  Island,  distant  IJ  cable. 

Vessels  should  not  approach  Turnabout  Island  within  three-quarters  of  a 
mile.  The  lighthouse  keepers  report  that  several  steam  vessels  have  been 
hazarded,  by  rounding  the  South  point  of  the  islaod  too  closely. 

A  LIGHTHOUSE,  54  ft.  in  height,  black,  surrounded  by  white  dwellings, 
is  built  on  the  summit  of  Turnabout  Island,  from  which  is  shown  a  fixed 
Iright  light,  visible  all  round.  It  is  elevated  256  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  should 
be  seen,  in  clear  weather,  a  distance  of  23  miles. 

WHITE  DOG  ISLANDS,  called  by  the  Chinese  Pih-keun,  are  22  miles 
N.N.E.  \  E.  from  the  peak  of  the  Kiangshan  Hills  on  Hai-tan  Island,  and 
8 J  miles  S.E.  of  the  entrance  of  the  Eiver  Min.  They  consist  of  two  large 
and  one  smaller  islet,  named  Middle  Dog,  South  Dog,  and  Tong-sha  Island. 
Tong-sha,  the  western  and  largest  of  the  group,  has  a  reef  of  rooks  running 
off  its  West  extreme,  terminated  by  a  square  islet  called  the  Breakwater. 
The  highest  part  of  the  island  is  flat-topped,  and  590  ft.  above  the  sea 

Eocks  and  reefs  extend  both  northerly  and  westerly  from  the  Middle 
Dog,  but  the  outer  ones  always  show ;  a  rock  on  which  the  sea  generally 
breaks,  lies  N.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  11  cables  from  its  N.E.  point.  The  channel 
between  Middle  Dog  and  Tong-sha  is  safe.  The  islands  are  inhabited  by 
a  few  fishermen,  and  were,  at  the  time  of  the  survey,  occasionally  visited  by 
pirates. 

A  LIGHTHOUSE,  white  in  colour,  and  35  ft.  high,  is  erected  on  the  N.E. 
end  of  Middle  Dog  Island.  It  shows  a  fixed  bright  light,  varied  by  a  bright 
flash  every  half  minute,  visible  all  round,  except  to  the  westward,  where  it  is 
intercepted  by  the  higher  ridges  of  the  White  Dogs.  It  is  obscured  by 
Tong-sha  when  bearing  between  E.  by  S.  f  S.  and  East;  by  the  northern 
hill  of  Middle  Dog  when  between  E.  |  N.  and  N.E.  by  E.  ^  E ;  and  by  the 
Bouthern  hill  of  the  same  when  between  N.E.  by  E.  and  N.E.  J  N.  It  is 
elevated  257  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  in  clear  weather  should  be  seen  from  a 
distance  of  23  miles. 

Anchorage  in  the  N.E.  monsoon,  for  vessels  of  any  draught,  will  be  found 
tinder  Tong-sha  Island.  Small  vessels  will  be  well  sheltered  in  18  ft.,  close 
under  the  Breakwater,  and  here  whole  fleets  of  Chinese  junks  remain  during 
foul  weather.     As  the  water  decreases  gradually  towards  Tong-sha,  larg© 


PASSAGE  FROM  LAM-YIT  TO  WHITE  DOG  ISLANDS.    1031 

vessels  may  approach  as  convenient,  bearing  in  mind  that  the  rise  and  fall 
is  18  ft.  H.M.S.  Cornwallis  anchored  here  for  five  days,  with  strong  north- 
easterly winds,  and  rode  easy,  with  the  Breakwater  bearing  N.  J  W.,  the 
village  N.N.E.,  and  the  Middle  Dog  E.  ^  S. 

The  Passage  from  Lam-yit  to  White  Dog  Islands  may  be  considered  as 
the  most  difficult  porti(m  of  the  coast  that  a  vessel  has  to  contend  with  in 
the  N  E.  monsoon,  and  it  is  believed  there  are  few  men  who  know  the  coast 
of  China  but  will  allow  that  Turnabout  Island  is  well  named.  The  attempt 
of  the  flood  to  force  its  way  through  Hai-tan  Strait  forces  the  water  back, 
and  occasions  a  strong  current  off  Kwing  Bay,  at  the  N.E.  end  of  Hai-tan. 
It  is  a  great  misfortune  that  this  bay  does  not  afford  shelter,  as  it  would 
prove  an  uncommonly  good  halfway  house  ;  it  is,  however,  one  of  the  worst 
places  on  the  coast  of  China  the  Plover  dropt  anchor  in,  being  full  of  rocks, 
with  a  heavy  swell.  Sailing  vessels  have,  therefore,  no  alternative  but  to 
stand  boldly  off  and  trust  to  a  slant  on  the  Formosa  side,  or  take  the  Hai-tan 
Strait.  The  open  sea  is,  however,  preferable,  notwithstanding  that  some 
vessels  have  got  successfully  through  the  strait ;  yet  it  requires  local  know- 
ledge and  a  handy  vessel  to  prevent  great  detention. 


CHAPTEE     XXII. 


FORMOSA  AND  THE  PESCADORES  ISLANDS. 

FORMOSA  ISLAND,  210  miles  in  length  and  80  miles  wide  at  its  broadest 
part,  is  high  and  mountainous  throughout  its  whole  extent,  except  at  the 
central  part  of  the  West  coast,  where  a  broad  alluvial  plain  stretches  from 
the  mountains  to  the  sea,  and  on  which  is  situate  the  Chinese  capital  of 
Tai-wan-fu. 

The  Chinese  have  long  been  in  possession  of  the  plain  and  the  harbours 
and  villages  of  the  "West  and  North  coasts,  but  the  East  coast  is  still  peopled 
by  aboriginal  and  warlike  tribes,  not  subject  to  the  Chinese,  yet  who  hold 
intercourse  with  them  of  a  more  or  less  friendly  character.  The  population 
is  estimated  to  number  1^  million. 

Coal  is  found  in  many  parts  of  the  island,  and  in  the  North  is  worked  by 
European  machinery.  It  is  of  a  quick  burning  nature,  gives  out  much  heat, 
and  fairly  answers  for  steamers,  if  mixed  with  a  harder  kind.  Sulphur  is 
also  found.  Among  the  products  of  the  island  may  be  mentioned  rice,  cam- 
phor, wheat,  co£Fee,  tobacco,  tea,  and  sugar.  The  cultivation  of  the  tea  plant 
seems  to  be  on  the  increase.  The  climate  is  not  healthy  for  Europeans,  being 
very  damp  during  a  greater  portion  of  the  year. 

In  consequence  of  repeated  acts  of  outrage  and  murder  towards  the  ship- 
wrecked crews  of  foreign  vessels,  in  revenge  for  former  injuries,  a  treaty 
was  concluded  on  15th  October,  1867,  with  the  hostile  tribes  of  the  South 
part  of  Formosa,  by  the  United  States  Consul  of  Amoy,  by  which  the 
southern  end  of  Formosa  was  thought  to  be  rendered  safe  to  those  driven  on 
its  coasts  by  distress.  The  outray^es  continued,  however,  and  a  Japanese 
force  was  sent  there  in  1871  to  punish  the  natives. 

The  BASHEE  CHANNEL,  frequented  by  vessels  making  the  eastern 
passage  to  China,  is  80  miles  wide  between  the  Batanes  (page  937)  and  the 
South  end  of  Formosa,  but  its  navigable  breadth  is  greatly  contracted  by  the 
dangerous  Gadd  Eock,  which  must  be  remembered  when  sea  roum  is  needed 
to  avoid  the  track  of  a  typhoon. 


BOTEL-TOBAGO— SOUTH  CAPE.  1033 

Gadd  Eock,  or  Cumbrian  Beef,  in  the  fairway  of  the  Bashee  Channel,  is 
inlat.  21°42J'N.,  long.  121°  39' E.,  Little  Botel  Tobago  bearing  from  it 
N.  I  W.  IJ^  miles.  It  may  be  considered  one  of  the  worst  hidden  dangers 
known,  being  steep-to,  with  deep  water  all  round.  At  low  water  the  sea 
would  probably  break,  but  the  locality  is  generally  covered  by  violent  tide 
ripples. 

When  passing  southward  of  Gad  Eock  in  thick  weather  or  in  the  night, 
make  allowance  for  a  northerly  current,  which  is  generally  experienced  in 
light  winds  and  during  the  S.W.  monsoon.  Several  vessels  during  light 
winds  have  been  drifted  by  the  current  between  Formosa  and  Botel-tobago. 

BOTEL-TOBAGO  is  high,  71  miles  long,  N.W.  and  S.E.,  appears  in  form 
of  a  saddle,  or  with  a  gap  in  it  when  viewed  from  a  S.S.W.  or  N.N.E.  di- 
rection, and  is  visible  about  50  miles  from  the  mast-head.  The  island  is 
well  inhabited,  and  its  highest  part  is  crowned  with  trees  ;  the  N.E.  peak  is 
1,850,  and  the  West  peak  1,820  ft.  above  the  sea. 

Indifferent  anchorage  was  found  by  H.M.S.  Sylvia  in  1867,  about  half  a 
mile  from  the  beach,  on  the  North  side  of  the  island,  in  21  fathoms,  black 
sand  and  rock.  The  coast  is  rocky  in  almost  every  part,  and  needle  rocks 
are  seen  in  many  parts  of  the  island  ;  and  if  the  ground  under  water  assumes 
the  character  of  that  which  is  above,  a  vigilant  look-out  for  rocks  is  neces- 
sary when  rowing  along  the  coast.  When  circumnavigating  the  island  deep 
water  was  found  at  a  mile  off  shore.  The  island  is  densely  inhabited,  but 
the  natives  were  timid. 

Little  Botel-Tobago  is  a  small  island  of  considerable  height,  lying  about 
S.S.E.  3i  miles  from  the  southern  part  of  Botel-Tobago  ;  foul  ground  ap- 
pears to  extend  all  round  this  island. 

Alceste  Shoal,  formerly  marked  on  the  chart  in  about  lat.  22°  5'  N.,  long. 
121°  18'  E.,  is  supposed  to  have  no  existence. 

Vele-rete  Bocks,  in  lat.  21°  45'  N.,  long.  120°  49^'  E.,  lie  9  miles  S.  by  W. 
from  South  Cape,  and  on  nearly  the  same  parallel,  and  about  47  miles  west- 
ward of  Gadd  Eock  in  the  Bashee  Channel.  The  highest  is  S.  by  W.  9  miles 
from  the  South  Cape  of  Formosa,  and  with  two  others  is  from  15  to  25  feet 
above  the  sea.  The  channel  between  them  and  the  South  end  of  Formosa  is 
safe  ;  but  very  heavy  tide  ripples  are  often  experienced. 

Caution. — The  northern  current  of  the  Japan  stream  sets  with  great 
strength  over  these  rocks  to  the  north-eastward. 

SOUTH  CAPE  or  NAN-SHA,  in  lat.  21°  54'  N.,  long.  120°  50'  E.;  is  low, 
and,  together  with  the  one  which  is  three-quarters  of  a  mile  E.N.E.  of  it, 
formed  of  coral  limestone.  At  4  miles  to  the  N.W.  is  a  peculiarly  rugged 
hill,  1,035  ft.  high,  from  which  the  land  slopes  down  gradually  to  the  cape. 
Farther  northward  is  a  high,  double-peaked  mountain,  visible  60  miles  in 
clear  weather. 

I.  A.  6  Q 


1034  THE  ISLAND  OF  FORMOSA. 

EAST  COAST  of  FORMOSA,  extending  200  miles  to  the  N.N.E.,  is 
mountainous,  and  with  the  exception  of  Sau-o  Bay  is  without  harbours,  and 
deep  water  will  be  found  close  in  to  the  land.  The  mountains  rise  almost 
immediately  from  the  sea ;  their  sides  in  some  places  are  cultivated,  and 
scattered  houses  are  seen. 

This  coast  is  not  visited  by  the  full  strength  of  the  N.E.  monsoon,  which 
probably  results  from  the  mountainous  character  of  the  country  preventing 
the  breeze  blowing  home.  Sailing  vessels,  however,  experiencing  strong 
gales  at  20  miles  to  the  eastward,  might  feel  cautious  in  venturing  in-shore. 
Nor  is  there  any  necessity  to  run  to  leeward  ;  but  if,  when  beating  up,  they 
should  experience  the  breeze  declining  in  strength,  with  less  sea  on  the 
western  board,  particularly  between  9  a.m.  and  3  p.m.,  or  up  to  sunset,  they 
will  find  it  advantageous  to  hug  the  coast  within  a  moderate  distance  ;  but 
good  judgment  and  caution  are  requisite,  as  sudden  loss  of  wind,  attended 
by  inconvenient  swell,  might  be  attended,  if  followed  by  calm,  with  imminent 
danger. 

Double  FeaJc,  a  mountain  on  the  coast  58  miles  to  the  northward,  is  about 
2,500  ft.  high.  Samasana  Island,  15J  miles  from  the  coast  abreast  Double 
Peak,  is  in  lat.  22°  39'  26"  N.,  long,  (assumed)  121°  28' 48"  E.,  and  lies 
N.  f  W.  34  miles  from  Botel- Tobago.  H.M.S.  Sylvia,  in  1867,  anchored  in 
the  North  bay  in  13  fathoms.  The  anchorage  is  not  recommended.  It  is 
advisable  to  avoid  the  lee  side  of  the  island,  as  calms,  eddies,  and  variable 
winds  are  likely  to  cause  delay.  Black  Roch  Bay,  in  lat.  23°  6'  30"  N.,  and 
long,  (assumed)  121°  26'  E.,  and  22  miles  northward  of  Double  Peak,  might 
afi'ord  shelter  from  S.W.  and  southerly  gales,  but  the  bottom  is  rocky  and 
uneven.  The  coast  North  of  Black  Eock  Bay  is  rugged  and  rocky.  The 
lower  slopes  of  the  hills  are  covered  with  grass  ;  behind  the  hills  the  moun- 
tains attain  an  elevation  of  5,000  and  6,000  ft.,  and  are  clothed  with  dense 
forest.  Choch-e-Day,  60  miles  northward  of  Black  Eock  Bay,  is  in  lat.  24° 
6^'  N.  The  inhabitants  were  nearly  naked,  and  used  threatening  gestures 
to  the  surveying  party.  The  coast  from  Chock-e-day  to  Dome  Point,  20 
miles  to  the  northward,  is  the  boldest  and  most  precipitous  that  can  be  con- 
ceived, the  mountains  rising  7,000  ft.  almost  perpendicularly  from  the  water's 
edge.     Dome  Point,  650  ft.  high,  is  3  miles  South  of  Sau-o  Bay. 

Boudruet  Rochs,  reported  to  be  about  65  ft.  high,  and  in  lat.  24°  10'  N., 
long.  122°  34'  E.,  would  be  48  miles  from  the  nearest  point  of  Formosa. 

Reported  Dangers. — A  shoal,  which  would  lie  in  lat.  24°  17'  N.,  long.  122° 
48',  was  reported  in  1844  as  showing  heavy  breakers.  Another  shoal  in  lat. 
24°  30'  N.,  long.  122°  49'  E.,  3  miles  in  extent,  E.  by  N.  and  W.  by  S.,  is 
reported  as  lying  N.W.  by  W.,  distant  about  10  miles  from  Kumi.  The 
ripples  are  very  strong  in  this  vicinity,  and  it  is  possible  that  the  above 
dangers  are  not  existing,  the  ripple  having  been  mistaken  for  breakers. 

Sau-o  Bay,  in  lat.  24°  38'  N.,  long.  121°  50'  E.,  will  be  found  an  excellent 


SAMTIAU  POINT.  1035 

place  of  shelter  for  vessels  working  up  this  coast  against  the  N.E.  monsoon. 
Sau-o  or  Arhji  Rocks,  98  ft.  high,  lie  off  the  entrance  of  Sau-o  Bay,  about  a 
mile  from  the  northern  promontory.  To  the  N.W.  of  the  Arlyi  Rocks  is 
much  foul  ground,  with  rocks  awash,  generally  breaking.  Breakwater  Reef 
(or  Tong-sim-tai),  about  2  cable  in  extent,  N.E.  and  S.W.,  lies  a  little  more 
than  half  a  mile  from  the  shore,  and  nearly  in  the  centre  of  the  bay. 

The  inhabitants  of  Sau-o  Bay  are  mostly  Chinese  fishermen.  Fresh  sup- 
plies were  obtained. 

There  is  good  holding  ground  in  the  outer  part  of  the  bay  in  10  to  13 
fathoms,  black  sand  and  mud,  E.  by  S.  of  Breakwater  Eeef,  and  with  the 
South  point  of  the  bay  about  South,  but  the  anchorage  is  unsafe  with  easterly 
winds.  The  best  anchorage  is  under  Breakwater  Eeef,  but  in  rounding  its 
North  end  a  berth  of  2  cables  must  be  given,  to  avoid  the  Serpent  Eock,  of 
11  ft.  water,  which  lies  1^  cable  N.W.  of  the  highest  rock  on  the  reef  (the 
clearing  mark  is  the  easternmost  rock  of  the  Sau-o  Eeef  in  a  line  with  a 
conspicuous  rocky  islet  off  the  North  point),  when  vessels  may  haul  to  the 
southward,  and  anchor  in  7  fathoms,  with  the  conical  or  high  rock  bearing 
E.S.E.  distant  about  2^  cables  ;  or  if  of  12  ft.  draught  with  the  rock  bearing 
East.  The  water  shoals  rapidly.  It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  o*"  50" 
and  the  rise  3  to  6  ft.  The  tidal  streams  are  weak  in  the  bay  ;  the  flood 
sets  along  the  coast  South  and  the  ebb  North,  with  a  velocity  of  1^  knot 
per  hour. 

Approaching  Sau-o  Bay  from  the  northward,  pass  half  a  mile  eastward  of 
the  Sau-o  or  Arlyi  Eocks,  the  highest  of  which  may  be  seen  8  or  10  miles  off 
in  clear  weather,  and  when  Breakwater  Eeef  bears  W.  I  N.  haul  up  for  it. 
From  the  south-eastward  vessels  can  boldly  approach  the  South  point,  off 
which  reefs  extend  2  cables, 

Ealeewan  River. — At  6  miles  to  the  northward  of  Sau-o  Bay  and  10  miles 
S.  W.  ^  S.  of  Steep  Island  has  only  3  ft.  on  the  bar  at  low  water,  the  rise  of 
tide  being  from  2  to  3  ft.  The  banks  and  coun^^ry  on  either  side  of  the  river 
were  everywhere  under  cultivation,  principally  with  rice,  Indian  corn,  and 
millet ;  sugar-cane  also  in  small  quantities.  The  inhabitants  behaved  with 
great  civility. 

Steep  Island,  14  miles  northward  of  Sau-o  Bay,  is  inhabited  by  Chinese, 
and  cultivated  in  terraces  to  its  summit,  which  is  a  sharp  conical  peak,  about 
1,200  ft.  above  the  sea.  S.W.  1^  mile  from  Steep  Island  is  a  small  islet, 
with  a  rock  to  the  S.W.  of  it. 

SAMTIAU  POINT,  the  N.E.  extreme  of  Formosa,  is  10  miles  N.  by  E.  ^ 
E.  from  Steep  Island.  The  point  itself  is  low  and  flat,  but  a  little  inland  is 
a  hill  range  which  terminates  in  a  bluff.  Here  the  coast  line  turns  abruptly 
to  the  N.W.  for  30  miles,  and  midway  is  the  harbour  of  Kelung,  described 
hereafter. 


1036  THE  ISLAND  OF  FORMOSA. 

Petou  Point,  N.W.  by  N.  7  miles  from  Samtiau,  is'a'peninsula  400  feet 
hio-h,  and  from  a  distance  appears  like  an  island.  The  small  boat  harbour 
and  fishing  village  of  Petou  is  close  to  the  westward  of  it.  The  coast  from 
thence  to  Kelung  Harbour  is  steep-to,  all  the  off-lying  rocks,  which  are  of 
sandstone,  showing  above  water.  The  most  remarkable  feature  on  this  coast 
is  Dome  Peak,  which  makes  in  that  form  from  the  N.E. 

Chiinmo  Bay  is  5  miles  westward  of  Petou  Point,  and  in  it  a  vessel  might 
anchor  if  in  distress,  or  forced  in  by  a  northerly  wind.  _The  point  on  its 
eastern  side  is  foul. 

Directions  for  making  the  passage  along  the  East  coast  are  given  in  pages 
91—94. 

The  WEST  COAST  of  FORMOSA  has  been  surveyed  by  Messrs.  Wilds 
and  Stanley,  of  H.M.  surveying  vessels  Swallow  and  Dove,  and  Commander 
E.  Brooker,  of  H.M.S.  Sylvia,  in  1867. 

Kwa-liang  Bay  is  6  miles  W.  by  N.  from  South  Cape  (page  1033).  In  the 
N.E.  monsoon  good  anchorage  will  be  found  in  10  or  12  fathoms,  about  half 
a  mile  from  the  shore,  anywhere  on  the  North  and  N.E.  sides  of  the  bay. 

SOUTH-WEST  POINT,  1  mile  West  of  Black  Point,  is  the  angle  of  the 
coast  where  it  turns  to  the  northward.  The  small  bay  of  Chim-kong-o, 
North  of  it,  has  23  fathoms  at  half  a  mile  off  shore,  and  52  fathoms  at  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  off  its  North  point,  where  are  strong  tide  ripples. 

Tossapon  Hill  is  on  the  south-western  promontory.  The  fort,  erected  in 
consequence  of  the  treaty  mentioned  on  page  1032,  is  situated  over  Black  and 
S.W.  Points,  and  is  therefore  plainly  visible  from  the  sea,  and  had  the 
Chinese  flag  flying  on  it. 

Gooswa  Promontory  extends  in  a  N.  by  W.  direction  7  miles[  from  S.W. 
point.  The  promontory  is  backed  by  an  inland  range,  Ba-swa,  rising  to  the 
height  of  2,235  ft.,  8  miles  N.N.E.  ^  E.  of  S.W.  point.  The  bold  shore  of 
the  promontory  consisting  of  dark  rocky  cliffs  is  steep-to.  Its  most  conspi- 
cuous feature  is  the  sand  beach  of  Chim-kong-o  Bay.  Aou-iva-nah  is  a  nook 
at  the  head  of  the  small  bay  which  lies  immediately  North  of  Gooswa  pro- 
montory. The  reefs  from  either  shore  meet  within  a  cable,  forming  the 
entrance  to  a  basin  about  2  cables  in  diameter,  having  a  depth  of  5  to  3 
fathoms.  To  the  northward,  the  coast  is  inhabited  by  Chinese,  who  move 
about  armed  for  protection  against  the  natives,  with  whom  they  carry  on  a 
perpetual  warfare. 

Liang-kiau  or  Expedition  Bay,  3  miles  in  extent,  between  Bay  Hill  and 
Lang-kiu  Point,  2  miles  North  of  it,  is  open  to  all  westerly  winds,  but  affords 
good  anchorage  in  the  N.E.  monsoon.  The  approach  to  the  bay  is  quite 
clear,  but  a  sandy  spit  runs  out  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  North  point 
of  the  bay,  on  which  account  vessels  are  recommended  not  to  hug  the  shore 


APE  HILL.  1037 

too  closely.     Lang-kiu  is  the  principal  town  or  village  of  the  district,  and  the 
most  southern  settlement  in  which  Chinese  authority  is  recognized. 

Caution. — About  5  miles  N.  by  W.  from  Liang-kiau  Bay,  when  not  in 
soundings,  the  leadsman  struck  what  must  have  been  a  peaked  rock  at  9 
fathoms,  which  caught  the  lead  line  and  nearly  pulled  the  leadsman  out  of 
the  chains.— (H. M.S.  Flamer,  1865.) 

San-Liau  Bay,  North  of  Liang-kiau  Point,  aflFords  anchorage  in  3  fathoms 
at  3  cables  from  the  shore.  All  the  low  shore  of  Liang-kiau  Point  is  bor- 
dered by  an  extensive  reef.  Le-liang-swa,  2,500  to  4,000  ft.  high,  is  a  moun- 
tain range  on  the  coast  North  of  Liang-kiau,  extending  6  miles  North  and 
South. 

Hong  Kong,  6  miles  North  of  Liang-kiau  Point,  is  a  large  Chinese  village. 
Che-tong-ka,  N.  by  W.  13  miles  from  Gooswa  Promontory,  and  4  J  miles  from 
Hong  Kong,  is  on  a  point,  bordered  by  a  reef;  the  coast  is  bold  and  steep- 
to.  Vessels  can  anchor  anywhere  along  the  coast  in  8  or  9  fathoms.  Pong-li 
is  a  small  Chinese  town,  7  miles  N.N.W.  ^  W.  of  Che-tong-ka,  and  a  short 
distance  inland,  about  a  mile  northward  of  a  remarkable  square  clump  of 
trees  on  the  beach,  called  Kay-a-haou. 

Lambay  Island,  or  Seo-liu-kiu,  in  lat.  22"  20^'  N.,  long.  120='  22i'  E.,  is 
flat,  the  most  elevated  part  being  258  ft.  No  anchorage  can  be  obtained 
near  this  island,  but  a  mud-bank,  havirg  15  to  26  fathoms  water  over  it,  is 
reported  at  3  miles  eastward  of  it.  Eeefs  extend  a  mile  off  the  N.E.  and 
S.E.  points  of  the  island. 

Tang-Kang  River  has  its  entrance  N.N.E.  7  miles  from  Lambay  Island  and 
1 1  from  Pong-li ;  at  low  water  there  are  only  4  ft.  on  the  bar.  The  town 
stands  near  the  entrance,  and  has  about  20,000  inhabitants. 

Ape  Hill,  1,110  ft.  high,  called  by  the  natives  Ta-kau,  is  N.  by  W.J  W., 
18  miles  from  Lambay  Island.  It  appears  like  a  truncated  cone;  its  barren, 
rugged  sides  rise  with  a  steep  slope  from  the  sea,  facing  which  is  a  large 
white  land-slip.  At  41  miles  N.E.  of  Ape  Hill  is  another  remarkable  hill, 
700  ft.  high,  named  Whalehaclc;  and  N.N.E. ,  12  miles,  there  is  a  small 
triangular-shaped  hill,  and  a  large  detached  piece  of  table-land  resembling 
a  quoin  on  a  North  and  South  bearing.  These  are  the  only  landmarks  on 
this  part  of  the  coast,  which  is  all  very  low,  and  of  these  Ape  Hill  is  the  most 
useful,  as  it  stands  out  on  the  coast  line,  and  is  frequently  seen  distinctly 
when  all  the  others  are  shrouded  in  mist. 

Saracen  Head,  173  ft.  high,  2  miles  South  of  Ape  Hill,  is  surmounted  by  a 
Signal  Staff.  It  is  a  huge  nearly  level  block  of  a  mole-like  appearance,  bounded 
on  the  sea  face  by  a  line  of  precipitous  cliffs  rising  from  the  water's  edge, 
and  which,  jutting  through  the  beach  to  seaward  for  about  300  yards,  forms 
a  sheltered  harbour  for  small  vessels  in  the  strength  of  the  N.E.  monsoon. 
This  mole  is  separated  from  the  hill  by  a  deep  channel  about  60  yards  wide, 
which  is  the  entrance  to  the  little  port  of  Ta-kau-kon. 


1038  THE  ISLAND  OF  FOEMOSA. 

Anchorage  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  is  good  and  safe  under  Ape  Hill,  which 
stretches  out  so  as  to  afford  smooth  water.  In  the  S.W.  monsoon  heavy 
rollers  come  in,  making  it  undesirable  to  remain  at  anchor  there. 

Ryder  Roch,  half  a  mile  off  shore,  with  Ape  Hill  bearing  E.  by  N.,  was 
reputed  as  above  water  in  1876. 

TA-KAU-KON,  or  Harbour  of  Takow,  the  Consular  port  of  Tai-wan-fu, 
is  the  only  harbour  on  the  "West  coast  of  Formosa  available  for  vessels  of  12 
feet  draught.  It  is  a  small  basin  just  within  the  entrance  of  a  great  lagoon. 
The  entrance  to  it  is  immediately  North  of  Saracen  Head,  where  the  fair 
channel  is  only  200  ft.  wide. 

The  Bar  is  formed  by  a  narrow  ridge  of  sand,  curving  outwards  and  ex- 
tending from  under  the  bluff  of  Saracen  Head  round  towards  the  shore  at 
half  a  mile  North  of  the  entrance.  There  are  10  to  11  ft.  over  its  North  and 
South  parts  at  low  water  springs,  but  over  the  central  part,  N.W.  of  the 
entrance,  only  7  to  9  ft.  It  consists  of  loose  sand,  and  is  said  to  be  constantly 
shifting. 

The  harbour  is  immediately  within  the  entrance.  The  anchorage  is  too 
confined  to  allow  a  vessel  to  swing,  it  is  therefore  necessary  to  moor  head 
and  stern.  In  1873  there  was  water  only  for  vessels  drawing  9  ft.,  larger 
vessels  having  to  anchor  outside  the  bar.  The  Chinese  town  or  village 
stands  on  the  South  side  at  the  back  of  Saracen  Head.  Here  is  the  British 
Consulate.  V/ater  can  be  obtained  from  a  spring  on  the  North  shore,  and 
care  must  be  taken  that  it  is  not  procured  from  the  wells  on  the  South  side. 
Fresh  beef  of  inferior  quality  is  supplied,  also  vegetables,  besides  pigs, 
fowls,  ducks,  eggs,  rice,  sugar,  and  fish. 

Takau  was  opened  to  trade  in  1864,  but  as  its  importance  arises  from  the 
fact  of  its  being  the  port  of  Tai-wan  fu  during  the  S.W.  monsoon,  and  the 
only  accessible  one  where  ships  can  then  lie  with  safety,  its  trade  is  chiefly 
limited  to  that  period.  The  pilots  are  Chinese,  and  are  under  the  superin- 
tendence and  regulations  of  the  European  harbour  master.  The  signal  sta- 
tion on  Saracen  Head  is  under  the  direction  of  the  harbour  master.  It  is 
high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Takau,  at  8''  30",  springs  rise  4  ft. 

Directions. — If  obliged  to  run  for  the  entrance  in  bad  weather,  bring  it  to 
bear  E.  by  S.  ^  S.,  and  run  boldly  in.  Keep  close  to  the  outer  North  rock 
(steep-to),  and  haul  close  round  the  point,  but  not  within  10  yards,  as  there 
is  a  rock  inside,  within  that  distance,  with  only  4  ft.  on  it  at  low  water.  As 
the  rocks  are  neared,  starboard  the  helm  and  round  the  northern  head  close- 
to,  shooting  into  a  little  sandy  bay,  where  a  vessel  may  touch  the  ground 
with  her  fore-foot  without  sustaining  any  damage.  Great  care  is  required  if 
entering  at  springs  on  the  ebb,  which  runs  at  the  rate  of  4  or  5  knots  through 
the  entrance.  The  harbour  is  also  difficult  of  exit  in  the  S.W.  monsoon.  It 
is  said  to  be  shallowing  year  by  year.  At  present,  at  the  outside,  it  can  con- 
tain twelve  vessels  of  1 2  ft.  draught,  moored  head  and  stern ;  but  it  is  bus- 


AMPING  EOAD— TAI-WAN  FU.  1039 

ceptible  of  great  improvement  at  small  expense,  and  as  Formosa  becomes 
more  opened  to  commercial  enterprise  this  place  must  advance  in  im- 
portance. 

The  Coast,  northward  for  20  miles  between  Ape  Hill  and  the  old  Dutch 
Fort  Zealandia,  is  nearly  a  straight  line  of  beach,  pierced  by  four  small 
streams,  the  banks  of  which  are  densely  populated  by  fishermen,  who  appear 
to  be  well  fed  and  clothed  and  a  happy  and  contented  people. 

The  old  Dutch  ruined  fortress,  built  in  1630,  and  now  surmounted  by  a 
large  tree,  visible  8  or  9  miles  from  a  vessel's  deck,  is  the  only  conspicuous 
landmark  in  this  neighbourhood,  except  a  large  clump  of  trees  If  mile  N.W. 
of  the  fort,  on  the  outer  sand-bar.  The  fort  stands  about  two-thirds  of  a 
mile  from  the  sea,  and  about  it  has  grown  up,  along  the  continually  rising 
mud  and  sand-banks,  the  village  of  Amping. 

AMPING  ROAD,  off  an  opening  in  the  beach,  which  is  the  nearest  ap- 
proach to  Tai-wan  fu  from  the  sea,  is  an  open  roadstead,  where,  during  the 
strength  of  the  N.E.  monsoon,  from  December  to  March,  capital  sheltered 
anchorage  with  smooth  water  may  be  found,  in  5^  fathoms,  at  2  miles  S.W. 
of  Fort  Zealandia.  During  the  rest  of  the  year  the  chances  of  S.W.  winds 
render  this  position  an  unsafe  one,  and  anchorage  should  be  sought  farther 
out,  but  in  the  strength  of  the  S.W.  monsoon  no  vessel  could  lie  off  a  coast 
so  fully  exposed  to  its  full  force,  and  the  heavy  rollers  which  accompany  it. 
Then  also  the  bar  is  most  dangerous,  and  cannot  be  passed  by  the  cargo 
boats  for  days  and  weeks  together.^-'  Catamarans  are  used  as  at  Takau,  and 
are  managed  by  the  Chinese  with  great  skill.  Trade  ceases  entirely  for  four 
months,  viz.,  from  June  till  September,  all  goods  being  then  sent  to  Takau 
for  shipment.  The  anchorage  should  be  approached  from  the  northward 
with  caution,  and  the  lead  used  constantly. 

Amping  has  a  population  about  equal  to  Takau,  a  resident  Mandarin,  and 
a  superintendent  and  tide-waiters  of  Chinese  customs.  The  British  Consul, 
a  Medical  Missionary,  and  a  Surveyor  of  Customs  reside  at  Tai-wan  fu. 
Excellent  fresh  water  is  supplied  from  the  latter  place. 

Between  Amping  and  Tai-wan  fu,  2  miles  S.E.  from  the  fort,  is  a  large 
expanse  of  mud  flat  which  at  times  during  the  S.W.  monsoon  is  entirely 
covered  with  water.  A  narrow  creek  or  canal  runs  up  to  the  West  gate  of 
the  city,  by  which  cargo  boats  can  go  up  at  high  water. 

TAI-WAN  FU,  the  capital  of  Formosa,   is  a  prefectural  city  of  70,000 


*  The  tar  was  last  crossed  in  1869  by  H.M.  gunboat  Bustard,  drawing  7  feet,  but  its 
channel  is  constantly  shifting,  and,  like  the  harbour  within,  shoaling  rapidly.  The  same 
change  is  taking  place  all  about  this  part  of  the  coast,  for  where  good  harbours  existed 
formerl)-,  with  15  to  20  ft.  water,  there  is  not  now  sufficient  to  float  a  junk.  According  to 
Dutch  and  other  records,  the  sea  at  one  time  extended  to  the  fort  inside  the  city.  H.M. 
ships  are  now  prohibited  from  entering  this  harbour,  by  order  of  the  Commander-in-Chief. 


1040  ,THE  ISLAND  OF  FOEMOSA. 

inhabitants,  surrounded  by  a  wall  20  ft.  bigh,  quadrangular,  and  5  miles  in 
extent. 

Vuyloy  Shoal,  about  half  a  mile  in  extent,  and  with  only  8  to  12  ft.  on  it 
at  low  water,  lies  upwards  of  a  mile  offshore,  S.  by  E.  4  J  miles  from  the 
entrance  of  Port  Kok-si-kon,  W.  by  N.  f  N.  4^  miles  from  Fort  Zealandia, 
and  S.W.  by  W.  i  W.  2|  miles  from  Joss  Islet.  With  southerly  winds  the 
sea  breaks  heavily  on  it,  but  with  off-shore  or  N.E.  winds  there  is  but  little 
break.  The  soundings  are  4J  to  5  fathoms  at  1-^  mile  westward  of  the  bank, 
and  3  fathoms  between  it  and  the  shore.  Vessels  bound  from  Kok-si-kon  to 
Ta-kau,  will  pass  westward  of  this  shoal  by  keeping  3  miles  off  the  sand 
bars  fronting  this  part  of  the  coast,  or  not  shoaling  to  less  than  4^  or  5 
fathoms,  until  Fort  Zealandia  bears  East.  This  will  also  clear  two  sand- 
banks which  uncover  at  low  water.  They  lie  W.N.W.  2J  miles  from  Fort 
Zealandia,  and  three-quarters  of  a  mile  West  of  the  tree  clumps. 

Tides. — The  flood  stream  sets  in  a  N.N.W.  direction  for  IJ  to  2  knots  an 
hour  along  this  part  of  the  coast.  The  ebb  runs  S.S.E.,  except  near  the 
entrance  of  Kok-he-mung,  3f  miles  N.W.  of  Zealandia  Fort,  where  its 
direction  is  S.  by  W.  out  of  the  harbour. 

PORT  KOK-SI-KON,  the  North  point  of  entrance  to  which,  Gull  Point,  is 
32  miles  N.N.W.  of  Saracen  Head,  is  the  outlet  of  several  small,  shallow 
streams,  which  here  unite  and  form  a  channel  through  the  mass  of  sand- 
banks fronting  the  coast.  This  channel  or  port  runs  N.E.  and  S.W.,  and, 
taking  the  3-fathom  line  as  its  boundary  inside,  is  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
long  and  only  2  cables  broad,  with  4i  fathoms  in  the  middle ;  it  will  be, 
therefore,  necessary  to  moor  N.W.  and  S.E.  The  bar  has  12  ft.  on  it  at  low 
water  springs.  The  deepest  part  is  generally  marked  by  the  natives  with 
bamboos ;  but  as  the  channel  is  both  wide  and  straight,  and  the  bottom  re- 
markably even,  it  is  by  no  means  difficult  of  access  for  vessels  of  12  or  13  ft. 
draught  at  high  tide.  The  channel  and  sand-banks  are  said  to  have  altered 
since  the  survey.  It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  IP  30",  rise 
about  3  ft. 

Directions. — The  high  land  of  Formosa,  immediately  over  Port  Kok-si-kon, 
may  be  distinctly  seen  in  very  clear  weather  from  the  Pescadores,  but  as  it 
is  generally  obscured,  and  the  coast  low  and  sandy,  it  will  be  prudent  at  all 
times,  when  bound  to  that  port  from  the  westward,  to  be  certain  of  the 
vessel's  position  before  losing  sight  of  East  Island,  or  one  of  the  southern 
islands  of  that  group. 

The  mast  heads  of  a  large  fleet  of  junks  usually  at  anchor  in  the  small 
harbour  of  Kolc-he-mung,  5  miles  S.E.  by  E.  of  Kok-si-kon,  will  serve  as  a 
guide  on  approaching  the  coast ;  and  when  3  or  5  miles  from  the  shore, 
three  clumps  of  huts  and  trees  (the  southernmost  clump  abreast  West  Point 
being  the  largest  and  most  conspicuous),  Joss  Islet,  and  Fort  Zealandia,  are 
objects  sufficiently  well  defined  to  mark  the  locality.     Joss  Islet  has  a  clump 


POET  KOK-SI-KON.  1041 

of  dark  trees  on  its  southern  end,  and  the  Joss  House  on  it  has  a  whit©  front 
to  seaward.  Ung-lo  and  So-co,,  to  the  south-eastward,  are  remarkable  hills, 
and  may  generally  be  seen  when  the  mountains  in  the  interior  are  hidden. 
The  clouds  sometimes  rest  upon  them,  when  they  appear  as  the  highest  land 
in  the  vicinity.  Ung-lo,  1,080  ft.  high,  is  the  southern  termination  of  a  long 
table  range  which  falls  steeply  for  a  few  hundred  feet,  and  rises  again  to  the 
round  hill  of  So-co  880  ft.  high. 

The  Coast  for  20  miles  to  the  northward  of  Fort  Zealandia  has  no  dis- 
tinguishing feature,  the  highest  bushes  and  huts  being  but  a  few  feet  above 
the  low  level  land.  Kakaou,  7  miles  northward  of  Kok-si-kon,  is  a  small 
and  narrow  inlet,  as  is  also  Paiv-tay-chui,  N.N.E.  \  E.,  11  miles  from  Ka- 
kaou. Four  miles  W.N.W.  of  the  entrance  to  Paw-tay-chui  are  the  Atj-aio 
Banks.  Ay-aw  Creek  is  at  the  northern  part  of  the  bay,  formed  by  the 
Wanckan  Banks  and  the  low  opposite  shore.  The  creek  is  approached  from 
the  8.W.,  between  the  Ay-aw  Banks  and  the  South  Wanckan  Shoal. 

Wanckan  or  Chin-ne-yah  Banks  form  the  westernmost  part  of  the  Island 
of  Formosa.  The  South  end  is  in  lat.  23°  31'  N.,  long.  120°  2'  E.,  24  miles 
northward  of  Kok-si-kon.  To  the  southward  the  bank  at  low  water  dries 
nearly  2  miles,  and  continues  in  a  N.  by  E.  direction  for  1 1  miles.  The 
Chinese  say  that  there  are  many  junks  and  ships  lost  on  them  during  the 
year.  When  coming  from  the  North  or  South  there  are  no  land-marks  to 
guide  the  navigator,  and  the  strong  tides  experienced  reud<.r  a  ship's  position 
at  all  times  doubtful. 

The  Pescadores  Channel  is  narrowed  to  a  breadth  of  3  miles  between 
Outer  Wanckan  Shoal  and  the  Nine-feet  Reef  which  lies  W.  by  S.  \  S.  from 
it,  and  which  is  4  miles  S.S.E.  ^  E.  of  Three  Island,  the  easternmost  islet  of 
the  Pescadores  Group. 

The  Coast  from  the  hut  on  the  sandy  patch  of  the  South  extreme  of  the 
Wanckan  Banks  to  Lohiang,  in  lat.  24°  3'  N.,  is  low,  and  has  no  distinguish- 
ing feature,  the  bushes  and  huts  being  only  a  few  feet  above  the  land.  This 
uninteresting  seaboard  becomes  even  more  dreary  at  low  water,  when  the 
mud  and  sand-flats  uncover  for  miles. 

East  8  miles  from  Lo-kiang  is  a  peak,  7  01  ft.  high,  and  between  them  is 
a  sand-hill.  To  the  westward  of  the  town  of  Lo-kiang  is  a  small  outlet, 
marked  by  two  bamboo  beacons;  in  this  creek  a  great  number  of  junks  find 
anchorage.  From  Lo-kiang  the  coast  trends  N.N.E.,  with  extensive  mud 
flats ;  but  having  passed  the  village  of  Goche,  1 3  miles  to  the  northward,  the 
flats  uncover  only  for  a  distance  of  half  a  mile.  Goche  is  situated  at  the 
northern  extremity  of  the  great  alluvial  plain,  which  extends  as  far  south- 
ward as  Tai-wan  fu,  a  distance  of  80  miles. 

Off  Wanckan,  and  as  far  as  Goche,  a  distance  of  50  miles,  the  soundings 
off  the  low  coast  being  shallow  and  irregular,  ships  should  not  stand  into  a 
I.  A.  6  b 


1042  THE  ISLAND  OF  FORMOSA. 

depth  of  less  than  10  fathoms;  and  the  strong  tides  which  run  round  the 
Wanckan  banks  and  reefs  should  also  be  borne  in  mind.  From  about  3 
miles  North  of  Goche  to  Tongsiau  the  coast  can  be  approached  to  a  mile, 
when  soundings  of  not  less  than  10  and  12  fathoms  will  be  found.  The  tides 
along  this  coast  are  less  strong  than  olf  Wanckan. 

Tyka  or  Tai-kia,  the  principal  town  of  the  first  hilly  district  North  of  the 
plain.  It  stands  3  miles  from  the  sea  on  the  banks  of  the  Tyan-kiang,  a 
small  stream,  8  miles  northward  of  Goche.  The  entrance  is  marked  by 
beacons.  The  town  is  situated  between  two  detached  hills  northward  of  the 
Goche  range,  and  which  are  described  as  the  most  striking  features  of  the 
coast;  the  southern  hill,  Stone  Peak,  is  501  ft.  high;  the  northern  is  a  re- 
markable square  topped  hill,  743  ft.  high,  seen  from  the  sea  in  all  directions. 

The  Mow-lung-8ui,  a  considerable  stream,  on  which,  a  mile  above  its  en- 
trance, is  the  large  village  of  Tongsiau,  is  8  miles  north-eastward  of  the 
Tyan-kiang.  Between  the  two,  7  miles  inland,  a  rocky-topped  range  rises 
to  the  height  of  2,227  ft.  Mount  Sylvia  is  E.  J  S.  35  miles  from  Tong-siau, 
and  15  miles  nearer  in  the  same  direction  is  Mount  Royalist,  9,000  ft.  high. 
Petroleum  springs  have  been  discovered  15  or  20  miles  inland,  a  few  miles 
beyond  the  first  flat-topped  ridge. 

Port  Heong-san,  in  lat.  24°  41'  N.,  is  available  for  vessels  of  light  draught, 
and  affords  room  for  several  large  junks.  Table  Hill  or  Hong-san-ki,  360  ft. 
high,  and  1\  miles  N.N.E.  f  E.  from  Heong-san,  is  a  conspicuous  object. 

PAKSA  POINT,  the  N.W.  point  of  Formosa,  lies  10  miles  N.N.E.  \  R 
from  Table  Hill.  An  elevated  sand  hill  stands  at  its  extremity.  The  point 
is  not  bold ;  shoal  water  extends  1 J  or  2  miles  northward  of  it,  which  has 
been  observed  to  break  at  1  j  miles  off  shore. 

From  Paksa  to  Tam-sui  Harbour,  a  distance  of  22  miles,  the  coast  line 
curves  in  an  E.N.E.  direction  ;  the  first  14  miles  being  low  with  sand  hills, 
and  along  this  part  reels  project  about  half  a  mile  off  shore,  with  soundings 
of  7  fathoms  well  clear  of  them,  and  there  are  numerous  creeks  in  some  of 
which  junks  are  seen  lying.  The  low  land  is  succeeded  by  table  land  about 
600  ft.  high  and  steep-to,  until  within  2  miles  of  Tam-sui. 

DIRECTIONS. — As  far  as  Lieutenant  Gordon  was  enabled  to  examine  the 
N.W.  coast,  it  was  his  opinion  that  a  great  advantage  would  be  obtained,  if, 
instead  of  hugging  the  coast  of  China  or  beating  up  in  the  middle  of  For- 
mosa Strait  during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  sailing  vessels  were  to  reach  well 
over,  and  at  all  events  during  the  day  stand  close  in  to  the  Formosa  shore, 
particularly  on  the  ebb  tide.  The  latter  stream  was  always  found  setting 
strong  to  the  N.E.,  whereas  the  flood  ran  very  weak  to  the  S.S.W.,  the 
former  having  the  advantage  over  the  latter  of  at  least  8  miles  every  24 
hours. 

The  time  of  high  water,  full  and  change,  on  the  N.W.  coast  of  Formosa 
is  at  nuou.     The  bottom  is  dark  sand,  with,  occasionally  shells  and  broken 


TAM-SUI  HARBOUR.  1043 

stones ;  soundings  of  30  to  40|fathoniR'iiear  the  shore,  and  25  to  17  fathoms 
at  10  to  20  miles  off.  The  water  commences  shoaling  about  1^  or  2  miles  off 
shore,  and  the  depths  decrease  rapidly.  The  sea  near  the  coast  in  moderate 
weather  is  smooth,  the  wind  blowing  along  the  land. 

TAM-SUI  HARBOTJR  is  formed  in  the-  lower  reach  of  Tam-sui  River. 
South  of  the  river  entrance  is  a  remarkable  double  hill,  the  North  peak  of 
which  is  2,014  ft.  above  the  sea.  The  river  has  a  funnel-shaped  entrance, 
where  is  the  bar,  and  the  shares  of  which  are  low,  with  sand  hills,  bordered 
on  the  South  side  by  sand  and  mud  flats,  and  on  the  North  by  a  stony  flat, 
on  which  is  a  small  Chinese  lighthouse,  only  used  occasionally. 

The  bar  is  a  mile  in  extent ;  the  fairway  channel  over  it  is  direct,  1  to 
2  cables  in  width,  and  has  a  depth  of  7  to  8  ft.  at  low-water  springs.  The 
river  within  is  three-quarters  of  a  mile  broad,  but  the  South  side  is  filled 
with  mud  banks.  The  deep  water  channel  is  only  a  cable  wide  between  the 
banks  off  the  low  points  of  entrance,  and  within  preserves  the  same  breadth 
along  the  North  shore  for  the  distance  of  a  mile  with  12  to  15  ft.  water. 
The  white  fort  and  entrance  beacon  are  on  the  North  point  of  entrance ;  the 
old  Dutch  red  fort,  which  is  the  British  consulate,  is  half  a  mile  higher  up 
on  the  same  side,  and  above  is  the  town  of  Hoo-wei,  at  the  lower  part  of 
which  is  the  custom-house.  Foreigners  have  not  unfrequently  been  insulted 
in  this  town,  the  lower  classes  of  which  are  lawless  and  turbulent. 

Five  miles  above  Hoo-wei  the  main  branch  of  the  Tam-sui  River  runs  to 
the  S.E.,  on  the  right  bank  of  which,  about  13  miles  from  the  entrance,  is 
the  town  of  Mang-kia  or  Bang-ka,  the  largest  in  the  North  of  Formosa. 
About  /)  miles  above  Mang-kia  a  smaller  branch  enters  from  the  southward, 
and  numerous  other  tributary  streams  feed  this  river,  which  is  said  to  take 
its  rise  70  or  80  miles  above  Tam-sui  Harbour,  and  wind  its  course  among 
the  high  mountain  ranges  of  the  interior.  A  confluent  branch  takes  a  turn 
at  Kang-tow,  6  miles  from  the  entrance,  and  atter  several  small  rapids  ends 
a  few  miles  from  Kelung,  where  the  coal  mines  are  situated. 

The  exports  of  Tamsui  and  Kelung  consist  chiefly  of  tea,  rice,  camphor, 
and  coal,  amounting,  in  1871,  to  £160,367.  Grood  water  and  provisions  of 
all  kinds  are  to  be  obtained  ;  bullocks,  pigs,  goats,  poultry,  vegetables,  and 
fruit  in  profusion.     Water  is  brought  oti  in  sanpans  at  I5  dollars  the  ton. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Tam-sui  Harbour  at  ll*"  45™., 
springs  rise  7  to  10  ft. 

Directio7is. — If  approaching  Tam-sui  from  the  westward,  steer  midway 
between  the  two  mountains,  one  of  which  rises  on  either  side  the  entrance, 
until  the  leading  marks  to  cross  the  bar  are  discerned,  but  as  the  channel 
across  the  bar  is  liable  to  shift  from  the  effects  of  freshets  or  gales,  no  vessel 
should  enter  Tam-sui  for  the  first  time  without  a  pilot,  one  of  whom  can 
generally  be  obtained  ofl  the  port,  or^at  the^village  just  inside  the  white 


1044  THE  ISLA.ND  OF  FOEMOSA. 

fort.*  If  intending  to  anchor,  do  not  stand  into  less  than  8  fathoms,  unless 
in  a  steam-vessel,  for  the  anchorage  ofif  the  harbour  is  unsafe,  as  the  hold- 
ing ground  of  loose  shifting  sand  is  not  good ;  and  a  vessel,  though  with  a 
good  scope  of  cable  out,  is  likely  to  drive  even  in  moderate  weather.  When 
the  wind  freshens  from  the  N.E.  a  heavy  sea  rolls  in,  breaking  even  in  3 
fathoms  water,  and  a  sailing  vessel  must  immediately  proceed  to  sea,  for 
should  the  wind  veer  to  N.W.  it  might  be  impracticable.  In  summer  also 
it  is  exposed  to  sh(jrt,  sharp  south-westers,  which  rise  suddenly  with  little  or 
no  warning,  but  which  are  not  of  very  common  occurrence ;  in  the  event  of 
one,  it  is  necessary  to  put  to  sea  without  delay. 

The  recent  survey  in  the  Sylvia  showed  the  deepest  water  over  the  bar  to 
be  in  nearly  the  same  direction  as  it  was  in  1845,  when  Lieutenant  Grordon 
surveyed  it,  but  5  ft.  shoaler.  Since  then  the  entrance  has  been  entirely 
altered  by  a  typhoon,  which  swept  over  the  harbour  in  September,  1871,  but 
it  is  probable  that  the  freshes  of  the  ensuing  rainy  seasons  have  re-established 
the  channel  in  its  old  position.  The  leading  mark  for  entering  the  har- 
bour previous  to  this  change  was  a  white  beacon  placed  near  a  small  fish  hut 
on  piles,  near  White  Fort,  just  open  to  the  right  of  the  old  red  brick  square 
Dutch  fort,  E.  I  S.,  botk  situated  on  the  northern  side  of  the  river.  The 
passage  over  the  bar  is  usually  marked  with  bamboos,  but  these  are  unin- 
telligible to  a  stranger. 

The  entrance  heacon  on  the  North  bank,  W.  i  N.  half  a  mile  from  the  Eed 
Fort,  is  40  ft.  high,  and  pyramid  shaped,  consisting  of  three  poles  with  a 
triangular  facing  towards  the  bar ;  the  whole  painted  white.  The  beacon  in, 
line  with  the  Eed  Fort  is  the  leading  mark  for  entering  the  harbour. 

On  entering  the  river  pass  the  white  beacon  at  about  three-quarters  of  a 
cable,  and  run  up  along  the  North  shore  at  the  same  distance.  The  anchor- 
age for  large  vessels  is  off  the  custom-house ;  the  best  berth  for  men-of-war 
is  nearer  the  Eed  Fort.  It  is  necessary  to  moor,  and  ships  should  be  pre- 
pared with  a  spare  anchor  in  the  winter  months,  as  the  freshets  have  been 
so  strong,  after  continuous  rain,  as  to  cause  a  vessel  to  drift  out  and  be 
wrecked  on  the  bar.  The  holding  ground  is  not  very  good.  Of  the  advan- 
tages of  this  harbour,  it  may  be  said  that  it  is  quite  secure  from  all  storms  j 
and  although  there  is  only  a  depth  of  8  ft.  over  the  bar,  yet,  the  rise  being 
from  7  to  10  ft.,  vessels  of  moderate  draught  may  enter  or  leave  daily 
throughout  the  year. 

The  North  end  of  Formosa  is  high  and  mountainous,  except  the  North  and 
N.W.  points,  which  are  low,  and  have  reefs  extending  a  considerable  distance 
off.     From  Tam-sui  the  coast  trends  to  the  N.E.,  10  miles  to  Syau-ki  Pointy 


•  These  pilots  hare  not  alwajs  proved  trust- worthy,  shipmasters  should  therefore  be 
on  their  guard  and  procure  a  licensed  pilot,  if  possible.     The  charge  is  five  dollars. 


KE-LUNG  HAEBOUR.  1045 

and  then  4  miles  East  to  Foki  Point ;  a  reef  fronts  it,  and  in  some  places 
extends  nearly  half  a  mile  off  shore.  The  shore  rises  gradually,  and  is  very 
flat  for  several  miles  inland  to  the  Tam-sui  range.  Masou  Pminsula  is  8  miles 
S.E.  of  Foki  Point.  Its  N.  W.  point  is  formed  by  a  remarkable  hill  of  sand- 
stone, 250  ft.  high,  perpendicular  to  the  N.W.  To  the  westward  of  this 
peninsula  is  the  deep  bay  and  valley  of  Masou,  in  the  middle  of  which  is  an 
islet  with  three  rocks  lying  S.E.  of  it.  Immediately  eastward  of  Masou 
Peninsula  is  a  bay  3  miles  across,  with  numerous  reefs  running  off  the 
points  within  it ;  and  2  miles  farther  on  the  entrance  of  Ke-lung  Harbour. 

The  coast  between  Foki  and  Petou  Points,  20  miles  apart,  forms  some- 
what of  a  bay  into  which  the  N.E.  monsoon  rolls  a  heavy  sea  ;  in  this  bay, 
about  6  miles  eastward  of  Masou  Peninsula  is  Ke-lung  Island,  a  remarkable 
black  rocky  island  rising  precipitously  on  all  sides  to  the  height  of  580  feet. 
This  excellent  landmark  guides  to  Ke-lung  Harbour,  the  entrance  to  which 
bears  from  it  S.W.  2|-  miles.  Off  its  N.W.  end  is  a  conical  rock  100  feet 
high,  and  extending  S.W.  by  S.  from  the  island  is  a  spit  of  gravel  or  rock, 
a  mile  in  length. 

KE-LUNG  HAEBOTJR  is  easy  of  access  and  well  sheltered  in  all  winds, 
except  those  from  the  northward,  which  send  in  a  heavy  sea.  Ke-lung 
Island  directs  to  the  entrance  which  is  marked  by  beacons,  and  the  hidden 
dangers  within  are  marked  by  buoys. 

Audacious  Hock,  on  which  H.M.S.  of  that  name  struck  in  1876,  is  a  small 
pinnacle,  with  21  ft.  over  it,  and  10  fathoms  at  the  distance  of  50  yards  in 
all  directions.  From  the  shoalest  part,  the  islet,  100  ft.  high,  adjacent  to 
the  West  side  of  Ke-lung  Island,  bears  E.  §  S.,  distant  17  cables  ;  and  the 
second  peak  West  of  Image  Point  (293  ft.  high),  S.  by  W.  i  W.,  distant  2^ 
miles.  Petou  Point,  just  overlapping  the  South  point  of  Ke-lung  Island,, 
bearing  S.E.  by  E.  5  E.,  leads  about  2  cables  north-eastward  of  Audacious 
Rock.  The  summit  of  the  distant  range  of  hills  (southward  of  Ke-lung 
town)  in  line  with  the  Saddle  between  the  first  and  second  peaks  West  of 
Image  Point,  bearing  S.  3  W.,  leads  about  2  cables  westward  of  the  rock  in 
15  fathoms  water. 

Falm  Islayid,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  long,  East  and  West,  is  2  miles 
S.S.W.  i  W.  from  Ke-lung  Island.  Close  to  its  N.W.  extreme,  and  almost 
connected  with  it,  is  Macedonian  Mound,  140  ft.  high.  Bush  Island,  low  and 
rocky,  about  10  ft.  high  and  covered  with  shrubs,  lies  3  cables  West  of  Palm 
Island.  Its  extreme  North  end  is  marked  by  a  beacon,  43  ft.  high,  painted 
hlack. 

Image  Point,  the  West  point  of  entrance  to  the  harbour,  is  a  low  project- 
ing shelf  half  a  mile  W.S.W.  of  Bush  Island,  and  remarkable  from  the 
number  of  detached  pieces  of  sandstone  rock  which  the  action  of  the  sea 
has  worn  into  grotesque  figures.  The  point  is  or  was  marked  by  a  tchite 
beacon  and  may  be  rounded  at  a  cable.     There  are  7  to  16  fathoms  in  the 


1046  THE  ISLAND  OF  FOEMOSA. 

entrance,  whlcli  is  4  cables  wide  between  Imaj^e  Point  and  the  reef  ofiP  Bush 
Island. 

Inflexille  Reef,  on  which  several  ships  have  struck,  is  a  sunken  ledge  of 
rocks.  On  its  outer  edge  are  two  knolls  of  4  and  6  ft.,  from  the  westernmost 
of  which  Image  Point  bears  N.W.  by  W.  4  cables,  and  the  left  extreme  of 
Bush  Island  N.  by  E.  This  knoll  is  marked  by  a  red  buoy  on  its  western 
edge,  in  7i  fathoms. 

Crag  Peak,  a  remarkable  sugar-loaf  hill,  about  150  ft.  high,  lies  on  the 
western  shore  of  the  harbour,  half  a  mile  southward  of  Image  Point.  From 
it  projects  another  shelf  of  sandstone,  on  which  is  the  mushroom-shaped 
rock  to  which  has  been  given  the  name  of  Ruin  Rock.  A  sunken  ledge  with 
3  to  9  ft.  on  it  extends  1^  cable  eastward  of  this  point,  the  outer  edge  of 
which  is  marked  by  a  white  buoy  (coral  shoal  buoy),  in  5J  fathoms.  The 
town  of  Ke-lung  stands  at  the  head  of  the  bay  a  mile  above  Euin  Eock. 
The  coal  mines  are  about  a  mileE.S.E.  of  the  town. 

The  trade  of  Ke-lung  is  extensive,  principally  with  the  Eivers  Min,  Chin- 
chu,  Amoy,  and  Tongsang.  For  the  latter  plane  quantities  of  coal  are 
shipped,  and  for  the  former  rice,  ground-nut  oil,  camphor,  and  camphor  wood. 
Good  water  is  easily  obtained  on  the  western  shore  of  the  harbour,  in  the 
second  small  bay  within  Crag  Peak.  Pigs,  poultry,  and  sweet  potatoes  may 
be  purchased.  The  Ke-lung  coal  is  a  small  bituminous  mineral,  good  for 
domestic  purposes  and  for  steamers  making  short  passages,  but  it  is  otherwise 
unsuitable.     (See  page  1032.) 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Ke-lung  Harbour  at  10''  30™,  and  the 
rise,  when  uninfluenced  by  the  weather,  is  about  3  ft. 

Directions. — The  entrance  of  Ke-lung  may  be  boldly  steered  for  even  in  a 
N.E.  gale  with  thick  weather,  if  the  land  about  it,  especially  Ke-lung  Island, 
can  be  well  made  out.  Avoiding  Audacious  Eock,  Crag  Peak,  a  conspicuous 
landmark  within  the  harbour,  may  be  steered  for  on  any  bearing  between 
S.  \  W,  and  S.  by  W.  f  W.,  and  will  lead  in  within  the  entrance  clear  of  all 
danger.  After  passing  Image  Point,  which  it  is  preferable  to  hug,  steer  for 
the  sandy  bay  to  the  S.E.,  getting  the  point  on  a  N.W.  ^  N.  bearing,  and 
anchor  in  6  to  7  fathoms,  mud,  good  holding  ground,  with  the  West  extreme 
Bush  Island  N.  by  E.,  or  Crag  Peak  S.W.  ^  W.  This  anchorage  is  1^  cable 
South  of  Inflexible  Eeef,  and  if  the  buoys  are  in  position  the  red  buoy  will 
bear  North. 

If  proceeding  into  Junk  Harbour,  round  Euin  Eock  at  2  cables,  passing 
outside  the  white  buoy,  and  anchor  with  the  rock  S.E.  by  E.  |  E.  A  gun 
boat  may  proceed  higher  up. 

A  sailing  vessel  must  use  much  caution  in  leaving  this  harbour  during 
the  N.E.  monsoon,  in  consequence  of  the  heavy  sea  rolling  in,  and  there 
being  no  anchorage  outside.  With  a  light  wind  short  tacks  should  be 
made,  and  the  entrance  kept  open  until  an  offing  is  gained. 


ISLANDS  NORTH-EAST  OF  FOEMOSA.  1047 

Coal  Harbour,  or  Petaou  Bay,  a  small  inlet  of  the  coast  IJ  mile  south- 
eastward of  Palm  Island  at  the  entrance  of  Ke-lung,  and  bearing  from  Ke- 
lung  Island  S.  |  E.,  is  so  called  from  its  proximity  to  the  coal  mines  on  the 
hill  sides  of  the  southern  shore  of  Quar-see-kau  Bay.  It  lies  open  to  the 
northward,  and  is  surrounded  with  reefs  and  rocks,  and  shoal  at  the  head ; 
it  might,  however,  be  available  to  a  vessel  in  distress,  if  embayed  to  wind- 
ward of  it. 

It  offers  anchorage  and  shelter  for  one  or  two  vessels  only,  and  should 
the  mines  ever  be  worked  by  Europeans,  the  coal,  which  is  of  good  quality, 
could  be  conveyed  to  Harbour  Eock  at  its  head  by  means  of  a  railroad  along 
the  West  shore  of  the  bay,  at  the  base  of  the  hills.  A  short  pier  from  the 
North  side  of  the  rock  would  enable  a  vessel  to  lie  alongside  in  3  or  4 
fathoms  water,  and  receive  or  discharge  her  cargo. 


ISLANDS  NOETH-EAST  OF  FORMOSA. 

From  the  northern  extremity  of  Formosa  there  extends  for  170  miles  in 
an  E.  by  N.  direction,  a  chain  of  rocks  and  islands  of  small  size,  bold  of 
approach,  and  for  the  most  part  widely  separated,  lying  on  or  near  the  edge 
of  the  bank  of  soundings  extending  from  the  coast  of  China. 

Pinnacle  Island,  called  by  the  Chinese  Tsaou  su  or  the  Chair-bearer, 
owing  to  its  resemblance  to  coolies  carrying  a  sedan  chair,  is  in  lat.  25°  25^' 
N.,  long.  121°  58i'  E.,  and  19  miles  N.E.  by  N.  from  the  entrance  of  Ke- 
lung  Harbour.  It  is  a  rugged  mass  of  rock,  170  ft.  high,  with  perpendicular 
sides,  and  around  it  are  three  semi-detached  pinnacle  rocks  about  half  the 
height  of  the  island,  two  of  which  are  visible  in  almost  every  direction. 
They  aU  stand  upon  a  low  reef,  the  western  point  of  which  extends,  pro- 
bably 2  cables. 

Craig  Island,  in  lat.  2.5"  29'  N.,  long.  122°  8'  E.,  is  10  miles  E.N.E.  of 
Pinnacle  Island.  Its  eastern  point  is  a  steep  cliff  from  the  summit  of  the 
island,  240  ft.  in  height,  off  which  lie  the  two  high  craggy  rocks,  surrounded 
by  a  large  reef,  from  which  the  island  has  probably  received  its  name. 
H.M.S.  Serpent  anchored  off  the  North  side  of  the  island  in  9  fathoms,  ia 
June  1866. 

Agincourt  Island,  9  miles  N.  J  W.  from  Craig  Island,  is  in  lat.  25°  38'  N. 
long.  122°  5i'  E.     It  has  a  round  summit,  540  ft,  high,  stretching  out  into 
high,  bold  headlands  on  the  North  and  South,  and  off  the  S.W.  point  is  a 
reef. 

Hoa-pin  su,  the  North  face  of  which  is  in  lat.  25°  47'  N.,  long.  123°  0'  E., 
is  an  island  3  miles  in  extent,  and  1,181  ft.  high.  The  S.W.  point,  when 
seen  on  a  S.E,  by  E.  bearing,  appears  low  and  bhelYing.     The  western  part 


1048  ISLANDS  NORTH-EAST  OF  FORMOSA. 

of  the  island  rises  symmetrically  to  a  sharp  peak,  and  is  separated  by  a  deep 
gap  from  the  eastern  peak  which  is  somewhat  lower,  very  rugged,  and  steep 
on  its  southern  side ;  the  S.E.  point  is  a  high  cliiff.  The  island  may  be  said 
to  slope  to  the  N.W. 

The  Pinnacle  Group,  which  is  connected  by  a  reef  and  bank  of  soundings 
with  Hoa-pin  su,  allowing  a  channel  of  about  1 2  fathoms  water  between  it 
and  the  Channel  Rock,  presents  the  appearance  of  an  upheaved  and  subse- 
quently ruptured  mass  of  compact  grey  columnar  basalt,  rising  suddenly 
into  needle-shaped  pinnacles.  Although  a  safe  channel  exists  between  Hoa- 
pin  su  and  the  Pinnacle  Islands,  it  ought  not  (on  account  of  the  strength 
of  the  tides  destroying  the  steerage),  to  be  attempted  by  sailing  vessels  if  it 
can  be  avoided. 

Ti-a-usu,  N.E.  northerly,  15  miles  from  Hoa-pin  su,  is  about  1^  or  2  miles 
in  extent,  and  its  summit  is  a  round  hill  about  600  ft.  high,  with  a  lower  hill 
of  similar  shape  on  its  N.E.  side,  which  both  show  very  prominently  when 
the  island  is  first  made  from  the  eastward. 

Raleigh  Rock,  in  lat.  25°  35',  long.  124°  35'  E.,  and  50  miles  E.  |  S.  from 
Ti-a-usu,  is  a  narrow  elongated  mass  of  bare  rock,  rising  abruptly  from  a 
reef  to  the  height  of  270  ft.,  and  perpendicular  on  all  sides.  Reefs  stretch 
off  its  West,  East,  and  North  sides.  In  the  distance  it  appears  like  a  junk 
under  sail. 

The  Bank  of  Soundings  appears  to  terminate  a  little  eastward  of  Raleigh 
Rock,  for  at  12  miles  N.E.  by  E.  of  it  no  bottom  was  obtained  with  150 
fathoms  of  line.  In  the  vicinity  of  the  islands,  the  depths  were  found  very 
irregular,  varying  from  60  to  90  fathoms,  over  a  bottom  of  grey  sand,  or 
rock,  or  stones,  so  that  it  would  not  be  possible  to  determine  a  ship's  posi- 
in  thick  weather  by  means  of  soundings,  beyond  the  fact  of  her  being  on 
the  bank. 

MEIACO  SIMA  GROUP  form  the  westernmost  portion  of  the  long  chain 
of  islands  which  extend  in  an  easterly  and  north-easterly  direction  from  For- 
mosa to  the  southern  extremity  of  Kiusiu,  Japan. 

KITMI  ISLAND,*  conspicuous  by  the  peculiar  sharpness  of  its  single  peak, 
770  ft.  high,  and  table  base,  is  60  miles  E.  by  S.  of  Sau-o  Bay,  Formosa. 
The  island  is  6  miles  long,  East  and  West,  and  its  peak  is  at  the  south- 
eastern part.  The  principal  town  and  port  is  on  the  North  side,  but  the 
entrance  from  the  sea  is  narrow  and  shallow.  Tolerable  anchorage  is  found 
in  fine  weather,  in  17  fathoms,  sandy  bottom,  apparently  over  coral,  at  3 
cables  from  the  shore,  northward  of  the  town. 

Chung-chi  and  Sandy  Islands  are  the  south-western  outliers  of  the  western 


*  Reefs,  reported  to  have  been  seen  lying  wtstvrard  of  Kumi,  are  described  on  page  1034, 


KU-KIEN-SAN— PAOHUNG  SAN.  1049 

group  of  the  Meiaco  simas.  Chung-chi,  33  miles  S.E.  by  E.  J  E.  from  Kumi 
Peak,  is  a  high  uninhabited  mass  of  basaltic  rock.  Sandy  or  Hasyokan 
Island,  13  miles  S.E.  by  E.  frcm  Chung.chi,  is  3  miles  in  extent,  East  and 
West,  with  a  few  trees  and  huts  on  it,  and  stands  on  a  coral  reef,  which 
extends  a  mile  from  its  S.W.  point.  There  is  no  safe  passage  between  the 
two  islands ;  between  Chung-chi  and  Ku-kien  san  several  coral  patches  have 
been  observed,  and  Sandy  Island  is  stated  to  be  connected  with  Loney  Island, 
1 6  miles  north-eastward,  by  numerous  reefs  and  shoals. 

KU-KIEN-SAN  is  16  miles  in  extent,  and  rises  at  its  highest  part  to  an 
elevation  of  about  2,000  feet,  its  shores  affording  several  commodious  har- 
bours, which,  with  good  charts,  are  safe  of  approach.  Seymour  Bmj  is  on  the 
southern  coast,  2  miles  East  of  Seymour  Point,  the  S.W.  angle  of  Ku-kien 
san.  Here  is  perfect  shelter  in  the  N.E.  monsoon,  and  a  fine  stream  enters 
the  sea  in  deep  water,  where  a  vessel  might  water,  without  the  intervention 
of  boats  or  casks. 

At  the  middle  of  the  western  coast  is  Herbert  Island,  700  ft.  high,  detached 
from  the  extremity  of  a  long  peninsula,  which  separates  two  narrow  inlets. 
Port  Cockburn,  on  the  South,  carries  very  deep  water,  30  decreasing  to  20 
fathoms  up  to  its  head,  which  is  3  miles  from  the  entrance  ;  but  there  are 
many  coral  reefs  off  its  shores.  The  harbour  is  almost  landlocked,  and  only 
open  to  N.  W.  by  N.  Port  Herbert,  North  of  the  peninsula,  is  fringed  by  broad 
reefs  throughout  its  whole  extent.  It  has  3  fathoms  in  the  middle  of  its 
entrance,  which  opens  out  into  a  broad  basin  within,  with  a  depth  of  22  fa- 
thoms, from  whence  a  narrow  channel,  about  2  cables  in  width  between  the 
reefs,  and  carrying  14,  7,  and  10  fathoms,  leads  S.E.  by  S.  \\  mile  to  the 
head  of  the  inlet,  where  is  anchorage,  clear  of  a  coral  reef,  in  6  fathoms. 
This  harbour  is  also  nearly  landlocked,  and  open  only  to  N.W.  by  N.  Port 
Gage  is  a  small  bay,  also  on  the  West  side  of  Ku-kien  san,  3  cables  across, 
open  to  West  and  S.W. 

Isaac  Island,  40  ft.  high,  is  2  miles  northward  of  Ku-kien  san.  Koubah 
Island  is  a  mile  off  the  East  point  of  Ku-kien  san. 

PA-CHUNG  SAN,  8  miles  eastward  of  Ku-kien  san,  is  about  10  miles  in 
extent  across  the  body  of  the  island,  and  the  hills  on  its  North  side  rise  to 
the  height  of  1,500  feet,  from  which  range  a  narrow  peninsula  stretches  12 
miles  N.E.  by  N.,  terminating  in  Adams  Point,  off  which  is  an  islet  on  the 
reef.  South-westward  of  Pa-chung  is  Roberto7i  Island,  60  ft.  high,  4^  miles 
westward  of  which  is  Koubah  Island,  before  mentioned ;  the  two  are  con- 
nected by  a  coral  reef,  which  is  steep-to,  and  on  the  edge  of  which  are  three 
islets.  Eoberton  is  also  connected  by  reefs  with  Baugh,  Ingle-field,  and  Loney 
Islands  to  the  S.W.,  which  also  lie  off  Ku-kien  san ;  and  South  Rock,  which 
is  high  and  marks  the  edge  of  the  reef,  is  S.E.  of  Eoberton,  and  3J  miles 
from  Pa-chung. 

1.  X.  6  s 


1050  ISLANDS  NOKTH-EAST  OF  FOEMOSA. 

On  the  North  side  of  Pa-chiing  are  several  g;oocI  bays,  where  anchorage 
might  be  found  in  the  S.W.  monsoon,  but  which  are  certainly  not  adapted 
for  refit. 

Port  Haddington  is  a  spacious  bay  on  the  "West  side  of  Pa-chung-san. 
Ofi'  Hamilton  Point,  the  North  point  of  entrance,  will  be  noticed  a  remark- 
able little  rocky  hummock,  upon  which  was  left,  at  the  time  of  the  survey, 
a  very  large  pile  of  stones.  The  bottom  for  more  than  half  a  mile  off  the 
point  is  rocky  and  dangerous  ;  but  as  all  the  dangers  of  this  port  are  visible 
from  aloft,  there  is  no  risk  with  a  proper  look-out.  This  is  a  well  sheltered 
port  during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  but  not  so  safe  in  the  S.W.  monsoon ;  for 
although  it  is  landlocked,  there  is  a  long  fetch  for  the  sea  with  a  S.W.  gale, 
and  in  the  latter  season  typhoons  are  said  to  be  very  violent  about  this 
region. 

A  convenient  watering-place  was  established  by  H.M.S.  Samarang,  by 
sinking  a  cask  and  suspending  the  suction  hose  of  Hearle's  pump  over  it,  so 
as  to  prevent  the  sand  from  being  sucked  in.  Here  wood  is  abundant.  The 
inhabitants  are  a  poor,  contented,  and  an  unarmed  race,  in  appearance 
similar  to  the  Loochooans,  to  whom  they  are  subject,  but  resembling  the 
Japanese  more  in  manner,  customs,  and  language. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  e**  45'",  and  the  rise  and  fall  about  7  ft. 

Directions. — From  the  westward,  Port  Haddington  may  be  sought  and 
reached  more  expeditiously  by  working  upon  theN.W.  side  of  Ku-kien-san, 
rounding  Isaac  Island  and  running  down  off  the  danger  line  from  Melros 
Point  (the  northern  part  of  the  peninsula  which  forms  the  North  side  of  the 
bay)  round  the  reef,  which  extends  6  cables  off  Hamilton  Point,  and  shoot 
into  15  fathoms.  The  chart  exhibits  several  awkward  patches,  but  a  vessel 
which  works  decently  can  thread  her  way  between  them,  if  the  sun  be  bright, 
as  all  the  shoals  may  easily  be  traced  from  aloft. 

There  is  a  passage  from  Port  Haddington  into  Broughton  Bay,  which  was 
used  by  H.M.  sloops  Lily  and  Contest,  in  1852  ;  it  abounds  in  coral  reefs. 

About  15  or  20  miles  E.  by  N.  ^  N.  of  the  N.E.  extremity  of  Pa-chung 
are  two  low  islets,  Mitsuna  and  Tarara,  from  -vhich  extensive  reefs  stretch 
northward  and  westward,  and  the  ground  is  shallow  and  foul  at  10  miles 
N.N.E.  of  them.  The  vicinity  of  these  shoals  ought  therefore  to  be  avoided 
by  night,  but  by  day  the  dangers  are  clearly  denoted  by  breakers. 

TAI-PIN  SAN  GROUP,  the  eastern  division  of  the  Meiaco  simas,  com- 
prises the  large  island  of  Tai-pin  san  and  four  small  off-lying  islets,  and  is 
distant  50  miles  from  Pa-chung  san  in  an  E.  by  N.  ^  N.  direction.  Tai-pin 
san  is  15  miles  long,  N.W.  and  S.E.,  and  is  surroimded  on  all  sides  except 
the  South  by  a  very  extensive  chain  of  coral  reefs,  upon  which  lie  the  four 
small  islands.  Off' the  S.W.  point  is  Ashumah  or  Kurimah;  to  the  westward 
is  Erahou  or  Yerabu,  4  miles  in  extent ;  off  the  North  point  is  Corumah  or 
Ykima,  and  2  miles  eastward  of  the  same  is  Uummoch  or  Ogame. 


® 





PESCADORES  ISLANDS.  1051 

Safe  anchorage  during  the  S.W.  monsoon  might  be  found  inside  the  reefs 
of  Hummock  Island,  and  also  safe  in  the  N.E.  monsoon ;  but  the  passage 
in  or  out  at  that  season  would  be  attended  with  risk,  and  there  can  be  no 
inducements  for  any  vessel  to  visit  Tai-pin  san ;  neither  wood,  water,  nor 
any  other  necessaries  could  be  procured. 

YKIMA  ISLAND  (Doubtful),  is  placed  on  the  charts  as  3  miles  in  extent 
with  an  islet  off  its  N.E.  side,  and  in  lat.  24°  26'  N.,  long.  125°  26',  which 
position  is  20  miles  South  of  the  eastern  point  of  Tai-pin  san. 

CAUTION  is  requisite  in  approaching  the  Meiaco  sima  group  from  the 
N.E.,  East,  or  South,  particularly  with  fresh  breezes,  and  in  the  absence  of 
the  sun,  by  the  aid  of  which  the  coral  reefs  below  water  can  be  detected. 
They  are  here,  from  their  greenish  hue,  being  covered  by  seaweed,  less  dis- 
tinct than  at  other  places,  and  therefore,  where  they  are  not  marked  on  the 
chart,  it  must  not  be  presumed  that  the  space  is  free  from  danger ;  for  the 
lead  will  not  afford  timely  warning. 

Vessels  should  not  venture  near  these  islands  after  dark  until  the  dangers 
have  been  more  closely  examined.  From  the  western  limit  of  Chung-chi 
Island  to  the  eastern  range  of  the  breakers  of  Tai-pin  san,  the  space  is  dan- 
gerous. Independent  of  the  many  reefs  which  connect  the  islands,  the  con- 
stant strong  winds,  with  haze  and  rain  during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  render  the 
approach  at  that  season,  unless  in  a  clear  day,  very  hazardous. 

Of  the  dangers  on  the  northern  side  of  the  group,  all  that  is  known  has 
been  said,  and  no  off-lying  shoals  appear  to  exist  westward  of  Pa-chungsan. 
But  it  is  nut  considered  prudent  that  any  vessel  should  run  the  risk  of  being 
hampered  by  these  islands  and  shoals,  and  therefore,  w4ien  beating  up  to  the 
northward,  should  not  come  farther  eastward  than  to  sight  Chung-chi  Island. 
The  currents,  as  these  islands  are  approached,  press  more  southerly  and 
easterly  than  on  the  coast  of  Formosa,  and  stronger  breezes  are  met  as  a 
vessel  advances  eastward;  indeed  it  blows  inceasantly  at  this  western  group. 


PESCADORES  ISLANDS. 


The  PESCADORES  or  Panghou  Archipelago  consist  of  twenty-one  inha- 
bited islands,  besides  several  rocks,  and  extend  from  lat.  23"  11^'  to  23°  47'  N., 
and  from  long.  119°  16' to  U9°  40"  E.  From  their  basaltic  formation  the 
land  is  generally  flat,  and  no  part  of  the  group  is  300  ft.  above  the  level  of 
the  sea.  Panghou  or  Ponghou  and  Fisher,  the  two  largest  islands,  lie  near 
the  centre  of  the  archipelago,  and  between  them  is  an  extensive  and  excel- 
lent harbour.  The  general  depth  of  water  on  the  western  side  of  the  archi- 
pelago is  30  and  35  fathoms;  there  are,  however,  some  places  with  GO  fa- 


10 -,2  PESCADORES  ISLANDS. 

thorns.     To  the  eastward  of  the  group  the  depth  is  40  fathoms,  and  the 
current  strong. 

These  islands  contained,  in  1843,  a  population  of  about  8,000,  and  are 
extensively  cultivated,  potatoes,  maize,  millet,  and  ground  nuts  being  pro- 
duced in  considerable  quantities,  as  well  as  a  few  other  vegetables,  but  the 
soil  is  not  good  ;  owing  to  the  violence  of  the  wind  there  are  no  trees,  but 
the  islands  are  well  supplied  with  fruits  and  vegetables  from  Formosa.  Bul- 
locks are  numerous,  being  used  to  till  the  ground.  Fresh  water  was  abund- 
ant in  the  months  of  June  and  July,  but  it  was  stated  that  at  some  seasons  it 
was  scarce.  Dried  fiah  forms  the  only  article  of  export,  and  the  imports  are 
rice,  sugar,  fruits,  and  vegetables  from  Formosa ;  tea,  &c.,  from  Amoy. 

JUNK  ISLAND,  the  most  southern  of  the  Pescadores,  is  2  miles  long, 
East  and  West,  and  IJ  mile  wide,  and  the  soundings  in  its  vicinity  are  15 
and  16  fathoms.  The  highest  part  of  the  island  is  260  ft.  above  the  sea, 
and  from  it  High  Island  bears  N.W.  i  N.  8f  mHes,  Eeef  Island  N.E.  by  E. 
6 J  miles,  and  East  Island  E.  by  N.  13  miles.  A  reef  of  rocks  extends  6 
cables  from  its  S.W.  side,  and  within  them  is  a  small  artificial  harbour  for 
junks.  Its  eastern  face  is  fronted  by  bold  cliffs;  and  its  western  extreme  is 
a  long  shelving  point. 

Eeef  Islands  are  three  in  number,  one  of  which.  Steeple  Island,  is  a  re- 
markable pyramid.  The  other  two  are  rather  more  than  a  mile  each  in  cir- 
cumference, and  are  connected  at  low  water  by  a  stony  ledge ;  reefs  extend 
half  a  mile  to  the  southward  of  them,  and  South  one-third  of  a  mile  from  the 
West  end  of  the  eastern  island  is  a  pyramidal  rock  80  ft.  above  the  sea. 
There  is  also  a  low  flat  rock,  nearly  level  with  the  water's  edge,  lying  S.W. 
by  S.  li  mile,  and  a  small  peaked  rock  with  a  reef  northward  of  it  lying  S.E. 
2  miles  from  the  East  end  of  this  island. 

East  Island  is  8  miles  eastward  of  the  Reef  Islands,  and  between  them 
and  distant  5  miles  from  the  latter  is  a  smaller  island,  named  Pe-ting,  1^  mile 
in  circumference,  with  a  reef  extending  in  an  easterly  direction,  not  quite  a 
mile  from  its  North  point.  East  Island  is  2J  miles  in  circumference,  and  a 
small  islet  lies  half  a  mile  from  its  north-western  shore. 

Nine-feet  Reef  liesN.  by  E.  |  E.  12|  miles  from  the  North  end  of  East 
Island,  and  from  it  Dome  Hill  on  Poughou  Island  bears  W.  by  N.  ^  N. 
lOi  miles,  and  Three  Island  N.N.W.  ^  W.  4  miles.  The  lead  gives  no 
warning. 

ROVER  GROUP,  consisting  of  two  large  islands,  Pa-chau  and  Tsiang,  and 
several  rocks,  are  sufficiently  extensive  to  afford  shelter  under  their  lee  in 
either  monsoon.  Pa-chau,  the  western  island,  is  2^  miles  long,  North  and 
South,  and  a  mile  broad,  and  its  summit  rises  like  a  dome  with  a  large  pile 
upon  it.  A  reef  extends  If  mile  in  a  westerly  direction  from  the  S.W. 
point  of  the  island,  and  its  extreme  shows  at  all  times  of  tide.  'Tsiang,  the 
©abtern  island,  is  only  1|  mile  long  N.E.  and  S.W.,  and  about  1^  mile  broad, 


PANGHOU  OR  PONGHOU  ISLAND.  1053 

and  the  channel  between  it  and  Pa-chau  is  barely  a  cable  wide.  The  East 
point  of  this  island  is  remarkable  from  an  isolated  cliff,  called  Rover  Knoh^ 
100  ft.  high,  which  forms  the  most  striking  feature  in  the  group  ;  and  7 
cables  eastward  of  the  cliff  is  a  ledge  of  rocks,  part  of  which  are  always 
above  water. 

The  channel  between  the  Rover  group  being  so  narrow  and  intricate,  the 
only  excuse  for  a  stranger  using  it  would  be  his  vessel  being  caught  at  an- 
chor to  the  northward  of  the  group  in  a  breeze  from  the  northward,  and 
unable  to  fetch  clear  either  eastward  or  westward. 

High  Island,  bearing  W.  by  S.  |  S.,  9 J  miles  from  the  highest  part  of 
Pa-chau,  is  dome-shaped,  247  ft.  high,  and  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  cir- 
cumference. At  1  mile  eastward  of  it  is  a  low  flat  island,  and  between  the 
two  are  several  rocks,  one  of  which  has  a  remarkable  gap  in  it,  and  rises  60 
feet  above  the  sea.  A  rock  nearly  level  with  the  water's  edge  lies  S.E,  5  E. 
\\  mile  from  the  summit  of  High  Island. 

Yih-pan  Island,  158  ft.  high,  2  miles  in  circumference  and  uneven  in  ap- 
pearance, is  4  miles  northward  of  High  Island,  and  S.W.  §  S.  II5  miles  from 
the  lighthouse  on  the  S.W.  end  of  Fisher  Island. 

Table  Island,  bearing  S.S.E.  \  E.  nearly  5  miles  from  the  lighthouse  on 
Fisher  Island,  is  aptly  named,  the  summit  being  a  dead  flat  200  ft.  above 
the  sea.  The  island  is  not  quite  2  miles  long  E.  by  N.  and  W.  by  S. ,  and 
is  seldom  3  cables  wide.  Tablet  Island  is  about  a  mile  northward  of  Table 
Island,  and  between  them  the  depth  is  12  to  19  fathoms.  A  shoal  of  only  9 
feet  least  water  extends  N.W.  ^  W^.  \\  mile  from  the  N.W.  side  of  the  island. 
From  its  north-western  limit  Dome  Island  bears  N.E.  by  N.  ^  E. 

PANGHOU  or  Ponghou  Island,  the  largest  of  the  Pescadores,  is  9^  miles 
in  extent,  North  and  South ;  it  is,  however,  separated  into  three  portions  by 
narrow  channels,  which  have  only  2  ft.  in  them  at  low  water,  and  are  further 
blocked  by  stone  weirs.  The  whole  of  the  western  face  of  the  island  is 
fronted  by  coral  reefs.  On  its  south-eastern  side,  between  Hou  and  Leechin 
Points,  are  two  bays  with  fishing  villages,  either  of  which  afford  anchorage 
in  the  N.E.  monsoon.  Dome  Bay ,  on  the  S.W.  side  of  the  island,  will  also 
afford  good  anchorage  in  6  fathoms.  Makung  Harbour  is  formed  at  the 
S.W.  part  of  Ponghou,  and  although  much  confined  by  coral  reefs  it  has 
sufficient  depth  for  vessels  of  large  draught.  The  town  of  Makung  stands  on 
the  North  side  of  an  islet,  close  to  the  N.E.  of  the  entrance,  and  will  be 
easily  recognized  by  a  citadel  and  a  line  of  embrasures.  The  large  junks 
waiting  for  a  favourable  wind  to  take  them  to  Formosa,  anchor  S.W.  of  the 
town  in  7  and  8  fathoms,  with  Black  Rock  lying  midway  between  Fisher 
Island  and  Makung,  bearing  N.E.  by  N.  The  harbour  runs  back  3  miles  10 
the  eastward  from  Chimney  Point,  the  South  point  of  entrance,  on  which  is 
an  old  Dutch  fort. 

Running  fur  Makung  Harbour  from  the  westward,  pass  about  half  a  mile 


1054  PESCADORES  ISLANDS. 

southward  of  Litsitah  Point,  the  South  extreme  of  Fisher  Island,  and  then 
steer  E.  ^  N.  for  the  town  of  Mukung.  The  only  dangers  to  be  avoided  in 
entering  this  passage  are,  the  shoal  with  9  ft.  on  it,  extending  N.W.  |  W. 
ii  mile  from  Tablet  Island ;  and  a  reef,  just  awash  at  high  water,  at  half  a 
nAle  westward  of  Dome  Island. 

FISHER  ISLAND,  which  in  a  collection  of  voyages  in  Dutch,  published 
in  1726,  is  called  D'Vissers  Island,  lies  westward  of  Ponghou,  and  between 
them  is  the  excellent  and  extensive  harbour  of  Ponghou.  The  island  is  5 
miles  long.  North  and  South,  and  3J  miles  broad.  The  S.E.  point,  Siau 
Head,  is  a  bold  cliff,  170  ft.  above  the  sea.  A  reef  breaks  at  low  water  at  7 
cables  from  the  western  shore  of  the  island,  and  its  outer  extreme  bears 
N.  by  E.  i  E.  from  the  lighthouse. 

Litsitah  Point  Lighthouse,  on  the  S.W.  extremity  of  Fisher  Island,  is  a 
round  iron  tower,  painted  black,  and  33  ft.  high.  The  keepers*  dwellings 
are  painted  white.  The  light  is  a.  fixed  bright  light,  elevated  205  ft.  above  the 
level  of  the  sea,  and  visible  15  miles  off.  It  was  established  in  December, 
1875,  and  superseded  an  old  native  light  which  had  been  established  a 
century. 

Vessels  seeking  shelter  in  a  N.E.  gale  will  find  smooth  water  off  the 
southern  shore  of  Fisher  Island  between  the  lighthouse  and  Siau  Head,  where 
there  are  two  sandy  bays.  Niu-hunq  Bay,  between  the  N.E.  end  of  Fisher 
Island  and  Pehoe  Island,  will  afford  shelter  in  the  S.W.  monsoon. 

PONGHOU  HARBOUR.— The  eastern  coast  of  Fisher  Island  trends  north- 
ward from  Siau  Head,  and  forms  several  small  bays  which  are  steep-to  to  a 
cable's  length  of  the  beach  until  2^  miles  North  of  the  head  when  reefs  ex- 
tend nearly  3  cables  off  shore.  To  avoid  these  reefs  the  fall  of  Siau  Head 
must  not  be  brought  southward  of  S.  by  "VV.  J  W. 

The  harbour  northward  of  the  anchorage  is  much  choked  with  coral 
patches.  There  is  a  passage  out  to  the  northward  between  Fisher  Island  and 
Pehoe  Island,  and  it  may  be  used  on  an  emergency  by  vessels  of  15  ft. 
draught,  but  a  local  knowledge  is  necessary  to  render  it  available. 

The  archipelago,  to  the  northward  of  Fisher  and  Pehoe  Islands,  does  not 
afford  any  inducement  for  a  vessel  to  enter  it. 

Tortoise  Rock,  9  ft.  above  high  water,  and  steep-to,  lies  about  2i  miles 
from  the  N.W.  point  of  Fisher  Island,  and  N.  by  E.  \  E.  7J  miles  from  the 
lighthouse.  There  is  a  shoal  patch  of  If  fathom  at  6  cables  S.  f  E.  from  the 
ruck,  and  N.W.  £  N.  from  the  N.E.  point  of  Fisher  Island. 

Sand  Island,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  long,  North  and  South,  and  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  broad,  bears  N.E.  by  E.  \  E.  2f  miles  from  the  Tortoise 
Hock,  and  it  will  be  known  by  a  hummock  which  rises  on  the  low  land  in  the 
centre  of  the  island,  and  also  by  its  yellow  appearance  ;  a  rock  lies  off  its 
S.W.  end,  and  reefs  extend  N.W.  3  cables  from  its  N.W.  point. 

Bird  Island  bears  E.N.E.  from  Sand  Island,  and  a  long  sandy  point,  off 


E0T7ND  AND  THREE  ISLANDS.  1055 

■which  is  a  small  sand  island  with  a  hou!=e  upon  it,  forms  its  southern  extreme. 
Shoal  water  extends  3  miles  northward  from  the  North  point  of  Bird  Island, 
and  near  its  centre  is  North  Island,  which  has  a  house  upon  it  to  shelter  the 
fishermen,  and  upon  a  reef  half-way  between  them  is  another  house.  The 
northern  edge  of  the  shoal  water  uncovers  at  low  tide.  Shelter  during  a 
north-easterly  wind  might  be  found  on  the  "West  side  of  Bird  Island  ;  and 
from  southerly  winds,  to  the  northward  of  the  reefs  extending  from  the 
North  point  of  the  island.  iV.  W.  Outlier  is  a  shoal  patch  of  5  fathoms, 
lying  N.  by  W.  f  W.  from  Sand  Island,  and  West  3J  miles  from  North 
Island.  Sable  Island,  bearing  S.E.  by  S.  5  miles  from  the  N.E.  end  of  Bird 
Island,  is  a  small  islet  with  a  sand  patch  on  its  South  cliff,  and  surrounded 
with  rocks. 

Organ  Island  is  3  miles  S.  by  E.  ^  E.  from  Sable  Island.  N.K  f  N.  1  mile 
from  it  is  a  reef,  from  which  Sable  Island  bears  N."W.  by  N.  Hanged  Island 
is  nearly  a  mile  S.E.  by  E.  from  Organ  Island. 

Eound  and  Three  Islands. — Leechin  Point,  the  East  extreme  of  Ponghou, 
is  low  and  shelving,  and  1^  mile  eastward  of  it  is  Pound  Island,  bearing 
S.  by  E.  I  E.  3^  miles  from  Ragged  Island  ;  and  S.  -J  E.  li  mile  from  Round 
Island  is  Three  Island.  N.W.  by  W.  J  "W.  from  Three  Island,  and  S.W. 
from  Round  Island,  is  a  reef  which  covers  at  half  tide. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Makung  Harbour,  at  10''  30"  ; 
springs  rise  9^^  ft.,  neaps  7  ft.  The  tidal  streams  among  the  Pescadores  run 
■with  great  strength,  but  they  are  much  affected  by  the  prevailing  winds. 
Vessels  navigating  in  this  neighbourhood  may  safely  allow  that  the  effect 
of  the  current  and  tidal  stream  together  will  set  them,  according  to  the  pre- 
vailing monsoon,  17  miles  in  one  tide.  Tide  races  are  common,  and  overtop 
with  great  violence. 


CHAPTEK    XXIII. 


RIVER    MIN   TO    SHANGHAI. 

The  RIVER  MIN,  8 J  miles  N.W.  i  W.  from  the  anchorage  at  the  White 
Dogs,  is  formed  between  sandbanks,  which  extend  7  miles  from  the  land, 
that  partly  dry  at  low  water.  The  range  of  banks  terminates  to  the  eastward 
at  Outer  Min  Reef,  a  detached  rocky  patch,  two  peaked  heads  of  which  show 
at  the  last  quarter  ebb.  Woufou  Island,  6  miles  long  East  and  West,  and 
4  miles  broad,  is  situated  within  the  entrance,  and  near  its  N.E.  point  ia 
the  little  island  of  Hokeang,  with  its  two  contiguous  islets  called  the 
Brothers.     Vessels  of  12  ft.  draught  can  go  up  to  Fuchow. 

Pilots.— A  staff  of  European  pilots  conducts  the  navigation  of  foreign 
vessels  entering  or  leaving  the  River  Min,  but  notwithstanding  the  skill  of 
many  of  these  individuals,  wrecks  are  of  not  unfrequent  occurrence  among 
the  shifting  sandbanks  and  intricate  channels  of  the  river.  Pilot-boats  are 
always  cruizing  in  the  vicinity  of  the  White  Dogs  and  Matsou,  or  between 
Tongsha  and  the  entrance ;  they  are  of  Chinese  rig,  and  carry  a  flag,  white 
and  red  horizontal. 

Caution. — To  those  well  acquainted  with  the  port,  it  is  easy  of  access  with 
proper  care  and  attention,  but  in  face  of  the  frequent  changes  of  the  en- 
trance, it  would  be  imprudent  in  others  to  risk  taking  their  ships  in  without 
a  pilot.  There  are  unlicensed  Chinese  pilots  at  the  White  Dogs,  but  these 
are  not  to  be  trusted,  notwithstandiug  their  numerous  testimonials. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  the  White  Dog  Islands,  at 
9*"  0",  springs  rise  18  ft.  ;  at  Temple  Point,  River  Min,  at  10''  45",  springs 
rise  19  ft.,  neaps  14^  ft.  ;  and  at  Losing  Island  it  is  high  water  at  noon.  It 
is  high  water  at  the  White  Dogs  about  2  hours  before  the  tide  has  done  flow- 
ing at  the  Rees  Rock. 

Considerable  alteration  has  taken  place  in  the  entrance  to  the  River  Min, 
previous  to  1868,  when  the  entrance  was  again  surveyed  by  Commander  E. 
Brooker,   of  H.M.   survej-ing   vessel   Sylvia.      The    banks    between   North 


THE  EIYER  MIN.  1057 

Breakers  and  Eees  Eock  had  shoaled  to  9  ft.,  and  thus  closed  the  principal 
or  South  channel,  whilst  the  North  channel,  heretofore  irregular  and  uncer- 
tain, opened  out  with  a  clear,  direct,  and  accessible  passage,  having  15  ft.  ou 
its  outer  bar  at  low  water  springs. 

With  a  16-ft.  rise  of  tide  the  best  time  for  entering  the  Min  is  from  half- 
flood  to  half-ebb.  The  North  sands  of  the  entrance  begin  to  cover  at  a  quarter 
flood.  At  low  water  springs  they  dry  about  3  ft.  ;  at  neaps  they  do  not  show. 
In  fine  weather  the  North  and  South  breakers  appear  from  half-ebb  to  half- 
flood,  and  the  Outer  Knoll,  which  has  only  10  ft.  on  it,  seldom  until  after  the 
last  quarter  ;  but  in  bad  weather  a  line  of  breakers  extends  from  the  Outer 
Knoll  across  the  North  bank,  and  a  continuous  line  from  the  South  breakers 
to  Black  Head. 

Outer  Min  Reef  is  nearly  half  a  mile  in  extent,  and  only  shows  at  low- 
water.  In  clear  weather  it  may  be  passed  outside  at  a  mile  by  keeping  the 
summit  of  Tong-sha  S.E.  by  S.  till  Eees  Eock  is  open  southward  of  Wou-fou 
Island. 

Rees  Rock  is  a  small  black  rock  which  never  entirely  covers.  It  is  marked 
by  a  beacon  built  of  granite,  which  is  "  used  as  a  range  for  the  Middle 
Channel  and  as  a  general  landmark." 

South  Channel  is  now  disused  by  large  ships.  The  leading  mark  in  was 
Eees  Eock  in  line  with  the  North  extreme  of  Hokiang,  N.W.  by  W.  \  W. 

BUOYS  of  North  Channel. —  Outer  or  No.  1  Buoy  is  a  fairway  buoy  in  8 
fathoms,  off  the  northern  entrance  of  North  channel,  and  is  about  3  miles 
N.W.  ^  W.  from  the  outer  part  of  Outer  Min  Eeef.  It  is  a  large  buoy,  10 
feet  in  diameter,  painted  in  red  and  hlach  horizontal  stripes,  and  surmounted 
by  a  black  cage,  18  ft.  above  the  water.  From  the  buoy,  Sharp  Peak  bears 
W.  \  N.  nearly,  and  Eees  Eock  S.W.  |  W. 

Middle  or  No.  2  Buoy  is  a  fairway  buoy  in  4  fathoms,  and  about  2\  miles 
S.W.  by  W.  I  W.  from  Outer  Buoy,  to  which  it  is  in  all  respects  similar, 
except  that  its  cage  is  in  the  form  of  a  truncated  cone.  From  it.  Sharp 
Peak  bears  W.  by  N.  I  N.,  and  Eees  Eock  S.W.  \  S. 

Inner  or  No.  3  Buoy  is  also  a  fairway  buoy  in  7^  fathoms,  and  lying  about 
2i  miles  W.  \  S.  from  Middle  Buoy,  with  Sharp  Peak  bearing  N.W.  \  W., 
and  Eound  Island  S.W.   §  W.     It  is  precisely  the  same  as  Outer  Buoy. 

The  small  Eound  Island  iu  line  with  the  first  gap  left  of  the  Serrated 
Peak,  W.S.W.,  leads  over  the  Outer  Bar  and  up  the  North  Channel,  uutil 
Kushan  Peak  is  in  the  middle  of  the  saddle  of  Square  Peak,  bearing 
W.  I  S.  With  these  latter  marks,  run  in  until  the  highest  part  (white 
patch)  of  West  Brother  is  on  with  the  right  fall  of  East  Brother  N.W.  by 
W.  J  W.,  which  leads  over  the  Inner  Bar,  in  10  ft.  at  low  water.  This  bar 
is  very  narrow,  and  the  marks  must  be  carefully  attended  to.  The  Inner 
Bar  is  to  the  southward  of  Sharp  Peak  Island,  the  peak  of  which,  616  feet 

I.    A  tj  T 


1058  EIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

high,  is  a  prominent  landmark.  On  the  south-western  extremity  of  the  shelf 
off  Sharp  Peak  Island  is  a  sunken  rock,  having  8  ft.  on  it  at  low  water  springs, 
and  on  which  the  British  ship  Erne  struck  in  August,  1872.  A  red  nun  buoy, 
6  ft.  in  diameter,  is  moored  in  14  ft.,  low  water  springs,  on  the  southern  ex- 
tremity of  the  rock,  with  Sharp  Peak  Point  bearing  E.  by  S.  ;  S.,  and  Sharp 
Peak  N.  by  E.,  easterly. 

South  Coast  Passage. — South  of  Woufou  there  is  a  passage,  over  the  flats 
at  the  entrance,  and  along  the  mainland,  by  which  the  Min  is  entered,  about 
6  miles  below  Pagoda  Island,  and  10  miles  above  Sharp  Peak.  Large  junks 
use  it,  and  the  English  pilots,  occasionally,  to  save  time,  as  the  distance  is 
about  5  miles  shorter  than  by  the  main  channel.  The  deepest  water  is  found 
with  square  Peak  on  Wou-fou  Island  bearing  from  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W.  to 
N.W.  by  W.  I  W.,  till  the  highest  peak  left  of  Serrated  Peak  is  in  line  with 
the  outer  rock  off  Sand  Peak  Point,  W.  f  S.  Keep  on  this  leading  mark 
until  close  in,  passing  the  outer  rock  at  a  cable,  from  which  steer  well  open 
of  Meewah  Town  Point. 

The  River. — On  the  North  side  of  the  first  reach  of  the  river,  off  the  point 
under  Woga  Fort,  which  is  a  circular  building  on  the  summit  of  the  southern 
hills  of  Woga,  is  the  Zephyr  Rock,  with  only  5  ft.  on  it,  at  three-quarters  of 
a  cable  from  the  shore  :  there  are  5  fathoms  inside  it. 

Off  Temple  Point  are  two  patches  of  2  fathoms  ;  also,  in  mid -channel,  3 
cables  off  the  point,  is  the  Temple  or  Six-feet  sunken  rock,  marked  by  a  red 
luoy  on  the  southern  extremity  of  the  rock,  to  the  southward  of  which  vessels 
should  pass.     When  on  this  rock,  Woga  Point  is  in  line  with  Sharp  Peak. 

On  the  South  bank,  on  the  mud  spit  which  extends  westward  from  West 
Brother  and  abreast  the  Six-feet  Eock,  is  a  patch  of  rocks  which  cover  at  a 
quarter  flood. 

The  best  position  for  anchorage  is  said  to  be  with  East  Brother  S.  i  E., 
and  Sharp  Peak  Point  E.S.E.  In  the  N.E.  monsoon,  the  high  land  of 
Woga  in  line  with  or  a  little  open  of  Temple  Point  is  a  good  line  to  anchor 
on  ;  in  the  S.W.  monsoon  Woga  Creek  is  the  best  anchorage. 

Kinpai  Pass  is  dangerous  to  strangers,  particularly  at  or  near  spring 
tides,  for  then  the  violence  of  the  current  produces  eddies  among  the  rocks, 
that  occasionally  cross  the  channel,  and  renders  the  vessel  totally  unmanage- 
able, even  in  a  fresh  breeze ;  it  therefore  should  never  be  taken  without  a 
pilot  or  personal  knowledge,  and  then  at  slack  tide.  On  the  flood  a  danger- 
ous eddy  extends  from  Kinpai  Point  above  it,  in  the  direction  of  the  Ferry  ; 
and  for  this  reason  the  passage  North  of  the  Middle  Ground  is  considered 
the  best.  The  Wolverine  Rock,  with  13  ft.  over  it,  lies  S.W.  by  W.  i  W. 
from  the  North  extreme  of  Kinpai  Point,  and  1^  cable  from  the  shore.  The 
Vixen  Spit,  at  the  eastern  end  of  the  Middle  Ground,  lies  S.W.  3  cables  from 
the  point,  and  the  distance,  from  1^  fathom  on  its  South  edge  to  the  southern 
shore,  is  about  a  cable. 


THE  RIVER  MIN.  1059 

Enter  the  pass  South  of  Pass  Island  and  the  other  islet  S.W.  of  it,  and 
•when  past  White  Fort,  close  the  northern  shore,  which  is  steep-to,  until 
Serrated  Peak  is  in  line  with  the  Ferry  house  on  Woufou,  S.  i  W.,  which  is 
the  leading  mark  across  between  the  Middle  Ground  and  Quantao  Shoal. 
This  is  also  a  good  line  for  vessels  to  anchor  on  when  coming  down  the  river, 
and  waiting  for  an  opportunity  of  dropping  through  the  Pass. 

The  danger  of  this  passage  is  in  passing  the  northern  shoulder  of  the  Mid- 
dle Ground,  which  forms  a  sharp  angle  with  only  1  foot  on  it  at  low  water 
springs,  and  4  fathoms  close-to ;  from  this  point  to  the  shore  the  distance  is 
only  IJ  cable.  After  clearing  this  spot,  in  passing  either  up  or  down,  the 
tide  will  tend  rather  to  set  the  vessel  from  the  bank  into  the  stream.  The 
highest  part  of  Pass  Islet  in  line  with  White  Fort  bluff  outer  extreme  is  a 
near  clearing  mark  for  the  northern  shoulder  of  the  Middle  Ground.  It  is 
recommended  to  shut  Pass  Islet  in  altogether  until  past  that  point,  opening 
it  again  immediately  afterwards.  Vessels  drawing  8  ft.  (and  sometimes  12 
feet)  can  pass  over  the  Middle  Ground  at  half  tide. 

At  Slack  water,  Kinpai  Point  and  the  small  islet  off  it  (not  marked  on  the 
chart)  may  be  rounded  closely  and  the  South  shore  kept  on  board  for  half  a 
mile,  when  a  vessel  may  edge  across  the  stream  W.  ^  S  towards  the  other 
shore,  and  steer  for  Wedge  Island,  thus  clearing  the  shoal  that  extends  3 
cables  off  the  Ferry  house  on  the  Kinpai  shore. 

Tongue  Shoal,  which  is  steep-to,  skirts  the  Wou-fou  shore,  extending 
more  than  half  across  the  river.  Its  elbow,  with  only  7  ft.  water,  which  is 
the  most  necessary  part  to  avoid,  is  half  a  mile  N.N.E.  of  Half-tide  Rock, 
and  may  be  cleared  by  keeping  the  Ferry  house  midway  between  Kinpai 
Bluff  and  the  tower,  until  the  highest  point  of  Kowlui  Head  comes  in  line 
with  Half-tide  Rock. 

Half- tide  Beacon. — Half-tide  Rock,  which  is  near  the  upper  end  of  the 
Tongue  Shoal,  is  marked  by  a  granite  Beacon  like  a  monument.  From  this 
to  Tintao,  2  miles  higher  up,  the  bottom  is  very  irregular. 

Mingan  Pass. — Proceeding  upwards,  the  river  narrows  at  the  Mingan 
Pass,  where  the  land  rises  on  either  side  to  1,500  or  2,000  ft.  About  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  above  Mingan,  and  on  the  same  side  of  the  river,  is 
Couding  Island,  off  the  East  point  of  which  H.M.S.  Scout  grounded  on  a 
rock  at  the  end  of  a  ledge  projecting  25  yards  faom  the  islet,  with  7  ft.  near 
its  extreme. 

Buoys. — At  the  upper  or  South  end  of  the  gorge,  where  it  opens  out,  and 
on  the  East  side  of  the  river,  are  Spiteful  and  Flat  Islets,  which  must  be  left 
on  the  port  hand.  The  Spiteful  Rock,  showing  at  low  water,  is  part  of  a 
rocky  ledge  projecting  about  30  yards  from  the  S.W.  point  of  the  island,  and 
is  marked  by  a  Hack  nun  buoy.  There  is  also  a  red  nun  buoy  on  the  opposite 
side,   at  the  extremity  of  the  ppit  extending  north-eastward  from  Losing 


1060  EIVEK  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

island,  from  which  Spiteful  Island  bears  N.E.,  and  Flat  Island  S.E.  J  E. ;  a 
course  between  the  two  buoys  leads  clear  of  all  danger. 

To  pass  between  Spiteful  Eock  and  Losing  Spit,  and  avoid  the  latter,  do 
not  shut  in  Younoi  Head  with  Flat  Island  until  Black  Cliff  Head,  just  passed 
(marked  with  a  white  spot)  comes  in  line  with  the  northern  edge  of  Spiteful 
Island. 

Pagoda,  Rock,  Beacon,  and  Light  lie  off  the  South  point  of  Losing 
Island.  The  rock  dried  formerly  at  low-water  springs.  The  beacon  is  an 
iron  pile,  28  ft.  high,  surmounted  by  a  cage,  and  a  red  light,  14  feet  above 
high  water,  is  exhibited  from  it  from  sunset  to  sunrise. 

FTJCHATJ  FIT  (or  Foochow),  34  miles  within  the  entrance  of  the  River 
Min,  was  opened  to  foreign  commerce  by  the  Treaty  of  Nanking  in  1842. 
The  city  is  built  on  a  plain,  and  lies  about  3  miles  from  the  river  side,  to 
which  it  is  connected  by  a  line  of  suburbs.  The  foreign  hongs  and  British 
and  other  foreign  consulates  are  principally  at  Nantai,  on  the  opposite  or 
South  bank  of  the  river,  which  is  connected  with  Fuchau  by  a  massive 
stone  bridge.     So  also  are  the  church,  hospital,  cemeteries,  &c. 

The  anchorage  for  foreign  vessels  is  at  Losing  Island,  generally  called  Pa- 
goda Island,  10  miles  from  the  city  of  Fu-chau.  Foreign  vessels,  with  the 
exception  of  small  schooners  or  steamers  of  very  light  draught,  are  obliged 
to  anchor  here,  farther  approach  to  the  city  being  prevented  by  difficulties  of 
navigation  and  lack  of  sufficient  depth  of  water,  the  natural  shallowness 
having  been  largely  increased  of  late  years  through  shoaling  caused  by  the 
barrier  constructed  in  1841,  with  the  object  of  preventing  access  to  the  city 
by  the  British  ships  of  war.  The  channel  of  the  river  is  very  tortuous,  and 
is  said  to  be  constantly  changed  by  heavy  freshets. 

The  dock  here  is  owned  and  managed  by  Europeans.  Its  length  is  300 
feet,  breadth  95  feet,  and  depth  22  feet.  It  has  an  average  depth  of  water 
at  springs  of  17  ft.,  and  neaps  of  14  ft.  Steam  power  is  used  for  pumping 
dry.     An  imperial  dockyard  and  arsenal  is  also  established. 

Supplies. — Coal  is  to  be  obtained,  both  British  and  Kelung,  from  floating 
hulks  and  from  coal  stores  on  shore.  There  are  some  general  stores  in  the 
place,  and  boarding  houses  kept  by  Europeans.  Beef  and  poultry  are  the 
staples  of  animal  food.  Foochow  bacon  and  hams  are  much  prized,  and 
largely  shipped  to  all  parts  of  China.  Game  and  wild-fowl  are  to  be  had  in 
their  season,  and  occasionally  venison.  Fish  abounds  in  great  variety,  and 
oysters  are  very  plentiful  in  the  cool  months,  but  are  dangerous  if  eaten  raw. 
Fruit  and  vegetables  are  abundant,  and  excellent  potatoes  are  largely  grown 
for  the  supply  of  foreigners. 

The  principal  foreign  imports  are  cotton  and  woollen  manufactures, 
metals,  and  opium  ;  and  the  native  imports  bean  cake,  beans  and  peas,  tea, 
mats,  oil,  sugar,  &c.  The  exports  are  tea,  paper,  oranges,  woods,  &c.,  but 
tea  is  the  only  staple  of  importance. 


MATSOU  ISLAND.  1061 

On  leaving  the  river,  take  care  that  the  set  of  the  tide  across  the  channel 
between  Sharp-peak  Point  and  Eees  Eock  does  not  force  the  vessel  on  the 
shoals  on  the  North  side  of  the  channel.  Fair  anchorage  in  6  fathoms,  to 
stop  during  a  tide,  will  be  found  with  Eees  Eock  bearing  S.S.E. 

The  junks  generally  use  the  Woga  Channel  between  "Woga  and  Sharp- 
peak  Islands,  but  to  the  northward  of  the  latter  island  there  are  several 
sandbanks  which  show  at  low  tide,  with  not  more  than  6  to  9  ft.  water  be- 
tween the  banks.  Small  steamers  may  proceed  to  sea  by  this  channel  with 
considerable  advantage  in  the  N.E.  monsoon,  as  they  are  enabled,  with  fore 
and  aft  sail,  to  fetch  up  between  Matsou  and  Chang-chi,  and  if  bound  to 
Formosa  a  very  weatherly  departure  is  ensured.  A  pilot,  however,  should 
be  taken  and  due  caution  exercised,  because  the  banks  are  liable  to  change, 
and  personal  knowledge  is  recjuisite  for  the  safe  navigation  of  the  channel. 

MATSOU  ISLAND  lies  N.E.  of  the  entrance  of  the  Min,  and  North  10 
miles  from  the  western  White  Dog  ;  and  between  the  two  and  N.  by  E.  \  E. 
6^  miles  from  the  latter  is  a  precipitous  black  rock,  the  Sea  Bog,  60  ft.  high,, 
and  surrounded  by  rocks. 

Hehe  Reef. — S.W.  by  S.  1  mile  from  the  Sea  Dog  is  a  rock  which  shows 
when  there  is  a  heavy  swell  on  and  at  low-water  springs.  When  on  it  the 
West  end  of  Matsou  bears  N.N.W.  ^^  W.,  and  Breakwater  Eock  at  Tong- 
eha  Island  S.  by  W.  f  W.  The  East  end  of  Eeef  Island  foflF  the  East  point 
of  Matsou)  in  line  with  Changchi  Peak  N.  by  E.  \  E.  leads  to  the  westward. 

Between  the  Sea  Dog  and  the  East  end  of  Matsou  are  two  other  rocks 
above  water,  the  Sea  Cat  and  Flat  Rock. 

Pilot  Rock  was  examined  by  H.M.S.  F'assau  in  1878.  It  breaks  at  low 
water,  and  lies  3  miles  East  of  Sea  Cat  Island,  with  Changchi  Island  peak 
bearing  N.  by  W.  J  W.  and  Sea  Dog  Island  S.W.  by  W.  f  W. 

Flat  Eock  should  not  be  approached  on  its  southern  side,  as  two  dangerous 
pinnacle  rocks  lie  6  and  9  ft.  below  the  surface  of  the  water  at  nearly  half 
a  mile  to  the  southward.  These  pinnacles  are  named  the  Norman  Court 
Rocks,  and  between  them  and  Flat  Eock  is  a  2^-fathom  patch.  A  rocky 
ledge,  with  6  fathoms  over  it,  extends  S.E.  by  S.  1^  cable  from  Norman 
Court  Eocks. 

Ayma  Rock,  on  which  the  American  barque  Bevjamin  Ayma  struck  in  Jan. 
1878,  lies  5  miles  westward  of  the  West  side  of  Matsou  Island.  It  is  a  small 
3-ft.  patch,  steep-to,  with  9  and  10  fathoms  close  around.  The  South  ex- 
treme of  Changchi  Island,  in  line  with  the  North  extreme  of  Matsou  leads 
southward  of  it,  and  Crab  Island  bearing  North  leads  eastward  of  it. 

Anchorage  will  be  found  on  the  western  side  of  Matsou  during  the  N.E. 
monsoon,  and  good  shelter  in  the  deep  bay  on  its  northern  face  in  the  S.W. 
monsoon. 

CHANGCHI  ISLAND,  at  If  mile  N.E.  of  Matsou,  has  on  it  two  remark- 
able sharp  peaks,  the  highest  being  1,030  ft.  above  the  sea.    Off  the  northern 


1062  RIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

face  of  the  island  are  several  islets,  the  largest  of  which,  Gordon  Islet, 
bears  North  2i  miles,  but  there  is  no  safe  passage  between  them.  N.E.  1^ 
mile  from  the  North  point  of  Gordon  is  a  small  black  rock,  with  a  reef  lying 
westward  of  it. 

At  half  a  mile  S.S.E.  f  E.  from  the  islet  off  the  South  point  of  Changchi 
are  two  rocks  always  above  water  ;  and  West  1|  mile  from  the  South  point 
is  the  Pastel  Rock.  The  Frio  Rocks,  about  50  ft.  in  height,  lie  N.E.  by  E.  ^ 
E.  2  miles  from  the  N.E.  point  of  Changchi. 

The  bay  on  the  South  side  of  Changchi  affords  good  shelter  in  the  N.E. 
monsoon,  but  a  heavy  swell  rolls  in  at  times.  Vessels  entering  from  the 
northward  can  round  its  eastern  point  close-to,  and  anchor  within  the  point, 
in  6  fathoms.  Either  this  or  the  anchorage  on  the  western  side  of  Matsou, 
which  is  preferable,  should  be  used  by  sailing  vessels  bound  to  the  River 
Min  during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  as  they  may  always  get  to  the  bar  from  hence 
the  precise  moment  they  require  it,  whilst  from  the  White  Dogs  a  vessel  will 
barely  fetch. 

Alligator  Island,  or  Tungsha,  in  lat.  26=  9'  N.,  long.  120°  26'  E.,  is  a  bar- 
ren rock,  about  40  ft.  above  the  sea,  bearing  East  22^  miles  from  Matsou 
Island,  and  N.E.  by  E.  J  E.  26  miles  from  the  South  end  of  the  White 
Dogs. 

Larne  Rock,  lying  N.W.  by  W.  12^  miles  from  Alligator  Island,  is 
low  and  fiat,  with  a  reef  lying  2  cables  North  of  it.  Larne  Met,  bearing  N. 
by  E.  5^  miles  from  Larne  Rock,  has  ledges  extending  from  its  North  and 
South  ends.  It  is  about  200  ft.  above  the  sea,  with  large  boulders  sticking 
up  here  and  there  ;  near  its  summit  are  three  houses. 

Black  Rock,  40  ft  high,  is  7  miles  W.N.W.  of  Larne  Islet,  and  6  miles 
E.  \  N.  of  Ragged  Point  on  the  mainland.  A  reef  shows  at  low  water 
E.N.E.  5^  miles  from  the  Black  Rock,  and  from  it  Larne  bears  S.  by  E.  ^  E. 
5  miles,  the  North  end  of  Tung-ying  Island  E.  by  S.,  and  Cony  Islet 
N.W.  t  N. 

Tung-ying,  the  easternmost  island  on  this  part  of  the  coast,  bears  E.  ^  N. 
13  miles  from  Larne  Islet,  and  its  peak  rises  855  ft.  above  the  sea.  Its  ap- 
pearance is  level  and  flat,  with  steep  cliff  shores,  and  a  large  village  stands 
on  its  western  side  ;  off  its  South  extreme  is  a  ledge  of  rocks.  It  is  pro- 
posed to  establish  a  lighthouse  on  its  summit. 

There  is  good  anchorage  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  in  10  fathoms,  at  half  a  mile 
southward  of  the  small  island  lying  off  the  N.W.  point  of  Tung-ying.  This 
island  appears  as  part  of  Tung-ying,  except  on  a  N.E.  by  N.  or  S.W.  by  S. 
bearing. 

Cony  is  a  remarkable  conical  island,  lying  W.N.W  ,  19  miles  from  Tung- 
ying.  A  reef  extends  3  cables  off  its  N.E.  shore,  otherwise  the  channel, 
nearly  1^  mile  wide,  between  it  and  the  two  islands  North  of  it,  is  safe.  A 
rock  awash  at  low  water,  lies  Eaat  1^  mile  trom  the  cuno,  and  another  S.E. 


SPIDER  ISLAND— WANKI  BAY.  1063 

i  E.  If  mile ;  from  the  latter,  S.W.  of  which  there  is  uneven  ground,  the 
South  end  of  Spider  Island  bears  W.  f  N. 

Spider  Island  is  3^  miles  westward  of  Cony,  and  its  highest  part  is  620 
feet  above  the  sea.  There  is  a  large  village  in  a  bay  on  its  South  side,  a 
reef  off  its  S.W.  point,  and  four  small  islets  off  its  N.E.  face.  Between  it 
and  the  main,  which  is  5^  miles  distant,  there  are  three  other  and  larger 
islets ;  between  the  first  and  Spider  Island  is  a  half-tide  rock  ;  the  centre 
one,  named  Isthmus  Island,  has  a  sandy  isthmus,  and  a  mud  bank  extends 
westerly  from  it,  but  the  channel  between  it  and  the  fijst  islet  is  clear.  The 
passage  between  Isthmus  and  Inside  Islet,  IJ  mile  to  the  westward,  is  ob- 
structed by  a  reef,  some  rocks  of  which  uncover  at  half-tide,  and  which  ex- 
tends 6  cables  E.N.E.  from  Inside.  The  channel  between  the  latter  islet 
and  Cox  Point  has  6  to  4  fathoms,  and  is  a  mile  wide.  "West  of  Spider  and 
southward  of  Isthmus  are  the  two  groups  of  Larva  Rocks,  with  a  channel 
between  them ;  two  rocks  on  each  are  above  water.  The  channel  between 
Isthmus  and  Larva  is  contracted  to  a  mile  by  reefs  extending  northward 
from  both  the  latter  groups. 

There  is  good  shelter  from  N.E.  winds  on  the  West  side  of  Spider  Island. 

Ting-hae  Bay,  formed  on  the  West  side  of  a  peninsula  of  the  mainland, 
13  miles  westward  of  Changchi,  affords  safe  anchorage  in  2^  to  3  fathoms  in 
the  N.E.  monsoon. 

Fronting  this  bay  to  the  southward  and  S.E.  are  many  islands  and  rocks. 
The  outermost  (four  islets  above  water,  named  Square  Hocks)  lie  3  miles  to 
the  southward,  with  reefs  extending  northerly  from  them.  To  the  N.E.  of 
them  is  Crab  Islet,  surrounded  by  reefs,  which  extend  off  its  N.W.  part  at 
least  half  a  mile.  In  the  channel  between  Crab  Islet  and  Ting-hae  Point 
are  two  islets. 

Wanki  Bay,  6  miles  E.N.E.  of  Ting-hae,  is  frequented  by  junks,  but 
although  it  affords  them  good  shelter  it  cannot  be  recommended  for  larger 
vessels.  There  is  a  rock,  which  shows  at  low  water,  lying  near  the  centre 
of  the  bay  at  7  cables  off  shore,  with  Pe-kyau  Point  E.  ^  N.,  and  the  nearest 
Claret  Rock  S.E.  by  S. 

Claret  Hocks  are  1^  mile  southward  of  the  East  point  of  Wanki  Bay. 
Three  of  them  are  from  20  to  30  ft.  above  the  sea,  but  they  are  all  sur- 
rounded by  sunken  rocks,  the  southernmost  of  which  lies  S.W.  ^  S.  half  a 
mile  from  the  South  Claret.  A  stranger  should  pass  South  of  the  Claret 
Rocks,  and  haul  up  when  the  village  in  Wanki  Bay  bears  North. 

Ragged  Point  is  the  N.E.  extreme  of  a  narrow  peninsula,  in  some  places 
only  half  a  mile  across,  which  runs  5^  miles  E.N.E.  of  Wanki  Bay.  A 
quarter  of  a  mile  eastward  of  the  point  is  Diplo  Islet,  with  a  reef  extending 
three-quarters  of  a  cable  eastward  of  it.  Steamers  frequently  anchor  under 
the  smuU  island  westward  of  Ragged  Point. 


1064  RIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

Sam-sah  Inlet.* — The  entrance  to  this  inlet,  at  10  miles  westward  of 
Spider  Island,  is  If  mile  wide,  with  deep  water  and  strong  tides.  There  is 
a  rock  in  mid-channel  W.  :^  S.  6  cables  from  Castle  Point,  from  which  the 
centre  peak  of  Cone  Island  bears  N.  I  W.  and  Steep  Rock  N.  by  E.  f  E.  ; 
to  pass  eastward  of  it,  keep  the  West  end  of  Cone  Island  in  line  with  the 
highest  peak  of  Crag  Island. 

On  the  eastern  side,  close  to  the  entrance,  is  a  small  bay  with  a  fort  in  it, 
and  here  the  junks  remain  for  a  tide,  but  the  water  is  very  deep,  and  shoals 
too  suddenly  for  vessels  that  cannot  take  the  ground. 

At  4  miles  southward  of  the  entrance  of  Sam-sah  Inlet  is  the  opening  to 
another  inlet,  10  miles  deep  ;  there  are  30  fathoms  water  at  the  entrance, 
but  circumstances  did  not  admit  of  its  being  examined. 

Off  the  entrance  to  these  inlets,  about  4  miles  north-westward  of  Ragged 
Point,  and  7  miles  south-westward  of  Spider  Island  are  three  islets,  named 
Hag  Islands,  and  a  mile  northward  of  the  easternmost  is  the  Bittern  Rocky 
which  covers  at  high  water.  The  Plover  anchored  westward  of  the  western- 
most islet  and  found  tolerable  shelter.  Off  the  Rag  Islands  the  tides  run 
with  great  strength,  and  a  long  swell  rolls  home  into  Sam-sah  Bay  withN.E. 
winds. 

Double  Peak  Island  is  3J  miles  long,  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.,  and  near  its 
northern  end  are  two  remarkable  peaks,  the  highest  of  which  rises  1,193  ft. 
above  the  sea.  It  lies  3  miles  N.E.  of  Spider  Island,  the  only  danger  in  the 
channel  between  being  the  rocks  lying  off  the  North  end  of  the  latter  island. 

There  are  two  cone-shaped  islets  between  Double  Peak  and  Cony  Island, 
with  channels  between  too  narrow  for  sailing  vessels,  but  there  is  a  geod 
passage  between  the  southernmost  of  these  islets  and  the  reefs  extending 
north-eastward  of  Cony  Island.  A  rock  above  water  lies  a  cable  N.  by  W. 
from  the  "West  point  of  Double  Peak  Island.  At  IJ  mile  westward  of  the 
North  end  of  Double  Peak  is  Flap  Island,  a  low  flat  islet,  with  a  sunken  rock 
off  its  southern  point.  There  is  no  passage  fit  for  vessels  between  this  islet 
and  the  mainland. 

There  is  good  anchorage  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  on  the  S.W.  side  of  Double 
Peak  Island,  to  the  S.E.  of  a  small  islet,  with  a  rock  above  water  on  each 
side  of  it,  lying  three-quarters  of  a  mile  westward  of  the  West  point  of  the 
island  ;  the  two  cone-shaped  islets  northward  of  Cony  Island  sheltering  from 
the  eastern  swell.  There  is  also  good  shelter  abreast  the  first  sandy  bay 
within  the  point  westward  of  Flap  Island.  Here  were  found  six  piratical 
junks  plundering  part  of  a  convoy  they  had  captured. 

*  Sam-sah  Inlet  is  not  known  by  that  name  to  the  natives  or  European  coasters.  The 
true  Sam-sah  lies  farther  North,  being  a  small  cove  at  the  N.E.  angle  of  Fuh-ning  Bay,  at 
2  miles  N.W.  of  the  North  point  of  Fons^ho  Island.  There  is  anchorage,  in  the  N.E.  mon- 
soon, in  the  cove  half  a  mile  eastward  of  it,  in  3  to  5  fathoms,  but  it  would  be  scarcely  safe 
to  proceed  inio  it  without  the  services  of  a  pilot. 


PIH-SEANG  AND  TAE  ISLANDS.  1065 

From  Flap  Island  the  coast  trends  northward  for  10  miles  to  Fielon  Island, 
and  oflF  it  is  Bittern  Island  and  several  rugged  rocks,  which  vessels  of  large 
draught  should  give  a  berth  to,  and  not  close  the  shore  under  the  depth  of 
6  fathoms.  Between  Bittern  Island  and  the  main  there  is  good  anchorage 
in  85  fathoms  for  small  vessels  in  either  monsoon.  On  the  N.W.  side  of  the 
island  is  a  sandy  cove,  where  fresh  water  will  be  found.  From  Fielon  Island 
the  coast  falls  back  to  the  westward,  forming  a  deep  but  shallow  bay,  on  the 
shore  of  which  is  the  city  of  Fuh-ning.  In  the  northern  part  of  the  entrance 
is  a  group  of  islets  extending  2  miles  from  the  coast. 

Pih-seang  Islands  lie  E.  by  N.  %\  miles  from  the  North  point  of  Double 
Peak  Island.  The  northern  islet,  named  Town  Island,  is  the  largest,  and  the 
little  cove  at  its  S.W.  angle  will  afford  shelter  to  one  or  two  small  vessels. 
Between  the  northern  and  southern  islets  of  the  group  there  is  a  channel  free 
from  rocks,  but  the  intervening  space  is  thickly  studded  with  fishing  stakes. 
A  reef  extends  half  a  mile  in  a  north-easterly  direction  from  the  easternmost 
of  the  Pih-seang  Islands,  which  lies  S.E.  2  niles  from  Town  Island.  The 
sea  breaks  on  the  reef. 

Fuh-yan  Island,  1,700  ft.  above  the  sea,  lies  North  12  miles  from  the 
Pih-seang  group,  and  between  it  and  the  coast  is  a  good  roadstead,  named 
Lishan  Bay,  where  good  water  is  plentiful  and  easily  obtained.  It  is  high 
water,  full  and  change,  at  10''  15"  ;  springs  rise  16  ft. 

Dangerous  Rock,  in  lat.  26°  53'  N.,  long.  120°  34'  IS"  E.,  has  its  summit 
8  ft.  above  high  water,  or  24  ft.  above  low  water  springs.  It  is  9  miles 
E.S.E.  of  Fuh-yan,  and  14  miles  N.E.  of  Town  Island,  Pih-seang  group. 

Tae  Islands  lie  E.  by  N.  16  miles  from  the  eastern  point  of  Fuh-yan.  The 
eastern  one,  618  ft.  above  the  sea,  is  the  largest,  and  remarkable  for  its 
table  top.  Shelter  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  can  be  had  under  this  island  as 
close  as  a  vessel  can  safely  go  (say  half  a  cable's  length),  but  it  is  bad, 
S.S.W.  J  W.  3  miles  from  the  easternmost  Tae  Island  are  two  rocky  islets 
named  Strawstach,  about  100  ft.  high;  they  almost  join.  Close  to  the  N.E. 
point  of  the  northern  Tae  Island  is  a  remarkable  rock,  the  Mushroom,  260  ft. 
high.  A  roch  has  been  reported  by  the  master  of  the  steamer  Waratah  as 
lying  about  4  miles  westward  of  the  Strawstack,  and  visible  at  low-water 
springs. 

Between  the  Tae  group  and  Fuh-yan  are  the  Incog  Islands,  too  small  to 
afford  shelter;  they  are  low  and  flat,  with  steep  cliffs.  At  3  miles  N.W.  of 
these  islands  is  Solitary  Bock,  with  a  reef  extending  2  cables  in  an  easterly 
direction  from  it ;  the  soundings  between  this  and  the  main,  from  which  it  is 
distant  3J  miles,  vary  from  7  to  5-^-  fathoms.  A  slight  examination  was 
made  in  1866,  of  the  Incog  Islands  and  the  channel  between  these  and  Soli- 
tary, by  Commander  Charles  Bullock,  E.N.,  H.M.S.  Serpc7it.  The  channel 
was  found  clear,  and  the  islands  appeared  to  be  steep-to  all  round  the  group. 
I.  A.  6  IT 


1066  EIVEE  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

Vessels  passing  inside  the  Tae  Islands  should  keep  well  to  the  westward, 
as  the  ground  in  their  vicinity  has  not  been  well  explored.  Ttoo  reefs, 
which  show  at  low  water,  have  been  found  ;  from  one,  with  the  rocks  on  it 
8  ft.  above  high  water,  the  Mushroom  Eock  bears  E.S.E.,  and  the  West 
end  of  the  eastern  Incog  Island  S.W.  by  W.  i  W.,  on  which  bearing  it  is 
in  line  with  the  East  end  of  Fuh-yan  ;  and  from  the  other,  the  table  top 
island  of  the  Tae  group  bears  E.  by  S.  ^  S.  and  the  West  rock  of  the  group 
N.E.  by  E.  11  mile. 

Seven  Stars  are  a  group  of  rocks  and  islets,  2^  miles  in  extent,  which 
may  be  passed  on  the  outside  safely  at  a  mile.  The  southern  islet,  about 
200  ft.  high,  which  is  the  largest,  and  split  into  two,  is  7  miles  N.E.  by  E. 
\  E.  from  the  eastern  Tae  Island,  and  S.S.E.  from  Cleft  Eock.  A  rugged 
islet,  70  ft.  high,  lies  a  mile  N.E.  by  E.  of  it ;  and  a  mile  farther  are  three 
low  flat  rocks,  the  easternmost  of  which  covers,  and  bears  SE.  |-  E.  3  miles 
from  Cleft  Rode ;  the  latter,  50  ft.  high,  and  having  the  appearance  its  name 
implies,  is  8  miles  N.E.  by  N.  from  the  eastern  Tae  Island. 

Pih-quan  Harbour  lies  N.W.  14  miles  from  the  Tae  group.  Its  entrance 
is  between  Ping-fong  and  Chin-quan  Islands  and  the  main.  To  the  north- 
ward there  is  a  high  and  very  remarkable,  sharp,  conical  hill,  Pih-quan  Peak, 
in  lat.  27°  18'  48"  N.,  long.  120°  28'  42"  E.,  having  on  its  summit  the  appear- 
ance of  a  cairn.  The  harbour  is  1^  mile  wide,  carries  a  depth  of  3  fathoms, 
and  affords  good  shelter  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  to  vessels  under  15  ft.  draught. 
Care  is  required,  however,  in  entering,  as  a  sunken  rock,  reported  in  1877, 
lies  in  mid-channel,  from  which  the  islet  at  the  South  end  of  Chin-quan 
Island  tears  W.  by  N.,  and  Ping-fong  Eock  (West  side  of  Ping-fong  Island) 
N.  by  E.  H.M.S.  Growler,  in  October,  1874,  obtained  shelter  with  the 
West  extreme  of  Ping-fong  Island  bearing  S.E.  |-  S.,  and  the  S.E.  extreme 
of  Chin-quan  Island  bearing  S.W.  \  W.,  in  3  fathoms  at  low  water,  muddy 
bottom,  and  good  holding  ground.     The  tidal  streams  are  very  strong. 

Ping-fong  has  three  chimneys  on  its  summit ;  off  its  S.E.  point  is  a  low 
rock,  which  is  never  covered,  and  between  this  rock  and  Ping-fong  is  a 
sunken  rock.  Vessels  bound  from  the  northward  may  round  this  low  rock 
at  a  cable's  length,  and  then  haul  up  for  the  South  point  of  Ping-fong, 
giving  it  and  also  the  S.W.  point  a  berth  of  2  cables.  The  Pih  Pass,  be- 
tween the  North  end  of  Ping-fong  and  the  main,  is  fit  only  for  such  junks 
as  use  pculls.  Fresh  water  can  be  procured  in  the  sandy  bay  at  tiie  foot 
of  the  three  chimneys  on  Ping-fong. 

NAMftUAN  BAY,  lying  westward  of  Chinquan  Island,  is  shallow,  but 
anchorage  will  be  found  on  the  western  side  of  Chinquan  Island.  Namquan 
town  is  on  the  North  shore  of  Nam-quan  Bay.  Immediately  westward  of 
Nam-quan  Bay  is  the  entrance  to  Nam-quan  Harbour,  an  inlet  which  runs 
about  15  miles  in  a  general  N.W.  direction,  when  it  appears  to  expand  into 
a  wide  basin  called  Gordon  Bay. 


NAMKI  AND  PIH-KI-SHAN  ISLANDS.  1067 

Within  the  North  point  of  entrance  is  a  town,  2  cables  off  which  is  a  stm- 
ken  rock.  Having  arrived  within  the  point  anchor  in  14  fathoms,  as  the 
mud  banks  rise  almost  vertically.  On  the  South  side  of  entrance  is  a  small 
fort  with  a  few  houses.  The  narrowest  part  of  the  channel  is  6  cables  wide, 
and  the  strong  tides  and  baffling  winds  make  it  necessary  to  have  a  boat 
ready  to  tow  the  vessel's  head  round. 

H.M.S.  Nimrod,  when  proceeding  up  Nam-quan  Harbour,  January,  1857, 
struck  on  a  rock  with  only  9  ft.  water  on  it,  lying  about  1 1  miles  from  the 
entrance,  and. If  cable  eastward  of  a  small  islet  on  the  western  shore. 

The  Coast  from  Nam-quan  Harbour  trends  N.E.  by  N.  21  miles  to  Ping- 
yang  Point,  and  at  the  distance  of  12  miles  is  Tanue  Bay,  which  is  too  shal- 
low to  afford  shelter  to  any  vessel  drawing  over  10  ft.  water.  A  low  rock, 
named  Gap  Met,  lies  1 J  mile  southward  of  Tanue  Point ;  and  N.E.  f  E.  4|- 
miles  from  it  is  Farmer  Rock,  which  shows  at  low  water,  and  lies  3^  miles  off 
shore,  with  Ping-yang  Point  bearing  N.N.W.,  and  Tanue  Point  S.W.  by 
W.  i  W.  3^  miles. 

From  Ping-yang  Point  the  coast  takes  a  north-westerly  direction,  and  is 
fronted  by  mud  banks  taking  a  N.N.E.  direction,  which  dry  3  miles  from 
the  land  at  low  water,  and  on  which  are  several  small  islets  and  rocks  5  or 
6  miles  from  the  shore.  At  the  distance  of  11  miles  from  the  point  is  the 
embouchure  of  the  Shwin-gan  River,  by  which  the  commerce  of  Wan-chu  fu 
is  maintained. 

The  bar  at  the  entrance  of  the  Shwin-gan  has  only  9  ft.  on  it  at  low  water, 
and  off  it  are  the  four  Tsang  Islets,  the  southern  of  which  is  the  largest. 

NAMKI  ISLANDS  lie  N.E.  by  N.  30  miles  from  the  Tae  group,  and  on 
the  south-eastern  side  of  the  largest,  740  ft.  above  the  sea,  there  is  a  good 
harbour,  called  Port  Namki.  Vessels  should  not  pass  among  the  islets 
forming  the  S.W.  part  of  this  group,  as  there  are  many  reefs  which  cover 
at  high  water.  The  westernmost  islet,  Turret,  makes  like  a  cone,  and  has 
reefs  to  the  North  and  West  of  it.  The  southern  islet.  Castellated  Rock, 
lies  S.S.W.  5  miles  from  the  rest  of  the  group.  In  the  N.E.  monsoon,  and 
with  S.E.  winds,  a  swell  rolls  into  Port  Namki.  There  is  a  bay  on  the 
North  side  Df  the  West  point  of  Namki  which  the  junks  frequent,  and  which 
is  a  good  smooth  water  anchorage.  Good  water  can  be  obtained  in  Port 
Namki. 

PIH-KI-SHAN  ISLANDS.— N.N.E.  miles  from  Namki  is  another  group, 
the  largest  island  of  which  is  named  Pih-ki-shan.  The  four  islets  close  to 
its  S.W.  side  protect  the  anchorage  on  its  South  side  from  the  easterly  swell. 
Vessels  should  not,  however,  choose  this  anchorage,  unless  from  necessity. 
Presh  water  may  be  obtained. 

At  11  miles  W.  ^  N.  from  Pih-ki-shan,  with  five  small  islets  intervening, 
is  another  group  of  one  island  and  four  islets.     The  island,  called  Tung-pwan 


1068  EIYER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

or  Brass  Basin,  has  anchorage  off  its  S.W.  face  in  8  fathoms  in  the  N.E. 
monsoon,  but  the  shelter  is  not  so  good  as  that  on  the  South  side  of  the 
Tae-pih  Islands,  lying  3  miles  to  the  N.W.  of  it,  under  which  the  water 
will  be  smooth  in  4  fathoms.'^ 

In  working  up  to  the  northward  of  the  Tae-pih  and  Tung-pwan  groups, 
shoal  water  will  be  found  to  extend  8  miles  from  the  foot  of  the  hills  on  the 
main  ;  at  which  distance  is  the  2  fathoms'  line  of  soundings.  On  the 
eastern  edge  of  this  line,  af  6|  miles  northward  of  Tae-pih,  is  the  Pang- 
peto  Eeef,  visible  at  low  water ;  from  it  the  western  of  the  Tae-pih  Is- 
lands bears  S.S.W.  ^  W.,  and  the  southern  of  the  Tseigh  Islands  E.  by  S. 
i  S. 

TONG  WHANG  GROUP.— The  Tseigh  Islands,  three  in  number,  8  miles 
N.N.W.  of  Pih-ki-shan,  lie  on  the  South  of  a  large  and  numerous  group. 
Between  the  Tseigh  and  Pwan-peen  Island,  the  next  island  northward,  is  a 
navigable  channel  for  vessels,  3  cables  wide.  Tong-whang,  the  largest  is- 
land of  the  group,  is  6  miles  long  N.E.  and  S.W.,  2|  miles  at  its  extreme 
breadth,  and  its  eastern  face  is  high  and  precipitous  ;  there  is  a  junk  channel 
between  it  and  Pwan-peen.  Coin  Island,  the  eastern  of  the  Tong-whang 
group,  has  three  rocks  lying  N.W.  of  it,  and  to  the  W.S.W.  is  a  low  flat 
islet,  named  Flash,  with  rocks  off  its  southern  end,  and  two  rocky  islets 
to  the  north-westward,  between  which  there  is  a  safe  channel  of  8  fathoms 
water. 

The  entrance  to  Bulloch  Sarhour  is  between  the  Tseigh  group  and  a  high 
island  with  bold  cliffs,  named  Fakew.  It  has  excellent  anchorage  in  4  to 
10  fathoms,  sheltered  from  all  winds. 

Vessels  have  no  business  in  the  space  between  the  Pih-ki-shan  and  the 
Tseigh  Islands,  as  the  clusters  of  rocks  there  are  interspersed  with  reefs 
covered  at  half-tide. 

The  San-pwan  pass  between  Tong-whang  and  Miaow  to  the  westward  of 
it  is  of  great  value  to  small  vessels  steaming  up  against  the  N.E.  monsoon ; 
but  in  September,  1866,  the  north-eastern  end  of  the  pass  was  so  filled  up 
with  fishing  stakes  and  nets,  that  there  was  great  difficulty  in  finding  a  pas- 
sage for  a  gunboat. 

WAN-CHU  RIVER.— N.W.  by  W.  8  miles  from  Niaow  Island  is  Wan- 
chu  Island,  fronting  the  mouth  of  the  Wan-chu  River.     A  mud  spit  extends 


*  It  is  stated  by  Nav.  Lieut.  Barns,  R.N.,  who  was  cruising  in  these  parts  in  1866,  that 
several  of  the  names  on  the  chart  have  been  wrongly  inserted  or  misapplied.  For  instance, 
Tung-pawn  is  not  known  to  the  Chinese  bj^  that  name,  but  one  of  the  Tae-pih  group  is  so 
called.  The  natives  call  the  Pih-ki-shan  Islands  Pah-ki,  and  Bittern  Island  Pih-ki-shan. 
And  in  the  Eiver  Jlin,  Wou-fou  Island  is  properly  Lowgai,  and  Pinnacle  Island  the  true 
Woufou. 


WAN-CHU  EIYEE.  1069 

6  miles  south-eastward  from  this  island,  leaving  only  a  shallow  channel  of 

7  ft.  water  between  it  and  Niaow,  close  to  the  latter. 

At  the  entrance  of  the  river  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  9'' ;  at 
Wan-chu  fu  it  is  high  water  at  9''  30"  ;  and  the  rise  at  each  place  is  15  to  16 
feet.  The  velocity  of  the  flood  is  from  3  to  4  knots  at  springs ;  that  of  the 
ebb  4  to  5  knots. 

Bound  to  this  river  from  the  southward,  when  abreast  Coin  Island  steer 
N.W.  i  N.,  leaving  the  Cliff  Eocks  to  the  northward  and  the  North  rock  of 
Great  San-pwan  (Chwang-pien)  Island  to  the  South.  Having  passed  the 
latter,  edge  away  "West  for  the  South  point  of  Hutau  Island,  leaving  a  re- 
markably steep  bluff  island,  called  Hokeen,  to  the  South.  Off  the  South 
point  of  Hutau,  and  abreast  Hokeen,  is  a  sunken  rock  lying  1^  cable  off  shore, 
but  it  will  be  avoided  by  opening  the  S.W.  point  of  Hutau  to  the  south- 
ward of  White  Eock  in  Hutau  Bay  South  of  White  Eock  there  is  a  middle 
ground  confining  the  channel,  which  is  North  of  it,  to  a  width  of  7  cables. 
There  is  good  anchorage  in  4  and  5  fathoms  to  the  S.W.  of  White  Eock, 
but  the  bay  within  the  rock  is  shoal. 

From  half  a  mile  off  the  S.W.  point  of  Hutau  the  entrance  of  the  river 
bears  W.N.W.  5  miles,  and  it  will  be  known  by  an  isolated  range  of  hills 
with  a  square  fort  at  the  East,  and  a  small  walled  town  at  the  West  end. 
The  depths  will  vary  from  3  to  4  fathoms  in  the  channel  outside  the  entrance 
which  is  more  than  a  mile  wide,  but  upon  either  side  the  edges  of  the  ex- 
tensive mud  banks  shoal  suddenly,  and  at  low  water  large  tracts  of  them 
are  dry. 

Having  passed  the  range  of  hills  keep  the  left  bank  or  Notch  shore  of 
the  river  aboard,  until  the  first  hill  on  the  flat  island  (Wan-chau  Island) 
bears  S.W.  by  S.,  when  the  vessel  will  have  cleared  a  little  ground  at  half 
a  mile  from  the  South  shore,  and  li  mile  E.N.E.  of  this  hill;  the  highest 
part  of  Hutau  in  line  with  the  South  foot  of  the  hills  at  the  entrance 
bearing  E.  ^  S.  is  the  mark  for  its  northern  edge. 

From  abseast  this  middle  ground,  in  the  vicinity  of  which  and  fronting  a 
village  the  depth  decreases  to  11  feet,  keep  mid-channel,  passing  a  large 
walled  town  on  the  North  shore  of  the  river  in  4  to  5  fathoms,  then  gradu- 
ally haul  over  to  the  first  point  on  the  South  side,  where  the  hills  come  down 
to  the  water's  edge,  passing  a  point  with  a  circular  fort  and  a  building  like 
a  large  jar  upon  it  close-to.  The  leading  mark  across,  in  5  fathoms,  is 
Salamis  Point,  East  of  Jar  Point,  in  line  with  a  remarkable  gap,  S.W.  by 
W.  J  W. 

Vessels  ought  not  to  go  more  than  2  J  miles  above  Jar  Point ;  they  will 
then  find  anchorage  in  from  3i  to  7  fathoms  water.  At  this  position,  with 
the  West  extreme  of  the  largest  island  bearing  about  North,  there  is  a  sunken 
rock  off  the  South  bank.  From  this  anchorage  the  distance  to  Wan-chu  fu 
is  5^  miles,  but  the  channel  is  too  intricate  for  a  stranger.     Provisions  are 


1070  EIVEE  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

cheap  and  abundant,  and  the  authorities  and  people  well  disposed  toward 
foreigners.     Wood  is  procurable  at  25  cents  per  picul. 

In  1869  the  upper  channel  was  partially  re-examined  and  found  to  have 
considerably  altered  since  the  survey  of  1843.  The  spit  extending  from  the 
large  island  had  greatly  diminished,  along  which  a  narrow  channel  ran  in  a 
N.N.W.  direction,  with  soundings  varying  from  3  to  5  fathoms,  deepening 
towards  the  high  land  and  a  dark  bluff,  close  to  which  was  7  fathoms.  The 
depth  over  the  flats  on  the  South  side  is  only  3  ft. 

Southern  Channel. — There  is  said  to  be  a  good  channel  into  the  river  on 
the  southern  side  of  Wan-chu  Island  and  Flats,  carrying  from  3  to  5  fathoms, 
between  the  S.W.  point  of  Niaow  (Miaow)  and  the  rocks  lying  a  mile  west- 
ward of  it.  It  has  a  bar  of  9  ft.  Pilots  can  be  obtained  at  a  village  on  the 
West  side  of  Niaow. 

Junh  Island,  lying  on  the  North  side  of  Hutau,  is  low  and  rocky,  and  the 
channel  between  them,  and  between  Junk  Island  and  the  main,  can  only  be 
used  by  small  junks.  North  of  Junk  is  Lot-sin  Barj,  in  the  southern  parts  of 
which  there  is  good  anchorage.  At  2  miles  eastward  of  Hutau  is  Quang-ta 
Island,  under  the  West  side  of  which  H.M.  brig  Plover  anchored. 

Kemong  Harbour. — Westward  of  the  East  point  of  Ta-on  is  a  bight  named 
Kemong  Harbour,  with  an  islet  off  each  point,  in  which  the  junks  are  fond 
of  taking  shelter.  It  is,  however,  confined,  and  vessels  will  have  better  an- 
chorage to  the  eastward  under  either  Taluk  or  Seoluk  Islands.  A  rock  lies 
awash  in  the  middle  of  the  entrance  to  the  harbour. 

Seoluk,  Taluk,  Chin-M,  Towan,  and  Pe-shan  Islands  form  a  group  off  the 
coast  from  3  to  14  miles  eastward  of  Ta-ou.  Taluk,  the  centre  and  highest 
of  the  group,  770  ft.  above  the  sea,  is  30  miles  N.N.E.  of  Pih-ki-shan.  At 
the  anchorage  between  the  islands  of  Chin-ki  and  Taluk  it  is  high  water,  full 
and  change,  at  g^  20". ;  springs  rise  13  ft. 

Taow-pung  Island,  at  9  miles  N.N.E.  of  Pe-shan,  is  7  miles  long  N.N.E. 
and  S.S.W.,  and  H  naile  broad,  and  forms  the  East  side  of  Yeyvan  Bay, 
which  is  shoal  and  affords  no  shelter.  The  island  is  separated  from  the  main 
by  Penetration  Pass,  a  narrow  channel  through  which  all  the  country  trade 
passes. 

At  2h  and  3  miles  respectively  to  the  S.W.  of  Song-men  Point,  the  South 
end  of  Taow-pung,  are  two  flat  rocks  above  water,  a  mile  apart.  To  the 
south-eastward  of  the  point  are  three  islets,  and  the  nearest,  named  San-shi, 
has  a  reef  off  its  West  side ;  the  outer  islet  of  the  three  has  a  shoal  off  its 
North  end.  There  is  a  navigable  channel,  a  mile  broad,  between  San-shi 
and  the  rocks  off  the  point.  At  3  miles  north-eastward  of  San-shi  are  the 
Stragglers  and  Shetung  Islets  ;  the  northern  and  highest  islet  of  the  latter 
group  has  a  reef  lying  3  cables  from  its  S.W.  point,  and  many  rocky  islets 
off  its  South  end,  between  which  and  the  Stragglers  there  is  u  channel  carry- 
ing a  depth  of  6  fathoms.     Indifferent  shelter  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  may  be 


CHIKHOK  ISLAND-CHUH-SEU  ISLAND.  1071 

found  under  Shetung.     Soudan,  the  easternmost  islet  of  the  group,  is  flat- 
topped,  and  has  a  reef  off  its  South  side. 

Chikhok  Island  lies  North  6  miles  from  Soudan,  and  as  it  rises  abruptly 
in  a  cone  to  the  height  of  760  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  has  a  broad  yellow  stripe 
on  its  south-eastern  side,  it  forms  altogether  one  of  the  best  landmarks  in 
this  locality ;  and  S.W.  by  W.  ^  W.  of  it  is  the  most  conspicuous  hill  on  the 
coast  seen  from  the  offing.  N.N.W.  \\  mile  from  Chikhok  is  Low  Chikhoh 
Island  -with  a  half  tide  rock  lying  N. W.  3  cables  from  it. 

Tai-chau  Group  extends  9  miles  northward  of  Hea-chi,  the  southernmost 
island,  and  consists  of  two  large  and  ten  smaller  islands.  Between  the  two 
large  islands  is  an  excellent  harbour,  the  approaches  to  which,  both  from 
eastward  and  westward,  are  free  from  danger.  The  southern  of  these  islands, 
750  ft.  high,  is  called  Hea-ta,  tne  northern  Shang-ta,  which  is  well  inhabited. 
Between  Shang-ta  and  the  Shang  Eock,  1|  mile  to  the  N.N.E.,  there  is  a 
safe  passage. 

About  2  miles  southward  of  the  West  point  of  Hea-ta  are  two  rocks,  the 
western  of  which  lies  S.S.W.  3j  miles  from  the  highest  part  of  Hea-ta,  and 
shows  at  all  times  of  tide ;  the  other,  which  bears  N.E.  ^  N.,  4  J  cables 
from  the  western  rock,  and  S.  by  W.  %  "W.  from  the  highest  part  of  Hea-ta, 
covers  at  high  water. 

Several  watering  places  will  be  found  on  Shang-ta,  but  the  supply  from 
any  one  of  them  is  not  abundant.  The  best  anchorage  in  the  harbour 
between  the  two  large  islands  of  the  Tai-chau  group,  during  the  N.E. 
monsoon,  is  to  the  S.E.  of  the  islets,  extending  from  the  S.W.  point  of 
Shang-ta.  It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  this  anchorage,  at  9''  0"" ; 
springs  rise  14  feet. 

Squall  Islands,  two  in  number,  the  southernmost  of  another,  the  Tungclmh 
Group,  lie  6  miles  N.W.  by  W.  of  Shang  Rock,  the  northern  islet  of  the  Tai- 
chau  group,  and  so  close  as  to  appear  as  one,  except  on  an  E.N.E.  and 
W.S.W.  bearing.  Eocks  lie  off  the  N.E.  and  N.W.  points  of  the  northern 
island,  and  a  reef  extends  from  the  S.E.  of  the  southern  island.  Junks  take 
shelter  under  the  western  point  of  the  southern  isliind  during  N.E.  winds. 

Crate  Island  is  a  small  cliff  islet  2^  miles  eastward  of  the  Squall  Islands, 
and  the  channel  between  has  8  fathoms  in  it ;  but  the  western  end  of  Crate 
is  not  steep-to.     A  group  of  rocks  lie  3  miles  W.  by  N.  of  Squall. 

Chuh-seu  Island,  lying  N.  by  W.  ^  W.,  4i  miles  from  the  Squall  Islands, 
is  remarkable,  having  a  sharp  cone,  670  ft.  above  the  sea,  over  its  southern 
point,  and  a  beacon  on  its  western  summit.  Between  Chuh-seu  and  the  Squall 
It^lands  are  four  rocks ;  and  S.E.  by  E.  J  E.  2|  miles  from  the  highest  part 
of  Chuh-seu  is  a  solitary  rock  named  Fir  Cone. 

Good  anchorage  and  a  convenient  watering  place,  with  abundance  of  water, 
•will  be  found  under  and  to  the  S.W.  of  the  cone  of  Chuh-seu  in  6  fathoms, 
between  it  and  an  islet  with  a  reef  off'  its  N.E.  point. 


1072  ElYEE  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

TAI-CHAU  BAY,  to  the  N.W.  by  W.  of  the  Tai-chau  Islands,  is  wide  and 
shallow,  and  at  its  head  is  the  entrance  to  the  Tai-chau  River,  17  miles  West 
of  the  cone  of  Chuh-seu.  On  the  South  bank  of  the  river  is  the  walled  town 
of  Haimun,  4  miles  above  which  the  river  separates  into  two  branches,  one 
taking  a  N.W.,  the  other  a  S.  W.  direction.  The  city  of  Tai-chau  fu  is  on  the 
North  branch  of  the  river,  about  24  miles  in  a  direct  line  from  Haimun. 
There  are  only  8  ft.  at  low  water  across  the  bay  to  the  entrance  of  the  river, 
but  inside  the  headlands  at  the  entrance  the  depths  are  4^  and  5  fathoms. 
The  inhabitants  reported  that  vessels  of  12  feet  draught  could  not  cross  the 
bar,  except  at  high  water,  and  that  the  tide,  which  rises  from  18  to  20  feet 
in  this  locality  at  springs,  would  carry  them  up  to  the  city. 

Tung-chuh  Island,  lying  East,  a  little  northerly,  5  miles  from  Chuh-seu,  is 
700  ft.  high.  The  two  Reef  Islands  lie  S.S.W.  2^  miles  from  its  South  point ; 
a  reef  extends  north-easterly  from  the  southernmost  of  the  two.  Midway 
between  Reef  and  Chuh-seu  is  a  cluster  of  rocks.  Gau-tau  Island,  remarkable 
for  four  barren  peaks,  lies  3  miles  N.W.  of  Tung-chuh,  and  there  is  a  half- 
tide  rock  3  cables  North  of  its  N.E.  extreme.  Shelter  may  be  had  in  the  N.E. 
monsoon  under  the  South  side  of  Tung-  chuh,  but  vessels  had  better  gain  the 
anchorage  under  Chuh-seu,  or  endeavour  to  reach  Barren  Bay. 

Barren  Bay,  formed  between  Gau-tau  and  Kin-men  Islands,  is  2j  miles 
wide  at  its  north-eastern  entrance,  and  besides  the  half-tide  rock  just  noticed 
off  the  eastern  promontory  of  Gau-tau,  there  are  rocks  off  the  eastern  point 
of  Kin-men,  and  a  mud  spit  off  the  N.W.  point  of  Gau-tau.  Immediately 
to  the  S.  W.  of  Kin-men,  and  separated  by  a  deep-water  channel  rather  more 
than  a  cable  across,  is  Nine  Pin  Island,  divided  near  the  centre  by  a  sandy 
isthmus,  on  which  is  the  rock  from  which  the  island  is  named.  Very  poor 
shelter  will  be  found  between  Gau-tau  and  Nine  Pin.  South,  2  cables  from 
the  West  end  of  Nine  Pin,  is  a  rock  which  will  be  seen  at  half  tide. 

Fall  Island,  lying  nearly  2  miles  northward  of  Kin-men,  has  off  its  West 
end  two  rocks  above  and  one  below  water.  The  channel  is  safe  between 
these  islands,  and  also  between  Fall  and  Chain  Islands,  but  the  latter  are 
not  steep-to. 

Chain  Islands,  three  in  number,  bear  N.W.  by  W.  4J  miles  from  Fall  Is- 
land. South,  2  cables  from  the  centre  island,  is  a  half-tide  rock  ;  and  there 
is  a  rock  awash  and  two  small  islets  lying  off  the  West  end  of  the  southern 
island.  Between  Chain  and  Pine  Cone  to  the  southward  are  four  detached 
rocks  where  the  ground  has  not  been  examined. 

Vessels  should  keep  eastward  of  the  whole  group  just  described,  for  the 
space  inside  Chuh-seu,  Kin-men,  Chain,  and  Sanmun  Islands  is  shallow,  and 
has  in  it  several  rocks  covered  at  high  water. 

HEISHAN  GROUP,  consisting  of  three  inhabited  islands  and  eight  rocks, 
lie  N.E.  by  E.  I  E.  17  miles  from  Tung-chuh,  and  occupy  a  space  5  miles 
North  and  South,  and  2  miles  East  and  West,  but  they  are  too  small  and 


SAN-MUN  BAY— SHEIPOO  EOAD.  1073 

too  detached  to  afford  shelter.  The  southernmost  island,  320  ft.  above  the 
sea,  is  the  largest.  The  northernmost  island  is  named  llushroom,  and  N.E. 
^  E.  If  miles  from  Mushroom  is  a  sunlcen  rocJc,  of  8  ft.  water,  from  which  the 
Cheng  Eock  appears  in  one  with  the  S.E.  end  of  Cliff  or  Sha-ho  Island, 
bearing  S.S.W.  I  W.  A  quarter  of  a  mile  N.N.W.  from  Mushroom  is  Sirock 
awash  at  low  water. 

Montagu  Island,  or  Tanto-shan,  lies  19  miles  N.N.W.  ^  W.  of  the  Hie- 
shan  group  ;  the  northern  portion  is  called  Gore  Island.  There  is  an  islet  off 
the  S.E.  point,  and  sunken  rocks  obstruct  the  channel  to  the  westward. 

To  the  southward  of  Montagu,  and  at  2  to  4  miles  from  the  eastern  coast 
of  the  large  island  of  Nyew-tew,  are  six  islets ;  the  southernmost,  called  the 
Twins,  are  8  miles  from  Montagu,  and  the  others  are  1 5  to  6  miles  from  it, 
with  clear  channels  between  them.  A.hvQa.st  Dike  Islet,  the  middle  and  inner- 
most islet  of  the  five,  is  Nose  Islet,  nearly  connected  with  Nyew-tew  at  low 
water,  and  vessels  passing  between  them  must  recollect  that  neither  are 
steep-to. 

Heroine  Rock,  awash  at  low  water,  was  reported  in  1851,  and  has  since 
been  placed  in  several  different  positions  on  the  chart.  Commander  Mat- 
thews, of  the  U.S.  ship  Ashuelot,  in  1875,  examined  these  different  positions, 
and  fixed  the  position  of  the  rock  : — South  end  of  Sanchesan  or  Triple  Island, 
W.  I  S. ;  S.W.  end  of  Lea  Ming  Island,  N.W.  by  W.  I  W. ;  and  the  West 
extreme  of  Montague  Island  N.  f  E.  This  appears  to  be  the  only  sunken 
danger  in  the  locality. 

SAN-MUN  BAY  entrance  is  20  miles  N.N.W.  of  the  Heishan  Islands, 
and  it  will  be  readily  recognised  by  the  remarkable  Thumb  Peak,  800  feet 
above  the  sea,  called  by  the  Chinese  Tafou,  and  by  the  opium  vessels  Albert 
Peak ;  it  rises  from  the  northern  end  of  Tafou  Island,  on  the  northern  side 
of  the  bay. 

Vessels  wishing  to  stop  a  tide  or  driven  in  by  bad  weather,  will  find 
good  shelter  in  the  N.E.  monsoon  immediately  westward  of  Lea-ming  Is- 
land, which  forms  the  North  point  of  entrance  of  the  bay.  In  running  for 
this  anchorage,  give  a  berth  of  2  cables  to  the  S.W.  point  of  the  island,  to 
avoid  a  reef  lying  off  it.  The  soundings  will  shoal  suddenly  after  the  North 
peak  of  the  island  is  brought  southward  of  East ;  the  bottom  is  soft  mud. 
S.W.  f  S.  2i  miles  from  Lea-ming,  is  Sanchesan  or  Triple  Island,  and  the 
depth  between  them  is  1 0  and  1 1  fathoms. 

At  the  anchorage  under  St.  George  Island,  San-mun  Bay,  it  is  high  water, 
full  and  change,  at  lO''  20" ;  and  the  springs  rise  about  15  ft. 

SHEIPOO  ROAD.— Vessels  bound  to  the  roadstead  off  the  town  of 
Sheipoo  may  pass  close  to  the  northward  of  the  islets  off  Gore  Island,  the 
northern  portion  of  Montagu  Island,  and  steer  to  the  westward  for  the  two 
forts  on  the  summit  of  Tungmun  Island.     On  the  North  side  of  the  road- 

I.  A.  6  X 


1074  EIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

stead  are  the  three  Bangao  Islands,  and  South  3  cables  from  the  eastern  point 
of  the  centre  one,  Wangchi,  are  the  Bangao  RocTcs,  which  always  show- 
There  is  deep  water  close  to  these  rocks,  except  to  the  westward,  where  it 
shoals  to  2  J  fathoms ;  to  avoid  which  do  not  bring  the  higher  fort  to  the 
southward  of  West. 

Cliff  Island,  or  Seao-Seao,  lying  nearly  in  the  centre  of  the  roadstead,  has 
anchorage  off  its  N.W.  end  in  4  fathoms,  but  with  a  strong  wind  a  consider- 
able swell  rolls  in.  A  reef  of  rocks  extends  westerly  from  Cliff,  and  the 
channel  between  it  and  the  islands  off  the  main  has  3  fathoms  water.  South 
of  Cliff  is  an  islet  with  foul  ground  between,  and  S.S.E.  6  cables  from  its 
East  point  is  a  sunken  mck.  There  is  a  narrow  channel  between  this  dan- 
ger and  the  shoal  ground  extending  from  Montagu  and  Gore  Islands,  the 
extremity  of  which  is  marked  by  a  flat  rojk  with  a  sunken  rock  2|  cables 
N.W.  of  it.     This  latter  is  5  cables  E.  by  S.  of  Cliff. 

Sheipoo  Harbour  is  between  the  mainland  and  Nyew-tew  Island,  and 
at  high  water  has  the  appearance  of  a  splendid  basin,  but  when  the  tide 
is  out  the  mud  dries  off  shore  a  long  distance,  giving  it  the  appearance  of  a 
river.  At  its  western  end  is  an  entrance  into  San-mun  Bay,  and  on  its  South 
shore  there  is  another  leading  into  the  bay  West  of  Lea-miug  Island,  which 
is  very  narrow.  The  town  of  Sheipoo  stands  on  the  main  forming  the 
northern  boundary  of  the  harbour  near  the  sea,  and  derives  its  importance 
principally  as  a  convenient  stopping  place  for  the  coasting  trade ;  the  walls 
are  in  a  dilapidated  state,  and  the  houses  and  shops  are  not  good. 

There  are  three  very  narrow  entrances,  with  rapid  tides  and  chow-chow 
water  in  them,  leading  from  Sheipoo  Road  into  Sheipoo  Harbour.  Two  of 
these  entrances  are  formed  by  Tungmun  Island.  In  the  centre  of  the  middle 
entranse  between  Tungmun  and  Sin  Island,  and  just  within  it,  is  a  rock,  on 
which  H. M.S.  Sphinx  stvuck  in  1858.  It  lies  in  the  narrowest  part  of  the 
channel,  and  the  least  water  on  it  was  10  ft.,  with  irregular  soundings 
around,  the  deepest  water  being  towards  Sin  Island ;  it  appeared  very  small, 
and  is  probably  quite  smooth.  This  passage  is  not  recommended  for  large 
vessels,  and,  if  used,  they  should  keep  well  over  on  the  South  shore. 

The  northern  entrance  between  Tungmun  and  the  main,  although  tortuous 
and  narrow,  is  safe ;  there  is  also  less  chow-chow  water  than  in  the  middle 
entrance.  The  South  entrance,  between  Sin  and  Nyew-tew,  is  long  and 
narrow,  and  near  its  mouth  is  a  small  flat  islet,  with  a  reef  extending  east- 
ward from  it.  Vessels  pass  north-eastward  of  this  islet ;  but  it  is  said  the 
Chinese  junk-men  never  use  it,  and  they  report  rocks  in  mid-channel. 

The  Coast  from  Sheipoo  trends  northerly  about  25  miles  to  the  entrance 
of  Nimrod  Sound,  and  is  fronted  by  several  islets,  none  of  which  are  large 
enough  to  afford  shelter,  and  the  depths  about  them  generally  are  under  3 
fathoms. 

Half-tide  Rock  lies  N.E.  by  N.  C  miles  from  the  East  point  of  Montagu, 


KWESHAN  ISLANDS.  1075 

with  the  Bear  (an  islet  near  the  main  with  a  sharp  peak  at  its  western  end, 
but  not  always  easily  made  out)  bearing  N.W.  ^N.,  distant  11  miles.  Should 
high  tides  and  smooth  water  prevent  this  rock  being  seen,  the  East  point  of 
Montagu  kept  westward  of  S.W.  will  lead  to  the  eastward. 

KWESHAN  ISLANDS  are  eleven  in  number,  besides  several  rocks.  The 
central  and  largest  island  is  3  miles  long,  and  deeply  indented,  and  its  greatest 
breadth  is  1 J  mile  ;  in  two  places,  however,  it  is  not  much  more  than  a  cable 
across.  Near  its  western  end  the  land  rises  to  a  sharp  peak,  490  ft.  high. 
The  other  islands  are  much  smaller.  The  whole  group  is  thickly  populated. 
Pri^a^ecocX,  the  south-easternmost  island  of  the  group,  is  450  ft.  above  the 
sea,  and  remarkable  on  account  of  its  flat  and  table-like  appearance.  The 
north-western  island  of  the  group  is  the  second  in  size,  and  400  ft.  high. 
The  peak  of  the  largest  island  bears  South  of  the  N.W.  island,  and  between 
the  two  is  a  mud-bank.  By  keeping  the  West  extreme  of  the  N.W.  island 
to  the  eastward  of  N.N.E.,  not  less  than  3  fathoms  will  be  found  with  good 
holding  ground,  and  not  much  swell. 

South  IJ  cable  from  the  peak  of  Kweshan  is  another  island,  which  is  also 
high,  with  steep  cliffs  ;  off  its  western  point  is  a  half-tide  rock,  and  a  reef  runs 
off  from  its  South  end.  The  Holderness  Roch  lies  AV.  ^  N.  1  mile  from  the 
highest  part  of  this  latter  island,  and  having  only  6  ft.  water  over  it,  occa- 
sionally breaks  ;  from  it  the  highest  part  of  N.W.  Island  bears  N.N.E.  \  E. 
Another  sunken  rock,  with  only  4  ft.  on  it,  lies  S.  by  W.  J  W.,  three-quarters 
of  a  mile  from  the  summit  of  the  same  island. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Kweshan 
Islands,  at  Q*"  30",  springs  rise  about  14  ft.  The  change  in  the  direction  of 
the  stream  does  not  take  place  until  2  hours  subsequent  to  the  change  of 
depth.  The  flood  stream  comes  from  the  southward  at  the  rate  of  about  2 
knots  per  hour,  and  will  sensibly  assist  a  vessel  in  getting  into  the  Chusan 
Archipelago.  Between  the  Hieshan  and  the  Kweshan  Islands  the  flood 
against  a  strong  northerly  wind  causes  an  angry  sea.  The  ebb  stream  out  of 
San-mun  Bay  will  be  useful  in  working  to  windward,  provided  the  vessel 
heads  up  to  the  northward  of  N.N.W. 

From  the  N.E.  extreme  of  the  Kweshan  Group,  the  Mouse  Rocks,  nearly 
level  with  the  water's  edge  at  high  water,  bear  N.N.W.  6  miles;  the  Whelps, 
50  ft.  high,  a  cluster  of  four  small  islets,  W.N.W.,  nearly  10  miles;  and  a 
low  flat  reef,  named  Starboard  Jack,  about  15  ft.  high,  with  two  rocks  off  its 
eastern  end,  N.W.  ^  W.  9i  miles.  Mr.  Joseph  Gr.  Dathan,  Master,  K.N., 
of  H. M.S.  Encounter,  observed  that  the  Mouse  bore  S.  75°  E.  of  Starboard 
Jack,  which  would  place  the  rock  6  cables  farther  to  the  South. 

Pylades  Rock. — Mr.  Arthur  Meldrum,  Ningpo  pilot,  reports  a  sunken  rock 
which  he  had  many  times  seen,  with  about  6  ft.  water,  lying  nearly  2  miles 
S.S.W.  ^  W.  from  the  Whelps.  When  on  the  rock,  Mesan  Island  shows 
between  the  two  South  Whelps,  and  the  peak  of  Patahecock  is  on  with  the 


1076  EIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

N.E.  point  of  the  island  which  is  nearest  to  the  Holderness  Eock.  The  rock 
is  well  known  to  the  Ningpo  pilots. 

The  Corners  are  several  isolated  rocky  patches,'  3  miles  in  extent,  and  well 
above  water,  lying  between  the  Whelps  and  Buffaloes  Nose,  an  island  6  miles 
to  the  N.N.  W.  From  the  outer  or  eastern  rock,  which  is  occasionally  covered, 
Buffaloes  Nose  bears  N.N.W.  f  W.  ;  there  are  two  islets  1  cable  to  the  west- 
ward of  it,  which  will  point  out  its  position  if  the  rock  should  be  covered. 
The  distance  between  the  Corkers  and  Starboard  Jack  is  about  3  miles,  and 
the  channel  between  has  depths  of  6  to  5  fathoms. 

Buffalo  Nose  Channel. —T/ie  Tinker  is  a  steep  cliff  rock,  80  ft.  high,  lying 
N.  by  E.  i  E.  2f  miles  from  Starboard  Jack.  The  Buffalo  Nose  Channel, 
the  entrance  of  which  is  between  them,  has  6  and  7  fathoms  in  it,  and  will 
be  found  the  most  eligible  to  take  in  entering  the  archipelago  during  the 
N.E.  monsoon,  as  the  vessel  will  be  well  to  windward.  There  is  a  sunken 
rock  off  the  Tinker  S.E.  by  E.  2  cables  from  it. 

Mesan,  the  largest  of  a  group  of  four  large  and  several  smaller  islets  or 
rocks,  lies  at  three-quarters  of  a  mile  N.N.E.  of  the  Tinker  ;  it  is  about  400 
ft.  hi?h,  its  ban-en  summit  forming  one  of  the  most  remarkable  features  in 
the  Buffalo  Nose  Channel.  There  are  7  and  8  fathoms  water  between  it  and 
the  Tinker,  but  sunken  rocks  extend  a  short  distance  from  both  shores. 
Lanyett  is  the  next  island  N.N.W.  of  Mesan. 

At  3  miles  E.N.E.  of  the  Mesan  Group  is  Front  Island,  the  southernmost 
of  a  chain  of  islets  extend  N.N.E.  3f  miles  Beak  Island.  Between  Front 
Island  and  a  castellated  rock  2  miles  to  the  westward  is  the  entrance  to  Har- 
hour  Rouse,  which  will  be  found  a  convenient  stopping  place  in  the  northern 
monsoon  for  a  vessel  that  has  missed  her  tide  through  the  Beak  Head  Chan- 
nel ;  the  depth  in  the  harbour  varies  from  5  J  to  2^  fathoms. 

Buffalo  Nose  Island,  lying  N.W.  i  W.  16  miles  from  the  N.E.  extreme  of 
the  Kweshan  Islands,  and  6  miles  from  Starboard  Jack,  is  1;^  mile  long 
North  and  South.  There  are  three  peaks  on  the  island,  the  central  one,  500 
feet  above  the  sea,  being  the  highest.  Near  its  northern  end  the  island  is 
perforated,  from  whence  its  native  name  (Niupi-shan)  is  supposed  to  be  de- 
rived. The  anchorage  westward  of  Buffalo  Nose  is  secure ;  during  the  N.E. 
monsoon,  however,  the  wind  blows  directly  through,  and  occasional  violent 
squalls  are  experienced.  Fresh  provisions  and  water  may  be  obtained  at  this 
anchorage,  but  the  supply  of  the  latter  cannot  be  depended  upon. 

Ploughman  Group  is  composed  of  three  islets,  of  which  the  largest  lies 
W.N.W.  nearly  a  mile  from  Buffalo  Nose,  the  depth  between  them  vary- 
ing from  5  to  18  fathoms.  Junks  usually  pass  inside  the  Ploughman  and 
Buffalo  Nose,  and  to  the  westward  of  the  Corkers ;  there  are,  however, 
many  reefs,  and  the  tides  are  strong,  and  vessels  will  do  better  to  keep  east- 
ward of  Buffalo  Nose. 

NIMROD  SOUND.— Six  miles  W.N.W.  of  Buffalo  Nose  is  the  entrance  of 


CHUSAN  AECHIPELAGO.  1077 

Nimrod  Sound,  a  deep  inlet  of  the  coast  running  27  miles  inland  in  a  W.S.W. 
direction.  Within  the  South  point  of  entrance  are  the  Hunters,  a  group  of 
six  islands,  and  3  miles  N.  W.  by  N.  of  these,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
channel,  which  carries  5  to  6  fathoms,  is  the  Castle  Hock,  on  the  edge  of  the 
mud-flat,  which  extends  2  J  miles  from  the  North  shore,  and  which  commences 
at  Barren  Island,  5^  miles  above. 

Castle  Eock  may  be  passed  at  4  cables ;  the  other  islands  and  banks  of  the 
sound  are  for  the  most  part  steep-to.  Their  position  will  be  best  understood 
by  studying  the  chart.  At  its  head  the  sound  is  separated  into  two  branches 
by  the  Treble  Islands.  Pass  northward  of  these  islands,  keeping  in  mid- 
channel  to  avoid  the  Half-tide  Rock,  3  cables  from  the  North  shore. 

In  the  shallow  bight  on  the  North  shore,  to  the  N.W.  of  the  Treble  Islands, 
is  the  village  of  Tung-ju,  from  whence  there  is  a  paved  footpath  communi- 
cating with  the  Fungwha  branch  of  the  Ningpo  Eiver,  the  distance  from 
hence  to  Ningpo  being  20  miles  in  a  direct  line.  On  the  South  side  of  the 
sound,  at  3  miles  S.W.  of  the  Treble  Islands,  is  also  a  paved  footpath  lead- 
ing to  San-mun  Bay.  Having  passed  the  Treble  Islands,  good  anchorage 
will  be  found  in  6  or  7  fathoms,  mud,  off  the  village  of  Tung-ju. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Nimrod  Sound,  at  lO*"  30", 
springs  rise  about  20  ft. 

CHUSAN  ARCHIPELAGO,  of  which  Chusan  is  the  principal  island,  lies 
near  the  mainland  between  the  parallels  of  29°  39'  and  30°  50'  N.  The  ar- 
chipelago may  be  entered  from  the  southward  by  four  channels  named  the 
Buffalo  Nose,  the  Beak  Head,  the  Vernon,  and  the  Sarah  Galley,  of  which 
the  two  former  channels  may  be  considered  the  best  to  enter  by,  and  the 
Vernon  to  go  to  sea.  Northward  of  Chusan,  the  second  between  Chin-san 
Island  and  the  chain  of  islands  extending  westward  from  Video,  is  generally 
taken  if  bound  to  Ning-po  and  Chusan  during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  being  clear 
of  danger  with  the  exception  of  the  Mariner  Eeef  at  its  western  entrance. 
The  water  of  the  archipelago  is  very  muddy,  and  causes  the  boilers  of 
steamers  to  prime. 

Luhwang,  the  largest  of  the  islands  in  the  S.W.  part  of  the  archipelago, 
is  9 J  miles  long  N.W.  and  S.E.  It  is  well  cultivated,  and  maintains  a  large 
population. 

The  southern  face  of  Luhwang  has  two  small  deep  indentations  with  sandy 
bays,  and  a  reef  projects  3  cables  from  the  point  abreast  the  Mesan  and 
Lanyett  Group,  described  previously.  Eeefs  also  extend  half  a  mile  from 
the  North  extreme  of  the  latter  group,  narrowing  the  channel  between  them 
and  Luhwang  to  less  than  a  mile.  The  coast  line  of  Luhwang  immediately 
westward  of  the  reef  point  trends  to  the  N.W.,  forming  a  wide  bay  with  three 
islets  in  it,  extending  to  Dufiield  Pass.  South  1  mile  from  the  easternmost 
islet  is  a  mud  bank,  of  3^  fathoms  water,  which  extends  to  Mesan,  to  avoid 
which  a  vessel  may  keep  the  islet  aboard  ;  a  rock  lies  half  a  cable  from  its 


1078  EIVEE  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

South  extreme.  Duffield  Reef  lies,  off  the  western  extremity  of  Luhwang  at 
the  eastern  side  of  the  entrance  to  Duffield  Pass,  and  consists  of  three  rocks 
above  water  with  a  sunken  rock  between  them  and  Luhwang. 

There  is  good  holding  ground  in  9  to  5  fathoms  on  the  S.W.  side  of  Luh- 
wang outside  the  line  of  these  islets  and  Duffield  Reef  Point  Within  this 
line  the  soundings  are  irregular  from  2|  to  4  fathoms. 

Fu-to  Island,  to  the  westward  of  Luhwang,  has  a  spit  off  its  North  extreme, 
and  to  the  N.E.  three  islets,  with  a  rock  1  cable  to  the  N.W.  of  Chloe  Island, 
the  northernmost.  Tree-a-top  Island  is  o^  cables  southward  of  the  South  ex- 
treme of  Fu-to,  with  a  deep  water  channel  between.  This  island,  180  ft. 
high,  and  about  A  cables  in  circumference,  has  a  pile  of  stones  on  its  summit, 
hut  no  tree. 

DiifB.eld  Pass,  the  nearest  but  not  the  best  channel  in,  is  between  Luhwang 
and  Fu-to.  On  the  Fu-to  shore  are  several  islets ;  among  them  the  water 
shoals  to  4  J  and  5  fathoms,  and  a  vessel  may  anchor  and  stop  a  tide  if  neces- 
sary. Off  the  fourth  point  on  the  Luhwang  side  is  a  reef  extending  a  cable 
from  the  shore  ;  otherwise  this  side  of  Luhwang  is  very  steep-to,  the  depth 
being  35  fathoms  within  a  cable  of  the  mud  Two  small  islets,  named  The 
Notches,  lie  in  the  centre  of  the  pass,  abreast  this  reef,  and  between  them  and 
Fu-to  is  a  half-tide  rock  ;  unless  this  rock  shows,  vessels  should  not  tack  in- 
side the  Notches,  so  as  to  pass  westward  of  them. 

Yomig  Hele  Rock,  with  only  16  ft.  over  it,  lies  2  cables  eastward  of  Hebe 
Island  at  the  North  end  of  the  pass.  On  the  Luhwang  side,  N.E.  from  Hebe 
Island,  and  a  cable  from  the  shore,  is  Bird  Rock,  which  formerly  had  a  stone 
pillar  on  it ;  there  are  two  islets  at  2  cables  southward  of  it. 

Gough  Pass,  formed  between  Fu-to  and  the  Central  Islands,  is  far  pre- 
ferable either  to  Duffield  or  Roberts  Pass,  for  both  shores  are  steep-to,  and 
the  lead,  if  hove  quickly,  will  give  warning  of  approach  to  the  shoal  extend- 
ing half  a  mile  S.S.W.  from  the  southern  islet  of  the  Central  Islands.  The 
south-western  of  the  Central  Islands  is  a  small  islet  connected  at  low  water 
with  the  largest  of  the  group  by  a  reef  and  spit.  At  half  a  cable  North  of 
the  northern  island  is  a  reef. 

Roberts  Pass,  between  the  Central  Islands  and  the  mud  which  dries  1  mile 
from  the  embankment  on  Mei-shan  Island,  is  2  miles  long,  N.E.  and  S.W., 
and  4  cables  wide  ;  the  depths  in  it  vary  from  6  to  40  fathoms,  but  as  the 
lead  gives  no  warning,  its  boundary  on  the  Mei-shan  side  will  not  be  known 
except  at  low  water.  On  the  N.E.  side  of  Mei-shan  are  the  two  Damson 
Islets,  from  the  northernmost  of  which,  Clijf  Islet,  a  bank  of  3  fathoms  ex- 
tends nearly  a  mile  to  the  N.E. 

Junk  Channel,  between  Mei-shan  and  the  Ketau  shore,  is  10  miles  in 
length  and  2\  cables  wide,  and  carries  a  depth  of  5  and  6  fathoms  except  at 
the  South  entrance,  where  it  shoals  to  10  ft.     Anchorage  will  be  found  any- 


CHUSAN  AECHIPELAGO.  1079 

where  along  the  Ketau  shore,  between  Mei-shan  and  Ketau  Point,  until 
abreast  of  Sing-lo-san  Island,  where  the  water  deepens. 

Caution. — As  there  is  no  anchorage  besides  the  above,  but  in  very  deep 
water,  until  that  under  Elephant  Island  is  reached,  it  would  not  be  prudent 
for  sailing  vessels  to  proceed  farther  unless  the  wind  and  tide  will  ensure 
their  gaining  that  position. 

Tides. — In  the  above  passes  the  first  of  the  flood  often  comes  from  the 
northward,  and  runs  sometimes  for  three  hours  before  it  takes  the  direction 
of  the  ocean  tide. 

BEAK  HEAD  CHANNEL  {Taou-sau-mun  of  the  Chinese),  the  next  passage 
N.E.  of  Buffalo  Nose  Channel,  is  considered  one  of  the  best  by  which  to  enter 
the  archipelago  from  the  southward.  Its  eastern  entrance  is  2f  miles  wide, 
between  Beak  Head,  the  East  extreme  of  Beak  Island,  and  Vernon  Point, 
the  East  end  of  Vernon  Island.  Beak  Island  is  nearly  5  miles  long,  in  some 
parts  very  narrow,  and  remarkable  for  two  hummocks  near  its  West  end. 
Off  Beak  Head  are  three  islets ;  and  south-westward  of  the  head  are  several 
islets  and  a  rock,  between  which  and  Luhwang  Island  is  Harbour  Eose  (page 
1076),  which  will  be  found  a  convenient  stopping  place  for  a  vessel  that  has 
missed  her  tide  through  Beak  Head  Channel.  The  channel  between  Luh- 
wang and  Beak  Island  has  3^  fathoms  least  water;  but  there  would  be  no 
object  in  using  it  while  there  are  passages  so  superior. 

Off  the  N.E.  face  of  Beak  Island  are  two  reefs,  lying  respectively  3  cables 
and  half  a  cable  from  the  shore.  Off  the  North  face  are  Gull,  Shag,  and 
Puffin  Islands ;  a  reef  also  extends  3  cables  from  the  N.W.  end  of  Puffin. 
Near  the  "West  end  of  Beak  Island  the  channel  is  narrowed  to  half  a  mile  by 
the  reef  of  rocks,  extending  from  between  Gull  and  Shag  halfway  across  the 
channel,  the  northernmost  of  which  is  always  above  water,  and  also  by  two 
small  islets  lying  off  the  South  side  of  Conical  Hill  Island,  which  lies  between 
Shag  and  Vernon.  Between  Conical  Hill  Island  and  Vernon  are  two  islets, 
the  reefs  off  which  render  the  channel  between  these  islands  intricate. 

A  N.W.  by  W.  \  W.  course  fur  8  J  miles  from  the  eastern  entrance  of  Beak 
Head  Channel  will  lead  southward  of  Conical  Hill  and  Conway  Islands,  and 
from  thence  a  N.W.  course  will  clear  the  channel ;  take  care,  however,  in 
light  winds,  to  give  the  Pai  Rock,  the  last  islet  on  the  North  side  of  the 
channel  at  its  western  entrance,  a  wide  berth,  as  the  flood  sets  directly 
towards  it.  There  is  good  anchorage  in  9  and  10  fathoms  on  the  N.W.  side 
of  Conway. 

To  the  northward  of  Conway  Island  is  a  group  of  islets  and  rocks,  through 
which  there  is  a  passage  into  the  Vernon  Channel ;  but  owing  to  the  rapidity 
of  the  tides,  it  should  not  be  attempted  without  local  experience.  On  the 
Luhwang  side  of  Beak  Head  Channel  is  a  reef,  and  an  islet  with  a  small 
pinnacle  on  it ;  the  reef,  which  is  generally  uncovered,  bears  S.E.  £  S.  2 
miles  from  Cape  Luhwang,  and  by  keeping  the  cape  westward  of  N.W.  ^N. 


1080  EIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

it  will  be  avoided.  The  mud  dries  7  cables  from  the  Luhwang  shore,  in  the 
bight  to  the  southward  of  this  reef,  which  makes  landing  difficult  except  at 
high  water. 

VERNON  CHANNEL  {Hea-che-mun  of  the  Chinese),  the  next  channel 
northward  of  Beak  Head,  is  formed  by  Vernon  Island  on  the  South  and 
Taou-hwa  Island  on  the  North,  This  will  be  found  a  convenient  passage 
from  Chusan  during  the  northern  monsoon,  the  distance  from  Elephant 
Island,  off  Tinghae  Harbour,  to  the  open  sea  being  only  17  miles;  it  should 
not,  however,  be  attempted  by  sailing  vessels  with  light  winds,  as  they  are 
liable  to  be  becalmed,  and  experience  flaws  under  the  high  land  of  Taou- 
hwa,  and  in  some  parts  the  soundings  are  60  fathoms,  and  the  tides  strong. 

The  Vernon  Channel  at  its  eastern  entrance  is  1^  mile  wide,  but  5  miles 
within  it  is  divided  into  two  passages  by  John  Peak  Island,  which  has  a 
rock,  lying  half  a  cable  from  its  N.E.  extreme,  which  uncovers  at  the  last 
quarter  ebb.  The  passage  between  John  Peak  and  Taou-hwa  is  only  3^ 
cables  wide  between  this  rock  and  two  small  islets  and  some  rocks  which 
bound  its  North  side.  The  passage  between  John  Peak  and  Vernon  is  half 
a  mile  wide,  and  good  anchorage  will  be  found  on  the  South  side  of  John 
Peak.  Caution  is  necessary  to  avoid  the  fishing  stakes  West  of  John  Peak 
Island.  The  shore  of  Taou-hwa  is  bold  and  precipitous,  and  the  peak  of  the 
island,  elevated  1,680  ft.  above  the  sea,  is  visible  at  times  when  the  lower 
land  is  obscured  by  mist.  Near  its  western  end  the  land  becomes  low, 
rising,  however,  again,  and  surmounted  by  a  peculiar  perpendicular  crag, 
called  Miller'' s  Thumh,  606  ft.  high,  which  will  be  recognised  nearly  through- 
out this  part  of  the  archipelago. 

Vernon  Island  has  on  its  N.E.  side  a  wide  bay,  with  two  islets  and  a  reef 
in  it,  where  vessels  may  anchor  in  4  and  5  fathoms,  and  procure  water  from 
the  several  cascades  on  Taou-hwa  Island  ;  the  water  may  be  obtained  without 
removing  the  casks  from  the  boats.  The  East  end  of  Vernon  is  rugged,  with 
large  boulders  of  granite  ;  at  this  end  there  is  a  cove,  which  runs  back  three- 
quaiters  of  a  mile  to  the  westward,  and  affords  shelter  for  boats. 

SARAH  GALLEY  CHANNEL  is  the  next  passage  northward  of  the  Ver- 
non, but  it  is  by  no  means  so  eligible  as  those  just  described.  Near  the 
entrance,  at  4  miles  N.E.  by  E.  |  E.  from  the  South  point  of  Taou-hwa 
Island,  is  the  Janun  or  Laoush  Rock,  a  steep  cliff  islet,  with  rocks  extending 
1^  cable  from  its  South  end  ;  there  is  also  a  half-tide  rock  lying  W.  by  N.  f  N., 
1|  mile  from  the  North  extreme  of  Laoush,  with  the  highest  part  of  Ousha 
Island  bearing  N.N.E.  ^  E.  If  mile. 

The  coast  line  of  Ousha  is  steep  cliffs,  and  off  its  N.W.  end  is  a  ledge  of 
rocks ;  the  southern  end  of  the  island  is  the  highest,  and  rises  in  a  round 
peak.  The  channel  between  the  N.E.  point  of  Taou-hwa  and  Peak  Island  is 
not  navigable,  owing  to  reefs  and  strong  tides ;  neither  is  there  a  fit  passage 
between  Peak  Island  and  Tang-fau.    Vessels  may  pass  between  Peak  Island 


CHUSAN  AECHIPELAGO.  1081 

and  the  two  patches  of  rock  lying  westward  of  Ousha  ;  but  there  are  some 
rocks  off  the  North  end  of  Peak  which  naust  be  avoided. 

The  Cambrian  Pass,  between  Ousha  and  the  large  island  of  Chukea,  or 
Chus  Peak,  is  2  cables  wide,  but  it  should  not  be  used  without  a  command- 
ing breeze,  on  account  of  the  strong  tides. 

Vessels  entering  the  Sarah  Galley  Channel  from  the  southward  generally- 
pass  westward  of  Laoush  Eock  and  Ousha  Island,  and  from  thence  the  chan- 
nel is  between  Ousha  and  the  two  patches  of  rock  to  the  westward,  which 
are  almost  covered  at  high  water  ;  they  lie  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.  of  one  another, 
2  cables  apart,  and  half  a  mile  distant  from  Ousha.  After  passing  these 
rocks  the  course  is  N.  ^  E.  2^  miles,  leaving  Teen  and  Yung  Islets,  off  Tang- 
fow,  and  a  reef  between  them,  to  the  westward  ;  and  Hut  Islet,  off  Chukea 
(so  called  from  a  house  on  its  summit),  with  a  reef  of  rocks  off  its  South  ex- 
treme, to  the  eastward.     The  channel  here  is  three-quarters  of  a  mile  wide. 

From  thence  steer  N.W.  by  N.  fur  ]f  mile,  leaving  an  island  with  two 
hummocks  to  the  southward,  and  Druid  Island  to  the  northward ;  but  be 
careful,  after  passing  Hut  Island,  that  Flat  or  Liwan  Island  (the  southern 
small  island  at  the  inner  entrance  to  the  channel)  is  not  brought  westward 
of  W.  by  N.  i  N.,  as  the  water  shoals  suddenly  on  the  North  side,  and  the 
mud  dries  nearly  all  the  way  across  from  Druid  Island  to  South  Chukea 
Island,  leaving  only  a  small  boat  channel. 

When  in  the  vicinity  of  Liwan  the  East  end  of  Chusan  will  be  seen, 
having  on  it  a  small  temple  built  of  large  stone  slabs.  Between  Liwan  and 
Chusan  is  Lokea  Island,  the  southern  shore  of  which  is  not  steep-to ;  and 
this  is  the  case  with  the  whole  of  the  islets  on  the  South  side  of  Chusan  be- 
tween this  and  Pih-lou,  alter  which  they  become  steep-to.  After  passing 
the  smaller  islets  South  of  Ta-kan,  the  shoal  water  will  be  avoided,  when 
standing  northward,  by  not  bringing  the  rocks  off  the  southern  part  of  Pih- 
lou  southward  of  West,  or  on  with  Trunk  Point  on  Elephant  Island.  Liwan 
as  two  rucks  off  its  South  end.  There  is  anchorage  in  5  fathoms  at  8  cables 
W.  i  S.  from  it. 

Chukea  Island  is  about  7  miles  long,  North  and  South,  and  near  its 
centre  is  a  smooth-topped  cone,  1,164  ft.  high,  named  Chukea  ^eak,  which 
is  one  of  the  most  prominent  objects  seen  in  making  this  part  of  the  archipe- 
lago.    The  South  end  of  Chukea  is  a  ridge  as  high  as  the  peak. 

There  are  also  several  indentations  on  the  eastern  side  of  Chukea,  and  the 
southern  one,  Wolf  Bay,  affords  anchorage  at  times  in  the  N.E.  monsoon. 
On  the  North  side  of  the  bay  is  a  black  islet,  and  li  mile  from  the  shore  is 
a  peaked  rock,  off  which,  at  2  cables  to  the  N.E.,  are  two  reefs,  showing  at 
half  tide.  Off  Pelican  Point,  the  North  point  of  the  small  islet  North  of 
Wolf  Bay,  is  a  reef  visible  at  low  water;  and  E.N.E.  3  cables  from  tlie 
point  is  Nob  Eock,  always  above  water. 

I.  A.  6  T 


1082  EIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

To  the  eastward  of  Chukea,  at  the  distance  of  5  and  8  miles,  are  two  islets 
named  Pihting  and  Tongting.  Tongting,  the  outer  one,  about  40  ft.  high,  has 
detached  reefs  S.W.  of  it.  Pihting  is  a  similar  islet.  Pelican  Rock  lies  E. 
by  S.  J  S.  2\  miles  from  Pelican  Point  on  the  Chukea  shore,  and  only  shows 
at  low-water  springs. 

North,  6^  miles  from  Pihting,  is  East  Islet,  30  ft.  high,  and  from  it  Loka, 
the  northernmost  of  the  islands  on  the  N.E.  face  of  Chukea,  bears  W.  by  S. 
4  miles,  East  Bock,  nearly  awash  at  low  water,  lies  E.  by  S.  2  miles  from 
East  Islet,  with  Tongting  Islet  bearing  S.  by  E.  :^  E.  7  miles,  and  the  summit 
of  Poo-too  (which  will  be  known  by  a  look-out  house  on  it,  and  the  high 
land  of  Chusan  forming  a  table  top  at  the  back  of  it)  W.  by  N.  I  N.  N.W. 
by  N.  6  miles  from  East  Islet  is  I^.E.  Islet,  a  conical  rock,  in  form  something 
like  a  haycock ;  it  also  lies  N.E.  i  E.  2  miles  from  the  N.E.  end  of  Isthmus. 
The  Ninepins  are  four  pinnacle  rocks  with  reefs  around  them  lying  1  to  1^ 
miles  East-south-eastward  of  N.E.  Islet,  and  N.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  5  miles  from 
the  summit  of  Poo-too. 

Isthmiis  Island,  the  outer  north-eastern  island  of  the  Chusan  archipe- 
lago, is  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  N.E.  point  of  Poo-too,  and  the 
channel  between  has  deep  water.  A  half-tide  rock  lies  E.  by  N.  ^  N.  4 
cables  from  the  S.E.  point  of  Isthmus,  with  the  East  and  S.E.  extremes  of 
Poo-too  in  one  bearing  S.W.  |  S.,  and  the  South  summith  of  Isthmus 
W.  ^N. 

Poo-too  Island  lies  1^  mile  from  the  East  extreme  of  Chusan,  and  the 
channel  between  is  called  by  the  Chinese  Leenhwa-yang,  or  the  Sea  of 
Water-lilies.  The  island  is  3J  miles  long,  North  and  South,  and  in  one 
place  only  half  a  mile  across.  The  temples  on  it  are  numerous,  but  the  two 
largest,  on  its  eastern  side,  are  falling  into  decay.  A  narrow  projecting 
point  extends  from  the  eastern  side  of  the  island,  forming  to  the  southward 
a  deep  sandy  bay,  in  which  there  are  3  fathoms  water ;  the  islet  off  the 
point  has  a  sunken  rock- off  its  East  side,  and  at  a  little  more  than  a  mile 
E.  by  S.  from  the  S.E.  extreme  of  the  point  is  a  pinnacle  rock,  with  6  feet 
water  over  it,  discovered  by  the  S.S.  Hochung  in  1877.  The  western  face  of 
Poo-too  is  ahoal,  the  2^-fathom  line  of  soundings  being  3  cables  from  the 
shore.  An  islet  lies  off  the  North  end  of  Poo-too,  and  some  rocks  half  a  mile 
farther  northward ;  vessels  may  pass  between  the  rocks  and  the  islet.  A 
stream  runs  into  the  above  bay,  on  the  eastern  side  of  Poo-too.  There  is 
anchorage  off  the  eastern  side  of  Poo-too  in  12  and  14  fathoms  water,  but 
several  vessels  have  had  a  difficulty  in  purchasing  their  anchors ;  it  is  also 
much  exposed,  and  by  no  means  desirable  in  bad  weather. 

To  the  eastward  of  the  South  point  of  Poo-too,  and  off  the  N.E.  end  of 
Chukea,  are  four  islands  named  Loka,  Pih-sha,  Lakeah,  and  Lakeati.  There 
is  a  passage  between  them  and  Chukea,  and  a  good  channel  between  them 
and  Poo-too. 


CHUSAN  ISLAND.  1083 

Channel  East  of  Chusan. — Whang  Head,  the  East  point  of  Chusan,  op- 
posite Poo-too,  is  a  low  peninsula.  Thence  the  coast  trends  4  miles  to 
another  head  which  forms  ihe  S.E.  point  of  Chusan.  Shoal  water  extends 
a  mile  from  this  shore. 

The  N.W.  and  AVest  faces  of  Poo-too  Island  are  shoal-to,  leaving,  how- 
ever, a  channel  between  them  and  Whang  Head  nearly  a  mile  wide.  The 
northern  part  of  this  channel  has  only  4  fathoms  in  it,  and  in  working 
through,  when  southward  of  Whang  Head,  do  not  bring  the  ship's  head 
eastward  of  North,  as  the  Chusan  shore  is  shoal. 

The  channel  off  the  S.E.  end  of  Chusan  is  2  cables  wide,  and  in  the  centre 
is  a  reef  with  a  stone  pillar  on  it.  The  flat  extending  towards  Poo-too  has 
only  Ij  fathom  on  it  at  low  water,  and  some  hard  casts  ;  therefore  vessels 
drawing  over  12  ft.  should  not  attempt  this  passage,  but  use  the  Sarah  Gal- 
ley Channel.  In  working  through  it  from  the  southward  between  Lokea 
and  Kin-ho  Island,  bear  in  mind  that  the  shoal  water  extends  3^  cables  from 
the  former,  and  6  cables  from  the  latter  ;  the  above  pillar  or  beacon  in  one 
with  a  cliff  islet  northward  of  it,  is  a  good  mid-channel  mark.  After  passing 
■westward  of  the  beacon,  bring  the  cliff'  islet  in  line  with  a  building  on  Whang 
Head  ;  thi3  will  lead  over  the  flat  in  the  deepest  water,  and  when  the  South 
end  of  Poo-too  bears  East  it  may  be  steered  for. 

CHINKEAMUN  HARBOUR,  at  the  S.E.  end  of  Chusan,  carries  on  a 
considerable  fishery  to  the  eastward  of  Poo-too  Island.  The  harbour,  formed 
between  the  island  of  Lokea  and  the  Chusan  shore,  is  1^  cable  wide.  The 
S.W.  entrance  to  the  harbour,  between  Lokea  and  Maoutze  Island,  has  not 
more  than  2;^^  fathoms  in  it  at  low  water ;  the  mud  extends  westward  4^ 
cables  from  Lokea,  and  a  rock  lies  S.S.E.  a  cable  from  the  East  end  of 
Maoutze. 

Chinkeamun  is  11  miles  eastward  of  Ting-hai  Harbour.  The  Shei-luh 
Channel,  close  along  the  southern  shore  of  Chusan  has  deep  water  in  it,  but 
in  some  places  it  is  so  narrow  as  to  be  practicable  only  for  small  steam  vessels 
or  boats. 

CHUSAN  ISLAND,  so  called  from  its  supposed  resemblance  to  a  boat,  is 
51  miles  in  circumference;  its  extreme  length  in  a  N.W.  and  S.E.  direction 
being  21  miles,  and  its  greatest  breadth  XO^  miles.  The  island  is  beautifully 
diversified  with  hill  and  dale  and  well  cultivated.  Besides  the  principal 
harbour  of  Ting-hai  there  are  three  other  commercial  ports,  viz.,  Chinkea- 
mun at  the  S.E.  end  of  the  island,  Ching  Keang  or  Singkong  on  the  N.W. 
side,  and  Shaaou  at  the  North  end. 

Tinghae  is  situated  on  the  western  part  of  the  South  coast  of  the  island. 
The  town  is  1|  mile  in  circumference,  and  surrounded  by  a  wall  14^  feet 
high  and  13  ft.  wide,  surmounted  by  a  parapet  14^  ft.  high  and  2  ft.  wide. 
A  canal  nearly  encircles  the  city.     The  principal  exports  are  fish,  coarse 


inR4  RIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

black  tea,  cotton,  vegetable  tallow,  sweet  potatoes,  and  some  wheat.  The 
water  is  not  good  at  Ting-hai,  and  is  sometimes  scarce. 

Ting-hai  TTarbour,  formed  on  the  South  side  of  Chusan,  is  fronted  by  many 
small  islands,  between  which  are  the  several  channels  leading  to  it.  The 
outer  and  westernmost  island  is  To-maou  or  Tower-hill,  Enst  of  which  and 
distant  1  and  4^  miles  respectively  are  the  large  island  Teijo  or  Elephant 
Island  and  Pih-lou.  Within,  or  to  the  northward  of  these,  reckoning  from 
the  westward,  are  the  islands  called  Ra-tse  or  Bell,  Fwanche  or  Tea,  Seaou-keu 
or  Deer,  and  Ao-shan.  The  two  small  islands  Taiooo  or  Trumhall,  and  Wae- 
woo  or  Macehfifield ,  lie  inshore  or  to  the  N  E.  of  Tea  Island,  fronting  the  city, 
and  there  are  many  small  islands  and  rocks  among  those  larger  ones  abover 
named. 

The  harbour  is  diflBcult  of  access  in  all  its  approaches,  owing  to  the  strong 
tides  and  sunken  rocks.  The  best  approach  is  through  Tower  Hill  and  Bell 
channels,  the  latter  being  between  Tower  Hill  and  Bell  Islands,  and  between 
Bell  Island  and  Tea  Island ;  in  these  no  hidden  danger  has  been  found  ; 
but  the  tides  are  strong,  and  sailing  vessels  in  light  winds  must  be  careful 
that  they  are  not  set  by  their  influence  between  Tower  and  Elephant,  or  be- 
tween Tea  and  Elephant  Islands,  where  the  ground  is  foul  and  the  channel 
narrow  and  deep. 

Tower  Hill  Channel  — The  best  approach  to  Ting-hai  Harbour  is  through 
Tower  Hill  Channel.  After  passing  Ketau  Point  steer  to  pass  a  convenient 
distance  from  the  South  extreme  of  Tower  Hill  Island.  Should  the  tide  fail, 
enchorage  will  be  found  under  the  islands  eastward  of  Tygosan  Island  ; 
for  which  purpose  pass  3  cables  southward  of  Square  Stone  Islet,  to  avoid 
the  reef  lying  1 J  cable  S.W.  of  it,  and  anchor  before  the  channel  between 
Little  Tygosan  and  Chueii-pi  Islands  opens,  as  the  water  shoals  suddenly  off 
the  East  end  of  Entrance  Island. 

Having  rounded  Tower  Hill  Island,  haul  up,  steering  first  for  Bell  Island, 
then  f(jr  Tea  Island.  The  soundings  in  Bell  Channel,  between  Bell  and 
Tower  Hill  Islands,  vary  from  30  to  40  fathoms  ;  but  off  the  N.W.  end  of 
the  latter  is  a  mud  bank  of  3  fathoms  water  extending  1^  cable  off  shore. 

There  is  good  anchorage  in  10  and  12  fathoms  between  Boll  and  Tea 
Islands,  nearer  the  latter,  but  vessels  intending  to  remain  here  should  not 
open  the  channel  between  Bell  and  Chusan,  as  the  tides  are  stronger  and 
the  ground  loose.  On  proceeding  from  hence  to  Ting-hai  Harbour,  take 
care  to  avoid  The  Nab,  a  suken  rock  with  14  ft.  over  it  at  low  water,  lying  2  J 
cables  from  the  Chusan  shore,  and  South  of  a  small  hillock  in  the  valley 
near  the  shore.  The  marks  for  it  are  Taching  Point,  the  West  extreme  of 
Tea  Island,  in  one  with  the  East  side  of  Taewang  or  Bell  Rock,  S.  ^  W., 
and  the  South  point  of  Guardhouse  Isle  nearly  in  line  with  the  summit  of 
Tawoo  or  Trumball  Island.  A  3-fathom  patch  lies  about  3^  cables  W.S.W. 
of  the  Nab,  and  E.  by  N.  J  N.  nearly  4  cables  from  Ap-tan-shau  Island. 


CHUSAN  ISLAND.  108.5 

The  Spithead  anchorage  on  the  Chusan  shore,  between  the  Nab  Rock  and 
Guardhouse  Isle,  will  be  found  a  convenient  place  for  watering  ;  the  anchor- 
ing ground  is  steep-to,  and  the  tides  are  irregular,  and  off  the  entrance  to 
the  watering  creek  is  a  mud  flat  of  3  fathoms  water.  With  light  winds, 
vessels  should  avoid  the  strength  of  the  ebb  when  passing  through  tlie 
channel  between  Tea  and  Guardhouse  Islands,  fur  it  is  liable  to  set  them 
through  the  Melville  Channel.  A  ledge  of  rocks,  covered  at  high  water, 
extends  1  cable  from  the  high- water  mark  at  Kouching  Point,  the  Korth 
extreme  of  Tea  Island. 

Proceeding  towards  Ting-hai  Harbour,  and  being  abreast  of  Guardhouse 
Isle,  steer  towards  Wae-woo  or  Macclesfield  Island,  taking  care  to  avoid  the 
Middle  Ground,  which  has  only  2  ft.  on  its  shoalest  part.  Tower  Hill  in 
line  with  the  slope  on  the  southern  rise  of  Tea  Island  will  lead  along  the 
southern  edge  of  this  shoal,  in  4  fathoms.  The  Wae-woo  Channel  is  only  2f 
cables  wide  between  the  3  fathoms  line  on  the  edge  of  the  Middle  Ground 
and  Wae-woo  and  Tawoo  Islands.  The  usual  anchorage  is  abreast  Taotau, 
tiie  suburb  of  Ting-hai,  but  vessels  must  moor,  as  the  eddies  are  strong. 
The  channel  between  Chusan  and  Guardhouse  Isle  is  only  fit  for  boats. 

Cautioti.  — Spring  tides  set  at  the  rate  of  3  and  3J  knots  per  hour  in  the 
Tower  Hill  Channel,  and  with  light  winds  and  a  strong  flood  vessels  have 
been  swept  away  to  the  westward,  and  ( arried  by  the  tide  beyond  Just-in - 
the- Way,  and  even  through  the  Blackwall  Channel  ;  and  after  rounding 
Tower  Hill  and  entering  the  Bell  Channel  many  have  been  borne  by  the  ebb 
amongst  the  islands  between  Tower  Hill  and  Elephant  Island,  or  between 
the  latter  and  Tea  Island,  where  the  channels  are  narrow,  the  water  deep, 
and  the  ground  foul.  In  these  cases  the  bower  anchors  and  chains  should 
not  be  used,  but  a  good  kedge  and  stout  hawser,  which  (as  the  holding 
ground  is  good,  and  if  care  be  taken  to  conn  the  vessel  and  not  break  her 
sheer)  will  bring  a  vessel  up  and  prevent  her  being  driven  into  these  narrow 
passages,  where  some  have  been  brought  up  in  from  30  to  40  fathoms  water, 
■with  two  anchors  down  and  three  or  four  round  turns  in  the  hawse. 

Having  rounded  the  North  end  of  Tea  Island  with  a  strong  ebb,  it  is  neces- 
sary to  guard  against  its  taking  the  vessel  through  the  Melville  Channel, 
and  if  not  able  to  pass  northward  of  Macclesfield  Island,  send  the  boats 
a-head  and  endeavour  to  keep  the  vessel  to  the  northward  of  Takeu  and 
Sarah  Islands,  wher'?  the  water  is  not  so  deep. 

The  Melville  or  southern  passage  to  Ting-hai  Harbour  is  between  Elej>hant 
and  Deer  Islands,  but  as  two  sunken  rocks  lie  in  the  centre  of  the  channel 
and  narrow  it  to  1  j  cable,  it  should  not  be  attempted  unless  there  be  a  com- 
manding breeze,  and  the  mariner  have  a  thorough  knowledge  of  their  posi- 
tion. Its  navigation  is  rendered  more  difficult  in  the  neighbourhood  of  these 
dangers  by  the  tides  rushing  through  four  different  channels  into  this,  and 


1086  EIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

formino'  eddies  wlilch  render  a  vessel  unmanageable  even  with  a  good  breeze 
at  the  springs.     A  boat  a-head  will  be  found  useful  at  the  neaps. 

KIDDISOL  ISLAND,  lies  2  cables  southward  of  Yanglo  Point,  the  S. W. 
extreme  of  Chusan.  There  is  a  patch  of  2%  fathoms  off  its  S.W.  end.  From 
hence  to  Sinkong  Point,  4  miles  to  the  N.W.  by  N.,  the  coast  line  of  Chusan 
is  mud,  with  the  exception  of  a  small  hillnck  at  the  edge  of  low  water.  An- 
chorage in  10  and  12  fathoms  will  be  found  all  along  the  Chusan  shore 
between  Yanglo  and  Sinkong  Points,  but  in  standing  towards  the  shore  be 
careful,  as  the  water  shoals  suddenly  after  10  fathoms. 

CMng  Keang  Harbour,  on  the  western  side  of  Chusan,  and  distant  7 
miles  in  a  direct  line  across  country  from  Ting-hai,  is  formed  between  the 
islands  TTa-feo,  Lin,  and  Latea  (otherwise  called  Outer,  Middle,  and  Lmer 
HooTc)  and  Chusan.  Upon  the  islands,  and  on  the  point  near  the  southern 
entrance,  are  extensive  stone  quarries.  There  is  a  white  rock  off  the  S.W. 
point  of  Wa-teo,  and  a  mud  bank  extends  from  the  island  nearly  to  the  rock 
and  also  bounds  its  West  side.  Between  Wa-teo  and  Chusan  the  entrance 
to  the  channel  is  6  cables  wide,  with  7  and  8  fathoms  water  in  it,  forming  a 
snug  anchorage  much  frequented  by  the  junks  as  a  stopping  place,  and  de- 
fended from  pirates  by  a  fort.  Abreast  of  Lin,  the  small  island  next  North 
of  Wa-teo,  the  channel  is  less  than  a  cable  wide,  with  7  fathoms  water.  The 
town  stands  on  the  Chusan  shore,  on  the  banks  of  a  stream,  which  at  high 
tide  is  navigable  for  boats.  Here  the  channel  is  also  less  than  a  cable  wide, 
and  the  depths  5  to  4  fathoms. 

Kintang  or  Silver  Island  is  between  the  West  end  of  Chusan  and  the 
entrance  of  the  Yung  or  Ning-po  Eiver.  Near  its  S.E.  extreme  is  a  re- 
markable saddle  hill,  1,432  ft.  high,  which  with  the  Cap  Eock  forms  one  of 
the  marks  for  the  Melville  Eock.  Another  remarkable  peak,  1,520  ft.  high, 
is  1^  mile  northward  of  the  saddle  hill.  Alligator  Point,  the  South  end  of 
Kintang,  has  a  reef,  which  covers  at  half  tide,  extending  2  cables  to  the 
southward.  There  is  a  beacon,  painted  white,  on  the  extremity  of  the  reef. 
Alqerine  Point,  the  S.E.  extreme  of  the  island,  has  an  islet  connected  at  low 
tide  by  a  mud  flat,  from  which  a  ledge  of  rocks  extends  S.S.E.  2  cables,  the 
South  end  of  which  covers  at  high  water.  The  eastern  face  of  Kintang  is 
bold-to,  without  any  anchorage  along  it.  The  western  side  affords  good 
temporary  anchorage,  but  it  is  advisable  to  take  up  a  position  within  half  a 
mile  of  the  shore  to  be  out  of  the  strength  of  the  tide. 

Off  the  North  end  of  Kintang  there  is  a  group  of  seven  islets,  amongst 
which  there  is  anchorage  ;  off  its  N.W.  end  is  Taping  Island,  separated  by 
a  narrow  channel  of  4  to  6  fathoms.  Southward  of  Taping  is  the  small 
harbour  of  Ta-outse  or  Lukon,  a  former  station  for  opium  vessels,  which 
affords  good  anchorage  in  7  to  10  fathoms,  sheltered  by  the  small  island  of 
Ta-outse.  The  entrance  is  between  Kintang  and  Ta-outse  Island,  and  the 
channel  is  barely  2  cables  wide.     Between  Ta-outse  and  Taping  there  are 


CHUSAN  ARCHIPELAGO.  1087 

not  more  than  8  ft.  at  low  water.  This  harbour  is  small,  but  affords  good 
anchorage,  and  may  be  recommended  as  a  sanitary  station  for  vessels 
obliged  to  make  a  lengthened  stay  in  the  Eiver  Ynng.  Supplies  of  all  kinds 
can  be  readily  obtained  by  native  boats  from  Ning-po.  Kintang  is  well 
cultivated  and  produces  abundant  supplies,  but  they  all  appear  to  be  sent  to 
Ning-po. 

Steward  Bock,  5  ft.  high,  lies  in  the  middle  of  Blackwall  Channel,  between 
Chusan  and  Kintang  Island.  The  depths  in  its  vicinity  are  25  to  45  fathoms, 
except  on  a  rocky  patch  2  cables  to  the  eastward,  where  the  least  water  that 
has  been  found  is  6  fathoms. 

Blackwall  Channel,  between  Kintang  and  Chusan,  is  divided  at  its  north- 
ern entrance  by  Blackwall  Island  into  two  passages,  both  of  which  are  very 
difficult,  owing  to  the  rapid  tides. 

There  is  anchorage  off  the  N.W.  face  of  Blackwall  Island,  from  which  ex- 
tends, 1|  mile,  a  tongue-shaped  shoal  of  3  to  5  fathoms,  exposed  to  northerly 
winds.  A  reef  extends  westward  1^  cable  from  the  West  end  of  Blackwall, 
to  avoid  which  do  not  open  Steward  Rock  eastward  of  Rondo  Islet. 

Broken  Island  is  connected  at  low  water  to  the  N.W.  extreme  of  Chusan 
by  a  mud  bank.  Crack  Islet  lies  about  half  a  mile  from  its  North  point.  A 
mud  spit  runs  of  north-westerly  4  cables  from  Crack  Islet. 

Dunsterville  Group,  N.W.  3 J  miles  from  Broken  Island,  is  a  batch  of  low 
islets  which  may  be  approached  as  convenient,  the  soundings  between  them 
and  Crack  Islet  varying  from  5  to  4  fathoms.  The  tides  are  strong  in  this 
neighbourhood,  the  flood  running  to  the  West,  the  ebb  to  the  East. 

SHAAON  HARBOUR,  or  North  Bay,  formed  between  Chang-pih  or  Fisher 
Island,  and  the  North  end  of  Chusan,  is  2  miles  long,  If  mile  wide,  and  has 
a  varying  depth  from  5  to  9  fathoms.  Broken  Island,  as  before  stated,  is 
steep-to  on  its  N.E.  side  ;  from  the  western  part  of  Chang-pih  shoal  water 
extends  half  a  mile.  The  southern  shore  of  Chang-pih  is  an  extensive  mud 
bank,  a  considerable  portion  of  which  has  been  enclosed  from  the  sea  by 
embankment ;  off  its  S.E.  end  the  water  is  shoal,  the  3-fathom  line  being 
half  a  mile  from  the  shore. 

The  Chusan  shore  is  bordered  by  a  mud  bank,  which  renders  landing, 
unless  at  high  water,  difficult,  except  in  one  place  near  the  eastern  end  of 
the  harbour,  where  there  is  a  causeway.  Near  the  causeway  are  some 
houses,  but  the  principal  village  is  some  distance  up  the  valley.  A  small 
islet  lies  off  the  North  end  of  Chang-pih,  and  a  group  of  islets,  named  Cluster 
or  Midway  Islands,  off  the  N.E.  end. 

Vessels  bound  to  the  eastward  from  Shaaon  Harbour  may  pass  either 
through  the  Kwei  Channel,  between  Lan-sew  or  Sheppey  Island  and  Chusan, 
or  to  the  northward  of  Lan-sew,  which  is  the  better  channel  of  the  two,  but 
both  are  difficult  fur  a  stranger.  A  sunken  rock  lies  3  cables  from  the 
S.E.  point  of  Chang-pih,  with  the  South  extreme  of  Chang-pih  bearing  W. 


1088  RIYER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

i  N.,  the  largest  of  the  Cluster  Islets,  N.E.  of  Chang-pih,  N.  |  W.,  and  the 
Bummit  of  Lan-sew  open  of  the  rocks  oflf  Ma-aou  Point  E.  by  N.  ^  N. 

The  Kwei  Channel,  never  to  be  attempted  during  the  strength  of  the  tide, 
is  between  the  large  island  of  Lan-sew,  4  miles  East  of  Chang-pih  and  the 
Chusan  shore,  and,  although  U  mile  broad,  the  navigable  passage  is  greatly- 
contracted  by  the  numerous  rocks  and  islets  on  either  side.  At  its  western 
end  it  is  only  three-quarters  of  a  mile  between  the  two  rocks  off  Ma-aou 
Point  and  the  Houblan  Islets  extending  from  the  West  side  of  Lan-sew. 
In  the  centre,  the  Lan-sew  shore  is  bold,  but  two  chains  of  islets  from 
Chusan  stretch  half  way  aci'oss.  The  eastern  end  is  narrowed  to  2  cables 
between  Kanlan  Point  on  the  Chusan  shore  and  the  small  islet  with  a  reef 
of  its  S.E.  end,  lying  South  of  Sewshan  or  Grain  Islet  off  Lan-sew. 

There  is  the  Kwimun  Channel,  close  in  to  the  Chusan  shore,  but  it  is 
crooked,  and  a  sunken  rock  lies  near  the  centre. 

The  island  of  Lan-sew  appears  formerly  to  have  been  two,  the  interven- 
ing space  having  been  gained  from  the  sea  by  embanking  ;  it  is  now  called 
by  the  Chinese  Lan-shan  and  Saw-shan,  and  is  3i  miles  long  and  2 J  miles 
broad. 

Channel  North  of  Lan-sew. — When  leaving  the  anchorage  in  Shaaon  Har- 
bour by  the  Chang-pih  Channel,  and  intending  to  pass  North  of  Lan-sew, 
steer  about  N.E.  by  E.  for  Kwi-si,  a  barren  island  with  a  round  peak  upon 
it.  The  southern  side  of  this  island  is  steep-to,  and  the  distance  between  it 
and  the  N.W.  point  of  Lan-sew  is  1^  mile  ;  a  mud  bank  dries  1 J  mile  from 
the  western  side  of  the  latter,  and  is  steep-to,  the  lead  giving  no  warning, 
but  its  northern  edge  will  be  avoided  by  keeping  the  North  end  of  Mo-un 
(the  largest  islet  off  the  North  end  of  Lan-sew)  open  of  the  North  extreme 
of  Lan-sew. 

Having  passed  Kwi-si  steer  for  the  next  island,  Kwan,  the  South  shore  of 
■which  keep  close  aboard,  to  avoid  a  reef  which  lies  half  a  mile  to  the 
southward  and  covers  at  high  water ;  from  the  reef  Kwi-si  Hill  bears  W. 
by  N.,  and  the  highest  part  of  Lan-sew  S.S.W.  §  W.  ;  the  ground  between 
this  reef  and  Lan-sew  is  foul.  Although  the  channel  is  half  a  mile  wide,  it 
is  difficult  to  shoot  through,  owing  to  the  eddy  tides  and  flaws  off  Kwan, 
which  is  600  ft.  in  height.  When  the  reef  is  passed,  take  care  to  avoid  a 
ledge  of  rocks  extending  a  short  distance  from  the  N.W.  point  of  Mo-un, 
which  bounds  the  channel  to  thq  southward. 

To  the  eastward  of  Kwan  are  nine  islands  lying  off  the  S.E.  end  of  Tae- 
shan  to  the  northward  ;  there  is  a  reef  off  the  southern  end  of  the  nearest. 
From  thence  an  East  course  may  be  steered  to  sea  along  the  southern  coast 
of  Keu-shan  Island  and  the  Fisherman's  group.  The  channels  North  of 
Kwi-si  and  Kwan  are  described  hereafter. 

Anchorage. — Vessels  wishing  to  anchor  on  the  East  side  of  Lan-sew  Is- 
land may  haul  to  the  southward  after  passing  the  first  islet  East  of  Mo-un, 


LAN-SEW  BAY.  1089 

running  between  it  and  Gan-ching,  a  cluster  of  rocks  to  tlie  eastward.  At 
the  East  end  of  Lan-sew  is  a  low  cliff,  named  Hartey  Island,  which  may  be 
passed  at  a  cable,  when  hauling  to  the  southward,  anchorage  will  be  found 
in  5  fathoms,  the  water  shoaling  gradually  towards  the  shore.  H.M.S. 
Ptjlades,  in  1840,  anchored  here  in  5|  fathoms,  with  the  East  end  of  Harty 
Island  N.  |  W.  6  cables,  and  Grain  Islet  S.W.  by  W.  In  the  northerly 
monsoon  there  is  a  better  anchorage  at  7  miles  to  the  N.E.  in  Peaked  Eock 
Bay  on  the  southern  shore  of  Keu-chan. 

Clijfs  and  Doub  Hocks,  to  the  eastward  of  Lan-sew,  at  the  distance  of  2 
miles  and  .5  miles  respectively,  are  two  cliffy  islets.  South  2  cables  from 
Cliffs,  the  western  islet,  is  a  ledge  of  rocks  nearly  awash  at  high  water,  and 
the  ground  in  its  neighbourhood  is  foul ;  there  are  rocks,  also,  which  show 
at  low  water,  lying  1:^  cables  from  the  N.E.  point  of  the  same  islet. 

The  N.E.  Coast  of  Chusan,  East  of  Lan-sew,  trends  S.E.  11  miles  to 
Whang  Head,  a  low  peninsula  forming  the  East  end  of  Chusan.  At  the 
distance  of  3  miles  is  Thornton  Island,  with  a  narrow  passage  between  it  and 
Chusan,  and  a  deeply  indented  bay  westward  of  it,  in  which  the  mud  dries 
out  a  long  way,  rendering  it  difficult  to  land  except  at  the  extreme  points; 
an  islet  and  rocks  lie  off  the  N.E.  face  of  Thornton.  At  2|  miles  farther  to 
the  S.E.  is  Tsae,  a  larger  island  with  a  remarkable  fall  in  the  hills  near  its 
centre.     The  Chusan  shore  hereabouts  is  shoal-to. 

To  the  eastward  of  the  North  part  of  Tsae  are  three  islands  at  the  distance 
of  half,  1^  and  83  miles.  The  nearest,  named  Meih-yun,  the  largest  of  the 
three,  has  a  patch  of  rocks  lying  N.N.W.  4  cables  from  its  North  point. 
Meih-ting,  the  central  islet,  has  a  pinnacle  rock  lying  E.  by  N.  half  a  mile 
from  it,  and  a  rocky  patch  at  2  cables  westward  of  its  North  extreme.  The 
outer  islet,  Jow  Rock,  is  a  narrow  cliff  with  a  rock  lying  one  cable  from  its 
North  side.     There  are  islets  also  N.W.  of  Tsae. 

Half  way  between  Tsae  and  Whang  Head  is  a  low  island,  named  Ta-chen, 
and  the  depth  in  its  vicinity  is  3  fathoms.  A  reef  lies  three-quarters  of  a 
mile  S.E.  of  Ta-chen,  and  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  Chusan  shore,  with 
the  N.E.  point  of  Ta-chen  in  one  with  N.E.  point  of  Tsae  N.N.  W.,  and  the 
North  end  of  the  Poo-too  group  E.  by  N. 

Between  Ta-kan  and  Maoutze  there  are  not  more  than  6  ft.  at  low  water, 
and  the  same  depth  between  the  two  latter ;  between  Ao-shan  and  Deer 
Island  there  is  a  deep  water  channel,  but  it  is  confined  by  mud  banks  and 
obstructed  by  reefs. 

LAN-SEW  BAY,  10  miles  across  and  10  deep,  is  formed  between  the  N.E. 
face  of  Chusan  and  the  extensive  chain  of  islands  running  in  an  E.N.E.  direc- 
tion towards  Video  Island.  The  navigation  of  the  southern  part  of  this  bay, 
from  the  N.W.  point  of  Chusan  to  Poo-too  Island,  has  been  noticed  above, 
and  on  page  1088. 

I.  A.  6  z 


1090  RIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

The  NORTHERN  PART  of  the  CHUSAN  ARCHIPELAGO  consists  of 
numerous  islands  and  rocks,  which  extend  northward  of  Chusan  a  distance 
of  40  miles  to  the  entrance  of  the  Yang-tze  kiang,  and  front  Hang-chu  Bay. 
All  of  them  are  inhabited,  with  the  exception  of  the  outlying  Barren  Isles 
and  Leuconna,  and  small  supplies  may  be  obtained,  but  the  natives,  except 
at  Tae-shan  Island,  were  in  a  very  miserable  condition,  owing  to  the  con- 
stant visitation  of  pirates.  Many  good  anchorages  will  be  found  among 
them,  in  depths  gradually  increasing  from  5  fathoms  off  Hang-chu  Bay  to 
30  fathoms  on  the  outer  part  of  the  bank.  The  outer  islet,  Jow  Rock,  is  a 
narrow  cliff  with  a  pinnacle  rock  between  it  and  Meih-ting. 

As  vessels  bound  to  the  Tang-tse  kiang  usually  pass  eastward  of  this 
archipelago,  and  as,  in  the  northern  monsoon,  they  endeavour  to  make  the 
island  of  Video  if  they  cannot  weather  the  more  northerly  Barren  Isles,  we 
shall  commence  with  the  eastern  islands,  and  then  continue  the  description 
westward. 

VIDEO  ISLAND,  in  lat.  30°  8'  N.,  long.  122°  46'  E.,  bearing  E.  by  N.  l^ 
N.  22  miles  from  the  summit  of  Poo-too,  and  N.E.  by  N.  19  miles  from 
Tong-ting  Islet  (page  1082),  is  about  1,500  ft.  high,  nearly  square,  and  has 
a  bold  precipitous  appearance,  and  a  remarkable  white  cliff  which  shows 
when  the  island  bears  N.  W.  by  N. ;  when  first  seen  from  the  S.W.  the  island 
appears  flat  and  shelving  to  the  westward.  It  is  proposed  to  establish  a 
lighthouse  on  this  island. 

At  5  miles  E.  by  N.  i  N.  from  Video  are  four  rocks  called  the  Four  Sisters; 
and  E.  by  N.  9  miles  from  Video  are  two  rocks  named  the  Two  Brothers. 
As  the  soundings  in  this  vicinity  are  above  30  fathoms,  any  cast  below  that 
depth  will,  in  thick  weather,  point  out  that  a  vessel  is  among  the  chain  of 
islands. 

Leuconna  Island  bears  N.N.E.  J  E.  18  miles  from  Video,  and  when  seen 
from  the  southward  it  makes  like  three  abrupt,  round-topped  hummocks. 

Beehive  Rock,  a  remarkable  rock  35  ft.  high,  has  14  and  16  fathoms  water 
around  it,  and  a  rock  awash  lying  3  cables  to  the  eastward.  Leuconna  bears 
from  it  E.  by  N.  ^  N.  12^  miles,  and  Video  S.  by  E.  ^  E.  13  miles. 

Barren  Isles,  three  in  number,  in  lat.  30°  43'  N.,  long.  123°  7'  14"  E.,  are 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  extent.  East  and  West,  and  about  50  feet  high, 
and  at  2  cables  S.E.  of  the  eastern  isle  is  a  reef  awash  at  high  water.  This 
reef  appears  to  extend  three-.quarters  of  a  mile  S.E.  of  the  isle.  Barren 
Isles  lie  E.  i  N.  16  miles  from  East  Saddle  Island,  and  N.N.E.  f  E.  20  miles 
from  Leuconna. 

FISHERMAN'S  GROUP.— North  of  Chusan,  a  chain  of  islands  extends 
frotn  Video  W.  by  N.  s  N.  45  miles,  terminating  in  the  Volcano  Islands, 
facing  Hang-chu  Bay.  Between  Video  and  the  Fisherman's  Group,  the  first 
islands  westward,  there  is  a  channel  2  miles  wide ;  but  among  the  Fisher- 
man's Group,  consisting  of  four  islets  and  several  rocks,  vessels  ought  not  to 


KEU-SHAN— TAE-SHAN  ISLAND.  1091 

go.  Perhaps  the  best  channel  through  the  chain  is  close  to  the  westward  of 
this  group,  S.S.W.  |  W.  9J  miles  from  the  Beehive.  From  this  to  ITeu-shan, 
westward,  is  10  miles,  with  many  intervening  islands,  but  the  channels  be- 
tween ought  not  to  be  attempted,  as,  from  the  character  of  the  land,  there 
are,  no  doubt,  many  sunken  rocks. 

Shelter  will  be  found  under  Hall  Island,  the  largest  of  these  intervening 
islands,  at  7  miles  westward  of  Fisherman's  Group  ;  but  a  vessel  h.ad  better 
go  on  to  Keu-shan  Island,  and  anchor  on  the  South  side  in  Peaked  Eock 
Bay,  bearing  in  mind  that  the  head  of  the  bay  is  shoal. 

Keu-shan,  the  first  large  island  of  this  chain,  is  8  miles  long.  East  and 
West.  Peaked  Rock  Bay  is  westward  of  Eden  Point,  the  S.E.  end  of  the 
island.  Along  the  southern  side  of  Keu-shan  are  several  islets  and  rocks,  to 
which  give  a  berth  of  2  cables.  Off  the  western  part  of  Keu-shan  is  Chang- 
tow  Island,  the  peak  of  which  rises  over  the  West  side  of  the  island  to  the 
height  of  920  ft.  above  the  sea,  rendering  it  one  of  the  most  conspicuous 
objects  of  the  chain.  Between  the  islands  is  a  narrow  channel,  named 
Chang-tau  Strait,  carrying  5  fathoms,  but  the  South  point  of  Chang-tau  is 
not  steep-to. 

Tae-shan  Channel  is  West  of  Chang-tow,  and  between  it  and  Tae-shan. 
Its  approach  from  Lan-sew  Bay  is  I5  mile  wide  between  the  West  part  of 
Keu-shan  and  the  Doub  and  Cliff  Eocks  (page  1089).  From  the  Cliffs  the 
Bouthern  entrance  to  the  Tae-shan  Channel  bears  North,  and  is  formed  by 
the  islets  of  Pou-no  and  Pou-ti  to  the  West,  and  Funing  Island,  with  the  Cliff 
Islet  South  of  it,  to  the  East ;  off  the  West  end  of  the  latter  is  a  reef,  covered 
at  high  water.  N.W.  by  W.  6  cables  from  Funing  are  two  low  rocks,  and 
the  space  between  them  and  Funing  is  shallow.  Between  these  rocks  and 
the  South  point  of  Chang-tau  is  Chang-tau  Strait. 

The  Tae-shan  channel  is  a  mile  wide.  Both  shores  are  shoal-to,  and  a 
sunken  rock  lies  S.S.E.  2  cables  from  the  projecting  point  on  the  Tae-shan 
shore.  A  mile  N.E.  of  this  point  is  Gan-su  Island,  which  has  a  double  peak 
on  it,  and  there  are  two  islets  on  each  side ;  the  channel  lies  between  it  and 
Chang-tau,  under  the  North  head  of  which  is  low  rock. 

The  directions  for  passing  South  of  Tae-shan  Island,  between  Kwan  and 
Lan-sew,  have  already  been  given  in  page  1088  ;  but  it  remains  to  describe 
Tae-shan  and  the  channels  between  it  and  the  Volcano  Islands. 

TAE-SHAN  ISLAND,  8  miles  long  and  5  broad,  and  the  third  in  point  of 
size  in  the  archipelago,  Chusan  and  Luhwang  only  being  larger,  is  very 
populous,  and  carries  on  an  extensive  manufactory  of  salt  from  sea  water. 
The  centre  of  the  island  is  an  extensive  plain,  with  many  villages ;  the  hills 
also  separate  near  the  eastern  extreme,  leaving  a  level  plain  across  the  is- 
land. Off  the  S.E.  end  of  the  island  are  nine  islets,  among  which  vessels 
have  no  business  to  go.  There  is  a  passage  close  to  the  eastward  of  Kwan ; 
but  owing  to  strong  tides  and  the  flaws  under  the  bluff*  land  of  this  island. 


1092  EIYER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

vessels  had  better  pass  South  of  Kwan  and  between  it  and  Kwi-si  Islands, 
where  there  is  a  channel  a  mile  wide ;  the  mud  dries  3  cables  from  the  West 
end  of  Kwan. 

At  Towtow  Point,  the  West  end  of  Tae-shan,  the  hills  come  down  to  tlie 
water's  edge,  and  midway  between  it  and  Chang-pih  are  Miles  and  EUicott 
Isles,  with  5  and  7  fatlioms  in  their  vicinity.  The  Show  Islands,  one  of  which 
is  high,  lie  6  cables  westward  of  Towtow  Point ;  the  channel  between  having 
4  fathoms  at  low  waterr  On  the  North  side  of  Tae-shan  are  four  islets, 
which  are  too  small  to  afford  much  protection  in  the  N.E.  monsoon,  but 
during  the  summer  good  anchorage  will  be  found  off  the  town  near  the 
centre  of  the  island.  The  bay  is  very  capacious,  but  the  whole  of  it  is 
shoal,  and  the  tides  are  very  strong. 

VOLCANO  ISLANDS.— East  Volcano,  with  four  peaks  on  it,  lies  6  miles 
westward  of  Towtow  Point,  and  is  4  miles  long  North  and  South.  East  of 
its  South  point  is  an  islet ;  and  between  it  and  the  Show  Islands  off  Tae- 
ehan  are  the  two  Beclier  Islets,  with  steep  cliffs,  lying  close  together,  and  also 
two  low  rocks  Ij  mile  North  of  the  latter.  Kestrel  Hock,  awash  at  three- 
quarters  ebb,  was  passed  by  H.M.S.  of  that  name  in  1876.  It  lies  nearly  in 
mid-channel  between  Beecher  and  Show  Islands,  the  South  extremes  of 
Beecher  Islands  were  in  line  bearing  W.  by  N.  northerly,  and  the  centre  of 
Miles  Island  S.  i  E. 

Vessels  passing  between  the  Show  Islands  and  East  Volcano  should  be 
careful  not  to  stand  too  close  to  the  latter,  as  the  water  shoals  to  2  fathoms 
at  li  mile  off  shore.  East  3  cables  from  its  North  point  is  a  half-tide  rock, 
steep-to. 

Anchorage. — There  are  many  sunken  rocks  among  the  group  of  islets  which 
extend  5^  miles  off  the  N.W.  face  of  East  Volcano,  among  which  vessels 
ought  not  to  go,  but  they  will  find  anchorage  with  shelter  from  northerly 
winds  on  the  South  side  of  West  Volcano,  the  southern  of  the  group  of  th© 
East  Volcano,  the  anchorage  being  to  the  northward  of  a  flat  rock,  lying 
westward  of  the  South  point  of  the  latter.  The  northernmost  islet  of  the 
group  has  a  reef  lying  1|  cable  northward  of  it. 

WEST  VOLCANO  LIGHT,— Since  October,  1872,  there  has  been  ex- 
hibited from  a  lighthouse  recently  erected  on  the  western  island  or  rock  of 
the  Volcano  group,  z.  fixed  hright  light,  elevated  93  ft.  above  the  sea,  which, 
in  clear  weather,  should  be  seen  at  a  distance  of  15  miles.  The  illuminating 
apparatus  is  of  the  fourth  order,  dioptric.  The  tower  is  of  stone,  33  ft.  high, 
and  painted  black ;  and  the  keeper's  dwelling  is  painted  white. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  the  Volcano  Islands,  at  11'' 
SO-",  springs  rise  15  ft.  The  flood  sets  W.N.W.  and  the  ebb  E.S.E.  The 
velocity  of  the  tide  will  be  found  to  increase  as  Hang-chu  Bay  is  ap- 
proached, and  in  light  winds  a  wide  berth  should  be  given  to  all  the  islets 
hereabouts. 


CSlN-SAN  ISLAND— SADDLE  GROUP.  109-5 

Skead  Islet,  lying  4|  miles  northward  of  the  Show  Islands,  has  a  smaller 
islet  on  its  N.W.  side  and  another  on  its  S.E.  side.  The  depths  from  2  to  4 
miles  around  Skead  are  unknown,  but  towards  the  Rugged  Islands,  to  the 
northward,  they  vary  from  5  to  7  fathoms. 

Mariner  Reef.— A  notice  was  published  in  the  "  North  China  Herald," 
in  February,  1857,  of  a  rock  or  reef,  on  which  the  merchant  brig  J/armer* 
Hope  struck,  when  running  between  Tae-shan  and  Chin-san  Islands  towards 
Ning-po.  The  vessel  was  12  hours  on  the  reef,  which  was  stated  to  be  about 
a  third  of  a  mile  long,  East  and  West,  2  cables  broad,  and  had  7  fathoms  at 
her  bows,  with  only  5  ft.  under  her  stern,  at  low  water.  Skead  Islet  bore 
S.  |-  E.,  distant  3  miles ;  South  extreme  of  Chin-san,  E.  J  S. ;  large  Volcano, 
S.W,  westerly;  and  extremes  of  Rugged  Islands  from  N.N.W.  \  W.  to 
N.N.E.  i  E. 

CHIN-SAN  ISLAND,  8  miles  long  East  and  West,  lies  W.  by  N.  13  miles 
from  the  Beehive  Rock,  and  5^  miles  to  the  N.E.  of  Tae-shan.  The  channel 
South  of  this  island,  and  between  it  and  the  chain  of  islands  extending  from 
the  Fisherman's  group,  is  sometimes  taken  during  the  northerly  monsoon  by 
vessels  bound  to  Ning-po  or  Chusan,  and  it  appears  preferable  to  that  through 
Lan-sew  Bay,  being  broad  and  clear  of  danger,  with  the  exception  of  the 
Mariner  Reef  just  described.  There  are  several  islets  lying  off  the  eastern 
and  northern  face  of  Chin-san  ;  the  best  anchorage  in  the  northerly  monsoon 
is  westward  of  the  south-eastern  islet,  between  it  and  Chin-san  ;  and  there 
is  also  tolerable  shelter  on  its  western  side,  off  Pennell,  the  S.W.  point  of 
Cbin-san. 

SADDLE  GROUP. — This  important  group  of  islands  lies  off  the  estuary 
of  the  Yang-tse  kiang,  directly  in  the  track  of  vessels  entering  from  the 
southward. 

East  Saddle,  the  outer  southern  island  of  the  group,  is  32  miles  northward 
of  Video,  W.  i  S.  16  miles  from  the  Barren  Isles,  and  N.  by  W.  ^  W.  17 
miles  from  Leuconna  Island.  South  Saddle  on  the  West,  and  contiguous  to 
it  is  rugged,  the  highest  part,  at  the  N.E.  end,  rising  680  ft.  above  the  sea. 

A  roch,  which  shows  at  low  water,  lies  in  the  bay  on  the  East  side  of  the 
island,  with  the  highest  part  of  the  rocky  islet  close  to  the  eastern  point  of 
the  bay  in  line  with  a  conical  hill  over  the  West  point  of  East  Saddle. 

Eight  miles  N.W.  of  East  Saddle  is  North  Saddle  Island,  780  ft.  high. 
Between  them  is  False  Saddle  Island ;  and  south-westward  of  North  Saddle 
are  the  Side  Saddles,  two  narrow  islets  which  will  afford  shelter,  but  not  so 
good  as  under  South  and  East  Saddle.  North  Saddle  forms  the  North  end 
of  the  Chusan  Archipelago,  and  from  it  the  Amherst  Rocks  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Tang-tse  kiang  bear  N.W.  |  N.  26  miles,  the  soundings  gradually  shoal- 
ingifrom  12|to  6  fathoms. 

Anchorage. — The  most  convenient  anchorage  in  the  northern  monsoon 
amongst  the  Saddle  group  is  under  East  Saddle,  and  in  the  event  of  being 


1094  ETVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

caught  in  a  southerly  wind  a  vessel  might  run  between  the  islands,  taking 
care  to  keep  South  Saddle  close  aboard,  within  1 J  cable,  as  there  is  a  large 
patch  of  3  fathoms  occupying  the  centre  of  the  channel,  and  three  rocks  awash 
North  of  it.     Water  can  be  obtained  at  the  East  end  of  East  Saddle. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  an  hour  before  noon,  and  the 
rise  is  14  ft. ;  the  tides  are  said  to  be  regular,  the  flood  setting  to  the  N.W., 
the  ebb  to  the  S.E. 

LIGHT. — On  the  N.E.  extreme  of  North  Saddle  Island  there  is  exhibited 
from  a  lighthouse  a  revolving  hright  light,  attaining  its  greatest  brilliancy  every 
minute,  elevated  273  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  in  clear  weather  visible  from  a 
distance  of  24  miles.  The  tower,  of  brick,  is  54  ft.  high,  upper  part  black, 
lower  part  white ;  the  keepers'  dwellings  are  painted  white.  To  the  south- 
ward, south-eastward,  and  south-westward,  this  light  is  obscured  by  several 
of  the  more  lofty  islands  of  the  Saddle  and  Parker  groups,  which  intercept 
it  between  the  bearings  of  E.  by  N.  ^  N.  and  N.W.  ^  W. ;  but  it  is  visible 
in  all  other  directions. 

Childers  Rock,  lying  4!  miles  South  of  the  East  part  of  East  Saddle 
Island,  uncovers  at  low  tides,  with  the  Barren  Islands  bearing  E.N.E.,  Leu- 
conna  Island  S.S.E.  \  E.,  and  the  summit  of  Senhouse  Island  W.  by  N. 
The  lead  will  give  no  warning  of  approach  to  this  danger,  the  depth  being 
24  fathoms  close-to. 

Bit  and  Cairnsmore  Rocks  are  in  the  channel,  4  miles  wide,  between  the 
Saddles  and  the  Parker  group  next  westward.  Bit  Rock,  not  much  elevated 
above  high  water,  and  with  a  rock  awash  reported  to  lie  1  cable  S.E.  of  it, 
is  4  miles  West  of  South  Saddle  and  South  of  the  chain  of  rocks  and  islets 
extending  from  Side  Saddle.  On  approaching  from  the  South,  Bit  Rock  i» 
not  easily  distinguished  at  first ;  it  has  a  remarkable  patch  of  rock  with  one 
part  standing  upright  like  a  mile-stone,  a  little  to  the  northward  of  it. 

Cairnsmore  Roch,  a  dangerous  pinnacle  not  more  than  30  or  40  ft.  in  dia- 
meter, and  on  which  the  ship  Cairnsmore  was  wrecked  in  1858,  rises  almost 
perpendicularly  from  soundings  of  12  fathoms  at  about  2^  miles  eastward  of 
the  East  end  of  Efifiles  Island.  When  examined,  the  precise  depth  on  the 
pinnacle  could  not  be  ascertained,  as  the  wreck,  with  her  fore-mast  standing, 
quite  covered  it,  but  there  cannot  be  more  than  11  ft.  over  it  at  low  water 
springs. 

From  the  rock,  the  S.E.  point  of  Senhouse  bore  South  ;  a  small  rugged 
rock  lying  close  to  the  S.E.  point  of  Raffles,  and  in  line  with  the  point, 
S.W.  by  W.  i  W.  ;  and  the  northern  rock  of  the  group  lying  oflf  the  North 
part  of  Chesney  Island,  N.W.  by  W.  i  W. 

Caution. — Vessels  navigating  the  channel  between  the  Saddle  group  and 
Raffles  Island  are  cautioned  to  keep  well  over  towards  the  Saddle  Islands 
to  avoid  the  above  danger,  as  the  lead  will  give  no  warning  when  approach- 
ing it.     In  sailing  North,   when  the  Bit  Rock  opens  South  of  the  South 


PAEKER  AND  RUGGED  ISLANDS.  1095 

Saddle  they  will  be  northward  of  the  Cairnsmore  ;  and  in  sailing  South, 
when  the  same  rock  opens  North  of  the  South  Saddle  they  will  be  south- 
ward of  it. 

PARKER  1SLA'S'DS,—Rafffes  Island,  the  largest  of  this  group,  bears  West 
11  miles  from  South  Saddle  Island.  At  half  a  mile  from  the  N.E.  point  of 
Raffles,  and  2  miles  W.  by  N.  of  the  Cairnsmore,  is  a  sunken  rock.  Senhouse 
Island,  with  steep  cliffs,  lies  If  mile  S.E.  of  Raffles  ;  there  is  a  good  channel 
between  them,  and  anchorage  will  be  found  on  the  South  side  of  Raffles  in 
the  northerly  monsoon. 

Brooke  Island  is  a  mile  S.W.  of  Senhouse  Island,  and  the  channel  between 
should  not  be  used,  as  the  wind  is  liable  to  fail  under  the  latter ;  there  is, 
however,  a  good  passage  2  miles  wide  West  of  Brooke,  between  it  and  the 
Bonham  Isles.  Off  the  North  end  of  Raffles  is  Chesney  Island,  from  which 
rocks  and  islets  extend  2  miles  farther  northward.  A  rock,  on  which  the 
ship  Tonlridge  struck,  is  reported  to  lie  2^  miles  northward  of  Chesney 
Island,  so  that  this  locality  must  be  carefully  avoided.  N.W.  of  Raffles,  and 
distant  from  it  If  mile,  are  the  Elliot  Islets,  on  the  S.W.  side  of  which  H.M. 
brig  Plover  anchored,  and  found  lair  shelter,  with  the  wind  blowing  hard 
from  the  northward.  From  the  Elliot,  Gutzlaff  Island  bears  W.  by  N.  ^  N. 
lOJ  miles. 

Morrison  Island,  7  miles  S.W.  of  Raffles,  with  smaller  islands  about  it,  is 
very  precipitous.  The  south-western  islet  of  the  Parker  group  is  2  miles 
S.  by  W.  of  Morrison ;  and  East  of  this  is  a  chain  with  deep  water  passages 
between  extending  to  Senhouse. 

RUGGED  ISL4NDS  lie  W.S.W.  15  miles  from  Raffles.  Formed  like  a 
pair  of  callipers,  10  miles  in  length,  and  opening  to  the  westward,  the  group 
affords  shelter  in  both  monsoons,  but  the  tides  set  through  it  with  consider- 
able velocity.  Tayimg,  on  the  South,  the  largest  and  highest  of  the  group, 
is  660  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  differs  from  the  rest  by  being  round  topped, 
whereas  the  others  are,  as  their  name  denotes,  rugged  and  barren.  Under 
the  South  side  of  an  islet  West  of  Tayung  is  Pirate  Bay,  which  affords  snug 
anchorage  during  the  northerly  monsoon,  and  a  better  shelter  than  the  bay 
within  the  S.W.  and  N.W.  horns  of  the  group.  A  reef,  which  generally 
breaks,  lies  off  the  East  side  of  Pirate  Bay. 

On  the  North  side  of  this  group  the  largest  island  is  Tripoint,  remarkable 
for  its  triple  peak ;  and  East  of  it  is  Spire  Islet,  on  which  is  a  curious  pin- 
nacle. The  islands  are  inhabited  by  fishermen,  and  the  various  anchorages 
are  frequented  by  the  trading  junks. 

At  3f  miles  N.E.  by  N.  from  the  N.W.  Horn  of  the  Rugged  Islands  is  an 
islet  having  a  reef  running  out  from  the  N.W.  of  it,  with  several  rocks  above 
water  called  the  Hen  and  Chicks. 

A  shoal  of  only  10  ft.  has  been  reported  to  lie  S.W.  7  miles  from  Gutzlaff 
Island,  v/hich  would  place  it  E.  by  N.  ^  N.  not  quite  2  miles  from  the  Hen 


1096  RIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

and  Chicks.  The  chart  shows  indications  of  a  bank  of  65  fathoms  in  this 
vicinity,  extending  from  between  2  and  6  miles  eastward  of  the  latter,  with 
6  to  7  fathoms  around. 

GUTZLAFP  ISLAND,  210  ft.  high,  andN.E.  ^  E.  8^  miles  from  tbe  Hen 
and  Chicks,  is  a  round,  smooth-topped  island,  surmounted  by  a  low  light- 
house, and  the  most  conspicuous  object  off  the  southern  entrance  of  the 
Yang-tse  kiang.  A  small  islet  lies  half  a  mile  N.N.E.  of  it,  and  "it  has 
been  reported,  from  many  sources,  that  a  bank  with  only  2  fathoms  on  it 
extends  a  mile  from  its  western  side." 

■  A  LIGHT  was  first  exhibited  on  Gutzlaff  Island  in  the  year  1869. 
It  is  di  fixed  hriglit  light,  elevated  270  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  and  in 
clear  weather  should  be  seen  from  a  distance  of  20  miles.  The  lantern 
is  24  ft.  high,  and  painted  white  ;  there  is  no  tower.  When  it  is  desired  to 
attract  the  attention  of  passing  vessels,  a  gun  or  guns  will  be  fired  and  sig- 
nals made.  During  fogs  guns  will  be  fired  in  answer  to  the  fog  signals  of 
passing  vessels.     Gutzlaff  Island  is  a  Telegraph  Station. 

Tides  of  the  Chusan  Archipelago. — In  the  Vernon  Channel,  at  the  South  end 
of  the  Chusan  Archipelago,  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  9"^  40™,  and 
springs  rise  14  ft.  ;  in  Ting-hai  Harbour,  at  ll*"  0",  springs  rise  12  ft.,  neaps 
9  ft.  ;  at  Pootoo  Island  at  8''  15"",  springs  rise  12  ft.  ;  in  Lan-sew  Bay  at 
lO*"  0",  springs  rise  13  ft. ;  at  the  Volcano  Islands  at  11^  30",  springs  rise  15 
feet;  and  at  East  Saddle  Island  at  IP  O"',  springs  rise  14  ft. 

Under  Luhwang  Island  the  flood  sets  to  the  N.W.  at  the  rate  of  2  knots 
per  hour,  and  the  ebb  to  the  S.E.  at  IJ  knot.  In  Dufiield,  Gough,  and 
Roberts  Passes,  the  first  of  the  flood,  at  full  and  change,  often  comes  from 
the  northward,  and  sometimes  runs  in  that  direction  3  hours  before  the  tide 
through  Buffalo  Nose  Channel  overcomes  that  through  the  Beak  Head, 
Vernon,  and  Sarah  Galley  Channels.  In  Duffield  Pass  the  tide  sometimes 
runs  5  knots;  in  Gough  and  Roberts  Passes  it  is  not  so  strong;  in  Beak 
Head  Channel  4  knots  is  about  the  maximum ;  and  in  Vernon  Channel  it 
has  been  known  to  run  6  knots.  Off  Roundabout  Island  the  tidal  streams 
are  not  so  violent,  but  the  eddies  take  command  of  a  sailing  ship  at  springs. 

In  the  southei'n  entrance  to  Sarah  Galley  Channel,  between  Laoush  and 
Ousha  Islands,  the  flood  ran  W.  by  S.  at  the  rate  of  2  knots,  the  ebb  E.S.E. 
1^  knot ;  the  moon  was  then  18  days  old.  In  the  Cambrian  Pass,  between. 
Ousha  and  Chukea  Islands,  H.M.  steamer  Vixen,  with  the  Cambrian  in  tow, 
could  not  stem  the  ebb. 

In  the  Tower  Hill  Channel,  as  before  stated,  with  a  strong  flood,  vessels 
have  been  swept  to  the  westward,  and  carried  by  the  tide  beyond  Just-in- 
the-Way,  and  even  through  Blackwall  Channel ;  and  after  rounding  Tower 
Hill  and  entering  Bell  Channel,  many  have  been  borne  by  the  ebb,  between 
Tower  Hill  and  Tea  Islands.  Having  rounded  the  North  end  of  Tea  Island 
with  a  strong  ebb,  it  is  necessary  to  guard  against  its  taking  the  vessel 


KINTANG  CHANNEL.  1097 

through  the  Melville  Channel,  and  if  not  able  to  pass  northward  of  Maccles- 
field Island,  send  the  boats  a-head  and  endeavour  to  keep  the  vessel  to  the 
northward  of  Sarah  Island,  where  there  is  shoal  water  to  anchor.  In  the 
channel  between  Bell  Island  and  Chusan,  the  tide  at  times  runs  with  great 
strength,  so  much  so  that  on  one  occasion  the  Madagascar  steamer  had  great 
difficulty  in  stemming  it. 

In  the  Blackwall  Channel  the  eddies  are  as  strong  as  they  are  off  Round- 
about Island,  taking  a  sailing  ship  round  against  both  helm  and  sails.  In 
the  Kintang  Channel,  between  Kintang  Island  and  Deadman  Island,  the 
tides  sometimes  run  4  knots. 

In  the  northern  part  of  the  Chusan  Archipelago,  with  Lan-seu  Island 
bearing  West  5  miles,  the  flood  ran  to  the  W.N.W.  the  first  hour,  then 
N.W. ;  total  amount  of  tide  1 1  knots.  The  ebb,  S.E.  by  S.  the  whole  tide  ; 
total  amount  5f  knots. 

KINTANG  CHANNEL,  between  the  South  Coast  of  Kintang  Island  and 
the  mainland,  is  about  21  miles  wide,  but  is  narrowed  to  1^  mile  by  an  ex- 
tensive mud  bank  (which  borders  its  southern  shore),  and  by  a  ledge  of 
rocks  extending  2  cables  from  Alligator  Point,  the  South  extreme  of  Kin- 
tang, which  is  marked  by  a  beacon,  painted  white,  from  which  Long-nose 
Point  bears  N.W.  by  W.  about  7  cables,  and  Just-in-the-Way  E.  \  S. 
This  mud  bank  dries  upwards  of  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  shore,  is 
steep-to,  and  the  lead  gives  little  warning  ;  there  are  some  small  islets  lying 
on  its  outer  edge,  near  the  westernmost  of  which  is  a  boat  creek,  from 
whence  there  is  a  paved  footpath  leading  to  Tein-tung,  and  so  on  to  Ning-po, 
the  whole  distance  being  about  18  miles,  the  last  6  miles  of  which  may  be 
performed  by  canal. 

Just-in-the-Way  is  a  small  islet,  20  ft.  high,  with  rocks  extending  1^  cable 
from  its  S.S.E.  side,  lying  in  the  eastern  entrance  of  the  Kintang  Channel. 
To  the  S.E.,  between  it  and  Tygosan  Island,  there  is  fair  anchorage  in  12  to 
16  fathoms,  which  will  be  found  a  convenient  stopping  place  should  there  not 
be  sufficient  tide  to  take  a  vessel  on  to  the  Biver  Yung,  the  anchorage  out- 
side of  which  is  much  exposed. 

The  Deadman  is  a  square  island,  lying  W.  h  N.  2^  miles  from  the  South 
extreme  of  Kintang,  and  4^  miles  westward  of  Just- in-the- Way.  The  chan- 
nel between  it  and  Kintang  is  rather  less  than  I'l  mile  wide,  with  deep  water 
and  strong  tides.  The  Ko  Channel,  between  the  Deadman  and  the  main,  is 
half  a  mile  wide,  but  is  not  recommended,  as  the  tides  run  with  great  strength, 
and  the  limit  of  shoal  water  on  the  South  side  is  not  well  defined. 

A  pinnacle  rock  lies  in  the  channel  between  Dumb  Island  and  the  main. 
From  the  rock  Ko  Point  bears  S.S.E.  f  E.  1^  cables;  West  extreme  Dumb 
Island,  N.N.W.  |  W. ;  South  extreme  of  Deadman  Island,  E.  by  N. 

Blonde  Roch,  a  short  half  mile  northward  of  the  Deadman,  shows  at  low 
water  springs.    The  marks  for  it  are,  the  easternmost  islet  off  the  N.E.  point 
I.  A  7  a 


1098  EIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

of  the  Deadman  in  one  with.  San-shan  Islet  S.E.  I  S. ;  and  the  West  end  of 
Dumb  Islet  S.W.  J  W,  Beacon  Hill,  at  the  East  side  of  entrance  to  the 
citadel)  is  in  line  with  Cone  Hill  bearing  S.W.  I  S.,  which  leads  westward 
River  Yung,  in  line  with  the  citadel  bearing  W.S.W.,  leads  northward  of 
the  rock.  It  is  marked  by  a  wooden  leacon,  with  cage,  said  to  be  painted 
white. 

TSE-LE  or  SaUARE  ISLAND,  off  the  Yung  River,  is  2|  miles  N.W.  by  W. 
from  the  Deadman ;  there  is  a  patch  of  2f  fathoms  water  at  6  cables  S.E.  by  S. 
from  its  North  end. 

LIGHT. — K  fixed  bright  light,  visible  all  round,  at  an  elevation  of  123  ft. 
above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  from  a  white  octagonal  tower,  33  ft.  in  height, 
on  the  summit  of  the  island.  The  lightkeepers'  dwellings  are  painted  white. 
A  fog-hell  is  sounded  once  every  15  seconds  in  foggy  weather. 

H.M.S.  Conway  anchored  W.S.W.  of  this  island,  with  Pas-yew,  the 
western  of  the  Yew  Islands,  bearing  South.  This  anchorage  in  the  summer 
season  is  safe,  but  during  the  autumn  and  winter  violent  gales  with  thick 
weather  rise  rapidly,  causing  an  uneasy  sea,  in  which  a  vessel  will  have  diffi- 
culty in  weighing  her  anchor  ;  consequently,  the  anchorage  at  Just-in-the- 
Way  or  that  in  Ta-outse  Harbour,  at  the  N.W.  end  of  Kintang,  should  be 
resorted  to  at  this  season. 

Pas-yew  or  Tiger  Island  Light. — A  fixed  red  light,  visible  all  round,  at  an 
elevation  of  148  ft.  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  from  an  octagonal  tower, 
painted  with  alternate  red  and  white  vertical  stripes,  on  Pas-yew  Isle, 
the  western  of  the  three  islets  fronting  the  entrance  of  the  River  Yung.  A 
gong  is  sounded  during  foggy  weather,  giving  five  strokes  in  quick  succession 
at  intervals  of  about  one  minute.  The  tower  is  30  ft.  in  height.  The  light- 
keepers'  dwellings  are  also  painted  in  red  and  white  vertical  stripes. 

YUNG  RIVER  has  its  entrance  fronted  by  three  islets,  called  the  Yew 
Islands  or  Triangles,  which  form  three  passages  into  the  river.  The  town 
of  Chin-hai  is  built  close  to  the  S.W.  side  of  Citadel  Hill,  on  the  western 
side  of  the  entrance  to  the  river,  of  which  it  is  the  maritime  town.  From 
Chin-hai  the  river  trends  in  a  S.W.  and  West  direction  for  11  miles  to  Ning- 
po  fu,  and  is  about  2  cables  wide,  with  depths  varying  in  mid-channel  from 
5  to  2  fathoms.  Vessels  of  17  ft.  draught  can  proceed  up  to  the  city  from 
Chin-hai  at  springs,  at  half-tide,  and  anchor  off  either  face  of  the  foreign 
settlement.  European  pilots  can  be  obtained  at  Chin-hai.  The  Yung  sepa- 
rates into  two  branches  at  Ning-po. 

NING-PO  is  situated  at  the  point  where  the  two  branches  of  the  river  join, 
the  city  walls  extending  along  the  river  side  up  both  branches.  It  was 
thrown  open  to  foreign  commerce  by  the  treaty  of  Nanking  in  1842.  It 
is  situated  in  Chekiang,  the  smallest  of  the  eighteen  provinces  of  China, 
which  occupies  the  southern  and  terminal  portion  of  the  great  central 
plain.  Within  the  limits  of  Chekiang,  which  enjoys  a  favourable  climate 
and  varied  soil,  all  the  most  celebrated  staples   of   China    are   produced, 


NING-PO-DIEECTIONS.  1099 

besides  the  advantage  of  means  of  intercommunication,  natural  and  ar- 
tificial. Silk,  tea,  cotton,  rice,  dye-stuff's,  drugs,  and  minerals  (including 
iron  and  coal)  are  among  its  principal  natural  productions.  The  importance 
of  Ningpo  has  rapidly  increased  of  late  years.  Nearly  four-fifths  of  the  whole 
foreign  trade  is  done  through  Shanghai. 

The  advantage  of  Ningpo  over  Shanghai  as  a  place  of  residence  for  Euro- 
peans is  its  proximity  to  the  sea,  and  the  neighbourhood  of  numerous  hilly 
regions,  where  pure  air  and  moderate  temperature  can  always  be  enjoyed. 

Native  shops  established  in  various  parts  of  the  settlement  supply  fo- 
reigners with  provisions  at  prices  more  moderate  than  at  Shanghai.  Game 
is  plentiful  during  the  winter,  and  fish,  including  mackerel,  is  obtained  of 
superior  quality  and  in  great  abundance. 

Tides. — At  Chin-hai  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  IP  20"",  and 
springs  rise  12 J  ft.  At  Ning-po  fu  it  is  high  water  at  l""  0",  and  springs 
rise  9  ft. 

DIRECTIONS.— A  vessel  bound  from  Ting-hai  Harbour,  Chusan,  to  the 
Eiver  Yung,  should,  after  clearing  the  Bell  Channel,  steer  W.  by  S.  for 
Just-in-the-Way,  recollecting  that  the  S.E.  face  of  that  islet  is  foul,  and  that 
a  reef  extends  a  cable's  length  from  Insular  Point,  the  North  extreme  of 
Tygosan.  As  before  stated,  if  the  tide  should  fail,  there  is  fair  anchorage 
to  the  S.E.  of  Just-in-the-Way.  From  hence  the  peak  of  Tower-hill  Island  in 
line  with  Insular  Point  will  lead  southward  of  the  rocks  ofi"  Alligator  Point, 
after  which  keep  over  towards  the  Kintang  shore,  until  well  past  the  Dead- 
man,  or  until  Beacon  or  Look-out  HiU  at  the  eastern  point  of  entrance  to 
the  Eiver  Yung  is  in  line  with  the  citadel  "W.S.W.,  which  will  lead  north- 
ward of  the  Blonde  Eock,  and  southward  of  the  2|-fathom  patch  lying  S.E. 
by  S.  6  cables  from  the  North  end  of  Tse-le. 

A  notice  from  the  Chinese  authorities,  dated  May,  1874,  states  that  a 
conical  buoy,  surmounted  by  a  red  cage,  elevated  11 J  ft.  above  the  water- 
line,  is  moored  in  Qh  fathoms,  90  ft.  N.  by  W.  from  the  peak  of  Sesostris 
Roch,  with  Tiger  Island  flagstaff  W.  f  S.  and  Seaou-yew  Island  summit 
N.E.  I  N.  Should  this  buoy  not  be  in  position,  it  will  be  prudent  for  a 
stranger  before  entering  the  Eiver  Yung,  if  unable  to  obtain  a  pilot,  to  mark 
the  Sesostris  Eock  by  a  boat.  It  will  also  be  advisable  to  examine  the  en- 
trance of  the  river,  which  may  have  changed  since  the  survey. 

The  Yew  Islands,  as  before  stated,  form  three  passages  into  the  Yung 
Eiver.  The  eastern  passage  is  between  the  islands  and  Look-out  Hill,  the 
East  point  of  entrance,  and  the  first  danger  in  it  is  the  Nemesis  Rock,  which 
lies  E.  by  N.  f  N.  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  summit  of  Ta-yew,  and  is 
covered  at  half-flood.  By  keeping  Pas-yew  open  of  the  South  point  of  Ta- 
yew,  this  danger  will  be  avoided. 

Having  passed  the  East  point  of  Ta-yew,  keep  it  and  Seaou-yew  aboard, 
to  avoid  the  Sesostris  Eock,  with  only  8  ft.  on  it,  lying  in  mid-channel,  until 


1100  EIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

Peak  Islet  (a  remarkable  rock  on  the  East  side  of  the  riyer  opposite  the 
of  the  rock.*  From  the  rock  the  Friendly  Islands  (7  miles  N.W.  of  Chin- 
hai)  are  in  one  with  Talung  Island  (a  high  bluff  island  beyond  it)  bearing 
N.W.  i  W. 

Having  cleared  the  Sesostris,  steer  to  pass  between  half  and  1^  cable 
southward  of  Pas-yew,  and  then  for  the  point  under  the  citadel,  taking  care 
that  the  tide  does  not  set  the  vessel  over  to  the  eastern  bank  of  the  river, 
where  the  water  shoals  to  2  fathoms  at  half  a  mile  off  shore. 

The  middle  passage,  or  that  between  Seaou-yew  and  Pas-yew,  is  pro- 
bably the  best  of  the  three.  A  mud  spit,  the  extremity  of  which  is  marked 
by  a  Hack  buoy,  extends  north-westerly  l^  cable  from  the  "West  end  of 
Seaou-yew,  and  shoal  water,  3  fathoms,  some  distance  beyond  it,  but  this 
bank  will  be  avoided  by  keeping  the  citadel  open  westward  of  the  West  end 
of  Pas-yew  until  a  small  hill  on  the  southern  shore  bears  S.  by  E.  \  E., 
which  is  the  leading  mark  through ;  then  steer  as  before  so  as  to  pass  south- 
ward of  Pas-yew. 

The  passage  between  Pas-yew  and  Chung  Point  under  the  Citadel,  has  2 
fathoms  in  it  at  low  water,  and  is  the  broadest  and  best  for  small  vessels 
when  the  tide  has  risen  sufficiently  high  for  them  to  enter  ;  the  only  danger 
being  the  Tiger's  Tail  Roch,  which  covers  at  high  tide,  and  lies  rather  more 
than  a  cable  N.W.  ^  N.  from  the  summit  of  Pas-yew,  with  the  S.E.  foot  of 
the  Citadel  Hill  in  line  with  Cone  Hill,  bearing  S.S.W.  |  W. ;  the  rock  is 
now  marked  by  a  beacon,  of  iron,  surmounted  with  a  cage.  Chung  Point  is 
steep-to  on  its  East  side,  and  vessels  will  find  good  shelter  under  the  fort. 

Fishing  stakes  are  moored  to  the  West  side  of  Peak  Island  in  deep  water. 
The  bend  of  the  river  above  Chin-hai  is  often  rendered  most  difficult  to 
navigation  by  the  immense  number  of  junks  at  anchor  there  or  dropping 
with  the  tide.  The  passage  between  them  is  left  so  narrow  that  the  greatest 
caution  is  necessary  to  avoid  collision.  Above  Chin-hai,  keep  mid-channel, 
giving  the  points  a  good  berth.  Vessels  drawing  12  ft.  water  should  go  up 
on  the  flood,  as  they  are  liable  to  take  the  ground  in  many  places. 

The  Coast  from  Chin-hai  trends  in  a  N.W.  direction,  and  is  fronted  by  a 
mud  bank,  which  dries  at  low  water  for  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from 
the  sea  embankment,  and  is  steep-to.  At  the  distance  of  7  miles  from  Chin- 
hai,  and  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  shore,  is  a  group  of  five  islets, 
named  Friendly  Islands,  inside  of  which  there  was  shelter  in  3  fathoms  at  the 
time  of  the  survey,  but  the  water  is  said  to  be  shoaling  fast.  Take  care, 
when  rounding  the  West  end  of  the  largest  islet,  to  avoid  a  spit  extending 
3  cables  to  the  S.E.  from  it. 


*  The  merchant  barque  Moltan  is  said  to  have  struck  on  a  rock  having  9  ft.  on  it  and  18 
feet  close-to,  lying  with  Friendly  Island  just  showing  northward  of  Pas-yew,  and  the 
northern  extreme  of  Look-out  Hill  bearing  East. 


MIDDLE  GEOUND— SESHAN  ISLANDS.  1101 

At  4  miles  to  the  N.W.  is  Talung  Island,  a  high  bluff,  920  ft.  high,  form- 
ing the  southern  horn  of  the  Tsien-tang  estuary,  or  Hang-chu  Bay. 

Caution. — From  Talung  the  coast  trends  more  to  the  westward,  and  for 
upwards  of  30  miles  is  fronted  by  a  dangerous  mud  bank,  which,  at  the 
distance  of  8  miles  from  Talung,  dries  7  miles  off  shore,  and  on  its  edge  are 
some  small  knolls.  The  Kite  transport  was  lost  upon  this  bank  in  1840,  the 
tide,  which  here  begins  to  increase  its  velocity  to  6  knots  at  the  springs, 
turning  her  over  the  moment  she  tailed  on  it. 

Middle  Ground. — N.  by  W.  3 J  miles  from  Tse-le  Island  is  a  Middle 
Ground,  with  less  than  2  fathoms  on  it,  to  avoid  which  vessels,  in  proceeding 
to  the  northward  from  the  Eiver  Yung,  must  keep  over  towards  the  Kin- 
tang  shore,  and,  if  drawing  18  feet  water,  should  not  bring  Tse-le  to  the 
southward  of  S.S.W.  There  is  a  passage  to  the  southward  of  this  Middle 
Ground  for  vessels  of  15  ft.  draught,  but  there  are  two  patches,  on  which 
H.M.S.  Contest  grounded,  lying  in  a  N.W.  direction  from  Tse-le,  one  with 
12  ft.  on  it  at  9  cables,  and  the  other  with  only  5  ft.  at  2^  miles  from  the 
island. 

Nanho  or  South  Island,  bearing  N.  |  W.  HJ  miles  from  Tse-le,  is  the 
outer  and  largest  of  the  first  group  of  islands  met  to  the  westward  when 
steering  to  the  northward  from  Chin-hai ;  it  is  flat-topped,  216  ft.  above  the 
sea,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  extent  East  and  West,  and  cultivated.  As 
the  water  deepens  close  around  this  island  to  26  and  32  fathoms,  vessels 
cannot  anchor  near  enough  to  get  shelter,  but  the  holding  ground  is  good. 
About  half  a  mile  North  of  it  is  a  small  rock  which  always  shows. 

West  Stork  is  a  small  islet  lying  W.  J  N.  3f  miles  from  Nanho,  and 
there  are  8  and  9  fathoms  water  between  them. 

Seven  Sisters  Islets,  2  miles  farther  West,  lie  North  9  miles  from  Talung 
Island,  and  although  small,  will  afford  shelter  from  northerly  winds.  The 
channel  between  them  and  the  dangerous  mud  bank  just  described,  is  4 
miles  wide,  and  the  depth  in  it  varies  from  6  to  2  fathoms,  shoaling  towards 
the  bank.  A  reef  shows  at  low  water,  at  half  a  mile  N.N.W.  of  the 
western  islet ;  and  a  shoal  of  2  to  3  fathoms  extends  4  miles  north-westward 
from  it. 

Seshan  Islands  form  three  distinct  groups.  East  Seshan,  the  easternmost 
group,  lies  North  18  miles  from  Nanho  Island,  and  consists  of  one  island 
about  400  ft.  high,  with  six  islets  around  it.  Middle  Seshan  Island,  lying  6 
miles  W.N.  W.  of  East  Seshan,  is  the  largest  of  a  straggling  group  consisting 
of  eight  other  islets,  the  southernmost  of  which  is  a  small  rock  nearly  awash, 
at  nearly  4  miles  S.E.  of  the  highest ;  the  western  islet.  House  Islet,  is  an 
abrupt  cliff  with  a  house  on  its  summit.  Neither  of  these  two  groups  are 
sufficiently  large  to  afford  shelter ;  but  fair  anchorage  will  be  found  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  the  three  islets  forming  the  West  Seshan  group,  at  10  miles 
W.N.W.  from  Middle  Seshan  Island. 


1102  EIVEE  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

Fog  Islets. — In  the  centre  of  Hang-chu  Bay,  at  14  miles  W.S.W.  of  Mid- 
dle Seshan  Island,  are  five  low  rocky  islets,  the  depth  of  water  about  which 
is  5  to  6  fathoms. 

CHAPU  is  a  town  of  considerable  importance,  standing  in  a  bight  on  the 
North  shore  of  Hang-chu  Bay,  17  miles  S.W.  of  West  Seshan.  It  is  the 
port  of  Hang-chu  fu.  It  will  be  readily  known  by  the  hills  in  its  vicinity, 
as  well  as  by  the  islets  which  protect  the  roadstead  ofi"  it  from  the  eastward  ; 
on  the  eastern  of  these  islets  is  a  remarkable  white  house. 

Vessels  steering  for  this  roadstead  should  round  the  southern  islet  at  about 
a  quarter  of  a  mile,  and  haul  up  for  the  houses  which  will  be  seen  westward 
of  the  hills.  The  anchorage  is  sheltered  from  E.N.E.  to  S.S.W. ;  but  the 
tide  runs  5  knots  at  springs,  and  the  rise  and  fall  is  25  ft.  The  mud  dries 
half  a  mile  from  high-water  mark,  is  steep-to,  and  the  lead  gives  no  warn- 
ing. At  4  miles  southward  of  the  southern  islet  is  a  shoal  on  which  the 
ship  Bentinch  tacked  in  3  fathoms,  and  where  there  is  probably  less  water  ; 
should  the  tide  therefore  set  vessels  in  this  vicinity,  it  will  be  prudent  to 
anchor. 

Wan-tao-Tcwan  is  situate  in  a  small  bay  westward  of  the  second  point  of 
land,  about  20  miles  south-westward  of  Chapu.  Off  the  point  are  two  small 
islands,  between  which  and  the  point  is  a  narrow  passage,  carrying  4  to  5 
fathoms  at  low  water,  but  which  can  only  be  passed  through  at  slack  water 
on  account  of  the  extraordinary  velocity  of  the  tide. 

When  hound  northward  from  the  River  Yung,  endeavour  to  leave  with  the 
first  of  the  flood,  and  when  northward  of  Tse-le  Island,  if  drawing  more  than 
18  ft.,  do  not  bring  that  island  southward  of  S.B.W.,  then  in  line  with  Look- 
out Hill,  to  avoid  the  Middle  Ground.  In  working  up  for  the  East  Seshan 
group  some  casts  of  3|  and  4  fathoms  were  obtained  with  the  eastern  islet 
N.  by  E.  8  miles  ;  it  is  therefore  advisable  that  vessels  of  large  draught 
should  not  stand  into  Hang-chu  Bay  unless  bound  for  Chapu  Eoad,  in  which 
case  pass  about  3  miles  southward  of  East  Seshan,  and  steer  for  the  South 
islet  of  the  Middle  Seshan  group.  After  passing  "West  Seshan  the  low  land 
on  the  North  side  of  Hang-chu  Bay  will  be  seen,  and  to  the  southward  the 
Eog  Islets,  a  group  of  five  low  rocky  islets,  bearing  W.  by  S.  J  S.  14  miles 
from  Middle  Seshan,  the  depth  about  them  being  5  and  6  fathoms. 

If  bound  for  the  Yang-tse  keep  eastward  of  the  Seshan  Islands,  steering 
between  East  Seshan  and  Eugged  Islands.  The  tides  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
Volcano  Islands  will  be  found  to  have  increased  their  velocity,  the  flood 
setting  W.N.W.,  the  ebb  E.S.E.  Eugged  Islands  afford  shelter  in  both 
monsoons,  but  the  tides  set  strong  through  them.  From  thence  steer  to  pass 
on  either  side  of  the  Hen  and  Chicks,  recollecting;the  10-ft.  shoal;  it  will 
be  prudent,  if  the  vessel  is  of  large  draught,  to  pass  eastward  of  Gutzlaff 
Island,  as  a  bank  of  only  2^  fathoms  water  is  said  to  extend  a  mile  from  its 
western  side. 


THE  YANGTSE  KIANG.  1103 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  the  Seshan  Islands  at  IP 
45".  and  springs  rise  14  ft.  ;  at  the  Fog  Islands  in  Hang-chu  Bay  at  the 
same  time,  and  the  rise  is  17  feet ;  in  Chapu  Eoad  at  noon,  and  the  rise  is 
25  feet. 

The  tidal  stream  increases  in  strength  as  Hang-chu  Bay  is  approached  ; 
near  Nanho  Island  and  the  Volcano  group  the  flood  runs  W.  by  N.,  and  the 
ebb  E.  by  S.  sometimes  3  knots,  and  in  light  winds,  unless  great  care  is 
taken,  vessels  are  liable  to  get  entangled  among  the  Dunsterville  or  Volcano 
groups.  At  the  Fog  Islands,  the  rate  increases  to  -i^  knots,  at  Chapu  to  5 
knots ;  and  in  the  S.W.  part  of  Chapu  Bay  to  7  knots,  with  a  rise  of  35  ft. 
At  25  miles  above  Chapu,  the  tide  was  found  to  run  11  knots  at  springs,  and 
8  knots  at  neaps,  with  a  rise  and  fall  of  40  ft.  In  the  vicinity  of  East  Seshan, 
and  of  the  Rugged  group,  the  flood  runs  2J  and  3  knots  ;  South  of  Gutzlaff 
the  first  of  the  flood  makes  to  the  southward  of  West. 

HANG-CHU  FIT,  the  capital  of  the  province  of  Chehkiang,  stands  on  a 
plain  about  2  miles  from  the  North  bank  of  the  River  Tsien-tang,  20  miles 
above  its  entrance,  and  80  miles  from  the  sea.  The  tide  rises  6  or  7  feet 
opposite  the  city,  and  it  is  said  about  30  ft.  within  its  entrance.  Captain 
Collinson,  when  making  some  explorations  of  its  mouth  in  Hang-chu  Bay, 
in  order  to  ascertain  the  practicability  of  an  approach  to  Hang-chu  fu,  found 
the  tide  to  run  llj  knots  an  hour.  The  peculiar  phenomenon  of  the  eagre 
occurs  ofi"  the  city,  the  first  of  the  flood  coming  up  in  a  huge  smooth  wave,  6 
to  12  ft.  in  height.  The  southern  termination  of  the  Gi'and  Canal  is  at 
Hang-chu  fu,  but  it  has  no  opening  into  the  river  ;  there  is  also  continuous 
water  communication  with  Shanghai. 


THE  YANGTSE  KIANG. 


GENERAL  DESCRIPTION.— This  noble  stream,  which  ranks  first  amongst 
the  rivers  of  the  Old  world,  and  next  only  to  the  Amazons  and  Mississippi 
in  the  New,  is  alike  the  most  useful  and  important  of  the  rivers  of  China, 
and  constitutes  one  of  the  chief  elements  in  the  prosperous  development  of 
its  commerce ;  whilst  it  has  also  become,  during  the  short  period  that  has 
elapsed  since  its  opening  to  foreign  navigation,  a  highway  of  the  highest 
importance  to  European  trade.  Its  sources,  though  hitherto  unvisited  by 
scientific  explorers,  are  known  to  exist  among  the  mountains  of  Tibet,  on  the 
eastern  side  of  those  ranges,  from  the  western  declivities  of  which  the  Brah- 
maputra and  the  great  rivers  of  Burmah  and  Siam  take  their  rise  ;  whence 
the  river,  called  the  Muhlusu,  flows  in  a  south-easterly  direction  for  upwards 
of  1,000  miles,  and  being  joined  by  a  large  tributary,  the  Yalung  Kiang  in 
Yunnan,  it  turns  suddenly  to  the  N.E.  and  East  through  the  central  regions 


1104  RIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

of  the  Chinese  empire,  traversing  its  entire  breadth  in  a  course,  inclusive  of 
its  windings,  of  fully  3,000  miles,  from  the  remote  province  of  Sz'chuen  to 
the  Eastern  Sea,  and  discharges  itself  at  a  point  1,900  miles  in  a  direct  line 
from  its  source. 

Nearly  1,800  miles  of  the  river  have  now  been  surveyed,  or  two-thirds  of 
its  entire  length,  viz.,  200  miles  from  the  sea  to  Nanking,  by  the  British 
fleet  in  1842  ;  400  miles  farther  to  Hankow,  by  the  expedition  accompany- 
ing His  Excellency  the  Earl  of  Elgin  in  1858  ;  thence  124  miles  to  Yohchau 
on  the  Tung-ting  lake,  by  that  under  Vice- Admiral  Sir  James  Hope  in  1861 ; 
and  further  explored  for  1,100  miles  to  Pingshan  in  the  province  of  Yunnan, 
in  long.  104°  25'  W.,  by  the  enterprising  traveller  Captain  Blakiston,  R.A., 
and  his  party,  March  to  June,  1861,  360  miles  of  which  has  been  subse- 
quently surveyed,  as  far  as  Kwei-chau  fu  in  lat.  31°  N,,  long.  109°  34'  E., 
by  Sub-Lieutenants  L.  S.  Dawson  and  F.  J.  Palmer,  R.N.,  in  April,  1869. 

Hankow  is  the  highest  port  on  the  Yangtse  at  present  open  to  navigation 
by  foreign  vessels,  but  it  is  said  that  sea-going  steamers  could  reach  the  city 
of  Ichang,  950  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  river. 

TREATY  PORTS.— The  treaty  ports  on  the  Yangtse  at  present  open  to 
foreign  commerce  are  four,  viz.,  Shanghai,  Chinkiang,  Kiukiang,  and  Han- 
kow, at  the  respective  distances  of  60,  193,  480,  and  600  miles  from  the  sea. 
Consular  Officers  are  stationed  at  these  ports,  at  each  of  which  is  a  concession 
for  the  residence  of  foreigners.  Nanking,  although  not  at  present  open  as 
a  treaty  port,  is  nevertheless  specified  in  the  Treaty  of  Tientsing  among  the 
river  ports  to  be  eventually  thrown  open,  and  now  may  be,  at  any  time, 
under  "  the  most  favoured  nation"  clause. 

Rise  and  Fall  of  the  River. — The  Yangtse  is  subject  to  great  periodic 
changes  of  level.  It  has  been  thus  described  : — "  The  waters  begin  to  rise 
early  in  the  year  (February  or  March),  and  attain  their  highest  level  in 
July  or  August,  at  which  season  the  higer  portions  of  the  river  assume  the 
appearance  of  an  immense  lake,  by  the  inundation  of  the  low  lands.  No 
banks  are  visible  ;  junks  and  boats  of  all  descriptions  are  seen  sailing  over 
what  in  the  chart  is  dry  land.  At  many  parts  between  Nanking  and  Han- 
kow, it  exceeds  20  miles  in  breadth,  and  sometimes  no  land  can  be  seen 
from  the  deck  on  either  side  as  far  as  the  bases  of  the  distant  bills  bounding 
the  horizon,  on  which  the  sun  is  seen  to  set.  The  houses  to  the  very  roofs 
are  under  water,  and  for  miles  only  the  roofs  and  trees  are  visible,  the  inha- 
bitants of  the  villages  encamping  on  the  hills  till  the  waters  recede.  At  the 
end  of  January  the  river  is  at  its  lowest  level,  and  that  to  which  the  sound- 
ings on  the  Admiralty  charts  refer.  The  height  of  the  summer  above  the 
winter  levels  may  be  considered  to  be  for  Nanking  12  ft.,  Kiukiang  30  ft., 
and  Hankow  40  to  50  ft.  At  Kiukiang,  the  rise  was  21  ft.  between  March 
and  June,  at  Yohchau  20  ft. 
In  the   months  of  September   and  October   the  river  is  not  difficult  to 


THE  YANG-TSE  KIANG.  1105 

naviVate,  if  proper  care  and  caution  are  employed,  the  water  being  then 
many  feet  higher  than  its  winter  level.  In  September  it  commences  to  fall, 
and  in  November  and  December  sinks  very  rapidly  eight  or  ten  inches  a 
day,  on  account  of  which  these  two  latter  months  are  considered  the  most 
difficult  period  for  navigation,  for  the  bed  of  the  river  becomes  altered  by 
the  summer  inundations  and  rapid  currents,  so  that  if  a  vessel  having 
touched  the  ground  be  not  floated  off  at  once,  there  is  great  probability  of 
her  remaining  agi-ound  until  the  water  rises  in  the  ensuing  spring.  It  is, 
therefore,  deemed  imprudent  to  attempt  the  navigation  of  the  river  at  this 
season  without  a  pilot. 

The  latest  information  is  to  the  effect  that  the  Admiralty  charts  are  suffi- 
ciently correct  to  enable  a  gun-vessel  drawing  8^  ft.  water,  to  proceed  from 
Chinkiang  to  Hankow,  at  the  season  when  the  river  was  lowest,  without  a 
pilot.  Small  steamers  may  take  all  the  short  cuts  from  June  until  the  time 
the  waters  commence  to  fall. 

The  most  constant  part  of  the  river  is  the  entrance  of  the  Southern  chan- 
nel, for  beyond  some  slight  extension  of  the  bar  seaward,  no  alteration  of 
any  consequence  has  taken  place  within  30  years ;  but  the  character  of  the 
same  channel  higher  up,  between  Kintoan  and  the  mouth  of  the  Wusung 
River,  which  latter  is  40  miles  from  the  entrance,  has  no  permanency  what- 
ever, and  of  late  years  has  been  subject  to  many  changes,  which  have  re- 
sulted in  considerable  deterioration,  caused  mainly  by  the  opening  out  of  a 
deep  channel  North  of  the  Tungsha  Banks. 

The  Estuary  of  the  Yangtse  is  70  miles  broad  from  North  to  South.  Its 
delta,  60  miles  in  extent,  is  divided  into  two  almost  equal  portions  by  the 
main  stream  of  the  river,  the  northern  part  of  which,  Tsung-ming  Island,  is 
82  miles  long  in  a  W.N.W.  and  E.S.E.  direction,  5  to  10  miles  broad,  and 
is  stated  to  be  the  largest  alluvial  island  in  the  world,  containing  a  popula- 
tion of  about  half  a  million,  although  in  the  14th  century  it  did  not  exist 
above  water.  There  is  said  to  be  a  large  city  on  the  island,  but  it  is  not 
visible  from  the  sea. 

The  Tungsha  Banks  lying  south-eastward  of  Tsung-ming  form  the  southern 
portion  of  the  delta.  These  banks  are  rapidly  growing  up,  and  two  new 
islands  which  appeared  in  1862  are  still  increasing  in  size,  one.  Grass  Island^ 
being  about  2  miles,  and  the  other,  House  or  Dry  North  Jslatid,  12  miles  to 
the  S.E.  of  Block  House,  the  only  island  previously  existing.  In  1869  five 
new  islands  were  discovered  to  have  grown  up  along  the  northern  edge  of  the 
Tungsha  on  the  borders  of  the  main  channel ;  and  Tsung-ming  has  also 
extended  eastward  about  6  miles  since  1842. 

The  Yangtse  enters  the  sea  by  three  channels,  of  which  two  only  are 
navigable  ;  these  are  the  North  Entrance,  now  quite  unknown,  and  used  only 
by  junks;  the  Main  Channel,  by  which  the  waters  of  tiie  river  are  now  dis- 
I.  A.  7  s 


1106  RIYEE  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

charged  North  of  Shaweishan  Island,  and  which  of  late  years  has  greatly 
increased  in  depth  and  volume,  and  now  is  reported  to  be  the  best ;  and  the 
South  Channel,  which  has  heretofore  been  the  only  one  ajffording  a  sufl&cient 
depth  of  water  for  navigation  by  foreign  sea-going  vessels,  as  it  is  also  the 
nearest  and  most  convenient  approach  to  Shanghai. 

Great  Yangtse  Bank,  extending  seaward  in  an  easterly  direction  for  150 
miles,  is  a  vast  bank  of  clean  river  sand  about  30  miles  in  breadth.  It  lies 
rather  otf  the  northern  entrances,  and  is  of  grey  or  dark  speckled  fine  sand, 
its  depth  varying  from  17  to  20  fathoms;  the  surrounding  bottom  is  chiefly 
mud,  or  mud  and  sand.  When  more  fully  examined  it  will  no  doubt  be  a 
good  guide  to  vessels  making  the  Yangtse  from  the  eastward.  South  of  this 
bank,  a  deep  water  gully  of  from  25  to  30  fathoms  runs  up  towards  Shawei- 
shan Island  from  the  south-eastward,  terminating  20  miles  E.  by  S.  of  that 
island.  The  water  North  of  the  bank  is  also  deeper,  although  it  shelves  off 
yery  gradually  to  the  north-eastward. 

The  breakers  said  to  have  been  seen  from  the  steamship  Costa  Rica,  in 
lat.  32°  10'  N.,  long.  125°  3'  E.,  have  been  carefully  searched  for,  but  not 
found  ;  25  fathoms  were  obtained  on  the  spot,  with  even  depths  all  round, 
in  a  space  of  15  miles  square. 

The  North  Entrance,  which,  in  1842,  was  in  lat.  31°  52'  N.,  long.  122°  0' 
E,,  has  never  been  examined  since  that  date,  when  it  was  only  partially  sur- 
veyed. It  leads  into  the  Yangtse,  North  of  Tsung-ming,  where  the  river 
flows  into  the  sea  by  what  is  called  the  North  Branch.  It  is  exceedingly 
probable  that  the  banks  and  channels  in  this  locality  have  entirely  changed 
since  the  survey,  and  on  no  account  should  vessels  approach  it,  even  in  the 
finest  weather,  under  a  depth  of  8  fathoms. 

The  following  notice  of  a  buoy  moored  near  Drinkwater  Point  was  issued 
in  1877. — "A  buoy,  with  ret?  and  black  horizontal  stripes,  surmounted  by  a 
black  globular  cage,  has  been  moored  in  the  North  channel  in  5^  fathoms  at 
low  water  springs,  15 J  miles  W.  |  N.  from  the  Shaweishan  Lighthouse. 
Entering  by  this  channel,  when  3  miles  from  the  lighthouse,  bring  it  to  bear 
E.  5  N.,  and  keep  it  so  until  you  have  increased  the  distance  to  8  miles,  then 
steer  directly  towards  the  buoy." 

The  MAIN  or  SHAWEISHAN  CHANNEL.— In  1842  the  waters  of  the 
Yangtsee  divided  at  Bush  Island,  the  greater  part  fiowing  through  the 
southern  channel,  which  then  carried  a  good  depth  of  water,  but  of  late 
years  the  latter  has  been  filling  up  owing  to  the  diversion  of  the  greater 
body  of  water  to  the  northward  of  Bush  Island,  which  has  had  the  effect 
of  altering  entirely  the  features  of  the  unnavigable  mass  of  swatchways 
and  shallows  which  formerly  existed  in  the  space  between  Tsung-ming  and 
TuDg-bha,  and  scouring  out  a  deep,  broad,  direct  channel,  which,  fortunately 
for  navigation,  emerges  at  Shaweishan  Island.  This  channel,  when  exa- 
iuined  by  ^Captain  Charles  Forbes,  E.N.,  in  1869,  was  found  to  have  a  uni- 


THE  YANG-TSE  KIANG.  1107 

form  breadth  of  fully  3  miles,  carrying  a  depth  of  5  to  8  fatlioms  in  an 
almost  direct  course  to  the  sea,  its  South  point  of  entrance  being  marked  by 
Shaweishan  Island  and  Light,  from  which  its  bar,  of  4  fathoms  at  low 
water  and  one  mile  across,  extended  between  3  and  8  miles  W.  by  N.  from 
Shaweiahan. 

To  enter,  pass  northward  of  Shaweishan,  taking  rare  to  avoid  a  16-feet 
patch  at  the  north-eastern  extremity  of  the  Tungsha  Banks,  which  lies  W. 
by  S.,  2i  miles  from  the  island,  after  clearing  which,  bring  Shaweishan 
on  an  East  bearing,  and  keep  it  so  until  15  miles  distant,  when  the  course 
may  be  altered  to  W.  by  N.  for  the  next  5  miles.  Tsung-ming  may  then 
be  closed,  and  its  shore  passed  at  the  distance  of  a  mile  or  two  until  abreast 
Bush  Island,  but  care  must  be  taken  not  to  overrun  the  above  distances  on 
the  flood,  nor  to  dip  Shaweishan  Light,  if  at  night,  before  hauling  in  for 
Tsung-ming. 

Shaweishan  Island  and  Lighthouse,  in  lat.  31°  24J'  N.,  long.  122°  Hi'  E. 
and  N.N.W.  f  W.,  41  miles  from  North  Saddle  Light,  is  a  small  steep-sided 
island,  190  feet  high,  fronting  the  main  entrance  to  the  Yangtse,  and  sur- 
mounted by  a  lighthouse.  When  bearing  S.S.W.  it  makes  as  a  flat-topped 
island  with  the  highest  part  to  the  eastward,  and  when  bearing  West  as  a 
peaked  island.  When  bearing  N.W.  f  W.,  distant  about  5  miles,  it  appears 
like  two  islands,  the  westernmost  being  the  smaller.  It  is  seldom  seen  when 
entering  the  river  from  the  southward. 

A  fixed  light,  visible  all  round,  is  exhibited  from  the  summit  of  Shaweishan 
Island  at  an  elevation  of  229  ft.  above  high  water,  which  in  clear  weather 
can  be  seen  at  a  distance  of  22  miles.  The  lighthouse  is  round,  painted 
black,  and  55  ft.  in  height,  and  the  lightkeepers'  dwellings  are  painted 
white. 

Amherst  Rocks,  10  ft.  above  high  water,  lie  S.S.E.  17^  miles  from 
Shaweishan,  N.W.  J  N.  23^  miles  from  North  Saddle  Light,  and  N.N.E. 
^  E.  241  miles  from  Gutzlafi".  They  are  a  dark  cluster  of  rocks,  of  which 
the  largest  is  very  prominent,  and  when  first  seen  always  makes  as  a  single 
black  rock,  but  should  there  be  numerous  fishing  boats  cruising  in  their 
vicinity,  they  might  not  be  distinguished  if  not  on  the  alert. 

Ariadne  Rock,  with  9  feet  on  it  at  low  water,  is  apparently  of  the  same 
jagged  formation  as  the  Amherst  Eocks,  from  which  it  bears  W.  by  S.  7 
miles,  and  South  17^  miles  from  Shaweishan  Island.  There  are  5  fathoms 
water  close  round  within  30  feet  of  the  rock.  With  a  strong  ebb  tide,  the 
position  of  this  danger  can  easily  be  distinguished  by  the  commencement  of 
discoloured  water  ;  the  brown  water  resembles  the  shape  of  a  comet,  the 
nebula  being  over  the  rock.  The  Amherst  Rocks  are  well  in  sight  from  it 
on  a  fine  day,  but  if  they  be  not  seen,  the  Ariadne  Rock  is  a  great  danger  in 
entering,  particularly  on  the  northern  and  western  streams,  fur  the  lead  is 
no  guide. 


1108  EIYEE  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

Gutzlaff  Island  and  Light,  forming  the  southern  conspicuous  object  at  the 
entrance  of  the  Yangtse,  is  described  on  page  1096.  If  kept  on  a  South 
bearing  it  will  lead  up  to  the  outer  part  of  the  bar  at  the  entrance  of  the 
South  channel  in  not  less  than  19  feet  at  low  water  springs,  and  on  a  S.  by 
W.  bearing  in  not  less  than  21  feet. 

Cape  Yangtse,  forming  the  South  point  of  entrance  to  the  estuary,  is  17 
miles  W.  by  N.  from  Grutzlaff  Island.  The  whole  coast  here  is  very  low  and 
quite  level,  having  been  entirely  gained  from  the  sea,  and  the  mud  dries  out 
half  a  mile  at  low  water  from  the  embankment.  There  is  anchorage  in  4^ 
fathoms  southward  of  the  cape,  and  fair  shelter  from  northerly  winds,  unless 
the  wind  draws  well  to  the  eastward.  There  was  formerly  a  beacon  on  the 
cape,  but  it  has  long  since  disappeared,  and  there  is  now  no  distinguishing 
mark  whatever. 

The  coast  for  20  miles  northward  of  Cape  Yangtse  is  fronted  by  an  exten- 
sive mud  bank  which  commences  at  the  cape,  and  its  eastern  edge  or  elbow 
in  2  fathoms  was  (in  1864)  13  miles  from  the  shore,  and  12  miles  N.  by  W, 
^  W.  from  Gutzlaff.  From  this  elbow  the  bank  trends  to  the  N.W.,  and 
gradually  narrows  up  to  Kintoan  Beacon.  It  is  of  very  soft  mud,  and  on  ita 
outer  part  large  floatirg  fishing  stakes  in  long  rows,  attached  to  nets,  are 
generally  met  with. 

The  SOUTH  ENTRANCE  of  the  YANaTSE,  which  is  the  recognised 
channel  and  fairway  into  the  river,  is  bounded  to  the  southward  by  the 
South  bank,  just  described,  and  to  the  northward  by  the  southern  edge  of 
the  Tungsha  Banks,  and  the  shallows  extending  therefrom  in  the  Erection 
of  the  Ariadne  and  Amherst  Rocks. 

The  Outer  Bar,  about  5,  narrowing  to  3,  miles  in  breadth  and  8  or  9  in 
length,  has,  according  to  the  Admiralty  survey  of  1864,  not  less  than  20  feet 
least  water  at  its  outer  part,  nor  less  than  18  feet  at  its  inner  end,  3  milea 
below  the  light-vessel ;  but  seldom  will  so  little  be  found,  and  although  it 
has  extended  seaward  since  1842,  the  alteration  is  almost  imperceptible. 

The  Tungsha  Lightvessel,  painted  red,  is  moored  in  3|  fathoms  at  low 
water  in  the  entrance  of  the  river,  at  the  inner  part  of  the  bar,  under  the 
North  bank.  She  has  one  mast,  surmounted  by  a  10  ft.  black  ball.  She 
exhibits  a  hright  revolving  light,  giving  flashes  at  half  minute  intervals,  ele- 
vated 40  ft.  above  the  sea,  which  in  clear  weather  can  be  seen  11  miles.  Her 
position  is  in  lat.  31°  T  20"  N.,  long.  122°  1'  E.,  with  Gutzlafi"  S.  by  R  |  E.,. 
Shaweishan  N.E.  by  N.,  and  Kintoan  Lighthouse  N.W.  by  W.  J  W. 

A  gun  will  be  fired  from  her  to  attract  attention  when  vessels  are  observed 
running  into  danger,  and  the  course  which  should  be  steered  will  be  sig- 
nalled by  the  Commercial  Code.  In  foggy  weather  a  Steam  Fog-horn  will  b© 
sounded  at  intervals  of  10  seconds.  When  necessary  to  lower  the  lantern  for 
trimming,  a  small  light  will  be  hoisted  and  a  flash  light  burned. 

Kintoan  Lighthouse,  70  ft.  high,  and  painted  black,  is  erected  on  the  south- 


THE  YANG-TSE  KIANG.  110» 

em  shore  of  the  Yangtse,  N.W.  by  W.  -J  W.  16i  miles  from  the  Tungsha 
Lightvessel.  No  light  has  been  shown  from  it  since  the  lightvessel  wa8 
established. 

KINTOAN  LIGHTVESSEL,  placed  in  position  in  March,  1 878,  is  moored 
in  mid-channel  N.E.  of  Kintoan  Lighthouse.  She  is  painted  red,  and  shows 
a.  fixed  hright  light  at  35  ft.  above  the  sea,  visible  II  miles  off.  A  bright  light 
is  shown  at  her  forestay  to  show  in  which  direction  she  is  riding. 

A  Fog-lell,  weighing  10  cwt.,  is  sounded  on  the  Kintoan  Lightvessel  in 
foggy  weather.  It  will  be  struck  th7'ee  double  blows  every  minute ;  the  interval 
between  the  blows  in  each  pair  will  he  five  seconds,  and  between  two  succes- 
sive pairs  of  \Aows  fifteen  seconds. 

If  the  lightvessel  should  be  driven  from  her  station  to  one  where  she  would 
not  serve  as  a  guide  to  shipping,  the  usual  light  will  not  be  exhibited,  but  a 
fixed  red  light  will  be  shown  from  the  bow  and  stern.  By  day,  the  globe 
will  be  struck  as  soon  as  possible,  and  until  struck  a  red  flag  will  be  shown 
above  it. 

Kintoan  Small  Beacon  and  Light.— This  beacon  is  a  wooden  tripod,  40  ft. 
in  height,  and  situate  5  miles  N.W.  \  W.  from  Kintoan  lighthouse.  It 
carries  dk  fixed  light  showing  white  over  the  channel  to  the  south-eastward,  or 
between  the  South  shore  and  the  bearing  of  E.  by  S.  |  S.,  and  red  across 
the  channel  towards  Blockhouse  Shoal,  between  the  same  bearing  and  S.  by 
W.  5  W.  The  white  light  is  visible  6  miles,  and  the  red  light  4  miles.  The 
light  is  elevated  32  ft. 

Beacon  Spit,  said  to  have  disappeared  in  1871,  is  a  3  fathoms  patch  in  the 
centre  of  the  fairway,  East  of  Kintoan  Lighthouse,  and  a  little  detached  from 
a  3  fathoms  spit,  which  in  1869  was  growing  out  from  the  South  bank.  The 
channel  was  further  narrowed  to  less  than  a  mile  by  a  similar  spit  extending 
from  the  North  side.  The  Kintoan  Bar  which  first  appeared  in  1862,  N.E. 
by  E.  of  the  lighthouse,  appears  to  be  extending  both  ways,  and  the  channel 
to  be  deteriorating.     The  new  lightvessel  however  is  a  good  guide. 

The  Tungsha  Bank,  forming  the  North  side  of  the  South  or  fairway- 
channel,  is  rapidly  growing  up.  Its  south-eastern  spit,  which  borders  the 
entrance  and  Outer  Bar,  extends  about  8  miles  eastward  of  the  lightvessel, 
with  a  depth  of  13  to  16  feet,  and  it  may  be  cleared  by  not  bringing  the 
lightvessel  to  the  westward  of  W.  by  N.  ^  N.  The  south-western  edge  uf 
the  bank  is  extremely  irregular,  and  being  steep-to  should  be  approached 
with  caution  ;  it  forms  a  complete  breakwater  to  the  channel,  which  afl'ords 
secure  anchorage  everywhere  in  ordinary  weather. 

House  Island,  formed  on  the  Tungsha  Bank,  has  extended  considerably, 
and  is  now  a  leading  feature  on  the  North.  The  house  on  the  eastern  part 
of  this  island  bears  East  9  miles  from  Kintoan  Beacon,  ond  N.W.  |  N.,  9 J 
miles  from  the  outer  lightvessel ;  the  bank  extending  from  the  West  side  is 
steep-to,  and  should  be  approached  with  great  caution.     The  bank  is  evi- 


1110  EIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

dently  growing  to  the  S.E.  from  this  island,  for  where  the  survey  of  1842 
gives  3?  fathoms,  there  are  now  only  10  feet. 

Block  House  Island  is  N.  by  W.  ^  W.  6i  miles  from  Kintoan  Lighthouse, 
and  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W.  10  miles  from  House  Island.  It  is  covered  with 
grass  and  low  bushy  trees,  and  is  becoming  larger  every  year.  To  the 
eastward  about  3  miles  is  Grass  Island,  lately  formed,  and  three  others  to 
the  northward.  It  is  probable  that  in  a  few  years  these  will  become 
united,  and  Grass  Island  and  House  Island  become  connected. 

Block  House  Shoal. — The  navigable  channel  between  Kintoan  Lighthouse 
and  Block  House  Island  has  for  some  years  past  undergone  a  series  of  im- 
portant changes,  the  latest  formation  being  Block  House  Shoal,  a  middle 
ground  of  6  ft.  water,  7  miles  in  extent,  the  South  point  of  which  (marked 
by  a  buoy  is  N.E.  by  N.  of  the  lighthouse.  The  channel  northward  of  the 
shoal  is  not  now  navigable,  whilst  the  fairway  which  lies  between  it  and  the 
South  shore,  and  which  in  1869  first  became  narrowed  to  less  than  half  a 
mile,  is  reported  to  be  filling  up.  There  is  no  permancy  in  the  chaacter  of 
the  channel  at  this  part,  mariners  must  therefore  trust  to  the  pilots. 

A  red  buoi/,  6  ft.  in  diameter,  surmounted  by  a  staff  with  a  truncated,  pyra- 
midal cage,  12  ft.  above  the  sea,  has  been  moored  on  the  S.E.  extremity  of 
Block  House  Shoal,  in  16  ft.  at  low  water.  From  the  buoy  Kintoan  Light- 
house bears  S.W.  f  S.,  and  Small  Beacon  W.N.W.  westerly. 

OUTER  ANCHORAGE. — In  fine  weather  a  vessel  may  anchor  anywhere 
between  Gutzlaff,  Amherst,  and  the  Saddle  Islands,  but  should  always  havo 
one  of  them  in  sight,  so  as  to  take  a  good  departure.  It  is  recommended 
that  an  anchorage  should  not  be  taken  at  night  under  the  Saddle  Islands, 
during  the  N.E.  monsoon,  unless  there  are  appearances  of  bad  weather,  as 
it  will  frequently  take  all  the  daylight  of  the  next  day  to  work  up  to  the 
entrance.  In  the  summer  season,  if  bad  weather  is  approaching,  which  the 
barometer  usually  foretells,  a  stranger  should  not  attempt  to  run  in  unless- 
certain  of  getting  within  the  bar,  or  making  the  lightvessel ;  but  either  an 
anchorage  should  be  sought  under  these  islands,  or  the  vessel  kept  at  sea  or 
standing  off  and  on,  as  it  is  dangerous  to  enter  the  river  when  a  gale  is 
coming  on.  It  is  preferable  to  anchor  rather  than  to  stand  out  to  sea,  as 
the  weather  is  sometimes  thick  and  foggy,  the  tides  strung,  and  the  vessel's 
position  not  easily  ascertainable  under  such  circumstances. 

The  anchorage  at  the  Saddle  Islands  is  dtscribed  on  page  1093;  the  best 
anchorage  at  the  Parker  Group  is  northward  of  Senhouse,  the  south-eastern 
island,  in  10  fathoms;  or  between  Senhouse  and  Raffles  in  6  to  7  fathoms, 
all  the  approaches  being  apparently  steep-to. 

TIDES. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  the  vicinity,  and  eastward 
of  Gutzlaff  Island,  at  1 1*'  30";  and  springs  rise  about  15  ft.  The  highest 
tide  occurs  on  the  second  day  after  lull  and  change.  At  the  lightvessel  at 
the  eiitiaucc  of  the  Yatigtse  it  is  high  water  at  noon,  and  springs  rise  16  ft., 


THE  YANG-TSE  KIANG. 


1111 


neaps  11  ft.,  and  neaps  range  7  ft.  At  the  entrance  of  the  Wusung  Eiver 
it  is  high  water  at  0^  30"  ;  springs  rise  15  ft.,  neaps  10  ft.  At  Shanghai  it 
is  high  water  at  0''  40'"  ;  springs  rise  10  ft.,  neaps  7  ft.,  and  neaps  range  4  ft. 

The  tidal  streams  at  the  entrances  of  the  Yangtse  from  Gutzlaff  to  Sha- 
weishan  rotate,  performing  one  revohition  (with  the  sun)  in  12  hours.  To 
the  southward  of  Gutzlaff  the  tides  are  also  rotatory,  but  not  with  that  regu- 
larity which  is  observed  about  the  Amherst  Eocks.  There  is  also  reason  to 
beheve,  although  the  fact  has  not  yet  been  conclusively  established,  that  they 
preserve  the  same  character  some  distance  to  seaward,  and  far  to  the  north- 
ward. During  its  revolution  the  direction  of  the  stream  changes  about  two 
points  every  hour,  excepting  when  veering  from  N.W.  to  N.E.  about  the 
time  of  high  water,  and  from  S.E,  to  S.W.  about  the  time  of  low  water, 
when  the  change  is  more  rapid.  The  northern  stream  for  the  most  part 
makes  and  completes  the  flood,  and  the  southern  stream  for  the  most  part 
makes  and  completes  the  ebb,  although  the  first  part  of  the  flood  is  made  by 
the  southern  stream,  and  the  first  part  of  the  ebb  by  the  northern,  called 
sometimes  "  tide  and  half-tide." 

In  the  river  the  streams  are  sharp  in  turning,  the  flood  making  at  P  30" 
after  high  water,  and  the  ebb  at  2^  30"  after  low  water.  There  is  very  little 
slack,  the  ebb  running  7  hours,  and  at  springs  attaining  during  that  period 
a  distance  of  24  miles.  The  period  of  greatest  velocity,  5  knots,  is  the  5th 
hour  after  high  water.  The  flood  runs  5  hours,  and  with  much  less  strength, 
seldom  exceeding  a  velocity  of  4  knots,  the  distance  attained  during  the 
whole  tide  being  16  miles. 


TABLE  showing  the  direction  and  velocity  of  the  tidal  streams  at  the  entrance 

of  the  Yangtse-kiang. 


Time  of 

Tide. 

3  Miles  North 
of  Gutzlaflf. 

Lightship  at 
Springs. 

Lightship 
Neaps. 

at 

Outside  of 

the 
outer  Bar. 

Between 
Shaweishan 
and  Amherst, 

Knots. 

Knots. 

Knots. 

Knots. 

Knots. 

At  H.W. 

W.  by  N.  1 

N.N.W.        1| 

N.N.W. 

li 

NW.        4 

N.N.W.      2^ 

1st  hour  ehb 

Sh.ck 

North            li 

N.  by  W. 

1 

N.N.W.    3 

North           U 

2nd 

N.E. 

N.E.  by  N.  l^ 

N.N.E. 

U 

North       li 

N.E.             2 

3rd         „ 

E.  by  N. 

E  bvS.       2 

EN.K. 

H 

N.E. 

E.N.E.        2i 

4th         „ 

East 

E.S.E.          3i 

E.  hv  S. 

2 

East 

E.bvS.       3' 

5th 

E.  by  S. 

S.E.byE.    4 

E.S.k 

2i 

ES.E. 

E.S.E,         2 

bth 

E  S.E. 

S.E.              2i 

S.E.byE. 

2i 

S.E. 

S.E. 

At  L.W. 

S.E. 

S.E.  by  S.     2 

S.E.  by  S. 

If 

S.E. 

South           1 

1st  hour  flood 

South 

S.  by  E.         li 

S.  by  W. 

1 

S.S.E. 

S.S.W.        3 

2nd        „ 

S.W.         3 

W.S.W.        2 

W.  by  S. 

u 

West         U 

S.W.            3i 
W.S.W.      3h 
West           3 

3id 

W.  by  S.  3i 

W.N.W.       3 

W.byN. 

If 

W.  by  N.  3 

4th         „ 

West        4 

N.W.byW.3i 

W.N.W. 

13 

W.N.W.  3i 

0th         „ 

W.  by  N.  3 

N.W.            2^ 

N.W.byW 

2 

N.W.        4 

W.N.W.     2i 

6th 

W.byN.U 

N.W.iN.    21 

N.W.  by  N 

If 

N.W.        4 

N.W.           2 

Also  ut  tLe  Amhetst,  ls<t  hour  flood  S.E.,  2nd  ho\ir  South,  1  knot. 


1112  EIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

The  foregoing  table  compiled  from  various  sources  will  afford  the  best 
guide  to  a  knowledge  of  these  rotary  tides,  and  will  be  fovmd  valuable  should 
it  be  deemed  desirable  or  necessary  to  stand  in  and  make  the  light  ship  in 
thick  weather.  If  a  good  departure  be  obtained  before  the  outer  islands  or 
lights  are  lost  sight  of,  the  entrance  may  be  confidently  steered  for,  provided 
the  course  and  distance  run  be  kept  corrected  each  hour,  or  oftener,  by 
making  allowance  according  to  the  table.  Perfect  reliance  may  be  placed 
upon  the  direction  of  the  stream,  as  given  therein,  which  will  seldom  be  a 
point  in  error,  but  the  rate  of  the  stream  is  a  matter  of  judgment,  and  though 
capable  of  much  precision,  can  only  be  correctly  approximated  by  a  careful 
consideration  of  all  the  attendant  circumstances. 

PILOTS, — Properly  qualified  pilots  are  licensed  by  the  harbour  master  of 
Shanghai.  No  sailing  directions  can  do  away  with  their  usefulness  to  the 
stranger,  where  the  safety  of  the  vessel  depends  so  much  upon  a  correct 
knowledge  of  the  tides.  The  pilots  can  be  obtained  day  or  night,  except 
when  all  are  distributed  on  board  vessels,  when  the  schooners  anchor  near 
the  lightvessel. 

The  cruising  stations  are  :  Outermost  Station — between  Leuconna  Island, 
Barren  Islands,  and  East  Saddle  Island ;  Middle  Station — between  North 
Saddle  Island,  Elliot  Island,  and  Amherst  Rocks;  Inside  Station — from  the 
lightvessel  to  8  miles  outside. 

The  charges  established  under  a  code  of  regulations,  by  agreement  be- 
tween the  Chines9  government  and  the  foreign  ministers,  and  which  came 
into  force  on  the  Ist  of  January,  1867,  are  as  follows :  — 

For  steamers  or  sailing  vessels  in  tow,  to  or  from  the  light-ship,  for  each 
foot  of  draught,  4  taels  ;  for  sailing  vessels  not  in  tow,  to  or  from  Gutzlaff, 
5  taels,  and  to  or  from  the  light-ship,  4^  taels.  Two-thirds  of  the  above 
rates  respectively,  shall  be  charged  upon  vessels  proceeding  from  sea  to 
Wusung,  or  vice  versa,  instead  of  to  Shanghai. 

The  Shanghai  Pilot  Company's  schooners  are  known  by  a  black  hall  with 
number  underneath  in  foresail  and  mainsail ;  flag  white  and  red  horizontal. 
The  Mercantile  Pilot  Company's  vessels  have  white  hulls  and  the  same  flag, 
with  the  word  "  Pilot"  on  mainsail. 

DIRECTIONS  from  the  Southward. — If  bound  to  the  Tangtse  during  the 
S.W.  monsoon,  endeavour  to  make  the  island  of  Video,  and  having  passed 
eastward  of  it  at  the  distance  of  a  mile  or  two,  steer  about  N.  by  W.,  making 
some  allowance  for  tide,  which  (although  in  this  locality  little  is  known  accu- 
rately respecting  it)  may  be  taken  to  set  westward  on  the  flood,  and  eastward 
on  the  ebb.  This  course  will  lead  2  to  3  miles  eastward  of  Beehive  Rock,  13 
miles  distant,  and  a  further  run  of  18  miles  will  bring  a  vessel  up  to  the 
passage  between  the  Saddle  and  Parker  Groups,  which  is  the  most  direct 
route  into  the  Yangtse  kiang.  To  avoid  the  Cairnsmore  sunken  rock,  the 
only  known  danger  in  the  passage,  hug  the  Bit  Rock,  from  which  to  the 


THE  YANG-TSE  KIANG-DIRECTIONS.  1113 

Tungsha  lightvessel  the  course  is  N.W.  |  W.,  close  along  the  South  bank, 
and  across  the  centre  of  the  bar. 

If  preferring  for  any  reason  to  pass  outside  the  Saddle  Islands,  a  N.  by  E. 
course  should  be  steered  from  Video,  the  only  danger  to  be  avoided  being 
Childers  Rock,  4 J  miles  South  of  the  south-eastern  extremity  of  East 
Saddle.  The  Saddles  may  be  rounded  as  convenient,  and  after  passing  the 
North  Saddle  light,  it  may  be  brought  to  bear  astern  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E. 
Easterly,  the  opposite  course  to  which  will  lead  through  the  fairway  of  the 
bar  up  to  the  lightvessel. 

During  the  N.E.  monsoon,  if  not  intending  to  call  at  Ning-po,  vessels 
should  pass  east\rard  of  Chusan,  and  enter  the  archipelago  to  the  northward 
of  that  island.  It  is  best,  however,  to  endeavour  to  make  the  Saddle  Islands 
as  being  the  most  weatherly  land-fall,  but  if  unable  to  fetch  so  far  to  the 
northward,  and  the  parallel  of  30°  N.  has  been  reached,  the  high  dome- 
shaped  island  of  Video,  500  ft.  high,  will  then  be  a  conspicuous  object,  for 
it  may  be  seen  in  clear  weather  about  30  miles  ;  it  has  a  remarkable  white 
cliff,  which  shows  when  the  island  bears  N.W.  by  N.,  and  in  thick  weather 
any  cast  below  30  fathoms  will  point  out  that  the  vessel  is  in  the  vicinity  of 
this  or  the  neighbouring  islands,  provided  she  be  southward  of  the  Great 
Yangtse  Bank,  The  most  remarkable  land  to  the  southward  of  Video  is  the 
island  of  Chukea,  on  which  there  is  a  round-topped  peak  1,164  ft.  high,  and 
eastward  of  Chukea  are  several  islets,  of  which  Tongting,  the  outer  one,  is 
about  40  ft.  high,  with  detached  reefs  S.W.  of  it. 

If  unable  to  turn  to  windward,  anchorage  will  be  found  on  the  southern 
side  of  Ousha  Island,  in  the  entrance  to  the  Sarah  Galley  Channel.  If  un- 
able to  weather  the  North  end  of  Chukea,  the  South  side  of  Pootoo  Island 
will  be  found  the  best  stopping  place  ;  the  anchorage  in  12  fathoms  is  under 
the  hill,  with  three  chimneys  on  it ;  the  mud  bank  from  the  shore  is  very 
steep,  shoaling  quickly  from  12  to  2  fathoms.  From  this  position,  in  a  handy 
vessel  the  best  route  will  be  through  Lansew  Bay,  and  through  the  channel 
between  Lansew  and  Tae-shan  Islands ;  but  large  vessels  had  better  pass 
eastward  of  Video,  and  enter  the  archipelago  farther  to  the  northward.  If 
unable  to  fetch  to  windward  of  the  Barren  Islands,  and  should  the  tide  or 
weather  be  unfavourable  for  entering  the  river,  a  convenient  anchorage  can 
be  found  among  the  Saddle  Group,  which,  with  other  available  anchorages, 
are  described  on  pages  1093-4. 

It  may  be  here  noticed  that  as  the  entrance  of  the  Yangtse  is  somewhat 
difficult  for  a  stranger  to  make  even  in  fine  weather,  the  difficulty  is  greatly 
increased  if  it  be  necessary  to  beat  up  against  a  contrary  wind,  especially  in 
bad  weather ;  no  vessel  should  therefore  attempt  to  do  so  without  a  pilot,  or 
unless  it  be  sufficiently  clear  to  ensure  keeping  the  islands  in  sight  until  they 
dip.  But  with  a  leading  wind  and  a  good  departure  either  from  Gutzlaff  or 
I.  A.  7  e 


1114  EIVEE  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

the  Amherst  Rocks,  together  with  strict  attention  to  the  course  and  distance 
made  good,  a  vessel  may  stand  in  for  the  lightvessel. 

The  In-shore  Passage  from  Hong  Kong  to  Shanghai  during  theN.E.  mon- 
soon is  described  on  pages  9G-7. 

From  the  Northward  or  Eastward. — Vessels  bound  into  the  Yangtse  from 
the  Gulf  of  Pe-chili  are  recommended  to  make  Shaweishan,  not  approaching 
the  coast  within  the  depth  of  15  fathoms  until  within  60  miles  of  that  island, 
when  the  water  maybe  shoaled  to  10  fathoms  with  safety,  by  which  means 
there  will  be  no  difficulty  in  further  making  the  Amherst  Rocks  in  daylight. 
In  N.E.  winds,  if  strongs  and  the  thick  weather  which  usually  accompanies 
them,  there  is  a  great  probability  of  overrunning  the  distance  owing  to  the 
strong  southerly  set  (notwithstanding  that  the  tides  are  revolving),  and  so 
getting  to  leeward,  and  having  to  work  up  from  the  Saddle  Islands.  Al- 
though it  is  better  to  do  this  than  incur  any  risk,  it  is  suggested  in  such  a 
case  that  if  the  Amherst  be  not  made  before  dark,  especially  if  Shaweishan 
or  its  light  be  not  seen,  the  vessel  should  be  hove-to  till  dawn,  sufficiently 
far  to  the  northward  to  allow  for  drift  and  a  set  of  a  mile  an  hour,  keeping 
a  careful  reckoning. 

In  N.W.  winds  and  fine  weather,  the  Amherst  should  always  be  made. 
In  November  and  December,  when  these  winds  prevail,  vessels  from  Japan 
should  keep  well  to  windward,  for  if  they  are  of  long  continuance  there  is 
every  probability  of  being  driven  to  leeward  of  Video  ;  in  such  case,  should 
the  weather  be  thick,  the  Great  Yangtse  Bank  will  be  a  good  guide  in  ap- 
proaching the  entrance  of  the  river,  owing  to  the  nature  of  the  bottom, 
which  is  of  clean  river  sand. 

Whether  intending  to  enter  by  the  main  or  southern  channel,  Shaweishan 
is  the  best  landfall  to  make  when  bound  from  the  northward  or  eastward. 
By  keeping  it  on  a  N.N.  W.  bearing  it  will  lead  towards  the  Amherst  Rocks, 
which  may  be  passed  at  half  a  mile  on  either  side.  These  rocks  bearing 
E.N.E.  astern  will  lead  South  of  the  Ariadne  Rock,  distant  7  miles  from  them; 
when  a  West  course  may  be  steered  till  the  lightvessel  heaves  in  sight,  making 
allowance  for  the  state  of  the  tide.  Should  a  vessel  in  thick  weather  find 
herself  being  set  over  to  the  Tungsha  Bank,  she  should  immediately  steer 
South  for  the  channel,  and  anchor. 

The  Entrance  of  the  Yangtse  in  hazy  weather  is  somewhat  embarrassing, 
for  after  the  outer  islands  are  lost  sight  of  neither  land  nor  marks  are  visible, 
but  in  clear  weather  the  navigation  is  not  diflScult  by  day,  and  since  the 
establishment  of  the  three  fine  lights  on  the  North  Saddle,  Gutzlaff,  and 
Shaweishan  Islands,  it  is  equally  easy,  if  not  more  so,  at  night. 

Leaving  the  Saddle  Islands,  keep  North  Saddle  bearing  S.E.  by  E.  I  E. 
easterly  until  Gutzlaff  bears  South,  distant  16  to  17  miles,  recollecting  that 
if  Shaweishan  shows  plainer  than  GutzlaflF,  the  vessel  is  too  far  to  the  north- 
ward, and  in  danger  of  entering  a  false  channel  through  the  Tungsha  Banks, 


THE  YAJSTG-TSE  KIANG-DIEECTIONS.  1115 

5  to  7  miles  northward  of  the  fairway,  and  may  be  dangerously  near  to  the 
Ariadne  Eock,  in  which  case  the  Amherst  Rocks  will  also  be  visible.  Gutz- 
lafF,  210  ft.  high,  when  first  seen,  will  appear  like  a  small  round  lump,  and 
its  lantern,  which  is  mounted  on  a  tripod,  painted  white,  may  not  be  visible. 
Shaweishan,  196  ft.  high,  a  little  larger  than  Gutzlafi",  and  surmounted  by  a 
lighthouse  painted  black,  is  not  often  seen  when  a  vessel  is  in  the  right  posi- 
tion for  approaching  the  bar  and  fairway. 

With  Gutzlaff  on  the  above  bearing  and  distance,  if  the  day  be  clear,  the 
lightvessel  will  be  visible  from  the  mast-head  (she  is  rarely  seen  beyond  7 
miles  from  the  deck),  when  steer  for  her  between  the  bearings  of  W.N.  W. 
and  N.W.  to  cross  the  bar,  making  due  allowance  for  tide,  the  channel 
course  being  N.W.  by  W.  As  long  as  North  Saddle  and  Gutzlaff  are  in 
sight,  the  reckoning  should  be  tested  frequently  by  cross  bearings,  so  as  to 
verify  the  allowance  made  for  tide,  and  thus  give  greater  confidence  in  enter- 
ing the  river. 

In  working  up  from  the  Saddle  Islands,  do  not  bring  Gutzlaff  eastward  of 
South,  until  16  miles  northward  of  it,  when  it  may  be  brought  to  bear 
S.  by  E.  The  vessel  will  then  be  on  the  edge  of  the  South  Bank,  and  may 
now  stand  to  the  westward,  nearly  into  her  own  draught,  bearing  in  mind 
the  direction  of  the  streams.  All  vessels  should  keep  as  near  as  possible  to 
the  South  Bank,  the  edge  of  which,  from  below  the  lightvessel  up  to  Km- 
toan  Beacon,  appears  remarkably  even. 

The  foregoing  directions  are  for  vessels  of  about  18  ft.  draught,  and  will 
lead  over  not  less  than  20  ft.  at  low  water  springs  ;  small  craft  may  close 
with  the  South  Bank  when  Gutzlaff  bears  South,  distant  between  12  and  15 
miles,  and  steer  up  with  the  lead  for  their  guide,  for  the  edge  of  the  South 
Bank  is  very  even  and  may  be  depended  on  nearly  up  to  Kintoan  beacon. 
Or,  having  passed  Gutzlaff  Island,  if  the  weather  be  fine,  a  vessel  may  safely 
steer  in  with  the  island  bearincf  S.  by  E.,  astern,  and  this  will  lead  over  the 
eastern  edge  of  the  South  bank  in  about  15  ft.  at  low  water,  or  31  ft.  at  high 
water  springs. 

Too  much  attention  cannot  be  paid  to  the  set  of  the  streams  at  the  entrance 
of  the  Yangtse,  and  also  to  the  lead.  So  long  as  the  weather  is  clear,  Gutz- 
laff forms  an  admirable  mark,  and  it  has  only  to  be  kept  westward  of  South 
until  it  is  distant  16  miles,  when  a  vessel  may  steer  N.W.  by  W.  for  the 
lightvessel ;  but  in  thick  weather  and  a  working  breeze  with  a  variable  tide 
under  her  lee,  it  is  difficult  to  ascertain  when  16  miles  have  been  made,  and 
she  will  be  liable  to  be  horsed  over  to  the  Tungsha  Banks,  where  several 
vessels  have  been  wrecked.  These  banks  should  always  be  approached  with 
caution,  as  their  southern  edges  give  no  warning,  unless  it  be  by  the  lead 
indicating  hard  bottom  ;  and,  as  the  tide  may  be  setting  across  and  not  into 
the  river,  it  will  be  as  well  to  ascertain  the  vessel's  true  rate  over  the  ground 


1116  RIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

by  using  the  deep  sea  lead  for  a  ground  log  instead  of  the  log-ship,  and 
taking  the  opposite  to  the  bearing  of  the  line  as  the  course  made  good. 

Whenever  the  ground  log  is  not  used,  it  is  recommended  to  allow  hourly 
for  the  tides,  both  as  to  direction  and  velocity.  Experience  has  shown  that 
the  lightvessel  can  be  made  by  following  this  method,  always  being  careful 
to  verify  the  ship's  position  by  bearings  of  Gutzlaff  and  the  Saddle  Islands 
as  long  as  they  remain  in  sight.  The  break  on  the  head  of  the  Tungsha 
banks  will  sometimes  be  seen  after  passing  the  Ariadne  Rock,  but  in  thick 
weather  the  southern  side  of  the  channel  is  no  doubt  the  one  to  border  on. 
At  night  or  in  thick  weather  the  lead  will  be  a  useful  guide.  The  bottom  on 
the  North  bank  is  hard  mud  with  sparkling  grains  of  sand,  but  soft  in  a  few 
places.     On  the  South  bank  the  bottom  is  soft  mud  with  dark  gray  sand. 

Mr.  George  Stanley,  R.N.,  remarks  that  the  nature  of  the  bottom  is  very 
little  guide,  for  after  six  weeks'  sounding,  during  the  survey  of  1864,  it  was 
impossible  to  detect  any  diSerence  between  mid-channel  and  the  North  and 
South  banks ;  the  only  positive  difference  being  that  sand  with  black  specks 
may  be  found  on  the  Tungsha  Bank,  but  never  on  the  South  bank.  A 
stranger  taking  it  as  an  infallible  rule,  that  sand  with  dark  specks  are  to  be 
found  on  the  North  bank,  would  at  once  be  in  doubt  if  the  lead  showed  two 
or  three  successive  casts  of  brown  mud. 

Captain  Charles  Gribble  remarks  that  although  there  may  be  little  or  no 
difiFerence  in  the  appearance  of  the  bottom  on  the  North  and  South  banks, 
there  is  a  difference  in  the  feel  of  the  bottom,  that  on  the  South  bank  being 
very  soft,  that  on  the  North  hard. 

Lightvessel  to  Wusung  River. — The  lightvessel  is  moored  over  against 
the  North  side  of  the  channel,  off  a  bight  in  the  North  bank,  and  a  mile 
below  is  a  9-feet  spit  of  the  Tungsha,  the  extremity  of  which  in  17  ft.,  is 
half  a  mile  E.S.E.  of  her.  Vessels  should  therefore  pass  to  the  South  of  the 
lightvessel,  from  which  the  channel  course  is  N.W.  by  W.  ;  but  if  beating 
up  after  passings  the  lightvessel,  tack  in  3i  fathoms  when  standing  towards 
the  South  bank.  The  deepest  water  is  near  and  along  the  southern  edge  of 
the  North  bank,  but  in  standing  towards  it  do  not  wait  for  the  second  shoal 
cast  to  go  about.  Generally  the  edge  of  the  North  bank  is  lined  with  heavy 
fishing  slakes,  planted  in  4  and  5  fathoms,  with  only  a  few  feet  water  a  ship's 
length  inside  them. 

The  house  on  House  Island  and  the  lightvessel  are  excellent  marks  for 
fixing  a  ship's  position  by  cross  bearings  until  Kintoan  lighthouse  (now  dis- 
used, see  pages  1 108-9),  is  well  in  sight,  which  it  will  be  when  the  hull  of  the 
outer  lightvessel  is  just  dipping.  At  night  bring  the  lightvessel  astern  on  a 
S.E.  by  E.  bearing,  and  keep  it  so  till  the  light  dips ;  this  will  lead  well 
over  on  the  North  side  of  the  channel,  but  in  the  best  water  opposite  Beacon 
Spit,  E.  ^  S.  from  the  Kiutoan  lighthouse,  where  the  channel  is  much  cou- 


WUSUNG  RIVER.  1117 

tracted.*  Here  the  South  shore  will  be  plainly  in  sight,  and  the  Kintoan 
lightvessel  (page  1109)  a  guide  in  mid-channel.  When  the  lighthouse  bears 
"W.  by  S.  steer  W.N.W.,  so  as  to  pass  about  half  to  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
South  of  the  Blockhouse  shoal  buoy,  and  then  stand  up  channel  again  on  a 
N.  W.  f  W.  course,  bearing  in  mind  that  the  edge  of  the  South  bank  is  less 
steep  than  that  of  Blockhouse  Shoal.  As  previously  mentioned,  the  chan- 
nel above  Kintoan  is  reported  to  be  shoaling,  and  the  banks  to  be  constantly 
shifting,  so  that  a  stranger  must  trust  rather  to  the  pilots  than  the  chart.f 

At  night  it  is  preferable  to  hug  the  South  shore  near  the  lighthouse,  pass- 
ing it  at  a  mile.  Blockhouse  Island  will  soon  rise  after  passing  Kintoan 
lighthouse,  having  at  first  the  appearance  of  a  cluster  of  fishing  boats,  and 
gradually  showing  itself  a  low  island  covered  with  bushy  trees.  When  the 
large  house  on  this  island  bears  North,  the  vessel  will  be  in  the  narrowest 
part  of  the  channel,  which  here  is  only  4  cables  wide. 

After  passing  Blockhouse,  the  South  shore,  the  bank  of  which  is  steep-to, 
should  be  gradually  closed  lo  not  less  than  a  mile,  and  kept  at  that  distance 
until  the  marks  and  buoy  for  Wusung  Spit  are  seen,  and  should  not  be 
approached  under  5  fathoms.  It  is  then  necessary  to  keep  well  out  into 
the  channel  and  get  Paushan  Pagoda,  a  peaked  tower  near  the  small  walled 
town  westward  of  the  entrance,  on  a  W.  by  N.  J  N.  bearing,  which  will  lead 
up  to  the  Wusung  River,  just  clearing  the  dangerous  shelf  which  borders 
the  shore  eastward  of  the  entrance.  Wusung  lighthouse  will  also  be  in  sight 
just  over  the  point  after  passing  the  Blockhouse  Shoal,  but  the  red  light  it 
exhibits  at  night  down  the  channel  of  the  Yangtse  is  not  visible  more  than  5 
miles.     If  bound  to  Shanghai,  the  directions  are  continued  on  page  1120. 

The  WUSUNG  RIVER,  on  which  is  situate,  1 2  miles  from  its  entrance, 
the  great  commercial  port  of  Shanghai,  is  about  60  miles  in  length,  and  is 
the  lowest  tributary  of  the  Yangtse  kiang.  It  flows  from  the  lake  Tien-shau 
or  Miau,  through  which  is  a  water  communication  with  the  Grand  Canal, 
leading  northward  to  the  important  city  of  Suchau,  and  southward  to  Hang- 
chu  fu.  Its  real  name  is  the  Wongpu  or  Hwangpu,  but  it  has  taken  its 
commonly  received  name  from  the  small  town  of  Wusung,  situated  about  a 

*  In  1869.  The  only  information  subsequently  received  concerning  the  alterations  of 
the  channel  is  contained  in  the  following  extract : — "  The  first  sign  of  land  will  be  three- 
remarkable  trees  on  the  South  bank  of  the  river,  7^  miles  below  Kintoan  lighthouse,  and 
marked  "  Clump  '  on  the  chart.  To  the  south-westward  of  House  Island  the  spit  extends 
in  a  S.E.  direction,  the  bottom  on  that  side  being  hard.  Blockhouse  Shoal  has  extended  in 
a  S.E.  direction,  and  also  on  its  S.W.  side.  When  close  to  Kintoan  lighthouse,  keep  the 
South  shore  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  distant,  and  follow  the  trend  of  the  land  until 
the  red  buoy  on  Wusung  outer  buoy  is  sighted." — H.M.S.  Avon,  May,  1871. 

t  These  directions  refer  to  the  channels  as  they  existed  in  Tune,  1359,  and  as  they  are 
shown  on  the  Admiralty  charts. 


1118  EIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

mile  within  the  entrance  of  the  river  on  its  left  bank,  and  on  the  North  side 
of  a  creek  also  leading  to  Suchau. 

The  Outer  Bar  of  the  Wusung  River  commences  about  a  mile  from  the 
entrance,  carrying  not  less  than  20  ft.  at  low  water  springs,  with  occasional 
deeper  soundings,  over  a  narrow  channel  between  the  shallow  and  extensive 
mud  flats  which  border  both  shores  of  the  river  at  its  mouth.  The  North 
side  of  the  bar  channel  is  marked  by  the  Spit  or  Wusung  Buoy,  on  the  edge 
of  the  western  shoal,  about  half  a  mile  above  its  extremity.  This  is  a  large 
red  and  black,  vertical  striped,  nun  buoy,  8  ft.  in  diameter.  It  lies  in  21  ft. 
at  low  water  springs,  with  Paushan  Point  N.W.  by  W.,  and  Wusung  light- 
house S.W.  by  W. 

Vessels  should  cross  the  outer  bar  with  Wusung  lighthouse  bearing 
S.W.  by  W.  ^  W.,  westerly,  so  as  to  avoid  the  dangers  on  either  side,  the 
chief  of  which  is  the  Lismore  wreck,  in  2  fathoms,  on  the  edge  of  the  South 
flats.  The  channel  subtends  an  angle  of  about  13|^°  from  the  lighthouse,  so 
that  a  course  on  a  S.W.  by  W.  \  W.  bearing  of  it  will  hug  the  northern 
flats,  and  a  course  on  a  W.S.  W.  bearing  of  it  the  southern. 

Lismore  Wreck  Light. — A  pile  lighthouse  was  erected  in  1875  over  the 
Lismore  wreck,  and  a  fixed  red  light  shown  from  it,  but  the  water  deepening 
around  the  lighthouse  rendered  it  unsafe,  and  in  1878  it  was  decided  to  re- 
move it,  and  mark  the  wreck  by  a  small  junk,  moored  200  yards  North  of 
it,  from  which  will  be  shown  two  lights,  the  upper  one  red,  and  the  lower 
one  bright.  A  fog-bell  was  sounded  during  thick  weather  at  the  pile  light- 
house, and  we  presume  is  still  used  on  the  junk. 

Wusung  Light  and  Left  Bank. — The  western  side  of  the  mouth  of  tlie 
river  has  a  grassy  embankment  pierced  with  embrasures,  with  a  ruin  at  the 
point  of  entrance  called  Fort  A.  A  quarter  of  a  mile  above  Fort  A  i* 
Wusung  lighthouse,  a  square  tower  of  brick,  45  ft.  high,  with  a  total  height 
of  58  ft.  It  exhibits  o. fixed  light,  showing  bright  from  the  river  bank  N.W. 
of  the  lighthouse  to  N.  J  W.  ;  green  on  the  North  side  of  the  navigable 
channel  between  N.  \  W.  and  N.E.  f  E.  ;  bright  over  the  navigable  channel 
of  the  entrance  between  N.E.  f  E.  and  E.  by  N.  |  N.  ;  and  red  over  Lismore 
wreck  and  the  South  side  of  the  navignble  channel  between  E.  by  N.  \  N., 
and  the  bank  of  the  river.  It  is  elevated  50  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  in  clear 
weather  the  white  light  should  be  seen  from  a  distance  of  12  miles,  and  tlie 
red  light,  which  also  shows  over  the  Yangtse  to  seaward,  about  8  miles. 
The  illuminating  apparatus  is  dioptric,  of  the  fourth  order,  and  the  tower  is 
painted  black. 

A  yellow  joss  house  with  poles  about  a  mile  above  Fort  A  marks  the 
village  of  Wusung,  situated  on  the  northern  side  of  the  creek  leading  to 
Suchau,  and  another  mile  up  is  the  French  coal  depot  and  flagstaff',  and  just 


WUSTJNG  EIYER.  1119 

ahovp  the  latter  the  Chinese  customs'  station,  a  conspicuous  square  white 
building  surmounted  by  a  turret  and  knob,  and  in  front  of  which  is  the 
mast  or  signal  staff,  from  which  is  exhibited,  by  flags  and  balls,  the  depth 
of  water  on  the  inner  bar.  Abreast  and  just  above  the  custom  house  is  the 
best  anchorage  for  vessels  intending  to  remain,  in  which  case  they  should 
moor,  but  quite  clear  of  the  fairway  of  the  bar,  in  order  to  avoid  the  risk  of 
collision,  as  the  flood  tide  sweeps  along  this  shore,  requiring  rather  a  sharp 
turn  to  be  made  to  cross  the  bar.  Vessels  waiting  for  tide  only  to  cross  the 
inner  bar  should  anchor  lower  down  off'  Wusung". 

The  East  lank  of  river  at  the  entrance  is  very  low  and  not  approachable, 
being  the  shallow  side  of  the  river,  and  bordered  by  mud  flats,  which  to  the 
northward  extend  nearly  a  mile.  Here  several  ships  have  been  wrecked. 
Over  these  flats  the  Wusung  light  shows  red.  At  the  outer  point  is 
Fort  B,  a  small  ruin,  from  which  upwards  the  margin  of  the  shore  is  reedy 
as  far  as  Pheasant  Point,  a  sharp  elbow,  about  a  mile  above  ;  this  point  is 
steep-to. 

The  Inner  Bar  is  above  Pheasant  Point,  and  appears  to  be  formed  by  the 
eddy  which  that  point  causes  on  the  flood.  It  presents  no  obstacle  to  vessels 
drawing  11  ft.  water,  for  the  passage  over  it,  with  that  depth  at  low  water 
springs,  is  two  cables  broad.  But  for  another  foot  of  depth  the  channel  is 
very  narrow,  a  matter  of  importance  to  vessels  of  deep  draught  crossing. 
Irs  entrance  is  abreast  or  immediately  above  the  custom  house,  and  the  lead- 
ing mark  for  the  best  water,  12  ft.  at  low-water  springs,  is  two  poles  on  the 
bank  of  the  river,  1^  mile  above  Pheasant  Point,  kept  in  line  E.  f  S.  The 
front  pole  is  a  low  one,  with  a  pyramidal  top  ;  the  back  one,  a  little  removed 
from  the  bank,  is  a  high  pole  with  a  rectangular  top.  At  night  a  red  low 
light  is  exhibited  on  the  river  bank,  with  a  high  white  light  on  the  low  pole 
behind  it,  indicating  the  same  line  of  direction.  These  lights  are  visible  2 
miles  in  clear  weather.  The  bar  channel  shifts  occasionally,  and  varies 
slightly  in  depth. 

Any  deep  draught  steamer  requiring  to  cross  the  bar  at  night,  may,  by 
making  application  to  the  officer  in  charge  of  the  customs'  station,  arrange 
to  have  a  light  hoisted  on  the  signal  staff',  to  show  when  there  is  water 
enough  for  her  to  cross. 

Inner  Bar  Signals. — The  depth  of  water  on  the  bar  is  shown,  during  day- 
light, Irom  the  flagstaff,  100  ft.  high,  at  the  custom  house.  In  clear  weather 
these  signals  may  be  seen  by  vessels  over  the  land  before  crossing  the  outer 
bar.  The  flag  employed  is  square,  half  red  and  half  white,  in  combination 
with  one  or  more  black  balls,  distinguishing  the  depth,  as  follows  :  — 


*  The  code  (coloureJ)  can  be  oLtained  at  the  Harbour  Master's  office,  Shanghai. 


1120 


EIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 


Red  over  white,  black  ball  under 

18  feet 

White  next  mast,  no  ball 

15    „ 

Same          ,  black  ball  over 

23    „ 

Same          ,  black  ball  under 

16    „ 

^VTiite  over  red,  no  ball 

19    „ 

Same          ,  black  ball  over 

21    „ 

Same          ,  black  ball  under 

20    „ 

Ked  next  mast,  no  ball  .         .13  feet. 

Same  ,  black  ball  over      .  24  ,, 

Same  ,  black  ball  under  .14  „ 

Same  ,  balls  over  &  under  25  „ 

Same  ,  two  balk  under     .  26  „ 

Eed  over  white,  no  ball  .         .  1 7  „ 

Same         ,  black  ball  over     .  22  „ 

In  addition,  a  double  cone  is  hoisted  at  the  cross  trees  when  the  water  is 
rising. 

Extending  from  the  Inner  Bar  2  miles  up  the  river  is  the  Middle  Ground, 
a  shoal  which  divides  the  river  into  two  channels,  and  which  is  rapidly  in- 
creasing in  height.  A  great  portion  is  visible  at  half-tide,  and  a  considerable 
patch  of  reeds,  Gough  Island,  never  covers.  Between  it  and  the  eastern 
bank  of  the  river  is  the  narrow  ship  channel  leading  to  Shanghai.  Junk 
Channel,  S.W.  of  the  Middle  Ground,  saves  half  a  mile  in  distance,  but  its 
upper  end,  at  the  tail  af  the  Middle  Ground,  is  very  narrow,  with  only  6  or 
8  ft.  at  low  water,  so  that  it  should  only  be  taken  with  a  rising  tide. 

Above  the  Middle  Ground  the  banks  are  of  the  same  low  character  as  at 
the  entrance,  and  there  is  nothing  deserving  of  more  particular  description 
than  can  be  mentioned  in  the  subsequent  directions. 

Tides. — At  the  entrance  of  the  Wusung  Eiver  it  is  high  water,  full  and 
change,  at  O*"  30™;  springs  rise  15  ft.,  neaps  lOJ  ft.,  and  neaps  range  6  ft. 
At  Shanghai  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  0*"  40""  ;  springs  rise  10  ft., 
neaps  7  ft.,  and  neaps  range  6  It.  Vessels  drawing  18  ft.  can  cross  the 
Inner  Bar  at  any  high  water,  but  if  of  larger  draught  they  will  generally 
have  to  wait  for  spring  tides.  The  greatest  draught  ever  brought  up  to 
Shanghai  was  H.M.S.  Imperieuse,  drawing  24  ft.,  but  a  vessel  of  that  draught 
would  have  to  wait  for  the  springs  to  pass  either  up  or  downthe  river. 

DIRECTIONS. — As  pilots  are  always  in  attendance  at  the  entrance,  it 
would  not  be  prudent  for  a  stranger  to  enter  Wusung  River  without  one, 
for  its  shoals  are  constantly  undergoing  changes  from  the  alluvial  deposits. 
Approaching  the  entrance,  a  peaked  tower  or  Pagoda  near  the  small  walled 
town  of  Paushan,  and  just  seen  over,  will  be  observed  to  the  westward, 
and  this  pagoda  must  be  kept  W.  by  N.  ^  N.  (but  nothing  to  the  northward 
of  that  bearing)  to  clear  the  shoals  off  the  river's  mouth,  until  the  Wusung 
lighthouse  is  brought  S.W.  by  W.  |  W.  westerly,  on  which  course  vessels 
should  steer  in  over  the  bar  by  day ;  at  night  the  white  light  is  visible  over 
the  channel,  a  change  to  red  or  green  denoting  that  a  vessel  is  out  of  the 
channel  and  in  danger.  In  entering  pass  close  eastward  of  the  Wusung 
buoy  (leaving  it  on  the  starboard  hand),  for  the  deep-water  channel  here  is 
narrow,  and  composed  of  hard  substances.  After  passing  the  Wusung  buoy 
on  the  ebb  tide,  it  is  necessary  to  be  careful  that  a  vessel  be  not  set  too 
near  the  South  bank,  which  shoals  very  suddenly  and  is  rocky. 


SHAN  QHAI— DIRECTIONS.  1121 

Standing  into  the  river,  keep  well  over  to  the  western  shore,  and  keep  it 
aboard  as  far  as  Wusung  Creek,  when  a  mid-channel  course  may  be  steered 
rounding  Pheasant  Point.  Vessels,  except  of  very  shallow  draught,  should 
never  be  tempted  by  the  apparent  breadth  and  clearness  of  the  channel  to 
pass  on  the  East  side  of  the  junks,  which  sometimes  lie  thickly  anchored  in 
the  fairway  below  Wusung,  but  should  pass  through  the  midst  of  them  or 
by  the  western  shore,  which  is  steep-to. 

As  vessels  of  large  draught  are  obliged  to  cross  the  Inner  Bar  at  high 
water,  whilst  the  flood  tide  is  still  running  strongly,  care  must  be  taken  to 
alter  course  in  good  time,  say,  when  the  beacon  poles  bear  E.  by  S.  h  S.,  and 
not  to  allow  the  high  pole  to  come  to  the  southward  of  the  low  pole,  for  they 
are  very  close  together.  This  caution  applies  with  peculiar  force  to  sailing 
vessels,  for  the  flood  sweeps  up  the  river  and  towards  the  Middle  Ground 
with  great  strength,  4  knots  at  springs  and  2  knots  at  neaps.  If  intending 
to  wait  for  high  water,  be  careful  not  to  anchor  too  near  the  bar,  and  if  the 
vessel  is  of  large  draught,  it  will  be  better  to  anchor  below  Wusung,  so  as 
to  give  plenty  of  time  and  room  to  turn  the  ship  ;  for  with  a  strong  flood  a 
vessel  may  be  abreast  the  bar  before  her  head  is  the  right  way.  No  vessel 
of  any  size  should  attempt  to  pass  through  the  junks  or  across  the  bar  in 
light  winds  if  the  tide  is  running  strongly  ;  and  it  should  be  borne  in  mind 
that  both  flood  and  ebb  streams  continue  to  run  at  least  an  hour  after  the 
time  of  high  and  low  water  by  the  shore. 

To  cross  the  Inner  Bar  in  the  deepest  water,  12  ft.*'  at  low  water  springs, 
bring  the  high  and  low  beacon  poles  in  line  (or  at  night  the  white  and  red 
lights),  E.  f  S.,  and  when  over  the  bar  close  the  shore  to  three-quarters  of  a 
cable,  altering  course  as  recjuisite  so  as  to  preserve  the  same  distance  along 
the  East  bank  of  the  river  up  to  Black  Point,  3  miles  above  Gough  Island. 
The  narrowest  part  of  the  channel  is  abreast  Gough  Island,  the  dry  part  of 
the  Middle  Ground,  but  at  this  part  the  river  bank  is  very  steep. 

Blach  Point,  which  is  halfway  to  Shanghai,  serves  as  a  guide  in  passing 
up  the  river,  to  ascertain  the  vessel's  position,  the  banks  being  exceedingly 
low  and  flat,  so  also  does  the  old  earthwork  at  the  mouth  of  a  creek  a  little 
higher  up.  Here  the  eastern  shore  must  be  kept  well  aboard,  as  a  shelf 
stretches  two-thirds  across  from  the  opposite  side  ;  the  creek,  howeven 
should  not  be  passed  within  a  cable.  Continue  along  the  East  bank  at  a 
moderate  distance  until  the  houses  of  the  foreign  settlement  at  Shanghai  are 
in  full  view,  and  after  passing  the  lower  wharves,  if  not  intending  to  anchor 
to  wait  for  the  ebb  tide,  edge  over  W.  f  N.  towards  the  opposite  shore, 

*  Vessels  passing  Gough  Island  are  cautioned  to  keep  in  mid-channel  as  a  bank  has  been 
found  to  extend  about  half  a  cable  off  the  mouth  of  a  creek,  1,720  yards  S.E.  by  E.  \  E. 
from  the  high  beacon  of  the  Inner  Bar.  In  mid-channel  at  low  water  the  least  depth 
obtained  in  November,  1877,  was  25  feet. 

I.  A.  7  J> 


1122  RIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

steering  for  the  new  dock  well  below  the  American  Church,  distinguished 
by  its  square  tower,  and  keep  well  on  that  side  the  river  until  Suchau  Creek 
opens,  when  the  course  is  mid-channel,  round  Putung  Point, 

In  the  lower  part  of  Shanghai  Reach  fishing  boats  constantly  anchor  in  a 
line  across  the  river,  but  a  passage  is  always  kept  clear  for  vessels.  A  vessel 
will  generally  pass  southward  of  the  shipping  which  lie  in  the  upper  part  of 
this  reach. 

Vessels  going  up  with  the  last  of  the  flood  generally  anchor  below  the 
shipping,  and  remain  till  the  ebb  stream  makes  down,  which  does  not  take 
place  till  If  hour  after  high  water  by  the  shore ;  the  flood  stream  makes 
about  an  hour  after  low  water.  Steamers,  therefore,  or  sailing  vessels  with 
a  commanding  breeze  crossing  the  Inner  Bar  at  high  water  or  with  a  rising 
tide,  will  find  the  flood  stream  still  strong  in  Shanghai  Reach,  which  is  often 
so  crowded  with  shipping  that  it  would  be  almost  impossible  to  pass  through 
without  collision ;  and  pilots  are  not  allowed  to  bring  a  vessel  up  beyond 
the  lower  anchorage  until  they  have  ascertained  from  the  harbour  master 
where  her  berth  is  to  be.  Tugs  are  now  available  for  hire,  by  the  employ- 
ment of  which  the  risks  of  collision,  before  so  frequent,  are  in  a  great  mea- 
sure averted. 

The  space  in  front  of  the  British  Consulate,  at  the  entrance  of  the  Suchau 
Creek,  is  generally  clear  of  vessels,  and  always  looks  inviting,  especially  at 
slack  water,  but  it  should  be  avoided,  as  the  chow-chow  water,  caused  by 
the  sharp  bend  of  the  river  at  Pootung  Point,  renders  this  locality  insecure 
as  an  anchorage.  The  holding  ground  also  is  indiflferent,  the  anchors  are 
liable  to  come  home,  the  water  is  8  to  16  fathoms  deep,  and  a  vessel  is 
constantly  swinging  round  and  round,  so  that  whilst  endeavouring  to  moor, 
before  the  swivel  can  be  got  on,  she  may  have  taken  several  round  turns  in 
her  cables. 

The  best  berths  are  abreast  and  above  the  Chinese  custom  house,  along 
the  West  bank  of  the  river  on  which  the  city  stands.  The  tides  here  run 
with  regularity  and  with  less  strength,  and  a  fairway  along  the  eastern  bank 
is  left  clear.  Vessels  ought  to  be  moored  with  at  least  36  fathoms  on  each 
cable,  and  a  mooring  swivel  should  be  invariably  used.  A  heavy  fine  is  im- 
posed on  vessels  neglecting  this  precaution.  It  is  necessary  to  moor  taut,  as 
the  anchors  are  generally  found  to  come  home  after  some  time,  and  great  care 
must  be  taken  in  laying  the  anchors,  especially  in  long  ships,  in  order  to 
ensure  a  clear  berth. 

There  is  a  regular  berth  appropriated  for  the  British  senior  naval  officer's 
ship  ;  the  mooring  buoy  is  off  the  custom  house  in  9^  fathoms. 

SHANGHAI  is  situate  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Hwang-pu,  12  miles  above 
Wusung.  Vessels  of  24  feet  draught  can  sometimes  be  taken  up  to  the 
settlement  at  spring  tides,  but  there  is  no  trade  above  Shanghai  in  foreign 
bottoms.  The  port  of  Shanghai  extends  to  Wusung,  and  the  anchorage  for 
foreign  vessels, ^  called  the;j  harbour, l^extends]|^f or  4  •  miles  down  the  river. 


SHANGHAI— DIEECTIONS.  1123 

This  is  under  the  regulation  of  the  harbour  master,  an  officer  appointed  by 
the  Chinese  authorities,  who  retains  a  complete  conservancy  of  the  harbom*, 
its  dues,  customs,  and  duties,  a  condition  which  was  ratified  at  the  Treaty  of 
Tientsing  in  1858.  The  harbour  is  divided  into  nine  sections  (from  Upper 
Limit,  about  a  mile  above  Suchau  Creek,  where  a  mark  is  placed  defining 
the  foreign  boundary),  in  which  vessels  lie  tbree  abreast,  and  lettered  ac- 
cording to  their  positions.* 

Shanghai,  it  is  well  known,  is  the  most  important  centre  of  foreign  com- 
merce in  China.  It  has  risen  within  a  quarter  of  a  century  from  the  insig- 
nificant rank  of  a  third-class  city  to  the  fame  and  wealth  of  one  of  the  chief 
commercial  emporia  of  the  world.  It  was  always  a  considerable  place  of 
trade,  from  the  fact  of  its  being  the  nearest  seaport  to  the  great  city  of  Su- 
chau on  the  Grand  Canal,  45  miles  to  the  westward.  Situated  on  the  delta 
of  the  Yangtse,  and  having  water  communication  with  the  whole  empire, 
its  site  is  most  commanding.  Its  name  signifies  "  Upon  the  Sea,"  and 
although  it  is  now  25  miles  from  the  coast,  Chinese  annals  state  that  it  was 
once  upon  the  seashore,  and  the  low  land  which  now  intervenes  has  been 
gradually  formed  by  alluvial  deposits.  For  50  miles  around  the  city  there  is 
water  communication  with  the  interior  in  every  direction  by  the  numerous 
creeks  which  intersect  the  neighbouring  plain. 

The  foreign  settlement  is  entirely  distinct  from  the  native  city  in  its  boun- 
daries, government,  and  commerce.  The  French  concession  is  northward  of 
and  contiguous  to  the  city.  The  British  concession,  which  includes  all  the 
other  European  communities  and  consulates,  lies  between  the  Yang-king 
Pang  and  the  Suchau  Creek,  and  here  stands  the  British  consulate,  a  large 
square  building  near  the  bridge  which  crosses  the  latter  creek. 

The  quay  along  the  river  side  in  front  of  the  palatial  residences  of  the 
foreign  consuls  and  merchants,  nearly  a  mile  in  length,  is  called  the  Bund, 
in  the  centre  of  which,  recognisable  by  its  Chinese  architecture,  is  the  cus- 
tom house,  presided  over  by  the  foreign  inspectorate.  In  this  building  are 
the  offices  of  the  harbour  master,  and  of  the  engineer  who  has  the  superin- 
tendence of  all  matters  connected  with  lights,  buoys,  beacons,  &c.  The  cus- 
tom house  possesses  the  only  wharf  at  this  part  of  the  settlement  where 
cargo  boats  can  load  or  discharge  at  all  times  of  tide. 

The  American  concession,  locally  known  as  Hongkew,  extends  a  mile  up 
the  lower  bank  of  Suchau  Creek  and  along  the  river  side  eastward,  where 
are  situate  two  of  the  principal  docks,  the  Sailors'  Home,  and  many  of  the 
leading  firms  of  Shanghai.  The  Pootung  side  of  the  river  opposite  the 
settlement  is  also  common  to  all  foreigners.  At  the  point  is  a  look-out 
house  130  ft.  high ;  the  British  cemetery  is  a  little  below,  and  above  is  the 

*  Thus:  — S  Shantung  side,  C  centre,  P  Putung  side,  O  L  outside  limit;  a  list  is  pub* 
lished  daily  in  the  Shipping  Gazette,  so  that  any  vessel  in  the  river  can  be  easily  found. 


1124  ErVEE  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 

large  engineering  establishment  of  Messrs.  Muirhead  &  Co.,  and  the  finest 
dock  in  Shanghai. 

Time  Gun. — A  gun  is  ordinarily  fired  from  the  senior  naval  ofiicer's  ship 
at  mean  noon  precisely,  a  red  and  white  triangular  flag  being  previously 
hoisted.  Vessels  can  also  have  their  chronometers  rated  by  various  firms  on 
shore.  The  best  observing  place  is  the  British  Consulate,  near  the  flagstaff, 
in  lat.  31°  14'  42"  N.,  long.  121°  28'  55"  E. 

Docks. — There  are  three  large  docks  at  Shanghai.  Two  of  them,  docks  A 
and  B,  also  known  as  the  Old  and  New  Docks,  lie  at  Hongkew,*  on  the  left 
bank  of  the  river,  about  half  a  mile  apart.  They  belong  to  the  Shanghai 
Dock  Company,  and  their  dimensions  and  depth  of  water  are  as  follows  :— 

Dock  ^—Length  over  all,  374  ft.  ;  breadth,  60  ft. ;  depth  over  sill  at 
springs,  18  ft. ;  depth  over  sill  at  neaps,  13  ft.  Boch  B — length  over  all, 
385  ft. ;  breadth,  52  ft. ;  depth  over  sill  at  springs,  14  ft. ;  depth  over  sill  at 
neaps,  9  ft.  Every  appliance  for  repairing  iron  or  wood  vessels  and  machi- 
nery is  on  the  premises. 

Muirhead's  Dock  is  on  the  Pootung  side,  opposite  the  city.  Its  dimen- 
sions are,  length  over  all,  380  ft. ;  length  on  blocks,  340  ft.  ;  Width  at  top, 
125  ft.  ;  width  of  dock  entrance,  75  ft.  ;  depth  on  sill  at  springs,  21  ft.  ; 
depth  on  sill  at  neaps,  16  ft. 

There  is  also  a  complete  engineering  establishment  attached,  where  all 
repairs  of  vessels  and  machinery  can  be  effected. 

Trade,  Supplies,  &c. — Independently  of  an  enormous  traffic  in  general 
merchandise,  the  characteristic  feature  of  Shanghai  is  the  export  of  silk,  for 
which  staple  this  is  the  main  entrepot,  and  since  the  opening  of  the  Yangtse, 
the  trans-shipment  of  tea  brought  down  from  Hankow  by  steamer  or  of  im- 
ports and  Chinese  produce  for  the  various  river  and  northern  ports  cause  a 
great  concentration  of  foreign  shipping  here. 

Shanghai  toater  is  very  impure  and  sometimes  brackish,  containing  a  large 
q^uantity  of  organic  matter,  and  its  use  is  a  fertile  source  of  sickness  to  the 
crews  of  vessels.  If  obliged  to  use  it,  the  grosser  particles  may  be  precipi- 
tated by  a  small  quantity  of  powdered  alum.  Water  is  sometimes  procured 
from  the  Ta-hoo  lakes  and  sent  on  board  for  5s.  a  ton.  If  good  water  cannot 
be  procured  in  the  hot  season,  condensed  water  should  be  used  if  cholera  is 
prevalent. 

Provisions  are  plentiful  and  moderately  cheap,  and  the  markets  are  well 
supplied  with  beef,  mutton,  game,  fish  and  poultr3\  Vegetables  are  con- 
sidered unsafe  articles  of  diet,  in  consequence  of  sprinkling  them  during 
cultivation  with  liquid  manure,  and  the  fruit  is  of  poor  quality ;  for  these 
rice  is  the  best  substitute. 

*  Also  spelt  Honque. 


SHANGHAI— CLIMATE.  1125 

Coals  for  men-of-war  are  sent  alongside  from  the  naval  store  in  lighters 
and  put  aboard  by  coolies  under  contract  with  the  Chinese. 

The  general  hospital  is  on  the  French  Bund.  Seamen  are  received  into 
the  third  class  wards  at  a  charge  of  1-|  Mexican  dollars  per  day,  which 
covers  all  expenses  necessary  for  medical  treatment.  For  the  two  higher 
classes  of  wards  1^  and  3  taels  per  day  are  charged  respectively. 

CLIMATE. — The  advantage  enjoyed  by  Shanghai  from  its  position  in  the 
temperate  zone  of  China  is  in  a  great  measure  neutralised  by  its  low-lying 
site,  scarcely  raised  above  the  level  of  the  river,  aud  exposed  to  noxious 
marshy  exhalations. 

Crews  of  ships  stationed  at  Shanghai  suffer  both  from  the  malarial  in- 
fluences of  the  climate  and  the  impurity  of  the  water,  especially  in  the 
hot  season,  when  fever,  dysentery,  and  cholera  generally  prevail,  at  which 
time  precautionary  measures  are  found  to  be  instrumental,  in  a  great  de- 
gree, in  staving  off  fatal  results.  Frequently,  under  double  awnings,  the 
temperature  rises  to  95°  by  day,  remaining  above  85°  during  the  night,  and 
at  midsummer,  for  a  period  of  two  to  three  weeks,  it  often  rises  much 
higher.  This  is  the  most  trying  period,  and  many  cases  of  sunstroke  then 
occur.  In  July,  1863,  the  native  population  were  dying  of  Cholera  at  the 
rate  of  one  thousand  a  day,  It  is  therefore  of  the  highest  importance  that 
officers  in  command  should  be  prepared  to  adopt  needful  precautions. 
Properly  filtered  water  is  indispensable  to  health,  and  when  mixed  with 
oatmeal,  for  drinking  purposes,  has  been  found  to  be  very  beneficial.  Rigid 
attention  to  diet  should  be  strictly  observed,  excesses  of  every  kind  being 
in  the  highest  degree  prejudicial.  There  is  published  in  the  "  Treaty  Ports 
of  China,"  page  394,  from  the  pen  of  the  late  Dr.  Henderson,  an  article  on 
health,  which  contains  most  valuable  refiections  on  that  important  subject, 
the  preservation  of  health  in  China,  which  is  well  worthy  the  perusal  of 
officers  stationed  at  the  ports.  Without  entering  into  particulars  it  may  be 
stated  that  not  more  than  half  the  amount  of  food  is  required  to  sustain  the 
vital  energies  in  the  hot  months  as  during  the  cold,  that  then  the  food  can- 
not be  too  simple,  and  that  extreme  moderation  in,  almost  abstention  from, 
the  use  of  fruit  and  vegetables  in  season  is  necessary,  indulgence  in  them 
being  incompatible  with  health,  rice  being  quite  sufficient  for  all  piu'poses  of 
nutrition.  During  summer  and  autumn  the  power  of  the  digestive  organs 
is  weak,  and  a  moderate  indulgence  in  stimulants  is  requisite,  but  iced 
drinks  during  meals  are  very  injurious.  Tea  is  far  too  little  used ;  it  has  a 
gently  stimulating  influence,  and  is  not  followed,  as  in  the  case  of  alcoholic 
drinks,  by  a  corresponding  depression.  It  is  tonic  and  astringent,  and  its 
use  and  that  of  coffee  excite  respectively  the  nervous  and  cerebral  functions. 
But  above  all  things,  after  a  lengthened  stay,  change  to  a  more  bracing 
climate  is  essential  to  the  due  preservation  of  health 


1126 


EIVER  MIN  TO  SHANGHAI. 


Winds  and  Weather. — By  a  meteorological  register  kept  at  Shanghai,  the 
prevailing  winds  from  1848  to  1854  appear  to  have  been  as  follows  :  — 


January      -  N.E.  to  N.N.W.   and 

generally  N.N.W. 
February     -  N.E.    to     N.W.    and 

generally  N.W. 
March         -  N.E.  to  S.E.  and  vari- 
able. 
April  -  E.N.E.  to  S.E.  chiefly 

S.S.E.  and  variable. 


May  -  -  E.S.E.  to  S.S.E. 

June  -  -  S.E.  to  S.S.E. 

July  and  August  S.S.E. 

September  -  N.E.  to  E. 

October     -  -  N.E.  to  N.W. 

November  -  N.W.  and  variable. 

December  -  N.  to  N.W. 


January  is  in  general  fine  at  Shanghai.  In  February,  thick  fogs  occur. 
March  is  damp  and  disagreeable.  April  has  more  rainy  days  than  any 
other  month,  except  June,  which  is  the  wettest  month.  In  May  there  is 
but  little  rain,  and  that  little  occurs  in  heavy  showers.  July  is  hot,  dry, 
scorching,  with  considerable  rain  in  the  form  of  evening  thunder-showers. 
July  and  August  are  the  hottest  months.  In  September  the  S.W.  monsoon 
is  wholly  broken  up,  and  the  temperature  is  very  changeable.  In  November 
the  winter  fairly  sets  in,  the  first  frost  appearing  from  the  12th  to  the  20th. 
December  is  the  driest  month  of  the  year,  and  the  weather  clear  and 
freezing,  though  foga  are  of  occasional  occurrence.  In  May,  June,  and 
July  fogs  also  occur. 

The  summer  gales  are  strongest  from  the  S.E.,  and  generally  give  good 
notice,  the  barometer  beginning  to  fall  sometimes  as  much  as  24  hours  pre- 
viously. The  rules  for  judging  the  barometer  on  the  Chinese  coast  gene- 
rally hold  good  for  the  neighbourhood  of  Shanghai ;  a  rapid  fall  betokens  a 
gale,  and  a  high  range  the  continuance  of  northerly  winds.  Typhoons  rarely 
occur.  In  August,  1871,  one  passed  over  travelling  to  the  north-westward, 
the  greatest  force  of  wind  being  9.  Commencing  at  N.E.  the  wind  shifted 
to  W.N.W.  and  S.W.  Many  vessels  afterwards  arrived  either  totally  or 
partially  dismasted. 


WUSUNG  TO  HANKOW. 

The  navigation  of  the  Upper  Yangtse  must  be  manifestly  conducted  with 
much  local  and  recent  knowledge.  The  Admiralty  directions  for  this  portion 
will  therefore  not  be  given,  as  the  changes  in  the  river  channels  alone  would 
render  them  of  little  value  after  any  time  has  elapsed.  Many  difficulties 
and  troubles  have  arisen,  so  that  in  June,  1866,  the  following  letter  was  sent 
to  Lloyds  by  their  agents  at  Shanghai,  Messrs.  Dent  and  Co. — 

Many  disasters  have  occurred  to  tea  ships  that  have  gone  to  Hankow  this 
season  of  1866.  These  disasters  are  so  serious  that  we  think  the  attention 
of  the  underwriters  and  shipowners  should  be  directed  to  the  dangers  attend- 
ing the  navigation  of  the  Upper  Yangtse  for  sea-going  ships. 


THE  YANGTSE  KIANG.  1127 

During  the  winter  months  the  river  falls  so  low  that  in  some  places  the 
river  steamers  find  only  10  feet  of  water ;  the  channel  is  continually  shifting, 
forming  shallows  and  banks  where  a  few  weeks  previously  was  deep  water  ; 
thus  the  lightship  on  the  Lang  Shan  crossing,  one  of  the  most  difiicult  parts 
of  the  river,  had  recently  to  be  moved  half  a  mile.  The  water  begins  to 
rise  towards  the  end  of  March,  but  sometimes  falls  again  till  the  middle  of 
May,  and  from  fhat  period  till  the  end  of  July  the  rise  goes  on  steadily  with 
a  very  strong  current.  It  follows,  therefore,  that  ships  can  only  go  up  and 
down  with  any  degree  of  safety  when  towed  by  powerful  steamers,  adapted 
to  take  the  vessels  alongside,  and  in  charge  of  captains  and  pilots  continually 
employed  on  the  river. 

It  is,  however,  not  only  the  passage  up  and  down  that  is  attended  with 
danger ;  there  is  also  great  danger  to  ships  while  at  anchor  off  Hankow, 
owing  to  the  strength  and  eddies  of  the  current,  caused  by  the  proximity 
of  the  anchorage  to  the  mouth  of  the  Eiver  Han ;  this  season  the  current 
has  been  unusually  strong  (6  to  7  knots)  and  hence  the  greater  number  of 
accidents. 


CHAPTEE    XXIV. 


FROM  THE  YANGTSE  KIANG  TO  THE  LIAU-TUNG  GULF. 

The  great  length  of  coast  described  in  the  present  chapter,  about  1,000 
miles  in  extent,  -was  very  little  known  to  Europeans  till  within  the  last  few 
years.  The  early  visits  of  the  British  embassies  to  China  had  added  little 
to  the  information  given  by  the  Jesuit  missionaries,  and  it  is  only  since  the 
warfare  which  led  to  the  treaty  of  Tientsin,  that  hydrographical  knowledge 
of  the  coasts  has  been  obtained.  The  low  shores  of  the  province  of  Kiang- 
tse,  the  southern  portion  of  the  great  delta  of  the  Hoang-ho,  is  still  a  terra 
incognita  barred  from  access  to  shipping  by  vast  ranges  of  shoals,  extending 
80  or  90  miles  off  the  dry  land,  but  which,  as  is  the  case  with  most  other 
diluvial  areas,  is  probably  intersected  by  numerous  channel,  which  must 
for  all  time  be  most  difficult  to  navigate  in  the  absence  of  buoys  and 
marks. 

The  Tung-liai,  or  Eastern  Sea  of  the  Chinese,  although  recognised  by  geo- 
graphers, is  scarcely  known  by  that  name  to  navigators.  It  comprises  the 
space  lying  between  the  Yellow  Sea  and  the  Pacific,  being  separated  from 
the  former  by  an  imaginary  line  joining  the  mouth  of  the  Yangtse  and  the 
Korea,  and  from  the  latter  by  the  chain  of  islands  stretching  from  Kiusiu 
(Japan)  to  Luchu  and  Formosa.  Its  climate  is  temperate,  though  subject  to 
gales  and  occasional  snow  storms  in  winter  ;  the  summer  season  is  fine,  and 
it  is  not  within  the  limit  of  the  typhoons.  Its  currents,  beyond  the  influence 
of  the  Yangtse  and  coast  tides,  seem  to  be  irregular,  except  in  its  eastern 
part,  through  which  the  Japan  stream  flows  north-eastward  from  Formosa 
towards  the  Pacific  along  the  southern  shores  of  Japan,  and  northward  with 
some  regularity,  especially  in  the  summer  season,  through  Korea  Strait. 

The  Whang-hai,  or  Yellow  Sea,  is  bounded  on  the  "West  by  the  deep  bight 
of  the  coast  formed  between  the  Yangtse  and  the  Shantung  promontory, 
and  on  the  East  by  the  coast  of  Korea.  This  sea  was  little  frequented  by 
foreign  vessels  previous  to  1858,  but  since  that  year  all  the  prominent  fea- 
tures of  its  coast  have  been  surveyed  or  examined,  and  the  dangers  of  it  are 
now  sufficiently  well  known,  to  answer  the  requirements  of  safe  navigation 


GULFS  OF  PE-CHILI  AND  LTAU-TUNG.  1129 

between  the  treaty  ports  of  China  and  Japan.  The  Korean  coast  and  200 
miles  of  an  unapproachable  shore  North  of  the  Yangtse  still  remain  un- 
explored, but  they  are  rarely  approached  by  the  mariner,  and  it  is  to  be 
hoped  that  a  better  knowledge  of  these  localities  may  lead  to  the  discovery 
of  some  new  harbours,  of  which  the  coasts  are  somewhat  deficient,  although 
there  are  many  excellent  anchorages  There  is  a  considerable  coasting  trade 
carried  on  principally  with  Shanghai,  Ningpo,  and  Tientsin,  and  also  with 
Ta-kusan  in  the  Korea. 

Gulfs  of  Fe-chiU  and  Liau-tung. — The  head  of  the  Yellow  Sea  branches  out 
into  a  double-headed  gulf,  one  head  extending  to  the  West  150  miles,  the 
other  about  the  same  distance  to  the  N.E.,  forming  a  great  inland  sea, 
known  to  the  Chinese  as  the  Peh-hai  or  North  sea.  The  southern  part  of 
this  sea  has  received  from  foreigners  the  name  of  the  Gulf  of  Pe-chili,  and 
the  north-eastern  part  that  of  the  Gulf  of  Liau-tung.  At  its  entrance  the 
coasts  approach  within  55  miles  of  each  other,  and  the  space  between  is 
called  Pe-chili  Strait,  the  southern  part  of  which  is  occupied  by  the  Miau- 
tau  group. 

The  shores  of  the  Gulf  of  Liau-tung  were  almost  a  terra  incognita  to  Euro- 
peans until  the  year  1793,  when  H.M.S.  Discovery  and  Alceste  navigated  its 
southern  portion  and  anchored  in  Halu-shan  Bay.  In  August,  1855,  H.M.S. 
Bittern  sailed  along  the  eastern  coast  and  anchored  in  Fu-chu  Bay  and  off 
the  port  of  Newchwang.  Subsequently,  in  July,  1859,  a  survey  was  made 
by  Commander  J.  Bythesea,  H.M.S.  Cruiser,  and  Major  A.  Fisher,  Royal 
Engineers,  of  part  of  the  western  coast  from  the  Great  Wall  of  China  to  the 
Chi  ho,  25  miles  South  of  the  Pei  ho.  The  remaining  shores  were  surveyed 
in  the  fall  of  the  year  1860  by  Commander  J.  Ward,  Lieut.  C.  Bullock,  E.N., 
and  officers  of  H.M.S.  Actceon,  Dove,  and  Cruiser. 

The  Gulf  of  Pe-chili  borders  the  north-eastern  margin  of  the  great  plaia 
along  the  shores  of  the  provinces  of  Shantung  and  Chili,  receiving  several 
rivers,  chief  amongst  which  is  the  Yellow  Eiver.  At  its  head  is  the  entrance 
of  the  Pei  ho,  on  which  river  stands  Peking,  the  capital  of  the  empire,  and 
also  the  opulent  city  and  treaty  port  of  Tientsin.  The  Gulf  of  Liau-tung  is 
the  continuation  of  a  great  valley  of  Manchuria,  lying  between  two  mountain 
chains  in  the  province  of  Shing-king  or  Liau-tung,  which  encompasses  its 
sides.  The  Liau  ho  falls  into  the  head  of  this  gulf,  on  which  river,  at  its 
entrance,  stands  Yingtze,  the  treaty  port  of  Newchang. 

WINDS  and  WEATHER.— The  climates  of  the  Eastern  and  Yellow  Seas 
are  in  most  respects  identical,  although  there  is  considerable  variation  be- 
tween their  remote  extremes,  viz.,  the  region  about  Formosa  and  Lu-chu  in 
the  one  and  that  of  the  coast  of  Shantung  in  the  other. 

In  the  Yellow  Sea,  near  the  coasts,  the  winds  throughout  the  greater  part 
of  the  year  are  local.     Between  Shanghai  and  the  Korea,  and  almost  em- 
I.  A.  7  b 


11.30  YANGTSE  KIANG  TO  THE  LIAU-TUNG  GULF. 

bracing  the  Shantung  promontory,  in  December  and  January,  it  blows  almost 
constantly  from  the  N.W.  (seldom  ranging  beyond  North  and  W.S.W.), 
■with  gales  of  long  duration  from  North  to  N.W.,  sometimes  with  fine,  but 
generally  with  overcast,  gloomy  weather  attended  with  rain.  Towards  the 
China  coast  the  wind  follows  more  the  trend  of  the  shore,  and  between 
Shanghai  and  the  Gulf  of  Pe-chili,  Captain  Goodenough,  of  H.M.S.  Renard, 
which  ran  the  mails  in  that  season,  states  that  a  fresh  N.N.E.  wind  blew 
almost  incessantly  until  the  end  of  February,  when  it  veered  more  to  the 
eastward.  There  are,  however,  breaks  in  this  regularity.  Snow  is  rare  at 
Shanghai,  but  the  mountains  and  coasts  of  Shantung  and  the  Korea  are 
covered  with  it  in  January,  February,  and  part  of  March,  and  high  lands 
remain  covered  later. 

In  the  Eastern  Sea,  in  the  spring  and  until  June,  moderate  winds  from  East 
prevail,  bringing  rain  and  drizzle,  generally  when  the  wind  veers  a  little  to 
the  northward,  also  occasional  stiff  N.E.  breezes ;  S.W.  winds  occur  but 
rarely,  but  bring  fine  weather  for  short  intervals.  Later  in  the  season  the 
winds  are  variable,  inclining  chiefly  to  S.E.,  with  occasional  N.W.  breezes. 
Towards  Japan  it  is  recorded  that  westerly  winds  prevailed  at  the  end  of 
July.  Early  in  September,  the  winds  prevail  between  E.N.E.  and  South, 
and  strong  easterly  gales  have  been  known,  but  are  very  unusual. 

In  the  Gulfs  of  Pechili  and  Liau-tung  it  appears  that  the  climate  is  temperate 
and  agreeable  in  summer,  and  severe  and  stormy  in  winter,  but  the  latter  is 
of  only  four  months  duration.  The  coasts  are  then  covered  with  snow,  which 
begins  to  melt  in  March,  snow  storms  occurring  as  late  as  the  end  of  Feb- 
ruary, and  showers  until  the  middle  of  March,  when  the  winter  season  breaks 
up.  At  the  head  of  the  Gulf  of  Liau-tung  the  ice  lasts  4  J  months,  from  the 
middle  of  November  to  the  end  of  March. 

A  dry  season  then  commences,  with  scarcely  any  rain  during  the  summer 
months ;  light  winds,  exceedingly  variable  and  of  short  duration  in  any 
quarter,  prevailing.  About  the  autumnal  equinox,  there  are  symptoms  of 
unsettled  weather,  and  westerly  winds  prevail,  with  occasional  short  gales. 

TIDES  and  CTJERENTS.— The  tidal  wave  appears  to  come  in  to  the 
Yellow  Sea  from  the  south-eastward  in  the  form  of  a  tongue,  making  high 
water  at  the  Shantung  promontory  only  2  hours  later  than  at  Gutzlaff  Island, 
although  it  is  several  hours  later  on  the  intermediate  coasts.  The  rise  at 
Gutzlaff  is  15  ft.,  but  at  the  promontory  only  6  ft.  ;  whilst  opposite  on 
the  Korean  coast  it  rises  to  20,  and  in  one  place  even  30  ft.  ;  a  phenomenon 
almost  exactly  similar  to  that  which  occurs  in  the  English  and  Irish 
Channels. 

The  flood  sets  West,  and  the  ebb  East,  along  the  Shantung  coast,  to  within 
100  miles  of  the  ancient  or  southern  outlet  of  the  Yellow  River;  but  the 
rotatory  tides  of  the  Yangtse  have  been  observed  off  shore,  120  miles  North 
of  the  latter.    In  lat.  33°  15'  N.,  long.  122°  16'  E.,  70  miles  from  the  coast, 


THE  YELLOW  RIVER  OR  WHANG  HO.  1131 

and  127  miles  North  (true)  of  the  Ariadne  Rock,  it  was  high  water,  full  and 
change,  about  1  o'clock,  and  the  rise  and  fall  about  9  ft.  During  the  whole 
rise  and  fall  of  the  afternoon  tide,  it  set  from  N.N.W.  to  N.N.E.  at  a  maxi- 
mum of  nearly  2  knots,  and  being  nearly  slack  for  two  hours;  and  during 
the  whole  a.m.  rise  and  fall,  it  set  weakly  to  the  southward  for  13  hours; 
making  one  complete  revolution  in  24  hours.  These  tides  were  observed  in 
December,  and  are  recorded  chiefly  with  the  hope  that  more  light  may  be 
thrown  upon  them  by  others.  A  stiff  S.W.  wind  was  blowing  at  the  time, 
which  may  account  for  the  weakness  of  the  southerly  current,  as  it  is  well 
known  that  in  the  northerly  monsoon  the  southerly  set  predominates. 

The  YELLOW  RIVER  or  WHANG  HO  is  little  inferior  to  the  Yangtse 
in  magnitude,  being  nearly  2,500  miles  in  length,  but  beyond  250  miles 
from  the  sea  it  is  totally  unnavigable,  and  is  alike,  at  present,  the  most  use- 
less and  impracticable  river  in  the  world.  Flowing  through  the  midst  of  a 
densely  peopled  and  highly  cultivated  country,  this  remarkable  river  ofiPers 
no  facilities  for  navigation  throughout  a  great  extent  of  its  course,  and  it 
has  gained  the  apt  and  striking  name  of  "  China's  Sorrow,"  on  account  of 
the  exposure  of  the  great  plain  (which  its  lower  course  traverses)  to  disas- 
tious  inundations,  which  are  a  perpetual  source  of  wasteful  expenditure  to 
the  government  and  of  peril  and  calamity  to  the  people.  It  is  but  little  used 
by  the  Chinese  for  navigation,  and  the  cities  on  its  banks  are  in  constant 
jeopardy  of  being  submerged.  Foreign  skill  and  science  are  necessary  to 
teach  the  people  how  to  restrain  its  fury,  and  western  steamers  alone  can 
stem  its  impetuous  current  and  make  it  a  channel  for  commerce. 

Between  the  Yangtse  and  Yellow  Rivers  the  coast  for  150  miles  is  low,  and 
intersected  by  numerous  streams.  The  Grand  Canal  connects  the  two  rivers 
at  their  nearest  point  of  approach  to  each  other,  where  they  are  only  75  miles 
apart.  The  canal  is  raised  considerably  above  the  plain  at  Whaingan  on  the 
Y^ellow  River,  a  little  below  the  Hunjjtse  lake,  and  45  miles  above  the  river's 
mouth,  and  thence  falls  to  the  level  of  the  Yangtse  at  Chin-kiang  fu. 

The  whole  of  this  low  coast  is  fronted  by  extensive  flats  and  shoal  banks, 
projecting  in  some  places  above  60  miles  from  the  land,  and  rendering  the 
approach  dangerous  for  vessels  of  large  draught  until  better  known,  although 
there  may  probably  be  channels  among  the  banks  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
the  coast  frequented  by  the  native  trading  vessels.  They  all  lie  West  of  the 
meridian  of  122°  E.,  except  off  the  northern  entrance  of  the  Yangtse  and 
Tsung-ming.  H.M.S.  Highflijer,  July,  1859,  had  soundings  of  12  fathoms, 
abreast  of  and  100  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  Yellow  River. 

On  various  Chinese  maps  four  hills  or  islands  are  represented  at  from  30 
to  50  miles  northward  of  the  Yellow  River  entrance.  Two  of  these  were 
sighted  by  the  Dove  on  making  the  coast  in  December,  1861,  and  their  posi- 
tions approximately  fixed.  The  north-eastern  one  is  in  about  35°  N.,  long. 
119'  40'  E.,  and  probably  agrees  with  the  Chinese  Ying-ya-inun.     It  is  about 


1132  TANGTSE  KIANG  TO  THE  LIAU-TUNG  GULF. 

a  mile  in  extent,  has  a  flat  rugged  top  with  abrupt  sides,  as  if  of  sandstone 
formation,  and  is  100  or  200  ft.  high. 

A  smaller  islet  or  rock,  of  conical  shape,  probably  the  Chinese  Nai-nai- 
shan,  was  also  seen  from  the  mast-head,  about  10  miles  S.W.  of  Ying-yu- 
mun.  If  the  other  two  exist,  they  are  Mun-li-shan  lying  South  of  Ying-yu- 
mun,  and  Kai-shan,  S.E.  of  it  and  the  more  distant  of  the  two.  To  the 
South  and  East  of  Kai-shan  (probably  Yu-chu  of  the  Admiralty  chart),  and 
between  it  and  the  Ta  sha,  many  ridges  of  sand  are  delineated  on  a 
Chinese  map. 

The  coast  North  of  these  islands,  though  not  steep-to,  may  be  approached 
with  a  proper  degree  of  caution.  The  water  is  clear  (as  to  sedimentary 
matter),  and  the  bottom  gravelly  to  the  northward  of  the  banks  above 
mentioned. 

The  southernmost  point  of  the  coast  of  Shantung  approached'  by  a  Euro- 
pean vessel  is  in  lat.  35°  10'  N.,  long.  119°  18' E.  The  shore  here  is  low  and 
undulating,  with  detached  hill  ranges,  1,000  to  1,500  ft.  high,  which  recede 
from  the  coast  at  a  point  10  miles  North  of  this,  and  were  also  seen  stretch- 
ing to  the  southward,  to  within  60  miles  of  the  Yellow  River.  A  track 
survey  only  was  made  from  this  to  Kyau-chau  Bay,  and  many  of  the  names 
on  the  Chinese  maps  could  not  be  identified. 

The  character  of  the  whole  of  the  shore,  hereabouts,  is  generally  low  at 
the  coast  line,  with  projecting  reefs ;  there  are  sandy  bays  between  the 
points ;  and  isolated  hills  standing  on  low  plains,  which  gradually  attain 
toward  the  northward  the  altitude  of  mountains. 

Tower  Point,  in  lat.  35°  20'  N.,  is  so  named  from  a  conspicuous  square- 
tower  standing  on  a  low  hill.  The  point  is  low  and  rocky,  and  two  reefs 
extend  a  considerable  distance  oflF  it,  but  they  may  be  passed  at  a  mile  in 
7  fathoms.  There  are  also  reefs  of  considerable  extent  skirting  the  coast  for 
6  miles  North  of  Tower  Point.  About  N.W.  by  W.  12  miles  and  N.  by  W. 
6  miles  from  the  point  are  two  conspicuous  isolated  hills,  6  miles  apart,  re- 
epectively  1,000  and  800  ft.  in  height;  that  nearest  the  coast  slopes  towards 
the  sea,  and  terminates  eastward  in  a  bluflP,  which  is  the  southern  point  of 
entrance  of  a  large  open  bay  9  miles  across  and  7  miles  deep,  the  north- 
eastern point  of  which  is  low  and  very  rocky,  with  an  island  off  it  similar  in 
character.  West  3  miles  from  the  latter  point  a  reef  was  seen  fully  a  mile- 
in  extent,  and  beyond  it,  under  some  low  cliff-sided  hills  on  the  North 
shore  of  the  bay,  is  a  junk  anchorage. 

North-east  of  this  reef  point  is  the  anchorage  of  Wang-kia-tai,  a  long 
narrow  bay  affording  shelter  from  North  and  N.E.  winds  in  from  3  to  5 
fathoms,  mud.  The  temple  of  Lung-wang,  on  the  shore  of  the  bay,  is  in 
lat.  35°  39'  N.,  long.  119°  48'  E.  The  shores  of  the  headland  East  of  Wang- 
kia-tai  are  low  and  rocky,  except  on  the  sea  coast,  where  there  are  two  hills 
600  and  400  feet  high,  the  latter  or  south-eastern  having  a  nipple  on  it. 


THE  YELLOW  EIYER  OE  WHANG  HO.  1133 

Pinnacle  Range,  1,600  ft.  in  height,  is  on  the  coast,  about  11  miles  N.  by  E 
of  Lang-yi  tau.  Between  this  and  Lang-yi  tau  is  a  large  bay  with  sandy 
shores.  The  next  13  miles  of  shore  to  the  north-eastward  has  not  been  ex- 
plored, but  from  thence  to  Staunton  Island  the  coast  has  been  regularly  sur- 
veyed, commencing  from  the  cape  northward  of  Tolosan.  Pinnacle  Range 
would  appear  to  be  the  Chinese  Lingshan.  To-lo-sati  Island,  lying  about 
N.E.  by  E.  15  miles  from  Lang-yi-tau,  rises  to  an  elevation  of  1,700  ft. 

Tcha-lien-tau,  in  lat.  35°  54i'  N.,  long.  120°  53'  E.,  is  S.S.E.  I  E.  16J  miles 
from  Cape  Ya-tau,  the  nearest  land,  and  E.  by  S.  19^  miles  from  Tai-kung 
tau,  off  the  entrance  of  Kyau-chau  Bay.  The  island  is  1  mile  in  length, 
N.E.  and  S.W.,  and  very  narrow  ;  at  its  centre  is  a  small  even-topped  hill, 
182  ft.  high,  and  its  eastern  end  is  a  detached  bluff. 

Tai-kunq  tau  is  an  island,  341  ft.  high,  10  miles  E.S.E.  of  Cape  Evelyn, 
the  South  point  of  entrance  to  Kyau-chau  Bay,  and  S.W.  ^  S.,  16  miles  from 
Cape  Ya-tau.  It  is  of  smooth  and  rounded  outline,  and  from  all  points  of 
view  greatly  resembles  a  haycock.  W.N.W.  half  a  mile  from  it  is  a  round 
islet,  103  ft.  high  ;  and  W.S.W.  6  cables  from  the  islet  is  a  rock  which  covers 
at  high  water,  surrounded  by  a  reef  extending  4  cables  to  the  S.S.W.,  which 
at  other  times  of  tide  is  partly  dry  and  partly  awash.  It  is  recommended  to 
give  this  island  a  berth  of  2  miles  when  passing  westward  of  it. 

Siau-kung  tau,  lying  5  miles  E.N.E.  from  Tai-kung  tau,  and  S.W.  \  S. 
10^  miles  from  Cape  Ya-tau,  is  a  large,  flat,  square  mass  of  rock,  rising 
sheer  from  the  sea  to  the  height  of  78  ft.,  and  apparently  bold-to  on  all  sides^ 
with  15  fathoms  water  at  3  cables'  distance. 

Round  Island,  172  ft.  high,  lying  South  of  the  West  point  of  entrance  to 
Kyau-chau  Bay,  at  2  miles  from  the  shore,  is  of  semi-circular  profile,  and 
conspicu(ms  on  that  account.  About  a  quarter  of  a  mile  West  of  it,  and 
Connected  at  low  water,  is  another  island,  larger,  but  only  100  ft.  high, 
hnving  a  level  top,  and  inhabited.  Off  the  East  side  of  Round  Islet  are  two 
low  islets. 

Dangerous  Rock,  bearing  N.  f  E.  3  miles  from  the  summit  of  Round  Island^ 
and  S.E.  f  S.  IJ  mile  fi-om  the  West  entrance  point  of  Kyau-chau  Bay,  is 
just  covered  at  high  water  springs,  and  has  deep  water  on  all  sides.  At  1 
mile  W.S.W.  of  it,  and  half  a  mile  off  shore,  is  another  rock  which  covers  at 
6  ft.  rise  of  tide.  Between  these  two  rocks  there  is  a  passage  of  13  fathoms 
water,  with  the  point  bearing  N.N.W.,  but  it  is  more  prudent  to  keep  out- 
side or  eastward  of  Dangerous  Rock. 

Swallow  Bank,  of  26  ft.  least  water  and  half  a  mile  in  extent,  lies  N.E.  f  N., 
4  miles  from  Round  Island,  and  E.S.E.  3  miles  from  the  West  point  of 
entrance.  This  bank  appears  to  be  formed  by  deposits  from  the  bay.  To 
pass  North  of  it,  keep  the  summit  of  Sishan  touching  Cape  Evelyn  W.  by  N. 
nearly.     A  good  mark  to  lead  between  it  and  Dangerous  Rock  is  the  highest 


1134  YANOTSE  KIANG  TO  THE  LTAU-TUNG  GULF. 

and  northern  summit  of  Chi-po-san,  touching  Pile  Point  a  little  eastward  of 
Cape  Evelyn,  about  N.W.  by  W. 

Wei  Hal  or  Kyau-Chau  Bay,  the  entrance  of  which  is  on  the  West  coast 
of  the  Yellow  Sea,  in  lat.  36°  2'  N.,  long  120°  18'  E.,  is  a  spacious  harbour, 
and  one  of  the  best  sheltered  on  the  East  coast  of  China,  its  area  at  high 
tide  being  about  140  square  miles,  and  the  anchorage  perfectly  landlocked. 
It  is  partially  frozen  over  during  the  severe  winter  season. 

There  will  be  no  difficulty  in  recognizing  the  entrance  to  this  bay  in  clear 
weather,  either  when  approaching  from  North  or  South,  for  at  17  miles  east- 
ward of  it,  the  Loshan  Mountain,  which  is  3,530  ft.  high,  and  extends  North 
almost  the  same  height  for  a  mile,  forms  an  unmistakeable  landmark.  Oa 
a  nearer  approach  the  rugged  top  of  the  Lungshan  Mountain,  1,146  ft.  high, 
will  appear  as  a  prominent  and  singular  feature,  and  a  little  farther  west- 
ward, and  immediately  over  the  North  side  of  entrance,  is  Nubhle  Hill,  490. 
feet  high,  with  a  large  stone  on  its  summit.  At  1 1  miles  westward  of  tho 
entrance,  the  Tamo-shan,  or  High  Dotiile  Mountain,  of  smooth  outline,  rises  to 
the  height  of  2,249  ft.,  and  is  very  conspicuous,  showing  a  double  summit 
i'rom  the  eastward  ;  this  range  runs  North,  and  meets  the  summit  of  Sishan,, 
a  mountain  1,096  ft.  high.  At  3  miles  W.N.W.  from  Cape  Evelyn,  the  South 
point  of  entrance,  is  Chi-po-san  Island,  which  is  the  first  low  land  recognized 
after  passing  the  entrance. 

Bay  Rock,  covering  at  3  ft.  rise  of  tide,  lies  W.  by  N.  ^  N.  1|  mile  from 
Cape  Evelyn,  and  S.W'  f  W.  nearly  2  miles  from  the  South  point  of  Yu- 
nui-san.  This  rock  may  almost  be  called  a  hidden  danger,  as  it  is  covered 
at  low  water  neaps.  To  pass  North  of  it,  keep  Tai-kung-tau  well  open  of 
Cape  Evelyn. 

Horseshoe  Bock  is  the  most  off-lying  donger  on  the  East  shore  of  the  bay, 
from  which  it  is  distant  half  a  mile.  It  covers  at  5  ft.  rise  of  tide,  and  from 
its  N.W.  horn  the  West  extreme  of  Yu-nui-san  bears  S.  by  W.  ^  W.  2 
miles,  and  the  summit  of  Chi-po-san  W.S.W.  3^  miles.  The  summits  of 
Tung-lau-shan  and  Gau-shan  in  line,  and  open  westward  of  Woman's  Island, 
N.E.  ^  E.,  lead  3  cables  to  the  westward  of  it. 

Woman^s  Island,  1 5  ft.  high,  and  on  the  same  shore  of  the  bay,  is  nearly 
2|  miles  S.W.  J  W.  from  Gau-shan  summit,  and  2|  miles  N.W.  i  N.  from 
Nubble  Hill.  Its  North  and  West  sides  are  fringed  with  rocks,  which  dry 
at  low  water,  and  it  is  connected  with  the  mainland  by  an  extensive  mud 
flat.  At  4  cables  S.W.  by  W.  |  W.  from  the  centre  of  the  island  is  a  rock 
which  covers  at  10  ft.  rise  of  tide. 

Supplies. — Almost  any  necessary  supplies  can  be  obtained  at  the  village  of 
Chiug-tau-kow,  which  stands  in  a  bight  on  the  North  side  of  entrance  of 
Kyau-chau  Bay,  1  mile  West  of  Nubble  Hill.  Clear  and  good  water  can 
be  obtained  by  digging  above  high  water  mark  in  the  sandy  bay  on  the 
East  »ide  of  Chi-po-san  and  South  of  its  summit. 


THE  YELLOW  RIVER  OR  WHANG  HO  1135 

Directions. — Vessels  navigating  in  the  vicinity  of  Kyau-chau  Bay  may 
soon  find  sheltor  in  heavy  north-easterly  gales.  Having  made  out  the  land, 
it  will  be  best  to  hug  the  shore  to  insure  smooth  water,  and,  if  necessary, 
anchorage  may  be  found  in  8  to  10  fathoms,  muddy  bottom,  anywhere 
between  the  entrance  of  the  bay  and  Lo-shan  Harbour,  which  is  S.W.  of 
Lo-shan  Mountain.  The  low  islet  Chuen-si-san,  about  15  ft.  high,  lying 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  off  the  shore,  in  a  S.E.  direction  from  the  summit 
of  the  Lung-shan  Mountain,  and  8  miles  eastward  of  the  entrance,  should 
always  be  left  to  the  northward. 

The  first  anchorage  where  junks  resort  is  S.E.  2  miles  from  Tungshan,  on 
the  North  side  of  the  entrance  in  Ching-tau-kau  Bay.  Small  vessels  can 
anchor  amongst  the  junks,  but  vessels  of  large  draught  should  anchor  in  8 
or  9  fathoms,  muddy  bottom,  with  the  small  island  on  the  East  side  of  the 
bay  bearing  about  N.N.E.  one-third  of  a  mile. 

The  large  bay  on  the  South  side  within  the  entrance,  between  Cape  Eve- 
lyn and  Chi-po-san  Island,  which  might  be  considered  an  outer  harbour, 
affords  excellent  shelter  from  easterly  winds,  round  South  to  N.W. 

The  coast  eastward  of  Kyau-chau  Bay,  .which  extends  E.  by  N.  22  miles 
and  terminates  in  Cape  Ya-tau,  is  the  southern  face  of  a  mountainous  penin- 
sula, which  is  indented  with  several  bays,  and  has  many  off-lying  islands  and 
reefs,  but  there  is  anchorage  all  along  at  a  moderate  distance  from  the  shore, 
the  soundings  for  the  most  part  decreasing  gradually.  During  the  summer 
months  it  would  be  highly  imprudent  to  anchor  on  this  exposed  coast,  with 
the  chance  of  being  caught  in  a  S.E.  or  easterly  gale.  In  the  summer  of 
1865  the  winds  from  E.N.E.  to  S.E.  were  very  frequent,  at  times  blowing  a 
hard  gale,  but  these  gales  are  seldom  of  more  than  12  hours'  duration.  In 
winter  the  winds  are  from  N.N.E.  to  N.W.,  chiefly  in  the  latter  quarter  near 
the  land,  but  in  the  former  in  the  ofiing,  although  a  S.W.  gale  of  a  few 
hours'  duration,  veering  to  South,  is  not  unknown. 

Supplies  can  be  obtained  from  any  of  the  villages  along  the  coast  at  moderate 
prices.  Grapes  and  pears  are  clieap  and  plentiful.  Good  bread  can  also  be 
procured,  and  late  in  the  season  hares  and  wild  fowl  may  be  obtained. 
Water  is  not  good.  In  Loshan  Bay,  in  August,  H.M.S.  Swallow  watered  at 
a  small  stream  N.W.  of  Boulder  Hill,  but  the  supply  was  poor,  and  it  had 
to  be  carried  a  considerable  distance  in  barricoes.  Several  cases  of  dysentery, 
one  terminating  fatally,  were  ascribed  to  this  cause. 

Cape  Adkins,  the  north-eastern  point  of  Loshan  Bay,  is  a  steep,  cliffy 
head,  the  smooth  summit  of  which,  239  ft.  high,  terminates  a  small  range 
or  ridge  of  hills  running  eastward  of  Boulder  Hill.  On  the  northern  part 
of  the  cape,  which  is  rather  low,  is  a  small  square  tower ;  the  southern  point 
of  the  cape  is  an  abrupt  cliff,  bold-to.  A  small  round  islet,  connected  with 
the  mainland  at  low  water  by  a  spit  of  shingle,  lies  1  mile  N.N.E.  from  the 
eape. 


1136  YANGTSE  KIANG  TO  THE  LIAU-TUNG  GULP. 

Ka-tih-nian,  an  isolated  island,  lies  off  Loshan  Bay,  12  miles  E.  by  N.  of 
Cape  Yatau,  and  about  the  same  distance  from  Cape  Adkins.  From  the 
other  two  islands  in  the  offing,  Tcha-lien-tau  and  Surveyor's  Island,  it  bears 
respectively  N.  by  E.  ^  E.  17|  miles,  and  W.  by  S.  22  miles.  It  is  a  small 
island,  243  ft.  high,  with  a  smaller  island,  about  100  ft.  high,  lying  3  cables 
S.  by  W.  from  it,  with  a  passage  between  carrying  12  fathoms. 

Surveyor's  Island,  23  miles  off-shore,  is  in  lat.  36°  16'  30"  N.,  long. 
121°  24'  15"  E.  It  rises  out  of  17  fathoms  water,  and  is  divided  into  two 
distinct  portions  by  a  narrow  neck  which  is  perforated ;  the  southern  and 
higher  part,  which  is  very  rugged,  being  297  ft.  high.  In  the  spring  months 
this  island  is  often  obscured  by  fogs,  which  are  very  prevalent  in  the  offing, 
although  it  may  be  quite  clear  along  the  coast.  ^ 

The  coast  runs  N.N.E.  from  Cape  Adkins  to  Ting-tsi  Harbour,  a  distance 
of  11  miles.  The  country  is  hilly,  the  shore  mostly  low,  and  not  generally 
approachable  on  account  of  rocky  and  shallow  ground,  and  it  is  fronted  by 
several  off-lying  islands  and  reefs.  Clijf  Island,  121  ft.  high,  is  N.E.  by  E. 
3  miles  from  Cape  Adkins,  and  S.W.  of  it  is  a  low  island,  and  another  of  less 
elevation  to  the  westward.  Long  .Island,  half  a  mile  N.E.  of  Cliff  Island,  is 
180  ft.  high.  End  Island,  off  the  eastern  point  of  Long  Island,  and  connected 
with  it  at  low  water,  is  smooth  and  grassy,  and  68  ft.  high.  Outer  Island  is 
1^  mile  N.E.  of  End  Island,  and  S.E.  |^  E.  6  miles  from  Temple  summit, 
S20  ft.  high.  It  is  narrow,  smooth  and  grassy,  and  116  ft.  high.  Outer 
Rock,  24  ft.  high,  is  on  the  middle  of  a  reef,  2  cables  in  extent,  which  lies 
half  a  mile  South  of  Outer  Island.  E.  by  S.  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  this, 
with  the  island  summit  N.  by  W.,  is  a  sunken  rock,  which  generally  breaks 
at  low  water.  Reef  Island,  N.  by  E.  ^  E.  3  miles  from  Outer  Island,  is  30 
fe«t  high.  Anchorage  in  3  to  4  fathoms  may  be  obtained  between  Eeef  Island 
and  Outer  Island,  with  shelter  from  S.W.  winds  ;  but  there  is  no  part  of  the 
coast  for  36  miles  North  of  Cape  Adkins  where  there  is  shelter  from  winds 
between  South  and  N.E. 

Tingtsi  River.— 5«r  Island,  or  Tn-shing,  99  ft.  high  and  2  cables  in  extent, 
is  7  miles  N.N.E.  from  Outer  Island.  It  has  a  round,  grassy  summit,  pre- 
senting the  same  aspect  from  every  direction,  with  cliffy  sides  fringed  with 
rocks.  It  lies  off' the  entrance  of  the  7'm^-^s^  ^/t?er,  and  as  it  is  inside  the 
sand  banks  of  its  bar,  it  should  not  be  approached  on  passing  within  2  miles. 
Ting-tsi  Eiver  entrance  has  the  appearance  of  a  deep  inlet.  It  does  not  ap- 
pear to  be  much  frequented,  as  only  a  few  small  junks  were  seen.  On  some 
Chinese  maps  the  river  is  named  Lih-ho.  At  the  head  of  the  inlet  stands  the 
town  of  Kin-kia,  formerly  an  important  trading  place.  The  entrance,  4 
miles  westward  of  Bar  Island,  is  about  3  miles  across,  but  the  navigable 
channel  is  less  than  half  a  mile  wide,  and  subject  to  changes.  Green  Head, 
at  the  South  point  of  entrance,  is  4  miles  W.  \  S.  from  Bar  Island.  River 
Islet,  30  ft.  high,  is  on  the  North  shore,  1  mile  northward  of  the  narrow  pro- 


THE  YELLOW  EWER  OR  WHANG  HO.  1137 

montory  extending  north-westward  from  Green  Head.  The  river  is  barred 
by  a  long  spit,  2  to  4  cables  in  width,  which  stretches  in  an  E.S.E.  direction 
from  Green  Head  nearly  4  miles.  The  depth  on  it  at  low  water  is  4  ft.  At 
high  water  springs  a  direct  course  can  be  steered  in,  with  a  depth  of  15  ft., 
across  the  Bar  Spit,  with  the  summit  of  Green  Head  W.  by  N.  J  N.,  and 
just  open  to  the  southward  of  the  more  conspicuous  hill  behind  it,  which 
mark  also  leads  clear  and  to  the  southward  of  the  sand-patch  1  mile  W.S.W. 
of  Bar  Island,  and  which  may  generally  be  discerned  by  the  discoloured 
water.  When  Bar  Island  is  E.  by  N.  |^  N.,  haul  up  N.W.  to  pass  between 
the  shoals  off  Green  Head  and  the  narrow  sand  bank,  very  steep-to,  which 
commences  1  mile  W.N.W.  of  Bar  Island,  and  extends  in  the  same  direction 
for  2  miles.  River  Islet  may  then  be  steered  for,  and  good  anchorage,  per- 
fectly sheltered,  be  obtained  southward  of  the  islet  in  4  to  fi  fathoms.  But 
a  greater  depth  of  water,  7  ft.  at  low  water  and  18  ft.  at  high  water  springe, 
may  be  carried  in  by  steering  direct  for  Bar  Island  on  a  W.  by  S.  course,  and 
when  at  2  to  3  cables'  distance  from  the  island  changing  the  course  to  S.W. 
until  the  leading  mark,  given  above,  is  brought  on. 

The  Coast  now  chancres  its  direction  from  N.E.  by  N.  to  E.  by  N.,  and 
continues  in  the  latter  direction  up  to  the  Shantung  Promontory,  a  distance 
of  60  miles.  For  the  first  12  miles  the  shore,  as  far  as  the  town  of  Hai-yang, 
is  low  and  sandy,  broken  in  three  places  by  projecting  ledges  of  rock, 
stretching  out  some  distance,  and  off  the  western  of  which,  at  1  mile  from 
the  shore,  is  a  detached  reef;  this  shore  cannot  be  approached,  for  the  depth 
is  only  3  fathoms  at  3  miles  distance.  Three  miles  in-shore  is  seen  a  flat- 
topped  range,  796  ft.  high,  and  N.  by  E.  9  miles  from  Bar  Island,  a  spur  of 
which  stretches  towai'ds  the  sea. 

Sutherland  Rock,  lat.  36°  41'  N.,  is  24  ft.  high,  and  lies  3  miles  S.  by  E. 
from  Tau-tsui  Head,  E.  by  N.  ^  N.  from  it  is  another  rock  awash  at  low 
water.  Tau-tsui  Head,  4|  miles  East  of  Arthur  Head,  is  a  bold  headland 
at  the  extremity  of  a  hilly  promontory  jutting  out  from  the  mainland  for 
about  2  miles  in  a  North  and  South  direction.  Between  the  rocks  and  Tau- 
tsui  are  even  depths  of  8  to  10  fathoms,  decreasing  to  6  fathoms  when  the 
promontory  is  passed.  Outside  the  rock  the  ground  has  not  been  sufficiently 
examined,  and  it  should  not  therefore  be  passed  within  a  mile. 

Staunton  Island,  or  Su-shan  tau,  lying  S.W.  by  W.  15  miles  from  the 
south-eastern  point  of  the  Shantung  Peninsula,  is  6J  miles  S.E.  by  S.  from 
Tsing-hai-wei  Point.  The  island  is  a  ridge  of  steep  hills,  about  a  mile  in 
length  N.W.  by  W.  There  is  a  fishing  village  and  landing  place  on  its 
North  side,  directly  under  the  centre  hill,  353  ft.  high,  which  is  its  highest 
part.  There  is  also  a  landing  place  in  a  bay  formed  by  a  rocky  promontory 
on  the  South  side,  with  the  summit  bearing  East. 

Channel  Roch  lie  respectively  N.W.  by  N.  \\  miles,  and  N.  by  W.  |  W. 

I.  A.  7  F 


1138  YANGTSE  KIANG  TO  THE  LTAU-TUNG  GULE. 

If  mile  from  Staunton  Island,  and  are  North  and  South  of  each  other  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  apart. 

Tides.— The  following  observations  on  the  tides  were  made  in  1865,  during 
the  survey  of  H.M.S.  Swallow.  It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Tau-tsui 
Head,  at  3''  20",  and  springs  rise  12^  ft.  The  flood  stream  in  the  neighbour- 
hood of  Staunton  Island  sets  West,  and  the  ebb  East,  at  the  rate  of  If  mile 
an  hour,  which  appears  to  be  the  velocity  observed  all  along  the  coast,  but 
between  Staunton  Island  and  Channel  Eocks  the  rate  is  o  knots.  It  maybe 
stated  as  approximately  correct,  that  on  the  southern  side  of  the  Shantung 
peninsula  the  flood  stream  sets  westward,  whilst  on  its  northern  side  it  sets 
eastward. 

Actaeon  Shoal. — A  dangerous  shoal,  lying  southward  of  the  Shantung 
promontory,  was  sounded  on  by  H.M.S.  Actceon,  19th  February,  1860.  The 
least  depth  obtained  was  22  ft.  in  lat.  36°  31 1'  N.,  long.  122°  28'  E.  approxi- 
mately, but  less  water  probably  exists. 

As  there  is  no  reasonable  doubt  of  the  existence  of  this  shoal  (which  is 
laid  down  on  Chinese  maps  S.E.  of  Cape  Macartney,  North  of  the  parallel 
of  Staunton  Island,  and  called  the  Siau-sha  or  small  Sand-bank  ,  vessels, 
particularly  those  of  large  draught,  approaching  its  vicinity  should  keep  a 
careful  lead  going,  and  as  it  may  exist  to  the  East,  or  more  probably  to  the 
N.E.  of  the  position  assigned  to  it,  they  should  at  present  not  pass  West  of 
the  meridian  of  122°  48'  E.,  unless  they  pass  inside  or  West  of  the  position 
of  the  shoal. 

SHANTUNG  PROMONTORY.— A  chain  of  high  peaked  hills,  2  to  3  miles 
in  breadth,  rises  eastward  of  the  sandy  plain  of  Yung-ching,  and  running 
6  miles  in  an  easterly  direction,  forms  the  Shantung  promontory.  These 
hills  when  first  seen  from  N.W.  or  S.E.  make  like  a  number  of  pointed 
detached  islets  of  peculiar  appearance.  Five  of  them  are  very  prominent ; 
the  highest,  called  Ta-ching-shan,  910  ft.  high  (which  is  also  the  Chinese 
name  for  the  promontory)  is  the  western  peak  ;  it  is  very  pointed  and  pre- 
cipitous, except  to  the  North,  on  which  side  it  has  a  gentle  slope.  Sharp 
Peah,  680  ft.  high,  halfway  between  this  and  the  extreme  of  the  promontory, 
is  also  remarkable,  with  deep  valleys  on  either  side. 

SHANTUNG  LIGHTHOUSE,  built  on  the  N.E.  extreme  of  the  promon- 
tory, in  lat.  37°  24'  N.,  long.  122°  42'  E.,  is  a  circular  white  tower,  64  feet 
high.  The  light  first  exhibited  in  the  year  1875  is  a  fixed  light,  showing 
Iright  to  the  north-westward  between  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W.  and  N.N.W.  f  W. ; 
red  from  N.N.W.  |  W.  to  N.  by  W.  ^  W.  over  and  eastward  of  Alceste 
Island ;  hright  from  N.  by  W.  i  W.  through  East  and  South  to  S.S.W.,  and 
red  from  S.S.W.  to  S.W.  ^  W.,  to  warn  vessels  that  they  are  approaching 
the  coast.  The  light  is  obscured  by  hill  peaks  between  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W. 
and  N.  by  W.  g  W.  and   also  by  Alceste   Island  between    N.N.W.    and 


SHANTUNG  PEOMONIOEY— DIRECTIONS.  1139 

N.N.W.  J  W.  The  light  is  elevated  200  ft.,  and  should  be  visible  in  clear 
weather  20  miles  off. 

Rodney  Rock  lies  4  cables  from  the  shore  off  the  N.E.  end  of  Shantung 
Promontory.  It  is  awash  at  low  water,  and  lies  in  a  direct  line  between  the 
centre  of  the  lighthouse  and  the  eastern  extreme  (within  the  reef)  of  Alceste 
Island.  From  it  the  N.E.  promontory  bears  S.E.  by  S.,  Abrupt  Bluff,  West, 
and  the  western  extreme  of  Alceste  Island,  N.W.  by  N.,  16  cables  distant. 

Alceste  Island,  or  Siau-ching-shan,  210  ft.  high,  triangular  in  shape,  flat- 
topped,  and  bounded  by  cliffs,  lies  3 J  miles  N.N.W.  ^  W.  from  the  extreme 
of  the  Shantung  promontory,  and  IJ  mile  offshore.  A  cluster  of  reefs  ex- 
tends 4  cables  North  from  its  East  point,  the  outer  reef  of  which  is  awash, 
but  the  others  are  higher.  There  is  also  a  small  pinnacle  rock  a  quarter  of 
a  mile  South  from  the  same  point,  with  a  small  rock  awash  close  to  the  S.E. 
of  it.     The  tides  are  strong  inside  Alceste. 

Anchorages  at  Shantung  Promontory. — The  following  are  the  safest  and 
most  convenient  anchorages.  From  S.S.W.  to  S.  by  W.  of  Ears  Eock,  in  5 
to  8  fathoms,  with  the  Temple  Saddle  bearing  E.N.E.  In  5  to  6  fathoms  in 
the  bay  between  Ears  Rock  and  Flat  Rocky  Point,  avoiding  the  patches  and 
reefs.  At  any  part  of  Shang-kau  Bay  in  4  to  6  fathoms,  and  under  Shu-a- 
tau  Head  in  5  to  7  fathums,  with  shelter  from  N.E.  winds.  In  Aylen  Bay 
W.S.W.  to  S.W.  by  W.  of  Martha  Point  in  4  to  5  fathoms,  or  in  the  centre 
of  the  bay  in  6  to  7  fathoms.  In  6  to  9  fathoms,  between  Martha  Point  and 
Shantung  Promontory  ;  and  in  the  northern  part  of  Yung-ching  Bay  (only 
partially  examined)  in  4  to  7  fathoms. 

Small  craft  can  also  find  anchorage  in  Litau  Bay,  or  the  inlet  on  the  South 
side  of  Chalk  Saddle  in  3  to  4  fathoms.  There  is  no  good  anchorage  on  the 
North  side  of  Shantung  Promontory  ;  but  anchorage  can  be  obtained  off  its 
north-eastern  face  in  5  to  8  fathoms,  2  to  4  cables  from  the  shore  ;  and  also 
in  the  bay  on  its  S.  W.  face,  1  mile  from  the  extreme  of  the  promontory,  in 
5  to  10  fathoms,  with  a  rock  or  islet  there  bearing  North,  and  the  end  of  the 
beach  under  the  rugged  hill,  W.  by  N. 

Directions  for  passing  Shantung  Promontory.— Vessels  bound  to  the 
northward  into  the  Gulf  of  Pe-chili  in  the  spring,  are  liable  to  pass  Shan- 
tung Promontory  in  foggy  weather,  without  making  it.  It  has  been  generally 
observed  that  the  effect  of  the  tides  is  nearly  neutral,  as  regards  being  set 
East  or  West  in  a  two  or  three  days'  run  ;  nevertheless,  in  rounding  at  such 
a  time,  a  vessel's  position  may  be  ascertained  if  there  is  any  doubt  about  it 
by  constant  use  of  the  lead.  In  regard  to  the  Actseon  Shoal,  circumstances 
of  wind  and  weather  should  be  taken  into  account  in  deciding  on  which  side 
of  it  to  pass,  for  it  is  clearly  a  danger  lor  large  vessels.  Thick  weather  is 
not  of  unusual  occurrence  here,  and  this,  together  with  the  strength  of  the 
tidal  streams,  renders  it  prudent  to  keep  the  vessel's  position  fixed  by  cross 
bearing,    as  the   coast    between    the    piomoutoiy   and    \\  ei-hui-wei    cannot 


1140  YANGTSE  KIANG  TO  THE  LIAU-TUNG  GULF. 

always  eaeily  be  identified,  and  it  sometimes  becomes  necessary  to  anchor 
at  night. 

Ki-ming  Island. — Erom  the  high  land  of  the  Shantung  Promontory  a  low- 
sandy  coast,  broken  by  rocky  points,  trends  W.  by  N.  14  miles  to  Wei-hai- 
wei.  The  island  of  Ki-ming  or  Nan-ming  tau,  9  miles  W.  |  N.  of  Alceste, 
lies  1  mile  off  a  rocky  point  which  projects  considerably  from  the  shore. 
It  is  370  ft.  high,  flat-topped,  surrounded  by  extensive  reefs  on  three  sides, 
and  joined  to  the  shore  by  a  rocky  flat,  over  which  are  not  more  than  3  to  4 
fathoms,  b^it  the  island  may  be  passed  to  the  northward  at  2  cables  in  12 
fathoms.     A  large  lagoon  (salt)  opens  into  the  sea  eastward  of  this  point. 

Wei-hai-wei  Harbour,  23  miles  westward  of  Alceste  Island,  is  formed 
between  Leu-hung -tau,  an  island  510  ft.  high,  and  a  deep  bight  of  the  coast, 
and  is  the  most  eastern  anchorage  on  the  North  shore  of  the  Shantung  pe- 
ninsula.    It  is  easy  of  access,  and  capable  of  afi'ording  shelter  to  a  consider- 
able number  of  vessels  of  moderate  draught,  but  the  anchorage  is  contracted 
for  large  vessels.     It  has  two  entrances,  one  on  the  West,  the  other  on  the 
East  side  of  Leu-kung-tau,  thus  affording  a  facility  for  access  or  departure 
•with  almost  any  wind.     The  town  of  Wei-hai-wei  stands  on  the  side  of  a  hill 
on  the  West  shore  of  the  bay.     The  western  entrance,  although  much  nar- 
rower than  the  other,  has  the  deepest  water,  and  should  be  used  by  all 
vessels  drawing  above  18  ft.     Round  Island   and  three  or  four  adjoining 
rocks  lie  off  the  northern  point  of  the  western  entrance.     The  outer  rock,  15 
feet  high  and  steep-to,  is  three-quarters  of  a  mile  E.N.E.  from  the  point ; 
between  it  and  Round  Island  is  a  rocky  patch,  which  covers  at  high  water. 
No  other  hidden  dangers  are  known.    At  half  a  mile  E.S.E.  from  the  eastern 
end  of  Leu-kung-tau  is  a  reef  of  rocks,  steep-to,  but  as  a  portion  of  them 
always  shows  above  water,  they  may  be  easily  avoided.    The  best  anchorage 
is  near  the  West  point  of  Leu-kung-tau,  in  5  to  7  fathoms  on  excellent  hold- 
ing ground  of  mud,  sheltered  by  the  island  from  the  N.E.     In  Wei-hai-wei 
harbour  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  9''  30"",  and  springs  rise  about 
9  ft.,  neaps  6^  ft.     In  working  through  the  eastern  entrance  the  lead  may 
be  safely  trusted,   there  being  no  hidden   dangers  known.      The  shore  of 
the  mainland  may  be  approached  to  a  mile,  and  that  of  Leu-kung-tau  to 
3  cables. 

The  land  north-westward  of  Wei-hai-wei,  and  which  forms  the  harbour 
on  that  side,  is  a  hilly  peninsula,  900  to  1,200  ft.  high,  with  rocky  shores. 
Its  northern  point  is  Cape  Cod,  4  miles  from  Leu-kung-tau.  Eddy  Island,  If 
miles  W.N.W.  from  Cape  Cod,  is  somewhat  low  with  scarped  cliffs,  and  lies 
1  mile  N.E.  from  the  extreme  of  a  narrow,  jutting  peninsula,  2  miles  in 
length,  on  which  is  a  remarkable  peaked  hill  with  even  slopes.  From  this 
the  coast  recedes  south-westward  for  7  miles  to  the  mouth  of  a  little  stream 
which  small  junks  can  enter,  and  then  bends  westward  again,  skirting  a  luw 
sandy  plain  lor  16  miles  farther  to  While  liock  Pvini,  whith  is  6  miles  E.S.E. 


KUNG-KUNG  ISLAND  AND  LIGHTHOUSE.  1141 

of  Chifu  Harbour.  This  point  is  the  N.E.  extreme  of  Yungmatau,  a  narrow 
island  which  thence  extends  4  miles  to  the  S.W.  by  W.  Around  the  South. 
end  of  this  island  is  the  entrance  to  Lungnmn  Tlarhour,  which  would  safely 
hold  a  large  number  of  small  vessels  moored.  The  course  from  Eddy  Island 
to  White  Rock  Point  is  W.  f  S.,  21  miles,  and  the  shore  between  them  should 
never  be  approached  to  a  less  depth  than  9  to  10  fathoms. 

Kung-kung  Island  and  Lighthouse. — A  group  of  islands  and  rocks,  of 
moderate  elevation,  is  spread  over  an  extent  of  7  miles,  at  the  north-western 
part  of  the  extensive  bay  south-eastward  of  Chifu,  and  gives  shelter  to  the 
spacious  harbour  of  the  same  name  which  it  forms.  Kung-kung  tau,  the 
largest  of  the  group,  is  even-topped  in  character,  and  has  on  its  summit,  200  ft, 
high,  a  lighthouse  45  ft.  high,  which  bears  N.W.  -^  W.  7^  miles  from  White 
Eock  Point.  From  this  lighthouse  is  shown  a  fixed  bright  light,  elevated  242 
feet  above  the  sea,  and  visible  in  clear  weather  at  a  distance  of  22  miles. 

^ast  Sayid-spit,  which  greatly  shelters  the  anchorage  from  easterly  winds, 
extends  three-quarters  of  a  mile  S.W.  f  S.  from  the  S.W.  point  of  Kung- 
kung. 

The  German  man-of-war  Arcona,  when  passing  Chifu  Harbour,  observed 
a  shoal  about  I  mile  long,  on  which  4^  fathoms  were  obtained.  From 
the  shoal  North  Eock  bore  W.  by  N.  i  N.,  S.E.  Island  W.  by  S.  i  S.,  and 
White  Rock  S.  by  W.  i  W. 

North  Roch,  the  outer  and  north-eastern  islet  of  this  group,  bears  N.E.  J  E. 
4f  miles  from  Kung-kung  tau  lighthouse.  A  small  rock  just  awash  at  high 
water,  and  therefore  nearly  always  visible,  lies  N.E.  by  E.  J  E.  3  cables  from 
North  Rock,  and  is  steep-to,  there  being  9  fathoms  close  outside  it. 

Double  Roch,  S.W.  by  W.,  2J  miles  from  North  Rock,  when  seen  from  the 
eastward  appears,  as  its  name  denotes,  to  be  double,  the  northern  part  like 
a  wedge  ;  the  southern  part,  which  is  much  the  higher,  198  ft.,  is  an  irre- 
gular mound,  rather  elongated  to  the  westward. 

South-east  Island,  60  ft.  high,  bears  from  North  Rock  S.W.  f  S.  4J  miles, 
and  is  IJ  mile  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  from  the  lighthouse.  Three  high  rocks  lie 
between  S.E.  island  and  Kung-kung  tau,  but  no  hidden  dangers  near  them 
have  as  yet  been  discovered. 

Finger  Rock,  the  shape  its  name  denotes,  is  half  a  mile  North  of  Kung- 
kung  tau  lighthouse.  Stick-up  Rock,  of  similar  form,  lies  to  the  North  of  tlie 
western  islets  of  the  group.  Mount  Islet,  where  was  situated  from  1861  to 
1867  the  British  Naval  coal  store  and  depot,  is  the  second  islet  from  the 
westward.  These  three  are  useful  leading  marks  for  clearing  East  Sand- 
spit,  and  approaching  the  anchorage  under  the  islands. 

Cape  Chifu,  about  60  miles  westward  of  Alceste  Island,  is  the  eastern  ex- 
treme of  a  mountainous  peninsula  connected  with  the  mainland  by  a  low 
neck  of  land  of  considerable  extent.  This  peninsula,  which  is  5  miles  long, 
E.S.E.   and  W.N.W.,  and  extends  in  a  narrow  ridge  parallel  to  the  coast 


1142  YANGTSE  KIANG  TO  THE  LIAU-TUNG  GULP. 

line,  is  high  and  steep,  and  when  seen  from  the  distance  appears  like  an 
island.  Chifu  Feak,  at  the  centre  of  the  ridge,  is  980  ft.  high,  and  has  a 
double  top.  One  cable  S.E.  of  Chifu  Cape  is  Sentry  Rock,  which  may  be 
closely  rounded  in  9  fathoms,  and  the  cape  is  equally  bold. 

CHIFU  or  YENTAI  HARBOUR,  a  treaty  port,  and  the  only  one  between 
Shanghai  and  Tientsin,  is  formed  in  a  bight  of  the  coast  between  the  penin- 
sula of  Chifu  and  the  Kung-kung  group  of  islands,  which,  being  3  miles  in 
extent,  constitute  a  magnificent  natural  breakwater  to  the  harbour,  shelter- 
ing the  various  anchorages  from  North  and  East.  The  anchorage  space  in 
the  harbour,  comprising  a  depth  of  from  5  to  7  fathoms,  is  4  square  miles, 
and  for  a  depth  exceeding  4  fathoms,  9  square  miles,  whilst  a  depth  of  21  ft. 
can  be  carried  up  to  within  300  yards  of  Tower  Head,  which  bears  W.  J  S. 
5^  miles  from  Kung-kung  lighthouse.  The  harbour,  although  affording 
ample  depth  of  water  for  all  classes  of  ships,  is  exposed  to  the  disadvantage 
of  violent  north-westerly  and  northerly  gales  which  prevail  through  half  the 
year,  particularly  in  the  winter  months,  but  its  safety  as  well  as  its  capacity 
have  been  now  fully  proved  by  experience.  During  the  last  China  war  the 
French  squadron  laid  between  Kung-kung  tau  and  Tower  Point  during  a 
whole  winter,  and  not  a  single  ship  dragged  her  anchors. 

The  town  of  Yentai,  where  the  foreign  settlement  is,  stands  on  the  sandy 
shore  of  a  small  interior  bay  westward  of  Tower  Head.*  It  is  built  without 
design  or  regularity.  On  the  slope  of  the  hill,  facing  landward,  are  some 
European  houses,  the  highest  of  which  is  the  British  consulate.  The  sum- 
mit of  Town  Hill  is  occupied  by  a  Chinese  fort  and  signal  station.  There 
is  a  Chinese  customs'  establishment,  which  is  in  all  respects  similar  to  that 
at  Shanghai. 

Supplies. — Contractors  supply  excellent  beef  and  fair  mutton,  and  there  is 
an  abundance  of  vegetables  of  good  quality.  Coal  can  be  obtained  from 
contractors,  the  naval  depot  at  Mound  Islet  having  been  removed.  It  is 
now  imported  direct  from  England  and  Australia,  as  well  as  from  Formosa 
and  Japan.  A  correspondent  of  the  North  China  Herald,  writing  from 
Chifu  in  1877,  says  that  there  is  a  scheme  afoot  for  working  coal-mines. 
Some  120  miles  West  of  Chifu  there  is  a  fine  level  plain,  under  which,  at  no 
great  depth,  is  a  thick  seam  of  coal,  but  little  worked  by  the  natives,  as 
they  have  no  means  of  pumping  the  water  out  of  the  pits.  There  are  &ome 
nearer  coal-fields,  it  is  proposed  to  connect  with  Chifu  Fort  by  tramway. 

Water  is  the  great  want  here,  as  it  is  along  the  whole  of  this  part  of  the 
coast  of  Shantung.  Water  brought  from  the  interior  is  2  to  2^  dollars  a 
ton,  but  the  water  obtained  near  the  shore  is  uuwhulesome,  and  produces 
diarrhoea  and  dysentery.     When  water  is  required  it  is  customary  to  hoist 

*  Off  the  N.W.  point  of  Tower  Head  or  Yentai  Hill,  with  the  tower  E.  by  S.  \  S.,  is  u 

sunken  rock  of  7  ft.  at  low-water  springs.     On  it  stands  a  beacon,  an  iron  rod  with  cajju. 


CHIFU—DIEECTIONS.  1143 

signal-flag  No.  1  at  the  fore.  At  Mound  Islet  there  is  a  well,  but  the  water 
is  brackish,  and  at  the  village  inside  Chifu  Cape  there  are  wells,  but  the 
water  is  of  very  inferior  quality.  Accounts  are  kept  in  taels,  and  petty 
transactions  in  cash.  The  clean  Mexican  dollar  passes  current,  but  at  a 
considerable  discount,  viz.  8  to  15  per  cent.  The  standard  of  Sycee  silver 
accepted  at  the  Chinese  custom-house  is  4  per  cent,  higher  than  that  prevail- 
ing at  Shanghai. 

The  exports  consist  chiefly  of  peas,  beancake,  silk,  prawns,  drugs,  dates, 
oil  and  wheat.  The  imports  ot  cotton  and  woollen  fabrics,  metals,  opium, 
seaweed,  &c.  The  position  of  Chifu  is  highly  advantageous  for  trade  with 
the  northern  ports  of  Japan,  Korea,  and  the  Eussian  possessions.  It  is  the 
only  harbour  open  in  the  North  of  China  from  December  to  March.  There 
is  regular  steam  communication  about  two  or  three  times  a  week  with 
Tientsin  and  the  southern  ports,  but  chiefly  with  Hong  Kong  and  Shanghai. 
The  voyage  to  Shanghai  occupies  about  three  days,  that  to  Taku  about 
one  day. 

In  point  of  climate  this  port  is  undoubtedly  the  most  salubrious  of  all 
those  open  to  the  residence  of  Europeans  on  the  coast  of  China.  The  winds 
in  a  general  manner  follow  the  courses  and  periods  of  the  monsoons.  The 
summer  winds  are  chifly  from  the  south-eastward,  and  light  but  very 
changeable  ;  the  winter  winds  are  from  the  north-westward,  strong  and 
often  violent,  but  although  they  are  intermittent  they  are  more  constant. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Chifu  Harbour  at  10**  34"' 
springs  rise  about  8  ft.,  neap  6^  ft.  For  information  concerning  the  tidal 
streams,  see  p.  1138. 

Directions. — If  bound  to  Chifu  from  the  eastward,  after  rounding  Cape 
and  Eddy  Island,  the  course  and  distance  to  the  Kung-kung  Islands  is  West 
25  miles.  The  high  hill  over  Knob  Point,  3  miles  eastward  of  Yentai,  kept 
on  a  W.  by  S.  |  S.  bearing,  will  lead  well  clear  to  the  eastward  of  these 
islands,  giving  S.E.  Island  a  berth  of  three-quarters  of  a  mile.  This  mark 
should  be  followed,  in  order  to  clear  the  East  sand-spit,  until  Stick-up  Rock 
cornea  on  with  the  eastern  part  of  Mound  Islet  (the  second  from  the  "West), 
bearing  N.N.W.,  when  the  course  may  be  altered  for  Mound  Islet,  until 
Finger  Rock,  which  is  conspicuous,  comes  on  with  the  West  extreme  of 
Kung-kung  tau,  then  haul  up  about  N.E.  by  N.  or  N.N.E.,  if  wishing  to 
anchor  close  under  Kung-kung  tau,  where  the  depth  will  be  4  fathoms,  or 
continue  N.N.W.,  if  of  light  draught,  or  N.W.  if  of  heavy  draught,  and 
anchor  in  4  to  7  fathoms  as  convenient.  The  bottom  is  mud,  the  holding 
ground  is  good,  and  there  is  sufficient  space  for  a  large  number  of  vessels. 

If  wishing  to  run  on  for  the  anchorage  in  Village  Bay  under  Chifu  Cape, 
when  the  mark  for  clearing  the  East  sand  spit  has  been  reached,  Chifu 
Peak  bearing  N.W.  will  readily  be  distingui.'ihed.  Steer  N.W.  ^  W.  for 
the  head  of  the  bay,  and  anchor  in  4  to  5  fathoms,  mud,  with  the  extreme 


1M4  YANGTSE  KTANG  TO  THE  LTAU-TUNG  GULF. 

of  the  cape  bearing  about  N.N.E.  or  N.E.  by  N.  H.M.S.  Adceon,  in  1860 
anchored  here  in  3|  fathoms  at  low  water,  with  Chifu  Peak  N.W.  by  N.  . 
Sentry  Eock  N.E.  by  E.  ^  E,  ;  the  lighthouse  E.  by  S.  ^  S.  ;  and  Knob 
Point  S.S.E. 

If  working  in  for  this  harbour  from  the  eastward,  North  Pock,  Double 
and  S.E.  Islands  may  be  safely  approached  to  half  a  mile  on  the  one  side, 
and  the  mainland  on  the  other,  until  the  soundings  decrease  to  4^  fathoms, 
the  water  gradually  shoaling  as  the  shore  is  approached.  Between  the 
islands  and  Knob  Point  is  the  Kung-kung  Plat,  having  in  one  or  two  places 
4  fathoms  at  low-water  springs,  rather  near  to  the  island,  but  a  general 
depth  of  4J  and  4f  fathoms. 

As  the  East  sand-spit  extending  from  Kung-kung  tau  is  approached, 
remember  the  bearing  of  the  hill  over  Knob  Point,  W.  by  S.  J  S.,  and  do 
not  go  northward  of  that  bearing  until  the  clearing  mark,  Stick-up  Eock 
and  the  Mound,  comes  on.  When  the  spit  is  cleared  a  longer  stretch  may 
be  made  on  the  port  tack,  taking  care  not  to  approach  the  Mound  nearer 
than  to  bring  S.E.  Island  E.  f  S.,  when  it  will  be  seen  over  the  sandy  flat 
between  the  two  portions  of  the  island.  This  line  will  clear  the  West  sand- 
spit,  the  South  extreme  of  which  bears  from  the  centre  of  Mound  S.  by  E.  ^ 
E.  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  and  W.  I  N.  from  the  lighthouse. 

Approaching  from  the  westward  Chifu  Peak,  980  ft.  high,  and  the  land  of 
the  peninsula  will  show  out  conspicuously,  appearing  from  a  distance  like 
an  island,  the  low  sandy  isthmus  connecting  it  with  the  mainland  not  being 
visible.  There  are  no  hidden  dangers  known  in  the  vicinity.  Three  or 
four  detached  rocks  are  dotted  along  the  face  of  the  peninsula,  but  they 
are  all  well  within  half  a  mile  of  it,  and  above  water,  so  that  a  course  a  mile 
off  and  parallel  to  the  shore  clears  everything.  Sentry  Eock,  lying  off  the 
cape,  may  be  rounded  at  2  cables  distance  in  7  fathoms,  and  the  anchorage 
steered  for. 

If  intending  to  anchor  under  the  Kung-kung  Islands,  after  rounding 
Sentry  Eock,  steer  for  Knob  Point  until  the  clearing  mark  for  the  West 
sand  spit  (the  lighthouse  bearing  East)  comes  on  ;  then  run  in  southward 
of  that  line  and  anchor  as  convenient. 

The  Coast  westward  of  the  bold  sea  face  of  Chifu  peninsula  falls  back 
southward,  forming  a  sandy  bay,  terminating  at  Sloping  Point,  11  miles 
N.W.  by  W.  J  W.  At  11  miles  farther  in  the  same  direction  is  Low  Point, 
distinguished  by  a  conspicuous  nipple  or  small  mound  upon  it,  250  ft.  high  ; 
and  between  the  points  are  two  other  bays.  At  8  miles  westward  of  Low 
Point  is  Teng-chau  Head  of  about  the  same  height,  around  which  are  steep 
cliffs.     In  1875  a  light  was  falsely  reported  to  be  shown  on  this  head. 

Teng-chau,  a  city  of  the  second  class,  is  commanded  on"  three  sides ;  the 
rising  ground  of  Teng-chau  Head  overlooking  it  on  the  West.     An  opening 


THE  MIAU-TAU  ISLANDS.  1145 

in  the  sea  face  of  the  city  wall  forms  the  entrance  to  a  small  camber,  in 
which  a  fleet  of  small  junks  lie  closely  packed  and  sheltered  from  all  winds. 
The  little  camber  is  a  scene  of  bustling  activity  in  summer,  some  junka 
taking  in  cargoes  of  grain.  Coal  is  occasionally  imported  from  Fu-chau. 
No  supplies  or  water  of  good  quality  can  be  obtained  here. 

Teng-chau  Bank  extends  in  a  W.N.W.  direction  7  miles  from  Teng-chau 
Head,  with  a  general  depth  of  2  to  4  fathoms  on  it.  It  is  apparently  of 
sand  and  rock,  with  several  small  knolls  and  large  shelves  of  shallow  water. 

If  intending  to  anchor  off  Teng-chau,  after  rounding  Low  Point  steer 
W.  I  N.,  and  when  Teng-chau  Head  bears  W.S.W.  stand  in  and  take  up 
anchorage  in  3  to  6  fathoms.  But  if  running  westward  be  careful  not  to 
bring  the  nipple  on  Low  Point  to  the  eastward  of  E.  by  S.  f  S.,  to  avoid  a 
dangerous  rocky  ledge  extending  nearly  a  mile  off  a  low  point  of  the  shore, 
and  the  extremity  of  which  is  2j  miles  East  of  Teng-chau  Head. 

The  Miau-tau  or  Meih-shan  Islands,  in  all  fifteen,  exclusive  of  small 
rocks,  extend  35  miles  in  a  northerly  direction  from  Teng-chau  to  within  22 
miles  of  the  extremity  of  the  Liau-ti  Shan  promontory  on  the  North  side  of 
Pe-chili  Strait,  and  they  separate  the  Yellow  Sea  from  the  Gulf  of  Pe-chili. 
The  four  northern  islands  form  a  group,  the  peak  of  the  northernmost  being 
in  lat.  38°  23' 37"  N.,  long.  120°  55' E.  The  southernmost  islands  form  a 
compact  group,  9  miles  in  extent,  enclosing  the  anchorage  known  as  Hope 
Sound,  where  the  British  fleet,  under  Vice-Admiral  Sir  James  Hope,  K.C.B., 
assembled  in  1860.  The  intervening  islands  and  rocks  are  isolated  and 
scattered. 

Anchorages. — Hope  Sound  can  only  be  considered  as  a  summer  anchorage, 
at  which  season  ships  of  any  draught  and  in  almost  any  number  may  lie 
quite  sheltered. 

Charyldis  Harhour,  at  the  N.W.  end  of  Changshan  Island,  may  be  entered 
from  North  or  South  ;  it  affords  a  secure  anchorage  at  all  seasons  of  the 
year,  and  is  protected  from  all  winds  by  the  surrounding  islands  and  rocks. 
There  is  sufficient  room  for  two  large  vessels  and  four  small  vessels  to  lie  at 
single  anchor.  It  is  advisable  to  moor,  however,  as  vessels  are  generally 
tide  rode,  and  seldom  swing  to  the  wind. 

In  Chief  Bay,  on  the  South  side  of  Toki,  there  is  anchorage  in  6  to  9  fa- 
thoms, well  protected  from  the  northward  and  westward. 

H.M.S.  Wellesley,  in  1840,  anchored  in  12  fathoms  under  Kao-shan  or 
Quoin  Island  during  a  strong  northerly  wind,  with  the  island  bearing  from 
North  to  N.N.E.  ^  E.  about  a  mile  distant. 

Ta-cJiu-shan,  or  Great  Bamboo  Island,   the  easternmost  of  the  Miau-tau 

group,  is  480  ft.  high.      Changshan,  or  Lovg  Island,  is  the  largest  of  the 

Miau-tau  Islands,  and  divided  into  two  parts  by  a  narrow  isthmus  of  ehingla 

nearly  a  mile  in  length.    Its  East  and  North  sides,  bold  and  cliffy,  are  steep- 

I.  X.  7  a 


1146  YANGTSE  KIANG  TO  THE  LIAU-TUNG  GULF. 

to.  The  southern  part  of  Chang-shan  is  also  hilly,  its  South  and  centre  hills 
being  each  490  ft.  high.  Chang-shan  Tail,  a  sandy  spit,  extends  South  up- 
wards of  half  a  mile  from  Spit  Point,  its  South  extreme.  Ta-hi-shan  and 
Siau-hi-shan,  or  Great  and  Little  Black  Islands,  are  to  the  westward  of 
Chang-shan,  and  between  them  is  the  small  island  Miau  tau  or  Temple  Island, 
310  feet  high,  on  the  N.W.  side  of  which  is  Hope  Sound,  which,  as  before 
stated,  is  the  best  and  most  sheltered  anchorage  among  the  Miau-tau  group. 
The  western  point  of  Ta-hi-shan  is  a  stupendous  bluflf,  with  cliflFs  600  ft.  high. 
Tohi-tau,  10  miles  northward  of  Chang-shan,  and  readily  distinguished  by 
its  peak,  613  ft.  high,  is  in  the  form  of  a  right-angled  triangle.  Kao-shan  or 
Quoin  Island,  650  ft.  high,  lies  nearly  5  miles  W.S.W.  of  Toki.  Houkilslandy 
on  which  it  is  proposed  to  build  a  lighthouse,  lies  4  miles  to  the  southward. 
It  is  310  ft.  high,  has  a  reef  extending  some  little  distance  from  its  northera 
side,  and  another  off  its  eastern  end. 

Hesper  Bock,  about  30  yards  in  extent,  dries  from  4  to  6  feet  at  low- 
water  springs.  From  the  rock  the  West  extreme  of  Ta-kin  bears  N.N.  W. 
^  W. ;  the  summit  of  Kao-shan  West ;  and  the  highest  part  of  Ta-chu-san, 
S.  by  E.  Great  caution  should  be  used  in  approaching  this  locality  at  high 
water.  Lieutenant  Bullock  remarks — "  We  were  much  struck  on  passing, 
the  day  being  calm,  with  the  treacherous  appearance  of  this  rock,  which 
looked  like  a  brown  floating  log,  and  might  easily  have  been  passed  un- 
noticed." 

Fisherman  Hock,  lying  nearly  in  mid-channel  between  Toki  and  Ta-kin 
Islands,  is  seldom  visible.  From  the  rock,  the  East  extreme  of  Takin  ap- 
pears just  touching  the  West  extreme  of  North  Hwangching  N.N.E.  f  E. ; 
Kao-shan  is  just  seen  over  the  North  extreme  of  Toki,  S.W.  by  W. ;  and  the 
western  side  of  Sha-mo  is  in  line  with  the  centre  of  Siau-chu-shan,  S.  by 
E.  |E. 

Directions. — Vessels  bound  to  the  Pehi  ho  or  other  porta  in  the  Gulfs  of 
Pe-chili  and  Liau-tung,  are  recommended  to  use  the  Chang-shan  channel  on 
the  North  side  of  Chang-shan,  the  course  and  distance  from  2  miles  outside 
of  Alceste  Island  to  the  middle  of  which,  is  W.N.W.  100  miles.  The  chan- 
nel between  Toki  and  Ta-kin  cannot  be  recommended  to  a  stranger  on 
account  of  the  Fisherman  Rock. 

There  is  a  narrow,  deep  channel  between  North  and  South  Hwangching 
Islands,  but  at  its  East  entrance,  nearly  in  the  centre,  is  the  rock  which  dries 
6  ft.  at  low  water,  and  is  therefore  nearly  always  visible. 

From  Miau-tau  Strait  the  southern  coast  of  the  Gulf  of  Pe-chili  trends  in 
a  south-westerly  direction  for  60  miles  to  Lai-chau.  The  coast  is  low,  lying 
under  a  mountain  range,  the  crests  of  which  are  from  10  to  15  miles  inland. 
Low  spurs  break  through  the  otherwise  even  coast-line,  and,  projecting  at 
some  points  far  from  the  shore,  constitute  dangers,  which  should  be  ap- 
proached with  extreme  caution  in  bad  or  thick  weather,  more  particularly  in 


THE  PEI  HO.  1147 

northerly  or  north-westerly  gales,  when  at  night  the  reckoning  may  be  in 
error  on  account  of  the  current. 

East  of  Lai-chau  the  mountains  turn  abruptly  to  the  South,  the  coast 
bending  westward  round  a  large  shallow  bight,  30  miles  across.  Thence  it 
continues  in  a  N.W.  direction  for  120  miles  to  within  30  miles  of  the  Pei  ho. 
This  part  of  the  coast,  the  margin  of  the  Great  Plain,  is  low,  sandy,  and 
almost  a  desert.  Scantily  populated,  its  inhabitants  live  in  small  wretched 
hamlets,  in  mud  hovels  built  on  banks  elevated  a  few  feet  above  the  plain, 
and  in  a  state  of  extreme  poverty. 

The  Ta-tsing  ho  or  Li-tsin  ho,  the  present  outlet  of  the  Yellow  River, 
has  its  entrance  in  lat.  37°  62'  N.,  long.  118°  35'  E.  Tsi-nan  fu,  the  capital 
of  Shantung,  stands  4  miles  South  of  the  river,  at  about  1 35  miles  from  the 
eea  and  75  miles  from  the  canal,  but  there  is  little  known  concerning  it.  The 
waters  of  the  river  are  laden  with  yellow  mud  or  clay,  caused  by  the  irrup- 
tion of  the  Yellow  River  into  its  bed,  and  that  torrent  now  fairly  occupies 
its  channel,  having  established  the  Ta-tsing  as  its  outlet  since  1851. 

The  Bar,  when  surveyed  in  1860,  was  3  miles  from  the  entrance  of  the 
river,  and  had  a  depth  of  from  2  to  3  ft.  on  it  at  low  water  springs.  The 
depth  over  the  bar  ^t  high-water  springs  would  therefore  be  12  to  13  feet. 
In  1868  the  bar  had  only  4  feet  over  it  at  high  tide,  but  had  a  channel  on 
either  side,  that  on  the  South  carrying  7  ft.,  and  that  on  the  North  5  ft. 

The  PEI  HO  or  White  River,  called  also  the  Tientsin  ho,  is  the  great 
highway  to  Peking,  the  capital  of  China.  The  important  city  and  treaty 
port  of  Tientsin  also  stands  on  this  river  at  its  junction  with  the  Grand 
Canal,  of  which  it  is  the  northern  terminus.  No  peculiar  difficulties  in  its 
navigation,  from  the  entrance  up  to  Tientsin,  are  met  by  vessels  drawing 
from  lOJ  to  11  ft.  In  fact  the  navigation  of  the  river  is  too  simple  to  re- 
quire directions  ;  a  mid-channel  inclining  into  the  bends  and  slightly  avoid- 
ing the  points  being  the  best.  With  long  vessels  there  are  some  points 
■which  will  require  considerable  care  and  skill  in  turning.  If  the  vessel  is 
drawing  more  than  8  ft.  there  are  two  places  that  must  be  passed  at  high 
water.  One  of  these  shoal  places,  having  only  7  it.  at  low  tides,  is  otf  the 
brick-kilns  about  9  miles  below  Tientsin  ;  the  other,  of  6 J  ft.,  is  in  the  long 
broad  reach,  3  miles  below  the  city. 

According  to  a  recent  regulation  foreign  vessels  are  only  allowed  to  re- 
main at  anchor  at  the  mouth  of  the  river,  and  at  Tientsin  ;  they  must 
there  occupy  berths  assigned  by  the  custom-house  officials.  Vessels  anchor- 
ing on  the  route  to  Tientsin  are  required  to  anchor  as  close  to  the  bank  as 
possible,  and  to  buoy  their  anchors.  No  foreign  vessel  is  allowed  to  anchor 
in  any  narrow  part  of  the  river,  nor  in  the  bends.  Persons  infringing  these 
regulations  are  liable  to  a  fine. 

TIENTSIN  is  a  treaty  port,  and  has  a  consular  establishment.     It  is  the 


1148  TANGTSE  KIANQ  TO  THE  LIAU-TUNG  GULF. 

eea  port  of  Peking,  and  the  largest  and  most  important  city  in  the  North  of 
China.  It  has  trade  with  Siam  and  Cochin  China,  as  well  as  with  all  the 
ports  of  China.  Both  strategically  and  commercially  it  is  the  key  of  the 
capital.  The  river  is  200  ft.  wide  at  Tientsin  ;  above  this  it  soon  contracts 
and  becomes  too  shallow  even  for  gun-boats. 

The  foreign  settlement  or  concession  is  about  2  miles  below  the  city.  That 
of  the  British  is  at  Tz-chu-lin  on  the  South  bank  of  the  river,  where  is  the 
consular  establishment.  It  has  a  fine  bund,  where  is  a  jetty  at  which  steam 
ves.sfcls  can  lie  and  unload.  About  a  quarter  of  a  mile  below  the  British, 
concession  are  two  large  and  strong  earth-forts  on  either  side  the  river. 

The  chief  foreign  articles  of  import  are  cotton  goods,  cambrics,  woollens,^ 
silk,  opium,  metals,  needles,  and  matches.  The  trade  is  by  no  means  un- 
important, but  it  is  fast  merging  into  the  hands  of  native  merchants,  who 
avail  themselves  of  every  facility  which  is  at  the  disposal  of  the  foreigner, 
and  procure  their  goods  direct  from  Shanghai.  The  native  imports  are 
hemp,  paper,  teas,  sugar,  silk,  sea-weed,  beche  de  mer,  camphor,  and  ginger. 
The  chief  exports  are  cotton,  soap,  skins  felt,  wool,  grain,  drugs,  and 
fruits. 

The  native  currency  is  confined  to  taels,  copper  cash,  and  a  sort  of  bank 
note  current  on  the  spot.  Dollars  pass  at  either  Tientsin  or  Peking,  but  on 
the  road  copper  cash  are  more  useful.  Tientsin  cash  are  not  current  in 
Peking.  The  northern  Chinese  now  accept  small  silver  coins,  such  as  ten 
and  five  cent  pieces  and  sixpences. 

Supplies. — At  Tientsin  and  along  the  river  ample  supplies  of  bullocks, 
eheep,  and  poultry  can  be  obtained.  Sheep  are  cheap  and  plentiful,  and 
fatten  to  a  great  size  on  oil  cake.  Vegetables  are  rather  scarce.  Water  from 
the  river,  if  taken  sufficiently  above  the  entrances  at  low  tide,  and  cleared 
by  alum,  which  may  be  bought  at  any  of  the  villages,  is  wholesome.  Slack 
lime  can  also  be  procured.     Drinking  water  is  supplied  by  the  compradors. 

Climate. — Ofi"  the  river's  mouth  it  has  been  found  both  agreeable  and 
healthful  during  the  summer  months,  the  sea  breezes  which  then  prevail 
tempering  the  heat ;  at  Tientsin  the  summer  heat  is  intense,  and  the  diseases, 
typhus,  cholera  and  small  pox,  which  are  so  rife,  are  rather  attributable  to 
want  of  sanitary  precaution  than  to  climatic  influence. 

The  Bar  of  the  Pel  ho,  the  Chinese  name  of  which  is  Lan-kiang  sha,  ig 
about  2  miles  in  length,  in  a  N.W.  by  W.  and  S.E.  by  E.  direction,  and 
consists  of  hard  mud.  Being  now  well  buoyed  there  is  no  difficulty  in  cross- 
ing it,  and  there  are  also  beacons  on  the  flats  near  the  forts  which  serve  as 
leading  marks.     The  channel  is  wide. 

The  shoalest  part  of  the  bar  is  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  extent,  com- 
mencing at  4  miles  below  the  outer  forts.  About  the  middle  of  the  channel, 
at  2|  miles  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  of  the  South  Cavalier  of  the  South  fort,  there  is 
an  elbow  or  bend  in  the  fairway,  at  which  part  there  are  only  IJ  feet  at 


THE  PEI  HO.  1149 

low  tides,  but  tlie  bottom  is  very  soft  mud.  Farther  out  there  are  2  feet, 
but  the  bottom  is  hard  mud,  or  sand,  so  that  vessels  than  can  cross  this  can 
also  pass  the  elbow,  although  in  less  than  their  own  draught.  At  the  en- 
trance to  the  bar,  the  northern  banks,  like  those  of  the  Peh-tang,  are  of 
hard  sand,  and  like  them  also  tail  away  to  the  southward. 

At  high  water  springs  from  11  to  13  feet  may  be  carried  over  the  bar,  the 
height  of  the  tide  being  much  influenced  by  the  direction  and  force  of  the 
winds  ;  at  neaps,  there  is  at  times  as  little  as  6  or  7  ft.  at  high  water.  In 
November,  the  channel  of  the  bar  becomes  somewhat  shallower,  and  the 
river  is  generally  frozen  over  early  in  December,  and  remains  so  till  early  in 
March.  The  banks  are  not  always  easily  distinguished  when  covered,  for  at 
high  springs  the  ripples  over  them  are  not  visible. 

Buoys  and  Beacons. — There  is  no  light  at  present  to  mark  the  approach 
to  the  Pei  ho,  but  it  is  proposed  to  erect  a  lighthouse  on  Sha-lui-tien  Island. 
There  are  three  buoys  to  mark  the  passage  over  the  bar,  and  five  beacons 
to  mark  the  banks  of  the  river,  three  on  the  North  side  and  two  on  tho 
South.  Entrance  Buoy  is  a  red  iron  buoy,  on  the  outer  edge  of  the  bar,  to 
mark  its  commencement  and  the  entrance  of  the  channel.  South  Buoy  is  a 
^lach  iron  buoy,  on  the  South  side  of  the  bar,  to  mark  a  bend  in  the 
channel,  hmer  Buoy  is  a  red  and  black  striped  iron  buoy,  on  the  inner  end 
of  the  bar,  to  mark  the  entrance  to  the  channel.  This  buoy  is  about  one 
mile  S.S.E.  of  North  Port.  Mud  Beacon,  painted  white,  is  on  the  North  bank 
at  the  mouth  of  the  river.  North  Bank  Harks  are  two  30  feet  poles  with 
cages,  on  the  North  bank  at  the  mouth  of  the  river.  South  Bank  Marks  are 
two  poles  30  feet  high  with  cages,  on  the  South  bank  near  the  mouth  of  the 
river. 

These  buoys  are  removed  before  the  river  becomes  frozen  up,  and  the 
channel  is  re-buoyed  every  spring.     They  are  often  washed  away. 

Anchorage. — Vessels  of  large  draught,  say  24  feet,  may  lie  in  nearly  their 
own  depth  about  8^  miles  from  the  forts,  the  mud  being  very  soft,  so  that 
they  may  ground  at  low  water.  The  best  position  is  at  that  distance,  S.E. 
by  E.  of  the  South  Cavalier,  the  left  and  largest  of  the  five  seen.  This  will 
be  about  4|  miles  form  the  bar.  Vessels  of  less  draught  can  choose  their 
own  depth  upon  the  same  bearing,  finding  15  feet  at  Ij  miles  from  the  bar, 
A  vessel  anchoring  in  8  feet  more  than  her  draught  at  half  tide  would  have 
from  2  to  3  feet  to  spare  at  low  water  springs. 

The  holding  ground  at  this  anchorage  is  excellent,  A  heavy  gale  brings 
in  an  unpleasant  sea,  yet  with  good  ground  tackling  and  plenty  of  cable  out 
it  is  considered  that  a  sailing  vessel  ought  to  ride  out  a  summer  gale.  The 
anchorage  seems  to  be  a  wild  one  in  winter ;  in  the  gales  of  November,  some 
boats  only  were  lost.  At  a  later  period  ships  cannot  anchor  there  at  all, 
owing  to  the  ice. 
;  Sometimes  vessels  anchor  in  their  own  draught  of  water,  for  the  mud  is 


1150  YANGTSE  KIANG  TO  THE  LTAU-TUNG  GULF. 

very  Boft,  and  if  the  wind  sets  in  from  seaward  the  level  of  the  sea  is  raised^ 
whilst  with  off-shore  winds  which  diminish  the  depth  of  water  the  sea  is 
always  smooth.  The  difference  of  level  between  high  water  spring  tides 
with  a  south-easterly  wind,  and  low  water  springs  with  a  north-westerly 
wind  is  12^  feet,  the  spring  rise  being  10  feet. 

The  anchorage,  called  officially  the  Outer  anchorage  extends  from  the 
Customs'  junks  to  3  miles  outside  the  bar  seaward. 

Pilots  certified  by  Her  Majesty's  Consul,  are  usually  on  the  look  out  for 
vessels  entering  during  the  open  season.  The  rate  of  pilotage  to  Tientsin  is 
about  8  dollars  per  foot  of  draught. 

The  native  divers  are  very  skilful.  They  have  been  able  to  recover  boxes 
of  specie  from  a  depth  of  25  feet.  As  gales  sometimes  come  on  in  a  few 
minutes  without  the  slightest  warning,  boats  alongside  are  liable  to  be  stove 
or  damaged. 

Tides.— It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  outside  the  Pel  ho  Bar  at 
S**  30"  ;  ordinary  springs  rise  about  10  ft.,  neaps  7  to  8  ft.  The  actual  time 
of  high  water  sometimes  varies  as  much  as  1^  hours  from  the  computed  time, 
but  seldom  at  springs.  As  soon  as  the  flats  are  covered,  the  tide  sets  across 
the  bar  along  the  coast,  nearly  parallel  thereto,  the  flood  running  northward^ 
the  ebb  southward,  about  2  knots  at  springs,  and  1  knot  at  neaps.  On  the 
bar  the  tide  is  always  weak.  The  influence  of  the  direct  tides  in  and  out  is 
not  felt  on  the  bar  except  towards  low  water,  when  the  stream  is  confined 
within  the  mud  banks.  Outside  the  bar,  the  flood  sets  North,  the  ebb  S.S.E. 
The  tides  are  subject  to  great  irregularities.  North  and  N.W.  winds  retard 
the  flood  and  diminish  its  rise;  East  and  S.E.  winds  increase  the  rise  and 
retard  the  ebb.  Slack  water  sometimes  lasts  3  to  4  hours  at  the  neaps.  The 
rate  of  the  tide  in  the  river  is  2  to  3h  knots,  its  maximum  4  J  knots. 

At  Tientsin  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  about  7^  0"" ;  it  is  estimated 
to  be  about  4  hours  later  than  Ta-ku,  but  varies  very  considerably.  The 
average  rise  and  fall  is  3  to  4  ft.,  and  the  greatest  range  6  ft.  When  the 
snows  melt,  the  river  is  said  to  rise  2  to  3  ft.  higher.  The  times  of  high  and 
low  water  are  irregular  ;  the  water  will  sometimes  remain  at  its  high  level 
for  3  or  4  hours.  The  tide  takes  6  hours  to  rise  and  the  same  period  to  fall, 
but  at  the  forts  which  stand  some  miles  below  Tientsin,  the  flood  stream  ran 
only  45  hours  at  springs  ;  the  ebb  therefore  must  have  run  8  hours.  At  the 
above  forts  it  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  about  ft*".  The  tide  ceases 
at  Yong-tsun,  23  miles  above  Tientsin. 

The  flood  tide  has  a  velocity  of  about  one  knot  and  continues  to  flow  up 
for  an  hour  after  high  water ;  the  ebb  has  a  velocity  of  2  knots  and  runs  out 
until  two  hours  after  low  water.  At  times  when  it  has  been  blowing  from 
the  northward,  there  is  scarcely  any  rise  of  tide  and  the  stream  is  then 
always  making  down. 

Tide  Signals.  —The  following  signals  are  made  from  a  flagstaflF  with  yard  to 


THE  PEI-HO— DIEECTIONS.  1151 

show  the  depth  of  water  on  the  bar,   the  starboard  yard-arm  being  the 
northern  one. 

At  masthead:  — 

Ball  signifies      ...            -  Slack  water. 

Eed  flag  ,,-...  Rising  tide. 

Two  balls  „            -            .            _            .  Falling  tide. 

At  starboard  yard-arm  : — 

Triangle  over  ball  „  -  .  -  -      8|  feet  on  bar. 

Ball  over  triangle  „  -  -  -  -       9^  ,, 

Triangle  hoisted  alone  at  starboard  yard-arm,  in  conjunction  with  the  following 
signals  at  port  j'urd-arm,  signifies  an  additional  half  foot  of  depth. 


At  port  yard-arm  :  — 

Triangle  sign 

Triangle  over  ball 
Ball  over  triangle 
One  ball 

Two  balls  horizontal 
Two  balls  vertical 
Three  balls 


fies      -            .            -            -  10  feet  on  bar. 

-  11 

-  12 
.  13 

-  14 
.  15 

-  16 


Directions. — Having  passed  the  entrance  red  buoy,  steer  to  pass  to  the 
northward  of  the  South  llaclc  buoy  at  the  bend  of  the  bar  channel,  and  thence 
towards  the  inner  striked  buoy,  and  from  that  for  the  mouth  of  the  river  be- 
tween the  forts.  A  steam-tug  is  always  in  readiness  at  Taku  to  tow  sailing 
vessels  up  the  river. 

The  beacons,  before  described,  have  been  erected  for  landmarks  in  case  of 
the  displacement  of  the  buoys,  and  are  used  when  the  buoys  are  removed  on 
the  approach  of  winter  and  until  the  channel  has  been  re-buoyed  in  the  spring 
after  the  breaking  up  of  the  ice.  The  beacons  are  on  the  mud-flats  below 
the  forts.  To  enter,  keep  Mud  Beacon  {white)  just  open  southward  of  the 
North  cavalier  of  the  North  fort,  and  this  will  lead  in  southward  of  the 
entrance  buoy  and  up  to  the  South  buoy  ;  then  the  two  South  Banks  marks 
(poles  with  cages,  black  and  red),  on  the  South  beach  kept  in  one  will  lead 
up  to  the  inner  buoy,  leaving  the  South  buoy  to  the  southward.  Pass  South 
of  the  inner  buoy,  steering  for  the  mouth  of  the  river. 

The  river  from  Taku  to  Tientsin  is  not  difficult  to  navigate,  yet  owing  to 
its  winding  course  great  care  is  necessary.  Steam  vessels  of  nearly  12  feet 
draught,  and  200  ft.  in  length,  have  reached  Tientsin  at  the  period  of  spring 
tides  almost  without  a  check,  but  some  of  the  bends  are  very  sharp.  The 
most  difficult  portion  of  the  passage  is  a  bend  known  as  Double  Eeach,  about 
20  miles  below  Tientsin,  where  many  vessels  have  stuck  fast,  and  on  some 
occasions  the  cargoes  have  had  to  be  discharged  before  the  vessels  could  be 
floated.     Conveniently  placed  warping  posts  are  now  erected  at  the  worst 


1162  YANOTSE  KIANG  TO  THE  LIAU-TUNG  GULF. 

places,  so  that  check  lines  can  be  made  fast.     Twin  screw  vessels  do  not  re- 
quire these  aids. 

As  in  some  parts  of  the  river  the  channel  is  very  narrow,  and  barely  of 
sufficient  width  to  allow  two  vessels  to  pass  each  other,  it  has  become  cus- 
tomary for  that  vessel  which  is  proceeding  against  the  tide  to  run  her  bow 
aground  so  as  to  make  way  for  the  other. 

Taku  Forts,  commanding  the  entrance  of  the  Pei  ho,  leading  to  the  capital, 
are  an  important  military  post,  and  were  deemed  by  the  Chinese  impregna- 
ble till  they  fell  before  the  British  squadron  on  the  20th  May,  1858,  and 
were  captured  a  second  time  by  the  British  and  French  allied  forces  on  the 
21st  August,  1860.  The  land  is  so  perfectly  low  and  flat  about  them  as  to 
make  it  difficult  for  a  stranger  to  detect  the  entrance  of  the  river,  and  there 
is  nothing  to  denote  its  position,  except  the  shipping  and  the  five  elevated 
cavaliers  of  the  two  principal  torts  which,  from  their  yellow  colour,  are  some- 
times discernible  with  difficulty. 

A  British  vice-consul  is  stationed  at  Taku,  who  receives  the  papers  of  all 
British  sailing  vessels  bound  either  for  this  port  or  Tientsin,  those  of  steamers 
being  retained  on  board  until  their  arrival  at  the  latter  place.  The  vice- 
consulate  is  situated  up  the  river,  almost  2  miles  above  the  forts,  and  about 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  river's  bank.  Here  also  are  the  Chinese  cus- 
toms' establishment,  pilots,  &c. 

Kohu,  17  miles  above  the  forts,  is  the  port  at  which  all  the  southern  junks 
from  Amoy,  Swatow,  &c.,  discharge  their  cargoes.  Double  Reach,  about  20 
miles  below  Tientsin,  is  the  most  difficult  part  of  the  river  to  navigate.  Most 
vessels  frequenting  the  port  have,  at  one  time  or  another,  stuck  fast  in  this 
awkward  spot,  and  on  more  than  one  occasion  have  had  to  discharge  cargo, 
in  order  to  lighten  sufficiently  to  get  afloat.  In  the  event  of  thus  grounding, 
boats  are  despatched  from  Tientsin  as  quickly  as  possible. 

SHA-LUI-TIEN  ISLAND,  distant  120  miles  N.W.  by  W.  of  Teng-chau, 
and  30  miles  E.  f  S.  of  the  outer  anchorage  off  the  Pei  ho,  stands  at  the 
S.E.  extreme  of  an  extensive  group  or  mass  of  sand-banks,  the  outer  edge 
of  which  is  20  miles  in  length  in  an  E.S.E.  direction,  at  a  distance  of  12 
miles  from  the  coast.  These  banks,  some  of  which  dry  at  low  waters  must 
be  approached  with  caution,  particularly  in  thick  or  foggy  weather.  The 
island  is  low,  but  it  has  a  small  joss  house  on  it,  which,  standing  alone  and 
upon  an  elevated  spot,  is  conspicuous.  It  is  covered  with  long  grass,  and, 
unlike  the  banks  which  are  of  dark  river  sand,  is  of  bright  sea  sand.  It  is 
Bteep-to  on  its  South  side.  It  is  proposed  to  establish  a  lighthouse  on  the 
island. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  off  the  western  part  of  the  Sha- 
lui-tien  Banks,  at  2"  50",  and  neaps  rise  8  ft.  Near  the  banks  the  flood 
takes  a  W.N.  W.  direction  along  their  edge  at  the  rate  of  4i  knots  at  springs, 


GULF  OF  LTAU-TUXG.  1153 

and  the  ebb  to  the  S.E.  at  the  rate  of  3  knots  ;  on  their  western  side  the 
flood  sets  to  the  northward,  but  its  velocity  is  not  so  great. 

A  strong  N.W.  wind  drives  the  water  out  of  the  head  of  the  gulf  of  Pe- 
chili,  reducing  the  depth  a  little  ;  but  a  southerly  wind  raises  the  level  of  the 
water. 

GULF  OF  LI  AU-TUNG.— About  10  miles  N.E.  from  Sha-lui-tien  Island 
is  the  south-eastern  point  of  the  Province  of  Chili,  which  defines  the  limits 
of  the  gulfs  of  Pe-chili  and  Liau-tung ;  from  thence  the  coast  bends  to  the 
N.E.  by  N.  70  miles  to  the  Great  Wall  of  China,  to  within  a  few  miles  of 
which  it  continues  to  be  quite  low. 

The  Ching  ho  entrance  to  which  is  16  miles  N.E.  by  E.  of  Sha-lui-tien 
Island,  is  through  a  break  in  the  extensive  banks  which  here  skirt  the  coast 
for  many  miles,  and  across  a  bar  on  which  there  are  only  2  ft.  at  low  water. 
The  Lau-mu  ho  entrance,  16  miles  to  the  N.E.  of  the  Ching  ho,  has  a  narrow 
bar,  with  3  ft.  over  it  at  low  water.  Hsin-shai-hau,  about  2  miles  S.W.  of 
the  Lau-mu,  is  a  bar  creek,  into  which  junks  sometimes  run  for  shelter  iu 
bad  weather. 

Mirage  on  this  coast  is  very  deceptive,  giving  an  appearance  of  water  to  the 
dry  sand,  and  distorting  the  objects  on  shore  considerably,  small  huts  some- 
times appearing,  when  first  seen,  to  be  large  forts. 

From  the  Lau-mu  the  coast  runs  10  miles  N.E.  by  N.  to  Sha-ti  Point, 
where  the  formation  of  the  coast  changes.  This  point  is  the  southern  ex- 
tremity of  a  ridge  of  sand  hills  30  or  40  ft.  high,  extending  to  the  N.N.E. 
in  a  straight  line  for  17  miles,  as  far  as  the  Pu  ho. 

The  Pu  ho  enters  the  sea  through  the  sandhills,  in  lat.  39°  40'  N.  The  bar 
is  nearly  dry  at  low  water.     The  rise  and  fall  is  about  6  ft. 

From  the  River  Pu,  the  ridge  of  sand  hills,  30  ft.  high,  continues  N.E.  8 
miles,  and  1  mile  beyond  their  termination  is  the  entrance  of  the  River 
Yang,  which  is  very  shallow,  and  though  a  few  junks  pass  a  short  distance 
up  it  at  high  water,  the  greater  number  discharge  their  cargo  just  within 
the  entrance,  whence  it  is  carried  into  the  interior  in  carts.  The  depth  is  1^ 
feet  over  the  bar,  and  the  rise  and  fall  6  ft.  The  small  river  Tai-cho  enters 
the  sea  1  mile  eastward  of  the  Yang.  The  anchorage  off  Liu-sia-kwang,  1^ 
mile  N.E.  of  the  Tai-cho  entrance,  is  open  from  N.E.  by  E.  to  S.W.,  at  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  sandy  beach.  The  passage  into  the  beach  near 
Liu-sia-kwang  is  between  two  sand-banks,  the  one  running  out  from  Rocky 
Point,  the  other  from  the  mouth  of  the  River  Tai-cho.  Horses  and  bullocks 
are  abundant.  There  are  two  wells  of  good  water  at  the  village  near  the 
beach.  Ning-hai  is  a  walled  city,  2  miles  from  the  sea,  along  the  West  side 
of  the  Great  Wall.  The  anchorage  off  it,  near  the  extremity  of  the  Wall,  is 
open  from  N.E.  (round  southerly)  to  W^est. 

The  GREAT  WALL  of  CHINA  abuts  on  the  sea  on  the  western  shore  of 

I.    A.  7  H 


1154  YANGTSE  KIANG  TO  THE  LIAU-TUNG  GULF. 

the  Gulf  of  Liau-tung,  in  lat.  39°  58'  N.,  long.  119°  51'  E.  It  originates  at 
the  edge  of  the  beach,  to  which  it  descends  in  broad  terraces  and  massive 
flights  of  steps,  now  much  ruined,  and  having  a  masonry  pier  jutting  out 
into  the  sea.  The  wall  rises  generally  from  20  to  30  ft.,  in  sections  similar 
to  the  walls  of  Chinese  cities,  and  with  a  thickness  of  15  to  25  ft.  After 
running  round  and  enclosing  a  portion  of  ground  close  to  the  sea  side,  thus 
converting  it  into  a  fort,  it  runs  obliquely  inward  to  the  West,  and  at  a 
distance  of  about  IJ  mile  from  the  beach  embraces  the  city  of  Ning-hai. 

North  of  the  Great  Wall  the  western  coast  of  the  gulf  is  mountainous. 
The  ranges  run  in  an  E.N.E.  direction  far  beyond  the  head  of  the  gulf,  and 
nearly  parallel  to  those  on  the  eastern  shore,  from  which  they  are  distant 
about  80  miles,  and  either  can  be  seen  in  clear  weather  from  the  opposite 
side  of  the  gulf.  Although  appearing  at  a  distance  as  continuous  ranges, 
many  of  them  are  distinct  groups  separated  by  extensive  plains,  whilst  their 
marked  and.  peculiar  forms  render  them  excellent,  as  they  would  soon  become 
familiar,  and  useful  landmarks,  when  steering  an  off-shore  course,  which 
would  generally  be  the  case  when  bound  to  Newchwang. 

From  the  Great  Wall,  the  coast  trends  E.N.E.  6  miles  to  Temple  Head, 
and  after  bending  North  for  3  miles  round  the  head,  it  continues  in  the 
former  direction  26  miles  to  Sand  Point,  off  which  lie  the  extensive  Crmzer 
Shallows.  It  then  turns  abruptly  to  the  N.N.E.  All  this  coast  is  low, 
along  the  edge  of  an  undulating  plain,  10  miles  in  breadth  from  the  foot  of 
the  mountains,  and  broken  by  low  headlands  on  the  sea  shore,  off  which 
are  reefs. 

The  LIAU  HO,  at  the  mouth  of  which  lies  the  treaty  port  of  Newchwang 
(Yingtze),  now  open  to  foreign  commerce,  drains  an  enormous  area  of  country, 
consisting  of  the  western  half  of  the  Province  of  Shing-king  or  Liau-tung. 
It  flows  through  a  plain  70  miles  in  breadth,  and  elevated  only  a  few  feet 
above  the  sea,  and  about  its  entrance  the  lowland,  covered  with  trees,  is  not 
visible  at  the  distance  of  7  or  8  miles  from  a  ship's  deck,  although  it  may  be 
seen  from  the  masthead.  Vessels  of  18  ft.  draught  can  cross  the  bar  during 
the  summer  months,  but  after  the  1st  of  October,  in  consequence  of  the  pre- 
valence of  northerly  winds,  which  lower  the  water  level  of  the  gulf,  it  is 
recommended  that  vessels  abstain  from  loading  over  16  ft.  . 

The  river  is  frozen  up  during  four  months  an  a  half,  or  from  the  middle  of 
November  to  the  end  of  March,  and  the  only  means  of  communication  is 
then  overland,  by  couriers  via  Peking  at  irregular  periods.  The  tide  affects 
the  stream  for  many  miles.  Small  junks  ascend  to  Tie-ling,  205  miles  from 
the  sea,  and  good  sized  junks  to  Tien-chwang-tai,  30  miles  from  the  bar.  It 
is  150  years  since  large  junks  went  up  to  Newchwang. 

NEWCHWANG  LIGHT  is  exhibited  from  a  lightvessel  moored  off  the 
entrance  of  the  river  in  5i  fathoms  at  10  miles  from  the  entrance  points,  and 
3 J  miles  outside  the  bar.    It  is  o.  fixed  hrigU  light,  elevated  40  ft.  above  the 


THE  LIAU  SO.  1155 

sea,  and  in  clear  weather  should  be  seen  from  a  distance  of  1 1  miles.  The 
illuminating  apparatus  is  catoptric.  The  lightvessel  is  painted  red,  with 
Newchwang  in  large  letters  on  each  side,  has  three  masts,  and  one  ball  on  her 
mainmast  only. 

A  gun  will  be  fired  when  vessels  are  observed  running  into  danger,  and 
the  course  that  should  be  steered  signalled  by  the  Commercial  Code.  In 
thick  weather  blasts  from  a  steam  Fog-horn  are  sounded  at  intervals  of  10 
seconds.  If  the  light  is  being  trimmed,  a  small  bright  light  will  be  hoisted, 
and  a  blue  light  burned  at  the  half  interval  of  time  between  lowering  and  re-" 
hoisting,  that  is  to  say,  at  7  minutes  after  lowering  and  7  minutes  before 
rehoisting.  This  lightvessel  is  only  in  position  from  about  the  1st  of  April 
to  the  1st  of  November,  on  account  of  the  ice,  and  her  position  ordinarily  is, 
Tower  Hill  S.  by  E.  J  E.  16  miles,  Euined  Tower  on  Kae-chu  Point  S.E.  i  E., 
direction  into  the  river  about  N.E.  by  E. 

BUOYS  and  BEACONS. — There  are  two  buoys  to  mark  the  channel  over 
the  bar,  also  five  beacons  to  mark  the  passage  into  the  river.  Both  the 
buoys  can  be  seen  from  the  lightvessel,  the  entrance  buoy  with  the  naked 
eye,  the  inner  buoy  with  a  telescope. 

Entrance  or  Outer  Buoy  is  an  iron  nun  buoy,  painted  in  Hack  and  white  ver- 
tical stripes,  and  surmounted  by  a  black  rod  and  ball,  visible  4  miles ;  it  is  in 
3  fathoms,  oaze,  on  the  western  edge  of  the  fairway  channel  of  the  bar. 
From  it  the  lightvessel  bears  S.W.  by  W.  |  W.  2^  or  3  miles,  and  inner 
buoy,  N.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  2f  miles.  Good  anchorage  will  be  found  2  cables 
from  it,  with  the  buoy  bearing  between  S.S.E.  and  N.  by  E. 

Imier  Buoij  is  a  spar  mounted  with  a  bamboo  pole,  painted  hlack  and  white 
in  horizontal  hands,  visible  3  miles.  It  is  in  10  ft.,  hard  sand,  on  the  inner 
edge  of  the  bar,  close  to  the  S.E.  edge  of  West  bank,  and  about  2|  miles 
N.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  from  outer  buoy.  It  must  be  left  to  the  westward  on 
passing. 

Another  small  spar  buoy,  surmounted  by  a  basket,  is  moored  about  a  mile 
S.S.W.  of  beacon  No.  V.,  and  marks  the  East  bank  and  the  position  of  Deep 
Hole. 

Fishing  Stakes  at  Deep  Hole.  —During  the  winter  months  the  Liau  Eiver  is 
closed  by  ice.  While  the  navigation  is  open  the  fishermen  have  three  sets 
of  stakes  off  Deep  Hole  ;  one  set  on  the  western  side,  and  two  on  the 
eastern,  all  situated  below  beacon  No.  V.  As  these  have  proved  good  marks 
for  the  fairway  channel,  it  has  become  necessary,  on  their  removal  previous 
to  the  setting  of  the  ice,  to  leave  the  outer  stake  of  each  set  standing. 

East  Spit  or  No.  V  Beacon  is  a  pole  38  ft.  high,  surmounted  with  two  black 
balls,  with  the  figure  "  V "  painted  in  white  on  the  lower  ball.  It  is 
N.E.  i  E  3  miles  from  inner  buoy,  and  stands  on  the  East  spit,  a  shoal  that 
projects  to  the  southward  from  the  bank  of  the  river  at  its  East  puint  of 


1156  YANGTSE  KIANG  TO  THE  LIAU-TUNG  GULF.* 

entrance,  and  is  left  dry  at  three-quarters  ebb.  This  beacon  marks  the  edge 
of  the  bank,  and  with  the  inner  buoy  forms  one  of  the  leading  marks  in  going 
out  or  coming  in. 

Nodding  Tommy  or  No.  IV.  Beacon  is  a  white  pole,  28  ft.  high,  mounted 
with  a  red  joss-pole  box,  on  which  its  number  "IV"  is  painted  in  black 
figures.  It  is  on  the  East  bank  of  the  riyer,  at  low  water  mark,  on  the  South 
side  of  a  small  creek,  and  about  2  miles  from  beacon  No.  Y.  It  marks  the 
Whale's  Back,  a  dangerous  shoal  on  the  opposite  bank  from  which  it  bears 
East. 

Middle  Bank  or  No.  III.  Beacon  is  a  red  pole,  28  ft.  high,  mounted  with  a 
black  joss-pole  box,  on  which  is  the  figure  "III"  in  white.  It  is  on  the 
East  bank  of  the  river,  at  low  water  mark,  about  2i  miles  from  No.  IV- 
beacon,  and  it  marks  the  centre  of  the  Middle  Ground  Shoal,  of  9  ft.  water^ 
from  which  it  bears  East,  and  also  points  out  the  channel  line. 

Flagstaff  or  No.  II.  Beacon,  mounting  two  trellised  frames  or  basket  balls,^ 
one  above  the  oter,  is  50  ft.  high  ;  pole  and  frames  black,  lower  part  whit© 
with  its  number  "  II  "  in  black  figures.  It  is  on  the  East  bank  of  the  river, 
planted  on  dry  ground,  1^  mile  from  No.  III.  beacon. 

West  Bank  or  No.  I.  Beacon,  also  called  Fish-house  beacon,  is  a  black  pol& 
mounted  with  a  red  joss-pole  box,  with  the  figure  "I"  on  it  in  black.  It 
is  on  the  West  bank  of  the  river,  near  some  fishing  houses,  a  short  distance 
from  the  bend  that  leads  to  the  harbour,  and  is  used  as  a  leading  mark  to- 
No.  II.  beacon,  on  the  East  bank,  from  which  it  is  three-quarters  of  a  mil& 
distant. 

Pilots. — Pilot  vessels,  having  competent  licensed  pilots  for  the  Liau  ho,^ 
•will  be  met  on  nearing  the  bar.  They  carry  the  pilot  flag,  yellow  over  green, 
horizontal,  and  the  words  "  Licensed  Pilot,"  with  number,  on  the  head  of 
the  mainsail.  There  are  twelve  pilots,  who  are  under  the  control  of  the 
harbour  master,  under  whose  direction,  also,  vessels  are  berthed,  and  are 
not  allowed  to  shift  without  his  permission.  The  pilot  boats  cruise  within  a 
radius  of  5  miles  from  the  lightvessel,  except  in  bad  weather,  when  they  take 
shelter  in  Deep  Hole. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  the  Liau  ho  Bar,  at  4''  0™  \ 
springs  rise  11  or  12  ft.,  neaps  7  or  8  ft.  At  Yin-koa,  at  S"*,  and  springs  rise- 
12  ft.  The  rise,  especially  at  neaps,  is  much  influenced  by  the  wind,  a 
southerly  breeze  causing  a  rise  above  the  normal  height,  while  northerly 
winds  cause  a  fall  below  the  same. 

The  BAR. — The  channel  into  the  Liau  ho  flows  through  the  mud  flat 
which  extends  from  4  to  6  miles  off  the  coast.  The  eastern  point  of  entrance 
to  the  river  is  3  or  4  miles  South  of  the  western.  The  bar  begins  at  7  miles 
S.W.  of  the  eastern  point,  and  carries  for  2  miles  depths  of  7  to  9  ft.,  but  ia 
its  centre  is  a  bank  1  mile  in  length,  of  only  4  ft.  Thence  the  channel  takes 
a  north-easterly  direction  towards  the    East   point  of  entrance,   gradually 


THE  LIAU  HO.  1157 

deepening  to  5  and  6  fathoms,  but  shoaling  again  to  18  ft.,  which  depth 
may  be  carried  up  to  Yin-koa.  The  bar  has  somewhat  altered  since  the  sur- 
vey of  1860. 

The  bar  is  difficult  of  approach,  especially  in  cloudy  weather  or  when  no 
ships  or  junks  are  lying  outside,  owing  to  the  low  land  and  the  extent  of  the 
flats.  A  vessel  should  not  stand  nearer  in  than  4  fathoms.  "When  in  6 
fathoms,  soft  bottom,  Tower  Hill  bearing  S.S.E.,  she  is  in  anchorage  outside 
the  bar,  when  she  must  wait  for  a  pilot ;  or  if  drawing  10  to  12  ft.,  and  it 
being  3  hours  flood,  she  may  follow,  on  a  course  about  N.E.  by  E.,  the  large 
five  masted  junks  going  in,  which  keep  strictly  in  mid-channel.  But  as  soon 
as  the  vessel  has  passed  the  first  fishing  stakes,  and  having  4^  fathoms,  soft 
bottom,  good  holding  ground  (the  bar  is  hard  sand),  she  is  inside  the  bar^ 
and  ough^£  to  anchor. 

Anchorage. — Vessels  arriving  off  the  port,  if  requiring  to  anchor,  should 
bring-to  near  and  to  the  eastward  of  the  lightvessel ;  or,  if  preferred,  they 
may  proceed  up  to  inner  buoy,  and  anchor  with  the  buoy  bearing  between 
S.S.E.  and  N.  by  E.,  at  2  cables'  distance. 

Caution. — Vessels  that  have  been  kept  too  far  off'  shore,  in  order  to  give 
the  Bittern  Shallows  a  wide  berth,  have  been  run  amongst  the  dangerous 
shoals,  at  the  head  of  the  gulf,  westward  of  the  Liau  ho. 

Crossing  the  Bar  at  slack  water  of  the  last  of  the  flood,  steer  from  the  light- 
vessel  N.E.  by  E.  I  E.,  and  pass  half  a  cable  to  the  north-westward  of 
entrance  buoy.  From  this  steer  N.E.  by  E.  ^'E,.,  which  will  lead  1^  cable 
eastward  of  inner  buoy,  and  stand  on,  on  the  same  course,  until  you  have 
brought  the  latter  buoy  to  bear  AV.  by  S.  5  S.  about  1|  mile  distant.  Thence 
a  N.E.  course  for  about  1  mile  will  bring  you  to  Deep  Hole  (between  the 
fishing  stakes),  where  there  ie  good  and  secure  anchorage  in  6J  fathoms. 

The  tides  set  obliquely  across  the  bar,  the  flood  about  N.  by  E.,  the  ebb 
about  S.  by  W.,  at  the  rate  of  2  to  4  knots.  With  this  knowledge  the 
mariner  will  be  able  to  steer  so  as  to  make  good  the  courses  above  given. 
When  on  the  bar,  to  avoid  the  middle  ground,  do  not  bring  inner  buoy  to 
bear  to  the  northward  of  N.E.  ^  N. ;  and  to  avoid  the  dangerous  spit  on  the 
western  bank,  do  not  bring  it  to  bear  to  the  eastward  of  E.N.E.  When 
above  inner  buoy,  in  order  to  avoid  another  projection  from  the  western 
bank,  do  not  bring  the  same  buoy  to  bear  to  the  southward  of  S.W.  by 
W.  ^  W.  until  your  distance  from  it  exceeds  \\  mile.  The  western  bank  is 
8teep-to ;  the  eastern  bank  shelves  gradually. 

From  L)eep  Hole,  the  Admiralty  chart  and  a  careful  use  of  the  lead  will 
enable  you  to  reach  the  Yin-koa  anchorage.  Feel  your  way  along  the  eastern 
bank,  passing  within  a  cable  of  Nodding  Tommy  and  Middle  Bank  beacons, 
on  which  side  the  deepest  water  is  to  be  found,  until  Flag-staff  beacon  is 
reached,  then  strike  across  for  Fish-house  beacon,  on  the  western  shore,  in 
order  to  clear  the  shoal  water  off  Everlasting  Point.  Then  (still  guided  by  the 


1158  YANGTSE  KIANG  TO  THE  LTAU-TUNG  GULF. 

lead)  follow  the  North  shore  around  the  bend,  until  you  are  well  abov& 
Everlasting  Point  below  Yingtze,  when  steer  for  the  anchorage  off  the  town. 

At  12^  miles  South  eastward  of  the  lightvessel  is  Kae-chu  Point,  low,  with 
a  ruined  tower  on  it.  Some  10  and  12  ft.  patches  lie  at  6  miles  westward  of 
the  point.  Tower  Hill,  9  miles  S.S.W.  of  Kae-chu  Point,  is  420  feet  high, 
and  has  a  conspicuous  tower  on  its  summit ;  bearing  S.  by  E.,  it  clears  the 
Kae-chu  patches  to  the  westward.  Vansittart  Saddle,  10  miles  to  the  S.W. 
of  Tower  Hill,  is  a  group  of  hills  on  a  projecting  angle  of  a  great  plain.  A 
large  square  tower  stands  to  the  eastward  of  them.  Sand-\j  Head  is  a  hill  440 
feet  high,  5  miles  S.S.W.  from  Vansittart  Saddle.  It  is  conspicuous,  and  a 
good  mark  for  the  Bittern  Shallows.  Maocwell  Point,  in  lat.  40°  2'  N  ,  long. 
121°  50'  E.,  is  6  miles  S.W.  from  Sandy  Point.  It  is  the  western  extreme 
of  a  hilly  promontory,  4  miles  in  extent,  rising  from  the  extensive  plains  of 
this  part  of  the  coast  in  varying  heights  to  970  ft.,  whilst  12  to  13  miles  in- 
land mountains  of  2,000  to  3,000  ft.  run  parallel  to  the  coast  for  30  miles. 
At  5  miles  below  Maxwell  Point  are  the  MacGoioan  Cliffs,  and  the  same  dis- 
tance S.W.  from  them  is  Schooner  Rock. 

Bittern  Shallows  are  a  collection  of  banks  of  coarse  sand,  22  miles  in 
extext,  fronting  the  coast,  and  marked  by  heavy  breakers  in  N.W.  and 
West  winds.  Their  most  projecting  point  is  9  miles  N.W.  \  W.  of  Sandy 
Head,  where  the  most  dangerous  cluster  lies.  These  outer  banks  carry  12 
to  16  ft.  water,  several  of  the  inner  from  1  to  10  ft.,  and  others  15  ft.  The 
lead  will  be  the  best  guide  to  avoid  these  banks.  Their  most  projecting 
point,  with  2  fathoms  on  it,  has  13  and  14  fathoms  close  to,  whilst  the  sea 
outside  has  an  uniform  depth  of  12  fathoms,  mud  ;  in  other  parts  the  banks 
are  safe  to  approach  to  10  fathoms,  mud.  A  very  conspicuous  mountain, 
2,880  ft.  high,  in  line  with  the  small  cliffs  East  of  Vansittart  Saddle,  S.E., 
will  lead  over  the  North  tails  of  the  banks  in  4 J  to  5  fathoms. 

Glacis  Point,  7  miles  W.S.W.  from  Schooner  Rock,  is  the  termination  of 
a  gentle  slope  from  a  hill  500  ft.  high.  Fort  Head  is  5  miles  S.W.  from 
Glacis  Point,  and  4  cables  off  its  S.W.  side  is  the  Coclced  Hat,  an  islet  60  ft. 
high.  Fu-chu  Point,  the  North  point  of  Fu-chu  Bay,  is  4  miles  S.  by  W.  of 
Fort  Head,  and  between  them  is  a  shallow  bay.  Extending  from  it  1  mile  to 
the  westward  is  a  reef. 

Fu-chu  Bay  is  1 1  miles  across  between  Slaney  Head  and  Fu-chu  Point. 
The  approach  has  from  15  fathoms  at  12  miles,  to  5  fathoms  at  3  to  5  miles 
from  the  head  of  the  bay,  the  soundings  generally  regular  with  mud  bottom, 
except  off  Slaney  Head.  The  passage  up  to  Fu-chu,  at  the  head  of  the  bay, 
is  between  Square  Island,  a  flat- top  isle  110  ft.  in  height,  on  the  North,  and 
Table  Point,  a  projecting  rocky  head,  on  the  South.  The  small  town  of 
Fu-chu  commands  but  little  trade.     It  produces  coal  of  little  worth. 

Hulu  Shan  Bay,  the  next  bay  southward  of  Fuchu  Bay,  affords  anchor- 
age iu  deptlis  under  9  fathoms,  good  holding  ground  of  sand  and  clay,  inside 


SOCIETY  BAY.  1159 

its  entrance  points,  which  are  5f  miles  apart.  Small  vessels  can  find  shelter 
from  N.W.  on  the  North  side  of  the  bay,  or  from  S.S.W.  on  the  South  side. 
There  are  no  supplies. 

Society  Bay  is  37  miles  wide  at  its  entrance,  between  the  North  point  of 
Hulushan  Bay  on  its  North  side  and  Cape  Collinson  on  its  South.  To  the 
N.N.E.  of  Cape  Collinson,  between  the  distances  of  10  and  17  miles,  are 
Milne  aud  Murchison  Islands,  and  numerous  shallow  patches.  At  the  N.E.  head 
of  the  bay  is  Port  Adams,  18  miles  in  depth,  which  can  be  entered  by  vessels 
drawino^  20  to  21  ft.  at  high-water  springs.  A  few  supplies  can  be  obtained 
at  the  villages  on  its  shores.  Kinchan  Bay  is  shallow,  and  forms  the  S.E. 
part  of  Society  Bay.  At  its  head  is  the  small  walled  town  of  the  same 
name. 

Q,uang  Tung  Peninsula  forms  the  South  side  of  Society  Bay.  Its  N.W.  ex- 
treme is  Cape  Collinson.  At  6  miles  W.N.W.  of  Cape  Collinson  is  Si-hau- 
sJian  or  Iron  Island,  750  ft.  high.  Between  Cape  Collinson  and  Liau-ti-shau 
Promontory,  13  miles  to  the  southward,  two  bays  are  formed  on  the  coast ; 
the  northern  of  these  is  named  Louisa  Bay,  and  has  good  anchorage  in  its 
entrance  in  6  fathoms,  outside  the  small  islands.  At  4|  miles  westward  of 
the  entrance  of  Louisa  Bay  is  Beef  Island,  400  ft.  high,  with  some  rocks  off 
its  western  side.  Pigeon  Bay,  5  miles  to  the  southward  of  Louisa  Bay,  ha8 
anchorage  in  4  fathoms.  The  mountain  on  Liau-ti-shan  promontory  is  1,500 
feet  high.  Port  Arthur,  5  miles  E.N.E.  of  this  mountain  has  rocks  on  either 
side  of  its  entrance,  and  a  military  station  on  its  N.E.  shore. 

Encounter  Rock,  in  lat.  38°  33'  50"  N.,  long.  121°  40'  E.,  is  about  70  yards 
in  length  East  and  West,  has  24  and  26  fathoms  close  to.  From  the  eastern 
or  largest  rock,  which  is  1 1  ft.  above  high  water,  the  Cap  bears  N.  ^  W, 
the  summit  of  Sanshan  tau  N.N.E.  |-  E.  ;  Prominent  Peak  N.  by  W.  |  W, 
Sampson  Peak,  N.  by  E.  |  E.  ;  Liau-ti-shan  summit,  N.W.  by  W.  J  W 
and  Round  Island,  E.  by  N.  25  miles. 

Cap  Island,  17  miles  eastward  of  Port  Arthur,  and  5  miles  off  shore,  is 
about  400  ft.  high,  and  slopes  towards  the  East.  Bound  Island,  in  lat.  38° 
40'  N.,  long.  122°  11'  E.,  is  small,  round-topped,  200  ft.  high,  and  is  gene- 
rally sighted  when  bound  to  Ta-lien-whan  Bay  from  the  southward.  The 
soundings  at  half  a  mile  from  it  are  25  fathoms,  mud  and  shells. 

Ta-lien-whan  Bay  is  an  extensive  inlet,  square  in  form,  being  6  miles 
wide  and  6  deep,  with  three  smaller  inlets,  named  Victoria,  Junk,  and  Hand 
Bays,  branching  from  its  head  ;  there  is  also  a  small  bight,  Odin  Cove,  on 
its  eastern  shore.  The  holding  ground  is  excellent,  the  eastern  side  of  the 
bay  affording  the  best  sheltered  anchorage  in  summer.  Its  principal  ap- 
proach is  5  miles  wide,  between  the  West  Entry  Point  and  the  two  Sanshan 
Islands.  There  is  also  a  passage  1  mile  wide  between  these  islands ;  and 
another  2  miles  wide  between  the  northern  island  and  the  eastern  point  of 
entrance.     Both  of  these  channels,  and  the  main  entrance,  appear  to  be  clear 


1160  YANGTSE  KIANG  TO  THE  LTAU-TUNG  GULF. 

of  danger ;  but  in  passing  between  the  two  islands  it  would  be  prudent  to 
steer  a  mid-channel  W.N.W.  course  through,  so  as  to  clear  the  6-fathom 
mud-banks,  one  lying  S.E.  by  S.  8  cables  from  the  North  Island,  and  the 
other  East  8  cables  from  the  North  hill  of  the  South  Island,  which  have  not 
been  examined,  and  on  which  there  may  be  less  water. 

The  flat  country  at  the  foot  of  the  hills  surrounding  Ta-lien-whan,  ap- 
pears to  be  good  arable  land,  well  cultivated.  Large  quantities  of  a  kind  of 
dwarf  Indian  corn,  millet,  and  wheat  (kaouliang)  are  grown  on  it.  Vege- 
tables are  scarce,  and  from  the  latter  grain  above  mentioned  a  spirit  is 
distilled. 

Odin  Cove  lies  3  miles  North  of  the  North  Sanshan  Island,  and  just  within 
the  north-eastern  entrance  point  of  Ta-lien-whan  Bay.  In  approaching  it 
care  should  be  taken  to  avoid  a  rock  lying  a  mile  oflF  shore,  and  3  miles  N.E. 
of  North  Sanshan  Island.  The  best  anchorage  is  on  the  South  side  of  Odin 
Cove,  the  northern  shore  being  dangerous  to  approach.  A  few  supplies  may 
be  obtained,  and  on  the  northern  shore  of  the  cove  water  may  be  got. 

The  Blonde  Group,  or  Wai-chang  shan,  lying  about  45  miles  eastward  of 
Ta-lien  Bay,  consists  of  one  large  island  and  four  smaller  islands  north- 
eastward of  it.  They  are  all  much  the  same  in  charac^^er ;  undulating  ridges 
with  deep  ravines,  bordered  with  high  cliflPs  or  ragged  shores,  but  destitute 
of  any  prominent  feature  when  seen  from  a  distance.  Shi-siau  is  a  remark- 
able rock  40  ft.  high,  which  appears  as  a  junk  under  sail,  and  lies  5  miles 
southward  of  the  Blonde  Group.  Hai-yun  taxi,  15  miles  eastward  of  the 
Blonde  Group,  5  miles  in  extent  North  and  South,  lies  isolated  at  the  S.E. 
part  of  the  Blonde  archipelago.  The  summit  of  this  island  is  a  gently 
sloping  peak,  1,320  ft.  high. 

The  Ta-hu-ian  or  Ta-yang  ho,  has  its  entrance  in  lat.  39°  47'  N.,  long. 
123°  40'  E.  At  12  miles  above  its  mouth  is  the  town  of  Ta-hu  san,  the  sea- 
port next  in  magnitude  to  Yingtse  (Newchwang),  and  like  that  place  pos- 
sessing many  large  native  warehouses. 

The  approaches  to  the  river  are  shallow,  and  large  vessels  can  only  ap- 
proach to  within  6  miles  of  the  entrance.  About  4  miles  off  the  entrance  are 
two  small  islands,  namely,  Ta-lu-tan  on  the  South  side  and  Sian-lu-tan  on 
the  East  side.  The  channel  into  the  river  lies  between  these  two  islands ; 
the  channel  West  of  Ta-lu-tan  is  not  practicable  even  for  boats.  The  Ger- 
man vessel  of  war  Ariadne  was  piloted  to  an  anchorage  in  4^  fathoms,  1^ 
mile  S.E.  by  S.  from  the  peak  of  Ta-lu-tan  ;  shoal  water  extends  South  and 
West  of  Ta-lu-tan  a  distance  of  over  3  miles.  A  depth  of  4  fathoms  is  found 
at  4J  miles  S.W.  of  the  island. 

The  boats  of  the  Ariadne,  in  July  1876,  ascended  this  river  without  diffi- 
culty as  far  as  the  town  of  Taku-schan.  A  depth  of  IJ  ft.  was  found  on  the 
bar  at  low  water,  but  it  is  considered  possible  that  the  bar  may  dry  at  low 
water  spring  tides.     Inside  the  bar  the  least  water  foirnd  was  7  feet,  with  a 


THE  KOREA.  1161 

general  depth  of  8  ft.  At  the  anchorage  off  the  town  there  is  a  depth  of  8 
feet  at  low  water,  bottom  soft  mud,  on  which  vessels  drawing  less  than  10  ft. 
may  ground.  The  banks  of  the  river  from  the  entrance  to  the  town  of 
Taku-schan  are  low,  and  in  some  places  submerged  at  high  water ;  the 
stream  is  330  yards  wide  at  the  town.     Spring  tides  rise  20  ft. 

The  population  of  Taku-schan  consists  of  30,000  or  40,000.  Commerce 
with  Korea,  prohibited  previous  to  1873,  has  commenced,  and  is  at  present 
very  active.  The  exports  consist  chiefly  of  bean  cake  and  timber.  Silk  of 
a  coarse  inferior  quality  is  exported  in  small  quantities. 

The  KOREA  is  separated  from  China  on  the  N.W.  by  the  Tulu  hiang, 
the  estuary  of  which  river  is  in  about  lat.  39°  50'  N.,  long.  124^  10'  E.  Some 
trade  commenced  in  the  year  1876  between  Japan  and  the  port  of  Fusan  in 
Corea. 

The  coast  eastward  of  the  Yalu  kiang  appears  to  trend  to  the  S.E.  as  far 
as  Ping  Yang  inlet,  and  is  skirted  by  numerous  islands,  the  whole  of  which 
are  as  yet  unexplored.  Banks  with  shoal  water  on  them  extend  a  long 
distance  to  seaward  of  these  islands,  and  vessels  navigating  in  this  locality 
should,  use  great  caution,  as  banks  of  rock  and  sand  rise  precipitously  from 
the  water. 

The  S.  W.  coast  of  Korea  and  the  islands  lying  off  it  are  but  little  known. 
The  passages  between  the  islands  have  been  traversed  by  many  vessels,  and 
all  the  outer  groups  fixed  with  tolerable  precision. 

ftuelpart  Island,  about  40  miles  long  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.,  and  17  miles 
wide,  is  of  considerable  height,  and  detached  from  the  islands  which  face  the 
S.W.  coast  of  Korea.  Its  general  outline  is  that  of  an  oval,  with  iev^  deep 
indentations  to  affect  its  regularity.  Its  general  appearance,  as  viewed  from 
the  sea,  is  inviting,  there  being  a  pleasing  variety  of  hill  and  dale,  and  oa 
the  northern  and  eastern  sides  much  cleared  land,  cultivation  rising  probably 
to  the  level  of  2,000  ft.     Rock  reported  in  lat.  33°  N.,  long.  126°  13'  E. 

Quelpart,  throughout  its  extent,  has  but  one  safe  anchorage,  and  that  is 
at  its  East  end,  off  the  southern  bay  of  Beaufort  Island,  which  here  forms 
a  channel  with  Quelpart,  about  2  miles  wide,  and  through  which  the  current 
sets  strong  to  the  southward.  The  second  temporary  roadstead  is  off  the 
city  on  the  northern  shore  of  the  island,  but  a  vessel  would  be  compelled  to 
seek  an  offing  at  the  first  symptom  of  a  N.W.  breeze. 

The  third  anchorage,  at  the  western  extreme  of  Quelpart,  within  Eden 
Island,  affords  shelter  from  North  (round  East)  to  N.W.,  and  offers  an 
escape  to  leeward  if  requisite.  A  fourth  temporary  but  dangerous  anchorage 
is  off  Hooper  Island,  near  the  city  on  the  southern  shore ;  but  this  is  open 
from  West  to  S.E.,  and  is  too  confined  to  admit  of  beating  out,  should  wind 
and  sea  come  in  suddenly. 

Off  the  South  coast  of  Eoiea^  between  Maisonneuve  Island  and  Kuper 

I.  A.  7  I 


1162  YANGTSE  KIANG  TO  THE  LIAU-TUNG  GULF. 

Harbour  on  the  West,  and  Castle  Islands  and  Herschel  Island  on  the  East, 
are  about  100  conspicuous  islands,  from  300  to  upwards  of  2,000  feet  in 
height,  more  than  two-thirds  of  which  are  inhabited  ;  and  including  the 
smaller  islands,  the  whole  number,  more  than  200,  are  contained  in  a  space 
of  between  1,500  and  2,000  square  miles.  Speaking  generally  of  this  ar- 
chipelago, it  is  bold,  presenting  very  few  hidden  dangers.  All  these  off- 
lying  islands  have  been  examined,  but  the  mainland  of  the  South  coast  of 
Korea  is  yet  uusurveyed. 

Port  Hamilton,  lying  about  N.N.E.  ^  E.  38  miles  from  the  N.E.  end  of 
Quelpart,  consists  of  two  large  islands,  deeply  indented,  the  northern  points 
of  which  nearly  meet,  and  which,  with  a  third  and  smaller  island,  Observa- 
tory Island,  situated  between  their  south-eastern  points,  form  a  spacious  and 
well-sheltered  harbour,  named  Port  Hamilton,  the  main  entrance  to  which 
is  at  the  S.E.  part  of  the  group.  These  islands  may  be  readily  distinguished 
from  the  numerous  clumps  of  islets  and  rocks  in  the  neighbourhood,  by  their 
greater  size  and  massive  bold  appearance,  as  well  as  their  peculiar  position. 
Except  at  a  great  distance  from  the  south-eastward,  they  invariably  make  as 
one  island. 

Within  Observatory  Island  a  vessel  may  be  safely  hove  down  for  repair. 
Wood  is  scarce — fresh  water  is  plentiful  and  good,  and  easily  embarked. 
Eish  may  be  caught  with  the  seine. 

On  entering  the  port,  the  only  danger  that  does  not  show  is  the  Saracen 
Bock,  with  7  ft.  on  it,  lying  at  the  entrance,  2  cables  eastward  of  the  East 
end  of  Observatory  Island.  Vessels  may  anchor  anywhere  within  the  port. 
The  holding  ground  is  so  good  as  to  render  it  difficult  to  trip  the  anchor 
after  a  few  days. 

Chosan  or  Tsau-liang-hai  Harbour,  is  formed  on  the  S.E.  coast  of  Korea, 
in  lat.  35°  6'  N.  The  entrance  is  between  Cape  Young  on  the  North  and 
Cape  Vashon  on  the  South,  which  bear  from  each  other  N.N.E.  J  E.  and 
S.S.W.  i  W.,  and  are  3  miles  apart;  from  thence  the  harbour  trends  in 
a  N.W.  direction  4J  miles,  and  is  from  1  to  2  miles  wide.  At  3  miles 
within  the  entrance  there  are  some  rocks  always  above  water. 

No  perceptible  trade  is  carried  on  in  the  harbour.  A  few  boats  were 
occasionally  seen  moving  about,  but  their  cargoes  generally  consisted  of  fire- 
wood and  straw.  The  Japanese  of  the  garrison,  some  250  or  300  men,  have 
but  little  intercourse  with  the  natives,  and  apparently  hold  them  in  supreme 
contempt. 

The  coast  of  the  Korea  will  be  found  fully  described  in  the  China  Pilot, 
published  by  the  Admiralty.  To  give  a  full  description  of  a  coast  seldom  or 
never  visited  by  European  vessels  is  thought  to  be  beyond  the  scope  of  this 
work.  We  therefore  give  the  above  brief  description,  and  proceed  to  de- 
scribe the  coats,  &c.,  of  the  Japanese  Archipelago. 

The  coast  to  the  northward  is  described  in  the  North  Pacific  Directory. 


CHAPTEE    XXY. 


THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO. 

The  celebrated  and  long  mysterious  traveller,  Marco  Polo,  was  the  first 
to  announce  to  the  western  world  the  existence  of  the  rich  and  powerful 
island  of  Xipangu,  now  known  to  be  Japan.  In  1542  a  Portuguese,  Mendez 
Pinto,  wast  cast  by  a  storm  on  its  shores,  and  a  Portuguese  settlement  from 
Malacca  was  soon  afterwards  made  on  Kiusiu.  In  June,  1598,  some  citizens 
of  Rotterdam  fitted  out  a  small  fleet  of  five  ships  to  trade  in  the  Indian  Ar- 
chipelago, and  injure,  as  much,  as  possible,  the  commerce  and  power  of  Spain. 
Among  several  Englishmen  in  this  fleet,  were  William  Adams,  of  Gillingham, 
near  Rochester,  and  Timothy  Shotter,  who  had  accompanied  the  famous 
Cavendish  in  his  circumnavigation.  The  venture  was  pre-eminently  unfor- 
tunate. Only  one  ship,  and  that  the  smallest,  the  Joyous  Message,  commanded 
by  Siebold  de  Weert,  returned  to  Holland.  Two  of  the  others  were  de- 
i^royed,  and  the  fourth,  in  which  were  these  two  Englishmen,  reached  Japan 
a  mere  wreck.  They  were  taken  prisoners,  and,  after  some  confinement, 
Adams  was  taken  into  the  confidence  of  the  Emperor ;  the  rest  departed ; 
He  was  raised  to  great  honours  ;  became  of  first  importance  in  the  political 
and  commercial  affairs  of  the  empire  ;  but  did  not  succeed  to  the  extent  of 
his  intentions,  having  gained  privileges  only  for  the  Dutch,  who  have  stu- 
diously avoided  mention  of  his  part  in  their  establishment.  Some  extensive 
privileges  were  also  granted,  at  his  instigation,  to  the  English  East  India 
Company,  to  establish  a  factory  at  Eirando.* 

As  is  well  known,  the  only  port  allowed  to  be  open  to  foreigners,  and  this 
permission  was  limited  to  the  Dutch  and  Chinese,  was  the  Port  of  Nagasaki, 
or  rather  for  the  Dutch,  the  Island  of  Dezima,  lying  before  it.  But  the 
Japanese  maintained  a  rigid  exclusiveness,  and  but  little  was  known  to 
Europe  about  the  country.  Without  enumerating  the  older  authors,  the 
principal  work  on  Japan  was  the  collection  from  the  notices  of  the  Dutch 
presidents,  by  Dr.  Ph.  Fr.  van  Siebold,  who  visited  the  country  in  the  period 
between  1823-30,  a  magnificent  work,  worthy  of  any  nation. 

In  the  year   1853,  July  8th,  Commodore  Perry,  U.S.N.,  appeared  off 

*  The  first  English  who  visited  it  were  with  Capt.  Saris,  who  came  to  the  relief  of  Adams 
from  England,  in  1611,  arriving  at  Firando  June  9th,  1613. 


1164  THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO. 

the  entrance  to  Yedo  Bay,  with  two  large  steam  frigates  and  two  sloops  of 
war.  He  ostensibly  sought  at  first  only  to  abolish  the  barbarous  Japanese 
laws,  which  consigned  shipwrecked  seamen  to  death,  and  their  vessels  to 
destruction.  The  steady  resistance  to  any  intercourse,  overawed,  however, 
by  the  presence  of  this  formidable  force,  gradually  gave  way,  and  some  con- 
cessions were  granted  before  the  departure  of  the  fleet,  which  left  with  a 
promise,  or  menace,  from  Commodore  Perry,  that  he  intended  to  return  for 
a  more  definite  answer  with  a  "  larger  fleet "  in  the  following  year.  Accord- 
ingly, on  February  12th,  1854,  a  squadron  of  nine  war  vessels  appeared  in 
the  Bay  of  Yedo,  and  after  skilful  negotiation  a  treaty  of  friendship  was 
concluded  between  the  Tycoon  and  the  United  States,  and  permission  was 
granted  to  locate  a  consul  at  Simoda,  an  insignificant  place  at  the  South 
extreme  of  the  Idsu  Peninsula,  on  the  "West  side  of  Yedo  Bay. 

The  second  stage  of  this  international  negotiation  was  reached  by  Mr. 
Harris,  the  U.S.  diplomat,  who,  by  unremitting  zeal,  contrived  to  enter  Yedo 
at  the  end  of  1857,  not  to  leave  it  till  April,  1858,  with  the  treaty  of  com- 
merce framed.  This  great  step  was  followed  by  similar  concessions  being 
granted  to  the  principal  European  powers  ;  and  that  with  Great  Britain  was 
ratified  at  Yedo,  July  11th,  1859.  After  all  these  apparent  victories,  it  was 
discovered  that  these  treaties  were  illegal,  having  been  made  with  the  Tycoon 
of  the  period,  whereas  they  should  have  been  ratified  by  the  Mikado,  but  this 
was  remedied  by  the  appearance  of  the  allied  fleet  from  China  and  the  subse- 
quent full  recognition  of  the  rights  of  the  external  world  to  trade  at  various 
ports.  Of  the  subsequent  troubles  nothing  can  be  said  here.  The  works  of 
iSir  Eutherford  Alcock,  Captain  Sherard  Osborn,  R.N.,  &c.,  &c.,  will  supply 
all  that  can  be  required. 

The  empire  of  Japan  is  composed  of  four  large  islands,  Kiusiu,  Sikok, 
Nipon,*  and  Yezo,  and  numerous  smaller  islands.  Nipon,  the  largest  and 
most  important  of  these,  and  that  which  gives  its  name  to  the  whole  empire, 
is  more  than  700  miles  in  length  N.E.  and  S.W.,  and  its  breath  varies  from 
50  to  150  miles.  South  of  Nipon,  and  separated  from  it  by  a  narrow  chan- 
nel, is  Kiusiu.  Lying  N.E.  of  Kiusiu,  and  eastward  of  the  South  extreme 
of  Nipon,  is  the  island  of  Sikok,  about  130  miles  in  length.  It  is  separated 
from  Kiusiu  by  the  Boungo  Channel,  and  with  Kiusiu  and  the  western  part 
of  Nipon  forms  a  basin  or  inland  sea  named  Seto  Uchi.  North  of  Nipon, 
and  separated  from  it  by  the  Strait  of  Tsugar,  is  the  large  island  of  Yezo,  a 
conquest  and  colony  of  Japan.     Its  form  is  that  of  an  irregular  triangle. 


*  Nipon  is  applied  in  Japan  to  the  whole  empire.  In  the  two  words  of  the  Chinese  cha- 
racters which  compose  it,  Jih  Fun,  it  means  the  place  or  rising  of  the  sun.  The  Japanese 
soften  the  letter  in*^^o  n,  and  so  make  it  Ni  Pun,  the  Dutch  spelling  it  Jeh  Pun,  their  j 
corresponding  with  our  y.  The  English,  giving  the  harsher  sound  to  j,  call  it  Japan  ;  so 
Jinido  should  be  produced  Yedo  for  the  same  reason,  and  is  hereafter  spelt  so. 


THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO.  1165 

The  chief  towns  of  Japan  are  now  all  joined  with  each  other  and  with 
Europe  by  electric  telegraph  ;  railways  are  springing  up  near  the  chief  ports, 
and  coal  is  being  worked  on  European  principles.  A  good  indication  of  the 
progress  made  by  Japan  in  the  last  few  years  is  afforded  by  the  rapid  light- 
ing of  the  coast.  Of  the  39  lights  now  exhibited  not  one  was  shown  previous 
to  the  year  1869,  a  few  coal  fires  only  marking  the  coast  at  night.  The 
population  of  the  empire  numbers  about  33,000,000,  and  there  are  about 
3,000  foreign  residents  in  the  country,  nearly  half  of  whom  are  English. 
Imports  at  the  various  treaty  ports  in  1876  amounted  in  value  to  about 
£5,000,000,  and  exports  to  £5,500,000,  chiefly  silk  (including  eggs  and 
cocoons),  tea,  and  miscellaneous  produce. 

Treaty  Ports. — The  following  are  the  ports  opened  to  British  subjects  by 
treaty,  between  Her  Majesty  the  Queen  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland  and 
the  Mikado  of  Japan  : — Kanagawa  (including  Yedo  and  Yokohama),  in  the 
Gidf  of  Tedo  ;  Nagasaki,  on  the  West  coast  of  Kiusiu  ;  Hiogo  and  Oosaka, 
in  the  Isumi  nada  (eastern  part  of  the  inland  sea)  ;  Niegata,  on  the  N.W. 
coast  of  Nipon  ;  and  Hakodate,  on  the  South  coast  of  the  Island  of  Yezo. 

Climate. — The  following  observations  upon  this  subject,  connected  with 
Japan,  are  made  by  Van  Siebold  :  —  "In  speaking  of  ice,  frost,  and  snow, 
within  32°  of  the  equator,  we  should  consider  the  geographic  position  of  the 
Japanese  Islands,  and  cite  an  observation  which  has  been  more  than  once 
made,  and  at  last  confirmed  by  Alex,  de  Humboldt.  The  eastern  part  of 
Europe,  and  the  immense  continent  of  Asia,  are  vastly  more  cold,  under  the 
game  latitude,  than  western  Europe,  making  allowance  for  the  greater  or  less 
elevation  above  the  sea  level.  The  climate  of  islands  being  much  milder 
than  that  of  continents,  it  can  scarcely  be  comprehended  that  the  temperature 
should  be  lower  in  Japan  than  those  European  countries  under  the  same 
latitude.  But  the  cause  of  this  contradiction  is  found  in  the  low  temperature 
of  Asia,  which,  surrounding  the  Japanese  and  Kurile  Islands  on  the  West 
and  North,  has  a  very  decided  influence  on  their  climate.  From  the  pi'oxi- 
mity  of  the  continent,  and  the  winds  blowing  ofi"  that  coast  during  a  portion 
of  the  year,  the  cold  arises  which  prevails  in  Japan,  particularly  in  the  North 
and  N.W.  Thus  in  lat.  32°  N.  the  thermometer  desends  on  the  coast  to  30"^ 
and  29°  Fahr.  It  freezes  to  several  lines  in  thickness,  and  snow  falls  that 
remains  on  the  ground  for  several  days.  In  lat.  36°  the  lakes,  as  those  of 
Suwa  on  the  Sinano,  are  covered  with  a  bed  of  ice,  which,  between  38°  and 
40°,  becomes  thick  enough  for  the  river  to  be  crossed  on  foot.  In  the  island 
of  Tsusima  (lat.  34°  12'  N.,  long.  126°  55'  E.)  rice  will  not  grow  ;  near 
Matsmae,  in  the  Island  of  Yezo,  wheat  returns  but  a  very  poor  harvest ;  and 
on  Cape  Soja  (lat.  45°  21'  N.,  long.  140°  29'  E.)  the  wild  Ainos,  a  vigorous 
race,  are  obliged  to  retire  into  caverns,  to  preserve  themselves  from  the  in- 
tolerable rigour  of  winter.  On  the  other  hand,  the  S.E.  and  eastern  sides, 
protected  from  the  freezing  winds  of  Asia  by  high  chains  of  mountains, 


1166  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGO. 

which  traverse  these  great  Islands  of  Kiusiu,  Sikok,  and  Nipon,  in  a  direc- 
tion parallel  to  the  continent,  have  a  more  fertile  and  more  temperate  climate. 
In  those  parts  of  the  country  between  lat.  31°  and  34",  the  palm,  the  banana, 
myrtle,  and  other  plants  of  the  torrid  zone,  are  found.  In  some  parts  the 
sugar-cane  is  successfully  cultivated,  and  they  gather  two  rice  harvests  each 
year.  The  environs  of  Sendai,  a  city  in  lat.  38°  16'  N.  long.  138°  36'  E., 
near  Niegata,  produce  this  grain  in  such  abundance,  that,  notwithstanding 
their  northern  position,  they  are  in  reality,  as  they  are  called,  the  granaries 
of  Yedo,  the  most  populous  city  of  the  country.  But  it  is  more  particularly 
in  the  rigorous  season,  which  lasts  from  the  commencement  of  January  to 
the  end  of  February,  that  this  difference  between  the  western  and  eastern 
shore  of  Japan  becomes  most  remarkable.  At  Dezima  (Nagasaki)  for  ex- 
ample, in  lat.  32°  45'  N.,  long.  127°  31'  E.,  the  thermometer  marks  45°  Fahr. ; 
while  at  Yedo,  in  lat.  35°  41',  long.  137°  22'  E.,  it  rises  to  56° ;  so  that  the 
position  of  the  capital,  more  easterly  by  9°  51'  than  the  factory,  raises  its 
temperature  higher  by  11°,  although  it  is  only  3°  nearer  the  pole.  Thus  in 
the  two  months  of  winter  in  which  these  observations  were  made,  the  coasts 
facing  the  Asiatic  continent  were  exposed  for  thirty-seven  days  consecutively 
to  the  freezing  winds  from  N.W.  and  North.  This  circumstance  explains, 
besides,  why  the  white  mountain  fSirojamaJ,  which  is  on  the  western  coast 
of  Nipon,  in  lat.  36°  is  covered  with  perpetual  snow  at  8,200  feet  above  the 
sea;  and  why  Fusi-jama,  at  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  island,  with  its  summit 
at  12,450  feet,  remains  without  snow  for  months  together. 

"  During  the  hot  weather  in  July  and  August,  when  the  winds  blow  from 
South  and  S.E.,  this  disproportion  in  the  temperature  disappears,  and  the 
mean  height  of  the  thermometer  for  this  season  is  79°  at  Dezima,  and  76°  at 
Yedo.  On  the  South  and  S.E.  coasts,  then  refreshed  by  these  winds,  it 
hardly  exceeds  85  ;  nevertheless  in  the  South  and  S.E.  parts  of  Kiusiu,  and 
chiefly  in  the  bays  sheltered  from  the  breezes,  it  often  rises  to  90  and  98°, 
and  sometimes  even  to  100°." 

At  Hakodadi,  the  climate  in  winter  is  variable.  In  the  winter  of  1859 — 
60°,  the  greatest  depression  of  the  thermometer  was  12°.  The  character  of 
the  winter  season  is  uneven,  and  acts  prejudicially  on  the  health,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  great  variability  of  the  atmosphere,  thaws  and  sharp  frosts 
alternating.  North-westerly  winds  blow  for  four  months,  and  snow  fell  in 
the  winter  of  1859  daily  for  six  weeks.  Sir  R.  Alcock  says  the  winter  ia 
almost  Siberian,  with  long  continued  and  heavy  falls  of  snow,  the  thermo- 
meter standing  many  degrees  below  zero. 

Fogs  are  very  prevalent  on  the  coasts  of  Japan,  especially  in  the  northern 
parts,  and  thunderstorms  are  frequent.  In  June  and  July,  they  occur  fre- 
quently in  the  Korea  Strait ;  further  to  the  North  they  envelope  the  coasts 
of  Manchuria  till  the  middle  of  July. 

Earthquakes. — The  whole  region  of  the  Japanese  Islands  is  volcanic,  and 


THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGO.  1167 

many  of  the  eruptions  are  fraught  with  extreme  danger  to  ships.  At  Yedo, 
one  occurred  in  August,  1783,  exceeding  in  its  hoi-rors  and  wide  spread  deso- 
lation that  of  Lisbon.  Another  occurred  at  Yedo  on  the  10  Nov.  1855, 
which  is  said  to  have  caused  the  destruction  of  100,000  dwellings  and  54 
temples,  and  the  death  of  30,000  persons. 

In  1854  the  town  of  Simoda  was  reduced  to  ruins,  and  the  Russian  frigate 
Diana  nearly  wrecked  in  the  harbour,  being  whirled  many  times  round  her 
anchors,  at  one  time  aground,  at  another  in  many  fathoms  depth.  She  was 
then  greatly  injured,  and  was  subsequently  lost  in  an  inexplicable  submarine 
tornado,  whilst  in  tow  of  a  multitude  of  Japanese  boats  which  deserted  her 
suddenly  at  some,  to  them,  well  known  warning. 

Simabara,  in  Kiusiu,  is  also  a  locality  of  terrible  earthquakes,  one  of  which 
is  said  to  have  altered  the  whole  feature  and  coast  line  of  the  neighbouring 
province. 

The  Japanese  Current,  or  Kuro  Siwo,  as  it  is  called  by  the  Japanese  in 
one  point  of  its  course,  is  an  immense  stream  which  rushes  part  the  southern 
coasts  of  the  Japanese  Archipelago  towards  the  N.E.  and  is  exactly  analo- 
gous to  the  Gulf  Stream  in  the  North  Atlantic.  It  has  been  observed  by 
every  voyager  in  these  regions ;  and,  like  the  Atlantic  Stream,  may  be  traced 
to  a  great  distance  to  the  eastward,  and  evidences  of  this  drift  have  been 
frequently  found  on  the  American  coast,  as  in  the  remains  of  junks,  or  of 
these  vessels  with  their  crews  being  drifted  on  to  the  American  territories,  as 
has  been  previously  related. 

But  the  Pacific  current  differs  from  the  Atlantic  Stream  in  not  being  con- 
fined in  a  narrow  channel  at  its  outset,  and  in  the  strongest  part  of  its 
course.  Hence  its  velocity  and  direction  are  not  so  constant,  and  some  great 
variations  in  the  current  have  been  experienced,  and  these,  too,  without  any 
apparent  cause.  Thus  there  can  be  no  dependance  placed  on  its  rate  or 
direction,  and  inshore  it  is  certainly  controlled  or  altered  by  tidal  action.  In 
the  North  Pacific  Directory  this  remarkable  stream  will  be  noticed  more  at 
length,  in  the  section  specially  devoted  to  currents. 

Survey. — The  Japanese  Archipelago  has  never  been  properly  surveyed. 
Some  portions  have  been  minutely  examined,  especially  the  vicinities  of  the 
treaty  ports  where  European  commerce  has  hitherto  been  allowed.  In  addi- 
dition  to  the  surveys  made  by  the  officers  of  the  American  squadron  in  1853- 
4,  and  the  British  fleet  in  1863,  there  are  various  portions  derived  from  the 
surveys  of  Commander  J.  Ward,  R.N.,  in  the  Rifleman;  of  Commander 
Brooker,  E.N.,  in  the  Sylvia;  and  especially  of  Commander  C.  Bullock,  R.N., 
in  the  Serpent ;  and  of  Captain  St.  John,  in  H.M.S.  Sylvia.  All  these  and 
others  have  been  connected  together  by  a  most  remarkable  map.  During 
the  political  negotiations  this  perfect  representation  of  the  empire  was  de- 
livered to  our  representatives,  and  it  was  found  to  be  a  regular  trigonome- 
trical survey  of  6  miles  to  an  inch,  and  so  accurate  that,  when  tested  by  the 


1168  THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO. 

surveyors,  it  was  found  that  very  great  reliance  could  be  placed  on  it.    Such 
a  geographical  work  deserves  especial  mention.* 

The  Luchu,  Loo  Choc,  or  Liu  Kiu  Group  lies  to  the  north-eastward  of  the 
Meiaco  Sima's  (see  pages  1048 — 1051  ,  about  120  miles  from  the  northern 
island  of  the  latter  group  to  the  southern  island  of  the  former.  It  consists 
of  three  large  islands — Okinawa  sima  (Great  Lu-chu),  to  the  6.W. ;  Kaki- 
rouma,  in  the  centre  ;  and  Oho  sima  to  the  N.E.,  between  which  and  in  their 
vicinity  are  numerous  smaller  islands,  some  of  which  form  clusters,  the 
whole,  with  some  outlying  rocks,  lying  between  the  parallels  of  26°  N.  and 
28^  46'  N.,  and  the  meridians  of  126'  42'  E.  and  130="  16'  E. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  Liu-kiu  Islands  are  both  friendly  and  hospitable ; 
their  chief  resides  at  Sheudi,  the  capital,  and  formerly  paid  tribute  both  to 
China  and  to  Satsum,  a  powerful  Japanese  Daimio.  They  have  but  little 
commerce,  except  amongst  the  neighbouring  islands  of  the  group. 

Okinawa  Sima  (Great  Lu-chu  Island,  the  largest  of  the  group,  is  about  56 
miles  long,  N.E.  and  S.W.,  preserves  a  tolerably  uniform  breadth  of  about 
10  or  12  miles.  Napha-Kiang,  on  its  8.W.  side,  is  the  principal  seaport  of 
the  island,  and  perhaps  the  only  one  possessing  the  privileges  of  a  port  of 
entry. 

There  are  three  passages  leading  into  Napha-Kiang  Road,  viz.,  the  South, 
the  Oar,  and  the  North  channels.  When  sailing  into  this  anchorage  great 
care  should  be  used  to  avoid  the  numerous  reefs  and  rocky  patches  which 
surround  it. 

Heber  Reef,  reported  as  a  rock  about  5  feet  above  water,  surrounded  by 
reefs,  lying  6  or  8  miles  W.S.W.  from  Cape  Yakimu,  the  South  end  of  Oki- 
nawa, has  been  inserted  on  the  charts  in  lat.  26°  2'  N.,  long.  127°  34f'  E. 
Its  existence  is  doubtful,  as  its  description  agrees  in  every  particular  with 
Hall's  Reef. 

Hall's  Reef  is  a  large,  circular,  rocky  patch,  a  part  of  which  is  above 
water ;  it  lies  7  miles  W.  by  N.  i  N.  from  the  S.W.  point  of  Okinawa  sima. 

Komisang  is  very  irregular  in  shape,  about  6  miles  long,  and  the  same  in 
width;  its  northern  peak  is  1,108  feet  in  height,  and  that  to  the  southward 
1,028  feet;  the  western  side  of  the  island  being  fringed  with  reefs.     Eli%a- 


*  There  is  a  sad  story  in  connexion  ■with  this  map.  It  is  related  in  Commodore  Perry's 
"  Narrative,"  page  88.  The  story  is  thus  told  by  a  modern  writer  on  Japan ; — "  Von 
Siebold  had  been  with  Colonel  Struler,  the  Dezima  chief,  to  Yedo ;  the  Japanese  astrono- 
mer, Takahasi  Zakusaimon,  had,  in  violation  of  the  law,  furnished  him  with  a  copy  of  a 
recently  made  map  of  Japan.  The  draughtsman  who  made  the  copy  having  become,  from 
some  cause,  offended  with  the  astronomer,  denounced  him  to  the  authorities.  An  investi- 
gation followed,  which  lasted  a  year.  Von  Siebold  was  banished  from  Japan ;  and  Taka- 
hasi and  the  draughtsman  who  accused  him,  both  committed  suicide."  This  occurred  prior 
to  the  commencement  of  the  American  expedition  in  1853, 


LINSCHOTEN  ISLANDS.  Ilfi9 

leth  Reef,  very  dangerous,  extends  6  miles  to  the  eastward  of  Komisang. 
Tu  sima,  in  lat.  26°  35J'  N.,  long.  126°  51'  E.,  lies  N.  by  E.  J  E.,  \Z\  miles 
from  the  North  peak  of  Komisang.  It  is  a  rocky  islet  about  60  feet  high, 
one-quarter  of  a  mile  in  extent,  with  a  reef  surrounding  it. 

Germantown  Eeef. — The  U.S.  ship  Germantoicn,  in  1859,  struck  on  a  coral 
reef  said  to  lie  in  lat.  28°  16'  N.,  long.  129°  58'  E.  From  the  shoalest  spot 
found,  6  feet,  the  highest  terrace  on  Kikai  sima  bore  N.E.  ^  E.  6  or  7  miles. 
The  reef  is  about  a  mile  long  in  a  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.  direction,  and  half  a 
mile  wide. 

Another  shoal  spot  was  found  lying  North  2  miles  from  the  centre  of  this 
reef,  with  apparently  a  clear  passage  between.  Reefs  were  also  seen  from 
aloft,  extending  from  one  to  two  miles  from  the  S.W.  and  S.E.  points  of 
Kikai  sima. 

In  the  American  chart  Germantown  Eeef  is  placed  2\  miles  S.  by  W.  ^ 
W.  from  the  S.W.  extreme  of  Kikai  simai,  or  in  lat.  28°  14f'  N.,  long.  129° 
53'  E.  ;  and  there  is  another  danger,  named  Marsh  Eeef,  1^  mile  southward 
of  it. 

Marsh  Reef,  placed  on  the  charts  in  lat.  28'  14'  N.,  long.  129°  55'  E.,  was 
reported  by  Mr.  Marsh  in  1853  as  lying  7  miles  S.W.  of  Kikai  sima,  ex- 
tending N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.  about  3  miles,  with  12  ft.  on  it  at  high  water. 

Sandon  Rocks,  about  33  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  surrounded  by  sunken 
dangers,  lie  in  lat.  28°  45'  N.,  long.  129°  47^'  E. 

The  LINSCHOTEN  ISLANDS,  or  Cecille  Archipelago  (so  called  in  the 
Prench  charts  after  Admiral  Cecille,  by  whose  directions  the  islands  were 
examined),  extend  from  lat.  28"  49'  N.  to  30°  6'  N.,  and  from  long.  129°  to 
130°  3'  E.  They  consist  of  12  islands  and  rocks,  some  of  which  are  inhabited, 
and  there  appears  to  be  many  safe  channels  between  them.  The  mariner  is, 
however,  cautioned  not  to  place  too  much  dependence  either  on  their  con- 
figurations or  positions  as  shown  on  the  chart  of  this  part  of  the  ocean,  for 
they  are  by  no  means  correct ;  they  are  from  the  Japanese  as  collated  by 
Siebold,  and  from  detached  surveys  and  corrections  by  English,  French,  and 
American  navigators.  The  French  corvette  La  Sabine  examined  them  in  the 
year  1846.  As  their  character  will  be  readily  understood  from  the  chart  we 
give  only  a  description  of  a  few  of  the  islands  near  which  dangers  exist. 

Yoko  Sima,  rising  to  the  height  of  1,700  ft.  above  the  sea,  is  an  extinct 
volcano,  the  highest  part  of  which  is  in  lat.  28°  48'  N.,  long.  129°  2'  E.  The 
bank  on  which  the  Pacific  mail  steamship  Oregonian  is  supposed  to  have 
struck  is  E.N.E.  |  E.  distant  300  yards  from  the  South  point  of  Yoko-sima. 
Kutsino  Sima  is  4  miles  long  N.N.W.  and  S.S.E. ;  its  peak,  which  is  2,230 
feet  above  the  sea,  is  in  lat.  29°  59'  N.,  long  129°  56'  E.  There  is  probably 
no  safe  passage  between  Kutsino  and  Naka,  the  next  island  to  the  southward. 
Breakers  are  reported  7  miles  N.N.W.  ^  W.  from  N.W.  point  of  Kutsino. 
I.  A-  7  k 


1170  THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO. 

Firase,  or  Blake  Beef,  consists  of  several  islets  and  rocks,  extending  about 
3  miles  in  a  N.E.  and  S.W.  direction;  the  highest  islet,  92  feet  above  the 
sea,  is  in  lat.  30=  4'  N.,  long  130°  3'  E. 

Jffenty  Beef,  on  which  the  sea  was  seen  breaking  heavily,  has  been  re- 
ported as  lying  N.W.  f  N.  3f  miles  from  the  North  point  of  Kutsino  sima, 
and  about  \^\  miles  to  the  westward  of  Eirase. 

COLNETT  STRAIT,  which  separates  the  Linschoten  group  from  the  group 
to  the  northward,  appears  preferable  to  Van  Diemen  Strait  for  vessels  bound 
from  China  to  Japan  ;  Yakuno  sima,  being  lofty  and  steep-to,  is  an  excel- 
lent mark  ;  besides  which  better  weather  is  generally  experienced  in  this 
strait  than  in  the  latter. 

Iledu&a  Beef,  reported  as  being  indicated  by  discoloured  water  and  high 
breakers,  2  miles  in  extent  North  and  South,  and  lying  8  miles  to  the  north- 
ward of  Eirase,  is  inserted  on  the  chart  in  lat.  30°  13'  N.,  long.  130°  4'  E. ; 
it  has  not  since  been  noticed,  but  if  it  exists  it  is  a  dangerous  impediment 
to  the  navigation  of  Colnett  Strait. 

Tanega  Sima,  the  most  eastern  of  this  group,  is  32  miles  long,  and  off  the 
S.E.  point  of  the  island  is  a  conspicuous  detached  rock,  80  feet  in  height, 
named  S.E.  Eock. 

A  reef  of  rocks  showing  above  water,  and  a  shoal  about  2  miles  S.S.E.  from 
them,  are  reported  as  lying  nearly  7  miles  from  the  S.E.  point  of  Tanega 
sima.  This  reef  has  been  inserted  on  the  charts  5  miles  South  of  the  S.E. 
Eock,  in  lat.  30°  15'  N.,  long.  131°  2|'  E.,  but  its  position  is  very  uncertain. 

Vincennes  Strait  between  Yakuno  sima  and  Tanega  sima  is  10  miles  wide 
in  the  narrowest  part. 

Seriphos  or  Omuru  Bock  is  marked  on  the  French  charts  as  a  rock  under 
water,  in  lat.  30°  49'  N.,  long.  130°  45'  E. 

Take  Sima  (Apollos  Island),  in  lat.  30°  48|'  N.,  long.  130°  261'  E.,  is  about 
2  miles  in  circumference  and  816  feet  high.  A  rocky  spit  extends  2  J  cables 
from  its  East  extremity,  and  a  dangerous  shoal  has  been  reported  a  short 
distance  North  of  the  island. 

Iwoga  Sima  (Volcano  Island  on  French  chart),  is  an  active  volcano ;  its 
highest  peak,  2,469  ft.  above  the  sea,  is  in  lat.  30°  47'  N.,  long.  130°  19'  E. 
A  pinnacle  rock,  marking  the  centre  of  a  reef,  a  mile  in  extent,  lies  a  mile 
North  of  the  centre  of  Iwoga  Sima.  Some  rocks  and  reefs  extend  about 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  East  and  N.E.  points  of  the  island,  and 
about  half  a  mile  off  its  S.E.  side  lie  two  rocks,  estimated  as  50  and  40  feet 
high  respectively. 

Cowose  or  Powhattan  Beef  a  dangerous  reef  in  lat.  30°  41'  N.,  long.  130° 
19'  E.,  was  discovered  by  the  U.S.  frigate  Powhattan  in  January,  1860. 
From  the  centre  rock,  about  18  ft.  above  the  sea,  the  S.W.  point  of  Iwoga 
sima  bore  N.W. ;  the  East  point  N.  I  W.,  and  the  East  point  of  Take  sima 
N.E.  h  N. 


VAN  DIEMEN  STE AIT.  1171 

Other  rocks  were  seen  awash,  or  a  few  feet  above  water,  stretching  aut 
about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  centre  rock. 

Use  or  Trio  Roehs  are  three  distinct  islets  of  about  an  equal  height ;  the 
centre  islet,  206  ft.  above  the  sea,  is  in  lat.  30°  45'  N.,  long.  130°  7'  E. 

Kuro  Sima  (St.  Clair  Island  on  the  French  chart),  is  about  3  miles  long 
(East  and  West).  It  is  an  active  volcano,  and  its  peak  rises  to  the  height 
of  2,160  feet  above  the  sea,  and  its  centre  is  in  lat.  30°  50'  N.,  long. 
129°  561'  E. 

Kusahi  Sima  {Ingersoll  or  Morrison  Each)  are  eight  in  number,  and  extend 
N.E.  and  S.W.  about  5J  miles  ;  the  highest,  in  the  centre,  468  ft.  above  the 
sea,  is  in  lat.  30°  51'  N.,  long.  129^  26'  E.,  and  visible  in  clear  weather  at  25 
miles. 

VAN  DIEMEN  STRAIT  lies  between  Kiusiu  Island  on  the  North,  and 
Iwoga  sima.  Take  sima.  Make  sima,  and  Tanega  sima  on  the  S.W.  and 
South.  It  is  clear  of  shallows,  with  the  exception  of  a  shoal  spot  of  8  fathoms, 
reported  about  2^  miles  to  the  southward  of  Satano  misaki,  the  South  point 
of  Kiusiu,  and  consequently  safe.  Making  this  strait  from  the  westward, 
Mount  Horner,  on  Kiusiu,  3,069  ft.  high,  and  the  peak  of  Iwoga  sima,  2,469 
feet  high,  form  two  conspicuous  landmarks.  The  only  drawback  to  the  navi- 
gation of  this  channel  is  the  heavy  weather  and  thick  atmosphere  usually  met 
with  off  Satano  misaki ;  the  Japan  stream  setting  strong  through  this  strait 
at  all  times  causes  the  latter  to  become  a  serious  disadvantage,  which  is,  how- 
ever, somewhat  lessened  by  the  light  now  exhibited  on  the  above  cape. 


sdUTH  AND  EAST  COASTS  OF  KIUSIU  AND  SIKOK. 

SATANO  MISAKI  or  Cape  CMchakoff,  the  southern  point  of  Kiusiu  and 
of  the  Japanese  empire,  is  situated  in  lat.  30°  58'  45"  N.,  long.  130^  40'  15 'E. 
It  is  about  650  ft.  in  height,  the  mountains  at  the  back,  from  which  it  is  a 
spur,  rising  to  a  considerable  elevation,  at  some  points  between  2,000  and 
3,000  ft.  A  small  island  and  several  small  detached  rocks  lie  off  it.  This 
cape  is  well  known  to  vessels  trading  to  Japan,  and  has  attained  celebrity 
from  the  fact  that  almost  constant  bad  weather  is  experienced  in  its  vicinity, 
violent  gales  with  a  thick  murky  atmosphere  rendering  the  passage  through 
Van  Diemen  Strait  at  times  somewhat  perilous.  At  about  2^  miles  S.S.W. 
from  the  cape  a  shoal  spot  of  8  fathoms  has  been  reported.  Heavy  tide  races 
occur  off  the  cape. 

LIGHT.— Situated  on  a  small  island  about  300  yards  from  the  cape,  ex- 
hibits, at  an  elevation  of  200  ft.  above  the  sea,  a  fixed  bright  light  of  the  first 
order,  obscured  landward  between  N.N.W.  i  W.  to  N.E.  by  E.  £  E.,  and  is 
visible  in  clear  weather  from  a  distance  of  21  miles.     The  lighthouse  is  35 


1172  THE  JAPANI!SE  AECHIPELAGO. 

feet  in  height,  constructed  of  iron,  octagonal  shaped,  and  painted  white,  and 
is  in  lat  30°  58'  30"  N.,  long.  130°  40'  E. 

The  COAST  for  140  miles  to  the  north-eastward,  comprising  the  whole  of 
the  East  coast  of  Kiusiu,  is  very  little  known. 

Osprey  Breakers  (1864). — The  position  assigned  to  these  breakers  is  lat. 
31°  27'  N.,  long.  131°  40'  E.  Captain  Edmond  has  frequently  passed  thia 
locality,  but  has  not  seen  the  breakers  ;  he  therefore  considers  that  the  ap- 
pearance of  breakers  was  caused  by  a  current  overfall. 

Nelly  Rock,  reported  in  1863  by  the  British  barque  of  that  name,  waa 
afterwards  unsuccessfully  searched  for  by  Commander  Bullock,  in  H.M.S. 
iSerpent,  in  1866.  It  has,  however,  again  been  reported  2  miles  westward  of 
its  first  assigned  position  by  Captain  W.  B.  Andrews,  of  the  Peninsular  and 
Oriental  Company's  steam-ship  Avoea,  in  1873.  The  rock  is  locally  known 
by  the  name  of  Ocfo,  and  lies  3  miles  E.  by  N.  from  Cape  Cochrane,  in  lat. 
31°  48'  N.,  long.  131°  35'  E.     It  is  very  steep- to,  and  breaks  in  bad  weather. 

Numa  Sima  or  Hoso  Sima  Harbour,  (lat.  32°  23'N.,  long.  131°  43'  approx.) 
is  a  secure  and  well  sheltered  anchorage  for  a  large  number  of  vessels.  The- 
entrance  is  open  to  the  N.E.,  and  thence  extends  in  a  westerly  directioa 
about  a  mile  to  the  head  of  the  harbour.  During  typhoons  the  winds  at  East 
and  S.E.  are  usually  the  strongest ;  Hoso  Sima  Harbour  would  thus  afford 
shelter  during  the  season  when  those  storms  occur.  At  the  head  of  the  bay 
a  vessel  in  distress  might  safely  be  beached.  The  harbour  is  apparently 
clear  of  danger. 

The  SOUTH  COAST  of  SIKOK,  from  Isa  saki  at  the  eastern  entrance  tO' 
the  Boungo  Channel  to  I.  sima  at  the  western  entrance  to  the  Kii  Channel, 
is  also  as  yet  unsurveyed.  This  coast  is  about  150  miles  in  extent,  and  ia 
divided  by  the  projecting  peninsula,  of  which  Murato  saki  is  the  extreme 
point,  into  two  bights,  that  to  the  westward  being  the  deepest,  broken  in 
outline,  with  several  deep  indentations  which  may,  when  examined,  prov© 
useful  harbours  of  refuge ;  four  have  been  mentioned,  two  only  of  which  are- 
described  as  good  harbour. 

The  coast  of  Sikok  between  Ootzu  saki  and  Ko  sima  no  hana  forms  a 
deep  bight  3J  miles  wide  between  these  points,  and  2^  miles  in  depth.  From' 
it  two  inlets  extend  farther  to  the  northward  and  eastward,  forming  the 
harbours  of  Susaki  and  Nomi,  the  latter  in  lat.  33°  23'  18"  N.,  long.  133°  17' 
48"  E.,  in  the  S.E.  part  of  the  bight.  Vessels  entering  Nomi  Harbour  should 
keep  the  northern  shore  on  board. 

SOUTH-EAST  COAST  of  NIPON.— Prom  Siwo  Misaki,  the  southern  point 
of  Nipon,  the  coast  trends  to  the  north-eastward  for  75  miles  as  far  as  Cape 
Sima.  The  whole  of  this  coast  is  bold  and  mountainous,  the  high  coast 
ranges  attaining  an  altitude  of  2,000  ft.  The  hills  are  thickly  wooded  and 
very  undulating,  those  immediately  in  the  vicinity  of  the  coast  being  steep 


SOUTH  COAST  OF  NIPON.  1173: 

and  conical  shaped.     Several  good  harbours  of  refuge  are  found,  which  have 
been  described  as  follows  : — 

00-SIMA  HARBOUR  is  formed  between  Oo  sima  and  the  East  side  of 
Siwo  misaki,  the  extreme  South  point  of  Nipon,  which,  with  its  lighthouse, 
is  described  hereafter,  and  which  is  connected  to  the  mainland  by  a  low 
isthmus.  The  harbour  has  two  anchorages,  one  in  the  bay  on  the  S.W. 
side  of  Oo  sima,  completely  sheltered,  but  the  water  rather  deep  ;  the  other 
in  4  to  6  fathoms,  muddy  bottom  and  good  holding  ground,  off  the  village  of 
Hasingui  on  the  mainland  in  the  northern  part  of  the  harbour. 

This  very  eligible  harbour  is  largely  resorted  to  by  windbound  junks,  and 
it  offers  every  facility  for  repairs  and  replenishing  supplies.  There  are  three 
villages,  two  on  the  mainland  and  one  on  the  island.  "Water  is  easily  ob- 
tained from  the  latter  village. 

Oo  Sima  Island,  which  forms  the  eastern  shores  of  the  harbour,  and  is- 
about  3^  miles  long  (East  and  West),  and  1|  mile  at  its  widest  part,  is  irre- 
gular in  shape  and  outline,  hilly,  and  the  greater  part  under  cultivation, 
being  only  thickly  wooded  in  the  ravines.     Its  summit  is  535  ft.  high. 

LIGHT. — On  the  East  point  of  06  sima  is  exhibited,  at  an  elevation  of  130 
ft.  above  the  sea,  a  revolving  bright  light,  which  shows  half  a  minute,  and  is 
eclipsed  for  half  a  minute,  visible  in  clear  weather  from  a  distance  of  1& 
miles.     The  position  of  the  lighthouse  is  lat.  33°  28'  N.,  long.  135°  52'  E. 

Double  Rocks,  above  water,  lie  2  cables  to  the  north-eastward  of  the  East 
point  of  Oo  sima. 

Kami  Seh  Rock  was  examined  by  H.M.S.  Sylvia,  in  1874.  It  has  16  feet 
water  over  it,  and  17  to  19  fathoms  close-to.  From  the  rock,  06  sima  light- 
house bears  S.W.  \  W.,  distant  19  cables.  Itsimo  Sima,  just  touching  Omi 
saki  Eock,  bearing  W.  ^  N.,  leads  well  South  of  Kami  seh  Eock. 

Directions. — Approaching  06  sima  Harbour  from  the  westward,  a  heavy- 
tide  race  is  often  met  with  off  Siwo  misaki,  which  is  skirted  by  uneven  masses 
of  rock,  most  of  it  showing  at  low  water,  with  rocks  awash  3  or  4  cables  off 
shore.  Bottle  Rock,  lying  South  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  point,  has  some 
foul  ground  IJ  cable  outside  it;  a  rocky  spit  extends  about  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  off  Wedge  Head,  and  there  is  broken  ground  at  nearly  the  sam© 
distance  off  Isumo  saki. 

To  clear  these  dangers,  the  right  extreme  of  06  sima,  the  most  southern 
point  seen,  must  not  be  brought  eastward  of  E.N.E.  until  Mioga  sima  comes 
well  open  of  Isumo  saki  N.N.W.,  when  it  may  be  steered  for,  taking  care 
not  to  bring  it  northward  of  that  bearing  until  within  half  a  mile  of  it,  or 
until  the  East  extreme  of  Isumo  saki  bears  S.S.W.  J  W.,  when  steer 
K.W.  I  N.,  passing  mid-channel  between  the  land  and  the  West  side  of 
Mioga  sima,  which  has  a  small  ledge  running  off  its  South  side ;  after  pass- 
ing Mioga  sima,  steer  for  the  anchorage  of  Hasingui. 

If  compelled  to  work  in,  the  06  sima  shure  is  the  clearest,   but  take  care 


1174  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGa 

to  avoid  a  dangerous  rock  lying  nearly  2  cables  westward  of  the  N-W.  part 
of  Tsuya  sima,  an  island  120  ft.  high  off  the  S.W.  point  of  Oo  sima.  The 
S.W.  bay  of  Oo  sima  is  clear  of  danger.  In  making  the  starboard  board 
remember  the  bearing  of  Mioga  sima  for  clearing  the  foul  ground  off  the 
"West  side  of  the  entrance  ;  to  the  northward  of  Mioga  the  lead  will  give 
warning  when  approaching  the  mainland,  but  Oo  sima  is  steep- to. 

Approaching  the  northern  entrance  of  the  harbour  from  the  eastward,  give 
the  mainland  a  berth  until  the  Kuro  sima  Rocks  are  passed,  as  numerous 
rocks,  only  showing  at  low  water,  lie  scattered  along  the  coast,  some  nearly 
a  mile  off  shore,  and  a  shoal  has  been  reported  as  lying  N.E.  i  N.  If  mile 
from  the  lighthouse  on  Oo  sima.  The  Kuro  sima  are  two  large  rocks,  with 
a  group  of  smaller  ones  off  their  West  side.  The  South  end  of  the  chain  of 
rocks  off  Hasingui  may  then  be  steered  for,  passing  the  outer  rock  at  half  a 
cable,  and  taking-  up  the  anchorage  off  the  village. 

Koza-gawa  is  a  small  but  opulent  town,  situated  on  the  East  side  of  the 
entrance  of  a  river,  2J  miles  N.N.E.  of  the  North  point  of  Oo  sima.  At 
high  water,  which  is  about  T*"  full  and  change,  10  ft.  may  be  looked  for  on- 
the  bar.     It  is  the  seat  of  an  important  whale  fishery, 

Ura-Kami  Harbour  is  an  inlet  running  1^  mile  in  a  "W.S.W.  direction 
into  the  land  at  8  miles  N.E.  of  Oo  sima  Harbour,  and,  although  small, 
affords  excellent  shelter  in  4  to  5  fathoms,  over  stiff*  muddy  bottom.  For 
steamers  it  offers  an  admirable  haven,  but  being  only  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
wide,  sailing  vessels  might  experience  difficulty.  In  entering,  take  care  ta 
avoid  a  spit  of  rocks  projecting  upwards  of  half  a  mile  in  a  N.E.  direction 
from  the  South  point  of  entrance,  but  show  sufficiently  to  render  them  easily 
to  be  avoided.  The  best  anchorage  is  in  4  to  5  fathoms  off  the  East  end  of 
TJra  kami  village,  which  stands  on  the  South  shore  about  half  a  mile  from 
the  head  of  the  harbour. 

Kada  Bay. — From  Ura-kami  the  coast  trending  N.E.  by  E.  is  high  and 
thickly  wooded.  At  a  distance  of  40  miles  is  Kada  Bay.  Grood  anchorage 
with  from  13  to  3  fathoms,  gradually  shoaling,  may  be  found  at  the  head  of 
the  southern  arm,  which  is  perfectly  landlocked,  and  is  reported  to  be  clear 
of  all  dangers.  The  entrance  to  the  bay  is  marked  by  a  rock  off  the  northern 
point,  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  off  shore. 

Owasi  Bay  is  a  deep  inlet  on  the  North  side  of  Kuki  saki,  about  5  miles 
northward  of  Kada  Bay.  This  bay  is  formed  by  Kuki  saki  on  the  South, 
and  Domakura  saki  on  the  North,  and  is  5  miles  wide  at  its  entrance  and  4A- 
miles  deep,  composed  of  four  inlets,  two  of  which  are  only  suitable  as 
anchorages,  the  remaining  two  being  much  smaller,  are  only  frequented  by 
j  unks. 

Otai-tjama,  lat.  34°  11'  N.,  long.  136°  7'  E.,  a  mountain  5,620  ft.  high,  is  a 
conspicuous  object  when  approached  from  the  eastward,  and  is  apparently 
the  hii^heat  land  seen  from  that  direction. 


SOtJTH  COAST  or  NIPON.  1175 

The  coast  for  23  miles  trends  to  the  E.N.E.,  is  much  indented,  and  thickly 
wooded ;  the  mountains,  however,  are  of  much  less  elevation  than  those  to 
the  southward  ;  several  islets  and  rocks  skirt  the  coast,  and  a  near  approach 
is  not  recommended.  At  the  distance  above  mentioned  from  Owasi  Bay  is 
an  extensive  inlet  named  Goza. 

Mura  Harbour,  2  j  miles  "West  of  Goza  Harbour,  is  an  extensive  inlet, 
■which  indents  the  coast  in  a  N.N.E.  direction,  and  is  4  miles  deep.  The  bay 
is  divided  at  the  head  into  two  large  inlets.  Anchorage  may  be  obtained  in 
either  of  these  arms,  that  to  the  westward  (Hazama  mura)  being  preferable, 
abreast  a  small  village,  in  10  fathoms.  Mura  Harbour  is  an  excellent  and 
sheltered  anchorage. 

Goza  Harbour,  in  lat.  34°  17'  N.,  long.  136°  46'  E.,  affords  shelter  from  all 
but  West  winds.  Its  entrance,  which  is  about  1  mile  wide  between  the  two 
points,  has  12  fathoms  water.  The  southern  point  is  a  high  bluff,  and  is 
thickly  wooded,  and  has  one  or  two  small  rocks  lying  to  the  westward  of  it. 
From  the  northern  point  a  ledge  of  rocks  extends  some  distance.  After 
rounding  the  South  bluff  point,  keep  in  mid-channel  to  avoid  some  scattered 
rocks  lying  2^  cables  off  the  North  shore,  and  stand  in  2  miles  to  abreast  the 
first  inlet  on  the  port  hand,  and  anchor  as  convenient. 

CAPE  SIMA  is  a  low  wooded  headland,  lying  9  miles  to  the  eastward  of 
Goza  Harbour.  East,  3J  cables  from  the  cape,  is  a  conspicuous  rock,  35  ft. 
in  height ;  a  rocky  ledge  extends  2  cables  from  the  point.  To  the  south- 
westward  from  the  point  are  the  two  small  islands  0  sima  and  Ko  sima,  from 
which  long  reefs  extend  in  all  directions.  Outer  Reef,  on  which  the  sea  always 
breaks,  uncovers  8  ft.  at  low  water,  and  lies  S.W.  ^  "W.  7|-  miles  from  the 
rock  off  Cape  Sima ;  S.  by  W.  J  W.  2  miles  from  0  sima,  and  S.S.E.  \  E. 
5J  miles  from  the  wooded  entrance  to  Goza  Harbour.  Numerous  tide  rips 
occur  outside  this  reef,  but  there  is  no  danger.  The  islands  off  Cape  Sima 
should  not  be  approached  within  3  miles,  and  it  would  be  only  prudent  to 
give  this  dangerous  cape  a  still  wider  berth. 

Matoya  Harbour  lies  5  miles  North  of  Cape  Sima,  and  is  open  only  to  the 
East.  Its  entrance  is  6J  cables  wide  between  Tomio  saki  on  the  South,  and 
Sungi  saki  on  the  North,  but  a  reef  of  rocks  which  are  nearly  all  above 
water,  situate  just  within  the  South  point,  contracts  the  navigable  channel  to 
to  3i  cables. 

Light. — On  Tomio  Saki,  the  South  point  of  entrance  to  Matoya  Harbour, 
a  wooden  octagonal  lighthouse,  44  ft.  high,  is  built,  and  painted  white. 
From  this  is  shown  a  light  revohing  every  half  minute,  elevated  102  feet 
above  the  sea,  and  visible  15  miles  off.  It  is  shown  between  S.W.  ^  S.  and 
W.  by  N.  i  N. 

The  whole  harbour  is  split  up  into  numerous  inlets,  narrow  channels,  and 
bays,  and  safe  anchorage  may  be  obtained  in  nearly  all  of  them. 


1176  THE  JAPANESE  AECHirELAGO. 

Watakano  sima,  an  island  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile  long,  lies  in  the 
middle  of  the  S.W.  arm  of  the  bay  which  it  divides  into  three  narrow  chan- 
nels. The  town  of  Matoya  is  approached  by  the  northern  of  the  above- 
mentioned  channels,  which  is  little  over  a  cable  wide. 

Halca  se,  a  rocky  patch  which  uncovers  at  low  water,  lies  6J  cables  within 
the  North  point  of  the  entrance  ;  and  another  patch,  connected  with  Haka 
se,  lies  3  cables  to  the  north-westward  from  it,  the  whole  surrounding  the 
•eastern  point  at  the  entrance  to  the  bay  on  the  North  shore  of  Matoya 
Harbour. 

Ohi-no  se,  a  rocky  patch  of  considerable  extent,  lies  N.E.  |  E.  3^  cables 
from  the  outer  rock,  seen  above  water  off  Miya-no  saki  (at  the  North  entrance 
to  the  channel  leading  to  the  town),  to  which  it  is  joined  by  a  reef. 

Supplies  are  very  limited. 

On  entering  Matoya  Harbour  the  reef  just  inside  the  entrance  projecting 
from  Tomio  saki,  will  be  avoided  by  passing  from  about  1 J  to  2  cables  from 
the  extreme  rock  seen  above  water,  after  passing  which,  to  avoid  Haka  se, 
steer  West  for  the  opening  leading  to  the  town,  seen  South  of  the  cliffs  of 
Miya  no  saki,  and  anchor  as  convenient. 

With  winds  from  N.E.,  North,  or  N.W.,  good  anchorage  may  be  had  in 
the  8ma,ll  bay  on  the  northern  shore  of  the  harbour  off  the  village  of  Adako ; 
but  with  wind  from  South  or  East  vessels  should  either  anchor  off  Matoya 
in  from  5  to  6  fathoms,  or  between  the  East  side  of  Watakano  sima  and  the 
reef  which  extends  off  the  second  point  from  the  entrance  on  the  southern 
shore. 

Toba  Harbour. — About  8  miles  northward  of  Matoya  is  the  small  harbour 
of  Toba,  the  residence  of  a  daimio.  It  is  said  to  be  available  as  an  anchorage, 
but  is  not  of  any  great  extent.  The  harbour  is  situated  at  the  western 
entrance  to  the  bay  of  Owari. 

Light. — On  the  N.E.  point  of  Suga  Sima,  the  South  entrance  point  of 
Toba  Harbour,  is  built  a  brick  lighthouse,  28  ft.  high,  painted  white.  From 
it  is  shown  a,  fixed  Iright  light,  elevated  176  ft.  and  visible  15  miles  off. 

A  thirteen-feet  rock  lies  in  Toba  Harbour,  about  3  cables  distant  from  the 
North  end  of  Suga  Sima,-  from  it  Kami  Sima  bears  N.  61°  E.,  the  outer 
rock,  near  Suga  Sima  lighthouse,  S.  77°  E.,  and  the  North  end  of  the  small 
island  in  the  inner  part  of  the  harbour,  S.  68°  W. 

OWARI  BAY. — This  extensive  inlet,  the  entrance  to  which  is  between 
Momotori  (an  island  North  of  Toba)  on  the  West  and  Irako  saki  on  the 
East,  is  about  35  miles  long  (North  and  South)  and  divided  into  three  sepa- 
rate arms,  that  to  the  westward  being  the  largest.  The  western  side  shows 
a  high  mountain  range  broken  opposite  Yokaichi.  The  eastern  coast  is  low ; 
from  Moro-saki  to  Noma  Saki  are  hills  of  moderate  elevation  ;  North  of 
Noma  Saki  the  land  appears  level  and  wooded.  Mr.  Pendered,  in  the  Tha- 
hor,  1875,  proceeding  in  a  nearly  direct  line  from  Kama  Sima  at  the  entrance 


OMAE  SAKI  AND  LTGnTnOUSE.  1177 

to  Yokaiehi  on  the  West  shore  of  the  gulf,  obtained  soundings  of  13  to  2o 
fathoms,  at  2,^-  or  3  miles  from  the  Enst  shore. 

According  to  an  examination  recently  made  by  the  German  vessel  of  war 
Elizabeth,  Owari  Bay  has  a  general  depth  of  17  to  22  fathoms,  decreasing  to 

7  or  8  fathoms  on  the  East,  West,  and  S.W.  sides  of  the  bay  at  distances 
of  2  to  3|  miles  from  the  shore.  Large  vessels,  without  local  knowledge, 
should  not  shoal  less  than  8  fathoms.  Near  the  mouths  of  various  small 
rivers  mud  banks  have  formed,  on  which  the  water  shoals  to  3  fathoms  ;  in 
few  cases  can  these  banks  be  discovered  by  the  discolouration  of  the  water. 

A  shoal  of  2^-  fathoms,  mud,  lies  about  2  miles  from  the  eastern  shore, 
with  Onia  Saki  village  bearing  N.N.E.,  Noma  ISaki  S.  by  E.,  Tokoname 
village  E.N.E. 

Vessels  can  anchor  in  any  part  of  the  bay,  having  due  regard  to  the  pre- 
vailing wind,  for  the  bay  is  large  enough  to  produce  an  inconvenient  swell 
with  a  strong  breeze. 

Yohaichi,  at  the  mouth  of  a  small  river  on  the  western  shore,  at  the  head 
of  Owari  Bay,  is  in  lat.  34°  58'  N.,  long.  139'  36' E.  (approx.).  It  is  the  port 
where  all  produce  from  the  interior  is  shipped.  Native  steam  vessels  call 
regularly  there,  and  the  place  is  of  rising  importance.  At  the  head  of  the 
bay,  about  8  miles  N.E.  from  Yohaichi,  is  Kuwana.  The  head  of  the  bsy 
is  formed  by  the  delta  of  the  large  river  Kiso. 

The  N.E.  head  of  the  bay  is  known  as  Miya  Bay,  and  at  its  N.E.  point  is 
the  seaport  of  Miwa,  which  it  is  proposed  to  connect  with  Nagoya,  one  of  the 
largest  and  most  opulent  cities  of  the  empire,  by  a  railway  about  4  miles 
long.  This  railway  is  thence  to  be  extended  till  it  is  joined  with  the  system 
described  with  Hia^o  hereafter. 

Entering  this  bay,  Kami  Sima  should  be  left  on 'the  port  hand;  the 
southern  passage,  having  many  dangers  on  it,  should  not  be  attempted. 
OfiF  Irako-Saki  are  some  detached  rocks,  and  when  approaching  from  the 
eastward  the  cape  should  not  be  passed  too  closely.  Inside  of  and  to  the 
northward  of  Irako-Saki,  H.M.S.  Frolic  found  a  safe  anchorage  in  from  7  to 

8  fathoms,  mud,  with  perfectly  smooth  water,  though  a  considerable  swell 
was  running  outside. 

The  coast  from  Irako  saki  takes  an  easterly  direction  for  60  miles  as  far 
as  Omae  saki,  Uamana  Inld  lying  midway  between.  It  is  fronted  by  a 
sandy  beach  with  low  sandhills  and  occasional  patches  of  trees,  the  whole 
being  steep-to,  with  no  known  off-lying  dangers. 

OMAE  SAKI  and  LIGHTHOUSE,  the  West  point  of  entrance  to  Suruga 

Gulf,  is  a  dark  wooded  bluff  150  ft.  in  height.     The  lighthouse,  57  ft.  high, 

is  erected  on  the  sandhill  at  the  South  part  of  the  cape.    It  is  painted  white. 

From  it  is  shown  a  revolving  hright  light,  attaining  its  greatest  brilliancy  every 

I.  A.  7  L 


1178  THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO. 

half  iliinute,  elevated  172  ft.,  and  visible  19  miles  off.     The  light  is  shown 
eastward  and  southward  between  "W.  by  N.  J  N.  and  N.E. 

Lady  Inglis  Rocks,  half  a  mile  in  extent,  and  covered  at  high  water,  lie  2 
miles  E.  f  S.  from  the  lighthouse. 

Portsmouth  Breakers,  S.  ^  E.  25  miles  from  Omae  Saki,  were  reported  by 
the  U.S.  frigate  of  that  name.  They  have  since  been  looked  for  without 
success,  but  a  good  look-out  should  be  kept  while  in  their  locality.  Irregu- 
larities have  been  found  in  the  depth  hereabout,  and  the  water  appeared 
discoloured.  In  a  S.W.  gale  good  shelter  may  be  obtained  under  the  lee  of 
Omae  saki  in  7  to  4  fathoms,  but  no  closer  in. 

Gulf  of  Suruga  (named  Tutomi  Gulf  in  former  charts)  is  34  miles  deep 
and  23  miles  wide  at  entrance. 

The  western  side  of  the  gulf  is  not  so  well  known  as  the  eastern.  It  ap- 
pears less  precipitous,  but,  judging  from  the  soundings  obtained  off  Simidzu, 
is  equally  steep-to.  At  the  head  of  the  gulf  is  Fusi  Yama,  the  highest 
mountain  of  Japan  (p.  1181).  Simidzu  and  Eno  ura  are  two  excellent  har- 
bours, one  on  each  side  at  the  head  of  the  gulf. 

The  four  bays  Ena  TIru,  Ueda,  Arari,  and  Tago,  on  the  eastern  side  of  the 
Gulf  of  Suruga  will  serve  as  a  refuge  from  S.W.  winds,  which  cause  a  great 
swell.  Their  coasts  are  wooded  and  mountainous,  attaining  the  height  of 
1,000  ft.  The  entrances  may  be  approached  fearlessly,  for  the  high  coast 
conceals  them,  and  the  bays  only  open  when  within  a  mile.  The  whole  of 
the  western  coast  of  the  Idsu  Peninsula  is  shelving,  and  may  be  safely 
approached  to  2  miles.  Islands  lie  off  it,  but  not  beyond  the  distance  of 
a  mile.  The  current  is  stronger  along  the  shores  than  in  the  middle  of 
the  gulf. 

IRO-0  SAKI  (Cape  Idsu),  a  fine,  bold,  rocky  headland  which  cannot  be 
mistaken,  is  the  southern  extremity  of  the  mountainous  peninsula  of  Idsu. 
It  will  be  recognized  by  a  conspicuous  white  cliff,  3i  miles  to  the  N.W.  of  it. 
To  the  E.N.E.  the  coast  for  3  miles  is  very  broken,  and  fronted  with  nume* 
rous  sunken  rocks. 

LIGHT. — On  the  point,  elevated  185  feet  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  a 
fixed  red  light  of  the  sixth  order,  visible  in  clear  weather  from  a  distance  of  8 
miles.  The  tower  is  20  feet  high,  octagonal  shaped,  built  of  wood,  and 
painted  white. 

Rock  Island  and  Lighthouse. — Mikomoto  or  Eock  Island,  about  104  ft. 
high  and  a  third  of  a  mile  of  length,  with  precipitous  shores  and  an  uneven 
outline,  bears  E.  by  S.  f  S.  about  5  miles  from  Iro-o  Saki  lighthouse. 

On  Mikomoto,  at  an  elevation  of  164  ft.  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  a  fixed 
bright  light  oi  the  first  order,  visible  in  clear  weather  at  a  distance  of  21  miles. 
A  red  rag  is  shown  between  N.W.  and  N.  f  E.,  over  all  the  dangers  between 
Mikomoto  and  the  shore ;  the  eastern  edge  of  the  ray  leading  into  Simoda 


SOUTH  COAST  OF  NIPON.  1179 

harbour.     The  tower  is  75  ft.  high,  built  of  white  stone,  and  is  in  lat.  34' 
34'  20'  N.,  long.  138^  57'  10"  E. 

Between  Eock  Island  and  the  main  land  are  the  Ucona  and  four  other 
rocks,  among  which  the  junks  freely  pass  ;  but  a  vessel  should  not  attempt 
to  run  inside  Eock  Island  at  night  unless  her  distance  from  it  can  be  accu- 
rately estimated,  for  some  of  the  rocks  about  Ucona  are  small  ledges  and 
only  2  miles  distant  from  Mikomoto. 

Tides. — Eegular  tides  have  been  observed,  the  flood  setting  W.S.W.,  1^ 
mile  an  hour,  the  ebb  E.N.E.,  from  2  to  3  miles  per  hour ;  thus  with  the 
ebb  tide  the  north-easterly  current  is  considerably  augmented  in  force,  whilst 
the  flood  tide  overruns  the  current  close  to  the  shore.  To  the  N.W.  and 
North  of  Mikomoto  there  are  overfalls  caused  by  the  tides  passing  over  a 
very  uneven  bottom.  The  Japanese  fishermen  deny  the  existence  of  any 
danger  there. 

The  channel  between  Mikomoto  and  Ucona  Eocks  carries  irregular  sound- 
ings of  14  to  30  fathoms,  with  the  exception  of  a  patch  of  9  fathoms  3  cables 
North  of  the  island.  An  additional  reason  for  not  using  this  channel  at 
night  is,  that  by  crossing  on  a  more  southerly  course  towards  Cape  Sagami, 
the  influence  of  the  indraught  on  the  eastern  side  of  Odawara  Bay  is  not  so 
likely  to  be  felt. 

Ucona  Hocks,  two  in  number,  though  they  generally  appear  as  one,  bear 
N.  by  W.,  distant  2  miles  from  Mikomoto  ;  the  largest  is  about  25  ft.  high. 
Four  other  rocks  occupy  a  triangular  space  of  a  mile  from  W.S.W.  to 
N.N.W.  of  the  Ucona.  The  northern  and  southern  of  these  are  small 
ledges  nearly  awash.  A  reef  also  extends  3^  cables  towards  them  from 
Tohadgi  Point  to  the  N.W.  of  the  Ucona.  There  is  deep  water  between  all 
these  rocks. 

SIMODA  HARBOUR,  is  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  peninsula  of  Idsu,  6 
miles  N.E.  of  the  cape.  Vandalia  Bluff,  the  East  point  of  entrance  to  the 
harbour,  will  be  known  by  a  grove  of  pine  trees  on  the  summit  of  the  bluff, 
and  the  village  of  Susaki,  which  is  about  a  third  of  the  way  between  it  and 
Sumegi  Saki.  The  town  of  Simoda  stands  on  the  West  shore  of  the  har- 
bour, and  Kaki-saki  village  on  the  East.  There  is  good  landing  for  boats 
in  Simoda  creek,  and  also  at  the  village. 

Wood,  water,  fish,  fowls,  and  eggs,  also  sweet  potatoes  and  other  vege- 
tables, may  be  procured. 

Centre  Jslatid,  lying  nearly  in  the  middle  of  Simoda  Harbour,  bears  N.  f 
JE.,  5^  miles  from  Eock  Island,  and  N.  by  E.  ^  E.  3^  miles  from  the  Ucona 
Eocks.  It  is  high,  conical,  covered  with  trees,  and  a  cave  passes  entirely 
through  it.  Buisaco  Islet,  a  quarter  of  a  mile  N.N.E.  from  Centre  Island,  is 
about  40  ft.  high,  and  covered  with  trees  and  shrubs. 

There  are  but  two  hidden  dangers  in  Simoda  Harbour  ;  the  first  is  Souih- 
amj^ton  Bock,   which  is  in  mid-channel,  S.  by  E.  £  E.,  2  cables  from  South 


1180  THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO. 

point  of  Centre  Island.  It  has  2  fathoms  water  on  it,  and  was  formerly 
marked  by  a  white  spar  buoy.  The  other  is  the  Supply  Roclc,  lying  8.  by  W. 
a  short  distance  from  Buisaco  or  Misana  Islet ;  it  is  a  sharp  rock,  with.  11  ft. 
water  on  it,  and  is  marked  by  a  red  spar  buoy. 

Anchorage. — In  the  outer  road,  or  mouth  of  the  harbour,  a  disagreeable 
swell  is  experienced  ;  but  inside  Southampton  Rock  and  Centre  Island  ves- 
sels are  well  sheltered.  Moor  with  open  hawse  to  the  S.W.  It  is  an  unsafe 
and  expos 'd  bay,  being  open  to  South  and  S.S.W.,  the  direction  from 
which  the  heaviest  winds  blow. 

If  intending  to  anchor  at  Simoda,  pass  Mikomoto  at  a  mile,  when  the  har- 
bour will  be  in  full  view  to  the  northward.  Standing  in  from  this  island,  a 
vessel  will  probably  pass  through  a  number  of  tide  rips,  but  no  soundings 
will  be  obtained  with  the  hand  lead  until  near  the  entrance,  when  the  depth 
will  be  14  to  27  fathoms.  Should  the  wind  be  from  the  northward  and  fresh^ 
she  should  anchor  at  the  mouth  of  the  harbour  until  it  lulls  or  shifts,  or 
until  she  can  conveniently  warp  in,  as  the  wind  is  usually  flawy  and  always 
baffling. 

The  Coast  from  Iro-o  saki  rounds  in  a  N.E.  direction  26  miles  to  Futo  sah', 
its  general  features  being  high,  rocky,  and  even,  having  near  Simoda  a  few 
Bandy  beaches.  Between  Simoda  and  Futo  saki  the  coast  is  bold  of  approach. 
Over  it,  the  Amagi  Yama  rises  to  4,700  ft.,  and  on  the  N.E.  ridge  is  a  con- 
spicuous dome-shaped  hill. 

From  Futo  saki  the  coast  trends  more  to  the  northward,  forming  the 
western  coast  of  Awatsu  Bay. 

Macedonian  Heeflies  off  the  East  side  of  Awatsu  Bay,  at  4  miles  N.N.W. 
of  the  lighthouse  on  the  West  end  of  Joka  Sima.  It  dries  in  many  places  at 
low  tide.  To  avoid  its  western  side,  do  not  bring  the  lighthouse  to  the 
southward  of  S,S.E.  g  E.  until  the  South  end  of  the  first  range  of  hills,  700 
feet  high,  North  of  Cape  Sagami,  bears  E.  J  N. 

Vessels  embarrassed  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Macedonian  reef  may  find  an 
anchorage  about  Ih  mile  N.E.  of  it  in  Asina  Bag,  in  4  to  8  fathoms,  good 
holding  ground. 

Eocky  ground  extends  from  the  reef  to  the  South  extreme  of  the  bay. 
There  are  also  some  rocks  off  the  North  side  of  the  bay,  but  they  show,  and 
are  easily  avoided  by  keeping  mid-channel. 

There  are  two  or  three  excellent  havens  for  small  craft  and  junks  on  the 
West  shore  of  Sagami  Peninsula,  to  the  southward  of  Macedonian  Eeef. 

JOKA  SIMA  and  Lighthouse.— Joka  Sima  lies  off  the  S.W.  point  of  Cape 
Sagami,  with  a  channel  about  2  cables  wide,  and  encumbered  with  rocks^ 
between  it  and  the  shore.  Off  its  southern  shore  is  a  rocky  patch  of  2  fa- 
thoms, 2  cables  from  the  island.  The  light  is  b.  fixed  green  light  shown  on  the 
western  end  of  the  island  at  an  elevation  of  106  ft.,  visible  9  miles  off.  It 
is  obscured  to  the  eastward  between  E.  by  N.  and  S.E.  ^  E.  by  the  land. 


DIRECTIONS— SOUTH  COAST  OF  NIPON.  1181 

In  navigating  the  south-eastern  coast  of  Japan,  after  passing  Satano 
misaki,  in  Van  Diemen  Strait,  if  the  weather  be  thick,  the  vessel's  position 
should  be  well  ascertained  before  she  is  hauled  to  the  E.N.E.,  as  her  course 
is  parallel  to  the  high  land  for  about  20  miles  fr')m  the  pitch  of  the  cape. 
It  should  also  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  current  on  this  coast  ;^Kuro  siM-tj) 
runs  to  the  E.N.E.  at  the  rate  of  from  40  to  100  miles  a  day. 

Vessels  therefore  bound  to  the  eastward  must  allow  for  this  current,  and 
should  keep  not  more  than  30  miles  off  shore,  taking  every  opportunity  of 
verifying  their  reckoning,  if  working  up  inshore  the  north-easterly  set  will 
be  lost,  and  the  ship  will  be  influenced  by  the  tides.  Many  vessels  have 
Tinder  these  circumstances  reported  the  current  as  setting  in  various  direc- 
tions in  the  vicinity  of  the  Kii  and  Boungo  Channels,  indraughts,  and  vice 
versa,  resulting  from  the  ebb  or  flood  tide  being  experienced  at  the  time.  In 
the  summer  season  the  north-easterly  current  is  not  to  be  expected  in  the 
vicinity  of  Iro-o  saki  (Cape  Idsu). 

Vessels  from  the  Gulf  of  Yedo  bound  for  the  Kii  Channel,  after  passing 
Mikomoto  (Eock  Island),  should  take  an  inshore  passage,  steering  for  Omae 
saki,  and  thence  for  0  sima,  thus  avoiding  the  strength  of  the  Japan  stream. 
Following  this  course,  a  vessel  may  carry  a  favourable  current  (on  the  flood), 
and  it  has  been  often  observed  that  there  is  a  back  set  to  the  S.W.  in  the 
bights  between  Eock  Island  and  0  sima.  In  folio  iving  this  route,  take  care 
to  avoid  the  rocks  off  Cape  Sima. 

In  approaching  the  Gulf  of  Yedo,  the  remarkable  high  mountain  Fusi 
Yama,  a  lofty  and  symmetrical  truncated  cone  of  12,450  ft.  elevation,  and  so 
different  in  form  from  any  other  land  in  its  vicinity,  cannot  fail  to  be  of  great 
service  in  directing  vessels  either  to  Simoda  or  Yedo.  In  clear  weather  it  is 
the  first  distant  land  seen,  and  genei'ally  to  the  north-eastward,  visible  at 
times  upwards  of  100  miles.,  Iro-o  saki  (Cape  Idsu)  is  in  line  with  it  when 
bearing  North.  "When  bound  from  the  southward  and  westward  endeavour 
to  make  Iro-o  saki,  and  if  the  weather  is  at  all  clear,  the  chain  of  islands  off 
the  Gulf  of  Yedo  will  at  the  same  time  be  plainly  visible.  Omae  saki,  the 
West  point  of  entrance  to  Suruga  Gulf,  cannot  be  mistaken  for  Iro-o  saki, 
the  former  being  low,  with  a  sandy  beach  and  low  sand  hills,  with  occasional 
patches  of  trees,  and  the  coast  is  said  to  preserve  this  character  for  30  or  40 
miles  to  the  westward  ;  whereas  the  cape  is  high  and  rocky,  has  a  lighthouse 
at  its  foot,  its  summit  being  generally  hidden  in  the  clouds.  Mikomoto 
(Eock  Island)  being  low,  unless  the  weather  is  clear,  or  at  night  when  the 
light  is  visible,  will  not  be  seen  until  long  after  this  cape  and  Vries  Island 
are  made. 

Between  the  Kii  Channel  and  Mikomoto,  westerly  winds  are  most  fre- 
quently met  with,  falling  light  when  the  latter  place  is  passed  ;  and  often  on 
rounding  Cape  Sagami  a  strong  N.E.  wind  is  encountered. 


1182  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGa 


THE  BAY  OF  YEDO. 

The  entrance  to  the  Bay  of  Yedo,  named  the  Uraga  Channel,  lies  between- 
Cape  Sagami  on  the  West,  and  Cape  King,  in  the  province  of  Awa,  on  the- 
East,  is  15  miles  wide  between  these  points,  and  35  miles  deep.  Situated  on 
the  N.  W.  shore  at  its  head  is  the  city  of  Yedo,  now  known  as  Tokei  (eastern 
capital)  the  commercial  as  well  as  political  capital  of  the  empire,  and  on  the 
western  shore  is  the  principal  seaport  and  treaty  port  of  Japan,  viz.  Yoko- 
hama. In  the  year  1876,  there  were  2,554  foreign  residents  at  the  treaty 
port  (p.  1187)  of  Kanagawa  (including  those  at  Yedoj.  Of  these  635  were 
British,  240  Americans,  161  French,  160  German,  and  1,033  Chinese.  There- 
were  176  firms,  of  which  54  were  British. 

Pilots. — Every  master  of  a  vessel  entering  the  port  who  may  engage  a 
pilot  is  to  see  that  he  holds  a  certificate  qualifying  him  for  the  pursuit  of  his 
vocation  as  pilot.  The  following  are  the  signals  for  a  pilot  in  the  day 
time  : — 

1.  The  jack  or  other  national  colour  of  the  ship  hoisted  at  the  fore.  2. 
The  International  Code  pilot  signal  P.T. 

At  night,  the  following  signals,  when  used  together  or  separately,  are 
deemed  to  be  signals  for  a  pilot :  — 

1.  A  blue  light  every  fifteen  minutes,  or  2.  A  bright  white  light  flashed 
or  shown  at  short  intervals  just  above  the  bulwarks  for  about  a  minute  at  a 
time. 

URAGA  CHANNEL,  leading  into  the  Gulf  of  Yedo,  appears  remarkably 
clear  of  hidden  danger.  On  its  West  side  are  the  Ashika  sima  or  Fhjmouth 
Hocks,  which  are  always  uncovered  and  easily  seen ;  there  are  some  sunken 
rocks  close  around  them.  In  their  vicinity,  off  Senda  saki  and  Uraga,  aro 
several  rocky  patches  extending  some  distance  from  the  shore.  The  mariner 
should  bear  this  in  mind,  and  as  Kaneda  Bay  has  also  some  foul  ground  in  it 
at  nearly  a  mile  from  the  shore,  it  would  be  prudent  to  give  this  locality  a 
good  berth  in  passing. 

Sagami  Misaki,  the  western  cape  at  the  entrance  to  the  Uraga  Channel  is 
comparatively  low,  the  hills  forming  in  a  table  flat  about  150  ft.  in  height, 
and  rising,  about  one  mile  from  the  shore,  to  a  saddle  peak,  having  on  it  two 
conspicuous  clumps  of  trees  elevated  354  ft.  above  the  sea.  The  shore  is 
clear  at  less  than  half  a  mile,  except  ofl  the  eastern  part  of  the  cape,  where 
there  is  a  patch  of  4f  fathoms  at  that  distance  lying  S.E.,  7  cables  Irom  the 
North  extreme  of  the  cape. 

TSURTJGA  SAKI  AND  LIGHT.  —  On  the  south-eastern  point  of  Cape 
Sagami,  at  an  elevation  of  110  ft.  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  ajfashinff  light 
of  the  second  order,  showing  a  flash  every  ten  seconds,  visible  in  clear 
•weather  from  a  distance  of  16  miles.      This  light  is  shown  bright  to  the 


THE  BAY  or  YEDO.  1183 

southward  and  eastward  between  W.  by  S.  and  N.E.  i  E.  To  the  northward 
over,  and  to  nearly  a  mile  outside  the  Plymouth  Rocks,  a  red  sector  is  shown 
between  N.E.  i  E.  and  N.N.E.  J  E.  The  tower,  36  ft.  in  height,  is  in  lat. 
3o°  8'  N.,  long.  139°  41'  E. 

Kaneda  Bay,  contained  between  Sagami  misaki  and  Senda  saki,  affords 
excellent  anchorage  with  winds  from  South,  round  by  West  and  North  to 
N.E.,  in  from  10  to  3  fathoms,  as  convenient ;  sandy  bottom,  good  holding 
ground.  Old-no  sima,  3  feet  above  high  water,  is  a  black  rock  in  the  S.W. 
portion  of  the  bay,  steep-to  on  the  North  side,  but  having  foul  ground  be- 
tween it  and  the  shore  on  the  South  and  West  sides.  Hits  iso  form  a  cluster 
of  rocks  in  the  centre  of  the  bay  that  cover  at  high  water.  A  shoal  having 
6  ft.  on  it  at  low  water  lies  W.  by  S.  J  S.  7  cables  from  the  southern  and 
highest  of  these  rocks  ;  another  shoal,  of  9  ft.,  lies  W.  by  S.  J  S.  nearly  one 
mile  from  the  same  rock. 

Ashika  Sima,  or  Plymouth  Eocks,  are  two  dark  rocks  5  ft.  above  high 
water,  lying  N.E.  ^  N.  5^  miles  from  Sagami  misaki,  and  S.  by  W.  \  W. 
3 J  miles  from  the  lighthouse  on  Kanon  saki.  Kata  sima,  a  rook  awash,  lies 
S.E.  by  E.  I  E.  nearly  one  mile  from  the  eastern  of  the  two  rocks,  and  is 
marked  by  a  red  beacofi,  surmounted  by  a  ball  about  20  ft.  above  high  water. 

Senda  Saki  shows  in  steep  white  cliffs  the  termination  of  the  range  from 
Take  yama.  It  has  a  dismantled  fort  at  the  summit  of  the  cliffs,  and  is  sur- 
rounded by  detached  rocks.  The  eastern  portion  of  these  runs  out  in  a  spit, 
the  outer  edge,  of  21  ft.,  lying  E.  by  S.  :^  S.  6  cables  from  the  point,  and 
leaving  only  a  passage  of  3  cables  between  it  and  Ashika  sima.  The  outer 
detatched  rock  awash,  steep-to  on  the  South  side,  lies  S.S.W.  9|  cables  from 
Senda  saki.  On  entering  Kaneda  Bay  from  the  northward,  Ashika  sima 
should  not  be  brought  to  the  eastward  of  N.E.  5  N.  until  Take  yama  bears 
N.W.  by  W. 

Kurihama,  the  bay  North  of  Senda  saki,  has  a  sandy  beach  at  its  head, 
the  end  of  a  long  plain  that  is  drained  by  a  river  running  into  a  lagoon  that 
enters  the  sea  at  the  North  end  of  the  beach.  This  bay  should  not  be  used 
as  an  anchorage,  the  ground  being  foul  in  all  directions. 

Kadzusa  Saki,  the  North  point  of  this  bay,  is  terminated  by  a  conical 
mound,  Shendora,  69  ft.  above  high  water,  from  which  a  ledge  of  rocks  ex- 
tends S.E.  I  S.  4 J  cables  to  the  outer  depth  of  5  fathoms.  From  this  to 
Tomio  saki  the  ground  is  foul  nearly  4  cables  from  the  shore. 

Uraga,  a  thriving  village,  and  clearance  port  of  the  junk  trade  to  Yedo, 
is  a  capital  harbour  for  vessels  drawing  less  than  9  feet,  but  should  not  be 
entered  without  a  chart. 

Tomio  saki,  the  South  point  of  entrance  to  Uraga  is  a  low  point  with  a 
Japanese  lighthouse  and  a  memorial  stone  near  its  extreme.  These  have 
been  erroneously  called  beacons ;  when  in  line  they  clear  Ka  yama.  A 
shoal  of  12  ft.  lies  E.  1  S.  3  cables  from  the  light,  and  there  is  less  than  3 


1181  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGO. 

fathoms,  three-quarters  of  a  cable  S.E.  from  it.  Miojin  salci,  the  North  point 
of  entrance  to  Uraga,  is  a  bold  bluff  surmounted  by  a  battery.  From  ic  to 
Kauon  saki  the  land  is  undulating,  with  villages  in  sandy  bays.  The  whole 
of  this  coast  is  foul  for  half  a  mile  from  the  shore,  having  depths  of  If  to  4f 
fathoms  on  the  outer  margin.  Ka  Yama  or  JElinsione  Rock  has  only  12  ft.  on 
it  at  low  water,  with  4  fathoms,  2  cables  to  the  eastward  and  southward. 
It  lies  S.  by  W.  f  W.,  nearly  1  mile  from  Kanon  saki  lighthouse.  Ashika 
sima  kept  S.S.W.  J  W.  until  Kanon  saki  light  bears  N.N.W.  will  clear  all 
the  foul  ground. 

Kanon  Saki  and  Lighthouse.— Kanon  saki  is  a  steep  and  partially  wooded 
point,  within  which,  1  cable  from  the  shore,  is  a  conical  hill,  272  ft.  above 
high  water.  On  the  slope  of  this  hill,  at  an  elevation  of  170  ft.  above  high 
water,  is  exhibited  a  fixed  bright  light,  visible  14  miles  off.  The  tower  is 
square,  built  of  stone,  and  rises  from  the  centre  of  the  keeper's  dwelling. 

The  point  immediately  East  of  the  lighthouse  is  steep-to,  but  the  S.E.  ex- 
treme of  of  Kanon  saki  has  a  reef  off  it,  terminated  by  a  rook  awash,  steep- 
to,  IJ  cable  from  the  shore.  From  this  to  Rubicon  Point  the  coast  is  slightly 
indented,  having  sandy  bays  between  the  points.  From  Eubicon  Point  rocks 
extend  1  cable,  with  deep  water  close  to  the  outer. 

0  Tsu-no  ura  is  a  deep  bay  with  a  sandy  beach,  having  numerous  villages 
from  the  largest  of  which  it  takes  its  name.  This  bay  has  shallow  water  in 
the  eastern  portion,  the  outer  shoal  of  12  ft.  lying  N.W.  by  W.  ^  W.  8|- 
cables  from  Rubicon  Point.  In  the  centre  of  tlie  bay  is  a  shoal  4^  cables 
long  by  3  cables  broad,  having  9  ft.  on  the  North  and  13  ft.  on  the  South 
edge,  with  uneven  depths  of  2;  to  4^  fathoms  between.  The  North  edge  lies 
S.  I-  E.  5  cables  from  the  South  end  of  Saru  sima,  and  N.W.  by  W.  f  W. 
nearly  2  miles  from  Rubicon  Point. 

Saru  Sima,  198  ft.  high,  is  cliffy,  with  a  wooded  flat  summit.  The  S.E. 
point  has  a  conspicuous  single  tree ;  and  from  the  South  extreme  a  sandy 
spit  extends  half  a  cable.  This  island  has  shoal  water  all  round,  except  off 
the  North  end. 

From  the  South  point,  E  by  S.  f  S.  3|  cables,  lies  Kitsne  no  se,  a  rock  that 
covers  at  high  water;  and  West,  3  cables  from  the  same,  lie  three  rocks  awash 
at  hi'j-h  water.  Between  these  and  Kitsne  no  se  there  is  shallow  water.  No 
vessel  should  go  between  Hana  rete  and  Saru  sima. 

Hana-rete,  94  ft.  high,  is  a  grass-covered  conical  mound,  sloping  down  to 
dark  rugged  rocks.  Between  it  and  the  western  end  of  0-tsu-no  ura  the 
coast  is  a  series  of  white  cliffs,  with  shingly  beaches  intervening.  Imme- 
diately South  of  Hana-rete  is  a  deep  bay,  off  the  South  point  of  which  there 
is  a  conicle  islet  78  ft.  high,  from  which,  S.S.E.  ^  E.  3^  cables,  lies  a  rock 
that  dries  at  low  water,  with  foul  ground  between  it  and  the  shore. 

Beacon. — A  rock,  awash  at  low  water,  having  on  it  an  iron  beacon  sur- 
mounted by  a  cage,  and  painted  recly  lies  N.E.  by  E.  3J  cables  from  Hana- 


THE  BAY  OF  YEDO.  1185 

rete  ;  East,  1  mile  nearly  from  Ha  sima,  at  the  entrance  to  Toko?ka ;  and 
N.W.  4  miles  from  Kanon  saki  extreme.  It  may  be  approached  to  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  on  the  North  side,  but  vessels  should  not  attempt  to  pass 
inside  it. 

YOKOSKA  HARBOUR,  11  cables  in  depth,  and  with  a  general  breadth  of 
3^  cables,  is  the  eastern  of  two  inlets,  and  may  be  easily  recognized  by  Ha 
sima,  the  islet  that  lies  off  its  N.E.  point,  and  by  a  remarkable  clump'  of 
trees,  355  feet  above  the  sea,  known  as  ^::M;«ff,  on  the  highest  hill  of  the 
promontory  that  separates  it  from  Ura-no-go  ura,  the  western  bay.  It 
has  a  series  of  cliffs  and  indentations,  the  points  generally  being  marked 
by  white  stone  beacons.  At  the  head  of  the  harbour  is  a  dock,  with  large 
smith  and  boiler  factories,  and  all  the  necessary  works  for  thoroughly  repair- 
ing and  building  ships,  with  houses  for  the  officials,  built  on  a  plain  that 
joins  0-tsu-no  ura.  On  one  of  these  factories  is  a  clock  tower,  that  may  be 
seen  from  that  bay.  The  inner  harbour  is  formed  by  two  breakwaters,  and 
is  of  considerable  width  at  the  entrance. 

The  Bock  is  395  ft.  in  length,  82  ft.  broad,  and  26  ft.  deep.  It  has  no  lock, 
and  vessels  can  pass  from  the  anchorage  through  the  inner  harbour  direct  to 
the  dock.     There  are  three  other  slips  for  biiilding  purposes. 

Off  the  eastern  points  of  Yokoska  there  are  spits,  having  10  to  12  ft.  on 
their  outer  edges ;  those  off  Susu-ga  saki  extending  N.N.E.  2^  cables,  and 
N.W.  J  W.  1|  cable.  The  outer  end  of  the  latter  is  marked  by  a  small  red 
cask  buoy.     Vessels  should  not  bring  Ha  sima  to  the  northward  of  N.E.  by  N. 

Anchorage  may  be  had  in  6  to  8  fathoms  in  any  part  of  the  bay,  but  large 
ships  should  not  go  inside  the  red  buoy,  as  there  the  anchorage  space  has 
only  2  cables  breadth. 

Across  the  promontory  that  separates  Yokoska  from  Ura-no-go  ura,  a 
canal  has  been  cut,  through  which  boats  may  go,  when  the  tide  has  risen  1 
foot  above  low  water.  Hako  saki,  the  N.W.  extreme  of  this  promontory, 
has  rocks  that  show  at  low  water,  and  shoals  off  it  for  \^  cable.  For  the 
better  protection  of  Yokoska  Harbour,  a  breakwater  is  being  constructed, 
which  will  be  about  600  ft.  in  length  when  completed. 

Ura-no-goura,  8  cables  long,  with  a  general  breadth  of  4  cables,  has  excel- 
lent anchorage  in  7  to  4|  fathoms,  mud,  as  convenient ;  the  water  shoaling 
gradually  as  the  bay  is  entered.  There  is  no  danger  in  mid-channel.  Yeno- 
liido  is  a  deep  inlet  on  the  western  shore  of  this  bay,  with  too  narrow  an  en- 
trance for  ships,  but  a  fine  harbour  for  junks,  running  inland  4  cables,  and 
having  a  general  width  of  1  cable.  From  its. North  point,  E.  by  N.  f  N.  1^ 
cable,  lies  Yaiama,  a  reef  that  just  shows  at  high  water,  steep-to  on  the  outer 
edge.  Matsu  Sima  is  a  partially  wooded  island,  300  ft.  high,  that  stands 
between  Ura-no-go  ura  and  the  entrance  no  Kanasawa  Inlet.  It  has  a  spit 
of  shoal  water,  with  4  fathoms  on  its  outer  edge,   extending  East   3   cables, 

I.    A.  7  }kl 


1186  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGO. 

and  shoaling  gradually  towards  the  shore.  Yeboshi  yama  is  a  conical  rocky 
islet,  joined  to  the  shore  near  Yenokido  at  low  water,  and  separated  by  a 
channel  of  1  cable  from  the  S.W.  point  of  Matsu  sima. 

On  passing  Matsu  sima  a  creek  is  seen,  which,  on  entering,  winds  round 
in  a  northerly  direction,  and  at  about  half  a  mile  from  the  entrance  the  chan- 
nel contracts,  passing  which  it  opens  into  a  large  shallow  lagoon.  A  narrow 
channel,  marked  by  stakes  and  bushes,  leads  up  to  the  village  of  Kanasawa, 
situated  in  the  N.W.  corner.  From  this  village  there  is  a  good  road  (which 
lies  through  a  remarkaDle  narrow  pass)  to  the  town  of  Kamakura,  celebrated 
in  the  history  of  Japan  as  being  a  former  opulent  town,  and  also  at  this  time 
for  its  ancient  temples.  Continuing  this  road  for  some  distance  about  2  or  3 
miles  from  Kamakura  is  the  celebrated  bronze  statue  of  Daibutsu  sama, 
situated  in  a  beautiful  grove  at  the  foot  of  a  valley. 

From  Matsui  sima  the  coast  takes  a  northerly  direction  for  3  miles  to 
Graham  Bluff,  is  shallow  for  some  distance,  and  at  2  miles  off-shore  is  skirted 
by  banks  of  from  4  J  to  5  fathoms,  with  deep  water  between  them  and  the 
coast. 

Mississippi  Bay  (Nigisi),  formed  between  Graham  Bluff  to  the  southward 
and  Treaty  Point  on  the  North  (between  which  it  is  3  miles  in  width),  is  well 
sheltered  from  the  prevailing  winds.  In  anchoring,  give  the  shore  a  wide 
berth  to  avoid  a  shoal  which  extends  half  to  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  it. 
Between  Matsu  sima  and  Treaty  Point  the  soundings  are  irregular,  shoaling 
suddenly  from  12  to  5  fathoms  on  banks  of  hard  sand. 

Treaty  Point,  the  termination  of  a  ridge  of  low  hills  extending  into  the 
Gulf  of  Yedo,  about  lOJ  miles  N.N.W.  of  Kanon  saki,  forms  the  southern 
point  of  the  Bay  of  Yokohama.  The  point  is  formed  of  a  long  line  of  cliffs 
of  a  conspicuous  yellow  colour,  the  northern  bluff  of  which  is  called  Manda- 
rin Bluff.  These  bluffs,  and  a  bank  which  fronts  them  to  the  distance  of  1 J 
mile  in  some  places,  and  which  is  rather  steep-to,  protects  the  anchorage 
from  south-westerly  winds,  the  only  ones  which  blow  with  sufficient  force  to 
send  a  heavy  sea  into  the  bay. 

A  LIGHTVESSEL,  with  two  masts,  carrying  a  ball  at  her  foremost  head, 
is  placed  at  the  extremity  of  the  shoal  off  Treaty  Point  and  Mandarin  Bluff, 
and  lies  in  7  fathoms,  with  the  following  bearings  : — Treaty  Point,  S.W.  f  S.  ; 
Mandarin  Bluff,  S.W.  by  W.  ;  and  the  mouth  of  the  Canal  (just  northward 
of  the  English  sick  quarters),  W.  \  N.  The  vessel  exhibits  ^  fixed  red  light, 
elevated  36  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  visible  in  clear  weather  from  a  distance  of 
10  miles. 

A  huoy,  with  a  cage  painted  red,  is  moored  in  4  fathoms  on  the  northern 
extreme  of  the  shoal  off  Mandarin  Bluff,  southward  of  the  anchorage  off  Yo- 
kohama, with  the  following  bearings : — Mandarin  Bluff,  S.  by  E.  i  E. ; 
Mouth  of  the  Canal,  S.W.  by  S.  ^  S.  j  and  the  centre  of  the  English  hatoba 
(landing  place),  W.  by  S. 


^^•' 


JVoifM  ISA 


m 


YOKOHAMA.  1187 

YOKOHAMA  on  a  plain  surrounded  by  low  hills,  is  environed  by  a  canal 
which  entirely  isolates  it.  It  is  connected  with  Yedo  by  a  railway,  which 
forms  part  of  the  system  described  with  Hiogo  hereafter.  The  residences 
of  the  foreign  community  occupy  the  East,  and  those  of  the  Japanese  mer- 
chants the  N.W.  of  the  town,  and  the  bluff  on  the  South  side,  on  which  is 
situated  the  camp  and  British  Legation,  is  being  rapidly  built  over.  The 
English  sick  quarters  are  on  the  northern  face  of  the  bluff  at  the  southern 
end  of  the  town  ;  boats  can  land  there  at  high  water  in  the  canal  above  men- 
tioned. The  position  of  the  square  in  the  sick  quarters  is  lat.  35'  26'  30 'N., 
long.  139°  39'  24"  E.  Yokohama  exports  tea,  raw  and  manufactured  silk, 
lacquered  goods,  vegetable  wax,  oil,  antlers,  cotton,  and  rice  in  small  quan- 
tities. For  the  Chinese  market,  paper,  camphor,  flour,  peas,  beans,  seaweed, 
isinglass,  beohe-de-mer,  and  dried  shell-fish. 

At  the  head  of  the  bay,  and  on  its  North  side,  stands  the  town  of  Kana- 
gaxva*  one  of  the  ports  opened  to  foreigners,  bat  this  being  an  inconvenient 
situation  for  a  settlement  it  was  changed  to  Yokohama  on  the  South  side,  it 
being  a  more  eligible  position  for  business  communication.  The  water  also 
is  deeper  for  anchorage,  and  more  cun vet  lent  for  the  landing  of  boats  and 
merchandise  than  at  Kanagawa,  where  it  is  so  shallow  that  at  low  tide  the 
sea  retreats  to  a  considerable  distance  from  the  shore. 

Kanagawa  is  subject  to  frequent  shocks  of  earthquakes.  It  is  situated  on 
the  Tokaido  or  imperial  highway  to  Yedo.  All  persons  (excepting  officers  in 
uniform)  passing  between  Yokohama  and  Yedo  must  produce  a  passport. 

A  red  huoy,  with  staff  and  cage,  is  moored  in  4  fathoms  at  low  water 
springs  on  the  point  of  the  spit  extending  from  Kanagawa  Fort  to  the 
northern  side  of  Yokohama  anchorage,  and  lies  S.E.  by  E.  easterly,  1  mila 
from  Kanagawa  Fort. 

A  good  anchorage  for  large  ships  is  with  Kanon  saki  just  open  of  Mandaria 
Bluff,  the  latter  bearing  S.  by  E.,  and  the  British  Consulate  S.W.  by  W.  ^  W., 
mud  bottom.  Vessels  of  lighter  draught  may,  if  desirable,  take  up  a  posi- 
tion much  nearer  the  town. 

AlII  supplies,  provisions,  water,  coal,  «S:c.,  are  to  be  procured  in  abundance, 
and  ordinary  repairs  both  to  ships  and  engines  can  be  easily  executed. 


*  The  limits  of  the  Treaty  Port  Kanagawa  to  the  North  lies  along  the  course  of  the  Logo 
Kiver,  which,  after  pursuing  an  easterly  direction,  enters  the  sea  midway  between  Yedo 
and  Yokohama.  At  25  miles  above  the  mouth  of  this  river  the  treaty  boundary  leaves  the 
river  and  pursues  a  southerly  direction  to  the  coast,  which  it  joins  just  eastward  of  Odiwara, 
in  long.  139"  10'  E.  The  extent  of  territory  open  to  foreigners  is  thus,  roughly  speaking, 
25  miles  square.  There  is  a  strip  of  land  on  the  western  side  of  Uraga  Channel  not  open  to 
foreigners ;  its  boundary  line  runs  from  Susquehanna  Bay  on  the  East  to  Asiua  Bay  on 
the  West. 


1188  THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Yokohama  Bay,  at  e*",  and 
springs  rise  6^  ft.,  neaps  4^  ft  ;  with  southerly  winds  the  tide  rises  about  2 
feet  higher. 

The  streams  in  this  bay  are  scarcely  felt,  but  they  run  strong  in  the  middle 
of  Yedo  Bay,  and  their  velocity  is  much  increased  off  Saratoga  Spit,  Saru 
sima,  and  Kanon  saki,  particularly  off  the  latter,  round  which  they  sweep 
with  great  rapidity. 

KAWA  SAKI,  bearing  N.E.  J  N.  from  the  lightvessel  off  Treaty  Point, 
is  low  and  wooded,  with  shoal  water  extending  \\  mile  from  the  shore,  ita 
edge  being  marked  by  Haneda  pile  lighthouse  and  two  buoys.  The  southern- 
most, a  red  huny,  with  cage,  is  moored  in  6  fathoms,  with  Treaty  Point 
S.W.  I  W.,  Kawa  saki  N.  ^  W.,  and  Bansu  hana  E.S.E.  southerly.  The 
northernmost,  a  hlach  huoy,  with  cage,  is  moored  in  6  fathoms,  with  Kawa 
Baki  bearing  West,  Noko  gawa  entrance  N.  f  E.,  Bansu  hana  S.E.  i  E.,  and 
the  southern  buoy  S.W.  f  S. 

Haneda  Point  Lighthouse. — At  the  extremity  of  the  spit  which  extends 
to  the  eastward  of  Kawa  saki  a  pile  lighthouse  was  completed  in  1875.  The 
lighthouse  is  60  ft.  high,  of  iron,  painted  white,  and  stands  in  7  ft.  water, 
600  yards  in-shore  of  the  black  buoy.  Prom  it  is  shown  a.  fixed  green  light, 
elevated  40  ft.  above  high  water,  and  visible  to  South,  East,  and  North,  be- 
tween S.W.  by  W.  f  W.  and  N.N.W.  \  W.,  8  mile|  off. 

YEDO,  which  has  lately  been  named  Tokei,  is  situated  at  the  N.W.  angle 
of  Yedo  Bay,  along  the  shore  of  which  it  extends,  with  its  suburbs,  for  8 
miles.  Its  aspect  is  not  imposing,  as  large  stacks  of  timber  and  elevated 
ground  conceal  by  far  the  larger  part  of  the  city.  The  suburb  of  Sinagawa 
stands  on  the  South  of  the  city,  where  are  seen  the  low  wooded  heights  of 
Goten  yama,  extending  2  miles  along  the  shore.  The  landing  place  is  on 
the  North  side  of  these  and  West  of  the  five  forts,  close  to  which  is  the  temple 
occupied  by  the  British  legation. 

The  small  Eiver  Sodogawa,  which  flows  through  the  very  centre  of  Yedo, 
disembogues  at  the  northernmost  part  of  the  bay  on  which  the  city  stands, 
thence  splitting  into  two  streams,  up  which  boats  and  small  junks  can  pass. 
Light.—  On  the  third  fort  (commencing  with,  the  extreme  eastern  fort) 
before  the  city,  at  the  East  entrance  to  the  Tsikiji  channel  leading  to  the 
foreign  concession  at  Tsikiji  and  the  city,  elevated  53  ft.  above  high  water, 
is  exhibited  a,  fixed  red  light  of  the  fourth  order,  visible  in  clear  weather  from 
a  distance  of  9  miles. 

Anchorage.— This  bay  is  so  shoal  all  along  the  shore  where  the  city  stands 
that  at  low  water  even  a  ship's  boat  cannot  approach  within  a  mile.  Tho 
best  anchorage  for  a  large  ship  is  in  5  to  6  fathoms,  soft  mud,  good  holding 
ground,  with,  the  south-western  of  the  five  forts  bearing  N.W.  ;  but  recollect 
that  on  this  bearing  the  water  shoals  rather  suddenly  from  4  to  2J  fathoms- 
It  is  better,  therefore,  to  anchor  a  smaller  vessel  on  a  N.W.  by  N.  bearing 


THE  BAY  OF  YEDO.  1189 

of  the  fort.  H.M.S.  Furious,  in  1858,  anchored  in  15  ft.  at  low  water,  with 
the  five  forts  bearing  from  N.  J  W.  to  N.W.,  Beacon  house  S.  ^  W.,  and  the 
peak  of  Fusi  yama  W.  by  S. 

The  Coast  from  Tonegawa  Point  round  the  head  of  the  Gulf  of  Yedo  is 
low,  with  shoal  water  extending  a  considerable  distance  from  the  shore, 
forming  a  deep  bay  with  from  6  to  8  fathoms  water  between  the  above  point 
and  Bansii  hana,  which  lies  on  the  eastern  shore  of  the  gulf  about  S.E.  by  E. 
8  miles  from  Kawa  saki ;  it  is  very  low,  and  is  fronted  by  shoal  water  ex- 
tending 2  miles  from  the  shore  in  a  westerly  direction.  From  Bansu  hana 
the  coast  takes  a  southerly  and  then  a  south-westerly  direction  for  12  miles, 
and  is  low  and  shoal  from  1|^  to  2  miles  offshore. 

Futsu  Saki  is  a  low  sandy  point,  having  a  fort  at  its  high  water  line,  and 
stretching  out  in  a  narrow  tongue  that  forms  Saratoga  Spit.  "West  from  this 
tongue,  in  9  fathoms,  is  moored  a  red  huoy,  with  staff  and  cage,  13  ft.  above 
the  water.  East  from  the  buoy  there  are  only  5  fathoms  at  3  cables,  and  1 
fathom  at  three-quarters  of  a  mile.  The  bank  of  5  fathoms  trends  N.E.  J  N. 
and  S.E.  by  E.,  deepening  rapidly  to  10  fathoms. 

The  coast  from  Futsu  saki  takes  an  easterly  and  southerly  direction,  form- 
ing a  deep  bay,  the  northern  shore  of  which  is  sandy  and  low,  but  the 
southern  is  the  termination  of  the  slopes  from  the  high  range  Noko-gheri 
yama,  and  is  rocky  and  steep-to.  Shoal  water  extends  from  1^  to  2  miles 
from  the  shore  in  the  centre  of  the  bay. 

Kanaya  Point,  the  south-western  extreme  of  these  slopes,  is  steep-to,  and 
bears  nearly  East  of  the  Tree  Saddle  on  Sagami  Peninsula  ;  it  is  at  the  ter- 
mination of  tlie  sharp  well-defined  ridge  of  the  A/iocfani  yama,  a  fine  dome- 
shaped  mountain,  elevated  1,096  ft.  The  coast  from  this  point  takes  a 
southerly  direction  for  7i  miles  as  far  as  Daibo  saki,  between  which  there 
are  three  small  bays,  the  southern  of  which  has  several  rocky  patches. 

Ghibu  Isi  (Black  Eock),  about  20  ft.  high,  lies  three  quarters  of  a  mile 
West  of  the  latter  bay,  having  several  reefs  in  its  vicinity  which  only  uncover 
at  low  water.  The  lofty  mountains  Miogani  yama,  Sveno  yama,  and  Douhlo 
Hill,  are  very  conspicuous,  towering  above  this  coast. 

The  Peninsula  of  Awa,  although  mountainous,  is  less  so  than  Idsu,  and 
possesses  much  larger  tracts  of  arable  land,  all  of  which  is  carefully  culti- 
vated. Its  West  coast  is  more  sinuous  than  the  opposite  shore  of  the  gulf, 
but  only  one  of  the  bays,  Tati  yama,  formed  in  it,  affords  fair  anchorage. 

To  the  northward  of  these  hills  the  country  (Kadsusa)  becomes  much 
lower,  and  a  few  miles  north-eastward  of  Futsu  saki,  the  point  off  which  runs 
the  Saratoga  Spit,  it  becomes  an  uninteresting  dead  flat,  encircling  the  head 
of  Yedo  Bay. 

Tati-yama  Bay,  formed  between  L)aibo  saki  and  Su  saki,  has  shelter  and 
good  holding  ground  in  southerly  and  easterly  gales,  but  it  is  exposed  to  the 
westward. 


1190  THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO. 

SU  SAKI,  the  East  point  of  entrance  of  the  Gulf  of  Yedo,  when  seen  from 
the  southward,  appears  as  a  block  of  small  hills,  rather  conical  in  profile,  the 
highest,  Hazama,  being  elevated  650  ft.  The  point  is  low,  with  the  exception 
of  a  small  elevation  at  the  N.W.  corner,  on  which  is  an  old  fort.  There  is  a 
heavy  tide  rip  off  it,  but  no  dangers  at  a  greater  distance  than  half  a  mile 
from  the  shore,  and  the  point  may  be  safely  rounded  at  a  mile. 

Mela  Head,  S.E.  \  S.  nearly  5  miles  from  Su  saki,  forms  the  eastern  point 
of  entrance  to  the  Uraga  Channel  and  Gulf  of  Yedo.  It  is  456  ft.  above  the 
sea,  the  general  height  of  the  coast  range  in  its  vicinity  being  comparatively 
low.  An  extremely  dangerous  ledge  {Mela  Ledge)  lies  1^  mile  off  Mela  Head, 
about  5  miles  S.E.  of  Su  saki.  Extending  3  miles  from  this  ledge  in  a  south- 
westerly direction  is  a  rocky  bank. 

NO  SIMA  LIGHT.— On  No  sima  Point,  at  an  elevation  of  134  ft.  above 
high  water,  is  exhibited  di  fixed  hriyht  light  of  the  first  order,  visible  in  clear 
weather  from  a  distance  of  20  miles.  The  tower  is  octagonal  shaped,  and 
painted  white. 

Approaching  the  Gulf  of  Yedo  from  the  southward  or  westward,  in  clear 
weather,  the  chain  of  islands  running  southward  from  it  are  unmistakeable 
landmarks,  and  Cape  Idsu  can  scarcely  be  mistaken.  Omae  saki,  the  point 
25  miles  westward  of  the  cape,  is  low,  while  the  cape,  as  before  stated,  is 
high,  bold,  and  rocky.  From  1^  mile  eastward  of  Mikomoto  (Eock  Island) 
a  N.E.  \  E.  course  will  lead  4  miles  N.W.  of  Tries  Island,  from  which  posi- 
tion the  centre  of  the  entrance  of  the  Uraga  Channel  bears  N.E.  by  E., 
distant  22  miles.  Care  must,  however,  be  observed  when  approaching  Cape 
Sagami  not  to  be  drawn  into  Odawara  Bay  by  the  indraught  mentioned. 
Should  Vries  Island  be  visible,  this  danger  is  easily  guarded  against  by  not 
bringing  that  island  southward  of  S.W.  by  S. 

Vessels  approaching  the  gulf  from  the  eastward  are  recommended  not  to 
hug  the  shore  of  the  South  end  of  Awa  too  closely,  as  dangerous  shoals  are 
known  to  exist  in  that  neighbourhood. 

To  avoid  the  Mela  Ledge  and  all  other  known  danger  when  rounding  from 
the  eastward,  do  not  bring  the  eastern  extreme  of  land  seen  to  bear  eastward 
of  E.N.E.  until  the  extreme  of  Su  saki  bears  N.  by  W. ;  and  when  rounding 
from  the  westward  do  not  bring  the  extreme  of  Su  saki  westward  of  N.  by  W. 
until  the  eastern  extreme  of  land  is  E.N.E.  At  night,  or  in  thick  weather, 
when  the  light  on  No-sima  Point  is  not  seen,  soundings  of  40  fathoms  may 
be  considered  as  indicating  close  proximity  to  these  dangers. 

In  steering  for  the  Uraga  Channel  the  Tree  Saddle  Hill  on  the  South  end 
of  Sagami  Peninsula  will  be  readily  recognized  ;  and  on  nearing  the  chan- 
nel the  Ashika  sima  (Plymouth  Rocks)  will  be  plainly  seen  on  its  western 
side.  Give  these  rocks  and  the  Ka  yama  a  berth  of  half  a  mile  in  passing, 
or  at  night  keep  without  the  red  rays  of  the  lights,  and  after  rounding  Kanon 
saki  at  a  little  less  than  that  distance,  steer  N.  by  W.  j  W.,  which  will  load 


THE  BAY  OF  YEDO— DIRECTIONS.  1191 

to  the  westward  of  the  buoy  off  the  Saratoga  Spit,  and  continuing  this  course 
when  the  lightvessel  of  Treaty  Point  is  seen  steer  to  pass  to  the  eastward  of 
her,  taking  care  not  to  bring  the  light  to  the  northward  of  N.  J  W.  The 
elevated  ground  above  Mandarin  BluflP,  at  one  mile  northward  of  Treaty 
Point,  showing  to  seaward  in  brown  cliffs  well  wooded  to  the  summit,  will 
be  readily  recognised  ;  the  bluff  being  the  most  eastern. 

The  lightvessel  may  be  passed  within  a  cable's  length,  after  rounding 
which  steer  to  pass  northward  of  the  red  buoy  with  staff  and  cage  moored 
on  the  northern  edge  of  the  bank  off  Mandarin  Bluff,  and  anchor  as  con- 
venient. 

A  sailing  ship  will  have  to  make  short  tacks  when  working  into  Yoko- 
hama Bay  with  a  westerly  wind,  as  North  of  Mandarin  bluff  the  deep  water 
channel  is  narrowed  to  li  miles  ;  the  lead  here,  however,  as  is  the  case  round 
nearly  the  whole  shores  of  Yedo  Bay,  gives  fair  warning. 

Working  through  the  Uraga  Channel.— With  a  northerly  wind  a  vessel 
after  passing  Cape  Sagami  may  stand  across  and  tack  close  to  the  opposite 
shore,  as  there  are  no  rocks  at  any  distance  off  it  to  the  northward  of  Kanaya 
Point,  and  to  the  southward  of  the  point  the  dangers  show.  If  unable  to 
fetch  this  point  it  would  not  be  prudent  to  stand  into  the  bay  between  the 
point  and  Uki  sima,  a  small  rocky  island  150  ft.  high  to  the  southward  as 
foul  ground  exists  there.  This  bay  will  be  readily  recognised  from  a  dis- 
tance, as  it  is  the  sea  shore  of  a  valley  between  the  Miogani  yama  and  Sveno 
yama  ranges,  and  two  small  hills  are  in  the  centre  of  it. 

In  making  the  western  board,  the  foul  ground  in  Kaneda  Bay,  as  well  aa 
off  Senda  saki,  and  along  the  shore  between  it  and  Kanon  saki,  must  be 
remembered.  The  shore  of  Kadsusa  Bay,  northward  of  the  Mioo^ani  yama 
range,  may  be  approached  by  the  lead,  tacking  in  5  fathoms. 

If  unable  to  fetch  Kanon  saki  on  the  starboard  board,  be  careful  to  tack 
short  of  the  bearing  for  clearing  the  Ka  yama.  Short  tacks  should  be  made 
when  to  windward  of  Kanon  saki,  not  shoaling  towards  the  opposite  or 
Kadsusa  shore  to  less  than  9  fathoms.  When  Saru  sima  bears  W.  by  S. 
stand  no  farther  eastward  than  to  bring  Kanon  saki  to  bear  S.  ^  E.  until 
Saru  sima  is  S.W.  I  W.,  when  the  spit  will  have  been  weathered.  At  night 
do  not  bring  the  light  off  Treaty  Point  to  bear  West  of  N.  by  W.  ^  W.  until 
Kanon  saki  light  bears  S.  i  E.  Long  boards  may  now  be  again  made,  but 
do  not  shoal  on  either  tack  to  less  than  5  fathoms,  nor  off  Yokohama  Bluff 
to  less  than  7  fathoms.  There  are  some  shoal  patches  of  3  j  to  5  fathoms 
sand  and  mud,  off  the  western  side  of  the  bay  between  Saru  sima  and  Mis- 
sissippi Bay,  but  none  are  known  at  a  greater  distance  off  than  2  miles  and 
they  may  be  avoided  by  not  bringing  Saru  sima  eastward  of  South. 

The  Tides  are  much  affected  by  the  winds,  but  both  flood  and  ebb  sweep 
with  great  velocity  round  Saratoga  Spit.     The  flood  runs  N.W.  by  W.  and 


1192  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGO. 

the  ebb  S.W.  by  S.,  about  3i  knots  an  hour  at  springs.     Generally  the  flood 
strean[i  sets  a  vessel  on  to  the  western  shore. 


VOLCANIC  ISLETS,  SOUTH-EAST  OF  JAPAN. 

A  very  remarkable  range  of  detached  islets  and  rocks  extends  for  nearly 
300  miles  in  a  S.S.E.  direction  from  the  entrance  of  the  Gulf  of  Yedo.  There 
is  no  portion  of  the  ocean  which  has  been  more  misrepresented  than  this  in 
our  older  works,  and  the  great  number  of  supposed  discoveries  rendered  the 
charts  so  confused  that  no  adequate  idea  could  be  gained  of  their  number  or 
arrangement.  The  author  endeavoured,  in  1858,  to  reconcile  these  vague 
surmises  and  great  discrepancies,  so  as  to  give  a  more  correct  representation 
of  their  real  character.* 

This  geographical  confusion  has  arisen  no  doubt  from  the  unsuspected  in- 
fluence of  the  great  Japanese  current,  which  rushes  through  the  group  with 
exaggerated  and  uncertain  velocity,  and  thus  afi'ecting  the  dead  reckoning  of 
many  or  most  of  the  ships  which  announced  discoveries,  most  of  which  are 
to  the  eastward  of  the  true  positions.  It  will  be  unnecessary  to  discuss  these 
varying  accounts,  since  they  are  now  in  a  great  measure  reconciled  by  exact 
observations ;  and  this  is  of  the  greatest  importance,  seeing  that  an  increas- 
ing commerce  between  China,  Japan,  and  North-Western  America,  passes 
through  these  channels.  What  follows  will,  therefore,  be  confined  to  a  brief 
description  of  what  is  well  ascertained,  connected  with  an  identification,  when 
possible,  with  what  has  been  but  vaguely  surmised. 

These  islands  are  all  bold-to,  some  appearing  to  rise  like  a  wall  from  the 
depths  of  the  ocean,  and  they  have  but  few  outlying  hidden  dangers.  The 
lead  therefore  in  foggy  weather  will  give  little  or  no  warning,  as  in  some 
cases  no  soundings  will  be  obtained  with  150  fathoms  line  within  half  a  mile 
of  the  shore. 

The  Currents  also  in  this  part  of  the  Japan  stream  are  influenced  by  the 
prevailing  winds  at  the  difi'erent  seasons,  and  capricious,  heavy  current 
rips  being  of  very  common  occurrence,  have  often  been  mistaken  for 
skoals.  These  rips  are  more  constantly  met  with  close  to  the  islands  and 
rocks  than  otherwise,  and  in  the  event  of  getting  into  one  at  night  or  in  a 
fog,  it  may  be  assumed,  when  the  vessel's  position  is  not  accurately  known, 
that  danger  is  near.  It  may  be  well  to  bear  in  mind  that  in  calms,  although 
the  stream  may  appear  to  be  hurrying  the  vessel  on  to  an  island,  if  the  island 
be  steep,  it  will  always  turn  to  the  right  or  left  on  approaching  within  a 
certain  distance  of  the  rocks ;  not  so,  however,  should  shallow  water  extend 
any  distance,  when  the  anchor  must  be  depended  on. 

*  See  Transactions  of  tke  Britieli  Association,  1858. 


VOLCANIC  ISLETS,  SOUTH  OF  JAPAN.  1193 

The  usual  set  of  the  current  through  these  islands  is  north-easterly,  and 
the  rate  ranges  from  1  f  to  3  knots,  but  the  islands  frequently  deflect  it  from 
its  course,  and  the  eddies  always  found  on  the  margin  of  great  currents  are 
here  particularly  numerous  and  active,  so  that  it  is  not  unusual,  especially 
among  the  northernmost  of  the  islands  and  in  the  vicinity  of  the  coast  of 
Nipon,  to  encounter  a  set  precisely  in  the  opposite  direction  to  that  antici- 
pated. Close  to  Fatsizio  and  Vries  Islands,  at  less  than  one-third  of  a  mile 
oflP,  a  regular  change  of  tidal  stream  was  observed,  and  also  between  these 
islands  and  the  coast. 

Lot's  Wife  or  Black  Rock,  in  lat.  29°  47'  N.,  long.  140°  22i'  E.,  is  a  tall 
pinnacle  rising  about  300  ft.  above  the  sea ;  in  clear  weather  it  can  be  seen 
at  a  distance  of  25  miles,  and  bears  a  remarkable  resemblance  to  a  ship 
under  all  sail.  A  cast  of  the  lead  within  8  miles  of  this  rock  gave  no  sound- 
ings with  160  fathoms  of  line. 

Ponafidin  or  St.  Peter  Island,  1,328  feet  in  height  and  li  mile  in  length 
East  and  West,  was  discovered  in  1820  by  Lieutenant  Ponafidin  of  the 
Russian  Navy,  and  named  by  him  Three  Hills  Island.  Lat.  30°  33'  N.,  long. 
140°  15'  E. 

Smith  Island. — H.M.S.  Tribune  passed  this  island  in  1859,  and  describes 
it  as  a  high  pinnacle-looking  rock,  in  lat.  31°  15'  N.,  long.  139°  52'  E.,  about 
250  feet  in  height,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  circumference,  with  heavy 
breakers  extending  apparently  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  it,  and  a  small  rock 
close  to  its  North  side.  A  volcanic  disturbance  was  noticed  in  1870  at  4  miles 
N.E.  by  N.  from  this  island. 

Bayonnaise,  in  lat.  32°  0'  40"  N.,  long.  140°  0'  E.,  forms  a  curve  a  cable 
long  North  and  South,  with  several  hummocks  on  it,  its  northern  summit 
being  about  26  ft.  in  height;  several  rocks  extend  a  quarter  of  a  mile  off  its 
N.W.  and  N.E.  sides. 

Aoga  Siina,  in  lat.  32°  37^  N.,  long.  139°  47f  E.,  is  3  miles  long,  and 
visible  36  miles  off  in  clear  weather.  Its  coasts  are  steep,  and  the  only  land- 
ing place  is  on  the  East  side,  where  there  is  a  rock  level  with  the  water  at 
a  little  distance  from  the  land.  It  is  inhabited  and  cultivated  on  the  North 
and  N.W.  sides. 

FATSIZIO  ISLAND,  the  most  southern  of  the  islands  visited  by  the  Actcron 
in  1861,  is  8^  miles  long,  N.W.  by  N.  and  S.E.  by  S.,  and  4  miles  wide  at 
its  broadest  part.  In  shape  it  is  nearly  an  oblong,  rounded  at  the  N.W. 
end,  while  at  its  S.E.  end  a  slight  curve  forms  a  bay,  the  spot  of  observation 
which  (close  to  some  small  huts)  is  in  lat.  33°  4'  24'  N.,  long.  139°  50'  24'  E. 
Anchorage  was  obtained  off  this  bay  in  1 6  fathoms,  sand  and  gravel,  at  less 
than  a  mile  from  the  shore,  but  exposed  from  S.S.W.  to  N.N.E.,  and  a  vessel 
would  always  be  liable  to  experience  a  heavy  swell.  There  were  30  fathoms, 
dark  sand,  at  about  2  miles  off  this  shore,  but  the  rest  of  the  coast  line 

I.  A.  7  N 


1194  THE  JAPANESE  ARCaiPELAGO. 

appeared  to  share  the  bold  features  and  to  be  as  steep-to  as  the  generality  of 
these  islands. 

This  island  is  a  penal  settlement  of  Japan.  Its  highest  part  is  the  northern, 
where  a  mountain  reaches  an  elevation  of  2,840  ft.  Approaching  from  the 
eastward  the  island  appears  as  two. 

At  the  S.E.  end  of  Fatsizio  are  two  or  three  small  streams  of  delicious 
xvater  falling  down  the  rocks,  and  in  fine  weather  and  smooth  water,  boats 
may  readily  obtain  an  abundant  supply. 

Kodsine  is  a  small  and  nearly  oval-shaped  island  1,820  ft.  high,  IJ  mile 
long,  and  nearly  1  mile  broad  ;  it  lies  westward  of  the  highest  part  of 
Fatsizio. 

Broughtoii  Rock  (Kanawa),  in  lat.  33°39'N.,  long.  139°  18'  E.,  is  a  small 
inaccessible  islet,  about  60  ft.  high,  flat-topped,  and  so  bold  that  at  about  a 
third  of  a  mile  from  its  N.E.  side  no  soundings  could  be  obtained  with  180 
fathoms  line.  The  north-easterly  current  in  the  neighbourhood  of  this  islet 
was  found  to  be  particularly  strong,  running  nearly  4  knots  an  hour. 

Miaki  and  Mikura. — Miaki  Sima  is  2,690  ft.  high,  and  has  a  flat  summit ; 
the  N.E.  end  of  the  island  is  a  little  more  elevated  than  the  S.W.  end.  The 
highest  part  of  Miaki  is  in  lat.  34°  5'  N.,  long.  139°  35'  E.,  and  the  highest 
part  of  Mikura  in  33°  52'  N.,  139°  37'  E.  ;  the  latter  lies  about  17  miles  to 
the  N.E.  of  Broughton  Eock.  Mikura  is  called  Prince  Island  ;  and  Miaki, 
Volcano  Island  in  former  charts. 

Bangers. — There  is  a  cluster  of  rocks  about  2 J  miles  to  the  S.W.  of  Miaki, 
and  Broughton  says,  "  there  are,  in  addition,  some  black  rocks  2  or  3  miles 
from  the  eastern  point  of  the  island."  A  cluster  of  rocks  is  also  marked  on 
some  charts  at  8  miles  S.E.  of  the  East  end  of  Miaki. 

Onohara  is  a  small  islet  "W.S.W.  5  miles  distant  from  Miaki,  composed  of 
a  cluster  of  high  detached  rocky  pinnacles,  the  centre  one  being  perforated 
in  two  places. 

Redfield  Rocks  (Sanbon-take)  are  the  most  western  of  the  chain  of 
islands  and  rocks  South  of  the  Gulf  of  Yedo,  and  the  most  dangerous  of  the 
whole  group.  They  consist  of  two  patches  of  black  rocks  extending  nearly 
3  miles  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.  The  southern  rocks,  in  lat.  33°  56'  N.,  long. 
138°  48i'  E.,  are  the  highest,  about  20  feet  above  high  water,  while  the 
northern  are  only  about  half  that  height.  The  hand  lead  will  afford  no 
warning  until  close  upon  this  dangerous  cluster. 

Kosu  Sima,  in  lat.  34°  12i'  N.,  long.  139°  8 J' E.  (centre),  and  elevated 
2,000  ft.  above  the  sea,  is  3^  miles  long  N.E.  and  S.W.,  and  may  be  recog- 
nized by  a  remarkable  snow-white  cliff  on  its  western  side,  and  a  white  patch 
on  its  summit,  to  the  northward  of  the  cliff.  There  is  a  safe  channel  15 
miles  wide  between  Kosu  sima  and  Miaki.  Two  small  rocky  islets  lie  close 
together,  about  half  a  mile  off  the  centre  of  the  eastern  shore  of  Kosu  sima. 
About_2  miles  southward  of  the  S.W.  point  of  Kosu  sima  are  the  Onghashi 


THE  EAST  COAST  OF  NIPON.  1195 

Rocks,  which  should  be  given  a  safe  berth,  as  their  jagged  appearance  would 
lead  to  the  belief  that  there  are  many  hidden  dangers  in  their  immediate 
neighbourhood. 

Sikine  Sima  is  low,  with  a  small  islet  off  its  North  end.  It  is  H  ™ilQ 
long  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.,  and  lies  5  miles  N.E.  of  Kosu  Sima.  One  of  the 
vessels  of  the  American  squadron  passed  between  these  islands  and  saw  no 
danger  ;  there  is  therefore  reason  to  believe  that  the  channel  is  safe. 

Nil  Sima  is  about  1^  mile  N.E.  of  Sikine,  and  from  its  broken  outline 
appears  from  a  distance  as  several  islands,  Its  extent  is  5  miles.  North  and 
South,  and  its  most  elevated  part  1,490  ft.  above  the  sea.  There  is  a  small 
low  islet  a  short  distance  off  its  S.E.  point. 

Utone  is  a  conical  islet,  660  ft.  high,  lying  N.  ^  E.,  about  2J  miles  from 
Nii  sima  ;  detached  rocks  lie  near  its  shores. 

To  Sima,  bearing  N.  ^  W.  2  miles  from  Utone,  is  1  mile  in  diameter, 
pyramidal  shaped,  and  its  summit  1,730  ft.  above  the  sea. 

VRIES  ILAND  (0  sima)  the  largest  and  most  northern  of  the  chain  front- 
ing the  Gulf  of  Yedo,  is  10  miles  N.N.E.  of  To  sima,  its  south-eastern  point 
being  in  lat.  34°  40'  N.,  long.  139°  27'  E.  The  island  is  oval-shaped,  about 
8  miles  in  extent  N.N.W.  ^  W.  and  S.S.E.  |  E.,  and  5  miles  wide,  and  its 
summit  attains  an  elevation  of  2,550  ft.  At  its  centre  is  an  active  volcano, 
over  which  a  white  vapour  cloud  is  generally  floating,  and  frequently,  at 
night,  it  brightly  reflects  the  glare  of  the  subterranean  fires  at  work  in  the 
crater  beneath,  forming,  in  clear  weather,  a  conspicuous  landmark,  visible 
by  night  or  day  for  many  leagues.  Observation  Point,  a  bluff  forming  the 
N.W.  end  of  the  island,  is  350  ft.  high,  and,  when  seen  from  the  N.E.  or 
S.W.,  at  a  distance  appears  as  an  island. 

There  are  several  villages  on  the  island.  On  the  North  side  a  narrow 
bank  of  soundings  affords  a  precarious  anchorage  in  from  12  to  18  fathoms. 
A  junk  harbour  is  situated  at  the  S.E.  point  of  the  island.  Landing  may  be 
effected  at  the  Korth  village,  or  in  the  junk  harbour.  The  inhabitants  were 
civil  and  hospitable,  but  averse  to  strangers  visiting  the  volcano. 

THE   EAST  COAST   OF  NIPON. 

Mela  Head  to  Cape  Erratatsi  and  Ohigasi  Saki  (King  and  Blanco)  is 
a  wild  and  dangerous  coast,  skirted  by  off-lying  rocks  ;  the  projecting  points 
are  generally  rugged  cliffs  of  yellow  clay  or  gravel.  It  is  well  wooded ;  the 
high  land  ends  about  Ohigasi  saki  in  a  long  backed  hill,  terminating  in  a 
couple  of  thumb-shaped  pinnacles,  and  is  fronted  by  a  bold  chalky  cliff. 

The  coast,  when  partially  obscured  by  fog,  is  difficult  to  identify  when 
coming  from  the  eastward  ;  a  ship  thus  approaching  Yedo  Bay  is  liable  to 
be  set  considerably  out  of  her  reckoning  by  the  Japan  stream.     The  tempe- 


1196  THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO. 

rature  of  the  sea  is  a  useful  guide,  and  the  soundings  will  give  good  warn- 
ing if  attended  to.  Mela  Head  sometimes  shows  out  in  relief  when  all  the 
coast  eastward  is  obscured  by  fog. 

INABOYE  SAKI  and  LIGHTHOUSE.— From  Ohigasi  saki  north-eastward 
to  Nakuno  saki,  a  distance  of  100  miles,  the  coast  is  low,  and  for  the  most 
part  sandy.  Inaboye  saki  is  a  projecting  rocky  cape,  on  which  is  a  smooth, 
bare,  and  conspicuous  hill,  about  200  ft.  high  ;  reefs  extend  from  the  cape 
fully  a  mile,  but  it  may  be  rounded  in  safety  in  40  fathoms  water.  Ship- 
wrecks are  frequent  on  the  sandy  beach  North  of  the  cape,  caused,  it  is 
believed,  by  the  effects  of  the  currents,  which  meet  here  and  set  a  vessel 
towards  the  shore. 

The  lighthouse  on  Inaboye  saki,  completed  in  November,  1874,  is  a  circu- 
lar brick  building,  painted  white,  105  feet  high.  From  it  is  shown  a  revolv- 
ing Iright  light,  attaining  its  greatest  brilliancy  every  half  minute,  elevated 
168  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  visible  19  miles  off. 

Arkold  Rock,  originally  reported  by  the  Russian  frigate  ArTcold  in  1859, 
was  considered  to  lie  in  lat.  36°  15'  N.,  long.  141°  28'  E. ;  again  reported  in 
thick  weather,  by  the  Russian  vessel  of  war  Sihole  in  1870,  was  said  to  be 
20  feet  high,  about  1 1  miles  to  the  southward  of  the  spot  in  which  it  wa& 
first  reported. 

H.M.S.  Thistle  on  two  occasions  in  1873  passed  close  to  the  last-named 
position,  but  saw  nothing  of  the  rock,  although  from  the  state  of  the  weather 
a  rock  20  ft.  high  must  have  been  visible.  H.M.S.  Ringdove,  in  1874,  made 
a  search  for  this  danger  under  favourable  conditions  of  wind  and  weather, 
but  without  success  ;  good  observations  had  previously  been  obtained,  and 
the  adjacent  land,  35  miles  distant,  was  visible  H.M.S.  Modeste,  in  1877, 
passed  over  the  assigned  position  of  the  rock,  but  without  seeing  any  signs 
of  the  danger ;  good  observations  had  been  obtained  an  hour  previously. 
Arkold  Rock  has  in  consequence  of  these  searches  and  reports  been  expunged 
from  the  charts. 

Choosi  Point  is  on  the  North  side  of  Inaboye  promontory.  The  Tone 
Gawa,  a  rapid  river,  flows  into  the  sea  on  the  South  side  of  the  point,  but 
owing  to  the  heavy  swell  from  the  Pacific  its  bar  can  seldom  be  crossed  by 
ships'  boats,  and  at  times  native  craft  cannot  attempt  it.  There  is  anchorage 
in  6  fathoms,  sand,  1  mile  off  the  bar,  but  it  is  not  recommended.  The 
soundings  deepen  gradually  to  20  fathoms  at  4  miles  from  the  shore. 

North  from  Choosi  Point  for  45  miles  the  shore  is  wooded ;  it  may  be 
passed  along  at  a  distance  of  a  mile,  in  9  fathoms.  From  Machama  the  shore 
is  bounded  by  low  cliffs,  and  North  of  Kawajiri  (a  populous  fishing  town) 
hill  ranges  commence. 

SENDAI  BAY  lies  on  the  East  coast  of  Nipon,  in  lat.  38°  20'  N.,  the 
land  North  ot  it  is  deeply  indented,  high,  and  steep,  and  apparently  thinly 


SENDAI  BAY.  1197 

populated,  fishing  boats  being  seen  only  off  Simidzu.     Most  of  the  bays  are 
open  to  seaward. 

At  10  miles  from  the  coast  inland  there  is  a  high,  easily  recognisable 
mountain,  about  4,600  ft.  high,  in  lat.  39°  28'  N.,  long.  141°  41'  E.,  ap- 
proximately. 

The  group  of  islands  in  the  N.W.  corner  of  Sendai  Bay  should  not  be 
approached  nearer  than  2  miles,  as  reefs  and  rocks  extend  off  them  to  a 
considerable  distance,  and  there  is  no  anchorage  even  for  a  small  vessel  on 
the  western  shore  of  the  bay. 

Cape  Amitsihama,  the  East  point  of  Sendai  Bay,  has  deep  water  close-to, 
and  may  be  passed  within  2  cables.  Soundings  in  from  16  to  19  fathoms 
will  be  found  between  the  cape  and  Nagasima  Island,  and  anchorage  for  the 
largest  ships  may  be  obtained  in  from  12  to  9  fathoms,  sand,  off  the  North 
end  of  the  island. 

On  the  shore  of  the  mainland,  abreast  the  North  end  of  Nagasima  Island, 
there  is  a  bay  half  a  mile  wide,  which  affords  anchorage  in  from  7  to  9  fa- 
thoms, mud.  The  bay  may  be  recognised  by  its  having  the  only  white 
sandy  beach  in  the  vicinity,  and  from  a  wooded  islet  lying  off  its  northern 
point. 

A  single  rock,  which  dries,  lies  East  2  cables  from  the  southern  extreme 
of  Nagasima  Island. 

Both  the  above  anchorages  afford  shelter  from  North  and  East  winds, 
but  a  heavy  sea  is  thrown  in  by  winds  from  East  round  northerly  to  N.W. 

Matsu  Sima  Bay. — The  southern  entrance  of  this  extensive  but  shallow 
harbour,  in  38°  20'  N.,  and  141°  5'  E.,  appeared  completely  obstructed  by 
low  reefs,  and  according  to  the  fishermen,  no  channel  exists  between  the 
sunken  rocks.  The  northern  entrance  (4  miles  to  the  northward)  is  very- 
shallow,  there  being  only  4  ft.  water  over  a  rocky  bar  in  a  narrow  channel, 
but  good  shelter  for  two  or  three  vessels  may  be  obtained  off  it  in  5  or  6 
fathoms,  mud,  open  only  to  the  East. 

Ichinomaki  River,  of  considerable  importance,  falls  into  the  sea  at  the 
North  part  of  Sendai  Bay.  It  is  reported  to  be  navigable  by  junks  for  70 
miles,  and  boats  can  reach  Morioka,  the  capital  of  Nambu,  situated  120  miles 
from  its  mouth.  The  town  of  Ichinomaki  at  the  entrance  was  not  seen  in 
passing.  The  anchorage  is  a  roadstead,  open  to  the  South  and  S.E.,  but  it 
is  believed  that  with  the  wind  from  those  quarters  good  shelter  could  be 
found  in  the  East  part  of  the  bay. 

Kitakami  Eiver  enters  the  bay  in  lat.  38°  26'  N.,  long.  141°  15'  E.  Kita- 
kanii  light  consists  of  a  lantern  similar  to  a  ship's  masthead  light,  and  beino- 
in  front  of  the  town,  it  can  with  difficulty  be  distinguished  from  the  lights  of 
the  houses  and  junks.  It  is  shown  from  a  mast  on  the  East  bank  of  the 
river,  and  elevated  52  ft. 


1198  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGa 

Kingkasan,  or  Goldmine  Island,  dedicated  to  religious  purposes,  is  re- 
sorted to  by  pilgrims  from  all  parts  of  Japan  ;  a  peak  1,000  ft.  high  and 
wooded  to  the  summit,  is  conspicuous.  The  deer  on  the  island  are  numerous 
and  considered  sacred.     Mica  in  large  quantities  is  found  in  the  soil. 

Between  this  island  and  the  main  a  depth  of  3  fathoms  can  be  carried  by 
passing  at  one-third  the  distance  from  the  island.  There  is  anchorage  on  tha 
South  side  of  the  narrows. 

LIGHT. — A  granite  tower,  28  feet  high,  was  completed  in  1876,  on  the^ 
East  side  of  Kingkasan  Island,  in  lat.  38°  19'  N.,  long.  141°  36'  E.  From 
it  is  shown  a  fixed  Iright  light  seaward  between  N.  by  E.  and  S.W.  ^  W.  It 
is  elevated  178  ft.  and  visible  19  miles  off. 

Aikawa,  near  Kingkasan,  is  a  safe  anchorage,  and  is  the  first  sheltered 
spot  for  vessels  bound  to  the  northward  from  Yedo  Gulf.  It  is  easy  of  ac- 
cess, and  the  light  now  shown  from  Kingkasan  Island  will  guide  to  its 
position.  The  reef  projecting  3  cables  from  the  southern  cape  is  dangerous. 
It  breaks  only  when  the  wind  blows  hard,  or  when  there  is  a  heavy  swell. 

It  is  not  recommended  to  pass  inside  Hira  Sima,  Asi  Sima,  and  their  con- 
tiguous groups. 

The  coast  to  the  northward  is  at  present  little  known  to  navigators ;  it 
presents  a  deeply  indented  outline,  probably  concealing  some  fine  harbours. 
The  shores  appear  bold. 

Kamaishi  Harbour,  in  lat.  39°  18'  N.,  long.  142°  E.  (approximate),  is 
more  easy  of  access  to  a  sailing  vessel  than  Yamada  Harbour,  which  is 
situated  10  miles  to  the  northward.  On  the  S.W.  part  of  Sangan  Sima  ar& 
some  white  quartz  holders,  and  also  on  the  cape  N.N.W.  af  the  island. 
Sangan  is  steep,  well  wooded,  not  distinguishable  from  the  coast  at  a  dis- 
tance of  6  or  7  miles,  excepting  when  approached  from  the  northward. 

There  are  two  rocks  near  the  centre  of  the  harbour,  lying  North  and  South 
of  each  other,  and  about  a  third  of  a  cable  apart.  On  the  northern  rock 
there  is  6  ft.  at  low  water,  and  on  the  southern  rock  2  ft.  The  northern 
rock  is  marked  by  a  hlach  huoy,  surmounted  by  a  circular  cage,  the  top  of 
which  is  8  ft.  above  water ;  the  buoy  is  moored  to  the  North  of  the  rock  in 
1 1  fathoms  at  low  water.  The  southern  rock  is  marked  by  a  red  beacon,  con- 
sisting of  a  massive  stone  foundation,  on  which  stands  an  iron  post,  sur- 
mounted by  a  cage,  which  is  19  ft.  above  high  water.  Vessel  must  not  pass 
between  the  buoy  and  the  beacon. 

Kamaishi  is  not  an  open  port,  and  at  present  there  is  no  traffic  whatever. 
At  about  10  miles  inland  is  a  district  abounding  in  iron  ore  of  good  quality, 
which  will  probably  soon  be  worked  by  the  Government.  A  railway  is  in 
course  of  construction,  also  a  pier  in  connection  therewith. 

Yamada  Harbour  is  a  large  circular  bsin  surrounded  by  mountains  up- 
wards of  1,000  ft.  in  height,  and  is  entered  by  a  broad  pass  or  strait  running 


SIRIYA  SAKI  AND  LIGHTHOUSE.  1199 

S.W.  between  high  bold  shores,  in  which  there  is  a  depth  of  from  20  to  50 
fathoms.  A  reef  extends  nearly  1  cable  South  from  Miojin  Saki,  the  inner 
North  point  of  the  entrance  to  be  avoided  by  keeping  in  mid-channel ;  after 
rounding  this  point  haul  up  N.W.,  and  passing  a  quarter  of  a  mile  North  of 
0  sima,  the  larger  of  the  two  wooded  islands,  anchor  off  the  centre  of  the 
town  of  Yama  in  6  fathoms.  When  standing  in  for  the  anchorage  the 
■water  shoals  to  7  fathoms,  and  then  deepens  to  10,  after  which  it  decreases 
gradually.  The  eastern  part  of  the  bay  is  deep,  rocky,  and  exposed,  there- 
fore not  recommended  as  an  anchorage.  It  is  shallow  between  the  two 
islands  at  the  head  of  the  harbour.  The  small  island  Ko  Sima  is  in  lat.  39° 
27'  17"  N.,  long.  141°  59'  E. 

The  town  or  village  of  Yamada  is  populous,  and  inhabited  almost  exclu- 
sively by  fishermen,  who  appear  ignorant,  uncouth,  and  dishonest.  The 
high  land  on  the  North  may  be  easily  recognized  when  coming  from  the 
northward  or  southward,  in  following  the  coast  of  which,  it  forms  the  most 
salient  point.  Outside  the  port  the  water  changes  its  colour,  but  there  is  no 
bottom  in  38  fathoms  at  2  miles  from  the  shore.  Yamada  is  the  best  an- 
chorage at  present  known  on  the  N.E.  coast  of  Japan. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  Yamada  Harbour  at  6^  30"" ;  springs 
rise  4  ft. 

Miyako  Port  opens  at  8  miles  North  of  Yamada,  and  is  a  place  of  consi- 
derable trade,  situated  on  the  western  shore  of  an  inlet  about  3  miles  deep 
junks  anchor  outside  in  from  7  to  4  fathoms,  mud.  The  anchorage  is  open 
to  the  eastward.  About  the  time  of  the  equinoxes  strong  N.E.  winds  occa- 
sionally blow,  and  in  the  winter  strong  westerly  winds.  The  point  of  Tayo- 
mani  that  forms  it  is  sunnounted  by  a  conical  hill. 

The  coast  North  of  Miyako  takes  a  N.N.E.  direction,  and  is  a  shelving 
table  land,  bordered  by  broken  cliff  and  backed  by  high  flat  ranges,  which 
rise  to  about  2,000  ft.,  but  the  land  gradually  decreases  in  elevation  towards 
the  North  until  about  Sanemuva  Point,  where  it  becomes  low.  JTuro  Saki 
stands  well  out,  and  may  be  recognized  by  its  small  range  of  hills  about  700 
feet  high.  North  of  Kuro  Saki  the  cliffs  get  lower,  and  the  long  flat  slopes 
run  out  into  fine  tapering  points. 

Two  isolated  mountains  can  be  seen  behind  Hon-na-mi.  The  land  is 
densely  wooded. 

Cape  de  Vries  is  low  and  flat,  about  330  feet  high,  and  is  remarkable 
from  the  way  it  stands  out  between  two  bays.  The  Dupleix  sailed  along  this 
coast  from  Cape  Kiori  to  Cape  Vries,  at  a  distance  of  from  2  to  4  miles  and 
saw  no  danger  except  close  to  the  shore. 

SIRIYA  SAKI  and  LIGHTHOUSE.-At  Siriya  Saki,  the  N.E.  point  of 
Nipon  Island,  the  coast  slopes  towards  the  cape  from  an  elevation  of  1  265 


1200  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGO. 

feet,  and  appears  like  an  island  at  a  distance.  The  lighthouse,  completed 
on  the  cape  iu  1876,  is  a  circular  tower  94  ft.  high,  painted  white.  From 
the  tower,  at  an  elevation  of  150  ft.,  is  shown  a  fixed  bright  light,  visible  18 
miles  off. 

A  fog  hell  is  sounded  by  machinery  in  thick  weather,  1 5  strokes  in  every 
minute. 

Off  the  cape,  at  the  distance  of  3  cables,  is  a  small  white  rock,  70  ft.  high, 
and  at  2  miles  to  the  south-westward  is  another  rather  larger  than  the  for- 
mer, lying  1  cable  from  the  shore.  The  coast  within  4  miles  of  the  cape  is 
studded  with  rocks,  and  very  foul. 

Rattler  Rock  lies  E.  by  N.  f  N.,  \\  mile  from  Siriya  Saki  lighthouse, 
and  is  a  ledge  having  5  ft.  least  water.  It  rarely  breaks,  and  when  it  does 
it  is  hard  to  distinguish  between  the  break  and  the  tide  rip. 

Anchorage. — The  Thahor  anchored  2  miles  South  of  Siriya  Saki.  This  an- 
chorage would  be  useful  to  vessels  bound  West  through  Tsugar  Strait  during 
the  winter  season,  and  obliged  to  anchor.  The  lead  is  a  safe  guide.  The 
bottom  at  23  fathoms  is  fine  black  volcanic  sand,  gradually  changing  to 
coarse  brown,  with  a  few  shells.  At  a  depth  of  3  fathoms  and  less  the 
bottom  is  stony.  From  a  vessel  at  anchor  in  7  to  9  fathoms  the  light  at 
Siriya  Saki  is  visible.  A  small  vessel  might  anchor  in  4  or  5  fathoms  with 
good  shelter.     The  rise  and  fall  of  tide  appears  to  be  about  3  ft. 

DIRECTIONS. — Vessels  bound  from  the  Gulf  of  Yedo  to  the  eastern  en- 
trance of  the  Strait  of  Tsugar,  will,  after  passing  Su  Saki  and  Cape  Erra- 
tatsi  (C.  King)  experience  the  full  force  of  the  current  setting  them  to  the 
E.N.E.  The  land  about  this  cape  is  high  and  wooded,  and  the  coast  in  its 
locality  should  be  given  a  good  berth,  as  heavy  breakers  have  been  seen 
some  distance  off  shore. 

Caution  is  requisite  in  doubling  Ohigasi  Saki  (Cape  Blanco),  as  the 
American  squadron  passed  over  the  edge  of  a  reef  in  22  fathoms  water 
S.S.E.,  distant  about  5  miles  from  this  cape,  and  from  the  heavy  overfalls, 
in  which  fishing  boats  were  anchored,  there  is  probably  much  less  water 
upon  its  shoalest  part.  As  it  was  near  nightfall  it  was  impossible  to  ex- 
amine this  reef,  but  its  position  is  about  lat.  35°  8'  N.,  long.  140°  34'  E., 
and  Cape  Blanco  in  lat.  35°  13'  N.,  long.  140°  32J'  E. 

From  this  cape  to  Tsugar  Strait,  as  far  as  is  known,  the  coast  may  be  ap- 
proached within  from  2  to  3  miles.  The  Oya  Siwo  flows  to  the  southward 
along  the  N.E.  coast  as  far  South  as  Inaboye  Saki,  and  its  average  width  is 
from  100  to  200  miles,  outside  of  which  the  Kuro  Siwo  flows  to  the  north- 
eastward. This  coast  is  known  to  be  subject  to  strong  gales  and  much 
heavy  weather.  On  nearing  the  entrance  of  Tsugar  Strait  the  American 
squadron  experienced  a  sudden  fall  in   the  temperature  of  the  sea  of  15° 


THE  SETO  UCHI,  OR  INLAND  SEA.  1201 

to  20',  as  the  squadron  ran  from  the  nortk-easterly  current  into  the  cold 
current  setting  to  the  southward. 


THE  SETO  UCHI,  OR  INLAND  SEA. 

The  great  inland  sea  of  Japan,  called  by  the  Japanese  Seto  Uchi  (inner 
strait),  is  enclosed  between  the  S.W.  coast  of  Nipon,  which  entirely  bounds 
it  on  the  l^orth  and  East ;  and  the  islands  of  Kiusiu  and  Sikok,  which 
bound  it  on  the  West  and  South.  It  extends  somewhat  in  an  East  and  West 
direction,  in  length  240  miles,  with  a  breadth  varying  from  3  to  30  miles- 
It  has  six  divisions,  called  nadas  or  seas,  taking  their  names  generally  from 
the  provinces,  the  coasts  of  which  they  wash.  There  is  a  great  maritime 
trade  along  its  populous  shores,  as  well  as  the  through  traffic  to  Osaka,  one 
of  the  chief  seats  of  commerce  of  the  empire,  and  the  seaport  of  its  capital, 
Kioto. 

The  Seto  Uchi  can  be  navigated  with  safety  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  and 
even  under  favourable  circumstances  during  the  night,  the  more  particularly 
now  that  a  correct  chart  of  it  has  been  published  from  the  Japanese  manu- 
script survey,  to  which  has  been  added  the  surveys  of  Commanders  Ward, 
Bullock,  Brooker,  and  St.  John,  and  Navigating-Lieutenant  Maxwell.  In 
the  winter  months,  too,  when  the  westerly  gales  are  so  prevalent,  sailing 
vessels  would  probably  gain  time  by  tiding  through  this  sea,  rather  than  by 
endeavouring  to  beat  round  Satano  misaki  (Cape  Chichakoff),  against  the 
Kuro  Siwo  or  Japan  Stream.  As  an  instance  of  this,  a  fine  clipper  ship  was 
nearly  three  weeks  getting  round  Cape  Chichakofi',  whilst  the  Adceon  sailed 
through  the  inland  sea  in  nine  days,  meeting  with  one  westerly  gale,  and 
anchoring  every  night. 

A  very  destructive  species  of  Mollusk  inhabits  the  Seto  Uchi,  and  might 
prove  very  injurious  to  ships'  bottoms.  Specimens  of  new  timber  were  found 
at  Awa  sima,  the  perforations  in  which  were  a  third  of  an  inch  in  diameter. 

Supplies. — Water  of  excellent  quality  can  be  procured  almost  at  any  an- 
chorage in  the  Seto  Uchi  or  Kii  Channel,  and  is  brought  off  in  boats,  in 
buckets,  at  a  very  small  cost.  About  70  tons  of  charcoal  were  purchased  at 
the  various  harbours  in  the  Kii  Channel,  for  fuel  for  steaming,  at  from  4  to 
11  dollars  per  ton,  superior  for  such  purpose  to  the  best  Welsh  coal. 

Tides. — The  tides  and  currents  of  the  Seto  Uchi  are  as  yet  but  imperfectly 
known,  but  are  found  to  be  regular  at  its  East  entrance ;  those  of  the 
Boungo  Channel  are  quite  unknown.  The  tide  wave  comes  from  the  Pacific 
Ocean  by  the  Kii  and  Boungo  Channels ;  from  the  latter  it  branches  East 
and  West,  meeting  the  Kii  Channel  tide  at  about  Awa  sima,  in  long. 
I.    A  7  o 


1202  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGO. 

133°  38'  E.,  at  the  eastern  entrance  of  the  Bingo  nada.  The  tides  run 
strongly  in  the  narrow  channels,  especially  on  the  western  stream,  and  whirl 
about  very  considerably,  so  as  to  render  steering  difficult. 

We  first  describe  the  Boungo  Channel,  then  the  Kii  Channel,  and  after 
that  the  Isumi  nada  and  the  diflFerent  nadas  to  the  westward  as  far  as 
Simonoseki  Strait,  by  which  the  Sea  of  Japan  is  joined  to  the  Seto  Uchi  or 
Inland  Sea. 

The  BOUNGO  CHANNEL,  the  western  of  the  two  entrances  on  the  East 
coast  to  the  Seto  Uchi,  is  quite  safe  to  navigate  as  far  as  it  is  at  present 
known,  and  the  projecting  points  and  islands  were  found  correctly  marked 
on  the  Admiralty  chart  by  the  allied  squadron  under  the  command  of  Vice- 
Admiral  Sir  A.  L.  Kuper,  K.C.B.,  which  entered  the  Seto  Uchi  by  it  in 
September,  1864.  No  dangers  were  seen  in  the  route  they  adopted,  in 
addition  to  those  marked  on  the  chart.  The  western  points  of  the  different 
islands  and  capes  on  the  eastern  shore,  from  Okino  sima  on  the  South  to 
Cape  Okanaba  on  the  North,  are  well  defined,  and  apparantly  steep-to;  so 
is  also  the  land  on  the  western  shore  in  the  vicinity  of  the  town  of  Kitsiku 
and  along  the  N.E.  coast  of  Kiusiu. 

Okino  Sima,  forming  the  eastern  point  of  the  South  entrance  to  this  chan- 
nel, is  1,150  ft.  high,  conspicuous,  and  may  be  seen  in  clear  weather  from  a 
distance  of  35  miles.  To  the  northward  of  it  the  space  appears  to  be  rocky 
foul  ground. 

Euryalus  Rock,  named  after  H.M.S.  Euryalus,  is  a  small  rocky  islet,  50 
ft.  high,  lying  in  the  middle  of  the  Boungo  Channel,  26  miles  N.W.  of  Okino 
sima.  It  is  surrounded  by  rocky  shoals,  some  above  water,  to  the  distance 
of  half  a  mile.     It  occupies  a  most  excellent  position  for  a  lighthouse. 

Takanaba,  the  island  lying  nearly  in  the  middle  of  the  northern  entrance 
of  the  channel,  has  two  small  rocks  above  water  at  2  cables  N.W.  of  it. 
There  appears  to  be  a  good  passage  on  either  side  of  this  island.  The  current 
is  not  strong. 

The  KII  CHANNEL,  lying  between  Sikok  and  Nipon,  is  80  miles 
across  at  its  entrance  from  the  Pacific,  decreasing  to  15  miles  at  30  or  40 
miles  within,  which  width  it  preserves  for  20  miles  farther,  or  up  to  Awadji 
sima.  The  coast  of  Awa  to  the  West  from  Muroto  saki  to  Naruto  is  as  yet 
unknown;  but  the  coast  of  Kii  from  Go  sima  to  Kata,  along  which  vessels 
pass  to  and  from  the  Seto  Uchi  and  Yedo,  has  been  surveyed  or  explored. 
The  fairway  from  the  Kii  Channel  into  the  Seto  Uchi  is  by  Isumi  Strait,  but 
there  is  a  more  direct  route,  by  taking  which  (if  not  bound  to  Osaka  or 
Hiogo)  a  saving  of  35  miles  is  effected,  viz.,  the  Naruto  Passage,  West  of 
Awadji,  but  this  channel  should  not  be  attempted  excepting  under  the  most 
favourable  circumstances,  that  is,  at  slack  water  or  within  half  an  hour  of  it, 


THE  KII  CHANNEL.  1203 

and  at  neap  tides,  and  even  then  it  is  highly  dangerous.  The  coast  on  the 
western  side  of  the  Kii  Channel  from  Murato  saki  to  the  rocky^  point  0-iso 
at  the  western  entrance  to  the  Naruto  Passage  is  from  the  Japanese  manu- 
script. 

Muroto  Saki,  the  western  entrance  point  to  Kii  Channel,  is  a  steep  head- 
land, 400  ft.  high,  and  when  first  seen  in  clear  weather  from  the  eastward  or 
westward  appears  as  an  island.  Another  hill,  2  miles  to  the  northward,  and 
770  ft.  high,  also  makes  an  island,  but  may  be  distinguished  from  Muroto 
Saki  by  the  scarcity  of  trees. 

I  Sima  lies  nearly  in  the  centre  of  the  western  shore  of  the  Kii  Channel  at 
its  narrowest  part;  its  southern  peak  is  visible  30  miles.  The  channels 
between  the  reefs  westward  of  I  sima  should  not  be  attempted. 

A  roch  was  reported  in  1873,  by  the  steam-ship  Alexander,  at  9  miles  S.S.E. 
of  I  sima,  10  ft.  high.     Lat.  33°  30'  N.,  134°  30'  E. 

Wada  Sima  Harbour,  in  lat.  34°  0'  N.,  long.  134°  39'  E.,  has  a  good  an- 
chorage in  from  4  to  6  fathoms  water,  just  inside  a  low  point  with  trees  on 
it  on  the  East  side  of  the  harbour.  The  South  and  West  parts  of  the  harbour 
are  very  shoal. 

0-Iso,  the  projecting  sandy  point  N.E.  of  Sikok,  slopes  down  from  a  hill 
named  Shiro-mune  yama,  290  ft.  high,  ending  in  a  bare  conical  mound.    East, 

3  cables  from  0-iso,  are  some  rocks  awash,  with  deep  water  1  cable  outside 
them. 

NARUTO  PASSAGE  (literally,  gate  of  the  sea  which  makes  a  great  roar- 
ing) has  hitherto  been  considered  to  be  a  whirpool,  and  not  without  cause. 
In  its'narrowest  part  it  is  only  7  cables  wide,  and  this  is  further  narrowed 
to  3  cables  by  a  reef  on  its  eastern  side. 

The  passage  may  be  taken  at  the  first  and  second  hour  before  and  after 
change  of  stream,  with  the  tide,  and  for  the  first  three-quarters  of  an  hour 
before  or  after  change,  against  the  tide,  in  fine  weather ;  but  in  bad  weather 
it  should^not  be  attempted,  as  the  passage  then  breaks  right  across,  and  it  is 
di£B.cult  to  distinguish  the  channel. 

Vessels  must  be  careful  to  have  the  passage  well  open  before  approaching 
it,  and  at  all  times  great  caution  must  be  observed. 

Tohi  Sima,  93  ft.'^high,  is  a  conical  wooded  islet,  lying  S.  by  "W.  nearly 
three-quarters^of  a  mile  from  the  narrowest  part  of  Naruto  Passage.  It  has 
shoal  water  ofi'its  North  end  for  \h  cable,  but  may  be  approached  on  the 
eastern  side  to  1  cable.     A  rock,  1  cable  in  extent,  East  and  West,  with  from 

4  to  5  fathoms  on  it,  and  steep-to,  lies  S.W.  4  cables  from  Tobi  sima. 
Tides. — The  tide  sweeps  through  Naruto  in  about  a  N.  by  W.  and  S.  by  E. 

direction,  with  a  velocity  at  springs  of  from  10  to  11  knots,  but  slacking 
about  an  hour  before  and  after  change  either  way  to  from  7  to  8  knots. 
At  springs  there  is  scarcely  any  slack  water,  but  at  neaps  about  a  quarter  of 
an  hour. 


1204  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAaO. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Fuk  ura,  at  6'>  17"",  springs  rise  7  ft., 
neaps  (probably)  4i  ft.  The  north-western  stream  makes  at  2^  hours  before 
high  water  at  Fuk  ura,  changing  every  6  hours  nearly.  North  of  the  Naruto 
Passage  the  tides  are  anomalous. 

Anchorage  — If  wishing  to  wait  for  slack  water,  or  change  of  stream,  an- 
chorage may  be  found  on  the  Awadji  shore,  at  Maru  yama,  on  the  North 
side  of  the  Naruto  ;  and  at  Fuk  ura  on  the  South,  in  4  to  8  fathoms.  There 
is  also  excellent  anchorage  in  Minotoye  Ba}^,  5  miles  to  the  westward. 

Yura  is  a  town  on  the  S.E.  side  of  Awadji.  A  low  island,  IJ  mile  in 
length,  with  a  bluff  hill  on  its  North  point,  and  a  large  granite  fort  on  its 
South,  lies  like  a  breakwater  fronting  a  bay,  and  forms  the  harbour,  which 
nas  narrow  entrances  North  and  South.  The  North  entrance  has  from  10  to 
11  ft.  at  low  water  springs,  and  is  120  yards  wide;  the  South  is  a  narrow 
opening,  with  2  to  3  ft.  water.  The  broadest  part  of  the  harbour  is  half  a 
mile,  with  anchorage  in  4  to  6  fathoms,  mud.  A  vessel  drawing  16  ft.  could 
enter  at  high  water  springs,  and  lie  secure  in  smooth  water  for  repair.  The 
junks  anchor  somewhere  to  the  northward  of  this  to  wait  for  tide. 

Anchorage  may  also  be  obtained  in  2  to  5  fathoms  outside  the  island  on 
the  sand-bank  off  it,  with  the  outer  extreme  of  the  bluff  N.W.,  or  of  the  fort 
S.S.W. ;  but  it  is  very  steep  on  the  edge,  and  the  holding  ground  is  probably 
not  good. 

Kata  is  a  town  on  the  eastern  side  of  Isumi  Strait,  on  the  South  side  of  a 
bay  North  of  Takura  saki,  and  where  there  is  anchorage  in  5  to  8  fathoms. 
There  is  a  fine  landing  pier  here,  200  yards  in  length,  for  the  use  of  the 
Daimio,  who  resides  at  Wakayama,  and  to  whom  Kata  belongs.  Off  Takura 
saki,  and  in  Kata  Bay  as  far  as  Diyi  Island,  reefs  covering  at  high  water 
extend  about  3  cables  off  the  shore. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Yura  and  at  Kata,  at  6*"  5".  Springs 
rise  6^  ft.  ;  neaps,  A^  ft. 

Osaki  Bay  is  IJ  mile  deep,  and  open  to  the  W.N.W.  The  village  of 
Osaki  stands  on  the  shore  of  a  narrow  inlet  on  its  North  side,  where  small 
vessels  can  find  good  shelter  in  5  to  2  fathoms,  which  they  can  also  obtain  in 
Smotz  ura,  the  innermost  bay  on  the  South  side  of  the  inlet.  The  only  dan- 
ger is  a  rocky  patch  of  1  fathom  2  cables  S.E.  of  the  North  entrance  head. 
The  South  point  of  Tree  Islet  should  be  given  a  berth  of  more  than  1  cable. 
Over  the  village  of  Osaki  is  Takadoosi  yama,  591  ft.  high,  a  smooth- topped 
hill,  with  two  stunted  trees  on  its  summit,  conspicuous  from  off  shore.  The 
South  shore  is  hilly,  the  South  entrance  bluff,  being  about  400  ft.  high. 
Fresh  water  and  small  supplies  can  be  readily  obtained. 

OMno  Sima,  W.  by  S.  ^  S.  2  miles  from  the  entrance  of  Osaki,  has  a  round 
hill,  275  ft.  high,  and  is  bare  of  trees.  Djino  Sima,  1  mile  East  of  it,  is  400 
feet  high,  has  high  cliffs  towards  the  sea,  and  is  wooded.  A  rock  awash  lies 
about  2  cables  South  of  it,  and  some  islets  further  South. 


THE  KII  CHANNEL.  1205 

Miya  Saki,  220  ft.  high,  lies  2  miles  South  of  Okino  sima,  and  may  be 
passed  at  3  cables. 

Tskahara  Bay  is  5  miles  deep  and  6  miles  across,  between  Miya  saki  and 
Sirasai  saki,  its  North  and  South  points  of  entrance.  At  its  head  is  the  Bmj 
of  Hiroivatali,  with  anchorage  in  7  to  8  fathoms,  even  bottom  and  mud,  and 
well  sheltered  from  all  winds  except  W.  by  S.  A  pier  at  the  South  end  of 
the  sandy  beach  at  its  head  and  ofiF  a  small  town,  protects  small  craft  in  a 
shallow  inner  harbour. 

Two  islands,  Kura  sima  and  Taka  sima,  lie  off  the  southern  shore  of  Tska- 
hara Bay.  The  Karamo  Group  of  small  islands,  with  reets  about  their  North 
sides,  lie  N.N.E.  of  Taka  sima  and  West  of  Hirowatali  Bay,  with  a  cluster 
of  rocks  E.N.E.  of  them  balf  way  to  the  shore,  the  ground  about  which  has 
not  been  examined. 

Golden  Rock,  so  named  from  the  large  amount  of  property  lost  there,  is  a 
very  small  patch,  nearly  awash  at  low  water,  and  so  steap  that  the  lead  gives 
but  little  warning,  there  being  17  fathoms  at  100  yards  on  the  outside.  It 
lies  3  miles  N.N.E.  \  E.  of  Sirasai  saki,  N.W.  J  W.  U  mile  from  Taka  sima 
Hill,  and  S.  by  E.  f  E.  from  Miya  saki. 

Sunq-ami,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  North  of  the  West  point  of  Karamo,  is 
a  sunken  rock,  with  6  ft.  over  it,  and  equally  steep-to;  it  is  also  IJ  mile 
N.  by  E.  of  Taka  sima,  and  S.E.  ^  E.  2i  miles  from  the  point  S.E.  of  Miya 
saki. 

Unless  desiring  anchorage,  or  working  to  windward  against  tide,  Tska- 
hara Bay  should  not  be  entered  within  a  line  joining  its  points,  as  the 
two  dangerous  rocks  above  mentioned  lie  in  the  centre  and  northern  parts  of 
the  bay. 

Shirasai  Saki,  or  White  Eock  Point,  derives  its  name  from  the  large 
masses  of  quartz  in  its  cliffs,  and  which,  with  the  white  pinnacle  rock,  200  ft, 
high,  4  cables  E.S.E.  of  it,  show  very  distinctly  from  the  South. 

Fisherman  Rock,  a  small,  narrow  rock,  4  ft.  above  high  water,  and  steep-to 
on  the  outside,  lies  4  cables  West  of  Shirasai  saki.  Some  rocks  awash  ex- 
tend a  cable's  length  to  the  N.E.  of  it.  The  passage  inside  the  rock  carries 
14  fathoms  in  mid-channel. 

Oohiki  ura  is  a  bay  between  Shirasai  saki  and  Yura  no  uchi,  where  a  vessel 
might  anchor  for  the  night  with  the  wind  off  shore,  in  6  fathoms,  at  2  or  3 
cables  from  the  beach.  The  steep  little  island  Hijiki  sima,  120  ft.  high,  off 
its  South  point,  marks  the  North  point  of  entrance  to  Yura  no  uchi,  a  har- 
bour 4  to  7  cables  in  breadth  and  2  miles  deep,  and  being  sheltered  by  the 
sharp  peaked  island  Ali  sima  and  the  extensive  reefs  off  the  South  point  of 
entrance,  always  above  water,  and  only  open  to  two  points,  viz.,  W.  by  S. 
and  S.W.  by  W.  Winds  from  these  directions  cause  some  swell  inside  in  a 
gale,  but  it  is  nevertheless  a  secure  anchorage.  Anchor  near  the  head  of  the 
bay  in  6  to  7  fathoms,  mud. 


1206  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGO. 

Hino  Misaki,  being  at  the  turn  of  the  coast,  is  the  most  prominent  cape 
in  the  Kii  Channel.  Its  terminal  hill,  Hino  yama,  is  smooth-sloped,  675  feet 
high,  and  the  islet  off  it  may  be  passed  at  2  cables.  It  is  steep-to,  but  the 
tide  sweeping  out  of  the  bay  South  of  it  causes  an  appearance  of  broken  water, 
especially  with  a  North  wind.  Thence  the  coast  runs  south-eastward  for  19 
miles  to  Tanabe,  and  parallel  to  the  line  of  the  outer  capes,  but  falls  back 
within  them  from  2  to  4  miles.  The  shore  is  hilly,  with  a  strip  of  low  land 
along  the  beach  ;  the  interior  is  mountainous. 

The  Hidaka  kawa,  sometimes  entered  by  small  junks,  has  its  entrance  5 
miles  E.  by  S.  from  Hino  Misaki.  A  reef  of  rocks  extends  a  mile  oil  shore 
at  a  mile  to  the  southward  from  this.  Anchorage  will  be  found  abreast  the 
sandy  beach  northward  of  the  river. 

The  coast  to  the  S.E.  has  several  outlying  reefs,  the  largest  of  which  ex- 
tends 4  cables  off  Arari  Point.  Eastward  of  Arari  Point,  33°  45^'  N  ,  is  a 
bay,  affording  good  anchorage  in  from  5  to  8  fathoms.  Eeefs  extend  4  ca- 
bles from  the  cliffs  on  the  northern  shore  of  the  bay.  North  of  Arari  Point 
is  a  round  hill,  on  the  summit  of  which  are  three  spike-shaped  monuments  ; 
and  3  and  4  miles  inland,  North  and  N.E.  of  this,  are  two  large  hill  clumps, 
which  are  very  conspicuous  from  the  offing. 

Tanabe  Bay  is  formed  in  a  bight  of  the  coast,  22  miles  S.W.  of  Hino 
misaki,  its  outer  parts  exposed  only  to  West  and  N.W.  When  approaching 
from  the  south-eastward,  Itsive  misalci,  the  most  projecting  point  of  the  coast, 
will  first  be  made,  and  being  very  similar  to  Cape  Tanabe,  the  bay  between 
them,  in  thick  weather,  may  be  mistaken  for  that  of  Tanabe.  Itsiye  misaki 
is  a  sloping  point  with  a  low  terminating  cliff,  but  the  hills  over  it  are  much 
higher  than  those  of  Cape  Tanabe,  and  rise  to  a  sharp  peak,  the  outer  of  a 
continuous  high  range.  The  summit  of  Cape  Tanabe,  which  has  a  single  con- 
spicuous tree  on  it,  is  only  539  ft.  high,  and  falls  abruptly  inland.  Outwards 
a  long  ridge  slopes  gently  toward  the  sea,  with  a  dark  clump  of  trees  on  the 
brow,  from  which  it  falls  steeply. 

The  cliffs  which  border  the  cape  are  bold  of  approach,  but  Isaki  Point, 
North  of  the  cape,  is  very  dangerous  to  three-quarters  of  a  mile  off. 

In  the  north-western  point  of  entrance  of  Tanabe  Bay  are  the  Saito  and 
North  Bay  Reefs,  4  cables  apart,  with  a  deep  water  channel  between  them. 
These  reefs  are  low  and  quite  flat.  At  2  cables  distance  S.E.  and  North  of 
Saito,  the  southern  of  them,  are  sunken  rocks,  and  off  North  Bay  Reef  is  a 
small  rock  like  a  boulder.  There  is  also  a  deep  water  channel  between  these 
reefs  and  Maruyama  Point,  off  which  shoal  water  extends  3  or  4  cables. 
Within  these  dangers  there  is  safe  approach  for  a  mile,  but  farther  in  is  a 
mass  of  reefs,  rocks,  and  islets,  which  must  be  approached  with  great  cau- 
tion. In  bad  weather,  with  the  wind  in,  all  the  known  dangers  would 
break. 

The  best  anchorage  is  in  the  south-eastern  arm  of  the  bay,   South  of 


KII  CHANNEL— EASTERN  COAST.  1207 

Anchorage  Island.  Tliis  island  may  be  recognised  by  the  dark  trees  dotted 
over  it,  and  a  tree  islet  West  of  it,  from  which  a  long  uncovered  reef  extends. 
The  end  of  this  reef  may  be  passed  at  a  cable  ;  then  steer  to  pass  the  same 
distance  off  the  N.E.  point  of  Anchorage  Islanrl,  between  it  and  the  sunken 
rocks  of  Passage  Reef  in  6  to  10  fathoms,  irregular  bottom.  Having  passed 
along  the  East  side  of  the  island,  stand  in  S.W.  ^  S.,  anchoring  in  10  to  8 
fathoms,  in  a  secure  and  thoroughly  sheltered  position.  There  is  moderately 
deep  water  in  the  arm  to  the  South,  as  also  in  Hosono  Bay,  but  they  are  too 
contracted  for  good  anchorage. 

Binzli  Reef,  lying  in  the  centre  of  the  bay,  is  an  extensive  reef  with  several 
rocks  on  it,  dry  and  awash  at  low  water.  The  north-eastern  part  of  Tanabe 
Bay  (only  partially  surveyed)  has  many  shoals.  On  the  North  shore  a  small 
river  discharges  itself,  running  close  under  the  white  loop-holed  wall  sur- 
rounding a  residence  of  the  Daimio,  the  imperial  Prince  of  Kiisiu,  hidden 
among  the  trees  on  the  left  bank  at  entrance.  The  village  of  Tanabe  stands 
on  the  shore  of  the  sandy  bay  to  the  westward  of  the  river,  and  to  the  North 
is  a  mountain  range,  the  highest  part  of  which  rises  to  the  height  of  2,650  ft., 
the  ridge  curving  round  to  the  range  which  terminates  in  Itsiye  misaki. 

SIWO  MISAKI.  —The  shore  from  Itsiye  misaki  to  Siwo  misaki,  a  distance 
of  21  miles  E.S.E.,  is  very  bold,  and  under  a  high  mountainous  coast,  ter- 
minating in  a  promontory  of  table  land,  which  is  the  extreme  South  point  of 
Nipon.  There  is  a  great  tide  race  and  overfalls  off  Siwo  misaki,  both  on  the 
flood  and  ebb ;  they  are,  however,  heaviest  on  the  flood.  After  a  south- 
easterly gale  the  sea  comes  in  round  this  point  in  immense  rollers,  such  as 
are  rarely  seen  on  any  coast. 

Bottle  Bock  lies  2h  cables  South  of  the  cape,  and  foul  ground  extends  1^ 
cable  further  southward. 

LIGHT. — On  the  top  of  the  cape,  at  an  elevation  of  163  ft.  above  the  sea, 
is  exhibited  &  fixed  bright  light,  visible  in  clear  weather  from  a  distance  of  20 
miles.  The  lighthouse,  completed  in  1878,  is  63  ft.  high,  built  of  stone,  and 
painted  white.     Previous  to  this  there  was  a  wooden  tower,  now  removed. 

Passing  through  the  Kii  Channel,  it  is  recommended  to  steer  always  for 
Hino  misaki. 

The  coast  to  the  eastward  of  Siwo  misaki  is  previously  described. 

ISUMI  STRAIT,  between  the  S.E.  point  of  Awadji  and  Nipon,  is  divided 
into  three  channels  by  the  islands  Tomangai  and  Diyi.  The  West  or  main 
channel  is  2  miles  wide,  but  contracted  by  a  sand-bank  which  extends  half  a 
mile  off  the  large  fort  of  Yura,  and  by  reefs  stretching  3  cables  off  the  S.W. 
part  of  Tomangai.  The  centre  passage  is  only  1  cable  wide,  and  full  of 
rocks.  The  eastern  channel  is  a  quarter  of  a  mile  wide,  and  said  to  be 
clear  and  safe  between  the  reefs  which  extend  1^  cable  off  both  shore  and 
island. 

LIGHT. — On  the  western  extreme  of  Tomangai  sima,  at   an  elevation  of 


1208  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGO. 

208  ft,  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  affixed  Iright  light,  visible  in  clear  weather 
a  distance  of  19  miles.  It  is  obscured  to  the  eastward  between  S.  J  E.  and 
N.E.  by  E.  The  tower,  21  ft.  high,  of  granite,  is  in  lat.  34°  16'  40"  N.,  long. 
135°  0'  30"  E. 

The  ISTJMI  NAD  A  at  the  N.E.  extreme  of  the  inland  sea,  and  35  miles 
in  extent  N.E.  and  S.W.,  is  bounded  on  the  South  by  a  promontory  of 
Nipon,  and  on  the  West  by  the  large  mountainous  island  of  Awadji.  Its 
shores  are  in  general  high  and  thickly  wooded  ;  in  some  places,  however, 
they  are  low  and  sandy.  It  is  singular  in  having  neither  an  island  nor  a 
danger.  On  the  East  shore  of  Awadji  the  water  is  deep,  with  no  convenient 
anchorages  except  in  small  bays  close  in.  The  coast  of  Nipon,  on  the  con- 
trary, affords  good  anchorage  along  its  whole  extent,  reefs  only  extending 
off  it  1  or  2  cables. 

OSAKA,  the  place  of  greatest  commercial  importance  in  Japan,  stands  on 
the  N.E.  shore  of  the  sea,  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Yodo  Gawa,  which  at 
the  N.W.  corner  of  the  city  divides  into  two  branches — the  Aji  Kawa, 
as  the  Yodo  is  here  called,  continuing  directly  towards  the  sea  ;  the  other 
branch,  the  Kishun  Gawa,  takes  a  southerly  course,  and  discharges  its 
waters  3  miles  lower  down  the  gulf ;  these  two  branches  are  navigable  by 
junks  of  moderate  size.  Osaka  is  the  seaport  of  Kioto,  the  capital  of  Japan, 
which  is  situate  20  miles  to  the  N.E.,  on  a  branch  of  the  Sedo  Gawa. 

The  Foreign  concession,  named  Ebisu  Jima  or  Kawa  Guchi,  occupies  the 
angle  formed  by  the  Aji  and  Kishu  branches  ;  its  position  is  indicated  by 
lofty  trees  ;  the  right  of  building  is  confined  to  this  site,  but  the  right  of 
residence  extends  over  the  contiguous  suburb  westward.  It  is  2f  miles  above 
Temposan,  the  fort  at  the  river's  mouth,  and  2  miles  below  the  castle.  The 
population  of  Osaka  is  about  400,000. 

The  River  Aji  is  shallow,  but  may  be  navigated  by  ships'  boats  as  far 
as  the  castle ;  it  has  a  bar,  which  at  unusually  low  tides  would  be  nearly 
dry  ;  at  exceptionally  high  tides,  7  ft.  might  be  carried  over. 

The  roadstead  of  Osaka  is  open  to  the  West  and  South.  The  depths  in 
the  roadstead  are  extremely  regular,  diminishing  gradually  over  a  soft  mud 
bottom ;  the  holding  ground  is  so  good  that  it  is  considered  a  vessel  could 
ride  out  any  gale  in  safety.  The  shores  are  everywhere  of  clean  sand  (as 
are  the  river  bars),  but  it  constitutes  a  fringe  only,  mud  being  found  at  a 
cable  from  the  low-water  line. 

Anchorage. — It  is  not  advisable  to  anchor  in  less  than  4  fathoms,  as  S.W. 
winds  cause  much  sea.  There  are  4  fathoms  at  7  cables  from  the  lighthouse, 
and  7  fathoms  at  1^  mile.  To  the  southward  it  is  much  shoaler.  The  best 
anchorage  is  West  of  the  Temposan  or  Osaka  lighthouse. 

Temposan  Fort  and  Light. — The  large  Temposan  Fort  stands  on  the 
South  point,  and  commands  the  entrance  of  the  river ;  it  is  a  high  turfed 
earthwork,  scarped  with  masonry,  and  is  a  conspicuous  landmark,  the  shores 


HIOGO  AND  KOBE.  1209 

being  very  low.  On  the  parapet  of  the  western  salient  angle  of  Temposan 
Fort,  53  ft.  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  a  fixed  hright  light,  shown  seaward 
between  the  bearing  of  N.E.  by  E.  f  E.  (round  by  North  and  West)  to 
S.W.  by  W.,  and  is  visible  in  clear  weather  from  a  distance  of  12  miles. 
The  tower  is  a  square-shaped  white  wooden  building.  30  ft.  high. 

The  Kishu  Gawa. — Two  miles  S.S.E.  of  Osaka  Bar  is  the  bar  of  the  Kishu, 
at  the  North  point  of  entrance  of  which  river  a  small  star  fort  is  being  con- 
structed at  low-water  mark  a  mile  from  the  shore.  This  bar  has  not  been 
closely  examined,  but  it  is  probably  a  little  deeper  than  that  of  the  Aji,  as 
a  larger  class  of  junks  ascend  this  branch  to  Osaka. 

Sakai.— Light. — S,  by  E.  4  miles  from  Temposan  is  the  mouth  of  the 
Sakai  Eiver,  which  enters  the  sea  between  two  short  moles  extending  from 
two  green  batteries ;  it  has  no  bar,  and  has  2  ft.  at  entrance.  A  light  is  ex- 
hibited from  a  wooden  turret  on  the  North  fort. 

HIOGO  and  KOBE. — A  treaty  port,  14  miles  West  of  Osaka,  is  a  better 
and  more  convenient  anchorage  than  the  roadstead  of  Osaka,  having  slight 
protection  from  the  South,  and  being  thoroughly  sheltered  from  the  westerly 
or  prevailing  winds.  The  shores  of  Hiogo  Bay  are  steep-to,  but  low,  and 
rise  in  a  gentle  slope  from  the  beach  to  the  abrupt  range  of  hills  2  miles 
inland,  which  are  of  800  to  2,000  ft.  elevation,  running  parallel  to  the  coast. 
The  bay  has  an  even  depth  of  4J  fathoms,  with  good  holding  ground  in  a 
very  stiff  mud.  A  patent  slip  is  established  at  Hiogo  to  receive  a  vessel  190 
feet  long,  with  13  feet  draught  forward.  A  sea-wall  and  piers,  which  will 
also  form  quays,  are  also  proposed. 

The  Foreign  Settlement  is  beautifully  situated  at  the  head  of  the  northern 
bay  of  Kobe.  This  bay  is  somewhat  smaller  than  that  of  Hiogo,  but  the 
shores  of  it  are  steep,  and  there  is  about  the  same  depth  of  water  as  in  the 
former,  and  if  less  sheltered  in  S.W.  winds  it  is  less  exposed  to  easterly 
winds. 

The  railway  pier  at  Kobe  was  completed  in  1876,  so  that  vessels  can  mror 
alongside  and  load  from  the  railway  trucks.  Moorings  are  laid  down.  There 
is  also  the  old  accommodation,  which  entirely  shelters  junks  of  considerable 
size. 

British  subjects  are  free  to  go  wherever  they  please  within  10  n  (21  miles) 

•  A  RAILWAY,  21^  miles  long,  was  opened  in  May,  1874,  between  Kobe  and  Osaka  (Agi 
Kawa).  From  Osaka  it  is  continued  in  a  N.E.  direction  for  nearly  30  miles  to  Kioto,  at 
the  South  end  of  Lake  Biwa.  It  is  proposed  to  extend  this  railway,  so  that  all  the  chief 
parts  of  Nipon  shall  be  in  communication,  including  Tsuruga  and  Niegata,  on  tho  West 
coast,  and  Nagoya,  at  the  head  of  Owari  Bay,  and  Yokohama  on  the  South  coast.  Mr.  R. 
Vicars  Boyle,  C.S.I.,  has  surveyed  most  of  the  routes  for  the  intended  railways. 

A  dock  was  commenced  in  1876  at  the  Osaka  station  for  the  accommodation  of  water- 
borne  traffic,  which,  when  completed,  will  enable  goods  to  be  transported  by  boat  direct  to 
and  from  that  station  in  place  of  Ajikawa  as  heretofore, 

I.  A.  7  P 


1210  THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO. 

of  Hiogo  in  any  direction,  that  of  Miako  (Kioto)  excepted,  which  city  shall 
not  be  approached  nearer  than  10  ri.  The  crews  of  vessels  resorting  to 
Hiogo  shall  not  cross  the  River  Ena  Gawa,  which  flows  into  the  bay  between 
Hiogo  and  Osaka.  During  the  autumn  and  winter  months  small-pox  is 
very  prevalent  here.      The  railway  borders  the  bay  to  the  eastward  of  Kobe. 

LIGHTS. — At  Kobe  a  fixed  green  light  is  shown  from  a  white  staff,  34  feet 
high,  on  the  eastern  pier-head  of  the  Foreign  Concession.  The  light  is 
elevated  42  ft.,  and  visible  6  miles  off. 

0)1  Wada  Misahi,  the  S.W.  point  of  Hiogo  Bay,  elevated  52  ft.  above  the 
sea,  is  exhibited  a  fixed  red  light,  showing  seaward  between  the  bearings  of 
N.N.W.  (round  by  East  and  South)  to  W.  by  8.  J  S.,  visible  in  clear 
weather  from  a  distance  of  12  miles.  The  tower  is  an  octagonal-shaped 
white  wooden  building,  46  ft.  in  height. 

It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  ebb  tide  sets  to  the  westward  towards 
Akashi  Strait,  and  the  flood  to  the  eastward  towards  Osaka,  2  knots  an  hour 
at  springs,  increasing  as  Akashi  Strait  is  approached.  In  the  bay  directly 
East  of  Kobe,  there  is  a  sandbank  of  less  than  2  fathoms,  extending  half  a 
mile  off  shore. 

Supplies  of  all  descriptions  may  be  procured  in  abundance  at  tolerably 
cheap  rates.  Government  coal  is  stored  here  in  charge  of  a  contractor,  who 
also  supplies  fresh  meat,  vegetables,  and  water.  Large  timber,  chiefly  cedar 
(Sungi)  is  also  procurable. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  fuU  and  change,  at  Hiogo  at  V"  15"".  Springs 
rise  5  ft.  8  in.  ;  neaps  4  ft.  3  in. ;  neaps  range  2  ft.  6  in.  The  range  of  any 
day  seldom  exceeds  5  ft.  at  springs  or  1  ft.  6  in.  at  neaps. 

Taka  iso,  a  rock  with  9  ft.  on  it  at  low  water,  lies  nearly  a  cable  off  shore, 
5  J  cables  to  the  westward  of  the  village  of  Shiwoya. 

Hira  iso  are  the  highest  pinnacles  of  a  bank  of  rock  and  shingle,  4  cables 
from  the  shore,  having  6  ft.  on  them  at  low  water.  The  eastern  lies  E.  J  N. 
3 J  miles  from  Matsu-wo-ga  hana  (the  North  point  of  Awadjii  sima). 
South  from  it,  and  quite  close  to,  is  the  wreck  of  a  Satsuma  steamer, 
having  2  ft.  on  it  at  low  water.  To  clear  them  the  light  on  Matsu-wo-ga 
hana  must  be  kept  West,  until  Ichi-no-tani  yama  bears  N.E.  The  stone 
fort  at  Maiko  in  sight,  N.W.  J  "W.,  clear  of  the  trees  on  Kara  saki,  leads  to 
the  westward  of  Hira  iso. 

AKASHI  NO  SETO  (Akashi  Strait),  between  the  North  point  of  Awadji 
sima  and  the  coast  of  Nipon,  is  nearly  2^  miles  wide,  the  above  rocks,  Taka 
iso  and  Hira  iso,  being  the  only  known  dangers  when  approaching  it. 

Akashi  town,  on  the  North  shore  of  the  strait,  contains  the  residence  of 
the  Daimio,  the  four  white  towers  of  which  show  out  plainly  against  the 
surrounding  dark  foliage. 

In  the  bay  of  Yamata  ura,  between  the  dark  wooded  point  of  Kara  saki 
and  the  conspicuous  granite  fort  at  Maiko  to  the  eastward,  and  the  town  of 


INLAND  SEA— HAEIMA  NADA.  1211 

Akashi  to  the  westward,  there  ia  good  anchorage,  with  winds  from  N.W. 
round  by  North  to  East,  in  9  fathoms,  sand,  good  holding  ground. 

Yamata  iso,  a  rock  in  the  strait  having  2  ft.  on  it  at  low  water,  lies  N.W. 
by  W.  I  W.  3i  cables  from  Maiko  Fort.  Care  should  be  taken  not  to  anchor 
within  5  cables  of  the  fort.  The  tides  take  the  line  of  the  coast,  and  have  at 
springs  a  velocity  of  2f  knots. 

From  the  West  end  of  the  town  of  Ahashi  a  series  of  shoals  extends  to  the 
W.S.W.  for  11  miles,  the  outermost  composed  of  rock  covered  with  sand  and 
shingle,  being  named  Shiha  no  se.  The  South  sides  of  these  shoals  being 
steep-to  are  very  dangerous.  The  South  side  of  the  Shika  no  se  is  marked 
by  a  red  huoy. 

Murozu  no  se,  on  the  southern  side  of  the  West  entrance  to  Akashi  no  seto, 
has  been  thoroughly  examined  by  H.M.Ss.  Serpent  and  Sylvia,  and  nothing 
less  than  5f  fathoms  has  been  found. 

Directions. — On  approaching  Akashi  Strait  from  the  westward  a  clear 
course  may  be  made  between  the  above  shoal  and  Shika  no  se,  by  keeping 
the  summit  of  Ichi-no-tani  yama  in  line  with  the  lighthouse  on  the  North 
extreme  of  Awadji  sima  E.  by  N.  ^  N.  or  at  night  by  keeping  the  light  on 
that  bearing. 

Matsu-wo-ga  Hana  and  Light.— The  North  point  of  Awadji  sima  is  termi- 
nated by  a  white  stone  fort,  with  seven  guns  "  en  barbette,"  is  steep-to,  and 
has  a  lighthouse  erected  on  it,  from  which  is  shown,  at  an  elevation  of  158 
feet  above  the  sea,  o.  fixed  light  of  the  first  order,  from  East  round  by  North 
and  West  to  S.W.  by  W.  i  W.,  visible  18  miles  oflF.  The  tower  is  15  feet 
high,  built  of  stone. 

HARIMA  NADA  is  a  comparatively  shoal  expanse,  lying  between  Awadji 
sima  and  Sozu  sima,  having  about  20  fathoms  deepest  water,  the  southern 
portion  of  the  sea  being  clear  of  dangers.  The  northern  portion,  however, 
is  said  to  be  encumbered  with  shoals  and  dangerous  covered  rocks,  extend- 
ing from  Ukado  Point,  the  S.E.  point  of  Sozu  sima  to  Shika  no  se,  before 
described.  In  navigating  the  Harima  nada  the  dotted  track  should  be  as 
closely  as  possible  adhered  to,  as  the  northern  portion  of  this  sea  has  not 
been  closely  examined.  Its  southern  shore  from  the  Naruto  passage  west- 
ward for  about  17  miles,  as  far  as  Taka  sima,  is  also  as  yet  unsurveyed. 
Ichi-no-tani  yama  (end  hill)  just  seen  open  of  the  lighthouse  on  Awadji 
eima  leads  between  the  Shika  no  se  and  Murozo-no  se,  for  the  South  point  of 
Sozu  sim. 

Sozu  Sima,  a  large  island  in  the  western  part  of  the  Harima  nada,  is 
2,560  ft.  high.  On  its  South  side  the  high  promontory  of  Yosino,  terminat- 
ing in  a  bluff  980  ft.  high,  stretches  to  the  southward,  forming  a  conspicuous 
landmark  throughout  the  Harima  nada,  and  the  narrow  sea  to  the  westward. 
There  are  large  bays  on  either  side  of  it,  but  they  are  considered  not  to 
afford  good  anchorage. 


1212  THE  ;rAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO. 

Hana  Mura,  on  the  Kiusiu  shore,  S.S.W.  5  miles  from  Yosino  Bluff,  is 
said  to  be  the  best  anchorage  in  the  neighbourhood,  and  a  fine  harbour.  A 
bank,  carrying  19  ft.  water,  lies  in  the  middle  of  the  entrance. 

Westward  of  Sozu  Sima  the  Seto  Uchi  is  studded  with  numbers  of  islands, 
for  miles  forming  numerous  channels,  of  which  the  most  central  and 
southern  only  have  been  examined  ;  these,  however,  are  sufficiently  clear  of 
dangers  to  be  with  ordinary  caution  quite  safe  of  navigation,  the  surveys  of 
these  narrows  having  rendered  the  navigation  of  the  Seto  Uehi  compara- 
tively easy. 

Galatea  Shoal,  on  which  H.M.S.  Galatea,  Capt.  H.E.H.  the  Buke  of 
Edinburgh,  grounded  in  1869,  has  from  1  to  3  fathoms  on  it.  Its  eastern 
extreme  lies  IJ  mile  W.  |  S.  the  South  point  of  Kasiwa,  and  its  eastern  ex- 
treme approaches  Odutsi  within  1 1  cables. 

Nabae  Sima  Light. — On  the  summit  of  Nabae  Sima,  it  lat.  34°  23'  N.,  long. 
133°  49'  E.,  at  an  elevation  of  85  ft.  above  the  sea,  is  exhibited  o.  fixed  bright 
light,  of  the  third  order,  seen  between  N.  ^  E.  round  by  South  to  W.  ^  N.  ; 
visible  in  clear  weather  from  a  distance  of  15  miles.  It  is  very  useful  in 
assisting  vessels  to  avoid  the  3-fathom  shoal  to  the  southward. 

Siijaho  lies  West  from  Nabae  Sima,  with  a  deep  channel  between.  A 
rocky  ledge  extends  l^  cable  off  its  South  point.  Ushi  Sima  lies  to  the  south- 
ward of  Siyako,  between  which  is  a  deep  channel,  5  cables  wide.  RoclcSf 
which  dry  towards  low  water,  extend  1  cable  off  the  North  point  of  Usi  Sima. 
They  are  steep-to. 

The  Conqueror  Barik,  steep-to,  from  the  S.W.  point  of  Usi  Sima  extends  2^ 
miles  in  a  W.S.W.  direction. 

Anchorage. —  Hiro  Sima  lies  to  the  W.S.W.  of  Siyako.  On  its  South  shore 
is  Ino  Ura,  a  small  bay,  on  the  shores  of  which  are  several  small  villages. 
Ino  Ura  is  a  convenient  anchorage  for  vessels  passing  through  the  Seto 
Uchi,  and  is  generally  chosen  as  a  night  anchorage,  especially  when  bound 
from  Hiogo  to  the  westward,  it  being  within  convenient  distance,  and  can  be 
arrived  at  before  nightfall.  Care  must  be  taken  not  to  approach  the  shore 
too  closely,  as  the  head  of  the  bay  shoals  very  suddenly. 

Ten-feet  Hock,  or  Habushi  Iwa,  lies  Sg  cables  S.  by  E.  ^  E.  from  the  South 
point  of  Ino  Ura  ;  it  is  20  ft.  high  and  whitened,  and  may  be  passed  quite 
safely  on  either  side  at  1  cable  distance.  i 

Takami,  a  very  conspicuous  island  on  the  South  side  of  the  route,  is  nearly 
1^  mile  long.  A  shoal  bank  extends  from  the  eastern  side  of  Takami  in  an 
E.N.E.  direction,  and  nearly  joins  the  S.W.  extreme  of  the  Conqueror  Bank. 
Sanagi  Sima  lies  3  miles  W.S.W.  from  Hiro  Sima.  From  its  eastern  shore 
extending  3  miles  in  an  easterly  direction,  is  an  extensive  bank  of  sand,  with 
from  half  to  2  fathoms  upon  it. 

Nezitmi  Sima  lies   If  mile  to  the  southward  of  Sanagi   Sima,   between 


INLAND  SEA— BINGO  NADA.  1213 

"which  is  the  channel  recommended.  Rocks  pi'oject  on  its  northern  side  to 
nearly  3  cables.    The  channel  South  of  Conqueror  Bank  is  now  seldom  used. 

Anchorage. — Awa  Sima,  on  the  South  side  of  the  western  entrance  to  the 
channel,  joining  the  Bingo  and  Harima  Nadas,  is  triangular  in  shape,  having 
bays  on  its  North,  South,  and  West  sides.  Anchorage  may  be  had  in  either 
of  the  above  bays,  that  to  the  South  having  the  deeper  water  ;  but  in  using 
it  Aiva  Hock  must  be  avoided.  It  lies  S.W.  by  S.  3J  cables  from  the  S.E. 
point  of  Awa  Sima.  The  northern  bay  is  more  convenient  for  vessels  anchor- 
ing for  the  night.  Care  must  be  taken  not  to  anchor  too  near  the  head  of 
the  bay  as  it  shoals  a  long  way  out.  The  bay  on  the  West  side  of  the  island 
is  shoal. 

The  BINGO  NADA  from  the  channels  just  described  across  to  the  chan- 
nels leading  into  the  Misima  nada  is  about  80  miles  wide,  and  about  38  miles 
long  in  a  N.N.E.  direction.  It  is  comparatively  clear,  having  only  a  chain 
of  six  islands  stretching  across  it  in  a  N.W.  and  S.E.  direction,  and  a  few 
others  lying  near  the  Kurusima  Strait. 

Directions. — On  passing  Nezumi  sima,  steer  to  pass  in  mid-channel  between 
Mutsu  sima  and  Akeno  misaki,  from  whence,  if  wishing  to  take  the  northern 
route  through  the  channels  between  the  Bingo  nada  and  the  Misima  nada, 
a  course  W.  by  N.  will  lead  up  to  mid-channel  between  the  islands  of  Hyaku 
Kuan  and  Yoke,  at  the  entrance  to  the  Mekari  seto. 

If  intending  to  take  the  southern  route  through  the  Kurusima  Strait,  a 
course  W.S.W.  from  Mutsu  sima  will  lead  up  to  Takaikami,  the  loftiest  of 
the  islands  lying  in  the  Bingo  nada,  and,  passing  in  mid-channel  between  it 
and  Oki  sima,  continue  the  same  course  passing  about  one  mile  North  of 
Kadji,  the  northern  island  of  the  next  group,  and  when  the  islands  of  the 
South  point  of  0  sima  are  seen,  haul  up  and  steer  to  pass  them  at  about  a 
mile,  for  the  Kurusima  Strait. 

KURUSIMA  NO  SETO  (Kurusima  Strait.— The  northern  shore  of  the 
province  of  lyo  forming  the  southern  coast  of  the  approach  to  Kurusima  no 
seto,  may  be  known  by  two  curiously  shaped  hills,  one  with  a  double  sum- 
mit ;  on  one  of  which  is  a  clump  of  trees  1,202  feet  above  high  water ;  the 
other  hill  has  a  lower  clump,  363  feet  above  high  water,  close  to  the  shore, 
2j  miles  South  of  Imabari,  the  coast  being  a  series  of  sandy  beaches  between 
Imabari  and  the  spurs  from  the  double  hill  just  mentioned.  The  large 
town  of  Imabari  is  also  very  conspicuous  on  this  shore,  and  the  islets  off  the 
South  point  of  0  sima  on  the  northern  shore  of  the  strait  are  also  easily 
recognized. 

Hocks  that  cover  at  high  water,  and  stretch  1^  cables  from  the  shore,  lie  off 
this  coast  N.N.W.  J  W.  IJ  miles  from  the  pier  at  Imabari. 

Tori  ishi,  a  rock  with  a  temple  gate,  13  feet  above  high  water,  lies  nearly 
four  miles  south-eastward  from  Imabari  Pier,  1|-  cable  from  the  shore. 


1214  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGO. 

Ohama  is  a  large  village  2J  miles  to  the  N.W.  of  Imabari,  having  a  bluff 
point  at  the  North  extreme,  and  a  conspicuous  temple  gate  near  the  centre. 

Shiroi  iiva,  13  ft.,  is  a  white  topped  rock,  lying  2 J  cables  N.  by  E.  ^  E. 
from  the  rocky  point  just  northward  of  the  village  of  Obama.  and  may  be 
approached  to  half  a  cable  on  the  East  side. 

Amaze,  a  rock  that  dries  at  low  water,  lies  N.  by  W.  ^  W.,  3^  cables  from 
Shiroi  iwa  ;  and  Hirose,  a  patch  of  rocks  that  dry,  lies  S.  by  E.  ^  E.  2J  cables 
from  the  same  place. 

0  sima,  a  large  island  on  the  North  side  of  Kurusima  no  seto,  bears  evi- 
dence of  volcanic  origin  in  the  remarkable  features  of  its  innumei^ble  peaks, 
deep  valleys,  and  off-lying  pinnacle  rocks, 

Ancliorages. — There  is  a  good  anchorage  off  Hangatain  7  fathoms,  with  the 
left  extreme  of  the  village  bearing  W.  by  S.  f  S.  distant  2J  cables.  There 
is  no  really  safe  anchorage  off  Obama,  the  tides  being  especially  strong 
there.  Anchorage,  though  in  a  strong  tideway,  may  be  had  with  off-shore 
winds  in  from  11  to  13  fathoms,  sand,  good  holding  ground,  with  the 
pier  of  Imabari  bearing  S.S.W.  2^  cables. 

From  Hashi  hama  the  coast  trends  to  the  N.W.  to  Ozumi  no  hana,  and 
about  midway  between  is  the  village  of  Hangata,  near  the  North  end  of 
which  is  a  temple  gate,  the  tide  pole  datum. 

Maru  iso  lies  S.E.  ^  S.  half  a  mile  from  Ozumi  no  hana  and  1^  cables  from 
the  shore,  and  uncovers  5  ft.  at  low  water. 

Birose  is  a  ledge  of  rocks  covered  at  high  water,  lying  off  Hangata.  Both 
this  and  Maru  iso  are  occasionally  marked  by  tree  beacons. 

Directions. — The  channel  from  the  eastward,  formerly  used  between  Nezumi 
sima  and  Uma  sima,  is  the  best ;  that  now  frequently  taken,  known  as  the 
Kuru  sima  or  Junk  Channel  is  not  recommended.  After  rounding  Uma  sima 
care  should  be  taken  to  clear  the  Perseus  Rock  by  keeping  in  mid-channel, 
with  the  eastern  point  of  the  entrance  to  Hashi  hama  Harbour  open  of 
Nezumi  sima,  until  a  remarkable  single  tree  in  the  first  gap  right  of  the 
highest  sharp  hill  of  0  sima,  is  in  line  with  the  North  extreme  of  Mushi 
sima  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  The  northerly  stream  sets  on  to  the  S.E.  point  of 
Nezumi  sima,  and  also  towards  the  Perseus  Pock. 

Approachi7i(/  from  the  westward,  after  passing  Kadjitori  saki,  a  course  should 
be  steered  to  pass  a  quarter  of  a  mile  North  of  the  flat  rock  of  Ozumi  no 
hana,  when  the  conspicuous  tree  in  the  first  gap  right  of  Kiro  yama  will  be 
seen  in  line  with  the  North  extreme  of  Mushi  sima,  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  This 
mark  should  be  kept  on  until  the  "West  extreme  of  the  N.E.  point  of  Hashi 
hama  is  open  East  of  Nezumi  sima  S.  W.  i  W.  ;  this  clears  the  Perseus  Pock 
(Ko  no  se).  A  course  may  then  be  steered  to  pass  West  of  Uma  sima,  bor- 
rowing rather  nearer  to  that  island  than  the  mainland,  to  avoid  the  Amaze. 
Uma  sima  may  be  rounded  at  2  cables,  or  continuing  the  leading  mark  a 


INLAND  SEA.  1215 

little  farther  on  a  course  may  be  steered  to  pass  between  TJma  and  Nagato 
sima,  keeping  the  latter  island  close  on  board. 

The  other  channels  should  not  be  attempted. 

Tides. — In  the  Kurusima  no  seto,  from  Ozumi  no  hana,  the  flood  runs  to- 
wards Nezumi  sima  and  Tsu  sima,  sweeping  over  the  Perseus  Eock  (Ko  no 
se)  towards  the  North  point  of  Uma  sima,  then  taking  the  direction  of  the 
channels,  diverging  into  the  Hi-uchi  nada.  The  ebb  converges  from  the 
last-named  place  to  the  channels,  running  with  great  velocity  from  Imabari 
to  the  North,  so  that  a  vessel  leaving  that  place  should  guard  against  being 
swept  on  to  the  More  no  iso.  From  the  South  point  of  Uma  sima  it  runs 
for  the  S.W.  point  of  Nezumi  sima,  and  diverges  through  the  channels.  The 
ebb  sweeps  directly  through  the  channel  between  Uma  and  Negate  sima, 
causing  on  the  North  side  heavy  whirls  that  must  be  guarded  against,  their 
tendency  being  to  turn  the  vessel's  head  towards  Ko  no  se.  The  velocity  at 
springs  is  from  4  to  6  knots. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Hangata,  at  10''  36'°  ;  springs  range 
\\h,  neaps  5  ft.,  after  superior  transit  of  moon,  and  at  Q"*  52™.  springs  range 
9,  neaps  3^  ft.,  after  inferior  transit. 

The  Northern  Route  through  the  Mekari  seto  and  Aogi  seto  is  but  little 
greater  distance  than  through  Kurusima  Strait,  if  when  oflP  Mutsu  sima 
a  course  be  at  once  steered  for  its  entrance  through  the  Mekari  seto ;  and  it 
has  the  advantage  of  the  Kurusima  Strait  from  the  fact  that  the  tides  are 
of  much  less  velocity  here  than  in  the  latter. 

Passing  westward  of  Hyaku  kuan  at  about  7  cables,  a  course  N.W.  by  W. 
\  W.,  with  the  bluff  fall  of  Hachi  gaune  yama  (which  will  be  seen  ahead 
1,405  ft.  high),  in  line  with  the  right  extreme  of  Hoso  sima,  will  lead  into 
the  Mekari  seto  clear  of  Jarrad  Bank,  which  lies  to  the  northward  off  the 
S.E.  point  of  Mukai  sima.  On  passing  Hoso  sima  at  about  2  cables  distance 
borrow  on  the  northern  shore,  which  is  steep-to,  until  abreast  Ko  saki  sima, 
when  keep  in  mid-channel  between  Saki  sima  and  the  coast  of  Nipon  until 
within  half  a  mile  of  Ko-ne  sima,  when  the  Aogi  seto  will  open,  then  haul 
up  S.W.  by  W.  I  W.  and  bring  the  distant  high  peak  Higashi  on  Osaki 
sima  in  line  with  the  extreme  point  of  0-mi  sima ;  this  mark  will  lead  in 
mid-channel  between  Admiral  and  Captain  Banks.  On  nearing  the  dark 
wooded  island  Kuno  sima  a  rocky  islet  will  be  seen  off  0-mi  sima,  which 
may  be  passed  at  1 J  cable.  Keep  in  mid-channel  between  Matsu  sima  and 
0-mi  sima,  rounding  Kodono  sima  at  half  a  mile,  when  steer  to  pass  in  mid- 
channel  between  Yoko  sima,  Niwatori  jima,  and  the  shore  of  Osaki  until 
abreast  Noka  no  hana  the  S.E.  point  of  Osaki,  when  haul  up  and  pass  iu 
mid-channel  between  Oge  and  Ko  Oge  sima  into  the  Misima  nada. 

The  entrance  to  Aogi  seto  from  the  westward  may  be  readily  distinguished 
by  the  conical  hill  and  white  quartz-faced  boulders  of  Ko-oge  sima  and  tha 


1216  THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO. 

dark  wooded  Oge  sima,  care  being'  taken  not  to  mistake  the  S.W.  point  of 
Okamura,  that  has  also  some  white  rocks  at  the  base. 

Mitarai  sima,  a  high  wooded  island  to  the  westward  of  the  entrance  to  the 
Aogi  seto,  has  a  flat-topped  summit  1,443  ft.  above  high  water,  sloping  gra- 
dually to  its  West  end,  when  it  falls  abruptly,  has  a  slightly  indented  coast 
line,  and  an  apparently  bare  double  peak  at  its  eastern  end,  sloping  down  to 
a  considerable  village,  with  a  remarkable  white  wall  at  the  eastern  ex- 
treme. South  of  the  village  is  a  Japanese  lighthouse,  merely  a  lantern,  and 
rarely  lit. 

Tides. — The  tides  in  the  Aogi  seto  appear  to  take  the  line  of  the  channel, 
running  with  a  velocity  of  2^  knots  round  Noko  no  hana,  3  to  4  knots  in  the 
channel  between  Kuno  sima  and  0-mi  sima,  and  with  an  average  velocity  of 
3  knots  to  the  narrows  between  Mukai  sima  and  In-no  sima  (Mekari  no 
seto),  where  they  increase  their  rate  to  3i  knots.  The  flood  runs  to  the 
eastward  and  the  ebb  to  the  westward. 

It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Miwara,  at  10^  37".  Springs  range 
11  ft.,  neaps  9  ft.  The  stream  changes  to  flood  at  low  water,  and  to  ebb 
three-quarters  of  an  hour  after  high  water. 

Directions  for  Kuruma  no  Seto.— The  directions  for  Aogi  seto  should  be 
followed  until  clearing  the  channel  between  Kuno  and  0-mi  sima,  when  the 
latter  should  be  rounded  at  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  and  a  S.E.  course  steered 
to  pass  a  quarter  of  a  mile  East  of  Hiotan  jima,  and  the  same  distance 
West  of  the  S.W.  point  of  Seto-da  jima,  bearing  in  mind  that  the  ebb  sweeps 
strongly  towards  the  beacon  on  the  West  side  of  the  channel. 

The  Seto-da  jima  shore  should  be  kept  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  off  until 
the  islet  off  the  East  point  of  Hakata  sima  opens  of  the  N.E.  point  S.E.  \  E., 
when  a  course  should  be  steered  to  pass  the  latter  point  at  a  quarter  of  a 
mile,  and  then  for  mid-channel  between  the  islets  off  the  East  point  and 
Mu  sima,  taking  care  to  keep  the  S.W.  jDoint  of  Seto-da  jima  open  of  the 
N.E.  point  of  Hakata  sima  N.W.  i  W.,  to  avoid  the  foul  ground  in  the  bay 
between  the  East  and  N.E.  points. 

In  the  Kuruma  no  seto  the  flood  runs  to  the  S.E.  and  the  ebb  to  N.W., 
with  a  velocity  of  21  to  3  knots,  in  the  direction  of  the  channel,  except  off  the 
S.W.  paint  of  Seto-da  jima,  where  the  ebb  sweeps  partly  across  the  channel 
towards  the  stone  beacon  on  the  West  side. 

MISIMA  NADA.— This  portion  of  the  Seto  uchi  is  30  miles  East  and 
West,  about  the  same  distance  North  and  South,  and  is  studded  with  nume- 
rous groups  of  islands,  islets,  and  rocks,  of  which  as  yet  little  is  known. 
At  its  North  extreme  is  the  large  town  of  Hire  sima,  on  the  shore  of  Nipon. 
Its  southern  boundary  is  an  extensive  chain  of  islands  stretching  across 
the  Seto  uchi  in  an  East  and  West  direction,  of  which  Yayo  sima,  Numa 
sima,  Nnku  sima,  Mosuki,  Nokona,  and  Kosii  sima  are  the  largest.     The 


lYO  NAD  A.  1217 

route  reccmmended  lies  through  the  south-eastern  part  of  the  Misima  Nada, 
within  2  to  3  miles  from  the  mainland  of  Sikok. 

Tsuri  Sima  and  Lighthouse  marks  the  eastern  side  of  the  channel  which 
joins  the  Misima  Nada  with  the  lyo  Nada.  Tsuri  Sima  is  highest  at  its 
southern  end,  where  the  elevation  is  150  feet,  gradually  decreasing  to  the 
North  and  West.  The  island  is  wooded.  The  lighthouse,  21  feet  high,  is 
built  of  granite,  and  stands  400  yards  inshore  of  the  N.W.  point  of  the  is- 
land. The  fixed  bright  ligJit,  elevated  186  feet  and  visible  20  miles  off,  is 
obscured  to  South  and  East  between  S.  f  W.  and  E.N.E. 

Anchorage. — Cape  Simonamba,  13|  miles  north-eastward  of  Tsuri  Sima,  is 
a  bluff  point  of  about  250  ft.  in  height,  from  which  the  land  rises  to  the 
eastward  or  inland  in  irregular  slopes  to  three  conspicuously  sharped  peaks 
of  about  1,000  feet.  The  bay  South  of  Simonamba  Point  affords  good  an- 
chorage in  6  to  9  fathoms  with  the  North  point  of  Kosii  bearing  W.  by  S.  J 
S.,  but  one  mile  South  of  this  position  is  a  a  sandbank,  on  which  there  is 
only  9  ft.  water.  A  sandbank  on  which  there  are  14  ft.  water,  lies  in  the 
same  bay,  about  midway  between  Ka  sima  and  Kosii  sima,  with  the  western- 
most of  the  two  largest  elevated  rocks  which  are  seen  West  of  Ka  sima  in 
line  with  Cape  Simonamba. 

Directions. — After  rounding  Ozumi  no  hana,  Itsuki  sima,  a  comparatively 
low  island  with  bare  ridges  of  a  reddish  colour  should  be  steered  for  W.  by 
S.  i  S.,  until  Kajitori  saki  bears  about  S.W.  by  S.,  when  alter  course  to 
S.W.  \  S.  for  the  S.E.  point  of  Nokona,  and  passing  it  at  about  half  a  mile 
keep  in  mid-channel  between  Mosuki  and  Kosii  sima.  Cape  Simonamba 
should  not  be  approached  nearer  than  one  mile. 

lYO  NADA. —  This  portion  of  the  Seto  uchi  lies  westward  of  Tsuri 
Sima,  between  which  and  Hime  sima  its  western  boundary  is  about  55 
miles.  The  whole  of  its  shores  are  as  yet  unsurved,  but  that  to  the 
South  appears  clear,  with  no  off-lying  islands  or  indications  of  danger ; 
its  northern  shore,  however,  is  skirted  by  groups  of  islands  and  rocks. 
Great  caution  should  always  be  observed  when  approaching  any  of  the  coast 
which  has  been  inserted  in  the  charts  from  the  Japanese  manuscript  only, 
as  the  sunken  dangers  are  not  often  shown  on  that  document.  At  the  S.W. 
of  the  sea  is  a  deep  bight  on  the  North  shore  of  the  island  of  Kiusiu,  which 
from  this,  westward,  forms  the  southern  shore  of  the  Seto  uchi.  In  this 
bight  are  several  deep  indentations,  which  are  probably  good  anchorages ; 
several  large  rivers  also  flow  into  this  part  of  the  lyo  nada.  About  20  miles 
to  the  eastward  is  the  northern  entrance  to  the  Boungo  Channel  described 
on  page  1202. 

Anchorage  can  be  obtained  at  Oemura,  about  E.  by  S.  of  the  South  point 
of  Kosii.  There  is  a  large  town  (Sinhama)  in  this  bay  with  forts  on  the 
shore,  and  a  Japanese  man-of-war  was  seen  lying  at  anchor  with  a  large 

I.  A.  7  Q 


1218  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGO. 

nun>ber  of  junks ;  the  bay  is  open  to  the  westward.  In  passing  through 
between  Kosii  sima  and  the  main,  where  not  less  than  9  fathoms  were  ob- 
tained, there  appeared  to  be  good  anchorage  in  the  southern  bay  on  the  East 
side  of  Kosii ;  junks  were  lying  there.  The  shore  of  the  mainland  opposite 
Kosii  is  skirted  with  rocks  and  islets. 

Tides. — The  tides,  both  flood  and  ebb,  set  across  the  bay,  but  their  rate 
does  not  exceed  1  to  1 1  knots.  It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  about 
9'',  and  springs  rise  8  or  9  feet. 

directions.-— 'From.  Nokono  a  course  may  be  shaped  to  pass  on  either  side 
of  Yuri,  the  South  side  being  preferable,  from  which  a  course  S.W.  by  W.  | 
W.  will  lead  up  to  pass  about  one  mile  South  of  Ko  Minasi  sima,  after  which 
alter  to  W.  by  S.  i  S.  to  pass  about  1^  mile  southward  of  Ya  sima.  When 
Ta  sima  bears  North  haul  up  W.  by  N.  i  N.  This  course  leads  about  If 
mile  northward  of  Hime  sima,  but  according  to  the  tide  vessels  are  either 
set  to  the  southward  towards  the  Boungo  Channel,  or  to  the  north-westward 
towards  Iwami  sima.  Continuing  this  course  from  Hime  sima  will  lead 
through  the  Suwo  nada  up  to  the  entrance  to  Simonoseki  Strait. 

The  SUWO  NADA,  the  western  division  of  the  Seto  Uchi,  is  the  most  open 
but  of  no  great  depth,  the  soundings  varying  from  15  to  20  fathoms  in  the 
centre.  It  is  bounded  on  the  North  by  the  provinces  of  Suwo  and  Nagaton 
in  Nipon,  and  on  the  South  by  the  province  of  Buzen  in  Kiusiu,  and  on  the 
East  by  Hime  sima,  and  is  about  40  miles  in  length  (East  and  West).  At 
its  western  extreme  is  the  strait  of  Simonoseki,  the  western  approach  to  the 
inland  sea. 

Directions. — Vessels  bound  from  the  Boungo  Channel  or  from  the  eastward 
for  Simonoseki  Strait,  may  steer  to  pass  Moto  yama  at  the  distance  of  3  or  4 
miles.  Thence  a  course  should  be  shaped,  N.W.  f  W.  for  I  saki,  which  ia 
high  and  bold,  as  well  as  steep-to,  and  may  be  rounded  at  the  distance  of  2 
or  3  cables.     At  night  keep  I  saki  white  light  in  Sight  N.W.  ^  N. 

I  SAKI  and  LIGHT. — Isaki  is  the  eastern  promontory  of  the  North  point 
Kiusiu,  and  South  point  of  East  entrance  of  the  strait  of  Simonoseki ;  it  may 
be  passed  at  2  cables. 

On  its  N.E.  extreme,  elevated  122  ft.,  and  visible  17  miles  ofi",  is  exhibited 
a  Jlxed  light,  showing  red  to  the  northward  and  eastward  between  W.  by  N. 
and  S.E.  f  E.,  and  bright  to  the  southward  of  the  latter  direction  as  far  as 
S.  i  W.  The  junction  of  the  red  and  white  lights  bearing  N.W.  f  W.  clears 
the  shoals  off  Moto  yama.     The  tower  is  of  granite  31  ft.  high. 

SIMONOSEKI  STRAIT,  surveyed  during  the  years  1872  to  1875  by  Cap- 
tain St.  John  in  H.M.S.  Sylvia,  is  7  miles  in  length,  and  has  a  navigable 
channel  varying  from  3  to  7  cables  in  breadth.  Both  entrances  are  encum- 
bered with  sandbanks,  particularly  the  western,  between  which  and  the  off- 
lying  islands  extensive  reefs  project  in  every  direction.  The  eastern  entrance 
to  the  strait  lies  between  I  saki  and  Kusi  saki,  between  which  it  is  2J  miles 


SIMONOSEKI  STEAIT.  1219 

wide,  but  is  divided  into  three  channels  by  two  extensive  sandbanks  named 
the  Middle  Ground  and  Tano  Bank. 

Kusi  Saki,  the  North  point  of  entrance  of  the  strait,  has  reefs  extending 
2  cables  off  it.  There  is  a  large  military  station  here,  named  Choshin,  or 
or  Hagi  Chiofu. 

Eanziu  and  Manziu  are  two  islands  E.  by  N.  of  Chofu  Point.  They  are 
both  covered  with  trees,  and  should  not  be  passed  within  2  cables.  Kanziu 
is  low  and  flat,  with  some  large  rocks  and  a  rock  awash  off  its  South  end ; 
but  Manziu  is  190  ft.  high. 

Middle  Ground,  midway  between  Kusi  saki  and  I  saki,  is  a  shoal  bank  of 
sand  extending  1^  mile  in  an  East  and  West  direction,  being  from  one-half 
to  3  cables  in  width,  and  has  depths  varying  from  1  to  3  fathoms  on  it.  The 
eastern  extreme  is  1^  mile  N.N.E.  from  I  saki  Lighthouse. 

A  black  huoy  surmounted  by  a  cage  lies  in  3  fathoms  at  the  East  extremity 
of  the  Middle  Ground.  From  it  the  middle  of  Manzui  bears  N.  by  E.  ; 
Mozi  Point,  W.  by  N.  f  N. ;  and  Isaki  Lighthouse,  S.  f  W.  There  is  a 
shoal  spot,  with  only  6  ft.  water  on  it,  immediately  North  of  the  buoy.  A 
red  buoy  with  staff  and  ball  is  moored  in  3  fathoms,  8^  cables  West  of  the 
black  buoy,  with  Kusi  saki  bearing  N.N.W.  ^  W.,  4|  cables  from  the 
western  extreme  of  the  Middle  Ground. 

This  bank  divides  the  strait  into  two  channels,  that  to  the  northward 
(North  Channel)  carrying  the  deepest  water. 

Tano  Bank,  western  extreme,  on  which  is  4  fathoms,  lies  4  cables  E.  ^  N. 
from  Mozi  saki,  from  which  position  it  extends  in  an  easterly  direction  for 
nearly  1^  mile  with  depths  varying  from  2f  to  4  fathoms  on  it. 

This  bank  divides  the  portion  of  the  strait  lying  southward  of  the  Middle 
Ground  into  two  channels.  Neither  of  them  is  to  be  preferred  to  the  North 
channel  (North  of  the  Middle  Ground),  but  of  the  two  the  channel  North  of 
the  Tano  Bank  (Middle  Channel)  is  the  best. 

A  large  clump  of  firs  on  Take  saki  (the  South  point  of  Simonoseki  town), 
in  line  with  Mozi  saki,  W.  by  S.  I  S.,  leads  between  Kanabuse  and  Tano 
Bank. 

Anchorage  in  5  fathoms  may  be  found  on  the  outer  part  of  the  Tano  Bank 
(which  shoals  suddenly  from  7  to  4  fathoms)  well  clear  of  the  tide  race 
through  the  strait.  " 

Kanabuse  or  Fisherman  Rock  lies  1 1  cables  N.E.  by  E.  J  E.  from  Mozi 
saki.  It  is  120  yards  long  (N.  by  W.  and  S.  by  E.),  has  only  4  feet  on  its 
southern  end,  12  feet  on  its  northern  end,  and  5  fathoms  between  at  low- 
water  springs ;  the  South  end  has  the  appearance  of  two  large  square  blocks 
of  stone  10  yards  apart.  There  are  6  fathoms  close  to  its  South,  East,  and 
West  sides,  and  10  fathoms  (sandy  bottom)  about  a  boat's  length  northward 
of  the  12  feet  patch.    A  buoy,  colored  black  and  white  in  horizontal  stripes  and 


1220  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGO. 

carrying  a  staff  and  ball,  is  moored  in  9  fathoms,  half  a  cable  South  of  the 
southern  rock,  with  Mozi  saki  bearing  S.W.,  and  I  saki  E.S.E. 

CHANNELS.— The  North  Channel,  northward  of  the  Middle  Ground,  is, 
with  the  exception  of  the  Kanabuse,  clear  of  danger.  The  Middle  Channel, 
South  of  the  Middle  Ground,  and  North  of  the  Tano  Bank,  carries  4^ 
fathoms  at  low  water  springs.  Hino  yama  kept  W.  ^  N.  until  the  clump  of 
trees  on  Take  saki  comes  in  line  with  Mozi  saki  leads  through.  The  South 
Channel,  southward  of  the  Tano  B.nk,  is  the  narrowest,  although  the  tides 
here  are  not  so  strong  as  in  the  North  and  Middle  Channels.  It  carries  a 
depth  of  not  less  than  5^  fathoms  at  low  water. 

Mozi  Saki. — The  strait  is  narrowed  to  3  cables  between  this  point  (which 
is  the  extreme  of  a  promontory  at  the  North  end  of  Kiusiu),  and  the  eastern 
end  of  the  town  of  Simonoseki.  Hino  yama,  a  peak  with  three  summits,  the 
highest  of  which  is  933  ft.  above  the  sea,  is  conspicuous  on  the  mainland  of 
Nipon,  opposite  Mosi  saki.  Between  Mosi  Saki  and  the  opposite  shore 
the  tide  runs  with  great  velocity,  but  with  some  interval  of  slack  water 
between  the  change  of  stream. 

Whitshed  Bay,  on  the  South  side  of  Mozi  saki,  affords  good  anchorage  in 
from  5  to  7  fathoms,  with  Mozi  saki  and  Observation  Point  in  line,  or  a  little 
open,  bearing  North  ;  and  Mozi  village  bearing  East.  Here  the  heavy  ships 
of  the  allied  fleet  anchored  after  the  reduction  of  the  batteries  in  September^ 
1864.  An  extensive  shoal  bank,  with  from  3  to  4  fathoms  water  on  it,  fills 
up  the  whole  of  the  southern  part  of  Whitshed  Bay. 

SIMONOSEKI  is  an  important  town  from  its  position  at  the  entrance  of 
the  Inland  Sea.  It  is  formed  of  a  single  principal  street  running  for  nearly 
2  miles,  at  the  base  of  some  low  steep  hills,  along  the  shore  of  Nipon.  Its 
most  conspicuous  building  is  the  custom-house,  recognised  by  its  tall  whit© 
gables.  A  small  light  is  exhibited  on  the  shore  at  the  end  of  a  stone  balus- 
trade at  the  eastern  quarter  of  the  town. 

Supplies  of  provisions  and  coal  were  obtained  by  the  squadron  with  diflS- 
culty,  as  it  was  not  a  treaty  port.  The  coal,  which  is  much  used  here  in  the 
forging  of  nails,  was  of  the  worst  possible  description,  and  gave  75  per  cent, 
of  ash  and  earthy  matter.  Water  of  excellent  quality  was  brought  off  in 
buckets  in  large  boats. 

If  intending  to  anchor  off  the  town  of  Simonoseki,  take  a  position  well 
below  the  custom-house  in  from  6  to  10  fathoms,  out  of  the  tides,  which  are 
very  rapid. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Simonoseki,  at  S*"  30"" ;  springs 
rise  8  It.,  neaps  3  ft.  The  western  stream  makes  at  2^  hours  before  high 
water,  and  the  eastern  stream  2|  hours  after  high  water,  so  that  the  western 
stream  continues  5  hours  and  the  eastern  7  hours.  Off  Mozi  saki  the  velocity 
at  springs  is  from  7  to  8  knots,  at  neaps  3  to  4  knots ;  the  current  is  at  its 


SIMONOSEKI  STEAIT.  1221 

full  strength  for  3  hours  of  each  tide.     There  are  heavy  overfalls  in  the 
eastern  part  of  the  strait  at  springs. 

HIKU  SIMA,  lying  at  the  western  entrance  of  Simonoseki  Strait,  is  3 
miles  in  extent  North  and  South.  Its  S.  W.  point,  Entrance  Head,  is  a  wooded 
bluff,  380  ft.  high,  to  the  North  of  which  is  a  small  harbour  called  Fukuura, 
where  junks  anchor  in  from  9  to  10  ft.  at  low  water.  K  fixed  Iright  light 
is  shown  about  two-thirds  up  the  hill,  on  the  North  point  of  entrance  to 
Fuku  ura. 

Yodsibi  Rock  lies  E.N.E.  5^  cables  from  Kibune  Point,  the  S.E.  extreme  of 
Hiku  sima,  and  is  best  avoided  by  hugging  the  Hiku  sima  shore.  It  uncoveurs 
4  ft.  at  low  water  springs,  and  is  marked  by  a  red  conical  stone  beacon,  20  ft. 
in  height  and  8  ft.  in  diameter  at  the  base,  with  a  plain  rounded  top.  The 
rock  may  be  passed  on  either  side,  but  the  western  channel  is  preferable, 
being  twice  the  width  of  the  other. 

Narusi  Rock  is  a  quarter  of  a  mile  off  Kibune  Point,  and  1|^  cable  offshore. 
It  uncovers  before  half  ebb,  and  is  very  dangerous.  A  white  conical  beacon^ 
8  ft.  in  diameter  at  the  base,  20  ft.  in  height,  and  surmounted  by  a  pear- 
shaped  top,  has  been  erected  on  this  rock.  To  pass  outside  it,  keep  Hino 
yama,  the  wooded  bluff  hill  over  Simonoseki,  open  of  Kibune  Point. 

Manaita  Rocks,  lying  nearly  2  cables  South  of  Entrance  Head,  uncover 
towards  low  water.  A  conical  beacon,  coloured  black  and  white  in  rings,  8  ft. 
in  diameter  at  the  base,  and  20  ft.  in  height,  surmounted  by  a  ball  3  ft.  in 
diameter,  has  been  erected  ou  the  largest  of  these  rocks. 

KOKURA  town  and  fortress  stands  on  the  shore  of  Kiusiu,  South  of  Hiku 
sima,  at  the  mouth  of  a  small  stream  named  the  Ogawa. 

Kokura  Ledge  is  a  flat  of  sand  and  rock,  with  shoal  patches  on  it,  fronting 
the  low  shore  of  Kiusiu  South  of  Hiku  sima.  The  flat  extends  from  1  to  2 
miles  off  shore,  gradually  deepening  to  3  fathoms  at  its  outer  edge,  which  is 
steep-to. 

Hiku  Flat,  lying  W.N.W.  1  mile  off  Entrance  Head,  is  a  bank  of  sand- 
stone rock,  8  cables  long  and  3  broad,  with  13  ft.  water  on  it. 

The  West  extreme  of  Hiku  sima  (Cape  Sizikuts),  in  line  with  the  East  ex- 
treme of  Kanasaki  sima,  N.N.W.  J  W.  westerly,  leads  between  Hiku  Flat 
and  a  small  3-fathom  bank,  4  cables  N.E.  of  it  (Hamo  Bank). 

DIRECTIONS.— Approaching  the  strait  with  I  saki  light  N.W.  |  W.,  or 
at  night  keeping  the  white  light  in  sight,  as  before  mentioned,  pass  I  saki  at 
half  a  mile,  and  when  the  lighthouse  bears  S.S.W.  ^  W.,  haul  to  the  north- 
ward to  clear  the  eastern  end  of  the  Middle  Ground,  taking  care  not  to  bring 
I  saki  lighthouse  southward  of  that  bearing  until  Hino  yama  bears  W.  J  S., 
southerly,  when  steer  for  it  until  I  saki  lighthouse  bears  S.E.  by  E.  ^  E., 
when  a  small  islet  will  be  seen  just  open  North  of  Kusi  saki,  bearing 
N.  by  E.  i  E.     Alter  course  to  S.  by  W.  J  W.  with  the  above  mark  on 


1222  THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGa 

which  will  lead  between  the  western  extreme  of  the  Middle  Ground  and 
Kanabuse  Buoy)  until  the  clump  of  firs  on  the  point  South  of  Take  saki  is 
in  line  with  Mozi  saki  W.  by  S.  f  S. ;  keeping  this  mark  on  steer  for  them, 
rounding  Mozi  saki  at  IJ  cable  (mid-channel),  on  passing  which  haul  to  the 
southward,  keeping  the  northern  shore  on  board  until  Hino  yama  bears 
N.N.E.  ^  E.,  when  alter  course  to  S.S.W.  ^  W.,  and  pass  to  the  westward 
of  the  re(?  beacon  on  the  Yodsibi  Rocks.  Pass  Kibune  Point  at  1^  cable, 
and  take  care  not  to  shut  Hino  yama  in  with  the  above  point  until  the 
Narusi  Eock  is  passed  (at  about  1^  cable),  when  alter  course  to  S.W.  by  S., 
keeping  the  hill  over  Mozi  saki  open  of  Kibune  Point  until  Clump  Hill 
(1,778  ft.  high)  on  the  southern  shore  bears  S.E.  by  E.  f  E.,  then  alter  course 
to  N.W.  by  W.  f  W.,  until  the  East  extreme  of  Kanasaki  sima  is  in  line 
with  Cape  Sizikuts  (the  N.W.  point  of  Hiku  sima)  bearing  N.N.W.  I  W. ; 
haul  to  the  northward  with  this  mark  on,  which  leads  to  the  westward  of  the 
Manaita  Rock,  and  in  from  6  to  10  fathoms  between  the  Hiku  Flat  andHamo 
Bank,  borrowing  to  the  westward  as  the  Hiku  Plat  is  passed,  and  round  Cape 
Sizikuts  at  about  3  cables ;  after  which,  haul  up  for  the  lighthouse  on  the 
N.E.  point  of  Rockuren  Island,  and  pass  it  at  from  3  to  4  cables ;  or  at  night 
keep  the  light  in  sight,  taking  care  not  to  bring  it  to  bear  eastward  of 
N.  by  E.  ^  E.,  to  clear  the  shoal  extending  to  the  S.E.  from  Wakura  sima 
and  Kanasaki  sima. 

Caution. — The  mariner  is  reminded  that  the  tidal  streams  set  through  this 
strait  with  great  velocity,  and  that  great  caution  is  necessary  for  the  safe 
navigation  of  the  ship,  to  avoid  the  many  dangerous  rocks  and  banks  with 
which  it  is  encumbered.  It  is  therefore  recommended  that  vessels  should 
anchor,  if  the  tide  be  not  favourable  on  arrival  at  either  entrance,  and  that 
the  strait  should  be  taken  at  as  nearly  at  the  time  of  slack  water  as  is 
possible. 

Anchorage  may  be  had  at  the  western  entrance  to  the  strait,  to  the  east- 
ward of  the  Hamo  Bank  in  from  8  to  10  fathoms,  with  Wakura  sima  in  line 
with  Cape  Sizikuts. 

The  Western  Entrance  to  the  Seto  Uchi  is  at  its  outer  part  35  miles 
across,  being  formed  by  the  West  Coast  of  Nipon  running  South  for  25- 
miles  from  Kado  sima,  and  the  North  Coast  of  Kiusiu  taking  an  easterly 
direction  for  the  same  distance,  from  Kosime  no  Osima.  At  the  angle 
where  these  coasts  meet,  within  3  miles,  is  the  large  island  of  Hiku  sima, 
above  described,  South  of  which  is  the  fairway  and  entrance  to  the  Strait  of 
Simonoseki. 

IWAYA  POINT,  low  and  rocky,  with  projecting  ledges,  is  at  the  termi- 
nation of  a  sandy  bay  5  miles  wide.  A  wooded  hill,  1,100  ft.  high,  con- 
spicuous from  the  offing,  with  a  round  gap  in  its  summit,  rises  5  miles  S.W. 
by  W.  I  W.  of  Iwaya  Point. 


INLAND  SEA— WESTERN  ENTRANCE.  1223 

The  Kiusiu  shore  eastward  from  Iwaya  Point  is  generally  low,  and  skirted 
with  sandstone  ledges,  but  the  back  ranges  are  from  2,000  to  4,000  feet  in 
height.  The  shore  of  Nipon  is  higher,  but  its  hill  ranges  lower,  or  'from 
1,000  to  2,000  ft. 

Siro  Islands,  two  in  number  and  1  mile  apart,  lie  W.  by  N.  J  N.  16  miles 
from  the  outer  point  of  Kosime  no  Osima  (Wilson  Island)  and  nearly  5  miles 
N.N.E.  from  Iwaya  Point.  The  north-eastern  one,  400  ft-  high,  with  a  wooded 
summit  of  rounded  outline,  has  a  round  rock  off  its  rugged  North  point  and 
a  shoal  spit  extending  4  cables  off  its  South  point.  The  South  island  is  in- 
dented, its  eastern  sharp  peak  being  290  ft.  high  ;  there  is  shoal  water  off  its 
South  point ;  but  its  North  point  is  steep-to. 

To  the  S.S.E.  for  a  distance  of  1 J  mile  from  the  eastern  end  of  South  Siro 
Sima  are  a  series  of  rocky  patches  and  shoals,  on  the  outermost  of  which  is 
a  depth  of  2 1  fathoms.  At  1|  mile  southward  of  this  outer  patch  is  a  patch 
of  2  fathoms,  and  midway  between  is  a  rocky  patch  of  4^  fathoms. 

Masui  Sima  lies  N.E.  by  N.  6  miles  of  North  Siro  sima,  and  3  miles  from 
the  shore  of  Nipon,  off  Cape  Morotzu,  the  hills  over  which  are  1,000  ft.  high. 
The  channel  between  is  free  from  known  danger. 

The  northern  part  of  this  island  is  a  triple-topped  bluff,  900  ft.  high  ;  on 
the  West  coast  (about  the  middle)  there  is  a  very  sharp  peak ;  the  southern 
part  of  the  island  is  lower,  and  terminates  in  a  bluff.  The  island  is  bold-to 
on  all  sides,  except  at  its  South  point,  off  which  reefs  extend  1  cable.  One 
mile  E.S.E.  of  the  South  bluff  is  a  small  black  rock,  6  ft.  high,  which  should 
not  be  approached  too  closely. 

Ai  Sima,  bearing  S.  by  E.,  6  miles  from  Masui  sima,  is  a  low  flat  island 
covered  with  trees,  and  1  mile  in  length.  Eeefs,  dry  or  sunken,  extend  1 
mile  off  its  North  point,  and  a  spit  extends  S.E.  by  S.  1 J  mile  from  the  South 
point ;  there  are  also  others  extending  8  cables  East  of  its  South  point,  and 
which  are  marked  by  a  small  square  rock. 

low  Reef  or  Shirasu  and  Lighthouse. — To  the  S.  W.  of  Ai  sima  is  a  large 
detached  reef,  with  a  sand  patch  on  it ;  and  in  the  channel,  a  mile  wide  be- 
tween it  and  Ai  sima,  the  depths  are  from  3  to  5  fathoms.  The  lighthouse, 
square,  and  painted  in  black  and  white  horizontal  stripes,  49  ft.  high,  is 
situated  on  the  South  part  of  the  reef.  From  it  is  shown  a  fixed  red  light 
at  an  elevation  of  42  ft.,  visible  8  miles  off. 

Eokuren  Island  and  Light  lie  3  miles  S.E.  by  E.  of  Ai  sima.  This  island 
has  on  its  table  land  a  large  and  conspicuous  clump  of  trees,  390  ft.  above 
the  sea,  which  is  visible  after  rounding  Kosime  no  Osima  (Wilson  Island), 
when  it  will  bear  about  E.  ^  N.  A  spit  extends  2  cables  from  the  North 
point  of  the  island,  but  the  East  side  is  bold.  A  fixed  hright  light  is  shown 
on  the  eastern  extreme  of  Eokuren,  elevated  89  ft.  above  the  eea,  and  visible 
12  miles  off.  To  the  westward  the  light  is  obscured  by  the  high  land  of 
Eokuren,  between  N.W.  \  N.  and  S.  by  W.  \  W.     The  tower  is  of  granite, 


1224  THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO. 

25  ft.  high.  The  light  when  first  seen,  bearing  S.E.  f  S.,  leads  half  a  mile 
from  the  shoal  ground  North  of  Ai  sima. 

U-Ma  Sima  Group,  consisting  of  Ma  sima,  Kanasaki  sima,  Wakura  sima, 
and  several  smaller  islets  and  rocks,  lies  to  the  S.W.  of  Rokuren. 

Anchorage. — There  is  small  anchorage  on  the  S.E.  sideof  Masui  sima,  with 
the  shore  bluff  bearing  S.W.  There  is  anchorage  also  along  the  Nipon 
shore,  East  of  Ai  sima  and  Rokuren,  in  7  and  9  fathoms,  but  the  coast 
should  not  be  approached  within  half  a  mile,  as  it  is  fringed  with  reefs ; 
northward  of  this  the  reefs  extend  a  mile  off  shore.  If,  however,  there  be 
suflacient  daylight  to  get  round  Rokuren,  it  is  recommended  to  do  so  instead 
of  anchoring  outside  for  the  night,  and  bring-to  on  the  bank  half  a  mile 
South  of  the  U-Ma  sima  Group,  in  6  or  7  fathoms. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  the  western  entrance  to  Simo- 
noseki  Strait,  at  10  p.m.,  and  the  rise  and  fall  is  scarcely  4  ft.  At  Kokura, 
on  the  South  side  of  entrance,  it  is  high  water  about  9*"  20'". 

If  hound  to  Simonoseki  from  the  westward,  pass  about  1  mile  North  of  Kosime 
no  Osima  (Wilson  Island),  and  steer  E.  by  N.  ^  N.  for  the  North  point  of 
North  Siro  sima,  which  pass  at  half  a  mile  ;  then  steer  East,  taking  care  not 
to  bring  the  North  point  of  North  Siro  sima  to  the  northward  of  West,  till 
the  lighthouse  on  the  eastern  extremity  of  Rokuren  Island  opens  out  S.E.  f  8., 
or  at  night  until  the  light  is  sighted,  so  as  to  clear  the  reefs  marked  by  the 
red  buoy  off  the  North  point  of  Ai  sima.  A  S.E.  course  will  then  lead  up 
to  Rokuren,  which  can  be  rounded  at  3  cables,  when  steer  S.  by  W.  to  pass 
Cape  Sisikuts,  the  West  point  of  Hiku  sima,  at  a  distance  of  nearly  half  a 
mile ;  or  at  night  keep  the  light  in  sight,  taking  care  not  to  bring  it  to  bear 
eastward  of  N.  by  E.  i  E. 

The  Southern  Channel  only  shortens  the  distance  4  miles,  and  requires  the 
new  survey  as  a  guide.  To  the  S.E.  of  Shirasu  there  is  but  a  depth  of  2  to 
2i  fathoms  in  it. 


THE  GOTO  ISLANDS  AND  THE  WEST  COASTS  OF  KIUSIU 
AND  NIPON. 

The  GOTO  ISLANDS,  a  mountainous  chain  of  many  islands,  lying  be- 
tween the  parallels  of  32°  37'  and  33°  20'  N.,  is  50  miles  in  extent  in  a  N.E. 
and  S.W.  direction,  and  from  5  to  20  miles  in  breadth.  The  group  cannot 
be  said  to  have  been  thoroughly  examined,  but  the  information  relating  to 
it  is  much  more  reliable  since  H.M.S.  Sylvia,  Lieut.  Pearce,  R.N.,  made  an 
examination  of  the  more  important  portions  in  1877.  Our  knowledge  pre- 
vious to  this  was  from  visits  of  H.M.S.  Saracen,  in  1855,  and  of  Commanders 
Brooker  and  C  J.  Bulloek,  in  1866-9. 


GOTO  ISLANDS.  1225 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  the  East  Bay  (Ojika)  at 
8''  40-";  springs  rise  101  ft.,  neaps  2  to  4  ft.  The  duration  of  the  tidal 
streams  in  the  North  part  of  Goto  Islands  is  nearly  equal ;  the  main  direction 
of  the  flood  is  to  the  northward,  and  ebb  to  the  southward.  In  the  vicinity 
of  Hira  sima  the  streams  run  through  the  channels  at  the  rate  of  3  to  5 
knots  during  springs,  causing  heavy  overfalls. 

Ojika  Seto  or  Kosaka  Channel  is  the  strait  lying  southward  of  Uku  sima 
and  Tera  sima,  the  latter  120  ft.  high,  off  the  S.W.  side  of  Uku  sima.  To 
the  eastward  of  its  entrance  are  the  Kuromo-zey  a  cluster  of  rocks,  50  ft.  high, 
at  2f  miles  S.E.  of  Uku  sima.  There  is  anchorage  in  a  bay  on  the  N.E.  side 
of  Tera  sima,  between  that  island  and  Uku  sima.  There  is  a  bank  in  the 
centre  of  this  harbour  of  4^  to  5  fathoms  water;  the  best  anchorage  is 
northward  of  this  bank.  Some  supplies  may  be  obtained  from  the  villages. 
The  harbour  should  be  approached  with  Tera  sima  seen  just  open  to  the 
westward  of  Uku  sima,  bearing  N.W.  \  W- 

The  western  entrance  of  the  Ojika  seto  is  only  9  cables  wide  between  Tera 
sima  and  No  sima.  Neither  the  South  side  of  Tera  sima  nor  the  North 
side  of  No  sima  should  be  approached.  Ai-no-se,  16  ft.  above  high  water,  is 
in  the  centre  of  the  strait,  2  miles  N.E.  of  No  sima  ;  and  Mu  sima,  254  feet 
high,  with  dangers  extending  a  quarter  of  a  mile  South  from  its  eastern 
point,  lies  on  the  South  side  of  the  eastern  entrance  to  the  strait,  at  3^ 
miles  eastward  of  No  sima. 

Nosaki  Sima,  1,142  ft.  high,  is  3i  miles  long  North  and  South.  Between 
it  and  Mu  sima  to  the  northward  is  a  strait  a  mile  wide,  in  which  are  several 
dangers.  Between  the  South  end  of  Nosaki  sima  and  the  North  end  of 
Nakadori  is  a  narrow  strait  clear  of  danger ;  but  the  islets  7ffw;Vand  Skimomu, 
lying  between  1  and  2  miles  S.S.E.  of  it,  should  be  avoided,  as  many  dangers 
exist  near  them. 

Ojika  Island,  3i  miles  long  East  and  West,  lies  South  of  No  sima,  a  navi- 
gable channel  separating  them,  ^ast  Bay,  on  the  eastern  shore  of  Ojika,  is 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  deep,  and  nearly  7  cables  wide  at  its  entrance.  The 
shore  of  this  bay  is  fronted  with  shelving  rocks  that  cover  at  high  water. 
Erom  Tonozaki,  the  South  entrance  point,  rocks  extend  2  cables  in  a  northerly 
direction,  and  shallow  water  half  a  mile  in  a  south-easterly  direction.  Kus- 
sukuri,  the  North  entrance  point,  is  marked  by  a  rock  above  water  at  the 
extremity  of  the  shelving  rocks.  The  depths  in  East  Bay  are  from  4  to  14 
fathoms,  the  best  anchorage  being  in  about  8  fathoms,  with  the  North  point 
of  Nosaki  sima  in  line  with  the  rock  off  Kuszukuri  Point,  bearing  E.  by 
N.  ^  N. ;  and  the  South  end  of  Nosaki  sima  in  line  with  Tan-ji  Islet, 
S.S.E.  f  E. 

Ko-guro  Sima,  57  ft.  high,  situated  6J  cables  westward  of  the  S.E.  point 
of  Ojika,  and  2  cables  from  the  shore,  is  400  yards  long  East  and  West,  and 

I.    A.  7  R 


1226  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGO. 

300  yards  broad.  This  island  is  steep-to,  except  off  the  N.E.  point.  An- 
chorage  can  be  obtained  nearly  midway  between  Ko-guro  sima  and  the  S.E. 
point  of  Ojika,  in  7f  fathoms,  sand,  with  the  South  extremes  of  Ko-guro 
sima  and  Kuro  sima  in  line,  bearing  W.  by  S.  h  S.,  and  the  hill  over  the 
S.E.  point  of  Ojika  N.N.E.  J  E.  This  anchorage  is  sheltered  from  northerly 
winds,,  and  the  depths  are  even. 

For  11  miles  to  the  westward  of  Ojika  there  are  many  islets.  The 
northern  of  these,  named  Eoage  or  Arch  Roch,  lies  5  miles  West  from  the 
West  end  of  Ojika,  and  consists  of  two  pinnacles,  167  and  120  ft.  high.  A 
dangerous  roch,  dry  5  ft.  at  low  water  springs,  with  5  to  11  fathoms  round  it, 
and  on  which  the  sea  generally  breaks,  lies  to  the  northward  of  Hoage,  with 
the  summit  of  Biriyo  sima  in  line  with  the  West  extreme  of  Hoage,  bearing 
S.W.  I  S.,  distant  from  the  latter  6J  cables,  and  Aka  sima  West  point 
S.E.  by  E.  easterly.  There  is  a  depth  of  from  20  to  34  fathoms  between 
this  rock  and  Hoage. 

Shiro-se,  105  ft.  high,  13J  miles  W.  by  S.  from  Ojika  seto,  is  the  western- 
most islet  in  the  northern  portion  of  the  Goto  Islands.  It  is  divided  into  two 
pinnacles,  nearly  the  same  height,  lying  in  a  N.E.  and  S.W.  direction.  Off 
the  islet  are  several  rocks. 

Hodge  Rock  or  Shaku  shi,  a  rock  awash  at  low  water,  with  deep  water 
around  it,  lies  N.  \  W.,  distant  4  J  cables  from  Shiro-se.  The  North  peak  of 
Nosaki  sima  in  line  with  Hoage,  bearing  East,  will  lead  2  cables  to  the 
northward  of  Hodge  Rock. 

Korai-nO'Ze  Roch,  with  18  ft.  water,  lies  near  the  S.E.  edge  of  a  rocky 
bank  ;  this  bank  extending  N.W.  by  N.,  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  with  a 
breadth  of  4  cables,  has  from  5  to  10  fathoms.  At  3  cables  southward  of  the 
rock  the  depth  is  20  fathoms;  and  at  half  a  mile  from  the  depth  of  5 J  fa- 
thoms on  the  northern  edge  of  the  bank  there  is  38  fathoms.  The  North 
point  of  Bi'ayo-sima,  in  line  with  the  North  peak  of  Nosaki- sima  bearing 
E.  f  N.,  leads  northward  of  Korai-no-ze.  South  point  of  Hira-sima  in  line 
with  the  North  peak  of  Nosaki-sima,  bearing  E.  by  N.  J  N.,  leads  southward 
of  Korai-no-ze. 

Nakadori  sima  is  2 If  miles  long  between  Sawo  saki,  the  South  extreme, 
and  Tsua  saki,  the  North  extreme.  The  coast  line  of  Nakadori  sima,  the 
greater  part  of  which  has  not  yet  been  surveyed,  is  deeply  indented  with 
bays.  0-mitzu  yama,  a  flat  peak,  1,446  ft.  high,  6  miles  from  its  North  end, 
is  the  summit  of  Nakadori  sima. 

Nama  ura  Bay,  situated  on  the  western  side  of  Nakadori  sima,  immediately 
to  the  southward  of  0-mitzu  yama,  may  be  recognized  by  Cone  Roch,  313  ft. 
high,  which  forms  the  South  entrance  point  of  the  bay.  Nama  ura  is  2 
miles  deep  and  half  a  mile  wide,  with  an  even  depth  of  about  16  fathoms; 
from  the  N.E.  side  of  entrance  shelving  rocks  extend  3A-  cables  in  a  S.W. 
direction. 


GOTO  ISLANDS.  1227 

The  best  anchorage  for  large  vessels  is  near  the  head  of  Nama  ura,  in  10 
fathoms  water,  2f  cables  from  the  shore,  with  the  peak  of  0  sima  just  open 
eastward  of  the  Cone  Eock,  bearing  N.  by  W.  J  W.,  a  patch  of  red  cliff  on 
the  West  shore  of  the  bay,  jast  North  of  Nama  village,  W.  by  S.  i  S.,  and 
Joss  Point  N.E. 

Hira  sima,  nearly  2  miles  from  the  East  extreme  of  Nakadori  sima,  and 
4  miles  westward  of  Yenoi  sima,  is  663  ft.  high.  Its  western  side  is  steep- 
to,  and  its  eastern  irregular,  with  a  few  off-lying  dangers  and  islets.  Haido- 
mari  Bay,  on  the  N.E.  side  of  Hira  sima,  is  6  cables  deep.  It  is,  however, 
only  suitable  for  junks.  Komoda  Bay,  situated  on  the  S.W.  side  of  the 
island,  affords  protection  to  small  vessels  from  North  and  easterly  winds  ; 
near  the  centre  of  this  bay  lies  a  small  wooded  islet,  named  Kojima  ;  vessels 
should  anchor  to  the  south-eastward  of  this  islet.  Nanori  is  a  remarkable 
rock,  92  ft.  high,  6  cables  to  the  south-westward  of  Komo-no-saki,  having 
rocky  ledges  surrounding  it. 

The  channels  on  either  side  of  Hira  sima  are  navigable  ;  the  channel  be- 
tween Hira  sima  and  Nakadori  sima  is  clear  of  danger,  but  in  the  channel 
between  Hira  sima  and  Yenoi  sima  are  the  Saracen  Reefs,  situated  to  the 
southward  of  Yenoi  sima,  and  S.E.  3  miles  from  the  North  end  of  Hira  sima, 
and  the  foul  ground  to  the  south-westward  of  Kuro  sima  (a  small  islet  120 
feet  high).  The  eastern  shore  of  Hira  sima  is  the  clearer  side  of  this 
channel. 

Oldham.  Rock,  covered  at  high  water  springs,  lies  nearly  1^  mile  E.  by  N. 
from  Sawo  saki,  the  South  extreme  of  Nakadori.  An  islet,  78  ft.  high,  half 
a  mile  to  the  westward  of  Sawo  saki  in  line  with  it,  bearing  West,  leads  to 
the  southward. 

The  channel  between  the  South  end  of  Nakadori  and  Kaba  sima  to  the 
southward  is  3  miles  wide,  and,  with  the  exception  of  some  dangers  close  to 
its  northern  shore,  seems  deep  and  clear  of  danger.  On  the  S.W.  side  of 
Nakadori  sima  is  Wakamatsu  sima,  the  narrow  Nakadori  Channel  lying  between. 
The  strait  between  Wakamatsu  sima  and  Naru  sima,  a  mile  wide,  has  not 
been  examined.     It  is  named  Takigawara  seta. 

The  Kuga  Channel,  or  Naru  Seto,  between  Naru  sima  on  the  North  and 
Hisakajima  on  its  South  side,  was  examined  by  H.M.S.  Saracen,  and  found 
to  carry  deep  water,  26  to  32  fathoms,  through  it.  This  channel  may  be 
approached  either  around  the  North  or  South  sides  of  Kabasima.  If  using 
the  channel  to  the  North  of  Kabasima,  there  is  a  sunken  rock  to  be  avoided. 
It  lies  West  3  miles  from  the  North  end  of  Kabasima,  and  about  half  a  mile 
eastward  of  the  South  end  of  the  island  (IJ  mile  long  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.), 
which  lies  close  to  the  westward  of  the  long  promontory  forming  the  South 
end  of  Naru  sima. 

Hwrdy  Harbour,  a  small  inlet,  6  cables  in  length  North  and  South,  and  3 
to  4  cables  broad,  is  a  snug  anchorage,  on  the  S.W.  side  of  Naru  sima.     It 


1228  THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO. 

is  entered  from  the  Kuga  Channel.  On  the  South  side  of  its  entrance  is 
Observatory  Islet,  at  1  cable  South  of  which  a  shoal,  steep-to,  with  9  ft.  water, 
extends  IJ  cable  from  the  shore.  From  the  N.W.  side  of  the  entrance  a 
shoal  extends  southward  halfway  across  the  entrance.  The  best  anchorage 
is  in  6  or  7  fathoms  W.N.W.  of  Observatory  Islet,  and  rather  nearer  to  the 
opposite  shore. 

Fukuye  or  Fukai,  the  chief  town  of  the  Goto  Islands,  is  situated  on  the 
shore  of  an  open  roadstead  on  the  north-eastern  side  of  Fukuye  sima,  the 
southern  and  largest  island  of  the  chain,  and  southward  of  the  Fukuye 
Channel,  which  separates  it  from  Kuga  sima.  On  either  side  this  channel 
(which  is  a  mile  in  breadth,  with  every  probability  of  carrying  deep  water 
throughout)  there  is  an  anchorage,  also  several  others  surrounding  the  in- 
dented coast  of  Fukuye  sima,  but  neither  channel  nor  anchorages  have  yet 
been  explored,  with  the  exception  of  Tama  no  ura,  on  the  S.W. 

Cape  Goto,  or  Ose  Saki,  the  S.W.  point  of  Fukuye  sima,  about  500  ft.  high^ 
is  exceedingly  bold.  Behind,  or  north-eastward  of  the  cape,  rise  three  fine 
mountains,  about  N.N.W.  of  each  other,  of  which  the  northern  and  highest 
is  1,387  feet  above  the  sea.  At  the  extremity  of  the  coast,  which  extends 
E.S.E.  Smiles  from  the  cape,  is  Otakara  Point.  A  quarter  of  a  mile  S.E. 
is  the  islet  Bira  Sima,  150  ft.  in  height,  with  a  rock  IJ  cable  off  it  to  tho 
southward.  E.  by  S.  3  miles  from  Otakara  is  Tsutara  Sima,  320  ft.  high, 
Eeefs  stretch  off  its  East  and  West  points.  To  the  North  of  this  island  is  a 
large  bay,  at  the  western  part  of  which  anchorage  maybe  obtained.  Situated 
centrally  in  the  large  bay,  at  7  cables  N.N.W.  of  Tsutara,  are  two  islets. 

The  coast  East  of  Tsutara  has  not  been  explored.  Kasayama  saki,  the 
southern  cape  of  Fukuye,  is  low  and  wooded,  and  separated  by  a  valley 
from  the  mountains. 

Tama  no  Ura,  the  name  of  a  large  inlet  or  arm  of  the  sea,  on  the  -western 
side  of  Fukuye  sima,  only  partially  explored,  is  finely  situated  as  a  port  of 
refuge,  and  but  for  its  great  depth  of  water  would  be  a  magnificent  harbour. 
Its  only  entrance  is  4^  miles  N.N.E.  of  Ose  saki,  and  2^  miles  S.E.  of  the- 
island  Saga  sima,  which  is  If  mile  in  length,  and  shows  two  distinct  hills  on 
its  North  and  South  parts,  which  are  separated  by  a  valley  through  the 
island.  In  the  bay  on  the  East  side  of  Saga  there  is  good  anchorage  in  7  to 
8  fathoms,  quite  sheltered  from  all  westerly  winds. 

The  entrance  to  Tama  no  ura  is  a  mile  wide,  and  must  not  be  mistaken  for 
the  blind  opening  2  cables  wide,  only  2  miles  North  of  Ose  saki. 

The  best  anchorage  for  large  ships  will  be  found  at  the  S.E.  part  of  thet 
harbour,  in  16  fathoms,  mid-channel,  with  the  peak  of  Boshi  yama,  which 
is  seen  ahead  when  standing  up  the  harbour,  bearing  from  S.W.  by  W.  to 
AV.S.W.  There  are  many  parts  of  the  harbour  where  ships  can  make  fast 
to  the  shore  in  perfectly  tranqijil  water. 

From  Tama  no  ura  the  coast  runs  North  about  5  miles  from  Algeria© 


ME  AC  SIMA  GROUP.  122? 

BluflP,  falling  to  a  low  point,  the  north-western  promontory  of  Fukuye, 
which  is  fronted  by  shelving  rocks.  Hime  sima,  350  ft.  high,  is  separated 
from  this  point  by  a  channel  a  mile  wide,  in  which  was  seen  a  rock  awash. 

Several  swtiken  rocks  lie  oflP  the  N.  W.  side  of  Fuknye  sima,  at  distances  of 
from  3  to  6  miles.  Nichisone  Rocky  a  9-feet  patch,  lies  West  6J  miles  from 
Hime  sima,  and  N.  by  W.  ^  W.  5^  miles  from  the  North  end  of  Saga  sima. 
Carasone  RocTc,  of  6  ft.,  lies  N.W.  3  miles  from  Hime  sima.  Becrez  Roch,  of 
21  ft.,  N.  by  W.  J  W.,  3  miles  from  Hime  sima.  Between  the  two  latter  is 
another  sunken  rock. 

Camono  sima  is  a  group  of  islets,  lying  2  miles  westward  of  the  western 
entrance  to  Tanna  ura  seto  (the  channel  dividing  Fukuye  from  Hisakajima), 
N.W.  a  little  more  than  a  mile  from  the  North  extreme  of  these  islets  is  a 
sunken  rock. 

PALLAS  ROCKS,  three  in  number,  lie  close  together,  S.W.  30  miles  from 
Cape  Goto.  The  largest  rock,  in  lat.  32°  14'  17'  N.,  long.  128"  12'  30"  E., 
is  about  60  ft.  high,  and  very  steep-to. 

Pallas  Pocks  are  steep-to  ;  fishing  vessels,  by  hooking  on  to  the  lee  side 
of  the  rocks,  ride  out  moderate  breezes.  During  four  passages  these  rock& 
were  passed  by  the  Peninsular  and  Oriental  Company's  steam-ship  Orissa, 
and  the  set  of  the  current  in  this  locality  was  found  to  be  with  the  wind. 

MEAC  SIMA  GROUP  consist  of  two  islands,  sometimes  called  the  Asses'^ 
Ears,  with  intermediate  smaller  islands  and  rocks.  Taka  sima,  the  N.E. 
island,  is  nearly  1|^  mile  long,  and  618  ft.  above  the  sea,  and  is  somewhat 
level  at  the  top. 

Caution. — Reefs  a  few  feet  above  water  were  observed  by  the  Peninsular 
and  Oriental  Company's  steam-ship  Oms«,  in  1875,  to  extend  2  or  3  miles- 
to  the  N.E.  of  Taka  sima,  and  foul  ground  may  possibly  extend  farther  out 
than  was  seen.  The  islet  lying  N.N.W.  a  mile  distant  from  Taka  sima  is 
about  70  ft.  high. 

Kma-kaki,  the  S.W.  island,  is  less  than  half  the  size  of  the  N.E.  island, 
but  100  ft.  higher  and  very  craggy.  Its  remarkable  peak  probably  suggested 
the  name  of  the  group  to  its  first  discoverers.  Me  sima  and  Wo  sima,  the 
intermediate  small  islands  and  rocks,  are  high  and  cliffy,  the  latter  partaking 
generally  of  the  sugar-loaf  form.  Rocks  extend  South  about  a  third  of  a 
mile  from  the  S.W.  island,  and  a  detached  rock,  15  ft.  high,  lies  S.W.  IJ 
mile  from  the  S.W.  end  of  the  group. 

KOSIKI  ISLANDS,  consisting  of  two  large  and  several  small  islands, 
extend  in  a  N.E.  and  S.W.  direction  from  lat.  31°  37'  to  31°  53'  N.,  and  from 
long.  129°  41'  to  130°  0'  E.  They  are  not  high,  but  their  appearancd  is  bold 
in  passing.  The  Nadieda  Rocks,  off  their  West  side,  are  considered  to  be 
about  4  miles  from  the  shore,  and  7  miles  North  of  Haya  saki,  their  western- 
most point. 

At  the  South  end  of  Simono  ko  siki,  the  southern  island  is  a  small  bay,  in 


1230  THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGQ. 

■which  is  anchorage.      A  sunJce7i  rock  lies  East  \\  mile  from  the  eastern 
entrance  point  of  this  bay  and  S.E.  extreme  of  the  island. 

A  reef  is  reported  (1877)  byCapt.  Kiljour  of  the  steam-vessel  Kiushu-Maru 
as  lying  in  lat.  31°  20' N.,  long.  130°  10'  E.,  about  \\  mile  S.S.W.  ^  W. 
from  Okino-Akima,  and  1  mile  from  the  nearest  part  of  the  mainland.  The 
rock  has  been  seen  to  break  in  N.W.  winds.  The  reef  is  said  by  Captain 
Davidson,  of  the  Kinjun  Maru,  to  lie  farther  "West. 

Between  Kamino,  or  the  northern  Kosiki,  and  the  shore,  17  miles  dis- 
tant, are  several  dangers  and  rocks.  A  conical  rock  lies  a  mile  eastward  of 
the  N.E.  extreme  of  the  island  ;  S.  ^  E.  1^  mile  from  this  is  Tsika,  a  small 
rock  above  water,  with  a  number  of  dangers  just  eastward  of  it.  Midway 
between  the  conical  rock  and  Tsiko  is  a  sunken  rock  at  the  West  end  of  a 
series  of  rocks  above  and  below  water,  which  thence  extends  2  miles  to  the 
eastward.  Pinnacle  rocks,  a  small  cluster,  lie  a  mile  N.E.  of  their  eastern 
end.  Pioneer  Rocks,  above  water,  but  dangerous  from  their  smallness,  are 
reported  as  lying  S.E.  by  E.  3  miles  from  Pinnacle  Eocks,  and  10  miles 
W.  ^  N.  from  Kami  Saki.  A  doubtful  sunken  rock  is  marked  3  miles  eastward 
of  the  Pioneer  Eocks. 

Taka  Sima,  or  Simplegades,  lie  S.  by  E.  about  11^  miles  from  Na  Saki, 
the  South  point  of  the  Kosiki  group.  They  are  described  as  three  rocky 
islets,  forming  a  triangle,  the  sides  of  which  are  each  not  more  than  a  cable 
in  extent ;  to  the  southward  are  two  small  rocks  about  7  ft.  in  height,  and  a 
rock  awash  was  observed  by  H.M.S.  Highflyer,  in  1859,  lying  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  southward  of  the  group. 

The  Tsukarase,  or  Retribution  Rocks,  two  in  number,  apparently  steep-to, 
were  discovered  by  H.M.S.  Retribution,  6th  August,  1858.  They  lie  in  line 
North  and  South,  about  2  cables  apart,  in  lat.  31°  23i'  N.,  long.  129°  44'  E. 
The  two  southernmost  rocks  lie  in  a  needle  form  about  60  ft.  above  the  sea  j 
the  northern  rock  is  flat,  and  only  10  ft.  high. 

TJdsi  Sima,  or  Roche  Poncie  Group,*  consist  of  one  island,  with  some  rocks 
and  islets  surrounding  it.  The  island  is  2  miles  in  circumference,  the  western 
part  somewhat  flat,  but  the  eastern  rising  in  a  precipitous  peak  to  the  height 
of  1,060  ft.  above  the  sea.  It  is  in  lat.  31°  12'  N.,  long.  129°  29'  E.  Two 
and  a  half  and  one  mile  respectively  to  the  S.W.  of  the  island  are  two  small 
islets  ;  and  to  the  eastward  of  its  peak  about  a  mile  is  another  islet. 

"  The  Udsi  Sima  are  high,  and  of  considerable  extent.  The  easternmost 
island  appeared  larger,  and  its  position  to  be  farther  North  than  marked  in 
the  chart;  no  foul  ground  was  near  them." — (Stephen  Court,  Master  of 
H.M.S.  Furious,  1858.) 

The  WEST  COAST  of  KIUSIU.-From  Satano  Misaki,  the  South  point  of 

*  Thus  named  (and  deservedly  so,  if  an  European  name  is  admissible),  after  the  Inge- 
nieur-hydrographo  of  Ihe  French  Expedition  under  Admiral  Cecille  in  1846. 


KIUSIU— KAGOSIMA  GULF.  1231 

Kinsiu,  the  coast  trends  to  the  northward,  forming  a  large  gulf  (Kagosima), 
the  coasts  of  which  have  only  been  partially  examined. 

Anchorage. — H.M.S.  Furious,  in  1858,  experienced  a  strong  breeze  from 
the  N.E.,  and  being  accompanied  with  a  falling  barometer,  an  anchorage 
was  sought  for  under  and  to  the  westward  of  Cape  Chichakoff.  The  vessel 
eventually  came-to  in  13  fathoms,  abreast  a  small  village  near  the  centre  of 
the  first  bay  northward  of  the  cape,  with  the  extreme  of  the  cape  bearing 
S.S.W.,  Horner  Peak  N.W.  \  N.,  and  Oto  Saki  N.N.  W.  ;  here  she  was  weU 
sheltered.  A  small  but  well  sheltered  inlet  in  the  N.E.  corner  of  the  gulf 
in  which  the  Furious  anchored  (Yama  Gawa)  has  since  been  examined,  and 
is  of  great  service  to  small  vessels  meeting  with  adverse  winds,  when  bound 
eastward  through  Van  Dieman  Strait. 

KAGOSIMA  GULF  is  an  arm  of  the  sea  35  miles  in  length,  and  from  5 
to  10  in  breadth,  which  runs  in  a  North  direction  into  the  southern  part  of 
Kiusiu.  At  25  miles  within  its  entrance  the  large  island  of  Sakura  nearly 
fills  the  head  of  the  gulf,  with  channels  on  both  sides  leading  into  an  inner 
gulf  or  spacious  harbour,  6  miles  by  9,  and  quite  landlocked. 

There  is  no  good  anchorage  on  the  eastern  side,  except  on  the  small  bank 
North  of  Havock  Islands  in  the  North  part  of  the  gulf,  where  there  is  aa 
anchorage  in  7  to  9  fathoms.  In  Sata  Iras  Bay,  about  2  miles  northward  of 
Oto  Saki,  there  is  shelter  from  South  and  S.E.  winds  for  one  vessel  in  5J 
fathoms. 

Kami  Rock  lies  in  the  mid-entrance  of  Kagosima  Gulf,  3  miles  off  the 
northern  shore.  The  bearings  from  it  are, — Horner  Point,  N.W.  by  W.  #• 
W.  ;  Horner  Peak,  N.W.  |  W.  ;  Satano  Misaki,  S.  |  E.  ;  Oto  Saki,  S.S.E- 
^  E.  ;  and  the  East  head  of  Tsiring  Sima  just  opening  the  North  and  low 
wooded  point  of  Yama  Gawa,  N.N.E.  ^  E. 

Yama  Gawa,  a  small  harbour,  formed  on  the  West  side  of  entrance  of 
Kagosima  Gulf,  is  the  crater  of  an  extinct  volcano.  Its  North  part  opens 
East  to  the  sea  by  a  funnel-shaped  passage,  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  length, 
but  only  1  cable  wide  at  its  inner  part,  formed  by  an  extensive  shoal  bank 
which  extends  1  mile  from  the  shore.  South  of  the  entrance.  There  are  3f 
to  4J  fathoms  over  the  lip  of  the  crater  or  bar,  with  one  patch  of  2  fathoms 
in  the  centre.  No  vessel  should  attempt  to  enter  in  bad  weather,  although 
a  small  vessel  may  lie  there  at  anchor  or  moored  to  the  shore.  Inside  the 
harbour  the  water  is  deep. 

Two  dangerous  swikeii  rocks,  on  the  outer  of  which,  named  Waters  Roch,  is 
2i  feet  water,  and  on  the  inner  9  feet,  lie  close  together,  E.  J  N.,  1  mile 
from  the  northern  point  of  the  entrance  to  Yama  Gawa  Harbour.  Between 
the  rocks  and  the  shore  is  a  depth  of  6  fathoms. 

At  4  miles  northward  of  Yama  Gawa  entrance  lies  Tsiring  sima,  on  the 
western  shore  of  the  gulf,  about  1  mile  from  the  shore,  to  which  it  is  con- 
nected by  a  reef  on  which  the  sea  sometimes  breaks.  It  is  from  150  to  200  ft. 
high.    On  the  eastern  shore,  opposite,  a  shoal  bank  called  the  Racehorse  Shoal, 


1232  THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO. 

extends  about  2J  miles  from  the  shore.  Between  this  shoal  and  Tsiring 
sima  the  gulf  is  narrowed  to  about  3  miles.  Thence  the  Kagosima  Gulf 
extends  for  about  17  miles  to  the  northward,  with  a  uniform  breadth  of 
about  10  miles  to  the  Island  of  Sakura. 

Seven  Rochs  is  the  name  of  a  cluster  of  small  rocks,  which  lies  on  the 
western  shore  of  the  gulf  at  15  miles  N.W.  by  N.  from  Tsiring  sima.  A 
shoal  patch  lies  just  outside  them. 

The  channel  at  the  S.E.  end  of  Sakura  is  very  narrow,  and  has  not  been 
examined.  On  the  western  side  of  the  island  are  several  villages,  and  in  the 
channel  dividing  Sakura  from  the  shore  to  the  westward  is  Parher  Shoal, 
on  which  a  fort  is  built.  On  the  S.W.  side  of  this  shoal  temporary  anchor- 
age may  be  found. 

Kagosima. — Facing  the  Island  of  Sakura  on  the  West,  the  Kiusiu  shore 
projects,  narrowing  the  western  channel  into  the  inner  gulf  to  7  cables  at  its 
northern  part,  its  length  being  4  miles.  On  this  projecting  shore  stands  the 
city  of  Kagosima,  the  fortress  of  the  Daimio,  Prince  of  Satsuma.  Battery 
Point,  to  the  South  of  the  city,  is  low,  and  has  a  spit  extending  from  and 
around  it  to  2  cables,  and  very  steep  at  its  edge  ;  a  shoal  also  fills  the  bay 
North  of  this  point.  Off  the  centre  of  Kagosinaa  in  front  of  the  Daimio's 
Castle,  is  an  inner  harbour  or  large  camber,  gained  by  entrances  between 
five  forts  of  masonry,  which  have  deep  water  close  up  to  them.  This  castle 
cannot  be  seen  from  the  gulf.  There  is  a  cannon-shot  foundry  here,  worked 
by  Japanese.  Two  small  rivers  disembogue,  one  on  the  North  side  of  the 
city  with  long  spits  off  its  points  of  entrance,  on  one  of  which  H.M.S  Eace- 
horse  grounded  ;  the  other.  South  of  the  city,  falls  into  the  shallow  bay  just 
North  of  Battery  Point.     North  of  the  city  the  hills  reach  the  sea. 

The  western  shore  of  Sakura  Island  is  very  bold,  but  anchorage  in  from 
15  to  25  fathoms  may  be  found  in  Euryalus  Bay  E.  ^  N.  of  the  castle  of 
Kago  Sima,  very  close  in.  In  an  easterly  gale  there  is  danger  of  driving  oflf 
the  bank  into  very  deep  water  and  having  to  slip  the  cables. 

The  Coast  from  Sendai  Saki  northward  to  Amakusa,  together  with  the 
Otentosama  Sea,  is  as  yet  comparatively  unknown.  In  the  middle  of  the 
entrance  to  the  Otentosama  Sea  is  Naga  Sima,  the  channel  westward  of 
which  is  foul  10  miles  within.  The  Kuro-ne-seto,  S.E.  of  Naga  Sima  is  a 
safe  and  clear  strait.  There  is  one  rock  only  on  the  western  shore,  it  is  close 
in,  and  shows  at  low  water.  The  tides  run  with  very  great  velocity  through 
the  strait,  which  should  only  be  used  as  slack  water.  The  northern  part  of 
Otentosama  Sea  is  shoal. 

A  reef-wsLS  reported  in  1877  as  lying  IJ  mile  S.S.W.  i  W.  from  Okino- 
Akima,  in  lat.  31°  20'  N.,  long.  130°  10'  E. 

AMAKUSA,  a  large  island  23  miles  in  length,  lies  S.S.W.  of  the  Simabara 
peninsula ;  between  them  is  the  western  entrance  to  the  gulf,  only  2^  miles 
in  width.  Two  harbours,  Tomioka  and  Sagitsu  no  ura  on  the  western  coast 
of  the  island,  have  been  examined. 


SIMABARA  GULF.  1233 

Kotamo  Bay,  on  the  South  end  of  Amakusa,  is  well  protected  by  Kasu 
sima.  A  reef  lies  in  the  centre  of  the  bay  above  water,  with  a  passage 
carrying  from  13  to  16  fathoms  on  each  side  of  it,  and  three  other  detached 
reefs,  which  always  show  above  water,  lie  on  the  eastern  shore  closer  in. 
The  depth  in  the  bay  is  from  13  to  16  fathoms,  shoaling  to  8  or  9  fathums 
at  1  cable  from  the  shore.  In  rounding  Kasu  sima  do  not  approach  too  near 
the  S.E.  rock,  as  reefs  have  been  observed  on  which  the  sea  broke  heavily 
outside  this  rock. 

Koto  no  Mm.— This  bay  has  a  series  of  detached  reefs  in  its  centre,  and 
there  appears  to  be  no  anchorage  for  anything  but  native  craft. 

Sagitsu  no  ura  has  been  recently  surveyed,  and  the  channel  leading  to  the 
narrow  passage  found  rocky  and  uneven.  There  are  three  rocks  north- 
westward of  the  entrance,  the  two  eastern  of  which  are  pinnacles ;  the 
western  is  low.  Only  4  fathoms  can  be  carried  at  low  water  along  the 
northern  shore.  Cormorant  Inlet  also  is  almost  closed  by  the  bank  of  shingle 
which  extends  across,  and  in  the  channel  only  1  fathom  at  low  water  can  be 
obtained.     Kami  ura  is  an  inlet  on  the  South  shore. 

Timioka,  about  14  miles  from  Sagitsu  no  ura,  is  a  lagoon-like  harbour, 
on  the  eastern  side  of  a  small  peninsula,  which  forms  the  N.W.  point  of 
Amakusa.  The  harbour  is  formed  by  a  low  tongue  of  land,  curving  round 
to  the  westward  and  enclosing  it,  giving  complete  shelter.  The  entrance  is 
from  the  S.E.  by  a  channel  carrying  5  fathoms  water  close  alongthe  South 
side  of  the  low  tree-covered  tongue  which  forms  the  eastern  side  of  the 
harbour.  The  deep  part  of  this  channel  is  only  150  yards  broad  ;  a  vessel 
should  therefore  be  steered  in  at  that  distance  from  the  shore  on  a  W.N.W. 
course,  with  the  village. of  Tomioka  ahead,  carrying  in  4 J  to  5  fathoms,  and 
may  anchor  in  the  centre  of  the  harbour  in  6  fathoms.  It  is  very  shallow  off 
the  South  shore  at  entrance,  but  a  flat  of  3  fathoms  borders  the  channel, 
making  it  for  that  depth  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  breadth. 

SIMABARA  GULF.— Of  this  large  gulf,  which  extends  70  miles  into  the 
heart  of  Kiusiu,  little  is  known.  Simabara  is  a  large  and  broad  peninsula, 
so  situated  as  to  make  this  gulf  an  inland  sea.  On  the  eastern  shore  of  the 
peninsula  there  stands  a  city  of  the  same  name.  In  the  centre  of  the  pe- 
ninsula is  an  active  volcano.  The  head  of  the  Simabara  Gulf  is  shallow  and 
full  of  dangers,  and  vessels  navigating  it  should  avoid  the  very  turbulent 
chow-chow  (or  disturbed  water.) 

A  rock  lies  at  the  entrance  of  the  gulf,  and  uncovers  5  ft.  at  low  water. 
It  bears  N.  20°  W.  from  the  East  extreme  of  Tsuji  sima,  and  N.  64°  W. 
from  East  extreme  of  Oosima. 

The  western  passage  into  the  gulf,  North  of  the  "  5 -ft.  rock,"  seems 
preferable,  as  it  is  less  exposed  in  its  eastern  part  to  the  force  of  the  tide, 
which  here  runs  with  great  velocity  and  produces  whirlpools.     Great  care 


1234  THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO. 

is  therefore  requisite  in  the  steering  of  the  vessel.  This  rock  always  shows, 
except  at  high-water  springs.  Southward  of  the  "  5-ft.  rock,"  between  it 
and  Tsigi-sima,  several  rocks  have  been  reported  showing  at  low  water  ;  the 
Japanese  do  not  use  this  channel. 

Abreast  the  town  of  Simabara  a  bank,  having  3J  fathoms,  extends  at  least 
half  a  mile  from  the  shore.  There  is  probably  no  safe  anchorage  close  to 
Simabara.  To  the  southward  of  Do-saki,  Ohoye,  and  Fusinotsu  there  is 
probably  safe  anchorage  ;  and  at  Fusinotsu  is  a  junk  harbour,  in  which  was 
seen  a  Japanese  barque  of  300  tons. 

,  The  eastern  side  of  Simabara  Gulf  seems  shoal  throughout ;  but  the  lead 
may  be  considered  a  safe  guide  in  approaching  the  bank. 

Tsikugo-gawa,  situated  at  the  head  of  Simabara  Gulf,  is  reported  to  have 
a  depth  of  12  ft.  on  the  bar.  The  foreshore  is  very  low,  but  the  land  at  the 
back  is  high. 

Tides. — Springs  rise  14  ft.  at  the  town  of  Simabara ;  in  the  southern  part 
of  the  gulf  the  range  is  greater. 

About  22  miles  of  the  eastern  side  of  the  Nagasaki  peninsula  has  been 
surveyed.  It  has  generally  a  bold  steep  coast,  but  there  are  several  places 
on  it  where  a  vessel  blown  to  leeward  of  Nomo  saki  by  West  winds  will 
find  anchorage  and  good  shelter  from  them. 

Aba  Bay  is  rectangular  in  shape,  1 J  mile  deep,  and  1  mile  in  breadth. 
There  is  anchorage  in  the  centre  of  the  bay  in  7  fathoms,  open  only  be- 
tween South  and  S.E.  The  eastern  side  of  the  bay  is  formed  by  Maki 
sima,  which  has  some  islets  on  the  reefs  on  its  South  side,  one  of  which  ex- 
tends 4  cables.  There  is  a  boat  camber  at  the  village  on  the  western  side  of 
the  bay. 

On  the  N.E.  side  of  Maki  sima  is  a  small  harbour,  connected  with  Aba 
Bay  by  a  narrow  channel.  It  has  from  10  to  12  feet  water,  but  only  9  feet 
between  the  reefs  at  its  eastern  entrance,  which  is  scarcely  a  cable  wide. 
There  is  a  road  or  bridle  path  to  Nagasaki  through  the  valley,  only  3  miles 
distant  from  the  head  of  Aba  Bay. 

Mogi  Bay  is  3  miles  S.W.  from  Aba  Bay.  Small  craft  can  anchor  in  from 
3  to  6  fathoms,  sheltered  except  from  South  to  East ;  and  larger  vessels  in 
from  9  to  11  fathoms  off  the  entrance. 

Tameitsi  Bay  is  5^  miles  S.W.  from  Mogi.  Steer  for  the  village  at  its 
head,  and  when  Kaba  sima  shuts  in  behind  the  southern  point  of  the  bay 
anchor  in  10  fathoms  or  less,  about  2  cables  off  shore.  Sitziwura,  a  small 
bay  2  miles  farther  N.E.,  has  anchorage  in  from  9  to  10  fathoms,  at  2  cables 
off  shore.  There  is  an  islet  or  rock  on  the  reef  which  extends  2  cables  off 
the  South  point  of  the  bay  ;  it  lies  directly  under  and  S.E.  of  the  highest 
peak  of  Kawara  yama. 

Between  Sitsiwura  and  Mogi  Bays  there  is  an  islet  and  several  large  reefs, 
which  extend  2  or  3  cables  from  the  shore. 


NAGASAKI.  1235 

Misahi  Bay,  North  of  Kaba  sima  and  East  of  the  low  jutting  point  and 
sandy  beach  where  stands  the  large  village  of  Misaki,  affords  anchorage  in 
from  7  to  11  fathoms. 

Kabasima  Bay,  between  Nomo  saki  and  Kaba  sima,  affords  anchorage  at 
its  north-western  part  open  only  between  S.E.  and'S.W.  Here  reefs  which 
dry  project  1^  cable  from  the  shore  ;  at  2  cables  from  the  shore  there  are 
8  fathoms,  and  at  4  cables  distance  11  fathoms  about  E.N.E.  of  the  Nomo 
Eock.  The  eastern  part  of  the  bay,  where  a  long  sandy  beach  is  seen,  should 
be  avoided,  there  being  a  sunken  rock,  Bay  Rock,  on  which  are  6  ft  water 
with  4  and  6  fathoms  about  it.  Its  position  is  E.  \  N.  1^  mile  from  the 
Nomo  Rock,  and  N.  f  W.  of  the  West  point  of  Kaba  sima,  at  half  a  mile 
from  the  shores  of  island  and  main.  Off  the  South  side  of  Kaba  sima  are 
some  rocks. 

The  West  Coast  of  Nagasaki  Peninsula. — From  10  miles  outside  the  is- 
lands fronting  the  West  coast  of  Nagaski  the  soundings  decrease  gradually 
over  a  bottom  chiefly  sand,  until  30  fathoms  is  obtained,  which  will  be  at  a 
general  distance  of  a  mile  from  all  the  outer  islands  ;  the  only  exception  is 
an  18  fathoms  spit  which  extends  one  mile  N.W.  of  the  Sotonohirase  Hock, 
and  the  extremity  of  which  is  U  mile  W.S.W.  of  the  N.W.  point  of  Iwo 
sima.  Within  this  island,  the  bottom  in  the  fairway  is  of  mud,  gravel,  or 
rock. 

IWO  SIMA  and  LIGHTHOUSE.— Iwo  Sima  lies  in  a  N.W.  and  S.E.  di- 
rection, and  is  of  undulating  outline,  the  eastern  summit  being  400  feet  in 
height.  Signal  Head  forms  its  N.W.  point,  and  on  this  is  established  a  signal 
station  (for  telegraphing  the  arrival  of  vessels),  and  the  lighthouse,  an  iron 
tower  painted  white,  38  feet  high,  from  which  is  shown  a  fixed  bright  light, 
elevated  205  feet  above  the  sea.  The  light  is  obscured  to  the  South  and 
eastward  between  S.W.  by  S.  and  E.  2-  S.  Signal  Head  is  a  good  guide  for 
entering  the  harbour  of  Nagasaki.  It  is  bold  and  may  be  rounded  at  3  cables 
distance  in  25  fathoms. 

Oki  Sima,  of  much  the  same  height  as  Iwo,  is  more  wooded,  especially  its 
southern  summit.     There  is  access  to  the  harbour  by  the  channel  East  of 
Oki,  between  it  and  Koyaki.     Iwo  and  Oki  appear  as  one  long  island,  al 
though  separated  by  a  narrow  boat  passage. 

Hirase  Rock,  which  covers  at  high  water  only,  is  marked  by  a  beacon, 
painted  red  and  10  ft.  high.  It  lies  4  cables  from  the  eastern  shore  of  Iwo 
sima,  and  E.  by  S.  J  S.  11  cables  from  Signal  Head,  and  although  not  directly 
in  the  fairway,  is  in  the  route  of  vessels  beating  in  and  out.  There  do  not 
appear  to  be  any  other  dangers  near  it.  If  covered,  the  bluff  of  Papenburg 
Island,  bearing  E.  I  S.,  leads  3  cables  North  of  it. 

Sotonohirase  Rock,  also  covering  at  high  water,  is  9  cables  off  the  S.W. 
shore  of  Iwo  sima,  and  S.  by  W.  \  W.  U  miles  from  Signal  Head.  The 
Kutmose,  10  ft.  high,  lies  inshore  of  the  Sotonohirrse,  at  li  cable  from  Iwo 


1236  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGO. 

simo.  The  Kurose  is  a  large  straggling  reef  off  the  South  end  of  Oki,  from 
which  it  is  distant  4  cables. 

Taka  Sima,  at  3  miles  S.  by  W.  of  Signal  Head,  has  a  precipitous  ridge 
about  900  ft.  high  on  its  eastern  side,  and  a  smaller  ridge  over  the  cliffs  on 
its  western  or  sea-face.  Reefs  extend  IJ  cable  of  its  North  and  West  points. 
Three  small  islands,  about  120  ft.  high,  Tobi  sima  to  the  North,  and  Eutako 
sima  (two  islands)  on  the  South,  lie  in  line.  North  and  South  of  its  East 
face.     The  latter  two  are  connected  and  fringed  by  reefs. 

There  are  coalmines,  the  first  in  Japan  worked  on  European  principles,  on 
the  East  side  of  Taka  sima,  from  which  coal  of  a  very  fair  quality  is  mined. 
The  only  anchorage  is  on  the  West  side  of  the  island  in  from  2  to  7  fathoms 
oa  a  bank  of  coal  and  sand,  which  at  3  cables  from  the  shore  deepens  sud- 
denly to  15  and  20  fathoms.  Small  vessels  might  anchor  there  in  fine  wea- 
ther and  smooth  water,  but  the  anchorage  is  neither  of  sufficient  extent  or 
protection  to  be  in  any  way  recommended  to  H.M.'s  ships  requiring  coal. 

Hi  sima  and  Nagano  sima,  Ij  and  2  miles  S.  by  W.  and  S.S.W.  respectively 
from  the  summit  of  Taka  sima,  are  smooth-topped  islands  about  120  feet  in 
height,  with  rocky  shores  and  with  reefs  extending  more  than  a  cable  off 
their  southern  points.  Nagama  sima  is  4  cables  S.W.  of  Hi  sama,  there 
being  deep  water,  about  14  or  16  fathoms,  in  the  passage  between  them. 

Mitzuse  lioch,  the  outermost  dangers  in  the  approach  to  Nagasaki  from  the 
South,  lie  3t  miles  S.W.  of  Taka  sima,  and  N.W.  ^  W.  2|  miles  from  the 
summit  of  Nomo  saki.  They  spread  irregularly  over  an  extent  of  half  a  mile^ 
the  interior  rocks  of  the  group  covering  with  the  tide.  On  the  northern- 
most rocks  are  two  pointed  islets,  60  ft.  in  height,  with  outlying  patches  on 
the  East  and  West ;  the  south-eastern  of  the  group  is  a  bare  rock  about  6 
feet  above  high  water.  At  one  cable  westward  or  outside  the  rocks  there 
are  23  fathoms  and  no  outlying  dangers  are  known,  but  it  would  not  be 
prudent  to  pass  between  the  rocks  although  the  water  appeared  deep. 

NOMO  SAKI  is  the  south-western  extremity  of  the  peninsula  of  Nagasaki, 
and  at  a  distance  has  the  appearance  of  an  island.  At  6  cables  North  of  the 
cape  is  Nomo  yama  Point,  which  rises  steeply  to  a  wooded  summit,  beneath 
which  stands  a  look-out  house  ;  the  hill  slopes  towards  the  cape  in  two  gently 
descending  ridges  of  small  hills  :  the  coast  between  is  broken  and  rocky, 
and  skirted  with  dangerous  reefs  which  dry  out  in  patches  to  a  quarter  of  a 
mile,  but  it  may  be  passed  at  the  distance  of  4  cables  in  from  12  to  17 
fathoms,  gravel  and  rock.  At  2  cables  off  the  cape  is  an  inaccessible  islet 
called  Nomo  Rock,  which  is  surrounded  by  small  low  detached  rocks,  most  of 
which  cover. 

Nomo  ura,  the  entrance  of  which  is  one  mile  N.E.  of  Nomo  yana  Point, 
is  small  and  perfectly  sheltered,  6  cables  in  length  and  from  1  to  2  in  breadth, 
with  9  to  10  feet  at  high  water  in  the  deepest  part  of  its  narrow  entrance. 
Take  care  to  keep  rather  along  the  southern  shore  in  entering. 


NAGASAKI.  1237 

The  coast  of  the  peninsula  northward  from  Nomo  yam  a  Point  is  bold  with 
a  few  outlying  rocks,  and  should  not  be  approached  within  half  a  mile,  the 
ground  off  it  being  uneven  and  rooty. 

Suzume,  6  miles  north-eastward  of  No  saki,  is  a  bare  rock,  about  50  feet 
high,  and  the  north-western  of  a  group  of  islets.  No  sima,  the  southern,  and 
all  the  other  islets,  are  wooded  and  low,  and  surrounded  by  large  reefs. 
There  is  a  5  fathoms  channel  between  No  sima  and  the  coast,  but  the  islet 
must  be  closed  in  passing,  as  a  large  reef  projects  from  the  shore.  Suzume 
may  be  rounded  at  3  cables  on  its  West  side  in  15  fathoms,  rock  or  gravel, 
but  at  that  distance  N.N.E.  there  are  only  5  fathoms. 

Koyaki  is  the  largest  island  off  Nagasaki,  and  is  situated  directly  S.W.  of 
the  entrance,  which  may  be  gained  by  the  channels  both  East  and  West  of 
it.  This  island  is  not  high,  but  very  hilly,  its  two  chief  elevations  being  362 
and  403  ft.  Numerous  reefs  and  islets  border  its  broken  outline.  Of  these 
Johi  sima  and  Uadagase,  an  islet  and  a  rock,  lie  about  W.S.W.  at  5  and  8 
cables  respectively  off  Mumenoki,  the  South  point  of  Koyaki,  with  from  15  to 
18  fathoms  inside  them.  Hodagase  may  be  passed  at  4  cables  on  its  West 
side  in  26  fathoms.  The  large  bay  on  the  northern  side  of  Koyaki  has  from 
17  to  20  fathoms  water,  and,  besides  being  too  deep  for  convenient  anchor- 
age, is  open  to  the  N.W.  swell.  On  the  eastern  side  of  Koyaki,  there  is  a 
mass  of  reefs  in  the  South  Channel. 

Kageno. — This  island  appears  part  of  Koyaki,  as  it  is  only  separated  from 
its  North  point  by  a  narrow  boat  passage.  The  Naginato  or  Hungry  Hock, 
■which  covers  at  high  water,  lies  a  cable  East  of  its  N.E.  point,  off  which  is  a 
small  islet. 

Kamino  sima,  at  6  cables  North  of  Kageno,  is  the  largest  island  on  the 
northern  side  of  the  fairway  to  Nagasaki.  Its  North  hill  is  elevated  330  ft., 
and  on  its  central  hill,  which  is  lower,  is  a  Signal  Staff.  On  the  East  side 
there  is  a  small  boat  camber  ;  on  the  S.W.  the  small  flat  island  of  Siro  sima, 
on  which  there  is  a  battery,  is  connected  with  a  work  on  Kamino  sima  by  a 
causeway  of  masonry.  There  are  other  batteries  on  Kamino  sima,  all  of 
which  command  the  passage. 

North-westward  of  Siro  sima  are  the  two  small  islands  Aino  sima  and  Mats 
sima.  Aino  sima,  at  li  cables  distance,  is  aflat  table  island  on  a  reef,  with 
a  conspicuous  rock  (the  observing  place  of  Belcher,  in  1843,  from  which 
several  meridian  distances  were  measured  to  Lu-chu,  Quelpart,  &c.)  close  off 
its  South  point ;  Mats  sima,  at  5  cables,  is  a  small  hill  90  ft.  high.  There 
is  deep  water  in  the  passage  between  Siro  sima  and  Aino  sima. 

Barracouta  Rock. — Off  Kabuto  saki,  the  S.E.  point  of  Kamino  sima,  on 
which  there  is  a  battery,  are  some  small  islets.  One  cable  from  these,  S.W 
of  the  Tree  Rock,  and  W.  by  N.  of  the  South  bluff  of  Papenburg,  is  the 
l5arracouta,  a  sunken  rock,  which  is  the  only  hidden  danger  in  the  entrance, 


1238  THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO. 

and  may  be  cleared  to  tlie  southward  by  keeping  the  summit  of  the  coast 
range  (800  ft.)  over  Megami  Point  open  of  Papenburg,  bearing  East. 

Papenhirg,  or  Tahahoko,  2  cables  S.E.  of  Kamino  sima,  is  the  small  pre- 
cipitous island  covered  with  dark  foliage,  which  so  well  marks  the  entrance 
to  the  harbour.  It  may  be  passed  at  half  a  cable  in  18  fathoms.  To  the 
N.E.  of  it,  and  distant  one-third  of  a  mile,  is  a  small  fiat-wooded  island, 
Nczumi  sima,  lying  off  the  small  bay  of  Kibatsu,  East  of  the  large  village  of 
Kosedo. 

Swinger  Rock,  with  4  ft.  water  over  it,  lies  nearly  midway  between  Taka- 
boko  (Papenberg  Island)  and  Ogami  Point.  From  it.  Signal  Head,  theN.W. 
point  of  Iwo-sima,  is  in  line  with  Kabuto-saki  fort.  Centre  of  Nizumi-sima 
bears  N.N.W.  ^  W. ;  centre  of  Takaboko  (Papenberg  Island),  W.  by  S.  i  S. ; 
Kosaki  Temple,  Ogami  Point,  E.  by  N.  \  N. 

This  rock  may  be  dangerous  for  steamships  leaving  the  harbour  when 
passing  another  vessel  in  its  vicinity,  or  for  sailing  vessels  working  in,  care 
must  be  taken  therefore  to  keep  Signal  Head  well  open  of  Kabuto-saki  fort 
when  near  the  locality. 

The  HAEBOXJR  of  NAGASAKI,  an  arm  or  inlet  running  in  a  north- 
easterly direction,  is  large  and  commodious,  thoroughly  sheltered  from  all 
winds,  and  available  for  ships  of  all  classes.  From  its  entrance,  which  is  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  wide  between  Ogame  Point  on  the  West  and  Megami 
Point  on  the  East,  it  runs  N.E.  to  the  city  a  distance  of  2  miles.  The  depths 
decrease  oradually  from  16  fathoms  at  entrance  to  3  fathoms  off  the  city.  A 
sunken  rock  lies  about  70  yards  South  of  the  East  extreme  of  Ogame  Point. 
A  temple  stands  on  the  South  extreme  of  the  point. 

Megami  Point  is  at  the  foot  of  a  steep  ridge,  on  which  are  three  batteries, 
one  above  the  other.  Within  Megami  Point  I J  cables  (a  small  islet  lying 
between  them)  is  another  point,  on  the  extreme  of  which,  in  a  battery,  is  a 
remarkable  large  tree.  The  Hishiwo  Bank,  which  fronts  the  shore  from 
De  sima  to  the  foreign  settlement,  is  a  good  and  convenient  place  for 
grounding. 

The  harbour  has  three  approaches.  The  principal  one  or  fairway  is  di- 
rectly from  the  N.W.,  the  entrance  of  which,  4  miles  outside  the  harbour, 
is  between  Fukuda  saki  and  Iwo  sima  light.  Vessels  entering  Nagasaki 
Harbour  should  invariably  use  this  channel.  The  second  approach  is  by  the 
Oki  Channel,  between  Oki  sima  and  Koyaki,  but  it  is  only  3  cables  in 
breadth.  Neither  this  channel  nor  its  approaches  have  been  yet  thoroughly 
examined.  The  Kurose,  a  rocky  islet  with  reefs  projecting  from  it  lies  in 
the  fairway  to  the  entrance  to  this  channel  from  the  southward.  The  third 
approach  is  by  the  South  channel,  between  Koyaki  and  the  main,  and  can 
only  be  used  by  steam-vessels.  The  whole  of  this  channel  is  so  encumbered 
with  rocky  patches  that  instructions  for  its  navigation  would  not  be  suffi- 


NAGASAKI.  1239 

cient ;  a  local  pilot  would  be  necessary,  and  it  should  never  be  taken  with- 
out one. 

NAGASAKI,  a  treaty  port,  at  present  second  only  in  importance  to  Yoko- 
hama, and  the  only  place  of  trade  open  to  foreigners  between  1623  and  1857, 
covers  a  broad  valley  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  harbour,  surrounded  by 
lofty  hills.  Its  population  in  1858  amounted  to  nearly  70,000.  In  December, 
1876,  there  were  134  British  residents,  14  German,  31  Americans,  14 
Danish,  and  450  Chinese.  Altogether,  including  a  few  of  other  nationalities, 
numbering  about  700  foreign  residents.  The  exports  consist  of  tea,  silk, 
coal,  vegetable  wax,  gall  nuts,  copper,  gold ;  also  various  articles  for  the 
Chinese  market, 

De  sima,  the  historic  site  of  the  Dutch  factory,  projects  into  the  harbour 
on  the  S.W.  side  of  the  city,  with  which  it  is  only  connected  by  a  stone 
bridge.  At  the  broad  steps  at  its  West  end  is  the  best  place  for  landing  at 
the  city.  The  Foreign  Settlement  is  on  the  flat  South  of  De  sima,  having  a 
water  frontage  of  730  yards  ;  it  also  stretches  up  the  valley  on  the  Owara 
Creek  on  the  South.  The  British  Consulate  is  upon  the  bluff  South  of  this 
creek,  where  there  is  a  good  landing  place.  The  American,  French,  and 
Portuguese  consulates  are  on  the  hills  at  the  back  of  the  settlement. 

Provisions  are  plentiful,  cheap,  and  easily  obtained,  as  also  is  wood  and 
water ;  the  latter  is  brought  off  in  boats  to  the  shipping.  There  is  a 
Japanese  government  steam  factory  at  Akunora,  on  the  West  side  of  the 
harbour,  and  also  a  patent  slip.  The  dnj  dock,  which  was  reported  as  com- 
pleted in  1877,  is  460  ft.  in  length,  89  ft.  in  breadth,  and  28  ft.  deep. 

Coal  is  worked  at  several  mines  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Nagasaki,  and, 
although  reported  as  of  inferior  quality,  is  used  by  vessels  of  the  French, 
United  States,  Russian  and  German  navies,  also  by  some  of  the  fast  tea  ships 
trading  to  London.  The  chief  mine  is  at  Taka  sima,  before  described  ,•  there 
is  also  a  mine  on  Hi  sima,  which  lies  3  miles  S.W.  from  Taka  sima.  At 
Miike,  also,  in  the  N.E.  corner  of  Simabara  Gulf,  coal  is  worked. 

The  best  anchorage  for  men  of  war  is  just  above  the  British  consulate  bluff, 
large  ships  anchoring  in  from  6  to  7  fathoms,  rather  over  towards  Minage 
Point,  at  this  the  broadest  part  of  the  deep  water  of  the  harbour.  Merchant 
vessels  usually  anchor  off  the  foreign  settlement  in  from  4  to  6  fathoms,  or 
even  above  De  sima  in  3  fathoms.  In  the  hot  weather  of  July  and  August 
great  relief  may  be  experienced  from  the  closeness  of  the  atmosphere,  and 
it  will  be  beneficial  to  the  health  of  the  crews  to  spring  the  ship's  broadside 
to  the  sea  breeze,  which,  in  fine  weather,  is  almost  constant  from  the  S.W. 
and  generally  very  fresh. 

Pilots,  either  Japanese  or  European,  can  always  be  had  at  a  charge  of  30 
dollars,  obtained  by  requisition  through  the  consul.  It  is  said  that  they  are 
well  acquainted  with  their  business,  and  that  it  is  their  custom  to  take  entire 


1240  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGO. 

charge  of  the  navigation  of  the  ship  ;  but  great  caution  should  be  used  in  this 
respect,  as  some  of  them  have  only  knowledge  of  particular  localities. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  at  Nagasaki,  at  1^  15".  Springs 
rise  9  ft.,  and  neaps  about  7^  ft.,  but  they  are  variable.  The  current  in  the 
harbour  is  always  sluggish.  A  strong  southerly  wind  is  said  to  raise  the  level 
at  high  water  at  springs  from  10  to  12  ft.,  or  2  ft.  above  the  ordinary  level. 

Directions. — "When  making  Nagasaki  from  S.W.  or  "West,  steer  to  round 
Sio-nal  Head,  the  North  end  of  Iwo  sima,  at  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  taking  care 
not  to  bring  the  light  to  bear  northward  of  N.E.  by  N.  (on  which  bearing 
it  is  obscured)  on  approaching  it.  By  keeping  the  light  in  sight,  or  during 
the  day,  keeping  the  North  point  of  Iwo  sima  bearing  eastward  of  N.E.  by  N., 
will  clear  the  shoal  water  off  the  dangerous  Sotonohirase  Rock.  After 
rounding  the  head,  steer  E.  ^  S.  for  the  Papenburg  Bluff,  passing  it  as 
closely  as  convenient,  but  taking  care  to  avoid  the  Barracouta  Rock ;  then 
E.N.E.  for  the  entrance.  At  night  do  not  bring  the  light  to  bear  northward 
of  W.  I  N. 

Passing  in  mid-channel  between  Ogame  and  Megami  Points,  a  N.E.  course 
direct  for  the  Dutch  flag  on  De  sima  will  then  lead  up  in  the  best  water,  and 
when  the  factory  of  Akunora,  on  the  West  shore,  opens  of  Minage  Point, 
N.  by  W.,  a  large  vessel  should  haul  up  N.N.E.,  and  anchor  in  6  fathoms 
between  it  and  the  British  consulate  or  foreign  settlement. 

Should  a  vessel,  from  calms  or  adverse  winds,  be  unable  to  enter,  every 
endeavour  should  be  made  to  get  inside  Papenburg,  if  it  be  the  intention  to 
anchor,  for  outside  this  island  the  water  is  inconveniently  deep,  and  it  would 
be  preferable  to  stand  off  and  on  till  daylight,  taking  care  not  to  decrease  the 
soundings  below  30  fathoms. 

Anchorage  can,  however,  be  found  in  20  to  26  fathoms  over  a  bottom  of 
thick  green  oaze  with  fine  sand,  good  holding  ground,  or  possibly  rock  or 
sand  and  shells  if  near  the  Hirase  Rock.  There  is  also  anchorage  East  of 
Papenburg  and  Kageno,  in  from  13  to  17  fathoms,  or  in  11  fathoms  on  a 
bank  S.W.  of  Megami  Point ;  the  bottom  here  is  mud,  and  the  shelter  good 
except  from  West.  Towards  the  eastern  shore  the  ground  is  irregular,  and 
probably  rocky. 

Miye  no  TJra,  with  good  anchorage  at  its  head,  is  about  5  miles  N.  by  E. 
from  Iwo  sima  light.  It  runs  N.E.  and  S.W.,  is  2  miles  deep,  and  the  navi- 
gator should  be  cautious,  as  it  is  much  encumbered  with  dangers. 

The  Coast  from  Miye  no  ura  takes  a  N.N.W.  direction  to  the  East  Rock 
(Kashe),  with  bold  points  and  sandy  beaches,  and  moderately  elevated  coast 
range  of  hills,  nearly  all  the  points  having  off-lying  rocks ;  an  isolated  rock, 
with  deep  water  around,  lies  off  the  centre  of  a  bay,  6  cables  from  the  shore, 
and  N.W.  h  N.  li  mile  from  the  outer  low  flat  rock,  off  the  northern  point 
of  Miye  no  ura.     Vessels  creeping  up  in  shore  must  be  careful  of  this  rock  ; 


DIRECTIONS  FEOM  NAGASAKI  TO  SIMONOSEKI.        1241 

and  nearly  2  miles  S.E.  ^  E.  from  Kashe  (East  Rock)  are  some  rocks  and 
islets,  3  cables  off  the  shore. 

Mats'  sima,  a  large  and  well-cultivated  island,  with  coal  mines,  is  2  miles 
long  and  1 J  mile  broad.  The  whole  of  the  channel  between  Mats'  sima  and 
the  main  is  much  encumbered  with  reefs  and  obstacles. 

DIRECTIONS  from  NAGASAKI  to  SIMONOSEKI.— The  coast  route  is 
taken  by  vessels  who  know  the  land,  and  in  thick  weather  prefer  to  sight  it, 
and  feel  their  way  along  from  point  to  point ;  they  steer  for  the  square  rock 
Kashe  (East  Rock),  and  pass  between  it  and  the  arch  rock  Tengo,  or  rather 
Hako  sima,  which  is  to  the  eastward  of  the  arch  rock,  making  for  the  South 
coast  of  Mats'  sima,  the  western  coast  of  the  last  island  being  safe  at  2 
cables  distance  offshore,  taking  care  of  the  rock  above  water  off  its  N.W. 
shore. 

The  western  cape  of  Mikoto  sima  can  be  approached  to  3  cables,  and  from 
here,  in  clear  weather,  a  course  may  be  shaped  to  the  westward  of  Kata  sima, 
up  to  Taka  sima,  passing  eastward  of  Kuro  sima,  and  thence  along  but  out- 
side of  the  islands  which  lie  off  the  coast  of  Kiusiu,  and  forms  the  East  side 
of  the  Hirado  Straits. 

A  more  direct  course  from  Nagasaki  Harbour  is  to  steer  straight  for  Ko 
tate  (Bonnet  Rock),  but  allowance  must  be  made  for  the  current  which  in 
the  vicinity  of  Oo  tate,  and  to  the  southward  sets  N.W.  and  S.E.,  so  that  a 
vessel  in  thick  weather  finds  herself  either  to  the  westward  and  northward  of 
her  reckoning,  or  to  the  eastward,  and  towards  the  main ;  but,  having  sighted 
the  cone-shaped,  easily-distinguished  Ko  tate  (Bonnet  Rock),  she  can  steer 
for  the  bold  bluff  of  Kuro  sima,  bearing  in  mind  that  great  danger  the 
Fuhushe,  which  lies  North  4^  miles  from  Ko  tate.  This  rock  was  marked  by 
a  beacon,  38  ft.  high,  in  1876,  but  it  had  been  partially  destroyed  in  1877. 

The  southern  coast  of  Kuro  eima  is  steep  close-to,  and  the  perpendicular 
cliffs  at  its  western  end  loom  up  in  thick  weather.  The  mariner,  however, 
must  remember  that  off  its  western  end,  and  separated  by  a  passage  of  2^ 
cables,  is  a  low  flat  rock,  above  water,  with  deep  water  close  to  it.  After 
sighting  the  bluffs,  vessels  should  steer  for  the  South  coast  of  Hirado,  which 
can  be  boldly  approached  to  1  or  2  cables,  and  by  keeping  it  in  sight  at  2 
cables  distance,  the  Costa  Rica  and  Rohinett  Rocks  will  be  avoided.  Vessels 
can  run  along  the  East  coast  of  Hirado  to  the  North  as  far  as  Kawatchi  Bay, 
when  it  is  necessary  to  steer  for  the  opposite  shore,  to  avoid  the  Asama,  before 
entering  the  narrow  part  of  Hirado  Straits,  at  the  red  cliff  point,  from  which 
the  vessel  must  be  guided  by  the  sailing  directions  (pp.  1242-3). 

From  Hirado  or  Spex  Strait  to  the  North  there  are  no  difficulties  in  clear 
weather.  A  straight  course  for  Mats'  sima,  passing  eastward  of  Madara 
sima,  and  giving  the  rocks  off  Hato  saki  a  good  berth.     The  conspicuous 

I.    A.  7  T 


1242  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGO. 

cone  islet  of  Yebosi,  or  its  fixed  hriijM  light  (elevated  182  ft.)  at  night,  is  a 
good  mark,  which  can  be  steered  for,  and  a  course  shaped  to  go  outside  of 
Wilson  Island,  taking  care  to  look  out  for  the  Kuri  no  kami  (Swain  Eeef). 

It  was  formerly  recommended  to  vessels  to  pass  eastward  of  Oogawa  sima 
(the  eastern  of  three  islands  lying  North  of  Hato  saki),  between  that  island 
and  Hirase  Rocks,  but  a  dangerous  sunken  rock  having  been  discovered  in 
that  passage  in  1876,  the  best  track  from  Hirado  Strait,  steering  from  it  on 
a  N.E.  I  E.  course,  is  to  pass  between  Madara  and  Kagara,  and  rounding 
the  N.W.  point  of  the  latter  at  a  mile ;  from  this  a  N.E.  by  E.  ^  E.  course 
will  lead  up  close  to  the  West  point  of  Wilson  Island,  passing  half  a  mile  to 
the  westward  of  Yebosi,  between  it  and  the  rock  off  the  Idzumi  Islets. 

Should  the  passage  have  been  made  by  the  Korea  Strait,  after  rounding 
the  North  point  of  Iki,  an  E.  ^  N.  course  may  be  steered  for  the  Siro  simas, 
at  the  entrance  of  the  Inland  Sea,  passing  well  northward  of  Oro  no  sima 
with  a  clear  run  of  55  miles.  The  tidal  streams  here  are  not  very  well 
known. 

Another  route  from  NagasaTci  is  to  steer  for  Oo  tate,  and  take  the  clear  chan- 
nel between  it  and  Yenoi  sima,  passing  up  the  West  coasts  of  Hirado  and 
Ikutski,  and  enter  the  Grenkai  nada  by  the  channel  South  of  Iki  sima.  In 
this  route  the  rock  South  of  the  Idzumi  Islets  must  be  remembered. 

If  proceeding  outside  Hirado,  after  leaving  Nagasaki  steer  N.  W.,  unless 
wishing  to  pass  outside  Hiki  sima.  A  run  of  16  miles  will  place  a  ship 
abreast  that  island,  and  a  further  run  of  13  miles  on  the  same  course  will 
lead  up  mid-channel  between  Oo  tate  and  Yenoi  sima,  from  which  position  a 
N.N.W.  course  for  11  miles  will  reach  the  islets  off  the  S.W.  point  of  Hi- 
rado. Pass  a  mile  outside  these  islets,  and  also  of  the  Aska  sima,  3  miles 
North  of  them,  unless  intending  to  take  the  Obree  Channel,  in  which  case 
the  ship  may  pass  between  Ko  Azika  sima  and  Kasira,  and  steer  N.E.  by  N. 
directly  for  it. 

Coasting  Hirado  and  Ikutski  on  a  N.N.E.  course,  a  run  of  13^  miles  from 
Oo  Azika  sima  will  place  a  vessel  off  the  North  point  of  Ikutski ;  then  steer 
N.E.  by  E.  for  7  miles  until  past  Use,  the  small  rocky  patch  off  the  north- 
western face  of  Atsusi  no  Osima,  which,  if  not  seen,  may  be  cleared  by  keep- 
ing the  summit  of  Madara  in  line  with  the  summit  of  Mats'  sima  E.  ^  N. 
Giving  Use  a  berth  of  1^  mile,  a  course  E.  by  N.  f  N.  leads  up  in  mid- 
channel  between  the  rock  lying  to  the  southward  of  Kami  Idzumi  and  Ye- 
bosi, and  when  the  latter  island  bears  S.E.,  alter  course  N.E.  by  E.  J  E.  to 
clear  Kuri  no  kami,  and  pass  northward  of  Wilson  Island,  being  careful  lest 
the  eastern  tidal  stream  into  the  Strait  of  Simonoseki,  which  sets  rather 
strongly  through  the  channels  East  of  Wilson  Island,  should  saddle  the 
vessel  on  to  that  reef. 

Entering  Hirado  Channel  or  Spex  Strait  from  the  North,  vessels  of  light 
draught  use  either  passage,  but  the  western,  from  being  full  of  rocks  and 


NAGASAKI  TO  SBIONOSEKI  STRAIT.  1243 

uneven  bottom,  with  the  Vineta  Rock  to  the  S.W.  1  cable,  and  further,  sub- 
ject to  much  "Chow-chow"  water  and  tidal  whirls,  is  not  recommended; 
the  eastern  passage,  although  much  narrower,  is  by  far  the  safest. 

The  North  end  of  Kuro-ko  sima  kept  midway  between  the  rock  and  the 
wooded  head  of  Ushi-ga  no  kubi  (a  point  a  little  more  than  2  cables  South 
of  Hirose)  leads  clear  through  the  passage,  passing  the  rock  at  little  more 
than  half  a  cable  ;  three-quarters  of  a  cable  outside  the  wooded  point. 

Vessels  of  heavy  draught  when  passing  through  this  passage  at  the  springs, 
when  the  strength  of  the  tide  is  great,  must  remember  the  shoal  patch  of  15 
feet,  which  extends  1^  cable  to  the  north-eastward  of  Ushi-ga  no  ubi 
Point.  From  the  wooded  point  the  Kiusiu  shore  should  be  kept  at  a  cable's 
distance  while  rounding  to  Red  Cliff  Point. 

Due  North,  nearly  2  cables  from  Red  Cliff  Point  is  the  Ootaske  Rock,  5  ft. 
above  water,  and  E.  by  N.  |  N.  from  the  latter,  three-quarters  of  a  cable,  is 
a  sunken  rock,  having  15  ft.  at  low  water  springs;  the  precipitous  fall  from 
the  end  of  a  flat-topped  ridge  on  the  Kiusiu  shore  kept  open  of  the  Red  Cliff 
Point  will  clear  the  sunken  rock. 

The  Kiusiu  shore  must  be  kept  on  board  until  abreast  Aosa  saki,  which  is 
If  mile  S.S.W.  from  Red  Cliff'  Point,  where  a  course  for  the  extreme  South 
end  of  Hirado  (S.W.  by  S.)  can  be  shaped,  which  clears  the  Asama  Bank. 

The  East  coast  of  Hirado  can  be  kept  at  from  2  to  3  cables  distance. 

It  has  hitherto  been  the  practice  to  pass  down  the  western  shore  of  Kiusiu 
to  the  eastward  of  Kuro  sima,  &c.,  but  from  the  numerous  islands,  rocks,  and 
outlying  dangers  off'  that  shore,  and  from  the  absence  of  prominent  marks 
for  avoiding  the  James  Rock,  the  above  route  is  recommended ;  there  being 
no  danger  along  the  Hirado  East  shore. 

As  soon  as  the  Costa  Rica  Rock  has  been  passed  (which  may  be  known 
when  the  Kuro  sima  bluff'  bears  S.S.E.,  with  the  North  Kareki  open  of  the 
South  Kareki),  a  course  can  be  shaped  to  pass  between  Mikoto  and  Ko  tate 
(Bonnet) ;  this  course  passes  2  miles  to  the  eastward  of  the  Fukushe,  taking 
care  to  keep  the  peak  of  Sisiki  on  with  or  open  to  the  eastward  of  Ho-age 
(Sail  Rock)  until  Kata  bears  East. 

Vessels  taking  the  outer  passage  from  Simonoseki,  and  passing  between 
the  Goto  Islands  and  Hirado,  can  round  the  cone-shaped  islet  of  Take  sima 
off  the  South  end  of  Hirado,  quite  close,  and  to  avoid  the  Fukushe,  must 
either  take  the  direct  route  between  the  islands  of  Otate  and  Yenoi,  or  steer 
for  the  Ho-age  (Sail  Rock),  in  order  to  run  with  it  and  Sisiki  Peak  in  line 
till  Kata  bears  East. 

Ancliorage. — Vessels  passing  through  this  strait  will  often  find  it  convenient 
to  anchor.  The  places  recommended  are  Kawatchi,  on  the  East  side  of 
Hirado,  and  Taske  on  the  North  side,  or  at  Kamada  on  the  Kiusiu  shore, 
immediately  North  of  the  entrance  to  the  strait  from  the  northward. 

Vessels  from  the  icentivard,  bound  for  the  Inland  Sea,  and  finding  bad  weather 


1244  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGO. 

coming  on  from  the  North  or  West,  will  find  Gro  no  ura  convenient  and  safe. 
From  the  westward,  steer  for  the  South  point  of  Hira  sima  (the  outer  or 
southern  island,  which  has  a  smooth  top,  with  black  clifiy  and  rocky  shores), 
giving  it  a  berth  of  from  2  to  3  cables,  then  steering  E.  by  N.  for  the  next 
low  rocky  islet,  giving  it  a  berth  of  half  a  mile  ;  haul  up  N.  by  E.  ^  E.,  an- 
choring near  the  head  of  the  bay  in  12  fathoms,  remembering  the  low  rock 
on  the  port  hand,  just  above  water,  when  passing  up  the  bay.  From  the 
eastward  vessels  must  remember,  before  making  the  South  coast  of  Iki  sima, 
the  8-feet  rock  which  lies  to  the  southward  of  the  Idzumi  Islets,  when  they 
can  steer  for  Ka  saki  (the  southern  cape),  from  which  the  coast  should  not 
be  approached  nearer  than  half  a  mile,  to  avoid  the  rock  above  water,  and 
the  ledges  farther  to  the  northward. 

The  WEST  COAST  of  NIPON  is  but  little  known,  and  should  therefore 
be  navigated  with  necessary  prudence  and  caution.  The  only  parts  at  pre- 
sent surveyed  are  the  islands  Sado,  Awa  sima,  and  Tabu  sima,  and  the  strait 
between  Sado  and  Niegata,  by  H.M.  ships  Adaon  ox^A.  Bone  \n  1859.  The 
coast  from  Tsugar  Strait  to  Cape  Noto  has  been  partially  explored  by  the 
Bittern  and  other  of  H.M.  ships,  the  Russian  gun  vessel  Djigit,  and  H.M, 
surveying  vessel  Saracen.  The  latter  vessel  has  also  explored  the  coast  be- 
tween Simonoseki,  the  western  entrance  of  the  Inland  Sea,  and  Taka  yama 
(Cape  Louisa),  lat.  34°  40'  N. 

Tsuno  or  Kado  Sima  and  Lighthouse. — Tsuno  sima  is  of  peculiar  forma- 
tion, appearing  from  the  northward  as  two  very  flat  quoins.  The  lighthouse 
a  granite  tower  100  ft.  high,  is  placed  on  the  N.W.  point  of  the  island. 
From  it  is  shown  a  flashing  bright  light,  showing  a  flash  every  10  seconds, 
elevated  142  ft.,  and  visible  18  miles  ofi"  seaward,  between  S.  ^  E.  and  N.E. 
by  E.,  in  which  latter  direction  the  light  is  intercepted  by  Square  Eoek  Pointy 
which  is  8  miles  distant  from  the  lighthouse. 

Igama  Bay  has  its  entrance  E.N.E.  from  the  lighthouse.  It  has  not  been 
explored,  but  the  best  anchorage  seems  to  be  in  its  N.W.  corner,  just  within 
the  North  entrance  point. 

Banh. — About  4f  miles  in  a  N.N.W.  \  W.  direction  from  the  Tsuro  sima 
lighthouse  is  situated  the  tail  of  a  bank,  composed  of  broken  shells,  sand, 
and  stone,  and  having  at  this  part  a  depth  of  16  fathoms.  In  the  winter, 
during  N.W.  gales,  a  heavy  sea  runs  on  the  bank,  and  many  junks  have 
foundered  there. 

Mino  Sima  is  in  lat.  34°  47'  N.,  long  131°  T  E.,  W.  by  N.  f  N.  distant 
20  miles  from  the  northern  coast  of  the  province  of  Nagato.  Approached 
from  the  northward,  at  9  miles  distance,  it  appears  much  extended,  with  an 
undulating  outline,  its  highest  part,  elevated  492  ft.,  being  in  the  centre  of 
its  West  side.  A  large  square  rock  lies  half  a  cable  off  its  eastern  point, 
and  there  is  an  islet  on  its  N.W.  side. 


CAPE  EOIVEN  OR  NOTO.  1245 

MiJcu  ura,  in  lat.  35°  32'  N.,  long.  133°  24'  E.,  affords  an  excellent  anchor- 
age in  9  fathoms,  mud  ;  shelter  (except  with  winds  from  the  East,  which  ara 
of  little  consequence)  can  be  obtained.  Eocks  are  said  to  lie  off  the  lagoon 
opening  on  the  South  side. 

The  Oki  Group,  consisting  of  one  large  and  a  group  of  three  smaller 
islands,  and  a  number  of  islets  and  rocks,  lie  N.E.  and  S.W.  of  each  other, 
and  occupy  an  extent  of  23  miles  in  that  direction.  There  is  an  open  and 
apparently  safe  channel  between  the  large  islands  and  the  group  of  smaller 
ones.  Oki  sima,  the  N.E.  or  largest  island,  about  10  miles  in  diameter,  was 
estimated  at  3,000  ft.  elevation,  but  no  indication  of  a  port,  nor  even  the 
prospect  of  a  tolerable  anchorage  was  observed  along  its  western  shore. 

Miyadsu,  an  excellent  harbour,  completely  landlocked,  with  good  holding 
ground,  situated  in  about  lat.  35°  32'  N.,  long.  135°  15'  E.,  is  easy  of  ingress 
and  egress,  and  free  from  dangers.  The  town  contains  about  12,000  inha- 
bitants. Silk  is  manufactured  in  the  neighbourhood,  and  this  is  a  great  mart 
for  dried  fish.  In  entering  with  the  southernmost  of  the  Okino  Islands, 
bearing  N.E.  f  E.,  steer  S.W.  |  W.  between  Whale  Point  and  Kata  sima  \ 
then  steer  S.W.  f  S.  until  at  the  mouth  of  the  harbour,  when  steer  direct 
for  the  battery,  keeping  in  mid-channel  up  to  the  anchorage.  The  soundings 
from  the  mouth  of  the  harbour  will  gradually  decrease  from  1 1  to  7  and  6 
fathoms  to  abreast  of  the  town,  with  bottom  of  sticky  mud. 

Tsuruga  Bay,  in  about  lat.  35°  40'  N.,  long.  136°  1'  20"  E.,  is  very  easy  of 
ingress  and  egress,  and,  so  far  as  is  known,  free  from  rocks,  excepting  those 
supposed  to  exist  well  in  on  the  western  shore.  The  town  of  Tsuruga,  at 
the  head  of  the  bay,  contains  about  15,000  inhabitants,  and  exports  dried 
fish  and  rice.  Approaching  Tsuruga  Bay  from  the  northward,  steer  so  as  ta 
be  distant  6  miles  from  the  North  end  of  Tamagawa  when  it  is  brought  in 
line  with  Ibo  Point ;  then  steer  SE.  |  S.  until  the  triangular  white  cliff  seen 
to  the  left  of  the  town  is  opened,  when  bring  it  to  bear  S.  ^  E.,  and  then 
steer  for  it  until  the  first  prominent  point  on  the  left  of  the  bay  going  in  is 
brought  to  boar  E.  by  N.  f  N.  ;  then  steer  S.  ^  W.  to  the  anchorage. 

Mikuni  Bay.— The  approach  to  Mikuni  Roads,  in  about  lat.  36°  13'  N., 
long.  136°  8J' E.,  is  bold  to  within  half  a  mile  from  the  shore,  when  the 
soundings  vary  from  9  to  6  fathoms.  The  town  of  Mikuni  is  said  to  contain 
10,000  inhabitants,  and  is  situated  on  the  right  bank  of  a  river.  The  an- 
chorage in  the  outer  roads  is  exposed  from  S.W.  round  West  to  North,  but 
completely  sheltered  from  aU  other  winds.  On  Cape  Sakiura,  just  northward 
of  Mikuni,  a  light  is  sometimes  shown. 

CAPE  ROIVEN  or  NOTO,  in  lat.  37°  28'  N.,  long.  137°  22'  E.,  is  elevated 
about  700  or  800  ft.,  the  land  rising  1,200  to  2,000  ft.  to  the  westward  of  it. 
At  12  miles  W.  by  S.  from  the  cape  is  a  remarkable  white  cliff,  that  shows 
well  to  the  westward.     A  reef,  which  dries,  extends  eastward  2  miles  from 


1246  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGa 

the  cape,  with  much  uneven  ground  in  the  vicinity,  and  it  is  reported  that  a- 
5-fathom  patch  lies  at  a  distance  of  3  miles. 

A  sunken  ledge  &f  rocks,  with  only  3  ft.  water,  is  said  to  exist  between  the 
Astrolabe  Rocks  and  Waisima,  2J  miles  from  the  latter  place. 

Aroostook  Reef  lies  nearly  N.N.W.  f  W.,  10  miles  from  Cape  E-oiven. 
From  the  reef  the  northern  Astrolabe  Rock  bears  W.  f  S.,  and  Isonosu  Hill> 
S.W.  i  W. 

Yutsi  Sima,  in  lat.  37°  50J'  N.,  long.  136°  55'  E.,  is  40  ft.  high,  about  two- 
thirds  of  a  mile  in  diameter,  level,  and  cultivated  ;  there  are  a  few  stunted 
trees  on  it,  and  a  small  village  on  its  southern  side. 

Nana  Sima  (Astrolabe  Rock),  in  lat.  37°  35'  N.,  long.  136°  54'  E.,  is  200 
feet  high,  about  a  quarter  or  a  third  of  a  mile  in  diameter,  and  is  the  largest 
and  highest  of  a  group  of  five  rocks,  which  extend  nearly  1 J  mile  in  a  N.E. 
and  S.W.  direction,  and  vary  from  200  to  70  ft.  in  height. 

Nanao  Harbour,  in  lat.  37°  2'  N.,  long.  136°  58'  E.,  has  two  entrances^ 
caused  by  Noto-jima,  an  island  about  3  miles  long.  The  ciiy  of  Nanao  is 
situated  in  the  extreme  western  angle  of  the  bay.  There  are  some  iron- 
works here.* 

Toyama  Bay.  — Cape  Roiven  is  the  western  point  of  entrance  to  this  ex- 
tensive bay,  which  is  broadly  open  to  the  North  and  N.K  The  shores  of 
this  bay  appear  populous,  and  at  Fmhiki,  in  the  centre  of  the  head  of  the 
bay,  a  fixed  bright  light  is  shown.  Good  anchorage  will  be  found  with  this 
light  bearing  S.S.W.  %  W.,  distant  three-quarters  of  a  mile. 

At  15  miles  S.W.  \  W.  from  Niegata  the  low  shore  terminates  at  Kadota 
yama  head,  4^  miles  North  of  a  spur  of  the  fine  peaks  of  Yafiko  yama,  which 
has  the  appearance  of  a  blunt  cone  sloping  on  the  West.  A  mile  to  the 
South  the  peak  of  Kauriko  yama  rises  to  a  higher  elevation. 

PORT  KIEGATA.— The  city  of  Niegata  stands  on  the  left  bank  of,  for 
Japan,  a  rather  large  river,  with  4  fathoms  water  within  the  entrance  ;  but 
a  bar  off  the  entrance  seals  it  to  vessels  of  greater  draught  that  7  or  8  feet 
(7^  feet  in  1877).  In  fresh  breezes  from  seaward  the  sea  breaks  across  the 
entrance,  and  at  that  time  not  even  a  boat  could  cross  the  bar  without  risk. 
The  roadstead  off  the  river's  mouth  is  quite  exposed,  and  the  holding 
ground  bad. 

Niegata,  one  of  the  ports  open  by  treaty  to  foreign  trade,  is  the  most 
opulent  city  on  the  West  coast  of  Nipon.  It  is  said  to  be  more  than  four 
times  as  large  as  Hakodate,  and  the  population  exceeds  that  comparison. 
A  small  battery  near  the  entrance  to  the  river  appeared  to  be  unarmed. 

The  port  of  Niegata  still  (1877)  remains  unvisited  by  foreign  ships.  There 
is  no  good  harbour,  which  is  much  to  be  regretted,  as  it  is  the  outlet  of  one 

*  The  places  on  the  coast  between  Nanao  and  Niegata  are  described  by  J.  Troup,  Esq.> 
in  the  Journal  of  the  Kojal  Geographical  Society,  vol.  xlii.,  1872. 


POET  NIEGATA.  124T 

of  tlie  most  fertile  districts  of  the  country.  Imports  are  mostly  brought 
overland  from  Yokohama.  There  is  a  temporary  light-tower  (1877)  at  the 
mouth  of  the  river. 

Anchorage. — Although  Niegata  is  opened  to  European  trade,  no  vessel  ex- 
cept a  powerful  steamer  could,  during  the  autumn  or  winter  months,  remain 
at  anchor  off  that  port,  as  before  mentioned.  Under  these  circumstances, 
the  most  prudent  course  to  adopt  would  be  to  anchor  under  shelter  of  Sado 
Island,  and  have  the  cargo  transported  from  Niegata  in  junks  or  light- 
draught  steamers. 

Soundings  reach  to  a  considerable  distance  off  the  mainland  in  the  vicinity 
of  Niegata ;  vessels,  therefore,  running  between  Sado  and  Nipon  at  night, 
or  in  a  fog,  should  keep  the  lead  quickly  hove.  Should  soundings  be  ob- 
tained and  decrease  gradually,  the  mainland  is  being  approached.  A  run  of 
very  deep  water  will  be  found  on  the  Sado  side  of  the  channel. 

The  town  of  Aosima  yama  stands  near  the  embouchure  of  a  river,  which 
also  has  a  clear  channel  carrying  only  7  ft.  It  is  said  to  be  6  miles  N.E.  of 
Niegata,  but  is  but  half  that  distance  according  to  the  Japanese  manuscript. 

Tides. — For  the  distance  of  4  miles  a  strong  indraught,  on  the  flood  tide, 
is  experienced  off  the  entrance  of  Niegata,  greatly  to  the  inconvenience  of 
sailing  vessels  seeking  an  oflB.ng.  The  ebb  would,  of  course,  assist  them  off 
the  land. 

Sado  Island,  lying  25  miles  westward  of  the  important  trading  port  of 
Niegata,  is  33|  miles  long,  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.,  nearly  17  at  its  widest  part, 
and  is  composed  of  two  parallel  mountain  ranges  lying  N.W.  and  S.E.  of 
each  other,  the  neck  of  land  joining  them  being  a  plain,  on  the  N.E.  and 
S.W.  sides  of  which  are  formed  two  extensive  open  bays. 

The  b'^nd  in  the  coast-line  on  the  N.E.  side  of  the  island  forms  an  exten- 
sive bay  called  Minato-mats,  which  affords  anchorage  in  from  12  to  16  fathoms, 
sheltered  from  E.  by  S.  (round  South  and  West)  to  North.  A  conspicuous 
rock,  60  ft.  high,  called  Siza,  marks  Okawa  Point,  the  South  extreme  of  this 
bay,  in  which  no  known  dangers  exist.  At  the  head  of  the  bay  is  the  town 
of  Ilesso  or  Yehisu. 

Another  eligible  anchorage  will  be  found  off  Oda  village,  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  S.S.W.  of  Matsu  saki,  a  low  projecting  tongue  of  shingle,  bearing 
S.S.W.  ^  W.,  distant  lOJ  miles  from  Okawa  Point.  The  Adceon  rode  out  a 
heavy  gale  of  wind  here  in  13  fathoms  water. 

The  South  part  of  the  East  coast  possesses  several  coves  and  inlets  in 
which  small  craft  will  find  excellent  shelter,  but  there  is  no  harbour  of  im- 
portance on  it. 

Nearly  every  little  valley  has  its  stream  of  excellent  water  flowing  down 
to  the  beach,  and  when  the  sea  is  smooth  easily  obtainable.  Coal  is  not 
known. 


1248  THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO. 

Awa  Sima,  th«  N.E.  extreme  of  which  is  in  lat.  38°  29'  36"  N.,  long.  139° 
16'  7"  E.,  is  a  narrow  strip  of  land  running  N.N.E.  and  S.S.W.,  and  reach- 
ing at  its  southern  extreme  an  elevation  of  680  ft. 

The  S.E.  side  of  the  island  is  fringed  with  a  narrow  bank  of  soundings, 
but  is  clear  of  rocks.  Rocks  are  found  off  the  West  side  of  the  island  to  the 
distance  of  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  and  off  the  N.W.  side  to  the  distance  of  a 
mile. 

The  hand-lead  will  afford  but  little  warning  to  vessels  approaching  the 
N.W.  side  of  this  island. 

Tabu  Sima  (Observatory  Rock,  off  the  East  extreme  of  which  is  in  lat. 
39°  ir  53"  N.,  long.  139°  34'  17"  E.),  is  in  shape  somewhat  of  a  horse-shoe, 
with  a  club  at  its  N.E.  end.  It  is  on  top  nearly  a  flat,  varying  from  120  to 
150  ft.  in  height.  Its  greatest  length  is  1|  miles  N.E.  and  S.W.  Except 
on  the  S.E.  side,  the  island  is  surrounded  by  detached  rocks ;  they  all  show, 
and  are  in  no  instance  more  than  three-quarters  of  a  mile  off  shore- 
Bittern  Rocks. — This  group  of  three  small  rocks,  two  above  water  and  one 
awash,  was  discovered  by  H.M.S.  Bittern,  8th  July,  1855.  The  south- 
western or  largest  rock,  in  lat.  40°  31'  N.,  long.  139°  31'  E.,  and  lying  W.  by 
S.  about  15  or  17  miles  from  Cape  Yokoiso,  is  about  18  ft.  high,  and  in  size 
and  appearance  resembles  the  hull  of  a  vessel  of  about  200  tons. 

TSUGAR  STRAIT,  separating  Nipon  from  Yezo  Island,  is  about  40  miles 
in  length  in  an  E.N.E.  and  W.S.W.  direction,  and  9i  miles  wide  at  its  nar- 
rowest part. 

Winds. — Strong  N.W.  winds  prevail  in  this  strait  during  the  winter 
months,  accompanied  by  snow  and  rain,  and  the  weather  is  very  boisterous. 
In  April  the  wind  hauls  to  the  westward,  with  heavy  squalls  from  the  S.W. 
In  May  the  wind  is  from  the  southward,  variable  between  S.W.  and 
S.E.,  or  more  easterly  or  westerly,  and  fine  weather  commences,  lasting 
until  the  middle  of  September  when  it  becomes  unsettled  and  summer 
commences  to  break  up  with  frequent  gales;  winter  fairly  setting  in  in 
October. 

Dense /o^s  prevailed  in  May  and  June;  after  that  period  they  are  com- 
paratively rare. 

Current. — Through  the  middle  of  Tsugar  Strait  the  current  sets  constantly 
to  the  north-eastward,  but  its  breadth  varies  considerably  according  to  the 
state  of  the  wind  and  weather.  The  shores  of  the  strait  are  subject  to 
tidal  influence,  the  flood  making  to  the  eastward  and  the  ebb  to  the  west- 
ward ;  the  velocity  of  the  whole  stream  on  the  flood  tide  being  thus  consider- 
ably augmented  ;  whilst  on  the  ebb  it  is  diminished. 

Awomori  Bay,  a  vast  interior  basin  at  the  North  end  of  Nipon,  opens  on 
the  South  side  of  Tsugar  Strait.  The  entrance  is  5  miles  wide,  and  with 
high  land  on  both  sides.  Off  the  salient  part  of  the  West  point,  some  half- 
tide  rocks  lie  one  cable  from  the  shore. 


TSUGAR  STEAIT.  1249 

The  toivn  of  Awomori,  in  the  S.W.  part  of  the  bay,  stretches  along  the  beach 
for  nearly  a  mile.  It  appears  to  have  from  15,000  to  20,000  inhabitants.  A 
great  quantity  of  rice  is  exported  to  Yezo.  This  anchorage  is  open  to  the 
North ;  the  soundings  decrease  gradually,  and  9  fathoms  will  be  found  at  2 
cables  from  the  shore,  with  good  holding  ground.  A  considerable  river  flows 
into  the  sea  East  of  the  town,  but  its  entrance  is  blocked  by  a  bar,  the  outer 
edge  of  which  projects  If  cables. 

K  fixed  red  light  is  shown  at  Awomori  from  a  pole  placed  100  ft.  from  high 
water  mark  in  the  front  of  the  town. 

Toriwi  Saki,  the  most  northern  point  of  Nipon,  lies  26  miles  W.  by  N.  ^ 
N.  from  Siriya  Saki,  which  with  its  lighthouse  is  described  on  page  1199. 
Toriwi  saki  is  a  low  tapering  point,  off  which,  at  the  distance  of  a  cable,  is 
Zow  Islet  or  Omasahi  sima,  40  ft.  high.  The  ground  all  around  this  cape  and 
islet  is  very  foul,  except  to  the  N.E.,  where  a  vessel  may  anchor  to  wait  tide 
in  13  fathoms,  with  the  centre  of  the  islet  bearing  S.W.  by  S.  distant  about 
a  mile.  This  is  a  useful  anchorage  for  vessels  approaching  Hakodate  from 
the  eastward,  particularly  during  the  light  south-westerly  winds  common  to 
the  strait  during  the  summer  months.  There  is  a  tide  race,  near  the  full 
and  change  of  the  moon,  3  miles  North  of  Low  Islet,  and  heavy  overfalls 
with  a  N.E.  swell.  On  such  occasions  care  must  be  taken  to  avoid  this  lo- 
cality. There  is  no  clear  channel  for  large  ships  between  the  race  and  the 
islet. 

Singapore  Hock,  with  6  ft.  on  it  at  low  water  springs,  lies  N.  by  E.  |  E., 
2i  miles  from  the  centre  of  Low  Island,  and  is  at  the  extremity  of  a  sunken 
ledge,  with  from  6  to  17  fathoms  on  it,  connecting  this  rock  with  Low  Island, 
excepting  in  which  directions  the  soundings  round  it  vary  from  13  to  21 
fathoms.  This  rock  is  surrounded  to  a  considerable  distance  by  the  most  con- 
spicuous of  the  overfalls  existing  in  the  vicinity,  all  of  which  should  be 
carefully  avoided. 

NORTH  SHORE.— Cape  Sirakami  (Nadiejda),  the  North  point  of  western 
entrance  to  Tsugar  Strait,  is  a  high  bluff  similar  to  Cape  Siwokubi,  but  not 
so  safe  of  approach.  The  coast,  for  more  than  a  mile  on  each  side  of  the 
cape,  is  bordered  with  numerous  rocks,  generally  above  water,  some  of  which 
extend  nearly  2  cables  from  the  shore.  As  it  is  not  known  whether  the 
dangers  extend  under  water  beyond  this  distance,  it  will  be  prudent  to  give 
the  cape  a  good  berth  in  passing. 

Cape  Tsiuka,  at  12^  miles  N.E.  by  E.  from  Cape  Sirakami,  is  a  high  cliffy 
point,  which  may  be  further  known  by  three  rocks  extending  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  from  a  point  one  mile  north-eastward  of  it ;  the  outer  rock  of  the  three 
is  of  a  conical  form,  and  70  ft.  high. 

Vessels  can  anchor  in  the  bight  of  the  bay,  between  Capes  Tsiuka  and 
Sirakami;  but  as  a  southerly  wind  on  the  western  tide  sends  in  a  cross 
I.  A.  7  u 


12.50  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGO. 

swell,  it  would  not  be  prudent  to  anchor  far  in.  The  best  position  is  in 
from  15  to  20  fathoms,  with  the  southern  white  cliff  bearing  West  about 
one  mile. 

HAKODADI  HARBOUR,  or  more  properly  Hakodate,  on  the  North  side 
of  Tsugar  Strait,  is  situated  at  the  foot  of  the  northern  slope  of  a  high 
peninsula  which  is  connected  with  the  mainland  of  Yezo  by  a  low  sandy 
isthmus.  It  is  an  excellent  roadstead  4  miles  wide  and  5  miles  deep,  and  for 
accessibility  and  safety  is  one  of  the  finest  in  the  world.  Its  entrance  is 
between  Hakodadi  Head  and  Mussell  Point,  which  bear  East  and  West  of 
each  other,  distant  4f  miles.  The  harbour  is  in  the  south-eastern  arm  of 
the  bay,  and  is  completely  sheltered,  with  regular  soundings  and  excellent 
holding  ground,  the  best  anchorage  being  over  a  depth  of  5  fathoms,  black 
mud,  in  a  line  with  the  avenue  leading  to  the  governor's  house.  The  town 
of  Hakodate  stands  on  the  N.E.  slope  of  the  promontory,  facing  the  harbour, 
and  in  1854  contained  about  6,000  inhabitants.  Hakodate  exports  herring 
oil ;  bear,  river  and  sea  otter,  and  deer  skins,  antlers,  and  edible  seaweed  in 
large  quantities  ;  and  large  junks  of  from  200  to  300  tons  visit  the  harbour 
engaged  in  this  trade.  There  is  telegraphic  communication  between  Hako- 
date and  the  other  Japanese  ports. 

A  lightvessel  painted  red,  with  two  masts  carrying  a  ball  at  the  foremost 
head  and  exhibiting  a  fixed  bright  light,  elevated  36  feet  above  the  sea,  is 
moored  in  7^  fathoms  (at  low  water  spring  tides)  off  the  most  northern  point 
of  the  spit,  which  runs  out  from  Point  Anama,  the  N.W.  point  of  the  town, 
with  the  mouth  of  Kamida  Creek  bearing  E,  by  S.  J  S.,  and  White  Bluff 
S.  by  W. 

Vessels  of  large  draught  entering  the  harbour  should  pass  North  of  the 
lightvessel,  as  there  is  a  bank  of  stones  directly  South  of  her. 

At  2  J  cables  South  from  the  vessel  is  a  triangular  floating  beacon  moored  in 
5^  fathoms.  The  passage  between  the  lightvessel  and  the  beacon  may  be 
taken  by  vessels  drawing  less  than  18  ft.  water. 

South  of  the  beacon  the  bottom  is  composed  of  large  stones,  and  is  very 
irregular.  The  banks  on  the  East  side  of  this  bay  must  be  avoided,  that 
extend  half  a  mile  from  the  shore.  A  vessel  can  moor  at  half  a  mile  from  the 
shore  in  51  fathoms  mud,  good  holding  ground.  In  less  than  that  the 
bottom  is  gravel,  and  anchors  hold  badly. 

JFater  can  be  obtained,  likewise  coal  and  wood  for  steaming  purposes. 
There  is  a  brass  and  iron  foundry  on  a  limited  scale.  Vessels,  even  when 
seriously  damaged,  can  undergo  repairs  in  the  harbour. 

Pilots.  — Vessels  entering  the  bay  are  boarded  by  pilots,  who  charge  five 
Mexican  dollars,  without  any  distinction  as  to  the  size  of  the  ship.  There 
are  no  special  harbour  regulations. 

Tides. — It  is  high  water,  full  and  change,  in  this  harbour,  at  5*".,  and  the 
extreme  rise  and  fall  of  tide  is  3  feet. 


TSUGAR  STRAIT.  1251 

Directions. — Entering  Hakodate  Harbour,  after  rounding  Hakodate  Head, 
and  giving  it  a  berth  of  a  mile  to  avoid  the  calms  under  the  high  land,  steer 
for  the  sharp  peak  of  Komaga-daki,  bearing  about  North,  until  the  eastern 
peak  of  the  Saddle  Mountain,  bearing  about  N.E.  by  N.,  opens  to  the  west- 
ward of  the  round  knob  on  the  side  of  the  mountain,  then  haul  up  to  the 
northward  and  eastward,  keeping  them  well  open  until  the  centre  of  the 
sand  hills  on  the  isthmus  bears  S.E.  by  E.  |  E.  (these  may  be  recognised 
by  dark  knolls  upon  them).  This  will  clear  the  spit  which  runs  in  aN.N.W. 
direction  two-thirds  of  a  mile  from  Anama  saki,  the  north-western  point  of 
the  town.  Round  the  lightvessel,  passing  northward  of  her,  and  anchor  as 
convenient  in  from  6  to  8  fathoms,  taking  care  to  keep  the  lightvessel  bear- 
ing westward  of  N.W.  to  avoid  the  shoal  bank  off  the  town.  Should  the 
lightvessel  be  removed,  then  bring  the  sand  hills  a  point  on  the  port  bow, 
and  stand  in  until  the  above  point  of  the  town  bears  S.W.  ^  W.,  when  the 
vessel  will  be  in  the  best  berth,  in  5^  or  6  fathoms  water.  The  upper  part 
of  the  harbour  is  generally  crowded  with  small  vessels. 

At  night  bring  the  light  to  bear  N.E.  |  N.,  and  steer  for  it  on  that 
bearing,  taking  care  not  to  bring  it  to  bear  North  of  that  bearing.  Round 
it  as  before  directed,  and  anchor  as  convenient.  Should  the  light  be  re- 
moved steer  a  northerly  course  on  entering  Hakadodi  Bay  to  a  depth  of  7 
fathoms,  and  keeping  in  that  depth  on  an  easterly  and  south-easterly  course 
the  spit  will  be  safely  rounded. 

Should  the  wind  fall  before  reaching  the  harbour,  there  is  good  anchor- 
age in  the  bay,  in  from  25  to  10  fathoms  water. 

Cape  Siwokubi  bears  E.  by  S.  12  miles  from  Hakodadi  Head,  and  N.  by  E. 
f  E.  95  miles  from  Low  Islet  on  the  Nipon  shore  ;  this  is  the  narrowest  part 
the  Strait  of  Tsugar.  This  cape  is  steep-to,  and  the  N.E.  current  frequently 
runs  with  greater  strength  close  to  the  rocks  than  out  in  the  stream.  The 
summit  of  the  bluff  immediately  above  the  cape  is  1,022  ft.  high. 

Cape  Yesan,  the  North  point  of  eastern  entrance  to  Tsugar  Strait,  is  the 
East  extreme  of  a  bold  promontory,  with  several  remarkable  dome-shaped 
mountains  in  the  rear.  The  cape  itself  is  a  steep  cliff  about  600  feet  high  ; 
the  volcano  immediately  above  it  is  1,935  ft.  high,  and  frequently  capped  with 
a  light  cloud  of  steam,  and  a  jet  of  steam  is  constantly  seen  issuing  from  a 
hollow  on  the  West  side  of  the  hiU,  but  it  is  not  otherwise  active. 

At  2^  miles  E.  f  S.  from  Cape  Siwokubi  is  Conical  Islet,  200  ft.  high,  lying 
close  to  the  coast. 

DIRECTIONS.— Sailing  vessels  approaching  Tsugar  Strait  from  the  west- 
ward during  foggy  weather  should  guard  against  being  carried  by  the  current 
to  the  northward  past  the  entrance.  Should  the  weather  be  clear  when  nearing 
Cape  Yokoiso,  it  may  be  as  well  to  sight  it ;  but  if  doubtful,  shape  a  course 
(allowing  for  the  probable  current)  direct  for  Oho  saki.  Should  a  fog  come 
on  suddenly  when  nearing  this  cape,  recollect  that  the  coast  is  clear  and 


1252  THE  JAPANESE  ARCHIPELAGO. 

sandy,  and  the  soundings  are  regular  to  the  southward,  but  rocky  with  ir- 
regular soundings  to  the  northward  of  it.  The  cape  is  steep-to,  and  standing 
out  prominently  from  the  coast  line,  forms  a  good  landmark. 

No  particular  directions  are  required  in  passing  through  the  strait  from 
the  westward,  the  only  dangers  being  those  off  Toriwi  saki  above  described, 
and  the  Rattler  Rock  off  Siriya  saki,  and  the  north-easterly  current  will 
always  be  found  strongest  in  the  middle  of  the  stream.  After  passing  Tat- 
supi  saki,  if  the  weather  is  thick,  and  the  vessel  bound  to  Hakodate,  endea- 
vour to  make  Cape  Tsiuka,  and  proceed  from  thence  to  Musseil  Point ;  or 
giving  Cape  Tsiuka  a  berth,  feel  the  way  by  the  lead  into  the  bay,  between 
it  and  Cape  Saraki,  and  anchor  till  the  weather  clears. 

Approaching  the  strait  from  the  eastward,  steer  for  Siriya  saki,  and 
endeavour  to  make  it  on  a  N.W.  bearing.  Pass  the  cape  at  not  less  than 
2  miles  distance,  then  haul  in  to  avoid  the  current  and  to  anchor  should  it 
fall  calm.  In  this  case,  by  keeping  this  shore  close  aboard,  the  vessel  may 
probably  be  drifted  up  to  Low  Islet,  off  Toriwi  saki,^  by  the  western 
stream,  when  the  N.E.  current  is  running  like  a  mill  stream  in  mid-channeL 

At  the  anchorage  off  Low  Islet  the  vessel  must  wait  a  favourable  oppor- 
tunity for  crossing  the  strait.  During  the  summer  months  the  winds  are 
generally  light  from  the  S.W.  for  a  considerable  period  ;  the  wind,  however, 
generally  freshens  a  little  when  the  western  stream  makes,  and  this  is  the 
right  time  to  weigh.  Pass  about  half  a  mile  from  Low  Islet,  between  it 
and  the  Singapore  Rock,  and  in  crossing  the  current  take  care  not  to  be  set 
to  leeward  of  Hakodate.  If  proceeding  straight  to  Hakodate  from  the  east- 
ward, the  better  course  is  to  cross  the  strait,  and  passing  about  5  miles  off 
Siriya  saki  make  for  Cape  Yesan,  so  as  to  take  advantage  of  the  eold  west- 
erly set  along  the  South  shore  of  Yezo. 

Proceeding  from  Hakodate  to  the  westward  against  S.W.  winds,  keep  well 
inside  Cape  Tsiuka,  and  if  unable  to  round  it,  anchor  with  the  stream  or 
kedge  about  2  miles  to  the  N.E.,  weighing  again  when  the  next  western 
tide  makes.  Should  the  wind  be  very  light,  a  vessel  may  not  clear  the  strait 
in  one  tide ;  in  this  case  it  will  be  better  to  wait  a  tide  to  the  eastward  of 
Cape  Sirakami,  and  take  the  whole  of  the  following  tide  to  clear  the  strait, 
thau  run  any  risk  of  being  swept  into  the  strait  again  by  the  current.  Ves- 
sels passing  through  the  strait,  particularly  to  the  westward,  should  have  a 
good  kedge  and  150  fathoms  of  hawser  ready  for  immediate  use,  and  must 
keep  the  land  close  on  board. 

Tides. — The  tide  in  the  stream  runs  about  12  hours  each  way  near  the 
full  and  change  of  the  moon,  and  there  are  two  regular  tides  by  the  shore 
in  24  hours.  At  full  and  change  the  flood  or  eastern  stream  makes  at  Tat- 
supi  saki  at  6^  30"  a.m.,  at  1^  0"'  at  Cape  Tsiuka,  and  at  7''  30""  at  Toriwi 
saki.  The  western  stream  begins  about  12  hours  later.  The  turn  of  the 
stream  takes  place  li  hours  later  every  day.     With  heavy  S.W.  gales  the 


YEZO  ISLAND.  1253 

north-easterlj  current  swells  and  fills  the  strait,  attaining-  a  velocity  of  from 
5  to  6  knots  an  hour,  and  entirely  overcomes  the  ebb  tide. 

YEZO  ISLAND — The  coast  line  of  Yezo  is  about  1,000  miles  in  extent^ 
and  its  eastern  shore  appears  low  from  seaward,  resembling  table-  land  ;  its 
appearance  is,  however,  most  deceptive,  as  the  country  is  a  repetition  of 
abrupt  hills  of  a  uniform  height,  interspersed  with  deep  valleys,  rivers, 
swamps,  and  large  lagoons. 

The  western  coast  is  bold,  and  ranges  of  lofty  mountains,  many  of  the 
summits  of  which  are  extinct  volcanoes,  rise  in  every  direction.  The  highest 
of  these,  Shubets,  a  cone-shaped  mountain  30  miles  inland,  is  an  active  vol- 
cano, and  from  its  size  and  grandeur  may  well  be  considered  by  the  Japanese 
as  the  Fusi  yama  of  Yezo. 

The  island  is  almost  entirely  covered  with  wood,  the  ground  being  in- 
many  places  strewn  with  the  trunks  of  trees  in  all  stages  of  decay,  and 
covered  with  moss,  lichen,  and  rank  vegetation ;  and  the  coarse  bamboo 
grass  is  found  in  some  places  growing  to  a  height  of  1 5  ft. 

There  are  numerous  rivers  and  streams,  the  largest  of  which,  the  IsJcarri, 
is  on  the  West  coast,  and  three  or  four  large  lakes  are  said  to  exist  in  the 
interior.  Coal  is  found  in  several  places,  but  is  principally  procured  from 
the  village  of  Kamami,  near  Iwani,  on  the  West  coast.  Sulphur  abounds, 
and  sulphur  springs  are  numerous. 

Yezo  is  a  conquest  and  colony  of  Japan,  and  small  settlements  of  emi- 
grants from  the  South,  and  of  natives  are  found  scattered  along  the  shores. 
The  Ainos  or  aborigines  of  Yezo  are  a  race  of  stunted  growth,  and  are 
grossly  ignorant,  wretchedly  poor,  and  filthy  both  in  person  and  habits ; 
unlike  the  Japanese,  they  allow  their  hair  and  beards  to  grow  to  a  great 
length.     They  appear  to  be  of  a  diff'erent  race  to  the  Japanese. 

Little  or  no  agriculture  is  carried  on,  both  Japanese  and  Ainos  principally 
subsisting  on  the  produce  of  the  ocean.  Salmon  and  herring  fishing  on  a 
large  scale  is  their  principal  occupation,  and  large  quantities  of  seaweed  are 
collected,  dried  in  the  sun,  and  sent  South,  finding  its  way  into  all  parts  of 
Japan  and  China. 

"  Want  of  harbours,  or  even  anchorages,  is  the  great  drawback  to  Yezo. 
The  extent  of  coast  line  is  about  1000  miles,  and  along  the  whole  of  that 
distance  there  are  only  Hakodadi  and  Endermo  on  the  S.W.,  and  Akishi  on 
the  S.E.,  that  can  be  called  harbours.  Hamanaka  is  an  anchorage,  Nemoro 
is  but  an  anchorage,  and  from  Nemoro  to  Otarunai,  a  distance  of  420  miles, 
there  is  nothing  in  the  shape  of  a  harbour.  A  vessel  may  anchor  at  one  or 
two  places,  provided  the  wind  is  off  shore  ;  under  such  circumstances  little 
could  be  done  in  the  way  of  exportation  should  the  island  become  of  any  im- 
portance. 

Otarunai  is  at  all  times  safe,  and  might  be  made  an  excellent  harbour. 


1254  THE  JAPANESE  AECHIPELAGQ. 

There  is  no  place  between  Otarunai  and  Hakodadi  which  can  be  used  as  an 
anchorage,  except  Sutsini  and  Rogers  Island,  and  there  only  under  favour- 
able circumstances.  Considering  Otarunai  as  a  harbour,  there  are  then  four 
along  the  1000  miles  of  coast  line,  namely,  Hakodadi,  Endermo  (in  Volcano 
Bay),  Akishi,  and  Otarunai ;  and  three  anchorages  possessing  good  shelter 
— these  are  Hamanaka,  Nemoro,  and  Sutsini. 

None  of  the  places  I  visited  in  the  East  had  ever  seen  European  vessels 
even  pass  the  coast,  except  some  years  ago,  when  a  vessel  went  once  or  twice 
to  Nisibets,  and  a  steamer  passed  into  the  Straits  of  Yezo,  and  proceeded  to 
Nemoro  ;  the  Sylvia  is  the  first  man-of-war,  and  almost  the  first  ship,  that 
has  been  round  Yezo." — (Journal  of  the  Eoyal  Geographical  Society,  vol. 
xlii.,  1872,  Notes  on  the  East^  N.E.,  West  Coasts  of  Yezo. — Commander 
H.  C.  St.  John,  R.N. 

In  the  same  volume  will  be  found  a  long  and  interesting  description  of  a 
journey  made  nearly  around  the  coast  of  the  island  by  Captain  T.  Blakiston^ 
F.R.G.S. 

With  this  we  shall  close  the  description  of  Japan.  A  description  of  tha 
coasts  to  the  northward  will  be  found  in  the  North  Pacific  Directory. 


APPENDIX. 


NAMES,  MONEY,  WEIGHTS,  MEASUEES. 


Geographic  Terms. 

There  is  not  a  more  vexed  question  than  the  proper  mode  of  representing  the  sounds 
of  an  Oriental  language  by  our  European  alphabet.  Though  every  language  has 
much  in  common,  there  are  still  those  great  and  important  diflferences  in  the  value 
of  different  letters  or  syllables,  that  each  language,  or  even  dialect,  would  require  a 
separate  alphabetic  system,  and  a  great  variety  of  independent  letters,  or  combina- 
tions of  letters,  to  represent  the  specific  peculiarities  of  each.  If  it  be  difficult,  or 
impossible,  to  represent  the  various  local  pronunciations  of  our  own  tongue,  the 
different  way  in  which  many  words  composed  of  the  same  letters  would  be  uttered  by 
a  native  of  Devonshire,  Northumberland,  or  Lanarkshire,  how  difficult  or  impossible 
it  will  be  to  carry  such  a  system  into  a  tongue  of  a  totally  different  construction. 

But  there  would  be  a  limit  to  some  of  this  confusion,  if  it  were  agreed  as  to  what 
should  be  a  common  value  for  the  European  alphabet.  Formerly  every  one  repre- 
sented the  names  of  places,  difficult  to  describe  the  sound  of,  in  that  mode  which  seemed 
best  to  him,  without  heeding  what  value  those  of  any  other  nation  would  give  to  bia 
orthography.  The  confusion  thus  arising  is  nowhere  more  evident  than  in  the 
countries  described  in  this  work,  where  no  written  language  similar  to  our  own 
exists. 

As  has  been  before  remarked,  certain  values  should  be  given  to  every  letter,  and 
this  system  is  now  generally  adopted  by  modern  writers  ;  and,  as  far  as  practicable, 
has  been  followed  in  this  work.  Briefly,  the  system  is  this,  that  all  the  consonants 
are  to  be  pronounced  as  in  English,  French,  &c.,  and  the  vowels  as  in  Italian,  i  as  ee, 
and  u  as  oo,  or  ou  in  French.  In  the  vocabularies  of  the  names  which  are  given  for 
each  principal  language  hereafter  this  system  is  followed. 


1256 


APPENDIX. 


MALAY,  SINGAPORE,  ETC. 
Malay  Vocabulary. 


Malay. 

EliGLISlt. 

Malay. 

Ejtglish. 

Ainas      -        .        » 

Gold. 

Gajab,  gajah  mina  - 

Elephant,  whale. 

Anak,  anak  ayer      - 

Child,  rivulet. 

Gosong  -        .        - 

Shoal,  sand-bank. 

Ang-in  .        -        - 

Wind. 

Gunong  -        -        - 

Mountain. 

„      durat  - 

Land  wind. 

„      api     - 

Volcano. 

„      laut 

Sea  breeze. 

Api         .        -        . 

Fire. 

Jambatan,  palamban 

Bridge. 

Arang    -        •        - 

Cbarcoal,  coal  (?). 

Jurang,  churang 

Creek. 

Ayer       ... 

Water,  river. 

Kalang-an 

Dry  dock. 

„    baku 

Ice,  hail. 

Kampong 

Enclosure,  village. 

„    dang  kal 

Shallow  water,  ford. 

Kamudi 

Rudder,  helm. 

„    masin 

Salt  water. 

Kapal     -         -         - 

Ship. 

„    sung-ei  - 

Rain  water. 

Karang  •        -        - 

Coral  reef. 

„    tawar     - 

Fresh  water. 

Karra     -        -        - 

Monkey,  ape. 

Karsik    -        -        - 

Gravel,  sand. 

Banchah 

Marsh,  morass. 

Kayu,  kayu  api 

Wood,  firewood. 

Barat,  barat  tapat   - 

West. 

Kilat       - 

Lightning. 

„      daya     - 

South-west. 

Korong  -        -        - 

Cabin,  poop. 

„     laut 

North-west. 

Kota 

Fort,  castle,  tower. 

Batang   .        -        - 

River. 

Kuda      .        .        . 

Horse. 

Batu 

Rock,  stone. 

Kuku      -        -        - 

Fluke  of  an  anchor. 

„    barani     - 

Loadstone. 

Kuning  ... 

YeUow. 

„    Bedil       - 

Gun,  musket. 

Kwala    -        -        - 

Mouth  of  river. 

Belantara 

Forest,  desert. 

Bender   -        •        ^ 

Port  for  trade. 

Labuh-an 

Anchorage,  harbour. 

Bengkok,  Bungkok- 

Crooked,  humped. 

Lama      -        .        - 

Former,  old,  ancient. 

Besar      -         -         - 

Large,  great. 

Lampong 

Buoy. 

Besi 

Iron. 

Lang-it  -        -        - 

Sky,  beavens,  roof. 

Beting    -         -         - 

Sand-bank. 

Lang-kong 

Arch,  crescent. 

Biduk     -         -         - 

Boat,  Great  bear. 

Lapong  .         -         - 

Gap,  wide. 

Bintang .        -        - 

Star. 

Laut,  laut  besar 

Sea,  the  ocean. 

„       kutab 

Pole-star. 

„     salatan  - 

Southern  ocean. 

Bras,  nasi,  imei 

Rice,  boiled  rice. 

Layen     -        -        - 

Sail. 

Buah      ' 

Fruit. 

Lembah  -        -        - 

Valley. 

Buaya    -         -         - 

Alligator,  crocodile. 

Lichah,  Lumpun     - 

Mud. 

Bukit      • 

Hill. 

Lima,  lima-blas 

Five,  fifteen. 

Bolan,  bulan  bharu 

Moon,  new  moon. 

Lubok    .        -        - 

Bight  or  recess. 

„      purmana 

Full  moon, 

Bulub     - 

Bamboo. 

Mata       .        .        - 

Points  of  the  com- 

Burong -        -        - 

Bird. 

pass. 

Merah    -        -        - 

Red. 

Damie     -        «         - 

Peace. 

Danau,  tasek  - 

Lake,  small  lake. 

Nang-ka 

Jack  Fruit. 

Dapur     -         -         - 

Cooking  place. 

Negri      -        -        - 

City,  town,  country. 

Datu,  datuk     - 

Chief  of  a  tribe. 

Da-un,  daban- 

Leaf,  bough. 

Padang  -         -         - 

Plain,  open  space. 

Dayong  -         -         - 

Oar,  paddle,  to  row. 

Padi 

Rice  in  the  husk. 

Padoman 

Mariner's  compass. 

Etam      .        -        - 

Black. 

Pahak,  lembah 

Valley. 

Pakau,  pasar   • 

Market    place,   ba- 

Gading -         -         - 

Ivory. 

zaar. 

Gadong,  godong 

House. 

Palamban 

Bridge. 

APPENDIX. 

1257 

Mala*. 

English. 

Malat. 

English. 

Panjang 

Long,  tall. 

Salat,  sellat     - 

Strait  of  the  pea. 

Pinchuran,  trusaa  - 

Channel,  passage. 

Salatan  -        .        • 

South. 

Pasang   ... 

Tide. 

„      daya  - 

South-south-west. 

.,      besar    - 

Spring  tide. 

Sampan 

Canoe,  small  boat. 

„      kadang 

High  w  iter. 

Sap.ih,  sippah 

Quid  of  Betel. 

„      kring   - 

Low  water. 

Sudagan  (Ar.) 

Merchant  trader. 

Paya,  rawah    - 

Marsh. 

Sung-ei  -        -        - 

River. 

Pendek,  korang 

Short,  wanting. 

Pikul       . 

Weight  of  133  Iba. 

Tambaga 

Copper. 

Pinang   ... 

Bettl  nut. 

Tambang 

Mine. 

Pisang    -         .         - 

Plaintain,  banana. 

Tanah, benua 

Land,  country,  earth 

Ponchak,    kaman- 

Tanda     - 

Beacon. 

chak    -         -         - 

Peak  of  a  hill. 

Tanjong,  tapat 

Cape,  point,  cliff. 

Prigi 

Well. 

Tasek      - 

Inland  sea,  lake. 

Pulau,  Pulo     - 

Island. 

Teluk      - 

Bay. 

Putih      - 

White. 

Timor     -         -         . 

East. 

„      laut 

North-east. 

Rachun  -         -         . 

Poison 

„      tung-ara 

South-east. 

Eakil       - 

Raft. 

Eantau   -         -         - 

Plain,  flat  sea  coast. 

Ubat  bedel      - 

Gunpowder. 

Eata 

Flat,  level,  low. 

Ujong  tanah    - 

Promontory. 

Rawang,  rawah 

Swamp,  marsh. 

Utara      - 

North. 

Eumah  chukei 

Custom-house. 

Utan,  rimba    - 

Forest. 

Rumpak 

Pirate. 

,,     timor 

North-east. 

„     sa-mata  timor 

North-north-east. 

Sakat      - 

Bar,  barrier. 

„    barat-laut 

North-north-west. 

Money. 

The  silver  coin  in  general  use  in  Singapore,  Penang,  and  Malacca  are  the  rupee  and 
dollar.  Foreign  monies,  also,  are  freely  used,  especially  the  Mexican  and  Spanish 
dollar.  All  government  accounts  are  kept  in  £  s.  d.  The  metallic  value  of  the 
rupee  of  course  depends  on  the  market  price  of  silver.  In  1872  it  was  Is.  ll|d. ;  in 
1874-5,  Is.  lOd. ;  in  1875-6,  Is.  10|d.;  and  in  1876-7,  Is.  9|d. 

12  pies  ....   ::z  1  annum  ....   zz        l|d.  1  cent  ....   =r        |d. 

16  annas    ..  1  rupee 2s.  (nom.)  100  cents  =  1  dollar    ..        4s.  3d, 

100  rupees  ....  =     46|  dollars. 

100  dollars  ....         214  rupees,  1  anna,  5  pies. 

The  same  denominations  for  moneys,  weights,  and  measures  prevail,  with  variations 
throughout  most  of  the  Malay  States. 

The  word  picul  is  the  Malay  vrord  pikul,  which,  like  the  Chinese  word  tan,  means  a  load 
or  burden  carried  on  the  back.  Mace  and  tuel  are  derived,  through  the  Malayan  and 
Javanese  mas  and  tail,  from  the  Hindu  Masha  and  tola.  Cash  is  from  caixa,  the  Mooiish 
name  of  the  tin  coin  found  by  the  Portuguese  at  Malacca  in  1.511.  Catty  ot  kati  is  the 
Malayan  pound,  and  candareen  or  kondrin  is  also  Malay.     Fice  is  the  Javanese  vfoi^  pivhis. 


Weights. 

The  commercial  weights  in   use  between  Europeans  and  natives  are  the  Chinese 
picnl,  catty,  and  tael.     A  little  discrepancy  exists  in  the  weight  of  the  picul  and 
LA.  7  X 


1258 


APPENDIX. 


catty  in  some  places  ;  and  there  is  a  distinction  between  the  Chinese  and  Malay  picul ; 
the  latter  is  equal  at  Penang  to  142|  lbs.  avoirdupois,  and  is  only  used  to  weigh  tin 
and  pepper.  This  discrepancy  arises  from  the  use  of  the  hahr,  which  varies  consider- 
ably in  weight,  and  is  divided  into  3  Malay  piculs ;  the  bahr  is  equal  at  Penang  to 
421  catties.  By  the  Malay  picul,  goods  are  purchased  from  the  native  vessels;  but 
they  are  re-sold  by  the  Chinese  pical.  By  the  coyan,  of  50  Chinese  piculs,  grain  and 
salt  are  sold ;  a  bag  of  salt  weighs  100  lbs.  avoirdupois;  but  one  of  grain  or  rice 
weio-hs  164  lb?.  The  coyan  at  Penang  is  a  measure;  45  piculs  of  rice,  or  43  of  salt, 
make  a  measurement  coyan. 

The  Chinese  dotchin  is  commonly  met  with  ;  hut  among  merchants  English  weights 
and  scales  are  generally  used ;  and,  in  fact,  wherever  Europeans  have  colonized  or 
settled  in  Malaysca,  they  have  fixed  the  imperfect  native  measures  and  weights, 
as  thereby  making  them  the  standard,  or  by  supplanting  them  with  their  own. 

Gold  dust  is  weighed  by  the  hunkal,  equal  to  2  dollars  or  832  grains,  troy,  which 
is  divided  into  16  iniams  of  12  sagas  each  ;  a  catty  of  gold  is  lf|  of  the  common  catty. 
In  the  towns  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  peninsula  the  bunkal  and  catty  are  found  to 
be  about  10  per  cent,  less  than  these.  Pulse,  dholl,  and  rice  from  Bengal  are  sold  by 
the  bag  of  -2  bazar  maunds,  or  I643  lbs.  Piece  goods  are  sold  by  the  corge  of  20 
pieces,  and  Java  tobacco  by  the  corge  of  20  baskets. 

At  Malacca  the  picul  weighs  135  lbs.  avoirdupois;  and  3  piculs,  or  a  bahr,  428  lbs. 
avoirdupois. 

Measures. 

The  measure  of  length  frequently  used  by  the  Malays  and  other  natives  is  the 
hasta  or  cubit,  equal  to  18  English  inches ;  but  among  the  Chinese,  as  well  as  Euro- 
peans, the  English  yard  is  always  used. 

The  chief  measui'e  of  capacity  for  grain  and  oil  is  the  gantang,  divided  into  4 
chupals,  each  about  2\  lbs.  avoii'dupois  ;  the  gantang  is  equal  to  271*65  cubic  inches, 
or  \\  gallon  ;  10  gantangs  make  one^jora^,  -which  is  merely  a  nominal  measure;  and 
80  parahs  of  rice  make  1  picul ;  800  gantangs  are  counted  to  a  cayan,  about  2  tons 
7  cwt. 


SIAM. 

Siamese  Terms. 

Used  in 

the 

Chai 

rts  and  Sailing  Directions. 

Siamese. 

English 

Siame.se. 

English. 

Bang 

-     Village. 

Fai  - 

Fire,  light. 

Bon 

-     Upper. 

Burl 

-     City. 

Hin 

Hatsai       ... 

Rock,  stone. 
Sandbank. 

Dam 

-     Black. 

Deng 

-     Eed. 

Khao 

Mountain,  hill. 

Din  niau 

-     Clay. 

Khao  or  Khaao 

White. 

Din-so-phong   - 

-     Chalk. 

Kblon       .        .        - 

Mud. 

APPENDIX. 

12. 

Siamese. 

English. 

Siamese. 

English. 

Klong 

- 

•     Canal  or  creek. 

Pa   -        - 

-     Forest. 

Koh 

- 

-     Island. 

Pak 

-     Mouth. 

Kok 

- 

-     Olives. 

Pak-nam  - 
Pom 

-  Mouth  of  a  river. 

-  Fort. 

Lem 

- 

-     Point,  promontory. 

Lang-tao 

- 

-     Bar  (of  a  river). 

Rong-pa-si 

-     Custom-house. 

Lat 

- 

-     A  cut,  short  cut. 

Sai  - 

-     Sand,  gravel. 

Mai 

- 

-     New. 

Sao-thong 

-    Flag-staff. 

Me-nam  - 

- 

-     River. 

Muang 

- 

-    Town. 

Tha-leh    - 
Thai 

-  Sea,  lake. 

-  Siamese. 

Nam 

. 

-     Water,  or  tide. 

Thit  nua  - 

-     North. 

Nam-khun 

- 

-     Rising  tide. 

Thittai    - 

-     South. 

Nam-o 

- 

,,     beginning  of. 

Thit  tawan-ok  - 

-     East. 

Nam-tem-khraye 

-  .  Full  tide. 

Thit  tawan-tok 

-     West. 

Nam-long 

- 

-     Ebbing  tide. 

Thi-thot-samo  - 

-     Anchorage. 

Nei 

- 

-     In. 

Noi 

. 

-     Little,  or  less. 

Wat 

-     Temple. 

Nok 

- 

-     Out. 

Nei-qna    - 

- 

-     Inner. 

Yot 

-     Peak. 

Koi-qua    - 

.' 

-     Lesser. 

Yai 

-     Great, 

Nok-qua  - 

- 

-     Outer, 

Yai-qua    - 

-     Greater. 

Money. 


200  to  450  Cowries  or  Bier  - 
4  P'hai-nungs  -  -  - 
2  Fuangs  -  -  -  - 
4  Salungs  or  Miam  - 
4  Ticals  -  -  -  - 
20  Tamlungs 

lOO  Chungs  or  Catties  - 
2  Dollars  (Spanish)    - 


-  :=  1  P'hai-nung      -         -  -  =  \^i. 

1  Fuang    ...  -  3fd. 

I  Salung  or  Miam       -  -  7|d. 

1  Tical  or  Bat  (silver)  -  2s.  6d. 

1  Tamlung           -         -  -  IDs.  Od. 

1  Catty  or  Chang         -  -  £10. 

1  P.cul         ...  -         £1,000. 
5  Ticals. 


Measures  of  Length. 

The  niu  is  supposed  to  be  equal  in  length  to  8  grains  of  husked  rice  ;  the  kup  or 
keub  to  measure  from  the  end  of  the  thumb  to  the  end  of  the  middle  finger  ;  and  th® 
sok  fi-om  the  end  of  the  middle  finger  to  the  elbow. 


Inches. 

Metres. 

1  niu 

=      ft             : 

=         -20637 

12  niu 

-  :^  1  kup  or  keub  - 

9} 

•24764 

2  kup 

1  sok 

IH 

•49528 

2  sok 

1  ken 

39 

•99056 

2  ken 

1  wa  or  voua     - 

78 
yards. 

1-98112 

20  wa   - 

1  sen 

m 

39-62-244 

miles. 

kilometres. 

100  sen  - 

1  roeneng 

2-462119 

3-962244 

4  rbeneng    - 

1  yola 

9  -848477 

15.848976 

1260 


APPENDIX. 


Capacity. 


Pint. 

Litres. 

1  tanan     - 

-    =    ^ 

gallons. 

=        -8619 

20  tanans      - 

-  = 

1  tang 

3-75 

17-038076 

25  tanans    or 

H 

tang 

1  sat 

4-6876 

21-297596 

80  sats  or 

. 

hectolitres. 

100  tang       - 

1  coyan    - 

376 

1-7038076 

Weights. 


Troy  Grains. 

Grammes. 

1  tical      - 

-   r="233i         = 

1511975 

4  ticals 

-  =:  1  tael 

933i 

60-479 

lbs.  av. 

■  kilogrammes. 

20  taels 

1  catty     - 

21 

1-20958 

50  catties 

1  picul     - 

1331 

60-479 

The  Coyan  is  a  weight  which  is  usually  reckoned  equal  to  20  piculs,  but  it  raritw 
from  18  to  22  piculs.  The  coyan  of  paddy  (rice  in  the  husk)  is  reckoned  at  about 
16|  piculs,  and  is  considered  equal  to  2133|  lbs.  av.* 


COCHIN  CHINA  (ANAM.) 

Money. 

'•  The  every-day  money  of  the  country  is  cash  of  the  Chinese  pattern,  though  bar 
silver,  cast  in  pieces  weighing  ten  taels  each,  is  also  made  use  of  by  merchants. 
Lumps  -weighing  a  tael,  with  Chinese  characters  on  them,  as  also  round  silver  coin* 
of  Chinese  origin,  are  occasionally  seen,  both  finding  their  way  down  from  Yunnan. 
Gold  is  not  used  as  money.  The  cash  are,  in  one  respect,  singular,  being  made  of 
zinc,  or  what  seems  like  a  mixture  of  lead  and  sand,  and  so  fragile  as  to  be  easily 
broken  between  the  finger  and  thumb ;  6Q  cash  make  one  chek,  10  chek  make  one 
koon,  or  '  ligature,'  as  the  French  name  it ;  5  koons,  on  an  average,  go  to  the  dollar, 
but  the  exchange  varies  daily.  On  April  14th,  1876,  the  exchange  was  3,300  cash, 
or  5  koon  5  chek  per  dollar ;  while  at  Hue,  the  capital  of  Annam,  the  dollar  had 
been  commanding  7  koon  and  over.  At  Hai-phong,  foreign  silver  coins  of  any  de- 
nomination are  readily  taken." — (N.  B,  Dennys,  Ph.  D.) 

Accounts  are  commonly  kept  in  qttan,  ma?,  and  sapeks,  as  follows  : — 

1  sapek,  or  dong,  or  cash         z=  -fgd. 

60  sapeks    zz    1  mas,  or  mottien,  or  heap  3Jd. 

10  mas  1  quan,  or  string  28.  9id. 


•  The  Merchants'  Handbook  of  Money,  Weights,  and  Measures  of  all  Nations.     By  W. 
A.  Bro-wne,  LL.D.     London;  Edward  Stanford,  6,  Charing  Cross. 


APPENDIX. 


1261 


Measures  of  Length, 


Inchea. 

Metres. 

1  ly        -       -       - 

r=        -0192 

=         -00048 

10  ly 

-  =r  1  phau    .         -         - 

•192 

•00487 

10  phau   - 

1  tac 

1-92 

•04876 

10  tac      - 

1  thuoc  or  cubit 

19-2 
feet. 

•48766 

6  thuoc 

1  ngu      - 

8 

2-43835 

10  thuoc 

1  truon    -         -         - 

16 

yards. 

4-87670 

3  ngu     - 

1  sao       ... 

8 

7-31.506 

3  truons 

1  chai  vai  or  that     - 

16 

14-63012 

10  sad 

1  mao     -        -        - 

80 

73  15064 

10  chai  vai 

1  quo       -         -         _ 

160 

146-30128 

The  thuoc,  which  is  the  chief  unit  of  measures  of  length,  varies  considerably  in 
different  places  ;  thus  there  are  six  different  values  assigned  to  it,  varying  from  IS' 
to  2of  English  inches,  or  from  •38098  to  -656209  metre,  but  the  thuoc,  the  value  of 
■which  is  given  in  the  Table,  is  the  one  in  general  use.  The  drapers'  thuoc  is  a  little 
longer,  being  equal  to  25a  inches  ;  the  tac  to  2J  inches  ;  the  phan  to  •256  ;  and  the 
ly  to  0256  inch  English. 


Distances 

i. 

Yards. 

Metres. 

1  li  or  mile 

. 

-     =     486 

—     444-390138 

2  U          -         -     : 

=     1  dam     - 

- 

972 
miles. 

888-780276 
kilometres. 

6  dam     - 

1  league 

- 

2-761 

4-4439 

Square 

Measures. 

Square  yards. 

Square  metres, 

9  gqr.  ngu       -     : 

—     1  sqr.  pao 

- 

-     =       64 

=z       53-510208 
Ares. 

100  sqr.  sao 

1  sqr.  mao 

- 

6400 

O3-510203 

Weights 

1, 

Troy  Grains. 

Grammes. 

10  ai     -         -     =: 

z     1  tran    - 

-    = 

•000006     = 

:            -0000003 

10  tran 

1  buy     - 

. 

-000060 

-0001)038 

10  buy 

1  chau    - 

. 

•000601 

•0000389 

10  chau 

1  hot      - 

- 

-006015 

-0003898 

10  hot  - 

1  hao     - 

- 

•060156 

'0038981 

10  hao  - 

1  li 

- 

•601563 

-0389806 

10  li       - 

1  phan  - 

- 

6-015625 

•3898061 

10  phan 

1  dong  - 

- 

60-15625 

3-8980605 

10  dong 

1  luong 

- 

601-5625 

38-9806056 

10    luODg 

1  nen     - 

- 

6015-625 
lbs.  av. 

389806056 

10  luong 

1  can     - 

- 

If 

623-68969 
kilogrammes. 

10  can  - 

1  yen     - 

- 

13f 

6-23689 

6  yen  - 

1  binah 

- 

68| 

31-18484 

10  yen  - 

1  ta 

- 

1374 

62-36896 

6  ta     - 

1  quan  - 

- 

687  i 

311  8U8i 

1262  APPENDIX. 

.  Measures  of  Capacity  for  Grain. 

Imperial  Gallons.  Litres. 

1  hao    -         -         .         =:         6f  ZI         28-270586 

Zhao         -     =:     1  shita  or  tao  -  12|  56-541172 

"  The  weights  and  measures  in  use  for  commercial  purposes  are  Chinese,  and  bear 
Chinese  names,  differing  from  the  Canton  standard  only  in  being  heavier.  The  leonff, 
or  ounce,  weighs  about  IJ  ounce  English,  and  the  catty,  1  lb.  6  ozs.  10  grs.  There 
are  several  differing  standards  of  length.  The  ell  used  for  measuring  piece  goods  is 
25 i  inches.  It  is  in  fact  necessary  in  buying  articles  of  any  description  to  agree 
beforehand  as  to  the  length  or  weight  of  the  denomination  used.  This  especially 
applies  to  grain  and  similar  products." — (N.  B.  Dennys,  Ph.  D.) 


NETHERLANDS'  INDIA. 


Money. 

The  monetary  system  of  Netherlands'  India  has  of  late  years  been  assimilated  to 
that  of  Holland.  The  silver  standard  is  the  Netherlands  ^j«7t?er,  or ^ori'n,  which  i» 
divided  into  100  centen. 

1  Cent  =        id. 

100  Cents    =     1  Guilder  or  Florin  rr  Is.  8d. 

The  gold  coinage  in  Holland  was  suppressed  by  law  in  1850.  and  has  not  since  been 
re-established.  It  consisted  of  the  10  (^wWew  and  5  gulden  pieces.  These  are  some- 
times met  with,  but  they  are  not  a  legal  tender  ;  their  price  rises  and  falls  with  the 
fluctuation  of  the  market.  The  average  price  of  the  10  gulden  piece  is  about  9> 
guldens  and  65  cents,  and  that  of  the  5  gulden  piece  about  4  gulden  and  82  cents. 

The  silver  coins  are  the  2^  gulden  jnece  (sometimes  called  rixdollar),  the  florin  or 
guilder,  and  the  \  florin.  These  are  of  the  fineness  of  ^Sg^gths,  and  the  florin  weighs 
866.17  grains  troy.  There  are  also  in  silver  of  a  lower  standard  the  25,  10,  and  5 
cent  pieces.     The  5  cent  piece  is  often  called  a  stiver. 

The  copper  coins  are  the  cent  and  the  J  cent,  worth  respectively  }d.  and  /^d,  ster- 
ling. 

Weights. 

The  weight  for  gold  and  silver  is  the  Dutch  mark,  troy,  divided  into  9  reals,  each, 
weighing  422  grains,  English. 

The  commercial  weights  in  common  use  are  based  on  the  China  weights,  thus  . — 

16  taels      =  1  catty  :=       U  lbs.  Dutch  troy. 

100  catties  =:  1  picul  =125  „  rr  ]  36  lbs.  avoirdupois. 

or  61  kilogrammes. 
3  piculs    zz.  1  small  bahar    =  408  „ 

4|  piculs    :=  1  large  bahar    _ ;  612  , 


APPENDIX. 


1263 


In  foreign  trade,  however,  the  Dutch  troy  pound  of  2  marks  is  genei'ally  used. 
The  proportion  of  the  Dutch  and  English  weights  are — 


1  Dutch  troy  pound  rr^ 

1  Dutch  commercial  pound    :::: 


7576  grains,  English. 
7625 


The  metric  weights  are  as  follows — • 

1  korrel  = 
10  korrel  =  1  wiglje  =: 
10  wigtje    =    1  lood  ^= 

10  looden    ::=    1  onze  =^ 

10  onzen     =    1  pond  r= 


Grains  Troy. 
1.5432349 
15.432349 
154.32349 
Lbs.  av. 

.220466 
2.20466 


1  decigramme. 

1  gramme. 

1  decagramme. 

1  hectogramme. 
1  kilogramme. 


Measures. 

The  measures  for  rice  and  grain  are  the  picul  and  coyan  or  koyang,  and  for  smaller 
quantities  the  timhang  and  gantang.     The  coyan  weighs  at — 


Batavia 
Samarang 
Soerabaya 
or  about  60  imperial  bushels. 


27  piculs  or  3,3  75  troy  Dutch  lbs. 

28  piculs  or  3,500  „ 
30  piculs  or  3,750             „ 


The  timbang  contains  5  piculs  or  10  sacks  ;  5  gantangs  make  1  measure  ;  and  46 
measures  are  equal  to  a  last.  These  measures  are  principally  in  use  among  the 
natives. 

The  most  general  liquid  measure  in  all  the  Dutch  .settlements  is  the  kan,  33  of 
which  are  equal  to  a  little  more  than  13  English  gallons.  A  leager  or  legger  of 
arrack  is  388  Batavia  kans,  equal  to  133  imperial  gallons,  or  550  litres. 

Of  long  measure,  the  ell  is  27|  English  inches,  and  the  foot  of  12  duimen,  or  inches. 
is  equivalent  to  1239,  English  inches. 

The  metric  system  of  measures  is  as  follows — 


1  maatje 
10  maatjes  =    1  kop 

10  koppen  =:    1  schepel 

10  schepels=   1  mud  or  zak 

30  mudden  =   1  last 


Imperial  Pints. 
=         .176077 
=       1.760773 
Imperial  Gallons. 
=       2.200967 

Imperial  Bushels. 
=z       2.751208 
Imperial  Quarters. 
=     10.31703 


1  decilitre. 
1  litre. 

1  decalitre. 

1  hectolitre. 


^       30  hectohtre. 


A  market  schepel  contains  2^  schepel,  or  25  koppen,  and  is  equal  to  5.5024175  imperial 
gallons,  English. 


Length. 

In  1820,  Holland  adopted  the  metric  system  ;  and  the  weights  and  measures  are 
the  same  as  those  of  France,  but  have  different  names,  as  will  be  seen  by  the  follow- 
ing tables : — 


04 

Inches. 

1  streep 

== 

0.3937 

= 

1  millimetre. 

10  strepen  = 

I  duim 

= 

.3937079 

=: 

1  centimetre. 

10  duimen=: 

1  palm 

= 

3.937079 

= 

1  decimetre. 

10  palmen  = 

1  el 

= 

39.37079 
Yards. 

= 

1  metre. 

10  ellen      =: 

1  roedo 

— 

10.936308 

— 

1  decametre. 

100  roeden    =i: 

1  mijle 

1093.6082  or  nearly  6 

furlongs 

1  kilometre. 

NORTH-WEST  BORNEO. 

Memorandum  forwarded  by  H.B.M.,  Consul-General  for  Borneo,  with  regard  to 
Dr.  Browne's  tabulated  series  of  questions  on  the  Currency,  Weights,  and  Measures 
of  Borneo,  &c. 

Money. 

On  the  N.W.  Coast  of  Borneo,  goods  and  produce  are  exchanged  for  each  other, 
the  reckoning  being  made  in  so  many  piculs  of  brass  guns,  a  picul  being  worth  about 
35  dollars. 

This  is  not  altogether  an  imaginary  mode  of  keeping  accounts,  for  the  guns  are 
actually  cast  in  quantities  at  Brunei,  and  weigh  from  2  to  8  guns  to  the  picul.  At 
Brunei  fines  are  levied  in  piculs  of  guns.  Dollars  and  cents  are  also  a  medium  of  ex- 
change. 

In  the  South  of  Borneo,  under  Dutch  rule,  the  real  and  guilder  are  used  in  reckon- 
ings, the  real  being  an  imaginary  coin  worth  2  guilders. 

In  Lootoo  and  the  territories  in  Borneo  belonging  to  that  country  the  currency 
consists  of  doubloons,  dollars,  and  Pitis,  5,000  of  which  are  equal  in  value  to  a  dollar. 
These  small  zinc  coins  are  made  in  China  and  Manilla  for  the  Lootoo  market,  and  are 
similar  to  the  copper  cash  used  in  China,  but  are  much  smaller  and  thinner.  In  the 
extreme  North  of  Borneo  money  is  almost  unknown,  and  accounts  are  kept  in  pieces 
of  cloth,  each  piece  equal  to  1.50  dollar.  In  the  mountains  of  the  same  district 
reckonings  are  made  in  bundles  of  iron  for  large  accounts,  each  bundle,  so  far  as  I 
could  learn,  being  in  weight  about  8  lbs.  For  small  accounts  they  reckon  in  charges 
of  gunpowder. 

The  mountaineers  (Legal)  in  the  N.E.  of  Borneo,  reckon  in  cakes  of  salt  for  small 
accounts,  and  pieces  of  cloth,  each  representing  3  dollars,  for  large  accounts. 

In  the  western  part  of  New  Guinea  accounts  are  calculated  in  pieces  of  black  clothe 
each  valued  at  10  guilders. 

Weights  used  at  Brunei. 


16  taels 

=; 

1  Catty. 

100  catties 

= 

1  picul 

40  piculs 

= 

1  koyan. 

1331  lbs. 


APPENDIX.  1265 

Measures  of  Quantity. 


2  pahus  or  bambus 

rr: 

1  chupa. 

4  chupahs 

= 

1  gantang. 

10  gantangs 

= 

1  para. 

20  gantangs 

z^ 

1  picul. 

40  piculs 

^= 

I  koyan. 

Measures  of  Length. 

2  jankals  ^^  1  hasta. 

2  hastas  :=r  1  ella  or  yard. 

2  ellas  rzr  1  dapa  or  fathom. 


PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS. 
Money. 

The  currency  of  the  Philippines  is  the  Spauish  dollar  divided  into  rials  and  cuartos, 
but  for  commercial  accounts,  and  to  correspond  with  the  American  dollar,  also  divisible 
into  cents.  A  dollar  consists  of  8  rials,  equal  to  160  cuartos,  a  rial  being  equal  to  20 
cuartos. 

The  coinage  consists  of  the  gold  pieces  of  4  dollars,  2  dollars,  and  1  dollar  ;  of  the 
silver  pieces  of  4  rials  (equal  to  50  cents),  2  rials  (equal  to  25  cents),  1  rial  (equal  to 
12^  cents),  and  a  recent  emission  of  20  and  10  cent  pieces ;  and  of  the  copper  pieces  of 
2  cuartos  and  1  cuarto. 

The  Government  accounts  are,  however,  calculated  in  escudos  or  florins  (2  to  the 
dollar),  and  in  ten-thousandths  of  an  escudo ;  thus,  1  dollar  6  rials  are  equal  to  1 
dollar  75  cents,  and  to  3  iVo^o^o  escudos. 

Weights. 

The  weights  commonly  in  use  are  the  picul  and  its  parts.  There  are  also  the  fol- 
lowing Spanish  weights : — 

8  dram  =z  1  ounce. 

16  ounces  or  2  marks  =  1  pound. 

25  pounds  =:  1  arroba     =       25^  lbs.  avoirdupois. 

4  arrobas  or  100  lbs.  :=  1  quintal   :=       102             „ 

51  arrobas  or  IST^  lbs.  =:^  1  picul       =:       148             „ 

Measures. 

The  Spanish  foot  is  about  11  j  English  inches.  It  is  divided  into  12  pulgados,  each 
containing  12  lines.  The  vara,  or  measure  for  cloth,  is  three  feet,  or  4  palmos,  or  36 
pulgados,  equal  to  33 i  English  inches;  100  varas  are  equal  to  92|  English  yards. 
English  goods  and  some  other  goods  are  sold  by  the  English  yard.  The  corge  is  20 
pieces.  The  caban,  a  measure  for  grain,  contains  3,'g"g  cubic  feet;  a  caban  of  rice 
•weighs  123  lbs.,  and  of  paddy  85  lbs.  Sixteen  Manila  piculs  equal  1  ton  English 
weight.     One  ton  weight  of  hemp  measures  2  tons  of  40  cubic  feet. 

I.  A.  7  Y 


1266 


APPENDIX. 


CHINA. 

Glossary  of  Chinese  Words. 


Chinese.  English. 

Chah Barrier. 

Chah-hwang-muh  Boom. 

Chau District,  city,  islet. 

Chin Town. 

Chuen    Channel. 

Chung-yuen Mainland. 

Fau-fu Buoy. 

Fau-tau Eoadstead. 

Fu Departmental  city. 

Gau Harbour. 

Hai    Sea. 

Hai-kau     Bight,  creek, 

Hai-kioh   Cape. 

Hai-mun   Estuary. 

Hai-yau     Gulf. 

Heh    Black. 

Hiah-kau Strait. 

Hiang-tsun  ....,,  Village. 

Hien,  Chau District  city. 

Ho River. 

Ho-tun Lighthouse. 

Hu .....,,  Lake. 

Hung     Red. 

Hwan    Yellow. 


Chinese. 


Barbarian. 


Kau   Mouth, 

Kiang    River. 

Kiau Bridge. 

Kin    Gold. 

King Capital  city. 

King-chi-chau ....  Peninsula. 

Koh    ............  Rocky  peak,  headland 

Kwang-lau  Lighthouse. 

Kwan Custom-house. 

Kuh  Valley. 

Lau    Tower,  old. 

Li Inner. 

Lin     Forest. 

Ling Chain  of  hills. 

Lung Tiger. 

Ma Horse. 

Ma-tau Jetty,  port. 


Miau 


English. 
Temple. 


Nan    South,  southern. 

Ni  Mud. 

Nui     Inner. 

Pau-tai Fort. 

Peh,  pei     North, 

Peh    White. 

Po,  Hu Lake. 

Pu Sea-shop. 

Pwang-sheh Rocks. 

Sha    Sand,  sand-bank. 

Shan,  san Hill,  Mountain. 

Shan-hu    Coral. 

Shan-ting Mountain  chain. 

Shan-tau Bluff,  cliff. 

Sha-sien    Shoal. 

Sha-tan     Bar. 

Sheh Stone. 

Sheh-tan Reef. 

Shin  Spirit  (celestial) 

Shui Water. 

Si    West,  western. 

Siau-ho Rivulet. 

Sima  (Japanese)  ,.  Island. 

Siwo  (Japanese)  . .  Current. 

So , Town,  village. 

Tah    Pagoda. 

Tau    Island,  head. 

Tau-tu Clay. 

Ting,  Ti-tau     ....  Promontory. 

To-muh Wooded. 

Tsiau-pi    Cliff. 

Tshui-sha Gravel. 

Tsui-wei    Rocky,  stony, 

Tung     East,  eastern. 

Tutan    Ferry. 

Wan Bay, 

Wi-moh-ti    Isthmus, 

Wei    Outer, 

Wei   Military  post, 

Yang Sheep. 

Yen-tun    Beacon,  buoy. 


Money. 

The  only  native  coin  now  in  use  throughout  China  is  the  tsieji,  called  cash  by  the 
English,  and  sapeque  by  the  French,  M'ho  derive  it  from  the  Portuguese  sapeca.    It 


APPENDIX. 


12G7 


is  circular  from  ^  to  ,"„  inch  in  diameter,  and  has  a  square  hole  in  the  middle  for  con- 
venience of  stringing  them.  It  is  cast,  not  stamped.  On  one  side  it  bears  the  name 
of  the  province  it  is  cast  in,  in  Mandchu  letters,  on  one  side  of  the  hole,  with  the 
Chinese  word  "  money  "  on  the  other.  On  the  other  side  is  the  name  of  the  emperor 
reigning,  on  each  side  of  the  hole,  and  above  and  below  it  two  Chinese  characters, 
signifying  "  current  money."  Copper  coins  of  this  shape  were  first  cast  about  B.C. 
1120,  when  Saul  was  King  of  Israel,  and  has  ever  since  been  retained  as  the  national 
currency. 

Spanish,  Mexican,  and  South  American  dollars  (though  not  acknowledged  by  the 
government)  are  employed  as  a  commercial  medium  throughout  the  maritime  pro- 
vinces. 

The  nominal  moneys  of  account  are  the  linng,  tsien.fan,  and  li,  called  by  foreigners 
tael,  mace,  candween,  and  cash,  the  proportion  of  which,  one  to  the  other,  is  decimal. 
The  candareen  is  equal,  only  in  accounts,  to  10  cash ;  but,  owing  to  the  deterioration 
of  the  coin,  its  actual  value  in  Canton,  in  1854,  was  about  the  eighteenth  part  of  a 
candareen,  1900  ordinary  cash,  or  1800  picked  ones,  being  paid  for  a  tael.  Since 
that  time  the  exchange  has  risen  from  various  causes,  and  only  1350  to  1400  can  be 
obtained  for  a  tael.  At  Amoy,  in  1850,  a  Spanish  dollar  would  purchase  3600  pieces 
of  the  poorest  kind,  but  only  1300  selected  ones.  At  Canton,  at  the  same  time,  the 
dollar  bought  1200  current  cash,  and  at  Shanghai  1750.  In  1863  a  dollar  at  the  same 
three  cities  would  exchange  for  1100,  1050,  and  1100  pieces,  showing  the  result  of 
freer  intercourse. 

The  terms  tael,  mace,  candai-een,  and  cash,  are  merely  denominations  of  w'eight ; 
the  cases  in  which  stamped  pieces  of  silver  (other  than  clean  dollars)  pass  current  as 
coin  being  few,  except  in  small  transactions.  It  is  more  convenient,  however,  to 
speak  of  them  as  nominal  moneys. 

The  circuli^ting  medium  in  transactions  with  foreigners,  at  the  open  ports,  is  chiefly 
in  whole  or  broken  dollars ;  the  value  of  the  dollar  in  relation  to  the  tael  varies  in 
different  transactions.  In  calculations  and  accounts  between  foreigners  and  mer- 
chants, and  almost  always  in  bargains  between  the  Chinese  themselves — 

Taels  are  converted  into  dollars  at  the  rate  of    -     -     taels  720  per  1000  dollars. 

But  payments  in  cash  are  generally  weighed  at  -     -        „  717  ,, 

Tradesmen  paid  by  compradores  receive  -     -     -     -         „    715  to  717  ,, 

The  value  of  the  tael  in  relation  to  sterling  money  was  reckoned  by  the  East  India 
Company  at  6s.  8d,,  but  its  intrisio  value  varies  according  to  the  price  payed  for 
dollars  per  ounce  in  London.  Hence,  to  convert  taels  into  sterling  money,  multiply 
the  price  payed  for  dollars  by  multiplier  1.208.  Thus,  if  the  price  of  the  dollar  be 
60d.  per  ounce,  the  value  of  the  tael  will  be  60  -f  1.208  —  72,V„d.,  it  at  66  it  will 


Taels. 

Mace. 

Candareen. 

Cash. 

Drs.  Avoird. 

Grs.  Troy. 

Grammes. 

Tolas. 

1 

10 

100 

1000 

21.33 

579.34 

37.796 

3.23 

— 

1 

10 

100 

2.13 

57.984 

3.779 

— 

— 

— 

1 

10 

0.213 

5.798 

0.378 

— 

1268 


APPENDIX. 


Commercial  Weights, 


The  unit  of  the  table  is  the  liang  or  tael. 
1  kernel  of  millet  is  1  shu. 


10  shu 

z=  1  lui. 

11  lui 

:=  1  chu  or  pearl. 

24  chu 

=  1  liang  or  tael 

= 

\\  oz.  avoir. 

16  liang  or 

taels 

=  1  kin  or  catty 

= 

lilbs.     „ 

2  kin 

=r  1  yin 

= 

2f  lbs.     „ 

30  kin 

=  1  kiun 

=: 

40    lbs.     „ 

100  kiun 

=  1  t»n  or  pierul 

= 

133 1  lbs.     „ 

120  kin 

=  1  shih  or  stone 

zzz 

160    lbs,     „ 

Chinese  weights  and  grain  measures,  and  the  linear  long  and  land  measure,  all 
vary  in  different  parts  of  the  country;  but,  as  a  general  rule,  they  are  largest  and 
longest  in  the  southern  provinces. 

I  ton  is  equal  to  16  piculs  80  catties, 
I  cwt.        „  84  catties. 

1  lb,  avoirdupois      f  of  a  catty  or  1 2  taels. 
4  oz.  is  equal  to  3  taels. 

1  picul        „        1.19047  cwt.  or  1  cwt.  21^  lb». 
3000  taels        „        302  lbs.  troy. 

The  difference  in  the  values  of  the  weights  above  a  tael  as  fixed  by  the  natives,  and 
those  in  common  use  in  China,  are  as  follows — 

British  Treaty,  French  Treaty.  Common  Weights, 

Stone     -     -     -     169.99  lbs.  avoir,  72.544  kilog.  159.11  lbs.  avoir. 

Picul      -     -     -     133.33         „  60.453     „  132  6 

Catty     -     -     -         1,333       „  604.53    grammes.  1.326     „ 

Tael       -     -     -        1,333  oz.  avoir,  37.783        „  1,328  oz.  avoir. 


Length. 


Capacity, 


Measures. 

1  lih  or  gran  is  1  fun. 
10  fun  -     -     -     1  tsun  or  inch. 


10  tsun- 

- 

- 

1 

ehih,  covid  or  foot    = 

14.1  in.  Eng, 

10  chih- 

- 

- 

1 

chang  or  pola            =: 

11.    ft.  9  in. 

10  chang 

- 

- 

1 

yin. 

1  grain  of  millet  is  1  suh. 

6  snh   - 

- 

- 

- 

1  kwei. 

10  kwei 

. 

- 

- 

1  tsoh  or  pugil. 

10  tsoh 

- 

- 

. 

1  chau  or  handful. 

10  chau 

. 

- 

. 

1  choh  or  ladle. 

0  choh 

- 

- 

- 

1  yoh  or  cup. 

2  yoh  - 

. 

- 

- 

1  koh  or  gill         = 

0.103  litre. 

2  koh  - 

- 

- 

- 

1  shing  or  pint    ^^ 

1.031     „ 

10  shing 

- 

- 

- 

1  tau  or  peck       = 

10.31       „ 

16  tau    - 

- 

- 

- 

1  yu. 

6  yu     - 

. 

. 

- 

1  koh                    = 

51.55       „ 

2  yu     - 

- 

. 

- 

1  shih                   = 

10,310     „ 

16  koh  - 

- 

. 

- 

1  ping. 

1  f u      - 

- 

- 

. 

6  tau  4  shing. 

These  are  taken  from  the  "  Chinese  Commercial  Guide,"  by  S.  Wells  Williams,  an 
excellent  work. 


APPENDIX. 


1269 


Japanese. 

Chisai 

Ko,  as  a  prefix , 

Oki     

O,  as  a  prefix    

Daibo 

Kuchi    

Makes  guchi  in  the 
compound,  as    .... 

Kawa  guchi  .....,,, 

Kawa     

Makes  Gawa  in  the 
compound 

Yama .... 

Kuni 

Nada 

Umi    

Seto    

Haua 

Saki    

Misaki    

Ura    

Minato 

Mura 

Sima,  in  the  Yedo 
dialect  pronounced 

Shima,  and  some- 
times forms  in  the 
compound  Jima,  as 

Awa  Jima 

Ham  a     

Tei-haku   

Si  wo,  pronounced  in 
Yedo 

Shiwo     

O  shiwo,  or  siwo  .... 

Ko  shiwo        „ 

Michi  shiwo  „ 

Hiki  Shiwo    „ 

Iwa 

Ishi    

Kita   

Minami 

Hagashi     

Kicihi 


JAPAN. 
Glossary  of  Japanese  Words. 

English.  Japanese.  Enohsm. 

Little,  small.  Kaze Wind. 

Little,  small.  Ame   Rain. 

Large,  great.  Yuki Snow. 

Large,  great.  Kumo     Clouds. 

Fort,  Midzu    Water. 

Mouth.  Hi Fire. 

Tsuki Moon. 

Mouth.  O  Hi Sun. 

The  river's  mouth.  Ki Tree. 

River.  Michi , Road. 

Machi     Street. 

River.  lye House. 

Mountain.  Hiroi Wide. 

Country.  Hoso Narrow. 

A  sea.  Nagai,  pronounced  in 

The  sea.  Yedo Long. 

Strait.  Nangai ,  Long. 

Point.  Mijikai Short. 

Cape.  No  (possessive  pron.)  Of. 

A  prominent  cape.  Wa  (the  definite  art.)  The. 

Bay.  Wo     (the      ohjective 

Harbour.  case.) 

Village.  Ga      (the     indefinite 

art.)    A  or  any. 

Island.  Kane,       makes       in 

the  compound 

Gane Metal. 

Island.  Aki-gane  (red  metal)  Copper. 

Awa  island.  Kin     Gold. 

Coast,  shore.  Gin     Silver. 

Anchorage.  Tetsu Iron. 

Tomio Lighthouse, 

Tide.  Se  A  shoal. 

Tide.  Fukai     Deep. 

Spring  tide.  Asai    Shallow. 

Neap  tide.  Takai     High,  lofty,  taU, 

Flood  tide.  Tera Temple. 

Ebb  tide.  Fune Boat. 

Rock.  Joki  sen     Steamer. 

Stone.  Ho  bune    Sailing  vessel. 

North.  Kuroi     Black. 

South.  Shiroi     White. 

East.  -  Hana  iro    Blue. 

West.  Ki  iro     ............  Yellow. 


1270 


APPENDIX. 


Japan  ESB. 
Hatoba 


Gake 

Take 

Ikiari     

Uma 

Imo    

Mame    

Kochira  ni  asai  ka . 
„        fukai     „ 

Nin  or  jin , .. . 

Onna 

Kodomo     

Uchi  

Hdru 

Natsu     

Unjosho     

Aki     

Fuyu 

Kama     


English.  Japanese.  English. 

Wharf,       landing-  Doro Mud. 

place.  Hashi     Bridge. 

Cliff.  Sibansho   Guard  house. 

Hill.  Guiikan     Man-of-war. 

Anchor.  Hata Flag. 

Horse.  Gats  Month. 

Potatoes.  Nichi Day 

Beans.  Omo  kaji  Starboard. 

Is  it  shoal  here  ?  Tori  kaji    Port. 

Is  it  deep  here  ?  Ushi Bull. 

Man.  Niwatori    Fowl. 

Woman.  Tamago Egg. 

Child.  Kamo     Duck. 

In,  inside,  Karo Magistrate. 

Spring.  Shikwan    Officer, 

Summer.  Daimio Noble, 

Custom  house.  Joki  sha     Railway. 

Autumn,  Oka    Land. 

Winter.  Midzu  umi    Lake. 

Sand. 


In  the  pronunciation  of  many  of  the  above  words  i  and  u  are  often  almost  inaudible. 

Money. 

The  coinage  now  in  use  in  Japan  was  adopted  in  the  year  1871,  The  Yen,  a  gold 
coin  weighing  25,72  grains  troy,  was  constituted  the  fundamental  unit  of  the  system. 
The  gold  coins  are  1,  2,  5,  10  and  20  yen  pieces,  the  latter  valued  at  £4  3s.  4d,  The 
one  yen  piece  is  valued  at  4s.  2d.  English, 

Silver  and  copper  coins  are  as  follows.  The  yen  or  dollar  being  the  coin  used  in 
paying  duties  and  in  commercial  transactions  between  Japanese  and  foreign  mer- 
chants :  — 


1  yen 
60  sen 
20  sen 
10  sen 

5  sen 


Silver. 

=     48.  2d. 

„      2s.  Id, 

lOd, 

„  5d. 

2M. 


Copper. 
1  sen  = 
\  sen  „ 
1  rin 


id. 
|d. 

a'od. 


Weights. 


4.1'oirdupois. 
1  drachm 
1  oz. 

1  pound  - 
1  cwt. 
1  ton 

Troi/. 
1  grain    - 
1  pennyweight 
1  oz. 
1  pound  - 


.4695  Momme. 
7.5117 

120.187  „ 

13161.  „ 

269220.  „ 

.01717  „ 

.4121  „ 

8.242  „ 
98.1 


APPENDIX. 

Measures. 

1  inch 

. 

. 

=                 .08378 

Shaku3. 

1  foot 

. 

. 

1.005362 

1  yard 

- 

- 

3.016086 

1  pole 

- 

- 

16.588473 

1  furlong 

. 

- 

663.539 

1  mile 

- 

- 

5308.312 

1  geographical 

mile  - 

- 

6119.304 

1  degree  - 

- 

- 

367168. 

„       or  28.330111  Ri 

!27l 


The  measures  of  capacity  are  as  follows  :- 


Japanese. 
10  Sai  - 
10  Shij-aku 
10  Is  gob 
10  Shoo 
10  To    - 


Chinese. 
1  Shiyaku  (Choh) 
1  Ngob  (Koh) 
1  Shoo  (Shing)     - 
1  To  (Tau) 
1  Koku       - 


Cuhic  measure. 
1.1075  cuhic  inches. 
11.075       „ 
110.75 
1107.5 

6.409    cubic  feet 


Liquid  measure. 

or     .3195  pints, 
or  3.195       „ 
or  3.9942  gallons, 
or  4.9928  bushels. 


INDEX. 


Aanvang  Bank,  250,  257 

Aba  Bay,  1234 

Abai  River,  508,  509 

Abaji,  899 

Abang  Islands  and  Strait, 

341.  342 
Aberdeen      Harbour      and 

Island,  962,  965 
Aboi  Point,  483 
Abra  de  Vigan,  604 
Abriop  Bank,  931 
Abro  de  Ilo,  924 
Abulag  River,  935 
Abu  Mount,  882 
Acasta  Rock,  311 
A-chau  Island,  959 
Acheen  or  Achin,  137,  138 
Achin  Head  and  River,  139 
Achterland,  831 
Acio  Point,  908 
Acis  Shoals,  487 
Acong  Rock,  998 
Actason  Rock,  266,  269 

,,        Shoal,  1138 
Adako,  1 176 
Adams  Point,  1049 
,,      Port,  1 159 
Adang  Bay,  799 
Ada  Reef,  523,  854 
Addington  Shoals,  798,  799, 

808 
Addison  Peak,  569 
Ad«nara,  777,  779 
Adie,  142 
Adirejo  River,  725 
Adkins  Cape,  1135 
Admiral  Bank,  1215 

„        Protet  Reef,  276 
Afuera  Bank,  593 
Agatuya  Island,  923 
Agbatan  Point  and  Light, 

925 
Aggel,  717 

Agincourt  Island,  1047 
Agong  Mount,  251,  745 

,,      Point,  726 
Aguadas  Islands,  131 
Agum-Agum  Point,  140 
Ai-chau  Islands,  956,  957 
Aidumea  Island,  856 
Aikavva,  1198 
Ai-no-se  Rock,  1225 
Aino  Sima,  1237 
Airy  Mount,  547 
Ai  Sima,  1223 


Ajax  Shoal  and  Buoy,  362 

Ajar  Hitam  Bay,  739 

Aji  Kawa,  1208 
,,    River,  1208 

Akashi  Strait,  1210,  121 1 

Akbar  Shoal,  238 

Akeno  Misaki,  1213 

Akishi,  1253,  1254 

Akunora,  1239 

Alabaster  Rocks,  421 

Alabat  Island,  933 

Alang  Kalem  Bank,  297 
„      Point,  704,  705 
„      Tiga    Islands,    337, 

351 
Albaguen  Island,  553 
Albay  Gulf,  930,  931 
Albert  Peak,  1073 
Albion  Head,  544 
Alceste  Island,  1139 

,,       Reef,  228,  236,  237, 

242 
,,       Shoal,  1033 
Alexander  Shoal,  637 
Alexandra  Bank,  621 
Algerine  Bluff,  1228,  1229 

,,         Point,  1086 
AH  Bandang,  847 
Alibijaban  Island,  928 
Alibi  Rock,  1022 
Alicia  Annie  Shoal,  665 
Alimudeen  Point,  540 
All  Sima  Island,  1205 
Alkmaar  Island,  682 
Allang  Bau  Shoal,  382 
Alias  Strait,  748,  759-761 
Alligator  Bay,  559,  774 

,,  Island,   320,   361, 

559,  1062 
,,         Point,  1086,  1097 
Alloo  Strait,  777 
Allor  Island,  339,  782 

,,  Strait,  7S0,  781 
Almahera  Island,  871 
Almirante  and  Lighthouse, 

526 
Althea  Bank,  446,  447 
Alwina  Shoal,  255,  256 
Amagi     Yama     Mountain, 

1 180 
Amahai  Harbour,  852,  854 
Amakusa  Island,  1232, 1233 
Amalingat  Point,  551 
Amantes,  Islas  de  los,  922, 

923 


Amaze  Rock,  1214 
Amazon  Bank,  446,  447 
Ambil  Bank  and  Mountain, 

592,  593 
Amblau  Island,  823 
Amboer  Rock,  728 
Ambogaga  Bight,  775 
Amboina,  824-828 

Shoal,  818 
Ambolon  Island,  590,  591, 

923 
Ambong  Bay,  506-508 

,,        Reef,  401 
Amboyna,  824-828 

,,         Cay,  662,  663 
Amelia  Bank,  209 
Amherst  Point,  982 

,,         Rocks,  1107,  1114 
Amitsihama  Cape,  1197 
Amok  Bay,  746 
Amoy  Island  and  Harbour, 

941,  1019-1023 
Ampanam,  755,  757,  758 
Ampang  Bay,  763 
Ampa  River  and  Shoal,  488 
Amphitrite  Bay,  337,  351 

,,  Islands,  645 

Amping  and  Road,  1039 
Amsterdam  Fort,  812 

,,  Island,       677, 

.797.  879 
Amul  Mountain,  592 
Amurang  Bay,  811 
Amur  Shoal,  290 
Amy  Douglas  Shoal,  667 
Anakan  Lagoon,  724,  728 
Anak  Seera  Islands,  336 
,,     Varella  Island,  335 
Anam,  428 

,,       Money,  &c.,  1260- 
1262 
Anama  Point,  1250,  1251 
Anamba  Islands,  610-613 
Ananas  Island,  292 
Anang,  954 
Anauayan  Island,  910 
Anchorage  Island,  555,  576, 

1207 
Anda  Island,  883 
Andellan  Island,  158 
Angas  Point,  929 
Angelica  Reef,  772 
Angeneita  Islands,  681 
Anhin,  424 
Aniguig,  915 


INDEX. 


1273 


Anima  Sola  Island,  908,909 
Anipahan    and    Peak,    546, 

547 
Anjer  and  Lights,  162,  163, 

671 
Anjol  Cape,  731, 
Anna  Grabs  Point,  123 
Anson  Bay,  gSo 

,,      Bluff,  1022 
Antelope  Shoal, 185, 541, 644 
Antique,  915 
Ant  Islands,  509 
Anto  Island,  298,  299 
Antoran  Point,  745 
Antu  Island,  317 
Anung-hoy      Island       and 

Point,  977,  980 
Aoga  Sima  Island,  1193 
Aogi  Seto,  1215,  1216 
Aosa  Saki,  1243 
Ao-shan  Island,  1084 
Aosima  Yama,  1247 
Ao-ti-bon-lai  Bay,  411 
Ao-ti-no\v  Bay,  411 
Aou-wa-nah,  1036 
Aparri,  935 
Ape  Hill,  1037 
Api  Island,  764,  766 
,,    Passage,  614 
,,    Point,  197,  480 
Apiton  Island,  910,  914 
A  Point,  434 

Apo  Island  and  Shoal,  589 
Apollos  Island,  1170 
Apomi  Point,  950 
Apowan  Harbour,  465 
Appo  Island,  539 

,,     Shoal,  589 
Appurawan,  546 
Arafura  Sea,  848,  849 
Arakun  Dur  River,  142 
Arari  Bay,  117S 

,,     Point,  i2o5 
Arch  Rock,  1226 
Ardasier  Bank,  664-665 
Ardassier  Rock,  873 
Ardjoena  Peak,  671,  703 
Arena  Point,  928 
Arend  Bank,  187 
Arends  Island,  738,  741 
Arentes  Island,  738 
Arethusa  Reef,  401 
Argopoera  Mountain,  715 
Argo  Shoal,  255 
Arguna  Bay,  857 
Ariadne  Rock,  1107,  11 14 
Ariaga  Island,  883 
Arkold  Rock,  1196 
Arlyi  Rocks,  1035 
Armadores  Island,  883 
Arnemuiden  Rock,  736,  737 
Aroostook  Reef,  1246 
Arrang-Arrang  Island,   128 
Arroa  Islands,  125-126 
Arrogant  Reef,  705 
Arru  Islands,  841-846 
Arthur  Head,  1137 
„       Port,  1159 
I.   A. 


Aruba  Shoal,  288 
Asama  Bank,  1241,  1243 
Asam  Island,  746 
Ashika  Sima  Rocks,   1182, 

1183 
Ashme  Rock,  1020 
Ashuelot  Rocks,  1029 
Ashumah  Island,  1050 
Asina  Bay,  1180,  1187 
Asing  Point,  494 
Asi  Sima,  1198 
Aska  Sima,  1242 
Assam,  749 
Assarhan  River,  146 
Asses'  Ears  Islands,  1229 

,,         ,,      Peaks,  404,  959 
Assing  River,  196,  197-198 
Astrolabe  Rocks,  1246 
Atapopa, 789 
Atjeh  River,  139 
Atkin  Rock,  336-337 
Atsusi  no  Osima,  1242 
Atta  Point,  776 
Atwick  Rock,  266 
Audacious  Rock,  1045 
Augusta  Island,  863,  864 
Aurora  Bank,  795,  873 
Austin  Island,  584 
Awa,  1182,  1202 
Awadji,  1208 

,,       Sima,  1202 
Awa  Peninsula,  1189 

,,     Rock,  1213 

,,     Sima,  1213,  1248 
Awatsu  Bay,  1180 
Awomori   and   Bay,    1248- 

1249 
Awoota  Rock,  1016 
Ay-aw   Banks    and    Creek, 

1041 
Ayer  Bank,  682 

,,    Brani  Island,  377-378 

,,    Masein  Bank,  275 
Aylen  Bay,  1139 
Ayma  Rock,  io5r 
Azuma,  1185 

Baa,  788 
Baaikonka,  817 
Baars  Island,  772 
Baba  Island,  839-840 
Ba-bou  River,  432 
Babuyan  Islands,  935-936 
Babi  Island,  672,  780,  782, 
824,  843,  844 
,,     Islands,  402 
Bacahuan  or  Bacauan,  910, 

914 
Bac  Island,  449 
Bacht-long-vi  Island,  468 
Back  Cap  Peak,  545 
Back-li  Bay,  477 
Backsha  Point,  473 
Bacolot  Harbour,  90S 
Bacon,  930 
Bacos  Islands,  927 
Bacuit  Bay,  561,  563-564, 

565 


Badas  Island,  299 
Baddoe,  158 
Baddu  Island,  158 
Badiak  Cove,  769-770 
Badinh  Mountain,  433 
Badjak  Island,  773 
Badog  Isle,  605 
Badong  Bay,  747,  753 
Badyoa,  8i5 
Bae  Vioung  Island,  633 
Bagaca  Point  Light,  907 
Bagacay,  930,  931,  933 
Bagamanoe,  931 
Bagan  Panas  River,  142 

,,      River,  142 
Bagatao  Island,  929 
Baginda  Point,  199 
Baglas  Island,  908 
Baglen  Head,  723-724 
Bago  Island,  252 
Baguala  Bay,  825,  828 
Baguan  Island,  918 
Bahalatolis  Island,  917 
Bahek  Cape,  444 
Ba-helee  River,  549 
Bahia  de  Sarangani,  897 

,,      Reef,  865 
Bajo  de  Apo  Shoal,  5S9 

,,     Lipata,  907 
Bajue,  816 
Bakauw  Point,  337 
Ba  Ke  Cape,  444 
Bakit  Moar  Hill,  133 
Bakka  Shoal,  255 
Baksha  Village,  471 
Bakungan  Mountains,  751 
Balabac  Great  Reefs,  523 

,,        Island  and  Strait, 
513,  522-539 
Peak,  523 

,,        Strait  Main  Chan- 
nel, 530 
Balagan  Bay,  927 
Ba-lai  River,  431 
Balambangan   Island,  512, 

513 

Balambing,  887 
Balanac,  603 
Balanipa,  806 
Balanranga  Island,  815 
Balansungain    Islands  and 

Peak,  541 
Balatetto  Cape,  822 
Balat  River,  460 
Balawan  River,  143-144 
Balbatan  Island,  914,  916 
Baler  Bay,  934 
Balereh  Island,  763 
Balesin  Island,  933 
Balicuatro  Islands,  902 
Balik  Papan  Bay,  800 
Balino,  905 

Balintang  Islands,  938 
Bali  Peak,  745 
Ballang  Island,  299 

„        Peak,  802 

,,        River,  485 
Ballast  Island,  951 

7  z 


1274 


INDEX. 


Bally,  756 
Balo,  931 
Balolo  Rock,  558 
Balony  River,  484 
Baltu  Rackil  Rock,  409 
Balulu  Point,  559 
Balundangan  Island,  529 
Balunrueh  Island,  815 
Baly  Island  and  Strait,  742- 

754 
Bambek  Shoal,  126,  128 
Bambo  Bambo  Cape,  757 
Bamboe  Island,  255 
Bamboo  Town,  983 
Bampton  Bank,  741 
Bamukan  Bay,  798 
Banana  Island,  830 
Bancalan  Island,  513,  536 
Bancawan  Channel,  521 
Bancawang  Island,  920 
Bancawan  Island  and  Reef, 

529 
Bancoran  Island,  921 
Banda  Islands,  829-S34 
Bandar  Bahru,  118 
Banda  Sea,  834-S4S 

,,      Shoal,  631 
Banditi  Islands,  746-717 
Bandjermasin,  739-740 
Bandyer  River,  739-740 
Banfif  Bay,  615 
Bangaai  Island,  813 
Bangao  Islands  and  Rocks, 

1074 
Bangapally  Islands,  870 
Bangalore  Reef,  772 
Bang-ka,  1043 
Bangkok  River  and  Light, 

412,  425-427 
Bango  Inlet,  762 
Bang-pa-kong  River,  425 
Bang-Pasoi,  424 
Bang  Pra,  424 
Banguey     Island,     Shoals, 

and  Channel,  512-529 
Bangui  Port,  605 
Banjoan  Island,  777 
Banjoe  Japa  Rock,  727 

...      Njapa,  725 
Banjoewangie,     671,     748, 

751-752 
Banju  Wedan  Bay,  744 
Banka  Bank,  147 

,,      East  Coast  of,  234 

,,      Island     and    Strait, 
812 

,,      North      Coast      of, 
224-226,  260 

,,      Point  and  Hill,  202 

,,      Strait,  187-224 

,,      West  Coast  of,  199 
Bankela  Island,  813 
Banks  of   Soundings,  104- 

105 
Banlam,  412 
Banog  Bay,  547 
Bansu  Hana,  1188,  1189 
Banta  Island,  766 


Bantam     and     Bay,     671, 
672-574 
,,        Cape,  454 
Bantayan  Island,  908 
Bantay  Island,  604 
Bantigui  Cape,  927 
Banting  Mattie,  729 
Banton  Island,  925 
Baoloeang  Island,  819 
Bappang  Reef,  692 
Baras  Port,  931 
Barat  Bank,  497 
Barbacan  Point,  577 
Bara  Island,  405 
Barbukit  Hill,  385,  395 
Bare  Islets,  851 
,,    Rocks,  303 
Baring  Mount,  577 
Bar  Island,  421,  1136 
Barito    River    and    Buo}s, 

739-740 
Barneveld  Fort,  878 
Barn  Island,  232:  245,  361 
Baroe  Island,  292 
Baron  Bight,  723 

,,      Island,  719-720 
Barou  Islands,  493 
Barracouta  Rock,  1237 
Barra  Fort,  952 
Barram    Point    and   River, 

488,  490 
Barren  Bay,  1072 

,,       Island,     310,     363, 

580,  947,  1077 
,,       Islands,  1090 
Barreras,  Puerto,  905 
Barrete  Island,  936 
Barrie  Bay,  770 
Barrier  Beacon,  493-494 
,,       Passage   and   Bea- 
cons, 987 
Bartoc  Island  and  Reef,  558 
Barton  Point,  579 
„       Port,  552,  553 
„       Rock,  510 
Baru  Bay,  336 
Barugo  Port,  929 
Barung  Island,  719-720 
Basalt  Island,  994-995 
Base  Bay,  566 

„    Cliff  and    Reef,    585, 
5S6 
Bashee  Channel,  1032-1033 
Bashi  Islands,  937-939 
Basi,  932 
Basilan  Island  and   Strait, 

892-S94 
Bassa  Island,  817 
Bassar  Island,  760 
Basso  Island,  351 
Bassok  Bank,  434 
Basso  Point,  337 
Bastaard  Islands,  771 
Bastion  Cape,  47S 
Ba-swa  Mountains,  1036 
Batag  Island,  902 
Batak,  138 
Batakarang  Point,  198,  222 


Batalampon  Point,  913 
Batangan  Cape,  454 
Batangas  Bay,  927 
Batang  Lupar  River,  483 

,,        Rock,  721 
Batanguingi  Island,  892 
Batan  Islands,  930,  937-939 
Batanta  Island    and    Reef, 

860 
Batavia,  671,  672,  677-688 
Bat  Bay,  719 
Batchian  Island  and  Strait, 

878 
Bate  Channel,  536 

,,    Island,  1000 

,,    Rock,  981 
Ba-thac  River,  431 
Batjan  Island,  878 
Batoang  Island,  281 
Batoe  Dodol,  750 
,,     Poetie,  791 
Batolaqui  Shoal,  891 
Batomande  Rocks,  511 
Bator  Cove,  729 

,,     Volcano,  746 
Battam    Islands  and    Bay, 

392,  394 
,,         Island,  348 

Battanta  Island,  860 

Battery  Point,  1232 

Battoo    Mandi    Shoal    and 
Buoy,  129 

Batto  Tinga  Rocks,  129 

Batuan  Bank,  275 

Batu  Balia,  125 
,,     Balu,  134 
,,        ,,      Rock,  894 
„    Barra  Bay  and  River, 

144,  145-146 
,,     Batong  Shoal,  796 
,,     Creek,  140 
,,     Goyang  Island,  843 
,,     Hadji  Strait,  349,  363 
,,     Island,  773 
,,     Kapal,  139 
,,     Lakie  Island,  817 
,,     Mandi,  125 
,,     Meau,  837 
,,     Pedir,  140 
,,     Point,  324 
,,     Pulo  Matti,  S33 
,,     Putih  Rocks,  511 
,,     Sombo  Island,  879 

Batutara  Island,  779 

Baua  Islands,  611 

Bauang,  927 

Baudin  Cape,  856 

Baugh  Island,  1049 

Baulao,  555,  560 

Bavi'an  or  Bawean  Island, 
704-705 

Baya  Cape,  770 

Bayan  Point,  197 

Bay  Hill,  1036 
,,    Island,  419,  551,  584 
„    Islet,  560 

Bayonnaise  Island,  1193 

Bay  Peak,  554,  577 


INDEX. 


1275 


Bay  Rock,  1134,  1235 
Bazol  Bay,  602 
Beacon  Hill,  951,  1098 
Beak  Head  and  Island,  1079 

,,         ,,       Channel,   1076, 
1077,  1079-10S0 
Bearing  Point,  740 
Bear  Island,  1075 
Beatrice  Shoal,  787 
Beau  Bay, 810 
Beaufort  Island,  962.  1161 
Mount,  546,  574 
Becher  Islets,  1092 
Bedoelang  Point,  715 
Bedong  Mount,  618 
Beecher  Point,  542 
Beehive  Rock,  1090 
Bejaren  Island,  881 
Bekas  Creek,  142 
Belang  Island,  760 
Belas  Creek,  142 
Belauan  Island,  892 
Belawn  Island,  892 
Belelei  Island.  401 
Belgica  Fort,  833 
Belierang  Mount,  715 
Beliling  and  Road,  743,  745 
Bella  Vista  Island,  goo 
Belliqueux  Reef,  710 
Bell      Island,      1014-1015, 

1025,  1084 
Bello  Port,  902 
Bell  Shoal,  922 
Belo  Island,  759 
Belvedere  Shoals,  265.  269 
Bengao  Island.  892 
Benkoloean  Island,  797 
Bennet  Bank,  905 
Ben-nhau  River,  431 
Benoa  Point,  746 
Benolo  Island,  252 
Benoni  River,  503 
Bent  Island,  1028 
Bentoan  Peak,  547 
Beradjang  Creek,  140 
Berak  Cape,  815 
Berala  Point  and  Spit,  370 
Beraoe,  S16 
Berba  Island,  337 
Berdaun  Rock,  371, 378 
Bergat  Rock,  720 

Berlayer  Point    and    Rock, 

360.  376 
Bernam  River,  118 

Bersiap  Hill,  212 

Besar  Cape,  810 
,,      River,  113 

Beschutter  Island,  175 

Bessek  Head,  728 

Bessie  Island,  570 
,,      Point,  770 

Bessi  Island.  821-822 

Betbet  Point,  554 

Bethune  Head,  500 

Belong  Island,  252 
,,       Point.  167 

Beuffle,  Cone  de,  861 

Beveridge  Point,  1020 


Bezee  Island  and  Channel, 

Bezoeki,  671,  715-716,  748 
Bias   Bay  and   Point,  999- 

lOOI 

Bidan  Island,  iio 

Bien-hoa,  432 

Bien  Shan  Island,  458,  459 

Biga,  931 

Bigan  Road,  604 

Bight  Islands,  171 

Big  Island,  999,  1000 

Bihu,  140 

Bilaa  Point,  899 

Bilitan  Island,  S87 

Billimbing  Bay,  166 

Bill  Islet,  loio 

Billiton,  229,  251,  273-274 

Bima  Bay,  764 

Binagon   Point  and  Light, 

.925 
Binanan  Isles,  910 
Binanga  Port,  600 
Binan  Island,  314 
Binget  Island,  252 
Bingo  Xada,  1213 
Binkang  Bay,  449 
Binnen  Bank,  210 
Binonko  Island,  835 
Bintang,  302-304,  392,  395 
Bintoot  Island,  gig 
Bintoulan  Island,  885 
Bintula  River,  486-487 
Binurun  Point,  931 
Binzli  Reef,  1207 
Bioe  Bay,  764 
Bira  Birahan   Island,  801 
,,     Birakan  Islands,  794 
Bird  Island.  494,  502,  581, 
839,  S57.    1054-1055 
,.     Rock,   1078 
Birds'    Nest    Islands,    290, 

292 
Biriyo  Sima,  1226 
Birose  Rocks,  1214 
Biro  Sima.  1228 
Bisa  Island,  509-510,  511 
Bisayas  Islands,  895 
Bisi  Island,  290 
Bisu  Bintoot  Island,  gig 
,,    Bohan  Island,  gig 
Bitjoli  Bay,  S73 
Bit  Rock,  iog4,  11 12 
Bittern  Island  and  Rocks, 
1064,   1065,  1068, 
1248 
,,        Shallows,        11571 
1158 
Bitzoli  Bay,  873 
Bivouac    Island,    543,   560, 
580 
,.         Point,  571 
Blackburne  Shoal,  843 
Black  Cliff  Head,  1060 
„      Head,  1016 
,,       Islands,  1146 
,,      jack  Islands,  453 
„      Mount,  1007 


Black  Peninsula,  509-510 
,,      Point,  1036,  1121 
,,      Rock,  117,  290,  303, 
1008,    1053, 
1062,    1189, 

1 193 
„       Bay,  1034 

,,  ,,       Point,  1006 

Reef,  262 

„      Rocks,  392,  766.  868 
Blackwall  Channel,  1087 
Blackwood  Cape,  776 
Blading  Island,  320 
Blair  Harbour,  402 
Blakan  Mati  Island,  370 
Blake  Point,  982 

,,      Reef,  1 170 
Blanco  Cape,  1195,  1200 
Blangah  Bay,  375 
Blantoe  Hill,  251,  256 
Blantong  Bay,  171 
Bias  Mateu  Rock,  231,  239 
Bleleng,  745 

Blenheim  Passage,  Canton 
River,  983 
,,  Reef,  799 

,,  Shoal,  124 

Blimbing  Bay,  166 
Blind  Harbour,  524 
Bliong  Hill,  483 
Bliss  Shoal,  231,  258 
Blitung  Island,  229 
Blockade  Strait,  556 
Block    House    Island    and 

Shoal,  1105,  mo,  1117 
Blomfield  Mount,  551 
Blonde     Channel,      Amoy 
1022 
,,  Rock,  1097 

Blond  Islands,  1160 
Blongas  Bay,  757 
Blosseville  Port,  863 
Blue  Mountains,  678,  686 

,,     River,  ggo-ggi 
Bluff  Head,  g54,  996 

,,     Island,  9g4-g95 

,,     Point,  477,  545,  944 
Boan  Island,  291 
Boat  Island,  971 

„     Rock,  557-558.  947 

,,     Rocks,  303,  1013 
Boaya  Mount,  726 
Boayan  Island,  552 
Boca  Engano  Harbour  and 
Light,  909 

„      Tigris,  976,  g7g-9Si 
Boddam  Cove,  g55-g56 
Bodjo  Negors.  703 
Bodo  Island,  770 
Boear  Island,  262 
Boediang  Island,  300 
Boeer  Bay,  759 
Boe  Islands  and  Reefs,  867 
Boegel  Cape,  6S7,  6g6 
Boekoe  Point,  336 
Boelang  Island,  348 
Boelecomba,  802 
Boelo  Boelo  Cape,  802 


1276 


INDEX. 


Boemboen  Bay,  721 
Boemie  Point,  731 
Boender,  707-708 
Boenga,  703 

Boenging  Katto  Cape,  817 
Boen  Island,  850 
Boenta  Island,  337 
Boentin  Isles,  812 
Boeova  Island,  338 
Boeroe  Cape,  856 

Island,  822-823 
Boerong  Islands,  285,  694, 
786 
,,         Point,  318 
Boeton  Island  and   Strait, 
813-815 
,,        Passage,  835 
Bohan  Island,  gig 
Bohul  Island,  908 
Boissieux  Island,  457 
Bojeador  Cape,  605,  935 
Bokhara  Rocks,  gg2-g93 
Bolalo  Bay,  556,  557 
Bolano  Bangka,  811 
Bold  Island,  290-291 

,,     Peak,  577 

„     Point,  203,  575,  576 
Boleng  Strait  and  Islands, 

780 
Bolinao,  603 
Bolk,  785 
Bollan  Bay,  394 
Boiling  Strait,  777,  780 
BoUong    Head    and   Rock, 

723,  724-725 
Bolole  Point,  810 
Bolombo  Island,  345 
Bolontio  Point,  810 
Bolus  Bank,  358 
Bombay  Castle  Shoal,  622, 
662 
,,        Shoal, 642,  655-65G 
Bondog  Head  and  Mount, 

928 
Bondulan  Point,  gii 
Bonerato,  773 
Bongalao  Island,  886 
Bong  Island,  45g 
Bongkie  Island,  811 
Bongo  Island,  897 
Bonham  Islands,  1095 
Boni  and  Gulf,  815-817 
Bonie  Banko  Rock,  805 
Boni  Harbour,  862 

,,     Rock,  816 
Bonnet  Rock,  1241,  1243 
Bonoa  Island  and  Strait,  854 
Bonolano  Volcano,  926 
Bonthein  and  Peak,  802 
Bool,  810 

Booleelooyan  Cape,  539 
Boompjes  Eiland,  238 

,,  Island  and  Light, 

690 
Islands,  686,  835 
,,         Reef,  177 
Boom  Rock,  175 
Boonting  Islands,  no 


Boorong  Island,  290 
Boot  Bank,  796-797 

,,     Sand,  1025 
Boreas  Bank,  187 
Borne,  167 

Borneo,  East  Coast  of,  794 
,,        Money,  &c.,  1264- 

1265 
,,        North- East   Coast 

of,  917-918 
,,        North- West  Coast 

of,  480 
,,        South     Coast     of, 

739-741 
,,        West     Coast     of, 
281 
Boshi  Yama,  1228 
Bottan  Lumang  Island,  878 
Botavanan  Island,  932 
Bottefurh  Rock,  loio 
Botel  Islands,  iig 
Botel-tobago  Islands,  1033 
Bottle  Islands,  119 

,,       Rock,  1173,  1207 
Boudruet  Rocks,  1034 
Bougainville  Island,  613 

,,  Passage,  87b 

Bougsook  Island,  513,  538 
Boulder  Hill,  1135 
Bouncer  Rocks,  956 
Boungo      Channel,      1164, 

1202 
Boung  Quioua  Cape,  457 
Bouro  Island  and  Bay,  822- 

823 
Bowen  Island,  538 
Bower  Patch,  115-116 

,,      Point,  980 

,,      Shoal,  276 
Bowong  Point,  492-493 
Boyah  Rock,  405 
Boykaai  Bay,  788 
B  Point,  435 
Braai  River,  775 
Brabands    Hoedje    Island, 

164 
Brace  Islands,  306 
Brahalla  Island,  335 
Brakit  Rock,  392-393 
Brambang  Mount,  726 
Branding  Breakers,  241 

,,         Shoal,  230 
Brani  Point,  203 

,,      Reef  and  Buoys,  377, 

378-379 
Brass  Basin  Island,  1068 
Breaker  Bay,  487 

,,        Point,  looi,  1008 
,,        Reef,  541,  657 
,,        Rock,  1028 
Breakers  Island,  152 
Breakwater  Island,  1030 

,,  Reef,  1035 

Brebes  Point,  688 
Breda  Bank,  446 
Bree  Point,  281 
Brekat    Bank    and    Point, 
238,  269 


Bremen  Bank,  642 
Bremer  Channel,  981 

,,        Point,  987 
Bremmer  Channel,  979,  g8i 
Brewers  Strait,  148 
Brian  Island,  615 
Brig  Island,  1012 
Brilliant  Bank,  790 
Brill  Shoal,  797 
Brisbane  Rock,  300 
Bristly  Point,  879 
Britannia  Bay,  765 
Britto  Bank,  444 
Broadway  Entrance, Canton 

Rivers,  950-951 
Broken  Head,  547 

,,       Island,  1087 
Brom-Brom  Reef  and  Buov, 

208 
Brooke  Island,  1095 

,,       Point,  481 
Brossot,  723 

Brother  Islands,  417,  5S4 
Brothers  Islands,  136,  146, 
177.    349,    351, 
355.    429,  47S- 
479.    746,    944. 
g68,    1056 
,,         Islets,  1015 
Broughton  Bay,  1050 

,,  Rock,  iig4 

Brouwers  Sand,  164 
,,  Shoal,  736 

,,  Reefs,  186 

Brown  Reach,  g87 
„       Reef,  253 
,,       Rock,  1020 
,,       Shoals,  666 
Brow  Peak,  545 
Bruas  River,  113 
Bruit  River,  484-485 
Bruni  Bluff,  48g 
,,      River,  4go-4g4 
,,      Shoals,  48g 
Brunswick  Shoals,  g85 
Bryson  Point,  574 
Buac,  925 
Bubon  Point,  553 
Bubuan   Island,   886,   892, 

893 
Buccleugh  Shoal,  861,  865 
Bucu  Island,  6i5 
Buckle  Point,  574 
Buffaloes  Nose  Island,  1076 

,,         Rocks,  701 
Buffalo  Horn  Peak,  861,  862 

,,        Island,  453 

,,       Nose  Channel  and 
Island,  1076, 1077 

„       Peak,  838 

„       Rock,  363,  366 
Buffels  Rocks,  701 
Bugay,  935 
Buging  River,  142 
Bugsuk  Island,  538 
Bugui  Point,  905 
Buisaco  Islet,  1179 
Bu  Islands,  867 


INDEX. 


1277 


Buitenzorg,  677 

Buket  Kalamit  Hill,  847 

„      Krain  Hill,  S47 
Bukit  Batu,  148,  213 

,,      Beloe,  207 

,,      Jerom,  iig 

,,      Jugru,  123 

,,      Limmaun,  204 

,,      Pandin,  207 

,,      Panjang,  207 

,,      Tempelang,  207 

,,      Trokit  Rock,  407 
Bukkungaan  Islands,  91S 
Buku  Point,  336 
Bulacan,  935 
Bulacaue  Punta,  gog 
Bulalacao  Island,  g23 
Bulan,  929 

Bulanhow  Mountain,  540 
Buliluyan  Cape,  536,  539 
Bulipongpong  Island,  885 
Bullock  Harbour,  1068 
Bullock's  Head  Gate  Island, 

958 
Bulo  Bay,  224 
Buloffs  Island,  857 
Buluagan  Port,  912-913 
Buluk  Island,  894 
Bululu  Point,  558 
Bulusan  Volcano,  930 
Bunga  Inlet,  762 
Bungala  Creek,  140 
Bungalun  Rock,  801 
Bungan  Banks,  144-145 

,,        Bungan  Point,  144 
Bungarang  Reef,  704 
Bungie  Cape,  817 
Bunoa  Island,  308 
Bunsansiah  Rock,  969 
Bunting  Islands,  no 
Buol,  891 

Buoy  Rock,  452,  525 
Buran     Darat      Reef    and 

Beacon, 371 
Bura  Rock,  714 
Burias  Island,  908-909 
Buri  Point,  596 
Burong  Creek,  140 

,,        Island,     255,     405, 
483,  494,  502 
Buru,  816 

,,      Cape,  856 
,,      Island,  822-823 
Buruncan  Point,  590 
Busuagan  Island,  586 
Busainga      Harbour      and 

Light,  909 
Busuanga  Island,  586 
Bush  Head,  560 

,,      Island, 306, 1045, 1  io5 
,,     Reef,  996 
Busin  Harbour  and  Lights, 

908-909 
Butag  Bay,  929 
Buton  Island,  813-815 
Button  Island,  165,  292,  477 

,,       Islet,  571 

,,        Rock,  449 


Buttun  Point,  530 
Butuan  Gulf,  899 
Buy  Island,  917 
Buzen,  1218 
Byan  Island,  539 

Cabalas  Island,  551 
Cabalete  Island,  933 
Cabaluyan  Island,  603 
Cabangan,  601 
Cabra  Island,  593 
Cabugao,  931 
Cabuli  Island,  567,  584 
Cabusao,  932 
Cacbalisay  Island,  932 
Cacbolo  Island,  551 
Cacnipa  Island,  552 
Cacraray  Island,  930 
Cadlao  Island,  564-565 
Caduljuan  Cape,  905 
Cagayan  de   Sulu   Islands, 

918-919 
Cagayanes     Islands,     921- 

922 
Cagua  Mount,  934 
Caguayan,  930 
Cahayagan  Island,  902 
Cai-cong,  433 
Cai-ho-lo  River,  549 
Cairnsmore      Rock,      1094, 

1112 
Cajeli  Bay,  822-823 
Calabazas  Islands,  910 
Calagnan  Island,  gio 
Calagnas  Islands,  932 
Calagua,  933 
Calalan  Mount,  897 
Calamianes    Islands,    586- 

588  _  _ 
Calamitian  Island,  603 
Calandorang  Bay,  523,  526- 

527 
Calangaman  Island,  906 
Calantas  Bank,  904,  929 
Calapan,  924 
Calap  Island,  859 
Calavite  Cape,  592,  924 
,,         Island,  587-5S8 
Calayan  Island,  936 
Calder  Harbour,  384 
Calintan  Island,  929 
Calitan  Island,  566 
Callang  River,  120 
Cal-li-bu-gon  Hill,  542 
Calocoto  Rock,  588 
Calolbong,  931 
Calusa  Island,  922 
Camaman  River,  406 
Camao  Point,  412,  415 
Cambodia,  428 

,,  Point,  415 

River,  430-432 
Cambrian  Pass,  1081 

,,         Reef,  1033 
Cambridge  Rock,  960 
Cambyna  Island,  815 
Camden  Reef,  923 
Cameleon  Rock,  342,  750 


Camel's  Hump  Island,  310 
Cami  Cape,  469,  470 
Camigao  Island,  908 
Camiguin  Island,  899,  936- 

937 

Camono  Sima,  1229 

Camote  Islands,  906 

Campou  River,  149 

Cam-ranh  Bay  and  Har- 
bour, 448 

Ca-mung-yan  Island,  547- 
548 

Cana,  446 

Canabungan    Island,   536- 

537 
Canada  Shoal,  663 
Canaguaion,  903 
Canamuan  Peninsula,  931, 

932 
Canary  Islands,  858 
Cancao  River,  416 
Cancea  Rock,  558 
Candaraman  Inlet,  524 

,,  Island,      536, 

537 
Caneepaan  Bay  and  River, 

540 
Caneepahan  Hill,  540 
Cangio  and  Point,  432,  433, 

435 
,,       Bank,  434 
Canica  Point,  558 
Canimeran  Island,  538,  539 
Canimo  Islands,  932 
Canipo  Island,  923 
Cannibal  Island,  674 
Canning    Fort   and    Light, 
370 
,,         Rock,  264 
Canton,  988-990 

,,         Packet  Shoal,  873 
,,        River,  979-990 
,,         Rivers,  949-963 
Capalonga  River,  933 
Capatancillo  Island,  go6 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  1009- 

lOIO 

Cap  Island,   164,  349,  353, 

889,  1159 
Capiz,  909 

Capoas  Cluster,  660-661 
,,        Mount    and    Cape, 

554 
Capones  Point  and  Islands, 

601 
Cap  Rock,  1086 
Capsalay  Island  and  Reef, 

553 
Cap-sing-mun  Passage,  969 
Captain  Bank,  1215 
Capuchin  Point,  154 
Capul  Island,  904 
Capyas  Island,  540 
Caraballos  Montes,  926 
Caraga,  900 

,,        Province,  S97 
Carao  Bay,  932 
Caravallo  Point,  605 


1278 


INDEX. 


Carcaralong  Islands,  883 
Carigara,  902 
Carimata  Island,  280 

,,         Strait,  271-294 
Carimon  Islands,  136,  347, 

352,  354'  365 
Carlandagan  Islands,   580- 

581 

Carnatic  Shoal,  656 

Carnbee  Rocks,  250,  257 

Carpenters  Rocks,  155 

Carrington  Reefs,  517,  520 

Casiguran  Bay,  934 

Cass  Spit,  1022 

Castellated  Rock,  1067 

Castle  Island,  582 
,,      Islands,  1162 
,,      Point,  575,  1064 
,,      Rock,  967,  1077 

Castor  Bank,  297 
,,  Point,  746 
„      Rock,  734 

Casuarina  Point,  203,  571 

Catanduanes   Island,   931- 
932 

Catbalogan,  902 

Catherine  Bank,  160-161 
,,  Islands,  872-873 

Catharine    Reef,   266,    268, 
278 

Catong  Sandbanks,  369 

Catwick  Islands,  635-638 

Cauagan  Point,  605 

Cauayan  Island,  565 

Caucave  Point,  597 

Cau-chau  Islands,  953 

Cau  Island,  453 

Cauit  Point,  go6 

Cauluan  Island,  893 

Cava  Shoal,  651 

Cavern  Island,  565 

Cavilli  Island,  922 

Cavite,  598 

Cayagan  Island,  918-gig 

Cayeli  Bay,  822-823 

Cayman  Point,  602 

Cay  Marino  Shoal,  665 

Cayo  Marino  Shoal,  651 

Cebu  Island,  906-908 

Cecille  Archipelago,    1169- 
1170 

Ceicer  de  Mer  Island,  638- 

639 
Celebes  Island,  801-820 

Sea,  884 
Celestial  Reefs,  267 
Central  Island,  884 
,,        Islands,  1078 
,,       London  Reef,  624 
Centre  Island,  306,  1179 
Ceramese  Sea,  865 
Ceram  Island,  852-854 

,,       Laut  Island,  851 
Ceramsche  Zee,  865 
Cervera    Bank    and    Rock, 

906,  908 
Cetaceo  Mount,  934 
Chabrol  Bay,  863 


Chailachap    Harbour     and 

Light,  724-728 
Chain  Islands,  1072 

,,     Rock,  981 
Chalk  Islands,  1022 
Challum  Bay,  1014 
Chamber  Island,  830 
Cham-Collao    Island,    454- 

455 
Champon  River,  410 
Chang-chau-fu,  1019 
Chang  Cheun  cham  Island, 

948 
Changchi  Island,  1061-1062 
Changhi  Point,  382 
Chang-pih  Island,  1087 
Chang-shan  Channel,  1146 
,,  Island,       987, 

1145-1146 
,,  Tail  Spit,  1146 

Chang-tau  Strait,  1091 
Chang-tow  Island,  1091 
Channel  Rock,  1048 

„  Rocks,  1137-1138 
Channels,  Penang,  iog-112 
Chapel   Island  and    Light, 

1017 
Chappoo  Bay,  477 
Chapu,  1102-1103 
Charles  Albert  Archipelago, 

857 
Charles  Louis    Mountains, 

856 
Charlotte  Bank,  631 
Charybdis  Harbour,  1145 

,,  Rock,  115 

Chauan  Bay, 1014 
Chauchat  Rocks,  1018,  1021 
Chau-chu-fu,  loii 
Chausot  Island,  856 
Chay-le-pi  Rocks,  465 
Chayune  Island,  469 
Chayung  Island,  468 
Chefoo,  941 
Chehkiang,  1103 
Chekiang,  109a 
Chelang  Point,  1004 
Chelsieu  Rock,  1014 
Cheng  Rock,  1073 
Chentabun  River,  421-422 
Chen-to  Rock,  loii 
Cheribon    and    Light,   671, 
691 
,,        Peak,  691 
,,        Road,  687 
,,        Rock,  672,  675 
Cherimon  Island,  490 
Chermin  Bay,  376 
Chesney  Island,  1095 
Che-tong-ka,  1037 
Chiawo  Bay,  873 
Chichakoff  Cape,  1201,  1231 
,,  Cape  and  Light, 

1171-1172 
Chi-chau  Island,  958,  959, 

972 
Chief  Bay,  1145 
Ch'ich_Yang  Island,  469 


Chifu    Harbour  and   Cape, 
1141-1144 
,,      Peak,  1 144 
Chih-seu  Island,  1019 
Chikhok  Islands,  1071 
Childers  Rock,  1094 
Chili  Province,  1129 
Chim  Island,  1028 
Chim-kong-o  Bay,  1036 
Chimmo     Bay   and    Point, 

1024,  1036 
Chimney  Island,  767,  1016 

,,         Point,  1053 
China,  Coast  of,  940-1031, 
1056- I 162 
,,      Glossary,       Money, 

&c.,  1266-1268 
,,      Great  Wall  of,  1 153- 

1154 

,,      Point,  716 

,,      Reef,  280 

,,      Sea,  609-667 
Chin-Chew  Island,  944 
Chin-chu    Harbour,    1025- 

1026 
Chingho    Entrance,     Liau- 

tung  Gulf,  1 153 
Ching  Keang  Harbour,  io85 
Ching-moy-tow  Island,  467 
Ching  Rock,  1016 
Ching-tau-kow,  1134 
Chin-hai,  1098 
Chin-ha  Point,  1017,  1018 
Chinicaran  Island,  559 
Chinkeamun  Harbour,  1083 
Chinkiang,  941,  1104 
Chin-ki  Island,  1070 
Chinnana  River,  816 
Chinna  Point,  166 
Chin-ne-yah  Banks,  104 1 
Chino  Bay  and  Reef,  1005- 

1006 
Chinongab  Peak,  555,  557 
Chino  Peak,  1005 
^  „      Village,  945 
Chin-quan  Island,  1066 
Chin-san  Island,  1093 
Chin-tseao  Rocks,  1018 
Chi-po-san  Island,  1134 
Chloe  Island,  1078 
Chock-e-Day,  1034 
Choho  Pagoda,  1025 
Cholon,  437 
Chondong  Island,  401 
Cheng  P'ra  Cape,  410 
Chong  Samit  Channel,  422 
Choondong  Islands,  171 
Choosi  Point,  1196 
Chosan  Harbour,  1162 
Choshin,  1219 
Choukshan  Harbour,  467 
Choumay  Cape,  455 
Chouvay  Cape,  455 
Christmas  Island,  578-579 
Chrysolite  Rock,  265 
Chuck-tu-aan  Island,  958 
Chuen  Island,  422 
Chuen-pee,  978 


INDEX. 


1279 


Chuen-pee  Point,  980 
Chuen-pi  Island,  1084 
Chuen-si-san.  Island,  1135 
Chuh-seu  Island,  1071 
Chukea  Island,  1113 

,,       Island    and    Peak, 
1081 
Chu  Kiang  River,  979-990 
Chuk-wan  Islands,  956 
Chulai  Point,  411 
Chu-lu-cock  Island,  968 
Chung-chau  Island,  958 
Chung-chau-si  Island,  95S 
Chung-chi  Point,  1025 

,,  Island,     1048- 

1049,  105 1 
Chunghue  Rock,  969 
Chung  Island,  962 
Chung-Ian  Island,  466 
Chung-mun  Island,  1074 
Chung  Point,  iioo 
Chun-Ian  Harbour,  480 
Chupa  Island,  401 
Church  Point,  56S 
Churmin  Island  and  Rocks, 

493 
Chusan  Archipelago,  1077- 
1103 
,,        Island,  1083-10S9 
Chus  Peak,  1081 
Chwang-pien  Island,  io6g 
Cin  Point,  411 
Circe  Bank,  898 
,,      Reef,  263 
Cirencester  Rock  or  Shoal, 
276 
,,  Sandbank,  275 

Citv    of     Carlisle      Patch, 

187 
Clam  Islet,  1027 

,,      Strait  of,  347 
Clarendon  Bay,  525 
Claret  Rocks,  1063 
Cleft  Rock,  1066 
Clemencia  Reef,  288 
Clements      Channel,     227, 

244-249 
Cleopatra  Island,  584 

,,         Needle  Peak,  550, 

551 
Clermont      Channel      and 

Port,  613 
Cliff  Head,  551 
,,     Island,      1028,      1073, 

1074,  1078,  1 136 
,,    Islet,  562,  1015,  1091 
,,    Point,  540,  577 
Cliffs  Rock,  1089 
Clifton  Shoal,  186 
Climate,  Anamba    Islands, 
610 
,,         Canton,  989 
„         Hong  Kong,  964 
,,         Japan,  1165-1166 
,,         Liau-tung    Gulf, 

1130 
,,         Luzon,  926 
,,         Pechili  Gulf,  1130 


Climate,      Pei-ho       River, 
1 148 
,,         Shanghai,    1125- 

1126 
,,         Timor,  785 

Clio  Rock,  955 

Clipper  Road,  1012 

Clotilde  Breaker,  921 
,,        Rock,  918 

Clove  Islands,  829 

Club  Point,  1003 

Clump  Island,  306 

Cluster  Islands,  1087 

Coal  Harbour,  1047 

Coal,  Japan,  1236,  1239 
,,     Labuan,  495 

Coast  Hill,  571 

,,      Islet,  998,  1002 

Cochin  China,  428 

,,  Money,  &c., 

1260-1262 

Cochrane  Cape,  1172 

Cockburn  Port,  1049 

Cocked  Hat  Island,  1158 

Cockeran  Bank,  621 

Cockscomb  Mountains,  915 

Cocoa-nut  Bay,  433 
,,  Island,  177 

,,  Point,  171,  872 

Cocos  Islands,  893,  894 

Cod  Cape,  1140 

Coffin  Cape,  812 
,,      Island,  950 
,,      Mountains,  696 

Coin  Island,  1068 

Coker  Rock,  1020 

Co-khien  Ri\t;r,  430,  431 

Colasi,  932 

Colinton  Island,  904 

Collam    Island  and  Strait, 
120-123 

Collao-Han  Island,  455 

Collao-ray  Island,  454 

Collier  Head,  499 
,,       Rock,  172 

Collingwood  Shoal,  658 

Collinson  Cape,  1159 

,,         Cape  and  Light- 
house, 992 
,,         Island,  583 

Colnett  Strait,  1170 

Coloby  Shoal,  541 

Coloma  Rock,  561 

Colombo  Shoal,  489 

Colong    Island  and   Strait, 
120-123 

Colonhogon  Island,  558 

Comara  Shoal,  186 

Combado  Islands,  835 

Columbrian  Shoal,  262,  265 

Columbia  Shoal,  637 

Columbine  Beacon,  498-499 

Columbus  Shoal,  281 

Comeeran  Island  and  Chan- 
nel, 535 

Comet  Rock,  1028 

Commencement  Bank,  250 

Commodore  Reef,  654 


Comocutuan  Island,  564 

Comodo  Island,  766,  768 

Comus  Rock,  987 

Concordia  Fort,  786 

Condor  Reef,  279,  414-415 

Cone  Hill,  1098 
,,      Island,  421,  514 
,,      Islet,  556,  1000 
,,      Peak,  1015 
,,      Rock,  1226 

Coney    Island   and    Light- 
house, 361 

Conflagration  Hill,  554-555 

Confusion  Rock,  553 

Congaltons  Carr  Rocks,  3S6, 

391 
Cong-hau  River,  431 
Conical  Head,  552 

,,        Hill  Island,  1079 
,,        Mountain,  451 
,,        Islet,  1251 
Conic  Isle,  995 
Con-non  Group,  429 
Conqueror  Bank,  1212 
Constance  Shoal,  307 
Constancia  Shoal,  576 
Conway  Island,  1079 
Cony  Island,  io'52 
Cook  Channel,  579-580 
Coolin  Pappan  Island,  494 
Cooper  Shoal,  257 

,,        Shoals,  250 
Copper  Rocks  and  Beacon, 

203 
Coral  Bank,  159,  246,  667 

,,      Point,  549 

,,      Shoal,  579 

,,      Shoals,  658,  659 
Coran  Cape,  120 
Corasone  Rock,  1229 
Cordelia  Point,  547 
,,        Rock,  961 
Cordillera  Mountains,  926 
Corea  Rock,  1008 
Coreas  Reef,  692 
Cork  Point,  1016-1017 
Corkers  Rocks,  1076 
Cormorant  Inlet,  1233 
Cornelia  Road,  772 
Cornwallis  Fort,  109 
Reef,  664 
,,  South  Reef,  664 

,,  Stone,  1020 

Corregidor       Island       and 

Lighthouse,  596-599 
Corsair  Island,  851 
,,        Rock,  634 
Corsyra  Shoal,  278 
Corumah  Island,  1050 
Costa    Rica     Rock,     1241, 

1243 
Coster  Island,  857 
Cota  Batto,  897 
Cotabatu,  897 
Couabe  Harbour,  449 
Coucok  Island,  949 
Couding  Island,  1059 
Cou-mong  Harbour,  452 


1280 


INDEX. 


Courier  Rock,  6ii,  867 

Currents,    Maurissa    Strait, 

Coventry  Reef,  183 

781 

Cow  Island,  444 

,,         Natuna    Islands, 

Cowman  Bank,  297 

616 

Cowose  Reef,  1170 

,,         St.  Esprit  Shoal, 

Cow's  Horn  Peak,  1029 

648 

Crab  Island,  1013 

,,         Sulu  Sea,  917 

,,     Islet,  1063 

„         Tsugar        Strait, 

Crack  Islet,  1087 

1248 

Crag  Peak,  1046 

,,        Yellow  Sea,  1 130- 

Craig  Island,  1047 

1131 

Crate  Island,  1071 

Curtoy  Creek,  141 

Crawford  Cove,  570 

Custodio  Point,  561 

„          Point,  566 

Cuyos  Islands,  922-923 

Crescent  Island,  997 

Cyclops  Reef,  710 

,,         Islands  and  Reefs, 

Cyrene  Shoals,  358 

644 

Cyrus  Harbour,  788 

„         Reef,  660 

Shoal,  280 

Daat  Island,  494,  499 

Cresta  de  Gallo  Island,  906 

Daai  Island,  S39 

,,               Mountains, 

Da-bia  Rock,  450 

915 

Daendels  Fort,  711,  712 

Cresta  Mount,  934 

Daet  River,  932 

Crest  of  Wave  Shoal,  885 

Dagdap  Point,  933 

Cricket  Island,  947 

D'Aguilar  Cape  and  Light- 

Crimon   Java  Islands,  694- 

house,  967,  992 

696 

Dahun  Point,  202 

Crocodile  Rock,  300,  751 

Da  Jangan  Island,  810 

,,         Shoal,    325,   327, 

Daibo  Saki,  11S9 

331 

Dai  River,  460 

Crooked  Island,  997 

Dai-thieu,  433 

Crookshank  Point,  483 

Dalaguete  Village,  907 

Crown  Islet,  562 

Dalawan  Bay,  523,  525 

Cruizer  Rock,  480 

Dalhousie  Pier  and  Lights, 

,,        Shallows,  1154 

368 

Cua  Cam  River,  461 

Dalrymple  Harbour,  890 

Cua-dai  River,  431,  432 

Dalupiri  Island,  936 

Cua-lap  River,  443 

Damao  Island,  559 

Cuarteron  Reef,  624-625 

Damar,  120 

Cuatieu  River,430,  431,  432 

Damas  Bight,  721 

Cucaracha  Reef,  910 

Damma  Island,  838-S39 

Cuckold  Hill,  545 

Dammer  Island,  872 

Cuernos  Mount,  934 

Damo  Island,  559 

Cui  Point,  411 

Dampar  Bay,  720 

Culebra  Island,  602 

Dampier  Point,  579-580 

Culion  Island,  586-587 

Strait,  862-865 

Cumi-Cumi  Island,  570 

Damson  Islands,  1078 

Cum-sing-mun       Harbour, 

Damuma  Islands  and  Reef, 

954  . 

810 

Cupchi  Point,  1006-1007 

Dana  Island,  777,  787 

Curong  Island,  483 

Danes  Island,  983 

Currents,  25-32  (see  Table 

Dangerous  Bank,  436-437 

of  Contents) 

,,          Rock,  1065, 1 133 

,,         Allor  Strait,  781 

Dangola,  807 

,,         Balabac      Strait, 

Dansborg  Island,  1016 

537 

Dapoer  Islet,  681-682 

,,         Banka         Strait, 

Dapur  Island,  736 

190-igi 

,,      Point    and    Islands, 

,,          Carimata    Strait, 

200 

271-272 

Darcotuan  Bay  and  Point, 

,,         Crescent  Islands 

584 

and  Reefs,  645 

,,           Point,  566 

,,         Japan,  1192-1193 

Date  Island,  452 

,,         Java  Sea,  181 

Dato  Island,  281 

,,         Macclesfield 

„      Point,  338,  351 

Channel,  239 

Datu  Point,  480 

,,         Mandarin's     Cap 

Daughter  Hill,  822-823 

Rock, 945 

Dauilican,  934 

Daumalong,  898 
Daushon  Cape,  461 
Davaich  Head,  447 
David  Point,  615 
Davie  Hill,  570 
Dawelaar  Island,  839 
Dayak  River,  739 
Day  Islet,  995 
Dead  Fish  Bay,  381 
Deadman  Island,  1097 
Deception  Island,  859 
Point,  568 
Decrez  Rock,  1229 
Dedap  Island,  339 
Deep  Bay,  575,  576 

,,    Point,  544,  545 

,,     Hole,  1155,  1157 
Deepwater  Point,  346,  369, 

944-945 
Deer  Island,  1084,  1085 
Defensie  Fort,  822 
De  Gezusters  Islands,  179 
De  Hes  Rock,  299 
Delhi  River  and  Shoal,  143- 

144 
Delhi  Bay,  790 
Delian  Island,  924 
De  Monnik  Rock,  154 
Dempoe  Island,  763 
Den  Briel  Shoal,  288 
Deoto  Bato  Island,  889 
Depond  Reef,  414 
Deptford  Shoal,  750 
Dequez  Island,  93S 
Derde  Point,  159 

,,      Point    and    Beacon, 
194 
Desie  Islands,  340 
De  Sima,  1239 
Dessa  Island,  323 
Deva  Reef,  268 
Devil  Point,  1003 
Devil's  Cap  Peak,  545 

,,        Island,  805 

,,       Peak,  966 
Devonport  Rock,  618-619 
De  Vries  Cape,  1199 
Dezima,  1163,  1166 
Dhaulle  Shoal,  625 
Dialao  Point,  605 
Diamond  Point,  141-142 
Diana  Cove,  385 

,,      Reefs,  617 

,,      Rock,  129 

„      Shoal,  393 
Dian  Island,  339 
Diaphila  Island,  566 
Dibuluan  Island,  564 
Dicabaito  Island,  587 
Dichilem  Rock,  58S 
Didicas  Rocks,  937 
Diederika  Shial,  262 
Dieley  River,  739 
Dielli,  789-791 
Diente  Point,  555,  556 
Dieroesoe,  784 
Dike  Islet,  1073 
Dile  Point,  604 


INDEX. 


1281 


Dili  Island,  873  Directions, 

Dilli,  7S9-791 
Dimipac  Island,  587-588 
Binding  Island,  114-116 
River,  116-117 
Dingala  Gulf.  933 
Dinh-nan  River,  431 
Dmigat  Island,  goo 
Diogo  Island,  939 
Dioyu  Reef,  1014 
Dipio  Islet,  1063 
Dipulul  Islands,  S92 
Direction  Island.  305 
Directions,   Akashi    Strait, 
1211 

,,  Amboina        to 

Java,  792 

,,  Baly        Strait, 

753-754 
„  Banguey  South 

Channel, 
521-522 
„  Bataviato  Sou- 

rabaya,    in 
the     Eastern 
Monsoon, 
688 
„  Batavia  toSou- 

rabaya,  inthe 
Western 
Monsoon, 
6S6-687  _ 
„  Blenheim   i^as- 

sage, 986-987 
„  Borneo,     West 

Coast  of,  286 
,,  Broadway   En- 

trance, Can- 
ton     Rivers, 

950-951 
„  Canton    River, 

971-979 
„  Carimata 

Strait,     292- 

294 
,,  Clements  Chan- 

nel, 248-249 
,,  Durian    Strait, 

350-356 
,,  Formosa, 

North  -  West 

Coast,  1042- 

1043 

,,  Gaspar    Strait, 

268-270 
.,  Gilolo  Passage, 

871  I 

„  Japan,     S.E. 

Coast,  1181 
,,  Java  Sea,  737- 

738 
,,  Labuan  to  the 

Palawan,  500 
,,  Lintin    to    the 

Boca  Tigris, 
Canton 
River,  976- 
978 


Makassar  | 
Strait,     807- 
808 

Manila    to 
Iloilo,     914- 

915 
Nagasaki        to 

Simonoseki, 

I 24 I- I 244 
Nipon,        East 

Coast,  1200      ' 
Passing    Shan-    i 

tung        Pro-   I 

m  o  n  t  o  r  y, 

1139-1140 
Philippine     Is-   I 

lands,     913-   ! 

915  .      I 

Rhio         Strait, 

326-334 
Sarawak  River, 

480 
Simon  o  seki 

Strait,  1221- 

1222, 1224 
Singapore 

Strait,     364- 

366,390-392, 

395-399 

Singapore 
Strait  to  Tan- 
jong  Api, 
Borneo,  312 

Sourabaya  to 
Batavia,  in 
the  Eastern 
Monsoon. 
687-688 

Sourabaya  to 
Batavia,  in 
the  Western 
Monsoon, 
687 

Strait  of  Sunda, 
179-180 

Through  Blen- 
heim Passage 
to  Canton, 
986-987 

Through  Fan- 
si-ak  Chan- 
nel to  Canton 
River,     978- 

979 

Through  Great 
West  Chan- 
nel to  Canton 
River,  974- 
976 

Through  Lan- 
tao  Channel 
to  Canton 
River,     972- 

973 
Through    Rhio 
Strait  to  Sin- 
gapore, 326- 
334 


Directions,    Through     Tai- 
ta-mi    Chan- 
nel  to    Can- 
ton, 973-974 
,,  Yangtse  Kiang 

River, 


iiii 


1117 
Yung 


River, 
1099-1100 
Disaster  Cape,  524 
Discovery  Bank,  5S9 

„  East  Bank,  275 

,,  Great  Reef,  625 

„  Reef,  275 

,,  Rocks,  235,  242 

,,  Shoal    or     Reef 

643 
,,  Small  Reef,  625- 

626 
West  Bank,  275 
Dit  Island.  923 
Ditloffs  Reef,  316,328 
Diyi  Island,  1204,  1207 
Djailolo.  871,  873 
Djambu  Ayer  Creek,  142 
Djellei  River,  739 
Djimaja  Island,  611 
Djimpa  Creek,  140 
Djino  Sima,  1204 
Djoeroh  Dajong  Rocks,  274 
Djolokh  River,  142 
Djong  Pakis  Point,  721 
Doandoenganbezaar  Island. 

797 
Doandoenganketjil    Island, 

797 
Doang  Island,  817 
Dobbo  Harbour,  842,  844- 

846 
Docan  Island,  296 
Doc-can  Island,  8S9 
Dock  Islet,  1020 
Dodd  Island,  1021 
Dodingo  Bay,  874 
Dodol,  750 
Doffer  Islands,  771 
Dog  Island,  782 
,,     Islands     and      Light- 
house, 1030-1031 
,.     Rock,  458 
Doif  Islands,  870 
Doi-moi  Island,  450 
Dol  Island,  S50 
Dolphin  Island,  345 

Rock,  185 
Dolphin's  Nose  Point,  828 
Domakura  Saki,  1174 
Dome  Bay,  1053 
,,      Hill,  573,  1008 
,,      Island,  583,  1013 
„       Peak, 1036 
,,       Point,  1034 
Domino  Hill,  300 
Domisil  Bay,  Sii 
Dompa  Island  and  Reef.  321 
Dompo  Bay,  763 
Doncan  Island,  353 
Donda  Cape,  807 

8  A 


1282 


INDEX. 


Donda  Point,  8io 

Dondo  Cape,  807 
,,       Islets,  810 

Dondrekin  Eiland,  800 

Don-nai  River,  432-439 

Donson,  928 

Doodkisten  Mountains,  696 

Doodkist  Hills,  687 

Doorly  Shoals,  534 

Do-saki,  1234 

Dos  Hermanas  Islands,  925 

Dot  Rock,  1013 

Doua  Rock,  616 

Double  Head,  424 
„       Hill,  476,  1 189 
,,  ,,     Point,  477 

„       Island,      292,     545, 

lOIO 

„       Island  and  Haven, 

997 
,,        Peak  Island,  1064 
„  ,,      Mountain, 

1034 
„       Reach,  1151, 1152 
„       Rock,  1141 
,,       Rocks,  1 173 
„       Tree  Hill,  304 
,,       Yit  Island,  1028 

Doub  Rock,  1089 

Doubtful  Rock,  620 

Doulan  Laut  Island,  847- 
848 

Douraij  Island,  611-612 

Dourga  Strait,  855 

Douw  Island,  787 

Dove  Islands,  870 
,,     Rock,  1009-1010 

D  Point,  439 

Drake  Peak,  578 

Dramaai  Island,  856 

Dree  Cap  Peninsula,  857 

Drie  Breeders  Islands,  825 

Drinkwater  Point,  1106 

Druid  Head,  1022 
,,      Island,  1081 

Drummond  Island,  644 

Dry  North  Island,  1105 
,,    Sandbanks,  578 

Dua  Island,  324 
,,     Islands,  340,  674 

Duang  Island,  8S1-882 

Duaud  Bank,  741 

Du  Bus  Fort,  856 

Duchong  Islands,  405 

Duffield  Pass  and  Reef,  1078 

Duff  Rock,  981 

Dugay  Trouin  Reef,  939 

Duiven  Island  and   Light- 
house, 749-750.  754 

Duizend  Eilanden,  736 

Damages  River,  933 

Dumali  Point,  924 

Dumangas  Punta,  gii 

Dumanquilas,    Puerto    de, 
898 

Dumaran  and  Island,  578- 

579 
Dumaran  Island,  567 


Dumbell  Bay,  999 

,,        Island,  583 
Dumb  Island,  1097 
Dumpo  Strait,  339,  342 
Duncan  Islands,  644 
Dune  Island,  449 
Dunsterviile     Islands     and 

Rocks,  1087 
Duo  Bolod  Rocks,  890 
Duperre  Islands,  619 
Duperrey  Port,  863 
Durangan  Island,  558 
Durian     Islands,    343-344, 

352,355 
,,  Sabatang,  118 

,,  Strait,  334-356 

D'Urville  Port,  863 
Dutch  Channel,  675-677 
,,       Churchyard  Islands, 

673 

,,       Folly  Island,  986 

,,       Gut,  777,  780 
Point,  789 

,,       Shoal,  262,  265,  269, 
320-321,  330 
Duurstede  Fort,  828 
Dwaal  Bay,  814 
Dwaalder  Island,  794 
Dwars  in  den  Weg  Island, 

163 
Dyak,  299 

Dyamnang  Rocks,  700 
Dyampea  Island,  773 
Dyang  Islet,  403 
Dyenee  Cape,  816 
Dyuruh  Bank,  275 

Ears  Rock,  1139 
Earthquakes,  Japan,  1166- 

1167 
East  and  West  Channel,  127 
Bank,  315,  328 
Bastaard  Island,  771 
Bay,  1225 

Brother  Island,  417 
Cape,  Boeton,  814 
Cone,  997 

Domino  Island,  300 
Eastern  Bank,  216,343,  3^8 
,,        Channel    and 

Buoys,  700 
„        Channels,  Batavia, 

682-684 
,,        Sea,  1128 
East  Gat,  Banda,  832 
,,     Guhuan  Island,  528 

n       Hill,  515 

„     Island,  277,  413,  570, 

1052 
„     Islet,  1082 
,,     London  Reef,  624 
„     Peak,  566,  584 
,,     Rock,  125,  1240 
,,     Saddle  Island,  1093 
„     Sandspit,  1141 
,,     Spit     Beacon,     1155- 

1156 
,,    Volcano  Island,  1092 


Ebeling  Shoal,  305-306 
Ebisu  Jima,  1208 
Ebul  Island,  308 
E-chau  Head,  960 
Echun  Island,  467 
Edam  Island,  682,  737,  797 
Eddy  Island,  1140 
Edeling  Shoals,  184 
Eden  Island,  1161 
Edie  Besaar  River,  142 
Edmond  Mount,  1016 
Eendragt  Shoal,  714 
Eerste  Point,  192 
,,      Punt,  154 
Elbe   Harbour  and   Island, 

858 
Efmatal  Island,  859 
Egg  Sand,  569 
Eighteen  Yits  Islands,  1027, 

1028 
Elbow  Bank,  656 
Eldad  Reef,  627 
El  Diamante  Rock,  904 
Elephant  Island,  582,  1079, 
1081,  1084 
,,  Mountain,  140 

Elet  Shoal,  587 
Eleven  Islands,  255 
El  Frayle  Island,  597 
El  Gran  Cordillera  Moun- 
tains, 926 
Elizabeth  Point,  543 

,,  Reef,  1168-1169 

Ella  Island  and  Shoals,  854 
Ellen  Bangka  Shoal,  420 
EUicott  Island,  1092 
Elliot  Islets,  1095 

„      Passage,  987,  988 

,,      Sand,  290 
Ellis  Shoal,  533 
Elmstone  Rock,  11S4 
Elpapoetie  Bay,  854 
Elphinstone  Rock,  618 
Elvira  Mount,  108 
Emanuel  Reef,  414 
Embleton  Island  and  Rock, 

230-231 
Emergency  Point,  554 
Emily  Anina  Islet,  799 
Emmeline  Island,  571 
Emmit  Island,  566 
Emperor  of  China  Rock,  835 
Ena  Gawa  River,  12 10 
Encampment  Head,  525 
Encounter  Rock,  1159 
Endeavour  Island,  553 
„  Point,  578 

,,  Strait,  557 

Ende  Bay  and  Island,  775 

,,      Island,  769-779 
Endermo,  1253,  1254 
End  Island,  1136 
Endjung  Creek,  140 
Engano  Mount,  934 
Eniaran  Island,  558 
Enkhuizen  Island,  682 
Enoe  Island,  494,  497-498 
Enora  Bank,  717 


INDEX. 


1283 


Eno  Ura  Harbour  and  Bay, 

1178 
Entalula  Island,  563 
Entrance  Head,  1221 

,,         Point,    232,    234, 

240 
,,         Reef,  556 
Epervier  Mountain,  451 
E  Point,  435,  439 
Erabou  Island,  1050 
Eran  Bay  and  River,  543 

,,      Point,  542 

„      Quoin  Hill,  542-543 
Erfprins  Fort,  700 
Erikson  Shoal,  280 
Erl  King  Shoal,  1017 
Erne  Rock,  1058 
Erratatsi  Cape,  1195 
Escape  Creek,  9S3 
Escollo  del  Pinaculo,  5S7 
Espiritu  Santo  Cape,  904 
Esprit  Shoal,  647-648 
Etna  Bay,  856 

,,     Shoal,  736 
Eulo  Rocks,  407 
Euphrates  Shoal,  649 
Euphrosine  Rock,  288 
Europe  Shoal,  310 
Eurum  Cape,  731 
Euryalus  Bay,  1232 

,,         Rock,  1202 
Evans  Reef,  278 
Evelyn  Cape,  1133,  1134 
Everlasting  Point,  1157 
E-wi-ig  River,  573-574 
Expedition  Bay,  1036-1037 
Eye  Island,  870 
Eyoe  Island,  167 

Faber  Mount,  377 
Fai-foh  River,  455 
Fair  Channel  Bank,  134 
Fairlie  Rock,  230 
Fairway  Ledge,  868 

,,        Rock,  116 

,,        Shoal,        519-520, 
522 
Fairy    Queen    Shoal,    656, 

667 
Fakew  Island,  1068 
Fall  Island,  1072 

„     Peak,  1015 
Falmouth  Bank,  923 
False  Barbukit    Hill,    385, 

Bintang  Hill,  392 
Cape,  855 
Collao  Island,  454 
Binding  Hills,  114 
Doodkist  Hills,  687 
Durian    Island,    343, 

351 
First  Point,  193 
Hook,  158 
Parcelar  Hill,  iig 
Pisang  Island,  S58 
Point,  igS,  480 
Pulo  Obi,  415-416 


False  Rocky  Point,  234 
,,      Saddle  Island,  1093 
,,      St.  John  Island,  946 
,,      Sharp  Peak,  543 
„      Sugarloaf  Hill,  234 
,,      Suggur  Hills,  114 
,,      Tinhosa  Island,  480 
,,      Utanata  River,  855 
,,      Varela  Cape,  447 
„      Wakia  River,  856 
Fancy  Wreck  Shoal,  664 
Fan-lo-kong  Harbour,  999 
Fan-shee-ak  Rock,  945 
Fan-si-ak  Island,  970 
Farmer  Rock,  1067 
Fatal  Island  and  Reef,  177 
Fathool  Barrie  Shoal,  261 
Fat-shan.  990 
Fatsizio  Island,  1193-1194 
Fatukama  Point,  790 
Favourite  Rock,  894 
Feringi  Rock,  109 
Fielon  Island,  1065 
Fiery  Cross  Reef,  625 
Fietze-loong  Bay,  465 
Figure  Rock,  1006 
Finger  Rock,  1141 
Firase  Reef,  11 70 
Fir  Cone  Rock,  1071 
First  Bar  Island,  983,  985 
,,     Point,  192,  220 
,,     Point  and  Lighthouse, 

154 
,,     Thomas  Shoal,  665 
Fisher  Island,  131,  860,  863, 
1051,      1053-1054, 
1087 
„       Islands,  448,  449 
Fisherman  Island,  loio 

„  Rock, I 146, 1205, 

1219 
Fisherman's     Islands     and 

Rocks,  1090-1091 
Fish-house  Beacon,  1156 
Fitz  Maurice  Shoal,  859 
Five  Islands,  720,  935-936, 

947-948 
Flag  Island,  1029 
Flagstaff  Beacon,  1156 
Flak  Islands,  1024 
Flap  Island,  1064 
Flask  Island,  1068 
Flat  Island,  571,   577-578, 
616,  664,  761,  781, 
1081 
,,      Islet,  1059 
,,      Point,   166,   477,   739, 

798.  S53 
,,  Reet,  1008 
,,      Rock,  418,    558,   563, 

1004,  io5i 
,,      Rocky  Point,  1139 
Flies  Rocks,  949 
Flora  Temple  Reef,  626 
Florence  Adelaide  Reef,  279 
Floris  Head,  771-772 
,,      Island,  769-779 
,,      Strait,  778 


Fly  Bank,  301,  327 

Flying  Cloud  Rock,  592 

Fly  Islands,  776 

Fog  Islands,  1102 

Fokai,  1228 

,,      Point,  looo-iooi 

Foki  Point,  1045 

Fong-ho  Island,  1064 

Foochow,  941,  1060 

Foong-kye-chye  Island,  943 

Formosa  Bank,  434 

,,         East      Coast     of, 

1034-1035 
,,         Island,  1032-1047 
,,         Mount  and  River, 

133 
,,         North    Coast    of, 

1044- 1047 
,,         Rock,  497 
,,         Shoal,  133 
,,         West     Coast    of, 
1036-1044 
Forsaken  Island,  173 
Fort  Head,  1158 
Forth  Shoal,  637 
Fort  Island,  1012 
Fortun  Island,  594 
Fotaumun  Pass,  993 
Foul  Island,  863,  864 
Foullioy  Cape,  857 
Four  -  and  -  T  hree-  Quarters 

Fathoms  Bank,  194 
Four  Brothers  Bank,  709 

,,  Islands,  132- 

133 
Four-Feet  Rock,  958 
Four  Peak  Mountains,  234 

„     Peaks,  551 

„     Sisters  Rocks,  1090 
Fourth    Point   and    Banks, 

,,         Point  and  Lights, 
161 
Fow  Island,  869-870 
Fox  Shoal,  288 
F  Point,  435 
Frakaki  Island,  458 
Franklin  Bank,  796 
Eraser  Island,  575-576 
Frederick    Hendrick  Rocks 
and  Channels, 
213-214 
,,  Hendrick  Shoal, 

222 
,,  Reef,  301 

,,  Hendrik  Island, 

855 
French  Creek,  986 
,,       Passage,  870 
,,        Rocks,  620 
Freshwater  Bay,  292 

„  Bay  and  Point, 

453 
Island,  359 
Friar  Island,  597 

,,      Rock,  154 
Friar's  Hood  Mountain,  853 
„       Rocks,  154 


1284 


INDEX. 


Friendly  Islands,  iioo 
Friendship  Shoal,  650,  651 
Frio  Rocks,  1062 
Front  Island,  1076 
Fuchau  Fu,  1060 
Fu-chu  Point  and  Bay,  1158 
Fuego  Point,  594 
Fuegos  Island,  go8 
Fuga  Island,  936 
Fuh-ning   and    Bay,    1064, 

1065 
Fuh-yan  Island,  1065 
Fukuda  Saki,  1238 
Fuk  Ura,  1204 
Fukushe  Rock,  1241,  1243 
Fuku    Ura    Harbour     and 

Light,  1221 
Fukuye,  1228 
Fullerton  Fort,  368 
Fulton  Rock,  597 
Fung  Bay,  995 
Fungwha  River,  1077 
Fungung,  465 
Funing  Island,  1091 
Furious  Shoals,  510 
Fury  Rocks,  652 
Fusan,  1161 

Fushiki  and  Light,  1246 
Fusi  Jama  Mountain,  1166 
Fusinotsu,  1234 
Fusi  Yama  Mountain,  1178, 

1181 
Futako  Sima,  1236 
Fu-to  Island,  1078 
Futo  Saki,  1180 
Futsu  Saki  Point,  1189 

Gaalong  Bay,  471,  478-479 
Gadd  Rock,  1032-1033 
Gadia  Point,  731 
Gading  Rocks,  402 
Gadong  Hill,  201 
Gage  Port,  1049 
Gagy  Island,  870 
Gain-Bai  Point,  452 
Galang  Island,  315 
Galatea  Shoal,  1212 
Galbraith  Hill  Point,  987 
Galera,  Puerto,  924 
Galewo  Strait,  860 
Galioen  Island,  706 
Galoc  Island,  587 
Gamaca,  933 
Gambang  Point,  732 
Gamen  Island,  863 
Gamien  Strait,  862-865 
Gan-ching  Rocks,  1089 
Ganda  Head,  511 
Ganges  North  Reef,  664 

,,        Reef,  664 
Ganh  Ray  Bay  and  River, 

432,  433 
Gan-su  Island,  1091 
Gantang  Island,  401 
Gantung  Peak,  542 
Gap  Islet,  1067 

,,     of  Padaran,  446 

„     of  Vigan,  604 


Gap  Range,  545 

,,     Rock,  175,  310,  959 
Gardiner  Island,  570 
Garras     Islands,    315-316, 

333 
Garza      Bay     and     Shoal, 

590 

Gasap  Point,  510 

Gaspar  Island,  239,  268 
,,        Strait,  227-270 

Gasses  Island,  866 

Gassing  River,  198 

Gate,  929 

Gau-tau  Island,  995,  1072 

Gauze  Island,  957 

Gaven  Reefs,  627 

Gaya  Group  and  Bay,  504 
,,      Head,  505 

Gayong  Point,  762 

Gay-une  Island,  959 

Gazan,  925 

Gebang  Point,  735 
,,        Rocks,  401 

Gebeh  Island,  869 

Gebi  Island,  869 

Gebos  Reef,  722 

Gebroeders  Islands,  794 

Gedee  Peak,  671 

Gedeh, 789 

Geefou  Island,  981 

Geeit  Island,  404 

Gelam  Island,  289 

Gelassa  Rock,  239 

Geldria  Bank,  302-303 

Gemah  Bay,  721 

Gemeles  Islands,  566 

Gemen  Strait,  862-865 

Gemer  Rock,  707 

Gempoe  Inlet,  763 

Genang  Island,  760 

General  Elliott  Reefs,  261 
Genkai  Nada,  1242 
Genting,  707 
George     and    Abercrombie 

Shoal,  650,  651 
George  Banks,  233 
,,       Island,  961 
,,       Town,  109 
Germantown  Reef,  1169 
Gesir  Island,  852 
Gezonken  Fort,  711,  712 
Ghibu  Isi  Rock,  1189 
Ghissa  Island,  852 
Gichen  Creek,  140 
Gide  Isles,  857 
Gierie  Mount,  698 
Gigang  Ketchil  Island,  307 
Gigantes  Islands,  910 
Gigchen  River,  139 
Gilbert  Rocks,  290 
Gilboan  Lland  and  Light- 
house, 749-750 
Giliang  Island,  705-706 
Gili  Banta  Island,  766 
Gilingan  Island,  707 
Giliting,  771 
Gilla  Island,  308 
Gillies  Island,  622 


Gilolo,  873 

,,       Island,  871-872 
,,       Passage   or    Strait, 
867-871 
Gimenez  Island,  583 
Gin  Island,  319 

,,    Peak,  302 
Gintang  Island,  707 
Ginting  Island,  290 
,,        Point,  224 
Gipdo  Island,  899,  900 
Glacis  Point,  1158 
Glasgow  Bank,  665 
Glassa  Rock,  239 
Glean  Island,  694 
Glengyle  Rock,  1014 
Glissong  Island,  803 
Gloria  Reef,  620 
Gloucester  Shoal,  664 
Gnat  Reef,  523 
Gneu  Island,  458 
Goa  River,  805 

,,     Island,  709 
Goat  Island,  457,  580,  593, 
1003 
,,      Shoal,  261 
Goche,  1041 
Goela  Island,  789 
Goendel  Mount,  744 
Goenong  Cape,  692 

,,  Gedeh  Moun- 
tains, 678 
,,  Island,  720 
Goenting  Island,  251 
Goerong  Islands,  291 
Golconda  Shoal,  922 
Golden  Dragon   Mountrun, 

943 

,,        Mount,  137 

,,        Rock,  1205 
Goldmine  Island  and  Light, 

1198 
Golo  Island,  592 
Goma  Goma  Point,  140 
Gomboyok  Rocks,  729 
Gomo  Gomo  Island,  846 
Gomok  Point,  788 

,,       River,  716 
Gomona  Island,  866 
Go  No  Ura,  1244 
Good  Hope,  Cape  of,  1009- 

lOIO 

Goo  Rock,  1016 
Gooswa  Promontory,  1036 
Goram  Islands,  85 1 
Gorda  Point,  913 
Gordon  Bay,  1066 

,,        Island,  1062 

,,        Shoals,  500 
Gore  Island,  1073 
Gorontalo    and    Gulf,    8og, 

812-813 
Gorts  Island,  174 
Gossong  Point,  201 
Goten  Yama,  1188 
Goto  Cape,  1228 

,,     Islands,  1224-1229 
Gough  Hill,  986 


INDEX. 


1285 


Gough  Island,  1120 
,,       Pass,  1078 

Gow-tow  Island,  465-466 

Goza  Harbour,  1175 

Grace  Reefs,  272-273 

Gradjagan  Bay,  719 

Graham  Bluff,  1186 

Grainger  Bank,  621 

Grain  Island,  1088 

Gran  Cuyo  Island,  922-923 

Grande  Island,  600 

Grass  Island,  996,  1105 

Great  Abang   Island,  341- 
342 
,,       Arroa  Island,  125 
,,       Bamboo  Island,  1145 
,,       Banda  Island,  829- 

831 
,,       Bank,  315,  328 
,,       Bastaard  Island,  771 
Bay,    429,    632-633, 

944 
,,       Canary  Island,  S58 
„       Cape,  477 
,,       Carimon  Island,  136, 

347. 

,,  Catvvick  Island,  638 

,,  Channel,  156 

,,  Danger  Bank,  532 

,,  Dayak  River,  739 

,,  Domino  Island,  300 

,,  Durian  Island,  344 

,,  Gain  Island,  866 

,,  Garras  Island,  316 

,,  Geelvink  Bay,  857 

,,  Hog  Island,  706 

,,  Island,  302,  319 

„  Ki  Island,  846-847 

,,  Kombuis,  672 

,,  Kra  Flat  and  Buoys, 

III 

,,  Ladrone  Island,  954 

,,  Lelei  Shoal,  804 

,,  Lelij  Shoal,  804 

,,  Merak  Island,  164 

,,  Nangka  Island,  205 

,,  Natuna  Islands,  618- 

620 

,,  Paternoster  Islands, 

820 

,,  Pulo  Gasses,  866 
,,  ,,     Laut,  794 

,,  Rock,  750-751 

,,  Rusukan  Island,  494, 

497 
,,       Solombo  Island,  738 
,,       Tambelan       Island, 

308 
,,       Tawalie  Island,  878 
,,       Wall  of  China,  1153- 

1154 
,,       Wizard  Rock,  949 
,,       Yangtse  Bank,  1106 
Cireen  Head,  559,  1136 
,,       Island,3o6,  337,  578, 
587,746,780- 
781,  966,  999 
..     Bay,   575,    577 


Green  Island   Lighthouse, 

963 
;,       Islands,  577 
,,       Islet,  995,  loio 
,,       Point,  192,  579,  946 

Greig  Channel,  292 

Shoal,  280-281 

Greyhound  Strait,  822 

Griffin  Rock,  996 
,,      Rocks,  894 

Grissee  and  Light,  701 
,,        Mount,  699 

Grisse  Island,  290 

Groen  Island,  746 

Groenwout  Island,  835 

Groote  Bank,  315 

Groots  Rock,  751 

Grosvenor  Bank,  860 

Guagua,  935 

Guardhouse  Island,  1085 

Guaricha  Islands,  877 

Gubat,  930 

Gubung  Island,  539 

Gudin  Island,  857 

Guerite  Rock,  612 

Guhuan  Islands,  527-528 

Guia  Fort  and  Light,  952' 

Guiechow       Island,      468, 
469 

Guimaras  Island,  908,  911 

Guinapae  Rocks,  937 

Guinayan,  928 

Guintungauan  Island,  563 

Guio  Point,  445 

Gulai,  1026 

Gula  Island,  789 

Gull  Island,  1079 
,,     Point,  1040 
,,     Rock,  252 
,,     Sand,  569 

Gunong  Agoeng,  742 

,,        Api,  764,  792,  832, 

836 
,,         Balik  Papan,  800 
,,        Baloeran  Volcano, 

749 

,,  Batu  Pahat,  133 

,,  Beginda,  251 

,,  Bolo,  251,  257 

,,  Buboo,  112 

,,  Chundong,  226 

,,  Gondol,  744 

,,  Karakan,  873 

,,  Kwas,  302 

,,  Ledang,  132 

,,  Loempoe,  802 

,,  Loros,  714 

,,  Manombing,  207 

,,  Maradi,  225 

,,  Marass,  725,  260      i 

,,  Ratoos,  740  j 

,,  Sandan,  744 

,,  Seebeloeng,  794 

,,  Seraja,  746 

,,  Sodara  Peak,  812     l 

,,  Tebalo,  251  j 

Guntao  Islands,  562  | 

Guntur  Rock,  707  | 


Gunung   Malu    Mountain, 

489 
Gurbo  Island,  900 
Gutzlaff  Island,  1102 

,,        Island   and  Light, 
1096,  1108, 1115 

Haai  Shoal,  315,  342 
Haarlem  Island,  682 
Habushi  Iwa  Rock,  1212 
Hachi  Gaune  Yama,  1215 
Hadagase  Rock,  1237 
Haddington  Port,  1050 
Hadji  Reef  and  Buoy,  209- 

210 
Hae  Head,  1030 
Hagi  Chiofu,  1219 
Haian  Bay,  470 
Haidomari  Bay,  1227 
Haidong,  462 
Hai-Dzc^uong,  461 
Hai  Head,  1029 
Haikao,  469,  473 
Hai-k'ow,  473-476 
Hai-ling  Harbour,  944 
Hai-ling-shan         Harbour, 

944-945 
Hai-Loong  Rock,  1007 
Haimun,  1072 
Hai-mun    Bay   and    Point, 

1009 
Hainan   Head   and  Island, 
471-472,  475 
,,     Strait,  469 
Haiphong,  428,  461,  462 
Hai-tan   Island  and  Strait, 

1028-1029 
Hai-yang,  1137 
Haiyina  Sissie,  785 
Hai-yun  Tau  Island,  11 60 
Haka  Se  Shoals,  1176 
Hakata  Sima,  1216 
Hak-chau  Island,  957 
Hakodadi,  1166,  1253,  1254 
,,  Harbour        and 

Light  Vessel, 
1250-1251 
Hakodate,  1165 

,,  Harbour       and 

Light  Vessel, 
1250-1251 
Hako  Sima,  1241 
Half-Channel  Shoal,  515 
Half-Moon  Shoal,  654-655 
Half-Tide  Reef,  1014 

,,  Rock,  1074-1075 

,,  ,,     and     Bea- 

con, 1059 
Hall  Island,  1091 
Hall's  Reef,  1168 
Halmaheira  Island, 871-872 
Halu-shan  Bay,  1129 
Hamana  Inlet,  1177 
Hamanaka,  1253,  1254 
Hamatt,  459 
Hamilton  Creek,  987 
,,  Point,  1050 

,,  Port,  1162 


1286 


INDEX. 


Hamo  Bank,  1221 
Hana  Mura,  1212 
Hana-rete,  1184 
Hancock  Island,  258 

,,         Shoal,  229,  244 
Hand  Bay,  1159 
Haneda   Point   and  Light- 
house, 1188 
Hangata,  1214 
Hang-chu  Fu,  1103 
Hankow,    941,    989,     1104, 

1126 
Hannah  Shoal,  133,  799 
Hanoi,  428,  461,  463 
Han  River,  loio,  1127 
Han-san  Bay,  455 
Hans  Reef,  415 
Hantu  Island,  376 
Haon  Bai  Kan  Island,  632 
,,      Cao  Island,  633 
,,      Lap  Island,  632 
,,      Tae  Island,  633 
,,      Tai-leunglslandj633 
,,      Trap  Island,  633 
Happoix  Cape,  454 
Harbour    Island,  308,  574, 
996 
,,  Islands        and 

Rocks,  1000 
,,  Rock,  1020,  1047 

,,  Rouse,  1076,  1079 

,,  Shoal    and    Bea- 

con, 498 
Hard  Sandbank,  725 
Hardy  Harbour,  1227-1228 
Hare's  Ears  Islands,  894 
Harima  Nada,  1211 
Harlem  Bay,  998,  looi 
Hartey  Island,  1089 
Hart  Rock,  1013 
Haruku  Island,  828 
Hashi  Hama  Harbour,  1214 
Ha  Sima  Island,  1185 
Hasingui,  1173 
Hastings  Island,  585,  710 

,,        Rock,  705 
Hasyokan  Island,  1049 
Hatien,  416 
Hat  Island,  467 

,,    Islet,  1003 
Hato  Saki,  1241 
Ha-tse  Island,  1084 
Hau-giang  River,  430 
Hau  Island,  453 
Hauseu  Island,  1022 
Havock  Islands,  123 1 
Hawcheun,  948 

,,  Island,  946 

Hawkins  Shoal,  268 
Haya  Saki,  1229 
Haycock  Hills,  251 

,,         Island,  587,  991 
,,         Island  and  Rock, 

883 
,,         Rock,  597 
Hazama  Hill,  1190 

,,         Mura,  1175 
Hea-che-mun  Channel, 1080 


Hea-chu  Island,  1071 
Head  Island,  306 
Heang  Keang  Island,  963 
Hea-ta  Island,  1071 
Hebe  Island,  1078 

,,      Islet,  looi 

,,      Reef,  io6i 
Heber  Reef,  1168 
Hector  Bank,  287 
Heda  Bay,  1178 
Hegadis  Island,  835 
Helang  Island,  879 
Helena  Bank,  894 
Helen  Mars  Reef,  350,  353 

,,      Rock,  183 

,,      Shoal,  648 
Helinet  Island,  291 
Hen  and  Chickens  Islands, 

797 
Hen  and   Chickens  Rocks, 

547 
Hen  and  Chicks  Rocks,  1095 
Hendrik  Jan  Rock,  319 
Henry  Rocks,  1028 
Henty  Reef,  1170 
Heong-po,  477 
Heong-san  Port,  1042 
Herbert    Island    and   Port, 

1049 
Hercules  Shoal,  798 
Herefordshire  Shoal,  656 
Hermanas  Islands,  602 
Heroine  Rock,  1073 

,,        Shoal,  250,  273 
Heron  Point,  573 
Herschel  Island,  1162 
,,         Mount,  546 
Herten  Island,  744 
Hesketh  Shoal,  859 
Hesper  Rock,  1146 
Het    Wapen    Van    Hoorn 

Eilanden,  680-681 
Hewitt  Shoal,  246,  259 
Hidaka  Kawa,  1206 
Hie-che-chin     Bay,    1004- 

1006 
Hier  Harbour,  846 
Hieri  Island,  873,  876 
Hieshan  Islands  and  Rocks, 

1072-1073 
Higashi  Peak,  1215 
High  Bank,  277 

,.      Cape,  1009 

,,      Double       Mountain, 

1134 
,,      Island,  176-177,  253, 
402,  552,  587-588, 
614,  778,  782, 987, 
994-995.  1052, 

1053 
,,      Lamock    Island    and 

Lights,  1013 
,,      Point,  577 
,,      Rock,  125,  639-640 
Hijiki  Sima  Island,  1205 
Hiki  Sima,  1221,  1242 
Hiku  Flat,  1221,  1222 
Hill  Islet,  957 


Hillsborough  Rock,  261-262 

Hilly  Cape,  409 

Himamaylan,  908 

Hime  Sima,  1218,  1229 

Hin-ai-eorp  Rock,  422 

Hin  Chalan  Rock,  422 

Hindostan  Bank,  220 
,,  Rock,  175 

Hirio  Misaki  Cape,  1206 
,,     Yama,  1221 
))  ,1      Hill,  i2o5 

,,  ,,      Peak,  1220 

Hiogo,  1 165,  1209-1210 

Hiotan  Jima,  1216 

Hippogriffe  Shoal,  229 

Hippomenes  Rock,  342 

Hirado  Strait,  1241-1243 

Hira  Iso  Rocks,  1210 

Hirase  Rock,  1235 

Hira  Sima,  1198, 1227,  1244 

Hirose  Rocks,  1214 

Hiro  Sima,  1212,  1216 

Hirowatali  Bay,  1205 

Hisakajima,  1227 

Hishiwo  Bank,  1238 

Hi  Sima,  1236,  1239 

Hitoe,  824 

Hitu,  824 

Hoage  Rock,  1226,  1243 

Hoa-ock  Island,  956 

Hoa-pin-su    Island,    1047- 
1048 

Hockie  Island,  777 

Hodge  Rock,  1226 

Hoedeken  Rock,  156 

Hogian  Island,  847 

Hog  Island,  578 
,,     Point,  171,  176 

Hoi-How,  428, 469,  473-476 
,,  Bay   and    Point, 

473 
Hoita  Harbour,  477 
Hokeang  Island,  1056 
Hokeen  Island,  1069 
Holderness  Rock,  1075 
Hole  Island,  995 
Holland  Bank,  640 
Holmes  Shoal,  656 
Hombo  Bight,  723 
Horn-Co  Islands,  453 
Honam  Point,  983 
Hon-cau,  446 
Hon  Cohe  Bay,  449 
Hondau  Island  and  Light- 
house, 462,  464 
Honden  Island,  782 
Hone  Gome  Bight,  450 
Hong-hai  Bay  and  Island, 

1002-1003 
Hongkew,  11 23 
Hong  Kong,  963-967 

,,  Village,  1037 

Hong-san-ki  Hill,  1042 
Honimoa  Island,  828 
Hon-na-mi,  1199 
Hon-ngai  Island,  448 
Hon-noi  Island,  448 
Honque,  1124 


INDEX. 


1287 


Hoofd  Reef,  805 
Hooghly  Rocks,  279 
Hoog  Island,  253,  257,  778, 

818 
Hook  Islands,  1086 
Hooper  Island,  1161 
Hoorn  Island,  797 

,,       Islands,    672,    680- 
681,  736 
Hoosheak  Hill,  470 
Hoo-wei,  1043 
Hope  Bay,  1009 

,,      Sound,  1 145,  1146 
Hopkins  Bank,  636,  637 
Horadada  Rocks,  931 
Horie  Mount,  825 
Horner  Mount,  1171 

,,       Point,  1231 
Horn  Mount,  562 
Horsburgh         Lighthouse, 

388-389,  397 
Horse  Shoal,  261 
Horse-shoe  Rock,  1134 
Hosono  Bay,    1207 
Hoso  Sima,  1215 

,,         ,,       Harbour,   1172 
Hossack  Shoals,  608 
Hot  Island,  457 
Hotspur  Shoal,  644 
Houblan  Islands,  1088 
Houki  Island,  1146 
Hou  Point,  1053 
House  Cliff,  591 

,,       Hill  Point,  1017 

,,       Island,    iioi,  1105, 
1 109 

,,       Rock,  407 
Hout  Island,  176-177 
Howard  Shoal,  406 
Howley  Island,  577 
Hovvqua  Shoal,  306 
How-sui  Bay,  476 
Hsin-shai-kau  Creek,  1153 
Hue-Fo  River,  j.55-456 
Hue  River,  455-456 
Hughes  Shoal,  311 
Hui-ling-san  Harbour,  944- 

945 
Huisman  Island,  174 
Hu-i-tau  Bay,  1024 
Huledebongo  Point,  810 
Hulu  Shan  Bay,  1158-1159 
Hummock     Island,      1050, 
105 1 
Point,  543 
Hummocks  Hills,  476 
Hump  Island,  863 
Hunchback  Hills,  994   - 
Hungry  Rock,  1237 
Hungtse  Lake,  1131 
Hungwha      Channel      and 

Sound,  1027-1028 
Hunters  Islands,  1077 
Hunter  Shoal,  588 
Hussa  Point,  735 
Hutau  Island,  1069 
Hu-tau-shan  Head,  1016 
Hut  Island,  1081 


Hutton  Reefs,  617 
Hutung   Point  and    River, 

1006 
Hwafung,  462 
Hwangching  Islands,  1146 
Hwangkwa  Island,  1019 
Hwangpu  River,  11 17 
Hyaku  Island,  1213 
,,       Kuan,  1215 
Hydrograf  Rock,  274 

lalan  Rock,  6S2 
lapara  Road,  694-696 
Iba,  601 

Ibabao  Island,  902 
Ibayat  Island,  939 
Ibelbel  Island,  559 
Ibesso,  1247 
Ibo  Point,  1245 
Ibugos  Island,  938 
Ibul  Island,  401 
Ichang, 1104 
Ichinomaki  River,  1197 
Ichi-no-tani  Yama,  1210 
Ida  Shoal,  767 
Idjing  Mount,  749 
Idsu  Cape  and  Light,  1178, 
1181 
,,     Peninsula,  1164,   1178 
Idzumi  Islets,  1242 
Igama  Bay,  1244 
Iguana  Bank,  911 
Iguano  Island,  583 
Ije  Labu  Creek,  140 
Ikan  Mount,  750,  752 
Iki  Sima,  1242 
Ikutski,  1242 
Ilacaon  Island,  910 
Ilara  Hummock,  605 
Ilchester  Bank,  297 
Iligan,  Bahia  de,  899 
Ilimandri  Peak,  778 
Ilim  Island  and  Point,  590- 

591 
Illaan  Hill,  542 
Illana  Bay,  807 
Ulan  and  River,  578 
Hoc,  908 

,,     Island,  584 
Iloilo,  895,  gio-915 

,,      River   and   Beacons. 
912 
Imabari,  1213 
Image  Island,  1045 
Imbeah  Bay,  378 

,,  Mount,  371 
Imbong  Mount,  181 
Imuruan   Bay  and    Island, 

554 

Inaboye  Saki    and    Light- 
house, 1 196 

Inanam  River,  504 

Inclined  Rock,  654 

Incog  Islands,  1065 

Indau  River,  405 

Indong  Island,  581 

Indragirie  River,  338 

Indramayoe,  671,  687 


Indramayoe  Point,  690 
Inflexible  Reef,  1046 
Ingaran  Island,  493 
Ingar  Island,  851 
Ingersoll  Rocks,  1171 
Inglefield  Island,  1049 
Inland    Sea,    Japan,    1201- 

1224 
Inlulutoc  Bay,  555 
Innang   Island    and    Reef, 

317 
,,        Islands,  329 
Inner  Bank,  210 

,,      Bar      and      Signals, 
Wusung  R.,  1119- 
1120 
,,      Beacon,  499 
,,      Channel,    216,     390, 

403 
,,      Harbour,     Amboina, 

828 
„      Sound,  555 
,,      Westerly      Channel, 

675-677 
,,      Wizard  Rock,  949 
In-no  Sima,  1216 
Ino  Ura  Bay,  1212 
Inside  Island,  1003,  1063 

,,       Islet,  950 
Insular  Point,  1099 
Investigator       North-East 

Shoal,  665 
Investigator      North-West 

Reef,  625 
Investigator  Shoal,  665 
lot  Point,  931 
Irada  Mount,  938 
Irako  Saki,  1176,  1177 
Irene  Rock,  339 
Iris  Strait,  856 
Iron  Cape,  771-772 

,,    Island,  1159 
Iro-o  Saki  Cape  and  Light. 

1178,  1181 
Isaac  Island,  1049 
Isabela  Harbour,  893 
Isabella  Bank,  333 
.,        Shoal,  323 
Isaki  and  Light,  1218 

,,     Point,  i2o5 
Isa  Saki,  1172 
Isere  Rocks,  1022,  1023 
I  Sima,  1203 
Iskarri  River,  1253 
Island  Bay,  570 
Isla  Verde,  587 
Islote  Culebra,  602 
Isonosu  Hill,  1246 
Isthmus  Island,  1063,  1082 
Isuma  Nada,  1165 
Isumi  Nada,  The,  1208 
,,      Strait     and      Light, 
1202,  1207-120S 
Itsive  Misaki  Point,  1206 
Itsiye  Misaki,  1207 
Itsuki  Sima,  1217 
Itu  Abaer  Island,  626 
Ivana,  938 


1288 


INDEX. 


Ivon  Shoal,  267 
Iwami  Sima,  1218 
Iwani,  1253 
Iwaya  Point,  1222 
I-wi-ig  Mountains,  541 
Iwoga  Sima  Island,  1170 
Iwo  Sima  and  Lighthouse, 

1235,  1240 
lyo,  1213 
lyo  Nada, 1217-1218 

Jabak  Reef,  616 
Jaboeng  Point,  334 
Jacatra,  677 
Jackee  Island,  791 
Jackson  Island,  861 

,,        Reef,  616-617 
Jacoba  Elizabeth  Rock,  706 
Jacobs  Island,  857 
Jaga  Island,  507,  508 
Jagar  Ridge,  493 
Jahat  Shoals,  501-502 
Jaiar  Point,  733 
Jambie  Ayre,  141 
Jambi  River,  337 
James  Rock,  1243 
Jamsetti  Reef,  280 
Janabatas,  Canal  de,  901 
Jansen  Channel,  711-713 

,,  Rock,  1080 
Jantay  Island,  619 
Japan    Archipelago,    1163- 

1254 
,,        Current,  1167 
,,        Glossary,      Money, 
&c.,  1269-1271 
Japara,  687 

,,        Peak,  671 
Jarang    River    and    Bank, 

198 
Jardine  Point,  985 
Jaring  Reef,  616 
Jar  Point,  io6g 
Jarrad  Bank,  1215 
Jason  Reef,  799-800 

,,      Rock,  183 
Jaulo  Island,  933 
Java,  North-Eastand  South 
Coast,  670-741 

,,     Bank,  700-701,  712 

,,     y/est    Coast  of,  151- 
165 

„     Head,  152,  153-154 

,,     Reef,  920-921 

„     Sea,  735-741 
Jeddo, 1164 
Jehangire  Bank,  642 
Jelaka,  241 
Jenemaiji  Point,  816 
Jerankat  Hill,  224 
Jessie  Beazley  Reef,  921 

,,      Shoal,  531,  779 
Jettis,  724 
Jibboom  I3ay,  551 
Jibuse  Bay,  224 
Jillolo  Island,  871 
Jimamailan,  908 
Jimoto  Bay,  931 


Jin  Island,  994 
Jinmee  Point,  476 
Jintotolo  Island,  909 
Jip  Rocks,  563 
Jiring  Bay,  206 
Joana  Road,  6S7,  696 
Joanta  Island,  281 
John  Peak  Island,  1080 
Johnson  Island,  577 
,,         Shoal,  662 
John  Wade  Rock,  414 
Johore    River    and     Point, 

383-384 
,,  Shoal,  382,  399 

Jokako    Peak    and    Point, 

1014-1015 
Joka  Sima  and  Lighthouse, 

1 180,  1237 
Jolo  Archipelago,  884 
Jomalig  Island,  933 
Jombol  Island  and   Strait, 

348 
Jones  Cove,  996 

,,      Reef,  386,  391 
Jonks  Shoals,  681 
Josina  Reefs,  811 
Joss  House  Bay,  961 
,,    Island,  1040 
,,    Point,  1227 
Jonkamoe  Peak,  168 
Joulan  Point,  611 
Jow  Rock,  1089 
Juac  Island,  929,  930 
Judah  River,  485 
Jugru  River,  120 
Jula  Island,  788 
Julia  Shoal,  635-637 
Junction  Channel,  991 
Junk  Bay,  1159 
,,     Channel,     1078-1079, 
1120,  1214 
Creek,  980 

Island,  985,  1052,  1070 
Point,  420 
Rock,  986 
Sail  Island,  1029 
Juno  Rock,  1026 
Juraojurao  Island,  915 
Jurom  Mas  River,  113 
Just  -  in  -  the  •  Way   Island, 
1097 

Kaban  Island,  402 
Kabasima  Bay,  1227,  1235 
Kabatuan  River,  504 
Kabeina  Island,  815 
Kabeljaauw  Bank,  713 
Kabia  Island,  772 
Kabinguan  Island,  890 
Kabitan  Island,  809-810 
Kaboe  Point,  810 
Kaboroan  Island,  883 
Kabroeang  Island,  883 
Kabuto  Saki,  1237 
Kada  Bay,  1174 
Kadalua  Island,  814 
Kadji  Island,  1213 
Kadjitori  Saki,  1214 


Kado  Sima  and  Lighthouse, 

1244 
Kadota  Yama  Head,  1246 
Kadsusa,  ii8g 
Kadupa  Islands,  835 
Kadzusa  Saki  Point,  1183 
Kae-chu  Point,  1155,  1158 
Kaffoera  Cape,  857 
Kagara  Sima,  1242 
Kageno,  1237,  1240 
Kagosima  and  Gulf,  1231- 

1232 
Kahamkamman  Island,  528 
Kaik  Point,  674 
Kailakat  Harbour,  851 
Kaiman  Rock,  751 
Kai-shan  Island,  1132 
Kait,  806 
Kajang,  749 
Kajeli,  806 
Kajoe  Islands,  773 
Kajoewaddie  Island,  773 
Kakaou  Inlet,  1041  ' 

Kaka  Rock,  835 
Kakarutan  Island,  884 
Kakchio  Promontory,  loio- 

1012 
Kakirouma  Island,  1168 
Kaki-saki,  1179 
Kalabangkang  Point,  711 
Kalaban  Point,  712 
Kalagian  Island,  170 
Kalampunian    Island,    511, 

512 
Kalang-Bayang      Harbour 

and  Mountains,  167-168 
Kalang    Serat    and    Buoy, 

254 
Kalantan  River,  408 
Kalao  Island,  773 
Kalap  Island,  859 
Kalatoa  Island,  772 
Kaleewan  River,  1035 
Kalengan  Island,  721 
Kalian  Ledge  and  Pass,  210 

,,       Point  and  Light,  210 
Kalie  Poetjang,  724 
Kaliesusu  Baj-,  814 
Kali-Maas  River,  702 
Kalinda,  171 
Kali  Saputi  River,  182 
Kali  Tulang  Bawang  River, 

182 
Kaliwaru  Island,  851-852 
Kalkun  Islands,  709 
Kaloekaloekoan,  797 
Kaloeman  Cape,  857 
Kalomuns  Cape,  857 
Kalore,  140 
Kalutan  Island,  514 
Kalumpang  Bay,  798 
Kalumpong  Point,  324 
Kamada,  1243 
Kamaishi  Harbour,  1198 
Kamakuia,  1186 
Kamami,  1253 
Kamantara  Mountains,  16S 
Kaman  Village,  883 


INDEX. 


1289 


Kamara  Island,  765 
Kamarie  Island,  773 
Kambangan      Island      and 

Light,  724-730 
Kambarraghie  Bay,  773 
Kambing  Island,  713,   764, 

783-784 
Kamboe,  764 
Kamida  Creek,  1250 
Kami  Idzumi,  1242 
Kamino  Island,  1230 

,,        Sima,  1237 
Kamirian  Island,  708 
Kami  Rock,  123 1 

,,      Seh  Rock,  1 173 

,,      Sima,  1177 

,,      Ura  Inlet,  1233 
Kam  Loong  Mountain,  943 
Kamodi  Island,  6ig 
Kamoedie  Island,  709 
Kamoedong  Island,  759 
Kamonga  Shoal,  540 
Kampa  Island,  773 
Kamput,  417-419 
Kanabuse  Rock,  1219 
Kanagawa,  1165,  1187 
Kanalur  Island,  850 
Kanari  Islands,  858 
Kanasaki  Sima,  1221,  1222, 

1224 
Kanasawa,  1186 
Kanawa  Rock,  1194 
Kanaya  Point,  1189,  1191 
Kandang  Island,  176 
Kandar  Island,  850 
Kandi  Cape,  810 
Kandisang  Cape,  770 
Kaneda  Bay,  1182,  1183 
Kangeang,  708 
Kangku  Island,  424 
Kang-tow,  1043 
Kanlan  Point,  1088 
Kanon  Saki  and  Lighthouse, 

1184, iigi 
Kanter  River,  734 
Kanziu  Island,  1219 
Ka-o  Island,  953 
Kao-shan  Island,  1145,  1146 
Kapala  River,  503         : 

,,       Rocks,  383 
Kapongsom  River,  419 
Kapoo  Point,  734 
Kappal  Shoals,  695 
Karakelang  Island,  883 
Karakitang  Islands,  882 
Karamo  Islands,  1205 
Karang  Assem,  743,  746 

,,      Balie,  726 
Karang-Besoarand  Beacon, 

675 
Karang    Bessie    Sandbank, 

695 
,,        Brom-Brom       and 

Buoy,  208 
,,        Hadji      Reef     and 

Buoy,  209,  210 
,,        Katang  Reef,  714 
„        Kawat,  272-273 
I.  A. 


Karang  Krantjie  Reef,  715 
,,        Kuiper  Rock,  680 
,,        Layar  Reef,  igg 
,,        Maas    and    Light- 
house, 749 
,,        Mountain,  152 

Karang-Padang  Island,  673 

Karang  Pandjang,  255 
„        Pipa  Shoal,  684 

Karang-Poerak  and   Euoy, 

675 
Karang  Point,  757 

,,        Sangatta        Rock, 

801 
,,        Sarabu,  207 
,,        Semondo  Hill,  722 
,,        Takat  Bank,  709 
,,        Trasseh        Laout, 

225 
,,        Tenga,  725 

Walla    Sandbank, 
674 
Kara  Saki,  1210 
Karatin  Island,  8S4 
Karawang  Point,  273 
Karawari,  857 
Karbaffo  Bay,  788 
Karbouw  Rock,  680 
Kareki,  1243 
Kaiian  River,  107 
Karimon  Island,  694 

,,        Java  Islands,  694- 
696 
Ka  Saki,  1244 
Kasayama  Saki,  1228 
Kasengo  Island,  252 
Kasho  Rock,  1240 
Ka  Sima,  1217 
Kasira,  1242 
Kasiruta  Island,  878 
Kasiwa,  1212 
Kassang  River,  133 
Kassoemba,  747 
Kassuwi  Island,  851 
Kasteel  Rotterdam,  803 
Kasuaris  Bay,  155 
Kasu  Sima,  1233 
Kata,  1202,  1204 
Katang  Linga  Island,  314 
,,        Point,  716 
,,        Reef,  695 
Katapang  Island,  273,  708, 

715 
Kata  Sima,  1241,  1245 

,,  ,,        Kock,  1 183 

Katiga  Point,  511 
Ka-tih-niau  Island,  1136 
Kauriko  Yama  Peak,  1246 
Kawa  Guchi,  1208 
Kawajiri,  1196 
Kawalan  River,  506 
Kawa  Saki,  1188 
Kawatchi  Bay,  1241,  1243 
Kay-a-kaou,  1037 
KaNa-la-pun  River,  143 
Ka  Yama  Rock,  1183,  1184 
Kayeli,  806 
Kayo  Island,  877 


Kayu  Islands,  773 

Kebat  Island,  339 

Kebatoe  Island,  272 

Kebo  Island,  763 

Kechil  River,  113 

Keddah,  107 

Kediending  Point,  770 

Keenapoussan  Islands,  886, 
919 

Kee-ow  Island,  954 

Keffing  Isles,  852 

Kega  Point,  444-445 

Keicho,  460,  461,  463 

Kei  Islands,  846-848 

Keishi-wei,  1006 

Keizers  Bay,  167 

Kekik  Island,  867 

Kelang  Island,  823 

Kellet  Bank,  963 

Kellett  Bank,  967 
Reach,  986 
,,       Spit,  1020,  1022 

Kelok  Island,  694 

Kelor  Rock,  679 

Ke-lung    Harbour   and    Is- 
land, 1043-1046 

Kema,  804,  811,  812 

Kem   ng  Harbour,  1070 

Kemsue  Island,  1004 

Kendari  Bay,  813 

Kennedy  Island,  250 

Kent  Rocks,  350 

Keo  Bay,  775 

Kepanean  Island,  721 

Keppeh  Island,  765 

Keppel  Rock,  379,  381 

Kep  Point,  417 
Kera  Island,  332,  7S6 
Kerkhof  Island,  682 
Kerr  Channel,  991 
,,     Island,  1028 
Kerti  Creek,  141 
Kertoy  Creek,  141 
Keshen  Point,  980 
Ke-sin-she  Island,  1003 
Kestrel  Rock,  1092 
Ketapang  Shoal,  676 
Ketau  Point,  T0S4 
Ketchepee,  869 
Kcti  Island,  489 
Keua-dong  River,  460 
Keui  Island,  994 
Keun-bong  River,  459 
Keu-shan  Island,  1091 
Key  Islands,  846 
Keyser  Bay  and  Island,  167 

,,       Peak,  168 
Kiahtsz,  1007 
Kiamsan  Point,  495,  497 
Kianghi  Mountain,  494 
Kiangshan  Hills,  1028 
Kiangtse  Province,  1128 
Kiao  River,  459 
Kibatsu  Bay,  1238 
Kibune  Point,  1221,  1222 
Kiddisol  Island,  1086 
Ki   Doulan   Harbour,   847- 
848 

8b 


1290 


INDEX. 


Kidurong   Bay  and   Point, 

486,  487 
Kien-chew,  471,  473 
Kietjar  River,  igS 
Kii  Channel,  1202-1207 
Ki  Islands,  846-848 
Kikai  Sima,  1169 
Kilapan  Island,  237 
Kila  Road,  764 
Kiloang  Bay,  168 
Kilwari  Island,  851-852 
Kimanis    Bay    and    River, 

502-503 
Ki-ming  Island,  1140 
Kinchan  Bay,  1159 
King  Cape,  1182,  1195 
Kingkasan       Island       and 

Light,  1198 
Kingston  Shoal,  662 
King  William  Island,  863, 

86  + 
Kini  Balu  Mountain,  506 
Kinindukan  Bluff,  503 
Kin-kia,  1136 
Kinkiang,  941 
Kin-men  Island,  1072 
Kinpai  Pass,  1058 
Kinsiang,  1004 
Kintang       Channel        and 
Island,  1097 
,,  Island,      1086- 

1087 
Kintar  Island,  301 
Kintoan     Lighthouse     and 
Light     Vessel, 
1108-iiog 
,,        Small  Beacon  and 
Light,  1 109 
Kin-yu  Island,  1004 
Kiori  Cape,  1199 
Kioto,  1208,  I2IO 
Kiow  Island,  877 
Kiro  Yama,  1214 
Kirton  Shoal,  649 
Kishun  Gawa  River,  1208, 

1209 
Kiso  River,  1177 
Kissa  Island,  784 
Kisser  Island,  784 
Kitakami  River  and  Light, 

1197 
Kitsne  No  Se  Rock,  1184 
Kiukiang,  1104 
Kiung-chau,  428,  471,  473 
Kiusiu  Island,  1164,  1171 

,,       West  Coast,  1230 
Kiu-sung-seu,  1022 
Khao  Sabap  Mountain,  421 
Klaaibeck  Island,  869 
Klabat  Bay,  225 

„       Mountain,  812 
Klambang  Point,  803 
Klang  River,  107,  120 
Klapa  Island,  838 
Kiappa  Island,  169 

,,       Point,  171 
Klapper  Island,  152 
Klein  Fortuin  Island,  166 


Klein  Island,  780 
Kletta  Rocks,  712 
Kliang  Mountain,  251 
Klippige  Point  and  Shoals, 

233.  235,  242 
Kloiiat  Mountain,  811,  812 
Kloempang  Bay,  798 
Klong    Koh     Kong    River, 

420 
Klumpang  Dua  Creek,  141 
Knob  Hill,  181 

,,      Island  and  Peak,  583- 

584 
,,      Point,  1143 
,,      Reef,  996 
,,      Rock,  1016 
Knoop  Island,  760 
Koanjer  Point,  745 
Ko  Azika  Sima,  1242 
Koba,  260 

Kobe  and  Light,  1209-1210 
Kobie  Bay,  853 
Kobona  Island,  772 
Kobroor  Island,  844 
Ko  Channel.  1097 
Kodono  Sima,  1215 
Kodsine  Island,  1194 
Koeber  Island,  170 
Koeboe  Point,  745 
Koebor  Island,  673 
Koekoesan  Mount,  688 
Koemai  River,  739 
Koenjit  Island,  794. 
Koepang  and   Light,    785- 

786 
Koeraw,  260 

Koerier  Bank,  251-252,  257 
Koerier  Rock,  812 
Koesie,  789 
Koetei  River,  800 
Ko-guro  Sima,  1225-1226 
Kohajau  River,  739 
Koh  Buot  Island,  410 

,,     Chan,  411 

,,     Chang,  421 

,,     Chula,  421 

,,     Dud,  417 

„     Ira,  423 

,,     Kam,  424 

„     Klet-keo,  423 

,,     Kong,  420 

„     Krah,  410 

,,     Kram,  423 

,,     Kut,  420 

,,     Kwang  Noi,  413 

„     Lan,  423 

,,     Lucm,  411,  423 

,,     Mak,  420 

„     Ko  ho  Island,  950-952 

,,     Platecn,  422 

,,     Riat,  422 

,,     Rong,  419 

,,     Samit,  419,  422 

,,     Si-chang,  423 

,,     Si-ma-ha-ra-cha,  424 

,,     Ta-kut,  411 

„     Tang,  414 

,,     Tlu,  411 


Koh  Tron,  417 
,,     Yoh,  422 
Kojima  Island,  1227 
Kok-he-mung         Harbour, 

1040 
Koko  Island,  770 

,,     Reef  and  Lighthouse, 

713-714 
,,     Rock,  835 
Kok-si-kon  Port,  1040 
Koku,  1 152 

Kokura  and  Ledge,  1221 
KoUong  Bay,  762 
Koloembj'an  Bay,  167-168 
Komaga-daki  Peak,  1251 
Komba  Island,  779 
Kombang  Bay,  717 
Kombar  Island,  695 
Kombuis  Islands,  681 
Ko  Minasi  Sima,  1218 
Komisang  Island,  1168 
Kommerust  Island,  869 
Komoda  Bay,  1227 
Komodian  Island,  694 
Komo-no-saki,  1227 
Ko  Ne  Sima,  121 5 
Kongilan  Island,  722 
Kongka  Bay,  817 

,,        Island,  300 
Ko  No  Se  Rock,  1215 
Ko  Oge  Sima,  1215 
Koong-chin  Hill,  476 
Korai-no-ze  Rock,  1226 
Korbou  Mountain,  838 
Korea,  The,  1161-1162 
Korowelan  Shoal,  692-693 
Kosaka  Channel,  1225 
Ko  Saki  Sima,  1215 
Kosedo,  1238 
Kosii  Sima,  1216 
Kosiki  Islands,  1229-1230 
Ko  sima,  1199 

,,         Island,  1175 
,,         No  Hana,  1172 
Kosime    No    Osima,    1222, 

1223 
Kosu  Sima  Island,  1194 
Kota  Lumut,  118 
Kotamo  Bay,  1233 
Kotaringin  Bay,  739 
Kota  Striah,  irS 
Ko  Tate  Rock,  1241,  1243 
Koti    Passage  and   Mount, 

615 
,,      River,  800 
Koto  No  Ura  Bay,  1233 
Kotta,  743,  747 
,,       Kiver,  204 
,,       Wanngin  River,  206 
Koubah  Island,  1049 
Koubong   Bluff    and    Reef, 

495 
Kowanko   Bay  and  Island, 

763 
Kowloon,  963,  965 
Kow  Luang  Mountain,  411 
Kowlui  Head,  1059 
Koyaki,  1235 


INDEX. 


1291 


Koyaki  Island,  1237 
Koza-gawa,  1174 
Kraa  Isthmus,  410 
Krabben  Island,  715 
Krakab  Islands,  695 
Krakal  Bight,  723 
Krakatoa  Island,  156,  173 
Kranga  Bluff,  509 
Krang  Guku  Ceek,  141 

,,       Island,  274 

,,       Ryah  Bay,  139 
Kran  Island,  283 
Krawang  Island,  290 

,,        Point,    683,    686, 
688 
Kravv  Isthmus,  410 
Krean  River,  107 
Krei  Island,  843 
Kresik  and  Light,  701 
Krian  River,  112 
Kring  Badung  Island,  423 
Kroenjo  Rock,  164 
Kron  Berg,  776 
Kroya  Bank,  737 
Kuala-panko  River,  503 
Kuan  Island,  1213 
Kubu  Manak  Island,  746 
Kuching,  482-4S3 
Kuga  Channel,  ir27 
Kuiper  Island,  679-680 
Kukar  Island,  851 
Ku-kien-san  Island,  1049 
Kuki  Saki,  1174 
Kulang-seu    Island,     1019, 

1020,  1022 
Kulassein  Island,  891 
Kulewatta  Bay,  838 
Kumi  Island,  1048 
Kumpal  Island,  289 
Kung-kung  Fiat,  1144 

,,  Island,    and 

Lighthouse, 
1141 
Kuno  Sima,  1215,  1216 
Kunst  Shoal,  335 
Kupang  and  Light,  7S5-786 
Kuper  Harbour,  1161-1162 

,,      Island,  986 
Kuraman  Island,  494,  497 
Kura  Sima  Island,  1205 
Kurihama  Bay,  1183 
Kurile  Islands,  1165 
Kurimah  Island,  1050 
Kuri  No  Kami  Reef,  1242 
Kuro-ko  Sima,  1243 
Kuro-ne-seto  Strait,  1232 
Kuro  Saki,  1199 
Kurose  Islet,  123S 
Kurose  Reef,  1236 
Kuro   Siwo  Current,    1167, 

1200 
Kuro  Sima,  1227,  1241, 1171 

,,       ,,        Rocks,  1174 
Kurow  River,  113 
Kurusima  No  beto,   1213- 
1215 
,,  Strait,  1213-1215 

Kusa-kaki  Island,  1229 


Kusaki  Sima  Rocks,  1171 
Kusan  Pagoda,  1025 
Kushan  Peak,  1057 
Kusi  Saki,  1218,  1219 
Kusrovie  Rock,  419-420 
Kuszukuri  Point,  1225 
Kutong  River,  113 
Kutsino  Sima  Island,  1169 
Kutsnose  Kock,  1235 
Kuvvana,  1177 
Kwaka  Saki,  1188 
Kwala  Bubon,  143 

,,       Djellei  River,  739 
Kvvala-nur  River,  337 
Kwala  Pasir,  799 
Kvva-liang  Bay,  1036 
Kwandang  Bay,  810 
Kwang-si  Province,  990 
Kwang-tung  Province,  988 
Kvvan  Island,  1088 
Kwei  Channel,  1088 
Kwei-chau  fu,  1104 
Kwei-tau  Rocks,  960 
Kweshan  Islands,  1075 
Kvve-tau  Head,  959 
Kvvimun  Channel,  1088 
Kwing  Bay,  103 1 
Kwi-si  Island,  108S 
Kyau-Chau      Bay,      1134- 

"35 
Kypong  Islands,  959 

Laag  Island,  289 

Laa  Island,  887 

Laam  Koo  Hill,  476 

Laarat  Island,  842 

Laars  Bank,  796-797 

Laboe  Hadye,  756 

Laboh  Point,  202 

Labot  Mount,  932 

Labekara  Cape,  817 

Labuan,  144 

,,        Amok,  745,  746 

Labuandata  Lape,8i7 

Labuan  Gattal,  749 
,,        Gollck,  749 
,,        Group,  499-501 
Hadji,  756 
Tring,  757 

Labu  Bua  Point,  762 

Laburs  Mount,  878 

La  Caldera  Harbour,  898 

Lacht  Huen  River,  461 

Lacht  Kouenn  Port,  458 

La  Concepcion,  914 

Ladd  Reef,  622 

Ladrone  Islands,  954-955 

Lady  Inglis  Rocks,  1178 

Laf-sa-mi  Island,  956,  958, 

973 
Laga  Anchorage,  791 

,,     Point,  197 
Lagen  Island,  564 
Lagoendy       Islands       and 

Strait,  172 
Lagong  Island,  619 
Lagonoy  Gulf,  931 
Laguan  Island.  902 


Lagummanoc  Island,  927 
Laguna  de  Panguil,  899 
Lagundy  Islands,  172 

,,  Strait,  168 

Lagu  Rocks,  835 
Laho  Island,  170 
Lahuy  Island,  932 
Laichau,  1 146 
Laigoma  Island,  877 
La  island,  788 
Lakahia  Mount,  856 
Lakeaii  Island,  1082 
Lakeati  Island,  1082 
Laki  Island,  481 
Lakor  Island,  838 
Lak  River,  460 
Lalanga  Island,  169 
Lalarie  Pomt,  203,  221,  223 
Lalutaya  Island,  566 
Lamakwera,  779 

,,  Strait,  777 

Lama  Point   853 
Lamarap  Peak,  780 
Lama  River,  503 
Lamaut  Island,  120 
Lambasina  Islet,  817 
Lambay  Island,  1037 
Lambeina  Reef,  816 
Lambier  Mount,  488 
Lamcolam  Pook,  409 
Lameh  Point,  791 
Lamina  Elizabeth  Reef,  619 
Lamma  Island,  957 

,,        Island  and   Chan- 
nels, 961-962 
Lamocklslands  and  Lights, 

1013 
Lamon  Bay,  933 
Lamongan  Mount,  715 
La  Monja  Rock,  597 
Lamon  Rocks,  1013-1014 
Lampassan      Island,     518, 

520 
Lam  Point,  1027 
Lampong  Bay,  169-171 

,,  Mountains,  168 

Lampon  Harbour,  933 
Lamsana  Cove,  791 
Lamtia  Island,  1017 
Lam-yit  Island  and  Sound, 

1027 
Lanauan  Island,  892 
Lan-dar-gun  Peak,  542 
Lando  Island,  787 
Landscape  Island,  866 
Langat  River,  120 
Langil  Island,  893 
Lang  Island,  174 

,,      Islet,  403 
Lang-kiu  and   Point,  1036- 

1037 
Langkong  Point,  203 
Lang    Shan    Crossing   and 

Light  Vessel,  1127 
Langui  Shoal,  393-394 
Langwas  Island,  255 
Lang-yi  Tau,  1133 
Lanka  Point,  260 


1292 


INDEX. 


Lankattuah  Island,  143 
Lan-Keeam  Cay,  628 
Lankeet    Island   and  Flat, 

Lan-kiang  Sha,  1148 
Lanksa  Bay,  143 
Lanrick  Shoal,  266 
Lansew    Bay   and    Island, 

10S7-1089 
Lan-shan  Island,  10S8 
Lantao  Channel,  958 

,,       Island,        967-968, 
976 
Lanteba,  140 
Lanyett  Island,  1076 
Laoush  Rock,  1080 
Lapac    Island    and     Reef, 

885-8S6 
La  Paix  Rock,  638 
Laparan  Island,  889 
Lapie,  762 

Larabe  Slioal,  230,  25S 
Larantuka,  769 

„  Gut,  778 

Largon   Island  and  Rocks, 

556-557 
Lari  Larien  Islands,  796 
Lark  Bay,  950 
Larkin  Shoal,  614 
Larkins  Point,  986 
Larne    Rock    and    Island, 

1062 
Laroc  Island,  842 
Laroot  and  River,  107,  112, 

"3 

Larva  Rocks,  1063 

Lary  Island,  879 

Las    Llagas    Shoals,    905- 

906 
Lassa  Cape,  815 
Lassem,  696 
Latea  Island,  1086 
Latiniojong  Mount,  816 
Latoan    Island   and    Reef, 

529 
Latoea  Mount,  824 
Latoe  River,  734 
Latonda  Islands,  773 
Latta  Islands,  877 

,,      Latta  Island,  878 
Lau-mu  Ho  Entrance,  Liau- 

tung  Gulf,  1 153 
Laun  Island,  867 
Laurel  Reef,  796 
„      Rock,  gi8 
Lauriot  Islands,  741 
Laut  Reef,  616 

,,     Rock,  680 
Lava  Island,  934 
Lavender  Bank,  275 
Lawak  Island,  706-707 
Lawang,  140 

,,         Island,  779 
Lawoe  Peak,  671 
Lawvengan  Island,  160 
Lay  Cape,  456 
Laykan  Point,  803 
Lea  Ming  Island,  1073 


Lebanie  Bay,  806 
Lebi,  746 
Leda  Rock,  339 
Leechin  Point,  1053 
Leema  Islands,  280 
Leenhwa-yang       Channel, 

1082 
Leeo-lu  Bay,  1024 

,,        Head,  1021 
Leeta-Leeta  Island,  541 
Legabatang  Creek,  141 
Legaspi,  895,  929-930 
Leiar  Island,  402 
Leiden  Island,  682 
Leitimor,  824 
Lelei  Shoals,  804-805 
Le-liang-swa      Mountains, 

1037 
Lema  Channel,  971-972 

,,      Islands,  957,  960-961 
Lembalei  Bay,  138 
Lem  Chong  P'ra,  410 
Lemiring  Point,  721 
Lem  Kra-bang,  423 

,,     Kwan,  423 

,,     Ling,  420 

,,     Nam,  420 

,,     Pataya,  423 

,,     Putau,  423 

,,     Sahemsan,  422 

,,     Samook,  424 

,,     Sing,  421 

,,     Tong  Lan,  411 

,,     Ya,  422 
Lengowa  Point,  853 
Lenna,  776 
Lenning  Point,  163 
Leno  Bay,  897 
Leong-soy  Bay  and   Point, 

479 
Leonidas  Bank,  923 
Lepar  Strait,  234 
Lepog  Bay,  604 
Letman  Island,  847 
Letti  Island,  S37 
Leuconna  Island,  logo 
Leu-kung-tau  Island,  1140 
Leuwarden  Reef,  853 
Leyte  Island,  901-902 
Lian  Bay,  594 
Liang  Island,  762 
Liang-kiau  Bay,  1036-1037 
Liant  Cape,  422 
Liat  Bay  and  Reef,  263 
Liau  Ho  River,  1154-1157 
Liau-ti-shan     Promontory, 

1159 
Liau-tung  Gulf,  1129, 1153- 

1162 
Liloan,  Puerto  di,  901 
Lima  Island,  401 
Lima-jamboe  Island,  673 
Lima-klappa  Island,  673 
Lima  Strait,  338 
Limbe  Island,  812 
Limbones  Island,  594 
Limo  Rocks,  720 
Limpogeh  Island,  816 


Linacapan  Island,  585-586 

Lincoln  Island,  643 

Linga,  298-300 

Lingayen    Bay  and    River, 
602-603 

Lingey  River,  129 

Linghie,  107 

Lingin  River,  12^ 

Lingshan  Mountains,  1133 

Lingting  Island,  957,  972 

Linguette  Island,  771 

Lin  Island,  1086 

Linitan  Island,  897 

Linschoten    Islands,  1169- 
1170 

Lintang  Junction,  482 

Lintido  Point,  810 

Lintin  Island,  970 

Lintoa,  943 

Lion  Rock,  582 

Lipata  Bank,  907 

,,       Point,  902,  916 

Lirong,  883 

Lisateke  Cape,  822 

Lishan  Bay,  1065 

Lismore      Wreck       Light, 
1118 

Lissamatula  Island,  821 

Litau  Bay,  1139 

Li-tsin  ho  River,  1147 

Litsitah  Point  and   Light- 
house, 1054 

Little  Abang  Island,  341 
,,      Andellan  Island,  158 
,,      Apo  Rock,  589 
,,      Botel-tobago  Island, 

1033 
,,      Carimon  Island,  136, 

347 
,,      Catwick  Rock,  637 
,,      Condore  Island,  633 
,,       Dayak  River,  739 
,,       Binding  Island,  114 
,,       Durian  Island,  344 
,,      Fortune  Island,  166, 

850 
,,       Garras     Island    and 

Lighthouse,  315 
,,       Innang  Island,  317 
,,       Island,  780 
,,      Johore  Hill,  384 
,,      Kabang  Island,  402 
,,      Ki  Island,  847 
,,      Ladrone  Island,  954- 

955 
,,      Latonda  Island,  773 
,,      Lelei  Shoal,  805 
,,       Merak  Island,  164 
,,      Molleangan     Island, 

516,  521 
,,       Pan  Reef,  318 
,,      Paternoster  Islands, 

799 
,,      Pomogotang  Island, 

170 
,,      Pulo    Laut    Islands, 

741 
„      Quemoy  Island,  1023 


INDEX. 


1293 


Little  Rusukan  Island,  494, 

497 
,,      Sambo     Island    and 

Ledges,  395 
,,       Solombo  Island,  738 
,,       Square  Mount,  697 
,,      Tamarind  Island,  174 
,,      Tiemara  Island,  317 

Liu     Kiu     Islands,     1168- 
1169 

Liungnib  Island,  955 

Liu-sia-kwang,  1153 

Livoc,  931 

Liwan  Island,  loSi 

Lizzie  Webber  Shoal,  663 

Liban  Island,  782 

Libau  Island,  783 

Libnandala  Cape,  817 

Lied  Rock,  237 

Liefou,  789 

Lien-chew,  942 

Lierang  Point,  696 

Lieuchieu  Island,  948 

Lifa  Matoelah  Island,  821 

Ligor  and  Roads,  409,  410 

Lih-ho  River,  1136 

Llangliangan  Island,  504 

Loai-ta    Island    and    Reef, 
628 

Lobam  Island,  339 

Loban  Islands,  323 

Lobetobie  Mountain,  775 
„  Strait,  778 

Lobetolle  Peak,  781 

Lobogh  Bay,  171 

Lo-chau  Island,  962,  967 

Lochovv  Island,  992 

Loembing  Rock,  676 

Loemoet  Point,  717 

Logan  Point,  445 

Loggerhead  Peaks,  565 

Logo  River,  1187 

Loirap  River,  432 

Loka  Island,  1082 
Lokaup  Island,  999 
Lokea  Island,  1081 
Lokiang,  1041 
Lombata  Island,  777,  7S0 
Lomblen  Llandand  Moun- 
tains, 779,  780 
Lombok  Island  and  Strait, 

754-759 
Lombok  Islet,  Sii 
Lompoe  Batang  Mountain, 

801 
London  Reefs,  624 
Loney  Island,  1049 
Long  Arroa  Island,  125 

,,      Harbour,  996 

„      Hill,  202 

„      Island,  Gaspar  Strait, 

253 
,,  ,,      Rio  Strait,  319 

„  „      Varella  Strait, 

349.  353 
,,  ..      Pitts  Pass,  866 

,,  ,,      Yellow   River, 

1136 


Long  Island,  Miau-tau  Is-  ' 
lands, 1145-  I 
1 146 

Longnose  Point,  1097  ] 

Long  Point,  545,  546 

Long  Sand  and  Buoys,  iii 

Longso  Island,  770 

Lontar  Island,  829-831 

Lonthoir  Island  and  Chan- 
nel, 829-832 

Loobi  Rock,  848 

Looc      Barabok      Barabok 
Harbour,  514-515 

Looc  Bay,  592-593 

Loo   Choc   Islands,    1168- 
ii5g 

Look-out  Hill,  1 100 

Loong-moon  River,  468 

Looper  Reef,  710 

Loos  Island,  322 

Lord  Auckland  Shoal,  666 

Lor  Island,  704 

Lorok  Bay,  722 

Losari  Island,  720 

Los  Cochinos  Islands,  597 

Loshan  Mountain,  1134 

Losing    Island    and     Spit, 
1056,  1060 

Lot-sin  Bay,  1070 

Lot's  Wife  Rock.  376,  1193 

Louan  Island,  838 

Louar  Cape,  756 

Louisa  Bay,  1159 

,,       Island    and    Shoal, 
883 
Shoal,  528,  651 

Lousapara  Islands,  836 

Loutz  Rock  and  Shoal,  1027 

Low  Chikhok  Island,  1071 
,,     Flat  Island,  545 

Lowgai  Island,  1068 

Low  Island,  232,   241,  245, 
253,  289,  616-617 
,,     Islet,  1029,  1249,  1252 
„     Peak,  308 
,,     Point,  542,  1144 
,,     Reef  and  Lighthouse, 

1223 
,,     Rocks,  765,  766 
,,     Lowseu  Island,  467 

Loxdale  Shoal,  532 

Loyang  Island,  866 

Loz  Island,  322 

Luan  Islands,  838 

Lubang  Islands,  592-594 

Lubec  Island,  704-705 

Lubedan  Island,  499 

Lububa  Island,  813 

Lucapin  Islands,  S36 

Luchu  Islands,  1168-1169 

Lucipara  Channel,  189,  219- 

224 

,,        Channel  and  Light 

Vessel,  219-224 

,,        Island  and  Rocks, 


192 

Islands, 

836 


Banda, 


Lucipara  Point,  192 
Luconia  Breakers,  490 
,,         Island,  925-936 
,,         Shoals  and  Break- 
ers, 649-651 
Lugon  Island,  925-936 
Luctor  Shoal,  277-278 
Luda  Hill,  256 

,,     Peak,  251 
Luhwang  Island,  1077-1078 
Lukan  Loweh  Island,  817 
Lukisong  Island,  866 
Lukon  Harbour,  1086 
Lumbucan       Island       and 

Channel,  534 
Lundu  River,  480 
Lung-kiang  River,  1019 
Lungmun  Harbour,  1141 
Lungshan  Mountain,  1134 
Lung-wang,  1132 
Lunkat  River,  143 
Lupa  Buan,  887 
Lupar  River,  483 
Luwu,  816 

Luzon  Island,  925-936 
Lyang  Island,  504 

,,       River,  225 
Lyemun  Pass,  963 
Lynedoch  Bank, 848 
Lynn  Bank,  183,  185-186 

,,  Shoal,  737 
Lynx  Rock,  1025 
Lys  Shoal,  630 

Ma-oau  Point,  1088 

Maas  En  Waal  Shoal,  278- 

279 
Mabag  Island,  936 
iMabatui  Point,  938 
Mabo  Cape,  860 
Macahalao  Bay,  899 
Macajalar  Bay,  899 
Macao  Fort  Passage,  988 
,,       Harbour  and  Light, 

950-954 
Macarira  Island,  951 
Macartney  Cape,  1138 
Macclesfield  Bank,  645-647 
,,  Channel,  234- 

244 
,,  Island,  1084 

McCluer  Bank,  867 
,,         Gulf,  857 
Macedonian  Mound,  1045 

,,  Reef,  1 180 

MacGowan  Cliffs,  1158 
Machama,  1196 
Mackesy  Island,  575 
Mackie  Shoal,  779 
Mackinnon  Rock,  1014 
Maconchisi,  427 
Macota  Isla.id,  766 
Mactan    Island,    895,  906- 

907 
Maculabo  Island,  933 
Madang,  or  Flat  Island,  761 
,,         Islands,      Varella 
Strait,  340 


1294 


INDEX. 


Madara  Sima,  1241,  1242 
Maddock  Rock,  477 
Madras  Rock,  loio 
Madripore  Point,  568 
Madubis  Island,  939 
Madiicang  Island,  581 
Madu  Island,  673,  772 
Madura  Island,  701,  704 

,,        Strait,  711-713 
Madyena  Road,  S06 
Maeander  Shoal  and  Buoys, 

379 
Maestro  de  Campo  Island, 

925 
Magdalena  Port,  905 
Magdalen  Reef,  266 
Magellanes  Bank,  923 
Maggie  Reef,  528 
Magindanao    Island,    S96- 

gor 
Magindari  Cape,  803 
Maene  Shan,  459 
Magnetic  Variation,  41 
Magnoc  Bay,  930 
Magpeo  Island,  886 
Magsiapo  Reef,  548,  550 
Magtan  Island,  9or-907 
Mahakkan  River,  800 
Mahitam  Island,  170 
Mah-wan  Island,  969 
Maika  Island,  843 
Maiko,  1210 
Maimbun  Bay,  891 
Main      Channel,     Yangtse 

River,  1105-1108 
Maio  Island,  761-762 
Maissonneuve  Island,  1161 
Maitland  Passage,  987 
Majajaquin,  933 
Majo  Island,  761-762 
Makalehe  Island,  882 
Makassar  and  Lights,  774, 
803-805 
,,  Strait  of,  793-809 

Makiang  River,  416 
Maki  bima,  1234 
Makkian  Island,  877 
Makung     Harbour,     1053- 

1054 
Malabrigo  Point,  927 
Malacca  and   Lights,   130- 
132 
,,  Strait  of,  106-149 

Malaguing  Gilog  Harbour 

and  Light,  909 
Malaka,  130 
Malampaya  River,  560 

Sound, 555-556 
Malancassan  Island,  500 
Malan  Do\ang  Rock,  225 
Malang  Beang  Shoal,  803 
„        Berdaun        Rocks, 

384 

,,        Orang     Reef    and 

Buoy, 318 

Point,  735 

,,        Point     and     Spit, 

370. 380 


Malan  Guntur,  225 
Malang  Yarong  Island,  317, 

324 
Malan  Hyu  Rock,  225 
Ma  la-nut  Hill  and   River, 

544 
Malapakkun  Island,  543 
Malapina  Island,  557 
Malauigi,  925 
Malaunavi  Island,  893 
Malavatuan  Island.  593 
Malay  Point  and  Spit,  370, 
380 
,,      Vocabulary,  Money, 
&c.,  1256-1258 
Maleidong  Island,  291 
Malicut  Island,  891 
Malikan  River,  142 
Malilipuy,  931 
Malinsono  Island,  539 
Malipu  Bay,  559 
Mallaratone  Island,  558 
Mallarois  Island,  559 
Mallawalle      Island       and 
Channel, 
51^.     518- 
519 
,,  Shoals,    519, 

521 
Ma-lo-chau  Islands,  953 
Malolo  Mountain,  933 
Malootone  Island,  560 
Malpacao  Island,  564 
Maltby  Island,  572 
Maludu  Bay,  512 
Malumahuan  Island,  929 
Malusa,  893 
Mamalak    or    Mamalakkie 

Island,  773,  819 
Mambahenauan  Island,  920 
Mambulao,  933 
Mamee-chovv  Islands,  944 
Mamelles  Mountain,  457 
Mamelon  Hummock,  202 
Mamoedya  Bay,  806 
Mampango  Bank,  275 
Mampawa,  283 
Manado,  811-812 

,,         Tua  Island,  811 
,,         Residence  of,  802 
Manaita  Rocks,  1221,  1222 
Mana  Mechy  Island,  423 
Manatuti  Point,  791 
Mandah  Island,  919 
Mandang  Island,  882 
Mandani  Island,  593 
Mandararie  Cape,  728,  731 
Mandar  Cape,  806 
Mandarin  Bluff,  1186 
Mandarins  Cap  Rock,  945 
Mandelike  Island,  687,  696 
Manders  Shoal,  676 
Mandhar  Cape,  805,  806 
Mandieli  Point,  776 
Mandirie  River,  732,  733 
Mandolie  Island,  878 
Mandolo  Point,  776 
Mandra  Island,  733 


Man-eater  Island,  674 

Maneh  Creek,  141 

Mangala,  182 

Mangalum  Island,  505 

Mangarai  Island,  769-779 
,,  Strait,  769,  774 

Mangarim  Bay,  590 

Mangar  Island,  612 
,,        P(  int,  273 

Mangerye  Strait,  769 

Mangir  Island,  158 

Mangkasser     and     Lights, 
803-805 
,,  Government  of, 

802 

Mang-kia,  1043 

Mangola  Island,  821-822 

Mangoman  Island,  172 

Mangos  Point,  603 

Mangrove  Bay,  774 
,,  Island,  576 

Mangsee  Danger  Bank,  531 
,,         Great  Reef,  529- 

530 
,,         Islands  and  Chan- 
nel, 530-532 

Maniacolat  Island,  885 

Maniang  Islet,  817 

Maniguig  Island,  916 

Manila  Bay,  595-600,  895 

Manilla  Rock,  714 

Manipa  Island  and  Passage, 
823 

Manito,  930 

Manlalec,  564 

Man-mi-chau  Island,  959 

Mano  Island,  776,  788,  839 

Manok  Bay,  748 

,,       Island,  729,  733 

Manovolko  I- land,  851 

Manpoeriet  Island,  708 

Manropet  Island,  708 

Man-san  Island,  954 

Mansfield  Island,  863,  864 
Shoal,  818 

Mantaleengahan        Moun- 
tain, 542 

Mantanani  Islands,  510 

Mantang  Island,  319 
,,         Peak.  480 

Mantangule     Island,     513, 
535 

Manti  Island,  794 

Mantotte,  791 

Manubol  Island,  885 

Manuc  Manca  Island,  887 

Manu  Harbour,  476 

Manui  Island,  813 

Manuk     Manukan    Island, 
920 

Manyangit  Point,  516 

Manzas  Point,  603 

Manziu  Island,  1219 

Maoutze  Island,  1083 

Maqueda  Canal,  931 

Maquiliere  Island,  882 

Marabay  Point,  548 

Marabu,  488 


INDEX. 


1295 


Maraksa,  141 

,,         River,  139 
Maralison  Island,  gij.,  gi5 
Marang,  Mount,  282 
Marantao  Island,  543 
Marasanga  Cape,  816 
Marasi  Bay,  541 
Marass  Mountain,  225 
Marawang  and  River,  260, 

262 
Marble  Rock,  943 
March  Island,  S77 
Margaretha  Harbour,  848 
Margaret  Shoal,  405 
Marianne  Shoal,  773 
Maricaban  Island,  927 
Marigondon,  928 
Marigorang  Island,  878 
Marijondon       Point,      597, 

599 
Marinduque  Island,  925 
Mariner  Keef,  1093 
Maringi  Bay,  773 
Marinijo  River,  734 
Maririe  Point,  Sii 
Maritinieh  Island,  797 
Mariveles  Bay,  599 

,,         Island  and  Light- 
house, 596-597 
Marlangas  Mount,  925 
Marongos  Island,  891 
Maroona  Shoal,  606 
Maroon  Hill,  234 
Marsh  Reef,  412,  1169 
Mars  Island,  322 
Martaban  Shoal,  796 
Martha  Point,  1139 
Maru  Bukit,  384 

,,      Island,  842 

,,      Iso  Rock,  1214 
Marundum  Island,  614 
Maru  Yama,  1204 
Maruyama  Point,  1206 
Mary  Goddard  Shoal,  229 

,,      Rock,  296 
Masar  Island,  250 
Masbate  Island,  905 
Maselar  Island,  839 
Masien  1  iega  Islands,  292 
Ma  Sima,  1224 
Masingloc  Port,  602 
Mas-kong  Island,  961 
Masou  Peninsula,  1045 
Masui  Sima,  1223,  1224 
Masunie  Island,  822 
Matabella  Islands,  851 
Mata  Island,  612 
Mataga  Island,  894 
Mataha  Island,  894 
Matanal  Point,  892 
Matandumaten  Is. and,  932 
Matang  Island,  840 

,,        Peak,  485 
Matheson  Port,  1026 
Mathilda  Rock,  679 
Matimioz  Point,  898 
Matinloc  Island,  562 
Matoco  Point,  927 


Matoya  Harbour  and  Light, 

1175,  1176 
Matsmae,  1165 
Matsou  Island,  1056,  1061 
Mats  Sim  I,  1237,  1241 
Matsu  Saki,  1247 

,,      Sima,     1185,     1197, 
1215 
Matsu-wo-ga      Hana     and 

Light,  1210,  1211 
Malta  Siri  Island,  741 
Mattie  Cape,  729-730 
Maitie  Point  and  Shoal,  145 
Matt  Island,  458 
Matulin  Island,  931 
Matumara  Island,  838 
Maurissa  Strait,  780-781 
Maurits  Bay,  730 
Maxwell  Point,  1158 
Mayak,  Mount,  2S2 
May-day  Bay,  551-552 
Mayon  Volcano,  926 
Mayor  Island,  879 
Mayrarra  Point,  005 
May  VVdIiams  Shoal,  529 
Meac    Sima    Islands    and 

Rocks,  1229 
Meangis  Islands,  883-884 
Meara  Island,  575-576 
Medang  River,  234 
Meddang  Islands,  207 
Medemblik  Island,  797 
Medta  Island,  784,  837 
Medusa  Reef,  1170 
Meeuwen  Island,  156 
Meevvah  Town  Point,  1058 
Megami  Point,  1238 
Meganties  Point,  723-724 
Megelon  Cove,  723 
Mehegan  Point,  117 
Mei^co   Sima   Islands  and 

Rocks,  1048-105 1 
Meichen  Sound,  1026 
Meih-shan    Islands,    1145- 

1146 
Meih-ting  Island,  1089 
Meih  yun  Island,  1089 
Meinders  Droogte  Keef  and 

Lighthouse,  718,  749, 753 
Meinderts  Shoal,  676,  8o5 
Mei-shan  Island,  1078 
Me  Island,  459 
Mekari  no  seto,  1215,  1216 
Me-kiang  River,  430 
Me-kong  River,  430 
Mtla  Head  and  Ledge,  1190, 

1 195 
Melalu,  Mount,  225 
Melanting  River,  755 
Melapies  Islands,  291-292 
Melassor  Bay,  802-803 
Melcdan  Island,  292 
Melros  Point,  1050 
Melvill  Bank,  216 

,,       Cape,  522,  525 
Melville  Passage,  1085-1086 

,,        Kock,  1080 
Membakut  River,  503 


Membora,  807 
Mcnado,  804,  811-812 
Me-nam  Chau-phya  River, 

425 
Mcnangis  Point,  762 
Menango  Bank,  788-789 
Menarie,  698 
Mendoza  Island,  1000 
Mcniangan  Island,  694 
Menkabong  Bluff  and  River, 

505 

Meno  Island,  755 
Menor  Island,  589 
Menscheneter    Island    and 

Reef,  672,  674-675 
Mentawa  Shoal,  261 
Mentoyong  Point,  735 
Mentui  Creek,  142 
Merak  Harbour  and  Island, 

164 
Merapie  Peak,  671 

,,        Shoal,  220 
Merbaboe  Mountain,  693 
Merdu  Point,  140 
Mereira  Point,  605 
Meri  River,  488 
Merope  .-^hoai,  588 

,,       Shoals,  1017 
Mesan    Island,    422,    1075, 

1076 
Me  Sima,  1229 
Mesudji  River,  182 
Mew  Island,  154,  156-157 

,,     Stone  Rock,  157 
Meyo  Island,  879 
Miaki  Sima  Island,  1194 
Miako,  1210 
Miaow  Island,  1068 
Miau  Lake,  11 17 
Miau-tau      Islands,     1145- 

1146 
Middelburg  Island,  797 
Midden  Island,  765 

Rock,  676 
Middle  Babi  Island,  402 

,,       Bank     and    Buoj's, 
III 

,,  ,,      Beacon,  1156 

Middleburgh     Shoal,     346, 

352,  353^  354 
Middleburg  Island,  676-677 
Middle  Cape,  406 

„       Channel,    375,    381, 

395.  533 
,,       Channel       Batavia. 
6S2 
Dog      Island      and 
Lighthouse,  1030 
,,       Ground    Sandbank, 
i2ig 
,,       Shoal,  1059, 
iroi, 1120 
„       Group,  277 
„       Island,     235,      371, 
478, 780, 814, 822, 
1015 
,,       Island     and     Reef, 
360,  364 


1296 


INDEX. 


Middle  Islands  and  Rocks, 
Bias    Bay,    ggg- 

lOOO 

,,       Nangka  Island,  205 
„       Pass,  227,  247 
,,       Pass  Shoals,  246 
,,       Patch,  6go 
„       Reef,  230,  553,  1004 
,,       Rock,  303,  looi 

Rocks,      335,     38g, 
766,  ggS-ggg 
,,       Shoal,  65g 
,,       Shoals,  532 
,,       Sibou  Island,  401 

Midway  Islands,  1087 

Mieulle  Reef,  61S 

Mikomoto  Island  and  Light- 
house, ii78-ii7g,  1181 

Mikoto  Sima,  1241 

Mikuni  Bay,  1245 

Mikura  Island,  iig4 

Miku  Ura,  1245 

Miles  Island,  iog2 

Miller's  Thumb  Crag,  loSo 

Milne  Island,  ii5g 

Milton  Rock,  705 
,,        Shoal,  615 

Minage  Point,  i23g 

Minahasa  District,  811 

Minangas  Port,  600 

Minani  River,  503 

Minato-mats  Bay,  1247 

Mindanao  Island,  895-goi 

Mindoro  Island,  924 

,,        Island,  West  Coast, 

589-594 

,,        Sea,  gi6 

„        Strait,  588-58g 
Minerva  Bank,  641 

Rock,  5g4,  g27 
Mingan   Pass    and    Buoys, 

1 05  9- 1 060 
Min^hue  Island,  416 
Miniloc  Island,  562 
Minjangan  Island,  744,753 
Minkoka  District,  S17 
Mino  Sima,  1244 
Minotoye  Bay,  1204 
Min  River  and  Buoys,  1056- 

1061,  1068 
Mintano  Lsland,  290 
Mintok  and  Light,  210-212 

,,  Bank,  2og 
Minto  Mount,  281 
Miogani  Yama    Mountain, 

11S9 
Mioga  Sima,  1173 
Miojin  Saki,  1184,  ngg 
Mirabeles  Point,  905 
Mirs    Bay  and    Point,   gg4, 

995-99S 
Misaki  Bay,  1235 
Misamis,  8g7,  8gg 
Misima  Nada,  1216-1217 
Miskien  Island,  877 
Misool  Island,  858 
Missana,  313,  327 
Mississippi  Bay,  1186 


Mitarai  Sima,  1216 

Mitre  Islet,  565 

Mits  Iso  Rocks,  1183 

Mitsuna  Island,  1050 

Mitzuse  Rocks,  1236 

Miwara,  1216 

Miya  Bay,  1177 

Miyadsu  Harbour,  1245 

Miyako  Port,  ngg 

Miya-no  Saki,  1176 

Miya  Saki,  1205 

Miye  No  Ura,  1240 

Moa  Island,  837-838 

Moaro  Island  and  Reef,  4gi 

Mobo  River,  go3 

Mobur  Island,  612 

Modeste  Point,  1022 

Moeara  Kompeh,  337 

Moeboet  Islands,  316 

Moelana  Island,  828 

Moena  Island,  815 

Moera  Mount,  6g6 

Moeso  Siri  Islands,  741 

Mofagila,  877 

Mofou  Mount,  472 

Mogi  Bay,  1234 

Moises  Mount,  g34 

Molenwerf  Shoal,  736 

Molleangan    Islands,    516, 
520,  521 

Moloro  Island,  811 

Mole  Strait,  774 

Mohan  Rock,  iioo 

Molucca  Islands,  820-834, 
874-880 
,,        Passage    or    Sea, 
879 

Molu  Shoals,  614 

Momotori  Island,  1176 

Mom-ro  Fort,  460 
Moncudu  Island,  226 

Money  Island,  644 
Moneypenny  Creek,  ggi 
Money  Shoal,  848-84g 
Mong-chau  Island,  g46,  g5i 
Mongos  Mongos  Islets,  603 
Monijol  Cape,  731 
Monkey  Islands,  345 

,,         Isthmus,  410 
Monnikendam  Reef,  682 
Monopin  Hill,  197,  207 
Montagu  Island,  1073 
Montanha  Island,  950 
Motaran  Islands,  277 
Montero  Island,  583 
Montufar  Shc.als,  930 
Montugan  Point,  g30 
Monyol  Cape,  734 
Moone  Island,  877 
Moorsom  Head,  545 
Moratabas      Entrance      to 
Sarawak,  480-482 
,,         Point  and  Penin- 
sula, 481,  485 
Morau  Rocks,  401 
Moresses  Islands,  741 
Morgan  Point,  g50,  951 
Morioka,  iig7 


Moro-saki,  1176 

Morotai  Island,  873 

Morotzu  Cape,  1223 

Morrison  Island,  iog5 
,,         Rocks,  1171 

Mortier  Island,  877 

Morty  Island,  873 

Mosuki  Sima,  1216 

Mother  and  Daugter  Hills, 
822-823 

Mother  Hill,  822-823 

Motir  Island,  877 

Motoe  Islands,  g68 

Moto  Yama,  1218 

Motts  Point,  117 

Mo-un  Island,  1088 

Mount  Islet,  1141 

Mouse  Rocks,  1075 

Mow-lung-sui  River,  1042 

Mozi  Point,  i2ig 

Mozi  Saki,  i2ig,  1222 

M  Point,  436 

Muara  Dyawa  River,  800 
Mudancoos  Islands,  120 
Mud    and    Goose    Islands, 

120 
Mud  Bank,  ig3-ig5 
,,    Island,  477 
,,     Point,  120 
Muhlusu  River,  1103 
Mui-Davaich  Head,  447 
Muidin  Cape,  446 
Mujang  Besar  Island,  673 

Ketjil,  673 
Mukai  Sima,  1215 
Muka  River,  485 
Miike,  i23g 
Mulanay  Bay,  g28 
Muleegee       Islands        and 

Shoals,  gig-g20 
Mulu  Island,  842 
Mumenoki,  1237 
Muna  Island,  815 
Munchow,  47g 
Mundaga  Island,  308 
Mundo  Bay,  206 
,,       Peak,  207 
Mun-li-shan  Island,  1132 
Mura  Harbour,  1175 
Murato  Saki  Point,  1172 
Murchison  Island,  ii5g 
Murcielagos  Islands,  gi3 
Muro    Island     and    Strait, 

345 
,,       Strait,  34.8 
Muroto  Saki,  1202,  1203 
Murozu  No  St  Shoal,  1211 
Musa  Bay,  g36 
Mushi  Sima,  1214 
Mushroom  Island,  1073 

,,  Rock,  562,  1065 

Mu  Sima,  1225 
Mussell  Point,  1250 
Mutigins  Island,  giS 
Mutsu  Sima,  1213 
Mynder  Shoal,  676 
Mysole  Island,  858 


INDEX. 


1297 


Nabae    Sima     and    Light, 

I2I2 

Nabob  Shoal,  S67 
Nabokam  Island,  780 
Nab  Rock,  10S4 
Nabug,  930 
Nadieda  Rocks,  1229 
Nadiejda  Cape,  1249 
Nado    Passage  and    Buoy, 

253 

Nagama  Sima,  1236 

Nagano  Sima,  1236 

Naga  Reef,  250 

Nagasaki      and      Harbour, 
1163,  1165,  1234-1244 

Naga  Sima,  1197,  1232 

Nagaton,  121S 

Naginato  Rock,  1237 

Nagoya,  1177,  i2og 

Nagumbuaya  Point,  931 

Nahmen  Rock,  705 

Nai  nai-shan  Island,  1132 

Nakadori      and      Channel, 
1225-1227 

Naka  Island,  1169 

Nakuno  Saki,  1196 

Nalaut  Island,  587 

Nalupa,  915,  916 

Namas  Islan'l,  612 

Nama  Ura  Bay,  1226 

Nam-binh,  460 

Nambu,  1197 

Namki  Islands,  1067 

Namoa.  946-947,  997 

,,        Island    and    Peak, 
1012-1013 

Nam-Pang  Island,  945 

Namquan    Bay    and    Har- 
bour, 1066-1067 

Namusa  Island,  884 

Namyit  Island,  627 

Nanao  Harbour,  1246 

Nana  Sima,  1246 

Nangamessie  Harbour,  775, 
776 

Nangaou  Bay,  1012 

Nanga  Ramo  Bay,  775 

Nangga  Harbour,  172 

Nangka  Island,  277 

,,         Islands,  205,  223 
,,         Point,  201 

Nanho  Island,  iioi 

Naning,  130 

Nanking,  1104 

Nan-ming  tau  Island,  1140 

Nanning,  130 

Nanori  Rock,  1227 

Nan-sha  Cape,  1033 

Nantai,  1060 

Nan-tai  Pagoda,  1021 

Nantai    Wushan    Pagoda, 
1017 

Napha-Kiang,  1168 

Napier  Island,  277,  9S6 

Napula,  915,  916 

Narrow  Island,  1000 

Naru  Seto,  1227 
„      Sima,  1227 
I.  A. 


Narusi  Rock,  1221,  1222 
Naruto,  1202 

,,        Passage,  1202, 1203 
Narvaez  Shoal,  907 
Na  Saki,  1230 
Naso  Point,  923 
Nassau  Bank,  737 

,,        Fort,  833 
Ledge,  688 
Nassouwsche  Gat,  824 
Nasubatta  Channel,  535 
,,  Island  and  Reef, 

535.  538 
Nasugbu,  594 
Natuna  Islands,  613-621 
Nau-tau-mun  Island,  958 
Nautilus  Reef,  783 
„  Strait,  857 

Nederburgh  Cape,  813 
Needle  Rocks,  957 
Nee-wok  Island,  945 
Negalie  Island,  762 
Negra  Point,  605 
Negri  Baru,  8og 
Negros  Island,  908 
Neian  River,  485-486 
Neira  Island,  832-833 
Ne  Island,  459 
Nelly  Rock,  1172 
Nemesis  Bank,  216-217 
,,         Channel,  991 
,,         Rock,  1099 
Nemoro,  1253,  1254 
Neptunus  Shoal,  683 
Nest  Island,  451 
Netherlands  India,  Money, 

&c.,  1262-1264 
Net  Island,  998 
Netscher  Shoal,  325 
Neuva  Guipuzcoa  Province, 

897 
Nevvchwang      and      Light 

Vessel,  941,  1154-1155 
New    Guinea,   West    part, 
855-865 

,,       Harbour,    358,    360, 

374-381 

„       Hatiling,  S53 

,,       Island,  777 
Newland  Shoal,  266 
New  Rock,  835 
Nezuma  Sima,  1212 
Nezumi  Sima,  1238 
Ngamber  Point,  722 
Ngao-mun,  952 
Ngor  Island,  842-S43 
Nha-trang  Bay,  44S-449 
Niagara  Breakers,  776 
Niale  River,  181 
Niamok  Island,  313 
Niaow  Island,  1068,  1070 
Niaporay  Island,  553 
Nibong  Island,  291 
Nichisone  Rock,  1229 
Nicholson  Bank,  922 
,,  Rock,  921 

Niegata,  1165,  1209,  1246- 

1247 


Nierstuk  Shoal,  683 
Niger  Bank,  4S0 
Nightingale  Island,  468 
Nigisi  Bay,  1186 
Nihoung  River,  181 
Nii  Sima  Island,  1195 
Nila  Island,  839 
Nim-binh,  460 
Nimrod  Sound,  1074,  1076- 

1077 
Nin  Bay,  905 
Nine  Islands,  953 
Nine-Feet  Reef,  1041,  1052 
Nine  Pin  Island,  1072 
Ninepin  Islands,  992,  994 

,,         Rock,     464,     994, 
1026 
Ninepins  Rocks,  1082 
Ning-hai,  1153 
Ningpo,   941,    1077,    1098- 

1099 
Nioer  River,  337 
Nipon,  1164,  1172 

,,       East  Coast,  1195 

,,       West  Coast,   1244- 
1248 
Nisibets,  1254 
Nissah  Monteh  Island,  763 
Nis  Shoal,  501 
Niu-kung  Bay,  1054 
Niupi-shan  Island,  1076 
Niwatori  Jima,  1215 
Nob  Island,  510 
,,     Rock,  1081 
Nodding  Tommy  Beacon, 

1156 
Noesa  Island,  7S7 

,,      Kambangan,  725 
Noesanive  Point,  825 
Now-Chow  and  Island,  942 
Noka  No  Hana,  1215 
Noko  Gawa,  11 88 
Noko-gheri    Yama    Moun- 
tains, 1 189 
Nokona  Sima,  1216 
Noko  Reef,  704 
Noko  Rock,  707 
Nolloi,  788 
Noma  Saki,  1176 
Nomi  Harbour,  1172 
Nomo  Rock,  1235,  1236 

,,      Saki,  1234,  1236 

,,      Ura,  1236 

,,      Yama  Point,  1236 
Nongsa  Point,  318 
Nonna  Mount,  824 
Noord  Wachter  Island,  807 
Norman  Court  Rocks,  1061 
North  Ardasrier  Shoal,  664 

,,      Babi  Island,  402 

,,      Balabac  Strait,  536- 

539 
,,       Bank  and  Point,  114, 

"5 
,,      Bashi  Kocks,  939 
,,      Bay,  1087 
,,  ,,     Reef,  1206 

,,      Cape,  406,  812 

8c 


1208 


INDEX. 


North  Channel,    375,    380, 

390,  536 

,,  „  Min  River, 

1057- 

1058 

,,  ,,  Island,  580 

,,  ,,  Manila 

Bay,  598- 

599 
,,      Danger  Reef,  630 
„      East  Antelope  Shoal, 

541 
,,      East  Bank,  gig 
„         „      Bay,  633 
North-Eastern  Group,  308 
North  East  Islet,  1082 
,,         ,,     Shea       Shoals, 

665 
,,         ,,     Shoals,  534 
,,      Entrance,     Yangtse 
River,  1105-1106 
Northern  Pillars  Rocks,  937 
North  Furious  Shoals,  510 
,,      Gau  Rock,  gg6 
,,      Guhuan  Island,  527 
North  Harbour,  514-515 
,,       Haycock  Island,  618 
,,       Hill,  515,  567,  843 
„      Island,  179,  183,  246, 
253>  518,  736,  758. 
782,  814,  884,  939, 

1055 
„      Luconia  Shoals, 649- 

651 
Mangsee  Island,  531 
Merope  Shoal,  1017 
Mound  Hill,  113 
Natuna  Islands, 620- 

621 
Ninepin  Rock,  994 
Outer  Patch,  6go 
Passage  Island,  344 
Patch,  388 
Reef,  205,  547 
Regent  Shoal,  656- 

657 
River,  Canton,  990 
Rock,  125,  584,  508, 

750,  1013,  1141 
Saddle    Island    and 

Light,  1093-1094 
Sands,  123 
Shoal,  645 
Shoals,  532 
Tai-Tai  Island,  582 
Northumberland  Reef,  883 
,,  Strait,  586 

North  Viper  Shoal,  653-654 
,,      Watcher  Island, 457- 

458,  737,  807 
,,       Watcher  Island  and 
Lighthouse,  184 
North-West  Bank,  919 

,,  Dangers,  628- 

62g 
„  Head,  547 

„  Island,       114, 

255.  619 


North-West  Outlier  Shoal, 

1055 
„  Rock,  588 

,,  Rocks,  296 

,,  Shoal,  524 

„  Shoals,  533 

North  Yit  Rock,  1028 

Norton  Rock,  1030 

Norway  Islands,  465 

Nosaki  Sima,  1225 

Nose  Islet,  1073 

Nosela  Islands,  85g 

Nose  Mountain,  251 
„      Point,  424,  569 

No  Sima,  1225,  1237 
,,       ,,      Point  and  Light, 
1 190 

Nosong  Pomt  and  Shoals, 
502 

Notches  Islands,  1078 

Notch  Island,  1017 
,,      Islet,  556 

Notendop  Island,  673 

Noto  Cape  and  Reef,  1245- 
1246 

Noto-jima  Island,  1246 

Now-chow,  475 

N  Point,  436 

Nubatan  Island,  780 

Nubble  Hill,  1134 

Nueva  Provincia,  934 

Nut^as  Island,  915 

Nuku  Sima,  1216 

Numa  Sima,  1216 

,,  ,,      Harbour,  1172 

Nun  Rock,  597 

Nuoc-Ngol,  453 

Nusa   Baron    Island,    719- 
720 

Nusa  Besie  Island,  791 
„      Heli  Peak,  852 
,,      Island  and  Rock,  705 
,,      Komba  Island,  795 
,,      Laut  Island,  829 
,,      Lumbo  Island,  738 
,,      Siri  Islands,  795 
,,      Tello  Islands,  850 

Nussa  Medta  Island,  837 

Nut  Island,  959 

Nyew-tew     Island,      1073, 
1074 

Nymphe  Bank,  888 

Obama,  1214 

Obie  Rock,  682 
,,     Latta  Island,  866 

Obi  Major  Island,  866 

Obree  Channel,  1242 

Observation  Bank,  644 
,,  Islet,  886 

,,  Point,         313, 

1195 
,,  Rock,  655 

Observatory  Head,  514 

,,  Island,       586, 

1162 
,,  Islet,  1228 

„  Rock, 548, 1248 


Ocean  Mail  Shoal,  187 

Ockie  Bay,  811 

Ockseu  Islands  and  Light- 
house, 1027 

Oda,  1247 

Odawara  Bay,  1190 

Odin  Cove,  1159,  1160 

Odutsi,  1212 

Oedek  Island,  314 

Oedjoing    Kalavaran    Bea- 
con, 694 

Oedjong,  746 

,,         Becapay,  800 
,,         Santang,  801 

Oelar  Reefs,  212 

Oeloedjami  Point,  692 

Oemang  Island,  158 

Oemura,  1217 

Oenaran  Mountain,  693 

Oenet  Passeran  Island,  760 

Oepan  River,  196 

Oerong,  170 

Oessoe  Island,  787 

Oeste  Rock,  1013 

Oetoe  Island,  870 

Offak  Harbour,  862 

Offlying  Rock,  115 
,,        Shoal,  506 

Ogame  Island,  1050 

Ogami  Point,  1238 

O^an  River,  196 

Oge  Sima,  1215 

Ogo  Rock,  1 172 

Ohigasi  Saki,  1195,  1200 

Oho  Saki,  1251 
„    Sima  Island,  1168 

Ohoye,  1234 

Oijsma  Point,  785 

Oiseaux  Bank,  741 

0-iso  Point,  1203 

Ojika  Island,  1225 
,,      Seto,  1225 

Okamura  Point,  1216 

Okawa  Point,  1247 

Okenao  Islands,  838 

Oki  Channel,  1238 
,,    Islands,  1245 

Okinawa  Sima  Island,  1168 

Okino-Akima,  1230 

Okino  Is-lands,  1245 

Oki-no  Se  Shoal,  1176 

Okino  Sima,  1202,  1204 
Oki-no  Sima  Rock,  1183 
Oki  Sima,  1235,  1245 
Old  Castle  Point,  582 

,,    Channel, Madura  Strait, 

711-713 
Oldham  Rock,  1227 
Old  Trechter  Channel,  712- 

713 
Oliliet,  840-841 
Oliviera  Reef,  288 
Olonapo  Port,  600 
Olongapo  Port,  600 
Olutaya  Island,  909 
Omae  Saki  and  Lighthouse 

1177-1178,  1181 
Omapui  Island,  888 


INDEX. 


1299 


Oma  Island,  828  ' 

Omasaki  Sima,  1249 
Ombai  Island,  782 
Ombay  Island  and  Passage, 

777,  782 
Ombirah  Island,  856 
Omega  Rock,  1S4 
O  mi  Sima,  1215 
0-mitzu  Yama  Peak,  1226 
Omuru  Rock,  1170 
Onarang  Mountain,  693 
Ondor  Harbour,  851 
One     Fathom     Bank     and 

Lighthouse,  124-125 
One-fathom  Patch,  231 
One-foot  Rock,  994 
Onelin  Island,  850 
Onghashi      Rocks,      1194- 
1195 

Ong-ro  Port,  450 

Onia  Saki,  1177 

Onohara  Island,  1194 

Onrust  Island,  679 

Ontario  Reef,  279,  293 

Ontong-Java  Reef,  679 

Oobiki  Ura  Bay,  1205 

Oogawa  Sima,  1242 

Oosaka,  1165 

Oo  Sima,  1173,  1202,  1233 

Oosterling  Rock,  705 

Ootaske  Rock,  1243 

06  Tate,  1242 

Ootzu  Saki,  1172 

Ophir  Mountain,  131,  132 

O  Point,  436 

Orange   Nassau  Peninsula, 

857 
Oranje  Fort,  875 
Ordal  Island,  872 
Organ  Island,  1055 
Orleana  Shoal,  662 
Ormsbee  Shoal,  870-871 
Oro  no  Sima,  1242 
Orpheus  Bank,  834 
Orse  Islands,  859 
Osaka,  1208-1209 
Osaki  Bay,  1204 
Ose  Saki,  1228 
O  Sima,  1199 

Island,  1175,  1181, 
1195,  1214 
Osprey  Breakers,  1172 

Osterly  Shoals,  276 

Ostrich  Bank,  675 

Otai-yama  Mountain,  1174 

Otakara  Point,  1228 

Otan  Island,  250 

Ota  Rock,  1025 

Otarunai,  1253,  1254 

Otentosama  Sea,  1232 

Otong  Bank,  911,  912,  913 

Oto  Saki,  123: 

Otram  Point,  444 

O  Tsu-no  ura  Bay,  1184 

Ottawa  Shoal,  653 

Otter  Rock,  482 

Ounong  Port,  464 

Oury,  485 


Ousha    Island,    1080-1081, 

Outer  Bank  and  Shoal,  372- 

373 
,,      Channel,       Batavia, 

680-6S2 
,,      Four-fathoms  Shoal, 

568-569 
,,       Island,  416 
,-,      Island     and      Rock, 

1136 
,,      Latoan  Shoal,  529 
,,      Min  Reef,  1056,  1057 
,,      Reef,  1 175 
,,      Shoal,  517,  521 
,,  ,,       and     Beacon, 

498 
,,      Westerly     Channel, 
675-677 
Ouwer  Point,  687 
Owara  Creek,  1239 
Owari  Bay,  1176-1177 
Owasi  Bay,  1174 
Ow-chau  Islands,  980 
Owen  Shoal,  662 
Owick  Bay,  1014 
Oyah  River,  485 
Oya  Siwo,  The,  1200 
Oyster  Inlet,  548 

,,       Island     and     Rock, 
1024 
Ozumi  Rock,  1214 

Paat  Island,  612 

Pa-chau  Island,  1052-1053 

Pa-chung-san  Island,  1049- 

1050 
Pacluyaban  Island,  563 
Padamarang  Island,  817 
Padan  Point,  930 
Padang  Cove,  745,  746 
,,        Mountains,  260 
,,       Reef,  230 
,,       Shoal,  244 
Padaran  Cape,  446 
Paddie  Bay,  759 
Padea  Island,  813 
Pagapas  Bay,  927 
Pagar  Point,  370,  375,  380 
Pagassan  Island,  518,  520 
Pagatan,  178 
Pagbilao  Island,  927 
Pagdanan  Bay, 553-554 
Pagoda  Cape,  450 
,,        Cliffs,  541-542 
,,        Hill,  loog,  loio 
,,        Island,    999,    1012, 

1015,  1060 
„        Rock,  Beacon,  and 
Light,  1060 
Pagowat,  813 
Paguayan  Island,  923 
Pahang  River,  405 
Pah-ki  Islands,  106S 
Pahklung  Cape   and   Rock, 

467,  468 
Pai  Island,  423 
„    Rock,  1079 


Pajang  Islands,  680-681 
Pakchan  River,  410 
Pak-hoi,  468-470 
Pakinham  River,  410 
Pakis  Point,  721 
Pakkem    Point    and    Reef, 

750,  752.  754 
Pakko  Island,  322 
Paklat  Bon,  425 
Paklat  Lang,  425 
Pak-leak  Island,  955 
Paknam,  425 
Pakoela  Point,  786 
Paksa  Point,  1042 
Pak-su-hai  Rock,  468 
Paktang  Island,  951 
Pak-tsim  Island,  959 
Palaboean-Ratoe     Beacon, 

732 
Palaboen  Radja,  732 
Palad  Bank,  928 
Pala  Island,  882 
Palapa,  Puerto  de,  902 
Palauig    Point    and   Bank, 

601-602 
Palaai  Island,  934,  935 
Palawan  Island,  539-584 
,,        Passage,  648-661 
Palcocotan  Island,  559 
Palelee  Bay,  810 
Palembang  and  River,  196- 
197 
,,  Point,  153 

Pa-le-pie-kan  Hill,  543 
Palette  Island,  816 
Palintoan  Island,  282 
Pallas  Rocks,  1229 
Palliangan  Island,  891 
Palmedo    Point  and  River, 

775i  776 
Palm  Island,  1045 
Palmer  Reef,  262 
Palompon  Harbour,  902 
Palopo,  816 
Palo  River,  484 
Palos  Bay,  806-807 
Paloweh  Island,  771 
Palpatu  Cape,  822 
Paluan  Bay,  591-592 
Palumbanes  Island,  932 
Palumbatu  Cape,  882 
Palupari  Island,  933 
Pamalang  Cape,  692 
Pamanoekan,  687 

,,  Point     and 

Rock,    686, 
689-690 
Pamarung  Islands,  800 
Pambarawang,  282 
Pamilacan  Island,  908 
Pamoejang  Island,  673 
Pamoelang  Point,  732 
Pampang  Bay,  752,  754 
Pampangduyang  Point,  542 
Pamplona  River,  935 
Panagatan   Shoal,  923 
Panambungan  Island,  292 
Panampatani  Point,  933 


1300 


INDEX. 


Panaon  Island  and  Strait, 

goo,  go I 
Panaroekan,  671,  716 
Panay  Island,  gog-gi6,  g3i 
Pancol,  555,  560 
Pancore  Island,  io5,  114 
Pandai  Island,  781 
Pandan, 254 

Bay,  887 
,,        Islands,  5gi 
Pandannan  Island,  513,  538 
Pandan  Point,  58g 
Pandaran  Bay,  739 

,,  Point,  931 

Pan  de  Azucar  Island,  gio 

913 
Pandiang  Island,  772 
Pandita  Islands,  746-747 
Pandjangkang  Island,  305 
Panducan  Island,  891 
Pandyang  Island,  706 
Pangallap  Island  and  Strait, 

339.  341 
Pangan  Rock,  681 
Pangasane  Island,  815 
Pangasinan  Gulf,  603 
Pangeranga  Peak,  671 
Pangerango  Mountains,  686 
Panghou  Archipelago,  105 1- 
1055 

,,         Island,  1053 
Pangoel  Bay,  722 
Pangool,  671 
Pangorian,  673 
Pangpeto  Reef,  1068 
Panguiren,  g33 
Panguitan  Cape,  897 
Pangutaran  Islands,  8gr 
Pangutasian  Islands,  563 
Paniang  Island,  673 

„         Reef,  160 
Panjang  Hill,  202 

.,         Island,    673,    694, 
_  782 
Pankal  Pinang,  260,  262 
Panka  Point,  687,  696 
Pankel  Island,  321 
Pan  Reefs,  318,  327,  332 
Pantar   Island    and    Strait, 

777,  780-782 
Panteh  Barat,  747 

,,       Timor,  746 
Panter  Reefs,  159 
Pantier  River,  723 
Panton  Point,  148 
Pantyoer  Point,  731,  733 
Panuctan  Island,  936 
Panuit  Kiver,  485 
Panyangdi  Laut  Rocks,  681 
Papabag  Island,  887 
Papadayang  Mount,  731 
Papalumpongang  Cape, 812 
Papan  Islands,  291,  292 
Papenburg  Hill,  832 

,,  Island,       1235, 

1238,  1240 
Papolle  Island,  159,  160 
Pappan  Island,  494,  49S 


Paps  Hills,  40S 

,,     Mountain,  457 
Paracale,  933 
Paracel  Islands  and  Reefs, 

641-644 
Parang  Island,  6g4,  853 
Paranjo  Point,  g33 
Paraquas  Island,  539 
,,         Ridge,  657 
Parcelar  Hill,  123 

,,         Point,  128 
Paree  Hill,  224 
Pareh  Busuk,  142 

,,       Pareh  Bay,  805 
Pare  Joie  Shoal,  264 
Parigi,  813 
Paris  Cove,  612 
Parker  Islands,  1095 

Point  Bar,  987-988 
,,       Shoal,  1232 
Parkyns  Rock, loog 
Parlatuan  Port,  928-92g 
Parmassang  Hills,  204 
,,  Peak,  ig4 

Parmidiaran  Point,  556 
Parrot's  Gift,  282 
Pasatue,  817 
Pascoe  Channel,  577 
Pasco  Inlet,  566 
Pasier  Leiyeran,  772 
Pasig  River,  5g5 

,,  Shoal,  576 
Pasi  Island,  818 
Pasir  Lama,  7gg 

„     Panjang,  376 

,,     River,  7gg 
Pas-op  Shoal,  683-684 
Passage  Island,   558,  946, 

955 
,,        Islands,  291,  351- 

352,  8S2, 1028 
,,        Reef,  552,  1207 
,,        Rock,  303,  96g 
Passages,    42-102.        (See 

Table  of  Contents). 
Passangan  Creek  and  Point, 

140 
Passanhan  Harbour,  8g3 
Passarang  Island,  170 
Passey,  141 
Passier,  141 

Cape,  743 
,,        River,  7g9 
Passigi  Island,  882 
Passir  Salah,  117 
Pass  Island,  1029,  1059 

,,     Islets,  1015 
Passoeroean,  671,  711,  713 
Passoo  Keah  Island,  643 
Pastel  Rock,  1062 
Pas  Yew  Island  and  Light, 

logS,  1 100 
Patahecock  Island,  1075 
Pata  Island,  890 
Patakie  Island,  760 
Patani  Cape  and  River,  409 
Patanunam     Island,     518, 
520, 521 


545  > 


994. 


Patapa  Mountains,  605 
Pata  Point,  605,  935 
Patappan  Island,  172 
Patawan  Island,  538 
Patera  Island,  952 
Patientie  Strait,  879 
Patippi  Bay,  857-858 
Patiro  Point,  816 
Patjitan,  671 

„         Bay,  722-723 
Patoeha  Mountain,  731 
Patongong  Island,  538 
Pattle  Island,  644 
Patung  Island,  968 
Pauk  Piah  Rock,  1002 
Paukpyah  Rock,  g43 
Paukshao   Point   and   Ba}', 

1004,  1005 
Paumel  Point,  478 
Paushan  Pagoda,  11 17 
Pawang  River,  281 
Paw-tay-chui  Inlet,  1041 
Paya  Island,  g23 
Payo, 931 
Payong  Point,  731 
Pea  Island,  131 
Peaked    Island,    417, 
611,  6ig 
,,         Point,  551 
„         Rock,     959; 

1009,  lOIO 
,,  ,,     Bay,  logi 

Peak  Island,  371,  372 
,,     Islet,  iioo 
,,     Rock,  g98 
Pearl  Bank,  888-889 
,,      River,  979-990 
Pearson  Reef,  663 
Pechaburri,  412 
Pe-chili  Gulf,  1129 
Pedada    Bay   and    Island, 
169 
,,         Creek,  140 
Pedasse  Point,  612 
Pedioe,  756 
Pedir,  Coast  of,  138 

,,      Creek  and  Point,  140 
Pedra  Areca  Rock,  g53 
Pedra    Branca    Rocks    and 
Lighthouse,  388-389, 3g7 
Pedra-mea  Rock,  g53 
Pedro  Blanco  Rock,  1002 
Pedro  Point,  i3g 
Pedynab  Reefs,  675 
Peejow,  756 
Peel  Mount,  5^6,  547 
Pegat  Rock,  721 
Peh-hai  Sea,  ii2g 
Peh-kiang  River,  ggo 
Pehoe  Island,  1054 
Peh-tang  Banks,  ii4g 
Pei  ho  River  and  Bar,  ii2g, 
1147-1152 
,,       River     Buoys,    and 
Beacons,  1149 
Peile  Island,  481 
Pejoet,  756 
Pekalongan,  671,  6S7,  6g2 


INDEX. 


1301 


Peking,  1147 
Pe-kyau  Point,  1063 
Palawan  Reef,  370 
Pelican    Point    and    Rock, 

1081,  10S2 
Peling  Island,  813 
Pelolot  Bay,  720 
Pelong  Rocks,  489-490 
Pemoelang  Shoal,  692 
Penamboeang,  806 
Penang,  109 

,,        Peak,  703 
Penaniong  Bay,  724,  730 
Peneki  Bay,  816 
Penetration  Pass,  1070 
Peng-chau  Island,  997 
Penguin  Reef,  815,  835 
Peniabong  Point,  402 
Peniekie  Island,  736-737 
Peninsula  Islet,  512 
Penjaboeng  Rock,  342 
Pennell  Point,  1093 
Pennsylvania    North    Reef, 

666 
,,  Shoals,  664- 

667 
Peper  Baai,  159 
Pepitas  Rock,  910 
Pepper  Bay,  159,  168-169 
Perah  River,  117-118 
Perak  and  River,  112,  117- 

118 
Perch  Island,  772 
Perforated  Rock,  451 
Pergam  Island,  234 
Pen  Bank,  888 
Perier  Cape,  856 
Perigee  Bank,  541 
Perlak  Shoal  and  Buoy,  254 
Pernambuco  Rock,  443 
Perseus  Bank,  906 

,,  Rock,  1214 
Perunjuk  Point,  507 
Pescadores    Islands,    1051- 

1055 
Pesemot  Island,  277 
Pe-shan  Island,  1070 
Petaou  Bay,  1047 
Peterborough  Shoal,  710 
Pe-ting  Island,  1052 
Petit  Mirador  Hill,  464  j 

,,     Morne     Aplati     Hill,   j 
46J.  I 

,,  ,,         ConiqueHill, 

464 
Petley  Reef,  627 
Petou  Point,  1036,  1045 
Phami  Point,  432 
Phanran  Bay  and  Harbour, 

447 
Phan-ry  Bay,  445 
Phan-thit  Bay,  445 
Pha  Point,  854 
Pheasant   Point,  iiig,  1121 
Phillip  Channel,  348,  352- 

353 
Philippine  Islands,  895-939 
,,   Money,  &c.,  1265 


Philippine  Islands,   North- 
West  Coasts,  585-608 
Pho-hai  River,  445 
Phuoc-binh-giang  River,432 
Phuyen  Bight  and  Harbour, 

45^-45 2 
Physical   Geography,    103- 

105 
Piapis,  861 
Pidada  Creek,  141 
Piedra  Blanca  Rock,  922 
Pienjing  Shoal,  804-805 
Piering  Point,  6gg 
Piero  Bay,  854 
Pigeon  Bay, 1159 

,,       Island,     274,     583, 
828,  859,  863,  S64 
,,       Island    and    Light- 
house, 749-750 
Pigot  Point,  861,  864,  865 
Pih-keun  Islands,  1030 
Pih-ki-shan   Islands,    1067, 

1068 
Pih-lou  Island,  1081,  1084 
Pih  Pass,  io65 
Pih-quan      Harbour      and 

Peak, 1066 
Pih-seang  Islands,  1065 
Pih-sha  Island,  1082 
Pih-ting  Island,  1082 
Pilarong  Hill,  716 
Pilas  Island,  894 
Pile  Point,  1134 
Piling  Island,  611 
Pilis,  931 
Pillar  Point,  477 

,,      Rock  Point,  557 
Pillars  Island,  999 
,,      Rocks,  937 
Pilot  Island,  423 
,,     Rock,  1061 
Pinamuntangan   Point,  928 
Pinang  Hill,  674 
,,       Islet,  403 
,,       Shoal,  254 
Pinatayan  Bank,  898 
Pine  Cone  Island,  1072 
,,    Point,  540 
,,         ,,      Shoals,  501 
Pingeh,  437 
Pinget  Island,  604 
Ping-fong  Island  and  Rock, 

1066 
Pinghai  Bay,  1026-1027 
Pingmar  Hill,  476 
Ping  Point  and  Rock,  1027 
Pingshan,  1104 
Pingue  Island,  604 
Ping  Yang  Inlet,  1161 
Ping-yang  Point,  1067 
Pinitan  Point,  932 
Pinnacle  Island,  1047,  1068 
,,         Islandsand  Rocks, 

1048 
„         Range,  1133 

Rock,  587 
,,         Rocks,  1230 
Pinon  Island,  859 


Pintoe  Island,  339 
Pinunko  Island,  835 
Pioneer  Rocks,  1230 
Pipachow  Island,  947 
Pirate   Bay,  4S0,  556,  557, 
1095 

,,       Island,  465,  568 

,,       Islands,  417 
Pisai  Island,  1025 
Pisang  Bank,  134 

,,       Island,  867 

,,       Mount,  489 

,,       Rocks,  701 
Pisangs  Islands,  858 
Pisui,  1025 
Pitjingit  Island,  322 
Pitt's  Passage,  865 
Pitt  Strait,  86o-85i 
Plaggan  Point,  158 
Plakkie  Point,  744 
Plampang,  763 
Plana  Islands,  857 
Plat  Island,  1014 

,,    Rock,  454 
Playa-Honda,  6or 
Ploughman      Islands     and 

Rocks,  1076 
Plover  Cove,  996 
Plymouth  Rocks,  1182, 1183 
Pocking-han    Island,    954- 

955 
Poedo  Rocks,  763 
Poeger  River,  720 
Poetie  Point,  716 
Point  Peak,  580 
Pokowang  Island,  169 
Polarican  Island,  582 
Pollillo  Islands,  933 
Poliqui  Bay,  930 
Polisan  Cape,  812 
Polish  Hat  Island,  174 
Pollux  Rock,  301,  327,  335 
Pomelikan  Island,  919 
Pomogotang  Island,  170 
Pompon  Island  and  Shoal, 

339 

Ponafidin  Island,  1193 

Pondi  Island,  705-706 

Ponghou  Island  and  Har- 
bour, 1051,  1053-1054 

Pong-li,  1037 

Pongoh  Island,  263 

Ponnay  Point,  732 

Ponoebo  Island  and  Strait, 
338 

Pontang  Point  and  Reef, 
672,  674 

Pontean  River,  405 

Pontianak  River  and  Buoys, 
282-283 

Pontian  River,  198 

Pontud  Bank,  923 

Poochin  Point,  472 

Poolsche  hoed  Island,  174 

Poondo  Bay,  169-170 

Pootoo  Island,  1082,  1113 

Pootoy  Island,  992 

Popa  Island,  859 


1302 


INDEX. 


Popoh, 721 

Po  Point  and  Lighthouse, 

480,  4S1 
Popo  Island,  859 
Popolcan  Island,  563 
Popototan  Island,  587 
Poppo  Island,  859 
Port  Island,  996 
Porto  Krak  Island,  833 
Portsmouth  Breakers,  1178 
Portuguese  Bay,  825 

,,  Point,  603 

Post  Horse  Island,  772 
Postilions  Islands,  819-820 
Postillion  Reef,  393 
Postilion,  773 
Postpaard  Island,  772 
Potbakker  Island,  877 
Potoe  Island,  950,  955 
Potong  Island,  342 
Potta,  769,  770 
Pottinger  Peak,  993 
Pou-no  Island,  1091 
Poun-tin  Island,  960 
Pou-ti  Island,  1091 
Powad,  140 
Powhattan  Reef,  1170 
P  Point,  435,  436,  440 
Praauw  Mountains,  693 
Prahoe  Mountains,  693 
Prahu  Point,  569 
Pran  Rocks,  411 
Prantou  Island,  615 
Pratas    Island    and    Reef, 

606-608 
Pratt  Rock,  266,  268,  980 
Prauhilah  Point,  142 
Praya  Sand,  iii 
Prendjono  Island,  721 
Prince  Consort  Bank,  621 
,,      Island,  1194 
,,       Maurits  Reef,  709 
,,       of  Orange  Bank,  753 
,,      of  Wales  Bank,  621 
)!  1,  Island, 

107-112 
Princes  Channel  and  Island, 
154-156 
„       Island,     344,     351, 

354 
Prinsen  Eiland,  154-155 
Prinses     Marianne    Strait, 

855 
Prins  Reef,  320 
Printian  Islands,  408 
Prick  Point,  683 
Probolingo  and  Light,  671, 

715 
Proet  Island,  251 
Prominent  Peak,  1159 
Providential  Bank,  855 
Province     Wellesley,    106, 

107 
Prueba  Bank, go6 
Pruisen  Bank,  185 
Pry  River  and   Sand,   iii, 

"3 
Psarroc  Mountain,  932 


Pucio  Point,  916 

Pudi  Point,  202 

Pudsey    Dawson    Dangers, 

920 
Pudsey  Dawson  Shoal,  796 
Puercos  Island,  903,  904 
Puerto  del  Principe  Alfonso, 

526 
Puffin  Island,  1079 
Puga,  936 

Pugguianan  Point,  558 
Pu  ho  River,  1153 
Pulo  Adi,  857 

Ai,  830,  833 

Ampel,  736-737 

Anak,  247 

Angup,  349 

Antu,  207 

Anzas,  119-120 

Aor,  396, 403-404,  6 1 1 

Arau,  841 

Atui,  853 

Ayam,  253,  259 

Babi,  672,  872 

Bandang,  847 

Baroe,  284 

Basar,  853 

Batu     Dinding,    253- 

254. 
,,       Ketchil,  166 

Bedua, 308 

Besar,  119,  202 

Bessar,  132 

Blanhap, 303 

Boear,  260 

Bookum,  359 

Boong-Ouran,  618 

Boreaii,  302 

Bosing,  359 

Brakit,  392 

Brala,  406 

Brani,  377-378 

Brasse       Lighthouse, 
138 

Bucalisse,  148 

Bungin,  309 

Burroo,  139 

Buru,  346-347 

Caballo    and     Light- 
house, 596 

Callam,  120 

Cambir,  452 

Canton,  454 

Cecir  de  Terre,  446 

Ceicer   de    Mer,  638- 

639 

Cici,  418 

Coco,  392 

Cocob,  136 

Cocops,  136 

Collong,  120 

Colombo,  298 

Colowy,  260 

Condore,  632-634 
,,        Group,  429 
,,        Harbour, 
633-634 

Dahun,  202 


Pulo  Dama,  416 

,,  Damar,  284 

,,  Datoe,  283 

,,  Datu,  304 

,,  Deli,  152 

,,  Dewakan,  796 

,,  Doea,  183,  736 

,,  Domar,  611 

„  Dombo,  828 

,,  Doncan,  349 

,,  Dumpo,  314 

„  Duri,  343 

„  Eu,  401 

,,  Gadang,  848 

„  Gala,  253 

„  Gasses,  866 

„  Gelassa,  239 

,,  Gigang  Besar,  307 

,,  Gin,  302 

,,  Goomeata,  345 

,,  Gosong  Rangat,  1^4 

,,  Jarra,  118-119 

,,  Jarrang,  307 

„  Java,  131 

,,  Jelaka  and  Light,  232, 

236 

,,  Jeraga,  iii 

,,  Jerajah,  m 

,,  Joe,  295 

>.  Jong'  360  ■ 

,,  Jummur,  125 

„  Kaboen,  285 

,,  Kaka,  298 

„  Kalankaman,  515 

„  Kalie,  673 

,,  Kalmanbang,  254 

,,  Kamara,  767 

,,  Kami,  156 

„  Kapal,  830,  833 

,,  Kapas,  406 

,,  Kapo  Posang,  805 

,,  Katjangang,  296 

,,  Katta,  116 

,,  Keama,  882 

„  Kera,  324 

,,  Kewshan,  409 

,,  Klappa,  168 

,,  Koenyit,  741 

,,  Konjitan,  722 

,,  Krakka,  830,  {533 

,,  Kumbong,  253 

,,  Kunyit,  794 

,,  Labuan,  167 

,,  Laga  Tojoo,  143 

,,  Lalang,  295 
,,  ,,        Besar,  146 

,,  Lalang  Kechel,  146 

,,  Lamokatan,  285 

,,  Landean,  285 

,,  Laut,   296,   359,    620, 

794 
,,  ,,       and  Strait,  741 

„  Leat,  235-236,  247 

,,  Leho,  822 

,,  Lembau,  822 

„  Lepar,  234 

,,  Lima,  252 

„  Logok,  179 


INDEX. 


1303 


Pulo  Lozin,  409 
,,     Lumaut,  120 
„     Lvang,  504 
„     Malora,  139 
,,     Manco,  28S 

,,  Mankap,  288 
,,     Manouaran,  862 

,,  Mapar,  299 

,,  Maralie,  298 

,,  Massuni,  822 

,,  Melano,  828 

,.  Mendanao,  253 

,,  Mentagas,  345 

„  Merak  Besar,  164 
,,         „       Ketchil,  164 

,,  Meranti,  296 

,,  Merodong,  301 

„  Moar,  872 

,,  Moncudu,  226 

,,  Nanka,  133,  798 

„  Nongsa,  394,  399 

„  Obi,  412-413 

,,  Oboor,  847 

„  Oelar,  359 

,,  Padang,  148 

,,  Palabalagan,  799 

„  Paloeh  Island,  816 

,,  Pamarang,  800 

,,  Pambelan,  404 

,,  Panambungan,  292 

,,  Panatan,  154-155 

,,  Pancore,  114-116 

,,  Pandan,  146,  347 

,,  Paneeky  Ketchil,  305 

,,  Pangalasian,  S07 

,,  Panjang,      131,     261, 

303,346,  413 

,,  Panjung,  615 

,,  Papeoa,  823 

,,  Pappan,  346 

,,  Paril,  347 

„  Parrie,  681 

,,  Passir,  260 

,,  Patampong,  349 

,,  Payong,  196 

,,  Peblakan,  183 

,,  Pemangil,  404 

,,  Pemein,  204 

,,  Penang,  106,  107-112 

,,  Penata  Besar,  285 
„  ,,       Ketchil,  285 

„  Pergam,  394 

,,  Pesang     and     Light- 
house, 134-136 

,,  Pinang,  404,  407,  830, 

.833 

,,  Pisang      and     Light- 
house, 134-136 

,,  Pombo,  825 

,,  Punoebo,  297-298 

,,  Quandan,  146 

,,  Ramio,  iii 

,,  Rantow,  148 

,,  Rawak,  862 

,,  Remo,  III 

„  Renjang,  163 

,,  Repon,  611 

„  Riabu,  611 


Pulo  Ringat,  371 

,,  Rodong,  301 

,,  Rondo,  314 

„  Roupat,  147 

n  Ruig,  302,  303 

,,  Run,  830,  S33 

,,  Runcan,  361 

,,  Sabaroot  and  Reef,  360 

,,  Salanama,  146 

,,  Salook,  359 

,,  Samassu,  284 

,,  Sambarglap,  795 

,,  Sambayang,  207 

,,  Sambo,  395 

,,  Sampatuan,  143 

.,  Sanglar,  344 

„  Sapatu,  635 

,,  Sato,  296 

,,  Seboekoe,  794 

,,  Selagin,  247 

,,  Selio,  251 

,,  Semione,  620 

,,  Senappu,  148 

,,  Sennang,  361,  363 

„  Setjawa,  338 

,,  Sheilo,  133 

„  Sijahat,  383 

,,  Sijonkan,  383 

,,  Sikookur,  371 

,,  Simbang,  263 

„  Sinkep,  297-298 

„  Sitenga,  284 

,,  Skerrie,  324 

„  Smot,  308 

„  Soobur,  360 

,,  Soodoncr,  361 

„  Stokong,  620 

„  Sumpat,  393 

„  Suto,  303 

„  Swangi,  830,  833 

„  Tallong,  114 

„  Tambakool,  371 

„  Tampelu,  143 

,,  Tantalam,  409 

,,  Taron,  315 

,,  Taya,  296-297 

,,  Teecoos,  109 

„  Tega,825 
,,         ,,      Group,  502 

,,  Tekolo,  119 

,,  Temadjoe,  284 

„  Terobi,  302 

,,  Tetawa,  260 

,,  Ticos,  409,  410 

,,  Ticus,  log 

„  Tingy,  401 

„  Tinjil,  152 

„  Timoan,  404 

„  Tjamara,  694 

,,  Tjebia,  296 

,,  Torreatep,  346 

,,  Tuan,  139 

,,  Tukong,  125 
,,  ,,         Simbang,  125 

,,  Tukonkembong,  296 

„  Ubin,  3S3 

,,  Ular,  164 

,,  Undan,  133 


Pulo  Varela,  145,  405,  450 
„     Way,    139,    309,   413, 
S30,  833 

Pulusari  Mountain,  152 

Pu-lute  Hill,  570 

Pu-Lute  Range,  543 

Pumice-stone  Baj',  954 

Pumumabung  Reef,  616 

Puni  Island,  202 

Punta  Cayman,  602 

Punyabung  Mount,  222,  224 

Pura  Rock,  771 

Purra  Island,  603 

Pusgo  Harbour,  92S 

Putar  Island,  781 

Putat  Hill,  241 

Putiao  Port,  928 

Pu-toi  Island,  955 

Pu-toy  Island,  972 
,,        Islands,  962 

Putung  Point,  1122 

Pwanche  Island,  1084 

Pwan-peen  Island,  1068 

Pylades  Rock,  1075-1076 

Pramidal  Rocks,  619 

Pyramid  Island,    291,   449, 
958 
,,         Peak,  251 
,,         Point,  477,  1026 
„         Rock,  637,  643 
,,  Rocks,  556 

,,         Shoal,  126,  128 

Quan-Chow-Wan  Bay,  943 
Quan-gai  River,  454 
Quang-ta  Island,  1070 
Quang-tong  Province,  471 
Quang  Tung  Pen'a,  1159 
Quantao  Shoal,  1059 
Quantow  Head,  469-470 
Quar-see-kau  Bay,  1047 
Quatre-bras  River,  433 
Quedah,  107 

Queen  of  the  Seas  Bank,  922 
Quelpart  Island,  1161 
Quemoy  Island  and  Bank, 

1023-1024 
Quemov  Spit,  1021 
Queou  Dam  Leun  Harbour, 

633 
Quia  Hoy  River,  456 
Quinabasaran  Point,  902 
Quinamanocan  Island,  932 
Quinapusan  Island,  gi8 
Quin-hon,  428,  451-453 
Quin  Shoal,  129-130 
Quinuluban  Island,  923 
Qui-quik  Bay,  454 
Quoin  Hill,  419,  618 
,,      Hummock,  2S0 
,,      Island,      882,      945, 
1145,  1146 
Quop  Anchorage,  482 

Ra-as  Island,  706,  709 
Rabbit  Island,  361,  882 
Racehorse      Shoal,     123 1- 
1232 


1304 


INDEX. 


Rachada   Cape  and  Light- 
house, 128-129 

Rach-lap  River,  432 

Rach-mon-gom  River,  432 

Rackit    Island    and    Light, 
690 

Rada  Point,  166 

Radja,  707 

Radya  Islands,  810 

Raffles  Island,  1095 

„       Lighthouse,       353, 
361 

Ragat  Cape,  731 

Ragay  Gulf,  928 

Ragged  Island,  302,  1055 
,,        Islands,  765 
,,        Point,  798,  1063 
,,        Rock,  417 

Rag  Islands,  1064 

Raglan  Bank,  634-635 

Raha  Point,  514 

Rai  Diuwa  Island,  777 
,,    Hawu  Island,  777 

Raija  River,  142 

Rajah  Bassa  Road,  171 
,,      Point,  140 

Rajang  River,  4S3-484 

Rakan  River,  146 

Raket  Rocks,  401 

Rakit  Island,  763 

Raleigh  Rock,  956,  1048 
,,        Shoal,  303 

Ramadan  Island,  847 

Ramesamey  Island,  575 

Ramsay  Point,  497 

Ranay  Mount,  618 

Rangat  Island,  184 

Rango,  788 

Rankap  Sh(-al,  818 

Rapurrapu  Island,  930 

Rateh  Bay,  170 

Ratteh  Mountains,  168 

Rattler  Ruck,  1200,  1252 

Rawa  Island,  336,  402 

Rawak  Harbour  and  Island, 
S62 

Rawit  Rocks,  730 

Rawnsley  Point,  568 

Rawson  Shoal,  636,  637 

Rayat  Point,  731 

Ray  Bank,  533 

Reccan  River,  146 

Recovery  Rock,  872 

Redang  Islands,  407 

Red  Bay,  1016 
„    Cliff,  117 
„       ,,      Bank,  382 
,,       ,,      Point,  1243 
„    Cliffs,  381-382 

Redfield  Rocks,  1194 

Red  Fort,  1044 
,,    Island,    131,  345,   349, 

352,  823 
,,    Islet,  1000 
„    Patch  Point,  843 
„     Point,  968 
,,    River,    234,    461,   403, 


Red  Rock,  1029 

,,    Water  Point,  816 

,,    Yit  Island,  1028 
Reef  Island,  336,  548,  568, 
570,  576,  578,  1028, 
1136,  1159 

,,     Islands,  1052,  1072 

,,     Islet,  580,  999 

„     Islets,  1004 

„     Point,  554,  776 
Rees  Bay,  765 

,,     Rock,  1057 

,,         ,,      and  Pass,  1015- 
1016 
Reeta  Island,  548 
Reigersdaal  Shoal,  680 
Relief  Point,  570 
Rembang    and    Bay,    671, 

696 
Rembeng  Island,  721 
Kemoa  Island,  177 
Rempang  Island,  316 
Rendezvous  Island,  289 
Rene  Bank,  888 
Reo  Bay,  770 

Residentie   Van    Amboina, 
820 
,,  Van  Banda,  820 

,,  Van      Ternate, 

820 
Respondi  Island,  706 
Reteh  Bank,  771 
Retribution  Rocks,  1230 
Revenge  Strait,  860 
Rhinoceros  Cape,  478 
Rhio  Island,  322 

,,     Island  and  Strait,  301, 
312-334 
Riabu  Islands,  611 
Riao  Island,  873 
Richardson  Shoal,  344 
Riddle  Point,  553 
Rifleman  Bank,  622,  662 
,,  Rock,  516 

,,  Shoal,  314 

Rigni  Island,  612 
Rijutan  Island,  936 
Rimau  Point,  371,  378 
Rimell  Rock,  615 
Rindia  Island,  774 
Rin  Island,  423 
Rindjanie  Peak,  754 
Ringlet  Point,  756 
Ringin  Creek,  142 
Ringit  Mount,  715 
Ringong, 170 
Rio  Grande,  897 
Rio  Grande  de  Caga3'an,  935 
Riondo  Shoal,  318 
Riow  Island,  873 
Riposet  Mount,  939 
Risim  Point,  377 
Rittan  Islands,  611 
Rival  Reef,  279 
River  Islet,  1136 
,,      Point,  493 
Rivers  Cape,  809-810 
Roang  Island,  881-882 


Robben  Island,  673 
Robert  Island,  644 
Roberton  Island,  1049 
,,         Mount,  507 
Roberts  Pass,  1078 
,,        Shoal,  262 
Robinett  Rock,  1241 
Rob  Roy  Bank,  133 
,,      ,,     Reef,  622 
Roche  Poncie  Islands  and 

Rocks,  1230 
Rock    Island    and     Light- 
house, 1178-1179 
,,       Point,  540 
Rockuren  Island,  1222 
Rocky  Bank,  576,  888 
„      Bay,  541,  568 
,,       Harbour,  994-995 
,,      Island,  645 
,,      Islands,  343,  454 
„      Islets,  310,  755-756 
,,      Point,  235,  242,  406, 
478,       866, 
1008,  1 153 
,,  ,,       and       Light, 

235 
„       Hill,  233 
„      Ridge, 158-159 
Rodger  Rock,  307 
Rodgers  Reef,  292 
Rodney  Rock,  1139 
Rodong  Islands,  340 
,,        Peak,  301,314 
Strait,  339,  341 
Roeboe  Cape,  775,  776 
Roembek  Cape,  755 
Roesah  Island,  819 
Roessa,  773 
Roessah,  262 
Roessa  Island,  819 
Roger  Breakers,  654 
Rogtrs  Island,  1254 
Roggewyn  Island,  860 
Rogues  Point,  1026 
Roiven     Cape     and     Reef, 

I 245-1 246 
Rokka  Peak,  775 
Roko  Island,  817 
Rokuren  Island  and  Light, 

1223-1224 
Roma  Island,  784,  836-837 
Romania        Islands        and 

Shoals,  385-388,  396 
Romba  Peak,  775 
Romblon  Island  and  Lights, 

913,  924-925 
Romynia  River,  385 
Rongit  Island,  158 
Rong  Sam  Lem,  419 
Rosalia  Hock,  921 
Rosalie  Rock,  739 
Rosamel  Bank,  588 
Rosario  River,  927 
Rosas  Point  and  Light,  925 
Rose  Ellis  Rock,  307 
Rosengain  Island  and  Reef, 

830,  833 
Rosengeyn  Island,  833 


INDEX. 


1305 


Rosita  Rock,  418 
Ross  Head,  1002 

,,     Island,  252,  951 
Rots  Bay,  139 
Rotsige  Islands,  755-756 
Rotterdam  Island,  254,  257, 

797 
,,  Reef,  320 

Rotti  Island  and  Strait,  787 
Roughton  Reef,  535 
Roukbo,  460 

Round  Arroa  Island,  125 
Round  Harbour,  858 
,,       Hill,  1005 

Hill  Point,  418 
Round  Island,  Sunda  Strait, 
172 
,,    Macclesfield    Channel, 

234 
,,     Durian  Strait,  346,  349, 

353 
,,    China  Sea,  638 
,,    Co.    China,    945,    947, 
960,  961,  997,   1000, 
1055,      1057,      I 133, 
1140,  1159 
Round  Mount,  251 
,,       Shoal,  2ig 
Routh  Shoal,  667 
Rover  Islands    and   Rocks, 
1052-1053 
,,       Knob  Cliff,  1053 
Rocks,  168 
Rowan  Islands,  1027 
Row  Island,  409 
Royal  Bishop  Bank,  634 
„      Captain  Shoal,  655 
,,      Charlotte  Shoal,  652- 
653 
Royalist  Bank,  429 
,,        Haven,  615 
,,        Mount,  1042 
Port,  573-575 
Reef,  582 
,,        Rock,  306 
,,         Shoal,  552 
Roze  Island,  857 
Rozol  Island,  900 
Rubicon  Point,  1184 
Ruby  Shoal,  624 
Ruff  Rock,  1013 
Rugged  Islands,  1095 

„        Limestone    Group, 
562 
Ruib  Island,  870 
Ruined  Tower,  1155 
Ruin  Rock,,  1046 
Rungus  Punta,  931 
Rupels  Reef  and  Buoy,  321 
Rusa  Island,  780 
Rusukan  Besar  Island,  494, 

.497. 
,,         Kechil  Island,  494, 

497 
Ryder  Rock,  1038 
Rykdorps  Bank,  816 
Rynland  Shoal,  680,  684 
Rynsdroogte,  807 
I.  A. 


Sabang,  201 

,,        Point    and    Light, 
925 
Sabi,  821 
Sabina  Shoal,  656 
Sablayan    Point   and    Port, 

589,  591 
Sable  Island,  1055 
Sabon  Island,  346 
Saboyoro  Strait,  336 
Sabtan  Island,  938 
Sabuda  Island,  858 
Saddle  Hill,  222,  555 

,,      Island,  232, 245, 302, 
310,611,620, 1026 
,,      Islands,  883,  1113 
„  ,,        and   Rocks, 

1093-1094 
,,      Mountain,  1251 
,,       Peak,   1012 
Saddles  Hill,  260 
Sadoelang  Islands,  6go 
Sado  Island,  1247 
Sad  Point,  476 
Sailana  Island,  796 
Saga  Bay,  378 
Sagami  Cape,    iiSo,   1182, 
1191 
,,         Misaki  Cape,  1182, 

1 183 
,,        Peninsula,  ii8g 
Sagara,  756 
Saga  Sima,  1228 
Sagitsu  No  Ura,  1233 
Sahat  Point,  501 
Sah-lo-wung  Bay,  968 
Sahul  Bank,  788 
Saigon,  428,  437 

River,  432-433 
Sailam  Channel,  991 
Sailor's  Hat  Island,  255 
Sail  Rock,  479,  58S,  1243 

,,     Shoal,  iig 
St.  Andrew's  Port,  925 
,,    Barbe  Island,  305 
,,    Clair  Island,  1171 
,,    Esprit  Islands,  306 
,,        ,,       Shoal,  647-648 
,,    George  Bank,  794 
1)         ).        Island,  1073 
,,   James  Cape,  430,  634 
,,   James  Cape  and  Light, 

433 
,,    James  Hill,  375 
,,   John    Bay   and    Island, 

948 
,,   John's  Islands,  360,  371 
,,   Julian  Island,  310 
,,    Lazaro  Archipelago,  895 
„    Lucia  Shoal,  892 
,,    Matthew  Islands,  836 
,,    Michael  Islands,  920 
,,    Nicholas,  586 
,,  ,,  Point,  165,672 

,,    Nicolas  Banks,  597-600 

Bay,  743-744 
,,    Paul  Bay  and  Hill,  551 
„      ,,      Mount,  20I 


St.  Paul's  Hill   and  Light- 
house, 130,  131 
,,    Peter  Island,  478,  1193 
,,    Pierre  Islands  and  Rock, 

311.  312 
Saito  Reef,  1206 
Saiwan  Channel,  991 
Sakai  River  and  Light,  1209 
Saka  Island,  172-173 
Sakala  Island,  710 
Sakampang  River,  181 
Sakapar  Point,  273 
Sakarran  River,  483 
Saket  Reef,  682 
Sakit  Mata  Rock,  402 
Sakiura  Cape,  1245 
Sak  Point,  508 
Sakura  Island,  1231,  1232 
Salak  Peak,  671 
Salamis  Point,  1069 
Salangore  and  Hill,  119 
Salaor  Island,  6ig 
Salatan  Cape,  740 
Salat  Padang,  14S 

,,      Panjang,  148 

,,      Ringit,  148 

,,      Sambulan,  358 

,,      Sinki    and    Beacons, 
358-360 

,,      Tambroh,  358 
Salavako  Island,  851 
Salawati  Island,  860 
Salawatta  Island,  85 1 
Salayar  Island  and  Strait, 

817-819 
Salee  Gulf,  762,  763 
Saleh  River,  196 
Saleyer  Strait,  817-819 
Salhoetoe  Mount,  824 
Salibabo   Islands  and  Baj-, 

883 
Saliera  Island,  673 
Salingsingan    Island,    531, 

533 
Salipen  Islands,  892 
Sal-le-kan  Peak,  543 
Salleolukit  Islands,  894 
Salomague  Port,  604-605 
Salombo  Islands,  746-747 
Salt  River,  197-198 
Salut-Salut  Bay,  604 
Salwatti  Island,  860 
Sama  Bay,  478 
Samalangan  Creek,  140 
Samangka  Bay,  167 
Saman  Islands,  998 
Samao    Island   and    Strait, 

785-786 
Samarang   and    Bay,    671, 
687,  693-694 
,,  Bank,  652 

,,  Mountains,  693 

,,  Point,  516 

,,  Rock,  480 

Samar  Bank,  898 
Samarinda,  800 
Samar  Island,  902-903 
Samasana  Island,  1034 
8d 


1306 


INDEX. 


Samassu  Island,  283 
Samatan  River,  480 
Samauw  Island,  785 
Sambang  River,  2S7 
Sambar  Point,  281 
Sambas  River,  287 
Sambilang  Islands,  117 
Samboanga,  895,  8g8 
Samboangan   Province,  897 
Sambo  Islands,  395 
Sam-chau  Inlet,  1001-1002 
Sam-chow-tong  Bay,  948 
Sam-chui,  979 
Sam-Cock  Island,  958 
Samcok  Island,  949 
Samit  Point,  419 
Sammalona  Island,  805 
Samoun  Islands,  957 
Samoy  Bay,  478 
Sampadien  River,  480 
Sam-pan-chau  Island,  971, 

980 
Sampanmangio  Point,  511- 

512,  521 
Sampit  Bay,  739 

,,        Island,  255 
Sampson  Peak,  1159 
,,         Shoals,  529 
Samroiyot  Hills,  411 
Samsa  Cape,  807 
Sam-sah  Inlet,  1004 
Sam-shui,  990 
Samtiau  Poi.it,  1035 
Samun   Islana   and   Road, 

998  _ 
Sanagi  Sima,  1212 
San  Bernardino  Strait,  903- 

904 
Sanbon-take  Rocks,  1194 
Sanca  Poura,  704-705 
San  Carlos,  938 
San-chau  Island,  950,  975 
Sanchesan  Island, 1073 
Sandakan  Harbour,  917 
Sandalwood     Island,     767, 

775-777 
Sandan  Mount,  744 
Sand  Cay,  532,  627 
Sandelhout  Island,  774 
San  Diego  Point,  594 
Sand  Island,  230,  241,  245, 
571-572,  909,  1028,  1054 
San  Domingo  Bay,  938 
Sandon  Rocks,  1169 
Sand  Peak  Point,  1058 
,,     Point,  1154 
,,     Rock,  1000 
Sandy  Bank,  888 
,,      Head,  1158 
,,      Island,     653,      922, 

1048-1049 
,,      Point,  369,  478 
,,      Sea,  831 
,,      Shoal,  667 
Sanemuva  Point,  1199 
San  Fabian  River,  603 
,,    Fernando  Point,  603        i 
,,    Francisco  Bank,  953 


Sangan  Sima,  1198 

Sanga  Sanga  Island,  886 

Sangason,  800 

Sangbowen  Peak,  547 

Sangboys  Island,  894 

Sangeang  Island,  764 

Sanghia  Bay,  478 

Sangian  SiraCape,  153,735 

Sangi  Island,  778 

Sangir  Island,  882-883 

Sangkoi  River,  461 

Sanglar  Strait,  345 

Sangley  Point  Light,  596 

Sangoa  Point,  283 

Sangsit,  743,  745 

Sangui,  Punta,  902 

Sanguir  Island,  882-883 

Sangui  Rock,  401 

San-ho  Cape,  453 

San-ho-pa,  loii 

San  lago  Fort,  952 
,,     Ildefonso  Cape,  934 
,,    Jacinto  Port,  904 
Sanjavay  River,  282 
San    Jose    de    Buenavista, 
915-916 
,,  Harbour,  908 

San  Juanico  Strait,  901 

,,    Juan  Island,  901 
Sankapoera,  704-705 
Sankoelirang  Bay,  801 
San-Liau  Bay,  1037 
San  Miguel  Bay,  905,  932 

,,  Island,  931 

Sanmun  Island,  1072,  1073 
Sannana  Bay,  821 
San  Pascual  Fort,  go8 

,,    Pio  Quinto  Port,  937 
San-pwan  Pass,  1068 
San  Rafael  Bay,  893 
Sanshan  Islands, 1159-1160 
San-shi  Island,  1070 
Santa  Ana  Port,  912-913 
Sant'  Andres,  925 
Santa  Cruz  de  Napo,  925 
,,  Islands,  894 

,,  Port,  602 

Santa  Monica,  584 

,,  Rosa  Mount,  939 
San  Thomas  River,  603 
Santiago  Cape, 594, 926-927 

,,  Island,  603 

Santiang  Cape,  731 
San  Tomas,  Punta  de,  924 
Santubong      Entrance      to 

Sarawak  River,  480 
Santubong  Peak,  480,  482 
San  Vincente,  935,  938 
Sapaloeloe  Strait,  821 
Sapangar   Bay  and   Island, 

504 
Sapa  Pomt,  811 
Saparoea  Island,  828 
Sapata  Island,  635 
Sapey  Cape,  857 
Sapi  Strait,  766-769 
Sapoedie  Island  and  Strait, 

706 


Sapo  Point,  491-493 
Sapy  Strait,  766-769 
Saracen  Bank,  652 

,,        Ba     419 

,,        Head,  1037,  ^°3S 

,,        Reefs,  1227 

,,        Rock,  1162 
Sarah  Galley  Channel,  1077, 

1080-108 I 
Saraki  Cape,  1252 
Sarangani  Cape  and  Islands, 

897 
Saratoga  Spit,  1188,  1189 
Sarawak    and    River,    480, 

482-483 _ 
Sarebas  River,  480,  483 
Sarok  Island,  706 
Sarontang  Island,  817 
Sarotak  Point,  706 
Saru  Sima  Island,  1184 
Sassak  Island,  754-759 
Sassa  Point,  775,  776 
Sata  Iras  Bay,  1231 
Satano  Misaki  Cape,  1171, 

1201 
Satellite  Rocks,  788 
Satye  Bay,  948 
Sau  Island  and  Lighthouse, 

317'  332 
Sau-o  Bay  and  Rocks,  1034- 

1035 
Sauw,  783 
Savu  Islands,  777 
Sawaai  Bay,  853 
Sawang,  140 

Sawchau  Island,  968,  969 
Sawo  Point,  700 

,,      Saki,  1226,  1227 
Saw-shan      Island,      1088, 

1226,  1227 
Say  Mount,  491-493 
Scaleby  Castle  Shoal,  65S 
Scarborough  Shoal,  606 
Scawfell  Shoal,  631 
Schar\'ogel  Islands,  274 
Scheweningen  Shoal,  267 
Schiedam  Island,  679 
Schildpadden  Bay,  724 
Schilpad  Islands,  859 
Schooner  Rock,  1158 
Schoorsteen  Island,  767 
Schooteroog  Island,  869 
Scorpion  Point,  115 
Scout  Shoal,  481,  482,488 
Sea  Cat  Rock,  1061 

,,    Dog  Rock,  1061 
Seahorse   Shoal,   650,  653- 

654,  667 
Sea  Island,  620 
Seal  Point,  854 

,,     Rocks,  A07 
Seao-Seao  Island,  1074 
Seao-tan  Island,  1019 
Seaou-keu  Island,  1084 
Seaou-yew  Island,  iioo 
Sea  Rock,  175 
Seasons,  1-25 — (see   Table 

of  Contents) 


INDEX. 


1307 


Seatoi    Bank    and    Island, 

1025 
Seauw  Island,  882 
Sebalick  River,  ig8 
Sebezee  Peak,  174 
Seboeko,  or  Sebuko  Island, 

175 
Sebuku  Island,  794 
Secam  Island,  536,  537,  538 
Second  Bar,  Canton   Kiver, 
982-983,  985 

,,        Point,  157,  193 

,,        Thomas  Shoal,  665 
Sedangoli,  874 
Sedano  Cape,  706,  717,  749 
Sedan  Rock,  1028 
Sedarie    Point    and    Reefs, 
687-689 

,,         River,  68g 
Sededap  Island,  619 
Sedo  Gawa  River,  1208 
Sedua  Besar  Island,  309 

,,       Ketchil  Island,  309 
Sedulang  Shoal,  710 
Seeacle  Cape,  540 
Seemagoup  Bay,  540 
Seera  Island,  336 
Segaar  Bay,  858 
Segara  Anakan,  728 

,,  Arrakan.  728 
Segattal  Island,  759 
Segoro  Bight,  721 

,,       Wedie  Bay,  720-721 
Segyam  Islands,  569 
Sehel  Passage,  729 
Selamo  Peak,  786 
Selamata  Channel,  612 
Selanga  Islands,  314 
Selaparang     Jsland,     754- 

759 
Selatan  Island,  315 
Selat-Mata  Channel,  612 
Selema,  853 
Selentang  Island,  300 
Selindang  Island,  308 
Seloeting  Reef,  274 
Selo  Pajong,  721 
Seluan  Island,  6ig 
Selun  Island,  886 
Semao  Island,  785 
Semapi  Reef,  619 
Sembilangan,  700 
Semboelan  River,  206 
Sembolang  Point,  316,  328 
Sembuni  Shoals,  614 
Semgum  Point,  853 
Semieuw  Island,  856 
Semione  Island,  620 
Semiroe  Mount,  719 

,,        Peak,  671,  703 
Sempoe  Island,  720 
Sempo  Mount,  811 
Sendai  Bay,  1196-1197 

,,       Saka,  1232 
Senda  Saki,  11S2,  1183 
Sendock  Rock,  612 
Sendulang  Islands,  309 
Sengarang  Island.  322 


Senggera  Rocks,  324 
Senhouse  Island,  1095 
,,         Mount,  966 
Senior  Island,  237 
Senoang  Island,  618 
Seno  de  Bazol  Road,  602 
Sentry  Island,  1028 

,,      Rock,  1 142,  1 144 
Senubing  Cape,  618 
Seo-liu-kiu  Island,  1037 
Seoluk  Island,  1070 
Sepadian  Island,  281 
Se  pan-gow  Bay,  540 
Seputan  Volcano,  811 
Serai  Island,  616 
Seraja  Mount,  745 
Serangan  Island,  746 
Serang  Point,  7^9 

Shoal,  676 
Serapong  Mount,  370 
Serassa  Rock,  681 
Seraya  Island,  770 
Serayoe  River,  725 
Serbette  Island,  779 
Seriphos  Rock,  1170 
Sermattan  Island,  838 
Seroea,  839 
Sero  Rocks,  722 
Serpent  Rock, 1035 
Serra  Island,  842 
Serua  Island,  839 
Serussa,  837 
Serwatty  Islands,  836 
Seshan  Islands,  1101-1102 
Scsostris  Rock,  logg 
Setan  Island,  765,  766 
Seto-da  Jima,  1216 
Setonda  Island,  762 
Seto  Uchi,  The,  1164,  1201- 
1224 
,,  Western    En- 

trance, 1222 
Seven  Islands,  222, 295,  807 

,,      Rocks,  1232 

,,       Sins  Ro'-ks,  911 

,,       Sisters  Islands,  iioi 

„       Stars      Islands     and 
1066 
Severn  Shoal,  267 
Sewshan  Island,  1088 
Sey-ho  Point,  943 
Seymour    Bay    and    Point, 

1049 
Shaaon  Harbour,  1087 
Shadwell  Island,  5S1 
Shag  Island,  1079 

,,     Rock,  1007 
Shahbundar       Bank       and 

Shoals,  1S2 
Sha-ho  Island,  1073 
Shaku  Shi,  1226 
Shala  Island,  449 
Sha-lui-tien       Island      and 

Banks,  1149,  1152-1153 
Shamien,  986,  990 
Sha-mo  Island,  1 146 
Shanghai,  941,  1104,  1122- 

1126 


Shang-kau  Bay,  1139 
Shang  Rock,  1071 
Shang-ta  Island,  1071 
Shanpee  Islands,  872 
Shantung  Promontory  and 
Lighthouse, 
113S-1140 
,,  Province,  1129 

Shark-fin'Range,  581 
Shark  Island,  416 
Sharksfin  Bay,  583 
Sharp  Island,  956 

,,       Peak,  543,  994,  1138 
,,       Peak    Island,    1057, 
1061 
Sharpshooter  Shoal,  229 
Sha-ti  Point,  1153 
Shaweishan  Channel,  1106- 
1108 
,,  Island  and 

Lighthouse, 
1107,  1114 
Shea  Shoals,  665 
Shei-luh  Channel,  10S3 
Sheipoo  Harbour  and  Road, 

1073-1074 
Shekpywan    Harbour,  962, 

965 
Shell  Island,  577-578 
Sheltered  Bay,  422 
Shelter  Port  and  Island,  994 
Shendora  Mound,  11S3 
Shepherdess  Shoal,  637 
Sheppey  Island,  10S7-1089 
Shetung  Islands,  1070 
Shtudi,  1168 
Sheumen  Pagoda,  470 
Shicko  Head,  992 
Shika  No  Se  Shoal,  12 1 1 
Shingan  Island,  1029 
Shing-king   Province,  1129, 

1154 

Shingshimun  Pass,  967 

Ship  Island,  830,  833 

Shirasai  Saki,  1205 

Shirasu     Reef    and    Light- 
house, 1223 

Shiroi  Iwa  Rock,  1214 

Shiro-se,  1226 

Shi-siau  Rock,  1160 

Shitoe  Bay,  94S 

Shiwoya,  1210 

Shoal  Bay,  1003,  1012 
,,      Island,  1000 
,,       Point,  798 

Shoahvater  Island,  241,258 

Shoal-Water     Island     and 
Shoals,  230-231 

Shoe  Island,  272,  293,  635, 
862 

Shore  Reef,  235 

Show  Islands,  1092 

Shu-a-tau  Head,  1139 

Shubets  Volcano,  1253 

Shuntuk,  990 

Shwin-gan  River,  1067 

Siagut  Point  and  Shoal,  514 

Siak  and  River,  138,  148 


1308 


INDEX. 


Siam,  Gulf  of,  400 

,,      Knoll,  401 

,,      Vocabulary,   Money, 
&c.,  1258-1260 
Sian-lu-tan  Island,  1160 
Siantan  Island,  612 
Siao  Island,  882 
Siassi  Island,  885 
Siau-ching-shan        Island, 

1139 
Siau  Head,  1054 
Siau-hi-shan  Island,  1146 
Siau-kung-tau  Island,  1133 
Siau-sha  Shoal,  1138 
Siayan  Island,  939 
Sibago  Island,  893 
Sibanag  Island,  goo 
Sibaroe  Island,  795 
Sibaru  Island,  795 
Sibbald  Bank,  795 
Sibet  Bay,  376 
Sibou  Islands  and  Channel, 

401 
Sibou  Kukus  Island,  401 
Sibuguey  Bay,  898 
Sibutu  Island,  887-888 
Sibuyan  Island,  905,  924 
Sicojan  Island,  910 
Sido  Island,  765 
Side  Saddle  Islands,  1093 
Sierra    Madre    Mountains, 

926 
Siete  Pecados  Rocks,  911 
Sigayan  Promontory,  927 
Signal    Head    and    Light- 
house, 1235,  1240 
,,         Hill,  1009 
Si-haa-shan  Island,  1159 
Si  Jalore  Shoal  and  Buoy, 

481 
„  Kiang  River,  950,  990- 

991 
Si-ki  Island,  1005 
Sikine  Sima  Island,  1195 
Sikok  Island,  1164,  1172 
Silanga  Bay  and  Peak,  582 
Silanga  Islands,  583,  910 
Silanguin  Port,  600-601 
Silanja  Point,  933 
Silensing  Island,  337 

,,  River,  113 

Silingsing  Point,  377 
Siloso  Mount,  371 
Silugu  Island,  378 
Silungan  Mount,  488 
Silver  Island,  io85 
Simabara,    1167,  1233-1234 
Sima  Cape,  1175 
Si-ma-ha-ra-cha  Island, 424 
Simanahan        Reef        and 

Channel,  534 
Simara  Island,  925 
Simidzu,  1178 
Simo  Bank,  594 
Simoda       Harbour,       1167, 

1179-1180 
Simonamba  Cape,  1217 
Simono  Ko  Siki,  1229-1230 


Simonor  Island,  887 
Simonoseki      and      Strait, 

1218-1222 
Simpang,  337 

,,         Olim  River,  142 

,,  River,  281 

Simplegades  Island,  1230 
Simplicia     Wreck      Rocks, 

1016 
Sinagawa,  11S8 
Sina  Island,  179 
Sinano  River,  1165 
Sinay  Isle,  605 
Sin  Cowe  Island,  664 
Sindo,  178 

Sindoro  Mountain,  693 
Singapore,  Strait   of,  357- 

399 
,,  106,  366-381 

,,  Island,  367 

Light,  398 
,,  Old  Strait,  358, 

382-383 
,,  Rock,  1249 

Singhapura,  366 
Singkawan  River,  286 
Single    Island    and    Rock, 

998,  1002 
Singora,  410 
Sinhama,  1217 
Sin  Island,  1074 
Sinkep  Island,  297,  336 

,,        Laut  Island,  336 
Sinki  Channel  and  Beacons, 
358-360 
„     Strait,  378 
Sinkong  Point,  1086 
Sinta  Rock,  1014 
Siolon  Island,  319 
Sipang  Thumb,  485 
Sipsipa  Island,  862 
Siquijor  Island,  908 
Siragalo  Peninsula,  729 
Sira  Island,  755 
Sirakami  Cape,  1249,  1252 
Sirasai  Saki,  1205 
Sireen  Rocks,  736 
Sirhassen  Islands  and  Pass- 
age, 614-615 
Siribuat  Islands,  402 
Sirie  Island,  292 
Sirik  Point,  4S8,  490 
Siriya  Saki,  1252 

,,         ,,       and        Light- 
house, 1199- 
1200 
Sir  James  Brooke  Point,  569 
Siro  Islands,  1223 
,,    Jama  Mountain,  1166 
,,    Sima,  1237 
Siruma  Bay  and  Island,  932 
Sirumpa  Rock,  714 
Siru  River,  4S0 
Sishan,  1133 
Sisiran,  Puerto  de,  932 
Sisir  Island,  773,  819 
Sisters    Islands,    179,    360, 
602,  1015 


Si-Ting  Island,  1002 
Sitziwura  Bay,  1234 
Siumpu  Island,  814 
Siwa  Cape,  816 
,,       Reef,  758 
Siwokubi  Cape,  1249,  1251 
Sivvo    Misaki     and    Light, 
1207 
,,  ,,         Point,  1172, 

1173 
Six-feet  Bank,  835 
Six  Islands,  252,  258 

,,    Peak  Mountains,  234 
Siyako,  1212 
Siza  Rock, 1247 
Sizikuts  Cape,  1221,  1222 
Skead  Islet,  1016,  1093 
Skel  Rock,  721 
Skimomu  Island,  1225 
Slakouw  River,  286 
Slaman  Gat,  832 
Slan  Bay  and  River,  204 
Slaney  Head,  1158 
Slatan  Bank,  713 
Sleepy  Bay,  480 
Sleino  River,  198 
Slime  Islet,  809 

„      Rock,  508 
Sloko  Hills,  752 
Sloping  Point,  1144 
Slut  Island,  1029 
Small    Bar,  Canton   River, 
982 

,,        Island,  278,  705 
Smith  Island, 583-584,  1193 
Smits  Bank,  215 
Smooth  Hill,  582 
Smotz  Ura  Bay,  1204 
Snake  Point,  477 

,,       Rock,  582 
Soangie  Island,  780 
Soa  Sia,  877 
Society  Bay,  1159 
So-co  Hill,  1041 
Sodogawa  River,  1188 
Sodon  Point,  152,  726 
Soegalie  Shoal,  692 
Soela  Isles,  821 
Soembawa  Island,  761-769 
Soembing  Peak,  671 

,,  Mountain,  693 

Soembreng  Bay,  721 
Soemoer  Island,  158 
Soengal  Island,  173 
Soensang  River,  196 
Soerabaya,  702-704 
Soeroeaki  Island,  851 
Soja  Cape,  1165 
Sogean,  755 
Sogod  Bay,  933 
Soko  Islands,  959,  968 
Solitary  Rock,  1065 

,,        Sharp  Peak,  207 
Soloman  Point,  478 
Solombo  Islands,  738 
Solo  River,  700,  703 
Solor  Strait  and  Island,  777 
779 


INDEX. 


1309 


Sombawa  Island,  761-769 
Sombocagon  Bay,  928 
Sombrero  Islands,  909 

„  Rock,  423,  923 

Sonapa  Inlet,  763 
Songi,  815 

Songie  Kalarang  River,  385 

,,       Romynia  River,  385 

Songi  Kisoe^ean  River,  194 

,,       Liat,  263 
Songka  River,  461 
Song-men  Point,  1070 
Song-yui  Point,  944 
Sooloo    Archipelago,    884- 

894 
Soon  Kong  Island,  992 
Sophia  Louise  Rock,  757 

Reef,  866 
Sorcery  Island,  830 
Sore  Island,  321 
Sore  Reefs,  333 
Sorrel  Rock,  102  5 
Sorsogon  Harbour,  904 
Soruetou  Island,  279-280 
Sosa  Cape,  774 
Sosogon  Bay, 929 
Sotja  Bight,  701 
Sotonohirase    Rock,    1235, 

1240 
Sotroma  Road,  788 
Soubie  Reef,  628 
Soubi  Island,  616 
Soudan  Island,  1071 
Soundal  Point,  508 
Soung,  889-890 
Sourabaya,    671,    686-688, 
702-704 
,,  Strait  and 

Light    Ves- 

,  sel,  696-704 

Sousou  Mount,  484 
Souteland  Reef,  8i8-8ig 
Southampton  Rock,  1179 
South  Ardasier  Shoal,  664 

„      Bar    Bank    Beacon, 

493 
,,       Bay,  1012 
,,      Brother  Island,  136 
,,      Cape,  Formosa,  1033 
,,      Channel  Island,  580 
,,      Coast  Passage,    Min 

River,  1058 
,,      East      Cape,      Java, 

752-753 
,,       Island,  245,252,  290, 

782,  814, IIOI 
,,      E?.st  Island,  306, 1141 
,,         ,,     Point,  Java,  719 
,,        „     Shoals,  532 
Southern  Pillars  Rocks,  937 
South  Furious  Shoals,  510 
,,       Harbour,  514 
,,       Haycock  Island,  614 
,,       Hummock  Hill,  128 
„      Ledge,  389 
„      Luconia  Shoals,  649 
,,      Mangsee  Island,  531 
,,      Merope  Shoal,  1017 


South  Mound  Hill,  113 
,,       Natuna  Islands, 614- 

618 
,,      Passage  Island,  344, 

582-583 
„  Peak,  251 
,,  Point,  3S4 
,,  ,,       Java,  719 

,,      Reef,  547 
,,      Regent  Shoal,  540 
,,      Rock,  125,  584,  1049 
,,      Saddle  Island,  1093 
.,      Sands,  126-127 
,,      Shoal,  534 
,,      Sibou  Island,  401 
,,      Tai-Tai  Island,  5S1 
„      Tub  Bataha,  921 
,,      Watcher  Island,  457, 
736-737'  S07 
.  ,,      West  Bank,  920 
„     Bay,  633 
,,      Western  Group,  307 
,,       West  Island,  306 
,,  ,,     Patches,  523 

,,  ,,     Point,         For- 

mosa, 1036 
,,      Wizard  Rock,  949 
Southwood  Island,  900 
South  Yit  Island,  1027 
Sovel  Island,  457 
Sowerby  Shoal,  264 
Sow  Islets,  878 
Sozu  Sima,  1211 
Speelman  Bay,  857 
Speke  Rock,  336, 351 
Spencer  Cape,  860 
Spermonde       Archipelago, 

805 
Spex  Strait,  1241-1243 
Spider  Island,  1063 
Spire  Island,  1016 

,,     Islet,  1095 
Spirit  Island,  830 

,,     of  the    North   Shoal, 
291 
Spiteful     Islet    and     Rock, 

1059-1060 
Spit  Point,  1146 
S  Point,  436 
Spratly  Island  and  Beacon, 

622-623 
Sprat  Point,  547 
Squall  Islands,  107 1 

„       Point,  554,  578 
Square  Island,  115S 

,,       Island    and    Light, 

1098 
,,       Islet,  1015 
,,       Peak,  1057 
,,       Rock,  1026 
„       Rock  Pomt,  1244 
,,       Rocks,  1063 
,,       Stone  Island,  1084 
,,       Top  Islands,  586 
Squat  Rock,  loio 
Sroyoe  Island,  722 
Stags  Shoal,  663 
Stanlake  Island,  577-578 


Stanton  Channel,  189,  215- 

219 
Stapah  Point,  391 
Starboard  Jack  Reef,  1075 
Station  Island,  1028 
Staunton  Island,  1133,1137 
Stavely  Mount,  546 
Steenboom  Cape,  856 
Steep  Cape,  349 
Steep-fall  Range,  522 
Steep  Island,  1035 

,,  Islet,  993 
Steeple  Island,  1052 
Steep  Point,  545 
Steward  Rock,  10S7 
Stick-up  Rock,  1141 
Stokong  Island,  621 
Stolze  Channel,   227,   249- 

260 
Stone-cutters  Island,  967 
Stone  of  Onrust  Rock,  679 
Stone  Peak,  1042 
Stork  Reef,  386 
Storm  Islanil  and  Beacon, 

622-623 
Straggler  Island  and  Reef, 

519       • 
Stragglers  Islands,  1070 
Straits  Settlements,  106 
Strawstack  Islands,  1065 
Stroom  Rocks,  163,  17S 
Struisvogel        Bank        and 

Shoal,  675-680 
Stumba  Island,  477 
Sual  Port,  603 
Suang  Bunah,  891 
Suangi  Island,  823 
Subig  Port,  600 
Subi  Islands,  616 
Subong  Bay  and  Point,  325 
Succadana,  282 
Success  Reef,  620 
Suchau    and    Creek,    11 17, 

1123 
Sugarloaf  Channel  and  Is- 
land, lOIO 
„         Hill,  9-K 
,,         Island,  234,  910, 
1000 
Suga  Sima  Point  and  Light, 

1 176 
Sugob,  930 

Suji  Island  and  Strait,  34S 
Sukadana,  282 
Sukur  Island,  771 
Sulaman  River,  506 
Sula  Port,  931 
Sullivan  Reefs,  261 
Sulphur  Point,  983 
Sul  Rock,  1013 
Sultana  Shoal,  922 
Sultan  Bank,  923 

,,       Snoal,  359,  362 
Sulu  Archipelago,  8S4-894 

„     Island,  889-891 

,,     Sea,  916-924 
Sumanap,  707 
Sumatra  Bank,  149 


1310 


INDEX. 


Sumatra,  Coast  of,  137-149, 
165-199 

,,         Rivers,  196 

,,         Rock,  141 
Sumba  Island,  775-777 
Sumbawa  Bay,  762 

,,  Island,  761-769 

,,  West  Coast,  759- 

761 

,,  South  Coast  of, 

768 
Sumbing  Reef,  709 
Sumegi  Saki,  1179 
Sumilon  Island,  908    " 
Sumpat  Bay  and  Reefs,  393 
Sumur  Island,  158 
Sunda  Rock,  1030 
Sundar  Spit,  491-493 
Sunda,  Strait  of,  150-180 
Sunday  Bank,  888 
Sung-ami  Rock,  1205 
Sung-ei  Moar  River,  133 
Sung-hei  Batu  Pahat  River, 

133 
Sunghy  Ujong, 129 
Sungie  Sumpit  River,  117 
Sung-seu    Bay  and  Island, 

1022,  1023 
Sun-kong  Island,  962,  967 
Sunk  Rock,  246,    248,    249, 

locS 
Sun  Strait,  830,  832 
Supply  Rock,  1 180 
Surabaya,  702-704 
Surat  Castle  Shoal,  756 
Surigao  Islands  and  Strait, 

900 
Surinam  Strait,  821 
Suruga  Gulf,  ii77--ii78 
Surveyor's  Island,  1136 
Susaki,  1179 

,,        Harbour,  1172 
Su  Saki  Point,  iigo 
Su-shan  tau  Island,  1137 
Susquehanna  Bay,  1187 
Sussarat  Island,  172 
Susua  Cape,  817 
Susuga  Saki,  1185 
Sutherland  Rock,  1137 
Sutrana  Road,  788 
Sutsini,  1254 
Suwa  Lakes,  1165 
Suwo  Nada,  1218 
Suwonada  Rock,  1005 
Suzume  Rock,  1237 
Sveno     Yama      Mountain, 

1189 
Swain  Reef,  1242 
Swallow  Bank,  1133 
,,         Reef,  664 
„  Rock,  185 

Swatow,  941,  1011-1012 
Swinger  Rock,  1238 
Syang  Island,  870 
Syau-ki  Point,  1045 
Sye-ho  Point,  943 
Sylock  Island,  952,  958 
Sylvia  Mount,  1042 


Sywan  Bay,  992 
Sz'chuen  Province,  1104 

Taai  Manoe  Islands,  806 

Taal  Volcano,  926 

Tabako  Cape,  817 

Tabanan  Mount,  745 

Tabawan  Island,  886 

Tablas  Island,  913,  925 

Table  Head,  416,  572 
„      Hill,  486,  759,  1042 
,,      Island,  245,  252,  256, 

1053 
,,      Islet,  994 
„      Point,  547,  747,  1 158 
,,       Rock,  115,  413 

Tablet  Island,  1053 

Table  Top  Island,  564-565 

Tabo  Cape,  872 

Taboean  Island  and  Light- 
house, 749-750 

Tabu  Sima,  1248 

Tacbolo  Island,  558 

Tac-bo-lu-bu,  569 

Ta-chen  Island,  1089 

Ta-ching-shan  Hill,  1138 

Tachin  River,  427 

Ta-chu-san  Island,  1145 

Tacloban,  895,  goi 

Tadjem  Hill,  251 

Tae  Islands,  1065-1066 

Tae-pan  Point   and   Shoal, 
1018 

Tae-pih  Islands,  1068 

Tae-slian  Island  and  Chan- 
nel, 1091-1092 

Tae-tan  Island  and   Light, 
1019 

Tafelborg  Volcano,  749 

Tafel  Cape,  753 

Tafelhoek  Point,  743,  747 

Tafou  Peak,  1073 

Tagal  Island,  170,  691-692 
,,       Peak,  671 

Taganac  Island,  918 

Tagao  Island,  8S6 

Tagbach,  593 

Tagil  Island,  910 

Tagiran  Point,  929 

Tagne  Island,  448 

Tagnipa  Inlet,  548 

•Tago  Bay,  1178 

Ta-go-ra-ras  Cliff,  542 

Tagowlu  Island,  894 

Tagubanhan  Island,  910 

Tagulanda  Island,  881 

Tagun  Bay,  932 

Taheen  Rock,  1025 

Ta-hi-shan  Island,  1146 

Ta-hu-san  River,  ii6o-ii6r 

Tai  Bing  Canal,  463 

Tai-cho  River,  1153 

Tai-chau    Bay    and    River, 
1072 

Tai-chau  Fu,  1072 

,,         Islands      and 
Rocks,  1071 

Tai-kia,  1042 


Taiku  Mount,  445 

Tai-kung  tau  Island,  1133 

Tai-lung  River,  990,  991 

Taimano,  776 

Taio  Bank,  687 

Taioe  Bank,  696 

Ta  Island,  850 

Tai-pin    San    Islands    and 

Rocks,  1050-105 1 
Tai-Tai,  560 

,,         Bay     and      Fort, 

581-583 
Tai-ta-mi      Channel      and 

Island,  960 
Taitoo  Island,  993 
Tai-wan-fu,      1032,      1038, 

1039-1040 
Taja  Island,  888 
Taka  Bakang  Bank,  797 
Takaboko  Island,  1238 
Takadoosi  Yama  Hill,  1204 
Takaikami,  1213 
Taka  Iso  Kock,  1210 
Takami  Island,  1212 
Takanaba  Island,  1202 
Takarie  Cape,  817 
Taka  Romata  Shoal,  797 
Taka    Sima,     1205,     1229, 

1230,  1236,  1239,  1241 
Takat  Fimor  Shoal,  709 

,,       Gomok  Shoal,  709 

,,       Tinga  Shoal,  709 
Takau, 1038 
Ta-kau-kon, 1037-1039 
Take  Saki,  1219 

,,     Sima  Island,  1170 

,,     Yama,  1183 
Takigawara  Seto,  1227 
Takong  Besar  Island,  349 

,,        Ketchil  Island,  549 
Takow  Harbour,  941,  1038- 

1039 
Taku  Forts,  1152 
Takura  Saki,  1204 
Taku-schan, 1160-1161 
Takut  Pabunuan  Shoal,  890 
Talabo  Cape,  813 
Ta-lan-dac,  565 
Talang  Island,  319 
Talango  Island,  706 
Talan  Islands,  480 
Talantam  Bank,  888 
Talanuru  Cape,  854 
Talapan  Point,  811 
Talaut  Islands,  883 
Talbot  Shoal,  867 
Talenading  Islands,  873 
Taliabo  Island,  821-822 
Talian  Bay,  8go 
Ta-lien-whan    Bay,     1159- 

1160 
Taliwang  Bay,  760 
Tallack  Shoal,  291 
Talolen,  933 
Taluk  Island,  890,  1070 
Talung   Island  and  Shoal, 

IIOO,   IIOI 

Ta-lu-tan  Island,  1160 


INDEX. 


1311 


Tamagawa,  1245 
Tamah  Boemboe,  798 
Tamandam,  847 
Tamano;o,  Puerto  de,  934 
Tama  No  Ura,  1228 
Tamarind  Island,  174 
Tambaga  Rocks,  704,  706 
Tambangadin  River,  198 
Tambang  Point,  719 
Tamba  Point,  928 
Tambelan  Islands,  307,  308 
Tambelaoeang  Island,  773, 

8ig 
Tambisan  Island,  888 
Tamboeloengan  Island,  819 
Tambongon,  931 
Tambora  Volcano,  761,  763 
Tambove  Road,  602 
Tam-chau  Channel,  990-991 
Tameay  Isles,  863 
Tameitsi  Bay,  1234 
Tam-giang-khau  River,  432 
Tamkan  Island,  960,  975 
Tammassou  Island,  416 
Tamoeang  Rocks,  697 
Tamo-shan  Mountain,  1134 
Tampang  Bank,  167 
Tampassuk  River,  509 
Tampoerokh,  763 
Tam-Quam  River,  453 
Tam-sui  Harbour  and  River, 

941,  1043-1044 
Tamtu  Island,  992,  993 
Tanabe  Bay  and  Cape,  1206 
Tana  Keke  Island,  803 
Tanah  Laut,  740 

,,        Putie  River,  147 
Tanal  Point,  7S5 
Tanara  and  River,  674 
Tanay,  go8 

Tanda  Po  Lakki  Rock,  681 
Tando  Passage,  729 
Tandu  Point,  892 
Tanega  Sima  Island,  1170 
Tangara  Rock,  680 
Tangfow  Island,  1081 
Tang-Kang  River,  1037 
Tangout  Rock,  502 
Tangusu  Bay,  883 
Tanji  Island,  1225 
Tanjong  Ajermata,  739 

Along-Ajang,  154 
,,         Allang,  825 
Tanjongan  Point,  701 
Tanjong  Agal,  511 
,,         Ares,  798 
,,         Api,  312,  480 
,,         Awat,  120 
,,         Baginda,  199 
„         Bali,  487 
,,         Bantil,  199 
,,         Barram,  488 
,,         Batoe  Blad,  286 
„         Battang,  515 
,,         Batu  Bessao,  873 
,,         Batubrani,  210 
,,        Batu   Putie,    139- 
140 


Tanjong  Batu  Sow,  394 
,,         Bayor,  800 
,,         Bedaauw,  204 
,,         Bedalla  Toea,  740 
,,         Bersiap,  210,  212 
,,        Biat,  212 

Bienga,  251,  255 
,,         Binor,  715 
,,         Blanhap,  304 
,,        Boekoe,  298 

,,  Boerong,  740 

,,  Bolus,  136,  358 
,,         Bomban,  394 

Brakit,  304,  392 

,,  Buddoh,  382 

,,  Buru,  136 

Catong,  369,  373 

,,  Crassok,  226,  263 

,,  Datu,  480 

,,  Dewa,  795 

,,  Doeya,  199 

,,  Dua,  199 

,,  Eung,  298 

,,  Ginting,  224 

,,  Goere,  141 

,,  Gukulang,  157 

Gul,  358 

,,  Hantu,  115 

,,  Hatan,  824 

,,  Jaboeng,  334,  350, 

356 

„  Jati,  148 

,,  Jerri,  484 

,,  Jurung-patt,  206 

,,  Kaetan,  504,  505 

,,  Kalutan,  514 

,,  Kamuning,  128 

,,  Kaniongan,  8or 

,,  Karrah,  204 

,,  Kejang,  199 

,,  Klambang,  803 

,,  Kling,  129 

,,  Koeakho,  854 

,,  Laboe,  235 

,,  Labu  Bua,  759 

,,  Laikan,  803 

,,  Libobo,  872 

,,  Lompat,  390 

,,  Lussong,  159 

,,  Malalajer,  739 

,,  Mampawa,  283 

,,  Mangkop,  794 

,,  Mapoei,  854 

,,  Mattie,  144 

,,  Melalu,  225 

,,  Miira,  798 

,,  Moncudu,  263 

,,  Mungayeu,  827 
Napal,  168 
Nongsa,  394 

,,  Oclar,  210,  212 

,,  Pajang,  287 

,,  Pamant\  ngan,794 

,,  Para,  853 

,,  Peie,  136 

,,  Penegang,  206 

„  Pengair,  394 

„  Penyusoh,  385 


Tanjong  Penyusu,  225 
„        Pergam,  394 
,,         Pinang,  322 
,,        Po,  480 
,,         Poeding,  739 
,,        PuchatMuka,io8- 

109 
,,        Pulo  Tega,  502 
,,        Puni,  207 
,,         Punji,  390 
,,         Raya,  206 
,,        Ressam,  206 
,,         Rhoo,  369 
,,         Riah,  262 
,,        Roe,  298 
,,        Sambar,  739 
,,        Samoedin,  283 
,,         Sangoa,  283 
,,        Saparoak     and 

Shoals,  515 
„        Sipang,  480,  481 

Siquang,  395 
,,         Sirik,  .484-4S5 
,,         Sedow       Malang, 

284 
,,         Segie,  140 
,,         Seginting,  133 
,,         Soengibaroe,  740 
,,         Somoet,  287 
,,         Stapah,  384 
„         Subong,  394 
,,         Sukal,  207 
,,         Supong,  182 
,,         Tadah,  206,  223 
,,         Tanah  Roboe,  200 
,,         Tedong,  204,  206 
,,         Teeram,  384 
,,         Tehimpang,  384 
,,         Telakai,  800 
,,         Tjandibang,  749 
,,         Toka,  176 
,,         Tor,  133 

Treng,  394 
,,         Tuan    and   Light- 
house, 128-129 
,,         Tuen,  263 
,,         Tykorang,  161 
Wawolle,  825 
Tankel  Island,  170 
Tankyngi  Parrie  Point,  158 
Tanna  Cape  and  Reef,  691 
,,       Kenappan        Shoal, 

676 
,,       Tyumba  Island,  775 
,,       Ura  Seto,  1229 
Tano  Bank,  1219 
Tanon  Point  and  Strait,  908 
Tanqualah  Island,  414 
Tanto-shan  Island,  1073 
Tanue  Ba}',  1067 
Taosao  Island,  loig 
Taou-hwa  Island,  1080 
Taou-sau-mun        Channel, 

1079-10S0 
Ta-outse  Harbour,  10S6 
Taow-pung  Island,  1070 
Tapaam    Island    and    Pas- 
sage, 886 


1312 


INDEX. 


Tapaam  Shoal,  886 
Tapan  Island,  763 
Tapayan  Sands,  492-493 
Tapiantana  Island,  892 
Taping  Island,  1086 
Tapi  Point,  775,  776 
Tapiutan  Island,  562 
Taplichau  Island,  965 
Tappi  Island,  878 
Tapul  Islands,  885 
Tapullaiig,  806 
Tara-cai-a-\van  Island,  549 
Tara  Island,  8S5 
Tarara  Island,  1050 
Tarong  Point,  316 
Tarremboe  Bank,  164 
Taske,  1243 
Tatagen  Island,  760 
Tatan  Mount,  486,  488 

,,      Point  and  River,  485, 
486 
Tataran  Island,  892 
Tatas  Islands,  859 
Tate  Rocks,  262 
Tathong  Channel,  992 

,,         East  Rock,  992 
Tati  Yama  Bay,  1189 
Tatoi  Island,  1025 
Ta-tsing  ho  River,  1147 
Tatsupi  Saki,  1252 
Taui-Taui  Island,  886 
Tau-tsui  Head,  1137 
Tauw  Island,  839 
Tawalan  River,  506 
Tavi^ali  Island,  878 
Tawar  Island,  759 
Tawing,  720 
Tawi-Tav^'i    Islands,    886- 

887 
Tawoo  Island,  1084 
Taya  Islands,  472,  480 
Ta-yang  Ho    River,   1160- 

1161 
Tay-bay-u  Bay,  544 
Tay-giang  River,  432 
Ta-yew  Island,  1099 
Tayung  Island,  1095 
Tcha-lien-tau  Island,  1133, 

1136 
Tchavia  River,  432 
Tea  Island,  1084 
Teboenkoes,  744-745 
Tebunkos,  744-745 
Tebunkus,  743 
Teeksou  Island,  416 
Teen  Island,  1081 
Teep-chow  Island,  944-945 
Tega  Islands,  502 
Tegal  and  Rock,  691-692 
Tegel  Peak,  6gi 
Tehor  Island,  850-S51 
Teignmouth  Bank,  797 
Teijo  Island,  10S4 
Teinga  Island,  894 
Tein-tung,  1097 
Tekere  Island,  416 
Teksia  Peak,  416 
Telaga  Islands,  611 


Telagu  Woerong  Volcano, 

749 
Teles  Amoi  Point,  141 
Telok  Batoh  Bay,  273 

,,      Berow,  S57 

,,      Belong    and    Light, 
170-171 

,,       Longas  Bay,  757 
Telokh  Saka  Bay,  801 
Telok  Samoi,  i^  i 

,,       Sintang,  142 
Teloo  Point,  197 
Teluk  Point,  507 
Temerario  Rock,  §21 
Temiang  Island  and  Strait, 

339, 340 
Temoel  Cape,  807 
Temontangis  Mount,  890 
Tempelang  River,  206 
Temperan  Beach,  723 
Teviperatiirc,    39-40     (See 

Table  of  Contents) 
Temple  Head,  1154 
,,        Island,  1 146 
,,        Point    and     Rock, 
1056,  1058 
Templer  Bank,  667 
Templo  Island,  gog 
Tempora  Hill,  716 
Temposan  Fort  and  Light, 

1208-1209 
Tempoza  Island,  165 
Tenabian  Island,  557 
Ten-feet  Rock,  1212 
Tengani  Island,  765 
Tengar  Island,  763 
Tengaroeng,  Soo 
Teng-chau  and  Head,  1 144- 

1145 
,,  Bank,  1145 

Tengo  Rock,  1241 

Tenimber  Islands,  840-841 

Teodore  Point,  555 

Teomabal  Island,  S92 

Teon  Island,  83g 

Tepa,  83g 

Tepie  Island,  763 

Teralta  Island,  784 

Terang  Bay,  770 

Tera  Sima,  1225 

Teregeh  Point,  377 

Tereh  Point,  377 

Terempa,  610,  612-613 

Terkolei  Island  and  Light- 
house, 322-323 

Ternate  Island,  874-876 

Ternati,  Residence  of,  802 

Terrace  Head,  986 

Terumbo  Careemon  Shoal, 
362 

Te^sara  Islands,  1029 

Tetampan  Group,  340 

Tetawa  Bank,  260 

Teyih  Point,  998 

Tejnga  Island,  894 

Thalia  Bank,  1024 

Thetis  Channel,  613 

Third  Point,  157,  159 


Third  Point    and    Beacon, 
194 
,,      Thomas  Shoal,  664 
Thirtieth    of    June    Island, 

572 
Thi-tu    Island   and    Reefs, 

628-629 
Thomas  Shoal,  319 

,,         Shoals,  664,  665 
Thornton  Island,  1089 
Thousand  Islands,  183,  736 
Three  Alike  Islands,  795 
,,      and  a  Half  Fathoms 

Shoal,  572-573 
,,      Brothers         Islands, 
342-343.  803,  850 
,,       Chimney  Bluff,  1014 
,,      Fathoms  Shoal,  583, 

995 
Three-feet  Rock,  509 

,,  Shoal,  250,  995 

Three  Friars  Islets,  601 

,,       Gates  Islands,  957 

,,       Hills  Island,  1193 

,,      Island,  1055 

,,  Kings  Rocks,  449- 
450 

,,      Peaked  Island,  547- 
548 
Throat  Gates  Passage,  969 
Thu-dau-mot,  433 
Thumb  Peak,  308,  546,  573, 
1073 
,,        Rock,  1020 
Thunder  Head,  1015 
Thwart-the-Way       Island, 

163 
Tiaka, loii 
Tiampa  Island,  338 
Tiandie,  707-708 
Tianiar,  745 
Tianker,  717 
Tiankier  Island,  674 
Ti-a-usu  Island,  1048 
Tibiao,  915,  gi6 
Ticao  Island,  904-905 
Tida, 776 
Tide  Point,  1009 

,,      Cove,  996,  997 
Tide-pole  Point,  548,  574 
Tides,  25-38 

,,      Amboyna  Cay,  663 

,,      Balabac  Strait,  537 

,,  Banka  Strait,  igo- 
191 

,,      Banka  to  Singapore, 

304 

,,       Cagayan  Sulu,  919 

,,  Carimata  Strait, 271- 
272 

,,  Chusan  Archipelago, 
1096-1097 

,,  Durian  Strait,  347- 
348 

,,  East  Coast  of  Pala- 
wan, 567-568 

„  Fan-si-ak  Channel, 
979 


INDEX. 


1313 


Tides,  Macclesfield 
nel,  239 
,,      Madura  Strait,  711 
,,      Philippine      Islands, 


,,  San  Bernardino 
Strait,  903 

,,  Sato  Uchi,  1201- 
1202 

,,  Singapore  New  Har- 
bour, 3S0 

,,      Singapore        Strait, 

363-364 
,,      Sourabaya       Strait, 

697-698 
,,      Stanton  Channel, 217 
,,      Tsugar  Strait,  1252- 

1253 
,,      Varella  Strait,  347- 

348 
,,      YangtseKiangRiver, 

1110-1112 
,,      Yellow    Sea,     1130- 

1131 
Tiding  Islands,  6S0-681 
Tidore  Island,  876-877 
Tie-ling,  1154 
Tielin  Island,  929,  930 
,,       Juag  Island,  904 
Tiega  Islands,  171 
Tiemara  Bank  and  Islands, 

316-317.  329 
Tiempia  Bay,  765 
Tien-chwang-tai,  1154 
Tien-fung  Rock,  479 
Tien-giang  River,  430 
Tienio  Point,  705 
Tien-pak,  942,  943 
Tien-shan  Lake,  1117 
Tien-Tchu  Cape,  455 
Tientsin,  941,  1147-1148 
,,         ho  River,  1147 
Tieris  Bay,  762 
Tieroetioep  Bay  and  River, 

254 
Tifore  Island,  879 
Tiga  Islands,  171 
,,     Islet,  514 
,,     Shoal,  676 
Tiger  Island,  Cochin  China, 
445,  446 
,,     Island,  Canton  River, 

077,  981-982 
,,     Island  Light,  1098 
,,     Islands,  819 
Tiger's  Tail  Rock,  iioo 
Tihen-Pien,  943 
Tikoes  Island,  786 
Tikok,  468 
Tikong  Bank,  383 

,,        Besar  Island,  383 
,,        Ketchil  Island,  383 
Tikus  Point,  168 
,,      Rocks,  402 
Tilas,  912 
Tiloe  Mount,  731 
Timbaga  Rocks   and   Bea- 
con, 203,  224 
I,  ^, 


Chan-   I    Timbaga  Rocks  and  Shoal, 
379.  380 
Times  Rock,  1013 
Timioka,  1233 
Timmerlieden  Rocks,  155 
Timor,  784-792 
,,       Bank,  810 
,,       Laut    Island,    840- 


Tims  Island,  173 

,,      Klip  Rock,  172 
Timu  Peak,  788 
Timur,  784-792 
Tingeran  River,  406 
Tinghae, 1083-1084 
Ting-hae  Bay,  1003 
Tinghai  Harbour,io84-io86 
Tingtae  Bay,  1017 
Ting-tsi  Harbour  and  River, 

1136-1137 
Tinhosa  Island,  480 
Tinjang,  749 
Tinker  Rock,  1076 
Tintao,  1059 
Tioerie  Lora  Inlet,  763 
Tiolik,  745 

Tionfolokker  Islands,  850 
Tiora,  815 
Tioro  Strait,  815 
Tiotek  Reefs,  749 
Tiottek,  717 
Tiphou  River,  453 
Tiwan  Cape,  443 
Tiwora,  815 
Tizard    Bank    and    Reefs, 

626-628 
Tjamara  Islands,  695 
Tjampeah  Island,  773 
Tjampedak  Island,  281 
Tjandibang  Point,  749 
Tjankul  River,  139 
Tjassem,  687 
Tjassens  Shoal,  315 
Tjeringie  Reef,  160 
Tjibinoeangan  River,  735 
Tjiboreno  River,  732 
Tjikoray  Mount,  731 
Tjilatjap,  671 

,,         Harbour    and 

Light,  724-728 

Tjimiring   Hill  and    Light, 

725 

Tjina  Cape,  716 

Tji  Schel  Channel,  730 

Tjitando  Harbour  and  In- 
let, 724,  728-730 

Tjoelik  Point,  745 

Toa  Island,  850-851 

Tobaco  Gulf,  931 

Toba  Harbour  and  Light, 
1176 

Tobi  Sima,  1203,  1236 

Tobo,  852 

Toboe  Ali  Lama  Hill  and 
Point,  201 

Todo  Island,  765,  766 

Toe,  749 

Toeban, 747 


Toedjoe  Islands,  222 
Toejoe  Islands,  295 
Toekan  Mengkoedoe,  290 
Toelang  River,  182 
Toempal  Island,  177 
Toeratte  Bay,  803 
Togagauno  Bay,  905 
Togean  Islands,  813 
Tohadgi  Point,  1179 
Tokei,  11S2,  1188 
Token  Bessie  Islands,  835 
Toki-tau  Island,  1146 
Tokokemo  Island,  277 
Tokoname,  1177 
Tokul  Bank  and  Buoy,  254 
Tolanican  Bay,  789 
Tolie  Island,  405 
Tolo  Cape,  812 

,,     Channel  and  Harbour, 
996 

„     Gulf,  813 
To-lo-san  Island,  1133 
Tomahoe  Mount,  822 
Tomaiki  Gulf,  813 
Tomangai  Island  and  Light, 
1207-1208 
,,  Sima  and  Light, 

1207-1208 
To-maou  Island,  1084 
Tomb    Islands    and    Reels, 

344 
„       Point,  478,  982 
Tombra,  837 

Tomini  and  Gulf,  812-813 
Tomio     Saki      Point     and 

Light,  1175,  1176,  1183 
Tomisa  Reef,  805 
Tonao  Islands,  932-933 
Tondo,  925 

Tonegawa  Point,  1189 
Tone  Gawa  River,  1196 
Tongak  Rock,  729 
Tongao  Islands,  933 
Tongarron,  800 
Tong-bu  Bay,  1026 
Tongeon  Mountain,  480 
Tong-ho  Island,  955-956 
Tongkalie  Island,  168 
Tong-kin-,  479 
Tong  King,  Gulf  of,  456 
Tongkuil  Island,  892 
Tong-ku   Island  and  Har- 
bour, 969 
Tong-lae  Point,  1008 
Tongmi  Point,  1004 
Tongsang  Harbour,  1015 
Tongsha,  1056 
Tong-sha  Island,  1030 
Tong-siau,  1042 
Tong-sim-tai  Reef,  1035 
Tongting  Island,  10S7, 1113 
Tongue  Islands,  290-291 

,,        Shoal,  1059 
Tong  Whang  Islands  and 

Rocks,  1068 
Tongyung,  1015 
Tonin  Islands,  819 
Tonos  Islands,  402 
8e 


1314 


INDEX. 


Tonozaki,  1225 
Tonquay  Island,  949 
Tonquin,  Gulf  of,  456 
Tonyn  Island,  797 
,,      Islands,  819 
Toong  Hong  Shan  Moun- 
tain, 943 
Too-shan  Cape,  461 
Topics  Islands,  320 
Toppers  Hoedje,  850 

,,  ,,         Island, 

165 
Topsail  Peak,  480 
Toren  Island,  774 
Tori  Ishi  Rock,  1213 
Toriwi  Saki,  1249,  1252 
Tormana  Rocks,  788 
Tortel  Island,  342 
Tortoise  Head,  959 

,,         Rock,  1054 
To  Sima  Island,  1195 
Tossapon  Hill,  1036 
Toty  Island,  296 
Toucon  Mountain,  478 
Toulak  Point,  501 
Touron    Island,    Bay,    and 

Cape,  455 
Towan  Island,  1070 
Tower  Head,  1142 

„      Hill,  1158 

,,  ,,     Island     and 

Channel, 
1084, 1085 

,,      Island,  774 

,,      Point,  1132 
Towling  Flat,  982 
Town  Island,  995,  1065 
Townsend  Point,  542 
Towsan  Dooyon  Island, 917 
Towtow  Point,  1092 
Toyama  Bay,  1246 
T  Point,  436 
Tramway  Ledge,  871 
Trangan  Island,  843 
Tranjong  Serbat,  847 
Trann  River,  459 
Transept  Hill,  525 
Transit  Rock,  212 
Trawangan  Island,  755,  758 
Treacherous  Bay,  544-545 
Treaty    Point    and     Light 

Vessel,  1186 
Treaty  Ports,  Japan,  1165 

,,  ,,       Yangtse 

Kiang  River, 
1 104 
Treba,  776 
Treble  Islands,  1077 
Trechter  Channel,  711-713 
Tree-a-top     Island,     1000, 

1078 
Tree  Island,  Canton  River, 
978 
,,  China       Sea, 

645 
„  Caspar  Strait, 

238,  269 
„  Japan,  1204 


Tree      Island,     Singapore 
Strait,  365 
,,  Sumatra,  182 

Tree  Island  Bay,  948 
Islands,  349 
Peak,  491-493 
Point,  235,  482 
Rock,  205,  340, 1237 
Saddle  Hill,  1190 
Trees  Cape,  809 
Tre  Island,  448 
Trepang  Island,  578 
Triangle  Islands,  796,  1098 
Trident    Shoal,    497,    499, 

629-630 
Tring,  755,  757 
Tringano  Head  and  River, 

407 
Trinidad  Shoal,  795-796 
Trio  Islets,  993-994 

,,     Rocks,  1171 
Triple  Island,  1000,  1073 
,,      Island      and     Peak, 

583-584 
Triple-top  Island,  543 
Tripoint  Island,  1095 
Triton  Bay  and  Sandbank, 
855.  856 
,,        Island,  641-642 
Trong  River,  113 
Trower  Island,  152 
Trowers  Island,  735 
Truce  Head,  543 
Trumball  Island,  1084 
Trunk  Point,  1081 
Truro  Shoal,  606 
Tsae  Island,  1089 
Tsang-chau    Island,    1000, 

lOOI 

Tsang  Islets,  1067 
Tsaou-su  Island,  1047 
Tsau-liang-hai       Harbour, 

1162 
Tseigh  Islands,  io58 
Tse-le    Island    and    Light, 

1098 
Tseoompyoon  River,  410 
Tseu  Island,  457 
Tsiang  Island,  1052-1053 
Tsieching,  1004 
Tsiech  Point,  1003 
Tsien-tang  River,  1103 
Tsigi  Sima,  1234 
Tsika  Rock,  1230 
Tsikiji,  1188 
Tsikugo-gawa,  1234 
Tsi-mi-wan  Island,  959 
Tsi-nan  fu,  1147 
Tsincoe  Island,  1000 
Tsing-hai-wei  Point,  1137 
Tsing-seu  Island  and  Light- 
house, 1018 
Tsiring  Sima,  1231 
Tsiuka  Cape,  1249,  1252 
Tskahara  Bay,  1205 
Tsua  Saki,  1226 
Tsugar  Strait,    1164,  1200, 
1248-1253 


Tsuji  Sima,  1233 
Tsukarase  Rocks,  1230 
Tsung-ming  Island,  1105 
Tsuno    Sima    and     Light- 
house, 1244 
Tsuri  Sima  and  Lighthouse, 

1217 
Tsuruga,  1209 

Bay,  1245 
,,         Saki    and   Light, 
1182 
Tsusima  Island,  1165 
Tsutara  Sima,  1228 
Tsuya  Sima  Island,  1174 
Tuallah,  848 
Tub    Bataha    Islands    and 

Reefs,  92X 
Tuft  Island,  575 
Tuguian  Point,  927 
Tukan  Bissi  Islands,  815,835 
Tuka  Point,  741 
Tulang  Bank,  182 

,,        Ikan  Bay,  789 
Tulian  Rock,  890 
Tulloh  Mati  Ikan,  381 

,,       Sumpat,  393 
Tuluan  Hill,  558 
Tuluran  Island,  555,  556 
Tulur  Islands,  883 
Tulyan  Island,  890 
Tumbora  Volcano,  761,  763 
Tumindao  Island,  888 
Tundalara  Mount,  588 
Tund  Island,  709 
Tungao  Road,  1007 
Tungchuh      Islands      and 

Rocks,  1071,  1072 
Tung-chung,  968 
Tung-hai  Sea,  1128 
Tung-ju,  1077 
Tung  Kiang  River,  979 
Tung-ki  Island  and  Rocks, 

1005 
Tung-kuan,  983 
Tunglung  Island,  993 
Tung  Plong  Bay,  423 
Tung-pwan    Island,    1067- 

1068 
Tung  Kitea  Bay,  423 
Tungsha  Banks  and  Light 
Vessel,         1 105, 
1107, 1108, 1109, 

1115 
,,         Island,  1062 
Tung-Ting  Island,  1002 
Tung-ting  Lake,  1104 
Tung  Yai   Bay  and   River, 

420 
Tung-ying  Island,  1062 
Tuni-ang       Islands       and 

Rocks,  998-999,  looi 
Tupak  Hill,  4S6 
Tupinier  Bay,  612 
Turia  Rock,  910 
Turkey  Islands,  709 
Turnabout       Island       and 

Lighthouse,  1030 
Turret  Island,  1067 


INDEX. 


1315 


Turtle-back  Island,  408 

Turtle  Bay,  724 

Turtle  Island, Cochin  China, 

453 
,,  Borneo,  502 

,,  Java,     706- 

707 
Turtle  Islands,  Banda  Sea, 
836 
,,      Islands,  Hainan,  480 
,,      Rock,  Cupchi  Point, 

1006 
,,      Shoal, Gaspar  Strait, 
230,  244 
Tu-shing  Island,  1136 
Tu  Sima  Island,  ii6g 
Tutomi  Gulf,  1178 
Tweede  Point,  193 
,,         Punt,  157 
Twee    Gebroeders     Moun- 
tain, 693 
Tweelings  Islands,  755 
Twee  Vrienden  Reef,  796 
Twerin  Island,  782 
Twin  Islands,   China,   944, 
1000,  1073 
,,  Durian  Strait, 

345 
,,  Lombok,  755 

,,  Siam,  418 

Two-and-a-half     Fathoms 

Bank,  233 
Two   and    a  half  Fathoms 

Shoal,  571 
Two  Brothers  Islands,  185, 

794 
,,  Rocks,  1090 

,,     Fathoms  Patch,  233 
,,  ,,        Rock,  489 

,,     Paps  Rocks,  452 
,,     Sisters  Islands,  602 
Peak,  812 
Tyan-kiang  River,  1042 
Tyankoy  Creek,  141 
Tyanti,  171 
Tycham  Island,  467 
Ty-Chook-Chow       Island, 

943-944 
Ty-cock-tau  Island,  980 
Tyfore  Island,  879 
Ty-fu  Island,  981 
Ty-fung-kyoh  Island,  943 
Tyger  Islands,  772,  819 
Tygosan  Island,  1084,  1097 
Ty-ho  Island,  967-968 
Tyka, 1042 
Tykam  Island,  949 
Ty-lock  Island,  958 
Ty-lo  Island,  957-958 
Tylong    Head    and    Light- 
house, 967,  992 
Tylou  Island,  949 
Tymong  Island,  949 
Tyna  Cape,  716 
Tynrana  Bay,  806 
Ty-oa  Point  and  Bay,  945 
Typa        Anchorage       and 
Island,  951-952 


Typa  Island,  866 

Typung  Bay  and  Harbour, 

997.  999 
Tyringin  Reef,  160 
Ty-sami  Inlet  and  Mound, 

1003 
Ty-sing-cham  Rock,  1002 
Tytam  Bay,  967 
Ty-wok  Island,  945-946 
Tz-chu-lin,  1148 

Ubian  Island,  891 

Ucona  Rocks,  1179 

Udar  Island,  504 

,~,     Kechil  Island,  504 
,,     Tega  Island,  504 

Udsi  Sima,  1230 

Ujong  Ballai,  148 
,,      Bantam,  147 
,,      Byan,  143 
,,      Kwala  Lanksa,  143 
,,      Perbabean,  147 
,,      Poneng,  138 
,,      Roquit,  143 
,,       Tamiang,  143 
,,       Tannang,  143 

Ukado  Point,  1211 

Uki  Sima  Island,  iigi 

Uku  Sima,  1225 

Ular  Bulu  Mount,  485 

Ulim  Creek,  140 

Ulugan  Bay,  547-551,  575, 
659 

Umang  Island,  158 

Uma  Sima,  1214 

U-Ma  Sima  Islands,  1224 

Umbrella  Island,  196 

Undung,  882 

Ungay  Point,  930 

Ung-lo  Hill,  1041 

Union  Bank,  796 

Unsang  Cape  and  Anchor- 
age, 886,  888 

Uraga  and  Channel,  1182, 
1 183 

Ura-Kami  Harbour,  1174 

Ura-no-goura,  1185 

Urk  Island,  708 

Urmston  Bay,  969 

Ursula  Island,  568 

Use  Rocks,  1171 
,,    Shoal,  1242 

Ushi-ga    No    Kubi     Point, 

1243 
Ushi  Sim.a,  1212 
Usu,  816 
Usukan    Island    and    Bay, 

506,  508 
Utanata  River,  S56 
Utone  Island,  1195 
Utrecht  Fort  and  Light,  751 
Utu  Island,  870 

Vader  Smit  Shoal,  683 
Valley  Cone  Hill,  545 
Valsche  Cape,  855 

,,       Eerst  Point,  193 

„       Point,  198 


Vandalia  Bluff,  1179 
Van  Diemen  Strait,  1171 
Vangan  Point,  1028 
Van     Gogh      Island     and 

Shoal,  317 
Vang-tau,  433 
Vanguard  Bank,  621 
,,         Shoal,  658 
Vansittart     Saddle     Hills, 
1158 
,,  Shoal,  265,  864 

,,  Shoals,       232, 

241 
Van  Tuyl  Fort,  740 
Varela  Cape,  450 

,,      Reef,  144-145 
Varella,  351 

„         Island,  335,356 
Strait,  334-356 
Varkenshoek,  176 
Vashon  Cape,  1162 
Vayag  Island,  870 
Vega  Shoal,  267 
Veldman  Rock,  86g 
Vele-rete  Rocks,  1033 
Velthoen  Island,  835-836 
Verbrandehoek  Point,  812 
Verde  Island,  927 
Verlaten  Island,  173 
Vernon  Bank,  651-652 

,,        Island   and    Chan- 
nel, 1077,  1080 
Verwachting  Fort,  821 
Vestacado  Rocks,  562 
Vesuvius  Rock,  770,  773 
Vettor  Pisani  Islands,  859 
Viak  Island,  762 
Viam-Benghe  River,  437 
Viam-kai-mep  River,  432 
Viam-tcheou  River,  432 
Victoria  Bay,  1159 
Fort,  825 

,,         Harbour,  496-497 
Peak,  545,572,963 

„        Shoal,        488-489, 
848 
Victory  Island,  311,  619 
Video  Island,  1090 
Vienna  Islands,  859 
Vierde  Point,  195 

,,       Punt  and  Lights,  161 
Vigan  Road,  604 
Village  Bay,  572,  1143 
Vinalo  Island,  559 
Vincennes  Strait,  1170 
Vincent  Range,  1009 
Vine  Point,  445 
Vmeta  Rock,  1243 
Viola  Reef,  920 
Viper  Shoal,  653 
Viri  Island,  902 
Visayas  Islands,  895 
Visita,  928 

,,       Manapla  Island, gio 
Visscher  Island,  694 
Vixen  Spit,  1058 
Vlakke  Hoek,  166 
Vlaming  Islands,  869 


1316 


INDEX. 


Vledermuis  Bay,  719 
Vogel  Island,  857 
Vogelnest  Island,  290 
Volcanic  Islets,  South-East 

of  Japan,  1192-1195 
Volcano  Bay,  1254 
Volcanoes,  103-104 
Volcano  Island,  1170,  1194 
,,  Islands  and  Light, 

1092 
Vollenhoven  Fort,  784 
Voorland,  831 
Vordate  Island,  842 
Vosmaer  Bay,  813 
V  Point,  437,  441 
Vries,  Cape  de,  1199 

,,      Island,    1181,     1190, 

1 195 
Vuladdore  Shoal,  643-644 
Vung-chao  Port,  452 
Vung-Gang  Cove,  447 
Vung-la  Cove,  452 
Vung-lam  Port,  452 
Vung-mon  Point,  452 
Vung-trich  Point,  452 
Vuyloy  Shoal,  1040 

Wada   Misaki   and    Light, 
1210 

„        Sima  Harbour,  1203 
Waewoo  Island,  1084 
Wag-Ian  Island,  963,  967 
Waglan  Islands,  992 
Wahaay  Bay,  853 
Wai-chang   Shan    Islands, 

1 160 
Waigiou  Island,  861 
Waisima,  1246 
Wakamatsu  Sima,  1227 
Wakayama,  1204 
Wakura  Sima,  1222,  1224 
Waller  Rock,  279 
Wama  Island,  844,  845 
Wamuka  River,  856 
Wan-chu  River  and  Island, 

1068-1070 
Wanckan  Banks,  1041 
Wanembai  Island,  845 
Wangchi  Island,  1074 
Wangi  Wangi,  815 

,,  ,,        Island,  835 

Wang-kia-tai,  1132 
Wang-mun  River,  991 
Wanki  Bay,  1063 
Wan-tao-kwan,  1102 
Wan-tong  Islands,  979,  980 
Wantyi  Island,  835 
Wapen  of  Purmerend  Rock, 

682 
Warangan  Point,  713 
Waratah  Rock,  1065 
Wari,  807 
War  Island,  158 
Warren  Hastings  Reef,  264, 

269 
Warn  Bay,  852-853 
Washington  Head,  542 
Wasp  Island,  947 


Wass  Island,  858 
Watakano      Sima     Island, 

1176 
Watas  Islands,  306 
Watcher  Islands,  457-458 
Wa-teo  Island,  1086 
Watering  Bay,  552,  947 

,,         Islands,  385 
Water  Island,  418,  830,  958 

,,      Islands,     131,     132- 

133.  385.  950 
Waters  Rock,  123 1 
Watson  Bank,  157 

,,        Island,  985,  1022 
,,         Strait,  860 
Watubella  Island,  851 
Waula,  844 

Weather,  Arru  Islands,  842 
,,  Shanghai,  1126    . 

„  Yellow  Sea,  1 129- 

1130 
Wedge  Head,  1173 
Hill,  408 
,,       Island,  553,  1059 
,,       Rock,  114 
Wedielo  Bay,  776 
Weedah  Bay,  872 

„         Islands,  868-869 
Weichow  Island,  469 
Wei  Hai  Bay,  1134-1135 
Wei-hai-wei  Harbour,  1140 
Welcome  Bay,  152,  157-158 

„  Point,  539 

Welkomst  Baai,  157-158 
Wellesley    Province,     106, 
107 
,,  Shoal,  280 

Welstead  Rock,  305 
Wemasee  Anchorage,  791 
Wessel  Island,  857 
West  Bank,  920 

,,      Bank  Beacon,  1156 
,,     Brother   Island,  417, 

859 
Western       Channel       and 
Buoys,    699- 
700 
,,  Reef,  626 

,,  Shoals,  523 

West  Group,  277 

Island,  183,  416,  616 

London  Reef,  624 

Nangka  Island,  205 

Peak, 1012 

Point,  259,  324 

Reef,  205 

River,   Canton,   990- 

99 1 
Stork  Island,  iioi 
Volcano    Island    and 
Light,  1092 
,,      Water  Island,  958 
Wetang  Island,  839 
Wetta  Island,  782-783 
Weywongi  Island,  813 
Whaingan,  1131 
Whaleback  Hill,  1037 
Whale  Point,  1245 


Whale  Reef,  818-819 

,,       Rock,  386,  1002 
Whales  Crown  Rock,  386 
Whampoa,  983-9S6 

,,  Passage,     Can- 

ton River,  983 
Whang-hai  Sea,  1128-1129 
Whang  Head,  1082,  1089 

,,        Ho  River,  1131 
Whelps  Islets,  1075 
Whitcomb  Island,  991 
White  Bluff,  1250 

,,      Dog     Islands     and 
Lighthouse,  1030- 
103 1 
,,      Dog  Rocks,  1056 
,,      Fort     and    Beacon, 

1044, 1059 
,,      Head,  996 
,,      Island,  272 
,,      Islet,  1028 
,,      River,  1147-1152 
,,      Rock,  Anambas,  610 
,,  ,,      Arru    Islands, 

843 

,,  ,,      B  a  1  a  b  a  c 

Strait,  525 

11  1)      China,       945, 

967,969,978, 
1007,  1013, 
1069 

,,  ,,      ChinaSea,634 

,,  ,,      Caspar  Strait, 

251,  257,  259 

,,  ,,      Malacca 

Strait,  117, 
136 

,,  ,,      Tambelan  Is- 

lands, 307 

,,     Rocks,  Borneo,  510- 


956, 


Rock 


1 140, 


China, 
1024 
Point, 
1205 
,,      Round  Islet,  556,  561 
,,      Stone  Rocks,  ioo5 
,,      Wizard  Rock,  949 
Whitshed  Bay,  1220 
Wida  Islands  and  Bay,  868- 

869,  872 
Wild  Man  Mountain,  112 

,,      Pigeon  Shoal,  268 
Wilhelmina  Rock,  892 
Wilhelmus  Bay,  838 
Wilkinson  Rock,  615 
William  Cape,  806 
William  I.  Reef,  836 
Wilson  Bank,  237 
,,        Channel,  1029 
,,        Island,  1223,  1242 
Winds,  1-25  (see  Table  of 
Contents) 
,,        Amboina,  825 
,,        Baly  Strait,  748 
,,        Banda  Islands,  830- 

831 
,,       Eastern  Sea,  1130 


INDEX. 


1317 


Winds,  Hainan,  472 
„        Shanghai,  1126 
,,        Sulu  Sea,  916-917 
,,        Ternate,  876 
,,        Tsugar  Strait,  1248 
,,       Yellow  Sea,  1129- 
1130 

Winecoopers  Point,  731 

Winsor  Rock,  178 

Wizard  Rocks,  949 

Wodon  Cape,  697 

Woga  Fort    and   Channel, 
1058,  1061 

Wokan  Island,  844 

Wokeu  Islands  and  Light- 
house, 1027 

Wokka  Peak,  779 

Wolf  Bay,  1081 
,,      Rock,  877-878 

Wolverine  Rock,  1058 

Woman's  Island,  830,  1134 

Won-chu-chau  Island,  967 

Wong-mou  Island,  955 

Wongpu  River,  11 17 

Wonie  Melat  Island,  858 

Woodford  Shoals,  863 

Woody  Island,  131,  645 
,,        Peak,  489 

Wo  Sima,  1229 

Wot  Jaloe  Point,  720 

Wou-fou  Island,  1056,  1058, 
1068 

Wowoni  Island,  813 

Wreck  Head,  555 

Wre  Island,  728-730 

Wright  Island,  337 
„        Shoal,  568 

Wung  Cum  Island,  950 

Wuntaun  Island,  465 

Wu-seu  Island,  1018 

Wusung  Light,  11 18 

,,  River  and  Light 
Vessel,  1116- 
1127 

Wyang  Island,  870 

Wycaup  Island,  948 

Wyllie  Rocks,  936 

Wyncoopsbay,  671 

Wynkoops  Point  and  Bay, 

731-733 
Wyoming  Rock,  loio 

Xipangu, 1163 
Xuan-dai  Port,  452 
Xulla  Bessi  Island,  821-822 
,,      Isles,  821-822 
,,      Mangola  Island,  821- 

822 
,,      Taliabo   Island,  821- 
822 

Yabama  Reef,  11S5 
Yafiko  Yama  Peaks,  1246 
Yait-chew  Bay,  477 
Yakimu  Cape,  ii58 


Yakuno  Sima  Island,  1170 
Yalung  Kiang  River,  1103 
Yamada     Harbour,     1198- 

1199 
Yama  Gawa,  123 1 
Yamata  Ura  Bay,  1210 
Yamato  Iso  Rock,  1211 
Y'Ami  Island,  939 
Ya  Muria  Moi  nt,  137 
Yang-king  Pang,  1123 
Yanglo  Point,  1086 
Yang  River,  1153 
Yang-tse  Cape,  1108 
Yangtse  Estuary  and  Delta, 
1 105 
,,        Kiang  River,  1103- 
1127 
Ya  Sima,  1218 
Ya-tau  Cape,  1133,  1135 
Yat-moun  Channel,  960,961 
Yayo  Sima,  1216 
Yba,  601 
Yebisu,  1247 

Yeboshi  Yama  Island,  1186 
Yebosi    Island   and    Light, 

1242 
Ye-chau  Island  and  Chan- 
nel, 960,  961 
Yedo  and  Light,  1165,  1167, 
1188-1189 

,,      Bay,  1164,  1182-1192 
Yellow  Cliff,  117 

,,       River,  1131,  1147 
,,       Sea,  1128-1129 

,,       Stone  Rock,  1006 
Ye-moon  Passage,  467 
Yendo, 928 
Yeng  Rock,  1014 
Yen  Island,  870 
Yenoi  Sima,  1227,  1242 
Yenokido  Inlet,  1185 
Yentai  Harbour,  1142-1144 
Yerabu  Island,  1050 
Yeritam  Bay,  739 
Yesan  Cape,  1251,  1252 
Yew  Islands,  1098 
Yeyvan  Bay,  1070 
Yezo,  1164 

,,      Island,  1253-1254 
Yih  Bluff,  993 
Yih-pan  Island,  1053 
Yingtze,  1154 
Ying-yu-mun  Island,  1131- 

1132 
Yin-koa,  1156 
Ykima  Island,  1050,  1051 
Ylin  Island  and  Point,  590- 

591 
Ylongos,  902 
Ymbalaba  Island,  565 
Ynabuyatan     Island,    563- 

564 
Ynambuyod  Island,  562 
Yochau,  1 104 


Yodo  Gawa  River,  1208 
Yodsibi  Rock,  1221,  1222 
Yoe  Island,  870 
Yokaichi,  1176,  1177 
Yokohama,  1165,  1187-1188 
Yoko  Island,  1213 
Yokoiso  Cape,  1248,  1251 
Yoko  Sima,  1215 

,,         ,,       Island,  ii6g 
Yokoska  Harbour,  1185 
Yong  Sabal  Bank,  618 
Yong-tsun,  1150 
York  Breakers,  659 
Yosino  Promontory,  121 1 
Young  Cape,  1162 

,,       Hebe  Rock,  1078 
Ysaroc  Mountain,  932 
Yu-chu  Island,  1132 
Yulinkan  Bay,  471,  478 
Yulu  Kiang  River,  1161 
Yung-ching  and  Bay,  1138, 

1139 
Yung  Island,  108 1 
Yungmatau  Island,  1141 
Yungning  Point  and  Island, 

1024 
Yung  River,  1097-1100 
Yunnan  Province,  1104 
Yu-nui-san,  1134 
Yura,  1204 
Yura   No    Uchi    Harbour, 

1205 
Yuri,  1218 
Yusun  Shoal,  638 
Yutsi  Sima,  1246 
Yzer  River,  770 

Zadelberg  Hills,  712 
Zalineff  Island,  796 
Zambales  Province,  601 
Zand  Bay,  731,  733-735 
Zan  Island,  888 
Zapatas  Islands,  909 
Zealandia  Fort,  1039 
Zebu,  895 

„      Island  and  Port, 906- 
908 
Zee  Bank,  697-699 
Zee-Klip  Rock,  175 
Zeelandia  Fort,  828 
Zemandro  Strait,  777,  778 
Zeolite  Bluff,  511 
Zephir  Rock,  272 
Zephyr  Rock,  1058 
Zoe  Island,  551 
Zonby  Island,  478 
Zonne  Gat,  830,  832 
Zuidoost  Hoek,  719 
Zuid  Wachter  Island,  807 
Zulla  Isles,  821 
Zutphen  Islands,  176-17S 
Zwaantjes      Droogte     and 

Lighthouse,  713-714 
Zwarte  Rots,  290 


NAUTICAL   WORKS, 

XIII.-NAUTICAI,    BIRECTORIES,    ETC. 


The  folio win<r  Directories,  Nos.  201  to  206,  comprise,  in  Six  Volumes,  the 
descriptive  hydrography  of,  and  nautical  directions  for,  the  whole  of  the 
great  Oceans.  They  are  uniform  in  size — Royal  octavo;  and  in  their 
various  recent  Editions  show  the  present  state  of  our  knowledge.  They 
are  zealously  corrected  and  improved  from  all  attainable  data,  and  are 
confidently  presented  to  the  sailor  as  useful  and  important  guides.  They 
are  amply  illustrated  by  Diagrams  and  special  Charts. 


201.  NORTH  ATLANTIC  OCEAN :  £  s.  d. 

Memoir,  Descriptive  and  Explanatory,  of  the  Northern  Atlantic 
Ocean;  and  comprising  Instructions,  General  and  Par- 
ticular, for  the  Navigation  of  that  Sea.  By  Alex.  G. 
FiNDLAY,  F.R.G.S.  Thirteenth  Edition.  In  one  thick 
volume,  860  pages.  Royal  octavo,  cloth  boards.  With 
Eleven  Illustration  Plates 0  14     0 

This  volume  is  in  some  respects  introductory  to  those  -which  follow.  The 
meteorology  and  hydrography  of  the  North  Atlantic  have  been  so 
much  more  studied,  and  its  commerce  is  so  much  more  important 
than  any  other  of  the  great  oceans,  that  these  particulars  are  more 
fully  entered  into  than  in  the  other  works.  The  refined  geodetic 
operations  which  have  not,  with  the  exception  of  India,  been  extended 
to  other  coasts,  are  fully  described.  The  same  with  the  Lighthouse 
system  and  the  List  of  tliese  useful  monitors.  The  Wind  Systems,  their 
causes,  and  effects,  are  completely  elucidated.  The  same  with  the 
Tides  and  Currents.  The  latter  topic,  almost  a  new  subject,  is  largely 
dilated  on,  as  affording  a  clue  to  many  obscure  facts  in  other  parts  of 
the  world.  The  application  of  these  to  navigation  in  directions  for 
crossing  the  Atlantic  by  the  different  routes,  is  also  largely  referred  to. 
The  islands  are  fully  described,  and  directions  are  given  for  the  principal 
ports  of  Western  Europe  and  North-eastern  America. 

202.  SOUTH  ATLANTIC  OCEAN: 

A  Directory  for  the  Ethiopic  or  South  Atlantic  Ocean,  including 
the  Coasts  of  South  America  and  Africa;  with  the  Islands, 
&c.  By  A.  G.  FiNDLAY,  F.R.G.S.  Eirjhth  Edition.  In 
one  thick  volume,  850  pages.     Royal  octavo,  cloth,  boards    0  14     0 

A  continuation  or  sequel  to  the  volume  on  the  North  Atlantic.  Its  less 
perfect  hydrography  is  elucidated  in  the  introductory  Chapters,  and 
the  more  simple  meteorology  and  its  application  to  navigation  is  fully 
described.  The  Islands  and  Shoals  of  the  open  ocean  and  the  Coasts  of 
South  America,  between  the  Rio  Para  and  Cape  Horn,  are  amply 
dcEOvibcd.  The  same  with  the  African  Coast,  from  Cape  Mount; 
along  the  Guinea  Coasts  to  the  African  Bights;  and  thence  to  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope.  The  work  is  Illustrated  by  Ten  special 
Charts. 


R.  H.  LAURIE'S  CATALOGUE  OF 


203.  INDIAN  OCEAN:  £  s.  d. 

A  DiKECTOKY  for  the  Indian  Ocean,  with  Descriptions  of  its 
CoHsts,  fslands,  cSrc,  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  to  the 
Strait  of  Sunda  and  AYestevn  Australia  ;  including,  also, 
the  Red  Sea  and  Persian  Gulf;  the  Winds,  Monsoons,  and 
Currents ;  the  Passai!;es  from  Europe  to  its  various  Ports, 
and  the  Port  Regulations  and  Charges;  Indian  Money, 
Weights,  and  Measures,  kc.  By  A.  G.  Findlay,  F.R.G.S. 
Third  Edition^  In  one  thick  volume,  1,2-50  pages.  Royal 
octavo.     With  Fifteen  Illustrations 18     0 


204.  INDIAN  ARCHIPELAGO,  ETC.: 

A  Directory  for  the  Indian  Archipelago,  China,  and  Japan, 
from  the  Straits  of  Malacc  i  ami  Sunda,  and  the  Passages 
East  of  Java,  to  Canton,  Shanghai,  the  Yellow  Sea,  Japan, 
&c.  With  Descriptions  of  the  AVinds,  Monsoons,  and 
Currents,  and  General  Instructions.  Bj'  A.  G.  Findlat. 
In  one  thick  volume,  1,350  pages.  Royal  octavo.  With 
numerous  Illustrations      -•-.-.. 


18    0 


205.  NOETH  PACIFIC  OCEAN: 

A  Directory  for  the  North  Pacific  Ocean,  with  Descriptions  of 
the  Coasts  between  Panama  and  the  Sea  of  Japan,  and  of 
the  Islands  North  of  the  Equator,  including  the  Japanese 
Archipelago,  with  its  Winds,  Currents,  Passages,  &c.  By 
A,  G.  FiNDLAY",  F.R.G.S.  One  volume.  Royal  octavo. 
1,000  pages.     With  numerous  Illustrations        ... 


14    0 


206.  SOUTH  PACIFIC  OCEAN : 

A  Directory  for  the  South  Pacific  Ocean,  with  a  Description 
of  its  Coasts  and  Islands  between  Capo  Horn  and  Panama, 
New  Zealand  and  Australia ;  its  Winds,  Currents,  and 
other  Phenomena,  witli  Instructions  for  the  Passages. 
Illustrated  by  Diagrams  and  Maps,  Fourth  Edition.  By 
A.  G.  FixDLAY,  F.R.G.S.  One  volume.  Royal  octavo. 
1,150  pages       « 


14    0 


207.  LIGHTHOUSES  of  the  WORLD : 

A  List  and  Description  of  the  Lighthouses  of  the  World,  aiving 
their  Position,  Appearances,  and  the  Character  of  their 
Lisyhts.  'Qy  A.  G.  Findlay,  F.R.G.S.  A  new  and  enlarged 
Edition.  Handsomely  bound  in  cloth.  Royal  octavo. 
Seventeenth  Edition    -         •         -         -         -         -         -         -04 

This  woi-k  is  uniform  in  size — Royal  octavo — with  the  precedin.sr.  It  has 
been  remodelled ;  and  this  Seventeenth  Edition  has  received  such 
amendments  as  tlie  progress  of  the  subject  demands.  The  Introductory 
Chapters  contain  notices  of  the  improvements  that  have  been  made  in 
the  Lighting  and  Controlling  Apparatus. 

Supplements,  giving  the  changes  which  have  taken  place  within  the  year, 
are  issued  free  to  the  holder  of  the  book  for  three  years  from  the  date 
of  publication. 


Jtl 


University  of  California 

SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 

405  Hllgard  Avenue,  Los  Angeles,  CA  90024-1388 

Return  this  material  tojhe  library 
,^-™»,—  mwi  wtiiufi  11  wasTBorrowed. 


MAY    0  8  1998 

SF^Lr 

2  WEEK  LOAN 


t 


Series  9482